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

The problem with human trafficking As a people, Guyanese have not apparently come to grips with that ugly aspect of one of the worst crimes in human existence — human trafficking. According to Guyana’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Act of 2005, human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, or the giving or receiving of payment or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person for the purpose of exploitation, sexual or otherwise. Despite the fact that the TIP Act of 2005 prohibits all forms of trafficking and prescribes sufficiently stringent penalties, ranging from three years to life imprisonment, the former PPP government made no discernible progress to prosecute, convict and sentence of human trafficking offenders in Guyana. The previous government only charged four offenders but failed to convict anyone. Progress on the prosecution of criminal cases is perpetually delayed by judicial backlogs, incorrectly filed paperwork or the failure of key parties to appear at hearings. True or not, it has been reported that defendants often bribe court officials for favorable rulings. While trafficking in persons is common in Guyana, most of the people seem almost oblivious to its existence, since it does not appear to threaten them in any direct way. TIP is not only a problem in Guyana and while there are no statistics for TIP in Guyana, the reality is that human trafficking is a global phenomenon that enslaves over 30 million women, men and children every year in a cycle of exploitation. It is an affront to individual human rights and jeopardizes the security of communities. During the past ten years, the PPP administration did not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons in Guyana. It did not initiate any new prosecutions of trafficking offenses during the reporting period and has yet to convict or punish any trafficking offenders under its five-year-old anti-human trafficking law. As a result, in 2013, the US State Department has for the second time placed Guyana on the Tier Two (T2) watch list for trafficking in persons. Guyanese should be very thankful to the Junior Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Ms. Simona Broomes, who on June 7, last, rescued 39 victimsall young women from the Bartica region. They were between 20 and 30 years. There were 13 arrests. Guyana is no longer on the fringes with respect to human trafficking, rather it is a source country While arresting human traffickers is important, it is imperative for the Granger-led Coalition government to protect them, especially children by placing them in a safe environment, providing them with social services, healthcare, education, psychological support and reintegrate them with their families and communities, but only if it is proven to be in their best interest. Groups particularly vulnerable to human trafficking in Guyana include Amerindian females, marginalized groups, runaways and poor children from the rural families. Guyanese cannot turn a blind eye to the scourge of human trafficking. While there are legislation in place to provide the legal framework for action, there must also be a clear and strong condemnation of this sinful practice by all citizens. The fight against human trafficking should not be the government’s fight but the fight for all. These are at-risk children who live in the communities and attend schools. It is estimated that worldwide, human trafficking generates more than US$36 billion each year, making it one of the largest illegal enterprises in the world. Those who tried to deny the existence of this scourge on the nation are not only in denial but they also do not have a leg to stand on. It is a fact that human trafficking exists in Guyana. It is very prevalent and must be addressed and dealt with by the government. But no one group or the government on its own cannot stamp out human trafficking. It must be a collective approach.

Thursday June 18, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

For any ex-offender rehabilitation to be successful, it must be systematic and holistic DEAR EDITOR, It is a known fact among Criminologists that persons who have been incarcerated for any length of time develop what we call a “Prison Mentality” or a “Jailhouse Mentality”. It is a strange phenomenon that cannot be readily understood, especially by those who have never been incarcerated. Many people have difficulty understanding why criminals and ex-offenders behave the way they do. In fact, even some of those who are victims of this observable fact and who act out, based on the effects of this phenomenon, deny the fact that they have developed this “Mentality”. Prison Mentality could well be classified like schizophrenia, dementia, or one of the other mental diseases where the patient acts based on the effects of the disease but denies that reality.

In light of this fact, Adler, Mueller and Laufer, in their book, Criminology (6th edition), noted that those focusing on crime and incarceration must understand the biological, psychological, social and economic implications of the subject matter. A person who has developed the “Prison Mentality” defaults to criminal behaviour in an effort to survive their world both inside and outside of prison. Sometimes it is a subconscious or default behaviour, other times the behaviour is a deliberate defiance of social laws and mores. Either way, the persons dealing with this phenomenon are most times experiencing a lack of the fulfillment or alleviation of their criminogenic needs. (Criminogenic needs have to do with the holistic desires of the formerly incarcerated). What the criminologist

does is seek to decipher the extent of the individual’s “Prison Mentality” and the degree to which the person is likely to engage in criminal behaviour as a result of his/her “mentality”. This information helps the criminologist to design programmes or suggest remedial help for the individual. It is therefore a ‘best practice’ recommendation that those who are returning from prison - especially on parole, probation (or having been pardoned by the President) - be subjected to programmes which deal in a formal way with their criminogenic needs. Failing this, it is statistically likely that many of those released from prison will reoffend - committing worse crimes - as a result of not having satisfactorily dealt with their criminogenic needs or their prison mentality. I therefore pray that the

new administration seeks to establish a programme that deals directly with mitigating the transition of the ex-offenders back into society. Such an intervention will reduce recidivism (the rate at which offenders reoffend), and this will in turn reduce crime in Guyana. While there is the notion that employment plays a large role in the lives of the ex-offender, it must be noted that a lack of job skills is only one of the problematic realities of the ex-offender. The ex-offender is also likely to have a housing need, a drug rehabilitation need, an academic need, a vocational training need and a spiritual need. All of which, if not met, could result in him/her reoffending. Therefore, for any exoffender rehabilitation to be successful, it must be systematic, holistic and nationalistic (country-wide). Pastor Wendell Jeffrey

An argument driven by fallacious reasoning DEAR EDITOR, I read an article in the Guyana Chronicle of June 17, 2015, which sought to explain the circumstances surrounding recent repairs carried out on the access road which leads to the residence of Prime Minister Mr. Moses Nagamootoo. The article quoted statements carried in the Guyana Times Newspaper of June 14th 2015, which purported that “special

treatment” had been awarded the Hon. Prime Minister in the form of his access road being upgraded upon his assumption of office. From the very start, this argument is driven by fallacious reasoning at best; hence it is a non issue. The constitution of Guyana does not provide specific information on the protective security of ordinary citizens. However, it does provide for how to protect the Hon.

Another urgent call for GPL’s help Dear Editor, I am a pensioner and live at 93 Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara. A post is erected in my yard where a GPL wire comes from the road to the post and then to my house. The post has been there for the last 15 to 20 years. It is rotten from top to bottom. I made several applications for GPL to switch the wire from the post to my house. I paid $3,200 on the 16th December 2014 to switch the wire to the house. I must mention there is another wire that is attached to a lot adjacent to my house. After calling and visiting the company many times, they sent a crew to switch the wire. The foreman said the

main post on the road is rotten and he would not be sending his men up that post to cut off the current. Another set of men came after a long time to switch the wire, they said they got instructions to switch my wire only, and they cannot do it and leave the other wire without current. The post in my yard is going to collapse at any time. GPL wants to put the other wire on my house, I objected to that. GPL has power lines on the road opposite to this house. To date the live wire is still on the rotten post. I would like it to be taken off because it is obviously dangerous. I would be grateful if the GPL could fix this situation immediately. Benjamin Kellman

Prime Minister; that is because the office of Prime Minister is a very important one, even more important than – shall we say that of a former president? Eighty percent of all assassinations or attempted assassinations on the lives of political celebrities occur in or around a vehicle, in the vicinity of their office or proximity of their home. This is because one leaves home, and arrives at the same places at about the same time every day. A short list of persons so victimized would include but is not limited to:Former Indian Prime Minister Ms. Indira Gandhi, South African President Dr H.F Verwoerd; Former Italian Prime Minister Mr. Aldo Moro; and former leader of the South African Communist Party Mr. Martin Thembisile Chris

Hani. When a vulnerability assessment is carried out using a model established by the United States Secret Service, one finds that most attacks carried out on high profile individuals were launched within 500 yards of their destination, hence the kill zone. A review of victimization on military generals, diplomats and even Caribbean politicians follows a similar trend. Security drivers and members of a protective detail are taught to recite the following: pay special attention to strange vehicles, objects and places, an impassable street is located within the context of “place” since it does not allow for a speedy escape in times of emergency. The recitation continues… bear in mind (Continued on page 5)

This is all nonsense DEAR EDITOR, In your letter column, June 14, you published a letter which included a falsehood that I owned a three story house on Durban and Palm Streets. Please be advised that I never had such a house. Kindly make a correction equally prominently. Also, why do you think your readers need to know what type and make of car I owned in 1970, 45 years ago?

This is all nonsense. I urge you to do your job as an editor and do not allow ignorance and falsehood to intrude in your newspaper. Finally, once again, I am not an employee of BK International nor any of its directors. But even if it were so, why is it anybody’s business, and when will you stop publishing all this idiocy? Ramon Gaskin

Thursday June 18, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

NEEDING A NEW ACT FOR A KNOWN FACT DEAR EDITOR, Like Mr. Bostwick (Kaieteur News, June 13, 2015), I am a product of an educational system that was second to none, and of which I remain eternally grateful and forever indebted to the likes of Miss Friday, Mr. I.T Henry, Miss Arno, Rudy Luck, Brentnol Adams, to name a few, and many other outstanding pedagogues. Albeit that I received my formal education or societal preparation under the colonial rule, nevertheless, the institutions that shaped and honed us were regarded as hallowed halls of academia and education was free. Common Entrance or Scholarship as it was then called, served as the defining moment for so many of us. It was then that sheep and goat or bright and dunce became obvious, as Common Entrance class was the solitary path that led to the elite institutions- Bishops High or Queens College. Other equally well known Catholic schools such as St. Stanislaus, St. Joseph, St. Rose’s, though coexisting, did not have the same academic ring as the ones previously mentioned. When Common Entrance results became available it

was always the regular schools that produced the outstanding students. Successful students may have taken private lessons, but did not specifically or exclusively attend a private school. In 1990, free education from nursery school through university was a major reason for Guyana’s estimated literacy rate of 96 percent, which was touted as one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Now the recent Grade Six Assessment results have revealed that the primary schools received a severe trouncing by the private institutions. In addition, schools in both the rural and hinterland areas have also carved out academic notches for themselves. There is something dreadfully wrong with this picture, in fact so startlingly wrong that we must collectively sit up and pay attention. The factors attributable to this obvious academic disparity need to be addressed, and forthwith, especially since the change

that all Guyana was awaiting has arrived. Currently the teaching profession in Guyana is one which is not getting the respect it so rightly deserves. The presenting inadequacies surrounding trained teachers in Guyana are due to the failure of the Government to readily recognize the impact of poor salaries, along with other incentives, on those within the profession, as well as any young person who may be contemplating entering the profession. In the Guyana of yesteryear, even while in elementary school, there were students aspiring to be teachers, ones that could not wait until they were successful at their Pupil Teachers Examination. Controlled by the Ministry of Education, this exam served as a passport to a teaching career in the primary school system. The aspiring teacher who had paid employment worked under the tutelage and supervision of the Head Master or Senior Master of the primary school.

Archaic though it may seem by modern-day standards of attaining a University degree in teaching, it nevertheless proved successful and produced many, including myself, who went on to greater honour both at home and eventually abroad. The call is out for a close examination and evaluation at who is teaching the teacher and what is being taught the teacher. Let us not forget that students went directly from secondary school in Guyana to University in America or Britain and were able to successfully compete with those who had a benefit of a superior education from their day of birth. Compounded to this is the issue of truancy rearing its ugly head, and to glean from one Reverend Bhose in particular, who worked actively with the East Indian immigrants in the ‘60s, the view that the system of education was doomed to fail unless attendance was enforced and parents were compelled to send their

children to school. There were truancy officers fanned out across the country to ensure that children were in school on school days. Parents need to be roused from their slumber and be held legally accountable when their school age child is not in school. Let us annex the Ministry of Education with the Ministry of Social Protection so that no child falls in, through or gets out of the crack. Teachers should also be held accountable for

notifying the Ministry when the absenteeism exceeds an established level. Now that the change has arrived, let us make a concerted effort to maintain it and let it spread like a mantle, especially around those who would be ensuring that the change is maintained. After all, remember that the children are the leaders of the future, and it is of vital importance who leads them and how they are led. Yvonne Sam

An argument driven by... From page 4 that threats can come from the east, west, north or south; from below or above or from within. In addition to the above, adequate provision has to be made for neutralizing short, medium and long range threats. In summary, in the absence of vehicles with adequate ballistic protection, a

good access road would certainly afford protectors the necessary maneuverability; to thwart the operational advances of individuals with ulterior motives; (by eliminating chokepoints). During high threat situations, especially during hours of restricted visibility, speed is very often the protector’s only friend. Clairmont Featherstone

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Govt. pledges Commission GMSA stands against of Inquiry into sugar industry Venezuela’s aggression In the face of a perilous sugar industry, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo vowed that a Commission of Inquiry will be launched to fix the sugar industry. He said this at the 67th Enmore Martyrs commemorative ceremony in Enmore, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday. Recently, Guyana’s sugar industry was in a state of uncertainty; it was revealed that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) only had one week’s pay remaining for its employees. As the company was “poised on bankruptcy”, Prime Minister Nagamootoo expressed his disbelief at the state of Guyana’s main export industry. “I could not believe that our former leaders hid that fact, that they had bankrupted the sugar industry and had placed the lives of 16,000 sugar workers at risk,” said the Prime Minister. He said that GUYSUCO has greatly mismanaged its employees’ salaries over the year, which has amounted to the current state the industry faces. He related that even if the

sugar factories were to close there would be nothing for sugar workers, since the company had not paid its employees monies deducted for National Insurance Scheme (NIS); this amounts to $1.2B. The Prime Minister recounted that despite deductions of up to $252M pay in credit unions, workers did not receive the money they were promised. According to the Prime Minister, part of the administration’s reason for firing GUYSUCO’s Board of Directors had to do with the secrecy in which money was managed. “We (the former Opposition) gave $17B from Parliament to build the industry... We asked how much of that was going to sugar workers and we were never given an answer. So we felt quite rightly that the Management and the Board should be fired,” said Prime Minister Nagamootoo. He further condemned the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration for spending $47B on the updated Enmore Sugar Factory which has

been producing sugar at a loss for a number of years. The past government had managed to turn the sugar industry “upside down”, said the Prime Minister. To fix the industry’s mismanaged state; the government official said that his administration will launch a Commission of Inquiry into the affairs that led to the bankrupt sugar industry. He said that the inquiry will include “overseas” experts and that it will investigate multiple estates. “The commission will not sit in an office. It will go to every estate and it will talk to the sugar workers and find out from (them) what can be done to save sugar,” related PM Nagamootoo. He added that his administration believes that workers are an important part of finding solutions to Guyana’s sugar industry. The Prime Minister said that President David Granger was dealing with the issue of the “survival” of the sugar industry. He said that the President was working on a way to provide billions of dollars on a bailout plan for the industry.

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Ltd. takes this opportunity to throw the weight of the entire Manufacturing and Services sectors behind the nation’s response to the Venezuelan threat to our sovereignty, to our legitimate, indisputable right to our territorial waters and the resources that lie beneath. We also declare here and now that we intend to annex all resources at our disposal to Government’s efforts to protect the entire Essequibo region from Venezuela’s unlawful claim to ownership. History informs us that this latest in a series of injudicious claims by Venezuela to two-thirds of Guyana’s land mass may have contributed to delayed development in this Guyanese county. Though gold mining and mineral prospecting (called pork knocking in local parlance) has been going on in the hinterland on a small scale even before the 1899 Arbitration Tribunal, it is only in recent years during the presidency of the now late Hugo Chavez that large scale mining for gold, diamonds, precious and semi-precious gemstones and industrial logging increased exponentially. Without a scintilla of doubt, the entire Essequibo region is of immense value to Guyana’s short to long

term economic development. It plays a pivotal role in the government’s plans to develop Lethem into a municipality and a free trade zone in order to strengthen our partnership with Brazil, our neighbour to the south. There are also plans to transform the LethemLinden corridor into an allweather road to enhance overland trade between our two countries. In addition, the aesthetic beauty of the bountiful Essequibo and its biological diversity are the main selling points for Guyana’s tourism product – eco-tourism. It is home to one of the wonders of the world, the Kaieteur Falls, of which every Guyanese is proud. T he arable soils, the numerous minerals it contains including manganese (the main ingredient in steel production) and rare earths that contain e l e m e n t s utilized in the manufacture of high tech ICT products, all render this region inimical to the economic progress Guyana anticipates, especially with the involvement of international investors. In case of any residual doubt, Guyanese should k n o w t h a t Ve n e z u e l a ’s Ambassador to Great Britain, Jose Andrade who was also the brother of the then Venezuelan President declared in 1899: “We were given the exclusive dominion over the Orinoco, which was the principal

aim we sought to achieve through arbitration”. In 1911, in commemoration of the Centenary of Venezuelan independence, their Minister of Internal Relations, Mr. F. Aliantaro, published a map showing concrete and positive acceptance of the boundary line that h a d b e e n d r a w n a fter endless consultations by the Mixed Boundary Commissioners. Then in 1931 a boundary commission made up of representatives from Great Britain, Ve n e z u e l a a n d B r a z i l climbed Mount Roraima to fix the specific points where the boundaries of B r a z i l , Ve n e z u e l a a n d British Guiana should meet. Thereafter, the matter of the borders was considered by all parties to be permanently settled! Venezuela’s claim to our patrimony and our territorial waters is spurious, provocative, null and void. GMSA is convinced that Guyanese people across this country are resilient and we will stand with our compatriots to face down any threat or act of aggression by Venezuela. In the words of the venerable Guyanese songster, Dave Martins, “ We a i n ’ g i v i n ’ u p n o mountain, we ain’ giving up no tree … not a drop of water from the Pomeroon … not one cuirass, not a blade o’ grass!”

Govt. to assist trade unions to better represent workers Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, on June 16, reiterated Government’s aim to provide subventions to the country’s trade unions in order that they are in a better position to address workers’ issues. This recommitment was stated at the Enmore Martyrs’ commemorative Wreath Laying ceremony at Enmore Village, East Coast of Demerara on Tuesday. The Prime Minister said, “The government will give trade unions a subvention to help them carry out their work, to better represent their workers. In order to educate the children of the working people, this Government will restore subventions to the Critchlow Labour College.” This move is to ensure that trade unions fulfil their mandate to adequately represent workers across the

sectors, and also educate them about their rights and labour laws. Government’s move follows the announcement made by President David Granger to restore the subvention to the Critchlow Labour College. This annual subvention was discontinued under the previous regime. The President said his Government will revise relevant labour legislation to support all legally constituted and functioning trade unions to enable them to better represent the needs of workers. “Your Government will introduce measures to promote social cohesion and protect vulnerable groups. We shall work towards healing the rifts between social groups in the country. We shall re-establish cordial relationships with civil

society, religious organisations and trade unions. We have the responsibility to restore the integrity and viability of working people and nongovernmental organisations, which have been gravely undermined,” President Granger stated in his address at the formal opening of 11th Parliament, on June 10. The Critchlow Labour College was established in 1967 as the education arm of the trade union movement, and was named after the late father of the local trade union movement, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. The college provides preuniversity courses in industrial relations, business, sociology and a Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate programme for school-leavers who need these qualifications. (GINA)

Thursday June 18, 2015

Kaieteur News

“Horrified” Kamla says timing of ganja probe “POLITICAL” Trinidad Express - In six sentences, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Tuesday night responded to the Police Service revelation that marijuana had been found at her home two years ago, and that a criminal probe was now underway. Shortly before 10p.m., Persad-Bissessar issued a statement, saying that the timing of the investigation was “political” and she expected that the police investigate their own conduct, and that of other law enforcement officer involved in the discovery. Persad Bissessar said: “Today the police have commented on a substance they reportedly found on the common grounds outside of my residence more than two years ago. These grounds are under the control of state security services, including the army, special branch and the police. Many staff, workmen and other individuals are allowed by security services onto the property each day. I was out of country when security services are reported to have made this discovery. Needless to say, I am horrified and disturbed to hear these reports. While the timing of this disclosure is clearly political, I have faith in the police to investigate their own conduct and that of all the law enforcement professionals involved”. Claims that marijuana had been found at PersadBissessar private residence at Phillipine, was first made in a Sunday Express report by political leader of the Independent Liberal Party, Jack Warner who is fighting extradition after being indicted in the United States on multiple counts of corruption, money laundering

Kamla Persad-Bissessar and racketeering linked to his time as a FIFA vice president. Warner, in a statement submitted to a Justice of the Peace last week, claimed that on Friday April 12, 2013, former deputy Commissioner of Police Mervyn Richardson came to the Parliament and informed him (Warner) that a packet containing four ounces of marijuana was found outside a window of Persad-Bissessar’s private Phillipine residence. Warner, then the National Security Minister in the Peoples Partnership government, claimed that he called Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal who advised him to contact the Prime Minister who was in New York at the time. Warner claimed when he contacted the Prime Minister, she was surprised and enquired whether she should return home immediately and resign. He claimed that he advised Persad-Bissessar to not resign as he and othersRichardson, Moonilal as well as former national security adviser Gary Griffith - would cover up the ganja find. In the Sunday Express article, investigative reporter Denyse Renne said she was shown a copy of a police diary extract which stated that 113

grammes of marijuana were found at Persad-Bissessar’s house during a routine patrol at around 7a.m. on April 12. Richardson, Moonilal, and Griffith have all since denied the claims. And on Monday, Acting Commissioner Williams said he sought to verify the claims made by Warner “and there is no report recorded in the police service concerning a matter like that. I was head of the police service at that point in time and that matter was not brought to my attention”. However, the Police Service issued a statement on Tuesday which read: “The Commissioner of Police was advised by Snr Supt Jacob on Monday, June 15, 2015, of the absence of any official police record of the alleged discovery,” the release stated. “However, today Tuesday, June 16, 2015, the Commissioner of Police was presented with a signed report from Snr Supt Gould, which confirmed the discovery of five grammes of a ‘plant-like material’ resembling that of marijuana, contained in a plastic bag in the male washroom of a gazebo on the western end of the Prime Minister’s private residence at Phillipine.

Dudus’ girlfriend, brother, among 15 persons have turned in self to police The Gleaner - The brother and longtime girlfriend of drug kingpin Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke were among 15 persons who yesterday turned themselves in to the West Kingston Police. Coke’s longtime girlfriend, Deborah Golding, more popularly known as ‘Foxy Brown’ and his brother Leighton ‘Livity’ Coke are among those reported to the Denham Town Police Station in St Andrew yesterday afternoon. Head of the West Kingston Police, Senior Superintendent Cornwall ‘Bigga’ Ford also confirmed that Javien Coke, the nephew of the former Tivoli Gardens strongman, was in custody and would be interviewed by investigators. The identities of the remaining 12 persons have not been released. The 15

are among 34 individuals who were listed as persons of interest Tuesday by the West Kingston Police. The West Kingston Police also released the name of 12 men who they say are wanted for murder and other serious crimes in the division. Speaking with The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre yesterday, Senior Superintendent Ford said those individuals listed as persons of interest are believed to be influencing the recent flare-up of violence in the west Kingston area. Since the start of the year, the West Kingston Police have recorded more than 20 murders, but Ford says this is far less than what was recorded for the corresponding period last year.

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THE GOOD LIFE IS HERE Guyanese do not appreciate just how good they have it. They may not have all the things that they want but judging from what is seen, the good life is here already. People just have to learn how to enjoy it. No Guyanese have to wake up and face below zero degrees temperature. They do not have to bundle together a hurried meal, drink a hot cup of coffee and then hurry to the closet to put on two l a y e r s o f clothing, then cover that over with a coat and proceed through the door only to find that snow fell overnight and the driveway needs clearing. They do not have to take a spade and move the snow away, then step cautiously along the pavement, join the bus and drive one hour to catch the subway. They do not h a v e t o travel for another one hour in the subway before reaching their place of work where they will labour non-stop until afternoon when they will make the return journey. By the time they get home, they would have been more tired from the traveling than from the day’s work and would have little time else other than to eat a re-heated meal and to

jump under the covers to g e t a f e w h ou r s s l e e p before starting the routine all over. That is hard life. That is bruising life. It may pay well materially but how many of us can honestly say that we would not have loved to be in a warmer climate, in a more relaxed atmosphere? How many of us would not have loved to have been back home? The argument has been made that the average Guyanese does not enjoy the material comforts of those in the First World. But it is asking too much in too short a time, considering where the nation was economically, for everyone to have what the average citizen has in the United States. And yet you go into the homes of the average Guyanese and you find that some of them have flat screen televisions, microwaves, washing machines, gas stoves and stereo systems. They have the basics and more. The average Guyanese burns more lights that the average American and the growth in motor vehicles is as such that within the next few years there is going to be a car in every home. Healthcare may not be the best, but it is free and if

Dem boys seh ...

Jagdeo coming as Opposition Leader Old people got a saying. When a man ain’t doing well dem does seh that he fall from grace. Well Donald ain’t only fall from grace, he fall and smash up. Up to de other day he was talking from stage. In fact, from de time people hear that he gun talk, dem run and put up a big stage. Dem use to even rent a tent. De Cush boy was one of dem who use to provide de stage and de tent. Dem boys seh that it look like de Cush boy done play wid de Pee Pee Pee because when Donald go to address de people at Enmore on Monday, he had to stand up pun de back of a truck. De national Dance Company does have a production name from Studio to Stage, Donald put on a show name from Stage to Truck back. But dem boys seh that de truck back is not de only sign of de fall. Dem hear that Jagdeo push he aside and tek over de leadership of de party. He, Jagdeo, going to Parliament as de Opposition Leader. Rohee vex and cuss up; Donald seh that he never see so much eye-pass and de rest of de executive just sit down and watch wha happen. Is just like if all de rest of dem did shoot demself in de Russian roulette. But fuh that to happen Jagdeo had to be de crook he is. Is just like if he was using blank when he was he turn. He push out Asgar Ally; he tell Cheddi that Asgar was tekking over de party and Cheddi fall fuh de talk name. Then he de Jagdeo run out Run Jattan, then he run out Moses. That was after he kick out Ralph. Now he kick out Donald and Rohee. Ashni like sheep sit down in de corner because he claim that Jagdeo help he get he millions. Uncle Adam hope that he pension ain’t deh in dem millions. But back to de Parliament. Wid Moses as leader of de House Jagdeo got to sit down and watch wheh de real power deh and all he can do is cuss. Talk half and watch how Jagdeo kick out Donald

Guyanese believe that they get a hassle at the emergency room at the national hospital, then they should visit some of the emergency rooms in the metropolitan societies. Without health insurance, the average American’s goose is cooked. This is not comparing the two countries. Surely, Guyana is way behind but yet the people in Guyana have a good standard of life and while materially they are not on par with the average man in the richer countries, there is a lot going for Guyana in terms of happiness, in terms of the lifestyle, in terms of the friendliness of our people and how to get along. That is the good life

too. For one, Guyanese have to be more responsible for the littering that is taking place. This is a problem that is being created by citizens. The government has to solve the problem but that problem is not of their creation. The second problem that makes life better is paying a little more attention to the recreation areas especially within the rural areas. There must be places for children to go and play in the afternoons, rather than playing ball on the streets. That will make life better. The other thing is manners. Guyanese are very friendly people and have always been known to be

mannerly and helpful. Yet so often you see an old person trying to cross the streets and no one seems to be willing to lend a helping hand. We can have a better life in Guyana if we learn to be happy. Then there is the way we treat animals. In this day and age we should not have dray carts. The sight of an animal suffering under the strain of having to pull tons of building material, is distressing and this is one area where more work needs to be done. The good life is not just about humans but also how we treat the animals too. If a Guyanese wakes up

tomorrow and decides that he or she does not feel like going to work, he or she simply stays at home and calls in sick. And many Guyanese love to work by themselves and so they are their own bosses. This is a good life. Not many immigrants have that luxury. But unless you can appreciate what you have now, you may never know when to stop and enjoy what life has to offer.

Kuru Kuru man chopped, likely to lose arm Glenford Kitt, of Lot 383 Kuru Kuru Soesdyke/Linden Highway, is now at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) nursing a severe chop to one of his arms following a confrontation with another man, Denzil Waddell. According to one person, Kitt was rushed to the GPHC with his arm hanging from just above the elbow. The bystander suggested that the man may lose the limb. Yesterday, when Kaieteur News reporter visited the hospital the man was still undergoing surgery. Another man Quincy Abrams, of 31 Friendship Public Road East Bank Demerara, was air dashed from the Wallabaka Backdam to the GPHC with a gunshot wound to his abdomen, on

Tuesday. According to reports Abrams was shot during an argument with another man. The alleged shooter was not the person engaged in the argument with Abrams; he was the person “picking up fire-rage”. Abrams has since been released from the hospital with the bullet still lodged in his body. Meanwhile, Samuel Wilson, 38, also of KuruKuru, is still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of GPHC fighting for his life. Kaieteur News understands that the man’s condition is still the same as the day of his admission. Wilson was shot by his 16 year old step-son, after he had scolded the youth about his unbecoming behaviour. The

Men busted with cocaine at Tabatinga At around 16:00hrs on Monday, last, the Joint Services conducted a raid in the Tabatinga area, Central Rupununi that resulted in a house being searched. Five men were found inside the house with a substance suspected to be

cocaine. The individuals were arrested and placed in police custody. Yesterday, four of them were released while the other is still in custody at the Lethem Police Station lockups assisting with investigations.

teen is still at large as police continue their investigations. Ravi Outar, of Second Street Rosehall Town, also a patient in the hospital’s ICU, is in a critical but stable condition. Outar’s wife, Meshelle Outar, told Kaieteur News reporter that her husband is still unable to speak as he has a tube in his mouth. She said that due to his condition he was unable to undergo the

surgery which he was scheduled to have two days ago. Outar, according to reports, has seven bullets lodged in different parts of his body. He was shot by a man who he was able to identify to the police, outside his home where he owns and operates a sports bar, on June 10, 2015. One person is in police custody assisting with investigations.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 18, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The middle finger that no one wanted to stop I am not on Facebook but daily I hear from my friends about what takes place on social media on Guyanese topics. I have been told that there has been strong support for medical doctor, Vindya Persaud, PPP Parliamentarian in the 10th Parliament, for speaking out on the mistakes her government made. In her enumeration of egregious traits of her colleagues, she singled out Clement Rohee’s middle finger to the press after he voted and was walking onto the roadway. One is tempted to ask Persaud where she was on the millions of occasions when Rohee misbehaved and no doubt heaped disrespect on the nation.

Let us assume she was not in a position to have Rohee disciplined on those countless times. Surely she and many other young Turks in the PPP must have known the day would come when really deplorable behaviour of PPP leaders would come to haunt them terribly. That day has arrived and Dr. Persaud is now lamenting it. It is not hard to figure why the PPP lost the 2015 elections. Dr. Persaud cites some powerful factors. Even if you argue that the humongous waves of Indians didn’t land on the shores of the AFC during the 2015 elections, there were significant numbers of Indian ballots that went to the AFC that probably would have stayed with the PPP if there

were some moral worth in the PPP, and those Indian voters saw those values. This never happened. It was a complete act of madness to have installed Clement Rohee as the de facto leader of the PPP. Rohee was always bad publicity for the PPP. Then he became the PPP’s General-Secretary and bad publicity went to credibility disaster. His last act of indiscretion as a monarch was the middle finger thing that Dr. Persaud found disgusting. One can well imagine what went through the minds of the second tier leadership of the PPP like Dr. Persaud as they watched the antics of Rohee, Charles Ramson Senior and Neend Kumar on television. It wasn’t hard to

guess. They would have shouted, “Oh my God, what is this?” Charles Ramson Snr was bad for the image of the PPP but no one intervened. You come from another country without any knowledge of Guyana and you see the then Attorney-General in front of the media, and you know such a person should not be a leading Minister in a government. Sports is an obsession on Planet Earth and to have had Neend Kumar as Guyana’s Sports Director for 22 years, showed that the PPP monarchs were either the dumbest people in the world or the most insensitive. Think of what an international cricket icon like Clive Lloyd had to go through

when listening to Kumar. What went through Lloyd’s mind when he read in the press about the awful conduct of Kumar? As in the situations with Ramson and Rohee, there were opportune moments to redeploy Kumar. But the leadership of the PPP just didn’t have the moral standing to discipline anyone who belonged to the party. There was the goat-killing incident at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Then Kumar told Guyanese that they must understand they have to bathe before using a swimming pool so the reconstituted Colgrain structure could not be made available to the public. Then came the big one. Kumar didn’t know what the ABC countries are. Instead of America, Britain and Canada, he turned them into Argentina, Brazil and Chile. That was enough to put him in another area with the same salary to make him feel good but surely not in sports anymore because Kumar had become an embarrassment. But the PPP, from Jagdeo to Ramotar right down to Kwame McCoy were beyond embarrassment The PPP lost by nearly

Frederick Kissoon 5000 votes and there were more than 5000 East Indians who were urbane, cultivated and well-mannered to know that such an East Indian Government did not deserve their vote. It must be painful for PPP supporters to know they lost by 5000 votes which probably could have come their way with the utterance of simple line, “I am sorry.” Only two high level operatives in the PPP have ever apologized to the nation since 1992. President Jagan for publicly saying that African people around the world were always at the bottom of the economic ladder, was one. And GOINVEST Head, Geoff Da Silva who apologized at a press conference at the Pegasus for awarding concessions to Bobby Ramroop that were outside of the law, was the other. Robert Persaud in a recent Facebook comment suggested that God will have to help Guyana if Rohee becomes the Opposition Leader. I guess so.

Thursday June 18, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Cabinet approves $3.8B for sugar sector…

We are not pouring money down a dark hole - Minister of State The sugar industry is saddled with $90B in debt until 2017. Its growth has been retarded by grave mismanagement. And though the country spends more and more to produce sugar, it is still unable to receive a good price for its product. But to demonstrate its commitment to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Cabinet gave its approval for the release of $3.8B to the entity. This was part of a request for $16.8B made through the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder for the rest of the fiscal year. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency, insisted however that government “is not pouring money down a dark hole.” Harmon said that the Agriculture Minister briefed Cabinet that the $3.8B will be used for the payment of wages and salaries, current

payments to the National Insurance Scheme, payments owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the urgent need to purchase fertilizers, fuel and lubricants and spares for equipment. He said that the purchase of fertilizers is to secure the first crop of 2016 cane as it is already late for the application. Harmon said that the $3.8B approved also takes into consideration, payments overdue to suppliers. The Minister said that this is necessary to reduce the backlog of debt created by the Corporation. As for the remaining $13B which is the balance of the $16.8B request, Harmon asserted that Holder will return to Cabinet to indicate when more funds would be needed and he will of course have to justify his requests. Harmon said that Government has already mentally prepared for the likelihood of additional

requests coming before year end. He said, however, that the money was granted on condition that it would be returned to the government’s coffers. The politician said that the cash flow from today to the first week in August 2015, for GuySuCo is expected to be about US$1.267M while expenditure is estimated within the vicinity of US$5.079M. He said, too, that for the period August to December 2015, GuySuCo is expected to rake in US$13.056M. It is expected that once this money is acquired from its usual sales, 60 per cent of the money advanced would be repaid as agreed. The Minister noted, however, that for the same period, the company’s expenditure is pegged at some $19.51B. This shows a shortfall of US$6.455M. He said that this shortfall is attributed mainly to the

300 youths to benefit from 2015 YEST programme The Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme is back and this time 300 Guyanese youths are expected to benefit when the programme kicks off. The young people from across the country will have the opportunity to hone their skills and learn new ones; thanks to the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport programme. This time around, the training will be residential and is scheduled to last 10 months. According to an official from the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, the programme is open to Guyanese, ages 16 to 25 years old. Before acceptance into the programme, the students are expected to undergo an entrance examination. These exams, the official said, will be conducted throughout the country at nearly 50 locations. These exams will begin on June 27 and end on July 12.

Meanwhile, the Kuru Kuru Training Centre, located on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, will become the home to these students during the 10-month programme. According to the ministry official, a full complement of lecturers is already onboard. In fact, some of these lecturers are graduates of the Kuru Kuru Training Centre. Additionally, a number of the graduating students will receive work study attachments. The courses being offered are Business Studies, Garment Construction, Carpentry, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Masonry, Electrical Installation, Welding and Fabrication, Plumbing and Sheet Metal, Furniture Making, and Motor Mechanics. The YEST programme was established as a unit under the former Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in 2000. The unit emerged from what was formerly the Guyana

National Service. It aims to create a link between skills training and entrepreneurship and boost the employment opportunities available to the youths of Guyana. Other than the Kuru Kuru Training Centre, the Sophia Training Centre in Georgetown is also used as a training facility. Over the years, the programme has spawned hundreds of successful graduates.

declining prices being received for sugar from the European Market as 60 percent of which it sold there. He said, too, that a team will be working assiduously to determine if and how the income of GuySuCo can be increased and the expenditure reduced. Harmon said that in the meantime, the Agriculture Minister will lead a drive to diversify the market by identifying new customers internationally. Harmon said that Cabinet was also briefed on a number of countries where Guyana’s sugar is sold, but said that there is a need for one to develop a better and deeper appreciation of those markets. Guyana needs to get a better price for its sugar. The EU market price is not as attractive as it was in previous years, he said. The Minister of State, asked about the time when the new administration will take the decision to undertake a serious review of the sugar sector, thus changing the perception that the nation is “pouring good money (the $3.8B) down a black hole,” said that such a comment was made to the administration. It is something the government takes seriously hence, it has asked for a fullfledged Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry to determine what is wrong and the course Government should take. “It is not something you wake up easily and just make a decision, one that will affect the lives of so many thousands of Guyanese people. Sugar is like the

mother of the trade and labour movements in this country. It’s not a decision this administration will take lightly,” Harmon said. He added, “We are not pouring money down a dark hole. We are trying to clean out the hole into which the money is being poured and as a result, some changes are being made.” In that regard, Harmon said that the new government was able to save some US$14,000 after trimming labour in some areas. Some professionals including some Indian national engineers were not doing anything much and as such, were let go.

“In fact, Minister Holder presented to Cabinet some of the measures which are being taken in by GuySuCo to make sure that the actual expenses connected with the Corporation will be brought down significantly, and that is a work in progress. “We believe that once we get the Management and the Board on a certain level and an inquiry into sugar, at that point in time, we will be able to make a decision on the sector. It will be assisted by the people of the country who will make submissions to the Commission when it comes together,” the Minister expressed.

GPHC patients unaffected by nurses protest Operations at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) were unaffected yesterday despite the protest which was staged by nurses at the hospital. Several nurses yesterday halted the delivery of health care in order to protest what they described as the “unjust” termination of Director of Nursing Services, Matron Colleen Hicks. They also called for the removal of the hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Michael Khan. Kaieteur News observed that the operations of the male and female surgical wards appeared to be normal as nurses were in their numbers attending to patients, despite about twenty of their workmates being outside voicing their concerns for a colleague who was dismissed.

The patients were unanimous in their response that they have not been affected by the strike action as they have been receiving their treatment from the full complement of nurses. In the female ward patients said that nurses who were attending to them have not been in any way hostile as they have been carrying out their duties in a pleasant and professional manner. One patient said that she was not even aware of the protest and it was not until she peered through a window just above her bed that she realized what was happening. Kaieteur News understands that the operations of the institution were not significantly affected because it was mostly the Heads of Department who participated.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 18, 2015

PPP/C was never serious about participating in LGE ...

Surujbally comment just another excuse - Trotman In the wake of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) expressing reticence about participating in long awaited Local Government Elections (LGE) should Dr. Steve Surujbally still be Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, has questioned whether the PPP/ C was ever serious about participating in LGE. According to Trotman, yesterday, the PPP/C has never made any attempts to hold local government elections since 1994, despite stipulations mandating LGE every four years. While this situation suggested that they never had serious intentions in participating, their most recent statement on LGE confirms their insincerity. Trotman, an Attorney- atLaw and former Speaker of the National Assembly, explained that LGE was a chance for citizens to participate in their local democracy at the grass roots level, without undue political interference from major political parties. According to him, bringing heavy party politics into the equation sours the entire process. “The PPP/C’s nonparticipation is a blessing.” Trotman said. “It is a blessing in disguise, because the heavy hand of the party will not factor in.”

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman According to Trotman, a co- founder of the Alliance for Change (AFC), the old days of the 1960s democratic centralism were over and Guyanese should be left breathing space. The Attorney- at- Law also stated that the impending LGE, which are expected to be held in 2016, represented a chance to restore grass root participation in politics. Trotman was also harshly critical of the PPP/C’s repeated calls for Surujbally’s resignation, asking why was the party suddenly incessant that Surujbally go, when he had presided over three elections (2006, 2011 and 2015). It was pointed out that the PPP/C never had a problem with the GECOM

chairman then, when they won the elections. According to the Minister, the PPP/C only wanted someone around who would guarantee victory. “So them saying now that they do not want to hold LGE’s with Surujbally as Chairman is just another excuse.” According to Trotman, the PPP/C not only wanted control over the LGE, but also over GECOM and who was in charge of the Commission. “This is grass roots; let the people choose.” There have been weeks of intense agitation from the PPP/C calling for Surujbally’s head, after a narrow defeat at the May 11 polls saw the PPP/ C losing the presidency for the first time in 23 years. While the elections were widely considered to be free and fair from inconsistencies, the PPP/C has maintained that GECOM, in conjunction with A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) conspired to “rig” the elections. The PPP/C has also mounted protests outside of GECOM’s head office in a bid to bring recognition to their cause. These protests were attended by the former President Donald Ramotar, as well as members from his former Cabinet and other senior party officials, except for former President Bharrat Jagdeo whose absence was conspicuous. When the 11th parliament convened, recently, the PPP refused to occupy the opposition seats, leaving APNU+AFC Members of Parliament to be sworn in while the PPP/C mounted further protests outside of GECOM. In addition, at the PPP/C’s weekly press conference last Monday, General Secretary of the party, Clement Rohee, reiterated the party’s determination to hold firm to the call for Surujbally’s resignation, stating that the party would not head to the long awaited Local Government Elections with Surujbally still at the head of GECOM at such a time.

Thursday June 18, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Father of one jailed for causing Annandale woman succumbs two death of elderly pedestrian Magistrate Judy Latchman, sentenced a 28year-old father of one, to two years imprisonment yesterday after he was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. Ravin Singh, of 46 North East Grove, East Bank Demerara, was convicted yesterday at the conclusion of his trial. On July 14, 2014 at Avenue of the Republic, Singh drove motor lorry GNN 8470 along with trailer TPP 2337 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Rajmattie Ram of Triumph, East Coast Demerara. During the summing up of the evidence, the Magistrate told the defendant that she believed he drove in a dangerous manner on the day in question. She stated that she also believed that if he was paying keen attention, he would have seen the woman trying to complete her crossing.

The Magistrate said that the defendant was inattentive on the roadway and fell below the competence of a careful driver. Before handing down her sentencing, Magistrate Judy Latchman took into consideration all mitigating factors. She also took into consideration the fact that the defendant assisted with taking the elderly woman to the hospital and was fully cooperative with the police during their investigation. However, the Magistrate said that based on the prevalence of the offence and the need to promote road safety she will impose the prison term on the defendant. During the trial, Police Prosecutor, Vishnu Hunte, called several witnesses to testify. Among them were Ram’s grandson and daughter. A post mortem report was tendered to the court. It revealed that the woman died

of multiple injuries. There were abrasions, severe blunt trauma and lacerations. Singh’s Attorney, Debra Kumar, had claimed that there is an eyewitness who saw that the woman was struck by a bus and not the truck. But the Magistrate asserted that she believed beyond reasonable doubt that it was Singh’s lorry that hit the elderly woman. After hearing the verdict, Singh’s Attorney pleaded with the Magistrate to be lenient with her client. She stated that Singh has an unblemished criminal record and a minor. The Attorney noted that throughout the trial her client had been maintaining his innocence. Kumar added that since the court has found her client guilty, there is nothing else the defence can do, but to comply. Singh first appeared in court on September 2, 2014 and was not required to plead

Bandits leave slippers, knife behind in failed robbery The police are now hunting three bandits who are on the run after they were unable to rob an East Canje business man. The entire scenario was caught on Close Circuit Television (CCT) and the perpetrators are said to be known. The bandits were unable to steal anything. The men attempted to rob business man Bisham Sarju, called ‘Latch’, of Lot 229, Second Street, Number Two Village, East Canje Berbice. According to Sarju, he had just driven into his yard about 08:30 hrs on Friday when he was followed by three men on two bicycles. He stated that before he could park his vehicle he noticed the men entering his yard. He decided to reverse out of the yard even as the men attempted to break into

weeks after setting self ablaze

JAILED: Ravin Singh to the charge. He was released on $1M bail. According to reports, Ram, a pedestrian, was struck down by a motor lorry at the junction with Robb Street, around 14:30hrs on that day. At the time of the accident, the elderly woman was holding onto her grandson’s hand as they attempted to cross to the other side of the busy roadway. She reportedly sustained severe head and bodily injuries when she was dragged a short distance before the truck came to a halt. The 73-year-old was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Jasodra Mangoor, the woman who had allegedly set herself ablaze two weeks ago, died on Tuesday after fighting for her life in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). According to initial reports the woman's demise was anticipated by family members as doctor's reports would have indicated that chances to the woman's survival were minimal. Neighbours rushed Mangoor, 58, of 118 Curbane Park, Annandale, and a mother of six, to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the GPHC. She had sustained severe third degree burns to her upper body on June 3, last. Kaieteur News was told that the woman was acting out of frustration when she doused herself with kerosene in her kitchen area then locked herself in her room and set herself ablaze. Mangoor, was reportedly pushed to 'the edge' by the constant verbal abuse meted out to her by her children, especially her 12-year-old daughter. Kaieteur News under-

stands that the woman had freed herself of a very abusive relationship with her husband and has since been working hard to make a better life for her children. However according to neighbours all she got in return was ingratitude from her children. But there was a twist to the story. A source close to the woman said that the woman's reputed husband had disclosed that on the night of the incident, his wife was consuming alcohol when she was doused with kerosene and set afire by her children. On fire, the woman ran out to a yard bathroom where she put out the fire by showering. It was then that she was rushed to the hospital by neighbours. The source added out that if the woman had indeed set herself ablaze in her room there would have been damage to the room, for the time that the children claim she was locked in there. Kaieteur News was told that the allegation against the woman's children has been reported to the Ministry of Human Services.

Jamaican charged with attempted murder of ex-policeman

The pair of slippers and the knife left behind by the thieves his vehicle. He was successful in driving out of the yard. The bandits fled empty handed

The businessman’s car

leaving a pair of slippers and a 12 inch knife behind. Investigations are continuing

A Jamaican national who has been domiciled in Guyana for about three years, has been charged with attempted murder. The man, Rovin Mickey McLean, called ‘Jamaky’ 41, of Lot 103 ‘B’ Independence Avenue, Rose Hall Town, is accused of attempting to murder ex-policeman, turned businessman, Ravi Outar. On Wednesday, June 10, he allegedly attempted to murder Outar. The man appeared on Monday before Magistrate Maurica Mittleholzer at the Albion Magistrate’s Court. He was remanded to jail until June 29. Ex-policeman Outar who was shot four times in an apparent execution attempt at his home and business premises around 20:35 hours on Wednesday, remains in a critical, but stable condition, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The 29-year-old Outar was transferred from the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was first admitted. Outar, a former cop during the crime wave of the early 2000s, had been running a bar

for the past several years. He was sitting outside his business place at 143 Second Street, Rose Hall, Berbice, when a lone gunman walked up to him and shot him four times. According to reports Outar and an overseas based businessman had some misunderstanding and it is alleged that the shooting stemmed from that issue. McLean lives on the premises owned by the overseas businessman and was allegedly the driver of the getaway car. After the man was shot, his wife Meshell noticed a lone gunman calmly walking out of their sports bar and boarding a waiting car, in which he escaped. Neighbours who heard the gunshots, rushed to the scene only to see the badly wounded Outar lying on the ground with blood pouring from his wounds. He was then rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The wounded bar owner

Rovin Mickey McLean had allegedly recognized his shooter and had told police who he is. Two others are in custody while the police are on the hunt for others. Outar is no stranger to bullet wounds, having survived an execution attempt while serving as a policeman way back in 2002. On that occasion, he was shot in his foot when gunmen from Buxton attacked the patrol vehicle that he was driving in the Coldingen area. A number of others were injured. The patrol vehicle was later set on fire by the gunmen.

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday June 18, 2015

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Thursday June 18, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Greece’s future in EU in doubt if talks fail, central bank warns Greece’s leftist government faced a barrage of warnings yesterday that it risked being forced out of the euro zone and left without support if it failed to strike a swift aid-for-reforms deal with its creditors. The Bank of Greece said the country’s future in the European Union itself could also be at risk without a deal, underlining the extent to which officials who once refused any suggestion of “Grexit” are now openly discussing the prospect. Despite urgent pleas, including from the White House, there has been little sign of movement since talks between officials from Greece, the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund collapsed on Sunday. Hopes of a breakthrough today at a meeting of European finance ministers, once seen as the last opportunity for an agreement, looked increasingly remote. Athens must find a way out of the impasse by the end of June, when it faces a 1.6 billion euro (£1.14 billion) repayment due to the International Monetary Fund, potentially leaving it bankrupt and on the verge of exiting the euro zone. “People are getting anxious on both sides. Athens expects Brussels to move. And Brussels expects Athens to move. And it’s

stuck,” said a senior EU diplomat, who declined to be named. “It’s very dangerous, and we may have an accident.” A top Greek negotiator told Reuters that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ leftist government was ready to make unspecified concessions but he once again ruled out any cuts to pensions - a major sticking point in the negotiations. In Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, government and central bank officials said it was up to Greece to move. “The responsibility for whether Greece remains in the euro is entirely up to the Greek government,” Jens Weidmann, head of the Bundesbank said in a joint interview with three European newspapers. He added that if Athens were to fail to meet a debt payment “the consequences would be hard to control” but it could not expect central bank support. “If the talks fail at the political level the ECB will have no choice but to draw the necessary conclusions. It is up to politics, governments and parliaments to decide whether to finance Greece.” Greek negotiator Euclid Tsakalotos confirmed that Greece did not have the money to repay the IMF, but said the government would

only accept a deal that was sustainable and addressed debt, financing and investment - issues the European Union has said it does not want to open at this stage. “If you have that, then the Greek government will sign the deal,” Tsakalotos said. “If it doesn’t have that kind of deal there is no point in signing onto something that you know is going to fail.” Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis told reporters in Paris he was not expecting a deal at Thursday’s gathering in Luxembourg and said only agreement between heads of government could overcome the deadlock. UNCHARTED WATERS What may follow if no deal is reached remains unclear as no member of the euro zone has ever defaulted on its debt. The Greek central bank said reaching an accord was “an historical imperative” that the country could not ignore. “Failure to reach an agreement would ... mark the beginning of a painful course that would lead initially to a Greek default and ultimately to the country’s exit from the euro area and, most likely, from the European Union,” the Bank of Greece said in a regular report. The comment drew an angry reaction from the ruling

Syriza party which said Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras, a former finance minister in a conservative-led government, had exceeded his authority and was trying to set “asphyxiating” limits on the government. Elected in January on a pledge to end years of grinding austerity, Tsipras wants his European partners to re-negotiate Greece’s debt mountain, but they have ruled that out for now and instead want to see a fresh round of economic reforms, including pension cuts, to help the state balance its books. There was little sign of any change in his position as he insisted that without an “honourable compromise” Greece would not accept “the continuation of a catastrophic policy”. Months of uncertainty have already taken their toll. After years of recession, Greece’s economy finally

started to grow again last year, but it fell back into negative growth in the first quarter of 2015 and Greece’s central bank predicted the slowdown would accelerate in the second quarter. Opinion polls show a majority of Greeks want to remain in the euro but there has also been deep resentment over the cuts demanded of Greece, which has seen its economy shrink by more than 25 percent since the start of the crisis. “We have to fight even if there is the danger of returning to (the) drachma, which is something I don’t want,” said 43 year-old public servant Christos Michailidis, attending an anti-austerity rally in Athens that drew a few thousand protesters. Britain, not a member of the euro zone, said it was stepping up preparations for the possibility of Greece falling out of the single currency.

New embassy in Taiwan not costing St. Lucia a cent, government says Dr. Kenny Anthony

Jamaican govt. to consider Diaspora vote

A. J. Nicholson MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, Senator A. J. Nicholson, says the matter of allowing overseas nationals to participate in the country’s electoral process will be discussed at length, in order for the best arrangement to be put in place. Addressing the opening of the sixth Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay weekend, Nicholson said the matter has been receiving attention and

has been included in the draft national Diaspora policy. The policy, aimed at enhancing Jamaica’s social and economic development, is ready to be taken to the Cabinet for deliberation. “Certainly, the issue of political representation is one that will have to be thoroughly ventilated and resolved. Indeed, this complex issue is foreseen in the draft policy, an extract of which participants will have in their possession, and we welcome therefore your

feedback and believe that all ideas should contend,” he said. Nicholson stated that the government is committed to engaging the Diaspora on issues of national development. “This conference is a testament, therefore, to the notion of a borderless Jamaica that embraces all our people wherever they happen to be and gives even greater resonance to our motto – ‘Out of Many, One People,’” he noted. Nicholson said it is anticipated that the national Diaspora policy will have bipartisan support, and it will deepen engagement between Jamaica and its Diaspora. The Jamaica Diaspora Conference runs from June 13 to 18 under the theme: ‘Jamaica and the Diaspora: Linkage for Growth and Prosperity’. Matters relating to economics, diplomacy and security, as well as trade and investments, will be high on the discussion agenda.

CASTRIES, St Lucia The St. Lucia government has responded to calls for details about the opening of its Embassy in Taiwan, saying there was no mystery behind it and it did not cost the island a cent. The statement from the Dr. Kenny Anthony administration follows a call from the opposition United Workers’ Party (UWP) for answers to “the mysteries surrounding the opening of an Embassy in the Republic of China in Taiwan”. “It has become commonplace for the United Workers Party to invent and create mysteries where none exist,” the government said, noting that the announcement about the new Embassy – which opened in the International Trade Building in Taipei on June 4 – was made since February 12 this year by Minister for External Affairs, Civil Aviation and International Trade Alva Baptiste during an official trip to Taiwan, and raised again

on May 15 during the minister’s contribution to the Budget debate, and no questions were asked of him them. “The opening of the Embassy comes at no cost to the government of St. Lucia. Mindful of our fiscal challenges, the government of St. Lucia secured the agreement of the Republic of China (Taiwan) under the Cooperation Agreement that exists between the two states, to fund the cost of the Embassy in its initial year of operation.” According to the prime minister, the facility will serve the needs of St. Lucian students studying in Taiwan. There are more than 80 of them currently, and Anthony said that number is expected to increase in coming years. “Besides, the establishment of the Embassy gives us a presence in the vital Asian region to mobilize investment and trade opportunities for St. Lucia,” he added.

In a sign that the European Central Bank was still standing by Greece, the ECB raised the ceiling on its emergency lifeline to the nation’s stricken banks to 84.1 billion euros from 83 billion. The ECB has been raising the ceiling in small amounts and the substantial hike of more than 1 billion euros reflected the growing strains on Greece’s banks as depositors pull money out. The Greek central bank has said the crisis prompted an outflow of deposits totalling about 30 billion euros from Greek lenders between October and April. The outflows are continuing. Underlining the gulf in perceptions separating Greece and its creditors, a Greek parliamentary “Debt Truth Committee” set up in April to investigate the recent austerity imposed on the country concluded Athens was under no obligation to repay its debts. The findings of the report are not binding. “We came to the conclusion that Greece should not pay this debt because it is illegal, illegitimate, and odious,” it said. Such sentiments have lost Greece much sympathy in Europe. The Bavarian allies of German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Athens on Wednesday of not grasping the seriousness of the situation, with CSU SecretaryGeneral Andreas Scheuer calling Greek rulers “clowns”.

From page 22

PROPERTY FOR SALE Residential lots ad houses for sale at Eccles, E.B.D $7.5M. Tel:592-227-2913 or 689-3033 Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461. Property for sale at Covent Garden, E.B.D- Call: 265-3586 Property @ Leonora New Scheme-Tel: 678-9851 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D –Tel: 6629335; 612-3244 1-4 Bedrooms house & complete shop at Tuschen Phase 2 –Tel: 682-2951

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 18, 2015

Discontinued specialty hospital funds to help boost primary health care - Govt. Primary health care is poised for some much needed financial attention. According to Minister in the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, Government is currently considering diverting funds that were allocated to the Specialty House project that was brought into being by the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). “The current thinking of the administration is that, once the sums of monies are available it would prefer that the monies be spent in other areas that have to do with primary health care,” disclosed Harmon. According to the Minister, Government has been directing keen attention to the Specialty Hospital project for which the former administra-

tion had secured funding, in the form of a loan from the Exim Bank of India. The project was being undertaken to the tune of some US$18 million. Already close to US$4 million has been expended on certain preliminary issues in relation to the project, according to Harmon. The project is one that was being undertaken by contracting firm Surendra Engineering Company Limited. “As is common knowledge that company ran into some problems with the previous Government and as such, the Ministry of Health decided that they were going to terminate the contract with Surendra Engineering,” recounted Harmon as he

pointed out that basically, the former Government was forced to take the company to court for what it considered to be fraud with regards to monies spent. According to Harmon, Cabinet has been looking at its relationship with the Exim Bank of India as it relates to the spending of the balance of the project sum which currently amounts to US$14 million. He pointed out too that Cabinet has mandated Minister of Finance, Mr Winston Jordan, to enter into and continue discussions that had started with the Bank with a view of having a comprehensive review of the status of the project. The review, Harmon said,

is being undertaken by a consultancy group. And it is the expectation of Government that based on recommendations of that group that Government will decide on a way forward. The PPP/C Government last year admitted that Surendra Engineering Company Limited committed a criminal act; in the process leaving Guyana with an unsecured US$4M since there is no bond in place as a guarantee. This was confirmed by then Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, who disclosed that the company's problems came mainly through delays in timelines, an inability to properly account for

public funds as well as, issuing a forged bond document purportedly emanating from Trinidad and Tobago with the blessings of the Trinidad Central Bank. The document turned out to be forged, according t o D r. L u n c h e o n , w h o sought then to credit the local consultants VIKAB Engineering Consultants with bringing the skulduggery to light. According to him the issues related to Surendra had engaged the Cabinet Council of Ministers for several weeks. Surendra Engineering Company Limited was contracted to design and build the Government's Specialty Hospital at Turkeyen, East Coast

Demerara. That hospital was to be constructed at a cost of US$18M. This was part of the wider goal which would have seen some US$150M being used to build the infrastructure as well as outfit and install the necessary equipment. Works ceased at the worksite and according to Dr. Luncheon leading up to this stoppage was a number of differences between the Ministry of Health which was effectively the client and Surendra Engineering. He said that there were numerous engagements between the stakeholders but to no avail, eventually leading to the decision to terminate the contract.

Dismissal of Matron sparks protest at GPHC From page 14 making will highlight our faults here and they (management) don't want that so they are trying to get rid of her.” Hicks said that while she does not accept the memo as an official document she is seeking advice on the way forward. Hicks who has been in the nursing profession since 1989 has been attached to the GPHC since 1996. This publication understands that since taking up the position of Director of Nursing Services, she has been ensuring that nurses are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities, some of which do not confirm with what is deemed routine practices at the GPHC. This therefore has not been readily accepted by some management officials, this publication was told. This publication has learnt that Hicks was earlier this year on a panel that refused to accept a candidate who did not qualify to fill the vacant posi-

tion of Assistant Nursing Director at the GPHC. The candidate was reportedly appointed and subsequently introduced by the Human Resources Department, a move that had sparked outrage among senior nursing staff. The appointment was eventually rescinded. Hicks is convinced that the move to terminate her might be particularly linked to her failure to support the appointment of the individual in question. But according to Khan this could not be further from the truth. “That never clouded my mind,” he asserted yesterday. Highlighting that he has functioned in the capacity of CEO for about a decade, Khan disclosed that not only is the termination correspondence legitimate, but it is one that was required because of the “gross insubordination” demonstrated by Hicks. He was however not willing yesterday to detail any example of “gross insubordination.” According to Khan he at-

tempted to give Hicks a signed letter of termination on Monday in the presence of the Director of Human Resources. But according to him, Hicks refused to accept the letter and returned to normal duty Monday and Tuesday. As such, Khan said that he decided to circulate the memo informing Departmental Heads that Hicks' service has been terminated. Khan went on to explain that the position of Director of Nursing is a contracted position and Hicks, for the past few months, was functioning on a probationary basis. Monday marked the last day of the probationary phase. “I thought she would come around,” said Khan of Hicks as he reiterated that her dismissal was due to “gross insubordination.” “I would like the facts to be clear...if the person wants to tell you, they can tell you what the gross insubordinations are,” the CEO added. And even as he, seated in

his office, explained away the concerns linked to Hicks's termination, nurses positioned outside the New Market entrance of the hospital could be heard calling for his dismissal. This was among several other slogans embraced by the protesting nurses. “No Matron, no work” and “Nursing in crisis” were just a few. In responding to the calls for his dismissal, Khan said that he is prepared to resign as CEO if asked by Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton. “I am a professional and if he asked me to resign I will resign. I don't have a problem. I am not like some of them who suddenly change their coat...I am here to serve whatever Government because I don't have any party affiliation; my only affiliation is to the Guyanese people (who need the service we offer). “This is not about my ego; I am here to serve the people,” said Khan. He insisted that his decision was a professional one.

Thursday June 18, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Jamaica government says it can’t afford bigger public sector pay hike KINGSTON, Jamaica We just can’t afford it! That’s the message Minister of Finance Dr. Peter Phillips Tuesday night sent to public sector workers who are demanding a pay increase higher than the seven per cent hike being offered by government. He urged them to see the wider picture, cautioning that a bigger pay hike would have a negative impact on Jamaica’s economic reform programme which is being undertaken with assistance from the International Monetary Fund. “There are still many of us who do not make the link between the reduction of the debt and the public sector wage bill, and the ability of the government to provide the social services and capital investments which will allow the country to progress, and improve the quality of life of all Jamaicans. As a result, some continue to express the view that we should seek to borrow more money in order to pay wage increases,” he said in an address to the nation last night. “What the government has offered in the wage

Dr. Peter Phillips

negotiations is what we can afford at this time. While we appreciate the demand for a higher rate of wage increases, at this time we simply cannot afford it.” Last year, the government spent 31 cents out of every dollar it earned to pay public sector wages and salaries, as a result of meeting payments for all outstanding wage agreements. That was 10 cents more than five years ago. Phillips noted that Jamaica is still at a fragile point, halfway through the programme with the IMF, and the government had to maintain that momentum “and do nothing to reverse or derail the substantive gains that have already been made”.

“We will have to continue to live within our means. In order to spend more on wages we will have to earn more, and we can only earn more by attracting greater levels of investment, local and foreign, which will provide employment for more Jamaicans,” he said. The finance minister’s address to the nation followed the IMF’s announcement hours earlier that it had approved a US$39.8 million disbursement to Jamaica after concluding its eighth review of the country’s performance under the four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The IMF said Jamaica’s performance was “on track and has remained strong”.

Ganja probe begins, as Jack Warner releases recordings of conversation about drugs at PM’s home PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Trinidad’s top cop Tuesday ordered a probe into the alleged 2013 ganja find at the private residence of Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar on the same day that Jack Warner released recordings of conversations with former national security adviser Gary Griffith about the discovery. Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams confirmed that five grammes of a plant-like material resembling marijuana had been found at the house. These developments follow denials by PersadBissessar and Williams indicating he had not been informed of any such find and there was no report in the station diary. The Trinidad Express newspaper broke the news about the drug matter when it carried a story on Sunday, quoting a sworn statement Warner submitted to a Justice of the Peace in which he claimed that on April 12, 2013, the then deputy commissioner of police Mervyn Richardson came to Parliament and informed him that a packet containing four ounces of marijuana was found outside a window of Persad-Bissessar’s home. Warner, who was national

Jack Warner

security minister at the time, said he, Richardson, the then national security adviser Gary

Griffith and Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal conspired to cover-up the discovery.

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Kaieteur News

Haitians fear deportation from Dominican Republic as deadline looms

Thursday June 18, 2015

U.S. weighs near-term Assad military retrenchment in Syria Free Syrian Army fighters fire rockets towards forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad in the northern countryside of Quneitra, Syria, yesterday. (REUTERS/ALAA AL-FAQIR)

Haitians show papers while clinging to the fence surrounding the Ministry of Interior and Police as they wait to register in Santo Domingo (REUTERS/RICARDO ROJAS) Hundreds of thousands of Haitian migrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent faced the risk of deportation from the Dominican Republic yesterday as a deadline for enforcement of a new immigration law approached. Dominican officials say anyone lacking identity documents or who has not registered for a so-called “regularization” program before the Wednesday night deadline could face deportation. The Dominican government says the changes to its nationality and immigration laws aim to tackle illegal migration from neighboring Haiti. Human rights groups say the move is rooted in longstanding racism and xenophobia in the Dominican Republic towards darker-skinned Haitians. Over the last century an untold number of Haitians have crossed into the more prosperous Dominican Republic to escape political violence or seek a better life, many working as sugar cane cutters, house cleaners or babysitters. Human rights groups say the new law could impact hundreds of thousands of these migrants and a smaller number of Dominican-born people of Haitian descent who lost citizenship after a constitutional court ruling in 2013 that has faced international criticism. That ruling reversed the right of citizenship for foreigners born in the Dominican Republic, stripping children of Haitian migrants of their Dominican nationality, human rights groups say.

Dominican President Danilo Medina has said there will be no mass deportations. But undocumented Haitian migrants can be deported within 48 hours of the deadline, government officials have said. Those who register under the regularization program will have 45 days during which their applications are verified. The government says more than 210,000 people have registered under the program. Those deemed eligible could earn a two year temporary migrant status. The Dominican army has 2,000 troops ready to help coordinate the removal of people who fail to meet legal requirements to remain in the country. Four “Welcome Centers” are being set up to receive undocumented people, the government said. Local media have reported the government has dozens of buses on standby to transport undocumented people to the Haiti border. For the last few weeks long lines of Haitian migrants and Dominican-Haitians have formed outside a government office in the capital seeking to register under the regularization program, as police in riot gear stand guard. On Tuesday, Milaine Nocent beamed as she showed a reporter a copy of an official document obtained after four days of standing in line to register her children as Dominicans. “Now we can stay,” she said with evident relief. Augustin Wasner, a construction worker who said he lacked the needed documents, vowed that whatever happened he would

never return to Haiti. “I have brought many papers, I talked with many men but I can’t get inside,” Wasner said. There is no official data on how many Dominicans of Haitian descent are in the country, human rights groups say, as many never obtained documents with the civil registry. Less than 9,000 have been able to register under a separate naturalization program which expired in February, according to Human Rights Watch. Amnesty International said it was concerned many Dominican-born people with a legitimate right to stay could be removed because they lack

The United States and its allies are weighing the possibility that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, under growing military pressure, may soon narrow his focus on defense of more limited areas of the country, the top U.S. general said yesterday. Losses in the north, east and south have put Assad under more military strain than at any point in the four-yearold war, which has killed more than 200,000 people and displaced millions, according to United Nations data. General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Congress that his trip to Israel last week was focused on discussing scenarios involving Assad’s departure or his government’s collapse. “It’s generally the consensus there that, in the near term, it’s probably more likely that the regime ... would go over to the defensive and limit its protection of the

Alawite Shia and some of the minority groups,” Dempsey said, without himself predicting such an outcome. Under that scenario, Assad would leave the rest of Syria basically ungoverned, “or governed in ways that wouldn’t be positive for the region near term,” Dempsey said. “We’re working with our partners on the near term,” Dempsey said, without elaborating. U.S. officials have previously acknowledged that Assad was under strain. But Assad has survived such pressure before, notably at the end of 2012 when the West thought his government was near collapse. However, insurgents have grown in strength since then while government forces have been depleted. “Because his forces are much weakened, and they have taken great losses ... they’re increasingly in the

Damascus area and in the Alawite areas of northwestern Syria,” Defense Secretary Ash Carter told the House Armed Services Committee, testifying alongside Dempsey. Carter said the best scenario would be for Assad to cede power to a new government, formed by a moderate opposition. Carter and Dempsey acknowledged that it was so far proving challenging to recruit Syrian opposition forces for a program to train and equip them to battle Islamic State. The U.S.-trained forces are not meant to target Assad. “We have enough training sites and so forth. For now, we don’t have enough trainees to fill them,” Carter said. Dempsey noted that the training, which officials have said is taking place in Jordan and Turkey, had just started and that it was still too soon “to give up on it.”

Russia not acting as responsible nuclear power: NATO commander U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove

NATO’s top commander said yesterday Russia’s announcement it was adding 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles to its nuclear arsenal was not the kind of behavior expected of a responsible nuclear power. President Vladimir Putin’s announcement on Tuesday of the planned new deployments put further strain on the relations between Moscow and the West, already tense over the Ukraine crisis. “This is not a way that

responsible nuclear nations behave,” U.S. Air Force General and NATO supreme allied commander Philip Breedlove told Reuters during a visit to Poland. “A rhetoric which ratchets up tensions in a nuclear sense is not a responsible behavior and we seek and ask that these (nuclear) nations handle this particular type of weapon in a more responsible way.” Following Putin’s announcement, NATO Secretary General Jens

Stoltenberg accused Russia of nuclear saber rattling, describing it as “destabilizing and dangerous”. Speaking to Reuters yesterday, Stoltenberg said Russia was investing heavily in new military capabilities, including nuclear. “They are exercising more their nuclear forces, and they are also using nuclear rhetoric as part of their strategy,” Stoltenberg said. Asked whether Macedonia and Montenegro should be invited to join NATO at an alliance summit in Warsaw next year, Breedlove said that while the countries were ready in military terms, the decision to invite them would ultimately be political. Macedonia and Montenegro want to follow in

the footsteps of Albania and ex-Yugoslav Croatia, which joined NATO in 2009, and Poland’s defense minister said that the two countries should be invited next year. But Russia has opposed any NATO expansion to former communist nations of eastern and southeast Europe, part of a competition for geostrategic influence since the end of the Cold War that lies at the heart of the current conflict in ex-Soviet Ukraine. “From a military point of view these nations have done the things that we need them to do,” Breedlove said. “To have the last sort of non-NATO nation like Montenegro in that area join (the alliance) would certainly make the military situation there simpler.”

Thursday June 18, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Is the WICB serious about cricket development or merely... From page 28 handled properly lest he goes the way of the numerous other talented young players before him including Adrian Barath, Keiron Powell, Ryan Ramdass, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Dwayne Smith, Shane Shillingford, Ravi Rampaul, Brandon Bess, and even Darren Bravo among others. The enormous talents of these players have been

greatly stymied in the discouraging environment created by the current WICB administrators. West Indies cricket must be seen in the context of providing a sustained programme of development that ensures the production of a constant stream of players and officials defined, refined and satisfactorily equipped to at least compete

with any of the current international teams. In this regard the development programme in each of the six territories must include the following: (a) A school cricket progamme (b) Strengthening of the club cricket system that addresses both infrastructure and administration. (c) Intensifying and

Experienced six headline... From page 30 Draft nominees: Deno Baker, Nelson Bolan, Richard Frederick, Jahmar Hamilton, Colin Hamer, Montcin Hodge, Shane Jeffers, Yannick Leonard, Tevin Osborne, Jaison Peters, Adelvin Phillips, Lyndel Richardson, Akeem Saunders, Rawlston Tuitt, Hayden Walsh Jr. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO RED FORCE Protected players: Yannick Cariah, Kevon Cooper, Rayad Emrit, Steven Katwaroo, Imran Khan, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Kjorn Ottley, Ravi Rampaul, Marlon Richards Draft nominees: Jahron Alfred, Ancil Bhagan, Brian Charles, Daron Cruickshank, Derone Davis, Mark Deyal, Akeal Hosein,

Ricky Jaipaul, Kavesh Kantasingh, Ewart Nicholson, Yannic Ottley, Khary Pierre, Strassack Sankar, Jeremy Solozano, Nicholas SookdeosinghWINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES Protected players: Sunil Ambris, Alston Bobb, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Mervin Matthew, Kenroy Peters, Liam Sebastien, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile Draft nominees: Miles Bascombe, Gian Benjamin, Roland Cato, Craig Emmanuel, Tayrick Gabriel, Dawnley Grant, Kevin James, Delorn Johnson, Keddy Lesporis, Garey Mathurin, Preston McSween, Dalton Polius, Jerlani Robinson, Denis Smith, Josh Thomas

Thursday June 18, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today is a great day for you. You should enjoy a great deal of playful conversation, Aries. Fantasy is likely to play a big role in events, and you may daydream as you walk down the street. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) There may be a rather confusing element to the day, Taurus. You feel tempted to act, but some of the pieces seem to be missing. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be the star of your own movie and proud of the role you play, Gemini. You might find yourself taking on many different characters, depending on your mood of the hour. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Take a break from your daily routine and get off the treadmill today, Cancer. The world will turn without you for one day, so tune out for a while. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Things are flowing your way, Leo, and you should find a great deal of pleasure in the company of others. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today isn't about finding solutions to problems. It's about enjoying what you've already learned and accomplished. Keep things light.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Let your childlike side come out and play today, Libra. Your dreams are in full force, so let them lead the way. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Take a break from the routine and get off the beaten path, Scorpio. This is a day to forge ahead with ideas and dreams rather than commitments and answers. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) It may feel like something has suddenly clicked into place for you today, Sagittarius, because you've found the missing piece of a puzzle you've been working on. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Things may seem surreal today, Capricorn, so don't take other people's chatter too seriously. This is a day to reach out and touch someone, so pick up the phone. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may find it hard to take a realistic approach to your emotions today, Aquarius. A sensitive issue may pull on you, leaving you feeling like you're out in left field in the way you relate to others. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Wo r k t o b r i n g harmony to the situation by getting to the truth and helping to make the real motivations known.

upgrading the domestic cricket competitions within each territory. (d) Revisiting the regional system by allowing for the Premier League T20 & 50Over Tournaments to be played on the fully professional basis of the franchise system. And also to allow for the six (6) regional teams to play their T20 and 50-Over Tournaments amongst themselves in order to provide for and prepare the local players who do not make the franchise teams to gain valuable exposure. The fourday cricket could be played amongst the Territorial Boards in the usual manner where the Boards and not the Directors privately (as in the case of Guyana) run the cricket. (e) The institution of the Cricket Academy must be fully implemented and functional as a development tool and not symbolic as the present one. Each territory must have an academy feeding into the regional center “the Academy of Excellence”. Each academy must provide for training of players and officials including scorers, umpires etc. It is indeed a shame that we presently do not have a single umpire on the international grid. But, who cares? (f) The coaching system needs to be urgently overhauled for more effectiveness. While I have no problem with the appointment of Phil Simmons as head Coach of the WI Senior Team, I respectfully submit that unless there is a properly-designed coaching programme to produce the quality of cricketers we desire at the test level, Mr. Simmons will, like his predecessors, fail due to players arriving at the test level with a myriad of flaws, both technically and mentally. I feel it would be better to establish a Coaching Committee comprising the head coach from each territory and headed by the current WICB Head Coach. This Committee will ascertain from observations and from reports of former head coaches the deficiencies noted in players when they reach the test level. This Coaching Committee will need to visit each territory and establish training methods to prepare the players from schools; clubs and national teams so that when they arrive at the test level most if not all of the faults would have been ironed out. This Committee should be tasked with the responsibility of scouting for players (especially fast bowlers) and

recommending coaches for West Indies Teams generally. There must be a continuous process of evaluation within each of the six territories to ensure that the cricket production line is working optimally. Finally, it is quite obvious that the current Cricket Director (Mr. Richard Pybus) cannot contribute meaningfully to our cricketing needs and is incapable of solving the many cricket problems. Despite the shambolic state of cricket in Guyana, Mr. Pybus has never visited Guyana to discuss with all stakeholders the many contentious issues. Guyana is an important cog in the wheel of West Indian Cricket development but has been shabbily treated and deliberately ignored for the past four or five years. As long as the WICB establishes a proper development programme within a structure and it is properly maintained we will have quality players coming

through consistently. Clive Lloyd could then relinquish his mediocre role as Chairman of the Selectors and take up a more appropriate and suitable role as Director of Cricket or President of the WICB to properly oversee the actual development process. The WICB would then have the respect and admiration of the World at large with our players proudly operating in an atmosphere that is more conducive to their expected success with proper remuneration packages and mutually agreed contractual arrangements. Frustrated but loyal fans, who regularly bash the unfortunate cricketers for poor performances on the field often times not realizing that it is the incompetence of an inefficient and uncaring WICB administration that is the real culprit, could once again enjoy with pride the resurgence of their beloved WI cricket team(s). Claude Raphael Former WICB Director

FIFA’s Blatter hires U.S... From page 32 pushed out of his job as acting director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), but did not face charges, after a botched anti-gun-smuggling operation known as “Fast and Furious.” Cullen also represented CIA and U.S. Defense Department officials in an investigation into interrogation techniques dating to the George W. Bush administration, according to his law firm biography. In Richmond, about 110 miles (177 km) south of Washington, D.C., Cullen resides largely outside the political and media spotlights of Washington and New York.

McGuireWoods has its home office in the city, and Cullen has worked there with only brief interruptions since law school. But he is a powerbroker in Virginia Republican politics. He has worked closely with governors and local lawmakers, according to a 2007 profile in Richmond Law magazine. In February, he helped bring Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush to Richmond for an event, the website Politico reported. Cullen left his law firm in the early 1990s to serve as the chief federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia, which sits just outside Washington.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 18, 2015

Warriors beat LeBron’s Cavs >>> Letter to the Sports Editor <<< to snap NBA title drought Is the WICB serious about cricket development or merely bluffing

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and guard Andre Iguodala (9) pose with the Larry O’Brien Trophy after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 105-97 in game six of the NBA Finals. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) CLEVELAND (Reuters) The Golden State Warriors capped a brilliant season with a 105-97 victory over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday to win the NBA Finals for the first time in 40 years. The Warriors, the topseeded team in the playoffs after compiling the best record in the regular season, won the best-of-seven championship series 4-2. NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Andre Iguodala, who had not started all season until Game Four of the Finals, and Stephen Curry each had 25 points for Golden State, while James again led the way for the injury-hit Cavaliers with a game-high 32 points. “I’ve seen this on TV so many times, dreaming about what it would be like to pour champagne on yourself and when that moment comes and I’m holding the trophy, champagne is falling on my face, that’s when it all sinks in that this is real,” said Curry. “Best champagne I’ve ever had in my life.” Golden State became the first team since the 1991 Chicago Bulls to win the NBA title with a roster absent any previous finals experience. For James, who averaged 35.8 points per game, 13.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists in

the Finals despite playing with an injury-hit team, the loss dropped the greatest player of his generation to 24 all-time in the NBA’s championship series. “When you fall short, it hurts and it eats at you, and it hurts me to know that I wish I could have done better and done more and just put a little more effort or whatever the case may be to help us get over the hump,” said James. “But it just wasn’t our time.” Having trailed by 13 points late, the Cavaliers pulled to within four in the final minute, reigniting a home crowd that had been silenced moments earlier, but the Warriors held firm to clinch the title. In the end, injuries to All Star point guard Kyrie Irving and forward Kevin Love were too much for the Cavs to overcome. “We never asked for sympathy when they went down. We never made an excuse, and I certainly won’t do that now,” said Cavs coach David Blatt. “We played our hearts out. The Warriors were better. Those guys will get healthy, and we’ll come back after it next season.” COSTLY TURNOVERS Cleveland opened the game with a 7-2 run to whip

an anxious home crowd into a frenzy but Golden State weathered the storm with a solid finish to the opening quarter to build a 28-15 lead. After a quiet start to the game, James helped Cleveland narrow the gap with a threepointer from the corner as part of his team’s 11-4 run to open the second quarter. Cleveland, despite a slew of turnovers, battled mightily throughout the second before finally cutting the deficit to two points when Tristan Thompson slammed down a put-back dunk as time expired in the first half. The Cavaliers carried momentum into the early moments of the second half where they moved in front for the first time since early in the game but the Warriors responded brilliantly with an 8-0 run that forced the Cavaliers to call a timeout. Golden State, powered by Iguodala, then built a gamehigh 15-point lead with a minute left in the third. The Cavaliers came out hard in the fourth quarter and showed they were ready for a fight when James forced a turnover before racing down the court for a dunk. His basket capped an 8-0 run that put Cleveland within seven points with 10 minutes to play. But from there the Warriors used a barrage of three-pointers to hold the Cavaliers, who were largely undone by 19 turnovers in the game. “To win a title there’s obviously a lot of work, but a lot of luck as well, and we had a lot of luck on our side this year,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “And our guys took advantage of it, and they were fantastic. “But man, what a night.”

DEAR SPORTS EDITOR, World Cup 2015 has been over for some time now and we are in another phase of West Indies cricket. WI Cricket fans seem to have already forgotten the embarrassment that was foisted on our beloved game during that unforgettable period, and the WICB President has quickly engaged the “distract mode” by making the following announcements: 1. A promise to attend to the pitch – an area of concern that has been constantly talked about for years with no positive action taken. 2. Enlistment of a head coach (in the person of Mr. Phil Simmons) after the World Cup when it would have been more useful to have had him or someone else for some time before that important Tournament. 3. Engaging Caricom to discuss matters that include Government’s role in WI cricket. It is indeed shocking to find that Mr. Cameron only now recognizes that Governments have a role to play after he and his Directors devastated cricket in Guyana over the past four years citing Government’s intervention, when in fact Government only became involved as a result of major cricket administrators’ request for assistance and resolution from an illegal group that has hijacked cricket in Guyana. The WICB never met with Guyana’s Cricket Stakeholders to try and resolve the issues. This seems to be just talk, the usual bluff game designed to keep the WI populace in check while the incompetent WICB continues to waste away the human and financial resources of Caribbean cricket. For regardless of the quality of the head coaches appointed at the test level and the complete rehabilitation of all the pitches in the Caribbean, WI Cricket will not improve significantly until and unless there are serious pragmatic and structural changes in both the administration and technical aspects of our cricket from the school (grassroot) level upwards to the WICB. It follows therefore that this umpteenth governance review would be a futile exercise unless it is meaningfully established as, given its past record; the WICB will not implement any recommendation that doesn’t suit its selfserving purpose. Public acceptance of the decisions could be guaranteed by ensuring the following: 1. That the Governance Committee includes five members who are above reproach and are appropriately qualified in the areas of governance, law and finance with a working knowledge of WI Cricket administration being a key feature. 2. That no member of the current WICB should be on the Governance Committee, particularly since the terms of reference must include the need to investigate each territory of the WICB for compliance on the issues of free and fair elections, financial accountability and technical competence in their cricket administrative operations. Members of that cabal shamelessly band together on issues, even though their decisions would adversely affect the very objective of their responsibility – the development of cricket in the region. 3. That the WICB must make available its books for forensic scrutiny thereby paving the way for progress in the anticipated turnaround of WICB cricket with specific reference to its accountability, financial and otherwise, and how this relates with member territories and funding sources.

Should the current WICB agree to this, then there is hope. I am however of the belief that they will not for they are merely bluffing in order to acquire the forgiveness and acceptance of the cricketing public. So let us test their sincerity one more time. Maybe Caricom could influence Governments to fund the Governance Committee exercise only if the shifty WICB directorate agrees to the terms suggested above. We have been down the road of WICB deception many times before. Let’s hope and pray that this time they would agree in the best interest of WI cricket. In reviewing what transpired throughout the South Africa Tour and the 2015 World Cup debacle, it is evident that maximum preparation is required to present the best combination of participants to compete at the international level and moreso in the premier cricketing spectacle - the World Cup. Players must be carefully selected and fully prepared for such engagements well in advance, since the image and quality of the West Indies Cricket would be on show to the entire world. In my view, the WICB irresponsibly sent a group of players (not a team) to represent us on the world stage; that group was not a cohesive unit and seemed totally unaware of what was expected of them. This was not fair to the fans, the image of WI cricket, the WI people and the players themselves. It was obvious that the WI Cricket Administration was unsure of what they wished to achieve, except of course to punish certain players. Key factors to note are: 1. The cricket group was selected amongst utter confusion after the Indian Tour debacle, instead of being identified sometime between six months to one (1) year before the tournament in order to facilitate acceptable preparation. 2. Some members of the group were not in agreement with the omission of certain top players. 3. The Captain selected was utterly inexperienced and had an equally inexperienced vice-captain whose record as captain of a Regional Team could not justify his appointment in preference to any of the other senior players in the squad. 4. The lack of an experienced head coach for the 2015 Cricket World Cup exposed the limitations of the coaching team that included Sir Richie Richardson, Sir Curtly Ambrose and Stuart William all from Antigua, none of whom are known to have coached either Antigua or the Leeward Islands cricket teams. Sir Curtly Ambrose tried his best to infuse energy and purpose into players but none just could not respond positively nor gel as a unit. Teamwork was absent and success impossible under those conditions. In hindsight, this was a plethora of glaring mistakes. In light of the forgoing, it is my opinion that the WICB erred miserably in appointing Jason Holder and Marlon Samuels as captain and vice-captain respectively of the world cup team. Appointing Managers, Captains, Coaches and other administrative staff is the functions of the WICB Directorate not the Selectors. The buck stops at the Board and they should know better particularly when there were three (3) former captains in the squad. The timing was wrong. Indeed Jason Holder is a talented young player with great potential. But he must be (Continued on page 25)

Thursday June 18, 2015

Kaieteur News

Digicel School’s Football Championships

L’Aventure claw back to KO West Demerara in Region 3 opener 2-1 L’ Aventure Secondary goal scorers, Dan Boston (left) and Adewole Bowman.

By Franklin Wilson L’Aventure Secondary dealt the first blow in the Region 3 leg of this year’s Digicel School’s Football Championships firing back in the closing moments to defeat West Demerara 2-1 when the fourth edition of Guyana’s largest football competition kicked off yesterday at the spanking new, Leonora Football ground. Following the meeting of the teams participating in Region 3 by Digicel Head of Marketing, Ms. Jacqueline James and Director of Sport Mr. Christopher Jones and the official kick off when Digicel CEO Mr. Kevin Kelly joined James and Jones, West Demerara and L’Aventure set about entertaining the crowd of mostly school children whilst seeking to advance in this knock-out format. It was the West Demerara side that enjoyed the opening exchanges and established themselves as favorites to win the game and advance at the expense of their opponents. They looked much more assured in offence and defence than L’Aventure and netted the first goal which was no surprise. It was an appropriate goal on the opening day of competition, witnessed by the top brass of the sponsor and a top sporting official from the government. West Demerara’s Jeiel Jansen collected the ball midway in his half and with daft skills and limber maneuverings evaded all that L’Aventuer had to offer in terms of defenders before blasting the ball into the back of the nets to the cheers of

his teammates and fellow students in the 13th minute. West Demerara continued to dominate L’Aventure for the remainder of the first half and indeed for almost the entire 70 minute encounter. Many were the chances that they created and should have converted at least four more goals but failed miserably so to do. Muffed chances always comes back to haunt you and it certainly did for West Demerara as in the final 15 minutes they showed signs of tiring which played right into the hands of L’Aventure who found the equalizer following a good period of domination. It was their number 10 player, Dan Boston who delivered the neutralizing goal in the 62 nd minute. Boston beat the goalkeeper at the near post with a well taken shot. It was the goal that broke the back of the West Demerara lads. As the minutes ticked away and it seemed like the match was heading for a draw and subsequent penalty

kicks, L’Aventure had other ideas and with one minute to go, rocked the back of the West Demerara nets compliments of an Adewole Bowman strike in the 69 th minute. The win for L’Aventure means that they will advance to play the winner of game five of this zone between Patentia and Goed Fortuin Secondary Schools who will face off on June 24 at the Den Amstel ground. Meanwhile, action will continue today also at Den Amstel when Vergenoegen Secondary match skills with Zeeburg Secondary from 15:30hrs. Stewartville and Endeavour will square off tomorrow at Leonora; Uitvlugt face Vreed-en-Hoop on June 23; defending Zone champions Leonora oppose Professional Learning Institute on June 25th, while St. John’s will match skills with Essequibo Islands on June 26 after which the respective winners will then oppose each other. The Zone final is set for July 5th at Leonora.

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Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote wants to buy Arsenal BBC Sport - Africa’s richest businessman says he is planning a bid to buy Arsenal. Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote believes the building of an oil refinery in his homeland will give him the finance to secure a takeover. The 58-year-old, who has an estimated wealth of £11.5bn, says he has supported the Gunners since the 1980s. “When we get this refinery on track, I will have enough time and enough resources to pay what they are asking for,” he told BBC Hausa. American Stan Kroenke is Arsenal’s majority shareholder, owning 66.64% of the club’s parent company Arsenal Holdings plc. Russian-Uzbek Alisher Usmanov owns 29.11% with the remainder of the 62,217 shares held by minority shareholders including former players and the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust,

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote (AFP) who own three. Dangote is ranked 67th on the Forbes rich list. He had previously been interested in purchasing the 15.9% stake sold to Kroenke for £123m by Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith in April 2011 only to pull out. “There were a couple of us who were rushing to buy, and we thought with the prices then, the people who were interested in selling were trying to go for a kill,”

Dangote added. “We backtracked, because we were very busy doing other things, especially our industrialisation.” Dangote believes Arsenal require a different ownership in order to be more successful on the pitch. He added: “They are doing well, but they need another strategic direction. They need more direction than the current situation, where they just develop players and sell them.”

England overpower Colombia 2-1, to face Norway next Colombia midfielder Nataly Arias (14) and England forward Lianne Sanderson (20) battle for the ball during the second half in a Group F soccer match in the 2015 FIFA women’s World Cup at Olympic Stadium. (Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports)

Qatar paid $1.8 MILLION to make World Cup bid to... From page 30 because I have not done anything,” said Hayatou. “My conscience is clear,” he was quoted as saying. Swiss authorities are investigating the attribution of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar. US investigators have charged 14 people over the paying of more than $150 million in bribes to soccer officials. Hayatou was accused of accepting bribes by a former Qatar bid employee, Phaedra Almajid. Almajid said she was

present when the Qatar bid organisation paid $1.5 million to three African members of FIFA’s executive committee to secure their votes for Qatar, which was awarded the hosting rights for the 2022 tournament. The former employee made a sworn statement recanting her allegations, but later still she told the FBI that representatives of the Qatar bid had pressured her to do so. “I’ve never seen this woman in my life,” Hayatou was quoted as saying.

MONTREAL, Quebec, CAN; (Reuters) England punished some poor defending by Colombia to secure a fairly comfortable 2-1 win in their women’s World Cup Group F game in Montreal on Wednesday and set up a clash with Norway in the next round. England finished in second place on six points, behind France on goal difference, and will play Norway in Ottawa on June 22. Colombia have four points and could still qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams. England, ranked sixth in the world, took the lead in the 15th minute when Colombian goalkeeper Sandra Sepulveda fumbled a free kick and midfielder Karen Carney drilled the ball home from a tight angle.

Colombia’s inability to deal with set pieces hurt them again later in the first half when Carolina Arias handled in the box after a free kick. Fara Williams easily scored from the penalty spot in the 38th minute. The South Americans adopted a more attacking stance in the second half but only managed to find a goal in the last minute of stoppage time when Lady Andrade lobbed the ball over keeper Karen Bardsley. England, ranked sixth, have reached the quarter final of the World Cup three times, most recently in 2007 and 2011. Colombia have only qualified for the tournament once, in 2011, when they failed to make it out of the group stage.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 18, 2015

Defending champs, Bahamas blow EXPERIENCED away Guyana - Bermuda take revenge for home series loss SIX HEADLINE

PLAYER DRAFT

Defending Champs, Bahamas shoots over Guyana’s Gordon James in the paint during their game Tuesday night in Tortola, BVI. (www.caribbeanbaskebtall.com photo)

The defending champions, Bahamas won convincingly against Guyana 89-69 in their Group B preliminary play of the 2015 Men’s Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championships at the Multi-Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola. The Bahamas used a 15-4 run that was ignited by a Kentwan Smith three-pointer at the 6:12 mark in the first quarter and were able to control the game after that. Smith finished with 18 points on a perfect 7-7 FG and 3-3 from downtown. Guyana’s efforts were aided

by a strong performance by Dave Causway who had a game-high 19 points, including 11 of his team’s 13 points in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Bermuda, after briefly giving up the lead in the second half, upped its preliminary round record to 11 with a 74-65 victory over Guyana, which had beaten the Bermudians in an International Series in Guyana in March. Guyana slipped to a 0-3 record at the 2015 Caribbean Championships with only Suriname to play. The loss ensures that Guyana will miss

the Final Four round. Bermuda led 15-9 after the first quarter, and after a Keron McKenzie three-pointer tied it for Guyana at 4:08 mark of the second, Bermuda closed out the half on a 9-2 run to lead 32-23 at halftime. Gordon James then gave Guyana its first lead midway through the first quarter with a three-point play to make it 38-36 with 5:06 left in the third. But Bermuda went on a 50 run of its own to retake the lead. A three-pointer from Jason Simons with 40 seconds left in the third period stretched the lead to

seven before the quarter ended with Bermuda up 5045. James got his team to within two with another threepoint play at the 7:01 mark of the fourth quarter, making the score 52-50, and then to within four at 61-57 with 4:19 to play, but Guyana would get no closer, scoring just two points over the next 2:19. Sullivan Philips led Bermuda with 24 points and 11 rebounds while Christopher Crumpler scored 16, and Yusef Riley added 11 points. James led Guyana with 22 points. (caribbeanbasketball.com)

RHTY&SC NAMES TEAM FOR BCB fundraiser....Caricom Championship 2015 The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, playing under the banner of Gizmos and Gadgets, one of the top cricket teams in Berbice and Guyana, has named a strong team for the Berbice Cricket Board fund raiser “Caricom Championship” 2015. The team to be coached by former national wicket keeper/batsman Delbert Hicks, who will also play and is managed by veteran administrator Hilbert Foster, will include several young and talented cricketers who represented Berbice and Guyana at different levels. The batting will be in the safe hands of Hicks, Vidal Crandon, Akshay Homraj and Jason Sinclair. The bowling will be spearheaded by pacer Clinton Pestano and a battery of spinners in Eon Hooper, Shawn Perriera, Troy Mathieson and Collis Butts. The full team reads: Akshay Homraj, Vidal

Delbert Hicks

Akshay Homraj

Crandon, Clinton Pestano, Jason Sinclair, Shawn Perriera, Eon Hooper, Sherwin Murray, Troy Mathieson, Collis Butts, Keon Sinclair, Brandon Prashad, Kumar Jeet Joseph, Jason Anderson and Simeon Lawson. Manager Hilbert Foster, coach/player Delbert Hicks. Proceeds from this event will be used mainly to

organise a very important three day cricket competition and will be played at the historic Albion Sports Complex on Sunday July 5, 2015. The Caricom Championship will see the top eight T20 first division teams in Berbice taking part in a ten over knockout competition

with the final of 20 overs to be played under lights for a top prize of $80,000 and trophy. The runner up will receive $40,000 and trophy with the losing finalists getting $15,000 each. Man of the match in every game will be rewarded. Action begins at 10am sharp. The teams are: Upper Corentyne/Skeldon, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Albion, Young Warriors/Edinburg/ Rose Hall Center, Police/ Bermine, Blairmont/West Berbice and Bush Lot/ D’Edward. All the top players in Berbice will be on show. Several gate prizes will be up for grabs for the fans with a well stocked bar and musical entertainment on hand. Games for the young and old will be there. To promote the game, fifteen passes each will be given to eight schools in the Lower Corentyne area. Admission is $300 for adults, children under 12 free.

Half dozen players with Test match experience have been included in the list of 90 entered in the Player Draft of the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League. The Player Draft, which has been organised with the goal of achieving an equitable distribution of the available player talent in the Regional 4-Day and NAGICO Super50 tournaments, takes place today at the Accra Beach Hotel in Barbados from 13:00hrs. The WICB announced yesterday the pool of players who will be in the Draft and fast bowler Tino Best, wicketkeeper/batsman Carlton Baugh Jr, batsman Kirk Edwards, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Ryan Hinds, opener Xavier Marshall and left-handed opener Omar Phillips head the list, which also includes five other players with international playing experience. The other players with international credentials are openers Miles Bascombe and Nkrumah Bonner, as well as off-spin all-rounder Royston Crandon, batsman Danza Hyatt and left-arm spinner Garey Mathurin. Each of the six franchises in the PCL will select five players – including a minimum of two from outside their home territory – to add to the 10 players which they have already retained for a minimum squad complement of 15. The six franchises in the League shall participate in the Draft through the Chairman of Selectors or Head Coach. With the selection order for the Player Draft the reverse order of the final league position of the franchise in the 2014-15 WICB PCL Regional 4-Day Tournament, Leeward Islands Hurricanes will make the opening selection. They will be followed by current NAGICO Super50 champions Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, then the Jamaica Franchise, Windward Islands Volcanoes, Barbados Pride and reigning Regional 4-Day champions Guyana Jaguars. This sequence will be repeated for each of the five rounds of draft picks. Each franchise must pick a player in each round and will have two minutes to select the player. Where a selection is not made within the

stipulated time, the offending franchise will miss their turn and must wait until all other franchises have made their selection in that round before making its selection. A total of 30 players will be drafted. The remaining players will be available for Pay-For-Play contracts at the discretion of the various franchises. Squads: BARBADOS PRIDE Protected players: Carlos Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Kyle Corbin, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Ashley Nurse, Shai Hope, Jomel Warrican Draft nominees: Tino Best, Rashidi Boucher, Kirk Edwards, Justin Greaves, Antonio Greenidge, Ryan Hinds, Chaim Holder, Kyle Hope, Jerome Jones, Kyle Mayers, Kevin McClean, Omar Phillips, Javon Searles, Kevin Stoute, Kenroy Williams GUYANAJAGUARS Protected players: Christopher Barnwell, Ronsford Beaton, Devendra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Rajendra Chandrika, Assad Fudadin, Shimron Hetmyer, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Vishaul Singh Draft nominees: Anthony Adams, Ricardo Adams, Robin Bacchus, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Royston Crandon, Trevon Griffith, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Steven Jacobs, Raun Johnson, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Raj Nannan, Keemo Paul, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Paul Wintz JAMAICA FRANCHISE Protected players: Dave Bernard Jr, John Campbell, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Dawes, Nicholson Gordon, Damion Jacobs, Brandon King, Tamar Lambert, Nikita Miller, Marquino Mindley Draft nominees: Carlton Baugh Jr, Nkrumah Bonner, Gavon Brown, Odean Brown, Brian Buchanan, Cassius Burton Jr, Jon-Ross Campbell, Danza Hyatt, Ramaal Lewis, Xavier Marshall, Andre McCarthy, Horace Miller, Paul Palmer Jr, Shacaya Thomas, Keno Wallace LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES Protected players: Quinton Boatswain, Kacey Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, Steve Liburd, Orlando Peters, Sherwin Peters, Jacques Taylor, Devon Thomas, Gavin Tonge (Continued on page 27)

Thursday June 18, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 31

GCB Coaching Education programme underway in Berbice

Participants going through their booklets during the programme yesterday. By Zaheer Mohamed The Berbice leg of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Ministry of Education/Scotiabank coaching education programme got underway yesterday at the Port Mourant Cricket Club, Berbice with a number of teachers and potential coaches in attendance. The programme which is being tutored by officers of Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) and GCB Territorial Development Officer Colin Stuart, is designed to educate teachers, potential coaches and persons acting in capacity as

coaches at various cricket clubs on child care and protection. Yesterday participants were given lessons on child abuse which includes role plays and will undertake an evaluation as the programme continues. They will also embark on the West Indies Cricket Board coaching education foundation course today and tomorrow. According to Stuart, the programme is part of the West Indies coaching curriculum and is now a prerequisite to become a WICB accredited coach. Stuart said the main aim is to

increase the knowledge base of potential coaches; teachers and cricket enthusiast in this field so that they can become more equiped to deal with children who are being abused. “This is a very important programme so we are trying to get at least one teacher from a primary and a secondary school involved.” “Educating coaches of the do’s and don’ts are a positive step since the well-being of children is very important. It is also essential that coaches become aware of this and help them to learn in a safe environment,” stated Stuart. Child Protection Officer, Orette

Francois pointed out that it is a very w i s e mo v e b y t h e c r ick e t authorities to include CPA in coaching because coaches comes into contact with children and are in a good position to spot child abuse. He added that Child protection is the protection of children from abuse, harm or neglect. “It is the responsibility of coaches to care for children in such a way that neither they nor others cause harm to them, and to report and record all concerns related to a child being harmed. It will assist in the effective development of the youths,” he pointed out.

He said that the response is good adding that participants seem to have a lot of myth when it comes to child abuse, so this programme clears those myths especially how abuse affects the child. “We want the participants to understand who is a child and what child abuse is; those forms include sexual, physical, neglect, verbal and emotional, and how to spot child abuse and what to do when encounter same,” he explained. The programme concludes tomorrow while the Essequibo leg will commence next Wednesday at Anna Regina.

GDA President Faye Joseph to host massive Father’s Day Tournament

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President of the GDA Faye Joseph (left) and Organiser Mark Wiltshire pose with the Father’s Day Tournament trophies yesterday.

resident of the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) Faye Joseph has organised a massive Father’s Day Competition which will see most of the top teams in country participate for prize monies totaling over $400,000. The Competition which will be played on Sunday at the President’s Residence at 1223 Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt will see teams such as Spartans, Thunder, Rage, All Seasons, F&H Printery, Saddam, Scamblers, Raiders, Turning Point, Village, Frankie’s, West Side Brothers and Determined among other vie for the top three prizes. The winning team will receive $200,000, runner-up $150,000 and 3rd place $50,000 along with trophies. Joseph, who has been at the helm of Dominoes for sometime now told this newspaper that the competition will be played in the memory of her late husband Orin Jospeh, who was a former President of the GDA and avid player as well. She said teams will not be asked to pay an entrance fee to participate in the tournament which is expected to start at 15:00 hrs sharp. According to her, teams that arrive after the stipulated time will not be able to participate in the competition. Another incentive according to her is that special prizes will be given to fathers, including the oldest to play in the event, while there are many other prizes to be given away to them. Interested teams could contact tele #6851009 or 665-5855.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 18, 2015

Exclusive: FIFA’s Blatter hires U.S. lawyer for corruption probe NEW YORK (Reuters) FIFA President Sepp Blatter has hired a high-powered U.S. lawyer to represent him as a corruption probe rocks football’s global governing body, a person familiar with the matter said. Blatter recently retained Richard Cullen, the chairman of the law firm M c G u i r e Wo o d s a n d a former U.S. federal prosecutor, said the person, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Blatter, 79, announced on June 2 that he would stand down as FIFA president, only four days after he was reelected to the position, saying he had lost the mandate from the entire world of football. That followed U.S. authorities’ indictment of nine current and former FIFA officials and five

corporate executives for allegedly running a criminal enterprise that involved more than $150 million in bribes over 24 years. U.S. prosecutors have not accused Blatter of wrongdoing. Among the issues the FBI is examining is Blatter’s s t e w a r d s h i p o f F I FA , sources have said. Blatter became president in 1998 and remains in the job pending an election that likely will not occur before December. Investigations by U.S. and Swiss authorities include scrutiny of how FIFA awarded World Cup hosting rights to Russia and Qatar. Blatter has also retained Lorenz Erni, a top lawyer in Zurich, the source said. Erni declined to comment earlier this week. TIES TO COMEY

It was unclear whether Blatter’s decision to hire a top U.S. lawyer indicated increased scrutiny of him by U.S. authorities. It is common in the United States for even potential witnesses to seek legal advice if they can afford it in order to protect their rights. Cullen was not immediately available for comment on Wednesday. Prosecutors in Switzerland, where FIFA is based, have identified 53 suspicious bank transactions and could summon Blatter and FIFA General Secretary J e r o m e Va l c k e f o r questioning, Michael Lauber, the Swiss attorney general, told journalists on Wednesday. Cullen has long ties to FBI Director James Comey, whose bureau is conducting much of the FIFA-related

FIFA President Sepp Blatter addresses a news conference at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland June 2, 2015. (Reuters/Ruben Sprich) investigation. Comey served as a federal prosecutor in Richmond, Virginia, where Cullen is based, and worked as a partner at McGuireWoods. Cullen spoke positively of Comey’s nomination for FBI director in 2013. As a lawyer,

Cullen has often represented government officials as they tried to fend off indictments in high-profile criminal investigations. He represented Tom DeLay, a Texas Republican and former majority leader

of the U.S. House of Representatives, during the investigation into corrupt Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff. DeLay was not charged. Another client was Ken Melson, who was (Continued on page 27)

Qatar paid $1.8 MILLION to make World Cup bid to African congress

CAF’s president Issa Hayatou gives a press conference on Febuary 7, 2015 in Malabo (AFP Photo/Issouf Sanogo)

Paris (AFP) - Qatar paid the African Football Confederation $1.8 million (1.6 million euros) to present its bid for the 2022 World Cup at a congress, the continent’s top football official told a French magazine. CAF president and FIFA vice president Issa Hayatou said he saw nothing wrong with the payment made before the confederation held a congress in the Angolan capital Luanda in January 2010. Qatar won the right to host the 2022 World Cup later the same year at a controversial FIFA vote now under investigation by Swiss authorities. Paris-based Jeune Afrique magazine asked Hayatou about the donation from Qatar. “It was $1.8 million, not one million. Paid in two times 900,000 dollars,” the controversial AFC chief replied. “The Qataris gave it to us to be able to show their plan (for the 2022 World Cup) during the congress.” Hayatou insisted he had not expected other candidates, including the United States and Australia, to pay for a similar privilege. “Not necessarily. We didn’t ask Qatar to do it. They proposed it. We did not ban the other candidates from taking part in the presentation,” he was quoted as saying, while also denying that it was a bid to buy African votes. CLEAR CONSCIENCE “I convened immediately after a meeting of the CAF executive committee to say that what had happened did not commit us to anything. I did not make any recommendation and everyone voted according to their soul and conscience.” Hayatou also denied there

was any corruption in the vote which gave the 2010 World Cup to South Africa. Asked about the payment, a CAF spokesman told AFP that Qatar “wanted to have this privilege exclusively” to make its presentation. “A proposition was made to the executive committee which adopted it. Qatar presented its bid. The money was paid to CAF and is noted in the confederation’s accounts,” the spokesman added. Qatar did not comment on the report but has in the past strongly denied any wrongdoing connected to its bid. Hayatou also denied any knowledge of bribes paid to secure the 1998 and 2010 World Cups. US investigators believe that a $10 million payment made by South Africa to a disgraced Caribbean football official was a bid to buy votes. South Africa has strongly denied any wrongdoing. “Fixed by who?” said Hayatou. “All I can tell you is that we, the Africans, carried out a draw so we did not give the impression we were for one or the other candidate.” The 2006 vote for the first World Cup in Africa was between South Africa and Morocco. Hayatou said it was decided to give two of Africa’s FIFA executive committee votes to South Africa and two to Morocco. British media reports have linked Hayatou to corruption scandals. But he said he did not think that FIFA was riddled with corruption and added that he was not worried by the controversies that have rocked the world body. “I am not afraid of anything (Continued on page 29)

Thursday June 18, 2015

Kaieteur News

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5 Annual Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition

New Silvercity boot host Wisburg out of competition after 3-2 win

Parliamentarian Jermaine Figueira (8th left) and Ministry of Education official Lindley Langhorne (to his immediate right) pose with schools representatives yesterday. By Rawle Welch

deadly accuracy, firing past the keeper in the 50 minute. They then stretched their advantage further through Shane Haynes, who latched on to a pass from centrefield rounded the advancing goalkeeper, before hitting a wonderful left-footed shot past a scrambling last stop who had no chance of stopping. The goal which eventually resulted in Wi s b u rg ’s E l d r i d g e Williams being red carded for indiscipline after he walked off the field in disgust came in the 58 minute of play. His ejection, however, brought out a more stubborn display by his teammates as they produced a brave offensive attack that threatened to create goals. They managed to pull one back in the 66 minute when a goalmouth scrimmage saw Jermaine Moore being left unmarked and he lashed home from close range. However, New Silvercity also attacked with menace and were lucky not to increase their tally. Hitting the crossbar on one occasion and missing the mark by inches on at least two other occasions, before the final whistle sounded to hand them victory. The competition resumes today with Mackenzie High taking on Linden Foundation at Wisburg; Tagore tackling Manchester at Skeldon; Tucville play host to David Rose at Tucville ground and Friendship squaring off against Apex at Grove.All matches start at 15:30 hrs. Meanwhile, Figueira in his remarks applauded th

New Silvercity commenced their quest for top honours in this year’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition with a hard fought 3-2 victory over a s t u b b o r n Wi s b u rg yesterday at the Wisburg Secondary School ground in Linden. Following brief remarks from recently appointed Parliamentarian Jermaine Figueira and Ministry of Education representative Lindley Langhorne the two combatants treated the fans to some exciting football in the opening game of the Region 10 segment. Compton Caesar gave the homesters the lead after 19 minutes when he raced on to a ball played down the middle to poke his shot past a hesitant New Silvercity goalkeeper, whose slow advance failed to narrow the angle for the speedy striker. However, undaunted by the early setback, New Silvercity responded six minutes later through Tyreke McAllister, who curled a shot past the defence and out of the reach of a stranded Wisburg goalkeeper after collecting a pass from the left side to level the scores. The contest remained deadlocked at the half and everyone braced for a riveting final period. After the resumption, New Silvercity took the lead for the first time in the match when Brian Johnson raced on to a long ball from the back with an opposing defender in hot pursuit, but he cleverly lobbed the ball to a teammate who had sprinted forward and he finished with

Part of the action in the clash between New Silvercity and Wisburg yesterday at the Wisburg Secondary School ground.

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Digicel for being one of the leaders in the development of football locally, while also congratulating reigning champion Christianburg / Wismar for winning the trophy outright following three consecutive

championship victories. He implored on the players to be good ambassadors of the Region as well as make Digicel proud through the exhibition of good discipline throughout the tournament.

Langhorne in his presentation said that it was indeed a privilege to see the commencement of the tournament which according to him has developed into the biggest schools football competition.

“You are the ones who will determine the success of the tournament, especially in this Region and I urge all of you display a high quality of discipline throughout the competition,” Langhorne told the players.

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Digicel CEO Kevin Kelly, Head of Marketing Jacqueline James and Director of Sport Christopher Jones performing the ceremonial kick off signaling the start of the 2015 Digicel School’s Football Championships at the Leonora ground.

Warriors beat LeBron’s Cavs to snap NBA title drought

The Golden State Warriors celebrate with the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210