Monday June 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news...Letters... Where your views make the news
This govt. will have to proceed with patience, persistence and an understanding DEAR EDITOR, It surely warms my heart to hear one of the more aggressive campaigners on the PPP/C’s list of candidates now railing against the process of bringing to book persons who were less than stellar performers in their occupation during the last regime. This particular individual while on the platform at Station Street, Kitty, openly called the leadership of the APNU-AFC coalition old vagabonds and other names intended to denigrate and humiliate. Now to try to equate a subordinate being compelled to do unethical things in order to survive in a job with unprincipled, enthusiastic character assassination is simply asking too much even of the most naïve in this nation. I think that the prospect of being evicted from Echillibar Villas would daunt the most unrepentant of sinners at this time. Some people have the unmitigated gall to refer to a promise made by those “vagabonds” not to witch hunt, conveniently forgetting that the word of a vagabond is worthless.
One character who refused the coalition’s request for equal opportunity to get its message across to the nation is now howling about unfairness; while another who proclaimed BharratJagdeo as Guyana’s best president is falling all over himself to retain his “prestigious position” as head of a state entity. Editor, I wager that if perchance the government offers that individual a subordinate position to someone he would have lorded over in the past, he would decamp to Canada so quickly that the sound barrier would be seriously challenged. I would like to remark on the media report that the Minister of Public Security is satisfied with the rationale offered by the Commissioner of Police on the impending transfers while saying that he also consulted with the deputies of the Police Force. My only caution to Minister Ramjattan is that he widens his circle of consultants, since not being familiar with the nuances of the organization he is more than likely to accept at face value anything which sounds
GGMC has failed... From page 4 We the residents would like to make a few recommendations: 1. A website or mail box should be made available where vital information can be passed on (there is much to be shared). 2. A keener look into accountability and transparency. 3. A timely manner in which responses are obtained when needed from GGMC and other government ministries (responses are never or rarely given.) As soon as the honeymoon period is over and the dust is settled, we would like for this Administration to address our problems .This matter of Landlordship is causing much problem to us the residents. It’s greatly affecting our ability to provide adequately for our families. We are also willing to visit as a group and share our grievances. There is much to tell. Residents of Kurupung
reasonable coming from limited contacts. I offer him my best wishes and await more information on how he intends to transform the police force with the same people in the leadership bent on doing the same things in the same ways and hoping to achieve different results. On the vexing question of stolen assets, all Guyanese are understandably concerned about the billions of dollars misappropriated by the Jagdeo-Ramotar governments. This government will have to proceed with patience, persistence and an understanding of international legal processes if it is to be successful in locating and retrieving our stolen assets. I do not think that anyone can reasonably argue against using the necessary resources to pursue misappropriated wealth. Among the sources of questionable wealth are the Treasury, the awarding of fictitious contracts, and through inflated contracts where bribes were paid. We will need to tap into the legal infrastructure of those countries where that corrupt cabal has hidden their illgotten wealth and as a stopgap measure freeze those accounts. In that regard there is an urgent need for international co-operation between governments, as well as between the public and private sectors Edmund Syfox
It is not about witch-hunting
DEAR EDITOR, As an avid reader of your newspaper, I would be very grateful for the opportunity afforded to make a contribution in your letter column. I do commend the APNU/AFC coalition team, supporters and all who voted which enabled the downfall of the PPP/C regime at the 2015 elections. The voices of the people have spoken loud and clear and have given the mandate to President David Granger and team to bring about decency to a depraved form of governance practiced by the PPP/C. We the majority of the electorate have fired the PPP/ C president and all his cabinet ministers who would have abused their offices in an arrogant and callous manner. Indeed it is now time to fire all those Heads of Departments and their cronies who also would have abused their positions to further their personal aggrandizement, to incestuously promote the interest of family, friends and their associates. It is not about witchhunting but the prerequisite for good governance requires that it is important to eradicate malignant officials who gleefully used their offices as a destructive weapon in a reprehensible and evil manner upon the innocent thus causing untold terror, hardship and sufferings to many. These individuals were allowed to unleash their unbridled authority to abuse, victimize, marginalize, discriminate and dismiss workers in an arbitrary, unilateral and illegitimate
manner without due process and regard for the victims’ well-being and welfare. They never took into consideration that the aggrieved persons have family and other financial commitments too before putting them on the breadline. They were also culpable of using their offices to target and persecute individuals who were not in their favour in a selective, prejudicial, vindictive and unjustifiable manner whilst at the same time allowed persons to cheat the system. The people have finally awakened from their deep slumber and are now demanding fairness, justice, accountability and transparency. Yes!!! God never sleeps. The voice of the people is indeed the voice of God. I would like to highlight the trend of highhandedness, bureaucracy and autocracy at the top of the ladder at the GRA. Recently, a female staff stationed in the Tax Exemption and Verification Unit of the Guyana Revenue Authority was transferred forthwith because she rightly inquired about a signature on a CG Letter, since that signature differed from the usual signature and no circular was issued to inform staff of such a change. These violations, abuse and infringements upon workers rights are pervasive
and widespread with no recourse for justice since these officials have ultimate authority and dictate to their subordinates what decisions to take. The method of administration is well known where they use vile threats to intimidate staff into fear and subservience and bullied into compliance. Depraved and unlawful policies and hidden perverted agendas are fostered upon staff under duress. I am deeply concerned that certain officials whose annual income is approximately twenty four million dollars annually ($24,000,000.00) do not pay income tax on their salaries yet they hound down the masses to pay from their hard earned salaries. This is not only paradoxical but a clear case of double standards, hypocrisy, discriminatory and ‘chastism’. It is time that those earning super salaries contribute their rightful share to the national coffers. To compound matters, whenever there is a salary increase by the Government, these super salaried workers derive the most benefits and account for a large slice of the payout. This is definitely unfair, burdensome and untenable. This policy should be reviewed whereby there should be a wage freeze for certain categories of workers based upon their super salaries. J. Ward
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Kaieteur News
Monday June 08, 2015
Minister Broomes sweeps Bartica - human trafficking raid nets 29
The women as they were about to board the boat for Georgetown By Sunita Samaroo By day, eleven of them slept on small bunk-beds in rooms that hardly left space for walking around; their clothes still kept in suitcases, and their lines of six-inch stilettos each hung neatly on their bed frames. As many as six women would be cramped together, sharing a single bedroom in the three-bedroom upper flat of a nondescript two-storey house located on one of the quieter, more remote avenues of the small Region Seven community. The house, bare of furnishings, had no television and the halls hung bare except for a moth-eaten mattress lying on the floor. The only seeming luxury in the living quarters was an airconditioning set. Their ‘boss,’ a Brazilian national lived just beneath them in an equally small apartment but he was afforded more luxuries: a flat screen television set, a wardrobe, air-conditioning set and other amenities. But as night came, they would get ready for ‘work’
together and by 22:00 hours they would be decked out in the most revealing of outfits. With long flowing black hair down their backs and clothes showing their skin, vehicles would pull up and without much ado the Latino women would come out of their home and pile in, heading to ‘work’. This ‘work’ wasn’t far away as Bartica is a relatively small community located in Region Seven. In the bars, they stood all night taking orders from patrons and suspicion is that they were also engaged in other activities. A short distance away, a similar operation was in its start up stages but that came to a halt early yesterday morning as the Counter Trafficking in Person Unit of the Ministry of Social Protection and the Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation (GWMO) raided their homes and the two business entities, as part of an investigation into human trafficking. Heading the operation was internationally recognised Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Hero and
recently appointed Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes. As the team scoured Bartica, two bars/hotels on First Avenue, Bartica and the homes of the girls were raided. A number of women Brazilians, Columbians, Venezuelans and Dominica Republicans and about three men were taken into custody. In all, authorities found 29 foreign nationals living under suspicious circumstances from the various locations. Investigators are looking at the possibility that some of the women were being trafficked to Guyana and exploited, and being controlled by some Brazilian business people, including one who was previously charged with five counts of human trafficking. The early morning raids were done on the Platinum Inn International Hotel and Bar and Top Notch Bar, located on separate ends of First Avenue, Bartica, Essequibo River. The alleged victims are between the ages of 20 and 30. This is even as investigators found that four of the total had entered Guyana illegally and four had overstayed their time. After enduring a night of interrogation at the Bartica Police Station, they were taken to Georgetown for further investigations. Broomes remarked that there has been a trend of women being recruited from the Dominican Republic, but it had gone unnoticed by officials in the past.
The room where some of the women stayed Of the six from the Dominican Republic that were ‘rescued’, three were sisters, she said. The proprietor of one hotel was flagged by the GWMO as he was being observed for years. Also, women who had worked in one of Georgetown’s most popular strip clubs were among those netted in Bartica. “There are also persons from (name of entity provided) here now and we have noticed a shift in how it is being run. We got that information of his connection internationally and that also is proving right because for example, one of the young ladies arrived from the Dominican Republic yesterday,” Broomes said. According to the Junior Minister, one of the women arrived on these shores on Friday and was already in Bartica and working by Saturday night. “She was sent directly to him (the proprietor). We were also informed that he would normally train them.” The operation, she said, was based on information received. “We’ve been dealing with human trafficking for all these years and I’ve never felt this way. I was never on a raid where I was protected by the police,” she said as she showered the ranks with praise. She revealed that collaboration was being done with the Ministry of Public
Security as well. Broomes made clear that she is on a mission, as Junior Minister, to bring Guyana to a decent state internationally where human trafficking is concerned and reduce the tier rate the country has over the years been bestowed with by the United States. “These are some of the things that I will definitely take on. I’ve been there. I know where to find it. I know what to look for,” the Junior Minister remarked. Broomes said that one of the alleged female perpetrators was scheduled to open her bar that night, but was seemingly alerted of the operation and was able to clean up her act. “We knew that she brought in 18 girls into the Region to open a bar tonight here in Bartica.” During the operation, the Junior Social Protection Minister assured the detained women that the government had nothing against them, but was trying to protect them. She said they wanted to ensure that they are here of their own free will and are not being coerced into anything. “Their passports belong to them because they did not have their passports. (Name provided) who owns the building, he was the person with their passports.” This raised a major red flag for investigators.
“The investigations need to go very far. That is how we are going to deal with human trafficking, if you came here for a job, where are you working? Do you have a pay sheet? Do you pay taxes? Is anybody paying your insurance? You have a work permit?” She said it is imperative for the Government to know what has been attracting the foreign women to come here even as they sometimes find themselves being trafficked. She assured that the investigation will be thorough. “We have to make our analysis and put systems in place,” Broomes said. The Junior Minister was honored by the United States (US) as one of its International Heroes in the fight against human trafficking. Meanwhile, Head of the GWMO’s TIP Unit, Marina Charles remarked that that had been the biggest raid ever conducted. “We always feel that people are supposed to be free in whatever they are doing. They should be able to move around as they would like to. People should not be controlling people, that’s one of the things that we are against.” “We will continue to fight,” said Charles as she added that the goal was to see human trafficking being completely eradicated from this country.
Monday June 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Keith Burrowes steps MAN GUNNED DOWN down from GO-Invest OUTSIDE SOPHIA SHOP - Business Minister to change culture of political interference in the investment agency By Kiana Wilburg Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Keith Burrowes, has decided to throw in the towel, saying that he has had it with the unwarranted criticisms from some quarters. He said that many, particularly the businessmen of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) seem to be too preoccupied with throwing stones rather than offering suggestions on how the agency can be improved. Go-Invest is a government agency which provides advice and concessions when necessary to investors, who are looking for the best way to start a business in Guyana. It also enables entrepreneurs from around the globe to tap into the wealth of trade and investment opportunities available in the country. Burrowes, in an interview with this newspaper last night, said that his decision to hit the road was made primarily on comments circulating in the media that he is perceived as a “political appointee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).” Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin, is also reported as saying that there is the perception of crucial problems plaguing the entity and he is determined to rectify these, even if it means reshuffling senior management. Burrowes said that he agrees with the Minister’s comments and as such, will do the “good thing by stepping down.” “I am happy that the new government has taken this
Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin
Go-Invest Head, Keith Burrowes
position that there will also be no more political interference and political appointments in GO-Invest. But I would like to say that we are an organization that carries out its work regarding promoting investments in Guyana. We do our work.” But Burrowes took offence to some of the statements made recently by some members of the PSC during a recent meeting with President David Granger. “I keep hearing them (PSC members) say how they want to see Go-Invest revamped but I have some questions for them. Why they never prepared a list of suggestions to give to the government as to how the agency can be developed instead of merely casting stones? These statements uttered by the so called PSC come from a few recycled persons or all their members too? “ said Burrowes. The Go-Invest leader said that he would be happy if the businessmen in the PSC who
had help from the investment agency would be so kind as to say how they were able to get certain concessions. “In fact, I am looking at one right now,” he added. But this is not the first time the Go-Invest CEO lashed out at the PSC which has been critical of the entity for several years for its failure to contribute significantly towards Guyana’s economic growth. Burrowes had challenged the “critics” of the business society to state publicly, what are their grievances with the entity. He had said that their “grumblings” would be in stark contrast to his Client Survey which ranks the entity’s performance highly. But the PSC is yet to take up his public challenge. Even though Burrowes said that the agency has been doing its work, he admitted that more can be done. Burrowes in this vein, said, “You know I have been (Continued on page 24)
Career criminal Colin Kendall was shot 15 times outside a shop in North Sophia last night by a group of armed men in a white car. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. A bystander, identified as 50-year-old Keith Chester otherwise known as “Ruben Nedd,” was wounded in the execution-style attack. His brother, Otis James told this newspaper that his brother is a father of three and known in the village to be a quiet and courteous person. “He was just sitting in front of his house when this horrible incident happened. He has a stand in front of his house but he got shot by accident. The doctors told me that the bullet lodged in the side of his lower stomach but he was in a stable condition and is currently undergoing surgery. My brother said that when the men in the white vehicle pulled up and started shooting, everyone just tried to run for cover,” James said. The slain man’s mother, June Watts of North Sophia, said that she was at home when a boy came to her residence and informed her
- Mother says, “He was a good boy” that her son was just shot. “I can’t say why he was shot. He was at the shop liming and I went to the scene and after that a big man come and help me get a car and I come to the hospital. When we come to the hospital they said he dead.” Asked if she is aware that her son is known to the police Watts said, “Could be, could be not. I don’t know. He was picked up by the police for different things they were claiming and then it turn out to not be true and they had to loose him. But I can’t say what they use to pick him up for because he never use to be around me, is only the other day he start living with me.” She said that her son helps her sell water and had no problem recently with anyone that she is aware of.
The mother insisted that she is not aware of what happened. She told Kaieteur News that her son was a “respectful and loving son.” “He was a good boy,” she added. But persons in the area accused Kendall of raping a young lady but Watts said that she has no knowledge of that. One of the eyewitnesses at the hospital said that they believe that Kendall “troubled the wrong person.” “He is a known thief in the area and his mother knows that too. When the guys pulled up they said it was f**king payback and start shooting up. He interfered with the wrong person this time.” In April 2011, Kendall had appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry at Continued on page 23
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Kaieteur News
Monday June 08, 2015
Monday June 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
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WHAT HAPPENED TO THOSE BROWN ENVELOPES EACH WITH US$40,000? The ongoing investigation into alleged bribery and racketeering in FIFA is heating up. This weekend further details have emerged about the US$10M in wire transfer payments made to the CONCACAF, payments which the South African Football Federation is insisting were to finance an African Diaspora Football Development Programme and not a bribe to win support for that country’s bid to host the World Cup in 2010. Further allegations are now arising in relation to the bid for the hosting of the 2010 World Cup. It is now been alleged that monies were demanded as bribes for Morocco. Monies were also alleged to have been solicited from another African country. Many people believe that the present investigation into corruption within FIFA is part of a plot by the Americans to attempt to deny Russia hosting the next World Cup in 2018. Those who are of this view have pointed to what they see as the belated actions of the Americans in
going after those who were alleged to have been involved in these actions. Whether the Americans have a political agenda or not should not detract however from what has to be seen as campaign over the past few years to clean up sport. From penalizing those who use performance enhancing drugs to investigating fraud and corruption with the sporting world, the past few years have seen successful attempts by the Americans to clean up the image of sports. This investigation into FIFA therefore can legitimately be seen as part of the overall efforts by the Americans to weed out unfair practices and corruption in the sporting world. The FBI investigation may well reach Guyana. Many years ago, there was a report that brown envelopes, each containing US$ 40,000 were shared out at a CONCACAF meeting in the Caribbean. This column had urged for an investigation into whether any Guyanese official had accepted the
payments offered and if so what became of that money. Nothing was heard of this matter but you can bet the Americans have not forgotten this and will most likely send the FBI to look into this matter which can throw local football into further turmoil. What is instructive about the current investigation is the length of time that it took. The American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is not short of investigative resources. In fact, the FBI may have far more resources at its disposal than any other law enforcement agency in the world. Yet it has taken it this long to meet the stage where they can unseal indictments. That is something that Guyana needs to take note of. There are many persons in Guyana who are egging the new government to move swiftly against certain members of the former administration who they were led to believe were up to their necks in corruption and racketeering. The new government when it was in opposition had
Dem boys seh...
Some people don’t want to see empty seat in Parliament Parliament gun start Wednesday and at least one party done put in de names of de people it want in Parliament. De Pee Pee Pee prepare it list but it ain’t send it in yet because Rohee seh that when de party think is time then it gun send in de list. Dem boys remember when Desmond and he party had to move from de east of de Parliament to de west. After 28 years of sitting one place is not nice to move to de other side and got people talking down to you. That is why de party that lose does pick young people who never had to sit down pun de other side. De old ones does shame to go back into Parliament. And to mek thing worse is when de man who was de opposition leader is now de President and he got to deliver de address to open de Parliament. Donald can’t tek that suh de party believe that de best thing is to miss that part of de Parliament. Some people can’t tek de shame. But dem got nuff others. Lisbet gun get she chance and if Donald ain’t go she could lead de House although dem boys seh that Rohee
wouldn’t stand fuh that. Whatever de case, some people begging Donald fuh send in de list because dem got to get pay. Dem boys seh that dem had people who run and join de party because dem believe that dem woulda cash in on de money that was sharing around. Well that money dry up because Soulja Bai put a clamp pun all of that. De only money that deh round is legal money. But that don’t mean that Soulja Bai ain’t put he people fuh find out wheh illegal money disappear to. Is
another story when dem boys find that money and decide to seize it. Nuff people gun cry and de other set gun be glad fuh de pay that dem gun get in Parliament. Gail gun got to find another source fuh give she de million dollar a month phone credit. In fact, dem boys seh that she stop using de phone since de elections come and gone. And Kwame? People want to know if he dead or alive. Talk half and help dem boys find some missing people.
promised to clean up the government. Many are waiting expectantly to see the hammer drop on certain individuals. Corruption cases are the hardest to prove. If the corruption involves kickbacks, this makes it more difficult because in this instance you would need whistleblowers and cooperating witnesses. From reports as to how the FBI made its case, it seems as if they began their investigation by targeting a top official of CONCACAF. They then offered him a deal to either face charges or to cooperate in their investigation. He reportedly cooperated by wearing a wire which has allowed the Americans to gather further information. Still it took the best resourced investigative arm in the world five years to reach this stage of indictment. Closer to home, the Patrick Manning Administration deposed the Basdeo Panday government in 2001. It immediately launched a forensic audit of a
number of government projects, including the Piarco Airport Development Project. As part of that investigation a special auditor from overseas was flown in to undertake the forensic audit. Charges were subsequently laid against a number of persons. That case has been going on for an eternity with so end in sight. A law was even passed to place a time limit on how long a case could last. Thus if a case went on for more than seven years without a decision, the defendants could go free. The law, later referred to as the Section 34 controversy, was passed. But the Americans who had by this time filed their own charges in the United States against persons connected with this case, protested and the very opposition party which has helped passed the law, took to the streets to protest the very law that they helped passed. Sounds a little bit like Guyana does it not? It takes a long time and a lot of money to investigate corruption. Many people are
complaining about the cost of the Rodney Commission of Inquiry. Oddly enough, the Linden Commission of Inquiry also cost a fortune even though most of the Commission was comprised to local jurists. But that is how politics works in Guyana. With all due respect to the auditors in Guyana, I believe that overseas assistance would be necessary to undertake the kind of forensic audits that would be needed to derive evidence that could lead to prosecution. I doubt whether Guyana would be able to afford international auditors seeing that even the government is complaining about the cost of the Rodney Commission of Inquiry. These things cost money and they take time. People want certain persons behind bars, but they must understand that investigations take time and cost money. That time and money most governments believe should be better spent on other things.
Monday June 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Former police informant says…
South Road trio was executed It was just last week that National Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan made it clear that all rogue cops will be rooted out from the Guyana Police Force. While he has made a great start towards fulfilling this mandate, there’s still much more work to be done. For starters, he should listen to what a former police informant has to say about an alleged “killing machine” within the Guyana Police Force. That man is Lennox Wayne, who recently told police officials about an alleged murder plot, which appeared to implicate a member of the Force. Wayne, who is now incarcerated, awaiting trial for the murder of Lusignan Cosmetologist, Ashminee Harrryram, has once again bared his soul on several operations he participated in with a particular group of cops, describing killings that he say should lead to their prosecution. One such operation resulted in the deaths of three young men on South Road, outside the K&VC international Hotel on October 12, 2013. On that night, cousins Jermaine Canterbury, 21, and Mark Anthony Joseph, called ‘Two Grand’, 19 and Romario Gouveia, 19, all residents of Albouystown, were shot during what police said was a shootout near the K&VC Hotel. The cousins died soon after the shooting, while Gouveia, who had a gunshot wound to the jaw, died suddenly two days later. Police and civilians had given conflicting versions of the shooting, with police claiming that the trio was planning a robbery and shot at them, and eyewitnesses claiming that the youths were unarmed. Then Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell, responding to the conflicting reports, had called for persons who claimed to have witnessed the shooting to provide the police with this information. But while investigations into the matter were conducted by the Force’s Office of Professional
Responsibility, it would seem that the ranks were cleared of any wrongdoing. The police had stated that acting on information about a planned robbery on an occupant of the K&VC Hotel, South Road, Georgetown, police ranks staked out the building on the night in question. At around 20:30hrs, ranks observed the occupants of a car, bearing registration number PPP 8539, drive up and stop in Alexander Street. According to the police, three men exited the vehicle and proceeded towards the K&VC Hotel. “The police challenged the men who opened fire on them, and the ranks returned fire. During the exchange of gunfire, Jermaine Canterbury called “Chow”, 21, of Hogg Street, Albouystown and Mark Anthony Joseph called “Two Grand”, 19, also of Hogg Street, Albouystown, were fatally shot. Mario Gouveia, 19, of James Street, Albouystown, was shot and injured to his face and is a patient under guard at the GPHC,” the police had told the Guyanese public. They said that they recovered an unlicensed .32 revolver with two live rounds and one spent shell, and an unlicensed .38 snub-nose revolver with three live rounds and three spent shells. A photograph released to the media also showed a wig, which police said they recovered from one of the suspects. The Force also ensured that they disclosed that all of the men had brushes with the law and provided details of their previous incarceration and subsequent release from prison. But Lennox Wayne is painting a different picture, a picture that points to a cold blooded execution of the three ex-convicts. In a recorded statement sent to this newspaper, Wayne claimed that he had
Romario Gouveia played a major role in the entire set up. “It deh all over de place that I carry dem men and set dem up fuh de police shoot dem,” he stated. Wayne said that after serving 10 years in prison for robbery, he struck up a close relationship with several ranks of a police anti-crime unit, and provided them with information on criminal activities. Wayne could not say if his relationship with the unit was known to the hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force. Recalling the events of October 12, 2013, Wayne said that he had orchestrated the arrest of a man named Shawn who was found in possession of a shotgun in Leopold Street. He said that three ranks from the unit (names given) took the suspect to the Brickdam Police Station where he was detained. He said that later that day, a known armed robbery suspect, with whom he shared a friendship, contacted him on his cellular phone, telling him that he was going on a robbery. The man had no idea that Wayne was an informant. This information was relayed to one of the ranks on the anti crime unit, who told him to “play along” with the would-be robbers so that they could obtain the time and
Jermaine Canterbury called “Chow”
Mark Anthony Joseph called “Two Grand”
place for the robbery. It was Wayne who advised them that they should target the K&VC Hotel, since that was where he wanted to lure them for the police to apprehend them. He said that he relayed all the relevant information to the police squad, which immediately went into action. “They (police) went and change vehicle and get heavy weapons, because when they come out earlier they just had the normal small arms,” Wayne said. “They say they going fuh tek away de men dem gun. Me ain’t expect dem fuh shoot de people children,” he added. Wayne said that while the police were getting into position, the gang of would be robbers which consisted Jermaine Canterbury, Mark Anthony Joseph and Romario Gouveia, picked him up in a car and took him to the South Road hotel. According to Wayne, Romario Gouveia was dropped off at the nearby Camp Site restaurant, while Joseph and Canterbury came off outside the hotel and stood under a tree on the southern side of the road.
He said that he went into the hotel and after identifying himself to the staff there, he told them that he was part of a police operation to catch a gang of criminals. Wayne stated that as he was exiting the building, Canterbury and Joseph began approaching him. It was then that the police ranks who were in their unmarked Toyota Mark II pulled up and all hell broke loose. “After he see de bright light from de car shine, Chow (Canterbury) put up he hand, he had he cell phone in he hand and dey shoot he in he back. (Named cop) jump out and shoot de next one (Joseph), dey just start to spray,” the informant revealed. Both men fell to the ground and the cops stood over them and pumped bullets into their heads, Wayne said. He said that Gouveia, the other would be bandit, who was standing at the corner, saw what was taking place and began running. Another policeman (name given) chased after him, and the youth jumped into the South Road trench.
The policeman eventually got him to come out and according to Wayne, the cop shot him in his mouth. Gouviea did not die immediately, but was left lying motionless on the ground. The shooting did not end there. “When de security guard over at Japarts look across fuh see is wha going on, (named cop) turn with he weapon and discharge couple rounds at he. I jump in de Mark II now and drive around and block off Camp Street so no bus or nothing can’t come through,” Wayne explained. A few minutes later more police vehicles with ranks arrived at the scene and the bodies of Canterbury and Joseph along with badly wounded Gouveia were thrown into one of them and taken to the Georgetown Hospital. “Before dey left with dem bodies, (named cop) tell de ranks fuh mek sure dat dem finish dem off,” Wayne said. “Dem saying that de men shoot at dem…de men ain’t discharge no round, dem ain’t had no gun, de men ain’t had no weapon, straight,” he stressed. He said that the weapon (.38 revolver) that the police produced was one that one of the ranks brought in a haversack. Wayne said that it was that incident that caused him to start rethinking his link to the police, since he was now exposed to the public as a “police informer”. He said that relatives of the dead men started to accuse him of orchestrating their deaths. “That is how de whole country got it. Everybody know me. Remember is some Continued on page 23
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Kaieteur News
Monday June 08, 2015
Mining fatalities on drastic rise - deaths in past five months exceed entire 2014 The year of 2015 has started out as a horrendous one for Guyana’s mining fraternity, with statistics showing that accidental deaths of gold miners already exceed the figures for the entire 2014. Statistics released by the Ministry of Labour early in the year show that the mining sector recorded 10 deaths for the year 2014, including two separate incidents of drowning at the same creek. But at least 12 miners have already perished for the first five months of this year. MINING DEATHS FOR 2015 On April 18, Ivor Haynes died after a boat being piloted by an unlicensed captain capsized in the Cuyuni River. While the captain and another passenger were able to clutch to rocks and save themselves, Haynes clutched at a metal detector he had reportedly bought for more than one million dollars. He sank with the device. On May 17, a pit reportedly some 40 feet deep collapsed, trapping and killing 10 miners in Mowasi, Potaro. The dead were listed as Leyland Jones, 38, called ‘Foots’ of Grove, East Bank Demerara, who was the gold operations General Manager; his nephew Jason Trotman, 21; of Samatta Point, Grove Housing Scheme; Raymond August of 229 Bent St, Dartmouth, Essequibo;
Bobby Brittlebank of 98 Wislock Housing Scheme, Linden; Michael Gardner of Better Hope, ECD; Sheldon and Orlando Clario; Desmond Martins; Trevon Phillips and Nanmore Kurt. In a herculean effort spanning an entire week, rescue workers braved rain and rough terrain to recover the bodies. It is the worst disaster in recent memory. On May 29, Thomas Anton, a diver of Kamarang died after some loose earth collapsed on him while he was operating mining equipment under water in Quimenang. 2014 MINING SECTOR FATALITIES The first of the ten fatal accidents for last year occurred on January 16th and claimed the life of Rohno Rogers, 36, of 265 Freeman Street, La Penitence. He was working in a pit in Marudi, Region 9, when it collapsed. Then, on March 12th, 21 year old Clive Johnson slipped and fell into the rough, murky waters of Omai River, Region Seven. It is reported that Johnson, who hailed from Ramp Road, Riverview, Ruimveldt was climbing on to a ‘draga’ (dredge), to reach for something when he fell. Johnson could not swim. However, uncertainty still clouds Johnson’s demise as relatives have since raised several suspicions about the ‘accidental’ aspect of his
Dead: Leyland Jones death. On June 14th, at Aranka Creek, Cuyuni, 21 year old Andrew Griffith of Lot 27 Belfield, East Coast Demerara reportedly drowned as he tried to swim across the creek, which is a main waterway in the district. It is alleged that Griffith and a few other colleagues were swimming to the landing in order to make a report against their boss when Griffith encountered difficulties and drowned. Then, on August 5, more tragedy struck at Aranka Creek, as 20 year old Leon D’Aguiar and 19 year old Junior Williams were returning to their mining camp after borrowing a wrench from another location. As they were crossing a bridge over Aranka Creek, D’Aguiar is said to have slipped and fallen overboard. According to reports, Williams jumped in to save his colleague, but experienced difficulties and went under too. Their bodies were recovered a few days later. Further deaths rocked the mining fraternity in August
Dead at 21 years: Andrew Griffith
Dead at 20 years: Leon D’Aguair
Dead at 21 years: Clive Johnson
Dead at 19 years: Junior Williams
Dead at 21 years: Jason Trotman
Dead: Rocklyn Solomon
when Clifton Rodrigues, Chairman of the Marudi Miners Association, and Leon Mootoo, 21, of West Berbice, died after their mining pit collapsed in Marudi, South Rupununi, sending an avalanche of mud down on top of them. Rocklyn Solomon, 32, a former police officer of Paradise Village, West Coast Berbice died on October 2nd after his mine collapsed on him at Princeville, Potaro River. Only a few days later Nolan Lindie, 42, of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, was working in a pit, some 20 feet deep in Mahdia on October
4th, when the walls came down on him. It took rescuers three hours to get to him, by which time it was too late. Tragedy continued in October when Orel Fordyce, 17 years of Paradise, West Coast Berbice, drowned after falling into an abandoned mining pit filled with water on October 14th.
enforced by the majority of operators is another matter entirely. But there have been calls for the Ministry of Labour to get more actively involved in the mining sector, to ensure underage miners are kept out of the industry and those who can legally mine follow the safety regulations. In addition, several in the industry have expressed the need for increased training and education exercises to be conducted, in o r d e r t o sensitize and arm miners with the knowledge to survive in what is arguably the most hazardous sector in Guyana.
WHO HAS THE JURISDICTION TO STOP THE CARNAGE? The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has set out several safety guidelines that mining operators are expected to adhere to. Whether they are
Drunk biker kills elderly watchman A 65-year-old watchman died on Saturday night after he was struck down by an allegedly intoxicated motorcyclist on the Line Path, Corentyne Public Road. Police said that Ashook Kumar called “Ram, of Line Path, Skeldon Corentyne,
Berbice, was attempting to cross the Line Path Public Road, when a 23-year-old, who was traveling at a fast rate on motorcycle, CG 9105, struck him. The elderly man was picked up and rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on
arrival. Police said that the motorcyclist was found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption. He also received injuries from the accident and was admitted to the Skeldon Hospital where he is under guard.
Monday June 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 21
HIT THE ROAD JACK This week I felt like a mosquito in a nudist camp, I knew what I had to do but I did not know where to start. Should I write about the pigeon suspected of being a “spy” for the Pakistani authorities? The Times of India story is that a fourteenyear-old Indian boy became suspicious of the bird when he saw a stamped message in Urdu (a language common to both India and Pakistan) on the bird’s tail feathers. It read: “Tehsil Shakargarh, district Narowal” along with a string of numbers. The pigeon had landed on the home of Ramesh Chandra, a local barber, on Wednesday evening in Manwal village, which is 4km from the border with Pakistan. The son of the barber took the bird to the nearest policeman who then took the bird to a veterinary hospital in Pathankot in Punjab for further inspection. The bird was x-rayed and then kept in custody. The police superintendent in charge of the pigeon “This is a rare
instance of a bird from Pakistan being spotted here. We have caught a few spies here. The area is sensitive, given its proximity to Jammu (a Pakistan city near the Indian border), where infiltration is quite common,” added the police superintendent. The bird has been listed in police records as a “suspected spy” although it could turn out to be what Americans call a “stool pigeon” or informer. This is not the first time that a bird has been caught in the middle of an international dispute. In 2008, Iranian authorities arrested two pigeons for spying on a nuclear facility and a stork was detained for two years by Egyptian authorities after it was spotted with a mysterious device attached to its feathers that was not an incubator. Earlier this year, Islamic State militants are said to have captured fifteen pigeon breeders in Iraq. Three of the group from the eastern province of Diyala were reportedly killed. It has been
suggested that the spy agencies should send out their pigeons with woodpeckers who, by knocking on the right door, would ensure the messages don’t fall into the wrong hands. Then there is the story of the woman who was sent to jail for noisy sex. Gemma Wale, of Small Heath in Birmingham was given a twoweek prison sentence after a civil court judge concluded that she had breached the order by screaming and shouting while having sex at a level of noise that annoyed a neighbour. Judge Emma Kelly concluded that Wale had breached an antisocial behaviour order. She said Birmingham city council took legal action after a neighbour complained. Kelly said the antisocial behaviour order had barred Wale from making loud sex noises and from causing nuisance by playing loud music, shouting, swearing, making banging noises, stamping and slamming doors.
The judge concluded that she had also breached the order by arguing with her boyfriend, swearing at a neighbour, “banging around the house” and “running around in the property”. She imposed separate two-week jail terms on Wale for each breach but said all terms would run concurrently. Kelly said another judge had imposed an antisocial behaviour order in January. She said she had analysed allegations that the order had been breached at a hearing in May. The judge indicated that Wale lived in a property owned by Birmingham council and said she had heard evidence from a council housing officer and one of Wale’s neighbours. Kelly said a neighbour had complained that at about 5am on 29 January that paragraph 3 of the order had been breached. “Gemma started screaming and shouting while having sex, which woke us up,” said the neighbour. “This lasted 10 minutes.” The judge concluded: “I am satisfied that during the
course of the early hours of 29 January 2015, at around 5am, the defendant was guilty of screaming and shouting whilst having sex at a level of noise which caused nuisance or annoyance to (a neighbour).” Anyhow, Gemma had a wale of a time wailing and who knows how she will celebrate her release from jail? The third option is Jack, the never-ending story of the great political Warner-be. There is a Facebook cartoon with Jack Warner in a cell wearing the characteristic orange-coloured “jump suit” that is the prison uniform in the US. The caption is, “Orange is the new Jack.” Then when Jack threatens that “The gloves are off” the response was, “That is so they could put on the handcuffs easier.” Even when Jack said, after a night in prison, that the ordeal had made him stronger the cynical response was, “If one night
in prison make him stronger, when he finish his sentence in the US he will be superman.” There is no doubt that the Jack Warner and FIFA story is the big event of the week and that it has brought increasing notoriety to Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean as a whole. Now there is a report that next month’s CARICOM summit is going to focus, among other things, on the FIFA scandal. Unfortunately, given the INTERPOL “Red Notice” and being on the wanted list, Jack will be unable to attend to give them a lesson in “best practices”. When it comes to hitting the road, Jack has to watch his asphalt. *Tony Deyal was last seen reading this “Reddit” rhyme, “Little Jack Warner/ Sat in the corner/ A finger in every pie./ He stuck in his thumb/And pulled out a bung/ And said “Lets all go to Dubai!”
Can the Granger-Nagamootoo combination... (From page 10) Movement and the African Cultural and Development Association can spearhead the conversation on the ethnic wounds in the society and how these can be healed. “So in short, the APNU+AFC government needs to facilitate an open discussion and govern fairly. It must also reach out to the PPP. But if the PPP does not cooperate then it will make the job of achieving many of their goals including national consensus, very difficult,” he said. Hinds also contended that
the relationship between the achievement of national consensus and the economic goals of the new administration should not be underestimated. He said that there are several factors which have held the nation back from achieving varying levels of economic development. He said that the primary factor has been the lack of national cohesion and national purpose. Hinds argued that the APNU+AFC’s economic plans can be largely achieved once national consensus is also seen as equally impor-
tant. He said that the effects of the failure to do this have been well documented under the previous administration and cited the ailing sugar industry as a good example. “The PPP is gearing up to use the sugar as part of its non-cooperation… meanwhile; there is the debate over what to do with sugar. The economy is ethnically grounded and we have to ensure that there is ethnic consensus if the policies of the new government are to be successful,” Dr. Hinds said. “The challenge will be if
Guyana bled by corrupt commercial... (From page 3) revenue lost compared to the size of its population. As a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Guyana’s losses are 17.3%, the 15th worst position in the world. GDP is the term covering the monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within Guyana in the course of a year. In the report, the GFI also made a number of recommendations in handling IFFs. One of these recommendations was concerted action by the international community in assisting not only nations with high levels of IFFs but also those that have huge percentages of their economic foundation eroded by the phenomenon. Further, GFI recom-
mended that all countries should, at a minimum, take steps needed to comply with all of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. “Regulators and law enforcement officials should strongly enforce all of the anti-money laundering laws and regulations that are already on the books, including through criminal charges and penalties for individuals employed by financial institutions who are culpable for allowing money laundering to occur,” GFI suggested.
For the report, four different sets of developing countries were combined to create a unified list of developing countries in particularly difficult development situations, GFI said. These country groups are heavily indebted poor countries, lowincome developing countries, least developed countries, and lower-middle-income economies. According to GFI, the groups were chosen to highlight those countries most in need of development financing and/or domestic resource mobilization.
the PPP is willing to cooperate or not with the new administration in achieving this. If they don’t cooperate, the government would have to go straight to the people. Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, have the potential to speak to the sugar workers but in the end the PPP is pivotal to working out a sen-
sible sugar policy.” Asked whether the PPP would be willing to join with the new government in achieving this necessary national goal, the Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee said, “I can’t say.” He added, “We don’t notice any reaching out to us in this regard from the APNU+AFC. We have just been seeing a lot of witch hunt-
ing, victimization and harassment of our supporters and senseless attacks. It has to stop. They are just dismissing people for no reason at all.” Rohee, after expressing those sentiments, was not keen on considering the possibility of the party working with the new administration, even in the near or distant future.
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Kaieteur News
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SALON
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Monday June 08, 2015
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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 Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461. FOR SALE IN CENTRAL GEORGETOWN: SPACIOUS HOUSE IN DESIRABLE BEL-AIR, NEWHAVENRESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. CALL: 647-8851 169 Thomas St. Kitty, double lot, vacant possession ideal for business or commercial purposes – Call Zeena: 2203348; 611-8222 Property at Agriculture road $15 million negotiable- Tel: 612-2522 Two storey wood and concrete business building located at 35 Ketley and Howes Street Charlestown Tel: 623-9679 Property at Kersaint Park LBI, price negotiable- Contact:6641865; 698-5713
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also. Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 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 One two stroke 90 Yamaha outboard, one 14ft aluminum boat, one 25 Yamaha 4 stroke outboard – Contact: 601-1138 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
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Ingersol rand compressor, mig/ark welder, roneo desk, generator steel cage, bottling machines, 220 motors essences freezer- Call: 2258183 Continued on page 23
Monday June 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news
Is the state of the city a reflection of us? DEAR EDITOR, In light of the current clean-up campaign and the enthusiasm of the general public to once again support a new beginning, I am moved to introduce the topic of maintenance. We are all aware of the many clean up campaigns that have been initiated over the years and by now should be able to see the trends associated with such efforts. Though commendable, they are not with some amount of disappointment and frustration. When one week after the area that you spent hours picking plastic and litter from the long weeds not to mention cutting grass and weeding, is now strewn with fresh garbage by some uncaring member of the community, one cannot deny the feelings of defeat that might follow. This is then followed by cries that the populous ‘just don’t care’. The state of the city is a reflection of us. But is it? Are we inherently untidy and dirty people? From my limited vantage point I venture to say no we are not. And here are the reasons to support this. Beautifully maintained and
clean Morris Oxfords are still on the streets. Very few but I have seen at least two in Georgetown. Tapir buses are run up and down the Corentyne Coast providing service to the people. Now we all know that these vehicles must be over 35 years old and though many parts have been replaced, the chassis have been preserved and lots of effort and discipline were required to keep these cars alive. These are not actions of uncaring people. Many homes sport gardens with flowering plants thoughtfully placed along fences so that the pretty flowers can be seen from the street. Potted plants are lined up everywhere. These require lots of attention. We care as citizens for these finer things in life and we go after them. Our children are neat, clean and well brushed. Hair neatly cut or tightly braided – no fly-away bits, sometimes even at the end of the school day. Even the young kids do some tidying in the restroom during the school day to continue to be presentable. What this tells me is that as a people we have the
Radio and TV should be in the Private Sector DEAR EDITOR, In relation to Ralph Seeram’s column of June 7 “From the Diaspora”, what he left out in his discussion on the government owned media is any reference to why is the government running radio and TV stations. Especially given Guyana’s racialized politics, radio and TV should be in the private sector with robust regulations to ensure that false information is kept off the air waves but there is robust discussion, respectful of all Guyanese. Through GINA,
government can prepare its own messaging and daily provide radio and TV capsules of about a max 10 minutes which all authorized radio and TV stations must air in time dedicated for government broadcasts. That’s the model in Jamaica. UG’s communication program can air in full Parliamentary sessions and other national events and educational programming. One would find that the private media would also air certain national events. Fitzgerald (Gerry) Yaw, Ph.D.
South Road trio... From page 11 youth men that me and dem used to do thing. Remember I used to thief, dat is why dem men had trust in me. Is then everybody now know dat I working with de police force,” the former convict stated. It was the same unit that would be involved in the shooting of Alberto Grant and Paul Bascom at Diamond a few months later. Wayne said that the time had come for him to see that justice is done, since he believes that the new administration wants to have a clean Guyana Police Force. Except for one of the ranks all the others who were part of the south road and diamond operations are still serving members of the Force. He said that he is fully aware of the likely consequences of his exposure and is prepared to live by them. All he wants is for the administration to reopen the investigations with a view to ridding Guyana Police Force of not just torturers but also killers.
propensity and appreciation for preservation and order. We do value some level of decorum and standard but we are greatly unsupported. For example we were recently told that the flood on Sunday May 30 was as a result of many things all related to maintenance – Kokers, pumps and drains not functioning, unmaintained and completely neglected. So why are we as citizen burdened with these atrocities? Why is our environment so untidy and dilapidated? Why are we not being met halfway in this civilized society that we share? Who preserves the common areas outside our fences – the roads, parapets, drains, parks, gardens, monuments, wharves and stellings that we all share? These all belong to us. The infrastructure is paid
for and owned by the citizens. Why as citizens do we regularly wash our cars, clean our homes, sweep the bottom house – daily in this case might I add, tend to our plants, yet when we leave our homes we have to traverse filth and long grass and homeless people sleeping on the streets and stray dogs? Who does not care? I can tell with certainty that I care as a citizen. I am confident that we all care. I am therefore appealing to the people that are responsible for our common areas to reflect on their homes, their private spaces and bring dignity back to all of us by creating cities that we all can feel proud. Creating areas that we can all share and enjoy. Remember, like our homes and gardens, cities need to be cleaned and tended to daily. Carole Fletcher
THE GRA BOSS IS A KEEPER DEAR EDITOR, Restructuring is par for the course with every new government as they want to ensure that key managers are aligned with their vision and goals. Who to keep and who to let go becomes the million dollar question. I am in agreement with some of the names being bantered about for replacement but would like to urge the government to retain the GRA Boss. The Guyana Revenue Authority has experienced steady leadership under Khurshid Sattaur and from all public reports the department has always met revenue collection targets. It would therefore be unfortunate if the new government replaced
this gentleman amidst their restructuring of departmental heads. Mr Sattaur is a good and decent man who only wants to be left alone to do his job. He should not be judged too harshly for the email-gate between him and former President Jagdeo. The ex president used the power of the government to intimidate and bully Mr Sattaur into compliance and the full blame should be placed at Jagdeo’s feet. Please do not throw out the baby with the bath water, President Granger. Give Khurshid Sattaur a chance to prove he is a loyal public servant. Berkeley Van Bowen
Man gunned... From page 7 the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to charges ranging from break and enter to receiving a stolen article. According to a police report, Colin Kendall along with another accused, Asif Cumberbatch on March 31, 2011, broke into the dwelling house of Michael Elvin and made good their escape with numerous household appliances worth $685,000. The Prosecution was represented by Corporal Venetta Pindar who related that after the two accused were arrested, ranks found Kendall in possession of a stereo set while Cumberbatch was carrying a television set. The duo was however placed on bail of $125,000 each. Kendall had also appeared before Magistrate Alan Wilson on similar charges. This time, he was accused of breaking and entering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and stealing $300,000 in items. Also, on October 10, 2014, the North Sophia resident made an appearance before Magistrate Fabayo Azore where he and another accomplice were charged with carting off over $4.4M in articles through breaking and entering and larceny. The particulars of the charge said that between October 3 and 4 at Georgetown, Kendal and his partner in crime broke and entered the bond of Jiangxi Thermal Power Construction Corporation and stole one level lock, one Universal instrument, three freezers, one jack hammer, one welding machine and other articles together valued at $4,427,000.
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Monday June 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
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G7 leaders urge tough line on Russia at Alpine summit
U.S. President Barack Obama is welcomed by well-wishers dressed in Bavarian attire upon his arrival in Munich in Germany yesterday. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque KRUEN, Germany (Reuters) - Group of Seven (G7) leaders vowed at a summit in the Bavarian Alps yesterday to keep sanctions against Russia in place until
President Vladimir Putin and Moscow-backed separatists fully implement the terms of a peace deal for Ukraine. The Ukraine conflict and a long-running debt standoff
between Greece and its European partners dominated the first day of the annual meeting hosted by Chancellor Angela Merkel at Schloss Elmau, a luxury Alpine hotel
International flotilla rescues 5,900 from Mediterranean in a weekend
Migrants and their children wait to disembark from the “Phoenix” ship upon their arrival in the port of Augusta on the eastern coast of Sicily yesterday. (AFP Photo/Giovanni Isolino) ROME/LONDON (Reuters) - An international rescue fleet plucked almost 5,900 migrants from rickety boats making the perilous sea crossing for North Africa to Europe on Saturday and yesterday, Italy’s coastguard said. The British warship Bulwark assisted in picking up more than 1,000 refugees, including 10 pregnant women, the Ministry of Defense said. The Italian coastguard, which coordinates rescue efforts from Rome, said British, Swedish, Spanish and Italian ships and a merchant vessel had all been called upon to go to the aid of 15 different boats yesterday, rescuing 2,400 people in all. On Saturday, 3,500 migrants were rescued
about 45 miles from the Libyan coast. The tide of migrants and refugees risking the often deadly sea crossing to reach Europe from Africa is on the rise this year and the U.N. refugee agency estimates more than 1,800 have drowned. About 800 perished in a single shipwreck in April. In response, the EU has bolstered its presence in the Mediterranean, but it is still debating how to handle the refugees and migrants once they are ashore. All those rescued are being taken to Italian ports, which is creating tension between the government and local politicians from opposition parties, especially from the antiimmigrant Northern League, who say they cannot welcome any more migrants.
in southern Germany. Merkel is hoping to secure commitments from her G7 guests to tackle global warming ahead of a major United Nations climate summit in Paris in December. The German agenda also foresees discussions on global health issues, from Ebola to antibiotics and tropical diseases. But Ukraine took center stage y e s t e r d a y, w i t h U . S . President Barack Obama calling for “standing up to Russian aggression”. The leaders want Russia and Ukraine to comply with a Feb. 12 ceasefire agreed in the Belarus capital Minsk that largely halted fighting in eastern Ukraine between proRussian separatists and Ukrainian government forces. EU leaders agreed in March that sanctions imposed over Russia’s seizure and annexation of Crimea and detribalization of eastern Ukraine would stay until the Minsk ceasefire was fully applied, effectively extending them to the end of the year, but a formal decision has yet to be taken.
Merkel said any easing of the sanctions depended largely on Russia and its behavior in Ukraine. European Council President Donald Tusk went further, saying: “If anyone wants to start a discussion about changing the sanctions regime, it could only be about strengthening it.” European monitors have blamed a recent upsurge in violence in eastern Ukraine on the pro-Moscow separatists. Russian President Vladimir Putin was frozen out of what used to be the G8 after Moscow’s annexation of Crimea last year. Before the summit, Merkel held a bilateral meeting with Obama and they attended an outdoor party in the idyllic Alpine village of Kruen under blue skies, surrounded by Bavarians in traditional dress. The U.S. and German leaders reaffirmed their nations’ friendship, after a recent deterioration in ties due to revelations of widespread surveillance of German citizens, including Merkel’s phone, by the U.S. National Security Agency. “My message to the
German people is simple: We are grateful for your friendship, for your leadership,” said Obama, using the traditional Bavarian greeting “Gruess Gott” with a crowd gathered in the village square in Kruen. “We stand together as inseparable allies in Europe and around the world.” On Greece, European Commission President JeanClaude Juncker voiced exasperation with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who has dismissed the latest aidfor-reform proposal from international creditors as “absurd”. A White House spokesman said Obama discussed the debt crisis with Merkel and hoped Greece and its partners could find a solution that enabled Athens to reform and return to growth without turmoil on global financial markets. A spokesman for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said when asked whether the G7 should set its own specific goal: “The best scenario would be yes but... let’s wait until G7 leaders’ discussion.”
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Kurdish party thwarts Erdogan’s ambitions with Turkish election advance ANKARA (Reuters) Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s hopes of assuming greater powers suffered a serious blow yesterday when the ruling AK Party failed to win an outright majority in a parliamentary election, preliminary results showed. With 97 percent of ballots counted, the AKP had taken 40.8 percent of the vote, according to broadcaster CNN Turk, a result which will leave it struggling to form a stable government for the first time since it came to power more than a decade ago. “We expect a minority government and an early election,” a senior AKP official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. The lira currency hit a record low against the dollar in thin out-of-hours dealing as investors, fearing further political uncertainty, positioned themselves for the start of trade today. The atmosphere outside the AKP’s headquarters in Ankara was muted. Several
hundred supporters chanted for Erdogan, the party’s founder, but there was little sign of the massive crowds that gathered under its balcony after past election victories. The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) was on track to take almost 13 percent of the vote, according to CNN Turk. Thousands of jubilant Kurds flooded the streets of the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, setting off fireworks and waving flags at the prospect of it clearing the threshold to enter parliament for the first time. HDP co-leader Selahattin Demirtas ruled out a coalition with the AKP and said election results had put an end to talk of the stronger presidential powers championed by Erdogan. “The discussion of an executive presidency and dictatorship have come to an end in Turkey,” he told a news conference in Istanbul, describing the outcome as a victory “for those who want
a pluralist and civil new constitution”. Erdogan, Turkey’s most popular modern leader but also its most divisive, had hoped for a crushing victory for the AKP, to allow it to change the constitution and create a more powerful U.S.-style presidency. To do that, it would have needed to win two-thirds of the seats in parliament. Its failure to win an overall majority marks an end to 12 years of uninterrupted, stable single-party rule and is a setback for both Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. While constitutionally required as president to stay above party politics, Erdogan had held rallies throughout a confrontational campaign. The two men portrayed the election as a choice between a “new Turkey” and a return to a history marked by short-lived coalition governments, economic instability and
Supporters wave Turkish national and party flags outside the AK Party headquarters in Ankara, Turkey, June yesterday. REUTERS/Umit Bektas coups by a military whose influence Erdogan has now reined in. The partial results indicated that the HDP, with its roots in Kurdish nationalism, had succeeded
in widening its appeal beyond its Kurdish core vote to center-left and secularist elements disillusioned with Erdogan. It is now likely to play a significant role in parliament,
particularly trying to advance a two-year-old peace process between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which first took up arms in 1984.
Monday June 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
Obama says stay, but some Cameron MPs prepare to back UK exit from EU LONDON (Reuters) More than 50 lawmakers in Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative Party launched a campaign to back Britain’s exit from the EU unless he can get it to adopt radical reforms, even as U.S. President Barack Obama argued in favor of staying. Cameron, riding high after a surprise outright victory in last month’s parliamentary election, wants to claw back powers from the European Union before holding a referendum by the end of 2017 on whether Britain should stay or leave. But the formation of the new campaign group, Conservatives for Britain (CfB), underlined the challenge he faces within his own party from ‘Eurosceptics’ who doubt his chances of breaking what they see as the stifling grip of Brussels. “We wish David Cameron every success, but unless senior EU officials awake to the possibility that one of the EU’s largest members is serious about a fundamental change in our relationship, our recommendation to British voters seems likely to be exit,” Conservative lawmaker Steve Baker said yesterday. Highlighting the conflicting pressures the British leader faces, Obama stressed Washington’s concern to see its close ally remain in the 28-nation EU. Speaking alongside Cameron on the sidelines of a Group of Seven summit in Germany, Obama said: “I
David Cameron would note that one of the great values of having the United Kingdom in the European Union is its leadership and strength on a whole host of global challenges. “And so we very much are looking forward to the United Kingdom staying a part of the European Union because we think that its influence is positive not just for Europe but also for the world.” Cameron wants to restrict EU migrants’ access to British welfare payments, improve the single market for trading of goods and services, and win safeguards to ensure that countries that don’t use the euro, like Britain, are not put at a disadvantage by greater integration among those that do. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the government was seeking changes to EU treaties to protect its reforms, and that he believed the renegotiation could fix Britain’s relationship with the bloc. “There was always going
to be a group of our colleagues who wanted to come out of the European Union come what may,” Hammond said when asked about CfB. “That is not where the government is... we’re clear that the European Union isn’t working, as it is at the moment, it’s not fit for the 21st century, but we think it’s fixable.” Baker said CfB had already signed more than 50 lawmakers and expected numbers to soon rise to about 100, including some ministers. He said some members in the group wanted Cameron to win the power to veto EU laws - something Hammond ruled out, saying it would “effectively be the end of the European Union”. On Saturday, the leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) called for Eurosceptic politicians from rival parties to put aside “personal animosities” and begin the “No” campaign against Britain’s continued membership of the bloc. A survey by polling firm ICM indicated that 59 percent of Britons supported staying in the EU, and 41 percent wanted to leave. In an interview with the Observer newspaper, Rafal Trzaskowski, Poland’s Minister for European Affairs, said European leaders wanted Britain to stay in the EU, but not at any cost. “Many people in Europe want to be accommodating,” he said. “But if the demands are too extreme, they are not going to be met.”
Britain to expand Iraq training mission to counter IS – Cameron Reuters - Britain is to expand its military training mission in Iraq in the coming weeks, Prime Minister David Cameron announced yesterday, saying the Iraqi army needed more help to deal with improvised bombs planted by Islamic State militants. Cameron, speaking before a meeting of the Group of Seven industrial nations (G7), said Britain would send 125 new military advisers to Iraq, most of whom would train the Iraqi army in how to counter improvised explosive devices or IEDs. That will take the total number of British military trainers in Iraq up to 275, officials said, and the overall number of British personnel engaged in various roles against Islamic State across the
region up to around 900. “We’re already the second largest contributor in terms of air strikes in Iraq, and support for the Syrian opposition,” Cameron told reporters at the G7 in Germany. “But I’m announcing today that we’re increasing our training effort in Iraq. It’s a particular request the Abadi government has made, it’s a particular thing we’ve been working with the Americans on.” Cameron was due to brief U.S. President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on the plans at the G7. He was also expected to discuss with
Obama what more Britain can do to help train moderate Syrian opposition forces in locations outside Syria such as Turkey. Critics say gains made by Islamist militants in both Iraq and Syria show that the U.S.led strategy against them is faltering, and that Western ground troops are needed. British officials said the new trainers would be deployed in “a handful of locations” across Iraq including Taji, Besmaya and Al Asad. Around 100 would carry out IED training, while 25 would focus on first aid, equipment maintenance, or logistics and information support.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Monday June 08, 2015
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YETMING CALLS OUT CB GOVERNOR Trinidad Guardian - Axed Clico chairman Gerald Yetming is calling out Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran as he raises questions over his sudden dismissal from Clico following multi-million dollar payouts made to former Clico directors. Saturday Yetming, in a statement to the Sunday Guardian, said, “The governor ’s action needs explanations, since the implications of his actions can be far reaching.” This follows an announcement by the Central Bank in a brief statement, on Friday night, that it had terminated Yetming’s appointment as chairman and Carolyn John’s appointment as managing director of Clico pursuant to its powers under Section 44(D) of the Central Bank Act. Wendy Ho Sing has been appointed executive chairman of Clico with immediate effect. According to the release, the Central Bank said it took this action after “Clico failed to follow direct instructions issued by the Bank on March 26, setting out the protocols for all disbursements to policyholders and creditors under the Clico Resolution Plan. “These instructions included obtaining approval from the Bank for all payments prior to disbursement,” the release stated. Questions have also been raised as to what prompted the about turn made by the Central Bank after it issued a statement on Wednesday in which it said that the directors were being paid as creditors, and not directors who may have assisted in the collapse
Jwala Rambarran
Gerald Yetming
of the company. The statement on Wednesday had said, “In respect of the other former directors and officers of Clico, where the Central Bank and Clico have not, based on forensic findings and legal advice, contemplated or initiated any litigation against such persons to date, there would be no legal basis on which Clico may now withhold payment to them as policyholders/creditors at the point of liquidating its debts to creditors from its own assets.” However, Yetming, who is currently abroad, speaking to the Sunday Guardian, dismissed allegations levelled against him, declaring that no protocols or instructions from the Central Bank were breached. “The operational details and requirements of the Central Bank were worked out between Carolyn John and senior officers of the Central Bank. Everything done by Clico was in accord and Central Bank was kept informed every step of the
way without question or concern,” Yetming contended. “I am not an executive chairman. Having received a broad Clico resolution plan, Carolyn John as MD worked closely with senior CB officers to implement. We did everything in accord.” The issue came to light after concerns were raised that four former Clico directors and their companies were paid $36,188,690.90. According to media reports, former directors Ian Garcia and his company Events Unlimited; Clinton Ramberansingh and his connected parties (Bianca Ramberansingh and Martina De Silva); Vishnu Ramlogan; and Nigel Salina and his company Nigel Salina and Associates were among ten identified as being paid $48.5 million. Sources close to the company suggested that the manner in which the payouts were made was not in keeping with the protocols outlined in the bank’s March 26 letter to Yetming and copied to John.
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Ex-Stanford execs Kuhrt, Lopez appeal convictions in Allen Stanford fraud (Reuters) - Mark Kuhrt and Gilbert Lopez, who were convicted of helping the former Texas billionaire financier Allen Stanford swindle investors, have filed appeals challenging their convictions and sentences on multiple counts of wire fraud and conspiracy. The two said that the convictions were based on insufficiency evidence and excluded certain expert testimony, as well as other claims, in court documents released late Friday. Kuhrt and Lopez were convicted of knowing that Stanford was misusing the bank’s assets, helping him conceal the misuse, and helping him deceive customers into believing he had infused hundreds of millions of dollars into Antigua-based Stanford International Bank during the 2008 financial crisis, according to evidence
Mark Kuhrt
provided. The two in February 2013 were sentenced to 20 years in prison over their roles in his $7.2 billion Ponzi scheme. Stanford’s former chief investment officer Laura Pendergest-Holt in September was also sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to
an obstruction charge. Lopez was the former chief accounting officer of Stanford Financial Group while Kuhrt was former controller. The case is U.S. v. Mark Kuhrt, Gilbert T. Lopez Jr, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, No. 1320115.
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Government to present Investigation shows Jack Warner used FIFA money for personal loans, debt payment new wage offer to police KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The government has promised to present the police with a new wage offer this week. This follows industrial action by rank and file officers who staged a sick out last week to protest against the offer of a five percent increase. Minister with responsibility for the Public Service Horace Dalley said during a marathon meeting with officials from the Police Federation on Friday, a new offer will be placed on the table by Wednesday. Dalley, who is leading the wage negotiations said the Federation, that represents the rank and file members of the police force, has submitted counterproposals on some items in the 54 point claim. The police officers remained away from work for three days last week although the government obtained an injunction ordering them to resume duties. On Friday members of the police federation and the Jamaica Constabulary Force returned to the bargaining table with the Ministry of Finance after the federation rejected the government’s five per cent wage offer over two years
Horace Dalley The new offer breaks down to a four per cent increase effective from April 1, 2015, and a further three per cent increase effective April 1, 2016. This arrangement is up from the original rejected offer of three per cent and two per cent which was made in March. Dalley, says he is optimistic that the offer will lead to a settlement of the public sector wage issue by the latest month-end. The government ended a five-year public sector wage freeze in March and the police and other public sector workers have asked for a better wage offer.
T&T Govt. members to be interviewed by FBI PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (Trinidad Express) – Members of the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led Government are to be interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding monies spent by former cabinet minister Jack Warner in his capacity of FIFA vice-president. This as the US Justice Department continues its investigation into allegations of money laundering by several high p r o f i l e F I FA o ff i c i a l s , among them Warner. Questions sent to the Department of Justice in New York on May 28, seeking responses regarding the impending interviews and investigations into FIFA monies funding the P e o p l e ’s P a r t n e r s h i p , resulted in press officer N e l l i n M c I n t o s h at the
Kamla Persad-Bissessar Department of Justice saying they would not comment on ongoing investigations. “We looked into your questions, but unfortunately, our office will not comment on them at this time,” McIntosh said.
Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. - Mahatma Gandhi
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Former FIFA vicepresident Jack Warner used US$10 million from football’s governing body to pay credit card debt, give himself personal loans, and also laundered some of the money, according to a BBC investigation. BBC reported yesterday that it had seen documents detailing three wire transfers on January 4, February 1 and March 10, 2008 from FIFA accounts to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) accounts. Trinidadian Warner was president of CONCACAF at that time and controlled its accounts. The money had been sent by FIFA on behalf of South Africa and was intended to be used for that country’s Caribbean Diaspora legacy programme which was aimed at developing football in the
region. However, the report indicated, of that money, almost US$1.6 million was used to pay Warner’s credit cards and personal loans. Documents show that huge sums of money were used to pay off credit cards and personal loans. (Photo: BBC) It said the 72-year-old football executive made several personal loans to himself – the largest being US$410,000 – and paid credit card debt. The largest payment made for the latter purpose was US$87,000. Some of the money was also moved around, the BBC report stated. It said JTA Supermarkets, a large chain in Trinidad, received US$4.86 million between January 2008 and March 2009; and US$360,000 of the money was withdrawn by people connected to Warner.
Jack Warner Warner is among 14 people – nine of them current or former FIFA top officials and five sports marketing and broadcasting executives – accused of racketeering, wire fraud, money laundering, bribery. United States prosecutors allege they offered and accepted more
than $150 million in bribes and kickbacks over a 24-year period. He has denied all allegations and plans to fight his extradition to the US to fight the charges. Warner has also promised to reveal “an avalanche” of secrets showing the link between FIFA, its funding and him; the link between FIFA, its funding and the United National Congress and the People’s Partnership government in the 2010 general election in Trinidad and Tobago; his knowledge of financial transactions at FIFA including, but not limited to, FIFA president Sepp Blatter; and matters involving Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Blatter, who was not named in the indictment that was unsealed in a federal court in the United States, has since announced his decision to resign.
RAMESH: Govt. should not proceed with run-off law Trinidad Express - Senior Counsel Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj has said Government ought not to proceed with the run-off legislation. He noted Saturday that the Privy Council recently struck down the St Kitts government’s attempt to introduce run-off. He also cited the example of the 60,000 squatters being issued Certificates of Comfort as an example of the Government abusing the Parliament and deceiving the people. Maharaj made these comments at the Trinidad and Tobago Legal Network’s Common and Constitutional Law seminar at Aubrey Fraser Lecture Theatre, Hugh Wooding Law School, St Augustine. The theme of the meeting was “Recent Contributions of the Caribbean to the Common and Constitutional Law”. Interviewed Saturday, Maharaj said: “Based on the Privy Council decision in the St Kitts case, the Government ought not to proceed with the run-off bill. They delayed it for eight months and did not have consultation and it is coming on the eve of the dissolution of Parliament. They want to pass the bill when they know people would want to challenge the bill. The case can be decided through the three court
Attorney Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, second from right, speaks to Simon Devon Forte, from left, Thomas Roe, and Peter Knox at the Trinidad and Tobago Legal Network law conference, Aubrey Fraser Lecture Theatre, Hugh Wooding Law School, Gordon St, St Augustine Saturday. — Photo: AYANNA KINSALE system—High Court, Court of Appeal and the Privy Council. The Government can be accused in court of denying individuals the protection of the law. They are passing it not for public purpose but for election purpose.” Zeroing on the domestic political situation, Maharaj said: “The Government would be acting unconstitutionally. The Government would be inviting a challenge. The Opposition would be entitled to challenge it. The question is would it be heard in time. If
the local courts cannot hear, the Privy Council may decide... I think the Government believed the (Movement for Social Justice) and the (Independent Liberal Party) might split their votes. They want to be able to prevent that. The legislation is not for the peace, order and good governance. The legislation is to try to keep the UNC and the Partnership Government in power. It is for political purpose and therefore it is
illegal. It is denial of the protection of the law.” Asked if he would assist, he said: “Certainly. If the Opposition parties want me to assist them we can put a team together and put a combination of a team in Trinidad and Tobago and London and we will be able to have it dealt with. I think everyone in Trinidad and Tobago should stand up against it, including the electorate. A Government cannot use the Parliament for political purposes.”
Monday June 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
Bradley Wiggins breaks UCI Hour Record at Lee Valley Velopark BBC Sport - Sir Bradley Wiggins has broken the iconic hour record by completing a distance of 54.526km (33.88 miles). The 35-year-old smashed the record previously held by fellow Briton Alex Dowsett of 52.937km (32.89 miles), which was set in May. Roared on by a capacity crowd at Lee Valley VeloPark in London, Wiggins became the sixth rider to claim a Tour de France title and the hour record. “I’m just glad it’s done. It was torturous,” he said. “That’s the closest I have ever come to what it’s like to a have a baby,” Wiggins, who becomes the fifth person in the past nine months to break the record, joked. The multiple Olympic and world champion on track and road surpassed Dowsett’s 212 laps, set in Manchester, with 1min 42secs to spare and eventually completed 219 laps. But the 2012 Tour de France winner fell short of the target he had set himself of 55.250km, or 221 laps. “You’re constantly looking at the clock counting
down. When you’re out there, you never think it’s coming to an end,” he added. “I always compare myself to the greats and I am just glad to be in the company of those guys. “To get up there and do that, to put yourself on the line, takes a lot of courage and it’s a mental game as much as anything.” Alex Dowsett tweeted his early congratulations to Wiggins after seeing his record broken Former British cycling performance director Dave Brailsford said it was “an honour” to witness the occasion. “Bradley rode well on what was a heavy and hard day,” he said. “I’m so pleased for him, it’s his day and he is such a magnificent athlete.” Since the UCI, cycling’s world governing body, unified the regulations surrounding the event last year, four riders have held the record: Germany’s Jens Voigt, Matthias Brandle of Switzerland, Australian Rohan Dennis and Dowsett.
Inspired Wawrinka... From page 33 groundstrokes that wore down the eight-times grand slam champion Djokovic, who was looking to complete a career grand slam in Paris. The Swiss sealed victory on his second match point with his 60th winner, a flashing backhand down the line that made him the second player from his country to prevail at Roland Garros after Roger Federer in 2009. Unbeaten on clay this season, Djokovic threatened Wawrinka on his serve early on and he converted his third break chance when the Swiss served a double fault. The Australian Open champion wasted two set points by playing too casually, and had a break point against him, which he saved with a service winner. He had a third set point that he converted when Wawrinka’s forehand sailed long. TOPSY-TURVY As his first serve percentage slightly dropped, Djokovic faced multiple break points. Wawrinka could not convert four of them in the second set, whacking his racket twice on the net in frustration, but he made the most of his fifth chance — his sixth of the match — on set point to level the tie.
This sent Djokovic into a rage and the Serbian spiked his racket onto the ground, a move that earned him a warning from the chair umpire. Wawrinka had the upper hand and he broke to love for 4-2 when he slapped a forehand winner after retrieving yet another lame drop shot from Djokovic — his eighth point in a row. He clinched the third set when Djokovic returned long. Unable to maintain the pressure, Wawrinka conceded a break in the second game of the fourth set and Djokovic moved 3-0 up. But Wawrinka rallied and even had two break points for 4-3, which Djokovic saved with a volley and a backhand winner. In a topsy-turvy encounter, it was fitting that in the following game it was Djokovic who had the break chances. Wa w r i n k a w e n t f o r h i s shots and saw off all three. Djokovic looked like he had lost his game plan and Wawrinka broke for 5-4 with a flashing backhand winner down the line. Although he saved the first match point, the Serbian had long lost another French Open final after his 2012 and 2014 defeats.
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Triple Crown winner to get rest, then race again NEW YORK (AP) — A hero’s welcome greeted Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in Kentucky on Sunday, the first of many such receptions expected for the sporting world’s newest superstar. The 3-year-old colt has more racing in his future, along with an avalanche of publicity and money-making opportunities after pulling off the first sweep of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont in 37 years. Before leaving Belmont Park, trainer Bob Baffert led American Pharoah onto a patch of grass outside of, fittingly, Barn 1 on a sunny and warm morning. It was only hours after his frontrunning, 5 ½-length victory, but the low-key champ appeared to enjoy the attention, dutifully posing for photographers and patiently letting bystanders pet him. “He’s a really sweet horse,” Baffert said. “We’re going to share him with everybody.” There were celebrity visits, too, for the newest member of racing’s elite club. Fellow Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott stopped by for a closeup look at American Pharoah, much like Baffert visited Mott’s barn in the mid-1990s to see Cigar, who won 16 consecutive races. American Pharoah arrived in Louisville, Kentucky, later in the day, and was greeted by hundreds of cheering fans at Churchill Downs, his home in between Triple Crown races. Jockey Victor Espinoza threw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium, where Baffert attended the game. Next up for racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner is some well-deserved downtime, having run in and won five Grade 1 races in nearly 2 1/2 months. That’s a compressed schedule for a racehorse, most of which have at least 30 days between starts. “It’s ridiculously insane what he did yesterday,”
American Pharoah has won horse racing’s first Triple Crown in 37 years, achieving one of the sporting world’s rarest feats. Baffert said. “It was a beautiful moment.” Owner Ahmed Zayat pledged to keep the horse in training, at least through the end of the year. Before the Belmont, Zayat sold breeding rights to American Pharoah to Coolmore Ashford Stud near Versailles, Kentucky. The family has said it received offers higher than $20 million, but the terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed. “They have zero say until he retires,” Zayat said. “We owe it to the sport to do the right thing. Money plays an important factor in this game. I’ve already sold the breeding rights, but it is my genuine desire, as a fan, as someone who loves horses, to race him as long as I possibly can.” Zayat will leave it up to Baffert to map out a schedule. Among the races under consideration are the Jim Dandy at Saratoga in upstate New York on Aug. 1; the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth in New Jersey on Aug. 2; the Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Aug. 22; and the Travers at Saratoga on Aug. 29. With a newfound legacy to protect, Baffert vowed American Pharoah would be properly prepared for his next race, saying, “He’ll tell me.” The Haskell might have an
edge because Baffert has won it a record seven times and Zayat lives in Teaneck, New Jersey. “He’s an athlete. We have to keep him moving,” Baffert said. “He’s so happy when he’s on that track.” The ultimate goal would be the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, to be run Oct. 31 at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, the cradle of American racing and breeding and near where American Pharoah will serve stud duty. The colt was named champion 2-year-old last year and is a cinch to lock up similar honors as a 3-year-old. But all that racing “wears on them and eventually it catches up,” said Baffert, who understands Zayat’s eventual desire to retireAmerican Pharoah to the breeding shed. “This way they get rewarded,” Baffert jokingly told The Associated Press recently. “They get to have sex with 200 mares a year.” Should anything happen to the colt in future races, Zayat is covered by an insurance policy for which the rates are “incredibly high,” Baffert said recently. Zayat, who has invested tens of millions of dollars into his breeding, buying and racing operation, believes it’s
not always about money when you’re passionate about something. “We are not thinking here of value or money,” he said. “When the horse is ready, we will not be scared of running him to lose or not. It’s all about the fans and this belongs to history.” Off the racetrack, Zayat figures to have marketing and merchandising opportunities to sort through. Just what kind of offers he receives and deals he cuts are uncharted territory since American Pharoah is the first Triple Crown winner in the Internet and social media age. Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown winner, was featured on major non-sports magazine covers and the U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp in his honor. He remains a pop culture touchstone for even nonracing fans, and merchandise featuring him sold at Belmont Park on Saturday. Judging by the crowd’s reaction to history, American Pharoah seems likely to be a popular champion, having cemented his legacy in New York, where the public is not easily won over. “Everybody was on board with this horse,” Baffert said. “I was pretty in awe of him myself.”
Dravid to coach India A, U-19 teams - BCCI
Rahul Dravid
ESPNcricinfo - Former India captain Rahul Dravid has agreed in principle to become the coach of the India Under-19 and A teams, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur confirmed during a board advisory meeting on Saturday. “The good news is that Rahul Dravid has agreed to coach India A and India Under-19 in the future,” Thakur said. Dravid’s first assignment will be a tri-series hosted by India, between the A teams of India, South Africa and Australia in July. He will also accompany the Under-19 team to next year’s World Cup in Bangladesh. Dravid had been widely tipped for the post since Tuesday, when ESPNcricinfo reported that the BCCI had a “role in mind” for him, with Thakur himself mentioning that “for any cricketer of that stature, the BCCI would like to have their services.” Dravid was even
approached to join the cricket advisory committee with former batsmen Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, but he declined the offer as he was keener on a more hands-on role. Since 2014, Dravid has been serving as mentor of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, grooming several young players such as Sanju Samson, Karun Nair and Deepak Hooda. He also had a short stint as batting consultant of the Indian team ahead of their tour of England last year, and several players spoke highly of their interactions with the former captain. There had been talk among top BCCI officials of offering Dravid the position of head coach, but he was reluctant to take up a fulltime role since he has a young family and did not prefer a job that required incessant travel.
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Kaieteur News
Pan American Boxing trials
Monday June 08, 2015
Letter to the Sports Editor
Dennis Thomas loses but stands Chanderpaul was misled, WICB a slim chance of qualifying to be blamed not the Selectors
A spirited two fisted attack by Dennis Thomas earned him a lopsided unanimous decision over Trinidadian, Aron Prince in their 75kgs duel when the action continued in the Pan American Boxing trials, Tijuana Mexico, last Friday evening. The win proved to be an anti-climax as Thomas went on to surrender a 3-0 verdict to Raul Sanchez of the Dominican Republic when the tournament continued Saturday evening. Thomas’ countryman, Jason Phillips (64kgs), also fought on Friday evening and turned in a valiant performance but became the third casualty for Guyana when he dropped a 2-1 decision to Nicaraguan, Nelson Diaz. Thomas’ loss has quelled Guyana’s only remaining hope of qualifying for the Pan American Games slated for Toronto Ontario, Canada, early July. Nevertheless, coach of the team, Sebert Blake is adamant that Thomas had done more than enough
to win the bout. “I think (Dennis) should have won; the guy was slapping most of the fight and should have been warned with points deducted but the referee failed to sanction him,” Blake contended. He said that there is still a slim chance that Thomas might qualify but such fortune depends on the outcome of the semi-final bout between boxers from Dominica and Columbia. He further explained that should Sanchez go on to clinch the gold medal, Thomas, by dint of his good showing, will be in line for a place among those that qualify. The other two boxers on the team, Delon Charles (56kgs) and Dewani Lampkin (60kgs) had surrendered earlier fights to Tafari Ebanks (Cayman Islands) and Kevin Luna (Guatemala). Cuban coach, Francisco Hernandez Roldan was to have accompanied the team but was inexplicably left behind even after we were told that
Dennis Thomas GBA administrators had sought an audience with Minister Rupert Roopnarine who had committed to offer support. United States based superheavyweight pugilist, Quincy ‘Biggy’ Small was also selected to represent Guyana but was a no show. The Guyana Boxing Association executive is still to explain these omissions. The tournament concludes tomorrow.
Russia, Qatar might lose their World Cups: paper ZURICH (Reuters) Russia and Qatar could be stripped of their World Cup hosting rights if evidence emerges of bribery in the bidding process, Domenico Scala, the independent chairman of FIFA’s audit and compliance committee, told a Swiss newspaper. The FBI’s investigation of bribery and corruption at FIFA includes scrutiny of how soccer ’s governing body awarded World Cup hosting rights to Russia and Qatar, a U.S. law enforcement official told Reuters this week. “If evidence should emerge that the awards to Qatar and Russia only came about thanks to bought votes, then the awards could be invalidated,” Scala told Sonntags Zeitung in an interview published on Sunday. “This evidence has not yet been brought forth.” Russia and Qatar have denied wrongdoing in the conduct of their bids for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, which were not the subject of charges announced by U.S. prosecutors last week against FIFA officials. Scala made similar comments in 2013 but events over the last two weeks, which included a dawn police raid in Zurich and the arrests of
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (right) and FIFA President Sepp Blatter take part in the official hand over ceremony for the 2018 World Cup. (Reuters/Alexey Nikolsky/RIA Novosti/Kremlin) several FIFA officials on U.S. charges, have added urgency to his remarks. British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said he supported Qatar hosting the 2022 tournament but said Britain would work with another country if FIFA reopened the bidding process. “We would offer our support to any country that has been chosen to host the World Cup,” Hammond told BBC World Service radio, saying the final decision would be for FIFA to make. He ruled out any British bid to host the 2022 competition if Qatar was stripped of hosting rights.
Sepp Blatter unexpectedly announced on Tuesday he was resigning, just four days after securing a fifth term as FIFA president and shortly before it emerged that he too was under investigation by U.S. law enforcement. In a separate interview with Swiss paper Sonntags Blick, Scala floated the idea of term limits for the FIFA presidency. “If a FIFA president does two or three cycles that is enough,” Scala was quoted as saying. A representative for Scala confirmed his remarks. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
DEAR SPORTS EDITOR, The recent announcement by the WICB Selection Panel that Shivnarine Chanderpaul was omitted from the squad chosen to compete against the visiting Australian Cricket Team, has invoked widespread shock and dismay. After all, Chanderpaul is a cricketing icon - a West Indian hero who undoubtedly deserves to be properly recognized at the end of his career. An appropriate “send-off” is absolutely necessary. But whose responsibility is it to ensure that this is done? That is the issue. It is my view that the responsibility for arranging, an appropriate send-off for any WI cricketer rests wholly and solely with the West Indies Cricket Board and not the Selectors. The Selection Committee constitutes a unit of specialists appointed by the Directorship of the WICB to select representative cricket teams of the WICB within predetermined policy guidelines and criteria, with the performance factor being the major influence in the process. In my vast experience of team selection I have never accepted that “selecting a player to break a record” is a criterion. Each individual is selected for the role he or she is expected to play towards the anticipated success of the team. Individual performances combine for team success. However, there are times when selectors, with their technical competence, could venture outside the “box” to select individuals as long as those selectors could explain clearly the reasons for so doing. After all, the buck stops with them; they are the specialists. They make the call. Clive Lloyd, Courtney Walsh, Eldine Baptiste, Courtney Browne and Phillip Simmons all played Test Cricket, and are extremely experienced in all aspects of cricket technically and in my opinion acted professionally and efficiently in dealing with the Chanderpaul issue. Evidently the Selectors noted his declining performances particularly since the 2014 “Bangladesh Series”. In addition, Chanderpaul’s age and the potent Aussie attack would have featured prominently in the deliberations of the selectors who reportedly
advised him to announce his retirement after which arrangements could be made for an appropriate “send off”. That he declined to retire evidently placed him in competition for selection to a team in which the selectors felt he did not fit having regard to their mandate to mould a strong, cohesive and successful team for the future. I am of the opinion that by not announcing his retirement Chanderpaul has placed the selectors in a quandary and they eventually and quite rightly had to make a decision in the interest of the team and by extension West Indies Cricket. Chanderpaul’s preoccupation and that of many of his supporters, with breaking Brian Lara’s test record was not a compelling reason to find favour with the selectors who would already have taken notice of the change in body language and the inconsistency of his recent test innings. Since his rich harvest of runs against Bangladesh in 2014, Chanderpaul has recorded a below par performance averaging 17 runs per innings in the two subsequent test series against South Africa and England and in the process his average plummeted from plus 53 to plus 51 per innings. There is absolutely no guarantee that Shiv would get the requisite 86 runs against Australia taking into account the slump in his batting and the Aussies potent attack. What then would be the position of Shiv, the selectors and the fans if he comes out of the Aussie series still short of Lara’s record. The selectors would have to play him again if the reasons for his selection is to break Lara’s record. This would make a mockery of team selection. Shiv could well be at risk of having his batting average dip below 50. A test average of plus 50 is the benchmark of an elite batsman and separates him from the average good performers. It is not worth the risk. Being second to the great Brian Lara is in itself a major achievement. In any event Chanderpaul’s 21 year test career is replete with phenomenal performances and records including his 164 test matches played, a feat that is likely to remain forever because of the reduced amount of test matches now allocated to the West Indies. Chanderpaul clearly
received poor advice and guidance from the President and the Vice-President of the WICB as well as the President and the Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). The secretary of the GCB is also a Director of the WICB. The ethics and the professionalism of the WICB must be questioned when this President, Vice-President and two Directors (including the GCB Secretary) publicly castigated the very selectors they appointed and have mandated to deal with team preparation and selection. The selectors are expected to have the full support of the WICB and any disagreement(s) ought to be handled out of the public’s glare. I am convinced that in the present selection panel and in coach Phil Simmons, West Indies can proudly boast of having a team of technical experts. The poor advice Chanderpaul received from the WICB Directorship reflects the fact that they are out of sync with reality. They should be supporting their selectors and ensuring that a properly thought out policy be implemented for Selectees who are entering and leaving the WI cricket team. Chanderpaul can still be afforded a great send off at the end of this Australian Tour since he has many other notable achievements as a cricketer and as an ambassador of cricket. In this instance the WICB should have been sensitive to the impending closure of his career since the South African tour and thereby engage Chanderpaul and the Selectors in determining a suitable time and place for his final game. Consequently the current Aussie Tour arrangements could have been so organized that the final game be played in Guyana to facilitate a most tumultuous and appropriate send off for our legend. The fact that no game was scheduled for Guyana, indicate that the WICB Directorate instead of being supportive of Chanderpaul in fact dealt him a patent injustice. Chanderpaul should thank the Clive Lloydled selection panel for the prudent and professional advice which guarantees his presence among the elite batsmen of the world- a recognition he justly earned and richly deserves. Claude Raphael Former Senior National Selector
Monday June 08, 2015
Kaieteur News
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East Ruimveldt Secondary School triumphs Hamilton savors Canada win after Monaco blow as GDA Inter-school’s tourney concludes
Lewis Hamilton kept Nico Rosberg in his wake during the race in North America. (Reuters)
President of the Guyana Draughts Association, Jairam (extreme right) and tournament coordinator, Paul Danjoo (extreme left), enjoy a photo op with the winners and runners up. Joshua Gladd, Vibert Dummett and Nicassy Barker turned in special performances and eventually earned the East Ruimveldt Secondary School championship honours when the Guyana Draughts Association staged the InterSchools Independence Draughts Competition at the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School, Mandela Avenue Saturday afternoon. Seven secondary schools participated in the event and St Joseph finished in the second place while St Winifred Secondary sealed off the final podium spot with Kingston Secondary finishing in the cellar. The game was played on a knock out basis and New Campbellville Secondary, Christ Church Secondary and North Ruimveldt Secondary were the first casualties. East Ruimveldt Secondary
eventually defeated St. Joseph Secondary to take the honours and relegate their nemesis to the second position. St. Winifred’s Secondary then defeated Kingston Secondary to seal off the third place spot with the losers occupying the fourth place spot. District Education Officer 1 (ag), Clifton David, delivered brief remarks before declaring the competition open. He lauded the initiative while disclosing that officials at his entity are preparing a comprehensive programme to engender schoolchildren’s participation in meaningful extracurricular activity. He also pointed out that such interaction serves to divert their attention from anti-social activities. Mr. David also highlighted the purpose of the game while underlining the benefits that could be derived from participation.
“Draughts retains your focus a n d i m p r o v e s concentration,” he declared shortly before commending the organizers for the work they are doing. The tournament attracted two females, Nicassy Barker and Shania Harcourt, who competed for the President’s Trophy. In the end Barker triumphed to claim that accolade. Trophies were donated by Colours Boutique while snacks and beverages were donated by several corporate entities including Banks DIH Ltd, Guyana Beverage Inc. Ansa MCal, and H.A Snacks. Meanwhile, President of the GDA, Jairam, commended the participants for a competitive tournament and urged them to continue playing the game. His words were echoed by coordinator, Paul D’Anjou who complimented the teams on
the high level of play. Consequently, the GDA would like to thank the entities that offered corporate support towards the success of the tournament including Noble House Seafoods, Hand-in-Hand Insurance, Ansa MCal, Guyana Beverage Inc. Banks DIH, A & R Jiwanram Printing, H.A Snacks, B.M Soat, Blyden & Fernandes, John Lewis Styles, Hand-in-Hand Trust, W & R Ltd, Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales, Colours Boutique, NCE Screen Printers and Kevins Reflections. Special thanks are also extended to Head Mistress of North Ruimveldt Multilateral School, Margaret Joseph, who consented to the use of the competition venue and officials of the Ministry of Education, Ms. Desiree Wyles- Ogle and Mr. Clifton David, for their unstinted support.
Inspired Wawrinka tames Djokovic to win French Open
PARIS (Reuters) There were no jeers this time as Swiss Stan Wawrinka defied the odds to win the French Open with a courageous 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory over world number one Novak Djokovic in an enthralling final on Sunday. The eighth seed, booed by the crowd when he played French opponents this year, handed Serbian Djokovic his third defeat in three Roland Garros finals to add a second major to his 2014 Australian Open title. “I played the match of my life, it’s hard to believe. Playing against Novak was one of the biggest challenges. I know how much he wanted this Roland Garros,” Wawrinka said courtside.
“It was a crazy atmosphere these two weeks. I’d like to thank you.” Djokovic, who beat ninetimes champion Rafa Nadal and British third seed Andy Murray en route to the final was gallant in defeat after yet another French Open heartache. “Congratulations to Stan, his team, his family,” he said. “It’s not easy for me to speak right now but there are things in life that are more important than victory, it’s respect,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for you Stan, you’re a great champion with a big heart, you deserve this title.” Wawrinka used his superb one-handed backhand to devastating effect, hitting flat Continued on page 31
Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland poses with the trophy during the ceremony. (Reuters/ Vincent Kessler)
MONTREAL (Reuters) Lewis Hamilton put Monaco misery behind him on Sunday with a controlled Canadian Grand Prix victory that sent the Formula One world champion 17 points clear of Mercedes team mate and title rival Nico Rosberg. The Briton’s fourth victory in seven races this season, and fourth career win in Canada, denied Rosberg a third triumph in a row and provided the perfect response to losing out in the showcase race two weeks ago. There he had been leading comfortably from pole only to lose out after a needless late pitstop when the safety car was deployed. There was no need for the safety car on Sunday, at a circuit that has seen it plenty of times in the past, and there was little in the way of drama either — other than a startled groundhog appearing on the track — as Hamilton led from pole. Rosberg was never close enough to attack and the rest of the field was so far behind as to be out of sight, with Hamilton lapping all but six of the cars behind him at the circuit where he took his first
F1 win in 2007 with McLaren. Finland’s Valtteri Bottas was third for Williams, a massive 40.6 seconds behind Hamilton, to become the first driver from outside Mercedes or Ferrari to appear on the podium this year. “I love Montreal,” Hamilton told the crowd as he stood on the podium after his 37th career win. “Nico was quick but I felt like I always had it under control. “Did I need this?” he asked the spectators to raucous cheers. “I think so.” Bottas moved up one place from where he started, beating his fellow-Finn Kimi Raikkonen after the Ferrari driver spun following a pitstop. Raikkonen finished fourth, ahead of team mate Sebastian Vettel who fought his way through the field from 18th at the start. Bottas’s Brazilian team mate Felipe Massa finished sixth after starting 15th. Venezuelan Pastor Maldonaado scored his first points of the season for Lotus in seventh place and Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg limbered up for his Le Mans 24 Hours debut next weekend with eighth place for Force India.
Curacao edges Trinidad & Tobago on late goal WILLEMSTAD, Curacao – Curacao scored late to defeat visiting Trinidad & Tobago 1-0 in an international friendly on Friday night at the Stadion Ergilio Hato. Substitute Charlton Vicento struck for the game-winning goal with five minutes left in normal time, giving the host its first win over the Soca Warriors in nearly 46 years. On December 2, 1969, when then known as the Netherlands Antiles, Curacao posted a 3-1 win in the CONCACAF Nations Championship. “Curacao deserve credit,” said Trinidad & Tobago head coach Stephen Hart. “They played the game with a passion and desire worthy of a World Cup qualifier which they play on Wednesday against Cuba.” Both sides used the game as preparation for their respective competitions. The Trinidadians are looking ahead to July’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, while Curacao will face Cuba in the second round of qualifying in CONCACAF for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on June 10 (home) and 14 (away). Curacao head coach Patrick Kluivert — the former Ajax, AC Milan, Barcelona and Netherlands star – remained unbeaten in three outings with a 2W-1D-0L record, since he was appointed to the position in early March. NOTES: In their last meeting, Trinidad & Tobago defeated Curacao, 3-2, on November 11, 2014, in the Caribbean Cup finals. (CONCACAF)
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Kaieteur News
FIFA email connects Sepp Blatter to $10M payment in corruption probe CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A 2007 email shows FIFA President Sepp Blatter and then-South African President Thabo Mbeki held “discussions” over $10 million that ultimately went to allegedly corrupt soccer executives as payback for supporting the country’s World Cup bid, a newspaper claimed Sunday. South Africa’s Sunday Times reported that the email from FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke to the South African Government asks when the $10 million will be transferred. The newspaper said that in the email, which was not published, Valcke wrote that the $10 million was “based on discussions between FIFA and the South African Government, and also between our President (Blatter) and President Thabo Mbeki.” American investigators alleged in their indictment into corruption in world soccer that the $10 million went to Jack Warner, who is currently under arrest, as payback for him and two other senior FIFA executives voting for South Africa to host the 2010 World Cup. It was wired from FIFA to accounts controlled by Warner in three payments in early 2008, the US Department of Justice said. FIFA and the South African Government have said it was money given legitimately by South Africa through FIFA to help soccer development in Warner’s Caribbean region. Mbeki’s office denied any involvement in bribes in a statement when the FIFA corruption scandal broke. FIFA didn’t immediately respond to a written request
Sepp Blatter from The Associated Press for comment on the purported 2007 email from Valcke. Mbeki’s spokesman, Mukoni Ratshitanga, referred the AP to the earlier statement denying the South African government’s involvement in any bribes when Mbeki was president. Described as money for soccer development, the South African cash ended up going directly to former FIFA vice president Warner of Trinidad and American Chuck Blazer, both then members of FIFA’s executive committee, according to the DOJ. Blazer has admitted to receiving bribes in connection with the 2004 vote that resulted in South Africa becoming the first African nation to host the World Cup. Warner is one of 14 soccer and marketing officials indicted and under arrest on corruption charges, which include racketeering, bribery and money laundering. Blatter announced he was quitting as FIFA president last week with the world soccer body rocked by the biggest scandal in its 111-year
history. The 79-year-old Blatter has not been specifically implicated in the Justice Department investigation. In Valcke’s email, which is dated Dec. 7, 2007, according to the Sunday Times, he refers to the $10 million as a commitment “to the legacy programme for the diaspora and specifically the Caribbean countries” and says it stems from talks between Blatter and Mbeki, who was president at the time of South Africa’s successful World Cup bid. He left office in 2008. Valcke’s email pre-dates correspondence from thenchief South African World Cup organizer Danny Jordaan and then-South African Football Association president Molefi Oliphant asking FIFA to shave $10 million off South Africa’s World Cup budget to send to Warner’s regional soccer body. In Oliphant’s letter, he twice asks for the $10 million to be controlled specifically by Warner. South Africa won the World Cup by beating Morocco 14-10 in a vote of FIFA’s ruling panel of executives in Zurich in 2004. The US DOJ alleges that vote was completely corrupted, with Warner, Blazer and an unnamed senior South American FIFA official agreeing to take bribes to back South Africa. A Moroccan bid official also attempted to bribe Warner with $1 million, the DOJ alleged in its indictment documents. The DOJ said South Africa’s $10 million was used to pay off Warner and Blazer four years after the vote and was channeled through FIFA to Warner and dressed up to look like legitimate funds for soccer development.
IOC suspends recognition of SportAccord LAUSANNE (Reuters) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Sunday suspended its recognition of SportAccord, whose president Marius Vizer resigned last month after sparking a row over the control of international sports federations. Vizer had challenged the IOC’s grip on global sports, accusing it of being dated and blocking the creation of new events as well as lacking transparency. His sharply-worded comments triggered a wave of departures from the umbrella organization, representing some 100 international sports federations. Many of the departing federations accused Vizer of a unilateral move and not speaking on behalf of SportAccord’s members. The IOC said in a statement that it would support the federations “in all the initiatives being taken to restructure their representation following the serious internal problems of SportAccord.” “We do not want the clean athletes to suffer in any way from this vacuum. We are
offering the international federations concerned all the services and advice in the fight against doping which have been offered so far by SportAccord and financed by the IOC and WADA. “We will be making the same offer with regard to good governance as well as on match-fixing and related corruption, and the IOC is ready to provide this support directly. We must ensure that there is not a vacuum during this ongoing process.” The statement added: “Like many members of SportAccord, we are suspending our recognition and we will withhold our funding until these questions are answered and an agreement between the stakeholders has been reached,” added the statement “We are awaiting the outcome of the consultations and, when the time is right, we would like to invite these stakeholders here to discuss how services can best be provided in the future to the above-mentioned organizations.”
Monday June 08, 2015
GFF/Admiral unveil new national kits By Franklin Wilson With Guyana set to start its campaign in the CONCACAF leg of FIFA World Cup Qualifying for Russia 2018 on Wednesday in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, the Golden Jaguars would be donning brand new kits compliments of business deal with International Sports wear suppliers, Admiral. The attractive kits including tee shirts for spectators are part of a four year deal inked by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee Chairman, Clinton Urling. GFF Director of Marketing and Communication Rawle Toney in briefing the media yesterday stated that all the national teams (male & female) will benefit from this business partnership with Admiral. “GFF is now the official supplier and distributor of Admiral national team gear here in Guyana, so all clubs, all teams and anyone wanting Admiral would come through
All national teams to benefit; fans also catered for the Guyana Football Federation. Fan jerseys are available for the June 14th game presently only at the GFF office for $2000 and we have the players replica for $6,000.” Toney said they are urging all fans to start supporting the Golden Jaguars from now as they leave today for Wednesday’s game against St. Vincent & the Grenadines at the Arnos Vale Playing Field from 15:30hrs. It was also disclosed by Toney that unlike previous kit arrangements the GFF entered into which saw them receiving cash, this Admiral deal is different. “In this case, everything that is sold the GFF gets a percentage of it. So you could actually go online at Admiral Sports Wear and you can actually purchase official Golden Jaguar gear and replicas.
The GFF actually gets a percentage of whatever is sold by Admiral.” Admiral is a legendary brand that is worn by some of the biggest names in the sporting world including the English National Team, Manchester United, the New York Cosmos and most recently the West Indies Cricket team. Admiral has supplied most of the current English Premier League (EPL) teams in addition to being the largest brand in the original North American Soccer League (NASL). They are also a major player in the North American and international markets. The company is the second largest football brand supplying professional teams in the U.S. and Canada in addition to supplying competitive and recreational teams.
Blake optimistic of World Championship spot after return from injury
Yohan Blake celebrates winning the 100m at the 2011 Daegu World Championships (file photo) Jamaica Observer KINGSTON, Jamaica – Double Olympic silver medallist Yohan Blake made a long awaited return to the track when he competed in the men’s 200 metre dash at meet four in the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) All-Comers development series. The Racers Track Club representative, who has not competed in almost a year due to a hamstring injury, cruised to victory in his heat at the National Stadium on Saturday. Blake who is also known as the ‘Beast’, went out hard and opened up a gap ahead of the field coming off the curve before easing down in the end in a moderate 21.57 seconds.
However, his time placed him in 13th position overall, as Anguillan native Zharnel Hughes, representing High Performance Centre topped the event with a time of 20.44 seconds. Hughes won ahead of the Racers Track Club duo Miguel Francis (20.73) and Terrel Cotton (20.84). Despite having pre-race jitters, Blake was elated to be back in competition. “First I have to give God thanks that I am back on the track; it felt different [because] I was really nervous [and] didn’t know what I could do really. But I feel really good to get the rust off,” he told reporters. The 25-year-old admitted that thoughts of aggravating the injury played out in his mind, but encouraging words
from Coach Glen Mills and teammates assisted him significantly. “I felt it so it was on my mind a little, but my coach and Usain (Bolt), and Warren (Weir) kept telling me to not think about it and just go out there and enjoy the race and that’s what I did,” he explained. The 2011 World Championship 100 metre gold medallist confirmed his participation in next weekend’s meet five in the series, as he looks ahead to the National Senior Championships set for June 25-28. “I don’t take long to get going; so I am going to come next week and run one more and head into the trials. I just have to keep it simple and do some speed work and I will be good,” said Blake. However, he expressed uncertainty about doubling up in the sprints, and is optimistic about a podium finish which will earn him a spot on the team to the World Championships in Beijing, China in August. “I am not sure as yet I am still leaving it for the coach to decide what he think is best for me. I just want to get back my competitiveness and see what happens, but I would like to be in the top three,” he added.