Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 5

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

The names of those who judged my intellectual ability at UG

Granger is competent but the regional chairman is leading him

DEAR EDITOR, Here are the names of some of the people as they sat in the Council of the University telling each other I should be dismissed because my academic work was poor. Indra Chanderpaul, who sat in the decision-making body of the highest educational institution in Guyana and did not have a required educational base. For her to make pronouncement on the academic work of someone who has been to three universities, including one of the best in the world, must be a huge act of asininity Pulandar Khandai, a former friend. He worked his entire life selling and buying currencies on America Street. He was the person I would visit to change money for my family that was sent from abroad. Nirmal Rekha. Mr. Rekha was investigated in 2005 by the Guyana Revenue Authority for signing more than a hundred bogus duty free letters. A check on the archives of KN and SN would give readers the details of this sordid story. It is doubtful whether Mr. Rekha can survive an investigation by a new government. Bibi Shadick. Please forgive my chauvinism in what the next line to follow will say. If I write just one line of academic analysis on

philosophy, I doubt this lady can understand it. I can safely say the same for Gail Teixeira. Finally, Prem Miser. This is a man who worked the past fifteen years in a full time job as a propagandist for the office of the President, yet miraculously calls himself a professor after he says he was awarded such by North Lancashire University, an institution no one has heard above. These then are the people that pronounced on my academic capacity. These are the people that are in control of UG. Not even God can help this country. Against the backdrop of the legal advice on my dismissal from UG requested by Office of the Ombudsman, it is important for the historical record to publish the sordid dimensions of this event. Prior to my contract termination by the Council of the University, there has never been a single instance where the Council, since the birth of the University in 1963 has fired an academic without a request for such coming from the academic/ administrative organs of the University. For emphasis, let me repeat, except for my case, the Council (previously knows as the Board of Governors) has not terminated any contract on its own, by itself, arising from its own deliberations. This is not how the

University has functioned since 1963. Walter Rodney’s employment was rejected when it came in front of the Council sent by the Appointments Committee. Lecturers are fired after the Appointments Committee so request. The Council of the University does not appoint or dismiss. They endorse such decisions coming from the academic/administrative organs of the University. There isn’t a researcher, no matter how brilliant, who can find one situation where the Council, acting on its own, dismissed an academic staff member. My contract termination remains the only example. It needs to be said that so restrictive is the power of the Council to hire or fire that if the Council wants an appointment or a dismissal, they will request it from the academic/administrative organs who then will have to do the paper work and present their findings to the Council. Let me repeat for emphasis, my contract was terminated by the Council without even a Continued on page 6

DEAR EDITOR, In a much earlier blog on Facebook I called on David Granger to travel into the hotbed of Linden and address the internecine squabbling within the Linden constituency. Linden remains the most potent constituency within the PNC capable of decapitating the PPP dragon. David did show but it was not to bring reconciliation, it was to carry out a coup d’ etat on the peoples’ leaders in Linden then impose Sandra Jones. This conspiratorial ploy by rude invaders was foiled by a community always vigilant. Regional chairman Sharma Solomon has now taken away the party leaders initiative, he has issued an intent to reach out to the party boss and invite him to the community to dialogue on the prevailing discontent and fallout. I am a strong supporter of the work done by Solomon in his capacity of Chairman of the region and as a leading member of the PNC who has demonstrated wit at a young age that is second to none within his party. However, I do not think it is Solomon’s call to attempt to

remedy the impasse between Linden and the PNC’s top guns. Solomon has nothing to fix, it is the party’s leadership job to connect with its constituencies and address their grievances. It is they who broke the pottery. Linden and the PNC leadership has been at odds way before the Linden standoff which has been deemed to result from an agreement the Party leader made with the ruling Donald Ramotar regime to increase electricity tariffs within the Linden community. This impasse has since been exacerbated at the last PNC congress. The pottery barn rule is, ‘’you break it, you own it.’’ Both Solomon and the Linden community are in a strategically strong position to negotiate their best interests. The must remain in that posture and allow the

party leader to call on them for talks and go about their business of making the Linden community a better place with or without David Granger. While I support efforts of reconciliation and unity it must not be premised on the party’s survival, the party’s survival cannot and must not become more paramount than the personal wellbeing of the people of Linden. Solomon’s actions must be worthy of the realization that the people of Linden continue to suffocate not only as a result of the PPP government policy of victimization but moreover, also as a result of the PNC leadership incompetence and nonchalance, they simply have not led neither have the held the government to account. John S. Talbot

Page 6

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur M@ilbox

An insight into Bisram’s real agenda Which is considered terrorism? DEAR EDITOR, I see that Mr. Vishnu Bisram is engaged in his latest blitz in the letter columns and says the following of himself “ I am a person of integrity adhering to journalistic ethics…” (KN of 7th January , 2015). In view of his polling inclinations and his frequent pronouncements on the Guyanese reality it is important that readers assess his statement of self-praise. In my letter of October 9 (KN) I had asked Mr. Bisram to support the following claim of his: “As I stated four decades ago and repeated umpteenth (sic) times since then, it was wrong for Burnham and the PNC to persecute Indians, Amerindians, Portuguese (driving them out of Guyana) and others. It cannot be right now for any group to dominate another group, even if elected in free and fair elections.” I drew to his attention the meaning of the word “persecution” (implying an active program to target especially an ethnic group) and what the absence of African Guyanese from his list meant. I presented him with 10 questions including the main one which was how would he distinguish between the natural result of each party providing jobs for its members in a situation where the vast majority of its members are of one particular ethnic group and a deliberate policy of ethnic exclusion of the nonmembers. I pointed out that as a pollster, he was a social scientist, and could not be in the business of promoting

perceptions to the status of persecution. Mr Bisram’s response to me (KN of November 4, 2014) was that (a) I was trying to make black white (so to speak) as I was the only one who did not know that the PNC drove out many businesspersons, especially Indians. (b) as was being brought out in the current Rodney commission, the persecution was there for all to see. What Mr. Bisram either dishonestly or incompetently did ,was to make his own claim and answer it. He did a Jarge Peetaytay (the apocryphal dunce policeman of the 50’s who couldn’t spell Urquhart Street and took the offender over to Water street which he could spell. I never made a case that the PNC did not harass anyone who it deemed as deserving harassment – Indian, Portuguese, or African. Similarly, as I pointed out, the PPP will harass anyone it feels it must target for whatever reason crosses its mind. A bona fide social scientist cannot represent harassment and murder of political opponents as persecution of an ethnicity and compound his dangerous folly by misrepresenting his challenger’s position. If it was incompetence, then the reader should now know how to take his polls when next he releases one. If it was dishonestly, then the reader should know how to assess his claim that “ I am a person of integrity adhering to journalistic ethics…”. As the Madame Justice reminded us at the TIGI dinner, there is no partial integrity. One either has integrity or one does not. In case you missed it in his letter, please note that in an issue

where he is challenged on the basis of his claim that the PNC “persecuted Indians”, meaning that they (and in addition to the Portuguese and others – no blacks) were persecuted perhaps for the benefit of Africans, there were no Africans listed in the persons to whom he spoke. His bias comes out immediately. An independent researcher would ask all the candidate emigrants. But most of all, Mr. Bisram has the chutzpah to name an inquiry into the murder of an African and the harassment of a number of his mostly African supporters in order to make his case that the PNC persecuted Indians to the exclusion of blacks (Remember, if he includes blacks it makes nonsense of his case). In order for readers to get a clearer example of how a professional would respond to a challenge , I direct them to Dr. Suresh Narine’s response to Mr. Vieira which is current. Dr. Narine answers Tony Vieira’s questions head on. The reader should note that it is not the first time Mr. Bisram would be accused of dishonesty. In his letter of January 24th 2014, Mike Persaud made the same observation referring to Bisram’s response to his by saying “Misrepresenting your opponent’s position (it is called a straw person’s argument) is a cheap trick.” The Americans have a saying that “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck”. Mr Bisram ducks like a quack. Of course, a read of Mike Persaud’s letter of January 1, 2014 in KN gives the reader an insight into Bisram’s real agenda. Frederick W. A. Collins

DEAR EDITOR, First, as a Muslim and a human being, my heart goes out to the relatives of the victims of the Paris Media House massacre. The perpetrators’ obsession clouded their ability to rationalize properly, as well as their judgment, hence their transgression; all of which are prohibited in Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. I find similar obsession by some members of the local media, at the top, The Kaieteur News. This is evident in their comparison of the A.G’s remarks and the Paris incident. I thought a better

comparison would be the slaughter of six pressmen at Kaieteur News and the Paris incident. This is the kind of extremism we have to endure when we have person/s with an obsession with certain people. The truth will be sacrificed to satisfy their egos. Please forgive my ignorance of the term “terrorism”. Can you explain which of the undermention incident/s will be classified as terrorism? 1. The slaughter of innocent Guyanese citizens at Lusignan, Lindo Creek and Bartica; incidentally the

perpetrators of the L u s i g n a n massacre were defended in court by the AFC Nigel Hughes. Isn’t this aiding terrorists and hypocrisy by the leader of the AFC? 2. The daily robberies committed against innocent citizens, where they are threatened by guns, knives, beaten and sometimes raped. Then to add insult to injury, when these criminals are caught, they are readily defended by the lawyers of AFC and APNU. Can we equate the above with statements made by the A.G., most of which are true and consider them both as terrorism? Mohamed Ikbal

National Elections and the PPP’s manipulation... From page 4 think that your role as an officer or subordinate is to follow and carry orders without question, you absolutely understand and feel what is right and what is wrong, no matter how it may benefit you. Think about the many times you have been asked to do something and you felt deep within that the request was just not right. So here is how you are being used, if you think what I am about to say is inaccurate, I urge you to ask questions and do your own investigation. The Government needs to use police as force to maintain its hold on power and control, especially in the face of unpopularity and dwindling power. To do this, this is what is happening: (1) divide and rule economics –

pay and sport the top brass well, this is called the sacred cow principle and it works because if I give you something, let’s say money and privileges to the amount that hardly anyone else around you possesses,, then you will be concerned with protecting your money, maintaining your good relations with me so I can give you more money, you will protect your money at all costs and distance yourself from those who do not share the level of money and privileges as you, and you are more likely to do as I say; (2) keep most police officers underpaid – why is this necessary? It is necessary in order to keep police dependent on the generosity of the Government, to keep the top brass concerned with their higher incomes and privileges so as to sustain the disconnect and lack of empathy among the top and lower brasses and to increase unprofessionalism because every person has to survive and if our jobs can-

not help meet our financial needs we find other sources of income, like taking bribes, being paid off, another job, etc., (3) maintain some level of indiscipline and unprofessionalism – why you ask? In the culture of indiscipline and unprofessionalism it is easier for the Government to use police to carry out politically motivated violence. A significantly unprofessional and indisciplined police force also makes it easier for the Government to distance itself from politically motivated violence, since, as an excuse, it can also point fingers at the same indiscipline and unprofessionalism and (4) create strife between the police and the general population so as to keep them fighting each other instead of looking at the real source of their oppression. So, my police brothers and sisters, wake up because you are being used under the guise of following orders. Name provided

From page 5 scintilla of evidence presented to them by any section of the University It is vital to state here that at that meeting, only the PPP members who sat on the Council voted for my dismissal. And they chose that route because to ask for an enumeration of my status would have stymied their intention because the academic section of the University would have had to make that pronouncement. My research and teaching profile was millions of miles ahead of others. This explains why they never requested an evaluation of my work. This is the water-tight procedure for dismissing lecturer – the lecture must be

assessed. Finally, the lawyers for the Ombudsman would have noticed that I was a legal member of the Council at the time of my dismissal. Yet I was never invited to the meeting that deliberated on my dismissal. The Registrar at the time, Mr. Vincent Alexander who sends out the invitation was requested by the C h a n c e l l o r, D r. Compton Bourne not to invite me. I regard Mr. Alexander as a person of integrity and if this matter should further engage the Office of the O m b u d s m a n , or find hearing in the courts, I certainly don’t expect Mr. Alexander to deny that directive from Dr Bourne. Frederick Kissoon

The names of those who...

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 7

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

Iran, Venezuela vow to ‘neutralise’ oil price problem

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (left) shakes hands with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after reviewing the honor guard at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran yesterday. (AFP Photo/Atta Kenare) Tehran (AFP) - Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, flanked by Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, vowed yesterday to “neutralise” the threat posed to both countries by plummeting oil prices, in a barely veiled broadside at Saudi Arabia. OPEC members Iran and Venezuela are reeling from a slide in the cost of crude to around $50 per barrel from $100 just six months ago, a precipitous fall that is straining their budgets. Losses accelerated after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries cartel, of which Iran and Venezuela are founders, chose late last year

not to cut output despite lower prices and oversupply. Rouhani, his oil minister and other top officials in Tehran have criticised fellow OPEC member Saudi Arabia for not supporting steps to support higher crude prices. Rouhani was meeting with Maduro when he again appeared to point the finger at Riyadh, in remarks carried on the Iranian government’s website. “Without doubt, cooperation of countries that are on the same line in OPEC can neutralise the plans of some powers who are against OPEC, stabilising a reasonable price for oil in 2015,” Rouhani said.

Maduro arrived in Tehran late Friday, accompanied by his ministers for oil, foreign affairs, finance and industry, plus Venezuela’s Central Bank chief, on what Iranian state media said would be a 24-hour trip. According to the official remarks, Maduro echoed Rouhani, “calling for the cooperation of oil exporting countries to bring back stability.” Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also met Maduro and denounced what he called “the bizarre decrease of oil prices in such a short time.” “This can only be a political act... Our enemies use petrol as a political lever and have certainly a role to play in the lowering of prices,” he said in reference to Saudi Arabia and the United States. Iran’s present budget was based on an oil price of $100, leaving a big shortfall in recent months. In December, Tehran unveiled a draft budget for next year based predicated on $70 per barrel. Iran and Venezuela pledged to reach agreements during Maduro’s trip that would “expand trade and investment, export of technical and engineering services and collaboration in pharmaceuticals.” “Venezuela can be a suitable base for the export of Iran’s goods and services to Latin American countries,” said Rouhani, who is seeking to reduce Iran’s reliance on oil sales by boosting non-oil exports. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves but its economy — 96 percent of the government’s foreign currency comes from crude — has been gutted by inflation and basic goods shortages.

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 9

Exorbitant losses…

Dem boys seh...

GPL board should be sacked for gross incompetence - APNU’s Harmon

Anil got powerful backing

General Secretary of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Joseph Harmon, is of the opinion that the recent admission by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) that it is experiencing as much as 60 percent in commercial losses monthly, in some societies, underscores not only the need for the Chairman of the Board Winston Brassington to be fired for gross incompetence, but even for the other board members to be removed. Harmon made this comment during a recent interview with this publication. He said that even the management team at GPL should be restructured. Harmon emphasized that the company suffering losses to such an extent is no fault that should be placed at the feet of the political opposition as was previously done. He said, too, that Brassington has been sitting at the helm of such an important company. Allowing it to reach to such a state without ensuring that the requisite measures be taken, should see him stepping down. “Such levels of gross incompetence should not be allowed to go on. Significant losses are being recorded and while it continues, they want to blame it on the opposition. They want to try to excuse their ineptitude by placing the spotlight on a misconstrued conception that we are not talking to our supporters or that we should speak to our supporters so they can pay their bills? “That is nonsense…They need to do their job. They are not sitting there to collect a fat salary at the end of the month while the rest of the paying customers have to bear the costs of those who are cheating the system,” the politician added. In an advertisement published in the media, the electricity company said that for the first quarter of 2013, it recorded the highest level of electricity loss and this was in the South Georgetown district. It said that it has 5501 accounts in its system, for the areas which are serviced by Feeder SF5. The area covers Tucville Well, Sophia Well, South Ruimveldt Park east of Penny Lane, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, South Ruimveldt Gardens west of Penny Lane, West Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Guyhoc Park and Ebenezer Drive. These districts accounted for GPL’s losses. Following the area served

APNU’s General Secretary, Joseph Harmon

GPL’s Chairman, Winston Brassington

by Feeder SF5, the next area with high electricity losses include the East Coast Demerara with losses at 43.9 percent within the Sophia to Coldingen area and 42.2 percent in ‘A’ to ‘E’ Fields in Sophia. Other areas with high losses include Coldingen to Bygeval with losses said to be at 37.1 percent, North Sophia to Success with losses at 34.4 percent. The area served by Feeder SF3 which includes parts of Prashad Nagar, Lamaha Gardens, East of Sheriff and South of Dennis Streets, Norton Street, Princes Street, Tucville, Meadowbrook, Werk-enRust west of John Street, West La Penitence and part of Middle Road with losses pegged at 37.4 percent. As for those districts with losses in the 30 percent range, GPL said that these include those on Water Street between New Market Street and Avenue of the Republic and Brickdam where losses are at 36.9 percent. From Edinburgh to Lookout, Parika on the West Demerara, losses are 35.9 percent. In Wakenaam, the losses are 37.2 percent while in Leguan the loss is pegged at 30.7 percent. In Bartica, losses are 32.3 percent. GPL had also emphasized that all citizens should take heed and work to lower the

losses reflected in their communities. The company ended up making such disclosures via a paid ad, after there were some harsh criticisms from the Opposition in relation to the opinions expressed by Prime Minister Sam Hinds over the electricity losses. Hinds had made comments to the effect that the Opposition coalition, APNU should try to encourage its constituents to pay their electricity bills. He said at the commissioning of the Ruimveldt station, “I call on (APNU) MP (Joe) Harmon to join me in bringing down the losses, the non-technical losses we are having (as there is) some 40 percent in areas to the South and West of Georgetown where he has political standing.” “Where total losses are down to 10 and 12 percent, we see areas in the South and West of Georgetown where losses are up to 60 percent; 20 percent technical and 40 percent non-technical…Let us start leading our people into the right things let us not make ambiguous statements,” Hinds had added. But Opposition Leader, David Granger, had sharply responded to Hinds’s recommendation. He not only labeled the Prime Minister’s statements to be “plain

stupid” but also urged him to retract it henceforth. GPL subsequently came to the Minister’s defense via a two-page ad, and noted that it wished to categorically elucidate and refute the sentiments expressed opposition representatives. The power company said that Hinds spoke the truth and his statements were based on figures which were provided to Parliamentary Sectoral Committees in 2014. It said that the areas which were being referenced by the Prime Minister shows the total losses for the feeder in contention, SF5, is 60 percent with technical losses at 17.4 percent and nontechnical losses at 42.6 percent. GPL said that this should be compared with the area served by feeder VH-F3 (Vreed-en-Hoop to Windsor Forest) which with 7104 customers – as compared with 5,501 customers – has a total loss of 9.8 percent; 9.6 percent technical and 0.2 percent non-technical. The power company noted that technical losses reflect those attributed to GPL’s network and nontechnical losses are mainly electricity theft. The total number of customers within the zone of contention (SP5) is 5,501 and losses per customer amount to US$49 or $10,000 per month, GPL said. The company emphasized that the areas accounting for the 60 percent losses have some of the largest population densities.

A Government Minister and de whole Cabinet wid all dem security guards walk up to he neighbor wife and slap she although she was standing wid she husband. De woman was in shock and when she tun to she husband, all he coulda tell she was that de man had powerful backing and that he couldn’t do nutten. If that sound strange think about Anil and Kaieteur News. He suh powerful that he can talk about gunman going into de Waterfalls paper and shooting up people and not a soul can do he nutten, He got de whole Cabinet and all dem security guard behind he. Friday after de big shooting up in Paris couple reporter ask he if he ain’t sorry that he threaten de Waterfalls paper. Dem reporter was still trying to get over de shock of de brutal executions of some people in a media house in Paris. People threaten de magazine and then dem strike. Anil watch dem and smile. Then he tek out a comb and comb he hair; he spray some cologne under he arm then he seh, “If you walk pun de road carelessly a driver gun knock you down.” People jaw drop but Anil smile and walk away. Everybody hear when a man in de court seh that when a man powerful he really powerful. Dem boys seh that if dem been tell Anil anything like that dem woulda deh sleeping in de jail till now. Dem don’t have backing and dem don’t have security guards. Imagine de Hard Times paper, dem radio station and de Chronicle mekking all kind of statement bout de Waterfalls boss man and de thought of a threat never cross he mind. But Anil is a different kettle of fish. He did announce that he is a Chat-3 which mean that he is a warrior who more powerful than Jagdeo. He got to be de terrorist that de Americans looking for. Talk half and keep an eye pun Anil because de police wouldn’t

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Magistrate’s Court clerk granted bail on embezzlement charge A 21-year-old Vreed-enHoop Magistrate’s Court clerk accused of embezzling a hefty sum from the court was released on $140,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Friday, last. Tiffany Ward-Hodge appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the embezzlement by clerk or servant charge. The police claim that between March 15 and June 28, 2014, while being employed as a clerk at the Vreed-en-Hoop

Magistrate’s Court, she fraudulently embezzled $1,365,700, property of the State of Guyana. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharat Mangru presented no facts to the court and had no objections to bail. Her lawyer, Dexter Todd, said that she had been released on $20,000 station bail a year ago and has been making herself available to the police. He said that she has already repaid the money. Todd said that she was not a flight risk.

Tiffany Ward-Hodge Bail was initially granted at $200,000 but following an application, it was reduced. The matter was transferred to the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court and will be called on January 12.

Sunday January 11, 2015

International Decade for People of African Descent begins “Over the next ten years people everywhere are encouraged to take part in global conversation on the realities faced by people of African descent. The decade will allow us to explore the challenge faced by people of African descent due to the pervasive racism and racial discrimination engrained in our societies. The theme of the International decade, ‘recognition, justice and development’ provides an excellent platform for that global conversation to take place.” This is according to Sam Kahamba Kutesa, a Ugandan lawyer and politician who is the current president of the sixty-ninth session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. When he addressed a gathering during the UN Human Rights Day observed on December 10 last year, he posited that the decade should be used for reflection and to pave a way forward. The decade started 10 days ago when the world ushered in a new year on January 1, 2015 and will end on December 31, 2024. Mr. Kutesa said that human rights issues affecting people of African descent are present on every continent and has to be addressed. For almost two weeks last April, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) met to develop a programme of activities for the International Decade for People of African Descent. The Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent was established by the Commission on Human Rights resolution of April 25, 2002 and the Geneva Centre has expressed support for the

initiative and outlined the background and objectives of the decade ahead. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action acknowledged that people of African descent have been victims of slavery, the slave trade, and colonialism, and continue to be victims of their consequences. The Durban process raised the visibility of people of African descent and contributed to a substantive advancement in the promotion and protection of their rights, due to concrete actions taken by States, the United Nations, other international and regional bodies and civil society. “However, people of African descent throughout the world continue to make up some of the poorest and most marginalised groups, whether as descendants of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade or as more recent victims,” it was noted. According to the UN, studies and findings by international and national bodies demonstrate that people of African descent still have limited access to quality education and health services, housing and social security. Their situation in many cases remains largely invisible and insufficient recognition and respect has been given to the efforts of People of African Descent to seek redress for their present conditions. “People of African Descent experience discrimination in access to justice and face alarmingly high rates of police violence along with racial profiling. Further, they have low levels

of political participation both in terms of voting and in occupying political positions. Many people of African Descent suffer multiple aggravated and compounded forms of discrimination based on other related grounds, such as age, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, social origin, property, birth, or other status.” The Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue believe that the promotion and protection of the human rights of people of African Descent should be a priority concern for the United Nations. They welcomed the international decade for People of African Descent as a timely and important initiative. “The decade represents a unique opportunity to underline the important contribution made People of African Descent to our societies and to take concrete measures to promote full inclusion of People of African Descent and combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.” The main objective of the decade, the UN pointed out, is to promote respect, protection, and fulfilment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people of African Descent, as recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “This main objective can be achieved through the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the outcome documents of the Durban Review Conference, and through universal accession to or ratification of and full implementation obligations arising under the international conventions on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination, and other relevant international and regional human rights instruments.” Some of the specific objectives for the 10-year observance period are to strengthen national, regional, and international action and cooperation in relation to the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights by People of African Descent, and their full and equal participation (Continued on page 11)

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Ramotar explores India’s EZjet boss exhausts appeals, help to rescue GuySuCo to be sentenced in March President Donald Ramotar, who is on the sixday visit to India to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebrations, has visited one of that country’s top performing sugar factories. It may be a signal that Guyana would be asking India for help to rescue the troubled Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). According to a Times of India news report yesterday, Ramotar flew in to the Valsad Sugar Factory on an Indian Air Force chopper where he was “impressed with the functioning of the sugar factory and praised the stateof-the-art technology” used to crush the sugarcane in order to make the crystals. Talking to the management of the Valsad sugar factory and district collector of Valsad, Dr Vikrant Pandey, Ramotar said that the relationship between India and Guyana is very old and that it is going to be further strengthened in the coming days. The Government of Guyana has been struggling for over five years to make the new Skeldon factory work efficiently. Built by the Chinese under a US$200M programme the Skeldon factory continuously failed to meet targets. Despite being the newest facility in Guyana and hailed as a saviour to the industry, Skeldon last year

President Donald Ramotar went down as the worst performing factory in Guyana. It took almost 27 tonnes of cane to make one tonne of sugar, more than double the industry’s average at the estates for the second crop which ended in late December. Guyana was forced to hire a South African firm, Bosch engineering, and spend over $1B to help fix some of the technical problems. However, the estate, a brainchild of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, has continued to disappoint. Guyana has reportedly quietly hired a number of Indians already and since last year they have been working at a number of factories. The industry is in a deep cash crunch, borrowing almost US$20M last year to finance expenses from its crops. In June, GuySuCo

officials met with a Parliamentary oversight committee and reported that millions of dollars more would be needed to buy harvesting machines and improve efficiency. However, it will not be enough to bring down the current cost of production to sustainable levels by 2017. In June last year, Guyana was producing at over US$0.35 per pound, almost double at what the world price was. In 2017, with interventions, this cost would only come down to US$0.27. To compound matters, world prices fueled by a glut say the prices tumbling from US$715 per tonne of sugar to US$350 in December. GuySuCo has remained a major embarrassment for Government with little answers for the myriad of problems. The industry is the country’s biggest employer…almost 16,000 or more employees. With significant supporters among the workers, political parties, including the ruling PPP/C, have been reluctant to make any hard decisions. A number of Caribbean countries have already exited sugar production after Europe announced opening it markets to other players. Guyana lost its preferential price and over a period of five years saw revenues plummeting more than 35 percent.

Guyana is exploring the possibilities of Indian help to fix GuySuCo’s problems.

International Decade for People... (From page 10) in all aspects of society. The decade will seek to promote greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture, and contribution to the development of societies. To adopt, strengthen, and effectively implement national, regional, and international legal frameworks in order to ensure the full and effective implementation of the DDPA

and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). Chairman of the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Reparations Committee, Dr. Hilary Beckles in a feature Address in the United States last December urged European nations to rise to their responsibilities for the roles they placed in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade

which lasted for more than half a decade. He urged the nations to also recognize the current day events and woes that are as a direct result of the enslavement of African peoples. The Caribbeanborn University Pro-vicechancellor had opined that the decade towards the African peoples would be the perfect time for the Europeans to try to right the wrongs that they committed.

Having exhausted all his legal challenges, former embattled EzJet boss, Sonny Ramdeo, is set to be sentenced on March 13 in a Florida court. According to court documents, West Palm Beach Court Judge, Kenneth Marra is to deliver the sentence. Since being found guilty in October 2013, Ramdeo has filed several motions and other appeals in an aboutturn. He was set to be sentenced in November but managed to have the sentencing adjourned. Ramdeo had pleaded guilty to wire fraud. However, he subsequently recanted his plea on the ground that he was poorly represented. That led to him filing several motions to have his guilty plea overturned. Judge Maria had accepted his appeal and appointed a public defender to represent him. Ramdeo is alleged to have embezzled several million US dollars from a hospital chain with which he worked, and plugged some of it into EZjet, a charter that he ran from JFK airport to Guyana, and which spectacularly folded. The US Department of Transportation suspended the airline services in October 2012. Ramdeo, in one petition to the Court, filed a motion seeking to have the court grant a 20-day extension to his

sentencing. According to Ramdeo, he has been representing himself for some time now, is without the adequate resources to properly file a reply, and further, is being held in oppressive incarceration at the Palm County Jail. He signaled his intention also to file a response to the government, but lamented that he is still awaiting access to the legal research from his country jail library. Ramdeo contended that none of the Attorneys who had represented him sought any independent discovery, nor did they compel the government to provide all materials available and based on recent filings with the court. According to Ramdeo, he has been incarcerated for over two years and has no access to resources to get information needed to refute the government’s case. Ramdeo has over the course of his incarceration, fired a number of Defence Attorneys as well as changed his plea on several occasions. He has already been found

For Sentencing: Sonny Ramdeo guilty of obstruction of justice, when on a previous occasion he attempted to change his plea. EZjet had been welcomed in Guyana in 2011 for its unbelievably low fares but could not sustain them. Ramdeo is alleged to have used hundreds of thousands of dollars he took from the hospital to keep the charter alive.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

CGX plane search yields no results for missing ASL craft Data collected from the CGX Energy Inc. aircraft which was hoped to provide information leading to the missing Air Services Limited (ASL) aircraft has turned up empty. According to rescue coordinators searching for the Britten Norman Islander that went missing with 27year-old Pilot Nicky Persuad and 51-cargo handler David Bisnauth, nothing “tangible”

was recovered from the search. ASL Director Annette Arjoon-Martins who has been integrally involved in search coordination efforts said that the search for the missing craft has still yielded no results. The CGX aircraft, she said, provided some information, but nothing that could lead to the recovery of the craft.

However, the data gathered has been used to zero in on an area that rescuers had already been focusing on. In the meantime, ground and aerial searches are continuing. Members of the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) which is based at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) had hoped that the data collected from the special aircraft belonging

to CGX Energy Inc. would provide information to help locate the Air Services Limited (ASL) Britten Norman Islander. Search-and-rescue teams are still traversing the Mahdia Potaro/Siparuni Region Eight location for the missing ASL crew. Contact was lost with the men minutes after their aircraft left Mahdia to go to Karisparu with construction material. Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Zulphicar Mohamed had told Kaieteur News that the CGX craft was employed in the search for the missing plane. He said the plane is designed to detect large masses of metal. Trials were conducted at the Ogle International Airport before the plane was sent out to search areas of interest. It was tested to see if the plane

Missing pilot Nicky Persaud would have picked up imagery (metal mass) similar to the missing craft. It was then deployed to search areas where information was collected. The plane conducted searches on Monday and the

data was later analysed. Numerous rescuers, including volunteers, are involved in the search for the missing ASL plane. The RCC comprises several agencies including the Guyana Defence Force’s Special Forces, GCAA and CJIA. Bad weather has been an issue for rescuers, along with the densely-forested and mountainous area where search efforts are continuing. It’s almost two weeks since the aircraft and its cargo went missing and everyday searches are being conducted in the interior location. While it was not disclosed, much finance and man power is being put into the search. Minister of Transport, Robeson Benn, and others involved in the search have agreed however that those efforts will continue as long as resources permit.

Experts preparing Guyana to receive oil, extractive sector proceeds

Overseas experts are here to continue work to prepare Guyana to implement transparent systems to receive proceeds from the extractive industries. Following the inception workshop and the launch of the scoping study for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) for Guyana in the last quarter of 2014, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment along with the consultancy firm, Moore Stephens International (MSI) has commenced the second round of fieldwork for the project. A team from the international firm, MSI, is currently in Guyana on a twoweek mission to conduct meetings with various stakeholders from public, private and civil society organization. Among the key stakeholders are representatives from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, Guyana Women Miners Organization, Guyana Human Rights Association, Ministry of Finance, Guyana Revenue Authority, Audit Office of Guyana, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Gold Board and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others.

EITI, according to the Ministry, is a global standard aimed at improving revenue transparency and accountability in the extractives sector. “EITI was established in 2002 and since then has become a robust yet flexible methodology for monitoring and reconciling company payments and government revenues from oil, gas and mining at the country level.” According to the Ministry, the implementation of the EITI standard has two main components. There are the disclosure of payments to the government from private companies, and the disclosure of receipts from the government, by means of an Annual Report. It also includes the constitution of a multistakeholder group including representatives from the government, private sector and civil society responsible for overseeing the process and communicate the findings of the EITI Report. The scoping/feasibility study will help assess challenges and opportunities associated with EITI

implementation and determine the scope of the EITI reporting. The study will include critical information about the extractives industry in the country and its importance to the overall economy; its costs; how EITI can be linked to and reinforce other reform efforts and the key stakeholders within government, the private sector and civil society. It is suppose to also highlight the capacity constraints, in particular with regards to civil society participation and potential sources of funding for EITI implementation. “The objective of this assignment is to produce a study which will inform the MSG’s discussions regarding the scope and implications of the implementation of the 2013 EITI standard for Guyana’s extractive industries (oil, gas, large and small-scale mining).” The EITI is important as Guyana has been attracting significant investments in the extractive sectors with interest in oil exploration remaining high.

Sunday January 11, 2015

Page 13

Kaieteur News

Drug shortage hits Berbice hospitals

C

hief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Berbice Regional Health Authority ( B R H A ) , D r. Vi s h w a Mahadeo; CEO of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Mr. Alan Johnson; and PRO of BRHA, Mr. Michael Itwaru were recently grilled about allegations of shortage of drugs at the hospitals. There have also been allegations of relatives being asked to take their own bed sheets and linen for their hospitalized relatives at the New Amsterdam Hospital. The grilling came during the Press Conference hosted by the Region Six Administration. Region Six C h a i r m a n , M r. D a v i d Armogan, at the same forum, then issued a stern warning to the health care seniors and managers in Berbice who hoard bed sheets and linen at the various hospitals. With specific reference to the New Amsterdam Hospital, the Chairman said that he received allegations of families of patients being asked to walk with their own bed sheets and linen for the beds in the wards, when government has been spending millions of dollars to procure these and other items for the N/A Hospital. “This morning, somebody raised the question about linen at N/A Hospital and they said when they went there with their grandfather, nurses told them they have to bring their own sheets. I couldn't believe that—but when I checked it out, apparently it was so!” Dr. Mahadeo replied that 720 white sheets and 500 green sheets were procured for the facility last year. “And it's a hospital that has just over 100 beds with 50 to 60 per cent occupancy, so I am sure sheets are there. And I am sure that's a management issue at the lower levels, because the beds shouldn't have any coloured sheets.”

Mr. Johnson said that it might be a case where nurses are hoarding the sheets. He promised to sort the issue out by next week. Armogan was shocked. “We have to find out where they are going.” He blamed the problem on an “administrative mixup where the sheets were washed and locked away somewhere and were not given to where they were supposed to have gone.” He said that such “administrative bungling” causes the administration “serious embarrassment.” He noted that a lot of these situations can be avoided. While healthcare delivery has improved, Armogan registered his dissatisfaction with the ongoing issues that keep raising their ugly heads at the N/A Hospital. The N/A Hospital has two figureheads and top managers: a CEO and a Medical Superintendent. Berbice also has a regulatory body, the Berbice Regional Health Authority that examines healthcare delivery. Yet, there have been numerous complaints and allegations over the years about healthcare delivery at N/A Hospital and other health care facilities in the Region. Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran referred to the issues as stemming from a management problem. In the past, Ramsaran blasted the authorities in the Region for not monitoring the hospital on a daily basis, too. The outpatient facility at the hospital was rehabilitated and extended; the theatre at Skeldon Hospital is also undergoing upgrades and extension to allow for more surgeries. The stores and kitchen of the National Psychiatric Hospital also underwent extensive repairs and upgrades, according to the Chairman.

A new Ambulance has also been procured for the N/A Hospital and motorcycles and All- Terrain Vehicles for the health care officials and medex at the Orealla Health Centre, located along the Corentyne River. The electricity woes at the N/A Hospital, too, are expected to be a thing of the past as the Region Six Administration has purchased a $12M 500Kv Generator for the facility. The old 65KVA generator was installed by the Japanese company Kitano Construction during the

hospital's construction many years ago, only as a back- up system to power essential areas in the hospital. Armogan alluded to the serious problems experienced in the past (some of which hit the press) with regard to allegations of malpractice and negligence during surgeries carried out in blackout situations. Addressing shortages of p h a r m a c e u t i c a l s , D r. Mahadeo said, “We had shortages; we have shortages, and that's the truth,” he added. Minister Ramsaran, earlier last month, had stated in Berbice

that the shortage of drugs at N/A Hospital could very well be credited to a deeper situation that exists. Pharmacists working there have private pharmaceutical interests, he said. Mahadeo said that last year the region budgeted $30M for drugs. About $18M was spent on medical cases, “and the rest was used to supplement the shortages we were getting…” from the Ministry of Health. “We don't buy drugs only to supplement what comes from MoH,” he added. “We had shortages…not due to our fault—I've been

requesting and they've either been giving us short supplies or sometimes none. “We got a lot of help other than the monies we used from the budget to buy supplies to supplement what we've been having, and we also got help from Food For The Poor (FFTP) and medical relief from smaller donors. Here, I am talking about over-the-counterdrugs.” He hoped that 2015 would be a better year “because stocks we will be receiving in 2015 should have been ordered at least eight months before.”

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Tying new media to the political and democratic process; empowering society The use of the computer, internet, mobile phones and other communication modes appears to be increasing dramatically. This has implications for the empowerment of citizens, their participation in decisions affecting their local communities, and the democratic process in Guyana. The internet with its features of speed, low cost, and interactivity also seems to be driving the current media environment. With the current political situation facing the country, and general elections anytime soon, communications consultant Royston King believes that this new media, “the internet in particular”, has the capacity to facilitate greater democracy in societies. King, who holds a Masters Degree in Corporate Communication, is adamant that democracy involves free speech, free press, equality and liberty. Political debates, discussions, and the ensuing feature of public opinion are also a few of the essential functions of democracy. “Political communication scholars have been calling attention to the increasingly significant role of the media as the arena for such discussions in an age of mass publics and mass politics. However, some contend that the recent developments in information/communication technology may be causing the fragmentation of the mass audience. As a consequence, the notion of political deliberation could become very problematic.” He asserted that the role of the media in the political process and their effect on democracy, has divided political commentators into two camps ‘utopias’ and ‘dystopias’. “On the one hand, the dystopias charge the media with promoting negativity and conflicts, whitewashing

serious political issues, taking up time and eroding long held societal beliefs and values, while on the other hand, utopias have concluded that journalists play a vital role in scrutinizing politicians, making politics and political issues more accessible to ordinary citizens and increasing political education and participation in society.” However, this division goes beyond the education participation in society; beyond the newspapers, radio and television on the relationship between technology and democracy. “In fact, with the emergence of new media the two camps have shifted their arguments to the nature of cyberspace politics,” King opines. Again, dystopias see the emerging dangers and negative effects caused by the technological revolution such as social isolation, and loss of personal contact, and the difficulty to build public trust so necessary for community development. However, the utopias highlight the unprecedented access to alternative and unedited sources of information and the equally unprecedented existence of a forum through which all participants can share their

In the coming days the power company is going to unveil some electricity thieves, some of them people who have enough money to buy the power company. The society is going to conclude that if the rich could steal power then they could too. However, they will find out that while experts make the illegal connections, the inexperienced will find this task so much more risky. The result is another electrocution. ** The police are going to crack another

own views - however insignificant or eccentric those may be. King says both camps raise very valid views about the differences of the internet and mobile phone from established communication avenues such as newspapers, radio and television. It could be argued that the internet did not follow a sequential step in the evolution and development of communication/informational technologies. “However, both camps overlook serious practical problems that inhibit the spreading of new information and communication technologies to the general population. These include information technology knowledge, skills, economic and cultural problems and the level of development of societies. Thus, they limit the influence these may have on the decision making process.” “Many scholars have argued however that technology is a product of society. Its use and usefulness is determined by society and therefore it is shaped by society. Others argued that there is a reciprocal relationship between technology and

criminal gang. They are going to arrest a group during a traffic stop and the things they will find would shock many. They will discover that this gang is one that is for hire and had been used by those who had other interests. ** The rains have made the rivers swell to unusual heights. This is going to be a problem for the people seeking their fortunes in the goldfields. Chances will be taken and another death will be recorded.

society; and these arguments led to very sharp contentions about the role of new media in democracy.” Many scholars have argued that the current intensity in electronic communication is not a paradigm shift. They argue that cyberspace is simply mirroring the age-old patterns of people within societies. However, the problem with this argument of reinforcement is that it seems to underestimate the contribution of technology to development. “In other words, it presents a picture of inflexibility, in which technology is merely used to facilitate preexisting patterns of political behaviour and by doing so, it is guilty of the same error committed by those who see technology as the holy grail of the political communication and participation.” King pointed out that political communicator, Bimber (1998) has articulated a new position, which he described as ‘accelerated pluralism’. He said that the internet will act as an agent of change for issue politics. In contemporary times more people are disengaging from interest-based politics and engaging with issuebased politics. Nongovernmental organizations and groups dealing with issues of the environment, human rights, appear to be on the increase in different societies. New technologies accelerate the operations of

these bodies, thus pushing pluralism at a greater speed than if it were to depend upon the traditional media. “Therefore, the interaction of internet and political culture lend to greater involvement of people in the decision making process. This then can lead to change because more people have a chance to become involved.” While it could be said that the country is still at the other end of normal contemporary global technological advances there are some indications that political groups and other organizations have been making use of the internet. Recent reports speak of the increased use of social media ¯ Facebook and Twitter being a case in point. No doubt other parties will make optimum use of this information technology. Moreover, the situation is constantly changing, and more emphasis is being placed on information technology in government development programmes and projects. “Clearly then, Guyana may not be on the same communication technology stage as many of its Caribbean neighbours it is likely to get there sooner or later. But sooner because of the numerous assistance programmes it has been receiving from donor countries,” King posits. Many of these include the use of computer, the internet and World Wide Web, and the appropriate training and skills. Even after such

programmes have been concluded, millions of dollars worth of communication equipment, software, and training are left with the local government ministries, organizations, groups and agencies, and this helps to improve Guyana’s lot in information communication technology, in an indirect way. The internet with its features of speed, low cost, and interactivity will facilitate a level playing field for the dissemination of information. Small parties can communicate their ideas, plans and goals with citizens in spite of their limited resources; creating a level playing field. They will be able to do this outside the boundaries of traditional media editorial judgment, which is usually based on the interest of the particular newspaper, television channel or radio. “In other words, they will be able to go directly to the audience without any concern of traditional gatekeepers of information in the society. Technology gives a greater opportunity to participate in the democratic process. “If citizens have a sense of participation in the way their local communities and society is governed then they would want to take ownership and responsibility for the success of process because it affects their wellbeing. “This then changes the dynamics for the democratic process and the way our local communities and the wider society develop,” King concludes.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

A strange kind of justice By Michael Jordan I’ve told you some strange stories before, and now I’ll tell you about a case in which a suspected killer and his son both dropped dead, within a five-year span, without anyone laying a finger on them. And if you’re brushing this off as mere coincidence, let me tell you that one of these men actually drew his last breath on the victim’s death anniversary, and around the same hour that this victim’s body was found. Justice from a higher power? Death by guilty conscience? I just don’t know, so I’ll just lay out the facts and let you judge. The victim in this case was a harmless, likeable, elderly woman named Rajkumarie Mahadeo. If you’ve been following my cases, then you may remember her. Seventy-eight-year-old Mrs. Mahadeo had had her fair share of tragedy. Her husband, Mohabir Mahadeo, was murdered during preelections violence in 1973; her 18-year-old grandson, Trevor Fung, was slain by

robbers on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2004. But she managed to successfully raise her family, and they, in turn, took every chance to show their appreciation for her sacrifices. In December 2009, Mrs. Mahadeo received the news that one of her daughters was coming from overseas for the Christmas holidays. The daughter promised that she would take Mrs. Mahadeo to the United States for a vacation. This would be her first trip to America, and the elderly woman was excited. “She was like a young kid, all so excited, and was sharing the good news,” Devi Fung, one of her daughters, recalled. “Her only concern was who would take care of her beloved cows.” Rajkumarie Mahadeo lived alone at Lusignan, and was in the habit of rising early to tend to her cows. At around 05: 45 hrs on Christmas Eve

Day 2009, Mrs. Mahadeo’s son, who lived nearby, responded to a call from a resident. That call caused him to hurry over to his mother’s house. There, he found Rajkumarie Mahadeo lying dead on the parapet outside her yard. She was still wearing two gold rings and gold earrings, while her two silver bangles were found nearby. The son reportedly observed blood on a nearby pasture where Mahadeo tended to her cows. One of the animals was found entangled in a rope, and a neighbour reportedly suggested that this cow had kicked the elderly woman while she was tending to it. But not for one minute did the family believe this suggestion. One grandson who was at the scene saw Mrs. Mahadeo’s silver bangle and slippers on the road, and told the policemen that to him, this indicated that his grandmother and someone had struggled. A post mortem eventually confirmed the family’s suspicions. Someone had strangled Rajkumarie Mahadeo. But the killer or killers had made no attempt to steal anything. The motive, Mahadeo’s relatives believed then, and still firmly believe, was one of envy and spite. And it all may have stemmed from an old grievance, when Mrs. Mahadeo provided information on a theft that was committed by a Lusignan resident. That information led to the resident being jailed, and Mrs. Mahadeo’s relatives believe that the convicted man’s brother, and other family members, harboured a grudge. According to some of her relatives, the elderly woman had confided that someone in the community was in the habit of stoning her house. And during a visit a few days before her death, she had told those relatives that a man in the neighbourhod had threatened her life. They also allege that during Mrs. Mahadeo’s wake, a resident, whose brother was a ‘junkie,’ told them that his ‘junkie’ sibling had confessed that the man with whom Mahadeo had the dispute

had given him rum and money to buy drugs. This was reportedly given as payment for the ‘junkie’ to threaten Mrs. Mahadeo. “He (the brother) told us he warned his brother not to go by our mother again,” one of Mahadeo’s daughters said. “He told us that if he found out that his brother had anything to do with our mother’s death; he will not have anything to do with him again.” On the day of Mrs. Mahadeo’s funeral, police detained an individual from the family with whom the victim had a dispute. They also arrested the ‘junkie’ who was allegedly paid to harass Mrs. Mahadeo. Devi Fung, Mahadeo’s daughter, said that it was then that “hell broke loose.” “Our neighbour’s sons went wild, stoning my mother ’s house and

relative said he again contacted the senior police official, who promised to get back to him, but never did. Frustrated at the apparent indifference by investigators, Rajkumarie Mahadeo’s relatives posted a reward for information about her death. “There were a few calls that led to a dead end. The police never actually followed on any of the information given to them. They said the people were only out to get the reward money,” Devi Fung said. If those men did kill Rajkumarie Mahadeo, it appears that this crime weighed on their consciences and loosened one man’s tongue. It is alleged that about

Rajkumarie Mahadeo and her daughter Devi Fung threatening to take us down one by one before we left the country. We were verbally abused by one of the sons in the presence of the police at Vigilance Station.” But in less than six hours, the first man was reportedly released, while the ‘junkie’ was released after 72 hours. Mrs. Mahadeo’s relatives allege that it was then that they found out that the son of the man allegedly behind her harassment had considerable influence with the investigators. “The police said they never had chance to question him. Half an hour later, some high-ranking official called and instructed that he be released,” one relative claimed. And according to this relative, a senior police official from Georgetown had reassured that a report on the case was with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), but an official from the DPP’s office refuted this. The

two years ago, a relative of Mahadeo’s overheard the ‘junkie,’ while under the influence of alcohol, admit to killing Mrs. Mahadeo. The addict is said to have also claimed that the man who was detained with him had acted as a lookout while the crime was being committed. This information was reportedly passed on to police ranks, who said that the man had made the claim while he was drunk, and let it go at that. But a few months after Mrs. Mahadeo’s death, the number one suspect reportedly “began talking to himself” and eventually dropped dead in a rum shop. It didn’t end there. “Now, five years later, last Christmas Eve morning, around the same time that my mother was supposed to have been killed, I found out that the oldest son of the number one suspect died suddenly,” Mahadeo’s daughter, Devi Fung said, when I contacted

her recently. “I never really knew how much connections this family had, and how that may have influenced or hindered the investigation into my mother’s death. In fact, I know it did. In Guyana, it is not about justice, it is who you know and how much bribe you are willing to give. This is how the justice system works in Guyana. It is all about who you know.” Devi Fung says she has “mixed feelings” about the strange fate of the suspect and his son. “How do we feel about what happened to the two suspects only a few months after our mom passed away? I really don’t know how to answer that, I personally have mixed feelings. Someone took their two hands and choked the life out of our mother. Who, we don’t know for sure. “I know the now deceased suspect had paid the junkie to torment and threaten her. Would he, out of envy, also go further to get her killed after he found out she was going on a vacation? Was he that evil? I do not have the answer. Only God knows the truth. Now, with the recent death of his oldest son on Christmas Eve morning, five years later, same day as my mom, only not by murder, I don’t know what to think. “Why not another day? Why Christmas Eve morning? I knew this young man as a baby, and the entire family, and even though they did not show us any compassion while we were and are still grieving from the loss of our mother, my heart goes out to them. “I feel the pain his entire family is going through, especially his mother and children. At least they know he died a natural death. “Every time we think of our mother and the way she died, we know she did not deserve to die that way and have been trying to get answers, so we just can’t help asking: Is the universe trying to send us a message or is it a coincidence? We will never know.” If you have any further information on this or any other case, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office. We can also be reached on telephone numbers 22-58458, 2258465, 22-58473 or 2258491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s : mjdragon@hotmail.com

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Starry, starry skies: The people I lost in 2014 Any philosophy student will tell you that after digesting so much of the philosophers, you don’t fall when death visits. You know death is reality. You know death is part of the Human Condition. You know death may have a philosophical satisfaction to it. But death has some dimensions that even though the mental fortress you build is strong enough to stop the flow of emotion, there is a pause, a contemplation, a wish. Last October, my motherin-law died at age 88. At that age you prepare for the inevitable. But her passing brought back strong memories of my mom and the pain I felt, not at her death, but at what I wished she would have seen when she was alive that she didn’t. It was the same with my motherin-law’s departure. My mom did not live to see me put my education into meaningful employment so I could have given her a few cents. President Burnham banned me for the second time when I came home in 1984. She died the next year. Burnham died subsequently and President Hoyte lifted Burnham’s ban and I was employed at UG. I wished my mother-in-law had lived to see me having access to state institutions after the PPP goes in 2015. I don’t care if the PPP wins another plurality, the era of PPP’s maddening fascism in Guyana is over. Another wish I have is that I would have liked to see Fazal Khan, the common-law

husband of Gail Teixeira, live longer to see the PPP go. Fazal died as 2014 was about to begin, and I felt he deserved better. I spent many nights under starry skies at the DCC ground philosophizing with Fazal. If I ever saw a man that the PPP destroyed, it was Fazal Khan. He never recovered from his mistreatment. It created an enormous weight on his psyche. Nadira Jagan, the daughter of Mrs. Janet Jagan, said she truly feels hate for people who criticize her mother. This daughter should have spoken to Fazal before fate intervened. She would have had a lesson in Guyanese history. His mental torture was compounded by the sadness of what his common-law wife Gail Teixeira had become. I know I gave Fazal my word I would not write on all those things he told me about Ms. Teixeira under the starry skies of the DCC, but as my favourite poet Omar Khayyam once wrote; “The moving finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on; nor all thy piety nor wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a line Nor all thy tears wash out a word of it.” Last year another unsung hero died; Ronald Todd from the WPA. I met Toddy shortly after the Working People’s Alliance was formed in 1976. I wasn’t the kind of youth to chase after the upper crest of the WPA, who in any case was shamelessly middle class elites with the exception of Eusi Kwayana and Moses

Bhagwan. So my friends were people like Toddy. A quiet assuming man from the cane-cutting section of Guysuco, Toddy gave his life to the struggle of the poorer classes in his country. After the PNC lost power, and the PPP ostracized the WPA, people like Ronald Todd remained in poverty. When he died, four of us went to the funeral together – me, Tacuma Ogunseye from the WPA, Dennis Atwell from the AFC and Troy Kellman from The Coalition for the 1823 Parade Ground Monument.

We were all in complete shock to see where Ronald Todd spent his life. This was a structure that was literally a hut. In a country where land is as abundant as water, Ronald Todd deserved better. The WPA should have given him what he deserved. I raised the question of a house lot for Toddy with a WPA leader. I asked why these unsung heroes could not have been allotted house lots. But the WPA person told me that the WPA was in no position to ask the PPP for favours. I could

see where he was coming from. Finally, Elvin McDavid died in 2014. I fought against McDavid and didn’t like him at all. When Desmond Hoyte defied President Burnham and employed my wife at GUYMIDA in 1984, McDavid was enraged. He and Halim Majeed went to Burnham and complained bitterly. But Hoyte convinced Burnham that my wife had her skills. Long after, McDavid apologized to me. But to this day Majeed won’t, even though his brother is

Frederick Kissoon married to my sister-in-law. I got to know McDavid well the past ten years. I learnt a lot from him of the lofty ideas of Forbes Burnham.

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

Save gold, save the country The development of the hinterland is inextricably linked to the fate of the gold industry. This has been axiomatic for the past century and a quarter and will be so in the short- and middle-term future. Challenges currently being experienced in the goldmining industry have already started to have an impact on the national economy. The hinterland – comprising mainly the BarimaWaini; Cuyuni-Mazaruni; Potaro-Siparuni; Rupununi and parts of the PomeroonSupenaam and East BerbiceCorentyne Regions – comprises over three-quarters of this country’s territory. Long unwatched land borders with Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname – extending nearly 2,500 km; vast unpatrolled open spaces; unmonitored airstrips and numberless rivers – have become corridors for illegal narcotics and firearms. The population might be only about 100,000 but the potential wealth – in the form

of gold mining – is inestimable. The gold-mining industry has been the country’s largest foreign currency earner for seven years with record-breaking production in 2013. A sharp drop in world price for gold in 2014 precipitated a fall in production, declarations and earnings and a rise in operating costs, causing the closure of several operations and the loss of hundreds of jobs. There should be no doubt that the national economy could be significantly enhanced and the livelihood of hinterland residents and miners enriched if the industry is placed on a surer economic footing. This will require a more comprehensive and collaborative approach rather than confrontation and recrimination between the state and the miners. The government’s abrasive attitude to the gold industry, when compared with its support and solicitude

for the sugar and rice industries, is part of the problem. There needs to be a fresh policy towards the industry that will place it on a level that is comparable with other sectors of the economy to attract governmental support. Given the vast area in which gold-mining occurs, and the complex demographic, geographical, governmental, historical and political factors which impact on the industry, the new policy should be embodied in a comprehensive ‘Plan of Action’ that involves the major stakeholders. The engagements between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) have borne few, small fruit. There needs to a strategic Plan of Action for the Gold and Diamond Mining Industry in order to sustain employment, investment and development. The rotten regional and

local government system of governance is a major impediment to stability. The industry is spread over four huge administrative and geographical regions. Unfortunately, however, the four administrative centres which are the ‘seats’ of government for these regions – Mabaruma, Bartica, Mahdia and Lethem – are treated as little more than villages. They must be upgraded into townships with their own mayors and municipal councils in 2015. This would be a start to enabling them to provide for their local development needs – such as supplying regular electricity and pure water. Local government elections must also be held. Legitimate indigenous land rights claims must be resolved in order to avoid conflict. The rotten system of governance is reflected also in the decaying, obsolete and inadequate hinterland infrastructure. For the economy to improve, the maintenance of aerodromes, roadways and bridges must also be improved. Frequent fatal aviation, riverine and road accidents, and delays and damage to vehicles on difficult roadways, all increase the risk and cost of mining operations in the hinterland. The hinterland could be dangerous in some places. The headquarters of the Guyana Police Force’s hinterland (‘F’)

division, which has lawenforcement and security responsibility for the four regions (i.e., Nos. 1, 7, 8 and 9), quite idiotically, is located in Eve Leary, Georgetown. In fact, it is the only police divisional headquarters that is not located in its area of responsibility. The headquarters must be removed to Bartica forthwith. The Police Force does not possess the aircraft, vehicles, vessels, personnel and other resources to investigate crimes in the widely dispersed villages, logging camps and mines. Miners have been murdered and horrible vehicle accidents have taken the lives of dozens. Bandits easily exploit the Force’s lack of resources and inability to effectively patrol the ‘bush’ in order to commit violent crimes. Robbery with violence is a frequent occurrence and it is easy for assailants to escape. Bandits pounce on miners in their camps or lie in wait in the bush along the roads and trails to ambush, rob and kill. At least one person is murdered somewhere in the hinterland every month. The Force, therefore, must be provided with adequate aircraft, allterrain vehicles, communications equipment and river boats and additional personnel, to ensure more effective law-enforcement. Public services must also be improved. The Ministry of Education must aim at providing better primary

education for children and, the Ministry of Heath, better primary health care, especially to suppress vector-borne diseases such as malaria. The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security must also direct its efforts towards the reduction of the incidence of mining fatalities and trafficking in persons, especially, under-age girls. Consideration needs to be given to the GGDMA’s proposal for the reduction of rental paid on mining properties, lowering royalty payments and the acquisition of equipment, fuel, vehicles and accessories. The GGDMA’s proposal for the implementation of waivers or reduced tariffs on fuel and selected imported equipment required by large-, small- and medium-scale miners in the sector deserves stronger governmental support. The gold industry is too important to be allowed to decline and fail. The proposed ‘Plan of Action’ for the goldmining industry must involve seven government ministries – Amerindian Affairs; Health; Home Affairs; Labour and Human Services; Local Government and Regional Development; Natural Resources and the Environment and Public Works – as well as significant stakeholders such as the GGDMA. It might not be an exaggeration to claim that to save the gold industry is to save the country.

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 25

MY COLUMN

When we try to stifle the views of others As a reporter one is confronted with many things, especially when one is researching topics. Another aspect of the life of a reporter is the obsession with reading all the news. Sometimes, as effortlessly as the sun comes up, a bit of news strikes the reporter and he is forced to take a backward step. On Wednesday, I got up to the news that gunmen had entered the Paris offices of a satirical magazine that goes by the name Charlie Hebdo, and killed five cartoonists whom they asked for by name. One of those killed was the editor. When the dust settled twelve people were dead and others injured. Then there were the videos. I marveled at the cruelty of mankind when I saw one of the gunmen shooting a helpless policeman in the head as the cop lay on the ground. By the end of the work week the killers had joined the slain cartoonists to wherever people go when they die. Needless to say, the incident sparked debates around the world. There was one vocal debate in the Kaieteur News editorial room. Some countries and

newspapers had described the killers as terrorists, but there were those in Kaieteur News who contended that the men were not terrorists, that they were people reacting to something that offended their religion. From the time I have been working at Kaieteur News I took the decision and won the support of my employer, Glenn Lall, that the newspaper would not become involved in issues concerning religion, race and sexual orientation. That decision made sense, because people do not relinquish views that they hold firmly. Who can convince a Christian that Christ is not the son of God? Who can convince a Muslim that Christ is the son of God? Not so long ago the parliament had to deal with some Christians over the issue of abortion. The Christians insisted that the foetus was a life and should not be taken. In the end the Parliament passed a piece of legislation that precluded the public institutions from conducting abortions. However, the law said that these public institutions could correct

whatever mistake is made during a botched abortion. But there were those who insisted that a woman’s body was her own, and that she had the right to determine whether she would carry a foetus to full term. Both are strongly held views and any debate would be futile. It would be unending. But there have been instances, even in the democratic United States, where people killed doctors who performed abortions. Some even burned the clinics. The argument here is that there are people who are prepared to make their views known in no uncertain way. But others contend that they are also entitled to their views and should not be denied that right. By killing a doctor performing an abortion and by burning the clinics were acts designed to deny some people their rights. The act by the gunmen in Paris was akin to denying the cartoonists the right to express their views. That is what invoked the ire of the various world leaders. The issue brought me back home, where Kaieteur News opts to comment on

issues that offend the leaders of the country. There were the publications on the shoddy contracts that saw taxpayers’ money going down the drain; the investments such as the Skeldon sugar factory that have proven more costly than if there was no investment. The politicians criticized Kaieteur News but the fact remained; the criticism was justified. More recently there was the focus on the actions of the Guyana Revenue Authority. The first was the act of nepotism that saw the employment of at least four members of the Commissioner General’s family. Needless to say, this sparked a reaction that was unprecedented. Charges were laid against the publisher of Kaieteur News for fraud. But even before that there were the leaks of e-mail that smacked of a witch hunt. Other issues followed and suddenly there were the threats or warnings depending on which side of the fence one stood. The Attorney General told a reporter that he should get out of the newspaper office because persons with

machine guns would invade the office and kill the innocent and the guilty. In the case of Charlie Hebdo, there were similar warnings. The state placed policemen to protect the office but as it turned out, even that protection was not enough. In Guyana, the government could not be bothered. One Presidential adviser even asked a reporter if she was aware of any country where the government provided security for a newspaper. Attempts to get the courts interested were thwarted because the Director of Public Prosecutions could not see any evidence of a threat against the newspaper. This was a newspaper that had five of its pressmen gunned down in its printery; had its press firebombed; had gunmen entering the editorial department and forcing the staff on the ground. Certainly, the Paris incident would have brought back those grim memories. One can only conclude that the government would be happy to see the newspaper change its course, that is, stifle its right to free expression. And that is what the world is against.

Adam Harris When the government labelled the Kaieteur News an opposition newspaper that did not help the situation. So the newspaper, each day, must contemplate a fate similar to what happened in Paris, knowing that there would be no support from the government. In Paris the government pulled out the stops to hunt down the killers, and in a country with more people than Guyana can ever have, found the killers within two days. They had the identity of the killers within hours, although the men took the precaution of wearing masks. And the most frightening thing about the situation is that I am an editor at Kaieteur News.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

No respect for Indigenous people Guyana has been relegated to the highest level of political excesses, intolerance and disrespect. Never before in all our history as an independent nation have we experienced such decline, and many would put forward that even as a colony our people were never subjected to such disrespect by the British. Those who fought for independence, and many are still alive today, would tell us that the intent was to create a

nation where all peoples would be respected, where leaders and those who were led would recognise and value the efforts and contributions of each to the development of our country, where no citizen would be considered inferior. It is this intent that would have led to the following being set out in the Preamble to our Constitution, “We, the Guyanese People … Celebrate our cultural and racial diversity and strengthen our

unity by eliminating any and every form of discrimination; Value the special place in our nation of the Indigenous Peoples and recognise their rights as citizens to land and security and to their promulgation of policies for their communities;” Further, our Constitution in Article 146 (1) thus states, “… no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of expression …” It is therefore revolting that our Head of State, at a

public meeting would tell a citizen, one of our Indigenous brothers, “yuh stupid.” This is most unbecoming of a Head of State and must be condemned in the most unambiguous language. Whether or not the individual was under the influence of alcohol is immaterial. He was there as a citizen of our country, his rights guaranteed and protected by the Constitution, including his right to freely express his opinion. Were he disrupting

the meeting and preventing others from enjoying their right to receive information or express their opinion, then the organisers would have been within their right to have him removed. This did not happen. Instead, Mr Adams was slapped, threatened and ridiculed. It would be unheard of for the Head of State of the USA, Britain, Canada, or any developed country, to so ridicule a citizen. They would have to resign immediately. Even within our own Caricom Region, such threats and ridicule of a citizen would not be accepted. Why is it that in Guyana, the President believes he can get away with berating a citizen in such a manner? The PPP would have us believe that they care about our Indigenous Peoples, but the evidence proves this is not so. The Indigenous People remain the poorest of our nation’s peoples. Health care, education, other social services and infrastructural development are at the lowest levels in these communities, even as our national economy relies on the resources of the hinterland. While the PPP Government boasts of how many health centres it would have built or rehabilitated in the interior, the fact remains that the Indigenous People still cannot access proper health care in their communities. They have to be brought to the coast for most medical procedures. There are constant reports of the hospitals being short on essential drugs or drugs having passed their expiration dates and the hospitals not adequately staffed. The CSEC pass rate within Amerindian communities is probably the lowest in the country. In Region Nine for example, on average, only one of

every five students would pass their exams. The PPP Government has failed to make adequate inputs of human and other resources to lift the delivery of education to an acceptable level in Amerindian villages. It is not enough to build school buildings and a few desks and benches. The building would be of little benefit to the people if learning does not take place in it. The PPP has employed a strategy where the trappings of education are prominently displayed in Amerindian communities, but the actual edification of the majority of the children does not take place. The PPP propaganda machinery would have us believe that the Amerindians are better off under the PPP Government, but they would not tell us that decisions of the Amerindian Village Council could be overturned by the Minister. If the Village Council decides that it does not want mining done in its area, the Minister can overturn that decision. This same propaganda machinery would issue photographs showing the government giving hand-outs to villages. Everyone knows if you want to take people out of poverty you teach them to fish and not give them fish. Instead of educating Amerindians and creating opportunities for their economic development, the PPP has sought to institute the dependency syndrome by ensuring Amerindians are the least educated and among the poorest of our peoples. Hence, the Head of State believes he can speak to an Amerindian citizen in a derogatory manner, threaten and ridicule that citizen. This is discriminatory! It is highly doubtful that the President would make such a remark at a meeting of citizens of the Coastland.

Sunday January 11, 2015

SUNDAY SPECIAL TROUBLED EGOVERNANCE PROJECT… TAXPAYERS SADDLED WITH LOAN REPAYMENT A few weeks ago, there was the report on how former President Bharrat Jagdeo spent $20B from the treasury in a scheme designed to gain control of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. The money was spent on cables, towers, transmission lines, data centres, and thousands of laptops for poor families. All this was to transform Guyana’s internet and telecommunications sector, thereby putting it on par with the rest of the developing world, Jagdeo had said. But after billions of taxpayers’ dollars have been expended on the EGovernance project and on the Brazil to Guyana Cable venture, both are yet to be realized. Government has admitted that there are problems and that solutions are being examined to put the Brazil project back on track. The Brazil project involves running a fibre optic cable from Lethem to the city at a cost of some US$32M. However, the project has stalled, some say abandoned because of the problem of getting the cable across difficult terrain. The cable breaks repeatedly. Government had been largely silent on the EGovernance project. It was even silent when it all but abandoned the project. The matter has since sparked discussions in some quarters and queries, with the private sector and the political opposition, lambasting the

Kaieteur News

Page 27

government for the collapse of the project. Anand Goolsarran, a former Auditor General in his most recent column said that he was shocked to learn that after billions of taxpayers’ dollars were expended on government’s Fibre Optic Cable project, it has now collapsed. More significantly, Goolsarran said that after doing his own research he found that Guyana had taken a loan from a Chinese Bank to back part of the project. With the project stalled, and the monies from the loan completely expended, Goolsarran was concerned that future generations will be saddled with paying off the debt until 2032. PEGASUS OWNER PURSUES US$8M MARRIOTT EQUITY Prominent businessman/ hotelier, Robert Badal, says he is willing to write a cheque that will see him gaining control of the US$57M Marriott Hotel facilities in Kingston. According to the businessman who holds majority interests in Pegasus Hotel and Guyana Stockfeeds Limited, he has been following keenly the developments with Marriott and now that details of the many incentives and tax breaks granted for the project are coming to light, he is more than willing to invest the US$8M that offers 67 percent ownership of the hotel. “Once there is a guarantee that all these incentives, including the exemptions on the Withholding Tax, Property Tax and Corporation Tax, will come as the conditions under the current arrangements, I will be more than willing to come on board as the equity investor for US$8M,” the

The almost completed Marriott Hotel in Kingston businessman said. During the first three years of the hotel’s operation, AHI, which Winston Brassington heads, says that the equity investor will get US$1.3M. From year four of operation, the equity investor will be paid US$1.2M each year for the next six years. In year 10 of its operation, that equity investor will have received a whopping US$37.2M, setting the rate of return over the 10-year period at 22.2 per cent. Should Badal be successful as the equity investor, he is likely to rake in US$46M in returns by the end of 10 years, according to documents provided by Brassington and government. MONDAYEDITION ROBBERY SUSPECT SHOT DEAD BY OFF-DUTY COP

A 34-year-old Diamond, East Bank Demerara man was shot dead last Sunday evening in what police are describing as a failed robbery bid perpetrated on an off-duty police officer. Ryan Couchman was shot in the chest just after sunset and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Hospital about 20 minutes later. The incident occurred a short distance from where the Soesdyke/Linden Highway meets the East Bank Dememara (EBD)Public Road. Police in a statement said that they were investigating an incident that occurred at about 19:00 hours Sunday, in which an armed policeman in plain clothes was attacked and robbed of his gold jewellery by three men at Soesdyke, EBD. According to the police, during the robbery, the

policeman, who was being repeatedly assaulted by the perpetrators, discharged a round which fatally wounded one of the men who was later identified as Ryan Couchman. The two accomplices managed to escape. The police said that the injured rank had to receive medical treatment at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. RAMOTAR’S BOAST OF ‘25% GROWTH’ IS CHALLENGING OUR INTELLIGENCE – GREENIDGE A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Shadow Minister of Finance Carl Greenidge has described the President Donald Ramotar’s boast that the economy grew by 25 percent, as far from the truth and an insult to the intelligence of the citizenry. He was referring to statements made by the head of state in his New Year’s address to the nation. “Ramotar says these things not because he is daft, but because he honestly feels as though the electorate is foolish enough to swallow it without question,” Greenidge asserted. Ramotar had declared that 2014 saw Guyana growing economically for the ninth successive year. This, the President had said, is the longest period of continuous economic growth in the country’s recent history. “It is even more noteworthy that this growth was achieved in the most testing of circumstances. Over just the two and a half years to mid-year 2014, the size of our economy has increased by 25 percent to $650 billion, our country has attracted more than US$629 million in foreign direct

investment, credit to the private sector has grown by 41.5 percent to $190.5 billion, and total deposits in the commercial banks has grown by 22.1 percent to $334.6 billion,” he had added. However, Greenidge disagreed stating that if national income has increased at anything like the rate Ramotar claims, then, “how can he stomach the increases in the emoluments and pension which the former President Bharrat Jagdeo has paid himself over that period and he will soon enjoy, meanwhile he only paid public servants a measly 10 percent. Such lopsided sharing of the benefits of growth explains why Plastic City and Angoy’s Avenue are growing faster than the rate of growth of the real economy.” TUESDAYEDITION POLICE TO INCREASE STRENGTH BY 1500 Cabinet has given approval for an increase in the manpower strength of both the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service. The announcement was made by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, during his year end briefing on December 31. Rohee said that Cabinet gave approval for an increase in the establishment of the Guyana Police Force from 3,410 to 4,956. He stated that this upward revision is in keeping with the demands of Guyana’s significantly changed security environment in the preservation of law, order and peace. The Guyana Fire Service is to increase its strength by an additional 84 places, bringing the total number on strength to 511. Continued on page 37

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

Sunday January 11, 2015

From page 27 SOPHIA TRAGEDY… SUSPECT SURRENDERS, ADMITTED TO GPHC The fear of dying from burns he sustained about his body after setting his estranged partner’s home on fire that killed the woman’s stepfather and injured several others, reportedly led Sophia suspect, Gavin Harris, to surrender. Harris disappeared after setting fire to his ex-partner, Tabola Abrams’ Lot 636 ‘C’ Field, Sophia home. The house was completely destroyed in the fire which started around 12:15 hrs on Saturday January 3. The woman’s step-father, 66-year-old Clifford Sampson died as a result of burns sustained while she and her paramour, Shawn Whyte, remain patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) nursing burns about their bodies. The other seven occupants of the destroyed house managed to escape with minor injuries. WEDNESDAYEDITION 192 KILOS OF COKE FOUND ON EUROPEBOUND VESSELAT LINDEN - CREW ARRESTED Collaboration between agencies’ involved in the country’s Container Control Programme resulted in the confiscation of 192 kilograms, 420 grams of cocaine destined for Europe. Agents of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) intercepted a cargo ship, MV DELTADIEP, while at Linden in Region 10, and arrested several members of the crew. The illegal substance was brought to the city where it was weighed and valued. Head of CANU, James Singh told media operatives Tuesday that his agency was acting in support of the GRA’s container control programme. “A check of the vessel showed that this container had contraband inside; as such we offloaded the container, brought it to Georgetown where the examination was done.” The next destinations for the cargo ship would have been Spain, Holland and Belgium. UGSHOULD HAVE GIVEN FREDDIE KISSOONA HEARING — LAWYERS’ ADVICE TO OMBUDSMAN Almost three years after his contract was terminated,

Kaieteur News

former University of Guyana (UG) lecturer Frederick ‘Freddie’ Kissoon, maybe getting a hearing. Kissoon was on a contract with the University of Guyana when the university terminated the contract. At the time he had reached the age of retirement. Rather than the story that he was dismissed, the University said that it merely ended the contract earlier, eight months before the contract expired. The contract stipulated that it could be terminated and three months’ salary paid in lieu of notice. Following a complaint lodged last year with the Office of the Ombudsman, UG was notified that the newspaper columnist’s contract termination breached UG’s regulations and that he should be compensated. Public complaints judge, Ombudsman Winston Moore, in a letter dated December 22, last, to now retired Registrar, Vincent Alexander, stated that: “This office has been advised that Mr Kissoon was wrongfully dismissed, his dismissal being in breach of Statute 25 of the University of Guyana Statutes which provides for notice and a hearing, as pre-conditions for dismissal. In the circumstances Mr Kissoon is entitled to compensation from the university.” UG now has to respond to the Ombudsman’s letter. Tuesday, Justice Moore made it clear that he did not conduct an investigation into Kissoon’s complaint. Nor did he make any findings. He said that the notification to UG was based on legal advice he received. “I sought and obtained counsel’s opinion on the issue and I transmitted same to the Registrar of the University of Guyana.” SPEEDING MINIBUS KILLS ONE, SEVERAL INJURED A female security guard was killed on the spot at around 17.00 hrs Wednesday after a speeding bus she was travelling in crashed into a utility pole at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Lynette Joseph, of Coverden, East Bank Demerara, was reportedly sitting next to the conductor and was pinned for several minutes in the vehicle. The National Hardware Limited employee succumbed just as rescuers were taking her to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital. The driver, identified as Travis Davis, reportedly suffered minor injuries, and Kaieteur News understands that he had repeatedly ignored

Page 37

pleas by some passengers to slow down. At least three other passengers were injured. Among them were Vanessa Tappin and her husband, Oswin Tappin, reportedly of Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara; and Joylene Barker, 50, of Second Street Grove, East Bank Demerara. They were also treated at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital. According to reports, the minibus, BSS 9471, which was heading towards Georgetown, was passing another vehicle when the driver lost control and slammed into a metal utility pole. THURSDAYEDITION 12 SLAUGHTERED IN ATTACK ON PARIS MEDIAHOUSE Twelve people were killed by gunmen, armed with AK47s, who attacked the offices of Charlie Hebdo, a publication in Paris, France, that has enraged Muslims for publishing cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad. The officials identified the suspects as Said Kouachi and Cherif Kouachi, two brothers in their 30s, both French. News reports said that the men were linked to a Yemeni terrorist network. Cherif Kouachi was convicted in 2008 of terrorism charges for helping funnel fighters to Iraq’s insurgency and sentenced to 18 months in prison. On their way to the magazine office, the hooded men killed a maintenance worker, then stormed into an editorial meeting, where they killed eight journalists. A source familiar with the Paris investigation told NBC News that the men targeted those magazine employees who had created or published cartoons showing Muhammad — asking for their victims by name. They executed editor and cartoonist, Stephane Charbonnier, popularly known as Charb; Bernard Maris, a Bank of France economist who was a columnist for the magazine; and three cartoonists among others. LUNCHEON, RAMSAMMY DIFFER ON COST OVERRUNS FOR HOPE CANAL PROJECT Whether there are or aren’t cost overruns for the $3.6B Hope/Dochfour Canal which is now heading toward its sixth deadline, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon and Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, have differing opinions.

Dr Ramsammy was recently asked if there are major costs overruns on the Project. “The macro structure is completed. There is some associated work to be completed but there are no cost overruns.” He said that the associated work has to do with backfilling and operator building for the project. Commenting on the failed deadlines, Dr Ramsammy retorted that Courtney Benn, one of the contractors on the project, requested an extension. He added that the quality of work thus far is “excellent.” He also stated that the Ministry was faced with two decisions, either terminate the contract which would have caused more extensive delays and cost over runs or choose to the route of extension of the deadline at “no cost.” But Dr. Luncheon who was asked about whether Cabinet was updated on the reasons for the delays of the project and the likelihood of cost overruns, on Wednesday said that he is aware that the project is on its sixth deadline, and that a series of “ponderables” delayed it. He said that Government is now looking at a 2015 second quarter deadline and “of course there are cost overruns.” He added that he would not be able to qualify the overruns sustained - they would be calculated when the project is finished and the defects liability is invoked. FRIDAYEDITION INDIAAPPROVES US$60M LOAN FOR GUYANA - MAINLY FOR EAST BANK-EAST COAST ROAD LINK India has approved a new Line of Credit of US$60M for two major projects in Guyana. The monies will fund the

East Bank-East Coast of Demerara road link, and a ferry to be used in the North West District area. According to news reports out of India Thursday, the deals were initially agreed to after meetings between President Donald Ramotar and Indian PM on the sidelines of the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Gandhinagar. Modi has also signaled intentions for India to set up its first IT Centre of Excellence in Guyana. “President Donald Ramotar and I had a very good meeting. We discussed ways of enhancing India-Guyana co-operation,” Modi tweeted later. Ramotar is the chief guest at the event where he is set to join a number of high profile personalities from around the world to receive one of India’s highest overseas awards. “In the meeting there were discussions on possibilities of India assisting Guyana, and the Prime Minister has informed that for two major projects, India will be providing a line of credit for approximately US$60 million,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told reporters. Modi also announced ‘Visa on Arrival’ facility for citizens of the Republic of Guyana, which is home to a large number of people of Indian origin. It was also being reported that Guyana may be seeking India’s help into struggling sugar industry, with Ramotar also showing “keen interest in understanding India’s cooperative movement”. SATURDAY EDITION ATTACK ON PRESS FREEDOM…GLARING SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PARIS MAGAZINEAND KAIETEUR NEWS -DR. THOMAS

Executive member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Professor emeritus, Clive Thomas, has said that there is a striking but scary resemblance between the recent attack on press freedom in Paris and that which is happening in Guyana. On Wednesday last, three French nationals violently attacked the office of Parisian satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, and killed 12 persons. They have since been killed after a massive police manhunt. The French media workers were murdered by gunmen who claimed to be Muslims acting in retaliation for cartoons the magazine published that did not find favour with them. The publication had been warned that it was treading on dangerous grounds and was asked to retract its cartoon depictions. As a result of the threat posed, the French Government had provided police security for staffers of the magazine. It was revealed last year that certain highranking government officials and other “powerful” persons were out to destroy Kaieteur News at all cost. The publication was warned last year that if it didn’t back off from doing certain investigative reporting, it would suffer a similar fate – with gunmen storming the premises and shooting indiscriminately. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, in a profanity-laced recording, was heard telling a senior reporter that “innocent people” working at Kaieteur News would be in harm’s way as a result of the types of stories the newspaper has been carrying.

Page 38

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

Being active tied to lower alcoholism risk

Getting more exercise throughout life is tied to a reduced risk of abusing alcohol that requires treatment, according to a new study from Denmark. In a group of adults followed for 20 years, those who reported being more active in their free time were less likely to need hospitalization or treatment for an alcohol use disorder, but the direction and explanation for the relationship is unclear. “Although we and for that matter others have not proven a causal relationship between physical activity and risk of developing alcohol use disorders, it is likely that there is a causal link,” said Dr. Ulrik Becker of the National Institute of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark in Copenhagen, coauthor of the new report. “We know from other studies that physical activity reduces the risk of other psychiatric problems . . . as well as studies that seem to show that physical activity increases the benefit of treatment in alcohol use disorder patients,” Becker told Reuters Health by email. Researchers used data from a series of four surveys mailed to more than 18,000 adults in Copenhagen between 1976 and 2003, including questions about their leisure time physical activity, medications, alcohol use and smoking. The researchers divided respondents into three groups based on leisuretime activity level: high levels of activity (more than four hours per week), low levels (two to four hours

per week), and sedentary. About half of the respondents reported high levels of activity throughout the study. In 1976, 20 percent reported being sedentary, which decreased to 10 percent in 2001. The researchers linked these questionnaire responses to national patient registries of all people given outpatient treatment or admitted to a hospital for an alcohol use disorder in Denmark through 2011. By the end of the study, 736 people, or four percent of the original group, had been diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder. People who reported low or high levels of leisure time activity had similar risks for an alcohol use disorder, but people in the sedentary group had a higher risk, the authors write in Alcohol and Alcoholism. Men and women who reported at least low levels of physical activity were 30 to 40 percent less likely to be diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder than those in the sedentary group. Activity at work was not associated with alcohol use disorders, the authors write. “These results strengthen the general recommendation of increased physical activity and add to the long list of beneficial effects of physical activity,” Becker said. Likely more than half of what determines alcohol use disorders is genetic, but environmental factors, like physical activity, are also important, he said. “It’s an interesting observational study and demonstrates there’s some correlation,” said Michael T. French, who was not part of

the new study but directs the Health Economics Research Group at the University of Miami. French studied a large group of U.S. adults in 2009 and found that heavier drinkers tended to exercise more, which does not align with the new results. “Like the study of ours, the most you can say is that there seems to be an association,” French told Reuters Health by phone. Their findings may have differed because French’s study included a range of alcohol use, whereas Becker’s study was limited to the most extreme drinkers who ended up hospitalized, he said. “They are hypothesizing that less physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle is going to affect your risk of an alcohol use disorder,” French said. “It’s equally possible that acquiring a disorder is going to lead to a sedentary lifestyle.” “They decided they’re going to look at physical activity as predictors, but we thought it was more plausible to look in the other direction,” he said. French stressed that at this point, trying to explain why activity influences alcohol disorders, or vice versa, is only conjecture. “It’s an interesting topic, worth exploring, but I would be cautious when interpreting the results,” he said.

We are life savers, you should be one too!Donate blood today!!!

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Angelina Jolie meets pope after Vatican screening of her film

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie met Pope Francis on Thursday after a screening at the Vatican of her film “Unbroken”, the Vatican said. The pope was not present at the screening but Jolie, who is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and two of her children met him briefly afterwards, a spokesman said. Her

husband Brad Pitt was not present. Jolie, 39, directed the film about American Olympian and World War Two hero Louis Zamperini, whose plane was shot down over the Pacific during World War Two. It tells the story of his survival in a raft for nearly two months and his later ordeal as an inmate in prisoner of war camps.

Superheroes triumph at People’s Choice awards The people have spoken and superheroes continue to rule the movie pack, as Captain America, Iron Man and Batman were among the top winners at the People’s Choice awards on Wednesday. “Iron Man” and “Avengers” star Robert Downey Jr. was named favorite movie actor for the fourth year in a row, and favorite dramatic actor. “I want to eat you up and you’re never going anywhere,” Downey said, quoting his toddler son. Downey’s fellow Avenger, “Captain America” star Chris Evans won favorite action movie actor, and said “I don’t win stuff so this is kind of cool,” as he accepted the crystal statuette. Amy Adams awarded her “Batman vs. Superman” costar Ben Affleck with the favorite humanitarian award, praising his work in providing aid and trying to change policy to help improve the lives of the people of Eastern Congo. “I’ve been called a lot of things in my life but I’m not sure if humanitarian is ever one of them,” Affleck said. “The one way to combat the sad things we see, the terrible things we see, is to bring a little bit of kindness into the world,” he added, dedicating the award to his Eastern Congo Initiative. The People’s Choice Awards are voted for by fans online in categories spanning film, television and music.

Robert Downey Jr. accepts the award for favorite movie actor during the 2015 People’s Choice Awards in Los The ceremony, aired live on the CBS network, kicks off Hollywood’s annual awards season that culminates with the Academy Awards on Feb. 22. Disney’s “Maleficent” triumphed over “Captain America,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “22 Jump Street” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past” for favorite movie. Melissa McCarthy won the People’s Choice award for favorite comedic movie actress, while Adam Sandler won favorite comedic movie actor for the fifth consecutive year. At 93, Betty White - best known for her role in the “Golden Girls” sitcom - was named favorite TV icon, accepting her award amid a standing ovation.

Page 39

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 53

Should Guyanese in the diaspora vote in Guyana’s elections? By Ralph Seeram With elections in Guyana around the corner, the subject of overseas Guyanese voting in local elections was suggested to me by someone who feels that the subject should be revisited once again. This is a subject that will not sit well with quite a lot of people. In fact it is a very controversial subject and in all probability will, as we Guyanese say, “raise ants nest” Roughly four years ago prior to the last elections the subject was raised by former PPP stalwart and former Speaker of Parliament, Ralph Ramkarran. Mr. Ramkarran at the time was of the view that the Constitution does not specifically prevent Guyanese overseas from voting, meaning that Guyanese in the Diaspora can vote in local elections. Another component of the argument then was that

the National Registration Act which limits voter registration to only local residents conflicts with the constitution and therefore was unconstitutional. As I recall Mr. Ramkarran at the time was not advocating for overseas Guyanese to vote in local elections, but was merely pointing out that the Constitution does not prevent that possibility. Mr. Ramkarran needs no introduction to the Guyanese society, and if there is anyone who should know about constitutional matters it is him. However not being lawyer I would leave the legal aspect of the debate to the legal scholars. I as a practical person prefer to take the practical and realistic approach to the subject, the way the average Guyanese in and out of Guyana may see it. Why would Guyanese like me who “took up our bundle” and left the shores

of Guyana to settle in another country, feel that we have the right to help determine the fate of the fellow Guyanese we left behind? I mean, “we cut and run” so why do we think we have the right to help determine the fate of those back home? The most compelling argument those in the Diaspora use to justify their position to vote in local elections is that they contribute to the local economy by making remittances and other material contributions to the Guyanese economy. The Guyanese economy, whether the government wants to admit it or not, is dependent on remittances. Some feel that as much as onethird of the economy depends on Guyanese overseas. Some argue that they are “Guyanese to the bone” and that they should still be given the privilege to vote. I know Guyanese who are 20, 30 and 40 years removed

from Guyana who never went back, who never looked back. Should those people have a right to determine the fate of the locals? This argument that we should have a say because we contribute to the economy is all nonsense to me. Whether they get to vote or not, no one in the Diaspora will stop sending money and other materials things to their relatives and friends because they can’t vote, so the threat of the economy collapsing is not going to happen. One must understand that there is in all probability more than twice the number of Guyanese living abroad than in Guyana. I mean 50 years ago the population was about the same as it is now, around 750,000 people. This potentially means that Guyanese abroad could decide the outcome of local election, taking away from the locals the right to determine their own fate. The argument that Indian

56 months jail for drug trafficker A 22-year-old father to be and his friend have been jailed for 56 months on a drug trafficking charge after they were caught red-handed weighing and packaging a quantity of marijuana in a bedroom two months ago. Julius Joyce, of Middle Road, East La Penitence, and his friend, Ziggy Webster, were caught by a party of police ranks who raided a Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown house on November 14, last. Inspector Joel Ricknauth, who prosecuted the case, said that Joyce, Webster and Latoya Osborne were the only ones around when the drug was discovered. The men, he said, were on the bed weighing and placing the drug into small zip-lock bags. The court heard that the ranks rounded up the items and took the three into custody. The substance was later tested and weighed. It amounted to 255 grammes. The three were initially charged and when they first appeared in court on August 25, last, they pleaded not guilty to the drug trafficking charge. A trial subsequently got underway and the Magistrate Judy Latchman had ruled that a prima facie case was not made out against the woman. The charge was dismissed against Osborne. The lengthy sentence was handed down at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday last, but Webster, previously released

Convicted: Julius Joyce on high court bail, had absconded trial and evaded immediate imprisonment. As she ruled, the Magistrate recalled the defence the 22-year-old had led. Joyce, who represented himself, had stated that he was at home sleeping when he got the phone call from a friend telling him to come by and visit him at Middle Road, La Penitence. He said it was shortly after he arrived and was conversing with his friends, that the Police raided the premises. Joyce insisted that he had no knowledge of the drug. Ruling Magistrate Latchman said that she believed that he went into the bedroom, that the police ranks raided the room and informed him that he would be charged for drug trafficking. She noted, however, that he had never denied weighing the drug and said that the court had counted on the testimonies of the two police

Convicted: Ziggy Webster witnesses in the matter. She related that the one of the ranks, Detective Constable Eastman, had told the court that when they arrived at the premises the bedroom door was ajar and he peeped in. Eastman observed them weighing and packaging the drug before entering the room. When the ranks checked, they found the illegal drug on the bed; some already packaged off. The Magistrate said that she considered whether the

men had control of the drug and had believed Eastman who testified that they were weighing and packaging it. She said that given the weight of the drug and their actions, there was no doubt that it was intended for trafficking. They were found guilty as charged. During mitigation, Inspector Ricknauth revealed that there was no record of Joyce ever being charged or convicted. Trembling, the 22-year-old said that he was involved in a common law relationship and his first child is expected next month. Ruling, Magistrate Latchman mulled over the seriousness and prevalence of drug trafficking in society. She has considered too the quantity and street value of the drug which was $127,500. Joyce was sentenced to prison and fined $382,500 – three times the street value of the drug. Webster too will be subjected to the same punishment if caught by the police.

nationals from India or US can vote in their respective government elections is not a strong comparative argument. Overseas-based citizens of those countries can hardly influence the outcome of elections in those countries. On the other hand, Guyana is in a unique situation where most of its citizen’s lives abroad and can certainly determine which party governs the country, because of their overwhelming numbers. We Guyanese are scattered all over the world, from Greenland to Africa, Europe etc. Sometimes I am amazed from where I receive emails. Guyanese are everywhere. Some older folks will not like the idea of overseas voting when they remember the fraud perpetrated by the PNC which now calls itself APNU in the 1968 and 1973 elections with overseas votes. Today the dynamics has changed and one wonders who would gain from overseas vote, which political party stands to gain. The PPP has been strong opponents of overseas voters because of what the PNC/APNU did in elections when they PNC were in power. Today the shoes is on the other foot, we know that large numbers of the PPP supporters have left the shores of Guyana, the PPP votes have been dwindling. While I do not have strong numbers to support it, there is evidence that most of the Guyanese migrating are PPP supporters, so by extension the PPP has more to gain if overseas Guyanese are allowed to vote.

It would be interesting to know if the PPP will now be open to the idea, can someone in the local press raise this question. Personally I don’t subscribe to the idea that I should vote in the affairs of Guyana. I don’t walk in the shoes of the relatives who lost a love one because a mother died in child birth or after childbirth due to negligence by medical personnel. I don’t wear the shoes of the ordinary Guyanese, who experience blackouts, poor potable water service, floods, frustration wasting time and money to get a passport, birth certificate, license, the drivers who are constantly being robbed by policemen in and out of traffic uniform, from victims of crime who complain that police arrived hour after the crime because they have no vehicles. I don’t walk in the shoes of those who are doing well in the present economy, the businessmen, the miners, the drug barons, those who own their own homes and cars and satisfied with the status quo. I am just someone who goes once or twice a year to Guyana, spends a few weeks, have some drinks with the boys, eat some bush meat and fresh fish and head back to the comforts of my new homeland. Those few weeks do not give me the right to help decide the future of the locals, and it certainly does not give those so called Guyanese who never returned or are years removed from Guyana the right to vote locally. Ralph Seeram can be reached at email: ralph365@hotmail.com and Facebook.

Page 54

Kaieteur News

SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

VACANCY International Cruiseline Purser officers, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionists, storekeepers, cleaners, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, musicians etc – Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 695-9880; 669-4755 Waitresses to work at a Bar at Agriculture Road –E.C.DTel:612-2522 Cashier, pump attendant, cleaner. Send application to Shell Ramsburg, Providence E.B.D Night Shift Supervisor, emailshellramsburg@gmail.com or Shell Ramsburg, Providence E.B.D Vacancy for experienced dispatcher- Call: 231-4000 or 231-4001 Work from home; earn $5,000-20,000 daily, www.jobfairworldwide.com Call: 233-6517; 622-1957 Call Monday – Friday 9am-5pm Graphic Artist, office clerks, age 30-40yrs – Tel: 233-2725 Restaurant: Kitchen, dining, bar & office clerk, accountant. Apply in person to 176 Middle St. Georgetown. Senior Machinist, Mechanic, Welder Fabricator - Apply at Technical Services Inc. Lot 18-23 Eccles EBD Driver, Tool Room Clerk, Accountant, Cleaner (Male for workshop)- Apply @Technical Services Inc. 1823 Eccles EBD Assistant Salesgirls E.C.DCall: 644-9802; 603-5416 I.T Electronic Security officer: CCTV Experienced , 4 CXC Subjects, Salary Based on Qualifications – Call: 231-6052; 680-0515; 660-2393 Bouncers:Able bodied , Military Experienced will be an asset – Call: 231-6052; 680-0515; 660-2393 Security Officers: Military Experienced , $210 to $250 an hour (8hrs & 12hrs Shift) – Call: 231-6052; 680-0515; 6602393 Bond clerk, Cleaner, Accounts Clerk, Waitress/Waiter, Security Officer & Engineer; interested persons can contact: 603-4094 Experienced bartenders – Call between 7am to 9am: 2258572

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL-$4,000&UPPERDAYCALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

Bleach-Blue for body, face & hair, available in 1 lb bags for $4,000, discount for larger volumes – Phone 264-3310; 600-3927

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL: 6294946 OR 225-4822 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, washing machines, AC Units- Call Lindon on 6411086; 694-2202 Sewing done within 48hrs; school clothes, dance costumes, mash costumes etc – Call Roxi’s Fashion: 2278538 German (RHEA) Dental Lab @ 14 Public Road, Golden Grove, E.C.D: Specialized in Acrylic & Dental repairs – Call: 255-3290 BrianMoe@642-3543; Computer Technician; FB:Brian.Moe.165; Home and office visits at your comfort!! Cheap! Cheap! House plan drafting and yes! Free Estimate – Call:618-7848; 695-3408; now before offer ends. ACCOMODATION Aracari Hotel 24 HRs: AC, Cable, Wi-Fi, Restaurant & Bar, Pool & Gym, Salon & Spa & more. Rates from $45 – Call:264-2946-8

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Two 320CL Caterpillar, Excavators; good condition, price to go – Call: 611-4775 Promix BX with microrize $10,500 per bag; ask for Rayman – Call: 615-2346; 6280200, 263-5300

FOR RENT

SERVICES

Sunday January 11, 2015

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) & MORE, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 2 bedroom upstairs house with parking @ ‘BB’ Eccles $65,000 – Tel:233-2607 or 6178617 Beauty Stations for hairdresser or barbers – Call Modfin Salon: 225-6026; 6822604 or 301 Church & Thomas Street. Luxurious 2 bedroom apartment to rent furnished or unfurnished @ Eccles AA Scheme – Call:686-5625 1 Upper flat 3 bedrooms apartment @ Ixora Ave. Eccles - $80,000, available February 2015, serious enquiries – Contact: 233-2583 or 601-7229 Five bedrooms house @ 107 Lamaha Gardens & large parking, AC rooms, hot & cold, purified water system Call: 661-8908; 335-3590 Prime business place for offices on Sheriff Street – Call: 627-6740 Office space in Kitty – Call: 652-5322 One Nail & Hair station for rent @ Prime Location – Call: 225-4665; 676-4316; 624-3996 2 bedrooms apartment 20X20 in Diamond; preferably Christian with no small children – Call: 592-689-8258 (Sunday after 12pm) House to rent in Friendship E.B.D – Tel: 266-0163. 2 & 3 Bedrooms apartment for rent @ Mon Repos E.C.D - $55,000 – Contact: 692-9295 or 660-5233 CATERING Catering for conference, retreats, weddings, re-union, family fun day and special events. Phone: 264-2946-8

Tacoma/Tundra Parts, Canter black box, HC engine – Call: 680-6374 1- 10,000 Watts alternator (new), 1-small diesel engine (used) – Call: 669-7224 Brand new power fist, 6,500 watts gasoline generator on wheels 110/240 volts AC/DC – Contact:617-2205; 681-1032 Household items for sale, plants, 1 galaxy s4 (brand new) – Call: 675-4066 Generator – 65KVA Perkins 4236 Engine – Tel: 623-9761 4 Piece High Definition Security cameras with installation from $90,000 – Contact Randy: 611-3038 Marine parts (In Board) engines from 20HP to 500Hp Propeller gearbox, shaft, gland all electronics etc – Call: 674-3735; 652-8970 Mixed breed puppies for sale Call:253-3114; 692-0126 1- Complete 6" Dredge for mining, includes 6 Cylinder Perkins & 1-4 Cylinder. All pumps, mats, etc, asking $3M – Contact: 610-1001.

VEHICLE FOR SALE Tractors Massey Ferguson from Canada MF265 -$2.1M, MF165 - $1.8M, MF135 $1.2M, Pickup Ranger $1.6M – Call: 682-5230; 6289596 Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 Unregistered Premio, Bluebird Sylphy, 07 Fielder, 06 Allion, Axela Sports; Best Grade & Best Prices – Call: 616-3413; 6926159 City’s Motor’s Pitbull Bus - $3.250M, VVTI Bus - $2.675M, Runx - $2.275M, 212 $2.150M,Allion -$2.4M, Raum $2.250M, Sienta - $2.100M – Call:623-6070 2005/ 6yrs Silver Toyota Allion, new shape, lights at D.North Auto Sales, low mileage - $2.550M – Tel:6630584 Toyota Spacio, Body Kit, Rims, spoiler, CD player; never registered - $2.1M – Call: 617-2891 AT192 Carina - $800,000 – Tel:641-4192; 229-6515 Newly registered Toyota Allion with Body Kit – Call: 667-4774 Spacio 2004, Body Kit, rims, camera, spoiler, dark interior, crystal light, new shape (unregistered) – Tel: 617-5536 1 Two RZ Engine Long Base EFI minibus 1 and Mitsubishi lancer PKK Series – Call: 6901393; 261-5427 1 Honda 600RR, Toyota 212, 192, 170, Raum, Allion, IST, AE100 Sprinter, Honda CRV – Tel:644-5096; 697-1453

1 RAV 4 PJJ 5963 - $1.3M, also plant pots with plant – Tel:233-2607; 617-8617 Transformer: 25KVA industrial single phase 480/ 240/120V U.S.A PAD MOUNTED– Tel: 623-9761

One Toyota Voxy recently registered; immaculate condition; GSS Series –Call: 643-0266

Yamaha 40HP outboard engine in good working condition- Tel:226-0240 New Samsung Galaxy Note 4 - $145,000 negotiable – Call:689-0980 Original pools table cloth, balls, pocket cuestick, rubber, coinshute, chalk spring, chalk holder, coins– Call: 669-9927 Sale on black Leotards and tights; coloured leotards too – Call Roxie’s Fashion – 2278538 Raw Spandex black and white only @ Roxie’s Fashion- Call: 622-4386 Panel/Fancy Glass Doors @ HADCO in Bagotstown Public Road, Next to Harbour Bridge Mall – Call: 233-6743 Car wash Vacuum, 1 Freezer – Call: 686-5625 PSP games $800, Computer games $1000 & over 1200 titles. Contact:675-2239; BBM 7FF1557E

One F350 Ford 4X4, Turbo Charge 8 Cylinder Diesel Solid Def 4WD - $4M Negotiable – Call Junior Percival: 261-5304; 6654611 One FX4 F150 Ford 4X4 Super custom sports model - $3.8M NegotiableCall Junior Percival: 2615304; 665-4611 One Ford Driven Tractor 60HP, 600 Hours; almost new - $2.2M negotiable - Call Junior Percival: 261-5304; 665-4611

1 Enclosed Canter Truck $550,000 – Call: 676-0455

15 Ton dump Truck very good working condition, price very attractive – Call: 681-5988, 675-5448 One Toyota Prado – PFF8555 Contact Partners in Rural Development- Tel 226-5891, 2277839 Toyota Runx; PRR Series; excellent condition, AC, CD/ DVD, Back up camera, rims $1.8M – Call: 627-7261

WANTED Space around G/Town to teach Ballroom & Latin Dance – Call: 612-6475 or 629-8842 One cook for family in the interior – Tel: 691-6260 C H I C K E N FARM WORKER NEEDED IN TRINIDAD, FREE HOUSING , SALARY TT$800 WEEKLY. CALL KELVIN: 868-287-4454 / 718-641-1252 Couple-female experienced cook/housekeeper. Malegrounds man/handyman; Live in at Essequibo tourist resort- Tel-624-8694 One day time security guard, between ages 35-50, preferably from Georgetown, previous experienced required – Call: 225-3198; 623-3231 Security Guard: only experienced with weapon, flexible working hour – Monday -Saturday Police clearance needed Call: 2318344 Salesgirls & porters; apply with written application at Best Buy Food Supplies @ Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street Campbellville. From 2pm -12pm; 4 waitresses to work at Bora Sports Bar at W.C.D – Call: 680-0129; 276-1925 1 Live in domestic or maid to work; salary $50,000 monthly; age 25-45 - Call: 675-7043; 688-5409 or 664-5199 Experienced cooks for International & Creole Dishes –Call Winston: 660-6446 Salesperson/Cashier; male & female – Apply in person with written application at Nirva Supermarket – Contact: 227-5771 Office clerk senior clerk/ junior CXC English / Mathematics an Asset –Call: 219-5354 Experienced salesgirl from ages 25-40 location @ 23 Lambard Street, Christine Variety Store – Contact: 6268003; 227-8529 Truck Drivers & security Guard – Call: 218-5105; 2181156 Girls to sell Ice Cream on truck – Call: 693-2897 Live waitresses – Call: 2285129; 604-8277 One live-in maid; must know to cook; preferably from country area – Tel: 691-6260 1 Live in housekeeper and Te a c h e r t o g i v e c h i l d lesson in Diamond – Call: 675-8101 PEN PAL Indian male is seeking female between ages 30-33. Call: 665-3246 (no texting) (Continued on page 55)

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 55

Young pandit follows family tradition Pandit Avinash Deodhari Sharma has not lost his baby features completely. In fact, the young Pandit looks more like a schoolboy which makes it even harder for one to fully appreciate that indeed he is a young leader. The 20-year-old has been in practice as a Pandit and has been manning the Sri Bhavaneshwar Vidya Mandir, at Henrietta Village for two years now. His journey began with him starting to perform rituals at age eight. His profession however as a Hindu Priest is one based on Traditional Continuation. “I have been practising since age eight. Then I initiated the necessary sacred vow to uphold the duties of being a Bramhim.” Looking back at the history of the Sharma family of Richmond Village, Essequibo Coast, it didn’t take long to establish that it was not by any chance that young Sharma became a Hindu Priest. The Sharmas have a long history of producing Pandits. That started with Sharma’s late grandfather, Pandit Deohari Ramdass Sharma. His father, Purnindu Sharma, subsequently took over after the death of the senior Pandit. Avinash’s older brother, Ajay Sharma, also adopted the religious path and has been in practice for two years. Avinash Sharma told me

Pandit Avinash Deodhari Sharma that although his aim is to make significant impacts, especially on the lives of people with whom he consistently interfaces during the attendance at Hindu ceremonies and rituals, his other option would have been to pursue a career in accountancy. The young Pandit continues to make a name for himself on the Essequibo Coast, in the Pomeroon and Georgetown where he has already garnered huge popularity. But who is young Avinash? Avinash has friends, like any young man and likes to spend time networking with those friends once his days are less busy. Growing up in a religious

Food and Drug... From page 52 ventilated. ii: He or She should provide air conditioning, refrigeration, and freezing facilities for sensitive foods such as dairy products, preserved vacuum packaged meat products, chocolates and other confectionary. iii: Labels should comply with the labelling requirements as set out in Section 8 of the Food & Drugs Regulations No.10 of 1977. iv: All foods sold on the domestic markets should be labelled in English. It is the onus of Importers to ensure that official English translations are provided for and affixed to foods labelled in foreign language. v: All products arriving in the country must have a minimum of 75% of the stated shelf life at the time of entry. vi: Satisfactory records with respect of origin of products, names and addresses of suppliers, distribution points and recall of the products should be kept. vii: A certificate of analysis, endorsed by the Regulatory Authority of the country of origin, must accompany each consignment.

The Department reminded that all relevant customs document must be submitted for examination before the consignments are released through the Customs and Trade Administration. The full cooperation from Importers, the body said, is expected in the interest of consumer safety and protection.

family, the young Hindu leader is the last of three children. He explained that it was not easy to have escaped the traditional path of becoming a pandit, since his late grandfather and father served in that capacity. Sharma added that from a very tender age he used to accompany his father to Hindu Rituals. His attendance however became more routine over the years. “It became easier for me since I knew from a tender age that I would have become a Pandit, just like my father. So when the time came for me to take the Spiritual vow, it was natural”. Pandit Sharma starts his day by performing his morning chores, which include cleaning and feeding his dog, (a mixed pit bull breed) and watering the plants. On any given day additional time would be spent revising the Holy Scriptures and playing the harmonium. Sharma who is a member of the National Pandit

Organization of Guyana, says that he wants to see more positive in today’s society. He says that he wants to see himself in the not too distant future, as a young leader who innovates and enriches lives spiritually daily. He also wants to be able to convince more young people to adopt and be more serious about their spirituality and to serve God. The young Pandit recommends daily meditation. He attended the C.V.Nunes Primary School before attending the Cotton Field Secondary. A few of his years were spent at IDCE and the Essequibo Technical Institute. The young pandit has performed numerous weddings and funerals as well as Hindu Ceremonies in his young career. He encourages his fellow youths to not only strive for curriculum achievement but to also embrace the spiritual path. “The greatest richness is one’s mind.” (By Yannason Duncan)

(From page 54)

PEN PAL Companion 38+ for retired gentleman, Write:Bobby Other, Worksharp, 92-96 Lord Street, PR8 1JR, England.

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel:698-7807; 690-6494

TO LET 2 bedroom apartment $55,000 @ Dowding Street Kitty –Call: 674-3735; 6528970 Rooms & Apartment in Alberttown & Eccles – Call: 225-3234 Fully Grilled; 3 bedrooms bottom flat at Pearl E.B.D – Call: 694-3540; 669-7201. Three bedrooms top flat to rent in Alexander Village – Call: 688-1647

PROPERTY FOR SALE Land with small concrete house; for sale in Grove over 8,000 Sq. Ft. Call: 612-4030; 216-2759 2 Storied concrete house with 3 bedrooms at 8th Street Foulis Housing Scheme – Call: 256-3360; 685-8485 Large house lot @ Zeeburg; fenced; bearing fruit trees; front & rear access – Call: 277-0024; 684-6106 Spacious 4 bedrooms two storied house, two large lots @ De Willem area, all amenities, move-in condition – Call: 277-0024; 684-6106 House & Land @ Cemetery Rd. Helena No.1 Mahaica E.C.D. Land (65FTX150FT) $13M- Tel:689-0820, 674-3902 House @ Parfaite - $8M negotiable, Land @ Parfaite - $1.8M negotiable, House @ TuckVille - $24M negotiable - Contact:621-2733 or 2262196 Property @ East Street, Cummingsburg, Property @ Diamond, EBD – Tel: 654-5400

EDUCATIONAL Practical Electronic Course; Starting 12th January 2015Call Abdul Electronics: 2266551; 225-0391 Balloon Decorating Classes. January 31st – Call: 225-3133 or 613-7513 for more information & registration Certificate in: Cosmetology, nails, wig designs, early child care/ care for elderly classes commence February – Call: 666-5241/ 619-7603 Child care, care for elderly, body massage, dressmaking, cakes & pastries, cake decoration – Contact: 2641052; 663-7930 Personal Tutoring for CXC English A, English B/ Literature, social studies and Information Technology – Contact Mandy: 664-1057 Mathematics Classes available for Grade 9 (Nine) & 10 (Ten) students - $2500 per month – Call: 684-2518; 627-2743

LAND FOR SALE 1500 Acres Transported Land @ Bartica 2 ¾ miles River Front, Virgin Rock, Quarry Resort – Call Mark: 704-4652222/603-1266 Parfaite Harmonie - $1.4M, $3.5M (110ftX50ft) Eccles (100ftX50ft) -$4.5M, Grove $2.5M with foundation – Call: 675-7292 Double Land (300X100) @ Lot 7 Tuschen E.B.E – Call: 672-2215

VEHICLE FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Blowout Sale! – Unregistered 2007 Madza Axela - $2,350,000 – Crystal Lights, Alarm, Steering Wheel Audio Control . Call: 643-6565, 226-9931

Blow Out Sale!!! Unregistered Toyota IST $2,200,000- Bodykit, TV, Spoiler, Fogs, Alloy Wheels, Crystal Lights & Alarm – Call: 643-6565, 226-9931

Page 56

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

France pursues female suspect after deadly sieges PARIS (Reuters) - French authorities hunted for the female accomplice of the militant Islamists who carried out attacks on a satirical newspaper and a Jewish deli in Paris last week, and security forces were on high alert before a march today which will bring together European leaders in a show of solidarity. Local vigils were held across France. The Interior Ministry said about 700,000 people attended, including 120,000 in Toulouse, 75,000 in Nantes, and 50,000 in Marseille. In the worst assault on France’s homeland security for decades, 17 victims were killed in three days of violence that began with an attack on the Charlie Hebdo weekly on Wednesday and ended with Friday’s dual sieges at a print works outside Paris and a kosher supermarket in the city. French security forces shot dead the two brothers behind the Hebdo killings after they took refuge in the print works and an associate who had planted explosives at the Paris deli in a siege that claimed the lives of four

hostages. Yesterday, police maintained a heavy presence around the French capital, with patrols at sensitive sites including media offices. “It’s no longer like before,” said Maria Pinto, on a street in central Paris. “You work a whole life through and because of these madmen, you leave your house to go shopping, go to work, and you don’t know if you’ll come home.” The attack on Charlie Hebdo, a journal that satirized Islam as well as other religions and politicians, raised sensitive questions about freedom of speech, religion and security in a country struggling to integrate five million Muslims. The whereabouts of the partner of the Jewish deli attacker, 26-year-old Hayat Boumeddiene, remained unknown. Police listed her as a suspect in that strike and an earlier killing of a policewoman, describing her as “armed and dangerous”. A source familiar with the situation said that Boumeddiene left France last

…Thousands flood the streets to honour victims of Charlie Hebdo shooting and hostage crisis

Several thousand people walk behind a banner as they march to pay tribute to the victims. (FRANCE - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS SOCIETY CIVIL UNREST)

week and traveled to Syria via Turkey. “On January 2, a woman corresponding to her profile and presenting a piece of identity took a flight from Madrid to Instanbul,” a source familiar with the situation told Reuters. The source said she was

accompanied by a man and had a return ticket for January 9, but never took the flight. He said that Turkish authorities have signaled that she passed the border with Syria on January 8.“All our services are focused on looking for this person,” national police chief

Jean-Marc Falcone told BFMTV television. “We call on her to put herself in the hands of justice.”An official police photograph shows a young woman with long dark hair hitched back over her ears. French media, however, released photos purporting to

be of a fully-veiled Boumeddiene, posing with a cross-bow, in what they said was a 2010 training session in the mountainous Cantal region. French media described her as one of seven children whose mother died when she was young and whose delivery-man father struggled to keep working while looking after the family. As an adult, she lost her job as a cashier when she converted to Islam and started wearing the niqab. Participation of European leaders including Germany’s Angela Merkel, Britain’s David Cameron and Italy’s Matteo Renzi in a silent march through Paris with President Francois Hollande will pose further demands for security forces today. Arab League representatives and some Muslim African leaders as well as Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu will attend.

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 57

Page 58

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

Food and Drug Dept. warns public about unsafe water In light of reports that some suppliers are selling drinking water of questionable quality, the Government Analyst/Food and Drug Department of the Ministry of Health is asking all consumers to be prudent when making purchases. The reports made to the Department highlighted that some persons are in the practice of offering water that was not properly processed for sale and distribution. As such, the Department is advising consumers to ensure the treated water that they purchase, from various sources, in five gallon bottles are properly labeled and sealed. Further, consumers are asked to report any company

that fails to comply with the Department’s minimal requirements as it relates to the sale of treated water to the general public. The Department specified that it is mandatory for manufacturers and distributors to have a valid licence, which is an indicator of compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Bottles they use must be properly cleaned, sanitized, labeled and sealed prior to sale and/or distribution. In addition, manufacturers and distributors must employ trained personnel to work at their facilities and consumers are urged to demand to see a

valid licence issued by the Food and Drug Department when they are purchasing bottled water. The body has issued a call to all water processing factories to confirm to all the Department’s requirements as it relates to the sale and distribution of treated water in 5 gallon bottles. Wa t e r processing factories that were licensed in 2014 include Guy-America Purified Water, First Choice Purified Water, Pure Aqua Purified Wa t e r, F a m i l y C h o i c e Purified Water, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Banks DIH Limited, Water Point, Irish Spring Purified Water, Kaieteur Springs, Smart Water and Best Water.

Muslim worker saves customers …hides them in walk-in freezer

Lassana Bathily A Muslim employee of a kosher grocery store in Paris is being hailed as a hero for hiding several customers in a walk-in freezer to save them from a violent gunman. Lassana Bathily, 24, led the others into the basement

of his workplace, Hyper Cacher, when Amedy Coulibaly opened fire on Friday, according to French media. The gunman burst into the store just hours before the Jewish Sabbath began and killed four people in what President François Hollande called “a terrifying antiSemitic act.” “I opened the door, and several people came in with me. I turned off the lights, I turned off the freezer, and they got into the freezer,” Bathily told local station BFMTV. “I told them to calm down, to not make noise. If he knows we’re here, he can come down and kill us.” The young man managed to exit the facility through a freight elevator, but when he got outside, police mistook him for one of the terrorists and cuffed him, he said. Bathily says he helped the

officers with his knowledge of the floor plan as they prepared to storm the grocery store in the Porte de Vincennes neighborhood of the capital. The people he saved expressed profound gratitude after the violence was over, he said. “When they got out, they congratulated me,” Bathily told the station. “They said, ‘Honestly, thank you for having thought of that,’ and I said, ‘You’re welcome. It’s nothing, that’s life.’” A source told Le Parisien that six people had been holed up in the freezer. At least 19 people are dead, including the three gunmen, after the worst terrorist violence France has seen in decades. A fourth suspect, Hayat Boumeddiene, is still at large. She is thought to be armed and dangerous. (Yahoo News)

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Indonesian search team raises tail of crashed AirAsia plane, no black box found

The tail of AirAsia QZ8501 passenger plane is seen on the deck of the Indonesian Search and Rescue (BASARNAS) ship Crest Onyx after it was lifted from the sea bed. REUTERS/Suharso/Pool

(Reuters) - Indonesian search and rescue teams raised yesterday the tail of an AirAsia passenger jet that crashed nearly two weeks ago with the loss of all 162 people on board, but have yet to locate the black box flight recorders. Indonesia AirAsia Flight QZ8501 lost contact with air traffic control during bad weather on Dec. 28, less than half way into a two-hour flight from Indonesia to Singapore. There were no survivors. Forty-eight bodies, including at least two strapped to their seats, have been found in the Java Sea off Borneo.

Search and rescue teams detected pings they believed were from the flight recorders on Friday and two teams of divers resumed the hunt soon after dawn yesterday. The tail of the Airbus (AIR.PA) A320-200 was found on Wednesday, upturned on the sea bed about 30 km (20 miles) from the plane’s last known location at a depth of about 30 metres (100 feet). Teams of divers working in rubber dinghies battled the swell to attach inflatable balloons to the tail section, which was later towed onto a rescue vessel nearby. But once the tail section was visible, it quickly became

apparent that the flight recorders were still underwater. “We can confirm the black box is not in the tail,” Supriyadi, operations coordinator for the National Search and Rescue Agency, told reporters in the town of Pangkalan Bun, the base for the search effort on Borneo. The aircraft carries the cockpit voice and flight data recorders - or black boxes near its tail. However, officials had said earlier it looked as if the recorders, which will be vital to the investigation into why the airliner crashed, had become separated during the disaster.

UK Prime Minister Cameron to visit Washington next week WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - British Prime Minister David Cameron will have meetings with President Barack Obama this week during a two-day visit to Washington, the White

House said yesterday. Cameron and Obama will have a working dinner on Jan. 15 and a meeting in the Oval Office the following day, the White House said in a statement.

Topics for discussion will include trade and the economy, cybersecurity, Iran, counterterrorism and Islamic State, Ebola, and Russia’s actions in Ukraine, the statement added.

Page 59

Page 60

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

No Guyanese in Windies World Cup squad By Sean Devers The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) yesterday announced the squad for the 2015 Cricket World Cup scheduled from February 14 in Australia and New Zealand and there is no space for any Guyanese in the 15-man side. While Guyanese Leon Johnson and Narsingh Deonarine are both in the West Indies one-day team in South Africa, they were both overlooked for the World Cup, while the established Trinidad & Tobago pair of former One-day Skipper Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard have both been dropped fueling speculation that the role they played in the recent abandoned tour to India played a part in them being sacked. Ravi Rampaul and fellow Trinidadian Samuel Badree

have not been considered due to injury. Fast bowler Kemar Roach returns after suffering an injury in the three-Test series against South Africa, while Darren Bravo is also back after taking time off from the game to deal with some personal matters. Off spinner Sunil Narine, who was reported during the last IPL for a suspect action, was left out of the South Africa series for fear of his action being reported by ICC officials and him being banned. He has been picked in the World Cup squad since even if he is reported during the World Cup he will be allowed to continue playing until the tournament concludes. Towering Bajan left-armer Sulieman Benn is the other specialist spinner in the squad. Rookie all-rounder Jason

Pollard, Dwayne Bravo also ignored Holder gets his first chance at Captaincy, taking over the one-day side from the elder Bravo while the in-form Marlon Samuels, reportedly the only member of the team to India who was against aborting that tour, has been appointed Vice-Captain. Test Captain Denish Ramdin is also in the squad. The most experienced player in the squad is opener Chris Gayle with 258 appearances. Samuels (162), Ramdin (115) and Darren Sammy (115) all have over a hundred ODI games to their names, while opener Dwayne Smith (94) could join that list during the World Cup. Jamaican soldier, left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell and Barbados Jonathan Carter are yet to play at the ODI level.

Sunday January 11, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you might have insights as to how to advance your career. These could come your way through dreams, sudden revelations, or perhaps visions. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) All your relationships should be especially warm and supportive now, Taurus. This is a great day to form a business, personal, or romantic partnership. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Events could involve a job change, promotion, raise, or the opportunity to strike out on your own. Don't kid yourself. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Discussions with those close to you could lead to the discovery of new concepts, perhaps from foreign cultures. You will want to learn more about them, Cancer, as will your friends. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Emotions that run very deep should bring you a lot of satisfaction today, Leo. Relationships of all kinds could also be especially promising. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Relations with neighbors, siblings, or other relatives could get a shot in the arm now, Virgo. For some, your recent business successes cause them to get on the bandwagon. For others, your personal growth could increase their admiration of you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Success in your work continues to bring good fortune your way. Today you might get reassurance that this isn't a flash in the pan. You're likely to be financially secure for a long time. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) As you continue to enjoy success and good fortune, your self-confidence grows, Scorpio, and so you're likely to attract new relationships with fascinating people in exciting fields who share your vision and interests. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today your sensitivity joins forces with practicality. Intuitive insights could come to you today, and you might express your new ideas to others, Sagittarius. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You combine intuition with practicality in everything you do. You're especially communicative and good at dealing with others. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your financial success over the past several weeks may seem too good to be true, Aquarius. It might make yet another leap forward. This should make you happy. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're flying high at this point, Pisces, enjoying the success you've achieved over the past several weeks. Today you could accomplish yet another goal, adding to your feeling of accomplishment.

Carter and Cottrell are both in the West Indies ODI squad to face South Africa in the upcoming ODI series. Convenor of the Selection Panel Clive Lloyd, who has been making a lot of

comments on West Indies cricket recently, said he has high hopes for the squad which is a competitive mix of experienced players and some fresh faces. “I believe we have

WICB announce Central Retainer Contracts for 2014-2015 ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Board of Directors of the West Indies Cricket Board met in Antigua yesterday, January 10, 2015. The Board deliberated on a number of matters including cricket, governance, development, commercial and finance. The Board of Directors approved 12 central retainer contracts for male players as follows: Sulieman Benn, Kraigg Braithwaite, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Jason Holder, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels and Jerome

Taylor Christopher Gayle and Sunil Narine were also offered annual retainer contracts, but they declined. Selection for central retainer contracts was done on the basis of player performance in the various formats with Test cricket being the premier format followed by One-day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals. These contracts will be for the period October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015. A full list of decisions taken at the meeting will be distributed today.

selected a very good team which will do West Indies proud at the World Cup. We have a good mixture of some good seasoned players and some good youngsters who will fly the West Indies flag in Australia and New Zealand,” Lloyd said. “If they play to their potential I am quite sure we will do very well. I have really high hopes in this team – I believe they can do something special. We have the talent and if we can play to our potential we have a very good chance of lifting that trophy,” Lloyd said. Lloyd said that the prestige of the Cricket World Cup offers a significant opportunity for the team to bring pride to the Caribbean region similar to the success of the West Indies team in the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012. “This is a very prestigious world event, one of the biggest sporting events on the international calendar and it is a huge opportunity to create something historic and memorable for West Indies cricket and the people of the region,” Lloyd said. West Indies play their opening match on February 16th against Ireland before facing Pakistan, Zimbabwe, South Africa, India and the United Arab Emirates. The West Indies, under Lloyd, reached the first three Finals (1975, 1979 & 1983), winning the first two before suffering a shocking upset loss to India in the 1983 Final after being well place in their hunt of 183 all out in 54.4 overs in the 60-over contest. However, after Viv Richards was magnificently caught by Skipper Kapil Dev off of Madan Lall for a top score of 33 at 57-3, the defending champions slumped to 140 all out to lose by 43 runs. West Indies World Cup squad: Jason Holder (Captain), Marlon Samuels (Vice Captain), Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor West Indies CWC Pool B Schedule February 16 – West Indies v Ireland at Nelson February 21 – West Indies v Pakistan at Christchurch February 24 – West Indies v Zimbabwe at Canberra February 27 – West Indies v South Africa at Sydney March 6 – West Indies v India at Perth March 15 – West Indies v UAE at Napier

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 61

Radwanska downs Serena, powers EMRIT WANTS END TO TT Poland to HOPMAN CUP TITLE SILVERWARE DROUGHT Agnieszka Radwanska and Jerzy Janowicz kiss the Hopman Cup after defeating Serena Williams and John Isner in the 2015 Hopman Cup final in Perth. REUTERS-Stringer

(Reuters) - Agnieszka Radwanska showed why she should be considered among the favourites for the Australian Open later this month by beating world number one Serena Williams and helping Poland to its first Hopman Cup title in Perth on Saturday. World number five Radwanska claimed a 6-4, 67(3), 6-1 win to put her country 1-0 up against the United States and returned to partner Jerzy Janowicz and beat Williams and John Isner 7-5, 6-3 in doubles as Poland became the 13th nation to win the mixed team event. Isner had overcome Janowicz 7-6(10), 6-4 in the other singles to haul the U.S. back into the contest. “When I go and play against her, you have nothing really to lose, she is number one in the world and a great champion,” Radwanska told reporters of her singles victory. “It doesn’t matter what the score is. It’s never over, she’s a great fighter. I’m just very happy that I could come back after that second set and

play my good game in the third set. “Wins like this always give a lot of confidence.” Radwanska’s first victory over Williams in nine meetings comes after she signed up former American great Martina Navratilova as a coach. Williams, who also lost to Eugenie Bouchard of Canada earlier this week in the round robin, could have done with some advice from the 18-times grand slam singles champion after struggling in the opening set. The American’s forehand was particularly troublesome, contributing to many of her 28 unforced errors as she was broken twice early on to fall 41 behind before losing out 64. The second went with serve as Radwanska pushed and pulled Williams around the court, with the powerful American retaliating by bludgeoning some heavy winners in an even contest. The Pole, a semi-finalist at the Australian Open last year, then broke Williams to go 6-5 up and serve for the match but she was unable to put the

BRISBANE (Reuters) Roger Federer moved to within one win of his 1,000 career victory when he crushed Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov on Saturday to reach the final of the Brisbane International. The Swiss maestro produced a masterclass display to brush aside his young challenger, dubbed “Baby Fed”, 6-2 6-2 in just 53 minutes. Federer will now play Milos Raonic in today’s final after the big-serving Canadian blasted 34 aces

past Kei Nishikori to win the first semi-final 6-7(4) 7-6(4) 76(4). If Federer wins his 83rd career title on Sunday he will join Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl as just the third man to chalk up 1,000 ATP match wins. “It’s a goal for the season, so I still have time to get to a thousand,” he said. “I hope it’s tomorrow, clearly. “ I t ’s a r e a l l y b i g number, no doubt about it. Love to get it tomorrow, especially in the finals in an ATP event where most of my wins have come.

Federer tames Dimitrov to reach Brisbane final

American down as the world number one broke back to force a tiebreak that she took 7-3. However, that was as good as it got for Williams, who will be seeking a 19th grand slam title in Australia, as she collapsed in the third to allow Radwanska to claim the moral boosting win. The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on Jan. 19.

Trinidad & Tobago Newsday - Port of Spain, Trinidad - Newly appointed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 50 overs captain, Rayad Emrit, remains optimistic that the team for the upcoming Nagico Super50 tourney has what it takes to end the nation’s silverware drought. With the twin-island republic presently struggling in the Professional Cricket League Regional Four-Day edition, Emrit is hoping that his team can win the Super50 for the first time since 2010. Earlier in the week, Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board selectors released the official 14-member squad for the competition. TT’s opening match will see the Emrit-led unit squaring off against the West Indies Under-19, which bowls off at Shaw Park, Tobago, on

Friday, from 1.30pm. And Emrit is looking for the likes of Dwayne Bravo, Darren Bravo, Ravi Rampaul, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard to play pivotal roles. “It’s obviously very important for us to win this one,” said Emrit. “I believe if we play to our full potential we can certainly do it. The big five is back, and with the wealth of experience that these guys have coming back into the Trinidad and Tobago setup, it augurs well for our chances of lifting the crown this year. We just have to all perform at our full potential and the title should be ours.” The medium-pacer was also part of the TT team which succumbed to a 17-run defeat at the hands of eventual winners Barbados in the final last year and wants redemption. “The trophy

eluded us last year,” he added. “We barely lost the final and it was actually a game which we should have won. Hopefully we can go one step further this year and collect the crown. We are presently trying to get things together because we will be missing Kieron (Pollard) and Dwayne (Bravo) for the first game.” On a lighter note, Emrit also wished former TT Super50 wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran a speedy recovery having damaged his left knee and ankle in a car accident on the Solomon Hochoy Highway on Tuesday evening. Pooran was returning from training at the Queen’s Park Oval and was immediately replaced by young wicketkeeper, Steven Katwaroo.

Page 62

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

“West Indies battles on - regardless!” Says Colin E. H. Croft At the time of writing this article forty eight hours ago, eleven of the scheduled fourteen national squads for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 had been declared. West Indies’ squad was not among them! Yet, somehow, individuals already seem to know that at least two of WI’s ODI stalwarts, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, both of Trinidad & Tobago, had been omitted from WI’s squad for that competition. It is nigh impossible to hide anything or anyone anymore, but how could that have happened? Common sense suggests that either e-mailed selectors’ discussions had been intercepted; “hacked” – to use the technological term; or alleged omitted players had been notified, then divulged said information to friends and agents, or that WI’s selectors had unknowingly published their plans for WI’s CWC squad! That ‘twittered’ observation from former

West Indies Players Association President Dininath Ramnarine, who prides himself on integrity, a former WI leg-spinner whose career ended after not being selected to tour South Africa in 2003, has left WI cricket in yet another strange state of dizziness. What is wrong with this picture? Will the sniping in West Indies cricket never end? A new year has started. Intrigue in WI cricket continues. Yet, WI should be relatively happy, per the present SA tour, with preparations for its overall cricket for 2015. Already recuperating from its 2-0 loss in the Test series, WI, via Chris Gayle, just beat SA in T-20 No. 1. Expect similar results in T-20 No. 2 and No. 3 too, since T20’s is WI’s most productive cricketing format. Gayle, who missed the Test series due to injury, has started the shorter series well with that dynamic, muscular 77, an innings that included the fastest WI T-20 fifty, five 4’s, eight 6’s, from only 31

deliveries faced. Yet WI struggled somewhat to get SA’s 165-4, ending at 168-6 in 19.2 overs. WI and the entire cricket world are now hoping, holding their collective breaths, keeping fingers and toes crossed, that Gayle not only survives five ODI’s in SA too, but will be fit enough to also play, fire and contribute very well for WI in ICC CWC 2015, which will run for six weeks, containing forty nine games! So, that just completed Test series v SA was not as bad on WI as many had predicted. SA did win, but a few WI players did themselves and their futures in representative teams some positives too. Bowling was WI’s biggest liability in that Test series v SA, as WI’s bowlers did not manage to dismiss SA twice in any of the three Test matches, while SA had massive scores of 552-5d, 4178d, 421 and 124-2. Jerome Taylor, seniormost fast bowler, and oldest, aged 30, was especially disappointing. He looked

terribly jaded, with no pace or aggression, even after a supposed long rest and recuperation from injury. Taylor delivered 83.1 overs in three Tests, only four bowling innings, deluging 323 runs, economy rate 3.9, way too high for Test cricket, while getting only three wickets, a strike rate of an astronomical one wicket every 27 plus overs, averaging 107.33 runs per wicket. That is seriously poor form and returns! Similarly putrid was Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s Test series. 91 runs, five innings, one innings alone 50 not out; innings No. 2, Test No. 3; average 18.20, was as underwhelming as anyone has ever seen Chanderpaul perform. Never did he seem settled against the pace and occasional spin of SA’s bowlers! WI’s batting, overall, was not that great either. No innings got to 350, in five tries, the highest, only once over 300, being 329. But Marlon Samuels, Kraigg Brathwaite and Leon Johnson certainly stood out! Extremely positive was

Samuels’ team-topping aggregate and average, 268 runs, five innings, one century, one half-century; average 53.60. His maturity, shouldering his team’s batting responsibilities, shone through. He seemed to be continuing from that aborted series in India last year. Brathwaite’s efforts were heartening if not as accomplished as expected. 183 runs, one century, five innings, average 36.60, all give hope for better when he plays his next Test series v England. With SA’s pitches not as quick or bouncy as expected, Brathwaite should probably have been more productive. Johnson, on his first tour as a senior WI player, was the biggest positive of WI’s Test effort v SA. He definitely looked the part, unperturbed by SA’s bowlers’ reputations, confident in his own abilities. Five innings, 168 runs, only one half century, average 33.60, all suggest consistency without being spectacular, but Johnson also suffered from general WI’s batsmen’s malaise; 30’s, 40’s and 50’s

seem to be enough. In Test cricket, hardly does anyone notice that a batsman had made a half century! Denesh Ramdin’s captaincy was neither good nor bad, as his batsmen and especially his bowlers let him down badly. Regardless of how innovative he might have thought of being, he did not have the team to even expand SA. Hopefully, v England and Australia later in 2015, Ramdin could have a better squad. Now, WI are more in their element in SA; T-20’s and ODI’s. Look out for more fireworks too! Enjoy! (E-mail: c.e.h.croft@ gmail.com)

South Africa v West Indies, 2nd T20, Johannesburg today...

Proteas must quell Gayle ESPNcricinfo - There were two different games played during the opening T20 in Cape Town: the one by Chris Gayle and then the one by everyone else. Gayle’s extraordinary display of striking, which included a sequence of 52 off 11 balls, meant even another West Indies collapse was not terminal this time. And if Gayle can hit them a long way at Newlands, there had better be a good supply of spare balls at the Wanderers today where the higher altitude means sixes can fly. It would seem, on the evidence of the first match, that South Africa’s main challenge - with their fairly inexperienced attack - is quelling Gayle although this is one of the stronger West Indies line-ups available. The slightly scary prospect for South Africa is that Johannesburg was the

venue for another of Gayle’s famous T20 onslaughts, his 117 off 57 balls during the opening match of the inaugural World T20 in 2007 although, remarkably, it came in defeat as the home side chased down 206 with plenty of time to spare. Faf du Plessis conceded his team were second favourites before this series and, whether or not that was an attempt to transfer the pressure back onto West Indies, the evidence of the opening game supports that view. The Powerplays were not good for South Africa; with the bat they only managed 35 for 2 and then they were hammered to the tune of 78 for none by Gayle. IN THE SPOTLIGHT It has been an interesting few weeks for Imran Tahir. Recalled and dropped from the Test side in the space of two matches, a domestic suspension for a clash with umpires but then retaining his position as the team’s premier one-day spinner. His returns at Newlands showed why he remains a key player with the white ball and it is important for South Africa that Tahir’s confidence stays high for the challenges of the next few months. It was all right on the night

for West Indies after Gayle’s display, but their middle order gave cause for concern as they became lazy with the target in sight. A wobble of 4 for 17 made the end more tense than it should have been and while, perhaps, too much should not be written into it given the state of the match some greater composure would not go amiss. TEAM NEWS South Africa may consider tweaking their pace attack. Marchant de Lange is part of the squad and could replace Kagiso Rabada who bore the brunt of Gayle. Justin Ontong, acting as cover for JP Duminy who remains unavailable, is an option if any tinkering to the batting is wanted. There would appear to be little need for West Indies to make any changes. However, they will want to be careful not to put all their eggs in the Gayle-shaped basket. Bravo and Pollard, reportedly not in the World Cup squad, should be eager to make a point or two. PITCH AND CONDITIONS Expect good pace and carry, which should enable some attacking strokeplay. There is a threat of a storm the last two T20 internationals on this ground were impacted by the weather so locals will have their fingers crossed.

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 63

Guyana’s World Cup dreams hindered by inactivity By Santokie Nagulendran A recent media release by the Guyana Football Federation has outlined Guyana’s potential road to qualifying for the FIFA 2018 World Cup. Qualifying games will take place in June 2015 in the form of a two-legged playoff match against St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, or Grenada. If this was 2011, such ties would not strike any fear into a confident and experienced Guyanese team, however, such has been the turmoil of past years, these opponents now represent a very serious challenge for a Golden Jaguar side now beginning their development from scratch. Having failed to utilise a full-strength side since late 2012 (by full-strength I mean a side that has contained the best foreign-based and domestic Guyanese players), Guyana’s development as a Senior International Team is currently non-existent. The recent 2014 Caribbean Cup qualifiers were the lowest point in Guyana’s footballing history, with the failure to win a single game or even score a single goal in the competition summarising the dreadful reign of Christopher Matthias at the helm of the GFF. The team chosen for that competition had talent, but in no way did it contain the best players in Guyana, either based in Guyana or overseas, and as such, the

The Golden Jaguars celebrate during their impressive 2012 run. performances were not reflective of Guyana’s true capabilities. Potential World Cup opponents St Lucia even inflicted a 2-0 defeat on Guyana during the competition, their first win over Guyana since 1995, and will be confident of another victory should the teams meet in June. It is useful to note that only two years earlier, Guyana had comprehensively beaten St Lucia 3-0 in 2012 Caribbean Cup qualifiers, so it is clear there has been a regression of the National Team since 2012. What begins now is a rebuilding process; Guyana must start, in essence, from scratch, as they look at forming a team that can once again become one of the best in the region. Whereas other Caribbean

Kevin Pietersen says he is available to play England BBC Sport - Ex-England batsman Kevin Pietersen says he wants to play against his former team during their tour of Australia. England play a Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on Wednesday. After hearing Mike Hussey was out injured, Pietersen said “Jeez, I fancy that”, and added when asked if he was available: “I’m always available.” The 34-year-old, discarded by England after their 5-0 Ashes defeat last winter, is currently playing for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash. Pietersen, who was speaking on the players’ microphone while playing for the Stars, went on to hit a runa-ball 49 as his side beat Melbourne Renegades. Former England captain Andrew Flintoff, who is playing for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash, responded on social media to Pietersen’s comment. “If @KP24 plays for the Prime Minister’s XI they’ll need a turnstile at the

Kevin Pietersen bowlers end, they’ll be queuing up,” wrote Flintoff. When Pietersen was informed of Flintoff’s tweet, he said: “I wouldn’t mind facing Freddie at the moment. He is bowling backwards! I’d bat with a toothpick.” Pietersen’s central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was terminated last February. Following the tri-series, England will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia on 14 February.

nations have spent the past few years building a side and creating a team identity, Guyana’s development has been hampered by inactivity and can no longer rely on some of the players who led the team during their historic 2012 run in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. Carl Cort, Leon Cort, JP Rodrigues and Kayode McKinnon, all key figures in that Golden Jaguar side, have retired, whilst other National players such as Shawn Beveney, Devon Millington and Charles Pollard have hung up their boots in recent times. Thus the core of the team no longer exists. Without any GFF Super League taking place last year, there has also been little opportunity for the next generation of Guyanese stars to develop their game and replace the icons of previous years. However, a recent leaked

document containing the squad to face Barbados on 1st February in an International Friendly does give fans reason to be cautiously optimistic. Historic Captain Christopher Nurse, who plays his club football in Florida, is set to return to the National Team and lead again, now in his peak years. His experience will be priceless for a side that contains a lot of young players, who will need senior players such as Nurse to guide them on the International Stage. Exciting prospects in the squad to face Barbados include Pernell Schultz, a striker for Caledonia AIA in T&T, who first played for Fruta Conquerors in Guyana before moving to T&T and becoming a success, recently scoring his first league hattrick for the team. Alongside him will be Trayon Bobb, arguably

Guyana’s brightest young talent, who currently plays in Lithuania and stood out in 2014 World Cup Qualifiers by scoring two superb goals against El Salvador. Domestically, Daniel Wilson should also be a great addition to the squad, having scored a remarkable 11 goals in 6 games from midfield for Alpha Utd in the recently completed GFA Banks Beer Tournament. Having played in Finland and also previously featured in the Senior National Team, Wilson is now more of a developed player and one of the most talented midfielders in the CFU region. Fellow Alpha United stars Clive Nobrega and Dwain Jacobs will also provide excellent competition for the midfield positions. Finally, Colin Nelson, of Slingerz FC, has developed into one of Guyana’s finest defenders and should excel on the big stage. The team rumoured to be chosen should be able to give Barbados a very challenging game next month. With more overseasbased players rumoured to be joining the team in time for the World Cup Qualifiers in June, the future of Guyana’s National team looks bright. Rumours have also been abound in the media this week that Jamaal Shabazz, the most successful coach of the National Team, will return for a third spell in charge during the World Cup qualifiers. The FIFA Normalisation Committee have tried their best to put Guyana’s National Team back on the right track after two years of utter

Santokie Nagulendran stagnation due to the policies of the previous administration led by Christopher Matthias. The committee has implemented a clear policy by picking a squad featuring the most in-form players available to Guyana, and if the rumours are true, the hiring of Shabazz as Coach will be a move that can only benefit the team further. Guyana’s lacklustre performances in the 2014 Caribbean Cup means that the entire CFU will be underestimating the Golden Jaguars this year, they have been inactive for the best part of two years and the abysmal performances in the Caribbean Cup will only make other teams under-estimate their potential. Yet, that is no reason to lose optimism: the squad chosen for the Caribbean Cup was not reflective of the best Guyana has to offer, and as the last World Cup Qualifiers proved, the Golden Jaguars love to surprise the experts and roar louder than anyone thought was possible!

Page 64

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

Bolton is new fulltime resident TD of GFF - developing an appropriate and solid foundation for Guyana is pivotal - Urling By Franklin Wilson Guyana’s football is set for takeoff with a sound technical and tactical foundation following the appointment of a new fulltime resident Technical Director (TD) by the Normalisation Committee (NC) of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). Yesterday, in the boardroom of the GFF’s Dadanawa Street headquarters, Claude Francois Bolton a Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC) with over 15

years of professional coaching and technical experience was introduced by Chairman of the NC, Mr. Clinton Urling as the new TD for Guyana’s football. Bolton, who served as TD of the GFF for one year back in 2000/2001 holds a United States Soccer Federation National “A” License, a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) “B” License, and an English Football Association International Coaching License will officially start the first day of

his four-year contract tomorrow, the day that the Head Coach for the Barbados friendly international game on February 1, would also be presented to the Media at the GFF. Bolton was the front runner of the eight (8) persons that applied and the final four that were shortlisted and interviewed based on the terms of reference that was contained in the advertisement. Among the final four was current GFF Technical Development Officer Mr. Lyndon France, Mr. Rajesh Latchoo (T&T Women’s Coach) and an English Coach, Mr. Kevin Mcgreskin. In his introductory remarks, the former Regional Youth Head Coach of the MLS Team, the Vancouver Whitecaps expressed gratitude to the NC for affording him the opportunity of serving Guyana’s football. “I’m humbled and quite proud to be able to have this opportunity. We still haven’t tapped where we can go as a country; many people here understand football to be a tool of social development and very clearly can be. What we’ve been able to accomplish in that short time when Mr. Shabazz was the Head Coach only gives us a glimpse if where we could go with a sustained programme of development and together I think with football, the government, people of Guyana, the media, great things are on the horizon for Guyana.” He {Bolton} was quick to reiterate that there must be a plan and a long term one in order to ensure holistic development for Guyana with all on board. “The NC was clear in this regard and was also pellucid on what the mandate would be for me, the programme and the people involved, making sure we have checks and balances as we go.” Using the FIFA guidelines which speaks to the role and responsibilities of the TD, Urling highlighted that Bolton would be primarily guided by the four pillars that FIFA has in place: 1. Football for all , mass football; 2. Coaches’ education, 3. Elite football, 4. Research in football topics. Urling noted that football for all and coaches education would be given priority by the TD who will be the main architect of Guyana‘s football programme. “All the coaches

GFF NC Chairman Clinton Urling (left) listens attentively as new GFF TD Claude Bolton makes a point during yesterday’s press conference. would fall under the Technical Department and by extension the TD. According to FIFA the National Technical Director cannot under any circumstances also be the National Team Coach and there’s a clear distinction between National Coach and TD.” Urling pointed out that the success of the TD would not be determined by how far the Golden Jaguars go in the World Cup qualifiers, “We’ll be judging him based on how he implements the developmental programme for the GFF.” Bolton will be part of the NC’s committee meetings to advise on progress and the way forward which would include women’s and youth development. In a nutshell, Urling said that Bolton would be responsible for developing an appropriate and solid foundation for football in Guyana. “It is also an expectation from the NC that Mr. Bolton will create a short term plan for 2015 and also a longer term development plan for either four or eight years.” Speaking to the issue of how Bolton would be paid, given the current indebtedness of the GFF, Urling said that the GFF has financially enough to pay Bolton. “We’ve discussed already the situation in terms of where the GFF is financially and it’s not a good place currently. But there are resources available from FIFA, also resources will come from sponsors based on some of the work that we do and also fund raisers as we move forward the entire year.” Urling is also hoping that the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Sport would also come on board and assist similar to what transpires in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. While there are monies there to be drawn down in terms of World Cup bonuses, the NC boss was quick to reiterate that there are certain procedures and requirements that the GFF must be follow and fulfill in order to be eligible.

“Once that’s done we definitely will have sufficient funds not just for 2015 but to use those funds with a longer term framework in mind. We don’t want to spend one million US all out in 2015. I know that the GFF owes 90 million, once we receive the funding and we put together a schedule, players would be at the top of that list, we will honour of our debts.” Bolton said that he is very satisfied with the contractual arrangements which were handled in a professional manner. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES · Develop, and implement a clear and thorough Technical Development plan with a Technical Chart aimed at continually promoting and improving the game of football in Guyana at all levels from Grassroots to Elite football including youth football, women’s football, futsal, beach Soccer, and Coaching Education. · Advise the GFF on all matters related to the effective development of football in Guyana and be accountable for the development of a strategy and policy for the performance of football programmes · Work, advise and support the various Youth National teams and coaches through development programmes in order to enable Guyana to attain its goals within CONCACAF and FIFA, including putting in place clear systems and processes for identifying and developing talented players · Ensure that excellent relationships are developed and maintained with all football related stakeholders in order to ensure a cohesive and synergistic approach to the development of football is achieved and maintained · Ensure that the Technical Department is appropriately staffed with suitably qualified individuals who are capable of implementing the agreed programmes thereby ensuring the growth and success of football at all levels · Maintain a close and

harmonious working relationship with CONCACAF and FIFA and other major stakeholders including the government of Guyana. · Perform any additional duties and responsibilities as reasonably instructed by the GFF from time to time SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES · Training and development of coaches including design and updating of coaches manuals, facilitating licensing courses, developing a coaches Code of Conduct, arranging for expert and specialist coaches to deliver training clinics, education on rules of the game and creating and maintaining a library of resources including books, videos and articles for coaches to access · Establish and deliver a comprehensive and nationwide Grassroots programme at both the community level and in the schools through strategic partnerships within the communities and with various Government Ministries and Agencies. This must include creation of a “D” license and certification for Grassroots Educators. · Establish and deliver a National Women’s Development plan including training and recommending staff members for National Women’s team coaches at the U-17, U-20 and Senior levels. · Define and disseminate a national football philosophy. · Establish clear pathways for player development including establishment of a National Talent Identification system identify, train and protect talented young players to ensure their progression from Grassroots to Elite · Research and monitoring of developments in the football world including studying of major competitions, training methods, fitness, philosophies, opportunities for further development of the game and organizing of national seminars to promote technical activities

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 65

Hosts Australia win series Windies captains after Sydney Test ends in draw meet Archbishop Tutu

WI captains meet Bishop Tutu (centre) in Cape Town.

B

arbados Nation C a p e To w n , South Africa – Members of the West Indies team paid a special visit to meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu at his office. The Archbishop spoke to the

team about his love for the game of cricket and sports in general. He urged the team to continue to be ambassadors for the game of cricket and for the West Indies region. The Team presented the

Archbishop with a special West Indies Team shirt. West Indies and South Africa are in Cape Town for the opening contest of the threematch T20 Series. West Indies won the first match by four wickets.

Sharapova beats Ivanovic to win Brisbane International BRISBANE (Reuters) Maria Sharapova beat Ana Ivanovic in the final of the Brisbane International on Saturday in a display that bodes well for her chances at the Australian Open. It has been seven years since Sharapova won her only Australian Open title but if she can take her form from Brisbane to Melbourne, a second title does not seem out of the question. Sharapova had to work hard to beat Ivanovic, coming from behind to beat her 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 but the Serbian is a good measuring stick. Sharapova not only beat Ivanovic in the 2008 Australian Open final but both women are in devastating form heading toward the first grand slam of the season, starting on Jan. 19. The Russian dropped just nine games in getting to the final while Ivanovic showed nerves of steel to see off her opponents to join Sharapova, ranked number two in the world. It was a match that could have gone either way but Sharapova proved too strong in the deciding third set at the Pat Rafter Arena. Winning the Brisbane

Maria Sharapova of Russia holds the Brisbane International tennis tournament women’s singles trophy after defeating Ana Ivanovic of Serbia in Brisbane, January 10, 2015. REUTERS-Jason Reed International provided Sharapova with her 34th WTA career title and her fifth in the last nine months, a red-hot span in which she also captured a second French Open and a first China Open. The 27-year-old has won at least one title every year since 2003, an unbroken

streak of 15 years. For Ivanovic, who has begun a resurgence up the world rankings in the past year, the pain of losing was compounded by an abdominal strain which forced her to seek medical attention but is unlikely to disrupt her Australian Open campaign.

The Australian team with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after the draw at the SCG. (Getty Images)

B

BC Sport - India survived a lastsession collapse against Australia to draw the final Test in Sydney as the hosts secured a 2-0 series win. Declaring their second innings overnight on 251-6, Australia set India a victory target of 349. Steve Smith’s side were left three wickets short as they chased a final day win with India finishing on 2527. Opening batsman Murali Vijay top scored with 80 as Ajinkya Rahane (38) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (20) secured a draw. Victories in the opening two Test matches in Adelaide

and Brisbane were enough to secure the 2-0 series win for Australia, as the final two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney were drawn. Despite some disciplined bowling from Australia on a turning final-day pitch, only one India batsman had fallen in each of the first two sessions and the match looked destined for a draw at tea. Australia were given a glimpse of victory as India collapsed from 178-2 to 2177 in the final session, but Rahane and Kumar held out in the closing overs with an unbroken eighth wicket partnership of 35. Earlier, captain Smith took a sensational one-

handed diving catch at slip to dismiss Rohit Sharma (39) just before lunch, while spinner Nathan Lyon and fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood all claimed two wickets apiece. The start of the series had been rearranged and moved from Brisbane to Adelaide following the death of Australia Test batsman Phillip Hughes in November. Scores: India 475 (Kohli 147, Rahul 111, Starc 3-106) and 7 for 252 (Vijay 80) drew with Australia 7 for 572 dec (Smith 117, Warner 101, Rogers 95, Shami 5-112) and 6 for 251 dec (Smith 71, Burns 66, Rogers 56, Ashwin 4-105).

Domino fever hits August Beverage Sports Bar today August Beverage Sports Bar is the place to be today when in collaboration with Lyall Gittens of Untouchable Boss they host a Dominoes Competition with over $350,000 in prize money up for grabs. Gittens, who spoke with Kaieteur Sport recently, said that teams from all across the country have already confirmed participation in

the big one-day event. According to the coorganiser, teams from the West Demerara, East Coast Demerara from as far as Mahaica, Ann’s Grove, Buxton, Plaisance, East Bank Demerara and Georgetown will battle it out for a first prize of $160,000, while the runner-up team will take home $100,000, 3rd place $60,000 and 4th place

$15,000 along with trophies. T h e M o s t Va l u a b l e player will receive $3,000 and entrance fee per team is $10,000 with the first fifteen registered teams to benefit from free gifts. Blue Flame Sound System will be present during the day and BBQ will also be on sale. Double six time is 13:00 hrs.

Page 66

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 11, 2015

Panama grab early lead, U20 Champions: Jamaica’s late as Guatemala stun US grasp goal draw 2-2 with Trinidad

Jamaica Observer Panama easily dispatched Aruba 4-0 in the opening game of the 2015 CONCACAF Under -20 Championship at the National Stadium Friday. In the day’s second game of a triple header, Guatemala stunned favourites the United States by finding a 90th-minute equaliser in a 11 result. In the curtain-raiser Ismael Dais de Leon opened the scoring in the 19th minute and grabbed his second in minute 50. Ervin Perez and Edson Record completed the rout in he 30th and 36th minutes, respectively. After racing to a 3-0 lead in the first half, Panama apparently eased off the gas and cruised home for an effortless victory. But that might have been a mistake by the Central Americans and might cost them later in the tournament where only four teams will qualify for the FIFA World Cup in New Zealand in May. Panama, coached by Leonardo Pipino from Argentina, provisionally jumped to the top of the sixteam Group A on three points, followed by the US and Guatemala on a point each. Jamaica and Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago were slated to face each other in the third game of the day. Panama face the United States of America today.

Franklin Ortiz Cabarcas (left) of Aruba battles for the ball with Richard Rodriquez Gonzalez of Panama during their opening fixture at the National Stadium Friday. Panama won the game 4-0. (PHOTO: GARFIELD ROBINSON) Dutch-speaking Aruba, who historically qualified for their first CONCACAF Championship, offered little and from the look of things, will struggle to get a point at this stage of qualification. Coached by Arent Bekhof of the Netherlands, Aruba will have their work cut out for them when they play Trinidad and Tobago in their second encounter today.

Panama’s Ismael de Leon for his two goals was voted Man of the Match. Meanwhile, in the second match, the US went ahead in the 59th minute when Cameron Carter headed in from a corner, but Jose Ruiz Rumph struck a sweet, dipping half-volley from a partial clearance from a corner on the stroke of fulltime to earn his team a share of the spoils.

GTTA 2015 season starts today with open championships Some key matchups and explosive table tennis is expected at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall today when the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) commences its 2015 Season with a Senior Open Championship. The tournament will feature the nation’s top table tennis racquet wielders vying for supremacy and will pit new and emerging talents, the likes of Shemar Britton, Kyle Edghill, Elishaba Johnson, Jamaal Duff, Kevon Corbin, Joel Alleyne, Nigel Bryan, Sheldon Atherley, Brad & Brandon Belle (Bartica), Orin Hickerson, Jonathan Sankar, Warren Hacksaw, M ig u e l Wo n g , J o s h u a Lalbachan, Stephan Sankar, Bryton Murray, Gibran

Shemar Britton Sarfaraz (Berbice), and the older brigade Remy Taitt , Xenophiah Goliath, among others against each other. This tournament follows the Clash of Champions in December, which saw

Hickerson emerging as the w i n n e r. T h e G T TA announced that the National Championships is also slated for the first quarter of this year with the emergence of new brigade of players. “The tourney provides the opportunity for players to vie for and establish their positions and rankings for Guyana’s premier domestic championships in 2015,” the association said, adding that it also provides a chance for Lewis, Kyle Edghill, Britton and Sankar among others to go back to the drawing board and plot new tactical strategies. The players will compete for trophies and cash incentives and is sponsored through the efforts of former national table tennis players, Sankar and Hickerson.

Jamaica Observer KINGSTON, Jamaica — A last gasp free kick by Junior Flemmings salvaged a point for Jamaica as they came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Trinidad and Tobago in their opening CONCACAF Under 20 Championship Group A encounter at the National Stadium Friday night. With defeat on the cards, Flemmings calmly curled a freekick over the wall and into the back of the net in the 90+4 minute. It was arguably one of the worse first half displays by a Jamaican team for ages as the Young Reggae Boyz lacked purpose and went into the break two goals down. But whatever head-coach Theodore Whitmore said to them at the break, seemed to have worked as they came out firing on all cylinders and really made a fight of it in the second half to earn a valuable point. Panama, who whipped Aruba 4-0, lead the group with three points. The USA and Guatemala are in a point each after playing to a 1-1 draw. The home fans were stunned into silence very early as Aikim Andrews opened the scoring for T&T in the seventh minute with a long range effort that sailed over the head of the badly positioned goalkeeper Nicholas Nelson. Then before the local fans digested what had hit

Goal scorer Junior Flemmings of Jamaica dribbles pass Trinidad & Tobago’s Neveal Irwin Hackshaw in the qualification round of the CONCACAF U-20 Championships at the National Stadium last night - (Photo Garfield Robinson) them, US-based Kadeem Corbin doubled the advantage firing home from just inside the box in the 15th minute after poor defending by the Jamaicans. The Derek King coached boys were all over Jamaica and could have been up by at least five goals in the first half. But Whitmore rung the changes pulling Michael Seaton and Ismael Currie and bringing on Donjay Smith and Allando Brown at the start of the of the second half and switched left back Isamnia Cohen into midfield as they tried desperately to get back in the game, and that they did.

A quick free kick released Flemmings down the right flank and his cross was met by Smith who nodded home in the 67th minute. The National Stadium was now alive as Jamaica took control of the game late on and pressed for the equaliser. With the fourth official indicating four minutes of time added on, it looked bleak for Jamaica with time at a premium. . But as he has been doing all season for his school, Flemmings stepped up to the plate and delivered a wonderful free kick to earn a valuable point for Jamaica.

ECB extends congratulations to Keemo Paul Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) has extended congratulations to allrounder Keemo Paul on his selection to the West Indies U-19 team for the upcoming NAGICO Super 50 tournament which will be played in Trinidad and Tobago. The board wishes Paul success and urged that he grab the opportunity to propel him to greater heights. Public Relations Officer Nazeer Mohamed said that Paul is a disciplined and dedicated cricketer whom

the ECB always felt would make the county proud and his selection has done likewise. He encouraged the cricketer to remain committed and assured that his progress will be followed closely by Essequibians adding that his elevation will serve to motivate youngsters in the county. Paul was born at Saxacalli and then migrated to Wakenaam to attend secondary school. He soon became a member of Noitgedacht Sports Club where he started to play the

Keemo Paul game competitively. He is a product of the Wakenaam leg of the Scotiabank Kiddy cricket coaching programme. Paul copped the best all-rounder award in the 2014 regional U-19 cricket tournament which was played locally.

Sunday January 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 67

2015 Mayor Cup Football kicks off on January 30 By Sean Devers After missing last year for the first time in 20 years, the Mayor’s Cup Football tournament, which began in 1981, is back in full force this year with what is anticipated to be an even more competitive tournament as it marks the 80th birth anniversary of the Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green. The 2015 tournament involves 24 teams including defending champs Alpha United who beat West Demerara side Slingerz FC in the last final in 2013 and will be contested from January 31February 22 at four venues across the country. According to tournament coordinator, former National Footballer and Ex National Coach, Lennox ‘Mulling Scar’ Arthur, who represented this country at the senior level from 1967-1973 as a Striker, the biggest challenge at present is acquiring sponsorship for the competition which has a winner’s prize of $1 Million, a runner-up prize of $300,000, a third prize of $200,000 and a fourth prize of $100,000. The tournament has attracted some of the leading footballers in Guyana and has been approved by the Normalization Committee of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to be played between January 17 and February 22. The competition is scheduled to kickoff on January 30 at the Victoria

SPONSORS BEING ENCOURAGED TO COME ON BOARD

Kevin Layne Jr Ground on the East Coast of Demerara where Golden Grove battle Grove Hi-Tec from 19:00hrs before home team Victoria Kings face-off with Agricola in the night cap from 21:00hrs. Apart from the Victoria Ground, matches are set for the Number 5 Ground in West Berbice, Den Amstel and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground in the City with the Grand finale being held at GFC on the day before Guyana celebrates its 45th Republic anniversary with Mashramani on February 23, when the third place play off the Final will be contested. The 63-year-old Arthur is appealing to corporate Guyana to render the usual support in order to retain the rich vein of patronage

Domin Garnett synonymous with the Champions, adding that once sponsorship support is good the Prize money will be increased. Arthur, who also represented Guyana at under-17, U-19 & U-23 levels, informed that Conquers with four titles, are the most successful team while Camptown with three titles are second in line. Pele, Western Tigers, Victoria Kings, GDF, Police, Thomas United, Slingerz and Alpha are the other teams that have won Mayor Cup titles. “When we started this tournament Hamilton Green was the Prime Minister and foreign teams were included up until the late 1980s when a lack of funding resulted in the absence of overseas teams. We are urging everyone to

Dellon Lanferman

Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson step up and support football tournaments by way of sponsorship,” Arthur said. “Additionally, it has an important component, that is to identify and train young men with ability in football to help them reach their full potential,” Arthur noted. This tournament will include four teams from Berbice, four from East Coast, four from West Demarara, two from East Bank and 10 from Georgetown, featuring players like Kevin Layne Jr from Berbice, Dellon Lanferman from West Demerara, Domin Garnett from East Bank and Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson. Fixtures read: Friday Jan 30 at Victoria Ground: 19:00hrs-Golden Grove vs Grove

Hi-Tec 21:00hrs- Victoria Kings vs Agricola Saturday Jan 31 at number 5 W/Berbice 19:00hrs Rosignol United vs Cougars 21:00hrs Monedderlust vs N/Amsterdam United Sunday Feb 1 at GFC 19:00hrs Santos vs Mahaica 21:00hrs Camptown vs Anns Grove Sunday Feb 1 at Den Amstel 14:00hrs Uitvlugt vs GFC 16:00hrs Pouderoyen vs Police Matches will also be played on February 6, 7, 8, 13 & 15. The semis are set for Feb 18 & and the final and third place play off on Feb 22.

Webb says willing to serve at any level, but focus now on CONCACAF Kingston, Jamaica Though he conceded an “unbridled” willingness to serve the game at any level, Jeffrey Webb says his primary and immediate footballing focus is with shepherding the continued growth process of CONCACAF. Webb, the confederation president, was speaking against the backdrop of swirling speculation that he could be a likely candidate in future elections for the presidency of FIFA. Incumbent and longserving Swiss, Sepp Blatter, who is running for a fifth consecutive term as head of the corruption-hit FIFA at the May 29 polls in Zurich, will face declared challengers Frenchman Jerome Champagne and FIFA vice-president Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan. But Webb, a FIFA vicepresident — neither in words nor general tone — tried to write off the possibility of m o v i n g u p f o o t b a l l ’s

CONCACAF president Jeffery Webb (left) makes a point as JFF President Captain Horace Burrell listens keenly at a press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Friday. (Photo: Colin Reid) governing ladder in the future. Webb reminded that his substantive office as president of CONCACAF is his prime focus at this time, though he conceded that there are those who believe he is capable of offering leadership at a higher level.

”I have been asked (to possibly run for office of FIFA president), but as I said my immediate focus is with CONCACAF and my work continues there. Who knows what lies in the future, but right now my focus and firm commitment is with being the president of

CONCACAF. ” We ( C O N C A C A F ) have accomplished a lot and we have so much more to accomplish... I believe in a better future for football and will never stop working for that hope and dream,” said We b b , r e s p o n d i n g t o journalists queries at a press

conference of the CONCACAF Under-20 Men’s Championship at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in K i n g s t o n o n F r i d a y. The Caymanian Webb, who was elected unopposed as president of a scandaltainted CONCACAF in M a y, 2 0 1 2 , h a s w o n admiration across the global football landscape for his courage in rebuilding the image of the confederation and game-changing initiatives that have seen to have grown the game in the sub-continental grouping. ”Firstly, we started a transformation process, we also started a reform process... the governance of CONCACAF is at an alltime high, we have actively 21 committees that make d e c i s i o n s a n d recommendations to the executive body. ” We h a v e i n v e s t e d heavily in a process that embraces all aspects of CONCACAF. We are also in the process of instilling a new culture within

CONCACAF in the way we conduct business. We have worked hard in restoring credibility and trust, which we value so much,” Webb outlined. ”I am very much satisfied as I believe we have seen a real transformation in CONCACAF — internally and externally, I believe that we have done and accomplished so much along this journey, yet there is so much more to be done and that’s where my immediate focus is,” the 50-year-old b a n k e r a d d e d . Webb conceded that the upcoming election to decide the leader of the world game for at least the next four years will be “very important for FIFA”. ”FIFA, I believe, is at a crossroads and whatever happens in these elections, everyone at every level of the game must never forget that football is bigger than any of us,” said the head of FIFA’s Anti-Racism and Discrimination Task Force. (Jamaica Observer)

t r o Sp

Bolton is new fulltime resident TD of GFF ...developing an appropriate and solid foundation for Guyana is pivotal - Urling P.60

GFF NC Chairman Clinton Urling (left) listens attentively as new GFF TD Claude Bolton makes a point during yesterday’s press conference.

South Africa v West Indies, 2nd T20, Johannesburg today

P. 58

Proteas must quell Gayle

No Guyanese P.56 in Windies World Cup squad -Pollard, Dwayne Bravo also ignored

2015 Mayor Cup Football kicks off on January 30

P. 63

Chris Gayle will again want to carry his big bat to South Africa. (Gallo Images)

Rilee Rossouw looks to play another effective innings. (Gallo Images)

GTTA 2015 SEASON STARTS TODAY P. WITH OPEN 62 CHAMPIONSHIPS

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