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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Curbing crime is an electoral promise May was probably the most deadly month in the annals of this country when it comes to murders. No less than twenty people were killed in Guyana, some execution style, some during robberies and others because of a domestic issue. Surely this cannot be a good baptism for any new government given that the people who voted it into office expected it to put a dent on crime. Crime escalated during the tenure of the People’s Progressive Party and soon became a facet of national life. The worse crime situation occurred after the 2002 jailbreak which took criminal activity to a new level. None can forget the empty streets as soon as it became dark. Night life floundered because people kept off the streets. It took a concerted effort by the police and the Guyana Defence Force to really clean up the country, but by the time that was over, there were splinter groups of criminal elements countrywide. The police tried their best to keep crime off the streets of the city, but such was the proliferation of illegal guns that it soon became apparent that the gun was the weapon of choice. The police managed to suppress crime in the city, but the criminal elements soon decided that they could operate in other parts of the country. Had it not been for some enterprising police ranks one would never have known that criminals from the city were operating in places like Berbice, the hinterland and even West Demerara. Just last weekend it turned out that teenagers were executing robberies and killing people in the act. All of these were born during the tenure of the past administration. So it was that people expected not only a change in administration but also a change in the status of crime in Guyana. On the campaign trail the coalition vowed to stamp out crime. This vow is now being tested. No fewer than a dozen persons died violently during the past week. This is a high figure barely matched by what passed during the crime wave that rocked Guyana. One man was shot and killed in a nightclub, another was shot execution style in South Sophia, yet another was killed when some knife wielding bandits attacked him outside his home. One of those killed this past week was shot by his intended victim after a botched robbery, the police shot and killed one of them who had taken away a gun from a policeman and shooting him, and there was the husband who killed his estranged wife and her paramour while they slept. The aim here is not to detail the recent murders but to highlight that there must be a way to end these killings. It is going to be difficult to curtail crimes of passion but it is easier to stem the flow of crime. Some time back the view was that the criminals were on their rampage because they were not being caught. And the few that were caught knew that it was only a matter of time before they returned to the streets. This is where the new government must act decisively. Either there be condign punishment for certain criminal activity or there be the ubiquitous presence of the police in the society. Let’s not talk about the size of the budget should the size of the Guyana Police Force be increased. A recent World Bank study showed that as much as $500 billion was being shipped illegally out of Guyana each year as part of efforts at money laundering. This was an amount that far exceeded the national budget. The new government would halt this practice. Some of this money would fund the new additions to the police force. In all the countries where the people feel secure there is a police presence almost at the drop of a hat. Georgetown needs that. In the initial stages it may not be a bad thing to have the soldiers join in patrolling the streets. The criminals must not be allowed to feel that they can operate with impunity. And besides, the new government owes the society if only because of its campaign promise.
Tuesday June 09, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Put Guyana first by electing Dr. Scotland as Speaker of its National Assembly DEAR EDITOR, This is an open letter to the persons, who on becoming National Assembly members on Wednesday 10th June, 2015 would be electing, on that said day, a Speaker of the National Assembly pursuant to article 56 of the Constitution. I consider it fair comment on a matter of public interest that I bring to your notice certain matters which preeminently qualify Barton Scotland for election as Speaker of the National Assembly. But, first let me state unequivocally that I do so wholly and entirely on my own volition, even at the risk of offending the sensibility of the man who I have come to know professionally. So, what then qualifies and merits this man for the high constitutional office of Speaker? Firstly, you and us, of course share the excitement about Guyana’s newbeginning dispensation of meritocracy and Guyanese exceptionalism. In him, we have an example.
I know firsthand of his legendary humility and respectability. Appearing before me when I was a Magistrate, this good man was just as respectful when I ruled or decided against his client, as when I ruled or decided in his client’s favour. He is only human, yet, he never, in spite of his doctoral status (he holds a doctorate in law), exhibited any undignified or unrighteous pomposity. Surely, members of the National Assembly (N.A) must find comfort and assurances in such a man presiding over their engagements in the N.A. I share with you also my firsthand experience of this man’s exceptional capacity as a negotiator for Guyana in the area of Foreign Direct Investments. We worked together at Guyana Natural Resources Agency from 1988 to 1992. I was the legal officer; he the Deputy Chairman. Winston King of World Bank economist repute was our boss; he headed our negotiating team. But to this day I honestly believe that Cambior (the Canadian parent company) invested in
Guyana’s gold resources (through its local subsidiary Omai) because of the negotiating acumen of Barton Scotland. Louis Gignac was Omai’s lead negotiator. He was brutal and unmitigating in his arrogance. In one of our engagements during the Omai negotiation, Winston King lost his patience. He left the room. The tension was high. The investment was in jeopardy of being lost. Barton Scotland worked his magic with words, the tension was diffused. We secured the Omai investment. What is the point? It is this – it is not so much about the veneration, learning, wisdom, detachment or probity attributes of this man. It is about his demonstrated friendly disposition and powers of sobriety and conciliation. Plenty of this might be needed in the eleventh Parliament. Dr. Barton Scotland, C.C.H has been a good and faithful servant and citizen of Guyana. And that is why when in (Continued on page 23)
Political wannabees need to shut up and let democracy flourish DEAR EDITOR, The third reason why the PPP should interests. I see that Mr. Peter Ramsaroop is at enter Parliament is to access the free The last reason that the PPP should it again – writing about how the PPP press with their views on important and will enter Parliament is simply to should boycott Parliament - and trying issues, to bring money to the party’s keep itself relevant to its own to be pertinent to the politics of Guyana. coffers and to keep their MPs fully supporters, who, if not represented, will This man is surely living in a bubble. engaged and politicized, especially slowly and surely desert that Party With the Venezuelans’ spurious since their defeat and the end to their especially if legislation is passed claims to our territory, it is essential that overt dominance of radio, TV and the without their presence and it directly the PPP shows a united approach to this state-owned newspaper. affects the needs and aspirations of their external threat and that is the first reason Funds will become a problem, as all supporters. With their presence, to go into Parliament; they should the opportunists who were their friends compromises could be worked out and remember that President Cheddi always while they were in power will now deals done to ensure fairness and (check the record) put nationalistic desert them and stop giving money; also consideration for their supporters. interests above party politics and the all the state resources which the PPP Political wannabees need to shut up aggressive position the Maduro leadership used, contrary to the laws of and let democracy in Guyana flourish government has chosen will imperil our Guyana, will now dry up, leaving that not in the fashion their PPP masters tried future potential revenues from oil which party on the edge of financial collapse. to place on the backs of the Guyanese will benefit every one of us. Their key people need to be kept at nation but with a new dispensation Maduro’s economic and social the cutting edge of the political under the watchful eyes of President solutions have wrecked Venezuela’s landscape, so Parliamentary activity is a Granger and PM Nagamootoo, who are economy and he’s now trying to use necessity for the survival of the PPP. fully committed to a new democratic territorial claims against Guyana to Hopefully, young people will be placed beginning, free of corruption, nepotism divert attention from his failed policies. in Parliament who will struggle for the and cronyism. But on this issue, President Obama good of country and not selfish party Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.) will be on our side -we just have to be united and stand together. The second reason the PPP should ignore Ramsaroop’s DEAR EDITOR, is being done about the river defences, foolhardy statements is the One of the APNU-AFC coalition banners however how can the contractor hire four or very nature of democratic g o v e r n a n c e w h e r e t h e boldly proclaimed, “It is time for more members from one family for various opposition, once accepting Righteousness”. I strongly supported that jobs? These are the issues that bring constant defeat at the polls (the PPP call and I believe God has changed the dissension and disunity. I call on every community leader and was defeated, not cheated as direction of Guyana. As Christian labourers, we’ve had to deal resident to be bold and righteous in this new they claim), plays an important role and balancing with street corner parties on Sundays, lots of Guyana. We must continuously clean our act in defining the very nature un-churched people and children, non- yards, drains and community. We must get of where the country is going - attendance to Sunday School, bible clubs, back to spiritual values which mean attending economically, politically and prayer meetings, etc. How can Guyana church and sending our children to Sunday choose to forget that these institutions were School. We must support righteous leaders, at the social level. That the government has and continue to be the fabric of our nation? stay active in your communities, walk around sent out an olive branch to the We’ve also seen the lack of involvement and and get to know everyone living in the PPP to begin inclusive maturity with the simplest community- community. Guyana will never survive without governance is even more of a related activism. A simple clean-up campaign in our righteous and God-fearing people. reason to disregard notions Denise Murray such as Ramsaroop’s and communities brought animosity and stress. In Friendship, EBD, we are grateful for what Resident enter Parliament.
The Bold and Righteous
Tuesday June 09, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
I am certain that the Disciplined Forces Commission’s recommendations will be expeditiously implemented DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter of C C Kennard, Chairman, Police Complaints Authority, in Stabroek News, of Saturday June 6, 2015 under the caption ‘Police Complaints Authority investigators do not conduct an investigation under the Police Discipline Act’. The Chairman posited ‘The investigators attached to the PAC do not conduct any disciplinary hearing. What they do is gather information from all relevant sources after a complaint is made at the PCA, including obtaining a response from the ranks against whom the complaint is lodged’ I agree that the PCA does not conduct disciplinary hearing. It has no authority to do so. According to the Chairman, the investigators gather information from all relevant sources. If interviewing witnesses, interrogating alleged offenders, taking written statements, visiting scenes of alleged breaches, examining and taking possession of
suspect documents and other related activities conducted by investigators is not investigating but gathering information, tell me what is an investigation? Are we playing with words? Is there a legal meaning of investigation that I do not know about? The Chairman suggested that I read the Police Complaints Authority Act and the Disciplined Forces Commission report. Fortunately, I am in possession of copies of those documents - compliments of the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority and a member of the Disciplined Forces Commission. Over the weekend I again perused both documents including the one hundred and sixty-four recommendations and the three hundred and fifteen pages of the Disciplined Forces Commission report. I did not find anything therein to indicate that the PCA has authority to conduct investigations into
disciplinary breaches in relation to the Police (Discipline) Act Chapter 17.01. The recommendations contained in the Disciplined Forces Commission report are what they are - unadulterated recommendations. To give them teeth may require amendments to certain sections of the law, including section 5(1) of the Police (Discipline) Act Chapter 17.02, which was the main theme of my letter to the Editor. For sake of emphasis I will repeat it, ‘Every alleged commission of an offence against discipline under the Act shall be investigated as soon as practicable by a member of the Force not below the rank of sergeant and of a higher rank than the member of the Force who is alleged to have committed the offence.‘ I saw no amendment to this section. David Arthur Granger MSS, in his right as a member of the Disciplined Forces Commission and that as the
What makes a good Father? Who decides? DEAR EDITOR, The month of June’s celebratory Father’s Day has arrived. However, reflecting on one of life’s most important consumer-driven occasions has forced me to ask the question: What makes a good father? Who decides? Strange but nevertheless true, fathers and mothers enter the child-rearing business at two different times. Mothers decide to be mothers long before dads do. Yes, Dad may be supportive and excited, but compared to Mom, he’s an observer - that is until delivery time. Then Dad’s world takes on new meaning. He looks into the face of the new life and is faced with the realization: “I’m the father of this child,” or ‘Am I the father of this child? You might call it a “delivery room discovery”. At this point or juncture, a good dad (if he hasn’t been
had) makes a big decision. He has to decide to become a father, and that decision sets up dominoes of decisions that he will make for the rest of his life. From a personal standpoint the question has taken on a degree of grave importance, especially since
the definitions and expectations for fathers have changed dramatically over the years, moreso in current times. Nowadays, fathers with same-sex partners are expected to be partners in the (Continued on page 23)
Leader of the Opposition, on several occasions lamented the fact that the majority of the recommendations were not implemented. Now that the electors duly elected him as the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana I am certain that those recommendations will be expeditiously implemented.
I have the highest regard for the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority. While serving as a junior and a very senior Officer of the Guyana Police Force, I consulted him several times. He was always quick to give me valuable guidance which I appreciated. Unknowing to him in some instances he was my mentor. As a mentee I do
not have the competence to disagree with him in relation to complex legal issues, but in relation to this simple one under review I can and I now so do. This will be my only rebuttal and last confabulation on this matter through this medium. I rest my case Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (retired)
My company has been greatly humiliated DEAR EDITOR, I, like any other Guyanese citizen who has been providing quality service to the people of Guyana in excess of 25 years in various areas of expertise, will apply or tender for contracts with the government Guyana and I am assured that being awarded is due to my company’s qualification, ability, knowledge, experience, equipment and other resources necessary to carry out prompt and reliable service. Based on these aspects, I am happy to report my company was chosen as a service provider to maintain, service, repair and install air conditioning units, refrigerators, freezers, morgue freezers, washing machines and gas ranges at health facilities across Region #6, also waste water sewage pumps, and attached plumbing and electrical in the 14 septic tanks at New Amsterdam hospital.
So it is with great humiliation that my company was mentioned in an article in the Sunday Kaieteur News June 7, 2015 under the caption, “Rampant corruption uncovered at Berbice Health facility,” even as I and team, work six days per week and are on call 24 hours, including Sundays and holidays. We have even refused new clients due to our obligation with the health sector. I pray that this low quality of publicity is not due to my support of any political party, as I am a very public-spirited person who supports and contributes to community development, be it pledging of garbage bins to New Amsterdam Town Council,
donations to NGOs, schools, and of recent, paving of over 200 feet of roadway with reinforced concrete within the Municipality, complete with decorative light posts, to the benefit of many at my personal expense. I would also take this opportunity to inform that as a Patriotic Guyanese, I support the government of the day and will continue to exercise diligence in the execution of my professional services and patriotic duty as a citizen of this beautiful country of ours. Roger A. Greenidge Owner and General Manager, Greenidge Refrigeration Services
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Tuesday June 09, 2015
Dr. Raj Singh did not underperform during PPP/C administration - Rohee By Jarryl Bryan General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Clement Rohee, has condemned the sacking of former Guysuco Chief Executive Officer Dr. Raj Singh. He contended that Singh was dismissed on the grounds of ‘ethnicity’ and ‘party affiliations’. Rohee also denied that Dr. Singh, who appeared as a PPP/C candidate in the recently concluded General Elections, and that his performance had anything to do with GuySuCo’s current fiscal troubles. GuySuCo’s troubles forced the newly minted Granger administration to approve a cash bailout of the sugar corporation. “When you say not performing, I assume that it is based on what the new government is saying. Dr. Singh never said that he was not performing. It is the new administration that came in and began the propaganda against Dr. Singh and the Board, about non performance.” Rohee also declared that his party “did not believe the reports of Singh’s nonperformance”. According to him, the party was not taking for granted what Government commentators had said of GuySuCo’s mismanagement. “If there was a question of non performance during our time, we would have dealt with it. But as far as we were concerned there was no question of non performance.” Asked about Dr. Singh’s request for a $16B bailout shortly before he and his board were sent packing, Rohee stated that the request had been in the pipelines during the tenth parliament and as such was nothing new. LITANY OF TROUBLE As CEO of Guysuco, Singh presided over a two decades of low in production despite billions of dollars being pumped into the stateowned entity, which at one time was the country’s biggest foreign currency earner. As CEO, Singh mounted the platform, to openly campaign for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic during the recent General and Regional Elections. Last week Monday, in the first indication that there would have been clashes, Singh reportedly told the workers’ union that the Corporation was preparing to close the operations of the seven estates until it gets an urgent cash injection by the
…but evidence points to track record of failure end of the month (Sunday). The cash was to pay junior and senior staffers and suppliers. However, Minister Noel Holder made it clear that he was not informed of the dire cash situation by the CEO despite a meeting earlier that day. Through Government’s intervention, US$2M loan from a Jamaican bank averted the crisis over the weekend. But it became increasingly clear that the new Government was not comfortable with the CEO. Last week also, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo called on Singh and the Board to resign because of their dismal performance. Sitting on the board were Shaik Baksh - Chairman; and members Dr. Dindyal Permaul, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA); Badri Persaud, Managing Director, Guyana Oil (Guyoil) and Geeta SinghKnight. GuySuCo is projected to record a $17B deficit this year. The Corporation has been in deep trouble for years and was a major talking point leading up to the elections. The David Granger-led Government has made it clear that there will be no closure of the industry despite its woes, but the Management of GuySuCo is expected to be run in a different direction. Consecutive sugar crops along with a poor string of performance for its new flagship US$200M factory at Skeldon has sunk the industry to a two-decade low, despite the release of billions of dollars for the Corporation over the years. The industry is also producing sugar at a cost double what it is selling for. At one time there were accusations by the workers’ unions that Guysuco’s management has been employing poor planting and ill-advised harvesting techniques. Its biggest customer, the European Union, has slashed the price of sugar by some 36 percent and is set to open its markets to other players, forcing Guyana, a preferential customer, to now improve its dismal efficiency. Under the tenure of Singh, Guysuco was offered a three-year contract from its European customer, Tate and Lyle, worth over $14B, in 2012 at a time when the price for sugar was over US$700 per tonne. This offer was rejected
by the Guysuco Board of Directors, with hopes that the price for sugar would increase further. On the contrary, the price for sugar plummeted so that by 2013, when Tate renewed its offer to Guysuco of another contract, the price for sugar was US$500 per tonne. The Guysuco Board rejected this offer as well. The resulting losses have been placed by sugar unions such as National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), in the region of US$14B and brought much criticism on Dr. Singh’s board. By the end of 2014, the price of sugar had dropped to a lackluster US$350 per tonne. It had also been pointed
PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee out that the US$14B would have played a significant role in aiding the cash strapped
Corporation. With over US$50M sunk into GuySuCo within recent years, the previous PPP/C Government had promised to invest more than US$100M over a five-year period to help the industry. Recently, GuySuCo sold its Wartsila co-generation facility at the new Skeldon factory, just over five years old, to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. for US$30M. It collected about US$20M ($4B) and is awaiting the remaining US$10M ($2B). Two weeks ago, GuySuCo announced that its first crop fell short of the 86,201 tonnes of sugar by some 5,000 tonnes. The Management,
SACKED: Dr. Rajendra Singh however, failed to disclose that Skeldon had done so badly, only managing about half of the 17,214 tonnes it had set for that factory. Skeldon factory, commissioned in 2009, was once hailed by former President Bharrat Jagdeo as a saviour to the sugar industry, but has never been able to make a significantly positive impact and has instead served as a drain on Guyana’s sugar industry.
No signs of threat to rice deal with Venezuela As worry continues over neighbouring Venezuela’s stated intentions to claim part of Guyana’s waters, a major rice trade pact between the two appears not affected. Just a few days ago, officials of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) were among a team that returned from Venezuela after discussions with their counterparts there. During the meetings, there appeared to be no hint or indications that the rice deal was under any kind of threat. Rather the emphasis was placed on speeding up the shipment, an official from the Ministry of Agriculture said yesterday. Following the announcement by US-owned ExxonMobil that it has found significant quantities of oil in offshore concessions of Guyana, Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, last month issued a decree including a map which showed this country’s waters as belonging to them. As a matter of fact, a vessel is currently being loaded with almost 6,000 Mt of paddy at a city wharf. Under this year’s agreement, some 120,000 metric tonnes (Mt) of paddy along with 84,000 Mt of white rice have to be supplied to Venezuela. The deal is worth around US$113M. Following a fall in world prices in the last couple of years, oil rich Venezuela, one of the biggest producers in
Despite tensions over recent claims by Venezuela on this country’s waters, an oil-for-rice deal appears not to be affected. the world, had seen shortages of critical items, including food, toilet paper, detergent and even medicines. Venezuela is not likely to back down anytime soon from the rice deal not only because of the shipping proximity of Guyana, but because this country owes it tens of millions of US dollars for oil taken under the PetroCaribe deal which is offered to a number of participating countries within Latin America and the Caribbean. Guyana itself badly needs the deal because it has been producing at record levels in recent years because of good
yields. Last year alone, the industry recorded 630,000 tonnes of rice, it highest ever. Ve n e z u e l a h a s b e e n relatively stable market since 2010. The rice pact was initiated in 2010 between Guyana and the late Venezuelan leader, Hugo Chávez. The agreement aimed to strengthen food security in both countries. In 2011, Guyana signed a US$54 million agreement with Venezuela to supply 50,000 metric tonnes of paddy at US$520 per metric tonne, and 20,000 metric tonnes of white rice at US$800 per metric tonne. In 2013, Venezuela agreed
to take 140,000 tonnes of paddy this year and a further 70,000 tonnes of white rice. The previous administration has been eyeing producing one million tonnes of paddy this year. The Agri Ministry has been targeting paddy production to hit the $50B mark for farmers. Under the 2014 agreement, Guyana exported 150,000 tonnes of paddy and 50,000 tonnes of white rice valuing US$114M to the Spanish-speaking state. In 2014, exports to Venezuela accounted for about 34 percent of the total production of rice in Guyana.
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Kaieteur News
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Police reshuffle finally gets the go ahead Following consultations between newly appointed Second Vice President and Minister of National Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, and Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, the previously announced senior ranks reshuffling will proceed belatedly. The transfers, which will see significant movement of senior officers of the Force, were announced three weeks ago by Commissioner Persaud but were put on hold to give the new Minister an opportunity to be briefed on them. The delay in reshuffle had not gone down well with the opposition People’s Progressive Party, which accused the new administration of interference in the Guyana Police Force. In a statement yesterday, the PPP said that it takes strong objection to “Mr. Ramjattan’s barefaced intrusion and interference in the operations of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in general, and more specifically, his attempts to undermine the authority of the Commissioner of Police by consulting with junior officers on the placement of
New Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum
Brian Jospeh
Marlon Chapman
Christopher Griffith
Leslie James
senor ranks at various location s a nd posts, while the Commissioner of Police is out of the jurisdiction.” According to the PPP, these efforts are clearly aimed at discrediting the Commissioner and causing dissention between the Commissioner and other officers of the Force. The recent reshuffling will mean that the country will have a new crime chief in the form of senior superintendent of police Wendell Blanhum. He replaces Assistant
Commissioner Leslie James who has been assigned to the Office of the Commissioner of Police. Blanhum, who became a Police Officer after completing the Standard Officers’ Course, has had extensive overseas training in Crime Prevention Policing in the Republic of Korea; Organized Crimes for the Americas in Guatemala; Policing and Management in Colombia; Intelligence-led Policing in Trinidad & Tobago; Evaluation workshop Organised Crimes in Cuba and Law Enforcement Leadership in El Salvador. He was also trained by the
Federal Bureau of Investigation Course. He spearheaded a number of high profile investigations, including the Lusignan hairdresser killing and the kidnapping and murder of a businessman on East Coast Demerara. While the move to make Blanhum the Crime Chief is surprising, it did not come as a shock to many other officers who are convinced that B l a n h u m ’s appointment appeared to be in the making for quite a while. Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith, who was the Divisional Commander of “C” Division, has been posted in command of “B”
Division. He replaces Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph who is now the Head of the Presidential Guard. Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman, who was the Divisional Commander of “D” Division, has been posted in command of “C” Division replacing Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith. Senior Superintendent Stephen Mansell, who was the second in command of “D” Division, has been posted in command of the Division replacing Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman. Senior Superintendent Whitney Bacchus who was at
the Commissioner’s Office has been posted as Second in Command “Operations”, replacing Senior Superintendent Lyndon Alves who is now second in Command of the Presidential Guard. Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, who was the Officer in Charge of the Ta c t i c a l S e r v i c e s U n i t (TSU), has been posted second in command of “B” Division. Superintendent Hugh Denhert, who was the Second in Command of “B” Division, has been posted as the Officer in Charge of the TSU, replacing Senior Superintendent Errol Watts.
Man butchers wife with axe An irate Yarrowkabra resident chopped his 42-year-old female partner to death with an axe during an argument at their Soesdyke/Linden home yesterday. Police said that Carol Miranda Shako had an argument with a man with whom she shared a relationship when he chopped her on the
n e c k wi t h a n a x e a t Ya r r o w k a b r a , o ff t h e Soesdyke/Linden highway. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, while police detained her killer. There are reports that the couple was seen fighting on
Sunday night. Shako is the sixteenth woman to be slain this year, and the ninth to be slain by a male associate. She is the tenth person to have been killed within the past nine days. There have now been at least 74 murders for the year.
Venezuelan envoy seeks to... From page 3 ranks 62 on a list of 126 countries of military strength around the world, and which maintains military ties with Russia (ranking second on that list) Greenidge, has from day one, been saying that Guyana will not just throw in the towel. Greenidge did not state if the United States, the country ranked number one with military strength, has pledged unwavering support to help Guyana if, 'push comes to shove.' Indeed, the US had pledged support to secure Guyana's oil wealth but it cannot be taken for granted that the support will extend to this point. Chargé d' Affaires of the U.S Embassy, Bryan Hunt, in a recent i n t e r v i e w w i t h Kaieteur News, had pledged to offer technical and other support to Guyana with reg a r d t o e x p l o i t ing the nation's expected oil resources. He had also said that the US will be working with Guyana
to ensure that the oil wealth does not end up in private pockets. Prior to ExxonMobil's announcement last month that it had found a “significant” oil deposit, Venezuela had twice written to the Guyanese subsidiary of that company warning it against continuing the search for oil because that maritime area and the entire Essequibo Region — the land area from Venezuela east to the Essequibo River — were part of its territory. Guyana has issued a “strong” message to the Government of Venezuela in this regard. Venezuela has, for decades, threatened Guyana's sovereignty. But Guyana has over the years maintained that an 1899 ruling settled the borders between the two neighbours. But Venezuela has insisted that the mineral and forest rich Essequibo Region is its territory, a claim that still
is in the hands of the United Nations. The 15-nation Caribbean Community, Commonwealth and the Organization of American States (OAS), have for several decades sided with Guyana, the only English-speaking nation in South America. These organizations supported Guyana's position that the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award has fully and finally settled the boundary with Venezuela. The Government of Guyana has since informed CARICOM, UNASUR, the OAS, the Commonwealth as well as the United Nations Secretary General about Venezuela's most recent claim.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 09, 2015
11 women charged following Bartica raid
The women trying to conceal their identity Five Dominicans, four Colombians and two Venezuelans were yesterday arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts; six of them were illegal immigrants and the other five were charged for overstaying their time in Guyana. The women appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry- Sewnarine. They were accompanied by an interpreter, from the Central Immigration Office during the court hearing, since they could not speak English. It was alleged that Franchelys Torres, Yesenia Ariza, Mari Riviera, Yourlenny Hernandez, Mary Riviera, and
Melanie Rodriguez came to Guyana between February and May via sea and disembarked without the consent of an immigration officer. One the contrary, Magaly Perez, Genchi Perez, Nathalie Acosta, Carolina Acosta and Ana Nejia came to Guyana between February and May, and breached the conditions of their permit. They were permitted to stay for a period of time however, they subsequently overstayed. All the women pleaded guilty to the charges and were fined $30,000 fine with an alternative of two weeks imprisonment. On Sunday, the women were subsequently picked up
by the Counter Trafficking in Person Unit of Social Protection and the Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation (GWMO) during an investigation into human trafficking. Heading the raid was the newly appointed Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes. The team scoured Bartica, two bars/hotels on First Avenue and the homes of the girls were also raided. After investigations were carried out the illegal women were detained and interrogated at the Bartica Police station then later taken to the Georgetown Magistrates Courts, where they were indicted.
JetBlue Airways employee drowns in Tobago after jumping off boat
Derek Alleyne
SCARBOROUGH, Tobago – A 48-year-old Jet Blue Airways drowned over the weekend in Tobago after jumping off a boat in deep water at Bon Accord Lagoon, just off the Gibson Jetty. Derek Alleyne died around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Brooklyn, New York resident had arrived in Tobago last Friday with a group of friends to attend a wedding yesterday, but he never made it. There are conflicting reports about how he ended up in the water. The Trinidad Express reported that Alleyne was on the vessel Island Vibes, which was carrying between 60 and 70 people awaiting transfer to the Tobago Princess that had run aground in the lagoon at low tide. It reported that some Island Vibes passengers jumped off to assist the Tobago Princess and Alleyne was among them. He jumped off the back of the vessel into deep water and never resurfaced. However, the Trinidad Guardian reported that Alleyne was in a group waiting on shore for the Tobago Princess which was got stuck a short distance away, when the vessel’s owner asked them to assist in pushing the boat to dislodge it.
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Kaieteur News
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LET SOBER JUDGEMENT PREVAIL Guyana must not become excited by the Decree that was issued by the President of Venezuela recently. Guyana must not overreact like it did in response to the Leoni Decree issued in July of 1968 and which purported to give sovereignty of parts of Guyana’s maritime area to the Venezuelans. Guyana has already acted disastrously in relation to this latest decree. While the government had denied that the withdrawal of landing rights to a Venezuela airline was a retaliatory move against the recent Decree, the Venezuelans are going to view it as such. They are going to accuse Guyana of bringing economic pressure on one of the airlines. They are going to be
displeased that some of their nationals were left stranded for hours awaiting alternative flights. This is going to inflame public opinion in Venezuela and put Guyana in a bad light. Whatever the reason for suspending the rights of the airline, the timing was poor. One of the things that nations have to avoid is taking precipitate action against the nationals of another country, especially if there is a problem between the two countries. Guyana should not have taken any action that would have affected the nationals of Venezuela, more so at a time when the Guyana government believes that the Venezuelans are being belligerent. When two countries have
their differences, each tries to win over the nationals of the other country before they win over the government. In the case of Guyana, we have not considered how the Venezuelan public will view what was done to those nationals of theirs who were stranded in Guyana. Guyana has therefore started out on the wrong footing. It should issue an apology to those passengers who were affected by the recent action and offer each one of them an “all expenses paid” return trip to Guyana, along with their families. It does not matter that the actions may have been unrelated to the recent decree issued in Venezuela. Guyana has done a wrong thing to these passengers and it should seek to mend fences.
When the Hugo Chavez government had his problems with the Bush Administration he tried to woo the American people directly. He did not try to go after them. He made a distinction between the people and the government. Guyana should be doing the same. Guyana has no beef with the Venezuelan people. Whatever problems it may have is with the government of that country. Guyana also has to be in a position to clarify just what this Decree means. What is amazing is that the public of Guyana only got wind of this Decree almost two weeks after it was issued. So was the Foreign Ministry advised early of this Decree by Guyana’s Embassy in Venezuela, or was it a case that they too were not aware
of the Decree? If Guyana was aware of this Decree, what action was taken immediately upon receiving word of it clarify its authenticity and its implications for Guyana? Guyana must not get hopping mad. That will only blind a rational response. Guyana must get hopping serious and try to ascertain the facts in this matter and then develop an appropriate response. Right now all and sundry including the local media are getting on their high horses, but very few of them may have even read the original decree or have an understanding of the coordinates mentioned in this Decree. Forty-seven years ago, there was a similar Decree.
That Decree was never withdrawn but it also did not mean that Guyana lost anything. Once you know what is yours, it cannot be easily taken away. Therefore Guyanese must not get too excited. The government too must employ cool heads and not go on a wild military spending spree or take an alarmist stance on this matter. The situation should be clarified and monitored. Let the heat of the moment pass and allow sober judgment to prevail.
Int’l help for unit to target stolen state assets/monies - Harmon The figures are alarming. More than double the country’s national budget was methodically being siphoned off in a well coordinated scheme using contractors and other means. Now the new Government, under pressure to recover the monies, is going after those monies, or at the very least the assets tied to them. It is estimated by the World Bank that almost $500B was being stolen annually. On Saturday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, speaking to state media, made
- Hundreds of billion$$$ siphoned off every year it clear that the issue is not about witch-hunting as is being claimed by the Opposition- the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C). “We call it cleaning up Government. It is about making people more accountable.” Already, the new A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition
Government is on its way to establish what it calls the State Assets Recovery Unity (SARU). The issue of corruption and bribery had been a major one in recent years with both APNU and AFC, while in Opposition, promising a host of interventions to reduce theft by public servants and by extension contractors. SARU, in keeping with
Dem boys seh...
Rohee cracking jokes inside de Pee Pee Pee Parliament gun meet fuh de first time since de elections but it look like if is only de coalition gun be at the sitting. Donald and he team ain’t mek up dem mind to sit. Clement done seh that he is de man who gun call de shots although Donald can call de shots and mek people listen. Well when Clement Rohee mek that statement dem reporters ask he right away if he is de one who gun tek de post of Opposition Leader. This is de same man who did tell dem same reporters that he was ready to run fuh President. When dem ask he if he got de qualification he tell dem that goat ain’t bite him. People laugh and call he de goat man. But dem boys seh that some people don’t learn. This same Rohee now telling people that he prepared to be de Opposition Leader because Donald shame and Jagdeo ain’t going back to Parliament. Right away, Rob de Earth laugh. He write how some people pride more than dem position. But he didn’t stop there. He go on
to seh that if Rohee even become de Opposition Leader then de Pee Pee Pee gone to de dawgs. Now Rohee seh that eh don’t go pun Facebook but he got people who does go and stay pun Facebook. One of dem did actually go to Cuba and do de impossible. She do even wuss than she do at St Joseph. But that is another story. Dem boys seh that if Rohee could become de Opposition leader then anything can happen in Guyana. But while Rohee planning fuh sit down high in de Parliament dem boys want to know wheh Gail deh. Dem ain’t even seeing Gail or Odinga or Irfaat. In fact, dem ain’t seeing nobody. Now people want to know if dem still in de country or dem running before de audit done. But dem seeing Brassington and he reduce in size, not because he dieting but because he got a steady belly wuk. He seeing de pumpkin jumpsuit Talk half and wait fuh more jokes from Rohee.
promises of the new administration, will likely be independent, away from the political direction of the administration. It is likely to comprise representatives drawn from the Guyana Bar Association, the business community and the Guyana Human Rights Association. It will be reporting directly to the National Assembly. Harmon, who is in charge of the Ministry of the Presidency, disclosed that the establishment of SARU is but part of a multi-pronged approach to stamp out graft. The unit will have sweeping powers. Recent reports where several vehicles belonging to the state were transferred under questionable circumstances the week leading up to the May 11 elections will be one of the areas that the unit will be zeroing in on. The new administration, Harmon said, will also be looking to also carry out audits of state companies. The decisions were all taken last week during the first full meeting of the new Cabinet. Already, the Ministry of Finance has started the
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
process of transferring monies lying in several accounts outside of the central account, the Consolidated Fund. Minister Harmon disclosed that work of special unit may very well see it targeting even those assets that are overseas. Government is linking up with international organisations and looking at models of similar units that have been established abroad. Help has been offered. According to Harmon, recently well-known economist, Dr. Clive Thomas, said that the he believes around $300B is being siphoned off annually. However, a World Bank report put this to be around $500B. The figures would have
significance if it is taken into account that last year’s national budget was $220B. If even of 10% or 20% per cent of what was taken over the years is recovered, it will go a far way to assist the economy, the Minister said. “That (SARU) is a workin-progress. You will hear more about it in the coming weeks,” Harmon promised. He warned that while the expectation by citizens will be to have things happening more quickly, the issues have to be considered carefully with the implications assessed.
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Kaieteur News
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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Rupert Roopnaraine’s swearing in Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine was sworn in as the Senior Minister of Education and it just went uncommented throughout Guyana. Maybe he wasn’t singled out by the press because others were sworn in with him. But even if he was alone when he took the oath, I doubt it would have made a difference because of the shape of our present demography. Few Guyanese among the large section of our under forty population know about the courage of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) in the seventies. When Rupert Roopnaraine was administered the Oath of Office, it wasn’t Roopnaraine that was sworn in but the
WPA. Roopnaraine was the physical symbol but it was the collective presence of the WPA that stood before the President and took the Oath. The WPA long, long ago deserved to be involved in the legitimate administration of Guyana. We can disagree on many aspects of Guyana’s history and no doubt we will for a very long time to come. But in the large puzzle, there are pieces that will fit neatly that we cannot argue over. Forbes Burnham went in some wrong directions. Why do we want to deny that? Forbes Burnham was a fierce nationalist that refused to abandon and never abandoned the welfare of the working people of Guyana.
Why do we want to dispute that? Cheddi Jagan was trapped in an Indian vortex he couldn’t get out of and it dented his short stint as President of Guyana. Why would we want to reject that? Jagan was an incorruptible man that would not have ruled against the interest of the labouring masses and small peasantry. It is wrong to deny him this legacy. The United Force in the sixties was a shameless probusiness party, but its leaders had genuine fears of communism in a country that was the neighbour of the USA, and whose small population did not want communism. We may not have liked such a small European-
oriented party ruling a predominantly dark-skinned Guyana, but its leaders knew that a communist PPP meant the destruction of traditional democratic values. We saw this in Burnham, 1968-1985 and in the PPP, 1992-2015. Desmond Hoyte remains one of the post-colonial phenomenal leaders. The political theorist cannot deny that. But there is a large but. Hoyte knew nothing about Guyana’s politics and sociology. Hoyte played a huge role in the weakening of the political economy of African Guyanese. It is difficult to support Hoyte with a plausible argument in this context. The WPA was a historic organization. Time has moved on, contexts change, zeitgeists come and go and they took the WPA with them. The WPA is virtually a shell of its pristine self. I doubt the WPA will grow larger to be influential to challenge the PNC as a party, or the Alliance For Change. I see an ongoing diminution of the PPP but I doubt the WPA will be a formidable player in the future. I don’t think it will
move off the scene. It would be best for it to start the recruiting process among young Guyanese. History, though, will always be kind to the WPA. When Rupert Roopnaraine was sworn in, history smiled on the WPA. It was history in its poetic essence. The WPA deserved to be in government a long time ago. It is now. There is only one WPA Cabinet Minister but it is the historical symbol that is important. If you are going to say that Burnham and the PNC, Jagan and the PPP are historic and enduring legacies then so are Walter Rodney and the WPA. What is so philosophically instructive about the WPA is that its continued presence in the Guyanese fabric is a constant reminder that our anti-colonial fighters were not the heroes we made them out to be. Burnham applied unnecessary violence to the WPA after it became vocal about Burnham’s unusual power temptations. Cheddi Jagan became extremely ungrateful to the WPA after he became President and
Frederick Kissoon treated that party with the same contempt that Burnham showed. Once the WPA stays alive, the younger generation will have to be told that the greatness of the Burnham/ Jagan duet was a poorly recorded song. As Guyana heads into a brave, brand new world, its young generation must be constantly advised to remember those who struggled to make that new hospitable horizon a place of invitation. Indians may persist with their hero Jagan. Africans may do the same for Burnham. But whenever the picture of the current Minister of Education comes on the television screen or in the newspapers, let it be a reminder that many more other than Burnham and Jagan are heroes too.
Tuesday June 09, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Police criticised for handling of Wismar shooting Victor Fausette
The police handling of an incident that left a young Wismar, Linden resident dead and a policeman battling for his life, has come in for severe criticism from relatives of both men. In the aftermath of the shooting, Marcel Bobb, the mother of the badly wounded policeman, was not too pleased with the way the police administration had initially treated her son. On the other hand, Vera Sandy is blaming the ranks at Linden for not dealing with the arrest of her son, Egan Richards, in a professional manner, thus leading to him shooting the policeman and his eventual demise. On Sunday, a party of policemen trailed Richards to his house at One Mile extension, Wismar and shot him dead, minutes after he had relieved Constable Victor Fausette of his service revolver and shot him in his head at the Wisroc Police Outpost. The police say they had initially arrested Richards at the request of his relatives. But relatives have denied this saying that they merely called them to assist them get
Richards to the Mackenzie Hospital for psychiatric attention since he was behaving out of the ordinary. Richards’s mother, Vera Sandy, said that he was the third of her seven children. He became mentally ill several months ago, the result of him being lost for seven days in the interior, where he had been working. “He walked all the way from Mowasi Landing to here, and since then he start tripping out, but he wasn’t a violent person- he never trouble anybody. I never mek me son like dat,” she declared. Sandy said that contrary to reports in the media, her son was not armed with a cutlass, prior to being taken into police custody. He had in his possession a piece of wood which his sister used to wrap crochet thread. “We call the police to help we get he to the hospital, for some injection to quiet he down, because he was chasing we out de house. They didn’t have to carry he to the station; what he needed was help.” She blamed the police for the way they handled her son
Egan Richards while transporting him from his home. “The police were very unprofessional; they carried me son to the station and they didn’t even handcuff he. They just throw he in the vehicle just like that. If they de handcuff he, he woulda be alive today,” Sandy told this newspaper. The police in a press release issued shortly after
Govt begins financial audit of NICIL, Gold Board The Ministry of Finance was expected to commence financial audits of at least four agencies yesterday. Three of them are the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Gold Board (GCB) and National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Minister of Finance Mr. Winston Jordan said on Friday, the audit will target these agencies which, under the previous administration, were allowed to remain as offline accounts, and did n o t follow the correct procedure of having their revenues placed in the Consolidated Fund. Earlier the Finance Minister had stated that he
had found that the Consolidated Fund is heavy in overdraft, whilst the previous government was maintaining several offline accounts. The Minister explained that there are two Consolidated Funds, an older one that had “mothball, so to speak when we were bringing in IFMAS (Integrated Financial Management and Accounting Systems) back in 2003” and the current Consolidated Fund. He said that the older fund has an unreconciled balance of about $46B. The two funds together have a balance of $71B but adjusting for offline accounts that really belong to government, there is about $60B overall, the Minister
explained. In terms of the offline financial records, the Ministry has already started closing accounts with balances that should have gone into the present Consolidated Fund. The Ministry is also examining other accounts and doing forensic audits for some funds like Petrocaribe, lotto, wildlife and those related to GGMC, GGB and NICIL. The Minister said that once these audits are completed, the Ministry will be better able to ascertain the balances in these offline accounts and will then transfer those to their rightful place which is the Consolidated Fund.
the incident said, “The circumstances are not yet clear, but while in custody at the Outpost, Regan Richards managed to overpower Police Constable Victor Fausette and take away his service revolver. He then shot the police rank above his left ear and escaped with the firearm.” Kaieteur News understands that another rank had arrested Richards and had brought him to the outpost. The rank then left Richards in Fausette’s custody, without placing the prisoner in a cell. It is alleged that Constable Fausette was attempting to place Richards in the lockups, when the mentally ill man attacked the rank, relieved him of his firearm, and shot him in the head. Nearby residents reportedly heard the gunshot and saw Fausette stagger out of the police outpost before collapsing. He was rushed to the Mackenzie Hospital, before being transferred late Sunday night to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Vera explained that after the police arrested her son, she and other relatives went to two police stations, Mackenzie and Wismar, to ensure that Richards was okay. Sandy said that they were finally told that he was at the Wisroc Police outpost. However a visit to that outpost also proved futile as Richards was not there. Sandy said when they returned home, they were surprised to see that the police had barricaded the premises. “They kill me son right in this house, because if you see how the house tumble up,” she said. One eye witness claimed, “I see Egan walking with the gun behind he back and he was very calm, then he go in the house.” Shortly after police reportedly converged on the scene, and there was a rapid exchange of gunfire. An ambulance was later called to the scene, but subsequently left and the
hearse was called in. It took Richards’s body to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The police service revolver with six spent shells was recovered. Several bullets from at least two different caliber weapons were also found in the Richards’ house. Meanwhile, as the young badly wounded Constable Fausette lies in the GPHC’s Intensive Care Unit, battling for his life, his mother Marcel Bobb has been undergoing a battle of her own. The woman told Kaieteur News that up to late yesterday afternoon, no one from the police administration had visited her son or spoken to her, personally. The woman who resides at Number 8 Village, West Coast Berbice, stated that she visited her son yesterday and he was still in a critical condition. Bobb said that Fausette
briefly opened his eyes but she could not say if he recognised her. She said she was at home on Sunday when her cousin who was visiting, got a phone call. Bobb said that she eavesdropped on the conversation when she heard her cousin say something about her son. “I say, ‘wha happen to me son?’ Then my cousin told me that her niece in Linden called and tell her that my son get shoot,” Bobb recalled. She lamented the fact that her son who was a member of the Force for the past three years was manning the outpost by himself. “Many times he would tell me that he alone had to work at the outpost. You can’t have a young policeman alone in a station. Tell me if them thing could be right.” Bobb stated. “I depend on my son…don’t mind how little he give me. Right now I’m in tears,” Bobb said.
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Tuesday June 09, 2015
Accountant on bail, Confusion surrounds appointment probe continues in of Youth Director Ministry’s arson An Accountant detained by investigators last week following an arson attempt at the offices of the Ministry of Communities, Kingston, was granted station bail over the weekend. But the probe is continuing, Government officials assured yesterday. The Accountant was reportedly seen on camera with a container in his hands in the area. However, investigators were unable to find the container or its remains afterwards. Following the fire on Wednesday, which was contained, police the next day picked up the Government Accountant, who was attached to the Finance Department of the Ministry. He was held until his bail on Sunday.
On Wednesday afternoon, shortly after Internal Auditors started a probe into last year’s spending of a $1B project to ‘Clean up Guyana,’ staff members were alerted to smoke in the building which houses the Audit Office and the Office of Minister Ronald Bulkan. Fire investigators found shocking evidence of attempts to set the building on fire as evidenced from kerosene at the scene. Two chairs and the walls were badly damaged. The chairs were in a room not far from the Audit Office that reportedly held receipts and other documents pertaining to the spending. The building is largely a wooden one that also houses the Office of Minister Ronald Bulkan.
There seems to be some confusion surrounding just who the new Youth Director under the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport might be. While former AFC Parliamentarian, Trevor Williams, had been tipped as the new Youth Director and has even spoken with the media from the post, the Ministry of Education is maintaining that no such appointment has yet been made. The assertions were made by Minister within the Ministry, Nicolette Henry who told reporters yesterday that while Williams was up for consideration for the position, he was in no way the Youth Director yet. “Mr. Trevor Williams has not been appointed; he doesn’t even have a letter of appointment,” Henry emphasised. She explained that interviews are currently being conducted and she understood that Williams is being considered. Since news of the appointments of the Directors of Sport and Youth made its way around, concerns were expressed in the public domain that the positions were being filled by persons closely linked with the APNU+AFC coalition. Henry yesterday confirmed that Christopher Jones, an APNU member, was the new Director of Sport while Williams was “earmarked” for the other position. When these concerns were raised by this publication, Henry said that
various mechanisms are in place for any employment that is being made. “We’re going to be using a mechanism that is allowable; that is all I can provide you at this point in time,” she said. She added that the process will include “some amount of transparency”. She said, too, that the media will be provided with information on how the appointments were made in due time. Henry maintained that opportunities existed for a “broad cross-section of persons to be employed” and not just those linked to the coalition. She pointed out that there are several vacancies within the Ministry, including 6 senior positions that are vacant within her Department. She clarified that these positions were vacant before she even took over. “Those positions are going to be filled by persons some of whom you don’t even know, because they are not affiliated with the party,” Henry said. However, despite Henry’s “clarifications”, there is strong indication that Williams has already gained the Youth Director position. Late last week, the Ministry of Education issued a press invite to yesterday’s conference. In the correspondence, it was stated, “two new appointees to the Ministry, Christopher Jones and Trevor Williams, will also be attending the press conference.” Neither Jones nor Williams were present for the meeting. When this correspondence was shown
Trevor Williams
Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry to Henry for further clarifications, the Minister maintained that her earlier words were correct. She also implied that a misunderstanding might have arisen resulting in the incorrect information being transmitted. “I had said to my staff that these are people who will eventually be on board with us…but right now Mr. Williams is being considered,” Henry said. Since last week, Williams had been interviewed for the Youth Director post on at
least two separate occasions, and spoke on his plans for the area. In fact, numerous persons congratulated Williams on his Facebook page and, in turn, he thanked them and did not refute the appointment. Williams could not be reached yesterday for a comment. For years, Williams has been known as an advocate for the youths of Guyana and has spoken out on several occasions for the need for more attention to be placed on the group.
Tuesday June 09, 2015
Kaieteur News
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NOC Task Force in the works Over the years the New Opportunity Corps has been an area of difficulty for Guyana. For years, reports of abuse have come out of the institute and calls for serious reforms were made over and over again. Now, a task force is apparently being established to deal with the issues arising out of NOC, according to Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry. She said that a recent visit to the institution showed the need for strategic work to be implemented. “I spent the entire Thursday last week at the New Opportunity Corps and I had the opportunity to look, firsthand, at what currently occurs there. I would agree that there is some work to be done, but it needs to be done in a strategic manner,” Henry said. She added that a task force will be put in place “to address some issues that currently exist”. She said, too, that the task force will identify areas that need improvement, and ensure that these improvements are done. “I do not want to get into the specifics until such time that the task force would have identified those areas which I
- Junior Education Minister will make available. This will be dealt with separately as an issue,” the Minister said. Meanwhile, Henry said that she was in receipt of the report focusing on the 2012 mass breakout at the institution. She explained that after visiting NOC last week she thought that she needed to see what the report held. “I have had the opportunity to have a look at the report. I have not reviewed it to the extent that I want to elaborate on those recommendations coming out of this. But I can tell you that from where I sit, we will be having some follow up almost immediately to address what was not addressed. “I can tell you that any other institution that has had its fair share of problems, there are opportunities for improvement and we intend to address those very speedily,” Henry said. Additionally, she said, there are broad areas that the new Ministry will be focusing on. These include education, skills training, and the way the children are disciplined. She added that the structures and
procedures of the institution needed to be reviewed. Henry said that the Ministry will have a multisectoral approach. “We intend to work in partnership to ensure that we have the best possible outcome. I rather suspect that all the agencies involved in the operations of the NOC would have, at some point in the near future, come together and have a discussion on how we move forward.” In 2012, a number of youngsters from NOC at Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, escaped from the institution and stormed through several communities. At the time, the children, ranging from ages 14 to 16, were armed with cutlasses and other weapons. They destroyed parts of the facilities. They subsequently claimed that they were being abused by staffers and had finally reached a breaking point. A Commission of Inquiry into the matter was later established and though the report was completed for quite some time, its contents are yet to be made public.
Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry displays the report on the 2012 unrest at the New Opportunity Corps
PPP Candidate challenges Convict before court on appointment of Youth Director armed robbery charges …says selection “illegal”
Even while the Ministry of Education continues to deny that AFC member Trevor Williams is the new Director of Youth, a PPP/ C Candidate has moved to the High Court to block Williams’ appointment. It was mere hours before the motion was filed that Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry maintained that Williams was simply being considered for the job. The motion, filed before Chief Justice Ian Chang, was brought against Williams by Saleesha Gafoor, 26, who is reportedly an Executive Member of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO). Gafoor was also a candidate on the PPP’s list of candidates for the recently concluded General and Regional Elections. In the motion, Gafoor challenged Williams’s appointment, stating that the constitution was defied by Williams not being appointed to the position by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Gafoor also indicated that the Office of the Director of Youth was a public, pensionable office and was an establishment of the PSC. Additionally, Gafoor stated that though a vacancy was advertised for the position and the PSC subsequently commenced interviews of “suitably qualified applicants”, Williams was not one of these persons. Instead, she said, Williams neither applied nor was interviewed by the PSC. According to Gafoor the job requires at least a Master’s Degree in Social Work from a recognised University along with a minimum of five years in social work with at least two of which must be involved in youth work. Another minimum qualification was a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from a
recognised University along with a minimum of seven years in social work with at least 3 of which must be involved in youth work. Knowledge of and experience in using social research methods was also noted as valuable. Gafoor maintained that Williams was not qualified for the said office based on the job description issued by the PSC. According to Williams’ profile on the APNU+AFC website, “a secondary education eluded him for reasons beyond his control” but he later graduated from the Critchlow Labour College before graduating from the University of Guyana with a Degree in International Relations. “As a national youth leader, my interest and mandate is to ensure that youth welfare and the interest of young people receive paramount consideration by the State…Indeed, I consider it my national duty to ensure that those representatives who, and the democratic organs which, exercise the sovereignty of Guyana on my behalf act in due compliance with the said Constitution and the law in the discharge of their public functions and constitutional duties,” Gafoor wrote. The Ministry of Education has categorically denied that Williams had been appointed the Director of Youth. According to Henry, “Mr. Trevor Williams has not been appointed; he doesn’t even have a letter of appointment.” She said too that interviews are currently being conducted and she understood that Williams was simply one of a number of interviewees. Gafoor is being represented by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall along with attorneys Euclin Gomes and Manoj Narayan. The matter will be heard on June 17 before Justice Chang.
A convicted bandit was remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, for the offence of robbery underarms. Kurt Kendall, of 477 Section B Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara, is accused of robbing Elizabeth Seepaul of $1.2M and a further $2.5M on May 29, last, at Thomas Lands, Georgetown. He was allegedly armed with a gun at the time of the robbery. The monies are the property of Wings Aviation and Fly Jamaica respectively. It was also alleged that on the day in question, he robbed Christopher Ali at gunpoint and relived him of one million six hundred and fifty two thousand dollars, property of Fly Jamaica. Kendall, who was convicted before for robbery under-arms, pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry. Police Corporal, Bharrat Mangru, told the court that the victims are employed at Fly Jamaica and are stationed at the Ogle International Airport. He said that on the day in question, around 10:30hrs, the victims boarded the company bus and went to
conduct business. Mangru said that while the bus was in the vicinity of Queens’ College, a motor car stopped in front of the said bus, causing the driver (of the bus) to stop. Three men exited the car, the defendant pulled out a gun and relieved Seepaul and Ali of the cash. However, Kendall’s Attorney, Paul Fung-A-Fat argued that his client has an alibi. He said that the defendant was never at the crime scene. He added that on the day of the alleged robbery, his client rented motor car PPP 8049 from a car rental service. The Attorney also tendered documents to the court to support his defence. Fung-A-Fat contested that given the time of the robbery, he will be calling eyewitnesses from the car
rental service, to testify that his client was there (at the car rental) when the robbery took place. He also argued that his client was wrongly picked out on the identification (ID) parade. The Prosecutor objected to bail citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. He alleged that a firearm was used to commit the crime. The fact that the defendant was convicted before for robbery under-arms was also used as a weapon by the Prosecutor to deny him of his pre trial liberty. Kendall spent three years in jail on that conviction. Further, the Prosecutor advanced that the defendant was positively identified by the victims. This matter will be called again on June 22, for statements.
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Tuesday June 09, 2015
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One cook to prepare breakfast- Please call: 6642805 One able-bodied male to provide customer assistance for bottle refilling- Call:6242391, 222-5990 Need an advisor to help with setting up a new Private School, email details to mozatart@yahoo.com One Ranger, must know to use GPS contact 223-5273/4 OFFICE CLERKS. MUST BE RESPONSIBLE, ON TIME, COMPUTER LITERATE, FASTATTYPING & DOING THE JOB - CALL: 231-8344, 231-8529 Staff for plant shop, Located in Georgetown, Plant knowledge an advantage. Tel: 643-4049 1 Diesel mechanic to work in backdam. Experience in repairing perkins, MWM, duetz, lister engines- Contact Kurt- 661-4265
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 6750767, 627-5098 Fully furnished apartment with 2 bedrooms, hot & cold, cable, A/C. 1 bedroom unfurnished apartment. Rooms- Call: 689-5877 3 Bedrooms fully furnished apartment at 266 Atlantic Gardens, E.C.D for Overseas guests only- Call:220-3735 Apartment in Prashad NagarCall: 225-7096, 683-4420, 6800072
Experienced pastry makers, Roti/Puri & Curry, cook, cleaners, apply @ Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street. Mechanic trainee to work in workshop age 17-25 – Call: 660-1269; 616-6007
MASSAGE Relaxing massage serviceCall: 674-8147 American Style Massage Service: Heaven on Earth Massage, relaxation awaits you. Call: 678-7499
Contract cars and driversCall: 231-0002, 231-0316, 2310006 Four (4) General Managers for a hinterland operation. Attractive salary. Contact 223-5180 (2) Two men to operate a mineral crusher - two crusher operators - for a gold mining operation. Attractive salaries and benefits. Eden Bar & Lounge in Garden of Eden, E.B.D. Looking for experienced bartenders & waitressesCall for appointment 694-6247
CAR RENTAL
1 maid to wash, clean & press. 2-3 days only- Call: 671-9715, 641-3687
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/WWW. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Truck drivers, security guard, office staff: 5 CXC subjects minimum & computer literate, to work in Georgetown - Tel: 218-5105
V8 Titan (2005) KIA SPORTAGE 2003 - Call: 275-1230 Star Cars Auto Sales: In Stock, Premio, Vitz, Bluebird, IST, Alteeza, Benz C200, Spacio - Tel: 679-3140 Toyota Hilux 5L Manual $2.350M negotiable –Tel: 684-1776; 617-8188 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 Honda Accord 2003: 31,000KM, 2L, leather interior, touch screen TV, DVD, 6 CD changer & radioCall: 689-1194
FOR SALE
Residential lots ad houses for sale at Eccles, E.B.D $7.5M. Tel:592-227-2913 or 689-3033
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
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 $13M negotiable Contact: 664-1865; 698-5713
Massey Ferguson 399 Contact: 601-9903 1 RZ BGG 6179 in good condition- $600,000 – Call: 601-3253
One nanny contact - 2235273/4 Cook must know to bake, able body cleaner, housekeeper & general domestic, waitress Tel: 679-5993
Unregistered fully loaded, Toyota IST $2M - Call: 6917475 1 L-Touring Wagon, excellent condition - A.C Alarm & Remote start, flair kit, CD player, 16" mags, price -$1.3M - Tel: 626-2884
WANTED 1 Maid, 40years and older to work in SurinameContact: (+597) 322-5442; (+597) 651-6666
VEHICLE FOR SALE
PROPERTY FOR SALE
WANTED CANTER DRIVER AND SALESMAN, SECURITY GUARDS FOR LAND OF CANAAN, E.B.D BUSINESS. POLICE CLEARANCE REQUIRED. 266 4427 1 cook & 1 assistant cook, also cashier. GeorgetownCall:627-5378 Wanted Copper to buy- Call: 600-0540 Salesgirls and porters, apply to Best Buy Food Supplies, at 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville with written application.
One Toyota Allion 2004 Model & 1 new & unregistered Mazda Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 649-0956 2004 Spacio -$2M 2008 Fielder (new shape) -$2.5M unregistered –Tel: 617-2891 Cheapest: manual & automatic buses, Rush, Hilux, canter, Model M Truck, front view property in Bougainvillea Park – Call: 616-7635 Sale! Best prices- Premio $2.250M, Fielder (sunroof) $2.2M, $2.6M, Bluebird $2.7M, Axela sports- City Motors - Call: 616-3413 Sale! 2007, 2008 Allion $3.3M, Bluebird Sylphy $2.6M, fully loaded Belta $2.6M, Tacoma 4x4 $3.8MTel: 639-7101
LAND FOR SALE Commercial lots available at Eccles E.B.D $14M - Tel:592227-2913 or 592-689-3033 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front -reasonable offer accepted, serious enquiries only! - Tel: 695-3493 Waterfront land at Eccles 7+ acres- Contact: 954-769-0576, email: 1belair@mail.com 76ft X 52ft land at Triumph railway embankmentCall:220-6799, 657-4969 Parfaite Harmonie $1.3M, $1.5M. Tushen $1.6M. We buy all low income landsCall: 689-3339, 611-7223, 2231443
Toyota Prado, Price$4.4M Neg. Call: 643-2403 2002 Yamaha R6, in excellent condition, owner leaving country - Call: 661-2953; 6505500
CAR RENTAL
Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665
Toyota Rav4 2012 model, 4WD in very good condition. Low mileage, alarm system installedCall:665-5509
PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
Two experienced welder, must know to operator torch and fabricate –Call: 222-3844
One Toyota Corolla fielder, 18 months old $1.4M- Tel: 6116632, 664-3488
Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security - Tel: 698-7807
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 Pure breed pitbull puppies 7 weeks- Call: 661-1715 or 6692434 One Tohatsu outboard 15HP for sale –Call: 656-9921 House and land at Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.DPrice $9.5M - Contact: 6879107 Electronic and battery operated snow cone machines- Call: 266-2711, 609-4594 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 Sony PlayStation 4 (brand new factory sealed) $100,000. Offer valid while stocks last - Contact: 6934777 2005 Honda CBR 1000rr for sale with original paperwork. Front end crash $300,000- Call: 615-1091 1 farm, 2 boats and engine. Also 1 sound system (3m)Call:265-3586 Full breed German shepherd puppies, black & brownCall: 682-5664 Commercial water purification system retention tank, air water tank fiberglass. Ready to install. 1 chlorine pump (new)- Call: 684-8231 52" LED light bar for bush trucks & 4x4 pickups. 300 watts & 12/24 volts- Call: 601-4640 One complete music system Tel: 699-5790, 221-2817 Ingersol rand compressor, mig/ark welder, roneo desk, generator steel cage, bottling machines, 220 motors essences freezerCall: 225-8183 Continued on page 23
Tuesday June 09, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Daughter of murdered beautician recalls fatal incident The teenage daughter of murdered beautician, Latoya Conway-Woolford, told the court yesterday that on February 8, 2009 her stepfather, Charles Anthony Woolford, had plunged a knife into her mother’s stomach. Marciana Conway, a17 year- old who is said to have witnessed the stabbing, testified via audio/video link (Skype) yesterday. The teenager currently resides in Queens, New York. She recalled that on the day of the incident, her mother was in the bedroom
when her stepdad entered, turned her mother around and stabbed her with a shiny brown handle knife. Conway said that her mother began to scream and stumbled in the direction of a window in the bedroom. However, given a legal m a t t e r, w h i c h i s b e i n g sorted out in the absence of the jury, the teenager’s testimony was cut short. She is scheduled to continue her evidence on Wednesday. Conway was only 11 years old at the time of the incident. According to reports,
Woolford is said to have fatally stabbed his wife on February 8, 2009 at her Lot 2041, Hummingbird Street, F e s t i v a l C i t y, N o r t h Ruimveldt home, allegedly during a heated argument. The hairdresser, and mother of three, is said to have had her stomach sliced open during the ordeal. She succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) while receiving treatment. Woolford, a selfemployed construction worker at the time, tried to end his life by ingesting what is
believed to be a poisonous liquid, a few hours after learning of his wife’s demise. He was hospitalized but was later released to face the murder charge. Woolford is facing his second retrial for the murder of his beautician wife, before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a twelve member mixed jury at the High Court in Georgetown. The last two trials ended in hung jury verdicts. The accused is currently being represented by Attorney –at –Law, Peter Hugh. Prosecutors Mercedes Thompson and Michael Shahoud are presenting the State‘s case.
From page 22
MURDER ACCUSED: Charles Anthony Woolford
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views
What makes a good Father? Who... From page 5 raising of their children. Fathers qualify for parental leave and they are not mocked for taking it, and stay at home fathers exist and are in that role out of choice rather than lack of job opportunity. So let us collectively pause and certainly pay due homage to those fathers who have kept their commitments, respectfully honoured their obligations, sacrificed and struggled to take care of their families, and have given rightful guidance in the good and time-tested ways of our ancestors. Special homage should also be paid to those fathers who stayed steadfast in spite of the unfavourable circumstances existing around them. Genuine, appropriate sensitivity and support should also be shown to those fathers who have tried and tried, but have not been as successful, those who make good-faith efforts but for reasons complex and compelling cannot and do not always do as well. A father is a man among men and a man among women, nevertheless it should be unhesitatingly pointed out that fatherhood is not a title that comes void of responsibilities or expectations. Nothing could be farther from the truth if otherwise previously thought. Fatherhood requires a mutually respectful and supportive relationship with the mother of the child who in the first place caused you to become a father, for one cannot be a father in isolation or non-inclusion of a mother. The best fatherhood whether in marriage, divorce or separation is rooted in a complementary partnership with the mother. Sadly, the nucleus family as we once knew it several decades ago has become an
endangered role model. Granted, while no man can be a perfect father, husband, leader, provider etc., when we examine some fathers we find a collection of men with lives full of broken relationships and inconsistent actions. There is no hard and fast formula for being a good father, or easy answers to be found on the Internet, or at the barber shop or on radio and TV talk shows, nor simple solution available in self-help manuals made for those designated as “dummies”. In similar manner of our celebration of noteworthy fathers, we must criticize wrong and unrighteous behaviour, laxity, laziness and the loss of will, triflingness, betrayal, dishonesty and destructive behaviour, and then make a committed effort to work towards helping them turn their lives around for the better. In the Black community as in the African tradition, a father is first and foremost a man, in the most expansive sense of the word, and this includes his recognition and respect for the process of becoming a man and the practice necessary to sustain it. Sadly this facet is lacking among our males today, as most fathers are not being models of the lives that they want their children to live. Thankfully I am old enough to remember another world - one where fathers were wise, compassionate, firm and dedicated to their families. It was a world where the head of the household initiated sons in the mysteries of manhood and taught daughters the meaning of selfless love. They were fathers who led by their example, fathers who didn’t have to take parenting classes to understand their responsibilities, fathers who were not afraid to discipline or to show their love, fathers
who did not flee. On Father’s Day I am requesting that all fathers, regardless of gender or sexual identity, make a concerted effort with the mothers to wage a constant struggle for the hearts and minds of the children in their care, setting them on the path to a good, meaningful and balanced life. And whether or not through divorce, or the maternal attitude, long working hours which modern day existence seems to demand more and more fathers are becoming absent from their children’s’ lives. This is certainly a tragedy of our times in every sense of the word. And it brings us right back to the question what makes a good father? Father’s Day, may often be dismissed as a commercial construct, lacking the historical role of Mother’s Day. But be that as it may, if it encourages us to celebrate the vital role that fathers play that can only be seen as a good thing. In any case, just as children need parameters, all of us adults need yardsticks by which to measure ourselves and our lives. Seeking to define what makes a ‘good’ father leads us towards a consideration of those responsibilities, which
are greater than the self, and that have the power to strengthen the society we all inhabit. Of course single mothers can be brilliant parents, and many divorced couples do construct stable lives for their children. However, that should not stop us from acknowledging that the ideal: families do need caring fathers and the male parental role should be reevaluated as soon as possible. When Father’s Day rolls around each year I think of my own father.
To him I owe the sum total of the person I am today. I miss him an awful lot, but I carry so much of his opinions and ideas with me that I feel he is still there. I will remain eternally grateful for all the good things he taught me and for his influence in my life. In my opinion, a good father is somehow just there, always, a reassuring presence - even when he’s not there anymore, because of the rules of mortality, and all you can do is hear his voice in your head. Yvonne Sam
Put Guyana first by... From page 4 1993 the P.P.P government terminated his employment as Head, Department of International Economic Cooperation (DIEC) on the ground of him being “Super salaried”, then, like now, I could not resist the irresistible urge to write. I wrote a letter to the press. Stabroek News published it under the caption “Barton Scotland’s removal degrades national awards’ (Tuesday January 26, 1993, page 7). Here are some extracts: “C.C.H is Guyana’s way of saying ‘well done thou good and faithful
servant’…None can accuse him of political mischief...What has Barton Scotland, C.C.H, gentleman supreme, scholar, patriot par excellence, lawyer, diplomat and friend done?...” So, you vote on Wednesday. During the election campaign you told us to put Guyana first. We did. Now, practice what you preached. Put Guyana first by electing Dr. Barton Scotland, C.C.H, as Speaker of its National Assembly. Maxwell E. Edwards Attorney–at–law (Former senior Magistrate)
VACANCY Cutter/straight stitch/ button tack/hole operators. Call: 222-2541 (8:00am4:00pm Mon-Fri) One male technician with complete secondary education, electrical knowledge & fluent in Portuguese, email: vacancy@gsatconnection.com One female clerk - Call: 2315171 Work from home, earn $5,000-$20,000 daily Call Monday-Friday 9am-5pm #233-6517, 638-0595 www.jobfairworldwide.com I N T E R N AT I O N A L EMPLOYMENT: NURSE, TEACHERS,CARPENTERS, ELECTRICIANS, COOK, WAITERS, BELL BOYS, HOUSEKEEPERS, STOREKEEPERS, SECURITIES. CONTACT: 231-6296; 650-9880/ www.plzrecruitme.com Male security guards, male desk staff & male supervisorcall: 225-0198 or 233 South road, Lacytown Handyman- Call: 600-7388, 225-7933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff Strett Accounts clerk/ office assistant: Maths, English, Proficiency in Excel & Microsoft Word. Technician (basic networking skills- Tel: 6014697, 219-2226 Salesmen, cashiers, salesgirl, porters- apply @ Survival lot 16 Duncan & Vlissengen road, with application & passport photo Security- apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown ferry stelling
EDUCATION Register now with Alpha foundation for child care, care for elderly, cosmetology, dressmaking, cake decoration & more –Phone: 264-1052; 663-7930 CXC Adults classes: day & evening. Phonics class, grade 2,4,6,9 lessons- Call: 231-1209, 690-5008, 657-7398
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South Korea reports sixth MERS death, surge in infections
Medical workers care for a MERS patient at Konyang University Hospital in Daejeon (AFP Photo) South Korea recorded its sixth death and biggest single-day jump in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) infections yesterday, with 23 new cases in the largest outbreak of the potentially deadly virus outside Saudi Arabia. From just four cases two weeks ago, the total number of infections now stands at 87, including six people who have died. The latest fatality was an 80-year-old man who died Monday morning in a hospital in Daejeon, 140 kilometres (87 miles) south of Seoul, the health ministry said. The outbreak has triggered widespread public concern in South Korea, with 2,500 people placed under quarantine orders and nearly 2,000 schools- mostly in Seoul and surrounding Gyeonggi province - closed down. But experts say the likelihood of a serious epidemic is remote, given that the MERS virus is not easily transmitted person-toperson. “The chance of a massive outbreak in South Korea is not high,” said Ho Pak-leung, a microbiology expert at the University of Hong Kong. “Rather I think there will be continued transmissions at a low level,” Ho told AFP. Among the new cases announced yesterday, most were infected at the Samsung Medical Centre in southern Seoul — one of the country’s largest hospitals where nearly 900 patients and staff have now been placed under observation.
FIRST TEENAGE CASE A 16-year-old student became the first teenage case, but the education ministry stressed he had contracted the virus while already in hospital, so it was “not possible” that he had infected any classmates at school. All the infections so far have been restricted to hospitals. Criticised for its initial response to the outbreak, the government on Sunday vowed “all-out” efforts to curb the further spread of the virus, including tracking the mobile phones of those under house quarantine to ensure they stay home. Several have already been caught sneaking out, despite facing possible fines of three million won ($2,670). Chung Eun-Kyung, a senior official at the Korea Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said those confined to their homes should stay alone in a room and wear a surgical mask when interacting with family members. Hundreds of public events, school trips and sporting fixtures have been cancelled, with movie theatres, theme parks and shopping malls reporting big drops in the number of customers. Ticket sales at movie theatres fell to 2.46 million for the first week of June, down from 3.85 million a week earlier, according to the Korea Film Council. EMPTYING SUPERMARKETS Both E-Mart and Lotte
Mart, two of the country’s biggest supermarket chains, reported a 12 percent drop in weekly store sales, coupled with a 50 percent surge in online sales. Those who did venture to the stores were greeted by staff who wiped down the handles of the supermarket trolleys before and after use. Schools that remained open screened students arriving for class yesterday morning, checking their temperature with an ear thermometer at the gate and sending home anyone with even a mild fever. Hong Kong University’s Ho said the South Korean authorities had erred in initially refusing to name the hospitals where MERS patients had been treated. “If you are not transparent in terms of what happened, people will start to lose trust, and there will be unnecessary fear and rumours. “That makes any effort to try to contain it much more difficult,” he said. More than 20 countries have been affected by MERS, with most cases in Saudi Arabia. The virus is considered a deadlier but less infectious cousin of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed hundreds of people when it appeared in Asia in 2003. A team of officials from the World Health Organization arrived in Seoul yesterday to help investigate the outbreak and offer advice on its containment.
Tuesday June 09, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Rafael Nadal drops to lowest rank Tutorial Academy Secondary win... since 2005 after French Open exit BBC Sport - Fourteen-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal has dropped to 10th in the latest world rankings his lowest position in more than a d e c a d e . The Spaniard, 29, has fallen after losing to world number one Novak Djokovic in the French Open quarter-finals last week. I t i s N a d a l ’s l o w e s t ranking since he was 11th as a teenager in April 2005. Swiss Stan Wawrinka, who beat Djokovic to the Roland Garros men’s singles title on Sunday, climbs to fourth. Despite his defeat, 28-
Roger Federer and Britain’s Andy Murray, who was beaten by the Serb in the last four. Serena Williams, who claimed her 20th Grand Slam singles’ title, increased her margin at the top of the women’s rankings. The 33-year-old American’s nearest rival is Czech Petra Kvitova, who has risen from fourth. Russian Maria Sharapova, 28, drops two places to fourth following her fourth-round loss to eventual finalist Lucie Safarova, 28, with the Czech player moving to a careerbest seventh.
Rafael Nadal (EPA) year-old Djokovic stays a h e a d o f S w i t z e r l a n d ’s
Tuesday June 09, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The Universe is inviting you magnify your vision, Aries. It's time to see the bigger, better, more advanced side of things. Remember that life is a mirror. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You should feel especially emotional today, Taurus, reacting strongly to nearly everything you see, whether a photo of a natural disaster, a group of children, or a kitten sitting on a doorstep. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Dreams and visions might come and go today, Gemini, as unconscious drives and images surface. Some of these impressions could represent old traumas or phobias that need to be released.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) If you're currently romantically involved, Libra, you can expect your relationship to move to the next level of commitment. You and your partner could agree to be monogamous, get engaged, or set a wedding date. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) An invitation to an important social event could come today. This could represent a chance to meet important people who could advance your career or who might be involved in a field that interests you. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A previously untapped talent could emerge today, Sagittarius. You may decide to train this talent and foster a skill that can help you with any type of work you will do.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Social events or group activities could put you in touch with a lot of people, Cancer, both close friends and casual acquaintances.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Romantic passion might motivate you to work on improving your appearance. You might decide to exercise, change your diet, and experiment with new clothing styles.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) There's a sober feeling to the day that may leave you feeling a bit down, Leo. There may not be any specific instance or situation that causes you to feel this way, so don't sweat it.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You'll wake up ready to take on the world, Aquarius. Excitement, enthusiasm, and purpose will fill your soul, yet you might wonder where it comes from, as nothing has changed since yesterday.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Spiritual passion is tempered by romantic desire today, Virgo, and you're likely to want to pursue both. Perhaps your romantic partner is as spiritually inclined as you, and you both aspire to the same ends.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Information gleaned from friends could have you focusing on a new goal, Pisces. You may have a lot of ideas about projects you want to take care of, and today you might realize which one has top priority. Start moving!
(From page 32) received a trophy and 15 silver medals compliments of the organizers and relatives of the late Patrick April. TASS apart from winning the competition made a clean sweep of the individual awards. With the most valuable player awarding going to Joshua Butts, he received a trophy, the best goalkeeper on show was Stephan Hossannah , he received a pair of goalkeeping gloves. The most goals trophy was
presented to Orin Glenn with two goals. At the end of the game organizer Neil ‘Grizzly’ Humphrey thanked both teams for a well played final and special words of commendation for the winners and outstanding players. He a l s o t h a n k e d t h e sponsors for coming on board to sponsor the tournament. Patrick April or “Patto” as he was known, was a popular football player and butcher in Berbice and Guyana who went
on to represent Berbice on a number of occasions at various levels of the game. He once formed a potent combination with the famous Humphrey, Alphonso, Fords, Inniss’s and Samuels’s siblings among others that dominated the football arena. The competition was coordinated by former national player Neil “Grizzly” Humphrey. He was assisted by former national player Kenrick Bowry and Randy ‘Blades’ Sears. (Samuel Whyte)
Fletcher seeks to clear the air... (From page 30) (CPL). He said he carried the package in his carry-on bag and it was during routine inspection that he was informed by a customs officer that he was carrying the ammunition. “I carried the package openly in my hand to and through the airport and subsequently loosely placed it in my carry-on bag as I sought to clear security at the Douglas Charles Airport in Dominica,” the statement explained. “During the normal inspection of my luggage, the customs officer in Dominica informed me that the items appeared to be .22 calibre live rounds and not .22 pellets. Upon further investigation of the package, it was indeed found that the contents were live .22 calibre rounds and not .22 pellets for air rifles.” Fletcher, who last played for the West Indies in a T20 game against South Africa in Durban in January, said he was treated with respect by authorities in Dominica and is thankful for the role played by Team Manager Lockhart Sebastien in resolving the issue. “I want to specially thank our team manager, Mr Lockhart Sebastien of the Windward Islands Volcanoes, who assisted me through the legal process and who would have indicated to the media at the time that, ‘It could have happened to anybody’,” said Fletcher. “I am also of the view that the Dominican authorities, who at every turn treated me with respect, after investigating the case, believed the incident to have derived out of a genuine misunderstanding.” Fletcher ’s arrest in Dominica on an ammunition charge had sparked concern in Grenada, especially within the local cricket fraternity where officials appeared confused over the incident.
In a slightly lengthy statement aimed at clearing the air, Fletcher has insisted that he had no intentions of compromising his cricket career. “The unfortunate incident which led to my detention in Dominica on May 28 will not deter me from continu-
ing to represent the region or my country once given the opportunity to do so,” he stressed. “I will never intentionally do anything to cause hurt or embarrassment to my nation, my fans or especially my family,” the statement ended.
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Tuesday June 09, 2015
Germany unhappy with post-season international matches BERLIN (Reuters) World Cup winners Germany believe the June dates for internationals are far from convenient with domestic and European club competitions only just over and players eager for a break after a long season. The Germans face the United States in a friendly in Cologne on Wednesday before their Euro 2016 qualifier against minnows Gibraltar three days later in Portugal. “The date is far from ideal,” team manager Oliver Bierhoff told reporters on Monday. “It is an international competition date for national
teams to play matches. We have no influence on fixing the dates for the qualifiers so we have the Gibraltar match assigned on that date.” The domestic league ended last month with many players already on holiday before their teams’ pre-season training starts next month. Bierhoff said the internationals did at least offer younger players the chance to come in while others, like Bayern’s Thomas Mueller, are being rested following a busy season and with next year’s European Championship in France in mind. He also sounded confi-
Fifa crisis: Russia & Qatar ‘may have bought votes’ BBC Sport - Russia and Qatar may have had to pay bribes to secure their World Cups, Sepp Blatter’s former special advisor has suggested. Guido Tognoni worked “extremely closely” with the Fifa president during Blatter’s second term. “In Fifa, for many years, you could only reach your goal by taking dollars in your hands,” Tognoni told BBC Sport. Fifa said investigations into such claims were ongoing and, as yet, there was no evidence of wrongdoing. The bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments is the subject of a Swiss criminal investigation. Asked if countries had any choice other than to bribe Fifa during the bidding process, Tognoni replied: “This speculation is permitted, yes.” Russia and Qatar deny wrongdoing, while Blatter has not been named in a separate US criminal investigation into widespread corruption at Fifa. Domenico Scala, head of Fifa’s audit and compliance committee, said if evidence emerges from either the US or Swiss investigations which shows the result was affected by bought votes, the “awards could be cancelled”. However, Tognoni, who was Blatter’s right-hand man for a period in the mid-90s and again between 2001-2003, said he did not think the World Cups would be taken away from Russia or Qatar. “Even if there is evidence that Fifa people were bribed, where is the problem? With Fifa, or the people who had no choice but to get the World Cup with bribing?”
In response, Fifa said in a statement on Monday: “Fifa initiated the investigation by the Swiss authorities precisely to answer questions such as this. “However, while investigations are ongoing, it should be noted that to date, no evidence has come to light to suggest there are any legal grounds for rescinding the current Fifa World Cup selections.” Seven senior Fifa officials were arrested last month in high-profile dawn raids at a Zurich hotel, where they had been staying before the presidential election. They are among 14 people charged by US prosecutors, who allege that bribes and kickbacks of more than $150m (£100m) were accepted over a 24-year period. Blatter, Fifa president since 1998, was re-elected at the Zurich meeting but announced four days later that he would resign amid the corruption allegations engulfing the organisation. American lawyer Michael Garcia was previously hired by Fifa to investigate the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding processes, but he complained that the published summary of his 430-page report was an “erroneous” representation of his work. The report cleared World Cup hosts Russia and Qatar of wrongdoing. Garcia quit weeks later over Fifa’s handling of his inquiry and his comments reopened the debate about the validity of the bidding process. Scala has since had Garcia’s report reviewed by legal experts, from both in and outside of sport, but neither were able to find grounds to alter the award of either tournament at this stage.
Toni Kroos celebrates at Balaidos stadium in Vigo April 26, 2015. Reuters/Miguel Vidal
dent that the players would not have lost too much in terms of fitness. “We have contacted the players and they have said they have been keeping fit. I also don’t think you lose too much fitness in such a short period of time.” Captain Bastian Schweinsteiger also declared himself fully fit despite the unsuitable dates. “The dates for these games are what they are,” said the midfielder. “They are at these specific dates and obviously there are far more ideal ones than those. “But now it is what it is and we have to stay disciplined on the pitch and also play good games for the
fans.” Apart from Mueller and midfielder Toni Kroos, who are being rested, Germany are also without injured goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and defender Mats Hummels. “Obviously, Gibraltar are a small footballing nation,” Bierhoff said. “We know that and obviously a win is an obligation for us and hopefully with a lot of goals. “But we take them seriously as we do every opponent and we will treat them with the proper respect.” Germany are second in qualifying Group D on 10 points from five matches, one behind leaders Poland and level with Scotland, who are third on goal difference.
Spencer, McPherson strike wins at Birmingham Grand Prix Jamaica Observer - DEFENDING IAAF Diamond League champion Kaliese Spencer made it two wins from as many runs in the 400m hurdles event on the Diamond League circuit at the Birmingham Grand Prix meeting held at Alexander stadium yesterday. Her MVP training partner Stephenie Ann McPherson also won for the first time this year on the lucrative circuit in the 400 metres. Spencer, who has won four of the last five Diamonds, made it 15 wins in a row in the intermediate hurdles winning in a season’s best 54.45 seconds, while McPherson, despite a modest 52.14 seconds time, moved to within a point of the lead in the Diamond race in the 400m. Spencer, who leads the Diamond race with eight points, led from the first hurdle and was unchallenged to the tape as American Cassandra Tate (54.73 seconds) and World Champion Zuzana Hejnova of the Czech Republic (55.00) were second and third, respectively, both running season’s best times.
After successive runnerup spots, McPherson was expected to win in Birmingham and duly obliged comfortably ahead of the Brazillian Geisa Aparecida Coutinho (52.59 seconds) and Great
Britain’s Anyika Onuora (52.75). McPherson improved to seven points in the Diamond Race, just one behind American leader Francena McCorory who is on eight
Jamaica’s Kaliese Spencer clears a hurdle on her way to victory in the women’s 400m hurdles during the IAAF Diamond League Birmingham Grand Prix athletics meeting at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England. The Jamaican clocked a season’s best 54.45 seconds. (PHOTO: AFP)
points from two wins. Nesta Carter was fourth in the men’s’ 100m in 10.00 seconds (2.0m/s) and Julian Forte seventh in 10.15 seconds behind personal best runs from American Marvin Bracey (9.97 seconds) and 2012 IAAF World Junior Championships 100m gold medallist Adam Gemili of Great Britain (9.97 seconds), the same time given to third- placed American Michael Rodgers. Gemili had two personal best runs on the day after he ran 10.00 seconds in the first round before going under the 10.00-second barrier for the first time in the final. Long jumper Damar Forbes was sixth with a best jump of 8.06m, while Simone Facey placed sixth in the women’s 200m in 22.92 seconds as American Jeneba Tarmoh ran a season’s best 22.29 seconds to get the better of compatriot and the redhot Alyson Felix, who was given the same time. Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, the 2014 IAAF World Junior Championships 100m winner, was third in a personal best 22.30 seconds.
Germany Women put 10 past Ivory Coast BBC Sport - Germany began their bid to regain the Women’s World Cup by putting 10 past Ivory Coast in Ottawa. Celia Sasic scored a hat-trick and Anja Mittag netted twice as Germany were 50 up inside 35 minutes. Mittag completed her treble after the break, with Simone Laudehr, Sara Dabritz, Melanie Behringer and Alexandra Popp all finding the net. “We had judged them to be better than they were to-
day,” said Germany coach Silvia Neid. Germany fell short of matching the record they set with an 11-0 win over Argentina in 2007. They went on to defend the trophy they won four years earlier, but failed to reach the semi-finals on home soil in 2011. Now, the team at the top of the world rankings annihilated an Ivory Coast side who, at 67, are the lowest ranked in the tournament. “We must forget the score
from today, forget the negative points, and learn from this,” said Ivory Coast coach Clementine Toure. “Playing the best team in the world is also the best way to learn for us.” Germany could have had more had they not wasted a host of chances in a desperately one-sided first half an hour. Ivory Coast, making their tournament debut, were able to stem the tide for 30 minutes either side of the break and even had chances
to get on the scoresheet. Binta Diakite had a goal ruled out for a foul on German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer and Ange N’Guessan headed over when faced with an open goal. But as the African side tired, more gaps opened in their defence, and Germany were able to add five more in the final 25 minutes. Germany meet Norway, who beat Thailand 4-0, on Thursday.
Tuesday June 09, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Pistorius to be released on parole on Aug 21 JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) South African athlete Oscar Pistorius will be released on parole on Aug. 21 after serving 10 months of a five-year sentence for culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, authorities said. The Olympic and Paralympic track star is behind bars in the capital, Pretoria, after being convicted in October after a
seven-month trial. The release of Pistorius, whose lower legs were amputated when he was a baby, had been largely expected under South African sentencing guidelines that say nondangerous prisoners should spend only onesixth of a custodial sentence behind bars. A prison service statement said Pistorius would spend the remainder of his
time under “correctional supervision”, a form of house arrest. Steenkamp, a 29-year-old law graduate and model, died on Valentine’s Day in 2013 when Pistorius shot her through a locked toilet door at his luxury Pretoria home. Prosecutors had pushed for a murder conviction, but the athlete maintained he fired in the mistaken belief an in-
truder was hiding behind the door, a defense that struck home with many in a country with one of the world’s highest rates of violent crime. The state won its bid to appeal the culpable homicide conviction and will seek a murder conviction when the case is heard in November. Pistorius could face a prison sentence of at least 15 years if convicted of murder.
England v New Zealand, 1st ODI, Edgbaston
World Cup finalists v World Cup flops Big Picture New Zealand and England could hardly be further apart in terms of their reputation as one-day teams. The visitors are viewed as trendsetters, the home side trying - for the umpteenth time - to move their game forward, having to catch up with the way 50-over cricket is now played. As you would expect then, given the starting points of both teams, the two squads highlight the contrasting fortunes. Apart from enforced changes through retirement or injury, New Zealand have retained the players who helped them to the World Cup final. England, meanwhile, will have at least five changes from the team which played their last match of the World Cup; the selectors did not have a full hand of players to select from for the rained-off match against Ireland, but that was an early glimpse into the future. New Zealand will not feel any need for reinvention although moving on from the retired Daniel Vettori will be a significant challenge; his ability to hold the innings allowed the pace bowlers even greater freedom to attack. But the batting order remains stable and all the players have shown form on the tour - some ODIs are played at a slower tempo than New Zealand batted in the second Test. Perhaps New Zealand’s biggest challenge is refocusing their aims. Although Brendon McCullum and Mike Hesson have consistently said they allowed the team to develop naturally into the World Cup it did provide a definite target to aim for. The next global 50-over tournament is the 2017 Champions Trophy in England. That gives the hosts a significant focal point, too, because although much talk in recent times has been about the World Cup in 2019 a four-
South African Olympic and Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius is led to a prison van after his sentencing in Pretoria October 21, 2014. (Reuters/ Mike Hutchings)
LIMACOL RENEWS CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE DEAL - New GPC Inc. brand confirmed as a principal partner and umpires and referees partner
Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum with the Royal London one-day trophy, Edgbaston, June 8, 2015 ©Getty Images year cycle is a vast amount of time. The next two years will give a good indication of how different, or otherwise, the fortunes of these two teams can be. But ultimately it’s about winning the next match, and the next series. As New Zealand have shown, a winning side generally finds things slotting into place. In the spotlight How Alex Hales has only played 10 one-day internationals is a mystery which sums up the mess of England’s limited-overs cricket. Because the Indian seamers nipped a few deliveries through his defence the selectors appeared spooked that he had been “found out” and he was back on the sidelines. He has not been afraid of expressing his frustration but, importantly, at the start of this season has scored runs, too. Individually, and in his likely partnership with Jason Roy, success won’t always come his way but he needs backing for the long run. It might seem odd, given all the talk of attack, but Kane
Williamson remains a vital element in the New Zealand’s one-day team. His match-winning six against Australia at Eden Park reverberated around the game, but he got to that position by being able to absorb pressure amid mayhem. There remains a place for the orthodox in a one-day team, especially when surrounded by so much aggression. In the absence of Vettori his remodelled offspin may see greater service, too. Teams news Three players who made their ODI debuts in Dublin, on what became a day overshadowed by the news of Peter Moores’ sacking, could appear at Edgbaston. Roy should form an attacking opening pairing with Hales, David Willey will be given a chance to fill the left-armer’s role picked out by Paul Farbrace as an area England must fill and Mark Wood has impressed in the early days of his international career although his workload may be a concern and Liam Plunkett could be preferred. A new-look batting order
is likely to see Ben Stokes at No. 4 and Jos Buttler at No. 6. James Taylor and Sam Billings are expected to miss out. Tim Southee is likely to sit out this opening match after his workload in the Test series while Corey Anderson, who missed the second Test with a back problem, may also struggle but is expected to be fit soon. His absence could open the way for Mitchell Santner, a left-handed batsman and leftarm spinner, to make his ODI debut. Ben Wheeler, another left-arm seamer, is an option for the pace attack while Mitchell McClenaghan took four wickets in the warm-up against Leicestershire. Pitch and conditions England twice struggled to post totals in ODIs on this ground last year, falling to defeats against Sri Lanka and India, with spin playing a key role in keeping them quiet. But under lights the ball can also zip around. The forecast is set fair, if not exactly warm.
CPL – Kingston, Jamaica: New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company Incorporated (NEW GPC INC), under its popular Limacol brand, has today confirmed that it will continue as a Principal Partner of the Caribbean Premier League. As part of the agreement, Limacol will become Umpires and Referees Partner, which will see Limacol represented on the Umpires’ uniforms and during the Third Umpire review. Limacol was title sponsor of the first two seasons of the Caribbean Premier League, and its support of the tournament has helped the League rapidly become one of the most popular T20 competitions in the world. In that time, the Limacol brand has become the most recognisable brand name synonymous with CPL. New GPC Chairman, Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, said; “We are delighted that Limacol will be continuing our successful relationship with CPL – this year’s tournament looks bigger than ever and we look forward to continuing to provide ‘Genuine Caribbean Cool’ to cricket fans across the region and around the World.” Caribbean Premier League Commercial
Director, Jamie Stewart, said; “Limacol has been the central supporter of CPL since before the first ball was bowled, and cricket fans across the region have the brand to thank for helping to make the CPL dream a reality. We are very pleased to extend the strong relationship with Limacol into 2015 and we thank the company for its continuing support of the Biggest Party in Sport.” Global superstars including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi will join the Caribbean’s finest cricketers, like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, as well as exciting up-and-coming local talent. Last year’s tournament attracted a global audience in excess of 65 million and this year is set to be even higher as fans across the world continue to be drawn to the high quality action on the pitch and the unique party atmosphere off it. The Caribbean Premier League is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere. The Barbados Tridents are the defending champions from 2014.
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Kaieteur News
Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ National Playoffs
Sparta Boss shows North Ruimveldt who is in charge A large crowd of supporters from the two finalists were treated to one of the best finals in the history of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ National Playoffs which ended Sunday night, at Demerara Park, Ruimveldt. The two central characters, defending Georgetown champion North Ruimveldt and new champion Sparta Boss combined to produce a scintillating conclusion to an exciting night of the shorter version of the game. Their passage to the final was made possible after defeating Showstoppers and West Front Road respectively in their semi-final encounters. The highly anticipated showdown final lived up to expectations as Sparta Boss with the nippy Devon Millington, Sheldon Shepherd and Denis Edwards at the centre of their attack went ahead as early as the sixth minute through a moment of magic. It started with Edwards racing on to a pass from the back and with an opposing player attempting to dispossess him he delivered a pinpoint backheel to Shepherd, who had sprinted from the defence and he made no mistake lashing the ball past a surprised Gerald Gritten. The goal evoked wild cele b r a t i o n s a m o n g t h e team’s supporters as they urged them to keep on the offensive. North Ruimveldt though did not sit back and former national midfielder Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant and the energetic Joshua Browne engineered some threatening incursions and Sparta Boss was lucky not to concede as Grant hit the woodwork, while a particular effort from Browne landed inches outside the upright. The half came with the scoreline reading 1-0 in favour of Sparta Boss. After the break, they continued to attack with menace and their second goal came from a counter attack that was initiated when Grant was dispossessed following a raid of his own which saw Millington win possession and raced down the pitch to fire past a hapless last stop.
-West Front Road finishes third
North Ruimveldt’s Travis Grant (backing camera) attempts to penetrate the defence of Sparta Boss in the final on Sunday. However, Browne responded three minutes later when he took advantage of a lapse in concentration from the Sparta Boss backline to hit a thunderous strike into the goal. It signaled that the game was still alive and Sparta Boss were made to defend tenaciously as North Ruimveldt threw players forward with menacing intentions to secure the equaliser, but in the end the eventual champions backline held firm to allow them the opportunity to be Guyana’s representative at the Caribbean Tournament set for later this month in Kingston, Jamaica. In the third place playoff, West Front Road recovered from a slow start to inflict a 61 thrashing on Showstoppers. Earlier, Sparta Boss survived a fierce showdown against West Front, beating them 1-0, while North Ruimveldt coasted to a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Showstoppers. The winning team took home $500,000, while the runner-up received $250,000, 3rd place $150,000 and 4th place $75,000.
Reigning Caribbean Skills Challenge champion Mark Taylor gave the crowd a thrilling exhibition of his wide array of proficiency with a football that grabbed their attention. The night’s full results are seen below: Final Sparta Boss-2 vs North Ruimveldt-1 Sparta Scorers Sheldon Shepherd-6th Devon Millington-17th North Ruimveldt Scorer Joshua Browne-20th Third Place West Front Road-6 vs Showstoppers-1 West Front Road Scorers Hubert Pedro-15th Michael Pedro-16th and 23rd Michael Oie-18th Randolph Wagner-25th Jamal Pedro-26th Showstoppers Scorer Nathan Allicock-6th Semi-final-1 North Ruimveldt-3 vs Showstoppers-0 Travis Grant-21st and 29th Colin Daniels-28th Semi-final-2 Sparta Boss-1 vs West Front Road-0 Sheldon Shepherd-8th
Tuesday June 09, 2015
NACRA Sevens Championships and Olympic Qualifiers
National rugby teams depart for USA Both Head Coach of the men’s national team Theodore Henry and women’s captain Carrin Carter expressed confidence of the two national teams doing well at the upcoming 2015 NACRA Sevens Championships and Olympic Qualifiers set for Cary, North Carolina, USA. The teams departed Guyana on Sunday evening from Camp Ayanganna to participate in the two-day event which opens on June 13. Carter speaking with this newspaper said that, “The girls have worked really hard over the past two months following a challenge that was made to us by President of the Union Peter Green to get ourselves into tournament shape.” According to Carter, who along with Andrea Lashley, Collette Hope, Sabola Gray and Carren Skeete are the most experienced players on the squad, they managed to meet that challenge and are
being rewarded for their efforts and for this reason they are going to the tournament after a brief hiatus determined to do well. “We’ve worked really hard over the period and it is now for us to go on the field and get the kind of results that we are accustomed to,” she said. Henry in his remarks said that despite a few of the practice sessions being affected by the inclement weather the team is loaded with experience and knows how to raise the level of their game in big tournaments. “We are missing one of our best players in Kevin McKenzie, but with the likes of Richard Staglon, Claudius Butts, Ryan Gonsalves, Avery Corbin, Dwayne Shroeder, Vallon Adams and the new find Patrick King in the lineup, I have every reason to feel optimistic about our chances,” Henry stated. The two teams are as follows:
Men’s squad: Richard Staglon (Captain), Dwayne Schroeder, Vallon Adams, Claudius Butts, Patrick King, Ronald Mayers, Avery Corbin, Lancelot Adonis, Rickford Cummings, Ryan Gonsalves and Travis Bascom. John Lewis (Manager) Theo Henry (Coach) Phillip Browne (Strength and Conditioning) Women’s squad: Carrin Carter (Captain), Collette Hope, Sabola Gray, Carren Skeete, Andrea Lashley, Tricia Munroe, Helen Jarvis, Alicia Blackman, Cleotta Dublin, Olana Reece, Alanna Fraser and Ashanti Carrington. Petal Adams (Manager) Elwin Chase (Coach) Abiola Blair (Physiotherapist) Officials Joseph Rahaman (Equipment Manager) Daniel Anderson (Video Production) Peter Green (President)
‘Genuine misunderstanding’
Fletcher seeks to clear the air on charge of ammunition possession ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) — West Indies cricketer Andre Fletcher says the EC$2,000 (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents) fine imposed on him by a court in Dominica for possession of ammunition was as a result of a ‘genuine misunderstanding’ on his part. However, the Grenadian wicketkeeper/batsman says he has accepted full responsibility, following his arrest at the Douglas Charles Airport, after security officials found 50 rounds of .22 ammunition in his possession. In a widely circulated statement released this weekend, Fletcher says he had no idea that the package in his possession was actually .22 ammunition instead of .22 pellets for the registered hunting air rifle he owns. “Whilst in Dominica, I came into possession of a package of what I thought were pellets for my air rifle and sought to carry them back with me. The package was obtained from a person who has a licence to have such items,” said Fletcher. “When I obtained the package it was sealed. Having been told that the package contained air rifle pellets, without closely inspecting it
Andre Fletcher... I had no inkling that the package contained live ammunition. further I assumed that the contents were indeed what I was told. Until it was brought to my attention at the airport, I had no inkling that the package contained live ammunition.” Fletcher, who played 15
ODIs and 22 Twenty20 internationals for West Indies, was leaving Dominica after participating in a training camp with the Windward Islands Volcanoes ahead of the Caribbean Premier League (Continued on page 25)