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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Breathing new life into Local government Minister Ronald Bulkan has said that Local Government elections could be held this year however, the final word rests with the Guyana Elections Commission. And if the People’s Progressive Party maintains its position on the elections commission then that party will not be contesting those elections. Local Government elections were last held in 1994, two years after the general elections that brought the People’s Progressive Party to power. It saw many areas electing their leaders because the People’s national Congress declined to contest the elections as a party. The former President Desmond Hoyte had made a pitch to the government that the local government elections should be truly local. So it was that the major political parties contested the municipal elections. In fact the PPP contested the elections in every Neighbourhood Democratic Council. It lost in many and that seemed to have been the reason for the failure of the then government to hold local government elections. Over the twenty years many of those elected have since died or migrated or have lost interest in serving on these councils. Things reached the stage where the government was forced to install Interim Management Committees. And some worked but in many cases, the government made its presence felt by imposing its authority on those councils where it felt that it did not have political control. But there was a lot more to these councils. For example, the NDCs depended heavily on rates and taxes. However, rates and taxes collection was never to the required level. It could be that the various overseers were reluctant to impose the law on defaulters. Of course there was talk about hard times. The result was that these councils had to rely more and more on central government. In the past local government units were extremely powerful; people spoke in awe of the overseer who would patrol the council and note the various indiscretions of the residents. More often than not, the issue involved wanton garbage disposal. The homeowner was severely penalized. The result was that most rural communities were almost spotless. In those cases drains were dug and communities were maintained because the people paid their rates and taxes. They knew what they wanted and they knew what was expected of them. It is unfortunate that the spirit of community development died over the past few decades. It might have been the determination of central government to be all powerful; it might have also been the result of the corruption that crept into the system. Perhaps the worst affect was the Georgetown City Council which boasts the longest serving Mayor. In most towns (except in Guyana) the Mayor is a powerful political figure. He dictates policy; he is the person who determines the laws in his town. In Georgetown, the Mayor is more or less a titular figure. Up until recently he cut a sorry figure in confrontations with the Town Clerk who was openly supported by the central government. To make matters worse, Georgetown, despite its poor revenue collection, could do precious little about expanding its revenue base. The Minister of Government controlled the actions of the council, from the size of its budget to its very operations. This control of the city council is not likely to end anytime soon because in all the rush to pass legislation no one is paying attention to legislation governing the municipalities. On one occasion the Georgetown City Council attempted to tax large trucks using the city streets; this was shot down. When it sought a container tax, the government passed the legislation but held on to the money. It was even worse when City Hall pushed for an environmental tax. Styrofoam boxes and plastic bottles were clogging the drains and outfalls.
Thursday July 02, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Enough of the old thinking, M&CC DEAR EDITOR, I am in awe that epidemics of cholera, flu or malaria have not spread in Georgetown. Either the leadership spends many hours praying for protection or they waste time wishing away the problems. The latter seems to be the case. Given the years that the city was left to manage itself which resulted in mounds of garbage slowly growing along with its accompanying stench, either a miracle occurred or Louis Pasteur was wrong. Georgetown is probably just a statistical anomaly. The recent comments of the Deputy Mayor of Georgetown coupled with the actions of the Mayor suggest a continuation of disregard, disrespect, and disdain for the citizenry of Georgetown. The disregard for the citizens is demonstrated by posing anachronistic solutions to modern day challenges. The suggestion that “bringing back old smokey” is a solution to garbage is a romantic idea that should be disabused. Burning plastics, rubber, and other toxic waste is not a viable option, given contemporary concerns with the environment. While it
may be true that some cement factories engage in such practices, at least such burning is controlled albeit many environmental experts frown upon the idea. Perhaps employing persons to separate the organic materials to make compost as well as to engage in recycling efforts would be a better option. Would challenging our technical students to research and invent a process that could be patented work? Could all the organic material be used as compost for the flowers and plants around the city and also generate revenue? Could all the plastic be moulded into benches, playgrounds, and receptacles, just to name a few? Examples of some products may be found on the Axion International website. Could the tires be made as components for road or decorative items? Indeed GT could be known as the garbage city. Imagine tourists could have on their t-shits......I went to G’Town Guyana and all I saw was garbage. An even better one.....I visited G’Town Guyana, what a nice s**tuation...theirs does not stink. Or imagine.....Visit G’Town Guyana, they have their s**t under control. The
possibilities seem endless. The disrespect for the citizens continues unabated. The mere suggestion of their preservation of the effort for a clean city with assistance offered by the M&CC rises to a level of hogwash. More backward thinking. Shouldn’t it be the assistance offered by the citizenry with the preservation of the effort secured by the M&CC? Why pay rate and taxes? Where is the money going? We may quibble that neither did the trash walk to the parapets nor jump into the trenches, but clearly groups such as the Guyana Beautification Project show that they are willing to show leadership in reversing the trend. And speaking of rates and taxes, while we are in the cleaning mode, how about listing all the properties and owners who owe rates and taxes? Is that a list worth a cleaning up effort, too? The time is right, since auditors are working hard at tracing funds. The disdain for the people of the Georgetown is exemplified in the suggestion that the people who are taking their precious time and effort need to coordinate with the M&CC. It seems that the M&CC should be coordinating with
the people. The idea to put a bin on every corner sounds good, but what is the plan? Is it to make GT the Bin City? Would the M&CC generate revenue if they buy bins then sell ad space? My novice understanding is that not only are businesses there to sell goods and services but they try to attract customers, and the M&CC organizes the infrastructure and beautify the surroundings. Perhaps instead of boxes at the alley heads, can we make those flower beds? Perhaps instead of a bin city, let’s plan for a Binge City, if only we could binge on beauty. As His Worship recently noted, “It’s a new arrangement.” In Guyana, we like our sayings. I don’t know some of your favourites, but one of mine notes that new brooms sweep clean, but old brooms know the corners better. Given the upcoming local government elections, this makes sense. However, would you agree with me that GT has trenches, parapets, and grass that need effective management and proper maintenance? Indeed we have corners. The old brooms should find one and go lime. Enough of the old thinking. Enough said. Omowale Odinga
These PPP/C officials should be prevented from using Govt. assets for party work DEAR EDITOR, It is sad that the PPP/C Officials at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in Region 5 are still not complying with the rules and regulations of the new government on a daily basis. These officials operate as if the PPP/C is in power and they are in control, so they can do what they want, like what was done in the past government. Every political party must use its own property for political work, but recently in region 5 this is not the case. I would like to bring to the attention of the Minister of Communities the Hon. Ronald Bulkan some of the nasty work of the PPP/C Officials of the RDC in Region 5. A few weeks ago, one of the top officials (name provided) of the RDC was
walking around Bath Settlement and the Woodley Park area inviting the youths to a meeting whereby he wanted to form a PPP/C youth group in support of the PYO. What concerned me was the venue that was used for the meeting - the boardroom of the RDC, located at Fort Wellington next to the Police Station. This building belongs to the government and not the PPP or its cabal. Why is it that those PPP/C officials are still being allowed to use our state-owned buildings for their party work? These officials need to be disciplined for their act. In the past the PPP/C could have done anything and no one could have said a word to them, but now we must and should set a standard for all public buildings and assets so that they should not to be
City Hall demanded the tax to pay for clearing the outfalls and drains; the government said that city hall had enough money if only it could collect outstanding taxes. The new administration may be that bit more favourable to the city council but there is need for elections to introduce fresh and vibrant blood.
used for party political work anymore. During the 2015 elections campaign, all of the RDC vehicles were used to transport supporters of the PPP\C to public meetings. The vehicles were also used to carry underage children to various destinations throughout the region so as to share out flyers and paste posters. They were also used to carry materials for billboards, etc. M r. M i n i s t e r, a n investigation must be done to determine the cost for the fuel that was used from February - May 2015 and you will have an eye opener as to what occurred ( I don’t think that amount of fuel was used in Region 5 during the 2005 floods). I was also made to understand that scores of persons were hired during that period just to make them feel job secure, but they were really working for the PPP/C. Not vehicles alone were used but the workers who are permanent, paid public servants were forced
to do political work for the PPP/C or they would have lost their jobs. Mr. Minister, Region 5 RDC has more political workers that are being hired all because they are PYO or PPP\C members. I agree that there are political appointments in every region, but I don’t think personally Region 4’s RDC has as many political appointments as Region 5. Almost all in the latter region are. Mr. Minister, those same high ranking regional officials are the ones that are presently going around and telling members of various communities that the APNU+AFC government has stopped all developmental work in the region until the 2016 budget comes out. A stop must be put to these officials as soon as possible. Doing this does not mean witch-hunting, Mr. Rohee, it means a cleansing of the rotten system that your party had in place, by putting the wrong people in those high positions. Abel Seetaram
Thursday July 02, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Mr. Granger and Mr. Nagamootoo Where is the logic in this kind of thinking? will work things out, I am sure of that DEAR EDITOR, It is common knowledge now that Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall has taken great umbrage that Government is seeking to “extend advertisements overseas, for the posts of Chancellor and Chief Justice.” Mr. Nandlall came to the fore with his attack, after Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, announced that “Government will (indeed) be proceeding with its plan for these posts, and consequently he has raised a number of questions on the matter. However, it appears as though Mr. Nandlall is merely ‘imagining’ or ‘conjuring up’ factors that do not reside in what Government is thinking. Mr. Nandlall recalls an incident which occurred in early post-Independent Guyana, when “The then Government “created the office of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, over and above the office of the Chief Justice, as Head of the Judiciary.” This he interprets “was done not only to circumvent but to also humiliate the then sitting Chief Justice (at the time), who later resigned and migrated permanently from Guyana. Government and the public at large want to know where is the logic in this kind of thinking. It should be remembered that pre-1992 People’s National Congress (PNC) administrations were presented as most dictatorial and tyrannical, by the likes of Anil Nandlall. It means that the then particular government could have replaced any Chief Justice as Head of the Judiciary, instead of appointing a Chancellor of the Judiciary, “over and
above the office of the Chief Justice.” Government can see this kind of reasoning as indeed strange on Mr. Nandlall’s part, to draw such a conclusion; or one can ask whether he is now debunking his previous position and view that the pre1992 governments were not the ‘slaughterers of democracy’ as he and his colleagues constantly claimed, when they were in government. Secondly, the natural question is why Mr. Nandlall should even think that Government has ulterior motives and a hidden agenda to control, undermine or emasculate the judiciary; also, how it is that ‘outside bearers of these offices’ will be part of this supposed plan of Government. Naturally, one has to contend a ‘wave of emotionalism’ here as being foundational to this kind of spurious analysis. One has to posit some questions here, and hopefully elicit from Mr. Nandlall, explanations for his paradoxical contentions: ”Do the advertised posts mean that Government is making itself more transparent and removed from the judiciary, or is this modus operandi clearly saying that it is making itself subject to the Judiciary and restoring it to its place of independence and being bereft of any form of politicisation?” I do hope for some kind of clarification. Ramos DeSantos
DEAR EDITOR, Last Sunday’s article in SN by Ralph Ramkarran is quite revealing, when he mentions the accords between APNU and the AFC as being, in his opinion, undercut by PNC die-hard activists. He goes on to cast stones at Mr. Harmon, alleging and insinuating that Mr. Nagamootoo’s position has been undercut by Minister Harmon - as if he’s talking about Dr. Luncheon, who was the one who undercut everyone in the PPP government, especially the ‘civic’ leader, Mr. Sam Hinds and even Mrs Janet Jagan, when he ganged up with Jagdeo to insult her over the Stabroek News
adverts in 2007. He further concocts strange tales about Mr. Granger and how he has to break free of the “diehard” PNC people in order keep the coalition accords alive, as if the President needs his advice on anything at all. Fence sitting, as is obviously Mr. R a m k a r r a n ’s f a v o u r i t e political pastime, requires no commitment, except carping about inconsequential makebelieve histrionics. That is what Ramkarran is doing when he tries to create mischief by suggesting political “fracking” in the coalition government’s political arrangements, He knows quite well, this coalition is really the first in
our modern political history and problems there will be, but Mr. Granger and Mr. Nagamootoo will work things out as honourable men committed to the welfare of this country, I am sure of that. Editor, this is the same Mr. Ramkarran who has criticized the PPP on many occasions in recent times and was even insulted, demeaned and destroyed politically when he was in the PPP, and who chose to sit on the fence in the last elections just a month ago. He had every chance to commit to the principles he had elaborated concerning coalition politics in Guyana and yet he chose to sit on the political fence while the PPP leadership destroyed
the great ideals which his own father, the honourable Boysie Ramkarran fought for with President Cheddi, for many years. Editor, it seems to me that Mr. Ramkarran really is involved in widening that fence and making his permanent home there. This fence, ever widening, will allow him to do political somersaults, jump left and right as he sees fit, create political mischief and pontificate on politics from lofty heights beyond the scope of us, regular Guyanese folks - all of which leaves him out in the political “cold” and seals his fate as he becomes irrelevant to the national cause. Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.)
The exactness of the Cummingsburg Accord not of utmost concern DEAR EDITOR, Much is being said in the news about the apparent breaches to the APNU/AFC Cummingsburg Accord. The critics are quick to point out that the Accord should be implemented as originally written, with no room for amendments along the way and if the latter scenario were to occur, it would represent a betrayal of the original pact made with the citizens who voted for the Coalition. This is the sort of thinking we need to move away from if we are to progress as a nation. I am reminded of the quote by author George
Bernard Shaw who advanced the view that, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” The Coalition is treading on sturdy ground by proposing to amend the Accord. I say this resolutely if the modifications lead to stable governance that is characterized by inclusiveness and cooperation (something that has been conspicuously absent from our political culture as of recent) and more so if that leads to good governance.
Voters are not that concerned about the exactness of the Accord as they are about the consequence of any alteration. If it leads to the improvement in their lives, security and economic fortunes then they would most certainly be willing to make that trade-off. We must not articulate rigidity for the sake of it,
especially if it leads to a worsening of the governance situation, but rather we need to examine the current context and adapt when necessary. Clinton Urling
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Thursday July 02, 2015
Show us what you did, we will pay - Harmon - former Minister granted $2.7M in tells Ganga Persaud unadvertised contracts
The new Government is questioning how a Minister of the previous administration managed to secure two million-dollar contracts with evidence suggesting that they were never advertised in the first place. Under procurement laws, there are procedures how state contracts are awarded. Former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud, who suddenly resigned in January 2014, is now asking for pay. His contract at what was formerly the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports was for $1.8M, while at the Ministry of Labour, the figure was $900,000. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during his weekly press conference yesterday, believed that the contracts were some sort of payoff to Persaud. Last week, the Minister said that the administration was in possession of a number of questionable contracts that went to former Government officials. He promised to divulge more information. However, following a report by an online media house, Persaud issued a statement claiming that nothing was wrong and he had offered services and
wanted the money that is outstanding to him. Yesterday, Harmon made it clear that he had written the former Minister asking him about the contracts which were awarded under such “generous terms”. Rather than answering, Persaud resorted to taking to the newspapers, Harmon said. The Minister found it strange that Persaud was not required to submit any reports to the two Ministries for his work. “…This is the quality of madness that took place under the PPP (People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration) where funds that belong to the state were easily given away like that… without anyone basically having to give you an account as how the funds were spent.” The Minister of State said that there was no evidence that the contracts were advertised. The actual work that Persaud claimed he did was also disputed by t h e Minister. “In fact, I never knew that there were requirements for those kinds of services. The fact of the matter is that this seems to be some kind of payoff for Ganga Persaud.” He asked for Persaud to “show what work” he did
Former Minister, Ganga Persaud before any outstanding payments could be made. In his statement last Friday, Persaud disclosed that he was contracted by the
Ministry of Labour to provide advisory services as stated in a contract agreement he signed with the Ministry. These included the provision of advisory service to the Cooperatives Division of the Ministry of Labour on handling the winding up process of defunct Cooperatives Societies and the provision of advisory service to the Cooperatives Division of the Ministry of Labour on the handling of management issues encountered by Cooperatives Societies in difficult circumstances, and its impact on the functioning of the Cooperatives Division. It also included enumerating and proposing
ways to address matters related to the public awareness of the implementation of the International Labour Organisation resolution to which Guyana has acceded. His duties would also have been coordinating with other Ministries and agencies to gather information to fulfill the Ministry’s obligations to report to the International L a b o u r Organization on ratified conventions. Persaud claimed he fulfilled the requirements hence his requests for payments which were made to the Ministry. “My contract ended on May 31, 2015 and I did not
express any interest to extend/renew it.” He said that he was not contracted to provide any report. “I provided the services for which I was contracted and this can be verified by the Chief Cooperatives Officer. I had almost weekly face to face meetings with her and another senior staff in the Division. We collectively made several decisions which were implemented over the period. “I am therefore unaware of any abuse, irregularity and/ or controversy surrounding my contract with the Ministry of Labour or any other Agency,” he said in his statement.
Employee charged with fleecing gold trader of $100M City Magistrate Ann McLennan denied a man his pre-trial liberty yesterday after he was accused of swindling in excess of $100M from Nazar Mohamed, proprietor of Mohamed’s Enterprise. Particulars of the charge alleged that between June 22 and June 23, at Bartica, Eron Ferrier being entrusted with
the sum of $120M to purchase gold, converted same to his own use and benefit. He was remanded to prison until July 3. Attorney, Latchmie Rahamat, prosecuted the matter by means of fiat. Rahamat was given permission from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to conduct legal proceedings against the defendant. She said that Mohamed gave the money to Ferrier to purchase gold. She added that when the man (Mohamed) went to the defendant to uplift the articles, he received nothing. The matter was reported and the defendant was
Eron Ferrier
arrested and charged. Rahamat pointed out that the defendant did something similar to someone else, while adding that bail be denied. She argued that the man is a flight risk. Latchmie also requested that bail be opposed citing the seriousness and penalty attached to the offence. However, Ferrier’s Attorney, Patrice Henry requested for his client to be granted bail. He said that his client poses no flight risk. The Attorney contended that the prosecution has no evidence to prove that the money was given to his client. This matter will be called again at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
Guyana to honour judgment ... From page 2 spite of that, this crass contempt continued…So it is not about Mr. Nandlall challenging the AG as to who is right and who is wrong, the records are there,” Harmon told the media. Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, who served in the Tenth Parliament as the APNU Shadow Minister of Finance had argued that the opposition was being wrongfully blamed for the judgments handed down by the CCJ. He had said, “The legislation was simply a device for raising money; it has nothing to do with the environment. When they went to the CCJ, the government had no case except to blame the opposition that they tried to pass legislation and it's the
opposition's fault. This is a very childish approach to law.” “The government failed to remedy the situation and now that the case has been taken to the CCJ, you would've thought that Government would've withdrawn the tax in the first place.” “The government in 2013 did bring a proposal, a Bill to the Assembly and the proposal was that they would modify the tax to apply to all Caribbean countries.” According to Greenidge, the difficulty with that is that the government had on this occasion come to the Parliament with a proposal pertaining to an environmental tax. He outlined that an environmental tax “provides penalties for actions and materials which are relatively harmful to the environment. So the
tax, if it is to be an environmental tax, has to provide an incentive to users, consumers and producers to minimize the use of things that would stay and harm the environment for years and provide an incentive for consumers and producers to switch to materials that are biodegradable.” “The proposal that the government bought had nothing to do with an environmental tax. It did not discriminate against materials that were not bio-degradable and therefore both sides of the opposition said to the government, this is simply another means of raising money. “You are now adding other importers to the list to those who pay taxes, so instead of moving to an environmental tax all you are doing is raising more money.”
Thursday July 02, 2015
Kaieteur News
Greece’s Tsipras digs in against bailout
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is seen on a television monitor while addressing the nation in Athens, Greece July 1, 2015. (REUTERS/ERT/POOL) A defiant Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras urged Greeks yesterday to reject an international bailout deal, wrecking any prospect of repairing broken relations with European Union partners before a referendum on Sunday that may decide Greece’s future in Europe. Less than 24 hours after he wrote a conciliatory letter to creditors asking for a new bailout that would accept many of their terms, Tsipras abruptly switched back into combative mode in a television address. Greece was being “blackmailed”, he said, quashing talk that he might delay the vote, call it off or urge Greeks to vote “Yes”. The remarks added to the frantic and at times surreal atmosphere of recent days in which acrimonious messages from the leftist government have alternated with latenight offers of concessions to restart negotiations. A day after Greece became
the first developed economy to default on debt to the International Monetary Fund, long lines at cash machines provided a stark symbol of the pressure on Tsipras, who came to power in January vowing to end austerity and protect the poor. “A ‘No’ vote is a decisive step toward a better agreement that we aim to sign right after Sunday’s result,” he said, rejecting repeated warnings from European partners that the referendum would effectively be a vote on whether Greece stays in the euro or returns to the drachma. European Council President Donald Tusk retorted in a tweet: “Europe wants to help Greece. But cannot help anyone against their own will. Let’s wait for the results of the Greek referendum.” Euro zone finance ministers held an hour-long conference call to discuss the previous night’s offer from
Tsipras, but were adamant that no further discussions would be held until after Sunday’s vote. “We will come back to your request for financial stability support from the ESM (European Stability Mechanism) only after, and on the basis of the outcome of, the referendum,” the head of the currency zone ministers’ Eurogroup, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, wrote in a letter to Tsipras. IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde told Reuters in an interview that she would want to see reforms before opening discussions on any new debt package. Global financial markets have reacted remarkably calmly to the widely anticipated Greek default, strengthening the hand of hardline euro zone partners who say Athens cannot use the threat of contagion to weaker European sovereigns as a bargaining chip.
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THE HARDEST JOB IN THE WORLD I empathize with the Minister of Public Security. He has a portfolio that will either make him or break him. He has the hardest job in the world. Crime has risen since the new government has taken office. The criminal underworld has decided that it really does not give a damn about the new government. It has decided that it is business as usual. The underworld intends to carry on with the merry ways of killing, maiming and murdering people. It can do this because they are not afraid of the police. The new Minister has inherited one of the weakest police forces in the world, one in which corruption is rampant. The criminals know this too. There are businessmen in Guyana who struggle to make
a dollar and when they do, a police officer comes knocking asking “for a raise.” The poor businessman knows that he should not refuse. A person employed as a driver, is stopped by a traffic cop. He has to decide whether it will be “left or right”- whether he will leave a raise or have the cop write a ticket. If the cop writes the ticket that is almost an entire weeks pay gone down the line. What will be left for the driver to take home to his family? Many corrupt cops do not give a hang about the burdens they impose on their victims. It is either their way or the highway. Guyana is a cruel country. They also know the nature of the society in which they live. Guyana is a rotten country. This country can
turn a saint into a crook. Many visitors do not declare, to the authorities at our airport, the correct location where they will be staying while in Guyana. They lie. They say that they will be staying one place but in effect they are staying at another place. They are afraid that if they state their correct address that the information would be leaked to the bandits who would attack them. This is the loss of confidence that exists in some of our public institutions and all because people feel that there are links between certain institutions and criminal enterprises. The criminality in Guyana, however, does not begin at the institutional level. It begins in childhood. I once knew an old couple.
They retired long before the National Insurance Scheme existed. So they had no NIS to get and in those days, despite not having anyone to provide for them, they were denied old age pension. Their main means of survival came from a genip tree in their yard. They would sell the harvest from that tree to residents and they would use the modest sums they received to keep them going. It did not work out well for them. The young school children would give these old people hell. The children would raid the tree, at times stripping it bare. There would be nothing for the old folks to sell. This was not just theft; it was cruelty to these elders. They ended up in a public homestead, forced to sell their home, simply because the
children in the area would not allow them to make their living from the single genip tree. Some people believe that farming is easy. Some people believe that they should develop farming areas and put in nice roads so that the farmer can drive on them to get to their farms. The farmers do not want such roads. They do not want development because it will also allow criminal elements to have easier access to their farms and to raid them. One of the hardest professions in Guyana is cattle farming. Most cattle farmers are now forced to sleep with their herd or pen them up at nights because if they leave them to graze overnight, the next morning half of the herd would have been stolen by rustlers.
Cash crop farmers also suffer similar losses. They plant and others reap. Young school children going home from school in the afternoon are accosted by older boys who take away their bus fares and whatever else they can strip these children of. In workplaces colleagues are stealing from colleagues, down to sanitary napkins. This is the Guyana we live in. This is the country to which Mr. Ramjattan has to deliver increased public security. I wish him luck.
That Cummingsburg Accord …
Confusion in the coalition? Ridiculous says Harmon Statements or any speculation for that matter, regarding confusion in the APNU+AFC coalition were firmly rebuffed yesterday by the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during his press conference. Harmon said that Cabinet was advised that there were certain comments being made in relation to the coalition and how it is falling apart. “We consider this to be a most ridiculous statement, having regard to fact that (the coalition) is cohesive and there is no confusion,” he added. The Minister specifically spoke to the misconception that there is a problem regarding the chairing of Cabinet. He said, “Cabinet is
chaired by the President and upon the President’s direction, parts of the Cabinet meetings are chaired by the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo. In fact, half of the meeting on Tuesday was chaired by Nagamootoo and whatever decisions are made when either is chairing, that is the decision of Cabinet.” Harmon said, too, that Cabinet also considered the manner in which the coalition can be strengthened and in this regard, it has decided on certain measures to be taken, including a forum on coalition building which is scheduled to take place during the course of this month. On June 21, the Prime Minister took to his Facebook page to give his
Prime Minster, Moses Nagamootoo take on the sudden concerns of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) that since the coalition took
Dem boys seh ...
Rohee dreaming and he can’t wake up Dem got people does tek people joy and mek it dem sorrow. De opposition get together and form a coalition that win de elections. De last time dem enter de parliament as two separate political parties but dem had de majority. Dem boys remember how Rumjat cuss Burnham. He seh that if Burnham didn’t change de constitution de Pee Pee Pee did gone. Is that mek dem form de coalition and dem win de elections. Now Rohee sit down and hollering how de coalition falling apart. He believe that if de coalition fall apart then he party gun get back in power and de thiefing gun continue. More people gun get free Guyoil gas. He tell he supporters that dem don’t have to worry, that dem gun have elections soon, in less than three months. That is why dem ain’t gone in Parliament. Is Donald who had to step out of de shadows and tell dem to stop this stupidness. He tell Rohee to stop dreaming and got de others dreaming wid him. Is that mek dem send in 32 names to parliament. Well dem boys seh that de coalition strong
and that who believe that it got problems hoping fuh problems. Imagine that dem spread de word that a woman call dem boys and tell dem how she hear bout de problems wid de coalition and she vex. When dem boys ask she wheh she get that from, she tell them is Rohee. But dem boys seh that Rohee ain’t see how he own party falling apart. De man he put fuh regional chairman in one region ain’t got no support from de people. People now seh that next time dem voting fuh de coalition. De people picket de chairman before he even keep one meeting and dem want see who gun come from town fuh tell dem anything. In fact, de very people saying that since de elections, not one soul ain’t even go back to cry wid dem. Dem boys seh that Granger go to Bartica and Rumjat go to Whim. Moses ain’t get time yet but he going to Essequibo soon and couple other people going to de Rupununi. De only place Jagdeo going is to de court in Berbice and even that he don’t want to do. Talk half and tell Rohee don’t fool heself.
office, the AFC was being shafted by the APNU given the nature of the Cummingsburg Accord. The Prime Minister said, “The defeated PPP has been stoking discord over the Cummingsburg Accord that created the APNU+AFC Coalition, mainly shedding crocodile tears that Moses Nagamootoo has been denied powers as Prime Minister and First Vice-President of Guyana.” “It is flattering to know that the Stalinist Gang is crying for me, and wants me to wield greater powers when, not so long ago, some of those political pranksters had wished my demise: “Who ain’t dead will be badly wounded”, according to the chief Turk, Clement Rohee.” The Vice President said that like all Coalitions in the world, theirs will have hiccups, but it will have to set up a bi-partisan team to iron out any slippages. He noted, too, that he is “not bothered by small irritants.” Nagamootoo assured his followers on social media that
he finds working with President David Granger “as a unique, novel experience and I am learning from his methods, which pay attention to details and outcomes.” He emphasized, “When necessary, I share the Chairmanship of Cabinet, and pilot the key tasks to move our parliamentary agenda forward with cooperation from all Cabinet colleagues.” Nagamootoo said that Granger himself acknowledged that this is “a burdensome responsibility” which requires that he chairs part of Cabinet proceedings. He noted that this practice has started. The Prime Minister said that the PPP is creating “discord over the Accord” as a diversion from its deep internal crisis, where the Stalinists are fighting for total control and to marginalize the new core of
young and ambitious leaders. He added, “It also wants to throw the focus away from its mismanagement of the economy, the massive theft of public funds and widespread corrupt practices involving former state officials, as well as impending forensic audits of key projects and operations.” Nagamootoo said that the Coalition is not bothered by these antics. Its Ministers are busy tackling the enormous problems of crises in the sugar and rice sectors, the breakdown of water control systems resulting in floods, and securing Guyana’s sovereignty against Venezuela. “We are determined to put patrimony before pettiness, and partisan prattles - the new euphemism for the PPP,” he concluded. (Kiana Wilburg)
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 02, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The police force will destroy the credibility of the government Do a poll after one year of the new APNU-AFC Government came to power and in your questionnaire ask the respondents if they think that the Guyana Police Force has become competent and professional after living for one year with a new government. A handsome majority will reply in the negative There is a new Public Security Minister in the form of the AFC leader, Khemraj Ramjattan. Mr. Ramjattan is someone I know very closely. I honestly think he means well but can Mr. Ramjattan reform a recalcitrant, corrupt, unprofessional police force within the five-year span which is his tenure until the 2020 elections? The negatives in the police force are mountainous in a country with just under 800,000 citizens and with an economy
that is small compared with other Caricom states. With our small population, how is it that the police cannot extirpate the bank withdrawal disease? The number of cases of people robbed and killed after they have left the commercial banks with withdrawn cash is unbelievably high. It has been going on a long time now. How do the robbers know how much money is withdrawn? How do they know the person did not take out twenty thousand dollars instead of millions of dollars? Yesterday the police said they have identified a mastermind. Why only now? And there cannot be a single ubiquitous mastermind. The conspiracy is deeper than that. Either the robbers sit in the banks and monitor the customers or the criminality has an inside source. Let us look at the first factor. If the robbers dress like bureaucrats and observe
customers’ movement inside the bank, why isn’t there a police decoy, through cooperation with bank management, to monitor them? And why can’t the surveillance cameras in the bank pick up the activities? Let us assume these robberies have an inside source. Employees cannot use their cell phones in the bank, how then can the criminals know who has withdrawn what? There must be some kind of communication between robber and the inside source. Wouldn’t the cameras pick up employees and bank guards on their cell phones? My opinion is that since this disease started over ten years ago, the police have not strategized on it. I don’t think they have a unit that is involved in studying this kind of crime. Too many bank customers have died tragically because of police
incompetence. I am of the opinion that the police have not placed plainclothes detectives inside or outside the banks. Sadly, more people will die. They don’t have to. We have a new Minister and a new government and the police force has been reorganized to become a competent, professional institution. There is no police decoy in the bank operations but you can find plenty such operators in other areas. Two Christmases ago, I was walking with Kaieteur News Sports Journalist, Rawle Welch, in Charlestown toward the Kaieteur News office, when we saw a young man trying to subdue another man with dreadlocks. We went up to inquire. The man in the shirt-jack identified himself as a police decoy. He said he bought banned squibs from the dread-locks guy so he placed him under arrest. The police can send a decoy
to catch a squib-seller but they cannot mount a similar type of operation against people who rob and murder hard-working citizens after they leave the banks in downtown Georgetown. Look at the police record of arrest of young men smoking marijuana. The statistics are staggering. That is because they plant decoy operations in that sphere. The police thrive on arresting young African Georgetowners from depressed areas who smoke marijuana. Several times I have written in my columns that the officer/ ranks are paid by businessmen who contact them over frauds committed by their employees. You should see how fast police ranks will swoop down on a business place after they are summoned when an employee is caught embezzling. You call the police to investigate murder, rape, larceny
Frederick Kissoon etc. They will come alright, but after Noah builds his second ark. They will not come because the superior rank has no money to collect from the caller. Summon them over noise nuisance and the decibels from the offender will burst your ears before the police arrive. Many senior officers of the police force collect two salaries – the public service one and the private business one. My honest opinion is that the incompetence and unprofessional directions of the police force will cause the first public spat between the new government and the citizenry. It is inevitable. And it will happen soon.
Thursday July 02, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 02, 2015
Work on Stabroek Market to Land Registry boss sent begin shortly, vendors to be on leave amidst probe relocated - Minister Patterson
The Stabroek Market Wharf
Stabroek Market may finally be getting its much needed repairs as demolition and restoration works are slated to commence on the age-old structure shortly, according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) are expected to work together in the restoration efforts. Recently, the Minister told the media that the restoration works will be done in an effort to retain the uniqueness of the capital city. Patterson emphasised that Stabroek Market is a unique structure and though it may cost less to build a market bearing no semblance of what was there before, “we have to maintain our history and our heritage as it is handed down to us. The restoration part is what will
be expensive.” He said another structure could be erected to serve the same purpose but it “will not be as elegant or uniquely Guyanese.” According to the Minister, the fixing of the Stabroek Market will be done in phases. “We have to be honest, right now it’s (Stabroek Market) not in its best shape,” the Minister said acknowledging that vendors and scores of shoppers are currently exposed to leaks when it rains. On March 21 last, a stall aback the Stabroek Market wharf was smashed as a part of the market roof came crashing down. The roof had been in a dilapidated state for some years. In the past, countless calls were made to the previous administration for the rehabilitation of the wharf which continues to fall apart. On one occasion, heavy
winds had caused extensive damage to the already badly deteriorated vending area of the wharf. That incident created chaos among vendors and those who ventured into that section of the market to conduct business. Also on June 5, 2013 a section of the wharf had collapsed, injuring a well known market handyman. The man, Charles Ferdinand, had sustained a huge gash to the head and was hospitalized for over 48 hours. The market operators noted that persons are putting their lives at risk on a daily basis, in an effort to ply their trade by using that section of the market. The dilapidated wharf attracts a crowd daily and on certain days, people from farming communities outside of Georgetown, come to (continued on page 23)
Amidst complaints by lawyers and others over a sloth in processing of transactions at the all important Land Registry, Government yesterday disclosed that its head, Juliet Sattaur, has been sent on leave to facilitate a probe. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, speaking with the media following his weekly press briefings yesterday, confirmed that the decision was taken to facilitate a probe of certain financial matters of the Land Registry, among other things. The Land Registrar’s leave was effective from yesterday, July 1st. Sattaur has been insisting that she was doing her job as required by regulations, but lawyers and new houselot allottees have been complaining that land titles processing have been taking forever. Lawyers themselves have been highly critical of “delays” at the Registry. With several new housing schemes springing up in recent years, the Land Registry has been swamped processing titles and other transfers. Sattaur herself has been writing letters to the editors of the daily newspapers and even speaking to reporters, defending her operations of the Land Registry. Just over a week ago, in
Sent on leave: Juliet Sattaur responding to an anonymous letter writer in the Stabroek News daily newspaper, Sattaur accused the person of penning “utter rubbish” with regards to the Land Registry. “That person is totally misinformed and needs to take a seat when reading what I have to say.” The official said she has signed off all “In Order” transfers for the year 2014. Many have been uplifted by the respective lawyers. Transfers filed for 2015 are being checked as far back as April and are still checking. “Mortgages filed for 2015 are being processed for June. Corrections returned to the Land Registry by the
respective lawyers are being processed for August 2014,” she said in her letter to the Editor. With regard to the Ministry of Housing transfers, the Registry is processing those for 30th January, 2014. “For this Ministry we have 8,391 transfers filed for 2014.” She said that outstanding matters for lawyers were advertised in the Guyana Chronicle but with little response, this has stopped. Saying that she is getting blamed, Sattaur vowed to expose all and sundry. “I have often said that I do not take a sweet drink, fried rice or knock glasses with anyone, therefore, I am not friends with anyone and I like it that way. I was put here to do a job and I know I do it well, regardless of what others say.” She denied she was placed at the Registry by Dr. Roger Luncheon, the former Head of the Presidential Secretariat. “I will give that person some homework to find out who put me here and I will give a hint: I worked in Court of Appeal, Supreme Court Registry; State Solicitor/ Public Trustee and Deeds Registry. The latter I left as Deputy Registrar before I assumed the position of Registrar of Lands.”
Father of dead five-month-old makes third court appearance Kevin Critchlow, of Lot 40 Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, the father who was accused of going ‘berserk’ and allegedly threatening nurses, Tenesha Harry and Latoya Kellman, at the Plaisance Centre in March, made his third Court
appearance at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, on Monday. The court hearing was once again postponed, given the absence of the Virtual Complainants (VCs). The matter will be called again on July 22, 2015. Critchlow was charged with threatening language and threatening behaviour against the nurses. The matter was adjourned to May 8, 2015. He was released on $10,000 bail for each charge. On his second appearance the matter was called off given the absence of the VCs and his lawyer, Dexter Todd. On the day in question it was alleged that Critchlow, being armed with a cutlass in one hand while bearing the coffin of his son in the other hand went into the Plaisance Health Centre, making threatening remarks towards the nurses; “ Blood will shed here today” as he chopped a table before leaving the facility. However he has since maintained his innocence as he opined that the accusations being leveled against him are strategies
Kevin Critchlow being used by the health practitioners to distract the focus from the investigations into his son’s (Kevon Critchlow), death. The man and his wife, Suemede Critchlow, are adamant that the child died because of negligence on the behalf of nurses who had attended to him on his clinic date. Baby Kevon died less than 24 hours after he was given an injection by nurses (continued on page 23)
Thursday July 02, 2015
Kaieteur News
Body in Septic Tank at Campbellville ...
Defence submits final arguments as trial nears end Attorney-at-Law, Madan Kissoon, told the court, yesterday, that there is no evidence by the prosecution which established that his client, Ralph Tyndall had participated in the murder of 56-year-old Colleen Forrester. Forrester was allegedly strangled and beaten to death with a pestle (mortar stick) at her brother’s house at Lot 55 William Street, Campbellville, on December 26, 2007. The woman was last seen on the premises that evening by her granddaughter Nikita Semple, who was in her company. She was reported missing after neighbours noticed something was amiss and raised an alarm. On January 6, 2008, Forrester’s body was found by police ranks; her ankles were bound and her body wrapped in sheets before it was tossed into the septic tank. Her nephew, Anthony De Paul Hope and his friends, Ralph Tyndall and Kevin O’Neil were accused of the crime. O’Neil, of Seaforth Street, Campbellville, has since been acquitted but the other two persons were called upon to lead their defence. Yesterday, Tyndall’s Attorney summarized the prosecution’s case against his client. The lawyer noted that there were a number of inconsistencies in the evidence provided by the Prosecution’s main witness, Nikita Semple. Kissoon noted that although Semple had a clearly vivid recollection of what transpired the night her grandmother disappeared, her statement was vague and didn’t add up at certain points.
Murder accused Antony De Paul Hope
Murder accused: Ralph Tyndall
The Lawyer also argued that after eight years his client, had stuck to his story, in which he recounted that he saw Hope standing over his injured aunt with a piece of wood in his hand, the night she allegedly disappeared. However Hope‘s Attorney, Melvin Duke, strongly argued that his client had nothing to do with the death of his 56-year-old aunt. Duke in his final statements asked the Jury to consider what his client had told them about the night his aunt disappeared, that she left the house with elder Smith. The Lawyer also pointed out that it was after seven years that the same Elder Smith came to court, in an attempt to rebut evidence. Smith, in his testimony, rebutted information provided by Hope, that he was the last person to be seen with Forrester, the night she disappeared. He further told the court that his relationship with Colleen Forrester was in effect, platonic—the
relationship never exceeded that. Smith maintained that his only involvement with Colleen Forrester and the immediate members of her family was through her attendance of the spiritual church in East La Penitence, for which he is an elder. However yesterday, Duke asked the panel to consider the kind of man Smith is, “No ordinary man,” and very authoritative individual who had control over a church and congregation. The Attorney also shared the view that the police failed to do a proper investigation. He claimed that this same elder Smith had paid the police and had been “controlling everything.” The prosecution, Duke told jurors, has no case.” There was no eyewitness, no fingerprints, no blood samples…” Added to that, Duke said that the two accused had no motive or reason to murder Forrester. He reminded the panel that his client had professed love for his aunt. He would never stand there and watch someone murder his auntie. The trial will continue today. State’s Counsel Stacy Gooding and Diana Kaulesar are expected to submit the closing arguments before Justice Roxanne GeorgeWiltshire.
Trust, care for human life integral to GPF ... From page 13 about the transformation that is necessary, some tough decisions must be made…I hope you don't have in the force men and women who have been around for a long time but they still have the things that were given to them at the beginning yet they are clamouring for increase and they are clamouring for promotions,” Massiah said. “You have to find a way on how you will treat with people like that because it's not good for the development of any institution…people must know that you mean business now.” Massiah also had some
words of advice for Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud. He advised the Commissioner to display sagacity by stealthily investigating matters instead of simply receiving the reports from other ranks. “Even after you would receive the word from the different heads who report to you, you must go out there and check it out for yourself…so you will not only get the official report. Go by stealth and do your own work. We're talking about efficiency and productivity. We want to be able to deliver the best we can deliver to this nation,” Massiah said.
Sentencing deferred for killer of Festival City beautician The sentencing of Charles Antony Woolford has been once again postponed to a later date. Woolford was charged with the murder of his wife, Latoya Conway Woolford, a beautician from Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Woolford had faced his second retrial for murder after he allegedly stabbed his wife on February 8, 2009 at their Lot 2041, Hummingbird Street, Festival City, North Ruimveldt home, during a heated argument. At his last appearance, the accused was found guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter by a mixed twelve member jury before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the High Court in Georgetown. There was some amount of confusion with the Jurors before they finally came to a decision on the outcome of the case. The Jury Foreman had initially announced that they had found Charles Anthony
Woolford not guilty of murder and also not guilty on the lesser count of manslaughter, but murmurs which emanated from other members on the panel, caused the Foreman to change his statement. The Foreman then stated that he did not understand the question put to him by the Court Registrar. In light of the circumstances, the Judge briefed the panel a third time before allowing them to retire to make a decision. The panel subsequently emerged with a verdict of not guilty for the offence of murder, but guilty (11 -1), in regard to the lesser offence of manslaughter. The panel had asked for clarification on the evidence, and was given further direction by the Judge. They ultimately took in excess of four hours to return a verdict in relation to Woolford. Woolford was scheduled to appear before the Judge last Tuesday for sentencing and probation report. But Justice Reynolds
Charles Anthony Woolford explained that he would not be proceeding with the sentence at this point, owing to a legal issue, which has surfaced, in relation to the case. The Judge did not specify what the issue was but deferred the matter to another date. The case has been put down until, 9:30 am, July 13.
Linden Technical Institute gets $8M from local mining company
Principal of LTI, Dennis Jaikarran flanked by AGM Senior Vice President, Violet Smith (left) and CUSO Caribbean Representative, Tara Persaud (right), at handing over ceremony Over $8M were donated to the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) on Tuesday, in an effort to further the development of a safety training programme for the institution.
Education Minister ... From page 19 said that, “education is not about quantity; it is first and foremost about quality.” Over the upcoming vacation period the Ministry of Education will be hosting two special workshops for teachers: the first will focus on the reintroduction of music into schools across the country and another will address sports. Dr. Roopnaraine is con-
Page 21
vinced that “reading, literacy and numeracy are better imparted, better implanted, and better digested if parents and educators can make a connection between what they are attempting to teach the child and what the child is interested in.” He therefore stressed the need for a system where children will want to be in school and where teachers will want to be in the classroom.
The donation was made by the Guyana Goldfields/ Aurora Gold Mining (GG/ AGM) Inc. and CUSO International at the AGM headquarters, on Thomas Street. The three institutions signed agreements which would have the occupational safety programme in effect for two years. Present at the ceremony were AGM Senior Vice President, Violet Smith, CUSO Caribbean Representative, Tara Persaud and Principal of LTI, Dennis Jaikarran. The collaborative programme was dubbed Reinvigorating Training Opportunities and Occupational Learning (ReTOOL). Yesterday’s
agreement made it possible for CUSO International to provide a “ground breaking” safety training programme for the Institute. This is the first programme of its kind in Guyana, according to Principal Jaikarran. The most recent donation will be the first instalment in a two year programme and was designed to develop and engage professionals in the technical field in an effort to prepare them for the competitive work environment. In her remarks, Smith said that the programme will equip students with the capabilities needed for the global market. By implementing this (continued on page 23)
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Kaieteur News
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Thursday July 02, 2015
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600AMPS, 200AMPS, transfer switches, exhaust box 6"-Tel: 627-7835 1 Lincoln arc welder with Perkins engine on wheels – Call: 609-5672 Wholesale brand name cologne/ perfume- Tel: 6719716 Diesel Engines: 1-Perkins 6354 with irrigation pump 6in 60wt, 1-Perkins 4-108 complete bedded, for mining Call: 6961439; 602-3906 Canter Truck 2 Ton, Mitsubishi, GLL series $1.9M –Call: 223-6236 Pure breed Rottweiler pups, fully de-wormed & vaccinated –Tel: 220-2277, 220-8904; 629-1471 Genuine Perkins spare parts for sale - Tel: 233-6459, 6855930 One Honda car PPP series $1.3M- Call: 672-3870, 6479752 150cc Scrambler, very good condition, CF Series -$160,000 –Call: 666-9719
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Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call:225-9032, 647-2943
1 Toyota Raum HB series, price -$750,000 - Contact: 6424779 owner leaving country.
Pure breed German shepherd puppies - Contact: 615-0513 (afternoons)
EP 82 Starlet, AC 4 Doors, working standard rims, lady driven – good condition $550,000 - Call: 662-5052 1 new model, Toyota Axio for sale – unregistered –Call: 642-6079
40ft Banga boat, complete with 350lb net, 3000lb ice box, 40HP Yamaha-Tel: 668-6624, Jack: 672-8939
One Toyota Celica convertible customizes (high performance set up). One Toyota Ipsum (new model) going cheap. Contact: 629-5414 One Silver Toyota Premio, 2003 model, PNN series, excellent condition –Tel: 6484259
1-225 HP Yamaha outboard engine on 23ft wooden boat, 1-85 HP Yamaha outboard engine –Tel:2310363 (9am-4pm) Pure Bred & registered pedigree Rottweiler pups for sale, imported, fully vaccinated, serious enquiries. Tel: 664-5401, 615-5343
Toyota Sequoia PKK series, fully loaded, like new -$M – Tel:645-4709, 627-4080
One complete fishing boat. Call: 626-1856
One Toyota Belta Car, PTT series 2008yr -$1.9M negotiable –Call: 649-2535
Imported huskies, cocker spaniel, British Bulldogs and German ShepherdCall or whatsapp: 664-5401
EDUCATION Institute of Academic Excellence- registration commenced for our Secondary school (forms 15), lessons & adults CXC classes- Tel: 683-5742
SONY PSVITA ONLY $40,000- CALL MAX: 6098132, 672-8569
EDUCATION Earn a Diploma in computers, 9 courses @ Micrographics, Vreed-EnHoop –Tel: 264-3057 Continued on page 23
Thursday July 02, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Bank robberies…
Getaway cyclist charged with murder of Mahaica rice farmer There have been several reported incidents of bandits trailing persons from city banks and robbing them. The police apprehended one of them, Sherwin Trotman. They believe that he had ridden the getaway motorcycle after Mahaica rice farmer, Hardat Kissoon, was robbed and killed. Kissoon, a father of three, was fatally shot during a minibus robbery at University of Guyana Road, Turkeyen, after he was trailed from a city bank where he had encashed a cheque for $500,000. Trotman, an excavator operator, was yesterday arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with the capital offence of murder. Trotman, 32, of Lot 45 Section D, South Turkeyen, allegedly murdered Kissoon while in the company of another on June 1, last. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge after it was read to him by Magistrate Ann Mc Lennon. Trotman was remanded to prison until July 8 and will appear at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court. The defendant, who was unrepresented, explained to the court that he was never taken on an Identification Parade. He said that they are no witnesses or statements in the matter. Trotman recalled that he was arrested and shown a video obtained from Close Circuit Television (CCTV). He explained that while watching the video he saw two men on
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MURDERED: Hardat Kissoon a motorcycle. However, he emphasized that he was unable to make out the images on the video because they were blurred. Trotman claimed that he was interrogated by Assistant Superintendant of Police, Michael Caesar and Sergeant Subaru. He pointed out that the officers asked him if he had killed the man and he replied in the negative. It was then the officers informed him that they were going to arrest him because he was the rider.
CHARGED: Sherwin Trotman
The murder accused also claimed that Sergeant Seeram gave him a phone and asked him to call his relatives to bring $2M at Diamond Station for his release. Police P r o s e c u t o r, Deniro Jones, said that the incident was captured on CCTV camera. Kissoon, 42, of Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara was shot and killed around 14:30hrs, by a bandit posing as a passenger in the minibus he was travelling in, when another man in the vehicle
relocation of vendors who ply their trade in the market. “People will have to understand and I think we keep underestimating the cooperation and the will of our people to improve their livelihood.” The Public Infrastructure Minister expressed confidence in vendors being willing to relocate for four weeks. “I’m sure if we say to the merchants and vendors in Stabroek Market that we need your cooperation, we need to
relocate you temporarily for four weeks to change the roof, I’m sure even though it may affect their livelihood temporarily, they will cooperate.” D e p u t y C i t y M a y o r, Patricia Chase-Greene said that they already have the estimate for repairs and works will commence s h o r t l y. “There are arrangements in place to have vendors relocated while the work is done in phases,” she reiterated.
Father of dead five-month-old... From page 12 at the Plaisance Health Centre. He died on March 19, 2015. A preliminary post mortem had indicated that the child died of brain haemorrhage. Blood samples were taken for further testing, to ascertain what had caused the haemorrhaging. However
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Work on Stabroek Market to... From page 12 offload their goods. Customers and retailers flock the unstable area to make cheaper purchases directly from the farmers. The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is responsible for the upkeep of the market facility, but have for years been crying broke. At the recent press conference, however, the recently appointed Minister spoke of a four -phase project which will result in the
From page 22
after a prolonged period which exceeded the maximum of two weeks schedule, the results came back as “brain haemorrhage”. The parents are left distraught and with unanswered questions as they were never told what had caused the haemorrhage in the child’s brain.
The Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, had said that the case is a very interesting one because of the location of the haemorrhage. He said that to investigate the matter there will be need for overseas intervention and that could be costly.
requested to get off. As the man was passing Kissoon, he pulled out a firearm and held the rice farmer at gunpoint and demanded a bag that he had in his possession. A struggle ensued over the bag during which Hardat Kissoon was shot to his chest and the perpetrator escaped with the bag. Kissoon lay dead in the back seat of the minibus until his body was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was officially pronounced dead on arrival.
FOR OVERSEAS VISTORSFULLY FURNISHED 2 BEDROOMSAPARTMENT @ ECCLES. FRIDGE, STOVE, MICROWAVE ETC. US$40 DAILY- CALL MAX: 609-8132, 672-8569 Upper flat three bedrooms apartment located in Pere Street Kitty- Call: 642-0325
1500 acres transported land 4½ miles from Bartica Rock, Quarry, Forestry, Agriculture. Contact Mark: 603-1266; 625-9788 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front -reasonable offer accepted, serious enquiries only! – Tel: 695-3493
PROPERTY FOR SALE EDUCATION Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 13thAugust 13th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:2182076; 619-4355
Linden Technical Institute gets $8M from local mining... From page 21 programme, she said that the company is looking forward to improving Guyana’s mining industry. “We are hoping to not only have a world class mining site at Aurora but to also have a world class institute for the mining industry in Guyana,” said Smith Meanwhile, Persaud related that CUSO International was proud to collaborate with the establishments. She viewed the agreement as a significant step collaborative effort for a private industry, an international humanitarian agency and a local government institute. “It’s really all three
Land @ Parfaite Harmonie & Tuschen -$1.5M each, house & land @ Belle West Call: 604-6924
partners working together to provide young people with training so that they can access more employment opportunities,” said the CUSO representative. She said that ReTOOL’s additional benefits will include the specialisation of young professionals in the field of technical health and safety. She noted that the mining operation GG/AGM can also benefit from the new professional the programme will produce. Jaikarran noted that the programme will also benefit the township of Linden, as it is known as a mining centre. He expressed gratitude to both CUSO and GG/AGM for the contributions they have made to the community.
Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461. Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Lot 23, Area F Zeeburg, South, old gas station road, West Coast DemeraraContact: 621-8386 (Brodo) Two executive houses in gated compound at Oceanicvillas -$58M eachTel Shiv: 600-6681 2 Storey concrete building, partially completed 20X50, located at Leonora –W.C.D -$16M neg. Call: 622-4490 Property at Kersaint Park LBI, price $11.5M negotiable- Contact:6641865; 698-5713 2 Storey concrete property @ 19th Avenue Diamond scheme. 3 bedrooms upper flat, 1 self-contained downstairs- $17M- Call: 6229916 Two storey 45X35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete, in Diamond, New Scheme, 5th Avenue, E.B.D –Tel:629-4017 EDUCATION Summer Kids; computer classes, ages 5-16 @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop –Tel: 264-3057
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 02, 2015
ACDA launches Emancipation 2015 activities The African Culture and Development Association (ACDA) yesterday launched its official list of activities for Emancipation (Freedom) Day 2015. There will be activities in and around Georgetown. This year ACDA will be celebrating its 21st year of Emancipation Day festival in Guyana which will be held on 1st August at the National Park. ACDA deems this year very important since it’s the first Emancipation Day celebration during the International Decade for people of African Descent (IDPAD) which began in January 2015 and will conclude on December 31, 2024. The 2015 theme “Rekindling our past glory through youth innovation”, was chosen in recognition of the importance of youths knowing their history and legacy of their ancestors.
Albouystown schools receive donation from CIOG and GPF The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) ‘A’Division have donated hundreds of shoes to schools in the Albouystown area. The move was part of the CIOG and the GPF’s Community Initiative to improve the lives of children in that area. The joint organisations made donations to three schools including the Albouystown and Selma Fraser Nursery schools yesterday. Coordinator of the CIOG initiative, Omar Cooper, said that the group would usually make presentations to persons and organisations in the area and is proud to be collaborating with the ‘A’ Division of the Guyana
Yesterday’s programme focused mainly on this, with youths of the ACDA dominating the line-up. The stage was graced with the presence of Lisa Punch, Mystique Dance School, Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts, the children cultural group, the Young drummers of ACDA amongst others. Master of the ceremony, Mrs Aisha Haynes, left no stone unturned, with a packed agenda that sprung excitement for all ages. There were dances, poems, singing, drumming and a mini fashion show which featured professional model Yolanda Ker and Miss Guyana UK 2014. Every year ACDA takes the time to honour African countries, local villages of ancestral background and African heroes. As a constant reminder and because of the fact that most Guyanese cannot track
their ancestral roots to a particular African nation ACDA chooses to do this every year. This year’s country in focus is Niger/ The Republic of Niger which is located west of the African
Sahara region. Prior to French Colonization, Niger played a valuable part in prehistoric history especially considering the fact it was a part of four major Empires and
A’ Divisional Officer (right), donating shoes to Albouystown Nursery School
Kingdoms namely, The Songhai Empire (600-1591), The Hausa Kingdoms (mid14th century-1808), The Mali Empire (1230-1600) and The Kanem-Bornu Empire (early 9th century-1900). For Emancipation 2015 ACDA honours the village of Wakenaam in the Essequibo River. This Island is located in the mouth of the mighty Essequibo River and is said to be one of the largest Islands in Guyana. Wakenaam has multiple villages including Good Success, San Souci, Melville, Eagles Rust, New Belle Plaine,
17 per cent of burn patients ...
Police Force. Caren Charles and Yolanda Hassan, Headteachers of the Albouystown and Selma Fraser Nursery Schools respectively, expressed their gratitude for the initiative stating that it will come in useful.
Father of one before court after stall break-in The La Penitence Market now seems to be a haven for thieves after a market vendor suffered major losses when his stall was broken into. Yesterday, the alleged perpetrator made his first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to a charge of break and enter and simple larceny. It is alleged that between June 25 and June 26, Kurt Clarke, of 144 James Street, Albouystown broke into Adrian Kennedy’s Stall and carted off a quantity of grocery items. The court heard that Clarke stole 10 packs of Teddies
Models of the mini fashion show
Sarah, Caledonia, Zeelandia, Meerzorg, Fredericksburg and Maria Johanna. The global African leaders/ Heroes being celebrated this year are Luzia, the African woman’s remains that was found in Brazil in 1975, King Tutankhamen or better known as the “boy king”. His tomb revealed the richness and creativity of ancient Egypt. Marcus Garvey founder of the United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and Imhotep who was born in ancient Egypt in 2649 BC, the world’s first multi-genius, were also. Emancipation 2015 will kick off with an African Street Bazaar which will be held on Main Street, Georgetown in the later part of July, followed by soiree activities in Hopetown and Mocha. Between July 20 and August 20, next, ACDA promises to bring their Agame especially with the well anticipated Freedom Day celebrations in the National Park on August 1 with other traditional activities such as the candle lighting ritual, barn fire, storytelling, respect of the elderly and other ancestral mixes at the square of the revelation which is open to the public.
pampers, three small boxes of Kotex liners and some other items, all totaling $43,400. The defendant denied the allegation before Magistrate Ann McLennon and was released on $75,000 bail. Clarke’s Attorney, during his bail application, asked for his client to be released on reasonable bail. Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones, objected to bail citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. However, his objections were overruled by the Magistrate and the defendant was granted his pre-trial liberty. He was ordered to return to court on July 14.
Illegal ammo lands duo in ‘hot water’ Two alleged illegal ammunition holders were on Tuesday released on bail after they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Winston Marshall, 29, of 84 First Street, Craig, East Bank Demerara, and Faith Fordyce, 32, of 67 South Sophia are accused of having a .32 live round of ammunition in their possession, when they were not holders of a firearm licence. They were found with the ammunition at Fordyce’s residence. The duo denied the charge before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennon. Fordyce and Marshall were each released on $150,000 bail. The facts of the matter were read to the court by Police Prosecutor, Bharrat Mangru. The facts stated that on the day in question, the police were on patrol duties in the area when they received
certain information. As a result of the information received, the police proceeded to a yard and carried out a search. Upon seeing the police the defendants went back into the house. The police followed them and carried out a search on the premises where the ammunition was found. Fordyce’s Attorney, during her bail application, told the court that on the day in question, a party of police went to her client’s home. She said that a policeman in short pants jumped Fordyce’s fence and placed the allegation to her. The prosecutor objected to bail citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. But his objections were overruled by the Magistrate and the defendants were granted their pre-trial liberty. The matter was adjourned to July 21.
From page 19 (discharged) faster we can solve two major problems -getting them back into society earlier and saving their lives,” asserted the burn specialist. He however noted that the prevailing mortality rate is linked to the fact that some patients' burns are in fact unsalvageable. He, in explaining this dilemma, said that some burns seen are even beyond what any institution can provide care to in order to improve the patient's condition. “We do not have what it takes to make a lot of these patients better but we have been trying...” The six-bed Burn Care Unit caters to the treatment of patients with major burns. And according to Dr. Rajkumar, “We have strict criteria for admission. We do get into trouble from time to time because people believe that every burn (case) should be there.” Although the staffers of the burn unit dispense the primary care, Dr. Rajkumar asserted that treatment of burn patients must be a multi-disciplinary one. “There are so many other things that need to be done in the life of a burn victim...the social aspect, the financial aspect, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, integration back into the society. These are things that we really don't have much
control over so even if we fix them, that is not the end of the story,” Dr. Rajkumar added. According to him, it has long been recognised that getting patients back into productive life after their hospitalisation has been a challenge. Another challenge is getting some of them to attend clinic. In the quest to improve the service of the burn unit, Dr. Rajkumar has been putting into action the knowledge he gained at the Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in Ontario, Canada, five years ago. Regarding it as one of the best in the world, Dr. Rajkumar disclosed that the facility is one of the three high tech burn care centres in North America. “The first time I walked in, coming from a third world country, I was amazed. This is a level one trauma centre in a first world country...it was like walking in your dreams,” said Dr. Rajkumar. After being exposed to Sunnybrook, he returned and crafted a 'wish list' for the local Burn Care Unit and already some of his wishes have materialised. In addition to the Dermatome, Dr. Rajkumar said that his recommendation for a social worker is a reality. This therefore means that patients can receive much needed counselling sessions.
Thursday July 02, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Former Turks and Caicos premier US$200 million invested in loses Privy Council appeal renewable energy projects in J’ca against judge in corruption trial
(LEFT) Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Ltd President and Chief Executive Officer Kelly Tomblin viewing energy-saving lights beside JPS customer service representative Chenessa Brown, JPS manager, renewable systems Richard Gordon, and state energy minister Julian Robinson at the launch of the Jamaica Alternative Energy Expo 2015 held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. (PHOTO: ASTON SPAULDING) KINGSTON, Jamaica Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Julian Robinson says US$200 million has been invested in various renewable energy initiatives that will come on stream by the end of next year. Among the projects are the US$45 million expansion of the Wigton Windfarm in Manchester and the recent signing of a US$47 million financing agreement with WRB Enterprises and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) for development of a 20 megawatt solar plant in York
Town, Clarendon. And Robinson says the government’s focus on renewable energy solutions is well placed. “Reliable energy sources have revealed that alternative energy technologies, such as wind, solar, and electrical storage, continued to gain ground in 2014, with solar, in particular, capturing almost 50 per cent of all global investments in clean energy, which grew to over $310 billion in 2014,” he said. Wigton Windfarm is the largest wind energy facility in Jamaica and the Englishspeaking Caribbean, providing more than 100
GOVT. TO GO AFTER NIS INCOME Daily Nation Professionals may also have to produce evidence of payment of contributions to the National Insurance Department, similar to how they will have to produce tax clearance certificates from the Barbados Revenue Authority to renew their licences. “Those professionals need to show that they are compliant with National Insurance payments,” said Minister of Labour Dr Esther
Byer, who on Monday disclosed there were proposals before Cabinet for the national insurance measure. She also said she had taken a proposal to Cabinet for improvement of the mechanism of collecting monies owed to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which she said ha d “a big problem” collecting arrears estimated to be “in the millions”.
million kilowatt hours of electricity to the grid on an annual basis. “When the new 24-mega watts generating plant comes on stream in early 2016, it will increase renewable energy input to the grid by two per cent,” Robinson pointed out. As for the development of the 20-megawatt solar plant in York Town, Clarendon, the minister said when that facility is completed, it will be one of the largest solar projects constructed in the Caribbean. “It is of strategic national importance to Jamaica and is one of three successfully selected proposals from among 24 other projects . . . to provide a total of 115MW of renewable energy to the Jamaican power grid,” he noted. Robinson said there are also prospects for hydro power development, following the completion of feasibility studies late last year, which identified 26 MW in hydro potential from six local rivers. “The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) will be carrying out an aggressive marketing drive to attract investment to exploit these commercial opportunities while increasing Jamaica’s renewable energy supply,” he said.
Cuban President sends letter to Obama, confirms restoring ties HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuban President Raul Castro sent a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama yesterday, saying Cuba has agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations with the United States and open permanent diplomatic missions in the respective countries on July 20. The letter was delivered by the chief of the Cuban diplomatic mission in Washington to a State Department official,
Cuba said. At the same time the Cuban government issued a statement saying the United States should end its economic embargo of Cuba, halt radio and television broadcasts beamed into the country and stop “subversive” programs inside Cuba. The statement said such steps were necessary in order for the countries to enjoy normal overall relations once diplomatic ties were restored.
LONDON, England Former Turks and Caicos premier Michael Misick has failed in his attempt to have his corruption case heard before a judge and jury, with the Privy Council dismissing his challenge to a Jamaican judge presiding over the matter alone. In a judgment handed down last week, the Londonbased dismissed the grounds on which Misick and his codefendants challenged Justice Paul Harrison, a former president of the Court of Appeal in Jamaica who decided they would not have a jury trial. The judge was appointed for the specific purpose of presiding over the corruption cases. Justice Paul Harrison (centre) in 2012, after he was sworn in by Acting Governor Patrick Boyle (right) in the
Michael Misick presence of Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale, to preside over criminal cases arising out of the Commission of Inquiry that began in the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2008. Misick and the other appellants had questioned Justice Harrison’s impartiality
and independence, but their claim was rejected by the judge himself and, subsequently, by the Court of Appeal, before it was taken to the Privy Council. Challenging the lawfulness of their proposed trial, the appellants argued that Justice Harrison did not have sufficient security of tenure and was therefore not independent; and that he failed to ask whether there was no reasonable doubt that the interests of justice required a trial without jury before deciding so. However, in delivering the decision of the seven-member panel, Lord Hughes said the judge was appointed on the recommendation of the independent Judicial Service Commission and he was guaranteed security of tenure during his appointment.
Jack Warner… I’m not going anywhere Trinidad Express - Bring it on! Corruption accused Former embattled FIFA Vice President Jack Warner declared Tuesday night that he is not going anywhere and if the United States sends for him, he’s ready to battle them. The former FIFA Vice President also questioned why taxpayers money was being used to pay legal fees for a US case against him. He said the Government should also pay his legal fees as the only person who’s doing work pro bono for him is Rekha Ramjit. Warner, the leader of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP), was speaking tonight at a cottage meeting in Claxton Bay. “I ain’t running, I ain’t hiding, all I say to them is bring it on and when they bring it on it will be a long hot summer,” said Warner. “Jack Warner eh going anywhere, he ain’t going anywhere...I’ll be here not for five, 10 or 15 years, I will be here for a very long time” said Warner. “He could take that and carry it to the bank!” added Warner, referring to Attorney General Garvin Nicholas. Warner noted a US news report which stated that he was charged with wire fraud as $295,000 of FIFA money was wired to him in December 2010. Warner said if this is what he got after 30 years in FIFA, he’s still owed money. Turning to his extradition matter, Warner said what worries him was that the US has a provisional warrant for him but taxpayers
money was being used to put up a case for the US for which they say they have evidence. He pointed out that an English QC and five local lawyers were retained at taxpayers’ expense. “That for me is patently unfair,” said Warner. He assured that he fears nothing because he believes he has the best legal team and God. “I sleep very soundly at night...because I have nothing to fear. The Lord is my Shepherd,” said Warner. He said further said that if money mattered to him he would not take a salary of $1 a month, $60 total for five years as the Chaguanas West MP. He added that he never took a Government loan to purchase a vehicle. Warner boasted that there was no Cabinet Minister who has been more generous than him. He said Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar was unfit for office as well as her team. Holding up a copy of the Sunshine newspaper headlined “Devant Playboy” Warner said the front page was posted on Facebook and generated 103,000 hits. The front page bears the photograph of Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj in an affectionate position with a woman. The ILP deputy leader Rekha Ramjit also spoke about Warner’s legal issues. However before getting into her speech she declared , “I am Rekha Ramjit and I am not for sale”.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 02, 2015
U.S., Cuba restoring diplomatic ties after 54 years
Chief of Mission at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana Jeffrey DeLaurentis (L) talks to Cuba’s interim Foreign Minister Marcelino Medina in Havana July 1, 2015. (REUTERS/ENRIQUE DE LA OSA) The United States and Cuba formally agreed yesterday to restore diplomatic relations on July 20, setting up a trip to Havana by John Kerry, who would become the first U.S. secretary of state to visit the country in 70 years. Sealed by an exchange of letters between U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro, the deal fulfills a pledge the former Cold War enemies made six months ago. It also attempts to end the recriminations that have predominated ever since Fidel Castro’s rebels overthrew the U.S.-backed government of Fulgencio Batista on Jan. 1, 1959. The letters set a date of July 20 for the reestablishment of relations, and embassies could be opened at that time or later. Kerry, speaking from Vienna, said he would visit Havana to raise the U.S. flag
outside the future U.S. embassy, currently labeled an interests section. “The progress that we mark today is yet another demonstration that we don’t have to be imprisoned by the past,” Obama said from the White House Rose Garden. “When something isn’t working, we can - and will change.” Obama noted that ties were severed in the year he was born, 1961. A long battle of subterfuge and outright aggression followed as Cuba closely aligned with the Soviet Union, nearly leading to nuclear war in 1962 over Soviet missiles stationed on the island. Isolating Cuba had been a foreign policy pillar under 10 U.S. presidents, continuing long after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Washington’s allies repeatedly condemned the policy, and Obama declared it had failed to promote
democracy or improve the lives of Cubans living in a one-party state. “It hasn’t worked for 50 years. It shuts America out of Cuba’s future, and it only makes life worse for the Cuban people,” Obama said while noting stark differences between the two governments would remain. Cuba’s Communist government controls the media and represses political opponents, a policy it has justified based on U.S. attempts to destabilize the government and Washington’s open support of dissidents. Castro, 84, Fidel’s younger brother and Cuban president since 2008, welcomed diplomatic ties that he said should reinforce the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in his country. “Cuba is encouraged by the reciprocal intention to develop respectful and cooperative relations between our two peoples and governments,” Castro wrote in his letter to Obama. Obama said the agreement would increase U.S. contact with ordinary Cubans, permit a larger staff of diplomats and grant them more freedom of movement across the island Since 1977, both countries have operated with interests sections protected by the Swiss government. MAJOR OBSTACLES AHEAD With diplomatic relations restored, the United States and Cuba will turn to more difficult bilateral problems likely to take years to resolve.
Thursday July 02, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 27
= = = Letter to the Sports Editor = = =
The GFF needs an independent Board of Directors DEAR SPORTS EDITOR, Imagine this! Your club is classified on paper as a nonprofit but you are not subject to the scrutiny and financial reporting requirements of nonprofits. Your club - the nonprofit netted USD $2 billion in profits from its recently-held international fundraiser and you paid 36 of your club managers USD $1 million each from these proceeds. Your club - the nonprofit has over USD $1.4 billion in
cash reserves which is equivalent to the annual GDP of Grenada and Dominica combined but you are exempt from paying taxes; in fact, your club - the nonprofitforces countries hosting your fundraiser to change their taxation laws for the event so you can keep ALL your profits. Finally, your club - the nonprofit - does all of the above without independent oversight i.e. There is no independent board of directors to ensure
Boxing remains in... From page 30 and there has been no visible effort to enhance boxing facilities for quite some time now. It could be reasonably contended that Roldan was given a ‘holey basket to fetch water’ and his termination occurred because of his failure to do so. There is much more that can be said of this issue but the reality is now that Roldon has gone, the burden of the boxers’ development rests on
the shoulders of coaches, Terrence Poole (3 star), Sebert Blake (3 star) and Wensel Thomas (national coach). It would be interesting to observe the three in action towards a unified goal, something that was not achieved before or during Roldon’s tenure. The pertinent question is, will Roldon’s departure signal the death knell of the sport? Only time will tell but the situation surely remains dire.
duties of care, loyalty and obedience are carried out consistently by the club’s managers and employees. Now, that’s a pretty cool arrangement right? Some of my street-savvy friends would call it “a very nice hustle”! Our GFF (Guyana Football Federation) is actually a member of this distinguished club also known as FIFA. Our GFF, one of 209 members of this elite club, has voting powers equal to that of the US, Germany or Spain; and each of these members received a minimum of USD $1.3 million from FIFA in 2015. (Note: it is not clear how much the GFF/NC has received in total from FIFA since the lessons of full fiscal transparency are apparently yet to learned and exhibited by this transitional group charged by FIFA with normalizing the affairs of our erstwhile dysfunctional GFF.) Not bad for a nation of 800,000 that has never qualified for a World Cup finals. Not bad for a federation that was in such shambles in
Thursday July 02, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Things are looking good for you, so open your eyes and get to it. Invite friends in for a visit.
enced individuals. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) You may want to take a look at the personal papers of elders in your family.
TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) In-laws or relatives may oppose your personal intentions. Romantic opportunities will develop through friends or relatives.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) You will be emotional about your personal life. Travel will promote new romantic connections.
GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Curb your mood swings; they could result in loneliness. You need an energetic outlet that will help you dissipate your anxiety.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Friends and relatives may not understand your needs. Refrain from using the highway as a racetrack.
CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You may have difficulties finishing projects you start. Wait and get all the information before consulting your boss.
CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Disharmony in your relationship may cause minor ailments. You need a break from your daily routine.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Do things that involve children. You may not be as well received in group endeavors if you try to force your will on others.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Let your boss know your goals. Don't count on correspondence to clear up major problems. Call a good friend.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Try to stay calm and understand both sides of the situation. You could pick up valuable knowledge through conversations with experi-
PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You should catch up on correspondence. Some time spent with that special someone should be your intent.
2014 that FIFA disbanded its Executive Committee and installed a Normalisation Committee (NC) of 5 volunteers with extensive management expertise but very little football knowledge. The NC’s mandate from FIFA is to right the sinking GFF ship by, among other things, revising and ratifying the GFF constitution. To the NC’s credit, they have done a decent job thus far, fulfilling this mandate, given the circumstances and their all-volunteer status. So let’s cut them some slack but not too much. The GFF/NC has a comprehensive vision and long term plan for football development in Guyana. A team of experienced coaches and a technical director (TD) were hired to execute this vision and plan. After a lengthy hiatus, our Golden Jaguars senior and u-23 teams, and our Lady Jags are playing again in major tournaments. A new Elite League comprising 8 of the top football clubs in Guyana is scheduled to kickoff in August, 2015. Finally, an Extraordinary Congress was recently held with the Member Associations (MAs) and the new constitution was ratified by unanimous vote. The 22 MAs are now required to revise, ratify and submit their respective constitutions to reflect the changes in the national GFF constitution. Subsequently, the MAs via Congress; will elect a new Executive Committee to administer the affairs of football in Guyana. The NC’s mandate would then be fulfilled and the transitional group would be formally disbanded. But what assurances do we really have that the blunders and corrupt practices of the past won’t be repeated in the future? Do we fully understand these blunders and corrupt practices? In all likelihood, we the public, probably never will. The new 2015 GFF constitution, while an improvement over the previous one (2010), falls short, in my opinion, in its failure to institute an independent board of directors to provide oversight and ensure the affairs of the GFF are managed effectively and in the best interest of all stakeholders - players, clubs, sub-associations, sponsors, coaches, referees, administrators and fans of
Guyanese football. As is, the new GFF, like FIFA, will continue to rely on its own internal systems of checks and balances for oversight. We all know how that story ended for the old GFF and how it’s currently unfolding for FIFA. In closing, the GFF should follow the lead of its CONCACAF affiliates - the US Soccer Federation (USSF), the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) and the Canadian Soccer Association
(CSA) - and add a functioning independent board of directors to its organizational chart. Otherwise, there will most likely be a return to the status quo and that is simply not good enough for the aforementioned stakeholders and die-hard supporters of Guyanese football at home and abroad. By James Paul - MBA Small Business Consultant Published Author of Behcets In Black
Sentinel Security... From page 31 make a positive difference in the lives of others be recognized when they are alive. The long serving sports executive also expressed disappointment that too many sports organizations are not active in making a difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate. Foster threw out a challenge to these organizations to follow in the footsteps of his club. Human Resources Manager of Sentinel Security, Bromwell Gordon in handing over the cheque stated that his company was pleased to
be associated with the RHTY&SC, an organization he described as Guyana’s best. He also expressed appreciation to the club for the role they are playing to promote the memory of the late Gregory Gaskin, who was an avid promoter of the involvement of youths in sports. Gordon also expressed confidence that the 2015 edition of the Berbice Sports Awards would be well organized and fulfils its objectives. Members of the general public have until July 6 to submit nominations for the awards via email: foster_hilbert@yahoo,com.
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Kaieteur News
Edward B. Beharry, RHTY&SC teams launch Youth Information Booklet
Thursday July 02, 2015
Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition...
ETI beat NOC on Penalty kicks in riveting Region Two Zone But NOC advance on protest against over-age player By Sean Devers in E’bo
Students of the Guysuco Training Centre posing after receiving copies of the booklet. “As a nation, Guyana has to do everything in its power to make sure that every one of its youths fulfills their potential. Our youths are our future and unless we give them every opportunity to excel, we are down as a country.” Those were the words of long serving Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster as the club launched a historic 40 page booklet for youths in conjunction with Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd. The booklet, which was produced and edited by the Educational and Public Relations Committee along with the club’s Cricket teams, is the only of its kind in Guyana. Foster expressed confidence that it would play a vital role in getting youths in Region 6 to better understand topics of importance to them.
The booklet offers advice to youths on a wide range of issues including Public Speaking, Manners in the Classroom, HIV/AIDS, Suicide, Table Manners, Drug Abuse, How to Conduct a Job Interview, Importance of Education, Importance of Discipline, Personal Hygiene, Role of a Sports Ambassador, Choosing Friends, Peer Pressure and Public Manners among others. The booklet also features important information on Guyana, the Government, the National Pledge and National Anthem. Special messages from the RHTY&SC and Mrs. Anjuli Beharry – Strand of Beharry are also part of the booklet along with numerous Quotations for Youths. The main aim of the booklet which would be distributed to all schools and clubs in Berbice free of cost,
is to assist youths to make correct life decisions and to avoid the social ills of society. Marketing Manager of Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd Satesh Singh at the booklet lunching called on youths to think wisely about the choices they make and to always strive for excellence. He urged them to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to improve themselves. The booklet also features words of advice from the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female and Gizmos and Gadgets First Division and Under-21 teams. Interested Sports, Youth Organizations and individuals can contact the club on 337 4562 or email foster_hilbert@ yahoo.com for a copy of the booklet.
Dwayne Bravo still not keen on... From page 32 Indies team for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year and was also overlooked for the limited overs matches against South Africa that preceded the World Cup.
He was also replaced as captain of the ODI team, after he led a walkout of the Indian tour last October, over a payment structure dispute with the WICB. “Right now we are hearing that the West Indies Play-
Classy Tridents... From page 29 sixes, but when he was out, R o s s Ta y l o r a n d K y l e M a y e r s soon followed, expertly dismissed by the crafty Sri Lankan spinner Jeevan Mendis. The Tridents turned the screw and the run rate soared,
and even though Sammy clubbed opposite number Kieron Pollard for a huge six, Rayad Emrit destroyed any lingering hopes the Zouks had with 3-20 from his 4 overs as they snuffed out the run chase in clinical fashion.
ers Association (WIPA) signed a new deal with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) but we as players have no knowledge as to what is the deal,” said Bravo. “However, from what is on offer, at least what we have heard, is much less. You can’t want players to sacrifice and come out and play for what they are offering. At the moment there is no incentive to come out and play Test cricket.” Bravo is one of the leading T20 cricketers plying their trade in the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) and is leading the T&T Red Steel in the current Hero Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament.
In sultry conditions on Tuesday at New Opportunity Corps (NOC) ground on the Essequibo Coast, NOC who beat Anna Regina Secondary on the opening day of matches in the Region Two Zone of the Digicel National Schools Football competition, lost a hard fought match against the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) on Penalty Kicks after the game was tied 3 all at the end of Regulation time. However, a protest was submitted pointing out that ETI’s striker Devon Hardy was born June 3, 1997 breaching the tournament rules which states a player must be born on or after September 1, 1997 to be eligible to play. The match result was over-turned yesterday (Wednesday) and NOC will advance to the next round of the Region Two Zone which concludes today. The Region Two Final is scheduled for July 6, CARICOM Day. After the game commenced over an hour late due to the late arrival of the ETI team, NOC’s Stephon Apple outsprinted a defence player and beat the advancing Shamar Lovell in the third minute to give NOC an early lead in a riveting contest which was reduced to a 70minute affair. The skillful Apple once again tested the Goalkeeping ability of Lovell who made a good save but NOC would suffer the loss of one of their key marksmen when Mark Lawrence was injured during a tussle for ball possession. In a semi conscious state he was lifted off the field by a team mate and taken to the Suddie Hospital where he spent Tuesday night for observations after it was confirmed that there were no fractured or broken bones. The game continued and the action picked up on the heavy ground as ETI found their rhythm after an uncertain start. Mahendra Jagmohan wasted a chance to score what seemed a certain goal with only the Keeper to beat but seemed unsure of which foot to shoot with and the chance for NOC went abegging. There was more frustration for the home team when Nicholas Gillette hit a powerful free kick after ‘Hand ball’ was called inside the box
Goal scorers (standing from left) NOC’s Stephon Apple, Kayron Richmond & Jason Perreira (in front for ETI) Nicholas Gillette & Rapheal Cooke. They scored 6 goals between them as the game was tied 3-3 at full time. but Shquel Cummins timed his jump to perfection and just managed to tip the ball over the bar. In the 29th minute, Raphael Cooke got a pass from the ever present Gillette from the left side and, leaping above the defenders, his header was full of precision and Cummins in goal had no chance. The scores were now level. A minute later Gillette made it 21 for ETI which was the score at the end of a very competitive half with ETI enjoying the better of the exchanges. Early in the second stanza, NOC were provided with an opportunity to score the equalizer when Kelon Isaacs’ head failed to connect with the ball from a perfect corner kick from Kevon Richardson. The large contingent of NOC’s female students, who were very vocal throughout the exciting battle, were now chanting ‘Go NOC go’ at the top of their voices as they desperately urged on their team, who badly needed the equalizer with time running out. The goalkeepers were made to work hard with both teams playing aggressively and making frequent raids on
each other’s goal as the still soggy ground put plenty pressure on tired legs. NOC equalized in the 51st minute when a free kick from Richardson was converted by Apple as Lovell strangely opted to clear a waist high ball with his foot instead of catching it, to make it 2-2. With two minutes left, Jason Perreira scored what many thought was the winning goal when his shot rebounded back to him from the ETI’s Custodian and he buried it into the back of the net with his second attempt to make it 3-2 in favour of NOC. But the drama was not finished yet and with the clock ticking, the talented Gillette scored for the second time for ETI just before the whistle was blown to signal the end of regulation time, forcing the game to be decided on Kicks from the penalty mark. Both Goalkeepers saved one each but ETI traveled back to their school in Anna Regina, Essequibo’s only Town, thinking they were still alive in the competition courtesy of their 4-2 win from kicks from the Penalty mark only to be informed that Hardy was over aged and that NOC will advance instead.
Thursday July 02, 2015
Kaieteur News
Classy Tridents get back to winning ways CPL - The Barbados Tridents got back to winning way in the 2015 Hero Caribbean Premier League thanks to a clinical bowling and fielding display against the St Lucia Zouks in St Kitts. The Tridents made 148-8 from their 20 overs, perhaps slightly below-par, but they were magificent in the field, and once they had removed Andre Fletcher for 52 there was only ever going to be one winner as they reduced Darren Sammy’s side to 133-9. The 2014 champions were keen to put their defeat at the hands of new boys the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots behind them, but they made a sluggish start after winning the toss and electing to bat, with Dwayne Smith - the man who usually gets them off to such a good start - particularly out-of-sorts. Zouks’ pacemen Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and Fidel Edwards all bowled with good speed and accuracy Gabriel’s first three overs saw him go for 0-5, such was his hold over the batsmen. Smith and Dilshan Munaweera both got out in the 20s but it was Shoaib Malik who rescued the champions as wickets continued to fall throughout the innings, the Pakistan
Page 29
Wheat Up CARICOM Day Cycling Classic
Increased prizes for riders as NAMILCO promises exciting event By Franklin Wilson
Robin Peterson took the early wicket of Johnson Charles to start things off at Warner Park, St Kitts. (CPL) great keeping his cool superbly to hit 51 from 34 balls before he was out in the final over. Edwards went for 1-25 from his 4 and Gabriel finished with 0-18, while captain Sammy (2-28), Roach (2-37) and Nathan McCullum (1-38) - making his first appearance after replacing Eddie Leie - all impressed with
the ball too. The Zouks were soon in trouble in their reply as Johnson Charles uncharacteristically got out early and Kevin Pietersen was crazily run out after a mixup with Fletcher. Fletcher did make partial amends with a fine innings of 52 off 35 balls including four (Continued on page 28)
The 12th annual Wheat Up CARICOM Day Cycling Classic sponsored by the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) and organized by the Roraima Bikers Club (RBC) was yesterday unveiled with the announcement that the prizes have been increased. Financial Controller, Mr. Fitzroy McLeod speaking at the company’s Agricola, East Bank Demerara Head Office said that it was his company’s pleasure to once again be partnering with RBC to bring off what is considered one of the biggest and most lucrative cycling meets in Guyana. “This 12-race criterium format has provided an opportunity for cyclists at the various stages of development to test themselves in a safe yet challenging endeavor while affording spectators an exciting, family friendly ambience which is close to the action and great for interaction.” This year’s event will again be held at the Seawalls Bandstand circuit and will pedal off at 09:00hrs. McLeod stated that the company has found the event to be enjoyable and took the opportunity to call on lovers and supporters of the sport to come out on Monday, CARICOM Day to witness the cream of Guyana’s riders battling for supremacy from the BMX stage up to the Seniors. RBC President Brian Allen said that the club will be looking to make the event a true CARICOM event by inviting riders from sister countries but this would have to have the support of the Government of Guyana and more corporate entities. It is also the intention of the organisers to involve the NANILCO staff in a competitive nature. The winner of the feature 30-lap
contest apart from trophy and cash would also benefit from One Year’s supply of Wheat Up. Also delivering remarks at yesterday’s launch was NAMILCO Assistant to the Managing Director Mr. Atomaram Lakeram and RBC Secretary, Ms. Theresa Pemberton. The Annual Wheat Up Classic, the brain child of former RBC President now Patron George Humphrey was formally a one race event in observance of CARICOM Day. But three years ago, the decision was taken to make the event a one-day activity that would involve more riders and offer the public the opportunity to enjoy competitive racing close up and personal. Humphrey, a diehard cycling supporter and sponsor also served as President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) which has sanctioned Monday’s Classic. Close to half a million dollars would be up for grabs. The first to third place finisher in eleven (11) of the races would be rewarded with cash while the top six in the feature event would receive cash with the top three also collecting a trophy. Fifteen (15) sprint prizes would also be at stake valued at $1000 each in the main event. Following is the list of events: Event Laps 12-14 years/juveniles 3 Juniors/Category 4 5 Categories 1-3 5 Veterans Under-50 5 Veterans Over-50 5 Win and Out (open) 8 Points Race 12 Mountain Bikes (open) 5 BMX (6-9 years) 2 BMX (10-14 years) 2 Females 5 Wheat-Up Classic (open) 30
Nicola Ramdyhan to battle Afruica Gentle in GBTI Open Tennis ladies final
Afruica Gentle Nicola Ramdyhan The clash in the Ladies Singles GBTI Open 2015 has been set. Defending champion, Nicola Ramdyhan, will be taking Shuana Gentle’s younger sister, Afruica Gentle. Last year Nicola played Shauna Gentle in the finals and this year baby sister has a shot at the title. The roads to the finals were paved differently for the two competitors with one
being comfortable and the tumultuous. Ramdyhan made light work of the up and coming Kalyca Fraser as she wasted no time to control the match and win 6/0, 6/2. While on court 2, the other semi finals between Afruica Gentle and Carol Humphrey went toe to toe in a match that lasted over 2 hours. Gentle battled through
nerves and down 3/0 in the first set. The emotional Gentle was able to gather some composure to take the first set 6/4. The experience of Humphrey was unquestionable as she persevered in the second set to win 6/4. The score being set all, a deciding set had to be played. An energized Gentle stepped onto the court with a singular goal, “win”. She recalled her
sister’s lost to Humphrey and wanted to have a little revenge for big sister and dedicate the title to her. She lost the first game of the third set but shifted into high gear as she closed 6 straight games to win the set 6/1. Mark McDonald and Hemraj Resaul journey to the Men’s Doubles Open came to an end when Daniel Lopes and Nicholas Glasgow
defeated them 6/2, 6/2. The brave shots and tactical play were counteracted by the crafty and power tennis of Glasgow and Lopes. While in the other Quarter Finals of the category, fans were delighted to see big server Nicholas Fenty team up with doubles partner, Leyland Leacock. Although, Fenty was under the weather
his serves were still a force to be reckoned with. He easily held serves to complement Leacock’s net game. Their opponents, Stephen Bailey and Oswin Coggins, combated hard but were outplayed. Fenty and Leacock won the match 6/1, 6/1. The team sets up a semi finals match against Nicholas Glasgow and Daniel Lopes.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 02, 2015
Boxing remains in dire straits as Cuban coach’s tenure terminated By Michael Benjamin Three years ago, in March 2012, the Guyana Government entered into a bilateral agreement with their Cuban counterparts for two coaches, Isabel Maria Causa Fals (swimming) and Francisco Hernandez Roldan (boxing) to collaborate with their Guyanese counterparts towards the progressive development of those two fraternities. One would reasonably assume that the continuity of this initiative would hinge on the positive outputs over a specified period. Whether this was the case or not, officials of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports have decided to pull the plug on the tenure of Señor Hernandez while inexplicably giving the thumbs up for the continuation of the tenure of his swimming colleague. Hernandez was scheduled to depart Guyana sometime yesterday and one day earlier, was given a fitting send off at the New Thriving Restaurant, where he joined
boxing and Government officials and was treated to a dinner. While the send off signaled the gratitude of boxing and Government officials, one wonders if indeed it was justified. While lauding the works of Señora Causa Fals, one is tempted to wonder aloud what was the rationale employed, and by who, in arriving at the final decision to dispose of the boxing coach while retaining the services of his swimming counterpart. The issue becomes even more puzzling when it is noted that both coaches passed a recent evaluation process with flying colours and were tipped to resume their tenures. This writer was privy to a document, purportedly dispatched to Roldon, by an official of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (there was no signature to the document though written on the requisite letterhead) that lauded the efforts of both Cuban principals yet shortly afterwards, Señor Hernandez was sent back to Cuba while the services of Señora Causa Fals have been retained.
A senior official of the subject Ministry offered an explanation under an agreement of anonymity. He suggested that the programme was somewhat costly and after a thorough evaluation of the performances of the two coaches the decision was made. Strangely though, the letter dispatched to Hernandez spoke to the contrary. “The combination of coaches gave impetus to their respective fraternities; both coaches worked hard and both disciplines showed tremendous improvement in every area,” the correspondence stated. The coaches were also lauded for exemplary commitment and loyalty. Someone is certainly not being truthful about this affair. Naturally, one would want to query such drastic actions to terminate Roldon’s services after such an exemplary evaluation of his work. As Guyanese would say, ‘There is definitely more in the mortar than the pistle.’ This writer has closely monitored the work of Roldon
ever since he had arrived in Guyana. He was an ever present feature in the gym and introduced systems of evaluation for the boxers while engaged in training sessions. It was delightful to note his interactive sessions after training concluded where he attempted to make sense of the practical and theoretical sessions. The Cuban coach also led teams to victory in Barbados, St Lucia and French Guiana among other countries. One would have expected that he would have accompanied the boxers on their recent sojourn to Mexico for the Pan American Trials but he was inexplicably left in Guyana even after we were assured that Government officials had intervened to alleviate the requisite expenses and all would have been well. Instead, recently commissioned three star coach, Sebert Blake, was tasked with the burden of managing and coaching the boxers in Mexico. This writer had closely followed the experiences of
Francisco Roldon
the team and would admit that it was far from complimentary for a national unit. But that is another matter! It is no secret that the boxers failed to qualify with only middleweight, Dennis Thomas, registering a victory, albeit inconsequentially. The others, Diwani Lampkin, Jason Phillips and Delon Charles were all early casualties. Should that have been a failure of the Cuban coach? Hernandez is a coach of high repute and his tenure in Guyana was preceded by a similar posting in Pakistan. Guyanese boxers have always been rated way above their Pakistani counterparts, an admission made by Roldon
PAN AM BOUND RUGGERS DEPART
Members of the national rugby team that departed Guyana yesterday to participate in the Pan Am Games pose for a photo op. Having failed to win a title so far this year, the National Rugby squad departed Guyana this morning to participate in the Pan-Am Games in Toronto, Canada. According to a release from the Guyana Rugby Football Union, the team will
be engaged in a mini warmup tournament scheduled for Saturday July 4 at Appleby’s College. The games scheduled are: 11:00 Hours Guyana vs Uruguay 11:30 Hours Ontario vs CInternational (Pro American Team)
12:00 Hours Guyana vs Ontario 12:30 hours Uruguay vs CInternational 13:00 Hours - 15:00 Hours (BREAK) 15:00 Hours Guyana vs CInternational 15:30 hours Uruguay vs Ontario
The Guyana squad arrives on Wednesday July 1 at 7:10pm and will be accommodated at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel and Suites The players that traveled are: Richard Staglon, Peabo Hamilton, Lancelot Adonis, Rickford
Cummings, Claudius Butts, Ronald Mayers, Patrick King, Akeem Fraser, Ryan Gonsalves, Dwayne Schroeder, Phibian Joseph and Avery Corbin. The accompanying officials are: Terrence Grant, Theodore Henry and Philip Browne.
yet the Cuban coach revealed that he acquired better results from the Pakistani pugilists than those from Guyana; under his tutelage two of the Pakistani boxers won Commonwealth Gold medals in the 2010 Games in New Delhi. “I spent less time in Pakistan but achieved more from their boxers,” admitted Roldon. Nevertheless, he remains adamant that Guyanese boxers are of a special quality and are more talented than their Pakistani counterparts. “I’ve developed a special love for (Guyanese) boxers; they are hard workers, humble and willing to learn.” During one of our frequent discussions sometime in 2012, Roldon had lamented the absence of local boxers at international games. He had said then that those events would have enhanced the boxers’ skill level, while getting them acquainted with the international arena. He had suggested several high profile games in Costa Rica, Peru, Canada, Cuba, Venezuela, USA, Ecuador and Dominica Republic among others. These suggestions were forwarded to the executive of the GBA who in turn, following a directive from then Minister of Sports, Frank Anthony, had dispatched a copy to his office. Mr. Anthony had said that a document of that nature would have guided his policies when doling out assistance to the respective sports entities. We were further told that only the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) and the Guyana Football Rugby Association had complied yet the boxing fraternity failed to benefit from any substantial monetary initiative to support its programmes. Swimming benefitted from a modern day aquatic centre as well as other coaching initiatives, all government sponsored. Boxers are still plying their trade, amidst debilitating conditions, at the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym (Continued on page 27)
Thursday July 02, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 31
RHTYSC Silver Jubilee 1990 - 2015 Big Boss Transportation Sentinel Security, annual Service/HML Dominoes Gregory Gaskin Memorial set for Sunday Berbice sports awards CEO of Big Boss Transportation Service Lyndon Boston (right) accepts the cheque from Osaffo Adams of Sweet Point.
Big Boss Transportation Service in association with Hopkinson Mining and Logistics (HML) 20/20 Dominoes will be contested on Sunday at The Garage, Aubrey Baker Road, South Ruimveldt. Double six time is 13:30 hrs and entrance fee is $10,000. The winning team will take home a trophy and $200,000, runner up a trophy and $150,000 and third place a trophy and $100,000. The Most valuable player will pocket a trophy and $10,000, the best uniformed team a trophy and $25,000, and player that shares the first double love a trophy and $10,000. 36 teams are expected to take part and among them are C7, B4, R and R, Lions, GGMC, Rage, Mix Up, Lumber, TNT, Mo Fire, Frankies, Upper Level, G a n g s t e r, We s t S i d e , Specialist, Providence, F and H, All Seasons, Mings Products, Ministry of Health, Spartons, Trouble Shooters and Strikers. The competition is being co-sponsored by Ansa Mc Al, GUYTRAC, Doosan, H . B . C u r t i s , S c o t t ’s Jewellery, Beckles Lumber Yard, The Garage, Faye Joseph, Patterson and Associates, Sweet Point, Dynasty Entertainment Centre and Strikers Sports Club. Chief Executive Officer of Big Boss Transportation Service, Lyndon Boston told Kaieteur Sport that indiscipline will not be
tolerated and urged the teams to be punctual to facilitate a prompt start. He wished the teams well and thanked the sponsors. M e a n w h i l e , O s a ff o Adams of Sweet Point yesterday presented a
cheque of an undisclosed amount to Boston at a simple ceremony held at Orange Walk, Bourda. In a brief remark Adams said they are pleased to be associated with the competition.
The 3rd annual Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Awards ceremony organised by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) is set for Friday July 17 at the St. Francis Community Developers Complex. Official sponsor of the programme, Sentinel Security Ltd last weekend handed over the sponsorship cheque valued at $100,000. The activity is held in memory of Gregory Gaskin, late Chief Executive Officer of COPS Security. Three individuals and one organization are rewarded annually – Sportsman, Sportswoman, Sports Personality and Sports Organisation of the Year. Each of the awardees receives a trophy, medal, framed Certificate of Excellence and a collection of gifts. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster informed that the main aims of the Award are to identify sporting heroes of Berbice and to
Human Resources Manager of Sentinel Bromwell Gordon (Left) hands over the cheque to RHTY&SC member Mark Papannah in the presence of Hilbert Foster. honour them, to inspire more involvement in sports and to provide positive role models for youths. Foster expressed gratitude to the Management of Sentinel Security, especially Chief Executive Officer Noreen Gaskin for its continued confidence in the
RHTY&SC and the role it is playing to make sure that every hero in the Berbice Sports is recognized and honoured. The club, he noted is quite passionate about honouring heroes as it is very important that people who (Continued on page 27)
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 02, 2015
Bermine/Police Combined name P&P Insurance Brokers hosts strong team for BCB fundraiser 11th annual junior tennis camp Trophy Stall provide Man-of-the-match prize Ramesh Sunich (left) hands over one of the trophies to Malcolm Peters in the presence of Albert Smith.
As the date for the highly anticipated Berbice Cricket B o a r d F u n d r a i s e r. . . . . ” Caricom Championship 2015", gets closer, the Combined Bermine/Police team has been announced for the tournament. Proceeds from this event will be used mainly to organise a three day first division cricket competition for teams in Berbice. The Caricom Championship will be played at the historic Albion Sports Complex on Sunday July 5, 2015 will see eight top first division teams in Berbice taking part in a ten over knockout competition with the final of 20 overs to be played under lights for a top prize of $80,000 and trophy. The runner up will receive $40,000 and trophy with the losing finalists $15,000 each. Man of the match in every game will be rewarded. The teams will don coloured clothing and white balls will be used. Action begins at 10am sharp with the top Berbice cricketers on show. Meanwhile, Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall of Bourda Market will provide the Man of the Match in the Final trophy. Sunich an ardent sports fan and supporter, has been in the forefront of sponsorship for local sports and athletes over the years. He presented the trophies to Malcolm Peters and Albert Smith, representing the BCB yesterday. The event fixtures will see Young Warriors/Rose Hall CC/Edinburgh
Anthony D’Andrade
Romario Shepherd Combined tackle Upper Corentyne/Skeldon Combined in the opening contest. Game two will see Albion CC taking on Bermine/Police Combined. Game 3 is Port Mourant vs Bush Lot/D’Edward Combined Game 4 will see Blairmont/West Berbice Combined vs Rose Hall Town.
The preliminary games will play in a festival format to create non-stop action. The winner of game 1 and 2 play in the first seminal and the winner of game 3 and 4 plays in the other. The Combined Bermine/ Police team is: Anthony D’Andrade (captain), Norman Fredericks, Eugene Lafleur Devon Clements, Romario Shepherd, Keon Dejesus, Damion Vantull, Hakeem Hinds, Herman Latcha, Brentnol Woolford, Michael NewLand, Albert Sinclair, Niall Smith, Andel Doris and Kevin Pellew. Manager/ Coach is Julian Moore. The BCB would like to thank the following sponsors so far: ANSA MCAL under the Carib Brand, Sentinel Security, Republic Bank Berbice Branches, The New Building Society Ltd, Balram Shane of Rose Hall Town, Sandeep Ramdass of Ishmail Poultry, popularly known as Pampey, Safraz Photo Studio, Rocky of P a l a c e Ta x i S e r v i c e , Restaurant and Bar, D Harricharran of Beauty and Home Design, Sheik Mohamed of Tiger Sports Club, Office Express, Price is Right Supermarket of No 79 Corriverton and Trophy Stall of Bourda Market. Several gate prizes will be on offer for fans with a well stock ANSA MCAL bar and musical entertainment present. Games for the young and old will be there. Entrance is $300 for adults, children under 12 free.
Pranita Seedath (left), P&P Accounting Officer presents cheque to GLTA Secretary Elizabeth Persaud, while Ms. Ahilya Panday (extreme left) of P & P and GLTA Treasurer Ileana Boodhoo looks on. Guyana (Lawn) Tennis A s s o c i a t i o n ( G LTA ) Secretary Ms. Elizabeth Persaud and Treasurer Ileana Boodhoo paid a courtesy call to Mr. Bish Panday, CEO of P & P Insurance Brokers to receive the sponsorship cheque for hosting the 11th annual GLTA Junior Tennis Camp. Mr. Panday and wife Mrs. Ahilya Panday, both of whom embraced the GLTA from the time of its reestablishment in 2004 to produce the most popular junior tennis camp each year, were delighted to sponsor the event once again. This is especially because the camp
usually attracts at least 70 children many of whom enjoy the activities and continue to play the sport. M r. P a n d a y a l s o e n c o u r a g e d t h e G LTA executives to actively garner support for improved tennis facilities to boost tennis development locally, given that there is a new administration. He pledged his continued support for junior activities to provide safe and healthy recreational activities. The camp which is geared for children aged 6-18 years will be conducted during weekdays from Tuesday July 7th to Saturday
July 11th and from Monday July 13th to Friday July 17th. Children 6-11years from 9:00am to 11:00am at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. Children 12-18years from 12:00noon to 2:00pm at the National Racquet Centre at Woolford and Camp Streets. Fees per child is $3,000 for the two week period. Registration is being done by telephone by contacting 6241739. All parents are asked to be present to complete registration with fees at 8:30am on Tuesday July 7th at the National Gymnasium prior to the Opening Ceremony.
Dwayne Bravo still not keen on Test cricket after meeting with Simmons PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — All-rounder Dwayne Bravo says a meeting with West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has not convinced him that he should return to Test cricket because player conditions have not improved. The outspoken Trinidad and Tobago cricketer says the incentives to return to Test cricket are not appealing enough and that player conditions have got worse. Bravo, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard met with Simmons who had expressed an
interest in knowing if the players were interested in representing the West Indies at the Test level. “I met with Coach Simmons and at the moment I am not prepared to come back to Test cricket,” declared Bravo who last appeared for the West Indies in a T20 series against South Africa in January. “The conditions are not right for a return because it is even more unfair to us than before.” Bravo was dropped from the West (Continued on page 28)
Thursday July 02, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 33
GFF donates 100 footballs to Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs
Government and GFF officials display the footballs at yesterday’s presentation.
GFF - The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday handed over (100) footballs to the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, to be distributed amongst the villages in the hinterland region, in an attempt to aid their preparation and participation at the upcoming Hinterland Games next month (August). Chairman of the GFF’s Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling, Dr. Karen Pilgrim, Eric Phillips, Technical Director Claude Bolton and General Secretary Richard Groden met with Minister within the Ministry Mrs. Valerie Garrido-Lowe and representatives from Regions 1, 8 and 9 at a simple but significant presentation ceremony in the Ministry’s Boardroom. Minister Garrido-Lowe said that sports play an integral role in the lives of the indigenous people, especially the sport of football since it is most favoured and popular in the hinterland. “What generally happens, all though they are really talented and enthusiastic, they don’t get the necessary exposure, training and everything and it makes me said to see every time, a national team has to represent Guyana, I’m not seeing a truly national team; I’m not seeing my indigenous brothers and sisters and I would like us to change that” said the honourable minister. The Minister pointed out that it’s her hope for the
ministry and the GFF to form a strong link “where we can develop hinterland football to a high level where the opportunity can come to our hinterland brothers and sisters”. Meanwhile, Urling said that Guyana has a unique geography in the Caribbean Region, with large expanses of land, while noting “we’ve
not seen the best of Guyana’s football when we send our national team out, I sincerely believe that some of our best players will come from the hinterland region and since becoming the head of the Normalisation Committee, we’ve made a deliberate effort to expand the game and reach out to the Hinterland communities.”
He added, “Currently we only have a member of the GFF from Region 9, but listening and speaking to other people, I’m beginning to realise that even that one Member Association is insufficient to service the entire Hinterland region, so we may have to at establishing may be three or four members, affiliated to
the GFF and to have its members supply the relevant information so we can get them on our national team and to participate internationally”. The Normalisation Committee Chairman spoke profoundly of the GFF’s robust plan which includes technical support for all across the country; areas that
traditionally overlooked, since Urling is ofthe view that “football is concentrated to a few areas”. “I know the balls and the equipment we’re providing today is not enough to satisfy the eventual demands but it’s a start and the GFF is looking forward to working with the Ministry to help in our reach of the game,” Urling said.
t r o Sp
ETI beat NOC on Penalty kicks
in riveting Region Two Zone But NOC advance on protest against over-age player Unite. Develop. Excel.
Stephon Apple (number 10 in white shirt) is watched by a couple of ETI defenders as he out sprints another ETI defense player to beat Shamar Lovell in the 3rd minute to open the scoring for NOC
Wheat Up CARICOM Day Cycling Classic...
Increased prizes for riders as NAMILCO promises exciting event
NAMILCO Financial Controller Mr. Fitzroy McLeod hands over the main trophy to RBC President Brian Allen in the presence staff members RBC Secretary Ms. Theresa Pemberton (2rd left) and NAMILCO Assistant to Managing Director Mr Ato Lakeram (right). Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210