Kaieteur News

Saturday Edition

Online readership yesterday 97,898

July 07, 2012 - Vol. 6 No. 26 - Price $80 kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Website:http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Chinese Real Estate Co’y to invest US $2B P. 14

New recruits tasked with halting theft of army arms, ammo - take part in historic passing out parade P. 3

A batch of the new Army recruits during their passing out parade. Inset: President Donald Ramotar presents a trophy to best new recruit Selwyn Williams.

Men steal cow from Police Station pound P. 16

‘Prostituted’ Gitanjali Singh's appointment...P. teen, P.9 Opposition saw no 10 community 'conflict of interest' mischief? for six years - Ramotar

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Kaieteur News

Saturday July 07, 2012

Re-migrants to plug US$50M into housing sector ‌.100 overseas-based families to pull lots at National Stadium today

Head of State Donald Ramotar announced 30,000 house lots over the next five years

Patrons take an interest in a piece of furnishing found on display at the Guyana National Stadium

By Gary Eleazar Several hundred persons along with paraphernalia related to the construction industry, last evening created a kaleidoscope on the tarmac of the Guyana National Stadium to launch the third annual International Building Exposition.

The event was declared opened by Head of State, President Donald Ramotar, who delivered his inaugural presentation to a Guyana Building Expo.

The annual event is organized by the Ministry of Housing and Water headed

by Minister Irfaan Ali, who announced that Guyana is enjoying such a construction boom that there are currently seven international large scale offers on the table.

One such large scale offer that Ali spoke of relates to a US$500M investment by the Chinese lumber company, Bai Shan Lin. This year’s Expo has attracted participants from China, India, Suriname, Barbados and Jamaica and the local business community.

One of Minister’s Ali crowning achievements during his tenure would be the establishment of the re-

migrant Housing Scheme, which he says will see some 2,700 lots being issued.

Minister Ali announced that today, as the Exposition continues at the National Stadium, some 100 overseas-based families will be on hand to pull a lottery for their house lots in the remigrant scheme.

Ali told those gathered, inclusive of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Cabinet, Opposition Members of Parliament and several local business tycoons that in August another 250 house lots will be issued to remigrants.

According to the Housing Minister who is also performing the duties of Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, in November, another 200 house lots will be issued to re-migrants.

He was adamant that the government will be ensuring the conditions of the applications for the overseas-based Guyanese wherein in the first six months of owning the land, they agree to invest at least US$100,000.

This, according to the Minister, would mean an injection of some US$50M by re-migrants into the local housing sector by the end of the year.

Ali also commended the private sector for its contributions to the sector over the years pointing out that in 2011 some $6B was plugged by the private sector and this is slated to increase this year to $9B. Ramotar who concluded his inaugural address minutes before the fireworks display, impressed on the gathering, the importance and benefits that go with owning a home.

He reached back to 1992 (Continued on page 8)

Saturday July 07, 2012

Kaieteur News

New recruits tasked with halting theft of army arms, ammunition Embarrassed by the loss of weapons and ammunition from Army stores, Chief of Staff Gary Best yesterday urged new army recruits to help guard the arms stores.

For the first time in history, new recruits took part in the traditional “passing out” parade in Georgetown, and President Donald Ramotar became only the second Commander-in-Chief, after Forbes Burnham, to address those who completed the Basic Recruitment Course.

In 2007, a total of 33 AK47 assault rifles disappeared from the army headquarters in Georgetown. While some of the weapons were recovered, the Army has never explained how they went missing in the first place.

Apart from helping to guard arms and ammunition, the 152 recruits who paraded in the blistering mid-afternoon sun yesterday were also urged upon to help preserve the unity and the foundation of the Army.

‘Read and think for yourself,” Commodore Best told the new recruits. He warned them, too, not to abuse their power.

Best told them not to be influenced by those who seek to divide them, but to instead listen to those commanding them and stick to the Standard Operating Procedures of the Army.

Best said that the soldiers

…at historic passing out parade commit to sacrifice their lives for country if needed and he commended them for being willing to make such a sacrifice.

The Commodore told the new recruits that their constitutional mandate is to defend the country and work for the maintenance of law and order.

He said that the recruits were entering the Army at a time when it is looking to boost both manpower and machinery.

According to Commodore Best, while the new recruits are expected to protect the country’s territorial integrity, their role could also involve protecting the country’s fledgling democracy from threats to internal peace and harmony.

The Chief of Staff also told the new recruits that they should stand ready to defend the fundamental human rights of Guyanese and to help guarantee their fundamental freedoms while helping to forge a harmonious and multicultural society.

Best assured them that if they serve the Army, the Army will serve them, noting that their educational needs would be taken care of.

President Ramotar urged them to hold to the reputation of soldiers, and to be role models for young people.

He said that the Army needs a steady stream of recruits to occupy various roles in the institution so it can carry out its changing role.

He told the intake that their decision to start their careers in the military was a “bold step.”

He urged them to take the opportunity to be good soldiers and to remain intellectually and mentally alert.

Ramotar said that while the role of the military is ever evolving, what remains constant is its role to defend the country’s sovereignty and its people.

According to Ramotar, the military should see and adjust to its changing roles, including getting involved in search and rescue operations and supporting the civilian law enforcement agencies.

The President urged the recruits to take on their role with pride and professionalism and to eschew the values of honesty, dedication and loyalty to country.

He commended the parents for their “patriotism” in allowing their children to be part of the Army.

At yesterday’s ceremony, Selwyn Williams was named the Best Student and he collected his trophy from President Ramotar.

Cocaine shipment to Thailand -Three intercepted at CJIA remanded

On Tuesday, ranks from the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit intercepted a shipment of cocaine which was destined for Thailand.

According to reports the cocaine was found concealed in a shipment of dry goods.

Of the eight boxes, four had cocaine in their walls.

Following the investigation three persons were arrested and charged on Thursday last and made their appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Josylan Congreaves, of K 19 Tucville, Georgetown; Nigel James, called Dwayne Fraser of Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara; and Marlon Dick, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara and Robb Street, Georgetown.

While at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), they allegedly had 1.7 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. The men each pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Attorney-at-law Euclin Gomes represented James; Dick was represented by Attorney Baveghems and Trenton Lake appeared for Congreaves. They all requested bail in a reasonable sum. The matter was prosecuted by CANU prosecutor Oswald Massiah.

They will return to court on July 16.

It is alleged that in a bid to conduct illegal business, Dick made up a fake shipping company called D.A. Imports and exports for James. The company was said to be located at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, but checks to that location proved that the company did not exist. Dick and James reportedly tried to post 1.7 kilos cocaine through Amerijet freight Services at CJIA. CANU alleged that while drug ranks were checking the documents of the defendants which included a passport, the men left the location and sped off in Dick’s car. Quick

action by CANU ranks in Georgetown caused the men to be intercepted at Craig Old Road, East Bank Demerara.

The drug ranks said that acting on information; they went to the home of Congreaves and he was arrested in connection to the (Continued on page 7)

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Public Works Ministry $60M repairs to Supenaam stelling failed …BK International called in to effect rescue operation

The section of the ramp that failed The modification to the Supenaam Stelling by the Ministry of Public Works at a cost of more than $60M may have gone to waste.

It involved the attachment that had been installed by the Ministry of Public Works and failed causing the ramp at the stelling to again buckle under the weight of trucks.

On Thursday, scores of vehicles destined for Parika were left stalled at Supenaam, Essequibo, as the critical piece of infrastructure again failed.

This publication understands that several hours after the steel beam below the ramp buckled the very company that had been under fire previously for works undertaken at the very stelling had to be called in to effect emergency repairs.

BK International had undertaken the initial works prior to the Ministry’s intervention and has now been called out once again.

Engineers and personnel were yesterday at the stelling looking to effect the repairs.

Officials at the time could not give an estimate for the repairs but the price tag attached to getting the stelling up and running continues to escalate.

Only a few days ago the multi-million-dollar

Link Ramp Bridge which was constructed on the eastern end of the Essequibo River sank and was damaged in the process.

An investigation revealed that the structure had been moored badly and came under pressure when the tide receded and rose again.

It was transported at a cost of $650,000 but the amount paid for the salvage operation at that time is yet to be determined.

That salvage operation was effected by Benjamin’s Marine Salvage Services.

Thursday’s mishap saw more than 50 vehicles destined for Parika having to head over to the Adventure Stelling Construction of the Good Hope/Supenaam stelling began about five years ago after a $400 million contract was awarded to BK International.

The pontoon attached to the stelling collapsed when the first vehicle was loaded.

The government intervened and spent another large sum of money to re-fashion the pontoon.

The stelling was put into operation, but from time to time there were problems. This collapse of the ramp is the latest problem.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday July 07, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The power of the exhibition Guyana is home to exhibitors from across the region. The focus is on alternative building material in the wake of rising prices of traditional material such as wood, cement and even steel. Over the past two years, one of the traditional building materials, cement experienced a twenty-five percent hike in price.

Wood has long been experiencing the same rising prices largely due to pressures by the people who have the global environment at heart. This interest forced the Guyana Government to take certain steps which in turn forced loggers to go deeper into the forest at greater cost.

This move to alternative building material is nothing new.

The rest of the world cognizant of dwindling resources has been concentrating on such things as wood waste for beta board and other products that are used inside the home. They have also been concentrating on man-made materials that could withstand pressure and are therefore suitable for the exterior of homes.

To its credit, the Ministry of Housing has been able to tap into exhibitors from those more advanced countries. One of them is a Chinese company which is coming to undertake a three-pronged programme. One aspect of the programme is to establish a wood waste project; the other is to establish a housing community on a five square-kilometer plot of land.

Of interest, is the fact that the Chinese contractor intends to have the focus be on environmentally-friendly things such as using solar power. This would be a remarkable development especially since there is a marked dependence on fossil-fuel provided electricity.

The Chinese are among the most enterprising investors in this corner of the world. In the first instance they are coming from one of the world’s largest growing economies. Chinese companies are on the verge of becoming the major contractors in the region. In Guyana they have been identified to construct the Marriott Hotel, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Amaila Falls hydro-electric facility, the communication cable for the One Laptop Per Family project, the cable to secure information generated by Guyana Power and Light and producing the computers for the One Laptop Per Family project.

Put together, these projects cost billions of dollars. Now this company coming to invest in the housing sector is talking about employing 20,000 Guyanese and investing US$1 billion.

This must be the largest investment since Guyana has been holding exhibitions of any kind. The organizers of these exhibitions have always been saying that the main purpose of the exhibitions is to open up the local productive sector to the foreign investor. They are also intended to create markets for those things produced locally.

But others know the power of exhibitions hosted in Guyana.

The result is that exhibitors have come from Barbados, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. There are also exhibitors from India. The peculiar thing about the exhibitions is that they also highlight the best that Guyanese have to offer. We always showcase the best but we often fail to replicate the efforts that spur us to mount exhibits that could hold their own in any part of the world. Given Guyanese entrepreneurship, this country should have been flooded with requests stemming from those things exhibited. We once exported pre-fabricated homes because those entrepreneurs who visited our exhibits saw the potential. Something went wrong and after a while we simply could not produce enough of the houses for export.

We have also produced wooden furniture for export but like so many things, this too became a thing of the past. Visitors would be attracted to some of the things that we can produce but whether we can satisfy a market with large quantities is left to be seen.

The cost of the building exposition is not yet known. We do know that the investors paid handsomely to establish the booths and we know that the government spent a lot of money on the infrastructure for the exposition. We also know that Guyana has moved a long way from the days when token exhibitors mounted their wares to grab attention.

It is left to be seen the growth that would materialise from this building exposition.

NICIL must be audited whether the PPP wants it or not DEAR EDITOR, The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is fighting tooth and nail to avoid a Parliamentordered independent audit ordered of NICIL. That the PPP is prepared to go so far as to disobey a motion from the highest institution in the land, Parliament, knowing that such disobedience could generate a constitutional crisis and a breakdown of the little rule of law left in Guyana tells me the PPP has a lot to hide about NICIL. A party that has lost one of its shining sons (Ralph Ramkarran) over the issue of corruption does not maintain this unrelenting stance unless it has something terrible to hide.

Why would a party in a country where people are livid about the oppressive filth of corruption coming from that party’s own members, defy Parliament’s effort to fight corruption?

The great majority of this country supports an investigation into NICIL. The great majority of PPP supporters are insistent on an independent audit of NICIL. What is occurring with NICIL is a gang of PPP inner circle degenerates are defying this entire country and the PPP membership and supporters from doing the right thing.

When such barefaced resistance to the truth and principle continues, it can only mean that the band of bandits is afraid of being exposed, caught and prosecuted regarding NICIL. This act by a few vagabonds resisting the entire citizenry calling for transparency and chastity regarding NICIL strongly suggests the truth in the underbelly of NICIL will feather and tar many of them.

That some will be exposed as thieves, and others crooks, and others facilitators of corruption and profiteering.

That their empires built on robbery, misdeeds and usurpation will tumble. That they who have shamed this country into poverty and inequality are afraid of facing shame for their treachery.

Imagine a giant like Ralph Ramkarran left the PPP in disgust over corruption and the pickpockets have made no efforts to combat corruption or to allow NICIL to be probed, yet they attempt to woo back Ramkarran to add legitimacy to their banditry and their political ambitions.

One of the main reasons why the PPP refuses to allow an independent audit of NICIL is because NICIL is one of the prime arteries of PPP corruption. It controls

the majority of the revenues generated by state companies and entities. Yet it stands outside of the law with no audited financial statements since 2004 and no comprehensive evidence of how the nation’s money has been spent and invested for the past 20 years.

The stench from NICIL is intolerable. It must be investigated and audited.

That the PPP bigwigs will rather defy Parliament than to embrace honesty, decency, transparency and accountability tells us that they are desperately trying to hide something big.

Many Guyanese have not given it thought, but I genuinely believe oil plays a big role in the PPP’s antics on NICIL. If Guyana is to ever find oil anytime soon and we know they are looking right now, NICIL will control the oil revenues. If the Guyanese people think the current malfeasance under the PPP is scandalous and outrageous, wait until Guyana gets oil.

The racketeering of the PPP will attain gigantic proportions. They will usurp this entire country right before our eyes while throwing scraps at the suffering poor.

This skulduggery will

inevitably lead to bloodshed like it has in many poor countries, with rampant inequality and runaway corruption, suddenly finding oil. The PPP must allow the audit of NICIL, for its refusal has groundbreaking implications.

As an analyst I must tell the truth from my own introspection no matter how unpleasant it happens to be.

If Guyana finds incredible wealth from oil, I cannot see the armed forces in this country standing silently aside while a small pack of bandits in the PPP plunder this country with heartbreaking greed.

Also, foreign intervention and interference will dramatically increase when the monetary power of oil is involved. I know the guild of greedy running the PPP ship have not assessed their futures this far ahead, but this is the afflictive danger this confederacy of thieves represents to this country, its citizenry and very critically, to those who lay their political fortunes with the PPP. The selfish avarice of the cabal’s actions could destabilize the state.

NICIL must be audited whether the PPP wants it or not.

M. Maxwell

Confronting numerous challenges DEAR EDITOR, Developing countries such as ours are faced with numerous challenges which are rendered even more difficult in an environment of adversarial politics when every action by the government, however noble and well-intentioned, is twisted and distorted by opposition elements in order to score cheap political points.

As I mentioned in a previous article, there are some people in our society who are so consumed by their dislike for this current administration that there is nothing that the government could do that is considered good enough for them.

Yet the record would show that the quality of life of the Guyanese people has improved significantly since the coming to office of the current PPP/C administration on October 5, 1992. This is due mainly to the hard work put in by policy makers and those responsible for the implementation of government’s policies and programmes. These are individuals who work beyond the call of duty to serve their country and improve lives,

but despite their hard work, they are often vilified by those who seek to denigrate their efforts and contributions out of narrow partisan interests.

This is not to suggest that policy makers and those in positions of authority should not be held accountable for their performance on the job.

In fact, there are several mechanisms, including those at the highest level of Parliament, where public officials are required to appear before and respond to questions raised by those in authority.

In the case of government ministers, there are the Sectoral Committees which are chaired by opposition Members of Parliament.

These are powerful parliamentary bodies which have the power to summon any Minister of Government to answer questions relevant to his or her respective ministry or agency.

Then there is the Public Accounts Committee, again chaired by an opposition Member of Parliament, before which Accounting Officers in the public sector are required to respond to queries raised in the Auditor

General’s Report.

The Auditor General’s Report is now prepared and submitted on an annual basis since the assumption to office of this current administration. Prior to 1992, there were significant gaps in the presentation of the Auditor General’s Reports. As such it was difficult to make any real sense as to the state of government’s financial records, including the reconciliation of bank statements.

Much progress has been made in terms of reconciliation of bank statements and accountability of public funds with the introduction of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMAS) which now provides accounting officers with realtime information on financial transactions. Through this mechanism, it is now possible to retrieve financial information from sector ministries centrally. This is a significant management and accountability tool used by the Accountant General to exercise oversight over the country’s finances.

The Auditor General has also introduced what is called

a ‘value for money audit’ which goes beyond checking on the extent to which there is conformity with the financial and tendering procedures and regulations to one of ascertaining whether or not there is dollar optimization having regard to budgetary allocations.

These are significant steps in terms of financial management and accountability.

The compilation of the Auditor General’s Report has been greatly enhanced with the introduction of the IFMAS system.

The above is not intended to create the impression that the system of financial management and accountability is perfect, but simply to make the point that there have been, over the years, significant innovations in the oversight role of relevant authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s finances.

Service to one’s country is a sacred duty. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Service thy duty, reward not thy business”. So many public Continued on page 5

Saturday July 07, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Why not publish the full NGSA results?

DEAREDITOR, I support the appeal to the Ministry of Education for the publication of the full results of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Recent reports in the media indicate that the present Minister of Education is pleased with the results. One gets the impression that the Minister is pleased with the results of the top performers, the top 100 pupils who wrote the exam. I am assuming that the decision makers at the Ministry of Education are numerate and that they realize that the top 100 pupils represent less than 1% of the students who wrote the exam, In fact, it represents less

than 0.02%!

In simple terms, it means that for every 170 students who wrote the exams, one student got accepted at a good school!

That is a very disturbing statistic! What that means is that we have in our schools thousands of pupils who lack the foundational skills. That is unacceptable.

It would be very revealing when the full results are published. Would the Minister be pleased then?

Publish the results so all can see. Failing to do so would make many of us draw the most unflattering inferences.

Concerned Guyanese

Confronting numerous...

From page 4 servants and officials of state have been making their contribution to society without looking forward to rewards that it is impossible to name them all.

Many of these are not in the top echelons of the public service, but they make their contributions in their own quiet and unassuming ways.

I refer to our teachers, nurses and other public servants who serve the people of this country and who have never succumb to the temptation to seek greener pastures.

This ‘greener pasture’ syndrome is indeed a challenge for Guyana as indeed for so many other

developing countries. A significant number of our graduates leave for North America and other overseas destinations upon serving their contractual obligations to the government.

Some even seek to circumvent their obligations to serve by paying off their contracts.

This is certainly a drag on our capacity to develop our country.

This is why we have to respect and salute those who have remained and serve this country and who have resisted the temptation to offer their services outside the shores of Guyana.

Hydar Ally

DEAR EDITOR, After reading a recent headline that Minister Benn had conducted an enquiry and found that there were no valid charges of corruption against CHEC and therefore the airport project could continue, I couldn’t help but cry and gag on my own vomit.

This government is really something else and something that all Guyanese must be really concerned about.

First, there was the enquiry by the Minister of Health into the award of contracts for drugs and now,

they have also quickly concluded the enquiry into the airport project - an enquiry into a US$150 million project that took about two days.

My God, are Guyanese believed to be so stupid?

Who were the persons who conducted these enquiries?

What was there mandate?

How did they go about these investigations?

What documents were perused? Who was asked to provide statements? Did they get any statements from the World Bank and/or the IDB? Did they review the overseas cases in which the company

was involved? What was actually done?

Can the Minister say what form or fashion the enquiry took?

Now we are also told that the Chinese were giving money away and we had to accept it or lose it.

The question I ask is - if the Government had US$150 million, would a new airport be their top priority, or would this money be used elsewhere where it could be of more use to the community and not the people benefiting from this airport deal?

Why aren’t the people in

the streets demanding more answers from their government?

Why isn’t more pressure being applied to the President to do something?

Unfortunately, the biggest problem I see is the fact that the opposition in parliament, even with a oneseat majority, seems unable to stop something which will affect all Guyanese for the rest of their lives.

Forget those who aren’t born yet. And I ask again, how can we stop this blatant misuse of Guyanese money?

JS Smith

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Kaieteur News

Saturday July 07, 2012

Magistrates undergo special training in gender and domestic violence

Ms. Roberta Clarke addressing the gathering Members of the legal profession were encouraged to take a different approach in dealing with cases of gender and domestic violence. The suggestion came during the launch of a two-day workshop for Magistrates at the Georgetown Club yesterday.

The event was captioned “Gender, Domestic violence and the Courts.”

In a period when domestic violence is at an all time high, head of the Judiciary, Acting Chancellor Carl Singh, said that members of the Magistracy would be better equipped and informed to handle gender and domestic violence.

The event which was put together by the Guyana Supreme Court and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women was attended by Senior Police

Officials, among them Police Commissioner (ag) Leroy Brumell; Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Health Minister Bheri Ramsaran, Attorneys– at-Law and Heads of the Magistrates’ Court.

Speakers included Justice Carl Singh OR, CCH Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Attorney-at-law Ms. Roberta Clarke; Regional Director, UN Women and Chief Magistrate of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Ms. Priya Beharry.

The workshop, Ms. Clarke said, would be the beginning of a robust relationship between the Supreme Court and UN Women. The Regional officer said that the session would focus on the role of the court in accelerating gender equality and gender justice.

Ms. Clarke explained that

A section of the gathering it is the expectation of society that the justice system at the district or summary level would have a beneficial presence in family and community life and is thus seen as a resolution for conflict and difference.

She said that the cases heard in the Magistrates’ Court surpass those of the High Court and at the same time, Magistrates are the first responders as interpreters, appliers of law, guardians of public trust and the rule of law and material justice.

The Regional Director continued that it is with that notion that Magistrates must understand the social and cultural dimensions of society. That, she said, is important to ensure that the justice system is responsive and contributes to the enlargement of freedom and social justice.

Ms. Clarke said that in

tackling the issue of gender inequality and domestic violence through the legal system, one must understand how the law’s contents and procedures have reinforced and recreated equality between men and women and foster the advancement of gender justice.

The workshop will therefore focus on value systems, aspects of culture in relation to citizen and the enjoyment of human rights and the transformative power of court practices, Clarke said.

Justice Carl Singh first pointed out the numerous headlines of domestic violence in the media while quoting the various events.

The Chancellor focused his energy on domestic violence and said that the occurrences of the incidents are at an all time high and thus the occasion of the colloquium could not be more fitting.

Magistrates, Singh said, would be exposed to a broad view of the phenomenon and to realize the important role they play in society as it relates to combating the issue.

The Judicial Head said that

domestic violence was once viewed as a private problem and thus responses by authority to the issue was unfavourable to the victim.

The Chancellor also addressed the police on the sensitivity of domestic matters. He especially spoke to those performing prosecutorial duties within the court while mentioning the importance of their role as prosecutors.

Chancellor Singh said that the key objective of the court should be to help improve victim safety and enhance offender accountability.

He added that apart from the complaints about the frequently protracted hearing in relation to complaints made, there had also been reports about violation of statutory procedures and inappropriate remarks and comments being made to victims emanating from the magisterial bench.

The Chancellor said that in some instances there have been reports of the patent lack of consideration for the often delicate and sensitive nature of domestic violence complaints.

The Chancellor also spoke to those of the bar association who he requested to pay keener attention to the issue of domestic violence. He related that attention given to the matter is not readily adopted by those practicing law, and requested that the lawyers play a greater role and rise to the occasion.

He said that he would like to see new and meaningful ways of protection for victims at the earliest stage of the court hearing.

Chief Magistrate Beharry told members of the legal fraternity that their presence showcased their acknowledgement and concern for the issue of gender and domestic violence.

The Chief Magistrate said that the courts play a vital role in dispensing justice, making offenders accountable and bringing about change with zero tolerance for violence.

She said those in the justice sector needs to understand the various dimensions for gender based and domestic violence, factors that perpetuate and reinforce domestic violence.

Guyanese shot dead in French Guiana A Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara family was plunged into mourning after learning about the shooting to death of 46-year-old Kennard McKinnon.

According to reports, McKinnon of 21 Golden Grove, ECD was shot in the head on Thursday night in French Guiana while parting a fight. The shooter, according to relatives, was in police custody.

Tony McKinnon, the dead man’s brother, told Kaieteur News that relatives received the news on Thursday night.

According to McKinnon,

someone called him and said his brother was shot to the head, but that he wasn’t dead.

The man explained that later in the evening relatives managed to speak to the doctor who was caring for the injured man.

According to McKinnon the doctor told him that his brother was “clinically dead” and it was only time for his body to shut down totally.

The brother said that he received another call around 10:00hrs on Friday confirming that his brother had died.

At present, relatives are trying to make contact with the

Dead: Kennard McKinnon French Consulate to try and get the body for burial in Guyana.

This newspaper was told that McKinnon’s parents who are both elderly were expecting him home some time soon. Relatives said that he left for French Guiana last February.

Saturday July 07, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Tobacco Control Legislation forum consults Berbicians The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with Tobacco-free Kids and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) held a Consultation on Tobacco Control Legislation recently at the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus (UGBC).

In attendance were several school children and other community- minded persons and individuals from the Berbice area.

There is an ongoing series of consultations being held across the country to sensitize individuals and to make persons aware of the proposed legislation in the works for several major changes to the tobaccoselling industry in Guyana.

The Draft Bill titled the ‘Tobacco Control Bill 2012’ aims to protect present and future generations from the devastating harms of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke; specifically to prevent tobacco use by youths; protect workers and the public from exposure to tobacco smoke; prevent exposure of the public, especially youths to tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; enhance public awareness of the hazards of tobacco and exposure, among others.

Lucy Anderson, Health Promotion Coordinator of the Health Ministry told the gathering that a warning label “not more than 30 per cent of the [cigarette] packet” is one of the targets under the Draft Bill”. All public and privately-

owned health facilities, she related, are smoke-free, as well as education facilities such as schools and facilities relating to the Ministry of Education and Cyril Potter College of Education.

Strides have already been made by the MoH, even though the Bill has not become Law, in that the Ministry of Tourism, Guyana Revenue Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs, Guyana Water Inc, all banks and several other work- places, she revealed, are smoke-free too.

Anderson conducted a PowerPoint Presentation and she explained the concepts of Smoking and second- hand smoking and its effects on the body. She also explained how smoking affects the various organs in the body.

Dr. Marcia Paltoo, Director of Adolescent and Young Adult Health and Wellness Unit of the MoH, speaking to Kaieteur News said that the session is part of a series of national consultations on the draft Bill.

“It is a legislation that seeks to ensure that we fulfill our part of the framework convention on Tobacco Control and it’s also a part of our efforts to ensure that the population understands the importance of tobacco control and the dangers of smoking”.

Guyana, she noted, has done surveys and research as far back as 2000. Global Youth Tobacco Surveys are done every three to five years

Cocaine shipment to...

From page 3 drugs. The ranks said that Congreaves is believed to be the mastermind of the operation after they learnt that he had previously hired a canter to transport eight boxes to a High Street location in Georgetown.

They alleged that the boxes were packed with cocaine in the presence of the other two defendants.

The drug ranks also revealed that the defendant’s activities were under surveillance. According to the ranks, the boxes due for shipping had contained various food items such as

curry, masala and stashed in between layers of the cardboard where the cocaine had been planted.

It is understood that forgery, fraud and other charges of such nature may face two of the accused for plotting the fake trade company. Drug officials said that James is a well known clothes vendor while Congreaves was recently freed of a cocaine-related charge.

His Toyota Tundra and Dicks’ motorcar were confiscated by CANU officials to facilitate investigations.

(2000-2004), and the Global School Health Survey in 2010.

“We have also done indoor quality and air studies in bars and restaurants and the Global Health Professional Students Survey and the Global School Personnel Survey as well as part of the surveillance system and the Global Adult Tobacco Questions will be a part of the demographic health survey”.

Dr. Paltoo said that the MoH has received “good data” from all those surveys.

In speaking about some of the smoking habits of the Guyanese population, the doctor noted that the data shows 9.5 per cent of persons were ‘ever users’ of tobacco.

“Just about one in every ten, and what it shows is that the use of tobacco products other than cigarettes, like cigars and chewed tobacco, has increased significantly compared to the last two surveys”.

The data at hand also continues to show that there are five different areas that require attention. These include access (to tobacco), availability and media.

Being a doctor, she has seen the damage cigarettes have been doing to people over the years, “such as coronary heart disease, stroke, heart attacks, a lot of lung cancers...”

She noted that second-

A section of the Consultation forum hand smoking is an area under heavy focus in the MoH, since it can cause a whole range of health complications such as lung cancer and coronary heart disease. Children who are exposed can aggravate asthmatic conditions “and they have ear and lung infections.

If someone is hooked on tobacco use and smoking, Dr. Paltoo said that it can be very hard to quit but help is available. The MoH is currently developing a cessation programme in collaboration with the Chest Clinic and Tuberculosis Programme.

She is nevertheless encouraging persons to seek care through the cessation

programme. While it is not fully accessible in Berbice at the moment, Dr Paltoo did say that some drugs can be used to deal with tobacco addiction in Berbice like Bupropion “but as I said, we are still working to ensure we have the cessation programme everywhere like in the hospitals.”

The nicotine patches like Nicoderm- CQ among others, she said, do work and persons can use them to help quit smoking. “It certainly

does work— the patches and chewing gum— I have known a few people who have actually used them and it has helped them quit, so those can be an option for persons who can afford them because it’s costly”.

Kesaundra Alves, Legal Advisor, Bloomberg Tobacco Control Project also spoke about the Draft Bill and what it really contains. Afterwards, there was a general questions and answers segment about the Draft Bill.

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Saturday July 07, 2012

Teenager stabbed by Timehri residents are squatters …have no claim to airport land Albouystown gang member A 17-year-old boy is now battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), after he was stabbed three times by an Albouystown gang member, who disguised himself by wearing a wig.

David Greene was stabbed sometime around 04:00hrs at Front Road East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Greene, who recently wrote the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council Examination (CSEC), sustained a stab wound to his lower abdomen, his upper

back and his upper right chest.

Late yesterday, he was undergoing surgery.

The police are now patrolling the area trying to locate the gang members who fled the scene after wounding the teenager.

At the hospital yesterday, a female associate of Greene said that she had just left his home and upon returning she saw him lying on the road in a pool of blood. The young woman said that she was told that the teen was circled by a group of young men.

He was stabbed by one of

the men, who was wearing a wig. It is unclear what led to the stabbing, she said The teen’s mother, Lorryne Greene, said that she was at home when her sisterin-law came shouting for her and informed her about the stabbing.

She said that she immediately rushed to the hospital, where she saw her son lying unconscious at the Accident and Emergency Unit at the hospital.

He was immediately taken for surgery. Police have not yet arrested anyone.

Town Clerk accused of slipshod approach to meetings With recent fraud allegations hanging over her head, Town Clerk, Yonette Pluck, has been away from Statutory Meetings of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. Though, most times Pluck is at the office, her deputy Sharon Monroe attends the meetings.

Pluck did not attend yesterday’s poorly organized Statutory Meeting. An explanation was not provided to the Council for her absence. This is according to Deputy Mayor, Patricia Greene, who expressed

frustration with the current happenings at City Hall.

Greene stated that during a conversation with Pluck prior to the meeting, there was no indication that she would have been absent. But Greene is not surprised at Pluck’s behaviour.

She explained that it was observed following revelations of the Gaskin Report, which fingered Pluck, City Treasurer Andrew Meredith and City Engineer Gregory Erskine, in corrupt practices, the Town Clerk has been avoiding these meetings.

In fact, yesterday’s meeting was supposed to be held on Thursday but owing to a misinterpretation of the notice the Town Clerk did not attend. However, that meeting was adjourned to yesterday and Pluck was

subsequently informed. She was expected to inform Councillors of the new meeting date. But Councillors claim they were not told.

As a result only 10 Councillors were at City Hall yesterday for a Personnel and Training Committee Meeting.

That number allowed for the meeting but with the absence of an agenda, it was adjourned.

Councillors were quite aware that they wanted to discuss Local Government Ministry’s refusal to send the three officers on vacation leave to facilitate a thorough internal investigation at City Hall.

Greene noted that Councillors could send the officers on vacation leave without the Ministry’s approval.

Council’s request to the Ministry to make the decision was out of courtesy, she said.

The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission has confirmed that Timehri North occupants are squatting on lands belonging to Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation. The airport land was demarcated in 1990 by the Commission.

Manager of the Land Administration Division, Enrique Monize, said that he is confident that the Commission did not lease lands to anyone in that area.

When the area was surveyed and demarcated there were empty Government buildings and about three squatters. Though surprised that there are about 300 houses and 30 shops in the area now, Monize acknowledged that the Commission was aware of increasing squatters over the years.

He stressed that notices were dispatched to squatters to evacuate the area several times but no demolition exercises were carried out.

According to Transport Minister, Robeson Benn, when the situation was escalating the Public Works Ministry issued notices to squatters but they were defied.

“We said there should be no new building and they kept building. Then we went out and take down some of those new buildings …That a certain terrorist was on airport lands-

squatting at the back there and we had a great near-miss (the Caribbean Airline crash).”

To date occupants, equipped with utility services and farmlands, are refusing to remove from the area though the airport runway is expected to be extended. They recently sent a lawyer’s letter to the airport rejecting notices to remove from the land.

According to Monize, the boundaries of the airport are not defined by the fence. That structure runs within the airport land and serves as security for the airport, particularly the runway. He added that the airport also needs a clear path zone.

Highlighting the airport boundaries in relation to the squatters to the north, he said the airport land begins from the junction of the airport exit and goes in a straight line in a north-easterly direction to a point approximately 3,500 metres from the localizer.

He expounded that to the north the most significant landmark that shows the airport boundary is the Old Ammo Dump. That is a restricted area on Ohio Avenue.

Monize added that the prison building that stands on the airport land is a surveyed plot of land. It was there when the Commission demarcated the airport.

Re-migrants to plug US$50M...

From page 2 when his party took office and said that in those days providing housing was more a humanitarian mission.

Ramotar said that in 2012 Guyana’s construction sector has been transformed to the point where it is a key contributor to the economy and he boasted that over the course of the next five years some 30,000 more house lots will be issued to more Guyanese families.

He lambasted the political opposition for what he called a vicious attack on the hard working staff of the Ministry.

“Shame on them.”

Ramotar also used the op-

portunity to extol the virtues of the flagship projects being undertaken namely the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion and the Georgetown Marriott.

He praised the PPP and said it has proved to be working. Ramotar was making reference to Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Recently elected President of the Private Sector Commission, Yo g Mahadeo, was slated on the programme to make a presentation but instead his Deputy, Clinton Urling, the Vice President of the Private Sector Commission as

well as President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, replaced him.

Urling also used the opportunity to expound on the virtues of the Building Expo.

He commended the Ministry for its stead in building the forum to what it is today.

Urling did use the opportunity to lament the fact that there is a shortage of skilled personnel in the construction sector in Guyana.

The third Annual Building Expo being hosted at the Guyana national Stadium will continue until Sunday evening when the curtains will close on this year’s Building Expo, now a calendar event.

Saturday July 07, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

THE PRIVATE SECTOR NEEDS STRONG AND FEARLESS LEADERSHIP The Private Sector Commission recently found itself in a ticklish position. On the very day that it elected a new Chairman, it was reported in the media that the said individual was no longer employed with the company which he had previously represented on the Commission.

The question that arises was why this should have posed an impediment to the individual still remaining as Chairperson.

If his election was based on his recognized leadership skills, then the mere fact that he was no longer employed by a major private sector firm should not have posed a need to revisit his election as Chairman. He would not have lost those skills.

If on the other hand, his election was based on the fact that he was seen as representing a major corporate giant, then his resignation from that firm would have presented some difficulties. But it has now been revealed that the very firm had not broken ties with him and in fact had indicated to the Private Sector Commission that he could still represent them on the Commission. So why was there any need at all for the issue of his Chairmanship to be re-looked at?

While the elected

Chairperson has indicated that it was he who took the decision to step down as Chairman, it is left to be seen how many of the other leaders of the PSC will ask him on a question of principle to rescind this decision. Even if he had no longer enjoyed the confidence of his former company- which is not the case- he is a private citizen and one that is qualified and with a proven track-record of leadership and achievements.

There is therefore no justifiable reason why he should not head the country’s representative private sector body.

This whole episode also raises an important issue.

What is the basis both in terms of the constitution of the PSC and otherwise for electing a Chairperson? Does the person have to be employed within the private sector? Does the person have to represent a company on the Commission? Or can someone from within the private sector but not representing any firm on the PSC be eligible to be the Chairperson?

In other words is representation based on personal ability or does the critical defining criterion for election as Chairperson to the PSC related to the organization that one represents? Or is it both

Dem boys seh...

De opposition confusing demself Dem had a lot of noise about conflict of interest because Shaatie wife get confirm in she wuk at Office of de Auditor General. Well Uncle Donald now seh that de opposition don’t know wha dem want. He think that all of dem mad. “ This woman been doing de wuk fuh seven years, even before she husband tun Minister. She was acting. When de opposition find out, dem claim how de government got nuff actors and wouldn’t appoint de people. Now that dem appoint de people de opposition mekking noise.

Dem boys seh that Uncle Donald get vex and tell de opposition fuh mek up dem mind. “Wha you-all want?”

He going to de Stadium fuh de Building Expo and he stop fuh tell dem boys that de opposition confuse till dem confuse demself.

One Moses open he mouth and talk bout conflict of interest. Prak pick up de chant and de next thing dem know is everybody singing that tune. Harman and Norman, Carberry and Cranberry, Backer and Packer and even Roop and Soup singing de tune.

Dem boys remember when Winston Murray was there he didn’t see conflict of ‘interest. When Volda Lawrence was there she didn’t see conflict of interest. How now dem others seeing conflict? That is wha Uncle Donald want fuh know.

“Me nah Jagdeo. Me ain’t tekking nonsense.” That is wha he now telling all of dem in de opposition. He seh that if he use to cuss he woulda cuss all of dem but he know that is wha dem want fuh get mo fuh talk.

Dem boys willing fuh bet that all de talk bout conflict gun now done because dem got de Building Expo. Uncle Donald bet Prak Ramjattan gun talk how de thing too expensive and how it use too much lights.

Talk half and confuse de other half.

personal abilities and representative status?

The other related question is whether at all it is conceivable that the President of the PSC can come from a small business within the private sector of Guyana or if it will continue to be the case that the Chairmanship is reserved for the large corporate giants?

This question is important in light of individuals continuing to make strides within the economy. These businesses and individuals will want some assurance that the Chairmanship of this most important body is not reserved for the big giants in manufacturing, commercial or services sectors but that one

of their members can one way hold such office.

It is important that this issue be clarified because the private sector needs forceful leadership today. The private sector of this country is facing serious problems.

There are divisions within the private sector even though this may not be publicly admitted. There are concerns, for example about the emergence, of new oligarchy in the economy, one that can sweep away old businesses.

There are also political differences within the private sector. As the representative body for the private sector in Guyana, the Private Sector Commission wields

tremendous influence. As such, all the parties in Guyana would very much like to have the private sector in their corner.

Paradoxically however, the PSC underestimates its own influence. The PSC has reacted very timidly to the Budget cuts instituted by the opposition parties.

These cuts which aggregate to over twenty billion dollars represent a serious loss of business to the local private sector. But typical of the private sector in Guyana, it did not come out and strongly condemn the cuts. It merely said that the cuts would affect business and called for relations to be improved between the

government and the opposition. This is typical fence- sitting.

Now that there is a need for a new Chairperson of the PSC, how about identifying someone who is fearless and who is prepared to call a spade a spade; someone who does not mince his words but someone who has the ability to build confidence on all sides of the political divide?

Surely such a person can be found within the ranks of the private sector. The question is, will that person be given that chance?

‘Prostituted’ teen, community mischief?

Several days after a 16year-old girl of Number 59 Village Corentyne, Berbice alleged that her parents are prostituting her; the child protection office in Berbice has said that it is unable to locate the teenager.

A source from the office told Kaieteur News yesterday that efforts made to contact the teen were unsuccessful since there is no information pertaining to where the girl lives.

According to the source, police at the No 51 police station had not given them any information relating to the whereabouts of the abused teenager. Upon contacting the number 51 police station, this newspaper was told that the officer assigned to the matter was out.

On Wednesday last, a 16year-old girl attracted the attention of the media when she reportedly claimed that her parents were prostituting her. The teen reportedly said that her parents would allow

a male visitor to sexually harass her for money.

“The boy does drunk me daddy and give me mommy money and dem does allow he to spend time with me in dem house” teen said.

Ann Greene, Director of Child Services at the Ministry of Human Services said, yesterday, that the matter is currently under investigation so she is unable to comment on the issue at the moment.

However, there may be mischief afoot. When the Department of Probation contacted the teen, she denied being prostituted.

A medical examination suggested that the teen was non virgo intacto but that she had not been sexually involved for some time.

“There was no recent trauma,” a doctor said to the probation officials.

A woman who lives in Schenectady, New York, and who claimed to have married

the man identified as the individual engaging in intercourse with the teen, said that she is prepared to expose the teen’s mother and her husband whom she said abused her and who is seeking a divorce.

The wedding occurred in

December 2010 after the woman travelled from overseas. There are also reports that members of the teen’s household are afraid to answer the telephone because of the nuisance calls from people, some purporting to be the ‘prostituted’ teen.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday July 07, 2012

Gitanjali Singh’s appointment in AG Office...

Opposition saw no ‘conflict of interest’ for six years - Ramotar The Audit Office of Guyana has been managing with a view to preventing any ‘Conflict of Interest’

involving the wife of Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, for the past six years and the issue is nothing new.

Gitanjali Singh, the wife of Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, was confirmed recently as a Director of the Audit

Office of Guyana, which has since sparked a furor in political opposition circles.

There is the belief that Mrs. Singh would have to certify her husband’s Ministry. It is this belief that is fuelling the conflict of interest position adopted by the political opposition.

However, President Donald Ramotar said that it seems as if the Alliance for Change in particular has forgotten that the office of the Auditor General no longer reports to the Ministry of Finance. That was a system that operates here.

Reports are presented directly to the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Mrs. Singh has been acting in the capacity of Deputy Auditor General since 2005. According to President Ramotar the issue of conflict of interest never arose.

She had joined the Office of the Auditor General in 1992.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh assumed that portfolio after the 2006 general elections. This would mean that Mrs. Singh had been certifying accounts of the Ministry of Finance for some six years.

He said that meetings of the Public Accounts Committee responsible for finance never claimed conflict of interest.

Chaired first by the late Winston Murray and later by Volda Lawrence of A Partnership for National Unity, these meetings never assumed or considered conflict of interest, Ramotar said.

He blamed the present hype on the destructive attitude of the AFC hierarchy.

Auditor General (ag) Deodat Sharma has also put in place an ‘anti-conflict of interest’ arrangement by arranging for Mrs. Singh to sign an agreement.

In that document it is outlined that Mrs. Singh will have no involvement in any of the audits where there is a direct involvement of her

Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh husband, Dr. Ashni Singh.

She has reportedly adhered to this arrangement with the Audit office over the years.

The responsibilities of the Audit Office Directors fall into three categories.

These include Central Government Accounts, Internationally Financed (IDB/World Bank) Projects and Statutory Bodies.

Having acted as a director over the years Dr. Singh’s wife was tasked with the responsibility of the Statutory Bodies, minus those Dr. Singh would be involved in.

Those bodies would include the Bank of Guyana where Dr. Singh serves as a Board Member and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) where he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Mrs. Singh was recently confirmed in her post. The President said that the very opposition is often critical of acting appointments and has been calling for these people to be confirmed.

The Government had used its slim one vote majority in the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament to approve the appointment.

Alliance for Change (AFC) member Trevor Williams failed to show up for the vote.

The vote has since

attracted the ire of the political opposition as well as civic minded groups such as Transparency International.

The international corruption watchdog body through its local office headed by Attorney-atLaw, Gino Persaud, had condemned the move by the Government and had called on Head of State Donald Ramotar to intervene.

In its condemnation of the move by Government, Persaud had said that the Office of the Auditor General of Guyana a public office created by the constitution and is mandated to uphold and preserve the highest standards of independence and integrity in the discharge of its constitutional functions.

“As a result of this appointment, a critical role in the oversight of the financial statements of the country has been entrusted to the wife of the person responsible for preparing them…The auditing process by definition requires insulation from the subject of the audit, a consideration which has been completely ignored by this incestuous appointment, which is in turn likely to undermine the effective performance and operation of the OAG.” He had argued also that “both the Minister of Finance and his wife are bound by standards of professional conduct laid down by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (UK) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana, to which they belong.”

Adding that a central rule of professional conduct mandated by these bodies relates to conflict of interest, Persaud said the retention of Mrs. Singh as Audit Director is likely to a d v e r s e l y a f f e c t the credibility of the Audit office and will undermine public confidence in such an important independent office created by the Constitution.

Saturday July 07, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Racist article sparks protest in front of Chronicle

A

group of political figures and social a c t i v i s t s yesterday assembled outside the offices of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, publishers of the Guyana and Sunday Chronicle, to protest an editorial which it described as “another attempt to whip up racial sentiments in the country”.

The group included Freddie Kissoon, Kaieteur news columnist, social activist; Mark Benschop, Lincoln Lewis; general secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress and Gerhard Ramsaroop, Michelle Ramsaroop and Fitz Ralph Hubert, members of the AFC. The demonstrators sported placards that read Stop racial politics now, Stop the racism, Chronicle, and Chronicle is PPP mouthpiece stop it now.

Kissoon said that the contents of the editorial were intended to create racial division. He said that

Government is weakening and its only survival mechanism is racial division.

The article which is dated July 3, 2010 accused the opposition of socializing black youths to think that Indians robbed them to get rich and so automatically they feel that they have to wrest by force even murder anything Indians have.

According to the article hatred of Indians is ingrained in the opposition’s psyche; “many Indians who grew up in the arms of black people in rural communities have today become fearful anytime a black youth gets close to them.”

Social Activist Mark Benschop said that he is outraged over the article. He said that three options should be given to the publication since taxpayers dollars are being used to push racism and to divide Africans and Indians in this country; it is time to revisit the amount of money put into the Chronicle.

Benschop said that the

newspaper and the government should publicly apologize, be boycotted or shut down altogether.

According to Benschop “the company is not doing Guyana any good at all.

Instead it is pushing a racist agenda.”

Gerhard Ramsaroop a

representative of the AFC said that there is a need for state media reform to have a balanced and fair coverage for all Guyanese citizens.

Ramsaroop said that he is not for the entity to close down altogether since it will affect the employment rate

but that he is endorsing the call for the publication to issue an apology to Afro Guyanese and to the Guyanese public.

He added that the government has used the Chronicle to malign persons in the opposition through “gutter” journalism in the

wake of its destruction through corruption and scandal.

The group is of the view that the government repeatedly used the Chronicle to peddle racial accusations against black youths which will result in unnecessary conflict.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday July 07, 2012

Saturday July 07, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Chinese Real Estate Co’y to invest US $2B

Saturday July 07, 2012

The Ansa McAl booth at the Building expo hours before the opening ceremony

Some concrete blocks being displayed at the TCL Group of Companies booth

W

hile a number o f international booths are being featured at this year’s Building Expo, the Suihua Runhui Real Estate Development Company from China, plans to execute three housing projects in Guyana at a cost of US$2B. According to a representative from the company, they already have the approval from the Chinese Government to go ahead with plans. However; they are awaiting the approval from the Guyana Government.

He stated that the first project in mind is for the establishment of a modern wood processing plant.

Wi t h s u c h a n introduction in Guyana this would also provide a number of job opportunities for the locals.

Kaieteur News was further told that the second project is an economic trade co-operation park which will be modern and a “top class community.” This will be

established in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The third project which is termed a “new life community” entails a focus on a “green environment” or an “eco environment”.

This project is solely focused on using the solar energy so that there will be no pollution or harm to citizens nearby.

“We are also planning to apply for land of a total area of five square kilometers to build a modern industrial park in a modern community.

We already got permission and approval from government of China. The total construction will be five years and US$2B dollars and employment opportunity will be 20,000 Guyanese,” said the representative.

Minister of Housing, Irfaan Ali, told Kaieteur News that this year, Building Expo Three, is the largest thus far with over 100 booths and 100 exhibitors.

He explained that one good feature of the exposition is the introduction of alternatives in the world of

construction since, for a long period many countries including Guyana have been struggling with prices for the traditional building materials.

Ali said that throughout the Caribbean there has been a 25 per cent increase in the prices of cement and while Guyana has been able to stable its prices it is inevitable that the country be impacted.

The building exposition allows consumers and the general public to be aware of alternatives and technologically advanced materials which they can utilize at cheaper costs and still be able to benefit from good buildings, Ali said.

The Housing Minister added that the international building and construction exposition for Guyana will portray the future of the country since it allows the public to see exhibitions and speak with persons on the new airport, Marriott and hydroelectric projects which the country will soon benefit from.

Saturday July 07, 2012

Kaieteur News

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One wooden boat, just cork, sand & paint ,53-9-5 ½, excellent condition Call: 2620316 5 acres fully developed farm Pearl,E.B.D,16,000 chicken pens capacity,bearing fruit trees Call:689-9991,227-5362 New 5 Speed Drill Press,4 ton portable poller, energy saver bulbs Call:641-1127 Games for PS2 $900,PSP $900,PS3 $2,600,Xbox $2,600 Call Junior 672-2566,265-3231 2009 Seadoo jetski 18 ft 6 inch x 7 ft 6 inch fiberglass speed boat with 175 Yamaha 2336161,651-8870 1996 T 100 V6 4X4,2002 Tacoma V6 4X4,2005 Tacoma 4 cylinder Call:651-8870,2336161 Laptop bags & sleeves, wireless mouse & cameras, computer accessories, car alarms, DVD players, laminators. Brand new Call:625-6833 T-Shirt printing & mug printing,plotter machine,leaf & twig shredder,car DVD players,Car alarms..Call:2760245,625-6833 Printer ink cartridges $2,500, Power inverter $20,000 Call: 650-7699 MAC STUDIO FIX POWDERS $7,900, SACHA 2in1 $2,000 MAKE UP – top Brands Tel :647 -1773

Special Advanced Diplomas in computers for students completed 2012 CSEC, Micrographics 264-3057 $15,000 Discount Vreed-EnHoop

Mechanic tool sets, 230 pieces, mastercraft also 80 GB HD Call: 675-5196,267-1513

Summer Class: Grade 4,5 and 6.Contact Ms.Chase on 6526088 for information,16 July16 August,Venue:North East La Penitence.

Cosmetology Classes & Small Classes from as low as $4,000.Learn in our peaceful & happy environment Call: 226-9448 Summer special from July 16-August 31 in C o s m e t o l o g y, N a i l s & Make-up Call Abby 2161950,666-5241,619-7603

New Honda Pressure washers Call:614-8564

Summer computer classes, age 5-16, Micrographics Technology, Grove Public Road Call: 266-3976

Registered Now!! Monar Educational Institute 163 Crown Street, Queenstown.Day care,Play school,Nursery,Primary & Secondary Call:2237226,227-3338

SALON Make up courses, artist trained & certified in Trinidad: 660-5257,647-1773

Ducklings (French Peeking) Call:686-5656

&

1 Mercury boat 7.5 HP engine Call:645-9459 1 CAT D379 Marine Engine 700HP, 2 CAT 399 Marine Engine (Parts),3 Rebuilt Cummins KTA19 600HP,4 Cummins NTA 855 400HP Call: 623-7498 One PC 300 Komatsu bigger than 320 Caterpillar.Price $ 2 4 Million Call:2258334,640-4627

PROPERTY FOR SALE Two storeyed house & land with all modern conveniences on prime road front location on W.C.D Call:625-6833 Ongoing business property at Agriculture Road ECD, land 35Wx600L, $20M Call: 220-7220 13 Acres transported land,double lot with a 2 storey house,lots of fruit trees,Canal # 2 $11M Call: 660-1353 One two storey property for sale concrete, fully grilled, concrete fence etc Call:6577226

VACANCY Bilingual representatives.

Must be fluent in Portuguese and English.

Send CV to: 64 Industrial Site, Beterverwagting ECD Call: 220-0401-3 Be part of our World Class customer care team. Send CV to: 64 Industrial Site Beterverwagting ECD Call: 220-0401-3 IT Technician & Occupational Health & Safety officer. Please send CV to: 64 Industrial Site, Beterverwagting ECD. Call: 220-0401-3 or email: recruitmentguyana @qualfon.com.

Teachers for Nursery,Primary & S e c o n d a r y. M o n a r Educational Institute 163 Crown Street,Queenstown Call:223-7226,2273338,Email.monar_gy@yahoo.com Vacancy exist for porters,drivers,office clerks.Apply Lot 10 Vlissengen Road.

Vacancy for gardening boy 18-25 Call 8:00am-5:00pm 621-2453 Receptionist, Maid, Handyboy: 233-6284 Vacancy for welder,apply in person to 65-67 Robb & Orange Walk Street,Bourda.

East Coast $2.5M – 5.5M,East Bank $12M,South $18M,Kitty $35M Diana 2272256,626-9382 Diamond 1st Street with fish shop and creole restaurant licence,Price $30,000,000 (Negotiable) Call:612-2697

MASSAGE American style massage service Call: 609-4036

Prime location Public Road McDoom Village,land 200ftx50ft concrete bond & front store, monthly income $300,000 Call:233-0570

Get massaged by a professional Call Nicole: 612-7209

DRESS MAKING 6 weeks course in designing and sewing Call Sharmie 2252598, 641-0784 CAR RENTAL Progressive auto rental, cars from $4,000 per day. Call: 6435122, 656-0087, www.progressiveautorental.com FOR SALE 1-50 Gallon, electric water heater (brand new) Call: 647-1773 Slate pool table, merry-goround,music set Call: 2282098 Dell computers complete with 17 & 19 inch LCD from $50,000 Future Tech 231-2206

FABS RENTAL, cars & jeeps rental Call: 600-6890 or email fabsrental@yahoo.com Al’s car pick up & canter rental Call:698-7807 Premio,110 Corolla.Call:6797139

Honda ATVS 4X4 500,2012 LIC Dealer Call:622-5762 or 691-3851

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 Spacio (Unregistered) new model,fully loaded $2.5M,1 Premio (dark grey) Unregistered $3M Call:6210956,641-0795

Live meat birds Call:650-4421

(Continued on page 20)

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Saturday July 07, 2012

Former GRA accountant goes missing The mother of a 22-yearold woman is seeking the help of the public to locate her daughter who has been missing since last Tuesday.

Raajnee Baldeo the mother of 22-year-old Mahadai Sankumar said that her daughter has been involved in an abusive relationship for the past year and a half.

The frustrated mother said that since her daughter has been involved with her abuser she, the mother, has not been able to visit or hear from her even though they both live in Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara.

Baldeo added that she has made several reports to the probation officers at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security informing them that her daughter has been suffering at the hands of an abuser.

However she was informed that since the young woman is above 18 years old she needed to file a “domestic violence” report for herself.

“The government is spending millions of dollars on domestic violence, and the people who really need the help can’t get it,” said Baldeo The grieving mother said the man stopped her

daughter from working as an accountant at the Guyana Revenue Authority and has her working in the pharmacy even though she is not a licensed pharmacist.

She went on to state that last Tuesday morning she met with the abuser and his father in front the Ministry of Human Services building since that was the only avenue to see her daughter.

She added that when she asked to see her child the abuser told her that her daughter does not want to see her and that she, the mother, is the major cause of their problems.

Baldeo said that it was after that evening that the neighbours called her informing her of loud screams coming from her daughter’s home which indicated that the man was once again beating her. She said she made attempts to get a hold of her daughter via telephone, and those efforts proved futile.

The disgruntled mother said that visits were made to her daughter ’s home on several occasions after that incident, and the house was discovered locked up.

She said she has also tried calling the pharmacy and the phone has been ringing out since then. She has also

Former GRA Accountant - Mahadai Sankumar, made contact with the abuser’s relatives in Essequibo who indicated that the couple was there during last week but left to return to Georgetown.

Baldeo added that they told her that her daughter has made attempts to commit suicide while over on the Essequibo Coast but was stopped. Baldeo however, says she is not convinced that this is true since the abuser’s family has a history of fabricating stories about her daughter. “Me biggest fear is

that something bad might happen to me daughter and nobody in authority can help me find she,” the grieving woman added.

The mother said that she is pleading with the relevant authorities to assist her in finding her daughter and removing her from the hands of her abuser. “I can’t leave my daughter with a psycho like he” said Baldeo.

According to the mother she has filed a missing person report yesterday at the Vigilance Police Station.

Immigration TALK: Questions & Answers By: Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Through this “Question & Answer” column, we seek to answer the questions of our loyal readers. We appreciate your comments and questions about the ever so complicated world of immigration. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, please email: Gail@GailLaw.com Question #1: I live in

Guyana. My mother’s petition for us was upgraded in 2009 when she became a U.S. Citizen resulting in one of my brothers who chose not to get married at the time being able to migrate in mid 2010. My other brother and I chose to get married and to date we are still awaiting an appointment date. Please advice.

Answer #1: Generally an unmarried child of a U.S.

Men steal cow from Police station pound Two men who put everything out of their thoughts and ventured into the Reliance Police Station compound and stole a cow were subsequently caught and placed before the court.

The men, Yashpaul Budhai, 23, and Keron Bissondial, 27, both of Betsy Ground, East Canje on Thursday appeared before Magistrate Fabio Azore at the Reliance Magistrate’s court where they pleaded not guilty to the charge of Larceny of Animal and were placed on $40,000 bail each.

According to information the police had rounded up a number of animals and were keeping them in the police station compound. Some time during the night of Sunday July 1, last, the two men who are known characters ventured into the compound and removed a cow.

The police upon checking during the night realized that one of the animals was missing. A police mobile patrol in the area spotted the two men some two miles away at Betsy Ground making their escape with the animal.

The men were arrested. They were made to walk the entire distance back to the station whilst repeating the phrase “I should not steal.” They were subsequently charged.

They however did not have the money to post bail and were remanded to jail‘

Citizen has a shorter wait time than a married child of a U.S. citizen. According to the March 2012 visa bulletin, visas are being issued for petitions for an unmarried child of a U.S. Citizen that was filed on or before February 1, 2005 and for petitions for a married child of a U.S. Citizen that was filed on or before January 1, 2002. So, right now there is a three-year difference in wait time if you are married versus being unmarried. In the long run, it’s better to marry and wait the extra three years so your entire family can immigrate with you to the United States.

Question #2: If you are a U.S. Citizen, how long can you stay outside the U.S.?

Answer #2: A U.S. Citizen does not have travel limitations and can remain outside the U.S. for any amount of time without risk of losing his U.S. Citizen status.

Question #3: C a n someone who obtained his U.S. citizenship via asylum be penalized (have their citizenship revoked) for going back to the country of persecution even though they are now a citizen of the U.S.? I have a friend who is in this situation and her mother is very sick. She wants to go back to the country from which she claimed asylum so she can visit her mother.

Answer #3: I do not recommend that your friend (even though she is a U.S. Citizen) return to the country she sought asylum from.

When you seek asylum in the U.S., you are claiming fear of persecution in your native country. To now return to the same country shows that you no longer have a fear to return. Remember that a naturalized U.S. Citizen can have his or her citizenship revoked for fraud. So, returning to the country you claimed asylum from can lead to a re-examination of an asylum application and a reexamination of citizenship if fraud is suspected.

Question #4: P l e a s e give me an idea of what happens when a child sponsors its parent, pays all the fees and then the child dies. Is everything finished there or can someone else take up the petition?

Answer #4: Generally, when a petitioner dies the pending petition is void.

However, a request for reinstatement can be made based on humanitarian grounds. This is not an automatic process – Immigration has the discretion to reinstate the petition with a substitute sponsor or to void the petition based on petitioner death.

Call or email our office for more information on reinstatement.

Saturday July 07, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 17

Govt. to face consequences of failing Opposition demands …no option has been taken off the table -Carl Greenidge The Guyana Government will have to deal with the consequences of failing to abide with A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) motion on National Assets.

This motion was approved in the House by the Combined Opposition recently.

This is according to Carl Greenidge, who was at the time speaking during his outreach to the Mabaruma, Region One, locale.

He was at the time responding to Guyana’s Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, who had said that there is absolutely nothing in law that would compel the government to abide with the resolutions of motion.

The motion was piloted

by Greenidge, who serves as APNU’s point man on finances and he told this publication that Nandlall may be correct, in that there is no

law to compel the Government, but reminded that there are still consequences to be had.

He reminded that the Executive and Legislative Branches of Government are independent of each other, but there is a level of cooperation required.

“They are still interdependent of each other,” said Greenidge as he explained that should the government fail to abide by the resolutions in the motion, then finding the support of the opposition on any piece of Government business in the House would prove to be difficult.

Greenidge said that APNU is prepared to hold the government at abeyance in the House, in order to have its demands met.

The former Finance Minister did point out that this is not the only mechanism

available to the Opposition and he warned that “no option has been taken off the table.”

Nandlall had called the resolutions in the opposition motion, a mere opinion of the House, but Greenidge has taken umbrage to this assertion.

Greenidge’s motion is calling on the House to set aside monies for a special ‘Forensic Audit’ of the State Holding Company - National Commercial and Industrial Investments Limited (NICIL) whose Executive Director is Winston Brassington.

Greenidge said that the probe must also effectively deal with Brassington’s involvement at NICIL and the disposal of state assets.

According to Greenidge, NICIL is some eight years behind in its financial accountability and has been engaged in a number of

Former GT&T boss resigns as Chairman of Private Sector Commission Yog Mahadeo, has resigned as Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) just a week after being elected.

It was just over a week ago also that Mahadeo, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) stepped down from that position after an internal audit found that systems were bypassed.

Yesterday, Mahadeo in his resignation letter to Andrew Astwood, Secretary of the PSC, explained that when he was elected to the Chairmanship of that business body, he was at the helm of GT&T. “It is with considerable regret that I have decided to submit my resignation as Chairman of the Private Sector Commission. At the time of my unanimous election to the Chairmanship of the PSC, I was, as is public knowledge, Chief Executive Officer of GT&T and would have been representing GT&T on the Commission as Chairman in that capacity. I can of course, no longer do so.”

Mahadeo insisted that he has already publicly stated that his decision to resign from GT&T was purely voluntary and not at the request of that partially stateowned telephone company.

It “was made as a matter of personal principle on my part,” he said in the released

Yog Mahadeo resignation letter.

According to Mahadeo, he will continue to be associated with GT&T and remain in good standing with that company, enjoying the support and respect of the management.

“Indeed, the Commission, through Mr. Peter De Groot as Chairman of the Corporate Group of the Commission, was written to by the Board of Directors of GT&T agreeing that I continue to represent the Company on the Commission and that the Board will continue to support my representation of the Company until further notice, notwithstanding my resignation.”

But the official said he had long thought on the issue and decided to resign.

“I have decided that after the most careful consideration of my resignation as CEO of GT&T, it is in the best interest of the

Commission that I no longer serve the Commission as Chairman.”

Mahadeo had publicly promised to step down after an internal audit check revealed that systems for procurement in the company were bypassed.

Three persons, including the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Royston Rachpaul, had their services terminated last week Friday.

Former GT&T Chairman, Major General (ret’d) Joe Singh, has since been appointed as the company’s Chairman and acting CEO. Former CEO, Sonia Jagan is now the acting Chief Financial Officer.

The audit by the GT&T’s US-based Atlantic Tele Network (ATN) owner was spurred by media reports of turmoil at the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN).

NCN’s Programme Director, Martin Goolsarran, reportedly received almost $4M in payment in cheques to his name for work done by the network’s cameramen during GT&T’s Jingle and Song Competition late last year.

Goolsarran admitted depositing the cheques into his personal accounts and then paying them to a local television station, Hits and Jams for production. He has since been suspended and his superior, Mohamed Sattaur, CEO of NCN, has resigned.

questionable practices as it relates to assets belonging to the State.

Greenidge said that it is clear that the Audit Office of Guyana at present cannot undertake the kind of audits that the Opposition is looking for, hence the request to have the probe undertaken by a private company.

He said, too, that there is also the conflict of interest scenario to be addressed, given that NICIL’s Board is chaired by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh.

The Minister ’s wife, Gitanjali Singh was recently confirmed as Director at the Audit Office after acting in the position for several years.

Greenidge in explaining the requests in the Motion also pointed to the criteria used for the disposal of state assets.

He used as an example, a second plot of land issued to the then President, Bharrat Jagdeo and says that he is unsure about what criteria guided this move. There is no document that outlines such decisions, he added.

As it relates to the financial reports requested, Greenidge said that the Opposition is merely looking to ensure that these companies comply with the Laws of Guyana and be held accountable.

Greenidge’s motion is asking that all of the monies accrued by these Government- owned entities, be turned over to the Consolidated Fund, save and except for monies required to meet its operating

Carl Greenidge

Anil Nandlall

expenditure.

He was speaking to entities such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission which as a Government agency that holds on to revenue accrued and would from time to time make deposits to the Consolidated Fund.

The Parliamentary Resolution piloted by Greenidge is designed to direct Dr. Singh and Junior Finance Minister Bishop Juan Edghill to hand over forthwith, a number of pertinent records and policies on the state assets that have been disposed of/sold by the Government through NICIL. House Speaker Raphael

Trotman had indicated that it would be a ‘wait and see’ situation as it relates to the government’s adherence to the Parliamentary Resolution.

Trotman had said that adherence to the Resolution will indeed test the ‘efficacy and legitimacy’ of the 10th Parliament.

“I can’t speak specifically to any single motion, but the Parliament is the highest forum of the land and its Resolutions ought to be respected and adhered to by all.”

The Speaker argues that the Parliament is ‘quasijudiciary’ and as such the rules of the House are meant to be adhered to.

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday July 07, 2012

FFP/St. Francis establish link with Region Five Food For the Poor Organisation {FFP) and the St. Francis Community Developers (SFCD) two of Guyana’s leading nongovernmental organizations unveiled a number of multimillion-dollar projects and handed over a substantial number of items including books and foodstuff to the Regional Administration of Region Five.

The activity was held at the Region’s Administration compound at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice. The items were handed over to Regional Chairman Mr. Bindrabhan Bisnauth in the presence of Vice Chairman Rion Peters, and Regional Educational Officer Mr. Owen Pollard among other dignitaries.

Speaking at the simple presentation ceremony which was chaired by Regional Education Officer, Owen Pollard, was President of the St. Francis Community Developers of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice and FFP Berbice coordinator Alex Foster.

Foster gave an elaborate outline of the numerous benefits that the region will accumulate from the new found partnership.

SFCD President and Berbice FFP Co-ordinator Alex Foster, Regional Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth. Vice Chairman Rion Peters and Regional Education Officer Mr. Owen Pollard at the handing over ceremony.

He stated that the occasion was an historic one since it will be the first for the region and noted that since his organisation decided to venture out to Region Five, things have been moving at a rapid pace. He said that FFP is “working in collaboration with the Regional Administration and the Education Department to bring betterment in the region and for the people.”

One of the projects unveiled is the Establishment of a Resource Centre. The region has promised to provide a building to house the modern centre while FFP

would supply it with furniture, books and other equipment.

The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has already received 18 computer systems and a quantity of books to set up the resource centre. The FFP and the Regional Administration are not only concerned about development on the coast, but in the Interior and riverain areas also, since six of the computer systems would be sent to the Esau and Jacob Developmental Centre (EJDC) in the Mahaicony Creek.

The EJDC would also receive sewing machines as soon as the systems are

installed. Books and other supplies are also earmarked for that area.

One hundred cartons of hand sanitizers were also presented to the region for the launch of the “Healthy Hand, Healthy Body” campaign at schools. Foster said he hopes that the campaign can be incorporated into forming schools’ health clubs.

Schools in the region will also be provided with furniture and relevant books, teaching aids and learning materials as soon as the region can get its system up and running. The Amerindian Students Hostel at Mahaicony would also benefit from the benevolence

of the FFP with beds, mattresses and other items.

Foster also stated that UNICEF and the SFCD are willing to provide assistance to the hostel as well as to other learning institutions. A skills training centre to empower at risk women will also be commissioned soon.

He stated that the main aim is for the two bodies to “commence projects and programmes that were well thought out so that they can bring maximum support to a larger target audience.”

He said that it is hoped that the success of the projects in Region Six can be replicated successfully in Region Five and noted that it can only be achieved through

collaboration with various stakeholders.

FFP which has been in Guyana for 21years has recommenced its housebuilding project and Region Five will be included.

FFP is not about only handouts anymore, but also making sure that projects are developed and implemented.

Regional Chairman, Bindrabhan Bisnauth, stated that he is very thankful to the FFP and Mr. Foster for coming on board in partnership with the Region and he hoped that it will be a long and fruitful partnership between the two bodies.

He stated that after the tour he realized that his region was left behind and was grateful to the FFP and the project.

In terms of what the Region will contribute, the chairman stated that close to $5M would be spent on the complete rehabilitation of the Cotton Tree playground and community centre, including the bleachers. He hopes that upon completion, FFP would provide the furnishings.

He stated that along with Vice-Chairman, Rion Peters, they met with a number of organisations including the Bush Lot United Sports Club.

Education Officer Chitrakha Rampersaud gave the vote of thanks.

New Amsterdam, East Bank Berbice hit by high tides

Vendors of the New Amsterdam Market who are affected by the current high tides have estimated their losses to be in the millions of dollars. While this tallying was going on, the residents of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, could be seen with a makeshift boat removing appliances from the lower flat of their homes.

Customers who wished to use the ATM at Republic Bank in New Amsterdam had to walk through the flooded water.

One business man Mr. Deno Laljit, of

Lonsdale, East Bank Berbice, said that this is the third time his business is being affected by flood, and it’s the first one since the Government built a low cost sea defence system.

Mr. Laljit says even his kitchen garden is affected and will perish in the aftermath.

According to Mr. Laljit he made contact with the NDC and was visited by the Overseer Mr. Padaratt and the Chairman Mr. Ramkissoon who promised to report the matter to higher authorities.

Saturday July 07, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 19

The Abigail Column Accept tiny flaws and find peace DEARABIGAIL, My husband and I have been married for just under a year, and frankly, the “newlywed period” is not necessarily as sweet and easy as I expected it to be.

I guess part of the problem is that every relationship I’ve ever been in prior to this one has ended (obviously) so I find myself scrutinizing things that could be blips - for example, a couple

of months without sex - for evidence this relationship will go bad. It’s kind of (ticking) my husband off. He doesn’t think our problems are not that serious. So maybe it really is just me.

First Year

that you start telling the truth.

Your hesitation to speak and accept uncomfortable truths is part of the problem in your marriage. Be honest.

Consider, too, that your husband doesn’t want to talk, he just wants to be - with you, and without being picked apart.

You can choose to trust that you’re together for good reasons, and choose to let that guide you for a while at home.

Start creating warm moments with your husband instead of retreating into your doubts.

Dear First Year, Discuss it with those you trust, by stating: “I have a lot of insecurities about my marriage, and I find it really difficult to discuss this stuff with you.”

If you don’t think you can say it in person, call or leave it on a voice mail. It’s essential

Saturday July 07, 2012 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You should get into some of those creative hobbies that you always said you wanted to do.

Don't let jealous friends put you down, making you insecure about your capabilities. You may find that family members may not be too easy to get along with.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Look into any educational activities involving the whole family. Stubborn about making changes around your home.

Deal with the needs of children and get into groups that deal with self awareness.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don't cause a scene, but when you get home let your partner know how you feel and why.

You will be a real chatterbox today. Don't be afraid to push your beliefs and attitudes.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Find ways to mellow out. Your interest in helping others may take you back to school. You need an outlet that will not only stimulate you but also challenge your intelligence as well.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Situations you can't change should be forgotten for the present. Business trips will be more productive than trying to fight the red tape facing you.

Don't let relatives make demands of you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Assist a relative or good friend by setting of a budget for them.

Your high energy will enable you to take the role of leader in group functions. You could pick up valuable knowledge through conversations with experienced individuals.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You can make changes to your living quarters that should please family members. Stick to travel or do things in conjunction with groups. If you try to manipulate emotional situations you will find yourself alienated.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Someone you work with could have a personal interest in you. You will have the getup and go to contribute a great deal to groups of interest. Get promises in writing or you will be disappointed.

SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can offer your help to others but back off if they appear to be offended by your persistence. Be prepared to make changes to your personal documents. You can make a serious attempt at quitting those bad habits that you've picked up over the years.

CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your lover will cost you dearly if you let them. You can expect changes in your financial situation as well as in your status. Your pilgrimage may end up being fruitless.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Avoid getting trapped in internal disputes.

You can become obsessed with detail and must be sure to divide your time appropriately. Make love, not war, and all will be fine.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Take some time to change your house around. Romance will develop through work. Don't get involved in other people's private doings.

DTV Channel 8 08:55 hrs. Sign On 09:00 hrs. Supah Ninjas 10:00 hrs. Power Rangers 11:30 hrs. Prime News 12:00 hrs. Movie: Committed 14:00 hrs. Movie: Unstable 16:00 hrs. Goosebumps 17:00 hrs. The Baptist Hour 18:00 hrs. World News 18:30 hrs. Nightly News 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00 hrs. Issues of the People (Live) 21:00 hrs. DTV’s Summer Movie Fest 00:00 hrs. Sign Off NTN Channel 18/69 0500h - Sign on with the Mahamrtunjaya Mantra 0515h - Timehri Maha Kali Shakti Devi Mandir Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0530h - Cricket:- 4TH ODI ENGLAND vs AUSTRALIA 1330h - Teaching of Islam by Brother Roshan Khan 1400h - Motor Car / Bike Race Sponsor by GUYOIL 1500h - Saturday Afternoon Fiesta Live with Angelica 1600h - Getting It Right 1700h - Assembly of Prayer 1730h - Caribbean Power Outreach 1800h - Ganesh Parts Presents - BHAGAVAD GITA ( Discourses in English) - Serial 1815h - Drying Tears Live with Pastor Edson 1845h - Birthday Greetings / Death Announcement & In Memoriam 1900h - DDL HOUR Live with Joel 2000h - Chitrahaar with Aarya 2030h - DVD MOVIE :- VICKY DONOR (Eng:Sub:) *ing Annu Kapoor & Ayushman Khurana 2230h - DVD MOVIE :- RUM DIARY *ing Johnny Depp 0030h - Sign off with the Gayatri Mantra Channel 11 02:00 – NCN Late Edition (R/ B) 02:30 – Late Nite with GINA 03:00 – Movie 05:00 – Inspiration 05:30 – Newtown Gospel 06:00 – NCN Late Edition (R/ B) 06:30 – Ebezener Praise Time 07:00 – BBC World 08:00 – Pulse Beat

08:30 – Feature 09:00 – Int’l Building Expo – Visit to the Booths (R/B) 10:00 – Save the Children 10:30 – 2nd ODI West Indies vs New Zealand 14:00 – Cricket Info & Quiz 14:30 – Cricket Resumes 17:30 – Choices 18:00 – NCN News Magazine – Live

18:30 – Law Enforcement & You 19:00 – Let’s Talk Tax 19:30 – President’s Diary 20:00 – 3d/daily millions/play de dream/lotto draw 20:05 – Int’l Building Expo – Visit to the booths 22:05 – NCN News 22:30 – Bollywood Hits 23:30 – Movie

Guides are subjected to change without notice

Page 20

VEHICLES FOR SALE Just arrived: Allion and Premio, tel: 624-2000, 6221610 2007 Toyota Ractis $2.7M,2004 Mazda RX8 $2.8M,Never Registered Call:617-2891

Kaieteur News

Tyson Gay beats Justin Gatlin in Paris as Dai Greene sets new best Tyson Gay recovered from a poor start to pip fellow American Justin Gatlin and win the Diamond League 100m in Paris in 9.99 seconds.

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Gay, beaten by Gatlin at the recent US Olympic trials, came through powerfully ahead of Gatlin, who clocked 10.03, and Frenchman Christophe Lemaitre in 10.08.

Welshman Dai Greene showed he is back to form in the 400m hurdles as he set a new personal best of 47.84 seconds. Greene was second behind Javier Culson, who won in a world-leading 47.78.

LEGAL NOTICE

Gay was delighted with his victory, which was a reversal of the result when the sprinters met at the US trials.

“It was a tough race. I knew Gatlin was going to be out and I just tried to come back and get him,” he said. “It’s been tough for me, coming back this year. My body and mind are good, I just need to sharpen up and get back in the weight room. “I think [the Olympic final] will be the most spectacular 100m ever because you have the four, five, six fastest men in history.”

World champion Greene, who had a slow start to the season after winter surgery, almost chased down Puerto Rican Culson in the final few metres to deliver a strong statement of intent four weeks before the heats get under way in London on Friday, 3 August.

Christine Ohuruogu also showed encouraging signs of form a month before she prepares to defend her Olympic 400m title. The Londoner, 28, has only broken 50 seconds twice - in winning the 2007 World Championships and Olympics gold four years ago. She never threatened the winner, Amantle Montsho of Botswana in 49.77, but set a season’s best of 50.59 secs to finish fourth.

Lisa Dobriskey found the searing pace too hot to handle in the women’s 1500m as Moroccan Mariem Alaoui Selsouli outsprinted Turkey’s Asli Cakir Alptekin to clock the fastest time in the world this year - 3:56:15 - as she broke the four-minute barrier for the first time. Dobriskey was eighth in 4:02, but improved her season’s best by 10 seconds.

Shara Proctor, who broke the British long jump record in the recent Olympic trials, finished second with a jump of 6.65m in Paris, in a competition won by Russian Yelena Sokolova in 6.70m.

Tiffany Porter enjoyed a good run to finish third in the 100m hurdles in 12.74secs as Australian Sally Pearson won in a new world-leading time this year of 12.40, ahead of American Virginia Crawford in 12.59.

Steve Lewis finished

fourth in the pole vault with 5.52m, with Frenchman Renaud Lavillenie winning with 5.77m.

Kenyan David Rudisha was half a second outside his own world record attempt at the 800m but still set a new best time in the world for the year with a 1:41:54, obliterating the rest of the field.

Mo Farah, who has set the world-leading time of 12:56.98 in Eugene last month, was given a reminder of the task he faces to win 5,000m gold in London as Ethiopian Dejen Gebremeskel stormed to victory in 12:46.81 while his compatriot Hagos Gebrhiwet set a new world junior record of 12:47.53 in second, the duo dominating a highclass field featuring 10 Kenyans and five other Ethiopians including world record holder Kenenisa Bekele.

From back page If Federer does win Sunday in his 24th Grand Slam final, he would also take the No. 1 ranking from Djokovic and equal Sampras' record of 286 weeks as the top-ranked player. ''There's obviously a lot on the line for me in terms of winning here, the all-time Grand Slam record, world No. 1,'' Federer said. ''I'm also going into that match with some pressure, but I'm excited about it. That's what I play for.''

Federer and Djokovic went for winners on almost every point. But it was Federer who got the key points when they mattered in the third set. ''It's hard to fire bullets the whole time, so you try to also find some range. If he tees off first, it's hard to defend obviously,'' said Federer, now 1-0 against Djokovic on grass. ''It's just not as easy to take that many balls out and come up with amazing shots time and time again. That's why I kept on attacking.''

At 4-4, Djokovic had his chance with only his third break point of the match.

Federer held with three service winners. Moments later, while serving to stay in the set - and,

essentially, the matchDjokovic gifted Federer a pair of break points by blasting an overhead long with much of the court open. He saved one, but Federer's overhead smash on the second gave the Swiss great the third set, and put him on the way to the final.

The win improved Federer's semifinal record at the All England Club to 8-0.

His only loss in the final came in 2008, when Rafael Nadal beat him 9-7 in the fifth set.

William Renshaw and Arthur Gore also played in eight Wimbledon finals but that was when the defending champion received a bye into the following year's title match. That rule was changed in 1922. Renshaw won seven titles and Gore three.

On Friday, Federer had the only break of the first set to take the lead, and Djokovic returned the favour in the second set to even the score. The third set proved decisive, and Djokovic fought to stay in it right from the start. After holding easily, Federer gained a break point when Djokovic sent a forehand long. Although the Serb saved it, and eventually held to 1-1, it was the beginning of the end for

him.

The next three games went quickly and on serve, but Federer then earned a pair of break points in the sixth game.

Djokovic again saved them, the first after a 24-stroke rally that ended with Federer's forehand going wide.

Murray later played Tsonga under an open roof on Centre Court, and under intense pressure to succeed in front of the British public. ''Big relief,'' Murray said. ''I just got to try to keep it together for the final.''

Murray got off to a fast start, serving well and winning the first two sets easily.

And after losing the second, he hung on in the fourth, breaking in the final game with a forehand return winner.

The 25-year-old Murray was playing in the Wimbledon semifinals for the fourth straight year. Now he made it to that elusive final, and on Sunday he'll be facing an opponent who beat him in straight sets in the 2008 U.S. Open final and the 2010 Australian Open final.

In Murray's only other major final, the 2011 Australian Open, he lost to Djokovic - again in straight sets.

Tyson Gay recovered from a poor start to pip fellow American Justin Gatlin

Federer, Murray set...

Saturday July 07, 2012

Kaieteur News

Peter Sagan wins after crashes mar stage six Slovakian Peter Sagan sprinted to a third Tour de France stage win after a huge crash on the run-in to Metz.

The Liquigas rider powered past Andre Greipel, who was injured in an earlier crash on stage six, to deny the German a third straight victory in the race.

A pile-up 25km from the end affected overall contenders Frank Schleck and Ryder Hesjedal, while Britain’s Mark Cavendish also missed the sprint.

Fabian Cancellara still holds the yellow jersey ahead of Bradley Wiggins.

However, the Swiss rider revealed that he had been close to being caught up in the third crash of the day on the outskirts of Metz.

The peloton was comfortably chasing down a four-rider breakaway when a crash scattered dozens of riders into the grass verges and on to the tarmac. “Right next to me I had Davide Vigano and I could feel it when he went down,” said Cancellara. “I had to put one leg on the ground and was just happy not to go down.”

Britain’s David Millar, who was last week selected to ride in the Olympic road race team, was one of the men caught up in the accident. He tweeted: “Oh sweet Jesus that was scary.

Approx 70km/h pile up, like a tidal wave of debris smashing towards us, could do nothing but brake and pray.

“Knee caps smashed, chainring in chest, thigh and ankle bruised. Didn’t even notice this scratch.”

The 35-year-old Scot later added: “It was the scariest crash I’ve ever been in. “God knows how it happened some idiot. It shouldn’t happen like that. Once it started happening we didn’t even have a chance to really brake. “We were banging into each other at 60, 70kph. I was

lucky, I think, in that I was in the third wave. “I started landing on guys, but bikes were hitting me, chain rings going up and over me and getting tangled up.”

Luxembourger Schleck and Canadian Hesjedal were the biggest losers among the overall contenders as a result of the crash. Schleck, who finished third last year, finished in a group that lost more than two minutes to defending champion Evans and Wiggins.

Hesjedal, winner of the first of this year’s Grand Tour races, the Giro d’Italia, came home alongside Garmin teammate Millar, but more than 13 minutes down.

Another of Hesjedal’s team-mates, American David Zabriskie, who led the fourman breakaway, said: “Hesjedal looks like he’s got a haematoma at the top of his leg. We’ll see what the doctors say about that.”

Race officials later confirmed four riders have dropped out of the Tour as a result of injuries suffered in the crash. Dutchman Wouter Poels of Vacansoleil, American Tom Danielson of Garmin, Italian Davide Vigano of Lampre and Spaniard Mikel Astarloza, who rides for Euskaltel, brought the number of retirements from this year’s Tour to eight.

The accident also ended Cavendish’s hopes of contesting the sprint for Team Sky on Friday. He tweeted: “Lucky to just miss two flying bikes in today’s massive crash, but punctured just to be part of the chaos.”

Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford conceded that Cavendish’s morale may be low after missing out on another sprint, but he praised his team directors for prioritising Wiggins. “It’s hard for Mark in those situations,” said Brailsford.

“Maybe in previous teams

Page 21

Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Championships

Lodge crowned Georgetown zone champs

the whole team would have stopped immediately and taken him up. “There were some tough calls for the sports directors, but ultimately Brad was in that front group and lost no time.

“When you saw Frank Schleck, [Michele] Scarponi, [Robert] Gesink and Hesjedal all caught up in that crash, you’ve got to say it was a good day.”

Briton Wiggins and Evans both stayed out of trouble and came home in the main bunch four seconds behind the sprinters.

Greipel, who began the day aiming to become the first rider since Lance Armstrong in 2004 to win three successive stages, had not been expected to contest the sprint after injuring his shoulder in the opening crash of the day just 35km into the 207km stage.

H o w e v e r, w i t h t h e depleted peloton missing some of its biggest names, the Lotto riders set him up to challenge, but Sagan waited until the final moment to spring out of Greipel’s slipstream and take the win.

Tday’s seventh stage will see the riders head into the Vosges hills for a 199km race from Tomblaine to a new summit finish at La Planche des Belles Filles.

Lodge Secondary School behind an awesome display of strength and skill, hammered New Campbellville Secondary 5-0 to emerge as Georgetown Zone champions of the second annual Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Championship played at the Carifesta Sports Complex ground yesterday.

Before a fair-sized crowd, the Lodge lads took the lead in the 10th minute through Travis Lyken who exhibited great skill and football intelligence to dribble through a number of the opposition’s defenders, before beating the goalkeeper.

New Campbellville Secondary School responded with two powerful shot on goal but their efforts were futile, as the score remained 1-0 at the half.

Upon resumption, Lodge peaked with Keith Fletcher scoring a hat-trick in the 49th, 50th and 59th minutes, as he wreaked havoc on the opposition backline to significantly increase his team advantage. Jarel Tom eventually gave the champs a bigger cushion with his goal in the 80th minute.

The relentless assault by Lodge did not let up on New Campbellville defence with their goalkeeper forced to

make some good saves to prevent further embarrassment to the stroke of full time.

The winning team received a trophy and medals along with a full complement of gears including uniforms, balls and shin pads for their effort, while the losers were presented with medals.

Meanwhile, the tournament continues today and tomorrow with three games each.

East Coast champions Bygeval Secondary will take on East Bank winners Friendship in the Region Four final from 15:30 hours at the Grove Community Centre, while the Region

From page 22 Sukhraj and Akani Dorris of the Allied Arts Unit and they were ably assisted by Tamela Felix, Cynthia Harris and Kathleen Victor of the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA).

At the conclusion of the festival the teachers and students of the participating schools said they had learnt a lot and had lots of fun. Each school received two volleyballs and a net from the coordinator who took the

opportunity to thank them for participating and also expressed thanks to the Department of Education Region 6, the Principal of Berbice High School and the Berbice Volleyball Association.

He also presented a quantity of balls and nets to the President of the BVA for use in other festivals in Berbice during the new school year.

The Guyana Sports Development Foundation (GSDF) in conjunction with the Lady Jags U-20 National Team yesterday morning presented a number of football equipment to the

respective winners of the 2012 Scotiabank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy U-15 Inter School Football Tournament which concluded on Saturday 16th June, 2012 at the Georgetown Crick Club (GCC)

ground.

Teams benefiting from this fine gesture which will persist as other tournaments continue were Lodge Secondary School, who won the male segment and North

Georgetown Secondary School, who won the female segment.

The teams were beneficiary of jerseys, goalkeeping outfit, hoses, shin pads, a ball from DIGICEL USA, balls and a complete outfit (top n bottom) for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the finals.

This publication was made to understand that Tucville Secondary School, the losing finalists in both male and female segments of Football Academy will also receive equipment at a later date from GSDF and the Lady Jags team.

Last Year whilst in Guyana the U-20 Lady Jags presented to the GSDF some football equipment which will be distributed to schools and other outstanding organizations.

The Lady Jags National U-17 Female Team which played last year in the CFU WC Qualifiers were recipients of football boots from the said donation.

GVF, Ministry of...

Football gears for Lodge and North Georgetown Secondary

Director of Sport extends...

From page 23 “Gregory was also a Council Member of the GOA and Secretary of the Guyana Hockey Board.

Sports have indeed lost two of its champion athletes.

The Director of Sport and the NSC wish to extend sincere condolences to the sports fraternity in general and

to Basketball and Hockey in particular, friends, colleagues, supporters and the immediate and extended families of these two great characters in sports.

They are gone. They would be missed, but will never be forgotten.

May Their Souls Rest in Peace.”

It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.

E i g h t f i n a l will see Paramakatoi Secondary up against hosts Mahdia from 15:30 hours.

The other game today will see action in round two of the Region Nine zone at the Lethem Community Centre from 16:00 hours.

Tomorrow, there will be three games in the Playoff stage, with Region Seven playing Region One at either the Bartica or Karamang ground; Region Eight versus Region Ten at the Mahdia Community Centre; and Region Nine tackling Region Five at the Lethem Community Centre.

All games on Sunday will kick off at 16:00 hours.

Lawrence Griffith, GSDF local representative and coordinator of the Football Academy Tournament, hands over to Leon Bishop, Sports Teacher of Lodge Secondary, the equipment at the Lodge Secondary School.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Saturday July 07, 2012

Guyana female & male rugby team receives practice t-shirts The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) yesterday afternoon received an undisclosed amount of practice t-shirts for the successful male and female National Rugby Team from Associated Packers’ Incorporated (API), a relatively new and progressing company in Guyana which is dedicated to

packaging and distribution.

Representing the Company at the undertaking was the Sales Representative Manager, Cassandra Jaikarran who disclosed how delighted the Company was to the sponsor the team with the T-shirts, “This is our first donation to the team and we at Associated Packers’ Incorporated are convinced

President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU)/Female Team Manager, John Lewis (right) receives the females practice t-shirts from API Representative.

that the team deserved it for the hard work and success displayed throughout this year and last year.”

API has recently launched Premyum Full Cream and Skimmed Milk Powder, which is being packaged for the first time in Guyana following stringent quality and hygienic conditions.

The President of Union, John Lewis in his brief remarks after the presentation of the T-shirts expressed his gratitude to the Company for their gesture which will be useful for the team and hopes that the relationship between the entity and the Union continues to grow as the years go by.

Associated Packers’ Incorporated (API) Representative (left) hands over the package which includes the practice t-shirts to GRFU/Male Rugby Team Manager, Robin Roberts.

GVF, Ministry of Education holds Mini-Volleyball Festival for Primary Schools in NA, Canje On Thursday the Physical Education Department of Allied Arts Unit of the Ministry of Education conducted a Mini- Volleyball Festival for Primary Schools in the New Amsterdam – Canje District at the Berbice High School Auditorium.

Education to have MiniVolleyball introduced in Primary Schools after having received support from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), in the form of finance, special volleyballs for kids, volleyballs and volleyball manuals.

Volleyball aims to provide primary school children 9 – 13 years old, with opportunities to enjoy sport, learn new skills, acquire habits of selfdiscipline, learn to co-operate, make new friends, compete fairly and have fun in a motivating atmosphere.

held in Linden, Region 2, Region 3, and Georgetown, and will continue in other districts in the new school year.

The festival at Berbice High School attracted students from Sandvoort Primary, All Saints Primary, St.

Students and teachers pose with their volleyball equipment.

Nicholas Fraser is at extreme left and Arnold Sukhraj at extreme right.

The event is as a result of an initiative of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) in its efforts to promote volleyball at all levels. Last year, the GVF submitted a proposal to the Ministry of

Coordinator of the festival, Mr. Nicholas Fraser, who is the Head of the Physical Education Department of the Allied Arts Unit and the Secretary of the GVF explained that Mini-

He said Mini-Volleyball is played by four players with a softer and lighter ball on a smaller court with the net at a lower height. Mr. Fraser also said that Mini-Volleyball Festivals were previously

Therese Primary, Fort Ordnance Primary, St. Aloysius Primary and New Amsterdam Primary. The main facilitators were Nicholas Fraser, Arnold Continued on page 21

GFF KO Super League set for Wednesday The commencement of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 2012 Knock out (KO) Super 8 League, which was slated for this week, was forced to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances which were beyond the organisers control.

This was revealed in a press release from the GFF Competition Coordinator, Lawrence Griffith who on behalf of himself and the President (ag.) of the Federation, Franklin Wilson, apologized to the clubs, players, officials, referees, spectators and those closely associated with the competition for the sudden unavoidable change.

The League which will see eight top teams participating and battling for a spot in the final will now commence on Wednesday July 11 at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground with a double header from 18:30 hrs.

The first match will be an engagement between Mining Town’s Milerock and Western Tigers of the city; the youthful Milerock participated in the CFU Club Championship which was held at the Guyana National Stadium earlier in the year.

Pele and Amelia’s Ward will throw down the gauntlet in the final match for the night in another Linden vs Georgetown affair. Amelia’s Ward is currently ranked 3rd in the GFF Super League with 18 points after defeating Milerock.

The League continues two days later (Friday) at 18:00 hrs with Rosignol United and Den Amstel engaging. In the feature game Alpha United and the youthful Buxton United will clash to close the curtains.

The Semifinals and Final are scheduled for Wednesday July 25th July and Sunday July 29th at the same venue.

Win or go home!

Inter Ministry Football Quarterfinals tonight at Thirst Park Keen action is anticipated tonight at the Banks DIH ground at Thirst Park when the quarterfinals of the inaugural Inter Ministry/ Corporation five-a-side football competition kicks off from 18:00hrs under lights.

It’s win or go home as GNSC come up against Republic Bank, Bank of Guyana play GRA, John Fernandes take on Ministry of Tourism and hosts Banks DIH battle S&G Electrical for the $250,000 first prize. The second prise is $ 150,000 while the third placed team will collect $75,000.

Organizer Mark Young said that all the prize money which amounted to half of a million dollars was donated

by Banks DIH under the Powerade brand, while the top three teams will also collect trophies.

Each game is scheduled for 30 minutes and Young is encouraging the fans to come out and support their teams in what is expected to be a festive atmosphere.

“I am satisfied with the competition this the first year of the competition. We began with 22 teams and although the Ministry of Agriculture does not even have a team in the competition they still donated footballs to help make the competition a success. We expect much

Mark Young more teams next year when we should start a lot earlier in the year,” Young said.

Young said Banks DIH is the premium sponsor and has also provided the lights and the ground. The Organizer also thanked all the other sponsors who combined to make the competition a success and wished the teams well as they vie for a semi-final spot tonight.

“Next year should be bigger and better than this year and fans coming to the final night this year on July 21 should be in for a treat since a Celebrity game will be contested before the final,” Young disclosed.

The semi-finals are billed for July 14 and admission tonight is $200.

Saturday July 07, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Proprietors promise an unforgettable experience as Planet Fitness opens its doors It seems as though Guyanese are becoming fitness conscious, evident by the vast number of individuals seeking out gyms and fitness institutions to tone their bodies and generally stay in shape.

C o n s e q u e n t l y, s m a r t businessmen and women have responded to those needs and investing in this area, not merely to procure large profits, but to enhance the concept that healthy bodies and healthy minds translate to a healthy nation.

Undoubtedly, one must dress comfortably and with the appropriate apparel when engaging in such activities and recognizing this, two remigrants have invested in this line of products and this morning, Planet Fitness, a store that caters for the needs

of fitness conscious individuals and located at 335 East Street, Georgetown, will be opening its doors to the public.

Fahmi Waddell and Alecia Rambarran are the brains behind this venture and according to Mr. Wa d d e l l , t h e i d e a germinated from an earlier observation that there was a need for such an institution amidst the new dispensation of fitness consciousness. He said that the initial seed was planted some three months ago and after much discussion with his business partner and other persons in the know he decided to give it a shot.

He said that initially the store will stock gym wear but in due time will expand

to sportswear and equipment for every discipline. The businessman said that despite the heavy focus on sportswear, his business currently stocks a small amount of gym equipment including jump ropes, barbells, weight lifting gloves and pull up bars among others. He plans to improve on the variety and quantity in the coming months.

When the Fitness Apparel opens its doors this morning, patrons will encounter Natalia, Anthony and Adel, three competent staff members that will cater to their needs. Of course, Fahmi and Alecia would also be there taking customers through an unforgettable experience that could only be had at Planet Fitness.

Alecia Rambarran and Fahmi Waddell (extreme left and right respectively), join other staff members yesterday afternoon in preparation of today's grand opening

Carlos Rodrigues opts out of GMR&SC meet tomorrow

Carlos Rodrigues

Local motorcycle star Carlos Rodrigues will not be a part of the action tomorrow when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club stage their Race of Champions Meet at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri.

Rodrigues was one of the riders in contention for the crown following the unfortunate accident in Suriname that cause injuries to lead rider Stephen Vieira and the death of basketball star Damien Liverpool.

Rodrigues, who was a friend of Liverpool, a member of his racing team, took the death of the hard along with the team and informed that he was in not frame of mind to be a serious contender. He indicated that he was not focused enough and following discussions and on the advice of the team members and manager Udoh Kanu, they decided not to participate at the upcoming race meet.

Rodrigues, who had beaten Vieira in the past,

referred to yesterday's Kaieteur Sport article, stating that, “In regards to licking my lips to Stephen Veira's throne, that's not so.

In the past I've beaten Stephen. The reason for not contending for the title in the past was that we were behind the curb in the development of our bike - simply put our machine was not fast enough.”

He continued, “After months of testing and developing my skill we believe we have reached the point where we can compete for that title. During testing we matched Stephen's lap times which is a good indication that we are on point and ready. Stephen is the best right now and very difficult to beat so come race day everything has to go right for us.”

Rodrigues did not compete since last November's meet because he crashed while testing early this year and sustained a broken wrist and forearm.

He clearly stated that,

“We don't want to win races without Stephen in them.

That still doesn't mean you are number 1, to be the best you have to beat the best.”

Meanwhile, he offered best wishes to Vieira and condolence to Liverpool's family, “On behalf of my

team we wish Stephen a speedy recovery and hope he will be fit to race come November. And we extend our deepest condolences to Damian's family. He will be missed and forever remembered.”

Director of Sport extends condolences at passing of two sportsmen Director of Sport Neil Kumar has expended condolences on the passing of two of Guyana's known sportsmen, Damien Liverpool and Gregory Sills. Both died recently, Liverpool in a motorcycle accident and Sills after illness.

The text of his message reads: “The sports fraternity has once again plunged into deep sorrow. Two outstanding athletes, Damien Liverpool and Gregory Sills have passed on.

Damien of Basketball fame, was a stellar defender and rebounder who was very passionate and vibrant on and off the court. He died on Thursday, June 28 in an unfortunate accident in Suriname where he was expected to represent Georgetown Masters Basketball Team in a Goodwill Masters Basketball Tournament.

Gregory from the Hockey community, was an outstanding player who played for several clubs and represented Guyana as midfielder. He also performed duties as coach. He subsequently, was an administrator with distinction for many years.” Continued on page 21

t r o Sp

Sammy wants Windies to bring “A-Game” again today Kingston, Jamaica — West Indies captain Darren Sammy was full of praise for his team after Thursday's

their “A-Game” again today when Windies look to maintain their dominance as the teams return to Sabina

consecutive victory over the visitors - following last weekend's 2-0 win in the Digicel T20 Series in south

New Zealand struggled to negotiate the West Indies bowling massive nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening Digicel One-Day International. The skipper urged his players to bring

Park for the second game of the five-match series.

T h u r s d a y ' s comprehensive win handed the home side their third

Florida. The hero on Thursday was hometown boy Andre Russell, who took 4-45 with the new ball – a Man-of-the-Match

performance which was also a special birthday gift for his mother.

“We are going to take it one game at a time. We are looking to win but you have to put in that hard work. We are seeing good performances in all departments. It was a very professional display by the team yet again ... exactly the type of start that we wanted to the series,” Sammy said.

“Russell, after sitting out the two Twenty20s, showed what he is capable of by coming and making good use of what was a fairly moist wicket. He set the tone for us for the rest of the match. We then had Sunil Narine, who continues to be very good for us, with crucial wickets. Ravi Rampaul was good as well ... he always does well here at Sabina. With the second game set for Saturday (today) here again, we hope to put in a similar performance.”

Narine again proved a difficult bowler for the New Zealanders and ended with 2-26 off his 10 overs.

Rampaul backed up well with 2-42, another good return at Sabina, his most successful ground in ODI cricket.

Sammy said it is the team's desire to keep the pressure on the Black Caps and maintain the winning streak. With this in mind, he cautioned his team-mates not to look too far ahead.

“The aim is to continue ... doing what we are doing. So far on this trip we have been very professional and we have been successful.

Whether we bat or bowl we will look to be consistently good in all departments,” Sammy said.

“It was very good to restrict New Zealand for under 200 runs on that pitch.

There is always room for improvement. Probably some would say we should have bowled them out after we had them five down under 100, but overall to restrict them to 190 was good and you would take that any day on that kind of track.”

The captain added: “We want to make sure whatever we do, we do it in a professional manner. We will look to come out, most likely with the same team on Saturday, and aim to go 2-0 up. Playing here at Sabina, the pitch always offers something for the bowlers early on and then gets better for batting as the day progresses.

“Cricket is a game where if you don't come out and perform on the day, anything can happen. We have a lot of respect for the opposition but we will look to maintain the upperhand and keep them down. We are playing some good cricket against them at the moment and it is good to see the team is enjoying it and we are putting in some good performances in the middle.”

The second Digicel OneDay International will be played at Sabina Park today.

First ball is 9.30 am (10.30 am Eastern Caribbean Time).

Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Championships Federer, Murray set for Wimbledon final Lodge crowned Georgetown zone champs Pg WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- For Roger Federer, it's Wimbledon final No. 8. For Andy Murray, it's No. 1 - and the first for a British man since 1938.

Federer, a 16-time Grand Slam champion, beat defending champion Novak Djokovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 Friday under the closed roof at Centre Court to reach a modern-era record eighth final at the All England Club.

He is now one victory from equaling Pete Sampras' record of seven titles. ''I have one more match to go. I'm aware of that,'' said the 30-year-old Federer, who is 6-1 in Wimbledon finals. ''Still, it's always nice beating someone like Novak, who has done so well here last year, the last couple years.''

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Andy Murray The next challenge will come Sunday against Murray, who is the first British man to even reach the Wimbledon final since Bunny Austin 74 years ago.

Murray, also trying to

Roger Federer become the British man to win the Wimbledon title since Fred Perry in 1936, beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in the second semifinal.

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The winning Lodge Secondary School team pose for a photo following their demolition of Campbellville Secondary.

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