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July 16, 2013 - Vol. 6 No. 29 - Price $80
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Customer shot dead during armed robbery - as two bandits nurse gunshot wounds at GPHC in separate incidents
Plane crashes at Matthew's Ridge...
Pilot, 11 others walk away with minor injuries
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Parliamentary unanimity will influence IDB on Amaila Falls - says Finance Minister By Abena Rockcliffe While the Alliance for Change (AFC) awaits green light from the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) on the Amaila Falls Project—the due diligence report—before giving support to the project; the government is saying that parliamentary unanimity will influence the IDB’s decision. The Amaila Falls project is the largest financial one ever undertaken in the history of Guyana, costing some US$840M. A Chinese bank and the IDB are on board on this one; the government is desperately lobbying for the Opposition to come on board as well.
Downstream elevation view of the proposed Amaila Falls Hydro Project. According to the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, the support of parliament will influence international support. He said that he worries that lack of local
support will hinder the progress of the Project. The Opposition is holding the nation to ransom for unconnected political gains, said Dr. Singh
Police catch burglar red handed with booty
-Caught on surveillance camera tying up security guard
The bandit caught on camera tying up the security guard.
A
known felon was caught on s e c u r i t y cameras tying up a security guard at Muneshwer ’s Hardware store, Lot “E”
Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, after a botched robbery yesterday. The burglar had visited the business place at Lot “E” Good Hope, East Coast
yesterday at a press conference. His contention was made known as he responded to a question on whether the government is willing to
Demerara, on Thursday, but only escaped with the g u a r d ’s b i c y c l e t h e n . However, his persistence landed him in the hands of the police after he was
caught red handed with items he was removing from the business premises in the wee hours of Monday morning. The burglar who is a Lusignan resident will be charged this week. According to Business proprietor, Muneshwer Persaud, who employs scores of people, he is pleased with the police reaction which ended up with the capture of the bandit. He explained that although he knew that the ex-employee had a criminal record and he spent years in prison, he does not discriminate with hiring him since he believes everyone should be given an opportunity to work. However, it appears that not (Continued on page 32)
implement the Public Procurement Commission and have the President assent to the two rejected Bills in exchange for the Opposition’s support for two critical pieces of legislation directly linked to the Amaila Falls Hydro Project. T h e M i n i s t e r, w h o reiterated the urgent need for unanimous support in parliament for a Motion to increase the debt ceiling and Amendments to the Hydro Electric Act, said that he finds it alarming that the opposition sees nothing wrong with the horse trading. Singh said “it is like they are holding the nation to ransom; that is to say, unless you give in to our demands, we are prepared to undermine and oppose development in this country even though the project will benefit all Guyanese including our own supporters.” The Minister went on to state that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the AFC should be treating the project based on its merit as opposed to seeking to extract other political concessions from government.
He asked how members of the joint parliamentary opposition can “look at the Guyanese with a straight face and say, ‘we undermine this project because we weren’t able to get what we wanted politically on an unconnected matter.” He added that just to have its own way, the opposition is taking an antinational position. The Minister opined that any responsible stakeholder committed to the cause of improving quality of life in Guyana, will throw full support behind both pieces of legislation scheduled to be debated in parliament on Thursday. Singh stated, “We are asking international partners to support this project, we cannot therefore be ambivalent about the signal we send to them.” He said that in asking for international support, the least one can do is to demonstrate support within one’s jurisdiction. The AFC needs to put their vote where their mouth is he pointed out that while the party has publicly stated their support for the project, they refuse to vote on it in (Continued on page 09)
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Penny wise, pound foolish All too often one has been hearing the saying, “A penny wise and a pound foolish”. What this really speaks to is someone going all out to save a penny but the cost of saving that penny has been a pound. Guyana has been the victim of the pennywise pound foolish syndrome to the extent that it is hurting the country more than anything else. The Skeldon estate modernization programme is only one. From the outset there was talk that a lot is not right. People in the know saw the faults and cried out. The government decided that it would press ahead with other aspects because there was a default liability period. Four years later the fault remains and Skeldon is a hopeless waste of time and energy. It is also a waste of sugar cane because it uses much more cane to make a tonne of sugar that any of the other sugar estates. Even the condemned estate turned out to more efficient than the new Skeldon factory. We tried to be penny wise when we sought to investigate the deal that permitted Omai Gold Mines to operate in Guyana. The then President Cheddi Jagan decided that Guyana under the People’s National Congress had undersold the rights to the gold. After the investigation the government was remarkably quiet. It took a lot of pressure to get President Jagan to release the findings of his investigation to the National Assembly. The findings were that Guyana actually got a better than expected deal. It was the same thing with the sale of what was then Guyana Telecommunications Corporation. Again it was felt that the corporation had been undersold. Once more an investigation was launched. We saw more of this behaviour when President Jagan with support from Prime Minister Sam Hinds, suggested that the loans secured by the PNC administration to construct the Essequibo Coast Road and to resurface the Soesdyke/Linden Highway were too large, that Guyana did not want to create additional expenses to add to its large debt. Today, the nation has regrets about both roadways. The Essequibo road in the first instance took an inordinately long time to be completed. It took three contractors, one of whom had to be taken to the courts and had its equipment forfeited. That road is a far cry from what it should have been. To make the situation worse, the government has had to spend even more money on that road to the extent that some believe that the total cost was more than the contract the PNC negotiated. The most glaring of the penny wise pound foolish syndrome involves the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. When the highway was commissioned in 1968 the contractors said that it was intended to last for twenty years. They had calculated the traffic, made allowance for the growth in traffic and for vehicles of increasing weights. At the end of the twenty years the PNC government set about soliciting money to do an extensive rehabilitation of the road. This project would have seen the resurfacing of this road but Prime Minister Sam Hinds followed President Cheddi Jagan and said that the money was too much; that all Guyana wanted was money to do some patching. We have patched and repaired sections to the extent that some people have died while negotiating these sections. When the road was first built the contractors took into consideration the rainfall and the need for emergency parking. Fortunately the emergency parking slots remain but the signs proclaiming these have fallen down due to the absence of maintenance. But it is the inability to keep water off the road. After a period of rainfall there are large puddles of water which could cause vehicles to hydroplane. This is certainly what the government did not contemplate when it opted to be penny wise and pound foolish. Sadly, the government has also not seen it fit to protect the lives of those that ply the highway, portions of which have collapsed. One must wonder why?
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Minette Bacchus’ shamelessly convenient reasoning and typical cherry-picking DEAR EDITOR, Unlike Freddie Kissoon, I will not relent to the shamefully convenient reasoning of Minette Bacchus. Her intellectual debauchery must be exposed. Her letter titled “Opportunists continue to cannibalise Rodney’s name to ensure their relevance” (KN, July 6, 2013) is supposed to be a response to mine titled “Here are the facts that support Burnham’s involvement in Rodney’s assassination” (KN, July 1, 2013). Instead, in typical cherry-picking fashion, Bacchus shamelessly omits to address the following critical points from my letter: (1) Rodney being conveniently killed before Burnham’s new absolute presidential power constitution promulgated later in 1980; (2) Rodney’s intact body after the bombing and his brother Donald’s minor injuries confirming a small bomb blast force incapable of destroying a metal prison fence; (3) Burnham’s knowledge that Rodney was
secretly using walkie-talkie sets and knew this was one way to kill Rodney because PNC security forces had seized two sets from his home in a July 1979 raid; (4) Absolutely nothing o n G r e g o r y S m i t h ’s interactions with Rodney, his military status and GDF Badge No. 4141 and his secretion away by the GDF to Kwakwani and his smuggling to French Guiana within days of Rodney’s death; (5) Utterly nothing on Smith’s girlfriend getting employment within a Guyana embassy in Canada after Rodney’s death; (6) Nothing on the formation of the WPA two months before Burnham’s shakeup of the military leadership on July 12, 1979, to install his loyalists; (7) The fact that security personnel in close proximity to Rodney that fateful night offer yet another opportunity for a remote trigger of the walkie-talkie bomb; (8) Rodney’s vehicle parked one block away from the jail; and
(9) Rodney was instructed by Smith to peer into the walkie-talkie which would have blown his head off and made him unrecognizable but he didn’t. Bacchus cannot begin to engage my letter unless she addresses these germane and pivotal points in her retort. I will delve into the fallacious arguments and baseless contentions of the issues Bacchus actually responded to at a later time but for now, I need to highlight fundamental tenets of Bacchus’ academic dishonesty. Bacchus states in her l e t t e r, “ C o n s e q u e n t l y, Maxwell’s quoted arguments are presented adjacent to mine and readers will determine...” Yet, she proceeds to omit critical and contextually vital portions of my statements in abject and nefarious fashion. I am going to highlight the fraudulent rottenness of this atrocity. Bacchus quotes me as follows at Point 3 of her letter as follows: “…Burnham replaced the armed forces leadership with
his loyalists…. four WPA activists were killed by the Burnhamite-controlled security forces (Ohene Koama on November 18, 1979, Claude Bovell on November 18, 1979 and Edward Dublin on February 29, 1980). Within 13 months of its formation, the WPA suffered the most casualties.” Here is my original quote with the bolded portions that Bacchus cunningly excised: “The WPA threatened Burnham when it became a political entity in May 1979. Three months later, in August 1979, Burnham replaced the armed forces leadership with his loyalists. Between November 1979 to Rodney’s death on June 13, 1980, four WPA activists were killed by the Burnhamite-controlled security forces (Ohene Koama on November 18, 1979, Claude Bovell on November 18, 1979 and Edward Dublin on February 29, 1980). Within 13 months of its formation, the WPA suffered the most casualties (Continued on page 23)
Boodoo’s contract renewal should not be based on a corrected mistake DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the controversy surrounding the renewal of Mr. Gocool B o o d o o ’s c o n t r a c t a t GECOM and the calculations of seats of N o v e m b e r 2 0 11 parliamentary elections (KN Jul 11, 12, 13, 14, etc.). It seems that the contract is being held hostage to a simple error Boodoo made almost twenty months ago. Right after the election, press reports quoted PNC sources as saying that Boodoo made an error on the calculation of seats awarding the PPP a majority (33) of seats when it should have gotten only 32 seats, but we were not told of the nature of the error until now. As Peeper wrote (Jul 12), a mistake can be made in the simplest of formula. The error was made 20 months ago and was brought to light and never cited again until it was time to renew the man’s contract. Why wasn’t he reprimanded, penalized, and chastised at that time and why now? It is fair and in the spirit of due process to raise the matter only now? Readers are being told that Boodoo used a wrong formula to calculate the
results. If the only complaint against Boodoo is using a wrong formula and it was corrected before the declaration of results, then that is not sufficient grounds not to renew the man’s contract. There are no other public rebukes of the man’s performance except the calculation of seats – an error that was caught and was fixed. Mr. Vincent Alexander claimsthatBoodoo deliberately used a wrong formula in tabulating seat allocation.
There is only one formula in the calculation of seats in the Hare system used in Guyana. (Under the Hare system, parties first get “whole” seats and then of the remaining unallocated seats, the party or parties with the largest fraction get the other seats). So a wrong formula cannot be used if there is only one formula. What Alexander meant to say is that Boodoo used (40) top-up seats instead of the number 65 in the formula
(not a wrong formula) in calculating the number of top-up seats for the parties and this number gave the PPP 33 seats. No evidence is presented to show that Boodoo deliberately inserted 40 instead of 65 into the formula. It could be a simple mistake from fatigue, stress, etc. given the days it took for the results to come in. The important point is the error was caught and it (Continued on page 23)
In terms of human development we’re a model country DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is one of the few countries where there is free education and health delivery services at the primary level. Many of the more developed countries do not provide free medical services to their citizens, especially those not covered by medical insurance. It took a long and protracted battle before the Obama administration finally managed to get Congress to agree to provide free medical services to the American people, whether or not they are covered by
medical insurance. With the crisis looming in the eurozone countries, access to medical care is all the more problematic, especially for the millions who have lost their jobs as a result of the crisis. Many are left at the mercy of charitable healthcare providers, but these are hardly adequate to meet the growing demand for health care services. The current administration must be given credit for the massive investment it has been making in the delivery of health and education services,
despite resource limitations. Investments in human capital have always been a top national priority ever since the assumption to office of the PPPC administration. Our population today is much more functionally literate than at any time in our history. The longevity rate has gone up by over ten years over the past two decades. No wonder Guyana is regarded by the international community as a model country when it comes to human development. Hydar Ally
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Practicing the politics of principle DEAR EDITOR, We believe that respect should be given to the Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan for practicing the politics of principle and consistency. In its first elections campaign in 2006, the AFC took a principled position on the issue of money laundering, corruption, and the danger the drug lords had posed to the Guyanese society. As Mr. Ramjattan said then, the AFC [leaders] “were told if they had shut their mouths on the issues (money laundering, corruption) they would have received more votes, but the party took the principled stand and now had been vindicated.” In the 2006 campaign, the AFC fought on a political platform against corruption, dirty money and its covert support in Government. Thousands of voters agreed, resulting in the AFC making political history, winning some five seats. Ramjattan continued his campaign against money laundering and corruption as demonstrated in one of his many public rebukes of the PPP on their weak stance against money laundering as quoted in a KN article dated September 8th, 2011 captioned “Government double standards on Wikileaks convenient – Ramjattan.” That article revealed Mr. Ramjattan’s commitment to putting systems in place to “detect dirty money” and punish the money launderers. So to hear all these PPP “Johnny-comelately” on the topic of money laundering is a big joke. However, all are welcomed in
Ramjattan’s lifelong struggle against graft and corruption and for transparency and good governance.
Too many senior Government officials have a history of turning a blind eye to the many instances of money laundering. Further, it is this PPP regime that has rendered the Financial Intelligence Unit impotent and they are so foolish they think the international community is blind to their transgressions and will believe them today. We thank Mr. Ramjattan for exposing these dilettantes for whom they really are-political amateurs. Let’s see how they manage as the chips fall. What was more discerning was the disingenuousness of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), who the cabal can ever so often rely on to shower praise on them, but not rebuke them for their lack of action on the Public Procurement Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman, Police Reform and Mr. Ramotar’s refusal to assent the two Bills passed by Parliament etc. There is only one word to describe such action – duplicity. It is time the PSC establishes its credentials as an impartial body that represents its members’ interest. A Public Procurement Commission will weed billions of dollars of graft out of the procurement process, resulting in more work being done with less money, thus leaving much more for those in need. A Procurement Commission will create the necessary space for the private sector to blossom and to crowd out runaway public sector spending. After all, wasn’t it the private sector that was supposed to be the engine of growth? Or was that another empty promise? Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh
Freddie Kissoon elaborates on David Casavis’s book DEAR EDITOR, I refer to Mark Benschop’s letter (KN July 15) in which he disagreed with my review of David Casavis’s book on Thomas Carroll. I refer readers to Benschop’s words, “…the contents are far more important than whether a sentence was constructed properly or not.” In my review, I specifically stated contents were a problem in Casavis’s book. Too many of such were left out. I will return to that main weakness of the book. It is not a sentence or two that were improperly connected, anyone reading the book will be confused because chapters are not connected sequentially, and out of the blue a chapter will appear that has nothing to do with Carroll and his adventures. I find it incomprehensible that you are reading a chapter on a conversation between Carroll and Leon Fraser, his “hit man, then the next chapter is on ancient Guyanese history with the terrible mistake that the Dutch came here and met African Guyanese. African Guyanese first came to British Guiana under British slavery. In this same chapter, Casavis writes; “Politicians emphasize ethnic differences to get elected, but they don’t have to try hard. Trouble’s already there?” No context follows and then there is a narrative, poorly written on races in British Guiana. Then it stops and back to something Carroll did. Very, very confusing! And I mean the grammar and sentence construction are very poor. How can any academic write so ineptly? And this style is throughout the book. How can you rely on such an author to write
complex sociology as the Carroll affair is in Guyana? Now for the missing contents. Prior to two weeks ago, I never heard, saw or knew who David Casavis was. Then I read about this gentleman saying that he published a book about Thomas Carroll and the things he did in Guyana. He said it was so hot many publishers didn’t want to touch it. I made mention of my intention to review the book and twice I expressed curiosity to see how the author would deal with Carroll’s plea bargaining statement which indicted many prominent persons in Guyana. I even made the point that I was eagerly looking forward to that because it would be a prominent feature in the publication. All Guyanese know that Casavis would tell us about names we in Guyana cannot publish because the libel laws in the US are more sympathetic to the media than in places like the British Commonwealth. Up to this day, we cannot reproduce the names Carroll named. If you do that, you will get a libel writ. You now will have to prove this well known Guyanese company supplied clients for Carroll. How can you do that from Guyana? You cannot. If Casavis had named those people, they would be hard pressed to sue him. First, the writ has to be filed in the US. Secondly, a judge is likely to be more sympathetic when Casavis produces Carroll’s plea bargaining confession. Thirdly, a judge will again be sympathetic because Carroll is a legal convict. (Continued on page )
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Appreciating the freedom of birds DEAR EDITOR, I was recently in a taxi on the East Bank Road when I saw a beautiful bird in a cage, in the very hot mid-morning sun. I told the taxi driver how much I hated to see birds in cages so he stopped and I asked the owner of the caged bird to please put the bird in the shade, which he did. The taxi driver then told me his experience of owning a bird in a cage. He said one day he was held overnight at a police lockup which was a real hellhole; it was hot and stank like a sewer. He said he couldn’t sleep and spent all night pacing around his tiny cell, praying for the morning so he could clear his name and
be free. While in the lockup he started thinking about his lonely bird at home and how it must feel trapped in its tiny cage. As soon as he was released he went home, opened the cage and set his bird free. It seems the “in-thing” for many young men today is to catch wild birds and put them in cages. Most of these young men have not yet learned to appreciate their freedom. I would like to share with you the following beautiful and meaningful poem by Ginn Bly: Deep within the soul of the lonely caged bird, Beats the rhythm of a distant forest. Etched upon its broken heart, The faded memory of flight. Syeada Manbodh
Freddie Kissoon elaborates... From page 5 Fourthly, Casavis can get the court to summon Carroll. Against this background, Casavis’s book would have created a stir in Guyana. But these fascinating details are left out. The racing car driver was left out. The former bank manager who got Carroll’s money out for him was left out. This gentleman is close to a former Leviathan who had enormous power. The gold bars that the US Government seized from Carroll were made here and shipped out from
here. The role of an infamous, former minister is omitted. As it stands, the Guyanese media cannot reproduce the contents of Carroll’s plea bargaining, only the section on Laurie Lewis. If we do, I know as night follows day, libel writs will follow. There is so much that is missing from Casavis’s book that he has the obligation to research his topic and come again. One would like to think this time he will do a better job. I hope he does. Frederick Kissoon
Tuesday July 16, 2013
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GPL US$40M upgrade… More than 37,000 customers of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) were on Sunday forced to endure a prolonged power outage but according to the officials of the utility company, it was a necessary step as the company nears completion of the current upgrade of its distribution network. The scheduled extended blackout saw Georgetown and sections of the East Coast and East Bank Demerara without power for several hours as technicians worked to link the brand new substation aback of the Sophia station to the main grid. Sunday’s city wide blackout was the last of its kind but this does not mean the end of scheduled outages in the near future. The GPL Infrastructure Development Progamme officials yesterday met with members of the media to provide an update on the works. Among them were Senior Divisional Director for Operations and Projects, Colin Singh; China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation representative, Andrew Jin Project Manager, Gail Best; and Operations and Planning Engineer for Systems Control at Sophia, Kempton France. Singh, in providing an update on the works which is funded through a US$40M concessional Loan from the China EXIM (Export/Import) Bank, explained that the massive outage was to enable the “connection of the existing facility to the new facility as well as to connect
Kaieteur News
Tuesday July 16, 2013
37,000 customers affected in massive blackout to link new substations
From Left: Andrew Jin, Kempton France, Gail Best, Colin Singh and GPL PRO, Shevion Sears-Murray a new substation being constructed at North Ruimveldt to the Sophia Substation.” The Infrastructure Development Programme entails the construction of seven new substations, the upgrade of three existing substations as well as the installation of some 96 kilometres of 69KV transmission cables. The substations allow for the step down of electricity from the 69,000 volts to 13,000 volts at the various points. Singh explained that Sunday’s exercise entailed a modification and expansion of the Sophia substation which serves as the hub for electricity distribution. The Sophia works represented the second of the three upgrades, according to Singh. The first was completed last November in Edinborough, Vreed-enHoop, West Bank Demerara. The third is to be undertaken at Onverwagt in West Berbice. This is scheduled to
commence in one week, according to Singh. He said that while there are some outstanding works still to be completed at Sophia, there will not be a complete shutdown, as was the case on Sunday. It was explained that with the facilities coming on stream in Sophia, namely a “new sectionalized bus-bar,” the Power Company now has the ability to isolate sections of the grid for shutdown and as such, when necessary those locations would be isolated and taken offline as against the massive shutdown that obtained on Sunday. Project Manager, Gail Best, told members of the media that works on the ‘nerve centre’ for GPL in Sophia were largely successful despite some minor delays.
This was in part due to weather and the testing of the system before going back online. She explained that weather played a factor given that technicians had to be working atop utility poles. “We had to take some pause.” The actual works had been completed just about an hour before schedule but it was the testing that caused the additional delays and this was completed by 19:00hrs at which point in time the system was repowered. She used the opportunity to caution customers that the “outage was just to allow us to progress from step A to set B.” According to Best, “It’s not the end-all of the outage, however with the sectionalized bus-bar that we have in place we wouldn’t be
shutting down the plant ever again…we will be isolating sections to allow us to proceed with our works.” Operations and Planning Engineer for Systems Control at Sophia, Kempton France, informed members of the media that with the new distribution network in place, an immediate benefit to consumers would be the supply of a much more stable supply of electricity. At present GPL utilizes very long feeders from Sophia to as far as 20 miles along the East Coast of Demerara. “As a result of the length of the feeder there is a significant level of voltage drops which would cause consumers to have fluctuation in voltage.” France said that with the implementation of the Good Hope substation the feeders
will be shorter and “that will definitely mean a better quality of voltage…the voltage supplied will be much more stable.” In alluding to additional benefits of the bus-bar that was installed, he said that as the company progresses with the upgrades, the frequency and duration of outages experienced would be greatly reduced. The overall project is slated to be completed at the end of this year. “All in all we were very sorry for the delay; we know customers were frustrated but we are asking that you be patient with us…it’s all in an effort to improve the quality of service,” pleaded France. He did indicate that when the substation is completed at Good Hope, East Coast Continued on page 32
Two teens among four arrested with drugs A 15-year-old and a 16year-old were among four persons arrested and charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. The duo was held along with Dhmian Southwell, 28, of Welfare Street, West Canefield, East Canje, and
Jagdesh Jumgat, 22, also of Canefield, East Canje, Berbice. The court was told that on Friday July 12, the police were on patrol in the area when they observed the youths sitting on a street corner and acting in a suspicious manner. The patrol stopped and
enquired of them what they were doing there. The group could give no plausible answer. They were searched and two grams of leaves, seeds and stems of what was suspected to be the marijuana plant was found. They were arrest and taken to the police station where they were subsequently charged. The two youths were said to have no fixed placed of abode and were living by the
two men They were granted $5,000 bail each and ordered to return to court on July 31, at the Reliance Magistrate’s court. The juveniles were released into the custody of their parents. In the meanwhile, Southwell was committed on another charge of disorderly behaviour . He was also granted $5,000 bail on that charge and ordered to return to court on July 31.
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Kaieteur News
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A CASH ECONOMY BREEDS CRIME I once saw an old man in the bank making a huge withdrawal. In those days, choke- and rob- types of crime were rampant and persons were often wary of their withdrawals from the bank being snatched on the road. The old man was no doubt wary of this. He had walked with his young grandson who had a lunch kit. After the old man made the withdrawal, he placed the money in his grandson’s lunch kit. Then he took out a large envelope and stuffed it with withdrawal slips which were about the same size as of a twenty dollar note. (In those days there were no one hundred dollar bills. Nor five hundred notes. These came much later.) The old man was obviously using a decoy. The envelope packed with withdrawal slips was to deceive any intended robber that the money was in the envelope, when it fact it was in a child’s lunch kit. That old man would not attempt that plot today, for two reasons. Firstly, he was
sure that the threat came from outside of the bank and therefore was not worried about his decoy being observed inside. Today there is a strong feeling that criminals are sending spies within banks under the disguise of legitimate customers and they are observing what is taking place within. It is something that the banking authorities and the police will have to take greater note of. The second reason why the old man would not attempt such a move today is because it is no longer a case of choke- and- rob anymore. Now the robbers are coming with guns and therefore there is no way to hide your cash. Once you are confronted, it does not matter where you hide the money. You have to find it and hand it over or risk being shot and worse yet shot and killed. This is why it is still unnerving to learn that persons are still having massive amounts of cash on their person, whether it is when leaving a bank or a
cambio. There are still many persons who are leaving such institutions with millions of dollars in their possession and being robbed while on their way home. It is always unfortunate when this happens and one must condemn the practice of robbing persons of what they have worked hard for. No one should be as easily dispossessed as they are today in Guyana and it shows there is a serious security crisis which the police are not able to effectively deal with. But as much as one can bemoan the lack of security, there is also the million dollar question as to why persons are moving around with so much cash on their person. One of the main problems is the cash nature of the local economy. Too many transactions simply require large amounts of cash. This has to do with traditional practice whereby not many people are accustomed to paying with cheques. And despite the presence now of electronic modes of
Dem boys seh...
Some people want live like Government Minister Last week this time de nation was hearing bout two murder. One of dem involve a man who was going to de bank wid he friend. De next thing dem boys know is that some gunmen tackle he and kill he friend. Then dem tek he money. De dust hardly settle when more bandits kill a man at Mahaica. This week is another set of robbery and killing. Again is bandits killing people. One set go in a store in Guyhoc and run into some people who didn’t have gun but dem had bottle and dem, mek de brick and bottle talk. De bandits decide that dem gun shoot and end up killing a man. More brick and bottle and more bullets; this time one of de bandits get shoot. Imagine that he friends lef he and run. He talking to de police right now. Dem had another one who tek he joke li’l too far. He decide fuh rob a former police man. He peeing through two places. De ex policeman shoot he in he groin.
But is not everything suh serious. And old people always seh, wheh laugh cry deh. Some gunmen tackle Akbar Auto Sales and proceed to rob de place. While dem robbing de place one of de staff downstairs selling cow milk. De joke start when de bandits come downstairs. De staff watch dem and ask dem if dem ain’t want cow milk to buy. De bandits watch eh and walk away. Two minutes later de staff get giddy because de rest of de staff run downstairs and holler how two bandits just rob dem. Is then de staff understand wha he do. One man claim how de bandits want money to go to cricket; some claim how de bandits want money fuh Jamzone but one man tell dem boys that de man want money to build a big house like some Government Ministers. De poor police busy, though. Talk half and keep an eye pun dem bandits.
payment, only a small number of businesses actually are capable of doing this. One of the problems is that there is single portal that would allow any bankcard holder to pay. If you wish to pay by electronic means at a business, you have to hope that that company does business with your bank; otherwise you may find that the company only accepts electronic payment from one bank and your card cannot be used. This is one of the things that the government should be looking at immediately. It is not as if there are hundreds of banks in the country. And it is unreasonable to have business having ABM machines for all the major banks. They should have one single machine which can
accept payments from any bank. This is something that was touted a long time ago. There was a commitment some time ago for this sort of integrated system to be in place and it should be because it would allow more and more persons to make payments by electronic cards. But it is not going to solve the problem of persons moving around with large amounts of cash simply because the value of our dollar is so low that even to do your weekly groceries means that you have to have a large amount of cash in your hand; to go to the night clubs you need to walk with lots of money. This is risk that emerges because despite the economic growth over the past years in Guyana, despite
the improvements in the economy, the value of the Guyana remains very low compared to the US dollar against which most international transactions are based. So long as our dollar remains hovering at 1-200 against the US dollars there will always be persons being forced to walk round with large amounts of cash. Thus it is necessary that businesses be allowed to go electronic a prototype AMB machine is developed that accepts all cards so as to reduce this incidence.
From page 3 parliament, until the International community approves the project. “They (the AFC) have said in Parliament that they are supportive of Amaila but they said they will not vote for the Amaila Falls project until the IDB approves it. Now let’s be serious here, we’re dealing with International Financial Institutions, who will look to the national parliament and the national stakeholder community and they will say, why on earth should we - the international community support such a project that you – domestic Guyanese stakeholders are not prepared to come out and support unequivocally?” He continued, “So it is really difficult to comprehend the position taken by the AFC, who on the one hand recognizes that the Guyanese people want theAmaila Falls project to happen urgently, and so they clearly would like to be associated with the project. They’re making public pronouncements that they are in favour of Amaila, but yet, they are not putting their vote where their mouth is.” In a press release recently, the Minister stated that critical dead-
lines are looming and expiration dates on certain commitments expire this year, as it relates to the project. Singh said yesterday that more than a year ago, the President invited the Opposition to a meeting where details were given on the project through a technical presentation. He said that Members were also given documents to study and the President had informed that his administration was open to answering any questions. He said, too, that an update was given this year and the same invitation was extended. People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Secretary, Zulficar Mustapha, also present at yesterday press conference, said that the
AFC is purporting that electricity rates will be higher with Amaila Falls. He said that the reality is that the Amaila Falls project is fulfilling Guyana’s goal of attaining self-sufficiency in the energy sector, specifically in the area of renewable energy; providing reliable, lower cost electricity to citizens. This will no doubt bring measured relief to all, particularly the poor. He added that it will also spur economic growth in several sectors, particularly manufacturing; ultimately creating more jobs and contribute to increased competition for our labour force thereby improving benefits for the working class.
Parliamentary unanimity will...
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Tuesday July 16, 2013
=== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ===
The AFC versus Steve Surujbally One of the reasons why I have not joined a political party is because as a matter of chemistry, I put adherence to principles over political strategy. A political party will ask you to remain silent on a member’s depravity because to speak out would be bad political strategy. When you hold membership of a political party you have to be careful your dissension does not destroy the party. For me if a violation runs deep and offends my soul, I will have to speak out. A few persons came up to me and admonished me about a critical letter I wrote on Ramon Gaskin’s position on the City Council.
I was told that the PPP is the enemy and Gaskin is always cussing down the PPP so don’t attack Gaskin. I didn’t see it that way. A political party may want to court Gaskin because of what he has to offer. I believe Gaskin was not contextual in his condemnation of the City Council. I stand by my response. Gaskin criticized the City Council for being illegal in office and incompetent. But this same Gaskin receives consultancies to study the financial books of the City Council when the financial records of Gaskin’s employers are in a worse state. The PPP government is ten times more incompetent than the City Council which I admit is inept.
In other words, Gaskin was doing solidarity work for the PPP Government and the same Gaskin is a consultant for BK Tiwari who is closely associated with the PPP and who gets the hog of State contracts. When you are a free agent, you are free to criticize people like Gaskin. Political parties may find that if it comes from one of their members it will not be a wise strategy. Take the case of the AFC and GECOM’s Chairman, Steve Surujbally. My inflexible position on Steve Surujbally is that he is not independent and should not be accepted to continue as the chairman. What David Patterson, the AFC’s General-Secretary, revealed about Surujbally on
Pharmacist before court for threatening wife A man and his wife who are two prominent individuals in New Amsterdam are before the court after the man, who is a pharmacy assistant attached to the New Amsterdam hospital, allegedly used threatening language against a Cuban doctor attached to the same
hospital. The man, Victor Yearwood, is accused of threatening his wife Dr. Iliana Yurutia Pairol-Yearwood at their home at Savannah Park Home New Amsterdam following a misunderstanding on Monday July 1.
Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus before whom they appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s court ordered that they seek counseling. The counseling is expected to be done soon by a religious leader. They are to return to court on August 26.
Thursday evening over Channel 9 should have caused the AFC to issue a statement in 2006 calling for the resignation of Surujbally. The AFC did not. The AFC should now do so. The AFC has to tell Guyanese if its GeneralSecretary is lying. If he is not, the AFC has to do what it failed to do for five consecutive years, that is call for the immediate resignation of Steve Surujbally. We learnt from Patterson (one of the most trusted politicians in Guyana and a person I respect) that after the 2006 poll, GECOM met the AFC. Among those present were the Chief Elections Officer, Mr. Gocool Boodoo, and the chairman himself. Patterson recalled that GECOM acknowledged that the Linden results carried a mistake in which a seat allocated to Prime Minister Hinds should have gone to the AFC. The GECOM big boys agreed it would be corrected before the final declaration. Yet the results were announced and Hinds kept his seat and the AFC lost out.
Patterson went on to inform viewers that GECOM felt sorry for what happened and advised that only an election petition to the court could reverse the allocation of the seat. Yet, according to Patterson when the AFC did that, Boodoo presented an affidavit rejecting the AFC’s petition. In other words if GECOM did not offer a defence, the court had to rule in the AFC’s favour. In other words again, GECOM misled the AFC. Now here is the AFC’s bombshell. In front of the cameras, Patterson read from a Wikileaks cable and quotes Steve Surujbally as telling the US Ambassador that the AFC’s petition was ridiculous. If Patterson’s portrayal of Steve Surujbally is correct then the AFC agreed to live with Surujbally as the head of GECOM for five years from 2006. The moral obligation the AFC had was to immediately call for the resignation of the chairman. It didn’t matter if the PNC was not on board; the AFC had to do what was morally right. With the Patterson revelation, this country must
Frederick Kissoon demand an explanation from Surujbally. My sources tell me that Surujbally’s advisor on political issues is Gerry Gouveia. This makes sense since on the election night when confusion reigned Surujbally’s house was picketed while he was on his verandah drinking Grey Goose with Gerry Gouveia. Surujbally was annoyed and was quoted in the media as saying that his house was off limits. Instead of Gerry Gouveia, why doesn’t Surujbally choose Raymond Gaskin as his advisor? Like Jagdeo, Surujbally and Gaskin graduated from Patrice Lumumba University in the now defunct communist empire of the USSR.
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Kaieteur News
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GPHC maternal death...
Husband made aware of wife’s cause of death - still awaits outcome of investigation
Dead: Luan Rodney Having lost his wife, 28year-old Luan, during child birth at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) more than a month ago, Nigel Rodney is still awaiting the results of an investigation that he was told, two weeks ago, was ongoing. According to the man, during a meeting with hospital officials two weeks ago he was asked to “give us two weeks” before the findings of the investigation could be divulged. Although an initial post mortem examination conducted on his wife’s remains was inconclusive, Rodney disclosed yesterday that he has been in receipt of the official cause of death. A death certificate states that the woman’s death was due to a ruptured uterus resulting in hypovolemic shock. The condition which caused the woman’s death is life-threatening and according to medical experts it is created when an individual loses more than 20
per cent of his body’s blood supply. This severe blood loss makes it impossible for the heart to pump sufficient blood throughout the body thereby causing many organs to fail if immediate emergency medication attention is not engaged. The baby was delivered stillborn because of the excessive bleeding and because his wife hadn’t sufficient passage, medical officials told the grieving widower. The man was told that although his wife was administered medication to induce labour she was not closely monitored even after a nurse was alerted to the fact that she was in labour. He said that a nearby patient revealed that it was not until she observed the now dead woman bleeding and alerted the ward nurse that action was taken. Luan was admitted to the public hospital to deliver her overdue baby on June 3, 2013 but by the next morning she was pronounced dead. There are reports that the woman was administered the very controversial Cytotec which has known to cause complications ranging from uterine rupture to amniotic fluid embolism. However, the labour inducing medication is still very much approved by many health sectors. According to Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, during an interview with this publication although the drug is a legitimate one it is imperative that patients, to
whom it is administered, are closely monitored. “Cytotec is a good drug to induce labour...it is in protocol now and it is one that is being used more and more for such activities...but once you induce labour by whatever method patients must be monitored,” he asserted. Two doctors and two nurses have since been sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. A report into the state of affairs has since gained the attention of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and a Cabinet-appointed Expert Committee which will review all documents and make relevant recommendations within a specific time. The specific time frame has however not been shared with the husband of the dead woman neither the media. However, Minister Ramsaran has assured that the investigation into the matter is being done according to the law and following this undertaking the findings will be made public as is recommended by law.
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Over 400 house lots under consideration for Timehri ‘squatters’ - Works Minister More than 400 house lots at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway are being considered to relocate families “squatting” in Timehri North on East Bank Demerara. Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn made the statements on Friday last. The Minister told media operatives that the government would not be building any houses, but he is aware that land is being made available for persons to relocate and build. He said while information has reached authorities that some persons refuse to remain in the Timehri area; arrangements are being made for them to be relocated to other areas. Benn was answering questions pertaining to the “squatters” removal. He reiterated that people living around the airport are squatters. About 75 homes are in the critical expansion area. He said that these persons have to remove to ensure the expansion of the airport runway, for the new terminal to be built, as well as parking areas and to make the port acceptable and safe according to international standards. He said that an airport committee comprising of airport officials, Works Ministry, Civil Aviation, Lands and Surveys, Local Government, Housing
Ministry and the area’s Regional Democratic Council are dealing with the relocation programme. There is a draft airport relocation plan which encompasses measures to relocate the “squatters,” he added. As it relates to moving, Benn said there have already been discussions with the army and prisons authority as they too have facilities in the areas slated for expansion work. Benn informed that the removal process is expected to occur in phases. Declining to state how soon the residents would be moved, he said there are about three or four phases on the site, which lays out the number of lots. Mapping and drawings works have already been completed and the area is viable for public facilities such as schools, health centres, playgrounds etc. The “squatters,” would receive titles for their land and they could get financing for housing, Benn said. This was after another reiteration that residents of Timehri North are squatters and the government will not be building houses for squatters “who were told over the years don’t build on airport land.” As it relates to the
Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) removal of settlers would be set at the level that ensures that their new condition is no worse than they enjoyed previously at which they were when removed. However, Benn said that he cannot make that commitment. A person who invades another’s property cannot be compensated for that, he said. He said that the security of the airport is a high priority on the list, and those persons have to remove. He added, “We are aware that some of those people who have built mansions are perhaps involved in suspicious activities, and we do not want them around the airport land for reasons of safety for the area which is required for airport operations and for security.” A Partnership for National Unity disagrees with the Minster’s utterances. Shadow Minister of Public Infrastructure, Housing and Water, Joseph Harmon, said via a press statement, that Benn’s statements “is the latest manifestation of a PPPC government that has no concern for the interest of ordinary people.” He charged that the excerpts from the Minister’s press conference make the party (PPPC) and Continued on page 29
Suspected “gun man” in Coldingen restaurant robbery remanded Despite an open shootout, the owners of a Chinese restaurant at Coldingen were rescued in the nick of time by prompt police action after a call was made about a planned robbery by three gun men. Yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court, one of the suspects, Leron Herod, of Friendship, East Coast Demerara was brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine
Beharry to answer to the charge of possession of ammunition and firearm without being the holder of a valid license. Herod pleaded not guilty. On July 11, at Coldingen, he reportedly had in his possession one Keltec rifle without being the holder of a license. Further, he was also charged with being in possession of nine rounds of 9mm ammunition without
having a valid licence. According to prosecutor Vernette Pindar, on the said date, the accused and two others were at a Chinese restaurant at Coldingen. When the defendant and his accomplices noticed the arrival of the police they opened fire. The defendant and his friends were later apprehended. The accused was subsequently charged with the said offence.
Newspaper reports revealed that the police responded to a call about a premeditated burglary at the Chinese restaurant by three men. Herod and his accomplices were stopped before their alleged plan could have been executed. Bail for the defendant was refused and he was remanded to prison. His matter was then transferred to the Vigilance Magistrate’s court where it will be heard on July 18.
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Kaieteur News
Staff made to lie down during dental clinic robbery
The Dental Clinic A recently opened dental clinic in Laluni Street, Queenstown was yesterday robbed after two gun men entered the premises and escaped with a substantial amount of cash. The clinic which is owned and operated by Indian national, Dr. Sen Gupta, is located at 122 Laluni Street, Queenstown. According to a source about 9:00 hours yesterday two men approached the gate and pressed the buzzer. They then stated that they had an appointment with the dentist. After the bandits were invited into the building and invited to take a seat, one of the men then pulled out a gun and ordered the front desk staff and the dentist, Dr Gupta, to lie on the ground. They then ventured into a safe where a substantial amount of money is kept, before it was placed in a bag;
while the terrified staffers laid on the ground. The source added that after the bandits threatened to kill the staff members they remained on the ground, while the assailants made good their escape in a Silver Toyota Allion. The police were then immediately contacted but up to press time there has been no arrest. Calls to Dr Gupta for a comment from the robbery were to no avail as it was related by a staff that he was in a traumatized state. However on July 1, two armed bandits escaped with $1.1 million after they robbed Wo o d l a n d s Hospital around 9: 00 hours that morning. On that occasion, Sattie Persaud, 47, an Accounts Clerk attached to the Hospital, was reportedly conveying a bag with $1.1M to the hospital’s Accounts Office
Bandit shot while robbing ex-cop
Aldrhen Adonis Aldrhen Adonis, one of the accused in the 2008 GuySuCo multi-million-dollar heist, was shot in the groin around 19:15 hrs yesterday, allegedly while attempting to rob an ex-policeman on the Agricola Public Road. It is alleged that the expoliceman, who owns a
business, had exited a restaurant and was about to enter his car when Adonis, 34, of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, and another man, attempted to rob him at gunpoint. Kaieteur News was told that Adonis grabbed the excop and relieved him of a gold chain. However, the former police rank, who had a firearm, managed to shoot Adonis. Police sources said that the other robber took the chain from the injured Adonis and fled. Adonis was admitted under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Adonis was one of six men who were charged for the high-profile $17.2 million GuySuCo payroll heist at Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara in November 2008. The charges were all dismissed.
when she was held up by the two men, one of whom was armed with a firearm. The men were on that occasion standing in the line pretending to be patients who were seeking medical attention while the clerk made her way down the stairway. This newspaper was told that the suspects after the robbery ran out of the hospital and headed north toward Lamaha Street, where they attempted to join a minibus. According to an eyewitness, after the failed attempt the suspects then ran into Waterloo Street where they hijacked a motorcar. It is unclear if the two robberies were linked.
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Barbados dollar under threat If action is not taken swiftly, the Barbados dollar risks devaluation owing to a rapid decline in foreign exchange reserves while the Government is spending more than its revenue, a leading economist has said. In its second quarter report, the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) stated that the international reserves held by the monetary authorities fell by Bds$229 million (Bds$1 = 50 cents US) during the first half of 2013, and the fiscal deficit jumped from 6.2 percent last year to 9.4 percent, which represents the amount the administration spends over what it receives. Charlie Skeete, a retired Senior Economist at the InterAmerican Development Bank said, “Barbados cannot go on this way without running the risk of not being able to protect the value of its currency”. The CBB report, released last week, pointed to dismal performances in all of the island’s productive sectors,
and comments of the respected economist were yesterday quoted in newspapers and on radio stations. “All the indicators suggest that something has to be done by the monetary and fiscal authorities in Barbados to correct this situation,” he said, and added, “If your goal is to protect your foreign exchange reserve, then you need to act now. If you do not act now, you will continue to lose foreign exchange reserves.” Barbados has maintained an exchange rate with its dollar being pegged at half that of the United States currency for some 40 years, and did so essentially by maintaining and progressively building its foreign reserves to cover importation of goods and services into the country. At the end of June the estimated reserves stood at $1.2 billion, which is equivalent to 16.4 weeks of imports.Driven by an IMF
benchmark, the generally accepted standard for sustained confidence in the Barbados dollar is a stockpile of reserves that is equal to 12 weeks of imports. Should it fall below, the administration may be pressured to devalue the currency or seek an IMF bailout, or both. These options tread on an emotional trigger for Barbadians who regard the island’s economy as above and beyond any IMF intervention. Also lending voice to the island’s financial crisis yesterday was Carol Nicholls, Managing Partner of the international financial advisory organisation, KPMG.. She spoke of concern that investors may lose confidence in the economy if moves are not quickly made towards recovery. “Clear messages need to be sent so there is no flight of capital et cetera and there is confidence in the economy, [and] the banking sector,” she said.
Ministry of Labour skills needs survey launched The Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is conducting a labour market intelligence survey. The council of Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) which operates under the Ministry of Education and Statistical Unit, and the Ministry of Labour with the technical financial assistance from the Inter American
Development Bank (IDB) are conducting a skills needs survey for Guyana. Field work for this survey is to obtain critical information on skills availability and shortage in key sectors of the country; these include manufacturing, hotel hospitality, construction, engineering, forestry and commercial trade. A similar survey will also
be conducted in the mining sector. The Ministry of Labour TVET council recognises the importance of the survey to national development. Therefore maximum cooperation from all concerned organisations is appreciated as the survey continues. The survey commenced on July 10, 2013 and it will conclude on August 31.
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Tuesday July 16, 2013
New Amsterdam Town Hall getting facelift The age old historic New Amsterdam Town Hall which is the headquarters of the town is getting a facelift. The age old structure which has a number of historic values is more than 100 years old. It is getting a timely facelift. The entire structure is being painted. The task is being undertaken in time for the upcoming emancipation celebrations. The Town Hall tower which was built in 1868 and was considered an architectural and landmark piece was dismantled last year due to its dilapidated state. A committee was formed over two years ago to look into the restoration of the edifice, but not much has been done. New Amsterdam situated in Region Six, is some 62 miles from the capital, Georgetown. It has its origins in a village which grew up alongside Fort Nassau in the 1730s and 1740s. It was first situated about
56 miles up the Berbice River. It once comprised of a Court of Policy building, a warehouse, an inn, two smithies, a bakery, a Lutheran church and a number of houses, among other buildings. It was built by the Dutch in1740 and was first named Fort Saint Andries, before being taken over by the British in 1803. Around 1784, as a result of the fluctuating fortunes of Fort Nassau, the Dutch relocated the town to its present site at the confluence of the Berbice and Canje Rivers. The name New Amsterdam was chosen because most of the colonists originated from the province of Amsterdam in Holland. New Amsterdam was established as the seat of Government for Berbice Between 1785 to 1790. The town consists of three main roads with many cross streets. The present Mayor is Claude Henry. The population of New Amsterdam is approximately 50,000.
GPL Power fluctuations affecting GWI service
G
u y a n a Wa t e r Incorporated ( G W I ) i s advising customers that due to fluctuations in electricity GWI water production sites cannot facilitate normal service. The water company noted that sections of Georgetown as well as East Bank Demerara from Agricola to Timehri are experiencing water service disruptions due to Guyana Power and Light (GPL) power fluctuations. Normal service will return when GPL restores full power to GWI water production site. GWI apologizes for any inconvenience caused. For updates, customers can call GWI’s Customer Services Call Centre on 2278701, 03 or 04.
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Charity residents rally to help destitute family described as inhumane by Alliance For Change Councillor, Bohawanie Persaud, a/k”Solomon”. Persaud explained that Smith, her father Ronald George and her five small children occupied the plot of land a decade ago after they were issued with an allocation letter from the Housing Officer to erect a building that is to be used
Where the family lives
A
poor family whose one bedroom house was vindictively demolished by members of the Housing Body, in Region Two, to facilitate the accommodation of a Region Three resident in early June, now occupies a shack at Charity Extension. The Housing Officer, in a
report, had indicated that his office had served the family with several notices. However, 25-year-old, Dawn Smith, who had occupied the plot of land for the past decade, after being granted an allocation letter from the said Office of the Housing Officer is now forced to occupy a shack she
now shares with her father, Ronald George, and her five small children. Smith, who is unemployed, depends on her father, George, who works in the Interior. Her five children aged two to nine, do not attend School and the circumstances under which she currently lives has been
only for residential purpose. The councillor, who visited Smith after her house was demolished, said that efforts are being mobilized to initiate a down payment of some $40,000 on the plot of land but more needs to be done for the young woman, especially for her children. The family currently sleeps on a mattress with little or no room to properly
dwell in. “It’s definitely an unhealthy situation; children are sleeping uncomfortably on the ground. Something needs to be done.” Several residents in Charity Extension have expressed a desire to assist the family with a decent home. Concerned residents are questioning why the truancy campaign has not been extended to Charity.
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Tuesday July 16, 2013
Intervening measures help to reduce high-risk pregnancies - Health Ministry
W
ith teenagers accounting for a little more than half of the 31 per cent of all recorded pregnancy complications among young
girls and older women, moves have been made by the Ministry of Health to introduce intervening programmes. According to Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr
Shamdeo Persaud, there are in fact several benefits if young girls refrain from becoming pregnant too early. “Not only can a young girl be able to complete her education, develop her social skills and acquire a career, but there are also some physiological benefits to delaying pregnancies until a more mature age,” said Dr Persaud. And according to him girls between the ages of 15
and 19 are still growing in terms of the development of their bones and reproductive organs among other aspects of human development. But although teenage pregnancy is viewed as a challenge for the Health Ministry, Dr Persaud, who was at the time speaking at a recent press conference, said that the rates have been noticeably decreasing. According to him, in 2003 the under 15 age group
accounted for close to four percent of all pregnancies. This was reduced in 2011 to just about one per cent. This reduction, according to Dr Persaud, represented less than 100 pregnancies. During the same period too, there were about 5.2 per cent of girls between the ages of 15 and 16 who were pregnant but the percentage was reduced to 2.6, Dr Persaud noted. And though the age of 17 is regarded as a consensual age of sex, the CMO disclosed that the Ministry of Health has ascertained that even pregnancies among girls between the ages of 17 and 19 have declined. He revealed that in 2008 girls of this age accounted for 21 per cent of all pregnancies but by 2011 the figure had dropped to 17.1 per cent. “Across all of the age groups we have made significant progress in reducing pregnancy in the under-19 age altogether,” said Dr Persaud. It was deduced that the health sector, because of intervening programmes, has been scoring successes in reducing the incidence of complicated pregnancies since teenagers are viewed as the main group that suffers from such complications and are often subjects of highrisk pregnancies. The successes of the Health Ministry were even highlighted during a two-day International Conference on the Population and Development at the Guyana International Convention Centre (GICC) last week, which saw the attendance of Caricom Member States and countries of Latin America. Speaking to the media on the issue too, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, said that “although we have some difficulties with maternal mortalities we are hitting at the group where we can have more results.” He observed, too, that gains are not only being made in Guyana but right across the Caribbean. He added, “We are going to be having less maternal deaths in that age group and the mothers we do have will be more mature, more educated and hopefully they will be bringing up better babies.” And in order to ensure that the decline remains constant, a call has been made for the introduction of more youth friendly health spaces, said Minister Ramsaran.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud He said that the Health Ministry has over the years had limited experience and success in this regard, but that moves are currently being made to embrace a multi-agency approach which includes collaborating with the Ministry of Education to create the needful spaces. Already, he said, that there are small health units within some schools with the idea being “to get young people in the health seeking attitude...so that they do not see the health centre, when they become adults, as a place to fear but a place to go to, especially the young men.” As part of the outcome of the conference, Minister Ramsaran said that a call has been made for the introduction of health and physical education literacy in the school system. “We need more physical activities; we need to work with the Ministry of Education for the reintroduction of this because we noted that we are in the computer age and the young people are more intellectual. “We are losing them to text messaging and at the same time we are noticing a degree of child obesity and possibly an increase in child diabetes.” And even as access to health care is being recognised as an imperative for young people, Dr Persaud said that the same measures must be put in place for persons with disabilities. “The health of persons with disability, I think, is an area that we need to develop further. We have done a lot of work in addressing the needs of disabled persons but when it comes to sexual and reproductive health I think there are a bit more to be done in terms of providing them with the access,” said Dr Persaud. In this regard, he noted that such gaps will not only be addressed by the Health Ministry but also by some of the other sister agencies.
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Kaieteur News
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COP COLLAPSED AND DIED WHILE CHASING ESCAPEE…
Family invited to wreath laying ceremony
but dead cop was not honoured -“We felt like fools, sitting there waiting for hours on his name to be called but it never did,”- family Relatives of constable Dorwin Pitman, who collapsed and died while chasing an escapee in North Sophia a month ago, said they felt like “fools” when they turned up at the annual police wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday to honour the dead cop but were surprised when his name was not even mentioned in the programme. The dead cop’s mother, Stacy, said that a letter was sent to her home sometime last week from the Office of the Commissioner, inviting her to attend the 174th anniversary of the Guyana Police Force. In the letter, it was stated that “the force wishes to commiserate with the relatives of all policemen who have been killed in the line of duty. A wreath laying ceremony to mark the occasion has been planned for Sunday July 14, 2013 at the Monument of the Fallen Heroes, Police Officers’ Mess Compound, Eve Leary.” According to an annoyed Stacy Pitman, it was not a case where her family members turned up as uninvited guests. The woman said it was clearly stated in the letter that “In this regard, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to lay a wreath at the foot of the monument…” The letter was signed by the Assistant Commissioner, Balram Persaud. On June 11, last, Pitman, who was at the time attached to the Prashad Nagar Police Outpost, was discovered lying motionless in an alleyway at North Sophia minutes after he pursued a bandit who had bolted from the lock-ups. There were speculations that Pitman might have been electrocuted by the several illegal wires that criss-crossed the alley through which he pursued the escaping suspect but a post mortem performed by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh confirmed that the cop died as a result of a heart attack. But the grieving mother questioned the post mortem, stating that her son never had any medical complication before. She said that he was strong the night he left home for duty. Yesterday, a very disturbed Stacy said that her
family is embarrassed, “This letter was actually posted to my home address in Essequibo and I received a call from the police station, informing me that a letter was sent to my home address.” “I called my sister and asked her to bring it for me so that I could see what it was about. When I read it and see what it was, I told my daughter and daughter-in-law to go because I wasn’t feeling too well,”thedeadcop’smothersaid. According to the woman, when her daughter and in-law arrived at the event, they approached a police officer who was at the entrance, sharing programmes. “The officer asked them which one of the dead policeman is their relative and they told her Dorwin Pitman and she looked at them as if she didn’t know what they were talking about and send them at the back to sit, not where the other relatives of the dead cops were but where the onlookers were,” Pitman stressed. The woman said that although her son’s name was not on the programme, her daughter and in-law thought a mistake was probably made since they received an invitation. They waited to see if his name would have been announced but their wait was to no avail. “It is so embarrassing to know they presented themselves there and my son name wasn’t called. They have only one police officer who died in 2013 and that is Corporal Romain Cleto (who was shot and killed by criminals at Avenue of the Republic and Robb Streets
Dead: Dorwin Pitman
The invitation letter sent to the dead cop’s mother, Stacy Pitman Dead: Jirbahan Dianand whilst performing patrol duty),” the woman noted. She questioned, “Didn’t my son die in 2013? Didn’t he die in the line of duty? I would like the police to know that the entire Pitman family is embarrassed. I felt it because I am still grieving for my son; his two kids are still grieving for him.” Also, noticeably missing from the list were Detective Constable Jirbahan Dianand and police trainee, Harold Haimchand Sukhai. The body of 23-year-old Dianand was discovered in his car with two bullet wounds to his head on September 14, 2012, at Corentyne, Berbice. Sukhai, 26, was gunned down on February 10, last at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo during a robbery.
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FOR SALE
WANTED Live In Live Out Babysitter Domestic - Call: 225-6070 Office Clerk: CXC English/ Mathematics- Call:225-0188/ 225-6070 Live in waitress- Call:6439007/ 697-2978 One experienced female cook to cook for family in Interior- call:697-6747 One experienced Female domestic and sales clerk Call: 227-0557. Labourers to work on wood Concession: $4,000 per day: Accommodation providedCall:643-0696 (From 8:00am4:00pm) One experienced driver for the Interior - Call:681-8384/ 660-7756 One attractive waitressCall:678-1481 Ice-Cream Van Driver: 10yr & over experience with recent Police clearance: Age 40yrs-50yrs- Call:218-3021
WANTED Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education. Call:612-1595 Wallaba Round Posts Makers- Call:683-2575/2183399 Lorry driver for Albion: Bus driver, Male & Female workers for number 7 BakeryCall:330-2399/623-5920 Salesgirl: requirements Computer Literate, English & Mathematics, & Porter: Apply @ Best Buy Food Supplies, Dennis & Middleton Street Campbellville. Sales Girls and Accounts Clerk, apply at Alabama Trading G/Town Ferry Stelling Stabroek Night & day Jet men and cook needed- Call:684-6356 (11:00am to 1:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm) Live-in Caregiver- Call:2269407/693-9864
City Taxi Service: Contract Cars Needed- Call:6601100 Urgently needed live in Waitress to work in Bar, reasonable Salary offeredTel: 259-0574 Porters/ Bond Attendants: Survival Shopping Complex 173 Sheriff St. Call: 227-5286-90 1 Qualified cook (East Bank area)- Call:614-4358 1 Driver/Salesman needed: Clean drivers record & police clearance needed: Reference required- Call: 642-1141 2 Experienced Cashiers needed to work shift in supermarket on the East Coast- Call:220-2128 Needed Urgently Trained A/ C Technician with or without certificate: Jobs availableCall:618-0330
TO LET Fully furnished short term apartments @ Eccles call: 689-6668 One bedroom house @ Lusignaan, E.C.D- Call:6629043 (7:00am-5:00pm) Diamond $35,000; Kitty $65,000; Ogle $80,000; Nandy Park US$1200- Call Diana:626-9382/227-2256 Latchman- Racktoo Office Complex: 43 Croal street Stabroek- Call: 225-3269/6219741 Two Bedrooms Complete House- Call: 265-4867
Workers for Land DredgeCall:667-5717/623-2728 1 Weekends Dispatcher, full time cars: De General Taxi Service, 120 Regent StreetCall:231-8888/ 231-2900 One live-in or live out maidcall:668-3985/264-3355/6837936
2007 R1 MotorcycleCall:623-4045/689-4864 500 Ton Cargo Ship with Contract- call: 687-6174 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 5 Month Male RottweilerCall:220-6879 Male Enhancement Viagra: 4 in a Pack For $3000- Call: 642-6664/ 638-1627 1 Baby Play Pen & diaper changer; 1 Baby swing; 1 Imac computer; 1 printer; 1 Whirpool dryer; 1 Welding plan. Tele: 662-6045 Male & Female English Mastiff dogs: $300,000 for both- Call:678-2814/699-2322
Business place located @ 94 Tushen New Scheme main road- Call:655-6945 Two bedrooms house @ Haslington, E.C.D-Tel: 6639816 Short Term Furnished Apartments/ Rooms available - Call:687-3017
VEHICLE FOR SALE 2004 Ford F150, unregistered: Accessoriesrims- Call:682-8817/649-4265
One Food cart with built-in stove, cupboard and BBQ grill, painted, medium sizeCall: 690-9534
1 Toyota Premio, old model, A/C, fully powered: Excellent condition $1.2M- Call:6135308
1- Bedford Model M, GFF series: 30 Dell desktops: 260" Samsung flat screen LED/LCD- Call:255-0347/ 664-2020/ 625-0931
2- 07 Toyota Avensis- Call: 698-0674
1- 215 BLC Excavator, 1 German double steel wheel roller, 1 low bed (hauler & trailer)- call:681-2995/6471615
Original games for sale call: 265-3231
1 Hiab Truck- Call:618-1967 or 698-4321
Games for PS 2, $900,PSP $900, Xbox360 $2600, PS 3 $2600, call:672-2566
6" & 8" Flood control pump with engine, tool sets, ploughs, chippers, slasher, massey ferguson loaderCall:675-9314
Shop & Guest house @ Kurupung landing Price $5M- Call 226-9492 Mon-Fri (9am-4pm)
Pure bred German Shepherd puppy, 2 months oldCall:231-9419/617-7577
(1) CG150 Motorcycle: CG3371: Top condition- Call: 675-0724
Used Massey TractorsMF175, 275, 1100, 1130, Ford 5000, Yanmar Vegetable Tractors square axle & wheel- Call: 675-9314
Flock Goats- Call: 696-8103
3 Fiber Glass Boats And Trailer $1.4M (Negotiable) Can Be Sold Separately, Best Offer Accepted- Call: 699-1711
Hot & Weri Weri Pepper: Export quality- Call:225-5153 1 Pontoon, dimension 200×50×12, 1-500 Ton cargo vessel haul both as is where is- Call:623-4045/689-4864 Household furniture, bedroom set, sofa set, dining set, 55" Toshiba TV- Call:648-6444
1 Toyota Harrier $3M: Excellent condition- Call:2317831 Toyota Altezza, PNN, triptronic- Call: 622-0108
Shop/Bar & 11 rooms Guest House @ Barlow Landing, Eping Price: $5M-Call:2269492 Mon-Fri (9am-4pm) 2 Plots of land adjoining 21 acres @ Hauraruni, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway Price: $7M- Call: 226-9492 Mon-Fri (9am-4pm) Model M truck 4×4 with winch, barely used. GRR series- Call: 226-9492 MonFri (9am-4pm) House & Land for sale @ Naamryck, Parika, Price $5M Call: 226-9492 Mon-Fri (9am4pm)
PLAYSTATION2&3 GAMES (Fresh stock) originals. Fast & Furious showdown, UFC3, FIFA 2012- Call:6098132/672-8569 (Max)
We buy & sell vehicles for cash & we do trading-in of vehicles: 30 Seater Buses. Call: 680-3154 1 Ford F150 4×4 (3) doors: Working condition $700,000: Spacio, Raum, Premio: We finance @ low ratesCall:641-6516/264-2232 Glanza EP 91 Starlet Turbo charged, stick shift- Contact No.648-3248 1 Toyota- AT212, AT192, AT170, Ceres, Vitz, Hilux Pick-up Solid DEF, EP82 & 71 Starlet- Call:644-5096/ 697-1453
1 Toyota Verossa, 1 Mitsubishi Colt: Excellent condition- Call:648-6444 SERVICES Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool. Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 House Plans, estimates and construction- Contact T.Boodhoo 625-9883 / 6759296 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer. Call:2310655, 683-8734 Omar Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves, TV: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843/227-2766 Creative Constructs: Professional Caribbean to International Construction: Specialized in General Construction, from startfinish-Call: 613-7964/675-1510 General Desktop & Laptop Repairs: Installation & Configuration of Security Cameras: Linking Security Cameras to the internet- Tel: 699-3615
House & Land @ 47 miles, Mabura road, 2 acres of fenced yard Price: $10M- Call: 226-9492 Mon-Fri (9am-4pm) Removal (1) two storey Wooden Building located in 76 Queen Street, Kitty: Negotiable- Contact Mrs. Beryl Haynes @ 222-5928
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Leading Auto: Unregistered Runx, Premio, 212, Allion, Spacio, IST- Call:677-7666/ 610-7666
225HP Yamaha Outboard engine and 23ft ×6ft boat seats 17, Price $1.6M- Call 226-9492 Mon-Fri- 9am-4pm
2 Bedford MJ trucks, price negotiable. Call Kim:658-5193
Dell laptops & desktops complete computers from $55,000 Futuretech call: 2312206
Mitsubishi Galant $1.1MCall:645-3605
Pure Bred Rottweiler pupsCall:650-8496
Desktop Computers: Lenovo, Windows 7 $40,000Call:223-1719/600-0036
1 Hand Sanding Machine, 1 De Walt Saw 7 inch, 1 Extension Pressure Washer Pole & 1 Set Hanging Ceiling Lights- Call:223-5641 FOR RENT
FOR SALE Ford super duty/ power stoke truck, Massey Loader, Many tools, Yanmar Vegetable tractors, Roto Tiller- Call:675-9314
S & N Mining Inc. Large Quantity Of Virgin Mining Mercury: Best In Guyana: $14,500LB, Wholesale Negotiable- Contact Carol: 649-8505
One (1) 8 months old female German Shepherd dogCall:656-6407
One experienced Shop Assistant to work in InteriorCall:697-6747 1 Whole day domesticCall:667-5717 or 650-4761
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY M E R C U R Y (QUICK SILVER) 9 9 . 9 9 9 9 5 % PURITY - $15,000 PER POUND CALL:604-6108
Tuesday July 16, 2013
One black Titan (2005) 4 wheel drive, fully loaded: $4.2M negotiable- Call:6782814/699-2322 1 Toyota G-Touring wagon PHH series $900,000, 1 Toyota AE 192 PHH series $800,000 (negotiable) owner migrating- Call:673-9138/ 641-6239 1 Leyland DAF 60 single axle & dump- Call:613-6615/ 216-1315 Unregistered 2008 Toyota Premio: 2006 BMW 320iCall:615-4114 2 Ford F150: Price $4.5M & $3.5M- Call: 643-5249 / 2654979 1 AE100 Corolla $650,000: 1212 Carina with alarm, A/C, CD deck & mag rims $950,000- Call:611-6632 Toyota Alex (2004): Mags, black interior, CD, rear spoiler, never registeredCall:269-0432/686-0323 Toyota Fielder $2.1M, Premio $2.6M, Axio $2.9M: Vehicles fully loaded & unregistered- call: 617-2891 Cheapest- Premio, Spacio, Hilux, Stick Gear Buses- Call: 616-7635 First Class Auto: Spacio, IST, Verossa, 212- Call:609-8188/ 226-2689 1 Toyota Land-cruiser Prado PMM series- call:225-0188/ 225-6070
FOR SALE 10.7 Cubic feet Ultrasound Freezer- Call:227-5421 New Craftsman Gas pressure washer 2200 PSI $100,000Call:680-6374
RZ mini-buses BMM & BNN series, AT192, 212, AT170, Tacoma, Canters, NZE & cheap carscall:680-3154 HILUX SOLID DIFF: 2L Diesel Engine, Excellent condition: UK Auto 60 Brickdam- Call:227-0424/ 676-6429 (Continued on page 23)
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 23
EDUCATIONAL SUMMER CLASSES: July 15th – August 15th: Phonics, Mathematics, Language, Spanish, Craft, Tours & Fun day: Garnett St. KittyCall:654-8650 Get trained as a live-in Caregiver to live and work in Canada, under Canadian curriculum- Call:227-4881/ 416-674-7973 CXC Maths, English, Business and Science, January/ June 2014- Call Imperial College at 227-7627/ 683-5742 SUMMER CLASSES: Phonics, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & Fun day: (4-12 years)- July 15th- August 15th: Roxanne Burnham: Call 619-4355/ 2182076 Caribbean First Class Elementary: Strong on literacy, Nursery-Grade 6, Micro-Teaching: Evening Classes, register now! Call:684-7403 Caribbean First Class Read Guyana through literacy & phonics: July 15th – August 23rd, 2013: Limited seatsCall:684-7403
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for Contact:699-9926
sale-
Versailles 5 Bedroom House with modern facilities and beautiful landscape- Call: 592-684-9203 / 592-624-8704 House and Land @ D’Edward, W.C.B.- Call: 6892973/698-3703 3 two storey houses- 3 rooms each, 1 master $40M each Grandville Park- Call:6287605/676-5537/611-7004/6215327/223-5204/223-8059 3 Properties with pool, residential area. Regent street US$600,000- Call:628-7605/ 676-5537/611-7004/621-5327/ 223-5204/223-8059 Grove public road $50M, $27M: Bel-Air $60M, $45M- Call:628-7605/6765537/611-7004/621-5327/ 223-5204/223-8059 Grove public road $50M, $27M: Diamond $34MCall:628-7605/676-5537/ 611-7004/621-5327/2235204/223-8059 Prospect $13M, West Bank $18.5M, Diamond $40M, AAEccles $70M- Call Diana:6269382/227-2256 Sheriff Street 45×120 $187M, Camp Street 272×76 US1.5M, Light Street 80×45 $70MContact: Glen # 684-6266 Nonpareil 3 bedrooms, 2 Stories $18M, Enterprise high house $18M, Enmore 2 Stories $9M- Contact: 6846266
LAND FOR SALE At Blankenburg W.C.D: 50ft×350ft- Tel: 265-6019, 696-3505, 261-6501, 718-7571106, 718-629-5141 100 Acres on the left Bank of Mahaica River suitable for cattle or rice- Call:617-5406
NEW 2 STORIED Concrete 4 bedrooms building, suitable residential or commercial @ Tuschen, W.C.D (front road)- Call:6098132/686-9888
House lot for sale: Friendship EBD & drafting of house plans call:223-0733, 223-0730 Norton Street 41×245 $35M, Sheriff Street 125×40 $28M, Shell Road Kitty 40×80 $80M- Contact: Glen # 6846266 Triumph 3 lots 249×150 $16M, Enterprise 150×165 $16M, Kitty public Road 30×54 $10M- Contact: Glen 684-6266
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773
VACANCY Vacancy for 1 general domestic must able to prepare Vegetarian mealCall:225-5800 One Domestic & One Babysitter between 25-35 years, Mon to Sat 8am to 4pm Call: 227-7355 Industrial Electrician, Welders & Fabricators (3 years experience): Technical Services Inc. 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site, E.B.D Fish cleaners @ Lot 80 Eccles Industry- Call:2332546 One Upholster & two Joiners- Call:219-1342/6107005 Vacancy exists for 1 Parts Sales Clerk: Sound Secondary education with knowledge in Japanese vehicles spare partsCall:231-7839 Skilled Machinists, General Clerk, Forklift Operator & Cleaners: Technical Services Inc. 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site, E.B.D
TOURS Suriname Tours: August 1st4th, Shopping Dolphins Butterfly Gardens: Book early- Call:639-2663/6440185/665-5171/227-8290 Suriname Carifesta Summer Tour: August 15th-20th & August 22nd-27th: Casino & Site seeing: Book earlyCall:639-2663/644-0185/6655171/227-8290
Cosmetology, Nail Technology and Wig making courses @ BeautopiaCall:604-3002/629-3497
Vryheid Public Road to Canje River, West Canje Berbice. 40 house lots Price $12MCall 692-4319
CAR RENTAL Progressive Auto Rental - cars from $4000 per day. Call 643-5122, 225-8711; email www. progressive autorental. com
CAKES & PASTRIES Courses for: Bridal accessories, Cake decoration, Floral arrangements, Cake & Pastry-contact Sharon:6728768/223-3303/612-4193
(From page 22)
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School, First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166, 622-2872, 615-0964
Premio, Vitz call: 689-6668 SERVICES We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Boodoo’s contract renewal should... From page 4 was corrected by GECOM members as well as Boodoo. The public knew what the results were after the November 2011 elections. Thus, it is hard to believe that Boodoo would deliberately seek to manipulate the outcome of seats knowing that the opposition would raise hell. Also, waiting twenty months to raise a matter, especially when it was previously made public, would not stand in court and is unfair to Boodoo, who conceded his error and fixed it. It is akin to breaking an agreement. Boodoo was not opposed to correction of his mistake and he did not challenge “the 65” instead of “40”. He accepted it as an error and GECOM moved on. Thus it cannot be an issue now for GECOM. If it was accepted as an error in November 2011 and immediately fixed without an objection, why is the man being punished with denial of job renewal for what is now a “non-error”? Some individuals claim that people want Boodoo replaced to implement their own plans of what they wish to do at GECOM. The insti-
tution must maintain its independence and integrity and Boodoo’s hiring and firing should be based on merit and performance. The parties should not be partisan on the issue or use it to settle political scores, as it could be used to bite their behinds in future elections. For educational value, I wish to note that in a PR system, it is conceivably possible for a party winning less than a majority of votes (49%, for example) to be awarded a majority of seats in parliament, since some countries have a minimum threshold (say 5% as in South Africa) of votes to qualify for seats. But in Guyana, there is no minimum threshold for parliamentary representation, and as such, it is virtually impossible for a party (winning 49%) to get 51% of the seats although it can get less than 49% of the seats. Also, as the Guyana case illustrates, parties that won .3% to .5% can get seats much larger than their voting percentages reflect — one seat or 1.5% of the parliamentary representation. Vishnu Bisram
Minette Bacchus’ shamelessly... From page 4 of any political party in Guyana’s history.” In fact, the army’s leadership shakeup occurred on July 12, 1979, a mere two months after the WPA became a political party. The farce continues here again where Bacchus quotes me as follows at Point 5 of her letter: “Burnham defenders say Rodney had an accident and blew himself up…. Rodney’s death was no accident. Logically, it can only be an accident if Rodney knew he was holding a bomb. No rational human being…knowingly tests a live bomb that could be remotely triggered in the enclosed space of a car…” Again, she butchers my quote out of what can only be blind treachery. Here is my original statement with the highlighted omissions: “The Burnham defenders say Rodney had an accident and blew himself up (see Forbes Burnham’s statement from 2.46 to 3.22 of the You Tube video titled ‘War Stories Trailers’ posted by Mykal Cushnie). Rodney’s death was no accident. Logically, it can only be an accident if Rodney knew he was holding a bomb. No rational human
being, after losing three of his bodyguards and lieutenants, knowingly tests a live bomb that could be remotely triggered in the enclosed space of a car (a luxury in those days) and in the company of his beloved brother.” Bacchus’ nasty subterfuge in deleting reference to the source where Burnham’s statement can be verified independently by readers was repeated at Point 15 where she omits my ‘see above’ reference to the You Tube source. I see this as a fraudulent attempt to deny readers who are picking up this debate for the first time by reading Bacchus’ letter access to the You Tube source of Burnham’s comments. Her deliberate mangling of the rest of my statement at Point 5 is evident for its nefariousness. Bacchus’ Machiavellian filthiness continues with another rendition of my quote at Point 9 of her letter as follows: “In a country notorious for lax police response…personnel reached the explosion within minutes…Death Squad members were seen double parked near the jail just before the bombing.” My actual quote is here with the missing parts highlighted “In a country notorious for lax police response, a large group of Death Squad and security personnel reached the explosion within minutes. Two Colt vans carrying Death Squad members were seen double parked near the jail just before the bombing.” Bacchus’ exasperating and shameless chicanery continues at Point 12 of her response when she quotes me correctly as follows “WPA press release dated June 17, 1980 said a senior PNC security official was overheard around 8.45 pm at a party stating he was leaving
to meet with Burnham and other PNC heavyweights because Rodney was killed.” Then at Point 13 she quotes me correctly as follows “The only plausible explanation is to cover up the killing. Burnham was in Guyana when Rodney died.” What Bacchus conveniently omitted is the sentence between Points 12 and 13. This sentence states “Clearly, if we believe this statement, Burnham knew it was Rodney who was killed yet his government issued propaganda to the contrary at 6 am the following morning.” Incidentally, the editor of this newspaper wrote a magnificent editorial titled “Trying to change history” (KN, July 7, 2013) in which he most poignantly pontificated “Sometimes there have been omissions to the point that when what was omitted is taken into consideration the recorded history is changed, dramatically.” This is what Bacchus attempted here. It is intellectual artifice when omissions this glaring and underhanded are committed. It not only distorts history in dramatic fashion, it necrotizes the very essence of the debate that is vital to telling history. In a country like Guyana where illiteracy is rampant, where history has already suffered from callous distortion, where many seek enlightenment in these newspaper pages and where political immorality has strangled the nation’s consciousness into a fatalistic paralysis, Bacchus’ intellectual amorality and cherry-picking quotemangling debauchery cannot be allowed. It is roguish primitivism at best and at worst, my thoughts on this deviousness are of the unpublishable variety. M. Maxwell
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Police on the hunt for Rubis Gas Station bandits
T
wo men, who pretended to be customers, walked into the Minimart at Rubis Gas Station yesterday on Vlissingen Road and robbed the store as well a Chinese national. Kaieteur News understands that at approximately 17:00 hours, the store had two customers and two cashiers at the front of the entity and was operating during a power outage at the time. However, when the electricity was restored, the two suspects were spotted leaving a blue and black motorcycle CF1036, parked in front of the store’s entrance. According to the Store Supervisor who painted a vivid picture of the series of events that took place, she related to this publication that, “these men literally took advantage of us. One of them was tall, brown in complexion and had on a helmet. “He seemed about 6 ft 4 inches. The other was short and dark skin and he appeared to be 5ft 3 inches. They entered and pretended to be customers, but I immediately suspected them to be shoplifters. The short one stayed at the door and the tall one just cruising around the store. When he stopped at the washroom I asked him what he wanted but he said nothing to me. He continued walking and then he stopped in front of the wine case and I asked again if he is looking for something and he said wine and I asked what kind of wine but he again did not respond to my question.
The Rubis Gas Station and Minimart “I noticed he had two tear drop tattoos below his left eye but I realized that something was wrong at this point. Suddenly he then went to the General office which another supervisor and cashier were occupying. I then made an attempt to leave but the short one at the door push me back and said no one is leaving and pushed his hand under his shirt as though he had a gun but I k n e w h e d i d n ’t h a v e anything because I could see his hands printing through.” She added, “I saw the tall one in the general office pull out a gun which looked like a revolver and asked the women for the bag, but they asked which bag and he said he wanted the bag with the money. The supervisor then told him that they don’t work in that office and they don’t know where the money is. The suspect then fired off two rounds into the roof and the two women became very frightened. “They then revealed to
him that the person that knows about the money is outside. He then came out for me and pulled me into the room. He started to point the gun aimlessly as though he was scared as well but I gave him the money which was more than $100,000 and I begged him not to hurt anyone. “He then asked for the rest and I told him that the rest is not here, that it is at the bank. He got angry and started pulling out all the drawers and looking for more money but found none. “He then left the room and went to the Chinese
national who was standing by the register and took his Iphone and over $30,000. He and the short one then ran out and escaped on the motorcycle.” The supervisor said that she strongly believes that the suspects had their eyes on the minimart for some time for when they entered the store, they appeared to be very familiar with it. Detectives are currently investigating the matter as a ballistics test is scheduled to be conducted next week on the roof that was penetrated by the bullets.
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Man lauds health care provided No Police Service Commission continues to worry officers by GPHC to his Grenadian son Although it is a rather rare move for a man to put his career on hold to care for his child, this was the bold decision made by 37-year-old Miguel Singh not so long ago. The move, although coerced by relatives, was one done to ensure the wellbeing of his son, Jonathan Kennedy Singh, who is now 16 months old. The toddler was born prematurely on February 12, 2012, in Grenada. At the time Singh said that he was studying Civil/Mechanical Engineering. His career choice eventually saw him travelling to at least five different Caribbean territories. The child was left in the care of his Grenadian mother. Singh said that he would check on his son every three to four months in Grenada but was soon convinced that “the finances wired for him was not being spent on him.” He said, too, that close examination of the child’s clinic card revealed that he had missed several clinic visits. It was also discovered that he was undernourished suggesting that he was not being properly cared for. Moreover, the 37-year-old Guyanese national said that it was after discussions with his parents and siblings who reside here that he made the proactive decision to return to the land of his birth to seek medical attention for his son. This was due to the fact that the man had found that most of the territories he’d worked in did not have the medical services his son required or they were not readily available. “In Grenada where he was born I made an appointment for him to see a Paediatric Neurologist one
Miguel Singh and his son, Jonathan Kennedy Singh He has since been reimbursed some of the finances spent privately after being informed by a GPHC nurse that there was provision for him to make a claim there. “I am thankful to the Chief Executive Officer’s office which facilitated reimbursement for some of the monies I spent,” said Singh. “As a result of me being a Guyanese national and a taxpayer what my son has been able to access free of cost within one week he hasn’t been able to access that in his own country of birth.” According to Singh he has been told by the public hospital’s Orthopaedic Specialist that the curve in his son’s feet resulted from limited space in his mother’s womb which caused them to become Continued on page 32
year ago...This is close to one year, three months ago and he hasn’t seen that specialist,” related Singh. Aside from being undernourished the child also requires medical attention for his eyes, ears and skin, which seems sunburnt. His feet are slightly deformed due to a condition described as the ‘Denis Brown’ Syndrome which causes a curve to the sole of the feet. All of the conditions are being addressed through the services offered at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation free of cost. Singh said that upon his return to Guyana he was seeking the services of private institutions starting with a CT Scan at the Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital to determine the condition of his son’s brain too.
Over 400 house lots under consideration... From page 12 Government anti working class posture more pronounced. In relation to the agencies involved in the Airport Relocation Plan, Harmon said that the plan will not work. He said, “The high handed manner of dealing with the concerns of citizens will certainly militate against construction work on the Airport Expansion project.” Harmon said that on the Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), an environmental specialist who consulted with APNU said that the document of Benn’s committee is not an ESIA. “It is an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) which is devoid of a social component. This is reflected by the absence of any consultations with adjacent and impacted communities to fashion the
Social Management Plan to respond to concerns of those communities.” “The document contravenes the spirit of the Environmental Protection Act 1996. The Government of Guyana as the project proponent should not be responsible for undertaking the ESMP since the intent is that the environmental analyses be conducted by an independent authority devoid of any interest in the future of the project.” “The ESMP has no discussion related to the demographics of the impacted communities and their livelihood activities. Minimum relocation standards mandate that the livelihood activities, if altered, shall maintain the current quality of life. There is no recognition of this minimum standard in the
‘EIA’.” Harmon mentioned that in recent times where projects of a national character were being contemplated there were consultations; the Berbice River Bridge, the National Relief Council at Hope Dochfour and the removal of residents from the railway embankment. He said these consultations led to a plan which saw the orderly relocation of persons with provisions made for compensation. Harmon charged, “The residents of Timehri North must be compensated and if relocation is necessary it must be done in accordance with International Development Bank (IDB) standards for relocation of persons affected by projects of such a magnitude as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion.”
Officers of the Guyana Police Force are worried that the situation that occurred in 1999 when there was no Police Service Commission (PSC), could visit them again. The Police Service Commission, a five-man body that is responsible for matters relating to the upper echelons of the Force, was rendered inactive following the death of its Chairman Dennis Morgan in November last year. Morgan’s death has left a void that could lead to yet another delay in the promotion of senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force. Besides promotions, appeals from officers seeking redress, acting appointments and applications for cadetship are addressed by a fully constituted commission. The Police Officers are hoping that the 1999 situation, which resulted in no police promotions for three years, would not reoccur, especially since there appears to be no urgency on the part of the administration to deal with the issue. Kaieteur News understands that only last week during the Commissioner’s traditional Force Anniversary Breakfast, Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud, took pains to lay out the concerns of his colleagues about non existence of the PSC. Present at the breakfast were Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, his Permanent Secretary Angela Johnson and other Heads of the Disciplined Services. Assistant Commissioner Persaud reportedly stressed at length the areas of appointments, interdiction and the question of allowances for senior police officers. According to a source, the Minister in his turn to address the breakfast paid
scant regard to the concerns raised about the PSC, totally bypassing the subject. This newspaper understands that two names are being bandied about to fill the position of Chairman of the Police Service Commission. One is a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, who once served in a senior capacity at a government ministry, while there is talk that another Retired Deputy Commissioner, who is presently serving in the Force, could get the nod. Perhaps the most concerned about the non existence of the PSC are those officers who are nearing retirement. The concerns are that they will retire without being receiving the promotion they would have benefited from had the Commission been in place. Then there is the question that there will be several holes at the top of the Force’s administration with the imminent retirement of a number of high ranking officers. This newspaper has been unable to ascertain how many disciplinary matters are pending at the Police Service Commission. The delay in dealing with these could impact the careers of the officers involved. But one of the pressing issues at the moment is the appointment of a substantive police commissioner. At present, Deputy Commissioner Leroy Brumell is the Commissioner of Police (Acting) and he can only be appointed to the substantive post by the President. But the administration may not be too keen on going in that direction just yet judging from previous utterances of cabinet secretary Dr Roger Luncheon.
The late PSC Chairman Dennis Morgan He had explained that the duration of Brumell’s acting may not have been sufficient for being considered as the President moves towards a substantive appointment. “His elevation to the post of Acting Commissioner was unexpected, as there were about two or three years left in Greene’s tenure. Brumell’s appointment was unexpected and a substantive appointment would require some amount of examination, review and satisfaction of he who appoints,” Luncheon had stated. “I don’t have any reason to doubt that you would concede Mr. Brumell’s appointment, to act, is indeed unexpected. The issues and the development surrounding Mr. Greene‘s departure could hardly have been anticipated by any of us,” the Cabinet Secretary had told the media.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Gunmen rob Akbar Auto Sales Three armed bandits managed to escape with over $3M after a robbery at the Akbar Auto Sales and Furniture Store on North Road, Bourda in Georgetown. This newspaper was told that the entire robbery was caught on camera. Up to press time technicians were reviewing the surveillance camera. This was the third time that the business was robbed. Yesterday, three staff members were held at gunpoint in the accounts department of the store and
forced to hand over $3 million in cash. One of the employees Azim Baskh, was beaten in the head with a gun. He was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital and sent away. The robbery took place close to 15:00 hours as the business place was preparing to wrap up its operations for the day. According to reports the accounts department is located on the third floor of the three-storeyed building. The ground floor is used for the sale of furniture. The
middle flat is used for record keeping and storage. According to an eyewitness, the three men walked into the store asking for the accounts department. Once in the accounts department, the staff members were held at gunpoint. One female staffer handed over the money. The three men then calmly walked away from the building. It was unclear whether a vehicle was waiting on them. Kaieteur News was told that the police arrived quickly at the scene.
Region Three sexual assault...
No record of victim’s adverse performance file with DPP Contrary to what Region Three officials are saying about the young accountant allegedly fondled by a high ranking Region three official, union representatives say that their findings are different. The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is representing the woman and has launched an investigation into the matter. The union says that while the regional officers are claiming adverse performance and bad
behaviour on the victim’s part, there are no records to show this. The allegations came in light of the woman’s removal from the regional head office and relocation to the West Demerara Hospital. Colin Croal, Permanent Secretary in the Local Government Ministry told Kaieteur News that the victim was already slated for removal based on her “attitude.” The same sentiments were expressed by the Regional
Chairman Julius Faerber. GPSU’s Dennis English, Senior Industrial Officer says that there is a procedure to deal with poor performance or attitude problems. “None of which were followed. There are no records showing any poor performance or insubordination.” English said that employees are made aware of their inconsistencies and dealt with if there is no change. Continued on page 32
Media Association interim executive resigns (Trinidad Express) The media Association of Trinidad and Tobago yesterday issued a statement, disclosing that the remaining members of the Association have resigned. The following is the statement “The remaining members of the interim executive of the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (Matt) have resigned with immediate effect. As an interim executive, it was not possible to elect a new, fully functioning executive due to a very low turnout of media workers at out last general membership meeting. Our last act will be to convene another general membership meeting for the
purpose of electing an executive. There has great resurgence of interest in Matt, if we are to judge from the comments and criticisms posted on the group’s Facebook page, as well as various public fora, in the past few days. Hopefully, this will result in a strong turnout at the next meeting and members will offer themselves for executive positions to carry on the work of Matt.” On Sunday, Express columnist Kevin Baldeosingh resigned as an executive member of the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT). Baldeosingh confirmed
the decision and cited MATT’s recent action on the Trinidad Guardian issue as the reason for his resignation. Last Thursday, there was some confusion as to what triggered the walkout of at least three senior members of staff at the daily paper. Statements coming from both MATT and its president, Guardian editor Suzanne Sheppard, spoke of dark times at the paper and hinted at Government interference. One day later, MATT seemed to back-pedal, saying that there was only one resignation and stating that the entire issue stemmed from a “massive miscommunication” between management and staff.
(Jamaica Gleaner) A senior Government technocrat has declared that the ability of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) to intervene more aggressively in the foreign exchange market is limited by the low production levels within the country. The Jamaican dollar has been consistently trading for more than $100 against its US counterpart since crossing the psychological barrier on June 7, heightening fears of price increases for basic
goods and services. Speaking on the JISproduced Issues and Answers, the DirectorGeneral of the Planning Institute of Jamaica, Colin Bullock, said if Jamaica was producing and exporting the country would be able to earn more foreign exchange. He says the BOJ would in turn have more freedom to enter the foreign exchange market. He is also dismissing calls for a fixed exchange rate,
noting that a fixed exchange rate without sufficient foreign exchange to meet demand will result in the growth of a black market. He says a similar experiment, through an auction system, failed in the 1980s. He says overtime, the rebuilding of BOJ reserves and fulfilment of IMF objectives will restore confidence resulting in relative stabilisation of the exchange rate.
Low production constrains BOJ’s intervention in forex market
Chinese community under siege in Jamaica The Chinese community in Jamaica is reeling under pressure from law enforcers and the lawbreakers. On the one hand, thieves and extortionists have been having a field day with Chinese businessmen, particularly expatriates, fleecing them of millions of dollars. On the other hand, some of the people who swore to serve, reassure and protect, are themselves putting their hands in the till, oftentimes going away with hefty sums of money, as reward for an extended extortion scheme. “We are meeting hell from both criminals and the police,” one high-ranking member of the Chinese community told the Jamaica Observer. The Chinese are not talking publicly, believing that if they were to do so, their lives could be placed further at risk. But a Sunday Observer investigation turned up cases of robberies against expatriate Chinese in recent weeks, two of them occurring in the upscale gated community of Long Mountain, Eastern St Andrew. One night, members of one family were at home watching television and playing games when three men barged into their house, brandished guns, and tied up the occupants. The robbers raided the refrigerator, stuffed themselves with food and drink and then emptied the garbage on the beds. One was heard to have commented: “Oonu Chiney people live good eeh … oonu have plenty food and plenty
drink.” The men then took a large sum of money and left the scene. Days later, another Chinese expatriate was watering his plants outside his townhouse, when he was held from behind by the throat. Thinking that it was a neighbour pulling a prank, the man spun around only to see a man aiming the business end of a 9mm pistol at his face. Three other men were standing beside him. The businessman was taken inside the house by four men, tied up and robbed of money. When he eventually broke free, telephoned the nearby Chinese Embassy, which in turn contacted the police, investigators held the occupants of a car that fitted the description. One of the four men turned out to be a policeman. However, the men were not charged, as the victim refused to identify them, for fear of reprisals. That same week, a Chinese expatriate who runs a wholesale establishment in downtown Kingston was
robbed of over $2 million in cash, which represented proceeds from the sale of phone cards. Chinese business people are known to run successful enterprises across the island, most of them profitably. The growth in their commercial activities has spread like Australian bush fires and even in communities where they never before visited, their presence is now being felt. Apart from the cities of Kingston and Montego Bay, towns like the Clarendon capital of May Pen, Highgate in St Mary, Falmouth, Trelawny, Port Antonio in Portland and the Manchester capital Mandeville have all seen an upturn in activity of Chinese entrepreneurs. The skulduggery involving police personnel though has a wide concentration in the downtown Kingston zone. According to police sources, on any given day, uniformed members of the constabulary rip off Chinese businessmen, many of whom cannot speak English properly.
Manning condemns Jack Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning on Sunday condemned former national security minister Jack Warner, calling him unfit to hold any office in the country. On Manning’s Facebook page, he posted this status: “Having read the lead story in the Trinidad Express newspaper today (Sunday) which was supported by
evidence. I want to condemn in the strongest manner this most inappropriate fraudulent behaviour of Mr Austin Jack Warner. He is not fit to hold ANY office in Trinidad and Tobago! Kamla Persad Bissessar is also culpable. She has proven to be the absolute worst Prime Minister in this country’s history to have had this type of activity
taking place under her watch.” Up to 7 p.m. the status, which was posted one hour earlier, had 166 likes, 27 comments and 20 people sharing the status. In the Sunday Express article it was reported that Warner solicited millions of dollars from wealthy business interests that do work for the State.
Bajan man slain, sisters injured in hail of bullets (Barbados Nation) A family is mourning the loss of a son and brother after the usual quiet of Carrington Village, St Thomas, was shattered by gunfire shortly before 9:30 p.m. Saturday that left one man dead. Don Cox, 32, of Lion Castle in the same parish, was among four people shot,
according to police. After what residents described as the firing of “about 50 shots”, Cox died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) from two gunshot injuries, one to his head and the other to his chest. Two teenaged sisters – Khadija Blackman, 18, and Bree-ann Blackman, 16, b o t h o f Va u l t R o a d ,
Welchman Hall – were shot while scampering from the scene of pandemonium. Sunday afternoon, Khadija was undergoing surgery at the QEH while Breeann was at home in pain, said their distraught mother who was on her way to the hospital and asked that her name not be used.
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Kaieteur News
U.S. envoy spurned by both sides on Egypt visit (Reuters) - The first senior U.S. official to visit Egypt since the army toppled its elected president was snubbed by both Islamists and their opponents yesterday. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns arrived in a divided capital where both sides are furious at the United States, the superpower which supports Egypt with $1.5 billion in annual aid, mostly for the army that deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi two weeks ago. Crisis in the Arab world’s most populous state, which has a peace treaty with Israel and controls the strategic Suez Canal, has alarmed allies in the region and the West. Thousands of supporters of the ousted leader took to the streets yesterday. Washington, never comfortable with the rise of Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood, has so far refused to say whether it views Mursi’s removal as a coup, which would require it to halt aid. The State Department said Burns would meet “civil society groups” as well as
Deputy Secretary of State William Burns government officials, but the Islamist Nour Party and the Tamarud anti-Mursi protest movement both said they had turned down invitations to meet Burns. “First, they need to acknowledge the new system,” Tamarud founder Mahmoud Badr said of the Americans. “Secondly, they must apologize for their support for the Muslim Brotherhood’s party and
terrorism. Then we can think about it,” he told Reuters. In a further slight, Badr posted a copy of his invitation, including the U.S. embassy’s telephone number, on the Internet. Nour, sometime allies of Mursi’s Brotherhood who have accepted the army takeover, said they had rejected meeting Burns because of “unjustified” U.S. meddling in Egypt’s affairs. The Brotherhood’s political party said it had no meeting planned with Burns. It was not immediately clear whether it was invited. While its opponents accuse Washington of backing Mursi, the Brotherhood suspects U.S. involvement in his removal. Burns did meet Adli Mansour, a judge installed as interim president by the army, and Hazem el-Beblawi, a liberal economist named interim prime minister. Beblawi is setting up a temporary cabinet staffed mainly by technocrats to lead the country under a “road map” foreseeing elections in about six months.
Snowden affair is chance for truce in cyber war: U.N. (Reuters) - Edward Snowden’s revelations about U.S. Internet surveillance have created a chance for countries to call a halt to a cyber war, a senior U.N. official said yesterday. “It gives us an opportunity, and I keep saying let’s build bridges,” s a i d H a m a d o u n To u r é , head of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is working with Interpol and the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime to work out how to police cyberspace. The accusations by
Snowden, a former U.S. spy agency contractor, that the National Security Agency spied on Internet traffic, has prompted outrage from the target countries but some diplomats say the such activities were always an open secret. “You’re saying that we know that all countries are doing it. And we do,” Touré said, in answer to a Reuters question at a news conference. “I was talking to one ambassador a week ago who was saying: ‘I’m surprised by the Europeans’ surprise,
because we all do this.’ That’s what he said. He was very frank.” Touré wants a treaty in which countries would promise to ensure Internet access for their citizens, protect them from attacks, work with other countries to stop criminal activities, and not attack another country first. Touré said he had been calling for a cyber treaty for years, but countries always said they did not have a mandate to discuss it and accused others of being behind cyber attacks.
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Spanish prime minister rejects calls to step down over scandal (Reuters) - Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy yesterday rejected calls for his resignation over a ruling party financing scandal and said he would not allow the matter to deter his reform plans. Pressure mounted on Rajoy as the former treasurer of his People’s Party gave new testimony before a judge looking into the affair, saying he made 90,000 euros in cash payments to Rajoy and another party leader in 2009 and 2010. Rajoy had so far managed to limit the impact of the scandal, which involves alleged illegal donations by construction magnates that were supposedly distributed as cash payments to party leaders in return for juicy contracts. Speaking at a news conference, he said: “I will defend political stability and I will fulfill the mandate given to me by Spanish voters.” Rajoy, whose party has
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy comfortable control of Parliament, said the scandal would not derail his political reform program, aimed at combating a deep recession and a huge hole in the budget. Spain’s fiscal woes last year threatened to push the government into seeking a bailout and for months the future of the common currency looked at risk as the euro zone’s fourth biggest economy teetered. Rajoy resisted pressure to
solicit aid and is now hopeful of an economic turnaround but his public image has been damaged by the Barcenas scandal.The opposition demanded he quit yesterday, and some members of his own party also said it was time for him to go. At the heart of the scandal is former party treasurer Luis Barcenas, 55, who was jailed in June and charged with bribery, money laundering, tax fraud and other crimes.
Trayvon Martin’s death unnecessary: Holder (Reuters) - The shooting death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin was tragic and unnecessary, and it ought to spark public debate about how to prevent similar incidents, Attorney General Eric Holder said yesterday. In his first comments since a state jury acquitted George Zimmerman on Saturday in the February 2012 shooting case, Holder said federal prosecutors were continuing to investigate. “Independent of the legal determination that will be made, I believe that this tragedy provides yet another opportunity for our nation to speak honestly about the complicated and emotionally charged issues that this case has raised,” Holder told a convention of Delta Sigma Theta, a black sorority. Although Zimmerman
was cleared of murder charges under Florida law, U.S. prosecutors could decide to bring criminal charges under a federal hatecrimes law, and some civil rights advocates are lobbying prosecutors to do so. The hate-crimes law would require the government to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Zimmerman, who is white and Hispanic, shot Martin, who was black, because of race. Prosecutors would decide what to do based on the facts of the case and the law, Holder said. The chief U.S. prosecutor and an appointee of President Barack Obama, Holder received a warm welcome from the more than 14,000 sorority members in the audience at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The audience responded enthusiastically when Holder
said the Justice Department shared their concerns about the Martin case, and again when he said he wanted to take action to counter the “underlying attitudes, mistaken beliefs and stereotypes that serve as the basis for these too common incidents.” On Sunday, thousands of demonstrators demanding “Justice for Trayvon” marched in major cities across the United States to protest the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of the unarmed teenager. While a jury of six women absolved Zimmerman of any crime with their not-guilty verdict, civil rights leaders decried the decision, and demonstrators took to the streets in New York, Boston, San Francisco and other cities.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Customer killed, bandit wounded No record of victim’s adverse... during botched robbery By Latoya Giles Bandits shot a customer dead and accidentally wounded a member of their four-man gang at around 19:30 hrs yesterday during a botched robbery at the popular Fuzzy’s General Store in Arapaima Street, Guyhoc Gardens. Heron Dennis, of Guyhoc Park, was shot in the neck when the bandits opened fire on customers who retaliated to their robbery attempt by hurling missiles at them. Dennis collapsed and died in the shop before he could receive medical attention. But one of the three bandits, identified as Dwayne Simon, 29, of Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara, was also shot in the back and right leg during the ensuing gunfire. Simon’s accomplices fled empty handed, leaving him behind. Simon, said to be an exsoldier, was charged in December 2009, for robbing Lennox Taylor of a Taurus pistol, nine .32 live rounds of ammunition, a gold band, a cell phone and a quantity of cash, totaling over $313,000. Sheron Alleyne, a close friend of the dead man told Kaieteur News that Dennis had gone to the shop to buy
Dead Heron Dennis a juice. The woman said that she last saw the now dead Dennis approximately a half hour before the shooting. “ I see he about ah half hour before this thing happen….we de talking because Sunday was he birthday,” Alleyne told Kaieteur News. The woman described Dennis as a very a humble individual. According to her, he has two children who live at Linden. All of his immediate relatives reside overseas. One neighbour recalled hearing gunshots and seeing two men fleeing on foot. The
woman said that she did not immediately know what was happening, but was later told that there was a robbery. Kaieteur News was told that this was not the first time but the fourth time that bandits had attempted to rob the variety store. The police in a press statement last evening said that the incident happened at around 19:30hrs. According to the police Dwayne Simon, 29 years, of Mc Doom, EBD, and two other men, one of whom was armed with a firearm, entered Fuzzy Variety Store at Arapaima Street, Guyhoc Park. The three men according to the police held up three customers in the Store including Heron Dennis, 36 years, of Guyhoc Park. The customers retaliated and began throwing missiles at the perpetrators, whereupon the armed man began discharging rounds indiscriminately. Heron Dennis was fatally shot to his neck and Dwayne Simon was shot and injured to his back and right foot. Dwayne Simon is a patient under guard at the GPHC. His accomplices managed to escape. Investigations are in progress.
From page 31 In the transfer letter to the victim it was stated that “The Regional Administration looks forward for your continued dedicated and effective service in its efforts to better the lives of its residence.” These words, English opined, would be strange for someone who is accused of poor performance or have a negative attitude. Additionally, English noted that a transfer cannot be disciplinary action for employees. He reiterated that a procedure is followed. To the allegations of absenteeism, made public against the victim by the embattled official, English said that the executive member is aware that the victim has a medical condition. All relevant documentation pertaining to this was submitted to the official and is again available in light of the investigations. He said that the woman’s doctor wrote to the official about the woman’s serious illness and her need to be treated twice a week. Permission was never granted, nor a response to the doctor, English stated. “These allegations are fabrications. If you check these documents they
correspond with what the woman is saying. The meeting they said the victim attended about her removal; it never happened.” “They are fabricating these allegations,” English said. Apart from this, the embattled regional officer is still on the job. English is adamant that this behaviour is a breach of protocol. Like many others, he continued to point out that the official’s presence at the scene of the alleged crime is c o m p r o m i s i n g investigations; witnesses and other forms of evidence. English clarified that it is evidence in the sense that much more than sexual assault matters are surfacing. According to the findings, he mentioned administrative issues that could put the embattled official and other executives in hot water. But the presence of the official is making an in-depth probe of the matter difficult as persons are afraid to give written testimonials or to even speak on the matter, he continued. English thus urged that authorities launch an inquiry into the affairs of the Region Three Democratic Council. In the meantime, police investigators have finished their probe of the matter. Sometime last week, they
handed the file over to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. The embattled regional officer has however denied the sexual assault allegations made against him. He in fact told the media that the report was made because of the decision to transfer the accountant. The women of the GPSU, has however called for a complete probe into the matter and more specifically, the removal of the officer who they say is compromising investigations into the matter by intimidating other staffers. They charged too that the victim was sent to the West Demerara Hospital, but there is no position there for the woman’s qualification. They say she is sitting there all day with nothing to do. They therefore want the woman to be sent back to her post at the regional office, while the official takes special leave. The female at the centre of the matter reported to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station some two weeks ago that she was being sexually molested by the regional official. She claimed that the man, over a period of time had been making physical and verbal gestures towards her, and was making work time at the location very difficult.
Police catches burglar red... 37,000 customers affected...
From page 3 everyone wants to change their nefarious ways. “Last Thursday the man tied his face and wore a cap, but his disguise did not work since he was known by the guard. The burglar then ordered the guard to help him with a piece of wood to beak a section of the concrete at the back of the building, but the guard refused,” Persaud explained He returned to the front of the building and tied the guard up, Persaud said. The thief reportedly told the guard
that he was going to return with more people. The burglar then took the guard’s bicycle and left but the guard managed to untie himself and inform his employer. “When I rushing down to the scene I saw the burglar with the guards bicycle on Buxton line top, but he escaped. The said night we went to the station with the guard and the next day we went and gave a statement to the police.” Nevertheless, Persaud said in the wee hours of Monday morning police eventually
caught the burglar red handed while he was leaving the premises. “I hired another security guard who was also tied up that night but the other guard heard the commotion and called the police who caught the man red handed with valuables. The police have the stuff and him in custody.” Adding that for the year this is the fifth occasion that he has been robbed, Persaud said a stronger police presence is needed for the business community.
From page 29 squashed. He is required to undergo therapy at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre where he is to be fitted with a ‘Denis Brown’ Splint. The procedure is expected to continue until the child turns three years old but if not corrected by then he may have to undergo a minor operation to release the nerves in his feet to allow flexibility in the ankles. And the child has shown vast improvement since being attended at the public hospital, Singh reported yesterday. “Initially when he came here he was unable to sit up and hold his head up, also his eyes (although still) a little off, were off a little more but as a result of proper nutrition and guidance from the
specialist the eyes are straightening out themselves,” Singh related. An antifungal cream is helping to normalise the child’s skin at a relatively fast rate. According to Singh too specialists have informed that his son’s overall restoration will depend on his nutrition level, that is, how much and what he is fed, coupled with the development of his senses and his response to ongoing therapy. But according to the man, the child already has an excellent appetite and consumes vitamins regularly. And even as he anticipates his son’s restoration, Singh said that he is looking to enrol him in a special needs day care centre in order to have him
communicate with different types of children. But there are not many options, Singh observed. He said that at the moment the child’s communication skills are being stimulated by his cousins and other relatives. “I am with him 24 hours a day, seven days a week...and I believe even his feet could have already been rectified had I had him from a baby,” said noted. In addition to being grateful to the medical care his son has so far received from the local medical professionals, the man said that he is most appreciative of the move by the Immigration Department to grant his son an unrestricted stay despite him being a Grenadian national.
Man lauds health care provided...
A Chinese and local technician prepare one section of the 69KV cable From page 6 Demerara, at the time of its commissioning there will be the need for another outage affecting consumers along the coast. That substation is expected to be completed by the end of August. Contractor, Andrew Jin told members of the media that the cost of maintenance of the new network inclusive of the substations would be “minimal.” The contract with the Chinese has in a place a oneyear ‘defects liability period’ that would obligate it within
that time frame to remedy any hiccups that may be presented. He said that while it is difficult to place a lifespan on the substation, they can be easily utilised for two to three decades. According to Jin, technology is constantly developing and evolving and as such it would be up to the company to decide when it would no longer be economically feasible to keep the system. Once maintained properly, Jin said the substation can be in operation for very long
periods. He reminded that as against a generation plant or factory there aren’t moving parts that would cause wear and tear. He said that what would need to be addressed over time would be the parts deteriorating. Guyana in 2008 inked the Memorandum of Understanding with the EXIM Bank of China that paved the way for that institution giving financial support to the tune of US$40M at concessional rates, for the GPL upgrade.
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Stag Beer/ WDFA Senior League The Stewartville based Eagles FC created one of the biggest upsets to date in the Stag Beer sponsored West Demerara Football
Kaieteur News
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Eagles upset Den Amstel; Beavers, Uitvlugt & Seawall win Association (WDFA) Senior League, a 1-0 win over Den Amstel FC on Sunday last. With the home advantage and a 6th place position in the points table, as opposed to Eagles’ 8th place, Den Amstel went into the rubber as the hands down favourite to win
Team Slingerz Seawall Uitvlugt Bagotville/Nismes Stewartville Young Achievers Den Amstel Eagles Beavers Jetty Dekenderen Wales
P 4 3 3 5 3 3 4 4 3 3 5 4
but Eagles, one of the young clubs on the West Side had different thoughts. The game was a close affair with both sides not allowing the other to impose its will. The defensive players stepped up to the plate as they kept each other at bay.
Latest Points Standings W L D 4 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 2 0 2 0 1 2 1 0 2 2 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 0 3 0 0 5 0 0 4 0
GF 37 12 10 6 8 13 8 1 4 4 1 3
GA 1 2 3 1 2 2 4 13 6 7 28 34
Tuesday July 16, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19): Respecting financial limits is always a smart idea, but you may be able to justify spending a little more than you planned to purchase something that you really need. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20): Your steady pace works to your advantage now, but it’s tempting to barge ahead when everything looks so perfect. GEMINI (May 21–June 20): If you recently left too many chores undone, you must focus your energy today and finish whatever you can. You might be annoyed if someone is placing unrealistic expectations on you because you don’t want to apply yourself any harder than is necessary now. CANCER (June 21–July 22): You are eager to integrate your creativity into your regular routine. It’s wonderful to be inspired and express yourself in ways that deeply touch others; however, it’s an entirely different story if you have to perform on command every day. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): Juggling family loyalty with your desire to pursue your own spiritual path is tricky business, and domestic obligations may limit what you can do now. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): Naturally, you want your friends and workmates to appreciate how your efficient work style contributes to the overall project.
\LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Financial restraints could send you into a tailspin today, but money isn’t likely the only problem. Your discouragement may be tied to feelings of low self-esteem and the current lack of cash just exacerbates the issue. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): You’re resigned to behave in a mature manner now that the Moon joins responsible Saturn in your 1st House of Self. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): It’s relatively easy for you to imagine your way into the future because your fantasies overflow into reality today. Your intuition leads you down the most sensible path now, enabling you to read between the lines and see beneath the surface. CAPRICORN(Dec.22–Jan.19): You’re inspired to show your friends and acquaintances how competent you are today. Thankfully, nearly everyone seems to be supportive of anything you do. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): You may need to spend time with your coworkers now. Although you wish you could kick back and share your ideas for the future, they may not be interested in hearing what you want to do. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20): You don’t want to fly by the seat of your pants now; you prefer having a concrete plan with a workable timeline so you know where you are going and when you will arrive.
So close was the battle that no goals were scored in the opening half. With every passing minute, the pressure was turning up on the home team but Eagles, as the underdog, kept their focus. They were rewarded 19 minutes into the GD +36 +10 +7 +1 +6 +11 +4 -11 -2 -3 -27 -31
Points 12 9 9 9 7 6 6 4 3 0 0 0
second half with Kerron Schmidt lobbing a well timed ball over the head of the advancing goalkeeper Ryan Hunte in the 64th minute to silence the home supporters. It was a wakeup call for Den Amstel even as Eagles were flying high. The goal gave the leaders that extra momentum and energy to keep the Den Amstel side at bay for the remainder of the encounter as they recorded their first win of the league while handing Den Amstel their second loss. Eagles’ custodian, Jason Carroll was the hero of the win as he was able to nullify the offensive maneuvers of the Den Amstel forward line. Eagles now move to 4 points, while Den Amstel remain on
6. Uitvlugt Warriors had no such worries when they took on Young Achievers in the clash that featured two teams with an unblemished record. But by the end of the 90 minutes, it was Young Achievers whose stats showed one loss, Uitvlugt winning the game 2-1, their third win in five matches. Goals were scored either side of play, Jamal Harvey opened proceedings in the 37th. Three minutes later, Young Achievers drew level compliments of a Sherwin Liverpool goal that evened things up. It was not until the 78th minute that Uitvlugt were again able to restore the advantage through a Jamal Petty effort and that was enough to ensure that they took away full points from that match-up to maintain their unbeaten run with win number three from as many encounters. It was Young Achievers’ first loss in three games. On Saturday, Beavers recorded their first points, a 2-0 win over the still pointless De Kinderen. Maxwell Trapp in the 15th minute and Gavin Anderson in the 51st were the players that designed the win for Beavers, their first in three games. It was De Kinderen’s fifth loss in as many matches. Also taking full points in another bruising clash were Seawall FC who defeated Bagotville/Nismes 1-0. Seasoned campaigner Clement Brown netted in the 80th minute to lead Seawall to their third win in three starts. It was Bagotville/Nismes’ second loss in five games.
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Police community joins in successful 174th Anniversary fitness walk Police from all the various subdivisions and sections of all the Berbice B division joined with members of the community as they came out in their numbers to participate in a fitness walk to mark the continuing 174th police anniversary programme. The 5Km walk, which began at the junction of the Berbice River Bridge at Palmyra, East Coast Berbice at 06:00 hrs and made its way along the main Corentyne thoroughfare over the Canje Bridge into New Amsterdam and ended at the B Division Police Headquarters at Couberg and Strand New Amsterdam. Led by B division Commander Senior Superintendent Clifton Hickens, Superintendents Hugh Jessemy and Calvin Brutus and other senior officers from all the subdivision including subdivisions One (New Amsterdam / Canje / East Bank and East Coast), Two (Lower and upper Corentyne and Corentyne River and Three (West Berbice)
sub divisions along with Traffic department, CID and Special Constabulary, Neighbourhood police and Community policing groups and some members of the public, participated in the event. At the station the ranks were carried through their (exercise) calisthenics paces by Senior Superintendent Hickens and other senior ranks. Apart from the activity being a part of the 174th anniversary observance it was also held to keep ranks fit and to incorporate members of the public in the police activities. The Month of activities, which began a week ago with a thanksgiving and church service which was held at the Divisional Headquarters, has also seen the ranks involved in The Commander’s Relay and a day of sports. A number of indoor and outdoor sporting activities are also planned to mark the celebrations. (Samuel Whyte)
Led by Commander B division Senior Superintendent Clifton Hickens (left) the ranks go through the 5km journey.
Sky would give WADA data to prove... From page 39 by four minutes 14 seconds and Contador by 4:25. “You’re asking me how I can prove to you that we’re not doping basically,” Brailsford said. “You’re all asking the same question obviously and we rack our brains every day, we see each other in the morning in front of the bus, at night after the stage and every day we get asked the same ques-
tion. “I think we’d encourage maybe WADA to appoint an expert and they can have everything that we’ve got, have a look at everything that we’ve got,” said Brailsford. “They could see all of our data, they could have access to every single training file, compare the training files to the blood data, to weight, all that type of information. “It seems to me WADA
would be a good body. Then they would tell the world whether they think this is credible or not. That would be my best answer.” Froome, who has to face the media every day on the Tour, has expressed his frustration at being repeatedly questioned about doping in the sport. “I just think it’s quite sad that we’re sitting here the day after the biggest victory of my life yesterday, quite a historic win, talking about doping,” he said. “Quite frankly, my team mates and I, we’ve slept on volcanoes to get ready for this, we’ve been away from home for months, training together, just working our arses off to get here and here I am basically being accused of being a cheat and a liar. That’s not cool.” His fierce rival Contador joined the debate later on Monday, saying he was certain that Froome was a clean rider. “He is a professional who has a high level all year around and it is because he has been working hard,” the Spaniard told a news conference.
Tuesday July 16, 2013
ATHLETES DECLARE INNOCENCE AFTER POSITIVE TESTS Jamaica Observer MONTEGO BAY, St James — Former men’s 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, Olympic silver medallist Sherone Simpson and Central American and Caribbean Senior Games discus champion Allison Randall have all reacted with shock and dismay to charges that they have used Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED). Powell said in a release Sunday, “I am not now — nor have I ever been — a cheat,” while Simpson said: “I would not intentionally take an illegal substance of any form into my system.” Randall said she would do any test to prove her innocence. “I am willing to undergo any other testing methods to prove my innocence (Blood, Hair, Spinal tap).” Powell and Simpson had tested positive for a stimulant ‘ o x i l o f r i n e ’ (methylsynephrine), while Randall had returned a positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, which is a diuretic that can be used as a masking agent for the use of other more powerful drugs. The news which came on the heels of American former World Championships double sprint champion Tyson Gay admitting to failing a drug test the same weekend and withdrawing from the upcoming World Championships, sent shock waves through the Jamaican sporting fraternity. It also compounded the news that broke just over a month ago that multiple Olympic Games and World Championships champion Veronica Campbell Brown had also failed a drug test. Another Jamaican athlete, Dominique Blake, was also banned for six years in June after failing a drug test at the National Senior Trials last year. She is set to appeal the sentence. The three athletes are among five that have been confirmed by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCo) who failed drug
tests at the recent Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s National Senior Championships in June. JADCo did not name any of the athletes whose ‘A’ samples were found to contain banned substances, but published reports said the anti-doing body confirmed that it has received reports of adverse analytical finding from ‘A’ samples for five Jamaican athletes. The other two are thought to be field event competitors, one of whom is a junior. The results mean that all three have been provisionally banned from competition until they face a disciplinary hearing, and Simpson, who was second in both the 100m and 200m at the National Trials, will almost certainly miss the IAAF World Championships in Moscow next month. Powell, who finished a disappointing seventh in the men’s 100m at the Trials but had bounced back with some fast times, including a season’s best 9.88 seconds in Lausanne, recently had also harboured a desire to be selected for the relays in Moscow. “Professionally, this finding fully negates any possibility of me being a part of Jamaica’s contingent of athletes competing at World Championships in Moscow later this summer,” he also said in his statement. Randall, who suffered a back injury in late April, had not achieved the ‘B’ qualifying standard of 59.50m required for selection with a season’s best 58.97m done at the national trails. Powell said in his statement issued on his official website: “I want to be clear in saying to my family, friends, and most of all my fans worldwide that I have never knowingly or willfully taken any supplements or substances that break any rules.” He added: “My attitude towards doping regulations and testing is well-known and
GDA-sponsored tournament to be staged this Friday The Guyana Darts Association (GDA) will be staging a tournament this Friday at the Maltenoes Sports Club, starting from 19:00hrs. According to a release from the entity, three games will be played and they include the Luck of the Draw
and the Men’s and Women’s Singles. The release aded that most of the country’s top throwers will be on show among them being Sudesh Fitzgerald, Colin France, Rosetta Hiralall, Lalchand Rambharose and Hemwattie Amyan.
I willingly give samples whenever requested. This result has left me completely devastated in many respects. “Personally, however, this result comes at a greater cost. I write this statement knowing fully that my family, friends, fans and country will be disappointed at this latest development. I am reeling from this genuinely surprising result. I am confident, however, that I will come out stronger and wiser and better prepared to deal with the many twists and turns of being a professional athlete. “I accept the consequences that come with this finding — after all there is only one Asafa Powell.” Simpson, who was part of the Jamaican team that set a new national record 41.41 seconds in the 4x100m relays while taking silver at the London Olympic Games last year, said it was “a very difficult time for me.... As an athlete, I know I am responsible for whatever that goes into my body.” She also apologised to “my family (especially my parents, grandparents and siblings), Paul Doyle (agent), MVP track club, follow athletes, former sponsors and the rest of Jamaica that l am deeply sorry for any hurt or embarrassment this positive test may (have) caused”. In protesting her innocence Randall said she could not afford the cost of PEDs and in an interview with the Jamaica Observer yesterday she was “embarrassed and shocked” and had never hard of the substance before. The American born, Randall, who is of Jamaican parents, is pursuing a Masters Degree while working full time as she trains and competes. After apologising “for any embarrassment that this situation may have caused”, she said: “I have not intentionally taken any banned substance. I have been vigilant with everything I consume, so I am extremely shocked and surprised by this incident. “I do not have the desire, nor the means to cheat. I have never even seen steroids and don’t know the first thing about them. I am willing to undergo any other testing methods to prove my innocence (Blood, Hair, Spinal tap). I love throwing the discus for my country and I hope this incident clears up after my ‘B’ sample has been tested.”
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Sammy, Holder think Windies must improve in all Windies can bounce back areas to level ODI series today By Zaheer Mohamed All-rounder Darren Sammy and fast bowler Jason Holder believe West Indies can rebound in the 5 match one day international (ODI) series after suffering from a 126 run defeat against Pakistan in the opening game on Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium Providence. Both players were speaking with the media at the Le Meriden Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown yesterday. Holder, who bowled impressively taking 4-13 on Sunday, said despite the loss they are confident they can turn things around. “We need to apply ourselves a bit more,” stated Holder. He added that he is happy with his performance. “Things went well for me, I was able to get early wickets and put the Pakistani players under early pressure, I am looking to continue in the same vain.” “I pick up a lot of things from Kemar Roach, I notice the line and length he bowled with the new ball and I did some work with the coach as well.” When quizzed about his comparison to former West Indies fast bowler Joel Garner, Holder said he respects what ever Garner has done, but he is just trying to be himself. Former captain Darren Sammy is expected to play his
Jason Holder (left) and Darren Sammy.
100th ODI today and the St. Lucian said he will approach it like any other game. “I must thank the almighty for giving me the strength to play so many games for the West Indies,” added Sammy. Sammy pointed out that they did not capitalise on the early inroads made by the bowlers. “We were in similar situations before, we know where we went wrong, but credit must be given to the bowlers,” stated Sammy. He indicated that they must improve in the batting department. “We have the ability to do better, we needed a good start on a different
pitch, and we didn’t get any partnerships going, it’s a game we need to forget,” stated Sammy. Sammy informed that he enjoys playing for the West Indies and he always endeavour to do his best. He said that Guyanese are very passionate about their cricket. “We have to give the fans something to cheer about. We ought to find a way to believe in each other, put the loss behind us and focus on the next game. It’s nice to see young guys like Johnson Charles coming through”, concluded Sammy.
By Sean Devers Despite West Indies being bowled out for their lowest total against Pakistan on Sunday in a crushing 120run defeat, another full house is anticipated at Providence today when the West Indies face Pakistan in the second ODI of the five-match series. West Indies must improve in all areas if they hope to level the series after suffering their heaviest defeat in an ODI at Providence on Sunday. Apart from Shahid Afridi who clobbered 76 for just 35 balls, every batsman on both teams struggled on at track which made free scoring a tedious task. Skipper Misbah ul-Haq clearly enjoys playing against the West Indies as he averages 79.33 against the Caribbean side in 11 ODIs, but as he admitted the track at Providence was one of the toughest pitches he has played on after his painstaking 170-ball 52 on Sunday. Medium pacer Jason Holder used the conditions superbly but surprisingly, number one ranked ODI bowler off-spinner Sunil Narine bowled three overs for 32 runs on a pitch that Afridi captured a career best 7-12. Although Afridi is unlikely to repeat his Sunday heroics, the West Indies
batsmen could still be stifled by off-spinners Saeed Ajmal and Mohammed Hafeez while all three left-arm pacers bowled well on Sunday. The top order of both teams were blown away early. Afridi, with level-headed support from ul-Haq, made the difference between the teams as the batting again let them down in bowler friendly conditions, but fans today should not be surprised if the hugely talented Afridi misfires today. Openers Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shehzad will need to build to a solid foundation for the visitors who have not lost an ODI series in the West Indies since Viv Richards led the Regional side to a series win in 1988. Hafeez will hope for better judgment after playing no shot to Holder and having his stumps disturbed in the first match. Asad Shafiq and Umar Akmal will also want improved showings today. On paper, West Indies easily have the more batting fire power with Chris Gayle, Johnson Charles, Darren and Dwayne Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy and Holder all capable of making runs at this level. The problem with both teams is inconsistency and shot selection could play a key role in today’s result especially since the match will
be played on the same pitch as Sunday. West Indies are expected to field an unchanged side but this could be the moment of truth for the much hyped up power hitter Pollard. Another failure today for the powerful Pollard could see Guyanese Narsingh Deonarine being called up for the St Lucia leg of the competition. In the absence of someone like Shivnarine Chanderpaul (who says he has not retired for ODI cricket) to provide the glue that hold the middle order together, Samuels could play that role today, while Sammy (in his 100th ODI), Roach and Dwayne Bravo needs to ‘up their game’ in their bowling on what should be another day with scattered thunderstorms. West Indies squad: Dwayne Bravo (captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Devon Smith Pakistan squad: Misbahul-Haq (capt), Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal (wk), Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Asad Ali, Umar Amin, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Abdur Rehman, Haris Sohail
Guyana Karate College excels at Caribbean Karate Championships Team Guyana during the assembly of teams at the start of the event.
The tenth Caribbean Karate Championships were staged over the weekend at the Barbados Community College Gymnasium in Howell, St. Michael, Barbados beginning on Saturday and ending on Sunday with teams
representing Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago participating. Attending the opening ceremony and events were a number of senior
International Karate Daigaku officials including the Chairman and Chief Instructor, Kancho Frank Woon-a-Tai M.S., 9th Degree Black Belt, Deputy Chief Instructor Shihan Dr. Dexter Shim 8th Degree Black Belt and Shihan Alice Bernstein
7th Degree Black Belt among others. The event, which is the premier event in the Caribbean for Shotokan Karate, encompassed actions such as Individual Kumite (fighting), Kata (form), team Enbu, Bunkai, and Kata. The Guyana Karate College won the coveted trophy for the best performances in the junior divisions of the tournament, whilst Barbados won in the senior divisions. Once again the GKC kept the Golden Arrowhead flying high, copping the most medals with the exception of Team Barbados who brought first, and were led by excellent performances in the girls division by Hanna Farina, Rebecca & Rachel Ramlall, Tashana Wong, Alyssa Persaud, and Alliyah Wong, Christy Dey, Mickelly Rahaman and Ashley Seeram, whilst in the ladies category Kerry Ramkumar, Claire Cheeks, Nikita Clark and Jennifer Rameshwar copped gold, silver and bronze medals, whilst in the boys
division successes came from Tyler Orderson, John McGrath & Antoine Herod, Yannick Rameshwar, Mark Wong & Michael Hing, Carlos Gonsalves, Desmond Fernandes & Otto Harris. In the male category Eric Hing, Romel Rameshwar and Mathew Hurry, Aubrey Bettencourt, Kenrick Cheeks, Medishari Ramdhani being triumphant and coming in with gold, silver and bronze medals. Senior Instructor and Vice Chairman of the GKC Sensei Jeffrey Wong expressed considerable satisfaction with the team’s performance at the Caribbean Championships, maintaining the very high
standards of karate particularly the younger karatekas whom he considers to be the underpinning of the present and future of the College. He was pleased with the tenacity and the perseverance shown by the charges under him, overcoming a number of challenges faced, including being able to arrive in Barbados mere hours before the commencement of the tournament. The team now look forward to participating in the Guyana Cup Karate tournament slated for November of this year in Georgetown.
West Indies ‘eyes pass’... From page 37 before their arrival. Instead, the team folded for their lowest ODI total in the Caribbean. As old people would colloquially say, West Indies ‘eyes pass’ Guyanese. I posted similar sentiments on my facebook page, and the con-
demnation of West Indies performance was widespread, and one user even suggested a boycott today. West Indies must begin to wonder how hard they must work and perform to refill stadiums after they one day find them empty.
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BALLOT BOX DAY 60-MILE CYCLE ROAD RACE
Robin Persaud tops field; Michael Anthony is leading junior
Seasoned campaigner Robin Persaud racked up another victory this year when he stormed to the top spot in the Ballot Box Day 60Mile cycle road race held in the ancient County of Berbice on Sunday last, dethroning Alonzo Greaves in the process. Persaud, who also captured two of the eight prime prizes in the Chris Jagdeo sponsored event, stopped the clock at Two Hours 12 Minutes 49.52 Seconds to win ahead of Godfrey Pollydore, Alonzo Greaves, Michael Anthony, Orville Hinds and Walter Grant-Stuart in that order. Hinds won two primes with one each for Greaves, Chris Persaud, Anthony and Pollydore. The race pedaled off from Freedom House, New Amsterdam, proceeded to the Corriverton Police Station before returning to Number 63 Village for the finish. Anthony, the 2013
National Junior Road Race champion, continues his fine showing by topping the junior field; Mario King copped the second place with Shaquel Agard, third. Ozia McCaullay was the leading rider in the mountain bike category which he took from Julio Melville and Stephano Husbands in that order. Raymond Newton returned to winnings ways as he crossed the line ahead of his rivals in the veteran category. Gary Benjamin and Ian ‘Deaf Boy’ Jackson closed out the top three spots. Hazina Barrett turned the tables on rival Naiomi Singh in the female battle while the oldest competitor on the day was Montgomery Parris. Sunday’s event attracted 55-starters. The presentation of prizes and trophies was done by Regional Six Chairman Mr. David Armogan and members of the Ballot Box Day Committee.
Weeks of hard work in the boxing gym in preparation for his maiden bout on American soil boiled down to naught for former World Boxing Council Caribbean Boxing Federation (WBCCABOFE) welterweight champion, Simeon Hardy following the cancellation of his 8 rounds welterweight contest against a boxer out of California USA, initially scheduled for July 12 last. Hardy, who has recently traveled to the American state, was scheduled to resume his career under the management of renowned American manager and promoter Cameron Dunkin but he explained that the fight was cancelled by the State Athletic Commission after the requisite documents to facilitate the bout were not processed on time. “I’m very disappointed and I know my fans, family and friends will also be disappointed by the turn of events,” said Hardy. He said that he had worked hard to make an impression in his first bout on American soil. “But you know, in the end you have to admit that God knows best; I’m alive and thankful for good health and strength to keep going,” Hardy philosophically concluded. Ever since landing in the USA, some 6 months ago, Hardy seemed to have made an impression in the American boxing community and was recently interviewed by American journalist, Chris Robinson, where he reminisced on the tough journey from the tiny East Coast Village of
Hazina Barrett
Raymond Newton
By Rawle Welch New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) returned to the Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Championship with a bang after squeezing past New Amsterdam New Amsterdam Multilateral School (NAMS) by a 2-1 margin to win the Region 6 Zone on Sunday, at the Skeldon Community Centre ground, Berbice. Playing before a small but
Simeon Hardy disappointed as inaugural USA bout postponed By Michael Benjamin
Robin Persaud
2013 Digicel Schools Football Championship
Tuesday July 16, 2013
Plaisance to the Sophia squatting area before ‘trying out his hand’ at the fistic sport. Hardy spoke of those days when he trekked through muddy dams fetching water to cook and wash coupled with an additional 3 miles journey to school. He said that the community was also devoid of electricity. He further said that he was inspired to be a boxer after seeing his big cousin, Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite in action. He became the ‘Candyman’ after a ‘dangerous’ character of a movie and subsequently had the ‘Chin Checker’ sobriquet pinned on him following a devastating left hook that left several of his opponents prostrate on the canvass. Hardy also reminisces, with a tinge of sadness, on his latter days as an amateur boxer when he was on the verge of stripping off his shirt. He said that he had to postpone his debut on three occasions after his opponents developed cold feet and cancelled the fight. Patrick Boston boldly took up the challenge in October 2010 and Hardy vented his frustrations on him with a 20 seconds knockout. Several other opponents felt the brunt of his power and Hardy left Guyana with a 10-0 record, 7 abbreviated and a 70% knockout ratio. Hardy always believed that he had the fistic tools to reach the top of his game and emulate his cousin ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite. He was prepared to walk the walk as he has talked the talk but will now have to postpone his ambitions until later on.
NATI MAKE TRIUMPHANT RETURN, WIN REGION 6 ZONE vocal band of football enthusiasts, NATI, who placed third overall in the inaugural year of the competition and who did not compete last year, were led to victory through strikes from Shemar Richards (41st) and Jarell Walters (63rd), while Shakeel Grant’s (33rd) effort had given NAMS the early ascendancy in a game that showcased rich talent. NAMS enjoyed the early exchanges and dominated possession as NATI’s backline found it difficult to contain the irrepressible Jamal Butts, whose blazing runs
down the right wing was causing them much bother. It took some sturdy defending from central defender Jamal Walters to deny NAMS the early lead, but it was the same Walters, who in his exuberance to lead from the front that allowed the opposition to take control of the game when he unpardonably jumped in front of his goalkeeper to clear a header from a corner, but only succeeded in missing his attempt with the ball managing to also elude the grasp of the custodian and fall into the goal.
However, eight minutes later, the lanky Richards eased the tension for NATI when he received a pinpoint pass from the halfway line, dribbled past his marker, before firing home from close range. The break came with none of the teams able to add to their score and the game remained deadlocked at 1-1. After the resumption, NATI, who were clearly the overwhelming favourite, came out with more fervor and intent on asserting their dominance and had a few opportunities to score, but errant shooting and
i n e x c u s a b l e miscommunications deleted the initial efforts as the game remained poised on a knife’s edge with the underdogs NAMS giving as much as they took. However, it took a thrilling moment of magic to crack the defensive sanctuary of NAMS that left it exposed. It started with an enchanting run down the left flank by Richards, who had been a threat all afternoon and who was the target of multiple defenders and it was one such occasion where he weaved left and right, drawing
at least three of them and leaving them in a heap at the corner flag, before delivering a low curling cross into the penalty area which curved away from the advancing goalkeeper on to the foot of a lurking Walters and he finished in style. The exchanges were fierce after then with Butts and company upping the ante, orchestrating several raids, but Walters and his crew were equal to the task and held firmly to set up a date with Georgetown winners St. George’s, who defeated Dolphin, also on Sunday.