Saturday June 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
Family Court to be “all-embracing” - Madame Justice George-Wiltshire
The Family Court building “The Family Court is meant to be an all-embracing court,” said High Court Judge, Madame Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire, yesterday. She said that families face different conflicts but with the opening of the new entity expected by next month, these matters will be dealt with under one roof. “We will deal with all issues that they bring to the Court and even those that they don’t because the court can inquire,” the senior Judge said. She added that the court will take a holistic approach to family-related issues. She was at the time engaging members of the media during a seminar, yesterday, at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, Georgetown. During the event which was organised through collaboration with the Supreme Court and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Madame Justice George-Wiltshire and her colleagues, Mesdames Justices Dawn Gregory, Sandra Kertizous, Yonette CummingsEdwards and Justice Brassington Reynolds sought to familiarize attorneys on the procedures that will obtain in the family court. Using the case of a divorce as an example, Madame Justice GeorgeWiltshire said the Family Court will be handling the division of property, and the welfare of the children. She emphasised that by law, a divorce cannot be granted without consideration of the welfare of the children. “It’s meant to be a holistic court so we won’t have persons going to different courts, within the High Court
jurisdiction, before the Chamber Judge, the Bail Court Judge, the Civil Court Judge. All those issues will be heard before one Judge in the Family Court,” Madame Justice George emphasised. Justice George-Wiltshire said that when she stated one Judge will be presiding over the matter, she in no way meant that the court will have only one Judge. “When I speak about one Judge, I mean that from the time of filing the parties engage the court system and whatever proceedings they have will be dealt with by one Judge.” She said that even if four to five judges are in the family court, as appointed at the discretion of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, when matters are taken to court, “One Judge will see the parties in relation to all the issues and affairs: from start to finish...One Judge will deal with everything.” The new facility will handle cases of custody, maintenance, neglect of children, domestic violence and juvenile matters. While some of these matters are currently being heard before High Court Judges, some are currently being brought before Magistrates in the lower courts. The Family Court is set to replace these practices. The transition from the old system to this one was explained by Justice Reynolds. He explained that there will be a three-tiered structure employed in the
transition process. “Matters which have already begun will continue to be dealt with by the old rules. Matters which are filed after the promulgation of these new rules will be governed by these new rules,” explained Justice Reynolds. The High Court Judge went on to explain that the third tier encompasses the issue of matters already filed but have not been set down for trial for three years. He said that in this instance, litigants (persons who file matters/register complaints) have an option of filing for a request for direction hearing so as to bring their matters under the new regime. “Also, by operation of law, where matters would have fallen into disrepair where a litigant has failed to take some procedural step within the time required being six months then the registry, the High Court Registrar is allowed to move those existing matters under the new procedural rules,” Justice Reynolds clarified. (Sunita Samaroo)
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GINA refuses to disclose amount spent on NY newspapers - owes Chronicle $70million Well placed sources in the new government have said that the Government Information Agency (GINA) owes the Guyana Chronicle over $70M for advertisements placed. This amount, the source said, accumulated over time and GINA kept refusing to pay citing shortage of funds. But Chronicle continued to allocate space for advertisements. GINA cited financial problems despite the fact that in recent years, it invested some 250M for the production and printing of the controversial “The Guyanese” in the United States. Earlier this year, questions were raised about the money spent by GINA to produce the newspaper for circulation in New York but the stateowned entity remained silent on the cost. Instead, GINA set about to deflect the issue by accusing Kaieteur News of telling lies. Leader of Alliance of Change (AFC), Khemraj
Ramjattan, who is now the Minister of Public Security, had raised questions about the publication of the fortnightly newspaper. Ramjattan had condemned the fact that taxpayers are made to pay for a newspaper that carries nothing but praises to the People’s Progressive Party government. He also raised questions over spending by GINA’s Head, Neaz Subhan, and former government official, Kwame McCoy. The cost to produce the paper was put at almost $2M every fortnight for 5,000 copies of the newspaper printed in New York. Ramjattan had vowed to launch an investigation into reports that GINA and Government spent up to $250M to start up the newspaper. GINA continues to refuse to disclose the exact cost for the paper. On Tuesday, when Kaieteur News contacted Subhan about the cost he again refused to provide the figures.
Twenty-six-year-old Ian Boodhoo was charged yesterday with the hacking to death of his wife, Parbattie Vijrauren, and her US-based lover, Ramdat Persaud. Boodhoo, a mason of No.3 Settlement, Blairmont, West Bank Berbice, was remanded by Magistrate Charlyn Artiga following his appearance in the No. 51 Magistrate's Court. According to the indictable charges, between Tuesday June 2, and Wednesday June 3, he murdered Parbattie Vijrauren, called 'Nicki,' 37, of Lot 1 B Kilcoy, Corentyne, and US-based Guyanese Ramdat Persaud, called 'Buddy,' 56, of Lot 62 Tain Village, Corentyne. Boodhoo, who was unrepresented, is expected to make his second court appearance in the Whim Magistrate's Court on July 13.
The accused was arrested on Wednesday after the bodies of Parbatie Vijrauren, 37, called 'Nicki,' a mother of two of Lot 1B Kilcoy, Corentyne, Berbice, and Ramdat Persaud, called 'Buddy', 56, a father of two of 62 Tain Village, Corentyne, Berbice and of the USA, were found in Persaud's house around 05:00 hours. Parbatie Vijrauen was found lying on a bed, while Ramdat Persaud was found on the floor. Persaud had been in Guyana for over seven months, leaving his wife and children in the USA. While
Neaz Subhan Subhan said, “I will not comment on that (the cost); that is an internal matter,” About a month ago, when the issue was raised, Subhan had issued a statement saying, “All GINA would say is that it rejects the Kaieteur News’ mischievous assertion with regards to the sum spent on “The Guyanese” newspaper, and is not unmindful of the numerous inaccuracies contained in the article.” (Abena Rockcliffe)
Jealous ex charged with Corentyne double murder
here, he struck up a relationship with Vijrauren, after she returned home from Trinidad with her husband. The woman was reportedly working next door to where Persaud lives when they began cohabiting. Persaud was expected to return to America on June 22, for his daughter's wedding on July 4.
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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
When public servants become politicians This week the new government signaled quite clearly that it was not prepared to work with anyone who was against it. For example, there were those Permanent Secretaries who thought that they were more politicians that public servants. Two of them who resigned to go on the campaign trail have been sent packing; their resignations have been accepted. At least one commentator contended that asking for the resignation of some of these people is heartless given that they have mouths to feed. That would suggest some form of witch hunting. But the truth is that the previous administration politicized the public service thus, giving any new government the right to rid the structure of any political appointee. There is something else that is happening at this time. There are changes in the state media. And one can expect to see such changes, especially, since those functionaries operated as though they were employed by the political party in power to promote the aims and objectives of the political party. Needless to say, this attitude saw people questioning the credibility of the state media. It has not escaped notice that since the change in government, the Chronicle newspaper is doing what it should have been doing all the time. It never carried a letter from anyone who appeared to be critical of the government. But any person who dared to write just about anything about the then opposition found a ready space in the newspaper. Today, less than a month after the change in government the Chronicle is a more balanced newspaper and it has found that its circulation has increased. It is even free to carry the material submitted by its old masters. There is something to be said about the changes. It tells us that many of those employed in the system were not professionals. Some worked with fear of victimization and some got punished for doing the correct thing. One employee of the National Insurance Scheme got suspended for two weeks for reporting fraud within the system. The culprit was a senior member of the scheme who actually had the ears of the political hierarchy. The most significant change forced by the new government has been with the Guyana Sugar Corporation. This entity suddenly became a hole on the economy largely because of poor management and corrupt practices. People used GuySuCo to import all manner of things in their own name, things such as luxury cars and fancy home furnishings. They paid scarce attention to the company with the result that no matter what the conscientious worker did, the company kept losing money. Soon, despite its status the government insisted that the loss-making entity remain in place. The Ramotar administration then made it a political football. If the opposition dared to complain about the status of the sugar corporation, then the government would invoke the race vote. Caught over the barrel, the political opposition kept voting money for GuySuCo with no means of knowing how it was being spent. A forensic audit is being mulled. But there was another thing that suggested that the Managers of the sugar company were saying to the government that GuySuCo was not the preserve of the government. In that vein the Managers announced that they were closing the sugar company. This was the height of eye-pass, closing a government entity without the involvement of the government. It has not escaped attention that the sugar union is complaining that it was not consulted before the sacking. There is no need to consult the union; it did not seek to be consulted when there was need for money to keep the industry turning. It was not consulted when the previous administration opted to sell the turbines that generated electricity. Besides, the union boss acknowledged that the GuySuCo administration was incompetent. It would seem as though the government owes every Tom, Dick and Harry an explanation for its actions, when the previous administration never even bothered to answer to the parliamentary opposition.
Saturday June 06, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Revamped Former Presidents legislation should top the agenda DEAR EDITOR, As the new government prepares its legislative agenda, I would suggest that substantively and symbolically the first legislation to be introduced should be a revamped Former Presidents Benefits Bill followed by legislation which limits the remunerations and benefits paid to sitting presidents, ministers and members of Parliament. The passage of the Former Presidents Benefits Bill in the 10th Parliament generated national interest and controversy not only because the PPP/C viewed the legislation as an attack on Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, but the laying of the bill in Parliament by the opposition concretized the antagonistic parliamentary relationship between the governing parliamentary minority and the opposition parliamentary majority. The opposition demonstrated its parliamentary majority power while the governing executive responded by refusing to assent to what it deemed as “opposition bills”. The passage of the legislation and the refusal to assent to the legislation effectively set the noncooperative tone for the remainder of the 10th Parliament. In reviewing the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2012, I am of the view that the legislation did not go far enough, as more benefits ought to be removed and the quantum of pension ought to have
been significantly reduced. At his first Caricom Heads of Government meeting, former President Dr. Jagan cautioned that we ought not to have “a Cadillac lifestyle with a donkey cart economy”. More recently, Freddie Kissoon has referred to Guyana as a “p..s poor country”. With a donkey cart economy in a poor country, the pension of a former president ought to be no more than what the most senior civil servant will receive. There should be no allowances for gardeners, no allowances for chauffeurs, no allowances for maids, no allowances for foreign medical treatment, no free water, no free electricity, no paid foreign trips, etc. If a former president wants to live beyond his means, he should foot the expenses from his own income and not expect the taxpayers to fund such lifestyle. The new revamped legislation should go further and change the eligibility requirements for former presidents to qualify for pension and benefits. Only presidents who served two full terms or a minimum of eight years, whichever comes first, should qualify for benefits. Redefining the eligibility criteria will ensure that the nation is not saddled with paying for various former presidents, irrespective of the length of their term in office. The state cannot simply be saddled with such expense. Concurrent with a revamped Former
Presidents Bill, the government should also bring forward legislation that will limit the salary and benefits of sitting Presidents, Ministers, and Members of Parliament. In a poor country such as Guyana, the salary of any sitting President ought not to be in the six-figure range. Likewise, benefits such as gardeners, maids, chauffeurs, guards, free housing allowance, extravagant dental and medical benefits to Ministers have no place in this poor nation - certainly not in a modern democracy. Symbolically, the reduction of benefits for both sitting and former Presidents, Ministers and Members of Parliament will send a strong message to the bureaucracy and the nation in general that the days for extravagances have passed and the government intends to act in a fiscally and morally responsible manner. At first blush my suggestion to reduce the salary and benefits of the mentioned office holders may sound mean-spirited. However, in most advanced democracies, ministers do not get free housing, guards, chauffeurs, gardeners and maids. While we inherited these benefits from our former colonial masters, we simply cannot afford to carry on this extravagant tradition, especially when our national coffers seem to be in overdraft. Oudit Rai
Precious jewels (Women of Linden) DEAR EDITOR, I write this letter because it would be wrong of my colleagues and I to return to our home countries and not mention what we would have observed this time on the election campaign. This is was our second visit to Guyana, but our first visit to Region Ten. We came to observe the election campaign of Region Ten, specifically because of the rift that was present in this region. We decided to observe because of our interest in investing in this region. We would have worked with persons from the previous government and Region Ten was of major interest to them. Anyway, while travelling we found Linden to be the most interesting place of the entire region. They had a lot of very young people speaking on their platform and the energy there was great. The women of this part of the region are commendable and were able to bring out their men-folk not only to the meetings, but also to vote. They could also represent well their political position. One of these women that stood out to us was a young woman whose name we found out to be LaToya Williams-Howard. My colleagues and I decided to call her a jewel because we rarely see such raw, untrained talent when it comes to public speaking and young people in Guyana. We never got the chance to meet her in person or speak to her directly, but we
were able to hear her speak several times not only on the campaign trail but also at some community meetings held by their regional chairman Sharma Solomon and a another young lady named Vanessa Kissoon. Even though we were not of the APNU+AFC coalition, we had some friends of some friends who helped us to get into these meetings. This young lady was very eloquent in her deliveries and had my colleagues and I spellbound at times when she spoke. We were shocked to find out that she was not a candidate on the APNU+AFC list. She was a rare find and we decided to get someone to speak to her to switch to the PPP/C, but when we heard the raw emotion and great dislike for the government, there was no point in going forward with trying to convince her to switch. We more convinced of this fact whenever she was given the opportunity to speak against the government. She gave an outstanding speech at a place called Beauty Street. She would have convinced me personally to vote for APNU+AFC if I could have voted. From the young speakers on the APNU+AFC campaign trail she was the most intelligent, eloquent and did her research. Another time we heard her speak at a place called Wisroc, and we heard people talking about how she made them want to go and vote, and some even went and shook her hands after her speech.
To look at this petite woman you would not believe she could be so brave and positive and have such strength in her words, though emotional at times. APNU+AFC you need to recognize the work done by the women of this region in which would have done you well. If not, you will lose the support of these women. We are not trying to dictate to your government, but we just had to mention what we observed before we return to India. It would have been wrong of us not to mention at least one of the young people and their effort to help you win the election. We can safely say that APNU+AFC won Region 10 fairly, no exceptions. Kaniah Karan Kenrick Kirkton Firhad Mohammed Shivanie Premsukh
Saturday June 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Guyana owes us all a living, free from fear and humiliation DEAR EDITOR, The UN Declaration on Human Rights has been specific in its call for the Freedom of expression, the Right to Public Assembly and the Right to Democracy found in Articles 19 to 21. However, over the past few days I have been questioning if this is really relevant in Guyana’s situation of recent. One cannot help but notice that the APNU/AFC administration, despite its pre-elections promise of not becoming witch-hunters if placed in government, has somersaulted on this particular promise to all Guyana. One would have expected that there would have been a more dignified and professional approach in the way the Industrial Relations aspect of our country would have been conducted. Again, however, this seems not to be forthcoming, but rather there has been not just the witch-hunting act, but acts of victimization and intimidation also. There are those especially in the cases of junior employees who have suffered victimization because they merely followed instructions from their supervising officers. Had
they not carried out their assignments, they could have been cited as being insubordinate at that time. What job violations have they committed? It seems that their loyalty to the old employer is now deemed as being disloyal to the new employer who was nowhere in the picture at the time. Hence, there was never a disloyal act committed. So why are they being penalized? My only answer is distrust on the part of the new employer. Then there is the act of intimidation, where those who dare to speak up in the process of representing themselves and defending their office, have been hurriedly sent off on administrative leave. To my mind this is one way of cautioning any other who would want to express themselves in such a manner. What violations have they committed? Again it would seem that in an attempt to preserve the dignity of their office they are thus deemed as being insubordinate to their new employer and again the issue of distrust rears its head. Are we then to conclude that every government officer who worked under the PPP/C
administration is being singled out as a person not to be trusted? If this is so, then we will soon witness a mass termination of Public Servants. Is this the mechanism that is being used to fulfill the promise of making more jobs available for our youths, as indicated in the APNU/AFC 100 days Action Plan? Well if this is so, then this can be likened to the tale of Robin Hood who robbed the rich to give to the poor, but in this case it is taking away jobs from the employed to give to the unemployed. The witch-hunting aspect is more relevant in the situation of those senior Public Servants such as Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Government Agencies. The APNU/AFC administration during the elections campaign did promise to serve their heads on a golden platter after May 11, and this promise they will not pass, even though they did state also that no Public Servant had any need to worry about losing their jobs. The rational given is that these persons were very active in politics during the lead-up to the elections of May 11, 2015, of which they had no right to, and that some even resigned to do so, hence
even though their resignations were withdrawn, the APNU/AFC administration will accept the resignations. What was the violation here? Expression of their right to choose a government of their choice and openly associate themselves with the political party of their preference? These issues when viewed in context level down to one simple fact, and that is that all of the affected persons are those who in all clarity sought to uphold their fundamental rights as written in Articles 19 to 21 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It must be noted also that these affected workers have been handpicked, since it is known that there are others who, in like manner, are wearing similar shoes but have been spared the rod of damnation. Why the preferential treatment? The seeming pledge of allegiance. Hence once again we are left with the issue being one of trust. While, however, there is the issue of trust and allegiance wrangling between employer and employee, where are the many Labour and Rights organizations in all
We asked for a change, we got it, so let us work to keep it in range DEAR EDITOR, May 11, 2015 saw a number of firsts for Guyana and the population at large. It was the first multi-party and multi-racial coalition, and the first time that Guyanese displayed such unsurpassed enthusiasm for the polls, and also, the first time that there is a Government in place to serve all the races. The issue of being cheated and not defeated is hopefully a slogan of the past, or at best, a topic for another stage and page. Granted the margin of victory was small, but it’s a win and not a sin. Now the eyes of everyone are focused on the President to bring about the changes or carry out the promises made during his campaign. Yes, all Guyana voted for
change and I strongly feel that there are some changes that must be effected faster than others. We cannot afford to wait for some changes to take their courses, as waiting has already proved fatal for some hapless citizens. I refer to the unabated loss of lives due to gun violence, especially since the elections. As stated in the lyrics of the well-known song by Sam Cooke “A change is gonna come”— It’s been too hard living, but I’m afraid to die. ‘Cause I don’t know what’s up there, beyond the sky. Sadly some citizens were not afforded the opportunity to see the true change, and went on to discover what lay within the celestial realm. They lived to see Election
Day and that’s all there is to say. What a display of spurious irony! Here we are on one hand, happy and exuberant that at last the country has freed itself from the previous government’s stranglehold of poverty, corruption, employment, strong-arming, crime, nepotism, dirt, stench etc., and on the other we are murdering each other at a higher rate than previously. Can we say we are truly a people? Can it be assumed that we only wanted changes in some areas and not in
others? Or that only some of us wanted changes? Sad but true, the murder rate in any country is an infallible indicator of the value that the inhabitants place on human life. There have been obvious changes since President Granger took the helm, but an urgent call is being made for steering the ship a bit closer to the shore and examine the carnage caused by firearms. We asked for a change, we got it, so let us work to keep it in range. Yvonne Sam
of this? These organizations are very and sometimes overly visible and audible on other issues, but somehow they have all gone missing in action, both organizations and leadership. I am beginning to sense the Fear Factor Frenzy or is it the Muzzle Me Manoeuvre? Whichever it is, there is the need for quick and careful consideration on these matters. Where is civil society? Is it to be believed that no one cares, that there is a ‘hip hip hooray’ situation going on here? What have become of the sweet whispered promises of job security? This is not the only election that will be held in Guyana. There will be others and politicians must be reminded that it takes hundreds of thousands of citizens by way of their votes to make it possible for a Party to win. It must be noted that for every victimized worker there are at least four other lives that are directly or indirectly affected. The Labour Movement is somewhat lukewarm during all of this. Workers’ Rights are Human Rights as noted in Article 23 of the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights. A more democratic, humane and professional approach would have been welcomed, rather than the
heavy and high-handed approach adapted. There are those who would rush to defend, but be reminded that not everyone is guilty of a transgression, for if this is the way of thinking, then it is surely a case of the innocent paying for the guilty, and to this I will refer to the biblical text “ye who is without sin cast the first stone.” The Coalition promoted the Unity train ticket on its campaign journey, but it seems that these tickets are now in short supply and only available to a selective group of passengers, while there will those who will be left standing in line for the simple reason that they don’t belong. Be it as it may, one must never forget that this Dear Land of Guyana belongs to all of us. Not one political party or one ethnic group. And as Guyanese citizens we have a right to live and work here. Guyana owes us all a living, free from fear and humiliation. If this cannot be, then we will need to change our motto of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’. Gillian Burton
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 06, 2015
Time for country to move forward, OAS Ambassador says Deputy Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin has called on political parties to work together to ensure they fulfill their duty to the people, emphasizing that despite election grievances a country has to move on. In his final visit to Guyana before he demits office, Ramdin touted inclusive governance and reminded that if any political party is not in agreement with the results of the recently held elections, there are channels which they can use to address their objections. The OAS Ambassador was at the time addressing members of the press at Pegasus Hotel, located on Battery Road, Georgetown. “We can only hope that once elections are done the country gets back together and looks in one direction for economic and social development.” He expressed hope that the political parties and groups will take up the responsibilities they have, whether in parliament or civil society. “An inclusive way of governance and government
is the best way forward to create the best opportunities for the peoples in a country,” he said adding, “We can see prosperity in the future of Guyana continuing.” Questioned on the OAS’s views on the main opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) not accepting the results, Ramdin reiterated that the OAS had an election observer mission in Guyana which has already expressed its views on the electoral process. “If a political party does not agree with the outcome then there are ways to deal with that within the electoral framework,” he said adding that there are also other opportunities they can use including the court. Continuing, the OAS Ambassador said, “The elections especially when they are close elections where there is just a marginal difference between those who win and those who lose, always leaves a bad taste; it always creates problems but we have to recognise that democracy is a process whereby the election outcome, once the institutions have pronounced
on that and once the timeframe for objections have taken place, that is time sometimes to move on and to recognise the authority that comes with it.” Ramdin made clear that he is by no means saying that the disgruntled party cannot continue with clarifying its position, “but in the meantime a country has to move on and continue.” He said that the task is now on the disgruntled party to show where the elections went wrong, adding that the OAS Secretary General has already congratulated the new government. “If there are issues where the OAS can play a role in facilitating dialogue in helping out in the process of getting parties together, that will depend on circumstances and it will depend also upon the invitation to the OAS to do so,” Ramdin replied when questioned on what possible assistance the OAS can offer. The Assistant Secretary General emphasised that the OAS is always available as a third party to assist in bringing parties together, by invitation. He said, thus far, they have not been invited to
OAS Deputy Secretary General, Albert Ramdin and OAS Guyana Representative, Jean Ricot Dormeus do so. Further, Ramdin said that officials from the OAS have engaged both the new government and the main opposition. “We listened to everybody. The OAS is not here for one party. The OAS is here for the country – Guyana,” he said. Parliament is slated to convene next Wednesday but as the PPP/C hosted a press conference on Monday last it made clear that it has not yet decided whether it will be sitting in Parliament when it convenes. The PPP/C said too that it has not yet decided on its National and Regional representatives. Resultantly, the Guyana Elections
Commission (GECOM) said it will move forward and gazette the elections results, without the PPP/C’s Members of Parliament list. Making clear that he did not visit to offer advice, Ramdin said, “I can only say in general terms that a democracy needs all voices to be heard. It means that when I speak of inclusive governance, we should not even think that a government can do everything: in terms of peace, prosperity and security. These issues in a society are the responsibility of all.” He emphasised that all facets of society has to play a role in attaining this. “Of
course the government has a major part to play in this and the parliament as the legislative output… so one would hope that a country can be governed by all its three branches; in the way that it can help facilitate peace, stability and prosperity because that is what a government is elected to do… to bring social and economic development and not to be distracted by political instability or deficiencies.” Ramdin highlighted that parliament plays a critical role in this process and political parties have to determine how they will fulfill their duties, especially since they were elected to serve in parliament.
Govt. not demonstrating the professionalism it seeks - says Molly Hassan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN), Molly Hassan, is accusing the new government of hypocrisy. She said that the administration is failing terribly to practise what it preaches. Hassan, who has presided over NCN during a period when the opposition parties (which now form the government) were denied air time, is one of the several persons working in the state media fraternity who the new government wants to resign. Director of the Government Information Agency (GINA), Neaz Subhan, was first to send his letter of resignation to the Minister of Information, Moses Nagamootoo. Several others are expected to follow suit. Subhan sent his letter on Wednesday last. Director of Public Information, Imran Khan had
told Kaieteur News that Subhan “acted honourably” in submitting his resignation. Khan said that there seems to be many professionals currently employed with the state media who are prepared to work with integrity and purpose in lifting the standard. “These persons should have no worry that there will be any witch hunt against them.” On the other hand, he was keen to point out that “there are persons in the state media and at GINA whose conscience should instruct them to what is the honourable thing to do. Khan said that the move towards professionalizing the state media will require the absence of many “toxic” individuals. “We have demanded the resignations of no one, but equally persons would be naïve to think that given their
history of willfully presiding over the appalling discriminatory practices in maligning the people’s representatives in Parliament, in condoning reprehensible racist attacks against persons and of allowing themselves to be professionally compromised, of surrendering their professional ethics and dignity, that they would have a place in the process of moving forward. The public can have no confidence in these persons.” In a statement she released yesterday, Hassan said that she observed “comments from a Government official which are conflicting with what was discussed with me privately.” The CEO said, “It may be challenging to transition from a political activist into a Government functionary and the responsibilities which the portfolio affords (reference to Khan).” She added that she
observed Khan’s statements which “grossly contradicts what Government officials have been communicating to employees of NCN over the past three weeks, that is, the administration is seeking a professional workforce and will not engage in ‘witch hunting.” “These statements allegedly made by the DPI designate simply does not demonstrate professionalism that is being sought by the administration as it exposes the inability of some persons being familiar with basic rules of employee engagement and employment best practices,” said Hassan. Khan declined to respond to any “individual”. He said saying that his initial comments were general. “My comments were general to the state media without having referenced any individual in particular but I stand by my previous comments.”
National Communications Network (NCN) Chief Executive Officer Molly Hassan Kaieteur News understands that the new government is looking forward to the resignations of GINA Editor-in-Chief Shanta Goberdhan, Guyana Chronicle Editor-in-Chief acting, Mark Ramotar, and General Manager Michael Gordon, National Communications Network (NCN) Chief Executive Officer Molly
Director of Public Information, Imran Khan Hassan, Marketing Manager Raymond Azeez, Human Resources Manager Daren Khan and Senior Editor, Edward Layne. Kaieteur has been able to contact Gordon. He was questioned in relation to the issue but his only response was, “Let me call you back I am driving.” He is yet to make good on his promise. (Abena Rockcliffe)
Saturday June 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
West, Russia trade accusations at U.N. over new Ukraine violence Western nations and Russia traded accusations at the United Nations yesterday over the recent upsurge in violence in eastern Ukraine, while a senior member of an international monitoring team blamed both sides in the conflict for breaking a ceasefire. The diplomatic clash between European, U.S. and Russian envoys came a day after Ukraine warned of a possible “full-scale invasion” by Russia, following the worst fighting with Russian-backed separatists in months. The deputy head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) monitoring mission, Alexander Hug, was more balanced in his remarks to the Security Council. He said both sides of the conflict were putting civilians at risk as the security situation deteriorates. “Civilians continue to bear an unacceptable price in this conflict,” Hug told an emergency meeting of the 15nation council. “They are killed and wounded, as both sides continue to place military positions in and around civilian infrastructure. Their property and livelihoods have been destroyed.” Britain placed the blame for the new violence squarely on Moscow. “This was a separatist assault on Ukrainian military units,” said British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft, adding that it was “clearly premeditated.” “The separatist forces are Russia’s creation, they are Russia’s tool,” he said. “Russia has the capacity and the influence to control the separatist forces. It must exercise
British Amb. Matthew Rycroft U.S. Amb. Samantha Power that influence to ensure compliance with the Minsk agreements.” He was referring to a ceasefire agreement clinched in February in the Belarusian capital. Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin presented the opposite view. He blamed the latest fighting on Kiev, saying it was violating the Minsk agreement and putting civilians at risk. “If we allow Kiev to continue... the situation could fall out of control,” he said. U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power cited Twitter announcements by separatist fighters boasting of a successful attack on Marinka, Ukraine. She said Russia continues to deny the “open secret” that it arms the rebels and sends Russian soldiers to die anonymously in neighboring Ukraine. French Ambassador Francois Delattre echoed Power’s remarks: “Everyone knows the role that they’ve
Russian envoy Vitaly Churkin (Russia) been playing in this crisis since the start.” The ambassadors of Lithuania and Ukraine said Kiev had a right to defend itself against the Russianbacked rebels. Kiev and its NATO allies accuse Russia of sending weapons and troops to fight on behalf of separatists who control part of two provinces in its east. Moscow, which seized and annexed Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula last year, denies its troops are participating.
Romania PM quizzed over alleged corruption Romanian prosecutors have questioned Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who is suspected of forgery, tax evasion and money laundering. The case, concerning Mr Ponta’s work as a lawyer in 2007-2008, is being handled by the anticorruption agency DNA. President Klaus Iohannis has urged Mr Ponta to resign, saying it was “an impossible situation for Romania”. But Mr Ponta, who denies any wrongdoing, said only parliament can dismiss him. He is accused of using forged invoices from a law firm, Sova and Associates, to buy two luxury apartments and a Mitsubishi Lancer car, Romanian media report. The president, a centreright politician, cannot suspend Mr Ponta without the approval of parliament, where
Romania PM Victor Ponta Mr Ponta’s centre-left Social Democratic Party (PSD) and its allies have a majority. The PSD emerged out of
the old Communist Party and Mr Ponta took office in 2012. Threat of dismissal The DNA has arrested several well-known figures in recent months, with former government ministers, media moguls, judges and prosecutors all under investigation. They include Elena Udrea, a former minister of tourism and former presidential candidate. The DNA investigation has also spread to Mr Ponta’s mother, sister, brother-in-law Iulian Hertanu and senator Ilie Sarbu, who is his father-in-law. After speaking to the president on Friday, Mr Ponta said: “I respect his public position but I was appointed in the job by Romania’s parliament and only parliament can dismiss me.”
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 06, 2015
Saturday June 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
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NICENESS IN GUYANA I saw a beautiful thing today. It involved a school child no more than four years old and a traffic rank that was directing traffic in the city. The child was standing at the side of the road waiting to walk across the zebra crossing. The child was small and puny, and was dressed in his school uniform. The police traffic rank saw the child having difficult time crossing, went across the road, held his hand and walked him over the zebra crossing. It was so lovely to see the policeman show such consideration to a small child. It showed that there are still decent people in this world and decent men and women in the Guyana Police Force. I was discussing this incident with a friend and he said that perhaps the
policeman was a product of the older generation. What was I hearing? A product of what? The older generation? Old people would like us to believe that things were better in their time. They would like to feel that the lack of common courtesy that is shown these days is a product of the present generation. They like to put down the present generation and blame all the problems that abound on the young people of today. This was essentially the angle that my friend was taking when he suggested that the policeman who assisted the child to cross the street was a product of the older generation. He was associating the courtesy of the policeman with the upbringing he received from the older generation.
What I can tell you is that in the old days if you were old and slow and you were on the road, then this same generation which we now call the older generation would give you hell. Old people walking on the road would be tormented by children. They would be stoned and interfered with. They would be called all manner of names. Once you were old and lame and had to use the roadways, you had to be on your lookout for the tormentors. You had to be wary. .These old people were helpless. They were feeble and because they lacked the agility of youth, they would be picked upon by the youngsters, some of whom were young enough to be their grandchildren. But it was not only old
people that came in for torment. If a stray dog was passing at the same time that school was out, that dog had better run for his or her life. Stray dogs were viciously set upon by school children who somehow did not realize the cruelty of their actions. It was almost as if colonial society had inflicted so much violence on the population that it came to be seen as acceptable to inflict cruelty on others regardless of whether they were old people or animals. These same young ones who molested old people are now the older generation. So I am not so sure that I can agree that because someone did a nice thing on the road for a child, it should be attributed to traditional values inherited from the older generation.
The young generation of today does not molest old people on the road. In fact, they assist the old people who are lame and cannot move around with agility. The younger generation must be given credit for not adopting this practice of abusing old people. The young generation also does not stone stray dogs. They run from them because the stray dogs we have these days are not rice eaters; they are flesh gougers. But I suspect also that the younger generation is not as cruel as their predecessors. What worried me though was what been the child doing on the road all alone. This child was too small to be sent to school unaccompanied. The child should have been accompanied by an
adult or an older child. What was even worse was that child was traversing the road all alone during the busiest period of the day. This was carelessness of the part of his parents. I do not think that we have gone that bad in this country that a parent or guardian cannot find someone to ask to accompany a small child to school. There are many persons who would have helped. The policeman did help the child to cross the road. It was nice of him to do that. We need a lot more niceness in Guyana.
‘Frying Pan’ found dead with shotgun wounds The bullet-riddled body of a 40-year-old farm labourer was found yesterday at Tain Settlement, Corentyne, two days after he was believed to have escaped an attack on a camp by a gun-toting man. Police said that the decomposing remains of Sasenarine Baljit, 40, of Clifton Settlement, Port Mourant,
Corentyne, were found at about 07:00 hrs in a trench in the Tain Backdam, Corentyne. The body bore what appeared to be shotgun injuries. It is alleged that Baljit and Navendra Permaul, 39, of Port Mourant, Corentyne, were at a camp on Wednesday when a man from another camp shot at them.
Dem boys seh...
De audit gun skin up nuff people When dem boys use to talk bout de pumpkin jumpsuit people use to believe that dem only talking fuh suh. But old people seh that wheh smoke deh, fire deh. De government now decide that it gun conduct 30 deep audit. It checking all dem places when some people seh that dem spend money fuh do certain things. NICIL wheh Brassington seh that he spend all de money pun de Marriott gun be investigated. People want to know how much money Ramroop pay fuh de Sanata complex; dem want to know how much money Brassington collect from selling de GT&T shares and wha he do wid it and things like that. Dem, boys already talk bout de One billion dollar that some people spend fuh clean up. De Lotto Funds is de one that certainly got jail. De Lotto Company put couple well billion into de government funds fuh sports, health and culture. Sports never get any money except a time when Jagdeo pay fuh Hen See Hen bring cricket. He was de man who openly seh that he wouldn’t put de Lotto Funds in de Consolidated Fund. All people talk nuff people spend de money like when dog shedding flea. Another place is de GRA. That place does mek almost all de money fuh de budget. De audit gun show all who friends get duty free and who pay tax when dem had to pay and who ain’t pay. De audit gun show who get fuh bring in things and mek Customs clear dem without asking any question—like when two containers did come fuh Jagdeo. De audit is necessary but dem boys got one problem. When de auditors find wha dem find people gun expect to see nuff people standing up in front dem judge. De Waterfalls boss man already start a fund fuh mek a new jail. But is one thing . De new jail is not fuh this set. It gun be fuh dem old prisoners. De new set who de audit gun ketch got to spend dem time in de old jail. Talk half and prepare fuh de audit findings.
While it was reported that Permaul was shot and injured, it was reported that Baljit had escaped. Rice and cattle farmer Sheldon Leiso called ‘Shelly’ of Port Mourant, reported to police that he was at home around on 17:00 hrs last Wednesday when he received a call that one of his workmen was shot in the
backdam. On arriving at the scene, he met his injured worker, Navendra Permaul, who said he had come under attack. The man said that he and Baljit were in their camp at around 21:00 hrs when one ‘Sakawat,’ who was employed by an individual known as ‘Son,’ entered the camp. The intruder reportedly had a
shotgun. Permaul stated that both he and Baljit began to run and ‘Sakawat’ opened fire, shooting Permaul in the right foot while ‘Frying Pan’ ran away. Permaul was admitted in stable condition at the New Amsterdam Hospital. A search was mounted for Baljit, but it was not until yesterday that his bullet-
riddled body was found. A sister of Baljit’s said she seldom saw her sibling, and last saw him about four months ago. She subsequently received word at around 15:00 hrs yesterday that her brother’s remains had been found. The body was taken to the Ramoo Funeral Parlour.
Berbice Regional Health Authority is illegal
Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton said that the Berbice Regional Health Authority is illegal. His comments came during a visit to Berbice. He met with the Board of Directors of the Health Authority in the entity board room at Garrison Road, Fort Canje, East Berbice. “There is no legislation in place to cover the existence of that body. The Minister said that there is no legislation that guides the body. It cannot hire or fire; it is not even an established body,” said Minister Norton. The Board was enacted in 2005 and from all indications, it was the former Minister who had the authority to legalise the board; However, the
- says Health Minister document that was in his possession to sign, was never attended to,” the Minister said. Minister Norton added that the body has no power to make decisions regarding health service delivery in the Region. It makes the system no different from that which exists in other Regions. “We will look at the legislation once again and do what is necessary and make the necessary adjustments so that the entity will function without any form of legislation, giving them authority if necessary to hire and fire,” the Minister stressed. He expressed optimism
that the Board can function effectively once given the authority; however, there must be changes to the body and how it operates….some changes in terms of the personnel, because “you can have the best system in place, but if you don’t have the right personnel, it will continue to fail.” Despite its illegality the BRHA has been functioning as a de facto organization with an independent budget. Millions of dollars have been spent by this body for all kinds of services and although it doesn’t have the authority it hires and fires personnel at will.
The body, since its inception, has been run by former PPP Member of Parliament Dr. Vishwarnauth Mahadeo, who is the CEO. It has its own staff that is paid super salaries. Many wonder about the purpose of the Regional Health Authority and why only in Region Six one was established. During the last election campaign employees of this body were openly campaigning for the PPP during working hours. The vehicles used by this body were also openly being used to put up posters. The employees were also on nightly television programmes campaigning for the former government.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 06, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
BURNHAM, JAGAN, RODNEY: TIME FOR REVISIONIST HISTORY Guyanese scholars must now free themselves of the cultural and ethnic loyalty they felt they owed Forbes Burnham and the PNC, Cheddi and Janet Jagan and the PPP and commit themselves to scholarly objectivity and historical truths. Once the PNC and PPP were around in Guyana with a powerful presence, Africanrights scholars felt that a revisionist treatment of Burnham would play into the hands of Indian hegemonic rulers. Indian intellectuals in the diaspora have been treating Cheddi Jagan with kid gloves because at the psychological level, they tell themselves
that to expose Jagan’s egregious role in the past would be helping Burnham’s image. It is also time to examine the mistake of Walter Rodney. Mention must be made of recent contribution to Guyana’s historiography by Tacuma Ogunseye and Ralph Ramkarran. No one should doubt Ogunseye’s contribution to African consciousness in Guyana the past forty-five years. No one should doubt Ogunseye’s advocacy on behalf of African people. In a published letter in response to a reaction to certain testimonies on Forbes Burnham at the Rodney
Commission, Ogunseye asked why do admirers of Burnham believe that he hasn’t done any wrong to Guyana. Ramkarran in his weekly Stabroek News columns is revealing details of political labyrinths in the PPP, that allow one to put a revisionist interpretation of Janet Jagan’s role in this country that highlights her Machiavellian character. With the results of the 2015 elections, we are moving in a direction that will take us beyond the legacies of Burnham, Jagan, Janet Jagan and Walter Rodney. As Guyana embarks on historical directions, we need to take
down our incomplete historiography from the shelf, dust it off and present it with revisionist wrappings to our young generation. Any attempt to present a revisionist perspective of Guyana’s historiography must start with its most controversial actor – Forbes Burnham. Burnham has been presented to generations of Guyanese in a diametrically opposing way and the two sides are not necessarily representative of an ethnic mentality. I refer again to Tacuma Ogunseye’s stance that Burnham’s admirers seem to believe he committed no wrong. Indians on the other hand are incapable of seeing virtue in Burnham. In identical fashion, generations of Indians think Cheddi Jagan was the best leader ever in the Englishspeaking West Indies. African scholars specializing in AfricanGuyanese contribution to Guyana’s modern evolution would argue that Jagan was happy to be a leader of Indian people and his days in government from the fifties
favoured Indians. Revisionist directions need to strike a balance. Forbes Burnham is too demonized and that distasteful process should come to an end. The authoritarian balance-sheet of Burnham is too large to be glossed over. The ubiquitous example is his fondness for a constitution that should never have been drafted with the contents it presently has. The great side of Burnham cries out for recognition and this is where Guyana’s historiography needs an infusion of fresh thinking. Cheddi Jagan has been treated like an angel by both the intellectual and the lay person for over sixty years. This unfair process needs to come to an end. Jagan had an opaque mind filed with selfish motifs and his long opposition to Burnhamite authoritarianism masked those naked weaknesses. After he came to power in 1992, the old accusation of Indianness in his politics was revealed. Back in power in 1992 after
Frederick Kissoon almost three decades in opposition, Jagan revealed what many long suspected; he always rendezvoused with authoritarian thoughts which remained invisible while Burnham was in power. Jagan in office after 1992 saw immense touches of unfairness. There were witchhunts, vendettas, incestuous politics, ethnic preferences that erased the positive legacy with which he was once associated. Finally, Walter Rodney. Exactly what Walter wanted in the seventies? If it was to overthrow Burnham, why did he turn a blind eye to the inherent flaws of the PPP? Was it possible that Walter was so too naïve to see that the PPP was using him to remove Burnham to install an Indian government? Isn’t that what Jagan regime became in 1992?
Saturday June 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Port Kaituma man sentenced Husband, wife charged with drug to 11 years for killing 5- yr old trafficking, gun, ammo possession Kiskino Williams was sentenced to 11 years in prison yesterday after he pleaded guilty to setting fire to a house, which led to the death of five year- old Joy Singh, his niece. The incident is said to have occurred at 8 Mile Backdam, Port Kaituma, Region One. According to the allegation, Williams called “Kiski,” 36, of Port Kaituma, Region One is said to have murdered Singh on October 11, 2006. The accused was also indicted for setting fire to a dwelling house with intent. He pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter and the other two arson offences. The incident is said to have occurred during a drunken brawl between Williams and his brother. The facts of the case stated that during the altercation, Williams chopped his brother before he locked him and other relatives in the house and set it ablaze. The house was located on a mining camp in Port Kaituma. Williams’ brother and three children were among the occupants asleep in the burning building. The children were identified as 5 year- old Joy Singh, 13 year-
old Tolly Singh and six year old Justin Singh. The latter two managed to escape death but also suffered grave injuries. Williams’ case commenced on Thursday after a jury was empanelled before Justice Navindra Singh at the Georgetown High Court. He had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges but changed his pleas and begged the court for leniency when he stood before the court yesterday. Williams told the court that he had been incarcerated for nine years and that he is sorry for what happened. He also noted that he had not premeditated the act. “I asking you to have mercy on me sir,” the accused beseeched the court. His Attorney, Debra Kumar in her plea of mitigation, noted that her client, who had been behind bars awaiting trial for the past nine years, did not wish to waste the court’s time. Kumar also pointed to the fact that the accused used no personal violence on the victim, who was 5 years old at the time of her demise. “The cause of death was determined as burns,” Kumar noted. The Attorney also
informed the court that her client is a father to a fifteen year- old daughter, who expresses deep remorse for the incident and is throwing himself at the mercy of the court. Kumar asked the court to take into consideration that her client was at the time under the influence of alcohol. Meanwhile, State Prosecutor, Narissa Leander asked the court to consider that the victim was a child. Leander worked in association with Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Judith GilharieMursalin. In handing down his sentence, Justice Singh noted that the accused did not waste the court’s time or the State‘s resources. As such, the judge initially sentenced Williams to thirty years in jail for manslaughter, but nine years was taken off the sentence for the time he had already served in prison pending his trial; six years was deducted for the guilty plea and four years because he showed remorse. The accused was also sentenced to 10 years each for the arson charges. All the sentences will run concurrently.
Taxi driver before court for drug trafficking Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry remanded a taxi driver to prison on Thursday, after he was charged with drug trafficking and ammunition possession. Mark Prince, a father of four, who resides at 169 James and Curtis Streets, Albouystown, pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Particulars of the first charge alleged that on June 3, at Albouystown, he had 1269 kg of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. It was also alleged that he had six live rounds of 32 ammunition in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. The defendant explained to the court that on the day in question, the police came to his apartment and started to “break up” the flooring. He said that the police allegedly found the marijuana and ammunition under the flooring and arrested him. Prince stated that there are about 40 persons living in the said building and he cannot understand why the police
only arrested him. However, Police Corporal, Shawn Gonsalves, revealed a different story. He told the court that on June 3, at 05:45hrs ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) went to the defendant’s apartment and conducted a search. Gonsalves stated that the drugs and ammunition were concealed in the flooring of the defendant’s apartment. At the time of his arrest he told the police, “Officer I done with crime. Is jus li’l weed I hustling now.” The Prosecutor objected to bail because no special reasons were advanced to satisfy the court. Prince will return to court on June 15, before Magistrate Ann McLennan. Meanwhile, over at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, a Diamond resident was released on $100,000 bail after he was charged with wounding.
Ernest Lowe, 47, of 976 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, denied that on April 21, at Diamond he inflicted grievous bodily harm on Mark Ramsammy. Police Inspector, Michael Grant, told the court that on the day in question, the victim and the accused had a misunderstanding which led to a fight. Grant said that both parties sustained injuries as a result of the fight. Ramsammy suffered from a dislocated shoulder. Since the Prosecutor had no objections to bail, Magistrate Leron Daley granted the accused his pre trial liberty. He will return to court on July 20.
The police, on Thursday, acting on a tip off, stormed the Warlock, East Ruimveldt, home of a couple and unearthed a large quantity of marijuana, guns and ammunitions. Three persons who had access to the house were brought before the court to answer to a series of charges that stemmed from the raid. Yesterday, Eustace Thomas, 43, of 606 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Waveney and Ervin Paul of 596 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, pleaded not guilty to five charges after they were read to them by Magistrate Ann McLennan. The first charge alleged that on June 4, they had 482 grammes of cannabis in their possession for the purpose of trafficking. Particulars of the second charge stated that on June 4, they had one .38 revolver in their possession when they are not the holders of a firearm licences. The third charge stated that the defendants had six live rounds of .38 ammunition in their possession. It was alleged that on the day in question, 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition were found in their possession, Finally, the trio was accused of having MAC-11, 9mm ammunition in their possession, when they were not the holders of a firearm licence. According to the prosecutor, on the day in question, the police proceeded to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul, to carry out a search after receiving certain information. A search was conducted on the lower flat of the building and the .38 revolver along with six live rounds of ammunition were found stashed in a bag inside of a room. They then proceeded to the upper flat of the building and intensified their search. This was when they found the MAC- 11, 9mm ammunition, and the cannabis inside Thomas’ room. The court was also told that the defendants have access to the home. Attorney, Paul Fung-AFat, who represented the couple, said that he cannot
Waveney Paul
Eustace Thomas
understand why his clients are being charged for drug trafficking, since the alleged cannabis was found in the other defendant’s room. The lawyer stated that Paul and his wife reside at the lower flat of the building and are denying ownership and possession of the items mentioned in the charges. Ervin Paul and his wife were released on $150,000 bail each, on the narcotics charge, while the other accused was remanded to prison. On the gun and ammunition possession charges, the trio was remanded to prison. This matter will be sent to
the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice. Additional statements are all expected to be filed for June 30.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 06, 2015
Family Court likely within the month - Chancellor …lawyers urged to end adjournment culture
Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh addressing the gathering
Five years after its construction, the country’s first Family Court is set to open its doors within the next month following the first sitting of the National Assembly. This is according to Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh. Speaking to members of the media at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, Georgetown, yesterday Justice Singh said that though there had been many challenges deterring the court’s opening, the Family Court is almost set to come into operation. The Chancellor remarked that there have been some changes to the initial rules governing the new facility which will be laid by Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams in the National Assembly, slated to convene next week, for consideration and passage. According to Justice Singh, the revised rules will be transmitted to Williams for presentation. “Once that is done, it’s a matter of signing a practice direction to bring the Court into being. I don’t think we are going to go past a month. It’s been a long wait and as I said the reasons are many and varied and those are behind us,” the Chancellor told media operatives. The final touches were put on the building in May 2010 but over the years the
opening of the court which is housed in the compound of the Georgetown Supreme Court on Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown remained in limbo. At one stage, the procurement of furniture was cited as a reason. But the Chancellor yesterday reported that Judges have already been identified, there is already a full complement of staff and he further revealed that the court will have its own Registry to cater to its needs. The new facility will handle cases of custody, maintenance, neglect of children, domestic violence and juvenile matters. While some of these matters are currently being heard before High Court Judges, some are currently being brought before Magistrates in the lower courts. The Family Court is set to replace these practices. A training seminar was held yesterday at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, Georgetown through collaboration with the Supreme Court and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for Attorneys to familiarize them on the procedures that will obtain in the Family Court. Justice Singh said that there is one more seminar in the pipeline for Judges in preparation for the process.
The Chancellor said that the start off of the Family Court has been beset by a number of difficulties and further dispelled the notion that the completed construction of the facility meant the court was ready to be launched. Justice Singh highlighted “This Family Court, because it is going to be a specialized Court, will have its own special body of rules.” He said it will be one in a specially created division of the High Court. “That body of rules we discovered, suffered initially from the ready availability of drafting expertise putting together.” He said the second difficulty faced was with the procurement of furniture. Noting that 80 lawyers had expressed interest in attending the seminar yesterday, the Head of the Judiciary bemoaned the lack of attendance by others. He said “It just maybe that they will face an embarrassing situation when their unawareness of the demands of the rules become evident in the court before the Judges who are going to preside over those courts. It just maybe because of their lack of awareness and their misapplication or nonapplication of particular provisions of the rules, they are maybe not suited or faced with an exacting cost order.”
Justice Singh said those in attendance would leave with a clear understanding of the demands of the rules and with knowledge of the framework of the Family Court. The Chancellor insisted that efficiency and timeliness should become known as the established standards of the new court. He said the Judges who will be presiding will have a key role to play in the achievement of standards. Singh expressed hope that the Judges will deviate from current practice and it will be “Judge-driven courts” as opposed to “lawyer-driven courts.” He implored the Attorneys to change “the culture of adjournments which has contributed significantly to the phenomenon of delaying that which plagues our judicial system. If we are able to achieve that change in culture, then I daresay that would be a significant and worthy achievement as well.” “Over the past few days, everywhere you open the
papers there was a cleanup going on in the country and I urge you now, let us also start a cleanup and let us get rid of this culture of asking for adjournments which contribute to delay.” A number of Judges yesterday helped explain rules of the new facility. These were Justice of Appeal Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Justices Roxane GeorgeWiltshire, Sandra Kertzious, Dawn Gregory as well as Justice Brassington Reynolds. Meanwhile, UNICEF’s Representative Marian Flack said the Family Court was urgently needed. She intimated that many aspects critical to the best interest of children fall under the domain of the family court. Flack noted that much work has been done to achieve reform in legislation as it relates to children and it is important that these are well supported by reforms in other areas of Family Law in order to adequately protect children, especially those
who “are too young to have a voice and ensure that their rights are upheld.” “We must ensure that the Family Court meets the best practices, is supported by a comprehensive framework, has the requisite number of support staff and can meet the needs of its clients,” Flack said. According to the UNICEF representative, the issues of family courts and the requirements that govern them have already been discussed through partnership with both the Guyana Bar Association and the Association of Women Lawyers in a joint Child Service Conference earlier this year. She expressed hope that the experience gained will be taken into consideration not only for the training but in t h e long terms plans to ensure a valuable court. “The children of Guyana are depending on you,” the UNICEF representative charged the room packed with Attorneys-at-Law.
Gov’t to build houses in cohesive communities The Ministry of Communities is working towards constructing approximately 4,000 houses in cohesive communities over the next five years that would benefit over 4,000 households, and therefore more than 16,000 persons. Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott is working assiduously with his staff to “Renew the Dream” that will enable Guyanese to access improved community life. The Ministry is in the process of refining the strategy that would see the implementation of an holistic plan to provide for the shelter and social needs of the nation. The houses will be built as part of the cohesive communities’ initiative, where there will be an emphasis on the provision of social infrastructure and other amenities, in addition
to the regular services such as electricity, roads and water distribution networks. The idea of cohesive communities is to ensure that the shelter and other needs of households are met, in an effort to address issues such as availability of daycare facilities, functioning playgrounds, proximity to jobs, schools and other amenities that are consistent with improved quality of life in communities. In addition to this drive to house families and other eligible persons, house lot distribution will continue for persons who wish to build their houses. Minister Scott will be available to meet with the members of the public (Public Days), every Wednesday, commencing June, 10, 2015, between 09:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Saturday June 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Govt. supports bailout for GuySuCo - interim managers take helm
On the job: Interim Manager, Errol Hanoman
Interim Manager, Paul Bhim
The new Government says it has approved the release of monies to help the sugar industry return to normalcy. The Ministry of Agriculture yesterday, in the statement announcing the approval of the undisclosed amount, said that the release is a clear assurance of the Government that measures are being taken to ensure that the industry continues to be alive. Just after taking office last month, the new Government faced a major test after the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) announced, it would have to close the industry unless a major cash injection is received. A US$2M loan from a Jamaica bank was fasttracked over the weekend, averting a crisis. This week, the Cabinet of Ministers refused to entertain a request by the corporation to help bridge this year’s $17B shortfall. Instead, the Cabinet terminated the services of the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Rajendra Singh, and sacked the entire Board of Directors, citing the dismal production and finances which have shown no signs of improvement. Singh was a candidate on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic list during the recent elections. According to the Ministry yesterday, nothing has changed in terms of the operation of the 16,000-plus workers strong industry. “Notwithstanding the recent change in the GuySuCo management, workers can rest assured that the industry is here to stay. In addition, all sugar factories will remain operable. To ensure that the Corporation continues to survive, an Interim Management
Committee (IMC) has also been put in place. It is now working and has already been meeting with management on the way forward for sugar in Guyana. The Commission will oversee the work of the Corporation for at least six months.” The IMC comprises of former CEO, Errol Hanoman, and Paul Bhim, who reportedly started work on Thursday, one day after Singh and the Board was fired. According to the Ministry, its promised Commission of Inquiry (COI) will also be launched shortly to probe the affairs of the sugar corporation. “The Government wishes to assure workers that investing in sugar is investing in Guyana and as such, all necessary action will be taken to ensure its sustenance.” Last year, the industry received a $6B injection from Government. GuySuCo has been asking for help in recent years after a 36 percent slash over a five-year period saw its revenues in tatters. Falling production, which dropped to a two decades low, have not helped with costs for producing sugar almost double of what it was being sold for. Its newest factory, part of the US$200M Skeldon expansion project, has failed to reach targets since being commissioned over five years ago. Meanwhile, GuySuCo’s largest union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) yesterday, urged Government to speed-up access to almost $4.7B (Euros 20M) in assistance that has been held up by the European Union pending elections. The monies could not be released unless Parliament is
convened. This is expected to happen this week. EU had insisted that it needed Parliamentary oversight of the spending before it could release the support monies. GAWU yesterday said it has noted with heightened concern the continuing financial difficulties being faced by GuySuCo. “The financial plight of the industry was correctly commented on in recent weeks by both of our major
political entities. Both approaches, in our view, were positive. But the time to act is now. GAWU is aware that GuySuCo is yet to receive the •20.2 million (G$4.76B) that has been earned under the European Union (EU) sugar sector budget support programme, although GuySuCo met the indicators required to qualify for this sum of grants.” GAWU called on the Government to take urgent
steps to ensure that the grants are received from the EU, and “that this sum is paid over and immediately in full to GuySuCo for use in the sugar industry”. GAWU, which is the sugar industry’s largest union, said that the Government, although quite recent, should not be totally at sea on the question or of the industry’s challenges. “GAWU wishes to emphasise that thousands of workers in the sugar industry
and their families’ livelihoods are threatened. Delay in providing assistance and hesitation to pursue the EU money, in the current situation, would be unforgiveable.” GuySuCo, because of its financial situation, reportedly owes hundreds of millions to union, the Guyana Revenue Authority, t h e N a t i o n a l Insurance Scheme, suppliers, private cane farmers and to local and international banks.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 06, 2015
GRPA urges new approach to sex education in schools In light of incidents of school age students’ involvement in filmed sexual practices in school, the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), urges that every effort be made to introduce a comprehensive sexuality education programme in schools. Recently a number of students attending prominent secondary schools in the Georgetown district were filmed conducting sexual activities while in uniform attire. The video was subsequently posted on social media, stirring much controversy.
The Ministry of Education has since condemned the incidents and has launch probes into the matter. In a statement released yesterday, the association expressed deep concern over the “startling number” of such incidents. It is advocating a comprehensive sexuality education programme to be introduced by the Education Ministry to tackle the issue. “It’s our opinion that due to the lack of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Education in the school system, instances of adolescent students getting
involved in risky unplanned and unprotected sexual activities are constantly increasing,” said the health agency. The GRPA added that the lack of this type of education programme can result in many persons experimenting in dangerous ways. The agency is calling for a shift from the “abstinence only” approach in sex education to a comprehensive approach “taking into reality that youths are becoming sexually active at a very tender age both forced and voluntarily.” According to the GRPA, a comprehensive approach to
Kitty bus driver charged with dangerous driving A bus driver was placed on $125,000 bail yesterday after he pleaded not guilty to a dangerous driving charge. Appearing before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry was Mahendra Moonsammy, 29, of 177 Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown. He denied the allegation which stated that on January 18, at Dowding Street, Kitty, he drove minibus BRR 6950, in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Devon Forde. Police Prosecutor, Bharrat Mangru, told the court that on the day in question,
around 04:30hrs, the defendant was at home when he heard an alarm go off. Mangru said that Moonsammy made checks outside and saw Forde next to his vehicle. Upon seeing the defendant, Forde jumped onto his motorcycle and sped away. The accused gave chase after Forde with his minibus, which eventually collided with the motorcycle. Forde was knocked off the motorcycle and suffered injuries which led to him being taken to the hospital. He died while receiving medical
treatment. Moonsammy’s Attorney asked for him to be released on bail because he has no intentions of leaving the jurisdiction. The lawyer noted that his client is willing to comply with any special conditions attached to his bail and that he has been fully cooperating with the police’s investigation. The defendant was instructed to lodge his passport and report to the Kitty Police Station, every Friday at 5 pm. This matter was adjourned until June 29
sex education should be age appropriate, responds to the sexual diversity and rights of young people and equips them to make informed decisions about sex. The Association stated that this approach must address issues such as low self-esteem, sexual confusion and poor negotiation skills faced by Guyanese youth. There must be access to information and services. “It is also necessary to address policies, laws and structural and cultural barriers to young people’s control of their sexual lives and health. Parents, teachers, health workers and other service providers need to be involved together with young people themselves in addressing this issue,” continued the agency’s statement. The GRPA said that it is committed to strengthening
its relationship with the Ministry of Education to advance such a programme. While a Health and Family Life Education programme is being implemented, the agency noted that there is consensus among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members that such programme needs to be reviewed “and bring this in line with a Comprehensive Sexuality Education Curriculum.” The statement added that there is an indication that the country’s current programmes need reform, as Guyana has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in the region. “We need to teach our children all they need to know about sex, their bodies, selfawareness, self-respect, condom use and responsible behaviour. “We need to ensure that they have access to family
planning education, counseling and services,” said the GRPA. “While adolescents and teenagers should be guided by a healthy approach to their wellbeing and encouraged to delay their sexual debut until the time and circumstances are right.” In the meantime, the Association said that it has a “Youth Friendly Space” which provides family planning counseling and services, at their Quamina Street office, or can be contacted through telephone or social media, to address issues pertaining to Sexual and Reproductive Health issues. The agency has also started a petition calling on the Education Ministry to honour their commitments to young people and implement a comprehensive sexuality education programme in schools.
40 years of EU’s presence in Guyana…
More than $150B invested in projects during period - Ambassador Kopecký Today marks 40 years since the European Union started its relationship with Guyana. Over the period, more than 630M Euros ($150B) in combined funds have been coming this country’s way. According to EU Ambassador, Robert Kopecký, yesterday on occasion of the anniversary, it was on this day in 1975 that representatives from close to 80 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries met here in Georgetown to sign what was to become known as the Georgetown Agreement. This document created the ACP Group of States and became the ACP’s fundamental charter, laying down the rules for cooperation among the countries. This year, Kopecký said, also marks 40 years since the Delegation of the European Union was established in Georgetown. “Tremendous progress has been made since then. Over the last four decades, more than •630 million (equal to some $150 billion) of combined EU funds have been allocated to Guyana’s development. “To this day, the European Union remains the main provider of grant funding to Guyana, and also the biggest donor of
development and humanitarian assistance both in the Caribbean Region and in the world.” In Guyana, European development funds have helped reconstruct and maintain the sea defences and the mangroves, and the rehabilitation of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the ambassador said. “The EU has also funded several infrastructure projects to help Guyana’s integration in the region. These include the expansion of Ogle Airport to accommodate international flights, the Corentyne ferry connecting Guyana with Suriname, and the technical upgrade of Cheddi Jagan International Airport in 2004.” Over 220 million Euros has been committed to measures directly supporting the sugar, rice and bauxite industries and the people depending on them. “Water supply systems have been put in place in Pouderoyen, Rose Hall and New Amsterdam, to provide fresh water to agriculture and households and many small businesses have gotten off the ground, thanks to the Micro-Projects Programme and the Linden Economic Advancement Programme. Currently over 30 million Euros is being put to use to further upgrade Guyana’s power utility network and
EU’s Ambassador, Robert Kopecký improve water supply and sanitation infrastructure. “EU support to civil society organisations, nonstate actors and local authorities, has reached out to beneficiaries in the most remote areas of Guyana, for example Southern Rupununi and Regions One and Two.” According to Kopecký, as the country look to the future, there are shared priorities in the area of climate change adaptation and continuous efforts towards the eradication of poverty, and the promotion of human and social rights. “Our political relations have always been excellent, and we look forward to many more decades of mutual EUGuyana cooperation, friendship and partnership.”
Saturday June 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
Dairy ‘vigilante’ attack…
Juveniles released on $15,000 bail each Two juveniles who were apprehended in connection with an assault against three young men in Dairy last Wednesday were both slapped with a charge of unlawful wounding. The defendants, who appeared before the Wales Magistrate’s Court, on Thursday were both released on $15,000 bail. They are to return on June 16, 2015. The two young men are alleged to have been a part of the 15-men ‘vigilante’ group who attacked Alex Parks, 15, Conroy Washington, 24, and Shaquille Sears, all of Dairy, West Bank Demerara, from behind. While Sears was able to escape unharmed the vigilante group proceeded in
inflicting grievous bodily harm with the use of cutlasses on Parks and Washington. Another man was also arrested in this matter. He made an appearance before the Wales Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was remanded to prison. The matter was adjourned to a later date. This publication was told that 15 men armed with cutlasses attacked the ‘bird catchers’. They were stripped of their clothing, beaten, tied up and placed to sit on an ants nest. According to reports the duo was rescued by a villager who took them to La Grange Police station, before they were escorted by ranks to the WDRH.
Frustrated mother sets self ablaze Acting out of frustration, a mother of six, Jasodra Mangoor 'called' Shanta, 58, set herself ablaze at her 118 Courbane Park, Annandale home, on Wednesday around 22:00 hours. She is now in the Inten-
sive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) nursing third degree burns to 43 per cent of her body. According to reports the woman was constantly (continued on page 20)
Page 19
Shaun Samaroo CoI contract - Attorney for Cabinet discussion General The payment of $16M to journalist Shaun Samaroo for the covering of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) will be up for discussion in Cabinet. This is according to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams who said yesterday that he could not say whether any current contracts with Samaroo would be honoured. Instead, he said, Cabinet will deliberate on the issue. “That is a matter for Cabinet but what I do know is that, Mr. Shaun Samaroo was in the Commission from day one,” Williams said. He explained that he was unaware of who Samaroo was until an article was published in the Guyana Chronicle. “You would see that every day he would have written. So, I don’t know which book he’s talking about, but we know that he was covering the Inquiry and he was distorting a lot of times,” the AG said. He said too, that these distortions were raised on a number of occasions with the Commission’s Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham. He further said that he
Journalist Shaun Samaroo could not fathom what the reasoning by the previous administration had been to approach Samaroo with the $16M offer. “I don’t know what was in their minds…But we don’t know of honouring any debts of Mr. Samaroo. We had from the outset complained about the manner in which this commission was set up and we recognized that it was largely for political purposes and a witch-hunt; obviously that failed because the Guyanese people turned
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams out and voted,” Williams said. He also said that he was unsure whether Samaroo had already been paid. This too will come under consideration by Cabinet, he said. Meanwhile, Williams said he is yet to address whether he will be continuing to represent the interest of the People’s National Congress (PNC) in the Walter Rodney CoI. He noted, however, that Attorney James Bond has
been “in and out” of the Commission and is a possible fill-in. He said too, the continuation of the CoI will be up for consideration by the Cabinet. “My proposal is that there should be one final sitting where submissions will be made,” he said. “I will probably have to prepare submissions and ask the new Attorney to present.” Earlier this week, it was revealed that Samaroo had been contracted by the previous government for his coverage of the Commission. However, Samaroo later contended that the money was not for writing news reports but rather for the writing and eventual publication of a book on the findings of the inquiry. Williams had also revealed that the yet to be concluded Commission had already cost $325M.
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Kaieteur News
Canada funds local justice system improvements International support continues to pour in for Guyana. This time, the support has come from a Canadian non-government organization in the form of a $750,000 grant which is set to be used for the development of Guyana’s justice system. The Canadian nongovernmental organisation is the Justice Education Society of British Columbia. The announcement was made yesterday by Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles, during a courtesy call to new Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. Williams said that a $750,000 grant had been approved by Canada as part of a development plan for Guyana. More specifically, he said, the plan will look at certain aspects of improving the justice system including legislative drafting, the training of judges and lawyers, and the question of how the courts are administered. Part of the Canadian grant will also assist in undue delays and the backlogs of cases, Williams said. He added that outside of the court systems, no other particular element was discussed. Dr. Giles added that the grant was provided to Guyana through Canada’s regional development programme for the Caribbean.
She said there are two $20M regional justice programmes for the region. One of the projects, she said, will be implemented through the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), while the other is being done through the University of the West Indies (UWI). According to Dr. Giles, the project will strengthen the entire justice system, “from what you do when you arrive at the crime scene, to how investigations are done by the police, to how the cases are prosecuted, to how the judges hear the cases and render their verdicts.” She added, “We will be working closely with the Attorney General and the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the police to get that project moving in the next couple of months.” Additionally, Guyana is one of the key beneficiaries of the Caribbean programme. She explained that Guyana’s priority is due to the strong opportunities present to make a difference to the justice system. “I think that everybody accepts that the impunity rates are not acceptable at this point in time,” Giles said. She continued, “There’s also strong will on behalf of the police, the prosecutors and the judiciary in the courts to try to address that. So we have a strong partner to make a difference so that’s why we want to work with Guyana.”
She said, too, that her country opines that it is important to activate all of its tools in pursuit of its international policy. Further, she said, development programmes should be working alongside commercial and foreign policy interests. “The justice sector is a great example of that. By working on development programmes to improve the justice sector, that actually contributes to the interest of Canadian companies to invest in a country like Guyana, and also works on some of our human rights priorities that are traditionally pursued by our department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development,” Giles said. The passage of the AntiMoney Laundering/ Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill,
had no choice in bringing the group together after businesswoman, Doris Rodney of the Hills Restaurant, broached the idea after watching the festivities that were streamed live from Guyana. “She indicated that she immediately contacted a number of prominent individuals including members of the North American Region (NAR) of the PNC/R, and the Alliance For Change (AFC). Political activist, Rickford Burke and Ervin Washington are also part of the organizing committee. The logistics and stage preparations are being conducted by Bobby Vieira, who was asked to join the team and share his expertise. He will also be arranging for live streaming of the event.” The march which begins at 11:00 am will be followed by a rally which begins at the end of the parade.
Attorney General Basil Williams and Canadian High Commissioner Dr. Nicole Giles
was one of the issues discussed yesterday when Dr. Giles paid her visit to the AG’s chambers. She said that Guyana has the “full-hearted emotional support” of the Canadian government for the passage of the AML/CFT. This passage, she added, is something that Canada has been advocating for very rigorously for the past several
years. “We have provided some support in the development of strategies and plans for how Guyana can best work through the development of legislation, and the implementation thereof, and that cooperation will continue with the Attorney General’s office,” Dr. Giles indicated. “But we’re very pleased to hear from the Prime Minister
and the President and now the Attorney General that the passage of the AML/CFT will take top priority for this government. We applaud that.” Since 2011, Guyana was warned by international regulators about the importance of the country taking steps to ensure that the nation had strong financial regulations.
Cops apprehend man, retrieve submachine gun - possible homicide thwarted His intent, from all indications, was a sinister one. But swift action from crime fighting ranks ensured that the plans of a gun-toting man were thwarted. The ranks had their work cut out for them as they, in the early hours of yesterday morning, descended on the East Ruimveldt, Georgetown area to respond to a shooting
Grand APNU+AFC victory rally planned for Brooklyn A grand victory parade and rally to celebrate the victory of the coalition in the May 11 General Elections is set to take place next Sunday, June 14th in Brooklyn, New York. According to the organizers, the New York City Police Department has already approved the route of the march which begins at Bedford and Church Avenues, and will proceed east along Church Avenue to Schenectady Avenue where the grand rally will be held. According to a release from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), one of the two factions of the Government, the march and rally is being organized by a group of Gu y a n e s e w h o came together after requests from fellow citizens in the diaspora. The occasion will also be used to celebrate Guyana’s 49 years of independence. Chairperson of the group, Sharif Fraser, said she
Saturday June 06, 2015
“The two part program is set to feature speeches and remarks by a number of Federal, State and local politicians including US Congress Woman, Yvette Clarke and New York City Mayor, Bill De Blasio, among others.” The second phase will showcase Guyanese performers including Lisa Punch, Jenny Ferreira and Anthony Alleyne. According to APNU, the expected large gathering of Guyanese, decked in green and yellow shirts and caps are due to travel from as far as Connecticut, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Georgia, Toronto, Canada and even Guyana. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, and other senior Government officials have been invited. According to APNU, the committee is also examining reduced airfares with Fly Jamaica, for persons from Guyana to travel.
report. There they were able to apprehend the man who reportedly hails from Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara. He was reportedly armed with a submachine gun. The man was arrested by police while on a dam at East Ruimveldt after disposing of the firearm. Reports are that, minutes earlier he was discharging rounds indiscriminately. This publication was informed that the man’s intended target might have been a woman. It is unclear if the two are involved in a relationship. However, it is believed that swift action by the ranks ensured that no one was hurt. They were able to recover the weapon used by the man, along with several spent shells. The man is currently an inmate of the Brickdam lockups. Police in a subsequent statement yesterday morning acknowledged, that a man is in custody assisting with investigations into an early
The submachine gun and spent shells retrieved by Police yesterday.
morning report of discharging a firearm at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. Ranks responded around 05:30 hours, the statement said. It was reported that as police ranks approached, a man who had a firearm was seen running away. He was pursued by the police ranks during which time he threw the firearm into a septic tank. The man was eventually
apprehended and the firearm recovered and found to be a Luger Intratec 9mm submachine gun. Police also retrieved eight spent shells, the statement added. The laudable police action comes at a time when there are reports of increased gun related crimes. The Police Force however, seems keen on reversing this disturbing trend.
Frustrated mother sets ... From page 19 abused by her children, especially her youngest child, so she decided that enough was enough. In the presence of her children and son-in-law the woman opted to pour kerosene on her body. According the woman's niece, Melissa, the woman's daughter had held unto her hand to stop her from burning herself, but she was able to drag her hand free and run into a room,
in which she locked herself. After the woman set herself afire, the door to the room had to be broken down by a neighbour who assisted in rushing the badly burnt Mangoor to the GPHC. One of the woman's neighbours was in disbelief. He said that it was just earlier that he had paid her for scrubbing his steps. She did not appear to be unhappy. Mangoor works as a domestic.
Both neighbours and relatives described her to be a very hard working woman, who worked feverishly to support her six children in the absence of her husband. The woman's sister-in-law wailed after seeing her condition. “Since meh see Shanta meh know she na gon mek am.” The woman cried, “Ow Shanta wa mek yo guh burn yaself… You could've come out the house fa ease ya head.”
Saturday June 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Doobay Medical Centre impressive - says Public Health Minister - commits to continued support
Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton chats briefly with renal failure patients during their dialysis sessions yesterday. “I am totally impressed,” said Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, of the Courbane Park, Annandale, East Coast Demerara, Doobay Medical Centre following a tour of the facility yesterday. The facility, which houses the Doobay Renal Centre, is currently on course to becoming a facility that offers a wide range of specialised health care services at an affordable cost to the public. While the ongoing infrastructural work has been deemed as “excellent” by Minister Norton, he pointed out that the high quality of service that Guyanese patients can access is rather heartening. He, in sharing his views of the facility, took into consideration the fact that a number of Guyanese, who could have easily forsaken Guyana and taken their
expertise elsewhere, are currently supporting the evolution of the not-for-profit entity. The Minister therefore expressed optimism that other like-minded individuals would emulate such undertakings. According to Dr. Norton while the facility is one situated on the East of Demerara, it is currently capable of serving patients with renal failure from across the country. “While they might not have too many persons from the Hinterland locations, at least (I am of the belief) that if they need it and can get here the service will be available to them too,” mentioned the Health Minister. He was satisfied enough with the existing work of the Medical Centre that he recommitted yesterday to continuing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
the facility which was made with the previous administration. “I will never stand in the way of development...I will certainly support whatever changes are needed to be made to that MOU to improve the status of this institution,” said the Minister. He was however not in a position yesterday to comment on any further support likely to be offered to the facility. As part of the MOU, patients are able to benefit from financial support from Government, through the Ministry of Health, to benefit from the dialysis offered at the Medical Centre. According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the facility, Mr. Mohamad Ali, who led the tour yesterday, within another 18 months the facility will be transformed into a State of the Art
Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton (at centre), in discussion with officials of the Doobay Medical Centre yesterday. Standing third from left is Permanent Secretary, Mr. Leslie Cadogan.
specialised medical centre. He disclosed that currently the expansion works are in the first phase and have a specific focus on improving the dialysis service being offered. The intent, he related, is to build capacity to offer dialysis to an increased number of patients that is, moving from dialysing 20 patients at a time to 40. As part of the project too will be the inclusion of the capacity to offer renal surgery, said Ali, who spoke of plans for the construction of at least two operating theatres and an intensive care unit. He also intimated plans for a Cardio/Stroke Centre and additional capacity for Paediatric care and general surgery for the facility that is expected to accommodate a 25-bed ward to aid patients’ recovery. “We will have x-rays,
MRI, CAT scans...so we will have this specialised centre and (cater to) specific areas of needs opened to the general public. We are catering to the public who can’t afford top quality health care (and) that is one thing this centre will provide to them,” asserted Ali. According to him, though a colossal task, the evolution of the Medical Centre is being made possible with support
from individuals and a number of local and international donor agencies. The tour of the facility yesterday was also graced by Permanent Secretary of the Public Health Ministry, Mr. Leslie Cadogan, and saw the presence of Chairperson of the Medical Centre, Ms. Ameena Gafoor; Board Members: Mohamed Najab and Chetram Persaud along with Head Nurse, Olive Sinclair.
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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.
Private homeschooling for CXC English and all SSEE subjects - Call now:696-7467
One Mitsubishi freezer canter- GPP 4798- Call: 622-5717
Kids Summer computer classes, age 5-16 @ Micrographics Technology – Vreed-en-Hoop - Tel:2643057 (Register Now!) Computerized Accounting 4 Courses @ $30,000: POS Quick Books, Excel 2013, Peachtree. Micrographics Vreed-en-Hoop - Tel: 264-3057 Super Deal for CXC 2015 Students: 9 Course in Computer studies -$30,000 @ Micrographics –Tel: 2643057
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also. Call: 672-2566; 265-3232
CXC Adults classes: day & evening. Phonics class, grade 2,4,6,9 lessons- Call: 231-1209, 690-5008, 657-7398
AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154
Maid to cook and clean, 3 days per week - Tel: 614-4358 One nanny contact - 2235273/4
Urgently needed live in waitress-Tel: 693-4154
Experience female accounts clerk- 4 years working experience. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry stelling Stabroek
1 L-Touring Wagon, excellent condition - A.C Alarm & Remote start, flair kit, CD player, 16" mags, price -$1.3M - Tel: 626-2884 V8 Titan (2005) KIA SPORTAGE 2003 - Call: 275-1230
1 family to work & live in for an elderly man & living @ Timehri (living accommodation free) - Call: 223-9888
1 Maid to wash and clean @ E.C.D-Tel: 603-5416; 644-9802
Saturday June 06, 2015
Car for sale: AE100 Sprinter (Toyota), price -$400,000 negotiable - Contact: 6606774 One Noah registered in BTT series, never used. Reasonable price- Call:6988617 Toyota, Honda 600RR, BB, AT192, AT212, Premio, Hilux Pick up, RZ minibus & Pitbull, Nissan Blue Bird –Tel: 644-5096; 697-1453 1 RZ BGG 6179 in good condition- $600,000 – Call: 601-3253 One Toyota Allion 2004 Model & 1 new & unregistered Mazda Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 649-0956 2004 Spacio -$2M 2008 Fielder (new shape) -$2.5M unregistered –Tel: 617-2891 Unregistered Nissan Bluebird 2006 for sale $2.650M negotiable – Contact: 689-7325/644-9277 2002 Yamaha R6, in excellent condition, owner leaving country - Call: 661-2953; 6505500
Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Registered pure breed Rottweiler, first litter male & female (8weeks). Viewing of parents- call:231-5902, 2272958 One Tohatsu outboard 15HP for sale –Call: 656-9921 House and land at Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.DPrice $9.5M - Contact: 6879107 For sale copra contact # 600-0540
TO LET Prime office space @ lot 239 Quamina Street, Central Georgetown, parking available in Private yard. Tel: 592-227-2913, 592-689-3033 Four storey building located on Robb Street next to Bourda market- Tel: 623-7731, 629-0636 Furnished executive one or two bedroom suites in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners- Call: 609-2466 Apartments in Eccles & Rooms in Alberttown - Call: 225-3234
One two stroke 90 Yamaha outboard, one 14ft aluminum boat, one 25 Yamaha 4 stroke outboard – Contact: 601-1138 DAF truck: flat rack, Perkins eagle turbo, 350LM, 12.17LT, 350HP, GVW 32,000KG, mileage 71,000kmCall: 676-9413, 223-0050 XBOX One, XBOX 360, PS2, PS3, PSP and Nintendo DS system, plastic barrels $6,000-Call: 603-8643; 6217497; 649-3277 One Toyota Forklift 2004, 10,000 lifting, 8ft fork, fuel propane 3 stages lift, sliding fork $4M neg. Call: 629-7444 15-15-15 fertilizer, going cheap-Tel: 266-2711; 609-4594 Sony PlayStation 4 (brand new factory sealed) $100,000. Offer valid while stocks last - Contact: 6934777
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Prado, Price$4.4M Neg. Call: 643-2403 Sale! Best prices- Premio $2.250M, Fielder (sunroof) $2.2M, $2.6M, Bluebird $2.7M, Axela sports- City Motors - Call: 616-3413 Cheapest: manual & Automatic buses, Rush, Hilux, canter, Model M Truck, front view property in Bougainvillea Park – Call: 616-7635 Sale! 2007, 2008 Allion $3.3M, Bluebird Sylphy $2.6M, fully loaded Belta $2.6M, Tacoma 4x4 $3.8MTel: 639-4101
2005 Honda CBR 1000rr for sale with original paperwork. Front end crash $300,000- Call: 615-1091 1 miller bobcat welding generator 225 amps- Tel: 616-5424, 680-0378 New 16" Bore Tractor driven, trailer pump, new utility, 4 wheeler box, trailer low prices –Tel: 227-1830 1 farm, 2 boats and engine. Also 1 sound system (3m)Call:265-3586 FOR RENT 12 Offices @ 220 South Road G/Town –Tel: 2271042, 601-3369 Continued on page 23
Saturday June 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
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AG tells Jack Warner to take evidence of wrongdoing to police, Integrity Commission LAND FOR SALE
From page 22
Land at Farm East B a n k D e m e rara Call: 668-0000, 603-7900
Jack Warner
10 Acres Kuru Kuru, High Way Roadside for Resort Business - Tel: 601-3369 or 227-1042 Commercial lots available at Eccles E.B.D $14M - Tel:592227-2913 or 592-689-3033
Garvin Nicholas PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Attorney General Garvin Nicholas has advised the embattled Jack Warner to take any evidence of wrongdoing by the government to the police and the Integrity Commission. Thursday, a day after Independent Liberal Party (ILP) leader and former FIFA vice-president Warner promised to release an avalanche of secrets – including information
showing links between FIFA funds and the United National Congress (UNC) 2010 election campaign – Nicholas said in a statement released to the media that as far as he was concerned Warner was using diversionary tactics. “I am not prepared to comment on accusations made on a political platform save to say that if Mr Warner has evidence of wrongdoing on the part of anyone, he
Bogota (AFP) - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said he welcomes international pressure to accelerate peace talks with the FARC guerrillas, which has mounted in recent weeks as fighting has intensified. The international community has voiced alarm over Santos’s decision in April to resume air strikes on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a move that prompted the rebels to scrap a unilateral ceasefire they had declared in December. But in his first interview with an international news agency since the end of the ceasefire on May 22, Santos told AFP that recent events would only accelerate the peace process - including, he said, diplomatic pressure from Europe, which he will visit next week. “I think people on the outside may grasp the reality of the country we’re living in better than us,” he said before heading to Brussels for a summit of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. The EU, the UN and Norway, which is facilitating the peace talks, have all called recently for a bilateral ceasefire in Colombia — something Santos has adamantly refused, arguing it would only delay a final peace deal. Asked if he saw that as a warning sign, Santos - who is pushing for Europe to set
up a fund to assist postconflict Colombia — replied with a smile: “On the contrary.” He said he believed the “very positive” international pressure was directed mainly at the FARC. “Colombians’ patience is not infinite so any pressure to accelerate the peace process is welcome,” he said at the presidential palace in Bogota. Santos, the architect of the peace talks, was elected last year for a new four-year term in a vote seen as a referendum on the negotiations. He said he was against “playing around with the rules of the game,” which he insists mean no bilateral ceasefire until a final deal is reached. “Every peace process is complicated. It’s not an easy road,” he said. The center-right leader, who has come under fire from opposition hardliners for
should take said evidence to the police and, where relevant, the Integrity Commission, for investigation and determination of these matters,” he said. “Merely making threats of releasing evidence is a mechanism that has been used in the past to create sensational headlines and is an effective diversion technique.” Nicholas admitted that he was “uncomfortable” about
the damage that may be done to the twin-island republic’s image as a result of Warner’s statements, but said he was not worried about the impact on locals because he had faith in “their ability to be discerning in such matters”. Warner is facing extradition to the United States to answer charges of racketeering, bribery, wire fraud and money laundering related to his actions as a FIFA top official.
Colombia’s Santos welcomes pressure on peace talks
50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front -reasonable offer accepted, serious enquiries only! - Tel: 695-3493 Waterfront land at Eccles 7+ acres- Contact: 954-769-0576, email: 1belair@mail.com 76ft X 52ft land at Triumph railway embankmentCall:220-6799, 657-4969 At Cummings Lodge 40’x110’ near UG $12M negotiableCall: 647-5019
One female clerk - Call: 2315171 Work from home, earn $5,000-$20,000 daily Call Monday-Friday 9am-5pm #233-6517, 638-0595 www.jobfairworldwide.com I N T E R N AT I O N A L EMPLOYMENT: NURSE, TEACHERS,CARPENTERS, ELECTRICIANS, COOK, WAITERS, BELL BOYS, HOUSEKEEPERS, STOREKEEPERS, SECURITIES. CONTACT: 231-6296; 650-9880/ www.plzrecruitme.com Live in housekeeper, to care for infant 30-50yrs, long term employment-Tel: 697-8797
PROPERTY FOR SALE Residential lots ad houses for sale at Eccles, E.B.D $7.5M. Tel:592-227-2913 or 689-3033 1 Flat concrete house 20X38 feet, land space: 100X200 feet. Tel: 694-1090 or 661-6073 Transported concrete property for sale at Lot 458 Block “8” Mon Repos, E.C.D, Top flat 2 bedrooms, bottom flat 2 bedrooms $20M. Tel: 625-1514
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos talking with the rebels, said the answer is to speed up the negotiations. The talks in Havana, which have reached partial deals on several issues since they opened in November 2012, made a new breakthrough Thursday .
Sleeping entrepreneur... From page 18 operating for over two years was 'cleaned' out by the perpetrators who managed to escape unnoticed. King has recorded a loss of $2 million in clothes, fans, mannequins, footwear and a variety of other items in that intrusion which occurred a few days before Easter this year. The boutique which is located beneath the house was
Parfaite Harmonie (80FTX50FT) -$2M, Tushen -$2M. We buy all low income land - Call: 611-7223
VACANCY Cutter/straight stitch/ button tack/hole operators. Call: 222-2541 (8:00am4:00pm Mon-Fri) One male technician with complete secondary education, electrical knowledge & fluent in Portuguese, email: vacancy@gsatconnection.com
shut down, and King had all hopes of reopening in August, but she now has doubts about that being possible since her losses have been further inflicted. There is the view that the two intrusions might have been perpetrated by the same persons. The matter was reported to the Plaisance Police Station and investigations are continuing.
FOR RENT 3 Bedrooms house. Ideal for business, Chinese cook shop or supermarket. Located @ Bellwest Canal #2 W.C.D- Contact: 691-4591
Property @ Lot 63 West Ruimveldt, Estate Housing Scheme Georgetown – Contact Mark: 618-9744 Property at William St Campbellville, 2 family – 3 bedrooms over 2 bedrooms, 3 Baths 50FTX100FT lot. Call Cheryl: 226-8915 (9am4:30pnm) & Winston (917) 202-7444 One corner property for sale with business - Tel: 223-5512 Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461.
Fully furnished apartment with 2 bedrooms, hot & cold, cable, A/C. 1 bedroom unfurnished apartment. Rooms- Call: 689-5877
FOR SALE IN CENTRAL GEORGETOWN: SPACIOUS HOUSE IN DESIRABLE BEL-AIR, NEWHAVENRESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. CALL: 647-8851
Five bedrooms house, 107 Lamaha Gardens & Large Parking; AC Rooms Hot & Cold, Purified Water System Call: 661-8908, 335-3590
169 Thomas St. Kitty, double lot, vacant possession ideal for business or commercial purposes – Call Zeena: 2203348; 611-8222
Male security guards, male desk staff & male supervisorcall: 225-0198 or 233 South road, Lacytown Handyman- Call: 600-7388, 225-7933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff Strett Salesmen, cashiers, salesgirl, porters- apply @ Survival lot 16 Duncan & Vlissengen road, with application & passport photo Security- apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown ferry stelling
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Office spaces 15 x 25 & 25 x 25 at Hadfield St. behind Brickdam Police Station- call Simone: 227-0501, 626-5317 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098
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Onderneeming rape suspect remanded The Onderneeming, Sand Pit man who was fingered in the rape of a seven-year-old child, was on Friday remanded to prison after police arrested and charged him with rape. Leroy Fredricks, 35, of Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast, was charged indictably with rape after he appeared at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court. Fredericks was not allowed to enter a plea. The alleged rape occurred on May31, at Sand Pit, Onderneeming. Fredericks was remanded to prison until June26. The child who suffered physical abuse was periodically hospitalised, at the Suddie Public Hospital. Residents stated that Fredericks, who was in the habit of visiting the home of the seven-year-old, did so
that day when the parents were not at home. The report added that the child’s mother, a vendor, would usually take her children with her while she plied her trade. On the day in question she took a chance and left the children at home. Fredericks who was in hiding was later apprehended and charged with rape. He is being represented by Counsel, Heimraj Rajkumar. Meanwhile, the 38-yearold man who allegedly impregnated his 14-year-old daughter was also remanded. He was charged with having sexual activities with a child who is a family member. His 14-year-old daughter is said to be five months pregnant. Her condition is being monitored by doctors at the Suddie Public Hospital.
Gunpoint robbery accused granted bail In a desperate attempt to profess his innocence, robbery under-arms accused, Keyvin Cupidore, stormed in front of reporters’ cameras wailing and condemning what he claimed to be acts of discrimination against him by the police. Cupidore, 20, of Q71 Guyhoc Gardens, Georgetown, had to be manhandled up the stairs of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge. He is accused of robbing Michael Jordan, at gunpoint of a motorcycle valued $420,000, a BLU cell phone valued $40,000, one wallet valued $7,000 along with $7,000 cash. The robbery allegedly occurred on June 2, at East Ruimveldt. Cupidore pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Ann McLennan. He was ordered to post $75,000 bail and to report to the East LaPenitence Police Station. Failure to do so, will result in his bail being escheated. His Attorney, Paul FungA-Fat, argued strongly for his client to be granted his pre trial liberty. The lawyer contended that at the time of the alleged robbery, his client was at home with his family. The lawyer argued that
Cupidore was never taken on an identification parade, nor did he provide the police with a confession statement. At this point, Jordan was asked if he was able to identify his attacker. He explained to the court that at the time of the robbery two persons attacked him. He said that he was able to recognize one of the men’s voices and said that one of them had braided hair. However, the lawyer intervened, he said that there is no way possible that the victim could have recognized his clients’ voice, because there is no evidence that he (the victim) heard the defendant’s voice before. Fung-A-Fat also told the court that he was informed that someone has been making telephone contact with the victim demanding $300,000 for the return of his items. But he pointed out that the phone call was not made by the defendant, since he is incarcerated. The Attorney also asserted that Cupidore has an unblemished criminal record and is not a flight risk. Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones, indicated that the items were never recovered. This matter will be heard again on June 15.
Saturday June 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
Tariq Aziz, Iraqi foreign minister under Saddam, dies in jail Tariq Aziz, who was foreign minister of Iraq under Saddam Hussein, has died in prison, Iraqi officials said yesterday. He was 79. Aziz surrendered in April 2003 to the U.S. invasion force that overthrew Saddam. He was sentenced to death seven years later for the persecution of Islamic parties under Saddam. He had long complained of ill health during his detention. Dr Saadi al-Majid, head of the health department of Dhi Qar governorate, where Aziz was being held, confirmed Aziz’s death: “Tariq Aziz arrived at alNasiriya Educational hospital suffering from a severe heart attack. He had heart complications that led to his death at 3 p.m. (0800 ET).” The governor of Dhi Qar, Yahya al-Nasiri, said the body would be handed over to Aziz’s relatives in Iraq “as soon as our routine procedures and investigations are concluded”.
Aziz’s son Zaid told Reuters in Amman that Aziz’s wife had visited him in prison on Thursday and had asked the prison authorities to take him to hospital. He said the prison had refused, though this could not be confirmed independently. “His voice was deteriorating but he was not dying,” Zaid said. Aziz, a fluent English speaker, played a prominent diplomatic role in the run-up to the 1991 Gulf War, when a U.S.-led coalition drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait, as well as in the long-running disputes over United Nations weapons inspections in subsequent years. A Chaldean Christian, he was born in the village of Tal Keif, near Mosul in northern Iraq. His association with Saddam dated back to the 1950s, when the two men were involved in the thenoutlawed Baath party, which sought to oust the Britishbacked monarchy. Aziz was appointed min-
Tariq Aziz ister of information in the 1970s. In 1977, he joined the Revolutionary Command Council, the committee of senior Baath party officials ruling Iraq, and in 1979, he became deputy prime minister. Aziz was number 43 on the U.S. list of most wanted Iraqi officials when he gave himself up just two weeks after Saddam was toppled.
Two dead, 100 hurt in blasts at Kurdish rally in Turkey Two blasts ripped through a Kurdish rally in Turkey yesterday, killing two people and injuring more than 100 in what President Tayyip Erdogan described as a “provocation” designed to undermine peace before tomorrow’s parliamentary election. The explosions occurred as tens of thousands of people gathered for the proKurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) election rally in Diyarbakir, the largest city in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey. Initial reports said there had been one explosion but a senior security source told Reuters there were two blasts. Officials initially blamed a faulty power transformer at the rally site but later ruled that possibility out. Eyewitness Guy Martin, a British photographer, told Reuters the blasts occurred some five minutes apart - the first in a rubbish bin which was ripped apart and the second in front a power generator. In the aftermath he saw one person who had lost a leg and others with shrapnel wounds. “It was a heart-shaking, ribcage-shaking noise, he said of one of the blasts. “The most terrifying thing is that crush of people. It was chaos, I couldn’t move, people were panicking.” “The police started firing
teargas at people who were helping the injured or fleeing the scene this enflamed the situation,” he added. “The mood is angry. People want revenge.” The explosions killed two people and injured more than 100, Erdogan said in an interview with broadcaster ATV, having earlier expressed condolences for the victims. “It is very important that all our citizens are careful in the face of provocations like this aimed at undermining our democracy, the atmosphere of peace and brotherhood in our country,” he said in a statement. Tensions have run high as the HDP campaigns to become the first party with Kurdish origins to win seats in parliament in Sunday’s election. Previously, Kurdish MPs have joined the legislature as independents. The HDP needs to overcome a 10 percent vote threshold, and some opinion polls show it could seize enough seats to deprive the long-ruling AK Party of the majority it has enjoyed since sweeping to power in 2002. POLICE FIRE WATER CANNON HDP Chairman Selahattin Demirtas called on his supporters to remain calm. “We don’t know the
cause of the blast,” he told CNN Turk. “It is thoughtprovoking that this occurred so close to the election,” he added. Television footage showed people carrying the injured on stretchers as organizers of the rally for the proKurdish HDP announced on loudspeakers that the explosion had been caused by a fault in a power generator and urged people to stay calm. The explosion rocked the parade ground just before Demirtas was to address the crowd. Police fired water cannon to disperse protesters who remained at the parade ground. The rally was subsequently canceled. Security has been tight at HDP political rallies. On Thursday, nationalists clashed with HDP supporters at a Demirtas rally in the northern town of Erzurum. Demirtas has said his party has been the target of more than 70 violent attacks during the campaign. Erdogan, who used to head the AK Party, has accused the HDP of being a front for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which took up arms in 1984 in an insurgency that killed 40,000 people. Jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan and Ankara launched peace talks more than two years ago.
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Kamla to Jack: Stop humiliating T&T Trinidad Express - Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar yesterday appealed to Jack Warner to stop bringing the country into shame, humiliation and disrepute. Speaking in Parliament at the International Waterfront Port of Spain, where several members of the foreign media were seated, PersadBissessar said the country had, over a period of years, been able to establish itself on the world stage. Now, she said, the entire globe was focused on Trinidad and Tobago “not for anything right and good”. Persad-Bissssar said she had suffered “great distress…because of the actions of one man”. Warner, the political leader of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) and a former FIFA Vice President, has been indicted in the United States on charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering related to his time at FIFA. On Wednesday, Warner said at a political meet, and in an address to the nation, that he had evidence which linked FIFA’s money with funding for the Peoples Partnership general election campaign in 2010. His claims have been widely reported in the international media. Persad-Bissessar, who has denied using any of Warner’s money to fund the campaign, said yesterday: “we worked so hard to grow that international image. Today, this image is under threat. One citizen has brought us into disrepute, shame and humiliation. We call upon that member from Chaguanas West, that he do all that he can to cooperate with US authorities”. Warner was asked to give what information he had to US authorities and “end this very sordid period of the nation’s history. Let’s end the shame and scandal. One man
Jack Warner
Kamla PersadBissessar
has brought us here…I appeal to his sense of patriotism…and redeem his native land…cooperate and do what’s right so we can list one again the image of Trinidad and Tobago”. On Tuesday Warner was among six former and current FIFA executives placed on INTERPOL’s wanted list on charges including corruption, conspiracy and racketeering. The Red Notices were issued a day after FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced he would be resigning, as the corruption investigation into FIFA deepens. The six on INTERPOL’s list are among nine FIFA officials and five sports media and promotions executives, who have been indicted in the United States on charges related to bribes amounting to $150 million. Warner is accused of accepting a US $10 million bribe in exchange for helping South Africa secure the right to host the 2010 World Cup. Officials in South Africa have denied that the money was a bribe. He appeared in court last week, after the US began extradition proceedings seeking to have him brought to the US to face trial. Warner, who is out on $2.5 million bail, has
denied wrong-doing and claimed that the charges are part of a US “witch-hunt” meant to punish him for his support of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup. Us prosecutors on Thursday unsealed the guilty plea hearing transcripts of Warner’s Daryan And Daryll. According to US media reports, Daryan Warner pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion in October 2013, in relation to a ticket reselling scam for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. In the documents, Warner made “substantial profits” buying World Cup tickets from FIFA then illegally selling them at marked-up prices through a Florida-based ticket broker who is named as co-conspirator in the case. The scam also involved two unnamed family members who at the time were FIFA officials, according the court documents. Daryan Warner profited at least $1,177,843.95 running his ticket scam for the 2006 World Cup. As part of the plea deal, Daryan Warner agreed to cooperate with the government in its ongoing investigation of FIFA, including going undercover if necessary.
Guyana and Suriname get help to tap Islamic market PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname — The Islamic Centre for the Development of Trade (ICDT), an arm of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), is financing a four-day workshop in Suriname that is meant to expand trading between the 57-member bloc of the OIC and Guyana and Suriname. The workshop, which was organized by the ministry of trade and industry of Surina m e , c o m m e n c e d Monday in Paramaribo and concluded on
Thursday. The training was meant for companies from Guyana and Suriname – both of these countries are members of the OIC. Roughly 20 companies and organizations from Suriname and Guyana participated in the seminar. The goals of the ICDT are to promote investments and to develop trade flows between member states by assisting in trade negotiations, and assisting and promoting contacts between “enter-
prises and economic operators.” As well, the ICDT is looking to promote the products of Guyan a a n d Suriname and to encourage and give them the knowledge how to access these markets by promoting trade information and assisting member states in the fields of trade promotion and international negotiations. Suriname trade with OIC members from 2000 to today has more t h a n d o u b l e d . United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Saturday June 06, 2015
Antigua-Barbuda announces $400 million development project NEW YORK, USA — The government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced another multi-million dollar partnership with Sunwing Travel Group. The 500-room all-inclusive resort under the award winning Royalton Luxury Resorts brand will occupy the famed white sands of Deep Bay, Antigua. Construction will commence this summer on resort and spa, as well as a residential complex with over 200 condominium units. Slated to open in 2017, this $400 million development is expected to represent 2,000 new jobs for Antigua and a massive injection to the economy in the form of incremental tourist dollars. “We are very pleased with this new partnership and what it means for the people of Antigua,” said Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, adding that “Tourism is vital to our economy and this partnership secures significant growth in revenue and jobs for the years to come.”
Sunwing Travel Group, North America’s largest vertically integrated travel company, will also be using its subsidiary Sunwing Airlines to add new flights from key source markets, which are expected to represent 30,000 incremental visitors to the island in the first year of operation. NexusTours, the group’s full service destination management company, will also support this tourism revitalization through the promotion and sale of local excursions and attractions. Sales for the Island’s newest tourism product will greatly benefit from the strength of the Sunwing Travel Group’s distribution arm, which includes reputable brands such as Sunwing Vacations, Signature Vacations, Vacation Express, SellOffVacations.com, and Luxe Destination Weddings. “The island of Antigua has an incredible amount to offer and is an ideal location for a Royalton Luxury Resort. Prime Minister Gaston
Browne and his administration understand the needs of the modern traveller and have shown great vision and initiative to create the right conditions for investment,” said Stephen Hunter, president and CEO of the Sunwing Travel Group. Both parties signed off on the project at an official event hosted by special economic envoy to Antigua and Barbuda, Robert De Niro on Monday night. The event, which was held at the prestigious 21 Club in Manhattan, New York, was attended by Browne, Asot Michael, minister of tourism, economic development, investment and energy and over 150 travel agents, media and special invited guests. Pix – Development Caption – (L-R) Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne; President and CEO of the Sunwing Travel Group, Stephen Hunter; Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy, Asot Michael.
BPSA: VAT could be cut Daily Nation - The Value Added Tax (VAT), from which very few Barbadians can escape, could be coming down. Word of this has come from chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA), Alex McDonald,
who told the WEEKEND NATION that his association believes that when Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler presents his Budget on June 15, VAT will be reduced. Currently consumers of
goods and services must pay 17.5 per cent VAT on every transaction. The rate was increased by Sinckler in his 2010 Budget when it was moved from 15 per cent, effective December 1, 2010.
US Republicans vote to keep Cuba travel curbs The US House of Representatives has voted to keep restrictions on US citizens travelling to Cuba, despite a recent thaw in relations. The Republican-controlled chamber rejected proposals to allow regular scheduled flights to the island. It also said a rule should remain requiring Americans to get a special licence before going to Cuba. The House was voting on a transport funding bill which has provisions related to Cuba. President Barack Obama has threatened to veto the bill. New rules issued by the Obama administration in January were aimed at easing travel restrictions to Cuba and allowing scheduled flights for the first time. But Republican Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart said the White House was wrong to lift the restric-
Mario Diaz-Balart tions. He said it would mean flights landing at an airport
that was partially owned by US interests when it was seized by the Cuban government. “What you are saying is, ‘It’s OK to do business on property that was stolen from Americans’,” said Mr Diaz-Balart, a CubanAmerican. The thaw in relations between the US and Cuba was announced late last year in simultaneous televised speeches by President Obama and his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro. President Obama, a Democrat, used his executive powers to ease the embargo that has existed for more than 50 years, defying hardline critics. However, the issue is caught in a battle between Republicans who control Congress and the White House. (BBC News)
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Bayliss can give England insight into the Australian way - McGrath ESPNcricinfo - Glenn McGrath says he is hoping to see a “little more aggression” from England, especially after the appointment of Australian Trevor Bayliss as the new coach. Speaking exclusively to ESPNcricinfo, McGrath said England have to be careful not to adopt a “conservative approach” as they have tended to under captain Alastair Cook and said he expected Bayliss to give “insight into the Australian way” to players under his tutelage. “Michael Clarke is a very good captain. He thinks on his feet and can adapt very quickly,” McGrath said. “It comes down from the coach to Michael Clarke to the rest of the team. Cook, on the other hand, is a little bit more conservative. Andy Flower was there and they had a more conservative approach. I always felt that they waited for the other team to make a mistake. If the other team is playing well, it doesn’t always
work. “When I first started playing for New South Wales, Trevor Bayliss was in the team and a middle-order batsman. He played very well and was very successful. Since he has moved to the coaching role he has done well with New South Wales. Sydney Sixers won the Big Bash League, Kolkata Knight Riders won the Indian Premier League under him. He is a very good coach and a very good man manager. “We will see the impact he can have on the English system because the way the Australians do it is different to how others team do it. But there have been a few Australian coaches in the past who have been quite successful elsewhere. Maybe he will add a little more and bring something new to the table; spice it up a little bit or give an insight into the Australian way. It could benefit England.” The presence of an Aus-
Glenn McGrath was inducted into the ICC’s Hall of Fame. (Getty Images) tralian coach, however, hasn’t changed McGrath’s mind about the outcome of the series. He is convinced Australia are overwhelming favourites to win their first Ashes series in England after
Saturday June 06, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't try to sign up for a class over the phone or online today, Aries, as it probably won't work. This also isn't a good day to travel - delays are likely whether you fly or drive.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Obstacles may arise in the course of your chores when machines break down and interfere with your efficiency. Your frustrations may cause you to want to yell and throw things.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) No matter what friends tell you, Taurus, this isn't the day to make an investment of any kind, from buying a house to starting a savings account.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Payment for work you've performed may not come when expected, Scorpio, particularly if direct deposit is involved.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) More than one problem with modern equipment could rear its head today, Gemini. Computers could malfunction, crash, or be maddeningly slow.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Family members might not be in the best of moods today, Sagittarius. Frustration with machines or friends could have tempers on edge, so try to avoid the temptation to get into arguments.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) A trip of some kind might have to be postponed, as computers and other technology involved in your arrangements might be temporarily out of operation.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Be prepared, Capricorn. Have flashlights handy in case of a power outage, and walk instead of drive in case signals cause major traffic jams.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Some upsetting dreams might haunt you today, Leo. They might evoke some uncomfortable emotional issues.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Temporary upsets regarding money might result from a computer failure of some sort. Take care not to lose your temper over it, Aquarius.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Machines are likely to pose a few problems today, Virgo, particularly where work and money are concerned.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Computers and other equipment could go haywire today, limiting your abilities to work at maximum efficiency.
a decade when the teams face-off in a five-match series starting on July 8 in Cardiff. In what has now become virtually a patented statement ahead of any marquee series involving Australia, McGrath predicted a 5-0 whitewash for Michael Clarke’s men over the summer. “Australia have been playing some very good cricket. You look at the World Cup, it was ODIs but it has an influence,” McGrath said. “They have been playing very good Test cricket. If you look back to the last Ashes, they were so dominant. England, on the other hand, are struggling a bit. Miserable World Cup and they lost the other day to New Zealand. So, I was predicting 5-0 to Australia but they are already sitting at 5-0 after the last Ashes series. So, it is going to be 10-0.” Having seen Australia’s bowling unit, in particular the pace attack, operate in recent months, McGrath is convinced that the side has “all bases covered” going into the series. According to McGrath, this “variety” in Australia’s attack could well be the differentiating factor between the teams in the series. “They are playing with a
lot of confidence,” he said. “You have a couple of lefthanders and Ryan Harris who is a quality bowler; Josh Hazlewood is tall and hits the deck and gets good bounce. There is enough variety there. There is always something different. Even Mitchell Johnson’s bowling compared to Mitchell Starc is different. If you have four bowlers that are very similar, the batsmen can get used to it. There is enough variety there. There is enough pace as well as experience along with the young guys coming through. I think Australia has every base covered.” McGrath himself enjoyed a stellar Ashes career, taking 157 wickets in 30 Tests at an average of under 21. In fact, his record in England was even better, with 87 wickets coming at an average of just 19.34 in 14 Tests, including as many as 8 five wicket hauls. He put that success down to bowling with the Duke ball in England that, he explained, favoured seam bowling more than the Kookaburra used in Australia. “I have great memories playing against them in Aus-
tralia but also England,” he said. “The difference is the Duke cricket ball which feels different to the Kookaburra. It has a bigger seam and every time I have used it, I have averaged over six wickets per test and four for the Kookaburra. It does make a big difference. English conditions suited my style of bowling.” The leader of England’s attack in the series will be James Anderson, who only recently became the first English bowler to go past 400 Test wickets. Although Anderson averages a nonetoo-impressive 36.96 for his 77 wickets in 23 Tests against Australia, McGrath believes the statistics don’t paint the correct picture of his value to England. “He bowls better at home,” McGrath said. “He is a quality bowler but his stats don’t reflect how good he is. We will wait and see. If the ball is not swinging, I think James Anderson struggles a little bit. He needs that ball swinging and then gets reverse swing. If England are to be competitive, then Anderson will really need to put his hand up.”
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Eye injury forces Kieswetter retirement FIFA leads the field on pay
Craig Kieswetter (Getty Images) ESPNcricinfo - Craig Kieswetter, the England ODI and T20 wicketkeeper who was Man of the Match in the 2010 World T20 final, has announced his retirement following the eye injury he sustained last year. Kieswetter was struck in the face when a ball went between his helmet and grille when playing against Northamptonshire, breaking his nose and damaging his eye socket. He returned for two matches at the end of the 2015 season, then went to play T20 in South Africa, but struggled with the effects of the injuries. Earlier this year he said he would take this season off from playing for Somerset to try and make a full recovery but even at that stage admitted he may have to curtail his career. “After been given the opportunity to take some time off and step away from the game, I’ve come to the decision that wasn’t the easiest to make, yet I feel is the right one,” Kieswetter said. “Having gone through that experience of my eye injury and everything it entailed, I feel mentally I will never again be the player that I was.” “I have had a terrific career, with plenty of ups and
occasional downs, and I am calling time on my career and walking away with no regrets. “There are so many people that I am grateful to yet most importantly I need to thank my family, without whom nothing I have achieved would have been possible. Their sacrifices to help me to be able to achieve some fantastic success defines the importance of family. “I’d also like to thank Somerset for giving me the opportunity to play as a professional, to help mould me and for their loyalty. It is a club full of so many incredible people and with a great bunch of supporters. “I would especially like to thank Brian Rose, the former director of cricket who gave me my first contract at Somerset, Andy Hurry who was my first team coach and Darren Veness who helped to make me into what I am today. These three guys have been huge influences to me in my career.” Kieswetter played 46 ODIs for England and 25 T20s having made his international debut in February 2010 against Bangladesh. He scored a century in his third ODI, in Chittagong, and then became an integral part of the team which won the World
T20 in the Caribbean after Andy Flower made a late decision to partner him and Michael Lumb at the top of the order. Kieswetter made 63 off 49 balls in the final against Australia as England secured what remains their only piece of global silverware. His last involvement around an England squad was when he was called up as a replacement during the 2014 World T20 in Bangladesh. In first-class cricket he scored 5728 runs at 39.23 with 11 hundreds and in total also scored 11 hundreds in List A cricket. Guy Lavender, the Somerset chief executive, said: “This is awful news both for Craig and the club but we completely understand why he has come to this difficult decision. “Craig has made an immense contribution to the success of Somerset and England since joining us. His performances with the bat and gloves have been outstanding and have endeared him to all cricket fans, not just at Somerset but right across the globe.” Director of cricket Matthew Maynard said: “This is sad news for all concerned. Craig is a very popular member of the squad and has made a real impression on the club during his years here. He has been a major influence both on and off the field and will be missed by players, coaches, staff and fans alike. “At his best Craig was one of, if not the most explosive ‘keeper-batsman’ in the game. He is an extremely gifted cricketer who could win a game on his own. His record speaks for itself and the game will miss him. I would have loved to have worked with him this year but it just wasn’t to be.”
LONDON (Reuters) Football’s international administrators, like players on the field, are collecting salaries that outstrip most of their peers in other sports, and no less so than at FIFA, annual accounts from governing bodies show. Average pay and pension contributions for staff at Zurich-based FIFA, the global football federation which is caught up in a corruption scandal, was $242,000 (158,026 pounds) per employee last year. That puts staff at FIFA which benchmarks itself against far bigger private sector companies - among the best paid in Switzerland and within striking distance of one of the country’s private banks. Down the road in Geneva, pay averaged $177,000 in 2014 at UEFA, the European football federation. Cycling’s governing body, the UCI which is also based in Switzerland, paid employees around $108,000 per head in wages, pensions and social security in 2013, the most recent year for which figures were available. Payroll costs for staff at the London-based International Tennis Federation were almost $100,000 per head in 2013, around the same level as at the Dubai-based International Cricket Council. Only the International Olympic Committee (IOC) comes close to FIFA, where President Sepp Blatter announced this week he would resign after U.S. authorities charged several current and former officials for bribery and corruption. FIFA, which organises the World Cup tournament, says pay levels for top staff are transparent and fairly set in line with big international companies. However, they comfortably exceed those at many big Swiss companies the average staff cost for a dozen of the largest Swiss groups which publish pay data was $120,000, according to Reuters calculations. “That is an astounding statistic,” said Professor Leigh Robinson from the School of Sport at Scotland’s University of Stirling. “The difference between FIFA and those other companies is outrageous. It’s dreadful,” she added, saying that as a notfor profit organisation, FIFA should not benchmark itself against private sector companies. The Swiss group closest to FIFA’s pay levels that Reuters identified was private bank Julius Baer, where staff received an average $263,000 last year.
Members of the media stand in front of the FIFA headquarters during an extraordinary Executive Committee meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, May 30, 2015. (Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann) However, FIFA falls well short of one of the United States’ biggest payers, investment bank Goldman Sachs, where compensation and benefits were $373,000 per employee last year. TOP PAY FOR TOP MANAGEMENT The only sporting body which appears as generous as FIFA is the IOC, based in the Swiss city of Lausanne. In 2012, the last year for which the IOC published accounts, its average employee cost was $217,000, just behind the $221,000 paid at FIFA that year. Much of FIFA’s overall wage bill goes on top management, although even when this is stripped out, FIFA employees are better paid than staff at the other Swiss companies. FIFA breaks out payments to “Key management personnel”, which includes 25 members of FIFA’s Executive committee and 12 directors of the organisation. This group received $42 million in salary and pension contributions in 2014, although there is no disclosure on what any key manager including Blatter was paid. “FIFA’s top management salaries are decided by an independent body, the Compensation Sub-Committee. An independent benchmarking analysis demonstrated that the salaries are within the range of comparable international companies,” a FIFA spokesman said in a statement. According to its annual report, FIFA compares itself with two groups when setting pay. It looks at “the most important companies in the areas of communications, advertising, media and consumer goods” and firms with “a similar turnover”. In FIFA’s
case, that has been an annual $1.3 billion over the past four years. However, academics said the comparison with such private sector companies was misleading. For a start, FIFA has fewer than 500 staff, while the companies it compares itself with on pay may employ tens of thousands. While most big companies sell products and services that they themselves provide, FIFA makes money by selling TV rights to and sponsorship around matches that non-employees play. “FIFA doesn’t actually produce anything,” said Professor Simon Shibli, Professor of Sport Management at Sheffield Hallam University in northern England. “They are a legalised monopoly and much of the revenue that they generate is not actually down to the efforts and talents of the people who work for the organisation.” The FIFA spokesman denied his organisation simply benefited from the efforts of others. “FIFA works tirelessly and invest heavily,” he said. Robinson said money from the World Cup freed FIFA from the need to justify its expenses to member national federations, although she said the body was not unique in this respect. “Justification to members is something that’s really absent from most of our big sporting organisations at the moment,” she said. Shibli said things would be different if the benefits of TV rights and sponsorship flowed straight to the teams, and FIFA had to ask its members to fund the work it did. “If they had to survive on a subscription model, they would be a leaner meaner, more efficient machine,” he said.
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Australia win inside three days ESPNcricinfo - On Wednesday morning Australia began their defence of the Frank Worrell Trophy. By Friday evening they had retained it. Such is the nature of modern scheduling that a two-Test series was all Australia and West Indies could arrange. Such was the nature of the Roseau conditions that this abbreviated campaign began with an abridged match, won by Australia within three days. The third and final day began with West Indies on 25 for 2 and in danger of capitulating. They needed 145 more to make Australia bat again. Australia’s morning began perfectly when Darren Bravo was taken at mid-off by a diving David Warner off Josh Hazlewood for 5. But then came the complication: Marlon Samuels and debutant Shane Dowrich ground out the highest partnership of the Test. Their 144-run union threatened not only to take the match into a fourth day but to pull it out of Australia’s grasp and back into competitive territory. Only one wicket fell in each of the first two sessions. But then came the collapse. After tea West Indies lost
Shane Dowrich defends the ball, West Indies v Australia, 1st Test, Roseau, 3rd day, June 5, 2015 ©AFP their last six wickets for 27, set Australia a target of 47, and provided the rain and light held out, a three-day finish was on again. David Warner had no intention of coming back on Saturday. He thumped a four and a six off Jerome Taylor’s first over, then another six off Shannon Gabriel in the second over. Warner edged Taylor to slip for 28 with five runs still needed, but Steven Smith joined Shaun Marsh and finished the job within the first five overs of the innings, a
nine-wicket win satisfying the Australians ahead of the second Test in Jamaica. In the end it looked clinical, but there were times throughout the match that West Indies were in the contest. When they reduced Australia to 126 for 6 on the second day, they sent some nervous moments through the Australian camp. But the unbeaten 130 from debutant Adam Voges was the big difference, his work with the tail giving Australia a comfortable first-innings buffer.
Mitchell Starc finished with 4 for 28, West Indies v Australia, 1st Test, Roseau, 3rd day, June 5, 2015 ©Getty Images While Dowrich and Samuels were together there were also slivers of hope for West Indies. Both men were steady in the morning session before becoming more expansive after lunch. Within the space of three balls, Samuels lifted Nathan Lyon over mid-on for a four and a six, and his halfcentury came from his 115th delivery. Dowrich also cleared midon for a six off Lyon and brought up his fifty from his 153rd delivery with a pull for four off Mitchell Johnson. Soon, West Indies were back
into the lead. If Dowrich and Samuels could bat on, if they could set up a chase of 150 or 200 runs, who knows what might have happened. But it was not to be. Dowrich drove Hazlewood to a catching short mid-on for 70, and it signalled the beginning of the end. After tea, the wickets began to tumble. Jermaine Blackwood advanced, missed a low full toss from Lyon and was stumped by Brad Haddin, who failed to take the ball cleanly but kept his head well enough to complete the job. In the next
over, Samuels top-edged a pull off Johnson to Hazlewood at fine leg for 74, and it was all down to the wicketkeeper and bowlers. Denesh Ramdin chopped on off Lyon, Jerome Taylor was lbw for a golden duck to a Mitchell Starc inswinger, and a few overs later Starc finished the job by bowling Devendra Bishoo and Gabriel from consecutive deliveries. Jason Holder was left not out on 12, and Australia were left with the task of beating the cloud and bad light if they wanted an extra day off between matches. Warner made sure they did just that. All that was left was a Man-of-the-Match presentation for Voges on debut, and a reworking of weekend plans for the Dominican fans, who reasonably would have expected cricket in their country on Saturday and Sunday. By collapsing before tea on the first day having chosen to bat, West Indies set themselves behind from the start of this game. And it was an advantage Australia were never likely to give up. Scores: Australia 318 and 47 for 1 beat West Indies 148 and 216 (Samuels 74, Dowrich 70, Starc 4-28) by 9 wickets.
Hamilton fastest in second practice but crashes in rain BBC Sport - Lewis Hamilton set the pace and then crashed as Ferrari split the Mercedes in a rain-interrupted second practice session at the Canadian Grand Prix. Hamilton headed Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel despite kerbhopping the last chicane on what would have been his fastest lap. Vettel’s team-mate Kimi Raikkonen was also quicker than the second Mercedes of Nico Rosberg in fourth. When rain hit, Hamilton slid at the hairpin, breaking his front wing. It was the end of an upand-down day for the world champion, who set the pace in both sessions despite a spin at the hairpin in first practice and a bounce over the kerbs on his first flying lap on the super-soft tyres in the second session. Hamilton blamed the crash in the second session on his car aquaplaning - when the wheels float on water and the car cannot be controlled as he was braking. Hamilton’s crash dissuaded anyone else from doing any running as the rain grew heavier to the end of the
session. BBC F1 analyst Allan McNish said: “It has not been a clean run for Lewis and these are the sort of things than can affect a driver. Each one you can compartmentalise but when they add up you have to take a breath and reset, which he can do overnight.” Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said: “We wanted to do some clutch calibration and do some starts and just take it easy and this is how it ended. “I think he just aquaplaned on the front and then you remove a lot of water which is why the rear wheels were still turning. “I wouldn’t interpret too much into it. It is just one of those Fridays when it is difficult to get a lap together.” Wolff admitted that Ferrari’s pace on their racesimulation runs on a heavy fuel load before the rain hit was a concern. Wolff said: “On the long runs they were extremely fast and they need to be taken seriously.” Hamilton was 0.316 seconds quicker than Vettel on headline lap times, with
Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain reacts on the podium after placing third in the Monaco Grand Prix in Monaco May 24, 2015. (Reuters/Robert Pratta) Raikkonen just 0.06secs adrift of his team-mate and Rosberg 0.452secs slower than the world champion. The margin between Hamilton and Rosberg was similar to that in the first session, when they were first and
second quicker and more than 1.5secs clear of the Ferraris. The rain, which came 35 minutes into the session, led to a compressed period of running, with most teams trying both sets of tyres and fit-
ting in a short run on a race fuel load before the track the soaked. Mercedes - or at least Hamilton - appear to retain an edge on one-lap pace but the suggestion from Friday’s running was that an upgrade to their engine might have moved Ferrari into a more competitive position. The Italian team have used three of their permitted 10 remaining engine development ‘tokens’ on an upgrade to their combustion system. Insiders say that the improvement is worth about 15bhp in overall power. And their race simulation runs were very impressive, with Vettel complaining that he could run faster than Rosberg, who was running ahead of him on track. The lap times bore him out. Both Ferraris ran in the one minute 18-second bracket, with Vettel on the super-soft tyre and Raikkonen on the soft, while the Mercedes were in the one minute 19s. However, the gap between the two teams suggests that Ferrari may have been running on a lighter fuel
load. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “Ferrari look very strong on race-simulations. Either they put a little less fuel in their cars or they are seriously quick.” Behind the Mercedes and Ferraris, Lotus appear set for a strong weekend, with Pastor Maldonado in fifth place and Romain Grosjean in seventh, sandwiching the Williams of Valtteri Bottas. The Finn’s team-mate Felipe Massa was eighth ahead of the Red Bulls of Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo. Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg was 11th, ahead of the Sauber of Marcus Ericsson and Carlos Sainz’s Toro Rosso. The fastest McLarenHonda was only 15th in Fernando Alonso’s hands, the car 20km/h down on the straights compared to the Mercedes. The Spaniard’s team-mate Jenson Button was 18th, 0.508secs off Alonso’s pace. McNish said Button appeared to be struggling on corner entry with the McLaren.
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Heineken UEFA Final Viewing Party on at Gravity Lounge today Heineken’s Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League Final will be held today at 2:45pm and local distributors, Ansa McAl will host its annual grand viewing party at Gravity Lounge on Camp and Regent Streets. Customers across Guyana had the chance to take part in Foosball competitions at various bars in the Heineken UEFA Series to win tickets to the event today. Kwame Christian-McRae was one of the latest winners at Altitude Bar and Lounge, Sandy Babb Street, Kitty. Tickets will not be sold for the event today, which is scheduled to be a massive showdown in one of footballs
greatest Leagues. Patrons participated in Heineken promotions throughout Guyana to win tickets to the final viewing party today. “As we got closer to the final party more and more people were interested in the foosball contest and winning tickets to the event. I am very happy with the success of the promotion,” Heineken’s Brand Manager, Robert Hiscock told Kaieteur Sport. He stated that it was “nice to see” a large cross-section of society participating in the promotion. ”Seeing men and women alike challenging the Heineken representatives was a great experience for me,” Hiscock indicated.
“I personally love football and it gives me great pleasure to share that sentiment with Heineken customers in Guyana. As the sport continues to grow in our country I can only see the promotion becoming even bigger and better next year,” he added. According to the Heineken Brand Manager, as Barcelona and Juventas battle in the Champions League final, Heineken will be continuing its reward of customers at the final viewing party at Gravity Lounge. The purchase of buckets of Heineken gives patrons the chance to win prizes at the party scheduled to start at game time this afternoon.
Heineken models engage a participant in a foosball game Thursday night at Altitude Bar and Lounge, Sandy Babb Street, Kitty.
Scotiabank, GCB initiate Bank-player relationships on financial investments Scotiabank in collaboration with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) met with Cricket Guy Inc (CGI) contracted players yesterday at GCB boardroom, and disseminated valuable information relating to players’ financial planning. Scotiabank, the proud sponsors of West Indies Kiddy Cricket, started its operations in Guyana 1968 and the Caribbean since 1889, and today operates in more than 50 International countries. Scotiabank took time out to initiate Bank-player relationships on potential of financial investment tasked at enriching the life of the players. The interactive session saw Scotiabank personnel articulating the need for players to have disciplined investment procedures, through step by step financial planning processes, geared at enabling such players to attain their set futuristic goals. They emphasized that though these visionary plans may vary from individual to individual, early, careful and professional planning was apt to assist players in enhancing their socio-economic standing in society. Scotiabank personnel indicated that professional planning for areas such as studies, mortgage, marriage and the family (children’s education), retirement and unfortunate sudden situations were critical to the players’ holistic needs, and as such should be carefully and thoroughly examine by the players. As such, the players
(From left) Zainab Khan-Hemraj and Vonetta Payne (Scotiabank’s Relationship Officer), Adrian Fraser, Scotiabank’s Personal Banking Officer. were guided to take control of their present economic position to ensure favorable economic future. Vonetta Payne, Scotiabank’s Relationship Officer, outline a variety of important areas for players consideration, which included an honest opinion of what the players wanted from life, the essential need for players to become financially better off, guidance on developing traits to improve such financial capabilities, and measures that can be facilitated through Scotiabank in helping players attain their varying but set levels of financial stability and wealth. Zainab Khan-Hemraj, another of Scotiabank’s Relationship Officers, highlighted the role Scotiabank is willing to take to help players achieve financial prosperity. She pointed out, that as an individual life’s changes, so too are likely to be their plans.
She alluded to the fact, that unexpected financial gains, death of a spouse or relative and such unforeseen events were likely to stimulate essential adjustments to a person’s life. Prior and realistic economic planning was therefore, seen as the key to effectively dealing with such situations. As a consequence, she went through a number of possible options that are available at Scotiabank for players of varying income levels. Adrian Fraser, Scotiabank’s Personal Banking Officer highlighted the differential plans and facilities that are available at the Scotiabank for the players. These included the automatic savings plans, purchase of land and home builder loans, Government mortgage and existing procedures to receive credits and loan bonuses. Fraser along with the Payne and Khan-Hemraj also
clarified a number of the questions presented by players. Colin Stuart, the Territorial Development Officer of the Guyana Cricket Board, indicated that the initiative by Scotiabank in targeting the players’ holistic lives was indeed welcomed by the GCB. He opined that without careful and professional planning, players may very well complete their cricket careers without putting much energies to futuristic financial planning; as a result may not be adequately equip to deal with life after cricket. In this regard, the GCB finds this intervention by Scotiabank as invaluable – since it adds value to the existing cricket related programs conducted by the board that are geared at enhancing not only Guyana’s cricket but the life’s of individual players. Another session is being planned for all Academy 4 Tier players and others.
BERBICE ELATED WITH BISHOO’S BOWLING PERFORMANCE The Berbice Cricket Board has congratulated Devendra Bishoo on his outstanding bowling performance in the test match against Australia. In a release, the board said, “The board is always in support of Bishoo, just like all other cricketers, and was confident that whenever he is given another chance, he will do well. He is a hard working and committed cricketer. He is also very humble person and an excellent role model for our young cricketers. The board feels that in the first place Bishoo should
have never been dropped from the West Indies team but is happy that the selectors now see it fit to give him another chance. The BCB calls on the selectors to include his spin partner Veerasammy Permaul in the next test match. They bowl well together for Albion, Berbice and Guyana and sees no reason why they would not do the same at the test level for the West Indies.” The board added that the selectors missed a trick in dropping Permaul for the first test.
Guinness football on tonight at National Cultural Centre Tarmac With the commencement of action in the national playoffs to select a team to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Guinness Challenge Tournament scheduled to begin last night at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Demerara, the competition is set to resume this evening with eight more matches, at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac. The competiting teams are from Georgetown, Berbice, Linden, East Coast Demerara and West Bank/ West Coast Demerara. R e p r e s e n t i n g Georgetown are champion North Ruimveldt, Leopold
Street, Sparta Boss, Festival City, Globe Yard and West Front Road. Berbice is being represented by champion Manchester Boys and Unruly Gang, while Linden have reigning champion Amelia’s Ward Russians and Wisroc. The teams appearing for the East Coast Demerara are defending champs Beterverwagting ‘A’, Nabaclis and Melanie ‘B’, while West Bank / West Coast Demerara representatives are champion West Side Ballers, Showstoppers and Patentia Street Ballers.
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Wawrinka scorches Tsonga to reach French Open final PARIS (Reuters) Stan Wawrinka took on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and 15,000 of his most passionate fans and silenced them all to reach the French Open final for the first time with a 6-3 6-7(1) 7-6(3) 6-4 victory on Friday. Tsonga’s hopes of becoming the first Frenchman to win the title since Yannick Noah in 1983 melted away on the hottest day of the championships — with the mercury hitting 33 degrees Celsius — as Wawrinka won the points that mattered. The Swiss eighth seed lived dangerously throughout, saving 16 of the 17 break points he faced during the grueling three hour 46 minute contest, and was a mightily relieved man when he fired down an unreturnable serve to end the semi-final. His triumph was greeted with loud boos from sections of the crowd but Wawrinka cared little about being cast as the villain on a day when
he reached the second grand slam final of his career. “It was a big battle, it could have gone either way,” said the 2014 Australian Open champion who will face either Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray in Sunday’s final. “It went down to two or three points. He had opportunities to break me in the third set. As is usual against Jo, it’s been a very tough match. It was tough but I’m happy I got through.” Wawrinka should have guessed the kind of day he was in for when he faced three break points in the opening game of the semi — saving them all much to the despair of Tsonga and his roaring cheering squad. Tsonga was soon ruing all those wasted opportunities as he found himself a set and a break down at 4-3 in the second set. Trying to figure out where he was going wrong, Tsonga sat down and spent the entire changeover with his
eyes closed in deep meditation while Wawrinka tried to cool himself down with an iced collar and by pouring bottles of water over his head. The moved paid off for Tsonga as he soon had the roaring crowd on their feet when he broke to level at 4-4. The 30-year-old Frenchman went on to play an almost perfect tiebreaker, taking it 71 with an unreturnable serve. Wawrinka, who squandered seven of eight breakpoints he earned during the second set, was not about to suffer another letdown and went toe-to-toe with Tsonga in the third before going in for the kill in the fourth. He now hopes to join the likes of Mats Wilander and Ivan Lendl in completing the boys’-Musketeers’ Cup double at Roland Garros. “There are a lot of emotions playing another grand slam final, especially here at Roland Garros where I won the juniors title,” he said.
Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland celebrates after defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France during their men’s semi-final match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, June 5, 2015. (Reuters/Vincent Kessler)
Serena favourite to cough NBA says ‘no suggestion’ of FIFAup third French title style corruption in basketball PARIS (Reuters) Serena Williams is overwhelming favourite to win her third French Open today but after a tournament of surprises and an untimely bout of illness for the American, Czech Lucie Safarova will sense a rare opportunity. World number one Williams, 33, could not practise on Friday, still suffering from an illness that left her coughing and spluttering during her three-set semi-final win over Swiss Timea Bacsinszky. Thirteenth seed Safarova, meanwhile, warmed up for the biggest day of her career by winning the women’s doubles title alongside American partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Williams has laboured to the final, losing the first set in four of her six matches against opponents with an average world ranking of 67. Yet in a tournament where high seeds were scattered liberally by the Paris winds, she survived, showing the hunger to add to her 19 career grand slam singles titles is insatiable. Safarova, on the other hand, arrived in her maiden grand slam final without dropping a solitary set and her six opponents, including defending champion Maria Sharapova in the fourth round, had average rankings of 24. That is where the good news ends, though, for the 28year-old Czech whose six career titles are dwarfed by the
(Reuters) NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said on Thursday that the biggest scandal to ever hit soccer’s governing body will lead all sports federations to revisit how they do business. The corruption allegations swirling around FIFA over the last week could ultimately prompt changes at other governing bodies, but Silver was confident the International Basketball Federation, or FIBA, was transparent. “I’m sure that because of the investigation that’s now going on with FIFA that the other federations, not just FIBA, will all take a fresh look at how they do business, to ensure that everything is
USA’s Serena Williams celebrates during the semi final. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason CairnduffLivepic) 66 belonging to the woman who will be on the other side of the net on Saturday. She has lost all eight previous meetings with Williams, 16 of the 19 sets they have contested and the last time they met in a final, three years ago in Charleston, she lost 60 6-1. “It’s first time for me, so it’s kind of new,” Safarova told reporters. “I mean, Serena is number one in the world, a great player. I will just go there and play my game and obviously try to get the trophy.” The outcome, as it usually is when Williams is playing, will largely be decided by her
racket. If the American is fit and firing, it is hard to see lefthander Safarova being able to cope with her power and the occasion simultaneously. Williams, winner in Paris in 2002 and 2013, not only has another French Open crown to win, she also has Steffi Graf’s professional era record of 22 grand slam titles within reach. Should she win today she would be only two behind and with Wimbledon and the U.S. Open to come — a calendar year slam would start to look a distinct possibility.
done in the best possible way with the highest standards,” Silver told reporters before the opening game of the NBA Finals. “But we’re very confident in the way that FIBA is operating.” FIFA, was the target of a twin-pronged assault by the United States Department of Justice and the Swiss Attorney General’s office last week which saw the arrest of senior officials on a multitude of corruption charges. Sepp Blatter, the president of the Federation Internationale de Football Association, has not been charged and he was elected to a fifth four-year term last week but then unexpectedly
resigned on Tuesday. Silver, who took over at the helm of the National Basketball Association in February 2014 after David Stern retired following a 30-year stint, called FIBA a “very transparent organization” that has open board meetings and has their financials audited. “There’s been absolutely no suggestion that FIBA, our federation, as opposed to FIFA, has been tainted in any way by corruption,” said Silver. “There’s never been a discussion in our sport of any of the sort of taint that we’re seeing right now in FIFA. I mean, we’re going to take a close look at it.”
Eight annual Guyana Cup horserace meet set for Sunday 16th August Over $30M up for grabs The eight annual Guyana Cup Horserace meet, which arguably is the biggest sporting event in Guyana for the year, is set for Sunday 15th August 2015 at the Port Mourant Turf club beginning at 12:00hrs. Known as the ‘Sport of Kings’ Horseracing is being dubbed as the number one sporting event in the country with by far the largest prize money on offer for any sport in the country. Thus the Jumbo Jet conglomerate and
friends are offering big winnings for the races. The full programme has not been released, however there are nine races on the days programme with the feature event being for hoses classified ‘A’ and lower. The top Jockey along
with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be rewarded for their performances. The coordinator is Nasrudeen ‘Jumbo Jet’ Mohammed Jr. A grand launching ceremony is expected to be held shortly. (Samuel Whyte)
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Guinness to bring football icon Marcel Desailly to Jamaica for Caribbean Challenge Final The Guinness Street Football Challenge Caribbean finals set to take place on June 27-28 will see a special appearance by Guinness ‘Made of More’ ambassador and former French international football star Marcel Desailly. The renowned footballer is well-known as a member of the enigmatic French football team which won FIFA World Cup in 1998, as well as the European Championship in 2000. The professional footballer popular for his unique style and combination of defensive, physical and mental skills, was also included in 2004 as one of the world’s greatest living players on the ‘FIFA 100’ list of notable footballers compiled by famous Brazilian football
legend, Pele. Speaking ahead of his appearance in the island Desailly in sharing his excitement commented on the brilliant initiative by Guinness to incorporate players, community members and lovers of Guinness into one event, “Whether you are playing, supporting your community or just coming out to enjoy the entertainment, this is a fantastic initiative of Guinness that has been growing year after year and something I’m so delighted to be involved in”. “I can’t wait to see what the Caribbean has to offer. Come support your team, your community and enjoy Guinness responsibly”, he added.
Pan American Boxing Trials
Guyanese boxers, Delon Charles and Dewani Lampkin fail to qualify Guyanese boxers suffered a jolting blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Pan American Boxing Championships, slated for Toronto Ontario Canada in early July, when two of them registered unfortunate losses on the first day of the qualifying championships in Tijuana Mexico last Thursday evening. Delon Charles (56kgs) and Dewani Lampkin (60kgs) were early casualties after surrendering their respective bouts to Tafari Ebanks (Cayman Islands) and Kevin Luna (Guatemala). Blake said that he was somewhat disappointed by the turn of events. He lauded the efforts of both of the boxers and even hinted that they had done enough to gain the nod. However, Blake said that he has identified some flaws in the boxers’ armory that is in need of urgent attention. “Ebanks’ approach to the fight and the way he applied his game plan might have been the decisive factor in the judges awarding him the bout,” Blake suggested. He admitted that there is
a need to rearrange the training applications so that the local boxers should derive a firmer understanding of just what is necessary in the international arena as against the local scene. Blake also sees a need for Guyanese boxers to venture outside of their comfort zone locally and seek international exposure. “Just imagine the Trinidadians had travelled to Cuba to participate in their championships during their preparations yet they (Trinidadians) lost three fights on the first night,” said Blake. He pointed out that local boxers were restricted to competition around the Caribbean with Thomas being the only boxer to have travelled further afield (Chile, Kazakhstan and French Guiana). He said that he upon his return to Guyana plans to have discussions with the executive of the GBA with an aim of engaging government officials to improve the lot of local boxers in future championships. Meanwhile, Blake said that Guyana’s final hopes of qualifying now rest with Thomas and Phillips. Both pugilists were scheduled to box last evening; Phillips will face off with Nelsom Diaz, while Thomas will oppose Aron Prince. They are the last hope of Guyana earning a place in Toronto Ontario Canada. Those results will appear in a subsequent edition.
Marcel Desailly
The former Champions League and FIFA World Cup winner will be joined by five
times Guinness World Record Holder and world renowned professional football
freestyler, Daniel Cutting. Now in its fifth year, the Guinness Street Football Challenge represents a fusion of the passion for football and entertainment at the grass-roots level where consumers across the Caribbean are given a chance to show in true Guinness style, how they are ‘Made of More’. Meanwhile, Gareth Geddes, Sales & Marketing Manager Guinness Caribbean & Central America, noted that over the last few months countries across the Caribbean have seen tremendous bouts of scrimmagestyle skill and play, as country finalists emerge from the battles between hundreds of teams. The challenge comes to
the streets of Kingston, Jamaica and will see ten teams from the Caribbean vie for a chance to play for the pride of their country and to be crowned the Guinness Street Football Champion. The ten teams will represent Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts, Aruba and newcomers Haiti. Guinness promises that the event will showcase over two days, nothing short of a thrilling spectacle of flair and style reflecting the culture of the Caribbean streets to the hundreds of spectators expected in attendance and thousands of viewers across the Caribbean.
Warriors beat Cavs in Game One OT thriller (Reuters) The Golden State Warriors, led by the league’s Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry, drew first blood in the best-of-seven NBA Finals with a thrilling 108-100 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One on Thursday. Curry put the Warriors ahead at 102-98 in extra time with two pairs of free throws before Harrison Barnes made it 105-98 with a three-pointer at a raucous Oracle Arena in Oakland, and there was no way back from there for Cleveland. “We were able to scrap tonight,” Curry said courtside after the Warriors outscored the Cavaliers in shooting from the field by 44.3 percent to 41.5 with five of their players getting into double digits. “The three-pointer in the corner (by Barnes) opened the game up and they scored just two points in overtime, that’s huge.” The score was tied at 9898 with 31.9 seconds left in regulation before Curry was denied a layup by a superb block from behind by Kyrie Irving, then LeBron James missed a jump shot for the Cavaliers with only 3.6 seconds remaining. Curry had a team-high 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting while James weighed in with 44, his most ever in a Finals game, in a losing cause as the Cavaliers were outscored 102 in overtime. Asked how his team had coped with the offensive threat posed by James, who is back in the NBA Finals for a fifth consecutive year, Curry replied: “These guys stick to the game plan. We know what
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates a scoring play during a time out against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the overtime period in game one of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) he is about and what he’s capable of. “Our guys guarded him all night and made it tough on him. This is a long series.” James also added eight rebounds and six assists while big center Timofey Mozgov contributed 16 points for Cleveland. Adding further concern for Cleveland, however, was the sight of their inspirational All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving limping off the court during overtime after an awkward fall. Irving had been in dazzling form for his team at both ends of the court with 23 points, seven rebounds and four steals. With James sparking the offense and Tristan Thompson spearheading a stifling defense, the Cavaliers initially outshot the Warriors from the floor and they streaked 14 points in front before ending the first quarter with a 29-19 lead. Marreese Speights, off the bench, and Curry, who poured in a couple of threes,
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against the defense of Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9). (Kyle TeradaUSA TODAY Sports) inspired a stirring fightback in the second quarter as Golden State twice moved five points ahead before Cleveland took a slender 51-48 advantage into halftime. A running bank shot by Irving early in the third gave
the Cavaliers a seven-point cushion but the Warriors, roared on by increasingly vocal fans, clawed back to end the quarter tied at 73-73, and set up a gripping finale. Game Two is tomorrow in Oakland.