Friday July 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Govt. ministers praise PetroCaribe The Gleaner - Benefits to Jamaica’s energy sector and improvement in the social life of many Jamaicans were some of the contributions that government ministers highlighted during the commemorative reception to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement, held on Monday. On August 23, 2005, the PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement was signed between Jamaica and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which allows some Caribbean territories to buy oil at market value but only pay a percentage of the cost upfront. The balance can be paid over 25 years at one per cent interest. For Jamaica, that upfront payment represents 60 per cent, but if the price of oil goes above US$100 per barrel, it slips to 50 per cent, with the other 50 per cent paid over 25 years. State minister in the ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Julian Robinson, lauded the Venezuelan government for being committed despite the economic challenges. “You judge your friends not only in good times, but in bad times, and despite all the challenges that the Venezuelan economy has undergone in recent times it has maintained its commitment
for all the parties involved,” he told the gathering at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica’s office in New Kingston. “PetroCaribe has emerged as a critical component of our nation’s transformation, which has rekindled the spirit of regionalism and solidarity. Jamaica has every right to be sentimental about this event. Our own Minister of Energy (Phillip Paulwell) and the government of the day were very instrumental in the promulgating of the agreement 10 years ago,” he said. He also pointed out that the social welfare of many Jamaicans has seen vast improvement under the agreement. “Although PetroCaribe symbolises matters pertaining to oil and its derivatives, the agreement provides other significant benefits to Jamaica. The agreement conceptualised by the late President Hugo Chavez seeks to contribute to energy security of countries within our region, in addition to promoting our social and economic development,” Robinson said. “Despite our highly and somewhat divisive political culture, the PetroCaribe agreement has enjoyed the support of both Government and Opposition during its 10-year-period. Successive political administrations can attest to
Julian Robinson the very positive impact that it has had on the Jamaican economy.” Finance Minister Peter Phillips echoed similar sentiments, noting that Jamaica’s poor and vulnerable continue to benefit greatly under the agreement. “Over the years, Jamaica has been a beneficiary of this energy corporation agreement, and indeed between then and now we have benefited from balance of payments and concessionary financing to the extent of close to US$3 billion. This figure represents the largest source of concessionary financing that has been available to the Government of Jamaica,” Phillips said. “Not only has it benefited our energy security but a number of social projects which continue to improve the quality of life for the Jamaican people. There is no doubt that we will be able to protect the conditions of life for the poor and vulnerable,” he declared.
Jack denies aiding PNM The Guardian - Leader of the ILP Jack Warner is denying that he is in cahoots with the PNM to avoid extradition to the United States. Warner, who is wanted on wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering charges in the US, was speaking to reporters after the ILP’s Tuesday night cottage meeting, in Claxton Bay. Asked whether it was true he was on a mission to keep the People’s Partnership out of office by launching scathing attacks on its members for the PNM’s benefit, Warner said the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration was not fit to hold public office. However, he denied an allegation by Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal that he (Warner) had struck a deal with the PNM to bring down the Government, in return for protection from extradition. “Moonilal is a clown of the highest order. If there are four clowns, Moonilal is 16. I
won’t dignify that piece of foolishness. A long time now, I told the country that Moonilal is a fool,” Warner said. Pressed further, Warner added, “I have never been a PNM in my life. Not as a boy or a baby in pampers, have I ever been a PNM. Now as a hard back man, they saying I with the PNM? I have never been a PNM. Why will I join PNM now? What foolishness is that?” Asked whether he believed the US had a case against him, Warner replied, “I don’t know. I don’t want to prejudge. But even if they pursue the case, we have a very strong defence.” ILP chairman Rekha Ramjit, who stood at Warner’s side during the interview, added, “When Mr Warner say he is not going anywhere it’s because they cannot prove any allegation against him.” Warner agreed with Ramjit saying, “They cannot prove a single allegation. Whatever they fabricate they cannot
Jack Warner prove. I have no cause to worry you know. They cannot prove a single allegation. So therefore what you charge me for? What have I done in 30 years? Fifa has never said they offered me a bribe. Fifa has never charged me. I have no case with Fifa, so what the US harassing me for?”
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Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2015
IMF warns of huge financial hole as Greek vote looms The International Monetary Fund delivered a stark warning on Thursday of the huge financial hole facing Greece as angry and uncertain voters prepare for a referendum that could decide their country’s future in Europe. Days after Greece defaulted on part of its IMF debt, the Fund, part of the lenders’ “troika” behind successive international bailouts, said Greece needed an extra 50 billion euros over the next three years, including 36 billion from its European partners, to stay afloat. It also needed significant debt relief. The assessment, in a preliminary draft of the Fund’s latest debt sustainability report, underlines the scale of the problems facing Athens, whatever the result of Sunday’s referendum on the bailout offered by creditors last month. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ rejection of what he terms the “blackmail” of EU and IMF creditors demanding spending cuts and tax hikes has so angered Greece’s partners that there is no hope
of reconciliation before Sunday. With banks closed for a fourth day and capital controls in place, the future of the left-wing government hangs on the result, given the angry mood of voters in Greece, torn between resentment of the lenders and scorn for their own politicians. “People have lost it completely. And it’s all the fault, one hundred percent, of all the politicians. They are to blame for the situation we are in now,” said pensioner Thanos Stamou. On Sunday it will fall to the Greek people to decide an issue that their government was unable to settle in months of acrimonious negotiations with their European partners. CONSEQUENCES OF A ‘NO’ “We are asking them to vote with their eyes open and think hard about all the consequences of a ‘No’ vote, which could lead Greece to leave the euro zone,” French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said on the sidelines of an economic summit in Lyon.
The comment reflected the fear of many in the euro zone that a Greek exit would change the nature of a 15year-old currency union intended to be unbreakable. For Tsipras, if voters back a bailout plan that he has scorned, his government is likely to fall, leading to new elections by September. Already, his coalition is crumbling as a succession of deputies from the right-wing Independent Greeks, his junior partners, have backed the ‘Yes’ vote. Tsipras and his finance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, remain convinced Athens can negotiate better terms, including debt relief, if voters reject the conditions on offer. But both have signaled they will quit if voters choose the bailout. “I want to believe that these problems won’t last long,” Tsipras said on Thursday of the bank closures. “The banks will open when there is a deal,” he said in a television interview, predicting it would come within 48 hours of the referendum. The only full
survey to be released since the referendum was announced showed the “No” vote ahead, but falling sharply after the announcement that banks would be shut. DEEP SHOCK For Greeks, the sight of closed banks and long lines of pensioners queuing for cash has been a deep shock and a reminder of the potential cost of being shut out of the euro, the symbol of Greece’s membership of modern Europe. Highlighting the surreal choice facing Greek voters, the lenders’ proposal that the ballot is supposedly about is no longer even on the table. “They send a third proposal and at the same time they ask the people to say their opinion about the proposal that doesn’t exist any more. It’s crazy. We don’t know what to do,” said 47year-old lawyer Nicole Papathanasopoulo. Tsipras’ government came to power in January vowing to protect pensioners, and much of the argument with creditors stemmed from his refusal to accept the pension
cuts that they demanded. With unemployment over 25 percent, and youth unemployment over 50 percent, the plight of pensioners, who may be providing the only source of income for families, is acutely sensitive. In a bid to reassure voters, State Minister Nikos Pappas, one of Tsipras’ closest aides, denied speculation that the government would impose a levy on bank deposits. BANKS “ALREADY FAILED” However, the ratings agency Fitch said the four biggest banks had already failed, and would have defaulted if capital controls had not been imposed. Unless the European Central Bank lifts the ceiling on emergency funding it provides at its next meeting on Monday, there is little prospect that they will reopen soon. “We might run out of banknotes by Tuesday if people keep taking out 60 euros a day,” one senior banker said. ECB Governing Council member Josef Bonnici said
the value of collateral that Greek banks must offer in exchange for emergency funding would depend on the result of the referendum. The IMF analysis suggested that, even on the most optimistic assumptions, the Greek economy would remain on life support for many years to come, and that Athens would be forced to persuade its European partners to help. Loans made by Europe “will need to be extended significantly” and Greece would need further concessional financing, it said. The ratings agency Standard and Poor’s said Greece’s economy, which has already shrunk 25 percent since 2009, would contract by another 20 percent within four years if it made a distressed exit from the euro. Konstantinos Nikolopoulos, a 70-year-old former employee of U.S. entertainment group Warner Bros, emerged from his bank empty-handed after being told that benefits from his pension fund were not being paid out.
Friday July 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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WELL DONE, MR. MINISTER! The proposed decision by the Minister of Public Security to ensure that bars, pubs and clubs shut off their music by 2 a.m. is not going to be popular. There is going to be a great deal of resentment over this decision. However, in my opinion it is the right decision. When it comes to public safety, the need for greater controls and discipline should always take precedence over popularity. Governments have in the past been forced to implement highly unpopular decisions in the interest of public safety. For example, there was a time when public transport vehicles were forced to take off their tints. There was a huge protest by minibus operators, but eventually they fell in line. If the proposal is effective, it should not just be about stopping the music but also about the closing times for these premises. The proposed decision to have the various nightclubs close off operations by 2 a.m. is a welcome one. It has a number of advantages. It will allow for greater order. Right now there is total disorder with no strict enforcement of the opening
and closing times for these types of businesses. There are some businesses that seem to feel that there is no fixed time for opening and closing their businesses. There are some businesses on Sheriff Street the street that never sleeps at which persons can be seen imbibing early on Sunday mornings. These persons are not early risers. They were there having a good time from since the night before and were sporting right through to daybreak. Sunrise will not find them at home, where they should be. The proposed regulation will also help a great many parents to control their children, particularly the girls. Young girls are waiting until their parents are fast asleep around midnight and then they sneak out. They are not missing anything, because most of the action gets going at the night clubs way past midnight. The action goes right through to the next morning. All of that will change if the proposed regulation is implemented and this will ensure that these young girls who like to sneak out cannot
do so anymore. It will also allow for an improvement in morals. I do not need to tell anyone what happens when some young girls leave these night spots around four in the morning. They make a pit stop at some speakeasy. They get drunk and are taken advantage of. The next morning they have to rush to the pharmacy to buy a “morning- after pill�. We have also had problems with zoning in Guyana. The result has been that some bars and clubs are now located in residential areas. The number of such clubs in one street alone, Station Street, is frightening. I really do not understand how people in that street are able to sleep given the fact
that many of the bars are opened, playing music and selling liquor early into the mornings. The proposed measure will bring some order by at least having residents know at what time they may be able to get some sleep two hours after midnight. The other reason why night clubs and bars should be closed the latest by 2.00 a.m. is because experience around the world indicates that this is a measure which has worked to help reduce fights, accidents and crime. You are not likely to find, in some developed countries,
alcohol being sold after 10.00 pm on most weeknights and on Sundays. The bars are prohibited from selling. You can sit there and sip on your last beer until whenever you want, but there is no way after 10.00 pm, you are going to be able to buy another beer. There are huge penalties for violators and this has allowed the regulation to work. I have no doubt that enforcement of the proposed regulation will be difficult. Enforcing any change in Guyana is difficult. But a start has to be made and the habits of Guyanese will simply have
to change. Instead of leaving home for the club at 11.00 p.m. they will simply have to leave at 7.30 p.m. This is good discipline, the type of discipline needed to bring order to this crazy country. Well done Mr. Minister of Public Security!
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Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
On the street where Giftland Office Max lives I live very close to the Giftland Office Max complex in Turkeyen which is scheduled to be officially open today. If I walk up my street, scale the fence of one of the yards and pass over the lawns of the Caricom Secretariat, I will be at the mall. That will take about three minutes. Wednesday morning, while driving on the Railway Embankment, I saw a large school of engineers and workers doing the road that leads to Giftland. I wanted to know if it was the owner of Giftland doing the road or the Government of Guyana. I stopped, made an approach and was told that the operation is a project of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. I rang my friend, David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure. I asked if his Ministry was making an
asphalted road for Giftland. He answered in the affirmative. Our conversation was short. I told him I will compile a list of roads where poor people live and give it to him for these pathways to be done. If you are reading this, please contact me at this newspaper and send me the name of your road. Let me make one thing pellucid for which I cannot be contradicted - the road that the government built for Giftland this week leads only to Giftland. There is no other structure there except Giftland. That road serves Giftland only. After Giftland are plain bushes. Please don’t accept my word. Walk or drive on the road - it leads only to Giftland. I went to see the Giftland structure. You don’t need to be an accountant to assess
the cost. It is an impressive sight that must have cost billions. Yes billions. When I was looking at it and the road that was being constructed for it by the Government of Guyana, the thought of Bill Gates ran through my mind. I couldn’t see Microsoft building a similar structure and the American Government constructing the road for Microsoft with public money. When you look at the billions spent on that mall, a tiny thought ran through your mind – why could the owners not build their own road? Let me make another thing pellucid. I welcome the existence of Giftland where I live. I have been a longstanding customer of Giftland. I have a special discount card. Mr. Roy Beepat, the owner, and his wife see me in their shop millions of times. It is just the thought of why didn’t the owners do the entrance road themselves. And why did the Government build the road for them? Let me make a third thing very clear. I have absolutely nothing against wealthy business people. They make their profits,
they buy their private mansions, yachts and jets; that is no one’s business. I would not support an ideology or a government that is against private business. With my ideology, I have an inflexible position, and I cannot see myself moving away from it ever in my life. I believe the role of the state is to protect and help the poor and the powerless. I raised the Giftland road issue while talking to Bert Wilkinson and Denis Chabrol and they agreed with me that there is nothing wrong with the road to Giftland, but the streets where the working people of this country live must be repaired. So I will end this road issue with that agreement between me, Bert and Denis. And I hope I can get that list from other people whose streets are in need of the
attention of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. I know David Patterson very well and I would ask a small favour of him if it is allowed by the bureaucratic rules of government. Can he tell me how much it cost the Ministry to do the Giftland Street? Would I be wrong to say it would be in the millions? I end on a note that could be related to the Giftland Street or may not be related at all. I leave readers to decide. Shortly after I spoke to David, I went to the AFC office on Railway Line, Campbellville to complain about a dilapidated bridge over a trench that connects Seaforth Street to the Railway Line. Many AFC personnel ran off that bridge and almost ended up in the trench. I had to get a crew to pull Leonard Craig’s car from falling into
the trench. I live in fear of that bridge. The office manager of the AFC, Mrs. Punalall told me she too lives in fear of it. I asked David twice to repair it. This time I will ask the owners of Giftland to ask David. PS: Part of the agreement for the sale of 103 acres of land to Eddie Boyer is that the government will construct roads and drains on the property.
The Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) has come out in support of Guyana against territorial claims by neighbouring Venezuela. The region’s business advocacy body said it is perturbed over the spurious claims by Venezuela to Guyana’s territory and especially its territorial waters. “The CAIC condemns this move as an act of economic aggression against a small CARICOM country which is reaching for the economic development of its people with the recent discovery of oil in its waters.” In the opinion of the CAIC, the move by Venezuela is designed to stymie the growth of Guyana’s economy
and drive away foreign investors from the country. “The CAIC strongly rejects Venezuela’s claim and urges the CARICOM Heads of Government to stand fully united with Guyana in their refutation of Venezuela’s claims. The CAIC believes that such aggression against a CARICOM country is an attack on the territorial integrity of all of our states which must be resisted by the entire Caribbean.” The body said that it unequivocally throws its support behind Guyana in its quest to resolve this unfair treatment which is tantamount to a neighbour claiming all the land in front of one’s house. Venezuela recently
passed a decree unilaterally declaring it owns waters where a significant oil find was recently announced by US-owned ExxonMobil. The neighbouring country, which is facing severe internal turmoil, already is claiming a huge part of Essequibo. The matter is up for discussion in the CARICOM Heads of Government summit currently ongoing in Barbados. Guyana has made it clear it will not bow to Venezuela in face of the stated aggression which includes a threat of force. A number of organizations, including the Commonwealth Secretariat, have come out in support of Guyana.
Frederick Kissoon
Regional body backs Guyana against Venezuela claims
Dem boys seh...
Ram preparing to Bar-B-Que Brassington People does find excuse fuh everything. Imagine that Irfaat telling people how de economy slow down because de Pee Pee Pee lose de elections. And de man got a good excuse. He claim how de coalition knocking off people suh nobody ain’t wukking and money ain’t deh to shop. Dem boys seh that he talking bout de places he use to go and drink. When he keep he press conference he tell dem reporters that is one man tell him that business slow down. That is de man who use to get nuff money from Irfaat who use to get it from de ministry He use to spend government money to treat nuff people suh it look like if de business place really booming. And it was booming. Irfaat gone and de big spending done because dem is people who didn’t like spend dem own money. All of dem who use to buy nuff things fuh sweet woman stop spending and because dem stop spending, dem believe that
de economy slow down. Is de same thing mek dem end up cussing de government because Li’l Joe talk how dem use to give away free gas. Irfaat office use to get permission to send car fuh fuel and de Ministry use to pay. De same thing mek dem boys wondering how much money dem gun find. Brassington had nuff money now dem boys hear that de money was in secret accounts. He was behaving like a special bank and de money wasn’t even he own. He was one of dem who had secret fuh nuff people and today he think that he can smart Chris Ram and Goolsarran. Wha he don’t know is that Ram plan fuh put he pun a bar-b-que and melt some of de fat off him till he talk. Who never hear a pig squeal gun surely hear one when dem done wid Brassington. Talk half and watch how de freeness done.
Friday July 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Cop taken to court for tinted vehicle Guyana’s long term oil debt to
Venezuela at US$580M - Report
Corporal Webster’s vehicle Some amount of controversy has developed surrounding the arraignment of a Corporal attached to police ‘B’ Division, for traffic violations. Orlanzo Webster, 32, attached to the Central Police Station appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus on Wednesday at the
New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court. The Hopetown Village West Coast Berbice resident is accused of driving an uncertified motor vehicle and using a tinted vehicle without the necessary permit. Webster pleaded not guilty to both charges. Police Prosecutor Sergeant Phillip Shariff did
not object to bail and Webster was sent on his own recognizance. He has to return to court on July 17 for trial. Webster is claiming that he is being victimized by a senior Police Officer which goes back some time when they were both stationed in Georgetown.
The management of Puran Brothers Disposal Inc., has said that it has never been part of the construction and operations of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Facility located in Eccles, East Bank Demerara. The comments came in response to a statement issued by BK International, two days ago. “Our company has participated in a joint venture arrangement with BK International, which saw the company as a member of the joint venture team subsequently being awarded the contract to build and operate the new facility,” a statement from Puran Brothers said. The company claimed that while it was preparing to
perform its role in the operations, it was unfortunately barred from all aspects of the project by the leading partner, BK International. The company stated that it would not be held responsible for worksite accidents with resulting injuries or death, any negative environmental i m p a c t o r a n y form of mismanagement pertaining to the operations of the Landfill Facility. “In spite of our exclusion from the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill contract, we are ready to perform all necessary remedial works and take on the day to day operations of the facility. “With over 20 years of experience in solid waste
management and an established track record in managing and rehabilitating other landfills, we are convinced that our company can operate the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Facility within the confines of international accepted standards.
Puran Bros. claims exclusion from Haags Bosch operations
A Venezuela news report has tagged Guyana’s long term oil debt to the Spanishspeaking territory as being around US$580M. The El Nacional report yesterday came as Venezuela joined with representatives of 18 countries that participate in the PetroCaribe pact, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the energy cooperation agreement. The arrangements of the deal has proven a boon to many of the PetroCaribe countries but Venezuela’s Government has been facing growing internal pressure to adjust what the Opposition described as being too generous. According to oil analysts, it has meant great economic losses for the country. “The benefit has been solely political. PetroCaribe has allowed the government to be shielded from international bodies such as the Organization of American States, for instance. It maintains a financial relationship with a number of benefits to other countries and that helps you get votes when needed, “said economist and university professor Luis Oliveros. Oliveros’ calculations, based on data from Petroleos de Venezuela, detailed that between 2006 and 2014 the country sent an average of 186,000 barrels of oil per day
through PetroCaribe, an amount that has been declining in the past two years. The bill for oil sold to these countries is nearly US$50B but not all the money has been collected. According to Oliveros, Venezuela is owed nearly US$30B dollars for shipments made under the arrangements. Under the PetroCaribe arrangement, which is adjusted in relation to oil prices, financing can be up to 80% of the total payable within a period of 25 years with an interest rate of between one percent and two percent, with a two-year grace. In addition, the part of the bill to be paid in cash has not been canceled only with cash. Several countries are paying in rice, spice, coffee and other products. According to the El Nacional report, one of the beneficiaries of the PetroCaribe agreement is Guyana, which is currently also facing claims by Venezuela for parts of the Essequibo county and its
fishing waters. The border claims were recently revived after explorations by US-owned ExxonMobil, which found significant evidence of oil and which potentially holds up to 1.5 billion barrels of oil, according to Governance Minister Raphael Trotman, who is responsible for natural resources. Guyana has been paying Venezuela in rice and cash for the oil supplies. Another of the most indebted countries is Haiti, with a bill totaling nearly US$2B. Jamaica and Nicaragua also joined the countries that have received more domestic oil by the agreement. They each owe more than US$3B. However, Venezuela’s biggest customer under PetroCaribe will be Cuba. Between 2006 and 2014, Havana received between 45 percent and 60 percent of the 186,000 barrels per day that Venezuela sent via PetroCaribe. Cuba, in turn, has paid part of the bill through sports, medical and intelligence assistance.
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Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2015
US remembers blasts of the past, other “lessons” of PPP administration; lauds new Govt. By Abena Rockcliffe Diplomacy was used to full effect last night at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, as the United States recalled some unfortunate events that occurred under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) regime. In the same breath, the superpower lauded early efforts of the new government and said that its policies speak well for the future of Guyana. The occasion was the annual event held in commemoration of the United States gaining its Independence on July 4, 1776 – its 239th anniversary. Delivering remarks on behalf of the US was the Chief of Mission, Bryan Hunt. Hunt spoke of many things during his address which was punctuated by bouts of humour. But a constant feature was hints of the wrongs committed by the previous administration. Quite popular was the references Hunt made to the ‘feral blast’ delivered by former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, at last year’s celebrations. The Diplomat said “2015 has already been a transformative year in the relationship between our two
countries. Right now about a year ago the former Guyanese Education Minister was delivering her infamous “feral blast” to former Ambassador (Brent) Hardt based on his supposedly radical demands for Local Government Elections.” With that remembrance, Hunt pointed out a silver lining as he said, “Tonight, I can confidently pledge American support to President (David) Granger and Prime Minister (Moses) Nagamootoo as their government prepares to hold Local Government Elections by the end of 2015.” He went on to say that last year, the US was seriously concerned about the economic and law enforcement implications of the then government’s failure to pass new anti-money laundering legislation. “Tonight, I can offer my government’s sincere congratulations to Acting President Nagamootoo on the parliament’s recent passage of fully compliant legislation and offer our support in its implementation.” Later on in his speech, Hunt said that as he reflected on the past year, he was
Traditional cutting of the cake: From Left: Mr. Hunt, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Peter Anthes “grateful” for the many “learning opportunities” that working on the relationship between Guyana and America has afforded. “I now better understand the definition of a feral blast, the intricacies of prorogation (former President Donald Ramotar prorogued the Parliament on November 10, 2014 to avoid a no-confidence
Motion) and the critical importance of international election observation — thanks to some of my friends in Guyanese politics for the rapid and unexpected education.” Throwing further jabs, Hunt said “I hope that your next lesson will be on how to form a vibrant parliamentary opposition.” While some in the room found this funny, it was no laughing matter for members of the PPP/C who had graced the occasion. On the bright side, the envoy said that he also learned about the warmth, hospitality, goodwill, creativity, dynamism, and tremendous strength of the Guyanese people. Hunt added that he remains confident that such characteristics will continue to move Guyana along the path towards prosperity. The Chief of Mission told those who gathered that “July 4th in the United States represents a very special day in our history. It is a day we celebrate our independence from Great Britain, but it is also a day we celebrate what makes our country great. We, much like Guyana, are a country of immigrants.” He added that the US, like Guyana, has embraced diversity
and both countries view it as strength as opposed to a weakness. “Both of our countries are home to people of different religions, and ethnic backgrounds. We both are proud of how our citizens work together to achieve common goals. In the United States we celebrate “One Nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all,” and in Guyana you speak of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” We both know the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and that is why we work hand-in-hand and walk step-bystep to move forward,” said Hunt. That does not mean, he said, that “we will always get it right. Recently, both of our countries have faced challenges to national unity.” He said that for his country it came in the tragic events that led to racial discord in Ferguson, Baltimore, and New York. For Guyana, it came in the form of ethnically divisive rhetoric on the campaign trail — the wounds from which are still fresh to many in this country. “To our nations’ credit, however, we have emerged stronger from these experiences in no small part due to the vision of our respective senior leaders,”
said Hunt. The Chief of Mission said that US President Barack Obama spoke of the need to strive to heal racial division and embark on a new dialogue on race relations. And Guyana’s President and Prime Minister have eloquently called for national unity and stressed the need for social and ethnic inclusion, while simultaneously demonstrating through their multi-ethnic coalition government that political cooperation in the national interest is possible. “I, and my team at the American Embassy, look forward to continuing to partner with you during this journey. May God continue to bless Guyana, and the United States of America!” Prime Minister Nagamootoo who spoke on behalf of the Guyana Government in the absence of President Granger assured the United States that, “there will be no more feral blasts.” This announcement was met with loud laughter and applause from the gathering, although again, the expressions of PPP/C officials present were far from amused. Nagamootoo said that elections are happily behind Guyana and the new government has embarked on a nationwide cleanup campaign which is one that seeks to get rid of bad governance and lack of accountability. He acknowledged the good work and contributions of the US pointing to the many programmes that have been designed to help Guyana in numerous ways. The Prime Minister also said that Ambassador’s Hardt’s advocacy for Local Government Elections bore fruit as he noted the tabling of the amendment Bill that is designed to pave the way for these elections. Nagamootoo said that Guyana continues to look forward to partnership with the US.
Friday July 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Educational equity between coast and hinterland possible An educational exchange programme between the hinterland and the coast will strengthen the government’s objective of increase educational equity and bridging the regions. Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine affirmed this objective at the Graduation Exercise of the Hinterland Scholarship Programme at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast of Demerara, yesterday. The Hinterland Scholarship Programme is an initiative which spans almost five decades and grants outstanding students in the region the opportunity to study at schools on the coast, with the provision of dorms and allowances. “We want to ensure that any child who transfers from the coast to the hinterland should not have any significant change in their education,” said Minister Roopnaraine. In saying this, he pointed out that the hinterland has benefitted from a “unilateral” relationship where the Coast has seen a “gold standard” in education. However, he explained that this should not be the case as the value of the country’s natural resources increases. In an era where sustainable development in natural resources is critical, Minister Roopnaraine said that traditional knowledge from the hinterland will come at a premium value. Due to the “upsurge” in the value of the hinterland region on the international stage, the Education Minister said he would like to see students from the coast having a similar initiative to the Hinterland Scholarship Programme. To that end, Minister Roopnaraine said that the
- Minister country needs to start looking at scholarship programmes geared towards exceptional coastland students. Such programmes to the hinterland would allow students to study the vast wealth of Guyana’s natural resources. It is time, the Minister said, that the coastland recognises that it has a great deal to learn from the hinterland. Meanwhile, in her address to the graduates, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe agreed that the hinterland can educate the coast and that it was time Guyana recognises that.She further pointed out that it was a day to celebrate the achievements of and the sacrifices made by the 69 beneficiaries of the five-year programme. “Few understand the sacrifices you have made. It’s not easy to leave your parents’ home at such a young age... there is heartache, emotional suffering and dis-attachment,” the Minister said. The Minister pointed out that many students still face humiliation in their transition to the coast. As the two regions share distinctly different cultures, Minister Garrido-Lowe said that many of the students are made to feel ashamed of their home. She however advised that they should embrace their centuries-old culture and be proud of who they are and what they have achieved. As the students move forward in life, she said that the “hurdles” they have faced in their secondary education has prepared them for the world. “For those of you who have completed the five years and are going on to either technical or tertiary levels,
A section of the audience at the graduation exercise you are conquering those hurdles, like how countless others have conquered the discriminations in times before,” said the Minister. The Government’s agenda will be to establish technical and agricultural institutes in Region One, Seven, Eight and Nine to the benefit of Indigenous persons who wish to further their education in those regions. By establishing such institutes, inhabitants of the region will be better equipped to sustainably develop their communities in areas like the demarcation of traditional lands. In her closing remarks, the Minister challenged the graduates to take up a project in their respective communities; projects which will benefit the region and put into practice the valuable skills they have learnt in their five years of secondary study. Additionally, Minister Garrido-Lowe vowed to repair the road leading to the Hinterland Scholarship dormitories with the help of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.
A graduate of the Hinterland Scholarship Programme receives her certificate from Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine
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Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2015
NY assemblywoman describes Food vendor denies torching Ed Ahmad as shady broker Coglan Dam house New York (New York Daily News) - A Westchester assemblywoman testified Wednesday that she felt State Sen. John Sampson misled her about his ties to a shady broker seeking help from Albany to expand his real estate business. Shelley Mayer (DYonkers) was senior counsel to the Senate Democrat Conference in 2011 when Sampson asked her to help his friend, Ed Ahmad, obtain more foreclosure work as part of an initiative to boost the participation of minorities and women in the process. “I had an uncomfortable feeling about Ed Ahmad and wanted to check him out,” Mayer said in Brooklyn Federal Court where Sampson is on trial for obstructing an FBI probe. “I found a document on the (state) Department of State web site that his (Ahmad’s) license had been revoked,” she said. More disturbing, Mayer discovered that an attorney from Sampson’s private law firm was representing Ahmad in the matter. “I was uncomfortable with the fact that Ed Ahmad appeared to be a client of Sen.
Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer (D-Yonkers) Sampson’s firm and not just a constituent. I understood them to have a lawyer-client relationship which was different than what I had been led to believe.” Federal prosecutors contend that Sampson was attempting to do political favours for Ahmad because he could not repay a $188,500 loan that the businessman had given the once-powerful Democrat. Sampson allegedly needed the money to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars he had embezzled from outside legal work.
Ahmad pleaded guilty to mortgage fraud and agreed to be a cooperating witness for the government. Meanwhile, Federal Judge Dora Irizarry, who had previously thrown out the embezzlement charges against Sampson on a legal technicality, dealt his defence team a severe setback Wednesday when she tossed out a document his lawyers produced out of thin air on Tuesday, which they suggested was a handwritten loan agreement between Ahmad and Sampson. Sampson had told the feds during a proffer session that he could not locate any documents relating to the $188,500 loan and Ahmad had no recollection of ever writing it. The judge said she was also striking all of Ahmad’s testimony about the document. “This is totally unfair,” the defence lawyer complained to the judge. “It totally eviscerates our defence.” Sampson stalked out of the courtroom shaking his head. “That’s ridiculous, man,” he fumed.
A Regent Street food vendor has vehemently denied that he was responsible for a fire that destroyed a house at Coglan Dam, West Coast Demerara, on Monday. The man, Youmanram Bissessar, and his present wife Nanda, were recently released from police custody. They both maintained that they were not at home when the fire started and they believe that they are being set up by Bissessar’s ex-wife Kousilla Bhagwandin. Bhagwandin, who had been occupying the house with her two sons for the past five years up to Saturday last when Bissessar moved in with his new wife and their children, stopped short of outwardly accusing her exhusband of burning the house down. She had claimed that she was part owner of the property and that Bissessar had bullied his way back in on Saturday. She had also claimed that she was forced to seek a restraining order hours before the fire started to force Bissessar and his new wife out of the house. She suggested that it was that move that led to the fire. Investigators had detained Bissessar and his new wife after they almost ruled out electricity as the cause of the fire, which reportedly started in the kitchen in the upper flat of the building. But according to Bissessar, the house belonged to him and he questioned, “why would I want to burn down my own house?” He told this newspaper yesterday that the two nights he and his wife spent in the lock-ups were the worse two nights of his life, especially since he was wrongfully accused.
He recounted that after he and Bhagwandin separated five years ago, they both left the Coglan Dam house which they had shared while they were together. Bissessar said he went to live with his new wife at her parents’ property on the East Coast of Demerara while Bissessar went back to her mother’s house. In the meantime, he rented the Coglan Dam house to a couple. According to Bissessar, a few months after the separation, Bhagwandin went to him and told him that she was experiencing difficulties at her mother and needed a place to stay with their two sons. Bissessar said that he reluctantly agreed to have his tenants share the property with his ex-wife, and she eventually moved in, occupying a single bedroom. He said that over time, the tenants became uncomfortable with the arrangement and decided to move out, leaving Bissessar and her children as the sole occupants. She continued to live almost uninhibited for the next few years. The one bad period occurred a few years ago when they ended up before the court after Bissessar threatened her. For that Bissessar was placed on a bond to keep the peace for one year. All went well after that until last week. Bissessar told this newspaper that he too began experiencing difficulties at his in-laws’ property and decided that he had to move. His only other option was to talk to Bhagwandin with a view to having her vacate the property so that he could house his new family. When that arrangement
did not find favour with Bhagwandin, Bissessar resigned to sharing the property with his ex-wife. It was an arrangement that spelt certain disaster. “When I move on Saturday afternoon, she opened up and we went in and we talked. Then she started saying that we can’t live like this, me with two women in one house. She told me if she had done that to me I would not like it. Then she said that there will be problems,” Bissessar recalled. He said that he told his exwife that it was his house and he had rescued her when she needed help. Bhagwandin left and went out, but not before telling her seven-yearold son to turn off the generator. She went to the Vreed- en-Hoop Police Station where she reported what was transpiring. However, she was advised by the police that she should get a restraining order since there was nothing they could do at the time. The rest of the weekend went by without incident. But on Monday, Bissessar went to town to carry out his business, leaving his wife and children in the house. Bhagwandin, meanwhile, went to the court where she made an application for the restraining order. Contrary to earlier reports, the order has not yet been granted. Bissessar said that he was at the Vigilance Police Station attending to a matter when he received a call that his house was on fire. He said that he was shocked when the police informed him that he and his wife would have to spend the night in custody. “The police tell me dat I burn down de house and they locked us up,” Bissessar stated. “She said that the fire started at the back by the kitchen…we never cooked in the kitchen since we go there…she (Bhagwandin) is the only person who used that kitchen,” Bissessar said. After two nights at the Vreed-en-Hoop and Den Amstel lock-ups, the couple was released on Wednesday. “Imagine we went to the police, they did not have to look for us and yet they locked us up for two nights,” Bissessar said. The fire has not only rendered them homeless but penniless also. “We lost everything…not even the food stuff we had was saved,” said his tearful wife Nanda Bissessar. So far the fire department has not been able to determine the cause of the fire.
Friday July 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
ICU rooms, theatre needed to help bolster GPHC’s Burn Care Unit Dr. Shilindra Rajkumar (right) in discussion with Chinese Surgeon, Dr. Ho.
The transformation of two of the six rooms of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Burn Care Unit to cater to critical patients is among the plans to help improve the delivery of care. Although critical burn patients should remain in isolation while hospitalised, this is currently not the case at the GPHC, as they are instead taken to the hospital’s general Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This disclosure was made by head of the facility, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar, who has also recommended the addition of a social area for patients where they can socialise and also exercise as they recover. But the addition of an operating theatre will especially help to improve the efficiency of the unit. Dr Rajkumar says he has already identified an area on the ground level unit that could be converted into a Burn Operating Theatre complete with operating bed, all other necessary equipment and a ventilator. With this in place, patients can be easily moved from their isolated rooms in the unit to the theatre to be operated on. Presently patients in the unit are taken to a flat above the unit to access the theatre. So optimistic is Dr Rajkumar about the realisation of his recommendations for the unit, that a few years ago he prepared a protocol that details the requisite equipment. The protocol was presented to the hospital’s administration. While some of the items have already been acquired, additional supportive care materials are yet to be obtained. “I have made my wish; I just wait for them to come through. Apparently it is going to be happening but I guess finances and other things have to be
considered,” said Dr Rajkumar as he noted that the staff is prepared to work with what it has until “some lucrative donor comes and takes that on.” Dr Rajkumar, a Consultant Surgeon, has an extensive wish list to aid the improved operation of facility, with the ICU rooms and the theatre being labelled of paramount importance. He however noted that a move to augment the current staff capacity could lend to an improved operation. Dr Rajkumar is of the belief that with two more medical officers and about 20 nurses, the staffing need would be at a better place. Currently the facility is staffed by two surgeons, one medical officer and 12 nurses. “It is telling on us because we have to stay around...and we can’t have too much of a social life...So it is quite challenging to run a unit like this,” said Dr Rajkumar. Speaking directly to the importance of the doctors attached to the unit, he disclosed that “as it is now, if one of us is to take leave it
puts unfair stress on the other doctors. I have to be careful when I take leave...I can’t leave during a busy period because it leaves an additional strain and people can get frustrated.” According to him, “we are kind of happy when it isn’t busy as it is right now.” At the time of his disclosure, four patients were admitted in the Unit. Although the facility has a limited six-bed capacity, Dr Rajkumar disclosed that contingency plans are in place should there be need to cater to more patients. According to him once the patients in need of burn care exceed six at one time, the situation will be treated as a “mass casualty.” This therefore means that efforts will be engaged to relocate the least critical patients to other wards and when this tactic is exhausted, attempts will be made to collaborate with private hospitals that can facilitate critical burn patients. “We have never had a cause to go to that extent and hopefully we don’t,” Dr Rajkumar said.
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Govt. provides $20M to cash-strapped Iwokrama The worrying state of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development has caused government to intervene with $20M (US$100,000) to assist the centre in covering certain operational expenses. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon told members of the media on Wednesday at his press conference that Cabinet was briefed on the “very sorry situation” at the centre and was advised that it was unable to even take care of payments for staff. He said that Cabinet, upon representation made by the Minister of Governance and the Minister responsible for protection of the national patrimony, Raphael Trotman, approved the aforementioned amount of funding. It is expected to cover works up to the period ending September 2015. Harmon noted that the state of the centre has caused Cabinet to also approve the appointment of a review committee comprising Trotman as the Chairperson, Major General Joseph Singh and Clayton Hall from the Ministry of the Presidency, the Centre’s Chief Executive Officer, Dane Gobin, and representatives from the University of Guyana and the Ministry of Tourism among others. Harmon outlined that the purpose of the committee will be to review the operations of the Centre and to recommend a way forward for its improvement. The Minister of State said
that the committee has been given clear instructions that it will have to commence work immediately so that decisions can be made in that regard. Harmon noted that while the high profile international board was expected to be raising funds for the Centre to avoid this situation in the first place, he said that the Chairman of the board Dr. Rajendra Pachauri has not been as active as they expected him to be. He noted that Dr. Pachauri is facing some legal challenges in India and seems to have been focused on dealing with those legal matters. He said, too, that Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma had made it clear during his recent visit, that the Commonwealth would not be able to fund anymore of the work of the Iwokrama Centre. “So we have a situation where we have limited funding for the project…a situation where the inflows for the project have been reduced significantly, and therefore this is the reason why we have to review the board itself, and the work that is done there, so that we can actually look at some new models and how best we can utilize the pristine rainforest which is a reserve not only for Guyana, but for the rest of the world,” Harmon articulated.
He said that the Government will definitely be looking at aggressively marketing the rainforest reserve as a tourist destination. According to the Centre’s website, the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development is an international not-for-profit organisation, governed by an International Board of Trustees and managed by a professional team of around seventy permanent staff in Georgetown and at the Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre at Kurupukari. The IIC’s Patron is the Prince of Wales. The Iwokrama International Centre was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest, “in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general”. The Iwokrama forest and its research centre are said to be unique, providing a dedicated site in which to test the concept of a truly sustainable forest – where conservation, environmental balance and economic use can be mutually reinforcing.
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Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2015
“Cricket fanatic” inspired to volunteer by blind cricketers Volunteers, to most if not all Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), are crucial assets. One NGO that benefits from much needed volunteerism and has acknowledged this in recent days is the Guyana Society for the Blind. “We don’t have a paid staff...we are supposed to have a paid staff but we don’t; it is all volunteers here,” said President of the Society, Mr Cecil Morris, during a recent interview with this publication. Among the permanent volunteers at the Society is Ms Theresa Pemberton. During a recent visit by Kaieteur News to the 44, High Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown facility, a smiling Pemberton was seen eagerly “taking care of business.”
Volunteering at the Blind Society for her started about a decade ago. Pemberton who describes herself as a “cricket fanatic” recalled that it all stemmed from her involvement in the local cricketing arena. “I was very much involved in conventional cricket and through that, I was introduced to blind cricket in 2005, and since then I have never looked back,” Pemberton reflected. According to her, she was inspired by the blind cricketers. “I have seen them move from being furniture in their homes to advocates for blind cricket...and not only for blind persons here, but advocates for people with disabilities internationally. They just keep getting better and
better.” Pemberton anxiously related how she was further inspired when she saw the blind students pursuing studies in order to undertake the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC)-administered examinations. The Blind Society has, for the past few years, facilitated CXC classes in the areas of English, Social Studies, Human and Social Biology, Office Administration and Principles of Business for blind and visually impaired students who sit the identical exams as their counterparts who have their sight. “When you see things like that happening around you, all you want to do is give more and more.” It is therefore Pemberton’s expressed hope that other members of the public and the Government, too, would “give to them as I give to them. I give my all because they make me proud and I know they can make Guyana proud if we give them the support they are looking for.” But according to the President of the Society, “Ms Terry (Pemberton) is an exceptional person...” Morris emphasised this even as he noted that while a number of persons volunteer from time
to time, not all of them are prepared for the task at hand. For this reason he said that “we ask people when they come to volunteer...don’t come with an attitude. Don’t think that you know it. You come with an open heart and open mind to the kind of things that are happening in the Society so that you can ‘suck it up’ and understand what we are doing and what we are trying to achieve.” He cautions volunteers desirous of working at the Society to “don’t come putting us in a category, because somehow or the other when you put us in a category, it is never going to be the category that we are in that you want to put us in.” According to him, regardless of what plans are envisaged for the Society, it is imperative that “we be a part of the decision-making process when anything is happening for us....that is the only way we can get the best out of persons.” He reiterated that once volunteers have an open mind and are prepared to learn, then the Society will remain on an ever-evolving path.
Volunteer at the Guyana Blind Society, Ms Theresa Pemberton
Mentally-ill patient damages... (From page 6) home. Kaieteur News understands that Nelson, armed with a cutlass, chased a woman who was holding her young baby down the road, leaving his mother with no other choice but to call for assistance from the police to take him to the hospital. Yesterday when Kaieteur News visited the GPHC, Nelson was handcuffed and in shackles, and surrounded by police ranks. Staffers of the health institute were seen peering down from the corridors while visitors and other patients looked on as the man sat on a bench following the ‘drama’. Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, Nelson’s mother expressed disgust at the manner in which her son was treated. She explained that he has been suffering from mental illness for close to ten years and has been a patient at the institution since his illness was diagnosed. However, she said “every time my son comes here dem always running.”
This was reportedly the case yesterday when the patient arrived. Kaieteur News understands that Nelson was pleading for a particular doctor who has been treating him, to administer his treatment. However, according to his mother, the doctor remained locked behind a door while police ranks and a social worker tried to calm down the agitated patient. The mother speculated that this might have triggered her son’s violent outburst at the hospital. “He stripped off his clothes and start peeing on the people floor… then he ran out naked skin.” It was then that the cops who were still in the vicinity of the hospital were once again summoned to intervene. By the time they managed to restrain Nelson, three windscreens were already bashed in by the patient and a gunshot was fired into the air as a warning. The ranks were able to subdue the man, and the doctor who is said to have been
treating him came out of his locked room and ordered the treatment which was then administered. The patient was later escorted to the National Psychiatric Hospital in Berbice. The Chief Safety Officer of GPHC, Mr. Mark Lewis, told Kaieteur News that “the psychiatric ward has a security contracted, but there wasn’t a proper hand over by the police rank, given the degree by which he was brought in… Often times we ask that proper protocol be done.” Lewis further lamented, “This patient should have been restrained in a proper manner. Hence the psychiatric department would administer proper care”. A comprehensive report is expected to be given to the Administration of the GPHC, according to Lewis. With regards to security measures at the institution, the CEO, Mr. Michael Khan, said that there will be a review of the measures. In fact he said that today a meeting will be held to address the issue. “It is sad that the incident took place,” Mr. Khan lamented, as he further opined that the incident could have concluded shortly, had the ranks fired the warning shot in the early stages. Khan emphasised that even the police had a hard time controlling the disturbed man; hence it would have been even harder for the hospital staff to restrain him.
Friday July 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Prosecution makes closing... (From page 7) accused in the house and they made efforts to keep her away from the premises. The Prosecutor recapped also that the witness had heard screams and when she checked the doors of the house, they were locked. The court heard that it was then that Tyndall pushed out his head and told the young girl that her grandmother instructed that she go and make a purchase at a nearby shop. When she returned and was let in the house, she saw blood on Tyndall’s foot and body. The State Prosecutor said the little girl ran in the house and called out for her grandmother but did not see anything. She said at the time the wardrobe was turned backwards. “There was something in that wardrobe and it certainly wasn’t Nick,” the Prosecutor said alluding to the defence led by the accused that his friend had hidden in the wardrobe to avoid his aunt seeing him in the house. O’Neil and Hope were cleaning the floor with soap water, the court heard. “All of a sudden they became clean freaks?” the Prosecutor asked. She highlighted that it
was not the Prosecution’s case that the incident took 25 minutes. She contended that Forrester was killed, placed in the wardrobe and the men cleaned up the floor in a total of 35 minutes – the total time the young Semple was away from the house. Kaulesar also took to task the claims of the accused to inquiring relatives that his aunt had ventured to Trinidad. “Why are you lying about her going on a trip? The only trip she (Forrester) took that night was to the Great Beyond. She never went anywhere.” She urged the jurors to believe Semple’s story, since she had no reason to lie. Injuries to the neck, evidence of being struck to the head and choked, and a Government Pathologist who surmised that the said mortar stick could have inflicted the wounds he found on the woman’s body years ago were some of the things the Prosecutor brought to the attention of the jurors. She said that blood was found on the cloth and mortar stick and she asked the jurors to believe that the blood on the items belonged to Forrester. She recapped that Forrester’s head had gashes in two places. “This case was nothing but a gruesome killing. They
burst her head, sat on her, choked her and to add insult to injury they wrapped her up and put her in a septic tank – a structure built to hold human waste. Their own aunt,” the Prosecutor said. Concluding, Kaulesar asked the jurors to consider that the victim was left alone with the two accused that fateful night and the little girl heard screams in the vicinity of the home. Kaulesar said the then 12year-old went to the shop, but when she returned she was not let in the house. Eventually, she was let in and she saw blood on the accused, blood on the mattress, - the blood she said came from the “burst head” the woman sustained. Hope, she reminded, lied about Forrester being in Trinidad, but the piece of wood tested positive for blood. She contended that Hope and Tyndall never left the house that night because when the star witness returned they were there. She urged the jury to find that they had murdered the 56-year-old woman. Madam Justice GeorgeWiltshire is likely to sum up the evidence to the jury today, and then hand the case to them for their consideration and verdict.
Long-awaited US$24million... From page 3 and its food court. During his tour through the mall, Minister Gaskin appeared particularly engaged in the sports department's accessories. Hosting some of the malls more eye-catching items, Sportsmaxx attracted its share of fitness enthusiasts. However, it was clear from everyone's initial reaction that the mall's most impressive shopping department was the Giftland Megastore, with its collection of furniture, clothing, cosmetics, stationery and a plethora of other consumer goods. Despite the store's apparent extravagance, customers were assured that the inexpensive pricing Giftland has been synonymous with will remain. Last evening was the mall's phase one opening, and over 120 concessions are slated to open as operations continue. But while shopping clearly caught the eyes of some, many were also excited to experience the over 1300seat, Caribbean Cinemas Multiplex. The Puerto Rican theatre company has over 400 operations across the Caribbean region, including Trinidad and Tobago. However last night's Guyana opening was the company's first mainland operations in South America. During his address, the
President of Caribbean Cinemas pointed out that his company has found a viable market in Guyana, as the country has a long history in “going to the movies”. For adults movie tickets will be priced at $1100, with children costing $800 while senior citizens will pay $900. For 3D movies, an additional $200 will be added to each respective price listing. Last night the attendees were able to experience the multiplex for free. Screens showings Inside Out and Terminator: Genisys were filled to capacity with equally eager children and their parents, as well as a number of young adults. As the theatres filled with the smell
of melted butter and popcorn, some people were even seen jumping from screen to screen, comparing each movie's quality along the way. While the night progressed and persons waited under terminals to be shuttled to their transportation, it was evident in the praising conversations that the mall satisfied its consumers. Persons regarded the facility as a much needed commodity in Guyana's changing environment. With more to come, last night's sneak peek of the complex is testament of the elevated standard in which Mr. Beepat has been promising for Guyanese since he first thought of the Giftland Mall.
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STARR introduces Guyana to “world’s smallest computer”
President of STARR Computer, Michael Mohan holds the Intel Computer Stick and compares it to different stages and sizes of desktop computers.
Starr Computers yesterday introduced Guyana to the world’s smallest personal computer – a device that can fit in the palm of your hand. At the Company’s Head Office, Brickdam, Georgetown, President of STARR Computer, Michael Mohan, said the Intel Compute Stick PC is truly remarkable with a quad-core processor and a choice of operating systems and an Antivirus Plus for comprehensive protection from Trojans, viruses and spyware. Mohan said the Compute Stick is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connectivity, a USB port to connect peripherals and a micro SD card slot for additional storage. Underscoring that over the past decades computers have shrunk in size, Mohan noted that as the physical attributes changed, key components such as speed, memory, and storage were
exponentially increased. What may become the future of the desktop computer, Mohan emphasized that the computer fits snugly in your pocket and comes fully loaded. “The Intel based computer-on-a-stick features an Intel Quad Core Processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of Storage, Memory card, Bluetooth, Built in Wifi, USB 2.0 port and a Micro SD Card slot. What is exceptional is the computer comes with Windows 8.1 (Upgradeable to Windows 10) and one year’s subscription to McAfee Antivirus.” He expounded. “The fact that the computer is running Windows 8.1 OS, it can be used in Business, Education and for Entertainment.” Mohan, during his demonstration, showed how simple the device was to use. By simply plugging the stick into a Computer Monitor or Television with HDMI your Windows-based computer is up and running similar to any
desktop computer. The highlight of the presentation was having a document print from a Television to an HP Wireless printer. Mohan noted some of the beneficiaries of this inexpensive device are Low Income Families, Students, Small Businesses, and Corporate Employees. STARR Computer has been an Intel Processor Dealer and an Intel Processor Integrator for the past two decades. Mohan said that Lenovo will be officially launching the Compute Stick. STARR Computer is a Lenovo Authorized Business Partner and will be offering the computer and full warranty support to its customers.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Kaieteur News
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We buy land in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm Parfaite Harmonie & elsewhere –Tel: 611-7223, 675-7292 1 Live in general domestic for G/Town, must know to cook, bar worker for interior –Call: 231-0363 (Monday-Friday) 9am-4pm One experienced Head Teacher to oversee setting up of New School details. Email:mozatart@yahoo.com Security guards to work in the interior with mining firm must have military experienced –Contact: 2269768; 642-7963 Single, honest & reliable live in domestic, 35-55yrs - Call: 646-1758 (9am-7pm) 1 Live-in maid must be from country area, age 35-55 years- Contact: 662-1124, 611-0200 One single, honest and reliable live-in maid. Ages 3545 years- Phone: 691-7790 ARMEDSECURITYGUARD WITH EXPERIENCE AND ALSO PORTERS AND FORKLIFT OPERATORS TO WORK IN WAREHOUSE- CALL: 2318344, 231-8529
CAR RENTAL
VACANCY 2 Accounts clerk with Grades 1 & 2 in Maths & English. Apply at Technical Services, Eccles Industrial Site, E.B.D. I N T E R N AT I O N A L EMPLOYMENT: NURSE, TEACHERS,CARPENTERS, ELECTRICIANS, COOK, WAITERS, BELL BOYS, HOUSEKEEPERS, STOREKEEPERS, SECURITIES. CONTACT: 231-6296; 650-9880/ www.plzrecruitme.com 1 Haluer/distribution truck driver to drive hauler & distribution truck, apply to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. 1 Crankshaft grinder and machinist to bore engine block-Apply @ Technical Service -18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles. Cutter/straight stitch/button tack/hole operators. Call: 222-2541 (8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri) Cashier to work in Super betCall: 625-5322 Waitress to live in or out – Contact: 612-2522 2 Dynamic technicians with @ least 5yrs experienced in refrigeration & air condition repair & trouble shooting @ CoolTech Solutions –Tel: 2332008 Supervisor for fast food Restaurant. Send application to 16 Mudlot Kingston or rtilak@adamantiumholdings.com
DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security - Tel: 698-7807 FOR SALE One complete fishing boat. Call: 626-1856 192 Toyota Carina in excellent condition $850,000- Call: 6963787, 229-6870
One Toyota Allion PNN SERIES & 1 new & unregistered Mazda Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 649-0956
Experienced pastry maker, cake decorator, curry cook, cleaners, apply @ Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St. One live-in maid must know to cook, age: 25-45 – Contact: 691-6260
Investors to invest in free land. Conditions apply- Call: 602-6477
PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
Summer Special: In cosmetology, nails, wig design & hair cuttingClasses commence -13 July Tel: 619-7603, 666-5241
Customer Services Representatives for fast food Restaurant. Send application to 16 Mudlot Kingston or rtilak@adamantiumholdings.com ACCOMODATION Aracari Resort –Tel: 264-2946: Rooms from $45USD, double occupancy, fully air conditioned, hot & cold bath, WiFi, breakfast. Harmony Inn: furnished, airconditioned apartment & rooms, suitable for local & overseas guest -$20USD, $30USD, $35USD –Tel: 6680306; 694-7817, 218-1400
VEHICLE FOR SALE Sale on new model Allion, TV Reverse camera, low mileage, Honda Fit - PLL Spacio - PTT Tel: 697-0294 Honda 600 RR, Toyota AT212, AT192, Rush, BB, RZ-Bus Tundra & 150CC motorbike –Tel: 644-5096; 697-1453
VEHICLE FOR SALE One Silver Toyota Premio, 2003 model, PNN series, excellent condition –Tel: 6484259 Toyota Sequoia PKK series, fully loaded, like new -$M – Tel:645-4709, 627-4080 One Toyota Belta Car, PTT series 2008yr -$1.9M negotiable –Call: 649-2535
Nissan Tiida, Hatch Back, PPP series, air-condition, magrims, excellent condition, price negotiable –Tel: 6002170 2005 Toyota Raum with HID, alarm, sound system. $1.7M negotiable- Tel: 659-6932, 6673630 Fantasy Auto Sales: 38 Alexander Street Kitty. Get $100,000 discount on perorders- Tel: 611-1833 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive –price $1.9M negotiable –Tel: 668-8431 Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Spacio, Fielder, Bluebird, Carina 212, ISTCall: 652-3820, 665-4529 First Class Auto in Stock: 09 Allion, 08 Premio, Carina 212, Spacio, Runx, IST, Mark 2, Axio, 06 Premio –Call: 6098188; 638-3045 One pitbull minibus, never used- Call: 220-4181
Friday July 03, 2015
FOR RENT
FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Oceanicvillas air conditioned, apartments/ fridge/stove/washer/dryer/ microwave. Contact Shiv: 678-6887 or email: oceanicvillas@yahoo.ca
Dell desktop & laptop computers from $55,000. Free games & educational software- call FutureTech: 231-2206 600AMPS, 200AMPS, transfer switches, exhaust box 6"-Tel: 627-7835
GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 6750767, 627-5098 One 2 bedroom apartment for rent –Call: 220-6168; 674-1358, 618-1754; 681-1508 Property for rent at #2 Canal Polder- Tel: 613-1860 1-Two bedrooms house in 1st Street Silvertown Linden, light water and telephone – Contact: 609-5546/ 917-6981564 2-Bedrooms house, sensor lighting, cameras, guard hut & parking for working individuals @ Wisroc H/ Scheme Linden- Contact: 609-5546 1 Bottom flat at Winsor Forest road. Immediately 2 bedrooms house. One business (new) W.C.D- Call: 276-0818
EP 82 Starlet, AC 4 Doors, working standard rims, lady driven – good condition $550,000 - Call: 662-5052
1RZ Minibus, fully loaded, USB Deck, A/C, Excellent condition. Price $2.1M negotiable. Phone Andy: 617-9143 or Darius: 660-8160 1 Toyota IST, PNN Series $1.6M negotiable –Tel: 6915804 2008 Fielder -$2.5M, 2004 Spacio -$2M, Carina 212 $1.9M, all vehicles unregistered –Tel: 617-2891 Allion PRR, 42,000KM, alarm, reverse camera, 17" rims, DVD deck, HID, music, hardly used -$1.850M – Contact: 616-3566 AE100 Toyota Corolla PHH 7796 – Call: 670-1395 1 new model, Toyota Axio for sale – unregistered –Call: 6426079
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 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call:225-9032, 647-2943
Toyota Prado, Price$4.4M Neg. Call: 643-2403 One Toyota Celica convertible customizes (high performance set up). One Toyota Ipsum (new model) going cheap. Contact: 629-5414 1 Mazda Axela, PNN Series, Flair Kit, 17" mags, etc, price negotiable –Tel:616-9081
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: 696-1439; 6023906 Canter Truck 2 Ton, Mitsubishi, GLL series $1.9M –Call: 223-6236
EDUCATION Summer Kids; computer classes, ages 5-16 @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop –Tel: 264-3057 Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 13thAugust 13th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:2182076; 619-4355 Earn a Diploma in computers, 9 courses @ Micrographics, Vreed-EnHoop –Tel: 264-3057 Institute of Academic Excellence- registration commenced for our Secondary school (forms 15), lessons & adults CXC classes- Tel: 683-5742 Summer classes. Congratulations to my top student Aselah Najah, 518 (Queens College). CXC classes, Phonics, ComputerCall: 690-5008, 619-7911, 6577398
Pure breed German shepherd puppies - Contact: 615-0513 (afternoons) 40ft Banga boat, complete with 350lb net, 3000lb ice b o x , 4 0 H P Ya m a h a Tel:668-6624, Jack: 6728939 SONY PSVITA ONLY $40,000- CALL MAX: 6098132, 672-8569 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, 6155343 Last of the registered pure breed Rottweiler (vaccinated)- Tel: 231-5902, 227-2958 Imported huskies, cocker spaniel, British Bulldogs and German ShepherdCall or whatsapp: 664-5401 Continued on page 31
Friday July 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Letters... Where your views make the news
Magnanimity and an apolitical approach will be needed DEAR EDITOR, There is no other country in the world that has a Ministry (or Minister) of Social Cohesion. And maybe that is so because there is no other country in the world, with so few people, which has this level of social disharmony, necessitating the creation of Ministry of Social Cohesion. President Granger in his wisdom has gone out on a limb to create a Ministry purely on the notion that common sense will prevail and the Ministry will bear fruits and that somehow, sometime, at least before the next general elections, there will be some semblance of national cohesion. What is missing and what will cause the subject Minister, Mrs. Amna Ali, many sleepless nights, is putting her finger on the major causative factor/s for the lack of our social cohesion. Is it political? Is it religious? Is it financial? Is it racial? And is it real, or is it perceived? Then the additional challenge the Minister will have is in selecting her inner core of advisors and technical personnel to begin the arduous task of fostering the cohesion. If she makes any mistakes in the selection and formation of her team, there will be some who will feel ostracized and will want no part of anything cohesive. So she has to select folks, some
of whom she knows quite well still harbor diametrically opposed views to hers and that of her Government. Yet she has to select them; for there could be no real cohesion without first resolving conflicts. And you cannot resolve conflict without calling all the opposing sides to the table. I remember when I was employed by the South Bend School Corporation (South Bend, IN) as a Family and Community Specialist. I was paid by the School Corporation but I had to be objective in my role, even to the detriment of my employees. If the child had a valid complaint against the school system, my job and my ethics dictated that I represent the interest of the child. For the Social Cohesion Ministry to be effective, Minister Ali will have to assume such a role. She will have to be prepared to deal with the very real possibility that some of her decisions will run counter to the wishes and agendas of her Party. And her colleagues must be made to understand this. All Guyanese must be made to feel like they have a stake in the work of this new found Ministry. For indeed, if the Ministry caters only to the whims and wishes of the 205,000 of ‘us’, but slights and disdains the desires of the 200,000 of ‘them’, how then can we say that we are cohesive? So the very delicate, balancing, unenviable
task the Minister has is to deliberately and formerly reach out to those whom she knows are opposed to her ideologically, yet who are needed to make the discussion a more than symbolic one. And when once she sits with ‘the other side’, she will have to take off herAPNU+AFC hat and put on a Guyanese fedora. For the work of Social Cohesion transcends party affiliation and partisan creeds. If realities of Minister Ali’s agenda do not cause her to simultaneously please and aggravate both sides of the parliamentary aisles, she will not be doing what it really takes to foster the agenda that her inaugural office dictates. Minister Ali, therefore, has to be magnanimous. She has to be almost apolitical. So as to really begin the work of healing this divided nation, the role she is called to play is almost like that of a political, religious and ethnic ombudsman. Having left her office, no one must be made to feel that they did not receive satisfaction because of any ascribed, or accented to, identity. But I remain optimistic, for I believe that resident in our pledge is the antidote of any unfounded, protracted, disunity and divergence. To me, “One people. One nation. One destiny” suggests that with some work, we can move to another level. There are some who for economic and political
reasons will try their level best to frustrate this cohesive agenda. However, with a clear, unbiased schema on the part of the Ministry, sufficient opportunity will be given to the naysayers for them to hang themselves. If done right, Guyana, with its six races, could become a template and a cookie-cutter pattern on how to heal national d i v i s i v e n e s s . We h a v e been blessed both with the problem and the possible solutions of a multi racial, multi religious, multi political, national construct. As a nation we could be the primus inter pares (first among equals): ours is the opportunity of becoming an international model, if we are able to pull this one off. Let me hasten, therefore, to take this opportunity to thank Minister Amana Ali for accepting the challenge of this new portfolio. I would also like to thank President Granger for his foresight in envisioning this need. And I pray that the magnanimity of this Ministry fosters the needed harmony and cohesion now absent in this our, dear land of Guyana. Wendell Jeffrey, Pastor Urban Ministries Project, Coordinator Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Public Relations Officer, Inter Religious Organization (IRO)
DEAR EDITOR, A letter under the name Edmund Syfox was published in the Kaieteur News on Sunday, June 28, 2015 seems to hit the proverbial nail on the head. Mr. Syfox argues quite convincingly that the PPP knew fully well quite early in the game that they had lost the May 11 elections, and that was why some of them involved themselves in the immoral transfer of State assets. However, that extremely credible assertion has other logistical sequences. For example, if by the Monday night of May 11 or latest by Tuesday morning/midday May 12 the PPP knew the results expressing their loss, then it would be the right time
to begin deconstructing GECOM’s credibility. What better way than to willingly and iniquitously introduce false Statements of Poll (SoPs)? By whom? We may never find the answer to that. Who would ever think in the remotest consideration of elections perpetrations that such wickedness would be carried out? Only Party loyalists and diehard fanatics would attempt such vicious immorality. Or it could be those who are afraid that they could lose their well-paid positions on the Commission itself. After all, they would have the motive and the opportunity. And further, before and after the May 11 elections, PPP Commissioners have publicly and covertly
behaved in a most blatantly partisan way. The miscreants must have known that the GECOM system would identify the fake Statements of Poll. Two Statements of Poll would not arrive with the same Ballot Box number and not be investigated. The fake Statements of Poll would also not have the security features and therefore would never be entered in the system and be counted. GECOM has
explained this over and over. That leaves us with the motive being not to change numbers associated with the Final Count. Rather solely to throw in doubt and consciously confuse the management of the election. And the PPP continues to shamelessly pursue this and other evils, which harms the cohesion of this nation. Shame on you! K. Williams
reasoning behind the decision. All courts and constitutions around the globe adhere to a principle of rights and freedoms including to fairly choose a government. Guyana’s is not different.
follow a similar trend as obtained abroad to hear an election petition and render a fair verdict that does not violate the right of any voter or candidate or render anyone less equal. Vishnu Bisram
From page 30
PROPERTY FOR SALE 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, We s t Coast Demerara- Contact: 6218386 (Brodo) Two executive houses in gated compound at Oceanicvillas -$58M eachTel Shiv: 600-6681 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
LAND FOR SALE Land situated at Duke Street Hague, W.C.D. opposite masjid- Tel: 269-1385, 6006477 Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M, Tuschen -$1.6M, Herstelling -$4M, Linden/Soesdyke Highway (30acres) -$9M – Tel:675-7292; 611-7223 Land @ Parfaite Harmonie & Tuschen -$1.5M each, house & land @ Belle West –Call: 604-6724 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 Friendship public road (riverview). Parika water front property on 4 acres land. Serious inquires – Call: 6297611, 227-0016 144x37.4 FT house lot available at Webster Avenue, Buxton. $2.6M negotiableCall: 696-8391
Only Party loyalists and diehard fanatics would attempt such vicious immorality
Court has Jurisdiction... The court in Guyana can From page 5
TO LET LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Eccles apartment with cable internet, AC etc.- Call: 2333974 1-2 Bedroom concrete bottom flat young couple preferably @ 8 Charles Street/ Charlestown (3rd building in the yard) -$35,000 monthly – Tel: 616-0126 3 Bedrooms bottom flat situated @ ECD, fully fenced, grilled & meshed. Large bedrooms, kitchen & bathroom, parking optional. Contact: 234-1330; 652-4304 FOR OVERSEAS VISTORSFULLY FURNISHED 2 B E D R O O M S APARTMENT @ ECCLES. FRIDGE, STOVE, MICROWAVE ETC. US$40 DAILY- CALL MAX: 6098132, 672-8569 Upper flat three bedrooms apartment located in Pere Street Kitty- Call: 642-0325 One 2 bedrooms flat housePlease call: 265-3616, 643-0782
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Friday July 03, 2015
Friday July 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 33
Bound body in septic tank at C/Ville…
Prosecution makes closing arguments, Judge likely to sum up today Calling the case one of betrayal, lies and coldblooded murder, a prosecutor yesterday painted a rather grim picture of what transpired the night, seven years ago, that 56-year-old Colleen Wharton-Forrester lost her life. As she stood for nearly two hours in an extremely silent courtroom presenting closing arguments to an attentive jury, State Prosecutor, Attorney-at-Law Diana Kaulesar told of how the woman was strangled and beaten to death with a pestle before being bound and tossed into a septic tank. Forrester went missing on December 27, 2007, and it wasn’t until January 6, 2008 that her decomposing body was recovered from a septic tank. According to the prosecutor, evidence pointed out that it was her nephew, Anthony De Paul Hope, called ‘Papa’, 27, of ‘C’ Field Sophia and his friend Ralph Tyndall, 28, called Nick of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, who committed the act. The two are currently being tried for murder before Madame Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire and a 12member mixed jury. Forrester was last seen at her brother’s house at Lot 55 William Street, Campbellville, on December 27, 2007 and on January 6, 2008, her body was found by police ranks; her ankles were bound and her body wrapped in sheets
The two men accused of the 2007 murder
before it was stashed in the septic tank, located in the yard of that address. Her nephew (Hope) and his friends, Tyndall and Kevin O’Neil were accused of the heinous crime. They have since pleaded not guilty to the crime and O’Neil of Seaforth
Street, Campbellville, has since been acquitted. O’Neil’s attorney, George Thomas was able to convince the judge that the presence of the accused at the time of the crime was more in the capacity of a spectator rather than a participant. But the
Boko Haram guns down 97 people praying in mosques in Nigeria MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) — Boko Haram extremists gunned down nearly 100 Muslims praying in mosques in a northeast Nigerian town during the holy month of Ramadan, a government official and a self-defense fighter said Thursday. The attack Wednesday night on the town of Kukawa came the day after the Islamic extremist group attacked a village 35 kilometers (22 miles) away and killed another 48 men and boys, according to witnesses who counted the dead. The people of Kukawa were in several mosques, praying ahead of breaking their daylong fast, when the extremists attacked. They killed 97 people, mainly men, said selfdefense spokesman Abbas Gava and a senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to give information to reporters. Gava said his group’s fighters in Kukawa said some militants also broke into people’s homes, killing women and children as they prepared the evening meal. Kukawa is 180 kilometers (110 miles) northeast of Maiduguri, the biggest city in northeast Nigeria and the birthplace of Boko
Haram. Nigeria’s homegrown extremist group often defiles mosques where it believes clerics espouse too moderate a form of Islam. Wednesday’s attack follows a directive from the Islamic State group for fighters to increase attacks during Ramadan. Boko Haram this year became the IS group’s West African franchise. On Tuesday night, the extremists invaded the village of Mussaram, ordered men and women to separate and then opened fire on the men and boys, witnesses said. “A total of 48 males died on the spot while 17 others escaped with serious injuries,” said Maidugu Bida, a self-defense official? based in nearby Monguno who helped bury the dead. On Monday, two suicide bombers blew themselves up prematurely in a village outside Maiduguri just an hour before the arrival of Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo. He visited some of the hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the 5-year-old Islamic uprising that has killed more than 13,000 people and driven 1.5 million from their homes. Some of those killed in attacks in the past month had only just returned to rebuild towns and villages recaptured this year from Boko Haram by a multinational army.
State intends to appeal the acquittal. O’ Neil has since been released on his own recognizance. Thus far, Tyndall has essentially blamed Hope for the murder. But Hope, in his defence related to the court that the last time he saw his aunt alive was on the night of December 26, 2007. Currently Attorneys-atLaw, Madan Kissoon and Melville Duke are providing legal representation to the accused persons while State Prosecutors Stacey Goodings and Diana Kaulesar presented the State’s case against the accused. The defence has been arguing that there was no eyewitness, no fingerprints, no blood samples and no motive or reason for the two to murder Forrester. But as the Prosecution rose for closing arguments yesterday, Kaulesar held that the case was one of betrayal, lies and cold-blooded murder. She said that Hope, unbeknownst to the victim’s brother, had been allowed to stay in the man’s premises. It had been a typical case of “magga dog turn round and bite yuh,” she said. The woman ended up being murdered by her very own nephew and his high school friends, the court heard. The Prosecutor asked the jury to rely on the oral confession of the number one accused who said “It’s not me, is Papa (Hope) lash she.” She said in his written statement he had said he conveniently admitted parts and embellished others. Tyndall, she said, had not mentioned having any cut or
DEAD: Colleen Wharton-Forrester blood on his foot in the written statement. This came out in the star witness Nikita Semple’s statement, she pointed out. Semple had been 12 years old at the time, and had returned home with her grandmother. She previously testified that she saw the three men were in the house. Yesterday, Kaulesar said Tyndall claimed he had gone home, but questioned why he attempted to explain the blood. She contended that the star witness would not have seen him had he truly gone home. Kaulesar appealed to the jury to see that Tyndall’s defence was one riddled with lies. The State Prosecutor pleaded with the 12 jurors to discredit the defence the two led, as she made a stirring appeal for them to accept the prosecution’s case. She told them that there is no need for eyewitnesses
and went to great lengths to explain that circumstantial evidence, which has been accepted for years, can suffice for a conviction. The State Prosecutor spoke at length, too, on the effect points-of-view and perception may have on how stories are presented in court. The State attorney said that everyone relates stories in their unique way and there will be inconsistencies. “You are the ones who determine what you believe to be true and what you believe to be lies,” Kaulesar charged the jurors. She urged them to consider too that the crime had occurred between December 2007 and January 2008; so the time allows for lapses in memory. She reminded however, the star witness Nikita Semple, the victim’s granddaughter who was 12 at the time, had seen both (Continued on page 29)
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Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2015
U.N. says Burundi did not hold fair election, human rights violated Burundi’s parliamentary elections on Monday were not fair or free and human rights were violated, the United Nations said on Thursday. In Washington, the State Department said the United States suspended several security assistance programs it had with Burundi. Burundi has been locked in its worst political crisis since its civil war ended a decade ago, with protests erupting in late April against President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid to seek a third term in office. Dozens have been killed. The opposition boycotted the parliamentary election on Monday. A presidential vote is scheduled for July 15 and the UN and others have called for it to be postponed. Opponents say the president’s attempt to stand again violates the constitution. U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said the preliminary conclusion of the U.N. electoral observer mission in Burundi was that “the overall
environment was not conducive for free, credible and inclusive elections.” “Episodes of violence and explosions preceded and in some cases accompanied election day activities,” Haq said. “The U.N. mission ... observed media freedom restrictions, violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.” “This includes infringements to the right of the political opposition to campaign freely, extra-judicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and acts of violence committed by armed youth groups aligned with political parties,” he said. U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said the United States urged Nkurunziza “to place the welfare of Burundi’s citizens above his own political ambitions and participate in dialogue with the opposition and civil society to identify a peaceful solution to this deepening crisis.” Kirby said this should include the delay of the July 15 presidential elections until
conditions are in place for free, fair and peaceful elections. “In response to the abuses committed by members of the police during political protests, we are suspending all International Law Enforcement Academy and Anti-Terrorism Assistance training that we provide to Burundian law enforcement agencies,” Kirby said in a statement. At least six people, including one policeman, were killed in Burundi’s capital on Wednesday, witnesses and a police spokesman said. About 140,000 people have fled the country, stoking concern in a region with a history of ethnic conflict, particularly in Rwanda, where 800,000 people were killed in 1994. New Zealand’s U.N. Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen, president of the U.N. Security Council for July, said the 15-member body expressed concern “that the minimum conditions for free, fair, transparent and credible elections were not met.”
Air strike kills IS leader in Syria Washington (AFP) - A senior Islamic State leader who coordinated suicide bombings and recruited funds and fighters for the jihadists has been killed in a coalition air strike in Syria, the Pentagon said Thursday. Tariq bin Tahar al-Awni al-Harzi was killed in the northern city of Shaddadi on June 16, Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said in a statement. His brother Ali, an IS recruiter and person of interest in the 2012 Benghazi attack, was killed by an air strike in Iraq a day earlier. Washington had put a $3-
million bounty on the head of Harzi, a 33-year-old Tunisian, and described him in the past as the IS group’s “emir of suicide bombers.” As of late 2013, Harzi was a key figure in suicide and car bombings in Iraq, the US says. The Pentagon said his killing was a significant blow to the Islamic State group. “His death will impact ISIL’s ability to integrate foreign terrorist fighters into the Syrian and Iraqi fight as well as to move people and equipment across the border between Syria and Iraq,” Davis said, using an alternative
acronym for the group. The Pentagon said Harzi was also “responsible for moving people and material into Syria and Iraq” and also raised funds to recruit fighters and facilitate travel. In addition, he supported the Islamic State group by procuring and shipping weapons from Libya to Syria, where the militants have taken large swathes of territory. He also worked to help raise funds from Gulf-based donors for the Islamic State group, the United States says, including about $2 million from a Qatar-based facilitator.
Friday July 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Govt. signs MOU with UN Women
United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon (left) and Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite during yesterday morning’s signing ceremony. (Picture by Sandy Pitt.) Daily Nation - The Government of Barbados yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with UN Women - the United Nations organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. The MOU seeks to
improve the administration of justice by strengthening the resources of the Royal Barbados Police Force and law courts to effectively respond to cases of violence against women. It is also aimed at raising public awareness about the protection offered to
Cabinet seizes payment to contractors linked to fencing scandal Daily Observer Government spokesman, Lionel Max Hurst says the Cabinet is going after contractors associated with the 40 million dollar fencing scandal. The alleged wrong doing dates back to 2007 and 2009 when the then United Progressive Party administration commissioned several contractors to build fences and sporting facilities across the country. Hurst
individuals who face genderbased violence, including violence at home. The signing at UN House this afternoon was witnessed by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who is in Barbados to attend the CARICOM Heads of Government conference.
Lionel Max Hurst
says the Cabinet has ordered that no more money be paid to the contractors. “They submitted vouchers to the treasury some of which were being paid. The Cabinet has ordered that those vouchers not be paid so that they can do the the investigations and turn whatever materials they have over to the Law.” He says. When it was in opposition the Antigua and Barbuda
Labour Party mounted a march to force then Prime Minister Gaston Browne to set up a commission of inquiry into the fencing scandal. There was no commission of inquiry but an investigation by a committee found that although some contractors overcharged for works there was no evidence to suggest that funds were misappropriated.
U.S., Cuba agree on staffing, diplomatic travel, access to embassy WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior State Department official said on Wednesday agreement had been reached with Cuba on embassy staffing levels and travel of U.S. diplomats outside Havana. The official, speaking after U.S. President Barack Obama announced that the United States and Cuba would open embassies in
each other’s countries, said the American embassy would operate like others in restrictive environments. “We are satisfied with the conditions agreed to, including access to diplomatic facilities, travel of diplomats and the level of staffing,” the official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
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Woods fires lowest round of Contador has the crucial edge: season at Greenbrier Classic Tiger Woods capped his lowest PGA Tour round of the season with a trio of birdies to leave him four shots off the early lead at the Greenbrier Classic on yesterday. Woods, who has struggled for form all season, mixed seven birdies with a bogey and double-bogey for an opening-round fourunder 66 on Greenbrier’s Old White Course in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Coming off a missed cut at last month’s U.S. Open, Woods hit 10 of 14 fairways and needed only 25 putts to sit four shots back of clubhouse leader Scott Langley. The former world number one, who started on the back nine, got off to a fast start with birdies on three of his first seven holes before giving a stroke back on his eighth hole of the day, the par-five 17th, to make the turn at two under. He grabbed another stroke at the par-four second hole and looked to be heading home smoothly until running into trouble at the parfour sixth where he left his approach in the bunker and went on to card a double-bogey. But Woods responded in splendid fashion with birdies on the next three holes. Defending
Yates
Alberto Contador
Tiger Woods on the 16th green at The Old White TPC. Bob DonnanUSA TODAY Sports champion Angel Cabrera was among the late starters and was one-under after his first hole. (Reuters)
Friday July 03, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Social events may lead to a romantic interlude. Pleasure trips will bring you into contact with new and interesting people.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) You can get into weight loss programs or go out and change your image with a new look in clothing, hairstyle, and attitude.
TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Problems with inlaws or relatives may be more damaging than you realize. If you've been under stress and worrying about older members of the family, it's time to come to terms with the situation.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Your ability to be a self starter will help get things done and motivate others. Someone you work with could try to undermine you.
GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) Don't invest too much of your own money. Problems with peers is apparent. You need adventure and excitement in your life. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Be careful not to consume too many spicy foods, or minor health problems could put you out of commission for the day. Travel for business or pleasure. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Real estate investments could be prosperous. Trips will be more than adventurous. Don't let your jealous imagination play games with you. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Refrain from using the highway as a racetrack. You will be appreciated for the competence you exhibit and for taking on responsibilities. You can get into self awareness groups or look into physical enhancement programs.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Finish those changes you've been talking about making to your residence. Do things with your children and avoid situations that make you feel as if you've neglected the ones you love. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You can make money if you concentrate on producing services that will make domestic chores easier. You might find it difficult to control your emotions. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Your disciplined attention to jobs will enhance your position. Discover opportunities based on the individuals you mingle with today. You might find group functions tiring. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) False information from someone trying to start problems is likely. Think twice before you pursue an unrealistic endeavor. Don't tell others of your plans.
Sean Yates knows a thing or two about leading a rider to the Tour de France title and the Briton feels his protege Alberto Contador has the required experience to prevail in a demanding race this year. Ya t e s , w h o g u i d e d Bradley Wiggins to his Tour triumph in 2012, left the sport that year but he is now Contador ’s sports director at Tinkoff-Saxo. The Englishman believes Contador has what the other big favorite do not have experience he can take confidence from. “He’s got history on his side, he’s won more grand tours than all the others combined. Experience is a major part,” Yates told Reuters at his team hotel yesterday. Yates was Contador ’s sports director at Discovery Channel the year the Spaniard won his maiden tour in 2007 and directed Froome in 2012 when the Briton finished second in the Tour. He reiterated that Contador was an all-rounder who never gives up, the seven-times grand tour winner having won many races in which most had written him off. “We’ve seen a number of times, it’s never over with Alberto even when people think it’s over,” he said. The Giro/Tour double challenge Contador is aiming for this year, however, has not been achieved since 1998 and this season’s Giro was a punishing race. “It’s more a mental challenge,” Yates said. One thing for sure, however, is that Contador will be in the mix. “Pretty much every race Alberto does he wins or at least he finishes top five,” Yates added. Since Contador won the Tour in 2007, he has only finished three times outside the top five in a stage race he completed. “He’s always there. The other riders are great but they’re nowhere near the palmares Alberto’s got. He takes his opportunities, he’s
an all-round bike rider. “Alberto’s got the edge in that he’s more experienced,” Yates added of the 32-yearold. One of his main rivals will be Froome, like Contador back on the Tour after crashing out last year. Both raced the Vuelta afterwards and Contador won with Team Sky’s Froome ending up second overall. “In 2013 he was flying, last year it just all went pear-
shaped; this year he’s won the Dauphine but he’s been up and down again so in my opinion he has to re-confirm that he’s a grand tour winner and a grand tour great rider,” said Yates. “Achievement-wise he’s a long long way behind Alberto and even (defending champion Vincenzo) Nibali. From what I’ve seen this year he’s not at the level he was in 2013.” (Reuters)
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United States asks Swiss to extradite seven in FIFA inquiry The United States has asked Switzerland to extradite seven FIFA officials arrested in an investigation into a global bribery scandal at soccer’s governing body, the Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) said yesterday. The move marks the start of a legal process expected to last several months during which the officials, who have been in jail since their detention on U.S. arrest warrants in May, will either keep fighting extradition to the United States or agree to go. The arrests of the seven, including two then-members of FIFA’s executive committee, took place in a raid on a luxury Zurich hotel on May 27, two days before FIFA’s annual congress, pitching the organization into turmoil. U.S. prosecutors say their investigation - which is running parallel to a separate Swiss inquiry - exposes complex money laundering schemes, millions of dollars in untaxed incomes and tens of millions in offshore accounts held by FIFA officials. The seven were among 14 people charged in cases involving more than $150 million in bribes over a period of 24 years. Those being held in Switzerland include Jeffrey Webb, the former president
of FIFA’s Americas confederation CONCACAF, and Eugenio Figueredo, who sat on the executive committee at the time of their arrest. The FOJ said it would rule on the extradition requests within a few weeks, based on statutory hearings and the responses of the FIFA officials. Edward O’Callaghan, a New York-based lawyer representing Webb, declined to comment on the extradition request and a lawyer for Figueredo did not respond to requests for comment. The U.S. Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Under a bilateral treaty, U.S. authorities had up to 40 days to file an extradition request by July 3. All seven of the officials had previously said they would contest extradition. Proceedings under the treaty are relatively straightforward, even if the defendants have the right to appeal along the way, legal experts say. If the FOJ orders extraditions, defendants may appeal to Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona. The detainees were provisionally banned by FIFA’s own ethics committee following the arrests. FIFA has said that it is cooperating
The current and former FIFA Executives indicted include Rafael Esquivel, Nicolas Leoz, Jeffrey Webb, Jack Warner, Eduardo Li, Eugenio Figueredo and Jose Maria Marin. with the investigation. A Swiss court last month rejected one official’s request to be released on bail, citing the risk he might flee. Rafael Esquivel, 68, the former head of the Venezuelan Football Association, is
among the seven FIFA executives held since the Zurich arrests. At a news conference on Thursday, the interim head of the association said Esquivel’s lawyers had received the extradition request on Wednesday and were already
moving to block it. “The lawyers are going to try to seek that the Swiss tribunal not go forward with the extradition,” said Laureano Gonzalez. “If that fails, we’ll appeal to the immediately higher instance that could extend Rafael
Mosley says F1 heading Raina denies for major crisis Modi’s corruption allegations
Former FIA president Max Mosley has warned that Formula One risks serious difficulties unless it changes direction and cuts costs. “There are no two ways about it, if Formula One continues on its current path, it is headed for a major crisis,” the Briton, who stood down from running the governing body in 2009, wrote on the Daily Telegraph website. “The futures of six out of 10 teams on the grid are uncertain, there is too much artificiality in the racing, costs are far too high, and all that is giving us uncompetitive and, at times, boring racing.” The 75-year-old, who regularly urged teams to cut costs during his time in office, suggested the problems could also affect the transfer of ownership from controlling rights holders CVC Capital Partners. Recent reports have indicated RSE Ventures, which owns the Miami Dolphins NFL team, and Qatar want to buy CVC’s 35.5 percent stake in Formula One in a deal that would be worth
$7-8 billion. “Once spectators stop coming, the grands prix are no longer viable for the organizer. If television audiences go down, Bernie Ecclestone has to trim down the contracts,” he said. “From then on it becomes a downward spiral. “And for CVC Capital Partners, the majority shareholders, it becomes especially difficult when they are trying to offload the sport.” Mosley, who was a close ally of Ecclestone over decades in the sport, said he would allow teams more technical freedom if they adhered to a cost cap of about 60 million pounds ($93.55 million) a season. He also advocated a “drastic rethink” in how the sport made up the rules, describing as “utterly hopeless” the current Strategy Group, which brings together the top six teams, commercial rights holders and FIA president Jean Todt. “The best suggestion I have heard was to scrap the Strategy Group and replace it with three independent
Max Mosley. Reuters/ Stefan Wermuth advisors; people who know the sport well but are not partisan,” he said. Mosley listed former Honda and Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, race director Charlie Whiting and FIA safety commission president Peter Wright as ideal candidates. “When I was president, by some means or another we would push what we wanted through, usually by asking for more than I actually wanted. I don’t know if Jean is unable to do that, but I don’t think he wants to,” said Mosley. (Reuters)
Suresh Raina has denied allegations made by former IPL chairman Lalit Modi that he had received bribes from an Indian businessman. In a statement issued by his management team Rhiti Sports, Raina insisted he had “never been involved in any wrongdoing”, and said he was considering legal action against Modi. “In the wake of recent media reports about me, I would like to make my fans around the world aware and clear the air that I have always played the game in right spirit and with utmost integrity,” the statement said. “I have never been involved in any wrongdoing and all allegations against me are false. Playing cricket is my passion for whichever team I have represented. I’m also figuring out my legal rights to
take the right steps ahead in this matter.” Modi, in a letter to ICC chief executive David Richardson in October 2013, had said he had been informed that the three cricketers - Raina, Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo had received houses and cash from a businessman involved in real estate, who,
Esquivel’s stay in Switzerland,” he added. Esquivel is represented by a group of lawyers led by Gorka Villar, the son of Spanish Football Federation president and FIFA executive committee member Angel Maria Villar. (Reuters)
Suresh Raina. ©Getty Images
Modi’s letter had alleged, was also a bookie. The ICC confirmed receiving Modi’s complaint and stated that the ACSU handled that information in accordance with its standard operating procedures, which included sharing it with the BCCI’s anti-corruption unit. (ESPNcricinfo)
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Mahaicony Technical Institute beat Bush Lot Secondary on penalties to claim Region 5 title Mahaicony Technical Institute overcame Bush Lot Secondary 4-3 on penalty kicks to win the Region 5 Zone of the Digicel National Schools Football Championships yesterday at Number 5 ground, West Coast Berbice. Both teams had their fair share of possession in the opening minutes but failed to find the back of the nets as shots were sent far and wide as no goals were scored in the first half. The teams showed more purpose after the break, producing a decent level of entertainment that was befitting a final. It was Bush Lot who took the lead in the 49th minute when Shaquille De Hearte neatly tapped in a corner kick. Mahaicony should have equalized moments later but Brain Thom fired his shot just over the bar after he received a pass from the talented Dawit Watts. The pace increased rapidly as the game progressed and Bush Lot’s Akeem Daniels wasted an opportunity to extend the lead, sending his shot straight
into the lap of Mahaicony’s goalkeeper Ryan Morrison after being one on one with him in the area. Shortly after, Morrison did well to deny De Hearte after the forward had a shot from the right side of the goal. Watts played with flair and created a number of chances, but Mahaicony found it difficult to beat Bush Lot custodian, Lynford Reynolds. Andrew Bailey could have anchored the game for Bush Lot in the 80th minute after being awarded a penalty, however Morrison pulled off a tremendous save to keep his team in the hunt. With three minutes of regulation time remaining, Mahaicony drew level, Watts nicely setting up Christopher Abbensetts who slotted home from inside the box. The remaining three minutes couldn’t separate the teams. It was now down to the goalkeepers to see their team advance and as it turned out, Morrison it was who became the hero, denying Titus Webster who took Bush Lot’s fourth penalty. Andrew
Dawit Watts attempts to get past Bush Lot’s Jeremiah Pereira Bailey, Ruel Chester and Eli Nurse converted for the runner-up while Jeremiah Pereira sent his shot wide. Watts, Brian Thom, Dunzel Burnette and Troyden Moore scored for the winners. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Lewis Hamilton gets his hands on a proper trophy
Teams compete for honours in MFA Inter-Ministry Domino tournament The lawns of the Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be teeming with activity when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office Assistants’ Sports Promotion hosts the Inter-Ministry Domino
competition at the above venue starting at 16:30hrs, today. Several teams will vie for top honours including Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the EPA, NIS, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries,
National Insurance and Lands and Surveys. The players will compete for trophies donated by Metro Office Supplies, Nigel’s Supermarket and Starr Computers. Activities are coordinated by James ‘Uprising’ Lewis.
Royal Tapeball Cricket Academy stages schoolboys’ tournament School will soon be out as the children go off for the annual August holiday and the Royal Tapeball Cricket Academy will give the children a fitting sendoff when they host their annual end of term schoolboys’
tapeball competition on the Cultural Centre Tarmac starting at 08:30hrs tomorrow morning. To date, several teams have signaled their intentions to participate and the organizers are encouraging
others to be a part of the action. Those teams already enrolled are from Cummings Lodge, Better Hope, LBI, Mon Repos, Friendship, West Bank and Georgetown. The organizers have also hinted that teams from several other communities along the East Coast corridor have signaled their interest to compete. The tournament has enjoyed corporate support in the form of trophies and medals from P&P Insurance Brokers, Massay United Insurance and the Trophy Stall. Interested managers of teams are asked to note that registration ends at approximately one hour before the start of activities. The organizer and coordinator of activities is James ‘Uprising’ Lewis.
Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. (Reuters/Laszlo Balogh) Double world champion Lewis Hamilton was handed one of the sport’s most prestigious trophies yesterday, only days after moaning about the poor quality of some of Formula One’s podium prizes. The Mercedes driver received the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy, awarded annually since 1959 to the most successful British or Commonwealth driver in the previous year’s championship, at Silverstone. A roll call of greats have won the trophy in the past, including Australian Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Jacques Villeneuve and Damon Hill. Hamilton won 11 races in 2014 on the way to his second championship. “That’s a real trophy,” he said after collecting the memorial to Britain’s first world champion Mike Hawthorn, who won the title with Ferrari in 1958 and died in a road accident a year later. “To be amongst all these great names on here, that’s what a real trophy should have all this history. When I am talking about trophies...this is what I’m talking about. This
is class, this is history. “It’s real silverware. And that’s what I race for. When I finish a race, that’s the best reward you can get. I relate it to Olympians who go out there and get the gold medals. It’s no cheap plastic, it’s real.” Speaking earlier in the week, Hamilton had questioned the quality of some of the trophies he had been presented with on the podium. “The last one in Austria was wooden, the whole thing was wooden. The base was like lead. I mean, what? It’s supposed to be silver,” he had said of the offering he received after finishing second to team mate Nico Rosberg at Spielberg. Last year he had expressed his dissatisfaction with the ‘plastic’ trophies handed out at Silverstone by race sponsor Santander. The winner of the British Grand Prix traditionally has his name engraved on the golden Royal Automobile Club (RAC) trophy, first awarded in 1948. Hamilton will be hoping to get his hands on that one as well on Sunday. (Reuters)
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Nadal loss to qualifier Brown sends shockwaves round Wimbledon
The untroubled advance of the heavy hitters at Wimbledon was spectacularly halted yesterday when two-time champion Rafa Nadal was bundled out by German qualifier Dustin Brown who played the match of his life. Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Petra Kvitova all cruised into the third round with straight-sets victories as the tournament meandered serenely through its fourth balmy day. But the calm was shattered by the final match on Centre Court when Brown, a man until now best k n o w n f o r h i s unconventional approach and dread-locks, brought back memories of the golden summer Wimbledon evenings of wooden rackets as he combined relentless power with brave and ambitious creativity. Brown came out swinging and even when Nadal dug deep to level the match at one set all he did not hold back, going for his shots and harrying his illustrious
opponent at every opportunity. Along with the power there was finesse which had the Centre Court crowd roaring their approval and Brown rattled through the final set to secure a fully deserved victory. “You have to play your A game against him,” said Brown, who also beat Nadal in their only previous meeting in Halle last year. “I’m fortunate I played him twice on grass, which is my favorite surface — I wouldn’t want to play him anywhere else. My game makes him not play his game. He doesn’t get in a rhythm.” Defeat continued Nadal’s wretched run at Wimbledon since he lost the 2 0 11 f i n a l t o N o v a k Djokovic. In successive years he has lost to players ranked 100, 135, 144 and now 102 without getting past the fourth round — a stunning decline for the 14times grand slam winner who triumphed at Wimbledon in 2008 and
2010 and has been runner-up three times. “My motivation is to be back to that level but I don’t know if I can,” 10th seed Nadal said. “But I’ve played on the last day here five days and had the trophy back home twice, so it’s not bad.” EXPLOSIVE FINALE The day’s explosive finale was in marked contrast to the early matches which went exactly to form. Murray led the way by polishing off Dutchman Robin Haase 6-1 6-1 6-4 in 87 minutes with barely a
IPL governing council to discuss CLT20 alternative The IPL governing council is set to discuss an alternative to the Champions League Twenty20 in a meeting, likely to be held in Delhi, on July 8. Though the CLT20 has still not officially been scrapped, it is believed that the three boards governing the multinational T20 tournament have signed an exit clause with the broadcaster of the tournament. As a result, according to a BCCI insider, “It is a given that CLT20 is history and it’s time to look ahead”. The BCCI is understood to have plenty of options to fill in the three-week void created in the fixtures by the CLT20 cancellation. At the moment, there are three major options being discussed in the BCCI corridors. · To play a mini-IPL comprising the top four teams in IPL 2015. Likely to be a sevenmatch tournament with a league stage of six matches, followed by a final. · To play a baby-IPL with all eight teams participating. The tournament will have a total of 15 matches, with eight teams divided into two groups of four, followed by two semi-finals and a final. · Instead of playing a mini/baby-IPL, respond to the WICB’s informal proposal of playing a short series in India to make up for the losses arising out of West Indies’ pullout from last year’s tour of India. The IPL governing council is likely to discuss the first two options threadbare. If either of those two options is considered financially and logistically viable, then the
The German world 102 punches the air after his magnificent four-set victory over Nadal.
Petra Kvitova
governing council is set to forward it to the BCCI working committee, likely to be held in the latter half of July, for ratification. The most critical aspect of playing a mini-IPL is to consider the ramifications of it on the broadcaster for the IPL. If any other broadcaster is awarded rights for a miniature version of the IPL, Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd, owners of Max and Six who broadcast the IPL, may appeal to the Competition Commission of India. However, the BCCI at the moment is not looking that far. The issue of broadcasting, according an IPL insider, will arise only if a mini-IPL is formalised. The BCCI hierarchy is also confident that the issue can be dealt with by following a transparent method to award broadcast rights. While the BCCI’s coffers are richer due to the settlement with the CLT20 broadcaster, a mini-IPL will help the IPL cricketers and franchises oblige their contractual commitments. Ten per cent of every player’s IPL contract is set aside as his match-fees for the CLT20, provided his team qualifies for the tournament. Similarly, a portion of every franchise’s sponsorship deal is understood to have been provisionally based on its qualification for the CLT20. Only if the governing council decides against filling in the CLT20 slot with a franchise-based league will it let the working committee discuss the possibility of playing a series at home against West Indies. (ESPNcricinfo)
misplaced shot. “In grand slams you have to try to conserve energy when you can really because the two weeks can be quite draining physically and mentally,” Murray told reporters. Federer was equally untroubled in a 6-4 6-2 6-2 mauling of American Sam Querrey. Seeking a record eighth Wimbledon singles title, the Swiss was on cruise control from the off. On one rare occasion when he did find himself out of position he managed to manufacture a lob from between his legs that climbed over his 6ft 6ins (1.98m) opponent. “So far so good,” Federer said. “Sometimes the feeling is good out there and today was definitely a good day. “I
guess there’s also a little bit of relief that I’m also playing well at Wimbledon.” Possibly even more impressive was Kvitova, whose 6-2 6-0 demolition of Kurumi Nara meant the defending champion has dropped only three games in two matches. After four days of action the top four men’s seeds have yet to drop a set between them, with only two going as far as a tiebreak. It is a similar story on the women’s side. Although third seed Simona Halep went out in the first round, the remaining top four players have also not dropped a set. There are still threats
f l o a t i n g i n t h e d r a w, however, and Germany’s 18th seed Sabine Lisicki, runner-up two years ago and with a great Wimbledon record, is one of them. Lisicki lost the first set American Christina McHale and was broken in the opening game of the second but regrouped impressively and by the end was pounding down a succession of powerful winners en route to a 2-6 7-5 6-1 victory. However, there will be little room for her accomplishments in Germany’s sports pages on Friday as the country’s newest, and most unlikely, tennis hero Brown will be hogging all the headlines.
Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago to meet in friendly Action from the last meeting between Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago on July 20, 2013, in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals. (Photo: Mexsport) Mexico City - Mexico will face Trinidad & Tobago in an international friendly on September 4 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, it was announced Wednesday. It will mark the 19th all-time meeting between the sides with Mexico holding a 12-3 advantage in wins. They will also square off during this summer’s Gold Cup in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 15. The match will be used as preparation for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, which opens for each with the
CONCACAF, fourth-round play in November. In their last meeting on July 20, 2013, the Mexicans posted a 1-0 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal victory. Trinidad’s last triumph over the Tricolor came at home on October 12, 2005. Stern John netted both goals in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win, which saw the Soca Warriors advance to an ultimately successful two-legged playoff against Bahrain for a place in Germany 2006. (CONCACAF)
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FIFA announces shortlists for FIFA Gentle and Humphrey are Queens Women’s World Cup 2015 awards of GBTI Ladies Doubles
F
IFA has today announced the shortlists for the adidas Golden Ball (8), adidas Golden Glove (3) and Hyundai Young Player (3) Awards. The respective lists have been submitted by the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG). Candidates for the adidas Golden Ball at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ (in alphabetical order): ·Saori ARIYOSHI (JPN) ·Lucy BRONZE (ENG) ·Amandine HENRY(FRA) ·Julie JOHNSTON (USA)
·Carli LLOYD (USA) ·Aya MIYAMA (JPN) ·Megan RAPINOE (USA) ·Celia SASIC (GER) The adidas Golden Ball will be awarded to the best player of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. The adidas Silver and Bronze Ball Awards will be presented to the second and third-best players. Candidates for the adidas Golden Glove at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 (in alphabetical order): ·Nadine ANGERER (GER) ·Ayumi KAIHORI (JPN)
·Hope SOLO (USA) The adidas Golden Glove will be presented to the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Candidates for the Hyundai Young Player Award at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 (in alphabetical order): ·Kadeisha BUCHANAN (CAN) ·Ada HEGERBERG (NOR) ·Jiali TANG (CHN) The Hyundai Young Player Award will be presented to the best young footballer born on or after 1 July 1995. All award winners will be decided by the FIFA TSG. The winners, including the adidas Golden, Silver and Bronze Boots for the tournament’s top scorers and the FIFA Fair Play Trophy, will be announced after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 Final on 5 July. (FIFA)
Williams warns T&T against complacency Couva, Trinidad - Coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Under-17 cricket team, Kelvin Williams is confident of winning the West Indies Cricket Board Regional Under-17 being contested in Tobago. The national Under-17 team open their campaign against the Leeward Islands on Tuesday and Williams revealed that the recently concluded training camp at the National Cricket Centre has set the team up for a strong title challenge. “The preparation went well and we just had that little mishap because of the weather which limited our practice matches. I am quite satisfied and pleased with what I actually saw from the guys. It is a good group, a talented group, an intelligent group and if we put all these things together and go out there and play in the manner in which we could and execute I don’t really see us not winning the tournament,” said Williams. The national Under-17 coach noted that
complacency has normally been the main obstacle for youth teams being successful. He revealed that during the camp he ensured each player understood their roles and were aware of becoming complacent. “We planned so many sessions and the key word in all our preparation was complacency. If you look at the talent we have the only thing that is going to beat us is complacency and I really wanted to get that message across to the players. We cannot be complacent regardless of who we are playing so that when we have a side under pressure we can drive it in even more and break them. We are not going to adopt the approach that we beat this team last year and should beat them again. Cricket is not played like that and who plays better on the day is going to be successful,” said Williams. Despite the inclement weather the Red Force assistant coach was able to hold a productive training
camp to ensure the team is ready for the Regional Under-17 tournament. “We worked within our constraints because there were certain things that were not available such as practice matches. What I tried to do was make sure we played lot of match simulations so the guys could get the idea of looking to score runs. I think the ideal opportunity was going outside and playing but that never happened because of the weather,” Williams divulged. The national Under-17 team finished fifth at last year ’s tournament and Williams expressed a desire to improve on the team’s placing. “The most important thing is trying to finish high up on the table and by doing that we have to beat everyone. If we play in the manner in which we can and execute properly I think we are going to finish high up there or be champions,” he said. (TTCB)
Afruica Gentle
Carol Humphrey
W
hile youthful faces have been making it deeper in the main draws of the GBTI Open this year, in the Ladies Doubles Finals on We d n e s d a y n i g h t s a w Afruica Gentle teaming up with Carol Humphrey to showcase great team work as they claimed the title. The duo started shakily against Areta Dey and Nicola Ramdyhan but held the fort to win the right points when it mattered. Although Gentle struggled a bit at the beginning with her volleys she found better shots in the second set as Humphrey anchored the team with strategies and backup at the net points. Dey and Ramdyhan played an exceptional game to come back in the second set but were unable to force a tiebreaker. The elation was visible as Gentle and
Humphrey closed the game at 6/4, 7/5. Keenan Persaud and Jordon Beaton are the latest of the juniors to cause an upset in the tournament. They took out Harry Panday and Joseph De Jonge 6/3, 2/6, 6/4 in the Men’s Open Doubles. It was a marathon of a match as the older players rallied deep into the night but were unable to secure the third set. The win for Persaud and Beaton secured a match against the No. 1 seeds, Jason Andrews and Anthony Downes, in the semi finals. It will be a tough match since this partnership has been solid this season. Andrews and Downes dropped no games as they held court position and dictated the points in Wednesday night’s match against Bishan Dalip and Kester Abrams; it was a 6/0,
6/0 victory for the dup. The Men’s Singles Open had its fair share of highs and lows. Oswin Coggins started strong but struggled to end the match in the second set as Joseph De Jonge found his serve and rhythm to force a tiebreaker, which he easily won. Signs of fatigue and resilient, aggressive play by Coggins cost De Jonge the match, 6/1, 6/7(7/1), 7/5. On the other court, Leyland Leacock took the first set 6/1 against Stephen Bailey but the score does not do justice for the tenacity in which Bailey played. Bailey put on a better display in the second set as he raced to a 4/1 lead but nerves and being physically drained saw him falling at 7/5. The No. 2 seed, Leacock progressed to the quarter finals where he will face old rival, Benjettan Osborne.
Barbados name Youth/Women’s teams
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ridgetown, Barbados - Three Barbados teams - Under-19, Under-15 and Women’s - have been named for West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Championships in July and August. Teams are: Under-19 (50-over to be played in Jamaica, July 20 to August 3) - Akil Greenidge (captain, Dulwich College, UK; formerly Harrison College), Leniko Boucher (vice-captain, Combermere), Lee-Germon Gaskin (Barbados Community College, formerly Foundation), Ian Boyce, Keon Harding, Nicholas Kirton, Shamar Springer (Combermere), Yvan Grant (Felsted School, UK; formerly Queen’s College), Dominic Drakes (Foundation), Tremaine Harris, Khalil Herbert, Chemar Holder (St. Leonard’s Boys’), Kyle Hinkson (The Dollar Academy, Scotland; formerly Harrison College), Zachary McCaskie (formerly Foundation, St. Michael and Barbados Community College). Coach: Dexter Toppin; Manager: Livingstone Coppin.
Under-15 (50-over to be played in Guyana, July 20-30) - Nico Reifer (captain, Queen’s College), Nyeem Young (vicecaptain, St. Michael), Rikeem Headley (Alexandra), Azan Holligan (Coleridge & Parry), Zidane Clarke, Idal Persaud (Combermere), Shemar Persaud (Ellerslie), Shakeem Boyce (Grantley Adams), Josiah Bailey (Graydon Sealy), Jonathan Dowrich, Shemwyn Harris (Lodge), Naje Bishop (Princess Margaret), Ajani Ince, Mekhail Marshall (Queen’s College). Coach: Richard Clarke; Manager: Dwayne Best. Women’s (To be played in Trinidad & Tobago, August 3-17) - Shaquana Quintyne (captain) Shakera Selman (vice-captain), Aaliyah A. Alleyne, Shamelia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Kelia Elliott, Allison Gordon, Nadia-Rose Hinds, Melissa Howard, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Sharika Lopez, Hayley Matthews, Shanna Thompson. Coach: Ezra Moseley; Manager: Monica Cumberbatch. (bcacricket)
Friday July 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Japan, U.S. have revenge on their minds in World Cup final Defending champions Japan and the rival United States are gearing up for the Women’s World Cup final in Vancouver on Sunday where both teams will have the added motivation of trying to avenge a past loss to the other. For the Americans, it is all about avenging their loss to Japan in the 2011 World Cup final where the latter triumphed on penalties after the game finished 2-2 after extra time. For the defending world champions, the game represents a chance to get one back on the Americans for their 2-1 win in the gold medal game at the 2012 London Olympics. “(The Americans) took the Olympic gold medal but we aren’t going to hand over the World Cup. That is the
kind of spirit we will play with,” said Japanese midfielder Aya Miyama. Many Japanese fans will still clearly recall the referee’s controversial failure to award Japan a penalty during the gold medal game when midfielder Tobin Heath handled inside the area. Heath, on the other hand, will still have painful memories of her penalty being saved in the 2011 shootout after team mates Carli Lloyd and Shannon Boxx had also failed to convert. All three of those players are in Jill Ellis’s current U.S. squad and will be keen to erase those memories by winning the country’s third World Cup title and first since 1999. “These are two talented teams with a lot of history and rivalry, and I think it will
Japan celebrates after beating England in the semifinals of the FIFA 2015 Women’s World Cup at Commonwealth Stadium. Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports be a classic matchup,” said Ellis. “Both teams have a lot of the same players from 2011, but that said, this is a different team on a different journey, and I know all 23 players and our staff are tremendously excited for
this next challenge.” For Japan coach Norio Sasaki, the final, which will offer a clear contrast in styles between the clever, shortpassing game of the Asian champions and the more robust, direct approach of the
Americans, should be another thriller. “In 2011, both teams had a wonderful game in the final and for women’s football in the world, I hope that we will have a wonderful game like the way we did then,” said
Sasaki. Japan booked their place in Sunday’s final with a 2-1 win over England, which was decided by an injury time own goal while the Americans defeated Germany 2-0 in the other semi-final. (Reuters)
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Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2015
Board Games could help arrest GFF represented at 6th decline in educational standards FIFA Women’s Football Symposium in Canada
By Rawle Welch As Guyana continues to grapple with the scourge of falling educational standards, many are calling for a new approach that will encourage the reintroduction of sports and games in schools. According to many observers, the decline in educational standards and the moral decay in society, especially among youths, are due mainly to the absence of a well-defined policy that encourages sports and games, thus leaving the youths in our society unprepared and unable to combat many of the negative influences that exist. Many suggestions have been offered, particularly by those who experienced the period when a number of youths combined sports and academia with consummate ease, preferring to be constructively engaged rather than be consumed by negative activities. The situation might have gotten to this stage due to the ambiguous posture of officials of the Ministries of Education and Sport in the previous administration. The two Ministries seemed to be unable to construct a clearly defined policy to return sports and games in schools and were often seen as heading in two different directions instead of working in tandem to eradicate deviant behaviour, an obstacle for improving or sustaining literacy levels. Several conversations with the former Minister of Sport failed to bear fruit in terms of garnering support for constructive engagements with other relevant stakeholders. Research has proven that Sports and Games generally help to lift the level of literacy and this can eventually improve the economic and social standing of a society. The benefits of introducing Board Games in schools are enormous and undeniable and the sooner we get them back into our learning institutions, the faster we’ll be able to check the slide in educational standards and other related negative developments. Chess was able to make its way back into schools after the local governing body had approached the
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Sport Minister for support, but games such as Scrabble should be encouraged and given the necessary assistance to make a vibrant impact on the school’s curriculum. The Minister had pointed out then that Chess was able to make a successful return to schools due of the determination of some members of the Federation, whose dedication ensured the game made a strong revival. It must be noted that the Scrabble officials did make an attempt to get into schools; however, evidence has proven that it was not a success. While, not much has been heard of the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) recently, there are a few former members who’ve expressed concern about the state of affairs within our schools and are willing to dedicate some of their time to teach the game to teachers and students. Our students are struggling in many areas of normal development and the re-introduction of Board Games could help excite their brain power. The yields are immeasurable it can assist in the development of linguistic intelligence,
interpersonal skills, while also helping the person to think inductively and deductively as well as building interactive capabilities among others. Another important benefit is the fact that Board games are a great way for family members to bond, relax and challenge their minds, components that are absent in many homes today.
hairman of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling and Vice President of the Wo m e n ’s F o o t b a l l Association Sheron Abrams will represent Guyana at the 6th FIFA Women’s Football Symposium, Vancouver, Canada. The symposium which runs from today to Sunday will see participation from all 2 0 9 F I FA M e m b e r Associations. According to Urling, “the Symposium is timely since the GFF is now resuscitating its women’s football programme and the insights garnered will be useful in ensuring that we execute a successful programme for years to come. Ms. Abrams’ attendance also strengthens the technical and knowledge capacity of the Women’s Football Association and will enable that body to play a crucial role in the rebuilding process of women’s football.” Invitees from the member associations include each association’s President or General Secretary, as well as one women’s football expert. The speakers will include FIFA Executive Committee female r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s Ly d i a Nsekera, Moya Dodd and Sonia Bien-Aime, President of Canada Soccer Victor
Montagliani along with other member association representatives and women’s football experts. FIFA has organised such a symposium every four years since 1995 to create networking opportunities, share case studies, discuss the status of women’s football worldwide and give advice and direction to the member associations. There will be a strong focus on governance – in particular on how to fully integrate women’s football into the member associations’ strategies and structures. The results of the FIFA Women’s Football Survey 2014 reiterated the need to improve in various areas including increasing the number of women in football. Symposium participants will discuss the best way forward to ensure more support for women’s football and better decision-making power for those involved in the women’s game so that growth and development can be optimised. F I FA w i l l u s e t h e opportunity to call on the whole football community to unite and support girls and women, and the pathways available to them – both on and off the field. The need to develop female leaders and give opportunities to women to take on leadership positions in football will also
Sheron Abrams
Clinton Urling be addressed as a crucial element of good governance. The symposium provides a forum to assess matters related to competitions and development, and to explore how these two areas can be more closely linked and incorporated into an overall strategy to ensure success. Women’s football is one of the fastest growing sports for women and is currently enjoying increased attention from media and sponsors.
2015 World Shooting Championships
Banks DIH and Industrial Safety Supplies shoot for Guyana members on WI Team
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orporate giant Banks DIH Limited and Industrial Safety Supplies Ltd. of Camp Street are the latest business entities to throw support behind the Guyana team members on the West Indies team that will contest the 2015 Palma Match, Team and I n d i v i d u a l Wo r l d S h o o t i n g Championships. The eight members of the Guyana team will play an integral part in the West Indies Team that will be shooting
for glory against the best in the world. Banks DIH has been a long time supporter of the Guyana NRA and is maintaining this commitment for the local members on the WI Team for the championships that is set for Camp Perry, Ohio, USA from August 3rd to 14th. Industrial Safety Supplies Ltd. said they are very proud of the Guyanese members on the WI Team and are fully aware of their individual and collective talent given the fact that Mr. Lennox
Braithwaite is the reigning West Indies Individual Champion while Guyana is the reigning Short and Long Range champions. The local rifle shooters are appealing to local businesses to lend support as they seek to cover their budget of 4million that will cover their p a r t i c i p a t i o n a t t h e Wo r l d Championships. Entities and persons wishing to contribute can contact Guyana NRA Secretary Mr. Ryan Sampson on 623 0963.
Friday July 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Jamladeen, Victor spearhead 8th of May Secondary to Zone Final Unite. Develop. Excel.
Goalkeeper Devon Forde had a good day between the uprights for 8th of May Secondary By Sean Devers in E’bo In one of the better games in the Region Two Zone, a brace each from Amir Jamladeen and Widely Victor spearheaded Eighth of May Secondary to a 4-1 win against Cotton Field Secondary in an action packed Zone Semi-Final of the Digicel National Schools Football Competition on Wednesday at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) ground on the Essequibo Coast. After both teams scored a goal each in the first half, three crucial second half goals took 8th of May to their first ever Zone Final which will be played at the NOC ground on June 6, CARICOM Day. Under overcast skies after heavy rain had left the playing surface waterlogged in several areas, both teams had to contend with tough conditions which made passing along the ground and ball control a nightmare for the players, the ball stopping ‘dead’ when it went into a puddle. The opening goal was scored in the 31st minute by the flamboyant Victor, which put 8th of May ahead as Custodian Nazeer Ali Shaw was well and truly beaten. Two minutes later Shivajie Latchman produced the equalizer but
that was to be the last goal of the half as both teams displayed a willingness to defend. When the second half commenced the skies became dark and the wind blew strong and chilly as rain poured down from the heavens but that did not prevent the 8th of May forwards from turning on the heat on Shaw in goal. While 8th of May attacked Cotton Field tried to protect their goal on the slushy ground and at times the contest got physical. Keon Forde’s powerful right footer was well stopped by Shaw but in the 47th minute Jamladeen, who continued to torment Cotton Field with skillful maneuvers, dribbled past two defenders and blasted the ball past a bemused Shaw to make it 2-1. In the 54th minute Victor pounced on a loose ball which rebounded off the side post and after a couple of attempts finally got it past the goal line despite Shaw’s scrambling effort to stop it, 8th of May strengthened the advantage, 3-1. Watched by a small gathering, Cotton Field upped the tempo and desperately tried to get back in the game with time running out. Cotton Field’s charging forwards, drenched in muddy water, put lots of pressure on 8th of May
goalkeeper but Devon Forde was equal to the task; courageously coming out of his goal to intercept the ball and cut the angles on the slippery surface. With four minutes to go, Jamladeen sealed the issue with his second goal to finish the game 4-1 for 8th of May, to start the celebrations.
Amir Jamladeen (left) Widley Victor
Basketball is more than a sport
- says Starr Computers President
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resident of Starr Computers, Michael Mohan said that while his knowledge of basketball maybe limited, he knows for a fact that the sport is a discipline. Mohan was speaking briefly during a simple presentation ceremony for the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) ‘King of the Hard Court’ Open and Under-23 Championships at the Starr Computers Conference Room. “While my knowledge of basketball might not be so good, we all have something in common, which is that basketball is more than a sport but a discipline,” Mohan said. According to Mohan, his purpose at Starr Computers is to train individuals to become leaders as well as teams to accomplish an objective. In that regard, he informed that his company is pleased to support sports organisation. He said that he will continue to assist in the development of
the sports. GABA President, Junior Hercules, during his brief address, said that while the tournament posed several challenges, the Executive was happy to see it concluded. Hercules said that the anticipation in successfully concluding the tournament was especially high given that it was the first event for the newly elected Executive. In his view, the tournament was of a high quality in both formats. In the Open Category, Dynas
Ravens collected the Championship Trophy after defeating Trinity Grid Holdings (TGH) Pacesetters, the current National Champions. Nevertheless, Pacesetters got the U-23 title after finishing unbeaten. Ravens’, Ryan Gullen was adjudged MVP in the Open Category while Devon Murray (West Side Ballers), Ryan Stephney (Ravens) and Darian Lewis (Republic Bank Nets) collected the Most Rebounds, Most Assists and Most Steals awards respectively. Pacesetters’, Nathan Saul bounced away with the U-23 MVP accolade while Travis Belgrave (Eagles) won Most Rebounds, Kelvin Yorrick (Plaisance Guardians) Most Assists, and Keon Evans (Eagles) Most Steals awards respectively. Each of the divisional winners received a basketball. Ansa McAl, under the Mackeson Brand, Starr Computers, KB Construction and Trophy Stall were the sponsors of the event.
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Mahaicony Technical Institute beat Bush Lot Secondary on penalties to claim Region 5 title Unite. Develop. Excel.
The victorious Mahaicony Technical Institute team show off their trophy and medals.
Japan, U.S. have revenge on their minds in World Cup final
The USA celebrates after defeating Germany in the FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals on June 30- 2015 in Montreal- Canada. (Photo- FIFA via Getty Images) 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