Thursday July 07, 2016
Is there a Roads inspection Unit? DEAR EDITOR; It’s an established and known fact that Governments and Ministers, upon being elected are servants of the populace and definitely not the other way around. While at some given juncture, they must be able to facilitate visitation (s) by concerned citizens and community groups, etc. In this regard reference is hereby made to the above caption as it relates to the publication of a letter in KN (21. 06. 16), “Implorations to save Mocha Arcadia”. Editor, in lauding the concern being expressed by the letter writer, Ja’asriel Bishop, I must remonstrate, why did it take a resident’s penmanship to highlight the areas of neglect publicly, within Mocha-Arcadia. Isn’t there an NDC to address the concerns or a Village Council? With such bodies in place and functioning both efficiently and effectively, approaches can be made to the relevant Ministries/ Agencies for assistance. But of all the issues mentioned, road repairs/rehabilitation would be of utmost priority since any construction/ renovation thereafter must be
assured of passable roads for materials. However, editor on the subject of a Roads Inspection Unit of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, it must be said that indeed, if one does exist what are the roles and functions? How often do they meet? Is assessment, cost factor and duration a priority of their mandate? Then at what juncture is a report forwarded to the Minister for approval? Within 72 hours. Thereafter, how long will it take for remedial works to commence as a matter of priority? With this in mind can assessment be made of Henry Street; Hogg Street, Albouystown; Hunter Street; West Ruimveldt ; First and Cross Streets, Alexander Village; Bourda Street, Bourda, northern half to name a few. Since the network of streets/roads form a major inter-connection at peak hours (albeit vehicular traffic diversion), then can they be constructed as a matter of priority? Moreover, in the specific cases of First and Cross Streets and the latter between Fourth Street and Mandela Avenue, whereby almost a distance of 100 yards is virtually impassable
whenever it rains, while almost on a daily basis trucks from Banks DIH that funded the reconstruction of Independence Arch at Agricola, utilizes Cross Streets, in pursuit of sales. Is this ‘the gratitude” the beverage giants are receiving for their construction of $10,000,000? Least before I forget, the bridges over the Hunter Street, canal should be replaced with durable and long lasting concrete structures connecting 2nd, 3rd and 4th Streets Alexander Village, to Hunter Street. This is primarily due to the fact that pupils to and from West Ruimveldt Primary utilizes them twice daily, in addition to workers and other residents. Also the bridge, adjoining Sussex Street to Barr Street, Albouystown, which forms a major route for traffic diverting from the East Bank. In relation to Bourda Street, from Regent Street to North Road, this area continues to remain in a deplorable state. By the way, what of the Mayor & City Councillors’ Roads Repair Unit. Is it still operable with its outdated and antiquated equipment? Lester Sealey.
Guysuco has too many aging administrators DEAR EDITOR; The letter from Harry Hergash captioned “The shortcomings of GuySuCo exposed” was spot-on on in exposing the sugar company’s attempt on a publicity stunt of rebranding it the “New GuySuCo”. The company had failed to provide any details, not only to the taxpaying public, but to the hardworking sugar workers, who so far since the new government took office are yet to be a pay increase, on what are the ingredients that are responsible for the “Old GuySuCo” to be rebranded “New GuySuCo”. The fundamental question for the taxpaying public to this “New GuySuCo”, will the rebranding lead to financial sufficiency by the company so that there will be no need for state subsidy, and if so when can the taxpayers
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expect this to happen? Editor, if the rebranding is just a publicity gimmick, as pointed out by Hergash, then it’s just a waste of time in spending money on public relations and paying wages to workers to attend the sessions where corporate executives will sell this “New GuySuCo” concept. Hergash, further extolled the credentials of Vibert Parvatan and Nowrang Persaud and questioned the wisdom of GuySuCo for not having these 2 gentlemen on its payroll as it has for several of the same era and ilk. Both gentlemen are eminent in their own profession, but when GuySuCo is presently crammed with highly paid septuagenarians and octogenarians, why add another 2 to the establishment, and what can these people contribute to
cause a major turnaround on the fortunes of this financially beleaguered company? Where is the scope for young Guyanese to take up executive positions in the company if every opening is filled by aged executives? The University of Guyana churns out almost 5,000 graduates each year, with very little scope and promise for employment that is commensurate with their skills and training, and even that little scope and promise are eroded by geriatrics who have already garnered great financial accomplishments in their respective fields, and are still doing so. No wonder that our young trained professionals seek job opportunities abroad and our leaders are perpetually lamenting on their departures. Altaf Mohamed Sayad
Mamadoe was burnt to death in British Guiana DEAR EDITOR; Although obeah (Folk Magic) was a punishable offence, it was frequently practiced as a means of inspiring or supporting slave revolt and other forms of resistance on the plantations. Both the Dutch and British viewed obeah as nothing more than witchcraft or Black magic to harm others which the “uncivilized” Africans brought with them from their ancestral villages. By the 18thcentury, however, European colonialists regarded obeah as a harmless superstitious practice that should be mocked instead of feared; nevertheless, the British introduced laws that made the practice a crime and in some cases punishable by death. Most of the enslaved Africans in British Guiana for the most part relied on their own herbal cures, homemade tonics and traditional customs. In times of sickness, many turned to African ‘healers’ using a variety of herbs and natural remedies (which in today’s world is referred to as homeopathic medications). They believed that this posed less of a danger to the ‘sick’ person than the medicine the White doctors dispensed to
them. This was the case with Mamadoe, who was captured in West Africa and sold into slavery at Plantation Nigg on the Courantyne. Mamadoe was regarded as a ‘sort of doctor’ who prescribed herbal cures and remedies for those who sought his services. Mamadoe was a Muslim who knew to recite verses from the Quran and perhaps observed the many Islamic celebrations. Imagine an enslaved African who managed to hold on to his identity - his religion and his name up until around 1824, ten years before the British abolished slavery in British Guiana, now Guyana. Mamadoe or Mamadou is the West African version of the name Mohammed and was one of the most popular names among enslaved African Muslims in the former Dutch/ British Guiana (as well as in the world today). Several slaves bearing the name Mamadoe were runaways as published in several issues of the Berbice gazettes. Sadly, on 8th November 1824, Mamadoe now old and grey, was tortured, badly beaten and then burnt to death in his hut by another slave. At first, his death was thought to be an accident and
that was why it took “Fiscal” two weeks before they looked into the matter. And then it was only when some incriminating evidence emerged (a bloody bludgeon with grey hair stuck to it) and a few slaves came forward giving eyewitness accounts on the circumstances surrounding Mamadoe’s murder. Even in his old age, Mamadoe did not sit idly. He worked as a watchman on the plantation and had his own watch hut to use at night. He prayed for the sick and offered advice on an array of issues faced by the enslaved Africans. Sadly, he was misunderstood by a group of his fellow Africans who accused him of being an “obeah man.” Sometime in early October 1824, another slave originally from Congo by the name of Tancred approached Mamadoe demanding that he saved his dying wife. Tancred really taught that Mamadoe by performing “obeah” could save his wife from an “untimely” death. Mamadoe instructed Tancred to look for some kind of root and herbs, but he did not find any. Tancred’s countryman Rhina (Continued on page 6)
Now the Coalition Govt. is investing in the Marriot DEAR EDITOR; The Coalition Government of APNU/AFC during its election campaign accused the PPP/C of misusing taxpayers’ money on uneconomic projects such as the Marriott Hotel. N o w that they are in power, it is planning to spend taxpayers’ resources on a casino to encourage gambling. This came to light recently when Beverly Harper, Chairman of Atlantic Hotels, owner of the Marriott property, disclosed that it had drawn down funds
from the original Republic Bank loan to complete its casino. Her view that the hotel is only viable with a casino signals, a high level of incompetence which should prompt the Chairman’s immediate resignation. This is taking the uneconomic Marriott Hotel property further into debt which the poor taxpayers would have to pay. I would think that the best option of the Government would be to sell the hotel and pay off its debts rather than take it further into
debt. Every day that passes the accumulated interest on loans increases and taxpayers’ equity is correspondingly eroded. Is this a signal that the APNU/AFC Government is encouraging gambling? With so many other priorities has the Collation lost its way? Balwant Persaud
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Minister Trotman should The old boys and old girls at City Hall provide his balance sheet DEAR EDITOR, Kaieteur News Thursday June 30, reported Minister Trotman saying former president Jagdeo is uttering all but trash when it comes to management of the natural resources sector. Let’s examine the progress Min Trotman is saying he has made under the MNR and whether he or Dr. Jagdeo is saying trash, it appears he wants to sponge off Dr. Jagdeo illustrious achievements in the Natural Resources Sector. OIL & GAS Exxon Mobil investment and licensing contract was made under the PPP and Dr. Jagdeo administration. In fact oil was found before the APNU came to office so not sure why Min Trotman is trying to glorify himself and APNU/AFC for this achievement .Ten points BJ and zero points to RT. NORWAYAGREEMENT The Norway agreement was signed, sealed and delivered under Dr. Jagdeo administration and Presidency. No question about that. All the monies in the GRIF account was earned and paid under the PPP. So exactly why Min Trotman is claiming achievement for this? Can he explained why after the first agreement ends nearly one year ago there is not a signed success or continuation or phase 2 agreement rather Norway gave a no cost extension to
the old agreement. Can he explain what is the status of th e g r e e n economic plan, who is drafting this plan, why no consultation with the stakeholders on it, has it been approved by cabinet or submitted to parliament like the LCDS, this seems to be a mystery document. Also can Min Trotman update the public on how much funds were deposited into the GRIF account since he became Minister? I believe zero. One task Mr. Trotman probably was ensured was EITI and he jumping around getting World Bank and a plethora of consultants ,international bodies etc. to do and still no real progress on ETTI . Not even an application for candidacy has been made to date , its reported this will be done until November. Imagine a simple multi stakeholder committee to set up to oversee the EITI , a world Bank consultant has to come in and setup for us and tell us what to do. So again Min Trotman is trying to score cheap points from the Jagdeo initiative .Ten points BJ, zero points to RT. GOLD MINING & TIMBER The increase in gold production is as a result of the operation of the TWO LARGE GOLD MINES, Guyana Gold fields and troy resources. Obviously these investments were made under
the PPP and Dr. Jagdeo leadership. The now government and Trotman is reaping the benefits of the investments that was made and almost completed under the PPP. So again Min Trotman is trying to cheat Dr. Jagdeo. Timber also seems to be down and not up unless the minister of finance is mis leading the public with his numbers on the timber sector. So in essence Min Trotman has little or no achievements and what he is claiming as achievements are actually projects signed, seal and delivered by the PPP and more so Dr. Jagdeo and which is now moving into operations like Exxon Mobil and the gold Mines. For the public interest maybe Min Trotman should make a list of the new projects that has been initiated by him and his Ministry and Government, and which is in progress, a list of the new investment or investor by sector made under him and in general exactly what achievements were or are being done by him and sponge off Dr. Jagdeo. After all Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is a modern day icon and genius and will no doubt go down as one of the World’ s best P r e s i d e n t a n d advocate for climate change .this is what hurts and will continue to hurt Min Trotman and the APNU/ AFC. Carl Lucas
Not Property Protection Services Ltd DEAR EDITOR; Property Protection Services Ltd, of 23 Hadfield Street, Stabroek, Georgetown wis h e s t o c l a r i f y a n y possible misinterpretations which may have arisen from the letter to the editor published in the KaieteurNews on Friday 1st July 2016 titled ‘Property Protection Agency destroyed my future.’ Property Protection Services Ltd is in no way
affiliated with the Property Protection Agency, which, up to this point, does not seem to be a legally registered business in Guyana with any listed address or telephone number. We have been in existence since July, 1969 & also have our registered branch office in New Amsterdam, Berbice. Our records also show that the complainant, Mr. Raman Khan is not now or
e v e r w a s in our employment. However, our heart goes out to him. We p r i d e o u r s e l v e s i n maintaining good business practices, this can be substantiated by the Ministry of Labour, the National Insurance Scheme as well as the Guyana Revenue Authority. Mark Sawh Director’s Assistant Property Protection Services Ltd.
DEAR EDITOR; It was indeed uplifting to read the recent comments made by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran in which he called for an immediate in-depth audit into the Council. Here is a man with integrity, objectivity and a high degree of professionalism and with no axe to grind he is merely insisting that some semblance of order be brought to City Hall after decades of decadence there. He is absolutely correct when he says that 10 years of arrears in terms of financial reporting and auditing was not only a “disturbing trend”, but also showed that the Council had no interest in bringing the accounts up to order. But far worse than that, has been rapid acceleration over the last year in nepotism, corruption and deception. In fact last year alone has been far worse than the previous nine years combined. Any attempt to bring the Council’s accounts in order would spell utter
disaster for the Mayor, some of the Councillors, the ‘old boys and girls’ from the last Council, the Town Clerk and some of his crooked senior officers. It would expose the racket that is going on in the Tax Collecting Section regarding the illegal granting of waivers of interest being given to special persons for which the majority of the Councillors are unaware of, and which costs the Council tens of millions of dollars, all of which is unlawful, dishonest and criminal It would expose the fact that a very senior officer is renting a car from a friend for hundreds of thousands of dollars a month, merely to add it to his fleet of vehicles, and which he hardly uses except to transport his personal staff to and from work. It would expose the fact that children and other relatives of Councillors and senior officers are continually given contracts, employment and use of Council facilities
to carry on their business. Mr. Goolsarran highlighted the fact that according to the Municipal and District Councils Act, within four months of the close of the financial year, the City Treasurer is required to prepare and submit to the auditor financial statements for that year for audit, and that If the Treasurer fails to comply, he/she will be guilty of an offence. Well in that case the Treasurer, is a huge offender and should be long gone as he has never submitted such a statement since taking up the office in 2012, and does not seem about to. I believe all citizens are in accord with Mr. Goolsarran when he insisted that given the Council’s lack of financial accountability, any proposal geared at enhancing the Council’s revenue base would be illogical. They must account for what they have now before they seek to earn more. Jermain Johnson
Why treat a valued customer like this? DEAR EDITOR; I write with much disgust and frustration with regards to the mobile Internet service provided by GT&T network. GT&T has launched its 4G Internet service in Guyana and according to Chief Commercial Officer, Gert Post, more than 85 percent of customers would be accessing the blazing fast 4G which is thirty times faster than the previous network coverage. Unfortunately, I am one of those customers who make up the 15 percent that do not benefit from this 4G service on my mobile phone. I have been supporting
GT&T service for more than 5 years now and every month I would purchase monthly data plan. However, my money is being wasted since I do not get to access the blazing fast 4G service. I am from Skeldon Corentyne and this 4G service is unavailable throughout the entire Corentyne area. Are the persons who having access to the 4G service paying a different kind of money from what I am paying? Certainly not! There is one fixed charge for data plans. It takes forever to send and receive messages via whatsapp. What is more
frustrating, the browser would take almost over 15 minutes to load one page. What kind of internet service is this? I think this service should be termed as (zero) 0G. I honestly feel that this is unfair to a valued customer like me. This may cause persons to switch network so that they can have proper Internet service for their money. I do hope that GT&T can look into this issue and have this 4G service available for all of its customers particularly those on the Corentyne, Berbice area as early as possible. Frustrated Customer.
Mamadoe was burnt to... From page 5 decided to take matters into his own hands and threatened to burn Mamadoe because that is what they do to “obeah men” in the Congo. Rhina then tied Mamadoe’s hands and gave him until the “next moon” to cure Tancred’s wife of her ailment. When the time elapsed and the woman was not cured, Rhina carried out his threats despite the pleas of
one of Mamadoe’s country man, John Campbell, who was the only slave who stood up to Rhina despite the “cries” of Mamadoe’s wife to stop torturing her husband. Later, on that fatal day, November 8th 1824, the plantation manager found Mamadoe’s body curled up in a fetal position in his watch hut. Mamadoe, a learned West African Muslim, was most likely from the
Mandinga clan. He was a minority among mostly Congolese Africans in Guyana, and was culturally misunderstood. As well, those “scholar” who wrote about Mamadoe and obeah in Guyana, failed to ascertain that he was a Muslim who refused to adopt the name of his master and was certainly not a witch doctor but a healer. Ray Chickrie Shabnam Alli
Thursday July 07, 2016
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Private school dominance at 2016 NGSA not unexpected While the 2016 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results have revealed that the country's private schools have yet another year dominated the top performing spots, President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Mr. Mark Lyte, has observed that public schools have also been doing well. This is in light of the fact, he noted, that many public schools operate in environments that are sometimes not even conducive for the teaching- learning process. These teachers in the public school system, Lyte added, operate at a disadvantage when compared to their private school counterparts. Chief among the challenges faced by public school teachers, Lyte asserted, is that they have to deal with all children in order to fulfil the mandate of universal primary education. Some private schools on the other hand, the GTU President added, have the privilege of screening children before they accept them. “When compared to the private schools which are producing top students year after year, the public schools are severely af-
- but public schools performances in the face of challenges laudable fected since most private school screen students for acceptance...public schools work with each child that shows up,” asserted Lyte. It could therefore be easily deduced, Lyte noted, that private schools are likely to yield better results than public schools based on their process of acceptance alone. But this is not the only factor that could speak to the disparity between the performances at the public and private schools. A c c o r d i n g t o Ly t e , public school teachers are faced with a gamut of mitigating factors in the public school system. He said that these factors include large class sizes, limited teaching resources, unsatisfactory working environment, education management deficiencies, unprofessional conduct of education managers, poor remuneration, burdensome record keeping procedures, poor classrooms, which are sometimes void of ventilation and proper lights, among others. Lyte is of the firm belief, too, that teachers in the pub-
lic schools are really not motivated enough due to the lack of a proper education management system. But given the laudable performances of pupils in the public system, Lyte said they should be commended. “I believe that our public school teachers must be congratulated for their sterling performance in 2016,” said Lyte as he pointed out that “we have seen this year that non traditional performing schools have suddenly made a mark for themselves. “So the Guyana Teachers' Union congratulates all educators in the public system for their excellent performance... for their excellent performance in guiding the grade six pupils successfully in 2016.” NOT A RIVALRY Since last year Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, made it clear that his Ministry was not worried about the fact that “the private schools appear to outstrip the public schools”. This notion was also embraced by his predecessor, Priya Manickchand. Minister Roopnaraine had told reporters that the private
school versus public school issue have led to an attempt to create a dichotomy or even a sense of rivalry. In fact he had sought to explain that the observed difference in performances could be attributed to a range of selective practices employed by the private schools. “Our position at the Ministry is that these are all our children and we do not need to get into a debate about the public/private schools, especially given the fact that the reverse is evident at the secondary level in relations to Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) where the numbers are different.” The Minister, however, expressed his view that there is more that can be done to improve the performances of pupils in the public school system. Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, has in the past asserted that the general position of the Ministry over the years has been to support the education of all children, both of public and private schools. “We are not troubled by what emerges now with regards to the Grade Six Assess-
ment results, largely because it is almost to be expected,” Sam had proclaimed in 2014. He further vocalised his
conviction that “private schools have the wherewithal to do things that our public schools don't…At the end of the day I think that all of the nation's children (continued on page 20)
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VAT reduction promise was perhaps hasty –Pres. David Granger During its election campaign, the APNU+AFC coalition promised a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT). But it is more than a year later since it has been in office and this is yet to be done. Is it therefore safe to conclude that this was a mere election publicity stunt? According to President David Granger, it was not. On the television programme, the Public Interest, the Head of State explained his position on the issue and what were some of the challenges encountered when it came to honouring this “100-day” promise. Granger reminded that there has been a review of the entire taxation policy by his Government. He noted that since Government is hopeful to present the budget in December, it is possible that VAT reduction could be featured there. The President added that when he took office, his Government was faced with a number of unexpected issues. He listed one of these to be the need to find about $10B to bail out the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). The Head of State asserted, “It is a major problem and there are other areas we need to give money to such as in education but we have not been able to reduce VAT because the money is not there.” Granger added, “… It is not as easy as it looks and perhaps it might have been imprudent to give ourselves a commitment at that point in time but I will say that philosophically, it is something we could achieve, but not now.”
Kaieteur News understands that the Tax Reform Committee which was established in August 2015, had until December 2015, to produce an interim report from which provisions/ announcements could be made in the 2016 National Budget. However, the report was not submitted. A further extension for the first week in January last was requested and granted. But even this was not met. The Tax Review Committee was chaired by Economist, Dr. Maurice Odle, and included tax specialists Christopher Ram, Godfrey Statia and Dr. Thomas Singh. Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, said that the Committee had been given its Terms of Reference (TOR) to guide its work which includes investigating and inquiring into the state of taxation, to review the taxes with a view to achieving a number of objectives and to look at the administration of taxes with a view to bringing about efficiency, and rationalization. “We are aiming to look after all taxes, their structure, their functions, objectives, e q u i t y, i n c i d e n c e a n d fairness, and essentially h o w t h e s e taxes are administered because that’s a major issue. “I want taxpayers to feel that they can pay taxes because they have a friendly tax service. “We want a system that is fair and firm and one that doesn’t exempt friends of the Government, friends of the tax commissioner. It should be seen by all as fair as it is applied all across the board. It has a rigorous legal system in place that can go after tax dodgers, tax
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
President, David Granger
cheats,” the Minister had stated. According to the Minister, the committee not
only looked at how to reduce the Value Added Tax, but will also be examining all taxes with a view of relieving the
burden on the population. “We are going to do tax administration and taxation in a systemic way, informed by evidence, and not necessarily being pushed by moral and other considerations, so this committee represents the first step in doing that,” Minister Jordan said. Jordan explained that while Government promised to reduce VAT it was found that it could not be done so immediately. “It would have been highly irresponsible for us to just come in, take a major tax category like VAT and just proceed to reduce it, in the hope that it would meet some objective or criteria earlier stated,” the Finance Minister said. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, intimated to
Kaieteur News during a recent interview that he believes that the government’s manifesto promises, one of which includes the reduction of VAT, were positive and designed to bring benefits to the people. “We will not stand in any way against benefits going to the ordinary Guyanese.” However, the Opposition Leader said that he is disappointed that Government is yet to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT). He reminded that Government said it would be guided by a Committee which was established to look at this, but it has been some five months now since the establishment of the Committee, and not a single word has been said on it.
Over 17-year period…
New GPC collected $$B to supply drugs In 1999, under the watch of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, a large swatch of property, known as the Sanata complex, complete with buildings and machinery at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, and worth hundreds of millions of dollars, was privatized by Government with control given to Queens Atlantic Investments Inc (QAII). At the same time, some 60 percent of the interest owned in the state-owned New GPC Inc., makers of Limacol, was also transferred to the company. For that Sanata property and the stakes in New GPC, the investor, QAII, paid a paltry $500M or (US$2.5M). Less than two years later,
…but paid paltry $6.9M in dividends to Govt
Ex-President, Bharrat Jagdeo
New GPC’s Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop
in September 2001, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) transferred another 30 percent of New GPC Inc. shares to QAII for $200M. NICIL, which controls Government properties and handles investments,
retained just 10 percent of the New GPC shares. The details of the transactions had angered Guyanese over the last decade after it became known that Jagdeo, during his terms in office, turned around and granted New GPC billions of dollars in contracts for the
supply of pharmaceuticals to the country’s hospitals and the Ministry of Health. New GPC, from records, was handpicked using what is known in procurement as ‘sole sourcing’. Shockingly, according to new information yesterday, New GPC, controlled by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, paid little dividends to the Government of Guyana for those 10 percent shares. This was despite billions of dollars it received for those drug contracts. Ramroop is a close friend of Jagdeo. NICIL, in bombshell revelations yesterday, said that since privatization in 1999—a 17-year period--it only received $6.9M in dividends for its 10% minority shareholding in New GPC Inc. NICIL’s Chairman, (Continued on page 10)
Thursday July 07, 2016
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Venezuela border controversy is not just Guyana’s battle- CARICOM By Jarryl Bryan Following an intense closed door caucus of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government at Pegasus Hotel last evening, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, reported that one of the positions adopted by CARICOM as a group is that it stands firmly behind Guyana in its border controversies with Venezuela. Minister Greenidge stated that the group had determined that Venezuela’s actions, which involve its issuance of a decree last year May extending the country’s claim to Guyana’s territorial waters, represented a threat to the peace and stability of the entire region, not just Guyana. Accompanying the decree, was a map that showed that the claim includes the area where the US oil company, ExxonMobil had been drilling for oil by
Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge (left) and President David Granger provision of the Guyana Government. Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro’s decree came on the heels of the announcement that large amounts of hydrocarbons (oil) were found.
Dem boys seh...
LuCrass think Soulja Bai is a blow blow Dem boys wan to tell Soulja Bai and de head of Hay Heff See something. De Pee Pee Pee use to stifle people’s right to express demself in de newspapers and pun de radio and even in de street. Kwame use to shut off de radio when you talk, and if you write a letter to de press that not in dem taste, Knee Ass use to throw it out, and if you talk too much pun de street dem had one name Jason does threaten fuh beat you. When Soulja Bai come in he seh no skullduggery, no dishonesty, no secrecy, no back door and underhand dealings will be tolerated. Rum Jattan and all seh everything gun be above board and all decisions will be made known. Dem boys laughing now, because dem want to believe that de decisions he was talking about then, was a cutting board. Dem boys also want to believe that Soulja Bai words about no secrecy and skullduggery ain’t got weight or it like bird feather. One man name LuCrass who heading a board mekking decision all by himself. He knocking off people and blaming de board, even when there was no board meetings. Dem boys seh he had to be threatening de board members, too, because some of dem board members talking and dem lip ain’t moving. Three talk through dem nose how dem ain’t know bout no board meeting. This is what get dem boys worried, because if board members hesitant and ain’t gun answer simple questions, then all of Soulja Bai words and Hay Heff See action ain’t bearing fruit. What more worrying is dem boys write to LuCrass and he too refuse to answer. He think he is like de devil, Jagdeo. Dem boys want tell LuCrass that dem wouldn’t sit down and allow him to mek wicked and malicious decisions like some that Jagdeo made. Just look at one Jagdeo mek. It deh pun de front page and he seh it cost de country over $350M. He also mek a decision wid de Berbice Bridge fuh he best friend to get de lion’s share and he give de same best friend de New GPC fuh next to nutten. He give away de US$40 million complex to de best friend fuh US$2 million and when questioned he seh he walk out of Cabinet and leff dem to mek de decision. LuCrass heading down de same road, wheh he gun blame board members fuh he wicked decisions. Talk half and remember de evil you do today will visit you tomorrow.
“We are satisfied by the support provided to us by Caricom countries individually,” Greenidge said. “We have had unequivocal support from Belize, but we have also had support from CARICOM as a group.” “And I think that the problem that has arisen in recent times in relation to the decrees 1859 and 1787 promulgated by President Maduro and his Cabinet, those decrees do not only
affect Guyana, and what we drew to the attention of CARICOM is that this is not (just) a challenge to Guyana, it is a CARICOM challenge.” He said that while the Maritime zones of the Venezuela claim have now expanded, the 1966 and 1899 agreements had nothing to do with the Maritime zone. But, he said, Venezuela could suddenly be heard telling the public that the 1966 agreement granted them
these areas. According to the Minister, CARICOM had certainly recognised the decrees as a threat to the body’s very existence. He noted that the exclusive economic zones of at least eight CARICOM countries were claimed by the oil producing giant. “So we got to the point where the CARCOM countries have recognised that the battle is not just Guyana’s battle. It is the region’s battle. “If a country can wake up one morning and decide that it wants a (part of) an Atlantic coast for its Navy or resources, and it (decides) it can have that part of the coast, then many countries are in trouble because a country, far from there can come along and deny you your maritime space. You now have the basis for instability.” Greenidge made it clear that CARICOM is a region committed to peace and stability. He said that while countries deal with such things differently, CARICOM territories have lent support. This includes the heads writing to Maduro.
In their correspondence, Greenidge said, it was noted that Venezuela’s decree infringed on the decisions taken by the United Nations arbitrator tribunal. “While they don’t make much noise as people would like, you may not know that the heads wrote to Maduro pointing out that the decrees were unequivocally illegal in international law.” “CARICOM cannot sleep while this is going on. We have a measured approach to this and since the problem is similar to the Belize and Guatemala issue, CARICOM has decided to recognize that there is a similarity. “(It also recognizes) the danger in threatening the use of force in this zone. “For that reason, the response has been satisfactory.” Greenidge was asked in what other ways did CARICOM pledge assistance to Guyana. The Minister stated that the priority was to get acknowledgement from the bloc that Guyana’s sovereignty needed to be protected and the international legal stipulations respected.
“Guyana - a new horizon for business” - Pres. Granger tells CARICOM
President David Granger speaking with media operatives, at the Thirty Seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community at the Pegasus. (GINA photo) President David Granger said that he has invited the other Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to encourage their business communities to see Guyana as the new horizon for development, especially in the areas of agriculture and tourism. As Guyana moves to develop its oil and gas sector, with the significant petroleum
discovery by Exxon Mobil, the President added that as a mature nation, Guyana is looking to properly manage its resources to ensure a bright future for all Guyanese. The President, who was at the time responding to questions from journalists during a break of the Caucus of the Thirty Seventh Regular Meeting
of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community’s at the Pegasus Hotel said, “We expect that some of the proceeds from the revenue will go into the sovereign wealth fund and we will use the surpluses to develop our education system. “We are quite mature and we know what we are going
to do when the revenue starts to flow so what I have to say to the Guyanese people is that they can look forward to a higher quality of life,” he said. With the potential of a booming oil and gas sector on the horizon, the Head of State reiterated his stance that Guyana is open for business not just from international investors but also from members of CARICOM and the wider Caribbean. “I told the Heads that Guyana and Suriname together are bigger than Germany so they must regard these large CARICOM states as part of the hinterland of the Caribbean and we are open for business; we are open for investment; we are open for development and we are all part of one community so Guyana’s land space, the Caribbean land space, resources, petroleum, gold, diamond are all part of the Caribbean patrimony and I want to see us develop together,” Granger told media operatives. The President, who had called for Caribbean investment in Guyana last year said, “The invitation is still extended because the (Continued on page 10)
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Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Different politicians, same mentality Life’s starkness glows incandescently in this country. The starkness is so pervasive that it has become the norm. People just get on with their semi-pessimistic, semi-optimistic life. Elections bring different parties with different politicians to power but the same mentality remains. There was a huge crater in the middle of Hadfield Street as it meets Lombard Street, or to put it another way, when Lombard Street meets Hadfield Street. Once you turn east into Hadfield Street from Lombard Street you had to fall into that crater because there wasn’t sufficient room to manoeuver around it. That hole was a headache for every driver and it lasted for years until Carifesta came. Two days before Carifesta, Robeson Benn’s Ministry filled the humongous hole. The logic was simple to understand. If we didn’t have foreign visitors by the large numbers, the crater would have remained untouched. The logic was indeed simple to understand – the local people were not important
enough to have that service bestowed on them. The PPP Government is gone. Robeson Benn is gone. New politicians are in power from a new formation but the same mentality remains. On the Atlantic highway (I call it that to distinguish it from the Railway Embankment) the street lights on the highway from Liliendaal to the beginning of UG Road have been out for more than a year now. That is one stretch of darkness you have to drive through. Then suddenly on Monday evening all the lights for that stretch were shining brightly. They fixed it. It was an identical replica of the attitude toward the crater on Hadfield Street. If there wasn’t the CARICOM Heads meeting, those non-functioning bulbs would have been ignored. The logic is so simple – the local people were not important enough to have the urgent attention of their government. The politicians have changed since May last year but the same mentality continues.
Let’s return to Carifesta but this time the subject is not the road but heartlessness. Then we will go to the centerpiece of the Golden Jubilee – Durban Park where we will see different politicians but the same mentality. What can be more disheartening in a country where failed politicians remain politically powerful and almost won a General Election? It is as if these people can do no wrong. Often I hear people cite the name of Frank Anthony as one of the leading contenders to steer a new PPP into a new age. Anthony was the Minister who supervised Carifesta. Up to this day, some very small business people have not been paid. These people will never be paid and not by some recalcitrant con artist, but by the government that they
gave their resources to in exchange for payment. Up to this day, the struggling Theatre Guild, the financially strapped Theatre Guild is owed $1.4 million for services rendered to the Carifesta Secretariat. That debt to the Theatre Guild caused me to lose a childhood friend from Wortmanville, Malcolm De Freitas, who is a member of the Board at the Guild. After I wrote about the outstanding bill in one of my columns, De Freitas denounced me in a published letter for mentioning the debt and assured readers that President Jagdeo was not like that; he would pay the Theatre Guild. That was the end of the friendship. Jagdeo is still to pay the Guild. The men who were responsible for this heartlessness are still in politics, still competing for power
Enter D’Urban Park. This was the centre of attraction for the Golden Jubilee. The park was built, the jubilee was celebrated, and Guyana has gone back to routine life. But many small business people are yet to be paid. The list includes sandtruck owners who have families to maintain. One person got a contract so he took a loan from the bank. He is still to be paid by the National C o m m e m o r a t i o n Commission for services and goods delivered to the D’Urban Park project, but he has to start repaying his bank loan. Doesn’t this remind you of the small entrepreneurs that the administrators of Carifesta ruined? What makes this country frightening is that if it was a rough businessman, the Carifesta victims could have
Frederick Kissoon sought the help of state officials. The same with the D’Urban Park victims. But the bully is the State itself. What needs to be highlighted is how the State mistreats the low income citizens, and developing entrepreneurs. Coby Frimpong, the Government told us, will be paid his ten million dollars for an academic paper he did for the previous government. The Government said it doesn’t want the paper, it is useless. But Coby will still collect.
New GPC collected $$B to supply drugs The dividends declared by New GPC over the years.
“Guyana - a new ... From page 9 states of the Caribbean particularly Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica have well developed business communities and I am sure that they will be able to take a message back to their countrymen in the business sector to see Guyana and Suriname as well as a new horizon for development in agriculture and tourism.” The Head of State said that Guyana has great potential, particularly with its emerging eco-tourism sector and he expects that advantage will be taken of this national patrimony. He announced that Prime Minister of Barbados, Freundel Stuart, will join him on a trip to Santa Fe in the South Rupununi to explore
investment potential in that region. “The Rupununi Region is bigger than Costa Rica so I am sure that they are interested. We’ve got the best eco-tourism product on the continent so I expect that in years to come we will be seeing other developments with our Caribbean colleagues… We’ve got Brazilians here; we’ve got Chinese here; we’ve got Russians here; we’ve got Canadians here so why not other Caribbean countries,” President Granger said. The Thirty Seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ended yesterday.
From page 8 said that the entity has “requested” New GPC Inc. to remit dividends receivable of $3.8M declared for 2013 and 2014. “NICIL is yet to receive New GPC Inc.’s audited financial statements for the year 2015,” the statement said. From NICIL’s records, New GPC strangely declared similar dividends between 2011and 2014- $1.9M for each year. It is still to submit audited fi n a n c i a l statements for last year to NICIL. The revelations from NICIL about how little Guyana is benefitting from GPC would raise shocking
questions about the a ttitude of the previous Government when it came to monitoring its collection of revenues. While ordinary workers were taxed a huge chunk of their salary, hundreds of millions of dollars are being allowed to slip out of the back door from companies like New GPC. And it is not l i k e N e w GPC and its subsidiaries were broke. They have been acquiring numerous properties and other interests throughout the country. They have brought up stakes in Caribbean Premier League (CPL), a regional T20 cricket franchise
with even its own cricket team- the Amazon Warriors. Though it has scaled back somewhat since the PPP/C lost the general elections last year, it will not be forgotten that a few years ago, New GPC made a bid to purchase the Bourda Cricket Ground for US$30M. That deal fell through after it became public. The company has invested in the Berbice River Bridge and has been receiving returns. It has spread its branches into the media business with a newspaper and even a radio station. Ramroop has also reportedly invested in a pharmaceutical factory in India. The pharmaceutical supply business has been a big one for New GPC in recent years, In 2014, the country’s shopping budget for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies was around $5B (US$25M). In recent years, New GPC has reportedly benefitted
from almost 80 per cent of the country’s drug contracts. In 2013, Guyana spent $4.69B. The pharmaceutical bills would have represented half of the total Ministry of Health budget of $10B. The former Opposition, now forming the Coalition Government, using its Parliamentary powers, had been questioning the manner in which the drug inventory was being managed and the prices being paid. There were also heavy criticisms over the process used in selecting New GPC as a pre-qualified supplier which allowed the company to be among the first in line for the supply of drugs in case of emergencies. Between late 2007 and December 2012, New GPC was paid more than $90M to even store drugs for Government. In early 2010, the Cabinet under the Jagdeo administration decided that New GPC would be the sole supplier of drugs.
Thursday July 07, 2016
Parking Meter Project…
An hour of Parking will not cost $500 – M&CC The Georgetown Mayor and City Council wishes to clarify that the cost per hour of parking in the Capital City will not be $500 as is being reported. It had been expressed many times by representatives of the contracted companies that the price for a rotation of 15 minutes will cost $125 which amounts to $500 per hour. Despite these revelations, the M&CC in an issued statement yesterday stated that it wished to clear the air on this supposed inaccuracy. According to the Council it is unfortunate that dissatisfaction within the Council has led to stakeholders publicly airing concerns rather than approach the membership of the Municipal body. Mayor Green had stated on previous occasions that it was not wise for persons to express their concerns on social media and seek their answers using reputable search engines such as Google and Wikipedia when investigating the contracted companies. Investigations done by Kaieteur News had revealed that one of the companies involved did not occupy an office at the
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Kaieteur News
Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green address it displayed on its website. The Council credits these actions for creating a media frenzy which peddled incorrect information. Parking will cost citizens way less than $500, the council is saying. During the first press conference held upon the Mayor’s return from Panama, she did state that the cost per rotation will be subject to negotiations between the Municipality and the companies, National Parking Systems and Smart City Solutions Inc. The Council recognizes that such a project might not attract positive reviews from all sections of society. To this end the Council believes that despite
the negative views, it should be noted that the intention to implement parking meters in the city was on the agenda of Council for quite some time. The M&CC is asking for persons to look beyond and see the project as a benefit for the city and the country at large. The Council cited benefits such as increased revenue and employment for citizens. The Council is of the view that the meters will change the landscape of the city. It noted that for the project to be successful it requires changes in the attitudes of people and their behaviours. Additionally, the Council noted that it is currently dealing with internal damages which the supposed misinformation has caused. Currently, the contract is with the Attorney-General Basil Williams for review. Prior to this, the contract was reviewed by the Minister of Finance Winston Jordan. It is expected that if any illegalities are revealed after the review has been completed; the cabinet will take necessary action based on the advice of the AG.
Best Village murder suspect is mentally fit to face charges-- Crime Chief The man, who went berserk last Friday and slaughtered his wife and twoyear-son, has been declared fit to face charges for the gruesome murder of his family. This decision followed to a psychiatric evaluation that was done on the suspect, Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, revealed. Suresh Ganesh, 27, who was shot while attempting to chop a policeman, is hospitalized. Charges will be laid when he is discharged from the medical institution. Around 04:00 hrs last Friday, Ganesh went berserk and slaughtered his partner, Vanessa Sookram, 34, and two-year-old son Joel Ganesh. He chopped his mother, Jennifer Monplaisir, multiple times, almost severing her right arm and fingers. The killer, still carrying the murder weapon, fled from the residence to Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, where he attacked a resident, but was shot while attempting to chop a policeman. Residents of the area said that Ganesh is a drug addict. They blamed his addiction for his callous act. However, in an interview yesterday, the suspect’s father, Vokaram
Murder suspect: Suresh Ganesh Ganesh, said that his son never even touched a cigarette, so hearing about his son’s alleged drug addiction was hard to digest. The man explained that after he heard about the deaths of his daughter-in-law and grandson, he went to visit his son in the lockups Friday afternoon. “He (Suresh Ganesh) didn’t really say anything to me so I went in the village and people started to tell me certain things,” the man said. He claimed that his son’s neighbours told him that Ganesh’s step-father was reportedly molesting his wife, Vanessa Sookram.
“His mother (Jennifer) was encouraging it,” the older Ganesh alleged. He stated that it was after his son learnt of what was happening that he started to consume alcohol and possibly using drugs. “He has to pay for what he has done but I don’t know him to be someone who smokes cocaine.” The suspect’s mother, during a recent interview with this newspaper said that her son was “out to kill her that morning. He chopped her before killing his wife and son. The woman told this newspaper from her hospital bed on Monday that her son said that she was “finding man for his wife” and he wanted to “finish her off.” The woman, whose right arm was almost severed during the attack, is nursing severe injuries to both arms. In the interview, the woman said that she believes that her son deliberately called out for her so that he could have killed her that morning. She said that she would not stand in the way and will provide the police with whatever information they need so that her son can be charged. Investigations are ongoing.
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Thursday July 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
Ex Minister, assistant trial begins...
Westford’s assistant held various posts in Ministry-court told Ms. Margaret Cummings was not only employed as a Chief Personnel Officer during Dr. Jennifer Westford’s tenure as Minister of Public Service. Cummings also performed duties as the Confidential Secretary to the former Minister and Acting Administrative Officer. This is according to Andre Albert Dazzell, a Chief Accountant at the Ministry of the Presidency attached to the Department of Public Service.Dazzell testified yesterday before Magistrate Judy Latchman when the trial of Dr. Westford and Ms. Cummings commenced in relation to the misappropriation of over $600M from the State. The Chief Accountant, who resides at Lot 543 Section A, Diamond,EastBankDemerara,also informed the court that Ms. Cummings was responsible for the day to day operations of the Ministry’s accounts department. “She (Ms. Margaret Cummings) was also responsible for the day to day operations of the Accounts Department and the person I reported directly to,” the witness related. According to Dazzell some of his duties as Chief Accountant included preparing financial budgets; financial reports and supervising the accounts department on a daily basis. When asked by Police Prosecutor, Vishnu Hunt whether he knew Dr. Westford, the witness replied “yes”. He described her as the Minister of Public Service from 2011-2015. Dazzell subsequently pointed out Dr. Westford who was seated
Ms. Margaret Cummings
Dr. Jennifer Westford leaves court in the company of her Attorney Neil Boston in court to Magistrate Judy Latchman. He testified that he also knew Hydar Ally since he was the former Permanent Secretary within the said Ministry. However, Senior Counsel Mr. Neil Boston, objected when Dazzell told the court that Ms. Cummings was Confidential Secretary to the former Minister. In his objections, Boston argued that the testimony being given by the witness did not correspond with statements he received from the prosecution. He pointed out that if the prosecution wants the witness to testify in relation to that, an additional statement should have been filed for Dazzell. In response to the Counsel’s contentions, Prosecutor Hunt explained that he had received 24 files in relation to the matter. Hunt pointed out that additional statements were given to police by Dazzell. He said that Ms. Cummings was Confidential Secretary to Dr. Westford during her tenure as Minister. The Prosecutor
stressed that there is a possibility that the statement might be in another file. The Magistrate, however, was able to locate the additional statement by the Ministry of Presidency employee. In light of this, Prosecutor Hunt requested a short adjournment date to compile statements in the file to avoid any further setbacks in the matter. This case will be called again on July 26 for reports. Thereafter, Magistrate Latchman said that she will set a further date for continuation of trial. According to court facts, Westford of Lot 55 ‘AA’ Victoria Avenue Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was employed as Minister of Public Service from 2001-2015, while her co-accused was the Principal Personnel Officer of the Ministry. Cummings of Lot 709 Section A Diamond, EBD was also in charge of t h e M i n i s t r y’s accounts department. It was d i s c o v e r e d t h a t o n 24 occasions Westford signed memoranda amounting to
$639,420,000 and sent them to the Office of the President for approval. Approval was granted and cheques were prepared and encashed by the Bank of Guyana. The monies were requested to carry out
various activities throughout the 10 Administrative Regions. However, personnel from the various Regions were contacted and denied ever receiving the cash. Investigations were carried out but the monies were never recovered. They are currently out on $4.8M bail each. The former Minister of Public Service and her former Personal Assistant, Margaret Cummings, were charged last August for allegedly attempting to transfer eight state vehicles and forging documents for the purchase of the vehicles. They pleaded not guilty
to the allegation. Westford is currently facing four charges of attempted larceny in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. She was released on a total of $800,000 bail. The charges allege that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, she attempted to transfer eight state vehicles to four persons. Margaret Cummings was also slapped with four counts of forgery. Cummings is alleged to have forged documents for the purchase of the eight motor vehicles. She has been released on a total of $1.2M bail. These matters will go on trial from July 11.
Guyana for overseas participation in workshop on improving financial oversight The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch (CPA UK) is hosting another major parliamentary workshop, this time, on financial oversight of aid effectiveness. The venue is London in the Houses of Parliament. The CPA UK’s sixth Westminster Workshop is being attended by over 70 parliamentarians and started on July 4, last. It is scheduled to conclude today. The workshop features a range of high-level speakers including the UK’s former Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell MP. Representing Guyana there is Clerk of the Public Accounts Committee, Nicholai Price. The four-day workshop is looking at a range of issues including the role of parliaments in overseeing development financing, the challenges for donor cooperation, the importance of aid transparency and ensuring that anti-corruption strategies are given a high priority. Kaieteur News
understands that there will be a particular focus on the complexity of financing mechanisms available in the post-2015 era and the need for donor collaboration. Delegates will also discuss the role of advice services available to parliamentarians to help them scrutinise budgets, including Parliamentary Budget Offices and Independent Financial Institutions. There will also be an in-depth session targeted at Members and clerks of Public Accounts Committees, and a Westminster-style PAC hearing exercise. Organisations represented at the workshop include the European Commission, the Overseas Development Institute and the African Development Bank. A release from the CPA reported that Chief Executive of CPA UK, Andrew Tuggey CBE, “Parliamentary oversight of the financial effectiveness of development aid is now a high priority issue across the world, as parliamentarians
seek to ensure value for money for taxpayers. However there are still many questions to be answered about the tools that parliamentarians and legislatures need to carry out such oversight, and the role that they should play in the aid management cycle.” He noted that he is delighted to be welcoming such a wide range of parliamentarians, clerks and high-level speakers for what promises to be a highly interesting and thoughtprovoking workshop. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch undertakes international parliamentary outreach on behalf of the Houses of Parliament and the wider CPA. With a specific focus on parliamentary diplomacy and parliamentary strengthening activities, CPA UK seeks to foster cooperation and understanding between parliaments, promote good parliamentary practice and advance parliamentary democracy.
Boat runs aground, cancels boat cruise What started out as a boat cruise, last Sunday, ended up as a total embarrassment for patrons and the promoters. The M.V.Malali which was transporting hundreds of persons to Bartica, some for the first time, ran aground minutes after taking off from Supenaam, Essequibo Coast. Compounding the situation even further, angry patrons lamented that they were not offered an apology by the promoters neither were they reimbursed any monies since they never made the intended trip to Bartica as was planned. Audrey Garraway, who was among hundreds of other Essequibians to
venture on the trip to Bartica described the experience as embarrassing. Garraway explained that they were told that the M.V.Malali would have departed the Good Hope/ Supenaam stelling around 9:00 hours. The boat departed some fifteen minutes later and ran aground just off the Supenaam stelling and stayed there for some four hours. Garraway said after been stuck in the boat for four hours, the boat moved. Garraway said it was now 1:00 PM but instead of continuing the journey to Bartica, the captain turned the boat around and headed back to Supenaam. Garraway said
that is when the commotion started. She said that patrons started to use expletives and behave disorderly. She and another passenger however took the onus on themselves to venture to the captain and questioned him about the situation. Gateway said they were told by the captain that if they had continued the trip to Bartica, the journey would have lasted until the following day due to the tide which was low at the time. Garraway said that among the hundreds of Essequibians, people of varying ages and ethnicity were on that trip to Batica.
Thursday July 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
AG proposes ‘radical changes’ to curb crime KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Attorney General, Marlene Malahoo Forte, says the Government will be making “radical changes” in a bid to curb the country’s murder rate. “To successfully tackle the murder problem, some of the fundamental rights and freedoms which we have guaranteed to our people may have to be abrogated, abridged or infringed, because the evidence we are examining convince us that such action may be demonstrably justified in this free and democratic society,” she said. The Attorney General was making her contribution to the 2016/17 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives Tuesday. She informed that discussions have already begun with the private and public Bar and the Chief Justice. “While judicial discretion must be preserved and respected, Parliament, in the exercise of its powers to pass laws for peace, order and good government, will have to set the threshold for the consequences that will flow when people choose to murder and cause mayhem,” she said. The Attorney General pointed out that collaborations will also be undertaken with the Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck, on a number
Marlene Malahoo Forte
of reform initiatives. In the meantime, she said the Government will be seeking to amend the Bail Act this year, and that several other pieces of legislation will also be amended. These include the Criminal Justice (Administration) Act, Jury Act, Evidence Act, Criminal Justice (Plea Negotiations and Agreement) Act, Firearms Act, and Offences Against the Person Act. “Right now the sentiment is one of no bail for murder, unless self-defence arises on the Crown’s case and the likelihood of an acquittal is high. We are also thinking of abolishing jury trials for non-capital murder and go ‘judge alone’,” she said.
“These are not ordinary times, we have to act. May God grant us the wisdom to discover the right, the will to choose it and the strength to make it endure,” she said. She informed that crime, particularly murder, has been a binding constraint to the country’s growth rate. “This Attorney General is advising the Government very carefully. When we pass laws, they are presumed to be constitutional unless and until they are set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction, but we are prepared to pass the laws and have them tested in the courts, because we must do something about the murder problem,” she said.
Antigua’s PM stands by LIAT GEORGETOWN – Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended the cash-strapped regional airline, LIAT, from criticism about its performance, saying that if it did not exist, “one would have had to be invented”. St Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet told reporters at the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting here that the airline “needs to operate in the context of the private sector”. The major shareholders of the airline are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines. But the company, which has been suffering tremendous losses over the years, has come in for much criticism from the Caribbean travelling public over poor customer service, delayed and cancelled flights, and overall high costs of airfares to its destinations. Calls by the major shareholders for other governments to participate in LIAT in the past have not been successful, with many regional leaders making references to the airline’s financial situation among other concerns. “Transportation is critical to integration. I have made my position very clear that LIAT needs to be liberalised. LIAT needs to operate in the context of the private sector and I am not convinced that a monopoly in transportation is going to work,” Chastanet said. But Browne said he had no doubt that LIAT was serving the purpose of moving Caribbean people which was significant to integration and if there wasn’t a LIAT, “we certainly would have to invent one”.
Gaston Browne
He acknowledged there were deficiencies in the operations of the Antigua-based airline, “but some of the problems associated with LIAT, including profitability, are more about market structure and having more players will not necessarily be making things any different, because the airline industry is capital intensive”. Browne added: “We are being extremely hard on LIAT. We are not looking at the market structure, we are not looking at the other market idiosyncrasies associated with small states with very limited resources, the capital intensive nature of the airline industry and the fact that LIAT is providing a public good that is essential to the integration programme.” (CMC)
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Kaieteur News
LAND FOR SALE New Road V/Hoop -$27M, $17M, Tuschen-$2.5M, $6.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.2M, $1.6M, Eccles, Zeeburg, Providence- Call: 604-6724 Land in La Parfaite Harmonie $1.3M, $1.4M, Tuschen (front) $3.5M with house, water & light -Phase 2$1.2M. Call: 642-1252 Gold & Diamond mining land for rent in the Ekereku Puruni & Siparuni area. Call: 668-3100 Herstelling 110ftX60ft, 2nd Bridge -$4M, 4th Bridge 100ftX50ft -$3M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.2M &$1.6M, Bartica -$3M. Call: 611-7223; 604-2207
AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Leyland Daf twin steer extra cab dump truck, in immaculate condition, later GVV series -$11,000,000-Call: 672-4092; 689-3616 Toyota double cab pick-up black 2L Diesel Turbo, late PVV series, best offer $2,600,000- Call: 672-4092; 689-3616 1 Lister Diesel generator with panel, breakers and a lot more features -$300,000 - Call: 6724092; 689-3616
Give away prices! Linden Highway, 21 Acres at Hararuni -$900,000 per acre, good for housing scheme/ agricultural development. Call: 600-3486; 692-8216
1 Jailing scooter 150 -$75,000, 1 Leyland Daf twin steer 1260 dump truck in superb condition -$6,800,000. Call: 672-4092; 689-3616
PEN PAL
2005 F350 Ford Pick-up truck, extra cabs, 4X4 diesel, in excellent condition, 4 inch, lift kit, 35 inch tyres. Call: 6105370
Middle age man is seeking female for long term relations 32-40yrs. Call: 670-7969
Honda Civic M/Car “SS” series -$1.4M. Call: 696-2815 TO LET
CAR RENTAL
CAR RENTAL
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO. COM
Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
Furnished 2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560 1-2 Bedroom concrete bottom flat, Lot 8 Charles Street, Charlestown, Yo u n g l e g a l c o u p l e preferably -$35,000 monthly. Call: 616-0126; 2277281
Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities–Reduced Price. Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Large 4 bedrooms concrete house for sale at Ruimzeight Garden, W.C.D, residential area. Call:269-0189; 268-3214 3 Houses for sale in Kuru Kururu –Call: 664-2576 Two family house at Lot 32 Ann’s Grove Housing Scheme E.C.D -$20M negotiable- Call: 623-5423 New Road V/Hoop -$17M, $60M, La Parfaite Harmonie $20M, $6M, La Grange $18M, Stwartville -$13M .Call: 604-6724 2 Storey house, 5 bedrooms semi-furnished, 65 Palmyra Village, East Canje Berbice, price negotiable. Call: 6706688; 621-2066 Property @ Block 8 Mon Repos E.C.D, newly built 3 bedrooms concrete house $14.7M negotiable. Call: 6544312; 657-5330 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Property for sale at lot 32 Princess Street, Wortmanville, GeorgetownCall: 621-8767 1-Two bedrooms house in Diamond New Scheme, on main road. Call: 697-9140; 6803813; 216-0578
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. MIX BREED PUPS –CALL: 615-0146 Zeelugt well fenced, water & light -$2M, Uitvlugt -$2.2M 50X105,(1) -2 Storey newly built concrete building -$26M Tuschen-Call: 642-1252 One shed boat with a 200HP Yamaha Engine and turn system, Parika –Supenaam route. Call: 680-5539 1 Wooden, deep sea fishing boat, complete with seine, engine, GPS, etc. Call: 6562496; 672-0014 33.6 Acre Farm land @ Linden Kuru Kururu Soesdyke Highway. Call: 2257794; 679-1151
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 1 complete 3 storey building for rent at 68 Pike St. Kitty Call: 615-8176 1-4 Storey building @ Charlotte Street Georgetown. Call: 668-8332; 638-5303 Furnished luxury 2 & 3 bedrooms apartment for rentCall: 665-3505 1-2-4 Bedrooms new house to rent @ West Coast Demerara–Call immediately 276-0818 Two bedroom house lot to rent @ Herstelling- Call: 6610420; 617-8739
Rambutan seedlings plants $2,000 per plant. Call: 621-4778
Bottom flat supermarket located @ First Bridge Diamond E.B.D- Call: 6017749; 216-3069; 626-7064; 691-4808
German Shepherd puppies, 1 adult German Shepherd, 2 adult Rottweiler. Call: 2202277; 220-8904; 629-1471
One Bedroom apartment @ Herstelling E.B.D, preferably working couple. Call: 2652196; 690-2064
110 Land Rover GSS 5539Call: 231-6322; 692-2521
1 Bedroom apartment to rent @ Queenstown –Call : 6768605; 656-5991 (serious enquiries)
New 17 KV generator- Call: 231-6322; 692-2521 220 & 240 volt, LDV Nissan diesel van- Call: 231-6322; 692-2521 New model land rover, engine, 5 speed gear transfer for 110- Call: 231-6322; 6922521 Pelican Inn Hotel, self contained & air conditioned rooms reasonable price- Call: 231-6322; 692-2521
WANTED Experienced male salesperson must be able to multitask, communicate well & have computer skills @ KeyFood Trading McDoom. Security guard to work in Georgetown –Call: 227-1717 Person to work at bar (night shift). Call: 223-4778
EDUCATIONAL Electronic Course. Starting 9th August. Hands-on training repairing all types of TVs,etc.Call:226-6551;225-0391 Phonics, reading, spelling classes for slow learners etc for summer classes, special private tutoring available. Call:675-4379 TO LET One bedroom apartment, self contained & fully grilled, unfurnished @ Land of Canaan E.B.D. Call: 692-3617 (Navo), 642-0867 (Bob) Fully furnished apartment @ South Park Place: 2 Bedroom long & Short term, unfurnished apartment in Benn St. -$40,000 monthly. Call: 689-5877
WANTED OFFICE CLERK MUST BE EXPERINCED IN COMPUTERS (EXCEL) & GENERAL OFFICE WORK WITH CXC @ RUIMVELDT – CALL: 231-8529 EXPERIENCED CHINESE CHEFTO LIVEAND COOK IN THE BVI, ACCOMMODATION WILL BE PROVIDED. CALL: 6149522; (1)284-496-7797 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Experienced waitress 1830yrs -$70,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free. Call: 610-5043 Hallow Blocks maker- Call: 233-2767
Male and female to work in the interior as shop attendants, between ages 2530. Call: 661-5992; 661-8673 Night Manager, Security, DJ, waitresses, bartenders, 1 experienced secretary between ages 18-25, must have CXC –Call: 668-8332; 638-5303 Two experienced bar girls to work in Mahdia, attractive salary. Interested persons call: 601-1479 1 Driver for East Bank area – Call: 233-2745 Female domestic worker to work in Trinidad. age 21 to 40 years. Call 1868- 268- 5177 Continue page 22
Thursday July 07, 2016
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Kaieteur News
THE VOICE OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS...
WHAT IS THE GPSU DOING FOR THE PUBLIC SERVANTS THIS TIME? By: Sase Singh. INTRODUCTION Every month hundreds of union members across the country had cash deducted from their paychecks to finance their respective unions. But some union leaders continue to not serve their membership at every level by failing to advance and promote the workers’ causes because they serve a different master - their political bosses. These union bosses are the epitomes of what is called partisan union leaders. They are part of the problem in the system; not the solution. On the other hand, you have union leaders like Lincoln Lewis from the TUC and Kenneth Joseph from NAACIE who continue to fulfill their true mandate, in the true spirit of “Critchlowism”. They serve the workers exclusively. THE WORKERS AND GPSU Where was the GPSU boss over the last 385 days as public servants saw their real wealth dwindle? This belated shout out for 40% is nothing but a carrot to dangle in front of the unsuspecting
workers. But this 40% is just a wicked illusion that has no substance or fiscal foundation; it is another Alice in Wonderland song. Any trained mind will tell you that the economy in its current state cannot afford more than 9%, so why falsely build up people hopes with this call for 40%? Why not a more realistic call? Have we gone “lobially” wild to recklessly shout out 40%? This situation could very well rebound to bite Patrick Yarde where it hurts. If he does not get even half of this 40% what will he tell the workers? Will he call a strike? That is the question since of late he seems incapable of advocating for the workers in a genuine and committed manner. I would not be surprised if the final numbers are already locked up. We will, however, have to wait a few more weeks to see how big a betrayal is about to unfold on the workers. Only then will we know if the public servants have been sold out down by the river before the negotiations have even started. THE GPSU AND JAGAN Henry Jeffrey did a good
Sase Singh job at setting the record straight on the Cheddi Jagan term in office. According to Jeffrey, in 1992 only months after Cheddi Jagan was sworn in (as President of the Cooperative Republic), he took the executive decision to “raise the minimum wage by some 46%.” All of this happened in less than six months, yet the GPSU took strike action for more money. But today with no money on the table after 385 days, the GPSU is in a
deep sleep. This goes to show different masters and not the workers are driving the actions of the GPSU. ‘I am personally aware of the situation where Dr. Jagan stuck to his guns on this 46% even when the IMF and his then Senior Minister of Finance advised otherwise. Dr. Jagan was right then. Those wage increases contributed to an explosion in private consumption and an economic boom unseen in the history of this country – growth of 7% and more. Of course there were several reasons for the economic growth under Dr. Jagan. But the increase in private consumption from the workers (because most of them spent 100% of these wage increases immediately), helped. THE 2016 BUDGET If one interrogates the 2016 national budget, one has to stand guided by the comments of the Finance Minister when he said in March that “public servant should not expect big salary increases”. That should be the benchmark but not the
final outcome. This decision is not only economics; it is very political. I would encourage President Granger to give the workers a little bit more than is being advised. It will resound to the economic benefit of the entire nation and serve him well politically. Empirical evidence from the past proves that the majority of the workers will spend all of their wage increases. Such an action will drive private consumption, which will directly drive GDP growth. This will be a winwin situation especially in an environment where the Minister warned the nation of a persistent low inflation rate in the 2016 Budget speech. We all know that 2016 is shaping up to be a tough economic year irrespective of the propaganda from some executives. However bucking the trend will be great economics and even better politics. These times require political “testículos” and bold decisions in favour of the workers. Such a position will pay-off handsomely for the Granger administration.
Yes, there is a hole in the 2016 budget; that we know. The VAT has always been a significant cash cow for the respective governments since it was launched in 2007. It is a tax on consumption and today consumption is down. Over the first three months of 2016, the VAT collection declined by some $2 billion compared to the same period in 2015. This VAT situation is exclusively as a result of the economic drivers not working in harmony. But that is a different issue, which has to do mainly with a shortage of progressive financial public policies, which is leading to a poor investment pipeline and low productivity. But that is for another column.
From page 21 FOR SALE German Shepherd puppies; tel: 619-6086; 699-7077
Store burglar gets 18 months Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday sentenced a man to 18 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to breaking into a city store and stealing a quantity of items. Michael Singh, 40, of 222 South Road, Georgetown, pleaded guilty to breaking into the Country Pride Ice Store located at Robb and King Streets, Georgetown, and stealing a quantity of ice bags, trolley wheels and a trolley all valuing $46,000. That incident occurred between June 4 and 6. He further admitted that between June 28 and 29, he broke into the same store and stole a cooler and Lasco fan, all totaling $30,000. The items are the property Butch Parmanand. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that on June 4, the complainant secured his store and left for home leaving the ice bags, trolley wheel and trolley intact. Jones said that when Parmanand returned the following day he noticed that the northern door of the store was open and that the items were missing. According to the Prosecutor, Parmanand reviewed CCTV footage from his store and saw Singh removing the articles. In relation to the second charge, Jones told the court
that on June 28, Parmanand secured his store and left for his residence leaving the items intact. He said that when the man returned to his business place the next day he found a three-foot hole in the western wall. Parmanand, Jones stated, reviewed CCTV footage from the store and again saw Singh removing the articles. The matter was reported and investigations were carried out which led to Singh being arrested and charged. Throughout the brief court hearing, the thief begged for leniency. He told the Magistrate that this was his first time in trouble with the law and that he had never been to prison before. “A begging for mercy,” a remorseful Singh cried. Parmanand who was present in court said that he has been operating his business since 1982 and that Singh had broken into his premises four times during
VACANCY Porters/Labourers needed, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. One nanny to take care and tutor a 1yr old baby boy. Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling.
JAILED: Michael Singh last month.Before passing sentence on Singh, Magistrate McLennan considered that he pleaded guilty at his first appearance and did not waste the court’s time.
Cashiers, Sales clerks & cleaners, apply in person with written application @ Nirva Supermarket. Call: 2275771/ 49 Sheriff & Craig Street Clerical Staff/ inventory clerk apply in person with written application @ Nirva Supermarket. Call: 227-5771/ 49 Sheriff & Craig Street Professional cosmetologist at Natural Beauty Salon & Spa, 110 Grove, Market Street E.B.D– Call: 652-5800 Control Room Assistants and Visiting Officers. Massy Security (Guyana) Inc. Lot 0 Ruimveldt, Georgetown.Tel: 225-5573/6 Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 695-9880 Salesman, must have experience and a valid truck licence. contact 624-0092 or info@fernandesgy.com One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – Call: 231-0655
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Thursday July 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
‘Blade Runner’ Pistorius gets Brazil’s Rousseff gives impassioned six years for girlfriend’s murder defence against impeachment
Oscar Pistorius leaves the court after his sentence hearing at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday. REUTERS/MARCO LONGARI Reuters - South African Paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius was sent back to jail for six years yesterday for murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, less than half the 15 year minimum term sought by prosecutors. It was unclear whether the state, which has two weeks to appeal, would accept yesterday’s sentence. Pistorius’ defence team said the athlete would be able to apply for parole after serving half to two-thirds of the sentence. Following is a timeline of Pistorius’ life and murder trial: - Born on November 22, 1986 in Johannesburg.
- Born without fibulas, Pistorius has both legs amputated below the knees before turning one. - After learning to walk on prosthetic legs, he becomes a keen sportsman in high school, turning to sprinting in 2003. - Running on carbon fibre prosthetic blades that earn him the nickname “Blade Runner”, Pistorius becomes a Paralympic gold medallist over 200m in Athens in 2004. He wins three gold medals at the Paralympics in Beijing in 2008. - In what was hailed as a significant turning point for disabled athletes, Pistorius successfully wins the right to race against able-bodied runners at the London 2012 Olympics. - Pistorius reaches the pinnacle of his fame in London 2012 when he becomes the first double amputee to run in the Olympics, reaching the 400m semi-finals, before taking two golds in the Paralympics. - Pistorius is arrested and charged with murder on Valentine’s Day, 2013 after firing four shots through a
locked bathroom door at his luxury Pretoria home, killing Steenkamp, a law graduate and model, almost instantly. - Judge Thokozile Masipa convicts Pistorius of culpable homicide in September 2014 after a sensational sevenmonth trial. She also convicts him of firing a pistol under the table of a packed restaurant but clears him of illegal possession of ammunition and firing a pistol out of the sunroof of a car. - Pistorius starts his fiveyear jail sentence on Oct 21, 2014. - Pistorius is released to house arrest on Oct. 19 2015 to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest at his uncle Arnold’s home in a wealthy suburb of the capital, Pretoria. - At sentencing hearings in June, Pistorius shuffles through court without his prosthetic legs to show the difficulty he faced dealing with the threat of an intruder. - Masipa sends Pistorius back to jail for six years for murdering Steenkamp, less than half the 15 year minimum term sought by prosecutors.
Reuters - Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff presented her written defence to a Senate impeachment trial yesterday, denouncing the proceedings as a farce and saying her alleged crimes were no more than “routine acts of budgetary management.” “Everybody knows that you are judging an honest woman, a public servant dedicated to just causes,” the suspended leftist leader said in a document read aloud by her lawyer and former Attorney General Jose Eduardo Cardozo. “I’ve honoured those who voted for me.” Rousseff’s removal would mark an end to 13 years of leftist rule over Latin America’s largest economy by the Workers Party that began in 2003 under her mentor, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Her defence made clear she is sticking to the strategy of refuting the impeachment process as a soft “coup” led by her one-time Vice President Michel Temer, a conservative who has taken over since mid-May when the Sen-
ate voted to try Rousseff. Rousseff has repeatedly said her impeachment is an attempt by Temer and other right-leaning members of her one-time governing coalition partner, the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), to remove her because she did not impede a sweeping probe of corruption at state-run oil company Petrobras. That investigation has ensnared dozens of top politicians, including the former speaker of the lower house of Brazil’s Congress, who led the impeachment campaign against Rousseff. Rousseff herself is not directly accused of corruption. But Brazil’s chief prosecutor has asked for her to be investigated for obstructing justice in the Petrobras case. She has denied any wrongdoing. Her impeachment is technically focused on accusations that she broke fiscal laws by disguising the size of the budget deficit to make the economy look healthier in the run-up to her 2014 re-election.
Rousseff has said her budget manoeuvring was no different than under previous presidents. But critics have said Rousseff borrowed far more money from state banks than her predecessors to plug budget gaps and hide the real state of Brazil’s economy. Rousseff’s suspension in May had ample political support because her popularity had plunged amid Brazil’s worst recession since the 1930s and public outrage over a string of corruption scandals involving her government. A recent poll showed interim President Temer is also highly unpopular. “What most hurts right now is the injustice,” Rousseff said in her written defence on Wednesday. “What hurts most is to perceive that I am the victim of a judicial and political farce.” Rousseff said she believes she is being targeted because she “never gave in to blackmail. I never accepted ... the backroom deals so well known in the traditional politics of our country.”
Two leading Republicans shy away from being Trump’s VP pick
Sens. Bob Corker, left, and Joni Ernst, right, took themselves out of the running to be Donald Trump’s vice president. Reuters - Republican Donald Trump’s list of potential vice presidential running mates got a little shorter yesterday when one prominent U.S. senator withdrew from consideration and a second said she wanted to focus on her home state. The moves by Bob Corker of Tennessee and Joni Ernst of Iowa could complicate Trump’s efforts to rally establishment Republicans behind his presidential bid. With Trump looking at a self-imposed deadline of July 15 to announce his pick, there was no indication that the wealthy businessman was anywhere close to reaching what is perhaps the most important decision he will make as the presumptive Republican nominee. Trump is looking to announce his running mate just ahead of the Republican National
Convention, to be held July 18-21 in Cleveland, where he is expected to become the party’s official nominee. In Cincinnati, Ohio, yesterday, Trump campaigned with potential vice presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, a former speaker of the House of Representatives who is popular in conservative circles. Introducing Trump, Gingrich tried out the role of the No. 2 with a robust attack on presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for her email practices, on the same day the Justice Department decided not to levy criminal charges over what the Federal Bureau of Investigation called her “extremely careless” handling of classified information when she was secretary of state.
Thursday July 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
Venezuela president vows military boost to fight crisis Caracas (AFP) Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro said Tuesday the country must boost its military might, as he fends off attempts to remove him from office. “Military power has to keep growing,” Maduro said at a military parade in Caracas to mark Venezuelan Independence Day. He said Venezuela was fighting an “unconventional war” - an apparent reference to what he frequently alleges are capitalist efforts to oust him. Venezuela is suffering a deep recession driven by falling prices for its oil exports. The crisis has sparked food shortages and deadly looting. The political opposition blames the socialist president’s economic management and is pushing for a referendum to remove him from office. Maduro regularly accuses the business elite of waging an “economic war” against him by hoarding supplies to aggravate the crisis. Missiles and tanks rolled by and jet fighters flew overhead at Tuesday’s annual parade. Maduro has mounted the
Nicolas Maduro
latest in a series of legal challenges against the opposition efforts to get rid of him. He has challenged their referendum proceedings in the Supreme Court. The opposition MUD coalition says the court and electoral authorities are stacked with Maduro’s allies. “If the Supreme Court intends to trample on the Venezuelan people’s efforts... that will throw petrol on the fire,” said senior leader Henrique Capriles on Tuesday. Maduro broke with tradition this year and avoided attending a session in the legis-
lature on Independence Day. The opposition took control of the legislative National Assembly in elections in December. Maduro’s popularity is low, according to opinion polls. But so far the military command has publicly backed him. Henry Ramos Allup, the opposition speaker in the assembly, and Capriles have alleged that not all of the military may support him, however. “The lawmakers are backed by the votes of the people,” Ramos said. “The regime is backed by bayonets.”
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Thursday July 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
New St. Lucia PM back in legal trouble CASTRIES, St Lucia — In a ruling handed down on Monday, the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal reinstated a claim against Allen Chastanet, the newly elected prime minister of Saint Lucia, alleging breach of trust and misfeasance in public office. The action had previously been struck out by the judge hearing the case, which ruling has now been overturned. On December 10, 2013, the attorney general of Saint Lucia filed a claim, which was amended on January 21, 2014, against Chastanet, as a former government minister, and Kenneth Cazaubon, former chairman of the Soufriere Town Council, in which several allegations were made. Chief among those allegations were that Chastanet, while a minister of government and a candidate for the United Workers Party (UWP) in the 2011 general elections, requested, advised, received,
permitted or acquiesced in the expenditure of the sum of $38,119 of public funds of the Council for the unlawful purpose of a campaign and political event for his personal and the political benefit of his political party, the UWP. Those funds were raised by the government of Saint Lucia for specific community projects from the government of Taiwan. It was also alleged that Chastanet knew or ought to have known or was recklessly indifferent to the fact that the conduct in question was unlawful and that, as a consequence, he acted in a manner that amounted to a breach of his fiduciary duties as a minister of government, bad faith and/or misfeasance in public office. It was further alleged that Cazaubon, as chairman of the Council, abdicated his authority and acted in breach of his fiduciary duties when he
acted on the request, instruction or direction of Chastanet and gave instructions to pay or caused the Council to pay public funds for the unlawful purpose of meeting expenses of a campaign and political event. It is notable, the court of appeal said, that the funds were deposited into the Council’s account and were paid out of that account. Of significance is the fact that there was no clear pleading that the monies expended belonged to the government of Saint Lucia and as a result ownership of the funds was in issue. In the light of this, Chastanet, on January 7, 2014, filed an application to strike out the entire claim filed by the attorney general on the basis that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the claim in so far as the attorney general lacked standing to pursue the claim. (Caribbean News)
Agri sector must play key role in Jamaica’s economic development KINGSTON, Jamaica – Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Seprod Group of Companies Richard Pandohie says the agricultural sector must play a key strategic role in the process of economic development in Jamaica. Pandohie was speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Seprod and the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Tuesday. Pointing to countries like the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States, Pandohie said the economic prosperity of these countries was built on the back of the agricultural sector. He noted that Jamaicans continue to look at agriculture and farming as something at the lowest end of the totem pole and keep missing a huge oppor-
Richard Pandohie
tunity to really drive the country forward. “The agricultural sector we look at it as just two people in a field digging up yam or something. It’s much more than that,” Pandohie said. He described driving along the highway and looking at the amount of unused land as synonymous to the absence of productivity. Pandohie said Seprod and its partners believe that if all Jamaicans do well together,
the country will advance. “We might have our selfish interest, however, the growth of the country must precede all those interests,” he said. “This programme with CASE is not only about what Seprod is giving to CASE but what CASE will give back to Seprod and the economy through research and development, through offering work and practical experience to the students,” Pandohie said. (Jamaica Observer)
Thursday July 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
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China warns U.S. on sovereignty ahead Egypt considers retaliating for Italy’s of South China Sea ruling - Xinhua decision to cut military supplies Reuters - China’s foreign minister spoke with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry by telephone yesterday ahead of a key international court ruling on China’s South China Sea claims and warned Washington against moves that infringe on China’s sovereignty, Beijing’s official Xinhua news agency reported. Xinhua said Wang Yi repeated China’s rejection of the jurisdiction of the International Court of Arbitration in a case the Philippines has brought against China’s claims to nearly all of the South China Sea, calling it a “farce” that should come to an end. The court, based in The Hague, is due to give its ruling yesterday, raising fears of confrontation in the region. U.S. officials say the U.S. response should China stick to its vow to ignore the ruling could include stepped up freedom-of-navigation patrols close to Chinese claimed islands in what is one of the world’s business trade routes. In his call with Kerry, Wang “urged the United States to honour its commitment to not to take sides on
issues related to sovereign disputes, to be prudent with its actions and words, and not to take any actions that infringe upon the sovereignty and security interests of China,” Xinhua said. Wang said that regardless of the tribunal’s ruling, China would “firmly safeguard its own territorial sovereignty and legitimate maritime rights and firmly safeguard the peace and stability,” Xinhua said. Wang also said that relations between China and
the United States were generally on a sound track and that the two sides should further focus on cooperation while properly managing their differences. The U.S. State Department confirmed that Kerry had spoken by phone to Wang, but gave no details. China has been angered by U.S. patrols in the South China Sea in recent months and on Tuesday launched what the Defense Ministry termed “routine” military drills there.
Reuters - Egypt said yesterday it was considering retaliating against Italy for halting military supplies to protest the killing of an Italian student earlier this year. Italy’s Senate voted last week to halt supplies to Egypt of spare parts for F16 warplanes, the first commercial steps taken against Cairo since the death of Giulio Regeni. Regeni, who was doing postgraduate research on Egyptian trade unions, was last seen by his friends on Jan. 25. His body, which showed signs of torture, was found in a roadside ditch on the outskirts of Cairo on Feb. 3. Italy has repeatedly complained that Egyptian authorities have not cooperated to find those responsible for the 28-year-old student’s
death. In April, it withdrew its ambassador to Egypt for consultations. Egypt’s foreign ministry said the senate vote would hurt cooperation between the two countries. “We regret the decision and are considering taking similar measures that affect areas of cooperation with Italy,” a foreign ministry statement said. The statement did not specify the exact measures, but it said they would “affect bilateral, regional and international cooperation between Italy and Egypt”. That would include “a review of ongoing cooperation in combating illegal immigration in the Mediterranean and dealing with the situation in Libya.”
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Thursday July 07, 2016
Thursday July 07, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Raphael responds to... GCUC observe 45th anniversary From page 30 Secretary/Chief Valuation Officer) – 1974-1998, Proprietor of Raphael’s Real Estate – 1998 to date. President of MalteenoesSports Club – 1983-2002. Introduced youth cricket into the club structure and initiated the first cricket academy in this part of the world in 1993. First President of the Georgetown Cricket Association, President of the Demerara Cricket Board, VicePresident of the GCB and Chairman of the Cricket Development Committee of the GCB, Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee of the GCB, Chairman of the GCB’s Security Committee, Women’s
Cricket Committee, Reports Committee and Awards Committee. Played cricket at Primary and Secondary School levels and captained the GTI Wight Cup team – 1966-1968. Played 1stDivision cricket for Malteenoes Sports Club and Guyana Sports Club – 19681974. Director of the WICB 2007-2009. 12. Drubahadur spuriously claims that I am involved in at least four court matters filed against the GCB and-or its officers. This is scandalous and I challenge him to identify those matters. With regard to the above I maintain that the GCB executives are an illegal body and on this basis the awards granted to the GCB and
Anand Sanasie must be revoked forthwith.Also, the Attorney General and the Minister of Sport, who are the defendants in the injunction brought by Anand Sanasie, Drubahadur et al stopping all elections, must urgently move towards having that injunction set aside. This will remove any “roadblocks” thereby paving the way for the long-overdue free and fair elections of the GCB which in turn will bring final resolution to the protracted cricket crisis. To continue with this administrative masquerade will only prolong the chaos and the grave injustice foisted on our beloved cricket. IT IS TIME! Claude Raphael
Thursday July 07, 2016 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Be careful to avoid wrong doings. Raise your self esteem and your confidence if you want to get back into the mainstream again. Cutbacks at work will be a cause for worry. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Changes in your home are apparent, and you must be willing to bend if you don't want to find yourself alone. Professionalism will be of utmost importance. GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Don't jump as quickly as you usually do. Opportunities to make money may interfere with your personal plans. You need a job with more responsibility and a higher wage. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Secret intrigues could get you into trouble. Don't make large purchases unless you have discussed your choices with your mate. Try to satisfy both of your needs.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) You'll be dropping friends for no apparent reason. Do what you can to help them but don't neglect your own family. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Don't hesitate to voice your ideas and opinions. You won't be admired at home if you haven't been taking care of your share of the work. Your personal life will be disrupted if you have been too busy with business. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Don't rely on others to handle the workload. Do you really want to start something with someone you can't reason with? A residential move may be necessary to get a better job. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Be cautious who you deal with financially. Concentrate on your career and on making money. A quiet restful day just staying in bed or catching up on reading will be your best bet.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Travel will be to your advantage; however, it might be expensive. Try to keep ahead of the game. You will not impress others by being foolishly generous.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Coworkers may not be completely honest with you; try not to rely on help from others. Work quietly on your own. Take care of matters involving institutions or government agencies.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) You may be ill-treated if you have to deal with institutional environments. You probably aren't getting straight answers to your questions. You will be ready to jump on anyone who gets in the way of your progress today.
PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Limitations will set in if you haven't followed the rules. You will both have to bend if you want this union to work. You will have to make some changes regarding your direction if you wish to keep on top of your career expectations.
Members of the GCUC at its 45th anniversary celebrations. The Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC) on Sunday last observed its 45th anniversary with a ceremony held at Union Building, Woolford Avenue. Cricket commentator and long standing umpire Matthew Kissoon delivered the
Ronaldo delivers... From page 32 first Euro final since losing on home soil to Greece in 2004, had their first chance in the 16th minute, a low drive by Joao Mario after a clever flick from Ronaldo. OVER THE BAR Wales responded as Joe Ledley found Gareth Bale with a low corner and the forward fired over the bar. The Welsh, playing their first major tournament semifinal, did not suffer from stage fright with their back line, supported by midfielders Ledley and Joe Allen, remaining disciplined and compact. In a cagey first half Portugal struggled to find Ronaldo, opting for long crosses into the box that were easy pickings for central defender James Collins. Portugal injected some urgency after the break, pressing high up the field. It paid off instantly with a corner in the 50th minute that Raphael Guerreiro floated in towards the far post where Ronaldo climbed high above two defenders to power his third goal of the competition. They doubled their lead with Nani sliding into the box to connect with Ronaldo’s mishit shot and claim his third goal of the tournament. Wales were then lucky not to concede more goals as Portugal, now unbeaten in 13 competitive matches, continued to dream of a maiden international trophy. “We are massively disappointed obviously but we have given everything on and off the pitch,” said Welsh talisman Bale. “We tried our hardest to get back in the game. “They shut up shop well but we have no regrets. We are very
charge to umpires, while GCB treasurer Anand Kalladeen congratulated the council on its achievement. GCUC head Dhieranidranauth Somwaru urged the umpires to continue their good work, while uttering his disappointment at the
low turnout, especially from Essequibo and Berbice. He said that umpires must acknowledge the importance of such events and it can only help them to improve. The function got going with prayers and the singing of the National Anthem.
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Kaieteur News
Raphael responds to Drubahadur, maintains sports awards gifted be recalled Letter to the Sports Editor...
DEAR SPORTS EDITOR, I wish to refer to Drubahadur’s letter recently published in the national newspapers and captioned “Mr. Claude Raphael Needs to Stop Peddling False information”. Drubahadur has not addressed the damning issues as they relate to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) but instead sought to invoke character assassination and libelous personal attacks against me with a plethora of misrepresentations to divert attention from the real issues including the lack of accountability, transparency and democracy by the clique that has taken possession of the GCB. It is passing strange that Drubahadur could write so much on Claude Raphael and
Guyana cricket when he, a virtual unknown, held no position on anyAssociation or County Board prior to being questionably catapulted into the position of President of the GCB in 2013. The following are the facts: 1. As there has been no legally-constituted Demerara Cricket Board since 2009 and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) did not attend any elections of the GCB from 2009, Drubahadur must tell the nation when, where and by what methodology did he become President and Sanasie CEO of the GCB. Drubahadur asserts that “Sanasie is the CEO of the GCB”. I checked the law and there is no CEO position in the GCB constitution. 2. With regard to the
Guyana Cricket Administration Act (GCAA), Drubahadur stated “Despite its numerous flaws the GCB adheres to the GCAA as the law of the land”. He also stated “Our Audited financial statements have been submitted to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, the Director of Sports, the Deeds Registry and the Minister of Sport (MoS)”. A careful check, as at 30th June, 2016, at the Deeds Registry has confirmed that no financial statements were submitted in the name of the GCB and none was ever submitted by the questionably-formed company “Cricket Guyana Inc”. Since the law has no such provision, the establish-
ment of this private company (CGI) is illegal and a violation of the very law to which Drubahadur claims he adheres. 3. Drubahadur’s GCB continues to ostracize the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (including Linden) although it is a legal entity; this is a clear violation of the laws of Guyana. His clique campaigned relentlessly against the inclusion of Upper Demerara into the structure of Guyana cricket and this is the main ground used in their challenge to the GCAA. 4. It was Anand Sanasie, Drubahadur et al who filed the injunction (2014-HC-DEMCIV-CM-106) to stop all elections under the very law so that the Drubahudar coterie could remain in power indefinitely. It must be made known that the elections of the GCB under the GCAA were due since January 2015. Since Drubahadur contends that the GCB is successful and my group is merely a handful of disgruntled persons, why is he so afraid to face the electorate in free and fair elections? 5. Drubahadur’s feeble attempt to justify the National Sports Award to Sanasie is a clear admission that he (Drubahadur) is not in charge of the GCB and appears to be clueless regarding the operations of a properly structured organization. While I have no problem generally with the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) system used for the conferring of awards, I believe the basic principle of legitimacy must first be satisfied before any other criterion is applied. In this regard both the GCB and Sanasie, for reasons already detailed, should have been excluded from consideration. The NSC appears to have been misled in the nomination process by Drubahadur and the GCB executives. 6. Drubahadur claims that the GCAA is flawed to the extent the he wants it
scrapped thereby insinuating that those persons who drafted the Act at the Parliamentary Special Select Committee are ineffectual apprentices. Is he saying that Mr. Basil Williams, Dr. Rupert Roopnariane, Mr. Joseph Harmon, Mr. Christopher Jones, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, Dr. Frank Anthony, Mr. Anil Nandlall, Mr. Odinga Lumumba and Mr. Neil Kumar, after sitting at twenty-two (22) meetings, produced a flawed Bill which was passed into law unopposed in the National Assembly? These gentlemen who Drubahadur seeks to disparage are all currently and directly responsible for carrying our dear country forward. So Drubahadur’s silly and ridiculous contention that I was the architect of the Act is insulting to the intelligence of these noble gentlemen and by extension a profound disrespect and disregard for the National Assembly. As in all other Acts there are provisions in this one for amendments. Therefore the self-serving challenge to the GCAA is patently frivolous and deliberately designed to keep the GCB executives in office forever. 7. On the issue of Executive lawlessness, the Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) is portrayed by Drubahadur as the commercial arm of the GCB. I would like him to explain to the nation the following: a). Who authorized the registration of this privatelyowned company (number 6850)? b). Who authorized the illegal transfer of all the assets of the GCB including the bank accounts to the CGI? c). Why is the CGI not answerable to the membership of the GCB especially when it has sole control of a foreign exchange account which apparently had been approved through intended misrepresentation to the authorities? Why is it that, although a foreign account has been established, it is alleged that
Second Annual Table Tennis Training Camp set for Linden The Linden Table Tennis Committee will be staging its 2nd Annual Training Camp from July 25-August 12 at the Mackenzie High School Auditorium. According to a release from the Committee, sesions will be held for children between the ages of 7-16 years and all are invited. Prizes will be given out to the top performers, while all participants will receive certificates. The sessions will be conducted from 09:00-14:00 hrs each day and contact can be made to Shavin Greene.
cricketers and officials are being paid in local currency at a reduced rate. d). Why have the audited financial statements not been circulated to the membership of the GCB? e). Who are the shareholders of the CGI? f). How much dividends were received by the owners of this private company? g). How much money has this company collected from the WICB and how was it spent? 8. As there are only three (3) areas (the Berbice Cricket Board, the East Coast Cricket Board and the Georgetown Cricket Association) that solely contribute to cricket development and the production of cricketers to the national teams, Drubahadur must explain why those very areas have not received any financial or other assistance from the GCB over the past seven (7) years when that Board receives US$640,000 annually from the WICB. Drubahadur should inform the public how in fact that money is spent especially as the GCB has no cricket development programmes or academies anywhere in Guyana. 9. Drubahadurstated that I attended a meeting with the WICB as a member of the PPP Government delegation. This is intentionally misleading. If he had checked with his ally Sanasie who attended that meeting he would have known that I was there as a representative of one of thecricket factions. Also it was the WICB who overnight reneged on the agreed terms of the MOA and not the Government as asserted by Drubahadur. In associating the name of Claude Raphael with the PPP, It is evident that Drubahadur is attempting to mislead the nation, a ploy orchestrated to buy support from the current Administration. 10. With regard to my tenure on the WICB, I refer Drubahadur to the attached letter signed by Immediate Past President of the WICB, Dr. Julian Hunte. 11. On his questioning of my cricketing and administrative acumen, I hereby briefly outline my experience to Drubahadur: Ministry ofWorks and Hydraulics – 1968-1974, Parttime lecturer, Government Technical Institute (GTI) - 19691979, Mortgage Finance Bank (Deputy General Manager/ Corporate (Continued on page 29)
Thursday July 07, 2016
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Kaieteur News
DCC Recognises Its Players - Harmon is new Patron Minister of State Joseph Harmon is the new Patron of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), this was announced at a ceremony hosted by the club recently. The event was held to recognise the club’s top youth cricketers who excelled academically. The ceremony was attended by several ministers of the coalition government including Nicolette Henry (Sports), Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Keith Scott and Harmon himself. Subsequently, Seon Greaves, who chaired the proceedings, gave detailed history of the club which was founded 1912. He added that the club has produced some of the most exciting players to have graced the game; such as the Christiani brothers, Lance Gibbs, Clive Lloyd, the late Roy Fredericks, Mark and Roger Harper, Berkley Gaskin, M. P. Fernandes, Fred Wills, Andrew Lyght, Colin Wiltshire, Lennox Hunte, Travis Dowlin and Keith Semple. “It is worthy to mention that Shivnarine Chanderpaul started his career here at the age of 12. This rich tradition of excellence continues to this day with players like Trevon Griffith, Paul Wintz, Christopher Barnwell, Kevin Boodie and Keemo Paul con-
Awardees, new patron Min. of State Joseph Harmon, DCC executives and several Ministers of the Government at the ceremony. tinuing to represent the national teams with distinction and naturally contributing to West Indies Cricket.” President of DCC, Alfred Mentore, said it is the interest of the club to select a Patron that is worthwhile and for this reason Harmon was the ideal person who can be a role model to the youngsters who frequent the club. “We at the Demerara Cricket Club see the Patron of the Club as a person of respectability, credibility, stature and care. I say that we have found these qualities
and many more in the distinct personage of this person, who has graciously accepted our request for him to become Patron. These are the character that cricketers must have in order to excel,” he added. The Min. of State succeeds the late Chancellor Aubrey Bishop. Harmon welcomed the initiative and promised to utilize the limited resources he has to aid in the development of the organisation. Currently there is segregation among cricket stake-
Federer pulls off great escape to reach Wimbledon semis (Reuters) Roger Federer put his global army of “FedHead” fans through the wringer for four nerve-shredding sets before he kept alive his pursuit of a record eighth Wimbledon title with a 6-7(4) 4-6 6-3 7-6(9) 6-3 win over Marin Cilic the quarter-finals on Wednesday. Novak Djokovic’s shock third round exit had raised hopes that this could be the week when the Swiss finally
ends his four-year hunt for an 18th grand slam title, as the Serb had been the only man to beat him at the majors over the past year. However, all those expectations appeared to be heading for the dustbin as Cilic stood one point away from victory - not once, not twice but three times in a pulsating fourth set that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Three huge serves kept
Federer alive - just - and he then produced the kind of form, and outrageous shots that has made him the most successful man in tennis by stealing the tiebreak 11-9. An ace on his first match point finished off the job and carried him into an 11th Wimbledon semi-final, and 40th overall in the majors. He will face another bigserver, Canadian Milos Raonic, for a place in Sunday’s final.
Guyana stay alive with... From page 32 game’s first shot from beyond the arc much to the appreciation of the vociferous crowd that came out to help haul Guyana over the line. Guyana’s ball movement and offence to begin the game allowed them to gain the early 13 point advantage before the start of the second period. Their 2-3 zone defence disallowed Persad from getting into the lane for easy buckets as he has skillfully done in the tournament. On the offensive end, Guyana shot the ball at a high percentage from beyond the arc for a
20-point lead heading into the halftime break with the score on 39-19. The eventual win now gives Guyana two wins in the tournament with one game left against Jamaica who are yet to lose. A win for Guyana tonight against Jamaica will ensure they end with a similar 3-1 record from the first round. Suriname could also end up with that record in the group. The bottom line is that Guyana must beat Jamaica tonight to be even considered for the Final Four of the CBC U16 Championships.
holders throughout the country, a point Harmon temporarily made mention of during his address. He urged them to work together for the development of the game. Minister Henry lauded DCC for organising such a ceremony and congratulated the Patron who she believes will contribute toward the growth of the club. Min. Henry stated that she is happy to see the involvement of so many young people at the club level because it is an investment in the future. Those awarded were: Under-13 performances-Romeo Deonarine, Jonathan Vanlange, Brandon Jaikarran and Daniel Mootoo. Academic Awards 2016 went to- Romain Muniram,
Cleon McEwan and Qusan Torrington for performing creditably at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate. Special Awards went to the club’s World Cup winning West Indies U19 players Tevin Imlach and Keemo Paul. Other Awardees- Sherfane Rutherford, most outstanding U19 player, Raymond Perezfor scoring a century on inter-county debut. Sagar Hetheramani, most improved U17 all-rounder. Alphius Bookie, best U15 all-rounder. Qumar Torrington most improved U15 fast bowler, Sachin Singh most consistent U15 batsman and Ashmead Nedd, most successful allrounder at all junior level. Raymond Perez, Nigel
Ritch, Indergeet Singh, Mahendra Jaikarran and Glynis Beaton were rewarded for their valuable contributions the club. Special Award went to Henry Chase for his contribution to the marriage of Sports and Education: The event was sponsored by Star Party Rentals, King’s Jewellery World, Unicomer (Guyana) Inc., Scotiabank, Lifetime Real Estate Management, Ministry of Social Protection, Sleepin International Hotel and Carnival Casino, 4R Bearings, Ramchand Auto Spares, Hopkinson Mining, P&P Insurance Brokers, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Banks DIH Ltd, Elegance Jewellery, Mikes Pharmacy, Caribbean Clothing, Clinton Alphonso Mining and Mr. Joseph Lewis.
Teams battle for Mayor’s Cup quarterfinal places Saturday at GFC Teams will battle on Saturday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground as they look to book quarterfinal places in the Mayor’s Cup football championship. A triple header has been fixed for the city venue starting from 5:00pm and the proceedings for the evening have been sponsored by the Sparta Family, managers of the Sparta Boss football team. Saturday’s action opens at 5:00pm with Camptown battling Pouderoyen. Santos challenge Beacons in the next match from 7:00pm, while Western Tigers tangle with Den Amstel at 9:00pm in the night cap. The winners are assured of places in the quarter finals as they all will hope to move onto the respective semi-finals and grand final, with the hope of claiming the top prize of $700,000 and a trophy donated by Aruwai Resort. The second place team pockets $300,000 and the Ansa McAl trophy, while the third place team carts off $200,000 and the John Fernandes trophy. The fourth place finishers will receive $100,000 and the Ministry
of State trophy. Ricks and Sari has also donated hampers which will go to the winning team, while tournament’s top goal scorer will get a three piece suite compliments of AH&L Kissoon Furniture Store. Action continues on Sunday this time at the Victoria ground on the East Coast with another triple header from 5:00pm. Police play Uitvlugt in the first game, while Rhythm Squad oppose Eagles of Linden at 7:00pm, while at 9:00pm Ann’s Grove oppose Cougars. Top Brandz of Broad and High Streets, distributors of Interstate vehicle batteries, is among the key sponsors on board assisting the tournament. Aruwai Resort of the Essequibo River is also another main supporter of this year’s event and Coordinator Lennox Arthur has expressed thanks to all the sponsors. Apart from Aruwai Resort and Top Brandz, among others on board include: Ansa McAl, Minister of State Joe Harmon and his ministry, John Fernandes, Ricks and Sari and AH&L Kissoon.
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Thursday July 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
Ninvalle for AIBA Executive Guyana stay alive with Committee Meeting next week emphatic win over Trinidad President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) and International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) Executive Committee member, Steve Ninvalle, will be attending an important meeting of that body’s executive committee next week. The meeting will take place at the Hyatt Hotel in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from July 14 to 17. Ninvalle informed Kaieteur Sport that at the meeting the executive committee will discuss a number of issues including a progress report on the Rio Olympics, ratification of executive committee decisions, summarize activities for 2016 and 2017 and present a business plan for that period. AIBA had recently changed their constitution to include professional fighters competing in amateur tournaments including the Olympics and they will ensure all the modalities are in place for the new rules. The GBA head further indicated that as the Caribbean
Steve Ninvalle representative on the world body, he will be pushing for additional programmes to benefit this region. On the cards is the push for the resuscitation of the Caribbean Boxing Association (CBA). This body has been defunct
since 2008. However, Ninvalle along with several other regional heads including Stephen Jones of Jamaica, David ‘Shakes’ Christopher of St Lucia and Cathy Harper Hall of Barbados among others had pushed for activity in the Caribbean. To this end they had staged a big developmental meeting in 2015 along with other smaller events. Ninvalle and his Caribbean counterparts will look for him to make their case for AIBA to make instrumental moves to ensure the restart of the CBA and to have development programmes that will see the sport and its fortunes grow in the Caribbean. This is Ninvalle’s second attendance of an AIBA executive meeting after being elected to serve in 2014. He had attended their last meeting in Qatar last year and had made some headway in getting the assistance of key players in the organisation to assist the region.
Ronaldo delivers as Portugal end dream Wales run
Guyana stayed alive in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championships last night with an emphatic 69-52 win against Trinidad and Tobago, compliments of shear grit, grind and hustle at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. After their miserable loss to Suriname, host nation Guyana were able to hold off a fourth quarter surge from the Twin Island Republic for a victory that places them against Jamaica tonight in a virtual quarterfinal showdown with the winner more or less advancing to the Final Four. Guyana’s shooting in the first half gave the hosts a 20point lead that they never relinquished despite a few runs from Trinidad and Tobago in the second half. Guard, Kevon Wiggins was 7-32 from the field for 18 points, but got the job done. Centre/Forward, Jordan Alphonso again came through big from the paint with 18 points and 13 rebounds for another double-double. Shooting guard, Shemar France also dropped 14 points and was hot from be-
Shooting guard, Kevon Wiggins goes up for one of his clutch threes last night in Guyana’s crucial game against Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean U-16 Championships. yond the arc hitting 4-9 from downtown while Nigel Bowen contributed 11 points to finally get Guyana’s offence up and running. Trinidadian sensation, guard, Jordan Persad did his best to save Trinidad but his
second half heroics was not enough; he ended with 23 points while Netrell Malcolm had 13 points. Guyana started the game with a 20-7 run in the first quarter with Wiggins sinking the (Continued on page 27)
Ramdin claims he has been sacked for India series
Portugal’s Nani in action with Wales’ James Chester during EURO 2016 - Semi Final at the Stade de Lyon. (REUTERS/Robert Pratta) LYON, FRANCE (Reuters) Cristiano Ronaldo scored one goal and inadvertently set up the other as Portugal ground out a 2-0 win over Wales on Wednesday to march into the Euro 2016 final. The Portuguese superstar, who has had to soak up a lot of criticism for a lacklustre tournament by his high standards, majestically powered in a 50th-minute header to put his side in front. Ronaldo then saw his shot turned in by Nani for a
- play Jamaica for Final Four place tonight
second goal three minutes later, ending Wales’ remarkable run at their first major finals since 1958. The Portuguese, who had not won a single game in the tournament over 90 minutes, next meet hosts France or Germany who play their semifinal on Thursday. “We’ve been dreaming about this from the start,” Ronaldo told reporters. “We knew it would be a long way but we’ve fought all the way.” Wales kept their oppo-
nents quiet in the first half but could not recover the twogoal deficit, ending a scintillating run that has captivated millions back home and turned their players into heroes. The Welsh, with midfielder Aaron Ramsey suspended and replaced by Leicester City’s Premier League winner Andy King, had an early spell of possession but a tight Portugal defence kept them at bay. Portugal, bidding for their (Continued on page 25)
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – West Indies first choice wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin has claimed in a Twitter rant that he has been sacked from the Test squad for the upcoming four-match series against India. In a series of tweets on the popular online social networking service on Tuesday, the Trinidadian gloveman informed his followers he would not be a part of the series after the “new chairman” of selectors told him his average was not good enough. Former Barbados captain and West Indies wicketkeeper, Courtney Browne, last month took over chairmanship of the selection panel from legendary former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd. While not referencing Browne by name, Ramdin tweeted his apparent anger over the decision, pointing out that his last two innings
on last year’s tour of Australia resulting in half-centuries. “Last 2 innings over 60 vs Australia down under but not good enough to play anymore,” the 31-year-old said. Ramdin averages 25 from 74 Tests with four hundreds, the last coming 2-1/2 years ago against New Zealand in Hamilton. The right-hander has struggled with the bat in his last 11 Tests over a 12-month period, averaging just 22 but showed signs of form in his last two innings on the tour of Australia, gathering 59 in Melbourne last December and 62 in Sydney last January. Runs aside, Ramdin has taken 212 catches and effected 12 stumpings. The West Indies Cricket Board are yet to announce a squad for the series set to run from July 21 to August 22.
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 07, 2016
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Hand in Hand makes it safe for participants by signing early for Guyana Cup Meet The Hand In Hand Insurance Company is making sure that those participating in the 10th Annual Guyana Cup Horserace Meet are secured as they once again join forces early with the organisers to be a part of the coveted activity with a sizeable coverage. The mega horserace meet, compliments of the Port Mourant Turf Club and the Jumbo Jet Businesses, is slated for Sunday 14th August at the Port Mourant Turf Club, beginning at 12:00hrs. The ‘Sport of Kings’ this year has large purses on offer. This year the organisers are pulling the stops out to make this event a special one in celebration of its 10th year in existence and in observation of Golden Jubilee Independence Anniversary with some sumptuous giveaways and incentives. So far a whopping $22M in cash, trophies and other incentives
are up for grabs in the eight race meet and more incentives are likely to be added. Already incentives have been announced for the winners for certain events with the winners in the A class, the three year old event and the two year old races collecting an extra $500,000, $400,000 and $200,000 bonuses respectively. The jockeys riding the respective animals in those events will all ride away with an extra $50,000 bonus. There are also expected to be increased bonuses for the top jockeys, stables and trainers on the day apart from the usual accolades. The Hand In Hand Insurance Company has over the years being a leading sponsor in sports and continues to play its part in being a cooperate sponsor. The latest sponsorship arrangement was done at the Company Head Office at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown. Among other sponsors
indicating their willingness so far are Banks DIH Limited, Trophy Stall, BM Soat Auto Sales, Jameel Bar and Entertainment Lounge, the Muneshwar Store and the Hyper Malt beverage company. The winner of the “A” and lower event will be racing for a whopping $4M prize money in addition to the Guyana Cup Trophy from a total package of $8M over 1600M. The others that placed will also be handsomely rewarded. The Co-feature 1600M event for 3yrs old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies, will see the winner taking home a handy $2M and trophy. The Two year old event is for West Indies Bred horses and the winner gets $1M and trophy over 1000M. There is also a $1M reward and trophy for the horse winning the E class and lower 1300M event. The G3 and lower 1300M gallop has a winning
A Representative of the Hand In Hand hands over the Company’s sponsorship to Compton Sancho (right) of the Jumbo Jet. tag of $700,000 and trophy. The H and lower 1400M race has a winning pocket of $ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 a n d t r o p h y. The animals classified J and K and lower will race for $350,000 and trophy over 1100M. The L class 1000M race has a winning purse of $250,000 and trophy. The top Jockey along
with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the
organizers and Trophy Stall. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed Jnr. (Samuel Whyte)
Corona beer steals rights for Guyana leg of CPL
‘Race of Champions’ Meet to be held under floodlights - President urges fans to come out and support the new experiment
Marketing and Sponsorship Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Trevor Bassoo (left) exchange a hand shake with Top Brandz/Corona Chief Operations Officer Lise Lewis.
C
A scene captured from a previous Race Meet at the South Dakota Circuit.
I
n what will be a first for motor racing in this country, the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) will be hosting its second ‘Race of Champions’ Meet under floodlights on July 16, at the South Dakota Circuit, starting from 15:00 hrs. Speaking with kaieteur Sport via telephone yesterday, President of the entity Raj Boodhoo said that even though racing fans will be witnessing a Race Meet under floodlights for the first time, he anticipates the turnout will be great, especially with most of the
country’s top competitors scheduled to participate. Boodhoo, who has returned for a second stint at the helm of motor racing, having served previously, has been attempting to inject more life into the sport with Endurance and Drag racing enjoying heightened success this year. Among the competitors listed to compete are Danny Persaud, Kevin Jeffrey, Elliott, Stephen and Matthew Vieira, Rameeze Mohamed, Irfaan Kalamadeen, Andrew King, Roshan Ali, Shairaz Roshandin among others. Boodhoo revealed that with the second leg of the Caribbean Motor
Racing Championship around the corner, competitors will no doubt be using the Meet to test their machines readiness and competitiveness for the upcoming event in Trinidad and Tobago. He also cited that because it’s a new attempt, he believes that fans and competitors alike will be eager to see if the new experiment under lights is a success. He urged lovers of the sport to come out and see top local drivers and riders go at each other in a battle for supremacy under floodlights.
orona Beer which is being distributed by Top Brandz has acquired the poring rights for beer at the National Stadium during the Guyana leg of the Hero Caribbean Premier League T20. This was announced yesterday at a simple ceremony held at Top Brandz office, Church and Light Streets, Georgetown. Marketing and Sponsorship Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Trevor Bassoo said they are pleased to continue the partnership since Corona beer has been supportive for the past four years. He stated that they have been doing a wonderful job and he is hoping to take the relationship to another level in the future. Bassoo said he is confident that the team will win the title. “The Guyana Amazon Warriors is definitely a crowd favourite, the team is well rounded and we have a good management unit as well,” he posited. He spoke of the added support the team received from XCITE, El Dorado and the Tourism Board which he said is a major boost towards their campaign this year.
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Thursday July 07, 2016
Warriors tackle Tallawahs tonight at Providence By Zaheer Mohamed
Although they are yet to cross the final hurdle, the Guyana Amazon Warriors are the most consistent team so far in the Hero Caribbean Premier League. The fact that they have got off to a dream start in this year’s tournament with successive victories over St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Trinbago Knight Riders shows that they are in good form. Nevertheless they will be counting on huge home support to be successful in their home matches, starting tonight against the Jamaica Tallawahs. Apart from home support the Warriors have a
number of quality spinners which will aid in their advantage on a predictably slow Providence pitch. The seamers are quiet capable of varying their pace, but their biggest task will be to contain Chris Gayle. Like their bowling, the Warriors batting is quiet strong with Dwayne Smith partnering skipper Martin Guptill at the top of the order. On the other hand, the Ta l l a w a h s a r e a n experienced unit with the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Shakib Al Hassan, Andre Russell and Dale Styen. Speaking with the media prior to a net session yesterday at Providence,
home team skipper Guptill expressed confidence of doing well against the Tallawahs. “There is a very good mood in the camp at the moment; the guys have played some very good cricket, we happen to carry that on tomorrow night (tonight). We are expecting a tough game, Jamaica are a quality side with some quality players in it so we have to be at the top of our game if we are to get the kind of result we want,” he related. “We have got some good spinners and seamers as well as explosive power all the way down the order; we just have to score one more run than the opposition”.
Jamaica Tallawahs bowling Coach Donovan Miller (left) and Batman Rovman Powell speak to the media yesterday. Gayle once again proved his status as the greatest T20 batsman of all time as he helped the Jamaica Tallawahs to victory against the Trinbago Knight Riders, proving unstoppable with an unbeaten 108 recently. But Guptill is positive they can contain him. “We look at the way that Trinidad bowl to him and will try to do the opposite really, we have got a couple of plans in place and hopefully execute well. It is a tough wicket, but most of the guys have played here before and they know what to expect so we just have to enjoy the atmosphere,” he said. Coach Roger Harper indicated that he is pleased with their performance so far. “We did well by winning our first couple of games, but there is always room for improvement, in competition such as this we need to be on top of our game. We know that Jamaica have always proved to be tough opposition for us so we know what to expect. We just have to make sure we keep focus,” he posited. He noted that the players are in high spirits and it is important for them to work together to improve so they can be more efficient on the field. Harper feels that the crowd support will be vital for the team. “The crowd here has always been fantastic, I can safely say that we have the best CPL fans, we expect nothing less again this year since they give us that extra boost and help put some pressure on the opposition,” he explained. The Tallawahs bowling Coach Donovan Miller acknowledged the strength of the Guyana team, but said they are prepared for the battle. “We have to get all the
basics right for us to be successful and we will put our best foot forward,” he noted. Miller stated that he is pleased with what the younger players have done so far and that the preparation has been good. “We just have to go out there and keep it simple as possible. The team spirit is high, we have a lot of dept in our batting so we are not pressured and we need to have fun as well,” the coach indicated. Batsman Rovman Powell explained that there is no special strategy for the game. “It is about who executes better on the day and we have to adjust to the slow nature of the pitch,” he said. Powell believes the presence of Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara augurs well for the team. “Kumar is an ambassador for the game, he shows us ways and means of how to build an innings and the Caribbean needs more like him to be around. The game bowls off at 19:00hrs. Teams; Guyana Amazon Warriors; Martin Guptill (Capt.) Dwayne Smith, Sohail Tanvir, Chris Lynn, Reyad Emrit, Adam Zampa, Jason Mohammed, Chris Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Orlando Peters, Assad Fudadin, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Stephan Katwaroo, Devendra Bishoo, Muhammed Ahsan Ali Khan and Shimron Hetmyer. Jamaica Tallawahs; Chris Gayle (Capt), Kumar Sangakkara, Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Imad Wasim, Dale Styne, Rovman Powell, Chadwick Walton, Jon Russ Jaggesar, Andre Mc Carthy, Jonathan Foo, Alex Ross, Kesrick Williams, Nkrumah Bonner, Garey Maturin, Timothy Allen and Oshane Thomas.
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 07, 2016
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Day 3 CBC U-16 Basketball Championships
Jamaica beat Aruba, Bahamas decimate Dominica Michael Williams from Bahamas goes for a layup at CASH yesterday.
Jamaica notched their third consecutive win to deny Aruba any chance of advancing to the semis, while Bahamas destroyed Dominica to hand them their third loss as the afternoon games on day three in the 2016 of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 Basketball Championships continued yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Jamaica won 71-59, beating Aruba, who has now lost three of their four matches, while Bahamas
continued their unbeaten run in their three outings as they decimated Dominica by 104 points; winning 125-21. The Bahamians has reached triple digits scores in all three of their games as they stamped their authority on this tournament, which they are highly favoured to win. Nobody in the Dominican team got a double figure score and so soundly were they beaten that Sherquan Jno-Baptiest’s five points, which included a three-pointer, were the most points registered by a player
Blyden, Batson guide Pioneer CC to victory
O
utstanding performances by Guyanese Travis Blyden and Renwick Batson guided Pioneer CC to victory over Lucas CC when the C l e m e n t B u s t a Lawrenceville 40-over tournament continued recently in New York, USA. Batting first at Marine Park, Lucas CC managed 163-9 with Zedin Fowler scoring 53. Batson claimed 4-36 and Zamal Baksh 2-4. Blyden then struck seven fours in scoring 77; his third consecutive half century, while Batson slammed 54 with five fours as Lucas replied with 164.
Travis Blyden
in their team. Bahamas looks a complete team and while nobody scored more than 20 points, seven got doubledigit scores. Rica Bridgewater got a game high 20, Chosen Levarity (18), Samuel Hunter (13), Davonte Jennings (12), Kenrick Burrows (12), Christopher Johnson (11) and Alfredo Brown (10) all
contributed to show that there is no ‘I’ in team. In the opening game Jamaican Akeem Ellis opened the scoring with a basket from the paint while team mate Rousseau Joseph registered a three-pointer and Jamaica were off to their usual positive start. However, Aruba’s leading player Lenardo Winterdal
knocked in a three pointer before Andre Maduro followed suit and scored from down town. Skillful Jamaica Jalen Menzies entertained the gathering with his flamboyant maneuvers past Aruba’s guards but the Arubans fought tooth and nail and by half time the score was 26-all after Aruba briefly enjoyed a
Jamaican Jalen Menzies again looked dangerous but was well marked and only managed 15 points yesterday at CASH. (Sean Devers photo)
three-point lead 25-22. The second half also produced competitive action as Menzies was at one stage ‘doubled teamed’ and despite his speed was not allowed any room to work with. He was fouled a few times by the aggressive Aruba team, Kenneth Maduro was eventually fouled out after picking up five personal fouls but Menzies was only allowed to score thrice from 12 shots from the paint and none of four three-points attempts landed in the hoop. He however sunk all three of his efforts from the free throw line. Jamaica scored six unanswered points in the third period at (34-28) and ended the penultimate stanza 49-40 leading by nine, despite Winterdal and Andre Maduro hitting triples in that period. In the final quarter Jamaica picked up the pace and enjoyed their biggest lead (16 at 62-46) in a game in which there were changes in the lead 10 times. The scores were tied on seven occasions. Captain Samora Williams led from the front with 18 points (11 rebounds) while Ellis (16), Menzies (15) and Jabari Cunningham (14) ensured that Jamaica played as a team. The consistent Winterdal (15) and Rusheed Heemstadat (11) were the ones from Aruba to reach a double figure score. (Sean Devers)
t r o Sp
Guyana stay alive with emphatic win over Trinidad - play Jamaica for Final Four place tonight
Guyana’s Kelmar Carmichael goes up for a lay-up against Trinidad and Tobago last night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Warriors tackle Tallawahs tonight at Providence
A confident Guyana Amazon Warriors team prepare for the duel tonight against the Tallawahs.(Zaheer Mohamed photo) 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