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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 18, 2015
MERCOSUR to host August meeting Venezuelan opposition MPs propose legislation to create Essequibo state on Venezuela border claims - Maduro said President Granger not ruling Guyana
Venezuela’s President, Nicolas Maduro Venezuela’s President, Nicolas Maduro, announced that a regional bloc has agreed for a special meeting in August to discuss his country’s claims on Guyana’s land and maritime space. According to Venezuela’s online news, El Universal, Maduro said that while no specific date has been set, he welcomes the initiative of Mercosur to advance peace initiatives in the region. MERCOSUR is a subregional bloc comprising
Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela. Its associate countries are Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. President David Granger was in Brazil over the last few days with the simmering issue expected to dominate talks. Stressing that the claims which have become more strident by Venezuela in recent months following the discovery of oil in waters off Guyana, Maduro repeated
contentions the problem with Guyana is a historical one. The British Empire plundered his country in the nineteenth century. Maduro also noted the outstanding appointment of the independent Good Officer by the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Ban Ki-moon. “The Secretary-General of the UN has yet to name the Good Officer. I am glad that MERCOSUR is taking an initiative to channel the conflict through international law also because we have great capacity for that meeting…” After the MERCOSUR summit in Brazil, Maduro also repeated his displeasure at President Granger, describing him as a “great provocateur”. “I think the only mission by Guyana is to provoke a major conflict with Venezuela.” He added that Granger “is not ruling Guyana. Right now there are major floods in Guyana and he walks the world against Venezuela. I feel sorry for the people of Guyana who are our brothers.” Maduro said that he instructed humanitarian aid to assist the population of Guyana affected by floods. He warned Granger to stop being an agent of US-owned ExxonMobil which has found oil offshore Guyana and instead take time to realize the importance of UNASUR and MERCOSUR, both which are regional bodies. He pointed out that Venezuela is the country Guyana has helped over the past 10 years of its history, according to the El Universal report.
By Dr. Odeen Ishmael In a new twist to the Venezuelan renewed vociferous and heated claim to Guyana’s western Essequibo territory, eight opposition members of the Venezuelan National Assembly have presented a special bill for the creation of a new Essequibo “state.” The legislators, Andres Velasquez, Freddy Marcano, Américo de Grazzia, Luis Barragan, Jose Manuel Gonzalez, Juan Pablo Garcia, Omar Gonzalez and Flores Leomagno, on July 15, last, presented their Bill which proposes the creation of a state to be known as “Esequivo” (with a “v” in the spelling) to stretch from Sifontes, a municipality of Bolivar State, and including Guyana’s Essequibo territory claimed by Venezuela. They said that their proposed state would return the region to its “original name derived from its discoverer, Juan de Esquivel” and will constitute “an innovative, appropriate, timely and relevant popular representation in the framework of Venezuelan policy for the recovery of territory.” They viewed this action as legitimate, fair, and peaceful. The eight proponents explained that the idea of the new state was conceived and developed by Sergio Urdaneta, a lawyer specializing in constitutional and administrative law, and that their proposal “is inspired by the best patriotic , sober and responsible feeling.” In its preamble, the Bill, published in the Venezuelan online periodical, Noticiero Digital.com, alleges that the Paris arbitral award of October 3, 1899 “amended” the Constitution of the country and reduced Venezuelan territory by 159,500 square kilometers. It further claims that the award was never ratified by the Venezuelan State and therefore it remained without any validity. Strangely, the eight parliamentarians have not included in their proposal for their proposed state the chunk of 10,350 square kilometers of territory west of the Rupununi District, granted to the then British Guiana by the 1899 award, but which was later ceded by the
Dr. Odeen Ishmael British government to Brazil after another arbitration in 1902. This area bounded by the Takutu and the Cotinga River (in Brazil) was originally claimed by Venezuela before the arbitral tribunal. The bill also asserts that the award “was achieved by coercion,” thus closing the proponents’ minds on the fact that it was actually the British government that was forced to agree to arbitration in 1897 by the American government which at that time heavily backed Venezuela in its territorial claim. With regard to the structure of their proposed “Esequivo State,” the provisional capital will be the city of Tumeremo in the Sifontes municipality. The governor “is required to be Venezuelan by birth, over twenty-five years and a layman.” For this purpose, a Venezuelan is considered to be anyone born in the territory “which includes the Esequivo territory.” The Bill goes on to explain that legislative power will be vested in the new state by a legislative council comprised of between seven to fifteen members, elected for a term of four years by the voting majority. And the territory of the proposed state will be organized into municipalities, parishes, communes, departments, cantons, and captains, and “recognizes any geographical, historical, cultural features and realities of the inhabitants of the territory.” Apparently, the proposers of the new state feel that it is good enough for a governor and the legislative council to “be elected by the population that makes up the municipality of Sifontes until
the register of the remaining territory of the state is completed.” The eight National Assembly members indicate optimistically in their bill that when passed, the legislation “shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Venezuela in Spanish, English, Macuchi and Wapishana.” How much support the Bill will garner is not yet known, but in recent days, both government and opposition members of the National Assembly have shown strong unity in backing President Nicolas Maduro in his vehement demand for Essequibo. Only recently, on July 14, the National Assembly voted unanimously to support him, with almost no criticisms from the opposition. And on the following day, they applauded his establishment of a presidential commission for border issues. In this test of patriotism for his opponents, they have passed with flying colors. They in turn will surely demand their pound of flesh, and the proponents of the “Esequivo” Bill must be thinking that they will be able to garner much needed support from parliamentarians on the government side. On the other hand, it may still fizzle out since the Venezuelan government has more challenging economic issues to handle at this time. However, the entire concept of a new Venezuelan state encompassing Guyana’s Essequibo territory assumes, erroneously, that Guyanese citizens residing there will gleefully accept Venezuelan citizenship. Nevertheless, it presents a dangerous ploy to the Guyanese nation, for this Bill comes right out of the playbook of European revanchists of the nineteen and twentieth centuries and even more recently, who laid similar types of groundwork before they acted to annex neighbouring weaker territories. (Dr. Odeen Ishmael was Guyana’s ambassador to Venezuela from 2003 to 2011. He is the author of The Trail of Diplomacy – The GuyanaVenezuela Border Issue [in three volumes])
Wednesday July 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
German lawmakers back Greek bailout despite rebellion; Tsipras sacks dissenters
German Chancellor Angela Merkel prepares to vote during the session of Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, in Berlin, Germany (REUTERS/AXEL SCHMIDT) German lawmakers gave their go-ahead yesterday for the euro zone to negotiate a third bailout for Greece, but a warning from Chancellor Angela Merkel that the alternative was chaos failed to prevent a hefty rebellion in her own party. The Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, whose backing was essential for the talks to start, decisively approved the move by 439 votes to 119, but almost a fifth of Merkel’s conservatives voted ‘No’. Popular misgivings run deep in Germany, the euro zone country that has already contributed most to Greece’s two bailouts since 2010, about funneling yet more aid to Athens. M e r k e l ’s finance m i n i s t e r, Wo l f g a n g Schaeuble, had suggested that Greece might be better off taking a time-out from the euro zone to sort out its daunting economic problems, although the creditors’ offer to Athens includes the conditions for more austerity and economic reform that Berlin had demanded. But Merkel argued for a new deal to be negotiated to prevent a Greek exit from the euro that might undermine the entire currency union, and said neither Greece nor the other 18 euro zone member countries were willing to accept a suspension. “The alternative to this agreement would not be a ‘time-out’ from the euro ... but, rather, predictable chaos,” she told the Bundestag. “We would be grossly negligent, and acting irresponsibly, if we didn’t at
least attempt this way.” “LAST ATTEMPT” Schaeuble lined up with his boss and urged lawmakers to vote to start the negotiations, adding: “It’s a last attempt to fulfill this extraordinarily difficult task.” Although a bridge loan wa s p u t i n p l a c e o n Thursday to tide Greece over a payment due to the European Central Bank on July 20, time is short to agree the actions required of Athens to allow its next bailout to be ready before a further payment falls due in mid-August. The European Stability Mechanism, the euro zone’s bailout fund, promptly decided on Friday to formally open negotiations on a third bailout program, which could total 86 billion euros ($93 billion) over three years. The chairman of euro zone finance ministers, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, had said he expected the negotiations to take four weeks. “It’s not going to be easy. We are certain to encounter problems in the years to come. But I believe we will be able to resolve them,” he said in a statement. Greece’s left-wing prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, has been forced to accept a host of austerity measures that he promised to oppose when he was elected in January, in order to keep Greece in the euro zone. Having secured parliamentary approval with opposition support on Thursday for pension cuts, tax increases and a sell-off of state assets, on Friday he sacked the ministers among the 39 hardline Syriza
lawmakers who refused to back him. BANKS KEPT AFLOAT Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis and two deputy ministers were removed from their posts, but the main economic portfolios were unchanged, with Euclid Tsakalotos remaining finance minister and George Stathakis economy minister. Greek parliamentary approval had opened the way for the European Central Bank to increase emergency funding to keep the country’s banks, already shut for three weeks, from collapse. It is still not clear if they will be able to reopen next week. Merkel for her part saw a total of 60 of her conservatives vote against starting negotiations on a third bailout, more than twice the number who in February opposed extending the previous bailout package. “If we don’t have the courage to end it - Greece won’t make it in the euro zone - there will be a fourth and a fifth bailout for Greece,” said conservative Euroskeptic Klaus-Peter Willsch, reflecting growing popular resentment of Greece among Germans. The mass-selling daily Bild ran the headline “Seven reasons why the Bundestag should vote ‘No’ today”, listing “Grexit is the better solution” and “Our grandchildren will pay” among its reasons. H o w e v e r, a F o r s a opinion poll indicated that 53 percent of German voters had wanted parliament to back the negotiations, with 42 percent against.
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Wednesday July 18, 2015
Dozens flee homes as wildfires rage in Greece, PM urges calm Forest fires fanned by strong winds and high temperatures broke out around Athens and in other parts of southern Greece yesterday, sending residents fleeing from flames threatening their homes. Summer wildfires, though common for the season, heaped additional misery on the government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, which is struggling to obtain a new bailout from foreign creditors. The police said 52 separate fires had broken out on four main fronts in a region stretching from the island of Evia, northeast of Athens, to the southern Peloponnese. A 58-year-old died after inhaling fumes and suffering
respiratory problems but there were no other reports of casualties. Tsipras urged calm as more than 140 firefighters with 80 fire engines and 11 aircraft battled the flames near Athens that crept close to homes. A neighborhood playground was razed and flames surrounded the local church. Dozens of people, including elderly women covering their faces with headscarves, tried to put out the flames with buckets of water. “We all need to stay calm,” Tsipras told reporters. He said he had asked the air force and armed forces for help and had also appealed to other European countries for assistance with extra firefighting aircraft. Forest fires are common during the summer months in Greece but memories remain vivid of the huge damage and heavy loss of life in 2007, during the most serious outbreak in decades. The fires started on several fronts was and Defense Minister Panos Kammenos said arson was possible.
Burned cars are seen in a car lot as a wildfire rages at the town of Neapoli in the region of Laconia in Peloponnese, southern Greece July 17, 2015. (REUTERS) “Armed forces have been ordered to start patrols throughout Greece, and particularly in mountainous regions,” he said.
Television footage showed huge plumes of smoke billowing over the town of Neapolis, with a wall of fire racing down a mountain
fanned by very strong winds. Authorities said three communities in the region were evacuated. “Things are very bad,”
Peloponnese Governor Petros Tatoulis told state television. “The situation is critical. We are working to prevent casualties.”
Wednesday July 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Illegal gun, ammo lands businessman in prison A businessman was yesterday remanded to prison after it was alleged that he had an illegal firearm and ammunition in his possession. Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded Naipaul Basdeoram to prison after he was accused of having a .380 pistol in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm license. Basdeoram was also accused of having nine matching rounds of .38 ammunition. He denied the allegations after they were read to him at the Georgetown Magistrate Court. Police Corporal, Neville Jeffers, informed the court that on the day in question, ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department
(CID) acting on information went to the home of the defendant and conducted a search in his presence. The articles were found in his bedroom when he admitted to possessing them. He further stated that a friend left the firearm in his car and he took it into the house. Police Corporal Jeffers objected to bail and stated that the police contacted the friend and he denied the allegations. Basdeoram was then cautioned on the objects, and mentioned that the defendant had pending matters. Dexter Todd, Basdeoram’s Attorney, in an unsuccessful bail application told the court that his client has an unblemished criminal record.
Golden Grove/Haslington market will be upgraded
He contended that on the date in question the defendant was home when the CID approached him where he requested whether the police possessed a search warrant. The attorney said that the defendant was taken to the Vigilance Police Station; he was informed that the particles were recovered from his home. His attorney claimed that he was not the only occupant in the home and they were not required in his presence. Bail was opposed by the prosecutor because no special reason was advanced by the lawyer to satisfy the court. This matter will be called again on July 24.
Dem boys seh...
Maduro zigging and Jagdeo zagging De other day when dem boys open de papers dem see a story in de Waterfalls paper that mek dem shake dem head. De story was that de administration send de Number Two man at de Guyana Revenue Authority packing. Wha dem boys didn’t know was that some people get vex wid de report. One of dem get so vex that he write a letter to de Waterfalls paper complaining how de man didn’t get send packing. Well dem sorry that dem mek a mistake. Is true that nobody send de man packing. Sealey was packing and when he done then he get sent. Dem got some others who get sent. De one who was wukking at de Hospital was de man who use to mek sure that Babbie get he cheque whenever he supply drugs. Even when he ain’t supply drugs eh still use to get he cheques.Well dem people who tek over hear and somebody tip off de Pee Ess suh he and all start packing. He get sent yesterday. De voters did send Jagdeo and he kavakamites packing. Then dem tek way all de cars he had and remove some of he security guards. But de man still believe that he is
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president because when de rain fall de other day he come out and he start a walkabout. He claim how he visiting de affected areas. Dem boys seh that wha really happen was that since de government cut he light and water bill he conserving pun water. He tek de opportunity to get a bath and he didn’t have to pay fuh water. Then he decide to mek speech. De man announce that de government which he call de opposition, seh that he is back. “I never left. You-all think I gun go away wid you-all money?” He seh how people done talking how he thief when he only tek. But anything he tek is just fuh safekeeping. That is wha he seh. Well dem boys want to know if Maduro want Venezuela fuh safekeeping too. He seh that he want Essequibo and but he only dancing pun one side because piece of de same Essequibo that he want Brazil done tek. Monkey know which limb to jump on. Maduro ain’t claiming de piece that Brazil get. And that piece deh in de same Essequibo. Talk half and watch how Maduro and Jagdeo dancing while Soulja Bai sulking.
Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams tours Golden Grove Market Minister Dawn HastingsWilliams, who has responsibility for Regional Development, within the Ministry of Communities, recently held consultations with officials from Region Four, Golden Grove/ Haslington Neighbourhood Democratic Council, UNDP and market vendors at Golden Grove. The meeting was intended to ascertain needed improvements in the operations of the market and solid waste management. The developmental works will be funded under a Guyana/India Brazil South
Africa (IBSA) South-south CooperationUS$1M Guyana Solid Waste Management Improvement Programme. The United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) is assisting the Ministry with the implementation of the project. The consultations which began at the NDC boardroom culminated following a tour of the market. The tour allowed officials of the Ministry and UNDP a firsthand look at the needs of vendors. Two main challenges raised by vendors that could be corrected through this project are the
absence of a sanitary block and proper drainage. The usage of the Golden Grove/Haslington NDC market tarmac was also discussed. While some vendors are ready to occupy the structure others are reluctant to move from the existing market. Minister HastingsWilliams has pledged the Ministry’s support for the projects vendors deem important. She stressed that markets with proper solid waste management are necessary for functional communities and healthy living.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 18, 2015
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
On this day, the police murdered three unarmed protestors Today marks the third death anniversary of three unarmed demonstrators in Linden. The subsequent outrage caused the PPP Government to hold a judicial inquiry with the State bringing two judges from abroad. The unambiguous findings of the Commission were that the police killed the three men. At the time, the officer on the ground manning the Riot Squad personnel was Assistant Superintendent, Patrick Todd and the Officer in Charge of the complete division at the time, Senior Superintendent, Clifton Hicken.
Who gave the order to shoot the three unarmed men? No evidence implicated Todd and/or Hicken. Todd remains as Head of the Tactical Services Unit. Hicken has since been promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police. Hicken has jurisdiction of ‘A’ Division which takes in the entire city of Georgetown and its environs. In which democratic country, a judicial commission finds the police culpable in the shooting deaths of nonviolent protestors and there has been not even a day of internal investigation to determine who shot the men. Mr. Todd sits happily in
his position. It was Mr. Todd who was the Commanding Officer when several APNU leaders were shot in the vicinity of the Square of the Revolution protesting the PPP rigging of the 2011 elections. During the reporting in the press of the mayhem in Linden, the then Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, denied that on the day in question he was in communication with Hicken. Subpoenaed phone records proved Rohee a liar. The statute of limitation has not run out on this crime. The new government owes the people of Linden a further investigation into this tragedy. I heard a high APNU official said that the results were tied in the 2015 General Elections, but it was the extra five thousand votes the coalition got from Linden that put the APNU-AFC coalition over the fifty percent mark. If that is so, then the new APNU-AFC government is certainly in a moral dilemma over this crisis.
One of the men who died from his gunshot wounds was mentally challenged. It is an unbearable memory. Making this tragedy even sadder was the fact, that two local Judges on the Commission recommended a total compensation package of US$15,000. One of the judges, former Chancellor Kennard, is reputed to own racing horses, one of which cost more than US$15,000. Justice Kennard, by the way is the Head of the Police Complaints Authority. He had held that position since Hitler committed suicide in his bunker. Does any citizen have faith and respect for the Police Complaints Authority? The other local judge on the Commission was Justice Claudette Singh. She is currently legal advisor to the Guyana Police Force. This is the craziest country in the world. One of the persons compensated in the Linden ordeal was a businessman who was awarded $500,000 for his truck that was damaged. Yet one of
the dead men’s relative got a similar amount. This country is a circus with nuff laugh. A Canter truck is worth more than a man’s life. Are turtles worth more than people’s lives in Guyana? I remember a prominent businesswoman got a Caribbean award for saving turtles. When one of the employees for this woman was killed while on duty, the dead man’s wife never heard from the business lady. The dead man’s wife turned up at the office of the online news service INEWS to describe her feelings. Turtles must be special to this lady. Guyana is not only a tragedy and a circus, it is a bizarre tale of sound and fury signifying nothing (to borrow from Hamlet, a great philosophical work from Shakespeare that every political activist must read; if they don’t, they will end up in the madhouse after their energy and passion get their leaders into power after the election campaign or
Frederick Kissoon revolution is over). What country! Crazy police constables take a traffic bribe or remove evidence or solicit sex from a transgender and are hauled before the courts. But ranks from the Riot Squad shot three p r o - d e m o c r a c y demonstrators dead and are still in the police force. I end with a story, the truth of which, my Kaieteur News colleague, Dale Andrews, can attest to. While shopping at the Bourda Green, a woman came up, “Mr. Kissoon you must write about this police officer who gambles every night at the casino.” In front of the lady, I called Dale to ask if he knows about it. He said yes. Do you know who that police officer is? You would get a heart attack if you know.
Wednesday July 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Ministry reacts to opposition’s condemnation of Cash Grant review
Attempts by the opposing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to condemn a move by Government to review the ‘Because we Care’ $10,000 Cash Grant, has seen the Ministry of Education reacting with a fierce statement which seeks to highlight “critical flaws” associated with the initiative. The Ministry, headed by Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, listed what it described as “three critical flaws” with the cash grant approach none of
which the former government saw fit to share with the general public. Topping the list is the fact, that there is no monitoring and evaluation mechanism built into the system to ensure either effective use of the grant, or actual impact on enrolment and attendance. This, according to the Ministry, means that there exists no plan to verify that the money was used as intended whether directly or incorporated into the budgeting for the child’s educational needs. As a result, the Ministry has concluded that there was no plan in place to measure whether the funds allocated resulted in increased enrollment and, more importantly, attendance. Secondly, the Ministry highlighted a point made earlier by Government that the grant is “inherently economically unsustainable” with hidden additional administrative costs, and disproportionate real costs such as security. According to the Ministry, based on its unaudited figures, 85 percent
of the grant target was reached while 93 percent of the budget was expended. It was also taken into consideration that $92 million of the amount budgeted for was allocated presumably for administration of the grant. In addition, the Ministry has also underscored that “as executed, the project put tremendous strain on the existing human resource infrastructure of the Ministry of Education, resulting in lost man hours that should have been assigned to other tasks and lower efficiency in the way the Ministry functioned over the period of the disbursement.” With the Ministry aware of the foregoing state of affairs, it stressed its concern that the opposition’s disingenuous campaign in response to the government’s decision to review and very likely not renew the Education Cash Grant. The Ministry has also taken note of the fact, that the PPP/C had originally represented the grant as a means to boost flagging nursery to secondary enrollment, and poor student attendance under the previous administration.
investments in the bauxite sector from Russian companies and scholarships from the Russian Government.
Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Nikolay Smirnov
Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Nikolay Smirnov, called on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, yesterday in the Speaker’s Chamber of the Public Building, Brickdam. During the visit, Dr. Scotland and Mr. Smirnov engaged in a hearty discussion which brought to the forefront, matters pertaining to the current affairs of both Russia and Guyana. At the end of the meeting, the Ambassador was treated to a tour of the Parliament Chamber by the Speaker and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs. This year, Guyana and Russia will be celebrating 45 years of bilateral relations, during which Guyana has benefited in a number of areas from the fruitful partnership, including
Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine
Russian Ambassador calls on House Speaker
- points out ‘critical flaws’ of initiative “As the then opposition, we supported the grant, via budgetary approval, on its professed merits as a one-off initiative intended to provide critical intervention into a significant problem in our education system,” detailed the Ministry statement. It added that its support was offered despite vibrant criticisms from several sections of the society that the programme appeared illconceived though ostensibly well-intended, and that it would turn out to be an electioneering gimmick on behalf of the then incumbent. “As evidenced by the kitsch branding of the grant with the ‘Because We Care’ slogan, and the mobilization of several senior Government officials for photo opportunities at disbursement centers in the months leading up to elections, the latter criticism was, in retrospect, not unfounded,” asserted the Ministry. Under the current administration, the priority for education development strategy is measurable, cost-effective service delivery with a strong focus on monitoring and evaluation to ensure that programmes result in tangible benefits to the young people within the public education system. However, the Ministry
stressed that the central challenge of optimizing attendance and enrollment has to be overcome by a targeted programme aimed at meeting particular individual and community needs, as well as improving upon existing national initiatives, even as “we ensure value for money in service delivery.” M o r e o v e r , recommendations under active consideration by the Ministry includes the expansion and intensification of the school feeding programmes to include, for example, the provision of breakfast for targeted students. This is in light of the fact that the provision of meals has been a proven and tangible method of increasing or sustaining attendance preceding the previous administration. Under consideration, too, is the provision of transportation services for targeted student populations, particularly those in Hinterland and riverain communities. It was pointed out that with the help of the business community, for example, a 40-seater boat was recently procured to ferry children living along the Pomeroon River to and from school. The Ministry is also contemplating increasing the voucher value for the National Uniform Programme to more
accurately reflect what has been ‘rising cost’ in related goods and services over the past few years. The Uniform Voucher currently amounts to $1,500 per public school child. Exploration of the establishment of a fund that will provide additional direct financial support for students in difficult circumstances is also being considered by the Ministry of Education. Also gaining the attention of the Ministry is the contextualization of education assistance within a holistic programme of poverty alleviation that includes a review of the taxation system and salary increase among other measures. “We cannot, as a government, afford to engage in grand fiscally unsustainably, irresponsible, politically expedient gimmicks when the core service of education remains underserved and public education teeters at the brink of a crisis.” It was also stressed that “deliberately emotive, simplistic and misleading appeals on social media cannot be a substitute for effective policy analysis, particularly considering that the former minister is listed as a member of a parliamentary opposition that refuses to take its place in Parliament, the proper forum for incisive, accurate, and recordable debate on policy issues.”
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 18, 2015
Licensed fuel sellers ‘fed up’ with illegal trade …urges clampdown by Govt. Licensed fuel dealers in Region One have apparently had enough of illegal fuel sellers. They are calling on the relevant authorities to finally clamp down on the overbearing situation. One of the affected businesspersons explained to Kaieteur News that the issue of illegal fuel sales was one which had been plaguing the Region for years. The man said that as one of the Region’s few licensed fuel sellers, the issue was particularly difficult for him. He explained that there are just over a dozen persons licensed to sell fuel within Region One. Personally, the man said that he had been licensed for more than 10 years. However, he said, while there were a small number of licensed persons, the number of illegal sellers was countless. He said that the playing field is uneven because the unlicensed persons sell their fuel at a lower rate. “So, we paid for licenses for all of these years yet these people are being able to sell without licences. “It’s unfair
that those who have licences have to suffer,” the frustrated businessman said. He said that the situation is worsened by the Government of Guyana’s initiative of “border trade”. According to the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), materials being brought into Guyana along border areas to the west are permitted as long as the materials being brought in are being utilized within the border area. Region One is one of the areas covered by the border trade setup. According to the businessman, border trade allows anyone to purchase fuel, whether they own licences or not. He explained that the licence only costs $25,000 a year yet numerous persons choose not to purchase one. The man said that the situation could easily push honest persons to do wrong. “Must we quit our licences and go with the people who don’t have? Because it’s working out for them…what goes for one must go for all” he stressed.
However, he said, he maintains his licence, largely due to the pressure placed by the GEA for fuel sellers to renew their licences. Additionally, the businessman said that numerous complaints were made to the GEA over the years. However, these complaints have apparently fallen on deaf ears. He emphasised that the GEA lacked adequate monitoring to handle the situation. “This has been going on and on for years yet nothing has happened. They just keep saying they’re going to look into it and nothing happens,” he said. The man emphasised that an intervention is necessary and called on the new Government to finally step in. “Enough is enough! We’ve been crying for years and years and now the tears have run out. Something must be done.” In the past, the GEA had acknowledged the difficulties in clamping down on illegal sales of fuel. Officers of the GEA reportedly visit areas at least twice a year to learn about what is happening in the respective areas. The GEA had also
Licensed fuel sellers of Region 1 have complained that the GEA has not done enough to clamp down on illegal trade (News Source Guyana photo) indicated that illegal fuel sales cause loss of revenue from related tax losses and also
have a negative effect on legitimate businesses. GEA said that illegal fuel
can also affect consumers due to it having a lower quality than legal fuel.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Leslie Cadogan, has been sent on leave as a major shakeup continues there. According to senior Government officials, the letter was delivered Thursday to Cadogan instructing him to proceed on more than 25 weeks of accumulated leave, starting yesterday. The Health Ministry has been a sore point for the current and previous Governments with questions over billions of dollars in contracts that had been handed to one company with close ties to the previous administration. Yesterday, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, confirmed that Cadogan has been asked to proceed on leave. As Permanent Secretary, Cadogan played a critical role in overseeing payments for the Ministry of Health. The former Opposition, now in Government, had vowed during the lead up to the May 11 to overhaul the
Ministry and abolish what is known as sole sourcing which literally give New GPC the rights to supply drugs. New GPC is controlled by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, a close friend of embattled former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who recently came out of retirement to become the Opposition Leader, three years after he ended his constitutional two terms in office. With scores of health centres and hospitals around the country, the Ministry is charged with managing the drugs distribution, amounting to billions annually. Last year alone, the drugs purchases by the Ministry and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) amounted to more than $5B. New GPC benefitted from more than 70 percent of the contracts, suppliers who have been sidelined claimed. The Auditor General has been questioning the procurement of pharmaceuticals in his annual
reports, noting the high incidences of expired drugs and sometimes nondeliveries. However, the previous PPP administrations have stoutly defended the purchases from New GPC, insisting that nothing is wrong.
The Mayor and Councillors of the City, (M&CC) of Georgetown has advised that all religious and non-governmental organizations are liable for the exemption of taxes and can therefore apply for such. Information disseminated by M&CC Customer Care Office yesterday, noted that the Council is authorized to grant exemption of taxes to such organizations. Section 211 of the Municipal and District Council Act 28:01state, no rates shall be levied in respect of the following properties:
“Property used solely for the purpose of public religious worship, property used exclusively for the purpose of education, property used for the purpose of a burial ground cemetery or crematorium,” the statement outlined Additionally, the Council is urging citizens, who have not paid their property taxes do so urgently; since payment of property taxes will assist the Council to provide the critical services needed in the City. The Council therefore sought to remind citizens that
Section 213 of the Municipal and District Council Act 28:01, states that: rates due in respect of a general rate shall be payable in four equal instalments which shall become due on the first day of February or on the day of service of the demand note, whichever day is later, the first day of April, the first day July and the first day of October. “Further, if citizens are experiencing financial difficulties they can make use of the payment plan offered by the Council to settle their arrears.”
Permanent Secretary of Health Ministry sent on leave
Sent on leave: Leslie Cadogan
City Hall offers exemption of taxes for all NGOS, religious organisations
Wednesday July 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
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CARIFORUM, EU reaffirm commitment to trade partnership The Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) and European Union (EU) trade officials have reaffirmed their commitment to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as a comprehensive and forward-looking platform for economic and social cooperation. As officials from both sides gathered at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown for a one-day meeting on Friday, they discussed the progress made thus far and in light of shortcomings in the past years they agreed that immediate attention should be paid to the continuous monitoring of the EPA. The Third Meeting of the Joint EU-CARIFORUM Council was conducted with the aim for the two regions to take stock of the first five years of the EUCARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and for the representatives to plan the next phase of cooperation. The meeting saw attendance from Trade Ministers from across the Caribbean Region. Addressing members of the media after the meeting, CARIFORUM Senior Representative and meeting chair, Oliver Joseph said that both sides had the opportunity to express their views on what had been accomplished, the constraints, the challenges and they decided on a way forward. “The meeting was very successful. There is a common understanding on both sides that this is a
... 100M Euros budgeted for next five years
EU Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström partnership that we want continued, that we want developed, that we want to see greater progress as we move forward,” the CARIFORUM representative reported. He said the EU has planned to offer financial and technical support. According to Joseph, there are a number of areas that need to be addressed in this region and the CARIFORUM member states have pledged to work assiduously to achieve their objectives. “We have capacity constraints, technical and human constraints,” the C A R I F O R U M Representative revealed.
CARIFORUM Chair, Oliver Joseph
Meanwhile, European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström remarked that the amount of successes they were looking forward to when the agreement was signed in 2008 have not materialized in all areas; a spinoff of the economic crisis that has affected all parties as well as the failure to fully implement the tools available. “We have kept our markets open on the European Union side for goods. CARICOM members are opening their markets gradually. We also discussed how we could increase the markets for the service sector,” the Trade
Commissioner divulged. The latter, she said, is the key for the Caribbean economy to grow and the EU has gradually increased access therein. “We have agreed to establish a system for permanent monitoring of the agreement which includes data collection of services to identify the problems so we can address them in a more strategic way and even be essential to follow up on all the measures that we have decided on today (Friday),” she said. The Trade Commissioner reiterated EU’s commitment to working with the Caribbean Region to overcome the
constraints faced in trading with the EU Member States. An important part of the Economic Partnership Agreement is to support regional integration, which Malmström highlighted as a key element for economic development of the Caribbean Region. According to EU Trade Commissioner, the involvement of parliamentarians, the private sector and civil society were discussed since they are important to the implementation of the EPA. “We are in a good position now to enter into the new phase of the impact which would result in more trade between CARIFORUM and the European Union, also because the world economy is in a better shape,” Malmström remarked. As it relates to the 100M Euros being budgeted for the next five years, the Trade Commissioner said the money given will be left up to the Caribbean countries to decide where they will expend it, whether it be to tackle sore issues like climate Change or diversifying the economy among other things. “It’s very much for the countries of CARIFORUM to sit together and try to decide priorities there as well and for the individual countries to continue to work with us,” Malmström remarked. Adding to that, Joseph said “We want to use a lot of it for strengthening the regional integration. We have identified a lot of capacity constraints so we can use this money to deal with integration among ourselves.”
He said the money will go towards helping “deep regional integration” so as to take advantage of the agreement. The EPA trade and partnership was signed in 2008 by the 15 states that make up CARIFORUM and the EU. It aims to make it easier for people and businesses in the two regions to invest in and trade with each other, and to boost growth across the Caribbean. The EPA has three main features. Firstly, it introduces asymmetric reciprocity in trade between the CARIFORUM States and the EU. It also reflects the current level of development in the Caribbean, and the region’s specific characteristics and challenges. The EPA also covers trade in a much wider sense than the rules that came before it. It covers not just goods but also services – the backbone of modern economies – and areas where rules and regulations can help promote trade: competition, innovation and intellectual property, public procurement and environmental and labour standards. (Sunita Samaroo)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 18, 2015
Brain drain continues to be primary challenge to development – Education Minister The level of migration of skilled workers and university graduates continues to be perhaps the primary challenge to sustainable human resource development. This daunting state of affairs was highlighted by Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, as he addressed the opening of 27th Council of Human and Social Development (COHSOD) at the Caricom Secretariat on Thursday. Pointing out the fact that there can be no discussion on Education and Human Resources Development without the inclusion of the Caribbean Diaspora, the Minister acknowledged that “we have so far failed to develop a holistic regional mechanism for incorporating the human resource talents of the Diaspora in any sustained and meaningful way.” He underscored that while the Region as a whole may not be able to immediately offer competitive remuneration, there is room for innovatively engaging the Diaspora either via new initiatives or the restructuring of existing systems.
“The US Fulbright Scholarship, the Peace Corps and Canada’s Executive Service Overseas and the Commonwealth, are examples of bilateral and multilateral initiatives that can perhaps be guided by a coordinated policy that places primacy on Diaspora involvement,” the Education Minister told his regional counterparts. The Minister at the forum stressed that the wider issue of human resource development is one of the critical challenges the Region currently facing that has to do with “how we effectively manage development-related research at both the national and regional level.” In sharing an example, he noted that while the lessons of the Trinidadian and Jamaican education system reforms would no doubt be invaluable to how Guyana undertakes its own reform, there is yet no established regional mechanism via which local research, development and planning personnel can readily access those findings. As such, he added that functional cooperation in this sense has had severe limitations, despite its relative
successes in specific areas such as health and sport for example. “Inextricably linked to the concept of regional research integration, which is in essence what I am recommending, is the issue of ICT development,” said Dr. Roopnaraine as he continued by underscoring that “the nature of ICT at present, from cloud computing to social media, represents a tremendous opportunity for us in CARICOM.” But according to him there are challenges which remain both in policy and in practice. The wide disparity in bandwidth availability across the Region is one hurdle that “we must seek to overcome with some urgency,” he therefore stressed. As part of his deliberations, Thursday, Dr. Roopnaraine, who recently assumed the Education Minister portfolio, said that it was a few weeks ago that it became clearer than ever to him, that the education system was failing large sections of the youth demographic. Moreover, he noted that it was seen as
imperative to effect significant reforms in the education sector. This was despite the fact that a number of Guyana’s students has consistently performed creditably and, in some cases, outstandingly in the CSEC and CAPE examinations. “This has not distracted us from identifying some worrying trends in the underperformance of our students overall.” “My first act was to commission a comprehensive operational audit of our schools throughout our 11 educational districts as a precursor to what will be an extensive Commission of Inquiry into the state of public education in Guyana; our findings so far have revealed some endemic issues,” related the Education Minister. And according to the Minister, the briefing document of COHSOD confirms that “the problems we face at the Ministry of Education of Guyana are shared across the region.” He pointed to the fact that the statement on the findings presented to the 25th InterSessional Meeting indicates that “we are perhaps in a state of pre-crisis in education. The statement reads in part: “The presentation painted a disturbing empirical and statistical picture of systemic failure and lamented
in particular the inherent inefficiencies and wastage in the systems, highlighting the less than optimum outcomes for students…” Minister Roopnaraine asserted though that “it is not that we are not spending money on education – education budgets have consistently represented the largest single allocation of national budgets across most territories.” But according to him, the budgetary allocation does not necessarily reflect external inputs since for example, there was the US$150 million IDB-funded
10-year programme to overhaul the Trinidadian education system between 1999 and 2009. “It is clear that we must look deeper into the problems that plague education in the region,” asserted the Minister as he added that “not to prejudice the outcome of any review of the system, I would yet offer that we have been, by and large, conservative societies, with our establishment’s best and brightest the products of a pedagogy that has perhaps outlasted its usefulness and its relevance within the present context.”
A one-week training in First Aid for ten fire fighters of the Guyana Fire Service concluded yesterday at the Central Fire Station, Stabroek Georgetown. During the one-week training, participants were exposed to practical and theory. Fire Chief Marlon Gentle said that the long term goal and objective of this training is for ranks to be ready for
when the organisation relaunches it emergency ambulance service. He further sees cooperation with the French going a far way. He said that he has had a fruitful discussion with French Fire Chief, Mr. Felix AntenorBalzanac, on exploring other avenues of cooperation in the technical field especially in the areas of rescue. Meanwhile, Guyana’s
French counterpart has pledged great support and has extended a hand to have five of the best participants train in French Guiana through an exchange programme. At the end of the training the participants are expected to train others in this field of first aid. The Guyana Fire Service and the French Guyana Fire Service have shared strong bilateral relations since 2010.
Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine makes his presentation at the opening of COHSOD.
GFS building human capacity
Wednesday July 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
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A new day awaits potential Legal battle over prime commercial land home owners - Minister Bulkan National Hardware owner to face further questions as matter continues Businessman, Eddie Boyer, is facing further questions before the court. His National Hardware is embroiled in legal dispute with Guyana Realty Investment Limited (GRIL) for prescriptive rights to prime land in the city. The property located at 117 “B” Regent and Alexander Streets, Georgetown, became a source of contention several years ago, with S a t t a u r G a f o o r, t h e Chairman of GRIL, which is linked to Gafoor & Sons Group of Companies, claiming that GRIL has ownership, having purchased the property from a third party (Stanley Collymore) in 1993, to use the premises to operate a paint shop. But Boyer, who is also known as Claude Deygoo, claims that he and his wife, Donna Deygoo, have legal entitlement to the said property on the basis of a transported title, they acquired in September 2008. The matter is ongoing before Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire at the High Court in Georgetown. The Boyers are being represented by Attorneys-at-Law
Devindra Kissoon and Rajendra Poonai, while GRIL is being represented by Rex McKay S.C, Edward Luckhoo S.C, and Neil Boston. Boyer returned to the stand yesterday where he faced more questions about his knowledge of the tenants of the property located at 117 “B” Regent and Alexander Streets, Georgetown. Senior Counsel, Mc Kay inquired from the witness, whether he was familiar with the names, Franklin Bumbury and Mahendra Gangaram and whether they were his tenants. The businessman explained that Bumbury was his tenant but not Gangaram. He said that Bumbury became a tenant in 2008 after he acquired a transport for the property. Questioned further; Boyer added that” Bumbury is still a tenant.” The businessman was subsequently shown a document (an affivdavit) which purported to show a transaction between his wife, Donna Deygoo and Gangaram. Boyer then said that he recognized his wife’s signature on the document.
He held however that his wife’s transaction with Gangram was completely legitimate, given that she was part owner of the estate in 2008. Before Senior Counsel Mc Kay could continue with his line of questioning, Attorneyat-Law Devindra Kissoon objected to the evidence. Kissoon noted that the information was unnecessary at that time since the court had already dealt with it at a previous, occasion. Yesterday’s proceeding subsequently came to a halt. Boyer is expected to face further questions when the matter resumes on September 11 at 1:30 pm
A man who is no stranger to the law was nabbed with a quantity of marijuana by police. According to information, about 08:00 hrs the police were on the hunt for a number of bandits who had earlier committed a robbery in New Amsterdam during the night when they encountered a man who was making arrangements to transport a quantity of marijuana to Georgetown.
The police were in a desolate area when they overheard a certain conversation on the phone. They subsequently saw the known individual throwing something over the fence. The police retrieved the parcel and moved in and confronted the man who denied knowing anything about the drugs. The premises were searched and the police subsequently checked beneath the car when they
retrieved four parcels hidden there. The man was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. The substance was tested and weighed and found to be 6 Kg of marijuana. A release from the police stated that about 08:00hrs yesterday, police ranks conducted a search on a house at Cummingsville, New Amsterdam, where 6 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) were found.
Proprietor of National Eddie Boyer
Big worm nabbed again with drugs
Late night Durban Street collision leaves unidentified man dead A combination of speeding and high spirits may have resulted in the death of an unidentified senior citizen, last night on the corner of Durban and Lime Streets, Georgetown. Eyewitness reports are that while driving east bound along the usually busy Durban Street area, a route 41 minibus collided with a man as he was leaving a popular bar in the area. The man, who some say may go by the name “Romel”, was apparently leaving the bar with a female companion in high spirits as a minibus was speeding along the route.
As Romel made his way across the street, witnesses said that the minibus collided with the pedestrian and “pitched him 15 feet from the collision spot”. While the senior man lay bleeding on the street, the bus driver frantically transported the unconscious body to his vehicle and rushed him to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporate
(GPHC) with the help of public spirited citizens. A witness, who followed close behind the minibus to the hospital, related that Romel was still breathing from the time he was transported to the vehicle to his arrival at the hospital. However, after doctors’ observations, the man was pronounced dead shortly after his admission.
Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan has said that citizens can now be assured of much more than just house lots or basic housing. This view was first expressed in the National Assembly. It was reiterated yesterday. Bulkan said, “All statesponsored developments are to be provided with educational, recreational and sports facilities, in addition to basic infrastructure and services such as electricity, telephones, roads and pure water supplies.” He said that for this year, activities slated by the Ministry include community planning and designs, infrastructure development, land divestment, community development and squatter regularisation. Minister Bulkan said these activities will result in the planning stage for a new cohesive community and the consolidation and expansion of the 1,000 homes project development at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara. He said that key infrastructure will be installed in 28 communities across the country with 90 percent expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Minister of
Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan Communities said that approximately 800 households will benefit from the allocation of service land and turn-key homes, with three community plans “targeted for implementation and 200 households benefiting from squatter regularisation.” He said that the rest of the year will see the Ministry focusing on the third phase of installing infrastructure and also begin the construction of the fifth batch of 50 two-bedroom houses at Perseverance, Providence at the cost of $4.9 million each.
Other areas along East Bank Demerara will see the provision of 200 service lots being made available, Bulkan explained. The Minister said that at least 4,000 families will be able to attain their own homes during this five-year period, in several areas. These include, “Region One, Mabaruma; in Region Two, Onderneeeming; in Region Three, Stewartville; Edingburg, Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida and Stewartville; in Region Four, Prospect, Perseverance, Great Diamond, Little Diamond and on the East Coast Demerara at Good Hope and Cummings Lodge.” He said that they will include starter houses, rentto-own apartments, two- and three-bedroom houses and other shelter solutions for the disabled and the elderly. Minister Bulkan also laid out plans for the 2015 to 2020 period. He said that these include strategies to see increased access to service lands and housing, promotion of public partnerships, fostering of community involvement for projects, coordination of programmes and projects through collaboration with Government and nongovernment organisations.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday July 18, 2015
Trade between EU, Caribbean below expected level - says EU Trade Commissioner “The truth is that we have not seen the big increases in trade between our regions that we hoped for. In some cases, trade is even lower now than it was five years ago and we must acknowledge this fact. But that does not mean that we should give up on this deal, and even less so on the whole economic relationship between the European Union and countries of the Caribbean.” As European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström, addressed the opening session of the Third Meeting of the Joint EUCARIFORUM Council, she said it meant quite the opposite. “What we have to do is work out why we are where we are and then take joint action to put things back on track.” The one-day meeting, held on Friday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, was done with the aim for the two regions to take stock of the first five years of the EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and for the representatives to plan the next phase of cooperation. The meeting saw attendance from Trade Ministers from across the Caribbean Region. In her address, the Trade Commissioner highlighted too notable achievements so far, but also acknowledged that the 2008 financial crisis and incomplete implementation have hampered the ability of the EPA ability to create economic opportunities for
EU Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström addressing the opening session people in the region. The EPA between the CARIFORUM States and the European Union and its Member States was signed on October 15, 2008. The declaration on the signing provides for a review to be undertaken after five years. Also, it was in Guyana, that the Georgetown Agreement, which set up the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states, was signed 40 years ago. In her address, Malmström pushed for an agreement on a work programme to get the deal fully up and running as soon as possible so that in 35 years they will be as proud of their achievements. The Trade Commissioner offered an insight into how the EU sees these first five years of our Economic Partnership
Agreement with CARIFORUM, not failing to highlight the achievements and shortcomings faced. Since 2008, she said, “We have, first of all, taken important steps towards putting this deal into practice. The EU has a full duty and quota-free regime for products from the Caribbean, and many CARIFORUM countries have taken important steps to lower their tariffs.” Malmström said that some of the more advanced provisions of the agreement-like services have also come into force and with that progress has been made towards the mutual recognition of some professional qualifications. “Furthermore, slowly, but surely,” she said, “We have been rolling out the development cooperation part of this deal.”
She added that the EU and its Member States are now supporting projects that will facilitate tax reform, the development of the private sector and the capacity building of institutions. As a result of this progress, she pointed out that new ties have been realized between the two regions and within the Caribbean Region itself. She pointed to the UK film studio company - Pinewood having invested in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica-based mobile operator, Digicel having expanded to several other Caribbean countries. “Moreover, the review of this agreement that forms the basis of our discussions today (on Friday) points to a positive “EPA effect” on CARIFORUM exports
Elite Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad disbanded for non-performance Almost 15 years after it was established to stem the illegal cross border trade in Guyana’s eastern county, Government has announced the dismantling of its elite Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS). According to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday, the decision was taken after careful consideration. It comes at a time when the performance of the unit left much to be desired. “The unit was established in November 2000 with the objective of curbing smuggling within the Corentyne/Berbice area. An examination of the effectiveness of BASS revealed that the unit was performing below expectation, with a rapid decrease in revenue
collection over the period 2012-2015, and as such, it was deemed not feasible to continue operations.” BASS operation had seen it closely collaborating with the GRA Law Enforcement and Investigations Division (LEID). Under new arrangements, BASS operations will see it being fully integrated into that of LEID, GRA disclosed. “It should be noted that prior to the implementation of BASS in 2000, LEID was responsible for the functions performed by BASS. These functions included the patrolling of waterways and roadways to suppress smuggling.” With regards to the employees of BASS, GRA said that the former members will be paid their full benefits
owed to them once the unit is disbanded. The disbandment was ordered shortly after a member of BASS was charged with shooting a labourer to death earlier this month. Shafraz Khan, 40, a father of two, of Hassim Street, Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared on July 9 before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court. The BASS official was accused of fatally shooting 40-year-old Charles Caesar, called ‘Nagasar’, a father of two, of Fyrish Village, Corentyne, on Friday July 3, last, at the Number 67 Village foreshore. Khan is accused of discharging a loaded firearm at Caesar thereby causing him injuries from which he subsequently died. Caesar
was reportedly shot in his leg and left on the foreshore for hours after the shooting. Khan had been employed with BASS as a Customs monitoring officer. Caesar was among six men on the foreshore offloading a boat that allegedly came from neighbouring Suriname with smuggled goods around 20:00 hrs on Saturday when they were intercepted by members of BASS. With thousands of Guyanese living in Suriname, BASS responsibilities had been to halt the smuggling of goods and drugs across the Corentyne River. However, the incidents have been occurring, despite BASS presence. Guns, drugs, chicken and even gold have been making it across the river.
of products like rice, frozen shrimp, citrus and rum. There is also evidence that the Dominican Republic has seen some relative successes in areas like medical devices and textiles. And it’s also worth remembering that the status quo of 2008 was not an option,” the Trade Commissioner commented. The EU Representative said that the access that ACP countries then had to the EU market was not compatible with the WTO and it had to be changed. According to her, the choice in 2008 for the Caribbean was between reduced access to the EU under the General System of Preferences or the current arrangement which kept and slightly improved on the previous system. That benchmark, she said, is one which should be kept in mind. Nonetheless, Malmström said that the objectives set in 2008 have not been met. The EU Representative pointed to the American bank, “Lehman Brothers” who filed for bankruptcy one month - almost to the day - before the agreement was signed. The Trade Commissioner said, “It was the start of the most serious economic and financial crisis that the world has seen since the Great Depression.” “It hit the Caribbean very hard, especially because the region was still feeling the effects of the spike in global food and raw material prices over previous years. As a result, rather than being able to invest in their future companies and farmers here have been struggling to survive.” The EU Representative said that the crisis also hit her home region hard, and they are still feeling the effects especially since they are coping with 25 million unemployed people across their Union. “One result of that is that our imports have grown much more
slowly than would normally be the case. And that affects exporters here in the Caribbean. I hope that we will soon be able to move to a period of greater global economic stability and growth.” She said the EU is working assiduously to achieve that, including through trade policy. The other reason, she said, was that aspects of the agreement have not yet been implemented and on the Caribbean side, she said, some countries still have to ratify the agreement. “Some provisions of the deal to promote regional integration here haven’t been put into practice. And rules on competition policy and intellectual property still need to be implemented. All of these reforms are vital because they are at the core of the EPA idea.” The Trade Commissioner said that the goal is to develop a larger regional market, with clearer, more transparent rules which will attract investment and also allow companies to grow stronger. She said that they will then be in a position to take advantage of the legally certain free access to the EU market. The EU also has responsibilities to accept as well, yet some of their Member States still have to ratify the EPA. She also said that getting some of the development cooperation projects off the ground has also longer times than expected. The Trade Commissioner announced a budget of over 100 million Euros for the region “to keep us moving ahead over the next five years.” She said too, that some progress has been made as more countries benefitted from visa exemptions earlier this year. Malmström committed to pushing EU Member States to do more in this regard, even in face of “very politically challenging issues.” She also pointed out that there may also be some issues with the institutions of the agreement itself which requires flexibility and focus. She said too, that civil society and business organisations ought to be properly consulted and integrated in their work so that the right information is obtained. The opening session was also addressed by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn who currently chairs the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Guyana was represented by Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, and CARIFORUM Chair, Oliver Joseph.
Saturday July 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Hefty bail granted to alleged motorcycle thief Twenty- two year old Orlando Brewster, who was accused of stealing a motor cycle from Mark Goring, was yesterday released on $200,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It was alleged that in March, in Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden, he stole one 150cc motorcycle valued at $287,000. He was represented by Attorney at Law Mortimer Coddett who told the court that his client resides at Block 22 Linden, with his reputed wife and one-year-old child. He added that Brewster is a mechanic who would travel to the interior to do repairs. Upon his return home he was
told that he is wanted by the police concerning the said allegation. He then proceeded to the police station where he was arrested for the offence. He maintained that his client is unaware of the offence against him, he made an application for reasonable bail stating that the man has a family to maintain and a fixed place of abode. Prosecutor Neville Jeffers however objected to bail because of the prevalence of the offence and the fact that the article was never recovered. He however asked for a short period for the statement in the matter. Orlando Brewster will make his next appearance at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on July 27.
Burglars step up campaign in Essequibo Over the past week burglars have been breaking into residents’ homes on the Essequibo Coast. In one case at Lima, Essequibo Coast, the home of a vendor who currently resides overseas was broken into. It was reported that the bandits carted away household appliances. Meanwhile, recently in Henrietta Village, a young engineer lodged a report of break and entry to that police station. The engineer also suffered losses of household
appliances. In another report, alert neighbours after hearing unusual sounds a few nights back, prevented a house from been burglarised in Henrietta. The burglars who had a waiting car managed to escape unhurt when the residents pursued them. More recently, the police caught and prosecuted a number of persons who were linked to a series of break-ins that occurred in the Anna Regina Old market. (Yannason Duncan)
Man found guilty of drug possession
Lukinvich Theobald was yesterday found guilty of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, after a hearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, when he appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh. On April 2, last, at Water Street he had in his possession 25.5 grams of
marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. On the day in question police observed him under the Stabroek Market clock acting in a suspicious manner. A search was conducted on his person and a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems were found in his waist and crotch. He was found guilty of the offence, sentenced to three
NIS delays contributor's ... From page 23 therefore eligible for the pension. Clarke said that she never got a dime from the scheme to help offset her husband's medical expenses. Today, she owes the hospital which is threatening legal action against her. And in the face of this threat, she still cannot get contributions due to her husband to help defray the medical bills. The woman said that the scheme cannot now tell her that she cannot collect monies due to him up to the time of his death. She has not even been paid survivor's benefits, a legal entitlement based on her husband's contributions to
the Scheme. To date, no one at the Scheme seems inclined to have this matter resolved, choosing instead to keep dodging making the payments. On the presentation of a death certificate can Mrs. Clarke collect the outstanding benefits due to her husband? That question remains unanswered to date. And why is she not being paid survivor's benefits? The Public Relations department has not been helpful, according to Mrs Clarke. One view that the family holds is that the Scheme can withhold payment of any contributor and deny many people their just deserts.
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Georgetown, East Demerara are Guyana’s rape centres As the latest round of police statistics show a whopping increase in the number of reported rapes, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has opined that the police force’s sexual offences unit is fuelling the increase seen in rape reports. During a recent interview with this publication, Blanhum explained that mechanisms have been put in place by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to tackle the increase in rape reports. He said one of the mechanisms to deal with rape is the installation of sexual offences units in each division. According to Blanhum, these units are driving rape reports as persons feel more comfortable coming forward to the police. He said too that special care was taken to place female investigators within the units to interact with the victims and ensure that they feel comfortable. “From there, we do an investigation and based on the advice we receive, we prosecute,” the Crime Chief added. In regards to old rape cases – such as the gang rape
…as rape climbs by 74 percent of a Mahdia woman last year – Blanhum said that all investigations are active. “As long as we get the information, we’ll proceed from there,” he said. Furthermore, while Blanhum noted that there were feelings of distrust towards the police amongst members of the community, he said that the GPF is working on removing such feelings. He said that a social crime prevention programme has been launched. “We are working with members of the community to build trust and those are initiatives that we’ll continue working on to grow from strength to strength,” he said. According to the GPF June statistics on crime, rape was listed as one of the serious crimes policed by the Force. Though for the months of January to May 2015 the police did not indicate the rape statistics, they finally did so in June. Their statistics showed an increase of 74 percent in the number of reports of rape when
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum compared to 2014. At the end of June this year, there were 207 reports compared to 119 for the same period last year. Police said, too, that the majority of the reports came from Georgetown (A Division) and the East Coast (C Division). In the past, women who took their stories of rape to the media complained that the police are inadequately
prepared to handle rape reports. Victims had also expressed fear of nonprosecution due to their rapists having “links” in high places. These claims have been evident in the low rate of convictions for rape matters in the court. A few years ago, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) released its study, “Without Conviction: Sexual Violence Cases in the Guyana Justice Process”. In the 60-page report, the GHRA showed that over the years 2000 to 2004, the average conviction rate was 1.4 percent. This figure represented 9 convictions out of the 647 reports originally made to the police. Furthermore, in the first year of the study the conviction rate had been 0.9 percent (1:117). For the last year, the report showed that the conviction rate had dropped to 0.6 percent (1:154). Additionally, only three percent of the original complaints made it to trial.
New Hyundai dealership set for August opening A new auto dealership is set to launch shortly in Guyana and with it the citizenry is expected to not only have more valuable options but competitive ones. The dealership is being launched by Ideal Autos Inc. It will focus solely on Hyundai vehicles. According to a release from the company, a new passenger car and commercial vehicles Hyundai dealership is scheduled to open at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, at the beginning of August. The company said that it secured the distribution rights for new passenger, commercial and special
purpose vehicles for Guyana directly from the Hyundai Motor Company, headquartered in South Korea. In fact, the first shipment of vehicles from South Korea arrived in Guyana this week and will be on display at the company’s premises. The site is currently under construction. Peter Rippon, CEO of Ideal Autos, expressed pleasure at the ability to introduce quality vehicles to the Guyanese public. “We are pleased to offer the Guyanese people new Hyundai vehicles with comprehensive three years warranty at prices that are
competitive to the prices of reconditioned vehicles offered without warranty,” Rippon said. He added, “I think the Guyanese people will see the huge economic benefits of buying a new vehicle. Stay tuned for our exciting promotions.” Similarly, one of the company’s executives, Heralall Nandlall, said that the decision to make such an investment was pushed by the Government of Guyana’s stated objective to reduce the duty and taxes on new vehicles. “We would like to see more Guyanese drive new vehicles,” Nandlall said before continued, “We need to catch
up with our neighbours and the rest of the world. There will be significant benefits to the environment from the use of new vehicles with higher emission standards compared to older vehicles.” According to Ideal Autos, the dealership will be the very first “modern, state of the art, auto centre in Guyana”. Meanwhile, the company said it will be expanding its business in the next few months. This expansion will see the inclusion of a range of agricultural machineries, modern quick service centre for oil and brake change for all makes of passenger vehicle and a retail and wholesale distribution centre for high-quality motor oils and lubricants for passenger vehicles.
Engine Failure caused Mazaruni TGA ... From page 19 did not go off and there was no visible smoke from the crash site, rescuers were unable to locate the plane readily. The latitude co-ordinates of the plane, as relayed by the distressed Slater while his plane went down, was used to plot an approximate position for the crash site and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers were forced to rappel down to gain access to the downed plane.
A post mortem examination on the two bodies showed that Slater died from multiple injuries about the body, while Jacobs succumbed to asphyxiation due to chest injuries, in addition to blunt trauma to the head. Captain Slater had been with TGA for approximately three years up to the time of his death. He first joined the company as a junior pilot and rose to become the command pilot
on the Cessna Grand Caravan. With over 3,000 flying hours to his credit, 2,552 on the Caravan, he had possessed the reputation as a highly disciplined pilot. Jacobs, on the other hand, had been with TGA for some ten years, joining as a handyman and subsequently being promoted to aircraft loader. The position carried with it responsibility for the safety and security of the cargo. Recommendations from
the report included an improved method of tie down for cargo, better quality tie down straps, the presence of a Flight Operations Officer, relocating the aircraft loader's seat from behind the pilot to the co-pilot's seat, upgrading spot tracking devices and possible forced landing sites being identified along shuttle routes and programmed into the GPSs for easy access in the case of emergencies.
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
The Untenable Situation UG Vice Chancellor Opadeyi Inherited DEAR EDITOR, When Professor Jacob Opadeyi became the Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana in February 2013 he inherited an untenable situation characterized by malpractices in financial management, cost over runs, and spending beyond the income of the University creating an inherited deficit of over $500M in 2013 and reduced to $300M in 2014. Financial audits by the Auditor General’s Office discovered shady financial irregularities and transactions at IDCE whose annual income is $30M but spends $60M. There was also the payment of $1M annually without supporting documents and not for the approved designated purpose. Generally, poor work ethic, minimum work, not fulfilling contractual working hours, and general lack of accountability permeated the University working environment. The MAD approach (maximum administrative delay) was employed in implementing or frustrating decisions, even some Council decisions. A few examples would give the public and the responsible University community some insights into the reasons why the unrepresentative and unrecognized Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) is motivating attacks on the integrity of the Vice Chancellor. It is primarily because the Vice Chancellor dared to challenge and correct these bad practices and replace them with
comparative international best practices; he is seen by the leadership of UGSSA as a “sell out”, upsetting the status quo, and bringing an “end to the good thing they had going”. In a special audit commissioned by Council under his leadership, it was discovered that the Bursary (prior to the appointment of the current Bursar) was functioning without standard operating procedures; failed to practice basic accounting principles; reconciliation accounting activities once a year instead of on a daily or weekly basis; maintained no accurate or current balance sheet; and shockingly using DOS-based accounting software that permit changes to accounting records with no records of who made the changes, what was changed, when it was changed or who authorized the change; payment receipts can be changed or cancelled and the receipt number reused; unclaimed salary cheques are neither reported nor queried; writing cheques when there is no money in the account to support the payment; permitting overdraft without authorization; using student lab fees to support staff travels; unwillingness to collect debts owed to UG; withholding payments to Credit Unions, NIS, GRA after deducting same from employee salaries; overpayment due to errors in salary software; payment of salaries without signed contracts; and providing cash advances with no record of spending accounts and
receipts. These are what he inherited. I dare say that there may be a need for a Forensic Audit for the full recovery of the University financial assets which were paid and received without authority and entitlement by staff over the years prior to the appointment of this Vice Chancellor and the current Bursar. Professor Opadeyi brought accountability into the University. Under Funding: It is widely known that the University is underfunded; needs infrastructural and staff and student facilities upgrades; needs assured annual subvention and increased fees to cover fully the operating cost of some $350,000 annually per student; need scholarships for staff development, need a more healthy working and classroom environment for staff and student, and not unmindful of the need for attractive remuneration, benefits and conditions of service for staff with due regard being had for national and regional comparative context. Changes at UG (over the last 28 months), since the Vice Chancellor was appointed, at his initiative and with the approval of the University Council, include increasing retirement age from 60 to 65 years so as to retain high quality lecturers and professors; introduction of technology/facility fee of $50,000 per year for all students; acquisition of 30 seater bus for field trips; senior management to be
responsible for the hiring of UB and UA staff at the level of Lecture I and A.O.; senior management to be responsible to disciplinary matters of both staff and students; generally no program with fewer than 10 students; establishment of Ph.D programmes(a first at UG); and establishment of Audit Committee of the Council. The Vice Chancellor, in spite of the challenges and constraints, further achieved significant improved in the financial accounting and management systems; reduced the deficit through negotiated additional Government funding to the tune of $800M; reduced expenditure on commuting lecturers; improved financial discipline through spending along budgetary lines; marked improvement in physical infrastructure; establishment of online degree programmes in four (4) disciplines (a first at UG); establishment of MPH programme (a first at UG); increased graduate enrolment; increased revenue streams from $1,092M in 2013 to $1,342M in 2014; decrease deficit from $619M in 2013 to $334M in 2014; Gifting of 2000 classroom desk/chair combinations by the private sector and acquisition of additional 1100 classroom chairs thus ending the chronic lack of classroom chairs that plagued the University over the past 10 years or more; and 3400 student lockers (a first at UG); efficient use of capital grants that saw the acquisition of
From page 4 contracts sourced as best known to them. No surprise when they sourced from China: China has been in recent years the factory to the World, as Japan, the USA and the UK have been at earlier times. Much of the cables and controllers were sourced by the awardees from the USA and Europe, hence the large supply projects # 4, 5 and 6 were broken into different lots according to items and likely sourcing. Note also the awards to local and regional companies. Their projects were implemented according to the Standard procedures of NPTA. Yes, Guyana must continue to take advantage of opportunities to develop ‘Green’ Guyana as we meet our needs and in our Service. PV Solar and Wind technologies have been on a path of rapid improvement (declining equipment costs) over the last two decades but they suffer from non-continuity and non-
predictability in their generation. Over periods of about a year, they average about 40% generating time, including moment to moment variations for which the grid to which they are connected must compensate. There remains the need for a fossil-fuelled (including any nuclear or hydro power) grid that can take the full demand at any time or capital costs could be doubled with the installation of various amounts of energy/electricity storage. Guyana did pursue some years ago an invitation from the Government of Japan to developing countries to apply for grants of demonstration utility level PV Solar Farms ( 1 to 3 MW). However, we were advised later that this aid programme was suspended, as ‘tightness’ had developed in the Japanese Government Budget. As may be recalled we have been pursuing an economic wind farm at Hope Beach, East Coast Demerara.
Recall the articles in the papers and pictorial impressions of how it might look. I could not be as nonchalant as Mr. Bisram about the apparent decision of the present Government not to continue the development of the Amaila Falls Project. ‘Green’ Energy Electricity alternatives hydro power has been the longest developed, most mature, most predictable on the half to one year time scale, the closest to fossil fuel electricity generation. The Amaila Falls Project as it was developed by the PPP/ C administration remains the most attractive electricity generation project for Guyana. About the best that could be found on first cost, financing cost and average lifetime costs of electrical energy generated. Mr. Bisram seems to be a champion for household PV installations fed into our GPL grid. He recognizes the historical and ongoing need for subsidies to house owners on installation, but does not men-
tion the premium often paid also, one way or another on energy fed into the grid. In our circumstances in Guyana, an already existing overall subsidy of about 20% (not to GPL but to us customers of GPL), high losses particularly non-commercial (our high propensity to abstract electricity without paying for it, about 16% vs. about 2% in most developed and respectable countries) grid feed-in policies could generate many questions: they may be open to the public at large, but who would be able to take advantage of it and enjoy the subsidies assuming that there are subsidies? Mr. Bisram may find that a door would have been opened to many appearances, perceptions and allegations of corruption but perhaps one cannot do things without ‘appearances’ and people perceiving what they will. Mr. Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds, O.E Former Prime Minister of Guyana
Aspirations and good intentions are...
over 200 personal computers in two years; technological investments - Software for statistical analysis of student assessment, Smart ID card system, timetabling software, smart classrooms, free Wi-Fi for staff and students, electronic message board; installation of projectors and white boards in classrooms; establishment of Confucius Institute at UG; revision of promotion criteria that saw unprecedented promotion of staff for 3 new professors, 8 senior lecturers and 20 lecturer II, all achieved within two (2) years in office. Other achieve during this first two years of appointment include establishment of an honorary degree programme: investment in campus wide CCTV cameras (a first at UG); naming of University streets after former Chancellors; effective and efficient management of the UG Science and Technology Support Project of US$10M of the World Bank facility; improved sporting facilities through construction of
basketball / lawn tennis courts (a first at UG); introduction of conflict of interest declaration for staff who have family members enrolled in the classes; with the support of the Ministry of Health ensure the posting of a medical doctor to UG medical centre (a first at UG); upgraded the terms of employment of 33 Maid/Cleaners who have been working for 13 years as part-time staff to full-time staff with full benefits; support the introduction and use Moodle teaching support system; financial audits that unearth shady financial irregularities and transactions at IDCE; and stopped the payment of $1,000,000 annually without supporting documents. Professor Jacob Opadeyi has served the staff and the University very well as Vice Chancellor over a short period of time with an outstanding performance of excellence which deserves the nation’s gratitude and vote of confidence. Samuel J. Goolsarran
That stall is not the only unauthorized building in the Gov’t Compound DEAR EDITOR, This is in reference to a letter in the Stabroek News of Wednesday, July 15, 2015 captioned ‘Unauthorised stall in Mabaruma’. In setting out the problem with the stall, the writer seemed bent on throwing a punch or two at the past Regional Chairman, Paul Pierre. He mentioned that Mr. Pierre passed this illegal structure every day and could not have missed it. Incidentally, many people traverse the same road. One such person is none other than the new Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley. He would have seen that structure when he was the Schools Welfare Officer. Then again, Mr. Ashley would have been speeding past in the car which was rented and paid for by the Education Department while he was doing campaign work for the PPP. For the writer’s information, that stall is not the only unauthorized building in the Government Compound. He may wish to check out the mini mall that has been set up in the old
mechanic workshop between the Post Office and the Police Station. And, did Mr. Joseph see the piece of Government land which is being fenced for personal use by a known Contractor. It appears that the area was handed over or sold to him by a member of the previous administration, and it was not Paul Pierre. I rather like the preprepared straight A(s) report card which the writer gives to the new Regional Chairman. It says that this new kid on the block will be a stronger political leader than Mr. Pierre. Yes, he has been coming across as strong indeed – mouthing off who he will be getting rid of and who he will ‘dig it up into’ at RDC meetings. Quite inappropriate talk coming from a young and strong political leader. All unauthorized structures must be taken down and all underhand transactions must be investigated. Lastly, a question - Who actually wrote the letter? Your guess is as good as mine. Marian Alfred
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS - CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 Professional painting services available for private and contract work- Tel: 6044036 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar:2310655,683-8734 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves - Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 GET YOUR USA, CANADA & UK VISA’S FILLED OUT PROFESSIONALLY. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT: 2315789/90 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall: 225-6496, 662-6045
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FOR SALE/RENT American pools table- Call: 277-0578 Supermarket space for rent, 1 acre land in La Grange, Independence Road for sale. Call Nitesh: 684-7853 45" Free Standing Advertising display, capable of displaying your bold & colourful graphic posters still & video ads. Call: 680-9611 FOR SALE Fluffy puppies. Tel: 626-4234
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For foreigners fully furnished two bedrooms apartment in South. Hot & cold, cable, washing machine & internet. Tel: 689-5877
CAR RENTAL
VEHICLE FOR SALE We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 1 new unregistered Mazda Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 649-0956
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Wednesday July 18, 2015
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Wednesday July 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Yemen’s exiled government says Aden ‘liberated’, Houthis expelled
Southern Resistance fighters look as smoke rises from the site of a Saudi-led air strike on a position of Houthi fighters in Yemen’s southern port city of Aden, July 16, 2015. (REUTERS/STRINGER) Saudi-backed Yemeni fighters completed their offensive to retake the southern city of Aden from the Houthi militia yesterday, residents said, as fighting in one main district subsided. Their victory in the port city - backed up by training and heavy weapons delivered by an Arab military coalition - marks a turning point in almost four months of aerial bombing and civil war in which battle lines seldom changed but more than 3,500 people have been killed and a million displaced. The war in Yemen has pitted the Sunni Muslim Gulf states which support the exiled government against the Shi’ite Houthis allied to Iran, in a conflict that has further raised the stakes as the Middles East grapples with regional rivalries and sectarian strife. Aden has been a focus of fighting since the Iranianallied Houthis first laid siege to it in March when it was the last bastion to the government which then fled
to Saudi Arabia. Several residents displaced from their homes in Tawahi, a district in the west of the city which had been the last redoubt of the Houthis in Aden, told Reuters they had returned to their homes and that despite occasional gunfire the streets were controlled by anti-Houthi gunmen. Khaled Bahah, vice president of Yemen’s exiled government in Riyadh, hailed the “liberation” of the city on his Facebook page, and several ministers and top intelligence officials touched down in the city on Friday to prepare it as a base to revive the shattered Yemeni state. Once one of the world’s busiest ports, Aden sits near the Bab al-Mandab shipping lane, a major energy gateway for Europe, Asia and the United States via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Exiled president AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi praised the fighters and the Arab alliance, promising that the gains in Aden were the start
of a drive to take back the country. “We will soon achieve a glorious victory in Yemen, our beloved country, in its entirety ... the victory in Aden will be the key to saving our cause,” Hadi said in a televised speech. “PRAISE GOD” Reuters witnesses reported seeing streets filled up with cars and pedestrians and residents pinned down my deadly shelling day and night emerged in safety. “Praise God,” said 35year-old fish seller Wasseem al-Hiswa. “We’re so happy we can return to our normal lives after such suffering for almost four months. But huge problems remain - water and electricity cut off often, so we’re still suffering a lot,” he said. Ali Al-Ahmedi, spokesman for the local fighters in Aden, told Reuters that dozens of Houthi fighters had surrendered to the militiamen as they lost ground. The advances began on
In the days since Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman turned a grubby corner of his prison cell into an escape hatch to freedom, the notorious drug lord’s legend has soared to new heights in the ganginfested landscape of his home turf. Hailed by supporters in the northwestern state of Sinaloa as a man with more heft than the president, Guzman’s audacious breakout from a maximum security prison on Saturday night through a tunnel that surfaced in his shower has all but guaranteed his immortality in global crimelore. News that Sinaloa’s most famous son had cut short his prison stay before the
government had even announced it spread on social media in Sinaloa’s state capital Culiacan, locals said. “Everybody wanted him to be out of prison. He helped a lot of people,” said Jaime Carrillo, 39, drummer of BuKnas de Culiacan, a U.S.Mexican band that plays narcocorridos, a style of music that venerates the gore and glamour of the drug lords. “I think he’s more powerful than the president,” said Carrillo, who was born just a few miles away from Guzman. “I think he has more command inside the government.” As thousands of soldiers sweep the country in search of Guzman, military trucks
patrol the humid streets of Culiacan, a city dotted with shrines to slain drug traffickers, altars to organized crime and awash with dollars laundered from the trade. A local hero to mountain villagers living off his largesse, and murderous criminal to his critics, the 58year-old Guzman is expected to now retake the controls of his Sinaloa Cartel with ease, regardless of where he is. “He’s talented, daring and bold,” said one “dismayed” senior official from President Enrique Pena Nieto’s ruling party familiar with the capo’s career. “I’m sure the gringos will end up making a film about it,” he added, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Tuesday when local fighters seized the city’s international airport, followed by the main sea port the next day, then one district after another. Fighters and eyewitnesses say the Aden offensive was backed up by donations of heavy weapons by the Arab alliance including around 100 armored vehicles by the United Arab Emirates. Dozens have been killed on both sides in the clashes since the beginning of the week, medics said. The Shi’ite Muslim Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in September and pushed into Yemen’s south and east in March and April in what they say is a revolution against a corrupt government and hardline Sunni Muslim militants. Their spread has been aided by most of Yemen’s army, which remains loyal to former strongman President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who was ousted in Arab Spring protests in 2011. In a statement on his official twitter page, Saleh said Yemen would continue to resist the Saudi-backed campaign. “We will thwart one of the most dangerous conspiracies yet against our people ... no matter how long the aggression continues and the aggressors go to far in their war of extermination, no matter how long it lasts it will end in failure,” Saleh wrote. Fighters said they were advancing toward the Anad air base 60 km (40 miles) north of Aden with backing from air strikes. Nevertheless, on the Muslim feasting holiday of Eid, food and basic supplies were being blocked at Houthi checkpoints on the city’s outskirts, residents said.
Legend of escaped Mexican kingpin Guzman grows in drug heartland
EDUCATION Spanish Classes!!! Learn Spanish in 3 Months: Introductory, Intermediate, Advance, children creativeSaturday –Tel: 673-8605. Classes start -20th July 2015 Summer Computer Classes Ages: 5-16; Register 2 Kids & Get Additional Discount MicroGraphics: Vreed-EnHoop- 264-3057 9 Course Diploma in Computer $30,000, Job Placement After Completing – MicroGraphics, Vreed-Enhoop-264-3057
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LAND FOR SALE Herstelling -$3.5M (110ftX50ft), Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M (80ftX50ft). Ron’s Land Investment-Tel: 611-7223; 223-1443 1 Land in Diamond Scheme $2.8M & 1 Land in Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M (on main Road). Tel: 690-6327; 695-1508 1500 acres transported land 4½ miles from Bartica Rock, Quarry, Forestry, Agriculture. Contact Mark: 603-1266; 6259788 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front -reasonable offer accepted, serious enquiries only! – Tel: 695-3493 Herstelling - $4M (110ftX56ft) Parfaite Harmonie, corner lot main road (130ftX48ft) - $2.7M & $1.2M –Tel: 611-7223, 2231443 Friendship house lot for saleCall: 692-8513, 223-0733 Land @ Parfaite Harmonie & Tuschen -$1.5M each, house & land @ Belle West, 1-2 storey property @ Crane – Call: 604-6724 30.5 Acres residential & agricultural land @ Long Creek. Creek passing through land -$7,000,000 M negotiable–Tel: 686-3794, 646-5838, 261-5547, 261-6119 Luxury gate communitymall, pool, swipe card entry, underground irrigation selling @ $6USD per sq.ftCall: 609-0783 144x37.4 FT house lot available at Webster Avenue, Buxton. $2.2M- Call: 696-8391
EDUCATION Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 13thAugust 13th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:2182076; 619-4355 Institute of Academic Excellence- registration commenced for our Secondary school (forms 15), lessons & adults CXC classes- Tel: 683-5742 Affordable summer classes for weak children in reading, spelling, phonics, composition etc. for all agescall: 675-4379
PROPERTY FOR SALE Two executive houses in gated compound at Oceanicvillas -$58M eachTel Shiv: 600-6681 Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461. House for sale at Craig- Call: 679-8091 or 718-213-6496 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 629-4017 House with 3 apartments @ Friendship, E.B.D $9.5M. House with 2 bedrooms $8M @ Patentia- Tel: 671-2689 2 Storey concrete property for sale at 2nd Avenue, Diamond H/Scheme, E.B.DTel: 674-9266 or 686-9248 Property @ Leonora New Housing Scheme-Tel: 6799851 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 2 Bedroom house section “B” Non Pariel, E.C.D -$8.5M –Tel: 615-1319 2 Storied 22ftX45ft transported concrete property upstairs 2 bedroom & downstairs – bedrooms, fully grilled, Block ‘8’ MonRepos, E.C.D - $20M – Tel:625-1514, 231-7255 Lot 13 Plantain Walk Triumph Beterverwagting, E.C.D – Price$5.2M. Call: 275-1053; 644-0780; 665-6671. Property @ Herstelling East Bank Demerara –Call: 6677659
ACCOMODATION Specials on room! Free breakfast, Wi-Fi luxuriously & comfortably @ Signature Inn, 82 Laluni Street, Georgetown –Tel: 2262145; 227-5037
TOURS Trip to Suriname for 5 days (21st -25th August) $34,000 per person, transportation & accommodation inclusive; food exclusive –Contact: 660-0312
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 18, 2015
Two more tremors recorded overnight in Eastern Caribbean BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - As most people slept Thursday night and into yesterday morning, two more tremors were recorded off Barbados, St. Lucia and Martinique, following six events over a six-hour period Thursday. Preliminary information provided by the UWI Seismic Research Centre indicated that the quakes were recorded a minute past midnight, and then at 3:44 a.m. The first was a 4.0 magnitude tremor occurring 170 km northeast of Bridgetown, Barbados; 301 km east of Castries, St. Lucia and 322 km east southeast of Fort-de-France, Martinique. The second was weaker – 3.8 magnitude – with its epicenter 119 km northeast of Bridgetown, 236 km east of Castries, and 259 km east southeast of Fort-de-France. They came hours after
acting director of the Department of Emergency Management in Barbados Kerry Hinds told residents that there was a possibility that aftershocks would continue in the coming days. Barbadians and residents of neighbouring St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Martinique, Guadeloupe and even Guyana reported feeling the effects of Thursday’s earthquakes, particularly the first 5.7 magnitude tremor which struck at 7:01 a.m. and the most intense one of the day – 6.4 magnitude quake which sent people scampering from shaking buildings around 11:16 a.m. In a report on the day’s events, the Seismic Research Centre said there were four others – at 7:52 a.m., 11:29 a.m., 11:36 a.m. and 12:23 p.m. The magnitudes of the day’s quakes ranged from 3.4
PANAMA CITY, Panama — In a move that most observers believe smacks of sheer desperation, attorneys for former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli have filed criminal charges against the remaining judges and magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice, effectively shutting down the country’s dysfunctional criminal justice system. P a n a m a ’s highest court, which is grappling with a massive docket of official corruption cases, must now grind to a halt, which was most likely Martinelli’s objective, since it is members of his cabinet, and agency appointees, who are charged with criminal acts, as well as Martinelli
himself. The charges, which include abuse of authority, and defamation, do not appear to have any factual basis, and have seemingly been filed strictly to halt the current criminal cases from proceeding to trial. Martinelli’s abuse of the judicial system has once more interfered with the forward movement of President Varela’s reform program. Kenneth Rijock is a banking lawyer turned-career money launderer (10 years), turned-compliance officer specialising in enhanced due diligence, and a financial crime consultant who publishes a Financial Crime Blog. The Laundry Man, his autobiography, was
published in the UK on 5 July 2012.
The Gleaner - Former contractor general, Greg Christie, has disagreed with a proposal for the proposed Integrity Commission to remain silent on its investigations until a report is tabled in Parliament. The commission will have the mandate to investigate and prosecute acts of corruption in the public sector. Yesterday, during deliberations of a joint select committee of Parliament on the Integrity Commission Act, Justice Minister Senator Mark Golding said the provision would ensure that investigations are not played out in the public domain.
However, Christie says it is a step in the wrong direction. In a series of posts on his Twitter account, Christie says while he supports the need of confidentially it is important that the public is made aware of investigations which have been launched. The former contractor general argues that it has been his experience that when this is done members of the public would come forward with information to aid investigations. Christie is of the view that keeping probes under quiet may affect public participation in probes. He expressed concern that investigations that are unknown to the public can be interfered with, or terminated,
irregularly, with the public being none the wiser. The former contractor general points out that under the Contractor General Act the public is entitled to be informed of the commencement of a formal investigation. He says when the public is aware of what the antiCorruption agency is doing and that puts it in a position to be held to account. Arguing that corruption thrives in darkness, Christie says Jamaicans should pay keen attention to these subtle but deliberate steps that are being taken to weaken the country’s anti-corruption institutions.
to 6.4 and their depths from 61 km to 111 km. There were no reports of damage or injury. Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, Ronald Jackson said the earthquakes underscored the importance of building national first responder capacity to manage seismic events. “We have to recognize that the earthquake threat is ever present. We have been heeding the warning from the Seismic Research Centre from as far back as February 2014 when a number of events . . . really underscored the importance that we have to move at pace. It is now a situation of urgency that we address the capacity of our first responders, given the catastrophic nature that seismic events can leave us with,” he said.
Former Panama president files criminal charges against all Supreme Court judges
Ricardo Martinelli
Christie warns against ‘silent’ corruption investigations
Wednesday July 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Strong US Support - America stand with Jamaica against criminals
Luis Moreno Jamaica Observer - The American Government Thursday issued a strong statement of support for Jamaica’s anti-crime efforts as soldiers and police rolled out an aggressive all-island campaign against criminals who, since the start of the year, have murdered more than 600 people, among them four women in the last 36 hours. “The United States
Embassy stands with the people and Government of Jamaica against these lawless criminals,” America’s top diplomat, Luis Moreno, said in a statement in which he extended sympathy to the family and colleagues of Constable Crystal Thomas. Thomas was brutally murdered by gunmen Tuesday night while on her way home on a public passenger bus. Police
reported that she had challenged the gunmen who had hijacked the bus on Spanish Town Road in Kingston. “On behalf of the United States Mission to Jamaica, I wish to extend our deep and sincere condolence to the family and colleagues of Constable Crystal Thomas,” Moreno said in an extraordinary expression from a diplomat. “Constable Thomas’s bravery and quick action saved many lives and demonstrated her dedication to her country and to protecting her fellow citizens. At 24 years old, she exemplified the code of the Jamaica Constabulary Force: Serve, Protect and Reassure,” the ambassador said. “Every day law enforcement officers across Jamaica step into the line of duty. I commend these officers and know they will continue to carry [out] their duties professionally and justly. Tragically, all too many officers as well as everyday Jamaicans have lost their lives to this senseless violence,” the ambassador added. His statement came as the security forces fanned out across the island in a campaign that saw more than 100 persons apprehended in the Corporate Area alone.
PM’s negotiator: No faith in Debates Commission
Tr i n i d a d E x p re s s – Debate negotiator for Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, attorney Larry Lalla said yesterday that the country has lost faith in the Trinidad and Tobago Debates Commission (TTDC) for failing to nail down a date for the much publicised leader’s debate. In a press release issued yesterday, Lalla stated that Persad-Bissesar cleared the initially proposed July 30 date of all other engagements and should be given the opportunity to debate on that day. Lalla wrote: “I’m afraid the TTDC no longer commands any confidence that it is competent to arrange a debate on July 30. The TTDC have shown their word cannot be trusted. So the agreed debate should go ahead organised by the broadcasters. “ He wrote: “The Prime Minister has indicated she is ready and willing to take part on the agreed date of 30 July.
Larry Lalla She will accept CNMG’s invitation to participate in the national debate. She has challenged the Opposition Leader Keith Rowley to take part.” The TTDC had fixed July 30 for the debate at the studios of Caribbean News Media Group (CNMG), but then said it was not possible. On July 13, the TTDC issued a press release
indicating that there will be two debates – August 20 and 27. Lalla said the TTDC needed to answer certain questions. Included in that list were: Why did they offer 30 July only to withdraw it later? Why did they withdraw that invitation? Given that CNMG has stated that they can go ahead and host the debate, why will TTDC not partner them? Will the TTDC accept that it is time to step aside given they no longer seem able to arbitrate and set up a debate? Will the TTDC accept that the people of Trinidad and Tobago deserve a debate and need to have it soon as possible so that they can be fully informed about the merits of the two potential Prime Ministers?” The TTDC is scheduled to have a press conference at 3 p.m. on Friday to address those issues. It will be held at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce office in Port of Spain.
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Wednesday July 18, 2015
Jamaica advised to use housing as economic development strategy KINGSTON, Jamaica One of Jamaica’s leading mortgage bankers has suggested that the country could tap into housing developments as an effective way to grow the economy. General Manager of the Jamaica Mortgage Bank (JMB) Courtney Wynter says the country is lagging on that opportunity. “If you look at mortgages in Jamaica as a percentage of gross domestic product, compared to developed countries, I think that is a clear indicator that we are not using
housing as a development strategy in Jamaica,” he said this week. The mortgage executive said there was a huge gap between the demand and supply for low and middle income housing and pointed that out as another key indicator that the country was not taking advantage or housing to spur growth. He suggested that the answer could be the use of residential mortgage-backed securities. “The major issue for the government is liquidity. For
example, the United States has systems like Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) and Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Company) that pump liquidity in the economy for housing. Jamaica can use residential mortgage-backed securities,” he explained. The result would be more liquidity for housing developments across the island, which w o u l d t r a n s l a t e into employment for more people and growth in the economy, Wynter said.
MIAMI (AP) — With the United States and Cuba inching closer to fully restoring diplomatic ties, including re-opening embassies for the first time in 54 years, the future is murky for tens of thousands of Cuban immigrants who have been ordered by immigration authorities to leave the country. As many as 25,000 Cubans living in the United States have outstanding deportation orders, according
to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They include people who pose a threat to national security or have serious criminal convictions and are considered priorities for immigration enforcement agents. Despite being an enforcement priority, those immigrants haven’t yet been sent back to Cuba because the government of President Raul Castro has not given them permission to return. It’s unclear whether the Cuban
government’s position will change. A 1984 repatriation agreement includes a list of 2,746 people who had come to the U.S. in 1980 as part of the Mariel boatlift who should be deported. The mass migration from Cuba to Florida started when thenPresident Fidel Castro announced he would allow anyone who wanted to leave the Communist island nation. An estimated 125,000 Cubans made the perilous trip between April and October 1980.
Tens of thousands fear deportation as US-Cuba relations thaw
Wednesday July 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Saturday July 18, 2015
Hero CPL Narine’s magical spell and Ramdin shine under lights t20 cricket - Warriors get hard fought 3-wicket win over Zouks By Sean Devers The fans braved the rain and turned in the thousands for the first Hero CPL match in Guyana on Wednesday night and left disappointed without seeing a ball bowled but last night another sold out crowd left the Providence Stadium with smiles as broad as the mighty Essequibo River as their team beat the St Lucia Zouks by three wickets in an encounter they had to win to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Led by a magical fourover spell from Man-of-theMatch off-spinner Sunil Narine (4-1-6-3) the Guyana Amazon Warriors restricted the Zouks to 111-7 from 20 overs although the two pacers, Merchant De Lance and Davis Wissee conceded 53 of those runs between them from seven overs. Lendl Simmons (31 from 27 balls with 5 fours) and Denish Ramdin (39 not out from 43 balls with 3 fours) added 39 for the second wicket with sensible, but positive batting on a fast outfield which showed no effects from the battering it took from the rain over the last few days, but the Warriors eventually struggled to reach 112-7 from 18 overs as leg spinner Keron Cottoy bowled beautifully to
capture 4-18 from four overs. The win took the Warriors to 9 points from seven matches to move to second on the points table while the Zouks finished their quota of 10 matches with 9 points. Earlier, the Warriors won the toss and asked the Zouks to bat on a slow and low straw-coloured track. Left-arm spinner Permaul was hit to the mid wicket boundary by Johnson Charles off the last ball of the first over which cost 5 runs. Andre Fletcher then hammered Merchant De Lange, who seemed lucky to retain his place in the side in spin friendly conditions, for two fours in an over that cost 10. Permaul (4-0-19-1) continued to bowl well in conditions that suited spin before Skipper Kevin Pietersen majestically ondrove David Wissee to the boundary first ball, and took two more effortless fours in an expensive over from the fast bowler who were always expected to struggle on the Providence track. With the score on 50-1 in the seventh over after Permaul’s frugal spell, spin wizard Narine was introduced and from his first over went to work right away, sending
back the dangerous Fletcher, LBW for 15 at 49-2. It was 493 next ball when Delorn Johnson impetuously ‘skied’ the Trinidadian to mid-off to spark raucous celebrations among the dancing, flag waving fans in the stands. Devendra Bishoo (4-0-190) replaced Permaul and bowling in tandem with Narine, strangled the opposition who found themselves in a deep hole when their Captain and most experienced batsman was LBW to Narine for a 21-ball 24 at 55-4 in the 10th over just when the South African-born former England Test batsman was beginning to look ominous. Pietersen failed to make the most of being badly dropped at cover by Umar Akmal on 16. Hodge replaced Narine for one over and after being dumped for six by Kyle Mayers (7), the Bajan was taken on the boundary playing a slog sweep to leave the Zouks on 63-5 in the 12th over. But the experienced Ross Taylor and Davis added 43 for the sixth from seven overs before Taylor departed in the penultimate over for a ball a run 20 when he clipped a full toss from the expensive De Lange to leave the visitors on 106-6 in 19 overs after the
Saturday July 18, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Your personal situation is fluctuating. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Hidden matters are likely to surface. You can help them with difficult projects. GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Try not to be too emotional with those around you. Travel will be good if you are seeking knowledge. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Try to curb your habits, or you could find yourself in an awkward financial position. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Your ability to relate will close the generation gap. Your colorful conversation may attract new mates. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) You can't lock your partner up and if you keep restricting their freedom you may be left out in the cold. Direct your energy wisely. Don't let your emotions take over.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Social activities or travel should be in your plans. You may find yourself in the midst of a pretty good deal. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Do not get into uncertain financial deals. You may want to get a little extra rest. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Problems with your mate will develop if you don't let them have their way. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You may have been too nice to a friend who just wanted to take advantage of you. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Romance will be yours if you get out and do things in large groups. Professionalism will be of utmost importance. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You should make sure that your personal papers are in order.
stroking the South African for a couple of boundaries in the over. His second boundary in the over was a pull to fine leg from a high full toss which was called ‘no ball’ as De Lange strived for a yorker as he finished with 1-28 from three overs. Natham Mcullum (1) was caught behind by Ramdin off Wissee in the final over which cost just five runs as Davids was left unbeaten on 25 from 34 balls. Simmons got going with an audacious cover drive which reached the boundary like a bullet off the first ball of the innings from McCullum, while Fudadin, guilty of batting too slowly in the power-play overs, smashed to final ball from the opening over gloriously past cover for four and the Warriors supporters in the aisles were all smiles as they gyrated to the pulsating music pounding from the Hits & Jams Sound System in between overs. Simmons steered Fidel Edwards to the third man boundary before whipping him neatly off his legs for
another boundary and the close to 15,000 in the ground were on their feet. Fudadin, making a consorted effort to bat in a positive manner to increase the net run rate, was taken at backward square, hooking at Johnson for five at 19-1 in the third over. Ramdin leaned back and caressed Fidel Edwards magnificently to the point boundary while Simmons stroked Johnson for back-toback boundaries and crowd, which remained loyal to their Franchise, created a sea of yellow and waved the Amazon flags passionately as they urged the Warriors on as the Warriors cheerleaders moved with plenty of energy. Cottoy, the 25-year-old Vincentian struck four times and when Wissee was run out by a direct hit from midon for a duck and Narine was dismissed in similar fashion, the Zouks hopes had reignited and their injured Captain Darren Sammy was up from his seat in the ‘dug out’ and was pacing like an injured Lion. Cottoy exploited the
‘slow turner’ wonderfully. He first had the set Simmons at 58-2 and then removed Hodge for a second ball duck without addition to the score. Umar Akmal (7) was adjudged LBW by debutant Umpire Nandkumar Shivsankar but the TV replays confirmed there was a big inside edge involved but Cottoy was making things tight for the local Franchise. And when Barnwell, who seems to be batting himself out of the team, missed a big drive at a google from Cottoy and was bowled for seven after dumping Shannon Gabriel for four and Wissee (0) and Narine (1) were both needlessly run out, it was 877 and the atmosphere at Providence was simply electric. But the Captain kept his head and along with Permaul, who hit the winning six in the exciting contest, batted the Warriors to a victory they must have felt it would have been much easier at the halfway stage which showcased the rich Guyanese culture with Costume clad performers danced rhythmically round the ground. Today from 16:00hrs, the Warriors face defending Champ Barbados Tridents, who lead the points table with 10 points.
American Pharoah... From page 41 Pacific Classic on August 30 to the itinerary of the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown. “Those are all Bob’s decisions,” Barnes said. “But I wouldn’t think so.” It’s not expected that American Pharaoh will compete against older horses until October’s Breeder’s Cup. But like the estimated 2,000 other horses boarded at Del Mar, American Pharoah is enjoying the beach life. “The horses love it down here,” Barnes said, as he distributed peeled baby carrots to American Pharoah. “It’s a little cooler.” American Pharoah is familiar with Del Mar, after winning its Grade I Del Mar Futurity for two-year-olds last year. “I remember saying to Bob, ‘That is a really goodlooking horse,’” Harper said. ‘Bob said, “It could be the one.’ It was the one all right.” Fans can watch American Pharoah train each morning, with three of the sessions being timed workouts.
Saturday July 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Rain forces another postponement of the BCB fundraiser Persistent rain over the last few days has forced the Berbice Cricket Board to further postpone their highly anticipated Fundraiser “Caricom Championship 2015”. The tournament will now be played on Saturday August 1, 2015, a national holiday, at the historic Albion Sports Complex. Proceeds from this event will be used mainly to organise a three day first division cricket competition for teams in Berbice. The board encourages businesses, private individuals and former cricketers/administrators to come on board to help the return of three day first division cricket in the county. Contact can be made as follows: telephone numbers 333-2375, 655-4140 and 6236875. Emails can also be sent to abeharry1970@yahoo.com and ros_haniff2001 @yahoo.com. The Caricom Championship will see eight top first division teams in Berbice taking part in a ten over knockout competition with the final of 20 overs to be played under lights for a top prize of $80,000 and trophy. The runner up will receive $40,000 and trophy with the losing finalists $15,000 each. Man of the match in every game will be rewarded. The teams will don coloured clothing and white balls will be used. Action begins at 10:00am sharp with the top Berbice cricketers on show. Young Warriors/Rose Hall CC/Edinburgh Combined will tackle Upper Corentyne/ Skeldon Combined in the opening. Game two will see Albion CC taking on Bermine/Police Combined. Game 3 is Port Mourant vs Bush Lot/D’Edward Combined and Game 4 will see Blairmont/West Berbice Combined vs Rose Hall Town. The preliminary games will play in a festival format to create nonstop action. The winner of game 1 and 2 play in the first semifinal and the winner of game 3 and 4 plays in the other. The BCB would like to thank the following sponsors so far: ANSA MCAL under the Carib Brand, Sentinel Security, East Coast Cricket Board/Georgetown Cricket Association, Republic Bank Berbice Branches, Nand Persaud Karibee Rice, Surin Ganesh of NPG, P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited, Aakash
Singh of Sunshine Supermarket, Soogee Seubarran of No 2 Village, Massy Industries, Massy Distribution, B Debydeen, Caterer of Albion Estate Road, Corentyne, New Building Society Ltd, Balram Shane of Rose Hall Town, Ronald Williams of Apex Insurance Brokers Inc, Sandeep Ramdass of Ishmail Poultry, popularly known as Pampey, Asheik and Sons Motor Spares and Auto Sale, Safraz Photo Studio, Rocky of Palace Taxi Service, Restaurant and Bar, D Harricharran of Beauty and Home Design, Sheik Mohamed of Tiger Sports Club, Office Express, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, Price is Right Supermarket of No 79 Corriverton, Venu Shopping Center and Beauty Saloon, NTN of Tain, TVG. All passes, complimentary and other arrangements are still valid. Several gate prizes will be up for grabs for the fans with a well stocked ANSA MCAL bar and musical entertainment present along with games for the young and old. Entrance is $300 for adults, children under 12 free.
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Never rule out Bolt, warns Gatlin
Jamaica’s Usain Bolt (left) crossing the finish line to defeat American Justin Gatlin in the men’s 100m final at the Moscow World Championships in Russia two years ago. (PHOTO: AFP)
MONACO, Monaco (AFP) - Usain Bolt may be struggling with a pelvic injury, but the Jamaican “showman” should never be underestimated come next month’s World Championships, according to American arch-rival Justin Gatlin. Bolt makes his comeback from an injury that saw him travel to Munich for treatment at the London Anniversary Games on July 24-25, while Gatlin took to the track in Monaco in the Diamond League yesterday.
Speaking to AFP Thursday, Gatlin, on a string of 26 unbeaten races dating back to August 2013, said Bolt should not be ruled out despite any talk of potential injury. “We gave him good competition in the 2012 London Olympics and he prevailed. We’ll have to step up a little more and give it some more competition,” said Gatlin, who won Olympic bronze behind Bolt and compatriot Yohan Blake.
“A lot of athletes are questioning if he’ll be there in Beijing, but everyone’s really holding their breath to see how he’ll go in the London race. “One thing I can say about Usain is that he is a gamer, he’s a showman; he’ll rise to the occasion when it’s time to do so. All that other stuff is not pressure for him.” Gatlin won the Olympic 100m title in Athens in 2004 and double world sprint titles in 2005 before serving a 2006-
10 doping ban. Bolt then stole the show, dominating sprinting at the Olympics and World Championships since his golden treble at the 2008 Beijing Games - bar one hiccup over 100m in the 2011 Daegu Worlds. “Usain woke up in the semi-finals in London in 2012 and went out there and did what he had to do, and I predict (he’ll be planning to do) the same thing for Beijing,” said Gatlin.
FIFA, others defeat US lawsuit over soccer concussions (Reuters) A U.S. judge has dismissed a lawsuit by soccer players and parents seeking to force FIFA and other governing bodies to change the sport’s rules to limit the risk of concussions and other head injuries, especially for children. In a decision on Thursday, Chief Judge Phyllis Hamilton of the federal court in Oakland, California said the plaintiffs could not use the courts to change FIFA’s “laws of the game,” noting it was their decision to play soccer to begin with. “Plaintiffs have acknowledged that ‘injuries’ are a ‘part of soccer,’” Hamilton wrote, citing the complaint. “Those who participate in a sporting activity that poses an inherent risk of injury generally assume the risk that they may be injured while doing so.” The judge also said FIFA was not a proper defendant because there was “no connection” between the lawsuit and any activity that the sport’s international governing body, which is
based in Switzerland, undertook in California. Claims against FIFA were dismissed with prejudice, meaning they cannot be brought again. Hamilton said some claims against other bodies, including the United States Soccer Federation and U.S. Youth Soccer Federation, can be brought again. “We will amend the complaint to satisfy the court’s order and appeal the FIFA ruling,” Steve Berman, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in an email. Hamilton’s 46-page decision is a setback for efforts to make soccer, considered the world’s most popular sport with roughly a quarter billion participants, safer to play. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of seven players, including four under the age of 17. Only one was alleged to have suffered a concussion from playing soccer. They sought a variety of rule changes, including limiting headers by players under 17, and making it easier to substitute during games for
players who show signs of head trauma. The plaintiffs also sought medical monitoring for people who have played the sport since 2002. Lawyers for the defendants did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit is not related to the ongoing corruption scandal at FIFA, whose full name is Fédération Internationale de Football
Association. According to the complaint, 46,200 U.S. high school soccer players suffered concussions in 2010, more than from baseball, basketball, softball and wrestling combined. At least 30 percent of soccer concussions come from heading or attempting to head balls, the complaint said. Other lawsuits over concussions have been filed in recent years against the
National Football League, the National Hockey League and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. A recent settlement between the NFL and roughly 5,000 retired players could reach $1 billion. The case is Mehr et al. v. Fédération Internationale de Football Association et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 1403879.
Four Latin American athletes exit Pan Ams for doping TORONTO (Reuters) Four Latin American athletes have been kicked out of the Pan American Games for doping violations, the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) said on Friday. Mexican weightlifter Cinthya Vanessa Dominguez Lara and baseball players Nelson Gomez (Puerto Rico), Mario Mercedes Castillo (Dominican Republic) and Javier Jesus Ortiz Angulo (Colombia) all failed doping tests, PASO officials said. PASO, which represents 41 National Olympic Committees, said any sanctions for the four athletes will be determined by the international federations for their respective sports. The organization also said it could not yet comment on Peruvian swimmer
Mauricio Fiol, who said earlier this week that he was kicked out of the Pan Am Games for doping. Once an athlete fails a doping test, their National Olympic Committee is informed immediately and they have 48 hours to present any evidence to defend themselves and ask for a ‘B’ sample to be opened. “We will only comment on those cases where we have the final evidence, where the athlete has had the opportunity to clearly present his case, if he has a case,” PASO Vice President Ivar Sisniega told a news conference. “And only then does the PASO executive board make a decision on the suspension from the Games.”
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Kaieteur News
Saturday July 18, 2015
2nd annual Grenville Felix Memorial 60-mile cycle race set for July 26th in Berbice
IPL verdict ‘disappointing for players’ - Dravid
Rahul Dravid © BCCI FLASH BACK- (L-R) Lloyd Felix, Conelle Felix, Clavelle Francis, Russell Felix, Coach Randolph Roberts, Joan Felix and Rawl Felix at the simple presentation ceremony held at the Felix residence at Canefield, East Canje. Cycling returns to Berbice as the Fyling Ace Cycle Club is keeping riders busy as they organise the second annual Grenville Felix Memorial Cycle road race which is billed for Sunday July 26th in Berbice. The event is being held in
honour of the late engineer who passed away two years ago at the age of 96. Felix was one of Guyana’s first and oldest engineers who worked with the Bookers and Guyana Sugar Corporation in Guyana and various parts of the world.
Ticket holders for Wednesday’s rained out CPL match can obtain refunds The management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise has announced that ticket holders for Wednesday’s rained out game between Amazon Warriors and the Appleton Estate Jamaica Tallawahs, who were unable to collect “exchange tickets” for Friday’s game between the Warriors and the St Lucia Zouks can obtain refunds. Ticket holders for Wednesday’s game can present their ticket stubs, which will have their names on the stubs, and a form of photo identification (Passport or National Identification Card) only at the Ticket Outlet, CPL OPCO Guyana Inc Office, Middle Street, Georgetown between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Wednesday, July 22nd to Friday, July 24th. Only persons who purchased tickets at the authorized ticketing outlets will be eligible for refunds, and ticket holders must be present in person. Complimentary tickets will not be refunded. The Ticket Office has a
record of all those who purchased tickets, and hence will be able to verify legitimate ticket holders. The management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors had put in place a “ticket exchange programme” through which persons who purchased tickets for the rained out game could have claimed tickets for Friday’s game between the Amazon Warriors and the Zouks. That decision was taken following the abandonment of the game between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Jamaica Tallawahs, as well as taking into consideration the passionate support of fans for the Amazon Warriors team in particular and the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament in general. This refund programme is yet another demonstration that the management of the Amazon Warriors Franchise is deeply appreciative of the support from the people of Guyana during the hosting of the CPL games in Guyana and, indeed, the rest of the Caribbean.
The event which was previously being held in honour of his birthday was changed as a memorial event following his death. On the two previous occasions the event was held as a simple birthday anniversary race. According to race coordinator cycling coach, Randolph Roberts, the event this year is expected to be bigger. The 60 mile affair and will be open to cyclist throughout the country. The riders are expected to pedal off from in front of the Felix Residence at Canefield East Canje, Berbice proceed to No 43 Bridge before turning back to finish at its point of origin. All the top cyclists in the country are expected to be on
show since lucrative prizes will be up for grabs. Prizes will be awarded to the first eight finishers while the first three juniors and first three females will also be awarded. There will also be prizes for top veteran riders. Eight sprint point prizes will also be awarded. The Grenville Felix Memorial Trophy is a lien trophy and will be given to the first person who gets their name on it three times. The race is being sponsored by the Felix family. Andrew Hicks rode away with the first edition with Neil Reece etching his name on the winner’s board on the second occasion. The current defending champion is Mario King. (Samuel Whyte)
ESPNcricinfo - Rahul Dravid, Rajasthan Royals’ team mentor, has said he respects the Justice Lodha Panel’s decision to suspend Royals and Chennai Super Kings’ owners for two years, but felt the court’s decision was a massive blow to the prospects of the younger players in the two teams. Dravid, who is currently the coach of the India A team, was speaking at a press conference in Chennai ahead of India A’s four-day match against South Africa A. While he refused to get drawn into the specifics of Lodha’s verdict, Dravid said the entire episode would affect “everyone involved with Indian cricket”. “I don’t want to make firm judgments on people, but it’s disappointing that the actions of one or two can have an impact on so many,” Dravid
DIAMOND LEAGUE: Justin Gatlin wins 100m in Monaco BBC Sport - American Justin Gatlin continued his fine Diamond League form by winning the 100m in 9.78 seconds in Monaco. The 33-year-old followed up his time of 9.75 in Lausanne last week with an equally impressive display ahead of next month’s World Championships. Gatlin, who has served two doping bans, is now unbeaten in 23 races. American Tyson Gay finished second in 9.97 ahead of France’s Jimmy Vicaut with Britain’s Chijindu Ujah fourth in 10.08. With world and Olympic champion Usain Bolt still recovering from injury, Gatlin looks in ominous form ahead of the Worlds in Beijing, starting on 22 August. Jamaican Bolt still hopes to compete in China and will take part in the London Anniversary Games on 24-26 July. Gatlin, who won silver at the 2013 World Championships behind Bolt, was never seriously troubled in Monaco after a blistering start and clocked another sub-9.8 time after also running 9.74 in May - the fastest time in the world this year. The New Yorker had an eight-year suspension halved to four years after testing positive for testosterone in 2006, five years after first failing a drugs test in 2001.
Justin Gatlin (AP)
said. “Not only me, but generally in a situation like this, the people at the bottom of the pyramid are the ones who are most affected. “The top players and coaches always find stuff to do afterwards. It’s not difficult for top players to be picked by other franchises. However, the young players who don’t easily get an opportunity, they miss out. I feel disappointed for them, but we respect the decision the court has taken. In my opinion, not everyone at Rajasthan Royals or Chennai Super Kings are bad. There are lots of very, very good people.” When asked if his association with Royals would forever be a blot on his career, Dravid diplomatically insisted it was “for the people to decide”, but said had he been aware of any wrongdoing in the team, he would have “dealt with it”. “At the end of the day, I see my role as a mentor and as a coach of a team. People need to decide if the actions of shareholders or owners can be linked to coaches or mentors. I don’t want to try and defend myself. I only wish I had known that the three players were doing something suspicious, as I would have dealt with it,” he said. “People know what spot-fixing is. It’s difficult to know, even if in same team, if people are involved in spotfixing. If I were to doubt every single wide or four, I would lose all my love and interest in the game. Any team I coach, I don’t go into it suspecting people everytime they get hit for a four. I had absolutely no clue, and I’ve spoken to the Mudgal commission about that. What people do in their private lives, I personally feel it’s difficult for mentors and coaches to know what decisions they are making.”
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Australian opening salvo Japan to scrap Olympic leaves England in tatters stadium plans, start over LONDON (Reuters) Australia ripped out England’s top order to take a vice-like grip on the second Ashes test after completely dominating the second day at Lord’s on Friday. Steve Smith struck a magnificent 215 to lead the touring side to 566 for eight declared before their rampant pace attack knocked over Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell and Joe Root to leave England tottering on 30 for four. Alastair Cook and Ben Stokes clung on grimly to prevent further damage as the Australians smelt blood. Stokes lifted spinner Nathan Lyon over long-on for six and the pair completed a gritty 50 partnership before England reached the close on 85 for four with Stokes unbeaten on 38 and Cook 21. Lyth fell to the second ball of the innings for nought, wafting loosely at a wide ball from Mitchell Starc and nicking a catch to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. Ballance, on 23, was bowled by a full straight delivery from Mitchell Johnson and a similar ball from Josh Hazlewood crashed into Bell’s stumps to send the right-hander back to the pavilion for one. Root, so often England’s saviour and fresh from a superb century in the first test in Cardiff, was caught by Nevill off a pumped-up Johnson for one. Australia had resumed in the morning on 337 for one and James Anderson struck Chris Rogers on the helmet with the first ball of the day. The left-hander, however, continued to flay the ball through the covers and it was a surprise when, on 173, he misjudged a full delivery from Broad which nipped back in to shatter his stumps. The 37year-old, who shared a second-wicket partnership of 284 with Smith, left the field to a standing ovation after making his highest test score which included 28 fours. Michael Clarke never settled and, on seven, he mistimed a pull off a short ball from Mark Wood, Ballance taking a catch high to his right at square leg. Smith and Adam Voges took Australia to 424 for three at lunch but Broad dismissed Voges (25) and Mitchell Marsh (12) shortly after the interval. Smith reached his double century by hitting Moeen Ali for four, leaping in the air and flamboyantly waving his bat to a standing ovation as he became the first
Australia’s Steve Smith celebrates his 200th run. (Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Couldridge Livepic)
Australian to score a doublecentury at Lord’s since Bill Brown in 1938. He looked intent on inflicting more misery on the tiring England bowlers, only be trapped lbw by Root’s part-time off-spin as he attempted a reverse sweep and he walked off after batting more than eight hours and hitting 25 fours and one six. Peter Nevill made a bright 45 on his debut before he too fell to Root, chipping a catch
to Moeen at mid-off. Australia took tea on 562 for seven and when Johnson was caught soon after the interval they declared, barely dreaming of the carnage they were about to inflict on their shell-shocked hosts and primed to level the series at 11. Scores: England 85 for 4 (Stokes 38*, Cook 21*) trail Australia 566 for 8 dec (Smith 215, Rogers 173, Broad 4-83) by 481 runs.
TOKYO (Reuters) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on Friday the scrapping of a plan for a controversial national stadium, the centerpiece of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, after sky-rocketing costs sparked public outrage. Anger over the stadium, the estimated cost of which had climbed to $2.1 billion, almost twice its expected cost when Tokyo won the bid for the Summer Games in 2013, had become a liability for Abe as he pushes unpopular defense bills through parliament. The new National Stadium was also meant to have been the centerpiece of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Support for Abe, who returned to office in 2012 pledging to bolster defenses and reboot the economy, has slipped to about 40 percent on voter doubts about the defense legislation. News about the stadium has fed into that discontent. “We are scrapping our plans for the stadium, and starting from zero,” Abe told reporters after meeting Olympics Minister Toshiaki Endo and Education Minister Hakubun Shimomura.
Hearts of Oak Masters 18th Annual Football camp starts July 20th The 18th edition of the Annual Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club “teach them Young” football holiday camp will be staged this year from Monday 20th July to Friday 21st August 2014 at the Scot Church Ground, Princess Elizabeth Road New Amsterdam and the nearby Prison Officers Sports Club and the All Saints Primary School. The programme will be held five days weekly from Mondays-Fridays from 09:00hrs -13:00 hrs. The organisers are catering for youths from age four years and up and will be targeting both boys and girls. During the camp the youths will be taught the finer points of the game which includes both theory and practical. The programme also caters for the developing of their interpersonal skills and relationship. The practical sessions will entail showing the youngsters the various ways
in receiving, passing, shooting, taking, dribbling, Goalkeeping and throwing the football among other points. The youths are also expected to be schooled in Discipline, etiquette, good table manners and general education which will also include session on HIV and AIDS. Physical fitness is also expected to be an integral part of the sessions. According to coordinator Neil ‘Grizzly’ Humphrey, the main aim of the programme is to have the youths better able to appreciate the rules and regulations of the game, improve their knowledge and skills and understand general sportsmanship and have a better human relationship with others and improve their discipline generally. Humphrey also stated that during the camps the youths will be involved in exchange visits and at the end of the camp they will be presented with certificates and other memorabilia’s while the more outstanding
players will be selected to participate in a tour to the other parts of the country where they will participate in a number of goodwill games. He is expecting a good response as school is out and the programme has now become a part of the youngsters annual out of school package. During the sessions a number of prominent persons are expected to visit and impart their knowledge with the participants during the packed programme. Meanwhile, the organisers are seeking the support of the general public and the business sector for assistance especially with footballs to make the programme the necessary success it usually be. Interested persons can make contact with Humphrey on 333-5525 or 687-8764 or Secretary Kenrick Bowry on number 333-4451 or any member of the club. (Samuel Whyte)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Referring to the furore over the cost, Abe said: “The Olympics are a party for our people, and they and the athletes, each one of them, are the main players. We need to make it something that they can celebrate.” Tokyo won the Olympics on a reputation for getting things done, but immediately ran into problems with costs and a roll back of some promises, such as keeping most sports venues within 8 km (5 miles) of the Olympic village. The stadium, designed by British-based architect Zaha Hadid and likened to a bicycle helmet, has been criticized as expensive, grandiose and unsuited to the site, where a stadium built for Tokyo’s 1964 Olympics stood until it was demolished recently. Abe said that new arrangements would have to be made as soon as possible. But he made no mention of costs and whether this meant another competition for a design, or if another design from a 2012 competition would be used. Though scaling back stadium plans is not uncommon and happened for the London 2012 Games and Sydney 2000 Games, changing plans entirely at this stage is unusual. Officials had previously said changing the design would damage Tokyo’s reputation. Media said the Rugby World Cup would be held in an existing stadium, and the government was aiming to keep costs for the new stadium to about 180 billion yen ($1.45 billion). The stadium was originally estimated to cost 130 billion yen, but last year estimates rocketed to 300
billion yen. Last month, the government put the cost at 252 billion yen ($2.03 billion). Political experts said the stadium decision was aimed at bolstering support hit by the furore over the security legislation, which includes changes that would allow Japanese troops to fight overseas for the first time since World War Two. Tens of thousands of people have protested against the legislation, which was approved by parliament’s lower house on Thursday. “It’s pretty blatant,” said Steven Reed, a political science professor at Chuo University. “It’s a wise play, but whether it will work or not is hard to tell.” Landing the Olympics added luster to Abe’s administration, but plans quickly bogged down. The demolition of the old stadium was delayed and organizers broke promises to keep most venues close to the Olympic Village. Jim Heverin, the project director for Zaha Hadid Architects, said in a statement that the escalating costs were not design-related. “It is not the case that the recently reported cost increases are due to the design, which uses standard materials and techniques well within the capability of Japanese contractors and meets the budget set by the Japan Sports Council,” Heverin said. “The real challenge for the stadium has been agreeing an acceptable construction cost against the backdrop of steep annual increases in construction costs in Tokyo and a fixed deadline.”
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Hafeez banned from Coast Guard win first Interbowling for 12 months Unit Athletic Championship ESPNcricinfo - Pakistan allrounder Mohammad Hafeez has been banned from bowling in international cricket for 12 months after his action was found to be illegal for a second time since November 2014. He will be able to have his action reassessed by the ICC only after this period is completed. Hafeez, 34, had undergone testing at an ICCaccredited lab in Chennai on July 6, after his action was reported following the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in June. The tests revealed Hafeez’s action exceeded the permitted 15-degree limit. “As this report has constituted the player’s second report within a twoyear period, the first of which led to a suspension, he is now automatically suspended from bowling in international cricket for a 12-month period,” the ICC said. “Hafeez is entitled to appeal any procedural aspect of an independent assessment that has led to this automatic suspension. However, only after the expiry of this oneyear period will he be entitled to approach the ICC for a reassessment of his bowling action.” Hafeez had been reported for a suspect action after the Abu Dhabi Test against New Zealand in November last year, and in December his action was found to be illegal following tests at an ICC accredited centre in Loughborough, England. He was found to have an elbow extension up to 31 degrees. He underwent remedial work at a biomechanics lab in
- dethrones Base Camp Ayanganna
Mohammad Hafeez bowls in the nets the day he is suspended from bowling in international cricket, Dubai, December 7, 2014 ©AFP Chennai, but failed an unofficial test on his action on January 3. Later that month the PCB requested the ICC to retest Hafeez’s action in February in Brisbane, so that he could bowl at the World Cup if cleared, but he was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury. Hafeez was finally cleared to bowl again in international cricket on April 21, after more tests on his action in Chennai. After he was reported following the Galle match, Hafeez bowled in the second
GOLF CLINIC on hold, to restart soon Participants of the Summer Golf Clinic at the Lusignan Golf Club are kindly asked to note that due to the incessant rain, the Clinic was cancelled last week.
Contact can be made with the Clinic administration via 220-5660 or 225-4403 or 6180217 for any further information pertaining to the restart.
Test in Colombo, where he took one wicket before travelling to Chennai to have his action tested. He missed the third Test in Pallekele as a result, but returned to play the first two ODIs in Sri Lanka, taking 4 for 41 and 2 for 61. Hafeez’s troubles · November 2014 Reported for a suspect action after Abu Dhabi Test v New Zealand · December 2014 Suspended from bowling in international cricket · December 2014 - Tests reveal flex of elbow was as far as 31 degrees · January 2015 - Fails unofficial retest · April 2015 - Passes an official retest and is cleared to bowl again · June 2015 - Reported again after the Galle Test v Sri Lanka · July 2015 - Banned for 12 months
Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition...
GEORGETOWN FINALS ON TOMORROW AT TUCVILLE After a break following the postponent of both finals, play in the North Georgetown and South Georgetown Zones to determine which two teams will move forward to the quarterfinals of the Digicel
Nationwide Schools Football Competition will resume tomorrow, at the Tucville ground. In the opening game, which is the South Georgetown final, Sir Leon
Lessons will do battle with Dolphin Secondary at 14:00 hrs, while in the North Georgetown final, Chase Academy go up against Morgan’s Learning Institute at 16:00 hrs.
Eion Rodney dips at the finish line yesterday in the ‘B’ Class 400m at the National Track and Field Centre to hand Base Camp Ayanganna the win in the race. By Edison Jefford The Coast Guard won their first Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Inter-Unit Athletic Championship yesterday when they emphatically dethroned twotime defending champs Base Camp Ayanganna (BCA) at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. Coast Guard amassed 347 points to win their first InterUnit title in the history of the competition that made its return to the GDF calendar in 2008 after a 10-year hiatus. BCA finished second with 205 points while First Infantry Battalion was third with 200 points. Former Champions, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), which last won the championship in 2012 was fourth in 171 points. Second Infantry Battalion was fifth with 136 points; Base Camp Stephenson sixth with 107 points; Training Corps seventh on 85 points; Coastal Battalion eighth on 63 points and Four Engineers ninth with 49 points. Ann Doris and Olana Grant were adjudged joint Female Champion Athlete with Damon Williams taking home the Male Champion Athlete award. Pablo Cupido and Cleon Coppin were
handed the joint Runner-Up Male Champion prize. In some of the results on the final day, Eion Rodney raced to a ‘B’ Class sprint double in the male 200m and 400m races. Rodney, competing for BCA, clocked 23.1 seconds to win the 200m ahead of Coast Guard’s, Herald Inniss and First Infantry’s, Levi Bradford, who turned in 23.2, and 23.6s respectively. Rodney then returned to win the 400m race. Camp Ayanganna’s, Olana Grant sprinted to victory in the 200m female ‘B’ Class event in 27.2 seconds, leaving Coast Guards, Rushell Bradshaw and Sheneza Sutton second and third with times of 29.8 and 43.8 seconds. Bradshaw had won the 100m in 13.4 seconds ahead of Daina Nicholas, who posted 14.2 seconds and Sutton (14.8s). Natrena Hooper outran Aniqah Powley and Andrea Foster in the 200m female ‘A’ Class race with a 25.4 seconds performance. Powley turned in 26.5 and Foster 26.8 seconds. Powley had won the 100m in 12.1 seconds from Hooper (12.4s) earlier. In the 200m male ‘A’ Class race, Davin Fraser posted 21.6 seconds with Kevin
Abbensetts (22.0) and Leslain Baird (22.5) second and third respectively. Points were not accrued from an ‘A’ Class event in the overall Inter-Unit Championship. Yonnick Williams won the ‘B’ Class male 100m race for First Infantry ahead of Ian Williams and Leon Torrington, both representing BCA, in 11.1 seconds. Williams ran 11.3 and Torrington 11.6 seconds. National sprint champion, Rupert Perry clocked 10.1 seconds in an ‘A’ Class race ahead of Fraser (10.2s) and Baird (10.4s). Jamal Scott won the male officers’ race in 11.5 seconds as Tino Blacket finished second in 11.7 and Warren Mars third in 12.0 seconds. First Infantry’s, Sherlock Rigby claimed the 80m male officer event in 9.6 seconds ahead of DHQ Dwayne Jennings (10.3s) and Second Infantry’s William Arthur (10.8s). BCA won the 4x100m female race with Coast Guard second and DHQ third. Coast Guard won the male race with Second and First Infantry finishing in that order. Williams won the male High Jump with 1.85m ahead of Mark Jhalu (1.80m) and Mars (1.70m).
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Guyanese to represent Trinidad and Trinidadian becomes a Guardian Tobago at goodwill Swim Meet 2015 group catch a million contender
Trinidad based Guyanese Delroy Tyrrell will represent Trinidad and Tobago at the goodwill Swimming Championship which will be held in August at the Centre of Excellence in Trinidad. Delroy, born to Drs. Fitzroy and Jianna Tyrrell, placed second overall in the boys 11-12 category at the recently concluded National Age Group Short Course Swimming Championship help at the St. Michaels Swim Pool in San Fernando. This meet is usually used to select the national team to represent T&T at the Goodwill Swim Meet. Some of the times he turned in are 200 free style (2:19.48 secs), 200IM (2:41.50 secs), 100 back (1:13.55 secs), 100 fly (1:12.41 secs), and 50 back (34:12 secs) among others. The Tidal Wave Aquatics of Trinidad and Tobago, under the tutelage of Miss Haynes and her daughter Chabeth Haynes, has represented Trinidad and Tobago in the Delroy Tyrrell past two years at Goodwill Swim Meet in Barbados and Suriname. Tyrrell is one of eight (8) swimmers from Tidal Wave selected to represent Trinidad this year. Delroy’s parents and brother expressed pride at his accomplishment and will be on hand to support him.
Ricarldo Ragoonanan wins US$1,000 at Hero CPL match in Queen’s Park Oval
Ricarldo Ragoonanan accepts his cheque for US$1,000 from Norris Lovelace, Vice President, Individual Insurance Operations, Guardian Group Trinidad and Tobago.
Domino and Pools Competition on tomorrow at YT Sports Bar
CPL – Port of Spain, Trinidad: Ricarldo Ragoonanan from Tunapuna, Trinidad, has become the third contender in the Guardian Group Catch a Million promotion at the Hero Caribbean Premier League. Ragoonanan made a sensational onehanded catch when a six from Cameron Delport found its way into the stands at Thursday night’s encounter between Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel and the Barbados Tridents at Queen’s Park Oval. He wins US$1,000 and a chance to be at the Hero CPL Grand Final, at the same venue, where he could compete for up to US$1,000,000. The two other successful catches were at the Hero CPL matches at Sabina Park, Jamaica, last week where Private Javed
Fisher and Cecil Patterson, from Kingston, both picked up cheques for US$1,000. Commenting on the catch, James Wynne, Head of Marketing, Hero Caribbean Premier League said: “Catch a Million has really created added excitement in this year’s tournament and we’re very grateful to Guardian Group for partnering with us to deliver this fantastic promotion for fans at Hero CPL games. All three catches, so far, have been remarkably skilful so it will be very competitive if a six comes their way at the final with US$1,000,000 up for grabs!” Hero CPL action continues at Queen’s Park Oval today, 18th July when the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel take on the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at 12pm (EST).
American Pharoah arrives at Del Mar for training
Players are expected to be locked in keen battles.
YT Sports Bar will come alive tomorrow when in collaboration with Brother Domino team they stage an 18-team 20/20 Competition which will be played on a two in one out four games format, at 23 Best Road Vr e e d - e n - H o o p , We s t Demerara. Organiser Jermin Marcus said that most of the top teams in Georgetown and the West Demerara have confirmed participation
where it is expected that competition will be fierce as the teams’ battle for the top prizes and bragging rights. Marcus, who is being assisted by well known organiser Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire, disclosed that close to $200,000 in prize monies wil be up for grabs with the winning team set to receive $100,00 and a trophy donated by YT Sports Bar, runner-up $50,000 and 3rd place $30,000.
Entrance fee is $10,000 and food and drinks will be on sale throughout the day. Starting time is 15:00hrs and interested teams could contact tele #665-5855 or 693-7635 for more details. Meanwhile, Marcus further disclosed that commencing from 13:00 hrs interested Pool players could sign up to battle in a competition shortly before the Domino segment begins. Entrance fee is $1000.
DEL MAR, California (AP) — American Pharoah arrived at Del Mar Race Track on Tuesday to begin training for next month’s Haskell Invitational in New Jersey. The first Triple Crown winner in 37 years even accomplished another rarity on his journey down from Santa Anita — avoiding summer traffic on the Los Angeles-area freeways. “Well, we did leave at 4 am,” said Jimmy Barnes, trainer Bob Baffert’s chief assistant. American Pharaoh made the roughly 100-mile journey early in the morning, settled in and then jogged around the track in a morning workout that drew a large media contingent. “It’s like having a rock star here,” said Joe Harper, the Del Mar Thoroughbred
Triple Crown champion American Pharoah gets a treat from the hand of assistant trainer Jim Barnes in the stables at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club last Tuesday, July 14. (PHOTO: AP) Club CEO. “Otherwise we wouldn’t have 14 cameras here.” American Pharoah isn’t expected to race at Del Mar. Instead, the three-yearold colt will train at the seaside oval in preparation
for the Haskell on August 2 at Monmouth Park. He’ll return to Del Mar after the Haskell. Del Mar hopes Baffert, who arrives yesterday, will add the track’s US$1 million (Continued on page 36)
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WBF Caribbean heavyweight champ Mitchell Rogers prepares for world title engagement By Michael Benjamin It’s been just over a month ago that former local heavyweight champion, Mitchell Rogers, emerged from a two years hiatus from the boxing ring to carve out a unanimous decision over Tr i n i d a d i a n , K i r s t o n Manswell, when the two faced off in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago last June 19. For his efforts, Mitchell was handsomely rewarded with the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Caribbean heavyweight title and a commitment by the WBF bigwigs of a world title fight in the very near future. Muscular and imposing, Mitchell said that he has clinched a lucrative rating among the top ten WBF heavyweights and will soon face off with a yet to be identified opponent for the vacant WBF Heavyweight title shortly. Kaieteur Sport
caught up with Mitchell at his recently constructed house in Parfait Harmony and he said that he is engaged in light training while he awaits the final word on the bout. He said that he is not sure who his opponent will be but he is confident of winning the prestigious accolade. “After the last fight (with Kirston Manswell), I realized that I have what it takes to mesh with the big boys and I feel rejuvenated and confident of getting my career back on track,” proclaimed Mitchell. A former local heavyweight champion, after defeating Leon ‘The Lion’ Gilkes, Mitchell had surrendered his belt to another of his countrymen, Kurt Bess shortly before his lengthy hiatus. However, Mitchell’s absence from the ring did not necessarily translate to an absence from the sport. He
disclosed that he had spent much time in the gym while reorganizing his career and reasserting himself. “So really, the Manswell bout did not present many problems for me as I was only required to intensify training,” assured Rogers when quizzed on his preparedness for the bout. Rogers has suffered three losses, twice to Kurt Bess and once to Manswell, a loss that he has since avenged. He nurtures similar thoughts of reversing the loss to Bess but said that for the time being that will be placed on the back burner to facilitate the impending world title fight. Mitchell said that his absence from the ring has given him the opportunity for introspection. He said that he has since adapted a different perspective of the sport. “My first outlook of the sport was slanted to accept that the boxer with the
most punches stood the better chance of winning the fight but now I realize that psychology plays an important part of the plan,” admits Rogers. Amidst it all, Rogers is peeved that he was unable to acquire a taped copy of the (Manswell) bout. He said that he left Trinidad the very next day and was unable to pick up a promised tape of the fight. “I would have liked for my fans to see the fight and judge my performance and see how much I’ve improved,” said Rogers. At 35 years old Mitchell envisions himself in the ring for another five years. During that time he intends to win as many titles as possible but said that his focus is currently on winning the world title. “I am more matured and realize that the world title goal is achievable,” said Mitchell. He said that despite
Mitchell Rogers
clinching a unanimous verdict over Manswell, he is aware of the Trinidadian’s ability. “And so, despite winning the bout I decided to
take no chances as he was a dangerous customer,” said Mitchell. He admits that there are limitations to his ambitions and key among them is the absence of adequate corporate assistance. “Preparation for title fights is extremely demanding and the paucity of sponsorship is crippling,” said Mitchell. He intends to ventilate this avenue for the impending bout and is optimistic of receiving support. Mitchell is thankful for the support received from several individuals and singled out popular promoter, Keith Bazilio, whose input has been the lynchpin of his career. The late world rater, A n d r e w M u r r a y, a l s o received kudos for his role in Mitchell’s career as his coach, Sebert Blake. A former employee of Banks DIH Ltd, Mitchell said that he is also grateful to those administers for their support during his tenure at that organization. President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Peter Abdool, also came in for high praise as Mitchell feels his support has been the catalyst to his (Mitchell’s) career. “I would forever be grateful to these people and as compensation I intend to bring home the world title when the opportunity presents itself,” he asserts. The boxing strongman has now chalked up 10 wins from 13 fights and is adamant that his losing days are a thing of the past.
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Matthew Briggs looking forward to Golden Jaguars return
C
olchester United f u l l - b a c k Matthew Briggs says his first taste of senior international football with Guyana has boosted him ahead of the new season with the English League One club and is relishing the opportunity to once again don the colours of the Golden Jaguars. The 24 year-old Briggs, the youngest player to feature in the English Premier League with Fulham FC got his first senior International cap when he represented Guyana
in their 2 – 0 win over Grenada in March, leading up to the 2018 World Cup Qualifier. Briggs, who represented England the youth level (U16 through U-21) told the local Colchester news papers, the Daily Gazette, that “the international experience I’ve had has been good, especially being at senior level now. It’s been enjoyable, travelling around the world and playing in hot climates and it’s been a good experience and I relished it.” The former Millwall defender, who recently
signed a two year deal with Colchester United, admitted in the interview that he’s glad about his decision to represent the South American nation, noting “anyone would love to play international football, given the chance. I’m definitely hoping for further call-ups and when I’ve been away, I feel I’ve done well and given a good account of myself. Hopefully, it’s given me a good chance of being called up again.” And Briggs, whose family are from Guyana, is hoping that there will be
more opportunities for him to impress on the world stage in the coming months. The player in the interview said that he had never previously visited Guyana before, prior to being selected for the squad for friendlies against St Lucia and Grenada, in March. After making his full international début against Grenada, he was picked for the Golden Jaguars’ World Cup second-round qualifier last month along with former Colchester United and B o l t o n Wa n d e r e r s
Matthew Briggs
midfielder Neil Danns. But Briggs ended up missing both legs of the Golden Jaguars’ qualifier
against St Vincent and the Grenadines, who won on away goals after the tie finished 6-6 on aggregate.
LADY JAGS OPENS CAMP TODAY
G
uyana’s female N a t i o n a l Football team, popularly known as the ‘Lady Jags’, will open a week-long camp from today as the team heightens preparations for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Olympic Qualifiers. The ‘Lady Jags’, placed in Group 4, will compete against St Kitts and Nevis on August 21 and Cuba two days later against the Dominican Republic. The team is made up primarily of professional players, plying their trade in the US, UK and Canada, as well as some from the US Collegiate system. Head Coach Mark Rodrigues, who along with Technical Director Claude Bolton hosted a camp in Toronto Canada last month, believes that the team, being dormant since their historic run in 2010, still has plenty of ground to cover in order to retain their status in Caribbean football. According to Rodrigues, the camp which runs from today to Sunday July 26, will focus primarily on getting the players to gel as a unit and will comprise of tactical and functional sessions, while also addressing fitness. “Of course we are excited to be playing in Olympic Qualifiers. Yet again, we just do not just want to participate, we intend to leave a lasting impression on field and continue to leave a lasting
impression on Women’s Football in Guyana.” The women’s head coach noted. In 2010, the Lady Jags qualified for the Women’s Gold Cup in Cancun Mexico, becoming the first Guyanese national team to feature at the pinnacle of
CONCACAF football, where they played against the hosts, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago. “There is no difference this time around as compared to 2010 – the goal is and remains the same” Rodrigues said, while
adding “the Lady Jags, similar to the men, are a vehicle to bringing Guyanese together worldwide. This is what we have to use as a catalyst for the physical and social development of the youth in our country.” Meanwhile, Bolton
speaking on the team’s expectation, especially since t h e w o m e n ’s t e a m i s Guyana’s most successful at all levels, made it clear that they have no illusions noting that the group is not expected, nor have they been prepared, to compete at the
highest levels. “However, Coach Rodrigues and every single player have proudly and eagerly accepted the challenge. This effort can be the catalyst for making certain that we never face such a reality again.”
t r o Sp
Narine’s magical spell and Ramdin shine under lights WARRIORS GET HARD FOUGHT 3-WICKET WIN OVER ZOUKS
We’ve come to expect brilliant bowling figures from Sunil Narine, but 3-6 is just incredible work, CPL15 at National Stadium Providence Guyana. (CPL)
Coast Guard win first Inter-Unit - dethrones Base Athletic Championship Camp Ayanganna
Denish Ramdin led from the front with an unbeaten innings
GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips (forefront, right) hands over Inter-Unit Champions’ Trophy to Leslain Baird while the winning Coast Guard team also share the moment yesterday at National Track and Field Centre.
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