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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Ensuring proper Board composition The Government of Guyana has moved relatively swiftly to fill the positions of directors in several statutory bodies and Government companies. This move is to be commended as it fills the lacuna caused by the questionable suspension by Cabinet of the functioning of a number of Boards. We know of at least one case where the management took advantage of the situation to make payments to themselves. Ensuring that each entity and company is properly constituted is one of the first steps in ensuring good governance. A second is to ensure that the persons appointed are of the right calibre: qualified, competent and independent. A review of the Official Gazette publicising the appointments shows that the overwhelming number of appointees are nonpartisan and are independent professionals. In a number of the appointments, provision is made for a nominated representative of the PPP/C which shows some degree of inclusivity, although political considerations should not weigh too heavily in Board appointments. On this score the GuySuCo Board is instructive. Mr. Seepaul Narine of GAWU has been appointed to the Board in his capacity as GAWU General Secretary. Among the appointees too is Mr. Adrian Anamayah, who was on the PPP/C list of candidates in the last elections. And there is a separate place for a nominated representative of the PPP/C. The PPP/C then can hardly complain of any exclusion from the Board. Third, the appointments must be made in accordance with the law. That means that for statutory bodies the appointments should be made under the relevant Act such as the Public Corporations Act, the Gold Board Act, etc., or the company’s constitution and the Companies Act in the case of Government Companies. In the case of companies the appointing bodies are the members acting through general meetings. Any other manner will be unlawful, or as lawyers like to say, ultra vires. Publication through the Official Gazette is good, but is not a substitute for a members’ meeting. That needs to be done as soon as possible to avoid any challenge of impropriety. Fourth, the governing body of any entity must reflect in some measure its own stakeholders. For example, in the case of the Guyana Marketing Board, some representation of the farmers and suppliers would be most desirable. The same would hold true for the Guyana Rice Development Board. One of the shocking failures of these appointments is the shameful under representation of women. It is worth noting that of the thirty-six entities for which appointments were published, only three of them have a woman chairperson. This is completely unacceptable and should be corrected urgently. Fifth, the governing body should possess some of the skills critical to the entity and its operations. In certain cases, just having access to those skills is not enough. Where construction and engineering are important, a professionally qualified engineer is important. Since finance is such an important aspect of an entity, someone with accounting and financial expertise can be valuable. Sixth, there must be no conflict of interest and here the mere opportunity for conflict should rule out an appointment. It is a matter of some surprise that these persons would have accepted the appointment in the first place. They must now decline. We have too serious problems with the seventh issue and that is the role of Ministers and politicians in these entities. Shockingly, in the case of NICIL, Cabinet has persisted with the model whereby the Minister of Finance is the Chairman of the Board and the Head of the Ministry of the Presidency is a member. In other words, Ashni Singh and Roger Luncheon have been exchanged for Winston Jordan and Joseph Harmon. This newspaper had complained bitterly about that culture with the PPP/C. It was unacceptable now as it was unacceptable then. While we welcome the constituting of all Boards, there is extreme concern about the underlying philosophy which guided the appointments.
Thursday July 30, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Manifestation of the rice miller’s power is observed in delayed payments DEAR EDITOR, The stranglehold rice millers have over paddy farmers is a perpetual problem that has been around for decades. Paddy farmers deliver their paddy to millers with the expectation of being paid in full within the shortest possible time, but this outcome may never materialize. The reason being that paddy farmers do not have an enforceable contract with millers that specify spot-payment terms for paddy delivered to the mill. Without such a contract in this unbalanced relationship, millers will continue to have a significant advantage over paddy farmers, where it is likely that lower than expected grades are given for paddy sold, resulting in relatively low paddy prices and less than expected income for paddy farmers. The miller’s advantage is based on the notion that there are many small paddy farmers who have no
alternative but to indirectly compete with each other in order to sell their paddy to a few millers. Simultaneously, the few millers in any location can in turn pick and choose which farmers they will accommodate in the milling season, given that millers would prefer to pay farmers from the money they receive from rice sales, instead of paying paddy farmers from their own capital, which have an opportunity cost, or from interest-bearing loans sourced from the banking system. C o n s e q u e n t l y, t h e manifestation of the rice miller’s power is observed in delayed payments and perhaps in concerns raised about grading, that can run counter to paddy farmers’ expectations. In a competitive environment, where millers would have had to compete with each other to procure paddy for their mills, the power play by millers would have been reduced.
Specifically, millers in this environment would of necessity have to pay paddy farmers on the spot, using their own working capital or loan financing obtained from banking institutions. Regrettably, this is not the norm observed in the industry, and paddy farmers are burdened with the interest cost from the time they deliver their paddy to the miller to the time when the miller in turn takes many weeks or months to complete the full payment for the paddy. During this interregnum, paddy farmers suffer a cash flow squeeze that curtails replanting; it reduces paddy profitability; and it increases loan default through the power play by rice millers at the expense of the paddy farmer. Furthermore, as noted by many others, including the CEO of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Mr. John Tracey (KN 7-27-2015; SN 7-27-2015), the Rice Factory Act is useless in such an
environment, even as commercial banks avoid the task of taking on the risk associated with agriculture for a number of reasons. In previous letters I covered this topic on the absence of commercial banks in high risk agriculture and I need not present those arguments again; but changing the dynamics between paddy farmers and millers is a topic that requires a brief presentation. This can be explored through small farmers pooling their resources to acquire their own rice mill; and in turn managing the rice milling and marketing operations in a transparent, efficient and profitable manner. This is the way forward for paddy producers, for only competition with private millers will improve the environment. Policy makers and paddy farmers need to seriously examine this approach aimed at rebalancing the market for buying paddy. C. Kenrick Hunte
Dr. Ramharack should add Jagdeo to his disqualification list DEAR EDITOR, With reference to Dr. Baytoram Ramharack’s letter calling on the PPP to reject Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and former A.G. Anil Nandlall from consideration of seats in parliament, I wish to indicate my endorsement for this call. But I should also indicate my sharp difference with Dr. Ramharack on former president Jagdeo. It is my opinion that Jagdeo should also be on Ramharack’s disqualification list. All three men have the same thing in common – disrespect for women, if that
is Ramharack’s only criterion. Jagdeo is the main cause for the PPP’s failure. Sometimes parties lose elections and it is no one in particular’s fault. There is a perception in Guyana, all across the land and among all races, that the blame should be laid at Jagdeo’s feet. Jagdeo does not understand the intricacies of politics in a multi-racial society. He was pursuing dangerous strategies. He deeply believes that winning elections almost wholly based on the support of one group is a good enough
mandate to run a multi-racial society. It is not. Jagdeo is so tarnished with his divisive strategies of winning elections that the Central Executive of the PPP should disqualify him from ever holding a leadership position. Jagdeo has alienated the AfricanGuyanese to a point that he has no chance of ever winning back a minimum level of their support. He simply does not have a winning concept. He made it to the presidency through a purely historical accident – and he has proved himself to
be unworthy of the job. In race relations he has definitely turned back the clock. Jagdeo has presided over a government that is today perceived as massively corrupt. Yesterday’s paper talks about the Jagdeo government usurping powers to build Pradoville 2, and as if it is someone’s personal plantation, offering house lots to selected cronies and high officials in the administration. Jagdeo is a poor decision-maker. The road to (Continued on page 5)
We have an opportunity to change our culture of governance, let us not miss it, again DEAR EDITOR, If reports and letters in the print and online media, and posts on social sites are to be believed, many supporters of the APNU+AFC coalition are taking great pleasure in revelations of evidence of malfeasance, corruption, poor governance and possibly illegal conduct, perpetrated by the previous regime. I feel differently; as a Guyanese, I feel only
sadness and a profound sense of disappointment that we, as a people, had allowed this state of affairs to exist for so long. It is even more saddening, that despite the evidence, many persons voted for the corrupt PPP in the last election, and even now, continue to defend and support what was obviously a structure of corruption, g r e e d a n d p r o b a b l y, criminality. Apparently, we have yet to learn our lessons, move
away from the blind allegiances of the past and mature as a nation. Until we are able to collectively do so, we will be condemned to lives, characterised by suffering, want and underdevelopment. It is my sincere hope that Guyanese wake up, view the recent change of government as an opportunity for renewal, and seize the opportunity to effect not only national change, but personal reform, as well. We
must hold our current leaders accountable. We must be critical of their actions, when such is justified. We must readjust our thinking, and come to the realisation that they are our servants, not our bosses; they must do our bidding, and represent our interests. The only things that matter are national i s s u e s . We h a v e a n opportunity to change our culture of governance, let us not miss it, again. Mark DaCosta
Thursday July 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
The law must take its The business owners course in every case are feeling the heat DEAR EDITOR, The nation was informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) examined the file pertaining to the alleged transfer of government vehicles to former Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford and recommended that charges be made. The former Minister appeared in court yesterday. Justice must not only appear to be done but it must be done in every instance. There are other accusations leveled against persons who are allegedly involved in either removing funds or properties of the State illegally - for instance in the case of the fuel scam at GuyOil, and it is expected that a formal complaint be made to the police for this and in every other case. We cannot have one standard for some
and another for others. The police and the DPP must be allowed to do their job unhindered in every case. The act of not reporting any incident that borders on transgression and violation must be seen as efforts to pervert the course of justice. To do this also sends a message to the people that their desire for good governance is not being heeded. Our laws are supreme and it is for this reason the laws cannot be cherry picked in its application to persons alleged to have engaged in wrongful conduct. Under the law every individual is subjected to be treated equally and no citizen is entitled to feel that the law is for him/her and not for others. The law must take its course in every case. Lincoln Lewis
Fear in the Healthcare - When foreign tongues abound DEAR EDITOR, Firstly, as a 100% bona fide native of Eldorado, a foreign trained and fully qualified member of the health care profession with careers spanning two continents, I have become increasingly concerned about the general state of affairs in Guyana, especially the mortality aspect, but worse yet when blame is attributable to those who have taken an oath to save lives. Freddie Kissoon in a recent article alluded to the incompetence of the Cubantrained doctors as being a contributory factor to the loss of lives following non-lifethreatening injuries. This he further opines is due in great part to the linguistic barrier existing between Cuban doctors and Guyanese nurses. What’s new? I dare ask. Certainly not this well-known fact, for it has done the tour, been repeatedly swirled around buccal cavities like mouthwash, and finally been orally ejected into the atmosphere. Any rational thinking individual would concur with me that where human lives are concerned, or when talking of life and death, we had better all be on the same page, or at best, speaking the same language. While the continued presence of the Cuban doctors may have been a boon to Guyana’s already beleaguered healthcare system, it has also served as the fly in the ointment. The linguistic problem was just one of the many
improprieties of which these doctors were culpable. Records reveal that the then Health Minister Leslie Ramsammy had confirmed reports that he was the recipient of several complaints that the Guyana – based Cuban doctors had been soliciting and accepting gifts and fiscal contributions from their patients for medical services rendered. Preferential treatment was also accorded patients who provided the doctors with the latest in technological innovations. One of the key concepts at the heart of the Hippocratic Oath is the idea that a doctor will “do no harm”. Have these Cuban doctors replaced it with “I will do no harm, only charm”. Some of these doctors have also been known to carry out their own private practice using the supplies from the hospitals. What a liberty! It can readily be seen that these doctors have fitted in nicely, from all aspects of the word. At the time the PPP Government of the day, entrenched through habit, was dipping and shipping, while on the same hand the doctors (seemingly taught by the best) in like conformity, were taking and faking. Perhaps it is now timely to proffer the question, “Who was running or overseeing the running of the asylum?” The Cuban doctors at a definite setback due to their linguistic incompetence, relied heavily on the Guyanese nurses for translation and
clarification, yet, in the face of all this, the then Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran stated that the Cuban doctors had been exposed to English classes to help them interact with patients, but they never attended any classes. This fact was personally confirmed by the doctors. Human societies see what they want to see, a phenomenon that is called “turning a blind eye” according to psychoanalyst John Steiner. He notes that often we have access to adequate knowledge, but because it is unpleasant and disconcerting we choose unconsciously, and sometimes consciously, to ignore it. He used the Oedipus story to make the point. He argued that Oedipus, Jocasta, Creon and the “blind” Tiresias grasped the truth that Oedipus had killed his father and married his mother as prophesized, but they colluded to ignore it. We too, Steiner wrote, turn a blind eye to the dangers that confront us, despite the plethora of evidence that if we do not radically reconfigure our relationships to each other and the natural world, catastrophe is assured. This is a frightening state of affairs, one in which the stakes (human lives) are too high, one in which even Hippocrates would take umbrage at those who have taken his oath and are behaving like HIPPOCRATES (hypocrites). Yvonne Sam
DEAR EDITOR, The small to medium businesses in Guyana are the bread and butter for a large amount of the Guyanese population, either through employment or indirect circulation of money in the economy. These business owners have come to enjoy a standard of living and economic security over the past decade or so, but they are now struggling just to survive and that standard of life is quickly vanishing. The Government is certainly in a dilemma, because anyone can see that if business is slow,less tax will be collected. If the government is not getting taxes, how can they increase salaries and decrease VAT? It is important to note that this is not a PPP/C-generated situation, because as I said
before, the business owners did not have this issue during the PPP/C government. APNU made promises during the elections and knew it could not provide or deliver on them. This means that APNU has betrayed the public trust, which is the worst sin to commit in politics. The young man/woman who was able to get a loan to build a home and start a little business to handle their mortgage comfortably is now looking down the barrel of the poverty line with no home to live in. This is the APNU-led implosion I spoke about during election time, and this is just the beginning. We are about to snowball down the hill so fast, it’s going to make your head spin - especially small to medium businesses. It remains true that this government is too caught up
with revengeful propaganda at the expense of economic growth. They are not showing signs of any economic prowess or vision. APNU and its supporters have taken the position that no one should criticize them for anything, since they can justify their inaction and incompetence with the “PPP/C was worst” line, a line that is rooted in reactionary “schoolboy” behaviour that will bear no fruit for this country. Brothers and sisters, don’t forget that reactionary politics is the starting point for fascism. Regardless of my position in politics and my objections to the electoral system, I am more concerned about my country’s development and safety. Therefore for the sake of my countrymen and women, I would hope I am wrong and our economy may improve. Malcolm Watkins
When one abuses the hospital MR EDITOR, It is not business as usual and once you do the crime you have to serve the time. These were statements of potency pronounced by no other than President David Arthur Granger. This utterance by His Excellency seems not to be fully understood by certain elements in our society who are entrusted with position of authorities and behave contrary to what is expected. I refer to a much publicized matter involving a resident of Bartica. This resident was charged and placed before
the courts for a massive fraud committed against his employer, Mohamed’s Enterprise. After several court appearances the accused with the aid of associates has resorted to the Bartica Hospital for refuge. There his mother is the steward. To further compound this conspiracy is the involvement of a doctor who has been under the radar for several wrongdoings. It is most unfair to the complainant and a travesty of justice that a prisoner who should be in prison, has been comforted at an institution for the sick.
I am calling on the Commander of the Division to seek a second opinion from the Force’s medical practitioner and remove the prisoner from his comfort zone and have him place in the lockups until the determination of this matter. The Bartica Police Station can ill afford this unwarranted and inexcusable exercise of having guards at the hospital guarding someone whose illness borders on convenience at a time when the station is always understaffed. Umar Saied
Dr. Ramharack should... From page 4 Amaila had been built at an estimated total cost of US$40 million, and meanwhile, the financing aspects of the hydroplant had not yet been settled. Forest will sooner or later reclaim the road. The Skeldon sugar factory had been built at a cost of US$200 million, with too much excess capacity for the available sugarcane. This project has become a white elephant that cannot be salvaged. It was Jagdeo who was smart enough to work-out a deal with the Norwegians to keep our forest standing for $250 million over five years, but then turned around and brought in nine Chinese companies to cut down the trees
on a massive scale. He made sure the Norwegians would never renew the deal. He trashed his own deal: evidence of him being vulnerable to Chinese influence. Jagdeo is bad news for the PPP and the country. Tens of thousands of PPP supporters should send telegrams urging the Central Executive to find another leader who shows greater promise to rebuild the party. Dr. Ramharack also alluded to the
lack of internal democracy in the party. Jagdeo has no intention of introducing internal democracy in the party, and therefore public pressure might be the only option to obtain urgently needed reform. Mike Persaud
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 30, 2015
State agencies not directed to prosecute PPP members - Ramjattan - DPP insists her office is independent Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has dismissed the contention of the opposition People’s Progressive Party that the Granger Administration is putting pressure on the police and the Director of Public Prosecution to persecute its members. Ramjattan, in an invited comment, told Kaieteur News that there are procedures that are used to investigate before charging persons who ought to be charged for criminal action. “It is not at the direction of any administrative officer but at the behest of the information that comes to the police,” Ramjattan said. The PPP in a statement issued on Tuesday night, said that pressure is being exerted on the DPP to advise in favour of bringing charges against members of the opposition. The opposition party had also stated that it had observed efforts by the Granger Administration to persecute its members using the Police and the Courts to do so. The PPP called on the DPP Chambers, the Guyana Police Force and the Judiciary, to act independently of any political interference. Moreover, it has
registered its concern over what it described as the increasing attempts by the APNU+AFC administration to give orders and directives to constitutional office holders, which by its very nature, constitutes a serious threat to our democracy and the erosion of the doctrine of separation of powers. The statement came a few hours after news broke that the DPP had advised that charges be laid against former Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford. The DPP has also advised that charges be laid against former Health Minister Bheri Ramsaran. Westford has already appeared in court on four charges and was released on $800,000 bail. But Ramjattan pointed out that it was not the administration that instigated action against Westford. He said that it was in fact Permanent Secretary, Hydar Ally, a candidate for the PPP/ C at the recently held General Elections, who brought the matter to the attention of Minister of State Joseph Harmon. Ramjattan said that it was on that basis that the administration took the appropriate action to have an investigation done, so that
Berbice Bridge tolls to be reduced - govt. From page 2 bridge. The bridge itself is claiming that it is not making monies, writing NIS last year asking that it be excused for not paying dividends for 2014 because revenues had fallen. With regards to outstanding dividends that BBCI owes NIS, Trotman disclosed yesterday that the Finance Ministry will continue to pursue but “we believed that we must keep our commitments to the people.” There have been warnings that the bridge, because of its financing, was heading for trouble. There have been ques-
tions about the bridge directorship which is reportedly top heavy with representatives of the private investors but few from the state. Behind NIS, the single largest private shareholding belongs to Dr. Ranjisinghi 'Bobby' Ramroop through the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) and Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII). Ramroop is a close friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. The other investors are New Building Society, Secure International Finance Company, Hand-in-Hand, and Demerara Contractors.
justice could prevail. “Should we divert our ears away from criminality? If they are going to feel the pinch, so be it! It is not persecuting,” the Public Security Minister declared. To support its arguments that the present administration was exerting pressure on arms of the law, the PPP recalled statements made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who was quoted in sections of the media as saying, “I think there is a lot of pressure on the relevant Ministers to ensure that people are prosecuted.” According to the PPP, Greenidge’s statement is not the only one which is centrally directed to exert pressure on the DPP’s Chambers, the police and ultimately the courts. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, it said, was purported to have publicly declared, “We are going after the big fishes.” “Clearly, the aim is to achieve a goal that is consistent with a politically-
DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack motivated agenda of the Granger Administration,” the main opposition party stated. But Minister Ramjattan retorted, “They will have their day in court and if they provide proper defence, then the court will have to dispense justice…but we will ensure that culprits and felons do their time,” Ramjattan said. “All who feel that they could deal with public
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan
property in a cavalier fashion, we will deal with them. They must never feel that it is their private property,” the Public Security Minister stated. The Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecutions also weighed in on the matter. In a brief but pointed response, the DPP suggested that it was unfair to blame the DPP for the charges, since she was only acting on the basis of investigations carried out by the police. “The Director of Public
Prosecutions (DPP) wishes to state that all legal advice given to the Guyana Police Force in relation to criminal matters is based on statements contained in the files, and the law in relation to the statements in the files. “The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is an independent office and prides itself on being independent,” the DPP said in a statement. Efforts to contact the Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud for a comment yesterday were futile.
Cabinet fine-tuning code of conduct for Ministers, MPS Code of Conduct to be established
The new Government is set to approve new regulations to govern the way Ministers and Parliamentarians behave in office. The proposed code of conduct was discussed Tuesday by the Cabinet of Ministers and will be used as a guide for not only Ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs), but holders of public office, says Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman. The code of conduct will address issues of transparency and corruption,
misconduct in public office and bribe taking. Over the years, the behaviour of public officials has seen very little actions or sanctions taken against public officials despite persistent allegations. The new administration had vowed to pass laws that ensure sanctions against guilty persons. According to Trotman, within three weeks, the Cabinet of Ministers will be meeting in a retreat to discuss and approve the Code of Conduct. The Ministry of
Governance had been looking at best practices that prevail in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and even Africa. The regulations will be adjusted to fit the Guyana
situation. The retreat with the Ministers will propose with the possibilities of using the Integrity Commission for investigations and charges where necessary.
Nurse poisoned at work by jealous colleagues The story of a nurse attached to the New Amsterdam hospital being poisoned after she left her bottle with drink in a fridge in the ward, has sent shock waves across the country and throughout medical fraternity. The police were called t o the New Amsterdam Hospital yesterday afternoon to investigate the case of
poisoning which occurred at the hospital. According to information nurse, Tameca Carter, reported for work around noon. She left her bottle with her drink in the fridge in award and left to attend the funeral of a colleague. She was with a number of other nurses. Nurse Carter reportedly returned to work around
15:00 hrs and retrieved her drink. No sooner had she taken a mouthful of the drink than she started to feel a burning sensation in her stomach. The nurse collapsed and was rushed from the ward to the emergency unit of the hospital where she started to vomit blood. She was immediately tended to by a number of doctors.
She was stabilized while the bottle with her drink was taken into possession by the hospital authorities. The police were called in and took possession of the bottle with the remaining portion of the drinks to be tested. All of the nurses that worked in the ward are to be interrogated as the police continue their investigation.
Thursday July 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Jamaat Al Muslimeen threat memo is true - Acting Top Cop
Imam Yasin Abu Bakr
Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams (Trinidad Express) Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams has confirmed that the memo issued by the Special Branch warning of an alleged threat to attack the home of Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar by members of the Jamaat Al Muslimeen, is true. He made the statement at a press conference held at Police Headquarters Port of Spain yesterday. How the memo became public, is now the subject of an investigation, with a report to be handed in, in one week. He described the information being investigated by the Special Branch as a “rumour” that was being checked out. The Jamaat Al Muslimeen has since denied making any threat. The memo began circulating on social media yesterday afternoon. TTPS Head of Corporate Communications Ellen Lewis said that she is yet to confirm from senior police officials whether or not the email is
authentic. However, a senior police officer has told the Express that the letter did originate from the Head of the Special Branch of the TTPS as is stated in the letter. The senior officer said that it is believed that the letter was leaked by a junior police officer via the social media tool “What’s App.” The letter read: Information has been obtained that the Jamaat Al Muslimeen (JAM) is planning activities inimical to the State “They are said to be moving arms and ammunitions to the North and San F e r n a n d o . R e p o r t e d l y, they are planning to target the Prime Minister’s private residence(s) (in) Philippine and Siparia. Moreover they are also planning a series of co-ordinated attacks and will attempt to free the eleven persons charged with the murder of Senior Council, Dana Seetahal and those charged in the Vindra NaipaulColeman (sic) case. Addition-
ally, they will target Police Stations that have been carrying out operations against. These activities are likely to commence immediately. You are required to determine the veracity of this information and report your findings instantly”. The letter, slugged CONFIDENTIAL, is signed by the head of the Special Branch, and was sent to all field stations. JAMAATALMUSLIMEEN: WE ARE NO THREAT “The Jamaat Al Muslimeen is no threat,” says its leader Imam Yasin Abu Bakr. In a statement, Abu Bakr said “It has been brought to our attention that a document from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service was leaked today. We have unconfirmed indications that it did not emanate from the TTPS. We would like the police to clarify its authenticity. We also urge the TTPS to act within the constraints of the law and to take every precaution to avoid discrimination against Muslims.
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BOARDS OVERBOARD There have been sweeping changes to a number of government Boards. This is to be expected since we have a new government in place and it is the prerogative of the new government to appoint its representatives to the Boards. Once the life of the Boards has expired, their membership can be changed provided that there are no statutory prohibitions to such changes. For example, there are some Boards in which holders of certain
offices have to be appointed. In other cases, other organizations have to appoint nominees to Boards. It does seem a little strange that the life of so many Boards had come to an end around the same time. But it could also be that the life of these Boards had long ended and were extended by fiat and therefore all the government is doing is appointing new Boards. These Boards are indeed new. There have been sweeping changes. When
Dem boys seh ...
Big jail don’t tek li’l children All de Holy Books seh that people mustn’t thief. When you thief, you shall be beaten wid many stripes and sent to jail. In some country you does lose you hand and you foot and you does dead. Under de Pee Pee Pee govt headed by de man who resemble de devil, plus Donald Dumb, dem never read none of de Good Books but dem two got a diary that says thiefing is acceptable, and not petty thiefing but wholesale thiefing. Dem boys use to warn you-all but you-all think was joke. A visiting Prime Minister refuse to tek he hand out he pocket to shake Jagdeo hand. De man wanted to mek sure that he had passage fuh go home. He hold on pun de last set of US dollars in he pocket. But dem boys did know that this style couldn’t continue forever. Change had to come. Now that de change come de first man to end up before de court was Dr. Jagdeo. Dem boys seh that he got de most jail time staring he in he face. Other doctors following very close behind he. Yesterday Dr. Eastford end up before a magistrate fuh thiefing de govt vehicles. Today, Dr C fuh Berry going in front another magistrate because he threaten fuh bax a woman and fuh get he woman dem fuh strip de girl. He gun know he fate. Dr. Run Sammy run out of Guyana thinking he gun escape charges. He don’t know when Uncle Sam gun hold on pun him right deh. As fuh that one Dr. Luncheon, dem boys seh he can’t go to court because even in court he gun lie. De amount of lies he tell daily fuh de last 30 years, he got to go straight to de gallows. Then you got de one and only Dr Shaatie, that scamp who always seh how much money Guyana mek every year only fuh he and he kavakamites siphon off. He got to go to de Essequibo Boys School fuh spend de rest of he life because big jail don’t tek li’l children. As fuh Dr Sam, when he get charge he would go to Courts on Main Street, rather than de High Court. He so dotish. He mo dotish than Donald de Dummy. And Donald going straight to jail all because he stupid. He give way de Gee Ess wuk in de party and he help create that devil, Jagdeo. Talk half and watch how Lot 12 gun be de new PPP Doctors Quarters.
Body with throat slit found in mining pit Police in the interior have arrested three men who they believe could provide vital information on the murder of 29year-old Rasharda Dusrah. The body of Dusrah who reportedly hails from the Essequibo Coast, and who was residing at Station Street, Kitty, was discovered in an abandoned mining pit at Oku Backdam, Puruni on Tuesday, with a gaping wound to his
neck. Police in a press release said that they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Dusrah's death, which is the second to be recorded in the interior for the week. The decomposing body was brought to the city yesterday. It is at present lying in a mortuary awaiting the Pathologist's examination.
you look at the composition of Boards certain things are immediately striking and this has allowed for certain criticisms. There has been a criticism that the Boards should have been more balanced in terms of youth, experience, gender, ethnicity and technical skills. This is something that the new government would perhaps wish to examine. It has to be mindful that people will draw their own inferences from these appointments and therefore they should ensure that negative inferences cannot be drawn since as one of the first major acts of the new government, it will reflect on
the image of the government and shape people’s perceptions of what is likely to come in the future. Another criticism that has been made is the lack of continuity. There have been wholesale changes in most of these Boards. This is not a something that should happen because a Board has to have persons with previous experience so as to guide the new Board through its processes. When you cut out most of those who were there before this affects continuity and the functioning of the Board. The changes in the new Boards were far too sweeping. Problems will arise
because the new members do not have a good awareness of what went before. Greater attention should have been paid to continuity. Yet another criticism has to do with the fact that some persons on Boards are in a clear conflict of interest. You cannot have interested parties involved on Boards. This is a no-no on any Board and is something that needs to be looked at very carefully. Finally of course there is disgusting feature of Ministers heading Boards in institutions over which they are required to exercise oversight and ministerial responsibility. This should never have been allowed to
happen. I really do not understand how a government that promised change is doing the same thing that the previous administration did. You cannot have accountability in this way. A Minister should not chair a Board over which he exercises ministerial responsibility or oversight. It is wrong and it is a misstep that should be rectified.
A contactor of Rusal Guyana, Arnold Barkoye, recently made claims against Mrs Yolanda Hilliman, Regional Executive Officer (REO) in Region Ten for not keeping up her end of a contractual
agreement resulting in nonpayment. According to Mr Barkoye he was contacted to do a series of works in Region Ten, over a period of time. To date his attempts to get a hold of Mrs Hilliman
regarding his payment have proven futile; all attempts have been in vain. When Kaieteur News contacted the office of REO, the officer refused to comment on the matter. It was alleged that during last year, Arnold Barkoye was contracted by Mrs. Hilliman to complete the Ituni playground which was already half-done by another contractor. He subsequently finished the said project within seven months but was never
compensated for his expenses for work done. He also noted that his vehicle was used for a period of time and no payment was ever made to him. The contractor is of the belief that he is being spited by the Regional Officer for various reasons. In excess of $1.5M is allegedly owed to the Mr. Barkoye for various projects he completed in Region Ten. He is now pleading with the relevant authorities to obtain the monies owed to him by Mrs Hilliman.
Rusal Contractor makes claims against Region 10 REO
Bandit shot dead in Berbice A bandit was fatally wounded by law enforcement officers who responded to a robbery under arms report that occurred in the vicinity of #61 Village and #63 Village beaches. The bandit was identified as Delroy Cort. The body is currently at the Skeldon Hospital mortuary awaiting post mortem examination. Information gathered by this publication unto press time last night stated that a couple was walking on the entrance of the Number 61 Village beach when they were pounced upon by two armed gun men and taken on to the beach. The male and female victims were robbed of two cellular phones, $60,000 cash
and a gold chain. Efforts to contact the couple proved futile. Meanwhile, a community police who was in the area, observed what was happening and chased after the bandits after alerting other officers to what had occurred. According to, Police commander ‘B’ Division Christopher Griffith, when the officers responded to the report, the bandits shot at them. He explained that the officers returned fire and killed Cort, while his partner in crime escaped. According to Griffith a shotgun and two spent shells were recovered from the scene. Police investigations are continuing.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 30, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Maxwell is both a dangerous and morally unacceptable man When my life is over, there will be many who would be critical of me. But when I die I will look back and say I have no regrets. I called it the way I saw it. Those who don’t like me felt I was too common because after all you have to be common to have chastised them because they are beyond reproach. People should dare not pen even a word of reproach much less be scathing in their criticism of these people. I could call name after name but I won’t even bother. I will continue to be unafraid. The status and wealth of certain citizens and
organizations will not deter me. I don’t take my plate to them. They never did anything for me. I am not interested in having their company. Their wealth does not and will never interest me. I am a philosophy student, forever dressed in blue jeans, sitting on the corner with his sandwich in his hand. I am happy with that ambience. I have always found it morally depraved when people consistently castigate and condemn others, using strong language and hide their name and face. It is a moral sickness that is scornful.
Whatever your views are on Glenn Lall, he is a brave man. He risked his life and his business operations in exposing the carcinogenic miasma in the rule of the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal. Because of his newspaper’s crusade, Mr. Lall’s wife was victimized. Against this background, I will never know why Mr. Lall has never said to his penname columnist that if he, Lall could risk so much to be open, why Peeping Tom should continue to personally attack hundreds of people from under the petticoat of his mother. Whoever writes that column (someday I’ll tell you) is definitely not a person with even a modicum of moral and ethical fibre. We have the new kid on the block, Mosquito News. It is co-edited by Ruel Johnson who told me so. I asked Johnson who is his co-editor at Mosquito News. Johnson has flatly refused to say. This is surprising for a man who wasn’t afraid to openly
criticize a semi-fascist government in Guyana. It just goes to show how a mouth can be muzzled by the hand that feeds it (see my June 3, 2015 column titled, “Criticizing President Granger from behind a mosquito net,”) Don’t expect to see any positive comment on my writings and/or political activism from Mosquito News. I have chalked up yet another enemy because I touched an untouchable. It comes with the territory. From time to time, persons I know both in the media and politics, have tried to communicate with M. Maxwell through the e-mail address that M. Maxwell uses. Maxwell never replied. The answer is obvious. Maxwell doesn’t want to be known. The Maxwell anonymity brings me into problems with people and that is where I get a bad name and I accumulate detractors. Kaieteur News and Stabroek News have
enunciated a policy of letterwriters supplying proof of their real existence. That policy must have deterred countless people who wanted to submit a false name but felt they would have been rejected if they didn’t supply proof. I am going to name two seniors at the Kaieteur News that I have complained to about the Maxwell farce – Editor-in Chief Adam Harris and his deputy Nigel Mc Kenzie. I have not raised the issue with Stabroek News because I know I would be ignored. What kind of people are Guyanese? They never cease to amaze me. Why ignore your policy-guide so barefacedly? I find that Maxwell seems to be wary of Kaieteur News since for a long time his letters are absent but he makes full use of Stabroek News. Maxwell is at it again. In the SN of Tuesday, July 28, he wrote that the AFC-APNU government has engaged in dictatorial escapades since it came to power. The new
Frederick Kissoon government is only two months old yet Maxwell finds it dictatorial. Then surely, every other government has to be dictatorial including the Obama administration. Maxwell becomes a dangerous man. You see, others may want to be brave like Maxwell and independent in their thoughts and openly denounce the Granger Government. But they may face retaliation while Maxwell happily goes about his business hiding his face and name. Morally this is outrageous. And the newspapers should put an end to it. But I doubt it. No one will ask the KN and SN for an answer. Why would they? Do Guyanese know what moral values are? Ask Peeping Tom, M. Maxwell and Mosquito News .
Thursday July 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Walter Rodney COI conclusion...
Police called in Nothing would come out of to probe $120M COI if extended – Trotman fraud at Public Service Ministry By: Desilon Daniels
Concerns continue to arise over the sudden conclusion to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) set up to investigate the death of historian Walter Rodney. Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman has maintained that any extension of the COI would be pointless. Instead, he said, the millions of dollars which could have been used for an extension could be put to better use in other areas such as subsidising the Berbice Bridge. Trotman made the assertion during yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the Presidency. When questioned by media operatives on any potential extension of the life of the COI, Trotman maintained that no extension was forthcoming. According to Trotman, a lot of money had already been expended on the Commission yet, “You really have nothing”. He emphasised that there was no “smoking gun” or any person confessing openly to being involved in Rodney’s death. With the cost of the inquiry clearly being a major concern of his, Trotman said, “The Commission has cost
this nation almost a billion dollars and nothing of any substance has been produced...I don’t know whether the nation feels that it’s gotten value for its money.” He continued, “And I hasten to add – and without fear of contradiction – that
extension of the COI earlier this week. The WPA had been cofounded by Walter Rodney. “Cabinet has considered this matter and I’d like to say that Cabinet thinks and acts and responds collectively. In the Cabinet are members of
“It has cost this nation almost a billion dollars and nothing of any substance has been produced...And I hasten to add – and without fear of contradiction – that three weeks or three months or three years is not going to deliver anything that’s earth-shattering.” three weeks or three months or three years is not going to deliver anything that’s earthshattering.” He further questioned, “So again, do we subsidise the Berbice Bridge and bring some relief to about 60, 000 people or do we continue paying $4M for a few people to sit with microphones in front of them to look good?” Meanwhile, Trotman also maintained that the decision to conclude the inquiry had been one signed off collectively by Cabinet. This is despite the fact that the Working People’s Alliance, which is one of the parties under the APNU+AFC coalition, called for an
the APNU and the AFC. The APNU comprises members of the WPA. So Cabinet took a collective decision and this Commission needed to be concluded to save Guyana further embarrassment and taxpayers’ money.” The Minister of Governance stressed, “It appears that it was no more than a charade for electioneering purposes, and put on as a side show by the former administration. The elections are now over, the show is over, the curtain needs to come down.” The WPA has not been the only source of disquiet over the conclusion of the COI. Queen’s Counsel
Police yet to apprehend assailant
Kuru Kuru man loses arm… More than a month after having the lower part of his right arm severed by another man, Kuru Kuru resident, Glenford Kitt, is still hoping for justice as Police appear to be doing nothing in apprehending the alleged attacker. Kitt has indicated that his wound has healed, but he still wants justice and has intentions of seeking help from higher authority. Just after midnight on June 17, last, Kitt was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), with what a bystander at the institute described, with his arm hanging. He was released from GPHC male surgical ward a few days later. He left the hospital in pursuit of justice but such has since been delayed. According to reports, Kitt had gone to a house in Kuru Kuru to confront one of its occupants concerning a matter, when he was attacked from behind.
Glenford Kitt on the day of his discharge from the GPHC
At the time, he was attempting to take matters into his own hands, because the
police at Timehri Station had refused to look into a matter which he had reported.
Andrew Pilgrim, who represents Rodney’s immediate family at the COI, along with the Guyana Trades Union Congress similarly voiced concerns over the new government’s refusal to allow any more public testimonies from witnesses. The need for fairness and impartiality had been cited as reasons for more hearings and a further two weeks were requested. The People’s National Congress (PNC) is the only party involved in the inquiry which has wholeheartedly endorsed the government’s decision to conclude the COI. The PNC, which is the largest party that forms the coalition government, has long been accused of playing a significant role in the death of Rodney. The Rodney COI, which began April 2014, was set up to determine just who was responsible for the death of Rodney, who died on June 13, 1980 when a bomb in the shape of a walkie talkie exploded in his lap in the vicinity of the Camp Street Prison.
Police are investigating what is believed to be a major fraud to the tune of over $120M at the Public Service Ministry. While refusing to “name a (former) Minister directly”, Government yesterday admitted that the Ministry has again come under scrutiny. This time, “tens of millions” appear to be missing. The Ministry was headed by Dr. Jennifer Westford and has been making the news for a number of missing vehicles. Dr. Westford appeared in court yesterday with her former assistant, Margaret Cummings, to face charges relating to the attempted theft of eight Government-owned vehicles during the run-up to the May 11 elections. Both were granted bail. Speaking during the Government’s weekly postCabinet press conference, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, hinted that the figure may be in the
vicinity of $120M in cash. He warned that there is an ongoing investigation with things “bubbling up from the deep” by the day. He stressed that he is not “pinpointing a Minister”, but rather attention is being paid to the activities of the Ministry. A senior Government official said that monies were withdrawn over a period of time, reportedly for use in the various regions. However, while the money was withdrawn, it was not delivered to where it was supposed to go. Government officials were tightlipped but said that they believe the monies were stolen, and that is why the matter has been handed over to the police.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 30, 2015
Trotman tells BaiShanLin, Vaitarna …
Start value added operations else... By Kiana Wilburg Major logging companies, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc and Vaitarna Holdings Private Incorporated (VHPI), have been running the same, old, unfulfilled promise of creating considerable value added operations to Guyanese. But Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, explained that after meeting with both companies, they have promised to get their wood processing facilities up and running within months. Trotman noted however, that the companies this time around will not escape sanctions, for should they fail to make good on their promise then their contracts will be reviewed. He made these statements following questions by this newspaper at his post cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday. Trotman, who is also vested with some responsibility for the natural resources of the nation,
explained that Government will be looking at the concessions that have been granted to certain, if not all companies in the forestry sector. The Minster of Governance was asked if the Granger administration intends to examine the concessions granted to the two logging giants with a view to determining how much the nation has truly benefitted. Trotman said that this requires some sort of study or review. He added, “We have to look at jobs, taxes paid, concessions for duty free vehicles, and equipment versus what has been given back in terms of value added operations. But yes, that review is ongoing.” He was then reminded of statements he made while in the opposition, that the contracts between the logging companies and the past administration should be disclosed for public scrutiny. Trotman was questioned whether Government will pursue this route. The Minister said, “I
suppose you mean take action. We have looked at these matters…and we are reviewing all agreements; seeing where there has been compliance or violation and how we could tighten up.” Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development, Dr. Clive Thomas, had said that the behaviour of the two logging companies which have benefitted significantly from Guyana’s forest resources is absolutely “unacceptable”. He said that he will be recommending to the David Granger-led administration that some of their concessions be taken away. “Guyana cannot continue to be giving out hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth in these tax breaks or concessions, and we aren’t benefitting from value added operations. If companies make a commitment to do so, then the ethical thing to do is to deliver what was promised. If not, their concessions should be taken away. They need to face sanctions of that nature or probably something stronger. BaiShanLin and Vaitarna have become logging giants in this country and by its own actions, it is clear that we should review all of their concessions. I would be advising the President of taking such actions. My position on this is clear; they need to cut off some of their benefits,” the Economist said. He continued, “This is obviously not part of how
Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman one promotes the suitability of an economy and an industry and we cannot continue to go this route. Allowing this sort of behaviour to continue sends a dangerous message to other potential investors and local companies. What has the Guyana Forestry Commission done regarding such infractions? Is this not important? “We really need to change the landscape of the way business is done in the logging industry and eliminate this kind of slackness we allow these companies to get away with. This is not about whether you are foreign or not. At the end of the day it is what is right for the development of the country and quite frankly, these two companies have just been taking and taking and not fulfilling their promises of considerable value added operations. “It has been years now, so what can possibly be their excuse? They need to face serious sanctions.”
At the press conference yesterday, Trotman made reference to some of those very statements made by Dr. Thomas. He said, “I noticed that Thomas made some pronouncements and he does have responsibility for asset recovery and looking at Government’s arrangement in that regard; it’s whether Government is prepared to act on his recommendations at this time. Some of the Ministers learned about his comments through your newspaper and it will come up for discussion.” The Minister of Governance said that he was not in a position to say at that time whether the administration would be slashing concessions, but emphasized that their concessions are being reviewed. In 2014, BaiShanLin blamed the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) for delaying its application for its wood processing factory. In one of its advertisements, the company stated that in 2008, it applied to the “Government of Guyana, through the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and other agencies, to lease lands to set up a factory to process logs and engage in value-added production, such as the making of furniture, craft and hardwood flooring.” It had said, then, that it was experiencing delays. Kaieteur News later reported that GO-Invest had had no such application. BaiShanLin had nothing to say when this was revealed. This caused many, including the then opposition, to challenge the previous government to make public the investment agreement it signed onto with the Chinese logging company. This was never done.
In April, the company then blamed the “hostile” media reports during 2014 for dispiriting financiers. In a statement, the Chinese company had said that it is concerned about the apparent “misrepresentations and false reports” being carried by some sections of the media on its operations in Guyana. It identified this publication as the leader of the “hostile” campaign and even cited a KN article with the headline: ‘BaiShanLin delays US$70M wood processing factory for gold, housing, logging.’ But in its statement, it did not deny that it was approved ‘US$70M’ for certain activities. With regard to the wood processing plant in the Linden area that was to be constructed, BaiShanLin, one of the largest exporters of the country’s prime species of wood, had complained that it has indeed suffered major setbacks in completing its wood processing facility that will create hundreds of jobs for Guyanese. It claimed that these “setbacks” directly relate to lack of adequate funding from its financiers, who, since last year “when these sustained attacks began,” became concerned about the “soundness of investing further in what appeared to be a hostile environment.” Amidst harsh criticisms of its operations during 2014 and earlier this year in several quarters, BaiShanLin insisted that it has consistently remained well within the law/ regulations governing the forestry sector. It has been reported on (continued on page 13)
Thursday July 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 13
Police statistics show... Sean Hinds remains silent but police not giving up GT, Berbice, ECD continue as accident centres
Although self-confessed former death squad member Sean Hinds remains tightlipped about his role in criminal activity, senior Police officials say they are not giving up on getting a statement from him. Hinds remained in custody up to late last night, three nights after he turned himself in to police with his lawyer, Nigel Hughes. Kaieteur News understands that detectives questioned Hinds about a ‘serious offence’, as well as about his alleged links to a ‘death squad,’ which reportedly operated with the knowledge of senior police ranks. However, they reported that he is not cooperating, claiming that he has nothing to say. One of the issues that police wanted to question Hinds about was the allegation that he conducted surveillance near the home of Prime Minister and First Vice President Moses Nagamootoo. Nagamootoo had stated that on Tuesday, July 14, the security detail attached to his home noticed a strange car parked close by. He alleged that Sean Hinds was identified as the occupant of the car, and that the occupant of the vehicle sped away as the security staff approached. Hinds has denied this claim. He had said in a recent television interview that he was prepared to speak with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, about the work of the ‘death squad,’ but had indicated that he was
Sean Hinds
unwilling to cooperate with the police. It is not yet clear if Harmon will accede to his request, given Hinds’ position with regard to the police. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum last evening told Kaieteur News that they have managed to secure a copy of Hinds television interview and they are in the process of examining its contents. “I made an official request to the Director of HGP TV Channel 17 and he made a promise to supply the recording…today he did,” the Crime Chief said. Breaking his silence on allegations that have swirled around him for years, the former bodyguard of fired Town Clerk Carol Sooba recently revealed on television that he was a member of a ‘death-squad’ which was set up to target criminals who were behind a
spate of killings following the February 23, 2002 Mash Day jailbreak. He claimed that the ‘death squad’ worked with members of the Police Force and he was among members who uplifted arms from CID Headquarters, Eve Leary. It was headed by the late Alex Williams who had close links to former Home Affairs Minister, Ronald Gajraj. Hinds claimed that he decided spill his secrets after attempts were made to implicate him in the killing of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing. Hinds said that he has taken the precaution of “making two or three tapes” which would be distributed to the media in the event that he was killed. Given his continued silence the police might have no choice but to release him after the statutory 72 hours have elapsed.
Start value added operations ... From page 12 extensively, by insiders and other well-informed critics, including Dr. Janette Bulkan, a forestry specialist, that BaiShanLin practices landlordism. The Timber Sales Agreement (TSAs) which governs logging does not allow that. In fact, the company has become the third largest holder of state forests in the country. A d d i t i o n a l l y, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) had said that given the conflicting reports on whether BaiShanLin and Vaitarna operations are in conformity with local laws, specifically the Guyana Forestry Commission Act and the Environmental Protection Act , their contracts should be made public. It had issued this call to the past administration, but
this was also ignored. In view of the public outrage at the extent to which these two companies were said to be exploiting the forests resources, TIGI a l s o called on the past administration to place a halt
on their operations. But this was as the old adage goes; “throwing water on duck’s back.” Instead , t h e D o n a l d Ramotar Government chose to defend the two companies.
As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to compile its statistics on traffic offences for the year, reports have shown that Divisions ‘A’ through ‘C’ continue to be the areas where the majority of the country’s fatal accidents occur. Thus far, the Police Force has released traffic statistics for the year through to June. According to the information provided, by June there had been 45 recorded fatal accidents in the country. From these 45 accidents there were 56 recorded deaths. The statistics further showed that Division ‘A’ (Georgetown/East Bank), Division ‘B’ (Berbice) and Division ‘C’ (East Coast of Demerara) recorded the most fatal accidents in Guyana. While the Georgetown/ East Bank division saw the majority of the nation’s fatalities with 17 deaths, Berbice and the East Coast closely followed; Berbice recorded 15 road fatalities at the end of June while the East Coast Demerara recorded 16. The figures recorded in Divisions ‘A’ through ‘C’ are at least three times the number seen in the other divisions. Divisions ‘D’ (West Demerara/East Bank Essequibo), ‘E’ (Linden/ Kwakwani), ‘F’ (Interior
...Linden/Kwakwani records no fatal accidents at half-year mark locations) and ‘G’ (Essequibo Coast and islands) recorded five, zero, one and two fatalities respectively. This year’s statistics thus far do not vary much from others provided by the Police Force over the years. Georgetown/East Bank, Berbice and the East Coast have long been identified as problem areas for the GPF when it comes to road fatalities. According to the GPF, for the same period last year Georgetown/East Bank had recorded 23 deaths from 21 accidents while this year there were 17 deaths from 17 accidents. This represented a decrease of deaths by 26 per cent, the police say. The other problem areas did not see declines; at the end of June 2014, the police say that there were 13 deaths from 11 accidents while at June 2015 there were 15 deaths, also from 11 accidents. This was an increase in deaths of approximately 13%. For the East Coast Demerara, there was a dramatic increase in deaths of 167%. In 2014 there were six
deaths from six accidents, for this year thus far there have been 16 deaths from 10 accidents. Divisions ‘D’ through ‘G’ saw similar trends last year. In fact, there were declines in all of these divisions except the interior locations. The biggest decline (200%) was seen in Linden/Kwakwani. In that division, there was no recorded fatality at the end of June. Last year, the division had recorded two fatal accidents from two accidents. Meanwhile, amongst the categories of vehicles involved in fatal accidents from January to June 2015, private cars accounted for the majority of vehicles. According to the police statistics, 26 private cars were involved in fatal accidents. The second most affected category of vehicles was motorcycles, which recorded 10. Furthermore, motor lorries recorded nine, while minibuses, pedal cycles and hired cars recorded 8, 5 and 3 respectively. The GPF is currently in the process of compiling traffic statistics for the month of July.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 30, 2015
GTUC says unclear how Dr. Rodney’s died After listening to the evidence provided by 29 witnesses, the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) has concluded that there is nothing to support that the former Working People’s Alliance (WPA) leader, Dr. Walter Rodney was killed as an act of state terrorism. As he spoke at the final public session of the Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday, Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) lawyer, Brian Clarke, made it clear that there was no evidence provided to the Commission that showed exactly how Dr. Rodney died. The GTUC lawyer said that he was making submissions from a neutral perspective and that from the inception of the inquiry, the umbrella trade union body believed that Guyana deserves closure from that particular chapter to his history and further an end needed to be brought to the use of Dr. Rodney’s name as a wedge. He said GTUC would have
…no evidence of Burnham involvement liked to see the Commission to a “fruitful conclusion” and that it remains to be seen what remains from evidence that has not been subjected to cross-examination. INDUSTRIAL STRUGGLE As he made his final submission, the GTUC lawyer made it clear that the period under review contained economic challenges and that along with the socioeconomic situation in Guyana posed difficulties in the industrial relations context. “There was an industrial crisis in Guyana,” said Clarke as he added that industrial relations climate was important because it is within this context amongst other things that each political party aimed to gain traction and extend their support base. According to Clarke, the political, social and economic situation in Guyana during the
period under review (1978 – 1980) is encapsulated in part by the Sophia Declaration. This is where the nation’s former leader, Linden Burnham declared “It is not sufficiently appreciated that education and training in and out of the formal system are an integral part of the national development process. That explains why they are so many misfits whose energy and potential lie idle and unused so far as the national programme and objectives concern. Ours is a war. It may not involve a clash of arms and the unleashing of weapons of destruction but it is still a vital struggle, one against poverty, ignorance, unemployment, hunger, exploitation and we cannot afford the luxury of unemployed citizens, especially youth who seek to get and not to give.” The lawyer referred to Dr. Rodney’s speech, The
Struggle Goes On, delivered on July 20, 1979 in which the politician said, “Let us make it clear that we are not asking persons to enter because of support for our ideology. We are asking for an active effort of our people for national reconstruction and national unity on the basis of common sense, patriotism, decency and honesty.” He spoke, too, of Rodney’s intent to have dialogue with businessmen, and various professionals like lawyers, doctors, engineers, architects “challenging them to take a stand against what is going on at a political level. We are challenging them to recognise that the workers in society in all sectors have a common cause.” Clarke also cited Dr. Nanda Gopaul’s book, Resistance and Change, in which he described how the working conditions of sugar workers had deteriorated massively during the 1978 – 1980 period. GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE He spoke too of Government interference in jobs as well as scholarships selection which led to career stagnation and loss of job prospects. He reflected that Dr. Rodney was a highly qualified and able man but found extreme difficulties landing a job in his field during those times. “There were allegations that (discrimination) was largely against the WPA members and once you’re associated with that party, it was difficult to land employment,” remarked Clarke. He posited that discrimination those days was based on partisan politics. Dr. Rodney, who had earned his PhD in African History by age 24, had returned to Guyana from Tanzania, Africa with his eyes set on copping the Director of Caribbean Studies position at the University of Guyana, which had been opened just over a decade before. The political stalwart, instead, received a letter which
stated that there was no “suitable opening” for someone with his qualifications. The GTUC lawyer said that members of the party Dr. Rodney co-founded, the Working People’s Alliance, was being monitored in the workplace as supported by Special Branch reports submitted to the inquiry. The result of this was that some members were summarily fired. The lawyer pointed out that the WPA had a role in strikes especially in the Bauxite industry. “The period between 1978 and 1980 was challenging and at boiling point. There is a link between the rising attempts at causing civil unrest as a result of labour relations and an explosion with Dr. Rodney being at the center of both events.” 1980 BOMB BLAST As he examined the probable cause of the June 13, 1980 bomb blast, Clarke posited that it was the device that was given to him by Former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant, Gregory Smith that killed him. A relationship existed between the two he said. Clarke said it was unclear, however, whether Dr. Rodney died as a result of state terrorism on part of Smith, or alternatively whether he died as a result of misadventure or because he failed to comply with the instructions provided by Smith. He said that it was Donald Rodney who handed the device and related the instructions to his brother that night, not Smith since Dr. Rodney was sitting in the car and his brother was sent to Smith’s house. “There is no conclusive evidence that indicates how that package exploded,” Clarke said adding that the cumulative force of the evidence does not point to one specific outcome. He said if the device was indeed triggered by a radio detonation, it is not outside the realm of possibility that the signals could have perhaps been crossed and accidentally detonated the device. Clarke argued that if a
Late WPA Leader, Dr. Donald Rodney plan was to get rid of the Opposition members by force and it culminated with giving Rodney a bomb under the guise of testing a walkie-talkie it seemed improbable especially when you consider the way Father Bernard Darke was killed just one year before. “The evidence does not point conclusively to the fact that this was a mastermind plan. It is inconceivable,” said the GTUC lawyer as he added that it was one year and a month after Father Darke’s killing that Rodney met his demise. “How do you go from common thuggery to a mastermind plan in less than a year? The two were mutually exclusive,” said Clarke. GTUC lawyer said that it is unclear whether Dr. Rodney was killed as a result of state terrorism or misadventure. No evidence, he insisted, existed to show that the Burnham-led government was linked to Dr. Rodney’s killing. He remarked that Smith seemed to have gone AWOL and there is no evidence that the GDF was a party to Smith’s interactions with Dr. Rodney and Smith, the construction of the device that killed Dr. Rodney or that the GDF was involved in the triggering of the device. GTUC is the umbrella association for 22 affiliated unions and over 70,000 workers, making it the largest trade union group in Guyana. It has been in existence since 1940.
Govt. approves monies for emancipation activities - Trotman The preparations for Emancipation Day are already in swing. Symposia on the struggles of Africans are being held in various communities and striking pieces of African clothing, tasty traditional dishes and art are on display in some quarters of downtown Georgetown. To aid the preparations of the numerous cultural programmes leading up to the
big day, Minister of Governan c e , Raphael Trotman, disclosed yesterday at a post Cabinet briefing with the media, that Government has approved the release of monies to active groups to help them fund those activities which will be held in their communities. He did not however, disclose what that sum would be. Trotman said that the
disbursement of the funds is in keeping with Government’s promotion of cultural activities and recognition of the contributions of African brothers and sisters in Guyana. He said, too, that the Department of Culture within the Ministry of Education will help them in preparation for celebrations on Emancipation Day, to ensure they run smoothly.
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CDB offers to help in sugar, energy needs President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. William Warren Smith, says that the institution is prepared to work with Guyana in an effort to help the country realize its full potential in the area of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Shortly after meeting with President David Granger and Ministers yesterday, at the Ministry of the Presidency, Dr. Smith said the bank will grasp at the opportunity to work with Guyana to address green energy. Speaking on the challenges facing the sugar industry in Guyana, Dr. Smith described the possibility of transforming that sector by exploring renewable energy options. Dr. Smith said that while his institution can’t resolve all of the issues, technical assistance can be given with the aim of resolving some of them. “What we can do is provide the technical assistance where you can acquire the expertise to advise you on the transformation of that industry so that it can realize its true potential.” “Energy efficiency is an area which is frequently overlooked; in the discussion about reducing the cost of electricity and the cost of energy generally, but it is really the starting point for
President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other members of the Cabinet who met with President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Williams Warren Smith and his team, during the meeting yesterday. making a determination as to how you should address your energy costs,” he said. The banker explained that the CDB recently established the Renewable and Energy Efficiency Unit, which has been set up in collaboration with the Government of Germany. Germany will be providing technical assistance to staff
of the CDB with the aim of addressing all of the key renewable energy options that are available. “When we look at Guyana we see unlimited opportunity in both the climate adaptation side and also in the renewable energy and energy efficiency side,” Dr. Smith said. He said that the Government has signaled its
interest to work closely with the bank and offer any assistance necessary. “There is hardly any form of renewable energy that Guyana does not have, with possibly the exception of geothermal. But you have wind, abundant hydro power potential and solar. We have capabilities in all of those areas and what we want to do
Berbice Rum shop chopping spree...
Woman among three remanded on attempted murder charge Three persons including a woman were on Friday last brought before the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court and charged with the attempted murder of Michael Dorway, 32, of Main Street, Cumberland, Berbice. They were remanded to prison until the matter is called again on August 5, 2015. The trio was positively identified by the victim on an identification parade. While the men were the ones who inflicted the wounds on Dorway’s body, the female encouraged them to kill him. Kaieteur News understands that she was cheering loudly, and shouting “Kill he; kill he” while her accomplices proceeded to chop the man about his body with cutlasses. Dorway was released last week from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was hospitalized since July 10, 2015. The badly injured man, who said that he is in a lot of pain, is at home almost helpless. He depends solely on his wife and other family
members for assistance. Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, he told the reporter that his legs are not moving and his fingers are not functioning. The traumatized man is saddened by the incident which quickly escalated from a simple request by him for a change in the type of music that was being played at the rum shop. Life has become hard for Dorway. “It’s little tight because every day I gotta go to New Amsterdam (hospital). And I am not even working; I can’t even think about working right now.” According to reports, Michael Dorway, received chop wounds which a group of men and women had inflicted upon him following an argument at a ‘rum shop’. Kaieteur News understands that Dorway on July 10, 2015, was imbibing alcohol at a rum shop some distance from his home when he requested a change in the type of music. Apparently others were not pleased with his request and an argument broke out
between him and them at the shop. He subsequently left. The man’s wife, Kimmy, said that she was at home when she received a call and was told that her husband wanted to see her immediately; and that he was at the hospital. She said that when she arrived at the New Amsterdam Hospital her husband was in a terrible state. She was instructed to pack an emergency bag so
that he could be transported to the GPHC for further treatment due to the severity of his condition. According to Mrs Dorway, her husband, while making his way home, three pickup trucks filled with men and women armed with cutlasses pulled up alongside him and the attack began. He received chops to his back, right leg, the back of his head, face and wrist.
is design an intervention program here that is consistent with your needs,” Smith said. However, in designing a programme, Dr. Smith said it is important to give consideration to the peculiarities of the country. “For example, Guyana is a very large country with areas of relatively small population, and a population that is far apart so that we believe that renewable energy solutions are ideal for those types of circumstances,” he said. Dr. Smith said a team from the CDB would have to conduct in-depth discussions with local experts as to how best the geographic challenges can be
addressed. “Some of those resources are grant resources, meaning you don’t have to pay back, which makes the economics of implementation of renewable energy very much within the reach of the poorest of the Caribbean countries.” Another major reason for pursing this initiative, Dr. Smith said, is because bringing down the cost of electricity would also mean making Guyana’s economy more competitive. “You’ll be able to become internationally attractive for the export of goods and services and it will help to improve the quality of life for your people,” Smith added.
Known felon busted with gun and ammo The police nabbed a known felon with a 9mm pistol with five rounds. He was out on bail for a number of misdemeanors. The man Michael Embrack, called “Duck Man” was nabbed by a police patrol in the vicinity of Lot 47 Stanleytown. New Amsterdam. During the arrest one person was injured and had to be rushed to the New Amsterdam hospital.
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Lotto funds to be returned to Consolidated Fund by year end - Trotman By Jarryl Bryan After years of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration’s failure to include the lottery proceeds into the Consolidated Fund, Minister of Governance and Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has said that this will change. He said that the funds will be included in their rightful place by year end. This will be reflected in the 2016 budget. In addition to this development, he said that better systems will be put in place for state agencies to make monetary requests of the fund Addressing a press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday, during which the Minister was asked for an update on the funds, estimated to be in the range of millions of dollars, Trotman said that this subject had been a sore one for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) while in opposition. The PPP/C had been placing the lottery proceeds in other accounts to meet certain expenses without parliamentary oversight, as revealed by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran. According to Trotman, many agencies drew on the
fund for various reasons including training, traveling, and attendance of conferences. He said that the exact size of the disbursements is not known. The Minister of Governance said that the funds should have been used for communities, aspects of sports development and the sustenance of the cultures and arts. Instead, Trotman maintained that the country did not get value for the money withdrawn. In addition, he spoke to the fact that there was a conspicuous lack of parliamentary oversight. “While that may not be a bad way to go (state agencies benefitting), we believe that it needs some streamlining and that protocols should have been put in place in terms of how, who, when and for what purposes (the funds were drawn).” “So individual agencies will now be making requests from the Consolidated Fund for monies to be spent, rather than just assigning their expenses to that fund.” The lottery funds are determined by 24 cents in every dollar of lottery proceeds, going to the government. The Minister promised that following the laying of the budget, restitution of the funds would
be made. Trotman also indicated that much of the decisions regarding the Lotto Fund just required a statement and directive from the subject minister, something that has now occurred with the advent of the APNU+AFC administration. Goolsarran had, during his tenure as Auditor General, pronounced on the matter using strong language. Prior to the coalition Government, Goolsarran stated in numerous reports that he had cause to highlight the Ministry of Finance’s failure to pay over government’s share of the proceeds of the Guyana Lotteries to the Consolidated Fund, especially in a 2003 report, when he had recommended that the Ministry of Finance take appropriate measures to close the bank account in which the Lotto monies were being held, and transfer the balance to the Consolidated Fund. One area in which the Lotto proceeds have been plugged into over the years, is the President’s Youth Choice Initiative (PYCI), a youth project scheme started by the PPP/C administration that faced much criticism for being ill-timed and poorly executed.
Thursday July 30, 2015
Stabbed 17 year-old…
Mother throws her hands up in frustration The mother of 17-year-old Adonie Pharbo, who was brutally stabbed to death some three weeks ago on the West Ruimveldt front road, has voiced her frustration at the slothfulness of Police in bringing her son’s killers to justice. Kaieteur News understands that three teens have been fingered in the stabbing incident. Driven with vexation and frustration, the mother has opted to pull herself away from the royal round around to get justice for her son. She said that ever since she had ceased visits to the East La Penitence Police station where the matter was reported, she has not received “word” on any development in her son’s case. Despite it may seem like she has given up completely, the devastated woman said that she has left her son’s killers in the hands of the Almighty; like many others she believes that “God don’t sleep”. According to the youngest among the suspects who has since been arrested and placed on station bail, the stabbing was
GECOM commences training of field staff
done by his elder brother while he and another older brother restrained the helpless teen. Reports had stated that, Pharbo, aka ‘Buju’, of Lot 112 Freeman Street East La Penitence had just left the Alexander Village Masjid where he went to break his Ramadan fast with prayers, when while on his way home he was allegedly cornered by the three teenage suspects and stabbed about the body. After lying on the ground for a few minutes, the mortally injured teen was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by members of the Masjid. Pharbo’s distraught mother explained that he did not have any problem with the young men who aided in his death. She said that it was his older brother who had shared an old grievance with the men, but he was caught up in the cross fire in the dispute which was thought to have been settled a long time ago. From indications, the aim of the attack was not only to harm Pharbo but ‘kill’ him. Kaieteur News was told that during the attack one of the young men who was no more than 20, was heard saying “Boy me aint went and pray… kill this f@#*&@ boy”. Kaieteur News understands that the men had tried to attack Pharbo some time ago while he was walking with his girlfriend, but he managed to run home while
the girl ran into a bus. According to initial reports Pharbo, a miner, had moments earlier left the Alexander Village Masjid after a time of Ramadan prayers, when he was attacked by three young men. His best friend, who referred to him as ‘my brother’ was given the tip that he was being stabbed. Upon arriving at the scene he saw a large crowd, and Pharbo was gasping for breath. In a frantic state he began questioning who had done that to him but a response was not forthcoming. After some time and many vehicle operators refusing to transport the badly wounded teen to the hospital, someone from the same Masjid eventually arrived with a car, rushing him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The car in which Pharbo was being transported arrived at GPHC with an entourage of motorcyclists who honked their horns frantically to clear way for the teen. With his entire body covered in blood, the teen was wheeled into the A&E unit where he was later pronounced dead. Relatives who arrived shortly after broke out in loud wails after learning of his demise. Anger and grief filled the atmosphere at the hospital as youths from the East La Penitence area and the Masjid filled the compound and vented their emotions.
‘Pretty face’ turns self in
GECOM staffers undergo training at the LBI School. Over the last weekend, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) conducted a series of training programmes in a number of registration districts to train field staff in the proper and correct conduct of the Claims and Objections exercise. According to GECOM, its field staff from the Registration Offices in Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10, participated in this two-day
training exercise. “The main objective of this training initiative was to equip participants with the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes to conduct the Claims and Objectives exercise. Participants were also able to acquaint themselves with all the relevant forms and records required, for processing various transactions, as well as how
to complete neatly and accurately, the relevant forms and records.” GECOM is the body tasked with overseeing elections in Guyana and issuance of National Identification cards. Photography and fingerprinting were also part of the training exercise to ensure that participants were trained to correctly capture best quality photographs, as
well as to take legible fingerprints of individuals and conducting transactions during the Claims and Objections exercise. “GECOM will continue a rigorous training schedule over the coming weeks, as it aims to properly prepare a well-trained and professional cadre of staff to competently conduct the Claims and Objections exercise.”
An Albouystown man for whom a wanted bulletin was issued for the killing of a Mocha man, at Turning Point, Tucville, has surrendered to the police Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed that Edward Skeete called “Pretty Face” turned himself in with his lawyer yesterday. Skeete, who was freed just five months ago for the murder of businessman, Bedi Ramjewan, was wanted for the executionstyle killing of a Mocha, East Bank Demerara resident, Rayon Clementson, 27, who was s h o t on July 14, and succumbed two Fridays ago at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Initial reports had indicated that Clementson, who was known to the police, had only sustained a bullet wound to the upper right
thigh. Another man, Ayodele Solomon, 32, was shot in the back during the same attack. According to reports, Clementson and Solomon, of Tucville, were in the vicinity of ‘Turning Point’, located near Arapaima and Jackson Streets, Tucville, when someone shot at them. Kaieteur News understands that Solomon, who was taken to the GPHC by a taxi driver, alleged that he was hit by a stray bullet after someone shot at another individual. After being shot, Clementson took refuge in a nearby trench. Police took him out of the trench and took him to the hospital. Although he was clearly in pain, Clementson was conscious and did not appear to be severely injured. However, he subsequently died.
Thursday July 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
High Court action delays trial for Sanjay’s Jewellery Director City Magistrate Judy Latchman once again adjourned the trial involving Director of S a n j a y ’s J e w e l l e r y, Bishnarine “Sanjay” Persaud, because of an action filed in the High C o u r t b y h i s A t t o r n e y, Glenn Hanoman before Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang. Persaud allegedly killed a Mayor and City Council (M&CC) handyman in a midnight crash on September 10, last. The defendant was behind the wheels of a sports car. Magistrate Latchman had instructed the lawyer to lead a defence in the case on Tuesday. However, when the matter was called Hanoman informed the Magistrate that he had filed an action in the High Court pertaining to the matter. The Attorney contested that he was not given sufficient time to prepare his defence. He said that he was not in a position to lead a defence and asked that more time
be granted. Hanoman presented a writ to the court. The Magistrate and Police P r o s e c u t o r, Inspector, Vishnu Hunt requested copies of the document. This matter was stood down until September, 30. Persaud is accused of driving in a manner dangerous to the public, while piloting motorcar PKK 5501 on September 10, last, at Lamaha Street, Newtown, Georgetown, thereby causing the death of Leon Hunte. According to reports, Hunte, 55, of Stone Avenue Blygezight, Georgetown, was riding his bicycle when he was struck from behind by a sports car and pitched some distance away. Reports are that when the ambulance arrived on the scene, the handyman was already dead. The businessman also received injuries during the accident and was treated at a city hospital. Persaud is currently on $1.5M bail.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS - CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 Professional painting services available for private and contract work- Tel: 6044036 Eagle’s fridge re-gas $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves - Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 GET YOUR USA, CANADA & UK VISA’S FILLED OUT PROFESSIONALLY. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT: 2315789/90 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall: 225-6496, 662-6045 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Mahadeo Construction for all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376 H. Ramphal, Fabricating and welding – fence, grill, gate, steel Trestle, etc – Contact: 661-2652 Hydraulic Specialist: Hydraulic Hose, Lubricants & Filters for all types of machine- 5 Bagotstown Public Road –Tel: 233-6001/ 613-7168 FOR SALE/RENT American pools table- Call: 277-0578
Kaieteur News
SALON
VEHICLE FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Super Deals! Unregistered 07 Allion -$3.1M, 05 Allion $2.4M, Bluebird -$2.6M, Premio -$2.2M, Fielder (Sunroof), Axela (rims) –Call: 616-3413 1 Mazda Axela, PTT series, low mileage, e x c e l l e n t condition -owner migrating Tel: 649-0956
Toyota AT212, AT192, IST, EP-71 Starlet, Hilux pick up & 4 Runner, Canter, Honda 600 RR –Tel:644-5096; 697-1453
WANTED One mechanic for Perkins and caterpillar machines contact 223-5273 /4 One Welder contact 223-5273 /4 Girls to work at Ressort in Bar – between 18-25yrs- Tel:6136613 One experienced domestic, must know to cook Indian dishes, must have pleasant personality & be trustworthy –Call: 656-6388 One live in domestic Salary $50,000 monthly –Tel: 6885409 Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate-Tel: 6121607 Domestic Cleaner wanted – Contact: 600-0051 Live in waitress to work in a bar –Tel: 604-6606 Experienced, qualified Phonics, Maths & Language Teachers to teach evening classes –Tel: 675-4379 1 live in domestic must know to cook - $70,000 monthly, live in waitress - $60,000 monthly – Call: 610-5043 1 Male to look after layer birds in the interior –Call: 6798765 One serious bus driver –Call: 641-3552, 698-3579, 684-0588
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 Receptionist: apply in person with application at 27 Norton & Creen Street Newburg – Call: 225-5509 Cashier 6am-3pm & 3pm12pm, inventory clerk. Submit application to Shell Station Providence EBD, shellramsburg@gmail.com. Employment for labourers, MovieTowne Site Turkeyen, age 20-45 males, attractive salary. Interviews done on Saturday only. 1 Computer Legal Clerk- Call: 226-4283; 258-0213 Porters, wood mizer and moulder operator –Call Richard: 609-7675; 674-1705; 233-2614
Experienced wash bay staff, living in G/Town, Attractive Salary –Tel: 646-8748 Salesclerk, highly motivated, energetic with secondary education, must possess sales skill, key food, Mc Doom Village. Labourers: Preferably living on E.B.D apply at Friendship Slipway & Co. Ltd, 7 Friendship E.B.D –Tel: 2662217; 266-0311 One person to work as shop assistance (temp) –Lot 193 Charlotte St L/Town or Contact: 226-2320 Cook/Chef to work in Mahadia to work RH Hotel – Tel: 687- 0067 Sales Representative wanted to work on Commission in New Amsterdam Berbice – Contact: 609-3650 Yard Boy/Man to work in yard at Meadow Bank, preferably someone close to location –Call: 225-6046; 2260011 Chilly’s Bar wanted: waiteress/cook. Apply in person Wed-Thurs.
Thursday July 30, 2015
LAND FOR SALE 1500 acres transported land 4½ miles from Bartica Rock, Quarry, Forestry, Agriculture. Contact Mark: 603-1266; 6259788 Friendship house lot for saleCall: 692-8513, 223-0733 Farmland at Ruby Back about 6 minutes from Public Road, fully cultivated with bearing fruit trees, price negotiable –Call: 617-4078 Luxury Gated CommunityMall, Pool, intelligent security system, well, solar. Selling @ 6USD per Sq.ft – Call: 609-0783
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 1-RZ Minibus BTT, Hardly worked; fully loaded, rims, USB Deck, A/C, excellent condition - $2.1M negotiable –Phone: 617-9143/ 660-8160 Timber Tack 450 B log skidder, imported from the USA, scrap Nissan pickup – Call Richard: 609-7675, 674-1705; 233-2614 1-192 Carina alarm, A/C, music deck, working condition$750,000 negotiable, PLL/HC series now, owner leaving country –Tel: 687-3241 2013 Mercedes C250 turbo AMG coupe, retractable glass top, mileage 15K, alcantara leather interior, brush aluminum acc- Call: 650-5136 Toyota Bus (pit-bull) 2008 model, AC, TV/DVD/NAVI, excellent condition -$2.7M negotiable, serious enquiries -Call: 690-4373; 639-4165 2008 FIELDER -$2.5M, 2008 RACTIS -$2.44M, CARINA 212 -$1.9M, NEVER REGISTERED & FULLY LOADED VEHICLES –TEL: 617-2891 1 Mitsubishi Canter, 14 Ft Tray, price negotiable –Tel: 619-6267 1 Ford F350 Pickup, extended cab, 4X4 Diesel, excellent condition, fully loaded, 6" lift kit, 1 Chevy Van –Call: 6105370 Chevrolet 2006 Silverado 1500 4WD pickup automatic – unregistered -$5.5M – Contact: 687-6884
Land for sale in Diamond/ Grove with 30ftX40ft lone foundation complete –Tel: 624-2857
Toyota Fielder Wagon, year 2004, good condition – Contact: 694-6157; 216-0209
Parfaite Harmonie - $1M & $1.4M, new Herstelling (110ftX60ft) -$3M –Tel: 6117223; 604-2207
Toyota Fortuner, 2012, 16,000 KMS, Automatic $16.5M –Tel: 688-5554; 6000979
1 Toyota Pickup GRR 9565 & 1 ATV motor bike- Call: 660-0422 212 HC 76 Price- $900,000 Negotiable –Contact: 6646232; 658-0960 1 Toyota Raum Excellent condition, AC, recently sprayed -$1.1M negotiable, 1 IST Excellent Condition, AC, rims - $1.3M –Contact: 6429755 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M. Tel: 625-5461. 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 629-4017 Transported Property @ Grove/Diamond, 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained, concrete fence, grilled store room & Shed, (45X26) – Call: 660-1353, 216-4338 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 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities – $45M NEG. Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 2-Two storey concrete & timber properties on single plot @ Newtown Kitty Sale by owner $75M (GYD) – Call: 643-7061/ 673-8721 2 Flat furnished building, 4 bedrooms @ New Amsterdam, lot: 50X100ftTel: 333-2915, 624-5567 2 Storey concrete property for sale at 2nd Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.D- Tel: 674-9266 or 686-9248 House & land for sale @ D Edward, W.C.Berbice -$5M Call: 222-3393 Stabroek! Brickdam & Winter Place, Corner lot (North Western) with building $75M, Diamond- $2.5M, GME Realty –Tel: 231-2199, 6187483
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 1 Toyota Black Voxy with Chrome rims PTT - Contact: 253-3233; 651-4242; 6002691 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 45 Feet boat with 1000lbs, nylon seine, 40 Yamaha engine with icebox –Call: 6722135 Instock subject to being unsold; 1,000 - 10,000 watts; Complete Solar Units- Mr. Beepat – 600 - 5253 One Mitsubishi Canter; Good condition; 2.5 ton, has dumper; $1.9M negotiableTel: 612-1848 Samsung S4 original Phone in excellent condition, unlocked, no issues – asking $55,000-Tel: 2260011/ 666-4634 One stall Stabroek market, 37½ Acre Farm land, Kuru Kuru – Laluni, ideal for chicken farm also –Call: 6791157, 225-7794 New Blackberry bold 4 $20,000 or best offer –Tel: 675-3062 D4H CAT bulldozer, Leyland DAF 55 Tipper truck, 20 lengths- plastic sheet piles– 1930 front end Contact: 2750538; 683-7225 Pile driv i n g h a m m e r s , w e i g h t 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 Toyota 2L Turbo Diesel engine + automatic transmission, all in working condition, price negotiable – Tel: 617-4078 1 Generic Electric Start -7000 EXL, 1 Stainless Steel plucking machine –Contact Harry: 661-2652 or 679-0567 ACCOMODATION Specials on room! Free breakfast, Wi-Fi luxuriously & comfortably @ Signature Inn, 82 Laluni Street, Georgetown –Tel: 2262145; 227-5037
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 Continued on page 31
Thursday July 30, 2015
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Glimmer of hope for banned Rajasthan Royals cricketers ESPNcricinfo - The Delhi court’s decision to drop the charges against Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan has not only indicated that the case against the cricketers was weak but also that spot- and match-fixing cannot be punished under the Indian penal code. On 25 July, an additional sessions judge in Delhi discharged 42 individuals accused of having been involved in a systematic racket to bet on, and fix, cricket matches during the sixth edition of the IPL. The list of those acquitted included three cricketers who had participated in that season’s IPL: Sreesanth, Ajit
Neena Bansal Krishna’s judgment has not only lifted the charges against the cricketers, but has also brought to light a void that prevents the Indian state from effectively punishing those guilty of match and spot fixing. In all, Judge Krishna’s ruling makes three telling points. First, even assuming the three cricketers were involved in spot-fixing, there was no evidence on show to establish their nexus with bookies and brutes, as was alleged. Second, the offence of spot fixing - and, for that matter, match fixing - is not specifically punishable under any Indian penal law. Third, it was impossible to
Krishna’s judgment, the prosecution had produced very little evidence to show that Chandila had actually received, and had later returned, these sums of money from the bookies. Their only proof was Bhatia’s statement, which, extraordinary as it was, was later retracted by him. What’s more, there was no evidence offered showing any direct link between Chandila and Dawood and Shakeel, the alleged masterminds of the criminal syndicate. Chavan’s case was based on similarly tenuous ground. The prosecution had claimed he had received INR 60 lakhs to perform poorly in
convinced him to accept money in return for conceding 14 runs in a specific over. But, the court held, none of the evidence that the prosecution had presented pointed towards Sreesanth’s guilt. The only fact that was even remotely incriminating, according to Judge Krishna, was a conversation between Janardhan and a bookie, Chandresh Patel. Here, Janardhan tells Patel: “[Sreesanth] is a little stubborn about this. He is playing after a long time and he is risking time … maine usko samjha diya [I’ve explained to him,] but he did not want to take risk.” This conversation, according to
From page 30
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The future remains uncertain for Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan with respect to their involvement in cricket © BCCI Chandila and Ankeet Chavan. The trio has now been exonerated of all criminal charges levied against them, including those under the draconian Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 [MCOCA]. Their prospects of returning to cricket, while unclear, are certainly enhanced by the judgment. Even in 2013, when the Delhi Police first charged the three cricketers under the MCOCA, its intentions appeared extraordinary. The MCOCA is a special law enacted to counter the dangers of serious organised crime. To think that a cricketer, even one who might have taken money to throw matches, could be involved actively in a criminal syndicate that included, among others, notable underworld dons Dawood Ibrahim and Chota Shakeel, was fanciful, if not incongruous. But that, in substance, was the primary claim of the Delhi Police. Now, more than two years after these allegations surfaced, Judge
conclude based on available evidence that the three cricketers had, in fact, taken money in exchange for performing any specific feat on the cricket field. Each of these findings is instructive. Though the allegations against the three cricketers are distinct on facts, a common thread runs through all of them: a woeful lack of corroborative testimony, which ultimately crippled the prosecution’s claims. In Chandila’s case, the state relied almost entirely on a confessional statement by an individual, Sunil Bhatia, who was purportedly a henchman with links to a number of gangsters involved in the business of fixing cricket matches. Bhatia had claimed Chandila had been gifted money with specific instructions to underperform, at least, on two separate occasions. Both these times, not only did Chandila fail to flounder to the satisfaction of the bookies, but he also returned the sums allegedly paid to him. According to Judge
a match involving his team, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians on May 15, 2013. But, according to Judge Krishna, there was no direct evidence that was produced, to show that Chavan actually received this sum of money. Additionally, she ruled, the claims made by his team, the Rajasthan Royals, that they felt cheated by Chavan’s actions were incapable of being considered as any proof that he truly underperformed against Mumbai Indians. The entire case against Chavan, therefore, the court held, was conjectural, and completely unsupported by any corroboration. In the court’s opinion, the allegations against Sreesanth were also equally unfounded. The prosecution’s case against Sreesanth was built on a series of intercepted phone calls between the cricketer and an individual, P Jiju Janardhan, and between Janardhan and various alleged bookies. According to the police, Janardhan was a close friend of Sreesanth and had
Judge Krishna, showed, if anything, that Sreesanth had refused to partake in any form of spot fixing. What’s more, none of the conversations between Janardhan and Sreesanth, according to the court, established any direct link between the pair and Dawood and Shakeel. In spite of these acquittals, the path back to active cricket for Chandila, Chavan and Sreesanth is far from assured. The bans imposed against the trio by the BCCI represent actions independent of criminal prosecution. They are sanctions that flow from the board’s own internal rules and regulations, including the IPL’s Anti-Corruption Code. Unlike criminal law, the standard of proof required to establish wrongdoing under these bylaws is far less onerous. The BCCI would not be required to show beyond all reasonable doubt that the cricketers had indulged in prohibited acts, but would merely have to prove that a preponderance of probabilities points towards such illegality.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 30, 2015
Authorities examine plane debris found off Africa, caution over links to MH370 France’s air crash investigation agency is studying a piece of plane debris found on Reunion Island off the east coast of Africa but it was too early to say if it came from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, a spokesman said yesterday. The BEA spokesman said the part had not been identified. Aviation experts
said that based on photographs of the debris it appeared to be a wing flap. No trace has been found of MH370, which disappeared in March last year carrying 239 passengers and crew from Kuala Lumpur, bound for Beijing, in what has become one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history. Most of the passengers were Chinese.
Search efforts for the Boeing 777, led by Australia, have focused on a broad expanse of the southern Indian Ocean off Australia. “At this point in time, the BEA is studying the information on the airplane part found in La Reunion, in coordination with our Malaysian and Australian colleagues, and with the judicial authorities,” the BEA
spokesman said in an email. “The part has not yet been identified and it is not possible at this hour to ascertain whether the part is from a B777 and/or from MH370.” The Associated Press reported late on Wednesday that a U.S. official had said investigators have a “high degree of confidence” that debris found in the Indian Ocean is from a Boeing 777. Reunion Island is French Indian Ocean territory. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it
was working with Boeing. “We’ve received some pictures of the item and we are having them assessed by the manufacturers as to what they may be,” ATSB spokesman Joe Hattley told Australian Associated Press. Boeing said it would not comment on the photos. The BBC quoted an aviation security expert who said the part had “incredible similarities” to a wing flap from a Boeing 777. But the BBC also noted that there had been other
crashes much closer to the island. The part is roughly 22.5 meters in length, according to pictures of the debris. A local official on Reunion cautioned about rushing to conclusions. “People are getting ahead of themselves over this,” Eric Chesneau, an officer in the air transport police, told Reuters in response to speculation on social media. “It is more than likely plane debris, (but) we don’t know what exact part it may be.”
Thursday July 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
It will be difficult for Jamaica to change human trafficking ranking, says US (Jamaica Gleaner) The United States is insisting that it will be difficult for Jamaica to improve on its human trafficking ranking without more convictions. The US was reacting to Jamaica’s concerns over its 2015 human trafficking report which maintained Jamaica for the second straight year on the Tier 2 watch list. Jamaica’s Tier 2 ranking means that the country does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking although significant efforts are being made to do so. The Jamaican government has said the report is unfair because it carried out significant efforts over the past year to combat the crime which should have resulted in an improved ranking. However, acting public affairs officer at the US Embassy in Kingston, Rebecca Molinoff, says while those efforts are acknowledged, it is important that standards are applied objectively. She told The Gleaner/ Power 106 News Centre this morning that it will be diffi-
cult for any improvement in ranking without more convictions and sentences that fit the crime. Molinoff says the US has recognised some of the challenges in building cases and this is why America is helping local courts to use video technology that will make it easier for witnesses to give evidence. Jamaica has said it does not have control over decisions of the court
adding that due process in criminal cases is a Constitutional guarantee. Meanwhile, the US Embassy representative is rejecting the allegations by the Jamaican Government that many of the claims in this year’s report lacked supporting evidence. According to Molinoff, all the claims in the report are substantiated.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 30, 2015
Act in public’s interest, shun corruption, DPP advises new JPs (Jamaica Observer) Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn has chided public officers who have failed to act in the interest of the public. Speaking Tuesday at a commissioning ceremony for 52 new justices of the peace (JP) in Kingston, Llewellyn said pubic officers sometimes forget their mandate — to represent the public. “Too many times a lot of us in the public light fall in love with the title and the rank and forget [we represent] people who cannot have a microphone in front of them, who don’t have a writer’s pen to write a column, and who are not editors whether of the electronic media or the written media; it is these people who just want you to explain [the various issues to them],” Llewellyn said. “It is not easy being an officer who has to operate in the public domain, where, although most times the media can be kind, on the occasion when they are ready to put you in the centre of the storm you have to have a broad back and remember that you are not serving yourself, you are serving the public’s interest,” Llewellyn said. She said that in order to keep herself “grounded”, she does daily introspection, where she questions whether, as an officer of the public, she is acting efficiently. “Every now and again I
will ask myself the question: ‘Is the public interest being truly served by persons engaged in the service of the public? Am I, Paula Vanessa Llewellyn, serving the public interest?’ I have to make decisions from time to time, and I introspect everyday and make sure that I have a very small circle of good friends, and certainly my colleagues at the office, that keep me grounded,” she said. The DPP told the new JPs to make themselves available to the public and see themselves as acting in the public’s interest. “We talk about communication. If it is that somebody comes to you and is seeking to issue an invitation to you, or to persuade you to do that which your integrity would obviously obligate you not to do, make sure that you explain; don’t just run them, because you’re doing a public service. Explain what your commission is all about, and explain why what they’re asking you to do is wrong,” she told the JPs. “You have to be prepared to ignore certain invitations. You have to be prepared to be unpopular. You have to be prepared to be on the negative receiving end of an editor who may be misinformed. You have to be prepared to be in the mouth of some columnist who doesn’t even know what he is writing about. And, most importantly,
you have to have the sort of self-discipline... and the type of commitment and integrity of service...” she said. Outlining the repercussions of an involvement in criminal and corrupt activities, the DPP told the JPs that it’s best to avoid corruption, as it would be disastrous to them. She encouraged them to shut the door in the face of corruption when people invite them to partake in dishonest actions. “You have to make sure that no ‘buddy boy’ system, no amount of cronyism, no amount of nepotism, [and] no friendship should be allowed to prevail to cause you to withdraw your integrity in the assessment of any matter that you’re dealing with,” she said.“If you cannot stand the heat, then you have to get out of the kitchen, because this particular remit that I have, and your remit too, is not for the faint-hearted, because you have to be able to say no, if that is what is appropriate,” she told the officers.Custos of Kingston Steadman Fuller presided over the ceremony as the JPs took their oath of office and allegiance after a month in training.The JPs were presented with their writs and commissions and were encouraged by the custos to remember the three areas that he considered relevant to the role — volunteerism, service and empowerment.
CCTVfootage, recaptured Selby key to case…
Senior guards under scrutiny (Trinidad Guardian) Prisoners Allan “Scanny” Martin, Hassan Atwell and Christopher Selby allegedly brokered a million-dollar deal with senior prison officers to secure their freedom from the Port-of-Spain prison last Friday. The two senior prison officers are alleged to have been directly involved in the plot that eventually sprung the three prisoners but subsequently ended in the deaths of Martin, Atwell and police officer PC Sherman Maynard. According to an intelligence source, police and prisons officials probing the case have received information that guns, ammunition and an undisclosed amount of cash were smuggled into the prison minutes before the planned escape was executed. It is believed that the items were smuggled in during a special visit by a junior prison officer. The T&T Guardian also received information that at the time of the prison break, one of the key men charged for Dana Seetahal’s, SC, murder was about to get a visit. A third senior prison officer is also closely being monitored by security officials for his possible link to the Jamaat-al-Muslimeen. It is alleged that this prison officer may be responsible for smuggling contraband items, including arms, ammunition, money and cellphones, into the prison for prisoners con-
nected to the Jamaat-al-Muslimeen. Speaking to the T&T Guardian last night, another intelligence source said the investigating team was looking closely at sevenminute video taken from CCTV footage at the facility which actually shows the identities of some of the prison officers believed to have some sort of knowledge that the prison break was about to go down. Up to Tuesday, several guards at the Portof-Spain prison had already been interviewed by investigating police and prison officials. A prison source, who wished not to be identified, yesterday questioned the nature of the prison break, noting it was too well planned for the escapees not to have had help from the inside. The source said: “If this wasn’t planned how come the prisoners were not handcuffed? How come no body receipts were made? “Body receipts are given when one prisoner is being moved from one section of the prison to another section. For instance, if someone comes to visit a prisoner, the name is given to prison officers at the front section, who will then call the cell block to speak with officers there. “They will alert the prisoner and give them time to get ready for the visit. The prisoner will then be taken out of the cell handcuffed and brought to another set of officers.
Thursday July 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Russia vetoes bid to set up Afghanistan says Taliban tribunal for downed flight MH17 leader dead, urges peace talks
Police carry a piece of debris from an unidentified aircraft found off the coast of Reunion Island.
Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council draft resolution yesterday that would have set up an international tribunal to prosecute those suspected of downing a Malaysia Airlines passenger airliner last year in eastern Ukraine. Eleven countries on the 15-member council voted in favor of the proposal by Malaysia, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium and Ukraine, while three countries abstained: China, Angola and Venezuela. A resolution needs nine votes in favor to pass and no veto by Russia, the United States, China, Britain or France. Flight MH17 was shot down in July 2014 with 298 passengers on board, twothirds of them Dutch. It crashed in Ukrainian territory held by Russian-backed separatists. “Those responsible may believe that they can now hide behind the Russian Federation’s veto. They will not be allowed to evade justice,” Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told the council. There were 39 Australians on board flight MH17. She said Australia, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Belgium and Ukraine would now seek an alternative prosecution mechanism. Ukraine and Western countries accuse the rebels in eastern Ukraine of shooting down the plane with a Rus-
sian-made missile. But Moscow has rejected accusations it supplied the rebels with SA11 Buk anti-aircraft missile systems. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, told the council that “no veto will stand in the way of this heinous crime being investigated and prosecuted.” “Efforts to deny justice only intensify the pain of the victims’ families, who have already endured more than any of us can fathom,” she said “It is the effect of Russia’s veto today.” Russia had proposed its own rival draft resolution, which pushed for a greater U.N. role in an investigation into what caused the downing of the aircraft and demanded justice, but it would not have set up a tribunal. Russian U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said it was premature to set up an international tribunal. He said the draft resolution was submitted for a vote by Malaysia and its co-sponsors with the knowledge that it would be vetoed. “This in our view indicates the fact that political purposes were more important for them than practical objectives. This of course is regrettable,” Churkin said. “Russia stands ready to cooperate in the conduct of a full, independent and objective investigation of the rea-
sons and circumstances of the crash.” Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders said the case had been made for a prosecution mechanism that transcended politics. “I find it incomprehensible that a member of the Security Council obstructs justice in a tragedy that has affected so many. Impunity will give a very dangerous signal,” he said. Malaysia, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium and Ukraine are conducting a criminal inquiry in the downing of MH17. Separately, a final report on the cause of the crash is due in October from the Dutch Safety Board. On July 21, 2014, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution that demanded that those responsible “be held to account and that all states cooperate fully
Afghanistan said yesterday that Mullah Omar, the elusive leader of the Taliban movement fighting to topple the government, died more than two years ago. The announcement came a day or so before a second round of peace talks had been tentatively scheduled, and news of the fate of the oneeyed Omar could deepen Taliban divisions over whether to pursue negotiations with Kabul and who should replace him. Omar had not been seen in public since fleeing when the Taliban was toppled from power by a U.S.-led coalition in 2001, and there has been speculation for years among militant circles that he was either incapacitated or had died. “The government ... based on credible information, confirms that Mullah Mohammad Omar, leader of the Taliban, died in April 2013 in Pakistan,” the presidential palace said in a brief statement, without specifying what the information was. “The government of Afghanistan believes that grounds for the Afghan peace talks are more paved now than before, and thus calls on all armed opposition groups to seize the opportunity and join the peace process.” The Taliban’s regular spokesman could not be reached for comment through normal channels. The White House said it was aware of reports of the death of Omar and believed them to be “credible.” Spokesman Eric Schultz said U.S. intelligence continued to look into the matter.
Mullah Omar Preparations had been under way for the next round of talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, provisionally planned for Thursday or Friday in a location yet to be confirmed. President Ashraf Ghani is keen to broker a settlement with the insurgents, who have been gaining territory in pockets of the country and intensifying their attacks on military and political targets. Thousands of civilians and security personnel are killed each year in the violence, which has worsened since NATO withdrew most of its forces from the country at the end of 2014. Schultz called on the Taliban to end the bloodshed. “They can accept the government of Afghanistan’s invitation to join a peace pro-
cess ... or they can choose to continue fighting Afghans and destabilizing their own country,” he said. Omar’s death may not affect Taliban operations on the ground, but it is likely to intensify an internal tussle to replace him. The Taliban is already split between senior figures who support talks with Kabul to end the 13-year war and those who want to continue to fight for power. A senior Afghan Taliban commander based in neighboring Pakistan said Omar had died of natural causes, although he did not specify when. “We are at a crossroads, and it will take some time to resolve this (leadership) issue,” the militant said. He added that a faction within the Taliban wanted one of Omar’s sons to take over, while another favored the promotion of political leader Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, who has been among those who support peace talks. BRUTALREGIME Michael Kugelman, a senior associate for South and Southeast Asia at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, said Omar’s death would explain his silence when NATO troops withdrew and when Ghani’s government took power.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 30, 2015
Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition...
Christianburg/Wismar, Chase Academy reach final Three-time defending champion Christianburg/ Wismar once again subjected nemesis Waramadong to another year of misery after cruising to a comfortable 4-0 win in the feature semi-final game of this year’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition yesterday, at Leonora. The victory meant that they’ve now reached the final on five consecutive occasions and should start as firm favourites to retain their title. Earlier, Chase Academy beat Annai 3-1 in a battle of two teams who were appearing in their first
- Annai and Waramadong to contest third place national semi-finals and will now go up against the Lindeners for the title on Sunday, at the National Stadium. In the highly anticipated feature game, Christianburg/ Wismar silenced the large gathering of supporters of Waramadong after five minutes when mid-fielder Dequan Hercules’ tame cross from the left side trickled through the nervous hands of the opposing goalkeeper into the back of the net. It was a positive start for the Lindeners and definitely
not the kind of start that Waramadong had hoped for. Omar Brewley then commenced his destruction when he scored the first of a brace in the 17th minute after firing into the right side of the goal following a pinpoint pass that left him one –n one with the goalkeeper. He returned ten minutes later to give his team a handy 3-0 lead after being left unmarked from a cross from centrefield. Waramadong looked solid in centrefield, creating some neat buildups, but Amaniki
Thursday July 30, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Take care of yourself or you can expect to suffer from minor illness. You will be viewed as a sensitive, compassionate individual and others will ask you for advice. Don't let your partner put you down. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Do something special for them. You can learn from those who have had similar experiences. Your ability to charm others will bring added popularity. GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) Try to stay calm, and whatever you do, don't nag. They won't pay you back and you'll be upset. Friends and relatives may not understand your needs. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Travel will be favorable. Resist overspending on luxury items. You're in the mood to spend money. Any contributions you make to organizations will enhance your reputation and bring you offers. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Put your thoughts into action. Avoid being intimately involved with clients or colleagues. You'll be surprised how much you can accomplish. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Accept the inevitable and continue to do your job. Be careful when using machinery or electrical equipment. Pleasure trips will be most enjoyable and should lead to new and lasting friendships.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Pamper yourself today. It may not be the best time to socialize with clients or colleagues today. Don't be too hard on your mate. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) You need to do more research before you make your final decision. Involvement in fitness clubs will be conducive to engaging romantic connections. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Eliminate situations that are no longer to your advantage. Enjoy a quiet dinner for two and discuss some of the plans you have for the future. Trips will be favorable for business as well as pleasure. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Your talent will be recognized. Avoid getting too close to coworkers or employers. Make plans to mix business with pleasure. Dinner with clients or business associates should be successful. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) New romantic relationships will develop through group activity related to sports events. You might have a problem juggling your time. You will be able to dazzle others with your obvious charm and your outgoing nature. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Moves or the possibility of having someone different living with you may be difficult at first. Put your efforts into making changes to your domestic scene.
Buntin and company were too strong in the air and the ground and effectively shut down several threatening plays to head to the break with 3-0 advantage and one foot already in the final. Waramadong was presented with a wonderful opportunity to pull one back after being awarded a penalty for a foul inside the box, but the usually efficient Ashton Ward’s spot kick which was sent down the middle was competently saved by the dependable Tevin Crawford to keep their advantage
intact. With Christianburg/ Wismar players appearing to tire, Waramadong lifted the tempo and won three consecutive corners, but again Buntin and company was equal to the task, erasing every attempt. Kendolph Lewis, who has been in prolific form recently, eventually notched his name on the scoresheet when he was sent through from centrefield and he delivered a fierce low shot past a hapless goalkeeper in the 85th minute. The scoreline stayed that way until the final whistle sounded. Chase Academy were
equally impressive in their march to the final with Ryan Hackett and Jaleel Hamilton netting in the 39th and 85th minutes respectively, while an own goal in the 44th minute completed their tally. Garville Daniels’ 33rd minute strike had briefly given Annai the lead. Annai sent their supporters into frenzy when he raced on to a ball thrown in from the left side, before firing past the goalkeeper. The goal seemed to ignite a strong reaction from Chase Academy as Hackett, Kelsey Benjamin and Andre Trotz raided with much frequency, before Hackett scored. It started with a weighted pass from Benjamin, who found Hackett on the right side and the stocky youngster eased past his marker to fire into the right side of the goal and level the proceedings at 1-1. They then took the lead on the stroke of half time courtesy of an own goal when a cross from the left side was inadvertently booted into the goal by a defender. Five minutes before full time Hamilton took full advantage of a weak clearance to unleash a powerful shot past the goalkeeper to seal the win and a place in the final.
Russia handed FIBA... From page 41 country’s laws. If the court implements a ruling, we need to enforce it. I can’t understand what the problem is.” The RBF’s general secretary Andrei Arkhangelsky said that the organization would have an opportunity to get the suspension reversed at a FIBA meeting in August. “During FIBA’s Central Commission’s meeting in Tokyo from Aug. 8-9 we must try and find a way out of this situation. If this is approved by the federation, the disqualification will be rescinded,” he said.
Thursday July 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 37
SCHAEFER REACTS PMTC/Jumbo Jet ninth annual TO TROUBLESOME Guyana Cup set for August 16 WORLD CUP DRAW Says Boyz must get better to qualify for Russia
Turfites will be in for an exciting day of activities when the Port Mourant Turf Club in collaboration with Jumbo Jet Auto Sales stages its ninth annual Guyana Cup on Sunday August 16 at Port Mourant race track starting from 12:00 hrs. Eleven (11) races are carded for the day with the feature event being the A1 and Lower which goes for a distance of 1800m and carries a total prize package of $7.5 million. Speaking at the launching which was attended by President of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority Vic Ouditt, Digicel Events and Sponsorship Manager Gavin Hope, Banks DIH Limited Outdoor Events Manager Gavin Jodhan and Water Brand Manager Errol Nelson, Director of Sport Christopher Jones said that the Government of Guyana has committed to the development of horseracing and congratulated the organizers. “Noting the fact that this is the ninth year of running, it shows that the organisation has the capacity to coordinate the event, of course we know there are corporate sponsors and I would like to commend them as well.” “The Government is very supportive of the Guyana Cup and of course in whatever way we can the Government is prepared to
lend its support,” Jones said. Ouditt pointed out that the Guyana Cup has brought the sport to a new level. “We are very happy that Jumbo Jet continues to host this event. They have brought the sport to a new level in terms of the quality of horses that have been imported,” he added. Race coordinator Nazrudeen Mohammed Jr said this event is the largest in Guyana, and jockeys and stables across the Caribbean do look forward to it. Hope informed that Digicel has been associated with this meet for a number of years. “We would contribute to the development of any sport. This event is one of the biggest event and we will continue to support it,” he said, adding that they want to see the sport attain new heights. Nelson expressed gratitude to the organizers for having Banks DIH on board. He stated that their continued sponsorship demonstrates the entity’s commitment towards the development of the sport. Meanwhile, interested horse owners are required to deposit a 50 percent non-refundable fee by August 8. The balance of entries must be paid in full on or before race day.
Brady blasts NFL‘Deflategate’... Head Coach Winfried Schaefer (right) discusses strategy with assistant Miguel Coley while video analyst Carlos Garcia looks on during the Copa America tournament in Chile. (PHOTO: GARFIELD ROBINSON) Jamaica Observer FLORIDA, USA — Head Coach Winfried Schaefer did not have to say it, because it’s clear as day. If Jamaica should get by Central American minnows Nicaragua in a two way World Cup qualifying tie starting in Kingston on September 4, they would find themselves in arguably the group of death. The return leg will be played on September 8 in Managua, the Nicaraguan capital. Awaiting Jamaica in that group of the CONCACAF qualifiers are Costa Rica and Panama. But like Jamaica, Haiti will have an allCaribbean tie to earn their spot in the group. Assuming that Haiti and Jamaica are successful in their play-offs, then the stage is set for royal battles for places in the fourth round of the CONCACAF qualification tournament. Group A consists of Mexico, Honduras and the winners of the Curacao vs El Salvador, and Canada vs Belize encounters. Group B has Costa Rica, Panama, and the winners of Jamaica vs Nicaragua, and Haiti vs Granada, while Group C comprises USA, Trinidad and Tobago and the winners of the St Vincent and the Grenadines vs Aruba, and Antigua and Barbuda vs
Guatemala. The top two teams from each of the three groups will advance to the fifth and final round, a six-team mini-league where the top three teams qualify for the Russia World Cup Finals, and the fourth team goes into an intercontinental play-off. “It’s a very difficult group… Panama beat the USA too (in Gold Cup thirdplace match), and there is Costa Rica and Haiti, oh my God,” Schaefer said, weighing in on the prospects. “We will need our best team and our best players for the qualification, and now we have made a very good step in our performance, we have to keep this (the momentum), we must not have stagnation, we can’t go back as we have to work more,” he added. Schaefer, who steered the Reggae Boyz to a historic second-place finish in the CONCACAF Gold Cup to Mexico in Philadelphia on Sunday, admitted that he knows little of Nicaragua, but says research on them has to be a priority. “I don’t know Nicaragua, maybe they have the same fight like El Salvador, we need to get information on them, but I believe in our team,” he said. Meanwhile, assistant coach Miguel Coley said Jamaica will have to be at their full strength against the
littleknown Central Americans, and is fully aware that a slipup could ruin the Russia 2018 World Cup dream. “We have to take care of business against Nicaragua and it’s important for us to win both games, especially to get a good result away,” he said. Should Jamaica overcome Nicaragua, then their work would have just begun because three monstrous obstacles await them, if logical permutations were to play out. In the Gold Cup, Jamaica had faced Costa Rica in a 2-2 draw, and they had to fight perhaps the toughest battle against Haiti in the quarterfinals, a game they won 1-0. “If you look in terms of the Gold Cup, all of those team teams (Costa Rica, Panama, Haiti) were in the quarterfinals, so it will be a tough and competitive group and it will be important that in our first three games we get some good results,” said Coley. “If you noticed Panama, they went to the final of the previous Gold Cup against the USA and they didn’t make it out of the World Cup qualifiers, so we have to take note of that. This is not the time to celebrate (reaching the Gold Cup final), but we have to keep working hard and smart,” he said.
From page 42 investigators. The commissioner said Brady’s conduct suggested he was attempting to conceal evidence. But Brady insisted on Wednesday there was nothing nefarious about the phone’s destruction. As a member of the players union, he said, he was under no obligation to hand the phone to investigators. And he said he was never told that failing to do so would result in any discipline. Brady said he replaced his broken Samsung phone with a new iPhone 6 after his attorneys made clear to the NFL that his phone would not be subjected to investigation. Brady, a four-time Super Bowl champion, denied his phone, which the NFL said held some 10,000 text messages, contained any damning evidence. “I have never written, texted, emailed to anybody at anytime, anything related to football air pressure before this issue was raised at the AFC Championship game in January,” Brady wrote, referring to the American Football Conference game won by the Patriots. Goodell initially leveled the penalty on Brady after a 243-page report from attorney Ted Wells, whom the NFL hired to investigate the matter. Wells said the scheme to deflate the footballs was carried out by two Patriots employees. Under NFL rules at the time, the home team took possession of game balls before kickoff. The investigators said he
determined that Brady probably knew about the alleged scheme largely on the basis of text messages between the employees that implied the quarterback was aware of the plan to deflate the footballs. ‘ZERO EVIDENCE’ Brady on Wednesday said the finding was unfair because there was no direct evidence to support it. “There is no ‘smoking gun,’ and this controversy is manufactured to distract from the fact they have zero evidence of wrongdoing,” the 37year-old quarterback said in his post. The NFL players union said it would now take the case to federal court to have the suspension, which amounts to a fourth of the season, overturned. The allegations of tampering surfaced during New England’s 45-7 rout of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC title game in January. Weather conditions on game day in a Boston suburb Boston were raw, and a ball deflated below league standards might have been easier for a quarterback like Brady to grip. The victory enabled the
Patriots to advance to the Super Bowl, where the team defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 to claim the NFL championship. Kraft said on Wednesday he regretted accepting the “harshest penalty in history of NFL” when he chose not to appeal a $1 million fine imposed on the team for its alleged role in the scandal. Goodell also ordered the club to surrender two draft choices, including the team’s coveted No. 1 pick next year. “I truly believe what I did in May, given the actual evidence of the situation and the league’s history on discipline matters, would make it much easier for the league to exonerate Tom Brady,” Kraft said. “Unfortunately, I was wrong.” If the NFL’s decision is upheld in court, the Patriots will have to overcome the loss of Brady until Oct. 18 when, ironically, they face the Colts. Head coach Bill Belichick on Wednesday declined to get into the fray concerning Brady, saying the club will prepare for the season like it always has. “We’re going to take it day by day,” he said.
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James Anderson burst helps England take charge BBC Sport - England bounced back from their Lord’s humiliation to seize control of the third Ashes Test in an astonishingly one-sided day first day at Edgbaston. Feeding off the passion of a boisterous crowd at the venue where they famously ignited their 2005 Ashes campaign, England bundled out the tourists for 136 on a seaming pitch and reached 133-3 at the close. A potent James Anderson took his best Ashes figures of 6-47, and Steven Finn marked his first Test appearance for two years with the wickets of Steve Smith and Michael Clarke, who had earlier won the toss and chosen to bat. On a day punctuated by short rain delays, the mood of England and their supporters was lifted further still by the sight of Ian Bell flaying the Australia attack around the ground under floodlights in the evening session. Five balls after reaching fifty, however, Bell tossed his wicket away with a needless heave at Nathan Lyon that took a fraction of the gloss off England’s nearperfect day. New match, new England Despite Bell’s frivolousness, England were unrecognisable from the meek outfit that had been bowled out for 103 on the fourth day of the Lord’s Test as Australia romped to the 405-run victory. The tourists, whose innings duration of 36.4 overs
Adam Voges chastises himself for a loose shot as James Anderson celebrates, England v Australia, 3rd Test, Edgbaston, 1st day, July 29, 2015 ©Getty Images
was two balls fewer than England’s at Lord’s, will rue some injudicious shots from their middle order. But on a pitch offering just enough sideways movement and carry to assist their bowlers, England put themselves well on course to take a 2-1 lead in the series with two matches to play. Unselectable to unplayable An ankle injury to Mark Wood gave Finn the
opportunity to play Test cricket for the first time since he was dropped after the first Ashes Test in 2013 and later sent home from the 2013-14 tour down under, having been deemed “unselectable” by then coach Ashley Giles. Some 18 months later, on an overcast morning at Edgbaston, Finn was closer to unplayable as he accounted for Smith and Clarke inside his first three
overs. Smith was caught behind for seven off a gem of a delivery which moved away off the seam, while Clarke was bowled by a superb yorker for 10, making it eight innings since the Australia captain last passed fifty. Looking every inch the bowler who in 2011 became the second fastest Englishman after Ian Botham to take 50 Test wickets, Finn
continued to unsettle the Aussie batsmen with sharp, short balls and fuller deliveries that had them groping outside off stump. With Finn softening up the Australia batsmen from one end, Anderson began knocking them out from the other. In an extraordinary spell of seam bowling after lunch, the Lancashire bowler - who went wicketless at Lord’s took 4-7 in 19 balls to leave Australia in ruins on 94-7. Adam Voges and Mitchell Marsh were both caught behind, Peter Nevill was bowled without playing a shot and Mitchell Johnson edged to fourth slip. Stuart Broad trapped Rogers lbw and found Mitchell Starc’s edge before Anderson bowled Lyon to wrap up a barely believable innings. Misfortune and madness England’s dismissals featured a mixture of bad luck and recklessness on the batsmen’s part. Adam Lyth fell firmly in the latter category as he swiped at a wider ball from Josh Hazlewood and was caught in the slips. Alastair Cook added 57 for the second wicket with Bell, but fell in bizarre circumstances when a fullblooded pull off a Lyon longhop somehow lodged in the arms and belly of Adam Voges at short leg. Bell, promoted to three after Gary Ballance was dropped, delighted his home
crowd as he drove and pulled his way to a half-century off 51 balls. But his attempted assault on Lyon failed miserably as he lost control of his bat and ended up with it dangling from one hand as David Warner ran back from short midwicket to take the catch. State of play - echoes of 1997 England’s plan could not be simpler. Bat for as much of Thursday as possible and build as big a lead as possible to truly underline their supremacy. And with the weather set fair for Thursday and Friday, fans with tickets for the weekend may already be wondering how much cricket they will see. The match is carrying echoes of 1997, when Australia won the toss and chose to bat on the first day of the first Test at Edgbaston but were skittled out for 119. A Nasser Hussain double hundred and Graham Thorpe’s 138 gave England a 360-run first innings lead, and although Australia made 477 in their second innings, Alec Stewart and Michael Atherton steered England to a nine-wicket win. The good omens end there for England fans. Atherton’s side did not win another match until the final Test at The Oval, by which time the Ashes were safely in Australia’s hands. Scores: England 133 for 3 (Bell 53, Lyon 2-3) trail Australia 136 (Rogers 52, Anderson 6-47) by 3 runs.
New-look Sri Lanka aim to unearth rough diamonds
Captain Lasith Malinga will be hoping to find a few exciting prospects from the youngsters included in the squad © PA Photos ESPNcricinfo - Sri Lanka have more-or-less been the top-ranked T20 side in the world since September 2012, but no one will argue that it means much. T20 is the format most international sides forget about for 18 months in each two-year cycle. Sri Lanka are a full 13 rankings points clear
of the next-best side, but have played only one T20I in the 16 months since winning the World T20. But now, with the next World T20 in India on the horizon, sides are again dusting their T20 kits and beginning to put wheels in motion. Sri Lanka are taking
the opportunity to experiment. Five uncapped players have been named in the squad, with captain Lasith Malinga seemingly intent on discovering one or two rough diamonds among them. Pakistan have played it slightly safer, but even they t have uncapped left-arm
seamer Zia-ul-Haq and rookie batsman Nauman Anwar in heir squad. Pakistan have outclassed Sri Lanka in both formats so far, but Sri Lanka have had their moments as well. with the young players often leading the hosts’ good days. But with so much youth in the Sri Lanka side, Pakistan will like their chances of completing their third series victory on tour. Pakistan have also played more T20 cricket in recent months; they recently played Zimbabwe at home, as well as Bangladesh away, and their captain Shahid Afridi is coming off a Caribbean Premier League stint. A few low-key practice matches in Colombo is all the preparation Sri Lanka have had. In the spotlight Nuwan Kulasekara was for so long the most consistent man in Sri Lanka’s seam attack, bringing
disciplined bowling and occasionally vicious inswing to the early overs. A decline in pace accompanied a loss of control, however, and he fell sharply away in the latter half of 2014. He has now been dropped from the Test and ODI teams, and will be desperate to prove he deserves a T20 place at least. Still 33 years old, and generally injury-free, he may see the T20s as his route back into the ODI side as well. Mohammad Rizwan has been a revelation in the ODIs, leading a Pakistan fielding outfit almost unrecognizable from the side that bungled their way around the World Cup, while also producing impactful cameos towards the end of the innings. He did not have much luck in his only T20 international innings so far, falling for 6 in a match in which he also kept wickets, but his natural athleticism and
ability to manoeuvre the ball makes him an exciting prospect. Teams news With so many new names in the Sri Lanka squad, it’s difficult to work out what the final XI might be. Of the uncapped cricketers, legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay and left-arm seamer Binura Fernando appear likeliest to debut. Chamara Kapugedara and Kithuruwan Vithanage are also likely to feature somewhere in the batting order. Pakistan will consider playing left-arm spinning allrounder Imad Wasim, but he may find it difficult to displace Yasir Shah from the side. Mohammad Hafeez will also likely keep his place in the top order after picking up the Player-of-the-Series award for the ODIs. Pitch and conditions The weather is expected to be fine and the pitch, full of runs.
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Hearts of Oak club holds ECCCC fundraiser set for Emancipation Day camp at Manchester Corentyne Aimed at raising funds for the organisation, the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) will on Emancipation Day 2015 (Saturday August 1) stage its annual family fun day, bar-b-que, softball cricket and fair. The event, in its third year, will get cracking at 09:30hrs with four male teams and a similar number of female teams competing in the softball competition. According to a release from the club, apart from the onfield action, patrons will be entertained beyond the boundary by the Caribbean Hotshots Band and Stereo Sound, as well as face painting for the young ones. A well-stocked drink and food bar will be in operation all day, while an instant draw raffle with fabulous prizes will be held. Admission to the venue is free, but spectators will not have the option of taking beverages into the ground, while gambling boards are prohibited. Banks DIH Limited is the major supporter of the day’s activities.
The youths being lectured on the basics of football.
MFA to host Trophy Stall Domino competition tomorrow The Foreign Ministry Office Assistants is set to host the Trophy Stall pre-Emancipation Ministries/Agencies knockout domino competition tomorrow on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Protocol Lawns from 16:00hrs. At stake is the Trophy Stall Trophy for the winners and second placed teams and so far the Presidential Security, Office of the Prime Minister, MFA, the Guyana Forestry Commission A&B teams, NIS, Lands & Survey, Ministry of Public Security and the General Register Office who are the defending champs. The coordinator is James ‘Kool’ Lewis and he can be contacted on telephone number 628-1656 or 672-6179.
Russia handed FIBA ban, Olympic qualification in doubt MOSCOW (Reuters) The Russian Basketball Federation (RFB) has been suspended by governing body FIBA, putting their participation in the 2016 Olympics in doubt. The RFB published a letter from FIBA on their website on Wednesday stating that the Russian federation had been immediately disqualified from competition. This comes after years of instability at the RFB, which culminated in a June court decision that forced the federation to hold new presidential elections. The suspension, if still in place, will rule them out of the European Championship in September, which doubles as a qualifying competition for the Olympics. “Russia’s participation in the European Championship in the autumn and the 2016 Olympics is under a real threat,” the honorary president of the RFB Sergei Chernov told TASS. “We all need to think together how to find a way out of this situation. This includes the RFB, the sports
ministry, the Russian Olympic Committee. They all need to think,” he added. Yulia Anikeeva was elected the RFB’s president in August 2013, but the results of the vote were later contested and a court told the federation to hold new elections. These are due to take place on Aug. 25 and former NBA player Andrei Kirilenko is set to stand as a candidate. FIBA said in their letter that interference in the running of the RFB was behind their decision. That claim was contested by Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, who said they would be prepared to contest the suspension at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. “I will fly there myself to meet with them (FIBA) and take care of the situation. You can’t deal with Russia like this,” Mutko told TASS. “We will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. I don’t see anything that could get in the way of this. Yes the situation is not very nice, but there is no interference. “We live under the (Continued on page 32)
Participants going through their paces during the camp. The Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club of Berbice is in the midst of conducting their 18th annual “Teach Them Young” Football holiday Camp in New Amsterdam. However this did not stop the members of the organization from finding the time to conduct a two day teach them young camp for members of the Central Corentyne areas. The two day activity which was used by the club as part of their aim of spreading the game
throughout Berbice, was successfully held at the Manchester Community Centre, Corentyne Berbice on Wednesday and Thursday last. The activity attracted over 40 youths, both males and females from areas such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Alness among other areas. The youths were eager to learn and were taught the finer points of the game which included both theory and practical. At the practical sessions they were shown the various
ways in receiving, passing, shooting, dribbling, and heading, overlapping, Goalkeeping and throwing, Taking on the Thigh and Chest among other points. They were also schooled in defensive, attacking, overlapping and set playing among other tactics. They also learnt the rules of the game, Discipline, etiquette, good table manners, HIV and AIDS and general education with Physical fitness and fair play being an integral part of the sessions.
The course facilitators were Neil “Grizzly” Humphrey, Kenrick Bowry, Randy Sears, Ecliff Peters among others. According to Coordinator Humphrey, apart from spreading the game, it was to help the youths to better able to appreciate the rules and regulation and improve their knowledge of the game, improve their overall skills and understand sportsmanship and have a better human relationship with others. (Samuel Whyte)
Rodrigues names ‘Lady Jags’ Olympic Qualifying... From page 43 been developing their female players, while also reaching out to their Diasporas for higher level players, so we do not know what to expect from our competition until game day.” The women’s Head Coach is of the opinion that along with his staff, their focus is what Guyana will put on the field with the intention and hope of dictating the game. “We have adopted and trained in a new system of play that’s very exciting and adaptable to whatever our opponents may bring to the field. The players’ procedural
memory was exhausted at the end of the camp. That was part of the camp’s training plan, so that when we kick start that part of the brain on August 20 (training - the day before the first game), their triggers will ignite and get us as close to peak mental and physical performance as possible early in the game,” Rodrigues noted. In the absence of an Internationally friendly, The ‘Lady Jags’ resorted to playing a Georgetown U-17 boys team and the Digicel School’s Football National Champions Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary and despite being out
muscled in the two scrimmages, Rodrigues attributed his team selection to how the players reaction during the two contests and the contribution to the team during encampment. The Head Coach says that he welcomes the high expectation of the team, noting “the team has embraced the fact that everyone’s expectations are based on our achievements in 2010 and rightfully so. It was a great, historical achievement for Guyana Football”. He added however, “while it’s great to reflect and rejoice on the past and the legacies
created and set back then, we must now first and foremost remain focused on what we have to do on August 21 and 23, and that is to win our group to advance.” The Squad: Ashley Rodrigues (Captain) Kayla De Souza, Briana De Souza, Ashlee Savona, Calaigh Copeland, Otesha Charles, Mariam El-Masri, Olivia Gonsalves, Alison Heydorn, Kailey Leila, Chantal Lynch, Kelly Pelz-Butler, Brittany Persaud, Leah-Marie Ramalho, Justine Rodrigues, Martyne Alphonso, Derienne Busby, Ruth George and Chante Sandiford.
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National Blind cricketers get $2.5 Million from Lotto fund Team confident of doing well in St Lucia By Sean Devers The Guyana Blind Cricket Association (GuyBCA) is scheduled to compete in the West Indies Cricket Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WICCBVI) Competition which started yesterday in St Lucia. The Guyana team, which arrived in St Lucia on Tuesday evening after being in-transit in Trinidad, has six B1 players and 31-year-old Vice-Captain Ganesh Singh, a former West Indies blind player and current member of WICCBVI, expressed confidence that the team will give a good account of themselves. We have been doing a lot of work in preparation for this tournament with sessions of the National Gymnasium which we were allowed to use by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and its
Director of Sports Christopher Jones. “The Government provided us with $2.5 million from the Lotto fund while the NSC Bus took us to the airport and will come back to pick us up when we return home and we would like to thank them for their timely assistance,” Singh explained. Singh also informed that the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) also contributed $50,000 and the Guyana Times $100,000 since Singh works at that Media House. Theresa Pemberton is the other Guyanese on WICCBVI and Singh said that although the Regional Body for Blind Cricket in the West Indies would love to cover the cost for air tickets and accommodation for all of the teams they are not in a financial position to do so. Patrick Howard, the
Guyana Blind team at the T&T airport on their way to St Lucia team’s leading batsman over the years has now retired from the game due to ‘bad knees’ and is now the Head Coach
Australia wrong to drop Haddin for third test - Ponting SYDNEY(Reuters) Former captain Ricky Ponting believes Australia were wrong to leave wicketkeeper Brad Haddin out of the team for the third Ashes test and says they will miss his experience. Ponting’s successor Michael Clarke confirmed on Tuesday selectors had decided to retain Peter Nevill as gloveman after Haddin missed the second test to be at his sick daughter’s side in hospital. Like many, Ponting believes the 37-yearold may have played his 66th and final test in the defeat to England in Cardiff which opened the series. “Hadds has been the heart and soul of the team since taking over from Adam Gilchrist,” Ponting wrote in a column in The Australian on Wednesday. “He is a good gloveman, can be an important batsman and he keeps the team on its toes in the field. “He is a hard man and renowned for a bit of chirp but if you look closely the last couple of years he generally has a smile on his face. He loves the game. “He is a broken finger away from recall so this may not be the end for him, but I suspect we won’t see him again and I am a little concerned that the team may miss him more than they expect. I hope I am wrong.” Ponting, while conceding that Nevill was a “good keeper” who “looked tidy” on debut at Lord’s without being “exceptional”, said Haddin’s contribution with the bat in the 5-0 sweep of England in the 2013-4 Ashes series showed his importance. “Brad’s batting has been critical to the team on many occasions but none more so than in the last Ashes. He scored 493 runs at an average of 62 and was just behind David Warner who scored 523 from two more innings,” Ponting added. “It is in a series like that that his experience and value to the team came through. In the hard moments Brad always seemed to dig in.
of the closely knit unit. Howard says the team has benefited from the injection of young blood and because they are unable to participate in many recreational activities as sighted people, the players are eagerly looking forward to this trip. Desmond Fraser, the ‘Adjustment to Blindness Officer’ is going on the trip to ensure the players remains confident and their spirits are
high. Guyana, who have its youngest team this year, have never won a title in the eightyear history of the competition although their best effort was in 2008 when they took the third spot. Jamaica are the defending champions for the 40-over Competition while Trinidad and Tobago won the T20 title last year. Guyana Blind Cricket Team: Ganesh Singh, Relon
Sumner, Kevin Douglas, Anthony Robinson, Crystal Aulder, Musa Haynes, Douglas Tika, Gordon Sandiford, Leroy Phillips, Sean Mitchell, Malita Bailey, Teshawn Rodney, Ceion Rollox, Vishaul Mohabir Officials: Theresa Pemberton (Manager), Patrick Howard (Coach), Cecil Morris (Assistant Coach), Desmond Fraser (Adjustment to Blindness Officer)
Regional Women’s cricket tourney opens next Thursday ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Holders Jamaica will face Barbados at Exchange in the central community of Couva, when the Regional Women’s Super50 Tournament opens on Thursday, August 6 in Trinidad. The Jamaicans captured the title for the fifth time by blowing away Guyana by 218
Australia’s Brad Haddin reacts after dropping a catch from England’s Joe Root. (Reuters / Philip Brown) It is hard to remember him not batting in that series as he was involved in so many important partnerships.” While Ponting was “disappointed” by a decision that did not “sit right” with him, another Australian test great Matthew Hayden was more forthright in his condemnation. “After the hell he’s gone through, it is outrageous that Brad Haddin hasn’t gotten his spot back for the third Ashes test,” the former test opener wrote in a column on news.com.au. “It doesn’t say much for the family-first policy if Brad puts his family first and all of a sudden he’s out. Sometimes the heart has to play a part in selection.”
runs in the Final of the Tournament last year at Windsor Park in the Dominica capital of Roseau. Trinidad & Tobago placed third ahead of Barbados, with St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, St. Lucia and the hosts trailing the field. The Tournament this year fields six teams – Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica
MATCH SCHEDULE Round 1 – Thursday, August 6 Guyana vs North Windwards – National Cricket Centre Jamaica vs Barbados – Exchange South Windwards vs Trinidad & Tobago – Gilbert Park Round 2 – Saturday, August 8 Barbados vs Guyana – Exchange Trinidad & Tobago vs North Windwards – Caldrac South Windwards vs Jamaica – National Cricket Centre Round 3 – Monday, August 10 Guyana vs Trinidad & Tobago – Gilbert Park Barbados vs South Windwards – National Cricket Centre North Windwards vs Jamaica – Exchange Round 4 – Wednesday, August 12 South Windwards vs Guyana – Exchange Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago – National Cricket Centre North Windwards vs Barbados – Caldrac Round 5 – Friday, August 14 Guyana vs Jamaica – Gilbert Park South Windwards vs North Windwards – Exchange Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados – National Cricket Centre The Final – Sunday, August 16 1st vs 2nd – National Cricket Centre
and Trinidad & Tobago as well as composite sides pooling the talent of the North Windward Islands of Dominica and St. Lucia, and the South Windward Islands of Grenada and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Each of the teams will play the other once in a roundrobin competition, featuring five rounds of 50 overs-a-side matches – all played in and around the central Trinidadian community of Couva – with the two teams accumulating the most points qualifying for the Final to determine the winner on Sunday, August 16, at the National Cricket Centre. In the other first round matches of this year’s tournament, Guyana meet North Windwards at the National Cricket Centre and South Windwards tackle host T&T at Gilbert Park. The prize for the players in the tournament is a place in the West Indies Women’s team that will face Pakistan Women in a home series, scheduled from October 10 to November 2 in St. Lucia and Grenada.
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All set for Bush Lot United Emancipation horserace meet Sunday An action packed day of racing is anticipated come Sunday 2nd August when the Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC) holds their first race meet for the year at the club’s track Sea View Park, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice. The activity was pushed back by one week due to inclement weather. With the extra week gained a number of owners, grooms and trainers have used the bonus time to their benefits in fine tuning their animals for the big day which will be the restart of the 2015 racing season. Most of the animals have been able to put in some extra work on the track while a few more entries have been entered for the meet. According to racing pundits, the racing fraternity cannot ask for a better venue to restart the season since the BLUTC has over the years been classified as the most improved track. Eight action packed races are slated for the day with a prize package of over $5.5M up for the taking
which includes cash, trophies and other incentives. Over 60 horses have entered. A number of top class animals have been entered for the meet which will make it even more spectacular. The Feature event is for horses classified ‘C’ and lower with the kind compliments of Beverage Giants Banks DIH Limited for a winning pocket of $1M and trophy over 1600M from a total package of $2M. With most of the top C class horses in the country down to compete with the likes of Spit Fire, Jack in My Style, Diplomatic Cat, Princess She is Not, Unsettled, Bridal Stone Corner and the newly imported Guyana Time among others, the event is expected to be a scorcher. The race for three year old West Indies Bred animals which has a take home pay of $350,000 and trophy, is also expected to be a grueling battle as the animals renew their rivalry with the likes of Strom Bird, Country Girl,
Jack In My Style (right) and Street Prince looking ready during practice for Sunday’s Emancipation Horse race meet at Sea View Park, Bush Lot West Coast Berbice. Keep On Swinging, IT MY Choice, Gold D Cova and Settling Star looking to settle their old score over 1200M. A top notch field that includes Captain Crook, Mansoon Fresh Again, Work Force, Plum Plum, Good Will Boy, Unsettled and Red and Lovely has been entered in the E1 and lower 1500M event for a first prize of $350,000 and trophy. A large field which includes Rosetta, Dream Come through, Precise Gold, Shantal, Honest Penny, Sent From Above, Cat Messiah, Today Is My Lucky day,
Mexico sack coach Miguel Herrera days after Gold Cup win
Miguel Herrera (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Mexico have sacked coach Miguel Herrera less than two days after their Gold Cup win, following allegations that he punched a reporter. The television journalist
says he was hit in the neck and threatened by Herrera at Philadelphia Airport. Incoming Mexican Soccer Federation boss Decio de Maria said the incident was not in keeping with the body’s “spirit of fair and respectful competition”. “Our values, our principles, are above any result,” De Maria said. “In our profession, our industry, the matches are never over, and as public figures who represent an institution we must be absolutely clear on that,” added De Maria, who takes up his post on Saturday. Herrera, 47, led his team to the last 16 of the 2014 World Cup. Mexico have been knocked out of the tournament at the second round stage in all six editions since 1994. He took over in October 2013 when he became Mexico’s fourth manager in six weeks.
National Beach Volleyball teams wing out for Continental Cup competition A six member contingent comprising of two teams made up of two members each, a coach and manager yesterday winged out of Guyana for Ecuador to represent the country in the Continental Cup Beach Volleyball competition played amongst countries in South America. The competition is expected to begin tomorrow. The team comprised of pairs Ian Bagot and Luen David of PMTC and Creston Rodney of PMTC and Kapil Samaroo of
Achievers with coach Levi Nedd and Manager Andrea Flores, Ms Flores is also expected to act as Interpreter. The team which left Guyana around 10:00hrs will travel via Trinidad to Panama then Ecuador and is expected to arrive today. The players were seen off by President of t h e G u y a n a Vo l l e y b a l l F e d e r a t i o n Commander John Flores. They are expected back in Guyana on Tuesday. (Samuel Whyte)
Campador, Princess Page and Bird man are among the horses entered for the G2 and lower race for the winners’ money of $300,000 and trophy over 1300M. The two year old animals will be making their entry into the racing circle with the likes of Firing Time, Jumbo Gift, Maid of the Cat and Willie Poo entered for the 1000M race for Guyana and West Indies bred and born animals for a winning money of $300,000 and trophy.
I and lower and three year old Guyana Bred horses over 1300M will battle for a winning take of $200,000 and trophy which will see the likes of Amazon Warrior, Mary Ann, Secret Escape, Little, Royal Cash and Cat Messiah competing. The J and lower event has the likes of Famous Pride, The Gump, Flying Object, Regina, Secret Escape, Party Time and Little will be competing for a first prize of $180,000 over
1300M. The final event will be for animals classified K and lower over 1300 M for a winning pocket of $140,000 and trophy respectively. Among the entries are Ranch Boy, Amigo, Blue Lightning, Secretariat, Regina, Liquid Lion, C h r o n i c , S i l e n t Warrior, and Plane. Race time is 12:00 hrs. The event will be conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse racing Authority. (Samuel Whyte)
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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 30, 2015
Headquarters take 21-point lead over ‘A’ Division - Benjamin doubles up with Triple Jump win Defending Champions in the Guyana Police Force Inter-Division Championships, Headquarters took a 21point lead against ‘A’ Division yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre on the West Coast of Demerara. Headquarters amassed 196 points to lead ‘A’ Division’s 175 points after 16 Finals on the second day of the competition that concludes tomorrow. ‘C’ Division and ‘B’ Division are trailing in the distance with 58 and 51 points respectively. Jumper, Yoel Benjamin, representing ‘A’ Division sprang to 14.00m in the Men’s Triple Jump to win the event for a field events double after he won the Long Jump on Tuesday. Clarence Greene was second with 13.76m and Kareem Punch third with 13.62m. Headquarters’ Stacey
‘A’ Division’s Yoel Benjamin descends into the pit yesterday in the triple jump competition.
Stacy Wilson Wilson won the Women Javelin Throw with 30.62m ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Nikita Thomas (26.70m) and ‘C’ Division’s Latoya Rodney (26.22m). Nathaniel Giddings clocked 16.51.4 to win the 5000m for Headquarters ahead of Grivon Grant (17.26.0) and Quacy Morian (18.17.9) respectively. Shion
Boyer was the Women 3000m winner for ‘A’ Division with 12.42.1 ahead of Headquarters’, Dellie Williams, who posted 13.35 and Wilson (14.14). Joanna Archer won the 800m Youth Club Girls race in 2:32.9 with Tabitha Bowman (2:41.8) sec second and Kezia Bess (2:46.2) third. Headquarters, Tiffany Carto won the Female 800m in 2:32.4 while Boyer (2:37.1) was second and Williams (2:49.1) third. Bess sprinted to victory
in the Girls’ 200m in 25.7 seconds with Archer (28.3) second and Aaliyah Thompson (31.4) third. Tyrell Peters won the Boys’ race in 23.2 seconds ahead of Ameer Yussuf (23.6) and Coby Scott (24.1). Winston Dummett won the Male ‘B’ Class 800m in 1:59 ahead of Headquarters’, Grivon Grant (2:01.8) and Jayan Johnson (2:03.1) respectively. The competition concludes tomorrow at the same venue.
Brady blasts NFL‘Deflategate’ suspension, denies wrongdoing
K&B Mining, YK Investments continue relations with Boyce/Jefford Classic New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. (Reuters/Lucy Nicholson/Files)
Accountant at K&B Mining, Anisa Husain (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Colin Boyce yesterday at their Church Street location.
K
&B Mining and Hardware Supplies and YK Investment Pawn Shop yesterday renewed their relationship with the Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic via sponsorship, when both they presented
their contributions for the August 15-16 Championships. The Mining Company and YK Investment Pawn Shop have been supporters of the meet for six consecutive years. Accountant, Anisa Husain on behalf of Chief Executive
Proprietor of YK Investments Pawn Shop, Marlon Yenkana (right) hands over his contribution to a representative of Boyce & Jefford Classic, Claude Bennett at his Regent Street location. Officer (CEO) of the Mining Company, Hema Persaud, handed over their sponsorship. Meanwhile, Marlon Yenkana extended a similar gesture to the organisers, stating that the meet has become “a very big sports
competition for Linden and all Guyana”. The upcoming Boyce & Jefford Classic will feature athletes from five Caribbean countries, including the region’s leading athletics nation, Jamaica for the first time in Guyana.
(Reuters) New England Patriots football star Tom Brady denied on Wednesday he had destroyed his cell phone to avoid giving it to NFL investigators, saying the flap was “manufactured” to distract from “zero evidence” against him in the “Deflategate” scandal. Brady issued his statement a day after National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell upheld a four-game suspension of the quarterback for his part in an alleged scheme to deflate footballs below league standards in the game that put the Patriots in the 2015 Super Bowl. Many NFL quarterbacks, including Brady, prefer softer game balls because they are easier to grip in cold weather. “I am very disappointed by the NFL’s decision to uphold the four-game
suspension against me,” Brady said in a statement posted on his Facebook page. “I did nothing wrong, and no one in the Patriots organization did either.” Patriots owner Robert Kraft threw his support behind his player, considered one of the NFL’s all-time greats. “I was wrong to put my faith in the league,” Kraft said in blasting Goodell for upholding the suspension. “I continue to believe and unequivocally support Tom Brady.” Goodell on Tuesday said Brady, one of the league’s most popular and highest paid players, admitted during an appeal hearing last month that he directed an assistant to destroy his cell phone around March 6. That was the day he was due to meet with league (Continued on page 37)
Thursday July 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 43
Rodrigues names ‘Lady Jags’ Olympic Qualifying squad
H
ead Coach Mark Rodrigues yesterday announced the names of the 19 players who will travel to the Dominican Republic to face St Kitts (August 21) and Cuba (August 23) in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) 2016 Wo m e n ’s O l y m p i c Qualifiers, a release from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) said. Rodrigues announcement comes after taking 22 players through a rigorous one-week training camp that wrapped up last weekend with the head coach now focusing his attention on getting out of Group Four and advance further in the qualifier to become the first team from to play at the Olympic Games. Goalkeeper Ruth George is the lone locally based player selected with
The Guyana Lady Jaguars squad and coaching staff following a recent practice session. Rodrigues turning to players from his historic 2010 Gold Cup squad and from his 2012 U-20 group who are from the US, Canada and the UK. Ashley Rodrigues was
once again named Captain, and will have the De Souza sisters Kayla and Briana, along with Ashlee Savona, Calaigh Copeland, Otesha Charles, Mariam El-Masri,
Singh believes new engine will significantly boost his chances of doing well
The Honda Civic of Group 2 driver Chet Singh (inset). With an engine that was fully rebuilt, Group 2 racer Chet Singh has thrown down the gauntlet on every driver in his division come August 9 when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) hosts its ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet, at the South Dakota Circuit, starting from 09:00 hrs. Singh, who blew his engine during the first leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) in Jamaica and was forced to miss the second stanza in Trinidad and Tobago, told this newspaper via telephone yesterday that even though he has not gotten the opportunity to test the reliability of the engine to date, he is optimistic that everything will be okay come race day and he expects to dominate the day’s proceedings with a blistering performance to secure a spot on the Guyana team for Barbados. “We have installed a new and powerful engine after blowing the original one in Jamaica which forced us out of competition for the Trinidad leg of the CMRC Series, but I’m confident that we will be hard to beat come August 9,” Singh said.
He said he expects the Group to be fully subscribed and the competitors ready for the showdown, but so will he be as well. The former Group champion who has been a consistent high performer over the years of his involvement in the sport, reckoned that drivers such as Shairaz Roshandin, John Joseph, Rameeze Mohamed, Raj Singh and Shawn Seejattan will all be aiming to deny him top honours, but exuded confidence that he will be able to fend them off. Singh believes that with the installation of the new engine, he expect the machine to be fast and reliable and most of all perform at its maximum. “We’ve done a lot of work to the engine and suspension and I can guarantee you that we will definitely generate more speed and certainly be more competitive than ever before,” he disclosed. He added that with the incentive of representing Guyana at stake, drivers will no doubt be pulling out all the stops to get their respective cars ready for the ultimate showdown in a few weeks time.
Olivia Gonsalves, Alison Heydorn, Kailey Leila, Chantal Lynch, Kelly PelzButler, Brittany Persaud, Leah-Marie Ramalho, Justine Rodrigues, Martyne Alphonso, Derienne Busby and Chante Sandiford. As compared to the first time the girls were grouped, Coach Rodrigues said he
was excited to have a wide pool of players to select from, with a few higher level identified players still not in attendance that may be available for later rounds pending Guyana’s advancement. It was the first time since 2010 the women were coming together and
Rodrigues said, “It was also great to see the developmental maturity of our players after such a long layoff, and see the U20’s step up to fight and earn spots”. “This is a much more experienced squad than 2010, but we must remember that other countries have also (Continued on page 39)
t r o Sp
Christianburg/Wismar, Chase Academy reach final - Annai and Waramadong to contest third place
Unite. Develop. Excel.
(FROM LEFT) - Jaleel Hamilton and Ryan Hackett pose for Kaieteur Sport yesterday.
(FROM LEFT)- Omar Brewley, Dequan Hercules and Kendolph Lewis take a photo op following their win over Waramadong yesterday at Leonora.
PMTC/Jumbo Jet ninth annual Guyana Cup set for August 16
From left Nazrudeen Mohammed, Christopher Jones, Vic Ouditt, Gavin Hope, Gavin Jodhan, Errol Nelson at the head table during yesterday’s launch. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210