Kaieteur News

Online readership yesterday 95,680

July 31, 2012 - Vol. 5 No. 31 - Price $80

Email: kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Online: http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Rohee’s no confidence motion ...

Joe Harmon Water cannon challenges is really a water figures paid can - Felix to 'fat cats' p.

6

p.

3

Quarantine?

Yesterday at the country's Immigration Office.

GuySuCo pays for p.3 Razor blade joke quashes US-based chairman p. friendship 7 to fly in every month … one jailed the other receives 15 cm slash

- also pays for lodging

Shotgun cartridges with copper-coated pellets killed Linden trio - police

p.

8

Page 02

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 3

Rohee’s no confidence motion ...

GuySuCo pays for US-based Water cannon is really chairman to fly in every month a water can - Felix - also pays for lodging

By Gary Eleazar The National Assembly yesterday reconvened and members continued trading barbs across the aisle in the ‘Hallowed Chambers,’ sometimes descending into downright ‘bitter’ exchanges causing Speaker Raphael Trotman to intervene on a number of occasions.

By the scheduled end of the night’s exhaustive debate, the time had expired for the session with several speakers still to make a presentation.

Prime Minister then moved a motion for the debate to continue to its logical conclusion and that the House remains in session until the end of the debate.

Up to press time the debate was still raging.

Rohee walked into the Chambers midway into the debate at 18:00 hrs by which time the Government had lined up a dozen speakers inclusive of Ministers Ganga Persaud, Robert Persaud, Neil Kumar and former PNCR Executive Member of PNC Joe Hamilton among others.

Among the Opposition Speakers to the motion yesterday were AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo and former Commissioner of Police Winston Felix.

The motion is rooted that the shooting death of three Lindeners on July 18, last. The three were shot dead during a protest against the electricity hike.

Human Services Minister Jennifer Webster said that she stands by the Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee as well as the initiative by Head of State Donald Ramotar to hold a Commission of Inquiry.

Another Government Speaker, Ganga Persaud, in his presentation attracted the ire of the opposition as he sought to trumpet the rights of persons being affected as a result of the blockades in Region 10.

According to Persaud in his presentation, the Leaders of the protest must recognize the right of others and “act more responsible.”

The Local Government Minister blamed leaders of the protest for what had transpired on July 18, where

Winston Felix the three persons were shot and killed.

Felix, the former Police Commissioner sought to give a track record of tragedies occurring under the watch of Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

He spoke of Bartica, Lusignan and Lindo Creek massacres as well as the torture of Twyon Thomas.

He pointed too, at the $16M purchase of a boat for the Guyana Police Force which has since been embroiled in its own controversy as well as that of the water cannon.

Addressing the issue of the water cannon, Felix recalled its dismal performance when it finally reached to the troubled mining town on Sunday. It is a ‘Water Can’, Felix said. If it were to cost $20M then “it had to be from some rubbish heap from China and polished over.”

Each government speaker expressed condolences and sympathies for the dead and equally defended the Home Affairs Minister’s called for due process to be followed.

Former PNC Executive, Joseph Hamilton charged that what the Combined Opposition had been exploring was merely to secure votes in Linden.

Hamilton was met with a constant heckle relative to “what was his call of the Government at the time” when his God-Son, Yohance Douglas had been killed by ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

Moses Nagamootoo railed into the Government and the Minister.

He said that much of what he heard being espoused by the Government Speakers “is a very feeble attempt to demonize the victims of July 18, and to shift the focus of the debate and the content of the motion to the issue of electricity.”

Nagamootoo was adamant that at the appropriate time his party is prepared to debate all of the ramifications “of the horrendous hike in electricity.”

He spoke of his days while he was a member of the PPP and had protested for rights in the past and was never shot at. “And that was in the dark days as they say.”

Government speaker, Neendkumar who serves as a Director of Sport, told the House that Minister Rohee “is a Senior Minister with high moral integrity.”

He declared that the truth about what happened, will in time be revealed and all Guyanese “will learn of the circumstances surrounding the shooting and those who are really responsible will be brought to justice.”

Calling the shootings “unfortunate” Neendkumar also charged that the burning of the Linmine Secretariat and other vehicles is “a disgrace” that would only add to the hardship of Lindeners.

APNU’s Ronald Bulkan told the House that what happened is “murder” clear to see by all that choose to look and called the agenda of the perpetrators deliberate.

“This was plain murder execution style…If we fail to act now none of us will be safe as we are in the midst of monsters.” Manzoor Nadir who spoke in defence of the Government spoke of investments that the administration would have made in Linden.

Nadir said that he does not know of “murder” but rather “killings,” given that intent has to be proven for murder to be established.

He gave a character reference of the Minister and said that he was confident that Rohee would not have given such an order, as is being insinuated by some.

The cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) buys a return ticket every month for its Chairman, Dr Rajendra Singh, who is based in New Jersey, the Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy confirmed yesterday.

This was revealed following questions in the National Assembly by Opposition Parliamentarian Dr Rupert Roopnaraine.

The Agriculture Minister said that Dr Singh is flown into Guyana every month, on an economy class ticket, and his hotel accommodation and other expenses are met by GuySuCo.

Upon questioning by Opposition Parliamentarian Volda Lawrence, the Agriculture Minister said that indeed there are qualified persons residing in Guyana who could do the job, but that Singh has been on the board for many years.

The Agriculture Minister said that President Donald Ramotar is slated to name a new board to oversee the operations of GuySuCo by the end of the year.

The Corporation’s biggest headache is the Skeldon Estate, which was

commissioned in August 2009 at a cost of US$181 million, but has failed to live up to expectations.

Originally, GuySuCo had put US$70 million into the project, Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy has stated.

Now, the Corporation is looking to spend US$8 million to fix various faults at the estate.

Opposition parties had called for the board of GuySuCo to be replaced with professionals so the industry could be better managed.

NICIL revenue in 2005 was - Audit report says NCN had $33.3 billion no register of its assets NICIL, the entity that manages Government investments and is responsible for selling state assets, recorded revenues worth $33.3 billion in 2005, an audit report tabled in the National Assembly yesterday shows.

According to the 2005 Consolidated Report, profit after taxation totaled $1.5 billion and the government received $1 billion in dividends.

The state-owned National Communication’s Network (NCN), a subsidiary of NICIL, was cited for not maintaining a fixed asset register during the year. Auditor General Deodat Sharma said that NCN did not implement and maintain a master and

sectional inventory during the year of audit.

Further, Sharma stated that the assets owned were not marked so that they could easily be identified as the asset of NCN, and as a result, the completeness, accuracy and the validity of the amount of $614 million representing fixed assets could not be determined.

The opposition, this year, voted to cut the annual subvention NCN was getting, and a subsequent investigation revealed financial irregularities at the entity.

The other subsidiary companies that fell under NICIL at the time were the Linden Electricity Company, Guyana National Cooperative

Bank, National Edible Oil Company, Guyana National Shipping Corporation, Guyana Oil Company, Guyana National Printers, Guyana National Newspapers, Properties Holding, AroaimaMiningCompany, Lethem Power Company, and Kwakwani Utilities.

NICIL’s associate companies were listed as Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company and Omai Bauxite. Investments listed in the report were Hand in Hand Trust, New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation, Guyana Stockfeeds, Omai Gold Mines and Guyana Stores.

The audit report shows that NICIL had total assets of $23 billion in 2005 – almost half a billion more than it had the year before.

Page 4

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the 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

Linden may be destroying its future There is an admonition that bears remembering today, even as the Lindeners maintain their protest that began with their objection to the electricity hike announced by the government in the wake of the removal of a part of the $3 billion subsidy to Linden.

What may have sparked the objection is the timing of the announcement. It came after the parliamentary opposition had moved to cut the budget and in the process, cut $1 billion from the allocation to Guyana Power and Light Company. Immediately the government cut a similar amount from the Linden subsidy.

Immediately the people of Linden mounted a series of meetings and protests. This current protest was planned to last five days.

However, rash police action that saw the death of three people has now elevated this protest to a war against the government.

The people of Linden recognize the importance of the community as the gateway to the interior where the goldfields are the other operations that contribute significantly to the national treasury exist. With gold fetching a very high price, Guyana was enjoying a windfall that more than compensated for the heightened fuel imports.

Further, its producers of food commodities such as chicken, pork and green vegetables were enjoying a boon. Things had reached the stage where pork and chicken had been priced almost out of the reach of the ordinary man. There seemed to be no limit to how much the people in the hinterland were consuming.

It was Minister Robert Persaud who said that there were about 30,000 people operating in the hinterland, particularly in the goldfields. If this number is accurate then there are more people in the goldfields that in all of Linden, Including Wismar.

Now movement of food, fuel and personnel has ground to a halt. The government is losing revenue from gold and timber sales, employment opportunities are being lost and future development plans are being threatened.

The people of Linden are hurting themselves. Already they have forced a drastic reduction in the professional medical staff. All the Chinese doctors have left the Mackenzie Hospital and the Cubans would have left by now. This is not a case of these people taking a political position. Rather, it is the country trying to get its nationals out of harm’s way.

A call centre in the town that employed many Lindeners has closed its doors. People who say that they do not have jobs have placed themselves out of jobs. Those who work in the interior have also joined the ranks of the unemployed.

But the most significant fallout from what is happening could be a project that could radically transform Linden.

The Brazilians are bringing a road to Port Georgetown because it is easier to ship their produce to any foreign destination and the most available port is located in Georgetown.

The road would pass through Linden and it does not take a lot of imagination to see the mining community being a booming trucking stop. Shops would spring up and from souvenir items to clothing could find their way into Brazil.

As the situation stands, the Brazilians may be having second thoughts of bringing the road through Linden. If they do not then the already economically challenged community would be severely affected. Jobs that would have been created would disappear and the community could find itself worse off than before.

The bauxite company which is the major employer in the community is all but closed and it goes without saying that more people are on the breadline. The Chinese do not need Guyana and they say that they can do without the headache.

With their money they could take their business elsewhere.

Perhaps the government is aware that the Lindeners are digging their grave and is allowing them to do so. But then again, the people of Linden only have the one weapon to challenge the government and they have used it to good effect. They have won a suspension of the electricity tariff but for them a suspension is not enough.

It may be a wise thing for them to halt their protest at this point before anything untoward happens. They already know how they can hurt economic activities. In the same way they feel that the tariffs may be reintroduced in the same way they can return to protest.

Mr. Seeram is entitled to his own opinion on the Linden protest, but not his own facts DEAR EDITOR, In Mr. Ralph Seeram’s futile attempt to frame the current Linden protest as an opposition-inspired exercise that is reminiscent of the opposition-led efforts of the sixties against the incumbent PPP regime, (“Does the opposition want to take Guyana back to the sixties?” KN, July 29), let me say he is entitled to his own opinion, but he is not entitled to his own facts when presenting his argument against the current Linden protest.

It is true that the opposition PNC and UF formed a coalition government to oust the PPP regime back in 1964, but that was an era of the Cold War that pitted the United States against the Soviet Union for global domination, and Guyana just happened to be caught in the crosshairs of the two superpowers.

Cheddi Jagan was an avowed communist while Forbes Burnham was a cunning opportunist, and the USA, determined not to have ‘another Cuba’ in its so-called backyard, sided with Burnham. The issue of race only came about because it was the most convenient excuse by both the PPP and PNC to rally supporters, but as far as the superpowers were concerned it essentially came down to the slogan: ‘by any means necessary’.

Therefore, anyone who tries to rewrite history to make it look like a race war between Indians and Blacks or the PPP and the PNC was at the core of the dark days of the sixties needs a reality check.

And while I would never defend Burnham’s opportunistic strategy, I am hard pressed to even defend Jagan’s hold on power back in the sixties, given what we would eventually come to realize happened in communist countries.

No elections. No free press. No free travel. No freedom to form associations or to assemble and dictators who ran police states. That was the order of the day for countries aligned to the Soviet Union, and with which the Jagan regime was seeking to align itself.

Fast forward to today’s Linden protests and we see that, contrary to efforts by the PPP apologists to make it appear so, the issue of a race war is actually missing because the protest is being supported by both APNU and the AFC, with the latter party boasting supporters from the Indian community.

As for the protest, per se,

Mr. Seeram has joined the illinformed with this diatribe: “The AFC leaders, in particular, are wetting their pants with excitement over this tragedy, running around the country urging people to continue subsidizing electricity rates in Linden.

Does the AFC think Guyanese are so stupid that they are going to support one section of the community to pay less electricity rates than they are paying? Do they really think they can get solidarity on that issue?”

Utter nonsense, Mr. Seeram! The fact of the matter is that the PPP regime gave the Linden power plant to Bosai, the Chinese owners/operators of the bauxite company in Linden, after the previous Texasbased contractors screwed up its operations and the government received a financial settlement, which many are still wondering where that money went.

The Chinese then decided to use the power plant for its bauxite operations and to also supply Lindeners with electricity, as was the tradition for decades.

I don’t how the rates were arrived at between the PPP regime and the Chinese, but they resulted in Lindeners paying for electricity consumption and the regime ponying up the

difference.

My understanding is that this deal was struck outside the purview of the Public Utilities Commission, which is the statutory body with oversight for setting rates other Guyanese pay to GPL. But while Bosai generated and supplied Lindeners with electricity, GPL generated and supplied the rest of the nation with electricity.

And since the two are completely separate, it was unfair for the government to rush with its claim that Linden should be paying the same amount like other Guyanese.

Moreover, Bosai seems to be doing a good job generating and supplying electricity to Lindeners, hence the potential for lower costs being passed on to Lindeners. GPL, on the other hand, has been having major operational cost problems, with one report stating it loses 40% of its electricity to theft and another report stating it rents CAT diesel generators at US$720,000 when the same generators can be bought for US$900,000.

Those combined high costs are being passed on to GPL customers in the form of higher rates, so not only is it unfair to ask Lindeners to pay the same rates as other Guyanese are paying

the GPL, but other Guyanese should be fuming mad that the government is making them pay for GPL’s mismanagement and waste.

Finally, Mr. Seeram may know to write, but he is definitely not right in his surmising about the manner in which the government came to its decision to reduce the subsidy to Linden. Last October, then PPP candidate Donald Ramotar campaigned in Linden and told his audience that with the fruition of the Amaila Falls hydro project, the government will reduce its subsidy for Linden.

Then during the Budget debate, the parliamentary o p p o s i t i o n , citing mismanagement and waste, decided to cut the GPL’s GY$3B budget by GY$1B, and the government retaliated by announcing it was reducing its electricity subsidy to Linden, even though GPL does not supply Linden with electricity. Why target Linden and no other community? Is it not because Linden voted overwhelmingly for APNU last November?

I pray for a speedy resolution to the Linden crisis, but I also pray more Guyanese are properly informed and stop spreading misinformation.

Emile Mervin

The rehabilitation of the Bartica/Potaro roadway is essential DEAR EDITOR, About 10 years ago, I had appealed to the Ministry of Works, via the press, to rehabilitate the Bartica-Potaro Road, a motorable stretch of 111 Miles back in the 1930s way up to the 1980s.

This colonial legacy was the main artery or roadway from the remote hinterland locations to Bartica, then to the city, and back.

Because of the ongoing protest at Linden, the Linden bridge has been closed. This has stopped vehicular traffic from the city directly to Mahdia and other interior communities.

Commercial activities in these areas have slowed; supplies, be they mining, food, etc., can be transported only by air at an extravagant cost.

This critical situation evidently necessitates the rehabilitation and the use of

the Bartica/Potaro roadway as an alternative to the current situation, not the first.

And also as a future option or choice of the route to commuters, taxpayers’ monies should be used to finance this essential project and contracts should be awarded to efficient contractors, the ones who have the experience, expertise and competence. A tollstation should be established at the forty-fivemile location Bartica/Potaro road or at some other ideal point.

Obviously, the reality of this project will be a relief to all the hinterland residents, specifically to Mahdia and other heavily populated, economically and commercially thriving communities.

We hopefully look forward and optimistically envision this rehabilitation.

George Carrington

This individual is nothing but a dangerous fabricator and mischief maker DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me to use your column to highlight a dangerous piece of mischief circulated this past Sunday on the internet (facebook) by someone using the name Tamara Deokumarie.

The person claims that I made a cheque payment of one hundred and twenty thousand ($120,000) to the Mark Benschop Foundation three days before the Linden protest. The person also claims that I was overheard talking about “things going well at Linden” on the cell-phone. Of course I knew that no

such payment was made or that any such conversation took place. Yet to satisfy myself I reviewed not only cheque but cash payments as well for the entire month of July. It confirms that no payment was made to the Mark Benschop Foundation for any amount.

Whoever, Tamara Deokumarie is, s/he is nothing but a dangerous fabricator and mischief maker. Her/his claim about the cell phone conversation is as imaginary as a cheque payment to the Mark Benschop Foundation.

Christopher Ram

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 5

Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Citizens are being subjected to journalistic junk by the State media DEAR EDITOR, I felt very proud being a young activist of the PPP, then PNC from 1952-53 when, at 1:27am on the morning of Monday July 30th 2012, the returning officers of our Annual Congress confirmed my tally of the votes for Leader, that David Granger had 510 votes and Mr. Carl Greenidge 177. Later, Granger was declared the new Leader of the PNC/R. It took all day of Sunday to reach this high point and many of us delegates did not leave the Hall of Heroes until near 3:00am.

I don’t know anywhere in the Commonwealth where a Political Party with such resilience clung tenaciously to the pristine qualities of an authentic democratic institution.

As a member of the executive, I am aware that every concern expressed by skeptics within and without was addressed satisfactorily, even though at times, it was painfully tedious and time consuming for that reason.

All PNC cadres, including youth and women, and indeed all Guyana, should be proud of this truly open and transparent process of electing its Leader.

Whether you are a cynic or a critic, give credit to Mr. Robert H.O. Corbin for his magnanimity and skillful steering of the ship up to this weekend.

At this time, the Party within APNU with AFC, the wider society of religious, business, youth and the

independent media, should concentrate over the next period on: First, dismantling the State’s iron clad control of our only radio station.

Second, allowing all TV Stations coverage of the entire country.

Thirdly, all State and parastatal entities must be required to share equally their paid public advertisements with the Stabroek News, the Kaieteur News and independent television. This should be complemented by an intense information/ education programme for our young people who, thanks to all of us, have been disconnected from our history and knowledge of elementary factors that make up Guyana, rendering them therefore unable to interpret events unfolding daily before their eyes.

No civilization can advance safely without knowing all of its past, thus benefiting from the experiences, mistakes and triumphs of their predecessors.

Next, the Party must lead a crusade for the moral and spiritual upliftment of the nation in order to remove from our country this present debilitating greed, corruption and disregard for life.

Finally, this new team must ensure that a pivotal ingredient for good governance and a stable society is a viable, that is, modern local government system, which will allow young and old to release their creative energies for the

benefits of their respective communities.

Even if it means more of the type of demonstrations we see at Linden, let it be done to halt this evil colossus from suffocating those local government entities, NDCs, and municipalities that did not support the PPP. These Local Government organizations must be allowed to exhale, and in that way, bring our imperial overlords to their senses. So let Guyana under the leadership of the PNC/R really enjoy a return to democracy.

Of course, as is expected, the State media - up to their usual mischief and disinformation - suggested

that there was a recount and other concerns, and screamed on the front page “claims of malpractice delay PNCR election results.”

I was present throughout, this is yet another stain on the Chronicle and its journalistic junk that citizens are subjected to by the State media, and they should be ashamed and offer this nation an apology.

How can 510 against 177 be a close contest?

I may add this caveat, I do not have the time to read the Chronicle, but a friend drew the article to my attention while I was preparing this letter.

Hamilton Green, J.P.

Linden is another Cuba DEAR EDITOR, For decades now economic sanctions have been imposed on Cuba by the United States government.

These sanctions came simply because of fear. The United States feared that communism would dominate the world, which would ultimately dominate capitalism. (Lots of people losing lots of money) What is interesting to note is the fact that every president of the United States after Kennedy never did anything significant to lift the sanctions imposed on Cuba. Many presidents came (both democrats and republicans) and made promises but nothing ever happens.

Just like Cuba, the once mining town of Linden is

under harsh economic sanctions, not from the United States but from its own government. The present ruling party in Guyana, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has systematically and deliberately stagnated, alienated, demoralized, marginalized and pauperized the people of Linden and its environs. What is happening in Linden is downright wicked and heartless and it substantiates the fact that the present which Janet Jagan promised the people of Linden is being delivered.

As long as the present regime is in power nothing will change in Linden, regardless who is leading. But then again the people can shape their own destiny.

Ryan Archibald

Much more than a telecoms war

DEAR EDITOR, The ongoing battle between Digicel and GT&T over the latter’s monopoly on international calls is much more than a telecommunications war. This fight which really shouldn’t be happening in the first place is another testimony to the incompetence and discrepancies of the current administration.

The last minute pulling of the telecommunications legislation by the government remains unanswered.

Although I look forward to the monopoly being broken, I believe Digicel is fighting a lost battle. Sunday’s Kaieteur article “FAT CATS UNMASKED” reaffirms my view of the situation. The last

line of the third column should be of great concern to Digicel and its consumers: “Major General (ret’d) Joseph G Singh who has been retained by Office of the President as a Special Assistant to the President is paid some $667,440 for his services…”

So the current acting CEO of GT&T Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh is also Special Assistant to the President who has the final say on the direction that the sector will take. This is definitely a conflict of interest and does not augur well for Digicel or consumers at large.

Nevertheless, I am looking forward to seeing where this most recent fight goes.

Joyce Gareth

Page 6

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Police to seek advice on Joe Harmon challenges figures paid to ‘fat cats’ disposal of Lindo Creek remains The Guyana Government has paid to state-owned National Communications Network (NCN) some $8.7M between April 1 and July 18, this year for advertisements airing lamentations relative to the effects of the budget cuts.

This information was supplied to the House by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh.

He was at the time responding to A partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Joseph Harmon.

The APNU Executive Member requested the information of the Minister, by way of a Parliamentary ‘Question on Notice.’

Harmon responded to the Minister’s answers yesterday, and told this publication that what had prompted the question was the fact that the government with alarming frequency had been lamenting the fact that there were people about to lose their jobs as a result of the budget cuts.

Harmon said, “We knew that this was not true and therefore I framed two questions.”

The first of the questions posed by Harmon, related to names, salaries and designations of persons that had their jobs terminated as a result of the budget cuts.

Harmon reminded that he had specifically requested the information pertaining to whose job had been terminated as a result of the budget cut.

He said that the information provided by the Minister on that occasion, provided a list of persons who had “difficulty accessing”

their salary.

According to the APNU Executive, “I take that to mean that no services were terminated.”

Harmon lamented, too, that the Minister never addressed agencies such as CANU and the State Planning Secretariat.

He said that his second request of the Minister was to determine what level of State Resources was being used to “perpetuate an obvious lie”. He said that “in effect state resources, the people’s money is being used to perpetuate an obvious lie.”

Harmon said that while the Minister didn’t answer his specific question, the answers have made several startling revelations.

“I am happy that it came out and people can see what Government is doing with our money… It has exposed the manner in which State Resources are being used for political work being done by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) from Freedom House.”

Harmon was adamant that Guyanese citizens “ought to be incensed about this waste of resources, about the manner in which national patrimony is being doled out.”

He said the monies are doled out to persons “who are retired, tired, retired and tired and not in a position to do anything but just because were faithful servants we continue to give money from national patrimony.”

The first time Parliamentarian who served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Guyana Defence Force reminded that many of the

persons still being paid by Office of the President particularly are already entitled to various pensions.

“They are getting all of these things and on top of that you saying look some more money here…It is ridiculous.”

The APNU Executive is now even questioning the credibility of the information that has been presented by Dr Singh as it relates to the salaries.

On Wednesday last when the information first surfaced in response to Harmon’s question it had been significantly different to the information eventually sanctioned for use.

The initial answers that had been circulated listed salaries to the tune of millions for some persons. One known Freedom House worker had even been listed as being paid from state funds for his services.

“I really do believe it’s the true response…the second response took the salaries way down.”

According to Harmon, a perusal of the two different sets of information on the salaries supplied, would see that what was finally sanctioned for use had sections of information such as provisions for allowances being removed.

“In the second report there is bit of information left out to create an impression that this is really the true position.”

He said that several facets have to be taken into consideration and explained that when a person is handed a salary, aspects such as a state vehicle with state funded gas and driver must be accounted for.

“The figures that the Minister gave initially are the real figures but it so embarrassing that he says use something else, because it will incense this whole country as it ought to…Money is coming out of the national resources to pay these lackeys,” charged Harmon.

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud will soon be seeking advice on the disposal of the remains of the eight miners who were slaughtered at Lindo Creek, four years ago.

Speaking with this newspaper yesterday, the country’s top detective said that although investigations into the matter are still not yet completed, the police are in a position where a decision can be taken with respect to the remains.

He dismissed reports published in another section of the media that gave the impression that the investigations were completed.

“The police have told the owner of the Lindo Creek mining camp, where eight men were massacred in 2008, that the investigation is completed and relatives of the dead are now free to uplift their burnt remains,” the newspaper report stated.

The newspaper had quoted the owner of the Lindo Creek camp, Leonard Arokium, as claiming that he was informed by Deputy Crime Chief Winston Cosbert of the development.

But Persaud told this newspaper that Senior Superintendent Cosbert might have been misinterpreted.

The Crime Chief said that the Force is still awaiting the return of samples of the remains that were sent to Jamaica for DNA testing and suggested that until they return, the investigation still remains open.

But he did indicate that the mining camp owner was advised that he could make arrangement to uplift the remains of his son Dax Arokium, brother, Cedric Arokium and workers Compton Speirs; Horace Drakes; Clifton Wong; Lancelot Lee; Bonny Harry and Nigel Torres.

“We are at a stage now where we can make a decision on the remains. If within a certain time from now the relatives do not collect them I will be seeking advice on the way forward,” the Crime Chief told this newspaper.

While this was communicated to the owner of the camp where the men died, it is not too clear if relatives of the victims were contacted by the police.

The Crime Chief said that the police had contemplated handing over the remains to relatives several months ago, but delayed doing so after assurances were given by a Jamaican law enforcement team that was in Guyana at the time.

“We held it back since January because of the promise we had from the

Leonard Arokium

Seelall Persaud

Jamaicans,” Deputy Commissioner Persaud explained.

The Jamaicans had promised to return the remaining samples to Guyana

by January month end last.

Local investigators are still waiting.

The disposal of the remains will certainly save the government millions of dollars.

It has already cost the administration more than $33M, a cost defended by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

“The integrity of these remains is important for any further analysis and if it cost a million dollars a day to ensure proper storage we have to do it,” the Minister had declared.

Rohee added that his Government and the police would have come under more scrutiny if they had failed to properly store the remains.

“If we were not doing that (storing the remains at a parlour) and these remains were left stored in a box where rats and cockroaches were interfering with them we would have been worse off and we would have been accused of being delinquent,” Rohee added.

“This is the price we have

to pay if we want serious results.”

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

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

Many had doubted that such a person existed with one source claiming that “it was a convenient boasting, since I don’t believe that that person existed.”

A few weeks ago the Crime Chief confirmed that the person who was deemed an eyewitness is still in protective custody.

But just what do the authorities hope to achieve by keeping the “eyewitness” in custody so long?

According to the Crime Chief there is a way forward in the case since investigators have been building capacity over the years.

“He’s in protective custody. We’re still awaiting the analysis of the DNA. When we get that then the DPP will advise,” the Crime Chief explained.

Of course there is still controversy over who actually killed the miners with (continued on page 07)

Electricity to dozens of Timehri homes disconnected More than 50 homes are without electricity in Hyde Park, Timehri, after Guyana Power and Light (GPL) employees, accompanied by police ranks, went into the area and disconnected several power lines yesterday afternoon.

According to George David, a resident of the area, persons have been occupying the governmentowned lands for many years, and have never paid any electricity bills.

He explained that there were some rumours

suggesting that they (the residents) would have to start paying the rates, but the residents were never given a formal notice.

The man is highly annoyed at this fact, stating that many businesses are being affected because of the haphazard disconnections.

“I thought GPL would’ve had a meeting or something with we, but there was nothing like that”.

The residents are calling on GPL and government authorities to have a discussion with them.

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 7

ANSA McAL Trading 20th Anniversary…

Razor blade joke quashes friendship Soca Monarchs in Guyana promise … one jailed the other exceptional show tonight receives 15 cm slash

Rowland Sam hauled off to serve his 18-month sentence

What was supposed to be a joke has cost a man 18 months of his freedom yesterday when he was sentenced to jail for slashing his friend on the neck with a razor blade. The defendant, 19-year-old Rowland Sam, of Samatta Point, Grove East Bank Demerara and the victim, Gupt Rajaigupt, parted ways yesterday when Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry sentenced Sam to jail for giving Rajaigupt a 15cm slash on the left side of his neck.

The matter which was postponed for sentencing since Friday, last week, had revealed that on July 23 at Samatta Point, Sam unlawfully wounded Rajaigupt with a razor blade.

The youngster had pleaded guilty to the charge. He told the court that the act was not premeditated and he begged for the court to be lenient.

Prosecutor Denise Griffith stated that the defendant and the victim were friends who always made unusual jokes.

She added that on the day in question, Sam asked the victim if he wanted him to chop him. He then took a razor blade and cut the complainant on his neck.

The matter was reported to the police and Sam was apprehended.

In sentencing Sam, the court mentioned mitigating and litigating factors. Sam was told that he had asked for leniency and claimed that his act was not premeditated but in addressing the court he claimed that it was a joke. The defendant said, “I asked him if he want me cut he but I was playing.” He said the paper was still wrapped on the razor blade when the incident occurred.

The man had even told

the court that he was the one to report the matter. Sam said he went to the police station before the victim could have reported the matter.

The court however informed Sam that his action was extremely dangerous and the victim was lucky to be alive. Rajaigupt was even asked to come forward so that Sam could have seen the damage he caused to the man’s neck. Sam was imposed the sentence to contemplate the seriousness of his supposed joke.

Trinidadian entertainers from Kes the Band, Destra and her Band touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) yesterday to join in celebrating ANSA McAl’s two decades of business in Guyana.

These bands are promising electrifying performances for ANSA McAL Trading’s 20th anniversary concert.

Assurance is being given that it will be a show to never forget.

In addition to the Soca Monarchs, entertainers Bunji Garlin, Fyon Lyons and the Asylum Band were also at the airport.

First time ever in the region outside of Trinidad, four big bands and five international soca monarchs will be on stage at the same venue tonight at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Destra promises an amazing show, and it is not to be missed since this one only happens in Trinidad. “We have been leaving a trail that mash up the place in every country we visit.”

When told that Machel Montano gave an exceptional performance Saturday last, Destra said “I am going to do it ten times better and Guyana knows my reputation already and it’s going to be

Public Relations Officer, Darshanie Yussuf, of Ansa McAl Trading Ltd flanked by entertainers Bunji Garlin and Fyon Lyons. crazy…We here to mash up the place and undo everything that he did.”

She added that new selections will be added to the lineup, and the energy will be

Domestic travel industry sees significant improvement - Benn - Evidence reflective in increase of traffic at Ogle Over the years the domestic aircraft industry has seen significant growth with the traffic at the Ogle aerodrome recording a 50 per cent increase.

With 38 domestic aircrafts and a total of six companies operating at the Ogle airport for 2011 there were 145,064 passengers passing through the airport. While in 2010 there were only 97,000 persons. This shows a significant improvement in the sector as well as other sectors.

As it relates to the transport of cargo, in 2011 there was a 49 per cent increase with 20.2 million pounds of cargo being transported through that port while in 2010 there was only 13.5 million pounds of cargo.

During a recent commissioning of two Cessna aircraft added to the Air Services Limited Fleet, Transport Minister Robeson Benn lauded the developments in the industry.

“We are moving from the Islander standard to the Caravan

and I would say that the move is a significant one with respect to comfort and safety, with respect to that platform the Caravan…

The ambience, care, skill too and standards to which it has to be operated is significant improvement from the Islander,” the Public Works Minister said.

With the transition mode being set, Minister Benn believes that the next platform should be addressed by working with the industry, so that affordable operations and safety and efficiency of the industry towards passengers, can be achieved.

“Government of Guyana through its Ministry (of Public Works) has been working hard to improve the facilitation for the domestic airline particularly…We are aware that we have been in a partnership with the EU and with the Ogle Airport Inc., to spend some $30M which has seen an increase in the runway here at Ogle; a new

and extended runway to make Ogle a regional airport for Guyana,” Minister Benn said.

He added that there have been other significant investments from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority which saw $1B being invested to improve flight instrumentation and navigation systems both at Ogle and Timehri. “We may be also aware of the investments we are making too, with respect to the Timehri Airport with respect to having a well integrated airline infrastructure and industry in our country which will see improvement in relation to business, developments in relation to having our Diaspora coming to our country and improvements in tourism,” the Public Works Minister said.

He explained that the Government and the Public Works Ministry pay particular attention to the question of domestic aviation.

“Guyana is comparatively a

large country to the rest of the Caribbean…The space we occupy…our sovereign space is very large, you can fly perhaps two hours before you can land at Massakenari (Region Nine) in the Wai Wai country…We recognise the great necessity and need to continue contact with those far flung communities,” Minister Benn said.

flowing on stage tomorrow night.

Kes said it’s always a pleasure to be in Guyana.

The world has become smaller since the band travels around entertaining their audience.

“We have plenty tune; tune pun tune and it is seldom that we hit Guyana. We will be putting out a great show, I want all the fans of Caribbean music and soca music to know they will have a great time and if you miss you miss out.”

Bunji Garlin and Fyon Lyons noted that Guyana has a strong soca audience and it’s always a pleasure to visit Guyana to entertain.

Police to seek advice ...

From page 6 the owner of the camp and the security forces coming up with different theories.

Leonard Arokium claimed that he had received a phone call from a woman who told him that some “soldiers” had shot and killed his men and burnt their bodies.

The Joint Services denied the claims made by the dredge owner that soldiers committed the brutal crime.

Police had blamed the attack on Rondell ‘Fineman’ Rawlins and his gang whom

they said they had encountered during a confrontation at Christmas Falls a few weeks prior to the gruesome discovery.

Rawlins and members of his gang were subsequently hunted down and killed, and the security forces had suggested that the Lindo Creek case had died with them.

“It only lends to the mystery and suspicions that occurred from the beginning when the bones were discovered and fingers were pointed,” the official told this newspaper.

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Shotgun cartridges with copper-coated pellets killed Linden trio- police

By Michael Jordan Ballistic tests have revealed that ranks firing shotguns loaded with copper-coated cartridges killed the three Linden protesters and injured several others, a senior police official said yesterday.

The official told Kaieteur News that what were first thought to be bronze-tipped bullet fragments were actually copper-coated shotgun pellets, which were extracted from two of the slain men.

Kaieteur News was told that this was confirmed by the Force’s ballistics experts who viewed the evidence under a microscope.

The official said that the experts explained that the retrieved pellets were bent out of shape, and this could have caused them to be mistaken for bullet fragments. The source said that the pellets extracted from the dead were similar to the copper-coated pellets that were extracted from some of the other wounded protesters.

Kaieteur News was told that the ballistics team is in possession of shotgun

casings that were allegedly retrieved from the scene of the protest. By checking the firing pin and other makings on the casings against the shotguns used, investigators should be able to ascertain which rank (s) shot the protesters.

“We have the casings; we are waiting for the shotguns.

If they are the same guns, we will find out which gun(s) fired the fatal rounds,” the official said.

Unlike bullets, which can have markings on the warhead and bullet casings, only the shotgun casings— but not the pellets—will have firing pin and other markings.

Trinidadian forensic pathologist Professor Hubert Daisley had told reporters that bronze-tipped metal fragments, suspected to have come from a handgun, were extracted from the three slain Lindeners during the autopsies.

This appeared to confirm claims by eyewitnesses that police armed with other weapons had shot at the protesters.

Asked whether four shotgun cartridges could have caused the deaths of

three people and injury to 12 others, the official stated that this was possible.

It is believed that the ranks were standing about ten to 15 feet from the protesters when they opened fire directly at the gathering.

Some police sources have suggested that the ranks should have aimed at the ground to disperse the unarmed protesters.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law Enforcement) Seelall Persaud has said that only four shotgun cartridges were missing from the ammunition that police ranks took to the scene. He said that the ranks who had shotguns have given statements to investigators.

However, the Crime Chief said that all the other ammunition that the ranks had was intact.

The hands of the ranks who were at the protest were not swabbed for evidence of gunpowder residue. Persaud stated that this was unnecessary because all the other ammunition was accounted for.

Contrary to the Crime Chief’s view, a forensic expert

said that the hands of all the ranks, including those who used shotguns, should have been swabbed for evidence of gunpowder residue.

The expert also said that all the weapons that were used at the scene of the shooting should have been handed over to ballistics experts to establish whether they matched shells and warheads that were retrieved.

Kaieteur News was also told that although crime scene ranks travelled to Linden, they were not instructed to search for any ballistic evidence. They were reportedly only instructed to collect evidence from fires that were set and to take photographs, something that the expert found to be unusual.

Controversy has arisen over the identity of the ranks who killed the protesters, over what type of firearms were used, and at the fact that excessive force was allegedly used against an unarmed group.

The Alliance For Change (AFC) and other groups have expressed a lack of confidence in the police being able to conduct an impartial investigation into the tragedy.

This had led to the AFC hiring the services of Professor Hubert Daisley to view the autopsies.

AFC Executive member Nigel Hughes also disclosed that United Kingdom ballistics expert, Dr. David Robinson was willing to view the ballistic tests on evidence related to the case and also

to conduct tests of his own.

The attorney said that the AFC has written to Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell requesting permission for Dr. Robinson to participate in this aspect of the investigation.

Hughes also said that the AFC has gathered ‘significant evidence’ relating to the fatal shootings at Linden.

But he said that the party will release this information to international agencies before handing it over to local investigators in an effort to protect the eyewitnesses.

According to the AFC executive member, several of the witnesses have expressed fear of their identities being released to the police.

Suriname’s main gold producer reports US$196 million profit in 2011 PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname — Rosebel Gold Mines, Suriname’s main gold producer, has reported a gross income of US$608 million and a net profit of US$196 million in 2011. At a press conference on Friday in Paramaribo following the company’s shareholders meeting, it was disclosed that talks with the Surinamese government for a new agreement are progressing steadily.

Through taxes, royalties and dividends the Suriname government earned US$156.5 million while RGM’s local spending totaled about US$143 million. “This is a major contribution to the Surinamese economy,” said natural resource minister Jim Hok. He further disclosed that Suriname is negotiating a

larger stake in the company’s operations, a promise President Desi Bouterse made during his 2010 election campaign.

Currently Suriname holds a 5 percent stake in the company with the remaining 95 percent owned

by Canada-based Iamgold.

Gordon Stothart, Iamgold’s executive vicepresident, and RGM’s general-manager Tom Ohrling are expecting that before year-end the new agreement with the government could be reached.

“Indications are that things are going well in terms of the discussions and we hope to come to a conclusion sometime before the end of this year,” said Ohrling.

Suriname and Iamgold in December 2011 signed a heads of agreement to reach

a new deal by end 2012.

“I am highly optimistic that we will meet that.

Hopefully soon, but obviously everybody needs to be satisfied that they are achieving their goals. We have made a good deal of progress during the last sessions and we are making headways,” Stothart added.

Rosebel’s total operating costs in 2011 reached US$302 million, capital investments US$72 million while production costs increased from US$483 an ounce in 2010 to US$611 an ounce last year.

The company produced 406,000 ounces of gold last year. The outlook for this year is between 395,000 and 415,000 ounces. RGM expects to invest US$550 million between 2012 and 2016.

(Caribbean News Now)

Tuesday July 31, 2012

It would be highly ingenious, controversial and contestable if the Disciplinary Committee of the Association of Certified Chartered Accounts (ACCA) were to find one of its members guilty of misconduct on the mere basis of an allegation.

The ACCA can and does exercise disciplinary action against its membership.

However, in the exercise of this function, the ACCA is not duplicating or co-opting the judicial or quasi- judicial functions of courts or tribunals of competent jurisdictions.

The purpose of such disciplinary action is not to punish the member for the actual wrong which he or she is accused of.

If the member has committed a wrong, that member should be punished by the competent courts be they criminal or civil. If the member has been the victim of an adverse finding by a civil court, it is for that court to determine its own sanction.

The disciplinary proceeding which may be instituted by the professional association is intended to protect the reputation of that association, the member, the firm to which that member is associated or the accounting profession as a whole.

It is surprising in Guyana given the sort of visceral and often scathing attacks - at times seemingly vindictive and personal- by members of

Kaieteur News

the accounting profession against their peers- that no member has yet been expelled for bringing the profession and the association into disrepute because of the nature of these attacks.

It is equally surprising that given the many concerns about ethical controversies in the local accounting profession, that no complaints of unethical conduct were ever filed against those against whom the allegation of unethical conduct was expressed.

At one time there was even a controversy over the analysis of the accounts of some firms being publicized in the newspapers when those of other firms were not.

The accounting profession is by nature one that tries to uphold high ethical and professional standards. It is natural that the profession and its associate bodies would want to ensure their good reputation, especially in light of the highly publicized accounting scandals that have rocked the profession in the United States and elsewhere.

As such many associations have developed rules which provide for sanctions for misconduct.

One such body is the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA). Members of the ACCA are liable to be disciplined by the

Dem boys seh ...

Clement buy a water can fuh a water cannon People always know that you don’t put money in a stupid man hand. He does buy anything and people does rob he.

Clement get money fuh buy a water cannon and de Chinee people know that he ain’t too smart call a price fuh de water cannon. Dem tell he US$37 million.

Just like how people does gamble and dopes holler ‘bet’ is just suh Clement holler ‘buy’. And he buy. Is only when people start fuh criticize de thing that de man decide fuh talk how he pay $37 million but de Chinee people sorry fuh he and give he back $17 million.

De water cannon park up in Eve Leary like a museum piece till dem boys start fuh criticize again. Dem tell Clement that de thing can’t drive to Linden and he show dem. He put it pun a low-bed and tow it to Linden.

Well is when de thing reach Linden that Clement realize wha dem Chinee give he. One 90-year-old lady claim how she can pee more far than de water cannon can shoot water.

Dem boys laugh. When Clement hear de news he tell de police fuh put de cannon to de test. It was wuss than an old lady. It couldn’t keep in de water. A fire tender had to provide support.

When was time to shoot de old lady line up next to it. A sergeant of police holler, “Ready, steady, go” De old lady win. Is then Winston Felix tell Clement that he buy a water can.

Uncle Donald vex that Clement waste money. He seh that no no confidence motion woulda move Clement. He woulda remain a Minister but de water can is another story.

Dem boys seh that Clement now begging dem Chinee people at Bosai fuh tek de water can and give he back some of de money. De Bosai people still laughing.

Talk half and shoot water wid de other half.

Disciplinary Committee of the ACCA whenever they are guilty of gross misconduct.

It should be made clear here that the ACCA does not try the individual or individuals concerned for the actual offense on which the misconduct is premised.

Thus, for example if an accountant is before the Disciplinary Council for defrauding a client, the role of the Disciplinary Committee is not to try that person for the actual charge of fraud but merely to determine whether any proven misconduct affects the reputation of the accounting association, the member, the firm with which that member is associated or the accounting profession as a whole.

That is whether any proven misconduct leads to disrepute.

Obviously, the misconduct has to be established. A mere allegation or the expression of an opinion by a fellow professional is not sufficient to establish that misconduct has occurred.

Among the basis for establishing misconduct would be conviction of the accused member by a court of competent authority.

The findings of civil proceeds can also be the basis for establishing misconduct.

Any such adverse findings by criminal or civil courts of competent jurisdictions establish a prima facie case but itself does not lead to an

Page 9

automatic finding of guilt of misconduct by the professional association. The association must ensure due process before imposing sanctions.

A member may be sanctioned for both acts in his or her professional life as well as for acts done in his or her personal life. This is in keeping with the notion that the desire of the association is to guard against being brought into disrepute by the actions of its members.

Obviously where misconduct is as a result of criminal acts, the association is likely to take strong action.

Where there is proven dishonesty, the member may be expelled and/ or fined.

Where there is ethical

misconduct, the same applies depending on the degree of the misconduct.

A member expressing remorse may mitigate his or her sanction. There have been instances where either a fine or reprimand has been offered.

What is important is that the process is fair. An accused person cannot be sanctioned because someone feels that person has been in violation of the law or breached some professional code. An allegation has to have merit and should not be used to pursue a vendetta against another.

Mahdia fuel price may reduce Region Nine

by Thursday …neighbouring experiences fuel shortage Fuel price in Mahdia may reduce by Thursday as some businessmen are now utilizing the Bartica to Mahdia route to transport the much needed commodity. However, food prices are increasing as protesters in Linden continue to prevent access to the interior mining district.

The protest in Linden began on July 18, last, against intended electricity hikes and now includes the killing of three men by ranks of the Guyana Police Force on the first day of protest. Protesters are determined to continue their struggle until their demands are met.

According to a wholesaler, a pontoon is hired at Parika Stelling from where the trucks are transported to Bartica and journey to Mahdia via road. The Bartica to Mahdia route, a distance of 112 miles, is less expensive than transporting fuel via air but the quantity remains limited.

He lamented that trucks out of Bartica could only transport a limited volume of fuel because of the deplorable condition of the trail.

Further, some of the locations that need fuel are off the Mahdia route.

Currently, a 45-gallon drum of diesel costs between $65,000 and $80,000. Those prices are expected to reduce but not significantly since the transportation cost remains high. However, a reduced cost will be welcomed by Mahdia residents, who have been without electricity for some days.

Prices for food items are soaring almost daily, though, as supplies are costly to

transport by air. In addition, the power outage has caused meat and fish to spoil.

According to a resident, the situation in Mahdia is dire, especially for single parents.

The woman emphasized that preparing a ‘pot’ for five costs $4,000. She added that a plate of food is being sold for $1,500 on Mahdia landing.

“Things in Mahdia really rough. Imagine a pound of beef is for $700; $800 per pound chicken, $800 per pound butter fish and even a pound ochro costs $400…It really hard for single mothers,” the woman said.

“The hardship in Region Eight goes beyond Mahdia,” Regional Chairman, Mark Crawford, said.

He noted that residents in North Pakaraima are also affected since they too depend on the trail to transport their food items.

He explained that their cargo would reach Mahdia through the trail and transported to North Pakaraima via air. The Chairman noted that the Regional Administration is hoping that the situation in Linden would be resolved soon.

Some miners at the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association’s General Annual Meeting last Friday were hoping that the Association would have negotiated with protesters at Linden to allow cargo to enter the mining district, through Linden.

However, the Association’s President, Patrick Harding, declined to tread that path since he believes that that is the responsibility of ranks of the Guyana Police Force. There is mistrust between the police and protesters.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Region Nine that depends greatly on the Linden to Lethem road, Lethem is experiencing fuel shortage.

Kaieteur News understands that the Lethem Power Company only has a quantity of fuel to last the next four days.

The authorities in Lethem have since resorted to substitute measures to conserve the electricity.

According to a source, Lethem and other communities that depend on the electrical company for power currently receive less

than 17 hours of power per day.

The source said if the situation at Linden continues residents will receive few hours of electrical supply.

Residents are hoping for an improvement at Linden so that fuel will be allowed entry across the Kara Kara Bridge.

However, if this change does not happen, an appeal is being made to the Prime Minister, who is responsible for energy, to grant them permission to allow the purchase of fuel from Brazil.

Although, the purchase of fuel from Brazil will cost more, the power company will do so to provide the service, since the closing down of Electricity Corporation will also influence the potable water supply.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 31, 2012

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

On Sunday, July 29, the changing nature of Guyana was laid bare in front of the eyes of its population. In the fifties onwards, the two major parties were led by virtual strongmen.

No one questioned them.

Every member was afraid of them. And they singlehandedly supervised every single moment in the life of their respective parties.

If you were a high school graduate and the leader wanted to make you his assistant, you didn’t have to work for it. The party king anointed you.

Those days are gone. The two strongmen – Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan, are long gone. Of the two Leviathans, the PNC has emerged as the more modern and democratic in how it determines its pyramid. For

the first time since the fifties, the boss of one of these two national institutions, the PNC, has voluntarily stepped down.

Not only was this a phenomenal leap into history but even more historical was that there was a competition among the hierarchy to be the headman.

There can be no greater expression of how Guyana is changing than this fantastic rejection of old politics by the PNC. There can be no alternative (and no genius in philosophy can argue otherwise), to the competition among people to lead their organization.

The other pathway is for incestuous company. In this regard the PPP, the older of the two political parties, remain ossified in deadly backwardness.

For the 2011 elections, the PNC introduced primaries.

This was the beginning of a new PNC and a new political culture.

Some well-placed sources in the PNC war room told me the primaries may have been historical but there was manipulation that dented the fairness of the election. I honestly think that there is evidence to support that allegation.

And the insinuation didn’t come from critics but from some PNC stalwarts.

Whatever truth there is to what occurred in those primaries it was a historic moment for Guyana when for the first time a political party in tragic Guyana took the modern step and allowed its leaders to vie for the top spot.

I attended one of those

town hall debates and it was politically elevating to see a young James Bond telling the audience that he was the best candidate to lead the PNC into the general elections.

Will the PNC go the route of the PNC? It chose not to do so in the 2011 national elections.

Maybe if it did, it could have won the poll. After twenty years in power, the PPP has come to see the Guyanese people as stupid animals that it can manipulate.

But the population judged the PPP by what the PNC was doing.

If the PPP kings and queens could tell the nation since the seventies that they are freedom fighters, then why couldn’t they allow their members to choose their presidential candidate? And they thought that the

Guyanese people were not looking and listening.

Of course, PPP leaders will continue to delude themselves that the society sees them as more democratic than the PNC yet their members have no say in how their leader is chosen.

To make the situation more dangerous there was the asinine and imbecilic pronouncement by Bharrat Jagdeo and other PPP kings that consensus was a better route to take when the PPP chose its presidential candidate.

In other words what Jagdeo meant was that the entire world its thousands of parties are wrong when they invite their members to debate each other for the party’s top spot.

No, the world and these parties are not wrong. It is Mr.

Frederick Kissoon Jagdeo who belongs to the ancient cave.

In a week’s time, the AFC goes into congressional mood. Up for grabs are leader of the party, the deputy slot, the chairmanship, the position of deputy chairman, the post of general secretary and the membership of the 16 executive committee.

Every breath must be used by the present leadership of the AFC to encourage members to contest the top spots.

It was the bravery of Michael Carrington that led Sheila Holder to refer to him as a shoe repair man when he ran against Khemraj Ramjattan five years ago.

I am sure Carrington knew he would have lost but he was shaping his character when he took that dive.

He must have said to himself that he was not afraid of the big names in his country.

After that, Carrington must have become a more assured human being.

Some in this country do not like the PNC but the PNC created history last Sunday.

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Tuesday July 31, 2012

WANTED 1 Cook to cook for a family in the interior Call: 697-1513 Retired Bachelor needs a 2 bedroom house/apartment between Grove E.B.D and Georgetown Call: 618-1849, No Agents Please Wanted, One domestic. Call: 648- 5397 Survival Shopping Complex, Sheriff Street, one driver (Lorry License), one inventory clerk Call: 2275286-90.

Kaieteur News

SALON Make up courses, artist trained & certified in Trinidad: 660-5257,647-1773 Summer special from July 16-August 31 in C o s m e t o l o g y, N a i l s & Make-up Call Abby 2161950,666-5241,619-7603 228 Cummings Street Bourda, 1 nail & hair station for rent & cosmetologist class, come & register now Call: 614-2617, 669-3237

Experience Graphic Artist.

Call: 225- 1443 Live in security guard, good rates. Call: 227-1830 One female Warehouse Clerk (18-25 yrs) please call:225-8889/225-7909 One live in Domestic must know to cook age 30-50 yrs. $50,000 monthly. Call: 6103974 East Coast GUYOIL (day & night) pump attendants, sales girls, Managers, house keepers, Office assistants call: 684-2838, 647-9313 2 scrap metal cutters, 6 men to work on land dredge, one general mechanic, call: 6675717/650-4761

1 ½ acre, 48ftx1300ft V/Hoop Call: 627-9351 Agriculture Road $21M, Samantha Point $3.5M Steve 699-5490 Prime residential land for sale by owner Atlantic Gardens 114ft by 74ft. $23M negotiable, call: 600- 3732, 600- 4536

TOUR Suriname summer vacation return trip 02-05 August, book seats early. Call:6392663,644-0185,665-5171,2278290

One dispatcher to work day, one driver to work day Call: 227-6567 1 washer, apply in person Dian’s Deli Barr Street Kitty opposite Market.

Refrigeration A/C, Washer trainee Call: 231-0655, 683-8734 1 Supervisor Xenon Night Club, Accomodation will be provided Call:223-5273-4 One live in maid 40- 55 years to work in the West Coast Berbice area. Call: 623- 4495, 232- 3295

For Professional Massages Call Nicole 612-7209 Relaxing massage in and out, call: 622- 6256

Male wanted to work in an interior lacation, age 2230.Salary $70,000 Call: 6228520 2 Ranch hands, to work in the Abary Creek roping on horse back. Call: 232- 3295, 623- 4495 One nail technician. Contact: 602-7481

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School, First Federation Building Call: 225- 4858, 6445166, 622- 2872, 615-0964 FOR SALE/RENT American pool table 2770578

We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call:2310655,683-8734 Omar

1 225 KVA Generator, 1 Hiace Canter, Premio, 3 light towers, car batteries Call:624-2000

1 Pool Table, call: 669-9927

Atlantic Garden $35M, Robb Street $40M - $55M, Lamaha Garden $$55M - $65M Diana 227-2256, 626-9382 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN ESSEQUIBO, $3.5M. CALL:679-5593 20X40 Two flat concrete building @ Kitty. Price $22M Negotiable to be seen Call: 668-9512, 223-2570

Anchorseal Call:BR&T Paint Store 265-3541,695-4785 Pure Breed Labador pups, parents imported, black & yellow. Call: 627- 1360 John Dickinson Exercise Books (Large Quantity) wholesale only Call:6191105,622-3766 V8 Titan 2005 4 wheel drive automatic $3.5M Call Gary :275-0028 Dell computers complete with 17 & 19 inch LCD from $50,000 Future Tech 2312206

Progressive auto rental, cars from $4,000 per day. Call: 6435122, 656-0087, www.progressiveautorental.com Al’s Car pick up, canter rental Call:698-7807 FABS RENTAL, cars & SUV rental, call: 600- 6890 or email fabsrental@yahoo.com

1 5 ton feed mixer $1.6M, 1 pelletising machine $1.3M, 1 plucking machine $900,000, 71 automatic waterer, 106 feed can Call:642-2359 Brandnew American made Crosely 10.5 cu ft Refridgerator for sale $75,000.697-5677 Custom printed paper cups Call:231-8819,613-5645 Large bobcat skid steer 3000 lbs capacity $3.8M Call Gary 275-0028

TO LET Business apartment 78 Hadfield Street, behind Brickdam Police Station, Boutique/store. Call Simone 227-0501 Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles. Call:6797139

Wash bay and canteen 15 Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo. Call: 680-4990, 277-3033 Furnished 2 bedrooms house Crane Housing Scheme W.C.D Call: 613-5715 Apartments Call :667-1549 DRESS MAKING Enids’ Dress making classes, designs & sew from elementary 66 six street Albertown . call: 223- 9106

One live in maid wanted Call:622-8520

Pure Breed Pitbull pups, vaccinated & dewormed, 9 weeks old, $35,000, call: 6429753, 622-1217

1, 2 Storey wooden & concrete house situated at Bloomfield Public Road Berbice Call: 642-0110, 6906520

40x30 space in Greater Georgetown call:613-0448

MASSAGE American style massage service Call: 609-4036

We refill HP cartridges for $1800 Call: 650-7699

FOR SALE

CAR RENTAL LAND FOR SALE

One 15 HP Yamaha (long foot), Call: 689-5254, 643-0332

FOR SALE

1 Bobcat & trailor Call:6460101

Wanted, one nanny. Call: 648-5397

AB Dick Printing, MachineCutter, Paper Drill, Sticher, Paper and Cardboard. Call: 233-2725

SERVICES Permanent &Visitors Visa Applications Professional Immigration Consultant Sabita - Room E-4 Maraj Building 225-6496/ 223-8115/662-6045.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Driver/ Salesman, Lorry Licence, Clean Driving Record. Call: 266- 4427

Baby sitter Diamond/ Grove, call:668-4910, 216-2167

Page 15

6-weeks course in designing/ dressmaking.

Call Sharmela: 225- 2598, 641- 0784 DATING SERVICE Immediate link-Singles 18-80 yrs.Confidential: Tel: 2238237,648-6098. 8:30am5:00pm Mon-Sun (Both phones same hours) NO TEXTING

Spares for washer, microwaves, fridges, stovetimers, gear boxes, pumps , etc. contact 225-9032, 6472943 Kia sportage 2002 cow milage $2M, Call Gary :2750028

Air refreshner $60, wiper blades ( all sizes), used wood working machines. Call: 2203175, 616- 4403, 652- 2008 2005 Tacoma 4 cylinder, call: 651-8870, 233-6161 Earth delivery to spot also bobcat & excavator rentals 626-7127 Used laptop computer $40,000 to $65,000 Call:2270095 Diving Suit, call: 613- 5158, 265- 3449 Sale! Sale! Big Blow out Sale at East Coast Enterprise for more information, call: 6642209 Foreign use engines 55-332 Cummings, 6 Bt call Anil:6153023 Tiberian Terrier puppies, by pair and singles, call Jem: 6168005/223-6463 5 acres transported Land, water, phone, electricityNEG, call: 612-5398/673-8165 One 3 ton freezer Canter GJJ9256. 4D 35 Engine, call: 2209325/220-3133

Doberman pups Call:6666714, 226-9548

D6M, LGP Caterpillar Bulldozer High Track Wide Track 0 hour on moto. Call: 339-4876/676-2521

2 English 4 cylinder, Perkins,’35’ tractor Eng, 1 fully rebuilt, 1 needs repair, price : Both Engs $650,000 Call: 624-9149, 671-4707

2009 Seadoo Jetski, 18ft x 7ft fiberglass speed boat 175 YAMAHA, call: 233- 6161, 651- 8870

New shipment 2.5 ton pallet jacks Call:614-8564 Blowout Sale on all 2700 & 3100 PSI Honda Powered Pressure Washers Call:6148564 Toyota Starlet EP71 Call:6482075 2004 RAV4L PLL 8310, Excellent condition Call: 6666714, 226-9548 Dewalt Pressure washer 4200 PSI, John Deere Pressure washer 3800 PSI Call:639-1423 250A Breaker, castic soda, basketball, ring accessories, magnetic lifting arm Call: 6277835

Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves.

Ultra Cool:225-9032, 647-2943 ONLINE SHOPPING NO COMMISSION, WEEKLY S H I P M E N T S , AFFORDABLE RATES, FREE PRIVATE MAILBOX.TEL:2315789.FREIGHTLINK EXPRESS@ GMAIL.COM PASSPORT & VISA FORMS : U.S.A, CANADA & U.K. TEL# 225-9030 (ONE MINUTE FROM PASSPORT OFFICE) Pageant coach, speech, poise confidence etc. Call: 639- 6247, 220- 6812 for more information Looking for a job,need assistance Contact N&A Establishment 229-6880, 694-0096, 673-6604 Repair services to gas stoves, washing machines, blenders and electric stoves.

Call: 686- 6209 WANTED Lorry drivers to work labourlorry at Enmore and L.B.I Estate Call: 628-1756, 228-5655 FOR SALE 5 IBM Desktop computers, wireless router VOIPAdapters and 5 cordless phones for internet Call: 618-1849

1 stainless steel meat saw, meat grinder, display freezer cold storage room, call: 6518870

Owner leaving, 1 dual car deck, 1 Honda pressure washer 3000 PSI, 1 I phone 45, 1 Hilti jack hammer Call: 257-0193, 666-4000

Caterpiller backhoe model 426c. Call: 651- 8870, 233- 6161

Dachshund pups for sale $15,000Call:226-6374,666-9534

Granite counter tops $40,000, Tarpaulins: 50" x 30" $10,000, Concrete 36" x 24" $ 2,000 per gal. Call: 616- 4403, 652- 2008 Mix Breed puppies for sale.

Call: 253- 3114, 692- 0126

6 cylinder Perkins engines (complete). Contact Mr.George 223-0847, 678-5333

1 Ford 8730 modle tractor, 4 wheel drive, immaculate working condition, ideal for logging and rice industries Call:684-5868

Neo Sport Diving Suit Call: 227-0702, 681-8292

Complete music system box, speakers, amplifier & all equipment. Best offer taken, owner leaving country, call: 687- 6695, 681- 3095

XBOX 360 elite 120GB, Price $45,000 Call: 639-7114, 6745625

100 Honda scrambler bike, Electric wheel chair, call: 2336161, 651- 8870

Bedford M-Series Winch 5000 Kg capacity Call: 6695768 Dodge ram 16 passenger van Call: 669-5768 One wooden boat, just cork, sand & paint, 53-9-5 ½ , excellent condition Call: 262-0316, 662-5743 Baby chicks available weekly fully vaccinated, Mr. D. Lallbeharry 371 Craig Public Road E.B.D. Call: 6269589 (Continued on page 19)

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Three testify as ‘cocaine for Thailand’ trial commences Three witnesses testified yesterday on behalf of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) as the drug trial against the three men who allegedly intended to ship 1.7 kilograms of cocaine out of Guyana to Thailand commenced.

The three witnesses, whose names were given, a Canter truck driver, a private customs broker and a security officer at the shipping agent where the incident is alleged to have occurred, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The Chief Magistrate is conducting the trial against

Josylan Congreaves, of K 19 Tucville, Georgetown; Nigel James, called Dwayne Fraser of Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara; and Marlon Dick, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara and Robb Street, Georgetown.

The men are accused of possessing 1.7 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking on July 3 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. They all pleaded not guilty when they first appeared before the Chief Magistrate.

It is also alleged that in a bid to conduct the illegal business, Dick made up a fake shipping company called

D.A. Imports and Exports for James. The company was said to be located at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, but checks to that location proved that the company did not exist. False documents were also alleged to have been used to conduct transactions.

The truck driver who is said to be from Georgetown, testified that he had been contacted by the defendants to take goods to the airport at Timehri. The man said that he operates a Canter truck for hire and on the day in question he went to the front of Ashmin’s General store where he met the person who

RAPAC to hold libation ceremony in Berbice The group, Revival Awareness and Perpetuation of African Culture (RAPAC ) will be holding a Libation ceremony this evening to herald in the Emancipation celebration in Berbice this year.

According to coordinator, Minerva Peters, the activity will herald in two days of activities of celebration by the group.

This will be followed tomorrow with a day of traditional Emancipation activities. Both events will be held at the Guyana Teachers Union Hall (GTU) New Amsterdam.

The Libation, which is a practice done by pouring of a liquid as an offering in memory of those who have died is done on the night before emancipation.

The night’s activity will

get underway at 21:30 hrs and is expected to end after midnight.

During the night there will be a number of activities including African singing, dancing, drumming, story telling and African games.

The libation itself will begin closer to midnight with the traditional dancing around a fire, the pouring of alcohol and coconut water.

Tomorrow, the activity will kick off at 10:00 hrs with a number of cultural activities and stage show African drumming, folk songs and dancing, skits, poems and storytelling.

Folk and ring games are also part of the d a y ’s activity. The usual African foods including the popular Cook Up; MetaGee with fried and salted

Joslyan Congreaves (behind), Nigel James, called Dwayne Fraser (right) and Marlon Dick (left)

fish, other delicacies such as Quenches, Conkey and Cassava Pone, Calaloo in coconut milk and Foo Foo, will be on sale.

African drumming will lead the celebrations.

There will be various competitions where prizes will be given out to the best dressed male, female and family in African wear. Best hairstyle, eating and dancing competitions will also be on the cards.

According to Ms Peters, several groups are expected to be a part of the day’s activities, among them the Congo Naya cultural group and drummers, New Amsterdam Multilateral School, The Drop-In Centre, United Brick Layers, Sandvoort, Kortbradt and the Republicans among others.

hired him to take the items to the airport.

The man said that eight boxes that were removed from a Tundra truck were loaded onto his Canter truck. He said two persons in a car followed as he made the airport trip. He said that he took the items to Amerijet located at the airport, offloaded the goods and made his way back to the city.

The second witness, a Customs Broker, testified to drawing up shipping documents for the men to conduct their business. The man said that he thought the documents handed over by Fraser, the person who was at the forefront of the transaction, were authentic so he did his job.

The man said that he had known Fraser for four years and had conducted business for the man before. He said that on June 11, Fraser

East Canje African Group Emancipation celebrations bigger this year The East Canje African Cultural Group which operates in the Lower East Canje area has organized a packed programme of activities in observance of this year’s Emancipation celebrations.

The group which was formed about five years ago has been making considerable strides over the years and this year’s celebrations are expected to be the biggest so far with four days of celebration that commenced on Sunday.

Public Relations Officer Percy Munroe said that this is the fifth year that the activity will be held in the East Canje district.

He said that the need arose for the community to have their own activity after

members of the area had to trek to different parts of Guyana to be a part of the yearly emancipation event.

The four days kicked off on Sunday with a three-mile fitness walk which began at 05:30 hrs at the Cumberland market square and proceeded to Goed Bananen Land ending at Baba Moses residence.

Yesterday, a health talk was conducted by Dr. John Austin at the same residence.

Topics covered included HIV and AIDS and other STDs and chronic illnesses.

Healthy eating habits and the importance of exercise among other topics were also discussed.

Today will be spent making preparations for the traditional August 1 activities.

This evening a candlelight parade will be held through the streets of the district beginning at 10:00 hrs in front of the Cumberland Primary school and ending at the Goed Bananen playground where a Church service will follow.

After the parade and church service the gathering will indulge in reliving the folk lore of the African culture through drumming, African dancing, storytelling, sharing jokes and reminiscing on history, which is expected to culminate at midnight.

Tomorrow, the big activity will be held at the Goed Bananen Land ground in East Canje. A Road Show and parade through the villages of East Canje will start at Cumberland village and proceed to Betsy Ground to

end at the Goed Bananen Land play field. The parade will be led by the Majorettes group from Canje.

Colin Grant and his troupe of African drummers will be providing music throughout the journey.

At the venue a formal programme will include a number of cultural activities and a stage show. The Majorettes group will again be on display and the day’s activities that will include African drumming, folk songs and dancing, skits, poems and story telling.

Mr. Munroe stated that all of the activities will be free of charge, but whatever funding is realized during the day will be used by the group to help in the enhancement of the African culture in the area.

contacted him and asked him to draw up some shipping documents. The Broker said that important information was missing from the document left at his office so he contacted the defendant to submit the relevant information. That was subsequently done, the man continued.

A tax identification number (TIN) was presented, a passport and other documents that seemed real were also provided, the witness said.

Identifications were made when the documents were presented to the court and the information was tendered as evidence. The witness then testified that he did not see the goods to be shipped but he said he saw and read the receipt.

The Broker said that some of the items to be shipped were curry powder, pepper sauce and juice. He said the receipts came from Nigel’s Supermarket and Beharry foods. The items that the (continued on page 18)

Sandvoort gears for Emancipation Day Sandvoort Village, West Canje Berbice, is expected to come alive tomorrow, Emancipation Day as residents come together to celebrate another year of freedom.

Sandvoort is a village with a rich African heritage and residents are determined to see the traditional African celebrations return to the village. Over the years interest has been waning. Led by the Sandvoort United Minds African Foundation they are determined to make the activity a success like in most of the other African villages in Guyana.

The group has organized a religious cultural fiesta which is expected to make the day’s proceedings one with a difference where a number of religious activities including songs, dances and skits will be incorporated.

Foods, predominantly of the African type, will be in abundance. Last year ’s activity was a success and according to the organisers they are determined to make this year’s event bigger.

The day’s activities are expected to get started at 12: 00 hrs at the Sandvoort

Community Centre Ground and will continue for the rest of the day.

Sandvoort village was one of the early villages bought by slaves just after the abolition of slavery in 1834. The Orange Chapel Congregational Church was founded by Rev. John Ray in 1813 and is the third oldest Congregational Church in Guyana.

Situated in West Canje, Sandvoort village has its fair share of history. It was in that village that the slave named America, received 100 lashes whilst she was pregnant; she survived the lashes and lived until she was 80 years. Her daughter received 170 lashes while she was also pregnant, she however did not survive her dose of barbarism.

After that second string of ill treatment Rev. Wray returned to England to press his case for the Abolition of Slavery.

The Orange Chapel Congregational Church culture group participated in the first ever Carifesta celebrations which were held in Guyana in 1972 and again in 2008.

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 17

Correia re-elected head Criminals rake in $250 billion per year in counterfeit goods of aircraft association Michael Correia (Jnr) has been re-elected as Chairman of the Aircraft Owners’ Association of Guyana (AOAG).

According to the association, yesterday, Correia was returned to the helm of that private sector body during its Annual General Meeting.

Elected as the First Vice President was Colonel Anthony Mekdeci, A.A, while Ronald Reece was elected the Second Vice President.

The directors are Gerald Mc Kenzie and Henry Rebeiro.

Michael Correia (Jnr)

The AOAG is a sectoral member of the Private Sector Commission representing the aviation industry in Guyana.

The association consists of six Commercial Members including Trans Guyana Airways Ltd, Wings Aviation Ltd, GuySuCo, Oxford Flight, JAGS Aviation and Roraima Airways.

The Associate Members are Ogle Airport Inc, Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services, Kayman Sankar Group of Companies, Torong Guyana Ltd, Sky West Charters Service, Clairmont Waddle and Hinterlander Tours.

Digicel America Street branch burglarized Unknown persons, sometime over the weekend, broke into the Digicel’s America Street Branch and made off with a quantity of high end cellular phones and computers.

The discovery was made early yesterday morning at around 7:30 hours when workers turned up at the location for work.

The Manger of the store, Michael Haywood, said the persons unknown entered the store from a side entrance after breaking an outer door.

Once in the building the burglars used a door

separating the lunch room from the office to get the valuables which included several high end cellular phones and computers.

According to Haywood, all of the cellular phones which they had in stock were stolen, including the main body of the component of the company’s security cameras.

“This looks like somebody who knows about our operations only the phones in stock were removed, all the phones in the showcases were left because they are dummies,” Haywood pointed out.

He added that security cameras were in place but the component that stores all the recorded information was completely removed. The Store Manager further related that there was no security guard on duty because the company was convinced that the property was properly secured.

This publication was told that the store was intact up to late Saturday evening when personnel visited the location.

Up to press time yesterday there was no arrest as the matter was reported to the police. Investigations are ongoing.

Counterfeiting is estimated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to generate some US$250 billion a year in criminal proceeds.

As a form of transnational organized crime, counterfeiting forms part of a new campaign by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

This illustrates the key financial and social costs behind organized crime and reveals the dangers of counterfeit goods to health and safety.

According to the agency, the production and sale of counterfeit goods is a global, multi-billion dollar problem and one that has serious economic and health ramifications for Governments, businesses and consumers.

Counterfeiting is everywhere - it can affect what we eat, what we watch, what medicines we take and what we wear - and all too often the link between fake goods and transnational organized crime is overlooked or underestimated.

Counterfeiting is a wide ranging crime which typically includes the practice of manufacturing goods, often of inferior quality, and selling them under a brand name without the owner’s authorization.

Counterfeiters are involved in the illegal

production of knock-offs in virtually every area - food, drinks, clothes, shoes, pharmaceuticals, electronics, auto parts, toys, currency, tickets for transport systems and concerts, alcohol, cigarettes, toiletries, building materials and much, much more. Criminals rely on the continued high demand for cheap goods coupled with low production and distribution costs.

Depending on the nature of the counterfeit goods, there can be serious health and safety concerns for consumers.

Counterfeit baby formula and other foods can even be fatal, while purchases such as sub-standard toys, car parts and electrical goods present significant safety risks given their lower quality.

One of the most harmful forms of counterfeit goods is fraudulent medicines.

According to the World Health Organization, in parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America, fraudulent pharmaceuticals amount to as much as 30 per cent of the market.

These types of medicines are found either to contain the wrong dose of active ingredients, or none at all, or to have a completely different ingredient included.

These medicines make some of the world’s most dangerous diseases such as malaria stronger by contributing to the

Accident claims life of retarded man Tragedy struck the residents of Lot 117 New Road Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, early yesterday morning, as a vehicular accident claimed the life of one of them.

Dead is 46 year old Motieram Chatterpaul, also called “Motie,” who was said to be retarded. He was struck

by motorcar PPP 4000 in the vicinity of his home around 6:30am yesterday.

The driver of the vehicle was apprehended shortly after the accident and is currently in police custody.

Kaieteur News understands that Chatterpaul was hit by the

w h i t e To y o t a P remio motorcar as he attempted to cross the road. According to reports, he died on the spot.

One of the dead man’s relatives told Kaieteur News that the car must have been going at a fast rate since there was a loud screeching sound before it came to halt. The relative

said that before anyone c o u l d r e n d e r assistance Chatterpaul took his last breath.

“He just finish drinking he tea and he gone pun de road.

I hear the sound from a distance and when I run outside I see Motie pun the ground and the car spinning and then it swerve and stop.

The car had to be going wid a speed cause a piece of the man shirt left stick up pon windscreen,” the relative said.

According to the relative, Chatterpaul never troubled anyone. “He was walking this road for more than 40 years and never get knock down.

He loved to go to Mandir steady; he does even sleep there sometimes” the relative stated.

However, a hire car driver related that the mentally unstable man was constantly seen on the roadways wandering aimlessly. “At times he would take off; jumping or running on the roads”.

The driver noted that constant vigilance was required to avoid running

Dead: Motieram Chatterpaul over the man.

This publication was told that the dead man came from a destitute home where he lived with his parents who are both pensioners. The family survives on government pensions and public assistance.

Additional aid from relatives will be needed to bury Motieram Chatterpaul on Thursday.

development of drugresistant strains, as the active ingredients are no longer able to work correctly.

With the counterfeit business spread across numerous countries and organized by criminal networks, there is an evergrowing need for action at both the local and international levels. The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, of which UNODC is the guardian, is the world’s most inclusive platform for cooperation in tackling all forms of organised crime.

Currently, 167 countries are party to the Convention and have committed themselves to fighting organized crime through collaboration and ensuring that domestic laws are suitably structured.

In October, UNODC will be hosting the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

This biennial series of meetings brings together Governments from across the world to promote and review the implementation of the Convention in order to ensure better approaches to tackling transnational organised crime.

Through its technical assistance programmes, UNODC also works to counter the flow of illicit goods such as counterfeit products and drugs. UNODC and the World Customs Organization launched the Container Control Programme (CCP) in 2006.

The programme has achieved remarkable results, seizing 487 containers of fraudulent and contraband goods alongside a further 195 containers of drugs. This year alone, the programme has led to the seizure of 19 containers with over 100 tons of fake Tramadol, a pain-killer, all originating in India and seized in West Africa.

The CCP presently has 28 operational port control units across 14 countries and is receiving increased interest from the private sector as the counterfeit seizures grow.

But fighting counterfeiting is not just the role of international organizations, but also of public health authorities, (continued on page 18)

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Linden protests…

Mahdia-bound goods truck reportedly hijacked A Mahdia businessman, David Adams, was yesterday tallying his losses after a truck laden with $4.5M in stocks was allegedly hijacked by six men near the mining town of Linden on Sunday.

Police later found the truck with more than half of the items missing on a trail along the Soesdyke/Linden highway junction a few hours after it was reported missing.

According to information the incident occurred at Bamia, Linden.

Adams, who operates a restaurant, “Margaret and David’s Enterprise” in Mahdia, Region Seven, said that his stock was running “low” so he decided to rent a truck for $200,000 and load it with stock. He entered Mahdia through the Bartica route.

Around 06:00 hours on Sunday, he said that he received a call from a policeman in Linden, who told him that the road blocked by Lindeners protesting a hike in electricity rates, had been cleared by the Joint Forces, and that it was safe for him to use the Linden route, which is much cheaper and faster.

“After he told me that, I send the truck to Linden around 08:30 hours and after two hours, I found out that the truck didn’t reach Linden.

So I called the police because I couldn’t make contact with the truck driver. The policeman told me that he didn’t see any truck,” Adams said.

Kaieteur News understands that during that time, around 10:00 hours, the driver, name given, contacted the owner of the truck and informed her of the hijacking.

“The driver also contacted the Amelia’s Ward Police Station and informed them about the hijacking. A search was carried out and the truck was found in a trail on the Linden highway junction and some of the stock was found scattered on the road,” the businessman said.

The truck was reloaded and was sent to Georgetown.

The driver of the truck told Kaieteur News that he was driving on the Linden highway when he noticed “some people were standing straight ahead of me so I decide to turn back because there were also some woods on the road.”

He said he reversed and tried to turn around but it was too late since “a car pull up and five to six men come and open the door and take away the key and we run away and run into the bush and we find the police outpost and we told them what happen.”

Assistant Police Commissioner Gavin Primo,

…bauxite ship to leave empty, logs stranded in Kwakwani Businessman, David Adams

who is also the E&F Divisional Commander, confirmed that police had received the robbery report.

He said that police, acting on information, travelled to Millie’s Hideout where they found the truck, which still had a number of items inside.

He said that several men fled from the scene when the ranks approached.

The Commander said that the driver alleged that the occupants of a car had approached him in the vicinity of Bamia. He alleged that about eight men approached him and ordered him out of the vehicle. The driver allegedly then jumped out and fled.

The businessman said that he has no other choice than to reload the truck that he rented and restock it with more goods and send it to Mahdia through the Bartica route.

Since the protest which began two Wednesdays ago, there have been reported robberies and of truckers being forced to pay over a fee to pass roadblocks manned by still unidentified men.

A key bridge at Kara Kara, Linden, had been blocked by protestors.

With Linden a critical artery that leads to interior mining and logging camps, and to neighbouring Brazil, the blocking of the bridge by protestors had badly affected activities.

Several banks in Linden are reportedly without cash and truckloads of logs are stuck in Kwakwani, Upper Berbice, Region Ten, Government yesterday reported.

Supplies have been running low in the mining and

logging camps with many of the operators being forced to fly in critical items or take the longer, more expensive route in Bartica.

Two ships are due in for Bosai, a Chinese company operating the Linden bauxite plant. Over 500 workers are attached to Bosai. Many of them had stayed away during the protests.

However, according to Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud, only one would be filled because of low (continued on page 19)

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Dying Guyanese woman granted wish for Canadian citizenship Ottawa, Canada (o.canada.com) - Heavily sedated and barely conscious on her deathbed, Veronica Singh-Boles had little to gain from Canadian citizenship.

Cervical cancer would claim her life long before she could ever obtain a Canadian passport, vote in an election or exercise her right to run for public office.

But on June 28, with her husband, Jim, and sevenyear-old daughter, Leah, by her side, the 31-year-old Guyanese native, whose life had been anything but easy, was granted this much sought after status during a private ceremony at a hospital in Milton, Ontario.

“By that time she was losing a lot of her ability to talk but she could still communicate,” said her Canadian husband who took the oath and signed the paperwork for her.

“I said ‘what do you think of that Veronica,’ and she just lifted up her thumb.”

Singh-Boles died three days later. As fate would have it — on Canada Day. “She kind of was aware of the irony of the situation.

You finally get your dream and you know that you can never use it,” he said, adding the silver lining was knowing her daughter, who also became a Canadian citizen that day, would not endure the same struggles with poverty that she had.

“She wanted, more than anything else, for her to grow up in this country and to have all the opportunities it gives

Another murder in the Pomeroon Yesterday, the police launched an investigation into the gruesome murder of Terrence Warren, of Karawab,Upper Pomeroon River. Karawab is a small Community in the Upper Pomeroon about 32 miles from Charity.

A ccording to reports, Warren’s body was discovered by residents of that Community naked and tied up in a house located in an area called, Labba Creek, at Karawab.

Reports are that Warren was imbibing alcohol with two other persons when he met his demise.

Toshao Kenrick, who said he was tasked with the responsibility of lodging a complaint with the police at Charity, said the incident occurred between 9 pm and 10pm, on Sunday night last.

He added that Warren was at his parents’ home earlier at Karawab, when the suspects with whom he was drinking

invited him to another house.

The newly elected Toshao informed that Warren was discovered naked with his two hands bound behind his back.

“He was naked as he born with his two hands bind behind of his back.”

Another resident of Karawab said Warren had recently returned from the interior and suspicions are implying that he may have been chopped to death because of his money.

Warren’s sister, Vanetta, the councilor, said that she overheard the men telling Warren “Talk now; walk now.

If you ain’t walk I gon chop you.” The suspects’ names were given as Kamal and Anthony Miguel.

Kamal is said to be from somewhere in Berbice while Miguel is from the Pomeroon area. Terron Warren, a cousin of the deceased also sustained injuries about his body.

you.”

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney indicated last December that the citizenship oath was a “public declaration” that must be taken “freely and openly,” typically at Government offices, cultural venues or military facilities across the country. At the time, the Minister was defending his decision to ban Muslim women from wearing face coverings at citizenship ceremonies.

But it seems there are rare occasions where Citizenship and Immigration will waive language proficiency, knowledge of Canadian history and current events as well as other eligibility rules and conduct ceremonies in private by telephone, at people’s homes or by their bedside.

According to records obtained by Postmedia News through Access to Information, there were about four such ceremonies last year.

“Private ceremonies may be considered in urgent and extenuating circumstances, including for terminally ill candidates who are unable to travel or people living in remote areas where travel would cause an undue burden,” Kenney’s spokeswoman Alexis Pavlich said.

Renata Brum Bozzi, a Toronto-area citizenship judge, has presided over several citizenship ceremonies for

people who were dying or acutely ill, including that of Singh-Boles.

She describes it as one of the “most rewarding” parts of her job.

“It’s more uplifting than sad and always the celebration of an achievement,” she said.

“It confers an official status but on an emotional level, it says you belong here and that’s comforting at the end of their lives and it’s always a triumph.”

Brum Bozzi arrived at Singh-Boles’ bedside with a flag, balloons, a T-shirt and book about Canadian symbols for Leah and spent an hour-and-a-half chatting with the family.

Sitting at the edge of her bed, she rubbed Singh-Boles’ hand and head to wake her and explained that she’d be receiving her citizenship.

The government, she said, usually finds out about these cases when applicants call or write about their situation.

Additional information, like doctors’ letters, are often required but efforts are made to move quickly given the urgency of the situation and these assignments often come up at a moment’s notice.

“In these cases, I have to say we’re part of a bureaucracy which is sometimes very cumbersome, but it moves with extraordinary speed to try to get it done in a timely way,” she said.

Three testify as ‘cocaine for Thailand’ trial ...

From page 16 Broker mentioned, CANU are alleging that the narcotics had been hidden inside.

The Amerijet security guard testified that on the day in question he made contact with Fraser who had come in with a canter truck and said that he had some items to ship. The man said he booked in the time the truck came, its registration number and the person conducting the transaction.

The book with the information was asked to be tendered, but Attorney-atlaw Trenton Lake who is representing Congreaves objected to the document

since he said that the date entry on the log book was not corresponding with the date of the charge and the date of the alleged offence.

Attorney-at-law Euclin Gomes is representing James and Dick is represented by Attorney Baveghems. Eleven witnesses are expected to testify in the matter.

CANU had stated that the men, while their documents were being checked at the airport, sped off in a car. Quick action by CANU ranks in Georgetown saw the men being intercepted at Craig Old Road, East Bank Demerara where they were apprehended. The trial will continue today.

Criminals rake in $250...

From page 17 trade organizations or consumer groups. Concerned citizens have a role to play too. In this, UNODC advocates for the following actions: “If you know a film has been illegally copied and is being sold as a knock-off, do not buy it. If your favourite designer brand is clearly not made by your favourite designer, stay away. Beyond

these obvious counterfeit products, stay alert to other warning signs. If a medicine that you know normally requires a prescription is available online without any sort of script from a doctor, then it could harm your health, perhaps irreversibly.

Remember - while these purchases may save you money in the short term, the longer-term losses are far more costly.”

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 19

Mahdiabound...

DTV CHANNEL 8 08:55 hrs. Sign On 09:00 hrs. Live! With Kelly 10:00 hrs. Burn Notice 11:00 hrs. The View 12:00 hrs. Prime News 12:30 hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:30 hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00 hrs. The Talk 15:00 hrs. Boy Meets World 16:00 hrs. Beverly Hills, 90210 17:00 hrs. MacGyver 18:00 hrs. Awakening 18:30 hrs. Nightly News 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00 hrs. Alliance on the Move 20:30 hrs. DTV’s Summer Movie Fest 23:00 hrs. Sign Off

From page 18 production. That company has reported over $200M in losses since the strike.

Questioned as to the implications of the strike on the interior operations, the Minister yesterday said that Government has requested its regulators, the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to conduct an impact analysis of the situation.

Some operators are paying as much as $250,000 to take out 500 pounds of supplies.

Camps with staffers are in a bad way with some of them having more than 200 workers.

According to Persaud, the protests are “biting deep”; sawmills are closing operations because of nonsupplies. The vibrant construction industry is being affected because of the shortage of lumber.

Bosai has threatened to hold back a planned US$200M in investments.

FOR RENT 2 Bedrooms furnished apartment Call:665-2548

Tuesday July 31, 2012 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Secret romances could get in the way of furthering your education. Ultimately, you’ve got to bring this relationship to light, or you’ll miss a golden opportunity. ********************************* TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): Be wary about turning a friendship into a romance, as it may be better to keep things platonic. If you’re already married, you need to cultivate some common interests. ********************************* GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): While your connections are undeniably impressive, beware of lording them over others. If you want a relationship to blossom, you’ve got to behave as an equal, not a superior. ********************************* CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): You aren’t getting much spiritual satisfaction these days. Maybe news events have caused you to question what you really value in life. ********************************* LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): A desire for companionship could drive you into the arms of the wrong person. Be careful about whom you confide in. Otherwise, someone could take advantage of your vulnerable position. ********************************* VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): It may be easier to focus on a partner’s weaknesses, rather than their strengths and while you have good reason to be annoyed with this person, you’ve got to back off.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): You’ve always been a hard worker, but lack motivation today. Maybe it’s because you’ve been depriving yourself of luxury. ********************************* SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): As incredible as it may seem, it is possible to have too much sex. If you’re involved in a relationship, take care that you don’t use physical intimacy as a substitute for communication. ********************************* SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): B e w a r e o f overindulging in food or drink, or you will come to regret it. You’ll want to feel and look your best in the coming days. ********************************* CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): It’s important to be honest, even at the expense of hurting someone’s feelings.

Maintaining an illusion will only lead to more trouble. ********************************* AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): A desire for material luxury could cause you to make an unfortunate choice.

Be sure to save any receipts, as you may want to return some merchandise at a later date. ********************************* PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): You may be a little hypersensitive today, so take critical comments with a pinch of salt. Following orders is important now, even if you are inconvenienced by them.

Diamond Scheme Furnished apartment for one Indian female, call: 216- 2637, 685- 0205 Top flat 2 bedroom at Herstelling, call: 265- 2171, 698- 3231 39 West Ruimveildt 5 minute to school also its 4 bedroom upstairs,master bedroom second wash room $70,000 Call: 694-5371 EDUCATIONAL ACADEMIA: CXC lessons forms 1-5 & Adults. Only $1000 per subject per month.

Call: 600-3775 SUMMER CLASSES:Come learn to do tips, hand design, make up and poised $10,000 Call:226-9448,628-7880 Learn Spanish Call:673-1232

Easy

Imperial College-Jan / June CXC 2013. Full time / Lessons /Adults classes.

Payment packages & discounts available. Call: 683-5742, 227-7627 Summer computer classes, Micrographics Technology Vreed-En-Hoop Call: 2643057 Summer computer classes, Micrographics Technology Parika (Bollywood Building) Call: 264-3057 Summer computer classes, Micrographics Technology Grove Call: 266-3976 Advanced Diploma in computer studies, Micrographics Technology Vreed-En-Hoop Call: 2643057

VEHICLES FOR SALE One Yamaha ATV Motor cycle 450cc 2003 Model with Winch and unregistered Call: 663-5494, 260-2929

(From page 15)

Toyota Hilux pick-up, solid DEF, 4X4 long base, diesel, excellent condition Call: 6230243 Canter for sale, (long base) series GPP excellent condition $3.6M NEG. Call: 682- 4224, 693- 8357 Unregistered Premio, Allion, Allex, AT 212, Spacio Call: 609-8188,638-3045 Just arrived: Allion and Premio, tel: 624-2000, 622-1610 Tw o unregistered vehicles 4x4 2005 Nissan Titan $3.5M, 2006 Toyota Tacoma V6 VTI $3.9M Call:662- 1396, 678-0573 BMW 318I for sale $2M Call: 269-0504, 617-3851 One Honda Civic for sale as is $700,000. Call:619-7260, 687-5656 Toyota Sequoia in good condition. Call:Kampta 305969-5475 Raum PNN Series, fully loaded, Mitsubishi encloses canter GGG Safraz 674-7576 or 233-5062 One Tacoma 4x4, fully loaded, low mileage, one Honda airwave, fully loaded, low mileage Call:669-1113 2003 Nissan X Trail PLL series, excellent condition $3.2M Negotiable Call:6233839 Nissan Xtrail white PMM series, low mileage $3.5M Negotiable Call:623-6071 or 233-2468 1 old model Raum, corporate yellow, 4WD, good condition, $1,150,000 negotiable, call: 646-3777 2004 Nissan Cefiro 200JK, Luxury sedan, Hid light and 17’’ chrome rims Call: 6015500 or 601-5589 Leading Auto, Unregistered- Allion Runx, call: 677-7666

VACANCY 1 Handyman, Security Guards, Apply: Guyana Fisheries Limited, Houston East Bank Demerara.

Be part of our world class customer care team.Call:2200401-3 or Email: recruitment Guyana @qualfon.com Required one helper/maid for a salon and a cosmetologist age 18- 30. call: 223-5451, 227-4799 Aracari Resort, maintenance staff able body, security, experience cook, Apply in person or call:264-3312,2642946 IT Manager must have degree in computer. Call: 2200401- 3 or email: recuruitment guyana@qualfon.com Experience welder fabricator, experience bond clerk.

Apply Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.

One Western Union CRS to work at Mon Repos Mall & Georgetown, Apply @ 38 Ketley Street, Charlestown Call: 682-6055 1 live in maid, 1 washer Linens, 1 Carpenter Call Hotel 223-6284, Part time maid. Simone 227-0501 Accounts Clerk- 5 years experience passes in Accounts, Maths, English.

Apply @ Alabama, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.

1 driver, salesman Call: 2201500, 614-4626 HEALTH HIV/AIDS are you infected?

Help is available, Results Guaranteed call:639-6054, 691-7070 Dr. Ramayya the only Ayurvedic doctor in Guyana offers treatment for all disease. Call 231-5171

Leading Auto, Plate PLL series Raum, Starlet. Call: 677-7666 1 bus BLL series excellent working condition, best offer taken, owner leaving country. Call: 687- 6695, 6813095 Long & short base open back canter, call: 617- 2891 AT 192 Yellow Motor Car HB 5252 Call:223-5615 Lexus IS200,Honda CR-V Both fully loaded PKK series, price negotiable Safraz 6747576, 633-5062

VEHICLES FOR SALE BJJ 635 Minibus, EFI Engine for sale or on contract Call: 692-0762 Bus for sale BJJ 1065 (Long Base) Call: 682-5054 Jags’ VVTI, Manual Buses, Premio, Wagon, IST, Raum Cheapest Call: 616-7635

Page 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 31, 2012

TEAM RUM LEADS BLITZ Inter-Market Futsal Tournament PAINTBALL COMPETITION rescheduled Team Rum with a combined total of 64 points lead the standings at the end of the first round of competition in the Blitz Paintball Tournament 2012, which commenced on Sunday, just outside the South Dakota Circuit on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

They are enjoying a six-point lead over Gizmos, who closed the day on 58, while Earthlink occupies the third spot on 39, one point ahead of Assassins on 38.

Six other teams are participating in the round-robin competition, which will resume on Sunday and culminate on August 12.

According to a release from the Organisers, most of the teams performed well in the first segment of the day’s activity, before the top four finishers asserted themselves in the final round of the day.

The tournament is being sponsored by Bass Tracker Outdoor Supplies, Powerade by Banks DIH, Digicel and Gizmos and Gadgets.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers

as well as medals.

There will also be three medals for the top three outstanding players. Participants in the tournament will be entitled to Powerade beverages with the kind compliments of Banks DIH and Powerade.

Mark Sutton’s Sevena-side football returns - US$300 up for grabs is ‘Take it’ segment The Mark Sutton Foundation in collaboration with the Melanie Tritons Sports and Culture Club will be hosting its third annual Mark Sutton’s Seven-a-side Knockout Football Competition, better known as ‘Take it Competition’ August 3-5 at the Melanie playfield.

The three days annual event is kept in honour of Mark Anthony Sutton who passed away on May 24 in 2009 while playing his favorite sport, football on the playfield.

The tournament will kick

off on August 3 at 10am with the under-15 teams along the East Coast. At stake for this category is the Mark Sutton trophy and prizes.

Participating teams will be placed in two groups with the winners and runner-ups moving to the quarter finals and finals on August 4 and 5 respectively.

The competition also fields a female match as women’s football is on the verge of developing in the country. The female players will receive prizes and certificates of participations.

Mark Anthony Sutton At stake will be US$300 ($60,000.00) for the ‘Take it’ segment of the competition.

This segment is for the senior male teams. All FIFA rules are in effect for the competition.

For further information on the annual event, contact Titus Sutton on 270-1458 or 270-1095.

IPF/NAPF Regional Powerlifting C/ships From back page saw one of the tournament’s best clashes between AdeThomas and Thibeaux of the USA battling it out for second place honors behind the outstanding Brookes.

Both Thomas and Thibeaux started the squat even at 265kg (584.32lbs) before Thibeaux gained the lead with a Bench Press of 182.5kg (402.41lbs) to Thomas’ 132.5kg (292.16lbs).

Entering the final lift (Dead Lift), and trailing his rival by a huge 50kg (110.25lbs), the current Junior Commonwealth 83kg Dead-Lift record holder pulled out all the stops to lift a Personal Best and New Commonwealth Record of 295kg (650.47lbs) to Thibeaux’s 245kg (540.22lbs) erasing the deficit completely and finishing equal with his rival on a total of 692.5kgs (1,526.96lbs).

However, Thibeaux with a lighter bodyweight of 82.7kgs to Thomas 83kgs gained the

nod for second place with Thomas taking third.

Attending the championships along with Ade-Thomas was Guyana Amateur Power Lifting (GAPF) VicePresident, Edwin Spencer, who was this nation’s representative at the World AntiDoping Agency symposium as well as the North American Congress. Spencer enjoyed a successful debut as an IPF Category II Referee.

In an invited comment, GAPF President, Peter Green stated that he is “delighted that Thomas has justified the confidence and funding placed in him by the Executive in what was an extremely challenging competition in his last year as a Junior (U23) lifter”.

Ade-Thomas’ achievement was made all the more sweeter given the fact that he had to battle an overweight problem prior to leaving Guyana. He had to suppress his liquid intake and shrugged off Jet-lag to make the quali-

fying weight of 83kgs. His eventual achievement speaks volumes of the athlete from the Ancient County of Berbice, who is coached by Egbert Jackson and is a member of the Total Fitness Gym based at Corriverton.

Meanwhile, fellow Berbician and Junior 59kg Commonwealth Dead-Lift record holder, Vijai Rahim is part of a two-man team to attend the South American Championships in Cali, Colombia in two weeks, pending the Federation’s ability to raise the necessary funding.

Rahim’s needs US$1500 to participate in Columbia.

To date, only the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club has answered the call with a monetary donation towards the purchase of supplements and coverage of Rahim’s one week absence from work without pay from his place of employ, GuySuco, after the company has refused to grant Rahim time off with pay.

Organisers of this year’s 2nd Annual Inter-Market Futsal Football Competition Stabroek Warriors Sports held a press briefing yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to make the disclosure of the event’s rescheduling due to circumstances beyond their control.

Co-ordinators O’Neil Durant and Roy Ridley, both of whom were present at the briefing informed the media that the previously scheduled start of the tournament, which was due to begin on July 31 and run until August 18, will now be played on November 6-22 at the same venue.

According to Durant, the change in date was due to the Ministry of Sport’s decision to host an International Science Fair during the months of August to October and that will be followed by the staging of events for the Inter-Guiana Games shortly after and these two events have been given priority.

Durant took the opportunity to appeal to participants, sponsors and fans to bear with the Organisers since the postponement was entirely beyond their control, but was assured by the relevant authority that the new dates for the staging of the tournament has been confirmed.

He also added that participants will enjoy increased prize monies with the winning team set to receive $350,000, runner-up$200,000, 3rd place-$100,000

Organisers of the Inter-Market Futsal Tournament O’Neil Durant (left) and Roy Ridley seen at yesterday’s press briefing. and 4th place-$50,000.

According to him, there has been an increase of over $150,000 for the winners since the inaugural tournament.

Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission issued a release pertaining to the rescheduling of the tournament and the following is its content: This serves to inform that Stabroek Warriors Sports was granted permission to use the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to conduct its 2nd Annual Inter-Market Futsal

Fidel Edwards called up to replace Ravi Rampaul Kingston, Jamaica — The West Indies Cricket Board’s Selection Panel today called up fast bowler Fidel Edwards to replace Ravi Rampaul in the 13-man squad for the second and final Digicel Test match against New Zealand.

Rampaul played in the West Indies victory in the first Digicel Test at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. He

Jaguar, Quick Silver, Iron...

From page 22 thrilling race that went to the wire as Randy just managed to stave off a strong finishing Jaguar at the checkered Flag.

The attention now turns to the August12, Lake Mainstay Power Boat Regatta on the Essequibo Coast, where more keen rivalry can be expected.

Easter Regatta 2012 Group One Champion Neil Gonsalves and his Pomeroon team are expected to throw

Competition during July 31August 18, 2012.

Unfortunately, this activity has to be rescheduled as the venue has been identified to host an International Science Fair during August –October, 2012.

The National Sports Commission regrets any inconvenience caused and is prepared to accommodate this competition at a later date.

Thank you.

With regards, Gervy C. Harry Admin.Officer

down the gauntlet to the Bartica boys led by the Belles and Dave Scott and others as entertainment is guaranteed for the fans.

Fans at Bartica enjoyed the presence of International Reggae and Dancehall Recording Artiste “Beanie Man” who did grace the Bartica Golden Beach with his presence then treated them at a show on Sunday evening.

(Edward A Persaud)

took four wickets in the match, but has been ruled out of the second match with groin injury.

Edwards, 30, has played 54 Test matches with 158 wickets at 38.37 each. His best bowling figures of 7-87 came against New Zealand at McLean Park, Napier in December, 2008.

The second Digicel Test match will be played at Sabina Park, starting on Thursday.

First ball is 10 am (11 am Eastern Caribbean Time).

FULL SQUAD: Darren Sammy (captain) Denesh Ramdin (vice captain) Adrian Barath Tino Best Shivnarine Chanderpaul Narsingh Deonarine Fidel Edwards Assad Fudadin Chris Gayle Sunil Narine Kieran Powell Kemar Roach Marlon Samuels

Ansa McAl sponsors KMTC Post...

From back page through their Mackeson Brand has recognised the achievements of Hugh Ross with a monetary contribution.

Yusuf said that she hopes his accomplishments have demonstrated to other athletes what discipline can produce. She informed that the company is rewarding Ross to help him promote himself at the highest level.

“It gives us great pleasure to see Guyanese with

talents performing and winning at the highest level. We are happy that our contribution means something to him.

We want to help him move to the next stage,” Yusuf said.

Ross won the NABBA World Championships Mr. Universe Over-40 Masters title in London in 2010 and the Master Over-50 title in Ireland this year. He was also the ‘Sportsman of the Year’ last year, and was the recipient of the Medal of Service award.

The bodybuilder said he is grateful for the reward as it is unusual in his career. He said he has never had a major sponsor, but rather, he was his own trainer, coach, manager, and dietitian. He noted that it has been fatiguing for him.

Ross indicated that he works overtime on his day-off to fund himself. On this note, he expressed how meaningful was Ansa McAl’s contribution to him.

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Kaieteur News

Guyana and T&T win Under-19 Cricket fixtures Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago recorded victories, while the Windwards and host Barbados played out a draw in latest matches in the Regional Under-19 three-day cricket Championship yesterday in Barbados.

Guyana recorded a comfortable 96 run triumph over the Leewards, while T&T beat Jamaica by 3 wickets to rally up valuable championship points. Gudesh Moti-Kanhai bagged 11 wickets in the match for 116.

Following are the summarised close-of-play scores on the final day of the first round of matches in the Regional Under-19 three-day Championship on Monday in Barbados.

Scores: At Bayfield: Guyana beat Leewards by 96 runs.

GUYANA 202 (Chanderpaul Hemraj 102; Tristan Hanley 648, Shevon Moore 2-30, Baker 2-25) and 156 (Ricardo Adams 42, Shawn Pereira 22; Tristan Hanley 4-68 - 10-116 in the match, Devon Baker 325, Shevon Moore 2-29)

Gudakesh Moti-Kanhai LEEWARDS 131 (Ashawn Hodge 49, Colin Archibald 40 not out; Gudakesh MotiKanhai 7-31, Romario Shepherd 2-32) and 131 (Hodge 25, Duan Webb 24, Dymon Parris 20, Akeem Saunders 20; Shawn Pereira 6-40, Gudakesh Moti-Kanhai 4-65).

At Queen’s Park: Windwards drew with Barbados. WINDWARDS 206 (Jerlani Robinson 75, Holis Blair 33, Roland Cato 29; Aaron Jones 4-24, Chad Williams 3-41, Darnell Greenidge 2-29) and 202

(Keone George 58, Tarryck Gabriel 55, Jerlani Robinson 33; Darnell Greenidge 3-23, Jameel Stuart 2-8, Chad Williams 2-46, Chaim-Alexis Holder 2-59) BARBADOS 278-8 decl. (Shai Hope 101, Kemar Brathwaite 51, Darnell Greenidge 28, Jameel Stuart 21; Kenneth Dember 2-43, Larry Edwards 2-53) and 846 (Shai Hope 24; Larry Edward 2-17).

At Friendship: T&T beat Jamaica by 3 wickets.

JAMAICA 187 (Brian Gayle 35, Raghni Francis 31, Odane McCatty 25, Christopher Powell 25, Oshane Walters 24; Jovan Ali 4-59, Anthony Simmons 2-43) and 194-7 decl. (Brian Gayle 54, Tezwayne Creary 76 not out; Jovan Ali 4-55, Tevin Robertson 2-40) TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 203 (Jeremy Solozano 84, Brian Christmas 24, Andy Gobin 23, Vikash Mohan 23; Oshane Walters 549, Brian Gayle 4-29) and 1807 (Jeremy Solozano 78, Brian Christmas 29, Andy Gobin 21; Oshane Walters 4-56, Brian Gayle 2-68).

Inverhaugh CC Masters face W/Dem today at Everest The privately owned Inverhaugh Cricket Club based in Inverhaugh, Ontario, Canada has been blessed with brilliant sunshine ever since their tour to Guyana commenced last Friday, but the North American unit has not enjoyed the same blessings on the field losing both of their matches against an Everest Masters side last Saturday and a strong young Berbice XI at Albion on Sunday.

Inverhaugh play its third match against a West Demerara Masters team at Everest today from 11:00hrs. This match was shifted from the Wales Community Center ground due to a sodden outfield there.

The club was formed by Bart Singh & Associates in 1995 and plays all their games on turf wickets within the grounds owned by Jan & Bart Singh. Almost half of their players hail from various parts of Guyana.

Former Windies Test player, Sew Shivnarine, now aged 60, has made useful contributions in both matches for the touring team. Most of the members are Canada-based, but Inverhaugh have several overseas members that join the club on its tours.

The club only plays friendly matches during the Canadian summer while tours are regularly undertaken in the winter months to various islands such as: Grenada, St. Maarten, St.Lucia, Jamaica, Cayman Islands & Dominica.

Following both of the matches played over the weekend in Guyana the touring party made a presentation of cricket equipment to the youth programme of both the Everest Cricket Club and the Albion Cricket Clubs.

This is the club’s first tour to Guyana and only the second during summer with the previous one being to England in 1997.

Both the captain, Bart Singh & the Manager, Fazal Karim hail from Herstelling and

are looking forward to this tour. The tour party also includes members originally from Trinidad, Canada, England, India and Scotland.

The full tour party including wives & supporters number 30. Most members of the group were born in Guyana and the Inverhaugh team read: Bart Singh (captain), Roy Singh, John Metcalf, Vince Correia, Nigel Cockwell, Fazal Karim, Ron Reece, Kumar Dindial, Jai Yudishthu, Balkaran Maharaj, Keron Jagdeo, Premo Jagdeo, Saheed Mohamed and Jaysheel Bhavsar.

Yesterday the team had a rest day and visited the Arrowpoint/ Santa Mission area while tomorrow some of the members will visit the world renowned Kaieteur Falls/ Orinduik Falls.

The West Demerara team will be selected from: Sudesh Persaud, Rishi Digamber(Captain), Sham Persaud, Thakur, Terry Daniels, Abdul Shameer Samad, Anand Sanasie, Vibert Johnson, Dhanpaul, Shawn McKay, Navindra Persaud, Hassan Inshan, Orvil Black, Balram Aaron, Jagdesh Balgobin,Robin Persaud, Azeez Khan, Sunil Ramdat. The Manager is Robin Khan and Coach/player is Harry Deokinandan.

Inverhaugh will play their final match against an East Bank Masters team at Everest on Thursday.

The East Bank team will comprise of the following players: Deonarine Debidial, Kenneth Debidial, Rohan Sarjoo, Johnny Azeez, Raymond Jaisingh, Ronald Jaisingh, Daniel Sarjoo, Rakesh Gangaram, Victor Henry, Jai Sankar & Mukesh Dass. The team will then be entertained at a farewell cocktail reception at the Grand Coastal Inn on Thursday evening hosted by Raj Singh Insurance Brokers.

Page 21

Gafoor warms up for Caribbean Scrabble Championship with impressive win With the Caribbean Scrabble Championships just a few weeks away, Guyana’s top seeded, Moen Gafoor proved his readiness when he amassed an impeccable 6 points with a positive spread of 292 to emerge victorious when the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) hosted an Open tournament in the pavilion of the Maltenoes Sports Club on Sunday.

Former national champion and current Caribbean Champion, Fred Collins finished second with 4 points and a positive spread of 579 while Colin Chichester amassed 4 points and a positive spread of 84 to close off the podium positions.

Julian Skeete scored 4 points with a positive spread of 62 to finish 4th, carting off the special prize for the best player outside the top ten rankings. National Champion Abigail McDonald experienced the worst day of her reign and eventually ended the tournament on 3 points and a positive spread of 299.

No one envisaged McDonald’s turn of fortune since she went to the lunch break with 3 points after winning all of her games.

Moen Gafoor

Fred Collins

Gafoor also experienced similar pre-lunch fortunes and the post-lunch matchup between him and McDonald was highly anticipated and touted to produce the overall winner.

The game ebbed and flowed with both players scoring 3 bingos apiece with a negligible spread separating them as the tiles ran out. In a counterattacking game where both players scored 3 bingo’s apiece, Gafoor proved to be the more cunning and eventually prevailed by a slim margin of 8; the final score reading 453-461.

It seemed as though the tensions of that game had a negative impact on the local scrabble queen and she went on to drop her two successive

encounters to Fred Collins and Julian Skeete and for the first time in a long time the local scrabble queen failed to ascend the podium after turning in a dismal performance with 3 points and a positive spread of 299.

The players will convene once again at the Malteenoes Sports Club tomorrow in Emancipation Open Championships.

The organisers are appealing to all players to make a special effort to attend in preparation for the Caribbean Championships slated for next month.

Players are also reminded to attend practice sessions at the very venue on Wednesday evenings starting at 10am.

United States, China neckand-neck on Medal Standings The United States of America and China are neckand-neck in the medal count of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England after five days of competition. The complete Medal Standing from the first five of the 17day competition is as follows:

Correction!!!

In yesterday’s edition of Kaieteur Sport, we unintentionally carried an inaccurate report on the results of the just-concluded Hugh Ross Bodybuilding Classic and Fitness Fair at the National Cultural Centre last Saturday night. In fact, it was Kerwin Clarke of Buddies

Gym who won the honors, first, in the welterweight (155-165 lbs) division and subsequently the overall pose down. Kaieteur Sport apologises to Mr. Clarke for any inconvenience and wishes to offer congratulations on his achievement.

Category 1st 2nd 3rd Bantamweight - 143lb (65kg)Devon Davis Eybo Orford Yogeshwar Nirmall (GDF) (Total Fitness) (Musclemania) Lightweight 144lb-154lbs (70kg) Marlon Bennett Alston Lancaster Travis Peters (Xtreme Fitness) (Windoroju) (Total Fitness) Welterweight 155-165lbs (75kg) Kerwin Clarke* Lindy Sharpe Selwyn Grogan (Buddy’s Gym) (Universal BC) (Interline Fitness) Light Middleweight Clint Duke Alfred Jordan Delon Harlequin (166lbs- 176lbs - 80kg) (Total Fitness) (Interline Fitness) (Interline Fitness) Heavyweight Michael Dos Santos Shawn Henry Samuel Dey (177lbs & over - 80kg) (Total Fitness) (Buddy’s) (Zahiff’s) Ms. Physique: Alisha Fortune (GDF) Ms. Body Fitness: Nadina Taharally Letitia Myles Ashanti Fortune (Interline Fitness) (GDF) (BodyMax) Overall – Mr. Hugh Ross Classic 2012: Kerwin Clarke (Buddy’s Gym)

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Downes, Humphrey clinch GBTI Open Singles titles The Men’s Open finals clash between Anthony Downes and Jeremy Miller lived up to the hype as both players pushed each other to the limit in their rematch at the GBTI Courts in Bel Air Park before a packed crowd on Sunday.

The match, which had an electronic scoring system for the first time, saw Downes clocking 21 winners to Miller’s 12 as the two went head to head in their two hour battle over two sets.

Miller, who had been on the losing end of the last three major tournaments, started off well and broke Downes to secure a 5-4 lead and a chance to serve for the set. Downes, however, saved his best tennis for the final and pounded groundstrokes especially off the forehand to even up the set at 5-5.

There was no turning back for Downes from that point as he took the set 7-5 and took the momentum into the second where he established a 4-0 lead over Miller who fought valiantly to

The various category winners display their silverware while Tennis and sponsors, GBTI, officials shared the moment. stay alive. Downes started off the first game with an ace followed by a forehand winner and held easily.

Miller’s service game on the other hand lasted for 15 minutes as he saved break

point after break point, as Downes put him under pressure.

A number of unforced errors also contributed to Miller’s woes when he could have closed off the game.

Jaguar, Quick Silver, Iron Charlie,Out and Bad dominate Bartica Regatta A late start to Bartica’s Summer Regatta 2012 last Sunday saw the scheduled programme of seventeen Power Boats Racing events, running way beyond the scheduled time, as the races concluded in fading light.

However, the day’s accident-free programme, which was suspended at one point due to eventual gusty winds and rough waters, did not stop Jaguar, Quick Silver, Iron Charlie and Out and Bad from dominating proceedings when their respective races were held.

Spectators there were definitely treated to keen competitive Power Boat Racing rivalry, especially in the 75hp to 90hp category, between the entries of 3:16 Piloted by Dave Younge and

Dave Scott and Jaguar

Monty Belle eventual category Champion, Orin Keith Montgomery Belle a/k Monty and his entry “Iron Charlie”. Hosea Jardine and his entry “Out and Bad” yet again ruled things in the 40hp Category as the eventual Champion entry.

Also in the 115hp to 200hp

category Sean Belle and the entry “Quick Silver” emerged as eventual Champion for this Category after having staved off a valiant challenges from Steven Belle and “Tattianna”, with Selwyn “Pops” Joseph and his entry “The Girls them Sugar” and Pomeroon’s, Henry Da Silva and his entry “Cyzie Boy” giving creditable performance in this category also.

In the 225hp and unlimited category, Davenarine Persaud a/k Dave Scott and “Jaguar” convincingly took control of the category to emerge Champion overall, despite narrowly placing second in one of the category’s events behind former Champion Randy “Price “Belle and his entry “Wave Runner” in a (Continued on page 20)

Downes hit some big forehands, which had Miller on the run and despite staying close in the games quickly went down 4-0 before he was able to secure one break on Downes’ serve. Miller put immense pressure on himself as he missed on his first serve as well as tossing in 12 double-faults during the course of the match.

Miller, however dug deep to stage a mini recovery as he hit some inside out forehands deep to Downes backhand and ran down numerous

shots by Downes including one memorable point where he returned an overhead smash and then followed it up with a sliced winner.

Downes smartly served and volleyed at 5-3 and the different approach worked in his favour as he closed off the match 7-5 6-3 to capture his second consecutive GBTI Men’s title. The match was of an exceptionally high standard.

Earlier, Berbician Carol Humphrey despite being injured and having to retire a night earlier in the Mixed

Doubles final, showed grit and determination in capturing the Ladies Open title from top seed, Shawna Gentle, who was also battling with her own ailments. The veteran, Humphrey played well and took out a sub-par Gentle 6-1 in the first set and was on course for an equally dominant second set with the score 3-1 when Gentle retired.

Other titles decided over the weekend included wins for Steve David Longe, who won the Men’s Over-35 Singles title when he mounted an amazing comeback against Mario Niamatalli in their super tie-break decider. With one set apiece, Niamatalli raced ahead to an 8-3 lead before Longe won 6 straight points under immense pressure as he held his nerve and capitalised to complete the win 11-9 and capture the title for the first time.

The Mixed Doubles title went to Downes /Rebecca Mitchell, who had to battle from a set down to defeat Godfrey Lowden/ Humphrey after the later retired in the third set with the match tied a set apiece and Downes/ Mitchell leading.

The respective finals were followed by the Presentation Ceremony, which included the CEO of GBTI John Tracey, President of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association, Ramesh Seebarran among other officials.

Almatbouli puts Jordan on the map (Reuters) Ihab Almatbouli became the first fighter to represent Jordan at an Olympic Games on Monday and did so in style, dancing around the ring and delivering a flurry of stinging shots to record his country’s first boxing victory.

Almatbouli, a 26-year-old light heavyweight who lives in the Palestinian refugee camp of Baqa’a, thumped Nigeria’s Lukmon Lawal by 19 points to 7 to the delight of some 20 team-mates and officials whose cheers and chants drowned out the packed arena.

The shaven headed fighter said back in Baqa’a, 20 kilometers north of Jordan’s capital Amman and home to some 80,000 people, those who usually crowd into cafes to watch soccer matches will have watched his fight instead and he was happy to make them proud.

“It’s a great honor to represent my country at the Olympics, an incredible feeling and god willing I’m going to progress in the next round,” Almatbouli, who

Jordan’s Ihab Almatbouli dedicated his win to the King of Jordan, told reporters.

“Hopefully with a good fight and good progress, I am going to be a role model.”

Jordan is represented at the Games by nine athletes including sprinter Rima Taha, better known in her home country for appearing in the Arab version of the popular television show ‘Gladiators’.

Almatbouli responded to his noisy support by putting on a real show, particularly in the third round where he forced the referee to call a standing eight count.

Then, in a rare moment when Lawal put him under pressure, the Jordanian simply danced out of the way of his punches with Muhammad Ali-style nonchalance.

It was a far cry from the 2007 world championships when he collapsed in his corner after a fight and was only revived one minute later.

Almatbouli, whose five brothers are also boxers, said he was simply never prepared to give up.

“After the difficult life I’ve had, with all the difficulties I never stopped sport, I always continued nonstop,” said Almatbouli who next faces world amateur champion and top seed Julio la Cruz Peraza of Cuba on Saturday.

Tuesday July 31, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 23

t r o Sp

15-year-old schoolgirl wins swimming gold

Lithuanian Ruta Meilutyte celebrates her gold medal yesterday.

(Daily Mail)- Just weeks ago 15-year-old, Ruta Meilutyte was sitting with classmates at Plymouth College. Yesterday, she became an Olympic champion.

The Lithuanian

swimming prodigy, taught and trained at an English secondary school, stormed to victory in the 100m breaststroke final.

Nobody expected Meilutyte to even reach the final and she was so shocked

by her own success, the teenager held her hands over her mouth when she first clapped eyes on the scoreboard.

The 15-year-old not only became the first swimmer from her country to win an

Olympic medal she did it in under extraordinary circumstances.

The start, a time when swimmers are already battling their nerves, was delayed by a technical malfunction that saw the starter’s gun go off before he had called “on your marks”.

American Breeja Larson dived into the pool on the gun but was able to race because of the malfunction.

The eight finalists sat down while the problem was fixed and an unfazed Meilutyte still got off the blocks fastest and led at the turn but then had to survive a fierce challenge from

American Rebecca Soni, the reigning world champion in the event.

The more experienced Soni drew level in the final few strokes but Meilutyte kept her cool and got her hands on the wall first in one minute, 05.47 seconds.

Soni was second in 1:05.55 while Japan’s Satomi Suzuki finished third in 1:06.46.

Australia’s Leisel Jones, the defending Olympic champion, who won a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Games when she was 15, finished fifth overall in her fourth and final appearance at the Games.

The only person who won’t be surprised by Meilutyte’s gold medal is Jon Rudd, her coach at the internationally acclaimed Plymouth Leander Swimming Programme.

Speaking before tonight’s final, Rudd, who describes his pupil as ‘super human’, told the Plymouth Herald: “The only limit to what she is capable of achieving is herself. There are girls out there with longstanding experience and they are going to bring that to the final. But what Ruta brings is youth and vibrancy.

She is not worried about reputations”.

Ansa McAl sponsors KMTC Thomas smashes Post-Emancipation Meet Commonwealth, IPF/NAPF Regional Powerlifting C/ships...

national records

Ansa McAl PRO, Darshanie Yusuf hands over the sponsorship cheque to KMTC President, Justice Cecil Kennard yesterday.

A

nsa McAl under its Carib Beer b r a n d announced yesterday that it will be supporting the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) PostEmancipation Day Horse Race Meet that is scheduled for Sunday.

Ansa McAl’s Public Relations Officer, Darshanie Yusuf, said the company has a good track record of support for all sport and will continue that with horse

racing. She added that KMTC has been doing extremely well in promoting and developing horse racing, pointing out that the event on Sunday is the Club’s third this year.

KMTC President, Justice Cecil Kennard, thanked Ansa McAl for their support, stressing that sponsorship is necessary for the success of events. He said Ansa McAl will also sponsor their Boxing Day Meet.

The company’s contribution will go toward the day’s feature event, which is the B-Class-andLower race. The race will see the participation of the country’s top horses; it carries a total purse of $1.5M and the Carib Beer trophy.

Both Yusuf and Kennard are looking forward to an exciting day of horse racing, and they are hoping that the weather will be friendly.

Meanwhile, Ansa McAl (Continued on page 20)

Anis Ade-Thomas

G

uyana’s Anis Ade-Thomas smashed his Commonwealth Dead-Lift record en route to a silver medal at the just-concluded International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) Regional Championships held at the Westin Hotel, Grand Cayman Islands.

Competing in the Men’s Junior 83kg to 93kg

combined category, AdeThomas, despite arriving on the Island the night before competing, showed why he is regarded as the best in the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, when he captured the silver medal behind USA’s and NAPF Reigning NAPF Champion, Conway Brookes.

In achieving silver, AdeThomas also set new national records for the Squat 265kg (584.32lbs);

Bench Press 132.5kg (292.16lbs); Dead-Lift 295kg (650.47lbs) and Total 692.5kg (1,526.96lbs).

H e s e t a n e w Commonwealth Junior Dead-Lift record of 295.0kgs to erase the old mark of 292.5kg, which was achieved at the Caribbean Championships in March of this year.

Competition in the Men’s Open 83kg Category (Continued on page 20)

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