Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 5
Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
Leaders need space to make mistakes and learn from them
DEAR EDITOR, Albert Einstein said that ‘for human beings to survive and move forward, a new way of thinking is needed’. The coalition government presents a new way of thinking, doing government, governing and hopefully a new way of engaging the various groups and networks, institutions, organizations and individuals in Guyana and beyond. This I think is great for Guyana. After almost 60 years of rift, this is the closest we have gotten in putting an arrangement in place to govern in a cohesive and inclusive way. Nevertheless, recently there have been concerns about the coalition government. I have read the writings in the press and have been engaged in numerous conversations over the past month and a half about whether this ‘coalition idea’ will work? My response is that it will work if we, the Guyanese people and the leadership, make it work. The success of the coalition will take work, hard work! Don’t let us fool ourselves into believing that this is going to be a walk in the park, oh no, it will not be. Let’s look at a few reasons why the success of the coalition will be challenge. Firstly, the coalition is made up of human beings, who are limited by time, space and knowledge, and a great part of their learning will be derived from making mistakes and learning from those mistakes and hopefully becoming wiser as they progress. Hence, we need to give our leaders (these human beings) the space to make
mistakes and learn from them, space to fall down and get back up again. Secondly, the APNU+AFC coalition government is a partnership consisting of various parties that were individual organisations prior to 11 May. While they would have engaged each other before and collaborated on various activities, whether it was on parliamentary matters or other, they have never really worked together as one organization before. Having won the last Elections, the partnership was institutionalised. They now have one institutional arrangement – the coalition government, through which they will operationalize the partnership. There is no magic wand that could make this arrangement succeed without challenges. The answer is in how
highly skilled the leaders in the coalition government will become. Thus, I like the idea of the ‘Coalition Building Forum’ that is scheduled for July and I hope that there will be several of such and leadership forums. Most organizations go through a natural process of growth, they are birthed, they mature and can die; the fourth stage, however, is the rebirthing stage. The coalition government has just been birthed. Let’s give our leaders space to grow, while at the same time, keeping them on their toes. I am paying very keen attention to President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamoottoo. Keen attention meaning – to what they say, how they say it, when they say it, both their verbal and non-verbal communication and my Continued on page 29
No budget consultation DEAR EDITOR, In your July 20 edition you published a report on an interview with Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. There it was reported that the Minister said there was likely not enough time to consult with the PPP on the budget. The PPP talked inclusion but did not practise it. The Coalition Government cannot go down that path. The PPP represents almost half of Guyana’s population and though they have been absent from Parliament for no valid reason, their input into the budgetary process should at least be solicited. The government can reach out selectively to PPP members if official outreach is met by the current childishness of the PPP hierarchy. The attempts at getting PPP input need to be well publicised so that all of Guyana can see who is really interested in inclusive governance for national progress. Fitzgerald Yaw
Rohee should advise Jagdeo on Crime and Security
DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me to share my view on the recent statement made by the former Minister of the then Ministry of Affairs Clement Rohee. Firstly, Mr. Rohee should not talk about crime fighting and solutions because he had none to tackle the high crime wave that occurred under his watch. Rohee should be ashamed to ask the now Minister of Public Security to implement a comprehensive security plan as the PPP\C did when it was in office. The PPP\C had no plan to curb and solve criminal activities. If the PPP\C had a plan to solve and curb criminal activities then it would have launched an investigation into the death of former Minister of Agriculture Sash Sawh, into the spending of taxpayers’ dollars without approval, the selling out of Guyana forest to the Chinese, the rampant killings of businessmen and citizens of Berbice and Guyana at large, the murders of miners, the theft of monies from the post offices and public offices, etc.
Rohee should be the last person to talk about crime solving when his fellow former Ministers Anil Nandlall and Bheri Ramsaran had threatened the lives of people, the working class, and no charge was ever laid by the Police. The PPP\C had the police and DPP under its control. Whatever Rohee and PPP\C said the police and DPP had to do or face dismissal or transfer. Former Commander Paul Slowe can attest to the discrimination he met when he acted professionally in Berbice with the West Berbice businessman. Well after a few months we all got to know that the CPG was another arm of the PPP\C. They were given resources more than the police. Policemen and women had to use old vehicles that could hardly move and the CPG’s were given almost brand new vehicles and motorbikes to patrol. But they failed. The CPG members used those vehicles for personal use most of the time and also to campaign for the PPP\C.
They fetched people to political meetings. Rohee then implemented a plan to fight crime. It was the Crime Stoppers, whereby people can use their BBM and the Internet to report a criminal activity without their Identity being revealed. Millions were spend on this and it has failed. . He then built a Crime Lab on which millions of dollars was spent. It failed. He then tried to tackle animals on the road and invest millions of taxpayers’ dollars in buying trucks and that has failed too. So if I am to go on, the only word that will describe Rohee is “FAILURE”. He and his government made the entire Guyana Force Corrupted and professionalism squander. Rohee cannot event implement a strategy to catch goats much less criminals. He failed and has no right to advise anyone except the cabals in his party. I want to applaud this APNU+AFC government for the crime fighting plans and programmes. Abel Seetaram
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Agri team to meet Brazilians on cross-border trade - neighbouring country recommits to Lethem road, deep water harbour, hydro projects Guyana and Brazil have committed to working closely with each other to realize this country’s agriculture potential, especially as it relates to the intermediate Savannahs in Region Six and Rupununi, Region Nine. Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, while holding talks with the former Governor and current Special Advisor to the Governor of Roraima, Neudo Campos expressed the Government’s support for any efforts aimed at fostering closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The meeting took place in Boa Vista, Brazil, on Saturday last. The Agriculture Minister noted that there continues to be tremendous potential for agriculture development in the hinterland, which thus far has largely remained untapped. Several issues relative to cross-border trade, the road from Lethem to Linden, a deep water harbour and closer cooperation in the sharing of skills and expertise were also discussed. The former Roraima Governor promised action that would allow Guyana’s agriculture produce into Brazil. Agriculture produce from Guyana is currently blocked due to fears that the
Carambola Fruit Fly may be present here. Through the assistance of IICA, Guyana was able to develop a robust and reliable information sharing system that allows easy reporting on the Carambola Fruit Fly. In its 2011 report, IICA noted that technical officers from the Ministry of Agriculture undertook eight field trips along the route between the Guyana-Brazil borders. Campos extended an invitation for a technical team from Guyana to meet with their counterparts in Brazil within two weeks to iron out issues of cross-border trade. ”Trade with Guyana remains an important part of our Government’s agenda and we will work to ensure that all avenues be sorted (out) and our relationship progress even further. Guyana has always had friendly relations with Brazil and we hope to further expand this in the near future,” he said. Minister Holder also raised the problem of Brazilian cattle farmers illegally crossing the border with their animals during Brazil’s dry season to graze on the lush pastures on the Guyana side of the border.
The Brazilian state official promised to look into the matter, noting that it would be easy for the Brazilian authorities to find out who the offending farmers are, and take steps to ensure that the practice be discontinued. Guyana was certified free of foot and mouth disease and is free to export beef to regional and international markets. However, Brazil has not yet been certified free of foot and mouth disease, even though, according to the government, it has been twelve years since the last case was identified. The illegal crossing of cows from Brazil to Guyana could jeopardize Guyana’s international certification and scuttle its fledgling cattle
Minister Noel Holder (fifth from right) flanked by officials and farmers in Brazil.
industry. The meeting between Guyana’s Agriculture Minister and the Brazilian State official also allowed for Brazil to again express its keen interest in working with the Government of Guyana towards the construction of the road from Lethem to Linden, a deep water harbour, and the establishment of a hydro electricity generating facility for the supply of power to both countries. The meeting between the two Governments was facilitated by NF Agriculture Inc., a Brazilian company that is currently engaged in a pilot project for the cultivation of soya beans and corn at Ebini, in the Berbice River. The Agriculture Minister
and his accompanying team Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis; Chief Executive Officer, National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute, Dr. Oudho Homenauth and Agriculture Diversification Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Jean David were also taken on tours to major soya bean cultivations. During the visit the Managing Director of NF Agriculture, Yucatan Reis, accompanied by Geison Nicaretta, Alcione Nicoletti and Afranio Webber, exposed the Guyanese team to technologies that are used on farms, both in relation to the layout of the cultivation as well as the equipment. The project by NF Agriculture Inc. involves the cultivation of soya bean and corn and is expected to significantly aid the Caribbean in reducing its imports of those commodities and allow for trade and expanded markets within the Region. Meanwhile, the Agriculture Minister also visited several farms in the Rupununi including Santa Fe, J.R, Waikin and Peter Alves
ranch. While at Santa Fe, the Minister got a firsthand look at technologies being used on the farm. The management of Santa Fe is adamant that the investment continues to be a favourable one and remains committed to ensuring additional growth in the Hinterland Regions. Since commencing operations, the Santa Fe farm has had successful harvests of paddy and cash crops. The farm has also branched off to rearing pigs, cows and sheep, as the investors pursue a modern cattle industry. The project first started with the cultivation of 120 acres of paddy. However, the Simpson family, who also owns Sol Group, have since significantly expanded their operations. The Santa Fe project is not only equipped with a certified mill to process the paddy, but also with the necessary infrastructure such as drainage and irrigation canals, and a pump system. The project is being managed and supervised by Guyanese Richard Vasconcellos. Of the 60 employees, 57 are Guyanese from Region Nine.
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
Public health sector lost 200 nurses last year - NAJ
Protests are nothing new... here nurses protest for higher wages back in 2006 Jamaica’s public health system took a blow last year with the migration or resignation of 200 specialist nurses. “In 2014, 200 specialist nurses migrated to other countries or resigned from the public sector to work in the private sector,” said Janet Coore-Farr, president of the Nurses’ Association of Jamaica (NAJ). Coore-Farr made the announcement during Sunday’s service at Eastwood Park New Testament Church in Kingston to mark the start of Nurses’ Week. She said the “extreme shortage” of nurses in the
public health care system has contributed to an increase in workload. That is certain to bring with it stresses to the individual nurses, which could affect patient care. Jamaicans have long complained about harsh treatment out by nurses in public health care facilities. On the other hand, CooreFarr said that the NAJ would focus on filling he gap with nurses who are trained but currently unemployed. Dr Andrei Cooke, chairman of the South Eastern Regional Health Authority, told attendees to the service that nurses are the backbone of health care in Jamaica.
“Since the beginning of time, the nursing profession has been one of much honour and importance to Jamaica, as to the world,” Cooke said, and lauded the nurses “for their service across Jamaica”. Shirley Hibbert, deputy chief nursing officer in the Ministry of Health, who delivered greetings behalf of Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson, lauded the work nurses were doing in Jamaica, adding that they are the cornerstone of the health sector. She said that nurses remained committed to delivering effective health care “despite the challenges”. (Jamaica Observer)
UNC launches anti-Rowley campaign Trinidad Guardian - The United National Congress (UNC) has denied that use of tapes in its “No Rowley” campaign, featuring former prime minister Patrick Manning criticising current People National Movement (PNM) leader Dr Keith Rowley, is a violation of Parliament’s rules on use of excerpts of proceedings. UNC spokesman Vasant Bharath responded to T&T Guardian questions on the issue hours after the UNC launched the campaign at the Hyatt Regency, Port-ofSpain, on Monday, unveiling an anti-Rowley campaign for electronic, print, billboard and Web purposes called www.norowley.com. The campaign features posters of Rowley, accuses the PNM of not having a plan on various issues and repeats Rowley’s taped comment, “I don’t know” on these issues. It also involves tapes of Manning in Parliament criticising Rowley, from clips during 2008, soon after
Manning had fired Rowley from the PNM cabinet. Contacted on Parliament broadcast rules, Parliament officials referred to Parliament’s Standing Orders on House of Representative rules for broadcasting (SO Appendix 2). This states that the House authorises broadcasting of excerpts of its proceedings by radio and TV stations in accordance with certain conditions. This includes that “broadcast of excerpts shall be used only for the purposes of fair and accurate reports of proceedings and shall not be used for political party advertising or election campaigning, satire, ridicule, purposes of maliciously attacking someone’s reputation or character, or for commercial sponsorship or commercial advertising.” UNC campaign manager Rodney Charles said the tapes of Manning speaking had to have been in Parliament but he said it was in the public domain and was
obtained from YouTube. Bharath said the UNC had been advised that no transgressions regarding Parliament’s Standing Orders had been committed since the tapes had been in the public domain for a very long time and had been used on several occasions, including on radio, TV and print. At the media briefing, Bharath and Charles said the hard-hitting “No Rowley” campaign was not a personal attack on Rowley but was based on facts. Bharath said: “There are 49 days until the people of T&T decide on who should form their next government and the choice before the electorate could not be clearer. “It’s a choice between Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, who has delivered for the people of T&T and who has the vision to lead the country to prosperity, or Keith Rowley, an angry arrogant man who has no plan and no vision for T&T’s future.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 22, 2015
UK MPs warn government fairness After Israel talks, Pentagon chief of EU referendum in jeopardy says: ‘Friends can disagree’
David Cameron
Reuters - The British government has cast a shadow over the fairness of a planned referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union by trying to relax rules designed to ensure pre-vote official impartiality, a committee of MPs said. Prime Minister David Cameron plans to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the EU before holding a referendum by the end of 2017. He has said he wants to stay in a reformed EU, but has ruled nothing out if his renegotiation is unsuccessful. The government’s plans
for the referendum have been criticised by many MPs for dropping a usual pre-vote ‘purdah’ period during which the actions of government employees, including ministers acting in an official capacity, are constrained to prevent them from influencing the result. “The government’s proposal has cast a shadow over the propriety of the process, even at this early stage,” Bernard Jenkin, a member of Cameron’s Conservatives and chairman of a cross-party committee of MPs scrutinising the plans, said in a letter to ministers dated July 21. “We regard this as completely unacceptable.” Jenkin warned the government must change its plans or risk the legitimacy of the result being called into question. Britain’s election watchdog has also expressed concerns about the planned changes, warning they could see the government spend unlimited amounts of public funds on promoting its preferred result.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter (L) and Israel’s Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon embrace on the tarmac at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, before Carter’s departure yesterday. Reuters/Carolyn Kaster/Pool Reuters - U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter never expected to win over Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the merits of the nuclear agreement with Iran but tried to put a brave face on their sometimes blunt, closed-door exchange yesterday. “We don’t agree on everything. And the prime minister made it quite clear that he disagreed with us on with respect to the nuclear
deal,” Carter said at an airbase in Jordan. “But friends can disagree.” Since arriving in Israel on Sunday, Carter has sought to look beyond the political tensions between Israel and the United States that have only deepened since last week’s announcement of a deal curbing Iran’s nuclear program. Carter, the first U.S. cabinet secretary to visit
Israel since the deal, traveled to the northern border with Lebanon on Monday and promised to help counter Iranian proxies like Hezbollah. Israel fears Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah will benefit from Iranian sanctions relief. Netanyahu looked stern as he received Carter in Jerusalem and the two did not deliver expected public remarks to gathered reporters. Once behind closed doors, the prime minister, without referring to notes, detailed his objections. “The Secretary did of course respond to those (objections) ... we just agreed to disagree on certain issues,” a senior U.S. defense official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe the talks. The official described Netanyahu as “blunt” and “passionate,” offering the same kinds of arguments privately that he has made at length in public. In his latest U.S. media offensive, Netanyahu has urged lawmakers to hold out for a better deal.
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 9
THE ART OF STARING – GT STYLE Guyanese love to stare…when it pleases them. They don’t just look. They stare. A beautiful young girl emerged out of Guyana Stores onto the pavement outside. It was an entrance from one tint of light into another. The glare of the sunlight reflecting off the pavement highlighted the effect. She was dressed to the hilt. Her blouse covered her entire midriff, but it was pasted on to her body like a swimsuit. She wore extra high heels that made her look as if she was walking on stilts. Her skirt was nothing more than a piece of rag which left very little to the imagination.
Her hair was a mass of colours, more suited to a carnival than to a weekday in the heart of the city. It dangled down her neck and reached a good six inches down her back. Her face was lavish. There was a generous spread of make-up, too much for her face and definitely overdone for the daytime. Around her neck were matching accessories. Her hands bore some huge bangles, and on each ear was hooked a huge goblet that matched her clothing. She wore a huge belt around her waist. Swung across one of her shoulders was a handbag looking as if it has
been bought out of an Avon catalogue. Three things stood out about her appearance. Her legs were very muscular as if she did a lot of walking, or perhaps exercising. There was definitely definition there. Her nails were surprisingly short and did not seem well manicured. And despite the glare, she did not have on any protection on her eyes in the form of sunglasses. But she looked a classy lady and evoked a great deal of interest from every fellow pedestrian. As she crossed the street on the pedestrian walk, all eyes stared at her. No one said anything, no one whistled,
Dem boys seh...
People don’t always like wha dem get People does love other people fuh different reason. Thief man does like he mattie thief man because all of dem can get ketch and get beat up and end up in jail. Dem have a common bond. A man does love he wife because she can tolerate de stupidness he does do. In politics, dem political leaders does love all who support dem, because de people stupid and dem politicians believe that dem can lead de people all over de place. Dem pastors does love de congregation when de people can give dem something. In fact, everybody does love people who can give dem something. At least some people think so, but nuff does find out otherwise. A certain man who like molest schoolboys did get something that had he running to de doctor fuh help. Dem boys wonder if he still running to de doctor and otherwise. Jagdeo is one man who don’t like some people when dem got to give him something. He believe that a magistrate gun give him a jail sentence because Chris Ram seh that he wrang talk. De jail sentence is one thing he don’t like. But old people always seh wha miss you ain’t pass you. But is not everything that people give you is bad. Irfaat mek he mother and he father cry
when he was five years old, because of what he promise to give dem when he get big. This boy, he mother and he father sit down to watch television. Was a nice movie and it talk ‘bout how dem rich Muslim does live. De only thing Irfaat remember is that de big man in de movie had seven wives. He tun to he mother and seh that when he get big he want seven wives too. He tell he mother that one of dem wife gun cook fuh him, one will read fuh him, one will take him fuh a walk, one can sing fuh him and one will bathe him. He mudda smile and tell he that wid all dem wives he don’t need she to follow him to his room when he ready to sleep. De boy think, then he tun to he mudda and seh, “Mammy, none of dem ain’t good like you. I still want sleep wid you.” He mudda watch him and water come to she eye. She was so happy. “My sweet son. Then who will sleep wid you wives?” De boy seh that dem can sleep wid he father. Right away he father eye full wid water because he was so happy. “My sweet son.” That is all he father coulda seh. Talk half and wonder wha any man gun do wid seven wives when one alone can be trouble.
no one complimented her, and no one giggled. But the looks said it all. She was a spectacle, but by no means a speck. Two young girls walking side by side inspected her as she passed and then simply looked at each other. The expressions on their face said, “Wow!” An old lady approaching her from the opposite direction stopped and gaped, looking for a reaction from the vendors along the pavement. They were looking too, but not saying anything. Even after she had passed, no one uttered a word. But their eyes followed her every step. She must have known that she was being stared at. For as she walked, her hips began to sway in an exaggerated way. But she skillfully kept her balance, her shoulders
squared, and her head upright. She disappeared into the distance and life returned to normalcy after the interruption her presence had caused. Then the encore occurred. A vagrant wended his way along the pavement. The greater part of his exposed body was daubed in tar or some similar substance. His hair was so dirty and unkempt that it was knotted in sections. Parts of his head had a sticky substance on which dust had settled, giving his head a white appearance. He wore a shirt without buttons, and his pants was falling off his waist in the fashion of these young kids of today whose loose fitting trousers expose their underwear. In the case of the vagrant, there was no underwear to be seen.
As he walked along the crowded pavement, it was like the parting of the Red Sea. A clear passage was made for him to wend his way along. He was not even a distraction. Just then, a music seller was vending his wares in a cart. I stopped to ask him whether he had Phil Collins’s “Just Another Day in Paradise.” He did not know what I was referring to. I asked him, “Saw that fancy lady that just passed by?” He smiled and nodded his head in the affirmative. “See the mad man?” I asked “What mad man?” he replied.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 22, 2015
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The Ramotar siblings: The mind is a dangerous thing My problem with Alexei Ramotar, son of former President Donald Ramotar, is both personal and political. Personal in the sense that in 2010, Alexei Ramotar, was involved in an accident right outside the home of my nephew in which my nephew’s right leg was crushed. Mr. Ramotar was never charged. My analysis of the accident put him in the wrong, but the police felt otherwise and did not charge him. My nephew was a mere pump attendant earning forty thousand dollars a month and had to feed two daughters and a wife. He was laid up for one full year. Alexei Ramotar and his father never showed even a tiny spark of generosity by a mere visit or
a small donation. Unknown to me, my nephew visited Donald Ramotar, who at the time was the General-Secretary of the PPP. Mr. Ramotar refused to see him and requested security to escort my nephew out of Freedom House. It was about 7 pm that night when I got a call from him, telling me he visited Ramotar and Ramotar insulted him. I remember the night so vividly. I was outside Kaieteur News on the pavement. Every person in this world who has encountered me knows I am incapable of few decibels. The shout I gave to my nephew almost brought out the Kaieteur News staff on the road. So much for the personal; now for the
political. Alexei Ramotar has stated that his forced leave was politically determined. In yesterday’s edition of this newspaper, he continued and exclaimed that his critics need to educate themselves, and that they have vilified him out of anti-PPP sentiments. We will return to Alexei Ramotar below after an examination of a statement his sister, Lisaveta made to this newspaper. First, she stated that her brother’s critics needed to know that he went to one of the best universities in the world. What the Ramotar girl did not tell her readers was the procedures her brother went through to obtain his education at “one of the best universities in the world.”
Did he get a state scholarship? If yes, how and why? Was there a competitive application system? Did he finance himself? Was it a scholarship from international sources that had to be sanctioned by the Guyana Government? Secondly, the Ramotar girl was furious with her critics who said that she got her employment because of her father’s status. What the Ramotar girl did not tell her readers was if for all the jobs she possessed, including administrator of the Justice Improvement Project funded by the USAID, she competed for them. One person told me that a law degree was vital to run the Justice Improvement Project, a background Ms. Ramotar lacks.
Furious with her critics, Ms. Ramotar made another exclamation. She said that as a Guyanese she was entitled to be employed just as every other citizen. The trouble with that observation is if as the daughter of the PPP leader and President of Guyana she was entitled to employment, how does she feel about others that her father’s government victimized and denied? I taught Ms. Ramotar at UG and I am sure she found me a competent lecturer. I am still to receive a reason for the termination of my contract which the Ombudsman’s legal advisors advised was legally improper. Finally, Ms. Ramotar further pointed out that she is finely qualified with two Masters, one of which was a Chevening Scholarship awarded through the UK High Commission, the other Ms. Ramotar should provide some details for. Back to Alexei Ramotar and how dangerous a mind can be. Mr. Ramotar was an election candidate in 2015, yet at the same time held a top public service job. But Karen Cummings, the current Junior Minister of Health, was sacked as the Medical
Frederick Kissoon Director for Region Four in 2011 because she was a candidate on APNU’s list for the 2011 general elections. She was dismissed by the very PPP that Alexei Ramotar was willing to serve as a politician by entering the list as an election candidate. How does young Ramotar feel about that? The trouble with the mind is that it deceives its possessor. This is where the mind becomes dangerous. The mind tells us what we want it to tell us. The obvious implication is that we are out of touch with reality; we cannot see the real world. Does Alexei Ramotar believe that his critics are motivated by anti-PPP venom and that his forced leave is a political scandal? If Alexei Ramotar really believes that then he is fooling himself. He needs help and fast.
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Tender Board to be more responsive, accountable and transparent In an effort to make the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) more responsive while returning accountability and transparency to it, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan said that a number of reforms for the entity are underway. During an interview with this newspaper, Jordan said that while he would prefer to not disclose at the moment what some of those reforms are, he assured that they will serve to strengthen the services provided by the agency. The award of contracts in Guyana by the NPTAB has always been a matter of contention in several quarters. There have been accusations of favouritism along with other complaints of anti-competitive practices. To fix this, the APNU+AFC Government has in its plans the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC). The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which according to procedure, is chaired by a member of the opposition, has to nominate the five members of the Procurement Commission. The National Assembly by two-thirds majority has to ratify their appointments. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) is however, yet to take its seats in the House. As a result, the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission is stalled. “There is only so much we can do. We can name our nominees for the Commission among other things, but in the meantime, the Tender Board is under reform. But I would not reveal too much because it is currently the subject of a forensic audit,” the Minister asserted.
- Finance Minister
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran, who had spoken extensively on the matter, recently said that, “With the political opposition not taking up their seats in the Assembly, it will take quite a while for the Public Accounts Committee to be constituted. In addition, the requirement of two-thirds majority is likely to pose a huge challenge in terms of agreement on the names of the five candidates. This is likely to further delay the activation of the Commission.” He suggested that the next best alternative, therefore, is for the NPTAB to be reformed in such a manner that the public will place confidence in its work. “Sadly, such confidence is to a large extent absent, considering that: (a) the Minister appoints the members of NPTAB; (b) the Chairman has a reporting relationship with the Minister who is a key member of the Cabinet that ratifies all contracts of $15 million and over; and (c) it is not publicly known when last the members were rotated in keeping with established norms,” Goolsarran added.
The Chartered Accountant said, however, that one consideration is for the NPTAB to be given greater autonomy and flexibility, free of ministerial involvement and influence, while at the same time, ensuring that the provisions of the Procurement Act are followed He said that indeed, the Act provides for the NPTAB to execute the functions of the Procurement Commission until such time that the Commission is established. He said that the reforming of the NPTAB could therefore be such that, in addition to its own functions, its operations could mirror those of the Commission. “Of course, this is a temporary measure until the Commission is established,” he added. Goolsarran, had also contended that the weak systems of the NPTAB need to be addressed by the new administration as they cost the country approximately $28B annually. He had said that it is critical for the Ministry of Finance to review the operations of NPTAB given the fact that the agency has been cited by the Auditor General for numerous cases of financial discrepancies. He had emphasized that about 70 percent of the national budget relates to public procurement and this translates to approximately $140 million. The former Auditor General then pointed to credible allegations of corrupt behaviour in public procurement. These included sole sourcing of drug contracts to the New GPC,
contract splitting, inflated engineer’s estimates, evaluation bias on behalf of favoured contractors, the use of inexperienced contractors, the absence of competitive bidding in some cases and overpayment to contractors. Goolsarran had said that at least, some $28 billion or US$140M is lost annually by looking at those areas. His estimation was garnered from an overview of the Auditor General’s reports on the country’s accounts over the past few years. He had also highlighted some of the glaring
shortcomings of the NPTAB, among them the absence of District Tender Boards for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils; the failure to publish in NPTAB’s website; the award of all contracts between $200,000 and $15 million; the failure of members of the various tender boards to file financial returns with the Integrity Commission; the non-establishment of a formal Bid Protest Committee and the failure to exercise due diligence in ensuring that evaluators had the requisite expertise. He said, too, that there are certain parts of the Procurement Act which have not been adhered to since the Act came into effect on 1
January 2004. These include ensuring the criteria used for selection are such that they do not discriminate against particular contractors and suppliers; award of contracts based on the lowest evaluated bid as opposed to the lowest bid, taking into account previous experience, capacity, facilities and equipment, and other associated factors; communicating with unsuccessful bidders the basis of the award and why they were not selected; ensuring valid and adequate performance bonds are obtained as a guarantee for satisfactory completion of works and the supply of Continued on page 12
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Vendor remanded on Suspect grilled on Crum-Ewing murder and tyre shop execution wounding charge
Yvonne Collins
A 63-year-old vendor of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme is now behind bars after making a court appearance on a wounding charge. Yvonne Collins called ‘Steel Donkey’ is accused of inflicting a gaping hole to a woman’s face with a broken glass bottle. Particulars of the charge stated that on July 18, at West Ruimveldt, Collins unlawfully and maliciously wounded Crystal Fletchman with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or to cause her
Tender Board...
From page 11 goods and services; and sanctioning contractors and suppliers for consistent failure to perform to expected standards. Failing to look at these, he opined, have also proven to be very costly to the country. Goolsarran said that the solution to the problems relating to the operations of the NPTAB is the activation of the Public Procurement Commission. As a starting point, therefore, he said that the present members of the NPTAB need to be replaced with independent and professionally and technically competent persons. “It is not publicly known when last the members of the NPTAB have been rotated, contrary to established practices,” the Chartered Accountant had said.
actual bodily harm. Collins pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to her by Magistrate Judy Latchman. Police P r o s e c u t o r, Inspector Vishnu Hunt, explained that on the day in question, the Virtual Complainant (Fletchman) was standing in Collins’ yard awaiting a taxi. Collins approached Fletchman and inquired from her about the use of a toilet on the premises. Fletchman refused to answer and Collins became annoyed. Hunt declared that the defendant broke a glass bottle and dealt Fletchman a stab to her face, resulting in a gaping wound. The incident was reported to the police station, investigations were carried out, and Collins was arrested and charged. The injured woman was present at the court hearing; her left cheek was bandaged. According to the prosecutor, Fletchman is still seeking medical attention. Collins was remanded until August 6.
Courtney Crum-Ewing An individual who police have questioned about the slaying of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing has now been grilled about the execution-style killing of Airmax Vulcanizing Tyre Shop owner Randolph Singh last February. This was disclosed yesterday by a senior police official, who also said that
investigators are still to locate a prime suspect in CrumEwing’s murder. “We have questioned him again (about CrumEwing’s murder) and the same suspect was questioned about the murder of Randolph Singh,” the official said. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had revealed last
week that police had questioned a suspect in connection with the March 10, 2015 killing. He had described this as a ‘significant development.’ Police had also confirmed that they were in possession of the firearm that was used to kill the former soldier. Crum-Ewing, a former Queen’s College student a n d a r m y o ff i c e r, w a s riddled with bullets on the evening of Tuesday March 10, 2015, as he stood on T h i r d Av e n u e i n t h e Diamond New Scheme. A post mortem revealed that he was shot thrice in the head and twice in the chest. His killing is believed have been politically motivated. Meanwhile, it is unclear what information what the suspect has given investigators about the February 18 death of tyre shop owner Randolph Singh. Singh was sitting with two employees opposite his South Road premises when a gunman walked up to the trio and riddled the businessman. One of his employees was shot in the e l b o w. T h e g u n m a n reportedly escaped on a motorcycle.
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
Ramjattan holds security meeting with IDB officials Second Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan yesterday hosted a security meeting with officials from the Inter-American Development Bank at his office yesterday. The Inter-American Development Bank Country Representative Sophie Makonnen attended, a GINA release stated. It is expected that the meeting would have addressed financing to improve Guyana’s security architecture and outcomes of previous programmes financed by the IDB. In February this year, Guyana received a US$15M loan that was intended to be utilized on the Citizens’ Security programme. At the time, the APNU and AFC had raised concerns over the signing of the loan, given that the Parliament was prorogued. Over the years, the IDB has been a
constant source of financing for security improvement programmes in Guyana. It was also the IDB that provided US$22M for Guyana’s Citizens’ Security Programme, which was launched to let citizens have an input in the welfare and development of the Police Force while developing themselves and their communities. The programme targeted disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Regions Four and Six, catering for capacity-building of the Police Force and the Home Affairs Ministry and the Force’s modernisation. Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said it was likely that the Guyana Police Force would be called upon to conduct investigations The IDB also funded the establishment of Guyana’s $1B forensic laboratory at Turkeyen.
Quartet granted bail on illegal gun, ammo charge
Kevin Ashley Four persons who allegedly were caught before they went to commit a robbery, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, and had criminal charges read to them. Jointly charged with the possession of unlawful firearm and ammunition are Kevin Ashley, 20, a contractor of 452 Section ‘B’ Sophia; Ruel Garner, 24, of 435 North East La Penitence, Delson Wayne, 28, a construction worker of 27 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme and Roxel Nehaul of Jackson Dam, Mandela Avenue. The quartet is accused of having a .22 revolver in their possession on July 18, at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, when they were not the owners of firearm licences. It was further alleged that on the day in question, at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, they unlawfully had three .22 rounds of ammunition in their possession. They pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to them by Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan, and were granted bail to the tune of $125,000 on each charge. Police Corporal Deniro Jones presented the prosecution’s facts. He told
Ruel Garner (left) and Delson Wayne the court that the police received certain information and intercepted a motorcar at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty. He added that the four defendants were occupants of the car. Jones said that the lawmen approached the car, told the defendants they suspected they were going to carry out a robbery and searched the car. The firearm and ammunition were found under the driver’s seat. The prosecutor noted that the firearm was dusted for fingerprints; however, the results are still outstanding. During the lengthy court hearing, the prosecutor indicated that investigations are still ongoing. Attorney James Bond made a bail application on behalf of Garner and requested that surety be granted in a reasonable sum. Bond contended that the prohibited item was not found in his client’s possession. He argued that Garner is not the owner of the motorcar. According to Bond, his client was offered a drop in the car. He said that there were several other occupants in the vehicle when the police intercepted it. Further, Bond informed
the court that the defendant is a teacher at a Masjid and is a person of reputable character in his community. Wayne sought the Magistrate’s permission to address the court. When it was granted he asked to be released on reasonable bail. He told the court that he is the sole breadwinner for his family. Wayne said that he was before the courts five years ago on a robbery charge. “Since then I have turned my life around yuh worship,” he cried. However, the prosecutor opposed bail for the defendants citing the nature, gravity and penalty attached to the offences should they be convicted. Jones also objected to bail on the grounds of the prevalence of the offences in today’s society. He stressed that there is a likelihood the suspects may not attend court if granted pre-trial liberty. Magistrate Mc Lennan subsequently granted the men bail and instructed them to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Kitty Police Station every Friday. Their next court appearance will be on August 3.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Cops who fatally shot mentally ill Mahaica man to know fate soon Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), Cecil Kennard, is expected to hand down his recommendation soon in the case against two police ranks who shot and killed a mentally ill man at Strathavon, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara a little over two weeks ago. A source at the police Office of Professional Responsibility told this newspaper yesterday that their investigations were completed a while ago, and the file was sent to the PCA for the chairman’s recommendation. Following Kennard’s recommendation, the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions will be sought. On July 4, the two cops responded to a report that the mentally ill man, Junior Gulliver, was threatening residents at Strathavon. The ranks, who are both Constables attached to the Cane Grove Police Outpost, were viciously attacked by Gulliver who was armed with a cutlass. The cops, who were unarmed during their initial response, were forced to flee to their car and the incensed Gulliver smashed one of the vehicle’s windows with the cutlass. The ranks returned to the station but were reportedly summoned back to the area after receiving information that Gulliver was still “tormenting” residents there. This time the ranks armed themselves and claimed that upon arriving back in the area, they were again attacked by Gulliver, causing them to have to resort to the use of force. But the man’s relatives as well as several neighbours have a totally different version of what transpired, with many
of them claiming that Gulliver ’s killing was premeditated, following the earlier confrontation. A woman, who said that she was an eyewitness, said when the police returned with their weapons, they hid behind some banana suckers at the back of Gulliver’s shack. “I ask dem whey dey going and dey say dey come fuh Reggie and he gon be a dead man,” the woman claimed. She said that subsequently Gulliver emerged from his hiding place and went into his shack, not aware that the police were still hunting him. “When he see de police, he sit down and dey tell he dat dey come fuh he. One ah de police say dat he gon shoot he and Reggie start fuh come down to dem and is then dey start fuh shoot he,” the woman added. Another neighbour said, “I see everything. Dem shoot he with a long gun and de other one shoot with a small gun. There was no attack. Dey pre-meditated, because dey talk about it before.” The dead man’s mother said that the police acted with too much force. She said that she did not mind if they had wounded him, since she could have repaid the money for the damage to the car that he had caused. But the police ranks are maintaining that they were attacked and they acted according to standard operating procedures. “If they did not shoot him, he would have killed one of them,” a police source said. The two ranks were initially placed under close arrest, but are now confined to barracks to await the determination of their fate.
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
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APNU+AFC’s 100-day plan making “reasonable” progress - Former Auditor General “…achievement of other goals will have to await the 2015 Budget” By Kiana Wilburg Even though the troubles of the rice and sugar industries currently stand as significant threats to the APNU+AFC’s action programme it plans to implement in the first 100 days of being in office, many are of the opinion that the APNU+AFC coalition government is making considerable progress. One such person is former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran who in his recent writings said, that from the outset, the government’s promises to the populace during the 2015 election campaign period were very ambitious. Some of these promises include; the establishment of passport and birth certificate licensing offices in Berbice, Essequibo and Linden; the return of television station to
Lindeners; the waiving of duties on fuel, tools and small scale mining equipment; setting a date for early holding of Local Government Elections; and the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission and an Investigative Commission on Corruption. It is over 70 days since the new government is in office and less than half of its promises have been fulfilled. Be that as it may, Goolsarran insists that, “reasonable progress has been made so far.” To support this, he pointed to the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009 which has been amended to bring it in line with international standards. The Bill was first passed by the House and subsequently assented to by President
David Granger. The anti-money laundering legislation has been amended to insulate the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) from political influence by providing for, among others: the establishment of an Anti-Money Laundering Authority to provide oversight of the operations of the FIU; and the appointment of the head and deputy head of the FIU to be approved by the National Assembly by simple majority. Previously, the Minister of Finance carried out these two functions. Certain definitions were also expanded and tightened, and new definitions are included in the new Act. Similarly, he reminded that a cap has been placed on former Presidents’ benefits, the amended Bill to which the President has also assented
to. The now repealed Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2009 provided for unlimited benefits, such as local and overseas medical treatment; utility services; services of personal and household staff (inclusive of an attendant and gardener); services of clerical and technical staff; the provision of motor vehicles owned and maintained by the state; toll-free road and bridge transportation in Guyana; and an annual vacation allowance equivalent to the cost of two first-class return airfare tickets, provided on the same basis as that granted to members of the Judiciary. The former Auditor General said, however, that several other items in the action plan will have to await the outcome of the 2015 budget, the draft of which is
Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran expected to be presented in a matter of days to the Cabinet for its consideration before being laid in the National Assembly. These items include: the reduction in the Berbice Bridge Toll; salary increases for government employees; increases in Old Age
Pensions; phased reduction of VAT and the removal of VAT from food and other essential items; and waiving of duties on fuel, tools and small scale mining equipment. He noted that under Article 219 (3) of the Constitution, the Minister of Finance has up to three months from the date of the first sitting of the Eleventh Parliament to present the national budget for 2015. Since Parliament first met on 10 June last, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan has until September, 10, 2015 to present the budget, and Goolsarran says that from all indications the budget will be presented to the Assembly before that date. He noted, however, that the 100 days for the new government being in office will be reached on August 19. As regards the government’s promise of Local Government Elections, Continued on page 30
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
Shocking revelations…
Sean Hinds admits role in death squad - says he got instructions, weapons from CID headquarters Any mention of the name Sean Hinds would bring up images of mystery killings during the unforgettable days of the early to mid-2000s. Fast forward to 2015 and Hinds is now admitting that he was a part of a death squad that took instructions from senior police officials at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). In an explosive video interview on HGPTV Nightly News, Hinds bared his soul, saying that he could only take responsibility for what he did and not for what many people are linking him to. For one, he owned up to being part of a “death squad” - of mainly civilians - that was responsible for the hunting down and killing of many youths with criminal connections. That death squad, he said, was headed by the late Axel Williams who was well known for his close links to former Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj. Hinds however made it clear that the death squad was in no way connected to the
Former cop Sean Hinds (taken from HGPTV video) phantom squad which was headed by now imprisoned self-confessed drug kingpin Roger Khan. During the interview with a popular television reporter, Hinds said that he would not deny being part of the killing squad. “I was in a death squad. De boss was a man named Axel Williams, who I work under. If I wasn’t a part of this killing squad, this country wouldn’t ah gat law and order…because there was
Shawn Brown and Dale Moore…and Chip Teeth and all these guys,” Hinds said, referring to some of the notorious criminals who created a reign of terror between 2002 and 2006. His statements connect with those of former Minister Gajraj, who had told a Commission of Inquiry that unorthodox methods had to be applied to address the crime wave at the time since many police ranks had become afraid. “Late in the nights you used to see fire…people burning up people in cars on de seawalls, and we used to go after these people,” he added. He revealed, however, that the death squad was not operating in isolation, explaining that some members of the regular police force were also a part of their operations. “We used to get guns from the police. I used to go and uplift a gun from CID headquarters, a machine gun. So this thing was not no onesided affair… like if I was (Continued on page 30)
Mother calls for death penalty... (From page 17) Crum-Ewing, a father of three, was killed on Tuesday March 10, 2015, as he, aided by a bullhorn, advocated for persons in the Diamond New Scheme, East Ban k Demerara, area to exercise their franchise at the May 11, 2015 national and regional elections. He was specifically urging residents to support the coalition of A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for
Change (APNU+AFC). Crum-Ewing was shot multiple times as he stood on Third Avenue in the Diamond New Scheme. He first became well known after his many solo picketing exercises outside the Attorney General’s Carmichael Street, Georgetown office was publicised in the media. His decision to picket was prompted by media reports of a damning conversation be-
tween a senior journalist attached to this publication and former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, during which the latter alluded to imminent danger on this publication because of its manner of reporting. Crum-Ewing’s picket saw him, by way of placards, appealing for the then Attorney General to demit office. Many had voiced their belief that his death was politically motivated.
Business leaders urge gov’t to... (From page 18) changing the business landscape from reliance on the sale of raw products to promoting new businesses that process rice, fruits and vegetables, meat and milk, wood, bauxite by-products, and the “amazing” variety of medicinal plants into secondary and tertiary products. “Our in-country market is small by comparison, so the emphasis has to be placed on sourcing external markets alongside improving procedures at the GRA (Guyana
Revenue Authority). Congratulating the new administration, McLean pledged GMSA’s “unreserved support” for the national development programmes, “even while we hold your feet to the fire.” He noted that the new Government is experiencing the proverbial baptism by fire with the simmering border controversy sparked by the claims of Venezuela on resource-rich Essequibo, the largest county. “It is unjust, it is illegiti-
mate, barefaced, and to use local parlance, rank eye-pass. I’m referring to our neighbour to the west who recently upped the ante in its mission to bully Guyana into submission so they could take what is rightfully ours. This latest Venezuelan attempt to annex our Exclusive Economic Zone has the potential to create more multilateral difficulties (for them) than they bargained for since it also threatens the Eastern Caribbean and Suriname’s wealth, their peace and security.”
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
Bus driver denied bail on causing death charge Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan on Monday remanded a minibus driver to prison, after he was charged with causing the death of a pedestrian by dangerous driving. Fitzroy Alder, 38, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is accused of driving minibus BTT 3835 on July 17, at Durban Street, in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Romel Juner. Alder denied the allegation when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The matter was adjourned until August 6. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones informed the court that on the day in question, the defendant was driving the minibus proceeding at a fast rate along the northern side of Durban Street. He said when the bus reached the intersection at Bent and Lime Streets; it collided with the sixty yearold man, who was crossing the road at the time. Jones said that the impact of the collision caused Juner to pitch several feet away. He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public
Fitzroy Alder Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead on arrival. According to reports, Juner had just left a popular bar in the area with a female companion in ‘high spirits’ as the minibus was speeding along the route. Kaieteur News understands that the pedestrian was pitched some 15 feet away from the collision spot. He lay bleeding on the street for a while before he was transported to the hospital by the driver of the minibus.
West Dem. youths... (From page 24) hours. The youths are drawn from areas such as Canal Number One, Parfait Harmonie, Nismes, Bagotville, La Grange, Goed Fortuin, Leonora, Stewartville, Tuschen and Pouderoyen. The initiative will enable students who successfully complete it to enroll at the technical institute for oneyear certificate programmes. Mansell recently took over control of the Division and was the pioneer of the CPETS (Creating Positive Environments Through Safer
Communities and Partnerships) project. With criminal activity on the increase and the lure of fast money challenging young people, the commander began visiting communities in his Division, meeting with youths and various stakeholders to sell his idea. The stakeholders bought into the scheme and have already teamed up with the police, bringing about a positive transformation. At the orientation, Mansell urged the youths to grasp every opportunity that is offered to propel them in life.
Health Ministry to tackle... (From page 23) among others. Added to this, he stressed the need for the support of the media. “We need the media to help us get our message out there as we seek to inform and change behaviour...Not only that, but we need the media to keep us honest about the efforts we are making and the progress in our prevention, treatment and control programmes.” As such, he said that the Ministry under the new government will be seeking to ensure that information is made available to the media. “The previous culture of not sharing information has to stop; that has to be a thing of the past.”
Habits are not the product of one decision — They’re the result of repeated choices that eventually become automatic responses. How can you know your true spiritual condition? By the company you keep and the choices you make. When you’re free to go, where do you choose to go? Whose company do you prefer?
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS - CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 Professional painting services available for private and contract work- Tel: 6044036 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar:2310655,683-8734 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves - Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 GET YOUR USA, CANADA & UK VISA’S FILLED OUT PROFESSIONALLY. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT: 2315789/90 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall: 225-6496, 662-6045 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
Kaieteur News
WANTED Accounts clerk @ Aracari Resort 16 Plantation Versailles, W.B.DPhone:264-2946/8. Email: info@aracariresort.com. Apply in person. Waitress/ bartenders @ Aracari Resort 16 Plantation Versailles, W.B.D- Phone:2642946/8. Email: info@aracariresort.com. Apply in person. One experienced domestic, must know to cook Indian dishes, must have pleasant personality & be trustworthy –Call: 656-6388 Hairdresser, nail technician, tattoo artist, pedicure/manicure –Tel: 613-8710/ 680-7813 One diesel mechanic; to work in Georgetown –Tel: 218-1455
VEHICLE FOR SALE
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
1 new unregistered Mazda Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 649-0956
Two executive houses in gated compound at Oceanicvillas -$58M eachTel Shiv: 600-6681
Summer Special: In cosmetology, nails, wig design & hair cuttingClasses commence -13 July Tel: 619-7603, 666-5241
VACANCY International Employment: waiters, cooks, housekeepers, carpenters, plumbers, cleaners, securities, receptionists, printers- Contact: 2316296, 650-9880 www.plzrecruitme.com Work from home, earn $5,000$20,000 daily Call MondayFriday 9am-5pm #233-6517, 6 3 8 - 0 5 9 5 www.jobfairworldwide.com One Receptionist - Contact: 223-5273 /4
Female to work in the interiorsalary $80,000 monthly –Call: 674-1767; 664-5199, 675-7043 One experienced house keeper to wash, iron & clean –Call: 225-6492
One Chef for 704 Sports Bar Contact: 223-5273 /4 Cashier 6am-3pm & 3pm12pm, inventory clerk. Submit application to Shell Station Providence EBD, shellramsburg@gmail.com.
Driver for canter – from WCD -$25,000 weekly –Call: 6848231
Part-time handy man- Call: 695-0007 Bartenders & Cleaners – Call: 225-8572 Trainee Dental Technician – Call: 695-0007
One driver & salesgirl –Call: 225-7417 Welder needed-Call: 6277835
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVEAUTORENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL$4,000 & UPPER DAY-CALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
PRADO TZ Land Crusier, automatic diesel, PHH series, fully loaded -$M –Tel:2332546; 688-5554 1 Toyota Pickup GRR 9565 & 1 ATV motor bike- Call: 6600422 2008 PREMIO -$3.3M, 2004 SPACIO- $2.1M, FULLY LOADED TV, BACK & FRONT CAMERA, MAG RIMS & UNREGISTERED – CALL: 642-7295 One 318 BMW never register for $ 3.1M down payment $ 800,000- Contact # 650-0402 Fantasy Auto Sales at 38 Alexander St, Kitty. Get $100,000 discount on preorders- Contact: 611-1833 Fantasy Auto SalesAvailable: 2010 Mitsubishi RVR, Nissan X-Trail 2008. New model Premio & AllionCall: 611-1833 D. Persaud Auto Deal- deals on wheel promotion on Toyota Premio & Spacio- Tel: 681-7117 Toyota Land Crusier Prado, low mileage -$30,000Km $10M –Tel: 696-8538, 6880639 1-192 Carina alarm, A/C, music deck, working condition$750,000 negotiable, serious persons only, owner leaving country –Tel: 687-3241 Lady driven: Toyota Runx, PPP series, remote start, alarm, excellent condition, $1.7M negotiable –Tel: 6100991, 601-1067
Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461. 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 629-4017 2 Storey concrete property for sale at 2nd Avenue, Diamond H/Scheme, E.B.DTel: 674-9266 or 686-9248 Property @ Leonora New Housing Scheme-Tel: 6799851 Agriculture Road, ECD, two story four bedrooms -$14M – Call: 612-2522 2 Storied 22ftX45ft transported concrete property upstairs 2 bedroom & downstairs – bedrooms, fully grilled, Block ‘8’ MonRepos, E.C.D - $20M – Tel:625-1514, 231-7255
Pitbull unregistered (roof rack) $3M- Call: 668-0000
EDUCATION Institute of Academic Excellence- registration commenced for our Secondary school (forms 15), lessons & adults CXC classes- Tel: 683-5742 Private customs brokers certificate training course 3rd Aug 2015 (3weeks) limited jobs guarantee, register now & save –Call: 694-8322; 223-1506
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
1 Mini Cooper PTT 2675. 1 cold storage canter-Call: 6190846 One Toyota Raum; old model PPP series, excellent condition –Price -$1.150M negotiable- Call: 653-0120 2 Ton Canter, excellent condition - $800,000, price negotiable. Contact Michelle Harrinaraine. Tel: 646-5838, 686-3794, 261-6119, 261-5547 EP 82 Starlet, AC 4 Doors, working standard rims, lady driven – good condition $550,000 – serious inquiries only - Call: 662-5052
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Dr. Evelyne Hanoman Eye Clinic @ 120 Parade Street Kingston- Sale! 20% off all spectacle frames –Tel: 2262829 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 One 1997 Yamaha outboard 225HP, saltwater series, 30" Shaft, just over 6000 hours – Contact Christie: 6923305; 662-6151 Instock subject to being unsold; 1,000 - 10,000 watts; Complete Solar Units- Mr. Beepat – 600 - 5253
Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244
1 Ford Econoline Van (left hand drive), excellent condition, sale price -$1.8M. Contact Ms Rooplall: 2333512
Large 4 bedroom concrete house for sale at Rumzeight Garden W.C.D Residential Area –Tel: 269-0189; 268-3214
Dell desktop & laptop computers from $55,000. Free games & educational software- call FutureTech: 231-2206.
Property for sale @ Bachelor’s adventure, E.C.D, two storey concrete house $42M negotiable- Contact Gavin 225-8101
One Mitsubishi Canter; Good condition; 2.5 ton, has dumper- $2.1M negotiable. Tel: 612-1848 One tractor driven 16" Bore pump on trailer @ bargain price –Tel: 227-1830 Brazilian line red nose pit bull pups –Tel:667-0338
1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive –price $1.5M negotiable –Tel: 668-8431
Domestic maid @ Diamond with experienced –Tel: 6268003; 227-8529
Attention!!! 24hrs emergency repairs, to roll up shutter/doors – Call Luk’s General Store: 223-0998, 6774695 or 675-4127
ACCOMODATION Specials on room! Free breakfast, Wi-Fi luxuriously & comfortably @ Signature Inn, 82 Laluni Street, Georgetown –Tel: 226-2145; 227-5037
SALON
One Female to cook for family in the interior –Tel: 679-8765
Girls to work in Bar –Tel: 2564096 One domestic cleaner, E.C.D –Call: 603-5416; 644-9802 Land to rent for washbay – Tel: 646-8748
Wednesday July 22, 2015
VEHICLE FOR SALE Unregistered Toyota IST (2002) –Tel: 657-1796 Toyota Fielder Wagon, year 2004, good condition – Contact: 694-6157; 216-0209 1 Madza Axela PRR series, excellent condition- price $1.550M – Contact Shawn: 668-3412 Chevrolet 2006 Silverado 1500 4WD pickup automatic – unregistered -$5.5M – Contact: 687-6884 One 750cc Suzuki, motor cycle for sale – Call: 667-2921
One 3 ton box canter truck, GPP Series- $3M negotiable –Call: 694-5441 D4H CAT bulldozer, Leyland DAF 55 Tipper truck, 20 lengths- plastic sheet piles– 1930 front end Contact: 2750538; 683-7225 Pile driving hammers, weight 3 and 4 tons, 6 cylinder Leyland engine, 10 tons double steel wheeled roller –Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 Pneumatic roller – 9 wheels, 2,500 GLS, steel tank, 2,000 GLS, steel tank , 428 CAT Back-Hoe Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 FOR SALE/RENT American pools table- Call: 277-0578
1 Ford F350 Pickup, extended cab, 4X4 Diesel, excellent condition, fully loaded, 6" lift kit, 1 Chevy Van –Call: 6105370
PEN PAL
One Toyota New model Raum 2006 model , PPP Series$1.7Million –Tel: 6677806,266-5160
Indian Male, age 47 is looking for a decent relationship, must be beautiful & slim. Phone: 694-4361
TOURS Trip to Suriname for 5 days (21st -25th August) $34,000 per person, transportation & accommodation inclusive; food exclusive –Contact: 660-0312 Continued on page 29
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 29
Letters... Where your views make the news
CPL promotes rum culture DEAR EDITOR, On Saturday July 18, 2015 I attended the CPL match between the Amazon Warriors and the Tridents at the Providence Stadium. I was quite shocked to see that the PPP’s rum culture was being promoted amongst spectators on a grand scale. I was seated in the Green Stand in Block 131 and I made some observations that I now share with the general public, parents, government agencies, and social and religious organizations. I could easily see no less than 15 large advertisements for rum. Rum was being sold from the back of a salesman. It was also sold in the bars below. Seated near to me was a group of teenage girls celebrating the 16th birthday of a member of the group. Those girls were each served a double rum from the salesman who at no time requested to see identity cards to ascertain their ages. After the double one of the young ladies went to the bar and returned with a bag full of quarter bottles of rum.
Off course rum was being openly consumed by all age groups. The CPL organizers created such a rum environment with the stupendously loud and idiotic noises emanating from the loud speakers that had nothing to do with cricket. Fans were allowed in with air horns and were encouraged to use them. It was very dangerous to the ear drums to have people blowing horns at the back of other folks’ heads. Infants, toddlers, and young children were suffered to endure such noise. I daresay that an artillery range makes far less noise. But it is the consequences of the rum and noise that I primarily wish to highlight. All the young children, and there were many in attendance, seeing the rum advertisements, hearing the idiotic noises from the loud speakers, and witnessing their parents and relatives imbibe rum, were being socially and culturally conditioned into a rum culture.
THERE WAS NO CRITICISM DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter published in the press written by Vidyaratha Kissoon in which he argues that certain members of the PPP should not be in Parliament because of statements they made about women. I am aware that there is Member of Parliament on the Government bench, who was accused of buggery of a child. There is also another member on the Government side in the National Assembly, who was heard in a telephone conversation with another person who, at the time, was Vice Chairman of the PNC and a sitting Parliamentarian for that party, expressing the intention of planting drugs on an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and confessing that he deliberately diverted police ranks away from a crime scene
“to help all you out” (the PNC). All three persons mentioned above are Ministers of the current Government. I did not read any letter from Kissoon or anyone else criticizing these persons for holding seats in Parliament or being Ministers of the Government. Clearly the infractions of which these persons are accused are much more serious than making derogatory remarks about women. So Mr. Vidyaratha Kissoon do you condone actions of these persons? Are you so duplicitous? I will say to Vidyaratha Kissoon what the Honourable Prime Minister admitted in the previous Parliament as saying to his grandson “haul you so so”. Faruk Mohamed
Leaders need space... From page 5 conclusion so far, is that these are two of the most mature leaders we have had. They are conscious of the issues but are very mature, and I respect that. This maturity also gives one a sense of confidence and assurance that they will make the coalition work. Some people would say that they are ‘high definition’ leaders, well, I sincerely hope so. Finally, it is imperative that for the coalition government to succeed, the leaders have to be open to and participate in training, more training and yet more training! Audreyanna Thomas
By the time they become teens they would also start to abuse alcohol. Rum consumption leads to domestic abuse in the form of wives and children being beaten by their husbands and fathers. It also leads to deprivations in the home with less money to spend on children’s well being. This affects children’s education and we end up with more school drop outs, more illiteracy, and poverty in Guyana. Compounding an already existing crisis is the fact that teenage girls are now being pressured into the rum culture. Soon we will have a situation where both parents in a home are alcohol users. When we have a husband with low testosterone, low sperm count, and erectile dysfunction this means less chance of a pregnancy and so we would see a decline in population. On the other hand if the wife does get pregnant her rum consumption would lead to birth defects which in turn would be additional costs to the health care sector as well as less productive citizens. The rum culture perpetuates poverty and misery. The rum culture was allowed to flourish during the
23 years of PPP reign. Now that we effected a change in government in May 2015 we now have to continue to struggle for real changes. To begin with, I would like to see the Ministries of Education, Health, Social Protection, and National Security rework the regulations under which CPL is allowed to operate in Guyana. There must be an end to alcohol advertisements, sale of alcohol, and consumption of alcohol at CPL matches. In fact the CPL must be made to promote good messages to Guyanese children and youths such as staying in school and getting an education. The rum company is committed in ensuring it has a future market. We Guyanese must do our part to eradicate the rum culture in order to safeguard our children and grand children. However this is not a task for government alone. All social and religious organizations must get involved in a sustained national campaign to stop alcohol abuse and the perpetuation of the rum culture especially the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the Indian Arrival Committee, and the Pandits. Malcolm Harripaul
From page 28
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Tackle crime or senselessly lose citizens DEAR EDITOR, As a citizen I am deeply concerned about the crime situation which seems to be spiraling out of control in this dear land of ours. The rate at which crime is increasing is quite alarming. It is almost two months since the change in Administration and we are still awaiting the strategies which will be implemented to tackle this social problemin our society. I reside in the West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme which is being affected with the surge in criminal activities. Every other night and even in broad daylight individuals are being mugged and beaten by unknown persons. These unknown robbers would usually traverse areas where persons have to frequent to go home and attack them.In most of these areas they are no street lighting during the nights. Despite there exists a Police Station nearby, I am of the view that it is understaffed with the necessary law enforcers to deal with the escalating crimes
in this community.I believe quicker action is needed by the Ministry of Securityto combat and arrest this problem as soon as possible. I am also of the view that there is a need for more officersto frequent not only the West Ruimveldt Community but other nearby areas where criminal activities are steadily increasing. It is discouraging to know that you cannot venture out late at nights or even be safe in your own homes because of fear of being robbed and killed by these callous individuals.It seems as though the criminals are no longer afraid of the Law and have become more blatant with their acts. How long more must citizens have to suffer at the hands of these criminals? When will we be guaranteed public safety? Through the column of your newspaper I would like to appeal to the new Minister of Security to act swiftly to implement the crime fighting strategies or else Guyana will continue to senselessly lose its citizens to crime. A concerned resident
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Kaieteur News
Sean Hinds admits role... (From page 25) operating pon me own, or me and Axel Williams operating pon we own,” Hinds declared. “We were guided and been in communication with senior people from CID headquarters,” he added. During the time he was speaking about, (the late) Henry Greene was the crime chief and Floyd McDonald was the Commissioner of Police. Hinds did not directly implicate anyone from the past People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration, sticking to the fact that he received his instructions from the Criminal Investigations
Department of the Guyana Police Force. “I have communication with me and people communicating, saying what they needed to be done and how it need to be done, the kind of guns that need to be used, and what mustn’t be done and how you must do it. ‘Don’t do this one like this, don’t lef he in de streets’ and them kinda thing,” Hinds explained. He said “when de s…t hit de fan, I alone get charge.” Hinds was charged along with Ashton King and Mark ‘Kerzorkee’ Thomas, with the murder of Shafeek Bacchus in January 2004. The matter was eventually dismissed.
According to Hinds, he was never a squealer or whistleblower. “I bear me chafe, I go in jail and I come out. Nobody never offer me a five thousand dollar or a ten thousand dollar…I pay me lawyer and everything,” Hinds stated. He was however rewarded with employment by officials closely linked to the previous government. He was recently hired as a bodyguard for the controversial former Town Clerk Carol Sooba. Hinds’ name was also linked to several executionstyle killings, including a recent high-profile one.
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Pensioner frustrated over royal runaround given by NIS Seventy-two year-old Richard Chandra is claiming that the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has been giving him the royal runaround during his inquiry to rectify problems arising from the contributions he has paid and the pension he receives. Chandra told Kaieteur News yesterday that he was entitled to a monthly pension equating to 1900 contributions, however he has been receiving that which equates to 1200 contributions. Efforts to clarify the matter, Chandra said, have resulted in multiple trips to NIS offices on Camp Street and Brickdam, Georgetown. He related that he has made repeated trips to the offices to sort out the issue but has received little help in coming to a solution. “Every time I go they (NIS staff) just send me to this body and that body, who end up telling me to come back,” Chandra said, “and when I do come back they say come back again. It’s been like this for over a year.” For the septuagenarian, the frequent trips to the NIS offices have cost him amounts that he is afraid he cannot continue to afford. Despite possessing the necessary records which outline the details of his contribution, Chandra maintains that the pension agency has been of little assistance. The persistent senior citizen related that he was not the only one with such issues. According to him, he talked with a female pensioner with similar problems, but she had eventually given up on her
72-year-old pensioner, Richard Chandra quest as it was “too fatiguing”. But Chandra says he cannot afford to give up. He said that the difference in payment would go a long way in assisting his living condition, as he lives alone. “Medication for my eyes is something I really can’t afford,” said a clearly frustrated Chandra. He is pleading that the NIS finds a way to hasten the pension and sorts out the discrepancies with his contributions. When contacted, a representative from the NIS explained that such matters
require that the pensioner be reimbursed for the outstanding contributions, as one can only have a maximum of 1700. In a case like Chandra’s, the representative added, once one reaches the age of retirement, that person cannot be eligible for contributions and would have to sort out the matter with NIS, the business, and the individual. When questioned about the alleged “royal runaround” which pensioners like Chandra have complained about, the representative was unresponsive.
APNU+AFC’s 100-day plan... From page 15 Goolsarran said that the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan while not fixing a date for the elections, indicated that such elections will be held early next year, since the Elections Commission needs at least six months to prepare for such elections. Goolsarran then turned his attention to the Code of Conduct for Parliamentarians and senior public servants. He stressed that while this may be highly desirable, it has to be supported by a fully functioning and effective Integrity Commission. Surprisingly, the Former AG said that the 100-day action plan has not addressed the fact that since 2006 when Bishop George resigned as Chairman of the Commission, there has been no sitting of the body since then. He said that compliance has also been uneven in
terms of filing of annual returns of income as well as assets and liabilities. Goolsarran said that both the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (IACAC) and United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) - to which Guyana is a signatory - emphasize the importance of having strong and effective mechanisms in place for not only such annual declarations and scrutiny thereof, but also in relation to public procurement. On the brighter side, he reminded of the State Asset Recovery Unit which has been established under the leadership of Professor Clive Thomas, with a number forensic audits that are about to be finalized. He said, too, that there is a need to have anticorruption legislation in place, supported by Whistleblower
Protection legislation. In this regard, he said that an AntiCorruption Agency should be established, clothed with investigative and prosecuting powers, and an AntiCorruption Court set up to deal expeditiously with cases brought before it. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had signaled that government is already making moves to have this done. Further, Goolsarran said that if these measures are put in place, they will demonstrate to all Guyana and the world at large how serious and committed the country is in the fight against corruption. “There will also be a significant improvement in our standing on the Corruption Perceptions Index which, like several other indicators, has consistently placed Guyana second lowest in the Caribbean,” he said.
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday July 22, 2015
U.S. ‘disturbed’ by Iranian leader’s criticism after deal DUBAI (Reuters) - The United States said yesterday it was disturbed by anti-U.S. hostility voiced by Iran’s top leader after a nuclear deal, as both countries’ top diplomats sought to calm opposition to the accord from hardliners at home. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said a speech by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday vowing to defy American policies in the region despite a deal with world powers over Tehran’s nuclear program was “very troubling”. “I don’t know how to interpret it at this point in time, except to take it at face value, that that’s his policy,” he said in the interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television. “But I do know that often comments are made publicly and things can evolve that are different. If it is the policy, it’s very disturbing, it’s very troubling,” he added. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the highest authority in Iran, told supporters on Saturday that U.S. policies in the region were “180 degrees” opposed to Iran’s, in a Tehran speech punctuated by chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”. Under the accord reached in Vienna last week, Iran will be subjected to long-term curbs on its nuclear program in return for the lifting of U.S., European Union and U.N. sanctions. The deal was signed by the United States, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia. It was a major policy achievement for both U.S. President Barack Obama and Iran’s pragmatic elected President Hassan Rouhani. But both leaders have to sell
Ali Khamenei it at home to powerful hardliners in countries that have been enemies for decades, referring to each other as the “Great Satan” and a member of the “Axis of Evil”. In the case of Iran, the deal must win final acceptance from the National Security Council and ultimately Khamenei, who has so far withheld final judgment, thanking the negotiators while saying the text must still be scrutinized and approved. In the United States, Republicans who control Congress have lined up against the deal, but Obama says he will veto any attempt to block it. Kerry also has the task of selling the agreement to skeptical U.S. allies in the region. Israel is implacably opposed, and Arab allies of the United States such as Saudi Arabia, ruled by Sunni Muslims, are suspicious of an arrangement that would benefit their Shi’ite, non-Arab rival Iran, which they accuse of fomenting sectarian conflict. The Secretary General of the six-member Gulf
Cooperation Council of regional Arab states, Abdullatif al-Zayani, said Khamenei’s speech demonstrated “Iran’s continued interference in the internal affairs of some Arab countries”. “Those statements don’t help to build confidence for cooperative relations based on the principles of good neighborliness (and) noninterference in internal affairs,” Zayani, a Bahraini general, was quoted as saying by Saudi news agency SPA. Dore Gold, directorgeneral of the Israeli foreign ministry, described Israel’s opposition to the accord as a “major disagreement” with Washington over “a central pillar of foreign policy”, but nonetheless sought to play down the rift with Israel’s closest ally. “All you can do in these situations is just tell your story, tell the truth,” he said, adding that the rift should be handled “in a very careful way” and with “mutual respect”. Hatred of the United States has been one of the underlying tenets of the Iranian ruling system since the 1979 Islamic revolution. But Iran’s nearly 80 million people voted overwhelmingly for Rouhani in 2013 on a promise to end the country’s diplomatic isolation. Mohammad Javad Zarif, the foreign minister who developed a warm rapport with Kerry during weeks of unprecedented face-to-face talks, defended the deal in Iran’s hardliner-dominated parliament. He said most of Iran’s conditions had been met, including so-called “red lines” set by Khamenei.
Ukraine, rebels reach preliminary deal to broaden weapons withdrawal Reuters - Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists have reached a preliminary agreement to extend a pullback of weapons in east Ukraine to include tanks and smaller weapons systems, the chairman of the OSCE security watchdog, Ivica Dacic, said yesterday. Under a ceasefire agreement brokered in Minsk, Belarus, in February, weapons of over 100 mm calibre are meant to have already been withdrawn, but both sides accuse the other of continuing to use heavy artillery and casualties are reported almost daily.
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
New $100 bn BRICS bank opens in China to challenge US-led lenders
From L: Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, China’s President Xi Jinping and South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma at the 7th BRICS summit in Ufa. (AFP Photo/Alexander Nemenov) Reuters - A new $100 billion international bank dedicated to the emerging BRICS countries opened in China’s commercial hub Shanghai yesterday, officials said, as an alternative to other multilateral lenders. The “New Development Bank”, backed by the socalled emerging BRICS nations Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has been viewed as a challenge to Washington-based institutions. The NDB’s website explicitly describes it as an “alternative to the existing US-dominated World Bank and International Monetary Fund” which will address needs for infrastructure and sustainable development. It comes as Beijing — which is seeking a greater role on the global political stage to mirror its rise to become the world’s second-largest
economy — is also setting up a separate Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei played down the competitive aspect. “The NDB will supplement the existing international financial system in a healthy way and explore innovations in governance models,” he told the NDB’s opening ceremony in Shanghai, as quoted by the official Xinhua news agency. The bank says on its website that it will have authorised capital of $100 billion, with $50 billion paid in initially. Xinhua quoted bank president K. V. Kamath, formerly a private banker in India, as saying the institution’s management was “working on initiation of operations”, including “making business policy”
and “developing project preparations”. Operations would begin late this year or early in 2016, he added.The opening comes two weeks after a BRICS summit hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Moscow — which has suffered huge currency fluctuations and struggled to attract investors since the outbreak of the crisis in Ukraine — sees the bank and a BRICS currency reserve pool as alternative global financial institutions. At the time of the summit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a statement that BRICS “illustrates a new polycentric system of international relations” demonstrating the increasing influence of “new centres of power”.
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Wednesday July 22, 2015
Three quakes within 15 minutes as seismic activity continues off Barbados BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Three more earthquakes with strengths of between 4.0 and 4.5 magnitude were recorded within a 15-minute span late Monday evening, as heightened seismic activity continued to the northeast of Barbados. The UWI Seismic Research Centre reported that a 4.3 magnitude tremor occurred at 6:59 p.m., 116 km northeast of Bridgetown, 236 km east of Castries, St. Lucia and 260 km east southeast of Fort-de-France, Martinique. A handful of people on the centre’s Facebook page said they felt the shaking from that event. A 4.5 magnitude quake was recorded nine minutes later. The epicenter of that tremor was located 136 km northeast of Bridgetown, 260
km east of Castries, and 283 km east south east of Fortde-France. At 7:13 p.m., the third, measuring 4.0 magnitude, occurred 106 km northeast of Bridgetown, 228 km east of Castries, and 253 km southeast of Fort-de-France. More than 20 earthquakes have occurred around the same general area in the past five days, the most intense of which was a 6.4 magnitude tremor last Thursday that was felt by residents of several Caribbean countries, including Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. In addition to those reported by the Seismic Research Centre, several smaller quakes with magnitudes of less than 3.8 have occurring, the Trinidad-
based unit said. “This is simply the earth adjusting to the stress changes that resulted from the earthquake,” the centre said over the weekend. While Caribbean residents have expressed concern that the seismic activity could be the lead up to a major event, the Seismic Research Centre has indicated that the earthquakes of the size and frequency currently being experienced “do not by themselves suggest anything more menacing is coming”. “However, this region has had larger events in the past and we do expect to have large and possibly damaging events in the future,” it added, as it urged residents to get themselves acquainted with what should be done during and after a quake.
Venezuela orders producers to divert food to state stores CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A food industry group said Monday that Venezuela’s government has ordered companies to distribute food staples to a network of state-run supermarkets amid chronic shortages of basic goods. Federal authorities ordered producers of milk, pasta, oil, rice, sugar and flour to supply between 30 percent and 100 percent of their products to the state stores, the Food Industry Chamber said. Chamber President Pablo Baraybar warned that the order could cause major supply problems. The chamber says there are 15 times as many private stores in the socialist South American country as staterun ones. Government officials could not be reached for comment. The administration of President Nicolas Maduro frequently rails against
opponents he accuses of waging “economic war” by hoarding products and sabotaging the supply chain. Rigid currency controls and a shortage of U.S. dollars make it difficult for Venezuelans to find imported goods. Companies say the controls also make it hard to
turn a profit and justify production. While better-off Venezuelans buy their groceries at private grocery chains, working-class shoppers often endure hourslong lines at government-run stores to buy staples at steeply reduced prices.
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – A Bill seeking to create a legal framework for the regulation of activities, practices, apparatuses and facilities involving ionising radiation and nuclear technology was passed by the Senate on July 17. The Bill entitled, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act, 2015, was piloted by minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding. The objectives of the Bill
are to protect people and the environment from exposure to ionizing radiation to the maximum extent that is reasonably practicable, taking into account social and economic factors, and recognizing the need for the use of ionizing r a d i a t i o n f o r beneficial purposes; and to protect radioactive sources from misuse that may result in harm to people or the environment.
Other objectives are: to promote radiation protection principles and an effective nuclear safety culture; to provide compensation for damage, loss and injuries caused by ionising radiation; to allow for the beneficial and peaceful uses of nuclear technology; and to facilitate Jamaica’s compliance with international obligations arising under the Conventions.
Pablo Baraybar
Senate approves Bill to regulate nuclear technology
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Jamaica ready to make Gold Cup history
Jamaica has appeared in two previous CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals, both against Mexico. (Photo: Mexsport) Atlanta - Jamaica enters its the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal against the United States confident of progressing to the final despite posting only one win in 22 all-time meetings between sides (1W-8D-13L).
The Reggae Boyz (2015 Gold Cup record: 3W-1D-0L), who are coming off a 1-0 quarterfinal triumph over Haiti, want to make history at the Georgia Dome today. “We are definitely looking forward to create an upset,”
defender Kemar Lawrence said. “We know that everyone is looking forward to the United States to come out and put us away. It’s not going to be like that on this day. It’s going to be a tough match right to the last whistle
Wednesday January 22, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You can surprise members of your family, which in turn will bring you a pat on the back. You may find that your boss is not delighted with your work lately. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Communication will be the source of your knowledge and you must be sure to spend time with those who have more experience. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You can make career moves that will be prosperous. Do not jump to conclusions concerning your romantic partner. CANCER (June 22-July 22) This is not the best time to take a risk, to gamble or spend money you really can't afford to part with. Rid yourself of that which is old and no longer of use. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Do things because you want to, not because someone else thinks you should. Don't count on others to cover up for your shortcomings. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Voice your opinions and contribute to the debate. Raise your self esteem and your confidence if you want to get back into the mainstream again.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your temper could get the better of you if you confront personal situations. Problems with your mate will develop if you don't let them have their way. Romantic relationships should stabilize. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Do something special for them. Try not to hurt your partner's feelings. You are best not to confide in anyone right now. SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don't be too quick to blame others for your bad mood. You are likely to be left alone if you aren't willing to bend just a little. CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. Don't make unreasonable promises. Family members may feel anxious if you make promises you don't deliver. AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Daydreaming will be your downfall. Positive connections can be made if you get involved in environmental organizations. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Old friends may not like your choices. Promotions will be yours if you have acted professionally in times of crisis.
and my teammates are prepared to do anything right now to get to the next round.” The lone Jamaica victory over the Americans came in qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, when it rallied at home for a 2-1 win in 2012. “It’s going to be an unbelievable game,” remarked Lawrence. “We just want to create history. Jamaica has never won the Gold Cup before. That’s what’s on everyone’s mind right now — winning the Gold Cup.” While the Jamaicans are upbeat, they realize that the task ahead won’t be easy. The U.S. (4-0-0) advanced to the final four after defeating
Cuba, 6-0. Forward Clint Dempsey netted a hat-trick in that encounter and has a tournament-leading six goals. “They’re a good team. You can’t say anything bad about them,” said forward Giles Barnes. “Deuce [Dempsey] has been on fire. They’re solid in the back and they’re moving the ball well. T h a t ’s what you e x a c t l y expect from a Jurgen Klinsmann team. So they’ll be a tough test, but we’re confident and more than capable of coming away with the result.” If the Caribbean champion do just that, it will be one of the most significant
achievements in Jamaica soccer history. The No. 1 accomplishment, of course, was reaching the 1998 FIFA World Cup. “It’s going to put us on the map even more,” Barnes finished. “It has been a slow progress over the last few years, but now we’ve got a group and we’re showing everyone what we’re capable of.” NOTES: - This will be Jamaica’s third appearance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals. It lost to Mexico on both previous occasions (1993: 6-1 in Mexico City; 1998: 1-0 aet in Los Angeles, California). (CONCACAF)
From page 34 and late cutting him to third man for a second boundary in the over; the 50 was posted in the 7th over. Darren Bravo (3) never got behind a lively short ball from DeLange and edged to Ramdin in the 9th over to leave the score on 55-3. Delport dumped Hodge for six over mid-wicket but next ball smashed the off-spinner to Simmons at short cover and
was brilliantly taken as the Red Steel slipped to 64-4 in the 10th over. Botha reversed swept Permaul, who extracted bounce and turn from the surface, for a boundary in the 11th over before Narine struck when he had Dwayne Bravo (5) LBW at 80-5 in the 14th over. Botha and Kamran Akmal (10) tried to stage a recovery before Akmal attempted a big shot to Bsishoo and skied it
for Permaul to claim the offering and leave the score 97-6 in the 17th. Botha took 33 balls to make 22 before being bowled by one that kept low from Bishoo off the last ball of the penultimate over to leave the Red Steel 111-7 and Cooper was removed by the impressive DeLange in the last over as the Red Steel only managed 30 runs from their final five overs.
From page 37 The West Indies female pacer was also named in the top 20 bowlers in the world at both the T20 and 50-overs levels in 2014. Levi Nedd was recog-
nized for his outstanding contributions to volleyball in 2004 as Coach of the GUYSUCO Training Centre, Berbice and Guyana. The Sport Organisation of the Year award was given to the Flying Ace Cycling Club for its role in keeping cycling alive in Berbice by way of organizing numerous events. The Awards ceremony is coordinated by the cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, namely, Rose Hall Town Farfan &
Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Second Division, Metro Female and Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division Teams. The Club hosts a total of 15 awards on an annual basis including the Ansa McAl Awards of Excellence, Tribute to Heroes, Tribute to Teachers, Tribute to Retired Teachers, Tribute to Retired Sports Role Models, Tribute to Head Teachers and Outstanding Students Awards Scheme.
Simmons, DeLange push the...
Minister Roopnarine describes RHTY&SC as...
Scotia Bank donates handsomely...
From page 35 challenges. Meanwhile, Marketing Manager of Scotia Bank, Jennifer Cipriani, arrived at the venue bearing good wishes and a hefty cheque of five hundred thousand dollars which exchanged hands with the executives of the NC. “Women football is just as exciting as the males and Scotia Bank wishes to demonstrate its commitment to gender equality,” she said while assuring that her organization is deeply committed to football development. “Scotia Bank has always been a good corporate citizen and has demonstrated a commitment to the development of the sport and we are indeed grateful for such input,” said Mr. Urling. He further issued a call to other corporate entities to emulate such gestures towards the development of football.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Simmons, DeLange push the Warriors to 2nd place as Red Steel trounced by 7 wickets
Lendl Simmons gathers runs during his top score
By Sean Devers The Guyana Amazon Warriors romped to an emphatic seven-wicket trashing over the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel last night at the Providence Stadium in the final preliminary round match of the 2015 Hero CPL
T20 cricket tournament to advance to Saturday’s second semi-final in Trinidad. The Warriors jumped to 11 points, the same as the Red Steel but finished second due to their superior net run rate and will play the winner of the tomorrow’s semi final
Brad Hodge smashes Sulieman Benn through the off side between Jamaica Tallawahs. Lindl Simmons sparkled with an entertaining unbeaten 65 from 55 balls with five fours and three sixes and added 52 with Brad Hodge who made 33 from 25 balls with two fours and two sixes as the Warriors, replying to the 117-8, reached
118-3 with 18 balls to spare despite 44 from 30 balls by lefthander Cameron Delport. Fast bowler Merchant DeLange bowled four impressive overs and took 424. The South African got excellent support from Devendra Bishoo (2-18) while Veerasammy Permaul (0-20) and Sunil Narine (1-17) again bowled economical four-over spells. Set 118 to win at less than a run-a-ball, Simmons made full use of an easy chance when he was put down by Dwayne Bravo off Deron Davis on five and inflicted a sound trashing on the Franchise from his home land. Assad Fudadin was the silent partner as the righthanded West Indies opener launched his brutal attack on the Red Steel bowlers from the first ball he faced from Samuel Badree which he swept for four. He then shattered the glass in the Media Centre with murderous straight six and deposited Davis for an exquisite square driven four which reached the boundary like a bullet before dumping the left-arm spinner for a mighty six. Fudadin caressed Bravo for an orgasmic cover driven boundary while Simmons clobbered Bravo for an effortless six and the 50
partnership was posted in the 7th over with Fudadin’s contribution being eight. Fudadin was the perfect foil for the ‘on-fire’ Simmons, who seemed lucky to be given not out by the TV Umpire Shivsankar, who deemed the caught and bowled by Johan Botha a ‘bump ball’. But Fudadin (9 from 18 balls) tried an ill advised pull off Bravo and hit the ball straight to short midwicket as the Warriors lost their first wicket at 54 in the 9th over. It was soon 62-2 in the next over when Denish Ramdin (5) was stumped off a leg side wide from Botha as the West Indies Captain was left stranded down the track. The 30 year-old Simmons rocked back and pulled Davis pugnaciously to the ropes as the ‘Trini’ with eight Tests to his name, galloped to his third fifty in this year’s CPL. Hodge, back to his familiar number four position, spanked Botha for an on-side boundary and repeated the dose when Sulieman Benn was introduced. Hodge, the leading run scorer for the Warriors, deposited Kevon Cooper for consecutive sixes and the fans were ecstatic. But with four runs to win Hodge was bowled by Bravo for a 25-ball 33 with two fours and two sixes. Umar Akmal joined Simmons, who finished
the contest with a single to mid-wicket as the cameras flashed and the 15,000 fans in the stands danced to pulsating music from the Hits & Jams DJs. Earlier, the Red Steel, who included all four of their spinners, won the toss and opted to bat first on a track with a lot more bounce than those prepared for the previous days and Delport spoiled Permaul’s tidy first over with a back cut for four while DeLange found Jacques Kallis’ (3) edge in the second over at 7-1. Jevon Searles was beaten by a couple of big turning deliveries as he prodded forward before the Bajan swept Permaul for four on the fast outfield to release the early pressure. Delport leaned onto the front foot and sweetly caressed De Lange gloriously for four through cover but the pacer struck in successive overs when Searles (6) top edged a pull to point in the 4th over with the score on 19-2 much to delight of another raucous crowd which created a sea of yellow, producing a Carnival like atmosphere. Delport top-edged a quick short ball over the keeper for four and then hammered Narine dismissively to the cover boundary before ondriving David Weise for four Continued on page 35
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
Tour de France: Chris Froome data released amid doping claims
Alejandro Valverde (middle) and Nairo Quintana (back) have come to Chris Froome’s defence Team Sky have released some of Chris Froome’s performance data at the Tour de France in an effort to end doping speculation, with boss Sir Dave Brailsford saying he wants people “to be able to judge for themselves”. Froome, 30, leads the race but has had to defend himself against accusations of using performance-enhancing drugs. On Sunday, a commentator on French TV questioned his dominant Stage 10 win. “We thought we’d give people concrete numbers and facts,” said Brailsford. Yesterday - the race’s second rest day - Brailsford invited Team Sky’s head of performance Tim Kerrison to reveal the real numbers behind Froome’s display at La Pierre-Saint-Martin. It took place on 14 July and saw Froome launch a devastating attack with 6.4km left that culminated with the Team Sky rider winning the stage and also taking significant time out of all his major rivals. Team Sky’s unprecedented decision to release the data - likened to a Formula 1 team allowing rivals to examine its cars comes after French TV had suggested the amount of power generated by Froome on his climb was “abnormally high”. Froome, who has a lead of three minutes and 10 seconds with five stages remaining, has previously described critics on social media who try to interpret power data as “clowns”, adding that it means nothing without context. “From a public relations point of view it has probably been the right response to release the information,” said Bob Howden, president of British Cycling. “But it could be challenging for Team Sky
if it gives further oxygen to conspiracy theorists who might not appreciate the context and the content of the data being put before them. “You cannot prove that you are doing nothing, all you can do is create a culture where people develop trust in what you are doing.” Froome is unsure whether the release of the data will convince sceptics, but welcomes the team’s desire for transparency. “I’m not sure if numbers are going to fix everything,” said Froome. “Certainly I feel as a team and myself, we’re definitely trying to be as open and transparent as possible. “We’ve been asked more questions than any other team. I’ve been asked more questions than any other general classification contender. I’d like to think we’re answering those questions. “I really am focused on the racing side of things. I’ve worked too long to let anything throw me off. That’s all just happening on the side.” Rivals attack Froome ‘lynching’ Froome’s Tour rivals have defended the Briton, criticising the lack of respect being shown and complaining he is being tarnished by previous doping scandals in the sport. Nairo Quintana, Movistar: “There are always good and bad comments, there are always fanatics in one way or another, rivalries between countries - for that reason you get certain comments. “For me, there’s been a little bit of lack of respect for the sportsmen and if anyone should judge, it’s the testers.” Tejay van Garderen, BMC: “I think it’s pretty unfair for him. He’s definitely dealing with the aftermath of what other people have done before him.
“I think he’s a talented rider who definitely pays close attention to detail. I don’t think his ride on SaintMartin [stage 10] was out of this world like some people said. “If I look at the numbers that I did and the time he did, it’s clear he dealt with the heat and dealt with the rest day better than other people did.” Alejandro Valverde, Movistar: “It’s not a surprise that he’s leading the Tour he’s already won a lot in his career. “It’s a lynching. He’s a great rider with a strong head, but I don’t know if he’s paying for all this pressure he’s enduring.” Will the data silence the doubters? BBC Sport’s Matt Slater in France: “Team Sky’s decision to release the performance data for the climb that may end up winning this race is a bit like Mercedes F1 letting the rest of paddock have a good look under the bonnet or an NFL team posting its playbook online. “This is the intellectual property that Team Sky believe sets them apart from the rest, and they have only previously shared it with the anti-doping authorities. “They have done it out of frustration at how the lowlevel sniping Froome has faced in recent years has opened up into an all-out assault. “Will it work? Probably not: there is no agreed formula for a Tour champion and sports scientists like an argument as much as the rest of the us. “But Team Sky felt they had to address the false picture portrayed on French television on Sunday when Sir Dave Brailsford was ambushed by an “expert” wielding guesstimates. “It might have made for good TV but it was decidedly iffy science.” (BBCsport)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Former FIFA official Jeffrey Webb Mustafizur, Jubair dismiss meets bail with diamonds, Ferrari South Africa for 248
Jeffrey Webb NEW YORK, (UPI) — Former FIFA Vice President Jeffrey Webb has relinquished more than a dozen luxury items to secure his $10 million bail, including a 2015 Ferrari, five Rolex watches and his wife’s diamond wedding ring. Webb, 50, was arrested in May on corruption charges and was extradited from Switzerland to the United States on Wednesday, as he waived his right to fight the U.S. extradition request. He is under house arrest in New York City, N.Y., after securing his $10 million bail. Kendra Gamble-Webb, his wife, gave up multiple items to secure his release from jail.
Webb used multiple possessions to meet bail demands: • Eleven luxury watches, including the Rolex and Hublot brands. • Ten homes owned by Webb and his family. • 2015 Ferrari, 2014 Range Rover and 2003 MercedesBenz. • Webb’s wife’s diamond wedding ring, diamond bracelet, diamond and pearl necklace, pearl earrings, diamond earrings and two luxury watches. His wife’s equity in an unnamed company and her 401(k) account were also used to meet bail. Webb, a Cayman Islands
native, is the former president of CONCACAF, Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA), and FIFA vice president. He is accused of “accepting bribes totaling millions of dollars in connection with the sale of marketing rights to various sports marketing firms and keeping the money for himself.” FIFA has been embroiled in chaos and controversy since late May after the U.S. Justice Department charged 14 FIFA officials and corporate executives of “racketeering, wire fraud and money-laundering conspiracies, among other offenses, in connection with the defendants’ participation in a 24-year scheme to enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer.” The scandal led FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who won reelection days after the charges were announced, to declare his pending resignation, which could come as early as December. High-ranking FIFA officials, including Blatter, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke and former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, have come under legal scrutiny by the FBI and Swiss authorities.
Mustafizur Rahman appeals successfully for an lbw against JP Duminy ©AFP Bangladesh reminded South Africa of the grind that goes into Test cricket after the visitors ended a six-month break from the format on the ropes. The No.1 ranked side were pulled back from a promising start, as Bangladesh enforced a second-session squeeze which became a post-tea rout, and the visitors found themselves bowling by the end of a day in which they chose to bat first. South Africa slid dramatically from 136 for 1 to 248 all out as Mustafizur Rahman, making his Test debut, mowed through their middle-order, which was without AB de Villiers for the first time in more than a decade. His replacement, Temba Bavuma, was South Africa’s only half-centurion on a scorecard which had only two partnerships in excess of fifty runs and in which the last nine wickets fell for 112 runs. Mustafizur impressed as much on Test debut as he has done in his limited-overs career with a clever mix of cutters but it’s his 14th over that will steal the headlines. A trio of full and tempting deliveries earned him the wickets of Hashim Amla, JP Duminy and Quinton de Kock to dismantle South Africa. Even as Bangladesh’s spinners struck either side of that over, the unsung hero of the day was Mohammad Shahid, who sent down nine maiden overs - six of them in a single spell - but went unrewarded. Both Vernon Philander and Bavuma were dropped off his bowling by Imrul Kayes at slip.
By the time Bavuma was put down, he had already reached his first Test halfcentury in his third game. Faf du Plessis and Dean Elgar came close to the milestone, with 48 and 47 respectively, but both were bogged down in the middle session as Bangladesh put the brakes on a sprightly start. Elgar had been part of the opening stand, with a new partner Stiaan van Zyl, who was the more aggressive of the two. Van Zyl, a regular No.3 who is being trialed at the top, timed the ball well and took on both seam and spin but was snaffled down the leg side when he fed a Mahmudullah delivery to wicketkeeper Liton Das. That was the only success Bangladesh enjoyed in the morning session as du Plessis joined Elgar in planting roots. Runs still came, with Elgar watchful and du Plessis fleetfooted against spin but Bangladesh had a plan to stop them. Their strangle began after the lunch break when Shahid applied himself meticulously to targeting the area outside off. He kept his length slightly short and proved impossible to get away, literally. At the other end, Jubair Hossain tested Elgar and du Plessis with the legbreak and the googly, and Elgar was soon both entangled and frustrated. The first 18 overs after lunch had yielded only 28 runs and Elgar wanted a few more. After three-and-a-half hours, he tried to find the gap through point but edged behind and Liton, despite a juggle, held on.
Immediately after Bangladesh broke through, Mushfiqur Rahim brought Shakib back and it paid off. The first delivery of his second spell was an arm ball which trapped du Plessis in front to give Bangladesh a glimpse into the middle-order. Knowing there was inexperience there, Mushfiqur attacked with close catchers to keep the pressure on Bavuma but he rode it confidently. Bavuma used his wrists well and showed his captain, Amla, he was ready to do his bit for the recovery. Then, he had to do it without any of the recognised batsman. Amla pushed away from his body at a Mustafizur delivery to give the 19-yearold his first Test wicket, then JP Duminy was hit in front of middle and given out lbw on review. Two balls later Quinton de Kock’s lack of form continued when he was bowled by a full ball that kept low and beat his defences. South Africa had slumped to 173 for 6 and Bavuma was left with the tail. Vernon Philander and Simon Harmer both hung around while Bavuma built the total. Philander was dropped on 18 an d d i s m i s s e d s e v e n d e l i v e r i e s l a t e r, w h i l e Harmer was caught at short-leg off Jubair after he smacked a half-tracker into Mominul Haque’s stomach, where he caught it. Bangladesh took the second new ball, and Mustafizur used it to claim a fourth wicket - Bavuma - ending a dominant day for his team. (ESPNcricinfo)
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 39
Lady Jags rearing to go as Olympic Qualifiers loom
Scotia Bank donates handsomely to the cause By Michael Benjamin The recent revelation that the executives of the ruling world football body, FIFA, are bent on nurturing the distaff aspect of the sport has seen a local upsurge in that department. As the developmental phase continues, the members of the Normalization Committee (NC) of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) have shortlisted a team of competent lasses in preparation for the Olympic qualifiers scheduled for next month. Yesterday morning those administrators hosted a press conference at the GFF to brief the media of the team’s progress and from all appearances all systems are intact. Chairman of the NC, Clinton Urling chaired the proceedings and was joined by several members of his staff including Coach Mark Rodrigues, Technical Director, Claude Bolton and NC Member Tariq Williams. Captain of the Lady Jags, Ashley Rodrigues and a few of the players also shared the head table with the NC members. Mr. Urling said that his
committee are bent on fulfilling FIFA’s mandate and had only been able to put the modalities in place about three months ago. He said that the players responded to the call on short notice and he felt ingratiated to them. He said that the development of female football was one of the strategic priorities of the NC when it was initially inaugurated. A former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr. Urling also said that when he examines the situation (while wearing the hat of President of the PSC), he would have felt inclined to invest in female football. He also expressed confidence in the team’s ability; “I am very optimistic and from all indications we could very well go on to win the (Olympic) Qualifiers,” said Mr. Urling. Mr. Bolton praised the work ethic of the team despite the fact that they were operating devoid of any stipend or monetary reward. “These ladies are all ambitious and demonstrate a high level of independence,” exhorted the coach. He said that the team had had a great stint in
Novice boxers bare fists in highly anticipated slugfests
Amateur boxers called to international duty to be encamped The intense rivalry between the boxers of the Republican Boxing Gym and those from the Guyana Defense Force will resume when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) stages the National Novices Boxing Championships from Friday July 24-26 next. This is the first stage to senior boxing and the boxers in this department are usually devoid of the requisite skills as their senior counterparts. As such, the fans are oft times treated to unorthodox, punch filled displays. Over the past months boxers out of the GDF and the Republican Gyms have demonstrated a genuine dislike for each other and have been engaged in several slugfests to stamp their authority. The rivalry is expected to resume and fans can be assured of the fistic action in store. Apart from these two gyms, the boxers from several other institutions will most likely stake a claim for a lucrative spot on the podium. These include those from the Forgotten Youth Foundation, Young Achievers, Harpy Eagles,
Ricola and Caryll’s Boxing Gym among others. The weigh in and medical examination of the pugilists will take place at the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym on the morning of the bouts and the action will get underway at 19:00hrs nightly. Meanwhile, the Novice championships will be preceded by a National Under-16 tournament scheduled for the first week in August on the West Coast Demerara as the GBA continues its drive to spread the sport to all the regions. The senior boxers will be called to duty pretty soon as Tournament Director (GBA), Terrence Poole informed that a team of boxers will soon be encamped to travel to neighbouring Venezuela to participate in the American Continental Championships. That championship will be staged August 15-23 and is expected to test the mettle of local amateurs. Those boxers identified for encampment will be released soon and will be under the tutelage of Poole, Sebert Blake and national coach, Wencel Thomas.
Canada where they were encamped in preparation recently. Mr. Bolton further explained that the team traveled to Guyana and were encamped but they were restricted by certain limitations, chief among them was the inclement weather which restricted practice sessions somewhat. “The squad defied these
conditions and rose above such adversity,” said Mr. Bolton. He also said that the players engaged in practice sessions at the recently inaugurated athletics facility in Lenora WCD. “While I am impressed with their application and discipline I would (cautiously) applaud because I know that much more could be done,” said Mr. Bolton.
Commenting on the absence of adequate remuneration for the players Mr. Rodrigues disclosed that the ladies felt a deep sense of commitment to their country and were not impressing upon payment for their services. “These girls are adamant that their mission is to serve their country and even if they receive payment they would donate it to a
worthy cause,” he pronounced. Captain of the Lady Jags, Ashley Rodrigues, endorsed her coach’s statement and speaking for her colleagues said, “We’re passionate about what we are doing for our country.” She further assured that her players are prepared for the long journey and not just the immediate Continued on page 31
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Ansa McAl / RHTY&SC Awards of Excellence “Heroes must be honoured in their lifetime, so that they can be aware of how cherished they are to the people whose lives they had an impact on.” Those were the words of long standing Secretary/CEO of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Hilbert Foster when that entity’s cricket teams hosted the 3rd edition of the Ansa McAl Awards of Excellence Programme at the St. Francis Community Developers Training Centre on Friday last. Three outstanding Berbicians who have had long outstanding careers in the field of Education, Sports and Community Development were rewarded and they were Margaret Ann Fingal-Beaton - Education, Kawalpattie Dayaram Community Development and Desiree Lancaster Sports. Margaret Ann FingalBeaton had a successful career as a Teacher attaining the position of Assistant Regional Education Officer before retiring while Dayaram has served residents of the Canje as President of the East Canje Humanitarian Society, a non profit, non religious social organization.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 22, 2015
Beaton, Dayaram and Lancaster honoured The aim of that organization is to make a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Desiree Lancaster, a nine-time national Table Tennis champion was honoured for an outstanding career in sports and as a role model/mentor to young Berbicians as a certified Level One Coach. Foster praised the three awardees for their contributions towards the development of Berbice and for making a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate. Foster in recognized the awardees as living heroes who deserve to receive the Ansa McAl Award of Excellence and urged them to uphold the high standards they have set themselves. He challenged the awardees to continue being positive role models to youths as they fight against getting involved in drugs, crime and the evil ways of satan. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, he stated would continue to strive to make sure that every living hero in the Ancient County is recognized and honoured under several Tribute programmes. Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnarine and Director of Sports, Christopher Jones both
The awardees pose with Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnarine (3rd right), Director of Sports Christopher Jones (left) and Ansa McAl Berbice Regional Manager, Mark Bhikhai (right). congratulated the Awardees for being honoured and expressed gratitude to them for their contributions to Guyana. Dr. Roopnarine stated that too many Guyanese leave our country when we need them to play a part in our development. The Minister also saluted the work of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and its parent body, the St. Francis Community Developers, describing both
organisations as role models. Awardee Margaret Ann Fingal-Beaton expressed gratitude to the Club and Ansa McAl for honouring her and colleagues. She stated that they felt privileged to be recognized for their contributions to the development of Guyana. Beaton also praised the outstanding work of the Club, calling it a blessing to the Township of Rose Hall Town and the County of
Berbice. Each of the awardees was selected by a panel of judges headed by veteran Berbice Journalist Gregory Rambarran. Members of the public were invited and submitted a total of 24 nominations which were under three sub-headings. Each of the Awardees received a Medal, Certificate of Excellence, a trophy and a Special Ansa McAl hamper.
The Award of Excellence was organized by the Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Bakewell Under-17, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division and Metro Female Teams which expressed gratitude to Ms Beverley Harper and the Management of Ansa McAl for their sponsorship of the Programme.
The public invited to WICB Town Hall Meeting The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is inviting the public to attend and share their views and concerns at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Town Hall Meeting that is slated for today, July 22, 2015 at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion, starting at 18:00 hours. The event is organised and executed by the WICB. President Whycliff ‘Dave’ Cameron, Vice-President Emmanuel Nanthan, and Director Anand Sanasie will host the proceedings. The topics of the Meeting will be
wide-ranged; and can be any area that is cricket related. This Town Hall Meeting is one out of a series of Meetings that started in Barbados in May, moved to Dominica in June, and St. Lucia last week Friday. The aim of the undertaking is to give cricket fans and administrators across the West Indies the opportunity to air their concerns directly to the heads. The hope is that the interaction with the public will provide valuable ideas to develop the cricket industry in the region.