Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Where your views make the news
Letters... Where your views make the news
To promote the police officer who burnt a teen’s genitals is a crime against humanity DEAR EDITOR, Elections are around the corner and there has been an intensification of character assassination, insulting, disparaging, abusive and vulgar comments along with an increase in racial overtones by the PPP regime that primarily target the opposition, especially APNU. The campaign has not started as yet, but the PPP cabal has been secretly spreading the racial message of hatred of Afro-Guyanese towards their supporters at their secret bottom house meetings throughout the country. But David Granger and APNU are very patient with this shortcoming of the PPP as age usually improves reason. What is even more irksome, though, is when those in government who the people, especially the youths believe to be above that type of pettiness and divisiveness show their vulnerability as easy prey to a habit of racial and ethnic politics. The PPP electoral strategy, which is replete with negative political innuendo, is not only directed at the opposition and its supporters, but it seeks to subtly reinforce negative ethnic linkages dating back to APAAN JHAAT politics of the 1960s in respect of issues of trust and an innate bias against Afro-Guyanese. Rather than indulge the nation in such tribal/racial campaign strategy, the PPP cabal, which has allowed corruption to get out of hand should seek to direct the little intellect they have left to the root cause of today’s prevailing social injustice and economic crisis. In a situation in which the poor and the working class who are at the bottom of the social and economic ladder
are the most vulnerable in society with no influence or power of how to improve their lives and control the nation’s purse from the kleptocrats at Freedom House. Taking a look at the current crime situation, we believe that the Minister of Home Affairs should implement and enforce more stringent measures to arrest crime rather than focus on his role as the General Secretary of the PPP. After all, he is paid by the taxpayers and not by the PPP to protect them from the armed bandits who are roaming the streets freely committing crimes. The number of crimes and murders committed daily by armed bandits in Guyana has left the citizens in dismay at the disgusting behavior of the less-schooled Minister of Home Affairs and the entire PPP regime. What is even more disturbing is the level of disregard, lack of respect and abuse shown towards the citizens by the police and the fact that the Minister of Home Affairs has not even attempted to contain the violent actions of the rogue cops in the Force suggests that he condones their barbaric actions. And for Dr. Luncheon to tell the nation that the cabinet approved the promotion of Sergeant Narine Lall to Inspector, one of the two police officers who doused the genitals of 14-year old Twyon Williams and set it ablaze at the Leonora Police Station has poured salt in a fresh and open wound of the nation. Luncheon’s statement which borders on insanity shows how deranged and warped the President and the PPP cabinet are. Further, the Commissioner
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of Police, Seelall Persaud has totally disrespected the people and insulted the good and decent officers of the Police Force when he promoted Mohanram Dulai, the other police who was involved in the torture of the 14 year old from constable to corporal. The action of the PPP regime is sickening and is the most depraved in all of the Caribbean and perhaps the world, except for their communist friends in China, North Korea and Cuba. It is very nauseating of the deformed PPP regime to accept the torturing of the youths as normal for it is the irrational and unstable Minister Robert Persaud who said that the police do not torture, they only “rough up” people. By promoting these two villain police officers, the criminal PPP regime has committed a heinous crime against humanity. There is nothing decent about this corrupt and sadistic PPP cabal. The citizens are tired and frustrated with the state of criminal activity by armed bandits, abusive and vulgar behavior by the PPP cabal and torture and cruelty by the police who are supposed to serve and protect them and to bring about order and keep them safe. Nothing could be more evil than for the appalling PPP regime to support torture and other wrong doings by the police. Guyana has descended to its lowest level by this PPP cabal which is highly immoral, lacks integrity and decency and must be voted out of Office on May 11. Asquith Rose, Chandra Deolall, Dr. Merle SpenserMarks.
A terrible grief is being inflicted on this mother and her children DEAR EDITOR, Trafficking in narcotics is against the law but why does it only have to be enforced for some and not others? Why is it that the smaller woman/man always feels the brunt of the law for small quantities while offenders with HUGE quantities get off lightly if not set free? We are saddened by the fact that four young children especially the 22 day old baby, were torn away from the care of their mother, 24 year old Ocia Leung because she was in possession of 4.3 grammes of cannabis (SN,01/ 27, 2015, pg 14). As grassroots mothers and in many instances, single mothers, we know how hard it is to care for one child much less four or more in the face of the economic crisis which the majority of Guyanese (but not those at the top) are experiencing in our country. When it comes to survival, as poor mothers we will stop at nothing to ensure we and our children/family survive and we are therefore often forced into activities which might be unlawful(be
it prostitution, shoplifting, drug trafficking to name a few,) in the process. It is unfortunate that many of our young people especially mothers find themselves in these situations. We do not condone trafficking in narcotics but we condemn the judicial system (from police, to Magistrates, to Judges, to Chief Justice) for its unfair application of the law. Admitting that Ms. Leung broke the law and should be punished but given the circumstances: the ages of her children, the small quantity of the cannabis, the fact that she has never had problem with the law in this regard before, we believe that the magistrate was harsh in her penalty. A three year sentence plus a $30,000 fine (three times the street value of the drug) is highly unreasonable. One would have thought that she would have been made to pay a fine and ordered to do community service like some other offenders. In October 2014, Shellon
Hopkinson, aged 20, mother of one and four months and two weeks pregnant shared a similar fate when she was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment and a fine of $385,500 for trafficking drugs with a street value of $128,500. Again, another mother being separated from her children. While we accept that these women have to take responsibility for their actions, we urge that Magistrates in executing judgment explore other sentencing options in special cases like these. Children being separated from their mothers especially at such early age causes detachment between both parties, the children can become distressed and aggressive/rebellious; in addition, they can also be exposed to all sorts of mistreatment/abuse. What a terrible grief is being inflicted on both this young mother and her young children! This is not justice. Joy Marcus Joycelyn Bacchus Wintress White For Red Thread
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 30, 2015
Pilot delivers 14-yr-old’s baby in mid-air By Dale Andrews and Romila Boodram A pilot had to employ all his first-aid knowledge to assist a teenager in delivering her baby in mid-air while flying from Aishalton to Lethem, Region Nine. This occurred on Saturday last on an aircraft belonging to the Rural Air Medical Services (RAMS). The teenager, who is reportedly 14 years old, and her baby boy were transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) last Tuesday, after the infant developed breathing complications. The young mother is said to be “perfectly fine” while her baby is reportedly in stable condition, receiving the necessary care at the medical institution. Kaieteur News was told that the first-time mother was placed on board the aircraft at Aishalton in an advanced stage of labour, with her sister accompanying her. This was after medical personnel in her home village referred her to the betterequipped hospital at Lethem. During the flight to Lethem, the teen’s sister reportedly noticed the baby’s head protruding and cried out for help. With no other choice, the pilot was forced to turn his seat back a little and assist in delivering the baby in mid-air while attending to the plane’s controls at the same time. “It is really a miracle…thanks to the pilot, he’s a real saviour,” a Lethem
resident told this newspaper. The heroic pilot is Paul Clarke, a British volunteer who has been flying locally with the RAMS. The organization has been operating in Guyana for the past 13 years, doing medical evacuation primarily in the vast Region Nine area. Clarke has been flying locally for the past two years. He told Kaieteur News that early Saturday morning they received a request to take the pregnant teen from Aishalton to Lethem. Clarke said that 10 minutes after taking off from Aishalton for the 45-minute flight to Lethem, it became clear that the teen was experiencing labour. “I was hoping that she was going to wait until we got to Lethem…but she decided that she was going to have it right there and then,” Clarke said. Ten minutes later the baby was ready to emerge. Clarke explained that he decided to take his headset off and turn around in his seat to assist in the delivery procedure. “The baby was already coming out, so there was no point in landing or waiting to get to Lethem. I wanted to make sure that the baby was all right, because it was coming out…so I just turned around and delivered the baby, and every now and then I was watching to see that everything was all right,” Clarke explained. He said that he did not cut the umbilical cord, “since there was no need to do that…I just made sure that the
baby was breathing and just placed it on the mother’s chest.” It was the first time that Clarke has had to assist in the delivery of a baby, while in the air. Throughout the delivery, the plane was flying at about 3,000 feet, and according to Clarke, it was pretty easy to maintain control. “Oh it’s no problem!” he stated. “Planes fly pretty level and straight except for the odd gust and gentle turning…I only needed to touch it (controls) now and then to make that all was well. There was absolutely no danger or risk, it was absolutely fine. Of course my main concern at the time was that the baby was breathing and alive. The plane was all safe, we were high enough anyway,” Clarke explained, adding that the remaining 25 minutes until they landed at Lethem were uneventful. When the plane touched ground at Lethem, both mother and baby were rushed by ambulance to the area hospital from which they were eventually transferred to the GPHC four days later. While residents in Lethem have praised the pilot for the courage and great work he performed, they are questioning why the teen was placed on a flight without medical personnel to monitor her through the difficult period. This newspaper was told that the young mother has informed hospital workers that the father of the baby is not around. The Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) is investigating the matter. Teenage pregnancy is said to be a “norm” in the hinterland region. Kaieteur News was told that there are at least two
Pilot Paul Clarke
cases of teenage pregnancies in almost every Amerindian village. Last month, social workers were forced to intervene in four such cases involving girls aged 10, 12 and 14 from Katoka, Aishalton and Yupukari. A female source who is familiar with these cases told this newspaper that it seems as though village authorities, including Toshaos, do not see this situation as a major problem. She even alleged that the leaders seem to be hiding these cases from the police and social workers. “Most of these girls are impregnated by a family member and their parents are covering it up. The village leaders too are trying to cover up things. The only time you know about these cases is when these girls are ready to give birth and they have to meet with health officials,” the source said. According to reports,
there are some residents who would lambaste the police for not doing anything to assist in these situations. However, a senior police source yesterday said that they can only intervene if a report is made to them. He said too that in most cases, the girls do not reveal the names of the perpetrators, and in a case like that, the police cannot do anything. Kaieteur News was told that young girls are being “schooled” not to reveal information to the police and social workers if such a case arises. “These girls are told that they will be questioned by social workers and the police and they are advised to say they don’t know where the fathers of their babies are. One time one of these girls told me that the father of her baby was in Venezuela when in fact the man was right here in Guyana in the same village,” the source explained. However, a senior official from CCPA said that she would not say that these children are being schooled, but she confirmed that when dealing with such cases, the girls are reluctant to reveal information. “We do not get clear information on the identity of the perpetrators. There is a reluctance to disclose certain information. We have had a number of cases where we get girls and they all say the baby’s father is ‘Shawn and he in de bush’ but we never find that individual,” the official disclosed. Last year, a total of 58 cases of teenage pregnancies were reported to the agency, most of which came from the hinterland region. Currently, the Child Care and Protection Agency is working with 10 underage
girls, some of whom have already given birth, while some are expecting. Four months ago, a 12year-old girl, who claimed that she was impregnated by her stepfather, delivered her first child at the GPHC. She is said to be from Caponarib in the Rupununi. That matter is still being investigated by the police. Prior to that, a 15-year-old Amerindian girl gave birth at the Lethem Hospital. The man who was responsible for impregnating her was released on station bail days after she delivered. In January of last year, an Amerindian Chief from Region One was remanded to prison after he was charged on two counts of rape allegedly committed on his own daughter who is just 10 years old. The man was arrested after medical officials in Region One realized that the girl was four months pregnant. She had gone to a community health centre complaining of feeling ill. Because of the child’s age, medical officials had to abort that pregnancy. Also, earlier last year, police in the North West District were hunting a man who impregnated an 11-yearold who had been living with him with the knowledge of her parents. While the incidents are cause for concern, it is not too surprising, given the rate of teenage pregnancy in Guyana. Local authorities have indicated that incidents of teenage pregnancy in Guyana are most prevalent in the Rupununi. The situation has led to calls from residents of Lethem for the establishment of a child protection office with more than one officer in that community.
Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
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GGMC loans $3B to CH&PA for housing projects The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission has signed a Loan Agreement following the submission of an investment proposal by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in January 2015, a joint statement said yesterday. “The proposal is for the investment of the sum of three billion dollars (G$3B) to be loaned to the CH&PA for a period of one (1) year and to be used for the development of the housing sector.” The statement said that the Board of Directors of the Commission met and deliberated on the proposal submitted and it was noted that the interest rate being offered by CH&PA was five percent, which was 3.2 percent more than what was currently being earned via the commercial banks and other investment options open to the Commission. “More so, the loan is for a period of one
(1) year with interest calculated using the reducing balance and in the event CH&PA fails to repay the entire amount by the deadline, the Commission has the right to increase the interest rate to 7%.” At the level of the Board of Directors, it was agreed that the investment proposal was financially prudent and sound. In this regard, the Board agreed to the granting of the loan subject to the terms and conditions enshrined in the Loan Agreement and any additional guarantees required by the Commission.” The statement said that CH&PA projects are pivotal to the realization of the Government of Guyana’s strategic target of allocating 30,000 lots under the Adequate and Affordable Housing Programme in order to maintain momentum in the provision of service land in several areas on the East and West Demerara.
Trinidad AG faces police probe into allegations of perversion of justice - It’s an election plot....I will be vindicated - AG Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams ordered an investigation into allegations made against the Attorney General by the head of the Police Complaints Authority. A January 29 release from the Police Service said that the PCA head David West visited Williams at the Police Administration Building and presented him with a signed statement making an allegation of ‘an attempt to pervert the course of justice’ against AG Anand Ramlogan. Deputy Commissioner of Police Harold Phillip will lead the investigation. However Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has responded to the decision taken by acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams to order a criminal investigation into claims made by the Director of the Police Complaints Authority David West . In a press release issued at around 6p.m yesterday . Ramlogan made the following statement ‘I welcome the announcement by the Commissioner of Police of an investigation into the allegations made by Mr David West. I trust that the investigation would be handled professionally, thoroughly and expeditiously.I will co-operate fully with this investigation and look forward to my vindication. All parties must now
Attorney General Anand Ramlogan allow due process to take its course. These latest spurious allegations are but part of a wider political conspiracy that is designed to damage the government as we draw closer to elections.” Ramlogan’s statement followed a series of actions taken by Director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West, who said he was allegedly approached by Ramlogan and asked to withdraw his witness statement given in the defamation lawsuit filed by the AG against Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley, in exchange for him (West) being selected to head the PCA. Earlier yesterday , West issued a statement, saying that: “Although the Hon. Attorney General initially refused to make any comment on the matter, he is now on
the public record denying categorically that he ever requested me to withdraw my witness statement in his claim against Dr Rowley. I am compelled to say publicly, without more, that my recollection of what transpired is diametrically opposed to the Hon. Attorney General’s denial that he ever approached me. Accordingly, I have this morning made a report to the Ag. Commissioner of Police on the matter of the allegations against the Hon. Attorney General reported upon in (an Express) article. I trust that the Ag Commissioner will take swift action on my report as he considers appropriate or as he may be advised and that due process will be ensured and the integrity of any investigation will be preserved.’
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 30, 2015
Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
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The antidote against Indian ethnic insecurity In every election there has to be a winner and a loser. I have seen elections in other countries where the supporters of the losing party are devastated. They stand shell-shocked as the results are announced. They have long faces. They cry. They hug each other for comfort. In Guyana, there is no hugging and crying. There are riots. When a party cannot accept the will of the people; when it has grown so accustomed to rigging elections and trampling on the will of the people, it cannot effectively operate within a democratic framework. Nor can it accept defeat. The PNCR has been very skillful at deflecting their successive electoral humiliations at the hands of the PPPC. Its leadership has never stood up and accepted blame for the failure to win a free and fair election. It is always somebody else’s fault.
There is always the charge of electoral malpractice. Even when the evidence is produced to show that the PNCR has lost, there is no conceding. The reason is simple. If the PNCR concedes, its supporters are likely to call for the leadership to account for their electoral defeat. But if the supporters are fed the lie that they were cheated, then the blame is deflected elsewhere. This is the root cause of the looting, the burning and the muggings. The PPPC felt it was cheated at the last elections. However, it did not riot. It had the consolation of the Presidency. Neither did its leadership accept blame for the loss of the party’s once unassailable majority. The PPPC blamed GECOM and the polling day staff for robbing the party of votes. It did not concede its own mistakes. Instead, it heaped blame on the electoral process.
One of the Commissioners on GECOM recently resigned. It would be instructive if he would indicate, now that he has resigned, what would have been the final tally of votes if those 17 polling stations which were allegedly not included in the Region 3 votes had been tallied. Would the PPP have regained its majority? The nature of our electoral system is as such that all elections will be close races. The changes to the electoral system brought about from the 2001 reform process will ensure this happens. No party will ever be able to command a majority of more than four seats. And the closeness of elections will make it easier for the political parties to manipulate the emotions of their supporters. It will be easy for the supporters of all parties to feel that they were cheated. The parties should avoid creating false expectations in their supporters. Every party
Dem boys seh...
Donald, Granger, Ramjattan promising everything This is de time when people does watch people and tell dem all kind of thing. Dem does mek promise like if dem head ain’t good. Some of dem does promise wha dem ain’t even got. Granger go pun de Essequibo Coast and promise economic revival. De people pun de coast ain’t even sure wha that mean, if it mean that dem gun live like de people in Georgetown or if dem gun live like Jagdeo, Babbie, Anil, Irfaat and Rob de Earth. Moses promise dem Berbicians that he gun see that dem mek sugar like sand and get money like rain. De Berbicians want to know if he promising dem more money than dem does mek wid de smuggling from Suriname or if dem and all gun get fuh live like Jagdeo and all he kavakamites. Then Donald promise de whole country that he gun give dem cheap electricity. Dem boys seh that is de greatest promise, but dem got people who thiefing current, suh current can’t get more cheap than that. It mek dem boys remember when dem was young and dem wanted something desperately. If is a case that dem did want
dem mother stop cutting dem tail dem use to promise she everything just fuh mek she stop. Some even promise to be good, but as soon as de cut tail done is back to wha dem accustom to. Dem boys see big men cry when police hold dem and promise to even compensate de people who dem rob, but everybody know that is only word of mouth. Even when a community ketch a bandit and beat de daylights out of him de bandit does promise to go to church if dem lef he. Nuff women run into men who promise nuff things just to get a bit of de Promised Land and when dem get it is a different story. That is why when all dem politicians go and mek promise, dem women does shake dem head and de men does smile because dem and de politicians cut from de same cloth— all of dem can mek promise that dem don’t intend to keep. When Jagdeo tek he oath as president he promise fuh serve all de people of Guyana. Dem boys seh that people ain’t even got to ask he if he keep that promise. Talk half and watch out fuh more of dem promises.
has to go to the polls with the message to their supporters. That message is that we are going to win the elections. That is rhetoric. The reality however is that some parties do not stand a good chance of winning. Some have no chance at all. It will, for example, take an electoral miracle for APNU to win the Presidency of Guyana. In 2006, APNU lost support relative to what the PNC gained in 1992. APNU cannot conceivably close a nine percentage point gap on the PPPC. The PPPC is not going to implode to allow APNU to either gain a majority or a plurality. That is the reality. The AFC cannot win the Presidency. It was a 10% party. It has lost ground since. It is now seeking through intense campaigning to regain part of that ground by trying to scoop the one Region 9 geographical seat. The AFC can only aspire to holding the balance of power. It is now using that
ambition to be demand the presidential candidacy of a joint opposition slate. This joint opposition slate is the best chance the opposition has of gaining the Presidency from the PPP. But this can only happen if the AFC gets the presidential candidate of a joint opposition slate. If the parties go their separate ways, the PPP is likely to win the Presidency and perhaps once again its majority. The AFC is not likely to gain sufficient seats to hold any balance of power. It knows that its support in Berbice is gone. Its recent rally in Whim attests to the AFC’s dwindling support in Berbice. If, however, the joint opposition goes with the AFC, with either Ramjattan or Nagamootoo as its presidential candidate, they may stand an outside chance of a narrow plurality. The
reasoning is simple. Sufficient numbers of disenchanted PPPC supporters may feel secure under a coalition headed by the AFC. An opposition coalition headed by either Nagamootoo or Ramjattan is the antidote against Indian ethnic insecurity. Without the AFC heading the coalition there will be continued Indian ethnic insecurity and this will lead to the PPP regaining its majority and the Presidency. Those are realistic scenarios. Anything else will engender false expectations, the dangers of which have been tasted before in Guyana.
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 30, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The police will have to compensate me Some readers may find this column funny. For me it is not. I am serious. I am writing the Police Commissioner for compensation. It is nonsense what happened to me in the sprawling Brickdam edifice of the police force. This country has to come into the 21st century. I am damned annoyed at what happened to me at Brickdam on Wednesday morning. After my National Park workout, time was not on my side, so it made no sense to go home and shower then go to Brickdam. That morning, I had to participate in two demonstrations – one against the Ministry of Local Government for the terrible road at Port Kaituma and at UG in solidarity with the unions, then after that, attend the funeral ceremony for Mrs. Mike Baptiste. So I left the National Park
and went straight to Brickdam Police Station to do two investigations – the Alwyn Hoyte promotion rejection by the Police Service Commission and a complaint to me by minibus drivers of traffic ranks’ demand that they empty their buses of the passengers when requested to go to Brickdam station because of an infringement. They said such a request is illegal. I was directed to sit on a bench in the Registry of the station to await the ranks I wanted to see in the Hoyte controversy. Members of the public came in and I was told to shift down so I could accommodate them. When I did that, I felt a stab in my backside. I jumped up. I looked down on the bench. There it was, staring at me. I sat on a nail as large as the Bill Cosby scandal. It tore the backside of my jogging pants
The sweatpants is special. It was part of my wife’s 2012 birthday gift to me. She quickly patched it on Wednesday night and I will continue to wear it, but I am going to write the Police Commissioner for compensation. I interviewed the Police Commissioner at 21:10 hours on Wednesday night in relation to Alwyn Hoyte, but did not mention my sweatpants because I didn’t think it was appropriate, but I hope he does the decent thing and write me a cheque. The cancellation of promotion from Sergeant to Inspector by the Police Service Commission still baffles me, even though I have completed my queries. A complaint was filed with the police by Grove businessman, Imran Khan, against Hoyte for damage to property. Defended by Joe Harmon in front of Magistrate Beharry, Hoyte was freed.
Hoyte in turn sued Khan for defamation of character. The Hoyte-Khan saga continued with a complaint by Khan over a cell phone incident involving a third party. Inspector Nieuenkirk (deceased) conducted the investigation and ruled in favour of Hoyte. The matter resurfaced and Hoyte again was investigated, this time by Superintendent Cooper, who at the moment is doing a law degree in Trinidad. Cooper ruled in favour of Hoyte Many ranks said to me that they believe Hoyte’s distress may have come about because of then Crime Chief Seelall Persaud, who is now Commissioner of Police. They offered no evidence, but in fairness to Mr. Persaud, he should respond to the allegation so we can hear his side. On Wednesday evening, Mr. Persaud told me that indeed, he would say he is a
friend of Mr. Khan, but he was never involved in any way in the pursuit of an investigation into Mr. Hoyte. He was not aware of who the Commander of ‘A’ Division had chosen to investigate Mr. Hoyte. He didn’t know it was Mr. Cooper, and he had absolutely nothing to do with the recent rejection of the promotion. I couldn’t gather any evidence that would lead me to think that through his friendship with Mr. Seelall Persaud, Mr. Khan pursued Mr. Hoyte. But I will conclude that from my investigation, Mr. Hoyte should have his promotion, because he has no outstanding disciplinary issues. I could not speak to Superintendent Ashram, officer in charge of traffic at Brickdam. But ranks told me that they have requested minibus drivers to empty the vehicles of passengers when
Frederick Kissoon the bus is ordered to the station. They said they do not know if the practice is illegal. Two lawyers have told me the request is not backed by law. I left Brickdam with my torn sweatpants, went home showered, barely missed the UG demonstration (it is on today again), went to the funeral service of Mrs. Baptiste, then had lunch with John Green, cousin of t h e Mayor, and Leonard Craig, and we all concluded that the 2015 elections will determine if Guyana dies or survives.
ASL plane runs off Kurupung airstrip Three persons, including the pilot onboard a Britten Norman BN-2 Islander, walked away unhurt yesterday morning after their aircraft ran off the airstrip at an interior location. The twin-engine craft belonging to local aviation company Air Services Limited
(ASL) was said to be shuttling supplies to the jungle community when the pilot reportedly experienced brake difficulty after touching down. The plane bearing registration number 8R-GAR left the Ogle Airport and arrived in Kurupung in Region Seven after 09:00hours. The incident is said to have taken place around 09:40hours. According to information, the pilot had lined up the plane for landing, but after touching down on the runway the brakes did not respond. While it is unclear whether the pilot would have swerved the plane to force the
- pilot says brakes failed reduction of speed, the plane ended up leaving the airstrip, coming to a stop alongside it. The occupants suffered no injury and information reaching the newspaper is that the plane would have suffered relatively minor damage. Head of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Zulphicar Mohamed confirmed the incident to Kaieteur News. He told the newspaper that the plane ran off the airstrip and inspectors were at the time on their way to the location to commence investigations. He said that the
authorities have been told so far that the aircraft may have suffered minor damage. This latest incident comes just days after a search was called off for a missing aircraft that went down in another interior region last December. Another ASL Britten Norman Islander aircraft went missing on December 29 last when it was shuttling construction supplies from Mahdia to Karisparu in the Potaro-Siparuni region. A 28-year-old pilot and his 51-year-old cargo handler were the only occupants. A 21-day search turned up empty handed. In May of last year a downdraft was blamed for a hard landing that had also occurred at the Kurupung airstrip. It involved on that occasion, a Trans-Guyana Britten Norman Islander aircraft that damaged its landing gear. Six persons walked away without injury after the pilot had experienced difficulty. (Zena Henry)
Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Pit bull attack on schoolgirl…
Caretaker to be charged, cops contact GSPCA
Jady Joseph Police are to charge a Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara caretaker for alleged negligence that led to two pit bulls escaping from a property and viciously attacking a ten-year-old schoolgirl. A senior police official told Kaieteur News yesterday that the caretaker is to appear in court today. He was
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reportedly taken into custody, but was released on $40,000 station bail. Police have also informed officials from the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) about the case. This newspaper was also told that the owner of the animals is in the interior and he is also likely to face charges.
According to information supplied to the police, the animals have been escaping through the fence surrounding the property, which is located on the Diamond access road near Fifth Avenue. Kaieteur News visited the area on Wednesday and saw that one of the dogs was tethered to the back step.
The property from which the animals escaped. Jady Joseph, of TwentyFirst Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, was walking on the Diamond access road on Tuesday when the dogs ran onto the roadway and attacked her. She was bitten on the legs and left hand, and only the presence of passersby, who threw stones at the dogs, saved her from further injury.
She was treated at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital, but her mother, Latoya Joseph, said yesterday that the child is taking further treatment at a private hospital. She said that Jady remains in severe pain and this is aggravated by the fact that the wounds have to be cleaned daily. The child is also still traumatized, the
mother added. Kaieteur News understands that the person who owns the animals, travels frequently to the interior, and that the dogs are often left unattended. This newspaper has received previous complaints of the dogs escaping from the property and attacking children.
PPP takes note of APNU/AFC ongoing “political meandering” The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is paying keen attention to matters related to the possible Pro-democracy alliance between A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC). This was made clear as the Party held its most recent press conference at Freedom House, Robb Street Georgetown. The press conference was hosted by General Secretary, Clement Rohee. At that forum, Rohee dedicated an entire press statement to address the cons of an AFC/APNU alliance. He said that his Party has been noting the ongoing “political meandering” between the AFC and APNU on the issue of the formation of a pre-election prodemocracy alliance.
Based on all the “notes” PPP has been making over the past few weeks, Rohee has been able to point out that “one bone of contention seems to be who should lead the alliance.” The General Secretary said that it appears as if the AFC is “determined to have the number one spot in the presidential race even though it is by far the most junior party in terms of membership and influence.” Rohee added that the “Leader or Nothing advanced by the AFC” reminds the PPP of the stance adopted by the People National Congress (PNC) Founder Leader, Forbes Burnham during the mid-1950s “when he made a grab for the leadership of the PPP.” Speaking as if he was privy to inside information, Rohee said that the PNC is in a “serious
dilemma on how to treat with the demand made by the AFC. Indeed, it certainly would have a lot of explaining of its sell out position to its membership. This would be seen not only as spineless on the part of Granger and the leadership of the PNC, but also as a sell out to the AFC which has a mere seven seats in Parliament as opposed to the PNC’s 26.” Rohee told the media that the AFC would not escape the “wrath” of its membership and supporters for reneging on an earlier commitment that it will never enter into any electoral alliance with the PNC.
The General Secretary then put on his historian cap to say that Guyana does not have a good record when it comes to coalition politics as the “first coalition government involving the PNC and the United Force (UF) ended in an abysmal failure even though the coalition succeeded in the removal of the PPP from office in 1964.” Rohee said that it is “interesting to see how these secret talks will play out.” He questioned “Would the APNU play second fiddle to the AFC which apart from
being the new kid on the block is lacking in seniority and mass appeal?” Asked why the keen interest in the internal affairs of APNU and AFC, especially with regards to the possible alliance, Rohee said that that is what politicians do. Pointed to the fact that no other political Party bothered to pay such keen attention to the PPP’s internal affairs, Rohee said that this is so because the other parties lack capacity to analyze what is happening in the PPP and are too busy with their internal ramblings.
PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee
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Friday January 30, 2015
Alleged conman in custody after Parliament’s dissolution purporting to be Minister shortly - Luncheon
Government Minister? Detained: Damion Bailey A man is in police custody after reportedly claiming to be a Government Minister in
order to obtain a cellphone from a Georgetown business, yesterday afternoon.
Arrested is 39 year-old Damion Bailey of Friendship, East Bank Demerara, who allegedly called the owner of A.N. Electronics Store, Robb Street, pretending to be Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali. While impersonating Minister Ali, Bailey claimed that he had lost his cell phone and would be sending a driver to uplift a Samsung smartphone in the Minister’s name. Police were alerted of the suspicious activity at about 10:30hrs yesterday when Bailey reportedly arrived at the business claiming to be Minister Ali’s driver. His arrest was soon followed and he is currently assisting police with investigations. Bailey was alleged to have tried a similar ruse twice late last year – at the Digicel office on Barrack S t r e e t , K i n g s t o n , and a Regent Street business. Those times he reportedly claimed to be the Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee. He was arrested on both occasions. The man was charged for the Digicel incident but the case was subsequently dismissed for want of prosecution on January 7. In the incident concerning the Regent Street business, Bailey was not charged, as representatives did not want to pursue the matter.
An announcement of Parliament’s dissolution is likely soon, Dr. Roger Luncheon said. As questions continue about whether President Donald Ramotar erred in not dissolving Parliament when he set May 11 for national elections, Government on Wednesday assured that an announcement could be coming within a few days. G o v e r n m e n t ’s spokesman, Dr. Roger Luncheon, confirming that the issue has indeed come to the attention of the
administration, said that the Constitution caters for dissolution, with a “drop dead date” to be three months before elections. This means that Government has until February 9 to do so. Luncheon disagreed with the interpretation that Parliament can be dissolved at any time. “That is not exactly what the constitution says… It
might, of course, be what is meant but it isn’t exactly what the Constitution says.” There have been accusations that Government was deliberately holding out on dissolving Parliament so that it could sign off on a number of pending deals. However, Government officials have insisted that the President was acting within the law.
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Kaieteur News
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“Respect our Education” - UG students insist Just over 100 students, most dressed in black, slowly trekked out of the University of Guyana (UG)’s Turkeyen campus late yesterday afternoon armed with a black banner with slogans on either side “Respect our Education #UG Revolution” and “Yes we care, do you? #UG Revolution.” Led by President of the University of Guyana Students Society, Joshua Griffith, the group headed to the Railway Embankment a short distance away where they draped the University of Guyana sign planted there with their banner. After completing their mission the next move was the taking of “selfies” by the students with the draped sign in the background with a view of posting these to social media. This move came as part of the students’ efforts to further raise a number of existing concerns that were particularly amplified in recent days following the commencement of strike action by staffers of the tertiary institution. And they were not alone yesterday as they highlighted their concerns. It all started with a mini rally at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT)
...as protest action reaches Railway Embankment
Students drape the University of Guyana sign at the Railway Embankment as others look on which was kick- started by a leadership talk presented by Youth Leadership Advocate, Astell Collins, who told his audience of mainly students that “any injustice at UG is a threat nationally.” The UGSS-spearheaded event also gained support from the National Youth Council of Guyana. And
according to its representative, Francis Bailey, it is evident that Government has the capacity to render a great deal of support to its main University. This is in light of the fact, he noted, that Government has been able to plug a sizeable sum into the construction of a Marriott Hotel that “none
Gold miner fatally shot in camp A team of police ranks has been dispatched to conduct investigations into the reported murder of miner Devon Moore, 37, of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, which occurred at about 17:00 hours on Wednesday at Five Star, North West District. Details of the murder are sketchy, but a police
report indicated that Moore was in his camp, when a man armed with a shotgun entered, shot him and escaped. He was taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect has not yet been arrested.
Dead: Devon Moore
Quartet nabbed in car charged with Chinese restaurant robbery The four men who were held in a taxi service’s car on Tuesday, with a quantity of household items, have been charged with the robbery committed on a Chinese Restaurant the day before. The men Carl Mangal, 24, a labourer of Lyng Street, Charlestown; Gregory Simmons, 42, a cook of 156 Curtis Street, Albouystown; Curt Grant, 41, a taxi driver of 136 East Ruimveldt and Joel Grannum, 25, a labourer of 27 Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice were charged with robbery under arms. Particulars of the charge reveal that the men are charged for robbery committed on Chinese national Tai Hong Fen, 49,
owner of the Four Seas Restaurant at Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice, on January 26. They are accused of stealing $300,000 worth in cash and cell phone cards and a cell phone worth $40,000. According to information, around 22:00hrs on Sunday, five unmasked armed bandits entered the restaurant and brutally beat the owner, robbing him of the items mentioned before escaping. During the ordeal which lasted about 30 minutes the men also brutalized Tai Hong
Fen’s 14-year-old daughter. Tai and his daughter were taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where they were treated and sent away. When police apprehended the men, they found Tai’s cell phone on one of them. In opposing bail, Prosecutor Sergeant Phillip Sheriff told the court that the men are not from the area and are known convicts. They were denied their pre-trial liberty, and will appear again in court on February 16.
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of us are likely to have lecture sessions in” and “a Skeldon
(Sugar) Factory that can’t make sugar”. As he emphasised the Youth Council’s support for the University students, Bailey went on to share his displeasure in the fact that “many youths in Guyana are growing old waiting for change. I think UG can be a lot different.” Yesterday’s event marked the second campus-wide activity orchestrated by the UGSS. The initial activity, which was held on Monday, led to the Vice Chancellor and the University Council deciding to meet today in order to discuss the way forward in terms of bringing an end to the strike action by workers in their attempt to address a breakdown in salary negotiations and the imposition of a new Workload Policy. While it is anticipated that
there will be a resolution today following the planned meeting, the UGSS President noted that if this is not the case, efforts will be made to determine the next move. But according to Griffith, “there are tons of issues affecting us such as grades, facilities, and the list goes on. We know that students are the ones that are most affected at this time and whatever decision we (students) take we will run with it...” “All the other stakeholders of the University are paid, we are the only ones that are not paid; we pay and we want value for our money and we want classes to start as soon as possible. We want normalcy and more importantly we would like to see transparency and returns for our investment,” Griffith asserted.
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Cash jet pilot deposited over US$6M in bank accounts A Guyana-born pilot arrested in November with over US$600,000 in cash hidden in his jet is facing major troubles with his properties and bank accounts. Not only is Khamraj Lall charged in Puerto Rico, a US territory, with smuggling bulk cash, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has gone after 14 bank accounts, his Lexus car, and two planes, including a jet that he uses in a private service that he operates in Guyana. Two weeks after he was arrested in Puerto Rico, US tax authorities on December 8 filed a civil case in New Jersey. They were able to seize over US$442,743.59. This is in addition to the US$600,000 that was found on the jet in Puerto Rico, and which is subject to seizure too. Investigators, apparently working on information, started tracking Lall’s deposits to accounts held at Wells Fargo, Citibank and JP Morgan and found startling evidence that between April 2011 and September 2014, the pilot and family members deposited an astounding US$6,324,411.41 (G$1.3B). There were over a thousand transactions. Authorities later seized cash from 14 of these accounts. The IRS believes that a scheme was devised where Lall and others deliberately deposited less than
US$10,000 each time in attempts not to trigger suspicion by banks which are mandated to report transactions above that amount. Lall’s wife, Nadinee and mother Joyce, were named in the transactions. US authorities are using laws which allow them to forfeit or seize properties and proceeds that come from an offence. Investigators tracking the money said that Lall and his family had properties in New Jersey, Florida and New York. The Lalls also owned a 1988 Fixed Wing Multi-Engine jet, FAA registration N822QL and 1985 Fixed Wing MultiEngine Aircraft, displaying former FAA registration N951RM. For the first aircraft, the Lalls, using their companies, paid US$343,877.78 while for the other US$525,000. They also owned a 2013 Lexus GX Wagon. The two aircraft and the Lexus are the subjects of seizure warrants issued by Steven C. Mannion, U.S. Magistrate Judge, in early December 2014. The US Government said that it is not yet requesting seizures of the properties in the three states but intends to do so, as proceeds of the deposits were used to renovate or pay mortgages. According to the US Government, when domestic financial institutions, including banks and money
- authorities seize US$440,000; target two planes, Lexus, three properties
Captain Khamraj Lall service businesses, are involved in a transaction for the payment, receipt, or transfer of United States currency in an amount greater than $10,000, the institution is required to file a currency transaction report (“CTR”) for each cash transaction, such as, by way of example, a deposit, withdrawal, exchange of currency, or other payment or transfer by, through, or to a financial institution. “Many individuals involved in illegal activities, such as tax evasion, money laundering, and narcotics trafficking, are aware of the reporting requirements and take active steps to cause financial institutions to fail to file CTRs in order to avoid detection of the movement of large amounts of cash.” The court documents said that Lall and his family and others “structured” their
One of the planes that the US Govt. is targeting to seize. payments deposit below US$10,000. Lall, who was ordered to relinquish his pilot’s licences last month, was said to own and operate Exec Jet Club (“EJC”) and Exec Jet Sales (“EJS”), which were operated from a hanger located at Gainesville Regional Airport, Florida. Joyce Lall, his mother, was said to have controlled Kaylees Investments (“Kaylees”) and Shannon Investments (“Shannon”), which appear to be real estate and investment holding companies. These structured funds were used, in part, to purchase and improve the Lalls’ properties, aircrafts, and Lexus. Lall is set to face trial on February 23 in Puerto Rico for
the cash smuggling charges. The matter made headlines in Guyana as Lall, who owns Kaylees Gas Station in Coverden, East Bank Demerara, was arrested by airport authorities in Puerto Rico in November, after his jet made a stop to refuel, on its way to Guyana. The pilot, who also owns a limousine service in Guyana, has flown President Donald Ramotar on occasions on the private jet. His company, Exec Jet Club, has a private hangar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Government had denied it granted the company any special privileges and said that the operations were in keeping with regulations. Puerto Rican prosecutors are saying that on November
22, last, Lall and two other individuals, including his father, arrived at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport on a private aircraft bearing tail number N822QL. During searches, security officials found secreted in several parts of the plane, over US$600,000. Lall accepted responsibility for the cash. He later moved to restrict some of the details contained in the court documents claiming that he was “filing the motion with the requested level of restriction because it is necessary to protect the confidentiality of the information detailed in the document and exhibits.” Exec Jet has reportedly also closed its Gainesville, Florida office.
We need assurance that the regime won’t further deplete int’l reserves - AFC The Alliance For Change (AFC) is pressing for answers from Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh to questions relating to what the party says is the drastic decline in international reserves within the last two years. AFC Vice-Chairman, Moses Nagamootoo told the media recently that credible reports have revealed that Guyana’s reserves fell from US$835M in 2012 to US$609M by November 2014, representing a decline of US$226 million. He asked then and his Party is asking now “where did this money go?” Dr. Singh had an opportunity to answer this question at his most recent press conference, held last week. But on that occasion Dr. Singh chose not answer the question directly. Instead, he spoke about the general causes that would lead to a drop in international reserves. The Minister told the media that reserves often fluctuate based on the exporting commodity price.
Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh “When your export commodity prices are strong, you have a stronger potential of having a stronger current account balance and as a result a healthy reserve.” The Finance Minister added that similarly, when the prices are coming down, it would have an effect on the reserve. Dr. Singh had pointed to the fallen gold prices and said that that may have had an influence, but asserted that “our external reserves remain adequate enough to meet
external obligations.” Pressed to address directly, AFC’s concerns or perception that government is dipping into the reserves, he said, “I am not in the habit of addressing capricious perceptions.” Yesterday, the AFC issued a statement saying that the Party has noticed and noted the fact that Dr. Singh dodged the question “where did the money go?” AFC is contending that the fact that the country’s reserves are dipping, speaks to troubles in the economy. Its statement read “The Finance Minister in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 budgets, boasted that his budgets were crafted in the context of improving the international reserves. So what happened to his budgets of 2013 and 2014, were they not similarly crafted? The pertinent question remains unanswered – Where did the money go? Were the Reserves drained to keep the
Guyana dollar floating? Is there capital flight? Or, is the economy in real trouble?” The AFC said that it has been advised that since 2012, the collective losses in export revenues from three of Guyana’s main industries– sugar, bauxite and gold– amounted to some G$65 billion. ”Using the Bank of Guyana figures, these three industries exported some G$203 billion in products in 2012 to the international markets. In 2014 that figure was G$138 billion. The decline is arithmetic, not PhD economics!” The party called on the Minister to desist from trying to pull wool over the eyes of the Guyanese people. It said that the unfortunate reality is the fact that the economy has been mismanaged. “This is the biggest failure of the PPP administration. Apart from the evident joblessness and pervasive, extreme poverty, everyone saw the decline.” The AFC reminded that Dr. Singh had, in 2008,
AFC Vice-Chairman, Moses Nagamootoo disclosed that Government has placed “high priority on actively promoting accelerated diversification of the economy”. “But after six years of hard guava seasons, government has little to show for the much vaunted diversification – except, perhaps, the people’s monies being diverted in failed schemes, and pockets already lined with gold. Rather than investing in proper value added projects in sugar, bauxite and gold, the
Jagdeo-Ramotar outfits invested over G$100 billion in a handful of failed projects. Today, not one of them is delivering the dividends promised – Skeldon Sugar Factory – producing sugar at twice the cost of the old sugar factory that they scrapped; next, the ICT cable project – dead on arrival some five years after the first piece of cable was laid.” The AFC also pointed to the Specialty Hospital, where the contractor “escaped with some $900 million; “’the Fip Motilall fiasco, the Marriott hotel and casino. And, so the story goes.” The Party stated categorically that it rejects the “self-serving assurance” given by Minister Singh that “our external reserves remain adequate enough to meet external obligations and they are strong.” “The AFC needs solid assurance that the PPP regime would not further rundown our international reserves; nor pile up more debts before it leaves office”.
Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Local fishermen remain firm against Chinese US$70M proposal With requests for tax exemptions, duty free concessions and a promise of a mega US$70M investment in the local fish sector, the attention of local operators’ remains fixed on the Agriculture Ministry as fears of a Chinese “takeover” of the industry persist. Being mindful of the use of advanced fishing equipment, facilities and fishing vessels that double the size of local operators, members of the industry are nervous. This was reaffirmed yesterday when several large and small operators in the fishing industry reiterated their non-support for any approval of the foreign company, Fuzhou Hongdong Pelagic Fishery Co. Ltd. or any other “outsider” seeking to operate alongside local fishermen. The Chinese company is asking the Guyanese government for 30 fishing licences to operate 30 trawlers and two auxiliary crafts. It will make the catches, process and export it. It will also bring all items, including food, promising mainly employment in processing plants for locals.
The business proposal is currently being considered by government. But this issue comes while authorities are demanding that local fishermen reduce their fleet because of depleted fish stocks. The operators are even more concerned that apart from the size of the operation, the foreign company may have another unfair advantage if the exemptions requested are granted. They noted further that Guyana stands to benefit very little from this venture. Retired fisherman, Leon Reid, of Leon Reid Fish Supply Enterprise located on Lombard Street, has been in the industry for over 40 years. He believes that the government should stay away from the Chinese proposal since it will significantly damage an already struggling industry. He was speaking specifically to Trawler fishing for seabob and other products found in “indoor fishing”. He said currently there are limited supplies compared to five to six years ago. He attributed this to local fishing practices which will involve some of the very equipment
that the Chinese propose to use if granted permission. He added that consumers stand to suffer, as seafood prices will raise when the already depleted stock will be exported. For this reason, measures are in place by the relevant departments of the Agriculture Ministry to ensure the replenishing of dwindling stocks. These include closed seasons and fleet reductions. Dragnet fishing or seine fishing is one method that is contributing heavily to diminishing stocks as this destroys breeding grounds, reefs, and ploughs up the seabed, particularly with constant fishing activity in a particular area. The method used when fishing for shrimp also sees very small fish of various species being trapped. They are usually thrown back overboard, but in the end, fishermen throw back more than their actual catch. If these large amounts of small fish are caught unintentionally before maturity, the depletion of stocks is expected. The veteran fisherman said that the Chinese proposal and that of any
Car, motorcycle collide in Werk-en-Rust
More reckless road use led to an accident at the junction of Russell and Princes Streets, Werk-en-Rust yesterday afternoon, where a car (PNN 2809) collided with a motorcycle (CF 2020) which was transporting two persons, before crashing into a parked motorcycle. The rider of the motorcycle and the pillion rider were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital to seek medical attention. The accompanying photo shows the car crushing the parked bike.
outsider wanting to enter this aspect of fishing should be rejected. Duane Faerber, of Fanta Seafoods on the East Coast of Demerara, agreed that the Chinese investment could be difficult for the local industry and its operators. He believes that given the current concerns which local authorities have acknowledged, expanding the industry with foreign operators “would not be right when operators are asked to reduce their fishing fleet by 10 percent every year”. “So if you have 50 boats, you lose five every year.” At one time, he said, Guyana was a major exporter of shrimp to North America; this is not the case anymore. He believes that measures to reduce trawlers and protect fishing grounds is a positive move since the stocks are so
low that local fishermen are already seeking fishing grounds in Suriname and French Guiana, where they have to pay for licences and observe other stipulations there. Acting President of the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP), Phillip Vieira, told Kaieteur News that the body maintains its nonsupport for the Chinese project. Acknowledging that the last say is with the government, he noted however that the government is in receipt of information as to why they think the project is not a viable one for the industry and local operators. He said last year the association along with representatives for Artisanal fishermen, jointly expressed disapproval of the Chinese investment. They said they were given assurance by the
agency that should anything be decided, consideration would be given to their concerns. The GATOSP has since 2013 expressed concern of the possibility of licences being granted to the Chinese. They said it would have been a slap in the face of local operators and would present an unfair advantage, since local operators do not receive the exemptions that the Chinese want and they do not have the equipment to compete with them. They also claim continued destruction of the country’s fishing grounds. The Chinese have asked the government to give preferential tax policies. They are also seeking tax exemptions on the import of fuel, living supplies, repair parts and other operation equipment and construction material that they will be bringing with them.
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Work to correct Brazil fibre optic cable yet to commence - deal with consortium being considered Government is still to finalise details on how it will proceed on the problematic Brazil fibre optic cable, with negotiations ongoing with a consortium that has expressed interest in correcting the faults. Updating the media Wednesday, Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, said that the consortium, reportedly including local and foreign partners, has asked for “certain considerations” in return for the work. Government will not be announcing what these considerations are, as the proposal is still being studied. According to Luncheon, Government initially had two options to correct the cable do it themselves or partner with others. The cable from Brazil is part of a US$32M, threecomponent E-Governance project to connect Government facilities along
Head of the EGovernance project, Alexei Ramotar the Linden-Lethem road and the coastland with internet. The other two components included a cable from Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, through Georgetown to Moleson Creek, East Berbice, and a data centre with 54 towers that will create a wireless network. The data centre is
completed and located in the compound of Castellani House, Vlissengen Road. The Government official said that engineers assessing the extent of work to be done on the cable from Brazil expressed the need for a significant number of defects to be corrected along the route from Lethem. In December, days after Kaieteur News reported that the cable project was in deep trouble, Luncheon denied that the E-Governance project had collapsed. Rather, he said that it was in a remedial stage. Several persons have been hauled before the courts for lending to the poor state of the project. “I for one am engaged in negotiations, but I have to be hesitant in these days of prorogation. I am involved in discussions with a local firm and one from a neighbouring country to conclude the rehabilitation of the existing cable that traverses the over
Cable being laid along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
The Data Center at Castellani House. 200 kilometers from its entry point in Lethem to its termination here at Castellani (House) in Georgetown…but in so saying (the project) is obviously in need of being remedied.” Over $1B has been spent on the Brazil cable so far. The Cabinet Secretary had said that some time, probably around 2011 and 2012, it was recognized that significant failures had occurred. He said that this is regarding contractors and meeting their obligations with supervisory firms and commitments in the development and unfolding of the project. Guyana is committed to paying a Brazil internet company around US$76,000 a year for connectivity. A Government source close to the project had informed Kaieteur News that there was continuous breakage to the cable along the way. There were criticisms that bad planning and poor implementation caused the problems. Physical works for the laying of cable began in April 2011, but poor weather conditions and the absence of appropriate equipment were cited for the slothfulness of contractors. On the Brazil side, Globonet, a subsidiary of Oi, the largest telephone company of that neighbouring country, had landed the fibre optic cable to the border. By way of the network, it was the plan that all major Government facilities in the coverage areas would be connected via fibre optic and/ or 4G wireless Cellular services. Government had announced that the connection would allow for, in addition to connectivity, a range of services such as “EHealth” facilitating video consultation, movement of information from one health
centre to another and tracking disease outbreaks. Regarding security, the project would see quick transmission of information including video and data between police stations. In education, the project would set up an “E-library” which sets up access to textbooks and other teaching aids that can be used by students and schools, thereby lowering cost.
The project is headed by Alexei Ramotar, son of President Donald Ramotar. Government had teamed up with Chinese-owned Huawei Technology Co., Ltd. (Huawei) in implementing the project. That Chinese company, according to Government, will be responsible for network construction, training and maintenance for the various aspects of the entire project.
One of the 54 LTE towers – This one is located at Skeldon, Berbice.
Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Police issue bulletin for Operations of private schools getting keen attention Popeye’s robbery suspect
This picture clearly shows James was not handcuffed Police have issued a wanted bulletin for 23-yearold Nicholas James, who escaped from police custody at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) last Tuesday. James, who was nursing a gunshot wound to his buttocks, is wanted for a robbery committed on the Popeye’s Restaurant on Vlissengen Road Sunday night. He was shot by a plainclothes rank when he and three of his accomplices tried to rob the fast food outlet. On Monday, when this newspaper visited James at the hospital, he was not wearing handcuffs. The police rank who was tasked with guarding him was seen standing outside the room. James at the time was communicating with a female nurse. When the reporter asked the rank why the prisoner
was not handcuffed, he said that James was in a lot of pain and he did not want to hurt him more. After being reminded of the previous cases when prisoners had tricked police and escaped, the police rank walked up to James and took out his handcuffs, but put them away when the prisoner cried out for pain. “Man look how much pain he deh in…he can’t move from here. He get shoot in he butt so he can’t move, and I don’t want to hurt him more,” the policeman said before leaving the room. He was told by other patients that James’ hands were not injured and that he could be handcuffed. He was also advised to call Brickdam Police station and request shackles if he didn’t want to use the handcuffs, but he did not respond. James had told this newspaper that he was
Wanted: Nicholas James kidnapped in Parika by two armed men who then shot him and dumped him at the crime scene before escaping in his rented car. However, according to reports, the policeman was purchasing food around 20:00 hrs Sunday when James reportedly stormed into the fast food outlet and demanded all customers to lie on the floor, He then went to the cashier and demanded money. This newspaper was told that James’ alleged accomplices, who were waiting for him outside the restaurant, escaped when they saw that he had been wounded. On March 11, last, Delroy Brown, who was detained after he and an accomplice were caught with two unlicenced guns, managed to escape from police custody at the GPHC despite being shot in both legs.
In order to raise awareness about the new Education Bill, the Ministry of Education has commenced training for Private Education Institutions as part of a series of such undertakings. This move, according to information coming out from the Education Ministry, is being undertaken through its Planning Unit, in order to update its database on private schools. Already training sessions have started with private schools in Region Four and additional sessions commenced Wednesday in Region Six. According to the Ministry, dates for the start of training sessions with private schools in Georgetown and other Regions will be announced in the coming weeks. The Ministry in a statement, Wednesday, said that it is inviting all private education institutions to make contact with the Department of Education in their respective Regions to ensure that their schools are on the list of participants. Through the training sessions, the Ministry is gearing to provide those operating private schools with relevant details that will be required based on the new Bill. The Bill provides for the inspection of private educational Institutions with a view to their being granted a permit to operate; establishment of Parent Teacher Associations and granting permits issued by
Supermarket burglary suspect remanded The lone suspect arrested on Wednesday after he and two others reportedly burgled a city supermarket and carted off millions of dollars, was taken before the courts yesterday. Milton Freeman, a 28year-old miner, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied involvement in the theft. He was remanded to prison pending a hearing before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Monday (January 2). The court heard that between January 27 and January 28, last, at Sheriff Street, Georgetown, he broke and entered the business place of Parshuram Arjune and stole 37 rounds of live .32 ammunition valued $32,000 and $6M cash. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant explained that the businessman closed his supermarket leaving
Burglary accused: Milton Freeman
everything intact and headed home around 23:30 hours on Tuesday (January 27). Grant explained that around 05:00 hours the next morning, the security guard
on duty heard an odd sound coming from the top of the three-storey building. It was when the guard went to investigate that he saw three persons snooping
around in the building. According to Grant, the guard subsequently alerted his security company that there was a break-in. The company responded quickly and more security personnel arrived on the scene. Grant said after the team confronted the bandits, several shots were fired and during the commotion, two gunmen escaped while Barker was captured. Grant told the court that when Barker was searched, $2M was found on his person. He was taken into custody and further investigations led to him being charged with break and enter and larceny. The prosecutor cited several reasons in making a request for Barker to be ordered held. Barker was unrepresented by legal counsel. He was remanded and is slated to appear before the Chief Magistrate on Monday (February 2).
...as Ministry awaits passage of new Education Bill the Minister for the institution or school. This Act therefore, applies to every private educational institution or private school providing all or any of the following educational services: (a) pre-primary education; (b) primary education; (c) secondary education; (d) special education; (e) instructional services in general education at the tertiary level; (f) instructional services in vocational education; and (g) training at the secondary, tertiary and adult levels. Although the Bill was laid for the first time in the National Assembly in June 2014, its passage has since been stalled. It was specifically crafted to replace an archaic Education Act which was first passed in 1876 and later amended in 1976. Minister of Education Priya Manickchand highlighted recently that once passed, the new Act will see a sharper focus on the rights of children and their responsibilities in the school system, as well as the rights and responsibilities of teachers,. She spoke of the proposed Act also directing attention to the operations of Parent Teacher Associations and the Ministry’s Departments. She explained too, “It will reconcile the constitutional provision that allows for private schools to be opened
and managed; and for people to attend private schools within our historic only public school system. So the Bill is extremely important to address modern education needs in Guyana...and we look forward to the passage of that Bill.” In essence, the Minister said that the Bill will serve to cater to things that “we did not know would be realities when we passed the last one in 1876.” The Bill was crafted following consultations with stakeholders across the country, and seeks to reform the legal framework of education in Guyana and provide an effective system of education related to the needs of the people. And since Article 149H (1) of the Constitution mandates that every child is entitled to free primary and secondary education in schools owned or funded by the State, the Bill makes provision for such a realisation, which is however subjected “to available resources of the State and the availability of educational facilities to all persons in Guyana.” Also contained in the Bill are provisions for ensuring free education to all persons and a component that speaks to quality education at all levels, both in public as well as private schools, and other educational institutions in Guyana.
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Kaieteur News
SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 VACANCY Admin Assistant, within the vicinity of E.B.D & W.B.D. Must be well spoken & have 5 CXC subjects including: Maths & English. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL-$4,000&UPPERDAYCALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
International Cruiseline Purser officers, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionists, storekeepers, cleaners, electricians, carpenters, printers, cosmetologists etc Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 695-9880; 669-4755 Accounts Clerk: Qualifications, 5 CXC subjects, DacEasy & QuickBooks @ August Beverages Ent, 27 Norton & Creen Sts. N/Burg One manager @ Hotel /Club @ Essequibo Coast, knowledge in hotel field & promotional skills, accommodation provided Contact: 226-9768 Work from home: Earn $5,000 to $20,000 daily, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday - Call: 233-6517/ 638-0595 or www.jobfairworldwide.com One Diesel Mechanic to work in the interior, must have experienced - Contact: 226-9768 Experienced hairdresser & sales clerk @ West Shore Plaza, 15 Public Road, Ruimzeight W.C.D - Call: 2691524 or 656-3561 Watchman wanted! $15,000 per week, Call: 640-6000 between 9:30am to 4:00pm St. Vincent Company seeking certified experienced electrician, IT Based security system an asset: send CV to IJSques@hotmail.com . Salesman to sell interior mining lands – Contact Mr.Waaldijk -618-7483; 2317805
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 25% Off Sale. Decorating, Catering, Rentals, Invitation Printing, Live Band. Diane’s Bridal 103 Regent Rd Bourda. REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 Repairs to plasma, Led television etc – Call: Abdul Electronics: 225-0391 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $15,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maria Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045
Certificate in: Cosmetology, nails, wig designs, early child care/ care for elderly classes commence February Call: 666-5241/ 619-7603 Bleach-Blue for body, face & hair, available in 1 lb bags for $4,000, discount for larger volumes - Phone 264-3310; 600-3927
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 5 Acre fruit bearing farm with small cottage sale of least option on Demerara River Tel: 261-2988 Properties for rent for business purposes only @ 23 Saffon Street Charlestown & 164 Alexander Street Kitty - Call Devon: 663-1876 & 678-5721 Five bedrooms house, 107 Lamaha Gardens & Large Parking; AC Rooms Hot & Cold, Purified Water System Call: 661-8908, 335-3590 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 639-8101
VACANCY
Salesclerk from ages 25-45 with experienced, appear with application @ Christine’s Variety Store @ Lombard St – Contact: 6268003/ 227-8529
Factory staff, GTI / GITC Male/ Female graduates preferred. Canter drivers, marketing assistant, Drivers Licence required. Tel. 266 5569
One TM 6X6 Driver with mechanical experienced, one burner/cutter – Call: 6165510; 683-3480
Administrative Assistant 5 Subjects CXC, hotel knowledge/experienced will be an asset – Tel: 218-0221
FOR SALE
LAND FOR SALE
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Lincoln 500 AMP diesel welders with Perkins 4 cylinder engine - Tel#650-0402
House Lots in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities @ Eccles, 60X100 - $7.5M. (Special prices) - Call: 2272913; 683-3033
Mill Cut Lumber Kabukalli, Silverballi, Etc – Call: 6539752; 688-6579 PANEL/FANCY GLASS DOORS @ HADCO IN BAGOTSTOWN PUBLIC ROAD, NEXT TO HARBOUR BRIDGE MALL CALL: 233-6743 Cat 320 CL 2005 only 3800HRs sold as is, cash offer only, must go – Contact Azim: 660-3235 Five gallon water bottle caps $25 per piece Call: 614-8957 6500 Watts Construction Grade on wheel Honda Generator - $390,000 – Tel: 261-2988 18 New Home lite Chain Saw, leather sofa, others too many to list – Tel: 261-2988
Complete Snapper Boats for sale – Excellent Condition – Contact: 6486815; 670-4459 Game Shop Equipment for sale - Call: 610-0808 Woodmizer industrial Resaw 75 KW generator and edger, perfect condition – Call: 6832575 Beautiful Tibetan Terrier pups for sale – Call: 696-7467 Used 10 sheet gas oven for bakery - Tel:611-4536; 677-5172 4 New Dell Desktop Computers specs: 17" LCD monitor, 500 hard drive, 4G Ram memory – Tel: 652-0414, Price $95,000 each
Barber shop space to rent located @ Diamond Scheme Call: 655-1829.
Yamaha outboard engines, various sizes, tundra wheels, boat trailer – Tel: 220-1981, 698-7047
1 Huge building in Lethem Commercial Zone, ideal for stores – Call: 664-5401; 6155343
One business place to rent opposite Stewartville Primary and Secondary School, W.C.D - Tel: 613-5261 2 Bedrooms upper flat $45,000 per month at Grove New Scheme, E.B.D –Call: 642-1956 Apartment to rent, from 1st February, bedroom living room, kitchen toilet & bath cool atmosphere – Call: 6745779 (bus route)
Eccles: Commercial lots for sale at Eccles – Tel:227-2913. Cell: 683-3033 1. Parika, Peter Street; 2. Blankenburg, behind gas station lot size: 75’X76' (3 parcels)= Contact 650-0402 Located in Republic Gardens, Peters Hall, E.B.D. Interest person – Contact: 231-5359 or 672-7189 Grove E.B.D Caneville 4th Field, 1St Street, Concrete $3M 20X40 land 40X100, Parfaite W.B.D Land 45X80 -$1.1M-Call:231-2199;618-7483 Parfaiete Harmonie - $1.5M & $4M (high income 110ftX50ft), Eccles - $3.5M, Providence -$4M, Tuschen $2.2M - Call: 675-7292; 652-2018 Guyana first 5 Star gated community, now opens, reserve your lot(s) & house . Call:609-0783 or seroj_26 @yahoo.com
XBOX 360 with 3 games & controller, Nintendo 3DS with Pokémon Y & Black – Call: 683-8386 One complete purified drinking water shop, 3 white tanks, ultraviolet, 1 amp, 1 pressure pump, wooden building 10X10 -Tel: 622-5986 Games for PS2, PS3, XBOX360, WII, consoles also available – Call: 6722566, 265-3232
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 Toyota Voxy to register in ‘B’ fully loaded never registered - $2.1M - Call: 6172891 Nissan Titan for sale; immaculate condition, owner leaving country - Call: 641-4556 One Nissan Wingroad car, year 2005, price -$1.8M neg. Call: 669-3467 Toyota Premio and Toyota Spacio (new model) never registered. Contact: 2275950, 681-7117 1 Honda, Fit, rims, spoiler & dark interior, CD/DVD, navigation, PPP Series, one owner - Contact Chris: 6807070 One 170 Carina “As is, where is” - $500,000 – Call: 678-0111; 616-3492 AT 170 Toyota Carina – EFI, AC, Alarm, Mags - $650,000 Neg. – Call: 673-7652 Mitsubishi Lancer car (lady driven) owner leaving country - Call: 638-3203
1-250 KVA Generator $3.6M, 1-110 KVA Generator - $1.8M, 1-9 KVA Generator $700,000 – Call: 223-8161
Fully furnished & unfurnished apartment with TV, Air- Condition, hot & cold, cable in South. Call: 6895877
Prime business place to rent on Sheriff Street, only for offices – Contact: 627-6740
1 experienced driver/ salesman, apply at Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products LTD, 38 Ketley & Sussex Street Charlestown – Tel: 225-7864; 227-8607
Friday January 30, 2015
One Toyota Tundra - Tel: 602-3585
EDUCATIONAL Balloon Decorating Classes. January 31st – Call: 225-3133 or 613-7513 for more information & registration Learn a skill & supplement your income; course offered: Sewing, Floral, Curtain Design, Fabric paint & tie dye. Call: 661-7502 9 Courses Diploma In computers: offices 2013, IT $30,000 @ Micrographics , Vreed-En-Hoop: 264-3057 Computerized Accounting Quick Books; Peach Tree; Excel 2013 @ Micrographics, Vreed-En-Hoop: 264-3057 FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table – Tel: 277-0578
Trade in: T/Alteeza Benz C200, Sale! Spacio, Used T212 – Tel:679-3140 1 Toyota Landcruiser Prado PMM Series Call: 219-5354 Monday- Friday 8:154:15Pm & Saturday 8:151:15PM 1 Massey Ferguson, 135 in excellent condition – Tel:616-9505; 228-5220 New Arrivals @ OJ’s Auto Imports: Allion 2008, IST, Fielder, Allion 2003, Premio. Tel:609-2815 Toyota IST PMM 755, 65 CF GSS 6715, 75 DAF GNN 5366, price negotiable – Contact Johnson: 613-5212 or 664-1030 1-10 Ton Ford Cargo, dump truck GEE 9144, 1 Spare Cab & Gear box, working condition - Price $1.4M - Tel: 663-0567; 684-8654 1 Honda 600 CCRR, Toyota AT 212, AT 192, Allion, Raum, EP71 Starlet, Alteeza, 1 Nissan Titan – Tel: 6445096; 697-1453
FOR SALE Doberman pinscher puppies Call: 687-7177 or 624-7683
Two barber/salon chairs – Call: 264-3070, 680-2191
2 Imported male German shepherd, 4 months old and 1 white female husky - Call: 664-5401
Tacoma Tundra Parts, BMW, Audi lights & visors, mud flap, Toyota Cami Engine Tel: 680-6374
New/used salon equipment and security cameras and monitors, lorex brand - Call: 664-5401
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 (Continued on page 31)
Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Government sapping the spirit of entrepreneurship... From page 4 this blunder! I am amazed that after all the information about the Marriott anyone can still ignorantly comment in support of the venture, and especially at the expense of private investors who must repay loans and find money for operating costs of their businesses, compared to a government that took taxpayers’ money and invested it in a business to compete with other businesses, disregarding the impact of any loss should the Marriott go bust! Mr. Persaud needs to know that the Jagdeo regime loaned ‘Buddy’ Shivraj GY$168M of taxpayers’ money to hasten completion of his hotel, now called the Princess, in time for CWC 2007. After CWC 2007 was over, Buddy encountered problems repaying the loan because of low occupancy rates, and was forced to enter into an arrangement for government to rent rooms in lieu of repayments. Within a year of construction, Buddy sold the hotel because of low occupancy rates. Now, having witnessed what happened to Buddy’s how can Jagdeo logically defend his decision to approve investing taxpayers’ money again in another hotel? Is it because it is not his personal money, so he does not care?
Further, when he bashed the Pegasus before approving the Marriott, he raised suspicion that this investment was all about spitefulness to destroy the Pegasus. But to go a step further and poach the Pegasus’ employees is no longer a question about suspicion. Finally, for Mr. Persaud’s information, NICIL was set up as a private company under former Finance Minister, Mr. Carl Greenidge, in July 1990, to handle divestment of state entities or those kept by the government, which makes NICIL 100% government owned. Between 1994 and 2001, NICIL paid GY$2.3B to the Treasury and between 2002 and 2011, GY$9B, so why did Jagdeo knowingly allow NICIL to invest US$58M of taxpayers’ money in the Marriott after declaring at Banks DIH that no government he leads would ever engage in private sector investments? The Guyanese taxpayerfunded US$58M Guyana Marriott price tag is also much higher compared to the US$23M spent on the Jamaica Marriott, which, unlike Guyana, was privately funded! There was also full disclosure on the Jamaica project versus little disclosure on Guyana project! Emile Mervin
The Prize has been put back ... From page 4 am by no stretch of the imagination a rich man, I would prefer that any money I forfeit for such services be put into other workshops. It makes no sense to me to cry about the lack of development for emerging writers and then seek to profit from whatever attempts there are, however inadequate, to rectify that situation. This is a position that I have been consistent in, including my agreeing in 2011nto submit poems as part of a Caribbean Press anthology under the condition that the Ministry of Culture raise the price per poem from the initial offer of $2,000 to at least $6,000, with any payment owed to me being equally distributed among other persons appearing in the anthology. When the Caribbean Press, three years later, finally published a poorly edited anthology, contributors were paid $6,000 per piece. Mr. Creighton sees some sort of political motive behind my suggesting that the government of Guyana, which is ultimately responsible for the Prize, establish a fair and transparent system for the development, production, recognition and reward of good writing coming out of Guyana. That is a charge I readily plead
guilty to. Without writers and artists operating in a free, fair and sustainable environment, a society is bound to the sort of political quagmire in which we find ourselves. I don’t believe what I am suggesting is unfair. The Prize has been put back before, and a great deal longer than two months. I’m currently working with a small number of writers, two of whom in particular I believe are producing brilliant work; we are using mutual spare time as well as online resources for them to present and critique their writing. I’ve already asked a newly established fellow Caribbean poet to be involved in the latter mechanism and I will be including other willing writers to serve as virtual mentors both leading up to the Prize deadline and beyond. I’m simply recommending that the government of Guyana push back the Guyana Prize to accommodate the production of work by local writers, and to facilitate workshops in which they can produce better and more competitive work. If my refusal to accept payment in conducting some of these sessions is seen as political, I’ll gladly accept a cheque for services rendered. Ruel Johnson Janus Cultural Policy Initiative
CAR RENTAL
TO LET
Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel: 698-7807; 690-6494
House for rent @ Grove Housing Scheme with 3 bedrooms -$70,000 – Tel:6424429; 639-8056
DRESSMAKING
Fully Furnished vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours – Call: 227-1218
Jean offers courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral, cake decoration @ Barr Street Kitty - Call: 6702653; 618-1706
Furnished 1 & 2 bedrooms apartments: AC, grilled, parking (walking distance to Caricom & UG) – Call: 6233404 or 222-6708 Furnished executive one or two bedroom suites in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners. Call 609 2466.
ACCOMMODATION Inner Retreat Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Retreat Road Parika. Indoor / Outdoor bar in Picturesque setting – Phone: 260-4504; 685-6934 Aracari Hotel 24 HRs: AC, Cable, Wi-Fi, Restaurant & Bar, Pool & Gym, Salon & Spa & more. Rates from $45 Call: 264-2946-8
One bedroom apartment fully grilled, self contained @ Land of Canaan E.B.D – Call Navo: 644-6479; Bob: 6420867 Three bedrooms concrete top flat in Cane View Ave, South Ruimveldt Gardens $90,000 - Call: 218-1949 Rooms & Apartment in Alberttown & Eccles – Call: 225-3234
(From page 30)
WANTED One mechanic to work in the interior, must have experienced with Perkins & Cummins Engine – Call: 6916260 One couple to work on live stock farm, one live in cook Tel:614-2464;612-2057;225-1276 Experienced dispatcher and taxi drivers at Princess Hotel @ Providence – Tel: 2657076; 616-5419 Presser / Clipper, straight stitch/over edge machine operators, cleaner – Call: 2222541 (8:00am-4:00pm) (Mon-Fri). Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Waiters/ Waitresses, apply in person to Aracari Resort, West Bank Demerara. To live in with a single female 35-55yrs @ Lillandale Betterhope – Call: 687-6636; Beeson Window & Doors #622-4197 Urgently needed; attractive waitresses - Tel: 686-3116
CATERING Catering for conference, retreats, weddings, re-union, family fun day and special events. Phone: 264-2946-8
WANTED Musicians to play in a Bar at Parika, keyboard, Bass guitar, rhythm guitar, head guitar and vocals – Phone: 685-6934 Live in domestic must know to cook - $60,000, boarding & lodging free, age 30-50yrs Call: 610-5043
PEN PAL Companion for retired gentleman 38yrs+. Reply with photo to bobbyother@yahoo.com
One DJ/Selection to work at Club in Essequibo, salary range - $48,000 per month – Contact: 226-9768 One Store attendant, age range 19-27yrs @ Reliance Imports – Tel: 231-6854/ 6224773
MASSAGE Relax your mind and body with a soothing massage – Tel:674-8147
Salesgirls & porters; apply with written application at Best Buy Food Supplies @ Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street Campbellville. Farm workers – Call: 265-3586 Hairstylists and Braidists needed at salon in Tortola. 5+ years working experience. Emailbvisalonowner @gmail. com or call 1-284-543-6822
Accounts Clerk, must be capable of preparing payroll and monthly vat – Call: 6144358
Sales clerk to work @ Nanda’s Boutique 223 Camp St. Next to Shell Gas Station, apply with application Live in caretaker for sawmill at Linden Highway – Tel: 2612553 One welder, must know grill work Call: 625-5763 Switch to Gulf Motor Oil, Dealer & Distributors wanted nationwide – Call: 260-2037 or email sales@two2brotherscorp.com One male shop attendant, age 18-25 yrs and one grocery stall for sale - Call: 679-1151
Experienced dispatcher @ West Side Taxi – Call: 6000688; 600-0699
We buy all low income land; pay all legal fees – Tel:6757292; 652-2018
One domestic cleaner E.C.D Tel: 644-9802; 603-5416
Urgently! One security (preferably male) to live and work at Sawmill in Parika – Contact Suresh: 600-1212
Experienced Cleaner / Office Assistant Needed To Work in Store - Call 225-8111 / 6415876 Counter Staff; apply @ Shanta’s, 225 Camp & New Market Streets.
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Porters wanted to work at grocery stalls @ Stabroek Market – Tel:226-9800
Persons to ironing & cleaner for office in Eccles – Call: 614-4358
1 Live in maid to work in Georgetown – Tel:691-6260 1 Cook to work in the interior Tel: 691-6260
Male cook - $100,000 monthly, 8:30-5:00 Call: 6942310
PROPERTY FOR SALE Land with small concrete house; for sale in Grove over 8,000 Sq. Ft. Call: 612-4030; 216-2759 Transported Property @ Grove/Diamond, 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained, concrete fence, grilled store room & Shed, (45X26) – Call: 660-1353, 216-4338 Corner Property, Grove Public Road - $29M Neg. Call: 613-5645 One concrete two storey building; nine bedrooms @ Samatta Point, Grove E.B.D Tel: 602-3585 Houses & house lots for sale in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities, located @ Eccles E.B.D Tel: 227-2913; 683-3033 3 Bedroom house & master bedroom, alarm, remote controlled garage door, approximately 8000 Sq.Ft land @ GuySuco Gardens $48M. Phone: 617-4261 2 Storied concrete house with 3 bedrooms at 8th Street Foulis Housing Scheme - Call: 256-3360; 6858485 Two flat concrete and wooden building on land 76’X65’, East Street, Georgetown – Call: 225-6330 Property @ Water Pum Street Leonora (24X58) - Tel: 642-5799 One two storey, 3 bedroom wooden concrete house, fully grilled, ideal for business, spacious land at Enterprise – Call: 667-9781 Two storey building located at Lot 35 Ketley and Howes Street, Charlestown, prime location for business - Tel: 623-9679 Two storey wooden & concrete, three bedrooms, self contained with A/C @ Parika - Tel: 660-3118
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL - CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 30, 2015
Mexico City gas truck explodes near maternity hospital
A gas tank lorry has exploded outside a maternity and children’s hospital in Mexico City, killing a woman and a baby, the city’s mayor said. The explosion, on the western edge of Mexico City, was so large that much of the building was destroyed. Officials initially said seven people had been killed, but Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera later revised the figure. Dozens of people were injured by flying glass. About 100 people were believed to be inside the hospital at the time. The tanker workers had been struggling to repair the hose for about 15 to 20 minutes, according to reports. As they worked, a large cloud of gas began to form outside the hospital, reports
said. Following the deadly explosion, police blocked the road to the hospital and did not allow anyone through unless they were part of the medical or rescue services. Federal police and firefighters went in. Some were armed with pickaxes and shovels, others with stretchers. As conflicting reports emerged about the death toll, the rescue teams tried to sift through the rubble and make sure they had found all the survivors. People from the community said they were shocked. They also made a point of saying that the hospital was a public one, and that the patients who used it were those who did not have the money to pay for private
healthcare. Eyewitness Agustin Herrera, a 66-year-old anaesthesiologist, told the Associated Press news agency that the workers shouted for firefighters, but then there was a massive explosion. At least 54 people were injured, 22 of them children. Another eyewitness, Ismael Garcia, told AP there had been a “super explosion”. He added: “Fortunately, we were able to get eight babies out.” There have been a number of other fatal gas explosions in Mexico over recent years. In February 2013, 37 people died in a blast at the headquarters of the state energy firm Pemex.
Shell falls short after oil production income collapses (Reuters) - Royal Dutch Shell blamed write downs and forex losses for making almost no money in oil production, its most powerful division, in the last quarter of 2014, causing the company to miss profit forecasts by more than 20 percent. Shell, the largest of the
European energy majors, also announced a relatively modest three-year, $15 billion (10 billion pounds) cut in spending to help it weather the plunge in oil prices. “We are taking a prudent approach here and we must be careful not to over-react to the recent fall in oil prices,”
Chief Executive Ben van Beurden said. The company also kept dividends unchanged to soothe investors but its shares fell four percent, hit by the earnings shortfall. The company’s fourthquarter 2014 adjusted net income of $3.3 billion was weighed down by weaker than expected earnings from oil and gas production, known as upstream. “Upstream earnings of $1.7 billion were well below our and consensus expectations of $2.8 billion,” Morgan Stanley analysts said in a note. “Integrated gas accounted for $1.6 billion of this profits, implying that Shell’s remaining upstream activities were generating almost no earnings with Brent still averaging $75 per barrel in the fourth quarter.”
Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 33
Warner tells House Speaker: Recuse yourself Political Leader of the Independent Liberal party Jack Warner has issued a statement calling on House Speaker Wade mark to recuse himself until the conclusion of the Motion of Censure currently before the House. The following is Warner’s statement “Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Wade Mark, should recuse himself from all official functions until the conclusion of the debate on the Motion of Censure currently before the House. Since last Friday’s sitting of the House, the conduct of the Speaker has been brought under scrutiny and one critical question that would only be determined after the end of the debate is whether the members of the House have confidence in Mark to competently and impartially perform the duties of Speaker. It would be a mockery of the House for someone whose confidence is under question to preside over activities and operations of the Parliament, given the wide powers of the holder of the Office of Speaker, which duties and powers are outlined in Erskine May’s Parliamentary Practice to include: 1. To make subjective rulings on matters of conduct and application of substantive Law and Standing Orders. 2. To preside over certain committees including the Privileges Committee. 3. Power to determine the course of business of the House, such as ruling on the proposal of questions and motions and the composition of questions and motions. 4. Powers to restrict debate. 5.Powers to hold members out of order and to suspend members from the sitting. It should also be remembered that the Speaker is second in line to the
Jack Warner President of the Senate to act in the absence from the Country of the President of the Republic. With respect to the conduct of matters related to sittings of the House of Representatives, Justice must not only be done but it must be seen to be done. Thus in order to prevent decisions of the Presiding Officer from being called into question between now and the determination of the Motion of Censure, Mark should remove himself from participating in all such activities. To do otherwise would leave room for the perception that members are intimidated or oppressed in debates in the intervening period or that the Speaker’s presence and actions may affect the debate on the Censure Motion whenever it occurs. The Independent Liberal Party (ILP) is also strongly of the view that Mark should not represent this country in upcoming foreign
assignments until the determination of the Motion of Censure against him. The country cannot afford any further embarrassment by having someone whose conduct is under question, as in the present case, to be representing us abroad. We take this opportunity to point out that the Constitution provides for Mark to voluntarily remove himself from the environment of the Parliament and to resume regular functioning if the motion is found in his favour. Mark should grasp the opportunity and conduct himself with the dignity that is associated with his office and voluntarily step down or to at least step aside to protect whatever little confidence is left in the functioning of Parliament intact, rather than to be forced to do the right thing later in the face of mounting public disquiet.”
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 30, 2015
Lance Armstrong ‘a scapegoat’ says Pat McQuaid, ex-UCI chief Banned cyclist Lance Armstrong has been harshly treated, according to former head of world cycling Pat McQuaid. Armstrong, 43, was given a life ban from all sport and stripped of his seven Tour de France titles
for doping. McQuaid, former president of world governing body the International Cycling Union (UCI), said he had “a certain sympathy” with the American. He told BBC Radio 5 live: “He was very much
made a scapegoat, there was a witch hunt after Armstrong.” The Irishman was UCI president from 2006 to 2013 before being replaced by Brian Cookson. McQuaid was speaking following a BBC interview with Armstrong in which the
cyclist criticised current incumbent Cookson for his handling of the Astana doping affair. When a United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) report published in October 2012 labelled Armstrong a “serial” cheat, McQuaid - still in his UCI
role - said the Texan had “no place in cycling”. But McQuaid now says Armstrong was treated differently from other cyclists who were also doping. He explained: “That’s the way it was. Usada wanted a big name. “They weren’t really inter-
ested in the smaller riders and also they made deals with the smaller riders in order to get the information they needed on the big guys. ”I can have a certain sympathy because I don’t think in sport, people in those situations, I think they should be treated equally.” (BBCsport)
Sangakkara 113 seals...
Lance Armstrong,
Pat McQuaid
Friday January 30, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) An unexpected problem with a task you're trying to finish could cause a temporary upset between you and those closest to you, Aries. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) An upsetting dream about someone you love deeply could cause you to awaken suddenly in the night, Taurus. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A misunderstanding with a family member or partner could mar your morning, Gemini.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Some callous words spoken carelessly could make you feel hurt and insecure, Libra. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Attempts to attend a festival, party, or other group activity could be hampered by minor obstacles like traffic jams, forgetting things, and getting lost, Scorpio. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some friends may put you in front of a lot of people, Sagittarius, perhaps to make an impromptu speech or lead a discussion.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) This might be the perfect day to go out, Cancer, or stay in and turn off the phone.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Someone who's a little belligerent and abrasive could interrupt the flow of ideas at a class or workshop dedicated to spiritual and metaphysical concepts and values.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Recent stress could leave you wanting to spend the day shopping for items that may be nice but aren't really necessary, Leo.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) An upset between you and a friend might cause you to wonder what you did wrong, Aquarius.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Uninvited visitors could cause some stress, Virgo. You wanted to spend your day resting, but now you have to entertain people, and this could prove irritating.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Too many responsibilities at once could have you at odds with a current love partner, Pisces. Your beloved may seem to be demanding a choice between your job and the relationship.
(From page 34) wickets for himself. Nuwan Kulasekara also claimed two scalps. Sangakkara was flowing from the outset, sending Anderson through the covers on bended knee fifth ball, before settling into a rhythm of steady singles punctuated by legside boundaries off the wayward deliveries. He first set himself a foundation, then pursued a more aggressive tempo, advancing to hammer Kyle Mills over midwicket in the 27th over, before swinging him onto the legside fence again a few balls later. Dilshan, who had had a 71-run opening stand with Lahiru Thirimanne, was largely content to take runs into the field, instead of attempting the more ambitious strokes. Dilshan and Sangakkara mustered a healthy scoring rate, with Dilshan adding a half-century to the two hundreds he has already hit in the series. Sangakkara reached his own fifty with a tickle to the fine leg fence off Daniel Vettori. The hundred stand came up in the 34th over, but Dilshan was out edging behind for 81 a few balls later, leaving Sri Lanka at 185 for 2. Mahela Jayawardene was out attempting a cute shot behind the wicket off Tim Southee, before Seekkuge Prasanna and Dinesh Chandimal’s cheap dismissals stole further momentum from the innings. Chandimal’s 15-ball 5 had been a particularly pained stay, and Sangakkara’s scoring also slowed, just as the death overs approached. Thisara Perera’s 20 off 12, which featured a flat, fast six over midwicket, got the scoreboard moving quickly again, before Sangakkara once more took the baton. An emphatic pull off Mitchell McClenaghan took him to triple figures, though the celebrations were muted, and two clever leg-side boundaries in the final over gave the innings a late fillip. New Zealand’s response began poorly when a Kulasekara indipper trapped Martin Guptill in front of the wickets first ball, before Shaminda
Eranga dismissed Tom Latham three overs later. Latham had played in place of Brendon McCullum, who was rested for the dead rubber. Kane Williamson attempted to rebuild, but Ross Taylor departed chopping on a 146kph delivery in Chameera’s first international over, before Grant Elliott helped out in a 59-run stand. Williamson progressed smoothly, if more dourly than he has for much of the series. He made his third 50-plus score in four innings, but was out top-edging Dilshan to short fine leg in the 28th over. The score was 121 for 5, but where Sri Lanka have
fallen away after achieving similar situations in matches gone by, they continued to probe for wickets. Corey Anderson’s caught behind off Eranga gave Sangakkara his 473rd wicketkeeping dismissal, making him the most prolific gloveman in ODIs. Though Daniel Vettori and Luke Ronchi raised hopes of a New Zealand victory with a 74-run stand as dew began to set in, Sri Lanka regained the ascendancy by dismissing them in quick succession. A few late blows from Mills thinned the deficit, but he was run out for 30 by Kulasekara, and New Zealand were all out by the 46th over. (ESPNcricinfo)
Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Murray books fourth final, Serena to face Sharapova Reuters - After three heart-breaking trips to the final, Andy Murray secured another shot at Australian Open glory by overhauling Tomas Berdych yesterday after women’s top seed Serena Williams set up a blockbuster title-decider with Maria Sharapova. Edged in a marathon first set, Murray fired up after a frosty exchange with the hardhitting Czech and blazed to a 6-7(6) 6-0 6-3 7-5 victory under the lights of Rod Laver Arena. The sixth-seeded Scot will contest his first grand slam final since his emotional triumph at Wimbledon in 2013. His next opponent will be decided in today’s semi-final between world number one Novak Djokovic and champion Stan Wawrinka. Murray’s clinical disposal of Rafa Nadal’s conqueror sent an ominous signal to his eventual challenger and thrilled the center court crowd after the women’s semi-finals were earlier wrapped up in straight sets. With his former assistant coach Dani Vallverdu sitting in Berdych’s player’s box, Murray made redundant any plans the two might have hatched by taming the Czech’s monster serve and cutting him to pieces in the baseline exchanges. ”I changed tactics a little bit (after the first set) but also I was getting more comfortable with the conditions and
Maria Sharapova (Reuters/Brandon Malone)
Serena Williams (Reuters/Thomas Peter) Tomas’s ball,” Murray said courtside on a chilly, breezy night. “I made him do most of the running ... which was important.” Murray sealed the match with a thumping ace down the ‘T’ after three hours and 26 minutes. Arguably the match was won when the rangy Czech poked the Scottish bear at the change of ends after winning a tense first set. Glaring at Murray, the Czech muttered a few words and earned a gentle rebuke from French chair umpire Pascal Maria. The Scot returned to the court a raging bull, throwing Berdych from side to side and returning every baseline rocket with interest.
The late match followed on from some fierce skirmishes earlier in the day when top seed Williams brushed aside teenager Madison Keys, the latest member of ‘generation next’ trying to steal her crown. Williams was pushed hard by her 19-year-old challenger in a duel between two of the game’s hardest hitters before triumphing 7-6(5) 6-2 to reach her first Melbourne Park final in five years. NEXT TORCHBEARER Keys burnished her credentials as the next torchbearer for American tennis, defiantly saving eight match points as her opponent roared in frustration before Williams sealed the contest with an ace down the middle.
”She’s obviously a great player,” Williams said courtside, still suffering a cold and breaking into coughs. “I think she’s going to be winning this tournament very soon and lots of other grand slams. “I was really happy to see her do so well and be such a great sport at the same time.” Williams, who retains her world number one ranking by reaching the final, will face the woman she has tormented for over a decade in 27-year-old Sharapova, who trounced Ekaterina Makarova 6-3 6-2 in the first semi-final. Five-times grand slam champion Sharapova will be hoping a 15-match losing streak against her American
nemesis, stretching back to 2004, will have no bearing come tomorrow. Sharapova, a 2008 champion at Melbourne Park, lost
to Williams in the 2007 final and again in the final at the 2013 French Open. Most streaks are eventually broken and Sharapova, fit and in ominous form, took heart from her win over Makarova. ”I think my confidence should be pretty high going into a final of a grand slam no matter who I’m facing against and whether I’ve had a terrible record, to say the least, against someone,” she said. “It doesn’t matter. I got there for a reason. I belong in that spot.” As with her quarter-final trouncing of Eugenie Bouchard, Sharapova’s game-plan was devastatingly simple — winding up the forehand and bludgeoning anything remotely short of the baseline. Sharapova will be busy before Saturday’s final working out how to beat Williams.
Andy Murray (Reuters/Thomas Peter)
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic & Hamilton and Rosberg give Stan Wawrinka set for semi-final new Mercedes a first run
Defending champion Stan Wawrinka and world number one Novak Djokovic will go head-to-head for a place in the Australian Open final today. The pair meet at the tournament for a third year in succession, with both meetings ending in five-set epics. Each of those winners has gone on to lift the championship trophy. Britain’s Andy Murray will face the winner in the men’s final in the Rod Laver
Arena on Sunday, having overcome Tomas Berdych in his semi-final. Both of Murray’s potential opponents have been in impressive form in this year’s tournament.Djokovic is yet to drop a set, while Wawrinka has conceded just one - to Spaniard Guillermo GarciaLopez. Despite the world number one being without an Australian Open final victory since 2013, he does have a recent
victory over the Swiss - prevailing 6-3 6-0 in the group stage of the season-ending World Tour Finals in London two months ago. Wawrinka’s win in last year’s final was the first to break the grand slam supremacy of Federer, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic and Murray, who had captured all the men’s singles majors since Juan Martin del Potro’s shock 2009 US Open win. (BBCsport)
Xtra Energy Drink Football set for Tucville tomorrow All Roads will lead to Go Slow Avenue in Tucville for the first ever RDE Promotions ‘Xtra Energy Drink’ Kings of the Streets Super 8 Football tomorrow at the Sparta Turf from 19:00hrs. Seven teams will battle for the $100, 000 winner’s prize,
the second placed team collects $30, 000 and third place team goes home with $20,000. The anticipated large turn-out of supporters and fans will be entertained by pulsating music by the Fusion Sound System. Sparta Boss, Back Circle,
West Front Road, North Ruimveldt, Tiger Bay, Broad Street, Festival City and Leopold Street are the teams competing for top honors and according to tournament Coordinator Treez, everything has been put in place for a successful competition.
Reuters - Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton and team mate Nico Rosberg gave their 2015 Mercedes race car a ‘shakedown’ test at Silverstone yesterday before a snowstorm forced an end to proceedings. Mercedes said the F1 W06 hybrid car, due to be formally unveiled at the first pre-season test in Jerez on Sunday,
took to the track in icy conditions for a limited mileage promotional event. ”Driven first by Nico Rosberg, then Lewis Hamilton, the car completed a total of 18 laps (47.2 km) before a blizzard brought filming to a halt,” the team said in a statement. Mercedes won both championships last year, with
Hamilton taking 11 victories to Rosberg’s five. The team are expected to set the pace again this season, with Britain’s Hamilton chasing his third title, although rival engine makers Renault, Ferrari and Honda hope the performance gap will have narrowed. The season starts in Australia on March 15.
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 30, 2015
Schools receive balls for RHTY&SC expresses concern Milo Football preparations Letter to the Sports Editor
over Council’s attitude towards Area ‘H’ ground
The success story of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club is well known across Guyana and the Caribbean and we have received the support of almost every individual, Government agency, the Government of Guyana and countless sponsors. Sadly, over the years we have never received the support of our Town Council, despite being the one shining light that has made Rose Hall Town proud over the past twenty-five years. Last week, we were forced to pen a letter to the media, out of frustration concerning the attitude of the Groundsman/Caretaker and the failure of the Town Council to take the necessary disciplinary action to correct the situation. Since the publication of the letter in the media, the Town Council’s response has been to remove the individual from the ground and leave us on our own. Our members on Saturday January 24, 2015 were forced to clean up piles of garbage after the Town Council granted permission to two schools to play a cricket match on Friday January 23, 2015. On Sunday January 25, 2015, we had to prepare the pitch ourselves for a first division match and then again on Monday for practice. Mr. Editor, what is of concern to residents of this township, is that the Town Council treats the Area ‘H’ ground as an unwanted step-child despite this facility being its second most important asset after the major market. Each year the Council makes thousands of dollars from rental of the venue and yet its only recent investment has been the payment of the non-productive caretaker. The last IMC Chairman had the wisdom to invest part of the Council’s subvention to repair the fence and Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club salutes him for his support of the youths. The current Council however seems not to care and the following are just some of the examples. a) The Rose Hall Town
Youth & Sports Club has been forced to provide security lights for the Area ‘H’ ground for the past seven years at our expense. b) The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club a few years ago had to pay Guyana Water Inc. over a hundred thousand dollars to prevent disconnection at the Town Council’s ground. c) The Town Council has over the past eight years failed to provide security at one of its most expensive assets. The end result has been endless damage to the venue and the usage of the ground for illegal activities during the night. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club over the past two years has had to replace the ground’s water connection, over four times due to theft. Of course as everyone knows we have lost millions of dollars worth of items due to numerous breakages into our office and store room. The Council since 2008 has promised to budget for a security guard but has failed to fulfill another promise. d) The Town Council without even the courtesy of informing us took away our Charity Kitchen which was constructed by us at the cost of about $1M and handed it over to a group that has no proper structure and hardly ever uses it. The end result is that we have been forced to cut back on our feeding programme for less fortunate families. This group never invested a cent in the project but now has full control over the building which was built by the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club. e) All three pavilions at the Area ‘H’ ground have been repaired and are now in excellent condition due to the fact that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports club was able to raise millions from the Government of Guyana via the Ministry of Sports. In 2012, a new million dollar pavilion was constructed and in 2013, a $2.3millions grant allowed us to repair the old southern pavilion. A million dollars grant in 2014 was able to restore the main pavilion to its former glory. To date, we have not seen a member from the Town Council to inspect any of these projects. In fact Mr. Editor, a crude message (indecent language) was painted on the Southern pavilion four
months ago and it is there for all to see including the hundreds of youths who attend the J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School. This is the same pavilion where the office of the Caretaker is based. f) The Town Council in its “wisdom” decided to allow our cricketers to practice on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week while Monday and Friday was given to a group of footballers who have no structure, no leader and do not partake in any competition. Sadly, the footballers have taken over the ground for all five days and our cricketers find it very difficult to practice properly. The footballers practice sessions involving over thirty players and two goal posts take place less than thirty yards from the pitch and it is a common sight to see footballers kicking the ball on the pitch or on the bowler’s run up while the bowler have to wait. g) Our batsmen cannot hit the ball too hard for fear that another Phil Hughes accident would occur. It is our hope that the Mayor and Town Council would look into this major problem. On Tuesday January 27, 2015, there was heavy rainfall and our players immediately stopped their practice to avoid causing damage to the outfield but the footballers led by a relative of a senior Town Council employee continued to play causing severe damage to the ground. It took my intervention for them to leave the field as no one from the Town Council was present in the venue. Mr. Editor, we sometimes wonder how we have been able to achieve so much and be so successful when we face so much non-co-operation from this Town Council which collects our hard earn money for taxes to serve us. Our club’s record of achievement in this township is unmatched and we have transformed its image singlehandedly. President Donald Ramotar should look into the performance of this Town Council, its Councillors and Senior Officials and make sure that they operate in a more professional manner. Hilbert Foster CEO/Secretary RHTY&SC
Nestle Milo Brand representative Renita Sital speaking at the presentation of footballs to the respective schools participating in the 3rd Edition of the Under-20 Schools tournament yesterday, made another stirring plea to parents and guardians to come out and witness their sons and relatives exhibit their skills during the competition which kicks off tomorrow, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. Sital, who admitted that the tournament has become part of her, beseeched the coaches and teachers to ensure that family members come out and be among the fans at the games since it is a great source of encouragement for the young players. The occasion which was conducted at the Ministry of Education ground had in attendance students, teachers and Co-Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Menconca, the entity respon-
-tournament kicks off tomorrow sible for organising the event, saw representatives of the thirty-two schools that were chosen receive two footballs each as assisting them in their preparations for the tournament. Mendonca in his remarks spoke of the Organisation’s delight to be once again part of the tournament and commended Nestle Milo and the Beepat’s Management for showing the confidence in their organisational acumen and at the same time helping in the further development of the sport and young people. He also hailed the efforts made by the Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) which recently installed a Technical Director, a move he described as excellent and one that could definitely fast track the development of the sport. ”We’ve seen recently the appointment of a full time
Technical Director and this is indeed a great move by the Normalisation Committee so whatever efforts we make, hopefully will be incorporated into the plans of the GFF,” Mendonca stated. He called the move a sign of positivity and one that will augur well for the sport going forward. The Ministry of Health under the ‘Genderbased Violence’ theme and the Ministry of Education are also on board. Meanwhile, the four games scheduled to be played on opening day are: Freeburg versus Charlestown at 11:00hrs and that will be followed by the clash between North Georgetown and Mae’s from 12:20hrs. Queen’s College then tackles School of Nations at 14:00hrs and in the final game at 15:30hrs Kingston square off against Tucville. Ministry of Education ground is the venue for all the matches.
Sangakkara 113 seals Sri Lanka win; New Zealand win series
The New Zealand players pose with the series trophy, New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 7th ODI, Wellington, January 29, 2015 © Getty Images Kumar Sangakkara mounted a sleek 21st ODI hundred on Tillakaratne Dilshan’s foundation, to shepherd Sri Lanka toward a consolation victory in Wellington. The visitors were hampered by their own wheezing middle order, and managed only 287 for 5 when a total well over 300 had seemed a possibility for much of the innings.
Nonetheless, that total proved 34 runs too many for New Zealand, whose lower middle order was characteristically spirited, after the innings had sustained early setbacks. Kane Williamson was their top-scorer with an 83-ball 54. The defence of Sri Lanka’s target was headed up by Shaminda Eranga and
Dushmantha Chameera, who claimed three wickets between them and provided the control Sri Lanka had so sorely lacked in the previous six matches. Neither of those bowlers are in Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad, however, nor is tear away debutant Dushmantha Chameera who took two (Continued on page 32)
Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Golden Jaguars 18 named for Barbados to use Guyana Barbados friendly on Sunday friendly as a measure USA based midfielder Christopher Nurse is back as Captain of the Golden Jaguars for Sunday’s international friendly against Barbados in that island. The 18-man squad was released by Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz yesterday following 10 days of training. The team is expected to leave today for Barbados. In announcing the players who made the cut for this game which will be used by the Barbadians as preparation for the CONCACAF Preliminary Competition for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, Shabazz noted that the initial squad which included three Canadian based players did their best to catch the eyes of the Technical Staff during the camp. ”The players all worked hard displaying tremendous enthusiasm and discipline. It was also very instructive that the Normalization Committee ensured all the players were paid their per diem stipends before they left camp. This is a huge sign of their commitment to player’s welfare and a professional approach. ”The unity and togetherness shown by the players during the camp made it impossible to tell who was foreign based or local based”, Shabazz shared.
Chris Nurse returns as Captain He also commented on the team selection: “We selected the players whom we thought are more match ready in terms of fitness and the ones who would adapt to the tactics given the short period. It’s a good blend of youth and experience with more than half the squad under 25. At this point there are no more foreign or local players the selected squad is in fact the Guyana National Team.” The game is set for Sunday from 19:00hrs at the Barbados National Stadium which now boasts an improved surface. While the Barbadians will engage US Virgin Islands in their Round One (Match 3) CONCACAF Preliminary Qualifying game for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 on March 23 at home, Guyana will commence their quest in Round Two (Match 8) away to St. Vincent & the Grenadines in June. The games will be home and away fixtures. Speaking directly to Sunday’s encounter, Shabazz stated that game will reveal the truth about where Guyana’s football is at the moment. ”Because of the heights we want to take Guyana football we need to keep it real as to where we are right now. The
Barbados game will not lie it will tell the truth in the results and the scoreline. The Guyana public is tired of deception and spinners of the truth. Before we can go anywhere we first got to know where we are. This game on Sunday will tell us that.” Nurse, who was at the helm of the Golden Jaguars when Guyana made it to the third round of CONCACAF qualifying for the first time ever, led the Guyanese to respective 2-0 wins in their home and away ties for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He scored the final goal against the Bajans in the return game there (October 7, 2011) after their win at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on September 2, 2011. The 18-man squad named: Goalkeepers: Akel Clarke, Derrick Carter. Defenders: Solomon Austin, Jamaal Smith, Colin Nelson, Kris Camacho, Joshua Brown, Dwain Jacobs. Midfielders: Christopher Nurse (Captain), Eusi Phillips, Clive Nobrega, Calvin Shepherd, Vurlon Mills, Daniel Wilson, Trayon Bobb. Forwards: Sheldon Holder, Pernell Schultz, Emery Welshman (debut).
Guinea reach quarters after lots drawn
Barbados (blue jersey) will play its first friendly in nearly a year, when it hosts Guyana on February 1, 2015. (Photo: Yonel Louis) Bridgetown, Barbados – The Barbados Football Association (BFA) is using the national team’s upcoming international friendly as a gauge ahead of qualifying campaigns for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Football Tournament. Barbados clashes with visiting Guyana on Sunday at the National Stadium, its first game since being eliminated from the 2014 Caribbean Cup in October. BFA president Randy Harris believes it is important that new technical director, Brazilian Marcos Falopa, has a chance to assess the side before it enters into the fray of competitive fixtures. ”We decided to have a friendly to give our team, which had started training late last year, a practice game,” Harris said. “Also, it would afford the BFA to really start the year on a high by playing an international. We have not had the opportunity to play many internationals over the past four years or so, so we’re
using this opportunity really to give our team a practice game. It has come in well with the draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.” ”Obviously, it will give the technical director an opportunity to see what level the Barbados team is at going forward for the World Cup and the Olympic Qualifiers. That is the main purpose.” A 31-member squad, comprising the bulk of the Under-23 unit, is currently in training. The list is headed by midfielder Romario Harewood, as well as forwards Jabari Chandler and Mario Harte, all of whom featured for Barbados last year. Harte was the Barbadians’ top scorer in Caribbean Cup play with three goals. Although Barbados will be gunning for a positive result, Harris asserted that measuring the team’s development is the primary focus. ”[The result of] every national game is of major importance to the FA,” he finished, “but basically the main rea-
son really would be to show our technical director what stage and what level the Barbados team is at and show him the quality of players that he has at his disposal for the future.” NOTES: In their last meeting on October 7, 2011, Guyana posted a 2-0 victory over Barbados, also at the National Stadium. BARBADOS TRAINING CAMP ROSTER: Ronaldo Bailey, Akeene Browne, Rommell Bynoe, Shaquille Bynoe, Jabari Chandler, Shane Codrington, Eric Fields, Sean Fields, Kayle Gibson, Keon Harding, Romario Harewood, Jomo Harris, Mario Harte, Keemar Headley, Tre Hinds, Najee Holder, Raymond Hope, Sebastian Hunte, Rakim Lashley, Tshane Lorde, Akeem Maloney, Ramon Manning, Amal Mayers, Ricardo Morris, Shane Mottley, Jabarry Nicholls, Raheim Sargeant, Shaquille Stewart, Dario Weir, Torian Went, Hadan Williams. (CONCACAF)
Windies fined for slow overrate in 4th ODI Guinea players
Guinea have won a place in the CAF African Nations Cup quarter-finals at the expense of Mali after the drawing of lots. The teams fought out a 1-1 draw in Mongomo on Wednesday and, with both having also played out 1-1 draws in their previous Group D matches, lots were required to decide who finished second in the pool and advanced to face Ghana in the last eight. There were two balls in a pot labeled position two (2) and position three (3), with a repre-
sentative from each team told to pick a ball and the Confederation of African Football confirmed on its website yesterday afternoon that Guinea had come out on top. It is a remarkable set of circumstances and one not seen at the African Nations Cup since 1988, when the drawing of lots sent Algeria through to the knockout stage with the Côte d’Ivoire missing out. The draw was made at a meeting of the Confederation of African Football officials yesterday. (FIFA)
of the ICC Code of Conduct during the fifth and final One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa in Centurion on Wednesday. Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fines after the side, led by Jason Holder, was ruled to be two overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration. In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount. As such, Holder was fined Dubai, United Arab Emirates - West Indies 40 per cent of his match fee, while his players has been fined for a minimum over-rate breach received 20 per cent fines. (ICC)
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 30, 2015
GSCL Inc Republic Cup Wins for Thunder, Gangster bowls off tomorrow Robert Williams Memorial Dominoes
Players in action on Wednesday night at Faye Joseph’s residence. Thunder and Gangster recorded victories when the Robert Williams Memorial Dominoes competition continued on Wednesday night last at Faye Joseph’s residence, South Ruimveldt. Thunder chalked up 71 games to edge Saddam 69 and TNT
60 in their match up. Kevin Boston registered 17 and Faye Joseph 16 for the winners while Rafeek Khan scored 16 and Navin Singh 15 for Saddam. Dane Bynoe and Trevor Smith were TNT’s leading players with 16 and 14 respectively. Gangster
marked 72 games to overcome Phantom 66 and OPKO 55. Gangster was led by Dereck Collymore who made 16 and Shellon Collymore 15. Dereck Barker and Colin Bynoe made 15 apiece for Phantom. The competition continues on Monday night.
World Cup 2015 news
The Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. Republic Cup bowls off tomorrow with matches at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Everest. The tournament will be played in the over-40 and open categories. The drawing took place on Wednesday afternoon last at GNIC Sports Club and the six teams that will battle in the over-40 division for a top prize of $200,000 and a trophy were placed into two zones with teams in zone A battling their Zone B counterparts. The top four teams will advance to the semis; the runner up will take home a trophy and $100,000. Four teams will play each other in the open segment with the top two teams going through to the final. The winner will pocket a trophy and $150,000 and the runner-up a trophy
and $60,000. The over-40 Zone A is comprised of Amazon XI, Industry Superkings and Regal Masters while Zone B includes Tropical Spring Masters, Floodlight and Parika Defenders. In the over-40 at 09:30hrs at DCC tomorrow, Regal will play Floodlight on pitch one and Amazon will face Parika Defenders on pitch two. At 13:00hrs, Regal will battle Tropical Spring on pitch one and Floodlight will take on Amazon on pitch two. At Everest from 09:30hrs Industry Superkings will challenge Tropical Spring on pitch one and at 13:00hrs Superkings will play Parika Defenders on pitch one. On Sunday at 09:30hrs at Everest, Regal will take on Parika Defenders on pitch three and at DCC Superkings will face
Floodlight on pitch one and Amazon will tackle Tropical Spring on pitch two. The semifinals of this category will be played from 13:00hrs on Sunday at Everest. The team with the most points will take on the fourth place finisher while second placed will play third. In the open segment tomorrow at Everest at 09:30hrs, Regal will match skills with Wolf’s Warriors on pitch three and Speed Boat will face Farm on pitch two. At 13:30hrs at the said venue, Farm will take on Regal on pitch three and Speed Boat will entertain Wolf’s Warriors on pitch two. On Sunday at Everest at 09:00hrs Regal will battle Speed Boat on pitch one and Wolf’s Warriors will tackle Farm on pitch two. The finals will be contested on February 8 at Everest.
St. Kitts agree to host neutral CPL games
Miller replaces Narine for West Indies
Warner Park
Nikita Miller finds himself bound for Australia and New Zealand © WICB Media Nikita Miller, the left-arm spinner, has the task of filling Sunil Narine’s shoes at the World Cup after he was chosen as the replacement in West Indies’ squad. Narine withdrew from the tournament on Tuesday, little more than 48 hours after taking 6 for 9 in the Nagico Super50 final against Guyana, saying that his action still required more work after it was reported during last year’s Champions League T20. Miller, 32, has played 45 ODIs, the last of which came against England in March 2014 and has taken 40 wickets at 36.52. He is the second left-arm spinner in West Indies’ squad
alongside Sulieman Benn. In the Nagico Super50, Miller claimed six wickets in four matches, along with a frugal economy rate of 2.32 across his 40 overs, but there were other spin options above him in the wicket-taker’s list which was topped by Narine. Veerasammy Permaul, another leftarmer, claimed 11 wickets at 13.36 with an outstanding economy rate of 3.12. West Indies completed their tour of South Africa on Wednesday when they were heavily beaten in the final ODI at Supersport Park. Their opening World Cup match is against Ireland in Nelson on February 16. (ESPNcricinfo)
The Caribbean Premier League has agreed a deal with the St. Kitts and Nevis Government that will see Warner Park hosting all six neutral CPL games for the 2015 tournament. Following on from the huge success of the CPL matches held in St. Kitts and Nevis at the Warner Park Stadium last year, the Government and CPL management have signed a deal that will see the historic venue once again playing host to six neutral games as part of CPL 2015. Warner Park Stadium is not only located on one of the most beautiful islands this side of the Caribbean, but also boasts top-class facilities. Last year, Warner Park Stadium became the focus of cricket fans from around the world. CPL’s unique blend of entertainment saw the CPL finals played alongside a spectacular performance from Grammy award-winning
American artist, Rick Ross. All the games saw the stadium filled to capacity as fans came out in their droves to watch the best cricket the region has to offer. St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Sports, the Hon. Glenn Phillip, said: “CPL delivers huge benefits to the Federation with US$26 million injected into the economy during last year’s hosting of CPL, and 65 million fans from around the world tuning in to enjoy the exciting matches. There is no doubt that the people of St. Kitts and Nevis were treated to a fantastic week of entertainment both on and off the pitch. “As such, we see the hosting of the neutral games, alongside having our new team, as a massive opportunity for St. Kitts and Nevis, and we are delighted to be welcoming all of the CPL teams to the Warner Park Stadium once again.” CPL CEO, Damien
O’Donohoe, added: “We are hugely proud to be announcing this deal which will see CPL build on its great fanbase in St. Kitts and Nevis. The hospitality shown there has been nothing short of sensational and the St. Kitts and Nevis Government have again shown great commitment and faith in the tournament by agreeing to host the neutral games at Warner Park Stadium this year. ”Their commitment reinforces our drive to make CPL one of the most successful cricket tournaments in the world. The staff of Warner Park Stadium did an impeccable job in taking care of the grounds last year, ensuring that exceptional cricket was on display - further cementing its position as a premier location to host not only CPL games, but international matches as well,” continued O’Donohoe. (CPL)
Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Weekend of top football action as Mayor’s Cup gets underway
T
he 21st edition of the Mayor’s Cup F o o t b a l l Championships gets underway tonight with much fanfare and football buffs are expected in their droves to witness a scorching double header at the Victoria Ground, ECD. When the action gets underway at 19:00hrs Golden Grove will tackle Grove Hi Tech in the preliminary game to a showdown between Victoria Kings and Agricola starting at 21:00hrs. Grove Hi Tech will be anxious to draw first blood and will field a competitive lineup that includes the skilful goalkeeper, Rondell Alleyne. While he performs duties between the uprights he will look forward to support from his captain, Sherman Doris (midfielder) and Clive Matthews Jnr. (defender), to make the difference between a victory and a loss. This team will also look for support from utility players Lloyd Matthews and Wayne Andries. The lads from Golden Grove will also fancy their chances and are expected to field such stalwarts as Carlos Kingston (striker) along with defenders, Stephon Walcott a n d R a n d y S t o b y. The Victoria Kings/Agricola showdown, and East Coast and East Bank showdown will renew fierce rivalry of the past between the two associations. Agricola will depend on its strike force of Gordon Grant and Sheldon Jerrick but must also be wary of the fact that the opposition will be stocking their armory with the likes of striker, Aubrey Sherwyn Gibson with Sherwyn Skeete and Alden Lawrence marshalling the midfield ranks. Agricola will also field such players as Lumumba Hinds and Kacy John in its lineup and will also fancy its chances. The action continues tomorrow evening when the players travel to #5 West
Lennox Arthur Coast Berbice where Rosignol United would be at home to Cougars at 19:00hrs followed by Monedderlust up against New Amsterdam United two hours later. Football fans will also be entertained on Sunday when four matches would be contested at two venues; Uitvlugt will compete against GFC while Pouderoyen tackle Police starting at 14:00hrs, both at the Den Amstel Community Centre Ground while Riddim Squad and Western Tigers will await the culmination of those matches to play the respective winners at the GFC Ground on Sunday. Coordinator of activities, Lennox Arthur has promised top class action and assured fans that they could look forward to the usual excitement associated with the tournament over the years. Apart from winning the prestigious first place prize, teams will enjoy bragging rights for one whole year. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e winning team will pocket one million dollars while the runners up will win $300,000 with the 3rd and 4th places winning $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. Participating teams are S a n t o s , A n n ’s G r o v e , Camptown, Mahaica, Pouderoyen, Police, GDF, Rhythm Squad, Fruta Conquerors, Pele, Slingertz, Den Amstel, Alpha, and Western Tigers. The tournament is being conducted under the auspices of the Guyana Football Federation and all rules are applicable.
Gordon Grant
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 30, 2015
Jaguars practice match affected by rain Deonarine, Johnson available By Sean Devers Yesterday’s play on the first day of the three-day practice match at Bourda was called off just after Lunch due to a wet outfield and according to Head Coach Esuan Crandon, efforts are being made to start the practice game today and play until Sunday. This would serve as preparation for the next three overseas matches in West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Four-Day FirstClass Cricket Franchise and
will also be used to select the 13-man Guyana Jaguars squad which is scheduled to depart Guyana on February 4 for Jamaica where the fifth round contest will take place. After four games in the first phase of the First-Class format last year, the Jaguars registered victories over the Leewards, Windwards and Trinidad & Tobago and their only loss was when they were bowled out for 66 chasing 69 to win against Barbados at Providence. The Jaguars lead the points
Players wait in vain for the ground to dry at Bourda yesterday after day one of their practice match was washed out. table with 57 points, seven ahead of Jamaica who are in second place and who the Jaguars next play at Sabina Park from February 6. The South American based team, which includes the only non-national player in the tournament in Bajan Raymond Reifer, will oppose the Leewards in St. Kitts and Barbados in Barbados the sixth and seventh rounds of matches, respectively. They then return home to face Jamaica and T&T before travelling to Dominica for their final game in the ‘double round’ tournament. Chairman of the National Selectors Rayon Griffith informed that the final 13man squad should be known
this weekend. He told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that Jonathon Foo, who was selected at the National level for the first time since 2010 when he helped Guyana to the Champions League T20 tournament in South Africa, but failed to play any game in the just concluded NAGICO Super50 in Trinidad & Tobago due to illness, was still sick. ”Foo did not practice since he is in Berbice recovering. Assad Fudadin who broke his finger while participating in a fielding drill with the West Indies team in South Africa, has also not fully recovered from t h a t i n j u r y, ” G r i f f i t h informed. He said that the West
Indies pair of Leon Johnson and Narsingh Deonarine are expected back on February 2 and will be available to strengthen the Jaguars team. Test opener Devon Smith, with 334 runs from three matches is the only batsman with more runs than Deonarine who has 306 from four games including two centuries. Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has the most wickets (32) while leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo on 21 victims, share the second spot on the wicket-takers list with T&T’s leg-spinner Imran Khan. Dethroned one-day champions Barbados have won the last two Four-Day tournaments.
Friday January 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Ministry hosts forum on development of National Schools’ Championships By Edison Jefford Under the theme “Developing Nationals”, The Ministry of Education yesterday hosted a ‘Forum on the Development of the National Schools Championship in Guyana’ at the National Resource Centre on Woolford Avenue with the aim of creating a Development Plan. Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam gave the forum his stamp of approval when he welcomed all participants from various stakeholders including the Ministry, Guyana Teachers’ Union, Guyana Olympic Association; respective sport associations, NonGovernment Organisations, The Armed Forces, Government Agencies and the Corporate Community. Sam also delivered the Opening Remarks. The Ministry’s Unit of Allied Arts, which manages the Physical Education programme, organised the event to facilitate varying views on drafting a Comprehensive Five-Year Plan on the development of the National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships. ‘Nationals’ is held in alliance with the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) with stakeholder support. There were two Presentations, including one on South American Sports Organisation (ODESUR) Observers’ Programme in Brazil in November last year. Ex-GTU President, Colin Bynoe and Head of the Unit of Allied Arts, Desiree Wyles-Ogle made that Presentation after both attended the forum in Brazil. Physical Education Head, Nicholas Fraser and Grace McCalman then presented on National Sports Culture. The Presentations acted as guides for three ‘Working Group Sessions’ that were established to focus on the dynamics of Nationals. Group One examined Finance & Sponsorship for Nationals and its Culture; Group Two looked at Technical Development and Group Three addressed Organisational Structure: Polices and Rules. Each group presented their
findings from practically looking at Nationals over the years; findings that will form the content of a Final Report, which will be presented to the Ministry and Union as the basis for a Comprehensive Development Plan. Under Finance & Sponsorship, marketing the Championships was discussed in the context of the development of a positive image for the event. “Healthy Competition”, “Holistic Development” and transitioning athletes from Nationals to a greater platform were other issues discussed in the group looking at Finance and Sponsorship. In terms of Culture, the group felt that policies needed to change to allow for Physical Education to play a greater role in academic development. It believed that resources for Physical Education should be disseminated evenly throughout the country. The group believed that a programme that vibrantly addresses sport in schools will create more awareness. In Group Two, issues such as accommodation of athletes for Nationals; Nutrition and preparation were among the subjects discussed. “Preparing champions is different from just preparing athletes” the group said in its Presentation. The group discussed proper security and all the other technical areas related to proper standards for sports. Meanwhile, in Group Three, which looked at Organisational Structure, the participants said that the policy makers, including CEO, Sam should emphasise sports in all schools as a policy while the other stakeholders from swimming, cycling and athletics must be included on committees so that a collective approach can be taken toward Nationals’ development. The many findings of the three groups were handed to the moderator, Noel Adonis, who will put together a report that will be submitted to the Ministry. The report will be the basis upon which a Comprehensive Five-Year Development Plan will be formulated.
Moderator of the ‘Forum on the Development of the National School Championship in Guyana’, Noel Adonis (right) makes a point yesterday while stakeholders pay rapt attention at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue.
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Golden Jaguars 18 named for Barbados friendly on Sunday - Chris Nurse returns as Captain
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Golden Jaguars during final training session ahead of today’s departure for Barbados.
Schools receive balls for Milo - tourney kicks Football preparations off tomorrow P. 34
Nestle Milo Brand representative Renita Sital (centre front row: poses with Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca (on her immediate left) and students at yesterday’s presentation ceremony. 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