Kaieteur News

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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

Iraq -The medicine was worse that the ailment At the turn of the century the western world was at odds with the Arab world. In fact, before the dawn of the century there were constant problems fuelled by those who were abusing the rights of others on the grounds of religion. The presence of the Muslim group, Al Qaeda, in just about every corner of the world was not helping the United States, Israel and even the British. Wars were flaring in Pakistan, in Afghanistan—the war in Afghanistan had been going on almost forever-and the Middle East. The world saw constant clashes between Iran and Iraq. Some say that those clashes were the continuation of the war that started in Biblical times when Persia (Iran) and Mesopotamia (Iraq) came to do battle. This is recorded in the Bible as the dislike of the Medes for the Persians. However, the United States, in its role as global policeman was constantly worried about what it saw as the violation of the rights of certain people in their own country. Indeed, it had singled out Iraq ever since that Middle East country had invaded Kuwait. The Americans retaliated and entered the war to drive the Iraqis out of Kuwait and did just that. Ever since then, the United States wanted to get back at Iraq. Saddam Hussein became a prime target. Today people wonder whether the Americans going into Iraq was not a case of one president having a vendetta and using his power to exact revenge. One news organization quoted President George W. Bush as saying that Saddam Hussein nearly killed his father. How? That is for President Bush to explain. One thing is certain, when Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq the region was stable and Iraq was stable. When the west concocted the tale about weapons of mass destruction the rest of the world bought it although there was some skepticism. For one, the United States with its eyes in the sky and its powerful ability to see underground one could not understand where Saddam would have hidden such weapons. Saddam had to be seen as a monster and with the Americans controlling almost 90 per cent of communication in our corner of the world it was not difficult for American reporters to create an image of Saddam that would be in keeping with the leader of a country that deserves to ‘be attacked. Many of us sit in our corner of the world and react to situations in other countries without understanding the culture, the people and the desires of those who want to manipulate world opinion. The United States, with support from the British, the French and the other allies mounted an invading force. They literally forced Saddam Hussein underground to the extent that when they caught him, the world laughed at how he hid like a rat in a hole. He had been accused of using chemical weapons on the Kurds, a people who lived in a part of Iraq and who were considered not of Saddam’s Sunni sect. Were the Kurds the clever ones who knew that if they played the correct cards the United States would rid them of Saddam and so help shift the status quo in the country? Today, the world now understands that Saddam Hussein was the force that kept peace in the Middle East. He was also the force that held a volatile society like Iraq together. That is known today and it is not by accident that the vast majority of Americans are now having second thoughts about that invasion that brought about the downfall of Saddam Hussein. Cruelty, the likes of which was unheard of in the country is now the norm. Just this past weekend there were reports of a rebel group executing hundreds of Iraqi policemen. Soldiers were seen stripping off their uniforms and running because of a cruel and inhuman horde that was rapidly taking control of the cities. And these new people are not enamoured with the United States. So Americans must now wonder whether their children must return to a region to lay down their lives all over again when that should never have happened in the first place. The United States destabilised Iraq and created a monster.

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

Our students need leaders in education who will work to ensure their success

DEAR EDITOR, I wish to congratulate all the students who were successful at the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Special accolades go out to all of our top performers across the country. However, as I congratulate these children I cannot help but to question the logic, stance, and the audacity of the Ministry of Education’s recent pronouncements on the results. For the hierarchy of the public education system to tell the nation that the Ministry is not concerned about the fact that students at the private schools have been outperforming their counterparts in the public schools at this examination is unacceptable and out of place. For the Ministry to be so casual, unconcerned and dismissive of this fact demonstrates the administration’s inability to understand their role as the leaders in the public education system. Let me state clearly that I have no difficulty with the fact that students in privately managed schools are excelling at this examination, however, I am outraged when those who operate in the upper echelon of education make statements to suggest that the reality that the private schools are

outperforming public schools ought to be a fact that we should expect and accept. What these people have done is to effectively relegate our students and teachers in the public school system as being mediocre to their counterparts in the private schools. To say that one should expect the private schools to perform better than public schools, exposes the psyche of this regime and its position on public education. How can we as a nation sit and silently accept these comments. How can we, as responsible citizens, sit quietly and watch as this government relegates more that ninety percent of our children as second fiddles to their counterparts in private schools. The comments are insensitive, nonsensical, divisive and destructive. The Kaieteur News quoted the Chief Education Officer (CEO) as saying at a press conference that; “We are not troubled by what emerges now with regards to the Grade Six Assessment results, largely because it is almost to be expected”. This statement is symptomatic of the misplaced thinking and belief of the Ministry of Education. What is sad is that the CEO’s

comments were essentially supported by the Education Minister. Clearly, this philosophy must have a direct impact on the nation’s education policy and ultimately what transpires in the public schools in Guyana. I have written numerous letters in which I challenged the effectiveness of the current education policy which I consider to be unable to meet the challenges of many of our students. These recent utterances have definitely vindicated my position. The buck stops at the Minister. She ought to know that the public schools in Guyana have a record of successes at the National Grade Six Assessment. She must therefore cease the attempts to justify and make excuses for this unacceptable state of affairs. Her approach to address this situation must begin with an explanation to the nation as to what has been done to revive the successes of public schools like Stella Maris Primary, Graham’s Hall Primary, Leonora Primary, Quamina Primary BV, St. Margaret’s Primary, Success Primary E.C.D, St Agnes Primary, St. Gabriel’s Primary, McKenzie Primary and the many other public schools (Continued on page 23)

We must all develop a frame of mind that caters for peace and progress DEAR EDITOR, I would like to remind my fellow Guyanese that bringing up the past, as seems to have become the norm for many of us, has serious consequences that we should try to avoid. It is a fact that reminiscing on the experiences of the past can serve a useful purpose when the primary objective is to learn the lessons that this can engender. But, when we regurgitate history for the express purpose of recrimination or revenge or from some other ulterior motive, this not only results in damaging our relationships with others, thereby thwarting any efforts at developing harmony among our associates and in our society, but also develops in our own personalities this habit of looking back, which obstructs

us from making adequate and effective preparations for the future. I have previously warned of the dire consequences for our national unity and harmony that the enquiry into the death of Walter Rodney can produce, and I am suspect of the intentions of those who conceived this process. Added to this, the letter-writers and columnists in our newspapers have as a matter of course indulged in a continuous tirade of negativity and finger-pointing that does nothing constructive, but rather widens the rifts between our various groups. Positivity and goodness have been vigorously promoted by all the world’s religions, philosophers and behavioral scientists, as well as those in our own society who are genuinely interested in peace and unity among our people.

When we collectively face our problems, whether at the personal, communal, national and international levels, accept the situations in which these arise, study and analyse them in a frame of mind that is unbiased and liberal, then we place ourselves in the best position of getting the most effective solutions acceptable and beneficial to everyone concerned. I would like to further remind my fellow Guyanese that our country will not be peaceful and progressive unless we all develop a frame of mind that caters for the peace and progress of each and every one of our fellow citizens. Let us start along this road of positivity and goodness and we will be sure to achieve this seemingly elusive goal in the not too distant future. Roy Paul

Leadership is about action, and anyone can lead DEAR EDITOR, A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of being in the audience for a presentation organized by Blue CAPS on ‘Adaptive Leadership’. Harvard Kennedy School Alum Floyd Haynes did the presentation. Floyd is a former student of Harvard’s Ronald Heifetz, the author of “Leadership Without Easy Answers.” One of the most salient points of the presentation was that exercising leadership does not require formal authority. One doesn’t need a title, post or position to exercise effective leadership. The point struck me because in Guyana, and especially with our young people, many people feel that it is not their place to lead. We have not come of age, or maybe we feel it’s not our

responsibility. In some extreme cases, the previous generation bluntly refuses to let go of the reins. I believe that some of our fear and trepidation may actually be attributed to our misunderstanding of the terms ‘leader’ and ‘leadership’. In his presentation, Floyd noted that the two terms are not the same. A leader may be someone that is elected to a post: a president, a CEO, an army general or someone in a position of influence or authority. Leadership, on the other hand, does not require a person to be in a specific post or hold an elected position. Anyone can exercise leadership and leadership can be exercised anywhere as long as they are willing to do something or work to find solutions to problems that exist.

A young woman not satisfied with litter in her community can speak with her neighbours and together they can agree to all keep the front of their parapets clean or someone in a community can start an after-school programme on the ground floor of his/her home if there are high incidences of school dropouts or the local school lacks teachers in particular subject areas. Leadership is about recognizing that once you are part of a system you can take action to effect change and come up with solutions to confront problems plaguing the system. To my fellow Guyanese, leadership is about action and anyone can lead. I urge you to do so for your communities! Michael Leonard BlueCAPS

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news

You need proofreaders, Mr Lall DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a published letter by Mr. Alfred Bhulai in the Stabroek News of June 11 complaining of too many proof-reading mistakes in that newspaper. In all honesty, someone should have written such an accusation against the Kaieteur News. I am doing so now. And I appeal to the owner, Mr. Glenn Lall to urgently do something about the consistent horrors in the proof-reading department. I haven’t done the research but I honestly believe there isn’t a newspaper in the world with such incompetence among its proof readers as the Kaieteur News. Both senior editors, Mr. Adam Harris and Mr. Nigel McKenzie can testify to the years of complaints I have made against these proof readers including as recent as last month. The brutal fact is Kaieteur News is in need of proof readers who can do proof reading. Those that the paper

has at the moment cannot do the job and Mr. Lall should read the Riot Act to them. I don’t think any selfrespecting newspaper would and should tolerate the level of dereliction of duty in the proof reading department as we see at KN. Each day I make mistakes in my column. This is only natural. You have to do research, you have to change entire paragraphs as you type, you have to keep thinking so as to avoid libel and mistakes are bound to be made. The person to spot those mistakes is the proof reader whose only job is to detect the mistakes and in my columns the errors are always typographical or just carelessness in spelling. Yet these harmless errors go undetected every day in my columns and in the news sections. And I mean everyday. I will give an example; I wrote that “the leadership of both the PPP and PPP… commonsense can tell the proofreaders that I slipped-up, I meant the PPP

and another party. As you read on, it would show that the other party was the PNC. I shouldn’t commit those errors but the role of the proof reader is to zero in on these harmless faults; they don’t. And this has been going on everyday for years now. I cannot and no one should expect the editor to discern all the little faults because he has to edit the entire newspaper and write news item too and do the editorials. He is bound to overlook some mistakes. My understanding is that the proofreaders come in the afternoon and they divide the newspapers among themselves, how then can they miss such many mistakes everyday? I appeal to Mr. Lall to confront this embarrassment. I was shopping a day at Nigel’s Supermarket, and this gentleman yelled out very loudly in front of many persons, “Freddie ya’ll need new proof readers; give me the job.” This was about four years ago. Since then it has

deteriorated to alarming levels. My honest opinion is that it continues because management at Kaieteur News has not as yet taken a no-nonsense approach. I can safely say that I am extreme liberal and I do not believe in punishing workers for a first time offence. I cannot support termination of employment as the only method of punishment. But in all sincerity, Kaieteur News should not accept this permanent horror show from its proof-readers. The proofreaders are humans and are bound to miss some mistakes from time to time. But as a columnist with Kaieteur News I can say without fear of contradiction that everyday these proofreaders do not detect the slipups that columnists and the journalists make. This objectionable situation must be confronted. The ownership, staff and readers of the Kaieteur News deserve better Frederick Kissoon

Suicide prevention should be everybody’s business DEAR EDITOR, In 1978, a study by a researcher named Richard Seiden found that 90% of people who tried to jump off San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge did not go on to die by suicide. From this one can infer that victims of suicides would also have been relieved had they survived, which means that there is always a possibility of being able to help those who display any kind of behaviour that may lead to suicide. But such help can only be offered in a context of information dissemination and requisite training at various levels of society. And this context becomes so urgent given that not only does Guyana have the fourth highest suicide rate in the world, with 26.4 suicides per 100,000 people (2006 - From all indications its higher today) but also because of the possibility that not all suicides end up in the official stats. Furthermore, research reveals that for every person who commits suicide 30 attempts fail, so this would

translate into over 700 attempted suicides per 100,000 persons in Guyana. Additionally, there seems to be a certain predisposition to suicide within some families, (more than one member attempting suicide) and within certain locations where suicide becomes an almost normative and/or copycat act. With respect to information dissemination those who dispense drugs – agricultural and pharmaceutical – should be mandated to always provide information about the dangers of ingestion or overdose as the case may be, to each purchaser. Such

information can then be disseminated to everyone in the home, which must eliminate easy access to all drugs and medications, by securely locking them away. Only the most level-headed and/or responsible person in the household should have access to keys or lock combinations. Secondly, there should be an ongoing suicide prevention programme, focused on educational and religious institutions, and medical care facilities. This would entail the provision of requisite training for health care professionals, religious leaders and educators. Such training can be joint ventures

between the public and private sector, including nongovernmental organizations, professional and business bodies and sports, cultural and youth clubs. Such training should include empathetic communication, lack of which has been identified as a significant driver of suicide. In fact, many of those suicides that involve teens in intimate relationships and teens getting pregnant are a result of lack of empathetic communication on the part of parents and legal guardians. Instead, scolding in anger, threats of dire consequences, use of force, guilting and (Continued on page 23)

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National Drug Strategy Master Pastor condemns action to silence talks on homosexuality Plan to be released soon - Rohee Speaking directly to the resignation of his colleague Pastor Ronald McGarrell from the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) following comments against gay lifestyles, Pastor Wendell Jeffrey has condemned any acts to stifle free discussions on the growing topic of homosexuality. Pastor Jeffrey who is the founder of the Practical Christianity Ministries and an established ex-offender rehabilitator, said that his colleague’s resignation was based on mounting pressure from some members of the organization. He is adamant that moves to remove the Pastor from the organization based on his belief are most unbecoming. Pastor McGarrell, on a radio programme, ‘Hard Talk’, suggested that those persons with alternative life styles (members of the GLBTI community) should go live on an island by themselves in a bid to save other persons from the wrath of God. “Though it was not the best of statements to make, for indeed if one were to separate sinners by islands, then there would need be islands for gossipers, fornicators, corrupt politicians, gangster pastors, hypocrites, etc.” Pastor Jeffrey said, “McGarrell’s forced removal from the GRPA’s Board was warranted.” “I understand the GRPA is a parenting body but as yet, does not represent the rights of same sex parents here in Guyana. Neither does it represent, by mandate, the platform of the Society against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD). Neither was Pastor McGarrell representing GRPA when he spoke.” “How then was GRPA so quick to force Pastor McGarrell off its Board?”Jeffrey questioned. “What is the real issue? Is it that they fear a reprisal from their donor agencies or

Pastor Wendell Jeffrey of Practical Christian Ministries potential donor agencies? Is it that the voice of SASOD is so loud that the freedom of speech in Guyana is now under threat? Or is it that spiritual leaders – for fear of being politically incorrect – are quick to throw each other under the bus?” Jeffrey questioned the relentless desire to silence any dissenting voice on the issue of homosexuality before mentioning that for years Pastor McGarrell has hosted family enrichment programmes and has been at the forefront of seeking ways to improve family life in Guyana. “I am a proud recipient of a family life certificate from Pastor McGarrell’s organization and so are hundreds of other persons here in Guyana.” “I do not as yet know in what capacity GRPA has taken up this fight against the Pastor, but once I began to understand that they were going to make it a subject of their Board meeting, I had expected and indeed would have preferred that Pastor McGarrell be reprimanded for his comments.” “But for a man of Pastor McGarrell’s reputation and stature in our society to be so easily and nonchalantly forced off of the Board of Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, would suggest to me that the Board did not act responsibly

Pastor Ronald McGarrel of the Family Federation for World Peace after all.” McGarrell came under fire last week after he spoke out publicly against the acts of homosexuality. He told this publication that he was merely trying to get the populace to understand the repercussions of such lifestyles and the negative impact it has on family life, the continuance of the descendants and life itself. The Pastor while making reference to the Holy Scriptures explained the seriousness of such immoral dwellings according to the Bible. It was noted in another section of the media that Junior Finance Minister Bishop Juan Edghill when invited to the said talk show, supported discussions against gay lifestyles, deeming the act destructive and should not be tolerated. Homosexuality is a growing topic in Guyana and it is also making waves across the region since pressure from proposed democratic world powers have pledged support for people of alternate sexual preferences to have that right, with special privileges being put in place for them. The local gay advocacy body, Society against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), is seeking to have laws against cross-dressing and buggery repealed.

General Secretary and Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, announced yesterday, that the National Drug Strategy Master Plan will be completed and released soon. Rohee was at the time criticising comments by the leader of A Partnership for National Unity, Brig. Retired David Granger. Granger had reportedly said, “Narco Trafficking is the engine of growth that is driving the country’s economy”. Rohee said that among other things, Granger’s comments are aimed at discouraging “local and foreign investments and to put the country in a bad light.” He said that Government adopts the legal, strategic, organizational and budgetary frameworks necessary to respond to drug-related problems, while national drugs legislation programmes and plans provide a framework for coordinated action. “These elements are crafted to make our national drug control policies work in the overall context provided by the international control system built on three related United Nations Conventions that are designed to counter drug trafficking.” Rohee quoted the findings by the US State Department of International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR). “As a matter of policy, the

Government of Guyana does not encourage or facilitate the illicit production or distribution of narcotics or psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances, or the laundering of proceeds from illegal drug transactions.” He said that while narco trafficking is an international problem from a national perspective on development; such a problem is yet to be “quantified in an objective and scientific way”. “We cannot continue to harp on this matter based on esoterically notions or anecdotal propositions, because that is what has been making the rounds and if we look at the efforts of the law enforcement agencies at the airport and even at homes where drugs are alleged to be stashed, I think they have been doing their level best,” said Rohee. However, it was brought to the General Secretary’s attention that the same report outlined that Guyana is a major transshipment point for drugs and it was asked if that finding was anecdotal, but Rohee responded by saying no and that such an “issue cannot be cherry picked and has to be seen holistically.” He added, “We have never ever said that Guyana is not a transit country for drugs… The state department report would say that but soon our National Drug Strategy Master Plan is going

to be completed and released and that will tell a true picture in respect to this matter.” According to Rohee, “Right now we are putting the finishing touches to it at the level of the task force at the Ministry of Home Affairs. From there, once it is cleared it goes to the Cabinet for its consideration and after that once Cabinet approves it a date is set for its public disclosure.” Rohee said that the head of CANU (Customs Anti Narcotics Unit) Mr. James Singh has left for a very important meeting in Italy, a follow up to the one that he, Rohee, and others attended in Moscow “these meetings are held every year and this year on behalf of CANU James has gone off to that meeting. All of these activities are helping us combat a global problem on the National Level.” The PPP General Secretary said that drug traffickers “do not respect any borders wherever they see an opportunity to perpetuate their criminal activities they will do so. So it is for the authorities in the respective jurisdictions to put in place measures to prevent that from happening.” One of those measures Rohee flagged is the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, which he deems as a “very important one because drug trafficking is linked to money laundering, drug running and many other international criminal activities. That is why it is important for us also to strengthen as much as possible, the surveillance of our borders and to cooperate with our neighbours with whom we all have counter narcotic agreements and cooperation programmes.”

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Kaieteur News

U.S. considers air strikes, action with Iran to halt Iraq rebels Mehdi Army fighters loyal to Shi’ite cleric Moqtada alSadr march during a military-style training in the holy city of Najaf, yesterday. (Credit: Reuters/Ahmad Mousa)

(Reuters) - The United States said it could launch air strikes and did not rule out cooperating with Iran to support the Iraqi government, after a rampage by Sunni Islamist insurgents across Iraq that has brought accusations of war crimes. Militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have routed Baghdad’s army and seized the north of the country in the past week, threatening to dismember Iraq and unleash all-out sectarian warfare with no regard for national borders. The fighters have been joined by other armed Sunni groups who oppose what they say is oppression by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, a Shi’ite. The United Nations

human rights chief said forces allied with ISIL had almost certainly committed war crimes by executing hundreds of non-combatant men in Iraq over the past five days Joint action between the United States and its old enemy Iran to help prop up their mutual ally in Baghdad would be unprecedented since Shi’ite Iran’s 1979 revolution, a sign of the alarm raised by the lightning insurgent advance. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called the advance an “existential threat” for Iraq. Asked if the United States could cooperate with Tehran against the insurgents, Kerry told Yahoo News: “I wouldn’t U.S. official said meetings

with Iran could come this week on the sidelines of international nuclear talks. Iran has longstanding ties to Maliki and other Shi’ite politicians who came to power in U.S.-backed elections. POINT MAN In Baghdad, Brett McGurk, the State Department’s point man on Iraq, and U.S. ambassador Stephen Beecroft, met with Maliki yesterday, U.S. officials said. The meeting is part of a U.S. effort to prod Maliki to govern in a less sectarian manner. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said President Barack Obama had not yet decided on political demands to be presented to Maliki.

Russia cuts off gas to Ukraine as Kiev orders border secured (Reuters) - Russia cut off gas to Ukraine yesterday in a dispute over unpaid bills that could disrupt supplies to the rest of Europe and set back hopes for peace between the former Soviet neighbours. After the weekend loss of 49 troops when pro-Russian rebels shot down a military transport plane, Ukraine’s new president ordered his forces to retake full control of their border with Russia saying this could then pave the way for negotiations. Calling time on weeks of wrangling in talks over natural gas supplies, Russia said Kiev had missed a Monday morning deadline to repay $1.95 billion owed for previous purchases and announced Ukraine would now only get gas it has paid for in advance. At the same time, Moscow insisted that Ukraine must let Russian gas flow across the country through international pipelines to Russia’s clients

in the European Union noting a temptation for Kiev to tap into those supplies in transit. Kiev and Moscow blamed each other for the failure to agree on the price of future gas deliveries and refused to abandon well established positions: Russia offering a discount and Ukraine rejecting that as a tool for political manipulation. The talks are bound up with the worst crisis between Russia and Ukraine since the Soviet Union collapsed - a crisis that has brought Western sanctions on Moscow, the Russian annexation of Crimea and Cold War-style sabre-rattling along the borders. We s t e r n - b a c k e d Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, elected last month to replace the Kremlinfriendly leader ousted in February, said on Monday he wanted troops to regain full control of the border with

Russia this week. After that, there could be a ceasefire and efforts to come up with a peace plan. “The ceasefire will be declared as soon as the border is secure,” Poroshenko told his security chiefs. “Declaring a ceasefire while the border is open would be irresponsible.” His remarks underlined his concern that Russia is supporting the rebels by sending in tanks, guns and men. Hopes of a lowering of tension had already been dented before the gas talks failed by the downing of the plane near the eastern frontier, an attack on Russia’s embassy in Kiev and new accusations from NATO that Russia is arming the Ukrainian rebels. All that sent Russian financial markets lower yesterday and helped oil and gas prices climb in Europe that were already firm on fears of supply disruption due to violence in Iraq.

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Tuesday June 17, 2014

US issues virus travel alert after more Chikungunya cases detected in C’bean (Trinidad Guardian) Beat that bug! Health Minister Fuad Khan has urged T&T communities to maintain vigilance to eradicate mosquitoes and ensure the m o s q u i t o - b o r n e Chikungunya virus—now in 20 Caribbean islands and some US states—doesn’t surface here. Noting that T&T is among a few regional territories that are free of the painful virus, Khan said: “We can’t afford to be complacent. Ensuring your surroundings don’t harbour stagnant water and mosquitoes is key.” Khan was commenting on news reports over the weekend that the viral illness has surfaced across the United States “carried by recent travelers to the Caribbean where it was reported that the virus is raging”. Atlanta’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is advising US travelers to the Caribbean protect themselves from mosquito bites. The warning was issued at the start of the summer vacation period when travel to the region increases. The virus is transmitted by Aedes Egypti mosquitoes that may bite infected persons. There is no vaccine. While the virus does not typically lead to death, conditions can become debilitating. Symptoms can become emphasized and dangerous for adults over 65, newborns and individuals who already have health issues like diabetes, heart

disease or high blood pressure. Most common symptoms are fever and joint pain as well as headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Joint pain can take up to a few months or longer for full recovery. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha) last week reported that the number of confirmed and suspected cases rose to 135,651, up from just over 100,000 on June 2. The virus has been detected in 20 Caribbean countries and territories, with the largest outbreak in the Dominican Republic. Carpha said travellers to the following Caribbean islands are at risk of getting Chikungunya: Anguilla,

Antigua, British Virgin Island, Dominica, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, St Martin, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Maarten (Dutch) The Dominican Republic has had more than 77,000 suspected cases since January, including 20,000 new suspected cases in the last week. Confirmed cases were reported in North Carolina, Nebraska and Indiana last week. Florida with 25 cases has the majority in the US, according to the CDC. Khan said his Ministry has been working over the last eight months with other local bodies to keep on top of the situation: “The reason T&T hasn’t gotten Chikungunya yet is because a lot of work is being done by agencies, including the Insect Vector Unit and others, to try to control mosquito spread. “T&T can stay free of this if we keep doing the right things…Use insect repellant or citronella oil. Check water storage units or your plants daily. If necessary, call the Insect Vector Control Unit and they’ll come and spray,” he added. Travelers to Africa, Asia, and islands in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific are also at risk as the virus is present in many of these areas.

(Barbados Nation) Barbados may be experiencing a serious economic and fiscal crisis but rampant crime isn’t one of its nightmarish woes, as some people suggest. In fact, said Opposition Leader Mia Mottley, while there had been some troubling and highly publicised isolated incidents, widespread crime across the land wasn’t a fact of everyday life for the average citizen. Mottley told a crowded town hall meeting at the St. Leonard’s Church in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday night that the idea of widespread crime afflicting the island couldn’t be substantiated by the level of criminal behaviour. “I like to be fair. There is no doubt that in difficult economic times there is a greater fear of crime, but I cannot stand here tonight and tell you that crime is running rampant across the landscape,” Mottley said in response to a question during

the two-hour session sponsored by her party’s arm in New York, titledA Better Life for our People. “There have been some isolated incidents that at any time it happens will excite emotion and there is a chance that as times get more difficult, it may happen. But I am not going to lend credence to the view that Barbados is now crime-ridden, because it is not.” With three of her parliamentary colleagues – Cynthia Forde, Dwight Sutherland and Trevor Prescod – as well as Pat Parris, an aide, and Jessica Odle Baril, a former consul general in New York who now leads the BLP group, at her side, Mottley said issues of crime and security in the Caribbean must be tackled, not simply at the national level, but as a regional problem. But while she rejected the notion that rampant crime was undermining the quality of

people’s lives, Mottley lamented what she called the “climate of fear” which had emerged in Barbados in recent times as the economy went into a recession once again. The crisis of fear, she complained, could be traced to people and officials who were eager to threaten or seek to intimidate some of Barbados’ brightest and most outspoken analysts who had dared to speak out against the ruling Democratic Labour Party’s management of the economy and its stewardship of the social landscape. She cited the case of Dr George Belle, a former dean of the social sciences faculty at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies, who after “expressing his views on the (trade) unions and expressing his view on the political malaise in Barbados” was told, “not once but twice” that he “should be prosecuted”.

Health Minister Fuad Khan

Mottley: No rampant crime in Barbados

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Kaieteur News

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A TIME WHEN THE NATIONAL ANTHEM WAS PLAYED IN THE CINEMAS We have amazing people in Guyana. They at times get so carried away by the occasion that they do some unusual things. During the opening match of the FIFA World Cup, I actually saw some Guyaneseyes they were Guyanese- actually standing and singing the national anthem of the host team, Brazil. These were no Brazilians. They were Guyanese and they knew the words of the national anthem of Brazil. They not only sang; they also stood at attention during the anthem. This discovery brought back a flood of memories about back in the day when the cinema was very popular in Guyana. One day, the PNC government which was in power then was concerned that people were becoming apathetic towards the government. They decided that they had to ensure that the people understood and so they passed a directive that before the airing of any movies in the cinemas, the national anthem had to be played. This was very upsetting to many people because for the years and decades prior that they

had been attending the cinema, the national anthem was not being played. At the same time, the concept of paramountcy had blurred the lines between the ruling party and state institutions. This blurring meant that there were many persons who did not distinguish between loyalty to country and loyalty to the ruling party. Sadly, the national anthem became a victim of this blurring of lines. There were many people who did not stand up when the anthem was played in our cinemas because they had come to associate the national anthem with the ruling party. They did not like what the ruling party was doing at the time in the country and so they refused to stand when the national anthem was being played. Others did not stand because they felt that it was an authoritarian directive to play the national anthem in cinemas. They resented this and so protested by not standing. Many patrons could not be bothered when the national anthem was being played. But that did not go on for too long because the

Dem boys seh...

Granger does mek Rohee feel nice Rohee does enjoy simple things. Now he enjoying other things because nobody ain’t playing wid he. He wake up Monday morning laughing. He go to de headquarters , Freedom Place, and he still giggling. In fact, dem boys see he walking and wiggling like if he had worms. Is when he tell dem that Granger does mek he feel nice. Dem boys believe that he was changing until he tell everybody that every time Granger call pun he to resign, he does get a very nice feeling. De man seh that he does feel suh nice that he does eat more and sleep better. Is a good thing Hap New don’t go home by Rohee and call pun he fuh resign because only de Man above know wha he might do. That is only part of de story. De same Rohee seh that he got a big programme fuh fight drugs but he got one problem, he ain’t know who he fighting. He want Uncle Adam tell he who is de drug dealer like if Uncle Adam know. Rohee should ask Granger because that is de man who know wheh de money come from fuh run de country. He see de bank account. Now if he know bout de drug money, why he blocking de anti-money laundering Bill? Even Rohee know that de Bill important. Gail is de one who know that it ain’t important. She was to call a meeting fuh dem get ready to pass de Bill. She set de meeting date fuh after de international body done meet and pronounce pun Guyana. Dem boys want to know why she do that. It got to be that she stalling fuh time because nuff people beg she fuh hold she hand because dem still got money that dem got to get rid of. De Marriott slow dem up. Brazzy was to clear de way fuh de locals put in dem money but he an all tek too long. When all de US$27 million put in Marriott and people wash dem money dem boys certain that de Bill gun pass in a hurry. Granger get ketch because he think he was a big politician and that he was holding Donald to ransom. He didn’t know he was playing into Gail and other people hand. Now that he find out he shame suh de Bill still ain’t gun pass. Talk half and keep an eye pun Granger and Rohee

“cochores” went back and told their political masters that persons were not standing up when the national anthem was being played in the cinemas. As such, the police were sent to arrest and charge patrons who were not standing when the national anthem was being played. Many patrons were dragged out of cinemas, roughed up and taken to the various police stations where they were slapped with charges for not standing while the national anthem was being played. When some of them appeared in front of a city magistrate, the man was surprised. He could not find an offence for refusing to stand up when the national

anthem was being played. In other words, the police were arresting persons, taking them down to the station and charging them for a nonexistent offence in the law. Despite there being no charge for refusing to stand while the anthem was being played, many patrons decided to stand up because they did not wish to be snatched up by their shirt collars, dragged out of the cinema thrown into a police van and marched down to the station where they would have had to be bailed before being charged and ordered to appear in front of a magistrate. The government of the day could not be bothered by what the magistrate had said. It behaved like bullies in

respect to persons not standing for the national anthem and they harassed those who refused to stand. This was the sort of climate and regard for the law that existed at one time in Guyana and which many persons are today fearful will return should the main opposition party ever return to political power. Those are lingering fears that exist. Therefore it is not simply a question of the PNC deciding that it has nothing to apologize for or that all parties have reason to apologize to the Guyanese people. Hidden within the recesses of the minds of older Guyanese is the memory of Guyanese is that memory off a bygone age when political

bullyism took center stage and when the law was not allowed to stand in the way of the authorities doing what they pleased. This memory creates fear and this fear drives insecurity. Whether or not there is apology for the excesses of the past do not remove this insecurity. This is something that the PNCR has to concern itself about because this fear will continue to paralyze its nonsupporters from giving a second thought towards supporting that party.

Mafia ties with Guyana were a concoction to make country look bad - Minister Rohee Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has dismissed allegations that Guyana has ties with the New York Mafia, calling it a “concoction” to make Guyana look bad. Earlier this year, news had surfaced that more than 20 gangsters were busted in New York for drug trafficking and other offences, with some of the shipments passing through Guyana. The New York Mafia reportedly conspired with the Italian syndicate to traffic cocaine and heroin stashed in shipments of pineapples, frozen fish and other food. After the news had surfaced, President Donald Ramotar had ordered Rohee to write the US seeking any information that they may have. Rohee admitted that although Government did receive a response it wasn’t anything tangible. “We did receive something but it wasn’t something of substance” Rohee told the media yesterday. The minister opined that entire allegation might have been a “concoction”. “People spin the thing to make the country look bad.” The President has insisted that Guyana must not and will not become a safe haven for criminals. Following the revelation of the Mafia connection, Opposition Leader David Granger, along with Members of Parliament Joe Harmon and Winston Felix, immediately met with Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Mark Phillips. Granger had stated that the creation of a link between local narco traffickers and major international drug lords is more than a dangerous

development. According to the Opposition Leader they had asked for the meeting with the Chief of Staff in light of the grave reports about linkages between Guyanese narco traffickers with the Italian mafia. He said that his party felt that it is a situation that requires immediate and forceful reaction by the government. He believes, too, that the absence of a National Drug Strategy master plan is largely responsible for these types of occurrences. “There is no valid national drug strategy master plan. It expired in 2009 and the administration appears to be in no hurry to implement a new

plan” he said, adding that “there is no justification for the absence of such a plan for five years.” He believes that there is a linkage between international drug lords and local traffickers and that large amount of drugs are being smuggled in and out of Guyana. The New York Mafia reportedly conspired with the Italian syndicate to traffic cocaine and heroin stashed in shipments of pineapples, frozen fish and other food. The shipments traveled through ports in Guyana, where Mexican drug cartel members facilitated deliveries, prosecutors said. The raids targeted a network of drug

smuggling that stretched from Guyana to Italy to Malaysia to the United States. An undercover agent recorded alleged Gambino associate, Franco Lupoi, and others plotting to transport 500 kilograms of cocaine hidden in shipments of frozen fish or pineapples, according to court documents. Prosecutors found US$7 million worth of cocaine hidden in crates of pineapples and coconut milk. In September 2012, Lupoi was recorded explaining to an undercover agent that he had contacts in Guyana who could arrange the shipment of cocaine to his contacts in Italy, court records state.

Sophia man gets 12 years for killing neighbour Sophia resident, Roger Pilgrim, was yesterday jailed for 12 years for the unlawful killing of his neighbour, Shane Rowley. Pilgrim, called “Charlie Pants”, of Lot 68 ‘A’ Field, Sophia, was on trial at the High Court before Justice Dawn Gregory and a mixed jury for the murder, which took place on January 22, 2011. The killing reportedly took place during a fight that stemmed from years of suspicions about a damaged fence, which separated the home of the victim from that of the accused. Rowley was stabbed close to his home. He sustained injuries to his neck and shoulder and later succumbed. After hours of deliberation, yesterday, the jury announced that they had

found the accused not guilty of murder but guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter. As such, Justice Gregory handed down the 12-year jail sentence. Earlier in the trial, Police witness Inspector Chabunaught Singh was summoned to the stand by State Prosecutor Mercedes Thompson who worked in

association with Attorney -at –Law, Natasha Backer. Singh told the court that he arrested the accused and later procured a caution statement from him at Sparendaam Police Station. He detailed the statement to the court. Defence Attorney Huckumchand Parag had (Continued on page 24)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 17, 2014

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The golden gold industry Writer’s note: This column appeared on September 25, 2013. In light of the controversy now raging, it is reproduced I ran into a highly placed person who is also a top second-tier PPP leader. He is quite known in Guyana though he is not in the core leadership of the PPP. He said to me that there is a problem on his mind that he is reluctant to raise as a matter of priority within the PPP. He did say that at the

PPP’s congress last month, he had mentioned his vexation to three of the PPP policymakers and they did concede that what he is talking about needs the exigent attention of the Government. He suggested that I run a column on this predicament. “Freddie after all Guyana is your country so it is not a favour you are doing the government.” I agreed with his point but I did warn him that if I wrote the column I would lay the blame on his

party which has been in charge the past twenty-one years. This gentleman told me that the past President, Mr. Jagdeo, the current President and the entire leadership of the PPP and Government have the statistics on gold declaration and they all know that more than seventy percent of gold taken from the earth of Guyana is not declared and Guyana loses tremendously. He intoned; “Freddie I am telling you what I know; the

figure is seventy percent.” He went on to say that the average Guyanese would find it unbelievable, the yearly amount Guyana loses in conspiratorial gold smuggling out of the country. He puts it at dozens of billions every year. I liked his reasoning when he brought in the Trinidadian comparison. He described Trinidad as a first world country and according to him they reached there because they got a golden industry which they took possession of and carefully watches over – oil. He looked at me and declared, “Freddie, we could be like Trinidad because we got what Trinidad has but we are throwing it away.” He meant the gold industry. Two things I could see clearly when he spoke; he has inside information on the vast amount of money Guyana loses to gold smuggling and he is frustrated that the party he belongs to does not care. I shifted the argument away from the gold industry and went into the direction of politics. I queried why a political party that literally is in control of the gold fields of

Guyana and could use that money to make us become like Trinidad is not interested. He didn’t have an answer and I suggested one to him. I looked him in the eyes and told him that we are getting poorer in Guyana, we will not become like Trinidad in a million years and our misery will continue because the PPP lacks the nationalist spirit that so permeates the poor Third World countries that have become developed states like Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Trinidad etc. I was bold enough to tell him that once President Burnham had come to the knowledge that such vast amounts of gold were illegally leaving Guyana he would have thrown all the resources he had at his disposal to stop it. I made it clear that my statement on Burnham came deep from within my heart. My advice to him is to use his position in the PPP leadership to get them to see that the gold industry is Guyana’s version of Trinidad’s oil reserves and we could make Guyana better by stopping those billions from leaving. I did say to him that I will play my part by doing the column and he must do his by campaigning for tighter governmental supervision. I even suggested that the

Frederick Kissoon Guyana Government could invent some ingenious way of forming a public company to invest in the gold industry but such a venture must involve the major opposition parties. He didn’t want to discuss corruption in the Guyana Government that interconnects with the gold industry. It was pellucid to me that he was not comfortable discussing the weakness and sins of the PPP. His mission was to get me to use my column to highlight a major concern of his – the money Guyana is losing to undeclared gold, particularly by foreign gold miners. I did agree to this article not only out of his persuasion but also because I know what is happening in the gold industry, the media knows, the opposition parties know and the average Guyanese is well aware that their country is full of gold and it is being carted out of the country everyday without benefits coming their way.

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Education Minister defends policy Bartica gold scam toward President’s College investigations at a standstill Although it was created to be the country’s top secondary school with residential provision more than three decades ago, today President’s College no longer boasts this status. This development was confirmed by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, during a press conference hosted at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development last week. According to the Minister the school, is currently not functioning in the capacity it was designed since “it is not meeting the needs of our children best.” The school however, remains one of the country’s senior secondary schools providing instructions that are on par with other schools. And although the school was not highlighted among the top secondary schools to which National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) candidates were allotted, the Minister said that 203 children from across Guyana have been awarded a place there. As an ‘A’ List school, Minister Manickchand explained that President’s College is the top secondary school on East Coast Demerara. Moreover, candidates residing between Cummings Lodge and Mahaica who attain 491 or more at the NGSA are awarded non-residential placement at President’s College. She disclosed that candidates from Regions One, Two, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten who have the stipulated high scores are permitted residential placement at the school. The Minister said that “it is actually serving more persons and more needy persons now.” She said that when President’s College started, it served as an option for the top performers of the country many of whom instead opted to attend Queen’s College. “You could choose which one you wanted to go to but what happened, was that you had a school that a lot of people were choosing...”recalled the Minister who herself was guilty of so doing. “For example my entire family, brother, sister and I, we all got PC but we chose to go to QC; so you had the school (PC) heavily under populated but extremely expensive to run because it is a residential school, and while that was happening we had all these children from (Regions) One, Two, Five, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10 who needed a good school to go to but couldn’t access it (because) it was only for the top echelon,” admitted Manickchand. But according to her, “We are in a different place now;

…video footage review yields no clues - Source

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand even children who are getting Queen’s College are not coming to Queen’s College because there are schools in their communities that are providing such incredible education that they are choosing to stay at home.” She alluded to the fact that Yogeeta Persaud, who was the overall best performer at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination last year, was in fact a product of a regional secondary school. Also, Zimeena Rasheed who made history when she wrote the most subjects undertaken by a single candidate at CSEC, like Persaud, opted to attend the Anna Regina Multilateral School. “When they wrote Common Entrance (now NGSA) they both got Queen’s College but they chose to stay at Anna Regina. People are choosing to stay in their communities and this is a phenomenon we started seeing five or six years ago,” observed the Education Minister. She noted , “If we were to say we are offering President’s College only to the top students then essentially what you are saying, is that 120 elite

students in this country will have the option of going to either PC or QC; some will choose QC, some will choose PC and both (schools) will be under-populated which is not good for the delivery of quality education, and it really denies children from the hinterland the opportunity of accessing laboratories and other facilities to help them do better.” Ever since the Ministry changed its policy regarding the school, thereby allowing entrants from regional schools, the Minister said that the scores have improved considerably. “So these children are coming from somewhere in Region One that can’t come to this school except we allow them to live there, they are getting (Grade) Ones and so on at CSEC that they may not have been able to get in their Regions if they stayed...” The Minister is convinced that the situation that obtains is a much improved one even as she insisted that President’s College, which offers students a total of 17 subjects, remains one of the better performing schools in the country.

Investigating ranks probing the Gold Board scam have come up empty-handed following the review of video footage of the operations at the now closed Bartica Office. According to a source close to the investigations, the ranks managed to review some of the footage but as a result of a malfunctioning camera no illegality was recorded. There has also been no word from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment’s forensic audit of the Gold Board operations. When the Ministry announced the probe, it said, “The Guyana Gold Board has engaged the services of an external auditor to perform a full forensic audit of the

activities of the GGB at its locations to assist with the current investigation by the Guyana Police Force.” The Gold Board insisted that its control systems remain one of the most robust in the region, even as investigators continue their probe into how staffers managed to breach systems. The Board announced that it closed one of its main sub-offices at Bartica, Region Seven, a community located up the Essequibo River and once considered the gateway to the hinterlands. The closure was said to be because of allegations that staffers may have tampered with the gold being purchased from miners.

Gold Board sources insisted that the probe is centered on a specific timeframe, March, when the bulk of the alleged tampering of the gold took place. It is believed that as much as 50 ounces of gold ($10M) was involved. At least six persons were taken into custody, including the female manager and the accountant but have since been released on bail. The case is worrying authorities as gold remained for the third consecutive year, the biggest foreign exchange earner and a major spinner and employer of the economy. Last year, gold exports earned a massive US$648.5 million.

Man attempts to smuggle 22 Twa-Twa birds in hair curlers An outgoing passenger, who was arrested last Friday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport after he was busted trying to smuggle 22 whistling finches out of the country, will know his faith today following an earlier court hearing before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry, yesterday. Canada-based Nazir Khan, pleaded guilty to the charge of exporting species of birds when it was read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday. According to the charge, Khan, on June 13, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, was exporting 22 Twa Twa birds without obtaining a permit or a Certificate from the Management Authority. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharat Mangru, said that airport security searched

Khan, who was an outgoing passenger on flight BW606 destined for Canada, when the several small whistling birds stashed in hair curlers were found in his hand luggage. He was taken into police custody and charged. Khan, who pleaded guilty to the allegations, told the court that he was unaware of the fact, that he needed

certification to transport the birds. After being unable to locate the respective Chapter of the Criminal Law Offences Act to verify the allowable sentence, Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry stated that she will hand down her decision today. Khan was then granted bail in the sum of $75,000 pending the court’s decision.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Cabinet green-lights $435M Young Berbicians host domestic contract for Prison Supplies violence candlelight vigil For the procurement of stationery, dietary and miscellaneous supplies for the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), cabinet has granted its no-objection to a contract worth $435M. Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon said it normally costs less

than $1000 to feed a prisoner per day. The Guyana Prison Service, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, received bids February last for the procurement of stationery, dietary and miscellaneous supplies. The bids were divided into 12 lots.

A group photo of the youths of the PYA A new Non- Governmental Organization, Progressive Youths in Action (PYA) based in New Amsterdam has joined the fight against all forms of domestic violence and abuse. The group held a candlelight vigil recently on the Banks DIH tarmac in the town. The event was supported and attended by various religious bodies, NGO’s, officials and members of civil society. Levonne Butchey, President of the Group, stated that the group is eager to develop their community. He underscored the problem of abuse and violence. He alluded to the Nigerian incident of a militant group Bhoko Haram kidnapping some 200 schoolgirls. In Guyana there was an 18- year- old in the town that was stabbed to death by her 48-year-old lover. Butchey urged that everyone make abuse their business and work together to eradicate the scourge. Tanya Niamatali, Project Coordinator, stated that young people dishonor the memory of their forebears whenever they resort to acts of violence and abuse.

“We need to find the wherewithal to life ourselves out of this disparaging situation and understand that no one entity has the capacity to control this trend. The solution, she stated, lies in each one of us “engaging actively in dialogue…each one has to be civic minded, Guyanese must not turn a blind eye to the numerous instances of abuse in our communities and environments.” Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, encouraged the young people to continue the sensitization. He lauded the organization for choosing the ‘Progressive’ and ‘Action’ in its name. “If talk were a commodity that we could export in Guyana, we would have been a rich country!” What we need more, he stated, is action. “We know our young people are action- oriented they are bursting with energynatural energy!” Rohee added that the older folks must give them the opportunity to do creative things-”We must give them the support and financial support.” He hopes more and more young people are attracted to the organization. “We must allow young

people in Guyana to grow…and to bring other young people closer to your organization.” Member of Parliament, Faizal M. Jaffarally, said that most people believe tackling domestic violence and other societal ills is the responsibility of the government of the day. However NGO’s, faith- based bodies and other like entities “have to come out and speak out vocally what is happening in our society today.” He was extremely pleased that the young people have come out to speak out against the scourge of domestic violence, “which is taking a toll in our society. We need to fight against it seriously.” Region Six Chairman, David Armogan, noted that abuse of women and children has become a major social problem in Guyana.” The group was formed last year August. The group has distributed hampers; visited the old and shut- ins; painted several pedestrian crossings; clean- up campaign. Butchey is calling on young people from 16 and above to join the group by contacting him on cell phone 627-0248.

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Police force withdraws support Two teenagers in court today for Police Wives’ Association for Lusignan taxi driver murder - says organization was disrespectful to senior female officer The Guyana Police Force appeared to have permanently severed ties with the Police Wives Association (PWA), when it formally announced yesterday that it has withdrawn support for the organization. The announcement comes a day after the Association accused the Force’s administration of bullyism. The Police Wives Association had claimed that the Guyana Police Force had locked its members out of a building at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, after the Association refused to accept the attempted dictates of an “illegally” installed senior female police officer. The body had also claimed that the Police Force wanted to establish control over the duly registered body which has been in existence for the past 61 years and which falls under the auspices of the Guyana Friendly Burial Cooperative Society. But in a strong response, the police, through its Public Relations Officer, Ivelaw Whittaker, accused the PWA of being disrespectful to a senior female police officer and other female members of the Guyana Police Force. The Force debunked several claims made by the PWA regarding the make-up of its executive body, and its contribution to several programmes within the Guyana Police Force set up. The rift between the two sides has its origin in the aftermath of the departure of the last patron of the organization, Grace Brumell, the wife of former Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell. According to the police force, following the demitting of office by former Commissioner Brumell, there were some issues regarding the Patron and Ex-Officio Officer of the Association. The Force did not say what these issues were but according to reports, strong

letters were exchanged between Mrs. Brumell and the Force’s officer responsible for Administration. This, the police said, has caused the Force to review its participation with the Police Wives’ Association. “The review found that the Executive Committee of the Police Wives’ Association consisted of persons among whom were not the wives of serving, retired or deceased members of the Police Force, with the exception of a Police Sergeant who is the Treasurer, and another who is the wife of a serving officer,” the police explained. The Force said that it should be noted that there are persons on the Executive Committee of the PWA who ought not to have been members of the Police Wives’ Association in the first place, and therefore their presence on the Executive Committee is in breach of the Constitution. Addressing the establishment of the PWA, the police stated that while the body may have been in existence for some time, it was formalised in the year 2000 when it was registered under the Friendly Societies Act Ch. 36:04. It was explained that the Constitution of the Guyana Police Wives’ Association was amended in 2010, and among other things it catered for: (1) Membership shall be open to all wives of policemen in active service, retired or deceased, and policewomen in active service or retired who are interested in the work of the Association and would like to offer voluntary service for the upliftment of the Association. (2) The wife of the Commissioner of Police in active service shall be Patron and an Ex- Officio Officer. However, it must be noted that the PWA had sent at least two letters inviting the wife of the current head of the Force to be its Patron. There

has been no response to those invitations. The revised PWA constitution also provides for the Patron, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer and five other members must be policewomen, or wives of policemen, and they shall form the Executive Committee. The members of the Executive Committee must be selected from among the members of the Association and the Patron chairs meetings of the Executive Committee. It is felt by the Force that the current composition of the Executive Body does not allow for the interests of the Force to be represented or advanced, regarding its objectives. The Force went further to consult with the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security and it was revealed that the Association has not met its legal requirements under the Act since 2007, in that audited financial statements have not been submitted. Consequently, the Force’s Administration, through the most Senior Female Officer, attempted to encourage the Executive Body of the PWA to hold an Annual General Meeting under the Constitution that provides for the election of Office Bearers. “The Executive Body initially agreed, but thereafter bluntly refused and from all indications, the ensuing communications smacked of disrespect for the Senior Female Police Officer and other female members of the Force who were engaged in the discussions,” the Police Force said. In light of this, the Guyana Police Force then took a decision to withdraw its support to the Police Wives’ Association. With regards to the Juliet Griffith Day Care Centre, (Continued on page 24)

Two teenagers will be arraigned before a Magistrate charged with the murder of their fellow villager, 17-yearold Lusignan taxi driver, Dhanraj Latchman. Latchman’s body was discovered last Friday in a cane field aback of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, two days after he was hired by the two suspects. The car he was driving, a Toyota Carina 212, was found in the same Parika backlands the day before. The two suspects, Shazim Alli, 18, and Aswraf Alli, 17, who are cousins, had confessed under intense interrogation to killing Latchman and they eventually led investigators to where they had dumped his body. The two men who reside just two streets away from the victim, told investigators that they killed Latchman after their plan to steal his car went awry. They claimed that they had used one of the seat belts from the victim’s car to strangle him. A post mortem examination which was performed on Latchman’s body yesterday gave the cause of death as asphyxiation due to compound injury to the neck, which is consistent with being strangled. “We have already read the charge to them…we have already received the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions,” a senior police officer told this newspaper yesterday. Police had detained the teens on Thursday morning after Latchman’s mother, Lynette Daby, informed ranks that her son had called the names of his two passengers. Initially, the suspects had given investigators conflicting reports regarding their last encounter with Latchman. They eventually admitted that they strangled the teen and had planned to sell his white Toyota AT 212, bearing registration number, PMM 9823.”It seems that

The two suspects

they had their eyes on this man’s car for some time now, and after they found a buyer, they hired him (Latchman) and told him they were going to collect money at Parika,” a source close to the investigation told Kaieteur News. According to the mother, the now dead Latchman was at the family’s Lusignan, East Coast Demerara home last Wednesday afternoon when he suddenly informed her that he was going to Parika to transport passengers. “About five o’clock, I called my son and asked him where he was and he said that (Continued on page 24)

Murdered: Dhanraj Latchman

Page 22

Kaieteur News

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Earn a certificate in cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, limited spaces Call Abby: 619-7603, 666-5241

2009 Red Nissan Titan. Flex Fuel GRR Series. Contact: 604-6108.

1 - Civil Engineer (full time), securities, skid steer & excavator operators, mechanic, body works man (spray), office assistant - Call: 603-4098 Real Estate clerks, Road foreman, operations manager, Accounts Clerk, Kitchen Assistant, Hauler Driver & Truck Drivers - Call: 603-4098

RA Soda Factory at Rosignol Branch: Vacancies for Accountant, Bond Clerk, sales clerk, Drivers, male & female workers – Tel: 3302399, 330-2772, 623-5920 Exist for one female cleaner; apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. Pump Attendant @ Shell Service Station, Providence, EBD. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) Tel: 265-7305 Cashiers @ Shell Service Station, Providence, EBD. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) – Tel: 265-7305 Experienced person for new Premier Supermarket: 3 Subjects (Mathematics & English), police clearance, two references Contact: 231-2307

Fluffy Dachshund pups, one pure white available – Tel: 226-9548, 670-2653,618-1706 G- Touring Wagon in excellent condition – Flair kit, mag rims, air condition, etc - Call Pablo: 641-1303. Price $1.1M negotiable

VACANCY

RA Soda Factory at Good Hope Branch: vacancies for sales clerk, bond clerk and drivers – Tel: 330-2399, 3302772, 623-5920

Mix breed German shepherd pups, 8 weeks old, fully vaccinated & de-wormed Tel: 649-7271

Salon stations for stylist & barbers in comfortable atmosphere, hot & cold water, affordable rent - Tel: 619-5829, 683-3466

One two-storey concrete building at Tuschen New Scheme, E.B.E – Contact No: 627-6305, 668-6858

GT TOOL RENTALS SPECIALS: CONCRETE SAW; JACK HAMMER WELDING MACHINE & MORE. 2ND TOOL ½ PRICE – CALL: 675-0767; 627-5098

4WD Ford 150XLT V8, excellent condition, price negotiable - Tel: 698-0904

One restaurant, located around Princess Hotel Area Preferably Chinese - Tel: 6171481

One used AE81 hire car, trade in for private car – Contact Sam: 666-7750, 2541308, 682-3984 Yamaha outboard engines, various sizes, tundra wheels, boat trailer - Tel: 220-1981, 690-1945

One 3 bedroom house to rent at Lot 43 Blyzeight Gardens Tel: 652-6565 One bedroom apartment $30,000 per month – Call: 6578335 Rooms to rent – Tel: 225-3234

Commercial property at Corner Spot, Lodge - Tel: 627-4900

Toyota Avensis 2003, PRR series 18" Rims, leather interior, HID, A/C, Alarm, TV, $3.250M, immaculate condition! Tel: 609-7257, 602-5974

Herstelling - $16M, Grove $19M, 4.5M, $9M, Eccles $31M, Diamond - $12.5M, Public Road - $65M – Tel:676-5537, 646-1334, 6123501,667-2422

2006 – PREMIO - $2.3M, 2008 – BLUEBIRD - $3M, 2005 – SPACIO - $2.1M. ALL VEHICLES ARE FULLY LOADED & UNREGISTERED – CALL: 642-7295

Prime business and residential 3 storey property in excellent condition, situated 11 Camp and Norton Street G/town, negotiable Call: Pearl Realty: 689-9991 Craig Street - $32M, David Street - $40M, Thomas Street - $65M, Sheriff Street $150M, Etc. Contact Sonja: 225-7197/ 623-2537 One 2-storey wood & concrete house, 3 bedrooms with one self contained with A/C @ Parika E.B.E – Call: 660-3118 One house & land for sale at good hope E.C.D – Tel: 621-1722 Location 106 Samatha Point Grove, EBD – One flat 3 bedroom concrete house – Tel:266-0580, 670-1452. Price Neg. Queenstown, second building, 3 bedroom cottage in good condition - $16M – Contact B&G’s Realty – 6179717, 682-4094 Norton Street Lodge, 2 properties in the yard 42X120 $30M negotiable - Contact B&G’s Realty – 617-9717, 6824094

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Tuesday June 17, 2014

EDUCATIONAL Now enrolling for a Diploma in computers (9 courses) special discount for 2014 CXC students at MicroGraphics, Vreed-EnHoop –Tel: 264-3057 Now enrolling for summer computer classes – Ages: 514yrs, certificate course at MicroGraphics Technology, Vreed-En- Hoop –Tel: 264-3057 I.A.S – 94 Alberttown: CXC Adults/ Students classes $1200 per subject. Day/ Evening / Grade 6 classes – Call: 223-7906, 690-5008 Canadian School of Arts & Science, now enrolling students for summer classes in remedial Mathematics & English – Call: 216-6921 IAE - Camp Street - Registration has commenced Forms 1-5 (full-time school); day & evening, adult CXC classes Call: 683-5742, 223-0604

North Ruimveldt - $14M and $25M, Annandale Scheme$6.5M - Tel: 603-9593 Rob Street, 3 flat property, price negotiable - Contact B&G’s Realty – 617-9717, 682-4094 287 Samatha Point Grove, EBD – One Flat 2 bedroom concrete house – Contact: 266-0545, 675-6074, price neg. Two houses and land for sale at Agriculture Road – Tel: 678-8526

DRESS-MAKING Jean is offering courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral & cake decoration. Lot 153 Barr St Kitty – Call: 670-2653, 618-1706

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. COOL TECH : Repairs Services & Installation of all types if homes appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 Permanent & Visitors Vi s a Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 2256496, 662-6045 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer. Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734 Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032,647-2943 House plan drafting from$10,000 electrical works and estimates services available. Tel:667-2189,646-6572,629-8750 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312, 627-3206 (Nick) For low cost: Repairs to fridge, freezer, A/C unit, microwaves, TV & washing machine - Call: 629-4946 or 225-4822 DaSilva’s Welding & Fabricating specializes in: Grills, Gates, Pontoon, Lavador etc. Best prince in town - Call: 647-6880/ 219-1680 NEED WORK CALL LABOUR READY STAFFING SERVICES AT: 603-6052 OR 227-2766 Services and repairs to gas stoves, washing machines, electric stoves, etc – Call: 688-0183 LAND FOR SALE La Parfait Harmonie - $1.2M, $1.4M, $2.5M, (100ftX50ft) High Income, Grove - $2.6M (with foundation) – Tel: 2185591, 675-7292 Mining Blocks at Mazaruni & Kwakwani- Tel: 627-4900

2 Silver Spacio – registered and unregistered, dark interior, new model with TV Tel: 697-0294 One 8000 Forde Tractor, one 450 Forde tow truck, one Toyota Tacoma – Contact Floyd: 694-5599 Smart Choice Auto: Unregistered 212, Allex, old & new model Spacio, 05 & 03 Allion, Voxy- Call:6523820/ 665-4529 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Mitsubishi Canter 2-Tons enclosed, excellent condition – Call:220-5281 Toyota Raum, Silver, year 2002, PMM series with alarm – Call: 621-5244 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 Toyota Raum PMM, excellent condition. Documents ready for Bank Purchase – Call: 689-4330 One enclosed canter for sale 3½ Ton, GJJ 8286 – Contact: 613-0830, 666-2549 Noah/ Voxy, unregistered, (private or bus), Toyota Regius/ Super custom, unregistered (goods) – Tel: 603-9700 Toyota G-Touring Wagon – Price - $700,000 – Tel: 6105502 or 652-8068 One EP-82 Starlet for sale Tel: 643-6517

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 23

CULTURE MINISTRY INVITES BIDS FOR SEVERAL PROJECTS The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports through its Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, has invited suitable bidders to tender for the execution of several small projects within the ministry. According to an advertisement published in the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, the projects include repairs to the tarmac of the National Cultural Centre. The Engineer’s estimate for the repairs is $1.9M. Back in January the Ministry re-tendered for the installation of new airconditioning units at the National Cultural Centre. Two bids were submitted. Patrons have long complained about the malfunctioning of the air conditioning system at the National Cultural Centre. This prompted Minister of Culture,

Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony to announce during last month’s National Drama Festival that his Ministry would be seeking tenders for the project. Earlier this year, Dr. Frank Anthony had stated that much needed rehabilitation works to the tune of $80 million were expected to begin on the air conditioning, light and sound systems of the Cultural Centre. The Minister had said that substantial works have not been done on the theatre, particularly on the air conditioning and the current units need to be replaced. The Minister also pointed to difficulties experienced with the lighting and sound at the theatre which seats approximately 1900 persons and said efforts are being made to upgrade both

systems from analogue to digital. He disclosed that 10 companies were approached for proposals of interest, and two have since sent in proposals. A previous proposal was deemed too expensive for its scope. Repairs are expected to be done to the bridges at the New Opportunity Corps, Region Two. The engineers cost for that is $1.1m. The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall building is also slated to be rewired. The engineer’s cost for this is $6M. Further bids went out for the Walter Roth Museum on Main Street for the installation of air condition units. The engineer’s cost is $1.5m. The Ministry also announced that the fence of the Castellani House on Vlissengen Road will undergo repairs which according to

the engineer’s estimate will cost around $5M. Interested bidders may obtain further information, familiarize and purchase a complete set of the bidding documents upon having a written request and after payment of a non-refundable fee for $3000. It was noted that all bidders should submit their bids no later than 09:00hrs on July 15, 2014 at the Boardroom of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board. All late bids shall be rejected and returned to bidders unopened. It was noted that all bids will be valid during 120 days from the date that the bid was opened. Further it was stated that all bids shall be opened at the Tender Board in the presence of bidders representatives that wish to attend.

Letters... Where your views make the news

Our students need leaders in... From page 4 around the country. How can the Minister feel that she is doing a good job in public education when, year after year, she finds herself in the halls of the private schools making announcements of top performers at the NGSA? As we celebrate the achievements in the private schools we must ask what we have done to cause the disparity between the public and

private school systems to be this deep, and how we can help the public schools to regain their ‘glory days.” I call on the Guyana Teachers’ Union, the ParentTeacher Organizations, parents and the entire Guyanese society, to call out the Ministry of Education for its dismissive attitude towards our teachers and students in the public schools system. I have said time and again that ev-

ery year the Ministry of Education is allocated millions of taxpayers’ dollars to improve education for our children, and the fact that public schools continue to perform poorly in comparison to the private schools, at national examinations, would indicate to us that the monies are not effectively utilized. It might therefore be time to launch a full investigation into the entire public education system.

Our children cannot continue to function in a system that does not guarantee them results. Our children need administrators who believe in them, respect them, and see them as wanting to achieve, regardless of the odds. Our students need leaders in education who will work to ensure their success and not simply give up on them, as appears has been done. Lurlene Nestor

(From page 22)

WANTED TO LET One bottom flat at 95 Hadfield Street, Werk- EnRust, Georgetown, Suitable for business/firm/company – Contact: 223-0929; 682-1055 Harmony Inn: Furnished, air condition apartment, W.B.D & Georgetown - $5,000 & $6,000 per night – Tel:6680306, 694-7817, 602-8769, 6121351 1 – Four bedrooms house with all modern conveniences, semifurnished - $300,000 monthly, Happy Acres – Tel:231-7839 (working hours) Fully furnished two bedroom apartment for rent with TV, Air-condition, hot & cold, cable. In South for foreigners Tel: 689-5877 Furnished 2 bedroom apartment, in Linden for short term local & overseas guest Tel: 444-4704, 614-4415 Furnished and unfurnished two bedrooms apartment in Eccles, for short or long term Tel: 6 90-6494 Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment located at Timerhi Tel: 615-2584

and focused events. Naturally too, suicide, substance abuse, violence and teenage pregnancy should become part of the school curricula, especially at the secondary and tertiary levels and, if possible, the provision should be made for at least one staff member with a requisite level of training in guidance and counseling (such a pilot programme was in place a few decades ago). Among other tasks, this individual should engage in regular contacts with parents/ homes and other service entities within the school catchment area. This would create a network of alertness and quick-response to situations that may point to suicidal behaviour and also provide assistance with related issues that drive suicide – domestic violence/abuse, teenage pregnancy and relationship issues and alcoholism. While suicide is both premeditated and impulsive, last-minute impulses often actualize from hopelessness,

powerlessness, helplessness, loneliness, depression, fear, anger, whereas premeditation is driven by relationship and intimacy problems, teenage pregnancy, alcoholism, domestic abuse and other forms of violence. Thus, those who are trained to man the anti-suicide campaign must be aware of the risk factors and warning signs. And, they should take note of any behaviour out of the ordinary, language out of the usual, and change in attitudes, and immediately set the ball in motion by engaging in empathetic communication and making the next-step referral. The long and sort of it is that suicide is not a solution and should not be an option. And given the frightening numbers cited above, suicide prevention should be everybody’s business, especially since suicide is inextricably linked with other social issues such as alcoholism, relationship and intimacy problems, drugs and substance abuse and

domestic and other forms of violence. Thus we commend and applaud the efforts and actions of the students and teachers of Black Bush Polder, Essequibo and Berbice High Schools who have lofted the banner of suicide prevention for the rest of the nation to follow suit. We hope students and teachers from throughout the nation will join in this effort and that the rest of society will become involved. Similarly we applaud the press statement put out by APNU, and we hope APNU will now join with government in developing measures to address this is issue. In the final analysis suicide transcends political gamesmanship and our politicians must display the will to lead the suicide prevention campaign, which will also result in tackling the other related issues. Norkah Carter Devv-Ramdas Daniel Judy Deveaux Annan Boodram

Pacific Development Construction: foreman and office assistant must have driver’s licence – Contact: 227-8274/ 223-6035 One cook for home in the interior – Contact: 681-6044 One experienced canter driver - $28,000, 1 porter $21,000, to work in Tushen Scheme, E.B.E – Tel:684-8231 One experienced diesel mechanic to work part time Call: 684-8231 Hire Cars at Atlas Taxi Service VHF Network – Call: 661-3043 Property to purchase between $8M and $10M – Tel: 603-9593 Two purchase clerks from out of town area, age 3040yrs, send email to singh_inc@hotmail.com Male & female to work in factory between the age of 18 & above – Call: 223-0090 for more information Family to live in; wife – domestic duties, husbanddriving will be an asset – Tel: 227-1830 One Cleaner to work in snackette & bar, must know to cook. Age 20-35yrs – Tel: 647-7432, 223-5798

Suicide prevention should be... From page 5 scaremongering seem to characterize communication in these situations. Emphasis should also be placed on self-acceptance. Researchers at Northwestern University in the US found that self-acceptance could help people to be more realistic about who they are, and less willing to internalize negative and dysfunctional behaviours, which drive suicide. Self-acceptance should go in tandem with selfforgiveness. As the late Maya Angelou suggested, “Forgive yourself for every failure...because if you’d known better you would have done better!” Thirdly, there is need for ongoing focus on suicide and related issues such as alcoholism, domestic violence, relationships and teenage pregnancy in all schools. Students can engage in research and investigations and express thoughts and feelings via writing (essays, poetry), art, drama, debates

Farm worker, gardener - Call: 265-3586

LAND FOR SALE Diamond - $8M, Atlantic Gardens - $15M- Tel: 6039593 Campbellville, vacant land 60’X120’ – price negotiable Contact B&G’s Realty – 6179717, 682-4094

One Carnegie trained cook; 4 days per week – Call: 6144358 One cleaner two days per week - Call: 614-4358 We buy all low income lands in La Parafaite Harmonie, Herstelling, Eccles, and Non-Pareil – Call: 218-5591 or 675-7292 One live in maid or domestic $60,000 per month - Contact: 664-5199 CLEANING LADY TO CLEAN & COOK. GOOD MANNERS. MUST KNOW HOW TO COOK GOOD MUSLIM FOOD. E.B.D AREA – TEL: 231-8529

LAND FOR SALE Tw o m i n i n g b l o c k s – North West District, M3 Road, 4 South East – Phone: 601-1371

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Kaieteur News

BK International continues to misrepresent the facts - says GT&T The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) has said that it notes with grave concern the relentless campaign by BK International Inc. to shift blame to the telephone company for the delay in the East Bank Demerara road project. According to the telephone company, BK continues to misrepresent the facts surrounding the inordinate delays in the execution of the East Bank Demerara Road Projects. The company said yesterday that it can confirm that there are infrastructural facilities which are still to be re-located away from the project zone. There was the expectation that GT&T should finance the re-location of the various infrastructure facilities “outof-pocket.” “For us, this is not an option… and having agreed on May 6, 2014 to a courtsupervised settlement in which we waived some $20.5 million, we are still awaiting the payment of this sum awarded, which is to be used for the re-location of the said facilities.” The telephone company further noted that while it is true that as recent as May 6,

last, GT&T issued an invoice for cable damaged to the tune of $396,652, lest the issues become muddled, the public must be told that this damage occurred in the project area at Lot 3, East Bank Four Lane Road project and not in the Timehri road project area. GT&T said that the contractor’s statement about the depth of cables is at best speculative and GT&T refutes this allegation in its entirety. “The contractor was in no way involved in the laying of these cables in 1993 and to the best of our knowledge, is not in possession of the “as-built” drawings” the telephone company stated. The telephone company said that it can “say without fear of contradiction that these cables were laid following strict engineering specifications.” “What BK International is careful not to mention is that mindful of landscape changes which could occur with time, GT&T excavated pilot holes and placed “route markers” to mitigate accidental cable damage during construction.” The company said that the initiatives are consistent

with good engineering practices, and were conducted with the contractor’s representatives as early as August 2011 and again in January 2012. GT&T explained that its management team has numerous networks to operate and maintain and hundreds of thousands of customers to satisfy. “Repeated replies to the Contractor ’s spurious allegations distract from these responsibilities and are therefore not a high priority for us.” “Our principal counterpart in Government road construction activities is the Ministry of Public Works, not any individual contractor,” GT&T noted. The telephone company made it clear that it will remain ready and willing to collaborate with any and all road construction contractors, and that its preference is to continue to utilize the appropriate established mechanisms for constructive collaboration with the Ministry “as opposed to engaging in a counter-productive series of accusations and rebuttals in the media.”

CJIA contractor in Jamaica pay... From page 15 indicated that by the end of May the matter would be settled," said another contractor. "We continue to find it a little difficult to sometimes communicate with them because up until recently, they used to send us back to China Harbour and say that they're really not supposed to talk to us because we are sub-contractors to China Harbour. When we go to China Harbour, they send us to NWA." Attempts by the Observer last week to get responses from the NWA and China Harbour were not successful. The contractors also complained that they are having difficulty being paid for measured work, even though

NWA personnel monitor and verify the jobs. One of them gave as an example, his company's construction of a gabion wall in a river for which he was underpaid. According to the contractor, in order to prevent the gabion wall being eroded by the river he had to build the wall deep below the surface. "When the auditor went out there he counted only those gabion baskets that he could see above the surface. I can't blame him, because he can only count what he sees, but NWA had persons monitoring the contract, and these persons verified the works," he said. "In addition, every Monday morning they do mea-

surement sheets that are signed by the contractor, NWA and China Harbour," his colleagues added. The contractors said their plight has forced them to lay off staff - as many as 30 individuals in some cases. They are also worried that their debts are increasing as they owe their banks more than $290 million combined, plus they need to pay suppliers and sub-contractors. China is the same contractor involved in the US$150M expansion project of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Funding for the project was halted by the National Assembly for consecutive years amidst Opposition's concerns about the spending.

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Pathologist testifies in fish vendor murder trial - victim died of haemorrhage and shock due to stab wounds …jugular veins and wind pipe were severed The caution statement of murder accused, Quasion Jones was yesterday presented to the court, where he is on trial for killing a fish vendor, in the vicinity of Meadow Bank, East Bank Demerara. The victim, Marlon Greene, was reportedly stabbed several times during a heated argument on January17, 2011. Jones, called “Blondie,” is on trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed 12-member jury. He is being represented by Attorney- at Law, George Thomas. Yesterday, State Prosecutrix, Judith GildharieMursalin, called Police witness, Corporal Hubert Henry to the stand. He told the court that he procured a caution statement from the accused on January 19, 2011, after the latter came to the station in the presence of his Attorney. The statement was read aloud to the court. Corporal Henry told the court that he had visited the scene of the crime after the incident and saw what appeared to be blood at the southern side of the road. The officer said that he checked the area for the suspect but he could not be found. Henry later examined the body of the victim at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary. Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh told the court yesterday, that the victim died as a result of haemorrhage and shock due to stab wounds. He said that both the victim’s jugular veins and wind pipe were severed. He succumbed half an hour later. The doctor recounted that the body bore an incised wound at the neck which may have been inflicted by a sharp

Two teenagers in court... Police force withdraws support for Police...

From page 21 he in Parika. I called him again around eight o’clock and he said that he was still at Parika and he leaving just now, so I asked him who he with, and he called their names,” Lynette Daby said. “He recently get his licence, so I does call him

steady to make sure everything is okay with him,” the mother had informed this newspaper. According to the woman, after Latchman failed to return home around 22:00hrs, she and her husband went to the homes of the men whom her son had left to transport. “When we went to one of them house, he didn’t want to come out. His mother had to force him to come out and when he did, he say that he don’t know where my son is. Then he say that my son left to go to Enmore,” the mother said.

From page 21 which the PWA claimed was its brainchild, the police said that the facility was established in 1994, six years prior to the formalisation of the Police Wives’ Association. The police said that the daycare centre is resourced and managed by the Guyana Police Force with assistance from the Police Wives’ Association in an arrangement that provides for the most Senior Female

Police Officer being responsible to the Commissioner of Police for the operations of the Day Care Centre. The Force pointed out that in contemporary times; the Association has not contributed anything tangible with regards to the Police Day Care Centre nor the serving husbands within the Police Force. Similarly it has not done anything tangible regarding any of its objectives.

THE VICTIM: Marlon Greene pointed object. On Wednesday, three eyewitnesses testified in the matter. The witnesses were businessman Steven Vieira, a resident of Meadow Bank, his daughter Michelle Vieira and brother of the deceased, Rondell Singh. The businessman told the court that he had known both the victim and the accused for a number of years. He said that although they were not related, he treated Greene as if he were a member of his family. Vieira recalled that on the day in question, he looked out his window and saw the accused and the victim fighting. He claimed that he saw “Blondie,” pull a knife and start to stab Greene. The witness said that he shouted and ran from his house to where the men were, in an effort to stop the fight. However, before he got there, Greene was already wounded. He said that the wounded man was quickly hoisted into a vehicle and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Michelle Vieira said that she heard a loud argument and saw what appeared to be a fight between Blondie and her cousin (Greene). “I see Blondie and my cousin and my brother André look like he trying to part

them… I see Blondie hands moving up and down. At the time, I thought Blondie was cuffing Marlon because I was running towards them.” She said that when she got close enough, she noticed that Blondie had a long knife in his hands. The knife had what appeared to be blood on it. “Marlon was lying on the road, on the left side of his neck had a hole, blood was pouring out of it.” The victim’s brother, Rondell Singh, claimed that he also tried to separate the two men. “When I push Blondie he turn to me and say watch how yuh mek I kill he. Then he left and run straight at the back at the wharf and get away.” On Thursday, Andre Vieira told the court that he was cleaning fish with the victim on the day that he was stabbed. He said that Greene was working along with him, but had left to buy cigarettes. He said that he tried to intervene after he heard Greene and Blondie arguing. Vieira said that he saw the accused stab the victim several times. He claimed that the two men had a misunderstanding two days prior to the incident.

From page 9 summoned Pilgrim’s mother, Joyann Rowley and his brother, Sherwin Roberts to the stand. The woman told the court that her son intervened after her neighbour had physically attacked her. Pilgrim’s brother told the court that he was injured during the altercation. “He lash me in me head cause he say that we thief a tyre that been in he yard.

Shane Rowley

The accused: Quasion Jones called ‘Blondie’

Sophia man gets...

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Pakistan jets strike insurgents in full-scale offensive (Reuters) - Pakistani fighter jets pounded North Waziristan yesterday, a day after the army announced the start of a full-scale drive to flush Islamist insurgents out of the volatile region bordering Afghanistan. In a long-awaited military operation precipitated by a deadly insurgent attack on Pakistan’s biggest airport a week ago, Islamabad has deployed troops, artillery and helicopter gunships to fight insurgents in North Waziristan. The Taliban and their ethnic Uzbek allies holed up in North Waziristan have both claimed responsibility for the June 8 commando-style attack on Karachi airport, which was seen as a strategic turning point in how Pakistan tackles the insurgency. In a chilling message issued in response to the offensive, the Taliban said foreign firms operating in Pakistan would bear the brunt of their revenge. “We are in a state of war. Foreign businesses, airline companies and multinationals should immediately sever their ties

with Pakistan or they will have only themselves to blame for any damage,” said Pakistani Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid. The army said combat aircraft destroyed six hideouts in the Shawal sector of North Waziristan, home to some of Pakistan’s most feared militants and al Qaeda commanders, early on Monday. “In these precise strikes, 27 terrorists were killed. There is no (civilian) population in the area,” it said. “North Waziristan Agency has been isolated by deploying troops along its border with neighboring agencies and FATA (Federally Administrative Tribal Areas) regions to block any move of terrorists in and out of the Agency.” The army chief, Raheel Sharif, said the operation would continue until “all terrorists along with their sanctuaries” were eliminated but gave no specific timeline. “The operation is not targeted against our valiant tribes of North Waziristan but against those terrorists who are holed up in the agency

and have picked up arms against the state of Pakistan,” an army statement on Monday quoted him as saying. PUBLIC SUPPORT The army said troops had cordoned off militant bases, including the town of Mirali where ethnic Uzbek and other foreign fighters are based, and the regional city of Miranshah. The Taliban appear determined to fight back. In the first attack since the start of the operation, at least six Pakistani soldiers were killed yesterday when a roadside bomb hit an army convoy just north of Miranshah, the army said. The all-night attack on Karachi airport all but destroyed prospects for peace talks with the Taliban militants, who are fighting to topple the government and impose a strict Sharia-based theocracy in the nucleararmed nation. The airport has since resumed operations after suspending flights twice in the aftermath of the attack. Public opinion appears to have swung in favor of a military operation after the

Planes are seen near a section of a damaged building (L) at Jinnah International Airport, after Sunday’s attack by Taliban militants, in Karachi. (Credit: Reuters/Athar Hussain)

Karachi attack, even though such a response in North Waziristan means a higher risk of revenge attacks by the Taliban outside the tribal region. “Operation at last!” The Nation daily said in a frontpage headline. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has long insisted that he could bring insurgents to the negotiating table but the start of the offensive is seen as a victory for hawks in the

army who have long called for tough military action. “We know the difficulties of picking this option (of launching an operation), but the enemy has left us no choice,” Sharif told parliament in his first remarks on the operation. “The world knows that on the one hand we were engaged in dialogue with these people, and on the other hand our children, women and youth were being bathed in

blood.”He added: “It is a matter of sorrow and pain that after four and a half months of talks, we could not make a breakthrough for peace.” O P E R A T I O N “PROPHET’S SWORD” The army imposed an allday curfew in North Waziristan as the operation got under way and turned off mobile phone services to undermine the insurgency and restrict people’s movements.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Letter to the Sports Editor

I agree with the GCB to reject the Cricket Bill Dear Editor, I was very impressed with the in-depth analysis that was presented by the GCB on the Cricket Bill which the GOG is trying to force down the throat of those administrators. The document was easy to follow and logical in its analyses. Cricket is our national sport and, if what the GCB says is accurate that GOG gives them no money for the administration of their game, how can they want to interfere with the internal affairs of a legal autonomous body which is affiliated to and bound by the Rules and Regulations of Regional and International bodies?

The GOG should be utterly ashamed to be barking up a tree trying to fight the battle of a few misguided former administrators who are upset since they did not get re-elected to the Board. Those individuals have succeeded in throwing our cricket in the total chaos that it has been in for the past few years. They were represented by the Attorney General prior to his appointment. He lost all the cases that he brought or defended against the Boards that he challenged and should be ashamed to be using the State and taxpayers resources now to fight his friends’ battles. He is leading the entire GOG down a

very treacherous path of doom. This dangerous group of former administrators has planned this debacle very well and has successfully duped the politicians to follow their agenda blindly. They are now boasting that they control both the PPP & APNU since the members of their group have influences in both parties and they know what buttons to push to get these gullible politicians to do their bidding. We cannot doubt them since they have both State media, the Chronicle and the Times publishing everything they want through their control and manipulation of the PPP friends

Tuesday June 17, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you're about to put your sense of humor to the test, Aries. You'll likely confront a few unexpected situations. Even if you're used to finding exciting things to do in an ordinary world, you'll be in for a big surprise or two. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today you'll question yourself about your private life, Taurus. Indeed, you have to change your behavior. You're used to making decisions just for yourself. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you should have a lot of vitality, Gemini. Recently, you may have decided to take more matters into your own hands. Your relationships will only benefit from this decision. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your generosity and altruism will be put to the test over the next few days, Cancer. You'll probably help the underprivileged. After all, you've always felt concerned about humanitarian projects but have never gotten involved. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today's aspects will influence you to interact naturally with your circle of friends, Leo. You're tired of hiding your feelings. You want to act in the way your instincts guide you. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're defining new strategies concerning your private life, Virgo. You could be feeling like a completely different person today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Unfortunately, today's planetary energy will place you in a rather uncomfortable situation, Libra. You'll be the one having to smooth things over with your group of friends. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Even though the times are favorable for relaxation, you won't be able to fully enjoy this period, Scorpio. You'll instead try to adjust your agenda so you can lead a more balanced life. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Today's celestial configuration will be favorable to changes in your relationships, Sagittarius. Your professional and private lives will be influenced by how well you deal with these relationships. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You've felt the need to create over the past several days, Capricorn. This attitude is certainly due to the planetary positions, but it could also underlie your desire to change your professional and private lives. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) When you feel that your friends are trying to change your everyday life, you shouldn't try to resist it so stubbornly, Aquarius. Open up your heart and let yourself be led. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Over the last few weeks you've been working hard so you don't have to worry about your finances, Pisces. Try to forget your problems, and especially avoid focusing on and talking about money today.

from one section of the dangerous former administrators grouping. Whilst the other section of the group was able to influence APNU to support the Bill. I can bet that 99% of the MPs that voted for the Bill never actually read the Bill. Their group is broad based with friends in both major parties. The sooner these supposedly seasoned politicians realize how they have been manipulated by this group and in the process

orchestrated their own downfall, the faster they will cut and run. This is the most lopsided piece of legislation that I have ever laid my eyes on. How can a Parliament seek to legislate constitutions for autonomous bodies and seize the assets of that body in one fell swoop? This is absolutely outrageous! This would be the death of the PPP if they continue to bury their head in the sand with their usual stubborn attitude. We all

know they are control freaks and they are now in control of their own destiny. They lost a few seats in the 2011 elections; this will guarantee they lose at least another 2 or 3 seats in the next one. I guess that is why they are scared to call local government elections. If they are trying to clean up their act, they are doing a lousy job of that and they need professional advice or possibly counseling. I. Sankar

The Crisis in Guyana’s... From page 28 psychologically. This must never be allowed to happen again. The Jaigobin incident clearly illustrates the depth to which Guyana’s cricket has sunk and the criminalization of our national game. Some extremely desperate people have hijacked our cricket and will stop at nothing to maintain their stranglehold on its administration of cricket. Fraudulent Elections Because of the vast missing sums and the possibility of a forensic audit and police involvement, a certain faction had to ensure that they remained in control of the GCB and so they held fraudulent elections engaging every trick and dishonorable maneuver in pursuit of their objective of not letting go of the GCB, their gravy train. They held illegal Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) elections in January 2011 and went on to seize control of the GCB through profoundly fraudulent elections in 2011 and 2013 at which only one (1) constituent member (Essequibo Cricket Board) voted. The persons who are holding themselves out as officers of the DCB and the GCB have no legal or moral authority to do so. They have hijacked Guyana’s Cricket and, as no good can come out of such patent illegality, we are witnessing the demise of our cricket at both the administration level and the playing level. This is not a Government Take-over As a consequence of the foregoing, Chief Justice Ian Chang’s ruling and numerous letters to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the WICB and the press, the major constituent members of Guyana cricket – the Berbice Cricket Board, the East Coast Cricket Board and the Georgetown Cricket Association - lobbied and appealed to the Government of Guyana to bring a halt to the lawlessness that had pervaded Guyana’s cricket.

There is nothing said or done at anytime by Government to remotely suggest that it wants to take over cricket in Guyana or even to be involved in the administration. Neither does the Bill seek to dissolve the Guyana Cricket Board as is being peddled by the Sanasie clique. The Guyana Cricket Administration Bill 2012 is very clear on this. Also APNU’s support for the Bill provides further credence to the Government’s noble position to bring order, transparency and decency back to our national game. It is unthinkable that APNU would support a Bill that seeks to facilitate a government take-over. SAVING AND SAFEGUARDING GUYANA’S CRICKET The Bill also seeks to ensure that the assets of the GCB and the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) are transferred back to those

Boards as they were illegally seized and placed exclusively in the hands of a few individuals and certain private companies. We are convinced that the persons who proclaim that they are officials/representatives of the Demerara Cricket Board and the Guyana Cricket Board are fearful of holding legal and transparent elections to the extent that they sought a court action to stop the passage of the Cricket Administration Bill even though they participated in the process. We, the Stakeholders of Guyana Cricket, wish to commend the Government of Guyana and APNU for their diligent perusal and successful passage of the Cricket Bill as a precursor for holding legal elections. Cricket is our national game and deserves a much better level of administration. Stakeholders of Guyana’s Cricket.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Letters to the Sports Editor

The Crisis in Guyana’s Cricket – Its Genesis DEAR EDITOR, From early 2009, the majority of Executive Members of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) started asking searching questions in relation to its operations particularly the financial aspects. Those members recognized that there were serious improprieties being perpetuated at the GCB. However, a minority clique of Executive Members used their privileged offices to deliberately ostracize the others and take control of the decision making-making processes of the GCB including and especially the financial management. Financial Improprieties and Constitutional Illegalities (a) The visa scam – letters were issued to persons for the facilitation of visas even though they did not qualify in accordance with the stated criteria of the GCB. (b) The Anna Regina and LBI Cricket Hostels – the construction of those hostels were shrouded in secrecy and poorly managed with alarming amounts of over expenditure and faulty works. The LBI hostel began with an estimate of forty-nine (49) million dollars, but was completed at a cost of over one hundred (100) million dollars without the E x e c u t i v e C o m m i t t e e ’s approval. (c) T h e monthly

financial statements – these were presented at meetings with hardly any time to peruse them. Nevertheless, Assistant Treasurer Pretipaul Jaigobin on many occasions uncovered serious discrepancies in the accounts including: 1. An amount of 1.7 million dollars that appeared on one month statement and astonishingly disappeared f r o m t h e n e x t m o n t h ’s accounts and were never traced nor were members provided with an explanation. 2. At the September 2009 meeting of the GCB Executive Committee, President Chetram Singh reported that the GCB received a grant of US $50,000 from the WICB. This amount was never recorded in any of the financial statements of the Board and no explanation was ever provided. 3. In the September 2010 financial statement, an amount of $8,995,000 was declared as an “undeposited sum”. This large amount was subsequently reported to have been put in the Trustees Fund. There is no such fund and the $8,995,000 remains unaccounted for. 4. The 2010 GCB audited financial report reflected a huge 43 million dollars difference with the GCB’s monthly financial report.

Stakeholders Requested Government’s Intervention 5. An amount of $600,000, disbursed to the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) for the 2009 Women’s Cricket Competition, simply vanished although that Competition was never played. One official who performed the duties of treasurer, secretary and administrator of that Board als o p r o v i d e d a l l t h e transportation and catering services for cricket in Essequibo. 6. The 2011 Pakistan Tour report and finances were never recorded and made available to the GCB Executives. Only two (2) persons were in full charge of all the monies received and expended for that Tour. 7. The Trinidad vs Guyana grudge matches in August 2010 – these games were played before sell-out crowds and were expected to yield returns in excess of $30,000,000. However, the then Marketing Manager reported that ticket sales grossed only $16,527,000. This large discrepancy was never explained. In an unprecedented move, the persons who manned the gates at those matches were senior executives. 8. I n s t e a d of engaging the customary night deposit system, the takings were kept at a

GCB initiates disciplinary action against BCB The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has officially written the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) informing them that they have been referred to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for disciplinary action regarding the staging of unapproved or unauthorized cricket in Guyana. The BCB in collaboration with the Berbice Chambers of Commerce played a competition dubbed the “Independence T20 Cup”, at the Albion Community Centre ground on the 25th May, 2014. During the first week of May this competition was

deemed unapproved by the GCB. The Board stated that they did not receive any application for this competition nor did they approve it. The GCB warned that in keeping with the WICB policies, there would be penalties/sanctions if this competition went through, and, the WICB echoed the GCB’s warning. But the organisers went ahead with the competition. Part of the letter which was signed by the GCB Executive Secretary reads; “I hereby inform you that the Berbice Cricket Board has been

referred to the West Indies Cricket Board for disciplinary action regarding the staging of unapproved or unauthorized cricket in Guyana. Your Board is fully aware of the requirements for unapproved/unauthorized cricket and you were further reminded by both the GCB and the WICB on the required procedure yet still, your Cricket Board went ahead and organised such cricket on the 25th May 2014. In addition, your Board gave unauthorised permission to an entity, which is not a part of our cricket structure, to promote and organise unauthorised/ unapproved cricket contrary to the rules and regulations of Guyana and West Indies Cricket Boards. With this illconceived act of insubordination, you have placed your entity and the cricketers at risk of serious penalties and sanctions.”

certain business place. 9. A n a m o u n t o f $4,100,000 was supposedly expended for cricket balls yet this amount was never accounted for in the in the G C B ’s f i n a n c i a l - r e p o r t neither were the balls delivered. Jaigobin’s Unrelenting Probe Answered with Acid Attack One of the persons who was particularly vocal in exposing these clear improprieties was the then Assistant Tr e a s u r e r, Pritipaul Jaigobin. At the M a y, 2 0 1 0 E x e c u t i v e Meeting of the Board, Mr. Jaigobin delivered a

scathing critique on the financial report and in the process highlighted several glaring inaccuracies and misrepresentations. This angered some of the members of the Committee, one whom exploded with a series of expletives, slammed his fist on the table and walked out while another issued an a u d i b l e t h r e a t t o M r. Jaigobin. Three days later, Mr. Jaigobin was doused with acid by an assailant who accused him of being a trouble-maker at the GCB. Mr. Jaigobin spent fortytwo (42) days in hospital. His family members were threatened that Jaigobin

would be “finished off” if he gave the police a statement. Jaigobin comes from a humble background who by dint of hard work and sacrifice qualified as an accountant and is attached to the European Union Task Force through the Ministry of Finance. He is also an ardent cricket fan. Jaigobin and his family have suffered severely because he sought to infuse proper and meaningful accountability in the financial affairs of the GCB. And for that he was almost blinded and is now scarred for life physically, emotionally and (Continued on page 25)

San Antonio Spurs beat Miami Heat to clinch NBA title SAN ANTONIO (Reuters) - The San Antonio Spurs delivered a decisive end to LeBron James’ two-year reign atop the basketball world by routing the Miami Heat 10487 on Sunday to win the NBA Finals four games to one. San Antonio trailed by 16 in the game’s first seven minutes but outscored the Heat 55-29 over the decisive second and third quarters and were never threatened. James, the four-time NBA MVP who led the Heat to titles the past two seasons, scored 31 points but was largely ineffective after the first quarter when he had 17 points. “That’s how team basketball should be played,” James said of the Spurs. “It’s selfless. Guys move, cut, pass, you’ve got a shot, you take it, but it’s all for the team and it’s never about the individual. That’s the brand of basketball. “They were the much better team.” The Spurs were paced in scoring by the Finals’ MVP Kawhi Leonard who had 22 points, while Argentina’s Manu Ginobili added 19. San Antonio hit just one of its first 12 shots and trailed 22-6 but outscored the Heat 25-11 in the second quarter and led 47-40 at the half. San Antonio, who lost to the Heat in the finals a year ago, opened the second half on a 18-4 run to seize a 65-44 lead, igniting the crowd hungry for the Spurs’ first title since 2007 and their fifth overall. A three-point shot by Australian Patrick Mills and a jumper by Duncan hiked the Spurs’ lead to 75-53 late in the

third quarter and the rout was on. “It just feels like a dream to me,” said Leonard. “This is my second finals appearance in my third year. I’ve been just progressing each year and the team has also. “Losing in the semifinals my first year, and losing the championship my second year, and now winning in my third year, it just makes you believe in your craft and your hard work.” James hit five of seven shots in the first quarter but nailed only five of 14 the rest of the way. The Heat shot 40 percent from the floor, including just seven of 25 from three-point range. THREE-PEATDENIED Miami was the first team to play in four successive finals since the Boston Celtics in 1984-87, and were hoping to become the first three-time champion since the Los Angeles Lakers more than a decade ago. The title was the fifth for the Spurs’ Tim Duncan, a 38year-old, 14-time All-Star who has not yet said if he will continue to play. “I know it is coming to an end,” he said. “I don’t know if I will have a chance to do this again... It’s a real emotional time.” Mercurial Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who has coached Duncan to each of his titles, joins Phil Jackson, Red Auerbach, John Kundla and Pat Riley as the only coaches with five NBA crowns. In the 2013 finals against Miami, the Spurs squandered a five-point lead in the last 28

seconds of regulation of Game Six to lose 103-100 in overtime. The Spurs were so close to the title, the court was being lined with tape for the post-game award ceremony. Given new life, Miami went on to win Game Seven and the championship. “We remembered what happened last year,” Duncan said. “How it felt in our locker room and we used it, built on it and got back in.” San Antonio came back this year with the same roster, except for the addition of Italian Marco Bellinelli. Quality minutes in the finals from Frenchman Boris Diaw, Mills and Brazilian Tiago Splitter, and improved play in the finals from Ginobili, lifted the Spurs to the title. James played well overall in the finals but Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were unable to score consistently and the point guard pair of Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole underperformed. Bosh hit six of 14 shots for 13 points on Sunday, while Wade totaled 11 points on four of 12 shooting. “They’re that good,” Bosh said of the Spurs. “I thought we’d get over the hump and we never did. They dominated us in this series, frankly speaking, and they deserve everything that they got.” The Heat’s ‘Big Three’ James, Wade and Bosh - are all eligible to become free agents in the offseason, and, despite winning the Eastern Conference in each of their four seasons together, it is uncertain if they will return.

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Kaieteur News

Digicel Schools Football

Queenstown maul Freeburg in vintage display

Another one hits the back of the nets for Queenstown in their 10-0 rout of Freeburg. Queenstown Secondary opened their quest for top honours in this year’s Digicel Schools Football Championship with a clinical display against fellow city school, Freeburg at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue, yesterday afternoon. With steady wind streaming across the ground from the Atlantic, Queenstown also had the ball spotting back to the centre line on a regular basis. When the final whistle sounded, the

score read, Queenstown 10; Freeburg 0. With attractive prizes at stake in this year’s competition, Queenstown made their intentions clear from early in the piece, scoring with the game less than a minute old. Ijahfar John blasted the nets 27 seconds into the match and there was no looking back thereafter. The level of maturity and tactical awareness displayed by the Queenstown lads, coached by former National Player Gordon Henry, was

admirable as the winners went about the job in a businesslike manner. Wilinson Meneses rocked the nets on three occasions as did his teammate, Dwayne Jeffrey. Meneses scored in the 7th, 23rd and 85th minute. Jeffrey was on target in the 64th, 76th and 81st minute. The other players hitting network for the winners were Emanuel Hawker (41st), Jason Williams in the 55th minute and Kelsey Benjamin three minutes later.

GCB/GCC host wake for Mendonca Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in collaboration with the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) will be hosting a night of wake for the late Ivor Leon Mendonca this evening at the GCC pavilion at 18:00 hours. Mendonca passed away

on July 14, 2014 at the age of 79. He was a former West Indian cricketer who played in two Test matches in 1962. The wicket-keeper batsman played for British Guiana from 1958-59 to 196162. On his first-class debut

against Barbados he opened the batting and scored 74 and 27, and in his second match, also against Barbados, he made 5 and 69. He later batted down the order. The public is invited to the wake.

Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy East Ruimveldt Secondary, Berbice Educational Institute share semifinal spoils East Ruimveldt Secondary School defeated Berbice High School 4-2 in a female encounter when the semifinals of the Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy tournament concluded at the Esplanade Ground, New Amsterdam, Berbice yesterday afternoon, while Berbice Educational Institute prevailed over Charlestown Secondary 2-1on penalty kicks in a male encounter. Mary Ann Roach led with

a double in the 27th and 57th minutes for the East Ruimveldt Secondary School with support from Christine Thomas (42) and Dacaycia Norville (48) from t h e penalty spot, while Ayana Kellman netted 18 seconds into the game and Abigail Walker (40) to narrow the lead albeit i n a losing cause. Berbice Education Institute and Charlestown Secondary played to a nil all stalemate in

regulation time before penalty kicks were taken to decide the winner. Activities will now move to Linden on Saturday June 22. Uitvlugt will take on Wisburg Secondary, while MacKenzie High will battle with North Georgetown Secondary in a female semifinal fixture. Wisburg will then play Uitvlugt Secondary, while North Georgetown and Mackenzie High will square off in a male encounter.

Trophy Stall minor league softball to start July 2 Trophy Stall minor league softball tournament is set to commence on July 2 under lights at a venue to be named. The competition, which is open to companies and associations, will be contested in two categories; open and over 35. Organsier Samuel Kingston told Kaieteur Sport that major league teams such as Regal, Trophy Stall, Farm, Wolf’s Warriors, Speed Boat and Memorex have been debarred from the tournament and participating teams are allowed two guest players. Entrance fee is $12,000. Teams are asked to register as early as possible since only the first 16 will be accepted and can contact Samuel Kingston on 614-9536 for more information.

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Former NBA player arrives to fortify national team “... here to do some damage” - Rawle Marshall By Edison Jefford Former National Basketball Association (NBA) player with the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers, Guyanese-American, Rawle Marshall arrived in Guyana yesterday to fortify the national team preparing for the upcoming Caribbean Championships. Marshall, who plays in the small forward position, displayed his professional and excellent work ethic when he immediately bounced into practice at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, following his arrival. The Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships is set for Tortola, July 1-12, with the local team continuing to build support and momentum. “It feels so good to be here; I was shown plenty of love and given a warm welcome. This is a big opportunity to come back (to Guyana) since playing ‘ball’ professionally,” Marshall, who migrated when he was four years old, told Kaieteur Sport. The six foot, seven inches forward played most of his collegiate career at Oakland University. He played for Mavericks during the ’05’06 NBA Season before he was traded to Pacers for the ’06-’07 season; Marshall also spent time playing in the NBA Development League prior to earning his contract

in Europe. The 32 year old player said he feels he has about five or more years left in the game and will be imparting his professional experiences in the national team. “I have an obligation to coach, teach, train and mentor these guys,” the pro-athlete indicated. “I’ll try to give them the knowledge of the game that is required at the next level,” Marshall said about his role on the national roster. “I have come here to do some damage. I’m a winner and it’s what I am here to do,” he continued during our interview yesterday. Asked about the depth of the Guyanese team and their chances, Marshall admitted that there is a lot of “talent” among those trying-out to make the final cut, but there is some work to be done to get them to the next level. “I know they will be looking at me to lead, but it is going to have to be a team effort and that is where the real challenge will be,” he said. Apart from Marshall, Trinidad and Tobago-based veteran national forward, Andrew ‘Mr. Dunk’ Ifill was also visibly working out. Ifill believes that the efforts to bring together all of G u y a n a ’s b e s t p l a y e r s locally and internationally are finally a step in the right direction and one that could

ultimately give Guyana the prestigious CBC title. “This is very good and could only get better,” he said, adding “I think they (national federation) know what they have to do to win. Ifill was left off of the last roster owed to commitments in the neighbouring Venezuelan League where he played semi-professionally. He said, like Marshall, that lots of talent abounds, but the problem for the team will be chemistry since it is the first time lots of the players are meeting each other. However, Ifill believes that the personal work ethic of players will overcome that challenge. The team roster is internationally deep with players from the United States and Canada trying out along with those who are more certain of their place in the team. Kaieteur Sport understands that the federation has also sought the services of Los Angeles Clippers guard Darren Collison whose parents are Guyanese. The aim is to send the best team possible to the British Virgin Islands in the hope of winning the title. The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation has scheduled a Press Conference for Thursday at 10am at Cara Lodge to officially introduce the team.

Defending champs Christianburg... Action in the clash between Christianburg / Wismar and Linden Foundation at the Wisburg Secondary School ground yesterday

From page 30 the act during a dominant period of possession that had up until then typified the kind of suffering Linden Foundation were enduring as he finished with aplomb to ensure that Christianburg/ Wismar take a handy 4-0 lead at the break. Three minutes after Luckie completed his brace after poking in from close

range when the goalkeeper was left stranded way outside his goal area. Linden Foundation managed to pull one back through Akeem Brisport, who lashed home after outsprinting his markers following a long ball from the back in the 58th minute. Christianburg/Wismar oozing with confidence poured in three more goals,

before full time. Anthony Layne first netted in the 63rd minute, before Ezra Ashby added another in the 74th, while Donovan Francis put the icing on the cake with a blistering strike in the 79th to seal the win. Play in the zone continues tomorrow with Wisburg taking on Mackenzie High at the same venue, starting at 15:30 hrs.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Digicel School Football championships

Kobe Duncan double leads Xenon Academy over Supply Secondary Koby Duncan poses with Alwyn Nichols (L) and Steve Rodrigues shortly after the conclusion of the match

Xenon Academy defied a spirited attack from Supply Secondary School to secure a hard fought 4-3 victory when action in the 2014 Digicel School Football championships got underway at the Timehri Red Ground yesterday afternoon. Kobe Duncan netted a double for the winners in the 7th and 70th minutes with able support from Kevin Andrews (40) and Steve Rodrigues (42), while Supply’s marksmen were Norman Rodrigues (15), Lawrence Jack (46) and Shawn Sheed (49) Indeed, both teams lacked the requisite skill but made up in determination and grit to thrill a smattering of spectators. Duncan sent Xenon Secondary ahead after a clever bit of footwork that culminated with a stern kick that flew past Supply Secondary’s goalie and settled aback the network. Supply Secondary received the perfect opportunity to equalize the situation less than five minutes later when one of

their players was fouled in the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Shawn Steel took the shot but team was denied as his wayward kick slid down the left side of the goal. Norman Rodrigues made amends when he weaved his way down centre field and tucked in the equalizer in the 15th minute of the game. Thereafter, a furious battle to regain the lead ensued with both sides flunking opportunities in the process. Kevin Andrews the sent Xenon Academy ahead when he collected a pass and sprinted to the opposition’s berth. With just the goalie to contend with, he tucked the ball into the left corner of the goal and two minutes later Xenon struck again, this time through a Steve Rodrigues’ right foot shot, scored seconds before the half time whistle which pushed the score to 3-1 and gave Xenon a comfortable 2 goal advantage at the break. Xenon’s custodian, Dishawn Palad, was forced into action from the start of the second session when

Jack sent in a stinger that flew past his outstretched hands and settled aback the network; Sheed emulated his teammate 3 minutes later and brought the situation back to equilibrium at 3-3 and set the scene for a thrilling finish. Both teams demonstrated a high level of determination and the level of fitness was indeed worthy of mention. Supply Secondary was given a wonderful opportunity to surge ahead when they were gifted a free kick just outside the box; they opted for an indirect strike and failed to get past the Xenon defensive line. As the clocked ticked away the minutes to the final whistle, both teams launched spirited attacks but it was Xenon Academy that uncovered their opponent’s Achilles heel with a stinger off the boot of Duncan that effectively sealed the issue. The action returns to that venue tomorrow when Soesdyke Secondary takes on Eletra Institute in another highly anticipated thriller that commences at 15:30hrs.

Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition

Tuesday June 17, 2014

New Zealand bowled out for 221 as Taylor & Benn share 7 wkts By Sean Devers in Trinidad In association with Digicel, Stag Beer, Cascadia Hotel & John Fernandes Ltd In 2006 Trinidad & Tobago became the second team from the English speaking Caribbean to play in a Football World Cup in Germany and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil has attracted huge interest in Trinidad. This was also the first time that a Test match has been fixed for all week days here and a number of the work force took time off yesterday, but not to go to the Oval but instead to the several Sports Bars across the T&T which showed the football matches live. Not even seeing Denesh Ramdin lead West Indies for the first time on home soil could attract the fans to the Oval yesterday but the few that turned up at a venue hosting its 59th Test, had moments to celebrate. By the end of the opening day of the second of the threeTest series, West Indies were 6-1 in reply to New Zealand’s 221 all out, although the hosts were without injured offspinner Shane Shillingford. A Maroon native from the parish of St Elizabeth, Jerome Taylor brought his team back into the game with a lively sixover spell after Tea in which he took 3-19 on his way to figures of 4-34. Left-arm spinner Suleiman Benn supported with 3-73 while pacer Shannon Gabriel took 2-43 in his first spell at this level on home soil. New Zealand’s total was built around 82 from Rookie opener Tom Latham, 42 from Kane Williamson and a patient unbeaten 45 from Ross Taylor. When West Indies began their reply, Gayle (1) had his off stump plucked out by Trent Boult but Kraigg Brathwaite (5) and night watchman Benn (0) survived to the end. Guyanese Leon Johnson and Jason Holder will have to wait a little longer for their Test debuts while Jamaican Jermaine Blackwood was given his Test Cap. On a day blessed with

glorious sunshine in the middle of the rainy season here in Port-of-Spain, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat at a ground on which they have never won a test since their inaugural Test here in 1972. Hamesh Rutherford was taken at first slip for three as Taylor made the break-through at 16-1 on a track with grass but no real pace. First match centurion Williamson joined Latham and the pair carried the Black Caps to 86-1 by Lunch with solid batting on the lush green and heavy outfield in a City which celebrated its centenary anniversary on Sunday. Williamson was on 23, the left-handed Latham on 51 and their partnership already worth 70 runs as the three-prong pace attack of Taylor, Kemar Roach and Gabriel along with Benn toiled all session for a second wicket which never came. Latham followed up two fifties in Jamaica with his third consecutive half century in only his third Test match. His 50 took 111 minutes, 83 balls with seven fours. After the interval the second wicket pair consolidated well to extend their carefully constructed partnership with the 23 year-old Williamson using his feet to Benn while Latham was beaten on a few occasions by Taylor playing in his first series in four and a half years. Williamson elegantly stroked Roach to the cover boundary before Latham was dropped on 58 when he edged Benn to Ramdin at 106-1 just after being put down at slip off the same bowler. Gabriel tested Williamson with two short balls but they were harmless bouncers which Williamson easily ducked under. But when Gabriel pounded another one in short in next over Williamson, eight short of his 13th Test fifty, could not resist the temptation to hook, and his impetuous offering was taken on the long leg to leave the score on 1202 and end the 104-run partnership. His 42 took 104 balls and was decorated with

five fours. Latham was again denied a maiden Test ton when he drove Roach to Benn at gully to hold a sharp catch with the score on 146-3. His well constructed 82 lasted 165 balls, 229 minutes and included 10 fours after he was dropped by Gayle at slip. Taylor ’s cut off Benn went right through Blackwood at point. Benn got the ball to bounce and it was a definite chance, as it fell just in front of Blackwood who did not really make an attempt to go for the catch. Taylor then edged Roach between Skipper Ramdin and Gayle at first slip and Ramdin, who endured a terrible day behind the stumps, failed to make any attempt to take the catch. Kurt Edwards, placed in a short, straight mid-on position for the uppish ondrive, dropped the catch when the bowler induced the lucky Taylor to hit the next ball to him as the batsman benefitted from consecutive chances off the last two balls before Tea. Benn finally reaped success when he trapped McCullum (4) LBW but the Bajan must have felt it was surely not his day when a review was called for and the review Umpire took ‘ages’ to give him out at 161-4. Jimmy Neesham joined former Skipper Taylor and they carried the Kiwis to 1925 before Neesham (19) edged Taylor to slip. Ross Taylor continued to ride his luck, edging Taylor past where second slip would have been for four as Ramdin’s Captaincy continued to be defensive before Bradley Watling (0) fell to Taylor at 198-6. Taylor who celebrates his 30th birthday on Sunday, struck again when Gayle held his third catch at slip to get rid of Ish Sodhi (0) one run later as the West Indies fought back after Tea. Tim Southee (10) was LBW to Benn at 2108 before Gabriel got rid of Mark Craig (4) as New Zealand slumped to 215-9 while Benn finished off the innings by removing Trent Boult for one. Today is the second day and the match is scheduled to start at 10:00hrs

Defending champs Christianburg/ Iran hold Nigeria to dour draw Wismar cruise to easy win From page 32

Defending champions C h r i s t i a n b u rg/Wi s m a r opened the defence of their title with a resounding 8-1 victory over Linden Foundation in the Region 10 Zone of this year’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition which commenced yesterday, at the Wisburg Secondary School ground.

The champs, playing with a partly second string squad, opened their account in the 11th minute of play through a penalty kick which was taken by Shane Luckie that saw the Linden Foundation goalkeeper make the save, but the ball landed back into the path of Luckie, who after two attempts struck it past the keeper.

They stretched their advantage 14 minutes later through Nigel Caesar, who received a pass from the right side, before firing a left-foot shot past the keeper. Five minutes later, Caesar was once again in action as he hammered a fierce shot into the back of the goal to make it 3-0. Omar Archer then got into (Continued on page 29)

Ghoochannejad, who spent much of his career to date playing in the Dutch and Belgian leagues, forced a excellent reaction save from Enyeama, playing in his third World Cup. Keshi - the mastermind behind Nigeria’s unexpected Cup of Nations win last year - tinkered with his attack after the break by bringing on former Newcastle stalwart Shola Ameobi and fellow forward Peter Odemwingie of Stoke. The tactical swaps almost paid dividends in the 71st minute, when Ameobi headed wide from eight yards, but he had conceded a foul in the process. The former Magpie also had a chance in the closing minutes, but on this occasion his goalbound header was easily cleared by Mehrdad Pooladi. That draw now means Nigeria have not won a World Cup match in nine attempts - the longest streak in the competition. They might need to rethink their strategy against BosniaHercegovina if they do not want that run to continue.

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Dempsey scores early but Brooks secures win for U.S. N ATA L B r a z i l (Reuters) - The United States got a dream start to t h e i r Wo r l d C u p campaign when Clint Dempsey scored the fifth fastest goal in tournament history but they needed an 86th minute winner from John Brooks to secure a dramatic 2-1 win over Ghana on Monday. Dempsey drilled the ball into the net after just 32 seconds at the Dunas arena before Andre Ayew finally gave Ghana reward for their second half pressure with an equalizer seven minutes from the end of a physical and often testy match. The contest looked destined for a draw until substitute defender Brooks rose to head Graham Zusi’s corner firmly into the back of the net and give the United States revenge over the team that ended their participation in the last two World Cups. Juergen Klinsmann’s side will now go onto their next match against Portugal, beaten 4-0 by Germany in the Group G opener earlier on Monday, with renewed belief that they can reach the last 16. “There are things we can improve on but we got the three points we badly wanted,” Klinsmann told U.S. television. “Ghana is a good team, they know how to grind the game. It was what we expected.”

The Black Stars, quarter-finalists in South Africa four years ago, who will rue their profligacy in front of goal and now face a huge task if they are to get past the group stage for the third straight tournament. Fears many had about the fragility of the Ghanaian defense were confirmed when Dempsey struck before many of the fans had got back in their seats after the anthems. Jermaine Jones played the ball into his path from the touchline and the striker stepped inside central defender John Boye to slot it inside the far post with his left foot and become the first American to score in three World Cups. Ghana settled and showed that at the other end of the pitch they were an altogether different proposition with right winger Christian Atsu looking particularly dangerous in all but the final ball. Captain Asamoah Gyan squandered a string of opportunities for an equalizer but he was not alone with Jordan Ayew, son of Abedi Pele, passing up an excellent chance just before halftime. It was left to his brother Andre to get Ghana back into the match in the 83rd minute, latching on to his skipper’s neat back flick and lashing the ball into

Jermaine Jones (13) of the U.S. jumps for the ball against Ghana’s Daniel Opare during their 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match at the Dunas arena in Natal June 16, 2014. REUTERS/Toru Hanai the net with the outside of his left foot in almost the same position Dempsey had scored from. The Americans would not be denied, however, and the unheralded Brooks proved the unlikely winner to send the red, white and blue half of the stadium into raptures.

GCB Inter County U-17 bowls off tomorrow From page 31 Everest. Meanwhile, the players selected on the Demerara team are asked to report today at the Demerara Cricket Club at 14:00 hrs for practice session. Te a m s ; E s s e q u i b o Nathan Persaud (Capt.), Sadiq Mohamed (V.capt.), Kemo Paul, Akini Adams, Kevin Martinborough, Wayne Fernandes, Jonathan Fernandes, Besham Dasrath, Miguel Jones, Christopher Latchman, Satesh Latchana, Mark Williams and Sachin Persaud. Andy Ramnarine (coach) and Nazeer Mohamed (Manager). Demerara- Ronaldo Renee (capt.), Raymond Perez, Travis Persaud, Malcolm Hubbard, Ramnarine Chatura,

Sherfene Rutherford

Kemo Paul

Sherfene Rutherford, Juddell Mc Alister, Richie Loaknauth, Kelvin Sewpersaud, Ewart Samuels, Samuel Mc

Kenzie, Arshad Ali, Timothy Mc Almont and Ronaldo Mohamed. Garvin Nedd (Coach) and Clive Grimmond (Manager).

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 17, 2014

Ronaldo not enough for ageing, sulky Portugal (Reuters) - Portugal’s abject performance in their 4-0 defeat by Germany at the World Cup on Monday was a painful reminder that having the world’s best player does not always guarantee success. Their ageing, badtempered team endured a nightmare afternoon in the wilting heat of Salvador, suggesting that coach Paulo Bento may have miscalculated in staying faithful to the players who reached the Euro 2012 semifinals. Poor finishing, dreadful defending and a generally unsporting attitude, culminating with central defender Pepe’s infantile sending-off for a headbutt, combined to make it an allround disaster for Bento’s side in their Group G opener. Ronaldo was dragged into the abyss with the rest of his team mates and, apart from a bright opening 10 minutes, never looked as he would have a chance to pull

off his shirt and show off his rippling muscles with one of his defiant goal celebrations. Nothing went right for the 29-year-old World Player o f t h e Ye a r w h o s e performance reached a low point when he contrived to drill a 30-metre free kick into a one-man Germany wall. Even his hair, usually immaculately groomed, fell out of place in the dripping tropical humidity. Although Ronaldo’s mere presence tends to lead to the assumption that Portugal are one of the world’s top sides, recent results have suggested otherwise. They struggled through their World Cup qualifying group, finishing behind Russia, and only a superb Ronaldo hat-trick in the playoff tie in Sweden got them here in the first place. WARNING SIGNS Portugal began well on Monday and could have gone ahead but failed to take their chances. The warning

signs were there when k e e p e r R u i P a t r i c i o ’s attempted clearance went straight to Sami Khedira, who shot narrowly wide of the open goal from 35 meters. Once Thomas Mueller put Germany ahead with a penalty, carelessly given away by Joao Pereira, problems quickly emerged. Hugo Almeida and Nani, included despite an unimpressive season at Manchester United, incurred Ronaldo’s wrath after causing Portugal attacks to break down. At the back, Germany’s Mats Hummels was allowed to outjump the defense to head in from a corner before Bruno Alves’s attempted clearance was blocked by Mueller who fired home. In between, Pepe, who has a long history of losing his cool and lashing out, was sent off for a needless incident with Mueller, leaving Portugal to play the second half with 10 men.

Germany’s Mats Hummels (5) and teammate Benedikt Hoewedes (4) celebrate Hummels’ goal during the group G World Cup soccer match between Germany and Portugal at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Injuries to striker Almeida and left back Fabio Coentrao completed Portugal’s misery. Ten of their starting lineup also played against Germany at Euro 2012, but the two years since then have clearly taken their toll with several players struggling at club level.

Six of the starters were over 30, including three of the back four, and none younger than 26. H o w e v e r, t h e n e w generation have been slow to come through and many young Portuguese players, particularly at Benfica and Porto, find their way to firstteam football blocked by a

legion of South American imports. Bento’s previous World Cup experience was playing in 2002 and left unhappy memories when Portugal exited in the first round. Unless he can outfox Ghana and the United States, his first experience as a coach is set to end the same way.

Iran hold Nigeria to dour draw

Ghoochannejhad had one of the few good chances in the match. (Reuters) BBC Sport - The Fifa 2 0 1 4 Wo r l d C u p experienced its first draw as Iran held Group F rivals Nigeria in Curitiba. Nigeria dominated possession but created few chances against a disciplined side managed by exManchester United coach Carlos Queiroz. The Super Eagles’ best opportunities came in the first half when Ogenyi Onazi fired a yard wide before Ahmed Musa went close with a free-kick. I r a n ’ s R e z a Ghoochannejad forced a great save from Vincent Enyeama. The share of the points leaves both teams well

placed in the group after Argentina defeated BosniaHercegovina. African champions Nigeria were fancied to go through with the South American giants, but the pressure is now on them to beat the section’s only European side, who impressed in their first ever World Cup match on Sunday. Iran, on the other hand, will be buoyed by this result and will be looking to cause one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history on Saturday against Argentina. They performed diligently, with Queiroz getting the best out of a group of players who stuck rigidly to the tactics employed.

Their conservative approach, with midfielders Javad Nekounam and Andranik Timotian as an extra line of defence for the backline, frustrated Nigeria. Stephen Keshi’s side were limited to only a couple of chances despite having the lion’s share of possession. The first fell to Lazio forward Onazi, who slammed his shot a foot wide before Musa almost caught out goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi with his quick thinking from a free-kick. Ironically, Iran had the best chance to score despite their only effort on goal coming when Charlton’s (Continued on page 30)

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Tuesday June 17, 2014

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YBG REGIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Marian Academy, St Joseph’s, PC, Bishop’s, St Rose’s among winners Regional Conference Tournament in the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) tournament continued last Saturday, June 14, with 5 games in the Georgetown and East Coast Conferences. The Regional and NSBF are sponsored by Digicel Guyana, Edward B. Beharry and Company Ltd and Banks

DIH. Marian Academy, St J o s e p h ’s , P r e s i d e n t ’s College, Bishop’s and St Rose’s were among the teams on winners’ row in last Saturday’s action. Shakeel Garnett (PC) scored a game high 21pts and had 2 rebounds in his team’s triumph over Plaisance Academy. Nathan Saul of St

Rose’s poured in 18pts to see his team to a win over Marian Academy in the Under19 department. The first Regional Conference final is set to be contested between the University of Guyana and President’s College for the East Coast title shortly. Full results of the Matches:

Part of the action in last Saturday's play in the YBG tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Stag Beer/EDFA Division One League

Ann’s Grove trounce Buxton 3-1; BVTU and Mahaica draw

GCB Inter County U-17 bowls off tomorrow Defending champions Essequibo will open their campaign against Demerara tomorrow at Enmore when the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter County U-17 50-over tournament commences. Nathan Persaud will lead the Cinderella County and will have Sadiq Mohamed as his deputy. The squad also

includes the talented Kemo Paul, who is one of the six U19 players in the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise team, Left arm spinner Akini A d a m s , K e v i n Martinborough and Wayne Fernandes. The experienced Travis Persaud will spearhead a strong Demerara side which includes Ronaldo

Mohamed, Sherfene Rutherford, Malcolm Hubbard and Kelvin Sewpersaud. Berbice who are yet to declare their team will take on Essequibo in the second round on Thursday at Wales while arch rivals Demerara will face Berbice in the final round on Saturday at (Continued on page 31)

Play in the Stag Beer sponsored East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) division-one league continued on Saturday last at the Buxton Ground with two matches. Ann’s Grove walked away with full points, defeating Buxton Stars 3-1 whilst the other game saw BV Triumph United and Mahaica battling to a 1-1 draw to earn one point each. Ann’s Grove, through Nikose Denny opened the scoring 32 minutes into their game against Buxton Stars, a game that was not easy for either of the teams as they defended well. Buxton however, couldn’t keep the lurking Ann’s Grove players at bay forever and cracked in

the 32nd minute which allowed the opening goal. Thereafter it was still a tight contest but it was Ann’s Grove that would have doubled the advantage 65 minutes on, this time Maxton Adams finding the back of the nets. But five minutes later, Buxton Stars were awarded a penalty which they converted through Alistair Deen to

reduce the deficit by one. Ann’s Grove put the game beyond the reach of Buxton in the final minute of regulation time when Kevon Barry scored; final score Ann’s Grove 3, Buxton Stars 1. In the day’s curtain raiser, BV Triumph United and Mahaica battled to a 1-1 stalemate. For BV, DeShawn Garnett was the player on target, while Quincy Holder netted for Mahaica. Meanwhile, no matches were played in the Stag Beer sponsored division-one league in the East Demerara Football Association due to the unplayable state of the Grove Playfield. Matches in both leagues will continue this weekend.

t r o Sp

New Zealand bowled out for 221 as Taylor & Benn share 7 wkts P.30 Jerome Taylor in action at Queen’s Park Oval. (WICB)

Tom Latham plays on the leg side during his top score for New Zealand. (WICB)

Former NBA player arrives to fortify national team “... here to do some damage” - Rawle Marshall

San Antonio Spurs beat P.28 Miami Heat to clinch NBA title

P.29

Andrew ‘Mr. Dunk’ Ifill (immediate foreground) tries to guard former NBA Small Forward , Rawle Marshall .

Tony Parker, center, hoists the Larry O’Brien Trophy to celebrate the Spurs’ fifth championship in franchise history. Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports

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