Monday July 11, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Providing facilities for our senior citizens Barticans feel they are being neglected DEAR EDITOR; Since the media was not present at the opening of the pensions; accommodation at the Blairmont Post Office, I would be grateful if my opening address could be carried in your letter pages. The address follows: “When I was in Toronto when I read of the fainting of a Pensioner who was waiting at the Blairmont Post Office for hours in the hot sun in order to collect his Old Age Pension. The story pierced my heart and I immediately recalled the poem by Sir Walter Scott which was drummed into my head at High School as part of our learning in Civics, the opening stanza reads as follows: Breathes there a man whose soul is so dead, who never to himself has said: “this is my own, my native land”!!! I was born in the Corentyne and I grew up in Blairmont so while I am a Guyanese and my heart bleeds for Guyana, my soul beats for West Berbice. I desperately wanted to do something for the pensioners, before the next pay day, especially having regard to the continuing inclement weather. I therefore left Toronto as soon as I could , dashed back to Guyana, made immediate contact with Ms Karen Brown, the pleasant, go-getting Head of the Postal Services, prepared the necessary
Building Plan and secured all the necessary approvals to proceed with the construction of this shed. Then harsh reality stepped in; …where was the money going to come from for the materials and labour and contractor’s fees etc ? I am fully aware that many persons try to avoid me because they think that every time I open my mouth I will be asking for help to build or improve the Blairmont Crematorium & Memorial Garden which has already cost more than $30M. As a matter of fact we are in the midst of collecting help for the fencing of the $3M concreted Car park attached to the BCMG. Nevertheless, I was determined to get the Shed completed before the next pay day for pensioners which is today. There was no time for any public fundraising! So the only solution was for me to fork out the money myself….and, ladies & gentlemen, contrary to what some people might think, I am by no means a rich man! I am also a pensioner about to join the octogenarian club! I do have some savings for my old age so I had to withdraw over $400, 000 from my personal savings account, something that I have resisted for years as anyone can ascertain from the Demerara Bank. Of course, I am now naturally very
happy that with the help of Contractor Bangat, friends like David Mangra and Kesh Harripersaud at the sawmill, as well Krishna, my nephew, the Shed is ready for use from today. We still need to do the painting and to install the toilet facilities. At this point let me publicly announce that when Mr Massif, who has already provided much support for the Crematorium, heard that we need to install toilet facilities he readily offered his personal donation of a toilet bowl; I now have to negotiate with the postal authorities for approval and perhaps material help to make the necessary connections for the toilet facilities. Let me also say publicly that I will welcome monetary donations from the public for painting the shed and other expenses. I will be remiss if I do not end by thanking the Postal authorities for affording me the opportunity to be of service to our senior citizens; also I want to thank the media in advance for their widest coverage to this effort so that leaders in other communities, where pensioners awaiting collection of their benefits are exposed to the elements , can seriously consider how best they can replicate or do better than we have been able to do here at Blairmont. Nowrang Persaud
Union wants Govt. and Opposition to start cooperating DEAR EDITOR; The People United and General Workers Union(PU&GWU) is calling on both APNU+AFC Government and the Opposition Party People Progressive Party/ Civic to work together in the interest of Guyana by proposing and passing new amendments to the existing laws of Guyana that will move the country to higher level as it relates to greater economic development, modern health care, healthy and safer environment, elimination of substantive comminutes/ government infrastructures, job creation, a safe and conducive environment that will attract local and foreign investors, reduction or elimination of poverty, improve technology, reduction in general cost of living, reduction of the crime rate and most of all higher and improve education sector to meet international standards. Editor, during the campaign trail of all the general, regional and local government elections held in Guyana both APNU+AFC and the Opposition Party People Progressive Party/ Civic have promised the citizens of Guyana a good and better life and general development for Guyana if they stay or get into power, Further they have made more
promises in their elections manifesto, if the said manifesto was a legal document both parties could have been challenged in court for not fulfilling their promises made in their manifestos. Guyana has too much of resources for the government to be borrowing money from other Countries ,IMF or world bank etc. and also no Guyanese should be out of a job, based on a number of resources being produced out of the soil of Guyana on a daily base. Editor, the PU&GWU is calling on the APNU+AFC Government to manage the country resources properly and remove Guyana from the list of Third world countries but for this to become a reality both APNU+AFC Government and Opposition Party People Progressive Party/ Civic will have to work together in the interest of the country and make amendments to existing laws and implement new laws and changes to the constitution of Guyana that will pave the way for the devolvement of welfare of Guyana and its citizens as proposed in this letter by the PU&GWU. Not forgetting that a lot of things have changed in the world over the years that Guyana constitution was written and implemented and Guyana need to sign onto a lot of
international laws, conventions and treaty with other countries and international organisations for Guyana to reach international standards and requirements to be remove from the list of Third World countries. Editor, the current political climate that is being exercised by APNU+AFC Government and Opposition Party People Progressive Party/ Civic needs to change to bring about development in Guyana. Pointing fingers and condemning each other will not fix any of the issues affecting the county or its citizen, but trying and working harder to reach common ground on all such important matters and focus on cooperating with each other to move the country forward. Both political parties have a responsibility to serve the country and its citizens and to bring about the changes that Guyana need
etc. In the absence of both APNU+AFC Government and Opposition Party People Progressive Party/ Civic not working together and cooperating the result is as follows; Cost of living continues to go up, a number of citizens remain out of a job , the resources of Guyana continue to ship out and develop other countries, crime rate is on the rising , poverty continues to increase etc. not forgetting that the citizens of Guyana have voted for both APNU+AFC and Opposition Party People Progressive Party/ Civic to look after the country and their interest and also the Constitution of Guyana provides for them to do same at the level of parliament and/or during dialogue with each other etc. Micah Williams General Secretary The People United and General Workers Union
DEAR EDITOR; Government contracts can be seen given out to strange contractors who firstly are not Barticians, and secondly do not contribute anything towards the development of Bartica. They are fully staffed with workers, machines and food items and just certain kinds of people can be seen working on the projects; not even one local cousin could be seen. Government has a bitumen plant at Garden of Eden that supplies most of the contractors with materials to execute their road works, so why Government cannot set up a similar plant of a smaller scale in Bartica to supply contractors with materials rather than giving private persons to set up at Bartica? If government sets up a plant here and train Barticians to operate, this will allow employment for some of our youths in Bartica who mostly are early school leavers. It is a means of creating employment for the Town and of course will guarantee our roads will be properly maintained. Come on Mr. President, we have placed our confidence in your government; show us that your words are not just wind, look into to these matters, they are growing sour real fast. Where all of these aliens coming from that are trying to take over our new town? This is not the message we received when you stood before us at the podium. Concerned Citizen
The Mayor must be prepared to accept criticism DEAR EDITOR; The recent rant by Mayor Chase-Green protesting the apparent unfavorable context(s) in which her name might have been used seems more attributable to a rookie politician than someone in the public eye for 34 years. It is unbecoming of any public official to make those kinds of remarks. The Mayor should know that once in the public eye, one will be subjected to the good, the bad and the ugly. What will matter is how you conduct yourself or how you execute your functions. Decrying what the media or people say about you is the behaviour of a thin-skinned juvenile. If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen! Some recent media photos have depicted a Mayor wagging her index finger with sun glasses addressing vendors under tent. Not a good image.
The Mayor’s attitude and public comments on the parking meters dilemma reflects lack of due consideration of the citizens of Georgetown. That no public hearings before undertaking and implementing such a dubious project reflects a lack of protocol and lack of good judgement and bad governance. That no other feasible methods of collecting parking fees have been considered and discussed is frightening. This seems to be ‘a pig in bag’ decision. The citizens of Georgetown would want a Mayor who looks out for their best interests in all matters public. And unfavorable things will still be said about you and detractors will be discredited as the city looks and feels better. Yes cities have feelings too! When you want to be there rather than have to be there. Philip Williams
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Monday July 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
Our youths are falling The killing of Philando Castle by the wayside DEAR EDITOR; In 1886, the US abolitionist Frederick Douglas said “where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.” Many of the events that have occurred over the last few years tell a sad story of Guyana. Under the last administration, it appearsthat the country was dangerously lodged on the edge of a cliff waiting either to be saved or to be pushed over. People were afraid and were experiencing incredible tragedy and life-altering trauma due to crime and gang violence. Today, even with a change of government, the fear has not subsided. It has become embedded in society and is scaring people in their villages and communities. In this our 50th year of Independence, crime is so rampant that many Guyanese do not feel safe in their homes, at the workplace or in the streets. The painful incidence of murders and armed robberies occasioned by gun violence have startled the nation to the reality that somewhere, the country has taken a wrong turn. Many are stressed and distressed by the string of murders, domestic violence and child abuse that have thrown families into mourning. Our youths are falling by the wayside to joblessness and poverty and are tempted to shoot from the belly of poverty, which have been triggered by their will to survive. The plight of the poor has been neglected, misunderstood by the ruling elite who seem unaware of the situation. The government risks losing its popularity if it continues to ignore the hardships, pain, suffering and poverty being experienced by the poor and people from all walks of life. There is now greater uncertainty among the youths who have lost hope as a result of a string of broken promises and a failing education system in which there is no longer the appreciation for excellence. Many are sad about the disturbing
events of crime that continue to flood the psyche of the people. The national discourse is filled with an abundance of choice words including poverty, joblessness and crime that have stirred immense concern for the direction that the country appears to be travelling. Guyana is at a crossroad and it has become urgently necessary for the people to tell the ruling political elites that they have had enough living in a lawless society. Having a just and law abiding society is essential for social well-being for the nation. It was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said: “Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.” The people have to be firm in order to achieve the progress that their forefathers and other pioneers had forecasted. They have to take control of their collective destiny and overcome the tribulations that are being manifested in the gruesome forms of murder, gang violence and protracted neglect. The malady has now engulfed most of the communities while the government is marking time. Arguably, the government seems to be out of touch with the socioeconomic realities that have resulted in depressing situations across the country. Some in the cabinet appear to be in a state of oblivion to all that pains the nation. Others are in denial and are concentrated more on protecting their turfs than on being the servants and strict guardians of the people. Around the street corners and in the rum shops, many are of the opinion that the cabinet is more interested in power than on curbing the criminal activities and the problems which have affected the people. The government has to show genuine sympathy and empathy for the citizens who are reeling from the plunder of the powerful and the fear of the criminals. While the powers that be cannot ignore the fear that pervades the society, effective and transformative leadership is needed to overcome it. Asquith Rose
DEAR EDITOR; Firstly permit me to offer my condolences to the family and loved ones of the two recently slain individuals—Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, the slain Dallas policemen, and all the other victims of police brutality in the U.S. The presenting data is unequivocal, whether we like it or not, police killings is a race problem. African Americans as compared to other races are being killed disproportionately and by an extremely wide margin. What is underlying these killings? I am not about to proffer any response for I am no psychology major possessing any special insight into the psychology of police officers, and even less knowledgeable about the intricate forensics involved in such cases. Let me assure you that I am under no illusion that I am on Mt. Olympus in parlance with you. However, as an aptly qualified health care professional, and a former resident of the United States I affirm that it is glaringly apparent America is seriously sickand perhaps mortally so. She is currently experiencing death throes, and if recovery of any sort is to be realized, we must first expose the root cause of the malady that afflicted her in the first place. A discussion of this nature has no place for individuals, just the truth that is high and holds the weight, and would be given priority over ideology. I would be following the truth in whichever direction it leads and irregardless of whose ox it gores. For far too long, more than human ears need to hear, or the world needs to know, for African Americans the peril of police abuse, in the form of random stops, violations of individual civil rights and assaults have long been part of life. Racial animus towards African Americans has progressed to a full blown cancer with deadly consequences, as seen in the case of law enforcement officers who have guns by virtue of their jobs. We must ask why, if the major problem lies in the fact that African Americans have so many more encounters with the police. According to the American Civil Liberties Union the killing of Philando Castile was the 123rd killing so far this year of a Black person by American law enforcement. The shootings are representative of a gruesome loop of episodes of law enforcement gone amok. Each time a Black man bites the dust, (and there have been so many), or school massacres, gay killings etc. there have been calls for gun reforms, actions that are only voiced to calm public fears for the moment. Laws are passed that get immediately v o t e d d o w n . L e t ’s f a c e i t America is just as guilty as the killers On the issue of gun control America lacks the political will to engage in any meaningful gun control. The NRA has an uneasy partnership with the police. The NRA and the Police Unions are
both Conservative groups, and many of the police officers are gun holders and members of the NRA. It is evident that the NRA does not want to upset the police as it would not be in their best interest. The recent ghastly images that have been plastered across all forms of social media bear ample testimony to how much has not been done, two years post Ferguson. Incidentally the NRA has always spoken out in defense of guns being used in the line of protection, seemingly only when it pertains to whites. Point in question and which furthers adds insult to present injury, they have not done so in the case of Philando Castile who was a licenced gun holder. They have decided to SHUT Up in the case of this SHOOT UP. In getting to the source of the wound, the latest killings serve as grim reminders that law enforcement officers across the land are in dire need of future and further training necessary to make them more professional and respectful of the citizens whom they have pledged to protect and serve. Current evidence statewide reveal that law enforcement training, is not fulfilling what it is designed to promote. Police officers are trained to view every encounter as a potential deadly force incident, and as a consequence citizens are endangered rather than having their safety preserved. Perhaps the time is ripe for immediate rigorous scrutiny and revamping not only of police training schools, but its applicants and the admission prerequisites. This should be conducted in conjunction with the institution and enforcement of specialized tests such as the Implicit Association Test among others designed to measure racial bias, maximized emphasis on de-escalation, conflict resolution sessions, use of force standards and occasions necessitating application of deadly force. Ihave arrived at the following conclusion, (though somewhat delayed) that police officers, on account of the training received, graduate with a warrior culture type of mentality— battling with the criminal element. The good guys versus the bad guys type scenario. This may be in some way contributory to most of the killings which in the majority of cases were totally unavoidable. On a military maneuver it is the commonly held belief that there would be loss of lives. In like manner the police profession has vehemently contradicted this belief. No officer fatalities are a c c e p t a b l e . In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Political Behaviour, it was noted that in the 1990’s those in America opposed to gun control tended to be individuals who did not like Black people. The legal system has also a vital part to play in America’s likely recovery. Every court, prosecutor’s office and police station should send
a clear and loud signal of the unmitigated consequence when charged with police brutality. No one is being duped here; the judges, juries, grand juries and prosecutors alike have failed to aggressively step up to the mike and indict, prosecute and convict the offenders- unstable and homicidal police officers. This is yet another example of America’s pussyfooting attitude on crucial issues which has led her into the current racial quagmire in which she finds herself. The underlying belief is that if police officers are prosecuted, the end result would be a diminution in all police officers stepping up to the plate to bat as they should. The presenting enigma is -How do you prosecute the bad officers without lessening the motivation of the good officers? Sadly the powers that be have not figured out how to resolve this problem, hence OPEN SEASON on Blacks rages on. Let it stand for the records and please overlook my characterization but I find this excuse poor , and a murderer is a murderer, color aside, and should be dealt with to the full extent of the law. No indictment speaks volumes among them the fact that cops have a carte blanche and immunity to do what no one else can do. As the wound is exposed for deeper and closer scrutiny, the more it becomes apparent that the race problem depicts a larger problem.— that of American societal structure, laws and policies. In essence and reality the justice system can also be seen as an accomplice to the crime. Blacks are incarcerated via a tightly networked system of laws, policies and institutions that function collectively to ensure the subservient status of a group defined largely by race. In conclusion the Black community is not without blame or blemish. Police brutality towards our own will only end when we unite. We are currently divided as to the depth, scope and intensity of the problem, divided on the approach to the problem, in utter denial about what some of us or our children are contributing to the problem and in other cases ambivalent. In some ways Blacks have contributed to how they are perceived by the world around them, which is contributory to our own annihilation. Now that all parts of the wound have been exposed, America will only function when she not only accepts the truth but also the role she has played in her present health status. Accepting truth will bring about change. American society has the malignancy of racism deeply entrenched in the selfsame manner as gun addiction is a cultural badge of honor. Like partners in marriage racism and gun addiction make up a disease that has become and will continue to get, much, much worse. Time Up America! The Laws have Flaws. All Lives Matter so let’s make things Better. Yvonne Sam
Monday July 11, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Alpha Hotel Drug bust…
Police had no motive to kill my father The son on 52-year-old Alvin Joseph says that police had no reason to kill his father. Joseph, a licensed firearm holder, was shot dead last Thursday, after police stormed the Alpha Hotel at Ogle, East Coast Demerara following information that a big drug deal was going down between individuals in the hotel. The police said that they recovered five kilogrammes of cocaine and a firearm. They reportedly also impounded a car. But Joseph’s son, Damien Tim, claimed that police shot and killed his father even after he surrendered. He said that his father was not involved in any illegal activities as claimed by police and media reports. “Money is not a problem (for him). Is not like he (Joseph) see this money and he going and kill these people.” Tim learnt that his father was killed after reading an online article. He told Kaieteur News that he saw two photos of his father after the shooting but was still in disbelief. “I seh this can’t be my father cause he don’t deh in them stupidness. So me aint even bother tell me mother
anything.” However, Tim realized that something was amiss after he placed several calls to his father’s mobile phones and got no response. He said that he called his father’s employer who relayed to him that his father was shot dead by police during a confrontation in a robbery. Tim said that he has been receiving conflicting information from the police officers at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown about what transpired. “This is the thing that got me upset. Three different police gave me three different stories.” He said that a policeman attached to the Narcotics Branch told him that his father ran through the hotel gate after police arrived at the hotel and “ran up the road.” The officer, he said, related to him that his father them scaled a fence and hid himself in a clump of bushes before opening fire at an officer who was hot in his pursuit. “This is what this man tell me. And when the police officer come fuh jump the fence he (Joseph) fired a shot at the police officer and the police shot him (Joseph) back.” He said that another version of the story told to
- son claims dad had surrendered him by a cop is that his father shot a police officer who was working undercover after the cop revealed his identity. Tim said that the officer told him that his father shot at the cop as he was about to break up the drug transaction. Another officer, he stated, told him that police ranks were acting on a tip off when they went to the hotel. “He gon tell me that how them (the police) get a tip off about the deal going down and went to the hotel. And when my father see them he start running and opening fire and they (the police) open fire back at him.” The son said that his father has respect for law enforcement officers since some of his relatives are in the Guyana Police Force (GPF). However, Tim related that he has since received a credible version of how his father met his demise. The eyewitness, he said, told him that his father was in the hotel compound and not in a hotel room when the police arrived. According to the eyewitness, Joseph began walking out of the hotel compound and up the road when he spotted the cops.
Jilted man’s attack sends ex-lover into intensive care unit
Umesh A jilted man inflicted several stab wounds on his 29-year-old ex-lover after emerging from a dark corner in her yard at around 20:30 hrs on Saturday. Selina Ramotar of Lot 65 David Street, Kitty, Georgetown was stabbed to her breast, hands, stomach and face by the suspect. She has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital, but is
Stabbed: Selina Ramotar said to be in a stable condition. A sibling of the victim said that her sister was attacked after returning home from purchasing dinner. She said that her sister and the suspect had separated some time ago and he is now married with three children. The sister said that the man began making threats on her sister’s life after she
decided to sever their relationship. After the stabbing, the sister recounted that residents f r o m t h e a r e a apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police. The sister said she learnt of the incident after receiving a phone call from another sibling. The suspect is in police custody.
Tim said that the eyewitness told him that his father surrendered when he saw a party of police and even began conversing with one of policemen (name provided). Tim added that the eyewitness informed him that after his father surrendered the same police he was talking with asked “what is happen to yall really”, and shot him. Tim recalled that about four men came to his father’s North Ruimveldt, Georgetown home and picked him up with a vehicle on the day in question. However, he said that he has no clue of where his father was going. According to the son, Joseph worked for a mining company in Bartica and would frequently visit the capital city to sell gold or to buy spare parts for motor vehicles. Joseph is survived by five
children. Kaieteur News had previously reported that Alvin Joseph was shot in the stomach by police following a drug bust at the hotel and had died while being transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The drama reportedly began after police received information that a major drug deal between numerous persons was taking place at the hotel. A police release issued yesterday stated that about 16.40hrs on Thursday, the police, acting on information
that a large scale drug transaction was being conducted at a hotel at Ogle, ECD, went to the hotel to investigate and as they were approaching the suspects with a view to arresting them, they came under fire. “The police then returned fire during which suspect, Nigel Joseph, 52, of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was fatally shot. According to reports, when ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch arrived, they saw Nigel Joseph, running in a southerly direction in the hotel parking lot. It is alleged that Joseph ignored orders to halt, and (continued on page 8)
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Monday July 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
We’ll not encourage practice of interlocking directors like Brassington - Harmon The situation that existed under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) government where one person had control over a vast number of agencies has been corrected by the new government. This is according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. The forensic audit into the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) revealed that the company’s former Director, Winston Brassington was also Director/Chairman for at least 12 other government entities. He also held negotiations with many of these companies. Harmon said yesterday that the APNU+AFC government corrected that situation at an early stage. “Not at all! This
government is not encouraging that sort of behavior,” said Harmon, referring to how the PPP/C allowed Brassington to control a number of agencies. He said that most of the Boards that Brassington had control of have been replaced and the APNU has not been allowing interlocking Directors. Harmon said that this was a tactic by the PPP/C to have a tight grip on many key agencies on which “they wanted to exercise control.” However, the Minister assured that there is no one person who is Director or Chairman for more than one Board or entity. Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran who conducted the audit into NICIL’s operations highlighted that Brassington also held directorship and/or
chairpersonship in several agencies in which the State holds investments via NICIL. These include Atlantic Hotel Inc., where he was the sole director and chairperson; Guyana Power and Light (GPL); the National Communications Network (NCN), Property Holdings Inc., Linmine, Bermine, Bidco, Aroaima Mining Co. Inc., Linden Electricity Co. Inc., Mathews Ridge Power and Light Inc., and NEOCOL. Goolsarran said that “from a governance standpoint, and possible conflicts of interest, the holding of such directorship and/or chairmanship are considered inappropriate in view of NICIL’s relationship with these entities”. Speaking about NICIL’s investment in shares in Handin-Hand Trust Inc., the audit noted that in 2002 the
Former multi-Director, Winston Brassington Government had sold 90 percent of its shares in the Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB) Trust Corporation to Hand-in-Hand Mutual and Fire Insurance Co. for $439 million.
He said that prior to 2006, the financial statements of NICIL showed an investment of 10 percent of the shares in GNCB Trust Corporation which was renamed Hand-inHand Trust Inc. Goolsarran said that there was an allegation of conflict of interest involving the Executive Director of NICIL whose brother owns onethird of the shares in Handin-Hand Trust. This came when the Executive Director signed a resolution of Handin-Hand Trust dated 24 August 2011 on behalf of his brother. In response to the allegation, Goolsarran noted that Brassington said that he had consulted with the then Minister of Finance, Ashni Singh and the then Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and was told that they saw no conflict of interest.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon Goolsarran said that Hand-in-Hand Trust is also a private investor of the Berbice Bridge Co. Inc. (BBCI), of which the Executive Director was the Company Secretary. NICIL had also invested $950,000 in shares in BBCI. These were eventually sold to the NIS in order to raise funds.
GRA Board fails to find Commissioner General after several interviews - re-advertises position Chairman of the Governing Board of Directors for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rawle Lucas, who is facing flak for his leadership at the entity, admitted over the weekend that he kept sensitive taxpayers’ documents in a private office he uses. In a Letter to the Editor, published in Kaieteur News on Sunday, the official, who berated the newspaper for publishing one on Saturday from a staffer questioning the manner in which he attends to GRA’s business, admitted that he has been using an off-site office at Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue, which is free of cost to Government. The admission would raise eyebrows as taxpayers information are highly confidential with regulations making it clear how it should be stored, along with who accesses it. There had been questions several months ago when investigators retrieved property belonging to GRA from the home of former Commissioner General, Khurshid Sattaur. “The staff at the GRA headquarters is already cramped for work and storage space and it would have been imprudent and inconsiderate of me to inconvenience the staff further by occupying space there,” Lucas said in his defence for having an office away from GRA’s Camp Street headquarters. He said that the space that he occupies at Critchlow Labour College is free of cost to the government.
Under fire: Rawle Lucas “Judging from the allegations in the letter, it is obvious too that the writer has scant regard for taxpayers’ privacy and confidentiality by questioning the presence of filing cabinets in my office which are used to protect government documents and communications.” JUSTIFICATION Lucas claimed that office of GRA’s Board Secretary was broken into in an attempt to access sensitive and confidential taxpayer information which comes before the Board. “GRA had to take extra measures to protect the office of the Board Secretary and its information from its own staff since the act was considered an inside job. I therefore do not have anything further to say about trust and confidentiality at GRA and the extent to which staff members are harassed to violate taxpayers’ privacy.”
In the letter published Saturday by the GRA staffer, the writer contended that the entity was facing tough times when it came to revenue collections. The writer said that the Chairman was assigned a GRA vehicle for his personal and professional use with fuel, maintenance and repairs are paid for the authority. The writer accused Lucas of abusing his authority and making decisions without the approval of the majority of the Board Members. Lucas, the letter said, took it upon himself to appoint Lancelot Wills, an office of the Legal Division as the head of the allimportant Customs Excise and Trade Operations. “He is only required to be present at GRA once per month and is paid a stipend for his travel or taxi. Despite a vehicle being assigned to him, his personal assistant, Ms. Alfred uses a vehicle from GRA to carry out her activities.” Lucas reportedly hired the assistant, using her at his Critchlow office, but with GRA
paying her more than $200,000, equivalent to a manager’s salary. The assistant was also said to be a student of the Chairman, at the University of Guyana. “This is a major conflict of interest and should be noted by the University of Guyana,” the letter claimed. “Mr. Lucas compelled the GRA to carpet his office at Critchlow Labour College, purchase a sofa set, filing cabinets, refrigerator and computer for his personal use. It should be noted that Mr. Lucas is also employed at Critchlow Labour College, University of Guyana and Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the letter said. “He also demands a steady supply of stationery and drinking water from the GRA. It’s a misfeasance in public office for him to demand so much from GRA.” I will respond… The entire letter had been sent to the Chairman for comments last week, but he declined, saying he would address the issues raised when and if Kaieteur News
Woman dies after struck by car A 30-year-old woman was killed at about 19:20 hrs yesterday after being struck by a car on the Vryheid’s Lust Public Road, East Coast Demerara. Police said that the driver was travelling along the northern side of the roadway
when Singh, of 75 Better Hope East Coast Demerara, attempted to cross and was struck by the vehicle. She was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
published it. “I will not address insinuations that come from an anonymous person. However, I feel that there is a need for the public to understand the context in which I deliver service to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) as its Board Chairman.” In defending his need for a car provided by GRA, Lucas said that he is paid a monthly stipend of $10,500 which is taxed. “I use the stipend that I get to buy gas and pay for basic maintenance of the car that I drive. GRA does not buy gas for me. It offered to do so and I refused the offer. I turn in the vehicle to GRA whenever I am not using it.” He said that while the Board meets once per month, GRA sends him “substantial amounts of work” on a daily basis. “While I am prepared to serve the administration and to go the extra mile as necessary, I do not think that I should be expected to subsidize the government. It is in that context that the convenience of the car which
I drive and the facilities provided become very important.” Lucas insisted that GRA never furnish him with a sofa. “In the instances where I was given property, they remain the property of the Government of Guyana and will be returned to it once I am finished using them.” ANINVALUABLE ASSISTANT With regards to his personal assistant, who is stationed at his Critchlow office, Lucas said that “I requested support from GRA to have GRA’s work done and I was given the support. My assistant and I spend an inordinate amount of time dealing with GRA matters. It would have been difficu l t f o r m e t o understand and address much of the challenges of the organization at GRA Board meetings and to meet the many demands m a d e o f m e by its management and others in the government without the valuable (continued on page 11)
Police had no motive to ... From page 7 instead discharged three rounds at the ranks. The police returned fire, shooting Joseph, who later succumbed. In addition to the cocaine and the pistol, 14 rounds of ammunition and a car were impounded. Those detained include a 46-year-old driver from Alexander Village; a 16-year-old boy who is employed as a hotel cleaner, a 56-year-old cook and a 30-year-old South Ruimveldt resident. One suspect reportedly
fled the scene. Police said that they recovered 5.5 kilograms of cocaine and a Smith and Wesson 9mm firearm. Kaieteur News understands that the weapon was licensed to a business establishment at First Avenue, Bartica. Sources said that the alleged shooter also had a permit to carry a firearm. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said that the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating the shooting.
Monday July 11, 2016
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
Absolute power is a danger to any government Administrative czars and pit bulls emerged within the second layers of the PPP government. These persons held high positions on Boards of government corporations and used their positions to lord over legitimate administrators and the entities their represented. There is no need to go into name calling because the public knows about the tyrants that were untouchable and who wielded tremendous power of the entities they headed. Power was abused in many instances. The space reserved for executives were trampled upon by these powerful figures. The management became subservient to Boards in
many instances rather than working to achieve the policies of their Boards. The APNU+AFC has to be careful that it does go down the same road as the PPP. There are some known individuals, at the moment, who are exercising power in this country and whose actions are going to embarrass the David Granger administration unless action is taken to clearly demarcate the divisions between policymaking and policy implementation. Government corporations are headed by Boards. These Boards are appointed by the government. They are government Boards. They pursue the policy objectives of the government. They are
not supposed to be involved in the day-to-day administration of their corporations. In the private sector, owners appoint Board of Directors to secure their interests. The members of Boards, in this case, represent the owners of the corporation. They do not run the corporations. They appoint managers to manage the corporations; they Board is advised by the management and based on this advice they set the policies and approve the targets and dividends to be paid. Boards of state-owned enterprises are no different. State-owned Boards carry out the policies of the government. They are
Dem boys seh...
IS SHEER FAKING AND PUMPING GOING ON
Bogus documents and forgery tek over nuff government office. If is not one forgery is another. People now forging meeting. Just like wha NICIL do other people reporting on meetings that never tek place. And dem got minutes to show, just like NICIL. Jail facing de people who forge minutes in NICIL. Dem boys want know if jail can’t face dem in other institution. Dem boys talk to some Board members who seh dem never been to any meeting wheh de meeting focus on knocking off people. Since then dem boys call in a detective to investigate this meeting. And dem find out nuff thing. Dem find out that C fuh Satar been pun leave when de new Chairman tek over. This man ask fuh an Audi. When C fuh Satar seh dem ain’t got none he ask if any been pun de wharf. No Audi was on de wharf so de Chairman ask fuh a Mercedes Benz. C uh Satar had one and he tell de officer to hand it over to de Chairman. De officer decide to send a Premio. Dem detectives seh that de chairman got a memory like an elephant and he got timing.
When he think de situation settle he fire de officer who send de Premio. Then de detective discover something else. Dem find that other people hiding things. De other day de police had a route march to celebrate the 177th anniversary of de force. That is wheh dem boys see people trying to hide something. Rum Jattan and C fuh Seelall was tekking de salute. When de first unit pass everybody see how dem march in time and dem look neat. When dem look pun de saluting dais dem see two big belly. Rum Jattan had one and C fuh Seelall had one. That is when dem boys see these two men trying to hide dem belly. And dem nearly dead because people can only hold in dem belly fuh so long. In de long run it look like a belly pumping exercise. When C fuh Seelall pump out, Rum Jattan haul in. And de people marching left (because Rum Jattan deh pun de left) right because C fuh Seelall dun de right. So when de troops marching left-right, Rum Jattan and C fuh Seelall pumping left-right. Talk half and look out de fakes.
supposed to be insulated from political interference. The Boards in turn, do not intrude into the management function of their corporations. The Boards of Directors are usually headed by a Chairperson. The articles of association of the Boards usually indicate how the Chairpersons of the Boards are appointed but it is always best to allow the Board itself to select their own Chairpersons. This is the mistake that most governments make. They opt, when appointing Boards to appoint the Chairs of those Boards. This turns the position of Chair into a super-position because the perception is created that this person is the government’s point person. The risk in this is that people so view the Chair and the person becomes not just the head of the Board but the embodiment of the Board. That person is seen being allowed to wield power, individually, rather than collectively with the Board, over the other management. This is usually the starting point of abuse of authority. The Chairman of the
Board merely chairs meetings. The Chair should not have a super vote in which regardless of what other people think. Boards should be run around democratic principles. The Chair is but one member of the Board. The Chair’s power is equal and influence over the Board should be equal to that of every other member The Chair should neither dominate nor marginalize the other Board members. Things should not be done, in the name of the Board, behind the backs of the other members of the Board. The Board is the interface between the owners and the management. The Board is not supposed to be involved in making decisions which fall within the responsibility of the Board. The Articles of Association of some Boards do ascribe the appointment and dismissal of certain levels of mangers. This should only be for top- level positions since anything otherwise would render the Board as an arm of the Personnel of Human Resource Department.
The role of the Board in the case of dismissals is not to play judge, jury and executioner. The powers of appointments and dismissals should only be for top level positions and should follow due process. These things are today considered elementary. But given the abuse that took place in the past, the government should remind itself and its various Boards of the differences between policy-making and policy implementation. It should also ensure the non- interference by Boards and Board officials, in the day-to-day management of the corporation. The downfall of many governments has been executive lawlessness. Some persons feel that they have licences to do as they please because power has been concentrated in their hands. Executive lawlessness has its roots in absolute power. APNU+AFC must avoid this syndrome. To be continued
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Kaieteur News
Monday July 11, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Every day I see how stupid this country is Sunday morning is newspaper morning for most people in the world. So last Sunday morning, my wife and I were having our customary breakfast on the front porch with our newspapers on the table. I began reading and my eyes caught this bold headline, “Guyanese man jailed for 27 months in NY over cocaine in rum.� As I read on, the evidence showed he was part of a sophisticated ring that exported cocaine from Guyana to the US. On this occasion the cocaine was 425 grams. In Guyana, conviction for possession ten grams of ganja brings you four years in jail. As I write, there are more than a dozen people on remand for less than forty grams of marijuana which is the legal limit in Jamaica. No one in this entire country except Nigel Hughes and AFC Parliamentarian, Michael Carrington seem moved and aggrieved by this morbid, sickening backwardness of those who control political power in Guyana.
When you criticize politicians, they begin to dislike you, then, it grows into hate. But they never ask themselves if they hate their critics because these detractors are talking about, betrayal, double standards and power obsession, in other words, the truth. David Hinds told me, and he and I came in for some pugnacious denunciations in a television programme. But what were we accused of? Speaking about realistic failures? I have never been a member of a political party. I was there when the WPA was founded and spent some good years with it. I campaigned in 2011 and 2015 for the Alliance for Change. My reason for non-membership has to do with my understanding of leadership and beliefs. If I am in a party that believes that free school lunches must be a policy then I will confront the leadership of my party if they fail to implement what the party believes in. It was the Alliance for Change that decided it will table legislation to alter the sentencing
structure of the marijuana laws. Conviction for small amount of grams carries a mandatory prison sentence. Bail is not an option for small amount either. If a person is found guilty of the mere possession of a smoking utensil, a jail term can be imposed. There is no reference to first offender in the law. The AFC has the amendment ready to be tabled through Michael Carrington but it has not done so or has been prevented from doing so. This is where coalition politics gets into rough water. If I were a member of the AFC, I would demand a membership meeting to force the AFC Parliamentarians to table the amendment. If not, they have to explain if they are being prevented from submitting the legislation and name who among the AFC leadership or Frederick in APNU that do not want the legislation. Where in the world, you jail people for four years for five grams of ganja? The young people of this country should not accept this asininity in the 21st century and they must confront the Government of Guyana on it But that is not going to happen. Our young people want money and they want the government to create the conditions for them to earn big bucks. Nothing else seems to be on their agenda. This country has a young population that is politically opportunistic and political
immobilized. Go to any youth forum, and you will see the energy, adrenalin and demands. But missing from the repertoire is the political narrative. There will be no mention of how the judicial system, especially the magistracy, treats the youths. Not a single voice at those fora will speak on the inexplicability of the absence of a Ministry of Youth. We have a Ministry of Citizenship whose volume of work has to be less than a third of what it would be like at a Ministry of Youth. Not one youth organization has sought an explanation as to why there is a Department of Youth in the Ministry of Education and not a Ministry of Youth. The demand for such an Kissoon explanation cannot withstand intellectual scrutiny. The problem with this country is ego. Ego destroyed Guyana under Burnham and Jagdeo and if it is allowed to roam under the Coalition Government, the future is dead. Someone made a mistake in not having a Ministry of Labour (man, even in the US there is one-- the Secretary of Labour). Someone made a mistake in not having a Ministry of Youth. But a gargantuan ego prevents the erring person or persons to say, yes that was a mistake, it will be corrected.
Monday July 11, 2016
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
PPP’S ‘CONFIDENTIALITY CLAUSE’ HAMPERS GOVT.’S RELEASE OF CONTRACTS - HARMON
President David Granger
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
BYABENA ROCKCLIFFECAMPBELL
that were smeared in controversy. There have been several calls made by diplomats for the public not be left in the dark as regards these agreements. Even President David Granger has said that these agreements should be made public. But the situation where these contracts are kept under lock and key remains unchanged. Some of the contracts that the media have been trying to get hold of were signed by NICIL when it was being run
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon says that while it may be the will of the APNU+AFC government to make public certain controversial contracts and agreements signed by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C), doing so may open the coalition to court action. The media has been having a very hard time getting hold of certain contracts and agreements. These are mostly for projects
by Winston Brassington. These include the Berbice River Bridge agreement. Over the last week, Kaieteur News made numerous efforts to get hold of the new Chairman of Board of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), Dr. Maurice Odle to find out if that company is willing to follow through with the will of the President. However, efforts to contact the Chairman over that period proved futile. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon sits on NICIL’s Board. Speaking to Kaieteur News, Harmon said that the fact that NICIL is yet to release the contracts should not be interpreted to mean that the company simply does not want to. He said that in many cases, NICIL’s hand may very well be tied. The Minister said that the Board of NICIL can endeavor to consider releasing those contacts that are not bound by a confidentiality clause. “You see, we have a situation where there is this thing called privacy of contract. If a contract is
GRA Board fails to find... From page 8 input of my assistant.” He went further in the hiring of the assistant: “The issues are plentiful and thorny and her effort at analysing and summarizing documents, at researching issues and at developing briefs, is of invaluable help to me. While I might not be compensated adequately for my efforts, I remain motivated by the commitment of the dedicated staff members and dutiful taxpayers and, Ms. Alfred’s work, in this regard, should be commended not ridiculed.” Lucas insisted that he does not mark exam papers for his students at UG- rather these are done by third parties. Lucas said that he is quickly losing confidence in the credibility of Kaieteur News. The Chairman came under fire last week after indications that there was no board meeting held to ratify decisions to sack three senior officials. One of them, head of Customs, Jameel Baksh,
with the other Archana Joshi, who was in charge of the Human Resources Divisions. Baksh has served over 40 years with GRA and was due to retire this year. However, he was sent on pre-retirement leave. Promoted several levels to head Customs was Lancelot Wills, an official who served in GRA’s legal department. There are no indications again whether GRA’s board was involved in this promotion. Lucas and GRA had also failed to announce last week that a decision was taken to sack Nityanand Narootandeo, a manager of GRA’s investigative arm. The official was told on June 27th that his services were terminated immediately without any explanations. The decision, according to his letter, was
said to be made by GRA’s board. There was no evidence that the board had met to decide on Narootandeo. Meanwhile, an ongoing search for a new Commission General to head GRA has run into delays. A number of persons were interviewed in late June, but the team involved in the process reportedly signaled unhappiness with the candidates. GRA has placed an advertisement again in Kaieteur News seeking interested applicants for that top post.
signed between two (or more) parties and that contract is signed with a privacy clause, no one party can go and release that contract,” said Minister Harmon. Harmon said that if one party decides to go public, “the other party will have a clear and strong case against you.” Harmon advised Kaieteur News to make a list of the contracts it wants to peruse. He said that NICIL’s Board can then consider each contract, examine the terms and conditions and make available those which are not bound by a privacy clause. United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner, Greg Quinn’s position is that unless the disclosure of a signed contract would compromise national security, it should be made public. Quinn had said that the demand for transparency should be met by any government worth its salt. Quinn said, “Transparency is fundamental. It is at the core of everything that is good in governance as happens in the UK.” The envoy said that the UK has made it a principle to keep citizens informed, especially about how their tax dollars are spent. He said that the rare situation should be when institutions falling under both Central and Local Government decide not to make a contract public and the reasons for that should be clear and legitimate. “Also, there should be very clear criteria for holding information back; for example on the basis of National Security that’s how we do it in the UK. I definitely support President Granger’s statement in that respect, said Quinn. The statement to which
Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Former NICIL boss, Winston Brassington
the High Commissioner referred is a recent one. President David Granger said that he believes that all contracts and agreements should be fully disclosed to the public. During an interview with Kaieteur News, the Head of State was reminded of a promise that his government had made on several occasions. Granger and his team had promised that certain contracts and concession agreements would be made available to the public, especially those which relate to the controversial Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc. and the Marriott Hotel. But it has been a year since the APNU+AFC coalition has taken office and this promised release is not
yet a reality. Kaieteur News then asked Granger if he intends to honour the commitment or if he has changed his mind. The Head of State made it clear that he believes in full disclosure and has no intention of changing his mind. Granger said NICIL and the other branches of government should make concession agreements public. However, the President said that the procurement of defence equipment should be kept under wraps. Granger said, “In some situations in which equipment is supplied under the agreement of secrecy by foreign countries, depending on the nature of the equipment, we are of course not free to disclose, because you agree with another country that you would not do so.”
PAGE 12
Monday July 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
HOLMES SWEET HOME In 1992, I ended up in Barbados, initially as a communications consultant and then as the Media/ Communications Advisor to the World Health Organisation/ Pan American Health Organisation. In 1993, I started a column in the Barbados Nation (Saturday Sun) called “New Man In Town”. It featured a cartoon of me driving my Mini Moke pursued by a dog trying to jump into the driver’s seat. I repeated the joke that at my age, when it comes to ladies, I am like a dog chasing a car. If I catch it, I can’t drive it. But, in the case of my doorless vehicle built on the “open” plan, it would be hard to explain to a doctor or nurse how that happened. Then along came Scrapie. Not a dog, but a disease affecting sheep and related to mad-cow disease. Barbados is the home of the black-bellied sheep and, despite the departure of the Flying Fish to Tobago, is still known as the land of that curious marine phenomenon which is the main ingredient of “cutters” in every rum shop in the country. I could think of no better way of marking the 20th of the 23 years of my
“Tony Deyal was last seen…” columns than with this, my tribute to Holmes and Conan Doyle, and to my second home, the birthplace of my two most recent children. We lived in a house rented from the Sugar Cane Breeding Station and after two children following closely on each other, we departed hastily for less fecund climes, Trinidad and Tobago. “I was sitting, as is my wont, in the apartment of my friend Sherlock Holmes, slumped in an armchair and bemoaning the absence of my wife whose mother had mysteriously taken ill and on whose behalf a telegram had arrived summoning my beloved to her mother’s bedside. The fact that her bedside was in the island of Barbadoes in the West Indies and it would take my wife many days of arduous travel, tossed hither, thither and yon in a slow steamer over the perilous Atlantic Ocean, contributed immensely to my melancholy. Even the buoyancy in the stock markets, and my own increasing profits from my modest stocks held mainly in rum and sugar enterprises,
did nothing to help. “Meanwhile, my friend Sherlock was equally morose there being a dearth of crimes in London at the time as his nemesis, the nefarious Professor Moriarty, seemed suddenly to have disappeared from the face of the earth. Holmes tapped his right foot impatiently, as he perused- devoured rather - the daily newspapers and then threw them savagely on the floor in disgust. Suddenly, his voice like the crack of a whip, he said sharply, “Dammit Watson, why the hangdog look? Things are bad enough as they are without your behaving like a love sick dachshund.” Surprised that he had deigned to take notice of my state of mind and yet relieved that his extraordinary faculties were untouched by the tedium which held us in its grip, I explained to him about my wife’s absence. “When I had told him about Barbadoes, I saw him start momentarily. “Strange, Watson,” he murmured. “Very strange. Is your mother in law the only one affected by a malady?” he asked. I told him that my information, while
scant, gave the impression that an epidemic, some kind of madness, was rampant in that land and that my motherin-law was just one of many sufferers from an illness that made her want to jump up and down while being immersed in the ocean. I was told that she had to be forcibly restrained in her bed as failing access to the ocean she was attracted to any source of water. There was an epidemic of drownings and other disasters. “Holmes cried enthusiastically, his eyes alight with their curious combination of concentration and enjoyment, “The game’s afoot, Watson, there’s something fishy going on in Barbadoes and we must get there before it is too late. I am afraid there is deviltry there that we must deal with at once. The future of the empire depends on it.” “Weeks later, after an exhausting and anxious sea voyage in which Holmes could barely contain his impatience, we disembarked at Bridgetown, the capital, and were met at once by the Chief of Police and the Head of the island’s health services, an old, heavily-bearded Scot,
Professor McKinney, who reminded me that we had met while I was a student at Edinburgh. I did not remember him at all but did not say so until it was too late. Holmes, too excited for casual conversation, demanded immediate transportation to the hospital where he examined several of the sufferers from the mysterious malady. Heavily restrained and sedated they were still trying to jump up and down as if trying to fly, even in a recumbent position. “It is just as I thought, Watson,” he said. “Our old friend Professor Moriarty has been hard at work here.” Pointing to Professor McKinney he commanded peremptorily, “Apprehend him, Watson!” But I was too late and the evil Professor disappeared not to be seen again until his final meeting, much later, with Holmes at the Reichenbach Falls in Germany. “It was only after our mad vain chase through the narrow streets of Bridgetown had ended, and we had rescued the real Professor McKinney, that a triumphant
Holmes explained. “The newspapers gave me my first clue, Watson. The price of sugar and rum are rising so rapidly that they make Barbadoes a very valuable piece of property indeed. What the Professor has done is to infect the local flying fish with a mysterious chemical from the brains of the black-bellied sheep. “When humans eat this they become insane and try to emulate the behaviour of the fish, behaviour for which they are not physiologically suited. Eventually, the Professor and his cronies would have bought up the entire country.” “I was stunned by the sheer audacity of the deed and the evil mind that would come up with such a satanic stratagem. Mad fish disease. “It is a good thing,” I said to Holmes, “that we British do not depend so much on any commodity that something of this sort could happen to us.” * Tony Deyal was last seen in Barbados eating at a vegetarian restaurant in Hastings.
Police Legal Advisor recommends civil instead of criminal charges From page 3 file same. The Police Legal Advisor said, “Ms. Nadir by inserting her signature on the document would have adopted the contents and therefore such a document would be her document. She would therefore have been liable for any false information.” The Police Legal Advisor noted too, “It is obvious that the Registrar of Companies did not exercise his/her power under Section 487 of the Act to strike the company off the register for its failure to file its returns within the time prescribed by the Act. The Registrar failed to send a notice within section 487(2) advising the Company of its default.” She said that the Registrar, no doubt might have been reluctant to act due to the fact that the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh was the Chairman of NICIL's Board of Directors.
The officials agreed that the Directors of the Company breached the nation's financial laws, specifically, Section 107 (1) (a) of the Companies Act Chapter 89:01. This part says that the Directors of a Company shall call an Annual General Meeting of shareholders not later than 18 months after the Company comes into existence and subsequently not later than 15 months after holding the preceding Annual General Meeting. Legal advice on the matter indicates that the word “shall” used in the section makes the holding of the Annual General Meeting mandatory in that the Company has an obligation to hold such a meeting. Kaieteur News understands that the main purpose of such a meeting is to consider the financial statements of the Company; the auditor's report; election of Directors
and the re-appointment of the incumbent auditor. Legal advice given to SOCU also indicates that if a company defaults in holding such a meeting, the company and every officer of the company shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable under section 107 (5) on summary conviction to a fine of $15,000. Additionally, SOCU officials were informed that NICIL was also in breach of Section 153 (3) of the Act. This section stipulates that the annual return should be lodged 42 days after the Annual General Meeting. The Police Legal Advisor said that the Directors of NICIL no doubt have a fiduciary duty to the Company and the Shareholders. By failing to hold annual general meetings they would have been in breach of their fiduciary duty to the Company and its members.
Monday July 11, 2016
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Kaieteur News
India says considering giving Tanzania Bin Laden’s son threatens revenge for father’s $500 million loan for water projects Reuters - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said yesterday his government would consider giving Tanzania, where he’s visiting, a $500 million loan to finance water projects in the east African nation. India and Tanzania signed several agreements, including a loan of $92 million for water projects in Tanzania’s semiautonomous Zanzibar islands. Modi said his government was ready to offer additional financing for other water projects in east Africa’s second-biggest economy. “India is willing to consider an additional $500 million line of concessional credit,” Modi said at a joint news conference with Tanzanian president John Magufuli in Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. “President Magufuli and I agreed to deepen IndiaTanzania ties in agriculture, food security, trade, natural gas and other vital sectors.” Tanzania announced in February it has discovered a possible additional 2.17
assassination – monitor
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) is welcomed by Tanzania President John Magufuli, during his visit at the State House in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, yesterday. REUTERS/SAAD SAID trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas in an onshore field, raising its total estimated
Australia’s prime minister declares victory in marathon election Reuters - Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull declared victory yesterday in a marathon national election, with his coalition government retaining power and the opposition Labor Party conceding defeat. Vo t e counting continues into an eighth d a y, w i t h Tu r n b u l l ’s coalition expected to win two of the five seats still in doubt, enabling it to form a majority government, after having already won 74 of the 150 lower house seats up for grabs in the poll. “ We h a v e w o n t h e election,” Turnbull told a news conference in Sydney. “We have gone through this election with fiercely fought arguments, issues of policy, issues of principle and we have done so peacefully and it’s something we should celebrate.” Although he is expected to form a majority government, Turnbull’s gamble in calling the election backfired badly, with a swing to the centreleft Labor opposition and a rise in the popularity of
recoverable gas reserves to more than 57 tcf, which it is aiming to exploit. Tanzania and India also agreed to boost cooperation in health, education, industry and information and communications technology. Modi, on an African tour, arrived in Tanzania late on Saturday from South Africa and was also due to visit Kenya yesterday. Tanzanian president’s office said in March the country expects to receive
a total of $380 million in loans from India to finance two major water projects in Dar es Salaam and elsewhere. Dar es Salaam, where the authorities expect the population to more than double to 10 million people in 15 years, generates more than 40 percent of Tanzania’s GDP. H o w e v e r, t h e c i t y suffers from both flooding and scarcity of water supplies, and insect-borne diseases.
Agricola vendor claims ...
Malcolm Turnbull minor parties and independents. Tu r n b u l l ’s narrow margin of victory over Labor leaves him likely to be forced to rely on independents, who won five seats, to ensure the passage of legislation. That raises questions about how effective his government will be in the long term. Labor, on course to win 69 seats, conceded defeat. “It is clear that Mr Turnbull and his coalition will form a government,” its leader, Bill Shorten, told a news conference.
From page 14 hospital they already hook he up and cut off he clothes everything to carry he into surgery,” the mother cried. The mother said the policeman's brother-in-law always calls the cop whenever he gets into trouble. Ross' relatives are claiming that the policeman always comes to “represent” his family when they “deh bout the place picking trouble.” But sources close to the Police Inspector are claiming that he was not the one who shot at Ross. They are saying that the policeman and Ross were involved in a verbal confrontation on Saturday after Ross, who had a gun was threatening the policeman's relative. According to the source, during the confrontation, Ross threatened to kill the policeman and his family. The source said that the policeman left after the threats
were hurled at him. “He (Romello Ross) is the only one claiming that the policeman shoot he. No one else is claiming that,” the source added. The source said that Ross has a lot of enemies and is in the habit of “pulling out gun” and bullying people in Agricola. Kaieteur News confirmed that Ross was chopped to the head, hand and legs on September 18, 2015 while he was on remand at the Georgetown Prison. The attack on Ross had reportedly stemmed from a vendetta outside the prison that led to at least three recent execution-style murders. The vendetta was reportedly connected to the murder of 23-year-old Kellon Hinds, called 'Baige,' of East Ruimveldt Squatting Area, Georgetown. Hinds was gunned down by three men on August 31, 2015 while he sat in a family member's yard.
Reuters - The son of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has threatened revenge against the United States for assassinating his father, according to an audio message posted online. Hamza bin Laden promised to continue the global militant group’s fight against the United States and its allies in the 21minute speech entitled “We Are All Osama,” according to the SITE Intelligence Group. “We will continue striking you and targeting you in your country and abroad in response to your oppression of the people of Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and the rest of the Muslim lands that did not survive your oppression,” Hamza said. “As for the revenge by the Islamic nation for Sheikh Osama, may Allah have mercy on him, it is not revenge for Osama the person but it is revenge for those who defended Islam.” Osama bin Laden was killed at his Pakistani hideout by U.S. commandos in 2011 in a major blow to the militant group which carried out the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Documents recovered from bin Laden’s compound and published by the United States last year alleged that his aides tried to reunite the militant leader with Hamza, who had been held under house arrest in Iran.
Hamza bin Laden Hamza, now in his midtwenties, was at his father’s side in Afghanistan before the 9/11 attacks and spent time with him in Pakistan after the U.S.-led invasion pushed much of al Qaeda’s senior leadership there, according to the Brookings Institution. Introduced by the organisation’s new chief Ayman al-Zawahiri in an audio message last year, Hamza provides a younger voice for the group whose ageing leaders have struggled to inspire militants around the world galvanized by Islamic State. “Hamza provides a new face for al Qaeda, one that directly connects to the group’s founder. He is an articulate and dangerous enemy,” according to Bruce Riedel of Brookings.
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1 Black CRV, 2004 model, PNN series, female driven & in good condition. Interested person call: 624-1614, 225-0884
Register now for summer courses in cosmetology and nails between 2nd -25th August – Cost $15,000 Call Abby:619-7603
INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 RAMDASS VISA APPLICATION & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 615-9295 Narine’s Trucking Service for sand, loam, stone etc. Delivery-Call: 641-2477 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377
LAND FOR SALE 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
Toyota Runx, AT212, AT192, AT170, L-Touring Wagon, Raum, new model Tacoma, Nissan pickup, Honda Capa. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 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 2005 F350 Ford Pick-up truck, extra cabs, 4X4 diesel, in excellent condition, 4 inch, lift kit, 35 inch tyres. Call: 6105370 1 L-Touring Wagon (yellow) for sale $750,000 negotiable. Call: 614-5962 SALE! SALE! 2010 IST $2.4M, 2009 NOAH -$2.5M, ARUIS-$2.5M-CALL:617-2891 3 TON CANTER ENCLOSE AND OPEN BACK WITH 4D ENGINE, PRICE -$3.6M, NEVER REGISTERED – CALL: 617-2891
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Shiba Kaleko Rain ForestResort: school children f o r N a t u r e To u r i s m experience @ Rockstone, 45mins from Linden. Call: 618-4499
FOR SALE
Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572
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
High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Two family house at Lot 32 Ann’s Grove Housing Scheme E.C.D -$20M negotiable- Call: 623-5423 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 1-Two bedrooms house in Diamond New Scheme, on main road. Call: 697-9140; 6803813; 216-0578 40X32 House @ Anna Catherina, W.C.D –Call: 6462341; 225-7164 Zeelugt-(2)storey concrete building, Good Hope(2)storey concrete building. Tel:231-9690,231-9693 call between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs (Mon-Fri). Parfaite Harmony-(2) storey building. Tuschen - 2-storey building. Tel:231-9690,2319693 call between 8:00hrs16:00hrs (Mon-Fri). Property for sale @ lot 32 Princess Street, Werk-enRust. Call: 621-8767
ACCOMMDATION Harmony Inn: clean, comfortable & affordable apartments/rooms, long & short term – Call: 668-0306; 218-1400; 694-7817
Furnished 2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560 Newly renovated 3 bedrooms house in safe and healthy environments-Call: 677-6638; 622-6512
Southe’s Upholstery Cleaners & Car Wash: all your team cleaning needs; car seats, chair sets and carpets. Call: 216-0722; 672-4824 US and Canadian Visa application Services @ Cybertron, Parika, Bollywood Building. Call: 260-4850; 6493073 TOURS
PROPERTY FOR SALE
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 Rambutan seedlings plants $2,000 per plant. Call: 621-4778 German Shepherd puppies, 1 adult German Shepherd, 2 adult Rottweiler. Call: 2202277; 220-8904; 629-1471 One 6 base music set with QSC amps, RCF speakers. Call: 622-0503; 689-9932
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 Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 18thAugust 12th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:2182076; 619-4355 Poor Grades or need reinforcement in modern language and mathematics then call: 671-2066/ 669-0525 IAE (Private Secondary School) register for full time (forms1-5) CXC 2017, classes for adults and repeaters. Call: 683-5742
Register now! Computerize Accounting -$30,000, Graphics 30’ Feet, aluminum jet boat, Program -$30,000, PC repairs @ complete with all spares & Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop. accessories (financing Call: 264-3057 available). Call: 668-3130 Computer Diploma 9 Courses$35,000 -register now @ Property for sale @ North Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Road Queenstown, bond in Call: 264-3057 Eccles also 1 Toyota Fortuna for sale. Call: 226-9177 & 666-3303 Summer computer classes for kids,register now @ 57 Acres of land at Soesdyke Micrographics, Vreed-en, ideal for shopping centre Hoop. Call: 264-3057 and housing development, also power tools.Call:265- Summer Computer Classes 4180; 613-9554 for kids ages 5-14 @ CybertronParika, Toyota Hiace (pitbull) bus Bollywood building. Call: 2008- $1.5M, down payment 260-4850; 649-3073 $100,000 monthly. Call: 6093650; 226-8953 Diploma in Computers 9 Courses -$30,000 @ Cybertron Parika, Bollywood Building –Call: 260-4850
TO LET
Are you looking for a babysitter or someone to do light chores? Then call: 6467368 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045
Monday July 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
FOR RENT TO LET Fully furnished apartment @ South Park Place: 2 Bedroom long & Short term, unfurnished apartment in Benn St. -$40,000 monthly. Call: 689-5877 One three bedrooms house for rent @ Crane Housing Scheme -$50,000 monthly. Call: 614-5962
CAR RENTAL
CAR RENTAL
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO. COM
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
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
One furnished room -$40,000 and one bedroom furnished apartment -$60,000 monthly. Call: 665-7474; 612-3152
Furnished luxury 2 & 3 bedrooms apartment for rentCall: 665-3505
2 Bedrooms apartment $50,000 monthly @ 29 Howes Street. Contact Petboy on the above address.
1-2-4 Bedrooms new house to rent @ West Coast Demerara–Call immediately 276-0818
2 Bedrooms bottom flat apartment EBD -$42,000. Call: 687-3017
3-Two bedrooms apartments for rent, serious enquires only-Call: 654-4110
VACANCY 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 Driver /Porters @ Telles Steel & Hardware. Call: 226-6771; 231-3265 Continue page 23
Monday July 11, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Govt. to allow Police Call to rename whatever crime-fighting airport after Manning tool they want The Gleaner - National Security Minister Robert Montague has indicated that he will be giving the security forces curfew orders to be used in the fight against crime. The use of curfews, which restricts the movements of citizens, was virtually eliminated by former national security minister Peter Bunting. In 2014, the number of curfews imposed across the island was down from between 6 and 7,000 annually to just over 30. However, speaking to The Gleaner/Power106 News Centre, Montague said the Andrew Holness administration is prepared to give the security forces whatever crime-fighting tool they request. He says if the leadership of the security forces believe curfews would help to cauterise the country’s crime problem his government would support their request. Meanwhile, Bunting is again cautioning that curfews should only be used in very selective cases. While indicating that he
Robert Montague has no issue with the use of curfews, the former national security minister says his concern is that over the years it had become a routine policing tool. He says the fact that a minister has to approve curfews shows that they were never intended to be part of normal operations. Bunting noted also that Jamaica recorded the lowest number of murder when the use of curfews was drastically reduced in 2014.
Brazil could sell Sao Paulo and Rio airports, President tells paper SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil’s government will consider selling airports in Sao Paulo and Rio to help to reduce a large fiscal deficit next year, interim President Michel Temer told the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper yesterday. The paper said that the previous government’s objections to a potential sale of the Santos Dumont airport in Rio and Congonhas airport in Sao Paulo are not echoed by Temer, nor the government’s economic team. “It is possible that we end up selling them... It would give us a good sum,” Te m e r w a s q u o t e d a s saying. Congonhas is the second-largest airport in Sao Paulo behind Guarulhos, which has already been sold to private investors. Congonhas handles most domestic flights, including the busiest Sao Paulo-Rio route, which has Santos Dumont airport as its main destination. Brazil plans to sell several assets and award licences for companies to
President Michel Temer build and operate infrastructure projects as it tries to revamp the economy and reduce a budget deficit estimated at 170 billion reais ($51.59 billion) this year. Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles wants to reduce the deficit to 139 billion reais next year and told the O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper yesterday that the government will need 80 billion reais of spending cuts to reach that target.
Trinidad Guardian - Calls are being made to rename the Piarco International Airport to the Patrick Augustus Manning International Airport in honour of this country’s late prime minister for his keen interest in civil aviation. Eleven Caribbean countries, as well as Tobago, have their airports named after past prime ministers. Director General of the T&T Civil Aviation Authority (T&TCAA) Ramesh Lutchmedial said it was a fitting gesture since Manning had a passion for aviation. Also making the call was retired Major General Ralph Brown, a former chairman of the T&TCAA, who said civil aviation affairs transformed under Manning’s leadership. Both men said Trinidad was the only Caricom country that did not have its airport named after a prime minister. Lutchmedial, who was made the first director general of the T&TCAA by Manning said, “Mr Manning was a friend and we shared a common passion for aviation.” Lutchmedial recalled in January 2010 when a 7.0 earthquake flattened parts of Haiti, he was at the time in Port-au-Prince and escaped death. “Mr Manning enquired about my safety and met with me when I returned to Trinidad.” He remembered Manning as a great aviation enthusiast who made a tremendous contribution to the development of the local aviation industry. He said it was Manning who commissioned the construction of the T&T Civil Aviation Complex in Piarco, the replacement of all navigational aids for Piarco and Tobago with modern state-of-the-art equipment
and the construction of a modern executive jet terminal at Piarco. Lutchmedial said it was during Manning’s tenure that this country was able to set up the Trinidad and Tobago Aviation Safety Oversight System to meet the highest safety standards prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation enabling T&T to gain the United States’ FAA Category One status in 2005. In that year, Manning was quoted as saying: “No one can underestimate the importance of a properly functioning civil aviation system within any country in providing transportation linkages to key financial and commercial centres of the world.” Meanwhile, Brown said many people did not know that Manning provided financial assistance to Caricom countries for civil aviation. He said he was in full support of the recommendation to rename the airport after Manning because of his involvement in the aviation industry. “I don’t know how many people knew it but he had very keen interest in civil aviation matters. I support the recommendation that the airport should be named after him. I know Dr (Eric) Williams
From page 22
WANTED
Ramesh Lutchmedial did not want any recognition but when you look at it, all the different airports in the region are named after former prime ministers. “I served as chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority during Mr Manning’s term as prime minister and civil aviation was transformed under his leadership.” He said up to the time it was completed in 2011, the area control centre stood as a beacon in the western hemisphere with the most modern and state-of-the-art equipment. He said close to $500 million was spent on that project. Brown also said, Manning authorised significant financial assistance to Caricom countries in terms of their civil aviation capacity. He said islands such as Barbados, St Lucia and Dominica benefited. “Mr Manning had a direct involvement in civil aviation,” Brown added.
Transport Board owes NIS $32 million Daily Nation - The cash-strapped Transport Board is indebted to this country’s National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to the tune of almost $32 million. The statutory institution’s indebtedness dates back as far as 2010, but the NIS has registered three claims with the Transport entity for 2016, twice in April, and once last month. Its indebtedness to the NIS is three times more than that of the National Housing Corporation (NHC) or the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). The legal action, which consists of a number of judgments made in the Supreme Court of Barbados, is related to the board’s delinquency in making national insurance contributions over the last six years, as required by law. In total, the Transport Board actually owes the NIS $31 176 702. That figure is based on claims entered by the NIS.
EXPERIENCED CHINESE CHEFTO LIVEAND WORK 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 Domestic wanted-Call: 6000051 Night Manager, Security, DJ, waitresses, bartenders, 1 experienced secretary between ages 18-25, must have CXC –Call: 668-8332; 638-5303 Female domestic worker to work in Trinidad. age 21 to 40 years. Call 1868- 268- 5177 Experienced male salesperson must be able to multitask, communicate well & have computer skills @ KeyFood Trading McDoom. Urgently needed one cleaner for snackette. Call: 648-8079 Sales representatives wanted, must have valid driver’s licence -Call: 6093650 Experienced bartender, live in/live out waitress, cooks & bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Lounge, Garden of Eden-Call: 652-0074
VACANCY 1 Female Accounts clerk, with passes in English & Maths. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek. Experienced bar and shop worker for Ekereku Bottom (Interior), between ages 18yrs30yrs –Call: 231-0363 One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – Call: 231-0655 Outdoor lorry driver salesmen for established brand snack foods, chocolates, biscuits, beverages etc. For further information call: 617-1809
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Monday July 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
Majority of regional top performers secure places at QC Weeks of anxiety over the 2016 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) came to an end last Tuesday when the Ministry of Education officially released the results. It was a very public affair that was broadcast live on television, radio and streamed on the Ministry’s website. Topping the list this year was a pupil from the privately operated Mae’s Under-12 School. That school in recent times has been the subject of some controversy but was able to defy the odds to have a pupil claim the top spot with 568 marks. But Anthony Ferreira, the Mae’s School top performer, was not the only one claiming the top spot this year. Attaining an equal score (568) was Aryan Singh of yet another private school – the Dharmic Rama Krishna. Moreover, there was no second place position but a third position which was secured by Sarena Razak of Graham’s Hall Primary with
565 marks. Fourth position was gained by Chelsea Barnes of Success Elementary with 563 marks. Securing the fifth position was Arun Sooknarine yet another pupil of Dharmic Rama Krishna with 562 marks. Helia Agard of Success Elementary gained the sixth position with 561 marks. Five pupils shared the seventh position with 560 marks. They are Indie Rampersaud and Justin Seecharan of Success Elementary; Jonathan Ganga of Leonora Primary; Divya Nandalall of Mae’s Under 12 and Lemuel Assing of the New Guyana School. While these essentially led the national list this year, Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, also, highlighted those whose performances saw them being named the most outstanding for the respective regions. While it was Ferreira and Singh understandably leading the way for Georgetown (District 11), the
top performer for Region One was Chandy Rodrigues of Santa Rosa Primary with 506 marks. In Region Two the top performers was Yovendra Singh of Suddie Primary who gained 553 marks. And for Region Three, the top performer was Jonathan Ganga of the Leonora Primary who scored 560 marks. Chelsea Barnes of Success Elementary claimed the top spot for Region Four with 563 marks while it was Sandyah Ramoo of Blairmont Primary who with her score of 534 marks who was named top performer for Region Five. With his score of 555, Omesh Dyal of Port Mourant Primary was named the top performer for Region Six and it was Romel Smith of St John the Baptist Primary with 526 marks who copped the top place in Region Seven. Paramakatoi Primary’s Kayla Gomes was named top performer in Region Eight with 511 marks and it was Akimo Demetro of Arapaima Primary, with 536, who was
Monday July 11th, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19): You may believe that gathering more information is a smart idea today, but additional data won’t help you make a better decision. Usually, compiling more facts enables you to easily choose an effective course of action. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20): Your career objectives may have been clear in your own mind, but that was before you set your plan into motion. Now it might appear that you’ve made the situation worse. GEMINI (May 21–June 20): Challenging circumstances might prevent you from being clear about your direction today, making you feel as if you just want to retreat. Unfortunately, this is not a great time to give up on your dreams. CANCER (Jun. 21–July 22): You may not understand why everything isn’t going your way today, but you might be jumping to the wrong conclusions. Whatever seems to be problematic now can actually work out for the best later on. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): You could feel as if you’re fighting an inner battle now, yet it may play out in a current relationship. Don’t withdraw; facing a difficult issue with a close friend or partner is the best way to conquer your fears. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): You may be bored at work today, but still need to fulfill your obligations. Instead of doing your job the same old way, it might help to take a new approach.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Even if you are receiving encouragement everywhere you turn today, you still might not believe the good news you are hearing. It’s difficult to trust the optimism of others. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): You might not get everything you want today, yet there are still plenty of opportunities to make the best of current circumstances. Part of your problem may be your inflated hopes, leading you to expect things to fall magically into place. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): You don’t like to place all your eggs in one basket. However, you may be so focused on specific tasks that certain aspects won’t likely work out as expected. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19): Everything seems to be blown out of proportion today, so it’s challenging to find the right pace and stick to it. Even the littlest problem could become an insurmountable obstacle. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20– Feb.18): Sometimes you can appear disconnected from reality, but others usually don’t know how far out your thoughts actually are. Now, as the Moon moves through your sign, you can surprise everyone with your uncanny brilliance. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20): If yo u a r e j u s t l y accused of a wrongdoing today, quickly admit your guilt and ask for forgiveness. Don’t make excuses or slip into denial.
named Region Nine’s top performer. In Region 10 it was Erenilda DeSouza of Regma Primary with 551 marks who claimed the top performer title. The majority of the top performers are eligible to attend the country’s premier educational institution, Queen’s College (QC). The Ministry has detailed that the cut off score to attend the country’s sixth form schools this year are: 541 - QC, 531 - The Bishops’ High School, 522 - St. Stanislaus College, 516 - St. Rose’s High, 508 - St. Joseph High and 493 - President’s College. Minister of Education, Rupert Roopnaraine noted that more must be done to improve the education system. He said, “We are thinking in terms of a reform both in schools and at the Teachers Training College and that is because we want to make a careful assessment of the content of the curriculum and my hope is that the lifting of the education system throughout, it is going to be based on this curriculum review, the recommendations of the (ongoing) Commissioner of Inquiry and the other instrument we are using to make the kind of assessments that we need to bring about the type of reforms that we need.” According to the Minister, while the performance in English Language and Social Studies this year has been consistent with previous years, this was not the same for Mathematics and Science. Both fell below what was obtained in previous years, he admitted. He divulged too that the pupils who secured the highest marks in the subject area of English are Annalisa Charles (Leonora Primary); Jordan Nelson (New Guyana
School); Marissa Mal (Providence Primary); Latannei Schultz (St Therese Primary) and Bhnaymattie Harnauth (Success Elementary). The best performance in Mathematics was secured by one of the top national performances, Aryan Singh (Dharmic Rama Krishna), who also produced the best performance in Social Studies. The best science
performers in Science this year are Annandi Diaram (Valmiki Vidyalaya); Raoul Nicholls (New Guyana School) and Muhammed Hassad (Al Ghazali Islamic). The Ministry, according to Minister Roopnaraine, is currently conducting an analysis which is being conducted to ascertain the specific areas in which pupils experienced the greatest difficulty.
Cultural development and the ... From page 19 excellent projects in the upcoming two years. What is important is that we map both our weaknesses as well as our strengths and develop a strategy plan for respectively addressing and leveraging those through bilateral, regional and international collaboration. KN: What challenges have you faced since your appointment and which ones were the most difficult for you to solve? RJ: My major challenges have been institutional. The political will is there, I have great latitude in the conceptual component of what I have to do, but I am dealing with an institutional framework that I frankly spent significant time in the past six years deconstructing both privately and publicly. Poor governance and capacity remain the main con-
straints in policy implementation because the machinery, particularly under Former Culture Minister, Frank Anthony, was shaped to have one person making key decisions in critical areas. We have what purports to be the I n s t i t u t e o f C r e ative Arts, for example, that has the Director of Culture as “Principal” but there are no other administrative or policy personnel and absolutely no oversight mechanism. This is an endemic situation and it has to be corrected. When there is no oversight, that is when you don't get value for money or where the capacity for misappropriation of allocations increases dramatically. I am still in the process of developing solutions to the governance and capacity conundrum since the very first obligation we are committed
to under the UNESCO 2005 Convention is to “Support Sustainable Systems for Governance in Culture”. Of course, I face a slight chicken-egg dilemma in that regard since my own office suffers from that institutional incapacity. I only have a secretary when what I need is a research team. My Caribbean counterparts in contrast have entire divisions or directorates that focus on cultural policy development and implementation. That said, at this stage I have had to deal with two Ministers, Senior Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine and Junior Minister Ms. Nicolette Henry who have relied on my expertise and that sort of trust in my professionalism and competence has been invaluable up to this point. To be continued…
Monday July 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
Merkel expects new British PM to launch formal EU exit talks Reuters - Germany expects Britain to trigger article 50 of the European Union’s Lisbon treaty to begin the formal process of leaving the bloc once it has picked a new prime minister, Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday. Merkel also told German broadcaster ZDF in an interview that Britain would not be allowed to “cherry pick” what it wants to keep from its EU membership while jettisoning aspects of the relationship that it does not like. “The decision (of Britons to leave the EU) has been taken..and the next step is — and Britain will do this only when they have a new prime minister — to invoke Article 50,” said Merkel, Europe’s most powerful leader who will play a key role in shaping London’s future relationship with the EU. “I expect that to happen. I deal with reality and I firmly expect that application will be made,” Merkel added when asked if she thought there was a chance that Brexit would not happen. British voters backed Brexit in a June 23 referendum. Prime Minister David Cameron has announced his intention to step down and has said it will be for his successor to invoke article 50 which will launch two years of divorce negotiations. Two women, interior minister Theresa May and
Angela Merkel junior energy minister Andrea Leadsom, are competing to replace Cameron. The new prime minister is expected to be chosen on Sept. 9. May, the current favourite, has made clear she will not rush to invoke article 50 as the tight timeframe it envisages could weaken London’s bargaining hand. But British and EU firms and investors want clarity as soon as possible on future trade ties. “We have spoken to Britain and made clear there will be no negotiations with Britain until they have made their application, and there will be no cherry picking,” said Merkel. Many British voters backed Brexit due to fears over uncontrolled immigration from the rest of the EU, especially the much poorer member states of excommunist eastern Europe.
The ‘Leave’ campaign also homed in on voters’ concerns about Europe’s migrant crisis, which has seen more than one million people, mostly Muslims fleeing conflicts in the Middle East, move to the EU, especially Germany, over the past year. Asked if she felt she bore any responsibility for the Brexit vote due to her opendoor migrant policy, Merkel told ZDF that Europe had a responsibility to protect migrants fleeing war. She also defended her decision to work closely with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in seeking to stem the flow of migrants via Turkey into the EU. Under a controversial deal, Turkey has agreed to take back migrants heading to Europe from its shores in return for accelerated EU membership talks and an end to a visa requirement for its citizens visiting the EU. “I cannot say I think everything that is happening domestically in Turkey is right ... but we have a mutual interest (in tackling the migrant crisis),” she said. Commenting on the parlous economic state of some euro zone member countries in southern Europe, Merkel repeated her call for structural reforms along with budget discipline, adding that not enough had been done to cut youth unemployment in the EU.
Florida congresswoman indicted in fraud scheme TAMPA, Fla. (Reuters) A federal grand jury indicted U.S. Representative Corrine Brown of Florida and her chief of staff on fraud charges and other crimes, accusing them of funneling money for a bogus education charity to personal use, U.S. prosecutors said weekend. The 69-year-old Democrat from Jacksonville, Florida, denied that she had used her political position to help raise more than $800,000 that donors believed supported college scholarships and other educational purposes. According to the 53page indictment filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida this week, funds donated to the group One Door for Education were used to pay for a golf tournament honouring Brown, luxury
Corrine Brown box seats at a Beyonce concert, a football game and other personal expenses. Prosecutors noted that the organisation was not properly registered as a nonprofit group and awarded only two scholarships totaling $1,200. “I am innocent of the
charges announced today, and intend to vigorously defend myself in court against these politically motivated allegations,” Brown said in a statement. She said she would temporarily step down from her role as the Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veterans’ Affairs due to House rules. The 24-count indictment also accuses her chief of staff, Elias “Ronnie” Simmons, 50, of multiple counts of fraud. There was no immediate response from Brown’s office to requests for comment from Simmons. During a court appearance on Friday, Brown and Simmons pleaded not guilty, local media reported. Brown is also accused of falsifying her tax filings.
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EGYPT’S FOREIGN MINISTER TALKS ON MIDEAST PEACE IN RARE VISIT TO ISRAEL Reuters - Egypt’s foreign minister paid a rare visit to Israel yesterday, offering Cairo’s help to revive peace talks with the Palestinians, in a sign of strengthened ties between two countries sharing deep concern over regional unrest. Sameh Shoukry’s visit was the first made by an Egyptian foreign minister in nine years and he travelled to Jerusalem for two meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As Netanyahu looked on, Shoukry said the vision of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict “is not far-fetched” and he called for confidence-building measures that could lead to renewed peace negotiations that collapsed in 2014. “It is no longer acceptable to claim that the status quo is the most that we can achieve of the hopes and aspirations of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples,” Shoukry said. The current state of
Israel but only if it gave up all land seized in the 1967 Middle East war and agreed to a “just solution” for Palestinian refugees. Shoukry said Egypt was offering “all possible forms of support” to achieve peace and security in the Middle East. “A multitude of ideas and initiatives have been proposed to make it a practical reality - particularly the Arab peace initiative,” he said. “However, achieving this vision requires serious
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Jerusalem yesterday. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun affairs, said the Egyptian diplomat, who held talks in the occupied West Bank on June 29 with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, “is neither stable nor
sustainable”. In May Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged both sides to seize the opportunity to make a historic peace, offering Israel the
prospect of warmer ties if this were achieved. Sisi offered the 2002 Arab peace initiative as a potential way ahead. The initiative offered full recognition of
steps to build confidence, as well as a genuine will that does not waver or wane under any circumstance.” Netanyahu has said he would be willing to discuss the Arab peace plan but that changes would have to be made. Greeting Shoukry on Sunday, Netanyahu repeated his call for Palestinians to resume direct negotiations with Israel, and welcomed Egypt’s efforts to resolve that conflict and achieve “a broader peace in our region”.
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Inmates Break Out of Cell to Save Guard Who Suffered Heart Attack A group of inmates at a Texas jail broke out of a holding cell last month to save a guard who had suffered an apparent heart attack. The guard had been joking with the inmates—who were locked in a small room in the basement of the District Courts Building in Weatherford, Texas—when he suddenly slumped over, according to local station WFAA-TV. “He just fell over,” inmate Nick Kelton said. “Looked like an act. Could have died right there.” Kelton and the other inmates shouted for help and then managed to break out of the cell, knowing it could have put them in a dangerous situation. “We were worried they’re going to come
with guns drawn on us,” Kelton said, WFAATV reported. Other deputies eventually came running when they heard shouting from the inmates, who had noticed the guard didn’t have a pulse. The guard, who has not been identified, regained a pulse after receiving medical aid from the deputies and paramedics. “It never crossed my mind not to help whether he’s got a gun or a badge. If he falls down, I’m gonna help him,” Kelton said. “He’s a good man.” Capt. Mark Arnett said the inmates likely saved the guard’s life because it could have been a while before someone else walked by and found him, WFAA-TV reported. The incident happened on June 23 and was reported by news outlets last week. (TIME)
CARICOM ambassadors briefed on global health security agenda
Caribbean ambassadors in Washington at a briefing on the Global Health Security Agenda. Photo: Oswald Brown, Bahamian Embassy in Washington, DC WASHINGTON, USA — Professor Goulda Downer, chair of the Caribbean Political Action Committee (C-PAC) and a member of Howard University Medical School Faculty, recently spearheaded a meeting with Caribbean ambassadors in Washington to brief them about the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), which was launched in February 2014. The goal of GHSA is (a) to accelerate progress toward a world safe and secure from infectious disease threats; and (b) to promote global health security as an international priority. GHSA is a collaborative multilateral and multi-sectoral partnership among governments, international organizations and civil society. GHSA accelerates action and spurs progress toward implementation of the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulations and other global health security frameworks. The overarching aim of GHSA is to have all countries unite to prevent, detect, and
respond to infectious disease threats. GHSA was initially launched in 30 countries. The US government subsequently announced its intent to invest more than $1 billion in resources to expand the GHSA to other countries. And, in November of 2015, the US announced plans to add the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to the list of GHSA countries and help to strengthen the region’s capacity improve its health security. Jenkins works closely with international partners to coordinate global security programs and funding. She currently serves as the US State Department’s coordinator for threat reduction programs in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation. The briefing was hosted at the Embassy of the Bahamas and in attendance for the briefing were Ambassadors Eugene Newry (Bahamas); Patrick Andrews (Belize); Hubert Charles (Dominica); Angus Friday (Grenada); Thelma Phillip-
Browne (St Kitts and Nevis); Elizabeth Darius-Clarke (Saint Lucia); and representatives from Jamaica (Ariel Bowen); Suriname (Sylvana SimsonHew A Kee); and Omari Seitu Williams (St Vincent and the Grenadines). Jenkins updated the group about the GHSA’s activities. She informed the ambassadors that governments and other GHSA partners are prompted to establish a five-year country roadmap, aimed at achieving specific milestones, and the capacity needed to prevent, detect, and respond to biological threats and other related threats. Regardless of the infectious disease, the healthcare system, employing leveraging an “all hazards” approach, should be strengthened to respond to health threats rapidly and effectively. This is the goal of GHSA and its partners. For its part, GHSA can help provide technical assistance and resources to support the Caribbean regional effort. (Caribbean News)
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Dumoulin wins stage, Froome Grenada to host region’s carries lead into rest day best junior players
A R C A L I S , ANDORRA (Reuters) Tom Dumoulin of the Netherlands attacked near the foot of the final climb to win the ninth stage of the Tour de France in extreme weather conditions as Alberto Contador pulled out of the race on Sunday. Giant Alpecin rider Dumoulin, sixth in last year’s Vuelta, was the strongest of the day’s breakaway riders, taking a solo victory in a deafening hailstorm after riding most of the day in temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius. The Dutchman completed his set of grand tour stage wins after prevailing in the Vuelta and the Giro d’Italia. Briton Chris Froome retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey after controlling his closest rivals in the ascent to Arcalis, a 10.1km effort at an average gradient of 7.2 percent. The Team Sky rider leads compatriot Adam Yates (Orica-Bike Exchange) by 16 seconds and Ireland’s Dan Martin (Etixx-Quick Step) by 19. “It’s still a very open race at this point, I’m really happy to come into the first rest day as leader,” he said. “There were a lot of attacks in that final climb, I was hoping to gain more time as well. I just made sure to close any gaps and at least finish in the same time as my rivals today.” Contador, who had crashed on the two opening stages and had a fever in the morning, called it quits 104km from the finish line after trying his luck one last time with a vintage early move. “I have not recovered from the crashes, I’ve been sick overnight, that’s why I
Team Giant-Alpecin rider Tom Dumoulin of The Netherlands wins on the finish line in the184.5 km (114.6 miles) Stage 9 from Vielha Val d’Aran, Spain to Andorre Arcalis, Andorra of the Tour de France cycling race. (REUTERS/JUAN MEDINA) made this decision. I could not continue,” said the Spaniard. Other top favorites had a tough time with Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), Italian Fabio Aru (Astana) and American Tejay van Garderen (BMC) losing ground in the ultimate climb of the first summit finish of the Tour. Overall, Froome, who made a few brief attacks in the finale, could not distance himself from last year’s runner-up Nairo Quintana (Movistar), who rode conservatively, keeping his cards close to his chest. The Colombian is fourth overall, 23 seconds behind Froome. Froome’s former team mate Richie Porte (BMC) of Australia, Yates and Martin also managed to hang on to the defending champion’s wheel. Frenchman Thibaut Pinot, who lost all hope of a decent overall finish in Paris in the first Pyrenean stage,
snatched the polka dot jersey for the best climber with a strong ride in the breakaway. Contador and Valverde launched an old school attack early on, pulling away from the pack and catching a big group of breakaway riders on the climb to the Port de la Bonaigua. Both were seen as threats to Froome and Team Sky upped the pace before the second ascent of the day to the Port del Canto. “My team mates did not panic and I think I owe it to them to still be in yellow today,” said Froome. Valverde dropped off as the breakaway group’s lead, which had risen to two minutes, was under one minute. He slid back into the peloton as Contador, who had been distanced earlier, was struggling, rolling down to his team car four times before getting off his bike for good. Monday is a rest day on the Tour.
‘Dropped’ Ramdin called up by Knight Riders PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin has been called up by Trinbago Knight Riders for the remainder of the Caribbean Premier League, after allegedly being excluded from the West Indies squad for the upcoming Test series against India. The 31-year-old Ramdin is a replacement for Barbadian fast bowler Javon Searles who has been ruled out of the tournament with a shoulder injury. Ramdin had been originally expected to replace fast bowler Fidel Edwards in the St Lucia Zouks squad following the recent TriNations Series but according to CPL organisers, picked up an injury and was forced to opt out. “Having now recovered, he is eligible once again to be a replacement player,” a CPL statement said Saturday.
Earlier this week, Ramdin announced in a Twitter rant that he had been axed from the Windies squad for the four-Test series against India starting July 21 in St John’s. The Trinidadian said he had been told by new chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne, that his average was not good enough. Selectors, however, are yet to announce a squad for the series which runs until August 22 and overlaps with the ongoing CPL, which wraps up August 7. Ramdin has played 74 Tests and 136 OneDay Internationals, and has also featured in 58 Twenty20 Internationals. He was part of the successful side which captured the Twenty20 World Cup in India last April. Searles, meanwhile, played just one game last Monday when Knight Riders went down to Jamaica Tallawahs by seven wickets at Queen’s Park Oval here.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Defending champions Guyana are expected to face a rigourous challenge from ever-competitive hosts Windward Islands at Progress Park, when the Regional Under-15 Tournament opens on Wednesday, July 27 in Grenada. The Guyanese captured the title last year on home soil by topping the points table, following victories over Leeward Islands, Jamaica and Windwards, and in spite of noresults against Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados. In the other first round matches of this year’s tournament, Barbados meet Trinidad & Tobago at La Sagesse and Jamaica tackle Leeward Islands at the Tanteen Recreation Ground in the Spice Isle’s capital of St. George’s. Rawl Lewis, the Grenada-born former Windward Islands captain and West Indies leg-spinner, now WICB project officer for junior cricket, said the RU15 was important to encourage development for young players from across the Caribbean while promoting competition at the regional level. “This competition gives our junior players an opportunity early in their development to showcase their ability on the regional stage and test themselves against the best players in their age group,” said Lewis.
“Having regional matches for players in this age group is also extremely valuable and productive for us because it will give a clear understanding about the depth of talent that exists in the region, so we know where we need to place the emphasis in the development cycle, as the players work to move up through the age groups in their respective territories.” The Tournament – in its 21st year – will be contested under a round-robin format, featuring five rounds of matches with the team accumulating the most points being declared champions. The Regional Under-15 Tournament commenced in 1996 with then hosts T&T taking the inaugural title. They hold the record for the most RU15 titles with seven, also winning the title in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2010 and 2013. Reigning champions Guyana have claimed the top prize three times comprising back-toback titles twice – in 1998 and 1999, and again 2014 and last year. Jamaica have won the title on four occasions (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011) and Barbados have won three times (1997, 2004, 2012). Windwards emerged champions eight years ago, leaving Leewards yet to win the title.
Sister of jailed Pistorius grateful for judge’s sentencing decision
Former Paralympian Oscar Pistorius’ sister Aimee Pistorius attends his sentencing for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp at the Pretoria High Court, South Africa June 13, 2016. (REUTERS/PHILL MAGAKOE/POOL) (Reuters) The sister of South African Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius, who was sent back to jail for six y e a r s o n We d n e s d a y i n what many viewed as a lenient sentence for murdering his girlfriend, said on Sunday that she was “grateful” to the judge. Judge Thokozile Masipa has been criticized by women’s and other rights groups for accepting the defense argument that a lesser sentence than the 15year minimum term sought by prosecutors was appropriate for the 2013 murder of Reeva Steenkamp.
“The thing I’m most grateful (for) and the thing I really appreciate is the emphasis she made to distinguish a difference between the facts and the truth in terms of this is not a gender-based violence situation,” Aimee Pistorius said in an interview with the eNCA television news channel. “It’s a terrible accident where Oscar had no intention of shooting Reeva,” she said. Paralympic gold medalist Pistorius fatally shot his girlfriend four times through a toilet door at his Pretoria home and has already served 12 months in prison, but the
original manslaughter conviction was increased to murder by the Supreme Court of Appeal in December. Pistorius says he fired four shots into the toilet on Valentine’s Day 2013 in the mistaken belief that an intruder was hiding behind it. The track star, who had the lower part of his legs amputated when he was a baby, was freed from prison last October after almost a year behind bars. He was to serve the remainder of the original fiveyear term under house arrest at his uncle’s house in a wealthy suburb of the South Africa capital.
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Portugal stun France with late Eder strike in Euro final PARIS (Reuters) Portugal found an unlikely hero as Eder’s thunderous finish deep into extra time secured their first European Championship title after they overcame the early loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to snatch a 1-0 victory over hosts France on Sunday. The substitute picked the perfect time to score his first competitive goal for his country, marauding forward before letting fly with a bullet shot from 25 metres in the 109th minute. It was a magic moment for the 28-year-old who plays for French club Lille and delivered a devastating knockout blow to decide a tight and cagey encounter. “It was amazing,” the striker told reporters. “We fought with immense strength, we were amazing. I think we deserve this title due to the work we put in, all the players and the staff.” It was a cruel outcome for Didier Deschamps’ side, who had dominated the match and squandered a number of chances, in front of their devastated home support, who arrived at the Stade de France hoping to celebrate a third European crown. The trophy was lifted triumphantly by Ronaldo, who broke down in tears at the final whistle after his own game had come to a frustrating end with 24 minutes on the clock when he cried as he was carried off the pitch on a stretcher with a knee injury. So much of the build-up had focused on Ronaldo and his hopes of crowning a
Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates winning the Euro 2016 final football match between Portugal and France. (FRANCISCO LEONG, AFP/Getty Images) glittering career with the only achievement missing from his CV, a piece of international silverware. The script had been written for him to produce a performance to match his status as one of the game’s truly great talents, but he had to settle for a back-stage role after Dimitri Payet’s challenge left him in a heap on the floor. It was not how he would have envisaged his evening panning out, but having been part of the Portugal side that were stunned in the final as hosts by Greece in 2004, he celebrated wildly with his team mates as ticker tape rained down from the rafters. DEBILITATINGDEFEAT
For France it was a debilitating defeat after they had come into the match as heavy favourites and hoping to lift the spirits of a nation still recovering from last November’s attacks in Paris. “We missed a chance, maybe not a unique chance, but a great chance to become European champions,” Deschamps said.
“Our disappointment is immense and will take time to digest. We won together, we suffered together and we lost together. It would have been magnificent to offer this trophy to our supporters, here at home.” For the much of the match, there had looked like being only one winner as France began with early
attacking intent, fuelled by the bullish presence and charging runs of Moussa Sissoko in midfield. His 34th-minute shot was well-parried by Portugal keeper Rui Patricio, but by that point the match had settled into a pattern of France probing and pushing but struggling to break down their more defensively-minded
opponents. Without Ronaldo, Portugal seemed in no hurry to rush the ball forward, happy to see the game descend into a cagey, tactical battle. They had a scare, however, in the 67th minute when Kingsley Coman’s cross found Antoine Griezmann unmarked six metres from goal, only for the tournament’s top scorer to head a golden opportunity over. Minutes later, Olivier Giroud, fed by sprightly substitute Coman, forced a diving save from Patricio, who then parried away a piledriver from Sissoko as France turned the screw. France’s best chance of the night arrived in stoppage time when substitute AndrePierre Gignac turned his marker inside out before scuffing a shot past the keeper and against the post, with the ball bouncing across the face of goal and then out of harm’s way. While Portugal continued to sit back in extra time, they had the better chances with Eder’s header parried by Hugo Lloris and Raphael Guerreiro striking the crossbar with a free kick before Eder’s moment of magic.
Teams lament deplorable conditions at Enterprise ground No internet at East Coast match venues
Windwards Coach Clayton Brunette and Skipper Afy Fletcher were disappointed with the facilities at the Enterprise ground.
Portugal’s Eder celebrates with team mates after scoring their first goal. (REUTERS/KAI PFAFFENBACHLIVEPIC)
The 2016 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Senior Women’s Super50 involving all six Regional teams for the first time and the West Indies players who won this year t20 Women’s World Cup in India got off to an inauspicious start on Thursday in Guyana. On a day blessed with glorious sunshine two of the three games were abandoned while the match at Enmore began late due to condition of the ground after overnight rain. The matches at Everest in the City and Enterprise on the East Coast of Demerara were called off without a ball being bowled, while there were no internet facilities for the media at the two East Coast venues for a senior Regional cricket tournament. The Guyana, Windwards and Trinidad & Tobago teams all lamented the deplorable conditions at the Enterprise ground where Guyana played the first two rounds of matches.
There was no running water at Enterprise to flush the toilet while the players had to sit among spectators. The two Guyanese players who represented the West Indies at the World Cup are both from Berbice and Hilbert Foster, CEO of Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club which produced Shemaine Campbell said he was disappointed that no games were set for Berbice. A Berbice cricket official informed that the Albion ground, which is equipped with lights, was being used for another event. Foster said that the Blairmont Community Centre ground, which host First-Class games, is located in the West Bank Berbice and could have been an option since the teams could have arrived on the morning of the game and leave for the Georgetown Hotel at the end of the game incurring no extra cost to the GCB. (Sean Devers)
Monday July 11, 2016
Under-17s assemble for 50-over tournament in Trinidad ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Some of the best young players in the Caribbean have assembled in Trinidad for the Regional Under-17 Tournament, beginning today. The event will be used as a feeder for the West Indies Under-19 team to defend the ICC Under-19 World Cup title which Shimron Hetmyer’s side won last February in Bangladesh. WICB High Performance Coach Graeme West will be watching the tournament with an eye on selections to participate in the next ICC Under-19 World Cup in early 2018 in New Zealand. One of the players featuring in this event is Trinidad & Tobago batting allrounder Kirstan Kallicharan, a member of Hetmyer’s successful team at the last Youth World Cup. “This Under-17 tournament is crucial in the development of players in West Indies cricket,” said West, who was head coach of the World champion side. “It is a chance to identify players to form part of the future of the game in the region. “We played well to win the ICC Youth World Cup earlier this year and we want to continue that success as it brought great joy to the people of the Caribbean. We have Kirstan coming back and he has done well in previous tournaments – and has the benefit of playing at a higher level, so we expect him to demonstrate his immense talent. “A lot of good players have come through this tournament. We also want to make sure we look at all the players, as they move up towards playing in the Professional Cricket League and for the West Indies at the
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senior international level.” The RU17 is part of the WICB’s Summer of Cricket which also featured the Regional Under-19 Girls’ Tournament in Trinidad, as well as the ongoing Regional Women’s Tournament in Guyana, along with the upcoming Regional Under-19 Tournament in St. Vincent and the Regional Under-15 Tournament in Grenada. The Under-17 tournament will take place from today, July 11 to Sunday, July 17, with a round-robin format featuring 50-over matches. The matches will be played at Queen’s Park Oval, the National Cricket Centre, Gilbert Park and Inshan Ali Park. SCHEDULE OF MATCHES Monday, July 11
Superior skilled Bahamians win CBC male U-16 Championship title Jordan Alphonso (right) chases down Bahamas’ Davonte Moxey for a midair contest for possession Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Trinidad & Tobago vs Windward Islands – Gilbert Park
Barbados vs Jamaica – National Cricket Centre Guyana vs Leeward Islands – Island Ali Park Tuesday, July 12 Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago – National Cricket Centre Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands – Gilbert Park Guyana vs Barbados – Island Ali Park Thursday, July 14 Trinidad & Tobago vs Leeward Islands – IslandAli Park Jamaica vs Guyana – National Cricket Centre Windward Islands vs Barbados – Gilbert Park Saturday, July 17 Guyana vs Trinidad & Tobago – National Cricket Centre Barbados vs Leeward Islands – Island Ali Park Windward Island vs Jamaica – Queen’s Park Oval Sunday, July 18 Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados – Queen’s Park Oval Guyana vs Windward Islands – National Cricket Centre Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – Gilbert Park
Hope slams century as WICB President’s XI and India draw BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Shai Hope struck a composed hundred, as the WICB President’s XI played to a respectable two-day draw in their tour match against India at Warner Park which ended yesterday. Hope was undefeated on 118 and shared century partnerships with opener Rajindra Chandrika and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican to carry the President’s XI to 281 for seven on the final day, after the Indians declared on their overnight first innings total of 258 for six declared. Chandrika made 69 and shared 122 for the second wicket with Hope before leg-spinner Amit Mishra grabbed 4-67 from 27 overs to put the skids on the President’s XI batting, leaving them wobbling on 177 for seven. But Warrican came to the crease and was unbeaten on 50, putting on 104 – unbroken – for the eighth wicket with Hope to save face for the home team. Scores: INDIA 258 for three (Rohit Sharma 54, Shikar Dhawan 51, Lokesh Rahul 50, Cheteshwar Pujara 34; Jomel Warrican 2-61). WICB PRESIDENT’S XI 281 for seven (Shai Hope 118 not out, Rajindra Chandrika 69, Jomel Warrican 50 not out; Amit Mishra 4-67).
A clearly superior Bahamian team in the 2016 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championships brushed aside hosts, Guyana to win the title Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Bahamas remained unbeaten on their way to the title with an 84-57 win, showing superior all-round basketball skill as they had done throughout the tournament. Bahamas, Guyana and third place finishers, Jamaica qualified for the CetroBasket Under-17 Championships next year. It was simply total domination from the Bahamians from opening tip to final buzzer for the 27-point win in the final. Bahamas’ ability to dominate the post along with running the fast-breaks was simply too much for the Guyanese, who were held to their lowest total of the tournament. Domnick Bridgewater dropped a game high 34 points to go along with eight steals. He was eventually named tournament MVP. Samuel Hunter was the next best contributor with 10 points. Kevon Wiggns dropped 25 points and grabbed 14
rebounds for the Guyanese. Nigel Bowen was the only other player in double digits with 10 points. Bahamas opened the game with an up-tempo offensive pace for a quick 9-3 lead before Guyana’s Kevon Wiggins put in eight straight points for Guyana to tie the game at nine apiece. However, Bahamas presence on the inside on the offensive end of the court along with their early perimeter shooting, despite Wiggins’ 12 first quarter points, allowed the Bahamians to go into the second quarter with a 30-18 lead. Bahamas continued to pound the ball down low, playing a bruising style of basketball from the post with their insideoutside method as they extended the lead to 28 points by the end of the half with the score on 54-26 as the game was practically over by halftime. The third and the fourth quarter was the same dose of medicine the Bahamians served, entertaining the packed Sports Hall with the next level of basketball.
Banks DIH and Trophy Stall among sponsors for GAWP, Rising Sun Horserace meet A hoard of sponsors has rushed on board in support of the grand one day horse race meet organized by the Rising Sun Turf Club in collaboration with the Guyana Association of Women Police. The meet which is slated for Sunday 17th July at the club’s entity Arima Park, Rising Sun West Coast Berbice will see five races listed on the day’s card. Among the major
sponsors on board are Banks DIH Limited, Trophy Stall, Jumbo Jet, Peter Lewis Associated Construction, BM Soat, Sheriff racing Stable and Business Entity, P and P Insurance Brokers, Buddy Shivraj and Shano and Sons among others. Entries were expected to close yesterday with over 40 horses entered for the event which have over $2M in cash and trophies up for grabs. The feature event is for
horses classified E and lower with a winning purse of $300,000. The J class race has a winning purse of $160,000 and trophy. The K class event is for a winner ’s money of $140,000 and trophy. The ‘L’ class gallop has a top prize of $120,000 and trophy. The final event is for Guyana Bred maiden two year old horses for a take home pay of $100,000 and trophy. Other incentives on offer
will be for champion jockey, champion stable and champion trainer compliments of the Trophy Stall Bourda Market and the organizers. Contact can be made with Inspector Cynthia Kelly on 622 5975, Fazal Habibulla at Chester Fry Bush Lot West Coast Berbice on Telephone No 232-0232 or 657-7010 for any details. All proceeds go to charity. Race time is 13:00 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
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Du Plessis wants Search for Under-19s to defend improvement from batsmen World title starts on July 27
Patriots skipper Faf Du Plessis (left) wants his batsmen to get among the runs. By Zaheer Mohamed St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots captain Faf Du Plassis is calling for an improvement from his batsmen following their loss to the Guyana Amazon Warriors by seven wickets at the Guyana National Stadium in the Hero CPL on Saturday. Speaking at the post match conference Du Plessis said there batting has not been as good as they would have wanted but he hopes they can improve. “We have got a really strong batting line up on paper, but we are not putting the runs as we would like to,” he added. He stated that his team is fine one but they players must play to their potential to win games. “There are some very good cricketers in there and those guys, including myself, need to put their hands up come to the party. Our bowling in general has been good but in four of out the five matches we haven’t batted to our potential, the one game we batted well we scored 200 plus so we have shown what we are capable of,” the skipper lamented. He explained that their mindset was defensive against the Warriors. “I think our mind set was very defensive, if you look at the opposition they came out nice and positive, they put the spinners under pressure and that where we got it wrong so we got to try and fix it. As you look at their team they have won four games in a row, so we still in with a shot but we are not playing the best cricket and if you don’t do that then you can’t expect to win games.” Du Plessis pointed out that changing
Martin Guptill has played well at the top of the order.
mentally is important going further into the tournament. “I see every game that we play now is a must win because we put ourselves in a situation where we need to do that.” He stated that he is looking forward to their next game against Barbados Tridents. “Obviously the conditions there would change so we have to look what’s the best combination. We expect a lot more bounce there so we can perhaps play one or two more quicks, and Carlos Brathwaite is coming back which is nice. So one or two changes but I think the main thing is to make that mental switch where we just need to be better,” he explained. Despite the loss there was still some positive from the game. “We have been playing like 60% but we fought right to the end, there is no fault in that and that’s one great thing we have.” Meanwhile, Warriors skipper Martin Guptill expressed delight with the victory. “I am delighted about our performance, we were expecting a tough game but our bowlers came out and put them under early pressure and that’s the key in T20,” he posited. Guptill stated that Chris Lynn is an extremely good striker of the ball. “We have seen that through the Big Bash, he has come here with some form,” the skipper related. He explained that there is always room for improvement “The feeling in the camp is good. There are always things to improve on. I am looking to get a good opening stand with Smith and keep the confidence,” he said, adding that he is please with their field so far.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Regional talent scouts will start the search later this month in St. Vincent for prospective players for the West Indies Under-19 squad that will defend the title at the next ICC Youth World Cup, due to be staged two years from now in New Zealand. The Regional Under-19 boys’ tournament will take place between July 27 and August 21, giving the region’s best young players their first opportunity to showcase their talent and impress the West Indies selection panel. The Windies Under-19s, under the leadership of Shimron Hetmyer, claimed the ICC YWC title earlier this year in Bangladesh – and the WICB is looking to put things in place from now to ensure a robust defence. “Being the team that will be defending the title, the bulls-eye will be on our Under-19s, so we have to once again start putting together the building blocks for a strong side that will be tough to beat,” said Roland Holder, WICB manager of cricket operations. “Our success in this year’s tournament should hopefully inspire the next group of players and make them hungry for similar success when they see all the excitement that was generated after this year’s team won. “They should be eager to play and the players should see this tournament as an opportunity to start the process. No one is guaranteed a spot, so it’s about them putting in the hard work and doing it on the field when the time comes.” This year, the Tournament will comprise three rounds of three-day matches, which takes centre stage over the first 11 days, and the Youth Super50 which fields seven teams – the six territorial sides from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago and Windward Islands – along with a composite side from ICC Americas. Guyana are the defending champions in both formats. They won the previous threeday competition which was played two years ago in their homeland, and have won the 50 overs-a-side title over the last two years at home and in Jamaica. The Guyanese will open the three-day competition against long-standing rivals Jamaica in the eastern rural community of Park Hill. At the same time on the outskirts of the Vincentian capital of Kingstown,
Trinidad & Tobago meet sporting arch-rivals Barbados at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex on the southern side of the E.T. Joshua Airport, and at Sion Hill on the northern side of the airport, hosts Windward Islands tackle Leeward Islands. In the first round of the Super50, Guyana face the composite ICC Americas side at Arnos Vale, Jamaica meet T&T at Sion Hill and Park Hill hosts Barbados vs Leewards. Hosts Windwards have drawn a bye. Each of the teams will play the other once in a roundrobin competition, featuring seven rounds of 50 overs-aside matches, with the two teams accumulating the most points qualifying for the Final to determine the tournament winner on August 21 at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex. MATCH SCHEDULE Regional Youth 3-Day Tournament Round 1 – Wednesday, July 27 to Friday, July 29 Guyana vs Jamaica – Park Hill Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands – Sion Hill Round 2 – Sunday, July 31 to Tuesday, August 2 Guyana vs Leeward Islands – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Trinidad & Tobago vs Windward Islands – Park Hill Jamaica vs Barbados – Sion Hill Round 3 – Thursday, August 4 to Saturday, August 6 Jamaica vs Leeward Islands – Stubbs Barbados vs Windward Islands – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Guyana vs Trinidad & Tobago – Sion Hill Regional Youth Super50 Tournament Round 1 – Wednesday, August 10 ICC Americas vs Guyana – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago – Sion Hill
Barbados vs Leeward Islands – Park Hill BYE – Windward Islands Round 2 – Thursday, August 11 Jamaica vs Windward Islands – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Leeward Islands vs ICC Americas – Park Hill Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados – Sion Hill BYE – Guyana Round 3 – Saturday, August 13 Guyana vs Leeward Islands – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Barbados vs Windward Islands – Sion Hill ICC Americas vs Trinidad & Tobago – Park Hill BYE – Jamaica Round 4 – Monday, August 15 Barbados vs Jamaica – Park Hill Guyana vs Trinidad & Tobago – Stubbs ICC Americas vs Windward Islands – Arnos Vale Sports Complex BYE – Leeward Islands Round 5 – Tuesday, August 16 Trinidad & Tobago vs Leeward Islands – Stubbs Jamaica vs ICC Americas – Park Hill Windward Islands vs Guyana – Arnos Vale Sports Complex BYE – Barbados Round 6 – Thursday, August 18 ICC Americas vs Barbados – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands – Park Hill Guyana vs Jamaica – Sion Hill BYE – Trinidad & Tobago Round 7 – Friday, August 19 Windward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago – Park Hill Barbados vs Guyana – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – Sion Hill BYE – ICC Americas The Final – Sunday, August 21 1st vs 2nd – Arnos Vale Sports Complex