Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 5
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
A carefully orchestrated plan by Govt. to frustrate residents of Mahdia
Guyana needs an honest, dedicated and committed coalition government
DEAR EDITOR, At the opening of mining week in August of last year a top level delegation from the mining sector including the chairman of GGDMA, the Chairman of GGMC and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resource and the Environment ( MNRE) who was there on behalf of the Minister Robert Persuad, visited Mahdia for the opening of the mining week and had a meeting with the residents here. We were given the commitments from these guys that they will repair the inner Mahdia roads, the Salbura Water System and the will desilt the Anna and the Boyse Creeks. We were told by the Permanent Secretary that all they are waiting on is the bills of quantities from the Regional Administration to start repairing the roads. It must be noted that we were promised over two years ago by MNRE that they would repair those roads, and after two years they still did not get the bills of quantities as yet is rather disturbing. I found it rather difficult to comprehend why preparing a Bill of Quantities for less
than five miles is taking so long. However, the big question is when they will start repairing the roads “if indeed they will”. Recently a top government official here (the REO) said in ( January 10, Stabroek News ) as I quote his words, the Regional Administration, residents along with myself, eagerly awaits the Ministry of Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE), for the funding of two major projects which will see the construction of roads in Mahdia and the construction of a new water system. He also said that these projects are expected to commence shortly. Bills of Quantities for both projects were prepared by the Public Works Department and submitted. Mr Editor it must be noted that the repair to the inner roads here and the water system in not the responsibility of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment. The Ministry of Local Government is responsible for the inner roads and the Ministry of Housing
and Water is responsible for the water system. In our Regional 2014 budget submission we include monies to repair the roads and the water system however, no money was granted by the Ministry of Finance, as a matter of facts when our Regional Chairman spoke about the roads early last year what the Minister (within) the Ministry of local Government said was that the Regional Chairman should ask the miners here to repair the roads via self-help. I believe that the subject Ministries should take their full responsibility for these projects as happens in the other regions of Guyana. I believe that given the responsibility to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment the responsibility for these two projects and not the subject ministries is a carefully orchestrated plan by the Government to frustrate the residents here. The reason I am saying so is that every time the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment is asked when the work will commence they Continued on page 6
DEAR EDITOR, With the election date set for May 11, the presidential candidates of each party will begin the ritual of crisscrossing the country to make their cases to the voters. Although the president has broken all the promises he made during the last election, the nation can expect to receive many more empty promises from him in this election—all of which will be broken again. This president like his predecessor are famous for making false promises as they have already done in a full page add in Kaieteur news in less than 24 hours after his announcement. In fact, during the last election the president promised to reduce crime and corruption, create 10,000 jobs and improve the lives of the poor and the working class, but after three years in office, crime has increased fivefold, corruption is at its highest level and has spread to all levels of government departments and state agencies, unemployment has increased from 24 percent to over 50 percent among youths, underemployment
has reached 70 percent and the lives of the poor and the working class have gotten worse. Today, the poverty gap between the rich and the poor has reached an all-time high of 125 to one. All the PPP cabal has done is to blame the opposition for their failures and inept policies and to attack the media, especially Kaieteur News and those who expose their crooked ways, vulgar behavior and very poor track record. Guyanese must vote for a candidate with a genuine commitment to reduce crime and corruption, govern in the interest of all and serve and protect the citizens by taking the fight to the criminals who attack them in the safety of their homes and places of business. But more importantly, that candidate must be seen as principled, honest and bold to go after the drug lords, white collar criminals and those business houses that rob the Treasury of tens of millions of dollars by selling products to the state at prices as high as ten
times the market value as in the case of a certain medical supplies company that is owned by a good friend of the former president. The people must vote for a candidate who will reduce the tax burden on the working poor, increase wages and salaries by 15 percent and old age pension from $13,000 to $20,000 per month, reduce VAT by two percent, lower the toll on the Berbice Bridge from $2200 to $1000 for mini-buses and cars and free for motor cycles, respect labor unions and their right to bargain on behalf of their members, reform or amend the constitution so that no one, not even the president should be above the law—a candidate who will spend more money on programs that will empower and unite the people rather than fattening their pockets and those of their friends and relatives while starving the poor and the working class. The people must vote for a candidate who is committed to local government elections Continued on page 6
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur M@ilbox
My Sister Friend, Dr Faith Harding Guyana needs an honest, dedicated... DEAR EDITOR, I met Dr. Harding well over thirty years ago and we connected almost immediately. During this period we shared our ideas and opinions on a number of social issues in Canada but primarily in Guyana. She was big on empowerment and was passionate about the development of Guyana and its peoples. Over all these years we discussed politics, the plight of the family and in particular women’s issues both within the structure of family and women as single parents. As well, she being a psychotherapist, relationship issues were often at the top of our agenda. I enjoyed these conversations immensely and I am quite sure she did as well. While they were often quite spirited, we seldom disagreed on
substance but from time to time, would on process. On my many visits to Guyana getting together with Faith was a must. If I didn’t call she would. Indeed, it is hard to accept I would never again hear her say “my sister we need to talk, when can we meet”? Thanks to Erma Wills, I visited with Faith and Patrick early this month when we had what I can now call our final spirited conversation. As usual, she and I were on the same page while Erma and Pat were on the same team. I noted then she was not well although her voice was still strong, her eyes were pale, and she looked quite ill. Since she and I had always admired and respected each other, I felt I could be honest with her and told her I didn’t like how she looked. She began to tell us how poorly she felt.
As we said our goodbyes I hugged her tightly and said “Faith you have to dig deep – you are a strong woman, you can overcome this challenge”. She whispered in my ear “ June, I am tired, very tired.” She called two days later to thank me for the visit and told me how much she valued our friendship. WHAT A CLASS ACT!. As I read of her impressive credentials and her political involvement nationally and internationally, I thought of the many vacuous and inept politicians - in all parties - and remain convinced that had she been a man with her credentials and experience, she would have been able to contribute to a greater Guyana’s development. Rest In Peace My dear Sister. June Veecock
A carefully orchestrated plan by Govt... From page 5 would be quick to remind us that they are not the subject Ministry responsible for these projects and they are only assisting with them and they are in order. It is a shame to know that in this 21st century people can be treated in such inhumane manner because of politics. I believe that the time has come for this government to be more political mature and responsible and stop playing
petty politics with the wellbeing of the citizens here. To get a sense of what I am trying to say, one only have to visit any area where the Government supporters live and see the quality of roads they have as compared with the roads in areas where opposition supporters lives. At present the inner roads in Mahdia are beyond a deplorable state they are worst than a war zone, and all we are getting from
Government is promises, promises and promises. When the residents protested this unacceptably behavior from government in August last year what the Government did instead of utilizating the service of a construction company that was 20 miles away to do some repairs to the roads, sent in riot police with big guns from over 220 miles away. Well if this is how this Government is prepared to address issues that are affecting residents, we are in a really sad state. To send riot police instead of sending construction equipments is saying to the residents here shut up and take what you get or you will get what the people of Linden get. Not only is this a clear case of intimidation it is also a provocative act by this government. I am once again appealing to this Government to behave more political mature, responsible, let good sense prevail and repair these roads as early as possible. Naieem Gafoor Regional Democratic Councillor Region Eight
From page 5 within 12 months of the date of the general election, respect the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, stop the marginalization of a certain ethnic group, and fulfill the promises made to the people in their manifesto. The people must not vote for a president who had promised them the moon and the stars during the last election but did absolutely nothing. Basically what the PPP did in the last election was to fool the people into believing that they have their interests at heart in order to get their votes and then abandoned them immediately after the election. Every promise the PPP regime made to the people became a broken promise. They have not reduced crime or corruption and did not create any jobs for the youths. They have desecrated the constitution, disregarded the rights of the people, ignored Parliament, violated the democratic process and has become the second worst dictator in the Caribbean after Cuba. This is the same hypocritical and insincere PPP regime that has criticized the PNC for being a
dictatorial regime more than 20 years ago. Evidence of their hypocrisy is there for all to see. For example, the Minister of Health continues to tell the people that the public hospitals are well equipped to serve their medical needs, yet the PPP cabal and their rich friends and relatives continue to seek medical attention in the United States for simple cuts, bruises, fever or a cold. The same is true for the Minister of Education who brags about how good the public schools are, yet she sends her child to a private school. Likewise, the incompetent and unintellectual Minister of Home Affairs has publicly stated that the U.S. ambassador’s intervention into Guyana’s internal affairs is not welcome, but went on to say that the US intervention 22 years ago was needed to get rid of the PNC government. These hypocrites should be ashamed of themselves. Finally, the Attorney General vulgar, abusive and pimpish behavior, his threat of impending harm to the staff of Kaieteur News and his claim of superiority over Jagdeo and other non-CHAT-TREE Indians speak to his immorality, lack of integrity
and hypocrisy. No one should ever vote for a president who after listening to the Nandlall tape recording, said that he supports the Attorney General because it was a private conversation and he did not do anything wrong. These are the indecent, immoral and bankrupt minds that have been running the country for the past 22 years. Go figure! Finally, the people must vote for a candidate who is mature and honest and who would develop an economic and human development plan that would advance the growth of the country, creates jobs, reduces crime and corruption, minimizes floods, improves the lives of the poor and the working class, and respects the constitution and the rights of the people, among others. The PPP record to date shows that they are incompetent and is incapable of transformational leadership. They are unfit to govern the country and should be voted out of office. Guyana needs an honest and dedicated coalition government to take the nation forward. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh.
From page 4 herself. She rejected my description of her father’s secretary but admitted that I was in contact with her father because she said her father told her I abused him over the land application. It meant, then, that in my request for land I had to see the Minister and I had to see his secretary. Why then would I describe her in opposite terms to what she looked like? Fifthly, in my application for land, I dealt with Mr. Datadin of Lands and Survey. Mr. Datadin is very much alive in Guyana and there is a paper trail. It was Mr. Datadin who assigned me the land at Mahaica. At no time was Reepu Daman Persaud involved. All that was needed was his signature.
I went to his Ministry to get his signature. It is untrue for Minister Persaud to tell his family that I abused him because he told me to apply. I applied and got the land. If Minister Persaud told his family that I abused him over the application then he abused his family by telling them an untruthful story Since the Minister was in the habit of telling his family who and who applied for land, then Ms. Vindhya Persaud should inform readers if her father described for her the gargantuan plots of land that her father, in his capacity as Minister of Agriculture, awarded to a certain dishonest entrepreneur who robbed one of Guyana’s diplomats under the Cheddi Jagan government in the nineties. When the poor soul found out
that the legal papers were doctored, he had a heart attack and died Sixthly, yes Vindhya Persaud is right. I didn’t publish what I wrote about her father’s role in his secretary’s suicide when he was alive because he would have sued me. I wasn’t that stupid to name him because I would have had to bring the dead to testify and the countless young girls would have refused to testify. Now that he is dead, I am paying my obligation to history by naming him. I need to remind Vindhya Persaud that I did write about this young girl’s tragic death, four times before and I substituted the words, “a leading Hindu priest” rather than name the priest himself. Frederick Kissoon
Freddie Kissoon replies to Vindhya Vasini...
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 25, 2015
US delegation in Cuba begins talks on embassies and diplomatic ties As part of the deal in improving relations with Cuba, the United States Deaprtment of State, Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta S. Jacobson is currently in Havana on a four-day trip. The visit, which began on Wednesday, is “to take advantage of previously planned Migration Talks to launch a discussion with the Cuban Government on reestablishing diplomatic relations. According to a statement, “Re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba is a key step for the implementation of changes in the US-Cuba relationship announced by President Obama on December 17.” It said the agenda will include technical and logistical arrangements, such as embassy operations, staffing and visa processing. While in Havana, Jacobson will meet with members of independent civil society, as well as religious and independent business leaders. “By facilitating the Cuban people’s access to greater resources and information, the policy change seeks to engender greater respect for human rights and adherence to democratic principles in Cuba,” the State Department added. Stating that he believes in a “smarter kind of American leadership,” US President Barack Obama has called on the US Congress to lift the
half-century-old trade and economic embargo against Cuba. “In Cuba, we are ending a policy that was long past its expiration date,” said Obama in his “State of the Union” address on Tuesday night. “When what you’re doing doesn’t work for 50 years, it’s time to try something new.” In his deal with President Raul Castro of Cuba to restore full diplomatic relations with the Spanish-speaking Caribbean country for the first time in more than half a
century, Obama said it will not only be easier for Americans to travel to Cuba, but it will also be easier to send money there. According to the US Department of State, American telecommunications providers, financial institutions and agricultural companies will be given more opportunities to do business in Cuba. Additionally, visitors will be allowed to spend more, use credit cards and even bring home up to US$100 in Cuban cigars .
CMC – St Lucia has recorded a steady decline in reported murders over the past four years, according to statistics released Wednesday by the Royal St Lucia Police Force. In the first news conference for 2015, the police high command reported 34 homicides throughout 2014; a 14.7 percent reduction compared to 2013. Of the 34 homicides recorded, 29 have been classified as murder. There were three police killings while two other matters remain under investigation. The data showed that the majority of those killed were between the ages of 21 and 40 and firearms were the weapon most frequently used. Police Commissioner Vernon Francois would not take full credit for the reduction, instead attributing
the positive numbers to the public’s ability to resolve conflict and police efforts at crime control. “It’s really a credit to St Lucians and it shows that we are working towards resolving conflict in a better manner and so we have to continue along that trend. “Also, the efforts of our police officers in terms of fighting against gang violence and some of the issues we are having on the streets,” Francois said. He added that, “I don’t really want the police to take all of the credit for the reduction because obviously a number of the murders and homicides are outside of the control of the police.” The majority of the murders recorded were committed in Castries. Police say there was a murder detection rate of 14.47 percent.
The Royal St Lucia Police Force has set a goal to bring the murder rate down to 25 in 2015. Overall, St Lucia recorded a 5.5 percent increase in crime; however, authorities say that is due to an increase in petty offences, such as people requesting that police warnings be done on their behalf. There were reductions in all major categories of crime with the exception of Crime Against Property and Summary Offences. Crime against property increased from 4,703 in 2013 to 5,337 in 2014. Summary Offences grew from 8,105 in 203 to 9,729 in 2014. There were 24 reported cases of unlawful sexual connection, 74 cases of indecent sexual assault, eight cases of buggery and five cases of incest recorded in 2014.
Assistant secretary of State of Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberto Jacobson
St Lucia police report steady decline in murder rate
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
UG to go on strike tomorrow The University of Guyana Student Society, (UGSS) is calling for a solution to end to the prolonged issue between University of Guyana, (UG)’s administrative board and the workers’ Unions over improved wages, salaries and benefits for employees attached to the institution. The students are concerned over the impact the current industrial action will have on those studying at the University. Classes at the University were scheduled to begin tomorrow but instead, the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) will be staging a sit-in’ as a form of industrial action at the institution. There have been suspended negotiations for
UGSS calls for solution to end “deadlock” better pay checks and benefits. The Unions are on strike calling for a 60 per cent salary increase payable from March 2015. The union is also calling for improvements of other benefits, duty free concessions and increased allowances for employees. The sit-in strike is scheduled to last from Monday to Wednesday January 28, 2015. As such, employees occupy their assigned positions/offices but refuse to work or perform assigned tasks. Staffers, including lecturers, are expected to be present on campus at their desks or in the classrooms, but will not be engaged in teaching and/or providing
Snakes close Watooka Day School Another school has been closed by its Parent/Teacher Association. This time it is due to snakes occupying the building. According to President of the Watooka Day Primary School PTA, Floyd Allen, when the matter was brought to his attention by concerned parents he called an emergency meeting on Wednesday. The executive and other members of the PTA decided to approach the Department of Education for assistance to clean the compound. “We (PTA) have money but not to clean the compound it is to do other things, so a decision was made to keep the children home until the compound is cleaned and snake free” Allen also noted that the school was closed since Thursday and the Department of Education Region Ten has promised to have the compound cleaned and school ready for classes on Monday. However, Allen claimed, “If the Department of Education does not stand to their word then the PTA Executive and the body will hold strong on their decision to shut the school down until it is cleaned.” Efforts to contact the Education Department proved futile.
services. Classes at the tertiary institution will be disrupted. UGSS’ President, Joshua Griffith, in an invited comment said that while the student body is in support of workers receiving better wages salaries and benefit, “since better pay means work,” a continued strike would mean a setback for students studying at the University. Griffith expressed that there must be an end to the issue, which will cause students to suffer most. The UGSS head said that there should be discussions between the parties involved to bring an end to the matter. Griffith added, “I think they should be opened for talks; there should be some form of compromise because I don’t think that Professor Jacob Opadeyi is such an unreasonable man to have this issue prolonged because students of the University are the ones being affected.” The UGSSA and the UGWU in statement on Friday explained that UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi has been notified of the strike which is based upon a decision taken by staff to proceed on industrial action, since there was no positive response to a number of demands outlined by the Unions. The strike action is one that was based upon a decision taken by staff at a joint union meeting on January 19. The Unions have said that
the workforce has been suffering for a long time from starvation wages and an extremely poor and oftentimes dangerous working environment. The body has sought to negotiate with the Administration since May 2012 but just when it appeared as the negotiations were making slow but somewhat progress, the Council intervened and cancelled a scheduled meeting and halting the process on the grounds that no remit was given. The council also accused the Unions of being accredited to represent the workers, a notion which the Unions have refuted since the administration was directly responsible for our noncertification. The Unions have moreover described the council’s tactic as “simply the latest of myriad excuses we have been given over the past 30 months.” The Unions have therefore called on all staff members to join in the industrial action. Meanwhile, Professor Opadeyi who previously stated that he wasn’t aware of any resolution between the Unions and the University Administration, even after the Unions had threatened industrial action could not be reached for a comment.
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Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo got a school that does send you to jail If Donald didn’t call a date fuh elections and if he party didn’t want people to vote fuh it, and if dem Cabinet Ministers didn’t frighten that a change in government could mean jail, no price woulda ever go down. Gas get cheap again. De price start fuh fall since last year but de government didn’t care. Donald was still sitting pretty and de Ministers coulda ignore de people when dem tun up fuh see dem. Well dem boys notice that is not only gas alone can get cheap. People in Linden fight fuh cheap current and three of dem dead. Now Donald trying fuh give de whole country cheap electricity. Gas gone down by 30 per cent; Donald promising fuh drop electricity by 40 percent. Is election time and de ads starting to come out. If you see how dem mekking Donald doing everything good. Even thing that Jagdeo do dem seh is Donald do it. Is that wha mek Ramjattan and Cathy Hughes cry. Dem want to advertise too but is now dem realize wha dem boys was protesting when Jagdeo give away dem radio licence. Dem go to Hen See Hen fuh see if dem can go pun radio. De people tell dem that dem don’t have space. Dem go to Babbie radio and he tell dem it ain’t wukking, only when government people deh pun it. Hits and Bamsie seh that dem don’t get into opposition politics. Is now dem understand what mean not to have access to media. But when dem boys was protesting de rest of dem sit down and seh how dem ain’t got business. Now dem ain’t got nutten just like how Jagdeo lef nuff li’l children wid nutten. De man who go in QC and seh how he is a detective. Then he try fuh tek all dem children phone. When he get ketch he seh he is Jagdeo nephew and how he been to Jagdeo school fuh learn fuh swindle people especially children. De school was de Jagdeo School of Tekanomics. De man who seh that he is Jagdeo nephew dem in jail practicing tekanomics. He tekking. Just like how dem birds use to eat dem ants out of dem nest. But de table does turn when de bird dead. Ants does eat dem. That is wha life is. All who think dem powerful today, remember de ants and de bird. Lady Karma is a bitch. Talk half and keep you pickney out of de School of Tekanomics.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 25, 2015
Justice Ramlal challenges Govt. over denial of tax-free salary A sitting judge has filed a court action that is likely to spark high interest. Justice William Ramlal, who was appointed to the Supreme Court of Guyana in July 2000, wants the court to rule that he is entitled to an income tax free salary, as is currently being enjoyed by Chancellor (Ag), Carl Singh and Chief Justice (Ag), Ian Chang. He says that he and other judges were denied but the Chancellor and the Chief Justice benefitted after a special law change was made to accommodate them. He now wants compensation and a declaration by the court that he has been denied equality before the law and the equal protection and benefit of the law by the denial of the exemption from income. The case was filed last week against the Attorney General, who is the legal advisor for Government. Among other things, the Judge is asking the court to declare that Section 13 of the Income Tax Act Chapter 81:01 is discriminatory against him as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature and is unconstitutional, illegal, void and of no effect. According to court documents, he wants a declaration that the continued deduction of income tax from his judicial income is in effect an unlawful alteration of the terms and conditions of him
- says Chancellor, Chief Justice unfairly benefitting
Justice William Ramlal being a Judge. Justice Ramlal is also requesting that a declaration be made that he is entitled upon retirement to a monthly pension and retirement benefits of not less than seven-eighths of his salary at the time of his retirement. The relief would also include an order for constitutional compensation, damages and refund of income tax together with interest, of at least $34M. Representing Justice Ramlal are C.V Satram, Sir Fenton Ramsahoye SC, R. Satram, P. Mohanlal, M. Satram, Ganesh Hira and Manoj Narayan. According to the court documents, Justice Ramlal and his lawyers will be specifically looking at Articles 8, 65, 126, 142, 149, 149D, 153 and 197(10) of the Constitution for the case. It was argued that the office of Chancellor remained vacant following the elevation of Chancellor Desiree Bernard to the position of Justice of the
Caribbean Court of Justice in 2005. Justice Carl Singh who is the substantive Chief Justice acted in the office of Chancellor following the departure of Bernard. UNFAIR Similarly, Justice Ian Chang who is a substantive Justice of Appeal is acting in the office of Chief Justice and “has so acted since the Honourable Justice Carl Singh commenced to act as Chancellor of the Judiciary.” The affidavit, in support of the Constitutional Motion, said the state of affairs was brought about after he delivered a written decision declaring, among other things, that Chief Justice Singh could not in violation of the constitution hold the office of Chief Justice and perform the functions of Chancellor at the same time. The Chancellor and the Chief Justice are the only Judges within the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana that are by Article 127 of the Constitution appointed by the President of Guyana after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition. Indeed, both were appointed to act in their respective offices by the President of Guyana. There has been no agreement between the President of Guyana and the Leader of the Opposition with respect to the appointment of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice. According to the court documents, Justices Singh, Chang and Ramlal are all Judges of the Supreme Court rendering judicial services and enjoying the same security of tenure and protection from unlawful alteration of our terms and conditions of service. In 2003, the Judges met
with the President Bharrat Jagdeo and unsuccessfully asked for an exemption from income tax. Yet one year later, in 2004, the income tax laws were amended allowing the Chancellor and the Chief Justice exemption from income tax. The other judges were ignored. “The judges other than the Chancellor and Chief Justice are not entitled to exemption from income tax. The Chancellor and Chief Justice have some responsibilities of an administrative nature but the nature and character of the judicial services rendered by all members of the Supreme Court of Judicature is the same. The administrative responsibilities resulting in some duties of a different nature are limited and provide no valid ground for the difference of treatment in relation to exemption from income tax.” Justice Ramlal claimed that starting from 2004, because of that tax exemption denial, he lost approximately $34M. NOT MOTIVATED “The difference in privilege between me as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature and a Chancellor and Chief Justice who are members of the Supreme Court obliged to render judicial services in the administration of civil and criminal justice generates a feeling of inferiority and hardens the struggle against demotivation in relation to the heavy judicial risks which I continuously perform,” the Judge said in his affidavit. The denial of the privilege also caused him to “feel unworthy” and made him “an innocent victim of the
Chancellor (Ag), Carl Singh
Chief Justice (Ag), Ian Chang
discriminatory exercise of State power in the legislature”. He argued that the aggravation he suffered has been and continues to be severe from the financial loss by being denied equality of treatment and the benefit and protection of the law enjoyed by the Chancellor and Chief Justice as a result of the deduction of income tax as cater for under the law relating to Income Tax. “The judicial income of the members of the Supreme Court ought not to bear charges that are different and unequal and signifies authoritarian and arbitrary rule within the justice system itself.” Justice Ramlal also believed that the grant of the exemption from income tax by Parliament is outside their authority and not within the scope of Article 65 of the Constitution. “1 am advised by my Attorneys-at-Law and verily believe that the distinction between the Chancellor and Chief Justice and the other Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature for purposes of the exemption from income tax by the legislature is unlawful and discriminatory contrary to article 149D (1) of the Constitution.” Ramlal said that he was advised by his Attorneys-atLaw and that all the judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature ought to be treated equally and ought to enjoy the benefit and protection of the law by reason of their performance of the same judicial services for the state. UNAFFORDABLE “1 am further advised by my Attorneys-at-Law and
verily believe that the different privileges created by the exemption to impose unequal burdens upon judicial incomes are subversive of the rule of law and inconsistent with democratic governance. The award of the privilege to the Chancellor and Chief Justice to the exclusion of other Judges creates perception of partiality inconsistent with the independence of the judiciary by the State by placing the Chancellor and Chief Justice in a more favourable position above all other Judges with respect to payment of income tax.” Significantly, Justice Ramlal, in his affidavit, also pointed out that Members of Parliament, upon retirement, enjoy seven-eighths of their salary as pension in circumstances where the Constitution makes no provision for same. “This level of pension (to which he is entitled) is not enough to maintain the standard of living I currently enjoy as a judge and to keep me from practising at the bar on retirement. The actions of the state are contrary to the spirit and intent of article 197(10) of the Constitution. Upon retirement I will not enjoy the allowances which I now enjoy as a Judge.” Justice Ramlal also claimed that he has suffered severe financial loss by the denial of equal treatment and the benefit and protection of the law as a judge of the Supreme Court. In December, Ramlal’s lawyers wrote the Attorney General demanding compensation but there were no response.
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
Bartica IMC official speaks out on behalf of miners In light of moves to reduce the cost of production in the mining industry, calls are being made for a reduction in the access toll required to enter the mining districts. Public Relations and Press Officer of the Bartica Interim Management Committee (IMC), Sherwin Downer, has however been pointing specific fingers in the quest to help lower the high cost of production. The official is particularly calling out the Mekdeci Mining Company (MMC), even insisting that the company should reduce the fees impose on miners to access the country’s mining areas. MMC, the official said, controls the majority of toll stations that lead to the mining districts especially those at Itaballi and Sharima Landing. According to him, “I am not in a position to pronounce on other communities (but) I could speak directly for Bartica. The monopoly that MMC has on toll stations leading into mining district must end now.” Downer has put forward a number of recommendations to address the near monopoly situation including a proposal to give a resident and/or a member of the business community of Bartica control of the toll station at Itaballi for instance. Downer has gone as far as making damning claims against the MMC. He has pointed out that while revenue is constantly collected from the miners there is little to nothing being done for them. “The contributions of miners to the development of Bartica have not gone
Elections date well orchestrated, opposition must work around obstacles By Zena Henry
Sherwyn Downer, Bartica IMC’s Press and Public Relations Officer unnoticed,” said Downer. “Bartica depends heavily on mining so my call is in the interest of my community which is the gateway to the interior,” he added. According to Downer, apart from his personal call for a reduction of the toll he has been approached by a number of miners from Bartica to raise the issue in question on their behalf. “They themselves would like to, but are afraid of being victimized,” intimated Downer as he signalled his intention to reach out to the Gold and Diamond Miners Association to support his call for a reduction of the toll fees. “It is in the interest of their members and if this is successful it will benefit all stakeholders,” said Downer. “While I’m not a miner it does not take a miner to be part of the solution and a solution is very much needed for the industry at present. Raising issues of concern to miners is a risk I am willing to take as long as it has to do with my community. “I am willing to be bold and vocal as possible on any issue in the interest of my community; I have the interest of my community at heart,” insisted Downer.
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“You wanted the date; you got the date, now you got to run with it,” was the response by Political analyst and former Presidential Advisor Ramon Gaskin as he weighed in on the political discussion following the May 11 election date announced by President Donald Ramotar days ago. The Russian-trained lawyer and political consultant strongly believes that the government will not change its initial election date, but says that complaints about possible clashes with other events such as school examinations could create room for further delays. While the revised election date is possible, Gaskin didn’t give the idea much thought since he believes that the stated date is well orchestrated to coincide with several upcoming events that will be beneficial to the incumbent People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) government. Gaskin said that all political parties are in full campaign mode, but events such as Labour Day and the Indian Arrival Day celebrations will be major tools in the ruling party’s mobilisation strategy to take the party straight into elections. The current confusion is that General Elections will be held on a day when students at Secondary and Tertiary levels (University of Guyana) are slated to write examinations. It is felt that many of those at the tertiary level, who might be voters, will be inconvenienced. But Gaskin believes that this should not be cause for a new election date since he
- Political analyst believes that arrangements should be made to address any possible problems. He said that these students could vote after their exams or before, depending on the time. Secondary schools are sometimes used as polling stations, but Gaskin said that only students writing exams would be using the facilities, so a section could be designated for the voting process. Gaskin opined that those inconvenienced can have problems with the date, but that is no reason to deny the three-quarter million people who waited for the elections date. He believes that the opposition parties are wasting time asking for a new date. “They would be giving the government an excuse to carry it (date) right down to June, July, August.” “If you get another date; maybe May 18 is something else; somebody will be unhappy with it. You have to run with it; May 11 is the date, you have to work around it, all those who are inconvenienced.” Gaskin added that outside of the “inconveniences,” The Indian Day arrival event is in the first week of May; that is the big mobilsation of the vote; Indian arrival week. And then they have the elections after the mobilsation of the
Indian arrival.” He said that citizens could expect the “big, over-the-top celebration, then everybody will be in the mood, PPP mood.” Gaskin envisaged a “big rally for Indian arrival which really is PPP.” He claimed that Indian Arrival is one of the PPP organs. “So they will mobilize and go straight into elections.” Prior to Indian Arrival Day which is May 5, May 1 is Labour Day which Gaskin claimed will be used to mobilize the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE). Again, he said, citizens can expect ‘the works’ as this too will be used as a mobilisation event leading to the polls. Gaskin pointed to another event that he believes will be held on May 10, by another organization closely aligned with the PPP. He said, “They (PPP) work through these agencies. That’s the strategy, that’s how the party works.” “The date was well plotted and it will not change,” he reiterated. Gaskin pointed out however, that political observers should look for the dissolution of Parliament. There is the contention that
Former Presidential Advisor Ramon Gaskin the President announced a date for elections but made no mention of the date to dissolve Parliament which is a legal requirement. Gaskin noted however that dissolving Parliament is not an issue since the government still has time. Article 61 of the Constitution requires elections within 90 days of the dissolution of parliament. He said that time is still with the PPP since around mid-February would bring them close to the 90 day stipulation. Gaskin opined however, that by February 10, the President will have to dissolve or re-open Parliament since the law stipulates that the House cannot be closed for more than six months; prorogued or not. It will be six months from August 10, 2014 to February 10, 2015 since Parliament has been closed.
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Kaieteur News
GWMO, GDDMA call for speedy resolution to end GGMC strike action Almost three weeks into the strike started by workers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, (GGMC) for increases in wages and salaries, officials of the Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation, (GWMO) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association, (GDDMA) are calling for a speedy resolution to the issue which they say has adverse effects on the industry as well as the Commission. GGMC workers initiated strike action over delays by the management of the commission to reach an agreement with the Guyana Public Service Union, (GPSU) for increases in wages and salaries. GPSU has been pressing for GGMC workers to receive as much as a 35 per cent increase in their wages and salaries but the Commission has been prolonging the negotiations to come to an agreement on the matter. Last year, the union managed to acquire an eight per cent interim increase for workers but negotiations between representatives of the union and the management of GGMC for 2013 and 2014 are yet to be finalized. There were reports that the decision to pay rests with Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, who has been unavailable for comment on the issue. Industrial Relations Officer attached to the GPSU, Jermaine Hermanstein, said that the representatives of the Union met at Ministry of Labour, on Wednesday last, for further discussions on the matter but the agreement is yet to be met. Hermanstein related that union is adamant that the strike will continue until the matter is finalized. “We made it clear that we will not be signing any terms of resumption until the agreement for better wages and salaries are met,” he added. At the interim, Hermanstein said that the offices of GGMC will remain
President of the GWMO Simona Broomes closed. On Friday, officials of the GWMO and the GDDMA met with representatives of the union to raise concerns about those operating in the industry. During the meeting, it was noted that while miners are in support of GGMC workers receiving better wages and salaries, the shutdown is affecting those operating in the mines. President of the GWMO, Simona Broomes, noted that the strike has caused the business of the industry to suffer. Broomes referred to the situation as a “disaster.” She said that the impact of the strike is not only “felt” in Georgetown but also in the mining districts. “It is not only the office in the Georgetown but business cannot be conducted at the GGMC stations at Imbaimadai and other mining districts,” Broomes said as she pointed out that the shutdown has affected the payments for
claims and other business transactions conducted at the Georgetown Office of GGMC. She noted that the delay by Minister Persaud to approve the implementation of better salaries for GGMC workers has caused disrespect of those operating in the mining communities since there are no field officers to regulate the mines. “Has nobody regards for miners?” Broomes questioned. “I would like to remind the Minister that this issue is causing a crisis for miners. I would like to call on the Minister to expedite this matter so that miners can go on with their business of mining.” GGDMA Administrative Coordinator, Colin Sparman, also called for a speedy resolution of the issue. According to Sparman although there have been no real complaints by miners to the association, the GGMC strike action can have an adverse effect on the financial aspect of miners as well as the commission. He explained that miners have always depended on GGMC Mines Officers to police and monitor operations in the fields, a lack of which may result in an increase of looting and other illegal activities in the back dams. The GGDMA official had also said that the strike will have a severe impact on small and large scale miners especially since all rental fees, claims, license fees and other transactions are done via the Commission. (Rehanna Ramsay)
Cop caught in house with two schoolgirls The police are hunting one of their own who is fingered in a sex racket involving schoolgirls from a city secondary school. The rank managed to escape after he and an accomplice were caught in a Sophia house yesterday with two 15-yearold female students from the city school. This newspaper was reliably informed that neighbours of an ‘A’ Field, Sophia house contacted the Schools Welfare and Probation Office, informing them that two schoolgirls were seen entering a house. Officials from the department responded and managed to get the two embarrassed schoolgirls out of the house but not before the people from the Welfare department received a verbal thrashing from the constable and his accomplice. The matter was reported to the police but by the time the ranks returned to the house which is owned by the cop’s mother, the two men had already fled. The two schoolgirls were medically examined and found to be recently sexually active, which suggested that they were engaged in the activity while in the house on Friday. An all station message was subsequently sent out for the detention of the policeman, who is attached to the East Coast Demerara division. Friday’s incident was not the first of such kind that the same policeman was involved in. Last year he was accused of luring a young female traffic warden to the same house in Sophia where he had forced sex with her. This was after he had offered her a drop home and then invited her to have a few beers with him at Plaisance.
Sunday January 25, 2015
Twist our words and there will be consequences - Harmon tells Govt. controlled radio stations Considering the “unfair treatment” usually meted out by the State Media, several opposition members are already expressing concerns over the high possibility of inequitable media coverage in the looming May 11 election. A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) General Secretary, Joseph Harmon, told Kaieteur News last week that his coalition is worried about the “twisted messages” that will be promoted by the state media as coming from the opposition. But it is still hoping for the best in the upcoming election. “We really hope for fair coverage and we hope that the media having been exposed to us over the last three or more years, will exhibit a certain level of professionalism. And whereas some of the editors or owners of the facility may be inclined in a certain way, we hope that the reporters’ own professional conduct and ethos will dictate that they only report the truth,” Harmon expressed. Harmon said that his partnership is going to hold steadfast in promoting one of its core principles, being progress in the journey ahead for the nation. He was also hopeful that the media work along with the APNU in promoting such positive messages. He asked that fair coverage be given to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) so that the nation can see for itself when “they are lying.” “But please, in all you do, put out the truth. Don’t try to swing or bend what we are saying. That’s all we are asking and we will do the rest,” the lawyer emphasized. He was also asked if it is worried about the APNU effectively getting its message to
APNU’s General Secretary, Joseph Harmon certain regions of Guyana where only certain modes of communication, like the government-controlled radio stations are principally present. “It’s a concern not a worry but as I had said previously , we will listen carefully to what these stations are doing because they need to understand, too, that they are dealing with the next government and it is already written in stone that the PPP/ C is history. So they need to understand that if they mess up our message, or twist it there must be a consequence for doing so and I hope all the radio stations as well get this message. We are about national unity and will form a government premised on that policy…”Harmon articulated. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had also announced that for the May 11 election, it will be resuscitating the Media Monitoring Unit. This facility is designed to monitor the media during the election period and report on breaches of the principles enshrined in the Media Code of Conduct and norms associated with international best practices in journalism.
It will also promote lifting professional standards in the media with regards to the reporting of political, electoral, governance and general social issues; encourage equity, balance and fairness in news reporting; the influencing of media owners/operatives to abide by the principles enshrined in the Media Code of Conduct; and supporting GECOM’s Public Relations Department in information gathering and improving the organisation’s public image. Harmon said that the media monitoring unit has always been a matter of concern for the APNU because it believes that there have been brazen acts of abuse of state resources and of the state media by the PPP/C. The General Secretary said that his organisation is happy for the reintroduction of that unit and hopes that whatever it may find during the upcoming period, some serious action can be taken. He said that the problem with the Unit in the past is that it made recommendations and the government never paid any attention to it. “So it is as if you have a Unit that is established for the purpose of fairness but the government has no regard for equality and we have to see how it works this time. We hope its recommendations are those which can be acted upon,” he added. The Shadow Minister of Public Works also stated that the APNU’s message to the people during the forthcoming election, will be centered on ensuring that the “corrupt PPP/C regime is brought to its knees a new government with the people’s interest at heart is given the opportunity to take the country forward.”
Region Ten RDC wants investigation into Rusal export of bauxite Councillors of the Region Ten RDC are asking the relevant authorities to investigate the type of bauxite exported by Rusal, the Russian Mining Company operating in Aroima. According to APNU Councillor, Leslie Gonsalves, he was informed that Rusal is exporting bauxite as over burden and not passing it through the normal Laboratory system. Another APNU Councillor, Charles Sampson, said that an investigation must be done. “Companies like Rusal are outsmarting Guyanese. No company is going to dig up ore and ship it out as over burden. If they
are doing that then there is something in that ore that they know about. Russia is a highly developed country, just like China. It could be shipping out ore that has gold or rare earth minerals. Those are things you take very seriously. We need to know. You don’t export over burden. Something is in there that they don’t want people to know about and we have to take it very seriously. “Rusal has been outsmarting Guyanese for years and the government is powerless to do anything.” Councillor Sampson noted that Rusal is shipping high quality ore under the guise of low quality ore. He urged the
Regional Chairman to get behind it. “Analysis has to be done of anything shipped out. If that is not done they are outsmarting Guyanese and they have the ability and the technical know how to do it, just like the Chinese.” Councillor Gonsalves claimed that Rusal is very tightlipped. “They have a way of doing things and they are at a stage where Rusal don’t want to meet with the union.” He also noted that Rusal is not using the stipulated explosive in the mines. “Nobody knew; a lot of people are not aware that Rusal is using C4 (a plastic explosive) and not dynamite as the explosive in the mines.”
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Is Marijuana use dangerous? Here’s what you need to know
In Guyana some of us judge Marijuana as a stimulant that relaxes and makes us feel good rather than a drug which can severely alter our perception as well as leave us with serious long term medical damage. Growing up in Guyana, Georgetown especially, I have had many childhood friends who indulge in the usage of marijuana. Over the years I have seen some of my friends who have used marijuana for an extended period become “slow”. After using for a long time I noticed that their thought process had deteriorated and some had developed mental problems. This prompted me to do research on the marijuana use when I had the time to do so. Marijuana comes from the Hemp plant called Cannabis sativa. It has something inside it called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which makes you feel high if you consume it. Marijuana can be consumed in many different ways, most people smoke the plant’s dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds, but it can
also be consumed by mixing into brownies, cookies or even made into a tea. When it is smoked the absorption is much faster as opposed to when eaten. When eaten it is broken down in the stomach and then the THC is absorbed into the bloodstream, however when smoked THC is absorbed right a w a y. Yo u w i l l n o t i c e changes with your body right after smoking marijuana which generally lasts three to four hours. Some persons have serious side effects from marijuana use, as it can increase your heart rate by as much as two times for up to three hours, that’s why some people can suffer a heart attack right after they use marijuana. Some other effects of usage can be dizziness, red eyes, dilated pupils, decreased reaction time (driving after using marijuana doubles our risk of getting into an accident) and increased appetite. Research shows that heavy marijuana usage has been linked to mental health issues. Recent research has also shown brain injuries that resemble that of schizophrenia (mental health disorder). Continuous marijuana use has shown that an area of the brain responsible for communication, learning and memory deteriorates in function. Of the schizophrenic marijuana users, one research showed that 90 per cent of persons had been using the drug heavily prior to developing the mental disorder. Additionally this research further supports the fact that persons with a family history of mental health disorders, especially schizophrenia, could increase their risk of developing the disorder by
There is never a substitute for learning and that will be forcibly borne out when a young lawyer is going to challenge the announcement of the election date. At the same time pressure will be placed on the Ministry of Education to have President Donald Ramotar shift the date because at this time he can. It is here that an interesting thing will happen because in the end, there is
no replacement for intelligent public opinion. ** The fires are back. The fact that minor things give rise to fires tells us that the atmosphere is right for such things. That being the case, a parent given the stress to make ends meet, will leave some children unattended in the home. Once more the firemen will have to go into action to save neighbouring properties. ** Berbice is the magnet for some young criminals who have been teaming up with some from the city. The police are going to smash yet another gang. The impending elections did a lot to spur the haste to remove criminals from the streets.
(From the desk of the Vector Control Director, Dr Reyaud Rahman)
using marijuana. Moreover, it can be concluded that persons with a family history of schizophrenia who use marijuana are more prone to developing schizophrenia
also. I will therefore dare to suggest that it is best to not use marijuana until further research is done, as we can clearly say that there are some negative effects that can result.
H o w e v e r, t h e r e i s medical marijuana used for patients with cancer, as one of the side effects is nausea c a u s e d b y the cancer chemotherapy, and it is also used to stimulate the appetite
caused by patients who are infected by AIDS due to severe weight loss. Other than this, it is advisable to stay away from the drug unless directed to do so by a responsible physician.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 25, 2015
The pastor with a sordid past - IS THIS UNSOLVED MURDER A REVENGE KILLING? By Michael Jordan It was close to 30 years after his wife’s murder that the killers paid Pastor Motielall Persaud a visit. They say it was raining heavily that Saturday night of July 30, 2011, when Persaud, known as ‘Brother Martin’, closed his internet café at Lot 22 Armadale. He then entered his car and drove to his home at Lot 36 Railway Dam, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice. Arriving there at around 22:00 hrs, the 51-year-old climbed his stairs. Perhaps it was the heavy downpour that prevented Pastor Persaud from realizing that he was not alone, that two men, reportedly masked and clothed in black, were hiding nearby. The Pastor was just opening his door when the men pounced… At around 22:05, Persaud’s brother-in-law, Roopchand, who was also his
Pastor Motielall Persaud and his second wife, Gita next-door neighbour, heard an unusual noise. On peering outside, the brother-in law saw the pastor struggling with two men. One was choking Persaud. During the struggle, Persaud managed to scream
out to his brother-in-law that he was being robbed. He then managed to break free from his attackers and open a gate that separated his yard from his brother-in-law’s. The pastor then fled for his life to the brother-in-law’s
backyard, where the men caught up with him. Although the pastor put up a fierce fight, the men stabbed him repeatedly about the body. Roopchand alerted his neighbours who then called the police. When they arrived, they found Persaud lying in his brother-in-law’s backyard, bleeding profusely from wounds about his body. He managed to tell his brother-in-law that the men had made off with his cell phone before succumbing. The keys to the house were found in the yard and blood stains were still evident in the grass when I visited the scene. Persaud was the sole occupant of the home at the time since his wife, Geeta and six-month-old son, MJ had left for vacation in Trinidad. Checking back further on Persaud’s movements that night, police learned that he had been among family and friends hours prior to his death. One of his relatives said that Persaud had joined with them that Saturday afternoon at Cotton Tree. Persaud had hugged and kissed them before leaving at about 18:30 hrs. Detectives scoured the dead pastor ’s house but found that it was not ransacked and from all appearances the men had not entered. This suggested that Persaud’s killers had not intended to rob him. Persaud’s wife, Gita Persaud, also said that her spouse had no enemies. “He was such a loving person; he got along with everybody. He brought so much happiness into our lives.” The couple had been
married for eight years. So who could have wanted ‘Pastor Martin’ dead? A week before his death, his fellow worshippers at the Bush Lot Assemblies of God Church had elected him to be the Assistant Pastor. A possible motive emerged a few days later. It turned out that he had not always been ‘Pastor Martin.’ Back in the nineteen seventies, Motielall Persaud had lived in the Bronx, New York, at 161 St and Walton Avenue, in a building housing several Guyanese. He was also married, but the relationship soured and the two separated. However, it is alleged that the spouse would still visit Persaud to collect money from him. It is alleged that sometime around 1986, Martin gave his spouse a large sum of money. She reportedly returned the next week and demanded more. However, Persaud and his wife reportedly got into an argument over her relationship with another man. In a fit of rage, Persaud strangled her and dumped the body in a garbage dumpster and later pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to 15 years at Ossining Prison. After 12 years, he was released on good behaviour and deported. On his return to Guyana, Persaud remarried and settled down in Berbice. According to reports, he turned to rice farming and poultry rearing, while also operating an
internet café. He also served as deputy pastor for an Assemblies of God Church. In a letter to Kaieteur News, one of his friends said: “He had paid his debt to society and was fully redeemed. Why, would anyone want to avenge for that long dead ex-wife from 25-years ago? Another murder to avenge for an earlier one takes us back to the medieval age. The police have a responsibility to find Martin’s killers. Every angle of this murder should be investigated. The knifestabbing killers must be tracked down not so much for Martin but for a civil way of life in Guyana. We cannot have people running around killing others. The Guyana police should solve Martin’s murder quickly – or else risk turning Guyana into a haven for revenge killings.” But more than three years later, the murder of ‘Brother Martin’ remains unsolved. If you have any information about other unusual cases, please contact Kaieteur News at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown location. We can be reached on telephone numbers 225-8465, 2258491 or 225-8473. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address mjdragon @hotmail.com
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Unlimited power leads to unlimited imagination At the time of writing, there is no proclamation dissolving Parliament, yet there is an election date announced by the President. Before we come to the right or wrong of that decision, one needs to take a really hard look at who made that decision. When one does that one is faced with the inevitable question – why do postcolonial countries put up with some of the asininities inherited from colonial powers? The man who called an election date in Guyana and did not issue a proclamation dissolving Parliament meaning that he can change that date if he wants to - is a person who will contest the election when the time comes. To the mind even of a little schoolboy that does not sound right. That politician can time the election to give himself an advantage over his rivals. In the case of Guyana, this politician can change the announced date of May 11
tomorrow. In many countries, the date for the election is not a prerogative of the politician, but is fixed to prevent politicians from manipulating the timing of an election. Having got that point out of the way let’s look at the election date. Even the Attorney-General has admitted that a proclamation has to come and Parliament has to be dissolved. Why was that not done and a watertight date announced? Because unlimited power make leaders possessed of such power feel that they could do anything unimaginable to a country and the people would have to accept it. There is a court case involving some Parika vendors and the Region Three administration. A group of us came to the vendors’ rescue and sought an injunction. One of the close relatives of Cheddi Jagan said to me that we may lose the case, so it is best that we advise the vendors to form a delegation
and go to see the leadership of the PPP or Luncheon or the President. He told me that with local government elections in the air, the PPP dare not mistreat the vendors. This conversation took place over six months ago. I said to him that he was a decent man with a decent mind, and that he is projecting that mind unto others possessed of unlimited power and who would not be able to see reality the way he does. I asked what makes him think that Freedom House wouldn’t show the vendors the steps. He insisted that with local government elections around the corner, they wouldn’t do that. My advice to the vendors was as simple as looking at the grass on the parapet – take your chance in the court and stay away from cruel politicians whose judgement has fled to brutish beast and who have lost their reason. Since that discussion, the people with unlimited power have done unimaginable
things with their uncontrollable, untamed power. One day after the election announcement, the PPP did what is beyond imagination. I told Dr. Mellissa Ifill, the head of the union of academics at UG, that for all my years of studying the PPP, I would have never believed the PPP could or would make Bibi Shadick the Pro-Chancellor of UG. There seems to be no end to this madness, and this is because leaders possessed of unimaginable power do unimaginable things. The Pro-Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and Chancellor’s seats are essentially academic positions always reserved for people in academia. This obtains throughout the world. But let us say you haven’t got such a person, you try for someone near to those qualities. Without any comment on Bibi Shadick, it is a fact that in politics and law, the two professions Ms. Shadick is in,
she has not distinguished herself. This is my opinion and I would like to see an argument against it. Surely, there is the concept of “achievement” and we comment on lack of achievement every day in our lives when we see certain cricketers selected and others not picked. We come back to the election date without the proclamation. It was done because the PPP Government knew that it could do it and it would bring no protest and even if there is rebuke, it will die down in days’ time. Often in this column, I have argued that it is important for readers to understand that they must not expect the logical and the rational from the PPP leadership, because logic and reason die a natural death in the halls of government when oligarchs and tyrants become invincible. The Bibi Shadick case came in the midst of election campaigning and the PPP is
Frederick Kissoon campaigning, but will the PPP appear gentle, tolerant, generous and democratic as the election fever heats up? Think you know the answer?
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 25, 2015
Guyana’s last frontier…the Rupununi The Rupununi – properly called the Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo Region – is the largest Region in Guyana and has a size of about 58,000 km². It is bigger than Costa Rica and six times the size of Puerto Rico. Yet, because of the policies of the People’s Progressive Party Civic Administration, the Region remains under-developed. The Region has over 80 communities, villages and satellite settlements with a population of about 25,000 persons. The main settlements are Annai, Lethem and Aishalton and the main ethnic groups are the Makushi in the north, Wapishana in the south and Wai-Wai in ‘the deep south.’ The Region has tremendous, untapped potential for the development of agriculture and agroprocessing, energy-
generation, forestry, mining, trade and eco-tourism. Owing to backward governmental administration at both regional and central levels, however, this potential remains unexploited. Lethem, the seat of the Regional Democratic Council and the centre of administration, has several amenities and public utilities – aerodrome; banks; churches; government offices; immigration office; magistrate’s court; police station; schools; hospital; hotels; electrical power station; fuel stations; water supply; groceries and hardware and general supply stores. Government policy, sadly, prevents the ‘settlement’ from becoming a town although it certainly needs to have its own mayor and municipal council.
The vital Lethem-Linden highway, owing to the government’s inaction, degenerates into a nearimpassible track in rainy weather; old wooden bridges sometimes collapse; savannah fires and floods could inhibit travel. Transportation costs rise and, as a result, push the cost of living beyond the means of most households. The lack of a network of reliable, paved roads and concrete bridges is a major obstacle to development. Education of the young is essential, yet, boys and girls perform at a level lower than children in other regions at the National Grade Six Assessment examinations and tend to drop out of a primary and secondary schools. Some of those who remain are unlikely to be
functionally literate or numerate. This trend must be reversed by ensuring that every child has a place in school and completes his or her primary education. The Region’s four secondary schools ¯at Annai, Aishalton, Sand Creek and St. Ignatius ¯ do produce scores of graduates every year but many of them are unable to find satisfactory employment. The major source of employment, apart from Government employment as nurses, officials, policemen, soldiers and teachers and a few businessmen, is in the construction sector. Some young residents do find jobs here, but the majority of construction workers are brought from Georgetown or Boa Vista. Jobs are the basis of a sound economy and are essential for economic growth. Too many young adults still seek waged labour instead of engaging in private enterprise. There is need to counter this trend by establishing a Rupununi Agriculture Institute and a Rupununi Technical Institute to provide young people with life skills and careers and to give them a reason to remain in the Region. The Moco-Moco hydroelectrical power scheme, opened in 1999, was shut down after being damaged by a landslide in 2003. The Government, rather than repair the scheme and restore the service, unwisely abandoned the plant entirely
leaving Lethem and its environs at the mercy of expensive, diesel-generated electricity. The Unserved Areas Hinterland Development Project, funded by the IDB, was a start to providing electrical energy to isolated communities and households, but the installation of household solar panels has not been a success. There have been widespread failures in panels or switchgear or wiring. Schools and health centres still require sources of more reliable power and this will call for a substantial increase in both capital and recurrent budgets and technical training. As climate change impacts on the hinterland, each community needs to take more responsibility for providing itself with water in possibly prolonged dry seasons. This requires not only capital expenditure but also training in water management and maintenance of pumps and pipes. Villages need to store water for livestock, fish and other wildlife in the dry season and restocking in the long rainy season. The President, only on 14th March 2006 as general and regional elections approached, hastily assented to the Amerindian Act. This sought to empower indigenous people to preserve their rights to their land and their way of life among other
things but communities, under this Act, have complained about its inadequacy and demanded revisions. Many communities are not satisfied with the lands given to them. Large tracts of land have been given out as mining and forestry concessions. APNU promises to sit down with communities and have them identify the lands that they need and pledge to settle these issues once and for all. Health, as with education, is below the national average. The low level of primary health care is related to the shortage of medical staff within communities. Rupununi residents, as in other parts of the hinterland, need a higher level of preventative health education, including nutrition and ante- and post-natal care. The so-called ‘state-of-theart’ Regional Hospital at Lethem is inadequate to serve the needs of the region and has been described as little more than “a glorified health centre.” The Rupununi might be Guyana’s southernmost frontier but, far from being a failed region, is a zone of potential and promise. It needs good governance. An APNU administration will create the conditions for a ‘good life’ for all, by protecting residents of this great region from the abuse of their rights and providing them with a higher quality of life.
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
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MY COLUMN
Anger could have caused May 11 to be identified When President Donald Ramotar announced the date for elections, I was certain that he did so in anger and did not take anything into consideration. First, he prorogued Parliament with the hope of engaging the political opposition in dialogue. After all, when he came to office he did so with a promise to talk to the political opposition whenever the opposition thought necessary. I then had cause to knock the opposition for not trying to talk things over with the President. Not long after, I learnt that President was often intransigent, so that the talks got nowhere. Pretty soon, the call for a return to parliament became strident. The British and the Americans got into the act, prompting the government to accuse them of meddling in Guyana’s internal affairs. The government was so incensed that the Head of the Presidential Secretariat went as far as to say that the imminent departure of the British envoy could not fast enough. Those are harsh words when it is considered that the British represent a source of funding for this poor country.
The British Government would not sit idle while its diplomat in Guyana was being pilloried by the Guyana Government. Indeed my government had similar harsh words for a now departed American Ambassador. To my mind we were picking fights with people we needed for our very survival. Some of my friends told me that the government had concluded that there were India and China to provide all the money we may need. This was all well and good until the territorial issue came into focus. But I said to myself that the government knew what it was doing. What I did not see coming was the involvement of the European Union. And I had to be stupid. These combinations must have got President Ramotar so angry that he decided that he was going to go into elections, come hell or high water. So after talking with the elections commission, he announced a date. He did not take time to dissolve the parliament nor did he issue a proclamation about the date. So there was a legal issue as well as a political issue. Some in the opposition concluded that he was bluffing, while others said that he had
thrown out a bait to get a reaction and at the same time, to get the foreign governments off his back. But in doing so he now runs the risk of estranging some of his very supporters. The date, May 11, clashes with some external examinations. The issue was pointed out to President Ramotar who, according to the government media houses, declared that he was not changing the date. The announcement also revealed that not everyone in the Cabinet can influence certain decisions. The Education Minister was there, but I can bet my last dollar that she was not consulted. However, President Ramotar has not ignored the issue, so the Education Minister must make alternative arrangements for the examinations. I would have thought that the Guyana Elections Commission would have been asked to make arrangements for polling. I suspect that the decision to give the task to the Education Minister has something to do with numbers. Fewer students than voters would be involved in the examinations. Then someone raised the issue of elections violence. Indeed, no parent would have his child out on the streets if
there is going to be violence. Further, the issue of violence would weigh so heavily on the mind of the children that none can predict how they would perform in the examinations. The one good thing is that as Guyanese we have matured, so the question of election violence should not be an issue. We have had clean and non-problematic elections ever since 2006. And so the elections campaign has begun. In fact, from the time President Ramotar announced the date, which he can still change, the state-owned television station began to run a series of advertisements lauding the virtues of the government. There have been no such advertisements from the opposition side. We will then come to the issue of who is paying, if anyone is paying at all. I saw the report prepared by the Commonwealth Observer Mission to Sri Lanka for the elections there, and what struck me was the similarity to Guyana. The
hogging of the state media, the provision of jobs to friends and family and the sudden wealth of the politicians, all made me think that perhaps Sri Lanka learned from us. And as if this was the icing on the cake, the head of the Commonwealth observer team was none other than our own Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana’s longest-serving executive president. Over in that country that was once Ceylon, the new government is pursuing a course of prosecutions. It would be interesting to see where they may lead, but for sure our politicians are taking note. That is perhaps why Dr Roger Luncheon, on Friday, said that they would be out there campaigning with a commitment that may never have been seen in Guyana. Meanwhile, as a reporter, I wonder at the possible development of acrimony between the people of this country. Every time elections come around certain dislikes
Adam Harris surface; friends become casual acquaintances. Then there will be the charges and counter charges. Indeed I could have waited another two years for these. Of course, it has not escaped my notice that parts of the nation would have been mobilized on account that May 5 is Indian Arrival Day. If this is to be used as a political forum then I would be disappointed in my country which should have moved away from relying on any race vote.
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Sunday January 25, 2015
Revitalising urban agriculture By Neilson McKenzie Significant public policy shifts highlighting the need for a resurgence of urban and peri-urban agriculture, have, in Latin America and some countries of the Caribbean facilitated the move towards “greener cities” and “urban green parks” and has also given traction to the “green economy.” The socio-economic and other pertinent benefits of promoting Urban Agriculture and in the case of Guyana, revisiting that programme, cannot be over-emphasised. In Guyana, we will definitely have to fashion our urban development strategies to focus on more holistic programmes, inclusive of Urban Agriculture, to foster more equitable growth and sustainability. Innovative and novel approaches will be required if urban agriculture is to regain its prominence and realise its potential for radical social transformation of Urban communities. WHY URBAN AGRICULTURE?
An efficiently managed urban Agriculture programme will: 1. Improve household income and family nutrition and guarantee progress towards food security. Guarantee income generation through the sale of produce, increase disposable income through non-purchase of certain food items, improvement in food quality through the use of fresh homegrown food and ensure guaranteed food supply. 2. Create opportunities for capacity building through innovative programs, re: sharing of scientific knowledge garnered from training programs and services organised by Ministry of Agriculture, IICA (Inter America Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture), and Partners of the Americas, among other institutions. This would encourage the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and increase individual planning and management capability. 3. Promote the remodelling of urban
communities through the construction of nature gardens, play parks and recreation zones. T his will augur well for the enhancement of community relations - improve property values and foster an environment conducive to the pursuit of positive values and behaviours. The introduction of floriculture and landscaping exposure and training in urban communities offer new awareness of economic reward alongside environmental beautification and management. 4. Serve to stimulate interest among women and youth promoting greater selfesteem and the restoration of sound family values. In the AFC Action Plan for Guyana there are twelve interconnected foundations for development. Foundation 5: Our Youth. Our Future states “the AFC’s political , economic and social evolution shall be focused on developing programmes that will provide opportunities to build character, values, self-
esteem, employability and reduce risk factors such as crime, drug abuse , alcoholism , teen pregnancy, suicide, violence and illiteracy.” There must be deliberate policies geared at developing “entry points” for youth participation in policy making around agriculture and food security. Specific emphasis must be placed on the identification, training and promotion of women, particularly given our single parent household reality. These interventions will significantly impact on addressing the issue of gender inequality. Foundation 6: Gender Equality: Our Women, Our Foundation states...”the AFC intends to introduce policies to encourage the rebuilding of Guyana’s family structure, the sharing of caring tasks between parents as well as mentoring and supporting Guyana’s children”. 5. Help the most vulnerable households and deprived communities
transition into sustainable economic ventures. This will encourage more community-driven activities, stimulating positive behaviours, the reduction of social conflict and the development of platforms for personal and communal progress. The reduction in dependence on imported foods and the new reliance on locally produced, more nutritious items will further establish the urban communities and national food and nutrition security. This will truly be a ‘game changer.’ INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT However to effectively garner all the economic and social benefits that can be derived from a full revitalisation of Urban Agriculture there must be meaningful and sustained interventions by the relevant state agencies, namely the Ministries of Education, Health & Agriculture, GWI, GPL as well as the privatelyowned GT&T.
These agencies must optimise their services to ensure reliability and affordability where it matters. The availability of continuous technical support from the relevant Ministries and the reliable supply of water and electricity will be pivotal components of this new urban Agriculture strategy. Alongside these will have to be more than just a ‘clean up Guyana’ plan. A decisive programme of rehabilitation of the internal drainage network of urban communities coupled with an external sluice/outfall desilting set of activities will serve to significantly reduce urban flooding which, if unchecked, will serve as a serious deterrent to successful urban agriculture. As the new year unfolds, the potential for the revitalisation of Urban Agriculture in Guyana must be explored. This will be a real Health Wealth and Nutrition fillip to these communities and make them greener and cleaner.
Sunday January 25, 2015
SUNDAY SPECIAL CRITICISMS BY DIPLOMATS AGAINST GOVT…STOP CRUCIFYINGTHE MESSENGER, PAY ATTENTION TO THE MESSAGE – AFC TELLS GOVT. The Alliance For Change (AFC) has taken note of government’s reaction to statements made by British High Commissioner to Guyana, Andrew Ayre. The Party made it clear that it is in total disagreement with the way government has chosen to respond. At the AFC’s most recent press conference, Member of Parliament (MP) Trevor Williams pointed out that the government has developed a pattern of lashing out at anyone who dares to disagree with its principles or lack thereof. Williams urged however that “Instead of crucifying the messenger, the PPP Government should pay attention to the intent of the High Commissioner’s statement.” High Commissioner Ayre, who is expected to leave Guyana in February, said there could be possible sanctions by the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, for Guyana not sticking to the Commonwealth Charter which focuses on democracy and a recent declaration that was signed onto by Commonwealth Leaders, including President Ramotar. High Commissioner Ayre had said the Guyanese Head of State needs to lift his suspension of Parliament, since the ongoing suspension has created a country that does not have a functioning democracy. He noted that under the circumstances, the United Kingdom would not be able
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to justify to its taxpayers why it was still sending developmental funds to a country which has no functioning democracy and no parliamentary oversight at the moment. REJECTION OF PEGASUS OWNER’S US$8M …GOVT. NOT INTERESTED IN EXPERIENCED, T R A N S PA R E N T INVESTORS — NAGAMOOTOO - reeks of an unequal playing field for businesses in Guyana Vice Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Moses Nagamootoo, said that Government’s rejection of the US$8M offer by Pegasus owner, Robert Badal, for the Marriott Hotel clearly shows that it has something to hide. He opined that it proves once again that government is not interested in partnering with experienced and transparent investors. Winston Brassington, owner of Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI), said in a statement to the media that it refused Badal’s offer because he feels the Pegasus owner is not serious. The statement from Brassington and the Government raised even more questions about where they are finding the billions of dollars needed to complete the hotel. Nagamootoo said that he read the news item on Government’s rejection of Badal’s offer and that he was somewhat taken back by the move. He said that it is obvious that Government has a political motive and it blocked Badal from gaining entry into the “secret loop.” Government, as part of its stakes, plugged almost US$22M of the US$57M
needed for the completion of the hotel. MONDAYEDITION SPURNED CANE-CUTTER KILLS GIRL, 19, OUTSIDE RESTAURANT A spurned cane-cutter stabbed his 19-year old exgirlfriend to death at around 19.00 hrs last week Saturday after trailing her and a male friend to a Rosignol, West Bank Berbice restaurant. Shazina Mohamed of Edinburgh Scheme, East Bank Berbice, was reportedly stabbed several times by her former lover while she was standing in front of the Yang Yi Chinese Restaurant. She had gone there with another male friend, who was in the restaurant purchasing a meal when the jilted man carried out his brutal assault.
The woman was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where she succumbed. The alleged killed fled the scene but was arrested Sunday morning at his Shieldstown, West Coast Berbice home. TUESDAYEDITION DIESEL, GAS PRICES SLASHED BY 30 PERCENT – GOVT. - EXCISE TAX FURTHER INCREASED With a constant drop in world market fuel prices over the last few months, Government has decided to reduce the cost of gasoline and diesel at the pump by 30 percent. The change commenced Monday evening just after Minister of Finance,
Ashni Singh announced the price reduction. This drop in fuel prices attracted however, a 40 per cent increase in the excise tax on gasoline and a 30 per cent hike in the excise tax on diesel. SEARCH CALLED OFF FOR MISSING ASL PLANE – RCC Despite an intensive 21 days period of aerial and ground searches in mountainous and denselyforested terrain in Region Eight for the Air Services Limited (ASL) Britten Norman Islander that went missing late last year, search and rescue officers have decided to call off search efforts. Captain Nicky Yakesh Persaud, 27 and cargo handler David Bisnauth, 51, who were on board the aircraft are still to be found. The aircraft had disappeared on a routine shuttle operation between Mahdia and Karisparu on December 28, last. Rescue operators had been hoping to locate the aircraft before expending their resources. But even after numerous leads and daily search efforts, the agencies involved in rescue efforts finally decided to call it quits. WEDNESDAYEDITION MAY 11 IS ELECTION DAY It is official now. Guyanese will be heading to the polls on Monday, May 11th to elect a new Government. The announcement Tuesday by President Donald Ramotar was not totally
unexpected, and would come a little more than two months after he prorogued Parliament and in the face of growing pressure by both local and international bodies. It would mean that Ramotar, who was sworn in December 2011, would see his Presidency cut short by almost two years. On November 10, facing a no-confidence debate by an Opposition-controlled National Assembly that was unhappy over what was seen as unapproved spending, among other things, President Ramotar announced that he was using his powers to suspend Parliament. The National Assembly had been in recess for two months and had faced delays over its reconvening because of wrangling over who had the authority to recall it. It was an unusual situation that Guyana had found itself in. President Ramotar said that he wanted to stave off political conflict and engage the Opposition on a number of issues. His explanation was met with disbelief by the Opposition – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) – equally determined not to engage in talks until the National Assembly was reconvened or elections called. They threatened to block any contracts signed by Government during the prorogation period. In his New Year’s message, the Head of State said that he would be announcing a date as soon as possible. Continued on page 37
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Sunday January 25, 2015
From page 27 MAY 11 ELECTIONS… OPPOSITION TELLS RAMOTAR BRING IT ON President Donald Ramotar has finally set a date for General Election and the political opposition—A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) —is ready to move into election with the expressed hope that Guyana will this time, see the back of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). On Monday, May 11, Guyanese will be voting, following an announcement Tuesday afternoon by President Ramotar. The Head of State chose this route as he refused to face an AFC-sponsored NoConfidence Motion brought against his government. Ramotar had prorogued the Parliament on November 10, the very day the Motion was supposed to be debated. The President subsequently refused to end the period of prorogation and said he would call elections early in the new year and dissolve the Parliament. However, even as the Election date has been set, Ramotar is still to dissolve the Parliament. When contacted Tuesday, AFC’s General Secretary David Patterson said that his party was extremely happy to know that the date for the General Election has been finally set. He said that the AFC has been preparing for this imminent date since last year and is certainly “ready to bring down the PPP Administration”. “Let the games begin. Bring it on, Ramotar,” he added. APNU’s General Secretary, Joseph Harmon expressed similar sentiments. THURSDAY EDITION UNUSUAL SITUATION AS PARLIAMENT NOT DISSOLVED… GOVT. HAS LOOPHOLE TO SIGN DEALS, OTHER VOTEGETTING PROJECTS - LAWYER SAYS ELECTION DATEAPLOY TO CAUSE CONFUSION Tuesday’s announcement by President Donald Ramotar that May 11 is Elections Day has raised more questions than answers. Not only does the date clashing with critical secondary school exams, but it leaves the door open for Parliament to be recalled. There were condemnations Wednesday with at least one lawyer saying that the particular date is a ploy to cause confusion and
Kaieteur News
for the ruling party to hold onto power for awhile longer. Leader of the National Independent Party, attorneyat-law, Saphier Husain Subedar, who will be contesting the elections, was blunt. He said that the President continues to act contrary to the Constitution of Guyana by setting a date for election, whilst the
some suspicious first formers who were his prime targets. Some of the students had already begun to hand over their phones but a few smart ones contacted teachers and some parents and this led to the man’s apprehension. Kaieteur News understands that the welldressed man entered the school almost unnoticed
announced date, President Donald Ramotar should consider moving it to one that is during a less disruptive period. Granger said that APNU welcomes the pronouncement because the entire country was essentially in a state of suspense. He said that business had started to slow down as well as investment and the general
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Elections despite a clash with secondary school examinations and the issue of Parliament not yet being dissolved. On Tuesday, President Donald Ramotar announced the date, triggering immediate concerns that a number of subjects of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams that students were sitting could be affected. There were also concerns that Guyana was sailing into uncharted waters as Parliament was not dissolved. There were some calls for the date to be shifted. However, it became clear that the President and the ruling party remained dead-set on May 11. This is because on Wednesday, a post on President Ramotar’s Facebook page said that alternative arrangements will be made for the exams. “In regard to the concern that students who are scheduled to sit CXC exams on May 11 will be affected, please note that the Ministry of Education will put adequate systems in place to ensure students are able to sit their exams without disruption by the day’s election activities,” the President said in his Facebook post. SATURDAY EDITION EU WITHHOLDS EURO 28.9M SUPPORT FOR SUGAR DUE TO PROROGUED PARLIAMENT
prorogation continues without dissolution of Parliament. “The date of election is not set by a release in the Government Information Agency, but in accordance with Article 61 where it says ‘an election shall be held on such a day within three months after the dissolution of Parliament as the President shall appoint by proclamation.’” The lawyer said that this meant, that both the dissolution of the Parliament and the date of the election have to be done by a proclamation which has not yet been effected. BOGUS DETECTIVE TRIES TO SEIZE QC STUDENTS’ SMART PHONES Police on Wednesday morning detained a man who pretended to be a detective and tried to seize smart phones from several students of Queen’s College. The imposter might have succeeded had it not been for
shortly before classes commenced and proceeded undetected to the first form classrooms. He told the students that he was a detective who was sent by the Ministry of Education to seize all cellular phones from students. FRIDAYEDITION ELECTION DATE ISA SHAMAND AHUGE FARCE – AFC - APNU QUESTIONS WISDOM OF DECISION A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) are of the opinion that the scheduled election date, Monday, May 11, brings a fair degree of confusion and problems with it, but the AFC insists that despite the unwise decision that the President has made, the party would not be begging him to reverse. Leader of the Opposition, David Granger told Kaieteur News Thursday that while APNU is happy about the
population was “bewildered.” The Opposition Leader said that the announcement was a step forward, but in terms of the date chosen, it brings with it a lot of trouble. “I don’t know what thinking went into that date, considering that it clashes with major examinations. We feel that the President has not yet made a Proclamation, so it’s not official. Therefore, Ramotar should use the opportunity to consider moving the date and putting it to one that is less troublesome to students and teachers,” Granger added. Meanwhile, his opposition counterpart, AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, expressed even more scathing views, calling the Election date “a sham and a huge farce”. RAMOTAR NOT SHIFTING ON MAY 11 ELECTION DATE Government has refused to budge on the May 11 date for General and Regional
The government has been given its first clear sign of an international sanction for proroguing the Parliament. On Friday, the European Union (EU) said that it has temporarily put on hold its two latest partial payments being, EURO 28.9M for Guyana’s sugar sector and EURO 14.8M for sea defences, until all eligibility criteria, including budget oversight, are “satisfactorily” addressed. The EU made clear that it has a long standing commitment to support
development and poverty reduction in Guyana. In 2014, it said that EURO 34 million was allocated to Guyana under the 11th European Development Fund. EU aid is channelled through different modalities. Budget support is one of them. US$18M SPECIALTY HOSPITAL EMBARRASSMENT… “BANKRUPT” INDIAN FIRM DISAPPEARS; COURT GRANTS $900M JUDGMENT . Months after suing Indian firm, Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited (SECL), for failing to deliver on the US$18M Specialty Hospital, a local court has ordered the company to pay over $900M. But there is a problem. The company, at one time a highly favoured one, cannot be located. Court officials, since the claim for damages were filed in October by the Ministry of Legal Affairs, went to the Berbice-registered office listed by Surendra to serve the writ. The Ministry even resorted to published notices of service in the Guyana Chronicle newspaper on two consecutive occasions December 13 and 20 December, 2014 - to no avail. The matter was set to be heard last Wednesday in the Commercial Court. However, no defendant or representatives made an appearance. The matter was called again Friday, with Surendra a no-show once more. The court went ahead and granted judgment in favour of the Government of Guyana in terms of the special damages of US$4,285,440, which amounts to $899,942,440 and interest thereon; costs of US$10,714.50, which amounts to $2,250,043. What makes the matter more interesting is that Surendra, in India, has filed for bankruptcy, according to records seen by Kaieteur News. It will raise the very real question as to how Government will recover the monies.
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Sunday January 25, 2015
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Is the PPP using the CXC exams as insurance against E-Day protests? The date has been set and the race is on. The opposition got its election date and now to defeat the ruling PPP government, the PNC/APNU and the AFC are in talks, working on a strategy. They plan to join forces and contest the election as one entity with the hope of getting over that 50 per cent hump. You know a funny thought came to me as I read about the talk of merging forces to defeat the PPP. I will deal with that merger idea in a later article, but what I have to say for now is more or less for the young voters. As long as I can remember every change in the voting system was meant not to benefit the Guyanese people, but was mainly to defeat the PPP. It was always about defeating the PPP. Back in 1957 the British “gerrymandered” the voting districts in an effort to defeat the PPP. This came after the British Government suspended the Constitution and threw out the PPP Government that was democratically elected. In fact they jailed some of the leaders, including Cheddi Jagan,
The British Government changed the electoral system again in 1961, I believe; now there was a bicameral legislature, a house and Senators. The PPP won that election handsomely, which did not sit well with the British, Americans as well as the PNC led by Forbes Burnham. While not getting into too much detail it is suffice to say that the opposition led by the PNC instigated strikes, protests, arson and violence in an attempt to destabilize if not overthrow the PPP government. It was a very dark period in Guyana’s history. The PPP survived. So another plan was hatched by the British Government, along with the opposition led by the PNC. The 1961 election was based on a “first past the post” system. Now a new system was devised called Proportional Representation, which is basically the same system in place now. The idea being the PPP cannot get a 50 per cent of the votes so they either have to form a coalition government or be in the opposition. So planned so done, the PPP never got 50
per cent in the following election and the then opposition parties the PNC and the UF (United Force) joined forces to form the government. It was the beginning of a dictatorship that would last from the 60s to 1992. I should mention that the UF got used by Burnham and the PNC; it was kicked out of government after a few of its parliamentarians defected (crossed the floor) to the PNC. Do you see why now no Parliamentarians can cross the floor? So come 1992 elections which is considered the first fair and free elections since the 1960’s and the PPP got over the 50% vote to form the Government. The PPP has since won every election with over 50% of the electorate leading up to 2011 elections when it fell under the 50% but was still able to form the government as provided in the Constitution. What is important to note is that this same Proportional Representation (PR) system that was implemented to defeat the PPP is now deemed to be not fair; some go as far to say it’s not democratic. The opposition wants a
new system to defeat the PPP. Mind you, this has nothing to benefit the electorate; it was all about defeating the PPP. While on the subject, much is made today about the Indo Guyanese vote to put the PPP in power. It’s about time this myth, this nonsense be dispelled. No political party can win an election based on ethnic voting, because no one race is 50% of the population. The PPP had to get multi ethnic votes to attain the 50% votes. Note at one election they got 55/% of the votes. There is no doubt that the majority of Indo Guyanese vote PPP while the majority of Afro Guyanese vote PNC. But there are independent minded people in those groups that vote beyond race. The PPP had gained cross over votes, and if you think all Indo Guyanese vote PPP ask the AFC from where they got their majority of votes in the last elections. Which brings us to the latest effort of the PNC/APNU and AFC joining forces to contest the coming election. (Talks are still ongoing). What is so comical about this is that the minority partner, the AFC
wants, to make it an AFC led alliance; meaning the Presidency or nothing. I will have more to say on this in a later article. Now after that little piece of history which I am sure will generate some hate mail, we come to the present. Why did President Donald Ramotar set an election date without dissolving Parliament? Why did he set the date when the CXC exams are on? Was this a deliberate act by the President or an oversight? The PPP will not do anything without a motive behind it. Those CXC exams will put the opposition in a “spot” if it decides to carry out protests as it did at the last elections. If the opposition does anything that will disrupt the election and hence
the exams, it will make them look bad. That’s not the image the opposition would want, being blamed for disrupting exams. Why was Parliament not dissolved? What surprise has the PPP in store? It must not surprise anyone if the PPP brings a budget to Parliament. Yes some would say its “bare face” but the PPP might very well call Parliament back to debate a Budget. Then what would the opposition do, still go ahead with its vote of no confidence? It would be very interesting folks; keep your “fingers crossed”. I think there is a surprise coming up in the next few weeks. Ralph Seeram can be reached at email: ralph365@hotmail.com and Facebook.
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PANEL/FANCY GLASS DOORS @ HADCO IN BAGOTSTOWN PUBLIC ROAD, NEXT TO HARBOUR BRIDGE MALL CALL: 233-6743 FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Two bedrooms flat, upstairs furnished @ Diamond E.B.D Tel: 216-0644; 668-8403 Office space to rent, 37 Cummings Street, Alberttown (Jus Cakes Building) Tel: 231-1154 Properties for rent for business purposes only @ 23 Saffon Street Charlestown & 164 Alexander Street Kitty - Call Devon: 663-1876 & 678-5721 Five bedrooms house, 107 Lamaha Gardens & Large Parking; AC Rooms Hot & Cold, Purified Water System – Call: 661-8908, 335-3590 Self contained rooms in Prashad Nagar weekly & monthly rates – Call: 2272993. GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) & MORE, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 Fully furnished & unfurnished apartment with TV, Air- Condition, hot & cold, cable in South. Call: 6895877 Barber shop space to rent located @ Diamond Scheme – Call: 655-1829.
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Plastic shipping Barrel$6,000; XBOX One $100,000; Nintendo DS $15,000; PSP - $20,000 - Tel: 603-8643/ 621-7497 PSP games $800, Computer games $1000 & over 1200 titles. Contact:675-2239; BBM 7FF1557E Cat 320 CL 2005 only 3800HRs sold as is, cash offer only, must go – Contact Azim: 660-3235 Five gallon water bottle caps $25 per piece Call: 614-8957 Dell/Hp computers with 19" LCDs - $55,000, CPU $35,000, laptops - $65,000 @ Fututetech-231-2206 Ice-cream machine, USA made, Taylor brand, floor model, similar to Igloo. All stainless steel Call: 624-3589, 601-5500 Land 135’X80’ with 2 storied building 80’X60’ Suitable for business – Soesdyke Highway - $85M, serious calls only- Phone: 653-8754 Household items for sale, plants, 1 galaxy s4 (brand new) – Call: 675-4066 Tibetan Terriers – Tel: 2254780 1-250 KVA Generator $3.6M, 1-110 KVA Generator - $1.8M, 1-9 KVA Generator $700,000 – Call: 223-8161 Complete Snapper Boats for sale – Excellent Condition – Contact: 6486815; 670-4459 Game Shop Equipment for sale - Call: 610-0808
LAND FOR SALE 1500 Acres Transported Land @ Bartica 2 ¾ miles River Front, Virgin Rock, Quarry Resort – Call Mark: 704-4652222/603-1266 House Lots in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities @ Eccles, 60X100 - $7.5M. (Special prices) - Call: 2272913; 683-3033 Eccles: Commercial lots for sale at Eccles – Tel:227-2913. Cell: 683-3033 1. Parika, Peter Street; 2. Blankenburg, behind gas station lot size: 75’X76' (3 parcels)= Contact 650-0402 Located in Republic Gardens, Peters Hall, E.B.D. Interest person – Contact: 231-5359 or 672-7189 Eccles - $3.8M, Providence $4.5M, Tuschen - $3M, Parfaite Harmonie - $1.4M & $3.5M, House with land $2.5M - Call: 675-7292 Riverside land for sale Upper Demerara River, 90 Acres, Please Call: 678-1575 or 223-5890 2369.664 Sq/ft of land @ Victoria village, E.C.D- Call: 255-3437; 698-3678 Grove E.B.D Caneville 4th Field, 1St Street, Concrete $3M 20X40 land 40X100, Parfaite W.B.D Land 45X80 $1.1M – Call:231-2199; 6187483 Land @ Norton Street 121X80- Call: 667-7659
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
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 Toyota Voxy to register in ‘B’ fully loaded never registered - $2.1M - Call: 6172891 Nissan Titan for sale; immaculate condition, owner leaving country - Call: 641-4556 One Nissan Wingroad car, year 2005, price -$1.8M neg. Call: 669-3467 Blow Out Sale!!! Unregistered, fully loaded Toyota IST - $2,200,000, New Model Raum - $2,250,000 & Mazda Axela - $2,350,000Call: 643-6565, 226-9931 1 Honda, Fit, rims, spoiler & dark interior, CD/DVD, navigation, PPP Series, one owner - Contact Chris: 6807070 1 Honda 600RR, Toyota 212, 192, 170, Allion, Vitz, Starlet, AE100 Sprinter, Honda CRV Tel: 644-5096; 697-1453 1-10 Ton Ford Cargo, dump truck GEE 9144, 1 Spare Cab & Gear box, working condition – Price $1.4M – Tel:663-0567; 684-8654 One Toyota Marino with A Race Ready 4Age siloer top engine - $1.1M Neg. - Call: 676-8023 1 Pitbull minibus, stick gear, BPP series, mag rims- $2.2M neg. Call: 673-7652 One AT170 - $160,000, One 2Y engine, one freezer – Call: 601-4929; 664-5444 Double cab Tacoma – Tel: 623-9761 Mitsubishi Lancer car (lady driven) owner leaving country - Call: 638-3203 1 Hino Canter long base excellent condition; down payment available – Call: 696-5660 One Toyota Tundra - Tel: 602-3585 Trade in: T/Alteeza Benz C200, Sale! Spacio, Used T212 – Tel:679-3140 Spacio 2004, Body Kit, rims, camera, spoiler, dark interior, crystal light, new shape (unregistered) – Tel: 617-5536 Avensis & AT110 Corolla Call: 645-0078; 603-0078
FOR SALE
One complete music Set Tel: 253-3070; 686-0322
Whole Sale!! Sandals, St John Bay - $5000, 40 pairs Dockers - $5000 (gents wear) – Tel:655-1341
DRESSMAKING
Bedford M 4X4 - $3M, Tohatshu 18HP, long foot, outboard engine - $300,000 – Tel: 693-2237
Original pools table cloth, balls, pocket cuestick, rubber, coinshute, chalk spring, chalk holder, coins– Call: 669-9927
Jean offers courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral, cake decoration @ Barr Street Kitty - Call: 6702653; 618-1706
Truck Trailer – 52 wide 72 long- $125,000. Two Perkins dredge engine One 6 & One 4 cylinder - $300,000 & $400,000 – Tel: 693-2237
Mixed breed German Shepherd and pitbull puppies for sale - $30,000 each – Contact: 269-0711 or 666-7895
Prime Banquet Hall & Catering Service for weddings/parties/graduation etc @ Cotton Club, 44 Public Road Kitty – Tel:231-1908/12; 693-3946
CATERING
FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table – Tel: 277-0578
Bleach-Blue for body, face & hair, available in 1 lb bags for $4,000, discount for larger volumes – Phone 264-3310; 600-3927
Whole Sale Offering: Happy Bull, Upper Leather Shoes, 50 pairs on sale @ $3500 each – (gents wear) Tel: 655-1341
Mill Cut Lumber Kabukalli, Silverballi, Etc – Call: 6539752; 688-6579
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734
Catering for conference, retreats, weddings, re-union, family fun day and special events. Phone: 264-2946-8
Certificate in: Cosmetology, nails, wig designs, early child care/ care for elderly classes commence February Call: 666-5241/ 619-7603
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Sunday January 25, 2015
One Toyota Alteeza, excellent condition, spider, mag rims, flair kit – Price $2.75M neg – Tel:648-0494; 642-0786 R1 Motorcycle (red) under 1,000 miles- Call: 227-5500 7-250 4X4; off road tyres – Call: 227-5500. Toyota Noah BPP 9164 – Contact Sunil Ramesh: 6146014 (Continued on page 55)
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
Bermudan suspected of swallowing cocaine intercepted at CJIA Drugs agents from the Guyana Police Force are anxiously waiting to examine the bodily contents of a female Bermudan to confirm that she did ingest cocaine in an attempt to smuggle the drug to her home country. The woman has been identified as Njela Fublar, of 1Frento Drive, Bermuda 4M17. The 23-year-old was nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, early yesterday while she was an outgoing passenger to
Crew of Europebound drug... From page 51 Industrial Site, Eccles, for security purposes. The investigation by CANU is ongoing. GRA officials acted on intelligence provided by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), that one of the containers onboard the vessel had cocaine. The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit was called in, and together with officers of Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA’s) Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) and Drug Examination Unit (DEU) conducted an examination of the container. GRA said that the January 6 drug bust mirrors several successful efforts in previous years to stop the smuggling of illegal drugs such as the more than 3,000 kilos (6940 pounds) of cocaine found hidden on the St. Vincentregistered ship M.V. Danielsen in October 1998; the largest haul in Guyana’s history.
Bermuda. According to a senior police official, an x-ray showed a foreign substance which is suspected to be cocaine in the woman’s stomach. The Bermudan is currently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where she is closely being monitored by police ranks. The official said that acting on information and the fact that the women fitted a particular profile; she was intercepted before she boarded the aircraft. Investigations are ongoing.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Business place @ Anna Catherina, Public Road W.C.D – Call:661-9880 Two flat concrete and wooden building on land 76’X65’, East Street, Georgetown – Call: 225-6330 3 Bedroom house & master bedroom, alarm, remote controlled garage door, approximately 8000 Sq.Ft land @ GuySuco Gardens - $48M. Phone: 617-4261
VEHICLE FOR SALE One 170 Carina “As is, where is” - $500,000 – Call: 678-0111; 616-3492 AT 170 Toyota Carina – EFI, AC, Alarm, Mags - $650,000 Neg. – Call: 673-7652 AE 100 Sprinter, fully loaded, price - $600,000, excellent condition – Call: 667-2377; 664-0853 1RZ Minibus GHH Series – Call:604-9400; 667-4178 Toyota Premio and Toyota Spacio (new model) never registered. Contact: 227-5950, 681-7117 Lady driven, fully loaded Honda CRV, asking $1.1M negotiable Call: 624-3589, 601-5500 PSS 3575 - $1.8M - Contact: 627-1751 or 673-3974 for information. ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn Apartments: comfortable & clean apartments & rooms - $5000, $6,000 & $7,000 – Tel:6680306; 218-1400; 694-7817. Your luxury hideaway…… Aracari Hotel 24 HRs: AC, Cable, Wi-Fi, Restaurant & Bar, Pool & Gym, Salon & Spa & more. Rates from $45 – Call: 264-2946-8.
TO LET Three bedrooms upper flat concrete building, parking $70,000 monthly @ Block 8 Agriculture Road E.C.D – Call: 687-1050 5 Bedrooms 2 storey unfurnished building @ Bel Air Park - Call: 2252562; 660-4481 One three bedrooms bottom flat apartment at First Street Craig, East Bank Demerara Call: 695-1829 New 2 bedrooms and 3 bedroom apartment Grove E.B.D - Tel: 613-3522 after 4:00pm 2 Bedroom Bottom flat to let located in Eccles - Tel: 2332252; 662-3837; 670-0878 One 2 bedrooms bottom flat on East Coast Demerara – Call: 678-4008; 601-3248; 2222307 2 Bedroom apartment @ 2290 Section C Block X Diamond New Scheme Tel:676-2406 Furnished 1 & 2 bedrooms apartments: AC, grilled, parking (walking distance to Caricom & UG) – Call: 6233404 or 222-6708 One two bedrooms house – Phone Joy: 218-1285; 6278562
Inner Retreat Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Retreat Road Parika. Indoor /Outdoor bar in Picturesque setting – Phone: 260-4504; 685-6934
Property @ Water Pum Street Leonora (24X58) – Tel:6425799 ( Land 70’x50' & House 57’x30'), Modern Amenities & Features @Residential Granville Park , Beterverwagting , E.C.D G$27M negotiable. Contact: 592-220-3411, 592-639-2062
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The public is looking for a delivery man, must have own motorcycle - Call: 6476072 Live in maid – Tel: 675-5256
Balloon Decorating Classes. January 31st – Call: 225-3133 or 613-7513 for more information & registration Earn a certificate in cosmetology or nails alone. Call Miss Jenny: 225-5360; 625-7844; 687-7566 CAKES & PASTRY Enroll Now! Classes for cake decoration, floral arrangement, cakes & pastry – Classes start February 9th 2015 – Contact: 612-4193; 6728768; 223-3303
General handyman – Call: 227-5500 Experienced driver apply with written application @ Hacks Halaal Restaurant, 5 Commerce Street. Live in caretaker for sawmill at Linden Highway – Tel: 2612553 Urgently needed one house lot to buy in Parfaite Harmonie – Tel:675-7292; 6522018 Salesgirls and porters – Call: 225-7417 One welder, must know grill work Call: 625-5763
Made to order: cakes & pastry, egg ball & Pholourie, etc – Contact Maria: 2180734; 685-8332 HEALTH Money Back guarantee; cleaner, clearer younger looking skin in two weeks, also flatter stomach - Call: 684-9409; 699-4211
WANTED One mechanic to work in the interior, must have experienced with Perkins & Cummins Engine – Call: 6916260 One couple to work on live stock farm, one live in cook Tel:614-2464;612-2057;225-1276 Experienced dispatcher and taxi drivers at Princess Hotel @ Providence – Tel: 2657076; 616-5419 Presser / Clipper, straight stitch/over edge machine operators, cleaner – Call: 2222541 (8:00am-4:00pm) (Mon-Fri). Musicians to play in a Bar at Parika, Bass guitar, rhythm guitar, head guitar and vocals – Phone: 685-6934 BOND CLERK- Must have 4 CXC subjects including Math & English. Need police clearance & reference – Call: 231-8344 Waiters/ Waitresses, apply in person to Aracari Resort, West Bank Demerara. One female to work in sackette & bar, must know to cook, age 20-35yrs – Call: 647-7432, 223-5798 1 Seamstress Contact # 6707045, 225-3163 Urgently needed; attractive waitresses - Tel: 686-3116
WANTED
EDUCATIONAL
(From page 54)
PEN PAL Companion for retired gentleman 38yrs+. Reply with photo to bobbyother@yahoo.com
Porters wanted to work at grocery stalls @ Stabroek Market – Tel:226-9800 Salesgirls & porters; apply with written application at Best Buy Food Supplies @ Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street Campbellville. Full time nanny for infant, preferably residing on the East Coast Demerara Tel # 644-6453 Experienced Roti/Puri Cooks, Pastry makers, cleaners apply @ Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street. One barber, nail technician & hairdresser – Call: 225-5360; 625-7844; 687-7566 Hairstylists and Braidists needed at salon in Tortola. 5+ years working experience. Emailbvisalonowner @gmail. com or call 1-284-543-6822 Sales clerk to work @ Nanda’s Boutique 223 Camp St. Next to Shell Gas Station, apply with application Bus driver for Sophia, must be over 40yrs old – Tel: 6932237 Switch to Gulf Motor Oil, Dealer & Distributors wanted nationwide – Call: 260-2037 or email sales@two2brotherscorp.com
PROPERTY FOR SALE Land with small concrete house; for sale in Grove over 8,000 Sq. Ft. Call: 612-4030; 216-2759 Property at Kersaint Park L.B.I, E.C.D – Contact: 6641865; 698-5713 Transported Property @ Grove/Diamond, 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained, concrete fence, grilled store room & Shed, (45X26) – Call: 660-1353, 216-4338 Double lot property 33A Lamaha Street, Newtown Kitty – Just off Vlissengen Road –Contact: 231-4691 Corner Property, Grove Public Road - $29M Neg. Call: 613-5645 One concrete two storey building; nine bedrooms @ Samatta Point, Grove E.B.D Tel: 602-3585 Houses & house lots for sale in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities, located @ Eccles E.B.D Tel: 227-2913; 683-3033 1 incomplete house & land @ 128 Canaan Gardens, Land of Canaan E.B.D, Price $4.8M Neg. Call: 603-1845; 603-8714 House in Lamaha Gardens: 2 self contained rooms, fully concreted – Call: 227-2027 2 Storied concrete house with 3 bedrooms at 8th Street Foulis Housing Scheme – Call: 256-3360; 685-8485 2 Bedrooms wooden high house with land in Parfaite Harmonie, land & water available - $2.5M – Call: 6757292 Thomas Street: ideal for Doctors nurse, good location, 3 stories large land – Call: 2272027. House & Land @ Cemetery Rd. Helena No.1 Mahaica E.C.D. Land (65FTX150FT) $13M- Tel: 689-0820, 674-3902 Front House/ lot for sale @ 30 Ketley Street Charlestown – Tel:625-1031 Paradise, E.C.D: Concrete modern 2 storeys, 4 bedrooms- 2 masters. Concrete fenced large lotCall: 255-3437; 698-3678 3 Haslington, E.C.D: Building ‘A’, concrete/ timber modern 2 storeys, 7 bedrooms, grilled & fenced. Building ‘B’, 3 apartments, fenced- Call: 2553437; 698-3678
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 25, 2015
Pro-Russian rebels attack key port, Ukraine says at least 30 dead
A man walks past a burnt-out vehicle after a shelling by pro-Russian rebels of a residential sector in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine
(Reuters) - Pro-Russian rebels launched an offensive against the strategic port of Mariupol in eastern Ukraine on Saturday, prompting the European Union’s foreign policy chief to warn of a further “grave deterioration” in EU-Russian relations. Mariupol’s city administration said the rebels had killed at least 30 people and injured 83 others in the offensive by firing rockets from long-range GRAD missile systems. The city of 500,000 on the Sea of Azov is vital for eastern Ukraine’s steel and grain exports and also straddles the coastal route from the
Russian border to Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula in southern Ukraine seized by Russia last March. President Petro Poroshenko, pledging to protect Ukrainian territory, said he would convene an emergency meeting of his country’s security council on Sunday. “Today an offensive was launched on Mariupol. This will be the best possible monument to all our dead,” Russia’s RIA news agency quoted rebel leader Alexander Zakharchenko as saying at a memorial ceremony in the separatist-held city of Donetsk. He said the separatists
also planned to encircle Debaltseve, a town northeast of Donetsk, in the next few days, Interfax news agency quoted him as saying. Eastern Ukraine has seen an escalation of fighting in recent days that Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed on Kiev. The rebels have ruled out more peace talks. Poroshenko responded angrily to the fighting in Mariupol, a city the rebels tried to capture last autumn before a fragile ceasefire was agreed in eastern Ukraine. Kiev fears the rebels want to build a land bridge from Russia to Crimea.
(Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama will visit Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to meet its new King Salman after the death of his predecessor Abdullah on Friday, testimony to Riyadh’s important role in energy markets and the fight against Islamist militancy. Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande and Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito will visit on Saturday and Sunday to offer
condolences. Obama will cut short a visit to India to pay his respects instead of Vice President Joe Biden, who had been scheduled to fly in from Washington, the White House said on Saturday. Muslim leaders paid their respects on Friday at Abdullah’s funeral in Riyadh. Some international human rights groups, meanwhile, have called on Western leaders to condemn Saudi Arabia’s record of crushing dissent and depriving women and foreign workers of rights
instead of praising its late king. Salman takes charge in Saudi Arabia at a time of deep uncertainty in the kingdom, surrounded by a region in tumult and nervous about both Iranian influence and the spread of Islamist militants. The kingdom’s role in orchestrating Arab support for joint action with Western countries against the Islamic State group has won praise in Washington, while its role as biggest oil exporter is particularly important at this time of market instability.
Obama, world leaders head to Saudi Arabia to offer condolences
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Sunday January 25, 2015
Japan condemns apparent IS Brazil’s most populous region execution, demands hostage release facing worst drought in 80 years
(Reuters) - Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday called for the immediate release of a Japanese journalist held by Islamic State after a video surfaced claiming that a fellow Japanese captive had been executed. Japan government officials said they had not confirmed the authenticity of the recording and an image of what appeared to be the decapitated body of Japanese captive Haruna Yukawa, who went missing in Syria last August.Abe called
for the immediate release of the remaining Japanese captive, reporter Kenji Goto. “We are using every diplomatic channel and means to work toward a release,” a grimlooking Abe told reporters in brief remarks after calling a meeting with his foreign, defense and other ministers after midnight in Tokyo. U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the brutal murder of Yukawa in a statement released by the White House, which did not address how Washington had confirmed his killing.
Two U.S. government sources said that while the authenticity of the recording is still being evaluated, the U.S. government does assess that Yukawa has been killed. The sudden escalation of the hostage crisis has become a test for Abe and the dominant news story in Japan since Tuesday when Islamic State militants released a video showing Goto and Yukawa kneeling with a knifewielding, masked man demanding a $200 million ransom for their release.
Sao Paulo state has received only a third of the rainfall expected in the wet season
Brazilian Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira has said the country’s three most populous states are experiencing their worst drought since 1930. The states of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais must save water, she said after an emergency meeting in the capital Brasilia. Ms Teixeira described the
water crisis as “delicate” and “worrying”. Industry and agriculture are expected to be affected, further damaging Brazil’s troubled economy. The drought is also having an impact on energy supplies, with reduced generation from hydroelectric dams. T h e B B C ’s J u l i a Carneiro in Rio de Janeiro says Brazil is supposed to be in the middle of its rainy season but there has been scant rainfall in the southeast and the drought shows no sign of abating. The crisis comes at a time of high demand for energy, with soaring temperatures in the summer months. “Since records for Brazil’s south-eastern region began 84 years ago, we have never
seen such a delicate and worrying situation,” said Ms Teixeira. Her comments came at the end of a meeting with five other ministers at the presidential palace in Brasilia to discuss the drought. The crisis began in Sao Paulo, where hundreds of thousands of residents have been affected by frequent cuts in water supplies, our correspondent says. The city’s Cantareira reservoir system, which serves over eight million people, has now dropped to 5.2% of its capacity despite recent rain, Brazil’s TV Globo reported. Accumulated rainfall in the area of Cantareira is said to be only 33.5% of that predicted for the month, Globo’s G1 news site added.
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
Guatemala ex-police chief sentenced to 40 yrs over embassy attack A former Guatemalan police chief has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in the 1980 deadly raid on the Spanish embassy in Guatemala City.Thirty-seven people burned to death in a fire triggered by a police raid. Police stormed the embassy after a group of activists had occupied it to draw attention to government repression during Guatemala’s civil war. Pedro Garcia Arredondo was found guilty of ordering officers to keep anyone from leaving the building as it burned. Among those killed in the fire was Vicente Menchu, the father of indigenous rights activist and winner of the 1992 Noble Peace Prize, Rigoberta Menchu. Siege Indigenous rights and rural activists occupied the Spanish embassy on 31 January 1980, at the height of Guatemala’s civil war between the government and left-wing rebel groups from 1960 to 1996. According to United Nations figures, almost a quarter of a million people were killed or forcibly disappeared during the 36year-long conflict. The activists wanted to protest against a series of massacres of rural and indigenous people carried out by the government. They chose the Spanish embassy because they suspected its officials would be sympathetic to their cause as a number of Spanish priests had been among those killed. The court in fact found that Spanish Ambassador Maximo Cajal y Lopez knew
Pedro Garcia Arredondo pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and crimes against humanity
of the plans to occupy the embassy. Thirty-four activists peacefully occupied the building. The police stormed the building and after a gas canister carried by one of the officers exploded, a fire spread. The activists wanted to protest against a series of massacres of rural and indigenous people carried out by the government. They chose the Spanish embassy because they suspected its officials would be sympathetic to their cause as a number of Spanish priests had been among those killed. The court in fact found that Spanish Ambassador Maximo Cajal y Lopez knew of the plans to occupy the embassy. Thirty-four activists peacefully occupied the building. According to the court, Garcia Arredondo ordered police to seal the embassy and
prevent anyone from leaving. Speaking in court, one witness said Garcia Arredondo had told his men: “No one gets out of there alive!”. Among the 37 people killed were the Spanish consul and two Guatemalan politicians who had been visiting the embassy, former Vice-President Eduardo Caceres Lenhoff and former Foreign Minister Adolfo Molina Orantes. The only ones to survive were the Spanish ambassador and activist Gregorio Yuja. Mr Yuja was abducted from the hospital where he was being treated for burns sustained during the raid and tortured to death. His body was dumped on the grounds of a university whose students had supported the activists. Garcia Arredondo was sentenced to 40 years in jail for murder and crimes against humanity in connection with the embassy siege.
Former acting Trinidad and Tobago president dies in US aged 85 Former acting President of Trinidad and Tobago, Joseph Emmanuel Carter, died on Wednesday in Miami, at the age of 85. Carter who was also a former President of the Senate, was acting as President during the terrorist attack of 1990 and signed a purported amnesty document, in relation to the attackers.
In his tribute Trade, Industry, Investment and Communication Minister Vasant Bharath said Carter will be remembered as the face and voice of calm in a time of upheaval and will always stand as an exemplary citizen. In a release on Thursday, Bharath described Carter as “a true patriot who stood tall with the people of our country at a
time when leadership and calm was most needed.” Bharath described him as “a true gentleman who exemplified the grace and dignity of public office.” “His passing is a sad moment in our nation and we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and relatives. We wish them God’s speed in this very sad time.”
A former Jamaican policeman has been included on the list of eight most wanted suspects being sought by the Toronto Police Fugitive Squad. The police believe that Peter Silvera who is wanted in Jamaica in connection with two deaths in 2004, fled to
Canada, where he is in hiding. The Squad says another fugitive, Gifton Cousins, is wanted for homicide in New York and has ties to Toronto and Jamaica. The Toronto Police Fugitive Squad has eight investigators currently working on close to 1,000
active files from across Canada and around the world. A spokesman said the squad normally does not publicize its targets, preferring the element of surprise. However, the trails of the suspects on the list have gone cold and police are appealing to the public for information.
Canada’s most wanted list includes former Jamaican policeman
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NFL - Seahawks defense gets boost as Sherman, Thomas recover Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts after recording an interception against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
(Reuters) - The Seattle Seahawks defense got a boost after Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas practiced ahead of their Super Bowl showdown against New England. Sherman (elbow) and Thomas (shoulder) suffered injuries in last Sunday’s NFC Championship win over Green Bay but both appear ready to help Seattle pursue a second straight title. Hard-hitting safety Thomas took the practice field on Friday for the first time this week. “He’s a great communicator and he
sends such a message (to our defense) about the concerns of doing all the right things,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said in a news conference on Friday. “All the continuity these guys have shared for so long is not felt when he’s not out there.” Sherman was unable to use his left elbow in the final stages of the NFC title game, and may need to wear a brace against the Patriots, but Carroll said he looked fit to play. “(Richard) took every play this week and looked fine,” Carroll said. “He did everything.”
Sunday January 25, 2015 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): A long term legal or money arrangement is reaching an end so you must review current and future transactions in the light of changing circumstances. ************************** TAURUS (PR 20 - MAY 20): Watch a tendency to be overly possessive especially if you are a Taurean in love. ************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Channel your energy in the directions you think will serve you best. The self control you are putting into all areas of life is bound to have pleasing consequences. ************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): Push on with creative ideas that seem to have little relevance to what’s going on around you. It won’t be apparent at first but your contribution has a valuable function in a team related effort. ************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): Contact with someone you used to work or live with makes you realise how far you have come, recently. ************************** VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): Opportunities to improve your knowledge come your way. This could give you the chance to fulfil a long term
ambition that’s been neglected for too long. LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): A review of finances makes you realise you need to be more careful with cash. If you’re taking a trip to the shops today, don’t go with a fixed idea about what you are going to buy. ************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): You are about to achieve an aim or aspiration you have been keeping to yourself. Be prepared to change directions. ************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): If you are typical of your sign you cannot be described as a creature of habit. Today you are not acting true to form! ************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Adopting new methods or procedures in your work seems like the best thing to do now. ************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 - FEB 18): People seem to think you have the power to solve all their business or emotional problems. ************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): You are relentlessly practical and determined to prove you can be sensible when you want to be.
Sunday January 25, 2015
Messi & Neymar score twice in Barcelona win BBC Sport - Neymar and Lionel Messi both scored twice as Barcelona beat Elche to keep pace with La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Gerard Pique opened the scoring with the visitors’ only shot on target in a tight first half before Messi scored from the spot after the break. Elche were reduced to 10 men when Faycal Fajr was sent off and Neymar scored a quick brace before Messi rifled in the fifth himself. Pedro netted the sixth late on in a win that keeps Barca one point behind Real. Barcelona boss Luis Enrique made six changes to the side that beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the Copa del Rey in midweek and benched Luis Suarez on his birthday, despite recently backing the £75m striker to rediscover his best goalscoring form. Suarez, who netted 32 Premier League goals for Liverpool last season, has scored just five times in 17 games since his summer move to Spain and was replaced in the starting XI by Pedro on
Lionel Messi the right of an attacking triumvirate with Messi and Neymar. Amid all the changes it was Elche who started quickly, with Jonathas and Fajr both going close to
giving the hosts the lead at the Martinez Valero stadium before Barca defender Pique popped up at the far post to fire home from Xavi Hernandez’s free-kick. Barca had put 12 past Fran Escriba’s side over three previous meetings this season and when Fajr was sent off moments after Messi had converted from the spot in the second half, following a foul on Neymar, this contest was all but over. Brazilian Neymar twice latched on to through-balls from Messi to slot past goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton on 69 and 71 minutes and then his Argentine strike partner shimmied to wrong-foot a defender and add the fifth with two minutes left to play. Neymar had the chance to secure a hat-trick late on but instead decided to square the ball for Pedro, who tapped home from a few yards out. Barcelona have now won six consecutive games in all competitions and keep the pressure on their arch-rivals at the top the league.
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Despite many events horseracing in 2014 still disappointing By Samuel Whyte A review of things in the horseracing arena for 2014 has shown that not much have changed from previous years and it can be simply concluded in some quarters that things have actually gotten progressively worse. This is despite the many events that were held during the year. The main reason according to pundits in the industry is the absence of the long overdue Horse Racing Legislation. The simple facts are that the country is without proper rules governing the sport and the Government is being blamed as the biggest culprit. The year 2014 has seen a number of events being held, but without rules anything goes. Although there has been a Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) in place for last year, that body is incapable of doing much without proper legislation to govern the sport. The GHRA for a fact had a tough time administering the sport with many clubs and owners displeased with how things were done. With the existence of the GHRA running into trouble with some disgruntled members trying to boot the president out. That did not succeed and the breakaway faction soon formed themselves into a body and also called themselves the GHRA. If one say that the sport is in disarray a number of persons will not be pleased, but the reality is, if it’s not there then it is quickly heading in that direction. Quite unlike some years before when race dates were allocated and the GHRA and clubs sat down and had a meeting to streamline things for the year that did not happen and from all appearance it might not happen this year. Actually from reports no one is listening to authority
Absence of legislation biggest bugbear and persons are bent on doing as they are pleased with dates being sprung up like wild fire. However according to most horseracing pundits things can get better if the government passes the legislation so that offenders can be dealt with. The Horseracing scenario in Guyana is not very well organized and is presently best being described as running on auto pilot. The blame can be thrown at many quarters. Starting with the Government, the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA), the respective race tracks, horse owners and even fans can all be contributory factors for the declining standard. The relevant authorities need to get their act together with the rules being bent to suit certain situations and persons. Those in the horseracing business either by choice or commitment are putting the blame squarely at the feet of the Government for refusing to come to the assistance of the sport which once brought honour and glory to Guyana. The question being asked is why isn’t the government assisting Horseracing? Their main bone of contention is the refusal of the government to lay the draft horseracing legislation in parliament for it to become law. Owners say the Government and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) through their attitude is killing the sport. They want to know if there is legislation within Caricom concerning trade, free trade and duty free; why animals, feed and other necessities coming in from the Caribbean are being taxed. According to pundits over 1500 persons are directly employed in the horseracing industry, while thousands more benefit.
Despite the influx of large sums of money, things still leave much to be desired. There is no system in place to disseminate information. Such as the amount of wins by an animal, by the respective stable, top animals for the year, top stable, top jockey for the year. Some grooms and connections are peeved that no end of year award ceremony is held. While some tracks and stables try to maintain some standard others are found badly wanting. Closing dates are rarely observed and entries are mostly allowed until race day. Doping is wide spread and out of control it has been stated. Some are calling for the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to take note. Crowd control continues to be a serious problem with persons who are not officials and affiliated to the animals all on the track at the same time even during races. Betting should be controlled and they need to be a reintroduction of the betting booths. It is not certain how many functioning clubs are in existence at the moment. However the Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC), The Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC), the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC), the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC), the Budhan Memorial Turf Club would usually attract large crowds, but there is need for improvements which the authorities promised will be done. The Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facilities (RCMTC&SF) had some events but under a new name. It is not certain what the situation is with the Norman Singh Memorial Turf Club (NSMTC) and the Anjune and Hamlet Park race track at Mahaicony.
Score's Even The year also saw the controversy with Guyana’s only ‘A’ class horses, Score’s Even, being unable to race on some race tracks and race meets simply because of its class. That should not be and something should and needs to be worked out. The year also saw one of the main sponsors Digicel pulling out of sponsorship due to the controversies. Banks DIH and others such as DDL, Ansa McAl and the Trophy Stall, Bourda Market, Jumbo Jet and Shariff Business Enterprise were among some of the leading sponsors during the year. It is hoped that those responsible including the government will get their act together fast and help save the sport from total destruction.
Reshuffled South Africa remain favourites ESPNcricinfo - This series has not been a contest so far. South Africa have secured three of the more comprehensive victories you will see and West Indies look as though they’d rather be doing anything else than playing cricket. Even the usual effervescent Darren Sammy, who was left out of the third match, has struggled to raise many smiles. Being hammered for a 31ball hundred in Johannesburg was a freak performance by a freak cricketer; the way West Indies played in East London was more disheartening to see. There appeared little will to fight it out with the bat, as witnessed by the shots of Marlon Samuels and Andre Russell, and insipidity in the field. South Africa, though, have played impressive cricket but despite AB de Villiers’ assertion that no wins are easy they must surely hope to be tested a little more ahead of the World Cup. The middle order needs some time at the crease and there is set to be some shuffling of the line-up to ensure the likes of David Miller and JP Duminy can benefit. They will not be fielding a first-choice side with both Dale Steyn and Hashim Amla rested with further rotation likely in the bowling attack. That could create an opportunity for West Indies, but only if they improve immensely from the first three matches. At the moment, a South African second team would beat them. IN THE SPOTLIGHT This match should give us a chance to look at South Africa’s squad bowlers. There is a chance that the trio of Wayne Parnell, Kyle Abbott and Aaron Phangiso could all play. The home side appear pretty set on their first-choice
attack, but there has to be the expectation that an injury will strike at some stage during the World Cup so they all need to ready at a moment’s notice. Also, one of questions over South Africa’s attack, away from whether they need a specialist fifth bowler, is the death bowling - barely tested in this series - and Parnell and Abbott are other options for that role. It is slim pickings for West Indies, but Jonathan Carter has actually shown a hint of fight since coming into the middle order. Given what is happening above him in the order, it may not be a bad idea to elevate him. Denesh Ramdin certainly seems a place too high at No. 5 while Narsingh Deonarine is not in the World Cup squad. TEAMS NEWS It will be a different-looking South Africa team. Amla and Steyn are already confirmed as not being there for this match, while AB de Villiers will hand the keeping gloves to Morne van Wyk, who is not in the World Cup squad but is high on the reserve list should injuries occur although Quinton de Kock is well on track to be fit. It has reached the stage where you suspect changes for West Indies will not make much of a difference and Jason Holder suggested that the same team heavily beaten in East London may get another chance. PITCH AND CONDITIONS It is often one of the slower surfaces in South Africa - West Indies benefited from this in the Test - although so was East London and that did not help the visitors. It is expected to be quite a humid day, so there could be some swing depending on the direction of the breeze (or wind). No rain is forecast, which after the damp Test is a relief.
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Sunday January 25, 2015
“West Indies batting struggling at home and abroad!” Says Colin E. H. Croft West Indies’ batting everywhere, except for a “Tiger”, was at a pretty low ebb last week! For games played in WICB NAGICO Insurance 50overs tournament 2015 at the venerable Queens Park Oval, no team has yet made 250 in
any innings up to today’s final, despite pitches and conditions being almost perfect, except for regular, refreshing rain showers. Especially spinners have performed creditably, but batting has left much to be desired, the highest score at QPO being Trinidad & Tobago Red Force’s 232 against
EBFA Pee Wee League
Grove Hi Tech brush past Diamond United The 2015 season of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) kicked off yesterday at the Grove Playfield with the associations Pee Wee Under11 league, the home team starting off on a winning note with a 5-1 win over Diamond United FC. With a commitment to youth development, the EBFA, which organised tournaments at the Under-13, 15 and 17 levels in 2014 apart from a senior league which was contested over two rounds, is focused on attaining even greater heights this year. Grove Hi Tech made a clean sweep of all the tournaments in 2014 and made
their intentions clear that they intend to repeat again this year. They controlled the game against Diamond for the most part and were guided to their win compliments of double strikes off the boots of Devon Padmore and Jamar Mayers. Mayers was on target in the 9th and 18th minute of the 30 minutes game, while Padmore hit the network in the 14th and 19th minute. The other goal came off the boot of Jamaal Thom in the 25th minute. Diamond’s consolation goal was netted by Joel Ross one minute before full time. Competition is set to continue on Saturday at the same venue.
Jamaica’s Franchise. In South Africa, WI’s bowlers were firstly, almost unimaginably, battered for more than 400 runs in one 50overs game, while WI’s batsmen could only muster just over 100 in the very next game. Talk about massive team inconsistency, some WI stroke-play; outright slogging really; in ODI # 3, was as unproductive as ever! WI’s performances in this ODI series in SA give general appearances and feelings, from the outside, of a fractured dressing room, this clearly evident after newly appointed ODI captain Jason Holder’s public lament, one with obviously wide-open connotations; “Players must be honest and hold their hands up at not performing at their best!” That overview came after senior player Chris Gayle had steadfastly opined that the omissions of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard from WI’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 squad constituted “victimization, being ridiculous and was really sad.” Last we heard, Gayle will be making an appearance before WICB’s disciplinary committee soon! What exactly is going on here anyway? This entire episode appears to be like an animal eating itself from inside outwardly!
WI’s world beating teams in 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s were not beds of roses or choir-boys operating in vestries either, yet no one remembers a similar situation from our past cricket. It must be difficult for manager Sir Richie Richardson, bowling consultant Sir Curtly Ambrose and chairman of WI selectors Clive Lloyd to manage that squad under these circumstances. The way WI played in ODI # 3, they all looked like they were just ready to board a Boeing 777 bound for the Caribbean and carnival anyway! So, the grounds-staff at QPO has really done an excellent job in this year’s regional one-day competition, alternating two nicely grassed pitches, first just quicker and bouncier than the second. Guyana Jaguars operated as the home team, amazingly scheduled to play all of its games at QPO. Expect today’s final between the Jaguars and so far unbeaten Trinidad & Tobago Red Force to be a tight tussle. T&T might have a slight advantage, with its batsmen probably just better equipped to handle spinning, bouncing deliveries, but count out Guyana at your very own peril. It could well be a classic final to remember, especially if the sun comes out in
all of its glory! ODI No. 2 in SA was eyeopening for WI, three SA batsmen getting hundreds, WI’s bowlers put to an almighty sword at the “Bull Ring” Wanderers Cricket Ground in Johannesburg. The thin air density - JHB is nearly 6000 feet above mean sea level - allowed the slogs to remain hit and to travel many a mile, WI’s bowlers flayed for 439-2, 2nd highest ODI score ever. As previously noted in this column, AB de Villiers is on a personal rampage v WI. That he is using WI as batting practice for CWC 2015 is as obvious as Table Mountain is near to Cape Town. Hashim Hamla has shown exactly how supposedly Testtype batsmen could play ODI’s. Add that commanding century from opener Rilee Rossouw and the debilitation for WI was complete. What is best about SA’s fast bowlers Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel is that they counterbalance each other perfectly; pace, swing and fast cutters; augmenting their ruthlessness to get WI batsmen out by any means necessary, reminding all of WI of 1970s and 1980’s! In WICB-Nagico 50-overs 2015 at the Oval, at least three batsmen in each team managed 20’s, 30, 40’s, even 50’s and above, yet it took “Tiger”, Shiv Chanderpaul, to show
Guyana Jaguars and the rest of the gathered cricketers how it should be done; 98 not out in that 1st semi-final v Jamaica. Chanderpaul should always open any 50-overs innings whenever he plays especially for Guyana! Semi-final # 2 was, unfortunately, hampered by rain, but newly-named Combined Campuses and Colleges “Marooners” could not leave “Red Force” as stranded as they had left the “Jaguars” in that last preliminary game. T&T were just a bit more savvy than Guyana! Today’s final could come down to determination and sticking-to-it of “Tiger” Chanderpaul against mystery spinner Narine and WI discard Dwayne Bravo. The cricket should be good! Enjoy! E-mail: c.e.h.croft @gmail.com
Keys upsets Kvitova to make fourth round MELBOURNE (Reuters) - American teenager Madison Keys toppled fourth seed Petra Kvitova 6-4 7-5 in an impressive display of clean hitting to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open on Saturday. The 19-year-old captured the decisive break at 5-5 in the second set and served out the match nervelessly under the lights of Rod Laver Arena, stunning the two-time Wimbledon champion. Keys’ win made it four American women in the last 16 at Melbourne Park, the most since five made it to the fourth round of the 2003 Australian Open. She will play compatriot Madison Brengle for a place in the quarter-finals.
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 63
NURSE: Guyana will be a force again! By Santokie Nagulendran Battles between Barbados and Guyana usually evoke images of Cricket in the Caribbean, yet that has all changed this month as high levels of excitement and anticipation are building with the Guyana National football team set to play Barbados, the first time the ‘real’ Golden Jaguars will have played since 2012. However, opponents Barbados will be looking forward to the game just as much: they have not played an International game in Barbados for a year, so both teams will savour the opportunity to play a 90 minute match against one another. Guyana’s National Team last played football in October of last year in 2014 Caribbean Cup qualifiers, after two years of playing no games at all, but virtually all fans were outraged that the team chosen in 2014 by the GFF administrators (and not the Technical Director or Head Coach as usually required) did not represent the best Guyana had to offer, the players chosen were inexperienced and whilst talented, were not the best players that Guyana could have fielded. Consequently Guyana did not score a goal in the three games they played and quietly bowed out. The last time these two sides faced was in 2011, whereby Guyana emerged victors 2-0 in Guyana and then
2-0 in Barbados. The Guyanese side used in 2011 included Christopher Nurse and striker Vurlon Mills, players who will be returning to the Guyana side for the game for the first time since 2012. Other Golden Jaguars from that successful campaign in 2011/12 such as Trayon Bobb, as well as young, exciting talent who have not featured for the National Team before, such as Purnell Schultz, Keron Solomon and Domini Garnett have also been named in the squad. That is why despite the abject results of 2014, optimism has returned from Guyanese fans for the upcoming game vs Barbados, as the squad chosen is once again inclusive of both the best domestic and overseas-based players Guyana can call on. Christopher Nurse, Guyana’s historic captain, took some time out to speak on the National Team situation: “Being back with the national team is a fantastic reward and honour for the hard work that I have put in over the past year and throughout my career thus far. The past 2 years has been tough to swallow based upon the success the team achieved last time we had a strong squad together.” “For the Guyanese players playing overseas it has caused numerous issues, because most countries will require you to be active with your national team in order to
proceed with a visa etc, with the inactivity of the past 2 years this has been detrimental to those plying their trade overseas and those domestically looking to get contracts overseas! I am glad that era is at an end and we can begin to rebuild the reputation for Guyana as a footballing nation and the opportunities for both domestic and overseas based players! At this stage we need to focus on ourselves, we have a fairly new
squad many of whom may never have played for the senior national team and most certainly not played together as a squad. We need to be realistic this squad is not the same squad of players that competed against Mexico and Costa Rica (in 2012). This is a talented group of young and a few experienced players. It’s is an opportunity for some new faces to stake a claim on the national set up and to begin preparations for the big
Fireworks expected in Benjamin Sports season opening Cycle race today All of the country’s top cyclists are expected to don their cycling gear and head to Berbice today when former national cyclist Wilbert Benjamin in collaboration with the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) stage the third annual ‘Benjamin Sports Store ’ open cycle race on the Corentyne Highway. The 50 miles event is expected to pedal off at 09:00hrs from Fyrish Village in front of the Benjamin Sports Store and proceed to the No 51 Police station before returning to its place of origin. The veterans, females and beginners are expected to turn around at Nand Persaud and Company Limited and return to the place of origin covering a distance of 30 miles. There will be prizes for the first six finishers, the top three juniors, the first three veterans and the first three females to cross the finish line. There will also be eight sprint point prizes up for grabs. A grueling event is antici-
pated as the riders will be looking to take an early advantage into the new season. Double defending champion Orville Hinds of Linden will be out to prove himself, but will not have it easy as the other cyclists will be looking for the early advantage as they compete for the cash prizes up for the taking. The visiting riders will also have to be at their best as the Berbice cyclists will be determine to regain lost ground in their quest for glory. Benjamin, a native of Berbice, was a former national cyclist who represented Guyana at both the junior and senior levels including the Pan Am and the Texaco games. He was also a former school and junior champion who won the national schools championship on three consecutive occasions. He still rides in his adopted home land of Canada where he also operates a sports store. He returns home on a regular basis and would assist
his club and teams in whatever way possible. At present he is one of the top cycle race sponsors in the county where he sponsors three races with lucrative prizes. Apart from the Benjamin Sports store race, he sponsors an event for his father’s birth anniversary and another race for his
mother’s birthday. The race will be coordinated by cycling coach Randolph Roberts. The presentation ceremony will be held immediately after the completion of the event. Cyclists are reminded that they must ride in their club colours. (Samuel Whyte)
games rapidly approaching in June. This game is a great opportunity to ignite the fire for national team progression but there will be a lot more to analyse than the result of the game! We have not been active productively for 2 years, we are at the bottom of a rebuilding process, no doubt with the correct preparation we will be a dominant force with the Caribbean region again with a full strength squad and in depth thorough preparation against good opposition!” Barbados themselves did not play a game throughout the 2013 calendar year, yet that did not stop them from making real progress in 2014, qualifying for the second round of the Caribbean Cup qualifiers by virtue of drawing with Suriname and defeating Bonaire 4-1. Emmerson Boyce, who plays for English side Wigan Athletic, was their key player, his experience of playing in England’s Premier League was priceless to the side, although it is unlikely he will feature in the game against Guyana. In the second round of qualifiers, Barbados caused an upset by defeating St Kitts and Nevis 3-2, although consequent losses to strong Caribbean sides Haiti and French Guiana meant they could not qualify for the final Caribbean Cup tournament. However, the fact the side played six games in close succession means they will be more experienced as a unit than the Guyanese side they take on in seven days. Midfielder Romelle Burgess and striker Arantees Lawrence showed in qualifying games that they will be a threat with their attacking quality. The lack of time in
Santokie Nagulendran which Guyana has had to appoint a Head Coach, Technical Director, backroom staff, as well as name, prepare and develop a squad for this game means the odds will be stacked against them. The result of the game, whilst it would be great for Guyana to secure a win, will not matter as much as using this opportunity as a building block for the all-important World Cup qualifier against St Vincent and the Grenadines in June. Barbados is currently ranked 143rd in the world, fourteen places above Guyana, and thus the game will be a clear indicator of where Guyana currently lays on the world stage. When it comes to football though, positivity can go a long way, and so I’ll leave the final words to Christopher Nurse, who said: “In regards to the Barbados game, let’s just be glad that the rebuilding process is underway. It will take time! You cannot build something great overnight; it does not work that way! But we are heading back in the right direction. So let’s get behind the squad of players and support them in representing their country with distinction both on and off the field.”
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 25, 2015
NAGICO Super50 cricket final...
Chanderpaul, spinners could play key roles as Jaguars, Red Force battle for title today By Sean Devers in Trinidad In Association with Carib Beer, GT&T Lifetime Reality & Cascadia Hotel It has come down to one last and most important game and statistically the odds favour the Trinidad & Tobago’s Red Force as they face-off with Guyana’s Jaguars in the grand finale of the 2015 NACICO Super50 cricket tournament at the Queens Park Oval in a Day/ Night game from 13:30hrs in what should be a riveting contest between the two best teams in the tournament. In 25 games between the teams T&T have dominated; winning 13 while losing only eight. The other four ended in no-results including the twice washed out 1995 finals when the teams shared the title. In 2009 at Providence, Guyana reached their only final since last the winning title in 2005 and it was the team from Carnival Country, spearheaded by fifties from Darren Bravo and Kerion Pollard, who spoiled Guyana’s title hopes with an 81-run win. The Guyanese were knocked out last year at the semi-final stage by Barbados and did not meet T&T, who were also beaten by the Bajans in the Final. However, when the teams last met at this level in 2013, the Trinis won by two wickets on home soil and today they have six players who have played ODI cricket in comparison to the South American based side which has only four. These are the two most successful teams in the tournament. Guyana have nine titles while T&T’s last of
10 titles was won in that 2009 final at Providence. On paper the hosts have the stronger team with dropped West Indies players Dwayne Bravo and Pollard looking to prove a point while Darren Bravo, Ravi Rampaul, mystery spinner Sunil Narine and skipper Ryad Emrit, who shares the top wicket-taker’s spot with the Guyanese pair of Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo with eight each, all having ODI experience. But what the anticipated sell-out crowd would know is that cricket is not played on paper and the Jaguars have clawed their way from 77-7 against Barbados to win and qualify for the semis before rebounding from an upset defeat against CCC in their final group match to beat Jamaica in the semis and should be never written off. The Red Force reached the final with an unbeaten record but they will know that what happened previously means very little on match day. The Jaguars have shown a fighting spirit and will depend heavily on the experienced Shiv Chanderpaul to again bat through the innings after he opened the batting in the semi-final. In that knock he fell two short of his second ton at this level and the third century in this year’s tournament as his magnificently compiled unbeaten innings proved to be the glue that held the Jaguars’ innings together. Skipper Chris Barnwell, Bajan Raymond Reifer, Royston Crandon, Anthony Bramble and Steven Jacobs are all capable of big hitting and will aim to bat around Chanderpaul today. But the illness to Jonathon Foo and the
continued failures of opener Trevon Griffith puts tremendous pressure on Vishaul Singh, who soaks up too many dot balls, in a batting line-up missing Test batsmen Sarwan, Fudadin, Johnson and Deonarine. While spinners Permaul, Bishoo, Jacobs and Crandon have all been frugal and Barnwell has done a good job, the Jaguars’ think-tank could consider replacing pacer Ronsford Beaton (who has bowled without any consistency) with Paul Wintz who could be the better option on a track which could be on the slow side. Evin Lewis and talented 19-year-old left-hander Jeremy Solozano would be expected to give the Red Force a solid foundation for the classy Darren Bravo, his brother Dwayne, Jason Mohamed, Pollard, Kevin Cooper and Skipper Ryad Emrit to build on. The Jaguars’ batsmen could be severely tested by the four-prong pace attack of Ravi Rampaul, Bravo, who has bowled brilliantly, Cooper, and Emrit (who along with CCC pacer Christopher Powell) has the only fivewicket hauls in the competition. Narine befuddles the best of batsmen with his both ways spin and should get support from Mohamed’s off-spin on a wearing pitch today. Although this is the middle of the Carnival season and there will be massive Soca competition featuring Trinidad’s best in the business at the Queen’s Park Savannah, a ‘stone throw’ from the cricket ground and rain which could be a factor today, a massive Sea of Red is anticipated in the stands by the flag waving and drum beating Red Force supports.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s unbeaten 98 steered Guyana into the final. (WICB Ashley Allen) Guyana also has a huge population here and they should make their presence felt tonight to see which team will be crowned Regional 50-
over Kings under lights. It rained in Port-of-Spain yesterday but the forecast for today is for partly cloudy conditions and tomorrow has
been designated as a reserve day. If the contest cannot be completed today it will be continued from the last ball bowled at 13:30hrs tomorrow.
Proteas to rest big guns for final two ODIs against Windies CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CMC) — South Africa will rest strike bowler Dale Steyn for the remainder of the last two One-Day Internationals against West Indies. The hosts have already sewn up the fivematch series, winning the first three matches by comprehensive margins. Selectors will also rest in-form batsman Hashim Amla for the fourth ODI at St George’s Park tomorrow, while captain AB de Villiers will be relieved of the glovework for that match, and could be rested for the final game in Centurion next Wednesday. “We want to play everybody that is in the squad, so we will use these next two games as an opportunity for some of the fringe players to stake a claim and to put in some performances for us,” said Proteas coach Russell Domingo. “It’s highly unlikely that AB will ‘keep for the next two games. I’m waiting to confirm with the selectors but my plan is for Morne van Wyk to ‘keep in the next game and then, in all likeliness, depending on approval from the medical committee, have Quinton de Kock
playing the last game.” De Kock is yet to feature in the series because of injury. South Africa clinched the series last Wednesday when they trounced the Caribbean side by nine wickets in East London. The victory followed on from a 61-run win in the opening ODI in Durban and a 148-run victory in Johannesburg in the second game. Domingo said the series win was especially pleasing because of the pressure the side had come under on recent tours. “We’re always happy to win the series. You can never take wins or series win in international cricket for granted, so we have to be pleased with the way we have played and enjoy the moment. We are pretty happy with where we are at the moment,” Domingo explained. “We have been under pressure all year. We have had some tough series, so whether or not we are under pressure now or six months ago doesn’t matter too much for us. We have been under pressure in Australia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, so it’s not that important for me at this stage.”
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 65
Ricks & Sari Agro Industries Ltd. Race Meet
Marlon Williams draws first blood in new cycling season
Winners and other top performers of the Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Meet take a photo with the sponsors and other officials. The 2015 cycling season got off to a flying start yesterday at the inner circuit of the National Park with Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams pedaling to victory in the feature school boys and invitational 35-lap contest. Donning the colours of the latest team on the cycling circuit, Team Evolution, Williams made a successful 2015 start. He made it two wins in as many starts for the event, having also won last year’s edition. Like he has always done, Williams proved that he is still one of the better sprinters around the sport by pulling away from his
opponents on the last lap of the contest to clock One Hour 20 Minutes 11 Seconds. Alonzo Greaves, another of the top riders in the Land of Many Waters, had to settle for the second place and he was followed by the fast rising Hamzah Eastman, and Mark Harris, Alanzo Ambrose and Christopher Griffith to close out the top six places. Greaves and Ambrose each won two sprint prizes with one apiece to Jamal John, Junior Niles, Harris and Michael Anthony. In the other races, the 12-14 Boys and Girls saw Rakem Blair taking the win from
Daniel Perreira. Junior Niles was victorious in the Veterans Under-50 event, winning from Shameer Baksh and Jaikarran Sookhai. Linden Blackman won the Veterans Over-50 race while the Over-60 went to Wilfred Thom. The top juvenile on the day was Berbician Romello Crawford, Jamal John took the runner-up spot with Christopher Griffith, third. The top mountain biker was Seon Budhan. The BMX 6-9 race went to Christopher Goring with Esau Jaisingh and Jessica Mohabir, second and third respectively. Picking up where he left off
in the 2014 season was Sherwin Sampson who took the BMX Boys 9-12 and 1214 events. Jonathon Jagdeo and Karim Anthony placed second and third in the 9-12, while Thuran Garbarran and Adeala Hodge occupied similar positions in the 12-14 class. Toping the field in the BMX Open race was Ricardo Sharma from Damion Sukhdeo. Organiser was National Coach, Hassan Mohamed. Mohamed informed that two road races and two National Park meets will be contested during the month of February with two more
Marlon Williams receives his prizes from this Ricks & Sari official.
National Park meets and three road races planned for the month of March in memory of the late President
Sizzling Serena joins sister Venus in Australian Open last 16 MELBOURNE, Australia ( AFP) – World number one Serena Williams took time to wake up before sizzling into the Australian Open fourth round on Saturday, joining resurgent sister Venus and the dangerous Agnieszka Radwanska. The American top seed, vying for a sixth Australian title and the first since 2010, was slow to get in the groove against 26th ranked Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, going down 6-4 in the first set. But she shook off the cobwebs under the blazing sun on Rod Laver Arena to rattle through the next two sets 6-2, 6-0. It keeps alive her quest to add a 19th Grand Slam title, which would take
her to clear second on the alltime Open Era Grand Slam winners list. She currently has 18 alongside Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and is four behind German great Steffi Graf’s 22. “When in doubt just start running as fast as you can, that’s what Venus always told me, that helped,” said Williams, whose world number one ranking is on the line if she fails to win the tournament. She added that her sister’s late-career renaissance was an inspiration. “She’s winning, she’s doing so well and I can do better. We always motivate each other. I’m so proud of her and we’re so excited.” Fellow world
number one Novak Djokovic and defending champion Stan Wawrinka play later Saturday, with the Serb’s chances of a fifth Australian crown improving after Roger Federer’s shock exit on Friday. Women’s fourth seed Petra Kvitova, twotime champion Victoria Azarenka and men’s fifth seed Kei Nishikori are also in action, while eighth seeded Canadian Milos Raonic swept aside Germany’s Benjamin Becker in straight sets. It was a day to remember for the Williams clan with Venus making the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time since Wimbledon 2011. The evergreen 34year-old battled back from
behind to defeat Camila Giorgi of Italy 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 and set up a fourth round clash with Radwanska. “That feels fantastic, especially when you have things happen in your life which are out of your control,” said Venus, a seventime Grand Slam winner who has had a long battle with the energy-sapping Sjogren’s Syndrome. “I don’t want to leave it at that, I’ll try to keep going,” she added, clearly enjoying the moment in front of an appreciative crowd on Margaret Court Arena. Poland’s Radwanska defeated American Varvara Lepchenko 6-0, 7-5 and has doled out a dreaded 6-0
“bagel” to each of her three opponents at Melbourne Park this year, lurking as a dangerous dark horse. She said she was eagerly looking forward to facing Venus, who she beat in the Montreal final last year. “I think playing her is always a great challenge,” said Radwanska, who has made the quarter-finals or better in Melbourne on her last four visits. “I think she is still playing
and founder of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, Dr Cheddi B. Jagan set for March. Serena Williams
great tennis even she’s a bit older. She’s still really fit and playing a high level. I think it’s going to be another good match.” Serena will next face Spain’s Garbine Muguruza, who overcame a mid-match stumble to beat Switzerland’s Timea Bacsinszky 6-3, 4-6, 6-0. The 24th seed beat Serena at the French Open last year and said she was up for the challenge again in Melbourne.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 25, 2015
Top teams gear up as Mayor’s Cup Football Championships set for grand launch this week Twenty years ago, the Mayor ’s Cup Football Championships joined an illustrious group of tournaments on the local sports calendar and since then, has earned its place as one of the eagerly awaited yearly events. Organizers are now putting the modalities in place for the 21st edition of the tournament, three weeks of solid action, from Friday January 30 - Saturday February 22 next, when footballers from the nation’s best teams battle for supremacy. The organizing committee will kick off activities when they convene at the Mayor’s Office, Avenue of the Republic on Tuesday, January 22 for the official launch of the tournament as 11:00hrs
sharp. Coordinator of activities, Lennox Arthur said that all systems are in place and fans could look forward to the usual excitement associated with the tournament over the years. He informed that the prizes are lucrative with the winning team pocketing one million dollars. The runners up will win $300,000 while the 3rd and 4th places will win $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. Club administrators are reminded that they could register a maximum of 22 players, four of whom could be guest players. However, these players cannot be drawn from competing teams. The tournament is being conducted under the auspices of the Guyana Football Federation and all
Dwayne Jacobs rules are applicable. Meanwhile, when the action gets underway on January 30, Golden Grove will play Grove Hi Tech in the first of two fixtures slated for the Victoria Ground ECD starting at 19:00hrs. Two hours later, Victoria Kings
Gregory Richardson
Tichard Joseph
Kevin Layne
will battle with Agricola. The next fixture will be played at Number 5 West Berbice one day later when Rosignol United play Cougars and Monedderlust go up against NewAmsterdam United. Other teams vying for championship honours are
Santos,Ann’s Grove, Camptown, Mahaica, Pouderoyen, Police, GDF, Rhythm Squad, Fruta Conquerors, Pele, Slingerz, Den Amstel, Alpha, and Western Tigers. Meanwhile, Mr. Arthur has assured that the winner will receive a healthy
cheque, the same as the 2nd to 4th place finishers. However, he said that he is appealing to members of the corporate community to render the usual support in order to retain the rich vein of rivalry synonymous with the championships.
GSCL Inc had a commendable 2014 By Zaheer Mohamed The growth of Softball cricket continued rapidly in 2014, this was largely due to the competence of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL Inc), who managed to successfully stage a number of tournaments. The performances of Regal and Wolf’s Warriors remained unmatched for yet another year. The Republic Cup, which was contested by the most of the leading teams locally, was a major success. Wolf’s Warriors held their nerves to beat Trophy Stall by eight runs at the Everest Cricket Club in the final. Wolf’s Warriors were largely indebted to Safraz Karim, Vishnu Tammechandra, Amir Nizamudeen, Davanand Persaud and Dianand Singh for their win. Regal copped the Masters title, thanks to sterling performances from Mahendra Arjune and Eric Thomas. Trophy Stall Angels took the female c r o w n . Regal then captured the Winston Murray Memorial tournament with a 61-run win over Speed Boat XI at the Everest Cricket Club. Martin Dutchin was Regal’s trump card hitting an unbeaten 74, he was ably supported by Fazal Rafeek, Safraz Esau, Mohamed Ayube and Sachin Singh.
FLASHBACK- Members of the victorious Regal team that won the Winston Murray title. Wolf’s Warriors was the next champion capturing the Rafman Ali open title, while Regal Masters were crowned winners of the over-40 category. Wo l f ’s Wa r r i o r s overcame archrivals Regal by 41 runs in the final while Regal Masters got the better of Parika Defenders by 72 runs. Regal then inked their name on the Open and Masters Trophies of the Independence Cup while Trophy Stall Angels and Mike’s Wellwoman were joint female winners. In the open, Regal thumped Memorex by seven wickets. Chien Gittens, Lakeram Roopnarine and Richard
Latiff were the outstanding performers for the winners. In the Masters category Younis Yusuf, Eric Thomas, Mahendra Arjune and Longsford Klass were the standouts for Regal. GFSCA Guyana Softball Cup four Teams from New York, Canada and Florida competed against their Guyanese counterparts, but it the end it was Wolf’s Warriors of West Coast Demerara who came out on top defeating Regal XI by five runs in open segment. Floodlights overcame Savage Masters by five wickets in the over 40 division. Ricardo Adams grabbed the man of the
match award while Lennox Marks (open) and Yusuf Yunnis (over-40) were the most valuable players. Other outstanding performances came from Tammechandra of Wolf’s Warriors, Amit Moonsammy of New York All Star (five -wicket hauls), Jagdesh Persaud of East Coast Masters and Yusuf of Floodlight (scored c e n t u r i e s ) . Regal rebounded by defeating Wolf’s Warriors by 65 runs in the Rohan and Ramchand Auto Spares competition. Regal’s victory was largely due to the batting of Latiff, Keon Joseph and Safraz Esau. Floodlights overcame Mike’s Wellman by eight
wickets in the over-40 final. Tr o p h y S t a l l A n g e l s
thumped Mike’s Wellwoman to win the female division. Some of the top performances came from, Ricardo Adams (open), Wayne Jones (over-40) and Latoya Smith (female)-Most Valuable Players; Patrick Khan (Farm), Sadik Yusuf (Farm), Diaram Persaud and Narine Bailey of Wolf’s Warriors took five-wicket hauls. Adams Harrinarine Dilchand (Uprisers), Patrick Khan, Nizam Khan (Challengers) and Ejaz Mohamed (Uprisers) scored centuries in the open division. The Over-40 centurions were John Samir (Floodlights), Danny Gangadin (Fisherman), Wayne Jones (Floodlight) and N. Chand (Industry).
Endurance Race/ Fun Day to start off GMR&SC season The Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) will open its season with the staging of an Endurance race and Fun Day on February 8, at the South Dakota Circuit. According to an official from the GMR&SC, the day’s activities will include a two-hour Endurance Race, Dexterity and Reverse races and a Time Attack. The official added that competitors will be asked to pay $2000 to enter the competition and admission for spectators is $500. Starting time is 11:00 hrs. Meanwhile, the Club will be staging its Annual General Meeting today to elect office bearers and incumbent President John Carpenter is tipped to return unopposed.
Sunday January 25, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 67
Atwell arrives today; Gomes whips himself into shape as GBBC fight night looms By Michael Benjamin B o x i n g f a n s experiencing some amount of disappointment following the aborted title fight between former WBA welterweight champion, Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis and Jamaica’s ‘Contender’ Champion, Sakima Mullings, would have felt consoled that world rated, Clive Atwell has filled the void and will tackle the Jamaican on Saturday February 21 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).The organizers are still to decide which title these two will be fighting for. Atwell is expected in Guyana from Dominica sometime today and will sign the contract during the week. While anticipation would be high and all eyes will be on this bout, there are several other fights that
Quincy Gomes promise to provide entertainment for those attending the card. Edmond DeClou will be back following a prolonged absence to allow his broken jaw to heal. He sustained this injury during a bout with super/middleweight
Clive Atwell champion, Dereck Richmond, and was sidelined following the doctor’s order. Naturally, he would be out to avenge the loss when they collide in a rematch in an 8 rounds middleweight clash. Those that have seen
GFF Recognises service of Referees Instructors
T
he Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) on Thursday last paid tribute to three Referee Instructors (RI) for their dedicated work and commitment in the areas of refereeing and referee development in 2014. Instructors Abdulla Hamid, Ingram Johnson and Trevor Beckles were all recognized for their outstanding work in training and preparing referees accredited to the GFF and FIFA. They were each presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and a monetary reward. During the brief ceremony, Chairman of the Normalisation Committee (NC) Mr. Clinton Urling congratulated the Instructors and encouraged them to maintain the high level of commitment and effort in 2015 as they work to improve the capacity of the
DeClou in action know his ability and would obviously welcome his return to the fray but Richmond is also no slouch and he will enter the bout brimming with confidence as he attempts to replicate his previous feat. Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) champion, Dexter Marques, was to have fought up and coming, Quincy Gomes, in a non-title 4 rounds catchweight bout. That fight was also cancelled and Gomes will now clash with debutant, Keeve Allicock. One suspects that the promoters had a rethink after realizing that Marques’ experience far outweighs that of his opponent who has merely chalked up 2 fights. Marques, on the other hand, has already won the local bantamweight and the
CABOFE titles. Gomes won both of his fights to date but it was his victory over recently c r o w n e d l o c a l super/bantamweight champion, Richard Williamson, one fight before Williamson won the belt that has distinguished him as a class act. Gomes accepted that bout on late notice and his display of counter punching coupled with his superb fitness truly impressed the pundits. Friday afternoon, he was at work at the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym, under the guidance of coach, George ‘Canchi’ Ophrect, and with 5 weeks to his ring date, seems to be in reasonable shape. The youngster shadow boxed for several rounds before turning his attention to the speed ball. Before the afternoon was done Gomes was also taken through his paces on the strike pads before engaging in a session of weights lifting. He closed off sessions with a hectic 15 minutes on the jump rope. Mr. Ophrect was pleased with the work ethic of his charge and said that he is rounding nicely into shape. He also said that Gomes commences his road work exercises at 04:00hrs each day and covers some four miles. The young pugilist has not officially commenced sparring sessions but took advantage of the presence of Kesney
Dereck Richmond Joseph, a bantamweight boxer from French Guiana, who was here for a few days under the auspices of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA). Joseph has since left Guyana but not before sparring with Gomes for a few days. Mr. Oprecht feels that his charge had benefitted immensely from the workout with the French pugilist. He said that Gomes will soon commence similar activity with his fellow boxers and he (Oprecht) would be endeavoring to correct some flaws observed during his sessions with the French boxer. The boxers will sign their respective contracts sometime this week and the other fighters on show are American, Lorisse Rivas up against Sharon Ward in a 6 rounds super/middleweight bout, while Travis Fraser will tackle Barbadian, Charwyn Eswick in a 4 rounds junior/middleweight clash.
Ninvalle for AMBC meeting in Argentina Normalisation Committee Chairman Clinton Urling hands over certificate of appreciation to Abdulla Hamid.
next generation of Guyanese referees. Mr. Urling also indicated that in 2015, Referees’ recruitment, welfare and
development will be paramount on the agenda of the GFF and resources will be made available to achieve those objectives.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that Johnson Charles 177 vs Barbados at Shaw, Tobago during the Nagico Regional One Day Tournament surpassed the previous highest regional one day score of 153, which was held by Vincentian Dawnley Joseph, Statistician Charwayne Walker asks. Joseph, a former Windward Islands
Captain, hammered Minnows Bermuda at the Discovering Bay, Kingston, Jamaica during the 1997 Red Stripe Bowl. The only other regional batsman with a 150 at this regional one day level is Guyanese Clayton Lambent. The pugnacious left hander scored 151 against Barbados at Bourda in 1991.
P
resident of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle is scheduled to travel to Buenos Aries, Argentina to attend an executive and National Federation meeting of the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC). That meeting is fixed for April 9 in the Argentine capital and would be the first for the Confederation since its new president was elected. Ninvalle was elected an AIBA Executive Committee Member at the most recent congress held in South Korea last November which made him an automatic member of
the AMBC executive. The April meeting would be chaired by recently elected AMBC president Osvaldo Bisbal who was also elected in South Korea. AMBC was founded in an Extraordinary Assembly held in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on January 31, 2009. It resulted from a merger of the Confederation of Pan American Boxing and the American Bureau of AIBA, according to AIBA’s new policy of recognizing only one organization per continent. AMBC is made up of 41 countries in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Steve Ninvalle
t r o Sp EBFA PEE WEE LEAGUE
Grove Hi Tech brush past Diamond United L
A N I F
Chanderpaul, spinners could play key roles as Jaguars, Red Force battle for title today
Action in the Grove Hi Tech (blue & yellow) Diamond United match at the Grove ground yesterday.
Kyle Abbott could earn his chance in a reshuffled South Africa attack Š Getty Images
Sizzling Serena joins sister Venus in Australian Open last 16
Reshuffled South Africa remain favourites
Will Chris Gayle provide fireworks in this game? (Gallo Images)
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