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Granger meets diplomats over Police killings in Linden p. 12

Relatives of slain men want

This picturesque St. Phillip’s church has transformed the landscape of St. Phillip’s Green, which was once a haven for drug addicts and thieves.

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independent post mortem City Hall orders day care centre closed p.

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- cites health concerns CJIA expansion ...

Local contractor apologizes to CHEC

Strong woman and astute leader …

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for not paying workers

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Guyana Watch returns p.

Simona Broomes is 16 for its 20th medical Long outreach programme a 'Special Person’ Donella

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Sunday July 22, 2012

Sunday July 22, 2012

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Four years after Guyanese murder in Barbados …

Relatives lambaste island’s police for indifference towards investigation “These people criticise Guyanese so much but they are worse.” The words of Edith Latchman as she laments the indifference of the Barbados police to the brutal murder of her son, Christopher, four years ago.

On Saturday July 19, 2008 Christopher Anthony Griffith was shot dead when gunmen stormed the Hippo Restaurant and Bar on Bay Street, St

Michael, Barbados, a popular liming spot for Guyanese on the island. The place is owned

by Guyanese Seelochanie Samuels.

Investigators had initially concluded that robbery was the motive for attack.

Samuels herself was shot but survived after spending several days in hospital.

However relatives of the dead Guyanese are not convinced

The mouse trap A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. "What food might this contain?" the mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap. Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning: "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said "Mr.Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized, but said "I am so very sorry, Mr.Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray.

Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house - like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. The farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many! people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.

The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember: when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another. Each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry.

that robbery was the motive.

In fact four years later, Griffith’s mother is still clinging to the belief that the bar owner’s children could provide vital clues as to the motive of what really transpired that night.

Her belief is based on the fact that her 26-year-old son was involved in a relationship with the bar owner who was much older than him, a situation that her grown children were not in agreement with.

“On to now they ain’t hold nobody. I believe that the woman should be held; she children got to be involved,” said Edith Latchman in a telephone interview with this newspaper from her Essequibo Coast home.

She told Kaieteur News that reports from relatives in

Seelochanie Samuels

Christopher Griffith

Barbados indicate that the woman has been making repeated excuses whenever the police on the island try to obtain a statement from her to facilitate their investigation.

Relatives of the dead man who reside on the island are

also reluctant to speak out for fear of victimization by the Barbadian authorities.

Shortly after Griffith’s death, his sister Abiola Alleyne had expressed disappointment with the way the police in Barbados had

treated the matter.

Alleyne, who resides in Barbados, believes that because her brother was a Guyanese, the authorities there appear to be indifferent to the murder.

“As far as I know the Guyana Consul here never looked into the matter. He has never contacted me. I have to be calling the police to find out what is happening,” Alleyne had told this newspaper via telephone in a previous interview.

Griffith, 26, is originally from Pomona Village, Essequibo.

According to Abiola Alleyne a description of the killer was given to the Barbadian investigators and yet there appears to be no intensified effort to apprehend him.

“Barbados is a small (continued on page 55)

Fire victims looking to rebuild Rehanna Ramsay Following the fire which destroyed a house at Lot 459 ‘A’ Field Liliendaal, Friday night, the victims have cut their losses and are looking to rebuild their lives. The fire which occurred around 18:30 hours on Friday completely wrecked a two-story house which once accommodated six people.

The property owned by Paulette Thompson, was worth some $7 million.

Reports are that nothing had been saved.

At the scene yesterday, one of victims, Deborah Sampson, was digging through the rubble to find anything that she could salvage. She related that all documents from birth certificates to passports had been burnt. “All I have is the clothes that I had on my back.”

Sampson said that she is currently being accommodated by family members, who took them in for the night. Although the origin

of the fire is unknown, Sampson contested that her children had not lit the matches that caused the blaze.

Sampson, who is a nurse, stated that while she was at work when the fire occurred, her children are never left at home unsupervised.

She said that her children are usually left with a babysitter.

The visibly distraught woman recounted her version of the story.

“My children were asleep.

The girl that left with them said that she was watching a movie, ‘Pretty Woman’ and

see the blaze at the back of the house. She run and throw water on it and it explode. She wake up the children and gave the big girl the baby and tell them to run from the fire.”

She said that she is awaiting a report from the fire department on the findings following an investigation that was launched into the incident.

Sampson insisted that her children are not to be blamed for the fire. She added that she would usually cook and put away the matches to prevent such incidents.

“I don’t know what

caused the fire but I’m saying that matches are not in my children’s reach I don’t even allow the babysitter to cook.

The woman related that some persons have expressed their interest in helping them rebuild. However at this point persons are only sympathizing with her.

She said that she would have to approach Government agencies to have her essential documents restored.

The woman told Kaieteur news that she along with her husband and three children once occupied the lower flat of the building.

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210

Editorial

Common Sense The recent unfortunate events in Linden will bring to the fore once again commentators and politicians who will bemoan the refusal of ordinary folks to “see” matters as they do and more to the point act in the manner they prescribe.

This is nothing new. Coterminous with the development of the “Enlightenment” in Europe, has been the rise of a class of individuals that believe because they have been to “school”, the knowledge they picked up from books and late night argumentation is superior to that of the rest of the folks that acquired their knowledge from experience and the “school of hard knocks”. These supercilious souls would like to be regarded as “intellectuals”.

We in the West Indies have gone along with the fiction.

One iconoclast broke with his class and spoke of the tragedy of “Doctor Politics” in the West Indies.

Freshly armed with their degrees from the “Mother Country” the early batch of politicians that “fought” for independence – on our behalf, they assured us fervidly – convinced us that they knew exactly what was needed to create our Promised Land.

In our case, one putative “father of our nation” had his speeches on the nation collated as “A Destiny to Mould”.

The irony of any one man seeking to “mould” the destiny of an entire nation – one comprised of “six races” to boot – evidently never struck that leader. He was firmly convinced that he was an “intellectual” and of course, he knew better.

Most of his Marxist contemporaries shared his orientation about a “vanguard party”, filled with intellectuals, of course, whose mission was to lead the backward ‘working class’ out of bondage. The said working class obviously could not think for themselves.

Today we witness the same arrogance in the pontifications of those that are filled with righteous indignation because the actions of the ordinary citizens do not fit in with the theories from books that fill their heads.

Very few of them have ever thought to engage themselves in attempting to put their theories to the test of action – with they themselves getting into the trenches with the ordinary folks that they would have thrown their bodies into the fray.

But the common folk – who these so-called intellectuals deride as “the great unwashed”- have something going for them – common sense.

They have experienced the failures of the “great ideas” so many times in the past half-a-century that they simply snicker and move placidly along as the latest “emancipator” mounts his/her soapbox.

“Common sense” implies practical and real capabilities and ways or organising one’s life based on actual and inherited experiences. It is always in tension with the abstractions of the “great minds”: it is the nearest thing to “democratic reason”. But this, not surprisingly, is scoffed at by those that “know better” – not least because there is very little power and prestige accreting to them from such a point of view.

Then also there is the common folk’s possession of tradition as a frame of reference to evaluate the claims of the new snake-oil salesmen.

While tradition and convention are almost always derided by the latter group, as “fetters” to the new dispensation that would usher in the brave new world, it is these selfsame traditions that uphold and give meaning to the social life of the community.

Very often it is these traditions that generate the seeds of their own transformation – but at a pace that does not destroy the social capital accumulated so laboriously over time.

Finally there is the faith of the ordinary man, which the “intellectual will never know because his entire training has unfortunately been geared to subvert and undermine this rock on which mankind ultimately rests.

Faith trains the common folk to appreciate that ultimately morality, justice and the good life can never be based solely on theories on bootstrapping from other ideas. There must be ideas consummated in action: and this is where the “intellectuals” have absolutely no experience. Let us keep faith with the people at this anxious time.

Sunday July 22, 2012

Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

The response to the Tain and Linden protests speaks volumes of this regime’s racial ideology DEAR EDITOR, The great American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, once said; “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. On Thursday night a gunman entered a movie theatre in Colorado and killed 12 innocent patrons.

Within an hour the President of the United States of America issued a statement condemning the killing and offered his condolences to the families of the deceased. Less than 12 hours later the US President cut short his reelection campaign and addressed the

American nation.

On Wednesday here in Guyana, three young men Shemroy Boyea, Ron Sommerset and Ivan Lewis were killed by ranks of the Guyana police force while participating in a peaceful demonstration in the mining town of Linden.

Within hours of the shooting the President of Guyana issued a statement placing blame for the killing at the feet of his political opponents the AFC and the APNU. The three young men that were killed and the scores that were wounded were all African Guyanese.

The news of the killings

rocked the African population of Guyana and emotions and tempers are still very raw. It is now three days after the killing and Mr. Donald Ramotar has not seen the merit in addressing the nation.

Time and again this president has taken his responsibility as leader of this nation lightly and it is clear to me that he does not understand that he is not the President of the PPPC or President of those that voted for him at the last election; he is President of all of Guyana.

Time and again this Chief Executive has blown opportunities to talk to this

nation and to help heal our wounds and bring us together as a people.

On December 6th 2011 when ranks of the Guyana Police Force opened fire on peaceful APNU demonstrators and supporters (most of whom were Afro-Guyanese) in Georgetown, there was no governmental response and again the President was silent.

Chapter three of the Constitution of Guyana speaks to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual. Yet it is becoming abundantly clear that in this Continued on page 5

Sunday July 22, 2012

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Where were these leaders when the shooting started?

Justice for the Linden dead must also include a reform of the Guyana Police Force

DEAR EDITOR, My blood boiled when I read the headline of Kaieteur news of July 19, 2012 which screamed, “Linden protest turns deadly, four dead two dozen injured.” The political opposition APNU and AFC were not indicating that the protest which began on Wednesday was likely to come into being.

Surely those who protested were supporters of both the APNU and AFC. The question which I ask is, “Were the people of Linden entitled to the leadership of APNU and AFC in this protest?” How is it that no leader of APNU and AFC was in the forefront to face the volley of bullets and protect the people.

I remember well the assault at the Office of the President when the people marched all the way from as far as Belladrum on the West

Coast of Berbice.

When the march reached New Garden Street, Robert Corbin lost his way and somehow found himself in the vicinity of the Ministry of Finance when the volley of bullets were fired at his comrades at New Garden Street. It is not the citizens who were shot and killed that day it was the PNC which lost its life.

Again I recall the killing of Mc Kinnon in the vicinity of Freedom House. Where were the leaders of the PNC? I recall well, after the Lusignan massacre the people were marching for Georgetown. I learnt that the police were going to fire at the crowd to ensure that the march did not reach Georgetown.

In the vicinity of Beterverwagting I noticed that the police had taken up battle position. I tried to turn back the march and placed

myself between the marchers and the police and the marchers, women were crying and stating that they intended to die that day.

It only when Dr Ram the dentist at Annandale came that the people halted. He knew many of them personally. We were not leaders of anyone.

Where were the old soldiers, Granger, Collins and Harmon, where was the former Commission of Police Felix, where were lovers of people Benschop and Kissoon, where were the champions of black rights David Hinds Lincoln Lewis, where was Ramjattan? I spit upon them all.

The people of Linden must not allow these Honourable gentlemen and their cohorts to swim in political power in the tide of African blood.

Vic Puran

The response to the Tain and Linden...

From page 4 Republic, some lives are valued more than others and some offered protections that are denied others.

One only has to juxtapose the struggles and demonstration by the people of Albion in June 2005, Tain in November 2007, with those of the people of Linden to see that there is a double standard in the methodology of police internal security doctrine and the use of force when dealing with crowd control.

The government response to the people of Tain and the ignoring of the people of Linden is also instructive and speaks volumes of the racial ideology of the current regime.

It is sad that after 46 years

of Independence we cannot have an honest and open national discussion on race in Guyana. After 46 years we are still demonizing and stereotyping each other. The Linden Martyrs, like the Enmore Martyrs blood were shed because in both instances the policy of the government of the day allowed the national police to exercise poor judgment against protestor who just wanted to be heard.

The people of Guyana deserve and should demand better from this President and this government. Supporters of the PPPC should not feel comfortable because of geography and in some cases ethnicity. For injustice anywhere is a threat to justice

everywhere; our lives as Guyanese citizens begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Yesterday it was Linden tomorrow it could be you.

The time has come for us to have a frank and honest discussion on race in Guyana.

The time has come for us to demand better governance and leadership. We must quickly learn to live together as brothers and sisters or ultimately perish as fools. I pray that the blood of the Linden Martyrs will not have been shed in vain.

Mark Archer

DEAR EDITOR, Ron Somerset, Shemroy Bouyea and Ivan Lewis are now martyrs to Guyana’s version of independent and republic democracy. While the rest of the world was celebrating Mandela’s birthday on 18th July, part of Guyana was infuriated and shocked as the police continued their proud legacy of not being able to recognise humanity in those that they encounter.

And as a further symptom of our proud legacy of independence and civilization, the words ‘unfortunate’ and ‘tragic’ are used to describe what is in fact brutal, sickening and deserving of immediate sanctions.

And the victims, we are told, are to blame. They choose to be in the line of live bullet rounds the narrative goes, and the ones to blame are the ‘instigators’, like how Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan are to blame for the police killing of the Enmore Martyrs?

And then the Police, in a press statement, say that there was no political involvement - in other words they are firm that they know who did not issue the orders to shoot the people.

A Kaieteur News article of 20 July 2012 is headlined “Relatives of Linden dead cry for justice” (and not Government of national unity or any other thing); Justice, which has been denied to many who have suffered at the hands of the police. The public though, wants to know - not who did not give the

orders, but rather who gave the orders. They want to know from the police what action is being taken about justice for those who were killed by the police.

Minister Rohee has refused to reform the Guyana Police Force, instead preferring to lament the corruption and the inefficiencies without taking much action. There are calls for Minister Rohee to go… but to be replaced by whom?

Another Minister who will continue a policy of believing that the police are not accountable to the people they are supposed to serve and protect?

And President Ramotar in holding on to Minister Rohee is telling us that under his leadership we will continue to expect the demoralisation of the police, the continued lack of confidence in the police to deliver on their mandate. The police who might think that they have a different view are going to be further silenced.

We are told that we cannot expect to have a police service who can find humane ways of dealing with crowds and alleged criminals and victims of rape and domestic

violence.

Nelson Mandela said “Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all. Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfill themselves.” “ Some of us do not believe this is possible for Guyana , or are happy to accept and to complain silently or deny that there are problems or do blame others who are just as oppressed as they are.

Others though, who wish to dream for a just and equitable society, and to stand up for this , are not supposed to be killed by the police.

Justice for Ron Somerset, Shemroy Bouyea and Ivan Lewis cannot just be about long winded commissions of enquiry which may or may not end up in charges and disciplinary action. Justice for Ron Somerset, Shemroy Bouyea and Ivan Lewis must also include a commitment to a reform of the Guyana Police Force and the other related agencies; and to an overhaul of how we view each other as Guyanese.

Vidyaratha Kissoon

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Sunday July 22, 2012

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THE LINDEN MARTYRS MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN DEAR EDITOR, As concerned Guyanese in the Diaspora, we strongly condemn the killing of three Guyanese citizens and the massive injuries of dozens of others at Linden.

This is a timely reminder of how the Stalin and other Marxist leaders in Russia have terminated their people for political means as the people protested peacefully for “bread”.

Based on the reports we have received out of the township, the latest estimated unemployment level stand at some 70 percent of which roughly 55 percent are youths and to add ignorance to dotishness, an increase in electricity rates is being foist on the people when they do not have adequate economic means to absorb such increases. What kind of human development model is this?

Part of the preamble to our constitutional states we the people pledge to “to respect human dignity and to cherish and uphold the principles of freedom, equality and democracy and all other fundamental human rights.”

Nothing done by the goons (“Target Squad aka Black Clothes”) of Minister Rohee in Linden during that protest respected the founding principles of this nation. In reality Rohee’s Force acted above and outside of the rule of law and thus immediately all involved including Rohee must step away from their role to “protect and serve” the people until an international

and independent enquiry is concluded.

Since losing majority power, the PPP choose not to engage the majority of the people but to rule in a dictatorial manner (run to Court every day, pay people to protest Parliament in support of their corrupt ways etc) rather than accept the reality. They have also starved communities like Linden, New Amsterdam, Central Corentyne and East Bank Berbice that banished them at the polls.

Now they have added a new flavor to their menu of measures to drive the East Indians back into the PPP camp by using their bull whip called “fear.” This is all part of the PPP grand strategy as they use their agents provocateurs to drive a wedge between the Afro and Indo Guyanese.

Clement Rohee has clearly stated in a letter to the press that “If ever there are tensions in our society it is because of the political opposition fuelled by sections of the media, and rarely the government.” The play book was pulled out and the authors of the death of those Linden Martyrs were instructed since June 29, 2012 that the plan has to be put into action.

This country had changed for the better when Dr Jagan took up the struggle for the Enmore Martyrs and made the old PPP into a national movement. If the political opposition especially the AFC does not

take up this struggle for the Linden Martyrs and use the sentiments to apprise the people of the racist game being played by Jagdeo/ Ramotar PPP, then Guyana will forever be ruled by this inept, dictatorial and corrupt PPP regime.

That is why we are calling on the true freedom fighters and non-racist Guyanese leaders like the Hon. Moses V. Nagamootoo and Nigel Hughes to take their rightful place as our leaders. We are determined to take this struggle forward. There is no place for weak leadership “who are afraid to protest” and “who are prepared to dialogue with a murderous regime.” The AFC must leave the tripartite talks and focus on gathering the resources to feed the people on the streets in Linden as they join hands with their brothers and sisters in the sugar belt in creating a peaceful and prosperous Guyana in which all and not only a privilege few benefit from its resources. In the process Guyanese must get rid of all the racist and corrupt personnel who continue to steal from the poor and the working class resulting in under-development in many communities like Linden.

In this time of bereavement, the AFC must seize this opportunity and act as consoler and healer of the nation against these oppressors. To this end, they should ask the nation to pray for the bereaved families and also expose those who secretly engaged in talks with the killing machine in the PPP. The AFC must join with all stakeholders and mobilize the people of Guyana to commence a nightly vigil at State House until the demands of the people are

met. The blood of the LINDEN MARTYRS must not be shed in vain.

In this regards, the people should demand the following from the killing machine in the PPP: 1. The Police officers involved in the shooting must be arrested and charged for murder; 2.

Adequate compensation must be paid to the families of the murdered victims who were cut down in the prime of their lives, as well as all those who sustained injuries at the hands of some rogue police officers.

3. President Ramotar must apologize to the families of the murdered victims for the barbaric act of these agents of his PPP Government; 4. President Ramotar must ordered the immediate suspension of the proposed

increases in electricity tariffs until his Government does something tangible with regards to job creation in Region 10 to impact on the un-naturally high unemployment rate fostered under the PPP; 5. President Ramotar must consult with Lindeners to develop an economic plan that will provide l o n g t e r m a n d sustainable employment for the people of Linden; 6. President Ramotar must act on the reforms promised by the PPP as a result of the work by the Symonds Group from the UK to make the Police more accountable to the people; 7. The Forestry Commission and the Geology and Mines Commission must be moved to Linden to immediately create some new

jobs for the people of Region 10.

We demand that the combined opposition place a vote of no confidence in Parliament against Minister Rohee for misleading the public and his mismanagement of the security forces.

It is the moral imperative of the combined opposition to demand the immediate end of the brutality in Guyana and an end to all PPP racist policies. We urged all Guyanese to stand up and defend the human rights of all citizens, particularly the poor and the working class who have been abandoned by the corrupt PPP regime.

THESE SENSELESS KILLINGS MUST STOP!!

LET FREEDOM REIGN!!!

Sasenarine Singh MSc. and Dr. Asquith Rose

LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED DEAR EDITOR, Now that it is clear that the standard LS procedures were not used to confront what was an obvious peaceful protest at Linden, no stone must be left unturned in the pursuit of clarity and the implementation of Justice.

We must explore whether the fact that the Commissioner has launched a serious inhouse crusade against corruption (Corruption that also involves the Narcotic trade), is linked to the Linden event as an act of drowning men to discredit his authority.

The Commissioner is informed enough to know which ranks and officers, even commanders are ‘involved’; these men will seek protection from prosecution at any means necessary. Thus, he must understand that the current

administration recruits its operatives from the fallen and discredited of this society; for example those in the ‘Caroll back trackcartel’, ‘The Baldeo tapes’ to the shameful involvement of the State with Roger Khan. There are persons whose offspring have been caught with narcotics, others [males] like ‘little boys’. Some cannot balance the accounts of their relative organizations.

On the evidence of decency in the PPP, here are some examples. Moses Nagamootoo came out and informed us that he had warned the PPP against employing Ronald Gajraj, we know where Moses is now.

Khemraj Ramjattan held the PPP accountable when they wanted to disown ‘Chowtie’ whose Black ops. gang with their Rasta wigs were also

terrorizing East Coast villages; we know where he is now. Ralph Ramkarran recently insisted that the PPP deal condignly with corruption, we also know of his difficult forced retreat from the Political organization his father helped to build.

The Political opposition must be extremely vigilant.

The post mortem of the Linden Martyrs must not be Legally held without International observers, and the Commissioner must also allow an International presence when the investigation is conducted on who murdered the Linden Martyrs; the whys??/ will fall into place. The Commissioner has one direction to go if he is not to be enveloped by this intriguing situation and that is forward.

Barrington Braithwaite

Sunday July 22, 2012

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I disagree with the concept that we should The Auditor General’s (ag) actions have serious implications for the integrity of the pay the same rate as Georgetown DEAR EDITOR, up and sold as scrap metal. how gradual this was. As a not pose a conflict of of the financial statements Audit Office did As a Linden layperson Hard to believe but true. How pensioner, I have been getting interest, as her husband had and the most knowledgeable DEAR EDITOR, I had previously refrained from commenting on the a l l e g a t i o n s , indeed arguments and counter arguments, about the apparent conflict of interest involving the Minister of Finance and his wife, Mrs. Gitanjali Singh from the Audit Office. This was mainly due to the fact that I had played a role in their professional growth and development from the time they both left high school in the early 1990s.

However, after reading the recent comments, I feel obliged to have my say in the sincere hope that the issue can be resolved as quickly as possible, thereby freeing both parties to devote their energies in undertaking their respective tasks.

To clarify the sequence of events, Gitanjali joined the Audit Office sometime in 1992 or 1993 as an Audit Clerk. About two years after, her intended husband, Ashni Singh, was recruited as Deputy Auditor General, immediately after completing his ACCA and Master’s Degree in Accounting and Finance. Gitanjali served for a number of years as my Personal Assistant, while Ashni along with G.N. Dwarka assisted me as members of the Executive Committee. Sometime after 1997, Ashni was awarded a scholarship to do a Ph.D. On the eve of his departure, Ashni was married to Gitanjali, and they both left for the United Kingdom. Ashni was granted no-pay leave while his wife would have resigned from the Audit Office.

Four years later Ashni became Dr. Singh while his wife completed her ACCA. Upon his return to the Audit Office, Dr. Singh was promoted to Senior Deputy Auditor General. His wife did not rejoin the Audit Office, as she would have had to be offered the position of Assistant Auditor General in keeping with her new qualification. Had this happened, it would have presented a real dilemma for me, for obvious reasons. She chose instead to join the Georgetown Hospital Corporation as Chief Internal Auditor. I was in the interview panel that selected her. I learnt that she resigned from that job because of an apparent conflict of interest though I was unable to ascertain conclusively the nature of the conflict of interest.

I was in Africa during the period August 2002 to August 2004. It was during this time that Mrs. Singh rejoined the Audit Office as Assistant Auditor General. Her return at that time

already been transferred to the Ministry of Finance as Director of Budget. When I demitted office in January 2005, she would have been elevated to Deputy Auditor General. Armed with an ACCA qualification, Mrs. Singh was the only professionally qualified accountant among senior management, including the Auditor General (Ag.). With her in-depth knowledge of auditing standards, she would have obviously played a dominating role in developing audit plans and procedures for conducting audits of the public accounts of Guyana and the accounts of ministries/ departments/regions. She would have also assisted in no small measure in monitoring the execution of the audits and in reviewing the results.

It is true that Mrs. Singh’s specific responsibility relates to the audit of public enterprises. However, the accounts of these entities are also an integral part of the public accounts which are reported on in the Auditor General’s report.

Therefore, Mrs. Singh would have played a role on crafting the report of the Auditor General. I do not envisage Mr. Sharma not consulting with her on crucial technical and professional issues. In particular, most, if not all, draft audit opinions would have had to go to her for clearance before being issued.

Following the 2006 general elections, Dr. Singh became the Minister of Finance. In this capacity, he is responsible for the preparation and certification of the public accounts of Guyana. The Audit Office audits these accounts and issues an opinion on their fair presentation in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing. The Minister of Finance’s wife is part of senior management in the Audit Office, and is the only qualified accountant in that group responsible for: (a) developing strategies for the audits of the public accounts; (b) providing direction and supervision of the audits; (c) monitoring their execution; (d) reviewing the results; and (e) preparing the draft report of the Auditor General.

In view of the foregoing, I am of the view that a conflict of interest arises involving the person responsible for preparation and certification of the country’s accounts, on the one hand, and one of the key persons involved in the auditing of these accounts and in expressing an opinion on them, on the other hand.

That key person is the wife of the preparer and certifier

among that group in the interpretation and application of the International Standards on Auditing and in deciding on the content of the various reports to be laid in the National Assembly.

I call on both parties affected by the conflict of interest to do the professionally, morally, ethically correct thing. One party has to divest himself/ herself of this undesirable situation. I might add that it is mere cosmetic for the Auditor General (Ag.) to now put in place some measures to address the issue, thereby acknowledging that the conflict of interest existed since 2006. I consider his actions as mere tinkering of what I consider to be a serious issue involving good governance, transparency and accountability. His actions also have serious implications for the integrity, credibility and professional independence of the Audit Office. I call once again on the Public Service Commission to take measures to appoint a substantive Auditor General through a transparent and competitive procedure and setting out clear criteria for appointment.

Finally, I note with concern the Government has taken up a position of seeking to defend the existing situation in the Audit Office.

Is this not interfering with the independence and constitutionality of an institution over which the Public Accounts Committee exercises general supervision? Are we now to believe that the Audit Office has become part of the Executive, with reporting relations to the Office of the President? Is this not contrary to Article 223 of the Constitution and the Audit Act 2004. Why is the Auditor General (Ag.) allowing this to happen?

Anand Goolsarran

and an ex-Linmine pensioner, I’m tired of hearing about the subsidies that the Govt. has been giving to Linden to make up the cost of their electricity tariffs. Although I agree that the Linden rates are too low, I disagree that we should be made to pay the same as the Georgetown consumers. GPL admits that 40% of their generation is lost through theft and other technical line losses, and therefore the rates that Georgetown consumers pay obviously includes an amount to make up for this.

If they want to sit meekly and accept these high rates, when they should be paying only 60% or about $40 per kWh, then so be it. But why should Lindeners be made to do the same when GPL doesn’t even provide our electricity. As far as I understand, Bosai generates our electricity with their diesel generators and sells it to the Linden Electricity Corp. Their generation cost is approx. $43 per kWh. When Guymine generated our power with its steam power plant, the cost was much cheaper. This plant was scrapped and we now have this situation.

What I would like to know is the other side of the coin – What has the Government received from its sale of our Bauxite Operations. After Mincorp made a mess of Linmine which started the Linden decline, and the operations were sold to Iamgold for US$10M who later resold it to Bosai Minerals for US$46M (Anything sounds suspicious here?), it included all the shops – Machine Shop, the biggest & best in the Caribbean, Carpentry Shop, Automotive Shop, and a few others, all equipped with the latest machines and tools. All the equipment including huge draglines, scrapers, tractors, railroad tracks, locomotives, etc.

Most, if not all of this was cut

much money did this exercise generate and where did it go?

To NICIL, I expect, ask Mr. Brassington.

BIDCO, our Georgetown sister company, had many properties, some of which were taken over by the Government and some were sold. e.g. Bidco Head Office in Main Street, now Min of Culture, Youth & Sport, Customs office in Church St., Duke St Guest House, sold to Roraima and the adjoining property, Forshaw Street property and the Training Centre in Queenstown, and a host of others. How much were these properties sold for and what happened to the money. Again to NICIL, I expect, ask Mr. Brassington.

A lot of property was also sold and is still being sold in Linden. I understand the current price is $300,000 per lot. Again, where has all this money gone? So instead of harping on the electricity subsidies that has been going to Linden over the years, let us hear a bit more about all the money that was passed on to the Government, through NICIL or the Privatisation Unit so we can have a balanced perspective.

I read recently that Bosai made $119M in profits off their electricity generation in the past two years. Why should they be making profit off of electricity generation when they are a Bauxite operation.

Shouldn’t their electricity costs be part of their expense.

This means that they have been overcharging for the power. In effect, this means that the subsidies that the Govt. claims they have been giving to Linden, have been going indirectly to Bosai.

I heard the President today at a news conference, repeat the Prime Minister’s statement that the electricity rate hikes are GRADUAL. So I did a little arithmetic to see

300kWh free as part of my pension package. Now this has been reduced to 50kWh. A decrease of 83.33%. In addition, the rate from July 1 will be $50 per kWh instead of $5, an increase of 900%.

So if my monthly consumption is 300 kWh, I will now have to pay $12,500 instead of $0. If I bring it down to 200 kWh, I will now pay $7500 instead of $0. And If I manage to get it down to 150 kWh, which the PM says is the average for the rest of the country, I will now pay $5000 (half of my Govt. pension). Of course, the survey to arrive at the 150 kWh per month does not include the thousands who are stealing electricity from GPL. So how reliable was the survey? And how gradual is the increase? I would think that the line path from$5 to $62 would be at intervals of $10 or $20, not $5 to $50 to $62.

Incidentally, I disagree entirely with the concept that we should pay the same rate as Georgetown. We are not on the National Grid; our power comes directly from Bosai who has obviously been overcharging us and making profit to boot. It’s as if you go in the market and pay Nigel’s price for fruits and vegetables instead of the price the market vendor acquires it at. Just so that the whole country pays the same price. A new brand of economics.

Linden Pensioner

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

The container truck at the centre of the accident An out of control 40-foot container truck was at the centre of an accident Friday evening and has left the owners of three very

expensive jeeps contemplating their expenses.

The accident which occurred at the corners of Middle and Main Streets

around 09:00hours ended with the container truck running into the back of a Toyota Prado which in turn ran into a Rav 4 that was parked on the roadside opposite the Palm Court Club.

The truck did not stop in its course of damage as the container before making a hairpin bend on the street, slammed into a parked Hilux Pickup truck which got wedged between an electricity pole and the 9’6 inch high container truck.

Information reaching Kaieteur News is that the Prado turned out of Middle Street onto Main, while the container truck was proceeding south along Main Street. Misjudgement on the part of one of the parties caused the collision. Both parties argued that the accident was not their fault while explaining to traffic ranks their version of the accident.

The driver of the Demerara Shipping Company-owned container truck who only gave his name as Manraj, said that

Two of the jeeps damaged in the collision he was proceeding along Main Street, when out of nowhere, he saw the Prado turn the corner out of Middle Street at a very fast rate.

The man said that he was already up on the jeep when it turned and he had no other choice but to pull away in order to avoid hitting the jeep in the rare. The driver said the container still ended up hitting the jeep from the side and it in turn, ran into the parked Rav 4. The driver of the container

truck said he braked sharply and the container began to slide, causing him to end up on the side of the road, hitting the Hilux and wedging it between the electricity pole and the container.

The driver of the Prado, Morse Archer, said he was cleared for the turn and proceeded. The man said he came to the intersection and saw the container a fair distance away so he turned his vehicle. The man said the

next thing he felt was a sharp jab from the back and he ended up hitting the Rav 4.

Kaieteur News understands that the parked vehicles are owned by patrons of the Palm Court Club.

At the time, arrangements were being made for the removal of the Shipping Company’s vehicle while the drivers were asked to accompany traffic ranks to the Brickdam Police Station.

Luckily, no one was injured.

By Rabindra Rooplall A month of fasting began yesterday for the Muslim community as Ramadan commenced. The Muslim tradition of fasting involves abstaining from food, water and other everyday comforts.

Although the month focuses on self-reflection and control, many practitioners choose to look beyond their deprivation and give to charities.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days according to the visual sightings of the crescent

moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled.

Muslims are called upon to use this month to reevaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. They are to make peace with those who have wronged them, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits; essentially to clean up their lives, thoughts, and feelings.

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip, Muslims say.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person’s body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice selfrestraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one’s self on the worship of God. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

Following the month of fasting, there is the festival of Eid, with plenty of food to break the long fast.

The month of extreme moderation- which falls at different times each year because it is based on the lunar calendar - teaches the “idea of cultivating selfcontrol.”

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) and Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana extend Ramadan Mubarak to all Guyanese, especially, the Muslim Community.

Muslim community observes a month of fasting

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Diplomats meet Ramotar on Linden President Donald Ramotar expressed his concerns over Linden, yesterday, and urged that it be restored to normalcy so that discussions on the electricity tariffs and other issues can move forward.

These concerns were made known to the entire Diplomatic Community during a meeting with the Head of State at the Office of the President earlier yesterday during which investments and the business climate in the mining community were raised.

On Friday night Digicel and a number of other places in Linden were looted.

Meanwhile President Ramotar on Friday at a press conference stated that the level of unrest which has

accelerated over the past days has caused the entire township of Linden to be destabilised.

“In fact the entire region has been also affected,” the President said adding that the communities of Kwakwani and Ituni have been unable to access emergency medical care, fuel and food.

The interior Regions have also been affected by what is taking place in Linden.”

Noting that Bosai Company employs more than 500 persons, he said that it has been closed for the last few days and the company has indicated that it is reconsidering further expansion of its business.

“I have been in discussion with Mr. Walker of the Toucan Connections, the

President Donald Ramotar call centre in Linden which employs almost 150 persons, and which also has been likewise affected, and which could lose overseas contracts if this situation continues.”

President Ramotar observed that the domestic business sector in Linden is also being affected since many workers are afraid to come to work and prefer to stay in the safety of their homes.

“In my discussion with the Regional Chairman, Mr. Sharma Solomon I have stressed that Linden will suffer a great setback if these developments are not brought to an end soon. I also wish to emphasise that the Linden community is being, and has been terribly and deliberately misinformed by some extremists and well known political activists with regard to the recently introduced tariff increases,” he stressed.

(GINA)

City Hall orders day care centre closed Citing health concerns, the Mayor and City Council has ordered the closure of the J.O.S Play Land and Day Care Centre in Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt Gardens. In a notice addressed to the owner of the property, the Council stated that the section that was being used as a day care centre was “of such construction and in such a state as to be a nuisance and injurious to health.”

The notice also stated that the facility had inadequate ventilation, was poorly lit and was overcrowded.

The manager of the day care centre has to close the facility within 14 days of receiving the notice.

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) mounted an investigation into conditions at the day care centre, located at Lot 455 Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, following complaints that the health of children attending

- cites health concerns the facility were at risk.

The centre, located in a bottom flat, was without electricity and has two doors but no windows.

Kaieteur News understands that 25 to 30 children attend the centre.

M&CC Health Inspector, Kenneth Stevens told Kaieteur News that an inspection revealed that the environment is unsuitable for the running of such a facility.

The centre has reportedly been without electricity for more than a month.

The landlord, Neville Wray, had described the

environment as “dangerous and unhealthy for children.”

“In there is hot, hot and it is very dark, because there is no window. It got one door at the back and one at the front, that’s all,” he said.

Wray explained that when he rented the apartment to a female tenant, it was designed for an internet café, but he eventually rented it to her with a concession of 14 months.

“I told her that I will rent her the place, and that I will

give her a 14-month concession so that she could make the relevant adjustments to make the children comfortable, but it’s almost three years and all she did was to knock out a piece of wall and make a door and she is charging between $5,000 to $7,0003 Wray claimed.

A City Council official told Kaieteur News that the M&CC does not issue any registration letters to Day Care operators.

“The way this country is going right now, a person can just gather couple children and start a day care.”

Page 9

Dem boys seh

People mekking hay in rain People now know wha hardship mean. Dem also know how some people use to feel in Buxton. But more than that dem see really stupid people.

Imagine in a small place like Linden people gun break in a Digicel store like if dem own it. Dem ain’t got nowhere to hide de thing because dem don’t have transportation out of Linden because dem shut down everything.

Dem thief computer and because dem couldn’t hide de thing dem start fuh use it. When de police ketch dem all of dem got de nerve to be surprise.

But things wasn’t really suh bad that dem had to thief.

People beg and cooking food fuh dem. Whole day who don’t know wheh de next meal coming from got something to eat.

But old people seh that it hard fuh please some people.

Couple of dem who does only wait fuh trouble come out and dem start fuh rob people. Dem tackle Brazilian and coastlander alike. Couple people put up toll station. Dem boys seh that it look like Linden is another state.

Dem want see if dem would charge Uncle Donald toll when he go up to visit. Already dem ignoring de call fuh peace because dem claim how dem mekking hay while de sun shining. De rain fall Friday and dem still claim how dem mekking hay.

People really rough when it come to certain things.

Talk half and pray fuh de stupid ones.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Relatives of slain men want independent post mortem Ulrich Michael Cameron who was said to be in a critical condition with gunshot wounds to his chest is in better spirits as his condition has significantly improved.

Cameron was shot on Wednesday evening during the protest action at the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge.

Cameron’s wife, Donna Cameron, said yesterday, that her husband is now talking and is not experiencing as much pain as before. He however still remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the Linden Hospital Complex.

Mrs. Cameron said that to date no official from the Guyana Police Force has met with her to offer any explanation. In the meantime the woman says she will remain hopeful that her husband will pull through this ordeal. And the relatives of

Ron Somerset, who was shot and killed, have said they are very concerned over the way his body was removed from the Wismar Hospital mortuary without them being informed.

The teen’s aunt, Leslyn Boyce, said that she was at home when persons who were protesting informed her that her nephew’s remains as well as those of the others who were slain were being air dashed to the city.

Boyce said that she and other relatives raced down to the scene trying to get some answers from the police ranks on the ground but were told nothing.

“These people ain’t even tell we where they carrying the body or when they will do the post mortem; nothing they ain’t tell we, and up to now no police ain’t visit the relatives to say a word.”

Boyce added that the relatives will not accept the results if they are not allowed to witness the post mortem.

“We have to be there or if not we will call for an independent post mortem. We want to see what the doctor is taking out from these bodies.”

To date relatives said that they were only visited by Nigel Hughes who assisted them with locating the bodies when they arrived in Georgetown. On Wednesday evening police opened tear gas, rubber pellets and live rounds on a ground of protestors at the Wismar/ Mackenzie bridge as they vented their concern of the hike in electricity tariff.

Three persons, Ron Somerset, Ivan Lewis and Shemroy Bouyea were killed.

Over two dozen persons were also injured.

Down to earth ‘Karan and Abha’ interact with fans!

Sunday July 22, 2012

GPSU signals intentions to resume 25% increase demand

GPSU’s President, Patrick Yarde and other officials of the union at yesterday’s press conference.

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is upping the ante on its demands for an across the board increase for its members.

During a press conference yesterday, the union said that government has been dragging its foot since proposals were tabled in December.

GPSU’s President, Patrick Yarde, said that the leadership of the union is expected to meet on the simmering issue this week. After that, it will come up for discussions with the membership.

In December, the union had demanded a 25 per cent increase for public servants.

Government responded by “unilaterally” paying five per cent.

Insisting that Government’s imposition of the increase for several years now is against standing agreements, Yarde was harsh in his criticisms.

“For 10 consecutive years, government imposed increase on public servants, despite a legally binding agreement which requires bilateral agreements…”

He believed that the issue of imposed increases of wages and salaries dates back to the 1999-2000 when the court ruled that government must negotiate with GPSU as there are agreements.

“The ruling”, Yarde said, “not only totally embarrassed government but from all indications, caused the government to definitely

harbour a grudge against public servants”.

The union leader added that the pay of public servants and the so-called contract workers, is but a classic example.

He listed a number of allowances, including travelling, which have not been hiked since the 90’s when the price of gas was $200 per gallon. According to Yarde, Government in its “wicked procrastination” of the December proposal, had asked for the union to relook at that agenda and make another proposal listing issues of priority in the wage and salaries negotiations.

The union said that it is still holding to its 25 per cent increase demands.

First set of breeding bulls arrive Karan, Abha, promoters and sponsors at a press conference at the Princess Hotel

By Rehana Ahamad

Ashley

Hearts began to throb and tears even welled in the eyes of some as the Yahaan Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli stars “Karan and Abha” walked out of the plane which touched down at the Cheddi Jagan

International Airport around 1:30hrs on Friday morning.

With their naked faces, the two, after traveling for about 20 or more hours, did not even object to taking pictures with fans and answering questions posed by members of the media.

They did request that the

“tiring, and not so pretty” pictures not be uploaded on social networks like Facebook.

But, many adamant fans thought that the two looked naturally gorgeous in the photos that they plan to treasure.

Members of the media and Continued on page 52

The first set of breeding bulls recently ordered for government’s Agriculture Diversification Programme (ADP) arrived on Friday.

The eight bulls arrived at the John Fernandes Wharf and were offloaded.

It will be recalled that in late May, Government announced that it is buying 33 bulls for a price of $26 million.

The bulls are being imported from Florida and would be used as part of a

programme to boost beef exports.

The particular bulls being bought are of the species Brahman, Beef Master and Brangus. The bulls are commonly used for breeding and meat purposes.

The bulls are being imported under the Agriculture Diversification Programme (ADP). The programme is intended to contribute to the increase of Guyana’s export growth rate and reduce its volatility.

In this regard, the programme was designed to establish services and institutions for a sustainable increase in the income derived from the export of nontraditional agricultural exports in the aquaculture, fruits and vegetables, and livestock sub-sectors.

At the end of the five-year Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded programme the government expects to move meat exports from US$60,000 to US$7.2 million.

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Thugs capitalize on Linden protest

Public Works Ministry destroyed equipment.

The Public Works Ministry is waiting for the unrest in Linden to revert to normalcy before restoring vital infrastructure such as roads that have been damaged by protestors.

The protest, which originally targeted electricity rates increase, on Wednesday, has escalated since the senseless killing of three residents-- Selwyn Bouyea, Ron Somerset, and Allen Lewis-- by ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

But there are those who are using the protest and mistrust between police and

residents to achieve personal agenda. There are reports that commuters travelling from Kwakwani to Georgetown via the trail are being bullied and robbed by persons posing as protestors.

Apparently, the fake “protestors” have placed huge logs and other materials across the road blocking the passage of vehicles on the trail aback Bosai. Passengers are forced to pay $5,000 to walk out of the stretch into populated Linden. Some passengers were robbed of their valuables.

According to Transport

and Hydraulics Minister, Robeson Benn, this is an undesirable situation and Government will be teaming up the police to ensure the safe passage of vehicles and passengers.

He said that employees of the Public Works Ministry were assaulted by protestors.

“The men were hauled out their machinery- low bed and truck- and assaulted. The protestors destroyed the equipment. The driver of the front end loader retreated,” Benn said.

Benn stressed that the loss of the equipment was

Some of the miners who trekked past the roadblocks.

regrettable but the loss of lives is a greater issue. He assured that Government is looking to restore normalcy to the community.

People travelling from the Essequibo districts have been similarly attacked and robbed, according to reports reaching the Works Ministry.

Vehicles cannot reach Linden with the result that they either have to return to the Essequibo River or remain parked where they are at the approaches to Wismar.

And police reported that 12 people have been detained in connection with burglaries at the Digicel Outlet and the Post Office at Republic Avenue.

A release stated that shortly before midnight Friday, police ranks responded promptly to a report of a number of persons

seen acting suspiciously at Republic Avenue, Mackenzie.

The Digicel Outlet and the Post Office at Republic Avenue were found to have been broken into. Quick work by the police led to the arrest of eleven men and a woman and the recovery of a number of articles that are suspected to have been stolen from the two offices.

The articles included three desk top computers, a lap top computer, water dispenser, wireless phone, money-counting machine, three flat screen television sets, an ipod, digital scale, water dispenser, micro wave, cell phones and cell phone chargers and batteries.

Meanwhile, new E&F Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Gavin Primo told Kaieteur News that he is trying to bring Linden back to a state of

normalcy.

“The people are still in protest mode. They have placed large tree trunks and other debris that are a hindrance to progression on the Wismar shore.”

Mr. Primo added that protesters have again used huge logs to block the Kara Kara bridge.

The Commander said that he had received reports about travelers being harassed to pay toll to enter Linden. However, he said that ranks who investigated the complaints were unable to substantiate those reports.

Primo replaced Commander Clifton Hicken following a directive by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee to the Commissioner of Police (ag) to effect immediate changes at the command level at E & F Police Division.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

Absence of communication leads to heightened tension in Linden

By Gary Eleazar Lindeners streamed onto the roadways from the break of dawn and this continued throughout the day, as day four of the protest action which has already claimed three lives continued.

In what has now become an evident massive show of support and solidarity, men women and children were out in their numbers. The roads were again thoroughly blocked preventing vehicular traffic while the people awaited word from their leaders.

At times the mining town took on the appearance of a devastated war zone with embers smoldering in patches along the roadways.

Police kept clearing the roadway only to see it blocked five minutes later.

In the absence of official leaders and directives an apparent instinct seem to be

the driving force and throughout the town many persons, particularly the young, could be heard discussing various strategies, intent on this being a last stand for the ‘depressed community’ “This is wha does happen when poor people fed up…This is wrong wha dem doing to we here in Linden…Is wha more dem wan do we?”

In what can be described as an impressive show of solidarity across the mining town, makeshift ‘firesides’ have been established where large pots of aromatic cookup-rice and chowmein were being prepared.

Rice, meat, coconut and all of the required ingredients to prepare the meals were donated by the Lindeners with the help of the business community, including the grocery stores.

This publication

witnessed a few meals being prepared for scores as the town geared up for day four of the protest.

This scene has been repeated day and night and this publication understands that this has been the case from the first day.

WISMAR-MACKENZIE BRIDGE The Government and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) agreed to establish a Commission of Inquiry into Wednesday’s fatal shooting at the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge.

There has been a plethora of arguments for and against the protest, but what exactly triggered the violence remains a mystery.

This publication has learnt that what caused the Lindeners to camp out on the bridge in the first place was a single police rank’s verbal

hostility that led to a physical confrontation.

This publication has been told by several persons who claim to be in the locale at the time, that while the people were assembling, there was a free flow across the bridge.

According to reports, some time after 10:00hrs a young man was attempting to cross the bridge and had a piece of wood “like a walking stick” in his hand.

A police rank then challenged the young man, “Wheh you going?” He reportedly chucked the young man who immediately retaliated with a “straight right.”

A woman reportedly then intervened, telling the rank “You can’t do that to he.”

Wo r d of the confrontation spread. “ We c a m p i n g . . St a y right here; is we bridge,” was the reaction as word spread. “I ain’t know wheh the tarpaulin come from but tent start put up, and

we decided to camp out,” said one of the Lindeners.

It was at this point in time that persons decided that the bridge has to be blocked and some old “Diahatsu” vehicle shells that were kept in the GuyMine Secretariat compound were taken and used to block the bridge.

Music was next and stereo sets appeared and started to set the tone for what was supposed to be a c u l t u r a l a ctivity in the evening as the Lindeners decided that the protest action would be prolonged.

Reggae music particularly Bob Marley’s “Stand up for your Rights” was blasting in some corners while in others, some of the older persons indulged in folk songs and the meals were being prepared.

It was at this point that officialdom made its presence known. Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon along with Vanessa Kissoon and others began to make speeches

addressing the gathering at the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge area.

By this time the police rank along with his squad that triggered the fracas had retreated to the perimeter of the gathering and as Sharma was about to wrap up his presentation a truck load of police ranks from Georgetown turned up.

The ranks immediately took formation in a linear pattern across the road just over 100 feet from the crowd.

“The President said that you must disperse,” was the report from persons in the area who said that these were the words of the rank using a loudhailer “and with that tear gas start shooting.”

The split second reaction from the crowd was to hurl bottles at the police ranks shooting the canisters of tear gas and it was at this point in time that the police opened fire killing the three men and injuring dozens.

Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier David Granger, met Western diplomats on Friday to brief them on Wednesday’s killings in Linden.

The diplomats – US Ambassador D. Brent Hardt, EU Ambassador Robert Kopecky, Canadian High Commissioner David Devine and British High Commissioner (acting) – were told that A Partnership for National Unity condemned the killing of three men and the shooting of more than two dozen other unarmed, peaceful protesters in Linden on Wednesday.

The other APNU representatives, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Ms. Deborah Backer, Mr. Winston Felix and Mr. Joseph Harmon, told the diplomats that both pellets and live ammunition had been used indiscriminately on the victims of the police shooting.

The APNU team expressed its concern at the obvious lack of preparation, or lack of intention, by the police to use minimum force by employing batons, shields and the water cannon.

The Linden protest was a peaceful, lawful and civil assembly and the police

response was aggressive, calculated and provocative, they said.

A Partnership for National Unity initiated the call for an independent, judicial inquiry into the killings and called for faceto-face dialogue between the central government and the regional administration.

APNU welcomed offers by the diplomats to explore possibilities for assistance from international organisations and foreign countries to support an independent inquiry into the killings.

Granger meets Diplomats over police killings in Linden

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Gov’t dealt a severe blow by losing majority in Parliament ….Rohee tells Ballot Box Martyrs memorial The government was dealt a severe blow when the combined opposition parties gained a majority in the National Assembly. This has caused “blows” on the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) and has crippled the party’s policies somewhat, said Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

Rohee as he was addressing a meeting held in memory of the Ballot Box Martyrs recently.

He recalled that for the first time in the history, “the PPP was dealt a very severe blow, when it was returned to the Parliament as a minority.”

Rohee added that the PPP has always stated that it has never lost free and fair elections, “but in 2011, we lost our majority in the parliament— the first ruling party—Never in the history of Guyana, did you ever have a ruling party with a president and a minority in the parliament”.

“And you are seeing the blows that is raining down on us”. If people really want to honour the ballot box martyrs, Rohee said that the PPP has to recapture its majority in the National Assembly.

“In the same way they gave their lives, we must give our strength, energy, dedication, commitment to ensure the PPP remains as solid as a rock and remains in government and remains a majority in Parliament”.

He said that the party has to have majority, because there are programmes and policies that are for the majority of the people. “We are already seeing signs that if we were to lose the elections completely—to lose the presidency completely—

what the new government would do when they get into office”.

Rohee said that “they coming with a vengeance and revenge”. He noted that the enemies “are still at the door” after so many years and that they are coming in different colours, shapes and forms.

“PNC yesterday; APNU today— don’t let us believe that is a difference— it’s the same enemy, but dressed in wolf’s clothing and we must always be vigilant, whenever we are participating in a PPP, PYO, WPO, GAWU, RPA Activity— we must always remember these two young men”.

The party honoured the memories of the ‘Ballot Box Martrys’ at Number 63 Village on the Corentyne last Monday where two youths were shot and killed nearly 40 years ago, while trying to stop armed agents from removing the ballot boxes from the voting centre at New Market Primary School on July 16, 1973.

The public meeting was attended by hundreds of people from various parts of Guyana with people coming from Essequibo and Linden.

Jagan Ramessar and Parmanad Bholanauth were gunned down; while others were injured as they tried to prevent the removal of the ballots. The People’s Progressive Party has since

erected a monument in honour of their sacrifice.

Several party members and executives attended the event, including Members of Parliament, Faizal M. Jaffarally and Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo; former Region Six Chairman, Zulfikar Mustapha; and Region Six Chairman, David Armogan.

Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee recalled that the two young men who were honoured were part of the party’s hall of heroes. He said that the young men “walked the walk, when the fight for free and fair elections was at its height. 1973 was a very critical year for all those who were fighting to ensure that their votes were counted.

Mr. Forbes Burnham, who was the PNC leader, decided that he was not going to take chance with the ballot boxes”.

The ballot boxes were brought to one central counting place in Georgetown, “at Queen’s College, where they would count the votes...mix the votes...change the votes to suit them and in 1973 Dr. Jagan called on all of his supporters, to defend the ballot boxes” and ensure they have the boxes under watchful eyes all the time.

The history of the PPP, Michael Forde and many others therefore, must never be removed from the history books of the country, he said.

What an admirable leader....

“Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all. Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfill themselves.”-Nelson Mandela

Minister Rohee places a wreath on the memorial of the Ballot Box Martyrs on the Corentyne

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Kaieteur News

ImmigrationTALK

Questions & Answers

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram Through this “Question & Answer” column, our goal is to answer your immigration questions.

Many of you have questions on backlog time and eligibility – we seek to clarify these issues and more. We appreciate your comments and questions. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, please email: Gail@GailLaw.com.

Question #1: How can I apply for a visitor visa to the United States?

Answer #1: My best advice is to visit the U.S. Embassy website or office located in your country.

Generally, you must complete Form DS-160 (some offices require it be completed online), pay the applicable fees, schedule an appointment, assemble required documents and attend the interview.

Applicants must prove that they intend to only visit the U.S., have strong ties to their native country and have no intent to remain in the U.S. Question #2: My fiancé’s visa application was denied at the Embassy, can I just marry my fiancé and file a

spousal petition?

Answer #2: Yes, upon marriage, you can submit a petition for your spouse.

However, petitioner and beneficiary will have to prove that their marriage is goodfaith and based on love and not for immigration benefits.

Question #3: I have plenty of relatives in the U.S. – who can sponsor me?

Answer #3: The following individuals can file a familybased sponsorship petition for you to obtain a “green card” or residency in the U.S.: U.S. citizen spouse, U.S. citizen child over age 21, U.S. citizen brother/sister, permanent resident spouse, and permanent resident parent.

Question #4: My U.S. citizen father filed for me in September 2006 as an unmarried child, how much longer is the wait before I will have my interview at the Embassy?

Answer #4: According to the February 2012 visa bulletin, visas are being issued for F-1 petitions (unmarried child over age 21 of a U.S. citizen) filed on or before December 22, 2004. So, you have about a two-year wait. To access the monthly

Gail S. Seeram visa bulletins, visit GailLaw.com and click the first blue button labeled “Visa Bulletin”.

Question #5: My mother was deported to Guyana – when could she return to the U.S.?

Answer #5: Generally, when someone is deported or removed to Guyana, there is a certain period of time that they must remain outside the U.S. before applying for readmission.

It may be 5, 10, 15, 20 years or a lifetime ban. It depends on the reason or grounds for which the person was removed or deported from the U.S. A family-based sponsorship petition may be filed for your mother but a waiver and application for reentry would be required.

Sunday July 22, 2012

CJIA expansion….

Local contractor apologizes to CHEC after not paying workers China Harbour Engineering Company Limited has stated that the company has received a letter of apology from Guyanese foreman, Mahendra Sugrim, after he admitted that he was the person who did not pay the workers.

CHEC in a statement said that “the person contracted to build a road to facilitate survey exercises for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion project issued a letter of apology on Saturday for the nonpayment of workers after it was disclosed that the contractor had the sole responsibility of paying the workers”.

The press release further stated that the contractor, Mahendra Sugrim, in a letter to Wei Jiang, CHEC’s Business Development Manager in Guyana, said, “I apologise for the trouble I brought to you and China Harbour and the misinformation I shared with the media…You have made all the payments, as agreed to me and you have even gone beyond that, and made additional payments and that was my responsibility to pay my workers.”

Jiang indicated that CHEC had agreed to pay Sugrim an advance of 22.85 per cent of the cost which

was done. The balance is due on completion of the road.

However, after repeated requests from Sugrim for more money, although the work was incomplete, additional sums were paid amounting to 82.86 per cent of the total cost.

Sugrim, in his letter, acknowledged his inability to get the work done in the stipulated time.

“Sorry again for your great loss as a result of my delays. I will do my best to ensure that the road is completed and will also work towards ensuring that I do not encounter further challenges that would cause a longer delay in completing the road.”

Jiang assured that CHEC is fully committed to abiding by all the labour laws in force in Guyana and the company looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders and work on the CJIA expansion project continues.

Angry workers on Friday attacked the Chinese managers. Sugrim had told Kaieteur News that he signed a contract with Chinese national, Wei Jiang, called “David” earlier in June.

According to Sugrim, the original agreement was for him to create 500 meters of

“roadway” so that machines such as high powered drills could be brought through the heavily swamped area. All of the works that have started at the back of the airport are part of a feasibility study underway.

“De contract say we had to create 500 meters of roadway…plus six cross roads of 70 meters each,” Sugrim told Kaieteur News.

The man explained that he was given a $160,000 at the beginning when works started in June.

An additional $300,000 was given to him some time after.

The foreman said that the remainder was supposed to be given to him yesterday, so that he could pay his workers.

Sugrim claimed that he was not paid.

The project is being done by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), at a cost of US$138M. China Harbour through its parent firm China Communications Construction Company had been debarred by the World Bank, under its Fraud and Corruption Sanctioning Policy.

China Habour has argued that the blacklisting was inherited from the previous owner of the construction company.

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

Guyana Watch returns for its 20th medical outreach programme

G

uyana Watch has brought its 20th batch of medical professionals to Guyana and yesterday, they began the first of their countrywide outreaches at the Patentia Secondary School.

Guyana Watch is a team of local and overseas-based Guyanese, who over the years, has managed to attract specialist medical professionals to come to Guyana to provide free medical care for Guyanese.

This year 10 medical doctors, 15 support staff, three dentists and one pharmacist have come to Guyana.

President of Guyana Watch, Tony Yassin, said, “We started at a time when things were pretty rough and there was a need for medical intervention and people needed a lot of help in their villages and in various parts of the outreaches of Guyana.

Today we still do the same thing.”

He said that they are not a solution to health problems in the country but they come and give some good advice and proper medication and try to see how they can help to make some improvement in Guyana Most common illness According to Yassin, fungus is quite prevalent in Guyana. He said, “Fungus problems are quite prevalent in Guyana and almost everybody has high blood pressure or diabetes here. We try to do our best to help those things. We give them a supply of medication for three to nine months.”

Most of the people, who visited the clinic yesterday,

The Guyana Watch team at Patentia W.C.D.

were either affected with the flu, cough, fever, high blood pressure and high blood sugar.

Yassin said that the visiting team brought medication for flu, coughs, cold for children and a significant quantity of vitamins for children and adults.

Persons were yesterday advised on how they should take their medication. “A lot of medical counselling- how they should use their medication and how to take care of themselves. Our

women have a lot of issues and we let our doctors be aware of that and at least try to address those issues so that they can take care of that,” Yassin said.

Doctors and Dentist Andrea Maritato, a general practitioner has been in the medical field for the past 10 years. She said that although this is her first visit to Guyana, she has always wanted to come and assist the people here.

So far, she said, she has seen persons who were s u ff e r i n g f r o m f e v e r, coughs, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. “I like helping people and that is why I am here. I wanted to come since last year and the year before but my job stopped me from coming.”

Melissa Vega and her husband, Roy, have been attending to the kids. This is their third year here in Guyana. According to the Vegas, most children are suffering with rash and fever.

Reddy Chiran, a dentist for 20 years said that this is his seventh visit to Guyana.

According to him, most persons have rotten teeth, while some required cleaning and filling. He said that he enjoys working here in Guyana and helping the people.

Patient's reactions A number of persons from various parts of

Patentia on the West Bank of Demerara, who were treated on the first full day of the outreach at Patentia Secondary School yesterday, said that they are most thankful for the fact that the services that they received were free of cost since it is very costly to receive quality treatment from public facilities.

They explained that the waiting time was extremely short as compared to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). “It is normal to have to wait to receive medical attention but this was really fast and when you leave you feel like you were well taken care of.”

An elderly man reiterated that he is extremely thankful for the outreach not only for him but for other elderly folks since they are all pensioners who cannot afford to seek quality care.

A number of young people explained that they are thankful for the medical treatment they received.

This was complemented with medical advice on how to maintain a healthy life style. “You don't have to be sick to go to the doctor; a medical check up is always good” A number of persons explained that yesterday was not the first time that they received medical assistance

from the Guyana Watch Team and the reason for them to keep going back every time the team is in the community is because they feel comfortable with the doctors.

Today, the medical clinics are scheduled to be at the Timehri Primary School to offer its services to the residents of Timehri and the surrounding communities including Santa Mission and K u r u K u r u .

Tomorrow, residents of St. Cuthbert's Mission and other communities in the Mahaica River can visit the St. Cuthbert's Mission Primary school and meet the team.

The team will then visit the Tain Primary School on Wednesday, followed by the Bath Settlement Primary S c h o o l o n T h u r s d a y.

During its mission here last year the team saw in excess of 2,500 patients with various complaints. The team also dispensed drugs for ailments that included fungal infections, common colds, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Follow up treatment was also given to ten persons who were identified for overseas treatment.

Guyana Watch Inc. The organization has also been responsible for sending approximately 20 patients

President of Guyana Watch, Tony Yassin for heart surgery overseas and financially assist in much needed medical interventions in Guyana.

In 1998, Guyana Watch Inc. (GWI) brought in an Ophthalmology team and completed 58 cataract surgeries in Guyana. It has since sponsored many corrective and other eye surgeries in Guyana and overseas.

In Education, it built a state of the art 32-computer work station laboratory at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus along with computer laboratories in some schools.

Over the last four years, the organization began to pay for the air travel and hotel stay for the medical doctors.

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Donella

Long Meet the beautiful Donella Long who works in the health sector as a volunteer, she also loves to dance, listening to music, chatting with family and friends.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

Strong woman and astute leader …

Simona Broomes is a 'Special Person’

By Keeran Danny

W

o m e n ' s desperate cries for help in Guyana's male-dominated gold mining industry are now being heard - thanks to the Guyana Women Miners' Organization (GWMO) headed by Simona Broomes, this week's 'Special Person' After 26 years of witnessing and sometimes experiencing the hardship women endure in the industry, Broomes founded the GWMO. Her astute leadership and strong personality have kept the organization, with over 400 members from across Guyana, vocal and proactive.

Broomes, through the organization, has meaningfully challenged policy makers and effectively highlighted that that many ills such as human trafficking exist in Guyana's “ g o l d b u s h ” . Vi g i l a n t members have helped to

“Porkknockers' Day will be coming up, but that is just a celebration, there is no scope for the porkknocker. That is a shame.

As hard working people, they deserve more opportunities and respect.” rescue and deter young girls from the jaws of sexual slavery.

This strength and bravery that allow her to champion women's rights were inculcated in her at an early age by her St. Lucian parents. Simona was born on October 28, 1971, in Guyana, to John and Mariel Charles. Her father passed away several years ago. Mrs. Charles still lives in Bartica the place that the family has fondly called home since their arrival in Guyana.

Simona has fond memories of her childhood in Bartica, “playing games, fetching water from the waterside” and even the constant teasing by children of Guyanese parentage. She related that because her parents were 'Islander people' she and her 14 siblings were taunted. But being strong-willed and confident of their identity, the teasing did not affect the Charles clan.

A smiling Broomes recalled that education was a priority in her family. She attended St. Anthony's Primary School, which she reflects, aided her catholic upbringing.

She recalled that as a student, visits by the then President, Forbes Burnham, were highly anticipated. To her, this somehow motivated the Regional Democratic Council and school administrations to place emphasis on education.

“Whenever President Burnham visited communities, one of the first

places he went was to the schools. Once he came to my school and the teacher gave me a list of things to tell him, and I ignored the list and told him all the things that bothered me. I told him about being choked up in the seat and the need for pencils and books.

“My teacher was signaling me to stop, but I didn't because I wanted the President to know the things that bothered me. He called me up to the head table and assured that the school would get 300 pairs of desk and benches and pencils and books,” she proudly recounted.

Choosing a career path after secondary school was not difficult, since Simona knew that she was destined for the mining industry. A few years before completing Bartica Secondary, her mother had opened a fuel and grocery business in the interior, and this added to the teenager's dream of owning a dredge.

At 17, her father saw her ability to manage a business and provided the capital.

With $2,500 Simona bought raw gold, made jewellery, and went to St. Lucia to market her ornaments. The profit enabled her to make her dream a reality- she bought a four-inch dredge at Takutu, Bartica.

She related that she enjoyed every moment on that operation, especially respectfully commanding the reverence of her male workers. Dwelling at the campsite had become

routine for the young lady, who had given up the comforts of electricity, family and a warm bed to be around strangers in challenging surroundings, and sleep in a hammock.

“At around five o'clock, because I knew night was near I would drop my netting over my hammock, check my torchlight batteries, fix my slippers, and turn over my boots. Most nights I (continued on page 20)

Simona Broomes

Taking time off for a photo opportunity at a mining camp in Region Seven

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

Simona Broomes is a 'Special Person’ From page 18 pretended to fall asleep early and would listen to the men talk about their lives - that was the time I learnt the most about them.”

Those lessons taught in the quiet of the night, prepared Simona for her expansion in the mining industry. This growth essentially begun in Mahdia, with events leading to that development starting at the Parika Stelling.

“I was calling for the boat captain, whose name was Troy, and a young man come up to me so I was like you personal, you name Troy, and he said yes.

Well I told him it was another Troy I was calling.

Later the same day I saw him again when I was on my bridge in Bartica, and he asked for directions to the restaurant and I told him. He came back and we chatted for a while and told me about Mahdia.

“One of his friends, Compton, came to visit me after he left, and said that a boy name Troy Broomes like you and he send a letter for you…must write him back and so I did.

But Compton changed

the letter and told Troy to come see me and so he did.

When we got to the bottom of it, it was all Compton's doing. We went to a wedding together and soon hooked up,” she recalled with a smile.

The couple ventured into Mahdia where their partnership led to the ownership of a dredge and a shop. Mahdia became Simona's second home as she was surrounded by other islanders.

Her union with Troy Broomes produced three children: Hector, Simona and Troy Jr. She noted that being pregnant did not keep her away from mining. She reflected on moments when her abdomen was so large it was pressing against the steering wheel of the truck.

Broomes stressed that mining in those days had more opportunities for small and medium scale miners.

“For instance, Porkknockers' Day will be coming up, but that is just a celebration, there is no scope for the porkknocker.

That is a shame. As hard working people, they deserve more opportunities and respect. Back in those

Simona (at left) heading out on another sensitization campaign with two GWMO members

days, porkknockers would have worked on State land and just had to pay a small

tribute.”

She opined that even as the industry grows there

should be certain provisions for porkknockers.

“Just the other day in Mahdia, porkknockers with detectors discovered hundreds of ounces of gold, and then people come put them off and work the area.

Porkknockers are just being shifted out and shifted around.”

And while these injustices persist, women continue to be treated as lesser beings in the sector.

The stigma of prostitution and abuse of women is worrisome.

She recalled once several women were travelling on a boat and men at the landing did not want the women to disembark the boat, calling them whores.

“I jumped off the boat and told the women to come off, even if anyone of you is prostitutes y'all have a right.

And the women came off,” she said emphatically.

“If a woman is sick on a camp and she is not with one of the men, the men don't help her.

It's like they feel belittled to help another human being… when what that woman simply needs is a cup of tea, someone to fetch water for her to bathe, and some food.”

Since the creation of the GWMO, some men, and even women, who were exploiting females, have stopped the distasteful practice.

But the challenge remains great when the

policy makers are not on board, Broomes opined.

“While the mining sector has accepted the organization, unfortunately I believe at the policy level it is not quite accepted.”

She noted that the body had written to President Donald Ramotar, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to have a seat on Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC)'s board. According to her, to date there has been no response.

H o w e v e r, d u r i n g a meeting with Persaud, GWMO's members were told that they could have a seat “without voting rights” on the board.

Broomes emphasized that the group finds that disrespectful since they would not be able to bring about the rightful changes needed for women.

“For months the organization requested a block of land, which is 1,200 acres, to create employment opportunities for women, but nothing has been done.

Foreigners are coming into our country and accessing lands while women cannot.”

Broomes stressed that with the exposure of many social ills in the hinterland there is no relationship between GWMO and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

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THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMISSION SHOULD ANOINT ITSELF AS A GOOD OFFICER The Donald Ramotar administration must be congratulated for agreeing to a Commission of Inquiry into this past week’s disturbances in the mining town of Linden, after initially only committing itself to a probe.

The leader of the opposition, Mr. David Granger, must be congratulated for risking his political future by meeting with the President and no doubt for pressing for a Commission of Inquiry which was readily agreed to by the Head of State.

Donald Ramotar is demonstrating that he is not inflexible. He is showing also that he is certainly willing to compromise. He has shown these tendencies ever since he took office.

His willingness to make dialogue and political engagements productive can stand critical scrutiny. But then anyone who knows him personally will appreciate that he is good to the core.

The AFC must also be congratulated for meeting with the government.

However the apprehensions with which it approached the engagement with the administration is not likely to be helpful.

There may be some things that the AFC may consider as non-negotiable, but in times of crisis you cannot grandstand by imposing preconditions to any agreement.

You have to speak first, and if in the course of those discussions your nonnegotiables are not respected and you do not feel the need to compromise on these, then you can express your reservations and not sign on to the agreement. But to demand preconditions is highly presumptuous and counterproductive.

The AFC is a party of the middle class and will inevitably be aligned, like the United Force was in the sixties, to big business. The private sector in Guyana, however, no longer needs a political party to represent its interest. It has its own representative body called the Private Sector Commission.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has made its usual noises, calling for the parties to meet on the issue. This was similar to the call that it made following the impasse with the Budget discussions, when it conceded that the loss of over four billion dollars from the Budget could affect business.

Then it said it was willing to play a role in promoting dialogue between the parties.

There is no better time for the PSC to demonstrate its seriousness about this than now.

Despite the willingness of the President to willingly engage with the opposition parties, there remains a need for someone to help the sides to overcome differences that could lead to a breakdown of talks. There is also a need for someone to ensure that this process of engagement is permanent, because this is what the country needs.

For too long there has been a tendency for there to be talks, and as soon as major differences occur, for the talking to stop. Then it takes a major crisis, such as the one we experienced this past week, for the parties to sit down back together.

Perhaps, if the opposition parties had not soured relations with the government over their intractable and ill-advised positions taken on the Budget, we would not have created the vacuum that led

to the terrible events of this past week.

What is needed therefore are ongoing discussions. The Private Sector Commission should anoint itself as a good officer towards this end.

It should endeavour to bring the parties together so as to smooth out areas of conflict.

The PSC should provide backup support to the process so as to avoid the situation whereby it is taking far too long for a draft terms of reference to be developed.

The terms of reference for

the Commission of Inquiry into this week’s events should be wide-ranging. It should foremost seek to determine the circumstances that gave rise to the deaths of the three persons killed; it should detail and examine the circumstances surrounding the destruction of property in Linden. But it should also seek to examine the issue of the electricity tariffs that in the first place gave rise to the protests.

There is no need for the government to place this issue of the tariffs back on the

negotiating table at the moment. Let the Commission of Inquiry make a determination as to the phasing-in of the increases.

By having these issues addressed by an independent commission of inquiry comprised of persons totally from outside of Guyana, the government and the public will have an impartial assessment of the decision that has evoked such problems in Linden.

The Donald Ramotar administration should not prevaricate on finding

overseas persons to constitute the commission of inquiry. Such a commission will enjoy greater public confidence and allow for its opinions to be taken more seriously. To try to appoint locals to the inquiry team will also create mini-controversies which the country can do without at the moment.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

Who killed the lotto winner?

- Did a murderer really slip through that tiny window in Gangadin Khedoo’s home?

By Michael Jordan At around 01:45 hrs on Sunday, April 24, 2005, detectives at the Grove Police Station received a series of frantic calls that sent them rushing to Lot 502 Block ‘X’ Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

The large, two-storey home was the property of 47-year-old businessman Gangadin Khedoo and his wife, Kessondar.

On arriving at the premises, detectives found the businessman’s distraught wife and the couple’s 20-year-old daughter, Julie.

According to the businessman’s wife, their two sons had gone to a fair in the village on Saturday night and remained there until the wee hours of Sunday.

Mrs. Khedoo and her daughter were reportedly watching television at around 01:30 hrs on Sunday when they heard a strange noise in the vicinity of the washroom.

Suspecting that burglars had broken into their home, the woman ran to her bedroom and woke her husband.

Mr. Khedoo, she said, armed himself with his licenced revolver and went to the bathroom to confront the intruders. But the detectives were told that one of the bandits caught Gangadin Khedoo by surprise, chopping the businessman in the head with a cutlass.

The bandit, police were told, took away Khedoo’s revolver and shot him in the chest.

On hearing the gunshot, Khedoo’s wife fled down an inner stairway leading to the bottom flat with the intention of summoning help. However, she was unable to open the door, and therefore remained in the bottom flat hiding.

Meanwhile, as Mr. Khedoo lay mortally wounded, the bandit who had shot him entered the hallway and held 20-year-old Julie at gunpoint.

The detectives were told that the bandit then forced the young woman to open the back door so as to allow another man to enter.

She was then beaten and forced to give the men $300,000, a quantity of jewellery, four cellular phones, and the keys to her father’s car.

The men then bound and gagged Khedoo’s daughter before fleeing via the back stairs.

After ensuring that the coast was clear, Khedoo’s wife and daughter summoned residents, who took her husband to the Georgetown Public Hospital. By then he was already dead.

An autopsy would later reveal that Khedoo died from a single bullet from a .32 revolver. The bullet pierced his heart and a

Gangadin Khedoo lung, before lodging in his back. He also had two wounds in his head, which were apparently inflicted with a cutlass.

Residents reacted with outrage over the brutal murder.

Gangadin Khedoo was well-liked and respected in the community.

Good fortune had come to the family about two years before, when Mr. Khedoo won the lottery. The family moved to the Diamond Housing Scheme and established a lucrative business making concrete blocks in the rapidly-developing community.

Mr. Khedoo also became a member of the Diamond Community Policing Group. The area had been hit by a spate of burglaries, which were blamed on youths from a depressed East Bank Demerara community.

There was speculation that Khedoo had fallen victim to the burglars.

Some residents alleged that suspects in these robberies had threatened members of the community policing group.

But detectives who examined the crime scene had their own suspicions.

The victims had alleged that the bandit who had killed Mr. Khedoo had entered the premises by climbing through a window near the washroom. The window was near the back stairs and an agile man could have reached it.

But the detectives who examined the window felt that it was too small for a grown man to slip through. In addition, they detected no sign of forced entry.

And there was more.

A security guard who was on duty at the Khedoos premises during the attack told the investigators that he had seen no one enter or leave.

Some hours after Khedoo was slain, detectives took the businessman’s wife and daughter into custody. They also questioned a male friend of the couple’s daughter, but did not detain him.

“We wondered whether someone might have concealed themselves in the house (with the aid of an accomplice),” a detective who had investigated the case told Kaieteur News.

The mother and daughter vehemently denied being involved in Gangadin Khedoo’s murder.

The detectives examined the hands of the slain man’s spouse for traces of gunpowder residue, but reportedly found none.

Despite their suspicions, detectives were unable to find a motive to tie Khedoo’s spouse and daughter to his death. After being detained for three days, the two women were eventually released.

To date, no one has been charged with Khedoo’s death.

Mrs. Khedoo promised to grant me an interview this week, but later declined.

About a year later, police arrested a man suspected of robbery. The suspect had Mr. Khedoo’s licenced firearm in his possession, but he was not charged with the businessman’s murder.

Today, the window that the killer allegedly slipped through and other sections of the family house are now heavily grilled.

And passersby still wonder what had really happened at the Khedoos house seven years ago.

If you have any information on this case or other unsolved murders, please write to us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown address.

You can contact us on telephone numbers 22-58465, 22-58491, or 22-58473.

You can also contact Michael Jordan on his email address mjdragon@hotmail.com.

SEEKING HELP TO LOCATE RELATIVES OF EIGHT CHILDREN KILLED BETWEEN 1969-1970 Michael Jordan is trying to contact relatives of eight children who were murdered between March 20, 1969 and June 1970, by Harrynauth Beharry, also known as Harry Rambarran, Charles Bissoon, Charles Pereira, Anant Persaud and Maka Anan.

Some of the victims are Basmattie, an eight-year-old schoolgirl from Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara. David Bacchus, 15, of Tucville, 11-year-old Mohamed Fazil Nasir, of Number 78 Village, Corentyne, Mohamed Faizal, of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Jagdeo Jagroop, Mohamed Nizam Ali; Paulton of Hogg Island, Essequibo; Orlando Guthrie, of Grove Village, East Bank Demerara.

Please contact him via his email address mjdragon@hotmail.com., or on telephone numbers 22-58458, 22-58465, or 22-58491. HeI can also be contacted on 645-2447.

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

The Linden deaths: Where does Guyana go from here?

How can any citizen of this country accept the process of governmental administration as business as usual when three protestors were fired upon and killed and two dozen are in the hospital some with serious injuries? In a small country without any pattern of violent demonstrators trying to kill policemen, why were live rounds fired into a school of protestors killing a number of them? And should there be no consequences for those who exercise naked power in this land?

This is the balance sheet from the Government side since the Wednesday tragedy. It will not order a cancellation of the increase; the Minister of Home Affairs and the Prime Minister will not be sanctioned in any way whatsoever. There would not be even a portfolio shift for these two men.

The police commander, Mr. Clifton Hicken, will be transferred. Now mind you, not demoted or sacked or charged, but sent to another

section of the police force.

This becomes more than insulting when you think that this was his final months in the job at Linden. Hicken was leaving his post in December for reassignment anyway.

From the Government’s side then, it is business as usual. Peaceful picketers were gunned down, reminiscent of governmental terror in Arab countries since last year, and it is business as usual in Guyana. So far there has been not even a hint of compensation.

In other words, the Guyana Government has shown no change in policy in any area of power whatsoever since the horrible deaths of these victims. It is business as usual.

What is the balance sheet from the opposition benches?

APNU will determine the shape of an inquiry; Parliament will debate the issue, July 25. In both of these areas the balance sheet is comical and hardly deserves the respect of this nation.

First, why would APNU want to format the inquiry without first consulting important actors who stood with Lindeners since the electricity hike was announced in April? A name that comes to mind is the TUC, whose General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis, is regarded as a trustworthy ally by Lindeners. Surely, APNU cannot be that stupid not to bring the AFC on board on such an unprecedented attack on the fabric of this brittle nation.

We may be witnessing the bypassing of the opposition parties on this crisis and the aggrieved numbers out there may be likely to determine their own action. At the time of writing, I participated in two large demonstrations for the Linden martyrs. Among the ranks of the picketers are feelings of disrespect for the opposition, especially in the failed meeting between the combined APNU/AFC delegation and the political directorate last Thursday.

What APNU and AFC

must realize is that each time they meet with the President and they come up emptyhanded they look foolish in the eyes of the supporters.

The vibes I have received from being among the picketers is that they want to see a change in the way this country is governed.

Then on Friday evening I spoke on the platform of the Youth Coalition for Transformation.

The attendance was massive.

Anyone with a normal mind and commonsense who attended that rally will tell you that there was a fever pitch atmosphere. People were in no mood to be pacified on the barbarous act of killing peaceful demonstrators. The call was clear from that gathering – they want a change in the way power has been used by the PPP

Government.

The opposition (both APNU and AFC) are courting trouble if they go into Parliament, make a gargantuan expression of indignation over the killing, pass an angry resolution and nothing happens the next day, the next month, the next year.

Only one result can come from that. People are going to replace faith in the opposition with disrespect.

The simple fact is that on July 25 in Parliament, there will be opposition denunciation of the bestial use of naked power last Thursday that resulted in deaths. There will be the passage of a motion calling for a wide range of measures. Then it will be business as usual for the Government as the MPs from the PPP drive out of the compound in their expensive

Frederick Kissoon cars and back to the office, then in the night to the night club.

What is so tragic about what is going to happen on July 25 is that the horrible deaths of innocent human rights activists will become a spectacle that will reinforce the farce that is a country named Guyana.

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

SUNDAY SPECIAL TOP COP SHAKES UP NARCO DEPT. In the latest move that shows his boast about rooting out corruption in the Force was not an idle one.

Commissioner of Police (Ag) Leroy Brumell has shaken up the top echelons of the police Narcotics Department.

The hammer fell on a highranking officer and three other ranks of the department who were all reverted and transferred following allegations of corrupt practices.

Kaieteur News understands that the men are fingered in the collection of a $12M bribe to influence the outcome of a probe involving a cocaine bust that occurred in Canada a few months ago.

According to reports, the drug was found in pallets shipped to the North American destination from Guyana.

Although no concrete evidence has been obtained to support criminal charges against the cops fingered, a source said that there was enough to arouse the suspicion of the Force’s administration that all was not right with the local segment of the investigation.

Reliable sources have indicated that at least one of the ranks fingered in the recent scandal was involved in another questionable act regarding the movement of cocaine evidence.

One source disclosed that the rank was implicated in the disappearance of a kilogram of cocaine from a quantity of the drug that was seized by the law enforcement agency near Bartica a year ago.

Although, there was an investigation into that disappearance, no one was held responsible and the matter was covered up by the Force’s administration at the time.

The incomplete Cacique Hotel and Banquet Hall on the market SURINAME INVESTING US$70M TO MODERNIZE AIRPORT The Suriname Government has signaled intentions to invest an extra US$70 million in expanding and modernizing the J.A. Pengel airport.

The plan for this has already been prepared and potential financiers have been approached through the Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS).

“This is just the beginning. We have great plans to turn Suriname into a hub,” says Minister Falisi Pinas of Transport, Communication and Tourism (TCT), who spoke Thursday at the official handover of the airport’s arrival lounge and parking lot.

According to Suriname’s daily De Ware Tijd newspaper, so far US$28.5 million has been invested in the airport’s modernization.

For the time being, the arrival lounge, commercial centre and parking lot have been handed over, while the runway has been repaved, the platform for planes has been

renovated, the runway lights on the arrival side have been replaced and a backup system for electricity has been installed as well.

The US$70 million will be used to construct a second runway on which planes can taxi. Then the airport need not depend on just one runway, but will be able to handle more flights a day. This is also in line with international safety regulations. The departure and arrival lounges are currently apart from each other, but plans are to connect them by 2014 with air bridges.

Guyana has signed a controversial contract with a Chinese firm to expand and modernize the Timehri airport to the tune of US$150M. It will see the current runway being extended about 3,000 feet and the construction of an entire new terminal building.

It will also include eight air bridges and more check-in and arrival booths.

MONDAY EDITION HOMEAFFAIRS ATTEMPTED COVER-UP– WHISTLEBLOWER The man who blew the

whistle on the massive racket at the police vehicles auction said that it was Office of the President that initiated the investigation into the scheme and not the Ministry of Home Affairs as was reported in the media.

He also claimed that it was the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs who were dragging their feet on the issue and not the police’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

The whistleblower came forward to set the record straight after reading a recent report in the press in which the Minister of Home Affairs chastised the police investigators for the way the matter was handled.

The Minister had accused the police OPR of foot dragging on the matter.

He also accused them of leaking the subsequent information to this newspaper for monetary rewards.

But the whistleblower who was a part of the auction said that he decided to speak out on the fraud that was taking place when it became clear that the perpetrators would stop at nothing to carry out their activity.

The businessman told this newspaper that although he had warned those who were carrying on the racket that he would blow their cover, they persisted nevertheless.

TUESDAY EDITION LOCAL MINERS LAMENT ‘CHINESE TAKE-OVER’AT IMBAIMADAI Miners who operate at Imbaimadai have voiced their concern that the Chinese are taking over the mining industry which is the profitable operation at Imbaimadai and most interior locations. The miners said that the Chinese are seemingly having more privileges than them who are born and bred Guyanese.

This issue was raised at a

village meeting facilitated by the Guyana Women Miners Organization (GWMO) last Sunday.

Miners spoke of victimization as the Chinese were granted permission to operate on the same lands that were denied to the locals. This, they believe, is another attempt to stifle small and medium scale miners.

They said that some time ago, residents of Imbaimadai had an operation at the said location. However, they were reportedly told by a mining officer that the area could not have been located on the map; therefore they could have no longer continued mining on those lands. They were ordered to immediately remove.

“Then, all of a sudden, dem locate it on de map and dem say how it is a PL (prospecting licence); now we hear dem say how dem turn it into blocks. Next thing, de Chinese come and get de whole thing. We can’t understand dem thing this; we can’t go to China and take over but look…”

The miners said that before the Chinese, the industry was flooded by Brazilians and Spanishspeaking nationals but on a smaller level.

NO ADS ON PROCUREMENT WEBSITE FOR MULTIMILLION $$$ LAB The non-placement of an advertisement for bids on the government’s procurement website has once again raised questions about the manner in which the government procures goods and services.

Two Tuesdays ago, three bids, from foreign companies, were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning and training in the use of laboratory

equipment for the Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department, food chemistry and microbiology laboratories.

The procurement is being done under the Agriculture Diversification Project, which is being funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank, and would end up costing millions of dollars.

Bids were received from two Trinidad companies and one from a United Kingdom company.

Kaieteur News understands that the advertisement for bids was placed once in the Guyana Chronicle and was also advertised internationally.

However, the advertisement was not placed on the government’s procurement website.

The government had said that the website ( w w w. e p r o c u r e . g o v. g y ) would be the principal means it would use to issue invitations for bids and tenders and vacancies.

Kaieteur News understands that the advertisement for the laboratory equipment was sent to the Gove r n m e n t Information Agency (GINA), which is responsible for uploading the website. However, GINA claimed that because of the cuts to the 2012 budget, it did not have personnel to upload the website.

WEDNESDAY EDITION LINDENERS GEAR FOR FIVE-DAY SHUTDOWN Scores of Lindeners gathered Tuesday at the Old Palm Tree Cinema at Wismar, Linden, for a public meeting aimed at setting the stage for a five-day protest that would begin the following day.

Organisers indicated that the shutdown would involve all businesses, including the privately-owned boats, minibuses and taxis.

Continued on page 37

Sunday July 22, 2012

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My column

The darkness and the light In the midst of all the troubles there is always a bright star. Linden is in the midst of a crisis that was in the making for a long time. For starters, the young people had little or nothing to look forward to in the region.

Those who were academically inclined could become teachers or clerks. A few could become the prized acquisition of some of the business places in the region, but they are so few.

Very few are being trained to become entrepreneurs simply because there are not too many openings for the entrepreneurs. In some communities where money is not at a premium, it makes no sense for people to set up businesses. There will be too many sellers and few buyers.

But the Burnham administration did seek to introduce entrepreneurial activities to the people of Linden. I remember when the late Ptolemy Reid set about getting some people to start a charcoal briquetting industry. There was a demand for the briquettes and some people actually started the project.

But it was hard work, too hard for some who did not have the wherewithal to secure the international markets. That project died a natural death at the same time the new government opened timber concessions. The gold rush did not help.

I would have expected Linden to be the hive of the poultry industry. Being strategically poised at the gateway to the interior, any such industry would have taken off beyond the wildest imagination. Indeed there are people who are trying, but there are circumstances that weigh against them. They seem incapable of attracting

the kind of money that would cushion them from the external shocks.

The bauxite industry was the hub and it provided employment for the vast majority. It still is, but it is not employing the numbers as in days gone by.

The houses in Mackenzie and Wismar tell the story of a community that is stagnated.

Many have not had a coat of paint for years, simply because the owners cannot afford.

Against that background the government announced that it was cutting the subsidy for electricity.

With hardly any money coming in no one would welcome an additional expenditure, hence the protests.

The best bet would have been to give the people ample notice.

Instead, the announcement came almost as soon as the opposition cut the budget. The result was that the people believed that the hike in electricity rates was a reaction to the opposition action. That too is understandable.

Today, what started as a protest has degenerated into naked criminal activities.

Elements are robbing and looting. There has been destruction of property.

Trucks have been set alight as was a building owned by the bauxite company, the latter a reaction to the shooting to death of three protesters.

I am still at a loss for a reason to explain why the police would use live rounds.

I would expect that after the shooting in the city the police would have gone into training in crowd control. Guyanese are not known to deliberately attack the police. No policeman could say that his life was threatened.

Behind every protest

there are the criminal elements and these have come to the fore. People who supported the protest are now afraid of what has emerged, and once out of the bottle, it is difficult to get it back in. The elements have turned against the very people who are affected by the electricity hike.

It will not be long before the police and the other security forces become angry at what is happening. They are familiar with what happened in Buxton and they simply do not want a similar situation. They are going to nip it in the bud. There have already been arrests, and if the situation does not change, there may be more shootings. This time though, the sympathy at the shooting

casualties may not be as profound.

The political leaders must now intervene. They must forget about using the kid gloves when dealing with the disruptive elements. They have been going to Linden, but I suspect that they are allowing the elements to control them.

On Friday these elements began threatening the reporters who have been bringing the situation to the outside world. That is a no no.

I know that they do not want their nefarious activities highlighted. Things have reached the stage where the communities are about to be in darkness because fuel is not reaching the power station.

Food is going to become scarcer and before long the situation would get even more chaotic. But amidst this chaos there has been something bright. A child was born. This birth occurred across the Atlantic, but the very life of the baby is rooted in this country.

The grandparents flew out of the country to be in the United States for its arrival because the baby represents their first grandchild. It is here that I smiled. The belief that being a grandparent puts an individual into the category of old people is always there.

My ex-wife was 41 when she became a grandmother and she could not handle the shock at first. She refused to be called a grandmother. I was

Adam Harris happy to be a grandfather. I was 45.

The baby’s grandfather is at the crossroads. He keeps telling me that he is not old but I insist on calling him Gramps. “Hey Grandfather.

Congratulations.�

Who is he? Glenn Lall, the publisher of Kaieteur News.

His first grandchild is a girl who arrived at 2:37pm on July 20, 2012.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

Guyana at the precipice FIRST THEY CAME FOR THE JEWS First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Pastor Martin Niemöller This week, once again, Guyana has found itself in the throes of mourning: mourning not only lost lives but the death of justice and liberty.

On July 18, 2012, armed ranks of the Guyana Police Force used shotguns against unarmed citizens of our country. When the hail of gunfire stopped three persons lay dead, many others injured, many more were traumatized.

The residents, under the assumption that they were living in a free and democratic society, where their rights to life and freedom of assembly were guaranteed, on that fateful evening were protesting against the actions of a government. Their only failure was to assume their

rights were guaranteed.

It is abhorrent that 46 years after independence Guyana would find itself in a position where the rights of its citizens to protest against injustices and oppression could result in those citizens being gunned down by law enforcement agencies.

In 1924, when urban black dock workers were on strike, East Indian workers marched from plantation Ruimveldt to Georgetown in support of the striking British Guiana Labour Union dock workers led by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. On their way to Georgetown, the colonial British Guiana police force opened fire at Ruimveldt Police Station killing 13 and wounding 24.

In June 1948, East Indian sugar workers at Enmore were protesting for better pay along with working and living conditions when five were shot and killed.

In July 2012, a black community comes to protest for jobs and better economic conditions and they were shot and killed.

It is not about race. It is the system.

In 1924 and 1948, the police, preferred instrument of the ruling class, were used as the instrument of oppression.

In 1966, we changed the colour of the oppressor and

the police force, but the system remained. Today, the police force continues to support the ruling class under the same structure.

If we read the biography of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, it is not an issue of race, but of system.

It is as ironic as it is tragic that Dr. Jagan’s working class party, the PPP, now champions the cause of the oppressor.

What we saw unfold in Linden on July 18, while being reminiscent of a dark past, also signals a dismal future.

As recent as the immediate post-2011 polls, we witnessed the police using uncalled for violence against a group of protesters on Hadfield Street. Some of those protesters were shot in the back with rubber pellets even as they attempted to calmly remove themselves from the area. There was no condemnation from the government, there was no proper investigation, that act of oppression was excused away by those in authority. A few short months after, we see live rounds replacing rubber pellets.

As a people, we now need to ask ourselves how far we will allow this degeneration into oppression to go. If we stand by and say nothing on the aggression against our brothers and sisters at Linden we can be assured that one day our turn will come!

The tragic events in Linden have accelerated our journey to the precipice. Even before the dust settles there are a few basic minimum demands which must be immediately met.

1. The appointment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry with international agency representation and involvement and a “Good Officer” to manage the process.

2. The immediate removal of the commanding officer and ranks involved in the incident.

3. The resignation of the Minster of Home Affairs.

4. A moratorium on the imposition of the rate hike pending a review by a panel of experts. This review should include an assessment of the operational costs of BOSAI as well as the impact these rate hikes on the poorest by way of a means test. The panel’s report should be presented to all stakeholders within 6-8 weeks.

In the words of our poet laureate Martin Carter: This is a dark time my love It is the season of oppression, dark metal, and tears.

It is the festival of guns, the carnival of misery.

Everywhere the faces of men are strained and anxious.

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Ravi Dev Column

(In 2009 when I wrote this article, I was severely criticised by some who demanded a more confrontational opposition politics. I offer it again in the wake of the unfortunate killings in Linden.)

As a card-carrying member of the opposition with a Parliamentary seat between 2001 and 2006, I was forced to spend quite a bit of time reflecting on exactly what ought to be the role of that position. It is not that we hadn’t done so before – since our return in 1988 we had written reams of analyses that, inter alia, pontificated on what politicians from both the government and opposition ought to be doing in the “new political culture” we had proposed. The reality of being involved in the maelstrom of “politics from the inside”, however, compelled a whole new perspective.

The perspective had been

It is clear that some things will happen regardless of whether there are alerts. There was the fire caused by familiar circumstances; there was the road accident and there was the river accident. The coming days will see more of the same, because drivers continue to be careless and homeowners are incapable of thinking about the need to put preventive measures in place.

The next accident will occur along the eastern corridor, closely on the heels of one that occurred in the city. Speed coupled with careless driving will induce

articulated most pithily by Michael Ignatieff after he retired from academic life (Harvard) and entered politics (Canada): “In academic life, false ideas are merely false and useless ones can be fun to play with. In political life, false ideas can ruin the lives of millions and useless ones can waste precious resources. An intellectual’s responsibility for his ideas is to follow their consequences wherever they may lead.

A politician’s responsibility is to master those consequences and prevent them from doing harm.”

The sad reality is that in Guyana, the politicians – from both sides of the House – are governed by conventions and rules that rest on intellectual foundations that are literally false to our reality, and by continuing to hark to them, have ruined the lives of Guyanese for over half a century.

While the architects of

our independence most severely criticised the institutions under which we were governed by the colonial power, Britain, after independence they retained the essence of the old political arrangements that were premised on a totally different sociological reality.

Britain’s majoritorian democratic institutions were constructed on the liberal notion that the individual is, and ought to be, the subject of political action.

The institutions work to the extent that the populace (or a large enough section of it) conceive of themselves in such terms and vote for political parties based in the latter ’s stance on the pertinent issues of the day.

A “floating” pool of voters is created that can then swing one way or the other to ensure that governments can periodically be voted in or out of office.

The opposition’s duty in such a society is to “oppose”

this second accident. The main hospital would be put under pressure. ** The hub of a protest is already an ugly scene, because certain elements are bent on criminal acts rather than on the social activity that sparked the protest. There is a marked reluctance to use

what is excessive force, but there are people who are pushing the forces in this direction.

Meanwhile, the voices of reason will continue to be heard protesting an earlier event until they are silenced by a most despicable act. ** There will be a robbery that will turn ugly. Sparking this robbery will be a current distraction. However, the victims will attempt to protect themselves and will set tongues wagging.

There will be a response by a guard service and the community will actually find a fault.

the government initiatives on contested issues as vigorously as possible so as to sway the “floating pool” in their direction. The issues, of course, concern interests that are held as vital to the voting public.

In our country by 1964, we did not have a pool of “floating voters”. The ethnic riots had polarised the country to such an extent that elections became ethnic censuses.

The primordial nature of our politics created a situation where the issues that mattered to the two major sections were conceived in apocalyptic terms: ethnic security dilemmas dictated strategies of capturing power “by any means necessary”.

The rigging of elections after 1964 – to keep the party of the minority African section in power and address their security dilemma - made the issue moot, but only served to harden the ethnic divisions.

Yet we acted publicly as if a “floating voter pool existed”. The free and fair elections of 1992 verified the old orientation; placed the party supported by the majority Indians in power and precipitated a call from the WPA for Africans to “organise for their survival”.

The hard line, and eventual violent strategy, of the opposition PNC in the post-1992 era was reinforced by even more violent extremists who sought to protect the interests of the “minority” African section.

There was action and reaction. The tragic irony of Guyana was that the opposition politicians were locked into their realpolitik past and refused to acknowledge that demographic changes were

inexorably altering the premise of their ethnic security dilemma.

Because of persistent migration by the Indians and Africans from the coast, Guyana was becoming a nation of minorities with the Amerindians in the hinterland increasing both absolutely and relatively to form a critical “swing vote”.

The African Security Dilemma had been solved and the once irrelevant liberal premise now offered a way out of our morass.

Early in the post-1992 days, the PPP, ever driven by political imperatives, caught on to the drift and in addition to wooing the African vote, initiated a single-minded drive to bring the Amerindians under their tent through sustained attention to their developmental needs.

Their efforts paid off – marginally so in the former group, but massively so in the latter: as with minorities the world over caught between competing larger blocs, the Amerindians tend to go with the group with the pursestrings and power.

In politics, there is a process describing the potential for influencing political consciousness dubbed the “reverse J curve” effect: groups become restive and open to change not when conditions are going downhill (the immiserization stage) but when things have begun to improve (the cusp of the “J”).

The opposition, however, not only ignored the possibilities for exploiting possible dissatisfaction in the ranks of the traditional Indian support-base of the PPP as conditions improved by 1997, but actually exacerbated the physical Ethnic Security Dilemma of that group by their antics in the streets.

Ravi Dev

Later when they, at a minimum, equivocated on the mind-numbing Indiandirected violence emanating from Buxton (“there are no criminals in Buxton”) they not so incidentally effectively destroyed the efforts of ROAR to mobilise Indian support for addressing both Security Dilemmas.

The conciliatory efforts

by Corbin by 2004 were too little and too late, and adjudged to be merely tactical.

In the last couple of years there have been persistent efforts to not only encourage the opposition into the streets to take on an “elected dictatorship” but actually to justify the armed outrages that have scandalised the country and further polarised the society.

This approach not only locks out any possibility to exploit the new opportunities for introducing fluidity into our political system, but in a society as small as ours, ensures that the old political premises will stultify our politics for another half a century.

Rather than focusing solely on governmental excesses why not spend time on the existing democratic possibilities?

“A politician’s responsibility is to master those consequences (of their ideas) and prevent them from doing harm.” The hope for Guyana lies through the ballot, not bullets.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

Making the judgement on Obama

By Sir Ronald Sanders The prospects of Barack Obama being re-elected as president of the United States appear to be hanging in the balance. The latest Times/CBS poll in the US shows that the race between him and Republican candidate, Mitt Romney, is essentially tied.

The economy is the dominant factor in the campaign, and that is not going well for Obama.

Economic growth slowed to roughly 2 percent between January and March and experts estimated that it weakened further up to June.

Job growth is also reported to have slumped in the AprilJune quarter after some growth between January and March. It is now hanging at 8.2 percent, and the government itself reported that consumers spent less at retail business for three months from April to June.

With less than four

months to the presidential elections, it is unlikely that anything dramatic will happen in the US economy to advance Obama’s prospects.

A major problem for him is that, in times of economic stagnation, it is the people at the bottom of the economic ladder who suffer the most.

Blacks and Hispanics – Obama’s natural base – tend to constitute the greater part of those people, and they may be inclined to feel let down and either not vote for him or abstain from the vote altogether Romney has made a huge pitch at the middle-class vote, knowing well that the majority of the rich will be backing him anyway. The Times/CBS poll shows Romney capturing 45% of the middle-class vote as against 43% for Obama.

Last September, Romney famously described himself as “middle class” – a laughable and palpably dismissible claim since his net worth is estimated at $250

million. Nonetheless, he seems to have made considerable inroads into the middle-class vote and that is not good news for Obama.

Romney’s election is unlikely to be good for peace and security in the world.

While Obama’s record is not unblemished, he is regarded

by Americans as “a protector of their national security with the right vision for America’s role in the world”. The victims of US drones that have killed many innocent people in Pakistan, while targeting USidentified terrorists, would have a different view of Obama’s actions. But, they don’t vote in US elections.

From this standpoint – and it is a very narrow one – Obama will hold an advantage over Romney, who is on record as expressing admiration for Dick Cheney.

As vice president under George W. Bush, Cheney was a notorious warmonger. The authoritative Foreign Policy Journal reports that “out of Romney’s 24 special advisors on foreign policy, 17 served in the Bush-Cheney administration”. Pointing out that if Romney wins the presidency many of these people would serve in his

administration, the Journal regards this as “a frightening prospect given the legacy of this particular group”, adding that “the last time they were in government, it was disastrous”.

Considering the ObamaRomney contest for the US presidency from a Caribbean standpoint, there is little for the region, whichever of them emerges the victor. President Obama’s policies have not helped the Caribbean; indeed they have been positively harmful in the financial services sector, in climate change, and in a lack of responsiveness to Caribbean development needs.

There may be some easing in the financial services area if Romney wins, as there was when the Republican George W. Bush administration took over from the Democratic administration of Bill Clinton.

Under Clinton’s Treasury Secretary, Lawrence Summers, the US government was one of the hawks in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that pummelled Caribbean financial services in the late 1990s. It was the advent of the Bush administration and a

new Treasury Secretary, Paul O’Neil, which moderated the US government stance until 9/11 when the infamous Patriot Act, with its extraterritorial reach, set back financial services again.

The US congress, with the support of the Obama administration, has also adopted legislation with extraterritorial reach that will adversely impact the Caribbean. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) extends US jurisdiction into the Caribbean.

As fellow columnist David Jessop pointed out recently: “Apart from the measure extending US law to the Caribbean and other parts of the world, it also has a compliance cost to Caribbean financial institutions, will likely impact on government revenues, will change the offshore financial services environment in the region and impose on institutions the danger of reputational risk for failure to comply fully with US requests”.

Romney’s personal use of offshore investment funds in the Cayman Islands and his view of their legitimacy, might promote a more co-operative stance. But, that’s left to be seen.

With regard to climate change, during the Rio+20 Conference in June, the US refused to affirm an earlier commitment to transfer technology to developing countries. It equally refused to reaffirm any commitment to providing new and additional financial resources.

Since both financial services and global warming are vitally important matters,

Sir Ronald Sanders integral to Caribbean survival, the stance of the Obama administration which, like the Bush administration, has focused primarily on fighting drug trafficking and refugees from the Caribbean, has not been helpful to the region’s development.

The choice between Obama and Romney for the Caribbean seems to boil down to the pride that surrounds the fact that a person of colour is the president of the United States – a country where slavery thrived for centuries and black people were legislated as inferior. The fact that a man of colour is at the head of what is still the most powerful country in the world remains a validation of the intellectual capacity of all people of colour.

It is for this reason – and despite disappointment that his first term as president did not bring about radical change – that the majority of Caribbean people would like Obama re-elected. But, in the end, it is up to the American electorate to make the judgement.

(The writer is a Consultant and former Caribbean diplomat) Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com

Sunday July 22, 2012

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Sunday July 22, 2012

From page 20 PORTER STABBED TO DEATH AT ISSANO Another brutal murder has occurred in the interior, and this time the victim is a 30year-old porter who was slain at 14 Miles, Issano.

Delrick Layne, of Caribisi Hill, Bartica, was stabbed to death at around 03:30hrs Tuesday, allegedly during a dispute with two men.

According to reports, Layne, who works on a truck, was in the area to unload fuel when he became involved in an argument with the men, who inflicted several stab wounds on him. The motive for the argument is unclear.

One of the suspects was reportedly detained.

Layne’s body was transported to the Bartica Hospital mortuary, while police ranks were dispatched to the area to conduct investigations.

STILL NO BUYER FOR CACIQUE PALACE Even as Government is forging ahead to construct a US$50M Georgetown Marriott Hotel, it is still looking for a buyer willing to pay the US$4M to US$5M being sought for the Cacique Palace and Banquet Hall.

This was confirmed yesterday by the Government Official closely associated with the sale, Keith Burrowes.

That edifice is located aback of the Princess International Hotel at Providence on the East Bank Demerara, and was supposed to have been completed in time for Cricket World Cup 2007.

Burrowes told this publication that there have been some offers, but nothing close to what the Government

Kaieteur News

is looking to secure.

According to the official, while there are still persons expressing an interest in the incomplete structure, the offers that have been forthcoming are way below par.

He said that the proposals that the Guyana Government have been receiving range between US$1M and US$2M. Burrowes did confirm that the proposals have been coming from both local and overseas investors.

KEEPING LINDO CREEK MASSACRE REMAINS IS $33M AND COUNTING On June 21, 2008, dredge owner Leonard Arokium discovered the charred remains of eight of his employees in a burnt-out camp at Lindo Creek, Berbice River.

Among the dead were his son Dax Arokium, brother, Cedric Arokium, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes, Clifton Wong, Lancelot Lee, Bonny Harry and Nigel Torres.

It’s now four years and a month and the controversy still remains over who actually killed the miners.

For one, the eyewitness who the police had claimed was in their custody for safekeeping remains a mysterious character.

In the meantime, the state has incurred a whopping expense of in excess of $33M and counting to keep the remains.

THURSDAY EDITION LINDEN PROTEST TURNS DEADLY…THREE DEAD, TWO DOZEN INJURED Three persons were confirmed dead and several others were injured Wednesday as Police opened

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fire in Linden on the first day of a planned five-day protest against electricity rate hikes.

In the wake of the deaths, Joint Services ranks were sent to the town in efforts to bring calm.

Lindeners reacted angrily to the shootings and several buildings and vehicles were set on fire.

The Linmine Secretariat was burnt flat. The Guyana Fire Service could not reach the building because the road was blocked.

Those confirmed dead were Ron Somerset, Shemroy Bouyea and Ivan Lewis.

FRIDAYEDITION OPPOSITION BLASTS USE OF “EXCESSIVE FORCE” As Linden remained tense Thursday following Wednesday’s police shootings of Linden protestors that left three dead and several injured, government has agreed to establish a Commission of Inquiry.

There was widespread condemnation of the shooting and an under-pressure government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, announced that it has given orders for the removal of the Police Commander in the area.

Opposition parties joined calls that police used excessive force by firing on a group of protestors on the Kara Kara bridge Wednesday evening.

President Donald Ramotar met with representatives of both A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), where it was agreed for the special commission to investigate the shootings. But the opposition parties said that no clear concrete

Victims of the Lindo Creek massacre.

agreements were reached with the President and the Region 10 community remained “ready and committed to continue their fight for justice”.

The AFC has since indicated that it is not happy with the fact that there is no consensus on an international input into the commission.

According to the Home Affairs Ministry, it has requested of the Commissioner of Police (ag) a “full, comprehensive, and immediate report on the matter”.

The ministry’s statement also said that the Minister of Home Affairs has issued general and specific directions to the Commissioner of Police (ag) to effect immediate changes at the command level at E & F Police Division, of which Linden is an integral part.

TENSION GRIPS LINDEN AFTER POLICE KILLINGS Cleared streets but an

uneasy mood permeated the town of Linden Thursday, hours after a nasty battle between law enforcement officers and protesting residents left three persons dead following protests against electricity rate hikes.

It could take months even years to heal the rift between the people of Linden and the police – such is the distrust that exists following the killing of Shemroy Bouyea, 24, Ron Somerset, 19, and Ivan Lewis, 46, all of Wisroc , Linden.

The bitterness was most evident at the Linden Hospital Complex where scores converged to be with their injured relatives.

SATURDAY EDITION RAMOTAR CALLS FOR ‘COOL’ HEADS AS LINDEN UNREST CONTINUES President Donald Ramotar, while not ruling out a visit to the town of Linden soon, has called for Lindeners and all stakeholders to get a “cool head” and act with “soberness” in an effort to bring calm to Linden.

However, Ramotar’s government is not ready to rescind the electricity rate hikes – the cause of the planned fiveday protest which on Wednesday saw the deaths of three Lindeners – unless there is calm.

“My administration is repeating its willingness to engage with all stakeholders in order to find the best approach to bring Linden over a specified time to the same rates as the rest of the country,” he stated.

Ramotar said Lindeners have been “terribly misinformed” by extremists and political activists about the government’s intention regarding the electricity rate increases.

The President said that what the government offered on April 19 in its engagement with opposition coalition, “which

was agreed to” and later rejected, remains on the table.

“We spoke of graduism and selectively,” Ramotar stated, and said his government is prepared to discuss this proposal again.

However, he said that “fruitful discussion” cannot be had in the atmosphere that currently prevails.

“We are ready to discuss all of these matters with all the stakeholders, once normalcy is restored,” the President declared.

Ramotar has agreed to set up a Commission of Inquiry and has not ruled out calling in international experts. He said the Terms of Reference for the Commission of Inquiry would be drafted by August 2.

PEOPLE PREVENT POLICE FROM MOVING BODIES BY ROAD Friday, the third day of the Linden protest, saw even more people taking to the streets despite inclement weather, and continued heavy military presence.

And the bodies of the three Linden men, who were shot and killed by police on Wednesday, were whisked away by helicopter after the joint services unsuccessfully tried to transport the bodies to Georgetown by road without consulting with or informing the relatives.

They were thwarted in their efforts by angry residents who blocked the road at Kara Kara.

In a massive show of resistance and solidarity, Lindeners continued to send a clear message to those in authority that they were not prepared to back down until the government withdraws what many consider to be an electricity increase that’s too ‘astronomical’ for even the few that might have the means to pay.

And the cry remained the same, “We ain’t paying no increase”.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Physical inactivity kills 5 million a year: report (AFP Relax News) A third of the world’s adults are physically inactive, and the couch potato lifestyle kills about five million people every year, experts said in the medical journal The Lancet on Wednesday.

“Roughly three of every 10 individuals aged 15 years or older — about 1.5 billion people — do not reach present physical activity recommendations,” they said

in a report that described the problem as a “pandemic.”

The picture for adolescents is even more worrying, with four out of five 13- to 15-year-olds not moving enough, it said.

Physical inactivity was described for the study as failing to do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week, 20 minutes of vigorous activity three times a week, or a combination of the two.

Inactivity increases with age, is higher in women than in men, and more prevalent in high-income countries, the researchers found.

A second study, comparing physical activity levels with population statistics on diseases like diabetes, heart problems and

cancer, said lack of exercise claimed more than 5.3 million of the 57 million deaths worldwide in 2008.

It said inactivity was a risk factor comparable to smoking or obesity.

Lack of exercise causes an estimated six percent of coronary heart disease cases, seven percent of type 2 diabetes (the most common form) and 10 percent of breast and colon cancers, it said.

Reducing inactivity by 10 percent could eliminate more than half a million deaths every year, the report said, adding that the estimates were conservative.

The human body needs exercise to help the bones, muscles, heart and other organs function optimally, but populations are walking, running and cycling less and less as they spend more time in cars and in front of computers, the investigators said.

The Lancet series called for global efforts to promote physical exercise by improving pedestrian and cyclist safety on city roads, for example, more physical education at school or promoting access to free public exercise spaces.

Afinitor Approved for Advanced Breast Cancer (HealthDay News) — Afinitor (everolimus) has been approved in combination with the drug exemestane to treat postmenopausal women with advanced hormone-receptor positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

The newly approved combination is sanctioned for women whose cancer has progressed or returned despite previous use of the drugs letrozole (Femara) or anastrozole (Arimidex), the agency said in a news release.

Breast cancer, the secondleading cause of cancer death among women, is expected to be newly diagnosed in an estimated 226,870 women this

year and cause about 39,510 deaths, the FDA said.

Afinitor — already sanctioned for uses including treating certain forms of advanced renal cell carcinoma — was clinically evaluated for the new use among 724 people with advanced breast cancer.

People who took the combination drug had a 4.6month improvement in the average time to disease progression or death, compared to those who took a placebo.

The most common side effects among those taking Afinitor were mouth ulcers, infection, rash, fatigue, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

Afinitor is marketed by Novartis.

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It’s never too early to talk to your child about reproductive health

By Krista Brooks Nursey was telling us last week how important it is to talk to your children about reproductive health. She has seen many young people coming in to the clinic with questions about this issue and wants to make sure parents and children are comfortable talking about it together.

Last week there were also some tips about how to get started. Now that you are thinking about talking to your children, Nursey says the most difficult part is figuring out when to do it. The children are out of school on break, so now is a great time.

Another thing to consider is the age of your child. You don’t want to be too late in having your talk, but what is the best age? Nursey says it is actually never too early to start.

Talking about reproductive health does not always mean talking about sex. Children should know about their bodies and some of the changes they might go through as they get big. There is no specific age to start and you can talk to them throughout their lives.

The key is to make the information you tell them good for their age. Below are some examples for each age

range: · Birth- 2 years- Tell your child the correct name for their body parts, try not to use nicknames. · 2-3 Years- Establish that the genital area is a private part. No one else should be touching those parts and if they do, the child needs to tell someone. Also, it is a good time to talk about good touches and bad touches. If a child does not want to be touched (hugging, pushing, playing) by a friend or sibling they should be able tell that person they do not like it and would like it to stop. · 4-8 Years- This is an age where there are many questions and children have a high level of understanding.

You can tell your child that a baby grows in a woman’s uterus. Men have sperm and women have eggs and when they come together they can form a baby. This is the time to talk about your values around men and women coming together (when a man and woman love each other, when they are married, etc).

You can add further information such as how an egg and sperm meet and that a baby is delivered through the mom’s vagina if your child has more questions. · 9-14 Years- This is a time where many changes are

happening in your child’s body.

They might be developing breasts, have pubic hair, or experience changes in their voice. It is a good time to talk about the reproductive structures of males and females (look for the article next week!) and the changes that are occurring in their bodies (menstruation and nocturnal emissions). It also might be good to discuss your own views about having sex (when you think is a good time for them to have it in their lives) and the basic anatomy of sex. · 14-Adult- This is the height of puberty and adolescence. It is important that you have shared the anatomy of both males and female reproductive structures. Friends also have

a big influence at this age so discussing peer pressure would be helpful. Also, discuss any values you have about relationships and dating. Although you might not think your child is sexually active, this is also a good age to discuss methods of birth control or at least where in your community your child could have access to it. Remember you are giving your child tools to deal with reproductive health issues, not encouraging them to start having sex.

Whenever you decide to talk to your child, make sure you have enough time. Also, try to pick a space that is comfortable and does not have too many distractions.

As Nursey says, it is never too early to talk to your child about reproductive health.

If you have any questions about reproductive health or any other health issues please e-mail nurseysaysguyana@gmail.com.

Krista Brooks is a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer working with the School of Nursing, which trains Nursing Assistants, Professional Nurses, and Midwifery Students.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

Born Loser

HOW OLD AM I? Some people grow old gracefully, while others fight and scratch the whole way.

Andy’s wife, refusing to give in to the looks of growing old, goes out and buys a new line of expensive cosmetics guaranteed to make her look years younger.

After a lengthy sitting before the mirror applying the “miracle” products, she asks her husband - “Darling, honestly, if you didn’t know me, what age would you say I am?”

Looking over her carefully, Andy replied,...

“Judging from your skin, twenty; your hair, eighteen; and your figure, twenty five.”

“Oh, you flatterer!” she gushed. Just as she was about to tell Andy his reward, he stops her by saying...

“WHOA, hold on there sweety!” Andy interrupted.

“I haven’t added them up yet!” **************** LABOR PAINS A married couple went to he hospital to have their baby delivered. Upon their arrival, the doctor said he had invented a new machine that would transfer a portion of the mother’s labour pain to the father.

He asked if they were willing to try it out. They were both very much in favour of it. The doctor set the pain transfer dial to 10% for starters, explaining that even 10% was probably more pain than the father had ever experienced before.

But as the labour progressed, the husband felt fine and asked the doctor to go ahead and bump it up a notch.

The doctor then adjusted the machine to 20% pain transfer. The husband was still feeling fine. The doctor checked the husband’s blood pressure and was amazed at how well he was doing.

At this point they decided to try for 50%.

The husband continued to feel quite well. Since it was obviously helping out his wife considerably, the husband encouraged the doctor to transfer ALL the pain to him. The wife delivered a healthy baby with virtually no pain.

She and her husband were ecstatic. When they got home, the mailman was dead on their porch. **************** ATTRACTING WOMEN A man walked into a therapist’s office looking very depressed. “Doc, you’ve got to help me. I can’t go on like this.”

“What’s the problem?” the doctor inquired.

“Well, I’m 35 years old and I still have no luck with the ladies. No matter how hard I try, I just seem to scare them away.”

“My friend, this is not a serious problem. You just need to work on your self-esteem. Each morning, I want you to get up and run to the bathroom mirror.

Tell yourself that you are a good person, a fun person, and an attractive person. But say it with real conviction. Within a week you’ll have women buzzing all around you.”

The man seemed content with this advice and walked out of the office a bit excited. Three weeks later he returned with the same downtrodden expression on his face. “Did my advice not work?” asked the doctor.

“It worked alright. For the past several weeks I’ve enjoyed some of the best moments in my life with the most fabulous looking women.”

“So, what’s your problem?”

“I don’t have a problem,” the man replied. “My wife does.”

PEN P ALS PALS NA M E : Kelly Persaud Age: 16 ADDRESS: 15 Blenheim Leguan, Essequibo River, Region 3.

H O B B I E S: Reading, travelling, corresponding and enjoying indoor and outdoor activities.

N A M E : Dolly Persaud AGE: 15 A D D R E S S : 15 Blenheim Leguan, Essequibo River, Region 3.

H O B B I E S : Dancing, corresponding, watching television and hanging out with friends.

Garfield

Non Sequitur

Peanuts

Shoe

Sunday July 22, 2012

How to Make a Homemade Hair Mask Hair masks give a deep conditioning treatment to your hair, treating the ongoing damage and fortifying it from future assaults. However, readymade cosmetic hair masks though easily available do more harm than good in the long run.

In such a scenario it is better to make hair masks at home that protect and treat the hair quite effectively besides being completely safe.

WAYS TO MAKE AHOMEMADE HAIR MASK Hair Mask Using Olive Oil Mix some olive oil with a beaten egg and apply on your hair thoroughly. Keep it on the hair for half an hour. To prevent dripping it is better to use a plastic wrap around the head.

After half an hour rinse the mixture off completely using cool water which will prevent the egg from congealing on the head. Another alternate mask can be prepared using a mixture of olive oil with honey which can be used in the similar manner as above.

Hair Mask Using Oatmeal Mix equal quantities of oat, milk and some almond oil and mix in a bowl in such a manner that a paste of thick and even consistency is achieved. Use a wide-toothed comb to remove all tangles from your tresses and then thoroughly apply the mixture using your fingers. Keep it on for half an hour and then rinse thoroughly.

Hair Mask Using Ripe Avocado Mash the flesh of one ripe avocado in a bowl. Now mix some olive oil along with honey to the mash and mix thoroughly using a spoon until an even and smooth paste is achieved. Apply on the head and hair and let the mixture remain on for half an hour. Rinse it off thoroughly using warm water after that time and then shampoo using a deep herbal shampoo to achieve shiny and luxurious tresses.

Hair Mask Using Yoghurt and Eggs Add equal amounts of yoghurt and mayonnaise to one thoroughly beaten egg using a spatula. Apply this paste to your hair and leave it as such for half an hour. After that time rinse off completely in cool water and shampooalong with conditioning for effective results.

Simple Egg Hair Mask Beat two eggs thoroughly using a spatula and then apply on your head. Let it remain for fifteen to twenty minutes and then wash off using cool water followed by shampoo and proper conditioning.

Other Hair Masks Hair masks can also be prepared using mashed bananas added with honey, egg, milk and some olive oil. Mix these ingredients completely and apply on your head for miraculous results. Similarly another hair mask can be prepared by mixing beaten egg with some yoghurt. The number of eggs may vary from one to two depending on the length and thickness of the hair. Apply this mask on the hair and let it remain for half an hour for the right effect.

You can make an effective hair mask by mixing together honey with milk and applying on the head. Fenugreek seeds are also good for the health of your tresses. Apply the paste of these seeds which are soaked overnight.

SOLUTION FOR LAST WEEK’S SEARCH & FIND

Kaieteur News

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Country profile:

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

OVERVIEW The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states formed in 1971 by the then Trucial States after independence from Britain.

Since then, it has grown from a quiet backwater to one of the Middle East’s most important economic centres.

Although each state Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Qaiwain - maintains a large degree of independence, the UAE is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers made up of the seven emirs, who appoint the prime minister and the cabinet.

Before oil was discovered in the 1950s the UAE’s economy was dependent on fishing and a declining pearling industry. But since 1962, when Abu Dhabi became the first of the emirates to begin exporting oil, the country’s society and economy have been transformed.

The late Sheikh Zayed, ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE at its

UAE President and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed

Vice President, Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum

inception, was quick to seize on the potential of the oil industry. He oversaw the development of all the emirates and directed oil revenues into healthcare, education and the national infrastructure.

The oil industry has attracted a large influx of foreign workers who, together with expatriates, now make up more than three quarters of the population.

But the UAE’s authorities also tried to reduce its dependency on oil exports by diversifying the economy, creating booming business,

tourism and construction sectors.

While Abu Dhabi remained relatively conservative in its approach, Dubai, which has far smaller oil reserves, was bolder in its diversification policy.

Particularly during the credit boom that built up after 2000, Dubai sought to turn itself into the financial gateway and cosmopolitan hub of the Middle East.

It also began attracting vast amounts of foreign investment for ever more ambitious construction projects, most famously the

Burj Khalifa skyscraper - the world’s current tallest manmade structure - and futuristic land reclamation projects, such as the palmshaped artificial Palm Islands.

Dubai in particular was hit by the 2009 global financial crisis, and the property sector and construction went into decline. However, tourism, trade and the retail sector have remained bouyant.

Though Emiratis are traditionally conservative, the UAE is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf, with other cultures and beliefs generally tolerated, especially in Dubai.

However, politically it remains authoritarian. It was the only country in the region not to have elected bodies until 2006, when it convened a half-elected federal assembly, which, however, was restricted to a consultative role.

FACTS Full name: United Arab Emirates Population: 4.7 million

(UN, 2010) Capital: Abu Dhabi Largest city: Dubai Area: 77,700 sq km (30,000 sq miles) Major language: Arabic Major religion: Islam Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 78 years (women) (UN) Monetary unit: 1 Dirham = 100 fils Main exports: Oil, gas GNI per capita: n/a Internet domain: .ae International dialling code: +971 LEADERS President, ruler of Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Sheikh Khalifa was named as president by the UAE Federal Council shortly after the death of his father, Sheikh Zayed Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan, in November 2004. The former president, who was 86, had been in poor health.

Sheikh Khalifa, who had been crown prince of Abu Dhabi since 1969, is said to be a pro-Western moderniser.

He has promised to widen the participation of UAE citizens in “public affairs”.

Often referred to as the father of the nation, Sheikh Zayed succeeded his brother as ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and, because of his strong leadership and commitment to forming the federation, he was elected as the first president of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.

Re-elected every five years since 1971, Sheikh Zayed instilled the values of religious tolerance and equality, especially for women, into his policies, which greatly enhanced the stability of the UAE. Vice president and PM, ruler of Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid alMaktoum Sheikh Mohammed succeeded his elder brother Sheikh Maktoum as ruler of Dubai in January 2006, and was elected to take his place as the UAE’s federal prime minister.

Even before taking over as ruler, Sheikh Mohammed had pursued the ambition of transforming Dubai originally a fishing village and the emirates’ main trading post - into one of the world’s foremost financial and

cultural capitals.

In the early 2000s, growth rates reached double digits, while investment and workers poured in from Asia, the Middle East and the West.

Sheikh Mohammed also worked to make his state the most tolerant in the UAE for foreigners.

However, the economic crash of 2008-9 left Dubai with large debts, and needing assistance from Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi gave Dubai $10bn to pay off the debts of the government-owned company Dubai World.

Ruler of Ajman: Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid al-Nuaimi Ruler of Fujairah: Sheikh Hamad bin Muhammad bin Hamad al-Sharqi Ruler of Ras al Khaimah: Sa’ud Bin-Saqr al-Qasimi Ruler of Sharjah: Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad alQasimi Ruler of Umm al Qaiwain: Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmad alMualla MEDIA The UAE is a regional and international centre for TV and media, alongside Egypt and Lebanon. Dubai Media City and twofour54, Abu Dhabi’s media zone, were set up to attract key players.

Organisations including Reuters, CNN, Sony and Fox have moved in. The UAE is home to major pan-Arab broadcasters, including MBC and Orbit Showtime Network.

Sky News Arabia launched from Abu Dhabi in 2012.

The constitution provides for freedom of speech but there is strong regulatory and political control of media content.

Publications must be licensed and follow official guidelines on reporting.

Foreign publications are censored before distribution.

Journalists tend to practise self-censorship.

Internet use is extensive;

by March 2011 there were 3.5 million users (InternetWorldStats.com).

Extensive, automated filtering is in place at ISP level.

Targeted content includes opposition politics and religion. Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are partially blocked.

A cyber crime law sets out fines and prison sentences for online acts, such as “revealing secrets” or insulting religion.

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

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The Toco Toucan

Interesting creatures…

(Ramphastos toco)

T h e To c o To u c a n (Ramphastos toco) is the largest and arguably best known species in the toucan family. It is found in semiopen habitats throughout a large part of central and eastern South America. It is a common attraction in zoos.

The Toco Toucan has a striking plumage with a mainly black body, a white throat, chest and uppertailcoverts, and red undertailcoverts. What appears to be a blue iris is actually thin blue skin around the eye. This blue skin is surrounded by another ring of bare, orange skin.

The most noticeable feature, however, is its huge bill, which is yellow-orange, tending to appear deeper reddish-orange on its lower sections and culmen, and with a black base and large spot on the tip. It looks heavy, but as in other toucans, it is relatively light because the inside largely is hollow. The tongue is nearly as long as the bill and very flat.

With a total length of 55–65 centimetres (22–26 inches), including a bill that measures almost 20 cm (8 in), and a weight of 500–860 grams (17.5-30 oz), it is believed to be the largest species of toucan and the largest representative of the order Piciformes.

T h e a v e r a g e To c o Toucan is 700 grams. Males are larger than females, but otherwise both are alike.

Juveniles are duller and shorter-billed than adults. Its voice consists of a deep, coarse croaking, often repeated every few seconds.

It also has a rattling call and will bill-clack.

It is, unlike the other members of the genus Ramphastos, essentially a non-forest species. It can be found in a wide range of semi-open habitats such as woodland, savannah and other open habitats with scattered trees, Cerrado, plantations, forest-edge, and even wooded gardens. It is mainly a species of lowlands, but occurs up to 1750 metres (5750 ft) near the Andes in Bolivia.

Because it prefers open habitats it is likely to benefit from the widespread deforestation in tropical South America. It has a large range and except in the outer regions of its range, it typically is fairly common. It is therefore considered to be of Least Concern by BirdLife International.

The Toco Toucan eats fruit (e.g. figs and Passiflora edulis) using its bill to pluck them from trees, but also insects, frogs, small reptiles and nestlings, and eggs of birds. It also has been known to capture and eat small adult birds in captivity (animal).

The long bill is useful for reaching things that otherwise would be out-ofreach. It is also used to skin fruit and scare off predators.

It is typically seen in pairs or small groups. In flight it alternates between a burst of rapid flaps with the relatively short, rounded wings, and gliding. They are poor flyers, and usually hop from tree to tree. Nesting is seasonal, but timing differs between regions. The nest is typically placed high in a tree and consists of a cavity, at least part of which is excavated by the parent birds

themselves.

It has also been recorded nesting in holes in earthbanks and terrestrial termitenests. Their reproduction cycle is annual. The female usually lays two to four eggs a few days after mating. The eggs are incubated by both sexes and hatch after 17–18 days. These birds are very protective of themselves and of their babies.

The bill is largest beak relative to body size of all birds providing 30 to 50 percent of its body surface area. It was called by Buffon a “grossly monstrous” appendage. Diverse functions have been suggested. Charles Darwin suggested it was a sexual ornament: “toucans may owe the enormous size of their beaks to sexual selection, for the sake of displaying the diversified and vivid stripes of colour with which these organs are ornamented”.

Further suggestions have included aid in peeling fruit, intimidating other birds when robbing their nests, social selection related to defence of territory, and as a

visual warning. Research has shown that one function is as a surface area for heat exchange. The bill has the ability to modify blood flow and so regulate heat distribution in the bird, allowing it to use its bill as a thermal radiator.

In terms of surface area used for this function, the bill relative to the bird's size is amongst the largest of any animal and has a network of superficial blood vessels supporting the thin horny sheath on the bill made of keratin called the rhamphotheca. In its capacity to remove body heat the bill is comparable to that of elephant ears.

The ability to radiate heat depends upon air speed: if this is low only 25 percent of the adult bird's resting heat production to as much as four times this heart production. In comparison the bill of a duck and the ears of elephant can shed only nine to 91 percent of resting heat production. The bill normally is responsible for 30 to 60 percent of heat loss.

The practice of Toco Toucan's of placing their

bills under their wings may serve to insulate the bill and reduce heat loss during sleep. It has been observed that complexities of the vasculature and controlling

mechanisms needed to adjust the blood flow to the bill may not be completely developed until adulthood.

(Wikipedia: The Free Online Encyclopaedia)

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Sunday July 22, 2012

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Sunday July 22, 2012

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Sunday July 22, 2012

Ministers on horse cart

Ministers Ehlers and Irfaan Ally with Victoria drummers Guyana’s Mangrove Restoration Project (GMRP) has been chosen to take part in a World Trade Organisation’s Conference being held in Ecuador in September. It is expected to make a presentation to the conference on the project which is funded by the European Union and the Government of Guyana.

Mr. Freddie Ehlers, Minister of Tourism for Ecuador, who was accompanying, Ricardo Patino, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Integration on a visit to Guyana for a bilateral meeting, had been invited by Guyana’s Acting Minister of Tourism, Irfaan Ali, on a tour of the mangrove site.

Said Minister Ali, “Minister Ehlers was extremely impressed by what he saw, and he thought our mangrove restoration effort

could be a model case study for development, as it incorporates mangrove protection and management with community development and eco tourism.”

It should be noted that Ecuador has extensive mangrove forests which have been degraded by developers destroying them to make way for shrimp farms.

On the tour, which began at the Mangrove Visitor Center at Cove and John, the two Ministers of Tourism enjoyed a presentation of the mangrove restoration project, viewed displays of the various agriculture products being produced by the Mangrove Producers Coops which have become an adjunct to the mangrove restoration initiative and sampled the fresh cane juice and fried breadfruit chips.

From the Centre, they

used the horse cart which is fast becoming the preferred method of travel for tours in the Mangrove Reserve. They stopped along the way to compliment Ingrid, whose roadside stand produces the most delectable Demerara cane juice and cassava balls.

They continued to Victoria Village which would be celebrating its 175 th anniversary in 2014.

They took pictures of the wooden hut where freed slaves from Victoria, who had continued working on the estate, would come to collect their weekly stipends. Farther along, as they entered the Mangrove Reserve they were greeted by folk singing and drumming by drummers from Victoria Village, specially arranged for the visit.

Annette Arjoon-Martins, Chairperson of the GMRP, said, “Mr. Ehlers was very taken with this, and even tried his hand at some of the drumming.”

Mangrove Tour Guides, Raymond Hinds and Carlotta De Jesus, then escorted the visitors along the seawall with

the 30-foot-high mangrove forest, and explained the four species of mangroves and the various medicinal plants found growing naturally in the area.

Following the tour, Arjoon-Martins said that Minister Ehlers invited her to come to Ecuador to do a formal presentation on Guyana’s Mangrove Project to the World Trade Organisation’s Conference.

“Apart from the

conservation aspect, he was particularly keen to highlight the community development component which has emerged in our mangrove work here. He thinks it’s a success story which should be replicated in other parts of Latin America.”

Minister Ally said, “Apart from the important sea defence aspect, our Mangrove Project also has definite tourism potential. Additionally, it is

generating employment in these coastal areas for tour guides, horse carts owners and mangrove rangers, and from the mangrove honey and various agricultural products coming from these communities.

“Mr Ehlers was very enthused about the community development potential he saw in our Reserve, and felt it’s a story that should be spread.”

From page 10 employees of the Guyana Fire Fest Productions all gathered around the onscreen Jodi as they tried to get better glimpses, snapshots and comments from them.

Karan Grover, during a brief media interview in the wee hours of that morning, said that Suhasi Goradia (Abha) and himself, did not take long to decide that they wanted to come and perform here in Guyana.

The two were contacted by the head of Fire Fest, and Guyana’s very own, Mahendra Ramkellawan.

Karan added that after the proposition came, he immediately “googled” our

country and the organizer of the “Music of the World 2” Super Concert.

He said that he instantly fell in love with Ramkellawan’s music, and decided to show it to his onscreen counterpart, with whom he decided to come to Guyana.

The two had visited Trinidad before, but this is their first visit to Guyana.

Karan and Abha, after taking a brief nap, were touring the city of Georgetown, visiting television channels and tending to some ecstatic fans, after which they attended a press conference held in the boardroom of the Princess International Hotel where they are being accommodated.

There, “Karan” and “Abha” both established that they were extremely surprised to have so many fans here; especially given the fact that majority of the people do not speak Hindi.

“I was so surprised.

People remembered scenes from Yahaan Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli that even I had forgotten,” an amazed Karan said. He also praised locals for

their hospitality, as well as Ramkellawan, for making them comfortable and at home.

“Abha (golden beauty) said that they (her and Karan) could not have walked out of a building and into their car without somebody calling out for “Karan…, Abha” When asked about her and Karan being a couple, a jovial Abha said that she is happily married; although, she does share a good friendship with Karan, the man who seems a lot more handsome in person than onscreen.

The down to earth duo was eagerly awaiting last night’s performance, stating that they find it a pleasure to not only share the stage with the astounding playback singer and music director Kumar Sanu, but with Chutney masters like Mahendra Ramkellawan and KI as well.

Sanu arrived yesterday morning, and did not get to mingle much with locals, but knowing his talent, one can be almost certain that he will deliver nothing less than spectacular.

Down to earth ‘Karan...

Sunday July 22, 2012

From the Diaspora...

By Ralph Seeram The death of the three men in Linden this week is most tragic, these men were husband, son, father, brother, uncle or nephew. Their deaths touch so many lives. The manner of their deaths makes it even more unbearable for their grieving families. They gave their lives, like so many around the world, for a cause they believed in.

The question being asked today is did they have to die for that cause, an increase in their electricity bills, could this tragedy have been averted in the first place?

There are going to very different versions of the events leading to the untimely death of these men, what though is even more regrettable is the opposition parties using the death of these men for “political

Kaieteur News

LINDEN TRAGEDY— WHO’S TO BLAME? mileage”, the blame game has already started, one must asked themselves if the opposition is truly saddened by their deaths, or do they see this as an opportunity to gain political points.

I am not going engage in any fancy language here, many would not want to say it, but it is my view that APNU and the AFC should take most if not all the blame for this tragedy.

The opposition has been “stoking the fires on this issue” for the last few months, leading up to the deadly confrontation, President Ramotar did not create this situation, the Guyana Police Force did not create this situation.

It was the opposition who have been “running from Georgetown to Linden” encouraging opposition to the electricity rates. I personally do not categorize

Man sexually assaults stepdaughter A 36-year-old man is in police custody for sexually assaulting his seven-year-old stepdaughter. Charges are soon to be laid against him.

According to reports, the man who resides at San Souci, Wakenaam, inserted one of his fingers in the child’s vagina.

Added reports state that on the day in question, the man and his stepdaughter were alone at home, when he asked the child to lie on a bed. He then proceeded to commit the sexual act against the child. Reports are the child’s mother was attending to an errand. When she returned home her daughter told her what her stepfather did.

Page 53

The child’s mother immediately alerted the police at Wakenaam and the man was arrested. The child was subsequently taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where a medical examination was performed on her. The 36-year-old has since denied sexually assaulting his stepdaughter.

Meanwhile, a couple has been arrested after the male partner allegedly physically assaulted her.

Reports are the couple who hails from Buck Hall, on Friday evening last apparently had an argument and the man apparently bit his lover.

Police have arrested both parties and charges will be laid.

it as an increase in rates, since the rates were already there for the rest of the country. It was not only that the Linden consumers were being subsidized, the subsidy came to an end and it was time for them to pay their bills like the rest of the country.

APNU and the AFC should have shown mature political leadership by telling their supporters that they had a good thing going for a while but it has come to an end.

What is wrong with telling people you have to pay your bill just as how the rest of the country pays theirs? Instead of doing that, they took the coward way and “stoked the fires” for political purposes.

They began clouding the issue with other issues that had nothing to do with the increase in electricity rates.

There are Guyanese in other economically depressed areas that have to pay their electricity bills. Don’t you think they are wondering why they must pay more than the people at Linden?

Suppose the situation was reversed and they start asking to be subsidized like the folks at Linden, where would that lead us to?

As I said, there are going to be various versions of what happened. The opposition claimed it was an attack on

unarmed peaceful protesters.

My idea of a peaceful protest is what Freddie, Lincoln and Benschop does; take a placard and pound the pavement protesting. That is my idea of a peaceful protest; blocking a main highway, stacking it with derelict vehicles, robbing and burning, throwing bottles, bricks and other missiles, ignoring lawful orders from the police hardly qualifies as a peaceful protest.

The police said that they read the proclamation to the protesters. The political operatives in the crowd must have surely known what that meant. After the first volley of tear gas, the protesters should have realized that the police were serious and should have withdrawn, it is simple as that.

Years ago as a reporter, a former commissioner of police told me, “Ralph, the policeman on the street, that constable is the person who makes the difference between democracy and anarchy”. So it is with the police on that fateful bridge on Wednesday last. They were the line between the rule of law and democracy, or hooliganism and anarchy.

If they were allowed to overrun the police at that point, what next? One has to determine where peaceful

protest ends and riotous activity begins. The police felt they had to “hold their line”, whether they had to use live ammunition to do it, is for an impartial commission of inquiry to decide.

The public should not rush to judgment as quick as the opposition did in condemning the police action, one must remember that the police are also putting their lives on the line.

Policemen place their lives on the line to defend democracy, so it disturbs me when Clement Rohee (why Ramotar still has this idiot) is taking the cowardly way out by attempting to “throw the police under the bus” by inferring its them(police) not me. What a coward.

One must not undermine the efforts of the police to maintain law order, to maintain the rule of law, trying to blame the officer in charge could hurt the morale of the police force. If officers feel that they may face sanctions for making “split second decisions” to maintain law and order and prevent looting and burning, a detrimental decision could be made one way or the other.

Guess what, the next time the situation presents itself, they will turn a “blind eye” and let chaos reign. I have criticized the police for their

corrupt traffic officers, but on this one I am not going to second guess the police.

They are the ones on the ground; they are the ones facing the threats that were supported by the opposition.

Whether the level of force was met by the degree of threat, an inquiry will determine that.

There is an ironic twist to the protestations of APNU and its leader David Granger.

Mr. Granger was a ranking officer in the army during the early seventies when supporters of the PPP in defending the ballot box on the Corentyne were shot and killed by the army ranks. Mr. Granger is on record as saying it was a law enforcement exercise, I wrote some time last year disagreeing with his version of that event, because I was a journalist in Berbice at the time covering that election and knew exactly how and why those men were killed.

Today the “shoe is on the other foot” and Mr. Granger cannot see it as a law enforcement issue. That’s because today he is a politician. Don’t get me wrong I have a lot of respect for the man.

Ralph Seeram can be reached at email: ralph365@hotmail.com

t r o Sp The Perfect Three-Piece Combo Sarwan hits WICB for ‘six’ Ramnaresh Sarwan

SHOW ME THE MONEY! Defending Mackeson Smooth Moves 3-on-3 Basketball Champions, Pacesetters ‘A’ Team pose with some of the cash they won in the inaugural tournament last year following the Finals on the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tarmac.

By Edison Jefford Choosing the perfect combination for the upcoming Mackeson Smooth Moves 3-on-3 Basketball Competition have proven to be more about science than about talent with the emergence of what is now a normal concept in the sport; the reliance on a ‘Big Three’ in the sport’s regular format is a common trend in modern

basketball.

This three-man rotation is, however, not just any three players; for example, three guards or three forwards would not work well in a system that is aimed at being ‘complete’ with each player and position having specific roles on the court. Lebron James played centre/forward, Chris Bosh took on the forward post and Dwayne Wade was the point

guard in the Miami Heat, who recently won the NBA Championship, ‘Big Three’ rotation.

But that is the regular five-man format. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) took an interesting emergence and condensed it to a 3-on-3 format that has received global attention, and thanks to Ansa McAl through its Mackeson brand, arrived in

Guyana last year. Teams, from their orientation in 2011, are not expected to repeat the same mistakes.

Lots of teams went for super-talents around Guyana, forgetting that it is not the abilities of those who form part of your ‘Big Three’, with the one substitute allowed, but rather how well available talents fit into specific roles (Continued on page 61)

Grenada shoots in one against Guyana at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port-of-Spain, yesterday morning.

Grenada rout Guyana 63-24 in AFNAC/ship

P. 62

G

uyanese batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan has been cleared of certain charges levelled against him by WICB CEO Ernest Hilaire regarding his fitness and attitude, after arbitrator Seenath Jairam SC, LLM, ruled in favour of the right hander in an arbitration brought by the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) on his behalf against the West Indies Cricket Board.

The arbitrator found the WICB guilty of all charges brought against it by WIPA on behalf of Sarwan. The ruling of the arbitrator was released on June 18, 2012.

Sarwan was kept out of the regional team because authorities had issues with his attitude and approach to physical preparation.

In his ruling, the arbitrator found that the selection process was not done in a fair and transparent manner and that the WICB was in breach of Article VII (e) (i) of the MOU. That the integrity of the selection process had not been kept or

maintained since public comments had been made which denigrated Sarwan.

He also ruled that the appraisal process has not been complied with in accordance with Article VII (a) of the MOU and there had been a clear and unmistakable breach of the requirements set out in Schedule “F” thereof, which as a result led to Sarwan suffering severe loss and damages.

This is the 15th dispute registered between WIPA and the WICB. So far, WIPA has been vindicated and has won all. There are another ten outstanding matters. In addition, the Sarwan ruling opens the door to about six more similar matters which is in addition to the ten outstanding. The cost of the WICB’s losses and legal fees cannot at this time be estimated but are reputed to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

WICB was represented

by Derek Ali and WIPA was represented by Donna (Continued on page 61)

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 55

Relatives lambaste Don’t become a nag! island’s...

The two of us had an lot of females at his work

The Abigail Column

Dear Abigail, I am in a deep situation where jealousy is the root cause of all my problems. My boyfriend and I have been dating for the past six months.

He is a really nice person and I know he loves me dearly but the problem is that I don’t trust him.

He is in the medical field and has to report to work any hour in the night (we are not living together).

I also work late and he would come for me every night and we would go hang out then he would take me home.

The problem is that every time I call him during the day, I never get through, but he would eventually return my calls.

understanding that we would report to each other every time we goes somewhere.

I have been reporting to him about my whereabouts but he does not do the same. If I don’t ask him where he is, he would not tell me.

If I am away from work for one day, he would not call me.

Sometimes I feel as If our relationship is falling apart but then when he meets me, he clears all the doubts.

He did what no guys ever done for me, he furnished my room and he makes sure all my needs are taken care of.

The only problem I have with him is that he does not spend a lot of his time with me.

He blames not spending time with me on his job but I really don’t believe that. He does not allow me to check his phone but he checks mine.

He does not allow me to go anywhere. He talks with a

place, some of them would even call him on his cell phone, whereas I cannot talk with anyone of my work’s mate when he is around.

Help me; tell me if my relationship is in the process of falling apart.

Frustrated Dear Frustrated, You seem to have someone who loves you, and you are threading on dangerous ground by becoming a bit of a nag. If you read over your letter, you will find the answers you are looking for.

You say he returns your calls and he clears your doubts if you ask.

So, stop being paranoid; the workers calling and all of that are not issues you should really be agitating about.

Communication remains the key. So, if you are bothered about things, just talk it over with him.

Sunday July 22, 2012 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Opportunities may come up at prestigious affairs. You need to reevaluate your situation.

Empty promises are evident and deception probable.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your moneymaking opportunities will flourish. Focus on forming business partnerships. Go directly to the source if you want to know exactly what's been going on.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) One sided attractions are likely. You are best to put your efforts into redecorating or inviting friends over. Put your time and energy into home improvement.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Property investments, insurance, tax rebates, or inheritance should bring you financial gains. Move forward if you want to turn your life around.

Avoid lending or borrowing.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Take time to talk things over.

Travel for business or pleasure.

Be prepared for an active but rewarding day. You may find your nights sleepless due to bad dreams.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can invest in profitable ventures. Offer love and affection instead of conflict and rejection. Your involvement in organizational events could open doors to new and exciting opportunities.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) There may be opportunities to attend social functions that are linked to work. You will find that uncertain individuals will want to draw you into joint ventures.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will be full of energy and you need to find something constructive to do. You may find it necessary to confront a situation that has gotten out of hand.

SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Be sure to get involved with those who can introduce you to unusual forms of entertainment. Concentrate on your job. Abstain from getting involved with married individuals.

CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) A passionate encounter with your mate should help alleviate that pent-up energy.

Travel in pursuit of pleasure and knowledge.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You are best to be discreet.

Get out and have some fun.

Don't believe everything you hear.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Attend seminars that will bring you in contact with the right people. Your ability to be a self starter will help get things done and motivate others.

From page 3 island and with the description, they (investigators) should have been able to find him. I don’t want my brother’s murder to go unsolved,” Alleyne said.

Memories of that day in July 2008 are still painful for Edith Latchman.

“As a mother, I get a shock every time I remember what happened to my son. Four years is like four days for me,” lamented Edith Latchman yesterday.

She said that the last time she heard anything about the investigation was when Barbadian policeman contacted her via telephone last year. She said that the policeman promised to contact her again but he never did.

“Barbados is a tourist island and they (Barbadian police) should ensure that every foreigner should get justice regardless if they are from Guyana or England,” Latchman said.

The shooting was hardly reported in the media on the island and this newspaper was unsuccessful in attempts to gather information from the sister CARICOM territory.

“At first the Bajans blame Guyanese when Chris get killed. When they had the fire at the mall when people were killed they blamed it on Guyanese until they found out it was the Bajans themselves who did it,” Latchman pointed out.

During a visit to this country three years ago to attend the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police Conference, Barbadian Top Cop Darwin Dottin was questioned about the investigation into the murder and had promised to provide information upon his return home.

However, when this newspaper contacted his office via telephone as arranged he was always unavailable.

Page 56

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

===Letter to the Sports Editor=== (From page 54)

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Lawless Phantom Group Destroying Guyana Cricket DEAR EDITOR, The Berbice Cricket Board must be complimented for its principled and responsible stand against the recent efforts of a few individuals who seem hell-bent on violating the Laws, moral and ethical values of our society.

It is common knowledge that the GCB has been ‘injuncted’ by the Guyana Courts and its executives have all resigned. The Demerara Cricket Board has also been ‘injuncted’ yet some power hungry individuals have been holding themselves out as GCB including selecting teams to represent the country in the most clandestine manner. The worse part of the move includes the discriminating and vindictive approach to the process.

Recent newspaper reports had the Former GCB administrator Savitri Singh and Former Essequibo President and Vice President of the GCB Mr. Alvin Johnson publicly contradicting each other on who is responsible.

In any case, the WICB must share the blame for although they have indicated that they will recognize the GCB only (not even the IMC) they are still accepting teams which the GCB could not have selected.

Evidently the WICB is supportive of this most illegal immoral and unethical activity which can only be seen as insulting to our sovereignty.

Presently these phantom organizers are in the process of selecting U15, U19 and ladies teams to participate in the upcoming WICB Tournaments, totally ignoring the usual requirements and procedures for the requisite protection of our cricket and cricketers.

Any National Team leaving these shores must be selected by an authorized, responsible body, and not by any fly by night group until a legally elected GCB is put in place or an acceptable substitute is instituted. All Guyanese must support the Berbice Cricket Board in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Essequibo Cricket Board on the other hand continues to exist in a world of deceit and pretense FOR SALE/RENT American pool table 2770578 Business place for restaurant or boutique. Public Road, New Road Vreed-En-Hoop.

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by saying one thing and doing something else.

Mr.Ahmad, the controversial Former President of Essequibo Cricket Board and Former treasurer of GCB during the turbulent period of alleged illegal elections and financial improprieties at GCB, suddenly resigned after publicly supporting the IMC and along with his Executives fired his Vice President Fizul Bacchus for transferring the GCB assets to a new DEB entity.

Mr. Ahmad was replaced

by Mr. Prince Holder as President of ECB who also promised to support the IMC, but immediately reinstated Vice President Bacchus, and supported the clandestine arrangement for the U17 disgrace where former President of the ECB and formerVPof GCBAlvin Johnson (who should know better) carried out the managers duties.

Holder also seems to be supporting the administrative moves afoot for the selection of a National Under 15 team, by participating in the secretly arranged inter-county games. How could the Essequibo Cricket Board justify an inter-county fixture against, a Demerara Team when the Demerara Board and the Guyana Board are both’ injuncted’? Who is selecting the team? Who is providing the funds? Why is this all kept a secret?

Further the previously unheard of Virendra Chintamani has been chosen as the manager of the maverick Guyana U15 Team comprising of an eight member Essequibo squad plus friends and family.

It is rumored that the U19 and Ladies teams are already

selected along the same lines of gratuity for favours, totally oblivious to the more deserving young cricketers.

The Essequibo cricket Board provided 9 of the 10 persons who attended the GCB fraudulent election of July 2011. They installed an illegal regime that has created mayhem with the cricket administration in Guyana and the West Indies.

It seems that this body feels obliged to continue its deceitful ways, whilst attempting to fool the public with baseless promises, and where the Lawlessness and disorder that pervades the current cricket environment has been promulgated wholly and solely by the Essequibo Cricket Board.

It is a shame and indeed an avid manifestation of greed, avarice and total disregard for the game we all love.

Indeed when the history of our cricket is recorded, it will reflect a total disgrace on the current members of the Essequibo Cricket Board.

So Mr. Holder it is not too late for confessions and correcting the mayhem already committed for the facts will certainly come out sometime, somewhere-: it always does.

Therefore I remind those violators that the arms of the law are slow but long, and certainly if it misses out in justice, the Lord Almighty will not. Pastor Aotto certainly knows this, maybe he should advise his colleagues of the dangers of their evil ways.

Once again Berbice Cricket Board I salute you for your principled stand in the interest of “Cricket”.

Claude Raphael

Digicel nationwide schools competition was a success DEAR EDITOR, I write in relation to the just concluded Digicel nationwide schools football competition.

The tournament was definitely an overwhelming success for the teams and Digicel. Credit must also be given to Digicel for investing such large sums of money in this year’s competition.

The teams have shown the rich talent that exist at the junior level, I was fortunate enough to witness the finals and third place play off, there was no doubt that it was definitely the two best teams of the competition playing in the finals who displayed the unique theme of

the competition unite, develop and excel.

I’m appealing to the football governing body here in Guyana to include all hinterland communities in competition such as these, they have demonstrated that they have great potential through this competition and their willingness to excel.

Finally I take this opportunity to congratulate Christianburg Secondary (Region 10) for winning the competition, also to Waramadong Secondary (Region 7) who came in second and St Ignatius Secondary (Region9) third.

Wendell D. Gill

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 57

“West Indies dominated one-day series against New Zealand, but what about the Tests?”

Colin E. H. Croft Let us start at the beginning, or was that the end, or both? Sunil Narine was totally mesmerizing in two T-20-I’s and five ODI’s against New Zealand. If he will be that effective in Tests, when batsmen do not have to ‘chase ball’, would be interesting, but there was no doubt that he was ‘player of shorter games!’

3-33 (4 overs), 4-12 (4 overs); 2-26 (10 overs); 2-45 (10 overs); 2-28 (10 overs); 220 (10 overs) and 5-27 (10 overs), showed how absolutely dominant his bowling was; a phenomenal 20 wickets costing only 191 runs, from 58 overs; average a parsimonious 9.55 runs per wicket, overall runs per over (RPO) – economy rate – of 3.29; suggesting that New Zealand had been more garroted out than just dismissed!

None of NZ’s batsmen, not even captain Ross Taylor, who defied prognostications to come back quickly from injury, making New Zealand’s solitary century in seven games; 110 in a losing effort,

Letter to the Sports Editor...

DEAR EDITOR, Local Newspapers of Wednesday July 11th last carried correspondence from Imran Khan which sought to degrade President Donald Ramotar ’s “alleged unqualified advisors” and discredit the President’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 33rd Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in St. Lucia a few days ago.

The issue concerned the President’s views and complaints with respect to the “problems in the administration of the game” (of cricket) in the region and his criticism of the West Indies Cricket Board (W.I.C.B) for hosting matches in Florida, U.S.A recently, whilst various cricketing Member-States are being denied the opportunity of hosting games when international tours and tournaments are held in the region.

Firstly, the Ministry notes Mr. Imran Khan’s “noble” declaration that he wrote “in no official capacity, only as a citizen of Guyana” and his assertion that it is “regrettable” that President

ODI No. 4; could stem the accuracy and stinginess of Narine. Most looked so bedazzled that even their feet froze!

Somehow, if New Zealand is to win the Test series, Taylor, Brendan McCallum and Martin Guptill, mainly, would have to find adventure in their batsmanhsip, hoping to cope with Narine; something to savor. Patience could be New Zealand’s virtue here. Narine cannot bowl for all the Tests!

Andre Russell again demonstrated in this shortgames series why he is being considered for greater inclusions. He certainly outshone supposedly more illustrious all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who continues to be more noise than substance. Russell’s time, as fellow Jamaicans suggest; “soon come!”

Hey, in passing, West Indies Cricket Board’s “Grand Poobahs” should have been extremely embarrassed at what transpired in Fort Lauderdale. It took massive efforts from New Zealand Cricket to take up the mandate originally given to WICB,

Sunil Narine long before ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, by International Cricket Council, to establish cricket properly in USA, after United States Cricket Association’s (USACA) goings-on.

Despite trying to hoodwink with drivel, USA’s cricket was always supposed

to have been under WICB’s purview. Unfortunately, that responsibility was so badly neglected that NZC took open opportunity to start trying to do what WICB seemingly could not, or would not do; take a chance!

NZC hopes to develop an IPL-type franchise, “USPL”, in North America, to include teams from even as far north as Canada, to help the game strive. Hence this request, even demand, to stage games in Florida.

For those who do not know, apparently including Guyana’s President, who queried the Florida games to CARICOM, ‘Cricket Holdings America’, formed between NZC and USACA, has taken over running the game in USA. The two T-20-I’s there were just the opportunity they needed to show off.

Perhaps Guyana’s cricketing IMC should be doing a better job at advising its ‘boss’ before he opens his mouth!

Obviously, the two T-20I’s in Florida were great spectacles, despite New Zealand losing both. The games were better played than when NZ took on Sri Lanka

NEIL KUMAR FIRES BACK AT IMRAN KHAN Ramotar has, allegedly, a staff of poor-quality “ aides and advisors” to advise him on such issues as he pronounced upon on this occasion.

We find it passing strange that Mr. Khan was too shyor deceptive- to reveal that he is an important employee of the Board and not as impartial as he wishes to imply. We however wish to respond, briefly but pointedly, to the gist of his contention.

Even with respect to the Divine Wisdom inherent in the Christian’s Holy Bible, persons and groups with competing views and interpretations choose the scripture and verse which suits their position, ignoring other relevant sections and advice that is equally admissible and significant.

Similarly, in calling for the implementation of the Patterson Report, with its recommendations for the overall reform and improvement in the Administration of West Indies Cricket, President Ramotar had no intention of ignoring or dismissing the quite constructive recommendations on pages 106 and 107 quoted by Mr.

Khan; pertaining to the marketing of the game outside of the Region.

Rather, President Ramotar chose to direct his colleagues’ attention to the crucial socioeconomic fact that the “economics” of the beloved game is vital to the sustenance and longevity of cricket within the Caribbean.

This Ministry is actively aware of the importance of sponsorship, television rights and crowd attendance which translate to support from the financial/commercial perspective.

Was it necessary to remove the games to the U.S.A at this time to the exclusion of regional venues where internationally T/20 games are guaranteed whole- hearted support?

The President of Guyana, whilst actively aware of the long-term positives of marketing West Indies Cricket- and the game itselffar and wide, reminded his fellow-Heads of the millions invested in the period leading up to 2007 in building new cricket stadia throughout the Caribbean’s cricketing region.

This upgrading and modernization of cricket’s infrastructure is a practical

demonstration of governmental support for the future of the game within the Caribbean. Guyana and the island territories- all members of the W.I.C.B, now or in the future- do not all feel that the distribution of games during recent and current tours is in any way equitable. Therefore the more games played within the region, the better.

In conclusion, the Board and its loyal (and deceptive) servant Mr. Imran Khan must be aware that the American economy will be negligibly affected if the U.S.A is made to wait a while longer for official International Cricket Council (I.C.C) cricket tours.

However the economic losses faced by Caribbean territories when a Cricket tour is lost is significant, to say the least.

America’s N.B.A would hardly consider shifting games to the Caribbean to jeopardize their franchises’ profitability locally.

Critics must objectively seek to clearly understand a speaker’s intent, along with the fundamental concepts of an argument, before rushing to print.

Neil Kumar JP, MP Director of Sport

there. Crowds turned up in their thousands to cheer “awee bhays dem’ to victory.

Meanwhile, New Zealand could be enjoying the eventual spoils!

So, Chris Gayle also showed why he is so feared world-wide. 85 no. in just 52 deliveries (seven 4’s, five 6’s), T-20-I No. 1; then 53 from 39 deliveries (three 4’s, four 6’s), T-20-I No. 2; took wind from Kiwi sails. 63 no., (57 balls, four 4’s, five 6’s) – ODI No. 1; then that blistering 125 in ODI No. 2, (107 balls, eight 4’s, nine 6’s), confirmed his dominance, as West Indies won the first four games of the seven shorter games.

Then something strange happened. Somehow, New Zealand found Warner Park, where batting was supposed to have been easy, much to its bowlers’ liking. Gayle input in three games in St. Kitts petered away badly; 11, 16 and 5. Could he have been flummoxed by the slowness of NZ’s bowling?

Whatever happened in St. Kitts, Gayle will obviously play in Tests in Antigua & Barbuda and Jamaica. The problem that West Indies has is that there is no other opening batsman to help him.

Johnson Charles should not even play cricket on the beach, while Dwayne Smith’s only stroke is the “swipe”!

Recent Test openers Adrian Barath and Kieran Powell, who, together, scored a dismal 185 runs (ten innings), both diabolical failures in WI’s last Test series, v England, have another chance this weekend against New Zealand for WICB President’s XI. Whatever happens, Gayle might have to bat for two!

New Zealand could surprise West Indies in the Tests. Wily left-hander Daniel Vettori and speedsters Chris Martin and Neil Wagner also join up, so NZ’s bowling would certainly be better than it was in the shorter games.

Tim Southee, who bowled so well in the ODI’s, also survives for Tests.

Interesting!

Marlon Samuels, who recently played so brilliantly in England, then again against the Kiwis in T-20-I’s and ODI’s, will have much responsibility, even as Shiv Chanderpaul comes back for Tests. Much depends on these two. West Indies middle order, as recently seen in England, also leaks like the proverbial sieve!

Tino Best could also get a look-in as one of the faster bowlers. At 30, he has

Colin E. H. Croft certainly become much more dependable and useful. His only real problem; and a big one it is too; is that he depends on only sheer pace to get wickets. No fast bowler that I know of ever got anyone out bowling darts!

If Best is to be really successful, he must somehow learn to either swing the ball in the air, “normal” or “reverse”, or cut the ball off the pitch like South Africa’s Vernon Philander! Where is Ottis Gibson?

Who knows, maybe Kieron Pollard could get a Test call. He too was much more hype than hit in T-20-I’s and ODI’s. Reputations do not make runs or get wickets.

Effort, determination and sheer doggedness normally do. Bravo and Pollard were seriously disappointing in the shorter games against New Zealand!

Narine aside, Kemar Roach will return as premier fast bowler. How fit, focused and ready he will be is left to be seen, but with Ravi Rampaul trundling without rumbling anything but the ground, Roach, captain Darren Sammy, and perhaps off-spinner Shane Shillingford, could be bowling much!

Both pitches for the Tests; Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and Sabina Park; are quite good for batting, once the initial moisture evaporates from the surfaces.

It could be that one fast bowler or some spinner could come to dominate proceedings in either, or both Tests, but that will be very difficult to achieve!

Survival would be the first requirement, if massive runs are to be made by batsmen on either team. Batsmen would have to be patient enough, if both teams’ bowlers will eventually suffer, as the teams are so closely matched, and rated, to each other.

That could mean, like NZ’s first ever tour of the Caribbean, back in 1972, that this two-Test series could end in stalemate too. That would be a disappointing end to a very long 2012 international cricket season for West Indies. Playing at home, West Indies might only just have the advantage. Enjoy!

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

Vibert Durdy Butts - Guyana first World Cup goal scorer - former Guyana International 1975 - 1979 Statistician Charwayne Walker continues his series of articles highlighting Guyanese players who served this nation during its 36 years of competing in World Cup football. The players featured before are Earl O’Neil and Dion Barnwell.

This is the third installment which will focus on Vibert Durdy Butts; 1975 1979.

The 4th of July will always remain special to Vibert Durdy Butts, not because it is the birthday of his mother or a famous Holiday in the USA, but because in 1976 on that day the Pele Football Club forward scored Guyana’s first World Cup goal en route to a 2-0 victory against Suriname at the World famous Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda.

Butts’ feat was significant because Guyana was playing

in its first World Cup match and amongst the sellout crowd was His is Excellency Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

Butts’ first stint as a national player was in 1973 against Suriname in the Inter Guiana Games Football tournament and he ensured Guyana regained the Forbes Burnham trophy by scoring a scorcher in the series Finale.

His first tour overseas was 1974 to Suriname with the Clive Perry led National Under-18 team for the Inter Guiana Games tournament.

Although Lennox Arthur’s boys failed to bring the bacon home, the experience Butts gained would later prove invaluable.

His biggest moment came the following year, 1975, when he was included in Guyana’s first World Cup training squad. The Pele FC rookie first

Vibert Durdy Butts caught as he is about to score Guyana’s first World Cup goal against Suriname in 1976. match in senior National colours was against Bare of Brazil in 1975 at the Camp Ayanganna Ground (GDF).

He also featured in the next

Female footballers benefit as corporate entities donate much needed gears

One of the players, Jennel Brown, receives the gift from Mr. Shabazz on behalf of the team Sports administrators, cognizant of the importance of support towards the effective implementation of developmental initiatives, are constantly appealing for corporate intervention to achieve projected aims and objectives. It was with this in mind that members of the football fraternity expressed deep appreciation to the management of the Guyana Sports Development Foundation (GSDF), Scotia Bank and Demerara Distillers Ltd when officials from those institutions donated gears including footballs, boots and water bottles to participants of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi School Football Academy Female All Stars Football Team at the Georgetown Football Club Ground, yesterday morning.

Head coach of the Golden Jaguars, Jamal Shabazz handed over the gears to the female players on behalf of Colin Baker of the GSDF and the two other sponsors and expressed gratitude to his benefactors for having faith in the programme. He also commended the players for their receptiveness to his directives

during training while advocating that they can only get better. He urged them to always be disciplined, punctual and attentive to the coaches while implementing the strategies learned. The national coach implored the players to care the equipment which could encourage additional gestures from the corporate community.

Mr. Shabazz noted that females have always been excellent custodians of equipment, citing experiences with female players out of Trinidad & Tobago as classical examples. “You must aspire to emulate the Trinidadians,” he urged.

Mr. Shabazz also expressed gratitude to the management of the GFC for acquiescing to the use of their ground to facilitate training sessions. He further thanked the parents for allowing the girls to be a part of the programme while expressing the hope that by 2013 a large percentage of them would comprise a part of the squad representing Guyana in the CFU U17 Female WC Qualifier.

series against Texaco of Trinidad and Tobago.

As Guyana intensified its World Cup preparation; January of 1976 Brazil was Butts’ first tour in senior National colours. His next International engagement was against the Mighty Cuba, May 1976 when Castro’s men swept Guyana’s World Cup Squad four (4) matches to nothing.

Alex Ferguson’s Scottish Division One team St. Mirren landed at Timehri International Airport unbeaten after humbling Barbados and the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

St. Mirren also thrashed Guyana’s World Cup Squad 5-1 in the opening encounter at the GCC Ground but goals

by Butts and his Pele teammate Patrick (Labba)

Barton led Guyana to a 2-0 win that halted Sir Alex Ferguson’s team unbeaten run.

The St. Mirren matches were Guyana’s final preparation for Suriname on July 4. So it was no surprise when Butts, Niles and company destroyed Suriname 2-0. As the now dreadlocks Butts explained his next World Cup match still remains a horror story.

He cannot believe Guyana lost the return fixture 3-0 in Paramaribo, a result that eliminated Guyana from the 1978 qualifying competition.

Butts had to watch from the stands for Guyana’s next two International matches against Curacao because the then GFA failed to resolve a dispute with the Pele FC resulting in Pele withdrawing its members from the National

Guyana’s presence strong in...

From page 59 David Mullings.

Guyana U17 girls duo of 2011 girls under 15 CASA champion Akeila Wiltshire and four time CASA champion Victoria Arjoon also won their first matches are receiving first round byes. Akeila Wiltshire disposed of Dana Saulter 11/4, 11/ 1, 11 /4, while Arjoon dispatched compatriot Gabrielle Fraser 11/5, 11/ 2, 11 /4. Fraser had defeated Angelique Jackson 11/6, 11/ 6, 11/ 3 in her first round match in the U17 category.

In the girls under 19 category, team captain and tournament number one Mary Fung-AFat eased to victory against Alex Marshall 11 /3, 11 /6, 11 / 9, while teammate and number two seed Ashley DeGroot similarly overcame Talia Abdool 11/ 6, 11 / 6, 11 / 2. National U19 champion Jason Ray Khalil secured his semifinal place after defeating Romario Constance 11 /2, 11 /2, 11/5, while Steven Xavier was eliminated by tournament number two Noah Browne.

squad.

His International Career continued the following year, 1977, with three friendly Internationals against Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados, the latter Guyana won.

Butts’ International duties in 1977 concluded against Cuba’s National Under-23 team, that series against Castro’s reserves ended in a draw. Butts also featured for Pele in 1977 in the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship.

In 1978 Butts toured Barbados and T&T with the Earl O’Neil led National team.

He also toured Aruba and Suriname with Pele for the CFU / CONCACAF Club Championship. He played his last game for the National side against the touring Russian Invova Textile Team in December, 1978.

Butts, was included in Guyana’s 20-man National side in 1979 but the Team withdrew from the CFU Nations Cup. He migrated a few months later to the USA. International tours 1974Suriname Inter Guiana Games 1976Brazil Goodwill tour with World Cup Squad 1976Suriname World Cup Qualifier 1977Suriname CFU CONCACAF Club Championship 1878Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago Goodwill Tour Senior National Team 1978A r b u a CFU Club Championship 1978Suriname CFU Club Championship

KOHLI STARS IN INDIAN WIN OVER SRI LANKA AFP – Virat Kohli hit an impressive century to set up India’s 21-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening one-day international in Hambantota on Saturday.

Man-of-the-match Kohli cracked 106 for his 12th one-day hundred, and the fourth in the last five matches, as India scored 314-6 before restricting Sri Lanka to 293-9 in the daynight game for a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara defied the Indian attack, top-scoring with 133 for his 14th one-day hundred. He hit 12 fours in his 151ball knock before being bowled by seamer Umesh Yadav in the 48th over. Sangakkara added 78 runs for the seventh wicket with Thisara Perera (44), but their efforts came too late to stop India from winning the match.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, and seamers Irfan Pathan and Umesh Yadav each took two wickets for India.

Scores: India 314 for 6 (Kohli 106, Sehwag 96) beat Sri Lanka 293 for 9 (Sangakkara 133, Irfan 2-37, Ashwin 2-46) by 21 runs.

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 59

Berbice Basketball Association All roads lead to Norman Singh Memorial receives boost from former player Turf Club for Digicel $11.5M horserace meet

Former national Volleyball stalwart, captain and coach, Basketball player and cyclist Charles “Wheels” Henry presents the items to the youngsters at the basketball summer camp.

Basketball players in the Ancient County have some reasons to shout about when the Association recently received a timely donation of some Basketballs, Nets and pumps from a former Berbice player and overseas based, Bonny Mingo.

Mingo, who now resides in the USA, had a long and illustrious carrier as a basketball player in the Ancient County in which he donned the colours of many of the leading clubs at the time. He also went to national trials on a number of occasions and rubbed shoulders with many of past Guyana stalwarts of his time. Now a veteran and living overseas he was

recently in the country and instantly remembered his glory days in Berbice.

However Mingo had to return overseas before he could hand over the equipment.

The presentation was done at a simple ceremony at the Basketball Summer camp being held at the Vryman’s Erven Basketball court by former national Volleyball stalwart, captain and coach , Basketball player and cyclist and also overseas based Guyanese, Charles “Wheels” Henry, a long time friend and club mate of Mingo.

Henry in his speech to the young players reminded them of the glory days of Berbice basketball and urged them to

care and make full use of the equipment received. He challenged them to lift their game and return Berbice basketball to what it was before.

He reminded the youths that they must have discipline and also implored them to take their education seriously, because education is vital for their future endeavours.

The youths thanked Henry on behalf of Mingo and asked him to convey their happiness and sentiments to Mingo for remembering them.

They promised to care and cherish the equipment and promised that they will be used solely for the purpose intended. (Samuel Whyte)

2012 CASA JUNIOR SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIPS...

Guyana’s presence strong in the semi-final After a shaky start in the younger age categories on day one Guyana bounced back with authority as several players stormed their way into the semi-final round of the individual category at the Caribbean Area Squash Association’s (CASA) Junior Caribbean Squash Championships in Jamaica.

Following the elimination of national Under 11 and Under 13 champion Shomari Wiltshire and the Islam twins, Daniel and Anthony Islam in the first round of the U13 category on day one, day two was without any similar heartbreaks of that magnitude for the Guyanese. Guyana managed to make their way into the semi-final of the other seven categories.

Rebecca Low, the lone remaining Guyanese U13 competitor battled her way into the semi-final in the Girls U13 category after stunning Jamaica’s Mia Lake in dominant straight game

fashion 11/4, 11 / 0, 11 / 1. Lake had been responsible for eliminating Low’s compatriot Sarah Lewis in the first round.

Girls U15 number one seed Larissa Wiltshire was also impressive in her first match after benefiting from a bye in the first round. In her first match, Larissa who was the runner up to her sister in last year ’s U15 final, overpowered Trinidad and Tobago’s (T&T) Jamie Leigh Nedd without dropping a game 11/ 4, 11/ 2, 11 /5.

National U15 champion Taylor Fernandes was also impressive in that category, crushing Ally Artuch of the Cayman Islands 11 / 0, 11 / 2, 11 / 7. One more win from each of the U15 girls and Guyana will have an all Guyanese U15 final for the second year running.

Benjamin Mekdeci and Patrick Fraser raced to their second consecutive wins of the tournament in the U15 category to book their semi-

final spots. Mekdeci, who won the Boys U13 title last year, defeated Stephan Morrison 11/7, 11/ 4, 14/ 12 of Jamaica, while Patrick Fraser dominated Fraser McConnell 11/ 3, 11 /1, 11 /7.

After giving his team a scare by losing the first game(8/11), Nyron Joseph found his focussed and won the next three games (11/7, 11 /8, 11/0) to eliminate Cayman Islands’ Sean Murphy from contention in the boys U17 category. Joseph also got by David Mullings in the quarter finals on Saturday winning in four games 3/ 11, 11 / 4, 11/2, 11 / 8.

Overseas based campaigner Jean Claude Jeffrey also progressed to the Boys U17 category semi-final after beating Robert Roper (JAM) in four games 11 / 4, 10/12, 11 / 2, 11/ 5 and Jake Mahfood 9 /11, 11 /4, 11/ 6, 11 /4. The other Guyanese U17 contender Andrew Peroune was eliminated by (Continued on page 58)

All roads lead to the Norman Singh Memorial Turf Club today when that entity, compliments of Telephone giants Digicel, stages their Summer Buster Classic Mega Horserace meet at the Norman Singh Memorial Turf Club, Bel Air No 6 West Coast Berbice.

The event is the biggest Horserace meet for the year in Guyana so far, with total prize money reaching a mammoth $11.5M in cash, trophies and other incentives.

Eight events are listed for the day and with such an attractive amount available, there is no wonder that entries have rocketed past the 90 mark and despite the inclement weather all systems are in place and a day of exciting and fascinating races is anticipated.

The lineup for most of the races reads like a horseracing who is who with the feature B class event once again taking the cake. The winning take in this event is a whopping $2M and with the distance being 1700M it will definitely be an open and riveting event. An unprecedented 17 horses have entered for the race and with the second place runner taking home $1M a ding dong battle is anticipated. Horses such as the Message, California Strike, Donut Prince, the Trip’s on me, Dark and Lovely, Mission King, Jet Set Go, Grande Roja, Who so ever, the Score’s even, Marathon Man, Ferry Landing, Zelick, Perfect Circle, Awesome Warrior, Work Force and Face the Fire will be looking to strike the gold when they leave the starting gates.

The top Guyana and West Indies Bred three years old horses in the country are expected to be in action as they battle for the top prize of $1M also over 1700M. Those confirmed to start are Settle in Seattle, Storm in a tea cup, Serenity, Third World, Happy Choice, Rock Sonia, Silent Lizzy, Watch my Shadow and Rosetta, Feels like Gold, Times Have Change and Windy War. The E Class event also has a tantalizing first prize of $700,000 with the distance set at 1200M. The event will feature Fairy Landing, Majestic, Appealing Harvest, Top of the line, Technology, Stormy Lass, Work Force, Prado’s Gold, Captain Crook, Traditional man, The Girl Them Sugar, Super Cat and Got Top Go among others going all out for the win.

In the two year old West Indies Bred race, the animals will compete for a first prize of $600,000 over 1000M and will see top contenders in Flying Baby, True Gold, Ameerala Joy, The Wild Grinder, It’s My Turn Gypsy Get, Princess Alicia, Sent from above, Gold Rush and The Legend looking to make

their mark. The event for G class animals over 1200M will fetch a winner’s take of $500,000 with the likes of Face the Fire, Bridle Stone Corner, Maya, Silent Lizzy, Peace and Love, Intriguing Account, Big show, Weekend Surprise, Gold Romance, Miss Regina, The Gap, Pride and Joy, Celebration Love, Prado’s Gold and Sabrina’s Joy. In the two year old Guyana Bred race the likes of Silent Night, Summer Breeze, Jusman and Party Time will be looking to make the trip to the winner’s circle and claim the $400,000 over 1000M. Savion, Quincy, Mona Lisa, Pixie Fire Northern Junior, Little Tip Top, Extra Heat, Princess Renuka, Baby Flyer, Summer Breeze and Royal Time will be looking for a good time in the I1 and Lower 1200M race with $250,000 going to the winner.

The final race for the day will be for JKL Division 1,2&3 animals and will see them racing over 1200M with the winner taking away the $200,000 first prize. Among those looking to pocket the money are Pick Pocket, Its My Time Lil Axe, Lucky Gamble, Gangster, Custom Warrior, Sporty Light, Red Jet and Hard Running’s.

The track is in good condition despite the inclement weather and according to the organisers the meet will definitely get on the way on time.

The organizers would like to remind owners of 2 year old horses that they must provide their certificate of Registration or Breeders Stud Certificate at the time of entry or on race day according to the rules governing the meet. They must also be present by 11:00 hrs to have their horse inspected by the vet.

All the winners will be presented with trophies compliments of the Digicel.

There will also be rewards for the outstanding individual performers which will include top jockey, trainer, stable and horse compliments of Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall, Bourda Market, Digicel and the organisers.

Officials from the sponsors will help with the distribution of the trophies and prizes.

Last minute queries could be directed to Gansham ‘Ganesh’ Singh on Telephone 6493636, 2320219 or Campton Sancho on 690-0569 or at the Club’s office at No 6 Bel Air West Coast Berbice. Race time is 12:30hrs.

Slingers Sound system will entertain those gathered and patrons are also expected to be treated to an after show by top local and foreign artistes. (Samuel Whyte)

Annual Scotia Bank cricket Academy opens tomorrow in Berbice The 3rd annual Scotia Bank sponsored, Berbice Cricket Board organised Academy is set to bowl off tomorrow in the Ancient County and will conclude on Friday. The venue is the Rose Hall Town Sports Club Ground.

According to a release from the organizers, the activity has been put together with the primary aim of fine tuning the talent of the leading young cricketers across Berbice from Under-13 to 19.

Other than coaching sessions which will be done by former Guyana Cricket Board Chief Coach for Berbice Mr. Michael Hyles Franco ably assisted by certified Coaches Winston Smith and Delbert Hicks; lectures on different subjects including public speaking, values of education, discipline and etiquette, history of Berbice cricket and umpiring will be conducted in an effort to shape the players into rounded individuals. Some 90 players have been

invited to attend including some who have represented Guyana at the youth level in the past; Gudakesh Motie Kanhai, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Shimron Hetmyer, Sharaz Ramcharran, Nial Smith, David Latchaya, Veerapen Permaul, Linden Austin, Shailendra Shameer, Kevin Ramdeen, Shawn Pereira, Loyydel Lewis, Romario DeJonge Shepherd and Quacy McPherson.

The players are all expected to be at the Rose Hall Town pavilion by 08.30 hours on Monday (tomorrow) for registration after which the Academy will be declared opened by the President of the Berbice Cricket Board Mr. Keith Foster and a representative from Scotia Bank.

At the conclusion of the Academy, trophies will be awarded to the Most Disciplined and attentive players from the different age levels.

Page 60

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

U17 Jaguars leaves for T&T today Guyana’s Under-17 Football team will leave these shores today for the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in search of glory in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) leg World Cup qualifying at the level.

Guyana’s 18-man team will be under the astute guidance of Head Coach Sampson Gilbert with Manager Carlos Bernard at the helm overall. We are pleased to share with you some bio on the players of the team.

Name: Jermaine Anthony Fletcher DOB: 02/04/1996 Location: Georgetown Position: Forward Name: Franklyn Michael Parks DOB: 05/05/1996 Location: Lethem Position: Forward

Name: Troy Anthony Lewis DOB: 16/01/1997 Location: Linden Position: Defender

Name: Mark Anthony Wronge DOB: 03/11/1996 Location: Berbice Position: Midfielder

Name: Shemar Akeem Richards DOB: 11/01/1996 Location: Berbice Position: Defender

Name: Christopher Clive Bacchus DOB: 03/06/1997 Location: Essequibo Position: Forward

Name: Cedric Thomas Osborne DOB: 11/01/1996 Location: Berbice Position: Defender

Brazilian Andre da Silva Coelho is Guest Poser

Name: Keron Anthony Solomon DOB: 20/04/1996 Location: Georgetown Position: Midfielder

Name: Myles Chung Albert DOB: 12/04/1997 Location: Kamarang Position: Midfielder

Name: Paul Emanuel Miggins DOB: 07/02/1996 Location: West Demerara Position: Midfielder

Name: Kareem Akeem Knights DOB: 31/10/1996 Location: Georgetown Position: Midfielder

Name: Trevor Joshua Jones DOB: 02/09/1997 Location: East Bank Demerara Position: Defender

Name: Robert Denzil Christiani DOB: 08/04/1996 Location: West Coast Demerara Position: Defender

Malta Supreme Hugh Ross Classic & Body Building Show ...

Name: Steffon Dominic Enoe DOB: 29/08/1996 Location: Georgetown Position: Defender Name: Kelon Keith Primo DOB: 30/06/1997 Location: Linden Position: Midfielder

Name: Jason Olandy Cromwell DOB: 30/10/1996 Location: East Coast Demerara Position: Goalkeeper

Name: Nkosie Wesley Denny DOB: 13/02/1996 Location: East Coast Demerara Position: Midfielder

Name: Daniel Gabriel English DOB: 06/02/1996 Location: Linden Position: Goalkeeper

With the countdown now on to the finals of the 3rd Malta Supreme Hugh Ross Classic Body Building and Fitness Show this Saturday at the National Cultural Centre, the HRC Committee has released the name of the guest poser.

He is 29 year-old Brazilian Andre Luiz da Silva Coelho who is a resident of Valparaisoin the State of Goias.

Coelho, a former soccer player is expected to wow the crowd come Saturday night when the best male and female body builders clash in what is anticipated to be an exhilirating night of shredded and chiseled muscles on display.

The HRC Committee said that patrons whould not miss this opportunity to see the best Guyana has to offer and at the same time be entertained by Coelho who has been hard at training for this appearance. Coelho has has quite some experience in the sport, following is some bio data on Andre Luiz da Silva Coelho: Bodybuilding competition background * 1st place– Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships of NOVO GAMA – Céu Azul – Goiás – GO, August, 2007. * 1st place– Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships of VALPARAIZO II – Valparaiso I – Goiás – GO, April, 2010. * 2nd place – III Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships of Brazil, IFBB 2010 - Brasilia DF, August, 2010. * 1st place NABBA BRASIL V FEGOM B o d y b u i l d i n g Championships– Goiânia – Gyn, September, 2010. * 1st place

Andre da Silva Coelho Convention Center Best Bodybuilder of 2010 – Brasilia – DF, November, 2010. * 3rd place - IV Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships of Brazil IFBB 2011 – Brasilia DF. July, 2011.

Bench Press competitions * 1st place v performance Gym Bench Press Championships 2010. * Ist place 1 Bench Press Championships of VALPARAISO II 2010 * 1st place leg press and Bench Press Championships of Runway Gym 2010 * 1st place first Bench Press Championships of Dom Bosco Gym 2010 Meanwhile, the HRC Committee is extending gratitude to all the sponsors who have contributed to the 3rd competition; Banks DIH Ltd, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s City Mall, Fazia’s Collection, Mohamed’s General Store, Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies, Khalifa A. Habibula, Colors Boutique, International Pharmaceutical Agency, Buddy’s Gym, Terrance Adams, Dhanson Trading, Sanjay’s Variety Store.

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 61

Region5 administration, Education Department among those assisting Region’s athletes Four students from the Mahaica / Berbice Region Five area who were selected to be a part of the Guyana Teachers Union contingent to take part in the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) Athletics Championship in Jamaica during the summer were yesterday presented with $600,000 by the Regional Administration of Region Five at a simple ceremony held at the Region’s Boardroom.

The children- Bretley Joseph of Hopetown Primary and Kayla Carmichael of Lachmansingh Primary would be competing in the under eight category, while Shikeia Frantzen of Strath Campbell Primary will compete in the U12 division, while Delicia Harper of Bush Lot Secondary would compete in the U-14 category.

The students were among the outstanding performers at the last Ministry of Education/Guyana Teachers’

Union National Schools’ Track and Field Championship which was held at the Guyana National Stadium.

Harper holds a record in the 1500 M at the U14 level while she also won gold in the 800 M in the same category.

Frantzen was a gold medal winner in the 400M U12

division, while Joseph copped a silver medal in the 600M U8 category. The students were in danger of not making the trip due to lack of funds. Thus the intervention of the Regional Administration and a number of stake holders after a request was made.

Speaking at the C e r e m o n y, R e g i o n a l Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth acknowledged the efforts of the children to meet the qualifying standard and noted that it would have been a shame if they could not have made it. He urged them to excel and make Region Five proud.

From back page Symmonds, Denise Haynes, Sushilla Jadoonanan and its president and CEO at the time Dinanath Ramnarine.

THE CASE IN SUMMARY: i. Mr Sarwan is a professional cricketer who was contracted by the WICB for the period 2009-2010. ii. The MOU between the WICB and WIPA is incorporated into the Retainer Contract. iii. On January 11, 2010 the CEO of the WICB, Hilaire, wrote to Mr Sarwan indicating that the WICB had conducted a review following the Australia tour and had concerns about Mr Sarwan’s attitude and approach to physical preparation. iv. The WICB asked Mr Sarwan to take this concern as a desire for a higher level of commitment from Mr Sarwan as a contracted player on the West Indies Cricket Team. v. Mr Sarwan instructed WIPA through its president and CEO Mr Dinanath Ramnarine to write to the WICB. Mr Ramnarine did so and made it clear that the statements made about Mr Sarwan were made without having provided Mr Sarwan with any copies of reports and without providing him with an opportunity to consider, explain or rebut any findings contained therein. vi. Mr Ramnarine further stated that Mr Sarwan should be given an opportunity to be heard requesting a meeting

and objected to any influence that these concerns would have on the determination of the selection of Sarwan in any team or review for retainer. vii. There was no response from Hilaire to WIPA’s letter and request to meet. viii. Mr Sarwan was not offered a retainer contract for the 2010-2011 contract period which ended on 30th September 2010.

The basis for not renewing the contract was not formally communicated to Mr Sarwan, no appraisal process was conducted as required by the MOU and Mr Sarwan was never informed of the particulars of any complaints against him or negative reports that would cause the WICB not to renew his contract. Also, Mr Sarwan was not given any opportunity to remedy the situation. This means that Article VII (e) (ii) of the MOU was breached as the selection process was not conducted in a fair and transparent manner. Mr Sarwan was not given an opportunity to be heard and the principles of natural justice had therefore been breached (as well as Article VII (a) and (e) (i)). ix. On or about September 2, 2010 the WICB in a media release stated that its selection committee had some concerns about Mr Sarwan’s “extremely indifferent attitude and sporadic approach towards fitness, the effect of which prevented him from being offered a contract for the 2010-2011 contractual pe-

riod.” The WICB further stated that Mr Sarwan’s “less than satisfactory and fluctuating levels (of fitness) had directly contributed to multiple injuries thereby causing him to be unavailable for selection and that Mr. Sarwan was available for only two Test matches and a total of 13 international matches for the West Indies in the 2009-2010 contract year.” x. These negative statements about Mr Sarwan’s fitness and attitude were widely printed and or broadcast in the local and worldwide media and threatened Mr Sarwan’s credibility and ability to earn a livelihood as a professional cricketer. His professional reputation and marketability were severely damaged. These comments were also in breach of Article VII (e) (ii) of the MOU which provides that the selectors would not make any public comments which denigrate a player. xi. WIPA responded to the WICB in the press and on the instructions of Mr Sarwan invoked the Grievance Procedure which requires a process of good faith negotiations, mediation, and then arbitration or litigation. Hilaire also refused to have good faith negotiations as requested and as required under the Grievance Procedure of the Collective Agreement. xii. In his reply, Hilaire denied that the WICB had damaged Mr Sarwan’s credibility or livelihood and said that ref-

erence to their own media reports were “hearsay” and “should be struck out.” On November 2, 2010 WIPA wrote to the WICB indicating that it had submitted its request for mediation of the matter to the Dispute Resolution Foundation, Trinidad (‘DRC’). xiii. Hilaire wrote to WIPA on December 6, 2010 stating that it had submitted its request to mediate the issue, however, inquiries to the DRC

by WIPA revealed that this was not done until December 13, 2010.

As a consequence, the DRC became unavailable and WIPA referred the matter to Arbitration. xiv. Mr Sarwan reiterated that his case is not that he has a right to selection for a Retainer Contract but rather that the WICB has breached various sub-articles of Article VII of the MOU in respect of the selection process (by not conducting appraisals; by not conducting the selection process in a fair and transparent manner; by making comments which denigrate Mr. Sarwan) and has also breached the rules of natural justice. xv. It was always clear that although selection is the sole purview of the selectors, the selectors must act in accordance with the selection process as set out in the MOU as incorporated in the Contract. xvi. Mr Sarwan reiterated that he suffered loss as a result of the WICB’s actions.

The Regional Chairman, Regional Vice Chairman, Regional Educational Officer, Regional Executive Officer, Parents students and teachers pose for a photo opportunity after the presentation.

Sarwan hits WICB for ‘six’

He also urged them their best foot forward. He gave the assurance that the region would continue to support such activities.

Regional Education Officer Owen Pollard told the students that it was only all about academics but sport is also very important in their all round ability and development. He told the students that the Region is proud of them and they are not just going to the championship to represent their region but Guyana and they should do all in their powers to make themselves and country proud. He told them that, “…going to Jamaica is one thing but running on the track that Usain Bolt runs on is in itself

a tremendous achievement.”

District sports representative, Joycelyn Sears told the media that the children would join others from around the country to represent the GTU. Ms Sears was extremely grateful for the contribution from the Regional Administration.

The Regional Education Department and a number of other organisations and individuals in the region among them the Naarstigheid/ Union and the Woodlands/ Farm Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, Basil Bazilio Foundation, Wilfred Mc Almont and family, Mohamed Tufail, Dr. Kester Sullivan and the Hopetown and Lachmansingh Primary schools. (Samuel Whyte)

The Perfect Three...

From back page to make a team ‘complete’.

It is sort of like the threepiece chicken combo that fastfood outlets have on their menus; choices are rarely available as it pertains to the pieces; that is standard; you will get a thigh/breast, a wing and a drumstick with a side (most places offer a choice between either fries or cream potato), and soda. But the thigh/breast, wing and drumstick are standard.

Those three pieces form part of the ‘complete’ threepiece combo in the fast-food world. Note: it is not three thigh/breast, or three wings or three drumsticks that are offered. In basketball it is not having the three best forwards, guards, or shooting guards a part of your ‘three’ that matter. It’s a lot about finding the best three players to fit specific positions and roles.

Usually, chicken thighs and breasts are bigger than wings and drumsticks, but together they form a whole meal. The same logic must apply when choosing your team for the upcoming Mackeson 3-on-3 competition. The teams that went for the best forwards lacked speed last year and those at the opposite end with guards, lacked presence in the paint.

This is where Pacesetters ‘A’, who are the defending champions, was smart; their combination of Royston Siland playing centre/forward, Travis Burnett at guard, Steffon Gillis at shooting guard and Naylon Loncke coming off the bench in the guard/forward position, was unmatched and that is one of the principle reasons they won the $1M cash.

Siland is a national forward and might be slow on the offensive end, but there is none better than him on the offensive and defensive boards.

Siland would have been a national record holder if he had chosen to become a high jumper. His leap is extraordinary and his hands are secure.

What he lacks on the offensive end Burnett makes up for in the guard position.

Burnett is the principle scorer on the team and has become an integral part of the national team in the recent D.C Jammers tour. ‘Blurr’ as Burnett is nicknamed, is a natural finisher and plays both offense and defence; he plays hard and brings immense energy to any team he is a part of; he has one deficiency: the absence of a jumpshot, but he often makes up for that with classic inside moves.

Then there is the shooting guard, Gillis, who is perhaps the best we have to offer from downtown and who has been a national guard for the first decade of the New Millennium. Gillis is primarily an offensive player. The Pacesetters ‘A’ bench, in the Mackeson 3-on-3 competition, that Loncke occupies, embodies both the forward and guard positions.

The point is the ‘Big Three’ of the Mackeson defending champs was carefully, and thoughtfully, put together. Pacesetters ‘A’ is a complete or perfect threepiece combo and that will make them difficult to beat when the second edition of the Mackeson Smooth Moves 3-on-3 Championships bounces off early next month.

Page 62

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 22, 2012

His career at the crossroads, Leon Moore Grenada rout Guyana mulls entrance into the promotional arena 63-24 in AFNA C/ship

By Michael Benjamin He is relatively young with a plethora of prestigious titles including the PABA Super/bantamweight title, the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) super/ bantamweight title and a myriad of prestigious accolades. While practicing his trade in his hometown, Georgetown, Guyana, Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore had envisaged a successful boxing career, that is, until he ventured into the United States of America. Now, after just one outing, the stark realities of the trade have hit home and Moore has shifted his attention to promoting while he contemplates his future in the ‘square jungle.’

Kaieteur Sport spoke with Moore yesterday afternoon shortly after he had completed a hectic workout at the Gleasons Gym, Front Street, Brooklyn and he said that he is has recently formed a promotional group, ‘Hurry Up Promotions,’ and is currently engaged in discussions with several promoters in New York that are anxious to travel to Guyana with an aim of assessing local talent and promoting fighters from this country.

Towards this end, Moore said that he is eying two dates in September and November to promote the cards and

Leon Moore

according to him he has intimated his plans to President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool, who promised full support. These discussions will continue soon and the modalities of the card will be worked out. At the moment the multiple titleholder is reviewing the monetary criteria as well as a suitable venue for the card.

Moore said that he plans matching Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry with an overseas opponent still to be named. He also said that he plans talking with CABOFE Welterweight champion Simeon Hardy as he thinks the local pugilist has

lots of potential and would be a crowd pleaser. Moore also said that he is in constant contact with Clive Atwell, currently preparing for a bout against Barbados based Guyanese, Revlon Lake, for a possible fight on the card.

Former Olympics representative, John Douglas, now residing in Brooklyn NY, has also signaled an interest in fighting on the card. Moore said that negotiations are continuing even as he engages the GBBC President.

Meanwhile, Moore said that his career is temporarily on hold following disagreement with his promoter. He said that he is

not at liberty to discuss the issue and would only say that the matter has been addressed by officials of the New York State Athletic Commission.

The Guyanese pugilist further revealed that the matter has recently gone to arbitration and should be resolved soon.

“My career will soon be on track. I already spoke with officials from the State Athletic Commission and the issue is now going to arbitration and will be heard soon.”

In the meantime, Moore said that he trains every day at the world renowned Gleasons Gym and is prepared for any eventuality. He has compiled a decent record of 30 fights 2 losses 22 knockouts; one of those losses being a highly controversial split decision to Columbian, Irene Pacheco where he was ‘done in’ by three judges that were subsequently banned from officiating. Moore also lost to Timur Shailezov but survived a closely contested and controversial decision to Venezuelan, Breilor Teran at the Princess Hotel and Casino, Providence, in November 2010. Since then, he has been experiencing a drought, leading up to his current challenges. He is no longer attached to any manager and is seriously contemplating his boxing future.

Top seeds Miller/Andrews edge Downes/Lopes in close match Top seeds in the Men’s Doubles category Jeremy Miller and Jason Andrews had to battle hard to edge out last year’s Single champion Anthony Downes who teamed up with Andre Lopes in their encounter at the GBTI Tennis courts on Friday evening.

Downes and Lopes started off brilliantly in the first set as they secured two early service breaks and were able to go ahead 5-2 in the set. Last year’s champions Miller/Andrews however refused to give up and after a marathon game they were finally able to break Downes serve on the third attempt on a break point.

Miller then kept his cool and supported by Andrews volleying at the net were able to bring the score to 5-4 with Lopes getting a chance to serve out the set. In what turned out to another marathon game which included 8 deuce points, Lopes finally cracked with a

Jason Andrews (left) and Jeremy Miller double fault on break point to tie the score up at 5 all.

Andrews was then broken at love by Downes and Lopes before they again could not finish off the set.

In the resulting tiebreaker which included some brilliant points including two retrievals of overhead smashes and some deft volleys, Miller/Andrews took the tie-breaker 7-5.

The second set saw

Miller/Andrews reversing roles as they instead secured a 5-2 advantage before Downes/Lopes mounted their own comeback which started with Downes holding serve and then breaking Miller on his attempt to serve out the match. Despite tying up the match at 5-5, the comeback was not to be as Miller/ Andrews completed the set 75 to book their place in the semi-finals.

In the other Men’s Doubles match, Nicholas Fenty /Andre Erskine scored a close 6-4 6-4 victory over brothers Nicholas/Jason Glasgow in another high quality game. In Men’s singles Gavin Lewis booked a place against Benedict Sukra in the quarter finals when he defeated veteran Rudy Grant 6-2 6-2 in their match, whilst Gilbert Barckoy won 61 6-2 against Albert Madramootoo in the Men’s 35 singles.

Matches continue today.

In results: Men’s Singles Gavin Lewis defeated Rudy Grant 6-2 6-2 Men’s Doubles Jeremy Miller/Jason Andrews defeated Anthony Downes/ Andre Lopes 7-6(7-5)7-5 Men’s Doubles Andre Erskine/Nicholas Fenty defeated Nicholas Glasgow/ Jason Glasgow 6-4 6-4 Men’s over 35 Singles Gilbert Barckoy defeated Albert Madramootoo 6-1 6-2

By Juanita Hooper in Trinidad and Tobago Guyana were once again unable to turn the tables on the final day of the American Federation Netball Association (AFNA) Championship when they bumped into Grenada who demolished them to take a simple victory yesterday morning at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port-of-Spain.

After facing defeats from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Canada, United States of America (USA) and now Grenada, Guyana National Netballers were unable to overcome the Grenadians who concluded the game with a 63-24 victory.

Grenada taking control of the game, winning most of the balls and encamping in their opponents’ goal circle.

Guyana were trailing by 2 points in the opening quarter with goal efforts from Angeline McCarthy, 6 from eight attempts and Simonica Fanfair, one. Grenada missing 3 shots from their attempted 12 saw Cecile Roberts and Cherista Stephens lobbing in 3 and 6.

The Grenadian’s continued their goal scoring spree as the Guyanese players continued to play clustered on the court, putting themselves at a major disadvantage in the remaining quarters.

The fitness level was another factor that cost them as the game progressed.

McCarthy (four) being the only player and consistent shooter for Guyana to net in the third quarter, carried the score from 16 to 20.

Stephens looped in another 15 goals for her team

account from an attempted 16.

Goal Attack Sharon Jeremiah registered her first five goals.

The score was now 42-20.

Confident about their win, the Grenadian’s playing as if it was a warm up game, sealed the deal with 21 more goals to end the game at 63-24. Guyana were only allowed to score four goals before the conclusion of their first game for the morning.

Fanfair managed to successfully score four after seven shoots. Her team mate, Shonnette Estwick seemed to be having a bad shooting morning after failing to score.

Stephens and Jeremiah 15 and 6 entries, complimented the account of the Grenadian’s.

Meanwhile, Jamaica were expected to be the champions of the American Federation Netball Association Championship which concluded last evening at the Complex. The team, favourites matched up with the host of the competition, Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad, on Friday evening went down to Barbados by 9 points.

Questioning the Jamaica’s Coach, Oberon PittersonNattie, on the procedures the Jamaicans use to find the players and keep them up to standard with their fitness level, it was revealed that the procedure begins in prep school in their country. The coach further indicated that they use camps leading up to their competitions to manage and keep a watchful eye on the players’ fitness and nutrition.

She continued that the players during their training sessions for the Championship will have practice games against males.

WI President’s XI make strong reply to NZ The West Indies President’s XI made a strong reply to New Zealand, closing the day on 299-7 with Skipper Veersammy Permaul 11 not out and Shane Shillingford 6 not out, an Overall lead of 150 in reply to NZ 149.

In a good day of cricket, which saw 331 runs for 9 wickets overall, the President’s XI were led by star of the day Narsingh Deonarine with a blazing 106, while for New Zealand, Vettori had 4 wickets for 48 runs.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul made 51, Assad Fudadin 22 for the Windies side.

Scores: WICB President’s XI 299-7; NZ 149.

Narsingh Deonarine

Sunday July 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 63

t r o Sp The Perfect Three-Piece Combo Sarwan hits WICB for ‘six’ Ramnaresh Sarwan

SHOW ME THE MONEY! Defending Mackeson Smooth Moves 3-on-3 Basketball Champions, Pacesetters ‘A’ Team pose with some of the cash they won in the inaugural tournament last year following the Finals on the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tarmac.

By Edison Jefford Choosing the perfect combination for the upcoming Mackeson Smooth Moves 3-on-3 Basketball Competition have proven to be more about science than about talent with the emergence of what is now a normal concept in the sport; the reliance on a ‘Big Three’ in the sport’s regular format is a common trend in modern

basketball.

This three-man rotation is, however, not just any three players; for example, three guards or three forwards would not work well in a system that is aimed at being ‘complete’ with each player and position having specific roles on the court. Lebron James played centre/forward, Chris Bosh took on the forward post and Dwayne Wade was the point

guard in the Miami Heat, who recently won the NBA Championship, ‘Big Three’ rotation.

But that is the regular five-man format. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) took an interesting emergence and condensed it to a 3-on-3 format that has received global attention, and thanks to Ansa McAl through its Mackeson brand, arrived in

Guyana last year. Teams, from their orientation in 2011, are not expected to repeat the same mistakes.

Lots of teams went for super-talents around Guyana, forgetting that it is not the abilities of those who form part of your ‘Big Three’, with the one substitute allowed, but rather how well available talents fit into specific roles (Continued on page 61)

Grenada shoots in one against Guyana at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port-of-Spain, yesterday morning.

Grenada rout Guyana 63-24 in AFNAC/ship

P. 62

G

uyanese batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan has been cleared of certain charges levelled against him by WICB CEO Ernest Hilaire regarding his fitness and attitude, after arbitrator Seenath Jairam SC, LLM, ruled in favour of the right hander in an arbitration brought by the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) on his behalf against the West Indies Cricket Board.

The arbitrator found the WICB guilty of all charges brought against it by WIPA on behalf of Sarwan. The ruling of the arbitrator was released on June 18, 2012.

Sarwan was kept out of the regional team because authorities had issues with his attitude and approach to physical preparation.

In his ruling, the arbitrator found that the selection process was not done in a fair and transparent manner and that the WICB was in breach of Article VII (e) (i) of the MOU. That the integrity of the selection process had not been kept or

maintained since public comments had been made which denigrated Sarwan.

He also ruled that the appraisal process has not been complied with in accordance with Article VII (a) of the MOU and there had been a clear and unmistakable breach of the requirements set out in Schedule “F” thereof, which as a result led to Sarwan suffering severe loss and damages.

This is the 15th dispute registered between WIPA and the WICB. So far, WIPA has been vindicated and has won all. There are another ten outstanding matters. In addition, the Sarwan ruling opens the door to about six more similar matters which is in addition to the ten outstanding. The cost of the WICB’s losses and legal fees cannot at this time be estimated but are reputed to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

WICB was represented

by Derek Ali and WIPA was represented by Donna (Continued on page 61)

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