Saturday July 30, 2016
The pain and grief of the masses must be addressed DEAR EDITOR, I wish to use this opportunity to respond simultaneously to an article and a letter which appeared in Stabroek News (SN) and Kaieteur News (KN) respectively on July 16 and on July 20, 2016 under the captions “Parents of children killed say CCPA keeping them in dark” (in SN), and “Molested inmates at NOC Region 2” (in KN) authored by D. Arthur In commenting on the Stabroek News article, I want to say that the tragic demise of 6year old Antonio George and his 3 year old brother, Joshua George in the fire which engulfed the Drop-In – Center on Hadfield Street, shocked the nation. What eventuated brings into question conditions at the center and the
operationalizing of those institutions responsible for children, both in the care of the state and in private homes. For two days, I participated in the picketing exercise outside of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) office that was organized by Red Thread Women’s Development Organisation, to demonstrate my concerns on the manner and circumstances of the children’s demise and, just as importantly, to stand in solidarity with the Georges in their moment of grief. My presence on the picket line provided me with the opportunity to speak at first hand with the parents of the deceased children on their experience in their interface with senior officials of the CCPA.
The letter I referred to above, and other public media sources had carried reports pertaining to the parents’ complaints against the CCPA. As such there is no need for me to restate them here. Suffice it to say however, that if the parents’ reports are true I am of the opinion the alleged conduct of the CCPA officials were grossly unprofessional and insensitive to the parents of the two children. I was disturbed that the CCPA’s alleged insensitive behavior, continued even after President David Granger had announced the setting up of the one woman Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstance of the children’s death. I have gotten the impression that the CCPA officials who are dealing with this matter have little or no regard for the President’s intervention. When all of the facts are
considered the behavior of those officials can be described as self-serving and lacking of remorse. Their attitude seems to be an ivory tower mentality with misplaced notions of unlimited “power”, which has produced a work culture and philosophy to do as they please when dealing with families of the poor and powerless. This backward and uncivilized approach to human, social and economic problems has no place in the new dispensation which was ushered in by the results of the 2015 General and Regional elections. As I understand it, it is the duty of public officials to serve the people, not oppress them. In serving, they are expected, as the process evolves, to help them to alleviate their difficulties. To all appearances very little Continued on page 6
I am not in favour of the death penalty DEAR EDITOR, To hang or not to hang has been a topic in Guyana, the Caribbean and the entire free world for several decades. It became a hot debate in Guyana following the visiting of Navi Pillay of the International Commission against Death Penalty and her discussions with government officials and workshop with judges and magistrates. The Commission is calling on the Guyana government to remove the death penalty from the statute books, and President David Granger responded that he would be guided by the decision taken by lawmakers and if possible from all Guyanese by way of referendum. It is not an easy decision to make because there are
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strong arguments for and against the death penalty. “Thou shall not kill” is the sixth commandment. “An eye for an eye” is in Genesis in the Old Testament, but Jesus said according to Matthew 5.37 “turn the other cheek,” in other words no retaliation. I am not in favour of the death penalty so much so that in the 1990s while I was Chief Prosecutor (acting DPP) in St. Vincent I prosecuted several murder cases. Three persons in two cases were convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Although I won the cases I was not all happy that they were sentenced to death by hanging. The Judge had no choice, but to impose the mandatory death sentence, I
Time to hold Bharrat Jagdeo accountable DEAR EDITOR, We sometimes gripe when we lose in a competition and we accuse everyone of this or that. We often times fail to internalise and see where we went wrong. Mr Jagdeo is on a collision course with the administration. His vitriolic outbursts are both deliberate and calculated to cause social upheaval. Not long ago he got off from a criminal charge for racial incitement and one would think that this man should be more careful in his speech. However what he is doing seems to be a campaign to upset the legal order in this nation. The government must address this issue urgently. His passport should be taken away thus grounding him. Alternatively he should be deemed ‘non persona grata’ and made to leave the country. Many years ago Major Sattaur was thus treated after he was found to be engaging in activities inimical to the best interests of the nation. The time to act against this man is now before his poison destroys the nation. Cyril Walker
had a restless night when the first one - a 21 year old was sentenced. I later made recommendation to the Mercy Committee for the death sentence to be commuted to life imprisonment. All three were spared the hangman’s noose. As a matter of fact although the death penalty remains in the statute books in most Caribbean Community states, there was no execution for the past two decades in the region. Barbados removed capital punishment a few years ago and there is no death penalty in the dependent states of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands, and Bermuda, but Jamaica recently passed legislation retaining the death penalty while the Co-operative Republic retained capital punishment only in certain cases. Statistics show that 105 countries which are
members of the United Nations have abolished the death penalty for all crimes, and six abolished but retain it for exceptional or special circumstances. Perhaps I should state that 47 countries which retained it have not used it for at least 10 years. Muslim countries which abide by Sharia law, prescribe various forms of capital punishment for certain offences including decapitating, stoning, execution by firing squad. China also imposes the death penalty and several states in the US. If the Guyana government decides to deal with the issue by way of a referendum which is a very expensive exercise, they should seek to amend the Constitution to deal with a few burning issues including the appointment of Chancellor and Chief Justice. Oscar Ramjeet
The East Canje Reunion is in its 9th year DEAR EDITOR, Providing an opportunity to reunite with fellow village people, families, friends, even neighbours from the same village area, large gatherings planned by the Guyanese Diaspora in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom have brought thousands of Guyanese together for one day and in one space. The East Canje Reunion 2016 held over the weekend here in Queens NY did just that. The gathering, now in its 9th year, was held at the Baisley Pond Park, corner of 150th St and Rockaway Boulevard, saw the attendance of over 7,000 persons—- both overseasbased Guyanese and Guyanese like myself, visiting. There was also a group from Annandale, East Coast Demerara that also held their reunion on the same park grounds. A lot goes into the planning of the annual East Canje reunion, or as it is popularly called, ‘Canje Day.” President of the East Canje Reunion organization, Mr Joseph West, and his team put a lot of effort and work into this year’s event. West’s group has been assisting the East Canje community a great lot over the past years, though not with a lot of fanfare. He explained too that the group also works hand in hand with the East Canje Humanitarian Society.
Mr West said the East Canje reunion is also the biggest reunion in the USA. The retired NY State Bridge and Tunnels employee left Guyana some 44 years ago to start a new life in the USA and do work of a charitable and humanitarian nature. Some other members of the committee are: Chin Singh, Reena Hussein, Rohan Singh (Treasurer); Alan Mangroo (VP). The E/C Reunion President, now serving his 3rd year as President, noted his organization’s continued commitment to bolster ties with and bring aid and help to his former East Canje communities back in Guyana. “We are trying to send home cricket gears to promote education and health in East Canje,” he stated. The mission of the group remains steadfast in promoting good health, education as well as sports, he explained. Mr West became emotional while expressing thanks to his members and the wider East Canje Diaspora for their sterling support this year for the Canje Day experience. At the event, prizes and awards were also distributed to persons who performed songs and even dances at the events. Raffles were also sold at the event, monies of which go toward the organizations works. Leon Suseran
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Dismantling of the Constitution and the Rule of Law DEAR EDITOR, Countries in the Englishspeaking Caribbean are often described by Constitutional theorists as “constitutional democracies”. This is so for many reasons. Their constitution is their supreme law. It creates their system of Government and invests it with powers to govern the State and limits those powers. It determines who will govern and how they will govern. It creates and regulates the relationship between the State and the citizenry. It confers certain obligations on the State and it imbues the citizenry with certain rights and freedoms. It determines how the State raises, and how it will account for the expenditure of those revenue. It sets out how laws are made and by which institutions they are to be interpreted and enforced. It creates a series of institutions which acts as checks and balances against abuse of power and through which the State is to be held accountable for its actions in order to ensure that there is good and democratic governance in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law. Guyana is one of these territories. Interwoven in this constitutional fabric, are several institutions which are structured, designed,
financed and constituted in such a manner that they enjoy considerable functional autonomy and independence in the discharge of their individual mandates and, they are strongly insulated from any form of influence, in particular, from the Executive. These institutions include, but are not limited to, the Judiciary, the Office of the Auditor General, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Guyana Police Force. It is the Judiciary which the Constitution ascribes the exclusive responsibility to interpret and uphold the Constitution and the laws; to strike down unconstitutional laws and condemn unlawful Executive actions and abuses; to determine disputes between the citizenry and the State and among the citizenry themselves; and to impose sanctions on those who violate the law. The independence of the Judiciary is zealously guarded in the Constitution by a series of mechanisms. Its officers are appointed by a special process. They are conferred with strong security of tenure. Their remuneration package cannot be altered to their detriment. They are financed by a direct levy on the Consolidated Fund. The Office of the Auditor General, by virtue of the
Constitution and the Audit Act, enjoys a regime of independence similar to that of the Judiciary. Its core functional responsibility is to exclusively audit the State’s receipts and expenditure of public funds. It prepares and presents annual audited financial statements, in relation thereto, to the National Assembly for its scrutiny. The Director of Public Prosecutions is another institution which enjoys similar constitutional independence. Its main function is to advise the State on criminal matters and to institute, undertake, take over and continue or discontinue criminal proceedings against any person before any Court in respect of any offence against the laws of Guyana. The functional independence which the DPP enjoys can be gleamed from the language of Article 187 (4): “In the exercise of the powers conferred upon him or her by this article the Director shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority.” The Guyana Police Force is the institution vested with the exclusive power to investigate and prevent criminal conduct and, to generally maintain peace and public order. The Force’s independence is manifested
DEAR EDITOR, A few things bother me, and I wish you will tolerate and accommodate my comments and consider them worthy ofpublication. I wish to explain a very elementary fact that if I criticize or object to a point of view offered by anyone it does not mean that I am criticizing that person for all he is — we have to agree to disagree on issues, but that shall not make that person my enemy or that he feels I have the world against him. Parents correct their children, pointing out faults as they seem them. But that does not make the parent dislike or hate the child. What prompted me to write is what I saw published in all the newspapers. A man named Ghani was or maybe still ill but received treatment at a hospital. Official of the hospital together with the medical personnel who attended him went public with his story. I think it is wrong for a man’s illness to be publicized. I think it is worse when, if I am right, the idea behind the publication (going to the
press) was not in his interest but a criticism of the former institution — although not named, and (b) touting of the hospital where he received treatment. It is immoral and wrong for doctors to so advertise their expertise at the expense, humiliation of their parents. Persons who perform public service should be torchbearers showing the light, but be the torch-holders — in the dark projecting their light. Secondly, Lincoln Lewis is known to all and sundry but he made a slip in his publication about two weeks dealing with the shooting of protestors in Linden/ Mackenzie a few years ago. He premised his article in the press by stating that the protest was as a result of the Government’s intention to increase the price for electricity which consumers in that area should pay - $5.00 per kwh instead of $65.00 which all other communities in the country must pay. What he neglected to tell his audience was that Mr. David Granger, the opposition
leader at the time, had agreed with the Government to increase the rates. Indeed the Prime Minister of the day announced the Agreement in the Parliament where Mr Granger was present. Thirdly, sorry to go back to parking meters. I cannot understand the objection by the Mayoress and Town Clerk and that guy who wants to imitate Joe Harmon to relate with consumers in general and the citizens of Georgetown in particular. The parking meter contract is for 49 years. In the age and speed of technology who can foretell what will happen in the 4 of the 49 years. Has the Police Traffic department been a party to this — will the vehicles that use the meters be parked horizontally? What space would be allocated to each vehicle? Would there by restriction to lorries or containers? Would the parking be limited for certain hours or should there be no parking without paying the fee for 24 hours? Would the parking be for 7 days per week? Would the law relating to no parking
in the way its officers are appointed, promoted, disciplined and removed from office. More significantly, the Force is superintended by the Commissioner of Police who has exclusive responsibility in respect of management and administration of the Force and over operational matters, to the exclusion of the Executive Government. The Governmental officer who holds ministerial responsibility in respect of the Police Force can give directions in relation to policy matters only. The above exposition is but a fleeting glance at the length to which the framers of the Constitution have traveled, to alienate from Executive Government, certain responsibilities and to reside them in independent and autonomous organizations, then insulating these organizations from Executive influence. These complex and multiple constitutional mechanisms were created for one purpose only: that is, to create a system of checks and balances to avoid the abuse of power by the Executive Government. Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP. Attorney-at-Law Editor’s note: Because of its length, the second part of Mr Nandlall’s missive will be published in tomorrow’s edition
Four concerns of mine I would like to discuss
within 30 feet from a corner be-honoured? Have the Town Clerk and Mayor who are reported out of the country gone on parking meters business? Would the meters be placed in such a position that parked vehicles will obstruct entrances to private or even public properties? When the “Company” operating the parking meters collect their millions of Guyana dollars and then convert same to US Dollars to be sent overseas, would the rates be affected which in effect can cause a devaluation of the Guyana dollar? Fourthly, there is much talk about setting up a something to commemorate the deaths of those who were in the boat —the Sun Chapman. Mention must be made that members of a section of Wismar were tragic victims of violence. My contention is that when facts are set out there should not be suppression of related incidents which may have had connection — directly or indirectly —to those facts. Kishore Deonarine
The death of 14 year old, Ryan Persaud DEAR EDITOR, When will the police open back up the case of the 14 year of Ryan Persaud that was shot by a certain businessman’s son in September 2013 or will the DPP keep file in cold storage. I am calling on the Guyana Police Force to do their work without favour and not be patronized this powerhouse gold dealer that has shot and killed 14 year old Ryan Persaud of West Bank Demerara. I am a father of three sons. I have seen over the years this businessman son destroy people’s children lives, their character, their peace with his financial power.
I strongly believe that the case should be reopened to bring comfort to the family of Ryan Persaud and justice be served. This story was covered up by the previous Government. Is this Government walking in the same shoes? I hope not. Also the businessman son in 2010 had beaten four of his workers (editor’s note; names were included) and nothing came out of this. So when you see these people moving around in bulletproof vehicles it is not because of their business but because of the things they do to people on a regular basis. Quincy Smith
Thanks to Dr. Niamatali DEAR EDITOR, In the 1980’s I was in my 40’s - a patient of Doctor Niamatali. He gave me the best advice — if you do not stop smoking, don’t return to see me. It was the best choice I made. It saved me because I was a heavy smoker. Over the
years I have followed his advice and gave the same message to many of my friends;” don’t smoke.”, This simple message saved my life. I am now 76 years old and I say at this time - thank you Dr. Niamatali. Ronald Ramcharran
The pain and grief of... From page 5 help has been extended to the Georges to deal with their problems. Much is expected in terms of reforming this state agency after the Commission of Inquiry has completed its work. How the tragic death of these children is dealt with will determine the extent of our humanity as a nation. The fire and deaths at the Drop –In- Center, coming so quickly after the Camp Street prison fire in which so many inmates lost their lives, have forced me to reflect in a profound way on conditions in those national institutions which deal with the incarceration of citizens and in particular those charged with the responsibility for the safe keeping of children and juveniles. Given the aforementioned, I want to say I became extremely angry when I read D. Arthur‘s letter in KN expressing the concerns of Region 2 residents that the allegations of rape and molestation of female inmates of the New Opportunity Corps (N.O.C) by a former top official from the Ministry of Youth and Sports who was assigned to work at that institution, have now joined the list of “cold cases”. The people in Region 2 firmly believe that this matter, which took place during the tenure of the last PPPC regime, was not pursued
because of the important connections between the official concerned and big ones in the PPPC. The perception that the matter was covered up abounds in the Region. It is in the context of the need for justice for those taken advantage of that I express my public support for the call that President Granger establishes a Commission of inquiry to inquire into this matter. Unearthing the truth in this matter is of utmost importance. What is involved here is the moral, legal and governance responsibility of the present government to get to the bottom of this issue. It will be recalled that during the life of the 10th Parliament, APNU’s MP, Christopher Jones, who now holds the portfolio of Director of Sports, raised a number of questions on this matter. He was supported by the entire contingent of APNU and AFC Members of Parliament. The APNU+AFC regime is therefore advised not to ignore its responsibility in this matter, since people need to see and feel that wrong doings committed in the previous government will be addressed in a legal and just manner. The pain and grief of the masses must be addressed wherever possible if the gains of the new political dispensation are to be consolidated. Tacuma Ogunsey
Saturday July 30, 2016
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Nandlall says his clients and cases reflect racial discrimination …Afro-Guyanese and Amerindians are also victims Former Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has said that he is currently involved in several legal matters which are before the High Court involving predominantly persons of Indian origin. Nandlall believes his clients were targeted by the government based on their race and supposed political affiliation to the People’s Progressive Party Civic. He was at the time addressing members of the media during a press conference at Freedom House on Wednesday. Nandlall reported a case of widespread dismissal of hundreds of Indo-Guyanese in the public sector without a hearing or compensation. He said that he has since proceeded to file legal actions on behalf of many of these workers. But there is no record of the hundreds of IndoGuyanese in the public sector. Nandlall, like Rohee and his colleagues, could hardly name anyone. Further, he mentioned that
there has been repossession, seizure or attempted repossession of core homes or house lots from predominantly IndoGuyanese by the Central Housing and Planning Authority. But when confronted, the government said that many of these people were home owners and were therefore speculators. Some admitted to keeping the homes for their children while others were securing a home for relatives in other parts of the country. Another matter which is before the High Court is that which involves attempts and continuous attempts to expropriate private property owned by Transport and Certificate of Title. He said again, that in these matters there is a high percentage of Indo-Guyanese. Nandlall pointed to what he described as the targeting of predominantly IndoGuyanese for investigation by the Special Organised Crime Unit and the State Assets Recovery Unit.
According to Nandlall, these units have confiscated large sums of money and jewellery in the course and result of investigations. These units seized the money and jewellery from people who were smuggling the items out of the country. Many of these people are awaiting prosecution. Nandlall said that there is a pending action in the High Court concerning the wanton dismissal of senior management officials from GUYSUCO who are predominantly of Indian origin. Nandlall added to his list of alleged discrimination, the closure of Wales Estate where the majority of workers are of Indian origin. Further, he said that there is a refusal to offer financial assistance to the rice industry which is predominantly operated by Indo-Guyanese. The PPP MP said that even the removal of street lamps from certain IndoGuyanese villages in the West Coast of Berbice while
Govt targets lawlessness in hinterland President David Granger has admitted that lawlessness has been prevailing at interior locations for some time now. However, the President is confident that the efforts by his government to address the issue will be successful. The President said this during the weekly televised programme “The Public Interest.” Granger said that a concept paper has already been developed and efforts will soon be made to put plans into motion to address the lawlessness. The President, a former army Officer, said that
strengthening security is one of his priorities. He said that the police presence at many interior locations is already being strengthened and the government has plans to increase the number of rural constables to support the police. “In addition, we are developing a corps of wardens who will be working in the mining areas. Indeed, there has been some lawlessness in mining areas leading to deaths, sometimes traffic accidents, murders and fatal accidents in the mines,” said President
Granger. He added, “There needs to be better policing of our forested areas.” “We already have a concept paper on the development of a corps of wardens who would be working mainly in the extractive industries and the tourist industry in the hinterland…that will come on stream after they are trained and properly equipped, they will generally come under the Police Force, under the Police Act, but they will perform specialized functions in those areas,” President Granger said.
Schoolboy succumbs after road accident
Yanick Schultz
Fifteen year old Yanick Schultz, of Number 8 Village, West Coast Berbice, and a student of the Fort Wellington Secondary School, died on Thursday, at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He succumbed to injuries sustained in a road accident last Saturday. According to reports, the teenager was cycling along the Number Four Public Road, on West Coast Berbice, when around one o’clock the afternoon he was struck by a car. He was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital in a critical condition, and because of the nature of his injuries, Yanick was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital and later to the Georgetown Public Hospital. He was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital where he remained until he succumbed on Thursday afternoon. Schultz who would have entered Third Form come September is survived by his parents and two brothers. The family has not yet completed funeral arrangements.
PPP/C MP, Anil Nandlall simultaneously installing street lights in AfroGuyanese communities is a clear act of discrimination. According to the former AG, the Guyana Revenue Authority has been targeting residents in Regions Five and Six who are cultivating cash crops in their yards. Nandlall said that these cases which he has listed are not the figment of anyone’s imagination, they are real and factual. Yet the evidence eludes the public, said one government spokesman. It is easy to make accusations; it is a difficult proposition to prove them or to make them known, he added. Nandlall said that he has in his possession affidavit evidence by persons claiming to be victims of systemic racial and political discrimination. Nandlall went further to
inform the media that there is a case seeking to represent 2000 Amerindians who were dismissed because of their suspected allegiance and support for the People’s Progressive Party. He said that he has also filed a series of actions on behalf of Afro-Guyanese rice farmers in Region Five whose land leases have been apparently unlawfully revoked by the President himself because it is suspected that these rice farmers have allegiance to the PPP/C. The PPP Member of Parliament opined that even the Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan are victims of such discrimination despite being a part of the coalition government. Nandlall said, “It is public knowledge that the Prime Minister has not been given
the type of responsibility contemplated by the Cummingsburg Accord. Similarly a host of important powers and functions were deliberately removed from the (former) Home Affairs Ministry and transferred to the Ministry of the Presidency upon the appointment of Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.” The PPP MP concluded that the discrimination is not simply against IndoGuyanese. However he chose to deal with it at length since it had attracted the wrath of the coalition government. He presented his argument in defence of the recent statements made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at an event in New York. Jagdeo had reported that the current government is carrying out an assault on people of Indian origin and supporters of the PPP/C. The government has since condemned Jagdeo’s remarks describing them as despicable and reprehensible.
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GRA probes errant officers
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched an investigation into the allegations against several officers attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) by members of the Upper Corentyne business community. The Agency has assured that when the investigation is concluded, the findings will be made available to the public. According to reports from Berbice, several GRA Officers recently carried out raids in the area. Some businesses were
told that they needed to have their relevant licences renewed. However, some business owners are convinced that they are being intentionally targeted while pointing out that no explanation is being given by the officers who cart off large quantities of goods. Yesterday, the Mayor of Corriverton, Ganesh Gangadin, said that there have been some complaints being made by the business community accusing GRA of the use of excessive force. He added that while
smuggling should not be condoned, the GRA should act in a professional manner. Gangadin made reference to an incident where officers had allegedly barged into the home of a Line Path, Skeldon woman – a US resident –in search of her nephew who apparently has outstanding fines for the Agency. After efforts to locate the man were futile, Gangadin stated that officers allegedly took away the woman’s passport and demanded that she accompany them to the GRA Office in Springlands. The woman was subsequently detained. “I am condemning, totally, any use of excessive force by GRA and I am also saying that we do not support smuggling. There are legitimate ways of doing business. We want to encourage people to do so but at the same time if GRA is pursuing any fines that are owed to the agency, it should be more
- Corriverton Mayor condemns their use of excessive force
The Mayor of Corriverton, Ganesh Gangadin. tactful in their intervention.” Meanwhile, the President of the Upper Berbice Chamber of Commerce and the Deputy Mayor, Krishnand Jaichand, stated that he is unaware of any matter regarding GRA
The Deputy Mayor and President of the Upper Berbice Chamber of Commerce, Krishnand Jaichand.
officials and the business community in Upper Berbice. However, he revealed that a delegation of top GRA officials will be visiting the area next week and will be happy to engage the team.
He is calling on the business community not to act hastily. He urged that contact be made with the Chamber so that they can examine and determine the way forward.
Sophia’s ‘killer gang’ forces mother to run from home - After gang members threaten to rape her daughters
A mother of seven has been forced to leave her home and run for her life with her children after members from the notorious gang, “Gaza Strip” in ‘C’ Field Sophia, Georgetown, threatened to rape and kill her four daughters. The woman, Sonett Elcock, said that the problem started three years ago when someone broke into her home and stole a television, money and a bicycle. Through the grapevine, she was informed that her television was at the home of a man, who goes by the name of Turkey, and is believed to be the leader of “Gaza Strip,” which has more than 30 members from different areas. “I took the police there to get my TV and the police found drugs. They locked him (Turkey) up and released him after a few days.” Elcock recalled. She said that since that day, the members of the gang have made her life miserable.
Sonett Elcock They broke into her shop and home countless times and have even threatened to kill her. A female gang member identified as Samantha ran to chop her last Sunday. According to Elcock, on the morning of June 17, last, two persons broke into her
shop. She said when she checked the surveillance footage, she noticed “Samantha” and “Prince” carting off items from the building. She reported the matter but no one was arrested. “Last Sunday, I was going
home and Samantha run to chop me because she heard I reported the matter. I had to run for my life,” Elcock said. She added that since that day, she never returned home until last Thursday when she went to check on her property. “They broke into my home and empty my house. Only the furniture they left,” the woman related. “They are sending text messages to my children phone saying that they will rape and kill them. I have four daughters and I am not going to go back there for them to do anything to my children.” After living there for 16 years, the woman has now decided to sell her property and move to another location with her family. “Those people are killers. They robbed and killed a lot of shop people in Sophia. Right now, one person in jail for a murder and others are on the run,” she related. The devastated mother also lashed out at the police for not offering assistance to her. Her plea for justice even took her to the Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum’s office but she was turned away.
Saturday July 30, 2016
Duo remanded after denying armed robbery charges
The government boots No one is saying that persons in the military should not be employed within the public service. The main concerns are the favoring of persons in the military for jobs, the large number of persons from the military who are now employed within the government and the implications all of this may have for the politicization of the military. It is no secret that the PNCR has been overrun by veterans. Military veterans have established a strong foothold within the PNCR and there is no way they are going to cede the political ground that they have captured. The next leader of the PNCR is likely to be an ex-military man. Apart from the militarization of the PNCR, there is the issue that persons within the military are now favored for jobs and for other temporary appointments such as heads of commissions of inquiries. A recent inquiry into allegations made was that the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit was headed by an ex-officer of the Guyana Defence Force. I have no doubt that he may
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be qualified for the position, but no attempt was made to justify his appointment to the public by revealing the relevant skills that he would have brought to the inquiry. No attempt was also made to examine whether the officer was in a conflict of interest. He has served under a former Chief of Staff whose son heads the very agency that he was investigating. This is not indictment against the officer’s ability to be impartial. It, however, does raise the issue of conflict of interests. The conflict does not have to be current. It can be latent. The litmus test of a conflict of interest was established in the Pinochet case. That test is the likelihood of bias. There need not be bias for a conflict of interest to exist, just a likelihood of this happening. In the Pinochet case, a judge was deemed to be in a conflict of interest because he belonged to a local group of Amnesty International. Amnesty International had opposed the crimes committed by the Pinochet government in Chile. This is
now exacting conflict of interests test can be. Another ex-officer of the GDF has been appointed to head another Commission of Inquiry. What would it have taken the government to explain why they made this appointment? What special skills did the appointee bring that would help in the investigation? These are simple things which the government could have done to bring greater confidence in these appointments. The appointments which have attracted the charge of militarization of the state are not these ones. It concerns the appointment of veterans to public offices. This is where the allegations of favoritism is being leveled. Two important considerations are worth noting. First, are there no persons below the retirement age in Guyana who can fill these positions which are being filled with ex- military men? Secondly, why is there no advertisement of these positions? Why are military persons being handpicked? If they are as skilled and
adaptable as the government wants us to believe, why not open the process to competition? Why not appoint independent referees to decide who is best for the job? The worry about militarization is because of the fear of the scale and arbitrariness of these appointments. It may reach a stage whereby persons may be excluded from appointments because some veteran is looking for a job. The final issue is the reverse of militarization of politics. It is the politicization of the military. If military men are going to see greater prospects in their involvement in political life after they retired; if the prospects of public appointments loom, then this will feed right back into the military which will become highly politicized. This is a danger which the good fellows in Young Street may not have contemplated.
Police issue wanted bulletin for drug trafficker
Wanted: Obina Hendricks
The Guyana Police Force yesterday issued a bulletin indicating that Obina Hendricks also called “Hiney” is wanted by the police for questioning in relation to Trafficking in Narcotics on July 11, last at the Eugene Correia International Airport, Ogle. His last known address is Lot 3 Aubrey barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Hendricks is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 229-2289, 229-2569, 227-2128, 225-6411, 225-2227,
225-8196,227-1149,226-7065,911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.
A robbery accused was allowed to plead to six charges of robbery underarms after he agreed to have the offences tried in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Adrian Daly of Albouystown, Georgetown, denied the allegations read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It is alleged that on June 24, at Georgetown, while in the company of others and armed with a gun, he robbed Chen Hai Hang of $200,000, a total of 30 Digicel phone cards and another 50 Digicel phone cards all totaling $221,000—property of Lui Hui Jun. Daly was also charged with five counts of robbery under-arms committed on July 24, at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. The particulars of the charges alleged that on the day in question, while in the company of others and armed with a gun, Daly robbed Tennicia Wills, Elizabeth Barclay, Diana Daniels, Tiffany Graham and Eulisa Wills of a quantity of items all totaling $775,000. Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones told the court that none of the items were recovered. He indicated that the case file is still incomplete and requested a short date to have it sent to the investigating rank for completion.
The Chief Magistrate adjourned the matter until September 14, for statements. In another case, a 19-yearold porkknocker was yesterday remanded to prison for allegedly robbing a man with an ice pick. Isaiah Daniels of Retrieve, Linden, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on June 24, at Mackenzie, Linden he robbed Shamar Savory of a tablet valued $55,000. Prosecutor Jones strongly opposed bail for the teenager on the ground that he was positively identified on an identification parade. Jones pointed out the gravity of the charge and the prevalence of the offence in today’s society. According to the Prosecutor, the defendant is a student of the Mackenzie High School. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan refused bail and transferred the matter to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for August 16.
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Saturday July 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Guyana’s stupidity claims another victim As I often hear people say, “Two wrongs do not make a right.” And indeed that is so. One of the incidents that will live with me always was a bicycle accident on Woolford Avenue. Dr. Perry Mars and I stopped at Stella Maris Primary School to pick up his son. We parked opposite the school, the kid came across the road to us and a teenager on a bicycle recklessly rode into Perry’s son, knocking him off his feet. When approached, the
teen cyclist was scared. Perry was angry. Then Perry said in a modest, quiet tone, “Look, young man you have to be more careful.” Should Perry have cuffed him in his face? The answer is no. You cannot commit a criminal offence because someone stupidly struck you or stole your clothes off the line or caused your motor-bike to fall. If retaliatory violence was an acceptable value in civilization, human kind would not be alive today. A woman was turned away from a school because of her style of clothes, became enraged, got into her car, and recklessly struck down two small scouts. She was jailed for ten months. A driver cannot drive so
dangerously on the roadways. If you are a strong believer, pray that this little chap recovers quickly. We must, for analytical purposes, separate the cause of the woman’s rage and her action. Her action cannot be justified. I don’t think she will find much support among people for rejecting the length of the sentence. She could have killed those two boys. But this entire affair needs to be put in a holistic context. The lady should not have been turned away by the school. We don’t know her circumstances. Did she have to transact an important type of business at the school which necessitated quick attendance because she was pressed for time? Did she have an urgent appointment at an embassy or hospital? There is also the dimension of the school’s rudeness to the President of
Guyana. It was all over the news, with the Chronicle carrying it on its front page that President Granger had come out against the backward and unreasonable dress code, especially how it is insulting to our women folk. Then all the daily newspapers published photographs of a picket exercise outside the High Court denouncing the asinine dress code that this country has enforced with a draconian hand under the PPP Government. Imagine Guyana has a dress code that prevents women from entering public places with a sleeveless dress. But the President of all people (Bharrat Jagdeo) has faced accusations by his common law wife that he put her out of the marital bedroom one week after marriage, refused to make the marriage legal and consistently victimized her while they were
living together. And he remained untouched by moral and legal laws. Yet this very man was in charge of the entire public sector of the State which enforced a strict dress code for women. I wonder if this world has a more stupid country than Guyana. Women cannot enter a public building with sleeveless dresses and tops but on Mash Day you see people gyrating in the most provocative ways that many would find unacceptable. Guyanese were revolted to see two of our Presidents, Jagdeo and Ramotar, backballing in public. The images always come up as they did recently on May 26 when President Granger was seen waltzing with his wife. Social media was in a frenzy to make the contrast with our back-balling Presidents when they were in power and the waltz of David Granger and his wife. I once wrote once in this column and I will repeat it here. When I first wrote it, I stated I meant no insult and I am doing so again. I meant no insult to the Supernumerary Constables at the High Court when I first
Frederick Kissoon wrote. I stated a fact and I am repeating a fact. The Supernumerary Constables in public institutions that are empowered to enforce the dress code are not educated and experienced enough to judge what is in bad sartorial taste. The High Court guards are instructed to reject persons who don clothes of loud colours. What is a loud colour? I have seen those guards evict people for wearing loud colours that few in this world would consider as loud. Denis Atwell of the AFC was removed because his T-shirt was of a harsh blue. It was not. Why are peach and yellow, harsh colours? The angry driver deserved to be punished. But for me if Guyana wasn’t such a stupid country the incident would never have happened.
Saturday July 30, 2016
New GRA Boss has ‘resolute stance’ against corruption
GRA’s Commissioner -General, Godfrey Statia, greets Customs Officers at the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) Amidst the many handshakes and light conversations, the new Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, yesterday gave the assurance of his open-door policy and his resolute stance against corrupt practices. Such practices have tainted the image of the semiautonomous organisation in the past. The newly appointed Commissioner-General was at the time getting acquainted with staff at the Authority’s Camp Street Headquarters and at the different locations under Customs Excise and Trade Operations. Mr. Statia, a Certified Accountant, Attorney-atLaw and former Senior Deputy-Commissioner of the then Inland Revenue Department, conducted his familiarisation tour in the company of Deputy Commissioner-General Hema Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Customs Excise and Trade Operations, Lancelot Wills and other seniors. Visits were made to QTrex International, John Fernandes Wharf and Terminal, the Guyana National Shipping Corporation, (GNSC) the
Guyana National Industrial Company, (GNIC) Muneshwers Wharf, the GRA Goods Examination Unit and Scanner Operations at Lombard Street, the Demerara Shipping Company Limited (DSCL), Customs Boathouse, the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), the Eugene F. Correia International Airport and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The presence of Customs at these locations is mandatory, oftentimes on a 24hour basis, given the frequency in movement of cargo and the tendency to smuggle. Mr. Statia was introduced to the officers on site whose duties range from examining containerised cargo and ship files, de-stuffing, rummaging and reporting of vessels and oil tankers. He was updated on plans to improve some of the critical aspects of Customs operations, particularly with the peak season approaching. Facilities for improved records keeping and staff accommodation, the human resources and training needs, uniformity and promotion of officers were some of the areas targeted.
Teen gets bail for wounding another Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan released a teenager on $50,000 bail after he appeared before her on a wounding charge. Anfernee Clonmell, 18, is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Tarrick Harris with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm. The unrepresented Kwakwani resident pleaded not guilty to the allegation. Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones, told the court that on the day in question, the parties were playing football when an argument ensued. He said that the defendant became annoyed and cuffed the virtual complainant to the face causing him severe injuries. Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones had no objections to pretrial liberty for Clonmell. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan subsequently released the teen on bail and bonded him to be on good behaviour until the completion of the matter. The matter will be called again on August 18, in the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court.
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Kaieteur News
He also encouraged teamwork among junior officers and their senior counterparts who he has entrusted with the authority to make even-handed decisions, but must also adhere to standard operating procedures as required by the country’s tax, trade and border laws and regulations. Mr. Statia officially commenced duties on Monday, July 25. He is also scheduled to venture off to the different regions in Guyana where GRA offices are located. “As outlined by the Revenue Authority Act of 1996, the Commissioner General who shall be the Chief Executive of the Authority,” is responsible for the day to day operations of the Authority, the management of its funds, property and affairs and the administration, organisation and control of staff.” The release concluded.
WHO, PAHO record rise in Dengue cases locally The World Health Organisation and the Pan American Health Organisation have published a Zika-Epidemiological Report on Guyana for the year as of June 2016. It has reported that there has been a rise in cases of dengue within the country. According to the report, in 2015 there were 142 probable cases of dengue. It said that this statistic represented an incidence rate of 17.6 cases per 100,000 of the population. As of April 2016 the report said that there were 303 probable cases of dengue with an incidence rate of 37.5 cases per 100,000 of the Guyanese population. With regard to Chikungunya, the report said that the disease
…No reports of Zika since January was first recognized in 2014 and by the end of that year there were a total of 76 confirmed cases. The report said that the 2014 statistics will be lower than 2016 since thus far a total of 29 confirmed cases have been reported. The two international health organisations also looked at the Zika virus and reported that since the first reported detection of the virus in Guyana January last there has not been another reported case. According to the report the first confirmed case was a resident of Region six, Berbice. As a result there are no cases of Zika in pregnant women in Guyana. This has been one of the major concerns for authorities since the Zika virus in
pregnant women has been linked to Microcephaly. This is a disorder in babies born to Zika infected mothers. The infants suffer from an abnormal smallness of the head, which is a congenital condition associated with incomplete brain development. If there are any suspected Zika cases, Guyana sends samples to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for confirmation. Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika are all transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Their symptoms are quite similar in nature. In most cases persons are affected by fever, rash, headache, muscle and joint pain.
Son of murdered block maker testifies in PI The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara block maker, Nathan Persaud, continued before Magistrate Judy Latchman with a testimony from his son. Nathan Persaud Jr. was led in giving evidence yesterday by Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. His testimony has been suspended until August 10. Nathan Persaud’s estranged wife, Beverly Persaud, 46, of Lot 56 Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara and Oswald Yaw, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown are jointly charged with the murder. The killing allegedly occurred on September 10,
2015 at Herstelling. Beverly Persaud was arrested and interrogated by police hours after her husband was killed. She reportedly confessed to orchestrating the plot to end the life of her estranged spouse. Yaw, the suspected hitman was arrested in the city and reportedly confessed to beating Nathan Persaud to death with a hammer. He allegedly confessed to police that the blockmaker’s wife had contracted and promised him $1.7M to do the gruesome job. According to reports, the
lifeless body of the 42-year-old block maker was found lying face down in the living room of his Lot 66 Herstelling home. His body bore a stab wound to his chest and the back of his head was bashed in. Police recovered a hammer, two knives and a piece of rock, all of which had blood stains from the crime scene. After the father of four was killed, a strange man, now believed to be Yaw, was reportedly seen leaving his yard. Beverly and her husband separated some time ago. The killing is said to have stemmed from a property dispute.
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Saturday July 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Still no bail for attempted GTU President worried teachers’ murder accused interests being sidelined
A bail application made by Attorney Mark Conway on behalf of attempted murder accused, Uttanpad Sewnaraine, was denied by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Sewnaraine, 39, a bus driver of Campbellville, Georgetown was further remanded to prison yesterday for allegedly wounding Selina Ramotar, 29, with intent to commit murder. Conway told the court that his client is aware of the seriousness of the offence and is willing to abide by any conditions to which bail is granted even if it entails him reporting to the police. Police Prosecutor, Neville Jeffers, said that the case file is still incomplete since the virtual complainant’s medical certificate is outstanding. This matter has been adjourned to September 13. It was reported that Ramotar of Lot 65 David Street, Kitty was stabbed over 20 times about her body by the accused with whom she shares a nine-year-old daughter. On the evening of July, 9, Sewnarine ambushed Ramotar in her yard while she was returning home after purchasing dinner with her younger sister. He reportedly stabbed the mother of his child about her body with a knife. Ramotar was admitted to a private hospital in a critical condition. Last week, Ramotar’s mother, Melina, said
REMANDED: Uttanpad Sewnaraine that her daughter was discharged from hospital but is unable to move about on her own. One of Ramotar’s sisters said that the victim ended her relationship with Sewnaraine a while back and he began stalking and threatening her.
Teachers within the public education system are frustrated and very worried about their stalled promotions. Promotions for the eligible teachers have been stalled for the past two years pending a ruling into a court matter between the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the Teaching Service Commission (TSC). According to GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte yesterday, “It has been three months since we have been waiting for a ruling from the Chief Justice and there seems to be no forward movement as to when it will be.” In the meantime, teachers have not been failing to express fear that some of them will be denied promotions they are eligible for. “As we wait, teachers’ lives continue to be on hold...that decision will decide on other promotions for our teachers,” said a perturbed Lyte. As such he said that the GTU is appealing to the powers that be, to fast-track
the handing down of the verdict. “We can’t fight the system, we can’t tell them how to operate but the ruling could only be for or against and we are prepared to abide by whatever it is and move on. We are worried at this point about why it is taking so long,” added the GTU President. The GTU, two years ago, filed an injunction preventing the TSC from proceeding with a final promotion list after raising a number of concerns about the promotion process. The injunction filed had also stalled promotions by the Schools Board Secretariat which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Education. But the GTU was essentially aiming for the two bodies to review the process rather than proceed with finalising a preliminary list. While the Ministry agreed to the review process, the TSC decided that it would not do so since according to its Chairman, Ms. Leila Ramson, the process would have been too tedious for her staff. She had, however, committed to having all of the concerns of the GTU addressed during the promotion process this year. However, since there was no promotion last year, the process has also been stalled for this year thus resulting in no teacher being elevated for 2015 and 2016 thus far. The TSC instead of embracing the review opted to have the matter dealt with in the court of law. And it would seem that the interests of teachers are being neglected from every side as, according to Lyte, even the debunching money that the Ministry had assured teachers of are yet to be made available. “Basically the Union and the Ministry came to an agreement that debunching would be paid, a document was sent for Cabinet’s approval but Cabinet has reportedly not made a decision since April...We are still awaiting word as to when teachers will be paid,” said Lyte. According to Lyte, the Union had received a correspondence from Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, stating that teachers will be paid one per cent (of each month’s salary) commencing 2011 to
2015 as agreed in a multi-year agreement between the Union and the Ministry. The letter in question, according to Lyte, was also forwarded by the Education Minister to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, on April 22, last. Ever since, the Union as well as teachers, has been anxiously awaiting the disbursement. According to Lyte, teachers have already waited a decade to receive the debunching money. He noted that while the Union is pleased that efforts were made to discuss the matter, “Our teachers across Guyana need to know when they will be paid...Teachers need their money. Based on the agreement, a teacher who earned $100,000 in 2011 will be entitled to $12,000 at the end of the year. However, teachers who received a promotion during the five-year period would be eligible for an augmented amount. “All of that would have been taken into consideration to apply this one per cent,” the GTU President explained. He asserted that the payable percentage would only be offered to teachers who were active during, or at least part of the agreed upon period. “Even if a teacher retired in 2012, that teacher will be eligible for a portion of the debunching money; the same one per cent of their monthly salary,” Lyte asserted. Based on the agreement with the Ministry, the debunching money should have been payable long before the end of the just concluded school year. The Union had inked an agreement with the previous administration which agreed to pay the debunching money to teachers. During the lead up to the May 11, 2015 National and Regional Elections, the previous Government, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, had reneged on its commitment. But Minister Roopnaraine had told media operatives earlier this year “We are looking at the debunching right now…We have to honour whatever commitments the Government entered into with the Teachers’ Union and right now I know they are looking at the whole debunching issue.”
Saturday July 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Guyana got value for money with forensic audits –Junior Finance Minister Turkey’s Erdogan slams West for failure …But expresses disappointment with some of the auditors’ failure to “call a spade, a spade” By Kiana Wilburg Regardless of what the critics might say, Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, insists that Guyana got value for the money expended on the forensic audits which have been completed and published thus far. He made this statement during an interview, yesterday. Sharma stated however that when he examines some of the forensic audits he is not particularly satisfied in every case. The Junior Finance Minister made it clear that he has no intention of pointing fingers at any particular auditor but stressed that in some instances, he felt that the auditors were not being forthright in “calling a spade, a spade.” Sharma, who is in charge of the forensic audits, said, “When I look at the reports, some of the auditors seem skeptical to state the naked truth and by that I mean that they appeared to be hesitant in saying exactly who is at fault and who really breached the laws and where the corruption was actually born.” The Junior Finance Minister said, “Some of the audits are not ‘forensic’ and as such, only scratched the surface of the corruption it alluded to. They did not go in depth as I would have hoped they would. But then to be fair to the auditors, some of them did report to me that they experienced difficulty in accessing information to do their work.” The politician said that he did not get the impression that some of the contracted auditors went above and beyond to unearth the rank corruption it hinted at in some cases. “So in some areas, the audits came over as superfi-
Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma cial and just scratched the surface,” he added. Be that as it may, Sharma emphasized that Guyana got value for money as the audits exposed how Government systems were infected with immoral acts and rank corruption at almost every level. The Junior Finance Minister stated too that the forensic audits reveal how “lawlessness at the top had a domino effect on how officials at the lower levels acted within the agencies and conducted the business of the day.” Over 20 of the 50 forensic audit reports launched by Government have been released. These include the ones on the Marriott Hotel, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Carifesta X 2008 and the acquisition of the water cannon by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Some of the firms contracted to conduct the forensic audits included Nigel Hinds Financial Service, Ram and Mc Rae and HLB
Seebarran and Co. Chartered Accountant Anand Goolsarran along with Harryman Parmesar were also contracted to conduct several forensic audits. Sharma said that Cabinet is working at a considerable pace. It is looking into at least one report at almost every meeting. The Junior Finance Minister was reluctant to say how many reports will be released in the coming weeks and in what order. He said that this is a decision that will have to be made by the Cabinet members. Sharma reminded that the reports must receive Cabinet’s blessings before being released. It was in May that the Granger-led administration began expending some $133M of taxpayers’ dollars on 45 of the 50 forensic audits to ascertain how the assets of the state were sold, disposed of or transferred under the previous administration. The remaining five audits were sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Several audits were also launched in July while others started in later weeks. While the report on NICIL has been completed for months now with criminal proceedings still to take shape, those on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) have been completed for a longer period. More importantly, the forensic audits in some cases have reportedly not only uncovered fraud and various forms of corruption, but investigators have also made several critical recommendations for the way forward on several agencies and sectors.
Clinton leads Trump by 6 points after Democratic confab - Reuters/Ipsos poll Reuters - Democratic preside n t i a l c a n d i d a t e Hillary Clinton held a 6percentage-point lead over Republican rival Donald Trump, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll with new wording that was released yesterday, the day after she formally accepted her party’s nomination for the Nov. 8 election. Nearly 41 percent of likely voters favour Clinton, 35 percent favour Trump, and 25 percent picked “Other,” according to the new July 2529 online poll of 1,043 likely
voters, which overlapped with the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. The poll has a credibility interval of 4 percentage points. The presidential tracking poll reflects a slight change of wording from previous surveys, replacing the “Neither/Other” option given to respondents with just “Other.” An internal review had found the word “Neither” has, a t t i m e s , s i p h o n e d support away from one or the other candidate.
Former Secretary of State Clinton delivered an upbeat keynote address at the Democratic convention on Thursday night, as she became the first woman to accept the presidential nomination from a major party. In the biggest speech of her more than 25-year-old career in the public eye, Clinton, 68, cast herself as a steady leader at a “moment of reckoning” for the country, and contrasted her character with what she described as Trump’s dangerous and volatile temperament.
to show solidarity over coup attempt
Reuters - President Tayyip Erdogan condemned Western countries yesterday for failing to show solidarity with Turkey over the recent failed coup, saying those who worried over the fate of coup supporters instead of Turkish democracy could not be friends of Ankara. Erdogan also rejected Western criticism of purges under way in Turkey’s military and other state institutions which saw more than 60,000 people detained, removed or suspended over suspected links with the coup attempt, suggesting some in the United States were on the side of the plotters. “The attitude of many countries and their officials over the coup attempt in Turkey is shameful in the name of democracy,” Erdogan told hundreds of supporters at the presidential palace in the Turkish capital. “Any country and any leader who does not worry about the life of Turkish people and our democracy as much as they worry about the fate of coupists are not our friends,” said Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and perhaps death on the night of the coup.Turkey’s Western allies have condemned the coup in which Erdogan said 237 people were killed and more than 2,100 were wounded, but have been rattled by the scale of the crackdown in the aftermath. Images of detained soldiers with bruises and bandages have worried civil rights groups over mistreatment. The purges have targeted
Tayyip Erdogan
supporters of U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, accused by Ankara of masterminding the July 15-16 failed coup, but Erdogan’s critics say he is using the measures to crack down on any dissent. Erdogan also criticised the European Council and the European Union, which Turkey aspires to be a part of, for their failure to pay a visit to offer condolences, saying their criticism was ‘shameful’. The Director of U.S. National Intelligence, James Clapper, said on Thursday the purges were harming the fight against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq by sweeping away Turkish officers who had worked closely with the United States. The head of U.S. Central Command, General Joseph Votel, said he believed some of the military figures whom the United States had worked with were in jail. Votel’s comments drew condemnation from Erdogan. “Instead of thanking this country which repelled a coup attempt, you take the side of the coup plotters. The
putschist is in your country already,” Erdogan said, referring to Gulen, who denied any involvement in the coup attempt. In a statement released by the U.S. military yesterday, General Votel said any claims that he was involved in a failed coup attempt in Turkey were “unfortunate and completely inaccurate”. White House spokesman Eric Schultz has also dismissed claims that Votel supported the coup plotters, and referred to U.S. President Barack Obama’s comments from last week saying any reports that Washington had prior knowledge of the attempted overthrow were completely false. Erdogan has blamed Gulen for masterminding the attempted coup and has called on Washington to extradite him. Turkish officials have suggested the U.S. can extradite him based on strong suspicion while President Obama last week insisted Turkey must first present evidence of Gulen’s alleged complicity in the failed coup.
U.S. worries Russian humanitarian operation in Syria may be ‘ruse’ Reuters - The United States is trying to determine whether a Russian plan for a humanitarian operation in Syria is sincere, Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday, adding that if it proves a “ruse” it could ruin cooperation between Moscow and Washington. The 250,000 civilians trapped for weeks inside the besieged rebel-held sector of Aleppo have so far stayed away from “safe corridors” that Moscow and Damascus promised for those trying to escape the most important opposition stronghold in the country. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government and its Russian allies declared a joint humanitarian operation for the besieged area on Thursday, bombarding it with leaflets telling fighters to surrender and civilians to leave.
U.S. officials have suggested the plan may be an attempt to depopulate the city so that the Syrian army can seize it. The Syrian opposition called it a euphemism for forced displacement of the inhabitants, which it said would be a war crime. Aleppo, Syria’s biggest city before the war, has been divided since 2012 into government and rebel sectors. Retaking it would be the biggest victory for Assad in five years of fighting, and demonstrate the dramatic shift of fortunes in his favour since Moscow joined the war on his side last year. This would also be an embarrassment for Kerry, who has led a diplomatic initiative with Moscow aiming to let the Cold War superpower foes cooperate against Islamist militants and restore a ceasefire for the wider civil
war which collapsed in May. Asked about the Russian operation, Kerry said Washington was still unsure of Moscow’s intent: “It has the risk, if it is a ruse, of completely breaking apart the level of cooperation.” “On the other hand, if we’re able to work it out today and have a complete understanding of what is happening and then agreement on the way forward, it could actually open up some possibilities,” he added, saying he had spoken with Moscow twice in the past 24 hours to try to clarify what Russian intentions. The White House also voiced its doubts. “Given their record on this, we’re sceptical, to say the least,” White House spokesman Eric Schultz said at a news briefing.
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VACANCY
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. 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 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Get all your grillwork done, best prices. Call: 647-6569 B U I L D I N G CONTRACTOR: HOUSE PLAN ESTIMATES, ETC, GENERAL HOME MAINTENANCE –CALL: 216-0671; 692-8464 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377 Hello the doctor is back! Have your gas stove service and repairs. Call: 601-0595; 220-4073; 220-5785 After Care Services: Time: 8:00-4:30/ 12:00-6:30 MonFri. Cost: $10,000 per month. Location: Prashad Nagar. Call: 611- 1981 CAKES & PASTRIES Courses in cake decoration, pastry making & cookery; also edible images and Wedding dresses for sale. Call: 670-0798
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Vacancies exist for workers @ Ice Factory and Meadow Bank Wharf. Call: 231-1408; 642-9191 8am-2pm Janitorial Staff with experience, able to work flexible hours. Applications must be sent to PO.BOX 12329 1 Nanny to read, tutor & care for 1 year old baby boy. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Ferry Stelling Stabroek. 1 Male cleaner apply at Technical Services Inc 18-23 Industrial Site Eccles. Taxi driver wanted – Call A1 Taxi Services: 220-1000 Female room attendant. Tel: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown.
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TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Saturday July 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
Assistant cook. Apply within call: 611-5615; 225-7933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff Street Part-time Babysitter with valid US visa Experience with children. Hiring on excellent recommendations ONLY. Tel# 655-1560. Two (2) Experienced Legal computer clerks- Phone: 6247087. Email: husainsaphier@yahoo.com
EDUCATIONAL Electronic Course. Starting 9th August. Hands-on training repairing all types of TVs, etc. Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 IAE: Register for full time school (Grades 7-11) CSEC lessons; adults and school leavers CXC classes. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742
PROPERTY FOR SALE Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Newly built @ Craig E.B.D (land size: 91X50 feet), (House 40X28), 3 rooms, 1 self contained. Call:718-213-6496; 679-8091 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities -Price Reduced – Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Lot 764 Sixth St, Plantation Paradise, Dazzle H/Scheme, E.C.D-Call: 255-3437 House Lot For Sale @ Parika, Old Road. Contact#650-0402 One (2) family house lot 32 Ann’s Grove housing scheme, land 100x50 $20M negotiable- Call: 623-5423 House & land 2 storey concrete building (4 bedrooms; 2 self-contained), semi-furnished in Grove & Diamond New Scheme. Call: 216-1861 2 Storey wooden & concrete 5 bedrooms, (2 selfcontained), concrete fence & garage. 1 Roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop (ideally business/residence). Call: 614-0107 40X32 House @ Anna Catherina, W.C.D –price $13.5M negotiable- Call: 6462341; 225-7164 Property @ Lot 318A Yarrowkabra, Linden Highway (200ftX350ft). Call: 646-5063 Two properties @ Timehri Welcome sign, including one Chinese Restaurant.Call:646-5063
Summer classes in Maths, English, Phonics, composition writing and much more for slow leaners. Call: 675-4379 TO LET One bedroom apartment, self contained, unfurnished @ Land of Canaan E.B.D. Call Navo: 692-3617; Bob:6420867 Newly renovated three bedrooms house in safe and healthy environment. Call: 677-6638; 622-6512
CAR RENTAL
(2) Bedrooms, bottom flat apartment, toilet & bath inside, grilled & sealed. Location: Canvas City Linden- Call: 6706479,616-2752 MASSAGE
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! –Call: 690-6079
Wings 4WD pickup rental: 679-3525 Aidan’s Car Rental: 4WD pickup. Call: 698-7807
VEHICLE FOR SALE
FOR SALE
2010 IST -$2.6M, 2011 BLUEBIRD -$2.7M, 2011 RACTIS -$2.6M, 2009 AXIO -$2.4M, 2009 BELTA -2.4M. CALL: 617-2891
Perkins V8 Turbo Charge 170KVa Generator in working condition, Call 223-7380
SALE! SALE! 2010 IST $2.4M, 2009 NOAH -$2.5M, ARUIS -$2.5M- CALL: 6172891 3 TON CANTER ENCLOSE AND OPEN BACK WITH 4D ENGINE, PRICE -$3.6M, NEVER REGISTERED – CALL: 617-2891
Used XBOX 360 and play station 3- $35,000, plastic barrels -$4,000. Call: 6217497; 603-8643 1 Transported property, 1 5L Hilux Pickup, 1 complete music system- Call: 265-3586 1 Craftsman generator 42,000 watts-$50,000. Call: 628-7337 LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
1 L-Touring Wagon (yellow) for sale $750,000 negotiable. Call: 616-0111 Blow Out Sale! Automatic 1RZ bus, VVTI Super G.L and manual buses, super GL pitbull. Call: 616-7635
MIX BREED PUPS –CALL: 615-0146
2009 RX8, Allion, Music Bus, Small bus, Motor cycle, Benz. Call: 265-4979
One 6 base music set with QSC amps, RCF speakers. Call: 622-0503; 689-9932
1 Nissan Blue Bird 2006 Model- Call: 674-2170 owner leaving country
1-Leyland 45 Truck $1.5 MContact# 650-0402
2005 Tacoma -$2.4M, Massey Tractor from Canada: MF 165 -$1.7M, MF 135 $1.2M –MF 265 $2.2M, 165 Loader -$2.3M – Call: 682-5230; 628-9596
Sheep & duck for sale. Call: 695-6139
One 4 wheel drive, automatic, extra cab, Toyota Hilux, GSS series. Call: 614-0107; 6928923 Toyota AT212, in good condition -$900,000- Call: 6903352; 267-1308; 626-2841 Honda Civic M/Car “SS” series -$1.3M- Call: 696-2815 1 Toyota Noah Wagon – Call: 227-4339/ 227- 8772 One 2007 Fielder stick gear $2.7M negotiable. One B12 Sunny $300,000- Call: 6165974, 618-8703 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 Honda Civic- Call: 646-4425, 681-6708
1 Hilux 5L pickup, 1 complete music set & transported property @ Govent Garden, E.B.D. Call: 265-3586 Toyota IST-$1,895,000, Toyota Fielder-$1,895,000, Toyota Spacio-$1,895,000, BMW 318i-$2.3M, Audi A4$3.7M. Contact#650-0402 1 Nissan B13 Car any good deal accepted. Call: 687-2835; 684-3195 1 -2700 PSI pressure washer, 1 5Gal hand & Bissell wet vacuum, 1 steam cleaner, 1 tank & hose for pressure washer -$180,000. Call: 2275169 1 Toyota Super GL minibus, (Pitbull), 2008 model, power window & fully A/C. Only 1 month old. Call: 652-4640; 664-2088 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 150 Yamaha 2 stroke outboard engine, for information call:667-8896 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:2259032;647-2943;604-5198
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
One 8" by 6 ft jouter price $170,000 & drill press $40,000. Call: 618-3359; 6626326 MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: take time for yourself with lovely masseuses. For appointments call: 658-6677 Continue page 23
Saturday July 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Absence of defence counsel delays ruling in TIP case A ruling which was expected to be made yesterday, in a Trafficking in Persons (TIP) case by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan was deferred until September 5, due to the absence of Defence Counsel. It is alleged that between December 12 and 14, 2014 Joyce Lawrence of Lot 302 Track ‘X’ Plantation Grove, East Bank Demerara trafficked and transported her niece, who was at the time a minor, by means of threat. It is further alleged between December 1 and 28,
2014 at a night club in Aishalton, Region Nine, Lawrence again trafficked the minor by means of threat. She is also accused of withholding the girl’s identification card, while being her employer. Lawrence has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently out on $650,000 bail. When the matter was called yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan said that Lawrence’s Attorney requested to be excused and
Efficient Student Loan Agency... From page 16 the part of students. If a fund is to be operated on a revolving basis, it is essential to have a low default rate. And the issue of access to funds for the next generation of students is important.” Meanwhile, Head of the SLA, Rawle Sue-Ho, also addressed the gathering. He praised the new edifice, stating that it was something which staffers of the agency have been calling for, for over two decades. “Since the start of the stu-
Kaieteur News... From page 14 awarded Lall and Kaieteur News their legal costs of the appeal. The decision of the CCJ was delivered by videolink to the Court of Appeal building in Guyana where most of the parties were whilst the Judges were in Trinidad at the seat of the Court. In an invited comment, Datadin said he was pleased with the decision, that it represented the first libel case heard in the CCJ. He said, “This is the first libel case heard by the CCJ so I guess this one will be the benchmark by which all cases that follow will be pursued and adjudicated upon.” He added that it was pleasing that the Court dealt with the issues and even mentioned that the advantage their proximity to Guyana and understanding of the Caribbean region, played a part in their deliberations. Lall said that he was pleased with the decision and felt that justice was served. He noted that this was his first experience in the CCJ and that he was very pleased with the way the system worked especially with the speed with which the matter was attended to. The publisher also expressed gratitude to his legal team. But Dr Ramsahoye was most unhappy. His dream had collapsed even as his initial award has now diminished in value since the time of his award. Further he is now saddled with legal costs that could make him rue the day he refused the award by Justice Rishi Persaud.
dent loan agency, the accommodations for students were inadequate. The public area, as we know, was cramped and with no seating arrangements. Our current arrangements are no longer like that.” “The students will now have a better experience when working with the SLA. They can come in, be comfortably accommodated and have a more efficient service. The staff of the SLA was also housed in the cramped conditions. “Our previous building had structural issues, as realized in the consistent leaking in the ceiling and the constant unhealthy conditions for the staff. So this will have a higher morale for the staff.” Sue-Ho noted that with the new procedures announced by Minister Jordan, coupled with the new accommodations, there was bound to be an overall improvement in service.
gave the adjournment date. Police Prosecutor, Neville Jeffers during a lengthy submission earlier this month, had asked the court to find the defendant culpable of the offences since she transported and harboured the minor for labour exploitation. Jeffers had asked the court to rely on the evidence given by the prosecution’s witnesses, in particular the evidence of the virtual
complainant (VC). The Prosecutor pointed out that during Lawrence’s defence, she admitted to being in possession of the VC’s identification card and cell phone. According to Jeffers, Lawrence also admitted that the VC was working with her during the periods mentioned in the charges and that she transported the minor from Aishalton to Samatha Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara.
From page 22
LAND FOR SALE We have interest in buying lands at Farm & Herstelling. Call: 266-0693 Land for sale at Eccles and Diamond. Call: 609-7766 Transported land with fruit trees, fenced, fill high -$4.3M @ Richmond Essequibo Coast, next to School–Call: 682-5230; 628-9696 Tushen $2.2M, $3.5M, Parfaite Harmonie- Call:6421252 FOR RENT 3-4 Durban Street Lodge: unfurnished -$40,000 & $80,000 monthly, furnished (for visitors) US$600 & $US1, 000 monthly (verandahs, parking). Call: 677-6938; 6976421 1-3 bedrooms apartment bottom flat @ Norton street, Lodge $50,000 per month + 2 months security- Call: 6230076 Self- contained apartments $30,000 and $28,000 per month + security @ South Ruimveldt- Call: 623-0076 1 Snackette with warmer & glass cases, 1 grocery & bar @ 7 Durban street Lodge- Call: 690-5796 Business place in prime location, fully grilled, spacious and air conditioned @ East street, North Cummingsburg- Call: 2266592, 643-8833 3 Bedrooms apartment with toilet & bath@ 59 William street Campbellville- Call: 6464425, 681-6708 Walk in apartment for rent at Middle Dam La Grange, W.B.D- Call: 667-8896
WANTED Buying non working appliances: washing machine, treadmill, refrigerator, pressure washer, etc. whatsapp picture: 6618802 Girls wanted to work at a popular bar in MahdiaCall:662-4738 Salesgirl & porters. Apply with written application at 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville. Fly wheel 3S gear box. Call: 609-1490; 261-3645 Wanted to buy fresh cuts Wamara & Tonka bean logs. Call: 664-5150, 648-1619 Salesgirls- apply at Dian’s Deli, Bar Street, opposite Kitty Market. Call: 225-3700 Handy boys to work live in; free accommodation and meals are provided. Call: 2285656; 616-3282 2 Experienced handyman & bar/shop workers for Interior, 1 handyman for G/Town, age 18-35yrs. Call: 231-0363 MonFri 9:00-11:30 & 1:30-4:30pm Radar Security Services: security officers with at least 3yrs experience & valid police clearance. Call: (592) 2314844; 646-0336; 679-5872 Labourers. Contact Friendship Slipway & Co. Ltd, 7 Friendship, E.B.D. Call: 266-2217; 266-0311 between 7:30am-4:30pm Fiber glass worker on E.C.D. Call: 622-3250; 665-9747 Responsible hire car drivers. Call: 231-7475 Experienced sand truck driver – Call: 227-8529; 2237356 Drivers/Dispatchers to work @ Gem’s Taxi Service- Call: 225-5075; 231-3709 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 ONE HANDYMAN contact 223-5273/4 Experienced cashiers needed to work in general store on the East Coast (willing to train)- Call: 6454238, 274-0285 Wanted land to buy @ Tushen, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, Parfaite Harmonie. Best price offered- Tel: 642-1252
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PM To Tackle Port Authority Pension Shocker The Gleaner - Prime Minister Andrew Holness will shortly be addressing flagrant breaches of the Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act, whereby at least 14 senior executives of the Port Authority of Jamaica received both pension and gratuity amounting to millions of dollars. The Port Authority of Jamaica falls under the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. At Wednesday’s postCabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Information Minister Ruel Reid said the portfolio minister would be speaking to the issue, which is contained in a special audit of the Port Authority of Jamaica. Quizzed on what legislative or other action is being contemplated by the Government to address corruption in the public sector, Reid said the matter was under review by the Cabinet. “We are committed to make sure that there are the requisite regulations and legislative provisions to better hold all persons accountable for the stewardship of public funds ... the Government is seized of the issue and we are very serious about stamping out any form of corruption,” Reid stressed. In her report, which was
Andrew Holness tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis said the contract of 14 senior executives of the Port Authority of Jamaica provided for the payment of a retirement benefit, in addition to the payment of gratuity of 25 per cent of gross taxable income. The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service policy dictates that gratuity payments are made in lieu of pension or retirement benefits and are calculated on basic pay only. Monroe Ellis reported that one senior officer received three pension benefits, including a ‘golden handshake’ valued at more
than $100 million, plus gratuity amounting to $31.33 million. The auditor general recommended that in the absence of explicit approval from the finance ministry, the Port Authority should take steps to recover amounts overpaid in respect of retirement benefit and gratuity payments. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee of Parliament Dr Peter Phillips told The Gleaner that the audit of the Port Authority would be examined by the parliamentary oversight committee, along with others, when lawmakers return from the summer recess.
Brazil’s Lula to stand trial for obstruction of justice – court Reuters - Brazil’s ex President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the former chief executive of investment bank Grupo BTG Pactual SA will stand trial for obstruction of justice, documents from a federal court in Brasilia showed yesterday. Lula was previously under investigation in various jurisdictions in a sprawling corruption probe focused on state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) but is now officially a defendant. The case dates to last November, when former Senator Delcidio do Amaral and Andre Esteves, the founder and former CEO of BTG Pactual, were arrested for allegedly trying to stop a jailed former Petrobras executive from collaborating with Brazil’s largest-ever corruption investigation. The executive’s son recorded Amaral, who is now collaborating with prosecutors himself in exchange for a lesser sentence, saying judges could be influenced
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Kaieteur News
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva into freeing him and Esteves was willing to pay for his silence. The case had previously been secret, and less is known about Lula’s alleged involvement in that incident. Lula’s lawyers said in a statement that they had not been notified of the court’s decision but intended to prove his innocence. BTG Pactual declined to comment. Esteves’s lawyers said he
committed no illegal acts. Lula has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, though prosecutors say the multibillion-dollar graft scheme originated during his 2003-2011 presidency and continued during the presidency of his chosen successor, Dilma Rousseff. Brazil’s largest engineering companies are accused of overcharging Petrobras for work and passing on kickbacks to executives and politicians. They are also being investigated for graft on venues for the 2014 World Cup and upcoming Olympics, events awarded to Brazil under Lula. On Thursday, Lula’s lawyers petitioned the United Nations Human Rights Committee on the grounds his rights had been violated in the corruption investigation. The UN Human Rights Office confirmed the petition had been received and would be examined to see if it meets the criteria for registration. The process could take at least two years.
Petrol dealers feel pinch of falling profits…
Industry on brink of crisis Trinidad Guardian President of the Petroleum Dealers’ Association of T&T, Robindranath Naraynsingh, Wednesday said the country’s 170 gas stations were on the verge of collapse due to poor profitability margins from the sale of fuel. Saying the gas stations service more than half the population on a daily basis, Naraynsingh admitted their industry had been plunged into a crisis. He could not say what percentage of the gas stations were likely to close their doors but said a dark cloud was hanging over their heads and “an impending doom was surely coming if this situation persists.” Delivering the feature address to a small group of dealers at a special general meeting at Kam-po Restaurant, Chaguanas, Naraynsingh pleaded with Energy Minister Nicole Olivierre to meet with them before the situation worsened and jobs were lost. The association also threatened to seek judicial review against Government’s proposal to award retail marketing licences in the landowner’s name rather than the operator.
Robindranath Naraynsingh “Our Government came in and promised a rising tide of prosperity. We have instead been plunged into a crisis that is now beginning to affect all present here today. Our industry is on the brink of destruction. We are not the only ones who are feeling the pinch of a reduced profit margin, many of us are near insolvency,” Naraynsingh said. He said businesses were being lost while gas station
dealers were being shattered which showed that their future and livelihoods were in deep trouble. “Today, I say to you the challenges we face are real. They are serious and there are many. We deal with a lot of money but our margins are very small,” he added. The meeting was called at a time when countries across the globe are experiencing dynamic changes in the petroleum industry which were now also affecting the retail sector in T&T. The retail sector comprises retailers, distributors, dealers, franchisees and operators. Of the 170 dealers, Naraynsingh said 40 stations operate convenient stores which help supplement their incomes and help absorb the losses incurred at the pumps. There are five stations in Tobago and collectively they employ approximately 2,000 workers nationwide. The dealers buy fuel daily from National Petroleum and Unipet who are wholesalers. In the last two years, Naraynsingh said over 20 gas stations dealers had surrendered their keys to NP because they were operating at a loss.
Clico report can’t go public - DPP Trinidad Guardian - Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard has advised Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley that the Sir Colman report on the commission of enquiry into Clico and the Hindu Credit Union should not be made public, since the DPP’s department has been doing a probe of the situation. The announcement was made by Minister Stuart Young (Prime Minister’s Office) at Wednesday’s postCabinet media conference when questions were raised about the report. It was submitted to President Anthony Carmona last month and in turn sent to Rowley, who, following Cabinet deliberations, sent it to the DPP for advice on whether it could be revealed to the public. Wednesday, Young said the DPP responded to the PM this week, noting that a probe was being done on the matter by his office since 2012. As a result of this, the DPP said the report should not be made public, lest it prejudice the probe. Also asked about the recommendations of the Simmons report on the com-
Roger Gaspard mission of enquiry into the July 1990 failed coup attempt by the Jamaat Al Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr, Young said the enquiry was done during the People’s Partnership’s tenure and he “assumed” the report and its recommendations would have been sent to the National Security Ministry. On concerns by National Alliance for Reconstruction member, Wendell Eversley, that no major observance of the July 27 1990 anniversary was done, Young said the date was always remembered as a “dark day in T&T his-
tory” and law enforcement was aware that July 27 must not be repeated. But he said actual observances of the date were usually done at the Red House— where the Muslimeen took hostages in 1990—and the Red House was under renovation. Young said the prime ministerial team supervising the renovation met recently and tenders for various aspects of the job would be issued soon, since he said Government had given a tight deadline for completion of the job.
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Kaieteur News
U.N. extends South Sudan mission, U.S. reports renewed violence Reuters - The United Nations Security Council extended a peacekeeping mission in South Sudan yesterday until Aug. 12 as the United States warned that it had received “disturbing reports” of renewed violence in the south of the country. The mandate for the U.N. mission was due to expire tomorrow, so the 15-member council unanimously renewed it for a brief period while they consider imposing an arms embargo on the world’s newest state and sending in more troops. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power told the council before the vote that the recent violence in Juba was “horrifying but sadly not unexpected” because the country’s leaders are unable to work together for their people. “We have just received very disturbing reports of significant violence in the Equatorias (southern states) in South Sudan and all of us need to be on alert this weekend because events could spiral rapidly out of control yet again,” Power said. “Let us not be fooled that
time is on our side, it is not,” she said. South Sudan descended into civil war after President Salva Kiir fired Riek Machar as vice president in 2013. The pair agreed a peace deal in August but implementation has been slow. Heavy fighting involving tanks and helicopters erupted in South Sudan’s capital Juba for several days this month between troops loyal to Kiir and those backing Machar. At least 272 people were killed before the leaders ordered a ceasefire. Reacting to the violence in Juba, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the Security Council to fortify the peacekeeping mission. He also urged an arms embargo and sanctions for leaders and commanders blocking implementation of an August peace
deal. U.N. peacekeepers have been deployed in the country since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. There are currently some 13,500 troops and police on the ground. African leaders have called for the U.N. Security Council to authorise the deployment of a regional protection force to separate South Sudan’s warring parties. Machar, who was reappointed vice president this year, left Juba after the fighting and said he would only return after international troops are deployed as a buffer force to separate his forces from Kiir’s. Kiir has now replaced Machar with General Taban Deng Gai, a former chief opposition negotiator who broke ranks with Machar.
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Britain casts doubt on EDF’s $24 billion nuclear project LONDON (Reuters) Britain has cast doubt on a $24 billion project with French utility EDF to build the UK’s first new nuclear plant in decades, delaying a final decision on the plan just weeks after the Brexit vote ushered in a new prime minister. The surprise decision to review the Hinkley Point C project was made public hours after the board of French state-controlled EDF voted to proceed with it. The British government, which had been expected to sign contracts yesterday, said instead that it wanted to give the plans further consideration, postponing its verdict until early autumn. The review came little more than a month after Britons voted to leave the EU in a referendum that forced the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron - whose administration gave the initial go-ahead to the project - and the accession of Theresa May. The vote, and the resulting economic uncertainty, threw doubt on the future of major British infrastructure projects, including the nuclear plant. The two new reactors at Hinkley Point, in south-west England, would provide around 7 percent of Britain’s electricity, helping to fill a supply gap as the country’s coal plants are set to close by 2025. The pouring of the first concrete is scheduled for mid2019 but the plant’s start-up date has been delayed several times due to regulatory hurdles, the fallout from the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan and EDF’s deteriorating financial position. Analysts and unions said the review under new Prime Minister May would likely delay the project further. EDF’s Chief Executive Jean-Bernard Levy said yesterday that the company had
Theresa May
not been given advance warning of the review but that it was ready to organise the signing of contracts “as soon as all the parties involved are ready”. Although EDF and Chinese partner China General Nuclear are responsible for the 18-billion-pound ($24 billion) cost of the project, Britain has committed to pay a minimum price for the power generated by the plant for 35 years. Critics, including some
British lawmakers and academics, say the country would be overpaying at that minimum price, which equates to double current market levels. “Because of the fall in the energy price over the past 12 months, the project does look very expensive and there have been a lot of calls for other projects to be considered or for this to be taken back to the drawing board,” said Oliver Salvesen, analyst at investment bank Jefferies.
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Powell shines in Leewards win Headquarters retain Police
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – Left-handed opener Ross Powell stroked a superb, unbeaten half-century to help Leeward Islands brush aside neighbours Windward Islands by six wickets, in their opening three-day game of the Regional Under-19 Championship here Friday. Set 169 for victory at Sion Hill, the Leewards raced to their target with Powell leading the way with 85 not out and fellow opener Tyrone William getting 48. Together, they gave their side a brilliant start by adding 90 for the first wicket in good time. Powell faced 157 balls and lashed six fours and three sixes while Williams struck four fours and two sixes in a breezy 61-ball innings. When he eventually perished, the Leewards suffered
Left-handed opener Ross Powell. (file photo)
a mini slide, losing three wickets for 13 runs as left-arm spinner Rasheed Fredericks also accounted for Kofi James (6) and Karima Gore (0) in the same over with the total on 103. However, Powell remained steady, posting a further 37 for the fourth wicket with Cameron Pennyfeather who made 19 off 32 deliveries with three fours. When he became Fredericks’ third wicket, victory was already in sight and
Powell anchored an unbroken, 31-run, fifth wicket stand with Jaeel Clarke (10) to see the Leewards home. Earlier, the Windwards lost their last three wickets for ten runs after resuming the day on 153 for seven in their second innings – 158 runs ahead. Kian Pemberton finished with four for 13 while Javy Benjamin (2-16) and Daniel Doram (2-51) claimed two wickets apiece.
Saturday July 30, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You should want to feel good about yourself and your goals. You will both have to bend if you want this union to work. Get into fitness programs to keep in shape. Your ambitious mood may not go over well with loved ones. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your hypnotic eyes will capture the hearts of those who interest you. Things may not be as harmonious as you would like with colleagues or employers today. Relatives will be happy that you dropped by. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Cutbacks at work will be a cause for worry. You will learn a great deal from people with different cultural backgrounds. Don't let them blame you. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Look out for yourself today. You can't lock your partner up and if you keep restricting their freedom you may be left out in the cold. Catch up on your reading and correspondence. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You have the ability to motivate others. Changes will not be easy for the youngsters involved. Someone you least expect may not have your best interests at heart. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't let friends or relatives rule your life. Travel for business or pleasure. You can convince anyone of anything.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Residential moves will also be advantageous for all concerned. Don't even bother trying to get their approval on the things you want to do. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) In return, the satisfaction you get is enough for you. Do what's best for the people you love most. Try to keep your cool; you may be a tad frazzled by all the rushing around. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are apparent. Short trips will be educational. Be diplomatic but stem when it comes to giving of yourself. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You should be promoting your ideas. Small business ventures can earn you extra cash. Try to be a bit more understanding or you may end up spending the evening alone. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Stretch the truth, and you may get blamed for something you didn't do. Don't share your dilemma with those you work with. You may have to take a short trip to visit someone who hasn't been well. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You'll be an emotional basket case today. Don't take any comments too seriously. Payoff all your debts before you go out and celebrate. You will be able to pick up on future trends if you keep your eyes peeled for unique ideas.
Inter-Division athletics title
Headquarters retained the Guyana Police Force Inter-Division Athletics title yesterday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, continuing their dominance of the competition from 1998 when they last lost the Championship. Headquarters amassed 624 points to win ahead of ‘A’ Division, which had 337 points and Country Division on 195 points. Headquarters also won the swimming title last Sunday at the National Aquatics Centre, Liliendaal. Julio Sinclair was adjudged Champion ‘A’ Class Male Athlete with 30 points, while Marvin Tinnis was runner-up on 28 points. Shion Boyer was Champion Local Female Athlete with 28 points while Kizia Bess was runnerup on 26 points. Headquarters’ Tevin Garraway was Champion ‘B’ Class Male Athlete with 30
points while Keon Spellen was runner-up. Tyrell Peters got the Male Youth Club top athlete award with Joanna Archer taking home the female prize. Trinidad and Tobago’s Che Hart ran 10.6 seconds to win the ‘A’ Class 100m ahead of Tinnis (10.8s) and Trevor Scotland (11.2s) respectively. Compton Caesar won the male youth club 100m in 10.6 seconds. Guyana Defence Force’s Davin Fraser blasted to the invitational 100m in 10.2 seconds ahead of team-mate, Akeem Stewart (10.6s) and Terron Montfort (11.0) in that order. Deshaun Skeete won the youth club girls 100m. ‘A’ Division won the male 4x100m race ahead of ‘B’ Division and Headquarters respectively, while Headquarters took home the female honours ahead of ‘A’ Division and ‘B’ Division in that
order. Headquarters swept the women’s 200m with Onika Eastman winning in 24.9 seconds and Jevina Sampson (25.4s) second and Bess (26.6) third. Garraway won the male race in 21.4 seconds ahead of Kevin Abbensetts (21.5s) and Winston Dummett (21.7) respectively. Hart won the ‘A’ Class race for Trinidad in 22.1 seconds ahead of Tinnis (22.6s) and Keith Roberts (23.0) in that order. Hart also won the 400m in 46.0 seconds with Suriname’s Gilberto Gittens (46.2s) second and Simon Francois (1:08.3) third. Bess won the female race in 1.00.2 ahead of Tanisha Isaacs (1:10.5) and Nadia Cox (1:13.3). Dummett took home the ‘B’ Class gold medal in 49.4 seconds ahead of Kareem Purch (50.6s) and Linton Mentis (51.4s) respectively.
Samuels bats for fast bowler... (From page 27) innings when they batted. Samuels, who failed in the first innings, but made an even 50 in the second, said inexperience is no excuse. “I’m not going to be here telling you it’s a young team. That’s like finding excuses for the team. It’s a Test team, and Test cricket is big man cricket and players should know that by now. We all have to step up to the plate and put up a very good challenge against the Indians. “The Indians are a very good unit, so what we are try-
ing to build right now is team spirit and to build a stronger unit in order to move forward. We have new players coming
in, but they still have to deliver at the end of the day,” explained the veteran of 65 Tests.
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Saturday July 30, 2016
West Indies seek revival at result-inducing Sabina Park today ESPNcricinfo - West Indies last beat India in Test cricket in 2002, at Sabina Park in Jamaica. They have had three close Tests since. Two of these three Tests were played in Jamaica. It is the venue that gives them the best chance to compete with India. In the last three Tests between the two sides in Kingston, only once did a team go past 300 and only one of the three Tests entered the fifth day, that too to complete formalities of three remaining wickets. Eighteen years and 15 Tests have gone since a Test was drawn of its own volition in Jamaica. Sabina Park’s bowlerfriendly pitch bridges the gap between the hosts’ attack and India’s; it also draws them out of their bunkers. On both of India’s last visits to the West Indies, only Sabina Park produced a result. The endeavour has been to stay safe at other venues, and then sneak one up on India in Kingston. This year, though, the Test side has slipped so far it registered its biggest home defeat on a fairly good batting surface in the series opener in Antigua. The plan was from the
template: a track with no terrors, a side stacked up with batsmen, go to Jamaica 0-0 and then see how India fare against the seaming ball. It’s a sound plan against a better team, but the problem with defensive cricket is that you have to play it excellently for long periods of time. Neither their batsmen nor their bowlers could do it for nearly long enough; not having a defensive option in Jamaica can only do them good now. India’s batsmen came through way better when they were stalled through defensive lines in Antigua. This will be a different test. While not a scary proposition, West Indies have reinforced their attack, adding Under-19 sensation Alzarri Joseph to the squad. The pitch looked neon green two mornings before the Test. India won their last two close Tests here thanks to Rahul Dravid masterclasses; if West Indies bowlers turn up, India might need something similar from their batsmen. In the spotlight During the Antigua Test, Darren Bravo became only the 24th West Indies batsman to reach 3000 career runs. By
West Indies are expected to bolster their pace attack for the second Test © Associated Press the end of this series he will have played 46 Tests. Given Marlon Samuels’ indifferent Test career, Bravo should be considered the batting mainstay of this West Indies side. In the Antigua defeat, he happened to play two irresponsible shots: laze angled-bat pushes to short-of-a-length balls well away from his body. West Indies need much better from him. If it is going to be a green seamer at Sabina park, it might just be time to dial
Ajinkya Rahane, who has been scoring tough runs for India through his career. He was one of India’s two specialist batsmen to fall to legbreak long hops in Antigua. There might not be room for such concentration breaks in Jamaica, especially if he is India’s last specialist batsman again. Team news Even if West Indies had managed to draw Antigua through defensive tactics, it was always expected they would strengthen their attack, which had only two
specialist bowlers in Antigua. That the ploy failed has only reinforced the need for a change in strategy. Either Miguel Cummins, who was in the squad for the first Test, or Joseph, or both, should make it to the XI. Carlos Brathwaite or Jermaine Blackwood or both could sit out. Brathwaite, though, bowled with discipline and scored a valiant half-century in the second innings. M Vijay has been ruled out w i t h t h e t h u m b injury he sustained
when he was dismissed on the first morning of the first Test. He played no further part in the match. KL Rahul will slot into the XI in his place. A testing-looking pitch may have sown thoughts of playing an extra batsman at No. 6, but Virat Kohli indicated India would continue with their fivebowler strategy, and said a second spinner may still be required for India to take ten wickets in the second innings. Pitch and conditions The pitch had a healthy covering of grass on the eve of the Test match, and Virat Kohli welcomed what he referred to as a “result wicket”. While the fast bowlers would normally be expected to do the bulk of the bowling and take the bulk of the wickets, he felt the spinners could also come into play, particularly in the second innings, given the amount of bounce expected. A moderately heavy shower hit Kingston soon after India’s practice session had ended on Friday afternoon. Rain is forecast for all five days of the Test as well.
Gonsalves out to get past veteran Corley He was virtually a secret until he employed a savage two fisted attack that demolished Clive Atwell to claim the vacant WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) lightweight title late last year. He has not entered the ring since but now, Dexter Gonsalves is preparing for fistic duties once again when he tackles former World Boxing Organization Super Lightweight champion, American, DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley for the Fecarbox lightweight title on August 27 at the Giftland Office Max Mall, Lilliendaal ECD. The fight is being promoted by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) and would be complimented by several other bouts with the main supporter being Mark Austin up against Jamaican, Michael Gardener in a 6 rounds lightweight affair. Fans will also be entertained
with the highly anticipated return clash between Quincy Gomes and Imran Khan; the two lightweights will duke it out in a scheduled 6 rounder. Two other bouts will compliment the card and Kelsey George will match gloves with Barbadian, Charwin Estwick in the super/ middleweight division, while Anthony Narine will take on Keeve Allicock in a 4 rounds lightweight encounter. The local boxers convened at the Avenue of the Republic office of Abdool and Abdools to affix their signatures on their respective contracts and the level of optimism was high. Usually a reticent individual, Gonsalves boldly stated that he is ready for anything his opponent has to offer. He said that he had huddled with his coach and other members of his team after his last fight and they had highlighted some of his errors that needed to be fixed. “I have
Dexter Gonsalves
since started working on those errors and fans could expect a much improved performance in this fight,” promised Gonsalves.
He is now under the management of Aleem Hussein of Nexsgen Gonsalves Despite not fighting
since the Atwell encounter, Gonsalves had visited the gym at least three times a week to stay in shape and will be expected to intensify activities following the confirmation. He has compiled an 8-1-2 record and five of his bouts were abbreviated giving him a decent 45% knockout ratio. Gonsalves’ international experience is restricted to several fights in Trinidad and Tobago where he has lived for a number of years. It was during his sojourn in that country that he suffered his lone loss to Michel Agard. This was the very fighter with whom he had also fought to a drawn decision. The only other blemish to his record was another drawn decision to Jamaican, Muhammed Dawes in Marabella Trinidad and Tobago in December 2007. He is still riding high following the win over Atwell and relishing a win over Corley which could
propel him into the world rankings. Corley, a veteran with valuable experience has compiled a 47-27-1 record stopping 28 of his opponents for a decent 37% knockout ratio. He was recently in Jamaica for this year’s edition of the Contender series and won three fights with knockouts against Richard Holmes and Revlon Lake, while scoring a points win over Michael Gardener. Otherwise, he had tangled with such big names as Zab Judah in defence of his World Boxing Organization Super Lightweight which he lost. Corley has also faced Guyana’s former Olympics representative, Dillon Carew twice winning one fight unanimously while the two fought to a draw in the other encounter. Other big names on Corley’s resume include Darryl Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr among others.
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 30, 2016
Samuels bats for fast bowler Alzarri Joseph (Jamaica Observer - If Marlon Samuels was the man pulling the selection strings, 19-year-old Antiguan fast bowler Alzarri Joseph would be making his West Indies debut against India in the second Test at Sabina Park set to start tomorrow. S a m u e l s , t h e experienced West Indies middle-order batsman, gave his view as he fielded questions from members of the media ahead of the regional team’s practice session at Sabina Park yesterday. “I would definitely play him [Joseph]. He’s young, fit, fast and fearless,” said Samuels, who himself made his Test debut at 19 in 2000 during the West Indies tour of Australia. “When are you going to play him? At 25?” asked the outspoken Jamaican. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) selectors called the wiry Joseph to the senior squad on Wednesday. And with the Sabina Park pitch covered by live grass, and likely to favour the quicker bowlers, some have tipped the West Indies youth star to make the step up. “He’s 19 now and it’s the best time to just let him go, let him just go and enjoy himself and express
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph (right) going through his paces at Sabina Park Thursday. Looking on is teammate Miguel Cummins.(Photos: Lionel Rockwood)
himself,” Samuels, 35, continued. Earlier this year, Joseph captured 13 wickets to help West Indies to the ICC Under-19 World Cup title in Bangladesh. The pacer, standing over six feet, was clocked delivering the fastest ball in the youth tournament at 91.5 mph. He consistently bowled over 80 mph. The West Indies senior side suffered a resounding innings and 92-run defeat to
India inside four days in the opening Test in Antigua. The bowling unit was found wanting on a flat batting pitch. The only express pace bowler in that eleven was Shannon Gabriel. He took two wickets in the innings, but the medium pace pair of Carlos Brathwaite and captain Jason Holder went wicketless. West Indies also came up woefully short in both (Continued on page 25)
Guyana’s Benson and Hedges Triumph 1975 Guyana playing under the captaincy of Timur Mohamed won the 1975 Benson and Hedges Regional Under 19 Cricket Championship. The land of many waters zoned with the Windward Islands and host Trinidad and Tobago beat the Windwards outright and drew with Trinidad and Tobago but went on to beat Barbados on first innings points in the finals at the Kensington Oval. The heroes for the 1975 Championship were Mark Harper who scored consecutive centuries 140 against the Windwards at Gilbert Park and 102 vs Trinidad and Tobago at the Queens Park Oval. Skipper Ti m u r M o h a m e d w h o created history with centuries in each innings against Barbados in the finals at Kensington Oval. Mohamed tamed Wayne Daniel and company with 158 and 103 not out. Other consistent performers were all rounder Harry Ramsunai, off spinner Suresh Ganouri, leg spinner Sen Gopaul and fast bowlers Dennis Hewitt and Keith Farley. Today Kaieteur Sports and Statistician Charwayne Walker will take readers 41 years back when Timur Mohamed marshaled his troops and captured Guyana’s
G Square Cavaliers T20 bowls off today in Wakenaam
Ricardo Adams The annual G Square Cavaliers Sports Club T20 tournament is set to commence today in Belle Plaine, Wakenaam with six teams battling for supremacy. In the opening fixture, Sans Souci Jaguars will take
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Wayne Osbounre
Kennard Lewis
Navishaul Pooran
on Maria’s Pleasure at 09:00 hrs, G Square Cavaliers will play Zeelandia at 12:05 hrs and at 15:10 hrs Sans Souci will battle Noitgedacht SC. The winners will go through to the play offs tomorrow. The club will also be hosting a volleyball and
dominoes competition simultaneously. Among the players expected to feature are Wa y n e O b s o u r n e a n d Roopnarine Persaud of Sans Souci, Zameer Zaman and Safraz Mohamed of Sans Souci Jaguars, Neil Ramalho
and Deonarine Persaud of Noitgedacht SC, Jaggernauth Manbodh and Chandrika Ragnauth of G Square Cavaliers, Navishaul Pooran and Ricardo Adams of Zeelandia and Kennard Lewis and Marsh Singh of Maria’s Pleasure.
Mark Harper second Regional Under 19 title. Their mission started with the destruction of the Windward Islands at Gilbert Park in Trinidad, Guyana won by an innings and 16 runs. Windward Islands first innings 162 all out. Ignatius Caddette 29, Albert Joseph 27, V. Dougan 20. Bowling for Guyana: pacer Dennis Hewitt captured 4 for 34. Off spinner Suresh Ganouri took 4 for 41. Guyana first innings 332 for 6 declared Mark Harper 140 was the talk of Port of Spain, Harry Ramsunai 83, skipper Timur Mohamed 47, Andrew Lyght 32. Richard Todd was the Windward’s best bowler with 3 for 63. Windward Islands second innings 154 all out: Michael Warner 37, Thomas Kentish 24. Bowling for Guyana Keith Farley took 3 for 39, Suresh Ganouri 3 for 34, Sen Gopaul 3 for 47. Guyana vs Trinidad and Tobago at Queens Park Oval resulted in a draw. Trinidad and Tobago won first innings points but failed to advance to the finals because of the fact that they lost to the Windward Islands outright and Guyana defeated the Windwards outright. Scores: Trinidad and Tobago first innings 408 for declared, A. McCleod 110, Lance Cassimy 83, Kenrick Bainey 80, skipper Randy Gomes 41, C. Abow 40 not out. Pacer Dennis Hewitt took 2 for 75 and Suresh Ganouri 2 for 83 bowling for
Guyana. Guyana first innings 374 all out; Mark Harper 102 headlined all News Papers in Port of Spain. Ramrattan Jagnarine 93, Mirza Hussien 49, Timur Mohamed 36, Andrew Lyght 24. Trinidad and Tobago second innings 76 for 4 declared. Guyana second innings 48 for one:Andrew Lyght 30 not out. Finals vs Barbados at the Kensington Oval: Guyana first innings 366 all out. Skipper Timur Mohamed 158, Harry Ramsunai 28, Mark Harper 25, Sen Gopaul 25. Bowling for Barbados: Wayne Daniel took 3 for 80, Noel Broomes 2 for 83, Calvin Hope 4 for 51. Barbados first innings 250 all out: Wayne Daniel 49, John Slocombe 39, Desmond Haynes 31. Bowling for Guyana: Harry Ramsunai took 2 for 37, Colin Carroll 2 for 39, Sen Gopaul 2 for 41, Suresh Ganouri 2 for 71. Guyana second innings 254 for 4 declared. Timur Mohamed 103 not out, Harry Ramsunai 70 not out. Bowling for Barbados: Pedro Corbin captured 3 for 49. Barbados second innings 131 for 5: Desmond Haynes 38, Calvin Hope 21 not out. Bowling for Guyana: pacer Dennis Hewitt took 2 for 37, Suresh Ganouri 2 for 42, Colin Carroll 1 for 9. Guyana won the Championship by winning first innings points. Skipper Timur Mohamed was named man of the match for his centuries in each innings. The Victorious 1975 Guyana Benson and Hedges Team: Ti m u r M o h a m e d – Captain Mark Harper Suresh Ganouri Sen Gopaul Dennis Hewitt Keith Farley Ramrattan Jagnarine Harry Ramsunai Andrew Lyght Colin Carroll Mirza Hussien A. Adams A. Roberts Wilfred Edun –Manager
Saturday July 30, 2016
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Sri Lanka ahead as Australia wobble in run chase (Reuters) Sri Lanka set Australia a stiff 268-run victory target before reducing them to 83 for three to gain upper hand after a rain-truncated penultimate day of the first test in Pallekele on Friday. Skipper Steve Smith was batting on 26 with Adam Voges on nine when rain, which had delayed the start of play by an hour, washed out the final session for the third time in four days. It sets up an intriguing final day with Smith’s team needing 185 runs to go 1-0 up in the three-test series while Sri Lanka require seven wickets to clinch t h e b o w l e r- d o m i n a t e d contest. Earlier in the morning, Kusal Mendis fell for a marathon 176 but the Sri Lankan tail wagged as the hosts, resuming on 282 for six, posted 353 all out in their second innings. Mendis added seven runs to his overnight before Mitchell Starc (4-84)
dismissed him caught behind. Rangana Herath (35) frustrated the Australians with his belligerent batting until substitute fielder Moises Henriques took a stunning one-handed diving catch to send him back. Herath was soon back to torment the touring side again, this time with the ball, when the left-arm spinner bowled David Warner who ended the match with scores of one and zero. Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera trapped Usman Khawaja (18) lbw and leftarm Chinaman bowler Lakshan Sandakan bowled Joe Burns (29) with a sharpturning delivery to reduce Australia to 63-3. Australia looked in further trouble when Voges was adjudged leg-before for a golden duck after being struck on his pad by a Perera delivery. The batsman reviewed the decision and got it overturned after replays
Lakshan Sandakan is congratulated after bowling Joe Burns with one that turned sharply, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Pallekele, 4th day, July 29, 2016 ©AFP suggested the sharp-turning ball would have missed leg stump. Australia are without their hamstrung left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe, who hobbled off the ground on Thursday and is set to miss the rest of the series. Scores: Australia 203 and 83 for 3 (Smith 26*, Voges 9*) need another 185 runs to beat Sri Lanka117 and 353 (Mendis 176, Starc 4-84).
Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships 2016 – Individual Time Trials
Guyanese quartet confident of doing well at biggest ever event
Boucher hundred frustrates T&T victory bid
By Franklin Wilson in St. Lucia compliments of Fazia’s Collection, Fitness Express and Germans Restaurant
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – Opener Leniko Boucher stroked an attractive hundred to steer Barbados to the safety of a draw, in their opening three-day game of the Regional Under-19 Championship against Trinidad and Tobago here Friday. Under pressure after being forced to follow on 177 runs behind, Barbados ended the final day on 225 for five, with the righthanded Boucher leading the fightback with an excellent 119. All told, Boucher faced 224 balls in a shade over 51/2 hours at the crease, and counted 11 fours and one six. Unlike in the first innings, Barbados batted in partnerships with Boucher anchoring all of them before he was fifth out late in the day with the stalemate secure. He posted 41 for the first wicket with first innings top-scorer Shian Brathwaite who made 15 and added a further 38 for the second wicket with Grant, who counted five fours in a 68ball knock. Boucher then spearheaded a key third wicket stand of 53 with
What will be the biggest ever Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships ever held, will pedal off today on the island of St. Lucia with the Individual Time Trials and Guyana’s representatives among the 20-countries here to compete are all confident of representing well despite this event not being practiced much in the Land of Many Waters. Junior National Champion (Individual Time Trials and Road Race) Christopher Cornelius will headline the trio in this category which also includes Jornel Yearwood and the experienced, Andrew Hicks. The lone juvenile is Zaman Khan. T h e n a t i o n a l ambassadors have all expressed confidence as well as Team Manager and Coach, Marc Sonaram and Randolph Roberts. Sonaram said that it is not an event that is focused too much on in Guyana so the main objective will be the road race. Cornelius said that he will try to do his best and is aiming to win on debut at this level. “I will also be using this event as warm up for tomorrow’s road race. I am a bit nervous being this is my first time but am sure I
Opener Leniko Boucher Nicholas Kirton who made 14 and put on another 39 for the fourth wicket with Khalil Herbert who scored nine. The partnership with Herbert all but made the game safe for Barbados as it nearly erased the deficit but Boucher kept going, and his 44-run stand for the fifth wicket with Deswin Currency (18), completed a day of
frustration for the Trinidadians. Fast bowler Jarlanie Seales led T&T’s attack with two for 32. Earlier, Barbados were dismissed for 194 after resuming the final day on 171 for six, with offspinner Jonathan Bootan finishing with five for 53 and left-arm spinner Bryan Boodram taking three for 43.
will overcome this early and focus on the job at hand.” Hicks, who represented Guyana at this level two years ago in Suriname, was confident when speaking with Kaieteur Sport and noted that he has trained hard for this moment. ”I am quite confident that I would do well in this and tomorrow’s events. I am aiming for a 1-3 finish in this my final year at this level.” Yearwood too expressed sureness in his ability to shine at this level on debut. “I will use this opportunity and do the best I can for Guyana and myself. I am a bit nervous too but more confident than nervous.” The lone juvenile competitor and baby of the team Zaman Khan said he was feeling very good about his chances in this event while stating emphatically that he is not feeling nervous at all and is just ready to compete. Today’s Individual Time Trial will be held on Millennium Highway pedaling off from 14:00hrs near the La Toc Roundabout and travels 5KM towards Cul De Sac and 5KM back to starting line. The girls will start the action followed one hour later by the juveniles at 15:00hrs while the juniors will kick off at 16:00hrs doing a distance of 20KM. Te a m s c o m p e t i n g a r e Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Curacao,
Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Martin French, St. Marteen Dutch, Suriname, St Lucia, United States Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago. Among the dignitaries that will be gracing this championship with their presence are Mr. Jose Manuel Pelaez President of the Pan American Cycling Confederation and Member of International Cycling Union Management Committee of Cuba; Mr. Trevor Bailey President of the Caribbean Cycling Confederation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Mr. Pedro Frias International Commissar of Cuba; Mr. Juan Mercado International Commissar of Venezuela and Mr. Michel Marie Sainte Technical Delegate of Martinique. Meanwhile, the eagerly anticipated Road Race will be contested tomorrow in Vieux Fort starting from 08:00hrs on the Vieux Fort Laborie Highway/ Vieux Fort La Resource Circuit which goes around the airport with a distance of just under 12.5KM. The girls will do 50KM (4 laps), juveniles 62KM(5 laps) and juniors 100km (8 laps). Raphael Leung, the other junior rider here will don his national uniform for tomorrow’s event.
Saturday July 30, 2016
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Twins Beer Garden (Bayo) sponsors Upper Corentyne U19 Cricket Competition The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association has secured sponsorship from the Twins Beer Garden (Bayo) of Corriverton to sponsor and U19 cricket 50 overs cricket competition for teams in the Upper Corentyne Black Bush area for the year 2016. The cheque for the sponsorship was handed over at a simple presentation ceremony held recently at the Hotel Riverton Suites Upper Corentyne. Speaking at the ceremony proprietor of Twins Beer Garden Mr. Bodhnarine Ramlakhan (Bayo) stated that he is pleased to be on board with the UCCA. Over the years he has been impressed with the work of the UCCA. He attended the 2015 final and saw the excitement it created and the benefits it brought for the youths in the Upper Corentyne area. He mentioned that the contribution is a part of his
business’ cooperate responsibility and giving back to the community from where it earns most of his benefits. He intoned that keeping youths occupied and off the streets and away from criminal activities is a top priority for him and should also be for all of Guyana. He is urging others to follow suit. Mr. Winston Roberts Secretary of the UCCA thanked Mr. Ramlakhan for the sponsorship, which he said is much needed at this time. He gave the assurance that the UCCA will as usual organize the competition and ensure it is a well-run competition. The competition will start as soon as weather permits and will be played on a round robin basis. There will be cash and trophies up for grabs with the winner, runner up and man of the match in the final being among the beneficiaries. (Samuel Whyte)
Wiltshire teams up with Phantom to stage two-day Competition
Mark Wiltshire
Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire in collaboration with Phantom Domino Club has organised a 21-team TwoDay Tournament which will commence tomorrow and end on Emancipation Day at the Dynasty Sports Barin South Ruimveldt. According to a release from the Organisers, opening day action will be staged at the Phantom Domino Club, starting time
is 15:00 hrs. The release added that the entrance fee per team is $10,000 and the winning team will receive $140,000, runner-up $50,000 and 3rd place $20,000. The rules of the Guyana National Dominoes Association will be in effect, while the prizes are subject to change. Interested teams can contact Wiltshire on tele#665-5855.
Mr. Bodhnarine Ramlakhan (Bayo) proprietor of TWINS Beer Garden of Corriverton hands overs the sponsorship cash to UCCA president Mr. Dennis De Andrade.
Saturday July 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Harper says win against B’dos very important By Sean Devers in Florida In association with Stag Beer, Trophy Stall, Noble House Seafoods, Bounty Supermarket & Payless Varity Store Head Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Roger Harper feels that Thursday night’s victory over the Barbados Tridents was very important in that it not only enabled the team to qualify for next week’s playoff in St Kitts but got the team back to their winning ways. “The win was very important since we had to win at least one match here (Florida) to qualify for St Kitts and it got us back to our winning ways,” said the 53year-old former West Indies all-rounder. T h e Wa r r i o r s , w h o moved to 12 points after the win, won their first two away
games before winning three of their four home games but then lost their last two games in Jamaica and St Lucia. There was some concern that the team had peaked too early but Harper said he did not believe that was the case. “I think we played good cricket in the early matches we won and some bad cricket in the ones we lost. We have now returned to our winning ways and although we did not give our best performance here we made it,” said Harper who played 25 Tests and 105 ODIs. “We will look at the areas we did not do well in tonight (Thursday) that caused us make the game closer that it should have been,” said Harper who made his FirstClass debut for Guyana as a 17-year-old Queens College Schoolboy. Harper explained that while Chris Barnwell was having a poor run of form the
Nick Maddison (Sydney sixers)
Chris Barnwell (CPL)
Roger Harper (CPL)
conditions in Florida suited the all-rounders and that was a reason why he was selected. Barnwell was used as a bowler for the time in nine matches and took 1-30 from three overs, took a brilliant catch and batted positively to hit a six and four in his unbeaten 15. “We all know of his
ability to score quickly and he saw us home tonight and that little innings would have done a lot of good for his confidence,” the former Guyana Captain said. Dwayne Smith smashed a pugnacious 50 to earn the Man-of-the-Match award but Harper was pleased that 24-year-old Australian Nick Maddison also got 50 in only
his second game in CPL cricket after coming in as a replacement for Skipper Martin Guptill who left due to International duties. “He (Maddison) is a very good player and I am pleased that he had the opportunity to spend some time in the middle to get accustomed to the conditions,” Harper disclosed.
Maddison faced 41 balls and hit six fours and a six in a well crafted even halfcentury and shared in 92-run opening partnership with Smith and helped the Warriors to post their sixth win with one match remaining before the play offs. “We are going to play positive cricket in our last game and look for a win to finish one or two after the group stage,” said the former West Indies Coach. Harper feels the CPL matches in Florida will help to create interest for cricket among Americans and said the Central Broward Park was a good enough venue to host more International games. Guyana face the Tridents in their final game from noon today and both teams will have to deal the extremely hot weather in Fort Lauderdale at this time.
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 30, 2016
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Patriots spoil TKR party with upset win
By Sean Devers in Florida In Association with Noble House Seafoods, S t a g B e e r, B o u n t y Supermarket, Trophy Stall & Payless Varity store Another disappointing crowd comprising mostly Tr i n i d a d & To b a g o supporters watched in dismay as Trinbago Knight Riders suffered an upset 34-
run defeat to the St Kitts Patriots, who have no chance of qualifying for next week’s play-off in St Kitts at the Central Broward Park last night. The Patriots, led by a blazing 79 from 40 balls with for fours and eight sixes from Trinidadian left hander Evin Lewis and an unfinished 58-run fifth wicket stand between Shamar Brooks (35 from 19 balls) and Jonathon Carter (27 from 24 balls) reached 180-5. Off-spinner Sunil Narine, despite being hit for three sixes, finished with 327 from four overs for TKR who were bowled out for 146 in 18 overs with only Colin
Munroe (46 from 28 balls 2x4 3x6), Hashim Amla (33 from 26 balls 4x4) and Narine, who made 19 from 11 balls with two fours and a six, offering resistance. TKR must beat the Patriots tomorrow and hope that the Warriors defeat the Tr i d e n t s t o d a y f r o m 16:00hrs after the Zouks and Tallawahs clash from noon in today’s double header. Brendon McCullum (1) again failed when he was removed by Sheldon Cotterell at 18-1 but the tournament’s leading scorer Hashim Alma stroked Cotterell for two fours and smashed Samuel Badree for another one before he was run out at 46-2.
Fitness Paradise Gym Expo – muscle, elegance and more on show
Five of the competing females Delice Adonis, xamara Kippins, Adiola Frank, Addis Castello and Vanessa Small pause for a photograph after a hard workout.
To m o r r o w, F i t n e s s Paradise Gym holds its annual Gym Expo. The venue is the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel and the event starts at 7.00 pm sharp. This year’s event will see the largest contingent of females on stage as 6 ladies take the stage to vie for the coveted Miss Expo Best Legs and Miss Expo Bikini titles. The ladies have taken the training for this event very seriously and have trained and dieted their physiques down to their best stageready appearance. All six ladies will be making their debut on the bodybuilding stage, although one or two boast previous modelling experience.
For all of them training for the Miss Expo Best Legs and the Miss Expo Bikini has been a baptism by fire; months of disciplined hours in the gym, months of restraint at the dining table, and months of sacrifice in terms of night-time leisure activities. The audience at the Ramada Georgetown Princess will be guaranteed a most entertaining evening as Delice Adonis, Addis Castello, Adiola Frank, Xamara Kippins, Sharon M o h a n a n d Va n e s s a Small don their posing suits and flex with grace and elegance tomorrow night. Kavita Ganpat, winner of the GABBFF Miss Bikini 2016 title will be making a guest appearance.
Colin Munroe, the first overseas player to score a CPL century was joined by former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and the pair struggled to get the ball away. Munroe broke the shackles by dumping Carter for six while the 35-year-old Guyanese could only pick up singles as the run rate mounted as Sarwan was run out for nine from 15 balls at 73-3 in the 11thover. Munroe edged Carter for four and banged him down the ground for six before pulling him viciously for six as the over leaked 19 and finally Munroe was making an effort to score and the Trinis were dancing in the stands. Munroe hammered Krismar Santokie for four before he was hit outside the off stump and was surprisingly adjudged LBW at 103- 4 and they never recovered despite Narine’s cameo. Earlier, on another hot day in North America, TKR won the toss and elected to bowl on a good track with some bounce and Jon Jon Smutts (16) was the silent partner in a 65-run partnership with the pugnacious Lewis before Smutts hit Narine to long-on. Lewis was dominant from the start and hit Ronsford Beaten for three boundaries in the first over before pulling left-arm spinner Nikta Miller for six. The 24-year-old Lewis clobbered Cooper over longon for six and then dumped him over cover next ball for another six before pulling
Evin Lewis was brutal in his half century for the Patriots. (CPL) Dwayne Bravo for two sixes to bring up the 50 in the fifth over. Lewis reached his 50 with a six off of Miller, the landmark came from 23 balls decorated with three fours and six sixes. Lendl Simmons (5) lofted Narine to long-on at 78-2 before Lewis blasted Beaton for four to end the ninth over. Faf Du Plessis (2) was bowled by Bravo to leave the score on 93-3 in the 10th over, while Narine was pulled for a couple of sixes by the on-fire Lewis to bring up the 100 in the 12th over. Lewis then played an irresponsible pull off Narine and was taken at deep mid wicket by Bravo at 111-4 in
the 12th over before Devon Thomas (10), after being dropped by Bravo off the previous delivery, walked across his wicket and was bowled by Cooper at 122-5 in the 14th over. But Brooks, who spanked Beaton for four before gloving a wicked bouncer next ball for four more and along with Carter, brought the Patriots back in the fray. Brooks smashed the expensive Bravo for consecutive sixes in the 19th over which cost 16 runs. Scores: St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 180-5 (E Lewis 79, S Narine 3 for 27) beat Trinbago Knight Riders 146 all out (C Munro 46, K Santokie 3 for 27) by 34 runs.
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Headquarters retain Police Inter-Division athletics title
Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine (fourth, right) hands over the overall Championships trophy to Police Headquarters last night at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.
Patriots Guyanese quartet confident of spoil doing well at biggest ever event TKR party with upset win
Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships 2016 – Individual Time Trials
Time Trialists for the 2016 Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships - St Lucia from left, Zaman Kahn (Juvenile) and Juniors, Jornel Yearwood, Christopher Cornelius and Andrew Hicks.
West Indies seek revival at resultinducing Sabina Park today
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