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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
A DIFFICULT TIME FOR BOYS In recent years it has become increasingly difficult for boys to grow up in Guyana and not be involved in criminal activities. Almost every day, parents, especially mothers, are struggling to keep their sons away from crime, and more importantly, alive. The challenges facing boys today are enormous and they range from drop-outs from high school to joblessness, and from involvement in serious crime to being totally marginalized in society. Many of our communities have in some cases become virtual battlegrounds for criminals and vengeful gang warfare by mostly young men and boys. Some of them may have the best intentions of becoming decent citizens, but they are not having an easy time avoiding the seemingly lucrative attraction of the dark side. Many are poor and do not have father figures to guide them in the right direction. The latter state of affairs has caused many to become hopeless and emotionless. They are seething with anger against a system which they believe is stifling them, and in which they see no future. Anger has become a major issue and if not dealt with urgently, will affect us all. Most parents do not know how to deal with their sons’ anger and frustration, and schools are not equipped to address them either. While education is important, it does not deal with the emotional issues affecting most young boys. In a country filled with bad-tempered young men, even the police have their work cut out to deal with what is fast becoming a ticking time bomb. The struggling and wayward youths do not trust the lawmen, who they believe are against them. They also believe that the police harass and target them unfairly for simple infractions like smoking marijuana rather than trying to solve major crimes. To make matters worse, society does not offer much support to youths. Yes, there are some individuals and NGOs that provide some services, but society as a whole has not provided anything like role models. The government is also at fault for not holding deadbeat fathers accountable for their children. It has not provided adequate social services to deal with the widespread dissatisfaction among them, so they can live up to their obligations and take responsibility for their actions. The government should reach out to them before it is too late. Every year a number of boys with brilliant minds have either quit or were kicked out of school. They could have continued their education if the schools had done a better job of meeting their learning needs. Most schools do not deal with what most would deem peripheral matters like love, friendship, family, caring and commitment. Most schools’ curricula do not address issues such as anger, crime, bullying or responsibility. In Guyana, the abuse and sexual exploitation of children and the impact of crime on boys are both chilling and troubling. Statistics have shown that children as young as four years old are being raped and 14-year-old boys are engaged in crime, gun violence, and are embedded in gangs. This is not just a few juveniles looking for trouble, insidiously committing evil deeds; it is the grim reality of the serious problem boys in general have become in the country. Something must be done before it spirals out of control. Decisive action must be taken to save our boys before they devote themselves to crime or redeem those who are already involved in criminal acts. These are serious times for boys and society should not abandon them. They must be given the proper tools and education to become productive citizens. The question is: what is society prepared to do about it. The government cannot be naïve to think that young boys are not in trouble, and it must take urgent action to save them before they become consumed by hard-core criminality. Many have lost their way. Many dreams are turning into nightmares.
Friday January 15, 2016
Letters... Where your views make the news
The lady says, “hang em high.” DEAR EDITOR, Again at the risk of appearing trite, permit me to either cast oil on troubled waters or open the wound to avert possible festering and resultant nonhealing. President Granger recently announced that Guyana is beginning to win the war on crime, comments made in response to questions posed by the media corp during the accreditation for Kuwait’s non-resident Ambassador to Guyana. He further added on a cautionary note that there remains still much work to be done, something that even the most myopic can see with no opposition from those of a dubious ilk. However, I intend to proffer unsolicited advice so that the President’s well-intentioned utterances are not reduced to aphorisms-the more things change, the more they appear the same, or those who forget the past are bound to repeat it. The recent spate of gruesome murders, the nine day bloody orgy, especially that of the octogenarian and his wife, Rajkumar and Chammanlall and the killing of 49 year old Anita Baichan, wounding of her son followed by the torching of her home bears out this fact.
Among the confessed killers is an individual, Rooplall Ibrahim who was just a mere youth of 16years when he was charged with murdering a 13 year old schoolgirl and disposing of her body in a trench. He was freed of that crime, but has learning taken place. No way! Learning has been replaced by yearning to take other lives, which he has demonstrably executed. Now comes the time to put the cheese on the crackers! What manner of punishment should be meted out to these heartless fiends? In the wake of the President’s recent speech, perhaps he should be called upon to decide what would be the best deterrent, and one that would send such a strong message that even the babes and sucklings would be forced to adhere. Let it stand for the records that I remain a staunch advocate of the death penalty, and an enemy of the sanctimonious among which I find myself. President Desmond Hoyte used his powers not only to send a message but by extension put a halt to the rampant disregard for human lives at the time. Long sentences just would not cut it for some criminals, and after all, let it not be forgotten that they are all being fed and kept alive at a cost to the
taxpaying public. Have there been any psychological study/ analysis, specialized in- prison treatment, psychotherapy sessions and the list can go on ad infinitum for the murderers with lengthy sentences. No! Is it not apparent that something is amiss in the psyche of our young? What is it? It is too great a price if we sit by waiting on time to provide the response. In the book “Inside the Criminal Mind” by Stanton Samenow, the author offers fresh perceptions, presents a profile of the criminal mind and how we need to change our previously held ideas about the sources and cures for crime. President Granger if we are to continue to win the war on crime, then lengthy prison sentences are not the way to go. Let these recent murderers be used as test cases and see how well they can cope with the rope. The Constitution has stipulated that capital punishment must not be a mandatory punishment, however it beggars a revisiting. Hard times call for hard measures. Mr. President, that’s a fact. Please do not fail to act. On our lips is the lingering question: Where did it go, the Guyana we used to know. Yvonne Sam
For a fee, the rule of law can be buried DEAR EDITOR, Some citizens have expressed the belief that I am gentle with the incumbent powers. I agree; it is premeditated. While I have come out strongly against a smattering of issues, I have been easy with the new people, as I think that the circumstances so warrant. A simple illustration extracted from a trend observed in newspaper articles reminds me (and should do the same for others) as to why I opted for this route at this time. A careful review of capital offense articles involving murder indicates a disturbing trend: quite a few of those accused again for murder were once charged or implicated in prior murders. They were either freed by the courts or released by the police due to insufficient evidence. It was, still is, widely suspected, that the entire justice machinery (investigative, lower courts
and upper courts) has a corruption problem. For a fee, files became incomplete; for a fee, files disappeared; for a fee, presentations lacked substance and merit; for a fee, decisions could turn on a dime, a crooked one. That was the sordid reality. Criminals walked; they were, in effect, presented with a license to become serial killers. They did. And what is the point of all of this? It is that the massive corruption that saturated institutions and people and practices has come back to haunt exposed citizens and vulnerable communities. It came compliments of a venal administration that left a mountain of sleaze and offal to be examined, and then removed. It is very tough going, and the sanguinary crime scenes and hapless victims are but one visible plank of an era of dastardly governance. Here was the convergence of a police force compromised, a government engaged in
self-enriching, and citizens abandoned. This is but a pale reflection of the sorry criminal, financial, racial and social states in which this country has been immersed for decades, and which has injured most. It is why I wrote very soon after the elections that the new administration needed at least two years to dig itself out of the enormous hole inherited, before it could get its bearings. Matters are even worse than most calculated, as the honest and conscientious of this land are now discovering. It is why I have given the incoming group space and some time. Unfortunately, the learning curve is steep, and it doesn’t have the luxury of two years. I can extend one. It is due and fair and reasonable. I know more is needed. It is what I can, in good conscience, offer. GHK Lall
Aubrey Norton answers Charles Ramson Jr. DEAR EDITOR, Please refer to an article in Thursday, January 14, 2016 of another newspaper captioned “National Youth Policy yet to be implemented” in which Charles Ramson Jr. stated in referring to the National Youth Policy that “you have Norton being paid $500,000 a month who is specifically designated to do this; you have a Minister, but both of them are unable to come up with the national youth policy”. Were Mr. Ramson Jr. a serious young politician who pays attention to current affairs, he would have noted that the media houses, including all newspapers and the Guyanese public were informed that the Draft National
Youth Policy has been completed and therefore, he would not have arrived at the erroneous conclusion that they are “unable to come up with the national youth policy”. Mr. Ramson Jr. seems not to understand governmental procedures. I had the responsibility to draft the National Youth Policy. This was completed and submitted to the subject minister. It is therefore not within my jurisdiction to make pronouncements on the status of the policy while it engages the attention of the Minister. It is for this reason that I directed the journalist to the subject minister. It is hilarious but understandable
that Mr. Ramson Jr. noted that the PPP completed 90% of the policy. This claim apart, he is probably too young to know that the PPP had been promising a youth policy since I was a Member of Parliament in 1998. Therefore, what moral right does Ramson Jr. and the PPP have to speak about the completion of a youth policy? It took his party eighteen (18) years from the 1998 promise and they still did not, and could not complete a youth policy because it lacks the political will and interest in the development of the youth of Guyana. Mr. Aubrey C. Norton Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment
Friday January 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
We are not dumping The death of pastoral garbage in the cemetery serenity in Guyana
DEAR EDITOR, Please refer to a headline M&CC Deny Garbage Disposal in Le Repentir, published in one of the other newspapers recently. The content of the article and pictures posted, suggests that Council is either disposing of refuse or permitting the disposal of household and commercial waste in the Le Repentir Cemetery. It is pellucid that the aim and intention of this article is not only to mislead and deceive the citizens, but is also a calculated attempt to stir up strive in the communities contiguous to the cemetery. The skip bin that was displayed in the article suggested that the Council was empting garbage in the cemetery. The content of the skip was from weeding and cleaning of the cemetery done by the contractor who was assigned to clean the cemetery. All contractors, who are employed by the Municipality to clean drains or in this case the Le Repentir Cemetery are required to provide skip bins to accommodate refuse,
debris or silt, this is outlined in their contractual agreement with the Municipality. The picture of the truck that was shown, was indeed disposing sludge taken from the canals and not household refuse. Recently, Haags Bosch landfill site was inaccessible and the Council had dug out an area in the cemetery to disposal of refuse, this was halted. The same area that was excavated to deposit garbage is currently being filled with sludge and would be covered with loam or sand. Citizens are interested in the truth about issues, events and phenomena that are occurring in the local communities in which they live. Therefore, the media has a social responsibility to present the truth to its audience and not misrepresent facts. It is also, important that ethical values such as; truth, accuracy, objectivity are employed when presenting information to the public. Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer(ag)
Paying taxes to protect Green and King DEAR EDITOR, It bothers me significantly that the officials of the Georgetown City Council seem more concerned about their own safety and security and less about it for the business community and citizenry. Yesterday having been invited to attend a meeting at City Hall. I attempted to enter the compound as I usually do through the Charlotte Street entrance and then again through the Avenue of the Republic entrance but was however rebuffed on both attempts by Constables who advised that there were new stringent security mechanisms in place that prevented citizens from entering this public space with the exception of the Regent Street entrance. However when I attempted at the Regent Street access point before I could do so, I had to be interviewed and frisked by another constable who was posted there. Whilst awaiting the start of the meeting which was held under a tent in the forecourt of City Hall, I observed both the Town Clerk
and Mayor moving around in the company of bodyguards, something that is only otherwise accorded to the President and Prime Minister of this country. I am aware that their residences are like mini fortresses with high fences and armed guards patrolling inside and would like to know why all of this protection paid for by the citizenry is necessary? In the mean time, the municipal markets are largely left unprotected with break and entry and losses being encountered on a frequent basis; citizens are being robbed constantly in the shopping area particularly after normal business hours; three card men are fleecing unsuspecting victims on the pavements; touts are hassling minibus passengers; a lot of illegal activity occurs right at the entrance of the Stabroek Market; music carts move around the city with music blaring all to which the Council turns a blind eye. Are we paying taxes to receive services or protect municipal officials? Sean Moniz
DEAR EDITOR, The myth of a quiet Guyana countryside is dead; murdered by crimes of opportunity. The bludgeoning of British teenager Dominic Bernard at Nurney Back-dam, Corentyne, for his foreign currency; the burning alive of Anita Baichan at Plantation Hope, West Berbice (a section of Bath Settlement) and the chopping of Arthur Rajkumar and his wife Diane Chamanlall at Bushlot Lot, West Berbice, while demanding money have left residents in shock and confusion. We cannot help but notice that none of these murders is gun related. Regardless of the weapons of choice, the question is that with the spread of gangs in the countryside, are these simply the work of gangs that have run amok? Probably not! Though there are some confessions, we are yet to know the details of their motivation and state of mind. So far, the lure of money, substance abuse, and the ages ranging from 17 to 25 are a common thread. If we examine the economic landscape of West Coast Berbice, we will find that Bath Settlement and Bush Lot Village are historically PPP strongholds that have traditionally emerged from sugar cane and rice cultivation. For the PPP twenty three(23) years in office, these communities have grown by leaps and bounds to become the major business centers of that area evident by the concentration of businesses and
mansions. Twelve (12) years ago, the Plantation Hope section of Bath was a model scheme with first class roads, drainage, and street lamps before houses were constructed. Like the rest of Guyana, the building and expansion of these communities were also made possible with the help of overseas remittances. Local residents from the traditional villages of Hopetown and Belladrum argue that this rapid growth resulted from consumer businesses and construction opportunities favored by the PPP government. So, it is not by chance these places have become wholesale centers for small and large groceries stores and construction materials in West Berbice. Rapid change is often dizzying! Over the recent years, many ordinary country folks perceive that some of these businesses were fronts for cocaine runners and money launderers; one vice leads to another. There is more disposable income, more access to marijuana and cocaine, little incentive to stay in school, school drop-out rate as low as age 15, and during the regular work-day you can see these youths on bicycles, liming, drinking, and smoking their life away, oblivious of the consequences of addiction. Centers such as Linden, New Amsterdam, and Hopetown are similarly affected, but have less disposable income to afford the more expensive cocaine. If you (Continued on page 31)
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Govt. approves $700M drugs purchase as two weeks supplies remain Cabinet has approved the sum of $700M for the purchase of essential drugs and other medicine supplies for health facilities in all ten administrative regions. The Ministry of Public Health, according to a Government statement yesterday, has reported that existing stocks are expected to last until the end of this month, and arrangements will be fast-tracked to deal with any emergency situations. On Tuesday, January 12, the Cabinet was briefed about current stock levels of pharmaceuticals and other medicine supplies in the health sector. Cabinet approved monies to buy medication to treat any outbreak of H1N1 viral influenza.
Government said it had approached a single supplier to provide the medication as a precaution in the event that anyone should be at risk from the viral influenza which reportedly has affected persons in some neighbouring states. “In approving $700M for fresh supplies, the Guyana Government has opted to implement a fair and open bidding process for all suppliers in the pharmaceutical industry to get an opportunity to secure contracts.” The statement noted that whilst in opposition, both APNU and the AFC, which now form the six-party coalition, had declared that when elected, they would end
the discriminatory practice of sole sourcing of medical supplies. “The Ministry of Health has received support from the USAID to develop a new standard for an open, competitive bidding system. A bidding document to this effect was approved by the National Tender Administration B o a r d , following which a pre-bid meeting with all potential bidders was held on December 16, 2015.” A multi-billion-dollar prequalification, sole sourcing contract with the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation ended in October, 2015, easing concerns with stakeholders over the unfair practice.
Friday January 15, 2016
Girl, 4, dies two days after accident A Lodge Nursery School student died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) around 05:00 hrs yesterday, two days after she and her father were involved in an accident on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. The four-year-old child has been identified as Paula Waterman of 53 Norton Street, Lodge. Waterman died in the medical institution’s Intensive Care Unit where she had been battling for her life on a life support machine since Tuesday. Her father, Paul Waterman, is also hospitalized at the GPHC. When this newspaper visited him, he was not in a position to speak. Up to late yesterday, he was not aware that his daughter had died. According to information received, the child’s father had just picked her up from school and was heading to a canteen to purchase food when his motorcycle suffered a ‘blowout.’ This caused the older Waterman to lose control of his vehicle and slam into a
utility pole. The child was flung about 10 feet away from the point of impact, while her father collapsed nearby. Kaieteur News was told that the duo was rushed to the GPHC by public-spirited persons. The child’s relatives were reluctant to provide information to the media since the older Waterman was still hospitalised and he had no idea his daughter had passed away.
Dead: Paula Waterman Hospitalised: Paul Waterman
Godbrother, friend charged... From page 3 was reported that his father, Andrew Bernard contacted his godson (Hing) about his son's whereabouts after he did not return home. However, Hing reportedly told his godfather that he was unaware that the teen was coming to Guyana. This raised suspicions and the older Bernard
flew to Guyana to locate his eldest child. British and local law enforcement were called in to investigate. Several CID ranks from Georgetown and Berbice, acting on an anonymous tip via phone, found the teenager's decomposed body in a shallow grave at Nurney, Corentyne Berbice.
The victim was fully clothed and appeared to have been mutilated. A Post Mortem revealed that the young filmmaker had been struck at the back of the head. He sustained a fractured skull, as well as a broken neck. Attorney Nigel Hughes represented both accused. He requested that his clients be given a speedy trial. Hughes pointed out that the police had delayed bringing his clients before the court even after the additional 72 hours had elapsed. The lawyer also made a request for all statements in the matter to be disclosed and access to all scientific evidence. According to Hughes, this would help assist him with presenting his clients' cases. However, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Vishnu Hunt told the court that police investigation is still ongoing. He said that additional advice is being sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions. PHONE RECOVERED Meanwhile, Police have recovered the mobile phone that was among items stolen from Dominic Bernard following his brutal slaying. Kaieteur News understands that the instrument was recovered shortly after an individual took it to a repair shop in an attempt to have it unlocked. A number of people are said to be still in custody.
Friday January 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
St Kitts-Nevis hosts Caribbean Citizenship Summit 2016 BASSETERRE, St Kitts (SKNIS) — St Kitts and Nevis is the host of the NTL Caribbean Citizenship Summit 2016 held in the federation Wednesday to today. Four Caribbean countries from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) with a citizenship by investment programme are playing hosts to the summit: Antigua (January 11-13); St Kitts and Nevis (January 13-15); Grenada (January 16-18); St Lucia (January 19-21). At Wednesday’s summit in St Kitts, the itinerary included three speakers. Prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Timothy Harris, gave an address under the theme “New Improved St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program: Progress in 2015 and plans for 2016.” A second address under the theme “Offshoring Your Online Life: How the internet has been turned into a surveillance system, the problems that are developing now, and how to protect yourself from them” was given by Paul Rosenberg of CryptoHippie. Another address was given by Frank Suess, CEO BFI Consulting, who gave his address on the theme “One Trust: a Global Retirement and Savings Plan.” In his address, Harris outlined that the citizenship by investment (CBI) programme is growing and becoming more competitive. “Our industry is growing – this year Saint Lucia has launched its own programme – which now brings the number of players in the Carib-
Dr Timothy Harris bean to five: St Kitts and Nevis, the pioneer of the CBI programme, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and now our newest entrant, which launched for business on January 1, Saint Lucia,” Harris said. Harris underscored that, while he welcomes healthy competition with the CBI programme, there must be a commitment to common and high standards with the programmes. “We all have collective responsibility, a responsibility to each other as well as our own citizens to run robust and honest programmes, which is why I welcome regular events and interaction such as this event. We should share data and information. We must commit to high common standards and best practices. Somebody who is rejected by Grenada, for example, should not be allowed
to succeed to Saint Lucia. In other words, we must have a common high standard of due diligence across the Caribbean, so persons cannot play one country off against another,” he said, adding, “nor do I think we should compete on price; it should never be a race to the bottom. Our patrimony must never be devalued.” He also said that the CBI programme contributes 33 percent of the revenue of St Kitts and Nevis. The NTL Caribbean Citizenship Summit 2016 continues in Nevis on January 15 with several speakers, including the premier of Nevis, Vance Amory, who will give an address on “Investment in Nevis”. The Nevis leg of the summit will inc l u d e a development tour and a real estate tour. (Caribbean News)
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Friday January 15, 2016
President updates Parliament on plans for country’s economic independence
President David Granger addressing Parliament
While Guyana prepares to celebrate its 50th year of political independence, it is still optimistic to achieve such liberty economically. Viewing economic independence as urgent for Guyana, President David Granger apprised the nation of some of the steps to be taken this year to move closer to such an ambitious goal. The Head of State said this as he delivered his third address to the 11th Parliament and his first for the New Year. The public gallery in the chambers of the National Assembly was packed to capac-
ity as dignitaries all congregated to listen to the anticipated way forward. Present were members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Joint Services, GECOM’s Chairman, heads of governmental organisations and members of civil society. President Granger told the gathering that even as the country celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary this year, which has been designated the “Year of Renaissance”, efforts must be devoted to the rebirth and the renewal of the promise of economic independence and resilience.
“We became independent and made a covenant among ourselves that we would, in a free state, aspire to enjoy a better life than we had to endure in a colony. We toiled to repair a country that had been damaged by disunity and division. We strove to create a community of comity and unity. We sought to satisfy the needs of our people by expanding public education, health, communications and transportation services.” The President reminded Parliament that Independence did not come easily or at a cheap price and, as such, Guyanese need to look to the future as one people in order to create a better country for future generations, rather than dwelling on the pain of the past. “Independent statehood vested us with the responsibility of being guardians of our territory,
custodians of our national patrimony and masters of our own destiny. Our new status imposed an obligation to improve our citizens’ access to public services. Independence promised expanded opportunities and enhanced security. It engendered In addition to economic independence as a nation, Granger also highlighted his desire to ensure that such independence is enjoyed by every citizen of “our beloved land.’ He said 2016 presents a new opportunity for Guyana to hasten economic development by diversifying the traditional sectors and venturing into more value-added enterprises that will promote sustained economic growth, in keeping with Government’s vision to provide a good life for all Guyanese. “It is time for a fresh start – a new beginning,” Granger stressed.
According to the President, Guyana can no longer depend solely on the traditional sectors of rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, diamond and timber. Excessive dependence on these sectors resulted in the country being exposed to the volatility of global commodity prices. He added that the necessary reforms need to be implemented in order to build an economy that is more adaptive to changes and responsive to the challenges of the global economy. He also spoke of the importance of economic diversification and venturing out more into the area of valueadded enterprises; while at the same time, focusing on the services sector and on building a strong tourism and hospitality industry. The President also appealed to the Legislature for partnership and support in
the common pursuit of economic independence. He used the opportunity to call for an end to the divisive, winner-take-all political culture and for it to be replaced with one that exemplifies inclusionary, participatory, multi-party democracy. He added that his Administration, “aspires to strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure, fortify national institutions, ensure national security and extend public services. We shall continue to work to regain public trust by improving and extending education, health, sanitation, water supply, electricity services and, affordable housing to the people.” The President called on the members of Parliament to lead by example as elected representatives of the people. “The people of Guyana (Continued on page 11)
Friday January 15, 2016
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A NEW PROCUREMENT PROCESS IS NECESSARY! I am flummoxed why everyone is flummoxed by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Government of Guyana and Fedders Lloyd, an Indian company, to construct the Specialty Hospital. There can only be one source of this confusion. The contradictory and confusing explanations being provided by the government as the justification for the signing of the
MOU, which is being viewed as an attempt by the APNU/ AFC administration to hand the contract for the construction of the hospital to Fedders Lloyd. Interestingly enough, the government is not denying that this is the implication for the signing of the MOU. The government has too many spokesmen on this issue; each is giving his or her own twist to the story. First, it was said that the award -
even though there is no award as yet - was necessary, because of time constraints. In other words, what was being suggested was that there is a need to treat this project as a national emergency and therefore bypass public procurement rules. Then it was stated that this was a case of sole sourcing. However, the construction of the hospital does not fit into the conditions re-
Girl slashes wrist in school With the recent eruption of suicide cases in the country, members of the public are calling on the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant authorities to develop and implement strategies aimed at reducing and preventing the incidence of suicide in the country. Guyana has by far the highest suicide rate in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Only yesterday, a student from a city secondary school took a razor blade and slashed her wrist at least four times in the school compound. She was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where she was treated and sent away. Kaieteur News understands that the student had told several persons that she was going to commit suicide just before she actually took
the blade and started slashing her wrist. She was rushed to the hospital by teachers. Also, five persons are hospitalized at the Suddie Public Hospital, Region Two, after they attempted to take their own lives for various reasons. Among the five persons is a 12-year-old girl who said she attempted to take her own life after experiencing problems with her boyfriend. On January 7, last, the bodies of a pregnant 14-yearold girl and her older lover were found hanging from a house at Lonsdale, East Bank Berbice (EBB). This was the first case of suicide reported for the year.
The victims were identified as 20-year-old Deeraj Persaud of Lonsdale and Sherry Ann Ally, 14, of Brother’s Village, EBB. It is believed that the couple might have committed suicide after their relationship was not approved by Ally’s family. The matter of the pregnancy was before Social Services since she was underage. On January 13, last, Aaliyah Simon, 13, hanged herself in her Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo home. While the reason for Simon committing suicide is still unclear, relatives believed the relationship she shared with an older boy might have been the reason.
quired for sole sourcing. Instead of sole sourcing, what was required was a soul searching by APNU/AFC, because this explanation was fraught with danger and makes the new government look, smell and seem like the one they replaced when it comes to public procurement. Then the debate attracted the attention of persons outside of the government and other explanations came forth. The MOU was justified on the basis that Fedders Lloyd was the second highest bidder for the original contract to construct the Specialty Hospital, and since the first awardee has failed to complete the contract, the award now has to be made to the second qualified bidder. This was a disingenuous explanation on two counts. Firstly, Fedders Lloyd turned
out not to be the second qualified bidder. In fact, Stabroek News has revealed that the company was disqualified in the original bid. This assertion has not been rejected by the government. Secondly, there was an original award, and the work started, but not completed. The contract for all intents and purposes ended because of the failure of the original bidder to complete the award. The contract therefore cannot now be offered to the second qualified bidder under the original contract, since an award was already made. There has to be a new award and a new contract. A new procurement process has to commence. The old process has ended. Therefore, even if Fedders Lloyd had not been disqualified there was still, under the law,
a need for a new procurement process to be undertaken. It should be. The opposition should lobby the government of India not to release any funds for this project until such time as there is full transparency by the new government. If the procurement laws are not honoured, then an action should be filed in the courts, upon the new signing of an award, to stop construction. These are the options open to the people and to interested parties to ensure that the new government sticks to the rules of fair play and to the law.
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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
My wish list for 2016 In any poor country like Guyana, one’s wish list for the new year will never see reality because money will be the obstacle; it always will. I will start with the University of Guyana. I know that 2016 will not transform UG into even a de-
cent university. Finance will not be there. UG needs resources – labs, libraries, research money, doctoral lecturers, professors, buildings. We will not come even halfway there, much less close. But a start has to be made. The university is one of the primary
institutions in life. Once you are born in poverty and you achieve a university education through blood and tears, you are on your way to dignity and self-worth. Do you know around the world how many poor kids, through a university educa-
tion, can be found in the wealthiest business firms, top international organizations, research and scientific institutes, global institutes and powerful governments around the world? I remember Michelle Obama advising an audience of young women that their future lies in education. She and her Husband, President Obama, came from working class families. It might be possible to argue that Obama is the least financially endowed candidate that ever won the US presidency. One of Guyana’s and the Region’s top lawyers was a clerk in one of the Booker’s stores in the 1950s when he was charged for stealing a bicycle tube. He worked his way up to a law degree and today is one of the richest professionals this land produced. Education did it for him For 2016, I would love to witness the blossoming of UG. Guyana deserves it. The children of the working class deserve it. My wish list is not prioritized, so there is no numero uno or number two. But definitely, I would think judicial reform has to make a substantial breakthrough in 2016. Once the judicial system is dysfunctional, freedom and justice become early casualties. A country cannot be democratic if there is a malfunctioning judicial system. And Guyana’s legal foundations can hardly be described as robust. In a country like India with a billion people and the US with 320 million, litigants get justice far quicker than in Guyana. I have no doubt in my mind that if a Guyanese in January 2016 should sue the Indian state for damages; or a Guyanese should sue the US Government for wrongful dismissal and a Guyanese should sue his own government for the same transgression, the Indian and American cases would come up years before the one in Guyana. How tragic that people have died or have permanently left these shores and never saw their civil matters come to light in the High Court and Court of Appeal. In 2016, a start has to be made, whereby the judicial system offers justice to those who asked the courts for it and who will get it before they die. Next on my list is trade union recognition. Trade unionism is almost dead in this country. It is a tragedy that an institution that helped to confront colonialism, and was in the forefront in the fight for Independence, has
become moribund. There are hundreds of business entities in Guyana that are poisonously contemptuous of trade union recognition. Ironically, many foreign companies operating in Guyana have trade unions in their home base. Republic Bank comes to mind. It is a Trinidadian company that has trade union representation. The good thing about Guyana is that it has a President who is a historian. He coedited a huge volume titled, “Themes in African Guyanese History,” so he must be aware of the phenomenal role trade unions played in the struggle against colonialism. I am suggesting to President Granger that he make the relevant state institutions available to facilitate trade union representation in every conceivable work place where is it possible to have a trade union presence. This is an area I want to dedicate part of my life to in 2016. I will devote energy and time to this aspect of the struggle for a freer Guyana
Frederick Kissoon On my wish list for 2016 is the need for a dedicated and fearless population that will speak out against the atrocities committed by their government, business companies, the judicial system, state institutions, the police, and their fellow citizens too. It has been a life of angst for me living in Guyana where people are more pliant that sheep and cows. As a philosophically driven person, I find this modern slavery unbearable. The most inhumane action could be displayed and Guyanese see it and turn away. They turn away in fear. Guyanese are the most frightened population on Planet Earth. Thank God, Jim Jones is dead.
Dem boys seh...
Li’l Rumson join dem two Town Clown Everybody want to look, feel and sound important. Even some people who never go to school, who never obtain a certificate think dem important once dem got a couple million dollar. Dem political parties does tek people from all over de place and put dem in parliament so that dem get two initial behind dem name—Hem Pee. From de time dem hear that announcement dem feel that dem is de best thing Guyana ever produce. Dem boys know nuff of dem MT. And that emptiness does come out in parliament. Dem does try fuh use words and language wha dem nah even understand. And this does happen every single time. Tek Li’l Rumson. Dem seh he is a scholar. Dem boys can’t tell you how dem would describe he in this column. But dem can tell you that de word begin just like how scholar begin. You figure that out. De other day he stand up in Parliament and try to impress all dem MTs. He decide fuh quote Shakespeare. He see de word battalion and he call it ‘batty lion.’ Dem boys seh he learn that from he Daady. Dem boys always believe that a man should use words wha he know, and he must always be simple and direct to de point. Don’t try to tie you tongue wid other people words, sentences and language. Sooba, de previous Town Clown, was another one. She nearly cuss when she did trying to pronounce proclivity. And now yesterday, de present Town Clown, Royston King, write a letter to de paper. He want to simply talk about somewhere next to de cemetery. Instead he put contiguous to the cemetery, he put contagious. For a moment people think he talking bout a disease in Georgetown. Dem boys hear de two of dem been to de same school, sit down in de same back bench and fighting fuh de same wuk when dem lef school. Sooba had de wuk; she get knock out and a new Town Clown gone in. Den you got dem GPL con men who go round and collect money by bullying some people. When de Waterfalls paper publish some of dem face, dem run and pay back some of de money. Dem think by paying back de money no crime was committed—dem boys seh dem lie. Talk half look out fuh de clowns who going to jail.
Friday January 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Nat’l Assembly hears of first detected case of Zika Virus in Guyana
Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton By Abena Rockcliffe The mood was tranquil in the usually turbulent National Assembly yesterday as Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton announced that the feared Zika Virus has been detected in Guyana. During a short but informative address, Dr. Norton indicated that on Tuesday (January 12), his Ministry was informed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s Laboratory in Port
of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago that it had detected the presence of the Zika Virus in a sample of blood from Guyana. The sample was taken on January 4. Dr. Norton gave details of the case. He said that the Virus was detected in a 27year-old female who hails from Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice, but also resides at Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara. According to Dr. Norton, his Ministry has already
taken measures to arrest the potential outbreak. He told the House that the patient was located at the East Bank address the day after it was confirmed that she was infected. He said that a subsequent visit was made to ascertain the condition of the patient and status of other family members. The Health Minister said that vector control measures were recommended to the local authorities in both areas, and inspection and fogging have commenced in Rose Hall. Dr. Norton also informed his colleagues in the House that fogging exercises continue according to schedule in Region Four and household inspections, education and larvicidal treatment in areas where the patient resided commenced yesterday. The Minister indicated that through the vector control services and the Maternal and Child Health clinics, long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets were distributed to all
President updates Parliament... From page 7 look to us for leadership. We must open avenues of co-operation and agreement so that we can join hands and hearts for the common good. We invite this honourable House to combine its talents to realise the aspirations and ideals to which we committed 50 years ago,” the President said. He added “We can, together, continue to seek investment for the sustainable development of our natural resources. We can, together, ensure that the benefits of the exploitation of these resources redound to enhancing the quality of life of all Guyanese.” Granger also spoke of Government’s commitment to a digital economy as a new portal of development. The Ministry of Public Telecommunications was established at the end of last year to facilitate this process. “Data and information and communications technologies, increasingly, will become [the] drivers of economic growth. They will allow us to develop new products and services, improve competitiveness and transform the business, health and education sectors. We will ensure that more teachers, more students and more schools go online over the next decade,” President Granger said. Climate resilience is another important area the President touched on, as Guyana, a small, low-lying, developing state, can ill-afford to ignore
the consequences of climate change. He noted that the rise in sea level and extreme weather phenomenon, all associated with climate change, will present formidable challenges to the nation. “Our country’s goal is to achieve a ‘green economy’ – one characterised by greater use and dispersion, throughout Guyana, of renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar and hydro power. Our infrastructure is incapable of coping with the consequences of flooding, drought and damage to our sea defences. We will, over the course of the next decade, be implementing a national climate resilience and adaptation strategy that includes disaster risk reduction measures,” the President said. Reiterating his call for a well-trained and ‘unbribable’ public service, President Granger said that his Government will continue to work to ensure that there is equal access to basic public services throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. He emphasised that these services are an essential and indispensable function of Government and as such reforms will continue to be implemented to ensure its efficiency and integrity.
“Public services build public trust through common access, fairness, timeliness and usefulness. Public services play a vital role in creating an enabling environment for businesses and the efficient functioning of markets. The quality of public services determines citizens’ quality of life,” he said. With regard to security, the Head of State said that this year the Government plans to establish an environment of enhanced human safety and public security by implementing policies to counter the threats of national and transnational crimes, violence and disorder. Additionally, the government will continue to focus on improving investigative and detective capabilities, and regaining the people’s confidence in the Guyana Police Force. “We shall equip the enforcement arms of the State with the resources to enable them to serve our citizens and safeguard our Independence,” he said.
pregnant mothers and to households with children under 5 years old. He added
that mothers are being educated about the risks and are encouraged to take every
precaution against bites, and to sleep under the treated (Continued on page 16)
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Friday January 15, 2016
‘Water Cat’, three others wanted for fuel truck heist Police have issued wanted bulletins for four men in connection with the November 21, 2015 heist of a fuel truck at Mabura, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. The bulletins were issued yesterday for Devon Stephen called ‘Water Dog’ or ‘Water Cat’, Jevon Scott, Ronald Rodney, called ‘Agla,’ and Alex Croal, 46. They are wanted for questioning in relation to robbery
under arms, which was committed on Antonio Jardine and his son, Trevor Jardine. Stephen’s last known address was given as Lot 721, One Mile, Wismar, Linden; Scott’s as Lot 721, One Mile, Wismar, Linden; Ronald Rodney’s as Lot 265, One Mile, Wismar, Linden; and Alex Croal’s as Blue Berry Hill, Wismar, Linden. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest
of Devon Stephen called ‘Water Dog’ or ‘Water Cat’, Jevon Scott, Ronald Rodney and Alex Croal are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 444-3406, 444-3274, 444-3512, 226-9941, 225-6411, 911 or the nearest police station. According to reports, Antonio Jardine, the driver, and his 16-year-old son, were transporting drums of fuel worth approximately $4M in
Jevon Scott
Alex Croal
a truck (GSS 1819), when a group of men in a car stopped them and held them at gunpoint. The victims were re-
portedly beaten and stripped of their clothing. The bandits then drove off in the direction of 47 Mile (towards Mahdia).
Devon Stephen called ‘Water Dog’ or ‘Water Cat’
Ronald Rodney, called ‘Agla’
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Robbery/Home invasion on Land Court Judge…
Security guard recounts seeking cover as gunmen shot at him Ron Peters, the security guard on duty at the home of Commissioner of Title, Nicola Pierre and her husband Mohammed Chand when they were attacked, testified that there were exchanges of gunfire between him and the alleged bandits. The guard gave vivid details of how he ran for cover, as the trial for the five men accused of carrying out the crime continued yesterday before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. Peters, who has been employed with the couple for the past five years, told the court that on the day in question, he was standing in the guard hut armed with a rifle. He explained that he noticed six men walking through an adjacent street. One of the men, he said, was carrying a square object while another was holding a suitcase and another, a bag. According to the witness, the men walked on to the East Coast Demerara Public Road and hid themselves behind vehicles parked on the southern side of the road. He recalled that a little while after, one of the men came out and appeared to be “flagging down” a vehicle.
Peters continued, “As the vehicle came closer, I saw him (the man) put his hand at his right side waist then I hear a loud explosion”. He recounted that the car drove faster and a man on the Public Road raised his hands at him and shouted, “Don’t call nobody if you ain’t want a shootout”. The guard stated that as the man pointed at him, he took cover and fired three shots in his direction. He estimated that the man was at least 80 feet away from him. “After that, the five males who were behind the vehicle came out and started shooting at me.” Peters informed the court that he returned seven shots. He said that as the men ran through a nearby street, he recognized some of the items they were carrying. Peters told the court that the men escaped without the items. Peters related that after they were gone, Mohamed Chand came downstairs and he told him about what had transpired. The victim said he went over to where the men had been hiding and noticed some of the items behind a vehicle. The police were called in to investigate the scene and took possession of the items that included a vault and two
Land Court Judge, Nicola Pierre and her husband Mohammed Chand
Warren McKenzie spent shells. Peters completed giving evidence and will be cross examined by Attorney Adrian Thompson, who is representing two of the defendants, when the trial continues next Monday (January 18). Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Simeon Reid also testified yesterday. His testimony was based on two identification (ID) parades he conducted with the land court judge and her husband via Skype video calls nine days after the incident. Police Constable Kerwin Peters and Phillip Lewis, who was shot during the confrontation, also took to the stand. Warren Mc Kenzie, 22 of Lot 18 Brutus Street, Agricola; Damien Millington, 22 of Lot 118 Caesar Street, Agricola Nicholas Narine, 18, also of Caesar Street Agricola; Premnauth Samaroo and Anthony David, 28 of 63 Hadfield Street, Stabroek, are jointly facing three charges. The first charge alleges that on July 9, 2015 at Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD), the men,
armed with handguns, robbed Mohamed Chand of five wrist
watches, a Samsung Galaxy S5 phone, US$8,000, a
wedding ring, four Oakley (Continued on page 28)
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Gastro cases very erratic - Chief Medical Officer The Ministry of Public Health has recorded a spike in the cases of gastroenteritis in Baramita, Region One. Last week the Ministry made public that it was battling to contain an outbreak. But although a dip in cases was observed last week, a few days ago the number of cases seen by health workers increased. This state of affairs was acknowledged by Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, who during an interview with this publication yesterday intimated that this development is not at all surprising. Last week Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, spoke of a decline in cases. At the time the Ministry had recorded just over 60 cases, with one resulting death. The recorded death is that of an 11-month old child. But earlier this week, Minister within the very Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, disclosed that the number of cases had increased to 80. “That is the trick with epidemiology, sometimes you think things are getting better...but we hadn’t reached to all of the areas. It’s like a spike, some days down, some days up. I have seen the graph and since I saw it, I said this is not healthy...it is very erratic in the way that the cases occur,” Dr. Persaud revealed. He has attributed the delay in the presentation of some cases to the Region’s geographic layout, and the fact that some infected people must travel long distances to access health care service. “There might be places with cases even on the days when we reported zero, but they never got to the health worker; maybe they got there the next day...some of them are walking, coming by boats or ATVs and so on,” the CMO explained. He noted that while the regional health team has been doing a laudable job to combat the outbreak, a team from Central Ministry is slated to be soon dispatched to Region One to render assistance. TREATMENT Gastroenteritis is classified as inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically resulting from bacterial toxins or viral infection resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea. Those infected are treated with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), but according to Dr. Persaud, while rehydration is the main course of treatment,
- importance of collaboration to tackle challenge emphasised
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud antibiotics can also be administered. He disclosed that if persons are found to have a bacterial infection with blood present in their faeces, antibiotics are administered in either liquid or capsule form. The treatment regimen, according to the CMO, is given appropriately to the various age groups affected. And there is currently no shortage of medical supplies in the Region, Dr. Persaud assured. “Our health workers are managing the cases well once they come, because one of the first and foremost goals is to avoid any deaths, and they have done that since the one death recorded. They have been working really hard. They had some serious cases a few days back, and they were able to keep them alive. They (patients) are happy and healthy now,” the CMO informed. CONDUCIVE CONDITIONS The contamination of water sources utilised by the residents of the affected Region is believed to be origin of the outbreak. Dr. Persaud noted that addressing the situation is one that will require keen focus on the provision of safe water. “That’s actually a goal...a Sustainable Development Goal; that people should have access to safe water and safe ways of disposing their waste, particularly human waste, and that is the big crux when it comes to these gastroenteritis cases,” the CMO noted. And according to him, “the Ministry of Health is sometimes a victim of this whole catastrophe that comes up, and unfortunately people in communities are too. These provisions (such as safe water) are not usually extended throughout the country.” So you might look at some statistics and you might say ‘oh 88 per cent of the
population has access to safe water’, but it is that small group of people who don’t have that who are always vulnerable,” Dr. Persaud asserted. He disclosed that following a previous outbreak in Region One (Port Kaituma), the Ministry had tested all of the regular water sources in the affected area. Ninety per cent of the samples taken from creeks and rivers were found to be severely contaminated with faecal coliform bacteria. “That means that stool (faeces) is getting into people’s drinking water. If they are not aware of how to make that water safe, they will ingest those germs and they will get diarrhoea and all these symptoms,” Dr. Persaud said. It has been ascertained that the current outbreak was due to similar contaminants. COLLECTIVE EFFORT But according to Dr. Persaud, the detected contaminants could in fact be resisted to some extent with the rotavirus vaccine which is administered to young children. Rotavirus is said to be the leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis - that is, vomiting and severe diarrhoea, among children worldwide. However, a troubling observation highlighted by Dr. Persaud is that the vaccine coverage rates in some areas of Region One are not very impressive. In fact, he disclosed that some areas recorded vaccination rates as low as 33 per cent. “This is not good...and there are always those issues that we have to keep on addressing. I am really working hard with the RHOs (Regional Health Officers) and the regional health team and the district medical officers to address this.” He also related that the Ministry has been making strides to improve the delivery of health care which is evident by doctors being stationed throughout Region One, including at Baramita, Matthew’s Ridge, Port Kaituma and Mabaruma. And these doctors, according to Dr. Persaud, can respond to people who become ill, and also educate them. Dr. Persaud however reiterated that in addition to offering good health care, the provision of other services such as safe water requires additional support. “This has to be a collective effort, and I think the Ministry of Communities, (Continued on page 16)
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Nat’l Assembly hears of first... (From page 11) nets. Also, surveillance activities continue at all health facilities and practitioners are encouraged to collect samples to conduct tests on all fever cases. The Zika Virus is very much feared around the world as the once obscure virus rapidly spreads across Latin America and the Caribbean. This is to the extent that U.S. health officials are considering a related travel warning, as experts fear the virus may cause birth defects. Little is known about the virus, which is spread by mosquitoes. But evidence is growing that it may cause the catastrophic birth defect called microcephaly. What is clear is that it’s likely to spread much more widely. There’s no vaccine
against Zika, a viral cousin of dengue fever, and no treatment for it. Until recently, Zika wasn’t on the radar screens because it only caused very mild illness. Zika causes a dengue-like illness - fever, headache, skin rash, red eyes, muscle ache. And it looks like the symptoms of many other viral infections. It had also been suspected of causing Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare and sometimes dangerous reaction that often occurs after viral infections. The virus has also been tied to Rubella, also known as German measles, which can cause microcephaly, learning disabilities, heart disease and other defects. And the most dangerous time is during the first trimester, when women
Gastro cases... (From page 15) under whose purview the Guyana Water Incorporated falls, has taken up the challenge in the sense that it has started to assess the wells that were placed in these communities in the past to see how effective these wells are in providing safe water. Some of them were not so properly placed...there is definitely work that needs to be done.” A similar gastroenteritis outbreak in Port Kaituma in 2013 saw hundreds of cases resulting and the deaths of at least three children.
might not yet realize they are pregnant. It’s one reason why doctors stress rubella vaccination and why pregnant women are tested to make sure they’re immune. Two children died from microcephaly in Brazil and it was reported that Zika virus was found in the babies’ brains. According to reports, it is not easy to test for Zika. A quick blood test can get Zika mixed up with dengue, which is a longtime resident of the region and all tropical areas. A test called PCR is needed to detect Zika, and it takes longer and is more expensive that a quick test. When Zika started spreading across the Caribbean and Central America in 2013, the CDC issued a travel warning that simply cautioned people traveling to affected areas to take precautions against mosquito bites: staying inside, wearing long sleeves and using insecticide. So far, that’s what the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), an arm of the World Health Organization, has done. Zika has been reported across the warm parts of Latin America, from Brazil to Mexico and even in Puerto Rico.
Friday January 15, 2016
Ex- GPL employees make restitution following extortion article Following the publication of an article titled ‘Hunt on for ex-GPL employees extorting $$M from customers’, an Attorney has telephoned Kaieteur News to inform that some of the former GPL employees have opted to make restitution of the cash collected from customers. Kaieteur News takes this opportunity to encourage anyone who may have recognised the published photographs of former GPL employees as persons who unlawfully collected cash or had their meters removed, to contact our editorial department. GPL’s Loss Reduction Unit can be contacted on the following numbers: -2255251, 2310507, 6001586 or 6037507. The loss reduction arm of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. two days ago sounded warning to the public that they should not be fooled into handing over monies to persons seeking same, unless they are at the office of the many commercial departments. Those departments are situated at Grove, East Bank, Vreed-en-Hoop, Mon Repos, Main Street and on Middle
Street in the city or any other authorized collecting entities of GPL. This is in light of a scam being perpetuated by former employees of GPL’s metering and loss reduction departments. Recently several persons visited the company’s office with footage of persons operating under the pretext of being GPL employees. That group has been demanding and extorting payments from unsuspecting consumers. Speaking to Kaieteur News, investigators say that “we have compiled a list of a group of seven persons who have formed an illegal parallel GPL crew and have been targeting customers and collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash illegally.” A former technician was arrested on January 11. The team has been operating in Georgetown, East Bank, East Coast and West Demerara, in minibuses BEE 1097 and PFF 6304, as well as other vehicles. This publication understands that over a period the group collected
monetary sums of $300,000 from a couple on the East Coast Demerara, $190,000 from a Kitty resident after demanding as much as $1 million. In Diamond, a businesswoman fell prey to the gang which collected $300,000. As recent as Monday last they visited a businessman in Herstelling and collected $200,000 and were asked to return for $100,000. It was upon return that the technician was arrested while his two accomplices fled. After the arrest, several persons came forward and identified the man as having collected large sums of cash from them. He remains in custody and will soon be charged for obtaining monies by false pretence with intent to defraud. The group has also been bold enough to remove a customer’s meter in Dennis Street, Sophia, and another customer on the East Bank. GPL’s investigating team is also determining if there is an insider that has been providing information to the illegal team resulting in them targeting specific and unsuspecting customers.
Friday January 15, 2016
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House passes Credit Reporting Amendment Bill By Kiana Wilburg The crucial Credit Reporting Amendment Bill of 2015 was passed yesterday in the National Assembly. The Bill was brought before the House by Finance Minister Winston Jordan. Jordan said that the Guyanese market had been waiting for a credit bureau for several years. He recalled that this came to fruition with the passing of the Credit Reporting Act in 2010, which was then followed by the Creditinfo Group of Iceland being granted its licence in July 2013 to operate a bureau here. The Finance Minister congratulated the former government for making the step in this regard. He noted, however, that two and a half years later, neither borrowers, lenders nor the economy have been able to experience the benefits of the bureau’s operation. By way of examples, Jordan said that it took only six months in Guatemala and 12 months in Shanghai, for these benefits to start to accrue. Jordan said that an assessment of the reasons for this state of affairs clearly indicates that fundamental to the future viability of the credit bureau, and of it having a positive impact in the economy, is enabling legislation. He said that this would involve tweaking the existing legislation to “give it more teeth”. At the same time, Jordan said that a concerted effort will have to be made to mount a public information campaign that is geared towards attaining the necessary buy-in by all the stakeholders. The Finance Minister said that the amendments to the Bill will ensure that the Guyanese market will benefit
Finance Minister Winston Jordan from the bureau’s operation and reach the ultimate goals. These include; the majority of all loan applications processed within one to two days; a decrease in default rates by at least 25 percent; increased access to credit which can raise the ratio of private credit to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by between seven and eight percentage points; and a decrease in interest rates, due to decreased default rates. He further explained that the proposed amendments to the Credit Reporting Act No. 9 of 2010 [CRA] are aimed at creating a legal framework which enables a credit bureau to operate effectively in the market; and ensures that lenders, borrowers and the economy as a whole benefit from an efficient credit reporting industry. He said that specifically, “the strengthened legislation will mandate regulated credit information providers to upload credit information to a licenced credit bureau; mandate utility companies to upload credit information to
a licenced credit bureau provided that the government is the majority owner; require credit information providers to obtain the consent of data subjects prior to submitting a request to a credit bureau, with a view of obtaining credit information; authorize credit information providers to upload credit information to a licenced credit bureau without consent having to be given by the data subject; and mandate regulated credit information providers to pull a credit report before granting credit”. The Finance Minister said that the proposed amendments have had the benefit of the experience of Creditinfo Guyana and best practices of other jurisdictions as well as those developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). “In developing economies credit reporting service providers perform the crucial functions of improving creditor protection and strengthening credit markets. In effect, the need for physical collateral can be at least supplemented with reputational collateral. Credit reporting service providers can reduce information asymmetry, thus reducing default rates, which in turn should result in lower average interest rates, enhanced competition in the credit market, and ultimately increased access to credit,” Jordan said. He added that, “Credit Bureaus are therefore essential elements of a country’s financial infrastructure: they increase access to credit; they support
responsible lending and reduce credit losses; and they strengthen banking supervision in monitoring systemic risk”. “It should be kept in mind that default rates are directly linked with interest rates offered by lenders. If a lender had an average default rate of 12 percent in 2014 which goes down to eight percent in 2016,
he would generate the same profit as before by offering an interest rate which would be 4 percentage points lower than offered in 2014. Additionally, the lender would be able to lower his interest rates due to decrease in application processing time.” The Finance Minister stressed that an Innovative Public Awareness Programme
will have to be developed to increase awareness of the credit bureau and its benefits. He said that this will include a collaborative approach with Credit Information Providers and other entities. Jordan stated that the most important initiative will revolve around educating the public on the contents of the Credit Reporting Act.
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Friday January 15, 2016
Ex-NDC Chairman obtains land through questionable means - sends bogus letter to Ministry The Soesdyke/Te Huis Te Coverden Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) on Wednesday served a notice to former NDC Chairman, Aaron Grant-Stuart, to cease the extension of a building he currently occupies. The building is located on
Government reserve. He constructed this building in 2011. It houses a snackette. Subsequent to the May 2015 General Elections, he wrote to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on September 16, 2015, in support of a letter
that was written by the Community Policing Group (CPG). The CPG letter was dated the same September 16, 2015, and addressed to the same Ministry, to erect the building. The letter was allegedly signed by the group
Chairman, Cecil Harry. When contacted yesterday, Harry denied signing or sending any letter. He is accusing Grant-Stuart of forging his signature. When Grant-Stuart was asked why he would lobby for the construction of a building that was already constructed five years ago, he stated that it was to “regularise” the building. Therefore, the building stood illegally for five years
and still is illegal, since GrantStuart was never given the green light to build. This was confirmed by Grant-Stuart himself who stated that the building to be “regularised” was under consideration by former Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, whose initiative was to promote CPGs. However, a source close to Grant-Stuart stated that after realising that he would
lose the election, he sent the letter to the ministry to “cover his tracks”. “He (Grant-Stuart) build his shop near the outpost, so it will show like he connected to the outpost...he extending back, front and side, and he pushing out them Taxi boys that work there...” the source revealed. West of the Guyana Forestry Commission building, located on the (Continued on page 28)
The side of Grant-Stuart’s snackette, showing several extensions that were carried out over time
The Torch Bearers Youth and Young Adults’ Club (left) and the Soesdyke Community Policing Group building.
CID gets direct CCTV feed... From page 19 significance for crime fighting in Guyana, Persaud said in the past, whenever information was needed or some intelligence suggested, the force contacted Bridge General Manager, Rawlston Adams, or his staff, for a search to be carried out. These searches often resulted in video being downloaded as evidence. He said that the bridge no longer has to take away from its operations to do that. “It helps us tremendously. We are very, very grateful for the additional assistance that is provided there. Now it's our own staff on a fulltime basis and we don't have to bother Mr. Adams, asking him to redirect staff efforts, and our ranks could spend as much
time as they need to,” Persaud said. Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said that upon assuming office he was briefed about the ongoing collaborations with the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the police force. “I don't think a lot of people were aware of the effort that the Harbour Bridge played in crime fighting previously. It wasn't highlighted and brought to the fore earlier on, because you don't want to jeopardize the security of the staff at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.” He said that criminal elements, now realizing that they are being monitored or recorded, could have proven to be a security risk to the staff there. In addition to the feed from the Harbour Bridge, there is an ongoing Smart City ini-
tiative that is being monitored from live feeds of other strategically-placed CCTV cameras in sections of the city to aid in crime detection. “It is time that we move forward as a country. We as a ministry have to do our part and I do know that we will, if needed, be willing to do whatever it is. I know GPL has options to provide information to the police by allowing our electrical lines to carry data.” While commending the police force, Minister Patterson offered encouragement for making strides in curbing what was at one time quite a worry for his administration, with special mention of Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum for the recent rate of convictions and the methods of investigation.
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 15, 2016
Ex-NDC Chairman obtains land... (From page 26) Soesdyke/Linden Highway Junction – on the government reserve – there are three oneflat buildings: the Torch Bearers Youth and Young Adults’ Club, the Soesdyke Community Policing Group building and the snackette owned and operated by Grant-Stuart. Aaron Grant-Stuart became Chairman in 2009 and reportedly lost the internal election in 2015. However, he continued operating his snackette, something he has been doing for the past five years. After coming under
scrutiny by other members of the Council about his business being on the government reserve, he revealed that he was granted Power of Attorney status to occupy the land by the owner, a man he identified to residents as “Jaundoo”. Grant-Stuart denied this claim completely saying that it was strange, and that Harry would have to explain to him when they meet again, why he made such a claim. On the question of his snackette on the reserve, Grant-Stuart stated that part of it was built on Jaundoo’s land and part “might” be on
the government reserve. However, he stated that would have to be confirmed by a surveyor. His snackette, he said, was built to facilitate the needs of the CPG and the Youth Club, along with the Car Park, which is located to the west of his building. Some of the taxi drivers yesterday revealed that Grant-Stuart has been extending his shop regularly, causing their park to reduce in size. “We does have to park all outside (on the highway)... He overdoing this thing now, man...He chicken does be
coming and (defecating) all under our shed and he does be cooking pig food and stinking up the area...All we car does be smelling bad,” one taxi driver stated. Grant-Stuart said that he was contributing to the taxi drivers’ welfare and the claims made by the men were entirely false. “That is a lie; I assist them with light...I even built a urinal for them, because they urinate all about the place,” he said. There were also reports of him living in the Youth Club, which was constructed to assist youths in the area to acquire technical and vocational skills.
“He say how he don’t live there, but I see, everybody see he in he bare boxers coming out the club. He brushing he teeth all outside...He living there; it is nah no club, is he house,” a resident said. Grant-Stuart also denied this, saying that he is a land proprietor; he has a piece of land with three houses on it. He gave that to his son to live, he said. “The things they are saying about me is false. I am a land proprietor; I have many lands...They trying to mudsling me...” He also stated that youths have stopped coming to the club – which is registered with
the Ministry of Education – since the change of government. The reason for this, he said, was due to the NDC discontinuing the monthly stipend. The current Chairman, Leslie Glasgow, said that at the next Council Meeting scheduled for later this month, they will decide on a way forward since there are other businesses located on the reserve in the area. He pointed out that the stallholders residing on the northern side of the highway, were “pushed back” after a visit from the then Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn.
Security guard recounts seeking... (From page 13) sunglasses and one leather wallet. The second charge alleges that the intruders robbed Pierre at gunpoint on the same day. She was relieved of a several gold rings, diamond jewellery, a clump of gold, a quantity of gem stones among other items, all totaling about $1M. In addition, the men are also charged with discharging a loaded firearm at Ron Peters, with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily
harm. They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges and are currently on remand. Narine and Samaroo have retained Thompson as their lawyer. The other defendants remain unrepresented. The trial for the alleged robbers began on Monday with Attorney Nigel Hughes presenting the prosecution’s case. Pierre and her husband have completed testifying. They have also positively identified three of the five men (Narine, McKenzie and
Millington) as the ones who stormed their home last July 9, in the gated community of Felicity, East Coast Demerara. Due to the severe beatings by the intruders, Chand, a businessman, received extensive injuries to his right eye and was forced to have it removed even after he had done three surgeries in Miami, Florida, USA. His wife, Pierre, flew to Canada, where she had a surgery done on her face. She also received injuries to her right hand.
Friday January 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 29
First tax concession ‘hearing’ with miners held The Ministry of Natural Resources in collaboration with the Tax Concession Review Committee (TCRC), yesterday started its first series of hearings for applicants for duty-free concessions in the mining sector. Ten miners appeared before the committee, which comprises Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Euliene Watson, Technical Officer-Mining, and two staffers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). During the meeting, the miners were given the opportunity to present their cases for the concessions, even as they answered questions about their operations. At the close of the reviews, they were assured that a decision would be taken and communicated to them within ten days, a Ministry of the Presidency statement said. The Ministry’s directive to establish the Tax Concession Review Committee was prompted by complaints by miners about sloth, and allegations of impropriety in the process for the approval of the concession. Recently, Trotman said that he received reports of persons charging US$3,000 to acquire his signature. The
Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and some members of the Tax Concession Review Committee, during a meeting with two of the miners yesterday. review committee was to ensure that no corruption is happening and there is transparency in the concession approvals. According to Minister Trotman, Government was also concerned that in some instances, the privilege of tax waivers it extended was not always respected by min-
ers. To this end, he informed the miners that in considering the granting or refusal of the tax concession, much deliberation would be given to areas such as the amount of gold and diamond declared, health and welfare practices, mine construction and safety record, and environmental
management, including land reclamation. On its assumption to office in May 2015, the new Government, through the Minister of Finance, partnered with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) to compile a list of mining equipment and spares that would
qualify for tax concessions; while establishing a mechanism for consideration and approval to be given. From this arrangement, the Minister of Natural Resources is required to recommend the names of the miners who would be granted the concessions to the Guyana
Revenue Authority (GRA). “The Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to meet with miners applying for tax waivers every fortnight,” the statement said. The industry is being eyed closely by the administration as it is the biggest foreign currency earner for the economy.
‘Red Eye’ remanded for allegedly robbing friend, 83 Kapildeo Armogan, called “Red Eye” 35 of Bath, West Coast Berbice was on Wednesday remanded to jail by Magistrate Rhondell Weever when he appeared before her in the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court on a
charge of robbery under arms. Armogan is accused of robbing 83-year-old Ernest Mangal on January 6, last. The case for the prosecution, as presented by Corporal Rochelle Mars, is that around 04:45 hrs on the day
in question, Mangal who lives alone at his Woodley Park residence was in his kitchen cooking. The accused, who is known to Mangal, subsequently gained entry to the premises, placed a knife to the elderly man’s throat, and demanded
that he hand over his money. Armogan subsequently relieved the man of $18,000 which he had in his shirt pocket. The accused then proceeded to ransack the house and took away four pounds of mutton valued
$7,000 which belonged to Mangal’s son, Vishnu, and was in his fridge. Armogan then made good his escape. The matter was reported and the suspect was arrested and charged. He will have to return to court on January 26.
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Kaieteur News
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@ y a h o o . c o m . Call: 2256496, 662-6045 Building Construction, house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822 Building or renovating for quality construction services from foundation to fine finished. Call Carlos: 592-6829935; 592-223-2695 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Certified child care provider, job needed school/homeCall: 223-3969; 667-2885
ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn Apartments: accommodation, internet, hot & cold water, 24hrs tea/ coffee, $5,000-$10,000 –Call: 668-0306; 218-1400; 694-7817
WANTED Damage batteries in any quantity, best price offeredCall: 696-5728, 656-2783, 6225941, 648-9395, 223-1111 1 Experienced male to look after layer birds in the Interior. Call: 678-0565 1 Experienced cook for a family in the Interior. Call:6780565 One tutor to teach student ‘A’ Level Physics & Pure Maths. Call: 222-2475 or 6216006 We buy land in Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling, Prospect and Farm- Call: 6117223; 604-2207 One live in or live out maid, assistant salesgirl- Tel: 6035416, 644-9802 Security to work in the Interior, must have past military/police experienced, ages 40-50. Call: 226-9768; 615-6172 Job work to wash a residential property & trim trees in G-Town. Call: Neville Osman 624-1737 /613-7803 (9:00am - 4:00pm.) Female domestic to work in Trinidad, must be educated & know to cook. Between 25-35 years. Call/ text 1868-6831528 Urgently needed one complete house to rent in Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 6042207; 611-7223
3 Bedrooms concrete house 22feetX48feet, land 50X90feet @ Vision Garden, Versailes, W.B.D – $11M negotiable. Call: 609-1367; 658-5803 Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 227-6817; 6247341 House for sale with 3 bedrooms upper & bottom flat, @ Lot 153 Green Acres, Stadium Road- Call: 681-7366 3068 Amelia’s Ward Linden: 4 bedrooms, 1 selfcontained-Call: 640-4731; 624-6609 Hutson Ville E.B.D Bungalow- 3 bedrooms (1 self contained) A/C, hot & cold water, secured-$16M negotiable .Call: 622-3736; 697-4131 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 664-5052 2-Storey building for sale at Herstelling E.B.D –Call: 2271309; 665-6298 Property @ 650 Section ‘A’ Block Great Diamond East Bank Demerara. Call: 2254792; 609-1114 One roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop, ground excellent for restaurant or other business –Call: 654-0779
Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 CHICKEN FARM WORKER NEEDED IN TRINIDAD, FREE HOUSING, SALARY TT$1000 WEEKLY. CALL KELVIN: 868-287-4454 / 868-647-3785 / 718-6411252 One experienced domestic to work at resident –Call: 697-0157
DRESSMAKING Turn your flair for fashion into an exciting career or hobby. Classes starting January – Call: 626-2629; 676-6312 FOR SALE/RENT Property for sale & 1 apartment to rent @ 1 Church Street Friendship, E.B.D-Cal: 661-8700
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
Friday January 15, 2016
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals and Black Opal - Cosmetology Courses - Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Earn a Certificate in cosmetology, nails, wig designs & hair cutting etc. Classes commencing February! Register Now! Call: 666-5241; 619-7603
VACANCY Exist for supervisors, cashiers, counter staff, cleaners. Bring application to Hot & Spicy. Call: 226-9000 Admin Manager for furniture manufacture, minimum 5 years experience, send resume to vacancy at starcomm36@yahoo.com Receptionist needed for front desk @ Millenium Mannor Hotel, bring in application to 43 Hadfield Street, near Camp St. Male security, male desk staff, 25-45 years- Lot 233 South Road LacytownCall: 225-0198
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 33.6 Acres farm land @ Kuru Kururu, Linden, Soedyke, Highway-Call:679-1151;225-7794 Pressure washers 2800 6 inches bench grinders, plate joiners, tools kits, reciprocating saws, router angle grinder- Call: 655-3741 AMERICAN BULLY DOGS, REMYLINE & GOTTILINECONTACT HARRY: 6100068/220-7933, WHATSAPP: 667-4845
BARTENDERS & WAITRESS, APPLY IN PERSON TO MIDTOWN HOTEL, RESTAURANT & BAR @ 176 MIDDLE STREET G/TOWN Maid, babysitter, salesgirls. Apply in person at R. Sookraj & Sons, Regent Street. 1 Experienced barman & chief cook –Call or text Sheik on: 621-9759 or Donald: 673462 Labourers & Porters, apply in person to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.
Wholesale & Retail quantity of all types of belts –Call: 670-2343
Network technician to install outdoor internet wireless antennas. Email CV to jobs@awngy.com
2 Complete 6" land dredge with 320 DL CAT excavator 2900hrs, everything needed for mining included. Call owner: 621-1404; 667-1967
1 HR Personnel: 3-4 years experienced in Human Resource & Project Management, age 26-35yrsCall: 668-7104
ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 6004212
1 Male engineer: Vocabulary, Comprehension & Literacy, Grade 1-3 in CXC English age 26-36yrs. Call: 668-7104; 6149511 One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – Call: 231-0655
Crazy Deals: Dell/HP desktop & laptop computers from $49,000, free games & educational programs @ FutureTech: 231-2206 1,500 lb snapper seine in excellent condition. Call: 6570044 Lots @ Blankenburg behind the gas station- $3.9M- Call Us Today: 650-0402 Chicago Multi- Function tool -$12,000,Dell Precision M60 laptop -$20,000 , e-machine desktop, PC -$40,000 –Call: 621-9604; 694-1748 Household items: wall dividers with wares, plus many more items, owner migrating-Call: 688-5446 ask for Allison.
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494 LEARN TO DRIVE
DJ Stereo equipment: power amps, juggler system, compressor, cross over, equalizer, woofers and hornsCall Anil: 698-4965
Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
1-300 tons Japanese made cargo ship and reusable marine steel plates: ¼” 3/8"Call: 688-7256
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 D’Aguiar’s Park: original house in gated community, unfurnished -$120,000 negotiable. Call: 600-2031 1-3 Bedrooms upper flat @ Section ‘A’ Diamond, H/ Scheme E.B.D, fully grilled & concrete fence with parking space- Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 One 3 bedrooms, bottom flat at Lot 28 Church Street Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara, with parking-Call: (592)698-5185; (592)672-2591 Self contained rooms in Prashad Nagar, Wi-Fi available. Call: 227-2993; 6593865 Office Space at Camp Street –Call Naz: 639-4499 House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/ downstairs, all modern conveniences - $1600US monthly-Call: 231-7839 during working hours 4 Bedrooms house in Bel-Air Gardens; all modern conveniences; no agents!Call: 231-7839 during working hours Vehicles for rental, cars etc, long term only-Contact Ray’s Motor Spares & Auto Sales on: 231-7839 SD Real Estate: executive 2 bedrooms Apartment, in exclusive residential area with all modern amenities. Call for appointment Tele 653-2920 Fully furnished apartment with A/C, Wi-Fi @ Festival City North Ruimveldt, price $120,000 monthly-Call: 6680306; 694-7817
1 Sales representative,3 office assistant & 2 bag packers. Send application & passport picture size to Survival, 173 St C/Ville Accounts clerk: experienced in QuickBooks, accounting software, VAT, NIS & PAYE, @ Technical Services, 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles.
Modernized 2 bedroom apartment on W.C.D (Vreeden-Hoop, safe and healthy environment – Call: 698-6496
1 Female cleaner apply Technical Services, Lot 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site E.B.D
Fully furnished luxury apartment: 3 bedrooms for rent- Call: 603-6351
TO LET
3 Bedrooms upper flat for rent at Vreed-en- Hoop –Call: 6610162
TOURS Suriname tour (return): Mashramani weekend February 20 th -23 rd 2016. Shopping, site seeing and more. Call: 639-2663; 665-5171
1- Two bedroom fully furnished apartment for overseas rental-Call: 682-9021 Business place located on Robb Street next to Bourda Market. Call: 623-7731; 6290636 Continued on page 31
Friday January 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news
Captured, tortured iguanas under the terribly hot sun DEAR EDITOR, I have read with much interest, Ms Syeada Manbodh’s letter in your column on January 11, 2016. I must say that I share her views on the cruelty to our animals. I had cause to travel to Berbice over the weekend and was most appalled at the sight in the market areas where there were these youngsters who had iguanas tied up for sales in the vicinity of Skeldon and Port Mourant Markets. It was so sad to see these poor things being strung on strings in the hot sun; and the sun was hot indeed! The journey was sorrowful because there were
so many dead animals on the road ways and so many more wandering around. There is so much work to be done to care for these animals and to preserve the ones that are being hunted down. The great Mahatma Gandhi once said “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way that its animals are treated.” There should be laws against the mistreatment of all wildlife and domestic animals in Guyana. Editor, Ms Manbodh and so many other animal lovers have been writing over the years, voicing their opinions and appealing to
Government to have laws implemented to safe guard our animals and very little has been done to date. I do hope that someone in authority now will take the time to read our letters; try to understand our plea and have measures put in place to stop the cruelty to all animals. I know that there are many religious persons in authority and I am sure they are familiar with Proverbs 12:10 - Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. I am humbly appealing to all in higher authorities to kindly take note and actually do something to save our animals! Peggy Singh
tions went missing and it was not reported immediately after the discovery was made. It has now become the norm or acceptable that when such similar incidents occur, the person with the onus or responsibility for reporting, is not certain to whom the report must be made, and by procrastinating, the solving of the crime become more difficult, or more of a distant prospect. Here I am saying again that if what is reported on Page 21 of Kaieteur News dated 9th January, 2016 is true. Then person or persons must face the consequences of their action or inactions. And on a related issue mentioned in the said article about a piece of dental equipment missing from the Anna Regina Health Centre, as alluded to by the Alliance for Change Councilor Mr. Hardat Narine, here again a lot of questions must be answered. (1) When this occurred. (2) Who it was reported to. (3) When the report was made. (4) If reported what action
was taken. As regards the term New Administration stated in the article , it is my considered opinion that any administration whether new or old must be able to secure state property, including equipment, machinery, vehicles and money, etc. From day one you have to get the job done. I am sure that in the context of which we are referring, seven months can be considered new if this administration is still new in crime fighting we will have to wonder if it will be old enough by 2020. The back end is, there is a case where this invaluable piece of equipment cannot be accounted for, and for the better part of two months, again I have to say, as reported in Kaieteur News date and age mentioned, the Police was not informed. With all of the above being said, I am confident that the Police in Essequibo ‘G’ Division under the Command of Mr. Kevin Adonis is capable of investigating and solving this crime and any other that may be more serious in nature. Archie Cordis Former A.F.C. Councillor Region No. 2
The story of a missing heart machine
DEAR EDITOR, I refer to an article published on Page 21 of the Kaieteur News of Saturday 9th January, 2016, under the caption ‘More Medical Equipment Missing’. In the interest of the public, I hereby seek answers and or clarifications. Paragraph 1, the missing Electro Cardiograph Machine which went missing since October last has now been brought to the attention of the Police and a probe of the matter has begun. Paragraph 2, no one has been held accountable since the administrative body of the Suddie Public Hospital was informed of the missing equipment. Now if the concepts of Paragraph 1 and 2 are accurate then, the administrator of that Hospital must say why only now the Police are being informed, and who if any Senior Health Ministry Officials, or Regional Administration Officials was told, and if not the reason or reasons for not reporting to those persons. Here is a case where an equipment to do critical medical investigations or examina-
The death of pastoral...
From page 5 were to record the number of “Bamboo” wrappings sold by local stores each day, then you are compelled to admit that Guyana has a national problem. A national problem needs a bold national response. We may have a greater challenge to control those who are addicted and brain-damaged, but we can control our schools and what is taught in the curriculum. Guyana needs a
mandatory Health- Substance Abuse Curriculum, from kindergarten to university that teaches the various drugs, organic and lab-made, and their long and short term effects on individuals, their families, and communities, and nation. Our people must learn the value of prevention and intervention before resorting to incarceration and execution. Violent crimes are increasing. I firmly believe that this new coalition government is
both competent and committed to act in communities and through the many agencies supported by law enforcement, to test and evaluate our youths in need of intervention programs and treatment, and thereafter channel them into institutions where they will learn skills, gain employment, and become useful citizens. Our youths are our most valuable assets, so let’s attend to their needs and ours. Max Wallerson
From page 30
LAND FOR SALE Land at La Grange –Call: 6619111 Parfaite Harmonie -$ 1.6M, 1.8M, $1.5M, 1.3M, Tuschen 11 street -$3M with foundation, Phase 2 – $1.4M, Uitvlugt -$3M, Terms available –Call: 604-6724 Gold & Diamond mining land for rent in the Ekereku, Puruni & Siparuni area- Call: 6683100 or 615-8810 Prime corner lot @ Main Road (85ftX50ft) -$1.3M, Pafarfaite Harmonie - suitable for church-Call: 611-7223; 604-2207 22 Acres@ Silver Hill, 5 minutes from Highway, land cleared and planted, good for mix farming. Call: 689-0003 House lot for sale, located at 246 Mon Repos, E.C.D. Foundation and columns completed-Call: 233-2486 House lot 50X100, for sale in Gated Community, Land of Canaan -$4M negotiableCall: 694-7817; 668-0306 50X100 houselot at Uitvlugt, De Groot Housing Scheme W.C.D, price $3M negotiable-Call: 698-8617
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota IST, PLL series, alarm, rims, etc. Price $1.350M negotiable –Call: 666-2027, 673-7652 Toyota Fortuner 2012 yearCall: 624-6702 Venus Auto Sale New Year Sale! Unregistered 2004 Toyota Premio- $2.250MCall: 624-5617 One Toyota new model Avensis, fully loaded and in excellent condition. Call: 6153595; 264-2870 STAR CARS AUTO SALE: 30-06 PREMIO, 03-07 FIELDER, NEW RAUM, IST, BLUEBIRD, AXELA, PITBULL. CALL: 679-3140; 268-3509 One Accent Hyundai $225,000.Call: 695-1744 1 Toyota NZE Corolla -$1M, 1 BMW 318I -$2.5M –Call: 643-2403 BMW 318i- $2.9M, BMW 320i- $4M, Audi A4- $4M, Suzuki Escudo- $4M, new model Premio- $3MContact# 650-0402/260-4988
EDUCATIONAL Practical Electronic Course beginning 26 th January. Register early! Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 Private customs brokerage, training certificate course from 2nd Feb 2016, register now & save –Call: 694-8322; 223-1506
Honda CRV, PJJ series GYD$1M –Call: 231-5080; 641-4704; 613-7091 Toyota Raum with press start alarm system -$800,000 negotiable-Call: 693-8192 2- New model Toyota Tacoma, crash bar, step, alarm, bed covering, mag rimCall: 695-6461; 639-7758 One extra cab gasoline automatic 4 wheel/drive Toyota Hilux GSS series$3.5M-Call: 654-0779
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Honda CRV, PLL 9565, (female driven) excellent condition (replacement by goods vehicle) –price $1.590M negotiable –Call: 623-6854 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Fantasy Auto Sales: Xtrail 2008, Mitsubishi RVR 2010, Audi A4, preordered vehicles & get $100,000 discount. Call: 611-1833 One Toyota Fielder in excellent condition, AC, Remote, start alarm, TV, deck-$1.6M. Call: 611-6632; 664-3488 O n e To y o t a M a r k 2 Grande for sale. PKK series, excellent condition, price $1.5M negotiable. Call: 601-4163 New model Premio 2007 model $3.1M negotiable. Pre-order Allion, Premio, Bluebird 2006 model- Call: 655-3400 1 RZ Mini bus, BJJ seriesCall: 678-5887; 677-3177 2005 Silver Audi (A4) black leather interior, owner leaving country, great price-Call: 231-1762; 6422713 2008 Fielder- fully loaded vehicle, never registered $2.5M- Call: 617-2891 Mercedes Benz C250, 2014 Model , 223-5273/4
MASSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! –Call: 690-6079 Massage therapy serviceCall: 674-8147
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
Noah & Voxy in ‘G’ series, fully loaded, never registered -$1.7M –Call: 6172891 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive –price $1.2M negotiable –Tel: 6688431 Toyota Ipsum, fully loaded, music system – 5,800 watt, excellent condition – Call: 653-1003 1 Toyota Hilux Surf, 3RZ engine, alarm /rims, price $2.850 negotiable. Call: 6662027; 673-7652 One Toyota ISIS, 7 seats, alarm, chrome rims, DVD, rev. camera, price -$3.2M negotiable- Call: 666-2027; 673-7652
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Friday January 15, 2016
Friday January 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Alcohol stash at PM’s residence…
UN warns Syria starvation ‘Operations were sieges are a war crime like a secret society’
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United Nations warned Syria’s warring parties yesterday that starvation sieges were a war crime as it pushed for an easing of the dire humanitarian crisis ahead of peace talks, just 11 days away. France, Britain and the United States called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to press demands for aid to reach some 400,000 civilians facing starvation in besieged areas. French Ambassador Francois Delattre told AFP that the meeting to be held today from 2000 GMT “will draw the world’s attention to the humanitarian tragedy that is unfolding in Madaya and in other towns in Syria.” After months of negotiations, a second convoy carrying food and other necessities entered Madaya yesterday where residents told AFP they had been surviving on soup from boiled grass. On Monday, a first convoy reached Madaya, where Syrian forces have laid siege for the past six months, and truckloads of aid entered two other towns blockaded by rebel groups. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued his strongest warning to date on the use of sieges as a tactic of war as preparations gathered steam for talks on ending the five-year conflict in Geneva on January 25. “Let me be clear: the use of starvation as a weapon of war is a war crime,” Ban told reporters. “All sides — including the Syrian government which has the primary responsibil-
Ban Ki-moon ity to protect Syrians — are committing this and other atrocious acts prohibited under international humanitarian law,” he said. Ban said Syrians living under siege were “being held hostage”, but added that their plight was even worse: “Hostages get fed.” “These children and women and men are struggling to survive without food or medicine,” he said. Humanitarian aid access is seen as a key confidencebuilding measure ahead the new round of Syrian peace talks. Diplomats suggested that the new peace effort would have no chance of success if the humanitarian crisis remains desperate. “It will be difficult for them to negotiate while their children and close ones are threatened with famine or death,” said a Security Council diplomat.
The United Nations is struggling to deliver aid to about 4.5 million Syrians who live in hard-to-reach areas, including nearly 400,000 people in besieged areas. The UN envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said Wednesday that the permanent council members — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States — had pledged to take “immediate action” to push for deliveries of aid to besieged areas. The Security Council has adopted resolutions demanding an end to the sieges, but these have been largely ignored. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, speaking in Qatar, said that those responsible for the starvation sieges should face justice. “Should there be prosecutions? Of course, that should be the case. At the very least there should be accountability for these crimes.” The Security Council can ask the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes in Syria but a previous attempt to open up ICC probes was blocked by Russia and China in 2014. With international pressure building on Syria, a senior Red Cross official said there were prospects for an end to the sieges. “There is possibly now a window of opportunity based on this positive development to make a significant step forward... in terms of lifting these sieges and stop with these medieval tactics,” said Dominik Stillhart, director of operations at ICRC.
Islamic State claims Jakarta attack, targets Indonesia for first time Reuters - Islamic State said it was behind an attack by suicide bombers and gunmen in the heart of Jakarta yesterday, the first time the radical group has targeted the world’s most populous Muslim nation. Just seven people were killed despite multiple blasts and a gunfight, and five of them were the attackers themselves, but the brazenness of their siege suggested a new brand of militancy in a country where low-level strikes on police are common. It took security forces about three hours to end the attack near a Starbucks cafe and Sarinah’s, Jakarta’s oldest department store, after a team of militants traded gun-
fire with police and blew themselves up. An Indonesian and a Canadian were killed in the attack. Twenty people, including an Algerian, Austrian, German and Dutchman, were wounded. “A group of soldiers of the caliphate in Indonesia targeted a gathering from the crusader alliance that fights the Islamic State in Jakarta,” the group said in a statement. It added that 15 people were killed. Jakarta’s police chief told reporters: “ISIS is behind this attack definitely,” using a common acronym for Islamic State, and he named an Indonesian militant called Bahrun Naim as the man responsible
for plotting it. The drama played out on the streets and on television screens, with at least six explosions and a gunfight in a movie theatre. But the low death toll pointed to the involvement of local militants whose weapons were rudimentary, experts said. In a sign of public unease, a bang caused by a tyre bursting triggered a bomb scare that sent police cars rushing back to the scene hours after the attack. “The president has said the nation and the people should not be scared and should not be defeated by acts of terror,” said palace spokesman Ari Dwipayana.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s news conference at her office at Charles Street, Port-of-Spain, Wednesday. (Trinidad Express Photo) Trinidad Guardian - A well-placed source has told the T&T Guardian that there is no trace of the accounts for the purchase of more than $400,000 worth of alcohol at the official residence of the Prime Minister and Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s. Staff employed by Stateowned special purpose company, Udecott, manages the Diplomatic Centre. The head of household resigned in November last year. The T&T Guardian was told “operations at the Prime Minister’s residence and Diplomatic Centre were conducted as a secret society as there were no trace of the source of funding for the alcohol.” The T&T Guardian also
understands that “there is a secret account known as Project 615 at the Prime Minister’s residence under the former regime.” The Udecott accounts were separate, the source claimed. The source also said under the PP government the residence was transformed from a place to live into a place of entertainment. The T&T Guardian was told “$19 million was spent at the residence in 2014 alone when the PM was not living there.” Surveillance cameras at the premises were also removed from the premises, the source added. But Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar told a news conference at her office at Charles Street, Port-of-
Spain, Wednesday the claim by Rowley was “a pure, unadulterated distraction.” She said it was the responsibility of the staff at the Diplomatic Centre and the permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister to approve such purchases. She insisted it had nothing to do with the Prime Minister. And Opposition MP Dr Roodal Moonilal, who acted briefly as prime minister under the PP government said those “small issues” were part of a campaign by the new PNM Government to distract national attention from more important issues facing the citizens. Moonilal spoke at a separate news briefing earlier at the same venue.
Trinidad Guardian - The Opposition has initiated steps to prevent moves by the Government to appoint a Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police. Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar also said once the new list of items with a 12.5 per cent VAT rate is published in legal notice the Opposition would also seek to nullify it in Parliament. Persad-Bissessar said so during Wednesday’s news conference at her office at Charles Street, Port-of-Spain. It was held following the PP’s parliamentary caucus at the same venue. She said one of the rea-
sons for the move against the orders was due to the unjust and undue delay in notifying the Speaker of the coming into effect of the orders before it was laid in the House. She said another reason was due to the apparent attempt by the Government to interfere in the work of the independent Police Service Commission in the process. “We have filed motions to (have) negatived both of those orders,” she said. Persad-Bissessar said Government would have to set a date for debate on the motion, adding it should be held before January 25. She said the Government
had committed breaches in the process and there was a provision in one of the orders to select and appoint a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police. Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie announced the approval of the new legal notices relating to the qualification and selection criteria orders during a post- Cabinet news conference last month but the orders were only brought to the Parliament on Monday. She said the orders were mad e o n D e c e m b e r 1 4 , 2015 and published two days later but not brought to the Parliament until this month.
Opposition moves to block top cop order
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U.S., Mexico open talks on extradition of drug kingpin Guzman Reuters - The U.S. Justice Department has begun talks with Mexican authorities about extraditing drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman to the United States, a spokesman said yesterday. Guzman’s extradition to face charges in the United States was discussed on Tuesday at a meeting in Miami between Arely Gomez, Mexico’s attorney general, and Justice officials, said the spokesman, who requested anonymity. He declined to identify the U.S. officials who met with Gomez. The Miami meeting followed a phone call to Gomez last Friday by U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to congratulate Mexico on its recapture of Guzman. He escaped in July from what was supposed to be one of Mexico’s most secure prisons. The Miami meeting was the first face-to-face discussion between U.S. and Mexican officials on the matter, the spokesman said. Officials from both countries have said extraditing Guzman could take a year or longer. U.S. officials have said the
Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman United States has filed more than one extradition request for Guzman. News reports from Mexico said that after his recapture, Mexican authorities served Guzman with copies of two outstanding U.S. extradition requests. A U.S. law enforcement source said at least two federal prosecutors’ offices had in the past sent extradition requests for Guzman to Mexican authorities - the U.S. Attorney’s offices in San Diego, California, and El Paso, Texas. The department spokesman declined to confirm how many extradition requests have been sent and by which prosecutors. The law enforcement
source said that although prosecutors in San Diego and El Paso had formally staked claims to try Guzman if he is extradited, it is possible, if not likely, that other U.S. Attorney’s offices with cases against Guzman will also bid to try him first after extradition. Among other federal prosecutors with open cases on Guzman are those in Chicago, Miami and both Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York. Lynch previously served as U.S. attorney in Brooklyn. U.S. officials said if there is a competition among U.S. Attorneys to try Guzman, Justice Department headquarters, and ultimately Lynch herself, may decide who tries him first.
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Kaieteur News
Jamaica Labour Minister proposes strategies to combat child labour KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Labour and Social Security Dr. Fenton Ferguson says tougher anti-child labour laws, increased opportunities for schooling and public awareness form part of the answer for the elimination of child labour in the country. “If children can go to school and stay in school, their chances of getting proper jobs to care for their families increase, and if there are tough anti-child labour laws, workplaces will be safer, proper wages will be guaranteed and children will not be taken advantage of,” he said. Dr. Ferguson said an estimated 16,240 children in Jamaica were involved in child labour. He said the results from the National Child Labour Survey (NCLS), which will be done over a 12-week period between April and June this year, will improve the ministry’s capacity to incorporate child labour data in its
Dr. Fenton Ferguson data collection Labour Market Information System (LMIS). In addition, he said, the data will strengthen the national policy and plan of action for child labour, which now forms a critical part of the soon-to-be enacted Occupational Safety and Health Bill. The survey is being done through the technical and financial support of the International Labour Organization
(ILO). Jamaica is one of 10 countries to benefit from US$7 million allocated to implement this project worldwide and a total of US$285,000 has been allocated to the Caribbean island. Representative of the ILO, Frederico Blanco, said he expects this project to have significant impact on the fight against child labour in Jamaica, by establishing in detail, the distribution, the extent and the characteristics of child labour, especially in hazardous circumstances. The 2016 Survey is the second ILO Statistical Information and Monitoring Programme on Child Labour (SIMPOC)-supported survey being undertaken in Jamaica. The first was done by STATIN in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, as Jamaica’s Youth Activity Survey, in 2002. (Caribbean360)
20 PER CENT MORE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY Daily Observer - The Antigua & Barbuda Social Security Scheme is expecting to collect 20 per cent more in revenues when the proposed increase comes into effect later this year. On Tuesday, the scheme’s Executive Director David Matthias told the nation that employers and employees will each be contributing 1 per cent more to make up the proposed 2 per cent increase. However, the actual amounts that will go into Social Security’s coffers will translate to be 25 per cent more in employee contributions, and an additional 16.667 per cent from their bosses. OBSERVER media spoke with several companies that have already started calculating the monies they will be forced to come up with in light of the proposed rate increase. The business owners, who did not wish to be named, said the impending hike spells disaster for the economy that is already facing serious hardships. One operator of a food distribution company indicated that the combined increases to employee and employer contributions would cost his establishment more than $40,000 per annum. Another, a businessman in the auto industry opined: “We all know Social Security and Medical Benefits should not have any money prob-
lems but they invested in all kinds of fancy loans and companies that failed. To me, it’s like they are trying to regain all the money they lost. “One per cent increase may not seem like much but there have not been any salary increases in both the public and private sectors, because businesspeople just can’t afford to,” he said On the other hand, a businesswoman lamented that she would have to find creative ways to keep up with the latest demand since she already shells out over $6,000 in employer’s contribution. The proprietor said she will now have to come up with more than $1,000 just to cover her contribution to the scheme. “I mean, how are you to keep everyone on your payroll when the new cost is half of a full month’s pay? The amount of people I have that owe me and I want to be tough on them but I realise things hard. To pay a bailiff, to pay a lawyer to go court all cost money that I just don’t have,” she said. OBSERVER media also interviewed the proprietor of another company who said that the increase would scrape an additional combined $4,200 per month from the coffers of the business and the pockets of its 70-plus employees. That company’s manager
David Matthias said that sum would be in addition to the $21,000 per month that it already pays to Social Security, on monthly basis, to cover employer and employee contributions. Once this new increase takes effect, it will represent an overall increase of 50 per cent in contributions to the scheme, in just three years. In 2013 contributions jumped from 8 per cent to 10 per cent. Political Leader of the Opposition United Progressive Party Harold Lovell said up to 2014, Social Security was collecting $9.5 million per month, and he’s questioning how this amount has been reduced to $7.5 million just two years later. The reduction, he said, could only be the result of a reduction in compliance or an increase in unemployment.
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Western Tigers FC to host AGM on Jan. 30 It has been approximately two years since Roger Moe was elected President of the Western Tigers Football Club. After enjoying some amount of success, he has
signaled his intention to step aside and pave the way for another aspirant to take over the reins when that entity stages its Annual General Meeting on Saturday January 30. According
to insiders, Ansa McAl Executive, Troy Cadogan, should be the man taking charge. Activities get underway at around 10:00hrs
IAAF ex-chief ‘organized... (From page 36) world athletics championships to the American town of Eugene, Oregon, closely linked to sportswear manufacturer Nike. Coe has denied suggestions that he tried to influence Diack to award the event to Eugene. But a perceived conflict of interest forced him in November to step down from a position he had held for decades as Nike’s paid ambassador. Immediately after Pound’s news conference, French prosecutor Elaine Houlette
took to the stage to detail the progress of her judicial investigation. She said French authorities had seized 87,000 euros in cash from the home of Dolle, who was banned for only five years rather than life by the IAAF’s Ethics Commission because his sins were of “omission, not commission”. She also said authorities had protectively seized 1.8 million euros held in a bank account identified as belonging to Balakhnichev, a former IAAF treasurer, adding: “Further inquires will be necessary to
see what financial flows took place and their links.” Balakhnichev and Massata Diack have both denied any wrongdoing. (Reuters)
RHTG&G to face Tuckber Park... (From page 37) offspinners Collis Butts, Hooper, Troy Mathieson, Mahadeo, Ivan and leg spinner Shawn Perriera. Tuckber Park has not declared their official squad but they are expected to be spearheaded by Jomeal and Eugene LaFleur, Devon Clements, Nial Smith, Keon DeJesus, Hakeem Hinds and the talented Steve Deonarine. The winning team would take home $100,000 and the Busta trophy while the runner-up receives $50,000. Managing Director of the Guyana Beverage Inc., Mr. Robert Selman, Marketing Manager Shameeza Yadram are expected to be on hand at the final.
Friday January 15, 2016
Pele recovering well from hip surgery in New York Pele is recovering well from a small operation to repair his replacement hip, an official who works with the former Brazil, Santos and New York Cosmos great said yesterday. The 75-year-old triple World Cup winner had the preparatory operation at the Special Surgery hospital in New York on Dec. 3, Pepito, his long-time press officer, told Reuters. ”(Pele) took advantage of his holidays to spend time i n N e w Yo r k w i t h h i s daughters and granddaughters and he had this small reparatory procedure,” Pepito said. He is currently undergoing physiotherapy and “everything is under control,” Pepito added. Pele had a new hip fitted in 2012 and has had several
File picture of Legendary Brazilian soccer player Pele October 16, 2015. Reuters/Anindito Mukherjee other health issues since. He spent two weeks in hospital for a urinary infection in 2014 and last May had prostate surgery. With more than 1,280 career goals, and a record three
World Cup titles, Pele, whose given name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is considered by many to be the greatest soccer player of all time. (Reuters)
Friday January 15, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Opportunities to meet new lovers will come through pleasure trips or social events. Business and emotional partnerships will run smoothly. Don't let an incident at work play on your mind.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Look out for those wanting to push you into a disagreement. Follow through on some of the good ideas that come up, and you could have a real winner of a deal.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You must take care not to overexert yourself if involved in sports. Real estate investments could be to your advantage.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) New relationships will surface through work related events. Organizations may cost you more than you can afford.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Generosity will put you in the poorhouse. Your attitudes at work will open new avenues for you. You should be making plans to spend some time with the ones you love. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be cautious who you deal with financially. You need to spend some time with individuals who have more experience than you. Problems with your partner could be reaching a high level of concern. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your outgoing nature will surprise others today. Don't give your heart too readily. You can make major gains professionally by completing projects on time. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your lack of attention may have been a factor. Get into fitness programs to keep in shape. Your ambitious mood may not go over well with loved ones.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Spend some quality time with the one you love. Your talents will shine at work. Take time to help children with projects that may be too hard for them to do on their own. Get out and experience the spice of life. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If you have to deal with large institutions, be careful not to make waves. Don't give out any personal information that you don't want spread around. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Take care of the needs or responsibilities of elders. You can have a great time if you go out with the one you love. Tone down and put some of that hard earned cash into a safe, long-term investment. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Relationships may be hard to handle. You need a change and you need to earn more cash. Don't forget to read the fine print.
Friday January 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid handed transfer bans Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been banned from registering new players in the next two complete transfer windows, FIFA has announced. The sanction was handed down by the governing body’s Disciplinary Committee as a consequence of breaches “relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18”. A similar punishment was imposed on Barcelona in April 2014, although the various appeals meant it did not apply to the Catalan club until the windows in January 2015 and the following offseason. Madrid and Atletico can still buy players – as Barca did with Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan during their suspension – but they cannot be
registered, and therefore will not be eligible, until the start of the 2017/18 season. A FIFA statement read: “The two clubs were found to have violated several provisions concerning the international transfer and first registration of minor players as well as other relevant provisions with regard to the registration and participation of certain players in competitions. ”Both clubs are to serve a transfer ban that prevents them from registering any players at national and international level for the next two complete and consecutive registration periods for breaching articles 5, 9, 19 and 19bis as well as annexes 2 and 3 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (the “Regulations”).
Cristiano Ronaldo competes for the ball with Tiago Mendes during the La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) ”The transfer ban, which does not affect the current
Toronto Raptors beat Orlando Magic in London
Raptors’ Kyle Lowry top scored with 24 points The Toronto Raptors beat Orlando Magic 106-103 in overtime in front of a sell-out crowd at London’s O2 Arena. Kyle Lowry scored 24 points while DeMar DeRozan added 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Raptors recorded their fourth straight win in the NBA. It was the sixth regular season game to be held in London in as many years.
Arsenal’s Alex OxladeChamberlain and Olivier Giroud, ex-Chelsea star Didier Drogba and chef Gordon Ramsey were among the starstudded crowd. Orlando rallied from double digit deficits on three occasions with Victor Oladipo tying the game in the fourth quarter with 0.7 seconds remaining. But despite the best efforts of
Oladipo, who top scored with 27 points, Toronto were able to win the game in overtime as the Magic lost for the sixth time in seven games. (BBCsport)
registration period at all, given that it opened before the decisions were notified, applies to each club as a whole – with the exception of the women’s, futsal and beach soccer teams – and
does not prevent the release of players. ”Additionally, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have been fined CHF 900,000 and CHF 360,000 respectively, while both clubs have been issued with a reprimand and given 90 days in which to regularise the situation of all minor players concerned.” FIFA’s investigation concerned minor players “who were involved and participated in competitions with the clubs over various periods between 2007 and 2014 (Atletico Madrid) and between 2005 and 2014 (Real Madrid)”. The statement continued: “FIFA works hard to protect the rights of players under the age of 18 – whether male or female, amateur or professional. ”This is done through the enforcement of regulations prohibiting the international transfer of minors, or the first registration of minors in a country other
than their own, except in specific circumstances (cf. art. 19 of the Regulations) that must be approved by the sub-committee appointed by the Players’ Status Committee. ”As such, the provisions relating to the protection of minors need to be strictly applied.” The ruling, which is likely to be appealed by both clubs, means Madrid and Atletico face a race against time to strengthen their squads before it is imposed. Atletico have already snapped up Augusto Fernandez from Celta Vigo in this window while Matias Kranevitter is now available to coach Diego Simeone after a loan spell at River Plate expired. Madrid are yet to enter the transfer market, with new coach Zinedine Zidane still assessing his squad after succeeding Rafael Benitez last week. (OmniSport)
CONCACAF Schedules Extraordinary Congress for February 25 Miami – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) yesterday announced the scheduling of its Extraordinary Congress where the Confederation’s Member Associations will vote on reforms, including revis i o n s t o C O N C A C A F ’s statutes. The Extraordinary Congress will be held in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday, February 25, 2016. Over the past several months, a Statutes Reform Committee comprised of
leaders from each CONCACAF union have worked in coordination with the Confederation’s legal advisors to draft amendments to CONCACAF’s statutes that will bring c o r p o r a t e g o v e rnance best practices to the organization. The committee has also ensured that proposed re-
visions to FIFA’s statutes that affect CONCACAF and its Member Associations are reflected in these amendments. Official notice of the Extraordinary Congress will be sent to all CONCACAF Member Associations in accordance with the C o n f e d e r a t i o n ’s s t a t utes. (CONCACAF)
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Serena has questions to answer at Australian Open
Simona Halep Defending champion Serena Williams insists she is fighting fit in her bid for a seventh Australian Open crown despite an injury scare and lack of match practice. The world number one has barely played since the US Open in September, when Roberta Vinci shattered her dream of a calendar-year Grand Slam in a heart-breaking semi-final defeat. Williams attempted a comeback at this month’s Hopman Cup mixed-team tournament in Perth but retired with soreness in her left knee, sparking speculation that at 34, she could be past her peak. But the American 21-time Grand Slam champion, who also battled knee problems in the latter half of 2015, insists she is “ready to go” at the Melbourne Park tournament starting Monday. ”My body is feeling great now,” she said this week.
“Obviously I had a hiccup but right now it is doing much better. I’ve had a few days of training so it’s looking good.” She added: “I know what I need to do on and off the court to win big tournaments.” Melbourne Park has been a happy hunting ground for Williams. She claimed her first Australian Open title way back in 2003, beating elder sister Venus in the final, and reached her sixth last year when she toppled arch-rival Maria Sharapova. Williams is not the only player struggling ahead of the opening Grand Slam of the season, with injuries taking their toll on many of the leading names. Despite the new season being barely underway, the women’s top five have all had troubled lead-ups to their first major test of 2016. World number two Simona Halep (achilles), Garbine Muguruza (foot), Agnieszka Radwanska (leg)
Serena Williams. AP Photo/Francois Mori, File and Maria Sharapova (forearm) have all been battling niggling problems that forced them out of warm-up tournaments. The world numbers six and seven, Petra Kvitova and Angelique Kerber, joined them in the sick bay suffering gastrointestinal illness, leaving the Melbourne showpiece unpredictable. Injury list Like Williams, Sharapova, who won her only Australian Open title in 2008, will enter this year’s tournament with little match practice, although she called her decision not to play last week’s Brisbane International precautionary and declared on Tuesday she was now healthy. It follows her second half of 2015 being wrecked by injuries, first to her right leg which forced her to miss the US Open. She then retired from her comeback match at September’s Wuhan Open
Australian Open 2016
Andy Murray to face Zverev in opener
Andy Murray has lost four finals in Melbourne three to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. British number one Andy Murray will face German Alexander Zverev in the first round of the Australian Open. The Scot, 28, is aiming to win his first title in Melbourne, having lost four finals, including last year to Novak Djokovic. Aljaz Bedene faces the USA’s Steve Johnson, while in the women’s draw, Britain’s Johanna Konta and Heather Watson take on American Venus Williams and Hungary’s Timea Babos respectively.
The tournament runs from 18-31 January. Murray, seeded second and chasing a third Grand Slam title, was drawn in the same half as Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka and Spain’s Rafael Nadal, meaning he could meet either player in the semi-finals. The Scot has never played 18-year-old Zverev, who is ranked 83rd in the world. Bedene’s opponent, Johnson, is seeded 31st, seven places higher than fellow Briton Kyle Edmund’s
first-round opponent, Damir Dzumhur of BosniaHerzegovina. Last year’s men’s champion and world number one Djokovic starts against Hyeon Chung of South Korea, while Swiss number two seed Roger Federer begins his quest for a fifth Australian Open victory and 18th Grand Slam title against Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili. Defending women’s champion Serena Williams and number five-ranked Maria Sharapova were drawn into the same section of the draw, meaning last year’s finalists could meet in the quarter-finals. Six-time champion Williams has a tough draw starting in the opening round against Camila Giorgi of Italy, who finished 2015 at number 34 in the world and is the highest-ranked unseeded player for the season’s first major. Williams could also meet former world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the fourth round. (BBCsport)
with a left forearm injury. Romanian pocket-rocket Halep also withdrew from Brisbane but was playing this week in Sydney, and knows she has a huge task ahead to win her maiden Grand Slam, seeded to meet Williams in the final. ”I beat Serena once in my life, so it’s really important for me,” said Halep, who has won just one of seven matches against the American and admitted her achilles injury was “still there but now I don’t feel pain any more”. ”To meet Serena, it means that I have to do finals. So let’s go there in Melbourne to see if I can be there,” she added. The early-season injury list has opened the door for twotime Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, now fully fit after two troubled seasons, who beat Germany’s Kerber to claim the Brisbane crown. It was the resurgent Belarusian’s first piece of WTA silverware in two-and-
Maria Sharapova. Graham Denholm/Getty Images a-half years and sent her soaring up the world rankings to 16, a timely confidence boost. In Brisbane, Azarenka dropped just 17 games in four matches and appears to be getting back to her best. ”I’m definitely a lot more comfortable, a lot more calm, a lot more aware. Happy. Very happy,” said the
former world number one. American Sloane Stephens, who made the Australian Open semis in 2013, is also in good form, winning the leadup ASB Classic in Auckland. But she too then succumbed to illness, withdrawing from the WTA event in Hobart this week. (YahooSports)
Rio cancels contract for Olympic tennis center due to delays
Brazil’s Marcelo Zormann (bottom) hits a return to Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro during the Correios Brasil Masters Cup 2015, which is a test event for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, at the Tennis Olympic Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil December 12, 2015. Reuters/Ricardo Moraes The city of Rio de Janeiro canceled the construction contract for the Olympic tennis center yesterday, just 200 days before the start of the games, fining the consortium responsible for delays and breach of contract for the mostly finished venue. Rio has slapped an 11 million reais ($2.7 million) fine on the consortium, according to an entry in the city’s Official Gazette. The consortium is
comprised of local builders IBEG Engenharia e Construções, Tangran Engenharia and Grupo Damiani. Rio City Hall, which is responsible for the construction, did not say how the tennis center, which is 90-percent complete, will be finished. The consortium said in a statement it was “totally perplexed” by the canceled contract and planned to go to court seeking compensation
from the city for financial losses and damage to the member companies reputations. Last week, laid off construction workers who had been building the venue protested outside, saying they were owed money by the consortium. A nearby shipping container caught fire after the protest, but no damage was done to Olympic facilities and no one was injured. (Reuters)
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What cricket means to West Indians - Part 13
Depleted team play in Sri Lanka due to ongoing contract dispute By Sean Devers The ongoing contract dispute between the WICB and WIPA resulted in a depleted team, minus all but three of the original players selected for the tour, being selected for the two-test series in Sri Lanka. Lara, Sarwan and Gayle were among those who refused to sign their contracts causing the WICB to pick a third string team after some of the senior players in the ‘A’ team which was also in Sri Lanka, refused to sign their contracts. However, the senior team manager Tony Howard arrived in Sri Lanka ahead of the team and after meeting with the ‘A’ team players got eight of them to join the senior team. The senior squad was announced in the middle of the 2nd ‘A’ team Test causing friction in the team and disrupting a side which had won the first ‘A’ team ‘Test’. Skipper Chanderpaul, Denish Ramdin and Daren Powell of those originally selected signed their contracts but Chanderpaul was accused of being ‘selfish’ by WIPA. He defended his decision by saying that his job was to play cricket and that was all he wanted to do. It was not surprising that the team lost both of their test matches in Sri Lanka despite an impressive bowling performance from the make shift side. Also on that tour, Guyana’s opener Ryan Ramdass became the 264th player to make his test debut for the West Indies and the 56th West Indian test debutant at that time since Sherwin Campbell played his first test in 1995. This has been Ramdass’ only test to date. FULL STRENGHT SIDE JOURNEY DOWN UNDER With the senior players, including Lara, Sarwan and Gayle, back in the squad, the West Indies, with Chanderpaul retained as skipper and Sarwan appointed Vice-Captain, journeyed ‘down under’ for a three-test series in November 2005 hoping to capitalize on Australia’s recent defeat to England in the Ashes series. Another uninspiring performance resulted in the West Indies losing the first test by 379 runs in four days as Ricky Ponting scored centuries in each innings of the match for the ruthless Aussies. While Devon Smith scored a first innings halfcentury and Lara (1st innings) and Chanderpaul (2nd innings) appeared to be unlucky to be given out LBW, the West Indies were totally
Ramnaresh Sarwan off-drives
Chris Gayle celebrates another landmark
outclassed in every department of the game. West Indies lost the second test by nine wickets as a record West Indies seventh wicket partnership away from home of 182 runs between the two youngest members of the team (22-year-old Dwayne Bravo & 20-year-old Dinesh Ramdin) forced the match into the first session of the final day. Bravo hit his second test ton (113) while Ramdin made 71 after Lara, on 45 was erroneously given out by the umpire for the third time in four innings in the series. The lower order fight back was encouraging but the paltry 149 in the first innings after electing to bat was really the beginning of the end for the Caribbean side. LARA IS TEST CRICKET’S LEADING RUN SCORER The final Test off the 2005 series at Adelaide will be remembered for the magnificent double century from the incomparable Lara who passed Alan Border’s 11, 174 runs to become the leading scorer in the history of Test cricket. Bravo showed his all-round worth with a five-wicket haul while Ramdin again looked good both in front and behind the stumps. The Caribbean team showed spurts of fight and passion associated with their predecessors but lacked their consistency as they crashed to another big defeat; losing by 10 wickets with nearly two sessions to spare. Although unimaginative captaincy and the lack of consistent performances from the players resulted in a 3-nil series defeat to the best team in the world. The sweetness of the Australian triumph was however diluted by a succes-
sion of umpiring errors, most of which went against the West Indies. WEST INDIES SINK TO ALL-TIME LOW OF EIGHT SUCESSIVE TEST DEFEATS When West Indies lost by 10 wickets in the second test in New Zealand, the team had lost a record eight consecutive test matches and it appeared that there was nothing skipper Chanderpaul and his all-Australian coaching staff could do to arrest the terminal decay destroying West Indies cricket. Since test cricket was first played in 1877 only modern day minnows Zimbabwe (11) and Bangladesh (21) have lost more than eight consecutive test matches. The West Indies defeat at the Basin Reserve in March 2006 ensured the once proud Caribbean side joined England (who lost successive eight test matches 85 years before) and South Africa who lost eight straight tests between 1889 and 1898) as the only other sides to lose eight tests in a row. A 148-run first wicket partnership between Gayle and the re-called Daren Ganga was wasted as the West Indies lost the first test as Shane Bond only needed two balls to Lara to dismiss him twice in the match. His second innings first ball duck; bowled behind his back, was only the third time that the batting maestro had been dismissed first ball in a test innings. At age 31, Ian Bradshaw became the 265th West Indian test player when he made his debut in the first test of the 2006 New Zealand tour.
Brian Lara becomes Test cricket’s leading run-scorer
Chanderpaul, looking increasingly out of his dept as a leader, seemed under real physiological pressure and his second innings demise in the second test for 35 was his 13th consecutive test innings without a half-century. His square-on stance and deteriorating technique against high paced balls leaving him outside off stump were concerns for the lefthander. The beleaguered skipper, nursing an injured ankle, was run out in almost comical circumstances in the final test which rain helped the West Indies draw. Chanderpaul was caught ball watching as Morton played the ball to midon and found himself and Morton heading for the nonstrikers end when Chanderpaul realized that he could not beat the throw to the strikers’ end. T.V replays were called for to determine which batsman reached his ground first and Chanderpaul was eventually sent packing for two. In 1998-99 West Indies lost six
consecutive matches (five against South Africa and one against Australia) while in 2000-01 they lost seven in a row (two to England and five to Australia). The eight straight defeats in 2005-06 was unprecedented and condemned Chanderpaul to the holder of an unwanted record of being the first West Indian captain to lose eight consecutive test matches. How they lost eight in a
row: 136-run defeat to Pakistan (Kingston), Six wicket defeat to Sri Lanka (Colombo), 240-run defeat to Sri Lanka (Kandy), 379run defeat to Australia (Brisbane), Nine wicket d e f e at to Australia (Hobart), Seven wicket defeat to Australia (Adelaide), 27-run defeat to New Zealand (Auckland), 10wicket defeat to New Zealand (Wellington).
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Kaieteur News
Lady Jags’ final roster released ahead of Women’s Olympic Qualifiers next month En-route to carving its place in history – Coach Rodrigues
By Franklin Wilson Head Coach of Guyana’s National Female football team, the Lady Jags, Mark Rodrigues is quietly confident that this team, the most successful national team be it male or female will carve a place for itself in history come next month when the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship in Texas, USA. Drawn in Group B along with Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Canada, the Lady Jags will open their quest for Olympic Qualifying with a match against Canada on February 11 at the BBVA Campus Stadium, the feature match of a double header; T&T and Guatemala clashing in the opener at 6:00pm (5:00pm). The 20-member team which will once again be Captain by the indefatigable Ashley Rodrigues who has been at the helm of the team since 2010 was involved in a Training Camp in Canada from January 1 – 6, 2016 and has committed to a complete lifestyle change leading up to next month’s challenge.
Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Head Coach Rodrigues said that the team is focused on the task at hand to the extent that while they are not encamped like Canada, Strength and Fitness Coach, David Lawrence has a constant tap on his charges. ”Lawrence has sent all players personalized fitness programs which they are performing with a fitness coach where they reside, reporting their results back to him every Sunday for review and discussion with the coaching staff. I am also in constant contact with the players. This never ceases and is only intensified pre competition.” Rodrigues who has been at the helm of the Lady Jags program ever since its inception prior to 2010 believes that the achievement of this flagship team is deserving of more support. ”The international recognition that the Lady Jags have brought to our country presents our government and private sector with an amazing opportunity to financially support an international friendly in Guyana against a quality opponent on Saturday January 30th. This would help significantly in our preparation complimenting the limited time for preparation that we have had so far for every round of competition.” Notwithstanding this challenge, Rodrigues believes
that the Lady Jags program has adopted to suit the local challenges. We have consistently understood the financial challenges of our country, and worked closely with the administrations to date on our respective challenges to consistently achieve the level of success that we displayed to date. This understanding continues and we will continue to reach for greatness with our hearts and abilities and love of country. The lady Jags will carve their place in history in Houston, Texas in February 2016.” Lady Jags Team for CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship Goalkeepers: Chante Sandiford, Simone Busby, Ruth George Defenders: Julia Gonsalves, Kelly Pelz-Butler, Justine Rodrigues, Briana DeSouza, Bria Williams, Leah- Marie Ramalho, Kayla DeSouza Midfielders: Ashley Rodrigues (Captain), Mariam El-Masri, Alison Heydorn, Kailey Leila, Ashlee Savona, Dana Bally, Olivia Gonsalves, Brittany Persaud Forwards: Calaigh Copland, Otesha Charles Technical Staff: Head Coach - Mark Rodrigues, Assistant Coach - Clement Brown, Goalkeeper Coach - Richard Reynolds, Manager - Sheron Abrams; Physio - David Lawrence; Team Doctor TBA.
Three man boxing team returns empty handed from T&T Goodwill tourney Approximately one month following the culmination of the ‘Back to the Future’ Caribbean Development tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), the officials of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) continues to expose their charges to international competition when a three man team traveled to neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago to participate in a one night Goodwill tournament last Tuesday evening. The bouts were held at ‘The Castle,’ home of former West Indies batsman Brian Lara, under the auspices of the T&T Amateur Boxing Association in collaboration with LAY Management Group and the Pearl and Bunty Lara Foundation. The Guyanese boxers did not fare well and all three re-
turned home empty handed after losing their respective bouts. Coach of the team, Gregory Cort, said that lightweight pugilist, Joel Williamson, lost unanimously to Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Michael Alexander while his compatriot, Jamal Eastman lost out to another Trinidadian, Anthony Joseph in their bantamweight encounter. The other boxer, Deshawn Elcock, suffered a TKO loss to Joseph Parris after his handlers threw in the towel to end the featherweight encounter. Meanwhile, a report emanating from Trinidad and Tobago revealed that Lara has hosted countless events over the years, but in a short address following the fight card he stated that the box-
ing event was the most satisfying. “I have a Carnival fete and many other events at my house, but the most pleasing event I have ever had was tonight (Tuesday).” The former left-handed West Indies cricketer said he got the idea to host the event after attending Tuesday Night Boxing at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles. “I was at Hugh Hefner’s house for Tuesday Night Boxing and I thought it was a great idea. To host them (boxers) here tonight is an amazing accomplishment.” Six bouts were on the cards five men and one female fight which saw Martha Rodney losing to Rachelle Williams by unanimous decision. The Guyanese entourage returned home on Wednesday.
Friday January 15, 2016
IAAF ex-chief ‘organized conspiracy and corruption’ while officials looked away: report
Lamine Diack. Reuters/Jason Lee The former head of world athletics, Lamine Diack, ran a clique that covered up organized doping and blackmailed athletes while senior officials looked the other way, independent investigator Dick Pound said yesterday. Pound’s report for the independent commission of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) added to a rapidly growing scandal involving organized doping and its concealment that has rocked world athletics and drawn comparisons with a corruption and governance scandal at the global soccer federation, FIFA. Despite slamming governance at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), however, Pound exonerated new IAAF President Sebastian Coe, Diack’s vice president for seven years, and said he was the right man to reform the organization. Pound found that Diack, a Senegalese who stepped down last year after 16 years leading the IAAF, was “responsible for organizing and enabling the conspiracy and corruption that took place in the IAAF”. He appeared to have personal knowledge of fraud and extortion of athletes carried out by the “informal, illegitimate governance structure” that he had put in place, Pound said. Diack is already under formal investigation in France on suspicion of corruption and money laundering linked to the concealment of positive drug tests in concert with Russian officials and the blackmailing of the athletes to allow them to continue to compete. Pound, a former head of WADA, rocked the sport in November with the first part of his report, which led to athletics superpower Russia being banned from competition for state-sponsored doping. But yesterday’s report said the IAAF’s governing council “could not have been un-
Dick Pound. Reuters/Michael Dalder
aware of the extent of doping in athletics and the non-enforcement of applicable antidoping rules”. ”It is increasingly clear that far more IAAF staff knew about the problems than has currently been acknowledged,” it said. “The corruption was embedded in the organization. It cannot be ignored or dismissed as attributable to the odd renegade acting on his own.” FAILURES OF GOVERN A N C E Among the failures of governance listed by the report were the employment of Diack’s two sons Papa Massata and Khalil as consultants and Lamine Diack’s ability to divert the handling of Russian doping cases to his personal lawyer, Habib Cisse. Last week the IAAF’s Ethics Commission banned Massata Diack, former IAAF anti-doping chief Gabriel Dolle, former Russian athletics chief Valentin Balakhnichev and former Russian coach Aleksey Melnikov for covering up a Russian athlete’s positive dope test and then blackmailing her. Massata Diack, Cisse and Dolle are also under investigation in France along with Lamine Diack, who has been barred from leaving the country. Interpol said it had issued an international wanted notice for Massata Diack. The report’s co-author, Professor Richard McLaren, made clear that it had by no means offered a full account of the scandal, telling the news conference in Munich: “We may have only examined the tip of the iceberg in respect to athletes who may have been extorted.” Russia, which now has no accredited doping laboratory and faces the prospect of its track and field athletes missing the Rio Olympics in six months’ time, said it supported the outcomes of Pound’s investigation. Sports
Minister Vitaly Mutko was quoted by the Tass news agency as saying Russia understood its share of the responsibility in the doping scandal. But he was also quoted by the R-Sport news agency as saying: “This document is mainly about corruption in the IAAF, it does not particularly concern Russia.” Pound said it was still possible that Russia could be readmitted before Rio: “Whether the progress to date and foreseeable future is up to that remains in the hands of Russia and judgment of overseeing authorities.” He said the IAAF had displayed “no genuine appetite to deal with the problems”. But he eased some of the pressure on Coe by saying that suspicious blood readings found in Russian athletes in 2009, before the IAAF introduced “blood passports” to record an athlete’s baseline values, had not provided a legal basis to punish those athletes. ”COE DID NOT LIE” ”My assessment on Lord Coe is, if he knew corruption was going on, he would have said something... I’d say he did not lie,” Pound said. “There is an enormous amount of reputational recovery, and I can think of no one better than Lord Coe to lead that.” Coe told Reuters he agreed that the IAAF Council should have been more aware of what was happening, but added: “Were they in a position to know more? No. “I will put systems in place for the current Council and so that my successor is never in a position that we don’t understand the nature of the day-to-day running of the organization... “We need more governance in place and I will put it in place.” Pound’s report did, however, call for a “forensic examination” of the processes behind the awarding of the 2021 (Continued on page 32)
Friday January 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Jason Holder replaces G Square Cavaliers record Krishmar Santokie consecutive victories for Unity Cricket Tickets to go on sale from Monday West Indies Captain and Barbadian all-rounder Jason Holder will be among a galaxy of T20 stars who will participate the Unity Cricket at the Providence Stadium under lights later this month. Holder will replace Jamaican left-arm pacer Krishmar Santokie in the all star line-up which includes the world’s number one T20 batsman Chris Gayle. Lindl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Sulieman Benn, Samuel Badree, Darren Sammy, Rayed Emrit, Nicholas Pooran, Raymon Refier, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Chris Barnwell, Jonathon Foo, Rajendra Chandrika, Ronsford Beaton and
Jason Holder ©WICB Media Photo/Randy Brooks Anthony Bramble and others will also be involved in the Event which has been
organsied by Legacy and 007 Promotions. A release from the organisers has informed that ‘Early Bird’ tickets will go on sale from Monday and will cost $2,000 if bought before January 26; it will cost $3,000 thereafter at locations in Georgetown, West Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice. Fans can win US$500 if they take one-handed catches in the stands on a day that is expected to be action packed. Demerara has already announced their teams to compete in the Masters and Female matches and the female squad began practice sessions from last Monday at the Police ground.
Malgre-Tout- Meer Zorgen NDC installs committee for Community Sports Complex T h e N a t i o n a l Democratic Council of the Malgre-Tout- Meer Zorgen, Schoonard WBD has recently installed a committee to oversee the maintenance of the Community Sports Complex. To this effect, Pastor Latchman Bharat has been
elec t e d a s C h a i r m a n while his second in Command is Christopher Gurdyal. The Secretary is Sahadeo Sewpersaud and the Tr e a s u r e r i s K e n n a r d Sahadeo. Muniram Persaud has been vested with responsibility of the PRO
while the Assistant Secretary Treasurer is Tracy Budanlall. The committee members are Devindra Samaroo (volleyball), Greg Singh, Ryan Persaud and Amus Bharat (softball cricket), Kevon Patterson (tabletennis) and Mohamed Hussain (domino).
Host G Square Cavaliers of Wakenaam notched up consecutive victories over Aurora SC of Essequibo Coast when the teams collided in two T20 fixtures recently at Belle Plaine. The home team won the first match up by five wickets. Aurora batted first and were undermined by some steady bowling by off-spinner Satrohan Shiwnandan as they were sent packing for 112 off the final ball of their innings. Shiwnandan finished with 4-11 while Dayawant Shiwnandan claimed 2-8 and pacer Chandrika Ragnauth 2-30.
Chandrika Ragnauth Deoraj Singh struck 44. G Square Cavaliers
responded with 116-5 in 18.3 overs. Kamal Khan stroked a fluent 39 while Satnarine Sahadeo got 30. G Square Cavaliers won the second encounter which was reduced to 10 overs by a similar margin. Aurora found the going tough and could only muster 71-8, taking first strike. Dayawant Shiwnandan had 2-9 and medium pacer Lokram Narine 2-10. The host replied with 72-5 in 8.2 overs. Jaggernauth Manbodh made 17. The games were organised as part of G Square Cavaliers development programme.
12th Busta Champion of Champions 2015
RHTG&G to face Tuckber Park in final on January 24 at Area ‘H’ ground The Area ‘H’ ground in Rose Hall Town would come alive on Sunday January 24 when the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club hosts the final of the Busta Champion of Champions 40overs competition which is in its 12th year. Facing off in the final will be arch rivals Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets and Tuckber Park (formerly Bermine) in a match that is expected to be of a very high standard with both teams boasting several Berbice and Guyana players. RHT Gizmos and
Gadgets defeated West Berbice by 25 runs in their semi final at the Area ‘H’ ground to book their 11th spot in the final since 2004 while Tuckber Park, the losing 2005 finalists got the better of Young Warriors by six wickets at the Cumberland Ground. A large crowd is anticipated to attend this match which will see children being admitted free of cost; a children’s fun park would be set up at the ground to provide entertainment for kids. RHTG&G would be led
by Shawn Perriera who would be without the services of Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Vidal Crandon and Renwick Batson who are all overseas. However, able support in the batting department will come from Khemraj Mahadeo, Jason Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Rajiv Ivan, Brandon Prashad, Micheal Hicks, Clinton Pestano and Eon Hooper. The bowling attack would be spearheaded by pacers Pestano and Keon Sinclair with support from (Continued on page 32)
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Kaieteur News
Friday January 15, 2016
Mannings, Wilson and Grant headline National Futsal team
Claude Bolton The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday released the names of players and Technical Staff that will represent Guyana at the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) Futsal Qualifying Tournament to be held in Cuba from January 22 – 26, next in Havana, Cuba. GFF Technical director Claude Bolton will perform
Daniel Wilson
Kanata Mannings duties as Head Coach with Joseph Wilson as his Assistant while Denzel Thompson has been appointed Goalkeeper Coach with Mark Young as Manager. The team members selected following trials last month are Travis Bess, Kanata Mannings, Eusi Phillips, Daniel Favourite, Solomon Austin, Jerome
Richardson, Travis Grant, Daniel Wilson, Sherwin Skeete and Richard Reynolds. Bolton commented on the team: “It is a significant moment in our football development. The assembling of this National Team demonstrates our commitment to grow the game of futsal. This venture, regardless of results, can be
the catalyst for the new Futsal association to organise the game across the country and deliver it to a new breed of players.” Bolton further commented: “It is a talented group that at first glance seems excited and anxious to see what the tournament will hold. They genuinely look eager to get to know each
other on the field. However, they do understand where we are right now and that this is a starting point. Importantly it is a group that is most proud to don the colours of Guyana.” GFF President Wayne Forde also weighed: “This is an opportunity to bring prominence to this version of football. Guyana has a rich tradition in the small-sided
format but have yet to reach its full potential. We hope this experience will inspire a new generation of young players.” The team will be encamped from today until Monday before departing for Cuba where they will contest Group 1 along with Antigua & Barbuda, Curacao and Caribbean powerhouse, Trinidad and Tobago.
Safeway Security competition tee off golf season tomorrow
Safeway Security Assistant Manager Ian Erskine (left) hands over the cheque to Lusignan Golf Club Secretary, Guy Griffith. The Lusignan Golf Course will get back in the groove come tomorrow when the Safeway Security (153 Oronoque & Regent Streets) sponsored tournament sets the new season on its way. At a simple presentation, Mr. Eon Caesar, Managing
Director of Safeway Security whose motto is, “Security with you in Mind”, indicated his delight at sponsoring another tournament at the Lusignan Golf Club.” The last tournament sponsored by this firm was won by Arvinda Kihshore with Mike Mangal second
and Bholawram Deo, third. Caesar indicated that support represents the company’s desire to continue supporting golf in Guyana for many years to come. The tournament will be played using the medal play format with tee-off time tomorrow set for 12:30hrs.
Friday January 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
Eagles peck apart Pacesetters to win game one
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DDL outfit Pepsi Hornets for new Rugby season
Kevin Higgins
By Edison Jefford Eagles pecked apart Pacesetters 95-86 Wednesday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Under-23 best-ofthree final to win game one in overtime. Travis Belgrave, who Pacesetters’, Roger John blocked with about three seconds left to send the game to overtime after a 77-77 deadlock, poured in a game high 29 points for Eagles w i t h D a r r o l Wi l l i a m s contributing 20 and Kevin Higgins 18 points. For Pacesetters, Jaleel Duke ended with 25 points while Stephen Peters supported with 16 points. Nathan Saul and Marvin Durant added 13 and 10 points respectively that helped Pacesetters to a 76-71 advantage with just under a minute and half left in the game. Eagles, however, showed the resolve to haul within one 75-76 with 55 seconds remaining after a crucial 4-0 run. Eagles got the lead with two crunch-time freethrows, but the game still favoured Pacesetters with them down only one with possession. Duke got the opportunity to win the game from the free-throw line with 13 seconds left but made only one of his two shots to tie the encounter 77-77 apiece, before John came away with his huge defensive play against Belgrave to give Pacesetters life in
overtime. The five minutes of added time totally belonged to Eagles as they flew one flight closer to the U-23 title with an 18-9 offensive advantage that shut out Pacesetters. Eagles gritty defence pressure in the period overwhelmed the tiring Pacesetters unit. Before the dramatic end, Eagles soared to an early lead as they outscored Pacesetters 23-12 at the end of the first period. Higgins was the chief scorer for Eagles in the period with eight points, but Pacesetters piled on 32 points in the second period to trail Eagles 44-45 in the halftime break that set up the exciting finish. Eagles led 67-61 at the end of the penultimate quarter before the deadlock ensured the game last longer than expected. Eagles and Pacesetters will meet again tonight for the second of the best-of three final at the same venue. Meanwhile, Pepsi Sonics reached the GABA Division II final after beating Melanie Patriots 77-51 in that semifinal. Guard, Jason Squires had 21 points as Aubrey Smith, and Kerwin Jackson supported with 14 points apiece for Sonics. For Patriots, Shaquille Eversley scored 11 points while Ashton Adams contributed 10 points and Orison Amsterdam eight points. Sonics set up a dream final with rivals Republic Bank Nets, one of the teams they are very familiar with, having shared The National Gymnasium practice venue with them for some years.
Pepsi Brand Manager Larry Wills (2nd left) with Pepsi Hornets members in the new uniform top, from right, Kenneth Grant, Ryan Gonsalves and Blaize Bailey. At a simple ceremony held at the headquarters of local beverage giants Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Pepsi Hornets Rugby Football Club were the recipients of much needed spanking new playing outfits under the Pepsi Brand. Pepsi Brand Manager Larry Wills commented: “Demerara Distillers
Limited under its Pepsi brand is very happy to renew our long standing partnership with the Pepsi Hornets RFC. Pepsi has been sponsoring the Hornets Rugby team for over 10 years and we really like the commitment and professionalism that is displayed by the team. We will continue to give
Forde and Lovell to attend CFU General Meeting
Jullian Bruce Lovell
Wayne Forde
The Guyana Football Federation has informed that its President and First Vice President, Wayne Forde and Jullian Lovell will leave today to attend the Caribbean Football Union General M e e t i n g a n d M e n ’s Championship Draw in Antigua & Barbuda.
The releases stated that one of the highlights of their assignment will be the attendance and presentation of the Presidential candidates, who will be contesting in the FIFA Presidential Elections on February 26, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland.
as much support as possible to the Pepsi Hornets Rugby football team in 2016 as they strive to succeed in all competitions.” In response, Captain of Pepsi Hornets, National player Ryan Gonsalves expressed delight and heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the club to DDL and Pepsi whilst pledging to continue the strong
winning tradition as well as confidence placed in the Club by its sponsors. The Rugby scrums off on January 23 next with the North vs South 15s match as well as two women’s 10-a-side teams facing off. The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) 15s league will commence on January 30.
t r o Sp Lady Jags’ final roster released ahead of Women’s Olympic Qualifiers next month En-route to carving its place in history – Coach Rodrigues Guyana’s Lady Jags
Three man boxing team returns empty handed from T&T Goodwill tourney
Former WI batting great Brian Lara with the boxers following the hosting of the first Tuesday Night Fight Card at his Residence, the Castle. 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