Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

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

Luncheon reduces An embarrassment Manickchand to a wild animal DEAR EDITOR, Dr Roger Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, may have intended to provide cover for and defence of acting Foreign Minister Ms. Priya Manickchand whose toast at the Fourth of July celebration of the Independence of the United States of America, and farewell for its ambassador to Guyana Mr. Brent Hardt has drawn widespread criticism. There have been words like “disgust”, “lacking decorum”, “descent into the gutter”. But none of these can compare with Dr Luncheon’s “feral blast” which by implication reduces Ms. Manickchand to the level of a wild beast. It is insulting and demeaning for Dr Luncheon to associate any person, and moreso a woman, with such language. Ms. Manickchand should reject such an association with her, or any action taken by her. I believe that she

should have refused to deliver such a “toast” which could only damage the relations between Guyana and United States of America and the public’s perception of her. Apart from the “toast” itself and its reception by the audience, two things struck me that night. The first is that it was the Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Hinds who was listed on the programme to deliver the remarks and toast on behalf of the Government of Guyana. Mr. Hinds was in Guyana and indeed in Georgetown that evening. After recovering from the shock of the toast many persons surmised that the Prime Minister would never agree to deliver such remarks and therefore chose to absent himself from the occasion. The view too is that the substantive Foreign Minister Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues, having been forced to accept Cabinet’s imposition, would have fallen sick suddenly.

Condemn Priya Manickchand DEAR EDITOR, The recent outburst by acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Priya Manickchand, on the outgoing US ambassador at the 238th independence anniversary celebration of the United States is vulgarity to the highest and totally unacceptable. I believe her action should be condemned by every right-thinking Guyanese in no uncertain terms. Remarks at those occasions are in keeping with diplomatic norms. Those occasions are not to be used for personal attacks or “cuss down”. Any responsible Minister would have adhered to those principles. Unfortunately, it does not seem as though the Minister knows better. If the Minister had issues with the US ambassador the Minister should have been intelligent enough to know that that was not the place to vent her feelings. While I was very disappointed by the Minister’s behaviour, I was not surprised. I can recall at a workshop earlier this year where she launched a similar attack on me. As soon as I attempted to raise a matter with the Minister of Local Government she started heckling. “Chairman, why you went into the dorms?” As she continued heckling I gave the

microphone to her to hear what was bothering her. She then said that a team from the AFC paid a visit to the Mahdia school dorms and that is wrong. She even said that a councillor place a couple of students to pose with some firewood on the shoulder. This was out of order, she said, and contended that it could become a subject of news reports in the media. Here again the Minister didn’t seem to get it. A workshop is not a forum to address those issues. I believe that the time has come for some of these PPP Ministers to undergo some training in public ethics so that they will stop embarrassing the Guyanese people. I am calling on President Donald Ramotar to issue an open apology to the US ambassador for the minister’s behaviour. Mark Crawford Regional Chairman Region Eight

The second is that while Mr. Robert Persaud, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment is a member of the Cabinet -which according to Dr Luncheon decided on Ms. Manickchand’s “feral blast” -he did not join Ms. Manickchand and Gail Teixeira in their unceremonious walkout after the blast. Indeed, Mr. Persaud and his wife later that evening engaged Mr. Hardt in a long and obviously polite conversation which ended with Mr. Persaud and his wife inviting the American Ambassador for a posed photograph. Dr. Luncheon is now confirming what many people think: that he had a big hand in Ms. Manickchand’s speech. But worse, his destructive role, in the mode of the animal headed for the abattoir, to use his animal anology, is lengthening. As Chairman of the NIS for twenty-two years he has single-handedly led that organisation to the precipice. He was prepared to defend, too, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo whose best social skills were to cuss out citizens of this country. Now it seems that Dr. Luncheon, with his pernicious influence over an increasingly weak Cabinet is willing to risk Guyana’s relationship with important international players barring the Chinese on which his Cabinet is making Guyana increasingly and dangerously dependent. Dr. Luncheon must now tell Guyanese who were the Cabinet members who approved Ms. Manickchand’s feral blast. Christopher Ram

DEAR SIR, Please allow me space in your paper to have another voice heard on the issue of Guyana’s embarrassment by Priya Manickchand. I have been reading about this very outspoken Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, in her acting capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs and I must admit that she is rather eloquent. Her speech was very precise and to the point. In addition, she spoke on behalf of the People of Guyana. It should be noted that her speech and the time and place of its presentation was very well selected by the “cabinet”, a body that represents the Nation as a whole. In a simple sense, it was a message from the Government of Guyana to the Government of the United States of Guyana and on the occasion of America’s independence celebration. And Minister Manickchand is a very educated individual. In fact she is an Attorney-atlaw and one of the brighter of our Government officials. I wonder if anyone was surprised at this Minister’s public display of the PPP/C cuss-out? This type of behavior is typical of our Government officials. President Donald Ramotar was hurling abuse at Moses Nagamootoo at the memorial service of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan at Babu John. Anil Nandlall, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, at the recent May 5 Arrival Day celebrations, at Highbury dealt the Opposition a few blows for the Anti-money Laundering Bill. It is so obvious that our Government officials look for any opportunity to verbally

strip persons who speak out against them. Minister Manickchand seems to have lost touch with reality. Anything that she does should be seen as coming from a Lady and a Lady who speaks for the country and should be an example to the ladies in this beautiful country. How can we forget her ladylike behavior when she belted out certain words in relation to APNU member of Parliament (Sharma) in the Parliament, causing the Speaker to ban her from speaking unless she apologized? And now, in the presence of local and foreign dignitaries, at a Private function, hosted by the outgoing Ambassador of the USA, she was booed and yelled at. Minister Manickchand should have been told that when an audience is booing a speaker it is time to shut up and exit the place. Was she waiting for tomatoes and shoes? In reading the stand that this Government is taking in relation to this July 4 message

from this country to the USA on that country’s independence I am of the view that all diplomatic missions should select the Government official to speak at any function they are going to host and the speeches should be edited before the mike is handed to these cuss-mouth people. Ambassador Hardt should have yanked the mike away from this “puppet Minister” because at that stage ‘diplomacy’ was already out the window. But I guess it was a display of class that caused the US Ambassador to allow Manickchand to continue her speech. I wonder how the rest of the PPP supporters are taking this. I will end my letter by asking all the Ministers of this very sad Government, and His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar, if it was ok for Ex President Jimmy Carter to come to Guyana and oversee the election in this country to ensure it was free and fair? Was that not ‘meddling or Crossing the line?’ Charrandass Persaud

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Wednesday July 09, 2014

NCN Report… Address Jagdeo’s ‘wife abuse’ before speaking on similar matters Ramotar needs to take The Alliance For Change (AFC) yesterday highlighted what it described as the hypocrisy that is being perpetuated by the government in its latest attempt to defend the disregard for diplomatic norms which was reflected in its message to the US Ambassador. Since the now infamous speech delivered by the then acting Foreign Minister, Priya Manickchand, that essentially disrespected former United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt in his own home; the Minister and the government have been subject to much criticism. Manickchand’s message became a topic of widespread discussion on social media; the opposition spoke against it and letters criticizing the Minister are still being published in local newspapers. Because of the way the Minister acted, the AFC had characterized her as “Sitira Gal.” But Presidential advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira took offence to this. On National television, the government official said that the opposition has a history of being “racial and sexist” towards women of East Indian decent. She alluded to AFC’s characterization of Manickchand as “Sitira Gal” as part of a “racist and sexist” pattern. “It’s really saying basically …that Indian women in this country must know their place. They

— AFC tells Govt.

Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira

Minister Priya Manickchand

mustn’t come out of their confines and suddenly be out there speaking.” The senior public servant said the women’s movement has not been defending Indian women like Acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba; the Finance Minister’s wife, Gitanjali Singh and then Supreme C o u r t R e g i s t r a r, S i t a Ramlall. Via a press statement released yesterday, the AFC said that it has noted the “lame” attempt by the Presidential Advisor on Governance to turn criticism of Manickchand’s “uncouth behaviour” at the residence of the US Ambassador by labeling such criticism, “racist and sexist”. The party said that Teixeira’s attempt to do so is an insult to all women of all

ethnicities. The statement added that “coming from the PPP Government, it is just a spin and distraction from their exploitation of racism to procure back the support they are rapidly losing in all their strongholds.” The AFC said that the ferocity with which the Minister has attempted to drag the dignity of Indian womanhood into ruckus over the defence of her “boorish behavior” discloses a depravity of mind too frequently displayed by the Government when purporting to speak on behalf of the Country. The AFC stated that no woman; regardless of ethnicity, who aids and abets improprietiesý and illegalities must feel she is immune to criticism. The opposition party, in a seemingly sincere attempt to guide the government officials along the right path, advised that “if Manickchand and Teixeira want to be taken seriously representing East Indian women or any woman,

they s h o u l d s t a r t b y addressing the most dastardly abuse of our East I n d i a n s i s t e r Va r s h n i e Singh who was deceived into thinking she was married to Jagdeo (Former President.) While they are at it, they ought to publicly clarify their role in that cruel hoax and comment on the mental and emotional a b u s e Va r s h n i e S i n g h suffered at the hands of the man who, in her mind, was her husband but who threw her out after he had abused a n d m i s u s e d h e r t o his satisfaction. The Party said that it will refrain from further comment on this matter. When information was made public about the extent to which the then Head of State, Bharrat Jagdeo had reportedly ill-treated his wife, Kaieteur News had sought comments on the issue from both Manickchand and Teixeira, both of whom refused to give any. At the time, Manickchand was the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, a portfolio that demanded her protection of all victims of abuse, particularly women. Manickchand, on July 2, launched into an attack on US Ambassador, Dr. D. Brent Hardt. And for her efforts she was soundly booed by the invitees. The occasion was the observance of America’s 238th anniversary of its independence. Just two days earlier, Ambassador Hardt, addressing a youth forum called Blue Caps, was critical of the Guyana Government for its failure to hold Local Government elections. This so rankled the ruling People’s Progressive Party that it had earlier in the day issued a statement that chided Ambassador Hardt for meddling in the internal affairs of a sovereign government. Minister Manickchand extended the criticism at the envoy’s home.

action, not dilly-dally with recommendations - Harmon

APNU Parliamentarian Joseph Harmon

President Donald Ramotar

The delay by President Donald Ramotar to once and for all make public his decisions on the findings of the National Communications Network (NCN) report into irregularities is bordering on neglect. A Partnership for National Unity Parliamentarian Joseph Harmon, said yesterday that President Ramotar needs to take action and not dilly-dally with the recommendations. According to Harmon, “the government has been continuously shutting down corruption rumours by saying ‘show us the proof’ but here they have it and don’t want to act”. “It’s two years now we have been waiting for the president…he needs to come out and act, show some sort of example” Harmon told Kaieteur News yesterday. Harmon explained that the president is not showing the true example of how to be a leader. “Lead by example…do good and the rest of the government ministers and other officials will have to follow.” Over the last three recent press conferences President Ramotar held, he has continuously “sidelined” the issue of the NCN report. The president continues to say that he “did not walk with any information” even as he seeks to assure the public of his anti-corruption stance. The report into irregularities at NCN sits on his desk two years later and he is yet to make public his decisions on the findings. Last month when quizzed on the report on his desk for years now, the President said “I have nothing new to report on that; I really was preoccupied with many other things. I am sorry, next time

hopefully I will be in a better position.” The report was submitted to the Office of the President for action. Though differently worded, the President’s response mirrored one he offered on this very issue about a year ago at a similar engagement. In fact, in March 2013, Ramotar told media operatives that he was “surprised” that the matter had not yet been concluded. He had related that the matter is being handled and it would be concluded in the near future. The investigation into the irregularities was confined to the Terms of Reference that sought to ascertain the relationship between G u y a n a Te l e p h o n e a n d Telegraph Company (GT&T) and NCN. In a leaked report – prepared during the first half of 2012, it was revealed that on the part of NCN, one area of irregularity was traced back to GT&T and involved millions of dollars in advertisements. NCN’s then CEO Mohamed Sattaur, resigned in June 2012. The entity’s Programme Manager, Martin Goolsarran, who admitted that he had deposited the payment cheque from the telephone company into his personal account, was suspended without pay. However, findings of the investigations submitted to Ramotar would determine the future of the two men. Many are waiting to see whether the findings would engage any legal action. Without revealing details of the investigations, Ramotar said he would like to see accountability at NCN, which will help with confidence and credibility.

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

Ukraine threatens rebels with ‘nasty surprise’ in new push KIEV/DONETSK Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukraine’s government kept up military pressure against pro-Russian rebels yesterday, threatening them with an “nasty surprise”, while the militants said they were preparing to fight back after losing their main stronghold. President Petro Poroshenko, drawing confidence from the fall of the rebel bastion of Slaviansk at the weekend, named a new chief of military operations in the east following his appointment of an aggressive new defence minister who again demanded the separatists lay down their arms. A security official said the government’s plan to clear rebels from the two big towns of Donetsk and Luhansk would come as an “nasty surprise” for the insurgents. But Poroshenko - whose officials have ruled out any more unilateral ceasefires kept the door open to a further round of indirect peace talks with separatist leaders, naming a possible venue in a government-controlled monastery-town in the east. Poroshenko yesterday

visited Slaviansk, which lies in eastern Ukraine’s industrialised Donbass region. “Until today Slaviansk was a symbol of terror and violence. Today Slaviansk is a symbol of a free Donbass and I thank you for that,” he said on the city’s main square in front of what was one of the rebels’ main headquarters. Meanwhile, signs emerged of a split in separatist ranks over the fall of Slaviansk with a powerful field commander critically questioning the pull-out from the rebel stronghold. The rebels’ loss of Slaviansk marks a major breakthrough in Kiev’s threemonth long fight against Russian backed separatists who are now calling in vain for military help from Moscow. One rebel leader played down its loss as a military expedient and said the hundreds of fighters who were able to move from the town to the regional capital Donetsk were preparing a command structure to defend that city and hit back: “We’re not preparing

ourselves for a siege. We are preparing ourselves for action,” Alexander Borodai, prime minister of the selfproclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, told a Russian online newspaper during a visit to the Russian capital. Sporadic shooting was heard from parts of Donetsk overnight. In Luhansk, a city on the border with Russia where rebels also control key buildings, two people in a minibus were killed by a shell that exploded nearby, a municipal official said. “There is an exchange of fire among the separatists. They are shooting at each other,” Iryna Verigina told a Ukrainian television station by telephone from Luhansk. Poroshenko, installed in office just a month ago, named Vasyl Grytsak to head the “anti-terrorist centre”, making him operational chief in the drive to crush the rebels. The move continued his shake-up of the military and security leadership in which he has appointed a hardline defence minister to bring fresh vigour to the fight against the insurgency.

Iraq tells U.N. ‘terrorist groups’ seized former chemical weapons depot (Reuters) -Iraq’s government has lost control of a former chemical weapons facility to “armed terrorist groups” and is unable to fulfill its international obligations to destroy toxins kept there, the country’s U.N. envoy told the United Nations. In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon, made public yesterday, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Alhakim said the Muthanna facility north of Baghdad was seized on June 11. He said remnants of a former chemical weapons program are kept in two bunkers there. “The project management spotted at dawn on Thursday, 12 June 2014, through the camera surveillance system, the looting of some of the project equipment and appliances, before the terrorists disabled the surveillance system,” Alhakim wrote in the letter dated June 30. The Sunni Muslim group known as the Islamic State is spearheading a patchwork of insurgents who have taken over large swaths of Syria and Iraq. The group, an al Qaeda offshoot, until recently called itself the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). “The Government of Iraq

Militant Islamist fighters on a tank take part in a military parade along the streets of northern Raqqa province. REUTERS/Stringer requests the States Members of the United Nations to understand the current inability of Iraq, owing to the deterioration of the security situation, to fulfill its obligations to destroy chemical weapons,” he said. Iraq would resume its obligations when the security situation improves and it has regained control of the facility, Alhakim said. U.S. Defense Department spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said last month

that the United States’ best understanding was that “whatever material was kept there is pretty old and not likely to be able to be accessed or used against anyone right now.” “We aren’t viewing this particular site and their holding it as a major issue at this point,” Kirby said. “Should they even be able to access the materials, frankly, it would likely be more of a threat to them than anyone else.”

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Govt. considers minimum wage hike Trinidad Express Government has been looking at a possible increase in the $12.50 an hour minimum wage, Finance Minister Larry Howai said Monday. Speaking at the Employers Consultative Association’s (ECA) prebudget meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Port of Spain, he said: “We have done some work on that. Because of the fact that unemployment is so low it has forced wages up. So that across the board most companies are paying above not only where the minimum wage is now but where it is likely to be based on the computations that we have, because it is done on the basis of specific computations. “And even if we use those computations we are likely to get a minimum wage that is probably below what most people are paying now. So that there will probably be some element of revision of that because it is due around now, but I don’t think that it is going to make a big difference to most employers based on the analysis that we have done. I think it may just

Larry Howai be one sector or sub sector that might have an issue. Outside of that I don’t think it will create an issue for any other sector in the economy.” Touching on concerns raised by the business owners, who were present at the meeting on wage negotiations and the impact on productivity because of the “standstill” that comes with such negotiations, Howai said this was a fiscal issue. “You can only pay so much in terms of an increase and whether it is you want to give a 15 per cent or a 13 or a

12 per cent depends really on your ability to pay. So we are committed to ensuring that we settle at a level that is sustainable for the economy but at the same time recognise the fact that as the economy continues to do a bit better there is the opportunity for the government to do a little bit better, in terms of the way it will settle overall wage negotiations.” He added that during 2013 Government settled about 83 wage negotiations and the backpay for that would have cost Government close to two-and-a-half billion dollars. “So it is a quite a significant number for the economy on a whole and when you consider the backpay that will have to be paid as far as the negotiations with the (Public Services Association) is concerned takes us into the vicinity of four to five billion dollars and that has certain kinds of implications for all of us, because when Government pays it gets it from somewhere—which is your pockets—and therefore we have to be mindful of how we manage that process,” he said.

Barbados may review controversial Municipal Solid Waste Tax – Stuart BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Barbados government says it is willing to review the controversial Municipal Solid Waste Tax if it is causing undue hardship on Barbadians not contemplated by government at the moment of its imposition. The tax was introduced this year to assist with the management of solid waste, that is, all garbage generated from residential households, apartment buildings, commercial and business establishments, institutional facilities, construction and demolition activities, municipal services and treatment plant sites. But former prime minister Owen Arthur, is mobilising members of his constituency to protest payment of the tax, claiming that they are unable to pay. Arthur and the main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) have complained that tax places another financial burden on Barbadians. But Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, who is urging Barbadians not to become too agitated about the tax, said “after we’ve seen how it has been operating, (we) will revisit it. This has happened with all the taxes that any government has ever

Freundel Stuart introduced. “You impose the tax and then you see how it works, whether you have to revisit it to fine tune it as the case may be. So, I don’t think there’s any need for the agitation at the moment and for the disquiet because the tax has been imposed; we have to see how it works.” Director of the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA), Shared Services, Wayne Forde, has called on Barbadians to pay the tax even though they have not yet received information from the BRA. Forde, said the first instalment of the tax is due by July 28 and that property owners who have structures

with an improved value on their land, were required to pay the solid waste tax, which has been calculated at a rate of 0.3 per cent of the site value. “The Municipal Solid Waste Tax Act 2014 does not make any provisions for exemptions from the payment of the tax. However, the Minister of Finance has the authority to remit or refund part or all of the tax on the grounds of undue hardship or for any other reason, as stated in Section 5 of the Act,” Forde said. Prime Minister Stuart said that the Minister of Finance has the power to exercise discretion where hardships are most evident, as obtains with the land tax. “There are people who, if their land tax obligations are thought to be imposing undue hardship on them, [they] apply for relief and they get it. That will happen with the Municipal Solid Waste Tax, as well and we will see how it goes,” he added. The Prime Minister said his administration had asked the experts at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to review Barbados’ entire tax system with a view to making recommendations on the way forward.

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

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THE VIPs TAKING OVER It was only a matter of time before the VIPs carved out their own space (in this instance their own stand) for viewing franchise cricket. We have seen it happen at concerts and now we are seeing it happening in cricket. At this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches in Guyana there will be a special VIP stand which has been sold to a local establishment which will in turn sell seats for the three matches of the CPL that will be held in Guyana. Yes, there is now a VIP stand. A few years ago whenever there were mega concerts in

Guyana, there was usually one cover charge. Whether you were rich or poor, you paid one single price to enter. Rich and poor stood next to each other. Rich and poor gyrated alongside one another to the sounds emanating from the stage. There was no segregation. No special VIP section. Everyone was equal. A fan was a fan no matter the size or depth of your pocket. That changed because the VIPs, or rather those with money in Guyana, wanted to be able to be closer to the stage. They wanted to sit and have drinks rather than stand

with the masses. And so VIP sections were carved out for many mega concerts for those willing to pay four or five times, and in some cases more, than what the average patron paid. These normal patrons were pushed backwards away from the stage. For the organizers it made economic sense. They were making more money and no one can blame them for doing so. But, from a sociological point of view, this was an important but backward development, because it introduced a certain form of class segregation into these mega concerts.

Dem boys seh...

Die-na-mik is a crass A man wha dem boy know very well been pun he sick bed and he wife sit down near to he. He tun to she and seh girl you been wid me when me climb de ladder and it fall pun me. You been walking wid me pun Regent Street when de motorbike man bruck me hand. And you been by me side when dem bandits attack and shoot me in me groin and carry me gold chain and $20. Every time me go to de hospital you always deh by me side. Now me sick and deh in hospital and can’t move and you still deh by me side. You know wha me begin to think now darling? Is that you is de cross in me life. De next day he dead and doctor find out that is poison kill him. Dem boys know another man name Sonny who start out Easy Come, Easy Gone (EZJet). Die-na-mik Airways

plane been wid he by he side when he start de first flight to Guyana from New York. Dem been wid he when he fly he first flight to Canada. Dem been wid he throughout de good times and de bad times. Dem been by he side when de FBI couldn’t find he. Sonny was going everywhere Die-na-mik go. That is how much dem never lef each other. Just like de man who believe that he wife was a crass, Die-na-mik believe that Sonny was de crass and decide to throw he out de cockpit and de FBI arrest him. Now Sonny sitting in jail, alone. Gerry, another crass, believe that Sonny was de crass, suh he go and tie bundle wid that same Die-namik. He like Sonny also never lef Die-na-mik alone. From de time it lift off wid Gerry it landing all over de place. It suppose to land in

de Big Apple but it land in South Beach, Miami. Dem passenger claim how dem ain’t walk wid swimsuit. De next flight land in Atlantic City and dem passenger ask if Gerry carry dem fuh rob dem in de casino. Then dem land in Connecticut. Dem boys seh that de way dem operating airline business dem gun land in Puerto Rice and put de passenger pun a boat and tell dem find dem way home. Now Die-na-mik realize that Gerry deh pun de same S&#%T wha Sonny been pun. But dem boys believe that Die-na-mik is de crass. Dem get ban from Brazil. Gerry, Sonny and Manny ain’t had nutten to do wid that. Not even Bobby who don’t miss nutten except de court case. Talk half and Gerry must refund de people ticket money.

Duo faces court for mugging elderly man Two city youngsters were yesterday charged for mugging an elderly man earlier this month. Roheem Benn, 20, of William Street, Kitty and Hakim Morgan, 18, of Albouystown, Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, and remanded to prison. The charge alleged that on July 3, in Albouystown while armed with a scissors, they robbed Julian Whyte of his Mountain Climber bicycle which cost $18,000 as well as $2,000 cash. They both pleaded not guilty.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Joel Ricknauth explained that the elderly man was attacked on his way home. He said that as Whyte rode his bicycle the two defendants approached him. One of them reportedly placed a “half-scissors” to the man’s neck and took away his bicycle whilst the other relieved him of the cash in his pocket. Ricknauth explained that they then rode away with the man’s bicycle. The Prosecution related that as they rode away, the virtual complainant saw a police rank and informed him of the incident. The rank, he

said, sent out a transmission via a police network and another set of ranks saw the men with the bicycle and arrested them. They were later placed on an identification parade and were positively identified by the elderly victim. Ricknauth noted that the weapon was found in the pocket of one of the accused and they were subsequently charged. The Prosecution objected to Morgan being granted bail since he has pending matters before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. Magistrate Latchman then remanded the duo. The case is set to be called again on July 10.

It was and remains a grave injustice, because the bulk of the persons who supported the artistes that performed at these mega concerts are the ordinary folks. And yet they lost their right to be closer to the stage, because this was reserved for those who were willing to pay a higher price for access to a VIP section. It has now happened in cricket. There is now a special VIP stand, the rights of which have been acquired by a private entity operating in Guyana. They are selling tickets at a higher price than what the ordinary fans will be paying for other stands in the National Stadium at Providence. The two most popular stands at the National Stadium are the Green Stand and the Red Stand. The prices to these stands are usually either a little higher or the same as the Orange Stand. The Mound has its own support base. But in terms of stands, the usual preference

is for Red and Green and if tickets are not available, the fans then buy tickets for the Orange. Well Orange is now a special VIP stand with prices selling at a higher price than the Red and Green Stands. I think we have to look closely at this development, because today it is the Orange Stand that has been sold out to the VIPs and tomorrow it may be the other two stands. The whole process may eventually become so elitist, as to exclude the ordinary fans who support cricket not just when there is CPL, but also the less popular regional matches. If you attend the regional four-day matches, the VIPs are not around. But the ordinary cricket fans are there. Now instead of having three stands to choose from, they are limited to two. If they cannot secure tickets to Red and Green, they have to pay the VIP prices, that is, if they will get tickets, because the VIPs themselves

may buy out all the tickets to the higher-priced Orange Stand. Fans need to speak out against this development. Not just for cricket but also for many mega concerts. Economic segregation of fans is likely to result. The VIPs may one day be able to buy out all the stands. There are also Guyanese groups in the Diaspora who may also be putting in bids for stands. At one time there was a special box at Bourda Cricket Ground for a group from overseas. Those with money will push out those without. And this will also push ticket prices up. What then will happen to the small man who has always been devoted and passionate in his or her support of West Indian cricket?

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Wednesday July 09, 2014

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The AFC’s no confidence motion The AFC probably examined the PPP’s performance and that of Mr. Ramotar and concluded that the sooner there is a general election, the worse for the PPP, thus the no-confidence idea. This was, of course, before the Manickchand/ Luncheon scandal and Essequibo farmers’ protest. Are there serious grounds for a no-confidence motion? I repeat what I have written before: I do not believe that the PPP will abide by the over-arching requirement of a successful parliamentary noconfidence vote. The PPP will cite a technical point that implies

that the vote violated the constitution. The PPP leadership will then move to the courts. This will invoke enormous political anger in the opposition that may take militant forms. The ABC countries may get involved, but the PPP will not go to the electorate which is required of them if they lose a no-confidence vote. They will hope to wait out the storm even though that storm’s nature will be a rough one that the PPP would not have anticipated. My guess is that so annoyed will be the ABC countries at the violation of this sacred political value that

there may be considerations of sanctions. Still the PPP will stall rather than prorogue the House and agree to early elections. Here are the possible reasons for opting for early elections. AFC may have reasoned that the PPP has lost support by the open frustration of the ABC countries with the caricature of democracy in this land. When the US gets vexed with a poor Third World country then the population begins to get worried and may feel that the government has become a liability and would not mind if it loses power. The era of the socialist aura is over in Guyana. There are no socialist demagogues that can whip up the masses to denounce the United

States. Guyana does not have anti-American sentiments and no one in the PPP leadership can get any sizeable group in any part of Guyana to vent anger against the US. All of Guyana wants to go to the US. The US Embassy has recorded a figure of 4,500 legal migrants annually. In terms of non-immigrant visa applicants, the figure rose from 13,000 in 2011 to 35,000 in 2013. If a general election is held tomorrow the opposition will create serious anxiety in Berbicians, and Indians in general, by pointing to the disappointments the US has with the PPP leadership of Guyana. It would be a winning electoral strategy. And what would be terribly shocking is that a silly PPP leadership will go on the campaign trail and in response, lash out at the Americans in nasty ways, as Ramotar did recently when the US Ambassador spoke that the lack of local government elections undermines democracy. Ramotar castigated the US in acidic terms, referring to the Snowden revelations.

And now we have the Manickchand and Luncheon infamy. That kind of idiotic electoral strategy belongs to an age long gone. Secondly, the AFC believes that Ramotar has been a political nightmare for the PPP’s image and that his invisible performance in office will hurt the PPP badly in a general poll. The AFC is right in this thinking. Mr. Ramotar is definitely not presidential material. Character-wise, he is a better human than Bharrat Jagdeo but Mr. Ramotar definitely does not possess even a modicum of presidential qualities. No young Indian will be impressed with Mr. Ramotar’s defence of his three years in office. Thirdly, this is a spin-off of number two. The AFC knows that a snap election will cause the PPP to implode. There is serious infighting inside the PPP and it centres on Mr. Ramotar. There are young leaders in the PPP who believe that with each passing day, Mr. Ramotar lessens the PPP’s chances of winning a

Frederick Kissoon parliamentary majority. If the PPP is required by the constitution to hold general elections after a vote of no-confidence, then all hell will break loose. Interestingly, if in such an event, Ramotar refuses to call the poll, the young hopefuls may very well want a general election, because in their thinking the PPP will not go with Ramotar. Finally, the AFC is convinced that the PPP will lose at the next poll and may not want to wait until the last quarter of 2016. The most compelling argument for an early contest is that the PPP is in a stage of dormancy and is almost immobilized in terms of ideas, strategy and dynamism. Nothing new has been pursued since Mr. Ramotar became president. If elections are called tomorrow, the PPP has nothing to show for Mr. Ramotar’s three years.

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Works Ministry retenders for Amaila Falls river crossing pontoon Two bids were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), for a retender under the Ministry of Public Works for the Amaila Falls Access road Butukari River Crossing pontoon with propulsion unit.

The Public Works Ministry however received no bids for two other projects -”Cleaning of outfall channels, East Bank Demerara” and “Cleaning of Highway Ditch.” Meanwhile, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) received bids for the construction of a drainage pump station at Lima, Essequibo Coast Region two.

Still in the sector, bids were tendered for the infrastructure works at Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Finally, the Tourism Ministry received five tenders for the rehabilitation and maintenance work at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Greater Georgetown. Eight bids were also submitted for the construction of Greenfield Middlewalk Koker near the railway embankment, East Coast Demerara region four.

The Local Government Ministry received bids for the cleaning of Le Repentir Cemetery. The bids were divided into two lots.

Ten bids were also opened under NDIA for the construction revetment at Greenfield, East Coast Demerara region four.

A lone bid was tendered for NDIA’s Environmental Management plan for Aurora Land Development project.

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce opened seven bids for the renovation of the Ministry’s Head Office Building.

The Tourism Ministry received bids for the building maintenance and rehabilitation works at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Parents to get $10,000 grant in cash – Minister Manickchand informs ...As Education Ministry continues national consultations

Minister Manickchand addressing the massive gathering at the Anna Regina Secondary School yesterday. Parents of children attending public schools are likely to access the $10,000 grant that was assured by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, in the 2014 national budget, by mid-September. This disclosure was made yesterday by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who spoke at a number of consultations in Region Two. The Minister, who was accompanied by a number of top officials from Central

Ministry and regional education officials, also saw the need to clarify the misconception that one $10,000 grant will be awarded per household. Manickchand explained that a grant of $10,000 will be awarded per child in a household even if there are 10 children in that household. “It is not one $10,000 per child, so a mother with 10 children can be sure that she will be receiving $100,000 for her children,” the Minister told the gathering who attended the consultations. The Minister however, noted that while cash will be the primary mode of paying out the grant, persons will also be allowed their payment in vouchers if they so desire. Nevertheless, the consultations saw a unanimous call for the payment to be made in cash.

Although some parents were optimistic that they would be able to access the endowment ahead of the start of the school term, the Minister noted that a decision was taken to delay the payment since a number of children would have been disenfranchised. According to the Minister, as many as 10,000 children are expected to start school in September, and based on the law, until they start school at the beginning of the term, they will not be counted as children attending school. Consultations were yesterday held across the Essequibo Coast with the education team targeting 45 schools over the course of the day at the following locations: Anna Regina Secondary, Charity Primary, 8th of May Secondary, Sparta Primary, Taymouth Manor Primary, Abram Zuil

Secondary, Suddie Primary, Huis’t Dieren Primary and Aurora Primary. Residents turned out in their numbers at each session to hear the Minister speak on a number of issues including the importance of parental support in the schooling process. The Minister just last week was involved in a similar consultation at the Golden Grove Primary school on the East Coast of Demerara, which also saw a grand turnout. TAKINGADVANTAGE But the Minister during her deliberations yesterday condemned forthcoming allegations that some merchants have been taking advantage of parents who seek to utilise the Ministryallocated uniform vouchers at their establishments. Reports out of Region Two suggest that a small number of merchants have

been upping the prices of their products during the period that uniform vouchers are issued. The action was yesterday described as “unscrupulous” by the Minister, who warned that the Ministry will deal “condignly” with such businesses. In fact, she noted, that the Ministry is prepared to sever ties with any and all businesses found to be engaged in the practice of fleecing parents shopping with the aid of the vouchers. DEVELOPMENTAL GROWTH The consultations also saw the Minister speaking about the economic growth of the country which she pointed out has been consistent over eight consecutive years. This, according to her, has allowed for significant development in education which has been getting

immense financial attention from Government. And this is evident the Minister told the gathering by the allocation of the largest chunk of the $220 Billion national budget this year. The education sector was this year allocated $32.3 Billion which has allowed for equity in education on a national scale. The Minister recalled that in the past the country’s top performers were mainly from the capital city, but now that trend has changed. The Minister observed that in recent years it was students from Essequibo who were not only the top national performers but top regional performers at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. GENUINE SUPPORT Although the Education Minister has in recent days been condemned in some factions regarding her blistering remarks during the pre-celebration of the United States Independence Day at the US Ambassador’s resident’s last week, the Minister certainly got a great deal of support in Region Two. The Minister at the precelebration lashed at the Ambassador for meddling in the affairs of the country even insisting that “the Ambassador’s behaviour is unacceptable.” The Minister was loudly booed and heckled during her speech. Residents attending the consultations were however very vocal in their support and there were bouts of applause when the matter was discussed yesterday. Some residents were even keen on highlighting that they were proud of the Minister’s stance.

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

TGI hikes cement price

TCL has increased its cement prices by 8.7%, effective yesterday. The price of cement by one major supplier has gone up. According to TCL Guyana Inc. (TGI), it has increased its prices 8.7% on the ex-terminal price of its Portland Pozzolan Cement with effect from yesterday. The Trinidadian-owned company, said it will be implementing the current price adjustment in accordance with its phased approach, as was previously indicated. The last price adjustment was on May 1, 2013. “This current adjustment is a consequence of increases in operating cost. Over the last year there have been increases in freight rates, the cost of spares, services and raw materials. Upward movement in foreign exchange rates has also had a significant negative

impact.” The company said it has been absorbing the rising costs, but now finds itself in the position where it cannot continue so to do. “In recognizing that cement is a major element of Guyana’s economic growth, the projected increase has been kept to a minimum, and we are pleased to state that our price still remains at the lower end of the tier when compared in a global context.” TCL says that independent studies by Quantity Surveyors have confirmed that the total cost of cement in a standard dwelling house is no more than 5-7 % of overall construction costs. “Also in strong support of Guyana’s developmental goals, TGI is pleased to state that it will maintain its offer of

a twenty percent (20%) discount for first time homeowners under the Government’s low-income earners housing initiative. The company has been supporting this programme since 2010.” TGI yesterday said it remains committed to providing a superior quality product at a very competitive price and to the delivery of exceptional service and technical expertise. “The company takes this opportunity to express its sincere gratitude to all loyal customers for their continued support and looks forward to further strengthening and deepening its stakeholder relationships.” Cement has been a popular construction material in Guyana amidst a housing boom.

Guard shot by young bandit during botched robbery A 54-year-old security guard is nursing two gunshot wounds to his right side abdomen at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after being shot by a teenage bandit early yesterday during a botched robbery. The incident which left Darby Blackman of lot 62 “E” Field Sophia hospitalised, occurred around 06:37 hrs at Jamoon Drive, Meadow Brook, Georgetown. In a release, police said that Blackman was riding his bicycle along Jamoon Drive, Meadow Brook, when he was confronted by a man armed with a handgun who demanded his valuables. The police further added that during the incident, the father of three was shot twice to his abdomen by the armed man who escaped on a bicycle without taking anything from the victim. T h e i n j u r e d m a n ’s daughter, Zinobie Cordis in an interview yesterday said

INJURED: Darby Blackman that she was at home when someone informed her that her father was shot. “I run to where the person said he was shot and I see him lying through the alleyway and his head was resting on a tree stump with blood coming from his nose and mouth,” Cordis said. The man was rushed to the GPHC where he immediately underwent

surgery to remove the bullets. “He didn’t tell me anything much. He just say that he was coming home and this li’l boy ride up to he with a gun and ask he to hand over everything he has, but my father say that before he could have come off his bicycle to hand over everything, the boy shoot he,” Cordis said. The woman added that her father told her that his attacker was a teenager who did not look older than 16 years. She claimed that her father, who works as a security guard at a church in Queenstown, had nothing valuable on him at the time of the robbery. He had his haversack with food and his bicycle. According to Cordis, though her father was a victim to a number of robberies in the past, yesterday’s incident was the first time he was hurt by his assailant. Investigations are ongoing.

Page 21

Cocaine in ornaments…

Expectant mother, taxi driver charged An expectant mother and a taxi driver who was once convicted for drug peddling, were jointly indicted yesterday in the City Magistrates’ court on a drug trafficking charge following the recent discovery of cocaine concealed in ceramic ornaments. The two accused, Belinda Williams, 29, and Gordon Klass, 43, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore and pleaded not guilty when the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking was read to them. It is alleged that on July 7 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, they had in their possession in excess of two grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Representing the Prosecution, Inspector Stephen Telford explained that about 08:00 hours on Monday, Williams was at the airport posting cargo destined for Dublin, Ireland on Amerjet flight number F68120 when the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) and police ranks conducted field tests on the cargo which contained eighteen (18) pieces of ornaments. Telford said that the test results indicated the ornaments contained cocaine. According to Telford, the ornaments when weighed amounted to 17.736 kilograms. The experts, he said, are still working to extract all of the illicit

substance and the likelihood exists that the duo would be charged again. The Prosecutor asked the court to note that whilst the extraction is currently ongoing, the quantity at this stage was sufficient for the two accused to be held. He stated that when Williams was told of the offence, she admitted that the package was given to her by Klass. When ranks arrested him, he reportedly told them that someone had given him the boxes. The Prosecution said, in light of those claims, investigations are ongoing to ascertain where the ornaments originated. Inspector Telford applied for the two to be remanded and asked to be recused from the matter since he knows the mother of the accused. Williams was represented by Attorney at Law Patrice Henry. He said that his client is a married woman who is currently five months pregnant and has two children. He said that Williams, a resident of Meadow Bank, East Bank Demerara, had no knowledge of the contents of the package, hence when questioned by ranks she readily provided the name of the person who had given her the package. Henry asked the court to consider those special reasons and grant her bail. Meanwhile, Klass who was unrepresented by legal counsel stated that he resides

ACCUSED: Gordon Klass at Lot 7 Princes Street, Werken-Rust. He said that he is a father of two and a taxi driver. The Prosecution, however, told the Magistrate that he had previously provided a Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara address. He said too that Klass was convicted in Barbados on a drug trafficking charge. Attempting to explain, Klass interjected stating that his mother lives in Princes Street and he was confused because of what had transpired. The Prosecution revealed that the investigations are complete and there are currently six witnesses to support the State’s case against the two accused. Responding, Magistrate Azore remanded the duo. The case is set to be called again on July 28.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

VACANCY

PROPERTY FOR SALE

24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 670-8893/684-2838

1-2 storey wooden & concrete house with 5 bedrooms, upper flat & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $38.9M Tel: 642-7898

One female clerk – Tel: 225-6481 FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Spares for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 One Water Dredge; 14" Missile, in excellent condition, situated in upper Mazaruni River – Contact: 685-7193 One Nissan X-trail 2004 Model PRR Series – Call: 647-0016 Lots of Original PS2, PS3, 3Ds XBOX360 systems – Game & game parts – Call: 683-8386 Yamaha outboard engines, various sizes, tundra wheels, boat trailer – Tel: 220-1981, 690-1945 One used Xbox360 & TV with two controls & four games - $100,000 – Tel: 6217497; 603-8643 One Samsung S4 19500 cell phone, 64GB storage, 2GB RAM, good condition$65,000- Tel:672-7422; 2256455 One fruit dryer machine (new) 2 compressors, distilled water machine, 4 mag rims - Call: 231-5171 or 619-7134 One XBOX Video game & XBOX Gaming Disc – Call: 675-3061

FOR SALE SONY PLAYSTATION 2 WITH MEMORY CARD & 2 GAMES. PS2, PS3, XBOX360 ORIGINAL GAMES –TEL:609-8132; 672-8569 (MAX) One 4 Wheel Drive Massey Ferguson Tractor - $2.8M – Tel: 697-2492 One Stall at Stabroek Market – Tel:679-1151. Also One stall at Stabroek Bazar – Tel:6996437

LAND FOR SALE Land for sale at Better Hope South – Price $6,350,000, negotiable – Tel: 642-7898 At Eccles Housing Scheme – price $6.5M – negotiable – Call:616-6000 15 Acre transport land opposite Timerhri Docks, next to Kamuni Creek – Tel: 2224708 La Parafait Harmonie - $1.2M, $1.4M, Schoonard - $2.5M, Eccles - $3.5M, Herstelling $3.2M, Grove (with foundation) - $2.6M- Call: 675-7292

Household item: Queen size bed, price negotiable – Tel:697-5158; 227-1028 Hallow block machine – Call: 617-3001 Dressed and mill cut lumber: Kabukalli, Silverballi, Greenheart, Crab Wood etc Call: 688-6579 Chicken- Whole plucked available at BM Enterprise Inc. contact: 227-8175/8176 Delivery also available. Large Beverage cooler 6ftX4ft, perfect condition price negotiable – Tel:6975158; 227-1028 Zmodo surveillance system units view your home or business anywhere in the world - $75, 0000 – Tel: 6092815 Toyota 4 Runner, PGG Series, V6 3000CC price neg. Tel:6975158; 227-1028 Games for PS2, PS3, XBOX360, WII, consoles also available – Call: 6722566, 265-3231

Office clerk senior/junior CXC: English, Mathematics & computer knowledge an asset- Call: 225-0188/225-6070 Experienced News Reporter - $150,000 -$200,000; Hours: Midnight – 8AM; 6 days per week - Tel: 673-5475 GUARD for Land of Canaan, accommodation available, LORRY DRIVER living on E.B.D. 266 4427 Exist for one domestic cleaner – Salary - $20,000 weekly – Call:223-0595 Cashiers @ Shell Service Station Providence EBD. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) – Tel: 265-7305 1- Live in maid, must be from the country between age 3545yrs & know to cook Indian Dish – Tel:662-1124; 611-0200 Experienced Male/Female Bar attendant, experienced Chef/Cook & one domestic at Cotton Club, Lot 44 Public Road, Kitty – Tel: 231-1908; 231-1912 Kitchen assistants and cooks to work and live in Buckhall Essequibo – Tel: 668-7660 or 690-4860 Part time Medical doctor, Medical lab. Tech. Nurse – Tel:698-2809 for Appt.

Diamond: Avenue A - Three bedrooms, two-storey concrete house & 1st Bridge - Flat concrete & high house. Have property for sale? Contact: 643-7633 1-3 storey business – Opposite GPHC, Middle Street, 2 business property @ Whim Public Road Corentyne, Price Negotiable – Contact:619-7134; 225-6481 Two transported properties (house & land) & One 100 acres farm land with live stock & fruit trees. – Tel:6928923 2- Storey 10 rooms Hotel/ Restaurant/ bar with attached apartments uptairs & downstairs. large store room @ Better Hope, E.C.DCall:222-2514 Double lot at Ruimzeight, W.C.D – Call: 629-1532; 6647326 2 STORIED CONCRETE 5 BEDROOMS 3 TOILETS & BATH, AIR CONDITION/ HOT& COLD, MULTIPLE PARKING, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY – TEL:6098132; 672-8569 (MAX) Planning on buying a building or land from $1M$50M – Call Ron’s Real Estate: 675-7292 Two storey concrete house (26X45 ft), 4 bedrooms, 3 washrooms, grilled with electronic security @ Granville Park, Beterverwagting - Tel: 6726169

CAR RENTAL DRESSMAKING Jean offers courses in dressmaking, designing curtains, floral decoration & cake decoration – Tel: 6181706; 670-2653.

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 MASSAGE The Gents Spa: Beautiful qualified masseuses, new attendants from Cuba & Trinidad, drinks available – Tel:657- 5979

Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 2257126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com ProgressiveAuto Rental: Cars & SUV for rental- $4,000 & up per day- Call: 643-5122, 219-3900 ,Email:pro_ autorental @yahoo.com

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Mining Blocks to rent at Mazaruni and Kwakwani – Tel: 627-4900

TO LET One three bedroom top flat unfurnished – Contact: 6815058; 687-0835; 644-7207 Fully furnished 2 bedroom apartment for rent with TV, Air-condition , hot & cold, cable (in south) for foreigners –Tel:689-5877

GT TOOL RENTALS SPECIALS CONCRETE SAW; JACK HAMMER WELDING MACHINE, PRESSURE WASHER & RANSOM – CALL: 675-0767; 627-5098. One building with spacious yard space at Coverden, E.B.D. Call 623-1615 for more information.

Wednesday July 09, 2014

SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Summer Special: Earn a certificate in cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, limited spaces - Call Abby: 619-7603, 666-5241 Hair Station for rent - $5,000 weekly, also 1 Nail tech with clients – Call: 604-3002; 2316972 Nail courses, Day & evening, also Brazilian & Indian Virgin Hair – Call: 604-3002; 6998477; 231-6972

VEHICLE FOR SALE 2006 Blue Nissan Titan. Fully Loaded GSS Series. Contact: 604-6108. New model Toyota RAV 4 $2.5M negotiable – Tel: 2255034, 639-5577 Toyota Avensis, Corolla 110, Tundra – Tel: 645-0078; 6030078 One Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, PMM Series Call: 2250188, 223-7500, Mon-Fri 8:154:15pm, Sat – 8:15-1:15PM Diamond Auto Show: Black Nissan, Blue Bird 2007, fully loaded, 2/4 wheel drive – Tel: 682-1822 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms - Call: 680-3154

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Permanent & Visitors Vi s a Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 2256496, 662-6045

We buy & sell vehicles for cash. Also parts available & 30 seater buses; extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Toyota Premio (grey), Spacio & Belta. Never registered – Call: 269-0432; 686-0323

Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032,647-2943

2003 Toyota Premio with back camera&TV-$2.4M,2008Toyota Premio-$3.6M&2004ToyotaIST $2.2M–Tel:615-4114

Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312, 627-3206 (Nick) For low cost: Repairs to fridge, freezer, A/C unit, microwaves, TV & washing machine - Call: 629-4946 or 225-4822 Cold storage-facility available at BM Enterprise Inc. Contact: 227-8175/8176 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer- Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734 Commercial and domestic building designs from $10,000 estimates and electrical works available – Contact Sean: 667-2189 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, washing machines, A/C units – Call Lindon: 6411086, 694-2202, 227-8907 Certified electrician: Does your house / business need electrical installation & wiring. Affordable cost (negotiable)- Contact Zaheer Ibrahime: 638-4311; 234-1626 We Refill HP Printer Ink $2,000; Cannon printer ink $2,500. Phone: 650-7699 FOR HIRE Moving? Need to transport goods? One canter for hire – Contact: 694-5441 or 685-4161 VEHICLE FOR SALE AT192 with AC, mags, music - $820,000 – Tel:675-2650

One AE 100 Corolla Wagon, LTouring $775,000, one AT212 Carina - $875,000, one unregistered Toyota Noah $1.8M – Tel: 611-6632; 664-3488

Toyota Rav4, 2004 Series, PNN - $3.6M Neg., one Corolla NZE PLL Series $1.5M Neg. Contact: 6687660 Toyota Raum, AT212, AT192, L-Touring Wagon, AE110 Corolla, Tacoma, 2007 Year Model, fun cargo – Tel: 6445096; 6971453 Best 2007 Nissan Titan f l a i r, t r u n k c o v e r, 2 2 " mags, air brush $2.8MCall: 674-9593 Toyota Fun cargo, PMM series, immaculate condition - $1.250M – Call: 601-8625 Toyota Raum, PMM Series, leather interior, DVD, touch screen, 17" rims, candy paint, alarm & remote start $1.4M – Tel: 601-8625 2005 Audi A4, leather interior, 17" rims factory, PSS series, after market head & Tail lights Halo - $4.2M – Call: 601-8625 J’s Auto Imports: In stock Allion, Premio, Blue Bird, Spacio, Madza Axela – Tel: 696-4659 First Class Auto: 2006 Premio, 2006 Allion, 2004 Spacio, IST, Axela, Fielder, Rush – Call: 609-8188; 638-3045 Mitsubishi Car EVO 2 mag rims, DVD/CD, air brush – Tel: 610-6927 (Continued on page 23)

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Letters... Where your views make the news

Promises have gone through the window DEAR EDITOR, It is with great concerns that I am penning this letter to your column in respect to the above and the recent development taking place within this country especially in the sugar industry. This Industry is said to be the backbone of PPP\C because of the support they claim to be getting during national elections especially here in Berbice. Over the years we heard of the fight for the rights of sugar workers by the PPP\C so that workers will not be trampled upon by any especially by the Government of the Day. Before 1992 workers’ rights were represented by GAWU towards the government of the day. We saw and heard workers strike and get what they want. We heard then that in no way government must be in bed with the union that represent the workers’ rights

because it will be of no benefit to the workers, that in this way the rights of workers will be trampled upon and that is why GAWU is fighting for the working class in the Industry and that is why the PPP is a party fighting for the working class in Guyana. But all things were said before 1992. I can recall during the years 1990-1992 on May 1, which is Labour Day, in Guyana, five young men (I was one) would lead the march from Bath Settlement Old Well Square to Dhanar Old Road Square, Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice. There thousands of sugar workers would gather in public, showing their fight for the rights of workers. Many delivered speeches and the programme was normally chaired by the vibrant Navin Chandarpal. The workers will be listening carefully to the leaders of the PPP especially the great Dr.

Jagan, who continued to assure workers that their rights will never be trampled upon as long as the PPP gets into power and that workers will stand more to benefit from the industry in the years to come. Those sentiments were echoed by Moses Nagamootoo. Later in 1992 (October 5) the PPP\C was given the mantle of creating a better Guyana; they were given power to give the sugar workers a better life so that workers will no more be trampled upon. Lo and behold all that was said and promised to the sugar workers before 1992 are now on the back burner of the PPP\C agenda. After the 1992 elections, rallies that were held in West Berbice on Labour Day were stopped. Workers were abandoned and had no way of reaching and listening

anymore to their leaders both PPP and GAWU face to face. The API was taken away and other benefits were trampled upon. The rights of the workers were no more as GAWU continued to have the relationship with the PPP and started to sleep in the same bed with PPP\C government. All that the great leader Dr. Jagan fought for and said to the workers are gone in vain. We saw the president of GAWU becoming an executive member of PPP\C and a Member of Parliament for the said party. We saw many regional GAWU representatives being chosen because of their political affiliations to the ruling PPP\C. We saw less or no representation now from GAWU, as workers rights are being trampled upon every single day by Guysuco and nothing is being done. Abel Seetaram

PARTY WITH RUM, WE MUST DEAR EDITOR, The alcohol industry has great power in the way it uses sport to market a product that is destructive to many persons. One of the side stories about Brazil’s hosting of the World Cup Football is that Brazil had to lift an 11-year ban on alcohol sale in its stadiums - causing violence. Budweiser is a sponsor of the football. There are no reports

available of any of the violence, but last week in Brazil, FIFA’s Jérôme Valcke reportedly told a media outlet that he was unhappy with the amount of alcohol in the grounds. ‘’I was amazed by the number of people who were drunk and the level of alcohol. It’s a surprise.” This apparently must be good for Budweiser and others because Brazil also has to

A brutal situation in Sophia DEAR EDITOR, Can the relevant authorities kindly inform the residents of Sophia D section, the third street from the police station, if this area was designated for residents or otherwise. Since August 2012 a juice factory/kitchen opened its door and the noise started. When I could not take it I had to give up my bedroom. This noise is about 15 feet from my bedroom it is nerve wracking from morning to night, Sunday to Sunday. I take tablets for high blood pressure; I work night duty and it is hard for me. A toilet is built less than two feet from my fence. And that is not all, a 40-foot container is placed on the parapet as a storeroom and a good hide out at night. I have been living in Sophia since 1994 and never dreamt that Sophia will be uncomfortable for me to live. Now these people who are making life uncomfortable

for us are having a well secured and comfortable area elsewhere and are making us uncomfortable and unsecured. This is Sophia. So we are appealing for the relevant authorities to urgently intercede on our behalf in this matter. Please. Sophia Resident

waive the taxes on the alcohol sales for the Partners. And In Guyana , Limacol CPL management tells us that “The Limacol CPL is the Biggest Party in Sport, and you can’t have a party in the Caribbean without rum! “ (Guyana Times June 11 2014). And we are told again that DDL /El Dorado Rum will be an integral part of the CPL. In 2011, defender of Guyana’s sovereignty, Minister Manickchand partnered with the alcohol industry to host her Feminition event. Since that partnership, there has been no aggressive campaign by the alcohol industry to stop the sale of liquor to children - and there have been small prosecutions of persons without licenses. There are no publicly funded easily accessible alcoholic rehabiltation programmes - it is more easy

to access the alcohol industry than it is to access any rehab and perhaps it is that since the alcohol industry thrives on alcoholism, there is an unwritten part of the partnership arrangement. It can be no surprise, then, in the partnership arrangements which the alcohol industry enters into, that even as Guyanese are encouraged to party with rum, we as a society continue to be overwhelmed by the violence, the destruction of livelihoods and the health care costs associated with legal drugs which apparently represent “the Spirit of Guyana” (Kaieteur News 6 July, 2014) But party with rum we must ! Vidyaratha Kisoon

(From page 22)

LEARN TO DANCE LEARN LATIN DANCES IN 1 DAY @ National Park Tarmac, July 27th, 2:30-5:30, Register now! $2,000 (1 person) – Call: 612-6475; 6298842

WANTED Live out domestic babysitter and live in babysitter –Call: 225-0188, 225-6070 (Monday to Saturday ) (8:15am4:15pm) One handy boy to work in the interior- Tel:681-6044

EDUCATION: I.A.E is registering students for its secondary school, Forms1-5; CXC classes for adults – Repeaters and beginners – Call: 223-0604; 683-5742 Summer Classes: Phonics, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft, fun day (4-12yrs) July 15th – August 15th @ Roxanne Burnham – Call: 6194355; 218-2076 I.A.S 2nd Street Alberttown, summer classes – 4-17yrs ($5,000 for six weeks) CXC classes for adults, 1200 per Subject – Tel:223-7906; 6905008 Summer computer classes, Ages5-16, Parika Location, Micrographics Technology, Former Bollywood building – Tel:264-3057; 626-4833 Now Enrolling for summer computer classes – Ages: 514yrs, certificate course @ MicroGraphics Technology – Vreed-En- Hoop –Tel: 2643057 Now Enrolling for a Diploma in computers (9 courses) Special discount for 2014 CXC students @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-EnHoop –Tel: 264-3057

Experienced taxi & bus driver at Princess Hotel, Providence – Tel: 616-5419/ 265-7076 Shop Assistant to work in the interior, age 30-40, salary $80,000 – Call: 664-5199 Between 9am-6pm Male & Female Cashiers apply in written application at NIRVA supermarket – Tel:227-5771 One live in experienced domestic must know to cook & bake. Starting salary $70,000 monthly – Tel:6105043 Over edge and straight stitch operator to work at Garment Factory – Call: 222-2541 Monday – Friday Salesgirl/boys and porters apply in person, to Avinash Water Street 8:30 to 4:30 MANUFACTURE/ IMPORTER, FOOD PRODUCTS SEEKING A G G R E S S I V E SALESPERSON FOR BERBICE AREA, PREFERABLYARESIDENT FROM BERBICE.CALL:231-8344 FOR INTERVIEW. Berbice or Essequibo – Live in family: Husbandhandyman duties & WifeLight domestic – Tel:2271830 One Domestic –Tel: 223-8295 We buy al house lots in La Parafaite Harmonie, Schoonard, Eccles & anywhere else – Tel: 6 757292 ACCOMMODATION

CAKES & PASTRIES Floral Arrangement, cake decoration, cake & pastry Contact Sharon: 223-3303; 672-8768

Tourist Villa: Furnished Rooms & apartments- 1, 2 &3 bedroom apartments at affordable rates – Lot 95 Fifth Av e n u e , Subryanville – Tel: 2272199; 227-2189; 227-2186

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Wednesday July 09, 2014

Guyana points out challenges for CARICOM The post-2015 development agenda must address the urgent challenges of poverty and inequality and build on the successes and shortcomings of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), with measurable targets and scaled-up investments in areas such as education, health, gender equality and youth employment, the Economic and Social Council heard during high-level meetings. Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett attended the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Ministerial Meeting (ECOSOC) of the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at UN Headquarters on Monday last. She addressed the forum on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) where the speakers pinned their hopes on the Post- 2015 Development Agenda as the means to address obstacles to progress. With 50 delegations participating in the general debate, Minister RodriguesBirkett, said that the new agenda should contain ambitious action to combat climate change and unsustainable patterns of consumption and production,

and help to shift the world economy to a low-carbon trajectory. She stated that CARICOM countries had made determined efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and were on course to achieve most of them. The Minister pointed particularly to education, health, gender, and hunger and poverty eradication. The post-2015 development agenda requires ambitious action to combat climate change and unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. The Minister also highlighted five aspects in keeping with the Annual Ministerial Review. Firstly, on Addressing Persistent Challenges and the Unfinished Agenda, she noted that the MDGs have facilitated significant successes in several areas, in some instances exceeding expectations. However, these successes often mask an uneven profile of achievement and a core of persistent challenges, including pronounced inequalities, poverty, health, gender and systemic issues. These represent the unfinished agenda of the MDGs that must be carried forward. Minister Rodrigues-

...at UN meeting Birkett pointed out that a challenge of increasing concern to CARICOM is the situation of young people which requires an urgent, coherent and effective global response. CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to give renewed priority to this issue with its outreach to young people through the Youth Forum which is well placed to contribute to the global response. The second issue highlighted was Facilitating a Strong Final Push and Smooth Transition. Pointing out that that a credible strong final push on the MDGs is imperative, she added that a strong finish will also help to generate momentum for the new agenda. Thirdly, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett focused on The Important Role of Measurement and the Use of Data. This she stated would focus on making greater use of the potential of big data in planning for sustainable development. ”In CARICOM, we face fundamental challenges in the quality, timeliness and relevance of data. For us, there needs to be a data revolution that embraces

M-70 magazine with 20 rounds missing from police patrol While the police in Georgetown are boasting about finding thousands of spent high calibre ammunition in Albouystown, their counterparts on the East Coast of Demerara are desperately trying to recover an M-70 magazine with 20 live rounds which went missing on Monday night at Mahaica. Kaieteur News understands that the rank who had responsibility for the magazine with the rounds has been placed under close arrest. As usual the police are tightlipped about the incident but it is expected that they will issue a statement after this newspaper report. According to information reaching this newspaper, the rank was part of a patrol unit which had responded to reports of a Mahaica

resident indiscriminately discharging his firearm on Monday. The ranks subsequently went to a shop in the community where they reportedly imbibed. It is believed that the rank in question took out the magazine from his M-70 rifle and put it down but forgot to pick it up when he and his colleagues left the shop. It was only after they returned to their base that they realized that the magazine was missing. A quick check back at the shop failed to locate the magazine. Reliable sources are reporting that the rank has told his superiors that the magazine with the rounds fell out of the weapon while they were in transit.

Top Cop gets 10 days to... From page 14 Exams in the Dominion of Canada and was awarded the N.C.A. Certificate in the name of Saphier Husain- Subedar.” The lawyer said he has been practicing for over 27 years in Guyana and is also a rice and cattle farmer. On June 18th, HusainSubedar said that he visited the Immigration Office in Camp Street, Georgetown with the required application form completed. HusainSubedar also had in his possession a copy of the

Deed Poll, a document showing his name change, and his old Passport, issued on March 19th, 2004. He had two passport size photos certified by Michael Somersall, Attorney-at-Law, and the required $4,000 fee. Husain-Sudedar said that he presented the documents to Immigration Officer, Mr. Parris No. 21356, “who rejected the application on the grounds that the birth certificate was not valid for said application, since it was issued in 2004/01/22 and not within the last six months.”

The lawyer said he asked on what authority he was being rejected and the Immigration Officer replied that he was instructed by his senior officers to do so. “I told the said Immigration Officer that his rejection is wrong in law and violated my Constitutional right… to withhold freedom of movement as guaranteed under Article 148 of the Constitution of Guyana 1980 as amended i.e. – the right to enter Guyana and the right to leave Guyana,” HusainSudedar said.

greater availability and utilization of appropriate data in our planning,” the Minister pointed out. She explained that greater utilisation of the data generated in CARICOM by the UN and other development partners would enable CARICOM countries access much needed concessional resources for development. The fourth highlight of Provision of Means of Implementation calls for more resources to effectively implement the expanded and more comprehensive post2015 agenda. “CARICOM calls for a more mature dialogue among all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the necessary means of implementation are provided at all levels, to facilitate greater coherence of effort and effectiveness of outcomes and to sustain development gains, including best practices, templates and models that would be viable for countries in different situations and stages of development. For this reason, we believe that the discussion on means of implementation, including financing, must remain an important part of

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett the substantive discussions,” the Minister stated. The final issue highlighted was on Enhancing Monitoring and Accountability. This focused on reducing the implementation deficit with respect to sustainable development and promoting the accountability of all actors. The situation of youth requires attention and had been made a priority by CARICOM Heads of States. Greater use of regional data by the UN and other development partners was needed, as were better measures of development than gross domestic product

(GDP) per capita, which gave a somewhat distorted picture of development in small countries by failing to take due account of their specific vulnerabilities. The forum must bring new vitality to the United Nations system’s institutional infrastructure for sustainable development by promoting synergies across intergovernmental bodies and processes, including effective follow-up to the Barbados Programme of Action and to the outcome of the upcoming Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States. UN Secretary-General Ban ki-moon released the MDG Report 2014, describing it as “the most-to-date global scorecard”. Many key targets had been met or were within reach, but achievements had been uneven, among and within regions and countries, and between population groups. He would produce a “synthesis” report in September 2015 to support Member States in their negotiations. Eradicating extreme poverty was a defining challenge and even more clearly an imperative to building stable societies and tackling growing inequality, in rich and poor countries alike. (GINA)

Ombudsman has a herculean... From page 18 powers. “In a Foreword to the publication of the Role of the Ombudsman in Guyana by the previous Ombudsman, Mr S Y Mohamed, former Chancellor of the Judiciary Keith Massiah noted that Mr Mohamed had “exposed the frustrations of the Office, the scant regard paid to his recommendations by public officials, seeming lack of parliamentary interest in his work and the discourtesy of some public officers…” He reminded too that at the swearing-in of Justice Moore, President Ramotar said that “Constitutionally, the country needs not only an Ombudsman but one that is effective. The President must now ensure that the resources to make the office effective are provided and that the government establishes a strict protocol requiring public officers to cooperate with the Ombudsman and his staff.” When contacted yesterday, the Ombudsman informed that since he has held the office for the past six months he has no complaints at this point when it comes to cooperation with government agencies. “I am not sure of Ram's statements, he seems to be speculating, but what I can say at this point is that there

has been cooperation with government agencies. I won't go into too many details but before the month ends, I will be sending out a release stating what we have done thus far and where we stand at this point. There is no backlog facing the Ombudsman's office.” When asked whether the allocated $35M for his office is enough to accomplish what he has planned for the agency, the Ombudsman said, “Well, I would say that we are working with it.” Members of the political Opposition have categorically stated that the mere appointment of an Ombudsman is only half of the task. The Opposition has demanded that the Office of the Ombudsman be “fully staffed” and given the necessary resources that would strengthen its investigative capacity. Moore asserts that his office is staffed and currently has the capacity to carry out effective investigations. On January 13, Moore was sworn in as the new Ombudsman at the Office of the President. The significant post is one which was vacant for the past eight years. An Ombudsman, though appointed by the Government or Parliament, is given a significant amount of

autonomy. He is also mandated to represent the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints of maladministration or violation of rights. More specifically, Shadow Minister of Labour Mr. Basil Williams had previously said, “The role of the Ombudsman is to basically stand up for citizens. This independent body is also tasked with carrying out proper investigations on the violations of people's rights. We (APNU) don't want the office to become a “sinecure” (a job or place that is paid but does little to no work) which has been the case in several instances in the past and there is a danger of it becoming like that if we don't pay attention to it having an effective investigative capacity.” Additionally, based on the nature of some of the complaints received and the expectations of the complainants, the Ombudsman said that there is a serious need for a lot of outreach programmes. He said, “There are a lot of misconceptions about what I am empowered to do. I have said before that we need to meet the people but it is something that will be attended to after we see what has been granted to us.”

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

Islamic state claims Baghdad bombs; parliament to meet on Sunday

Members of Shi’ite group Asaib Ahl al-Haq carry coffins of fighters from their group who were killed during clashes with militants of the Islamic State, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), during a funeral in Najaf. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani (Reuters) - Islamist militants claimed responsibility for suicide bombings in Baghdad, and there were signs the deadlock paralysing Iraq’s parliament might finally be loosening in the face of the threat from the “Islamic State” that has seized much of the country. The Sunni Muslim group, which has taken over large areas of Syria and Iraq, posted web photos of two men with scarves covering their faces, posing in front of its black and white flag and machineguns. It identified them as the Baghdad bombers and said they were Lebanese and Libyan. Five people were killed in

the first blast at a cafe in the Washash district on Sunday night. Four police and three civilians were killed the next day at a checkpoint in Kadhimiya, a northern neighbourhood. Both districts are predominately Shi’ite Muslim, raising fears the capital could return to the days of sectarian bloodletting from 2006-2007. Baghdad had seen few attacks compared to the violence in other areas hit by the Islamic State’s lightning offensive last month. Hopes that political paralysis in Baghdad may be broken with the formation of a new government to

confront the insurgency were dashed on Monday when parliament delayed its next meeting for five weeks - only to reverse its decision 24 hours later. Yesterday the acting speaker of the new parliament Mehdi al-Hafidh said parliament would bring forward the session to Sunday, instead of August 12. “Any delay in this could jeopardize the security of Iraq and its democratic course and increase the suffering of the Iraqi people,” the speaker said. The postponement had been criticised by the lawmakers themselves, who also blamed each other, and by Washington. The U.S.

India asks UN team on Kashmir to leave Delhi premises NEW DELHI (Reuters) India has asked a United Nations military observer group on Kashmir to vacate a government-provided bungalow in New Delhi, in a toughening stance against a mission that Indians have long opposed. New Delhi considers the whole of Kashmir as an integral part of the country and has bristled against external involvement in the region including the U.N. Military Observers Group on India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) that was set up in 1949 after their first war. The Indian foreign ministry said yesterday the government had asked UNMOGIP to hand over the Delhi premises from where it was running a liaison office for more than four decades for

free as part of efforts to rationalize the mission’s presence in India. The small U.N. mission has its main offices in the Kashmir capital Srinagar on the Indian side and in the Pakistani capital Islamabad as part of a U.N. Security Council resolution to supervise the ceasefire in the divided region. New Delhi has argued that the U.N. had little role to play after India and Pakistan signed the Simla Pact in 1972 under which the two countries agreed to resolve all disputes including Kashmir bilaterally. Pakistan, however, has frequently called for thirdparty involvement to settle the dispute in Kashmir. “We have said that as far as we are concerned the

UNMOGIP has outlived its relevance. This is a consistent stance that we have articulated on several occasions,” Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin told reporters after the Indian Express reported the notice given to the U.N. group to leave the Delhi premises. UNMOGIP said it had received the request in May when India was in the midst of an election that the right wing Bharatiya Janata Party led by Narendra Modi eventually won. No reasons were given for vacating the office, Major Nicolas Diaz, in charge of the Delhi office, said. He said the observers group would continue to operate in line with the U.N. mandate and that it was looking at alternative accommodation.

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UWI foreign exchange study dismissed by Barbados government as public relations stunt BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Barbados government has dismissed as a public relations stunt, a study done by the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) indicating that the regional institution contributes more direct foreign exchange to the local economy than sugar and rum exports. The UWI survey titled “The Impact of the University of the West Indies – Cave Hill Campus on the Economy of Barbados”, noted that in 2013 the campus generated almost BDS$87 million in foreign exchange while sugar earned about BDS$16 million and rum approximately BDS$86 million. “It makes no sense UWI going out there on a public relations campaign, to try to justify in the minds of Barbadians, the need for the Government to give them high levels of subsidies and to pay for university education for all Barbadians,” said Industry and Commerce

Chris Sinckler Minister Donville Inniss. Last August, Finance a n d E c o n o m i c Aff a i r s Minister Chris Sinckler in his 2013-14 budget p r e s e n t a t i o n, said that effective 2014, Barbadian students pursuing studies at the university’s three campuses will be required to pay their own tuition fees, while the government continues to fund economic costs. Sinckler said the tuition fees range from BDS$5,625 to BDS$65,000 (One Barbados

dollar=US$0.50 cents) and that the new policy would reduce the transfer to UWI by an estimated BDS$42 million a year. Inniss said that the economists who work at the UWI, “ought to be able to advise the principal that the method of financing university education, that existed from the 1960s, is no longer sustainable” suggesting also that Cave Hill needed “to put aside the charade and PR and deal with the substantive issues”. The senior government minister also questioned how the report and its findings were compiled, contending that the Government’s investment in education far exceeds its contribution to the rum sector and therefore it was a mistake to compare the two. “Whatever study UWI produces, the reality about it, is that this government or any future government, whether it’s the DLP or BLP, cannot pay for the university education in full for all Barbadians.

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Wednesday July 09, 2014

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WCup hospitality exec Guyana Amazon Warriors wing out for LCPL opener released from jail in Brazil A strong Guyana Amazon Warriors team departed yesterday for Grenada where they will take on Antigua Hawksbills on July 11 in their opening fixture of the second Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) T20 tournament. The Warriors who took the runner up spot in the inaugural tournament last year are being led by West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin and the team includes New Zealanders Martin Guptill and James Neesham,

Pakistani Mohamed Hafeez, Lendl Simmons, Sunil Narine, Navin Stewart, Krishmar Santokie and Guyanese Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Leon Johnson, Ronsford Beaton, Robin Bacchus, Steven Jacobs and Trevon Griffith. Speaking just before the team departed the Grand Coastal hotel, Coach Roger Harper said he is confident the team can win the title. Harper stated that he is satisfied with their preparation

adding that the players are eager to go. In an invited comment, newcomer James Neesham said he is looking forward to the tournament. “Guyana had a good run last season, we have a good team, one that can go all the way,” he added. The Warriors will also take on Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel on July 17, St Lucia Zouks on July 19 and Jamaica Tallawahs on July 20 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Wednesday July 09, 2014 ARIES (March 21 April 19): Today is a good day for you to simply get things done. Take care of those annoying tasks that have been building up for a while. You have a great opportunity to accomplish quite a bit. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 M a y 2 0 ) : Yo u r e m o tions may seem a bit m u d d y t o day and you might not understand the r e a s o n w h y, Ta u r u s . Share your thoughts with others and you should find that talking it out will help you sort through the maelstrom of feelings. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 June 20): You're going to get it all today, Gemini. You may not be feeling especially powerful, and in fact, some around you may be trying to make you feel incompetent. ******************** CANCER (June 21 July 22): Today is a day t o s h i n e , Ca n c e r , s o make sure you're giving it your all. Get the credit you deserve for all you do. Try not to fall into self-pity. ********************* LEO (July 23 Aug. 22): To d a y i s a day of contrasts for you, Leo. Eat chocolate in the morning and go jogging in the afternoon. Sleep in late and go to bed early. ******************* V I R G O ( A u g . 23 Sept. 22): The day doesn't begin until you clear your head and take stock of some pending personal issues, Virgo. You might be making mountains out of molehills.

.LIBRA (Sept. 23 Oct. 22) : Today might be a somewhat difficult day for you, Libra. Instinctively, you'll want to escape the situation and explore your freedom, but something will be holding you back. ********************* SCORP I O ( O c t . 2 3 - N o v. 2 1 ) : The world is wide open to you today, Scorpio. Take advantage of all the great things on offer. You may not realize it, but you have a loyal fan club building in the wings. The things you say and do affect others. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Speak your mind today, Sagittarius, but don't take offense if it seems like no one is listening. Don't push your viewpoint. Concentrate on your goals and aspirations, and feel free to push them to the limit. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): Get your head out of the clouds today, Capricorn, and come back to Earth for just a little bit. There are some things you need to take care of here. ******************** A QUA R I U S ( J a n . 2 0 - F e b . 1 8 ) : Bring things down to Earth today, Aquarius. Get grounded and enjoy the day. You'll find that the more you slow down and adopt a caring, sensitive, receptive attitude, the more things will naturally flow your way. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): Today is a fantastic day for you, Pisces, so enjoy yourself fully. Your emotions will be stable and you'll find that you have a very expansive sense of well-being.

Rio De Janeiro (AP) - A World Cup corporate hospitality executive suspected of involvement with a ticket-scalping ring was released from police custody early yesterday and returned to work. Ray Whelan, of the MATCH group of companies, was arrested Monday at the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, the hotel used by FIFA officials during the World Cup. Police have described Whelan as the “facilitator” who allowed a large ring of scalpers to have access to tickets, which they re-sold at vastly inflated prices. Reselling tickets for profit is illegal in Brazil. Whelan was arrested in his luxury suite where police said they confiscated 82 tickets for upcoming matches, along with Whelan’s computer, cellphone and other unspecified documents. His attorney, Fernando Fernandes, told reporters his arrest was “illegal and absurd.” Whelan will not be allowed to leave Brazil during the tournament. Asked if Whelan’s accreditation for the World Cup would be revoked, FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer said the sport’s international governing body couldn’t act until he had received the full report from police. “We need all the proof,” Fischer told a news briefing.

Marcel Kittel wins... From page 31 Bernhard Eisel and David Lopez following an assessment by the race doctor. A splint for his wrist was also produced from the team car and Froome finished the day safely in the pack, but slipping behind Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) in the overall rankings. Andy Schleck, the 2010 winner, did not start due to a knee injury suffered in a crash on stage three from Cambridge to London on Monday, when Kittel won. Another sprint stage was expected in Lille, but that did not put off an early two-man breakaway. Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) and Luis Mate (Cofidis) established an advantage of more than three minutes after escaping in the first kilometres, but their lead was cut to 30 seconds with 60km to go. (MailOnline)

“We want the matter solved quickly and investigated to its fullest extent.” Under Brazilian law, the 64-year-old Whelan may only be charged by prosecutors after they receive the complete police investigation, which officers have 30 days to complete. Whelan was detained for questioning after the earlier arrests of 11 people, including Algerian national Mohamadou Lamine Fofana. Police said Whelan was heard on wiretapped phone calls negotiating ticket prices with Fofana, who was accused of being the ringleader of the scalpers. MATCH said in a statement it has complete confidence in Whelan’s innocence and that he would return to work. Whelan is a longstanding executive with the MATCH group, which is based in England and run by Mexican brothers Jaime and Enrique Byrom. He has represented the company at events such as Soccerex. MATCH has FIFA contracts to run accommodation, ticketing and IT services at the World Cup. The MATCH Hospitality subsidiary, which is based in Zurich, paid $120 million for exclusive rights to sell and market more than 400,000 corporate hospitality packages for this World Cup. In 2011, FIFA extended

MATCH Hospitality’s exclusive rights through the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, including the Confederations Cup and Women’s World Cups. “The deal for the entire period covers a financial guarantee for FIFA of $300 million as well as a profit share,” the governing body said when the deal was announced. It hailed that deal as one which “further strengthens FIFA’s fight against ticket touts.” The Byrom brothers’ holding company is the major shareholder in MATCH Hospitality. A 5 percent stake is held by Switzerland-based agency Infront Sports and Media. Infront’s president and CEO is Philippe Blatter, is a nephew of FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Separately, Brazil’s Federal Police said on its website that an Italian and a French citizen, who jointly run a travel agency, were arrested at the international airport in Sao Paulo on Monday. The statement said the two were carrying 48 tickets for the semifinal and final matches — tickets which belonged to “one of the big sponsors” of the World Cup. The statement didn’t identify the sponsor, and a spokeswoman said police had no immediate comment beyond the statement.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Sunday’s race meet organised by Alness Defending champs, Kwakwani Race club not RCMTC&SF - Colin Elcock makes winning start to NSBF Popular Horse owner and promoter Colin Elcock has indicated that the race meet set for this Sunday, July 13, has been organised by the Alness Race Track and not by him and the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facilities (RCMTC&SF) as was indicated in an earlier publication. Elcock, who has been long associated and named the legal guardian of the track, dissociated himself and another legal representative Bobby Vaughn from the meeting. He stated that himself and Bobby Vaughn are two of the legal representatives of the facility and as far as they are concerned the RCMTC&SF is not organizing any event on the day and the organizers should not be using the

RCMTC&SF’s name. They do not want to be held responsible for the race meet. In the meantime the organizers of the meet have sent a modified programme with the feature race now being for animals classified D3 non winners and E and lower. The modified programme which has been once again signed by Marcel Crawford Junior reads - D 3 none winners for 2014 and E and lower over 1700M with a first prize of $500,000. The G and lower event over 1400M with a first prize of $300,000 and trophy. The ‘I1 and lower1400M event for a $250,000 winner’s money and trophy, the animals in the ‘J1’ class event will be competing for $180,000 winners money over 1200M. There is a race for J3 and lower horses which will see

them running over 1000M for a winning take of 150,000. Another J3 and lower event this time for maiden animals (which never won a race) is over 1000M for a purse of $140,000 and trophy. The final event on the programme is for K class horses for a winners money of $150,000 over 1000M. Outstanding individual performers including top jockey, trainer and stable will be presented with accolades compliments of the Trophy Stall Bourda Market and the organizers. Interested persons can make contact with Marcel Crawford Jr. on 678 5342, Junior Crawford 678 5342, Nikita Ross 662 4668, Compton Sancho 690 0569 and R Matadial 325 3192. Entries will close today, July 9.

LeBron James holds meetings in Las Vegas Las Vegas (AP) - LeBron James held meetings for more than three hours in a Las Vegas hotel yesterday, leaving without giving any indication of what team he’ll play for next season. The four-time MVP told The Associated Press he had ‘’no complaints’’ when asked how free agency was going. He declined to say whom he had met with on Tuesday or whether he had made a decision of where he’ll play next. James is expected to meet with Miami Heat President Pat Riley before making a final decision on his NBA future, and a person close to the situation said that meeting had not happened as of Tuesday afternoon. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no one has publicly announced the date of the meeting. Some of James’ representatives have met with several teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers. After filming a TV commercial in Miami on Monday, James flew to Las Vegas for his annual skills academy. Later this week, he’s expected to travel to Brazil to the World Cup final. He took time yesterday to work out with Dwayne Wade in Las Vegas before his meetings,

The National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) continued Monday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with wins for Kwakwani Secondary School and Marian Academy in the Under-14 version of the competition. Kwakwani beat Saints 33-10 with Isaiah David scoring eight points and grabbing nine rebounds and Asher Grannum adding six points with 14 rebounds. Nial Beaton had four points with five rebounds for Saints. Marian Academy’s Josiah Daniels scored nine points and Jahleel Young seven points along with a massive 19 rebounds to give their

school a 20-10 victory over Bishop’s High School. Webster McRae had six points and eight rebounds for Bishop’s High. In the Under-19 version of the competition, Saints won 41-37 against McKenzie High School with Travis Belgrave scoring 22 points and six rebounds and Kwasi Thompson 11 points and seven rebounds. Daniel Anthony had 19 points for McKenzie High. Kwakwani then defeated St. Rose’s High School 68-33 with Leonard Primo scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds and Stanton Rose pouring in 13 points and five rebounds. For

Rose’s, Nathan Saul had 16 points. Jonathan Pooran and Daniel Ramlagan scored 14 points apiece with six rebounds each to win an encounter with Bishop’s High School 48-42. Marvin Durant had 14 points and Daniel Haynes eight points and 13 rebounds for Bishop’s High. JC. Chandisingh had a 2926 victory of Marian Academy with Kevin Deolall scoring 10 points and Kobe Crawford seven points and nine rebounds. Judah Stephney had eight points and three rebounds for Marian Academy.

Letter to the Sports Editor

Oudit does not have the authority to dismiss Ms. Goring DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the recent press release issued by Mr. Vic Odit. Assuming but not admitting, that Mr. Odit is still President of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority, it is my view that he cannot suspend or dismiss the Secretary of the Authority as that function resides with the Executive of the Authority. As far as I am aware, no

meeting of the Executive was held for this purpose. The relationship is not one of master and servant between Mr. Odit and the Secretary and he cannot summarily dismiss or suspend her. The attempt by Mr. Odit to humiliate the Secretary is quite out of place. Ms. Zenzie Goring has been Secretary of the Authority for over two years and has always

performed her duties in a satisfactory manner. She has not received one cent. Her service is voluntary. On many occasions she used her motor vehicle to travel long distances to attend meetings of the Authority without being reimbursed her expenses. The attack by Mr. Odit on her is quite unfair. I rest my case. Cecil Kennard

Alfredo Di Stefano mourners gather to pay tribute at Bernabeu

James, Cavs owner could mend differences, reunite another person close to the situation told the AP. On the fourth anniversary of his announcement to leave the Cavaliers, James has the NBA waiting and guessing about his next move as a free agent. Unlike 2010, James has kept a much lower profile during his courtship. While he was on a family vacation, his agent, Rich Paul, met in Cleveland with the Cavs as

well as the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns, all of whom pitched plans as to why the 29-yearold superstar should sign with them. James wanted to contain the madness that surrounded his first foray into free agency four years ago, but the growth of social media has turned the past week into an endless storm of rumors, speculation and baseless media reports. While James may be nearing an announcement, that won’t come until he’s met with Riley. On Monday, the Heat announced they intend to sign Danny Granger and Josh McRoberts, two free agents to bolster their roster.

Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez stands next to the coffin of the late Alfredo Di Stefano (inset) Mourners paid tribute to Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano yesterday as his coffin went on public display at the Spanish club’s Bernabeu Stadium. Di Stefano died in hospital o n M o n d a y, a g e d 8 8 , following a heart attack. A hero of the all-conquering

Real sides of the 1950s and 1960s, he was also honorary president of the club. Family, fans, footballers and Real officials gathered at the club, for whom the Argentina-born player scored more than 300 goals across 11 seasons. He won five successive

European Cups, eight Spanish league titles and was voted European player of the year in 1957 and 1959. Real Madrid’s World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo tweeted: “Legends never die. Thanks for everything Maestro.”

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Kaieteur News

Seleção stunned, seventh heaven for Germany Germany have advanced to the FIFA World Cup™ Final with a sensational 7-1 drubbing of Brazil at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte. The brilliance of Joachim Low’s side was matched only by the ineptitude of the hosts, who suffered their heaviest-ever defeat and became the first team to concede seven in a knockout match at the world finals. Most of the pre-match coverage had focused on the impact of Neymar’s absence but, once the game got underway, it was clear that Thiago Silva - Brazil’s captain and defensive rock - was the man they would miss most. Without him, A Seleção’s defending was shambolic, with Germany able to slice their way through at will. The tone was set by the opening goal after just 11 minutes, when Thomas Muller was allowed to steal in completely unmarked to casually volley home from Toni Kroos’s outswinging corner. But there was no lesson learned. The hosts’ defence continued to afford Germany’s forwards the freedom of the penalty area, and it was no surprise when they were ruthlessly punished again 12 minutes later. Salt was rubbed in Brazilian wounds by the identity of the goalscorer, with Miroslav Klose not only doubling the Germans’ lead, but taking his World Cup tally to 16 to surpass Seleção legend Ronaldo as the tournament’s record scorer. Again, the marking was non-existent, with the Lazio striker allowed two shots from close range, the first of which was blocked by Julio Cesar, with the second slotted routinely inside the righthand post. It was the spark for an incredible six-minute period, during which the Brazilian net bulged four times. Next up, with the pick of Germany’s goals, was Kroos, who crashed in a firsttime left-foot shot from the edge of the area after Muller had mis-kicked from Philipp Lahm’s low cross. The Bayern Munich midfielder was impressive throughout and, a

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Argentina get ready for Holland in World Cup semi-final with game of football tennis

Overhead: Argentina will take on Holland on Wednesday to determine their World Cup status

Brazil’s coach Luiz Felipe Scolari reacts during his team’s 2014 World Cup semi-finals against Germany. minute later, he made it 3-0 with another goal that owed much to Brazil’s hesitant defending. The guilty man on this occasion was Fernandinho, who allowed himself to be robbed by Kroos midway inside his own half and could only watch as the Germany No18 exchanged passes with Sami Khedira before passing into the net with Julio Cesar stranded. Even at this early stage, it was clear that the game was over as a contest, but though the Mineirao crowd was stunned, there was much, much worse to follow. Germany’s fifth goal was a near carbon copy of their fourth, though with Khedira the finisher rather than the supplier, side-footing confidently home from Mesut Ozil’s pass. Brazil had not conceded five goals in a World Cup match since 1938, and while they won on that occasion - beating Poland 65 - there was never any chance of a comeback here. Indeed, it took until the second half for Scolari’s side to provide any kind of response, and even then they found Manuel Neuer in imposing form. The German

keeper has been one of the players of the tournament and he again shone, first in blocking Oscar’s outside-ofthe-foot shot and then in pulling off a fantastic double save from substitute Paulinho when a goal seemed certain. As it was, when the net next bulged, it was a German replacement who was celebrating. Again, the ease with which the Europeans scored was staggering, with Lahm given time and space to pick out Andre Schurrle for the most straightforward of close-range finishes. And Germany weren’t finished yet, with Schurrle again finding acres of space to control and volley left-footed off the underside of the bar, completing the hosts’ suffering. Oscar did score a fine last-minute goal, evading Jerome Boateng before shooting high beyond Neuer, but to describe it as a consolation would be stretching the truth. It was merely the final act of a match that will be forever remembered by all who witnessed it, and which leaves Brazil to wallow in misery and Germany to plan a Maracana meeting with Argentina or the Netherlands. (FIFA.com)

Butts hat-trick leads NAMS past... From page 33 regional winners that will battle each other for a place in the final. The draw showed Region 8 winner will play against the winner of Region 7; Region 2 winner will battle the survivor of Region 9, while Region 5 winner will face the winner of Region1.The three to come out of those engagements will join the five other auto-

matic qualifiers in the national quarter-finals for places in the semi-finals and final. The national quarter-finals will see Region 4 square off against Georgetown; Region 6 take on defending champions Region 10; Region 3 will engage the winner of the Region 7 and 8 clash and in the last quarter-final, Region 5 will go up against the winner of the Region 2 versus 9 matchup.

The pressure of the World Cup coming to its final stretch doesn’t seem to be getting to the Argentinian players as they took part in a spot of tennis football during training. Their World Cup semi-final showdown with Holland will go a long way to determining whether Lionel Messi is to gain hero status like Diego Maradona. But it isn’t all work and no play in Alejandro Sabella’s camp, as they made time to fit in a bit of fun over the net days after Wimbledon came to an

end at SW19. As if Messi needed any more motivation, the Barcelona maestro could become the tournament’s top goalscorer with a hat-trick against the Dutch. The 27-year-old, though, has competition from Germany’s Thomas Muller, who faced Brazil yesterday. The current top goal scorer Colombia’s James Rodriguez - was knocked out by the host nation. The potential for a Brazil vs Argentina World Cup final is tempting, but Messi and Co

must orchestrate a win over Louis van Gaal’s confident Holland team first. Holland saw off Costa Rica on penalties in the quarter-finals - a shoot-out which told the world a lot about Van Gaal’s tactical genius. The new Manchester United Manager hauled off first-choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for the penalties alone, bringing on Newcastle United’s Tim Krul, who became an instant hero by saving two spot-kicks. (MailOnline)

Van Persie is a doubt for Argentina clash as Van Gaal gives him pep talk at training Robin van Persie was given a pep talk by Holland manager Louis van Gaal after ‘stomach problems’ forced him to train away from the main squad yesterday. After bagging a brace in his first two games, the Holland star striker has failed to find the net since as Van Gaal’s side edged out Costa Rica in a dramatic penalty shootout to set up a semi-final showdown with Argentina. The Manchester United striker trained away from the rest of the squad, with Van gaal confirming: ‘He has some stomach problems, some intestinal problems, so it’s best not to train him.’ After missing training, Van Persie is a doubt for today’s night’s clash in Sao Paolo - but his manager expects him to retain his spot if fit. The Old Trafford manager-in-waiting said: ‘I will decide (on Wednesday). ‘Van Persie is our captain so he is very important to us. ‘In principle my captain always plays, but he has to be fit.’ Van Gaal took the frontman to one side for a quick pep talk during the

Pep talk: van Gaal chats to van Persie during Tuesday’s training session in Sao Paulo session at the Paulo Machado de Carvalho Stadium in a bid to get him firing again. The 30-year-old started the tournament with a bang, scoring twice against Spain including a diving header

which is a candidate for goal of the tournament. He scored against Australia but picked up a second yellow card, ruling him out of the Netherlands’ final group game against Chile.

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Kaieteur News

Sir Curtly - Revisit 2-bouncers per over Evening Standard London, England - As England prepare to do battle with India in one of their most important Test series of modern times, one of the greats of international cricket has warned the game’s rulers they risk driving the fans away. Sir Curtly Ambrose is one of the finest, most menacing fast bowlers in the history of cricket, who terrified batsmen during his 98 Tests for West Indies between 1988 and 2000. When Ambrose was bowling, there was as much chance of spectators heading for the bars as there was of the batsmen removing their helmets. Yet today, attendances around the world are dwindling, with some Tests played against a backdrop of empty seats. There are many theories about this trend but Ambrose believes the authorities need to make the game more exciting. They should start, he says, by ordering the preparation of quicker pitches and removing the restrictions on short-pitched bowling. This might seem a predictable point to make for a cricketer for whom pace and bounce were key weapons, yet Ambrose’s case is persuasive. He told Standard Sport: “There is no better sight in international cricket than a great quick bowler taking on a batsman who will meet the challenge. A couple of short balls, get him hopping and skipping a bit, and then maybe he hits the next one out of the park. “But the pitches have changed so much over the years and I believe they need to be better. I am not just saying that as a fast bowler. “Today things are very one-sided. It is all about the batsmen, while some of the wickets are so slow and low that it is difficult to play well. If you go to a Test match and there is no excitement, it is going to turn people off. If there is a good fast bowler who can rattle the batsman, people enjoy that. When a batsman takes on a fast bowler, people love that competition, regardless of which teams are playing. That is certainly the case in the

Curtley Ambrose forces a batsman to take evasive measures with a vicious bouncer. Caribbean. “The two-bouncers-perover rule [restricting the number of short-pitched balls a fast bowler can deliver] has also taken away a lot of the flair from cricket and the International Cricket Council need to look at it again. “If a fast bowler can bowl only a limited number of short balls, you’re taking away a weapon from him. “If a batsman is playing the hook shot, the fast bowler needs to be able to see whether that was a fluke, or whether he is serious. “Of course, the umpire should step in if the bowler is overdoing it but don’t take away the excitement. It’s so difficult for a fast bowler today. In the past, you saw lots of fast bowlers in teams and maybe one spinner but now that trend is reversing because of the nature of the pitches. “If you’re a good enough bowler, you should be able to generate pace and take wickets. If you’re a good enough batsman, you can score runs. To me, that is a proper cricket pitch.” Ambrose, 50, is now part of the West Indies coaching team and his influence was praised by quick bowler Jerome Taylor after he returned recently to international cricket against New Zealand in the three-

match Test series last month. During the forthcoming series between England and India, Liam Plunkett is the only bowler on either side capable of intimidating batsmen with speed alone. As proficient as they are, neither Stuart Broad nor Jimmy Anderson is capable of terrifying a high-quality opponent through pace, while India’s most potent threat this summer is likely to be posed by their spin bowlers. Ambrose prefers not to specify which quick bowlers around the world he admires but he has been shocked by England’s sudden decline as a Test side. He added: “Every team has to go through some good times and some difficult times. England were the best team in the world for a year and they played some fantastic cricket leading up to that period, winning in Australia and beating them at home. “But I was very surprised by how badly they lost the last Ashes series. I thought it would have been far closer than it was, a real tough competition.” Sir Curtly Ambrose will mentor the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 2014 Caribbean Premier League. The Biggest Party in Sport begins in Grenada on 11th July - for more info visit CPLT20.com.

DCB female trials set for July 10 & 11 The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) will be holding two trial matches to select their team for the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) senior female Inter County tournament. The matches will be played tomorrow and Friday at the Everest Cricket Club starting at 09:00hrs each day. The players invited are Akaze Thompson, Kavita Yadram, Tracy Glasglow, Nikita Madramootoo, Renika Issacs, Nalini

Sumintra, June Ogle, Leana Harris, Zola Telford, Heema Singh, Hasena Mohamed, Jonell Joseph, Latoya Smith, Satyattie Sugrim, Nichola Lecock, Donette Ritchie, Abiola Jacobs, Shomate Cort, Diane Prescott, Angela Waldron, Prudence Williams, Jeanette Daniels, Chandaine Mahadeo, Gangadai Singh, Roshana Harper, Mantara Cambridge, Alana Hiralall, Sharon Brown, Monique Benn and Joanne Vansertima.

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Bush Lot United Turf Club to stage race Meet on Sunday July 20 The Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC) has begun preparations to host their first Race Meet for the year. The grand one-day event is slated for Sunday July 20 at the club’s Sea View Park, Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice, Race Track. Eight races are listed on the programme with over $7M in cash and prizes up for grabs. Ongoing sprucing up work is presently being undertaken at the venue which has made a surge in its horseracing activities over the past year. The main races are listed for D, G, and the three and two year old horses. The Feature race will be for horses classified ‘D’ and lower with the animals set to cover a distance of 1400M. The winner will take away $1M and trophy. The race for horses

classified F and lower will be a 1400M affair with the animals running for a winning purse of $500,000 and trophy. The three Year old West Indies bred animals have a first prize of $400,000 and trophy over 1200M. The event for two year old West Indies Bred horses will see the winner also cashing in on $400,000 and trophy over five furlongs. There is the event for horses classified G3 and lower with the top notch field expected to compete for the $300,000 and trophy over 1200M. The ‘I’ and lower event is another 1200M affair for a winning purse of $250,000 and trophy; ‘J’ class race will see the winner pocketing $200,000 and trophy over 1400M. The final event is for unclassified animals battling over 1200M for a winner’s take

of $150,000. Among the sponsors so far are Banks DIH, Buddy Shivraj, Jumbo Jet, The Trophy Stal l , Bacchus, and Lakeram ‘Buddy’ Sukhdeo, Steve J e w e l r y Wo r l d , S h a r i ff Business Establishment & Racing Stable, Phaghoo General Store of Bush Lot and Business Shamkumar Chattergoon. The individual performers including top jockey, stable and trainer will be presented with trophies compliments of The Trophy Stall and the organisers. For further details, persons can make contact with Coordinator and Treasurer Lakeram B. Sukhdeo on 232 0558, 672 0810, President R. Jagit on 232 0231, 625 0164, 682 7158 or Secretary Arjune Singh on 232 0316, 688 4764. (Samuel Whyte)

CONCACAF goalkeepers shine in global spotlight Salvador, Brazil – Amidst the myriad of storylines surrounding the 2014 FIFA World Cup, one of the loudest narratives coming out of Brazil has been the near universal praise of CONCACAF goalkeepers. With three of four participating member associations advancing out of the group stage, CONCACAF teams have experienced unprecedented success at the tournament. Much of that prosperity can be directly attributed to the outstanding play of goalkeepers Tim Howard, Guillermo Ochoa and Keylor Navas. Each put forth inspired performances to help lead their teams out of difficult groups and into the tournament’s knock-out stages. For the USA’s Tim Howard, the World Cup has brought with it household name recognition and praise from teammates, coaches and opposition alike. Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann described the 35-year-old as “phenomenal,” “outstanding” and “amazing” following his record breaking 15save outing against Belgium in the round of 16. The Everton star’s highcaliber displays set social media outlets alight throughout the tournament, garnering an incredible 1.8 million mentions during the Belgium match alone, including the amusing creation of a #ThingsTimHowardCanSave hashtag that showed Howard saving – amongst others –

Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas the dinosaurs from extinction. Such was the intensity of the response to Howard’s memorable night that the White House also received humorous petitions to name Howard as the nation’s Secretary of Defense as well as a request to name one of Washington D.C.’s international airports to “Tim Howard National Airport.” Howard was not the only CONCACAF goalkeeper in the spotlight, though, as remarkable displays from Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa are also certain to be remembered. Against Brazil, Ochoa was inspirational, making a series of saves – including arguably the tournament’s best on a 26th minute sprawling denial of a Neymar header – to secure a famous point for the Mexicans. While fans at home and abroad collectively cheered on their exceptional goalkeeper, the former Ajaccio man helped lead his side to their sixth straight appearance in the round of 16 appearance, where — despite another classy performance — El Tri was eliminated courtesy of two late goals from the

Netherlands. Last, but certainly not least, was the unforgettable exploits of Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who was perhaps the tournaments biggest revelation. The Levante standout played a featured role in his side’s firstplace finish in the “Group of Champions” and progression to the quarterfinals, before being outlasted by the Dutch on penalty kicks following a scoreless draw. Named man-of-the-match in three of the Ticos’ five encounters, Navas’ play has merited the respect of the global soccer community and seen him recognized as a national hero, “I think Navas has been the best goalkeeper in this World Cup,” said Costa Rica manger Jorge Luis Pinto. While Navas is certainly deserving of such plaudits, the award for the World Cup’s best goalkeeper is one that would perhaps be most fairly shared by Navas, Howard and Ochoa. The trio have combined to give CONCACAF fans everywhere a summer to remember.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Page 31

Tough training itinerary as Laured Stewart ‘Santo’ pips ‘His Holiness’ to for first overseas bout in Australian win El Dorado Golf Tournament prepares By Michael Benjamin

In picture, from right, El Dorado Manager, Larry Wills, Archbishop Philbert London, Joaan Deo, David Mohamad (standing in for Santo), Bhowlaram Deo, and Naro (for Santo) at the presentation. The bell rang at 12:30pm last Saturday and the golfers were eager to tackle the 18hole medal-play El Dorado sponsored tournament. Mohanlall ‘Santo’ Dinanauth, one time Guyana Open champion, took the honours from Archbishop Philbert ‘His Holiness’ L o n d o n , c u r r e n t Vi c e President of the Lusignan Golf Club, beating him in the ‘back-nine’. At end of the game, by net stroke play, Dinanauth and London were tied on 69. But the back-nine count back gave ‘Santo’, one time coach of ‘His Holiness’, the edge. Santo, grossed 38 but

his Back-nine handicap of 2 meant he netted 36, while on the other hand, Archbishop London grossed 52, but his handicap of 14 meant he netted 38, forcing him to be in second place. Dinanauth felt the encouragement he has been getting to play the game in recent times has refired his performance. On his part, Archbishop London expressed his passion to continue improving his play so that it would be much better in future tournaments. The winner of the Best Gross trophy was ‘Santo’ with gross 73, while Nearest to the Pin prize was won by Bhowlaram Deo.

At end of play, El Dorado Brand Manager Larry Wills in his brief remarks at the prize giving ceremony, again expressed his organization’s delight to be part of the sponsorship of the G o l f To u r n a m e n t s a t Lusignan, and told the Club that they could look forward to continued sponsorship by El Dorado. He noted that this was the third successive year that El Dorado sponsored this tournament, while it has been involved in sponsoring other tournaments before. Mr. Wills indicated that it was refreshing seeing the enthusiasm of the golfers.

Marcel Kittel wins third Tour de France stage out of four after Froome’s painful fall

Marcel Kittel of Germany (centre) comes through for the third time in four stages Marcel Kittel won a third Tour de France stage in four attempts and Chris Froome suffered a crash as the 101st edition of the race resumed in northern France yesterday. There was drama early on the 163.5km stage from Le Touquet-ParisPlage to Lille as defending champion Froome went down after six kilometres. And the finish produced a familiar winner as Kittel (Giant-Shimano) outsprinted Alexander Kristoff

(Katusha) and Arnaud Demare (FDJ) to add to his wins in Harrogate and London. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) was 24th to retain the race leader’s yellow jersey. Froome finished 42nd on the stage, slipping from fifth to seventh overall ahead of a challenging fifth stage which will commemorate 100 years since the start of World War One. The Team Sky leader was nursing a wrist injury ahead of a stage which could shake up the general

classification, the 155.5km r o u t e f r o m Yp r e s t o Arenberg Porte du Hinaut, which features nine cobbled sections totalling more than 15km. The problem occurred when wheels touched in the peloton and Froome tumbled on to the left side he damaged during J u n e ’s C r i t e r i u m d u Dauphine, suffering torn shorts, a grazed left hip and a sore wrist. He swiftly found his feet and was taken back to the peloton by team-mates (Continued on page 27)

Approximately three weeks after travelling to Australia to engage in a two year training stint, local We l t e r w e i g h t p u g i l i s t , Laured ‘The Nightmare’ Stewart is gearing up for his first bout slated for Friday August 8 next. Stewart revealed this much to Kaieteur Sport during an online interview earlier in the week. He said that though he is certain that the fight is on, and that it is a welterweight encounter, he is still to be furnished with the name of his opponent. “Nevertheless I am getting myself in the best shape in anticipation of a tough fight,” Stewart assured. Stewart said that he commenced his training schedule shortly after his arrival despite experiencing mild acclimatization issues. He said that he has been training every morning and night except Saturday. The stocky pugilist commenced sparring sessions with his countryman, Gairy St. Clair Monday afternoon last and further engaged in a hectic session on the strike pads before another session of calisthenics. Stewart compared his training schedule to that in his native land and admits that though it differs somewhat, his local trainers have prepared him thoroughly and it was easy to make the conversion. “The training here is tough but due to the input of my (local) coaches, Sebert (Blake) and Joseph (Murray), I’m able to deal with what’s happening here,” said Steward. He said that the input of the Australian coach, supported by St. Clair, has made a big difference into his renewed outlook of the sport. “The applications are almost similar but the work

Laured Stewart

load has increased with a lot of emphasis being placed on stamina and conditioning,” revealed Stewart. He said that initially, he has had a tough time acclimatising to the weather conditions but he is now managing with it. “It is now mid-winter and it has been tough adjusting to the weather conditions but I’m breathing much better now than when I first arrived,” assured Stewart. He also said that there has been a strong emphasis on accuracy and speed. “It’s not just about power but speed and conditioning,” he said. The young pugilist spoke of the intensity of his training regimen and said that whereas, in Guyana, he merely engages in 3 or 4 rounds on the strike pads but his Australian trainer pushes him to the hilt with 10 hectic rounds of pad work, another 4 on the heavy bag coupled with lengthy skipping sessions complimented with push ups, abdominal exercises and squats.

“But I am getting the work done; it’s not like I’ve never done this before, it’s just an increase in the intensity and quantity,” said Stewart. Quizzed on the benefits derived thus far Stewart said, “My coach assured that this type of work will improve my fitness and speed.” He also said that the new approach to his training schedule is doing wonders for him. “I could feel the benefits; I’m beginning to feel great, my punches are a lot crisper and my shoulders feel stronger which I am told will serve me well during crunch time of my bouts,” Stewart proclaimed. Otherwise, Stewart said that he starts his day with a jog of over 5kg before engaging in an hour swimming session. Pressed for a prediction in his first professional bout on foreign soil, Stewart confidently proclaimed, “I promise I’m going to smoke my opponent for all the hard training he’s putting me through.”

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Kaieteur News

Windwards thump Guyana; Barbados beat T&T Wi n d w a r d I s l a n d s defeated Guyana by three wickets in their opening round of the Regional U-17 50-over tournament yesterday at Bon Accord, Tobago. Guyana batted first and scored 156-9 after the game was reduced to 47 overs. Skipper Travis Persaud stroked 40 (3x4) while Ronaldo Ali Mohamed supported with 33 (1x4 4x6) and Sherfene Rutherford 27 (5x4). The Guyanese suffered an early set back with the loss of Raymond Perez (00) without a run on the board before Rutherford and Ronaldo Renee (06) took the score to 29. After Rutherford was dismissed, Guyana plunged into further trouble losing three quick wickets to be at 41-5. Persaud and Brandon Prashad steadied the innings somewhat with a sixth wicket stand of 32 before Prashad was run out for 15. Persaud then added 36

each with Mohamed and Richie Looknauth who ended unbeaten on 14. Alick Athanaze and Brian Joseph captured 2-22 each while Ryan John claimed 2-30. The Windward Islands responded with 159-7 in 44 overs. John slammed an unbeaten 48 (4x4 3x6), E. Stewart scored 40 (2x4) and Anil Matthew 19. Offspinner Looknauth gave his team hope after he sent back Christian Charley (04) with the score on 15, but Matthew and Emmanuel Stewart stabilized the chase with a second wicket stand of 35 before Looknauth trapped Matthew LBW and had Nick Elibox (00) caught by Renee to keep his team in the hunt. Anthanze (00) was then run out to leave the score at 55-4, but Stewart and John put together 38 for the fifth wicket before Stewart was run out after facing 75 balls. John continued to take the fight to the bowlers,

dominating a sixth wicket stand of 34 with Deon Burton (12). He then featured in an unbroken eight wicket stand of 30 with Joshua Mann (10*) to formalise the result. Looknauth was the pick of the bowlers with 3-25 from 10 overs. Meanwhile, Barbados overcame defending champions Trinidad and Tobago by two wickets at Louis D’or. Trinidad and Tobago took first strike and were bowled out for 214 in 47.2 overs. Kirstan Kallicharan led with 55, Sachin Seecharan 44 and Dejourn Charles 29. Dominic Drakes grabbed 445 and Nicholas Kirton 2-32. Barbados replied with 215-8 in 48 overs. Leniko Boucher, Dikembe Wilson, Kirton and Yvan Grant scored 28 each; Nathaniel Mc David, Charles and Kallicharan snared two wickets each. Matches continue tomorrow.

Wednesday July 09, 2014

GABF VP Michael Singh tenders resignation By Edison Jefford President of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) and Vice-President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Michael Singh, tendered his resignation yesterday “from all aspects of basketball in Guyana”. Speaking to Kaieteur Sport yesterday following the newspaper’s receipt of the resignation letter, Singh said that he will not allow a particular journalist, who is also a basketball referee, to continue to threaten his life and his character. Singh was referring directly to a faceoff on social network, Facebook, in which the journalist and referee used several expletives and even referenced use of a gun in response to Singh mentioning of him failing the FIBA Officials Certification Examination. Ye s t e r d a y ’s s o c i a l network squabble was the second between the two. Singh said that he has done too much for the sport to allow his character to continue to be assaulted. He believes his track record on the sport’s development speaks for itself. The owner of Paladin

- cites threats from journalist/referee

Michael Singh Security, which provides all forms of security needs, took over as head of the GABA last year after successfully developing Colts Basketball Club, following the death of Phillip George. He has consistently organised basketball in Georgetown at both Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and Burnham Basketball Court, finishing Leagues for the Division I and III Clubs and also Division II Clubs for the first time this decade. Singh is extremely active in basketball development in Georgetown and played a crucial role in ensuring Guyana compete at the

Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships in the British Virgin Islands. Singh’s full resignation letter is below: “With all the events happening around basketball within the last 48 hours and prior, it’s with great regret that I tender my resignation from all aspects of basketball in Guyana. Over the past two years, I have worked feverishly to resuscitate and bring back basketball without significant sponsorship, because of my love for the game, making it harder to accept, when parties attempt to discredit and degrade us as administrators. To my President of the GABF and loyal friend, keep the fight up, I don’t know a better man for the job. In six months, you were able to field two teams to the CBC Games, I know it was a task. To my affiliates and teams, thank you for your support and assistance, I wish you the best in the future. Sincerely, Michael Singh President GABA/VP GABF”

Haslington Sparta United FC Sports and Culture Festival set for this month The Haslington Sparta United Football Club will stage the inaugural Haslington Sports and Culture Summer Festival that will be held for two days on the Haslington Playfield at North Haslington East Coast Demerara on July 26 and 27. The main sports feature is the Grove/Haslington interstreet seven a side football competition for the Ras Aaron Blackman and Michael Sancho Trophies and cash prizes. Michael Sancho is resident in Brooklyn USA and has expressed the desire to support the development of football in the Grove Haslington district, while on July 26, Ras Aaron Blackman, coordinator of the project also celebrates his sixtieth birthday and commits his work to the development of the young people of Guyana. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture has committed to support this F e s t i v a l .

Aaron Blackman

On Saturday July 26 the Under-17 teams will play for the Ras Aaron Blackman trophy and cash prizes, while on Sunday July 27 the seniors will compete for the Micheal Sancho Trophy and cash p r i z e s . A cross country race will also be run through the village on Sunday 27 with the route criss-crossing the Haslington Community starting from 08:00hrs outside the Haslington Playfield and returning to finish at the same point. Prizes and certificates will be given to all

participants. On both days an inter-street 6 overs softball cricket competition will also be held with incentives at s t a k e . On both nights a cultural presentation will be staged highlighting the rich talent of dancers, singers, dramatists, musicians and poets. An Entrance fee of $200 for adults and $100 for children will be charged. The funds raised will go towards the provision of football gear for the junior teams of Haslington Sparta United Football Club.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 09, 2014

Page 33

Butts hat-trick leads NAMS past Orealla - Draw for Regional Playoffs conducted

The victorious New Amsterdam Multilateral School players pose for a photo followin g their win over Orealla at the Orealla Community Centre ground on Monday. By Rawle Welch A tactical change in the second half combined with clinical finishing by New Amsterdam Multilateral School (NAMS) Captain Jamaul Butts made the difference in their narrow 32 triumph over hosts Orealla as play in the Region 6 Zone of the 4th Annual Digicel Schools Football Competition continued at the Orealla Community Centre ground. Butts whose skill, speed and tactical superiority was a class above most of the

players on both sides, hit in a hat-trick in the 50th, 67th and 73rd minute as NAMS had to claw their way back on two occasions, before eliminating a stubborn Orealla Secondary on Monday to make it to the next round of the competition. Orealla had taken the lead in the 26th minute through Cameron Edwards, who showed sharp awareness to run on to a ball that was lobbed high over the defence from centre field to lift his effort over the

advancing goalkeeper ’s head. The scoreline remained unchanged at the break. In the final period, Butts, who was playing in the midfield was switched upfront as the lone striker and immediately you could see his impact as he mesmerized the Orealla backline with his speed and dribbling ability and had it not been for poor finishing from his supporting cast they might have taken the lead early in the half. However, NAMS could

not be denied and earned a penalty from a handled ball infringement committed by a defender from Orealla and up strode their savior, who stroked it into the far right hand corner with the goalkeeper going the wrong way. That was five minutes after the resumption. O r e a l l a , h o w e v e r, responded two minutes later through Wilton Rodrigues, who fired in from close range after an aerial ball was punched back into his path and he prodded in at the near post.

Digicel’s Marketing Executive Jacqueline James pulls one of the balls during the draw for the regional playoffs at Orealla on Monday. Once again Butts was asked to respond and he did this time outsprinting two defenders following a clearance from in his team’s half, before beating the advancing keeper to his left to tie the contest. Six minutes later, Butts, who had received a yellow card for showing dissent in connection with a call made by the referee, added another, this time showing his awareness to sprint on to a ball that was played forward and he lashed it into the back of the nets to sink the hearts of the partisan

home support. The two teams battled hard after that for the win, but NAMS was able to hang on to book a place in the next stage of the competition. Digicel’s CEO Gregory Dean, Marketing Executive Jacqueline James, Events and Sponsorship Manager Gavin Hope and Tournament Co-ordinator Lavern Fraser, all visited the area to witness the game, while the Draw for the Regional Playoffs was conducted at the same time. James was asked to do the honour of pulling the (Continued on page 27)

GITC shut down St Mary’s 3-1; Ann’s Grove/IBE match aborted Shane Morris (21), Shamar Myers (38) and Egbert Nedd (67) combined in a structured display to lead Guyana Industrial Trading Centre (GITC) to a 3-1 victory when that team faced o f f w i t h S t M a r y ’s Secondary in the Digicel Schools Football Championships at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Ground, Carifesta Avenue, yesterday afternoon. Alwyn Haynes saved some face for the losers with a 25th minute success, albeit in a losing cause. GITC entered the match full of confidence after chalking up victories in earlier matches against St Winifred (6-1) and North Georgetown (5-4) and it was no surprise when

Morris sent in the first goal after he managed to dribble past the St Mary’s defensive line with relative ease. It should have been 2-0 a mere two minutes later when Stephon Hopkinson was gifted a pass on his instep but bungled the opportunity with a wayward kick that slid down the left side of the St Mary’s goal. St Mary’s staged a courageous fight back and Haynes performed a solo before unleashing a fierce right foot shot which was a wonder to behold and left the GITC custodian spellbound as he equalized the situation. Thereafter, the exchanges were many with no further success until Mayers latched on to a loose ball and crossed it over to the

centre of the St Mary’s goal; he watched in dismay as his effort went wasted since none of his teammates was in range to intercept. Myers’ persistence finally paid dividends when he was gifted a pass, trapped the ball and unleashed a mighty kick that settled aback the nets and gave his team the halftime advantage 2-1. Both teams were guilty of committing blunders, none more glaring than that of Joel Pollard; he received a pass mere meters from the St Mary’s goal mouth that only required a gentle tap; his was a wicked kick that missed the ball altogether for the St Mary’s custodian, Andre Douglas to scoop up. Shortly afterwards,

Egbert Nedd showed him how it should have been done when he dribbled down the centre of the field and with the lightest of touches tucked the ball into the left corner of the goal leaving Douglas befuddled. That goal triggered a flurry of activity, all inconsequential, as the St Mary team played catch up football but the referee’s shrill whistle minutes later effectively sealed their fate. Meanwhile, the match b e t w e e n A n n ’s G r o v e Secondary and Institute of Business Education that was to have been contested at the Betterverwagting Community Centre Ground was suspended until a later date. Both teams had convened at the venue and

The successful GITC marksmen from left, Morris, Myers and Nedd enjoy their moment in the sun after the final whistle. were getting ready for the showdown when administrators decided to launch an investigation over the validity of a player from one of the teams. Coordinator of East Coast, Joseph Wilson, said that certain anomalies

necessitated further investigations and the organizers decided to be on the safe side and postpone the encounter to clarify the issue. He promised an early resolution to the matter which will determine the fate of the encounter.

t r o Sp

Seleção stunned, seventh heaven for Germany

Opener: Thomas Muller scores Germany’s first to set Joachim Low’s men on their way.

Guyana Amazon Warriors wing out for LCPL opener

Members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team just before they departed the Grand Coastal hotel

Butts hat-trick leads GABF VP Michael Singh tenders resignation NAMS past Orealla P.32

- cites threats from journalist/referee - Draw for Regional Playoffs conducted

P.33

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