Wednesday January 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
It is time the PPP shut up DEAR EDITOR, In response to your news article, “Carifesta Avenue triple deaths…President will not interfere in any police, army investigations,” (KN, January12, 2016), and featuring former AttorneyGeneral, Anil Nandlall criticizing the President for ruling out a full probe, permit me a few salient observations. First, whether the President erred or was not properly quoted, the fact is that because lives were lost in what can best be described as a botched surveillance, there ought to be a full scale investigation to determine the facts in order to provide closure to the surviving relatives and to identify measures to prevent a recurrence. The President should have simply deferred all questions of a probe to the Police Commissioner who has direct responsibility for head of SOCU, Assistant Police Commissioner, Lt. Col. Sydney James and leave it at that. The more government officials try to address or defend this incident, the more it looks politically-inspired. Second, the PPP and its supporting cast of opinion shapers and sharers want nothing more than to make this a political hot topic of a failed political attempt by the coalition government to get at former NICIL Executive Director, Winston Brassington, with intelligence operatives somehow getting their information mixed up on which house they were supposed to be observing. But a quick reality check will show this makes no sense since the coalition retained Brassington’s service after May 11 and had seven months to get all the information it wanted, including obtaining a court-
issued search warrant of his home, and still did not take any such action. Brassington also left Guyana shortly after the coalition government sent him on leave a couple of days before Christmas, and SOCU had to know this, thereby making it illogical for any operative to be monitoring his house, since he and all his children were also reportedly out of the country. Third, to those who are pushing the notion that SOCU was being used as a political weapon by the coalition, let the records show that it was the PPP regime, which launched SOCU and appointed former GDF Lt. Col. Sydney James to the rank of Assistant Police Commissioner and head of SOCU. James, it should be recalled, appeared as a witness in the Rodney COI and provided seemingly damaging information against the then PNC regime and its then national security apparatus. Whether that appointment was a form of reward for his testimony is not clear, but SOCU’s broad mandate, according to the PPP regime, was to focus on money laundering and financing of terrorist activities. Ironically, these were exactly what the Financial Intelligence Unit, headed by Paul Geer was supposed to be doing. As if that redundancy was not questionable, SOCU, which was supposed to have its own trained specialists, was also established as part of the police force, which already had a Major Crimes Unit. So what really was the PPP’s motivation here, if not political? This brings me to the fourth point: Did SOCU know or suspect Brassington or his neighbor, Charles Ramson, Jr.
to be engaged in money laundering or terrorist financing activities, hence the need for surveillance of either or both men’s neighboring homes? It might be instructive to note, in passing, that on October29, 2014, SOCU made its first money laundering bust when a Bulgarian national was caught at CJIA with over US$45,000 in cash. The man was represented by Charles Ramson Jr. and was allowed to leave Guyana. We never heard or read anything more about that money laundering story despite all the political posturing about money laundering in Guyana, but observers are now wondering whether Ramson’s relatives were not being pursued by SOCU operatives as a result of a mix up, after all, but premeditatedly to detect and prevent the possible movements of vital documents related to NICIL. More pointedly, observers are wondering if NICIL, which the coalition wants to be further audited, was involved in money laundering and documents were being ducked to hide this. It should be interesting to note also the botched exercise took place at a time when Ramson and Brassington, both neighbors and with close ties to the PPP, were out of Guyana around the same time, leading some to wonder whether SOCU was on to some sort of shenanigan, but Sergeant Pyle simply botched the exercise. In conclusion, the coalition would be wise to shut the hell up and let Assist Police Commissioner, Sydney James or his boss address this matter in a full frontal manner, because it is obvious that there had to be something of Continued on page 23
Is the Guyana media Pavlovian?
DEAR EDITOR, There can be no denying that a FREE media is essential to Democracy in Guyana. A free media provides for a free flow of information and an exchange of ideas. However, in Guyana it can be seen that the Media has been behaviour conditioned such that some media outlets feels obligated to suppor tthe Government and some media outlets feels obligated to support the Opposition. This has happen through a variety of means such as money, bullying, legislation, etc. A free media is important. But what is also essential is an impartial media. An impartial media does not in anyway feel obligated to support the efforts of the Government or Opposition. It will hold both the Government and Opposition Accountable.
After all, what is the use of a free media when self-censorship is practised? Just as important as being free and impartial, the media should also seek to honestly communicate with society building trust as it does so. It is evident that Democratic Behaviour of the media in media controlled society is less evident than in free/open media society. Democratic Behaviour is evident in free media societies. When you, as media operatives, feels obligated to take either the Government or Opposition side (justifiable so or not) as oppose to remaining impartial, then ask yourselves if your have been behaviour conditioned to do so? WHY take sides? Why not hold them both accountable? Sean Ori
Boxer, Clive Atwell clarifies DEAR EDITOR, I would like to thank Mr. Benjamin for his article dated January 8 2016 and for his understanding of the need for support for me personally and for others in this profession. I would, however, like to clarify some of the issues he raised with a view to factuality and accuracy. First, I have always considered myself to be a Guyanese boxer, and have always presented myself as such. My patriotism is without question and although I had chosen to live and work at my second profession, plumbing, in the Caribbean, this was to take care of my family in a way I could not do in Guyana. I have always raised the country’s flag whenever and wherever I have fought and my entire intention in pursuing this career was to
continue the proud traditions of boxing excellence that this country is known for. Mr. Benjamin indicated in the article that I was being punished by the Mexican Johnny Gonsalves and that was the reason for stopping the fight. This is in fact not accurate since the fight was stopped because the Mexican got cut over the eye and the referee decided to stop the fight. The statement that I had three brutal KOs may be viewed to suggest that I had been knocked out in the three fights when in fact those fights were stopped for reasons of injury. In the Australian instance the referee felt, in his opinion that I had had enough. Not having had communication with Mr. Benjamin since the article was written, I would like to express much appreciation for his continued support and
lobbying on my behalf. I would also like to record my appreciation for all the efforts that have been made and are continuing to be made to ensure that I can live comfortably while undergoing the necessary medical procedures that are going to be needed to get me back to optimum health. Let us continue to work towards the elevation of the sport and the people who have committed to making us the best in the Caribbean. Clive Atwell
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Venezuela’s Territorial claims Guyana in constant communication with UN boss; President encouraged
President David Granger
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
President David Granger is optimistic that United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will find a solution to the GuyanaVenezuela border controversy. He has nevertheless renewed his government’s commitment to the Guyanese people to protect them from Venezuelan aggression at all cost. During a recent interview, President Granger highlighted the fact that Secretary General Ban is in charge of the process. Granger said that Guyana remains in constant communication with the official and had written to him as recently as New Year’s Eve. The President did not divulge information on the content of the letter, but there is information suggesting that Mr. Ban has missed certain appointments and follow-up visits to Guyana that were agreed upon. Nevertheless, President Granger said, “I am very encouraged that (Mr. Ban) has a full grasp of the issues and that he has been asked by Guyana to identify a course that will lead to a solution.” Further, the President said that he expects that the National Border Committee will be established soon. He said that while the 11th parliament is yet to establish the committee, “I do know that the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Carl Greenidge) has had meetings that members of the opposition attended last year to discuss our approach to Venezuela.” Also, the President noted that there is a standing border committee within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. EDUCATING THE MASSES
President Granger admitted that there is more that his administration can do to educate the masses about the threat that faces Guyana and the danger that lurks. However, he said that he has been to several major national events including the New Amsterdam Town Day and patrons at those events seemed to know the popular patriotic song, “Not a blade a grass” even better than the National Anthem. “I am just saying as a symbol, people recognize that song, young and old. But more can be done to educate the entire population about the two claims—(Venezuela and Suriname).” “We are sure that we are on the right side and we will continue to inform, educate and disseminate information to the population on these two claims. More can be done; more can always be done. We need to get booklets into the schools. We need to get films and we need to assure Guyanese that we are in full procession on our territory,” said Granger. The President said that Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and Vice President and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sydney Allicock, recently visited Kaikan which is situated near the border between Guyana and Venezuela. Mr. Granger said that his two Ministers visited the community to assure residents there that Guyana is capable of protecting them from Venez u e l a n aggression. “We are doing quite a lot on the border to secure it, and I will always agree with the assertion that more can be done.
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
U.N. war crimes investigators gathering testimony from starving Syrian town
Residents talk to the media as Syrian Army soldiers stand nearby after an aid convoy entered Madaya, Syria January 11, 2016.REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki Reuters - Residents of a besieged Syrian town have told U.N. investigators how the weakest in their midst, deprived of food and medicines in violation of international law, are suffering starvation and death, the top U.N. war crimes investigator told Reuters yesterday. An aid convoy on Monday brought the first food and medical relief for three months to the western town of Madaya, where 40,000 people are trapped by encircling government forces. Another United Nations official who oversaw the aid delivery described yesterday how he saw malnourished residents, particularly children, some of whom were little more than skeletons and barely moving. The U.N. commission of inquiry documenting war crimes in Syria has been in
direct contact with residents inside Madaya, the commission’s chairman Paulo Pinheiro said in an emailed reply to Reuters questions. “They have provided detailed information on shortages of food, water, qualified physicians, and medicine. This has led to acute malnutrition and deaths among vulnerable groups in the town.” he said in the email sent from his native Brazil. The U.N. inquiry, composed of independent experts, has long denounced use of starvation by both sides in the Syrian conflict as a weapon of war, and has a confidential list of suspected war criminals and units from all sides which is kept in a U.N. safe in Geneva. “Siege tactics, by their nature, target the civilian population by subjecting them to starvation, denial of basic essential services and
medicines,” Pinheiro said yesterday. “Such methods of warfare are prohibited under international humanitarian law and violate core human rights obligations with regard to the rights to adequate food, health and the right to life, not to mention the special duty of care owed to the well-being of children.” Rebel forces are also besieging the government-held villages of Foua and Kafraya in Idlib province, where U.N. supplies were also delivered on Monday, Pinheiro noted. Islamic State fighters are besieging government-held areas of Deir al-Zor, he added.
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Kaieteur News
T&T Food Goes Up… Trinidad Guardian - As supermarkets across the country prepare to implement the reduced rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 per cent to 12.5 per cent which takes effect on February 1, consumers falling into the lower income and lower middle income bracket say they will end up paying more for less. With the Government slapping on a 12.5 per cent VAT on basic food items which were previously zero rated, the average lower middle income earner with a monthly salary ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 says his or her money would now have to be stretched even further. Eugenia Amoy, 42, a freelance photographer who earns close to $8,000 depending on the time of year, said her grocery bill amounts to $800 weekly. A single parent of three including a ten-year-old, she said her items usually included packages of dried peas, tomatoes, local and foreign cereal, oil, bottled water, cheese, apples, rice and local and foreign snacks. Coupled with this she has to pay a $1,200 mortgage and $3,600 a term in school fees for her son who attends a private primary school. Twice a month she buys fresh produce costing $400;
every other week she buys two chickens at $50 each. Amoy will now have to fork out more for saltfish, especially the foreign kind which her family prefers. Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had said that imported saltfish, considered a staple in many homes, would be subjected to the full tax regime. Saying her weekly grocery bill would now be increased by between $300 and $400, Amoy said she would be looking at a second job to cushion the increase. “I would normally shop by
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Basic items back on VAT list
brand...because of the quality. But this is something of the past because I will be looking for the cheaper items including that of toilet paper because at the end of the day it is a strain on my finances which I could no longer afford,” Amoy said. But while some say the new measures would take a toll on their pockets others said the increase would not necessarily be felt. A 36-year-old taxi driver plying the Port-of-Spain to Chaguanas route who has no children said his basic food basket contains sugar, oil,
chicken, bread, cheese, butter, potatoes, detergent and eggs, adding that these tally to between $1,000 and $1,200 a month. But he said with the increase he was expected to now fork out close to $300 more. Cost cutting, he added, would take place in other areas, namely market goods. “It would mean I could no longer afford to buy the amount of vegetable and fruit as I am accustom. Maybe every other week I would see what I could buy. I think people need to adjust what
they buy especially foreign goods,” he said. A small grocery operated by a Chinese couple on Charlotte Street in Port-of-Spain, visited Monday, could now be facing closure. “At the end of the day we have workers to pay and we are worried that the business may close with the increase in prices,” a supervisor said. He added that with the shorta g e o f f o r e i g n e x change the establishment has been forced to import less goods. “South where we used to import five containers of
saltfish we could now bring in three. And to make a profit we might have to increase the price,” he said. President of the Supermarkets Association Dr Yunus Ibrahim agreed that some consumers would now have to pay more. But he disagreed that there could be job losses and closure of small businesses resulting from the move. “I don’t think anyone should be increasing their final price to add VAT...I don’t see the need for it. “At the end of the day the reality is that the public needs to choose wisely,” Ibrahim added. Owner of Maharaj Westside in Arima, Baliram Maharaj, urged that greater consultation with the wider community ought to take place before the list comes into effect. He said in the instance of lentil peas the price had doubled compared to the original price last year as this was due primarily to international drought. In 2012 former prime minister Ka m l a P e r s a d Bissessar reported to Parliament that the People’s Partnership government had removed VAT on thousands of items by Legal Notice 365.
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
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BUSINESS AS USUAL The Achilles heel of the PPP, outside of election campaigning, has always been its inability to mobilize supporters within the city or for protest action in the city. It has never been good at that, and it has paid for this ability by being banished for long periods to the political wilderness. If the deaths of the three persons in the motorcar crash had taken place under the PPP and if the circumstances had been reversed, meaning that if the stakeout had taken place outside of the home of a PNCR or AFC bigwig, there would have been massive street demonstrations and protests to force an inquiry. The journalists aligned to the PNC and the AFC would have dug deep into this case and questioned the authenticity of much of what is now being reported. It is a disappointment to see the lack of eagerness on the part of the media corps in Guyana, in trying to find out just what happened in this incident. It almost seems as if the pro-government media corps has resigned itself to leaving this as a surveillance that went haywire.
You will not get certain pro-government media operatives interested in pursuing the truth of this matter. As far as some of them are concerned, the three persons lost their lives in the interest of the APNU+AFC government’s surveillance of a top former public servant; they are sorry about what happened, but are not interested in risking embarrassing the government they support, by probing deeper. They are not alone. One newspaper yesterday reported that according to a relative, the deceased solider was actually on leave. The relative relayed that the solder got a call indicating that he should come back to work to go on the operation. It was said that the operation was later called off and then put back on again. No one has so far bothered to find out how the relative could have known that the soldier was called back to work, was sent on an operation, there was a stand down and then the operation was back on again. How would the relative have
known that? Basic journalistic principles would have indicated the need to ask these questions. Did the soldier convey all of these things before he died? If he did, he was most definitely the wrong person to have in an intelligence unit. How could such secretive details be revealed to outsiders? Or was this version told to the family by insiders within the GDF intelligence unit? The more this matter is left hanging, the more embarrassing it will become for the authorities, because there is already in the public domain a belief that this operation that resulted in the death of Sergeant Pyle was a rogue operation. It is for the authorities to convince the Guyanese people that this was a legitimate operation, and to explain why an officer conducting surveillance would attempt to intercept someone who is being placed under surveillance. This goes against common sense. There is a great deal that is not being told, and no investigation by the Guyana Police Force or the Guyana
Dem boys seh...
Bad breath deh round There is an old saying; wha yuh don’t see wid you eye, don’t invent wid yuh mouth. A lot of people like to open dem mouth, even if dem don’t have teeth. Some does open dem mouth and put both feet inside because wha come out is dem toes. Ask that scamp, Jagdeo. He open he mouth and mek Donald Dumb and de entire Pee Pee Pee out de dance. He open he mouth and tell Brassington, that fat crook, what to do and how to do it. Now Brassington running like a rat. He also got Ashni, de shaat scamp, and Rob de Earth hiding and moving like a Cat. Dem nah want wake up nobody. Before this new govt get into power plenty of dem use to open every second of de day. Dem had more to talk about than what de sun and de moon had to shine pun. Now people want to know if dem mouth gone to wheh dem old people talk about— dem eye. A lot of wrang thing happening just like under de Pee Pee Pee and these sons of a de Bees who use to talk even when you cal dem phone at four in de morning suddenly gone dumb, deaf and blind. Dem boys would give in wid Soulja Bai. He was de
smart man and never use to talk. He was like dem li’l bai who use to hide and tell dem mattie to pelt brick. Li’l Joe was number two and Rum Jattan was number one. Joe was from Pee Hen See and Jattan was from Hay Heff See. Dem use to sleep and wake up and call dem boys fuh talk bout everything under de sun. De Pee Pee Pee
couldn’t breathe hard and dem use to talk how Jagdeo and Donald got smelly breath. Now Jagdeo and Donald plus Rohee doing de talking and Li’l Joe and Jattan gone silent. Dem boys want to know if things gone in reverse. Dem breath gone bad now? Talk half and people want to know if de country get a change or an exchange.
Defence Force is going to enlighten the public on what happened, because the findings of those investigations are not going to be made public if it is a matter of national security. The GDF is certainly not going to reveal any findings that are likely to contradict their original story that Sergeant Pyle was on a legitimate operation. The purpose of an inquest is to determine who died; that is, the identities of the persons who died, the causes of death, and the
factors that contributed to that death. The inquest will most likely state that the persons died from injuries sustained, and that the contributing factor was the reckless driving by the army sergeant, that led to the deaths. The inquest is not going to concern itself with what the sergeant was doing outside of the home of the family that he chased down. The government knows this and is hiding behind the excuse that there will be an inquest. The truth can only be
determined by a judicial investigation. This is not being held because the PPP does not have the teeth to force such an investigation, and there is not enough pressure being brought on the government to order such an investigation. This is a tragedy of Guyana. Three lives have been lost, and it is back to business as usual.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 13, 2016
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
2015 was one of my favourite years The first thought that flew through my mind as I began to write this column on 2015 was my libel trial involving Bharrat Jagdeo. I have absolutely no idea what has become of it. It started in 2011. We are now into 2016. It means that five years have passed. So much has happened since that trial began. Mr. Jagdeo is no longer president. The PPP lost two successive General elections. The then Chief Justice (ag) that decided on the date of hearing, is gone from the bench. Not to mention that I
am now five years older and so is the man who created an inflammatory controversy when he testified at the trial. Dr. Roger Luncheon told the court that in his opinion no African Guyanese was at the time (2011) qualified to be an ambassador. The mesmerizing irony of the Jagdeo libel trial is that, it may have achieved a record in Guyana of being the libel that had the quickest hearing. Yet for such a supersonic start it is moving slower than a sloth. When the case is completed (if ever), I will have
moving things to say about our judicial system. But I think if anything about 2015 reminds me of the nature of my country it is the disappearance of the Jagdeo libel. I like 2015 more than all the other years that went by except a few (of course the year I married, the year my child was born, the year I went into UG that took me out of poverty). I am speaking in deeply honest tones when I say that I chose 2015 over 1992, in that whereas I wanted to see a change of
government in 1992, I was philosophically gratified to see the removal of the PPP in 2015 in ways that are far more emotional than when the PNC lost in 1992. I have no regrets at my activism that played a part in the change in 1992. But living under Mr. Jagdeo’s reign taught many of us from the seventies who fought Burnham and those in the eighties who fought Desmond Hoyte, that life and people are too complex to understand; that for each day we live, the people who surround us we don’t know the monster that is lurking inside of them, willing to get out. If I have to choose between Jagdeo and Burnham, I would be indignant to have that question asked of me. There can be no comparison. Mr. Jagdeo was a philistine, uncultured, crass, uncaring, unpatriotic leader, the likes of which this world should never see in the seat of power again. Mr. Granger and those in APNU and the AFC do not know the essence of the man; maybe Nagamootoo does, but I am not certain.
It would be a disaster never before seen in the English-speaking Caribbean if the Coalition throws it away and the PPP, with Mr. Jagdeo at the helm, returns to office. 2015 is one of my favourite years because the PPP lost power. Whatever the PPP became under Jagdeo, it was a sarcoma that sucked the essence of national integrity out of Guyana. There isn’t space to elaborate on the connection of what the PPP became under Jagdeo and the way Jagan shaped the PPP. But the connecting thread is there. Though I believe a theoretical case could be made out for Jagan’s determinism in what the PPP evolved into, I do think that Jagan would not have tolerated the depraved, extremist, corrupt use of power as practiced by Jagdeo. It was really Jagdeo that fell from power in 2015 and not Ramotar. Only a pretender to intellectual thought would opine that Jagdeo went away in 2011. Mr. Ramotar was the shadow and Jagdeo was the king from 2011 onwards. When the PPP lost in 2015,
Frederick Kissoon Jagdeo fell, not Ramotar. Jagdeo was the PPP and the PPP was Jagdeo from 2001 onwards. In 2016, Jagdeo is the PPP and the PPP is Jagdeo. Whatever shape the PPP takes on from 2016, that architecture will be determined by Jagdeo. Mr. Rohee can perform all types of arrogant acrobatics, but that latitude will only last as long as Mr. Jagdeo tolerates it. To compare the power base of Mr. Rohee and Mr. Jagdeo in the PPP, and among East Indians, is like comparing the running capacity of a baby and Usain Bolt. Mr. Jagdeo and his Robb Street hegemonic machine of underlings and acolytes operated as if Guyana was their own. It was an era of insane power. In 2015 they fell. It was a magic moment for me. It will always be.
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
Bids opened for IT systems for Deeds & Commercial Registries During yesterday’s session at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, there were bids on behalf of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority for the design, supply, installation and support of a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Dedicated Wide Area Network (DWAN).
Meanwhile, there were a number of bids opened for the provision of security services at several government ministries. These included the Ministry of Business and Ministry of Tourism. The first such tender was at the Ministry of Business, where four firms had their bids opened.
Also under the Business Ministry, there were bids for security service at the National Exhibition Centre.
Under the Ministry of Tourism, there were bids for the provision of security service at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
There were also bids for the provision of security services at Ministry of Tourism’s head office.
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We will support govt. in implementing its manifesto promises - PPP When it comes to the Coalition administration honouring the remainder of its manifesto promises, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo says he and his team will not stand in the way. In fact, he said that he fully supports the manifesto promises which were made by the Granger-led Government to the citizenry. Jagdeo intimated to Kaieteur News during an interview yesterday that he believes that the government’s promises were positive and designed to bring benefits to the people. “We will not stand in any way against benefits going to the ordinary Guyanese.” However, the Opposition Leader said that he is disappointed that Government is yet to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT). He reminded that Government said it would be guided by a Committee which was established to look at this, but it has been some five months now since the establishment of the Committee, and not a single word has been said on it. Jagdeo said, “They (Government) can easily come forward and say to the nation that they made a mistake that the VAT rate will be cut and we have no intentions in doing so, rather than to delay and delay. This is one of the things they said they would do within a 100 days of being in office.
…But Jagdeo expresses disappointment on sloth to reduce VAT “I am very disappointed and the Opposition will be raising it in Parliament.” The Tax Review Committee is chaired by Economist, Dr. Maurice Odle, and includes tax specialists as Christopher Ram, Godfrey Statia and Dr. Thomas Singh. When the Committee was formed, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had said that the Commission had until December 2015, to produce an interim report from which provisions/announcements can be made in the 2016 National Budget. Minister Jordan had told the State media that the Committee has been given its Terms of Reference (TOR) to guide its work which includes investigating and inquiring into the state of taxation, to review the taxes with a view to achieving a number of objectives and to look at the administration of taxes with a view to bringing about efficiency, rationalization etc. “We are aiming to look after all taxes, their structure, their functions, objectives, equity, incidence and fairness and essentially how these taxes are administered because that’s a major issue. I want taxpayers to feel that they can pay taxes because they have a friendly tax service.
“We want a system that is fair and firm and one that doesn’t exempt friends of the Government, friends of the tax commissioner, it should be seen by all as fair as it is applied all across the board and it has a rigorous legal system in place that can go after tax dodgers, tax cheats,” the Minister had stated. According to the Minister, the committee will not only be looking at how to reduce the Value Added Tax but will also be examining all taxes with a view of relieving the burden on the population. “We are going to do tax administration and taxation in a systemic way, informed by evidence, and not necessarily being pushed by moral and other considerations, so this committee represents the first step in doing that,” Minister Jordan said. Jordan had explained that while Government promised to reduce VAT it was found that it could not be done immediately. “It would have been highly irresponsible for us to just come in, take a major tax category like VAT and just proceed to reduce it, in the hope that it would meet some objective or criteria earlier stated,” the Finance Minister had said.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 13, 2016
West Berbice robbery/murders…
Final gang member confesses after capture
He was just 16 years old when he was charged with murdering a 13-year-old schoolgirl and dumping her corpse in a trench. Five years after being freed of that grisly crime, 24-year-old Rooplall Abrahim is being accused of helping to kill two women and an octogenarian male in a nine-day, bloody orgy. He’s reportedly told police that he and two 18-year-old drug addicts butchered 81year-old grocer Doodnauth Rajkumar and his wife,
Dianne Chammanlall in their home last week Sunday. One of Abrahim’s accomplices has also implicated him in the murder of 49-year-old Anita Baichan who was bound and burned to death in her Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice home, two Saturdays ago. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said that Abrahim, called ‘Vijay’, was captured just before noon yesterday on the Number 4 Village, West Berbice foreshore. The area is
- was freed of killing girl, 13, when he was 16 six miles east of Bath Settlement, where the first home invasion and murder took place. The ‘B’ Division ranks, supported by recruits of the Police Training School at Adventure, had reportedly been searching the area since around 08.00 hrs for the fugitive. Fishermen in the
community also assisted the ranks by lending them a boat. Abrahim used his knowledge of the mudflat and the bush to elude the cops for several hours. But the chase eventually ended at around 11:15 hrs, with the cops taking the suspect into custody. Abrahim was taken to the Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital for a medical checkup before being placed in a cell at the Police lockups. Residents in the area were loud in praise for the work of the police and flocked the station to offer their congratulations. PREVOUS MURDER CHARGE Abrahim was previously charged with the murder of Kavita Panday, 13, whose body was found in a canal at the back of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, on September 8, 2008. Indications from the post mortem indicated that the girl was submerged, while still alive, in the canal. He was freed of that murder in
September 2011. With Abrahim’s capture yesterday, Crime Chief Blanhum said that police have now rounded up all three men who are linked to the recent killing spree that has shocked residents along the West Coast of Berbice. Also in custody and facing three murder charges are Gokun Madanpaul, 18, and Neeman Rafeek, called ‘Shazam’, also 18, of Bush Lot New Scheme, Berbice. POSSIBLE MOTIVE? Reports received by Kaieteur News indicate that Neeman Rafeek and his family once lived opposite murder victims Doodnauth Rajkumar and his wife, Dianne Chammanlall. He and his family were reportedly regular visitors to the Lot 93 ‘A’ Bush Lot, Middle Dam, West Coast Berbice property. They would also allegedly sometimes take items on credit from the couple’s shop and forget to honour their debt. The families ended up in
dispute on a few occasions and Rafeek was once charged with damage to property after allegedly damaging the couple’s gate and pool table. The matter was settled for $40,000 dollars after Mrs. Chamanlall decided that it would have been too fatiguing to have her elderly husband Doodnauth Rajkumar accompany her to court. Rafeek and his family eventually moved out from opposite Rajkumar. However he and his friends would still frequent the couple’s premises. From what police were told by the suspects, the plot for the robbery and eventual killing of the couple was hatched on a nearby ballfield, and was executed after the trio had “smoked a few joints and gotten high.” The gang reportedly gained access to the building by way of a verandah door, which they were fully aware would be open, since they Continued on page 23
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Falkland officials, Govt. share views Infrastructure Ministry, M&CC to coordinate 2016 activities on Nat’l issues, forging better relations By Abena Rockcliffe Officials from the Falkland Islands have made themselves known to the new government of Guyana through meetings with President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo among others. Based on the feedback given to the media from those officials, it seems as if Guyana will now be fostering a better relationship with the Falklands. Ian Hansen, a member of the Legislative Assembly and Kysteen Ormond, Public Relations Manager made up the delegation. The delegation has planned visits to several other Caribbean jurisdictions including St Kitts, Antigua and Trinidad and Belize (Central America). These trips have trading and political objectives. Arriving in Guyana on Monday, Hansen and Ormond met the same day with Granger and Nagamootoo, and had discussions on several issues. Yesterday, the two officials made themselves available to the media at a press conference hosted by the British High Commissioner, James Gregory Quinn. At that forum, Hansen stressed on the importance he placed upon getting acquainted with the new government and said he was encouraged by the fruitful discussions centered mainly on self determination as a nation, and human rights. Ormond, while echoing similar sentiments, noted how amazed she was to learn more about the parallels that exist between Guyana and the Falklands. In this regard, Ormond pointed to issues on the developmental front as well as relations with neighbouring countries. Ormond’s reference was to the issues Guyana has with neighbouring Venezuela resulting in that c o u n t r y ’s a t t a c k o n G u y a n a ’s territorial integrity at a time when Guyana has found oil. Ve n e z u e l a i s c l a i m i n g Guyana’s oil-rich area. Falklands, like Guyana, has recently found oil. Also, Falklands faces similar threats from its neighbour Argentina. Like the issues between Guyana and Venezuela, Argentina has been a bother to Falklands for quite some time. Hansen told the media that his Island’s attempts at development on the oil drilling front have always
Member of the Falklands’ Legislative Assembly, Ian Hansen been problematic, with Argentina trying to stifle development on that front. Hansen noted that Argentina has written letters of discomfort to oil companies carrying out exploration and has even threatened to prosecute the companies. He said however, “It hasn’t made a difference. The companies have just carried on doing what they are doing.” This mirrors one of the more recent developments with Guyana and Venezuela. It was found by the Guyana Government that Venezuelan elements tried to imitate being a gold mining company and was operating in the area which Venezuela is claiming as its own. Hanson said that while his discussion with the President did not touch specifically on Guyana’s i s s u e s w i t h Ve n e z u e l a , they mutually agreed on other fronts that conflict is not the way to go. “I guess we may deal with the problems in different ways, but we deal with it just to let the oil companies get on with it. For every letter of discomfort that Argentina wrote to the companies we wrote a letter of comfort.” Hansen said that he
thinks Guyana and the Falklands will enjoy a good relationship. He pointed out that the recently ousted P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic administration did not support the Falklands in recent times on the issues with Argentina. “The last government for whatever reason took a change from what Guyana has always been; we were quite surprised about that. We didn’t even know why that has been, but the new President, Mr. Granger, has always been supportive of the Falklands,” Hansen said. The Falklands Legislator said that he and President Granger did not speak directly about G u y a n a ’s s u p p o r t f r o m Falklands, but based on the fact that Granger has always supported the island coupled with mutual agreements on other issues “it (Falklands) thinks it is all positive.” Questioned as to why the Falklands, a United Nations overseas territory, would even care whether or n o t i t e n j o y s G u y a n a ’s support, Hansen said that the support of every nation is important to the Falklands. He said it goes way beyond territorial support - all the way to the upholding of certain pillars of rights. Hansen added that it is important for every country to support another country that is being threatened or jabbed in a way that doesn’t harmonize with human rights self-determination. “It is not just about the Falklands.” He found it necessary to note that the Falkland Islands supports, and calls for peaceful resolutions. “Any disagreements between two countries have to be settled in a proper manner, taking into consideration the rights of all the people involved,” Hansen stated.
Drop in water conservancy... (From page 18) stood at 510,807 tonnes compared with 501,208 tonnes for 2014. Despite the increase in the volume of exports for this period, the value was 15 % lower than that of 2014. For the period January up to December 16, 2015, the value of the exports was US$211,834,746 compared to US$249,504,955 for 2014. In addition to the drop in prices and the losses, those in the industry have had to endure, the dreaded dry weather spell known as ‘El Niño’ which has also made a significant impact. To address the issue, the Ministry of Agriculture had set up an El Niño task force in October last. Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, had projected that the dry spell would last until the second quarter of 2016. The Minister had stated that there would be a “collaborative effort” to address the issue and that there would be briefings on the situation by the task force.
Officials from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Mayor and City Council during the meeting to coordinate activities for the year. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be working together in a number of areas for 2016 and the two bodies have already begun their coordination. Last Friday, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, and Minister within the Ministry, Annette Ferguson, met with several representatives of M&CC. Among these representatives were Mayor Hamilton Green and Town Clerk, Royston King. During the meeting, Minister Patterson emphasised that it was
important that the two bodies coordinate their efforts. He said that duplication, due to poor coordination, would have been noted in the past and would have resulted in the waste of much needed resources. “I want these meetings to be on a regular basis so that we can meet and coordinate our projects,” Minister Patterson said. He added that 2016 was particularly important, since Guyana will be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, come May 26. He further said that with the anniversary will come a slew of activities which will be held primarily in
Georgetown. Thus, the Ministers concurred that M&CC had an integral role to play and partnering with the Infrastructure Ministry would only strengthen its efforts. In response, Mayor Green lauded the Infrastructure Ministers’ decision to host the meeting and proposed the formation of a technical team to draft plans before execution. During the meeting, a number of topics were discussed. Amongst them were drainage; the clean-up of Georgetown; preservation of trees; building regulations; and traffic congestion.
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Kaieteur News
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 WANTED SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? Damage batteries in any BIRTHDAY PARTY, quantity, best price offeredGRADUATION,WEDDINGS, Call: 696-5728, 656-2783, 622ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – 5941, 648-9395, 223-1111 CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 1 Experienced male to look 216-1043; 677-6620 after layer birds in the Interior. Visa Application: U.S.A, Call: 678-0565 Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, 1 Experienced cook for a Advertisement. Tel: 626- family in the Interior. Call:6780565 7040; 265-4535. Permanent & Visitors Visa Wanted to rent one lumber Applications, Professional yard anywhere on the E.C.D, Immigration Consultant E.B.D and W.C.D-Call Cris: Room D5 Maraj Building. 663-7692 visadocumentsgy@ y a h o o . c o m . Call: 225- One receptionist ages 25yrs and older with working 6496, 662-6045 experienced. Contact us for Building Construction, more information: 223-0090 house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & One live in maid-Call: 668painting, boat for Santa 3985; 264-2563 Mission –Call: 650-4362 We buy land in Parfaite We repair fridge, freezer, AC, Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; Prospect and Farm- Call: 6117223; 604-2207 683-8734. Omar Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822
One nail technician: apply in person with written application to Zytech Building Regent Street. Call: 225-0563
Building or renovating for quality construction services from foundation to fine finished. Call Carlos: 592-6829935; 592-223-2695 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
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
FOR SALE/RENT Property for sale & 1 apartment to rent @ 1 Church Street Friendship, E.B.D-Cal: Female & male factory 661-8700 workers ages 19yrs & older with working experienced. Contact: 223-0090
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
1 Personal assistant to work, must be 25 years & older with prior experienced. email detailed CV: humresdes@gmail.com Job work to wash a residential property & trim trees in G-Town. Call: Neville Osman 624-1737 /613-7803 (9:00am - 4:00pm.) Female domestic to work in Trinidad, must be educated & know to cook. Between 25-35 years. Call/ text 1868-6831528 Urgently needed one complete house to rent in Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 6042207; 611-7223
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 Hutson Ville E.B.D Bungalow- 3 bedrooms (1 self contained) A/C, hot & cold water, secured-$16M negotiable .Call: 622-3736; 697-4131 1 Flat concrete house, 3 apartments @ Friendship, E.B.D, good location –Call: 661-8700; 671-2689 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
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
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals and Black Opal - Cosmetology Courses - 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
VACANCY 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. Male security, male desk staff, 25-45 years- Lot 233 South Road LacytownCall: 225-0198 One manager to work at a Hotel/Club on the Essequibo Coast, must have experienced in said field – Call:225-6610; 615-6172 Farm workers between age 25 and older, farm house accommodation-Call: 6611585; 617-2032
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
D’Aguiar’s Park: original house in gated community, unfurnished -$120,000 negotiable. Call: 600-2031
Pressure washers 2800 6 inches bench grinders, plate joiners, tools kits, reciprocating saws, router angle grinder- Call: 655-3741 AMERICAN BULLY DOGS, REMYLINE & GOTTILINECONTACT HARRY: 6100068/220-7933, WHATSAPP: 667-4845 Wholesale & Retail quantity of all types of belts –Call: 670-2343 2 Complete 6" land dredge with 320 DL CAT excavator 2900hrs, everything needed for mining included. Call owner: 621-1404; 667-1967
1 Experienced barman & chief cook –Call or text Sheik on: 621-9759 or Donald: 673462 Labourers & Porters, apply in person to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.
Massage therapy serviceCall: 674-8147
Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, 2 Bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi, $80,000-$90,000 negotiable. Call:227-5194 3 Storey building for rent on Durban & Smyth Street, Werk-en-Rust- Call: 697-9540
ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 6004212 One 15 Cu.Ft Frigidaire Chest Freezer, like new, great for home or business –Call: 6222899
1-3 Bedrooms top flat, front & back verandah & parking space at Austin Street. Call: 628-7953
One Power mate 3000 watt portable generator, like new $80,000 negotiable- Call: 6222899, 666-6592
Office Space at Camp Street –Call Naz: 639-4499
Lots @ Blankenburg behind the gas station- $3.9M- Call Us Today: 650-0402 Ryobi & AB dick, printing m a c h i n e s , cutter, plate burner, photocopy machines, transformer & paper/cardboard. Call: 2332725 Household items: wall dividers with wares, plus many more items, owner migrating-Call: 688-5446 ask for Allison.
EDUCATIONAL
House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/ downstairs, all modern conveniences - $1600US monthly-Call: 231-7839 during working hours 4 Bedrooms house in Bel-Air Gardens; all modern conveniences; no agents!Call: 231-7839 during working hours Vehicles for rental, cars etc, long term only-Contact Ray’s Motor Spares & Auto Sales on: 231-7839 SD Real Estate: executive 2 bedrooms Apartment, in exclusive residential area with all modern amenities. Call for appointment Tele 653-2920 Fully furnished apartment with A/C, Wi-Fi @ Festival City North Ruimveldt, price $120,000 monthly-Call: 6680306; 694-7817
Practical Electronic Course beginning 26 th January. Register early! Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 January Computer Deals: 9 Courses office 2016 @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop-Call: 264-3057. Earn your diploma now!
MASSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! –Call: 690-6079
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
One 3 bedrooms, bottom flat at Lot 28 Church Street Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara, with parking-Call: (592)698-5185; (592)672-2591
Maid, babysitter, salesgirls. Apply in person at R. Sookraj & Sons, Regent Street.
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn Apartments: accommodation, internet, hot & cold water, 24hrs tea/coffee, $5,000-$10,000 –Call: 668-0306; 218-1400; 694-7817
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Computerize Accounting: 4 courses: QuickBooks, POS, Peachtree, Excel 2016- Call Micrographics Vreed-enHoop-Call: 264-3057
TOURS Suriname tour (return): Mashramani weekend February 20 th -23 rd 2016. Shopping, site seeing and more. Call: 639-2663; 665-5171 TO LET
Private customs brokerage, One- two bedrooms flat training certificate course concrete house for rent. Call: from 2nd Feb 2016, register 265-3616 or 643-0782 now & save –Call: 694-8322; Continued on page 23 223-1506
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news
Dangerous to walk on the pavements DEAR EDITOR, Pedestrians in Georgetown attempting to practice road safety by using the sidewalks and pavements to walk on rather than the busy roadway are confronted with what can only be described as an endurance obstacle course thanks to the Mayor and City Council. First one has to navigate around countless itinerant vendors some with tables, some with trays and others
with significant structures most of which are permanently placed there. But now and more significantly persons walking along Regent, Robb, Charlotte, Water, Camp and many others in downtown Georgetown are faced with rising and falling pavements. This is because the City Council gives individual business owners permission on a case by case basis to
raise their pavements and entryway. How unwise. If permission has to be given because of concerns for flooding etc. then there must be a benchmark with a standard height that would allow the pavement to resume one conventional level after all the business have raised their entryways and sidewalks. At the moment some are raised 10, some 12, some 18
inches and higher. This causes many persons to fall if not paying rapt attention to the pavement they are traversing on. Heaven knows what happens to the blind and physically challenged. This is because citizens of Guyana are not in the habit of suing the city and the business owners. The City Council needs to step up and take public safety seriously Sean Moniz
Promotion madness in the police force DEAR EDITOR, As the Police Force waits the result of the ongoing battle between the Former Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee, Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud, the Police Service Commission and its Chairman over their promotion, I have decided to shed some light on this dark episode. Policy and practice is that there is the sitting of two Promotion Boards following recommendations for promotions from the Divisions and Departments within the Force. The junior Promotion Board which comprises the Commissioner and his administration team inclusive of the Divisional Commanders and some Departmental Heads discuss and finalize promotions from Constable to Corporal and not beyond Sergeant. Similarly the senior Promotion Board should consist of the Commissioner, Head of Administration, Operations, Crime, Special Branch and some other Assistant Commissioners depending on their portfolios will deliberate on who should be promoted to Inspectors through to Assistant Commissioners and make recommendations to the Police Service Commission who has the final say. It is expected that the Commissioner, Assistant C o m m i s s i o n e r s Administration and Operations along with the other Assistant Commissioners will make up that panel but that has not been the case since Seelall
Persaud became Commissioner. It has only been the Top Three (Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners’ Administration and Operations) who have been dealing with recommendations for senior promotions. The last promotion has left a sour taste in the mouth of many particularly within the Officer Corp. Supersession was the order of the day. Many were/are of the opinion that the supersessions were both uncalled for and unjustified. Some aggrieved ranks have laid the blame squarely at the feet of the top three, whilst officers blame the Police Service Commission. There is the belief that the last senior promotion (20142015) was not reflective of what was signed off on by the Police Service Commission. Word on the street is that there was a touch of political interference by former Minister Clement Rohee, his party comrades. And some very senior officers tampered with the list when it was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs. As a result the promotion was delayed by three to four days but not a single member of the Police Service Commission has uttered anything to confirm or deny same. The Police Service Commission for the second year running conducted interviews with ranks from Inspector to Senior Superintendents. Officers are being interviewed in order of seniority so it begs the question as to how they got
It is time the PPP... From page 5 interest or importance for SOCU to be so diligently engaged in surveillance activities, and if the nation is made aware of the rationale, it could answer a ton of questions and end speculation about political motives. By the way, where was Anil Nandlall’s call for a Commission of Inquiry into the crime spree era that claimed over 400 lives on Jagdeo’s watch or the collapse of Clico (Guyana) that cost Guyanese US$34M and Jagdeo’s refusal to let Parliament investigate the fiasco? Some politicians just don’t know when to shut the hell up! Emile Mervin
it wrong last year and allowed a high number of supersession to take place. Many officers pointed out that they neither had disciplinary matters nor were sanctioned for poor performance yet they were superseded. Officers are questioning the objectivity of the Top Three and the Police Service Commission alike in deciding who is promoted and who is not and are calling for adherence to the Force Standing Orders and have a proper senior promotion board being convened. There is the general belief that it is developing into a situation of having square pegs in round holes because the person would have attained a rank due to favouritism/affiliation but he/ she cannot function in the rank or appointment he/she holds or is appointed to. With the ongoing ramblings and as officers await their promotions they should be made aware that the process was administered just like last year by the same Top Three
with supersession again being the order of the day as is being revealed by the now holy than righteous Police Service Commission. Many officers have lost faith in the members of the Police Service Commission ability to correct the ills perpetuated at the 2014-2015 promotions and are of the belief that it is only because of a change of Government they are striving to show fairness and restore their credibility. Many are of the view that the Police Service Commission as demonstrated in their squabble with the Commissioner should seriously review the recommendations and justifications for every supersession forwarded to that body and be fair in signing off on the senior ranks promotions. It is not just the officers and other ranks who will suffer but the public at large from having a commander who is not worth his salt in their district. Senior Police Officer (name supplied)
Final gang member... From page 12 often visited the premises. On confronting the victims, the gang began chopping Mr. Rajkumar and Mrs. Chammanlall, while repeatedly demanding money. But neighbours heard the commotion and summoned the police who rushed to the scene and saw the three killers scaling a fence. Neeman Rafeek was arrested at his home. Gokun Madanpaul, a fisherman, was arrested at a West Berbice barber shop. The killing of the first victim, Anita Baichan at Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice, was allegedly committed by Gokun Madanpaul and Abrahim. Mrs. Baichan and her son, Moshim Khan, were tortured and beaten to hand over their money. Their house was then set alight with the two victims still bound inside. Only the son managed to escape. West Berbice villagers have blamed the rampant drug use among youths in the communities for the spate of murders. Habits are not the product of one decision — They’re the result of repeated choices that eventually become automatic responses. How can you know your true spiritual condition? By the company you keep and the choices you make. When you’re free to go, where do you choose to go? Whose company do you prefer?
From page 22
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 Venus Auto Sale New Year Sale! Unregistered 2004 Toyota Premio- $2.250M-Call: 624-5617 One Toyota new model Avensis, fully loaded and in excellent condition. Call: 6153595; 264-2870
LAND FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE 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 Fantasy Auto Sales: Xtrail 2008, Mitsubishi RVR 2010, Audi A4, pre-ordered vehicles & get $100,000 discount. Call: 611-1833
Land for sale with structure at 407 Great Diamond, 8th Street front half. Call: 6533381; 609-3692
One Toyota Fielder in excellent condition, AC, Remote, start alarm, TV, deck$1.6M. Call: 611-6632; 6643488
Parfaite Harmonie -$ 1.6M, 1.8M, $1.5M, 1.3M, Tuschen 11 street -$3M with foundation, Phase 2 – $1.4M, Uitvlugt $3M,Terms available – Call: 6046724
One Toyota Mark 2 Grande for sale. PKK series, excellent condition, price $1.5M negotiable. Call: 601-4163
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
New model Premio 2007 model $3.1M negotiable. Preorder Allion, Premio, Bluebird 2006 model- Call: 655-3400
22 Acres@ Silver Hill, 5 minutes from Highway, land cleared and planted, good for mix farming. Call: 689-0003
1 RZ Mini bus, BJJ seriesCall: 678-5887; 677-3177 2005 Silver Audi (A4) black leather interior, owner leaving country, great price-Call: 2311762; 642-2713 2008 Fielder- fully loaded vehicle, never registered $2.5M- Call: 617-2891
House lot for sale, located at 246 Mon Repos, E.C.D. Mercedes Benz C250, 2014 Foundation and columns Model , 223-5273/4 completed-Call: 233-2486 Noah & Voxy in ‘G’ series, House lot 50X100, for sale in fully loaded, never registered Gated Community, Land of -$1.7M –Call: 617-2891 Canaan -$4M negotiable-Call: 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, 694-7817; 668-0306 pickup LH drive –price 50X100 houselot at Uitvlugt, $1.2M negotiable –Tel: 668De Groot Housing Scheme 8431 W.C.D, price $3M negotiable- Toyota Ipsum, fully loaded, Call: 698-8617 music system – 5,800 watt, excellent condition – Call: TO LET 653-1003 Alberttown (business or dwelling) -$75,000, 1 Toyota Hilux Surf, 3RZ Campbellville -$US900, Bel- engine, alarm /rims, price Air Park -$US650, Atlantic $2.850 negotiable. Call: 666Gardens -$US850. Call Diana: 2027; 673-7652 227- 2256; 626-9382 One Toyota ISIS, 7 seats, alarm, chrome rims, DVD, rev. Fully furnished luxury camera, price -$3.2M apartment: 3 bedrooms for negotiable- Call: 666-2027; rent- Call: 603-6351 673-7652
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 13, 2016
THE VOICE OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
GPL is breaking the law…again! By Sase Singh The primary electricity service provider in Guyana, the Guyana Power & Light Inc (GPL) has neither published its 2013 and 2014 annual reports nor has it held its annual general meeting for these years in clear violation of Section 107 of the Companies Act. This is in spite of the fact that this company took over G$8 billion from the Treasury during these two years. If the Government sector fails to follow the law and good standards of corporate governance why should the private sector? It is imperative that the current Minister of Public Infrastructure discontinues this mode of operation, where he is being seen as abrogating the rights of the shareholders without permission. Please level with the owners of GPL and lay the Annual Reports in the National Assembly. Corporate governance at GPL and for that matter, any other company, is extremely important since, in an environment of secrets, this corporation has shown in the past that it has the ability to be severely mismanaged and can directly hurt the taxpayers of Guyana in the pocket to the tune of billions of dollars. Therefore, the Guyanese people must be given the opportunity to assess the performance and state of affairs of how their assets are being managed. The last audited financial statements laid in the National Assembly by the Minister responsible for GPL was the
2012 Report. It was delinquent of former Prime Minister Sam Hinds not to have laid the 2013 Report in National Assembly, but I suspect that was as a result of his government conducting that silly act of prorogation. But there is no excuse why the current Minister, David Patterson should not have laid the 2013 Report in the House by now. To compound this executive slackness in the electricity sector, the 2015 Auditor General Report clearly stated that the 2014 audited financial statements have been completed and certified since September 30th, 2015. What is the Minister of Public Infrastructure doing with these reports by not releasing them to his fellow parliamentarians and the Public Utilities Commission to study? While turnover has been relatively stable over the years, the operating cost declined by some 21.3 percent between 2014 and 2015 as a result of the steep decline in fuel cost. But what does not add up is that the fuel cost declined from some G$20 billion to G$10.9 billion between 2014 and 2015, which meant other operating costs actually increased by over a billion dollars. The answers to these concerns remain a secret although it is ordinary Guyanese who are being called upon to fund these increases in operational cost with some extremely high tariffs. (US$0.32 cents per Kwh in Guyana vs US$0.05 in
Suriname). Are we paying more for GPL’s operation and maintenance contract with Wartsila, a private company from which GPL buys power, in an environment where fuel costs went down by some 50 percent over the last 12 months? Accountability and transparency at GPL remains an essential ingredient if we are going to progress sociopolitically. The people have very low confidence in Project GPL; and thus their buy-in is critical if this is going to succeed. But the good news remains that GPL made a profit in 2015. The consumer might be asking why none of this profit is being passed on to them, but there is a good reason at this current time why this not happening. As a result of the high fuel prices between 2010 and 2014, GPL has all but depleted its equity as a result of consecutive annual net losses. If it were not for a series of equity injections from the government and absorption of some of the international debts by the Ministry of Finance, GPL would not have been able to pay its bill during these years. Therefore, these 2015 profits are needed for critical infrastructure works in 2016 and to rebuild its equity base for the tough years when fuel prices rise again. Fuel prices will rise again (maybe not in 2016/2017) but I see GPL taking little action in these years to move away from fossil fuel in a material way before 2020. Even if we start Amaila Hydro Project or the
Hope Wind Farm Project in 2017, it will take 4-5 years to come on-line into the National Grid. What a lost opportunity for GPL! GPL has finally turned a profit of around G$3,400 million in 2015 after many years of accumulated losses. Finally, GPL was able to not directly depend on the Treasury for its survival, although it charges one of the highest electricity rates in the Caribbean. Low fuel prices are expected to continue for most of 2016, which means GPL is expected to have another profitable year. But in light of all of this, GPL has been badly managed for years and continues to be badly managed today. It is expected that members of the Economic Services Commission of the National Assembly have to oppose this incompetence, expose the poor management practice at GPL and gently ask for a more professional leadership team at the company to protect the assets of the people. Shareholders should not be too happy with the performance of GPL, which definitely has its root in poor governance starting under the previous leadership team and continuing today. To its benefit, under Mr. Brassington/Mr. Dindyal leadership, the company did prepare a 2013-2017 Development and Expansion Plan which does include some good strategies, but it will not be worth the paper it is written on unless it is
followed. One area where it has not been followed is “Technical Line Losses and Commercial Theft of Electricity” which still remains a challenge for the company. In 2015, the combined technical and nontechnical loss was reported at 29 percent; one of the highest in the world, when the company promised the Guyanese people that by now it would have been 24 percent which meant pure savings of some G$2 billion which could have been passed on to the consumers. Even after spending more than G$10,000 million since 2007, constructing so many sub-stations and on programs to curb commercial theft, we are still stuck with such a high rate of electricity losses. Clearly the metering infrastructure has many loopholes that continue to harm the company. I was
Sase Singh excited by the information shared with me on how the prepaid meter services have helped to cut commercial theft. I was wondering: why not implement this system countrywide? GPL has earned the unenviable record of being the worst run Guyanese public company both under the PPPC and the APNU+AFC. Some things never change! Please share your feedback with me at sasesin1@yahoo.com.
2013 Old Year’s Day murder trial set to commence
Dead: Carlissa Mathews
Murdered Accused: Jermaine Maynard
Murder accused Jermaine Maynard is set to face a High Court trial for killing his ex-girlfriend Carlissa Mathews. Maynard, 44, is accused of shooting Mathews to the head outside the Kentucky Fried Chicken, (KFC) outlet on Water and Croal Streets in Georgetown, on December 31, 2013. Reports had indicated that minutes before the shooting, Maynard approached the 20-year-old woman, who was standing outside KFC and requested an audience with her. Matthews refused and was shot to the head, allegedly by Maynard. She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she later succumbed early New Year’s Day 2014. Reports had further indicated that the accused fled the scene after the alleged shooting but was nabbed at the ‘back track’ crossing at Springlands, Corentyne on January 2, as he was about to board a boat. He was subsequently charged for the murder. Yesterday, Maynard appeared at the Georgetown High Court. At the initial hearing, he pleaded not guilty to the offence before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed twelvemember jury. His trial is set to commence at 09:00 hrs today. Approximately twelve witnesses are listed to be called to the stand by Attorneys Siand Dhurjon, Narissa Leander and Michael Shahoud. The three lawyers are presenting the case on behalf of the State. Attorney Adrian Thompson is representing the accused.
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
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In Taiwan’s south, calls for independence from China entrenched as poll looms
Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson and presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (C) is joined by other candidate as they campaign in Shalu district, Taichung city in central Taiwan yesterday. REUTERS/DAMIR SAGOLJ Reuters - In a gritty suburb of Tainan in southern Taiwan, a city known for its fierce anti-China sentiment, Huang Hsien-ching was stacking election flyers and inspecting campaign trucks rigged up with megaphones before Saturday’s islandwide elections. As a rookie candidate for the fledgling Free Taiwan Party - one of a number of smaller, radical groups advocating independence from China - Huang, a family doctor, says he’s put $30,000 (20,785 pounds) of his savings and his career on the line
to try to fight back against what he sees as an increasingly assertive China. “More and more people want independence in Taiwan,” said Huang, 61 with a buzz cut, in his campaign office fronted by a giant billboard of himself holding his arm aloft with the logo of a bird in flight. “China is suppressing Taiwan internationally and they don’t treat us as equals. Independence is the only way for us to develop and move forward,” added Huang, who grew up in Tainan, a trading port that in centuries past was
ruled by a succession of powers including the Spanish, Dutch, Japanese and Chinese. Huang’s rhetoric is exactly the kind of thing Beijing hates the most. China has warned repeatedly it will never tolerate independence for an island it considers a rebel province and has not ruled out the use of force to ensure eventual unification. In cities, townships and villages across the mountainous island of 23 million, deeprooted ideological differences shaped by Taiwan’s fraught history with China will once again play out at the ballot
box. Nearly seven decades of historical enmity between China’s Communist Party and the Nationalists (KMT), who escaped to Taiwan after the Chinese civil war, have made independence, or unification, a core issue. More radical, anti-China voices like Huang’s persist even with the independenceleaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) expected to sweep in a new president and parliamentary majority on Saturday, and potentially reshape relations with China. During a campaign rally through the streets of Tainan in the DPP’s traditional stronghold of southern Taiwan, tens of thousands thronged the streets, set off firecrackers, waved flags and cheered as DPP presidential frontrunner Tsai Ing-wen, likely to become the island’s first woman president, swept by in a motorcade. “Taiwan and China, we’re brothers for sure, but we’ve already divided into two families,” said prominent Taiwanese rapper Dwagie, who turned up for a Tsai campaign pitstop at an ornate ancient temple in Tainan with a few friends. “Independence is an ambition for the future but it’s not possible in the current situation. We should focus on the economy first,” said Dwagie, who raps in
Wednesday January 13, 2016
British police say 56 women and girls went to Syria last year Reuters - Counter-terrorism police said yesterday 56 women and girls were thought to have left Britain to go to Syria last year as they unveiled a film urging mothers not to take their families to live in a war zone. About 800 British citizens are thought to have travelled to Syria, many to join the Islamic State militant group, since the outbreak of civil war. There have been several high-profile cases among them including three teenage girls from London who were believed to have left the country for Syria last February, while in July police said a family of 12 - three sisters and nine children - were also feared to have joined IS. Official figures released at the end of last year showed the number of Britons being arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences had risen by more than a third, partly due to more women and girls being detained. Helen Ball, the Senior National Coordinator for
Counter Terrorism policing, said the latest initiative was aimed at encouraging women and mothers to stop their children from following suit. “We are deeply concerned about the numbers of girls, young women and also families who are taking the decision to go to Syria, unaware of the dangers they face when they arrive and the fact that they are unlikely to ever be able to return home to their devastated wider families,” she said. The new film details the case of three Syrian refugee mothers talking about the hardship of life in Syria and querying why any women would take their family to live in a conflict zone. “The film really shows that the messages circulated on social media by Daesh (Islamic State) are misleading and do not reflect the reality of living in Syria,” said Angela Williams, the Assistant Chief Constable for West Yorkshire Police.
Suicide bomber kills 10 people, mainly Germans, in Istanbul
Ahmet Davutoglu Reuters - A suicide bomber thought to have crossed recently from Syria killed at least 10 people, most of them German tourists, in Istanbul’s historic heart yesterday, in an attack Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu blamed on Islamic State. All of those killed in Sultanahmet square, near the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia - major tourist sites in the centre of one of the world’s most visited cities were foreigners, Davutoglu said. A senior Turkish official said nine were German, while Peru’s foreign ministry said a Peruvian man also died. Deputy Prime Minister
Numan Kurtulmus said the bomber was believed to have recently entered Turkey from Syria but was not on Turkey’s watch list of suspected militants. He said earlier that the bomber had been identified from body parts at the scene and was thought to be a Syrian born in 1988. Davutoglu said he had spoken by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to offer condolences and vowed Turkey’s fight against Islamic State, at home and as part of the U.S.-led coalition, would continue.manity, be it in Syria, Turkey, France or Germany.”
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
Homosexual Acts Are Illegal, Guidance Counsellors Cannot Break The Law – JTA The Gleaner - The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) says it cannot call for guidance counsellors to be better trained to deal with gay stude n t s a s b u ggery remains illegal. Norman Allen, who heads the union that represents guidance counsellors, made the comment in reaction to reports that several of the approximately 800 guidance counsellors in schools are refusing to help students identified as gay or lesbian. According to Allen, guidance counsellors face a difficulty in responding to those students when Jamaica has laws which make homosexual acts illegal. He says while the students should not be shunned, guidance counsellors cannot put themselves in a position to break the law and must refer the cases to the appropriate government agencies. The JTA head says the
Norman Allen counsellors must accept that the students are under their care, but they must act within the law. Newly-elected president of the Jamaica Association for Guidance Counsellors in Education Nina Dixon says the majority of counsellors refusing to re-
spond to gay students are of the Christian faith. The 2012 National Survey of Attitudes and Perception of Jamaicans Towards Same Sex Relationships found that 50 per cent of those surveyed became aware of homosexuality by age 14.
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NATO cannot limit missile defences to please Russia, U.S. says Reuters - NATO allies cannot agree to Russian demands to limit their missile defences because of the threat posed by North Korea, a senior U.S. State Department official said yesterday. North Korea’s claim last week to have tested a hydrogen bomb, which would represent an advance in its capability to strike Japan and the United States, has underscored Washington’s determination to enhance the defences that Russia opposes. “We are not going to agree to limitations on our systems because we need to have the flexibility to deal with the dynamic and evolving threat,” Frank Rose, deputy assistant secretary of state for arms control, told reporters at NATO in Brussels. “North Korea has large numbers of ballistic missiles and they test them often,” Rose said, adding North Korea could already reach South Korea and most of Japan and potentially the United States. While there is considerable doubt over the veracity of Pyongyang’s assertion that last week’s explosion was a full-fledged test of a hydrogen device, Washington already warned last February that North Korea is seeking a
Jens Stoltenberg long-range, nuclear-armed ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg last week called on North Korea to end its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. NATO’s ballistic missile defence, in place since 2010, has been a source of tension between Russia and the U.S.led alliance even before Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, although NATO says it is not designed against Moscow. Russia threatened last year to aim nuclear missiles at Danish warships if Denmark joins NATO’s missile defence system, arguing that it could reduce the effective-
ness of its own nuclear arsenal. “The key Russian concern ... is that in the future, absent legally binding constraints, we will develop systems that could potentially negate their strategic deterrent,” Rose said. While the United States provides much of NATO’s missile shield, the alliance in 2012 agreed to develop its capabilities in Europe. Romania has agreed to host a defence system, while Turkey already has a missile defence radar in place. The United States sent a destroyer to Spain in September, one of four ships that make up part of the shield. Poland is also due to host defences from 2018, with construction on a site starting this year. “These capabilities are designed to defend NATO Europe against threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area. They are not directed against Russia,” Rose said. Rose said Russian officials had voiced concern about the kind of technology that the United States did not have, such as a sea-based missile defence interceptor capable of speeds of 10 kilometres (6.21 miles) a second.
Mexican kingpin ‘Chapo’ tried to trademark his name: local TV Reuters - Before his brazen jailbreak last year, notorious drug boss Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman instructed his lawyers to trademark his name, giving Mexican authorities their first clue he wanted to make a film of his life, local media said yesterday. The world’s most wanted drug kingpin, Guzman was recaptured last week in northwest Mexico and is now back
in the same maximum security prison he escaped from in July via a tunnel that burrowed right up into his cell. During his previous 17 month stint behind bars, Guzman asked his lawyers to begin the process of trademarking his name with the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), Mexican journalist Carlos Loret de Mola said. However, IMPI denied his request.
IMPI could not immediately be reached for comment. According to documents seen by Reuters, IMPI rejected two applications to trademark the names “Joaquin El Chapo Guzman” and “El Chapo Guzman” in 2011, filed by Alejandrina Gisselle Guzman, who is believed to be his daughter. The applications - for clothing and apparel, not movies - were denied on the grounds that Guzman was a wanted man. A search on the IMPI website shows a brand under the name “El Chapo,” first registered in 2006. Local media did not explain how authorities knew at this time that Guzman might be seeking a trademark to make a film.
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
San Antonio Spurs equal best start in NBA franchise history New York (AFP) - Forward LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 25 points and 11 rebounds as San Antonio matched the best start in franchise history with a 106-79 rout of Brooklyn. The Spurs improved to 33-6, matching the team’s best 39-game start, a mark set during the 2010-11 season. San Antonio also posted its league-leading 14th win by at least 20 points while stretching its winning streak to eight games. Aldridge shot 12-for-17 from the field and posted his 12th double-double. He had his 10th game with at least 20 points and was the Spurs’ leading scorer for the 11th time. Forward Kawhi Leonard scored 17 points and rookie center Boban Marjanovic scored 13 for the Spurs, who won despite little scoring from all-star guard Tony Parker and center Tim
San Antonio Spurs’ LaMarcus Aldridge shoots past Brooklyn Nets’ Thaddeus Young. AFP Photo/Al Bello Duncan. Parker scored six points, while Duncan finished with eight. ”I like him,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said of Marjanovic. “He’s really an
intelligent player. He’s hardworking and just learning. So every minute he gets really helps him develop.” Interim coach Tony Brown was making his debut with the
Wednesday January 13, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The distance may make you both appreciate each other more. Join a choir or a drama club. You may be considering moving to larger quarters.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You are best not to confide in anyone right now. Opportunities to travel will be favorable in terms of moneymaking connections.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your emotional stability may influence the changes taking place in your personal life. Overexertion and negligence will be your worst enemies. Don't be too hard on your mate.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This will be a very hectic day if you've made promises to too many people. You can have quite the romantic adventure if you take time to get to know your mate all over again. You can pick up some overtime today.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It won't take much to upset your lover. Your lack of responsibility and attention has been a key issue in your relationship.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Do not let lovers cost you money or take advantage of you. You will easily capture the interest of those you talk to. Tell it like it is.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Take the time to sort out your personal papers and doublecheck your financial investments. You can make moves, but they won't be settling.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You can expect opposition from family as well as colleagues. Take a look at investment opportunities.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Traffic will be busier than you anticipated, so try to get a head start if you have made plans to travel.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You will enjoy getting together with friends. Your home environment appears to be a little shaky. Call someone you haven't seen in a long time.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your best efforts will come through making changes in your home. Changes in your domestic situation will prove to be favorable in the long run. Good friends will give you honest answers.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Emotional disputes will only end in sorrow. Plan to get together with someone special later in the day. Don't hesitate to voice your ideas and opinions.
Nets, one day after the sacking of coach Lionel Hollins. Brooklyn missed 10-of-12 three-point attempts and had 19 turnovers, leading to 30 San Antonio points. Center Brook Lopez led Brooklyn with 18 points and forward Joe Johnson added 16 for the Nets, who lost their 10th consecutive home game. The Spurs led 77-56 at the end of the third quarter. The Nets scored the first six points of the fourth to get within 7762. Two minutes later, San Antonio stretched the lead to 8762 as Leonard sandwiched a pair of three-pointers around a jump shot by Aldridge. San Antonio led by double digits over the final 18 minutes. Elsewhere, the Washington Wizards had no trouble beating the Chicago Bulls 114-100, despite missing several players due to injuries. The Wizards won their second straight game by getting points from 10 players, including seven who finished in double figures. Point guard John Wall paced the attack with 17 points, 10 assists and three steals, while guard Garrett Temple, forward Otto Porter and center Nene all scored 14 points in the win. Ramon Sessions had 16 points, Gary Neal added 11 points and Drew Gooden finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds, all off the bench. Washington’s reserves outscored Chicago’s 47-32. Chicago was led by Derrick Rose’s 23 points, while shooting guard Jimmy Butler added 19 points and center Pau Gasol had 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Bulls lost consecutive games for the first time since a three-game losing streak in December.
RHTY&SC mourns...
(From page 30) others. The club noted that Mr. Mendes’ widow, Mrs. June Mendes served as their second Patron for five years and over the years has remained very close to them as a friend, mentor and role model. “We are confident that Guyana would cherish the memory of the late Derek Mendes as a true and visionary Guyanese who worked hard to develop our beloved country.” The RHTY&SC would remember Mrs. Mendes, her three sons – Dominic, Alexander and Andrew and the entire family in our prayers and would like to reassure them of our love during this tragic period.
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FIFA ethics investigators seek longer bans for Platini, Blatter FIFA ethics investigators said yesterday they planned an appeal that could extend eight-year bans on world soccer body president Joseph “Sepp” Blatter and European soccer boss Michel Platini, raising the possibility of lifelong exclusion. Blatter and Platini were both banned from soccer last month for ethics violations, leaving the global game leaderless as it seeks to dig itself out from beneath a slew of corruption cases. Both have denied wrongdoing. The two escaped potential lifetime bans demanded by the committee’s investigatory arm when the panel’s adjudicatory chamber found no evidence of bribery linked to a 2 million Swiss franc ($2 million) payment FIFA made to Platini in 2011, with Blatter’s approval. ”We have announced we plan to appeal the 8-year bans against Platini and Blatter,” investigatory panel spokesman Andreas Bantel told reporters in Zurich, where FIFA has its headquarters. While Blatter and Platini have said the panel was seeking a lifetime ban from the sport, Bantel said he declined to comment on the content of its appeal. Blatter has said he feels “abandoned” by the global
soccer body and will now focus on clearing his name through his own appeal. Platini, who was the strong favorite to succeed Blatter until becoming mired in allegations that led to his ban, has also said he will appeal. The crisis gripping the soccer world began with arrests of a group of FIFA officials at a luxury Zurich hotel in May. Since then Switzerland’s Federal Office of Justice has frozen around $80 million in assets in 13 bank accounts and the United States has charged 41 people and entities in a probe of corruption that spans soccer bodies around the globe. There is precedent for extending bans on appeal. Vernon Manilal Fernando, a former FIFA executive committee member from Sri Lanka, was banned for eight years by the ethics committee in April 2013. The investigatory chamber appealed against this, saying the ban was too short, while Fernando fought the ban that he said was too long. In October 2013 FIFA’s Appeal Committee increased the ban to life. This decision was upheld by the Court for Arbitration in Sport in March 2015. (Reuters)
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Wednesday January 13, 2016
Messi, Lloyd, Luis Enrique and Ellis triumph at FIFA Ballon d’Or 2015 Lionel Messi has won the FIFA Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world for the fifth time, while US midfielder Carli Lloyd has claimed her first-ever FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award. FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique Martínez and US national team coach Jill Ellis have also been named for the first time as FIFA World Coaches of the Year for Men’s and Women’s Football respectively. The winners were chosen by the coaches and captains of the national teams as well as by international media representatives invited by FIFA and France Football. The entire electoral procedure was overseen and monitored by PricewaterhouseCoopers Switzerland (PwC). The awards were presented on Monday evening (11 January 2016) during a 90minute show at Zurich’s Kongresshaus that was
hosted by Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt and British journalist Kate Abdo. The musical entertainment for the 1,100 guests and TV viewers in over 190 countries and territories around the world was provided by British pop star Leona Lewis and young Croatian cellists Luka Šuliæ and Stjepan Hauser, known as 2CELLOS. This year’s FIFA Fair Play Award was presented to all the football organisations and clubs around the world that are working to support refugees. Former German international Gerald Asamoah, who campaigns for the welfare of refugees, received the award from former South African icon Lucas Radebe on behalf of all the awardees. This year, the world has witnessed a refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe because of conflict in Syria. Many innocent people have fled their homes in des-
perate conditions to find safety for themselves and their loved ones. Society has responded and the world of football has also contributed to the cause. Clubs and football organisations all over the world have acted to help welcome and support refugees as they integrate into local communities. International players’ union FIFPro received votes from 26,478 professional players from around the world for the FIFA FIFPro World XI, the best team of 2015, with the following result: Manuel Neuer (Germany/FC Bayern Munich) in goal; Dani Alves (Brazil/FC Barcelona), Marcelo (Brazil/Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid) and Thiago Silva (Brazil/Paris Saint-Germain) in defence; Andrés Iniesta (Spain/FC Barcelona), Luka Modriæ (Croatia/Real
Madrid) and Paul Pogba (France/Juventus) in midfield; and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Argentina/FC Barcelona) and Neymar (Brazil/FC Barcelona) in attack. The FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year was also presented after 1.6 million football fans cast their votes on FIFA.com, FIFA on YouTube and francefootball.fr. This award, which is a tribute to Ferenc Puskás, the captain and star of the 1950s Hungary team, was won by Brazilian Wendell Lira from Goianésia, who topped the poll with 46.7 % of the votes ahead of Lionel Messi (33.3 %) and Alessandro Florenzi (7.1%). The awards at a glance The FIFA Ballon d’Or was presented for the sixth time since the merging of the FIFA World Player of the Year award and France Football’s
Ballon d’Or award in 2010. • 165 national team coaches, 162 national team captains and 171 media representatives submitted their votes for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award. Lionel Messi won the title with 41.33% of all votes ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (27.76%) and Neymar (7.86%). • 136 national team coaches, 135 national team captains and 106 media representatives voted for the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award. Carli Lloyd came out on top with 35.28% of all votes, ahead of German Célia Šašiæ (12.60%) and Japan é¨(‘é¨ s Aya Miyama (9.88%). • 167 national team coaches, 161 national team captains and 171 media representatives voted for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football award. Luis Enrique Martínez won the award with 31.08% of all
votes after leading FC Barcelona to four titles (La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup) in 2015. Second and third place were claimed by Pep Guardiola (FC Bayern Munich, 22.97%) and Jorge Sampaoli (Chilean national team, 9.47%) respectively. • 137 national team coaches, 137 national team captains and 106 media representatives voted for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football award. Jill Ellis won this prize after leading the US women’s national team to glory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in Canada. She secured 42.98% of all votes, ahead of Japan coach Norio Sasaki (17.79%) and England women’s national team coach Mark Sampson (10.68%). (FIFA)
Djokovic targets Olympic gold One of Novak Djokovic’s top priorities for 2016 is to use the momentum he has built over the past two years to mount a strong challenge for a gold medal at the Olympic Games. The world number one has reached six finals at the last eight grand slams, winning Wimbledon in 2014 and retaining that title in 2015, while also taking out last year’s Australian Open and US Open. Djokovic won the bronze medal at Beijing in 2008 but missed out on replicating that feat in London four years later, losing to Juan Martin del Potro after failing to reach the final. But after beginning 2016 with a triumph at the Qatar Open, thumping Rafael Nadal in straight sets as he featured
Novak Djokovic in his 16th consecutive ATP Tour final, the Serbian believes he is primed to achieve success in Rio de Janeiro in August. ”[The Olympics is] definitely right up there at the top of the priorities of this season,” Djokovic told The Telegraph. “I have already had the
very unique experience of representing my country at the Olympics. I was part of two Games, in Beijing and London, and with the way the last couple of seasons have gone for me, I feel I can do very well in Rio. ”The tennis will be played on a hard court, in the middle of the summer, when the con-
ditions will be quite challenging for everybody in terms of heat and humidity. “I am going to take a week in preparation. That means going there earlier, and becoming used to those conditions so that I can get the best out of myself.” Djokovic believes the competitive dynamic at the Olympics differs to ATP competitions and he is excited by being part of that once again. ”I am already looking forward to the opening ceremony, and to being alongside some of the best athletes in the world. “There’s a different dimension to the Olympics: a dimension of pride and honour and passion. I look forward to being part of that energy, absorbing that energy and giving my energy to that.” (OMNISPORT)
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Canada women open Warriors hold off Heat, Curry stars despite rare negative night pre-Olympic Qualifying camp Stephen Curry
It takes a player of Stephen Curry’s caliber to look good in a game that ranks as his worst of the season by at least one metric. Yet that’s exactly what the NBA’s early MVP favorite did in his 38 minutes during Monday’s 111-103 victory over the Miami Heat at Oracle Arena. Curry scored nine of his game-high 31 points (11-of-27 FG, 4-of-11 3FG) in the final five minutes, including a dagger three with 26 seconds remaining, to fend off the impressive Heat in what was a tight game for most of its runtime. Yet Curry also fell below an important threshold for the first time this season by finishing with a minus-3 for his first negative plus-minus of the 2015-16 season so far. Curry had previously broken even in the Warriors’ December 12 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the team’s first of the season.
It bears mention that plus-minus is often a vague indicator of a player’s performance, particularly when it covers only one game’s worth of minutes. Yet Curry’s previous game-bygame numbers are absurd enough to be meaningful — he has finished with a zero or singledigit positive in only five of 35 appearances, or just as often as he’s exceeded a plus-25. That’s also impressive because Curry has exceeded 40 minutes just twice, both of which were overtime games. He’s not building up his totals in the fourth quarter when the game has already been decided. So what changed vs. Miami? For the most part, the difference came down to the visitors’ play against what are usually the Warriors’ best lineups. All five Warriors starters finished in the negative for just the second time this season — the first saw every player do so in a Curry-less loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The Heat also trailed by only six points as late as the 2:30 mark and threatened to hand the Warriors their first home loss of the season. Curry’s late scoring ensured that wouldn’t happen, but it’s arguable that Golden State only controlled the terms of the game that late due to the play of the bench. Harrison Barnes, still serving as a reserve after a long injury layoff, logged a plus-18 in 27 minutes, and all six Warriors bench players finished in the black. Again, these are imprecise metrics, and it’s difficult to talk about the win without noticing Curry’s scoring, Draymond Green’s excellent all-around game (22 points on 8-of-14 FG, 12 rebounds, six assists), and the fact that the entire team turned it over only nine times. Nevertheless, this contest served as another reminder that the Warriors are much more than their superstar. Curry wins the headlines, but they remain title favorites due largely to their depth and versatility. (Yahoosports)
USA’s Ellis wins World Coach of the Year honor
Ottawa - Canada opened Saturday in Burnaby its last training camp ahead of selecting a roster for February’s CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship. In an effort to find a balance between proven experience and talented youth, head coach John Herdman called in 23 players. Veteran forward Christine Sinclair highlights the selection, which includes teenagers Jessie Fleming, Kennedy Faulknor, Gabrielle Carle, Marie Levasseur and Deanne Rose. ”This is really a critical phase in our preparations,” said Herdman, who has been at the helm since 2011. “We had time together in November and December, so we have a strong sense of what these players can do. This camp will be about organiza-
tion, firming up the connection between players, and striking the right balance on the pitch.” Unlike the 23-player squad he had for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 40-year-old can only take 20 players to the CONCACAF event in Texas. ”There will be some tough decisions,” Herdman, a former New Zealand manager, commented. “Players are coming into this camp aware selections will be made and this is part of the process, you see how players handle the increased pressure. The smaller rosters really mean we have to drill down to how players function within their positional teams, and how they connect with each other on and off the pitch. “It’s honestly going to be tough to narrow down this field.”
Canada will begin its Olympic qualifying campaign against Group B-rival Guyana on February 11 in Houston, before taking on Trinidad & Tobago (February 14) and Guatemala (February 16). GOALKEEPERS: Sabrina D’Angelo; Stephanie Labbe, Erin McLeod. DEFENDERS: Josee Belanger, Kadeisha Buchanan, Allysha Chapman, Kennedy Faulknor, Marie-Eve Nault, Rebecca Quinn, Rhian Wilkinson, Shelina Zadorsky. MIDFIELDERS: Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence, Diana Matheson, Deanne Rose, Sophie Schmidt, Desiree Scott. FORWARDS: Janine Beckie, Gabrielle Carle, Marie Levasseur, Nichelle Prince, Christine Sinclair, Melissa Tancredi. (CONCACAF)
UG invites students to participate in practice sessions for UWI meet in Barbados The University of Guyana (UG) will begin preparations today for a track and field meet at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus in Barbados over the Easter Weekend. Sports Officer at the University of Guyana, Lavern Fraser confirmed last evening that the University was invited to compete at the meet that will be held on the new synthetic facility at UWI in Barbados. ”We will start our preparations for this meet tomorrow (today) at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary under the watchful eyes of Coach, Mark Scott and Treiston Joseph,” Fraser told Kaieteur Sport. She said that all student-athletes who participated in UG Inter-Faculty athletics com-
Lavern Fraser petition and placed 1-3 in both track and field events are invited to participate in the practice sessions from 4pm today.
“An invitation is also extended to students who did not participate in the last inter-faculty competition but would have done so before and are interested in representing the University of Guyana,” Fraser added. She said that all athletes will be vying for “possible selection” on the team. Fraser informed that UG is hoping to send a full contingent to the meet. She said that females and field events athletes are especially invited to participate in the practice sessions. Fraser indicated that students unable to make the 4pm sessions today are asked to make contact with the Sports Department on the Turkeyen Campus for further information as it relates to this imminent tour.
FIFA museum to open on February 28
Jill Ellis. FIFA via Getty Images Zurich - Jill Ellis, who guided the United States to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup title, was named the 2015 World Coach of the Year for women’s football on Monday at the 2016 FIFA Ballon d’Or gala. She becomes the second coach of a U.S. team to win the award, which was instituted in 2008, but the first American. Swede Pia
Sundhage won the award in 2012 after leading the U.S. to the Olympic gold medal. ”First and foremost, I want to thank the U.S. players, coaches and staff who made 2015 such a wonderful year for our team,” said Ellis. “Success is truly a team effort, and as a coach, we are all a product of the players and coaches we’ve worked with over so many years. They all
deserve recognition and thanks for being a part of this amazing journey.” The 49-year-old led the USA to a 20W-4D-2L record in 2015, losing only the first and last matches of the year. In between, the CONCACAF champion went unbeaten in 24 consecutive games that included a seven-game run to the Women’s World Cup title. (CONCACAF)
The multi-million dollar FIFA museum, the project of fallen world football chief Sepp Blatter, will open its doors on February 28 in Zurich, two days after the election of his successor, FIFA announced yesterday. Over 140 million Swiss francs ($140 million/128 million euro) has been invested over the past three years in the museum dedicated to the world’s most popular sport. ”We couldn’t ignore the turbulences, it was not easy. But we had to focus on our mission, to build a museum and a team,” said managing director Stefan Jost of the work which continued against the backdrop of the current scandal engulfing the sport’s gov-
erning body. Blatter along with UEFA chief Michel Platini have both been suspended from all football activity for eight years by a FIFA tribunal, over a two million Swiss franc ($2 million/1.8 million euro) payment that Blatter approved to the Frenchman. ”It’s not a museum about personalities; it’s about what football gives to people around the world,” added Jost of the project which was the brainchild of Blatter, who has headed FIFA since 1998. ”We don’t know if the new president will participate in the inauguration,” said Jost, adding that the interim secretary general Markus Kattner would be present. In the centre of Zurich, and cov-
ering 3000 m2 on three levels, the museum will exhibit objects retracing the history of football, with a library including 5000 works. ”We started with just two objects in our collection, namely the original World Cup trophy and a jersey from the Italian world champion team of 1938,” explained artistic director David Ausseil. ”The funds were then supplemented with donations, loans or acquisitions in auctions.” It is hoped that the museum will attract 250,000 visitors per year, comparable with the Olympic museum in Lausanne, which drew 300,000 in 2015. (Relaxnews)
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Kaieteur News
GBSA National Championship
German’s Restaurant hands over $100,000 cheque German’s Restaurant, one of the oldest fast-food outlets in Guyana, yesterday handed over a $100,000 cheque to the Guyana Beach Soccer Association (GBSA) towards the hosting of the National Beach Soccer Championships, which gets on the way on January 31, in Linden. The tournament will feature ten teams, with six hailing from Linden, two from Georgetown, while the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara will have one representative each. ”German’s Restaurant is more than happy to be associated with this Championship” said proprietor Clinton Urling at yesterday’s simple but significant presentation. Urling, who once sat at the helm of Guyana’s football
under the Normalisation Committee as Chairman, expressed his personal delight at being able to give back to football from a corporate standpoint and said that while this is German’s first sponsorship support, it certainly wouldn’t be the last. Beach soccer, according to Urling, will be the eyecandy of Guyana’s football in the near future, owing such to the sport’s enormous possibilities if administered properly. Apart from the monetary contribution, German’s Restaurant will also sponsor the championship’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize. Rolland Tappin, President of the GBSA, thanked Urling for his contribution, which he said was timely. Tappin
If this is summer’s main course, then Steven Smith and George Bailey wasted no time at all tucking in. A batsmen’s battle unfolded between Australia and India at the WACA, with the hosts seeing a 207-run stand between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli before raising it through the match-defining union between Smith and Bailey, worth 242. Things could have been very different had Bailey been given out caught behind when, sporting a new closed batting stance, he swivelled to pull the debutant Barinder Sran and gloved to MS Dhoni in the fifth over. India’s appeal was not altogether convincing, Richard Kettleborough gave the benefit of the doubt, and as Bailey said afterwards: “Would’ve been interesting to see on
DRS, but we’re not the team that doesn’t want it.” Already the series has some spice. From that point, Bailey and Smith took impressive control to counter the early losses of Aaron Finch and David Warner, both victims of the tall left-armer Sran’s decidedly useful opening spell. Bailey, and then Smith, chose to target the spin of R Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja, hitting cleanly and straight, before the captain put on afterburners, rarely seen previously, to take Australia comfortably home. Rohit’s unbeaten 171 which surpassed Viv Richards’ 153* as the highest ODI score against Australia in Australia - added to a growing library of monumental limited-overs innings, confirming his mastery of a format where if he gets through the first few
pointed out that the GBSA, which became a member of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) last October, will be using the National Championship, to kick-start their programme for 2016. The championships will be played in two rounds, over an 18-day period. Matches will be played every Sunday at the Bayroc Community Centre Beach Soccer facility and at Kuru Kururu on the Linden Soesdyke Highway. First place finishers will pocket $250,000, second place $100,000, while third and fourth place will take home $75,000 and $50,000 respectively. Corona Beer, E-Networks and 104.3 FM (Linden) are the other sponsors on board.
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Top thoroughbreds vie for large purses in Budhan Memorial Turf Club event The Budhan Memorial Turf Club (BMTC) of Number 66 Village Corentyne will come alive with galloping hoofs and fierce rivalry when organizers of that entity stage a grand one day horse race meeting this Sunday, January 16, at the club’s facilities. Seven exciting races are expected to thrill turfites with three million dollars in cash at stake for winners and runners up in the various categories. The feature attraction is the I1 & Lower which attracts a top purse of $200,000. This race will attract top ranked thoroughbreds the likes of Red Jet, Lady Secret, The Gum, Little, Affinity, Noble Import, Red Regent, Liquid Lion, Secret Escape, Famous Pride, Royal Stallion and Ms Regina among oth-
Compton Sancho ers. There will also be one newcomer to the tracks, Gomamasar, owned by Zakir Hamid. Jockeys will also contest for lucrative prizes in the J3 & Lower, K2 & Lower, L1 &
Lower, L2 & Lower, Three years old (Guyana bred) and the Unclassified category. Officials have assured that the track is in excellent condition for racing and all systems are in place for a grand day of action. They have also said that the meet will be conducted under the aegis of the governing body, the Guyana Horse Racing Authority, and the relevant rules are in force. The organizers have also set the deadline date for submission of entries for tomorrow while revealing that additional information can be had from President of the BMTC, Neville Budhan (338-2283) or Compton Sancho (6900569). There will also be a well stocked bar.
Smith and Bailey brush off India’s 309
George Bailey and Steven Smith put Australia’s chase back on track. ©Getty Images overs he is able to hit through the line of the ball with something like impunity. Kohli provided ideal support after the early loss of Shikhar Dhawan. India heaped together 61 from
the final five overs of the innings, as Rohit cleared the fence three times. Up to that point the hosts appeared to be reasonably happy with events, but as Rohit punished debutant Scott Boland for a trio of missed yorkers, by depositing him in the arc between midwicket and mid-on, they were forced to re-evaluate the dimensions of the chase that confronted them. Certainly Finch and Warner appeared to be in something of a hurry, both perishing to Sran when trying to force the pace. Finch was the victim of a superb, reflex return catch, before Warner shovelled to mid-off. After Bailey’s firstball escape, he and Smith did not panic, using their knowledge of how WACA tallies can be gobbled up in later overs provided that at first a partnership is established. They sat calmly behind the progress India had made until the 18th over, when
greater liberties were taken with Ashwin and Jadeja. This reached a crescendo in the 26th over when Bailey then Smith sallied forth to dump Ashwin into the stands; the over cost 19 and forced a double change from Dhoni. From that point the chase always looked well in hand, as Bailey and Smith posted their hundreds. While Bailey fell for 112, Glenn Maxwell was perhaps too hasty in swinging for the fences and even Smith was pouched at cover with two runs still required from the final over. However, the stand between two of the Australian ODI team’s most recent three captains was the decisive episode in the match. Joel Paris, who lacks the pace of his left-arm forebears, Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc, had found some new-ball swing in his first two overs as an international cricketer. But that was the extent of the questions asked of India’s batsmen, before Smith’s bowlers were reduced more or less to battening down the hatches and hoping for the best. Josh Hazlewood bowled tidily for the hosts, and James Faulkner was a welcome recall to the team after his suspension last year for a drink driving offence while playing Twenty20 matches for Lancashire in the northern summer last year. But there was a certain lack of speed to Australia’s bowling line-up that allowed Rohit and Kohli to get comfortable. The hosts had lost Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc from the
team that faced India in the World Cup semi-final in March last year, and much was expected of Paris in his first match. His first ball swerved dangerously into Rohit, but the batsman managed to get the toe of his bat onto it, and thereafter was able to find his rhythm. This was not the case for Shikhar Dhawan, who struggled to pierce the field before hooking at Hazlewood and finding the allrounder Mitchell Marsh at deep-backward square leg. Kohli was quickly moving the scoreboard along, and his ease at the crease rather obscured the fact that this was his first 50 in an ODI against Australia in Australia. Rohit and Kohli pushed on without offering chances, content to score at around five per over until the start of the final bracket of 10. Rohit’s hundred duly arrived, and Kohli’s only eluded him when he was well caught by Finch, running around the fence from long-on. Dhoni promoted himself for a brief, and briefly explosive, cameo of 18, while Boland’s desire to bowl at the death was tested by Rohit’s ability to clear the boundary seven times in all in his 163ball knock. Combined figures of 0 for 127 from 18 overs made it a harsh initiation for Boland and Paris, but they were then able to sit back and watch Bailey and Smith gorge themselves. Australia 5 for 310 (Smith 149, Bailey 112, Sran 3-55) beat India 3 for 309 (Rohit 171*, Kohli 91, Faulkner 2-60) by five wickets. (ESPNcricinfo)
Wednesday January 13 , 2016
Kaieteur News
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Women power ruled the powerlifting stage in 2015 G u y a n a ’s w o m e n displayed phenomenal power as they dominated the powerlifting stage in 2015 with mind boggling performances, especially from the Nation’s most outstanding and first ever internationally ranked 16 year-old Under-18 52kg class competitor, Britny Mack. As a result of her performances, Mask has been listed in the International Powerlifting Federation World Rankings at # 9 in the Sub Junior category and # 47 in the Open Category. Young Mack reigned supreme in all her local and international events culminating in Gold Medals at the South American, Pan A m e r i c a n a n d C o m m o n w e a l t h Championships. Also shining locally and overseas were Open lifters Chloe Hunter (Senior National 57kg Champion as well as unofficial record holder of the NAPF Caribbean records); Andrea Smith - 57kg Open Clash of Champions winner as well as Bronze Medalist at the South American championships and Shellon Nicholas who ruled the roost in the in the 72kg class. Leading among the males is Junior Under-23, 83kg lifter Rudolph Blackmon who is listed in the IPF World Rankings at #13 in the Junior category and # 41 in the Open Division. In his final year at that level, Blackman kept the Golden Arrowhead aloft in dominating whenever he hit the stage locally and internationally. A rewarding year ended with Gold Medals at the South American, Pan A m e r i c a n a n d C o m m o n w e a l t h Championships. At the Open level a ‘never say die’ and powerful performance from reigning National Open 105kg Champion Karel
Britny Mack Rudolph Blackman
Mars who displayed the guts and determination in overcoming two failed lifts before nailing the third on his way to the Overall title at the Commonw e a l t h Championships stood out. The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) also made special mention of Vijai Rahim who suffered an injury which prevented him from participating in his final year at the junior level at the Commonwealth games. Not to be outdone, turning in amazing and competitive performances were the all-conquering individual Gold Medalist Masters team, comprising Masters 2 (50 – 59 age group) lifters; former World Champion Winston Stoby 74kg class, Edwin Spencer 83kg class and the evergreen and indefatigable overseas based Masters 4 ( age 70 and over) lifter Nairanjan Singh 93kg class who all rocked the Commonwealth stage. The GAPF in the first half of 2015 was the beneficiary of three sets of Powerlifting equipment comprising full weights; rack stands and support equipment along with a competition platform to further promote the sport locally from the Government of Guyana under the
stewardship of the Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony. The federation successfully hosted seven categories of championships locally with a total combined entry list of 115 inclusive of 22 females who participated at the South American and Pan American Championships in Brazil as well as the Commonwealth championships in Canada. The GAPF’s two junior lifters, male and female, have entered the international rankings highly placed with female lifter Britny Mack cracking the top twenty. Powerlifting in 2016 is set to enjoy another bumper year with the ladies making a challenge for the Caribbean team title against its nemesis Puerto Rico as well as the men’s team aiming to reclaim their team title. Locally, many exciting changes and activities are planned with the aim of encouraging more unequipped alongside of the traditional equipped events taking prominence. Current President, Peter Green under whose stewardship the sport not only made a grand return locally but dominated at the Caribbean and international levels is set to make way for a new leader at the federation next AGM scheduled for later this year.
Essequibo Softball League... (From page 30) Persaud (Wild Oats Sports Club);Asst Sec/TreasurerSherman Austin – (Jacklow); PRO-Dasroy Balgobin (Jib); Memebers – Latchmikant Narine (Ravens); Nazir Khan (Cotton Field); Thakur Samlall (Shawn XI). The board will examine the other sub committees and
also name its two representatives on the Guyana Softball League Board at its next meeting to be held shortly. The Guyana Softball League has extended its congratulations to Mr. Travis Simon and his team and looks forward to working assiduously to ensure that respect and glory come back to Softball Cricket in
Essequibo. Mr. Simon also expressed confidence in his team as they have been involved in softball cricket for a number of years. He also extended his call for all representatives of areas in Essequibo to come on board to build and solidify the game in Essequibo.
Green, in an invited comment noted: “As outgoing President, I continue to laud the hard efforts of genuine and dedicated lifters, volunteers and supporters - too numerous to mention but not forgotten - who played a role in moving the sport from where it was before to where it is today, signaling strongly that the sport equipped and unequipped, is here to stay with Olympic recognition beckoning.
Most Outstanding Lifters Name: Britny Mack Age: 16 Category: Sub Junior (16 – 18 age group) Weight Class: 52kg Gym: Life Springs ECD Coach: Dr. Osmond Mack Achievements: Gold
Medalist 2015 South American c/ships; Gold Medalist 2015 Pan American C/Ships; Gold Medalist 2015 Commonwealth c/ships; National 47kg and 52kg Record holder 3 lifts; Current National Champion 52kg sub junior class; IPF World Ranking: Sub junior World Ranking - # 12; Open World Ranking # 47 Name: Rudolph Blackman Age: 23 Category: Junior (18 to 23 age group) Weight Class: 83kg Gym: Life Springs, ECD Achievements: Gold Medalist 2015 South American C/ships; Gold Medalist 2015 Pan American C/ships; Gold Medalist 2015 Commonwealth C/Ships; Current National 83kg junior champion; World Ranking - Junior World Ranking - #13; Open World Ranking # 41.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 13 , 2016
Sarwan wants West Indians to take stand Five teams book places in Mobile Wizard 10/10 quarter finals on Ian Chappell’s ‘Ban Gayle’ comments Speedboat SC remains unbeaten; Quarter finals set for Saturday 23rd January
Chris Gayle and Ian Chappell, Ramnaresh Sarwan ©WindiesCricket.com By Sean Devers Former West Indies Captain, Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan has called on West Indians to take a stand against former Australian Skipper Ian C h a p p e l l , t u r n Commentator, who is calling for Jamaican Chris Gayle to be banned worldwide following comments he made to a female journalist during a televised interview during the Big Bash League in Australia. ”I think we as West Indians should respond to that, especially the guys who have played with him. I don’t think that we should take that so easily to have someone calling for one of our players to be banned around the world for something that has been blown out of proportions.” The 72-year-old Chappell would be remembered by many Guyanese for an incident which resulted in assault charges brought against him following an attack on a Guyana Cricket Board Official at Bourda in 1979 after he had dropped
his pants while on the field at the same venue four years earlier. In response to the ‘dropping of his pants’ incident Chappell said, “It’s a j o k e ” ”Chris has my support and that of many other players and I think that he has been getting many good responses on facebook and social media. He’s a big guy, he is strong enough and I’m sure he has experienced worse things before and he will rise from this.” The 35year-old Sarwan said. Responding to a question on his innings asked by McLaughlin, Gayle said “Hopefully we can win this game and we can have a drink after,” before telling the reporter “don’t blush, baby.” McLaughlin, who appeared surprised by the comment, replied: “I’m not blushing.” Gayle, the world’s number one T20 batsman, was fined US$7,000 for the comment and his club, the Melbourne Renegades, has formally apologised to McLaughlin. At the end of the interview, the big hitting left-hander
apologized to the journalist, saying ‘sorry’ followed by a p a t o n t h e s h o u l d e r. ”There wasn’t anything at all meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel and if she felt that way, I’m really sorry for that.” Gayle stated. McLaughlin subsequently accepted the apology. ”If you really know the guy then you would know that he was joking and that he didn’t mean anything. They (Australia Media) took it out of the context and the whole world is now blowing it up. The story even made CNN news and I think it’s ridiculous,” said Sarwan. Sarwan added that those making big fuss on social media need to understand that the 36-year-old Gayle was in no way trying to disrespect McLaughlin. He told Kaieteur Sport that he is looking forward to getting back on the field with his former West Indies teammate when he comes to Guyana to participate in the ‘Unity Cricket’ on January 30 at Providence. Sarwan will lead one of the teams at that event.
Essequibo Softball League formed Essequibians have formed an area board to administrate Softball cricket in the county. The board, which has representation from all areas, will be affiliated to the Guyana Softball League. The body which was long overdue, has as its first task to regularize softball cricket in the Cinderella County and to ensure that areas and teams are structured in order to have c o n t i n u i t y. T h e f i r s t tournament will be in collaboration with the Guyana Softball League and the Regional Democratic Council of Region 2 and is the Essequibo Challenge Cup which will be held on Saturday 16th January, 2016 and will see all the areas represented as 8 matches are
The Mobile Wizard 10/10 organized by the Guyana Softball League saw five teams booking their place in the quarterfinals in a weekend of dramatic matches. The teams through are Speedboat SC, Wolf’s Warriors, Settle XI and Crossbreed Warriors. The others fighting for the sixth position are Leonora Youths, Vipers XI, Brickery All Stars and MMZ XI. The results of the matches are as follows: At Ruby Ground: Omesh XI mauled Vipers XI by 8 wickets. Vipers XI batted first and struggled to 98-4 in 10 overs with Vickash Totaram 37 (2x6; 2x4); Vickram Kissoon took 2-13 from 2 overs). In reply Omesh XI rushed to 101-2 in just 4.4 overs, Ricardo Adams led with 58 not out. Wolf’s Warriors defeated Leonora Youths by 7 wkts: Leonora Youths batted fist and struggled to 80-9 in 10 overs after being 4 wickets down for only 5 runs in the fourth over. Richard Burnette 24 (2x4) was the top scorer; Levin Orford 3-12 from 2 overs and Ravi Ramnauth 3-9 from his 2 overs were the top wicket takers. Wolf’s Warriors in reply made 81-3 in 7.3 overs with Lincoln Leander 28 (2x6; 2x4); Riaz Karim 26 not out (2x6; 2x4). Power XI made light work of MMZ XI by 8 wkts: MMZ XI were inserted and made a challenging 107-6 in 10 overs (Mark Grant 30 (2x6; 2x4) In reply Power XI raced to 108 – 2 in 7 overs (Trishan Ali 40 (3x6; 2x4). Wolf’s Warriors beat Omesh XI 32 runs: Warriors batted first and rattled up 160-4 in 10 overs (Vishnu Tannichandra 48). Omesh XI were going great guns at 46 in the 4 overs for one wicket, but after losing Chetram for 56 (6x6; 1x4) the innings went downhill ending on 128-8 in their 10 overs. Fahir Hussain took 3-23 from 2 overs. At Leonora Ground: Speedboat SC defeated Crossbreed Warriors by 33 runs. In a match that saw 19 wickets falling, Speedboat SC were limited to 62 all out in 6.2 overs batting first (Anand Bharat 20(2x6). Anthony Arjune was the main destroyer with 5-10 including a hat-trick and was supported by Narine Shaw with 2-7 in 2 overs. In their turn at the crease Crossbreed Warriors, seemingly over confident and carefree in their chase, were skittled out for 29 with Imran Hamid wrecking them, taking 4-5 from 2 overs and Shazim Hussain again among the wickets with 4-6 in 2 overs. Speedboat SC cruised to 63 runs victory over Settle XI: Speedboat SC were inserted and made Settle pay for that by scoring a mammoth 156-3 in 10 overs with Greg Singh 58 not out (8x6; 1x4) and Kishore Smith 43 (5x6; 2x4). In reply Settle XI were limited to 93-7 in 10
Vishnu Tanichandra of Wolf’s Warriors on the go. overs (Hakim Khan 21(3x6); Imran Hamid turned in a good all round performance for the day by taking 3-13 from 2 overs. Vipers XI defeated Irfaan XI by 75 runs: Vipers XI looking for a place in the quarters batted first and amassed 151-4 in 10 overs with Sadeek Mohamed 44(6x6;1x4) and Vickash Totaram 34 (4x6;1x4). Irfaan XI in replied were held to 75-6 in 10 overs (Jitendra Kishore 33 not out (2x4); Amit Hussain 3-12 from 2 overs). Brickery All Stars XI made light work of Irfaan XI by 5 wkts: Irfaan XI batted first and scored a much improved 101 – 6 in 10 overs (Michael Abedin 52 (5x6; 2x4); Deokenarine Sigh 212 from 2 overs). Brickery in reply 107 – 5 in 9.1 overs (Kelvin Kanhai 66(6x6; 1x4). Crossbreed Warriors overcame Vipers XI by 9 wkts: Vipers XI took first strike and made 105-9 in 10 overs (Assalam Zaman 45 (5x6; 1x4). Narine Shaw 3-20 in 2 overs. In reply Crossbreed Warriors made light work of the total by scoring 106-1 in 7.4 overs with Rayon Sookram 45 not out (4x6; 2x4); Mahendra Persaud 30 (3x6; 1x4). Additionally Kelvin Kanhai was named the man of the day and will collect one footstool Pouf compliments of Rohan Furniture Establishment. Meanwhile, the quarter finals are set for the Saturday 23rd, January at Zeeburg Ground and lots of entertainment are planned for the family as the organizers will have kid games, ring games Chow Pow, Granny Ivelaw, Shawty and others to entertain. The one ball Manto which carries a prize of $60,000 will also be featured. The tournament is sponsored by Wolf’s Furniture store, Trophy Stall, Rohan’s Furniture Establishment, Miss Love Trading, Imtiaz and Imran Hack. The semifinals and final is slated for Saturday 6th February at the same venue.
RHTY&SC mourns passing of the late Derek Mendes Some of the members of the Essequibo board Mr. Travis Simon (left) being congratulated by Leonard Harprashad (right) on the latter’s trip to Essequibo. slated for that day. The body will be led by Mr. Travis Simon of the Wild Oats Sports Club who was elected as the president to serve for the period 2016 -
2017. The others elected are: Vice – President – Anil Durga (United Brothers); Secretary- Elroy Stephney (Ravens); Treasurer – Ekkie (Continued on page 29)
The executive and members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) especially the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team have expressed sympathy to the family of the late Derek Mendes, founder of the Farfan and Mendes Group of
companies since 1977. Mendes who passed away on Saturday last has been one of our strongest and dedicated sponsors of the club. In a press release, the club stated that Farfan and Mendes Ltd. can be described as one of the main reasons for their success
over the past twenty five years, playing a major role in the cricketing careers of players the likes of Assad and Abdel Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Khemraj Mahadeo, Shemaine Campbelle, Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper and numerous (Continued on page 25)
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
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National Table Tennis Championship serves off Friday Natalie Cummings
Kyle Edghill Christopher Franklin
Chelsea Edghil By Edison Jefford After a four-year hiatus, the Guyana Table Tennis A s s o c i a t i o n ’s ( G T TA ) flagship tournament on its calendar, The National Championships, will serve off on Friday at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue with a conclusion date set for Monday. According to GTTA President, Godfrey Munroe, players such as Shemar Britton, who has been winning several titles in domestic competitions; defending champion, Nigel Bryan, who won the last national men’s title, Joel Alleyne, Edinho Lewis, Elishaba Johnson, Kyle Edghill, Orin Hickerson, Stephan Corlette and Colin
France are all contenders for the National Men’s title, which is expected to provide some exciting matches. In the women’s competition, defending champion, Trenace Lowe is currently in Guyana for the event, as well as defending Junior Champion and Olympian, Chelsea Edghill. The improving Natalie Cummings, Jodyann Blake, Delcia Cummings, Neveah Clarkston, Priscilla Greaves and Selenas Jackman will all provide a roster for competitive table tennis. ”With several of the players coming off their successful sojourn at the United States Open Team Championships, the association felt that the 2016 Championships make for a very competitive event
filled with keen rivalries among the players in the various categories, given the abundance and nucleus of young emerging and immensely talented players currently playing,” Munroe observed. According to the GTTA President, the ‘B’ and ‘C’ Class events offer a new dimension to the Championships, but are part of the association’s plan to establish a system of ranking for all levels and tiers of players. In addition, it provides a system for measuring players’ development and an opportunity for the players outside of the top tier to be able to win, which helps with motivation, succession and the transition of players with the inclusion and
participation of juniors. Prizes will be awarded to the first three places in each division; the awards include trophies and cash incentives. The categories to be contested include: Men’s Singles; Women Singles; ‘B’ Class Open Singles; 21 and Under Male Singles; 21 and Under Female Singles; ‘C’ Class Open Singles; Men’s Doubles; Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Munroe said that the Championships were not held over the last four years for varying reasons. “Our inability to host these games truly distracted from our many achievements,” the GTTA head noted. “The Executive Committee therefore felt it was very critical that every
effort was made to have these Championships hosted given its critical importance to the structuring of key aspects of the sport, more so at the commencement of the year,” he said. According to Munroe, the association will use the tournament as a “launching pad for the establishment and implementation of a national ranking system, which would serve to improve the transparency in the selection of national teams”. “In this regard, the committee took decisions to have three distinct and separate events for the National Championships, which would see us hosting a National Senior Championship, National Junior and Cadet
Shemar Britton Championships slated for February and National Veterans and Doubles Championships in March,” he informed. “The Committee felt that that would lend to better manageability of the event and less difficulty in securing sponsorship for a 30 category event as done in the past when we hosted a full fledged Championships,” t h e G T TA P r e s i d e n t concluded. He said that the sponsorship arrangement is still being finalized; however, the association has received favorable responses from Banks DIH Limited, Reds Pereira Foundation, the Guyana Olympic Association and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall.
Jeffrey makes even stronger claim for Sportsman of the Year Award By Rawle Welch Just when you thought that reigning Caribbean Motor Racing champion Kristian Jeffrey’s debut season was somewhat of a dream, then how will you describe his astonishing performance in 2015. After finishing as runner-up in the 2014 race for Sportsman of Year Award, losing out to We s t I n d i e s s p i n n e r Veerasammy Permaul, many would have thought that the exciting racer might have rested on his laurels and just take things in stride, perhaps satisfied with his effort. However, that was not the case; Jeffrey in his second year in circuit racing put together an even better performance that the previous year, successfully defending his title and must be in an even stronger position to claim the coveted national award. The soft-spoken champion, whose quiet demeanour totally contrast his aggression and
skills on the track had a magnificent season where he was crowned champion driver on all four circuits including the new Jam West Raceway in J a m a i c a , Wa l l e r f i e l d i n Trinidad and Tobago, Bushy Park in Barbados and the South Dakota Circuit here in Guyana. Jeffrey’s dominance was of such that he scorched the field en route to registering new lap records at Jam West and Wallerfield to go with the one he holds at Bushy Park. Not done there, he narrowly missed erasing the current lap record at the South Dakota Circuit which is held by Jamaica’s Doug Gore. The young speed ace control of the marquee Group 4 category is without question the talk of motor racing in the region, he registered nine wins, one second place, one third place and a did not finish (dnf) in twelve starts, a clear demonstration of his stranglehold in the division. His performance was crucial in
helping Guyana retain the regional title after trailing Trinidad and Tobago at the start of the final leg at home. Jeffrey is at the peak of his career and with continued support of his team which is headed by his father Kevin and the corporate community, the sky seems to be the limit for the young racer. Additionally, Jeffrey is known for his benovelence as well and is a patron of the Buxton Youth Developers Club, an organisation that he has supported financially and has given sporting equipment as well. Apart from being behind the wheel of his very fast Mitsubishi Evolution VIII, Jeffrey is a national Squash player as well, who represented Guyana at last year’s Pan Am Games that was held in Toronto, Canada. His achievements and credentials off the circuit and court make him a very strong contender for the Sportsman of the Year accolade.
A year’s work! Reigning Caribbean Motor Racing champion Kristian Jeffrey poses with his trophies won throughout last year.
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Messi, Lloyd, Luis Enrique and Ellis triumph at FIFA Ballon d’Or 2015 Lionel Messi and Carli Lloyd. Mike Hewitt - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
National Table Tennis Championship serves off Friday
GBSA National Championship
German’s Restaurant hands over $100,000 cheque GBSA President Rollin Tappin (right) accepts the cheque from Clinton Urling.
Nigel Bryan Trenace Lowe
FIFA ethics investigators seek longer bans for Platini, Blatter Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210