Kaieteur News

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July 01, 2014 - Vol. 7 No. 26 - Price $80

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Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Country’s corruption rating worsens Haiti first, Guyana second

MP says...

Govt. must account for $112M being spent on Rodney’s inquiry

Guyana's population decreases by 3,000 stands at 747,884

Guysuco runs out of cash to pay office staff

Salesman Philanthropist fakes $9M leaves $14M Cemetery for Palms, Road heist abused persons

Cable company continues orders to steal World courts operator to Cup feed - NCN pay $4M

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Guyana’s population decreases by 3,000 stands at 747,884 ...Region Four remains population hub T

he Guyana Population and Housing Census 2012 which marks the country’s 17th National Census, has recorded a continuing decline in the population size according to the preliminary report released by the Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Finance yesterday.

A presentation which was held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, revealed that as at Census Day September 15, 2012, the population recorded a marginal reduction of 3,339 persons from the population count of 751,223, last done on September 15, 2002.

As at September 15, 2012, 747,884 persons were recorded. The decline from 2002 to 2012 represents an annual negative growth rate of 0.04 percent, the report stated. The findings also proved that the Coastland which includes the capital,

Georgetown, remains the holder of the highest percentage of the population which is 89.1 percent. The population of the Hinterland -which comprises of more than two-thirds of the land area- continues to grow but only constitutes 10.9 percent of the total population.

Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) has 41.9 percent, followed by Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) which holds 41.6 percent and 14.4 percent respectively.

The population density of Regions Two, Five, Six and Ten declined while the other six Regions experienced growth. This growth includes all the Hinterland regions which, according to Chief Statistician and Census O f f i c e r , M r. L e n n o x Benjamin, could be

attributed to the growth in the mining sector which has witnessed an influx of persons into the mining regions.

It should be noted, also, that for the Census, Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine are deemed hinterland regions, while the others are seen as coastland regions.

The Coastland regions had 679,869 persons and the Hinterland has 71,354 persons.

The gender population report showed that the number of women continue to surpass the men.

Nationally the ratio of men to women was 49.8 per cent to 50.2 per cent. This translated to 98 men to every 100 women. Along the coast there were 96 men to every 100 women.

However, overall, in Hinterland regions men continue to outnumber women, which Deputy

Census Officer Mrs. Vanessa Profitt expressed, could be as a result of the number of men involved in the maledominated field of mining.

Region Eight was the only location to see a decline in the male population.

The number of households –which is one or more persons, related or not, living together- according to the Census, highlighted that there was a gradual increase in the number of households over the years. For 2012, there were 210,124 households recorded including 4,732 others which were not available for interviewing. This number shows an overall increase of 15.1 percent in comparison to what was recorded in 2002. It was highlighted however, that while the national average household size was 5.1 persons per household in 1980 and 4.1 persons in 2002, it continued

to decline in 2012 to be 3.5 persons per household.

Buildings increased from 187,696 in 2002, to 219,509 buildings in 2012.

This represents an increase of 16.9 percent during that period. This growth was attributed to government policies of making land available for home construction, as well as increase in the development of both government and private housing schemes.

Also, the number of dwelling units increased by 16,624; 2002 recorded 205,117 units while by2012, there were 221,741 units identified. The dwelling unit is a subset of a building, and since several units can be found in one building, the dwelling units would outnumber the buildings.

Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) witnessed the highest rise in dwelling units.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, highlighting the importance of the Census, expressed the part the information plays in the area of decision and policy making. He said the richness of the information plays a critical role, “As a government, we regard this periodic of exercise as important... because of the very important nexus between the picture that emerges and the policy making functions.... “ We b e l i e v e t h a t understanding the dynamics of the population is critical to formulation of policies, particularly social policies.”

The Census is conducted to provide information on the population and housing from the smallest to the largest administrative areas of the country, to provide detailed information regarding demographic parameters and to meet the needs of policy-makers, businesses, non-profit organizations and the public among other things.

Marriott would be contemptuous if Guyanese not given first chance at employment- Williams

G

uyanese must be given the first opportunity to work at the much touted five-star Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

This is according to A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Shadow Labour Minister Basil Williams.

One section of the media over the weekend questioned where Marriott would be sourcing the requisite quality of staff for the Hotel and noted the possibility of the importation of skills.

Williams is however adamant that Guyanese must be given the first opportunity, adding that anything less would be contemptuous on the part of Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI), the company that essentially owns the Marriott.

Williams said that AHI should be advertising for jobs at the Hotel and added too that there are Guyanese locally and abroad that are qualified to fill the imminent vacancies. At present there have been no advertisements

placed in any local media outlet, for persons to fill vacancies at the Hotel which is set to open in a matter of months.

The only announcement of employment came recently when AHI publicized that a General Manager has been identified to run the Hotel.

Marriott International Inc appointed Roberto Grisias as General Manager of the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown and he was set to assume the position effective June 1, 2014.

The Marriott US$58M Hotel is being built using US$19.5M from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). However no Guyanese were employed in its construction.

Shanghai Construction Group (SCG), had demanded Chinese labour be

APNU’s Basil Williams

used as part of the contract conditionalities.

The Administration had defended this position saying that there was a shortage of skills in Guyana.

The fact that Guyanese were not employed at the Marriott attracted scathing

criticism from political parties, trades unions and social activists, among others.

Winston Brassington the main public figurehead behind the project had last year announced that when Marriott opens its doors, it

will employ over 200 Guyanese which will be permanent workers.

The Hotel is almost complete but there has been no Guyanese has been trained to deliver the Five Star quality of service required.

The objective of Five Star service is to improve guest satisfaction, while increasing employee morale and to develop the coaching skills of managers and supervisors.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, in his 2014 Budget presentation had announced that Government allocated US$4M to build a “hospitality institute to ensure that we produce world class personnel for

this important industry going forward.”

According to Dr. Singh, tourist arrivals have increased, international media coverage has been strongly favourable, and important niche markets are emerging for the local tourism product.

“All indications are that this sector will be a key contributor to value added production as well as job creation in the near and medium term.”

This school is yet to commence construction however and as such it is unclear where the 200 Guyanese earmarked to work at the Marriott when completed will access training, and for how long.

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Tuesday July 01, 2014

Health Minister downplaying Chikungunya situation - Dr Norton C

laims by Health M i n i s t e r, D r Bheri Ramsaran that all of the confirmed cases of the Chikungunya virus have been transmitted in the Ancient County of Berbice, has been described as “almost unbelievable.” This description was offered by a very vocal Shadow Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton, as he indulged this publication in a conversation on the matter yesterday.

According to Dr. Norton, “when one takes into consideration the Chikungunya virus situation in St. Lucia we can possibly be in a worse situation here in Guyana.” Reports are that the virus, which surfaced in the Caribbean for the first time last year, has reached disturbing proportions in the Windward Island.

And according to Dr. Norton, since the mosquito – the Aedes Aegypti – that transmits the virus is very prevalent in many sections of the country it is therefore not impossible for it to

“We have got to forget about tourism and think about the health of the nation” - Dr. Norton

Shadow Health Minister, Dr. George Norton already be in many parts of Guyana. In fact he theorised that since the symptoms of the virus are very similar to that of dengue fever, the possibility exists that a number of Chikungunya virus cases are being passed off as dengue fever. “We have the mosquito here, we have all the conditions here, and we have persons coming down with the symptoms so we can very well have a high

percentage of the Chikungunya virus right here in Georgetown,” the Shadow Health Minister speculated.

This publication had received reports of the virus being confirmed in sections of the city but the Health Minister had assured that the virus had not entered Georgetown or any other part of the country for that matter. He disclosed that the virus had been “imported” to the city, a process, he said, entailed the victims travelling to Berbice and being bitten by the mosquito before returning to their Georgetown residences. The Minister told this publication that there were only two such confirmed cases.

But according to Dr. Norton, a Member of Parliament, representing A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the

utterances by the Health Minister are unrealistic. “We know that that is not the case, that only Berbice has the virus,” said Dr. Norton. He went on to substantiate his argument by pointing out that there are absolutely no measures in place to ensure that the virus remains in Berbice. “There is nothing that is stopping the people from Berbice coming to Georgetown and some of the people from Georgetown going to Berbice, nothing...stopping the virus from being in other parts of the country,” said the Shadow Health Minister. He even observed that there have been no moves by the Health Ministry to quarantine or isolate persons with the virus in an attempt to help reduce transmission.

He recalled that a few years ago Guyana was able to guard against the Foot and Mouth Disease by ensuring

Guysuco runs out of cash, office workers not paid for the month …Workers plan to take matter in hand if no word forthcoming

T

he beleagued Guysuco Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) is heading for a crisis with staff not being paid and workers not too sure when and if they will be paid.

According to information, as is the custom and practice the workers are usually paid at least by the last Thursday of the month.

On Thursday, the workers and their representatives were called by management to an emergency meeting and told that they would not be paid by

the specific date, because Guysuco do not have any money. The workers who made up the staff component of the ailing Sugar Corporation are mainly represented by NAACIE. The workers were told that it is not known if and when they would be paid.

Now with the end of the month there is still no word as to if and when the workers will be paid.

Workers of the Rose Hall and Albion Estates decided to take some limited industrial action, but now at the end of the month and no word

forthcoming, the workers are considering taking serious industrial action. One representative stated that according General Secretary of the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), Kenneth Joseph, both Guysuco Deputy CEO Paul Bhim and Human Resources Director Jairam, indicated that Guysuco just does not have any money.

However it was learnt that weekly paid workers received their wages last week end.

Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran that there were extensive screening processes even upon entry to areas such as the Rupununi. But according to him, such measures have not been employed by the Health Ministry to combat the Chikungunya virus which he recognised as a real public health threat.

HEALTH BEFORE TOURISM Dr. Norton has also vocalised his concerns about disclosures by Dr. Ramsaran that his Ministry has been seeking to tackle the virus quietly so as not to scare off tourists and investors and create panic. “I have a problem when the authorities are going to say that we are trying to not create a situation of alarm that would upset the tourist industry...that I cannot accept,” asserted Dr. Norton.

“We have got to forget about tourism and think about the health of the nation,” he passionately insisted.

And according to Dr. Norton, Guyana’s current inability to test for the virus is also another disturbing development. Dr Ramsaran during an interview with this publication said that while Guyana has in place all the equipment to test for the virus at the National Reference Laboratory situated at Thomas and New Market Streets, Georgetown, there are currently no trained personnel to undertake the process. As a result, Guyana has been depending exclusively on the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad to confirm suspected cases of the virus.

Dr. Ramsaran in justifying the utilisation of CARPHA, noted, “We are happy that our CARPHA in Trinidad is

doing what it is intended to d o . We s p e a k a b o u t regionalism and this is where regionalism is in action.”

However, Dr. Norton is certainly not buying the Minister’s explanation even insisting that “you can try to hide under the inefficiency and come out with a statement and say the reason we cannot test for the Chikungunya virus here is because we are maximising on regionalism.”

“In other words because it can be done in Trinidad then we mustn’t do it in Guyana? Trinidad don’t look at it that way, Barbados don’t look at it that way, Jamaica don’t look at it that way; no Caribbean island don’t look at it that way and say ‘oh we are maximising regionalism’ and that is why they don’t do things in their countries that can be done in Guyana.”

According to Dr. Norton, “that is a lame excuse and it is a direct reflection of the inefficiency of the Ministry of Health not to be able to diagnose the Chikungunya virus here in Guyana when according to them we have the equipment here on the ground.”

Minister Ramsaran has belatedly disclosed that moves are being made to have at least one person trained to test for the virus, an undertaking that is slated to be done with support from the Pan American Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease Control.

In the meantime though, Dr. Norton noted that Guyana will have to remain reliant on CARPHA to be able to confirm suspected cases of the virus. “We have about 100 samples waiting there and I don’t know up to when we can wait...” disclosed Dr. Norton who intimated that “our track record of sending samples abroad, even for the simple DNA test, is not one that anybody is proud of because either something is left behind or some never return...something always happens with our samples.”

Moreover, the Shadow Health Minister is convinced that not enough is being done to effectively deal with the Chikungunya virus in Guyana. “I don’t think that we have done enough at the level of the health centres or even the hospitals where there should be systems in place so as soon as people present with symptoms there (Continued on page 12)

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday July 01, 2014

Bahamas govt. criticized over CLICO silence in budget (Nassau Guardian) NASSAU, Bahamas — The Bahamas government has been criticized for its silence on the issue of whether it will honour a $30 million promise to guarantee CLICO policies, after no mention of it was made in this year’s budget statement.

With no indication of an allocation having been made by the government with respect to the guarantee it promised most recently in June 2013, Guardian Business understands that courtappointed liquidator Craig Tony Gomez is seeking a meeting with officials on the matter.

On Friday, a prominent CLICO policyholder and shadow finance minister, K. Peter Turnquest, both said that, notwithstanding the government’s current financial straits, government “culpability” in the situation given acknowledged regulatory failings makes it all the more important that it steps up to honour the commitment to guarantee the 13,000 Bahamian policies, which have been in limbo since the insurer’s February 2009 liquidation order.

The government guarantee was intended to allow for the transfer of the CLICO (Bahamas) policy portfolio to another life and health insurer, as no other underwriter would purchase the portfolio without it.

Today, it is not clear if any

would purchase the portfolio with the guarantee, as any prior active interest that may have existed would likely have withered on the vine given the government’s extended inaction over the matter.

“I get a call almost every week from persons lamenting, asking if there is any answer to this problem,” said Bishop Simeon Hall, himself a policyholder.

“I understand money is tight all around, but both political parties are culpable to a degree in that they fell asleep at the wheel. This is capital gone awry. We should try to protect the poor in our midst.”

Turnquest added: “It’s obviously a concern for those involved, those persons with annuities in particular who have invested their life savings in CLICO and the government ought to bring some resolution to the matter. Promises were made with respect to issuing a guarantee so the portfolio could be transferred to a buyer and nothing has ever happened and that’s not fair to the annuity holders.

“We have to acknowledge that there was a breach in the regulatory oversight of CLICO and so in that regard there is some responsibility on behalf of the government to do everything it can to make the situation whole for its citizens.”

Gomez himself is under a gag order from the court that

stops him from being able to comment on the matter.

However, this newspaper was told by sources with knowledge of the matter that the liquidator himself was on the lookout in regard to whether the government would address the matter in the budget and to date has heard nothing.

It is understood that a meeting is being sought that would give the government an opportunity to point out where such an allocation was made, or what plans it has with respect to the matter if an allocation was not made.

The government had held meetings with the liquidator prior to the budget over the guarantee, suggesting it has not dropped the plan to provide the guarantee altogether.

The government has also indicated to international agencies that it intends to honour the guarantee.

In late December 2013, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which monitors the stability of this country’s financial sector and economy overall, called on the government to “urgently address” the CLICO (Bahamas) situation by outlining the terms of a government guarantee.

Following meetings with Bahamian officials, the IMF also commended the government for what it described as its “strong commitment” to the matter.

Minister of Home Affairs Adriel Brathwaite years to ensure that the region was better able to withstand and respond to natural and man-made disasters.

Evidence of this, he noted, could be seen in the different levels of response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and last year’s flood events that affected Dominica, St Lucia and St Vincent.

“One of the things from the Haiti experience in 2010 was that the region did not seem to respond with the kind of alacrity that we would have liked, and it was a signal that we had to learn from that experience,” he said.

He reminded the ministers present that what affected one country could affect all, and therefore the approach to disaster preparedness needed to be a regional one.

“That brings me to the importance of CDEMA and the importance of having a coordinated agency. The strength of the region is dictated by its weakest link,” Brathwaite noted.

He also told those present that they were all aware of the damage hazards could have on their individual and collective economies, and urged them to take home the message that more needed to be done to ensure the financial sustainability of CDEMA. (BGIS)

Brathwaite: Pay money owed to CDEMA

(Barbados Nation) Countries in the region are being called upon to address the $1.2 million in outstanding contributions owed to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

Minister of Home Affairs Adriel Brathwaite made the call, stressing that CDEMA could do a lot more for countries in the region if it was given the necessary resources.

He was speaking during the opening ceremony of the Fifth Meeting of the Council of CDEMA at Hilton Barbados recently.

“I want to beseech you on behalf of CDEMA, on behalf of your individual countries, on behalf of this region, to let us see how we can address the financial woes that CDEMA is presently faced with,” Brathwaite pleaded.

He highlighted the fact that CDEMA did “tremendous” work over the

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

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THE MYTH OF THE MAJORITY The AFC has not just fallen victim to its own propaganda. It has also been seduced by the propaganda of APNU, to wit, that the PPPC is not anxious to hold local government elections for fear of losing those elections.

The AFC lacked political foresight. It did not anticipate what the PPPC had in store.

The PPPC has launched a multimillion-dollar clean up of the city. It is also spending hundreds of millions of dollars on community roads.

The PPPC was carefully and craftily timing the date for local government elections so that it can reap the benefits of this spending.

And while the PPPC had lulled APNU, the AFC, the US Embassy and the Stabroek News into believing that it was not keen on holding local government elections this year, it was all along carefully utilizing the advantages that come with incumbency, and specifically the right to determine when local government elections were going to be held.

The AFC has now awoken to the reality that the PPPC is readying itself for local government elections. And it has found itself in a quandary. The AFC holds the balance of power between APNU and the PPPC in the National Assembly. And so it

has projected itself as a major political force in the country.

It has fallen victim to the myth of the majority. The AFC ran a smart campaign in the 2011 elections. The seats that it obtained were as a result of it concentrating in certain regions where it was able to steal vital votes and seats from the ruling party. Its support however, in the largest Region in the country.

Region Four, actually declined from 2006.

The fact is that the AFC is not a significant political force. In order to win a municipality or a neighbourhood democratic council in the forthcoming local government elections, you need to be a significant electoral force since there is a 60/40 division of seats using plurality and proportional representation respectively under the new local government laws.

What this means is that the AFC stands very little chance of winning anything in local government elections.

It will not win a majority of seats in any municipality or in any NDC if and when those elections are held. The system of apportioning seats would not allow them to do so. Neither are they likely to hold the balance of power in any NDC or municipality.

The AFC has now

Dem boys seh...

De shaat scamp should go to Lot 12 Wha Ash Knee, de shaat scamp do wid de $4.5 billion is thiefin. Dem boys want tell de nation why dem seh suh. Ash Knee function is to spend money wha de Parliament approve fuh de country. He got a li’l leverage which means he can spend li’l money in an emergency situation without getting approval from Parliament.

For example, he can spend if dem got flooding or some natural disaster or anything sudden that nobody ain’t expect and didn’t cater for. Then he can go an inform parliament that he spend some money and ask dem fuh approve. That is de right thing to do.

Any normal spending or usual spending he must get full authorization from de parliament. Parliament is de place that does allow de government to spend all of we money. Is like a home wid parents and ten children.

Just like how parliament give authorization to de shaat scamp to spend, de parents give authorization to de big son to tek money from de wardrobe and buy foodstuff and other things for de house.

If de son do wha de shaat scamp do, and spend money without de authorisation of de parents, what do you call that? Think about if he come home and announce that he and some girls been out and had a good time wid a big portion of de grocery money.

Then he got de nerve fuh go back to he mammy and daady to ask dem fuh approve he spending.

That is just wha Ash Knee, that shaat scamp do de Guyanese people. Who would approve that? He was doing this same thing when Jagdeo was he president.

Ramjattan right fuh call in de police. He seh that he gun carry Ash Knee to court but de shaat scamp got a woman who can cancel any charge.

No wonder Guyana deh second from de bottom pun de corruption chart.

Talk half and wait fuh see wha gun come out in de court.

awakened to the reality the PPPC is going ahead with local government elections. And it knows that it is the AFC, rather than the PPPC, which is going to be humiliated when local government elections are held.

The AFC balloon is about to pop. The myth of the majority, the myth of the AFC being a significant political force is going to be destroyed when local government elections are held.

The AFC cannot afford to contest local government elections because it will burst their bubble and expose the party’s self- delusion. The AFC therefore, wants to stop the PPPC from holding local government election. The only way to do this is to pass

a motion of no- confidence in the government. Such a move will force general and regional elections where the system is more heavily influenced by proportional representation and where the AFC has a better chance of retaining the seats it obtained at the last elections.

The AFC however, does not want to face local government polls. In order to avoid this, it is pushing for a no-confidence motion. To gain traction and support for this no-confidence motion, they are attempting to woo the support of APNU. And like on most issues, AFC will inveigle APNU to support its no-confidence motion against the PPPC. APNU, with a congress

looming, will want an issue to rally its supporters around.

And what better issue to do so than a looming national elections triggered by a noconfidence vote. What better way also to preserve the status quo within APNU- no one wants a divided party in the run up to elections- that to have congress with an election on the horizon. The delegates will not rock the boat.

The question however, is whether APNU is ready for general and regional elections. The AFC is not going to join with them in any pre-election alliance. The AFC has always spurned such an offer. But they now want APNU to support the noconfidence motion so they, the AFC, can avoid their

goose being cooked at local government elections.

There is a very good chance that APNU will fall for the bait once again and support the AFC’s noconfidence motion. They should however test the AFC motives.

Since the no- confidence motion will force general elections APNU should ask the AFC to commit to a pre election alliance with APNU. Want to bet the AFC will decline this proposal if it is made?

‘Historian’ Nigel Westmaas testifies in Rodney COI - admits to giving evidence based on “historical events”

Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance, Dr. Nigel Westmaas, yesterday admitted that some of the evidence which he has come forward to give to the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry was merely “historical” events.

Dr. Westmaas, who credits himself as a “historian”, was another witness called yesterday as the Rodney Commission continued.

Under cross examination by lawyer for the People’s National Congress, Basil Williams, Westmaas said that some of his evidence includes historical events which are “public records” and some from his personal record.

Westmaas, in his evidence in chief, said that party members for the WPA, he included, were subjected to searches.

He explained that these “searches” were done under the then Security Act of the PNC government. The witness recalled once when his home was searched by the police who came looking for “arms and ammunition”.

Westmaas also denied that he had ever heard about any plot to arrest then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham. He said that something of this nature would have been inconceivable.

Westmaas, who said that he joined the WPA in 1978, as an ordinary member, remembers being arrested three to four times. He said that he was however never charged for any offence.

According to him, the arrests were prompted after he was probably in the “wrong

company”.

Westmaas said that the then PNC government had surveillance on members of the WPA. He based this assertion with a document known as the “Recognition Handbook” which purports to show information ranging from vehicle colour to license plate number of members of the WPA. Westmaas also recalled yesterday that former President Janet Jagan had begged PPP members against joining the WPA. Westmaas will return to the witness box when the commission continues today.

Commissioners in the inquiry are quizzed with “examining the facts and circumstances immediately prior at the time of and subsequent to the death of Dr.

Rodney in order to determine as far as possible, who or what was responsible for the explosion resulting in the death of Rodney”.

They would have to inquire into the cause of the explosion in which Dr. Walter Rodney died; whether it was an act of terrorism and if so, who were the perpetrators.

Commissioners would also have to specifically examine the role, if any, which the late Gregory Smith, a sergeant of the Guyana Defence Force, played in the death of Rodney and if so, to inquire into who may have counseled, procured, aided and or abetted him to do so, including facilitating his departure from Guyana after Rodney’s death.

Since the commencement of the inquiry several former

members of the WPA, among them Eusi Kwayana, Karen DeSouza, and Tacuma Ogunseye, have all come forward to give evidence.

In 1974 Rodney returned to Guyana from Tanzania. He was due to take up a position as a professor at the University of Guyana but it has been reported that this was prevented. He became increasingly active in politics, founding the Working People’s Alliance.

In 1979 he was arrested and charged with arson after two government offices were burned.

On June 13, 1980, Walter Rodney at the age of thirtyeight was killed by a bomb in his car, a month after returning from the independence celebrations in Zimbabwe.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 01, 2014

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Republic Bank, Banks DIH and God knows what else It is not that Guyanese are afraid to condemn governmental abuse only.

They just don’t raise their voices about any kind of wrong-doing. Some kind of evil is devouring this land.

Is there any kind of horror that can move the people of this country? If a derelict takes over a university class and kicks out the students, no one at UG will protest. If shoppers have to take off their shoes before they enter the store, no one will protest.

If kindergarten students have to wash their hands on the grass parapets no one will

protest. If traffic cops demand a kiss from all female drivers, no one will protest. If citizens are compelled to wear yellow shirts every Sunday, no one will protest. Finally if it is decreed that all Guyanese dog-owners eat their puppies for breakfast, no one will protest. Something is just not right with the people of Guyana and it is eerie, bizarre and terrifying. It is as if some evil has taken over Guyana.

Nothing moves people to protest in this land. It is as if they have lost all sense of dignity. Guyana has modern slavery which when

compared to ancient slavery, is worse. Ancient slaves staged rebellions that they were proud of. I watched years ago at a National Hardware store, as guards had customers emptying all the contents of their shopping bags at the exit, a horrible practice I wrote about three times in these columns but the modern slaves in Guyana accepted their faith.

Let’s skip from National Hardware to Republic Bank. I would assume that large firms log the angry telephone call they get as a security policy.

It means Republic Bank has

about twenty stored calls from me over the Kitty ATM. I spoke to all the persons in charge of the ATMs at Republic Bank but there has been no change because the bank, like all large companies, operates in a society where no one complains.

From my experience, I know that three days of the week, the ATM in Kitty does not function. And this is up to last week. I have had some terrible nightmares with the ATM in Kitty and on each occasion, I have called the Bank. But the story of the ATM fiasco in Kitty goes on.

At Camp Street, there are six ATMs. At no time, I repeat, at no time do all six machines work. Of the six, five have deposit facilities. At no time, would one find three (yes three) working deposit machines there. I lodged a protest at the front desk, last month. At New Market Street, there are three ATMs. At no time, all three function.

Last Wednesday, I was next in line behind Kellawan

Lall with eight others. Only one machine was working.

When it was Lall’s turn to enter, that one machine collapsed. Lall quietly walked away. I urged the guard to report the atrocity. Republic Bank will continue to have poor functioning machines because Mr. Lall is not going to get his government to read the Riot Act to them.

No customer complains to Banks DIH. It is doing something that is so asinine, idiotic and sickening that it makes a mockery of Guyana.

At the side of the cover of the quarter pint, half pint, and one pint cups of ice cream, Banks DIH takes a rubber stamp with erasable ink and stamps the flavour of the ice cream.

First, the side cover is too small to record the name of the flavour. Secondly, when the cups get frozen, the ink rubs out. So customers cannot identify the flavour of their choice.

Now here is a challenge for my Editor. If he doubts me, I will bring ten cups and let

Frederick Kissoon him identify the flavours for me by reading the stamp. If I lose, he has a carton of any kind of alcoholic beverage. If I win, I need three large pizzas from Mario’s. I am contending my Editor will not be able to read not one of the ten.

Here is a challenge to Banks DIH. If I am not telling the truth, let one of the Managers accompany me to Survival Supermarket on Sheriff Street. There are surveillance cameras that record customers’ behaviour in the supermarket. The tapes will show me last week, opening several cups to see which one is chocolate for my daughter and which one is “custard supreme” which is my choice.

I got so fed up, stopped looking and didn’t buy.

Anyway, this is Guyana, the land of sheep.

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Salesman fakes $9M Overseas bird watchers gun-butted, robbed at Botanical Gardens CemeteryRoad heist - Armed bandit escaped with

A

driver/salesman who told police a fantastic tale of being attacked by gunmen near Cemetery Road yesterday and robbed of $9M has admitted to faking the robbery and making off with his employer’s cash.

Police said that the salesman cracked under intensive interrogation shortly after the ‘heist’ and led detectives to an area where he had stashed $2M of the stolen cash.

Up to late yesterday evening, police were still grilling the suspect in an effort to recover the rest of the money. The salesman is an employee of Associated Industries Limited

- Cops recover $2M after culprit cracks under pressure

(AINLIM), which is located in Ruimveldt and is a subsidiary of Neal & Massy Guyana Ltd. Kaieteur News understands that the AINLIM employee had collected $9M from the parent company, Neil and Massay Ltd. earlier in the day. He told police that he was driving back to his workplace at around 14.00 hrs when two gunmen on motorcycles intercepted him. The ‘gunmen’, he said, relieved him of his employer’s $9M before racing away on their motorcycles.

But police, who have investigated several such ‘robberies’, were immediately suspicious of the salesman’s story. They took the ‘victim’ to the Ruimveldt Police Station where, under interrogation, he eventually confessed that he had stolen the money.

Kaieteur News was told that the salesman then led investigators to a Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara location where they recovered $2M. Police were said to be checking another location on the West Coast of Demerara for the remainder of the money.

Rohee to Opposition on ‘No Confidence’ motion...

‘Put up’ or ‘shut up’ “

The Peoples Progressive Party challenges the opposition parties to demonstrate their testicular capacity by giving effect to their stated desire for a noconfidence motion in parliament, failing which they should shut up and forever hold their peace.”

This was PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee, towards the combined political opposition, the Alliance for Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

The AFC had indicated that it would be contemplating bringing a motion of no confidence against the PPP government since all of the changes that it bargained for, the development of the country have not been given an ear by the government.

In addition, there was the Finance Minister “violation of the law” by spending $4.5B of monies not approved by the National Assembly in the 2014 budget.

AFC’s motion would however, have no effect if it didn’t have the support of the main political opposition APNU. APNU has since established that they had to discuss the matter but the end result would be that they might support it.

According to Rohee, the fact is that both the AFC and the APNU are “basking in the glory of their combined Parliamentary one-seat majority which they fully well know would not

continue in any future elections.

“The statements by the opposition are therefore nothing but the work of a politically bankrupt opposition intended to make up for their pathetic performance in and out of Parliament rather than out of any clear and well thought out position.”

ELECTIONS POSTURING If a motion of no confidence is passed on the current government, then a period of six months is given before National Elections are called.

Rohee, who is of the opinion that the opposition would lose its one-seat majority should new elections be held, was asked to justify his statements against the backdrop the statement by former political executive and analyst Ralph Ramkarran, who is contending that the new elections could yield the same results.

He responded that everyone is free to give their prognosis of what they discern or predict based on their analysis that could be the outcome of any future elections.

“What I am saying is on the part of the PPP, we remain eternally optimistic about our possibilities, our prospects at any future elections held in Guyana.

This optimism that we have is based on the work that we have been doing on the ground, the feedback that we have been receiving in terms

of those areas where we suffered losses because we have been doing a lot of targeting and not scattershot work.

“Our work is more targeted, more concentrated and more results oriented” said Rohee.

The GS added, “The comments that I made about how the party sees the outcome of any future elections with respect to the opposition losing its oneseat majority, that is a great possibility as far as our analysis shows, the fear with respect to the outcome of any future elections returning to be the same, that for us is more imagined than real.”

Rohee was then asked that, if there is passage of the no confidence motion in Parliament by the combined opposition and elections have to be held, does the PPP intend to have Donald Ramotar as the Presidential candidate or is there a possibility that someone else would be used?

To that he responded, “I am not prepared at this point to get in the realm of speculative politics when it comes to housekeeping matters of the PPP, and its future move in respect to such matters. When we come to that bridge we will cross it.”

He was then asked if he would be interested in being the Presidential candidate if a no confidence motion is moved. He said that he would “prefer not to discuss that at this time.”

A

nna Woodhouse, a British citizen, and Danny Bryne, an Irishman were attacked and robbed by a bicycle bandit in the Botanical Gardens around 06:15 hrs yesterday.

Bryne, a renowned bird watcher, was gun-butted in his head by the lone gunman.

He was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and sent away.

His friend however was admitted to the health institution for further medical attention. She is nursing a fractured skull which she reportedly sustained from the repeated beating she received at the hands of her attacker.

Andy Narine who was their tour guide escaped unhurt. When approached yesterday, Bryne, refused to speak to the media.

However, this newspaper understands that Bryne and his friend had travelled to Guyana for the cricket match which was supposed to be

cameras, foreign currencies, credit cards, passports played here between New Zealand and West Indies from June 26 to yesterday.

They subsequently learnt that the match was cancelled and would be played in Barbados. They still travelled to Guyana and visited some tourist sites here.

According to police sources, Bryne and Wo o d h o u s e w h o w e r e supposed to return to their respective homelands today, did some research and after finding out that Guyana has several species of birds, they made arrangements for a tour guide to take them to the Botanical Garden early yesterday.

While at the garden, the lone gunman rode up to the overseas bird watchers and their tour guide and demanded everything they had. Bryne reportedly told investigators that he did not

hand over his personal items to the man because he did not understand what he (gunman) was saying. After he failed to do this, the armed man took his weapon and gun-butted him (Bryne).

“When the bandit done with he, he beat the woman and then he ride away with their money, passports, cameras, credit cards and other items,” the police source said.

The tourists were beaten and robbed at a time when Guyana is trying its best to promote tourism.

When this newspaper contacted the Minister of To u r i s m , I r f a a n A l i yesterday for a comment he said that the Guyana Tourism Authority is working with the Police Force to ensure a thorough investigation is done and to capture the perpetrator.

Man sentenced to 15 years for minibus driver’s death

T

hirty-seven year old Sherwin Anthony- Hyles was yesterday sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment for the unlawful killing of an East Bank Demerara (EBD) minibus driver.

Justice Dawn Gregory handed down the sentence after a probation report was presented to the court.

Hyles, of Lot 37 Harry Avenue, Friendship, East Bank Demerara, was indicted for the May 1, 2008 murder of Joel Savory, a minibus driver. He pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when he appeared before Justice Gregory on June 19 last.

The accused was represented by Attorney Maxwell McKay. According to reports, Savory, 41, of Lot 37 Friendship, EBD, got into an argument with the accused, who is said to be of “unsound mind.” Hyles reportedly took a piece of broken bottle and stabbed Savory in his neck. The injured man was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he succumbed while receiving medical attention.

Hyles was subsequently charged and placed before the court. However, based on the probation report, a

psychiatric evaluation was done to determine whether the man was fit to stand trial.

State psychiatrist, Dr. Bhiro Harry, diagnosed Hyles with paranoid schizophrenia, a psychotic illness, which is usually, accompanied by a series of hallucinations.

The report further stated that the accused who grew up at Plaisance, East Coast of Demerara, had several brushes with the law as a child as he would wander the streets on many occasions.

He subsequently left school and worked as a labourer. Hyles had become a vagrant in his community, before migrating to Cayenne (French Guiana), where he spent a number of years.

During his time overseas, the accused served time in prison and was admitted to a

mental institution.

He returned to Guyana but continued his abnormal behaviour. Family members recalled that he would wander the streets naked or go for days without food.

Based on the report, Savory, a deportee from North America, had attacked the accused on the day of the incident.

The victim was the caretaker of the property at Friendship, East Coast Demerara in which Hyles and his family lived.

Savory would reportedly constantly confront the accused about his abnormal behavior.

The accused claimed that Savory had jumped the fence during a heated exchange between them which escalated into a physical altercation.

Health Minister...

From page 6 is somebody who takes off the samples and gets them to Trinidad...I don’t think we have a system specially in place to look at that,” Dr. Norton speculated.

The symptoms of the Chikungunya virus include: fever, muscle and joint pains, headaches, rashes and nausea. Since there is no cure for the virus, like dengue,

efforts are focused on treatment of the various symptoms.

However if the symptoms are not treated there are debilitating effects including curved limbs, paralysis and even death due to certain pre-conditions.

According to Minister Ramsaran, as at last week, his Ministry has been able to confirm 19 cases of the virus.

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 13

More money for Rodney Commission?

By Latoya Giles Government will first have to show how it spent $112m which was allocated for the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry before the Opposition decides whether more funds should be voted for the Commission.

A Partnership for National Unity Member of Parliament, Joseph Harmon, made this comment yesterday to Kaieteur News, i n t h e w a k e o f pronouncements by President Donald Ramotar that government would be seeking more funds.

Ramotar had told reporters on Saturday that there is a possibility of more money being allotted for the Commission since it has been extended until September. The Head of State said that from all indications, with the new extension they would need more money.

Ramotar said that he could not definitively say that the entire $112m which was budgeted at the commencement of the inquiry is “exhausted”. He said that obviously once there is an extension there would be the need for more funds. “We would have to go back to parliament to get

MP wants to know how Govt spent $112M money.”

However, Harmon said that the possibility of the National Assembly voting more money to the Commission, depends on how the Finance Minister explains how the initial $112M was spent.

Harmon told Kaieteur News that he has submitted several questions to Finance Minister Ashni Singh on this issue.

According to Harmon, the Chairman of the Commission, Sir Richard Cheltenham (QC) has said that September was the extension date, but Attorney Glenn Hanoman gave December as the extension date.

He said that at the next sitting of the National Assembly, the Finance Minister will have to provide these details before any more money is given to the Commission. Harmon said that government had never given a ‘clear” indication of how the money would have been spent.

B a c k i n F e b r u a r y, President Ramotar said that the Rodney Commission

will not come cheap and that he knew for a fact that the money would be well spent.

Ramotar had denied that there was anything sinister in the holding of the inquiry; but his government was in fact fulfilling the wishes of Rodney’s wife, Patricia.

“This process started and it was not initiated by me, but by a request by the family, particularly his wife, Patricia Rodney,” Ramotar had said.

He had said that the Terms of Reference which some parties have been protesting over, were crafted

by Rodney’s family and advisors, along with some technical help from Government. Ramotar stressed that it was Rodney’s wife who made the comment about not wanting it to be political.

The terms include “examining the facts and circumstances immediately prior at the time of and subsequent to the death of Dr. Rodney in order to determine as far as possible, who or what was responsible for the explosion resulting in the death of Rodney”.

Commissioners would

President Donald Ramotar

APNU Member of Parliament Joseph Harmon

have to inquire into the cause of the explosion in which Dr. Wa l t e r R o d n e y d i e d ; whether it was an act of terrorism and if so, who were the perpetrators.

Commissioners would also have to specifically examine the role, if any, which the late Gregory Smith, a Sergeant of the Guyana Defence Force, played in the death of Rodney and if so, to inquire into who may have counseled, procured, aided and or abetted him to do so, including facilitating his departure from Guyana after Rodney’s death.

S i n c e t h e commencement of the commission, several issues have been raised by lawyers representing interesting

parties. Attorney at Law Basil Williams, Selwyn Pieters and Joseph Harmon have all been very vocal on how the commission is running.

Up to last Thursday Attorney- at-Law Joseph Harmon who is representing the Ex-GDF Association, once again called for the Chairman of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry Sir Richard Cheltenham QC, to remove himself from the proceedings.

The call was made during an outburst from the Chairman when Captain Gerald Gouveia was in the w i t n e s s b o x . “ Yo u transported a killer…” the Chairman said to Gouveia as

Guyanese are second largest recruits to NYPD

Hope wanted

New York (New York Daily News) -Nearly a quarter of the New York Police Department’s (NYPD’s) most recent class was born outside the United States, statistics obtained by the Daily News show.

The recruits hail from 49 countries, with the Dominican Republic leading the way as the most popular birthplace.

Yesterday, 616 recruits were set to graduate after six months of training at the Police Academy.

The second most popular birth country is Guyana, with 11 recruits. Ten recruits are from Bangladesh and eight hail from Trinidad and Tobago.

But 26 countries, from Azerbaijan to Yemen, are represented by just one new recruit, the statistics show.

In total, 138 of the recruits were born outside the United States, or about one in four, similar to classes in recent years.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has issued a bulletin for Nelson Hope of Lot 3 Joint Services Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt.

Hope is wanted in connection with narcotics found at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Sunday June 22, 2014 If anyone has information on his whereabouts, then CANU’s contact number is 227-3507.

he was seeking answers about who the former army pilot had transported to Kwakwani on June 14, 1980.

“He has already arrived at a conclusion on matters that we are here to determine. The fact that he has said that Gouveia had transported a “killer” is bringing out his own personal opinion on the matter and bringing it to the commission. Harmon stressed that they have questioned the Chairman’s bias before about statements he made at a memorial service.

According to Harmon, Cheltenham has been on record as saying that he was a follower of Rodney and that his death should be an inspiration to others.

When approached by Kaieteur News, Cheltenham had said that he was unaware of any such call for his removal. According to the Chairman, he would not be distracted. When pushed further about the comment “You transported a killer,” Cheltenham said that he could not recall and would have to check the records.

Several weeks after political activist and historian Dr. Walter Rodney was killed, Sir Richard delivered a glowing tribute to him during a memorial service in Barbados.

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 01, 2014

UG Consultations at Berbice...

Students reject tuition increase

By Leon Suseran The final round of consultations of the University of Guyana (UG) at the Berbice Campus on Friday, saw students voicing their rejection towards the proposed increase of tuition a t t h e f a c i l i t y. Vi c e Chancellor (VC) of the tertiary institution, Professor Jacob Opadeyi could not have appeased the large student gathering and even gave several explanations for increasing the $127,000 annual tuition to $200,000.

Several outbursts from the audience during the question and answer segment hammered in the position of the students that they were not in support of an increase.

In his address Opadeyi stated, that if students want to demand a higher quality of service and education from the University, then the only option is to raise the fees. It is a matter, he noted, of “how do we ‘price’ ourselves; how do we price our degree; how do we price our lecturers?”

He underscored, too, the contributions of the

Members of the head table at the consultation Government to the facility, as he denounced the opinion that Guyana is a poor country. “It is all about what is our priority in developing human minds of our society.”

The VC stated that for too long, UG has had a “human face” to its students by not asking for an increase for decades, “and for us collecting US$1,000 from you and for us allowing you to pay your tuition fee two weeks before exams….and to let you go and write exams and pay for the other exam

after you have written it.”

He questioned how long the University could continue to operate like this, describing it as one of the reasons that the university has been operating in the ‘red’ for many years. He noted that the $127,000 per year tuition fee (which excludes Law and Medical students) currently paid is “the cost for teaching one course—just one course—so where will the other money come from?”

Speaking about the annual Government

subvention, the official alluded to it not being sufficient, especially since the amount is repeatedly reduced by the relevant agencies after the University submits its work programme to the Government. “We are not going to be shooting ourselves in the foot and then they will be laughing at UG and saying it is bad management.” He then showed the gathering tuition fees of other Caribbean universities which are higher than that being paid at University of Guyana.

He linked higher tuition fees to better quality of teaching and services around the campus such as cooler and more comfortable classrooms. “So my heart goes out to all the lecturers who have been holding down this University for the last seven years.”

“The tuition is so low that the student cannot come and complain that this room is too hot—you can’t even complain that you have no paper to print this, but when you start paying for quality, then you demand quality.”

But students rejected the entire idea. One student argued that, “We are not receiving crap here. I mean, you can’t blame us or the lecturers that our University is not being recognized. That is the only problem with Guyana. Our University is not recognized! The few courses we do here - the course content, they are up to date with world standards, because if you compare what we are doing here and what

they are doing there, it is equal and even higher, so I felt offended when you said that we are receiving crap here!”

Professor Opadeyi told the students that a higher tuition fee can mean elibrary services for them at the Berbice Campus, to which a student responded, “We have that service here!”

He then responded by asking, “All of them [the books]?” to which the student advised, “Go and check— not all the books but we have it!”

“If you compare us to other countries around the world, have you looked at what we earn in Guyana and compare it to what is earned around the world?” argued another student.

Prof. Opadeyi responded by advising not to focus on “what we earn…let us raise the bar,” but he could not get the students to agree with him on that point.

Government, he added is covering more than 54 per cent of the operational costs of UG, “and the tuition is less than 50 per cent of our cost and tuition is not something you play with…it took 20 years for this University to say, ‘hey, let’s do something about the fees’.”

He further opined that if UG had been increasing their tuition by 5 per cent each year since 1994, “we would not have been in this mess.”

However, Opadyei did not suggest that the students bear all of the financial cost of their studies, but rather that Government step in as is done in other countries.

“Are we bold enough to turn this University around, or will we work with what we have—are we ready to make sure our students have that international policy that they are looking for?” he questioned.

A third- year Public Management student opined that the VC and his team, “came with a pre-conceived

idea and that is not fair to us.” “We should have been given an input earlier – he is set on what he wants to do and we don’t have anything to say…so I feel that we are not being treated fairly….you cannot just come and implement something like that—it is not fair!”

Another student argued, “We are not even getting good service, but we have to pay for it, so if we are going to get higher service, we would still have to pay!—we are not even working for US$1,000 so how can we pay US$1,000—you’re not catering for people at a low level, you are just catering for people who are rich here….but you need to understand….”, argued another student.

President of the UG Senior Staff Association, Dr. Patsy Francis reiterated the need for the increased tuition. “I will not advocate that all of the money which is needed to run the University must come from student f e e s , b u t s u r e l y, a n investment in your own education has to become priority—and when you take a loan, you have got to pay it back. How are other people going to come? And how are we going to achieve this dream?”

She noted that if it is costing UG more than $300,000 to train a student, “surely a contribution of $200,000 cannot be too much—I trust that the loan agency will be on board to give the loans; I trust that when the monies are realized, that our longsuffering staff will receive increases in emoluments and encouragement…so that we can move this University forward and achieve our dream.”

The consultation ended as many persons walked out of the meeting, dissatisfied about the notion of increased fees.

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

President defends “distortions” - Opposition still wants revenue against NICIL to be placed in consolidated fund

P

resident Donald Ramotar has sought to defend “distortions” against the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) saying that the Opposition has been given everything it asked for with regards to the entity.

During a press conference held at State House on Saturday last, the President said that NICIL’s audit has been laid in the National Assembly up to 2012.

He said there had not been a single comment about that audit coming out of the Opposition’s mouth, but “suddenly they are making a hue and cry.”

The President was asked whether he thinks that if his government acts in accordance with the Motion that the opposition passed in the National Assembly on NICIL, it will put to rest all the queries and “distortions.”

But the President said that he wasn’t sure what else members of the Opposition want as they have been given “everything.” However, the only aspect of the Motion the President referred to was the audit.

In 2012, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge piloted a Motion which sought to have Government present to the National Assembly the reports and audited accounts of NICIL and the Privatization Unit.

The Motion instructed the Finance Minister to take a number of other measures regarding NICIL and its operations. The Motion resolved that NICIL’s revenues should be placed in the Consolidated Fund.

In recent times, the Opposition has been saying the NICIL’s revenues are

Page 15

Two bandits rob three businesses in five minutes

I

President Donald Ramotar

NICIL Director, Winston Brassington

being used as a purse for Government officials as it is under no parliamentary scrutiny.

When contacted yesterday, multiple members of the Opposition maintained that NICIL’s revenues “must” be placed in the Consolidated Fund as a measure of accountability and transparency.

But the Head of State said that the Opposition has purely political objectives when they speak about NICIL’s corruption. Ramotar added that the Opposition feels as if the way out is to “talk about corruption, and if you repeat it enough, people will believe.”

“I think they are creating all kind of anomalies and issues where issues actually don’t exist.”

The Head of State said that the media is failing to point out the wrongs of the Opposition and he is beginning to think that there is a motive behind this.

Ramotar also spoke to the notion being peddled that Head of NICIL

Winston Brassington, was acting independently with regards to decisions pertaining to Government’s investment holding company’s operations.

Brassington has been accused of negotiating questionable deals as the Head of the board of directors of NICIL. The President said that Brassington is yet another victim of the demonization of the public servants campaign that the Opposition has embarked upon.

He said that Brassington takes his instructions from a board of directors chaired by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh.

About three weeks ago, Kaieteur News contacted Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who has overall responsibility for Government business in the National Assembly, to find out how many of the resolutions of the NICIL Motion were implemented. Hinds said that he hadn’t such information at his (Continued on page 17)

PSC cautions against ‘No Confidence Motion’

n what is being described as one of the most barefaced robberies on the East Coast of Demerara within recent times, two bandits raided three businesses in a fiveminute blitz that has left police baffled.

The two men, one armed with a gun, invaded the three facilities at La Bonne Intention (LBI) around 21:00 hours on Sunday, robbing cashiers and other employees.

The men first attacked the LBI branch of Chester Fried Chicken, before storming into the nearby Energy Plus Supermarket.

They then turned their attention to a pump attendant who was manning the fuel station situated in the same complex.

According to reports, the two men entered the fried chicken outlet, pretending to be customers.

They then held the cashier, Sonia Joseph, at gunpoint and relieved her of $50,000, before taking away a mere $360 from another staff member, Abigail Green.

During this attack, the

men discharged a round but strangely enough that did not arouse the employees of the supermarket which is situated a few feet away.

The two bandits, sensing that they were operating unhindered, took the opportunity to raid the supermarket, where they robbed the cashier of $150,000.

But again that was not enough to alert the pump attendant who remained at his location only to be the next target of the bandits who took away $15,000 from him. The men then made good their escape.

Police responded about 30 minutes later but only in time to recover a 9mm spent shell from the scene.

Residents of the LBI community were critical of the police response.

They observed that the one police mobile patrol is tasked with patrolling the Turkeyen, Sparendaam and Beterverwagting districts.

“If something happens to us here (LBI) we have to wait for the police to come from Sophia” one resident lamented.

Young cancer patient gets help from the Benschop Foundation

…says will signal political instability to foreign investors

T

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana believes that the holding of snap elections as a result of a ‘No Confidence Motion’ being passed against Government will only seek to destabilize the country.

The PSC by way of a public missive yesterday said, that it had taken note of the recent public statements by the Opposition with regard to passing a motion of no confidence in the Government of Guyana.

“We also take note of the P r e s i d e n t ’s r e m a r k s challenging the Opposition to do so if they think that it is necessary.”

According to the PSC, “it will be very unfortunate if such a motion is passed as it would signal political

instability to our foreign investors, financiers, customers and suppliers.”

The PSC said that “this will further increase the political risk premium added to the cost of capital when overseas funding is sought by private entities and can negatively impact our economy.”

The PSC said too that it believes that for progress to be made in a dispensation where a minority Government and a Majority Opposition exists, the political culture should consist of dialogue, compromise and patriotism on issues of national interest and development.

“This culture has been very much absent since our last general elections in 2011 as both sides of the House

have exposed their limitations in dealing with such a dispensation.”

According to the PSC, the calling for elections prematurely is signaling that only in a “winner takes all” environment can progress be made.

“This does not augur well for a plural society such as Guyana,” according to the PSC. The PSC said it is not hopeful that general elections will automatically resolve many of the problems facing the country.

It notes however that, if elections are to be called, “we hope that they would be conducted efficiently and effectively…We would also hope that whatever the results, that they would be accepted by all and that the country can move forward so

that every member of our population can be guaranteed a better life.”

It was the Alliance For Change (AFC) which first signaled that it was preparing to table a motion of no confidence in Government.

While A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has not formally taken a decision on the proposed motion, it has signaled a propensity to support such if brought by the AFC. President Donald Ramotar has since dared the political opposition to table the motion.

Should a motion of no confidence be successfully passed in the National Assembly, the President will have to call general elections within six months.

Javier Anderson and his mother Lizanna.

T

he Benschop Foundation donated a pair of adjustable crutches to nineyear-old Javier Anderson, a cancer patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital, whose left leg was amputated on April 18, 2014.

His mother, Lizanna

Anderson, is asking assistance in order to secure a prosthetic leg for her son.

Anyone wishing to make a donation could do so via GBTI Bank in Guyana (Account # 001054471018)) or contact his mother on telephone numbers: 602-7631 or 223-1068. (Thank you!)

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 01, 2014

All Saints’ Anglican Church celebrates 175 years O

ne of the Berbice landmarks, the All Saints’ Anglican Church in New Amsterdam, is celebrating its 175th Anniversary this week. This Anglican Church has seen countless priests serving, among them Fathers Deryck Goodrich, A . L . L u k e r, S y d n e y Thomas, George Spencer, Randolph Reynolds and currently, Rory Honeyghan.

Anglicanism began in British Guiana many years before the consecration of All Saints. In the early days, Anglican members (known as the Church of England and occasionally as Episcopalians) used an old Lutheran Chapel to worship.

But the need for an established building had arisen over time, and this had to be dealt with by King George IV himself.

Land was identified and it was the many years leading up to 1839 that the construction and physical development of the parish church took formation.

Money came in quickly to work on the new church which started on a site purchased from Charles Hollinsgworth in 1836 at Lots 8 and 10 Main and Tr i n i t y S t r e e t s , N e w Amsterdam.

The sum paid was £4,285. It should be noted that in its early days, the pews of All Saints were rented to the highest bidders.

Some were rented for $5,046 Guilders, which was “Berbice currency” back then.

According to the history books of the church, on June 30, 1839 at 11 o’ clock, the Bishop, Archdeacon of British Guiana, the Venerable William Piercy Austin was met at the church door by the Rector, Vestry and Building Committee, and they proceeded to the altar where the usual formalities of presenting of the petition having been gone through, the Bishop c o m m e n c e d t h e Consecration Service.

The Burial Ground

around the church was also later consecrated. One day after the consecration of All Saints, the British Guiana Police Force was formed.

In the same year, a new gallery for the church was proposed and erected. In 1841, the clock was installed in the tower at a cost of €241.

The clock, with its four faces, soon became a familiar landmark, as it did the tall spire with its weather vane which welcomed travelers as they crossed the Berbice River.

In 1853, a school for the All Saints church was built and Mr. W. Brittain was appointed Headmaster.

The All Saints’ Anglican Church has been the worshiping site for hundreds of Anglicans in Berbice in its 175 years of existence. The original outlook of the church has been preserved much by its members over the years, although it was repainted and portions rehabilitated.

Its famous stained- glass (Continued on page 17)

A photo of the All Saints’ Anglican Church taken 100 years ago

A interior view of the All Saints’ Anglican Church as it stands today

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Investigations ongoing into NA Prison fracas - says Rohee

H

ome Affairs Minister and G e n e r a l Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, told the media yesterday that investigations are ongoing into the brutal attack at the New Amsterdam Prisons, recently.

Four high profile remand prisoners were brutally chopped and burnt by fellow inmates at the New Amsterdam Prisons.

The situation was quickly brought under control and the four men were rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

The four men all received multiple chops about their bodies and were in critical conditions when they arrived at the hospital.

However, they were stabilized before they were transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital in two different ambulances.

It is understood that most of the illegal items were hidden in a section of the prison called “the Wall”.

Rohee said, yesterday, that the Board of Inquiry which was set up to investigate what transpired will be “hopefully” completing that investigation within the next couple of weeks. They will submit a report and make recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Speaking to the need for an immediate plan to deal with the New Amsterdam situation, Rohee said that a Strategic Management Department (SMD) will be put in place as an oversight body to ensure that the strategic plan [for the Guyana Prison Service] is implemented.

Those persons have been hired and will soon be ensconced in the prison system. “These are civilians just like we have with the police, a civilian oversight body. We will have a similar body at the prison to ensure that this plan is implemented in accordance with what that plan says.”

The other strategic plan that the GS was making

reference to was the plan to transform the Prison from the Guyana Prison Service to a Guyana Prison and Correctional Service.

He said that this was not a cosmetic change but administrative measures to be taken in keeping with the Prisons Act. This will ensure that “a greater balance is brought to custodial as well as correctional responsibilities because we believe a modern prison must have a good balance between custodial responsibilities and correctional responsibilities.”

He said that while “we are awaiting all of that to happen we are never the less carrying through with a number of administrative

reforms. According to Rohee, “We have the visiting committees, the centres management board; you have the agricultural board that is looking at the question of self sufficiency in food, particularly agricultural products, poultry and so on for the Guyana Prison Service.

“All of those things are happening in the mean time, so while we are awaiting the establishment of the SMD to o v e r l o o k t h e implementation of the strategic plan, the Ministry of Home Affairs based on the Budgetary allocations which we have gotten for the Prison Service, we are proceeding with that so there are two parallel activities that are going on at the same time.”

President defends...

From page 15 “fingertips” but referred to the stance taken by Government during the passage of the Motion, adding that that position still remains.

T h e G o v e r n m e n t ’s stance was that the Motion is ill conceived. Regarding the M o t i o n ’s c a l l f o r a n independent audit of NICIL, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall said that the House had already established the independence and autonomy of the Audit Office, which made it difficult to understand the call.

Dr. Singh had described the Motion as flawed and without basis, being a vulgar attack on NICIL and its

Director, Winston Brassington.

The operations of NICIL have been the source of severe criticism for a number of years to the point that it has been described as a “rogue company.”

NICIL owns and controls a number of state entities, as well handles Government privatizations.

In recent years it has been involved in a number of controversial large scale investments such as the Berbice Bridge, the Marriott Hotel, Amaila Falls Access Road and was also pursuing the construction of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Plant. It is now pursuing the construction of a new river crossing over the Demerara River.

All Saints’ Anglican...

From page 16 windows of St. George is still in existence today as well as its signature Round stone tomb of Christ with a life- sized statue of Jesus lying in the tomb.

Prominent families like the Ganpatsinghs, Ho Youngs, Allens, Rambarrans, Baichoos, Archers, Henrys, Odeens, Chungs, Steeles, Kings, Kendells, Dundases

and Brijmohans have made significant contributions to the development of the parish over the years. Attempts to have the old structure restored to its former glory are ongoing, but financial contributions to preserve its form are much needed.

The church will be planning other celebratory activities in the coming weeks. (Leon Suseran)

Page 17

GT&T’s customers can now pay taxes using their cell phones

M

obile Money G u y a n a Incorporated (MMG), a mobile financial service provider has been recently added to the list of collecting agents for tax and licence payments to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Through an agreement reached on June 17, last, with the GRA, Mobile Money Guyana, a subsidiary of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) is now authorized to receive and process taxes and licences payments electronically.

According to GRA, taxpayers who utilize the MMG service are assured that their payments will be cleared, processed and credited to the GRA bank account within 24 hours, provided the transaction was done correctly.

“A small service fee of $40 will be borne by the taxpayer who, with a mobile handset, is at liberty to make payment of various tax types to the GRA from anywhere and at anytime within minutes.”

MMG is now listed among the range of service providers collecting payments electronically on behalf of the GRA for Individual Income, Corporation Tax, Property, Value-Added Tax (VAT), Pay A s Yo u E a r n ( PAY E ) Remittances and Motor Vehicle Licences payments.

Other providers include Demerara Bank, the Guyana

GT&T’s customers can now pay taxes using their mobile phones - GRA announced yesterday.

Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Republic Bank.

Over-the-counter payment at We s t e r n U n i o n ’s B i l l Express location is another option available to taxpayers.

MMG was incorporated

by GT&T in March 2013 to afford its customers the opportunity to purchase mobile credits, pay utility and other bills, receiving loan disbursements and making loan repayments, send and receive money locally, make deposits and withdrawals.

“The GRA sought to forge partnerships with the corporate entities as it seeks to revolutionise its services and more importantly provide taxpayers with

convenient, fast and secure options of conducting payment transactions,” the tax agency said yesterday.

The authority said, it took into consideration the numerous challenges it continues to face in the task of ensuring that taxpayers honour their obligations in accordance with the law.

“Chief among those challenges is congestion at its Camp Street Head office.

Now, with the online banking and mobile options available for paying taxes, it is the GRA’s hope that the number of taxpayers visiting the GRA on a daily basis will be significantly less and that the level of compliance will be greater.”

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 01, 2014

GMSA, EPA collaborate to inculcate Guyana’s ‘environmental regulations’

T

he Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (G.M.S.A) recently hosted an ‘Environmental Awareness Workshop’ with the involvement of the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A), to extend awareness about the nation’s environmental regulations, to the business community and public at large.

On Wednesday, at the Regency Suites Conference Hall, GMSA’s ‘Awareness Workshop’ was intended to remind the business community about environmental regulations by reiterating education on the management of their respective environments, the procedures for acquiring permits and penalties for non-compliance.

The recent half-day workshop was the first in a series of Environmental Awareness outreaches, being spearheaded by the GMSA’s Chairman of the Services Sub-Sector, Malisa Nokta, in

Members of productive, commercial and financial sectors attending the ‘Environmental Awareness Workshop’. collaboration with Environmental Management Consultants.

The participants who attended the half-day

seminar were drawn from the productive, commercial and financial sectors.

GMSA President, Clinton Williams, explained

that the nation’s commitment to sustainable forest management under international fiat must be skilfully managed by the government, due to the increased economic need and environmental challenges presented by the industrial sectors operating in vulnerable regions. He made special reference to the mining sector.

“Even though Guyana is still heavily forested, this country could easily increase our carbon footprint out of economic need,” Williams said.

He continued by saying that ‘the Gold and Diamond sector have become the largest foreign exchange earner in recent years and now the government is compelled to skilfully manage the growth of this industry without adverse impact on the national objective of sustainable forest management.’

Williams remarked that “gold and diamond mining and the extraction of other mineral resources co-exist within the same forested areas which we have to protect under international

fiat,” Williams highlighted the role of the GMSA to ensure the manufacturing sector responds favourably to the regulations set out by local and international regulators for ‘acceptable environmental management practices in the production and distribution of goods and services.’

He said that these conditions have been demanded by international lending agencies. He informed the participants that any entrepreneur seeking capital investment is required to append the ‘Environmental Impact Assessment and Management Plans’ to their requests.

Williams pointed out that this precondition is enforced throughout the cycle of funded projects particularly in mining and forest-related industries.

Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Indarjit Ramdass, said, “Being ‘green’ pays through cost reduction and increased market share.”

The EPA is well aware that local businesses over the

years have been neglecting the environment’s sustainability by operating with strategies driven by cost effectiveness and profit.

Ramdass said, “With the onset of environmental issues being encountered by business concerns worldwide, there is now a need for them all to implement strategies to address these problems.”

He explained that all companies must therefore, become compliant with national regulations, and move their business operations in the direction of ‘greener’ production.

The participants had the opportunity to interact with t h e E PA D i r e c t o r o f Environment’s Permitting Division, Geeta Singh, and with the Senior Environmental Officer, Tashana Redmond.

These environmental specialists explained that compliance with environmental standards includes avoidance of all types of pollution and hazards, along with the obligation to obtain authorization permits for specified activities.

The participants added that the costs for authorizations and permissions have long term benefits for the businesses, their employees and host communities.

Some sectors, they said, cause more concern than others, such as sawmills, auto-body workshops and mining sites, which create noise emissions and pollution by the release of toxic waste into waterways, adversely affecting the health and life of people living in proximity.

They said that the EPA is also responding to counterfeit products in the market, by creating new compliance regulations and new quality standard procedures for equipment and consumables. The agency is working in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

The production sectors that require compulsory environmental authorization include agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, agro-processing, sawmills and other wood processing, water supply, minor and major construction of buildings, roads and other infrastructure, commercial trade, hospitality, healthcare and funeral

operations.

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 19

CARICOM Heads to consider five-year strategic plan at summit

T

he first ever Strategic Plan for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will be among major items for consideration by regional leaders at their 35th Annual CARICOM Heads of Government conference in Antigua/Barbuda.

The meeting, set to begin today ending Friday, will be chaired by the newly elected Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne.

According to a statement from the regional bloc yesterday, the five-year Strategic Plan, for the period 2015-2019, is the product of wide public consultation

across the Caribbean Community, and seeks to reposition the Community to better secure its future in a rapidly changing environment.

“The Heads will seek to reach agreement on top priority areas for focused attention over the five year period of the plan and the arrangements to ensure implementation. A Commission on the Economy will also report to the Heads on its work on a number of initiatives including formulating a fiscal sustainability programme, reviewing the region’s business operating environment with a view

Senior Government official charged with indecent exposure

Narine Chattergoon, called ‘Ken’

N

a r i n e Chattergoon, called ‘Ken’, 49, has been at the centre of a number of sexual issues over a period of time. Yesterday he appeared before Magistrate Sherdel MarcusIsaacs in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s court charged with exposing his genitals.

The offence is alleged to have been committed on Monday March 3, last, in his office at the Regional Democratic Office at Vryman’s Erven, NewAmsterdam.

Chattergoon, who hails from Bath, West Coast Berbice, is the Regional

Cooperatives Officer of Region Six. He allegedly molested a number of women. He found himself in hot water after one of the women decided to report one of the incidents to the police.

The man would tell them that he is a big one with the Ministry of Home Affairs and was in a position to secure jobs for them as N eig h b o u r h o o d P o lice Officers. When the women would turn up at his office or the designated place of meeting he would make sexual advances and boast of his connections.

According to Prosecutor (Continued on page 20)

towards improving its Doing Business Indicators, and the design of regional programmes to assist in alleviating some of the constraints to growth in the Member States.”

Also high on the agenda, will be key issues for the Caribbean Community related to the upcoming fourday third International Meeting of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Samoa, from September 1, the UN Climate Change

Summit later that month, and the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

A highlight of the Caricom opening ceremony today will be the public launch of the new CARICOM Song, produced

by Michele Henderson of Dominica.

“Michele’s “Celebrating CARICOM” was selected from 63 submissions from 15 Member States and Associate Members. The second placed entry “My

CARICOM” came from Adiel Thomas of Jamaica and the third placed “One CARICOM” was by Carmella Lawrence of St. Kitts and Nevis. The CARICOM Song will be used primarily at ceremonial and Community events.”

The Opening Ceremony will also feature the presentation of the CARICOM Triennial Award for Women 2014 to Marion Bethel of the Bahamas. The Award is aimed at honouring

a CARICOM Woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the socioeconomic development of the region.

Prime Minister Browne will address the Ceremony as the new CARICOM Chairman. Addresses will also be made by outgoing Chairman, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.

Page 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Institute of Internal Auditors elects new executive

M

(FROM R TO L) Mr. Devanand Lalgie- Secretary, Mr. Jaigopaul Ram - President, Mr. John Seeram-Governor, Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo- Governor, Mrs. Goorwantie Devi Kaladeen-Treasurer, Mr. Ramesh Seebarran- Governor, Mr. Mohamed Karimullah- Governor. Absent from photo are Mrs. Jaishree Lam- Vice President, Mr. Deodat Indar-Governor and Mr. Colin Thompson -Governor

r. Jaigopaul Ram has been elected as the new President of the Institute of Internal Auditors -Guyana Chapter following recent elections.

Ram, who is also the Director of Finance at the Guyana Water Inc., will serve for the period June 2014 – May 2015.

He has replaced Mr. Deodat Indar, Financial Controller/Company Secretary of Sterling Products Limited who served in that capacity for two terms.

The new Vice President is Mrs. Jaishree Lam, while the Chapter Secretary is Devanand Lalgie and the Treasurer Mrs. Goorwantie Devi Kaladeen.

The Governors are Ramesh Seebarran, Ramesh Dookhoo, John Seeram, Colin Thompson, Mohamed

Karimullah and Deodat Indar.

Jaigopaul Ram has been with the Institute of Internal Auditors - Guyana Chapter, for the last four years and held previous positions of Tr e a s u r e r a n d Vi c e President.

He said that high on his agenda is more training for auditors in the areas of risk management, more in depth internal auditing, financials and corporate governance.

Reviewing of the I n s t i t u t e ’s b y - l a w s , incorporation and the restructuring of the strategic plan are other key areas to be addressed.

The new registered office of the Institute of Internal Auditors - Guyana Chapter is now located at the office of the Manufacturing Manager, Sterling Products Limited, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Senior Government official charged with...

From page 19 Sergeant Godfrey Playter, around 09:00 hrs on March 3,last, the 35-year-old mother of five was standing on the road in East Canje waiting to purchase milk when the man rode up on his motor cycle. After enquiring about something from her he was told by the woman that she is in desperate need of a job to take care of her children.

The man then invited the woman to his office. She reportedly told him that she might be unable to go because does not have passage. He then gave her three hundred dollars. He told the unsuspecting female that his name was ‘Anil’ and that his office was at the Regional Democratic Council Building. She should go there and wait, even if he was not there.

Desperate for a job the

woman went to the prearranged venue. At the gate she met two security guards who told her there was no ‘Anil’ working there. She was however told to wait.

He subsequently arrived and the security guards told the woman ‘Oh that is Chattergoon’.

His lawyer stated that his client’s matter was a mere allegation and that he is a married man with a permanent address. He asked for reasonable bail.

Chattergoon was placed on $75,000 bail and will have to return to court on July 18.

It is understood that Chattergoon who was the Liaison Officer to the Ministry of Home Affairs for a number of years in Berbice has since been removed from his post.

Before appearing in court he had approached some section of the media asking them to take it light with him, because he does not want his photograph in the papers.

Chattergoon was once implicated in the food poisoning scandal back in 2010 when close to 400 regular Police and C o mmu n ity an d Neighbourhood Police officials suffered food poisoning at a retreat in Berbice. Chattergoon was the cook.

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Port Kaituma power outage…

Inability to fund fuel for generators leaves community in darkness

T

he electricity woes for Port Kaituma, in Region One, continue. Residents have been without power since Wednesday because of lack of funding to purchase the needed fuel, according to frustrated residents.

“Imagine there is a new generator up here, but the reason for the power outage is the inability to maintain the fuel consumption. In addition, there were no filters up here to service the Perkins generators. When there is need to do a mandatory 300 hours service there are no filters available.

“If the old filters are used they could damage the engine within months,” one mechanic noted.

When filters for the generator arrived a few days ago it was divulged that there was no money to buy fuel for the generator.

“The new generator is burning four drums of fuel on an eight-hour basis. For 24 hours its 12 drums of diesel and 12 drums of diesel in Port Kaituma cost $600,000. The amount of electricity being sold cannot generate the income to compensate for the fuel.

There is need for expansion in the community for the generator to pay for its

- Residents maintenance. ” It was also explained that there are two other generators, the 628 KVA and 500 KVA, which are under constant repairs.

At present they are without the proper parts to have them up and running.

“The new engine came up to Port Kaituma two months ago and we are blaming the board members of Port Kaituma Power and Light for not highlighting the operation cost. It appears that because they were selected by the Government system they don’t want to report the bad news facing the operations of the company.

“Government should subsidise the operations until the community has expanded. We are not supporting privatization,” one official noted.

“Many fuel suppliers within the community are not giving more credit since they are owed millions of dollars.”

According to an official of the Port Kaituma Power and Light, tainted fuel is responsible for the two other generators going out of operation. However, the quality of fuel for the new

generator has to be sourced from Guyoil or Georgetown since the new engine must be protected from being damaged.

“The power should be restored today. The system w a s t e s t e d b y knowledgeable persons and it was shown to be stable,” the official said.

The new generator powering Port Kaituma Community

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Habiban and his family yesterday

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Survivor recalls near death experience Four-storey fall…

“All I know is that when I was coming down, I feel something catch me and then put me gently on the ground,” Fizul Habiban, the carpenter who miraculously survived a fall from a fourstorey building last month, recalled.

As he sat beside his wife, Sita and two children, Joel and Naomi, on a chair yesterday at his Tank Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara home, the 40-year-old carpenter thanked God for

saving his life.

He said that although he did not see any faces, he is convinced that God caught him and then put him to lie on the ground.

“I know it was God. My wife goes to church and she prays for me and it is her prayers that saved me from death,” Habiban said with a smile on his face. “I felt His hands holding me. I fell into something soft.”

Recalling what happened on that day, May 14, last, the survivor said that he was on the fourth storey of a building located at the corner of East and New Market Streets, Georgetown when he fell.

“I was tying steel at the end of the building and when I finished, I just fan my hand and it touched on the electrical wire that run from the utility pole to the building and I get shock and like the current pitched me off the building,” the father of two recalled.

According to Habiban, while he was falling off from the building, death was never in his thoughts. “I couldn’t scream. I know I was falling down but I was calm. I even know when the guys picked me up from the ground and took me to the hospital and everything.”

Minutes after the carpenter was rushed to the hospital, his colleagues said, “All of a sudden he start swaying and before we coulda rush to him he fall off from the top floor and onto the concrete ground, and he just stay there. We thought he de dead but when we rush down he raise up and start crying out for his belly.”

When Habiban fell from the building, he was not

wearing any protective gear.

While a patient at the hospital, he had repeatedly told this newspaper that he will love his wife more.

When asked yesterday about the statement he made, he said, “If it wasn’t for my wife, I wouldn’t have been here today. Her prayers have me here. She does always ask me to go church. She does press my clothes to go and I don’t go.”

Although Habiban, the lone breadwinner for his family, escaped with minor injuries, doctor advised him to rest for six months. He did a surgery on his hand last Friday to remove a damaged bone.

“I can’t really do anything. I am home and I have my wife and two children to maintain and it hurts to know I cannot provide for them. The owner for the building does give me a li’l raise every week but the question is whether he is going to give me money for the full six months,” the survivor said.

He explained that the accident was a major setback for him and his family. “I recently get a house lot so I was trying to do extra work to get some money to start build my own house when this happened. Now everything is at a standstill.”

T h e 4 0 - y e a r- o l d i s currently living in the lower flat of a two-storey building with his family. The house is owned by his relative.

When Kaieteur News did the interview late yesterday, Habiban’s home had no electricity.

The father of two is pleading with the public for financial assistance of any sort.

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

VACANCY One welder/fabricator – Tel: 642-7898

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Page 23

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VEHICLE FOR SALE One Toyota Spacio, PNN Series, fully loaded, in excellent condition, Price: $1.850 Negotiable – Call: 6519892 2006 Blue Nissan Titan.

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One newly registered Toyota Premio, PSS Series – Contact: 670-4484 One RZ minibus BKK Series – Tel: 684-0990 New model Toyota RAV 4 $2.5M negotiable – Tel: 2255034, 639-5577 Toyota Avensis, Corolla 110, Tundra – Tel: 645-0078; 6030078 Toyota Sietna, 7 Seater $2.1M, Toyota Voxy bus both fully loaded - $1.8M negotiable, financing available – Tel: 629-2314 One 2003 unregistered Premio – 55000KM, excellent condition - $2.5M negotiable – Contact: 657-2790; 225-6810 New Toyota Noah: TV, Camera, 15" Rim – Tel:6632700, 629-2619 One Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, PMM Series Call: 2250188, 223-7500, Mon-Fri 8:154:15pm, Sat – 8:15-1:15PM Ford F150; 2009 year, excellent condition – GRR 7452 – Tel: 227-3728; 6183712 One Leyland truck – Call: 6561067 Diamond Auto Show: Black Nissan, Blue Bird 2007, fully loaded, 2/4 wheel drive – Tel: 682-1822 One Toyota Marina 1992, Red, mag rim, DVD Player, AC. Price- $800,000 negotiable – Contact: 673-5475 Toyota 4 Runner great condition -$1.7M negotiable – Tel:223-9719; 227-1028

EDUCATION Transitional/Foundation Summer Classes, Grade 6Grade 7 & 8: Mathematics, English, Spanish/Music, I.T. etc. Placement in July – Call Mr. Lee: 231-2076

EDUCATION Learn Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at your own pace! Training Tutorials and Software available – Tel: 603-6823 (Continued on page 24)

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Philanthropist leaves $14M for Palms, abused persons (From page 23)

WANTED Experienced roti/puri Cook, curry cook, handy boys Apply at Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce Street, Georgetown Over edge, straight stitch, button & button tack operator to work at garment factory – Call:222-2541 Silverballi and Kabakalli logs - Tel: 653-9752 One experienced general domestic. Must know to cook a variety of dishes; pleasant & trustworthy- Tel: 656-6388 Live out domestic babysitter and live in babysitter –Call: 225-0188, 225-6070 (Monday to Saturday ) (8:15am4:15pm) Female worker needed, 3 CXC subjects or sound secondary school education - Call: 612-1595 INTERIOR EXCAVATOR OPERATOR SEEKS EMPLOYMENT WITH 8YRS KNOWLEDGE OF INTERIOR WORK, WELDING MACHINE – CONTACT:681-1605 Children feeding program continues, celebrating any occasion or just want to partake? – Call: 696-7467 Chef & waitress at Hibiscus Restaurant – Call: 231-5857 Welder, Gardener, Carpenter – Call: 265-3586 Live-in experienced domestic must know to cook & bake - $60,000 monthly & live-in waitress 18-25yrs - $50,000 monthly – Tel: 610-3974 One handy boy to work in the interior- Tel:681-6044 Experienced cashiers, counter servers. Apply at Hacks Halaal with written application: 5 Commerce Street.

Couple from country. Wife: Domestic & Husband: Driving; free accommodation, high salary – Tel: 227-1830 Acetylene welder to work no equipment needed – Call:628-1756; 228-5655 1 DJ, must know to play both Indian & English Music, 1 Handyman/woman/gardener, 1 electrician – Call Office: 2653586 General workers to work shift system- Tel: 218-1400; 6680306 Live-in waitress: to work in Rosignol, Salary: $10,000.00 weekly -Contact Ajay: 3302213 or 674-0744

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The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security yesterday received a donation of $14.1 million from the estate of the late Mrs. Muriel Wight.

The cheques were presented by the Administrator of her estate, Mr. Edwin Verasammy to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lorene Baird.

The monies received by the Ministry are intended to improve services offered at the Palms Geriatric Home, abused women and c h i l d r e n , and a small monetary donation will be given to two identified nongovernmental organizations.

Mrs. Wight, who lived in Bel Air, Georgetown, died on July 26, 2010 at the age of 102, and left a substantial portion of her estate to support services for battered women,

Mr. Edwin Verasammy presents the cheques to Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lorene Baird, in the presence of Ms. Jennifer Webster,and Mr. Whentworth Tanner, the Ministry’s Director of Social Services. including providing funding for three charitable institutions that assist women and children and persons suffering with cancer.

Wight nee Fraser had dedicated most of her life to

the Guides Movement in Guyana. She became a member of the Sisterhood in New Amsterdam in 1922, beginning as a Brownie in the Second Brownie Group Company and served as a Life

Vice-President, up to the time of her passing. In 2010, the Guyana Girl Guides Association launched the Muriel Wight Scholarship Fund for Girls and Young Women.

Trucks removed from Lombard Street to ease traffic bottleneck

Authorities, in a move to reduce congestion in the city, have barred trucks from the Lombard Street area, sparking worry from operators about a likely drop in business.

Yesterday, several of the drivers descended on Freedom House, headquarters of the ruling People’s Progressive Party, to reverse the decision.

According to Traffic Chief, Hugh Denhert, the barring of sand trucks and canters from parking on Lombard Street is but part of a larger plan to ease traffic along the East Bank Demerara highway.

That highway is one of the most critical in the entire country, linking the city to West Demerara and by extension, the Essequibo Coast and Bartica, the Timehri airport and Linden, the gateway to the hinterlands.

However, the current four-lane highway extension from Providence to Diamond and an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads have been exacerbating the situation.

Despite the implementation of one-way traffic on the Demerara Harbour Bridge at peak periods, in the morning and evening, and three lanes on the highway for the same period, authorities have found that there was a major bottle neck along the Lombard Street area.

With several businesses, including lumberyards, located along that roadway, drivers have to contend with parked trucks, horse-drawn

Clear: Lombard Street yesterday carts and even container trucks.

Looking for answers, the Ministry of Public Works along with the Police Traffic Department, found that allowing two-lane traffic on Lombard Street will help to alleviate the situation.

According to the Traffic Chief yesterday, Lombard Street was built to accommodate two lanes but overtime the situation had become a problem. Traffic is parked on both sides of the road, reducing vehicles to proceed along one lane.

Traffic to the city had been routed both through Saffon Street and southern beginning of Lombard Street.

Denhert pointed out that congestion along Lombard Street was also a security

issue with congestion taken advantage of a few months ago when a money changer was shot dead and robbed in his Toyota Raum motorcar.

According to truck driver, Alwin Austin, about 20-plus colleagues went to Freedom House yesterday to plead against the decision to remove them.

The truck drivers are being placed in the DSL area, near the junction of Mandela Avenue and the Houston bypass.

Austin said that they are worried about the fallout of the decision to move them as already, business is tough.

“Sometimes for days, we don’t get a job. Putting us in the DSL area will only make things tougher.”

Not so, says the Traffic

Chief. With trucks and canters centralized in one area, it makes much more sense for the operators and for the entire flow of traffic.

Austin said that police came on Saturday and demanded their documents.

They were later told it is a decision to remove the trucks from Lombard Street.

The truck drivers then went on Water Street, an area behind Lombard Street. They were also removed from that area.

According to Austin, it is not the truck drivers who are blocking the traffic.

“We have other persons who park here the entire day.

They work in the market and in other places. They contribute to the situation also.”

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Israel finds bodies of three U.S. sends 300 more troops missing teenagers in West Bank to Iraq over security concerns

(Reuters) - The bodies of three missing Israeli teenagers were found in the occupied West Bank, and Israel vowed to punish Hamas, the Palestinian group it accuses of abducting and killing them.

“They were kidnapped and murdered in cold blood by beasts,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement after the military discovered yesterday the remains of the Jewish seminary students who disappeared on June 12.

“Hamas is responsible and Hamas will pay,” he said.

U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the killings but called on all parties to exercise restraint.

Netanyahu, who earlier yesterday held Hamas responsible for new rocket strikes from Gaza, convened his security cabinet to consider moves against the Islamist group, which has neither confirmed nor denied Israel’s allegations about the kidnapping.

Hamas has been rocked by the arrest of dozens of its activists in an Israeli military sweep in the West Bank over the past three weeks during a search for the teenagers that Israel said was also aimed at weakening the militant movement Up to six Palestinians died as a result of the Israeli operation, local residents said.

The kidnapping, near a settlement in the West Bank, appalled Israelis who rallied behind the youngsters’ families in a display of national unity reminiscent of times of war or national crisis in a country with deep political and religious divisions.

“On behalf of the people of Israel, I wish to tell their dear families ... our hearts are bleeding, the entire nation is weeping with you,” Netanyahu said in the statement.

The bodies of Gil-Ad Shaer and U.S.-Israeli national Naftali Fraenkel, both 16, and Eyal Yifrah, 19,

their relatives were interrogated.

Troops set off explosions in the family homes of the alleged abductors, blowing open a doorway in one, an army spokeswoman said, while television footage showed the other on fire after the blast. Neighbors said both houses were empty. After news of the teenagers’ deaths, condolence messages and condemnation of the killings poured in from foreign leaders.

“The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms, this senseless act of terror against innocent youths,” Obama said in a statement. “I also urge all parties to refrain from steps that could further destabilize the situation.”

Netanyahu seized on the abduction to demand Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas abrogate a reconciliation deal he reached with Hamas, his long-time rival, in April that led to a unity Palestinian

An Israeli woman holds a sign with images of three missing Israeli teenagers, at a rally in Rabin Square in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, June 29, 2014. CREDIT: REUTERS/BAZ RATNER The senior ministers ended their late-night session without taking any final decisions and plan to reconvene later today, a government official said.

“Netanyahu’s threats against Gaza and against Hamas do not frighten us,” the movement’s Gaza-based leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was quoted as saying by its AlQuds television station.

At the square in Tel Aviv where Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in 1995, scores of Israelis lit memorial candles for the teenagers, a day after thousands attended a prayer vigil for them at the same spot.

were found in a field near Hebron, a militant stronghold, not far from a road where they were believed to have been abducted while hitchhiking, security officials said.

ABBAS CRITICIZED The teens, who attended a religious school in a Jewish settlement, had apparently been shot soon after having been taken, the officials said.

Two of the youths lived in Israel.

“They were under a pile of rocks, in an open field,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Lerner, a military spokesman.

The alleged abductors are still at large. Israeli media said the break in the case came after

government on June 2.

Abbas condemned the abduction and pledged the cooperation of his security forces, drawing criticism from Hamas and undercutting his popularity among Palestinians angered by what they saw as his collusion with Israel.

Hamas, which has maintained security control of the Gaza Strip since the unity deal, is shunned by the West over its refusal to renounce violence. The group has called for Israel’s destruction, although various officials have at times indicated a willingness to negotiate a long-term ceasefire.

Iraqi security forces fire artillery during clashes with Sunni militant group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on the outskirts of the town of Udaim in Diyala province, June 22, 2014. CREDIT: REUTERS/STRINGER (Reuters) - The United States is ramping up its military presence in Iraq, deploying around 300 additional troops as well as helicopters and drone aircraft in response security concerns in Baghdad, officials said on Monday.

The decision announced by the Pentagon puts U.S. military personnel in a security role at Baghdad International Airport in the face of advances by an al Qaeda splinter group, three years after America’s military withdrawal.

As speculation swirls about whether President Barack Obama might authorize U.S. air strikes, a U.S. defense official said the moves were primarily focused protection of American personnel in Iraq, including civilians.

“This is not about (preparations) toward air strikes,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Pentagon said about

200 forces arrived on Sunday in Iraq to reinforce security at the U.S. embassy, its support facilities and Baghdad International Airport.

Another 100 personnel arrived in Iraq and many would be stationed at the airport, the official said.

“I think there’s an appropriate level of concern about the airport,” the official said, noting it was a vital transportation hub.

The Pentagon said a small number of helicopters and drone aircraft were also being deployed to Iraq.

The forces are in addition up to 300 military advisors that Obama authorized to be deployed to Iraq partly to set up two joint operations centers. They also will assess how the United States might provide additional support.

About 180 of those advisers are already in Iraq.

The troop movements are part of the Obama administration’s attempt to help Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s push back

militants from the Islamic State in Syria and the Levant (ISIL), who have made stunning advances over the last few weeks.

Another U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States was also considering putting up a new joint military operations center in the northwest of Iraq’s semiautonomous Kurdish region.

While no final decisions have been made, the official said the new operations center, which would be the second the United States has established since Iraq’s security deteriorated earlier this month, could be placed in the province of Duhok, in Iraq’s farthest northern reaches near Syria and Turkey.

U.S. forces at a similar joint operations center in Baghdad are gathering information about the situation on the ground and overseeing U.S. forces who are taking stock of the Iraqi military in the field.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 01, 2014

T&T Central Bank Governor: Skills shortage in finance sector

Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran (Trinidad Guardian) Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran says T&T needs to turn to the diaspora to help with a potentially crippling skills deficit in the financial services sector.

Speaking at an Institute of Banking and Finance of T&T (IBFTT) graduation ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad on Saturday evening, Rambarran said like many leading financial institutions the Central Bank is not immune to this worrying situation.

“T&T needs to be able to draw from a bigger pool than it currently has. We are seeing greater demand for specialised financial skills: anti-money laundering, actuarial science, risk management and wealth management. Such a process of recapitalisation should begin by addressing the need to draw out pockets of talent that currently remains untapped. Here we should quickly leverage our Trinidadian diaspora community. Our diaspora includes first and higher generation migrants, as well as people who have historical links with T&T and can potentially contribute to its welfare,” he said.

Rambarran added, “Many of us have a narrow definition of the diaspora as those born in the country, but living outside the country.

However, if we include others with historical links to T&T, our diaspora becomes at least 360,000 strong, consisting of highly skilled workers, graduates from colleges and universities, management and other professionals. We need to find ways to fully tap into

this potential labour pool for human capital and financial investment.”

Rambarran highlighted the importance of the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) Programme noting than an average of 53,000 students annually had benefitted from it over the past five years.

However, he questioned its effectiveness, noting that 70 per cent of GATE funding focused on management, educational services, data processing/IT, engineering, health services, natural and pure sciences and accounting. He suggested that the programme be better aligned to the country’s economic priorities and future skills needs.

“Finance, of course, is one economic priority area. At the Central Bank, we are helping to build this financial eco-system through two major initiatives. Over the past decade, we have partnered with De La Rue, our currency printers, to offer the annual prestigious De La Rue Scholarship to students pursuing post-graduate studies in economics.

Jamaica Top Cop Owen Ellington to retire

(Jamaica Gleaner) Police Commissioner Owen Ellington is to retire from the Jamaica Constabulary Force after 34 years as a member. A statement from the National Security Ministry says Ellington will proceed on vacation leave today, Tuesday July 1.

The Ministry says the National Security Minister, Peter Bunting has been advised of the Commissioner’s request to retire after his vacation ends.

However, the ministry did not say when the retirement will take effect.

According to the National Security Ministry, Commissioner Ellington has decided to retire in order to separate himself from the leadership and management of the police force before the start of the Commission of Enquiry into the conduct of the operations of the security forces in Western Kingston and other areas during the 2010 State of Emergency.

In addition, the ministry says he believes it will allow the Independent Commission of Investigations to conduct its probe into the police death squad matter in Clarendon.

Some of the killings happened while Ellington was

Police Commissioner Owen Ellington the Police Commissioner and the Ministry says he believes his retirement will allay any perception of influence or interference.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds has been appointed to act Police Commissioner starting today while the Police Service Commission commences the process of appointing a replacement.

The Opposition spokesman on National Security, Derrick Smith says he is shocked at the decision of Police Commissioner Owen Ellington to retire.

Speaking to The Gleaner/

Power 106FM, Smith said he had discussions with the Police Commissioner as recent as two weeks ago and was given assurances that the top cop was still very much committed to the job.

“He was very upbeat, he was very enthused,” said Smith.

“We spoke about the plans he wanted to implement in the shortest possible time, about pending legislation to assist the police in their fight against crime...” the JLP spokesman continued.

“There was never any glimpse of an individual who was ready to retire. It’s really shocking news.”

Smith also said he is not convinced about Ellington’s reason for retiring.

“Personally I find it difficult to accept the stated reason by the commissioner is the real reason,” Smith said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting says he has had a good working relationship with Ellington. He said on RJR’s Beyond the Headlines that Ellington was not asked to step aside.

Bunting also said he had accepted Ellington’s reason for deciding to leave the force.

Tuesday July 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Germany survive Algeria scare BBC Sport - Germany survived a huge test of their World Cup title credentials to see off underdogs Algeria in extra time and set up a quarterfinal meeting with France.

The three-time champions lacked urgency throughout the 90 minutes and frequently looked rattled as an enterprising Algeria wasted a succession of chances before Andre Schurrle finished from close range early in the the first additional period.

Mesut Ozil drilled in to double their lead and although Abdelmoumene Djabou volleyed home to ensure a frantic end, Germany held on and will take on the French in Rio on Friday.

The result looked inevitable once a hugely impressive Algeria side began to tire, but Joachim Low’s men will have to improve dramatically if they are to secure a first World Cup since

Mesut Ozil 1990.

Germany are into the last eight for the 17th time in 18 World Cup appearances, but they lacked the fluency and cutting edge that has seen them installed among the tournament favourites.

Algeria could not mark their first experience of the

knockout stage with a win, meaning Africa’s representation in Brazil is over, but they depart with immense credit for a superb campaign.

The build-up was dominated by talk of them seeking revenge for 1982, when West Germany’s convenient 1-0 win against Austria saw them both reach the second round at Algeria’s expense.

They beat the Germans in the group stage that year and looked determined to produce a repeat.

With a 5-1-3-2 formation and five changes to their starting line-up that saw playmaker Yacine Brahimi drop to the bench, the Desert Foxes appeared to be set up defensively.

But after an early spell of German pressure, they went in search of a shock lead and almost found it. Manuel Neuer made a vital challenge

Tuesday July 01, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't forget to read the fine print. Do not get upset over trivial matters. You should make sure that your personal papers are in order.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may find that female colleagues will be more help than you anticipated. Don't deny yourself today. Your charm will be captivating.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Do not let in-laws upset you.

You should take good care of your health; get lots of rest.

Put your energy into behind the scenes activities.

SCOR. (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Get involved in competitive sports. Don't be too quick to let friends and relatives know what you're up to.

Use your quick wit to win points with friends.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Your temper could get the better of you if you confront personal situations. Your mate is going to want and need some attention.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Not everything you hear will be legitimate. Someone you live with may feel totally neglected. Be careful while traveling.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Obstacles may stand in your way where career and success are concerned. Everything is moving quickly, just the way you like it. You can make money if you get involved in real estate deals.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Work diligently and you will get ahead today. You'll stay out of trouble if you pick projects that will benefit the whole family. You can make major accomplishments while on short trips.

SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don't let your health suffer because of worry. Avoid letting family get involved in your personal life. You may find that depression is causing you to feel lonely and insecure.

CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Problems with fire, gas, or oil may cause disruptions and annoyances. Your colorful conversation may attract new mates. Think before you act.

AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Don't make promises. Take care of your personal needs.

You can make new friends and experience new things if you do a bit of traveling.

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on Islam Slimani after Faouzi Ghoulam’s ball up the left wing eluded Per Mertesacker, and it subsequently took an important tackle from the Arsenal centre-half to deny the same man.

Sofiane Feghouli then sliced through the Germany back line only to miscue his cross from a brilliant position, Slimani’s diving header was correctly disallowed for offside and Ghoulam steamed through on the left but lashed his finish across goal and wide.

Germany eventually managed to exert an influence Ozil’s misdirected cross was tipped over the bar, Muller headed wide and keeper Rais Mbolhi spilled an Ozil drive - but Algeria refused to sit back and Mehdi Mostefa was the latest to come close with a strike that was deflected wide.

Mbolhi made a magnificent double save from Toni Kroos and Mario Gotze as Germany finished the half well, but it was no surprise when Gotze was replaced by Schurrle at the break.

The big question was whether Algeria would maintain their intensity or be punished for their missed chances and the answer nearly arrived when Schurrle’s effort was deflected narrowly off target, before Shkodran Mustafi headed at Mbolhi and the goalkeeper pulled off a fine save from Philipp Lahm’s shot.

Algeria responded by tightening up at the back and attempting to pounce on the counter-attack. Keeper Manuel Neuer was forced to operate as an auxiliary sweeper as Slimani escaped the German centrebacks, while Feghouli drilled wide and then Slimani lashed powerfully at Neuer.

At the other end, Mbolhi made another stunning stop from Muller’s header while Esseid Belkalem and Ghoulam cleared off the line from Schurrle and Benedikt Hoewedes respectively.

Algeria were visibly tiring and after Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger threatened a winner late in the 90 minutes, Schurrle finally broke the deadlock in the opening moments of extra time.

Muller crossed low from the left for the Chelsea forward to dispatch with an improvised finish. It was the 14th of Germany’s last 24 World Cup goals that Muller has been involved it.

Ozil rammed in a second before substitute Djabou converted from Feghouli’s cross, but there was no time to find another goal as Germany celebrated and Algeria made a tearful exit.

From page 27 copying or transmitting or retransmitting any of the FIFA Football World Cup 2014 matches and events via its cable medium or any other medium…”

On the 25th June, 2014, MOVIESTAR approached the said judge to have the matter discharged. The court did not only discharge the order, it ordered that MOVIESTAR pay the sum of $4,000,000 (four million dollars) by the 4th July, 2014.

The discharge of this injunction has in effect allowed MOVIESTAR to continue broadcasting the FIFA football world cup 2014 matches and related events on a feed that MOVIESTAR steals/pirates from ABC/ESPN (sister companies). These companies have a legitimate right to broadcast the said matches ONLY in the USA and have sent letter to the NCN and ENETWORKS stating this fact.

These letters were made available to the court by exhibits,” the release pointed out.

“It was told to us that time period was given to MOVIESTAR to lodge the said sum, because counsel for MOVIESTAR intimated to the judge that MOVIESTAR has a cash flow problem. We are told that NCN’s counsel sought to have the time to lodge the money varied, by giving MOVIESTAR 24 hours to lodge the money, since all persons who have bought rights to publicly broadcast the said games and matches or to broadcast though cable or satellite have paid upfront for their broadcast right.

MOVIESTAR was given a lucky break by being allowed one week to procure its

$4,000,000 that is, to lodge the said sum with the registrar.

In the meantime, whilst MOVIESTAR continues to steal/pirate the FIFA football world cup 2014 coverage and

transmits same to a few Guyanese, NCN and the people of Guyana continue to bear the cost of the coverage of the said matches,” the NCN release informed.

Cable company continues to steal World...

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 01, 2014

France beat Nigeria President Ramotar to reach last eight to sign ‘Cricket Bill’ But silver lining could be behind dark clouds for Guyana’s Cricket

four years ago but they appear to be much more united as a squad in this tournament.

That togetherness was needed as Nigeria controlled the opening stages of the second half and only a sharp stop from Hugo Lloris prevented Peter Odemwingie’s low shot from giving the Africans the lead.

Against the run of play Benzema almost gave France the lead. The Real Madrid man played a neat one-two with Antoine Griezmann before seeing his shot partially blocked by Enyeama and then hacked off the line

by Moses.

The introduction of Griezmann for Olivier Giroud saw France emerge more as an attacking force, with Benzema playing more centrally, and the breakthrough came when Pogba headed into an empty net after Enyeama had misjudged Valbuena’s corner.

And, as Nigeria pushed for a leveller, Joseph Yobo f l i c k e d Va l b u e n a ’s l o w cross into his own net on the day he surpassed Jay-Jay Okocha’s record of nine World Cup matches for the Super Eagles.

By Sean Devers His Excellency President Donald Ramotar told reporters during a Press conference on Saturday at State House that he will sign the ‘Guyana Cricket Administration Bill’, which was passed in the National Assembly on May 15, once it reaches his desk, and there seems to be a silver lining behind dark clouds that hovers ominously over Guyana’s cricket.

The Bill has not yet been accented into law by President Ramotar but Kaieteur Sport understands that the Guyanese Head-ofState will do so before the next sitting of Parliament on July 9.

A West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) delegation recently concluded a series of high level meetings with various stakeholders in Guyana. Those meetings took place on June 23 and 24.

The WICB delegation met with representatives of the Government of Guyana, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) in separate meetings.

The WICB delegation included Vice President Emmanuel Nanthan, Director Anand Sanasie, Legal Officer Alanna Medford and WICB external counsel Walter Scott QC and Roysdale Forde.

The objective of the meetings was for the WICB to raise its concerns with the Guyana Cricket Administration Bill. Further the WICB delegation sought to discuss with the various parties the best way, in light of the issues created by the passage of the Bill, to take the matter forward so as not to unduly affect cricket in Guyana.

According to a source

close to the Government, the Guyanese Leader, who reportedly has 21 days to sign the Bill, will do so and have it amended to reflect ‘some’ aspects of that which the WICB is not comfortable with. ”A lot of compromise was made by both sides and the WICB should be returning the Regional under-15 (under-19) to Guyana if some of their concerns are addressed. A Cricket Ombudsman would be appointed to verify the voting members of the Guyana Cricket Board and fresh elections held,” the source added.

The WICB reported that the tone and content of all the meetings were generally positive, with all parties recognising the reason for concern on the part of WICB and the need for certain areas of the Bill to be addressed.

Over the course of the meetings, the parties for the most part agreed on the issues in the Bill which needed to be revised.

Another central focus of the discussions was the best way to achieve a solution which would be in the interest of all parties. It was agreed that the WICB would prepare a Memorandum of Agreement which would be signed by the Government of Guyana, the WICB and the GCB. The MOA would identify those areas of the Bill which the parties agreed needed revision and set out the revisions to be made. The MOA would also prescribe a strict timeline to be followed for the implementation of the revisions.

The parties hope that this solution can be agreed and implemented within the next week. The source could not confirm if such an agreement was signed but was confident

that an amicable solution would be reached.

The WICB thanked the Government, particularly the Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony (who could not be reached for a comment) and Attorney General Anil Nandlall along with the opposition parties.

Sanasie, who is also the Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), declined to comment on the matter saying he attended the meeting as a WICB Director and it would be unethical for him to comment.

“WICB is positive that we are on a path that can help in the process and look forward to the next few weeks as we continue our negotiations with positive anticipation,” WICB’s Nanthan had said in a release shortly after the meeting in Guyana.

Both President Ramotar and WICB Dave Cameron were unavoidable absent from the meetings.

Apart from the three CPL matches set for Guyana this month, matches in the Regional First-Class tournament which is scheduled for November, should be played in Guyana.

Boult, Southee script Kiwi...

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From page 33 assistance from a worn pitch, he was able to generate good flight and dip to ensure the batsmen were being strangled from both ends. His heroics with the bat have overshadowed his primary responsibility but today he was key in quelling the lower order’s defiance. New Zealand have looked an impressive outfit over their home summer but success on the road would rank all the more sweeter - it was only their fifth away Test win in five years.

Summary Scores:

New Zealand 1st Innings: 293 All Out (78.2 Overs).

James Neesham 78, Mark Craig 46*, Ross Taylor 45, Kane Williamson 45; Sulieman Benn 26.2-1-93-5, Kemar Roach 18-2-61-4, Jason Holder 10-4-24-0, Shane Shillingford 13-0-53-0.

West Indies 1st Innings: 317 All Out (97.1 Overs).

Kraigg Brathwaite 68, Kirk Edwards 58, Denesh Ramdin*+ 45, Chris Gayle 42; Neil Wagner 27-7-64-4, James Neesham 6.1-1-12-2, Trent Boult 23-5-71-2, Tim Southee 21-8-63-1.

New Zealand 2nd Innings: 331/7 Declared (89.1 Overs). Kane Williamson 161*, James Neesham 51, Bradley-John Watling+ 29, Brendon McCullum* 25; Kemar Roach 19.1-4-55-4, Jason Holder 10-2-26-2, Jerome Taylor 16-4-54-1, Sulieman Benn 26-1-94-0.

West Indies 2nd Innings: 254 All Out (82.2 Overs). Jason Holder 52, Darren Bravo 40, Shane Shillingford 30, Denesh Ramdin*+ 29; Tim Southee 16-4-28-3, Trent Boult 16.2-1-48-3, Mark Craig 28-784-3, Neil Wagner 16-3-50-1.

Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama recorded the most saves of any goalkeeper in the group phase. (EPA) BBC Sport - France reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup as Paul Pogba’s header and Joseph Yobo’s own goal knocked out Nigeria in Brasilia.

Nigeria’s Emmanuel Emenike had a first-half goal ruled out for offside before Vincent Enyeama saved Pogba’s volley. Victor Moses cleared Karim Benzema’s shot off the line after the break and Yohan Cabaye volleyed against the bar. Pogba headed home after Enyeama’s misjudgement before Yobo diverted Mathieu Valbuena’s cross into the net.

France will play the winners of yesterday’s match between Algeria and Germany in the quarter-finals at the Maracana on Friday.

The final scoreline was harsh on Nigeria, who dominated for large parts of the second half, but late mistakes from their tiring players ensured they will have to wait for their first ever quarter-final appearance in a World Cup. France have pedigree in the knockout rounds having reached at least the semifinals on the last five occasions they have progressed past the first round at the World Cup.

Nigeria’s last-16 preparations had been disrupted by a row over bonuses and, with their group victory over BosniaHercegovina their only World Cup win in 11 matches, this tie was always going to prove a big ask.

But, attacking with pace down the wings through both Moses and Ahmed Musa, the Super Eagles looked threatening early on. Only a flag for offside denied the powerful Emenike the opener, when he tapped home Musa’s cross.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Enyeama made the most saves of any goalkeeper in the group phase and had to be alert again to keep out Pogba’s fierce close-range volley as the play swept from end to end in a first half that saw both sides look vulnerable defensively.

Juventus’s Pogba was being afforded a lot of space but, as was the case all over the pitch, the final ball was all too often wasteful with Mathieu Debuchy’s shot wide the only other notable attempt in a half that promised more than it delivered.

France, the 2006 runnersup, did not make it past the group stage in South Africa

CPL ticket sales commence online...

From page 33 duties for the 'Warriors', who will have their first practice session today at Providence with the local players in the squad.

The 'Warriors' side will include International stars Cory Anderson, Mohamed Hafeez, Martin Guptil, Lendl Simmons, Sunil Narine and West Indies Test Captain Denish Ramdin.

Also in the line-up for last year's runners-up are Chris

Barnwell, Krishmar Santokie, Leon Johnson, Veerasammy Permaul, Navin Stewart, Steven Jacobs, Ronsford Beaton, Robin Bacchus and Trevon Griffith.

A concert from Hip Hop megastar Rick Ross will be held in St Kitts, while the Beefy's Bash' an all-star charity game for former England All-Rounder Sir Ian Botham will also take place during finals week in St. Kitts.

Damien O'Donohoe, CEO

President Donald Ramotar