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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The minority government Over the past few months some people have suddenly have come to realize that the government is a minority and that it represents the interests of fewer people than the opposition. Letters to this effect have been appearing in the press and more recently, some people have been taking to the social media with this fact. The constitution of this country stipulates that the President of the country is chosen by the largest bloc of people who vote for a particular political party. The President is then free to select his Cabinet. So we could have a situation, in which a political party receives, as one letter writer noted, recently, 34 per cent of the popular votes and the two other political parties secure 33 per cent each then the party that receives 34 per cent of the votes would secure the presidency and be required to form the government. This government, then, can only speak for 34 per cent of the population; the majority must be spoken for by the opposition. However, running the country is the responsibility of the government, a situation akin to apartheid where the minority rules the majority. In Guyana this is the situation but it is always being challenged to the point where people now feel that precious little is being done since the government and the opposition are always at odds over some issue of national importance. The two most glaring have been the national budgets and the anti-money laundering Bill. Ever since the 2011 elections, the opposition, cognizant of the fact that it was responsible for the majority of the population, sought to be involved in the budget preparation. This would have shown a working relationship between the government and the opposition. It would have set the stage for the behaviour of the people of Guyana. They would have trusted the political system. In the past, because of Guyana’s winner-take-all politics Governments were seen to operate in a dictatorial manner. Financial allocations were at the discretion of the government and even developmental works were concentrated in those areas from which came the people who voted for the eventual winner. Even when there was a plurality, the opposition found reason to quarrel as it saw things being done to the exclusion of its supporters. So this time around the opposition was firm in the belief that it would have a say in the budget preparation. This was not to be and the nation began to wonder whether someone was playing mind games. The opposition and the government simply could not meet; conditions appeared to be unfavourable for either side. The result was a series of budget cuts and ensuing court action that is still influencing decisions today. In fact, each budget since 2012 has been subjected to a reduction in allocations stated by the government. Surely, had they been talking to each other given the scheme of things, there would not have been the pain being felt by people associated with Office of the President. There are people working there without pay. There is a mantra which states that when an irresistible force meets an immovable object there is bound to be an explosion. In Guyana’s world today, the government with its minority presents an immovable force. There is arrogance and a refusal to collaborate with the opposition. The government holds on to its role with such tenacity that any challenge attracts the comment, “The opposition wants power through the back door.” The opposition is the irresistible object, pushing ahead with its power by virtue of its majority. Laws have not been passed in certain areas; Bills have been rejected; and where necessary, the President has refused to assent to Bills passed by the opposition. One result is that the country is facing a financial blacklisting, something that the private sector is mortally afraid of. Things need not have come to this stage. Of course, there is more to happen. The government is going to identify and pursue projects that would be challenged by and objected to by the opposition.

Thursday June 05, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

The issue of the AML/CFT Bill is not only about passage DEAR EDITOR, Note is taken that President Ramotar has reached out to the Christian community to seek support for the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill. The leaders in the Christian community who met with the president are reminded of the importance of this Bill to the integrity and reputation of Guyana and the protection of every Guyanese from illegal activities that would harm their lives and negatively alter their day-to-day security. They are further reminded that the non-passage of this bill has to do with the government’s insistence to ignore tenets of the Constitution and adamant refusal thus far to negotiate in good faith with the opposition and bring about needed societal development consistent with this supreme instrument of state. The church has historically played an important role in man’s development and marginalisation/oppression. Ours is a history that has seen the church blessing atrocities such as slavery, indentureship and colonialism. The commonality of these systems is that they operated from the belief that some are inherently inferior and set about establishing a system to maintain this order. This notion led to and gives

justification to turning a blind eye to poverty, police brutality, abuse of the state’s resources to enrich and protect a few as the masses suffer from hunger, fear and want, and a few living the lives of kings on the backs of the unpaid or underpaid workers whose conditions of work and standard of living are of no concern to them beyond the point of being the beasts of burden. Conversely, the church also has a progressive stance, not dissimilar to Christ’s teachings, in crusading the land, demanding and working for the equality of all men/women. Among the first hymns children learnt was “Jesus loves the little children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight…” This hymnal has shaped outlook to life, guided policies, declaration, conventions and lawmaking and, informed the struggles for justice and fair play across the world. It has led religious organisations to play leading roles in the struggles for equality from the days of captivity to now. The fight for equality has led and guided men of our era like Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the rallying call that “injustice anywhere poses a threat to justice everywhere” and continuing the crusade to right the wrongs. Some may seek refuge in the argument that his activism got him his

death. To this concern it is important to ponder whether a man is worth living if he is not prepared to die for something. Christ, King and others have paid the ultimate price. We owe it to their sacrifice to preserve, defend and build on the legacy. The issue of the AML/CFT Bill is not only about passage, it is also about guaranteeing to this society universal respect for the Guyana Constitution, which President Ramotar, all his ministers and PPP Members of Parliament have sworn to uphold. It is this very constitution that guarantees the right of religious organisations to exist and the protection from discrimination for their congregants who choose to so associate. These congregants are also workers and citizens of this nation, all of whom the constitution safeguard and protect their rights and wellbeing outside of the church. Some of these include the effective and efficient management of the state and its resources, the right to a trade union of choice and collective bargaining flowing therefrom, right to stipulated participation in electing local representatives through a local government system and the establishment of its oversight body. The churchgoer is a holistic being (Continued on page 27)

High cost for electricity retards economic development DEAR EDITOR, At the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Board of Governors 44th Annual General Meeting held recently in Guyana, Dr. William Warren Smith, CDB’s President stated that the high price of electricity has been a major source of the Caribbean region’s uncompetitiveness and its vulnerability to external shocks. To support his claim he quoted household tariffs for electricity among CDB members as ranging between US$0.48 to US$0.07 per kWh. Comparing these tariffs with electricity supplied by ConEdison in New York City for the months of March and April ’14, it was US$0.43 ave. per kWh. In California and locations elsewhere, the cost for electricity is higher, while in Guyana it is about US$0.28 per kWh. There is no doubt that high electricity costs do have a negative effect in attracting certain categories of investments, but many countries with high electricity costs have successfully attracted investors of varied kinds because they have other important infrastructures in place. Japan with the world’s third largest economy has no hydropower and much of its electricity is generated from imported fossil fuel and until recently from nuclear power. Yet it has attracted investors for many of its industries which are competitive despite high labour costs. Dr. Smith and former Chairman of

the Board of Governors of the CDB, Dr. Ashni Singh, have failed to assist member countries of the Bank to identify and provide funding for worthwhile projects to develop and grow their economies thereby finding work for the large numbers of unemployed. Instead they have been dodging the problems by finding excuses such as high energy costs, political bickering and environmental roadblocks as impediments for doing little or nothing. stead they have been dodging the problems by finding excuses such as high energy costs, political bickering and environmental roadblocks as impediments for doing little or nothing. In the case of Guyana, President Ramotar has continued to extol the lame duck excuse that lack of cheap electricity has been the major impediment to Guyana’s development. He has failed to acknowledge that for the past twenty years or so the country has had an unreliable source of electricity with brown-outs and blackouts the order of the day, lacks an educated and skilled labour force, poor infrastructures such as roads, port facilities, communications and water supply. These are among the constituents that investors are looking for and Guyana lacks. Much has been said and done about hydropower development to reduce the country’s dependency on the high cost of imported fossil fuels and save scarce foreign exchange for other needed

imports. The PPP Govt. under President Jagdeo had considered it savvy to tap Guyana’s hydropower potential at Amaila Falls. The project was ill-conceived and early preliminary works were shrouded in secrecy with funding for design and construction negotiated without transparent competitive bidding. The opposition parties were deliberately kept in the dark and were given little or no information on what was going on although Govt. funding was involved. Then came the general elections in 2011. President Jagdeo was cocksure the PPP would have won the elections and his anointed successor President Ramotar would continue to execute his secret projects. Surprisingly, the opposition became the majority and a brake was put on the financial shenanigans of the PPP, and management of the country’s resources has to be more transparent before public funds are approved for expenditure. Unfortunately the Govt. has been bypassing the National Assembly and siphoning funds from NICIL and Petro Caribe to finance many of the projects started during President Jagdeo’s tenure - financial accountability for which are very fuzzy - and the opposition majority seems helpless to stop the flow of unauthorized spending from these Govt. sources. Flip Motilall, Deal-Maker turned Contractor was awarded one of these (Continued on page 27)

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

Georgetown belongs to the people - Time to stop the madness DEAR EDITOR, Sadly the PPP/C government has continued to allow the “Sooba debacle” to cast a dangerously dark cloud over the Georgetown City Council. This entire fiasco can be described as nothing but a shameful and disgraceful act of the ruling regime. This ongoing despicable charade being piloted by the PPP/C government exposes the administration’s v i n d i c t i v e n e s s , incompetence, stupidity, lawlessness and disrespect for the people of Georgetown and the larger Guyanese community. What this government has done, through the Minister of Local Government, is to once again put its partisan political agenda above the people of Georgetown and the country. Foolishly, they believe that “milking Sooba” will in some way create a damning indictment on the PNCR, their chief political rival, and the Mayor of Georgetown. In the minds of the architects of the “Sooba Milking Scheme”, allowing Georgetown to swirl in an ongoing pool of controversy will be beneficial to the PPP/ C at the time of local government elections. They foolishly believe that the residents of Georgetown are naïve enough to hand over management of the capital city in the hands of the PPP/C regime. How else can you explain the government’s decision to sacrifice the management of the nation’s capital city at the expense of protecting a town clerk, appointed by the regime? What secret does Carol Sooba have for the PPP/C that would cause it to abrogate its responsibility to thousands of citizens in order to attempt to deify and promote Sooba? The Courts ruled that Sooba’s appointment as town clerk is not legitimate, the councilors voted against her sitting as town clerk, the market vendors picketed and denounced her, the people of

Georgetown cast a “no confidence motion” against her, why then should she remain as town clerk when she had been rejected in these significant ways? In a true democracy the people rule, and in this case the residents of Georgetown have spoken, through the votes cast against Sooba, by the councilors. Georgetown residents do not want any political tool as their town clerk. Sooba’s continued presence in the office of town clerk constitutes a serious affront to the people of Georgetown. The government has allowed this situation to get way out of hand and it has continued to say to the Guyanese people that Carol Sooba’s political survival is more important to the PPP/C than the people of Georgetown. It is time that the people of Georgetown stop this charade, no political office is more important than the concerns of the people. Georgetown is not PPP/C football and should not be treated in this manner. Recently we read of reports that the council’s statutory meeting could not have been held because Sooba locked the doors to the room where the meeting was supposed to have been held. Councillors also reported that the City Hall is being inundated by a number of unsavory characters, who are acting as Sooba’s bodyguards and the PPP/C’s agents of intimidation. Let me pause here to remind your readers that this kind of thuggery and scare tactics are nothing new by the PPP/C. Recall that this same strategy was used to create the death squad. Are we heading back in that direction? How are all of these unwarranted developments supposed to benefit the PPP/C, only they would know. What is clear is that the government is prepared to use Carol Sooba as one of its major political footstools of

distraction. Sadly, she seems to be enjoying this entire charade. I do not know who is, in addition to Freedom House and the Local Government Minister, advising Ms. Sooba, but what I do know is that whatever advice is being given is unwise. There is no decency in hanging on to a public office when the public has in multiple ways rejected you, there is no honour is allowing yourself to be used as a political tool. Sooba should do the most logical thing and tender her resignation. What is very unfortunate is that the government has decided to work against enhancing the very tourism atmosphere they like to boast about. How can tourists be attracted to travel to Guyana for vacation when the government has taken a

deliberate attempt to launch a despicable assault on the main tourist hub in the country? Where is the Minister of Tourism? Is there no concern on his part for what is happening at the Georgetown City Council? It is no secret that when people are traveling to Guyana, Georgetown is named as the focal point of attraction. Who wants to travel to a tourist destination where the main attraction is a pile of garbage, mosquitos, and municipal gridlock? The PPP/C talks of attracting tourists to Guyana, but how can any tourism drive be successful when the regime has taken every step to ruin the capital city. The PPP/C has effectively turned the city into a garbage dump by stifling the city council of much needed funds to effectively execute its garbage disposal programme.

This state of affairs has also resulted in severe flooding of the city due to severely clogged drains, and overgrown bushes, a perfect atmosphere for dengue fever and other mosquitoassociated illnesses. Mosquitos have taken over the city like never before. As one person said to me you have to eat with one hand and “clap mosquito” with the other. Le Repentir Cemetery has also become a bacchanal field for execution-style killings and dumping ground for the bodies of murder victims. Over the last couple of years the regime has decided to block every success of the council by ensuring that its politically appointed town clerk, creates sufficient controversy and chaos in order to stall any improvement in the city. So, there is often constant confrontation

between constabulary forces and market vendors and stall holders, face-offs between town clerk and mayor/town clerk and council. There are petty squabbles such as no register available for councilors to sign in attendance at council meetings, Sooba’s accusation that the Mayor referred to her as an interloper, and that the Mayor did not allow her to say prayers, or acknowledged her, then there is cancellation of statutory meetings, even though councillors are present. Then there were other issues such as the paradoxical court hearings, and the local government minister’s overt intrusion into the affairs of the council. When will this madness stop? Georgetown belongs to the people of Guyana not Sooba and the PPP/C, time to take a stand. Lurlene Nestor

Frederick Kissoon is an example of what is desperately needed in our society DEAR EDITOR, One of the things that we seldom do in Guyana is to recognize courage. The recently deceased American poet, Maya Angelou, states that “One isn’t born with courage. One develops it. And you develop it by doing small, courageous things…You develop courage by doing courageous things, small things, but things that cost you some exertion – mental and, I suppose, spiritual exertion.” Courage is an act that is derived from a burning desire for change. In this sense I am speaking about political courage. Throughout Guyana’s history we can identify some very courageous people, but in my estimation not enough. There is a tendency, too often in our recent history for people in position of privilege to intimate with the status

quo, and so, when we identify courageous people we must celebrate them. One of those people I want to highlight is Mr. Frederick Kissoon, columnist, academic and political activist. There are others, but Mr. Kissoon stands out. Kissoon’s activism over the years is admirable. He stands for what he believes is right. He writes with a courage that is formidable, often highlighting injustices with ill regard for his own safety. If there is a patriot that I have seen, it is Mr. Frederick Kissoon. Kissoon by his own admission began his activism as a young man under the Burnham’s dictatorship, and he has put his life on the line on numerous occasions. He continues his activism under the current PPP’s elected dictatorship, and he has been relentless in the

fight for justice, accountability, good governance and parity. Kissoon not only uses his pen on a daily basis to highlight corruption, mismanagement and bureaucratic misappropriation of privileges, he can be found on the front lines of protest action, denouncing institutional mismanagement. He does this very often to the chagrin of political bureaucrats, in a charged political environment, where vendetta is not beyond the conception of the offended. Kissoon’s dissident voice is heard above the whimper of inaction. Jules Boykoff in his essay, ‘Dialectics of Resistance and Restriction’, states that “dissident is contentious, adversarial, nonconformist political thought and activity that challenges the status quo and

transgresses norms of public interaction and deliberation. It is the collective mechanism for initiating social change.” Most troubling in our society is the lack of dissident citizenship and political courage. Yet, by numerous examples, dissident citizenship and political courage is the main ingredient to ensure a proper functioning democracy. Kissoon has been threatened, sued, and had feces thrown upon him. He had been victimized, and his employment vindictively terminated, yet he perseveres. If this is not courage, I am yet to see it. His dissident citizenship and political courage in the Guyanese society must not only be recognized, but championed. I cannot say that I have always agreed with everything Mr. Kissoon (Continued on page 27)

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Govt. worries as gold declarations plunges by 20 percent

Declarations for the year have dropped alarmingly by almost 20% as compared to last year.

Stakeholders met yesterday to map measures on how to boost gold declarations. Gold declarations have plunged with a worried Government yesterday urging the mining body to help reverse the situation. The current data trend for the first five months of this year has shown a signification decrease in gold output, when compared to the same period for last year. For January to May, total gold declaration amounted to 165,595 ounces as compared to 204,970.42 ounces for the same period last year. The poor showing led to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment writing the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) on Tuesday. The letter, signed by Minister Robert Persaud, and addressed GGDMA’s president, Patrick Harding, made it clear that the figure was a 19.21% decrease for the corresponding period of 2014, over that of 2013. Currently, the level of declaration for 2014 is only 34.17 per cent of the targeted

amount for the year which is set at 484,562 ounces. For the first half of 2014, the Guyana Gold Board was targeting 242,281 ounces. “It must be emphasized that whilst the price of gold is lower than that which was previously expected, the level of gold mining operations have improved and the data sets have indicated that production is continuing,” according to the letter by the Minister. “The gold mining sector of our economy has been a pillar of improve economic well-being for Guyana. This has been achieved because of the consistently rising levels of gold declaration over the last decade. The importance of the gold mining sector to our economy cannot be over emphasized since gold has been the largest earner of foreign revenue for the last seven years.” Yesterday, the Ministry announced that a meeting was held at the GGDMA and licensed gold dealers to

consider ways to improve the situation. Present at the meeting held at the Ministry’s offices at Brickdam were Minister Persaud, Chairman of the Guyana Gold Board; Dr. Gobind Ganga, along with GGDMA executives and private dealers. A number of measures will be taken including public

Walter Rodney COI ... By Latoya Giles Member of Parliament for the People’s Progressive Party, Joseph Hamilton, yesterday said that parts of his evidence which he has given could be considered as “hearsay”. Hamilton’s admission came during questioning by PNC legal representative Attorney at Law Basil Williams. This was Hamilton’s third day on the stand at the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry.

sensitization and a proactive monitoring and enforcement drive by the Guyana Gold Board regarding undeclared gold transactions The measures will also include enhanced interagency coordination between law enforcement agencies and the Guyana Revenue Authority. The Guyana Geology and

Mines Commission (GGMC), which regulates the industry, will also start enforcement of reporting obligations by miners. The police will soon be moving to launch a crackdown on illegal gold trading entities across the country. “Stakeholders pledged their support for these measures. The Minister emphasized that the Government of Guyana remains uncompromising in its efforts to ensure full compliance with the laws to deal with these issue of undeclared gold and reports of smuggling,” the Ministry said yesterday in a statement. Last year ’s gold declaration was the largest

ever at 481,087 ounces. Gold exports was a massive US$648M as at December 31. With sugar struggling and rice production holding up, surpassing a record 500,000 tonnes last year, Government would want gold to continue raking in its millions. However prices have plunged from US$1,800 per ounce high to over US$1,200 last year. Miners have been urged to lower their costs to sustain their operations. The spinoffs from gold have been major for the economy with cash-rich miners buying up real estate, equipment and vehicles. Workers have been flooding the gold fields in the hopes of making some quick bucks. (Leonard Gildarie)

Former House of Israel member admits to being a “thug” Hamilton has told the Commission that between the years 1978 and 1979 he was part of the House of Israel religious sect as a “priest”. He also told the commission that he had gone through some amount of training to become that “priest” in the latter part of 1978 and early 1979. Williams, in his cross examination suggested that Hamilton had a “low level” position within the House of Israel and could not have been in meetings between the

House of Israel and former Opposition Leader Robert Corbin, Mayor Hamilton Green or several key figures in the PNC party. Hamilton during his testimony to the Commission said that he had received guns and ammunition from Corbin and others as a means of protection from the Working People’s Alliance. “I’m suggesting to you….that you were too low, that you had no weight to be a part of these meetings Mr. Hamilton if they ever happened at all…” Williams told Hamilton. Hamilton was further asked about whether he was at the meeting when the PNC allegedly asked for support from the House Israel. The witness said that he could not recall. Williams then suggested to Hamilton that he was speculating when he told the Commission that he was present when that particular meeting happened. Hamilton however maintained that he had based that part of his evidence on the activities that were happening at the time. Williams further

suggested that Hamilton went from a priest to a demon based on the testimony he gave. Hamilton has claimed that during 1978, while he was a student priest in the House of Israel, he was forced moments after reading the Bible to beat and terrorize opponents of the then PNC Government. “You could be praying at 2’o clock and then by 3’o clock you could have picked up a piece of wood and go and start beating people…Which part of the bible teaches that Mr. Hamilton?” Williams asked. Hamilton admitted that that was what happened. Williams suggested that Hamilton went from “being a priest to a demon,” a contention that Hamilton rejected. He claimed that at the time his actions were seen as doing a good. Williams suggested, too, that Hamilton lied about classified information he provided with respect to relationships between the PNC and the House of Israel, because at the time in (continued on page 11)

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Fighting rages in eastern Ukraine town, residents flee NEAR SLAVIANSK Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukrainian government forces battled separatists with artillery and automatic weapons yesterday in a second day of fighting in and around Slaviansk, forcing many residents to flee. The Kiev government, trying to break rebellions by pro-Russia militias, said over 300 rebels had been killed in the past 24 hours in the “antiterrorist operation” centered on the eastern town, a strategically located separatist stronghold. Rebels denied this, saying losses among the Ukrainian forces during an offensive begun on Tuesday exceeded theirs. At an army checkpoint on the edge of town, heavy artillery shelling could be heard while a plume of black smoke rose above the outskirts. Automatic gunfire rattled out from nearby fields. Families fled the fighting through a barbed-wire checkpoint with only as much as they could carry. “It’s a mess,” sobbed a young woman as she clutched her husband’s arm. “It’s war.”

Ukrainian servicemen stop a car at a checkpoint outside the eastern Ukrainian town of Slaviansk yesterday. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (UKRAINE - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) Andrei Bander left with his four-year-old daughter. “We are going. We don’t even know where. We will head to Russia though because it’s clear we need to leave Ukraine,” he said, waiting for a taxi in a small a no-man’s land between the two sides. In support for the Ukrainian forces, acting

President Oleksander Turchinov and Interior Minister Arsen Avakov paid an impromptu visit, clad in flak jackets, to another army roadblock on the far side of the encircled town yesterday. A spokesman for government forces said two soldiers had been killed and 45 wounded since Kiev launched its offensive near

Slaviansk with aircraft, helicopters and artillery. Separatists controlling the town since early April denied the government’s casualty figures and claimed to have shot down an army helicopter - something denied in turn by Kiev. “Losses to the Ukrainian side were more than ours,” said Aleksander Boroday,

“prime minister” of the selfproclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. He said nine had died and 15 were injured among separatists forces in Slaviansk. At a news conference in the regional capital Donetsk, he said separatists would mobilize forces and train volunteers to fight in Slaviansk and defend their positions in Donetsk. President-elect Petro Poroshenko ordered the resumption of operations by government forces soon after his May 25 election to quell the rebellion by militia in the Russian-speaking, where people were largely unable or unwilling to vote in the poll. In Warsaw, where he met U.S. President Barack Obama, he said he would unveil a plan for a “peaceful resolution” of the situation in the east after his inauguration Saturday. Kiev says the fighting was stirred up by Moscow, which opposes its proWestern course, and accuses Russia of letting volunteers cross into Ukraine to fight alongside the rebels. Moscow denies this and renewed calls yesterday for

Ukraine to open dialogue with the separatists. But the separatists look to Moscow for help. “When is (Russian President Vladimir) Putin going to come help us?” asked a young man in fatigues at a rebel checkpoint. A few kilometers away, a man from central Ukraine said he belonged to a separatist group called the Russian Orthodox army. “This is our land. We will stand here until the last,” he said. Slaviansk, a separatist stronghold of 130,000, has strategic value since it sits at the center of the Donbass region at the cross-roads of eastern Ukraine’s three main regions. Government forces appeared to be tightening their grip but it was too soon to predict the outcome. A government camp in Luhansk, further to the east on the Russian border, was evacuated after an attack by separatists on Monday. The military operation has hardened antagonism against the present government that came to power when President Viktor Yanokovich was toppled in February after mass protests in Kiev.

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G7 leaders meet without Russia, take firm line on Ukraine BRUSSELS (Reuters) Germany’s Angela Merkel urged Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday to help stem violence in eastern Ukraine and said the West would not hesitate to impose stricter economic sanctions on Russia if it failed to cooperate. Speaking ahead of a summit of the Group of Seven major industrialized nations, a meeting Russia was supposed to host but has been excluded from because of its seizure of Crimea, Merkel presented Putin with a straight choice. “It is decisive that President Putin use his influence to get the separatists to refrain from violence and intimidation,” she told the German parliament, referring to Russia-allied militants fighting in eastern Ukraine. “If this doesn’t happen ... we won’t shrink from imposing further sanctions.” The United States and European Union have imposed travel bans and asset freezes on dozens of Russian and Crimean officials since the annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula in March, but have not yet moved to more severe economic sanctions. Those were threatened if Russia took further steps to destabilize Ukraine. With elections having gone smoothly, and new President Petro Poroshenko to be sworn in Saturday, some have concluded that Putin has stepped back from the brink. A draft of the G7 communique seen by Reuters

Angela Merkel

Vladimir Putin

calls on Russia to “accelerate withdrawal of military forces from the eastern border with Ukraine” and “exercise its influence among armed separatists to lay down their weapons”. President Barack Obama met Poroshenko for talks in Warsaw yesterday and declared him a “wise choice” to lead Ukraine. Poroshenko, a chocolateindustry billionaire, said he would be willing to meet with Putin on the sidelines of the D-Day anniversary commemorations in Normandy, France today, although no meeting has been set up. “As things stand now, a meeting between me and Putin is not envisaged, but I do not rule out that it could take place in one format or another,” he told reporters, adding that he was working on a peace plan for Ukraine that would involve the decentralization of power, local elections and an amnesty. Tensions on Europe’s eastern frontier will be the

focus of discussion among G7 leaders over dinner, including how best to support Poroshenko and Ukraine’s shattered economy. The threat of imposing further costs on Russia if necessary will be kept on the table. With the United States having broadly taken a firmer line against Russia than Europe, which has critical energy ties with Moscow, U.S. officials said the key was for the West to maintain a united front, an issue Obama raised with Poroshenko. “They discussed the need for the international community to continue to speak with one voice on the subject of Ukraine,” said Ben Rhodes, Obama’s deputy national security adviser. While Putin has been cut out of the G7, he will hold faceto-face meetings with Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Britain’s David Cameron at the D-Day anniversary, potentially an opportunity to work on those who oppose him.

Sisi to be sworn in as Egypt president Sunday Cairo (AFP) - Ex-army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who ousted Egypt’s first freely-elected leader, will be sworn in as president on Sunday after he overwhelmingly won last week’s election, state media reported. The electoral commission on Tuesday said Sisi won 96.91 percent of the vote with a turnout of 47.5 percent, nearly one year after he overthrew Islamist Mohamed Mursi. His crushing victory over sole rival, leftist leader Hamdeen Sabbahi, had never been in doubt, with many lauding the retired field marshal as a hero for ending Mursi’s year of divisive rule 11 months ago. Sisi will be sworn in at 0730 GMT on Sunday before the general assembly of the Supreme Constitutional Court, state news agency MENA reported yesterday, quoting Maher Sami, deputy head of the court. The swearing-in ceremony will be attended by interim president Adly Mansour, prime minister Ibrahim Mahlab and his cabinet, Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb of Egypt’s key Muslim institution, Al-Azhar, Coptic Pope

Tawadros II, and other political and public figures, MENA said. The ceremony will be followed by a reception to be attended by kings and heads of states in Cairo’s Ittihadiya palace, it said. A second reception will be held at 1600 GMT at the capital’s Kubba palace to be attended by around 1,000 guests from several political groups, MENA added. The three-day presidential election was boycotted by Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood and several youth groups of the 2011 popular uprising, after both were targeted in a campaign to suppress dissent. Since Mursi’s ouster in July last year, a brutal police crackdown on his supporters has left more than 1,400 people killed and over 15,000 jailed. Hundreds have also been sentenced to death after speedy trials, triggering international outrage. Sisi has said that for him, “national security” takes precedence over democratic freedoms, comments that have sparked concerns of a return to autocracy in Egypt.

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Kaieteur News

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THE PPPC IS NOT RUNNING SCARED OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS The President has, within his prerogative, refused to assent to a Bill passed by the National Assembly calling for the holding of local government elections on or before August 1, this year. It does not matter whether the explanation given by the President is justified; so long as it is legitimate then the only action open to the National Assembly would be to override the presidential veto by a two-thirds majority. Those who may wish to suggest some other course of action are flirting with legislative tyranny. There is no need for extraconstitutional measures to be adopted in respect to the nonassent to the Bill because the non assent of the Bill does not prevent the holding of local government elections. In other words, the Bill does not mean that local government elections are vitiated. All it means is that the government is not lawfully bound by the deadline of August 1 set by the opposition parties. Incumbency has its benefits. Amongst those benefits is the determination

of the date of elections. Ruling parties throughout the world have always enjoyed the prerogative of determining exactly when elections are held within the specified time frame set by the constitutions of the countries of these parties. Elections can be held in the year by which they are due or before through what is known as “snap” elections. The right to set the date for elections has always been a prerogative of incumbent regimes.The advantage of the ruling party in determining the date of elections is offset by the advantage held by its rivals of not having to defend the present stewardship of governance. In other words, the opposition offsets the advantage of incumbency by being free to assail the record of the government in office. So both advantages equal out. The PPPC knows when it wants local government elections to be held. It is for the opposition parties to successfully predict what date the ruling party has in mind and to ensure that

Dem boys seh ...

Donald continuing Jagdeo kokishness De evil that men do lives after dem and everybody know that saying. Dem boys did ask in a previous column, ‘Don’t ask wha Jagdeo and he kavakamites own or got dem hands in. Ask wha dem ain’t own or wha dem ain’t got dem hand in.’ It is coming very clear every day that dem own most things Guyanese people can think about. Dem boys now realize that is not only owning everything, is wha nation don’t know what and what dem ain’t do. Dem boys know that dem do de gods while others see something else. Dem corrupt de Pee Pee Pee, then dem move to de big ones all across de country. Dem even corrupt plenty of dem in de opposition. That is why so many thing happening in this country and nobody ain’t doing nutten. Dem boys see that de people get suh numb that dem allowing Jagdeo and he kavakamites fuh do wha dem want to this day and carry de country wheh dem want. It means that dem hell bent in doing nutten right fuh de Guyanese people. Tek de Ministry of Finance. Jagdeo was de real Minister and everybody see that he is de best thing fuh Guyana. He see that he buy a computer programme fuh $132 million fuh track all de government spending. He set up de programme 10 years ago and deliberately lef out de part wha fuh do de real tracking. De Shaat scamp wha sit down at de head of de Ministry of Finance, who Donald think is a church boy, come in and he nah even try fuh get de tracking going. He put he second in command fuh tell de Waterfalls paper how dem nah train operators fuh that part. And he believe that people gun accept that lawlessness fuh an answer. Wha dem do there is like a newspaper man buying a printing press fuh $132 million that can print black and white plus colour pages. Then he bring people and train them fuh print the paper black and white only and left out the most important part, the colour. Dem boys see that is wha Jagdeo and he kavakamites do to this nation by not training de people on de two most important programme fuh tracking de money. Talk half and watch how de disrespect continues for Guyana.

whenever the ruling party exercises its right of incumbency to set the date of elections that the opposition parties are ready. What the opposition was trying to do through the amendment passed in the National Assembly was to determine a date range in which the elections were to be held. It was trying to force the government to hold the elections by August of this year. It would have been foolish of the government to have allowed this to happen. But there is also considerable merit in the government’s position that elections could not have been held by the date stipulated. There is a need for the populace to gain a greater understanding of the new system that is being used in these elections which

is based on a mixture of plurality and proportional representation. The non- assent of the Bill does not cancel or postpone local government elections. Local government elections will be held and they are likely to be held either late this year or early in the New Year. The PPPC under the Jagdeo administration has always believed in what has been referred to elsewhere as “peaking”, that is, they have always timed a flurry of developmental works to coincide with elections. This was always a poor strategy because most people saw through this ploy and felt insulted that the only time they saw improvements within their communities was when elections were due. This is why some people make comments to the effect

that the only time politicians have uses for them is in the run up to elections. The Donald Ramotar administration seems unfortunately to be following the same ploy of “peaking”. Right now major road works are taking place in communities throughout Guyana. Also, the Ministry of Housing recently signed contracts to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars for road works in housing areas. At the same time, the government with the support of the combined opposition was able to have approved in its Budget for 2014, a policy that seems to have elections written all over it- a $10,000 per schoolchild grant. All of these developments point to the fact that the PPPC is readying

itself, consistent with the strategy of “peaking” for local government elections later this year or early in the New Year. Instead of the opposition parties therefore beginning their own campaign, they seem to have fallen for their own propaganda that the PPP is running scared and does not wish to hold local government elections. The PPP is not running scared at all. The PPP is exercising its prerogative of incumbency and is readying itself for these polls which it will announce when all these major projects are in full bloom and thus capable of bringing votes to the ruling party.

CID dog handler faces narcotics charge After spending 12 days in custody on the allegations of a co-worker who implicated him in a drug related case, a dog handler attached to the Narcotics Branch, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was yesterday taken before the city court to face a narcotic charge. Jevon David, 28, of Brighton Village, Corentyne, Berbice is the third airport official to be charged in connection with the 2.234 kilograms of cocaine which was on May 23 unearthed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in the vent of the luggage hold of an outgoing Caribbean Airlines aircraft destined for the Canada. When the charge of was read to David, he pleaded not guilty and submitted a bail application through his lawyer Peter Hugh but the court presided over by Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry ordered him held until tomorrow. David’s case is being prosecuted by Special Prosecutor Oswald Massiah who did not reveal the details of the crime. He, however, offered objections to him being granted bail. According to his attorney, David has been working at the airport for the past three years and was charged following the accusations of a co-worker. Hugh said that his client was held under close arrest for 12 days. Hugh contended that the only “evidence” the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) has against his client is the allegations made by Eyon Persaud (a loader previously charged).

His claims were met with arguments from CANU’s Prosecutor, who in his address, confirmed that the defendant was held under close arrest for that period but was not mistreated. Massiah claimed that he was not being confined to a room but held “openly” at High Park Timerhi. The Chief Magistrate upheld the objections of the Prosecution and ordered David held. The matter has been transferred to the Providence Magistrates’ Court where it will be called again before Magistrate Leron Daly on June for statements. Last Tuesday, two airport loaders were accused of concealing the said cocaine in the vent of the luggage hold of an outgoing Caribbean Airlines Flight. Eyon Persaud, 25, of Hyde

Park, Timehri; and Alex Seymour, 20, of 58 Garnett Street, Newtown, were charged for drug trafficking. Both men pleaded not guilty and were remanded to prison. On May 23, last, Caribbean Airlines Flight BW606 was on the ground loading passengers and cargo destined for Canada when Persaud was allegedly approached by the dog handler. Massiah claimed that an arrangement was made between Persaud and Seymour to place two packets of cocaine within a garbage bin in the male incoming area washroom. The package, according to CANU, would then be retrieved by the loaders. The Prosecutor had explained that the packets were then retrieved and both men hid the items on themselves

Persaud in his socks and Seymour in his crotch. The men, he had said, then went to the aircraft and concealed their respective packages in a vent in the luggage holding compartment in the plane. A CANU officer, acting on information received, went to the aircraft, conducted a search and discovered the two hidden packets.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 05, 2014

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The WI Cricket Board is angry with the Guyana regime Yesterday morning, I received an overseas call on my cell, the voice said; “Freddie Kissoon, right?” I confirmed my identity and the speaker said, “You will receive shortly a number of e-mails and original documents; use as you see fit, thank you.” Before he could put down the phone, I yelled, “Wait a minute; that is not the way it works; I will need to know if those documents and e-mails are authentic, you have to satisfy me on this.” Names and numbers were given to me both for the West

Indian Cricket Board (WICB) and their local contacts here. I did my research the entire Wednesday morning, talked to people both in the WICB and the local board here. What is revealed in this column is tragic not for cricket only, but also for the Guyanese people. More and more, the Guyanese people are seeing how destructive the PPP leadership is but they continue to remain helpless. I am convinced after reading those documents, seeing those e-mails and the conversations I had on the phone, that the WICB is so

angry at the Guyana Government (GG) that unless there is a radical turn around by the government, cricket will die in Guyana. I cannot name names but it is for the readers to read between the lines to ascertain the positions of the people I talked to in the WICB. It was crystal clear to me that I was contacted to write a column not on cricket but on how the WICB sees certain types of leaders in Guyana. It was plain for me to see that the WICB has little respect for certain high people in the Guyana

Government because they think such people unprincipled. This was how it was put to me. “Mr. Kissoon, your government will not honour any undertaking they give you.” When those words were said to me, I remember Machiavelli’s famous saying, “Man, at the first prompting of self-interest, will break his bond of obligation.” There are persons in the WICB who believe that the leaders of Guyana are so uncompromising that they will destroy cricket in Guyana for political interests. I quote from one of the confidential documents from the WI Board dated May 30, 2014 to President Ramotar; “The WICB has agreed to keep all arrangements in Guyana in place pending receipt from you of an undertaking not to sign the Bill into law until these matters and any others which may be raised by the WICB/ or GCB are agreed. We look forward to your positive

response by 6.00 pm.” The government replied immediately with a letter. I quote from this authentic confidential document; “In the best interest of cricket, the undertaking which you request is hereby given… it is our hope that matter (sic) will conclude in a manner that will serve the best interest of cricket in Guyana and the region.” I was told by very informative persons in the WICB that from the moment that letter was dispatched, very powerful people in the Government have treated the WICB leadership with total contempt. WICB personnel were lied to, pushed around and ignored. One important WICB director said in a West Indian accent that I like, “Mr. Kissoon, they have no intention of sticking to what they said in that letter.” Now here is an angle that all Guyanese will find intriguing. I was told by this important WICB official that while calls and e-mails were

Frederick Kissoon being exchanged between the government and WICB, a strange incident happened. The ex-Champion of Guyana (I said I am not calling names) contacted the WICB and assured its leadership that it will get a letter signed by President Ramotar with the agreement that the Bill will not be signed into law until vexed issues are resolved. At this point the matter had come to an end. Test cricket will go ahead. But here is what happened. The WICB then was told by phone that the letter is coming and will be signed by the Sports Minister. The WICB was livid. It specifically pointed to the words of the exChampion that President Ramotar will sign. The WICB wanted Ramotar’s signature only. The WICB was further told that if it felt this way, President Ramotar will sign. The Ramotar signed letter never appeared. The WICB believes that there was never any intention by the GG to send such a letter. What happened? My Guyanese sources told me that there is a power struggle in the PPP and the exChampion was using the cricket fiasco to enhance his credibility but was quickly chopped down. Cricket in Guyana has been chopped down too.

Thursday June 05, 2014

Kaieteur News

Guyanese man charged with attempted murder of father in St. Kitts St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN) -A Stoney Grove man has been formally charged with the attempted murder of his father. Police with Nevis’ Violent Crime Unit have laid charges against twenty- four -year old Kunkarran Chatram, for the May 28th shooting of his father Shawn “Fisherman” Chatram also of Stoney Grove. Reports indicate that Kunkarran Chatram shot his father in the mouth and chest. SKN Vibes Media has reported that Shawn Chatram, a Guyanese national, was flown out of Nevis to Barbados on Saturday via air ambulance, where he was to undergo surgery and other treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Chatram and his son are both fishermen. The media

Charged: Kunkarran Chatram house reports that Mr. Chatram drove himself to the hospital and that his son was arrested there when he apparently went to check on his father. A police press release

issued Wednesday night says that the matter is one of serious concern to Commissioner C G Walwyn, other members of the Force, and all law abiding and civicminded persons in the community. Commissioner C G Walwyn is encouraging both juvenile and adult children living with their parents to respect the authority of their parents, and he encouraged parents to be good role models for their children. The Chatram family has been dogged by tragedy in recent years. In 2009 Kunkarran Chatram’s mother Shakiela Chatram committed suicide by hanging herself from the rafters of their veranda at their home in Stoney Grove, sending shock waves through the community.

Former House of Israel member... From page 6 question he would have only been a student priest, a position that would have prohibited him from gaining access to alleged meetings between the PNC and the House of Israel leadership where guns were handed over. He claimed that the evidence given by the witness against the PNC was fabricated, adding that his presence at those meetings were fabricated too. Williams suggested to Hamilton that when he named Army Officer Wickcliffe McAllister as a person who taught members of the House of Israel to “build bombs” he was lying. “I’m putting it to you sir that you are lying because Officer McAllister’s specialty was not bomb making, but arms training,” Williams said. Hamilton denied this suggestion. Hamilton was also grilled about his motives behind calling the names of several prominent persons in Guyana. Hamilton in his evidence in chief had mentioned the names of Justices Stanley Moore and

Kenneth Barnwell, along with several others as persons who visited the House of Israel and asked for “favours”. According to Hamilton, his mentioning the names was just a statement of fact. He was then asked whether he was being contentious. Hamilton said that he mentioned the names because he felt that he needed to capture the environment. However Williams suggested that Justice Moore was the lawyer who represented the head of the House of Israel, Rabbi Edward Washington, and that Hamilton was trying to denigrate him. Williams said that the relationship between Washington and Moore was merely “client/lawyer”. Williams continued to ask the witness whether he would condemn a lawyer who represents a certain type of client. “I don’t know why you are calling Moore’s name. What would you say about Commission Lawyer Glen Hanoman who has represented drug kingpin Roger Khan,” Williams asked.

Williams argued that the evidence was particularly relevant to the Commission. Williams continued that he “Hamilton” did not have any right to mention these names since he was “thug”. “You were a thug…that’s what I’m putting to you,” Williams said. Hamilton accepted that he indeed was a “thug”. After being grilled by lawyers, Hamilton was quizzed by Commissioner Jairam about whether he felt sorry for his actions when he was member of the House of Israel. Hamilton said that his actions harmed a lot of people, and for that he was truly sorry.

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World Environmental Day…

Companies can demonstrate care for the environment - GNBS The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as the National Standards Body has been helping to protect the environment through the development of national standards. There could be the introduction of interim guidelines for industrial effluent discharge into the environment, and the labelling of equipment, items and parts containing refrigerants, according to Public Relations Officer, Lloyd David. World Environment Day (WED) activities take place all year round and climax on June 5 every year, involving everyone from everywhere. This year’s theme for WED focuses on the impact of climate change on Small Island Developing States. David explained that the Bureau has also developed the capacity to work with local companies to implement an Environmental Management Systems (EMS) meeting the requirements of the ISO 14001 Standard EMS – Requirements with guidance for use. With an implemented EMS, companies too can demonstrate care for the environment. “As we commemorate World Environmental Day 2014, the GNBS would like to use this opportunity to raise its voice to remind every stakeholder and every citizen of Guyana that we all have a role to play in protecting and preserving our environment for ourselves

and for future generations,” David said. It was further noted that the Environmental Management Systems (EMS) is an explicit set of arrangements and processes designed to manage environmental issues in an industry or company without adversely affecting its performance, goals and objectives. David noted that the presence of an E n v i r o n m e n t a l Management System helps a company to protect itself from legal liabilities and ensures compliance with complex (and often ambiguous) rules. I t a l s o ensures that environmental impacts are reduced due to careful management of environmental requirements

throughout the company. “This means improved environmental performance, and ensuring the competitive edge in a world where environmental protection is essential…No doubt, Guyana has been in the forefront of the fight to save the environment through the implementation of the Low Carbon Development Strategy,” David underscored. According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), World Environment Day (WED) is an annual event that is aimed at being the largest and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action. Through World Environment Day, the United Nations Environment Programme is able to personalize environmental issues and enable everyone to realize not only their responsibility, but also their power to become agents for change in support of sustainable and equitable development.

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Kaieteur News

President identifies leader of defunct union to sit on Service Commission President Donald Ramotar has identified to be installed as a Commissioner on the Public Service Commission, a man who heads a legally defunct Trades Union. Ramotar and Leader of the political Opposition, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, held consultations on Monday last and Carvil Duncan has been identified as one of the Commissioners. Duncan howeve, heads the Guyana Labour Union which is currently a legally defunct body. Previously when Government held a majority in the Parliament, it used its voting strength to identify Duncan through a motion. Under the Laws of Guyana, three members of the Commission are appointed by the President after consultation with the Opposition leader while another two will be appointed upon nomination by the

Carvil Duncan Parliament. The House last month nominated Patrick Yarde and Patricia Went. Following the consultation with the President, Duncan, Vidya Looknauth and Cecil Persaud were identified as Commissioners for the Public Service Commission. At the meeting with Granger and Ramotar, the two

also consulted on the Teaching Service Commission and members were effectively reappointed; namely Leila Ramson, Mayda Persaud and Allan Monroe. Monroe was nominated by A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) while all of the other appointments were that of the President. The members will soon be sworn in their offices as Commissioners by President Ramotar. This publication understands that the two leaders are yet to consult on the Police Service Commission as well as the Judicial Service Commission among others, since there was need for the Public Service Commission to be addressed first. This is because the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission would have to sit on the board of a number of other service commissions.

Skeldon factory surpasses first crop target Skeldon Estate has surpassed its target of 13,795 tonnes of sugar for the first crop this year by 40 tonnes. This is according to the Government Information Agency (GINA) which stated that the factory has seen a vast improvement in production in comparison with the actual production of 4,994 and 6,633 tonnes in 2013 and 2012, first crops, respectively. The cane yield recorded in the first crop this year is 60.5 tonnes cane per hectare (TCH). It’s the highest actual TCH compared to the yields recorded in the first crop of 2013 and 2012 of 41.5 TCH and 55.3 TCH, respectively. The tonnes of cane per tonnes of sugar (TC/TS) ratio of 17.39 this year have outperformed those of 2013 and 2012 when 17.86 and

19.69 were recorded, respectively. In the period January to May this year, the estate has supplied 26,431 MW/ hur or an average of 5,286 MW/hour to the national grid that extends from Skeldon via the 69KV lines to Number 53 substation onwards to Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. The monthly average for 2013 and 2012 was 4,390 and 2,996, respectively. In the second crop this year, which is anticipated to commence on August 2 and run for 14 weeks, Skeldon Estate is targeted to process 363,284 tonnes cane to produce 26,969 tonnes sugar with TC/TS of 13.47. Total sugar production this year should be approximately 40,800; compared to 33,309 and 25,380 in 2013 and 2012,

respectively. Between the conclusion of the first crop and the commencement of the second crop, the estate is scheduled to undergo extensive engineering work in the factory. There will be the replacement of hydraulic components on both punt dumpers such as control valves and lifting/tilting cylinders so as to improve the reliability of the dumpers to sustain an hourly throughput of 220 tonnes cane. Modification of the outboard punt dumper was awarded to an external contractor, and this project is anticipated to be completed in January 2015. Additional works include replacement of process pumps, isolation valves to evaporators and continuous vacuum pans and air heater tubes on number two boiler.

Thursday June 05, 2014

Alleged police brutality at Sparendaam…

Officer in Charge transferred immediately to police Canine Section The Guyana Police Force has taken swift action in the matter involving the alleged torture of a prisoner at the Sparendaam Police Station. The officer in charge of the sub-division, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, has been transferred with immediate effect to the Canine Section of the Force. However, the move is being seen as premature, especially since the investigation into the matter is just three days old. The officer in question was also linked to the torture of another teenager in 2009 and it is believed that that weighed heavily on the decision to transfer him to a low profile section of the Force. On Monday, the public was fed with another piece of shocking information when 19-year-old Junior Thornton, who is currently hospitalized with burns to both of his hands, alleged that his injuries were inflicted when police doused them with methylated spirits and set them alight. The incident reportedly occurred two Tuesday’s ago but was only brought to light earlier this week when family members took their complaint to the Police Complaints Authority on Monday. An immediate investigation was ordered and it is being undertaken by the Police Office of Professional Responsibility. Yesterday, Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, was quoted in this newspaper as saying, “The Minister of Home Affairs has never issued any instructions or directives to the Commissioner of Police or his ranks to carry out such acts. The ranks are answerable therefore to the Commissioner; they must answer to him for their misbehavior, which is bringing the Force into disrepute. The Commissioner must tell the public what are his findings of the investigations he has ordered.” It would appear that his comments sparked immediate action from the Acting Commissioner Seelall Persaud, since the now transferred officer received his orders early yesterday morning.

The tortured Junior Thornton remained in hospital up to yesterday.

But some of the officer’s colleagues believe that he is being once again made a scapegoat, especially since he was not actually involved in the alleged act. So far no action has been taken against the Station Sergeant or the Detective Officer in Charge at the Sparendaam Police Station. “The Detective Officer, who is also an Assistant Superintendent was directly responsible for the prisoner since according to the police, the man was being held on robbery under arms suspicion, which makes him the direct responsibility of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID),” a Detective Superintendent of Police told this newspaper. He said that in any case, the transferred officer could not have released the prisoner without the approval of the senior CID operative at the station. “The investigation hasn’t even gone half way yet and this officer has already been transferred. What about the Station Sergeant? He remains in charge,” the Superintendent stated. Kaieteur News understands that as a result of the investigations, several ranks who might be

implicated have reported ill. In fact, this newspaper was reliably informed that the station sergeant was rushed to hospital yesterday after complaining of feeling unwell. And questions surround the position adopted against the rank who actually committed the act against Thornton. There are still no reports of anyone being under close arrest. The swiftness of the action taken against the Assistant Superintendent in the Thornton case is in stark contrast to those taken against ranks, who were fingered in other cases of police brutality. According to another senior officer, apart from the transferred Assistant Superintendent, the investigation should focus on four other senior ranks at the station level. “The man was there for a crime therefore he should fall under the direct responsibility of the CID. The investigation should focus on the ranks, who inflicted the injuries— the SO in Charge of the shift, the SO in Charge of CID, the Station Sergeant and the Officer in Charge of the CID,” the officer said. He referred to the escape of the now dead Jermaine “Skinny” Charles from the same police station. In that case, the Station Sergeant was immediately transferred to the police Mounted Branch where she remained until her retirement from the Force. The officer also reminded of the case of the tortured Tywon Thomas at the Leonora Police Station, when the then Commander Paulette Morrison was relieved of her command post.

Thursday June 05, 2014

Kaieteur News

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EZ Jet Boss petitions Court against US Marshalls …says constitutional rights being violated By Gary Eleazar Embattled EZ Jet boss, Sonny Ramdeo, is petitioning the US Court to take intervening action to stop the continued violation of his constitutional rights. Ramdeo who has been incarcerated at the Palm Beach County Jail for the past 15 months, alleges that on February 24 last, he was taken to the St Lucie Country Jail an hour and a half away from the court and his attorney. According to Ramdeo, in his petition to the Court, prior to his move, he informed the Marshalls that he had a hearing in early March but the

Marshalls insisted that he be moved. Ramdeo has since informed the court that when he was moved, the Marshalls took possession of his legal paperwork and refused to permit him to take it with him. He claimed that this was “depriving him of the right to have his legal paperwork in preparing for the upcoming hearing.” He said that the day before his h e a r i n g t h e Marshalls uplifted him and nine other inmates and transferred them back to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was deprived of meals for an extended period of time and was only

placed in a cell at three in the morning. Ramdeo said that due to the deprivation of his legal paperwork, lack of sleep and lack of consultation with his counsel, he was unprepared for the hearing. Ramdeo says that he was not given back his legal paperwork until the following month. He said too that in May, he was again removed from the Palm Beach County Jail and again the Marshalls refused to transport his legal paperwork and further instructed the jail to destroy it after 30 days. His legal paperwork includes filings in support of

City Hall critical of non-action against misappropriated Council funds The Mayor and City Councilors (M&CC) have once again expressed discontent over the manner in which public agencies are dealing with reports of misappropriation of Council funds. The council has called on the relevant agencies to be impartial and professional in the execution of their duties and to conduct the necessary investigations as it relates to the inconsistencies occurring under the tenure of acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba. In a missive to the media, the Council expressed “serious dissatisfaction regarding the way the relevant agencies have been treating the misappropriation of money from its treasury.” One instance mentioned is the alleged use of half a million dollars by Sooba in her personal capacity. The embattled Town Clerk is accused of using the Council’s money to hire legal representation in a case in which she was not a party but would be affected by the outcome. The Mayor and Councilors said that despite reports to the police, the Auditor General’s office and even legal proceedings pertaining to the matter, nothing has been done. The Council reported that Sooba took the $500,000 without the permission of the Council. “This is particularly disturbing in light of the poor financial state of the Council and that no individual has the right to use Council finances without the expressed permission of the Council. This is highly irregular and unusual, yet there has been no word on this issue.” The missive stated that Deputy Mayor, Ms. Patricia

City Mayor Hamilton Green Chase-Green had reported the misappropriation to the Office of the Auditor General and to the police but so far, nothing has happened. “As it now stands, Council is not certain about the real state of its finances.” However, allegations by Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker have surfaced about Mr. Royston King granting exemption to Beacon Foundation. “This is an attempt to divert the public from the real situation at City Hall. Section 212 of the law is clear on the question of exemption,” the Councilors noted. “Nevertheless, the Minister has not said a word about the $500,000 taken by Ms. Carol Sooba. In the meantime, Ms. Sooba continues to handle Council’s money, a large portion of which are payments made by poor property owners.” The Council has noted that by way of resolution, Sooba was removed from the position of Town Clerk (Ag) and as far as they are concerned, she is not the acting Town Clerk. They reaffirmed their position that

the Minister has no authority to appoint any officer at the Council. They say that Sooba is squatting in the office and has seized all the facilities, denying elected Councillors and citizens the right to manage the affairs of the City. “The Mayor and City Council is calling on the relevant agencies to take action against the acts of Sooba and save the Council from this burden that has been placed by the Central Government.” Auditor General Deodat Sharma had commenced the investigation of the alleged misappropriated funds in April last, but ceased. He told Kaieteur News on Tuesday that the matter was before the court and he would be unable to continue his work. He said that he had expressed to the Deputy Mayor that he would have to seek legal advice on the way forward, especially since the Attorney General Anil Nandlall is also part of the court proceedings. However, since legal documents were filed against the use of the half a million dollars, the Council said nothing has been done. City Hall has itself been at the centre of many corruption allegations which lead to investigations and recommendations at the agency. Previous Town Clerks have also lost their jobs as a result. “The Mayor and City Councilors continue to call upon all citizens to raise their voices against the injustices which are perpetuated against the Council and by extension, the citizens of Georgetown. Citizens must call on the Government to hold Local Government Elections,” the release urged.

a plea withdrawal motion with supporting evidence. Ramdeo charged that he had submitted to the Palm Beach County Jail Law Library several critical documents to be copied for him but the Marshalls refused to retrieve it for him. He also documented in his petition to the court that when the Marshalls took him there, they informed that he was “making trouble in Palm Beach.” According to Ramdeo, this was the first time he heard of any such allegation and further the Marshalls did not provide any details of what they were talking about. In fact, Ramdeo has informed the Court that if this was the case, disciplinary measures would have obtained and this would have been documented but this was not the case. Ramdeo’s petition states that “the Marshalls clearly are

EZ Jet Boss, Sonny Ramdeo depriving the defendant of his rights to have access to his legal paperwork in preparing an effective defense in his case…Such deprivation can only be held to be prejudicial to the defendant.” According to the motion, the deprivation of the legal paperwork also deprives

him of his constitutional and fundamental rights in adjudicating his case. As a result, Ramdeo has asked that the Court issue an order for his legal paperwork including what was sourced from the law library to be made available to him, among other requests. In March of this year the US Government objected to Ramdeo’s attempt to withdraw his guilty plea. The prosecutors argued that Ramdeo lied in his motion and further, that he only attempted to change his plea when he learnt of the length of time he would have to serve in prison. Ramdeo, who was behind the failed low cost carrier EZjet, was charged in the US with embezzling millions of dollars from the hospital chain he had been employed with. Ramdeo initially pleaded not guilty, then changed his plea to guilty and in February, filed another motion to withdraw his guilty plea.

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FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Dressed and mill cut lumber: Kabukalli, Silverballi, Greenheart, Purpleheart etc – Call: 688-6579 American made Werner Aluminum Ladders; 25 feet -$35,000, 17 feet, multipurpose - $28,000 – Call: 609-7257, 602-5794 Desk and benches - ideal for school or lessons - Call: 6833887 One Singer sewing machine, one ice-cream maker & one stroller – Tel:669-4676 or 6996342

Kaieteur News

FOR SALE/RENT American Pool tables - Call: 277-0578 FOR SALE Wedding dresses, over-head projector, PS2 Play Station and games- Call:223-1719 Pure Rottweiler pups, parents are imported pedigree dogs – Call: 264-2870 or 672-6402 after 6pm 665-9140 or 639-1431 One Taxi Base with antenna and radios- Call:619-2800 Model ‘M’ truck with winch, working order GPP series, $2.8 Million or nearest offer – Call: 679-5161 Dell computers with 17" Leds -$59,000, laptops from $64,000, Blackberry 8310 $9,000 @Futuretech – Call: 231-2206; 644-6760

City Printery: Rubber Stamp & Sign at 22 North Road & Camp Street, Imported & Local invitation -$1500 per 100pcs-Call:225-4968/ 621-3345 2007 Mazda Hatchback, fully loaded 2002 Spacio, wine colour unregistered, Zmodo Surveillance system 4 & 8 channel – Tel: 696-4659 Games for PS2, PS3, XBOX360, WII, consoles also available - Call: 6722566, 265-3231 One house lot, in Butcher Shop Street, Parika. Contact # 650-0402 Clean garden earth, also Bobcat & Excavator rentals Tel: 626-7127 Three lots at Blankenburg behind the gas station Contact # 650-0402 House lots in Schoonord Contact # 650-0402 PSP games for sale - $800. New blackberry 9370 $34,000 Contact: 675-2239 5000 gas fuel tank - Call: 6013194

One dump truck with 5 tons Hi-ab - $3,500,000.00. 1 Flat bed truck 23ft length tray with 5 tons Hi-ab -$2, 500, 000.00 -Tel:618-1967, 698-4321 48 Feet boat for sale – 9000lb seine - can be sold separately Call: 609-0783, 683-3379 Price negotiable Pit bull pups. For more info call: 600-2819.

VACANCY

Commercial property lodge, corner spot – Tel:627-4900 Furnished four bedroom house A/C, automatic generator, auto garage etc $30M negotiable @ Grandville Park – Tel:6004409, 623-8172

Drivers, visiting & security officers. Apply within NM Security Solutions Inc, Lot “O” Ruimveldt Georgetown Tel: 225-5773/76

For Sale by Owner: Twostorey property at 91 Third Street, East Meter-MeerZorg – Contact Mr. Basant: 277-3743/ Cell: 626-0150 Apartment building for sale at William Street, Kitty - Call: Shalini on 674-9266 or 6869248 1 Large double stall with overhead storage in Stabroek Market, Georgetown & 12 Acres Cane Land in Canal No1 W.B.D – Tel: 619-7925; 225-7759 Prime Property for sale – Light Street, Alberttown – Contact: 639-3619, 619-7299 Property at 139 Lindley Ave. Nandy Park E.B.D, Size 55X35Ft. - $80M negotiable – Contact: 646-0336; 231-5876

LAND FOR SALE 4 Mining Blocks at Kwakwanie - Tel: 627-4900

At Eccles Housing Scheme price $6.5M - negotiable Call: 616-6000 Residential house lot at Yarrowkabra 200ftX100ft – Tel:682-3542/ 218-1818 High income land @ Section ‘A’ Diamond, Fifth Avenue 120FtX60ft – Tel: 683-7034 High income land (100FtX50ft) @ La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, New Grove (corner lot) with foundation -$2.6M – Call: 2185591, 675-7292

Used pedicure chair, hair dryer and salon chair – Tel: 668-9583, 698-5272 Spares for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Lot 1064/65 Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt Park, Gauling St . – Serious Offers only- Call: 619-7299

Farm: East Bank Demerara , New Scheme: land (58X110) (front corner lot) - Tel: 603-9700

CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com Progressive Auto Rental: Cars & SUV for rental- $4,000 & up per day- Call: 643-5122, 6282284 ,Email:pro_ autorental @yahoo.com Fab’s Car Rental- Call:6716051

Thursday June 05, 2014

DRESS-MAKING Learn to cut & sew at Enid’s Dressmaking, certificate classes, 66 Sixth Street Albertown, sewing also done here! - Call: 643-7966 Jean offers courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral, cake decoration at 153 Barr Street, Kitty - Tel:670-2653, 618-1706

TO LET 1 three-bedroom apartment in a gated community at Versailles - For more information: 618-5070 One top flat 3 bedrooms apartment- Call:687-0835/ 6818058 2 Bedroom lower flat @ A43 East La Penitence - $70,000 monthly – Call: 693-9179, 657-8122, 223-1538 2 Bedroom apartment available for couple at Diamond New Scheme – Call: 225-3269, 621-9741, 227-8004 TOURS Suriname Tour Return: July 4 / CARICOM Holiday 4 - 7 July – Tel: 639-2663, 644-0185, 665-5171, 227-8290

24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 670-8893/684-2838 Experienced cosmetologist, preferably from the East Bank Demerara – Tel:652-5800

SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Earn a certificate in cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, limited spaces Call Abby: 619-7603, 666-5241 Beautopia - Offering hair & nails courses, also available - Brazilian & Indian Virgin Hair - Call: 604-3002/ 699-8477

Office clerk senior/junior, CXC English, Mathematics & computer knowledge an asset- Call: 225-0188/225-6070 Salesperson to write bills & cashiers (experienced) to work in cosmetics/general store on the East Coast, age 25 plus – Tel: 629-8469 Straight Stitch Machine operator to work at Garment Factory between 8am to 4pm Tel: 222-2541 Exists for one motor grader operator and one Bob-Cat operator- Call:652-2777 Counter Girls & cleaners with experienced. Apply @ Hot & Spicy 112 Third & Albert St. Alberttown, G/Town. Accounts Clerk, must have pass in English & Maths. Apply within Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek.

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. COOL TECH : Repairs Services & Installation of all types if homes appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar:2310655,683-8734

Driver/Porter must have lorry license. Office clerk, minimum 3 CXC (maths included)Telles Steel & HardwareCall:231-3265/226-6771 Virgin Atlantic Airlines is hiring females to become flight attendants –Call: Mr. Davenport: 672-5189, 6515260

Permanent & Visitors Vi s a Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 2256496, 662-6045 For low cost refrigeration & air conditioner repairs – Call: 225-4822/ 629-4946

Part Time pedicure & manicure young lady between age 18-25years – Call: 618-8536, 696-2295

HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $10,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766

EDUCATIONAL IAE - Camp Street - Registration has commenced Forms 1-5 (full-time school); day & evening, adult CXC classes Call: 683-5742, 223-0604 Canadian School of Arts & Science, now enrolling students for summer vocation in remedial Mathematics & English – Call: 216-6921 VEHICLE FOR SALE 2008 Toyota Premio (unregistered) - Tel: 615-4114 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997; 660-7511

Luxury building construction, general contractors, general building construction concrete, wood, ceiling, roof, etc – Call: 592-6954062, email:anojaisari @yahoo.com Ultimate Designs: Special on Vinyl Banners from $600 per SQ foot, etc – Tel:645-3293, 225-2380 D a S i l v a ’s We l d i n g & Fabricating specializes in: Grills, Gates, Pontoon, Lavador etc. Best prince in town- Call:647-6880/ 2191680 Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032,6472943 House plan drafting from$10,000 electrical works and estimates services available – Tel: 667-2189,646-6572, 6298750

VEHICLE FOR SALE 2006 Blue Nissan Titan. Fully Loaded GSS Series. Contact: 604-6108. 2009 Red Nissan Titan. Flex Fuel GRR Series. Contact: 604-6108. Unregistered Toyota Noah with TV, 15" Rim, camera – Tel:663-2700, 629-2619 STAR CARS AUTO SALE: Premio, Spacio, Allion, IST, Feilder, Altezza, new Raum, Axela, Carina 212 – Call: 679-3140, 615-1199 First Class Auto: Allion, Premio, Spacio, IST, 212, Fielder, Raum, Allex, Runx, Bluebird, Axela - Tel:6098188, 638-3045 One Toyota Land cruiser Prado, PMM Series Call: 2250188, 223-7500, Mon-Fri 8:154:15pm, Sat - 8:15-1:15PM Toyota Avensis 2003, PRR series 18" Rims, leather interior, HID, A/C, Alarm, TV, $3.250M, immaculate condition! Tel: 609-7257, 6025974 One [1] Ford Driven 60HP Tractor 600hrs, almost new -$2.2M. Contact Junior: 6654611; 261-5304 1 – 212 Toyota - $700,000, 1Honda pressure pump 2700 PSI (100,000) 1-AC Split system 9000 BTU brand-new - $100,000 whirl pool – Tel: 664-0825 Unregistered 2006 Premio TV/DVD -$2.8M neg. Mirror covers available – Tel: 6772482; 616-4661 2002 unregistered Toyota Regius 8 seats, fully loaded Tv/Navi/AC/PW/PS, alloy wheels - $1.8M - Tel: 624-5617 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super-custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 4x4 Nissan pick-up King Cab, full power, 5 speed, U.S made, Left hand drive – Tel: 699-4577 1- AT212 & 1 AE100 Sprinter, corporate yellow $1,200,000 & $650,000 negotiable - Tel: 611-1018 or 617-9004 One Leyland DAF container rice truck- Call:602-0393/ 6291497 Smart Choice Auto: Unregistered 212, Allex, old & new model Spacio, 05 & 03 Allion, Voxy- Call:6523820/ 665-4529 One Hilux Surf, fully loaded, music set, mag rims, PLL series- Call:678-2298/6186659 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 (Continued on page 23)

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Kaieteur News

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Ansa McAl uncovers fresh batch of counterfeit products - warns consumer in light of promotions In keeping with constant efforts to sensitize consumers to the dangers and prevalence of counterfeit commodities on the local market, officials of Ansa Mc Al Trading Limited, are alerting buyers that another batch of fake items has been uncovered. Yesterday, Ansa Mc Al officials revealed that, Ariel Soap Powder, Lucozade Energy Drink, Always Maxi Pads and Pringles have been added to the list of counterfeited items. Last month, Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) issued an alert to warn consumers about a line of counterfeit beauty products that included Head and Shoulders Shampoo and Conditioner; Pantene Pro- V Shampoo and Conditioner, and Oil of Olay anti aging creams. In its authenticated form the items are products of US Manufacturers, Gamble and Procter, for which Ansa Mc Al Trading Limited is an

authorized distributor. “We are alerting consumers to a number of counterfeit products, which were recently uncovered especially, in light of several ongoing promotions and competitions involving the very products...” Ansa Mc AL, Managing Director, Beverly Harper said during a press briefing convened at the Company’s Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara Headquarters yesterday. Incidentally the occasion marked the first drawing of the Lucozade ‘Drive Your Dreams’ Promotion. Sujit Narine of 79 Seaforth and Pike Streets, Campbellville Georgetown; Jonelle Waldron, of 75 Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara; and Winston Vibert Crossman, of Critchlow Street, Tucville Housing Scheme, Georgetown were declared winners . Their prizes included a 42inch Plasma television and

Lucozade Hampers. “We have to alert costumers about parallel and counterfeit Ariel Soap Powder, Lucozade Energy Drinks and Pringles, because we don’t want consumers to be cheated out of their opportunity to participate and win,” Harper said. “Consumers can check the labels… Ariel Soap Powder, the fake is labeled in Spanish. Instead of Always, the fake maxis are labeled Alwags, some are in green packets labeled Always but these are not authentic. “They have some gel in them that we are not sure is safe to use, as a feminine product. The real Always is packaged in blue,” Harper said. The Manager said that unauthorized Lucozade Energy drink is bigger in comparison with the original. “The fake Lucozade is labeled to contain 318 milligrams of liquid while the original is just about 300 mls. “We will continue work with the Government Analyst

Food and Drug Department,(GA-FDD) and the Guyana Revenue Authority, (GRA) to find ways to counteract the problems as best as we could. “It is a recurring problem. We have been doing our part by alerting consumers and bringing it to the attention of the authorities, whenever we uncover issues of counterfeit items.” According to Ms Harper, the authorities have succeeded in removing a number of counterfeit items from the shelves of local retailers and wholesalers. “We can only guarantee the authenticity of our items but we know that the GAFDD and GRA are doing their best. The department has since seized and removed a number of fake products from several stores.” Defaulters could attract a fine as little as $6,500 or as much as $65,000 or even prison time, for sale and deliberate exhibition of a known counterfeit product.

Finance Ministry refuses to train...

From page 13 there would be a more accountable mechanism for recordkeeping as it relates to Government's procurement. The IFMAS system which was adopted by the Finance Ministry is a reconfigured version of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) which is the trade name for the software sold by FreeBalance. FreeBalance is a Canadian company that specializes in software designed for large scale, financial management, especially public financial management. IFMAS has seven specific modules which were integrated into the Government's budgeting, accounting and reporting systems, namely the Appropriation, Expenditure, General Ledger, Budget Preparation & Reporting System (BPRS), Purchasing, Revenue and Asset & Inventory Modules. According to FreeBalance, the Asset and Inventory module allows Governments to track a range of variables such as, “… renewal of service contracts, insurance policies, warranty periods, software licensing and services rendered.” It lets Governments monitor modifications to asset records and manage asset items in all of the previously mentioned areas. The company also provides automatic item depreciation calculations that help governments “identify the

(From page 22)

MASSSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experience heaven in its many forms – 4 Hands, sweet treat, open at 10AM – Contact: 697-2011 The Gent’s Spa: Be pampered by our beautiful masseuses, H-Hands, wet bliss. Won’t You Let Me? – Contact:6575979

true value of public assets.” The Purchasing Module offers an even more interesting range of services. According to FreeBalance, it provides “an integrated procurement process” that “manages multi-item requisitions and purchases and the receiving process”. The module's overview goes on to state that it allows for flexible expenditure management around “hard limits, percentage limits, budget, and waiver ceilings.” It also offers the creation of “obligations” for purchase orders that see subsequent liquidation upon receipt and payment of goods. The system even tracks shipments against purchase orders. In the absence of these two modules, the Auditor General's report is fraught with reports of goods that go 'missing', budgetary excesses by numerous Government agencies, and the constant

cry of procurement inconsistencies across the board in every single facet of Government. Goolsarran said that in the absence of the modules, there are several crucial implica-

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

One experienced hairdresser Contact Magic Touch Beauty Salon at 225-6492

One female babysitter to work in Georgetown, age 4045 - Call: 614-5711 between 9-5pm FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

GT TOOL RENTALS SPECIALS: CONCRETE SAW, JACK HAMMER WELDING MACHINE & MORE. 2ND TOOL ½ PRICE – CALL: 675-0767; 627-5098 One upper flat @ 6th Street Cummings Lodge, ECD – Call: 622-3580

Juan Edghill, Junior Finance Minister

Live out domestic babysitter and live in babysitter –Call: 225-0188, 225-6070 (Monday to Saturday) (8:15am-4:15pm)

Experienced bus driver & hire car driver at Princess Hotel - Tel: 265-7075/ 265-7076

Newly built one bedroom apartment for rent at VreedEn- Hoop – Call: 657-8335

Anand Goolsarran, Former Auditor General

WANTED 3 female general workers between ages 22-35yrs, 1 male general worker between ages 18-30 – Contact: 225-6337

One Kitchen for a bar + restaurant located on Lamaha St. - Call: 684-5976, 684-3371. 1- Two bedrooms apartment at 35 Howes St. G/Town$45,000 per month- Contact: Pet Boy’s Shop between 11am-6pm

tions. He stated that in their absence, Guyana has a less than desirable accountability framework and as such, billions of dollars in assets and consumables can go 3 bedrooms apartment @ ‘B’ Field Sophia $50,000 monthly untracked. & 1 bedroom apartment @ Durban & Haley St. $30,000 monthly (3 months advance)Call:600-0036/ 223-1719 Business spot (no restaurant) prime location. Small furnished office- Call:6000036/ 223-1719 One three story building, David Street Kitty, size 100x30ft - $1.5M per month neg – Contact: 646-0336, 2315876 Space available at 43 Croal Street, Stabroek, Georgetown, office complex – Call: 225-3269, 621-9741, 227-8004

VEHICLE FOR SALE One black Nissan Bluebird; latest model – Call: 687-1392

Urgently needed live in waitresses to work in bar, attractive salary offered Tel:259-0574 One driver and a Cummings Mechanic to work in the interior - Contact: 681-6044 1 Shop Assistant to work in Interior, salary $80,000 monthly. Age 20-35Call:664-5199/ 675-7043 Honest, single live in domestic – Call: 646-1758 between 9:00am-4:00pm, attractive salary offered. Live-in domestic must know to cook 25-35yrs, live-in waitress 18-25yrs: salary $50,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free- Tel: 610-5043 Experienced taxi drivers for Gem’s Taxi Service - Call: 2313709, 667-9013 One cashier, send application along with CV to gjmarketing 14@gmail.com To buy 2 low income land in La Parfaite Harmonie & one high income in Schoonard – Call: 218-5591 or 675-7292 CLEANING LADY TO CLEAN AND COOK, GOOD MANNERS, MUST KNOW TO COOK GOOD MUSLIM FOOD – E.B.D – CALL: 231-8529 1 Male bar attendant, 1 chef, 1 supervisor @ Cotton Club – Tel: 225-9211/231-1908 Farm worker, daytime security & gardener – Call: 265-3586 One electrician to work part time or full time – Tel: 6925175; 617-7493 One hire car driver – Contact Mrs. Z. Khan – Tel: 226-7984/ 688-8660 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 05, 2014

Mahaica man shot Sophia man on trial for dead at Konawaruk neighbour’s murder Police at Mahdia are on the hunt for a man who shot dead a 30-year old miner early Tuesday morning following a heated argument. Dead is Devon Anderson, of Jonestown, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. He was killed about 7:00 hours at Blackwater Landing, Konawaruk, Potaro. Police say that their investigations have revealed that Anderson and the other man were involved in an argument during which he was shot and killed. Kaieteur News understands that no one saw when Anderson was shot but

persons heard the gunshot and rushed to the area from whence the sound came. Upon arrival there they saw Anderson lying with a shotgun wound to his back. Persons in the area had reportedly heard Anderson earlier arguing with the man who police are now hunting. The man is known to brazenly carry an illegal shotgun with him while traversing the mining district. The matter was reported to the police and Anderson’s body was taken to the Mahdia Hospital mortuary where it is awaiting a post mortem examination.

Sophia resident, Roger Pilgrim, is on trial at the High Court for the murder of his neighbour, Shane Rowley, whom he allegedly killed on January 22, 2011. On Tuesday, a mixed 12member jury was empanelled before Justice Dawn Gregory. Pilgrim of Lot 68 ‘A’ Field, Sophia, called “Charlie Pants,” had allegedly stabbed Rowley in the vicinity of his home. The killing reportedly took place during a fight that stemmed from years of suspicions, in relation to a damaged fence, which separated the home of the victim from that of the

accused. The victim was stabbed in the neck and shoulder. He later succumbed to his injuries. However, the accused has since denied the allegation of murder. He is being represented by Attorney at Law, Huckumchand Parag. Yesterday, Police witness Inspector Chabunaught Singh was summoned to the stand by State Prosecutor Mercedes Thompson. Thompson is working in association with Attorney -at –Law, Natasha Backer. Singh told the court that he arrested the accused and later procured a caution statement

Survivor testifies in Hogstye murder trial The Hogstye murder trial of a man and his son continued in the Berbice High Court yesterday with the Prosecution star witness taking the witness stand for the entire day. He was still there when the case was adjourned for the day. Krishna called ‘John’, 50, of Alness and Letter Kenny, Corentyne; and his son, Rommel Krishna, 24, of Alness Corentyne, Berbice; are being tried before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a mixed jury for killing Shawn Fraser, between July 27 and July 28, 2011 at the above location. The men are being represented by attorneys at law, Kim Kyte-John, who is representing Krishna called John, and Murseline Bacchus who is appearing for Rommel Krishna. The state is being represented by Prosecutor attorney at law, Renita Singh. When the matter continued yesterday the prosecution star witness, Audwyn Bindah, called ‘Audwyn Fraser’ took the witness stand. Bindah, who was also shot during the incident, gave a detailed recount of the events on that day. Led by Prosecutor Renita Singh he recounted that he and his brother left home to go to the back dam to tend to their rice field. He said that they were confronted by the accused and subsequently shot. He said that he saw the men shoot his brother. He, although injured and being pursued by the men, had to flee for his life. He also told how he ended up in the company with another brother. Also testifying in the matter so far, are Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police, Gary Mc Alister. Mc Alister stated that upon receiving certain information on the day in question, he led a party of policemen into the back dam. They journeyed down the Saltan dam into the backlands then crossed over into Saltan Village before reaching Hogstye dam. There

Murder accused father and son Krishna called ‘John’ and Romell Khrisna in court they found the body of Shawn Fraser. Detective Sergeant Gilbert Ross had testified that he and a party of policemen had journeyed to the back dam where they found Fraser’s body. Detective Corporal Andrew Ward also testified to the part he played during the investigation. Police Corporal Harold Noble who was in charge of the shift at the Whim Police Station when Krishna, called ‘John’, was taken in by his attorney was among the witnesses. Two sisters of the deceased have also testified

so far. Raquel Fraser related to the court that she had identified the body of her brother during the post mortem examination. Kim Providence testified to the series of events that took place during the day, including the time the brothers left home to when she learnt of the incident. They were all grilled by Mr. Bacchus and Kim Kyte John. In her opening address state Prosecutor Renita Singh had revealed that on July 27, Shawn Fraser and his brother Audwyn Bindah, called ‘Audwyn Fraser’ of 11 Adventure Farm Corentyne,

N/A Prisons attract ... From page 19 happen, the warders go and searched all the prisoners' cells and take away 'jooka' and did not even search Randolph 'Shoulders' Rodrigues cell that had acids and cutlasses! “Is he and two others, Ryan Samaroo and Delwyn Cort, do the thing!” Rodrigues is currently in the Georgetown Prisons while Samaroo and Cort have been transferred to Lusignan Prison. “My son's two hands are chopped. They are taking too long with the investigation. This ain't going down the drain! We ain't hearing nuttin!”

Meanwhile, an investigation is continuing into the fracas. The violence broke out around 18:00 hrs in what apparently was gang warfare. At yesterday's protest, Officer-in-Charge of New Amsterdam Prisons,. Linden Cornette appeared on the scene. He directed all questions to the Director of Prisons and Ministry of Home Affairs, adding too that an investigation has been launched into the incident. Officer Harry, the warder involved in the incident, has since been transferred to Mazaruni Prisons.

as farmers, left their home to attend to their rice field at the Hogstye back dam. On their way they saw three men Krishna called ‘John’, his son Romell Krishna, called ‘Romell’, and one ‘Bobo’ in the back dam. The brothers had completed their work and were on their way out when they were attacked and shot by the three men. Audwin was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital then transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital. Shawn Fraser’s body was picked up and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he was pronounced dead. A post Mortem examination was later conducted on the body of Shawn Fraser at the New Amsterdam hospital by Dr. Nehaul Singh. It gave the cause of death as perforation of the lung due to penetrating wounds to chest, compounded by a fractured skull. The day’s proceedings ended with the Prosecution making a request for the court to visit the scene. A ruling is expected to be made on the request today after further arguments.

from him at Sparendaam Police Station. He said that in that statement the accused detailed the incidents leading up to the alleged murder. “Officer he (Rowley) beat me brother and me mother and me bore he because he lash me with a chain,” the policeman said that the statement read. The witness said that the accused told him that he was asleep that day, when he was awakened by his younger brother. “When I wake up I see me brother, Sherwin, head buss and I see Rasta man (Rowley) had a big chain in he hand and he saying that nobody can’t pass through the fence. “I run outside and tell he can do that. He push ma mother and I look around for a piece a wood fuh lash he but I see a knife by he step and I pick it up. He lash me with the chain across meh back and I tek the knife and bore pun he neck for defend meself and he fall down,” the policeman read the statement aloud to the court yesterday. Singh explained that statement was freely and voluntarily given by the accused.

Roger Pilgrim “We used no force or inducement of any kind during the procurement of the caution statement.” Singh was the third police witness to take the stand. His testimony followed the evidence of two other police officers, Corporal Lincoln Fraser and Detective Corporal Rawlin Beharry. Fraser testified to witnessing a post mortem examination, which was conducted on the victim’s body, while Beharry told the court that he visited the crime scene, sometime after the incident occurred.

Water woes hit E’bo rice farmers Farmers who have been cultivating rice mostly within the high lands on the Essequibo Coast are being affected by the inability to readily access water from the main pump at Capoey. “The TIPS (Tapacuma Irrigation Project) project is not working as it should,” lamented one farmer. The situation, farmers say they are faced with, is grave since they are currently being forced to purchase water at a high cost of $6000 per acre to sustain their crops. And, despite this current constraint, farmers say that they are still required to pay rental for water and their land.

Farmers are contending that the Tips project (the Dawa pump), which lacks proper supervision was constructed to supply rice farmers with water but that project has been rendered inefficient. The irate farmers further contended that the Drainage and Irrigation Department, in the Region lacks human resources (understaffed) which puts a strain on its efficiency. Cultivation of the autumn crop has commenced. Some 32,000 acres of land is under cultivation. Rice farming is one of the main economic activities in the Region.

Students flee New Amsterdam ... From page 17 sent to Boys' School. The child said that the caretaker would threaten them with violence and take advantage of them, especially the little boys. The boy related that they were beaten and forced to do all kinds of work. Although they were promised, they hardly went to school and were forced into labour. They were sent to work outside the compound. Their money was taken away and were told that their earnings are being used to help pay bills. She called the Orphanage and informed the authorities, that whatever the circum-

stances she would be removing her kids from the institution. She went and without any resistance from the authorities was given her two children. The woman then took her son to the Police Station where a report was lodged. Her son was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where a medical examination confirmed that he was sodomised. The police, she said, arrested the perpetrator and promised to get in touch with them for a confrontation, but never did. They subsequently released the man, who is now back at the Orphanage. The woman stated that she was subsequently con-

tacted by the owners of the Orphanage who begged her to drop the story. She said that she was offered money, but she wants justice. Some of the other boys who were molested have been taken out of the Institution and sent to Georgetown to 'hush up' the story. The parents are upset that nothing is being done even though the matter has been reported to all the relevant authorities. They are seeing it as another case of systems failure of the relevant Government authorities that are being paid tax payers money and not performing their duties. They are making a clarion call for help.

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Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 05, 2014

Kerry says US to work with, monitor new Palestinian govt BEIRUT (Reuters) Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday the United States would work with the new Palestinian unity government “as we need to” but would be monitoring its commitment to continued cooperation with Israel. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a government of technocrats on Monday in a reconciliation deal between his Fatah movement and the Islamist Hamas, which advocates Israel’s destruction. “We are going to be watching (the government) very closely, as we said from day one, to absolutely ensure that it upholds each of those things it has talked about, that it doesn’t cross the line,” Kerry said. Kerry said Abbas had told him that the new government would be committed to principles of non-violence, negotiations with Israel and existing accords including cooperation on security. Kerry, who oversaw peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians that stalled in April, said he had spoken over the last few days with both Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who warned on Sunday

John Kerry against any international rush to recognise the new Palestinian government. Netanyahu has condemned Washington’s decision to work with the unity government. But Kerry stressed that Washington did not recognise the new Palestinian government. “Let me be very clear: the United States does not recognise a government with respect to Palestine, because that would recognise a state and there is no state,” Kerry said. “This is not an issue of recognition of a government.” Israel froze U.S.-brokered peace talks with Abbas when the unity deal was announced on April 23 after numerous unsuccessful

attempts at Palestinian reconciliation since Hamas seized the Gaza Strip from Fatah forces in fighting in 2007. The United States views Hamas as a “terrorist” organization and the U.S. Congress has imposed restrictions on U.S. funding for Abbas’s Palestinian Authority, which typically runs at $500 million a year, in the event of a unity government. Kerry said the U.S. law on assistance to the Palestinian Authority specifically states that the administration makes a judgment about “undue influence by Hamas in any way”. “At the moment, we don’t have that, and so we are looking to see as we go forward on a day-to-day evaluation - we will measure the composition (of the new government), we will measure the policies of the new technocrat government, and we will calibrate our approach accordingly,” he said. “I’ve had several conversations with Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Kerry said, playing down reports of a rift with Israel. “We’re completely talking about this on a day-to-day basis. Israel is our friend, our strong ally.”

800 babies buried in septic tank at Irish home for unmarried mothers Dublin (AFP) - Almost 800 babies and children were buried in a mass grave in Ireland near a home for unmarried mothers run by nuns, according to new research yesterday which throws more light on the Irish Catholic Church’s troubled past. Death records suggest 796 children, from newborns to eight-year-olds, were deposited in a grave near a Catholic-run home for unmarried mothers during the 35 years it operated from 1925 to 1961. Historian Catherine Corless, who made the discovery, says her study of death records for the St Mary’s home in Tuam in County Galway suggests that a former septic tank near the home was a mass grave. The septic tank, full to the brim with bones, was discovered in 1975 by locals when concrete slabs covering the tank broke up. Until now, locals believed the bones mainly stemmed from the Great Irish famine of the 1840s when hundreds of thousands perished. St Mary’s, run by the Bons Secours Sisters, was

one of several such ‘mother and baby’ homes in early 20th century Ireland. Thousands of unmarried pregnant women — labelled at the time as ‘fallen women’ — were sent to the homes to have their babies. The women were ostracised by the conservative-Catholic society and were often forced to hand over their children for adoption. Health issues and problems associated with the homes have long been documented. As far back as 1944, a government inspection report of the Tuam home described some of the children as “fragile, potbellied and emaciated.” The recently discovered death records for St Mary’s show the 796 children died from malnutrition and infectious diseases, such as measles and TB. Conservative Catholic teaching at the time denied children of unmarried parents baptism and therefore burial in consecrated lands. The home was knocked down many years ago to make way for new houses, but the area around the unmarked

mass grave has been maintained by locals. A fundraising committee has now been formed and it is hoped that a memorial will be built with all the names and ages of the children displayed. The Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary said he would meet leaders of the Bons Secours Sisters to assist with the memorial. Meanwhile, Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin said that if a public inquiry into the ‘mother and baby’ homes in Ireland was not established then a social history project was necessary. Martin also said he supports “excavating what may be unmarked graves” at these sites. A junior government minister has called for an inquiry to be established and the issue is expected to be discussed at cabinet. The development is a yet another damning disclosure of a Church-run institution in Ireland following almost countless revelations of abuse and neglect at Catholicrun schools or institutions in recent decades.

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

High cost for electricity The issue of the AML/CFT... retards economic...

From page 4 PPP Govt. pet contracts to build the access road to Amaila Falls. As expected he failed to deliver and his contract was terminated. The project was eventually split and awarded to subcontractors who are now struggling to complete the road and appurtenances which are not expected to serve their intended purpose any time soon, as funding for the Amaila Falls hydropower project (AFHP) is in the doldrums and will continue to be so for many years to come, as the Govt. lowers its financial sourcing sight and is exploring wind and solar power as alternative sources for cheap electricity. The PPP Govt. has no idea what AFHP will cost and therefore it is rather disingenuous that Prime Minister Hinds has been promulgating that AFHP would be able to generate electricity at US$0.21 per kWh, reducing eventually to US$0.03 after 20 years of operation. He has never provided any data to support these claims and therefore he should state how the tariffs he quoted were developed.

After all, the tariff for the Berbice Bridge crossing was to be not much more different than that for the ferry. Unfortunately the reality proved different. The InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) has carried out a feasibility study in consideration of a loan for Amaila Falls. If Minister Hinds is confident of his tariff projections he should make a copy of this IDB study available to show all and sundry how right he is, as the study will clearly indicate the proposed cost for electricity based on AFHP cost. It is worth noting that Minister Hinds considered the 2000 CDB-financed engineering survey of the potential of wind along the Guyana Coast for large scale electricity production secret, and it was never made available to the public as the Govt. plugged the merits of AFHP without comparative pricing. Having failed to develop AFHP, Minister Hinds is now dabbling with wind and solar energy sources for electricity power generation which is more expensive than fossil fuel, although the prices are

falling for these alternative energy sources which will not be available 24/7 without back-up generators/ storage batteries. Minister Hinds will serve Guyanese well if he could stop dilly-dallying and devote his energies to get GPL back on track to provide its users with a reliable and dependable source of electricity at reasonable costs, as Belize has been doing. The PPP Govt. cannot continue to subsidize GPL without solving such endemic problems as mismanagement of the utility and thefts of its electricity, and hope without addressing these fundamental problems that AFHP and/ or large scale electricity from wind and solar will eventually provide cheap and reliable sources of electricity for Guyanese if only the opposition majority will go along and approve its proposals. Charles Sohan

From page 4 with holistic needs and the leadership in the Christian community too must focus on the matters external to attendance and monetary collections, because they impact on each other. Christ did it and as followers of Him, Christian leaders must do likewise. The congregants must also see their leadership act in accord in ensuring their wellbeing outside of the church environment. Sunday, Saturday, or any

day identified for worship, must be a day in the religious calendar not only as a day to pray for lost souls and repentance, but one that will also equip attendants with knowledge and skills to effectively and efficiently function in the wider society. Today, leaders in the Christian community must choose which theology they will practice. Will it be the theology that seeks to liberate the masses from their unjust political, social and eco-

nomic conditions? Or will it be the theology practiced by some leaders of yore that endorse and give blessing to national policies built on the perpetuation and enforcement of unjust political, social and economic conditions and disregard for the Rule of Law? The society is watching and history is recording this section of civil society usually seen as the nation’s moral compass and conscience. Lincoln Lewis

Frederick Kissoon is an... From page 5 wrote. One can argue that his writings are not always accurate and his reporting is sometimes flawed. However, more often, by any standard proper analysis, his writings on Guyana’s political sociology and economy are academically astute. Notwithstanding, there is no doubt that his inimitable style

of writing rubs some in the society the wrong way. This is to be expected with someone that is as passionate as Mr. Kissoon is. But more importantly, I will argue, that his intention for a just and fair society is paramount. Kissoon is an example of what is desperately needed in our society. It is the ability to speak for justice and parity for

all citizens in a multiethnic society. The ideal that informs his action is to change the political environment by disagreeing with the PPP/C’s dominant and hegemonic doctrines. His intention is to widen the path for freedom and enhance the vibrancy of civil society. It is left for others to follow his example. Dennis Wiggins

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Thursday June 05, 2014

Thursday June 05, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Sterling sent off as England held BBC Sport - Raheem Sterling was sent off as an experimental England side produced a mixed display to draw with Ecuador in their World Cup warm-up game in Miami. Liverpool youngster Sterling was dismissed 11 minutes from time for a clash with Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia - who was also given a red card for reacting furiously to the challenge. It provided a sour note for manager Roy Hodgson - as did a worrying-looking knee injury for Alex OxladeChamberlain - as he saw England struggle defensively but produce some excellent work going forward, especially from Everton midfielder Ross Barkley. Ecuador took advantage

of poor England defending as Enner Valencia headed them in front early on but Wayne Rooney bundled in his 39th goal for his country before half-time. Rickie Lambert celebrated his dream £4m move to Liverpool by putting England ahead just after the interval following brilliant work by Barkley but the South Americans levelled through substitute Michael Arroyo’s spectacular strike. With temperatures and humidity high, it was the perfect conditioning workout for England and there were pluses for Hodgson. Rooney worked hard in his left-flank role and got another 63 minutes under his belt while Barkley demonstrated once again that he could become a real World Cup

wildcard. Oxlade-Chamberlain also delivered some good moments before departing with an injury that his manager said afterwards was serious enough to require a scan. None of England’s revamped defence suggested they would start at the World Cup as central defensive pairing Chris Smalling and Phil Jones looked uncertain and the ploy of playing James Milner at right back was not a success. England can now fine tune further against Honduras here on Saturday before flying to Brazil to embark on their World Cup campaign. Hodgson’s second string looked exactly that at times and defensive frailties were exposed as Ecuador went ahead with their first attack

Thursday June 05, 2014 ARIES (MAR. 21-APRIL 20) Enjoy taking courses or lecturing others. Your pursuits may end up being fruitless. You may find that your quick wit and charm will help you in obtaining allies.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't make a move; your confusion has caused this dilemma and you are best to back away and reassess the situation. Self-deception is likely. Try not to upset others with your plans.

TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Get ready to do some fancy footwork when it comes to taking care of your financial situation. You can expect changes at your work place. Make plans to mix business with pleasure.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Avoid friction with your mate. Do what you can to help them but don't neglect your own family. Help children complete projects they're having difficulty with.

GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Spend time with youngsters today. Do not sign your life away. Check into art objects or precious stones. You can do well in group endeavors.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You can't do everything on your own. Having your own business is a good idea. Promote your ideas now.

CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Your accomplishments could exceed your expectations if you mix a little business with pleasure. Plans to make physical improvements may lead to psychological changes, too. Don't overindulge in anyway.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22.JAN. 20) Your home environment may be hectic, which could result in emotional upset if you aren't well organized. Use your inventiveness to find solutions. Don't draw too much attention to yourself at work.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Observations will be far more productive. You can ask for favors but don't take them for granted. Your emotional partner may make you angry today.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) You will be full of energy and you need to find something constructive to do. Abrupt changes concerning your professional position are evident. You can accomplish a lot if you direct your thoughts toward starting your own small business on the side.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Opportunities for love will develop while traveling or while attending religious functions. Be ready to explain your actions. Do things because you want to, not because someone else thinks you should.

PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Secret affairs can only lead to devastating circumstances. You may find it difficult to communicate. Avoid friction with your mate.

Raheem Sterling is sent off during the match. (Getty Images) after eight minutes. Milner stood off Walter Ayovi and when Smalling got caught under his cross, Valencia beat Luke Shaw to the ball at the far post to head powerfully past Ben Foster. Foster, meanwhile, had mixed success racing from his line, as England’s lack of understanding left them vulnerable, but they were soon edging their way back into the game. Captain Frank Lampard had already dragged one shot across the face of goal before forcing Ecuador keeper Maximo Banguera into action from long range. And Hodgson’s side were on level terms just before the half-hour as Rooney scrambled in from almost on the line after Lambert had flicked a shot against the post. It was not the prettiest of goals but Rooney’s celebration indicated how much it meant to him. Foster’s risky dash out almost gave Valencia another chance but England escaped and almost went ahead when Shaw’s fine run set up Rooney, who could not hit the target. Barkley’s powerful running had already set up Oxlade-Chamberlain and the Everton man showed his class once more as England went ahead after 51 minutes. He weaved his way through Ecuador’s defence before laying the ball into the path of Lambert, who thumped in a powerful angled finish. Ecuador were still strong, though, and causing problems for England’s unconvincing rearguard. When OxladeChamberlain fell awkwardly under a challenge he was substituted in apparent discomfort, and Rooney was also taken off after 63 minutes. The changes were the signal for a flurry of activity that ended with Ecuador equalising as substitute Arroyo marked his introduction by sending a magnificent finish high past Foster from 25 yards. Sterling had made a promising entrance but then

got involved in the skirmish that led to red cards for him and Valencia. The Liverpool forward’s wild challenge infuriated Valencia, who

reacted by grabbing him by the neck. It was an unsatisfactory conclusion to a mixed bag of a performance from England.

Lessons from Worrell... From page 30 performance and frequently creates resentment, disrespect, disloyalty and a stifling of talent. The people in charge of the West Indies players can continue with their autocratic and outmoded practices and stifle the talent of the players or they can learn from Frank Worrell and Clive Lloyd and get the best out of their teams and players. Pybus must now spend most of his time motivating the players and other stakeholders to implement his strategy. But effective execution will only happen if at the same time he gets rid of limiting beliefs, bad habits, poor excuses, disruptive insularities, political infighting and outmoded management traditions. And he must constantly remind his people that good leadership starts with self-leadership.

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Brazil in last-minute rush to be ready for World Cup SAO PAULO (Reuters) With just over a week to go before the World Cup kicks off, Brazil is racing to get its stadiums, airports, roads and phone networks ready before hundreds of thousands of soccer fans descend on the country. Airports in nearly all 12 host cities are swarmed with construction workers laying parking lots, installing checkin counters and kicking up clouds of dust with longdelayed expansions. Workers at several stadiums are still struggling to set up cell phone networks that can withstand tens of thousands of smartphones. Temporary bleachers in Sao Paulo’s stadium, which will host the opening game on June 12, have still not been tested under the full weight of fans. After more than 13 years of intermittent construction, trains are finally making test runs on a metro that will deliver ticket holders to the stadium in the northeastern city of Salvador. Only about half the projects promised for the World Cup have been delivered and many of those are only partly done, souring the mood in a country obsessed with soccer but increasingly skeptical about the benefits of hosting the show. The late rush means most of the critical infrastructure will be in place and few doubt that the first World Cup in Brazil since 1950 will be one to remember. President Dilma Rousseff promises Brazil will be fully ready on time even as she recognizes delays with some big projects. “Nobody does a (subway) in two years. Well, maybe China,” she said with

Labourers work at Manaus airport in Manaus June 2, 2014. REUTERS Bruno Kelly

a smile during a meeting with foreign journalists on Tuesday night, calling delays “the cost of our democracy.” Still, frustrations over broken budgets, sloppy planning and missed opportunities to build a more enduring legacy fueled a wave of protests last year and still loom over the World Cup. The cycle of dire warnings and a late scramble to get ready is a familiar one ahead of the World Cup and the Olympics, and host nations usually manage to silence skeptics in the end. Even by those standards, though, Brazil is cutting it close. FIFA President Sepp Blatter said in January that Brazil was further behind than any other host country he could recall with just five months to go. Now he and other FIFA officials are putting on their

game faces and adopting a more optimistic tone. “I am sure it will be a great, great success,” Blatter said. “The Brazilian spirit of the game and the Brazilian ability to play football makes this World Cup very, very special.” Throughout the country, Brazil’s flag and iconic yellow jerseys are multiplying on the streets. Blending dogged pride with defiance of sporadic protests, some Brazilians have taken to Twitter with the hashtag #VaiTerCopaSim - or “Yes, there will be a World Cup.” The Brazilian team, which has already won the World Cup a record five times, is widely favored to win again. If it does, home fans will put on a party to remember. NOT READY YET For organizers, however, it is still too early to celebrate. Workers in Sao Paulo and

Natal have spent the last week installing seats in stadiums that were supposed to be ready in December. The Sao Paulo stadium staged a weekend game to test its readiness but used about half the seating capacity and just a quarter of the temporary bleachers, some of which had not cleared safety checks. Pick-up and drop-off areas at the airport in Belo Horizonte have been redirected around a crane. Workers in orange jumpsuits mingle with travelers in the main concourse. In Manaus, passengers complain of the clouds of dust from the airport’s ongoing expansion, while tractors are still working on new parking lots outside. Even at new airports where the dust has settled, terminals promised for the World Cup may not be used

for the tournament because they were delivered with so little time for inspection. The second of two new terminals promised for the World Cup in the capital Brasilia was delivered last month but regulators have not yet authorized it for operation. A new airport west of Natal was only cleared for international arrivals on Tuesday. Getting to and from some airports is also a headache as projects meant to smooth the connection to downtown areas are instead snarling traffic. In Curitiba, 10 miles (16 km) of road to the airport is now a construction zone funneling cars from four lanes to as few as one, doubling or tripling what had been a 30minute ride. A light rail project promised for the World Cup in Cuiaba won’t enter service this year, but dozens of workers still swarm the work site where rails pass outside the airport. Driving from there to the city center can now take up to two hours. In some places workers have even reversed course, filling in trenches they had dug in order to cover up work sites with squares of grassy sod. Determined to highlight

signs of progress, Rousseff has inaugurated a series of high-profile public work projects, although construction continues on many of them On Sunday, she celebrated the opening of a $700 million bus corridor across Rio de Janeiro, running from the airport at the north end of town to a booming beachside borough in the south. Only half the stations are open and just two of a planned seven bus lines will be ready in time for the World Cup. At the expanded airport terminal Rousseff visited earlier in the day, construction was covered over with plywood barriers. She played down the World Cup connection, saying they are long-term investments. “We’re not making airports or projects of this scale for the World Cup. We do it for all Brazilians.” Still, the tournament offered a clear deadline for big transportation programs such as Salvador’s metro, which languished for years after work first started in 2000. Tests on the long-awaited metro line were suspended after a worker died in an accident and service is now set to begin June 11, on the eve of the tournament opener.

Pooranmall takes ‘A’ division Draughts tourney The National Draughts Association held a National Draughts Competition on May 31 and June 1 at National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. On Saturday, in the ‘B’ class, Mark Braithwaite was victorious followed by Michael Francis.

On Sunday, in the ‘A’division Khemraj Pooranmall was once again outstanding, taking first place with 27 points. Floyd Cummberbatch (23) and Carton Simon (22) followed in that order. The next competition is scheduled for June 14 and will be a hundred square.

Young Warriors club questions non-selection Murray beats Gael... of Hetmyer in Guyana CPL squad Shocked and flabbergasted were the words used by members of the Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice, when they learnt that their young and talented opening batsman, Shimron Hetmyer was not included as one of the four under-19 players in the Guyana Franchise for the Caribbean Premier League, a release from the club stated. The release said that they hoped that the youngster is not disheartened and his non selection is related to being a Berbician. Thorough checks were made and the club learnt that the players were selected by the junior selection panel.

However, the club is certain that the selectors don’t have the final say. People in authority must realize that they are playing with the mind and most importantly, the career of a cricketer who is touted to have West Indies material in him. Actions like this will not help the suffering West Indies cricket team. The club added that it is public knowledge that Shimron has all the qualities and credentials to be part of this excellent development process. Record shows that every tournament he participated in, he makes the team whether its zone, Berbice, Guyana or West Indies. Remember, he

recently represented the Region’s under-19 team in Dubai. What are the selectors telling this young cricketer? To walk away from the game? The club already lost Shimron’s club mate, former West Indies junior and senior National opener Richard Ramdeen through similar circumstances. The Young Warriors Cricket Club calls on the sponsors, Limacol to intervene and help. The club wishes to reiterate that it is in full support of the Cricket Administration Bill and thanked the ruling party and the main opposition for allowing good sense to

Shimron Hetmyer prevail. Here again it shows how important this noble game is to this nation. Cricket crosses all races, politics and religion, the release stated.

From page 30 light and insisted they play on into a fifth set, with Monfils clearly keen to continue. “I didn’t want to stop the match either,” said Murray. “I asked what the situation was. It was 21:20. I was told we had 20 minutes left, so, you could potentially play two games, two or three games in that time. “Six was the maximum that you could play. I mean, it was so dark at the end.” The Wimbledon champion was wobbling badly at 15-30 in the opening game, but Monfils missed an inviting backhand and suddenly all the energy was at the other end of the court. A newly energised Murray rediscovered his attacking intent and leapt on a volley to break for 2-0, punching his

fist in celebration, and then hit a spectacular running forehand for 3-0. Monfils had no more to give and the errors began to flow, gifting Murray a second break, and this time it was the Frenchman who was complaining about the light as his hopes of victory disappeared. Murray clambered all over the Monfils serve one last time to earn three match points in game six, and he swatted away the second to seal a remarkable victory after three hours and 15 minutes. “It was getting a bit dark, we couldn’t see all that well, but I I really wanted to finish tonight because I knew that he was not in great shape,” said Monfils. “I felt better. Maybe that’s why I was a bit rushed in attacking him. I’m very frustrated.”

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Guyana team departs Claude Raphael and Boston misguides for Guinness Street the public again with their UDCA letter Football Challenge = = = Letter to the Sports Editor = = =

DEAR SPORTS EDITOR, Mr. Boston has become the regular pen name for Claude Raphael throughout the course of this manufactured cricket crisis that erupted at the GCB level ever since his boss and friend, Mr. Raphael was kicked off the Directorship of the WICB in 2009. Raphael never came out swinging when he displaced Bish Panday as a Director on the WICB a few years before. Raphael should tell the Guyanese public of his tenure as a WICB Director and time away in Canada and the United States. His few months as a director seem to make him an authority on West Indian cricket. Raphael must understand that changes are necessary and some call it “changing of the guards”. Whenever Raphael wants to write on a controversial

topic, he would use his sidekick, Boston as his pen name and in other circumstances. Other times he would use his real name but his style of writing is well known and distinguishable. Raphael/Boston claims that he was in court when Justice Bovell Drakes made an Order. The media has been supplied with a copy of this said Order on numerous occasions and is culpable here in promoting confusion by continuing to publish inaccuracies. The Order simply injuncted his boss, Claude Raphael, Bissoondyal Singh, Ronald Williams, Roger Harper and the remainder of this faction from functioning as the DCB whilst the plaintiff, Mr. K Mangal gave an undertaking to do likewise. If this faction cannot read and comprehend what the interlocutory Order says clearly, they should just do

either of two logical things in the circumstances: 1. Ask their attorney to sit them down, read and explain the content and substance of the said Bovell- Drakes Order and, if they think so, possibly pursue a contempt of court proceedings against anyone who they think is contravening the said Order. Roger Harper did file contempt proceedings in this matter and Raphael should find out why Harper decided to withdraw same. Simply, no contempt exists, or 2. Just SHUT UP! As an expected consequence of the Cricket Administration Bill, this grouping has rushed to Linden and hurriedly conducted a circus in an attempt to fulfil their objective, facilitated by the said Bill but the DCB has made a clear announcement on this issue that any such elections

of the UDCA must be done in a legal and constitutional manner by the correct constituents of the area and overseen by independent observers. This is the exact scene that caused this manufactured cricket crisis when Bissoondyal and Raphael etal went ahead and conducted an illegal parallel AGM of the DCB in January 2011 but was since ordered by the court to cease functioning. They are now recreating the same fiasco in a different area and will only lead to more and more legal wrangling but this seems to be the established modus operandi of this group. I wonder if Mr. Sharma Solomon knows what is happening in Linden cricket. Does he know that the person recently installed by Raphael and Bissoon holds a PPP Party Card.? Jairam Ramjit.

David Mohamad elected President of Lusignan Golf Club

A youthful Guyana Team will be looking to bring home glory at the third annual Guinness Caribbean Street Football Challenge which opens tomorrow at the Jean Pierre Sports Complex in Trinidad and Tobago. The team, which features seven players, a competitor for the Skills Challenge and two officials, will depart today for the twin island republic. The players of Queen Street, Tiger Bay were chosen to represent Guyana at the eight-nation regional tournament following their win in the Guinness Greatest of the Streets National finals which was played off last Sunday at Demerara Park. The South Cummingsburg side scored a 3-0 win over Melanie of East Coast Demerara to win the coveted title and a cash prize of $400,000. The team will be captained by playmaker Alpha Fletchman with Ezekiel Gravesande being named the vice captain. The other members are Jeffrey Newton, James Meredith, Godfrey Powers, Stephen Alfred and Rensford Coleridge.

Nickel Stoute who won the Skills competition will also be looking to display his dazzling talent in the regional Skills Challenge. The two officials are Wayne Griffith (referee) and Lee Baptiste, Guinness Brand Manager. The eight competing teams are defending champions Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Antigua/Barbuda, St. Kitts, Dominica, and newcomers Jamaica. The winning team will take home a top prize of US$4,000 and the chance to attend a FIFA coaching programme. Guyana’s best showing was runner-up in the inaugural tournament staged at the National Park in 2012. The tournament will kick off tomorrow evening with an official opening ceremony followed by preliminary matches starting at 18:00 hours. The semi-finals and final will take place on Saturday followed by a Celebration Concert with Jamaican Reggae superstar Beenie Man and Prophet Benjamin of Trinidad and Tobago.

Halep eases into maiden...

Several of the executives following the elections of the LGC. David Mohamad was elected President, as several new faces were named to the Management Committee of the Lusignan Golf Club at its Annual General Meeting held last weekend at the Club House. Dr. Philbert London is the new Vice President with Denise Best being elected Secretary and Haresh Tiwari – Treasurer. Ravi Persaud was elected Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, while Chatterpaul Deo will remain as Club Captain as well as Mike Gayadin Ground Superintendent. The returning officer was Solomon and Associate Accounting firm, David Mohamad who previous served as Vice President last year and Secretary in 2012 and took over from Jerome Khan who did not seek reelection. Outgoing President Khan

in his Report said that the Club was in a good financial position and he thanked corporate Guyana for supporting the development of the Club. “The Executive committee with the help of our valued sponsors and members hosted 30 tournaments, this

represented an improvement over the previous year,” Khan declared. President David Mohamad said he was delighted to be elected President of the LGC and looks forward to keep improving the club in all areas. Mr. Mohamad announced that there are

tournaments already slated in the coming weeks. Crown Mining Supplies has sponsored one for this Saturday, 7th of June 2014, the Scotia Bank Annual Tournament on the 14th of June and the Wartsila Guyana event on the 21st of June have all been scheduled.

Spurs seeking redemption versus Heat... From page 33 James. He just keep getting better and better. “He looks like the perfect teammate. He makes those other guys a lot better than they would be with another team. But that’s who he is. That’s the greatness of LeBron James.” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said it’s premature to talk of what it would mean to claim three straight NBA crowns.

“You can’t get caught up in that,” he said. “That’s the biggest challenge. What you have to do is prepare yourself to win possessions, win the first game and get into this seven-game competition. “You need to try to get better as it goes on. You can’t get ahead of yourself and start thinking about legacy and what this means. “None of those things will win you a game. Focusing on the moment does.”

West said San Antonio’s collapse last year will be forgotten seconds after the opening jump ball of the series. But the normally softspoken Duncan, a four-time NBA champion who won his first of three finals MVP trophies 15 years ago, has a tough time letting go. “It is unbelievable to have regained our focus after that devastating loss last year,” he said. “We’ve got that bad taste in our mouth from last time.”

From page 34 sent a forehand long. The Russian had her chance in the second game of the second set but she wasted two break points with unforced errors. She had two further chances in the fourth game, but Halep saved them with an exquisite drop shot and a superb backhand down the line to hold for 3-1. Halep, who converted six of her eight break points while Kuznetsova blew seven of her nine chances to steal her opponent’s serve, fired a few stunning return winners to break again in the fifth game. With the contest virtually over, Halep lost focus and served three double faults in the last game, but still managed to close it down having not dropped a set in the tournament, conceding just over

four games per match. Despite that minor wobble, Halep managed to keep her composure, something she could not do in her first grand slam quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open this year when she lost 6-3 6-0 to Slovak Dominika Cibulkova. “At that moment I didn’t know how to manage the emotions before the quarter-finals,” Halep, who is managed by compatriot Virginia Ruzici, the 1978 French Open champion, explained. “I was very nervous on court and I couldn’t play my game. I couldn’t run the balls and I couldn’t hit. “Today I was very relaxed. Was a tough day because I had to wait a few hours to play because of the rain, but still it was a perfect day.”

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Thursday June 05, 2014

Government donates $2 Million towards GABF’s participation at CBC C/ships in BVI

Members of the national youth basketball team during training at CASH By Sean Devers According to President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Nigel Hinds, GABF received correspondence on Tuesday from the Office of the President that GY$2 Million will be made available to the GABF to support Guyana’s participation in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation 2014 Championships scheduled for Tortola, BVI from July 112, 2014. Hinds said it was a timely donation by the Government of Guyana and expressed gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the GABF for the commitment shown by the government to Basketball in Guyana. “We do hope that the endorsement by the Government of Guyana to support basketball

development in Guyana will encourage Guyana’s corporate community to respond positively to the ongoing fund raising efforts of the GABF as the Federation prepares the Guyana Teams for the 2014 Caribbean Basketball Championships,” Hinds said. “The GABF is very thankful for the financial support from the Guyana Government and we intend to honour the Government’s confidence shown in the GABF by working diligently to firstly ensure that Guyana’s Men and Women Teams are well represented at the CBC 2014 Championships and secondly to continue in our efforts to promote and develop basketball across Guyana,” Hinds, a former National Basketballer, added. Meanwhile, the Guyana Men’s team will be picked based on accomplishments

and talent while the overseas based Guyanese, who will join the local players, make Guyana as a major contender to win the CBC Championships this year. The first Guyanese born NBA player, 32-year-old Rawle Marshall has committed to being in Guyana on June 16. He currently plays professional basketball in Europe. The other overseas based Guyanese who have committed to come to Guyana to join training sessions for the 35-man squad, which was released on Tuesday, include 21-year-old Tyler Persaud who is currently at Windsor University after being transferred from Glenville State, West Virginia. He is a 6ft 7 inch Power Forward. His brother 19-year-old Damian Persaud is a 6ft 3 inch Guard and a graduate of the Kiski Prep School Saltsburg,

Damian Persaud

Tyler Persaud

Ray Victor

Pennsylvania. The siblings are both scheduled to arrive in Guyana on Sunday June 8 and should have their first practice session on June 10 at the ‘Sports Hall’. The 26-year-old Ray Victor arrives from the BVI on June 16 and Keron McKenzie, Andre De Florimonte and

Steffon Farley are some of the other overseas players expected to vie for selection. Most of the overseas based Guyanese play professional basketball and will be competing with Guyana’s local stars such as 6ft 5 inch Jermaine Slater, Akeem Kanhai and Dwayne Roberts for a place on the Guyana National Basketball team. The overseas players should all be in Guyana by June 24. Mark Agard has been

already appointed Head Coach with Darcel Harris as his assistant. A 24-member Women’s squad has also been shortlisted with Ann Gordon being appointed Head Coach and Brian Carter her assistant. Practice sessions are fixed for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays leading up to the tournament which starts on July 1 and concludes on the July 5 with the Men’s division and July 8-12 with the Women’s division.

Coach Gibson hopeful of Gayle’s fitness Cricinfo - Bridgetown, Barbados - Ottis Gibson, the West Indies coach, is hopeful Chris Gayle will be fit for the first Test against New Zealand, which starts on June 8 in Kingston. Gayle had suffered a back injury after the World T20 in Bangladesh and missed a few games for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2014. After his team’s run in the T20 league ended, he travelled to Germany to consult a specialist for his injury. “He’s here. He was told he had to be at the camp on June 1,” Gibson said. “He went to Germany to see a specialist so over there, he had some injections for his back. The specialist said he would need to take a couple of days rest and after which he should be able to take full part in cricket. The first Test

match starts on June 8, so he has enough time to get enough cricket. He had a couple of hits in the nets today and he did some catching on the field, so he has enough time, once we get to Jamaica, to get himself settled down.” Apart from Gayle, the squad for the first Test also has fit-again pacers Jerome Taylor and Kemar Roach and a spinner Sulieman Benn. Taylor and Roach returned from long injury layoffs, while Benn has not played a Test since December 2010. Shane Shillingford, who was cleared for an international return after rectifying his bowling action, is likely to play his first Test since the suspension. With Sunil Narine absent from the squad, the spin-bowling department comprises

Shillingford and Benn but Gibson was reluctant to commit to a two-spinner strategy in Jamaica. “We have to get there first. What we do is we tend to get there first and see the conditions and then think of the make-up of the team,” Gibson said. “We have three quality fast bowlers who have done well this week and two worldclass spinners, with Benn coming back into the team after a long absence and Shane, who’s had his issues with his bowling action and stuff. We are very happy we have two of those guys in our midst. If the wicket suits two spinners, then I guess two spinners can play. If not, we have three quality seamers that will take the field.” Gibson was pleased with the form of the batsmen and

bowlers during the practice matches against local opposition, held as part of the preparatory camp in Barbados. “Darren Bravo got a hundred in the first game, Kraigg [Brathwaite] came in and he got some runs yesterday. Shiv [Chanderpaul] spent some good time in the middle,” he said. “The reason why we come here and prepare ourselves physically and then we do a lot of technical work is to make sure that when we get to Jamaica it is just about performing. In Jamaica, we will have a look at the conditions, the pitch we are likely to play on we pick the best possible team from the 13 guys we have and we work really hard and try and win the first Test match.”

Hosts Brazil stroll to... From page 35 Sunday and they responded after a quiet opening quarterof-an-hour. Tejada picked up a yellow card for the visitors with a foul on Neymar and Brazil’s star man swiped his freekick high into the net to delight a 30,000 crowd. The Barcelona starlet then crossed for Fred but the Scolari favourite directed a header off target. Alves then smacked home the second with a low effort to all but break the visitors’ sagging resistance and allow Scolari the luxury of some major pack shuffling. Neymar was not interested in allowing anyone game time

at his expense, however, and it was his superbly weighted backheel which allowed Hulk to slot in a cool third with the outside of his boot. Panama tried to respond with a Roberto Nurse header which Julio Cesar, finally called into action, tipped over. Fred had time to send an effort high and wide before Brazil scored their fourth with Neymar feeding Maxwell, who found Willian for a routine finish from close range. Maicon headed against the bar and Neymar fired just wide as Brazil continued to toy with their opponents before the final whistle saved the Panamanians from further embarrassment.

Thursday June 05, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 33

10-man NA Multilateral edge Tutorial Academy in Patrick April U17 Inter football

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ew Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School (NAMS) became the second team to advance to the semifinal of the Patrick ‘Patto’April under17 Inter Secondary School Knockout Football Competition with a hard fought 3-2 victory over Tutorial

Academy Secondary School (TASS) which is being played for schools in the New Amsterdam Canje District. The game which was played on Tuesday at the Scott’s Church Ground, Philadelphia Street New Amsterdam saw both teams playing hard in the heated encounter in an effort to

qualify as the game see sawed throughout. It was TASS that went ahead when Jaleel Fraser scored in the 7th minute. They held that lead until the 20th minute when star player Jamal Butts blasted home the equalizer to send the teams to lemon time at 1-1. On the resumption,

Spurs seeking redemption

versus Heat in the finals

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) loses the ball during a shot attempt against San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green (4) during the game six of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs. (Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports) Reuters) - The San Antonio Spurs will be looking to avenge last year’s agonizing loss to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals when the two teams return for a best-of-seven showdown that Hall of Famer Jerry West compares to an allout brawl. “It’s going to be a knockdown, tough battle for both teams,” the former Los Angeles Lakers guard and 14-time All-Star told Reuters. “It’s just a remarkable effort by both teams to get here again.” Both teams tweaked their rosters since last year’s epic series, won by Miami in seven games. The big question, however, is how the memory of last year’s late-game meltdown by the Spurs in Game Six will be played out. The Heat overcame a title-busting, fivepoint deficit in the final 28 seconds of regulation and held on in Game Seven at home to win their second straight championship. “We have four more (games) to win,” San Antonio forward Tim Duncan said Saturday, seconds after the Spurs defeated Oklahoma City to win the Western Conference. “We’ll do it this time.” The series begins today in San Antonio in a 2-2-1-1-1 format, where the Spurs, unlike a year ago, have the home-court advantage, based on their NBA-best 62-20 regular-season record. Miami, once again led by the so-called Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, went 54-28 this season, two games behind Indiana in the East. But the

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Heat beat the Pacers in six games to reach the championship round and are playing their best ball of the year. A four-time NBA MVP, James averaged 27.1 points this year and Wade, who was hobbled in last year’s playoffs but is now healthy, chipped in 18.7. James, the MVP of the finals the last two years, said of the Spurs: “They wanted us, they got us. “They don’t like us. They don’t,” James said. “I can sense it from Timmy’s comments over the last couple days. They wanted this. They wanted us. We’ll be ready for the challenge. “We’re confident. We’re not shying away from them. We want them too.” The Spurs are led by their own top-gun trio of Duncan, ball handler Tony Parker and veteran shooting guard Manu Ginobili. But greater output from Danny Green and Patty Mills and the improvement of Marco Belinelli make the Spurs better than they were a year ago. NBA’S BEST West, the MVP of the finals in 1969 in a losing effort, said the Spurs and Heat are the best teams in the NBA, adding they’re both supremely talented but in different ways. “The Spurs are the prettiest team in basketball to watch because of their ability to pass the ball, the way they play together and the efficiency of the way they run their offense. “San Antonio, from one to 10 is more talented than Miami, but Miami has a player that’s like four players - I’m talking about LeBron (Continued on page 31)

Action in the Under-17 Inter Secondary School Knockout football between NA Multilateral and Tutorial Academy. TASS once again went ahead when Lomar Reid scored in the 37th minute for the 2-1 lead. The NAMS, now under pressure, were trying everything to get the equalizer and one such move led to the expulsion of Butts who was shown the red card for challenging the referee, after being shown the yellow card initially. Under immense pressure the 10-man NAMS unit buckled down and decided to

up their game. They were awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute and Raheem Damon made no mistake to pull the score to 2-2. The game continued to see saw with TASS applying the pressure and NAMS defending and counterattacking for all their worth. The NAMS team took full advantage of another penalty in the 57th minute which was scored by Godfrey Coward to give his team the 3-2 lead which they

managed to hold on to until the final whistle. The competition continues today with the two semifinals which will see Vryman’s Erven Secondary School (VESS) coming up against defending champions Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) at 15:00hrs to be followed by the clash between last year’s runner up Berbice High School (BHS) and NAMS at 16:30hrs. (Samuel Whyte)

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Kaieteur News

Dr. Rudi V. Webster talks West Indies cricket

Lessons from Worrell and Lloyd Dr. Rudi V. Webster

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hroughout the IPL competitions West Indies players have done particularly well. This year was no exception - Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith and Sunil Narine performed brilliantly. I feel that if they had the opportunity to play in the other formats of the game in India they would do equally well. So why are these players who are mediocre at best when they play for West Indies doing so well in India? Having worked with the Kolkata Knight Riders, the 2012 champions, I would say that the enabling factors are the competence and professionalism of the administrators, the learning environment in which the players operate, and the first class coaching, leadership, and player management skills that they encounter. These factors enhance players’ self-belief and self-confidence, and motivate them to perform as disciplined members of the team. It would be interesting to learn how West Indies players would rate their administrators, coaches, captains and selectors in these areas. Autocratic attitudes and practices are common in West Indies cricket. But when players are made to believe that they can truly make a difference to the performance of their team, they bring with them a level of motivation and discipline which when correctly directed and focused satisfy a major requirement for success. Discipline then comes from within; it doesn’t have to be imposed. In fact, at the highest levels of sport success revolves more around motivation, self- belief and selfdiscipline than around talent and potential. Richard Pybus the new cricket director of West Indies cricket has recently designed and articulated a good strategy and detailed plans for improving West Indies cricket. But execution will be key because strategic plans by themselves can only take the team so far. Plans and goal charts do not accomplish performance. Players do. Players breathe life into the team’s vision and plans. At the end of the day it is competent, well-trained, highly disciplined and highly motivated players that are the key to the team’s success. Good management and administration are needed to run a cricket organization but the team will not win its battles on the field unless the players are motivated to fight. No one has as yet found out how to administer or manage players into battle. US

general Omar Bradley once said that the greatest leader in the world could never win a campaign unless he understood the men he had to lead. And Vince Lombardi the famous American football coach said, “Coaches who can outline their plans on a blackboard are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get into their players and motivate.” In sport motivation depends more on the needs and aspirations of those who are to be motivated – the players – than the needs and goals of the coaches. But too often that priority is reversed. The same applies to change. Coaches who suggest change are convinced of its benefits but the players who have to implement the change might not see its value because it might not address their needs and concerns. How important then are motivation and player management? Sir George Alleyne recently gave a brilliant Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Lecture in Trinidad. I would encourage every West Indian to read this lecture. In his address he quoted Sir Wesley Hall as saying that Frank Worrell was a great manmanager. He added that Frank never denigrated the person. He would identify the fault and address it in personal interaction, never in public. Sir George also quoted Cammie Smith as saying that Worrell spent as much time speaking about life and living in personal interaction as he spent in discussing cricket. Such was the rapport and respect that there was ready compliance with his instructions on and off the field because one did not want to disappoint the skipper. Clive Lloyd did similar things with his players. Worrell and Lloyd fully understood their players and knew how to get the best out of them. In a Test match in Perth, Joel Garner bowled about 5 or 6 no balls in one over, became quite frustrated and started to lose composure and control. Lloyd then went up to him and asked, “What size shoes do you wear?” Joel stuttered and said “Size 16.” Lloyd then countered, “You wear size 16 and you can’t get a piece of your boot behind the line. Come on man.” Joel never bowled another no ball in the match. These types of motivational and manmanagement skills are singularly lacking in today’s West Indies administrators and coaches. In the last few years the relationships between the players and the coaches and between the players and administrators hit rock bottom. One only has to look back at the hostility between the senior players and the coach to see the magnitude of the problem and the silly manner in which the conflict was handled. The same inflexible, autocratic and punitive attitude has now been used against Narine for staying on in India to play the IPL final thereby missing one day of the West Indies training camp, The more things change the more they stay the same. The use of intimidation, fear, and punishment occasionally work as a motivational technique but too often it is counterproductive because it disrupts (Continued on page 25)

Thursday June 05, 2014

Murray beats Gael Monfils to reach French Open semis

Andy Murray (PA)

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BC Sport - Andy Murray produced a late surge to beat Gael Monfils in five sets and reach the French Open semi-finals. The Briton let a two-set lead slip but raced through the fifth to win 6-4 6-1 4-6 16 6-0 in near darkness at 21:40 local time. Murray goes on to face eight-time champion Rafael Nadal in a repeat of the 2011 semi-final. Nadal fought back to beat fellow Spaniard and fifth seed David Ferrer 4-6 6-4 6-0 6-1. “It was a hard match,” said Murray. “Conditions changed quite a lot during it. It was extremely windy in the beginning, and then it was

pretty calm at the end and very slow. “It was obviously very cold at the end of the match. He really raised his game in the third set. “I thought I played a pretty good third set. The fourth set wasn’t my best, but it was a fun match.” Murray, 27, had played superbly to move two sets clear on Court Philippe Chatrier, driving Monfils to distraction - and quietening the crowd - with his variety of pace and spin. When the Scot had break points early in the third against a dispirited Monfils, a straight-sets win looked almost inevitable, but the Frenchman clung on.

Serving first in the set, M o n f i l s ’s o p p o r t u n i t y arrived at 5-4 when Murray floated a backhand long to fall to 15-40, and when the Briton went long two points later, the Frenchman and his supporters roared as one. Murray had struggled with cramp when taken to five sets over two days in the third round against Philipp Kohlschreiber, and he appeared to be struggling physically again. Monfils, 27, stormed through the fourth set in 30 minutes and it began to look as though only the gathering darkness could stop the 23rd seed. Referee Stefan Fransson came onto court to assess the (Continued on page 26)

Halep eases into maiden grand slam semi-final in Paris

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ARIS (Reuters) - Simona Halep, the wily Romanian fourth seed, outfoxed former French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia 6-2 6-2 on Wednesday to reach her first grand slam semi-final. Halep, junior champion at Roland Garros in 2008, will face Andrea Petkovic for a place in Saturday’s final after the German beat former runner-up Sara Errani of Italy. Russian 27th seed Kuznetsova, who won the title in 2009 to go with her 2004 U.S. Open title, took a medical timeout after the first set and came back with her left thigh strapped. “I strained a muscle during the (last 16) match against Safarova, and then I was struggling with the pain,” Kuznetsova told reporters. “I managed to do it without a medical timeout in the Safarova match, but today it got worse.” Kuznetsova wasted break points early in the second set and made too many unforced forehand errors as Halep wrapped it up on the first match point when her opponent netted a service return. Not a hard hitter, Halep compensates for her relative lack of power with her tactical nous. “I felt very well on court. It was a perfect day for me. I played really well. I was

Simona Halep of Romania (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes) very aggressive. I played very fast,” Halep said. Prowling along the baseline, she moved Kuznetsova around with crosscourt shots, forcing the Russian to misfire. She took the first game on her opponent’s serve, only for Kuznetsova to break back for 2-2 as the Russian played deeper. But Halep stuck to her strategy and won the remaining four games, taking the set when Kuznetsova (Continued on page 31)

Thursday June 05, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Sports Minister Frank Anthony endorses ‘Maximum Sports’ Dubs programme a refreshing change to local television programmes

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he producers have dubbed it ‘Maximum Sports’ and viewers would have nodded in affirmation after deriving maximum satisfaction following the inaugural presentation of the one hour television show on National Communication Network (NCN), Friday May 30 last. Indeed, the programme dealt with a wide variety of combat sports and the producer/presenter, Max Massiah, surprised his audience when he joined with popular television personality, Mark Watson and linked up with World Boxing Council (WBC) world rated pugilist, Clive Atwell, in a soul searching interview that represented the only time Atwell officially spoke with the media since the culmination of his bout with Johnny Gonsalves for the latter’s WBC featherweight crown. Intent on fulfilling a mandate to present one of the best local television sports

shows, Mr. Massiah paid a visit to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Frank Anthony yesterday morning, where he discussed strategies towards the development of local sports even as he sought an input from the government official. Mr. Massiah was also accompanied by former Continental of Americas champion, now journalist, Michael Benjamin who will be tasked with technical input in boxing and other disciplines. The gentlemen discussed a wide range of issues and Mr. Anthony said that he was impressed with the projections. The Minister further highlighted areas of concern that he feels are in need of attention and beseeched Mr. Massiah to place some amount of emphasis in those areas. He urged Mr. Massiah to adapt a different slant to the dispensation of knowledge even as he attempts to create interest in local athletes and their achievements.

“To my mind, our local presenters ought to focus on the strategic aspect of the various disciplines while aspiring to widen the knowledge base of viewers on the intricacies of sports,” he posited. Minster Anthony further said that his Ministry has prepared pictorial sports material that underlines the importance of exercise and sports as the catalyst to healthy living. Subsequently, he allowed Mr. Massiah to have a sneak preview of some of the material which aspired to focus on the technical modalities of boxing and other combat disciplines. Mr. Anthony promised to make the material available even as he urged the general public to visit the archives on Homestretch Avenue and take advantage of the wide range of sports data available there. He also echoed a previous call for citizens to get involved in exercise programmes to reduce the high incidences of non-

Hosts Brazil stroll to 4-0 win over Panama Brazil’s Neymar

GOIANIA, Brazil (AFP) — World Cup hosts Brazil strolled to a 4-0 win over Panama in their penultimate warm-up Tuesday, goals from Neymar, Daniel Alves, Hulk and Willian securing the victory. Brazil barely had to break out of third gear in seeing off limited opponents as Neymar, with his 31st international goal, set the ball rolling, rifling in a free-kick for the

opener on the half-hour. Alves drove in the second five minutes before the interval and a cheeky Neymar backheel was enough to pave the way for Hulk to slot in the third early in the second period before Willian put the icing on the cake 17 minutes from time. With only tomorrow’s friendly against Serbia to come before the Selecao meet Croatia in their World Cup opener on June 12 in Sao Paulo, 2002 title-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari seized the chance to use several second string players. He replaced Barcelona’s Alves with veteran Maicon at the break and sent Henrique on for David Luiz midway through the second period of the game in the provincial city of Goiania. Maxwell came on for Champions League winner Marcelo at the break, with Hernanes replacing Ramires also at half-time for the run-out against a side ranked 35 in the world but who have never reached the World Cup Finals. Willian came on for fellow Chelsea colleague Oscar on 63 minutes and Jo replaced Fred on the hour, while Scolari left Paulinho, Fernandinho and skipper Thiago Silva back at squad headquarters outside Rio as they recover from knocks. Scolari had called on his side to pull their socks up after a slovenly training session on (Continued on page 32)

Max Massiah (left) presents a Maximum Sports T-shirt to Dr. Frank Anthony. chronic diseases and obesity. Mr. Massiah was indeed grateful for the assistance and advice received, especially in the acquisition of meaningful sports footage. Subsequently he expressed gratitude to Mr. Anthony while presenting him with a T shirt with the emblem of the programme.

The two gentlemen has since committed to a collaboration of efforts towards the success of the venture. ‘Max’, as he is familiarly called, holds a certificate in television production from the University of Guyana Centre of Communication in collaboration with the Ohio University and the American

Council on Education. He is also a former martial arts practitioner and a certified boxing coach. Maximum Sports will next be aired on NCN 11 Friday June 6 from 21:00hrs and every Friday thereon. Interested sponsors are asked to contact Max at tel # 609-8132 or 672-8569.

t r o Sp Guyana team departs Government donates $2 Million for Guinness Street towards GABF’s participation Football Challenge at CBC Championships in BVI Rawle Marshall was the first Guyanese born to play in the NBA.

Alpha Fletchman

Stephen Alfred

Nickel Stoute

Gibson hopeful of Gayle’s fitness Rensford Coleridge

Ezekiel Gravesande

Jeffrey Newton

Chris Gayle does catching practice. (Windies Cricket)

Godfrey Powers

James Meredith

Wayne Griffith (Referee)

Brazil in last-minute rush to be ready for 07 DAYS World Cup FIFA World Cup Countdown Tournament starts in:

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