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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Why gas prices remain high The price of oil on the world market is at its lowest in 13 years. Yesterday the world market price was under US$30 per barrel, down from the record high of US$110 per barrel a few months ago. Indeed the high fuel prices forced the prices of ancillary products to skyrocket. In Guyana, as the price of oil rose on the world market so did the cost of fuel and fuel products in Guyana. Eventually the cost of transportation went up because the operators of public transport pressed the government to allow them to raise the fares. Their argument was that spare parts and tyres had become expensive as the price of oil went up. What Guyanese noted, too, was that the electricity company would trot up the charges. It included one called energy charge to compensate for the rise in energy costs. Private motorists also complained because the gas stations raised their prices because of what they said were acquisition costs. Today, the converse is the reality; gasoline prices have plummeted. The world price for a barrel of oil is 75 per cent lower than it was this time last year. Needless to say, the government is reaping a harvest. It is spending less money on oil so that the cost of running the electricity generating systems is drastically lower than a year ago. The world is aware of the lower oil prices; Guyana is also aware as it is aware of the falling gasoline prices in the United States. Just yesterday, there was the news that a gas station in Michigan was retailing gasoline at 49 cents a gallon. Of course this was a most unrealistic price but it sent the message that falling oil prices means lower prices at the pump. This has not been the case in Guyana; the gas companies have not been as quick to pass on the reduction in acquisition costs with the result that Guyanese are still paying an inordinately high cost for gasoline and dieseline. The result is that there are mutterings about the government holding on to its windfall. Surprisingly, this has not been made a political issue but there is a movement pushing for the government to slash gasoline and dieseline prices. It is as though the Guyana Government is enjoying the increased savings given that gold prices have hit rock bottom; rice is earning less than it did at this time last year; and bauxite is all but dead. However, if the truth be told despite the lower oil prices many countries are paying much more than Guyana for gasoline and dieseline. Venezuela, an oil-producing country, has the cheapest fuel in the world—about G$20 per gallon or 45 times cheaper than gasoline in Guyana. Trinidad, another oil producing country is retailing gasoline at a cost slightly lower than Guyana. The United Kingdom, a country far more developed than Guyana can hope to be in 200 years is retailing gasoline at US$6.69 a gallon. In countries like Spain, Bangladesh, Austria, New Zealand, Singapore and France the cost of gasoline is higher than it is in Guyana. There can therefore be no claim of a government seeking to reap a windfall at the expense of the people. There must be other factors. Most of these countries are producers of cars, electronic goods and household articles. The export of these products reaps huge revenues on which these countries turn. Guyana is not in such an enviable position. Even when oil flowed from Venezuela this country was paying a high price because Venezuela, while giving away its fuel at home, was prepared to earn from its trade with Guyana, not that this country did not benefit from the trade with its neighbour. Of interest is that, despite the low price of oil on the world market Hong Kong is retailing gasoline at US$8.20 a gallon ($1,640 per gallon), and the Netherlands, US$7:50 a gallon ($1,500 per gallon.)
Thursday January 21, 2016
Letters... Where your views make the news
Very damning accusation against Jerry Gouveia’s company DEAR EDITOR, Happy New Year. I am writing this letter to be circulated in the media so that what happened to me can be helpful to the general public when dealing with Roraima International travel agency (Thereafter “ Roraima”). Roraima, as local Agent for Dynamic Airlines (Thereafter “Dynamic’) sold me a ticket for my son and husband, to be able to travel from JFK International Airport on the January 10th, 2016 inbound to Guyana. Unbeknown to us my son’s US passport had only five months remaining. The Agent at the counter stated” It has to have six months according to The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)”. I instructed my husband to contact DHS to obtain a waiver for him. DHS approved the travel; however upon returning to the Dynamic’s counter the
agent rudely stated “Our airlines will not allow him to travel”. By all measure, this was very disturbing. To make a long story short, my son was unable to travel that night. My husband lodged a complaint to Roraima via Mr. Ronald with email to Jerry Gouveia. (Mr. Gouveia never responded). Mr. Ronald send a letter to Dynamic in North Carolina (I do not know why he did not contact them via the phone) and they responded informing him to have the parents paid $250.00 USD and my son will be able to travel on January 11th, 2016 amount which was paid in full. With both parents in Guyana, my brother took my son to the JFk International airport for the flight. Dynamic refused my son again. At the present time, I am awaiting my $250.00 refund from Roraima. Mr. Ronald said he contacted them
since January11th and today they have not made any contact. As agent of Dynamic, Roraima may become liable for any and all misfeasances of Dynamic. I reported this incident to the Federal Aviation Administration (Thereafter “FAA”) who transferred me to the Federal Transportation Department via www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/f ile-consumer-complaint who responded to me within one day. Dynamic’s web site had no consumer complaint form to fill-out or number for the company; this is a violation of the FAA’s rules and regulation. I would appreciate if Mr. Gouveia can respond according on this matter, especially since his company, Roraima is the local Agent for Dynamic. Lesley Benjamin Esq., Attorney-at-Law
The PPP regime contributed to the suicide syndrome DEAR EDITOR, The spike in attempted and actual suicides is alarming. It has reached a crisis and immediate action is needed to address this evil afflicting our nation. The recent spike in suicide (and government inaction) is a national shaming, putting the state face to face with its utter failure in addressing this social evil. The preceding PPP and PNC governments showed little concern to address suicide. It is heartening to read the coalition APNU-AFC government has finally decided to call a stakeholders meeting to address it if indeed their concern is genuine. While it is understandable why the PNC (1966 thru 1992) did not pay heed to suicides, it was difficult to make sense of the insignificant interest shown by the PPP government (1993 thru 2015) when suicide was a serious problem affecting its support base. The PPP did not even want to
recognize there was a suicide problem plaguing the nation and more specifically very high among its own supporters. But that was the nature of PPP governance – neglect of its base (feeling confident they will not abandon ship) that ultimately saw many supporters leaving the party and it being removed from office over arrogant rule perhaps never to return to office again. The behavior of some in the then governing PPP was appalling. The party leadership had/has some chaps more interested in their own lives (personal enrichment and social entertainment) with very little concern for others. Many a times some of them they would tell stakeholders and volunteers they were busy addressing other social issues, but by six in the afternoon they were at the rum shop with their buddies – that was how some of them were busy. They had very little interest to discuss or find solutions to issues affecting their constituents. And the
preceding PNC dictatorship was not any better in addressing matters largely affecting supporters of the PPP. It was virulently anti-Indian. Some of the PNC officials had made it clear that suicide was not a major African problem and therefore not a priority concern for the PNC regime. The fact that the APNU-AFC has publicly recognized the problem and is calling a meeting of major stakeholders is much more than PPP was willing to do. But one must await the action of the government before rendering a fair assessment of its anti-suicide policy and programs. There is no magic bullet to end suicide just like there is no magic bullet to end racism or prejudice. And trying to make sense of a suicide or its attempt is a very onerous exercise. Nevertheless, social scientists and other stakeholders must study (research causes) it and attempt and propose (Continued on page 23)
Why ask who gave Mr. Pyle his instruction that night? DEAR EDITOR, I refer to Kaieteur News’ editorial of Monday, January 18th 2016 captioned, “Perpetuating a Myth”. I wish to state at the outset that whoever authored that piece came across like one of the PPPC’s ghost writers. This is not what readers have come to expect from a reputable paper like the Kaieteur News. In offering a comment on the editorial, I will restrict myself to that aspect which dealt with the unfortunate death of GDF Sergeant Pyle, his wife and another civilian. I find the demand that the government come clean on this matter to be not only erroneous but it is also
disrespectful of your readership, particularly when it is known that KN was among the first to report on the tragic accident. It was reported that Sergeant Pyle, a GDF Intelligence officer, was seconded to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU}of the Guyana Police Force(GPF) and he was on an assignment conducting surveillance activities in relation to their investigation of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), and its former Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Winston Brassington. The fact that SOCU from day one acknowledged owner ship of the
operation settled the issue of its legality. Operations of the GPF are the responsibility of the police leadership and its commanding officers, the same apply to SOCU. That fact must be known to KN and other media houses. Why then would you ask the President and the Government to come clean and say who gave the instructions for Mr. Pyle to carry out his surveillance actives if your intention is not to be mischievous and vindictive? Mr. Editor your paper in the editorial referred to has signaled that it is descending into the realms of gutter journalism. Tacuma Ogunseye
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
PPP Parliamentarian GHRA press statements wades into two Ministers are clearly written
DEAR EDITOR, What is it about power that causes some politicians to become pompous, arrogant and egotistical? Are these character traits they cleverly hide from the electorate to win votes? Often, a slip of the tongue can be attributed to the inexperienced politician, but inexperience cannot be attributed to Attorney General Basil Williams and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. These two seasoned politicians have been around long enough to know better. Watching them debate in Parliament, I often wonder whose ego is bigger than the other. None is prepared to compromise their position even when it is obvious that they have made major blunders. Repeatedly in Parliament, our learned Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs have demonstrated that he is unprepared to hold this vital position. And although the former Attorney General, Anil Nandall have on many occasions and in good faith, pointed out serious flaws in the amendments to Bills drafted by the Attorney General, he’s never man enough to put his foolish pride aside, admit the blunders, and accept Nandlall’s generous offer to work with him to perfect the Bills before they become law. All of Nandlall’s recommendations and suggestions are ignored even when it is glaring that the Bills presented by the Hon. Basil Williams are seriously flawed. But Williams is not the only one with an inflated ego. Time and time again we’ve seen Ministers so defiant on an issue, that it’s either their way or the highway. The 2 am closure of clubs and bars without consultation is a classic example of how stubborn and self-righteous Khemraj Ramjattan can be. He’s never one to compromise. When oil prices took a nose-dive during the latter part of 2014 from US$80 per barrel to below US$50 in January 2015, the then PPP/C Administration announced a 30% reduction in the price of gasoline that greatly benefit-
ted motorists and commuters. GuyOil’s price moved from $995 per gallon to $695 per gallon, a $300 reduction. Diesel prices declined from $985 per gallon to $694 per gallon another 30 percent, while kerosene was reduced from $850 per gallon to $496 per gallon, a reduction of 42 percent. This meant that GuyOil was selling for less than $160 per litre of gas. The Guyana Power and Light - GPL also caved in to calls from former President Donald Ramotar, and lowered electricity rates to consumers. The PPP/C had ensured that the savings in oil prices were passed on to the people as was previously done in 2008. Now let us compare this to today’s drop in oil prices to illustrate just how insensitive the Granger Administration is to the needs of the Guyanese people. Oil prices have now fallen below US$30 per barrel, its lowest in 13 years. But in Guyana, this is not reflected at the pumps, and there is convincing evidence that this will not happen. According to Kaieteur News’ Peeping Tom (January 20), “The Big Question on everyone’s mind is why have prices at the petrol stations in Guyana not fallen. This is a question for the government, just as it is for the companies that import fuel. The government’s tax mechanism allows it to reduce prices, but the biggest reduction is likely to come from the decline in acquisition costs from the oil companies. Both must answer as to why Guyanese are still paying over eight hundred dollars per gallon for petrol at the pump. This is a rip-off.” Indeed it can best be described as legalized highway robbery. Editor, I am appalled at the statement published in the January 19 issue of Kaieteur News by Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan to justify what appears to be an official
position of the APNU/AFC Government that gas prices in Guyana is unlikely to be lowered, “...because there is a lot of expenditure we have to incur in relation to the social projects we have, the argument will forever be made that revenues will have to be taken in somehow, to carry them out.” This is the kind of careless, pompous arrogance on display that we’ve seen so often from this Minister that directly contradicts the Administration’s promise of ‘a good life for all”. As a lawyer and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan is well aware that misappropriation of the people’s money and extortion are crimes, even when sanctioned by government. The current price of $860 per gallon is way above world market price, over $400 per gallon higher than that sold in New York. If this was done under the PPP/C, a forensic audit would have been ordered to ascertain how much consumers overpaid the Government for oil related products, and where the excess money went to. The economy is crying out and there’s no relief in sight. Thousands have lost jobs under this new Government and thousands more will perish when the Wales Sugar Factory is closed. The 20% salary increase promised to civil servants did not happen, and VAT still remains at a burdensome 16%. Where is the conscience of this Government? Where is the “good life” promised to all? With their fat salaries and free gasoline allowance, Government Ministers are not the ones feeling the pinch, but that should not make the Administration insensitive now to the suffering and needs of our people whose lives they pledge to improve. I urge the Administration to disregard Ramjattan’s reckless proclaim and do right by the people. They deserve better! Harry Gill, MP (PPP)
DEAR EDITOR, Kaieteur News coverage of two recent press releases issued by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) distort the GHRA’s actual statements to make them appear more critical of the APNU/AFC government than can be justified by anything in the releases.tinything in the releases ). KN (12/1/16) carried a headline “Perception that Gov’t adopting end justifies the means attitude – GHRA”. The phrase “the end justifies the means” is repeated in the text as a direct quote of the GHRA. The phrase does
not appear in the GHRA’s release and distorts the point being made that the SOCU incident tested the good will of citizens towards the Coalition Government. The Freddie Kissoon column of December 31 2015 stated “The Guyana Human Rights Association says the coalition’s meaning of consultation seems to be the same with the PPP’s”. The GHRA release of 18/ 12/16 which reviewed the hasty passage of the AntiTerrorism Bill in Parliament, neither mentions the PPP nor remotely supports Mr. Kissoon’s statement.
The GHRA positions are clearly and carefully stated and do not benefit from Kaieteur News hype and exaggerations. It is not helpful to our work and we request that Kaieteur News accept GHRA’s positions for what they are, or disagree with them in a manner that clearly indicates the difference. K accept GHRA’s positions for wht y are or disagree with them in a manner that clearly indicates the difference. Prior attempts to correct this problem have been ignored. Michelle Kalamandeen
DEAR EDITOR, In a media letter of Jan 19, Mohamed Khan drew attention to the lack of irrigation water to cultivate the 35,500 acres of rice lands in the Tapakuma Project, Region 2.The Tapakuma Drainage and Irrigation Project (TDIP) was designed to provide supplemental irrigation needs for the 35,500 acres of ricelands along the Essequibo Coast through stored water during the rainy season in three main lakes and pumping from the Arapiaco Creek, a branch of the Pomeroon River into the Tapakuma Lake. All lakes are connected to a main feeder canal at the back of the cultivated areas. Regulators conveniently located on the main canal release gravity irrigation into subsidiary feeder canals for the various cultivations usually on a rotational basis. Water levels in the lakes and main canal have to be monitored closely particularly during the rice planting and growing seasons and maintained at pre-determined levels to enable the rice fields to be irrigated by gravity. When the water levels
drop below operation level requirements the Dawa pumping station starts pumping water working 24/7 to maintain full supply level in the main canal. Neglect by the Minister of Agriculture, mismanagement and incompetence by National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) a Division of the Ministry of Agriculture as well as the RDC have been responsible for the predicament of the farmers as operation and maintenance of TDIP was allowed to deteriorate to the extent that the infrastructures are falling apart, the irrigation pumps working on and off because of fuel shortage and water levels in the main canal allowed to drop to elevations too low for quick build-ups to facilitate gravity irrigation unless there is supplemental rainfall to assist with the topping up.
There is plenty of fresh water now in the Pomeroon River awaiting to be pumped to irrigate the parched rice fields along the Coast but this had to be done well ahead of the anticipated needs of the farmers and not on a crisis basis. Climate changes due to El Ninos do have an impact on the water needs (as well as the flooding) of Essequibo rice farmers but if TDIP is managed and operated in accordance with its guidelines much of the tragedy now being experienced by the farmers would have been avoided. Finally, the Mainstay Lake has its regulator which releases fresh water from the Main Stay Lake into Main Canal closed. Is the owner of the Mainstay Resort or the NDIA/NDC controls the operation of this Lake? Charles Sohan
Water, water everywhere but not in Tapakuma
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Kaieteur News
Thursday January 21, 2016
Recovering State Assets …
World Bank mission to craft action plan for SARU A scoping mission from the World Bank which specializes in state asset recovery initiatives has arrived in Guyana. After meeting with various persons attached to the Government, an agreement has been reached that the mission will meet relevant agencies in Guyana to garner the necessary information it would need to craft its action plan for the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU). Once completed, the World Bank team will present its action plan to SARU on March 28. This was revealed during a post Cabinet press conference which was held yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said that in the meantime, the members of the international team will continue to meet with members of the Government, civil society and the judiciary. SARU made the significant step to garner the support of the United Nations and the World Bank in the fight against corruption in Guyana last year. SARU’s head, Dr. Clive Thomas, recalled that efforts were being made to get both entities on board through their joint programme called the State Assets Recovery Initiative. He said that after a
few discussions, the World Bank and the United Nations decided to come on board based on their own concerns regarding the state of corruption in Guyana. “We had a number of meetings with them so far and they said that they would be coming to provide technical assistance for us. This is the biggest step for us in terms of international partners and it signals that the international community wants to see us get our act together. With their presence here in Guyana, there is no way that certain PPP wrongdoers could think they will get off the hook,” the economist said. Additionally, Thomas recalled that the draft legislation for his department is finally completed. More importantly, he said that it has been given the blessings of international asset recovery and fraud specialists. The economist hopes that the legislation will be taken to Parliament in a timely manner, at least by the earliest sitting of the National Assembly next year. He had said, “I am happy that this is finally finished. The experts made some extremely useful inputs to the draft legislation in terms of how we are to strengthen our security and how prosecution should be handled. The draft Bill also
sees SARU getting the sort of legal backing that it needs when it comes to certain fraud cases.” “More importantly, I must say that the work of the department under the Ministry of the Presidency is moving along effectively but there are those who feel we are toothless poodles and all sorts of things. These comments come particularly from the opposition.” “I am not surprised that they are opposed to us. But let me make it clear, the international community and this coalition government understand the importance of this department and they continue to encourage us with our work. SARU has an important responsibility, being the protector against the misuse of state assets.” “This agency is not going to let anyone who was involved in that ring get away. The full extent of the law shall be there to hold them. And it is for this reason that the Opposition makes `certain comments about us and has a hateful disposition towards us. It is nothing but fear. They fear such an agency being strengthened because they know that we are not going to tolerate the corruption that they got away with,” said Dr. Thomas. Dr. Thomas had also expressed sincere appreciation for the help being extended by Mr. Brian Horne, a specialist from the United Kingdom. Mr. Horne, who is a Guyanese by birth, has spent most of his life in the United Kingdom. He has worked in more than 22 countries in the field of the recovery of state assets and the successful prosecution of the defaulters. Once the draft legislation receives the blessings of the
SARU Head, Dr. Clive Thomas
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
House and the assent of President David Granger, Dr. Thomas had said that the entity will be renamed the State Asset Recovery Agency. SARU has handled one of the most controversial cases which involve the fraudulent sale of state land under the previous regime otherwise known as the “Pradoville Two scandal.” The Ministry of Housing had called on the Recovery Unit to investigate the ‘Pradoville Two’ deal. Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott, had disclosed that the area situated at Parcel 172 Plantation Sparendaam and Parcel 237 Plantation Goedverwagting, known by citizens as Pradoville 2, was “mutated” and sold, subject to a Cabinet decision. It was done under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration. Jagdeo’s last term in office ended in 2011. The state-owned NICIL/ Privatisation Unit was authorized to do all acts necessary to ensure the vesting of the new development project in the CH&PA, the body which is tasked with overseeing
housing developments in Guyana. NICIL/Privatisation Unit was headed by Winston Brassington, an executive who oversaw a number of contentious multi-billiondollar public infrastructure deals. According to Scott, the allocation of parcels of land to several former ministers, senior Government officials and friends close to the PPP administration, and the method to determine the prices paid, were not assessed by the CH&PA. He said that CH&PA seemed not to have been in the loop. The infrastructural works were contracted to Atlantic Construction by NICIL/Privatisation Unit. NICIL reportedly also spent tens of millions of dollars to build roads, drains and culverts, and to lay pipelines and in some cases, underground power cables. The developed house lots, complete with infrastructure, were then sold to Jagdeo, several ministers and
Government officials and friends. There is no evidence that the house lots sale was advertised or what procedures were used in the allocations of the parcels of the ocean-front properties. Jagdeo himself, according to details of allocations, received two parcels equivalent to two acres. On it, he built an imposing mansion, complete with pool and overlooking the seawall and the Atlantic Ocean. He paid a total of $9.8M. He had owned a property along the Ogle Airport Road in the community that was known as ‘Pradoville One’. However, he reportedly sold that property to Trinidadian advertising executive, Ernie Ross. It was determined that Jagdeo essentially paid onethird of what ordinary citizens in the Diamond and Grove Housing Schemes, East Bank Demerara, would have been required to fork out. Jagdeo’s payment for the Pradoville Two parcels translated to $5M per acre which works out at $114 per square foot; the ordinary man pays $317 per square foot for his plot. The sale of the Pradoville Two house lots for such a low price would contrast starkly with what remigrants had to pay under the Government’s scheme for returning to Guyana. Remigrants paid more than ten times the price Jagdeo paid for the same size house lot. They paid $1,111 per square foot. A detailed report on the matter has since been prepared by SARU, handed over to the police, and is still being investigated.
Conserve water!!! ... From page 3 with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is currently monitoring the levels of the EDWC with the aim of implementing a series of activities which will seek to address the current situation.
The company has intensified the monitoring of all distribution networks for leaks and breakages and is therefore appealing to all citizens to immediately report any leaks within their communities. Contrary to other reports Van West Charles said, “We have not reduced water supply by 50 percent in the shelter belt.” Georgetown will increase the water pressure during peak periods at different times of the day between 5-9am, 11am-12:30pm and from 48pm. During the other time periods there will be a reduction through less pressure in the supply.
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
British police question boy who spelled ‘terrorist’ by mistake (Reuters) - A 10-year-old Muslim boy has been questioned by British police in the north of England after mistakenly writing in an English lesson that he lived in a “terrorist house”, the BBC reported yesterday. The boy had intended to write that he lived in a “terraced” house but teachers did not realize he had made an error and reported the boy to the police in accordance with new counter-terrorism rules, which critics say are focused on Muslim communities.
Police interviewed the boy and examined a computer at the family home. The family has demanded an apology from both the police and the school, the BBC said. “They shouldn’t be putting a child through this,” the BBC quoted the boy’s cousin as saying. To protect the identity of the child, the BBC did not give names in its report. “He’s now scared of writing, using his imagination,” the cousin was quoted as saying.
Russian bombs take toll in Syria as Islamic State under pressure (Reuters) - Four months of Russian air strikes in Syria are taking their toll on rebel forces, strengthening the hand of a defiant President Bashar al-Assad as the United Nations struggles to get peace talks off the ground. Insurgents in the west are being hit harder, while in eastern and central parts o f t h e c o u n t r y, I s l a m i c State is also under military pressure and is cutting fighters’ pay as its oilsmuggling operations are hit by plunging prices. Rebel groups are reporting intensified air strikes and
ground assaults in areas of western Syria that are of greatest importance to Assad. The government last week made one of its most significant gains since the start of the Russian intervention, capturing the town of Salma in Latakia province. While recent gains do not appear to mark a tipping point in the conflict, with rebels fighting back and regaining positions in some places, insurgents describe high levels of attrition on the front lines of western Syria. Officials close to Damascus say sealing the north-
western border with Turkey is the priority. A Syrian military source said rebel supply lines from Turkey, which backs the insurgents, were under pressure from Russian and Syrian air strikes. The course of battle underlines the uphill struggle facing U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura as he seeks to launch peace talks. Even with U.S. and Russian endorsement, a new peace process seems detached from the realities of a five-year-old war that may not yet be ready for peacemaking.
Oil in unrelenting rout, plumbs new lows under $27 Oil tankers sit anchored off the Fos-Lavera oil hub near Marseille, France, on Tuesday. (Reuters/Jean-Paul Pelissier)
(Reuters) - U.S. oil prices crashed to below $27 dollars yesterday for the first time since 2003, caught in a broad slump across world financial markets with traders also fearful that the crude supply glut could last longer. The slide of more than 25 percent in oil prices so far this year has piled more pain on oil drillers and producing nations alike, yet they continue to pump more oil into an oversupplied market. A Venezuelan request for an emergency OPEC meeting to discuss steps to prop up prices did not stem declines. Other delegates dismissed the idea, and previous requests from Caracas have led nowhere. “You need the low price to slow down shale much faster,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities
analyst with SEB in Oslo. He added that a “very broadbased sell-off across assets and across the world” amplified pressure on oil prices. U.S. crude for February delivery, which expired at the end of the day, fell $1.45 to $27.01 per barrel, a 5.1 percent loss, by 11:20AM EST (16:20 GMT). It hit a low of $26.85. Brent futures for March delivery fell $1.16 to $27.60 a barrel, a 4 percent loss. The spread between the two benchmarks narrowed to 61 cents. World equities sank to their lowest level since 2013, and the index’s fall so far in January is already 9.9 percent, the biggest drop since 2009. While the International Monetary Fund’s chief economist warned that financial markets seemed to be over
reacting to falling oil prices and the risk of a downturn in China, demand concerns compounded an already bearish energy market. The International Energy Agency warned that the world could “drown in oversupply” of oil in 2016, with Iran’s exports adding to the excess. The selloff triggered a further round of heavy selling among the biggest U.S. shale drillers, with Continental Resources down nearly 15 percent and Whiting Petroleum down 12 percent as investors feared much of the sector would struggle to withstand a prolonged period below $30. “Today, the oil industry is near a survival line,” Lukoil’s chief executive Vagit Alekperov said. “Unfortunately we are cutting drilling.”
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Thursday January 21, 2016
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Housing applications backlog…
Govt. battles with land shortage With thousands of house lot applications on file, the administration has started meeting with applicants to update them. Newly-appointed Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for housing, Valerie Sharpe-Patterson yesterday met with members of the public at her Brickdam office to talk about land acquisition. According to a Government statement, Sharpe-Patterson noted to the large gathering that most of the land is not owned by the government, but by other stakeholders. She explained that negotiations are currently ongoing with stakeholders who are not occupying their land. “I am planning to meet with all these agencies because some of the land they have, they are not using it for anything and if we could get to issue it as house lots, then we are going to negotiate with them.” Minister SharpePatterson noted that the new policy of the housing department mandates that before the issuing of house
Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Sharpe-Patterson lots, basic needs must be provided. These include water, electricity and roads so that residents enter cohesive communities. According to the Minister, this was the request of President David Granger. “He wants us to put in roads even if they are not of the best quality in the first instance, and it is usable, we have to give it with a promise
Dem boys seh ...
Hammy and Jagdeo think dem important When people think too much of demself dem does always cause people to feel shame or get vex. Some of dem does mek demself an embarrassment. Guyana got nuff of dem who feel that dem very important. Dem boys remember after Hoyte lost de elections in 1992. Hammy did feel he was important suh he form he own political party. That party win de local government elections and Hammy became de Mayor. He think he was important but Jagdeo treat him as though he was insignificant. De same Jagdeo refuse to give Hammy anything because he see Hammy as somebody who people didn’t have to tek serious. De next thing dem boys know was that Hammy was de Mayor of de filthiest city in de world, just like how Jagdeo was de Champion of Dirt. Jagdeo and Whittaker put Sooba fuh wine pun Hammy and all Hammy coulda do was whine. Sooba had more power than he. She was important. De same Jagdeo not president no more suh he can’t think he important but he feel important. He go to Wales and tell de people how he gun lead dem to protest when de government close de Wales estate. Dem boys want to know if he believe he is Martin Luther King. When he was important he shut down two sugar estates and nobody couldn’t think about protest. People had to walk from LBI to Enmore to go to wuk. Dem at diamond had to mek out as best they could. Now Jagdeo impotent and he talking bout protest. He is a toothless poodle. Dem boys seh he so toothless that when he try fuh move Rohee from de Pee Pee Pee he couldn’t even get support from anybody except he scampish friends. Dem boys seh that dem gun mek he feel insignificant. Just like de movie in which de man dead and he ain’t know, same way Jagdeo insignificant and dem boys got to mek he realize it. Talk half and ignore insignificant people.
that within a year or so we will make it top quality road. He wants us to ensure it has electricity and water.” Over 25,000 applications are still to be processed. The Minister told the gathering that measures will be put in place to address the issue in this year’s budget. However, she urged citizens not to “lie” on their application forms, since this will cause problems in the long-run when it comes to payment, especially for those with low incomes. It was also made known at the meeting that no new housing schemes will be developed this year due to Government wanting to develop the infrastructure in the existing ones. Housing, over the last decade, emerged to become one of the biggest drivers of the economy as thousands of persons started construction on their homes on lands allocated by Government. However, very few state lands remain available in Region Four where the largest number of applicants is asking to live. A large swath of housing lands was allocated to private developers on the East Bank of Demerara but quite a few of them are behind in the infrastructural works. There has been growing complaints recently that not much work has been done in issuing house lots recently under the new administration. However, the Central Housing and Planning Authority have insisted that it has been working to correct a major system flaws which has made the process inefficient and had opened the way for corruption.
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WAILING AT WALES There were four possible profitable alternatives to the closure of the Wales Estate. It is disappointing that this estate is going to be closed under a GUYSUCO Chairman who has for decades now been arguing for diversification of the sugar industry and who pointed to the many products which could have been produced from sugar and sugar cane. Wales Estate, to be honest, is not ever in a healthy state. The cost of maintaining the factory is prohibitive. The lands are overworked; the workforce is diminishing; mechanization of the fields will be too costly and will be a gamble considering all of the aforementioned factors. Wales had to come out of sugar production. When it comes to the chopping block, this is the first estate that was likely to be closed. But it would have been better for the sugar corporation to have considered two viable alternatives before moving towards closing down the estate altogether. The first of those options would have been privatization with preference being given to investors who would continue the factory. It is indeed callous that a decision to close was taken without considering this option of trying to attract an investor for the factory. Sugar is still being produced in Caribbean countries like Jamaica. One of the byproducts of sugar is molasses. An investor from Jamaica could have been enticed to come to Guyana to produce sugar from which molasses would be obtain which would feed into a small
distillery or which can be exported. A variant of this option would have been to try to get an investor for the factory and sell out the cane lands of the coops and private individuals who are already planting canes. If these private farmers were losing money, they would not be planting. They are not making a jewel or a crown, either, but enough to keep them going year after year. They therefore would have been interested in buying the lands owned by GUYSUCO at Wales because these lands are better drained and maintained that their own lands and would have allowed them to expand cultivation, and make more money. A lot of the cane harvesters work for private farmers These farmers are now in a quandary. They have made significant investments which are now likely to collapse. It will be feasible for them to move their production to Leonora. That is unprofitable. The closure of Wales means dark days for non-Guysuco cultivation of cane. The second option would have been to establish an ethanol plant. GUYSUCO is already doing some experimental work on producing ethanol at Albion. This would have been an
option to consider given the large population at Wales and its contiguous villages when compared to Albion where the population is declining and which enjoys very good TC/ TS ratios. The third alternative was suggested from a supporter of APNU some time ago. That proposal was to convert the lands into fish ponds and to have the same workers retrained to operate these ponds. This could have been done via a public private partnership. It would have seen the closure of the factory but would have saved jobs for the field workers and create new jobs in packaging and processing of the fish. The final option would have been to sell the industry to the workers and let decide what to do with it. This can still take place and it is hoped that the lands would not be diverted into non- agricultural purposes. Wales is not the first estate to be closed in recent time. Diamond estate was closed and severance paid to the workers. Unlike what certain social media news sites are reporting, the PPP did not close many estates during its term. It merged LBI with Enmore similar to what was done under the PNC with Uitvlugt and Leonora.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday January 21, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Donald Ramotar and Cleopatra’s nose The most popular story in the annals of accidents that changed the course of history is the aphorism of Cleopatra’s nose (see my column, “Cleopatra’s nose in Guyana, January 9, 2013). Marc Anthony fell in love with her because her long nose enhanced her beauty. What if the Egyptian queen had a shorter organ? Very few scholars would dismiss the role of luck and accidents in how history evolved. There is a book titled, “Cleopatra’s Nose” by Daniel Boorstin on how accidents
and incidents changed the course of American history. It would be interesting to apply the Cleopatra aphorism to Guyana. In the midst of an intriguing political dynamic, Winston Murray died. If Murray was alive was it possible that an African party, the PNC would have made history by having an East Indian leader? If Jagan had lived until old age forced his resignation, Guyana would never have had a President named Bharrat Jagdeo. If Hoyte didn’t suffer a heart
attack, was it possible that Guyana would have experienced a violent confrontation between the PNC and the PPP government that would have taken us back to the sixties? In the evolution of global history, many leaders became powerful because accidents created the circumstances. Were there not these surprises, history probably would have been different in most countries of the world. I will always remember that the United States may never have had the Bush family in the White House if Gary Hart’s extra-marital affair was not revealed. Hart was the clear favourite to beat George W. H. Bush If the PPP never returns to power, one can attribute the cause to Donald Ramotar. My analysis puts the PPP at a disturbing disadvantage because the PPP just will not have the numbers to win any longer. It looks like racial voting will continue way
beyond the next General Elections. If the PPP runs against the PNC and collects every Indian vote, it cannot take the PPP over the fifty percent mark. If it is a straight fight between PNC and PPP and every Indian roots for the PPP and every African votes for the PNC, the Amerindians are likely to vote for the Ministers who are in power. Then the mix race swing vote will not choose the PPP. If the race is three-way again –AFC, PPP, APNU –- there will be a minority government. The future scenario does not look good for the PPP. In this context, Donald Ramotar will occupy a place of infamy. Had jagdeo allowed a secret ballot in 2011, Ralph Ramkarran would have become the PPP candidate and Moses Nagamootoo would have stayed with the PPP. Ramkarran would not have encountered the hostility Jagdeo and Ramotar faced from Berbicians in the 2001 General Elections. With Nagamootoo by its side in 2001 and with Ramkarran having no serious baggage, the PPP would have come in at around 51 percent giving it a majority. That was
not to be. Jagdeo bulldozed Ramotar into the presidential slot. PPP leaders who told Ramkarran in 2001 that Ramotar was a non-starter for the 2001 elections are now denying that they told Ramkarran this. You have to be a fool to think that they would acknowledge what they told Ramkarran. They are still in the PPP’s hierarchy and at the top of that pyramid is their leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. To concede that they did confide to Ramkarran that Jagdeo engineered the Ramotar presidential candidacy is to gravely embarrass Jagdeo. No doubt they were advised to reject Ramkarran’s disclosure. There can be no doubt about it; the PPP and Guyanese politics would have taken a different shape if Ramotar was not elevated by Jagdeo. Donald Ramotar was never leadership material. Though Jagdeo could not have allowed Ramkarran to become President because he couldn’t control Ramkarran from behind the scenes, Jagdeo erred disastrously in maneuvering Ramotar to head the PPP list in 2001. There were others who
Frederick Kissoon possessed more marketability than Ramotar, but Jagdeo felt that Ramotar would be more pliable. It turned out to be perhaps the second greatest mistake by a PPP leader after Jagan’s suicidal communist fanaticism during the Cold War. When Ramotar’s name was announced two contrasting emotions came to the surface. Moses Nagamootoo was laughing all the way to the bank. He knew he could out poll Ramotar. He knew the inherent weaknesses of Ramotar and that he could easily beat him. Ramkarran on the other hand was smothered with angst. He knew he could have pulled off a victory for the PPP but with Ramotar in the picture, the results were unpredictable. Only Jagdeo couldn’t see Ramotar was a non-starter. The rest is now history.
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 11
US$200M Skeldon sugar project could have cost US$60M less - Agri Minister …parts acquisition for 100-year-old Wales factory a major problem Government yesterday defended the planned closure of Wales Sugar Estate, saying that it had become virtually impossible to keep the 100year-old factory running. Responding to questions during Government’s postCabinet press briefing, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, said that parts for the factory had become very difficult to acquire over the years. Efficiency was another problem- the factory is operating at only 50 percent of its capacity. The decision to close the factory was announced this week, with Government saying that grinding will bon December 31, 2016. The 3,000 acres that Wales has not put under cultivation will not be used. Private cane farmers who contribute the bulk of the cane to Wales will then begin supplying Uitvlugt factory, another West Demerara estate that is modern and more efficient. Most of the staffers will be taken on by Uitvlugt which has several openings available, Government said. A few workers will be made redundant. But the closure has met with resistance from the Opposition with ex-President Bharrat Jagdeo and his party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) insisting that the decision to close the estate was a clear attack on PPP supporters. Both Holder and Minister of State, Joe Harmon, said that the decision was one made by the Guyana Sugar
was) not a knee jerk reaction for political points.” The recommendations from the PPP would have to take the interest of sugar workers at heart. Minister Holder, when questioned, believed that the US$200M Skeldon estate which has failed to live up to expectations could have been done for a third less, from analysis done. That Skeldon factory, commissioned in 2009 by Jagdeo, faced one problem after the other, despite being hailed as the saviour of the struggling sugar industry. Asked about the long term prospects for the sugar industry, Minister Holder admitted that it is not good. The industry just
Ministers Joseph Harmon and Noel Holder Corporation (GuySuCo) and its Board of Directors and featured in the entity’s 2016 plans. It had absolutely no relationship to the findings of the Commission of Inquiry of GuySuCo that was commissioned by Government last year. The report is currently being studied by a Parliamentary committee. Yesterday, the officials said that it was intolerable to continue running the estate especially in light of the losses which are projected to be more than $1.6B this year. It was stressed that private farmers, who supply the bulk of canes to Wales, will not be affected as these will be handled by Uitvlugt. The arrangements as well
as how the farmers will be taking the canes to Uitvlugt will be worked out in the next few months, Holder disclosed. It may even see farmers getting more for their canes as Uitvlugt ramps up its efficiency. Yesterday, the Government officials also admitted that closure of Wales will not be dissimilar to the closure of Diamond and LBIfor efficiency purposes. Cane workers from Diamond were working to supply LBI. Eventually, the LBI factory was also closed. There are other adjustments currently ongoing throughout the industry to ensure that GuySuCo improve its efficiency. Last year, with only a few months in office, the
administration announced that GuySuCo has for the first time in a decade met its original production target. The absence of political interference was credited to the improvement. Yesterday, Harmon said that he has not been approached by Jagdeo for a possible reversal of the decision to close Wales at the end of this year. However, Government remains ready to engage the Opposition, the Minister saidonce the recommendations are practical and not purely political and emotional. “… (It
producing sugar can never be profitable. GuySuCo will have to diversify- whether it involved selling extra power to GPL or other things, the industry has to diversify. Holder said that it is a fact that while GuySuCo is losing on the financial s i d e , i t cannot be discounted that the big earnings in foreign exchange has been a boost for Guyana. In addition, GuySuCo itself has been providing a number of other services to communities including drainage, health centres and maintenance of playgrounds. Any decision about GuySuCo will have to consider all the factors in play, he warned.
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Kaieteur News
Two Guyanese missing after boat from Venezuela capsizes in Atlantic The bodies of two Guyanese are reportedly still missing following a boat mishap in the Atlantic Ocean on Monday night. While details of the incident are still sketchy, Kaieteur News was informed by persons in the Mabaruma area that a boat carrying 14 persons heading home from neighbouring Venezuela and near the Orinoco Channel while heading to Guyana. While they cannot immediately confirm the information, sources have claimed that three persons perished in the tragedy. The body of a Guyanese woman who resides in Venezuela was reportedly recovered and taken back to the Spanish-speaking country, while two persons including a 24-year-old man whose name was given as Joel King, of Port Kaituma, and a young girl from the Mabaruma Settlement are still unaccounted for. One source reported that 11 persons survived the or-
deal and were all taken back to Venezuela. Kaieteur News was told that the boat which is owned by the Guyanese woman whose body was reportedly recovered, encountered rough seas on the six-hour journey from Venezuela to Guyana. All the passengers and cargo were hurled into the raging ocean and while some managed to stay afloat, three were not immediately seen. “I just hearing things,” said Alan Adams, whose nephew is among the missing persons. “I'm trying to make contact with people over in Venezuela. We getting all kinds of information,” Adams told this newspaper. He said that on Tuesday, he received a report that his nephew's body was found along with that of the woman, whose name could not be ascertained by this newspaper up to late last night. He later heard that only the (continued on page 14)
Thursday January 21, 2016
B Division Traffic Department moves to curb traffic lawlessness Despite the best effort of the Police Traffic Department in Berbice during 2015, there was one more road death than the previous year. Officer in charge of traffic in Berbice (B) Division Deputy Superintendent Bhodnarine Persaud sat down with the media in Berbice to detail what took place in the Division and his plans to curb the traffic lawlessness in the Berbice. Some 30 persons were killed on the roads of Berbice last year compared with 29 in 2014. The figures showed that seven drivers and three motor cyclists were the largest of the lot. Eight passengers of private vehicles, five passengers in public transportation, three pedal cyclists and four pedestrians constituted the remainder of people killed. The figures also showed that 18 of those killed were between the ages of 15 to 25 while seven were between the ages of 26 to 30. There were 22 fatal accidents, eight of which occurred on Sundays. Several accidents in 2015 resulted in multiple deaths
where the drivers were either under the influence of alcohol or having a drinking spree one at Alness Corentyne and another at Golden Grove, West Coast Berbice. Three friends died on both occasions. They were having a spree. Both occurred in the night. There were also three occasions where two persons were killed. Twenty fatal accidents resulted from speeding, while on 10 occasions the drivers were under the influence of alcohol. During the year 706 persons were prosecuted for drunk driving. One driver Shabdeen Raffick who drove motor hire car HC 4702 was disqualified after been charged and found guilty on three occasions. Four drivers were suspended having been found guilty for a second time while 7,146 persons were prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit. According to Persaud the fine should to be increased since the paltry $ 7,500 is the cost of a bottle of whisky. There was a marked reduction in the number of pedestrians killed on the road
Deputy Superintendent Bhodnarine Persaud with four in comparison to 12 the year before. During the year the Police Traffic Department held several awareness programmes--including driver’s seminar, road safety workshop with members of the department of education, numerous television and radio programmes. Flyers on road safety tips and the laws of Guyana were distributed. Persaud feels that the many initiatives undertaken by the department played a part in the stark reduction on the number of pedestrians killed. Passengers suffered the worst and according to Mr. Persaud he is hoping that the
release of the statistics would send a strong message to let people realize that they need to speak out when drivers are going above the speed limit. The Deputy Superintendent is calling on drivers to practise defensive driving. He stated that drivers should always be prepared to take evasive action if confronted with danger and be able to anticipate “wrong moves” by other road users. The department is therefore calling on pedal cyclist and pedestrians to be more cautious since they are the ones who stand to suffer the most. Mr. Persaud stated that it could be concluded that the attitude of drivers especially the young ones is the main cause of accidents. He is calling on family and friends to play their part in educating the “unruly drivers” of the consequences of using the “road badly”. He concluded that the sole purpose for vehicles is for transportation and not sporting or speed testing. The department is hoping for a 35 per cent deceased in fatal accidents this year. The department has since started a fortnightly television educational programme where persons are also allowed to call in. (Samuel Whyte)
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 21
Promoting decent work could help safeguard future generations - UNICEF Rep. By providing decent work and salaries, businesses can have immense impact on their workers’ lives and families. This notion was recently amplified by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative, Ms. Marianne Flach. In the promotion of decent work, Flach noted that young workers must also be taken into consideration with particular focus on ageappropriate, social protection and health information and services. Added to this, the UNICEF Representative highlighted the importance of paying attention to working conditions such as the payment of a living wage, length and flexibility of working hours, and provisions for pregnant and breastfeeding women. She noted too that parental leave, supporting migrant and seasonal workers with distance parenting, and facilitating access to good quality childcare, health care and education for dependents must be among the considerations in promoting decent work. Flach, using information from the World Health Organisation (WHO), disclosed that each year around three million children under five years old die, due to environment-related diseases. But according to her, businesses can take measures to progressively reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from company operations and promote resource use that is sustainable. “They can recognize that these actions and other initiatives to better
the environment will impact future generations. They can identify opportunities to prevent and mitigate disaster risk and support communities in finding ways to adapt to the consequences of climate change. Let us remember that children are more vulnerable to impacts of climate change, but that it is also their future that is at stake,” Flach observed. Flach, who was earlier this week speaking at a conference that highlighted the rights of children in the extractive sector, recounted that “a 17-year-old girl from Bosnia and Herzegovina said during a United Nations Security Council Meeting on Children and Armed Conflict, 2002: ‘War and politics have always been adult games, but children are always the losers’.” The UNICEF Representative told the gathering at the recent forum, too, that “a young person in Peru, during a Children’s Participation in Corporate Social Responsibility Workshop, organized in 2010 by Save the Children said: ‘Do not take advantage of us, we ask you to be responsible. Do not support us because you feel pity for us; instead, support us because we deserve it. We purchase your products and services, but we ask you to invest in our development. We do not want gifts; we want you to be responsible.’” And according to Flach, it was young people from Paraguay, during the Children’s Consultations for the Children’s Rights and Business Principles Initiative
in 2011, who related that “it is important that businesses work… to better understand human rights and the implications their actions have over people’s lives’.” Flach moreover concluded that the effect that businesses have on children can be long-lasting and even irreversible, even as she pointed out that “childhood is a unique period of rapid physical and psychological development, during which young people’s physical, mental and emotional health and well-being can be permanently affected for better or worse.” She observed that while recognition of the responsibility of businesses towards children has often focused on preventing or eliminating child labour, businesses can affect children in many more ways. “We can think of the use or production of pollutants – children absorb a higher percentage of such products in cases where they are exposed, and thus their immune systems are more compromised and vulnerable. We think here of mercury, present in the environment of Guyana and especially dangerous for pregnant women, the unborn and very young children. “A 13-year old boy from India, during a Save the Children workshop on ‘Children’s Participation in Corporate Social Responsibility’ in 2010 said: ‘Pay our parents adequately so that children do not have to drop out of school’,” Flach highlighted in her presentation. It was perhaps with such considerations in mind that in
One month later…
Bus driver’s killer(s) still to be apprehended One month has passed since 38-year-old Jermaine Burrowes was shot dead during a robbery at the Liliendaal Railway Embankment on the East Coast Demerara (ECD), in the vicinity of the “Steel Bridge,” and the police are yet to apprehend his killer(s). This newspaper was told that since the father of one died, a number of persons were arrested, but no one was charged for the shooting. Burrowes was shot around 22:00 hrs on December 15, last, shortly after he had picked up passengers in proximity to the
Giftland Mall at Liliendaal. He managed to drive his vehicle for a short distance before veering into a trench at Blygezight Gardens, ECD. Reports are that after picking up passengers, the bus was flagged down by a man. When Burrowes stopped, another man appeared at the driver’s side of the minibus. One of the passengers suspected that the two men were robbers and pulled the door shut, preventing the man from entering the bus. At that point, the bandit who was at the driver’s side pointed a gun at Burrowes
and shot him. This newspaper understands that with passengers screaming and telling Burrowes to drive, the wounded man continued in the direction of Georgetown, before losing control of his vehicle and ending up in a trench. He was hospitalized in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Intensive Care Unit for almost a week before he succumbed. Just before he died, doctors were forced to remove one of his kidneys. Burrowes was shot in the back and abdomen.
2012, UNICEF, the UN Global Compact and Save the Children, created a partnership to develop 10 Children’s Rights and Business Principles. These principles, according to Flach, are the first comprehensive set of principles to guide companies on actions that they can take in the workplace, marketplace and community to respect and support children’s rights. There has been much advancement with respect to human rights and business. But according to Flach, there is still significant progress to be made with respect to holistically addressing children’s rights, especially in the extractive sector. She however noted that the 10 Principles are built on existing standards, initiatives and best practices related to business and children, and seek to present a coherent vision for business to maximize the positive impacts and minimize negative impacts on children, who are often overlooked as stakeholders of business.
UNICEF Representative, Marianne Flach It is expected that businesses within the extractive sector will embrace the existing principles with a view of arresting prevailing negative impacts affecting children. According to Flach, “extractive operations such as mining often occur in some of the most remote areas, and can have profound impacts on the lives of some of the most vulnerable children.” “We hope that this conference will help to inform companies in the extractive sector about the importance of actively integrating respect
and support for children’s rights into their core strategies and operations, and will serve as an inspiration and a guide for all businesses in their interactions with children,” added Flach. She informed too that, “in engaging with extractive companies, UNICEF would like to work with those companies, governments and civil society to develop tools, guidance and research to support companies in identifying and managing their impacts on children.”
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Kaieteur News
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Thursday January 21, 2016
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PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. 3 Bedrooms concrete house 22feetX48feet, land 50X90feet @ Vision Garden, Versailes, W.B.D – $11M negotiable. Call: 609-1367; 658-5803 House for sale with 3 bedrooms upper & bottom flat, @ Lot 153 Green Acres, Stadium Road- Call: 681-7366 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 664-5052 Property @ 650 Section ‘A’ Block Great Diamond East Bank Demerara. Call: 2254792; 609-1114 2 Storey wooden houselot 20ftx38ft in Kitty, transported land, price $15M negotiableCall Monday 18 th January onwards 8:00am-6pm: 6666934 3068 Amelia’s Ward Linden: 4 bedrooms, 1 selfcontained-Call: 640-4731; 624-6609 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244
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VACANCY Cook/baker and truck driver for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Urgent: Cleaner & kitchen helper (dayshift) required at Aagman Indian Restaurant. Apply at aagmanrestaurant@gmail.com or call: 219-0158 Driver/Salesman- Five CXC and license for a lorry. Telephone 624-0092 email info@fernandesgy.com 1 Cashier/clerk: apply with written application @ August Beverages Ent. Experience, Maths & English will be an asset. Tel: 225-5501 One Admin assistant to work @ reputable auto shop, must have background in accountancy & be over age 25. Call: 223-9731 Security officers wanted by security company-Contact: 672-1920, between 8:00am5:00pm
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One top flat Diamond, New Scheme- Call: 615-5833 Office Space at Camp Street –Call Naz: 639-4499 1-3 Bedrooms upper flat @ Section ‘A’ Diamond, H/ Scheme E.B.D, fully grilled & concrete fence with parking space- Call: 662-9335; 6123244 SD Real Estate: executive 2 bedrooms Apartment, in exclusive residential area with all modern amenities. Call for appointment Tele 6532920 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park- 2 bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi asking $80,000-$90, 0000Call: 227-5194
Network technician to install outdoor internet wireless antennas. Email CV to jobs@awngy.com Interested in working in a Private School? Apply POBOX 101818, include your contact number. Male security, male desk staff, room attendants, between ages 25-45yrs @ 233 South Road, LacytownCall: 225-0198 1 Sales representative,3 office assistant & 2 bag packers. Send application & passport picture size to Survival, 173 St C/Ville Accounts clerk: experienced in QuickBooks, accounting software, VAT, NIS & PAYE, @ Technical Services, 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles. 1 Female cleaner apply Technical Services, Lot 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site E.B.D Sales Assistant/Truck Porter Contact Fernandes Guyana Enterprise Inc. telephone 6240092 email info@fernandesgy.com Security Officers, apply in person. Massey Security (Guyana) Inc, Lot 0 Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Call: 225-5773-6 Popular East Coast Gas Station Day/Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 6694755; 695-9880, Non-Pareil Office Clerk: minimum 3 CSEC subjects, apply: Avinash Complex, Water Street, Georgetown. Call: 226-3361; 227-7828 Massage Therapist & cosmetologist: must be certified in facial waxing, manicure & pedicure. Call: 672-1230; 226-1172
VACANCY Hicks Ville Hotel: Receptionist, Hotel Attendant, Washer/Presser, Bell Boy. Email: info@hicksvillehotelguyana. com/call:231-0951 Vegetarian Gardens: driver/ salesman. E-mail: info @ vgiworld. com/ call:223-3448; 227-7714
EDUCATIONAL Practical Electronic Course beginning 26 th January. Register early! Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 NURSERY EDUCATION: Living with Dignity Foundation; offers scholarships for students 18months-4yrs. Half & Full day programs. Call: 690-9378 January Computer Deals: 9 Courses office 2016 @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop-Call: 264-3057. Earn your diploma now! Computerize Accounting: 4 courses: QuickBooks, POS, Peachtree, Excel 2016- Call Micrographics Vreed-enHoop-Call: 264-3057 Continued on page 23
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news
These things have been around for donkey years but…
DEAR EDITOR, I refer to Pastor WP Jeffrey’s letter, “Urgent need for parenting classes”, (KN, Jan 9). In his letter he floats the idea that there is a need to institute an ex-offender’s rehabilitation center. He even offers his expertise, but officials are giving him a cold shoulder. His idea has merits in terms of preventing recidivism. Stifling the Pastor’s inputs only undermine our society. It is a well-known fact that officials have a habit of shutting out ideas, only to turn around and use them later. Officials need to drop
their ego. Pastor Jeffrey’s letter invokes parallel narratives, including that of a certain Dr Ann Baliram whose letter is contained herein. Like Pastor Jeffery, Dr Baliram expressed frustration that her contributions to the Ministry of Social Protection were rebuffed in the face of dire needs. Subsequently, she penned a letter to the Stabroek News discussing the impact of parenting on moral behaviors (SN, Dec 29, 2012), captioned “Guyanese Society is Experiencing Moral Decay”. In spite of the fact she had demonstrated that good parenting is essential in
Driving the drivers DEAR EDITOR, The issue of teen suicide and suicide overall have gripped this nation due to the extremely high number of cases in 2016, particularly among young adults. I would like to offer my view on this very sensitive topic and that is highlighting what I believe to be some of the possible drivers contributing the high rates of suicide in our country. For simplicity, I would like to offer this simple formula which explains my conception of the problem that has been fermenting for a numbers of years (even decades) and this is – A lack of education (high illiteracy) + a lack of access to opportunities + breakdown of family and community + high economic disparity + high alcohol and drug use = High Teen Suicide Rate. Editor, in my opinion these factors have created the perfect storm we see manifesting today and beyond and is now approaching critical mass in our society and if our leaders and few social experts did not see the writing on the wall then they truly had their heads buried in the sand or refused to accept reality. Therefore, leaders today should not be surprised but confront the realities of the problem. The past regime failed to address the issue and its drivers for many years and now the new Government is forced to confront it. Editor, what is also disturbing is the seeming absence of the religious community in confronting this issue whose memberships by and far have also seen a drastic decline across the three dominant religions over the years, pointing to another driver and evidence of a nation that has become less religiously tolerant than our fore-parents who were much more God fearing. As a young Guyanese I would also note, and perhaps a controversial one, in point-
ing to another culprit which is the rise and access to technology and social media which has opened up many boundless possibilities but which also came with some unintended social consequences with regards to our youth. The social life of teen is much more different for those of us 30+ have ever experienced and while some experts have voiced their concern, social scientists have been reluctant to tackle this subject and its effects head on. Another question that should be asked is where are the mental health professionals who are suited to dealing with people on the brink of suicide, or is Guyana devoid of such professionals? If this is the case then what is the academic industry doing to address this shortfall and should our Government and private sector now look at placing more emphasis on mental health issues by providing more access and resources to personal and public treatment? Editor, I hope this letter can begin to stir some minds and spur action. We as a nation need to be honest and do a serious assessment of the drivers proliferating this phenomenon and only then can we hope to find a workable solution to reducing teen suicide and suicide overall in Guyana. Anthony Persaud
thwarting dysfunction, it fell on deaf ears. Some three years later, the Child Protection Agency (CPA) is only now showing interest into this kind of thinking. This draws praise and applause from those who do not know that such a move by the CPA is way behind times. Such insights have been around for donkey years and Dr Baliram has also discussed this in her letter some three years ago. Isn’t this a case of Johnny-come-lately? The CPA should have been on top of all this. These are testaments to the fact that officials lack knowledge and shut out much needed help. Officials need to realize that our contributions are inspired by the length and breadth of sufferings. Editor, given the importance of Dr Baliram’s letter it is inserted here: “Dear Editor: It is sad and of serious concern that the Guyanese society is experiencing moral decay. The behavior displayed by many Guyanese has drifted far from the norm and is skewed towards severe dysfunction. For example, many Guyanese are not hesitant to show a lack of consideration for each other, thus resulting in abuse, be it domestic or child abuse or any other form. A main factor causing this behavioral dysfunction is a lack of education. As a nation, we place low emphasis on educating our citizens regarding social interaction and our psychological well-being, thus resulting in moral decay. Certainly, the individual and society will experience detrimental consequences when there is a high rate of dysfunction. Where the individual is concerned, dysfunction causes stress, emotional abuse, substance abuse, suicide, mental health issues and a lower life expectancy. At the level of society as a whole, dysfunction causes it to decay, impairs economic growth and prosperity, and burdens social resources. In essence, dysfunction is a recipe for failure and hinders a progressive society. As a culture, we need to immediately edu-
The PPP regime... From page 4 solutions to minimize and ultimately end suicide. The first step in addressing suicide, just like fighting racism, is to acknowledge its existence that there is a problem, and for now this government is willing to acknowledge there is a national problem. And it has called for a national conversation be-
cause of the gravity of the problem. On this issue, it is miles ahead of the preceding PPP regime. But the fruits of this government’s action will be on the seriousness and urgency with which it tackles the problem. It is hoped it will not be another round of lip service like the preceding regime Vishnu Bisram
cate our citizens during early childhood. Early childhood is a critical period of development during which time the superego develops. The superego controls moral behavior and is molded early in life. Therefore, education begins from the home and as well as from the community. Good parenting and positive community involvement will eliminate dysfunction in the Guyanese society”. Like Dr Baliram, I too am convinced of the powers of education. Education can disrupt dysfunction and derail the five decades of failure in our country. Educating parents alone will not cut it. To this end, Guyana needs to champion an aggressive stance educating all. A liberal arts education is lacking in our educational system and this largely part play into the moral decay in our country. The Minister of Education needs to alter its high school curriculum to include at least Introduction to Psychology and Ethics, as requirements. Tertiary institutions need to also provide a well-rounded education consisting of liberal Arts courses including: Introductory Psychology, Social Psychology, Cross Cultural Psychology, Brain and Behavior, Sociology, Developmental Psychology, Philosophy and Ethics. Moreover, it should be mandatory that employees be trained in some or all of these courses. Society at large needs to be educated since it takes more than just the parent to raise a child as Hilary Clinton wrote it takes a village. The Ministry of education needs to facilitate higher retention and send more of its students to the University of Guyana. There are all doable. These remedies are highlighted not to impress anyone, but to show what is needed and are lacking. It is our moral obligation as citizens to be vociferous on issues affecting us no matter which Government is in power. Guyana is a sinking ship and every Guyanese is needed to crew it to safety, not only those here at home, but all. Ronald Dixit TO LET Fully furnished luxury apartment: 3 bedrooms for rent- Call: 603-6351 3 Bedrooms upper flat for rent at Vreed-en- Hoop –Call: 6610162 Business place located on Robb Street next to Bourda Market. Call: 623-7731; 6290636
From page 22
VEHICLE FOR SALE STAR CARS AUTO SALE: 30-06 PREMIO, 03-07 FIELDER, NEW RAUM, IST, BLUEBIRD, AXELA, PITBULL. CALL: 679-3140; 268-3509 Noah & Voxy: unregistered & fully loaded -$1.7M (black, white & silver). Call: 603-9700
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Earth Delivery on spot, also bobcat & excavator rental. Call: 617-5536
Honda Accord, 2003, leather, TV, DVD, radio, 35,000km, like Wholesale & Retail quantity of new, price negotiable- Call: all types of belts –Call: 670-2343 689-1194 ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR BMW 318i- $2.9M, BMW SALE. CALL: 6004212 320i- $4M, Audi A4- $4M, Crazy Deals: Dell/HP desktop Suzuki Escudo- $4M, new & laptop computers from model Premio- $3M- Contact# $49,000, free games & 650-0402/260-4988 educational programs @ Toyota Hilux 4x4 2L, Turbo FutureTech: 231-2206 Diesel pickup. Excellent 1,500 lb snapper sein e i n condition. Call 648-0111; 685- excellent condition. Call: 6570942 0044 1 RZ Mini bus, BJJ series-Call: One Yamaha 2007 R1 with chrome rims. Call: 662-2569 678-5887; 677-3177 New model Premio 2007 Lots @ Blankenburg behind model $3.1M negotiable. Pre- the gas station- $3.9M- Call order Allion, Premio, Bluebird Us Today: 650-0402 2006 model- Call: 655-3400 Toyota Runx; PPP 560 One extra cab Tacoma 2005, $1.65M. Call: 676-5229 mag rims. Call: 687-6083; 66926" Mountain Bicyle & 2887; 687-6083; 216-2465 Speed -$12,000 each. Call: 2008 Fielder- fully loaded 226-1316; 691-0230 vehicle, never registered Combines: 7300 John Deere $2.5M- Call: 617-2891 (2000 hours), Fiatagri L413 2- New model Toyota (2500 hours), Laverda 132 & Tacoma, crash bar, step, Tractors: Massey 399, Fiat alarm, bed covering, mag rim- 110/90, Ford 6610-Call: 685Call: 695-6461; 639-7758 9878; 338-4354 One Accent Hyundai - Stalls 64-72 (47feet long x 7 feet wide) @ La Penitence $225,000.Call: 695-1744 Market Albouystown. Call: Noah & Voxy in ‘G’ series, 663-1597; 218-4837 fully loaded, never registered TM 6X6 parts for sale: -$1.7M –Call: 617-2891 engines, gearbox, power box, Honda CRV, PJJ series def, drive shaft, etc. Call: 6017001 GYD$1M –Call: 231-5080; 641-4704; 613-7091 1 Complete music set and also 1 Toyota Fun Cargo: AC, CD, studio equipment (music 17" mags and flair kit never studio). Call: 265-3586 (8amworked hire -$1.250M- Call: 4pm) 619-1047 290 MF Tractor- $1.4M, 330TK Bedford dump truckManual and automatic super $1.2M; in working order-Call: GL pit-bull buses & VVTI 614-9262; 604-2540 buses, extra cab Hilux with 1 RZ engine-Call: 616-7635 PEN-PAL Toyota Wish (7seats), PKK Mixed male, age 27 is series, excellent condition & seeking female friends age one owner -$1.3M. Call: 698- 18-30. Call: 696-9746 9771 Honda CRV 1995, price $1M negotiable, in excellent condition. Call: 696-0100; 6792753 TOURS Suriname tour (return): Mashramani weekend February 20 th -23 rd 2016. Shopping, site seeing and more. Call: 639-2663; 665-5171
MASSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! –Call: 690-6079
Page 24
Kaieteur News
Thursday January 21, 2016
Public Health Ministry appeals Man assaults friend with bottles over broken windows - court hears for cautious reporting on suicide - freed after claiming self defence A West Ruimveldt man, who hurled several bottles at his friend, after the man attacked him with a cutlass over some broken louvre windows, was yesterday freed on a wounding charge by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The two friends were yesterday arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. The men, Kurt Cliffe, 26, of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown and Osafo O'Neil, a 37 year-old taxi driver, of Lot 317 West Ruimveldt, were both charged with unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm upon each other on January 13. Cliffe pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge, while O'Neil pleaded not
guilty. However, after Cliffe explained to the Magistrate that he was acting in self defence, he was reprimanded and discharged. O'Neil was however, placed on $10,000 bail and ordered to return to court on January 29, before Magistrate Alex Moore. Cliffe explained that he and the complainant (O'Neil) were involved in a confrontation. He added that man later armed himself with a cutlass and attacked him. He stated that he was forced to defend himself and in the process tossed several bottles at O'Neil. Cliffe showed remorse to the court and told the Magistrate that his actions were not intentional and he was not
looking for a problem. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones in relating the facts of the matter, told the court that on the date in question, O'Neil was playing football in the neighbourhood when he kicked the ball into the victim's windows and broke them. Jones related that a confrontation was held between the two men and Cliffe picked up several bottles and pelted the man. He stated that the victim was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where a medical report was prepared. According to the Prosecutor, the victim in this matter received lacerations to the left temple and three of his left fingers.
Ecuador’s Ambassador commits to stronger bilateral ties with Guyana - at accreditation ceremony
Officials from the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Public Health are urging members of the media to desist from sensationalising the issue of suicide. National Mental Health Services Coordinator of the Ministry of Public Health, Ms. Leslyn Holder stressed that while officials are not urging the media to lessen its reports on suicide, they are asking that they be cautious, considerate and humane. “It is very important to consider what is reported. We have to report things, but what is the operative word. There is absolutely no need to include details such as names, addresses, means, photographs of the victims and particularly, no plans,” Ms. Holder stressed. The coordinator also stressed that if a certain method was used by a person to commit the act the media should desist from providing any details of the plans, and instead, provide only the basic information. “There are certain things to consider which contribute to copycat cases and these can also affect the survivors. We have to be careful and considerate to the family, the loved ones and even the community in which it may happen,”Ms. Holder added. While acknowledging the
- says reckless coverage contributes to copycat cases five W’s and H (who, what, why, where, when and how) which form the basis of a news story, the Coordinator said that the media should place more emphasis on educating the populace. “You can talk about how persons can seek help, reducing means; you can do so much as the media in educating people. Instead of capitalizing on the victim and the family, capitalize on education; capitalize on what is positive and what would impact positively on the nation,” she urged. Head of Psychiatry at the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Bhiro Harry, also stressed the important role the media plays in reducing the incidence of suicide in Guyana. Additionally, Dr. Harry is assuring the public that the Unit continues to train health care providers at the different levels to offer assistance. There are trained persons in most, if not all of the health facilities in Guyana. And mental health services are available at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, in New Amsterdam, as well as satellite clinics in Parika,
Linden and Suddie. Officials from the Mental Health Unit are working towards extending those services this year to Diamond, Leonora, Mahaicony, Bartica and even as far as Baramita in Region One (Barima-Waini). Dr. Harry urged Guyanese who may have suicidal thoughts to seek help, whether it is from their peers, teachers, religious leaders, youth leaders, at health centres or at the community level. He noted that tackling the issue of suicide requires a multisectoral approach as well as support of Non-Governmental Organisations, and assured that they are willing to collaborate with anyone who is willing to play a role. Psychologist and Addiction Specialist attached to the Ministry of Public Health, Ms. Caitlin Vieira, said that the media needs to focus more on publishing the tollfree numbers of the 24-hour suicide prevention help lines. Those numbers are 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 and 600-7896, and persons can also request to be called as well as texted from the aforementioned cell phone numbers.
South Ruimveldt resident slaps seven-year-old, lands in court
President David Granger and newly sworn-in Ambassador of Ecuador to Guyana, Rafael Quintero. The newly accredited Ambassador of Ecuador to Guyana, Rafael Quintero, pledged to pursue stronger bilateral relations between the two countries, at a simple installation ceremony yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency. The new non-resident Ambassador made these remarks as he presented his Letters of Credence to President David Granger. He said that solid bilateral ties are part of the solution to the problems that plague this region. Ambassador Quientro said that the many organisations, including the Organisation of America States (OAS), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), in which Guyana and Ecuador share membership, provide a platform for even greater collaboration. “For us, multilateralism acquires a particular importance when it is combined with bilateral arrangements and relations so...
we are not only interested in bilateral relations but the multilateral relations that Guyana has,” he said. The Ambassador also said that his country looks forward to cooperating with Guyana economically, socially, culturally and politically. President Granger said that Guyana values the strong ties of friendship and close cooperation, which exists between the two countries and peoples since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974. “Our relations over the past 42 years have been fruitful. Our friendship flourished because of our shared goals and ideals. We have a common desire to work together at the bilateral and regional levels to improve the well-being of our peoples and the integration of our continent. “Guyana and Ecuador have strengthened their relations especially in the area of peopleto-people contact, through the introduction of reciprocal visafree travel for our citizens. We are satisfied with the recent
initiatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation through the proposed agreements on Scientific and Technical Cooperation and on Culture,” President Granger said. The Head of State also noted that the two countries have enjoyed excellent relations at the regional level, apart from the advances made at the bilateral level. “Our principled policies – especially our adherence to democratic government; our respect for human rights; our concern about climate change; our commitment to regional integration and our pursuit of the peaceful resolution of international controversies – have contributed to our mutual understanding. This is especially so within the framework of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and, more recently, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC),” the President said.
Colin Benn yesterday appeared before City Magistrate, Alex Moore, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was ordered to compensate a seven-year-old for slapping him behind his head. Benn, also known as ‘Gaza King’, is a 27-year-old bus conductor who resides at 3257, South Ruimveldt Park. He pleaded guilty to the allegation which stated that on January 13, at Croal and
Cornhill Streets, Georgetown he unlawfully assaulted a child. The Magistrate ordered him to compensate the child to the tune of $15,000 before February 12. Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Jillian Simmons told the court that on the day in question the child and Benn were having a conversation when the child hit Benn with a food box in his face. The defendant then slapped the
child behind his head. The mother was told of the incident and reported the matter to the police. The defendant was told of the allegation made against him and was subsequently arrested. Benn, who was unrepresented by Counsel, told the court that he would normally make such jokes with the child and did not expect the matter to escalate the way it did.
Under-reporting detected in ... From page 19 tactics with the support of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Women Miners Association and other organisations and individuals. “Dealing with malaria is not a Ministry of Public Health effort alone but it is the collective effort of all the partners who have been supporting us and I think we never stopped to thank them all for contributing,” said Dr. Persaud as he added that “these gains are collectively all of our gains.” And according to him, “we are hoping for that trend to continue.” He, however, noted that one of the biggest challenges in con-
trolling the prevalence of malaria has been the development of new mining areas. “Those have been the most troublesome ones for us in the malaria programme,” admitted Dr. Persaud, who pointed out that persons who are new to the mining areas are among the most vulnerable when malaria morbidity and mortality are considered. “A young person who has just finished school and decides 'I am going to make a quick buck in the back dam', and they up and they go...because malaria isn't present on the coast. They are not exposed to that germ. When they get in there and they get one attack, it could be very severe,” the CMO explained.
As such, he noted that the Ministry is relying heavily on education to help address such challenges. “We would like more people to use mosquito nets, use repellents and practice good sanitations around the (mining) camps to ensure that there is not much breeding sites for mosquitoes...” said Dr. Persaud. He is moreover optimistic that education will help to ensure that the gains made are retained. Malaria is a parasitic infection spread by the Anopheles mosquitoes. Its symptoms include: shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe; high fever, profuse sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting diarrhoea and anaemia.
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 25
THE VOICE OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS MARAD reiterates Are we committed to zero tolerance for illegal boat operators restructuring Guysuco? The Management of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has reiterated its stance to relentlessly pursue orderliness and exhibit zero-tolerance for all forms of illegal boat operators. The Department issued a statement in light of a recent article regarding illegal boat operators, appearing in sections of the media, about complaints allegedly from the Bartica Speedboat Association. According to MARAD, the Water Taxis (Speedboats) are licensed to operate on specific services. “Therefore, those operating beyond their geographic limits are doing so illegally.” “MARAD and the Bartica Speedboat Association have monitors at the Bartica and Parika terminals whose duties include, inter alia, reporting on any such illegal operation to the police, and to ensure that the boats and their crews operate safely and orderly.” The release outlined that the respective senior officers receive information about boats operating out of their designated area, and the matter is investigated and the appropriate action is taken.
Based upon the nature of the circumstance, the Department said that it initially suspends the boats and/or the operator’s licence; or the police are asked to charge and prosecute through the court system. “However, it should be noted that the Department does in extreme cases give permission for a boat to operate outside the stated limits on its licence.” This very rare intervention is usually done when there is an accumulation of passengers and insufficient boats at either terminal. In such instances, the monitor with the approval of a senior officer will give such permission. It is disappointing that a member of the Association has purportedly made the comments stated above, but the Management of MARAD is willing to work even more closely with the Association to curb all forms of illegal boat and related operations. Members of the public are also urged to report any illegal or unlawful activity on the waterways by making contact with the Department on telephone numbers: 225-7330 or 226-3356.
Bicycle bandit sentenced to two years A former Kingston Community High School student was yesterday sentenced to two and a half years in prison by City Magistrate Alex Moore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for a robbery under arms charge. Nicise Aubrey Bobb, 25, a miner, of Lot 52 Stanley Place, Vlissengen Road, had initially pleaded not guilty to the allegation brought against him. The charge stated that on July 14, 2015 he, while in the company of an unknown individual at Ruimveldt Public Road and armed with a gun, robbed Dimitri Jemmott of his Blackberry Z-10 cell phone and wallet. The wallet contained three Untied States Identification Cards, one National Identification Card, one Republic Bank ATM Card, one National Insurance Scheme Card, three Discount Cards and $32,000 in local currency. Jemmott, who is the owner of a local shop in the Ruimveldt area, testified against the convict. He told the court that on the day in question he was awaiting transportation at Chillers Beer Bar when two men approached him on bicycles. He
recognized Bobb because he had known him for 20 years. He took out a gun, pointed it at him and relieved him of the articles. When the men were finished they made a quick escape, but not before Jemmott shouted, “I want back my wallet”. In response, Jemmott testified, the convict shouted, “Rest yuh-self or I will come and shoot you in your shop”. Lance Corporal Dharamhall Etwaroo also testified against Bobb. He told the court that on October 24, 2015 at 11:55hrs he came into contact with the defendant, told him of the allegation against him, cautioned and charged him. Bobb had then told the Lance Corporal, “I have known Jemmott for my entire life and I would never rob him”. Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Jillian Simmons, prosecuted Bobb, who defended himself. She told the court that the defendant had been on trial since last year for the offence and was remanded by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. She also said that evidence brought forward from previous court hearings had tagged Bobb to the crime.
By: Sase Singh INTRODUCTION After authoring a sugar series in the Guyana Chronicle in 2015, the plan was always to do such a series in the Kaieteur News, which is read by a different spectrum of the Guyanese population. There could be no better time to commence this series, after the completion of the much-delayed Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report into the sugar sector. The unhealthy financial state in which Guysuco finds itself has the potential to cause long-term distress which can result in the closure of the sugar industry of Guyana; let us not fool ourselves. But even more important is that we must know that privatization will only accelerate closure of this industry. Thus, it is vital for all Guyanese who want to preserve and grow the economic strength of this nation, to reject this CoI Report and its primary recommendation – privatization and divestment of these State Owned Assets. It’s the Cash Flow Stupid There are clear reasons for corporate failure at Guysuco; it has nothing to do with the Guyanese people not having the ability and, more importantly, the workers being able to rise to the challenge. It has everything to do with very poor management under the PPP and much political interference under the PPP. Former President Ramotar is not an innocent bystander in the destruction of Guysuco; he sat on the Board when the political decision was enforced that Guyana must go with the Chinese vs. the Indian to build the Skeldon Sugar Factory and did nothing as Guysuco drained its working capital on a capital expenditure. He then presided over the ensuing mess as President; when he could have done something- like firing that “sugar numbskull” that paraded then as CEO. Guysuco was allowed to deteriorate since 2004 because of the PPP and no one else – let us get that fact absolutely clear. But, that is no reason to make any determined and pre-meditated attempt at making an even worst decision for the industry – privatization. This APNU+AFC Coalition in a short 18 months period will be pumping some $24 billion of taxpayers’ money into the industry and that is a lot of money. But there are no alternatives considering the macroeconomic and socioeconomic impact of the sugar industry. Even our flood control
plan is heavily dependent on Guysuco, like so many other core infrastructure needs in rural Guyana that goes unnoticed. The strategy has to be weeding out the non-value added elements of Guysuco and preserving those that can survive successfully by taking them up the value chain. This Report is strategically deficient in many areas but most disappointedly in the Economic/ Finance area. I have a ton of respect for the academic work of Professor Clive Thomas and I value his journals and writing. I even consider him as someone who is much deserving of the Order of Excellence as one of Guyana’s premier economists who has published so many fine pieces of academic work in the field of economics. But what clearly was highlighted by this report is that most of the players especially those who constructed the Economic/Finance Sub-Committee Report do not have a clue on what it takes to run a real business in distress in the real world. THE TERMS OF REFERENCE of the Commission were absolutely clear – “Prepare a Road Map for the way ahead for 2016-2030, structured in five-year intervals, with
stated goals and modalities of implementation”. This was not even attempted to be done! Actually, the Cabinet was given a basket to fetch water by this Commission even after they spent over G$70 million on themselves and their operations. Would we call that executive swindle? HOW HAS THE COI REPORT HELPED? We have to be grateful to the Commission for identifying the key challenges in the industry which every single Tamesh, Dick and Beharry on the estates grew-up knowing. Thus, although not much new knowledge was added to the industry on the field and factory operations, at least, all of that information is now in a formal document. We also have to be grateful for a set of updated high-level financial information. But the financial analysis was sub-optimal and the financial modeling was missing in action. Even in the Bachelor’s of Business Administration, the first year college students are aware that you cannot draw a financial road map without a financial model. But I suspect Guyana is in a different time zone and on a different planet. Guysuco was nationalized
Sase Singh by the PNC Government to transfer political power from the European to the new local ruling class and thus because Guysuco has always been a political question - that is why the industry has always been mashed up since 1976. But the minute you remove the politics from the industry, Guysuco shines. Privatization of Guysuco is a guaranteed poison pill that will exterminate the sugar industry. Guysuco will never survive in private hands that are totally focused on profits over people; it will die within five years of privatization and thousands will economically and socially die along with it. Please share your feedback with me at sasesin1@yahoo.com.
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Thursday January 21, 2016
Militants storm Pakistan university, kill at least 20 A rescue worker guides students, after they were saved in a militant attack at Bacha Khan University, in Charsadda, Pakistan. (Reuters/ Fayaz Aziz)
(Reuters) - Armed militants stormed a university in volatile northwestern Pakistan yesterday, killing at least 20 people and wounding dozens a little more than a year after the massacre of 134 students at a school in the area, officials said. A senior Pakistani Taliban commander claimed responsibility for the assault in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, but an official spokesman later denied involvement, calling the attack “un-Islamic”. The violence nevertheless shows that militants retain the ability to launch attacks, despite a country-wide anti-terrorism crackdown and a military campaign against their strongholds along the lawless border with Afghanistan. A security official said the death toll could rise to as high as 40 at Bacha Khan University in the city of Charsadda. The army said it had concluded operations to clear the campus six hours after the attack began, and that four gunmen were dead. A spokesman for rescue
workers, Bilal Ahmad Faizi, said 19 bodies had been recovered including students, guards, policemen and at least one teacher, named by media as chemistry professor Syed Hamid Husain. Husain reportedly shot back at the gunmen with a pistol to allow his students to flee. Many of the dead were apparently shot in the head execution-style, TV footage showed. The militants, using the cover of thick, wintry fog, scaled the walls of the university on Wednesday morning before entering buildings and opening fire on students and teachers in classrooms and hostels, police said. Students told media they saw several young men wielding AK-47 guns storming the university housing where many students were sleeping. “They came from behind and there was a big commotion,” an unnamed male student told a news channel from a hospital bed in Charsadda’s District Hospital. “We were told by teachers to leave im-
mediately. Some people hid in bathrooms.” Thirty five of the wounded remain in hospital, a local police official said late yesterday. CONTRADICTING CLAIMS The gunmen attacked as the university prepared to host a poetry recital yesterday afternoon to commemorate the death anniversary of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a popular ethnic Pashtun independence activist after whom the university is named. Vice Chancellor Fazal Rahim told reporters that the university teaches over 3,000 students and was hosting an additional 600 visitors for the poetry recital. Umar Mansoor, a senior Pakistani Taliban commander involved in the December 2014 attack on the army school in Peshawar, claimed responsibility for the Charsadda assault and said it involved four of his men. He told Reuters by telephone the university was targeted because it was a government institution that supported the army. However, later in the day, official Taliban spokesman Muhammad Khorasani issued a written statement disassociating the militants from the attack, calling it un-Islamic. “Youth who are studying in non-military institutions, we consider them as builders of the future nation and we consider their safety and protection our duty,” the statement said. The reason for the conflicting claims was not immediately clear. While the Taliban leadership is fractured, Mansoor is believed to remain loyal to central leader Mullah Fazlullah.
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Haiti police fire tear gas, days before runoff vote
Port-au-Prince (AFP) - Police in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince fired tear gas at opposition demonstrators Tuesday who rallied in their thousands, five days before a presidential vote runoff is scheduled. The poorest country in the Americas has been on edge for months after legislative and presidential elections that the opposition branded a fix and that were marred by violence. Demonstrators in Port-au-Prince set fire to tires and threw stones, and police responded with tear gas, managing to disperse most of the several thousand protesters. The opposition, which has staged regular protests, accuses outgoing President Michel Martelly of instigating an “electoral coup.” In the first round of the presidential election in October, Jovenel Moise, the government candidate, had 32.8 percent of the vote
against 25.3 percent for Jude Celestin. Celestin said he had been cheated, branded the outcome “a farce” and told AFP on Monday that he will not take part in Sunday’s runoff. Separately, the United States offered its support for the troubled electoral process. The State Department argued that Haiti’s government has made “numerous concessions” to try to secure Celestin’s participation in the vote and could wait no longer. The vote is the latest attempt to restore stability in one of the most unstable countries in the Americas. Since the end of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986, Haiti has been jolted by coups and contested elections that have further undermined the fragile economy. The country is also still trying to get back on its feet after a devastating 2010 earthquake.
Diplomatic passports for sale, claims Dominica opposition leader ROSEAU, Dominica — Lennox Linton is the leader of the opposition in Dominica, an independent island-state in the Caribbean with just 72,000 inhabitants. A former journalist, the head of the United Workers Party (UWP) is noted for his vocal criticism of the government, which he frequently accuses of corruption. Like several other countries in the region, Dominica runs an economic citizenship programme enabling foreigners to acquire citizenship of the island and the passport to go with it by paying money into a state fund or
making a sizeable real estate investment. The country’s passport policies have in the past occasionally raised eyebrows abroad – and are currently a hot topic in Dominica’s highly polarized domestic politics. I spoke with Lennox Linton about his repeated allegations that senior government officials are corruptly selling passports to criminals, about who is to blame for his country’s lack of freedom of information legislation, and about what changes he would make if his party came into power. (Caribbean News)
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T&T terrorist, Kareem Ibrahim 385 sugar workers sacked from their jobs dies in prison medical facility NEW YORK, United States – The Trinidadian man who was convicted in the United States for conspiring to blow up fuel tanks and pipelines under the John F Kennedy International Airport has died of heart failure at a prison medical facility. Kareem Ibrahim passed away at the US Medical Centre for Federal Prisoners in Missouri, just after 10 a.m. Tuesday. He was 70. After a four-week trial, Ibrahim was convicted in May 2011 for conspiring with three Guyanese nationals to carry out a terrorist attack at the JFK International Airport in Queens, New York. He was sentenced the following year to life in prison. The evidence at the trial established that Ibrahim, an imam and leader of the Shiite Muslim community in Trinidad, provided religious instructions and operational support to a group plotting to carry out the attack. Attorney-at-law Farid Scoon, who represented him in his extradition case in Trinidad,
Jamaica Observer - Three hundred and eighty-five sugar workers from the Pan-Caribbean-run Monymusk and Frome sugar estates were sent home yesterday after the company advised them Tuesday that their positions are to be made redundant. Monymusk in Clarendon will lose 279 mainly field workers, while the 106 workers from the Frome estate to go is an almost even split between factory and field workers. The bad news was announced at a planned union/management meeting with the affected workers at Monymusk, where the company said the cost of labour, poor yields and “environmental challenges” have negatively affected its operations. “The workers at Monymusk today (yesterday) were very angry and disappointed that they have done everything possible in their power and only to reap the bitter result of being made redundant,” said Harold Brown, Bustamante Industrial Trade Union’s (BITU) deputy island supervisor in charge of the sugar sector. The union is, meanwhile, seeking to have the more than 100 field workers who were
laid off in August, in addition to another 250 from Monymusk to receive their redundancy entitlements. He explained that the company claimed these were temporary workers, or on shortterm contracts, but that at no point was it ever established to these workers that they were temporary. “These are deliberate strategies to frustrate individuals [and an] underhanded type of employment,” he claimed. Brown said the redundancies at the end of the 2014/15 crop season in August were a sign of things to come. He said Pan-Caribbean wanted to cut the 385 workers in December, “but the union thought it was not in good taste to be dishing out bad news at Christmastime, hence they rescheduled for January”. He said this comes as a big blow not just to the workers, who he described as shellshocked, but also their families and communities in Clarendon and Westmoreland. The workers are expected to receive their notice pay on January 29 and their severance pay on February 12.
Venezuela needs urgent foreign medical aid, pharma group says CARACAS (Reuters) With scores of medicines in short supply due to a severe financial squeeze, Venezuela is suffering a “humanitarian crisis” and requires rapid international assistance, according to a major pharmaceutical association. The Venezuelan Pharmaceutical Federation listed 150 medicines, from those for hypertension to cancer, as well
as basics such as prophylactics and antibiotics, which are scarce in the OPEC nation of 29 million people. “The national government must accept we are in a humanitarian crisis in the health sector, with patients dying across our territory for lack of medicines,” said association president Freddy Ceballos in a statement. “It’s necessary to activate all mechanisms of international health assistance to solve this crisis as soon as possible,” he added, without specifying what aid he thought should be sought. The health ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the pharmaceutical association’s statement, but Venezuela’s socialist gov-
ernment has bristled at criticism of its health system, which former President Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer in 2013, spent lavishly on during an oil bonanza. It accuses local groups of exaggerating problems and says the widespread shortages in Venezuela - of food as well as medicines - are due to an “economic war” by foes. Long lines form daily outside pharmacies, and doctors and patients constantly complain of lack of medicines and equipment. Maduro last week decreed an “economic emergency” in the recession-hit nation with the fastest inflation in the world rings up a roughly $10 billion foreign debt bill this year amid plunging oil revenues.
maintained his client’s innocence and said that his body “never took to incarceration”, according to Demerara Waves. “It is unfortunate that an innocent man was convicted of a crime that he had absolutely no guilt [for] and had to spend the last winters of his life in a maximum security prison in the United States,” Scoon was quoted as saying. He said arrangements were being made for Ibrahim’s body to be flown back to Trinidad for burial. Just over a month ago, Ibrahim became the first person to be officially declared a terrorist by the Trinidad and Tobago government. Justice Nadia Kangaloo ruled that there was sufficient evidence to deem him a terrorist under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and gave the government the go-ahead to begin the process of freezing any of his assets which it found. The application was the first ever filed and granted under the legislation.
GRIFFITH: Trini ISIS terrorists must never return Trinidad Express - Everyone deserves a second chance. But not terrorists. This according to former Minister of National Security Gary Griffith when asked whether foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) from Trinidad and Tobago should be allowed to return home. In an interview with i95.5 fm Tuesday, Griffith said the rights of the larger population to life and freedom did not supersede those of terrorists. “My position has never changed. I believe in the ultimate principal of war in dealing with terrorists, and that is that you must never negotiate with them. I believe this includes any such negotiation or arrangement to include terrorist elements to enter into our country, even if they have a Trinidad and Tobago pass-
port. I think it is totally incorrect to perceive that because someone is a citizen of this country then they can automatically authorised to re-enter, regardless if they are linked to terrorist activities” said Griffith. His comments came just days after a Turkish newspaper Hürriyet reported that four nationals of Trinidad and Tobago fighting for ISIS were among 961 fighters captured by the Turkish security forces in 2015. The newspaper reported that the most foreign fighters came from China, with 324, and Russia second with 99. And there were also 63 fighters from Turkmenistan, 57 from Afghanistan, and 44 from Indonesia. The caught fighters included in the December list came from far afield, with
six carrying South Korean passports, five from Australia, four from Trinidad Tobago and two from the Maldives. Griffith said the Government must take measurs to combat terrorism and to comply with international law which also involves agreeing to prevent easy access of travel of foreign terrorist fighters. “It will mean automatically that if persons are labelled as FTF’s and you have persons from 60 odd countries – Trinidad and Tobago is one - and we have persons that are labelled along that line, we must ensure that we adhere to that UN resolution to debar them entry. It is diffucult anyway for them to return to Trinidad anyway because they have to board an international flight, if they are trying to get in le-
Fighting for isis: Trinidadian fighters Shane Crawford, from left, Arshad Mohammed and three other unidentified Trinidadians pose for a photo, wearing military gear and holding assault weapons, in Syria.
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Middleton boosts Bucks past... Top seeds progress, Djokovic From page 34 trouble. “Khris is able to impact the game in several ways,” Bucks interim coach Joe Prunty said. “He is able to score and create shots for others, making passes out of the double team.” Miami were without their top two point guards because of injuries — Goran Dragic and Beno Udrih. That forced Wade to play more point guard along with emergency starter Tyler Johnson. “I don’t like it,” Wade said of playing the point. “Tyler is doing the best he can, but he is not a typical point guard. “At the right times, I’m cool with playing the one (point) as long as we run the offense and the ball finds me back somewhere. But it’s frustrating when the ball doesn’t move back around.” Middleton praised the Bucks’ defense, which held Miami to 36.5 percent shooting from the floor. “We challenged every shot,” Middleton said. “We tried to make it difficult on them. Once we did that, we were dangerous on the other end.” Milwaukee (19-25) are 6-4 in January after winning their third straight game, following losing months in November (7-9) and December (6-10). Miami (23-19), led by forward Chris Bosh’s 23 points, lost their second straight game. Miami center Hassan Whiteside added 23 points and a game-high 18 rebounds, but the Heat are 6-8 at home against Eastern Conference teams this season.
Wade, playing with two sore shoulders, scored two points one one-of-6 shooting. Johnson scored three points on 0-of-6 shooting. The two combined for eight turnovers and minus-33. “We don’t want to make excuses,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of the injuries. “That’s not even in our mindset.” Another injured Heat player was Gerald Green, who played despite right knee tendinitis. Green was held to six points on two-of-10 shooting. This was Miami’s first home game after a 2-4 road trip. After Tuesday, the Heat leave again, this time for a five-game trip, and do not play in the same city in consecutive games during a month-plus span. Perhaps that strain was felt in the first half as Miami trailed early. Milwaukee led 19-18 after the first quarter and 49-39 at halftime. Things got even better for Milwaukee in the third quarter as the Bucks went on an 182 run. Milwaukee led 75-57 after three quarters. Miami failed to challenge in the fourth quarter, falling to 8-10 in their past 18 games. “We saw the same thing you saw — a pretty flat performance,” Spoelstra said. Bosh said the Heat took too many quick shots. “We didn’t work their defense,” Bosh said. “It’s disappointing not living up to our standards. “With young guys at the guard position, they have to learn. We have to toughen up. It’s not going to come from an outside source.”
Thursday January 21, 2016 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) You might have some problems balancing your books. You hard work and dedication will payoff, so stick to your guns and do your job well.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) A lot has changed and so have you. Be careful signing important contracts today. Your partner will blow situations out of proportion.
TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Don't be afraid to pursue unfamiliar grounds. A passionate party for two might be just the remedy.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) You will not impress others by being foolishly generous. Romance will develop if you get involved in social events that deal with children.
GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) You have been stagnating for some time now and you need a change of pace. Join groups of a humanitarian nature.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You need to concentrate on the areas where you can make a difference. Your desire for excitement and adventure may be expensive.
CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Try to mix business with pleasure while traveling. Your creative ability will surface, giving you good ideas for ways of making money.
CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You can learn a great deal if you listen to those who are older or more experienced. Overindulgence may be a problem.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You're intuitive today; however, this attribute could get you in trouble if you tactlessly say what you think.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Make sure to arrange in advance to spend quality time together. Children may be less than honest with you.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Conflicts over joint finances are likely. Romance will develop if you get involved in social events that deal with children.
PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. Get involved in activities that will bring you knowledge about foreign land, philosophies, or cultures.
denies match-fixing report MELBOURNE (Reuters) World number one Novak Djokovic swept regally into the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday before being forced to deny any involvement in the tennis match-fixing scandal that has dogged the first three days of the grand slam. The Serbian defending champion granted Quentin Halys a 100-minute audience on Rod Laver Arena before despatching the French teenager 6-1 6-2 7-6(3) but he enjoyed a less comfortable ride in the post-match media conference. Alerted to a story in an Italian newspaper suggesting his loss to now-retired French player Fabrice Santoro in Paris in 2007 was fixed, the 28year-old denied it point blank. “It’s not true,” he said when told he had been accused of deliberately losing. “What it is to say? I’ve lost that match.” “Anybody can create a story about that match or for that matter any of the matches of the top players losing in the early rounds, I think it’s just absurd.” Before the media conference, the last of the day, it had appeared the reverberations from Monday’s media reports alleging numerous top-50 players had been flagged up for possibly throwing matches but not investigated by the tennis authorities, were fading. Back on court, Djokovic was joined in the third round by women’s champion Serena Williams, 17-times grand slam champion Federer and Maria Sharapova who all made short work of their second-round opponents. Following Tuesday’s defeats for former men’s champion Rafa Nadal and women’s second seed Simona Halep, the only real shock on day four came in the penultimate match of the day when Czech sixth seed Petra Kvitova, twice a Wimbledon winner, was beaten 6-4 6-4 by naturalised local Daria Gavrilova. Top seed Williams took exactly an hour to dismiss Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei 6-1 62 in the second match of the day on Rod Laver Arena after fifth seed five-times grand slam champion Sharapova had routed unseeded Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2 6-1. Both had arrived at Melbourne Park with question marks over their fitness but look in good shape as they head towards their potential quarter-final meeting. Third seed Federer was next up on the main showcourt to put down tricky Ukrainian
Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-3 7-5 6-1 and retain his record of never having failed to reach the third round in 17 visits to Melbourne Park. BRUSHED ASIDE The 34-year-old Swiss, still the doyen of men’s tennis, brushed aside attempts by reporters to revisit his views on the association between gambling companies and the sport he dominated for so long. “I answered that question the other day,” he said when the subject was broached. “Just check the transcript (of) my press conference last time, it’s like a book.” Seventh seed Kei Nishikori cruised into the third round with a 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 win over Austin Krajicek and Czech Tomas Berdych, seeded one place above the Japanese, also only needed three sets to power past Bosnia’s Mirza Basic 6-4 6-0 6-3. Canadian Eugenie Bouchard’s hopes of wiping away the disappointments of her 2015 season with a good
run at Melbourne Park were shattered when fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska rallied from an early deficit to win 64 6-2. There was a minor upset when twice grand slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, a title winner in Sydney last week, was dumped out of the tournament by Kateryna Bondarenko 6-1 7-5 but the major ruction in the women’s draw came later. Kvitova suffered from glandula fever last year and pulled out of the Australian Open warm-up events in Shenzhen and Sydney with a gastro-intestinal illness but paid full credit to Moscowborn Gavrilova - the only one of nine Australian women in the draw to survive the first round. “I think she played a really good game today and did what she needed to do,” she said. “I felt a little bit tired on court today and my serve didn’t want to work ... I felt a bit weird but I’m not sick anymore, well, maybe in the head,” she added with a laugh.
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Thursday January 21, 2016
Shelly refuses legendary status but is happy with career accomplishments Jamaica Observer Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is considered in many quarters the greatest female sprinter of her era and arguably of all time. But the explosive, diminutive sprinter, who has won three World Championships and two Olympic Games 100m titles, does not believe she has reached legendary status in track and field. “I think that legend talk is for Usain,” said Fraser-Pryce, as she burst into laughter. “Maybe it’s the wrong person you interviewing. “But I am excited about where I am in my career, the things that I have accomplished, I take nothing for granted,” said Fraser-Pryce moments after collecting her third RJR Sportswoman of the Year award at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel last Friday. Fraser-Pryce, 29, has rattled up an impressive two Olympic gold medals and seven World Championships gold medals plus 60m gold at the World Indoor. “I have had a wonderful season, a wonderful journey
so far and I wouldn’t trade anything for the lessons that I have learnt and the lessons that I will be learning coming this year and the year after,” she added. “The legend, I don’t know right now. I am just grateful to be here and to accomplish what I have so far,” said Fraser-Pryce. The Wolmer’s Girls alumnus announced herself at the 2008 Olympics as a 21-yearold and became the first Caribbean woman to win the 100m gold at the Olympic Games. In 2012 at the London Olympics she successfully defended her 100m title, becoming the third woman to win two consecutive 100m events at the Olympics. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ as she is popularly known, has won the 100m at the World Championships in 2009, 2013 and 2015, becoming the only female to be crowned world champion over 100m three times. She is also the only female athlete to hold both the Olympic and World Championships titles on two separate
occasions in 2008 Olympic and 2009 World, and 2012 Olympic and 2013 World titles. In 2013 she became the first female sprinter to win gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m in a single World Championship. Fraser-Pryce was the first woman to own IAAF world titles at 60m, 100m, 200m and 4x100m and is the only woman ever to hold them all simultaneously. The Jamaican national 100m record holder, with 10.70 seconds, ranked fourth on the all-time list behind world record holder Florence Griffiths Joyner (10.49), Carmelita Jeter (10.64) and Marion Jones (10.65) and ahead of the legendary Merlene Ottey with 10.74 seconds. In fact, Fraser-Pryce has the most legal times under 10.80 seconds. She did it 11 times. Admitted drug cheat Marion Jones did it 12 times, while record holder Florence Griffiths Joyner did it four times along with Ottey, and Jeter did it on five occasions. Fraser-Pryce has the potential and chance to go even
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
faster and in this year of the Olympics, she is expected to continue her dominance of the sprint. “I am feeling the same way I have always felt every year. I am working hard, staying committed, staying healthy. Rio is a far way off right now, it’s just a day at a time for me. I try not to go too far ahead.
If I take it a day at time and continue to work hard and stay grounded, I believe that when the time comes it will be wonderful,” she noted. Fraser-Pryce has been the recipient of numerous accolades where she has won the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s Golden Cleats Award for female Ath-
lete of the Year on four occasions - 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2015 to go with her three RJR Sportswoman of the Year awards. She has been nominated for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award on three occasions 2010, 2013 and 2014 and won the IAAF World Athlete of the year in 2013.
Is Justice in Guyana for the Lawful or the Lawless? Guyana Cricket will die a natural death >>Letter to the Sports Editor<<
DEAR EDITOR, Prior to 2011 I was of the firm view that in Guyana, “Justice was for all” to the extent that even if one could not afford to pay for a defence lawyer the state would provide such legal assistance. However, since the ruling of the then Chief Justice (ag) in the Angela Haniff vs the GCB matter in 2011, I have been shocked by the interplays within our judicial system causing me to feel that justice in Guyana is more for the lawless rather than for the lawful! In reflecting on the nine (9) page ruling, I recall that Chief Justice (ag) Mr Ian Chang discharged that injunction on the grounds that the Cricket Boards/Associations were all legal non-entities and could not sue or be sued. The learned gentleman also in his ruling recommended that since there was a Ministry of Sports and a Minister responsible for Sports, the Minister should put in place an Interim Management Committee (IMC) as an immediate relief to the ongoing cricket problems, while instituting legislative remedy as a permanent long term solution.
I did have the opportunity of speaking with quite a few lawyers most of whom disagreed with the CJ (ag) on the issue of legal non-entities; for after all there were many applications / injunctions / orders granted for and against Cricket Boards/Associations even by the very Chief Justice (ag) prior to and after the ruling, however not a single lawyer challenged the ruling! As a consequence of the recommendation of the Chief Justice, the Minister responsible for Sports established an Interim Management Committee (IMC) as a temporary measure and the Cricket Administration Bill was tabled in Parliament as a permanent measure for bringing order, accountability and fair-play back to our cricket. The Cricket Administration Bill was sent to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) and was passed into law unopposed after 20 meetings. Certain elements from the current Guyana Cricket Board attempted to injunct the Speaker of the National Assembly from the reading of the Bill but failed and the Guyana Cricket Administration Act 2014 was passed into law. The very elements then
proceeded to file a High Court action to halt the work of the well respected historian, Dr. Winston Mc Gown the Cricket Ombudsman who was appointed by the Minister as prescribed by the Act. His job basically was to ensure that free, fair and transparent elections of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and its members were held. This action was subsequently dismissed by the Chief Justice (ag). In another bid to hold on to power the very elements challenged the Act via High Court action 2014-HC-DEMCIV-CM-106 and this matter also came up before the Chief Justice (ag). I hold the view that the challenge to the Act is frivolous and riddled with blatant inaccuracies in an apparent attempt to mislead the Court. For example, Lalta Digamber (one of the Applicants in this matter) purported to be the Secretary of the Demerara Cricket Board when he was never elected to that position. Isn’t this perjury? While the Ombudsman is now free to call elections, these elements again approached the Court and the Chief Justice (ag) granted an
Interim Order to stop all elections until the substantive matter was heard (2014-HCDEM-CIV-CM-106). The defendants in this matter are the Hon. Minister of Sports and the Hon. Attorney General. Amazingly, to me this Interim Order was granted over a year ago and has effectively stopped all elections thereby allowing the very group to continue to govern with impunity. To date the substantive matter is still to be heard and the group has continued to impose themselves on the administration of our beloved sport, cricket. It must be made known that the applicants in this matter are Anand Sanasie, Lalta Digamber, Fizul Bacchus, Rohan Sarjoo and Jonny Azeez all of whom are either purported executive members of the embattled Guyana Cricket Board or are directly related to it. They have filed this action by using the names of three Boards, an Association and a Club to make it appear as though it is a majority of the cricketing fraternity when it is not. What is remarkable and of great importance, is the fact
that the East Bank Cricket Association, the West Demerara Cricket Associations and the Essequibo Cricket Board managed by these individuals have played little or no cricket and shamefully have not produced a cricketer for Guyana for the past fifteen years or so. So we have a situation where the genuine administrators who have been producing all the cricketers for Guyana for the past fifteen years, including the Berbice Cricket Board, the East Coast Cricket Board, and the Georgetown Cricket Association are now effectively and unceremoniously disenfranchised by an Interim Order of Court. I am not a lawyer nor do I pretend to be one but I am confused and extremely perplexed, that our legal system could for five (5) years embrace such obvious illegality. As a layman it seems to me that Justice in Guyana is for the lawless and not for all. Decent law abiding citizens cannot seem to find any refuge within the current legal system. Maybe that is why there is so much crime in our society presently. I therefore take this opportunity to congratulate the
newly appointed Chief Justice (acting) and wish her every success in what is undoubtedly an extremely challenging period. Since she is of the fairer sex I expect that she will characterize her tenure with fairness and diligence, paying urgent attention to the grave injustice directed to the law abiding people of this country especially bona-fide local cricket administrators, our young cricketers and cricket itself. The existing acrobatics that pervade our legal system is unacceptable and must be eradicated urgently. Indeed it is time for a change of attitude and effect in the administering of justice in our beloved country. Claude Raphael Former President, Malteenoes Sports Club First President, Georgetown Cricket Association Former President, Demerara Cricket Board Former Chairman – Cricket Development Committee, Guyana Cricket Board Former Chairman of Selectors – Guyana Cricket Board Former Director, West Indies Cricket Board.
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Red Force dump Jaguars out of Serena slams Hsieh to NAGICO Super 50 by 54 runs march into third round MELBOURNE (Reuters) Defending champion Serena Williams ramped up her bid for a 22nd grand slam title with a dominant 6-1 6-2 win over unseeded Taiwanese Hsieh Su-wei to charge into the Australian Open third round on Wednesday. The top seed had to survive a tough opening match against Italian Camila Giorgi but destroyed the 90th-ranked Hsieh in exactly one hour in glorious sunshine at Rod Laver Arena. Hsieh, a two-time grand slam doubles champion, prised three break points but the American saved them all and closed out the match with her seventh ace. “I think I was really focused and that first round really helped me because I was really just fighting,” world number one Williams told reporters after setting up a third-round clash against 18-year-old Russian Daria Kasatkina. “I really gave a big effort there. Today again, I just wanted to stay focused for the
Wkpr Denesh Ramdin watches Anthony Bramble pull for six (Ashley Allen photo)
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force dumped the Guyana Jaguars out of the Regional Super50 at Queen’s Park Oval yesterday by 54 runs in the first semi-final match. The Red Force scored 259 for nine off 50 overs with Darren Bravo leading the way with 95. He got support from Denesh Ramdin 43 and Kjorn Ottley 33. Bowling for Guyana, Veerasammy Permaul captured 3-56, Steven Jacobs 2-12 and Paul Wintz 2-67. The Jaguars were rolled over for 205 off 48.3 overs with Anthony Bramble leading a fight back after the top three batsmen were bugged down by decent bowling, top scored with 51. Paul Wintz supported with 26 and Chris Barnwell 22 down the order. Jon-Russ Jaggesar picked up 3-36, Narsingh Deonarine 235, including the wicket of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and Akeal Hosein took 2-42. The T&T Red Force await the winner of today second semifinal between Windward Is Volcanoes versus the Barbados Pride again at the Queens Park in Port of Spain.
whole time. “I don’t think I made that many errors today. Something I was hopefully trying to get back into. And I moved much better today, so slowly but surely, feeling a little bit better.” Williams pulled out of the lead-up Hopman Cup midway through her first match with knee trouble but looked untroubled as she burned around the court to fire 26 winners past the Taiwanese. She was particularly pleased with her scramble for a winner around the net, which she thought was the first of her career, but poured cold water on the idea of pulling off a between-the-legs trick shot in subsequent matches. “It’s always cool to do something fresh and new,” she said. “I don’t do (‘tweeners). I’m not good at those. I did when I was younger, and I was terrible at it. I know what I’m good at, and I know things I’m not going to excel at. I’m definitely not going to excel at that shot.”
Radical In’l this weekend Barbados Today - An expanded grid of Suzuki-powered Radical SR3 RS sports racers will contest the first two rounds of the Suzuki Challenge Series Winter Cup during Radical International at Bushy Park Barbados this weekend. Newcomers from the wider Caribbean and further afield have arrived in the island to take on the established racers in the SR3 Cup, which offers the fastest racing in the region. The visitors introduce a mix of youth and experience, which promises some actionpacked racing. Two regional drivers will race on the 2.01km International Circuit for the first time, as will four from the United Kingdom – one of them will even be racing for the first time ever – while a local driver is embarking on his first season of circuit racing, after achieving success in drag racing and karting. Bushy Park Motor Sports Inc (BPMSI) will stage four hours of action each day. Saturday’s programme will
run from noon, with practice, qualifying and three races each for the SR3 Cup and Swift Cup, with a similar schedule on Sunday from 9 a.m. Guyana’s Calvin Ming arrived in the island Tuesday from Florida, where he has been studying, ready to embark on a punishing schedule of racing. In addition to a US karting programme – the 19-year-old claimed his first Stateside race win in karts last year. The former Guyana Shifter Kart Champion is also competing in the NACAM Formula 4 Championship, to which he is now adding the Suzuki Challenge Series. Before moving into F4, he finished on the podium in his first weekend racing a singleseater, in the US FF1600 finals, last October, then finished fourth in the pre-season F4 demo race at the Mexican GP. After the opening round of the Championship proper in December, he lies ninth, with the second round one week after Radical International.
Desmond Dorsett Memorial... From page 28 finishers from the Leeds, No51, Union, No53 catchment area will be presented with special prizes. Following the road race a fun day will be held at the No53 Sports Complex beginning at 10:00hrs and will include athletics, softball cricket, volleyball, football, Circle Tennis and dominoes. A number of novelty events will also be played including egg and spoon, three legged race, sack race, needle and thread and Sal Pass among others, while a num-
ber of ring games are also expected to be a part of the day’s programme. A small entrance fee will be charged, while children will participate free. Proceeds from the day’s activities will go towards the Police Youth Club, the Union Renaissance Sports Club and the Women in Action group. The late Superintendent Desmond Dorsett was an ardent sports fan who participated in numerous sporting activities including Cricket and athletics during his days in the Guyana Police Force
and in the community. A native of East Canje, Dorsett migrated after retiring and would return with his family from time to time to do charity and community work. His wife Waveney Dorsett, a retired head mistress, and community activist and also a re-migrant is the spearhead of the activity. Interested persons can make contact with telephone numbers 339-4475, 339 4133 and 339 4436 for further information. Individuals and teams are asked to register by January 24th. (Samuel Whyte)
Trinidad & Tobago’s David Coelho is best known in the island as a rally driver, having won the Barbados Rally Club’s (BRC) Group N Championship last year in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. His record also includes winning titles in motocross, bike and car racing – the Carib Stock Car series in 2005 – and karts, with a record number of pole positions, race wins and fastest laps and a hat-trick of T&T Rotax 125cc titles. Since his switch to rallying in 2010, he has done no racing. “I definitely need seat time and to become reacquainted with wheel-to-wheel competition and I am very much looking forward to the challenge.
Narine faces... From page 31 nothing about those running the cricket,” the source added. Meanwhile, David Furlonge, coach of Queen’s Park said he also heard of the potential ban and is eagerly awaiting a National League meeting on Thursday (today) to expound further. ”I heard about it yes. Until they bring it out (in public domain) I can’t say anything. They have a meeting on Thursday where they giving out the regulations. I was in a regulation meeting last night (Monday) and they putting in a rule for bowlers with illegal action, the umpire can call them (for chucking) which is in Rule 24. But as far as the other rule that you heard that if he is suspended he can’t play, I have to wait for Thursday,” he said. Furlonge warned though that Queen’s Park will not be taking any attempt to further sanction their player lightly.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday January 21, 2016
Bolt aims for Public Health Ministry to tackle suicide prevention during Milo football unprecedented - Petra Organisation donates two goals to Education Ministry Olympic ‘triple triple’
Facing the increasing with the Public Health Minis- ticipants in this year’s Milo scourge of suicide, the Petra try have agreed to use sev- Under-20 Schools Football Organisation in collaboration eral methods to sensitise par- Competition on an issue that MEANWHILE, THE PRELIMINARY FIXTURESARE SEEN BELOW: 11:00 hrs East Riumveldt Secondary School v/s St Winefride Secondary 12:30 hrs Cummings Lodge Secondary v/s St. Mary’s Secondary School 14:00 hrs Dolphin Secondary v/s Kingston Secondary 15:30 hrs Chase Academy v/s Tucville secondary 1/24/2016 Round 1 Day 2 Ministry of Education Ground 11:00 hrs Brickdam Secondary School v/s St Joseph’s Secondary School 12:30 hrs Morgan Learning Centre v/s North Ruimveldt Secondary 14:00 hrs Lodge Secondary School v/s North Georgetown Secondary 15:30 hrs Houston Secondary v/s Queen’s’ College 1/30/2016 Round 1 Day 3 Ministry of Education Ground 11:00 hrs Carmel Secondary School v/s Richard Ishmael Secondary 12:30 hrs Christ Church Secondary v/s Sir Leon Lessons 14:00 hrs Central High School v/s School of the Nation Secondary 15:30 hrs Bishop High’s School v/s South Ruimveldt Secondary 1/31/2016 Round 1 Day 4 Ministry of Education Ground 11:00 hrs St John’s College v/s St. George’s Secondary 12:30 hrs Freeburg Secondary v/s Mae’s Secondary 14:00 hrs Queens Town Secondary v/s Tutorial Secondary 15:30 hrs Charlestown Secondary v/s St Rose’s Secondary 2/6/2016 Round 2 Day 1 Ministry of Education Ground 11:00 hrs Dolphin Secondary v/s St. Mary’s Secondary School 12:30 hrs Cummings Lodge Secondary v/s Kingston Secondary 14:00 hrs Chase Academy v/s St Winefride Secondary 15:30 hrs East Riumveldt Secondary School v/sTucville secondary 2/7/2016 Round 2 Day 2 Ministry of Education Ground 11:00 hrs Houston Secondary v/s North Ruimveldt Secondary 12:30 hrs Brickdam Secondary School v/s North Georgetown Secondary 14:00 hrs Lodge Secondary School v/s St Joseph’s Secondary School 15:30 hrs Morgan Learning Centre v/s Queens’ College 2/13/2016 Round 2 Day 3 Ministry of Education Ground 11:00 hrs Christ Church Secondary v/s Richard Ishmael Secondary 12:30 hrs Bishop High School v/s School of the Nation Secondary 14:00 hrs Central High School v/s South Ruimveldt Secondary 15:30 hrs Carmel Secondary School v/s Sir Leon Lessons 2/14/2016 Round 2 Day 4 Ministry of Education Ground 11:00 hrs St John’s College v/s Tutorial Secondary 12:30 hrs Freeburg Secondary v/s St Rose’s Secondary 14:00 hrs Charlestown Secondary v/s Mae’s Secondary 15:30 hrs Queenstown Secondary v/s St. George’s Secondary 2/20/2016 Round 3 Day 1 Ministry of Education Ground 11:00 hrs Kingston Secondary v/s St. Mary’s Secondary School 12:30 hrs Cummings Lodge Secondary v/s Dolphin Secondary 14:00 hrs St Winefred Secondary v/s Tucville secondary 15:30 hrs Chase Academy v/s East Riumveldt Secondary School 2/21/2016 Round 3 Day 2 Ministry of Education Ground 11:00 hrs North Georgetown Secondary v/s St Joseph’s Secondary School 12:30 hrs Houston Secondary v/s Morgan Learning Center 14:00 hrs Brickdam Secondary School v/s Lodge Secondary School 15:30 hrs North Ruimveldt Secondary v/s Queens’ College 2/27/2016 11:00 hrs Sir Leon Lessons v/s Richard Ishmael Secondary 12:30 hrs Carmel Secondary School v/s Christ Church Secondary 14:00 hrs School of the Nation Secondary v/s South Ruimveldt Secondary 15:30 hrs Bishop’s High School v/s Central High School 2/28/2016 Round 4 Day 4 Ministry of Education Ground 11:00 hrs St. George’s Secondary v/s Tutorial Secondary 12:30 hrs Queenstown Secondary v/s St John’s College 14:00 hrs Charlestown Secondary v/s Freeburg Secondary 15:30 hrs Mae’s Secondary v/s St Rose’s Secondary
has gripped the attention of most Guyanese. Yesterday, during the release of fixtures and the rules that will govern the tournament, representative of the Health Ministry Dr. Dennis Bassier in addressing the gathering of players and teachers at the Ministry of Education ground, spoke of the involvement of the entity. According to Dr. Bassier, a number of motivational quotes will be given to the captains of each team to be read shortly before the start of play. Additionally, the Organisers have proposed that a Workshop be held which will help to inform teachers about the techniques that could be used to identify those who might be susceptible to taking such actions. He added that the slogan for the competition should be ‘Life is worth living so let us kick it together’. Dr. Bassier lauded the efforts of the Petra Organisation in staging a tournament that serves to highlight the raw talent of young players, while adding that physical and mental skills are developed over the duration of the competition. Nicholas Fraser of the Ministry of Education in his remarks said he was indeed heartened by the fact that siucide will be highlighted during the tournament, especially with the national attention it is getting right now and offered the Organisers full fledged assistance in whatever areas they may request. Also present at the occasion were Petra Directors Troy Mendonca and Marlan Cole who presented the Ministry with two complete goals. Mendonca reported that the age of eligibility to participate in the tournament is players born on or before January 1, 1996. The tournament kicks off this Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.
Desmond Dorsett Memorial road race and family fun day set for January 30th The Dorsett family of Leeds, Corentyne Berbice will once again be sponsoring the annual Desmond Dorsett Memorial Road race classic and Family Fun day. This year’s activity which will be the sixth year for the event will be held on Sunday January 31. Preparation has
already begun for the big day which will be held at various venues. The road race which is expected to begin at 08:00 hrs will be help in three categories and is open to athletes from throughout Berbice. The categories are males and females open, U19 and U15. Senior and U19 ath-
letes will cover a distance of five KM, beginning at the No43 village and finishing at the popular No53 Sports Complex Corentyne. While the U15 and the females will begin their segment at No47 village and are also expected to finish at the No53 Complex. Attractive Prizes
which will include cash incentives, trophies, T shirts and ribbons will be presented to the top finishers in each category. Certificates of appreciation and participation will be presented to all participants by the Dorsett family. Also this year, the top (Continued on page 27)
Usain Bolt… it’s one of my goals that I have had over the years to dip under 19 seconds. Jamaica Observer - Having already achieved his legendary status, Usain Bolt could become an immortal if he achieves his goals of a third Olympic “triple triple” and lowering his 200m record, unbelievably, to under 19 seconds. “I think that is a side note really because the aim is always to win the championship. But it’s one of my goals that I have had over the years to dip under 19 seconds,” said Bolt after collecting his sixth RJR National Sportsman of the Year award. “So it would be great if I could accomplish that this season and if it’s in the Olympics, it would be greater,” said Bolt, who was dapperly dressed in his Brioni suit, the preferred choice of James Bond. Bolt set the current 200m record of 19.19 seconds in 2009, shaving 0.11 off his own previous record of 19.30 from the previous year. Before Bolt, the record had been 19.32, set by Michael Johnson at the 1996 Olympics. UK Athletics’ Ed Warner has suggested world records should be reset to help achieve a “new era” of clean competition, claiming the integrity of athletics was “challenged as never before in 2015”. But Bolt, who also owns the 100m record of 9.58
seconds since 2009 and the 4x100m relay record of 36.84 seconds, doesn’t believe that’s a good idea to reset the records. “One thing you know you can’t change (is) history, that’s just a fact. No matter how you look at it or how you want to put it, you can’t change history,” said Bolt. “People will always say a lot of things, but I don’t think that will ever happen because you can’t just get up and start from scratch. It’s what it is,” he added. Meanwhile, Bolt, who won triple gold at the World Championships in Beijing, China, last August, apologised to his fans for causing anxiety leading up to the championship because he wasn’t in the best of form due to niggling injuries. “Often you guys see me in the streets and said I can’t deal with it, I cannot deal with it, so I wanted to say sorry about that,” he noted. He plans to make this year a stress-free one for his fans leading up to the Rio Olympics in Brazil. “Just trying to stay focus and staying on top of things and make sure everything runs smoothly, pushing myself and also being aware of everything that is going on around and to me. That’s the key,” he explained.
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 33
Guardians against Colts...
Equipment boost for Berbice Volleyball Association WHO WILL SURVIVE?
Shane Webster
Andrew Hercules By Edison Jefford Plaisance Guardians will take on Bounty Colts Saturday night in an expected humdinger with the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Division one League title on the line from 8pm at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The best-of-three series is levelled one apiece with a point separating game one (77-76, in favour of Guardians) and three points separating game two (77-74, in favour of Colts). The closeness of the games suggests a very close contest
Saturday night. However, Guardians Coach, Andrew Hercules, believes otherwise; he told Kaieteur Sport that the game will not be as close as pundits are predicting. He said he has put all systems in place to correct where his team erred last weekend. “Our preparations have been good; the guys are psyched up and ready to go. We have one other practice session tomorrow (today). I made some adjustments and as a result, I do not believe the game will be close,” Hercules boasted ahead of the showdown. He expressed full confidence in his team to win their first major basketball title. Guardians have been the underdogs in this series but have come up big with the MVP performances of point guard Nikkoloi Smith, who has been at his best. Hercules said that his team’s defence was good thus far in the competition, relying on the adage in the sport, which says that good defence leads to good offence. Nevertheless, he suggested that there were areas of lapses that the team needs to address. “We have to find a way to stop Shane (Webster) and ( D a v e ) C a u s w a y. We weren’t able to stop Shane as we liked; the double-team came late for him and eventually he started doing as he liked in the middle,” Hercules admitted, stating he has a solution. The national centre, Webster has been a force for Colts so is Causway, who has been the leader of the team. Colts are the current Forbes Burnham Memorial Champions and will be looking to add another title to their cabinet, Guardians stand in the way.
GCA’s cricket on this weekend
T
he GCA’s Trophy Stall, GISC and Star Party Rentals Cricket continues this weekend with four matches, while two in the NBS second division 40over will be played on Saturday with Sunday. In the first division tournament MSC play GNIC at MSC, DCC hosts GYO, Everest are at home to Police while GDF and TSC collide at GDF. On Saturday, MYO face GCC at Bourda and UG face-off with Ace Warriors at GNIC. In Sunday’s game UG take on GCC at Bourda.
GVF President John Flores handing over 50 balls to BVA President Levi Nedd.
The Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA), which has been receiving high ratings for its success story over the years, is well set to continue the trend. Already the BVA has already successfully organised a number of activities for the year including competitions, trials and seminars. The BVA has also laid out an
elaborate plan of activities for the year that will include visits to a number of remote areas. Introduction of a new brand of volleyball, beach volleyball, while taking the game to school and female volleyball is also being emphasized by the BVA. The association programme recently received a significant boost
when it received 50 volleyballs and six volleyball nets from President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) Mr. John Flores. The donation was made to President of the BVA Mr. Levi Nedd at the end of the BVA two days referees seminar /workshop held at the Port Mourant Community Centre. (Samuel Whyte)
Cyclists to face off at 4th Annual Wilbert Benjamin 50-miler in Berbice on Sunday As part of the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, the 4th annual Wilbert Benjamin 50-mile cycle road race will be held in its honour where the leading exponents of the sport at the senior, junior, veteran, female and Under-16 levels will all compete. The Ancient County of Berbice is known for producing numerous cricketers who have represented at the highest level in the world and is set on a similar path in the cycling arena. In the past couple of years, dozens of races have been organised aimed at lifting the standard of the riders based in Berbice and by extension, Guyana. Sunday’s race which is being sponsored by Benjamin Sports Store will be no different according to Organiser, Randolph Roberts who has also disclosed that lucrative prizes will be on offer in all the categories. In the senior category, the top six finishers will be rewarded while there will also be a total of eight (8) sprint prizes at stake. The top three juniors, veterans, females and Under-16 finishers will receive prizes. The latter two categories will ride 5-miles. The race will pedal off at 10:00hrs in front of the Benjamin Sports Store at Fyrish proceed to the #51 Police Station
Randolph Roberts (left) receiving the sponsorship cheque from Wilbert Benjamin.
before returning to the starting point for the finish. Roberts informed that a letter has been written to His Excellency President David Granger inviting him to start Sunday’s race, while invitations have also been sent to Regional Chairman Mr. David Armogan and former Mayor, Mr. Errol Alphonso.
Defending champions is Orville Hinds. The riders should be primed for this event since the 2016 season will kick off in the city on Saturday at the Inner Circuit of the National Park. Berbice has already hosted two events which were both won by Romello Crawford, an up and coming star. (Franklin Wilson)
Page 34
Kaieteur News
Thursday January 21, 2016
Australia win run-fest after India meltdown
Aaron Finch and David Warner laid a solid platform with an opening stand of 187 © AFP
(Reuters) Three batsmen struck centuries in the 671run match between the
world’s top two one-day teams but it was Richardson’s (5-68) incisive
bowling that clinched the contest, while also earning him the man-of-the-match award. Chasing 349 for victory, India were cruising at 277 for one before losing their last nine wickets for 46 runs to succumb to their fourth successive defeat in the fivematch series. Opener Shikhar Dhawan (126) and Virat Kohli (106) featured in a 212-run stand for the visitors before the wheels came off India’s chase at Canberra’s Manuka Oval. Dhawan registered his ninth ODI century and Kohli scored his second consecutive hundred but India lost three wickets in 11 balls for the addition of one run that derailed them. For them, in-form Ajinkya Rahane came out to bat despite a split webbing of his fingers, but could score only two as India were all out for 323 in the final over. Earlier, Aaron Finch struck his seventh hundred in a blistering opening partnership of 187 with
David Warner to power Australia to 348 for eight wickets. Finch smashed a run-aball 107 while Warner fell on 93 from 92 deliveries as the hosts continued to make m e r r y a g a i n s t I n d i a ’s toothless bowling attack after opting to bat first. Australia had chased down each Indian target to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series and the tourists’ battered bowlers did little better after finally getting the chance to bowl first. Warner, who missed the last two matches due to the birth of his second child, started off with a maiden against Umesh Yadav but soon hit his stride with three fours in an over against seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Yadav also conceded three boundaries in the next over against the diminutive left-hander as Australia raced to 50 in the seventh over. Finch was equally destructive and a fierce
INDIA VS AUSTRALIA ODI SERIES - 4TH ODI PLAYED AT MANUKA OVAL, CANBERRA- DAY/NIGHT MATCH (50-OVER MATCH) Australia innings (50 overs maximum) DA Warner b I Sharma 93 AJ Finch c I Sharma b Yadav 107 MR Marsh c Kohli b Yadav 33 SPD Smith* c Gurkeerat Singh b I Sharma 51 GJ Maxwell c sub (MK Pandey) b I Sharma 41 GJ Bailey c RG Sharma b I Sharma 10 JP Faulkner b Yadav 0 MS Wade† run out (RG Sharma/Yadav) 0 JW Hastings not out 0 Extras (lb 7, w 6) 13 Total (8 wickets; 50 overs) 348 (6.96 runs per over) Did not bat: KW Richardson, NM Lyon Fall of wickets 1-187 (Warner, 29.3 ov), 2-221 (Finch, 37.3 ov), 3-288 (Marsh, 44.3 ov), 4-298 (Smith, 45.4 ov), 5-319 (Bailey, 47.6 ov), 6-319 (Faulkner, 48.1 ov), 7-321 (Wade, 48.3 ov), 8-348 (Maxwell, 49.6 ov) Bowling O UT Yadav 10 B Kumar 8 I Sharma 10 Gurkeerat Singh 3 R Dhawan 9 RA Jadeja 10
M 1 0 0 0 0 0
R 67 69 77 24 53 51
W 3 0 4 0 0 0
India innings (target: 349 runs from 50 overs) RG Sharma c †Wade b Richardson S Dhawan c Bailey b Hastings V Kohli c Smith b Richardson MS Dhoni*† c †Wade b Hastings Gurkeerat Singh c sub (SE Marsh) b Lyon
Econ 6.70 8.62 7.70 8.00 5.88 5.10 41 126 106 0 5
(2w) (2w) (1w) (1w)
RA Jadeja not out AM Rahane c Smith b Richardson R Dhawan c Warner b Richardson B Kumar c Smith b Richardson UT Yadav c Bailey b Marsh I Sharma c †Wade b Marsh Extras (w 5, nb 1) Total (all out; 49.2 overs) (6.54 runs per over)
24 2 9 2 2 0 6
Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan celebrate the latter’s ton, Australia v India, 4th ODI, Canberra, January 20, 2016 ©Getty Images
straight drive from the righthander off fast bowler Ishant Sharma (4-77) hit umpire Richard Kettleborough on the shin, forcing the official off the field. Finch mistimed a pull to be dismissed eight overs after Warner had played Ishant on to his stumps while
attempting a slog over midwicket. Australia captain Steven Smith (51) and all-rounders Mitchell Marsh (33) and Glenn Maxwell (41) chipped in with some quick runs. Sydney hosts the fifth and final one-dayer on Saturday.
Middleton boosts Bucks past Heat
323
Fall of wickets 1-65 (RG Sharma, 7.6 ov), 2-277 (S Dhawan, 37.3 ov), 3-277 (Dhoni, 37.6 ov), 4-278 (Kohli, 39.1 ov), 5-286 (Gurkeerat Singh, 40.2 ov), 6-294 (Rahane, 41.5 ov), 7-308 (R Dhawan, 43.6 ov), 8-311 (Kumar, 45.3 ov), 9-315 (Yadav, 47.4 ov), 10-323 (I Sharma, 49.2 ov) Bowling NM Lyon KW Richardson JW Hastings JP Faulkner 7 MR Marsh 9.2 GJ Maxwell 1 SPD Smith
O 10 10 10 0 0 0 2
0
M 0 1 50 48 55 10 0
R 76 68 2 0 2 0 16
W Econ 1 7.60 5 6.80 5.00 (1nb, 1w) 6.85 (1w) 5.89 (2w) 10.00 (1w) 0 8.00
Match details Toss - Australia, who chose to bat Series - Australia led the 5-match series 4-0 Player of the match - KW Richardson (Australia) Result - Australia won by 25 runs Umpires - RA Kettleborough (England) and JD Ward TV umpire - P Wilson Match referee - JJ Crowe (New Zealand) Reserve umpire - SJ Nogajski
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. (Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports) Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton scored 22 points - 20 more than Dwyane Wade - in the Bucks’ 91-79 victory over Miami on Tuesday at AmericanAirlines Arena. Middleton’s presence helped Greg Monroe, who had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (14 points). The Bucks have won five straight against the Heat, sweeping all four games last season. There is no doubt the Bucks’ height advantage - they start a 6 feet, 6 inch point guard, two 6-8 wings and two 6-11 players - gives Miami (Continued on page 29)
Thursday January 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 35
Triple time champions Federal Winners Connection receive GT Beer prizes Dainty is MVP
Banks GT Beer Brand Manager Mr. Geoffrey Clement (left) hands over the winners’ $800,000 first prize to Marlon Maxius, captain of Federal Winners Connection FC, while his teammates and UDFA boss Sharma Solomon (left) look on.
B
anks GT Beer Brand Manager M r. G e o ff r e y Clement has thrown down the gauntlet to the clubs in Linden to find a way of unlocking the key which has s e e n F e d e r a l Wi n n e r s Connection take a stranglehold of the third annual Upper Demerara Football Association GT Beer Cup championship after the club was presented with the championship trophy, cash incentive and medals for the third straight year on Tuesday afternoon at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre. Speaking at the official
ceremony for the presentation of prizes won after the Federal Winners Connection beat Silver Shattas 1-0 in the final, Mr. Clement told the attendance, “I also want to congratulate the winning team Federal Winners Connection for the third year, this is amazing and I am throwing out the challenge to the Linden community to take up the challenge in taking the championship from Winners Connection who, have won this championship three years in a row.” In the company of the UDFA President Sharma Solomon at the head table
Defender Derrol Dainty (right) receives his Most Valuable Player award from UDFA President Sharma Solomon.
among others, Clement lamented, “I am happy that this competitive match was associated with GT Beer because GT Beer is a competitive product in this market, and I want to give thanks to the community members of Linden for the sales of GT Beer thus far in our company.” He had special praise Ms. Shondell Easton the Banks DIH Linden Branch Manager noting, “I must acknowledge Ms. Shondell Easton who had given such commitments and reassurances that the tournament would be a success and we really
appreciate and have seen the results that this tournament was a success. With the great turnout from members of the community who came out to celebrate in the entire tournament, I was not here for most of the games, but I must emphasize on the final which I was present on New Year’s Day, it was a very competitive final. I have not seen football at that level in years and I must congratulate the players, especially for the final match between Winners Connection and Silver Shattas for the competitiveness which was really outstanding.”
At the presentation, Clement handed over to Marlon Maxius the captain of Federal Winners Connection FC, the winners’ $800,000 first prize along with their grand GT Beer Champions Trophy and medals, while their top defender Derrol Dainty was adjudged the Most Valuable Player in the tournament. Other individual prizes will be handed out at a later date according to the UDFA vice president Collie Hercules. The UDFA president thanked the beverage giants for their steadfastness in sponsorship to the tournament and highlighted
that Banks DIH has been associated with the sport for football in Linden for over two decades. He pledged the commitment of the UDFA in light of the continued sponsorship from Banks DIH and recent coming on board by In Time Recording Studio that football will be promoted and developed by his association. The other clubs who were handed their cheques were runner-up side Silver Shattas $500,000 and medals, third place finisher Topp XX with $300,000 and Net Rockers $ 200,000 for coming fourth.
Narine faces club cricket ban Sunil Narine (AFP)
T&T Newsday - Banned from international cricket by the ICC, off-spinner Sunil Narine could find himself prohibited from even playing for Queen’s Park in the forthcoming 2016 season if the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) executive passes a motion to extend his ban domestically. Reports have emerged that a nationwide block on Narine was discussed at the last executive meeting with no firm decision made. Speaking with Newsday Tuesday mere minutes prior to a 6pm executive meeting, TTCB first vice-president Dr Allen Sammy acknowledged that Narine was a topic on the agenda. ”I hear the president (Azim
Bassarath) say something about Sunil Narine but I don’t know what is the discussion yet,” he said. A source close to the situation but who wished to remain anonymous speculated that Narine may have ruffled a few feathers in his defence of Evin Lewis, Kevon Cooper and Rayad Emrit who were stripped of their retainer contracts after competing in the Bangladesh Premier League (November 22 December 15) last year. The trio clashed with TT CB CEO Suruj Ragoonath who they claimed had given permission for players to compete in T20 leagues an assertion Ragoonath has denied. The source said Narine was vociferous in his condemnation of
the move to take away the players’ retainers which did not go down well with certain members of the TT CB. ”Sunil spoke out in support of the players and because he open he mouth they want to do him that. Yes he has a little (bowling) problem and whether he getting fight down or not (from the ICC), at the end of the day he is a Trinidadian and a West Indian,” the source said. ”Narine has done amazing things for the Red Force and the West Indies that no one has ever done and now they treating him like that,” he said, while listing some of the embattled spinner’s achievements. The 27-year-old Arimian was the West Indies’ top wicket-taker
during their victorious 2012 World Twenty20 campaign and starred for the Red Force at the defunct Twenty20 Champions League and Caribbean Twenty20 Tournament. He grabbed a tournament-high 12 wickets last year as the Red Force reclaimed the Nagico Super50 title for the first time in five years. ”Sunil is mad and angry. They supporting Sunil in the newspaper but in reality want to stop him from bowling. Noncontracted players getting $40 a day when they come to train but nobody saying nothing about that. Players always does come out looking bad every time there is a problem but nobody saying (Continued on page 31)
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Public Health Min. to tackle suicide Red Force dump prevention during Milo football Jaguars out of - Petra Organisation donates two goals to Education Ministry
NAGICO Super 50 by 54 runs
Petra Organisation Director Troy Mendonca (right front row) hands over the goals to Ministry of Ediucation representative Nicholas Fraser in the presence of Dr. Dennis Bassier (left) and members of reigning Milo champions Chase Academy yesterday.
Top seeds progress, Djokovic denies match-fixing report Serena slams Hsieh to march into third round Darren Bravo hits six in his top score of 95. (Ashley Allen photo)
Russia’s Maria Sharapova hits a shot during her second round match against Belarus’ Aliaksandra Sasnovich at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 20, 2016. (Reuters/Jason O’Brien)
Serena Williams of the U.S. serves during her second round match against Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 20, 2016. (Reuters/Jason O’Brien)
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hits a shot during his second round match against France’s Quentin Halys at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 20, 2016. (Reuters/Jason O’Brien) 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