Kaieteur News

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June 24, 2014 - Vol. 7 No. 25 - Price $80

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Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Approval of $8.7B from Contingencies Fund an embarrassment …Finance Minister personally liable for unapproved $700M - Goolsarran

Disastrous nursing results continue in Guyana...

Bus driver rescued after slamming into power pole

Almost entire class fails exams Recaptured escape prisoner jailed

Shot America Street money-changer Orwin Segon trapped in the mini bus succumbs Suriname police shoot Guyanese fugitive Judge says -

‘My sentencing policy is less harsh than death penalty’

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Minister walks out of Bus driver rescued after City Council meeting slamming into power pole -dissolution, internal elections among options for dealing with ‘disoriented’ City Hall

Minister Whittaker engaged the PPP Councillors following his walk out yesterday

L

ocal Government Minister Norman Whittaker yesterday walked out of his first ever sit-in of the Georgetown Mayor and City C o u n c i l ’s ( M & C C ) Statutory meeting. Once outside he expressed disappointment at the way the body is carrying out its duties.

The Minister said that the Mayor and some Councilors were engaging in semantics rather than being productive.

Minister Whittaker said that among the options his Ministry has in dealing with the Council, the more prominent are the dissolution of the Council, the holding of annual internal elections of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, or the implementation of an Interim Management Committee (IMC).

Minister Whittaker pointed out that under the Municipal and District Council’s Act Chapter 28:01, Section 306, the

Minister can declare the Council to be in default and dissolve or suspend it for some time, if it is found among other things that the body failed to observe financial instructions and maintain reasonable standards of efficiency and progress in the discharge of its functions.

The Minister pointed out that he could also call a day for the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor as the case may require and prescribe their terms of office. He said that the same is stated in the Local Authorities Elections Amendment Act. The question of an IMC, he said remains an option.

The Minister stated however that at this juncture, the Ministry is more concerned with the implementation of the massive cleanup project to be undertaken in the city.

Whittaker made his maiden visit to City Hall yesterday and sat in the Council’s statutory meeting.

He expressed that because of the request by citizens to “do something about the city,” he decided to write the Council, the Mayor specifically, asking to engage the body.

He said the Mayor replied positively to the request and he (Mayor) was aware that the Minister would have been present.

However, the Mayor did not recognize Minister Whittaker until almost an hour into the proceedings and Whittaker deemed the Mayor’s action as “stooping very low.” The Minister said his presence at yesterday’s meeting was to give the Council an opportunity to discuss concerns such as the denial of fuel to the Mayor’s vehicle, councillors unpaid stipend and the service the Council should be providing, but isn’t.

The Minister added that the Mayor was carrying on with semantics, and nothing productive. “What we have is a demonstration of what City Hall spends most of its (Continued on page 24)

Orwin Segon trapped in the mini bus

A

route 42 minibus driver miraculously escaped death yesterday afternoon despite being pinned in his seat for more than 30 minutes.

This was after he swerved from a Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) vehicle and slammed into a utility pole at the intersection of High and Princes Streets, Georgetown a little after 14:00hrs.

The driver, Orwin Segon, was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GHPC) immediately after firefighters managed to remove him from the mangled minibus, BPP 5622.

His right leg was badly damaged and he sustained abrasions to his forehead.

Six of his passengers, some of whom were identified as Keisha Jones; her mother, Susan De Florimonte and Christine

Kissoon; were also rushed to the medical institution.

There were all in a stable condition up to press time.

Eyewitnesses explained that the GT&T vehicle, GGG 6089, was turning right from High Street into Princes Street, when the driver of the minibus tried to undertake.

“I was heading south on High Street and I put on my indicator to turn right onto Princes Street and the bus driver undertake and crash into me and then slammed into the utility pole,” the driver of the GT&T vehicle, Wayne St. Jones, explained.

Andre Isaac, a passenger in the bus said, “The GT&T vehicle was at the front and he indicate to turn right but like the bus driver thought that he could have passed him (GT&T driver) before he

made the turn. He ended up hitting the guy and the utility pole.”

Susan De Florimonte’s husband who is also a bus driver was heard saying that Segon is a “wild driver.” He even said that he was to take his wife out of Segon’s mini bus but they had already left.

Meanwhile, the response from the two GPHC’s Emergency Medical Technicians, including Ron Morris, was praised by curious onlookers who had gathered at the scene.

One woman was heard saying, “Wow, Guyana gone up. It is the first time I am seeing these people coming on a scene and helping out the victims rather than dumping them on the ambulance and take them to the hospital.”

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

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

Admission of 2014 UG Why are you so concerned? law graduates to UWI DEAR EDITOR, It has been reported that 25 graduates of the class of 2014 from the University of Guyana (UG) have eventually been cleared and granted automatic placement at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS), University of the West Indies (UWI) at St. Augustine Campus.

This after financial and other modalities have been negotiated and cleared by Guyana’s Attorney General as the agreement which was in place for automatic placement of Guyanese law students to complete their legal education at HWLS was suddenly terminated by the Council of Legal Education in the West Indies, the cause for which was never disclosed.

This snafu has raised a number of troubling questions for Guyanese.

Firstly, Guyana has a number of incompetent attorneys who collect their fees upfront but fail to provide the legal services paid for in a professional, timely and knowledgeable manner and so often hold clients at their mercies. The country is not short of attorneys (except in certain specialized areas) and because their skills do not significantly boost Guyana’s economy, public funds should not be used to subsidize legal education at UG, HWLS and elsewhere.

Further, those who have benefitted from public subsidy of their legal

education have not provided any significant ‘pro bono’ service to the community worthy of justification for continued public expenditure to educate more attorneys in an already crowded field.

During the 1950’s and 1960’s when Guyana was short of attorneys, law students paid for their education at the Inns of Courts in London. They received no subsidies, and if some did, they were bonded.

Secondly, Guyana pays no yearly subvention per se to UWI and therefore it is not entitled to any freebies with respect to education for its students. Education does not come cheap, and if Guyana wants to benefit from the educational facilities being offered by UWI, it has to pay for it.

Guyana should not disguise its attempt to use its CARICOM membership as an entitlement for UWI to provide subsidized education for its students. If the Government is serious in providing complete legal education for its students it should provide the resources to allow the University of Guyana (UG) to seek affiliation of its legal education Department with that of UWI to provide supplemental legal education at home necessary for accreditation of its legal students. After all, Guyana should not be humiliated and belittled in the region as a ‘freeloader’.

From page 4 with the needs of the local agrisector, as such, the expansion of agricultural production is being severely hampered.

For the purpose of giving a fillip to the agri-sector, establishing a tax-exempted agribank therefore cannot be seen as creating an unfair advantage over commercial banks, but rather creating opportunities that are hitherto nonexistent.

It’s a similar customer base that the NBS is reaching in the housing sector and has helped to grow the housing sector exponentially; in fact the commercial banks should be thankful to NBS for keeping the mortgage market lively even through dark economic times, so that they can cash in on the vibrancy of the housing sector which exists today.

A rise in the ceiling is now past due, the Minister of Fi-

nance and his counterpart in Housing should act swiftly to consolidate the vibrancy in low income housing for the sake of the poor and working class.

Lenno Craig

The Finance Minister should...

It is unfortunate that President Ramotar has not realized that CARICOM’s future validity as an institution is very much in doubt, as its operation is heavily subsidized by the European Union and others, and this is unlikely to continue indefinitely and most of its members are too poor and indebted to pay the dues needed to keep the institution as a viable entity and keep their membership strong thus enabling them to have the clout necessary to enforce agreed upon resolutions.

Guyanese continue to suffer, as they are unable to move freely in the region without being hassled and deported or get off Trinidadowned Caribbean Airlines during its long wait on the tarmac at Piarco as they journey en route to North America. Therefore, what does CARICOM have to offer Guyanese if basic resolutions agreed upon are not implemented?

Caribbean leaders are unwilling to cede any of their political power for the good of the majority or share some of their country’s resources with the less fortunate regions with which they are supposed to share a common heritage. It is time Guyanese wake-up and realize how the Government is wasting the country’s scarce resources to prop up CARICOM - a failed organization which has become noted for its hollow talks and no substance.

There are other areas of the economy where the Government could spend those scare resources wisely to improve the lives of its people.

Charles Sohan

DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the letter appearing in your June 22 edition titled “The Bible pronounces against the homosexual and lesbian lifestyle”.

While this writer obviously has some knowledge of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is apparent he is conflicted with its application to gays and lesbians.

He seems to be saying yes, we all have rights, no one should be denied their rights however, homosexuals should be cautioned that their lifestyle is sinful and can have disastrous consequences

not only for themselves, but Guyana and Guyanese generally. Really?

Lest we forget, Guyana is a signatory to the Declaration of Human Rights. In essence that means the government should be implementing the tenets of the declaration. And yes, while some of the rights enshrined in the declaration are not absolute, they are all, certainly inalienable. That’s my first point.

My second point relates to writer’s assertion “it is dishonest to look at unequivocal scriptures, ignore them and instead speak of discrimination and human rights”.

The writer, obviously a God-fearing man, quoted several scriptures all condemning homosexuality.

But what he and others opposed to this lifestyle generally ignore is the fact that many in society do not share their religious beliefs.

Finally, I remain convinced that one’s sexuality, like religion and politics, is personal. So mind your own business and leave others to take care of their own. What consenting adults do in the bedroom or elsewhere is none of your business.

Why are you so concerned?

June Veecock

High profile murder trial aborted The high profile murder trial which was underway in the Berbice High Court involved a father and son who was charged with the shooting death of a Corentyne farmer was aborted on Thursday by trial Judge Brassington Reynolds after certain allegations were made.

The judge subsequently held and inquiry following which he aborted the matter.

When the matter was aborted, Ray Fraser, a brother of the deceased was on the witness stand.

On trial for murder before

Justice Reynolds and a mixed jury were Khrishna, called ‘John’, 50 of Alness and Letter Kenny, Corentyne and his son Rommel Krishna, 24, of 69 Alness Corentyne, Berbice. They are both farmers. The men were remanded back to prison where they will have to face another trial.

They were on trial for the murder of Shawn Fraser, between July 27 and July 28, 2011, at Hogstye Back dam, Corentyne, Berbice.

They were being represented by Attorney at Law, Kim Kyte-John and Mursaline Bacchus. State Prosecutor Attorney at Law Continued on page 23

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

US officials undertake TTPS…

Police force under greater scrutiny (Trinidad Guardian) In the midst of another weekend of killings which took the 2014 murder count to 207 in 173 days with only 26 of those murders ‘solved’, Minister of National Security Gary Griffith announced that a “complete audit” of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is to be undertaken by two US law enforcement agencies to put the police force under greater scrutiny.

Griffith also revealed to the T&T Guardian that he is travelling to London for meetings with an agency recommended by the UK Government about improving the 13 per cent murder detection rate. Thirty citizens have been killed by police this year, inflaming tensions in high-crime areas and raising questions about policing methods.

In a press release sent out on Saturday evening, the Ministry of National Security acknowledged there were “shortcomings” in the police force and said the country is now exposed to “varying threats, some of which may not have even existed decades ago.” The release concluded that “the present establishment of the TTPS does not cater for these new threats.”

Griffith indicated he will aim to use the audit to guide his decisions on restructuring the police service, redistributing police officers and potentially creating new security agencies in the areas of “intelligence gathering, covert operations, crime scene investigation, a special victims unit, child protection task force, (and) an emergency sections unit.”

He also said policing would become more proactive rather than reactive.

Griffith has been in New York for the past fortnight

discussing the details of the audit with two agencies, Harnett Associates and Giuliani Solution Point Global Services (GSPGS.) Harnett Associates, is run b y N e w Yo r k P o l i c e C o m m i s s i o n e r William Bratton’s right hand man, Patrick Harnett, and will be responsible for a comprehensive operational review of the TTPS. GSPGS is the security firm of former New York Mayor, Rudolph Giuliani who has met with Griffith to discuss the computerisation of crime statistics, a fingerprint database, customer service training and anti-corruption initiatives. Contacted by the T&T Guardian Sunday, Griffith was asked whether a 13 per cent murder detection rate implies a lack of skills and training in the TTPS. He replied, “Not necessarily,” then added, “I am travelling to London to meet with a highly qualified agency to deal with this, as recommended by the UK Government.

However the ultimate mechanism to increase detection rate in homicides is human intelligence.

It is difficult to detect a murder if there are no witnesses… Hence the drive I am pushing with getting the public to have a system to relay information to the law enforcement agencies via V I P O ( Vi r t u a l P o l i c e Officer) and also using systems to win back the trust between citizens and police which also includes weeding out the rogue elements in the service.”

VIPO was announced in December last year as a secure electronic way for citizens to pass information anonymously to the police to assist their investigations.

Asked whether T&T has

enough specialist homicide detectives, Griffith said that the audit will provide the answer to that. Asked whether the audit would lead to further collaboration with international law enforcement agencies in terms of policing on the ground in Trinidad, he said “Yes, I believe so.”

WHO WILL BE CARRYING OUT THE POLICEAUDIT? ‘Bill’ Bratton, the recently reappointed New York Police Commissioner, visited Trinidad in November 2013 to speak at a conference organised by Griffith.

An advocate of ‘zero tolerance’ policing and ethnically diverse police forces, Bratton has had his policies praised and criticised in his roles as police chief in New York, Los Angeles and Boston. He was New York police chief between 1994 and 1996 where he helped to reduce the crime rate before being ousted by Mayor Giuliani.

In July 2011, British P r i m e M i n i s t e r, D a v i d Cameron, approached Bratton about becoming Metropolitan Police Commissioner in London, just weeks before rioting swept the country for five days following the killing of an unarmed suspected drug dealer by police officers.

Bratton’s advocacy of the ‘broken window’ method of policing, in which petty crimes are clamped down on in order to prevent them escalating into serious crimes, may receive public support in T&T. But residents in communities like Laventille, Morvant and Beetham where tensions between residents and the police are already high, might raise eyebrows at any suggestion of further clampdowns.

Delta returns to Barbados (Barbados Nation) Delta Airlines is back.

The news that the North American airline was resuming flights to Barbados in December was revealed during a Press conference yesterday morning held by the Barbados Tourism Authority at the Courtyard by Mariott hotel. “Delta was in Barbados from the Atlanta hub from

2006 through 2011,” said Petra Roach, interim chief executive officer of the Barbados To u r i s m Authority.

“There were a number of reasons why that didn’t work in terms of connectivity . . . and these are all challenges that we have looked at and we have gone and negotiated with Delta in terms of having 19 cities that will be

connecting through to that out-bound service.”

Roach added that Delta will also be flying out of the New York gateway on Thursdays and Saturdays.

They will be operating twice per week on the route Atlanta/ Barbados/New York and N e w Yo r k / B a r b a d o s / Atlanta, providing two flights per day.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Al Jazeera journalists jailed in Egypt, West condemns

From left: Al Jazeera journalists Mohamed Fahmy, Baher Mohamed and Peter Greste (Reuters) - Three Al Jazeera journalists were sentenced to seven years in jail by an Egyptian judge yesterday for aiding a “terrorist organisation”, drawing criticism from Western governments who said the verdict undermined freedom of expression.

The three, who all denied the charge of working with the now

banned Muslim Brotherhood, included Australian Peter Greste and Canadian-Egyptian national Mohamed Fahmy, Cairo bureau chief of Al Jazeera English.

The third defendant, Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed, was given an extra three years for possessing a single bullet at the hearing attended by Western diplomats,

some of whose governments summoned Egypt’s ambassadors over the case.

The men have been held at Egypt’s notorious Tora Prison for six months, with the case becoming a rallying point for rights groups and news organisations around the world.

They were detained in late December and charged with

helping “a terrorist group” - a reference to the Muslim brotherhood - by broadcasting lies that harmed national security and supplying money, equipment and information to a group of Egyptians.

The Brotherhood was banned and declared a terrorist group after the army deposed elected Islamist president Mohamed Mursi in July following mass protests against his rule. The Brotherhood says it is a peaceful organisation.

Al Jazeera, whose Qatari owners back the Brotherhood and have been at odds with Egypt’s leadership since he was ousted, said the ruling defied “logic, sense and any semblance of justice”. “There is only one sensible outcome now. For the verdict to be overturned, and justice to be recognised by Egypt,” Al Jazeera English managing director Al Anstey said in a statement.

The ruling came a day after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met newly elected Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo and raised the issue of the journalists.

Yesterday, Kerry said he called Egypt’s foreign minister to register his “serious displeasure” over the “chilling and draconian

verdict”.

The courtroom quickly descended into chaos as the verdict was read out. Shaken and near tears, Greste’s brother Michael said: “This is terribly devastating. I am stunned, dumbstruck. I’ve no other words.”

The three men had looked upbeat as they entered the courtroom in handcuffs, waving at relatives who had earlier told journalists they expected them to be freed for lack of evidence.

One Dutch woman and two Britons were sentenced to 10 years in absentia on the same charges of aiding a “terrorist group”. Judicial sources told Reuters the verdicts could be appealed before a higher court and a pardon was still possible.

Egypt’s public prosecutor last week ordered the release of another Al Jazeera journalist, Abdullah al-Shamy, on health grounds after he spent more than 130 days on hunger strike.

Western governments and rights groups have voiced concern over freedom of expression in Egypt since Mursi was ousted. The crackdown has reinforced doubts about Egypt’s democratic credentials three years after an uprising toppled Hosni Mubarak and raised hopes

of greater freedoms.

The case comes after a similar outcry over mass death sentences being handed down to Brotherhood supporters.

“Egypt’s reputation, and especially the reputation of its judiciary as an independent institution, are at stake,” U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay said. “There is a risk that miscarriage of justice is becoming the norm in Egypt.”

Britain, whose ambassador was one of several Western diplomats to attend the hearing, said it was summoning the Egyptian ambassador to protest about yesterday’s ruling.

“Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of a stable and prosperous society,” Foreign Secretary William Hague said.

The Dutch foreign minister also summoned Egypt’s ambassador. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said her government was “deeply dismayed that any sentence was imposed” and was “appalled by the severity of it”.

Despite Kerry’s condemnation, U.S. concerns have been balanced by an acknowledgement of the importance of Egypt as a longstanding strategic partner in the Middle East.T

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

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SPEND THE MONEY WISELY! The damage done to Georgetown by last weekend’s non- torrential rains provides reason why the one billion dollars that the government is assigning to help clean up the city and improve its drainage is not going to be enough.

The condition of Georgetown is a reflection of three decades of neglect by the City Council. It cannot be reversed overnight and not with one billion dollars.

But one billion dollars is a significant start.

The government should see this one billion dollar as a means of doing something major and which can be sustained. It

should spend this money wisely. It should only assume and responsibilities that it can sustain, rather than doing things only to find six months down the line it is back to square one.

The flooding of Georgetown after the briefest of downpours is as a result of poor drainage and inadequate storage. The reasons for the poor drainage are well known and not worth repeating here.

The most overlooked problem is the need for reservoirs to hold water until such time as it can be discharged during low tide.

One billion dollars cannot clear all the primary and

Dem boys seh...

Rob de Earth behaving like a road woman Guyana complaining how gold declaration drop, and it drop big. Last year when dem miners was bringing out gold things look sweet; dem bring out more gold that when Omai was wukking in Guyana. Right away Rob de Earth celebrate and he bet that this year dem same miners gun produce more gold that at any time in de history of de country.

Well now he complaining how production drop by twenty per cent. That mean fuh every five ounce produce last year, is only four now being declared this year.

Rob de Earth was de first one to announce how dem miners smuggling out de gold and how he gun got to put measures fuh clamp down. He run and pass a law that any shopkeeper who got gold must declare it in 14 days and de miner can’t hold he gold fuh more than twenty-eight days.

Well dem boys seh that he got to go in de bush to check and that is wha dem want he do because dem got some good mosquito waiting fuh he.

De committee on natural resources got a lot of question fuh some of dem companies that wukking in mining. Some of dem mining sand and some mining stone. Rob de Earth ain’t got time to worry bout that. He only got eyes fuh de gold and when de miners talk he operating like if he blind and dumb. This is de man who threaten dem miners but everybody who wukking in de gold bush laughing. Dem know that he bluffing like when he bluff de Waterfalls paper. Dem boys talk bout de Enmore packaging plant and how it cost too much. Dem challenge Rob de Earth and he agree to let dem do a forensic audit.

Dem boys even promise fuh pay fuh de audit and Rob de Earth agree. Next thing he behave like dem woman who does promise and then change dem mind at de last minute.

At one stage dem boys start to wonder if he wasn’t one. He did carry some reporters in de back dam and lef dem fuh walk back out because dem tell he how dem want to check pun dem bridge that he seh that he build. Is only time though.

Talk half and wait fuh Rob de Earth do anything bout de gold

secondary drains in Georgetown. And even if it could, within six months, as has been done in the past, these drains will return to their stagnant state. A few years ago, the government at great cost to taxpayers, cleared what was a jungle in the Le Repentir Cemetery.

I do not hear any of the opposition politicians asking in the National Assembly how much was spent to clean the cemetery. But given the task involved that would have cost a fortune. Less than six months after the government gave a helping hand to the City Council, the cemetery was back as a jungle.

So the government has to be careful that it does not end up throwing monies on a duck’s back. Whatever the one billion is spent on must be sustained for years to come.

This is why it is best that the government use the one billion dollars to do a few

things only. The first of these should be to clear the outfalls to the Demerara River. During the floods of 2005 an ingenious method was adopted to clear the Sussex Street koker. An excavator was mounted on a pontoon and floated into the koker channel. It then dug up the silt and this helped improve the run off by more than 200%.

All the drains cannot be cleaned. Flooding will still exist but at least, if the rate of run- off of water is doubled, the city would drain faster and people would understand and appreciate that instead of being under water for one day that can be cut to half a day if the outfalls are made more efficient.

The second area where the government should spend its money is to create some large reservoirs to collect water which can then be discharged into the Demerara River. There are not

many spots available but there are reserves which can be used to create some reservoirs in some areas. There is also ninety acres of land at D’Urban Park which can store a great deal of water which can then be released into some of the primary drains when these are able to take in more water.

The Parade Ground is underutilized as a sporting facility. That too should be considered as a possible site for a holding pond even if it is for a few years until such time as the drainage in the city improves. There is also land available at Thomas Lands and Eve Leary which can be used to create storage ponds for holding water.

The best way of increasing the storage capacity of water in Georgetown is of course to deepen the various canals.

But that is going to lead to riot since persons were encouraged to squat along

these canals and have been using these canals as their septic tanks for years now.

For those canals which can be easily deepened, then this should be done.

This one billion dollars that the government is spending is a preelectioneering tactic. The PPP hopes to show that it can, if given the chance, take care of the problems of Georgetown in the same successful way that it has done in Guyana.

But it must also realize that if it does not spend this one billion dollar wisely, then people will complain and instead of gaining votes, the PPP will lose face in Georgetown.

PPP writes to GECOM for registration extension …finds some 8,000 transfers - Rohee The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has urged the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to ensure that the sixth Cycle of Continuous Registration which ended on June 18, last, should be extended. This would facilitate those potential voters who have changed addresses to have a chance to complete the registration process.

They need to have their registration transferred.

General Secretary (GS) of the PPP, Clement Rohee, said that the PPP last Friday wrote to the GECOM seeking an extension to the sixth Cycle of Continuous Registration which concluded on Saturday June 21, 2014, because they were concerned that “there may be more than 8,000 transfers yet to be done,

owing to the fact that there are numerous New Housing Schemes in all the Coastal Regions in Guyana and also in the hinterland, such as in Region Nine.”

During the last five cycles of Registration, transfers were not done. However, this was accommodated in the sixth Cycle of Registration, but GECOM was unable to accommodate everyone on the list in the area in which he or she currently resides, Rohee said.

Using information from GECOM, he said that the sixth Cycle of Continuous Registration found that there were13, 023 new registrants (of whom 11,544 have already been verified), 1,662 transfers (owing to issues relating to change of address, etc.) and 2,347 corrections (owing to

change /correction to existing registration information) were done.

The party provided a breakdown of the number of estimated transfers throughout the 10 Administrative Regions totaling, 8,389 persons who have not been able to register because they have relocated mostly to new Housing Schemes established in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. Rohee said that the party, in a letter to GECOM dated April 14, 2014, proposed that mobile units be set up in the new housing schemes to have persons who were transferred, registered.

However, the indications are that the “GECOM public relations was poor and only a few persons were aware. The

time when the mobile units were in the schemes many persons were at work. Further, transfers were not part of previous Cycle; hence it’s a new initiative which should have had the support of wider publicity,” said Rohee.

When questioned if the 8,000 transferred persons were supporters of the PPP, Rohee would only say that they are potential voters.

Rohee, during a press briefing at Freedom House, said that “no one should be disenfranchised so that when elections are called, whether Local Government or General and Regional Elections, everyone eligible to participate should be able to exercise his/her franchise.”

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 24, 2014

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Wallace Nurse: Darkness and Death I was a lecturer for twenty-six years at UG, and those long moments have instructed me fully into the nature of this country. In those years I have seen the resilience of a tragic, dilapidated, pessimistic and almost moribund nation. As a lecturer, your heart felt deep sadness for your students.

Here were young people desperately trying to give themselves a chance at life by pursuing that little piece of paper that holds the key to the future. But there were

insurmountable pathways to cross. Their university had no functioning library, bookstore, accommodating classrooms, well qualified lecturers, a competent bureaucracy but they tried.

And their efforts were stupendous. It only goes to show if this country had money, a functioning human resource base, and a democratic culture the heights Guyanese young people could achieve.

Wallace Nurse was one such student. He was a young policeman when he came into my philosophy class. The work was hard. He found it onerous and didn’t understand a thing about Aristotle, St. Aquinas, Marx and Sartre. But he came to

grips with what Machiavelli was all about. He found Machiavelli the easiest philosopher to comprehend.

And he was fascinated with the theories of Freud.

Wallace Nurse wanted to have a university paper and he was prepared to work hard for it. After he graduated, I ran into him at police headquarters Eve Leary. He was working in the police clearance section. From then on, I sent many persons to him to assist with the application for a clearance.

Wallace Nurse was one of my favourite UG students and one of my favourite policemen.

I was literally overflowing with anger when I read about the manner of his death last week on the Railway

Embankment. In 2014, no citizen of Guyana should die the way Wallace Nurse lost his life. It was reported that he was riding his motorcycle with his wife at the back when he drove into the open door of a parked car, fell and broke his neck. Without exception, all the reports said it was too dark for him to see the objects on the road. And he had to cope with a senseless driver who opened his door into flowing traffic.

I can talk about darkness and death in the 21st century in Guyana. I live on the Railway Embankment next to the Caricom Secretariat. I see accidents and deaths often when sundown comes to the Railway Embankment. I see an accident in the dark every week in the darkness of the Railway Embankment.

Remember in the movie “Rush Hour,” Chris Tucker said to Jackie Chan, “Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?” I will now ask my readers; “Do you understand the words that are coming off my keyboard?” I see an accident in the darkness of the Railway Embankment along the section where I live every week. I hope

you understand that.

Wallace Nurse’s senseless tragedy comes against the background of three factors; one last month, another two weeks ago, and one last week. Last month, the nation was told that our expensive Marriott has now acquired a manager. We can build a Marriott for God knows who, because this is one of the few countries in the world where the amount of foreigners coming will never full up even half of the rooms at the Marriott.

Who are coming to full up the Marriot each year in God forsaken Guyana where dogs scavenge through the mountains?

We can build a Marriott with the money of Guyanese taxpayers but cannot put street lamps on the only two roadways that led from Demerara to Berbice and from Berbice to Demerara. In 2014, one word describes such a country – uncivilized.

Last month we celebrated forty-eight years of Independence yet in the year 2014 our highways have no lights and people senselessly lose their lives on them.

Last week, it was

Frederick Kissoon announced that Guyana spent ninety one million dollars on the foreign trips of President Ramotar from 2013 to now. Is anything wrong with that? Let us say you support your president spending that kind of money.

But why should a country spend that amount and not have lights on its main street.

Why should a policeman who served his country have to die on a highway where if there were lighted lamps, he could have plainly seen that a park vehicle had one of its doors wide open?

Life is cheap in Guyana.

An uncivilized country just turns a blind eye to its slow death. Make no mistake many more Wallace Nurses will die in the darkness of the night, but not only in the night.

Arthur Koestler once wrote that darkness comes at noon.

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Significant number of cases heading to CCJ As several CARICOM states contemplate having the Caribbean Court of Justice replace the British Privy Council as a final Court of Appeal, there continues to be marked improvement in the number of judgments delivered and overall efficiency of the Court.

For the first half of this year alone there has been a 67 per cent increase in the number of appellate judgments delivered when compared to the same period in 2013.

Also significant, is the timeliness with which the Court delivers its judgments.

It is the Court’s official policy to issue judgments no later than six months after the close of the case and normally within three.

Among the more notable judgments for this year, was one in which the CCJ held that a Belizean doctor was negligent in delivering a baby via caesarean section.

This negligence was seen to have caused the child to suffer from a lack of oxygen which led to her development of cerebral palsy.

In another matter the Court upheld the conviction of Paul Lashley and John Campayne for breaking and entering. It rejected the argument that they were only

convicted because their Attorney was incompetent.

Of the matters decided by the Court for 2014 the majority originated from Guyana. Guyana and Barbados have both used the CCJ as their final Court of Appeal since it opened its doors in 2005 while Belize signed on later in 2010. These three are currently the only states to send their appeals to the CCJ. However, efforts are now being made by Grenada,

Dominica and St Lucia to adopt the CCJ as their final Court of Appeal. Grenada, which is obliged to hold a referendum, is working towards holding one to decide on the matter, while Dominica and St Lucia merely require an act of Parliament to amend the constitution.

The agreement establishing the CCJ was signed by the Heads of Government in 2001. It was established with a dual purpose, to make final

decisions on appeal cases and to interpret the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which gave birth to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

It has a unique financing arrangement having a Trust Fund created from a US$100 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank to ensure the independence of the Court. Since its inception, the Court has heard 120 appeals and ten cases in its original jurisdiction.

BK enters aviation sector ahead of mining expansions Mining and construction giant BK International is gearing to enter the aviation sector as the company seeks to expand in its mining operations. Kaieteur News was told that the company has set its sights of Jags Aviation and is in talks with the company over its purchase.

BK International’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Tiwarie, said that while moves are not geared towards commercial operation, the company is seeking advancement into the sector in support of its quarry mining.

He said that the inclusion of air support would better enable the operations.

Tiwarie added that the aviation operations and consultation are the responsibility of one of his daughters.

A subsidiary, BK Quarries, has massive operations in the Mazaruni.

Last month, the BK Group commenced training 20 young people from the Skills and Knowledge for Youth Empowerment (SKYE) initiative.

The year before, 10 persons were part of the BK Group Apprenticeship Programme. The apprentices

took part in a six-month training programme at the company’s quarries in various areas. They are trained as heavy duty equipment operators, mechanics, welders, carpenters and general construction workers.

Head of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Zulficar Mohamed, told

Kaieteur News that the agency was informed of a change in shareholders.

He said that the GCCA was also informed that Jags Aviation would be retaining its name, current operation and security features. Jags Aviation operated interior charter flights, cargo, passenger, sightseeing and medical evacuation flights

among others.

The company acquired its Air Operator Certificate in 2007 from the GCAA and began commercial operation that year.

The company operates a Britten-Norman Islander Aircraft that is capable of transporting up to nine passengers.

(Zena Henry)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Opposition baulks at Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Security Sector - PPP General Secretary of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, is of the view that the Opposition is deliberately avoiding having security related matters come under the purview of the Parliament via an established Parliamentary Oversight Committee.

His contention for such a view is linked to the recent motion tabled by the Opposition in the National Assembly for the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the police shooting of A

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) protestors in Georgetown on December 6, 2011. Rohee, who is also the Home Affairs Minister, said that “at that time, the protestors were engaged in an illegal procession since Police permission was not granted.”

He then made the nexus that the “motion is another deliberate and calculated attempt by the Opposition to avoid having security related matters come under the purview of the Parliament in which a motion was passed for the establishment of a Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector. We believe this committee would be the best mechanism for the resolution of security related issues.”

According to Rohee, the PPP believes that “partisan self-interest is the bedrock of APNU’s unwillingness to activate the oversight committee. The Opposition is fully aware that if such a committee were to be established, there would not be a free rein to launch continuous attacks on the PPP/C Government and the Minister of Home Affairs.”

He added that the PPP

General Secretary of the PPP Clement Rohee strongly believes that the main reason for the Opposition’s “reluctance” to have this oversight body in place, is because this committee must be headed by a Government Minister. This is a clear indication of the “Opposition’s unwillingness to have a resolution to security related matters institutionalized within the Parliamentary framework.”

He added, “The PPP wishes to remind that the Disciplined Service Commission Report, of which the Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier (Ret’d) David Granger was part of, had

called for the establishment of a Security Commission.”

“It is clear that Mr. Granger and the Opposition therefore have no excuse for delaying the establishment of this Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector or the Security Committee,” the GS outlined.

Speaking to the efficacy of having such a Committee established Rohee said, “This committee can invite security experts of their choice, they can call the Minister of Home Affairs as they do in the US before the Senate Committee and the House Committee to give answers to questions, it can summon the commissioner of police, any of the heads of the joint services to answer questions from the members of this committee.”

According to the General Secretary, the PPP stands willing to provide any support that may be deemed necessary for the speedy establishment of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector and for the Speaker of the National Assembly to convene soonest a meeting of Parliamentary Parties for this purpose.

Disastrous nursing results continue in Guyana...

Almost entire class fails exams A nurse fell ill and was hospitalsed after she got a failing grade in the latest nurses’ examination. Reports reaching Kaieteur News stated that the nurse was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Another was speechless and a few others were contemplating suicide after they received the dreadful news that they were not successful at their latest nursing examinations. All this came about even as the Ministry of Health continues to boast about the improvement in the Health Sector in Guyana.

There was the public spat with the Guyana Nursing Council about the large classes and the minimal qualification requirement.

While not much information was garnered up to news time, it is understood that the situation is dire at the New Amsterdam School of Nursing with a large percentage of failure. Most

affected was the Professional Nursing Programme where a mere fraction was successful.

A source had stated, “When you have large classes there is a problem meeting the students at their levels; there is no way that you can pay close attention to each of them.”

It is understood that the nurses in training should be exposed to at least four sessions of practical on a particular subject before they are required to practice themselves, but this has not been done. Another concern was the massive intake of nursing students and no tutors and limited class room spaces. Another concern was the arrangement in place with classes being held at different locations.

Many of the students’ concerns were raised with the relevant officials including the Minister of Health himself, but on many occasions the student nurses were threatened with disciplinary action.

Kaieteur News understood that persons applying for the nursing programme should have a science background. But there have been a number of cases where persons were accepted with little or no qualifications at all.

Most of the nurses are now contemplating their next move since a number of them have only one more chance to pass the examination and become eligible for the nursing programme.

A senior nursing official said that the situation does not augur well for the nursing programme in general and for the Ministry of Health as a whole. After so many years of prior sessions funded by taxpayers’ dollars and the nurses cannot pass then something must be terribly wrong, she added.

They are calling on the Minister of Health to stop the massive intake of nurses and help those already in the system.

When contacted in February about the daunting failing rate, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud had claimed ignorance about the situation. He had promised to give a detailed response when he was properly briefed. That response never came.

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Small businesses serve as incubators of entrepreneurial talents - President Ramotar President Donald Ramotar

A section of the audience

H

ead of State D o n a l d Ramotar has noted the administration’s appreciation towards small and medium scale businesses’ contribution towards Guyana’s growing economy.

His comments came when the Small Business Development Finance Trust Inc. held its 11th Annual General Meeting, During the meeting held at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, yesterday, President Ramotar extended heartfelt congratulation to the management and staff of the SBDF for achieving yet another successful year. “I want to thank them for their committed services they provide to their clients including small producers, retailers, and consumers in Guyana.”

The President said that in providing these services, the Trust contributes greatly in supporting the economy and the general development of Guyana.

“For too long the contribution of economic growth and development of small enterprises and medium scale enterprises has been overlooked or not acknowledged in many places including our own

country. Today, I wish to record the administration’s appreciation for the continuing role of the small enterprise sector in our economy.”

According to President Ramotar, in today’s society there is a proliferation of small businesses, and small enterprises that are producing goods, services and creating employment for thousands of Guyanese.

“Job creation has been the most signal contribution of small and medium-scale enterprises to economies of many countries. In the European Union as much as two-thirds of the workforce is employed in small and medium scale enterprises.”

The President highlighted the many benefits of small businesses, noting that it is this very same sector, which is currently playing an integral role in the economic recovery of the United States of America.

“This is the vital role small businesses play both in the good and challenging economic times, they are extremely important and very valued. Another economic benefit of small businesses is the contribution they make to sustaining economic growth.”

Body of farmer found in St. Stanislaus College farm

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he body of 54-year-old Michael Sutherland was discovered at the back of the St. Stanislaus College farm in Sophia by his colleague around 12:40 hrs yesterday. Reports are that the 54-yearold farmer suffered a seizure and wandered away at the back of the farmland. “He was living home with a woman and when she passed away five years ago, he started getting fits and he does wander away. I think that is what happen,” the dead man’s sister, Hazel Daniels related.

All businesses are important as all activities contribute to the creation of wealth and improving services, Ramotar said. Big businesses are very important as major pull factors, but for the sustainability of economic development it has been proven that it is in the hands of small and medium scale businesses.

“The economic function that small businesses serve is that they are incubators of entrepreneurial talents, for instance if you look at some of the huge wealth that exists in our world today, some of them started out in garages… it also shows that with technology and with some assistance provided by some organisations like this one (SBDF) can leap frog from being very small to being extremely huge.”

The Head of State called on the owners of small and medium scale businesses to keep up the good work, but implored them not to become complacent and to ensure quality and being able to maintain high quality services and products.

“Do not allow quality to slip, the need for maintaining quality and to build a reputation is important to any business, do not compromise on quality.”

Cheaper electricity S p e a k i n g o n impediments to the development of business sector, the President said the biggest one is reliable and cheap electricity and this must be addressed forthwith.

The Amalia Falls Hydro power plant will ensure a cheaper and more reliable supply of electricity.

“We spend close to $90

million to subsidise electricity cost for Guyanese when we could use that money for other developmental works and to make life easier for our citizens.”

He added that cheaper electricity will also mean cheaper production cost for industries and higher profit margins.

President Ramotar also used the opportunity to call on the business owners for their support on the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill.

Chairman of the Organisation, Sattaur Gafoor, in his report spoke of the many achievements over the past year despite the

challenges. Gafoor said that the SBDF has been able to generate in excess of $30 million over the past year and all their debt payments are up to date.

“There is no doubt therefore that SBDF has grown into a strong institution with the capacity of honouring its financial and developmental responsibilities.”

F o r l a s t y e a r, t h e Chairman said that the company’s performance can be termed as reasonably good with almost 600 loans dispensed to the value of $440,204,000.

In moving forward the Chairman said the company’s vision for this year is to help another 700

families, spending $550 million in the process.

“This would empower small men and women to gain confidence, think ahead and live with dignity and economic security.”

Gafoor said the company has developed a strategic plan for the next five years during which they hope to help 4,000 families, to develop their capital resources and to train their human resources with suitable technologies.

The SBDF has been operating for the past 11 years, and has been providing financial assistance to persons for the expansion and opening of small and medium scale businesses.

Attorney Joe Harmon now representing Ex- GDF officers

A

ttorney at law Joseph Harmon has now withdrawn his earlier application to represent the interest of the People’s National Congress at the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry. Harmon told commissioners at the commencement of the third session of the inquiry, yesterday morning, that he would now be representing Ex-GDF members.

Harmon was on record at the Commission, along with Attorneys Basil Williams and James Bond, as representing the interest of the Party Harmon explained that the Ex Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Association includes former servicemen and women of the Guyana National Service and the Guyana People’s Militia. He said that he was approached, since the commencement of the inquiry, by several members of the Association to represent their interests.

He explained that the ex-servicemen are scattered in all corners of the earth and by wonders of technology they are able to follow and have been following the inquiry.

“Mr. Chairman it is difficult to comprehend the significant impact which this Commission of Inquiry has had on the community of former servicemen of the GDF, Guyana’s People’s Militia and the Guyana National Service,” Harmon told the Commission yesterday.

Harmon added that there are persons who have distinguished themselves in the areas of Politics, Arts, Religion and the Sciences, whose credibility and reputation now stand to be tarnished by the negatives which emanate from the Commission, concerning their command or services in the forces.

The former Lieutenant Colonel’s application to represent the Association was accepted without question.

So far, the only member of the Ex- GDF to testify is former Army Chief Norman McLean. McLean has not completed his testimony and is scheduled to return later this week to complete.

It is very likely that Harmon will be representing him and will call witnesses to testify at the appropriate time.

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 15

Approval of $8.7B from Contingencies Fund an embarrassment …Finance Minister still personally liable for unapproved $700M-Goolsarran Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran, yesterday had a stinging rebuke for Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh as well as the National Assembly, over what he maintains in a continued abuse of the Contingencies Fund.

Goolsarran was responding to Dr. Singh’s attempt to explain that the Contingencies Fund was not being abused since of the $9.4B brought to the House since 2011, an Opposition controlled Parliament approved $8.7B representing 92.2 per cent.

He had asked the question: Where is the abuse?

Goolsarran’s position is that the Assembly was extremely generous in approving expenditure out of the Contingencies Fund that did not meet the criteria, notwithstanding that such expenditure might have been incurred to finance

legitimate Government operations.

“The Assembly would have done so with a very heavy heart in view of the fact that it was deprived of the ex ante opportunity to scrutinise and debate a request for supplementary funds… Indeed, it would have been an exercise in futility for the Assembly to engage in a debate about the merits of any expenditure that has already incurred.”

A c c o r d i n g t o Goolsarran, “the milk has already been spilled, and the Assembly was merely asked to rubber-stamp expenditure already incurred.”

Goolsarran was adamant that, “the fact that it has approved any such expenditure should therefore b e a s o u r c e o f embarrassment and not one to rejoice.”

Goolsarran further charged too that while the Minister should consider

himself extremely fortunate that the Assembly approved 92.2 per cent of the expenditure from the Contingencies Fund, he cannot escape liability for the 7.8 per cent, or $700 million, which was not approved.

According to the former Auditor General, “This represents unauthorised expenditure and a loss of public property for which appropriate sanctions are provided for under Section 76 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. He noted that the section of the Act reads: (1) If a loss of public property should occur and, at the time of that loss, a Minister or official has caused or contributed to that loss through misconduct or through deliberate or serious disregard of reasonable standard of care, that Minister or official shall be personally liable to the Government for the amount

of loss; (2) Where the misconduct or disregard of the person is not the sole cause or the loss referred to in subsection (1), the person shall be liable to pay only so much of the loss as is just and equitable having regard to the person’s share of the responsibility for the loss; If a loss of public property should occur and, at the time of that loss, a Minister or an official had nominal custody of that property, that Minister or official shall be personally liable to the Government for the amount of the loss.

The sitting Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, in his 2012 report had stated that advances continued to be issued from the Contingencies Fund which did not meet the required criteria for such advances resulting in monies being drawn from the Fund and utilised to meet expenditure that did not meet the

Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran

eligibility criteria as defined in the Act. He noted too that according to the Statement of Receipts and Payments of the Contingencies Fund, amounts totalling $4.7B were drawn from the Fund by way of thirty-nine advances.

“Previous reports highlighted instances where

the criteria were not fully met for the granting of some advances.”

The Audit Office again recommended that the Ministry of Finance adopt stringent measures to ensure that there is compliance with the FMA Act concerning the criteria for the granting of advances from the Contingencies Fund.

Govt. considering over a dozen quarry licence applications A

uthorities are reviewing more than a dozen applications for new quarries in an effort to scale up stone production in the country.

The disclosure was made yesterday after Durban Quarries Inc. landed at a Kingston facility with over 1,000 tonnes of stone. It was the first time that Durban, one of the newer players in the quarrying sector, would have been shipping to the city.

Director of the Quarry, Vishnu Ramdial, who was on hand to oversee the landing of his new pontoon and tug, in which almost $130M was invested, said that his quarry was prepared to supply similar amounts every two days to meet demands.

The stone issue has been engaging the Cabinet of Ministers in recent times as the demand continue to grow from the housing boom and several large scale private and public projects.

There have been complaints of buyers not being able to acquire simple

demands of the half-inch or three quarter inch stones, an aggregate that is especially in high demand in the home construction field.

Several of the Government projects have suffered delays because of the stone issue. A number of the operators have denied that there is a shortage.

Quarry operators themselves have been citing logistical problems in getting the stones down to the city.

In the case of Durban, the quarry is located up the Mazaruni. Some of the operators have been using the hinterland roadways and have been complaining also about these.

Because of the ready availability of wharves, the Ministry of Public Works allowed the use of the Kingston area, west of the Marriott Hotel.

Also on hand yesterday was Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, who made it clear that Government is convinced about the potential of the quarrying sector.

It is always “sad when

- as complaints continue over stone shortages

Durban Quarries landing its first 1,000 tonnes shipment of stone at the Kingston “Mudflats” yesterday. local contractors and even Government have to contemplate importing materials given the vast resources.”

There have been ongoing meetings between

authorities and the operators about the need to increase production and have the stones available.

Persaud admitted that operators themselves have been complaining about

shortages and logistical challenges of moving the stone to the coast.

Government has even been engaging the Guyana Revenue Authority to speed up the transaction time for

spare parts being imported.

Regarding new players and the current situation, the Minister said that terms and conditions of the licences that have been issued are being studied.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Manickchand demands quality, timely work on furniture ‌will apply penalties under the relevant contracts

Education Minister Priya Manickchand (centre) during the meeting on Friday last

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and Permanent Secretary, Delma Nedd on Friday last held a meeting with contractors who will be building furniture for schools across Guyana.

Manickchand called the meeting to discuss the importance of contractors meeting their contractual obligations, specifically emphasizing the importance of them delivering the furniture on time and it being of acceptable quality.

Manickchand pointed out to the meeting that the Government of Guyana, in understanding the importance of education in a country’s development, allocated approximately $300M, so that every child can be comfortably seated in the classroom and poised to receive quality education.

The Minister said the most desirous outcome of the meeting would be that quality furniture is delivered on time but emphasized that if these requirements are not met, the Government will apply penalties under the relevant contracts.

The contractors undertook to do their level best to meet the conditions

they agreed to under the various contracts and expressed a deep understanding of the necessity to provide good furniture in a timely manner.

This is not the first time Manickchand took a stern position against contractors undertaking works for the Education Ministry.

Shortly after taking the reins of the Education Ministry, Manickchand had publicly stated that failure on the part of contractors to complete projects within the stipulated contractual period could see penalties being swiftly applied.

This was following a similar meeting with contractors at which point in time she had categorically stated her position of zero tolerance for any unwarranted delay in meeting deadlines.

A total of $960M has been budgeted for the Ministry to complete construction and rehabilitation of Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools for 2014.

This figure also includes the extension of schools, science and information laboratories as well as the payment of retention.

Hire car driver indicted for city carjacking

A

23-year-old hire car driver from Friendship, East Coast Demerara, yesterday appeared before the city court to be charged in connection with a carjacking that occurred less than two weeks ago. Kirtland Scott is the second to be taken before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and remanded to prison for stealing Iverly Allicock’s motor car (PPP 5786) at John Street, Campbellville on June 11, last. When the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty.

P o l i c e P r o s e c u t o r, Corporal Bharat Mangru did not reveal the details of the car theft but offered several objections to bail. He said that the accused has a pending simple larceny matter before the courts in Berbice.

He said that the accused is a flight risk who would not return to court to face the charge instituted against him since he has been evading the police ever since he committed this offence.

In making a bail application, Hamilton told

the court that her client was arrested by police ranks while tending to another matter in Berbice. She refuted that he was avoiding the police and said that it was the nature of his job for him to be moving around.

Scott was denied bail.

The case will be called again on July 4 for statements.

In a previous court hearing where security guard Mortimer Chan was charged for stealing the said car, it was revealed that 01:00 hours that day, Allicock reportedly parked his car in front of his yard and ventured to bed.

When the victim woke up later that next morning, he realised that his car was missing and made a report to the police.

Mangru had revealed that acting on information, a party of police ranks ventured to Buxton, East Coast Demerara and managed to recover the car.

S u b s e q u e n t investigations led to the two men being arrested and charged. Another person is yet to be charged..

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 17

OLPF distributes 584 laptops in East Canje

T

he One Laptop Per Family ( O L P F ) Secretariat resumed distribution of laptops in Berbice yesterday by distributing 584 instruments to residents of East Canje at the Cumberland Primary School. OLPF Supervisor Ms. Archana Sawh, stated that applicants from Seawell, Palmyra, Cumberland, Canefield and other East Canje villagers were the beneficiaries of the distribution.

She added that OLPF will be moving to Port Mourant, Corentyne in July where more laptops will be distributed.

“It should be ongoing now for the region—from now until September, we

have scheduled dates and we will be targeting the different areas in Region Six.” She encouraged more Berbicians to apply for the Government laptops, “because the Government has an obligation to the people and we want to reach our target, which is 90,000 laptops.”

So far, 3000 laptops have been distributed in Berbice alone. Application is simple, she added. Persons can visit the OLPF Regional offices in Berbice- at New Amsterdam and Skeldon“fill up an application and drop it back to us. We have a process where we have verification officers who will go to your homes-where you sign another form and then we send that to Georgetown to be processed.”

OLPF official Ms. Sawh (seated at centre) distributing laptops to residents of East Canje yesterday The waiting period after applying for a laptop, she noted, is “not long”, once the verification process has been completed.

Also assisting with distribution and verification of applicants yesterday were Jermaine Richmond, OLPF Supervisor; and Chandanie

Riamatali, Community Liaison Officer, OLPF Secretariat. There were also volunteer workers from the community.

A lot of the persons receiving laptops yesterday were thankful. Some had applied over two years ago and were relieved to finally

have their applications processed.

The recipients now have to attend training sessions at established OLPF Hubs in East Canje where they will gain computer- training skills.

The OLPF programme was launched in 2011. The

original aim of this programme is to equip 90,000 families with laptops and to expand the use of ICT across the country.

Up to May last year, 28,000 laptops were already distributed to families in various communities countrywide.

Father jailed, son remanded in CJIA cocaine bust was yesterday morning brought before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to the charge instituted against him by the police. He pleaded guilty.

P o l i c e P r o s e c u t o r, Corporal Bharat Mangru, explained that while at the airport, police ranks noticed him (Daren Harris) acting suspiciously and searched him.

Mangru noted that during the rummaging around his luggage, Constable Jeffery observed that the man’s suitcase handle was tampered with.

The cocaine, the Prosecutor said, was stuffed

Accused: Daren Harris (Jnr)

A professional chef and his 19-year-old son were yesterday brought before the courts and indicted for drug trafficking in connection with the latest drug bust at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The father Daren Harris and his son Daren, Jr, both Guyanese nationals, were allegedly found by the police and Customs Anti Narcotics

Unit (CANU) on June 20, last, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with 1.454 and 1.176 kilograms of cocaine respectively.

They were reportedly busted with the cocaine in their suitcases at the airport whilst preparing to board an outgoing flight destined for the United States.

The 41-year-old father

in the handle. Harris Snr. was arrested and subsequently charged for drug trafficking.

During mitigation, the father who resides at Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara told the court that he and his son were arrested at the airport but it belonged to him and not his son.

“I put it in my son’s suitcase.”

H a r r i s S n r. w a s sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. During her ruling, the Chief Magistrate considered too that he had pleaded guilty and had not wasted the court’s time.

The father was told that coupled with his jail term, he will also have to pay a $30,000 fine for the crime.

Later that afternoon, Harris Jnr. was whisked before the Chief Magistrate and charged. He, however, pleaded not guilty and submitted a bail application through his lawyer, George Thomas.

CANU’s Prosecutor, Oswald Massiah stated that the teenager is Guyanese but had lived for some time in the US. He said that Harris Jnr. came to Guyana last December, and was returning last Friday.

Around 15:00 hours, as he was scanning his two suitcases, a CANU rank asked him to open them and in the larger suitcase there were two ladies bags therein.

The Prosecutor described the handles of the bag as “nutmegs stringed together.”

He said that the officer’s suspicion grew and he pierced the “nutmeg” thereby discovering a silver foil inside. Further checks revealed the powdery substance concealed therein.

The Prosecutor said that when the accused was cautioned, he stated that he was solicited by someone in the United States to transport the illicit substance.

Harris Jnr. was arrested and taken to CANU where the substance was weighed.

Massiah told the court (Continued on page 24)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Vice Chancellor stresses need for - as consultations to discuss independence at UG tuition fees hike commences T

ransforming the University of Guyana (UG) into an institution that matches international excellence is an undertaking that requires resources. This conviction was vocalised y e s t e r d a y b y Vi c e Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), Professor Jacob Opadeyi, as he addressed a media conference in the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) at the U n i v e r s i t y ’s Tu r k e y e n campus.

“Without resources we can’t do anything,” said the Vice Chancellor as he pointed to the fact that the tuition fee at UG was last set some 20 years ago.

In 1994 moves were made to have the tuition fee pegged at US$1,000 which, at the time, was equivalent to G$127,000 per year. This move was implemented after a review by Government to ascertain the University’s financial position, an undertaking that concluded that the tertiary institution should be self-financing.

Noticeable changes in

the currency exchange rate over the years were taken into consideration by the University’s Council in 2012, which saw a call being made for an adjustment to the tuition fee that matched the existing exchange rate.

The recommended modification was however, not adopted and only became a public ‘bone of contention’ when Professor Opadeyi assumed the position of Vice Chancellor last year.

“I want you to tell me if there is anything in Guyana that the price has not changed for (over) the last 20 years; not even bus fare,” said Professor Opadeyi as he announced plans to host consultations with stakeholders over the next few days to discuss a hike in the tuition fee.

“Nobody will enjoy an increase in tuition, nobody; likewise nobody will like an institution that is not improving in its quality, content (and) environment,” said the Vice Chancellor as he went on to note, “either we want to keep the University where it has been

for the past 10, 15 years, or we are really serious about making it an international excellent University.”

Moreover, he informed that talks about an increase to the existing tuition fee is something that is not only long overdue but critical to the survival of the University. He explained that “the increase in the tuition (fee) is not just because we want more money but because we want to raise the bar.”

According to the Vice Chancellor too, “if the University is really to be an independent University, we must have resources to start our own goals, decide on our priorities rather than our involvement being tied to subvention, tuition fee increase (and) parliamentary approvals....once you are tied to that then you are asking for political intervention.”

And in order for UG to be free of such interventions, Professor Opadeyi spoke of the need for the University to be able to manage its own resources. He also alluded to

the fact that “we have been guilty of, at this University, expanding our options, expanding our programmes just because this University loves the country so much, (but) I say that is the end of that love.”

The Vice Chancellor in his deliberation yesterday said that any new programme at the University must in fact come with money to enable its expansion. As such, he insisted that “we need to be demand driven, not service driven. What we have been doing over the years is service, service, service...” “ We a r e t h e o n l y University in the country; everybody depends on us for their tertiary education but when it comes to the money required to develop those programmes, we are very short on that funding,” said Professor Opadeyi.

However, he assured that the University will not only be focused on business as according to him, “We are going to have some human faces to those among us who cannot afford the cost of going to University and we are saying that we are going to sit down with those persons and look for other ways to make their education more affordable.”

Students were put on notice last week of a looming increase to the tuition fee with an electronic notice issued by the Deputy Registrar on June 13 last.

The notice in part stated, “Please be advised that registration for the 20142015 academic year will most likely commence in July 2014. This is because of

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, during yesterday’s press conference the impending increase to the tuition fee, which has to be finalised before your registration commences.

Any inconvenience caused is regretted.”

At least five consultation fora have been scheduled to discuss the way forward in terms of implementing a hike in the tuition fee. Two sessions are set for today in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT), with the initial attracting input from staff and another intended to target students.

But in an interesting twist yesterday Professor Opadeyi appealed to the media corps to cover the consultations in a manner so as to ensure that “it brings national unity; so that it brings positive change to this University...We do not want the coverage to retort to any form of analysis (or) any lack of insightful research.

We do not want it to be something that will further bring down what we are trying to build.”

“The essence is to ask the

media not to take one isolated story and turn it into headlines...in other words don’t give us any negative press without any analysis; if there is analysis to support the negative press please go ahead but we want this to be a national decision embraced by all and that is why we are having the consultations,” said the Vice Chancellor.

Aside from the two consultations today (10:00 hours – 12:00 hours (for staff) and 14:30 hours to 16:30 hours (for students) both in GWLT); another is scheduled for tomorrow (June 25) at 14:30 - 18:30 (in ELT) for the public sector and political directorate; on Thursday (June 26) members of the private sector and NonG o v e r n m e n t a l Organisations will be the primary targets (in ELT), while on Friday (June 27) yet another forum will solicit participation from staff, students, the Advisory Board and the general public at the Berbice campus.

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

“HALLOWED GROUND” Theatre Guild of Guyana Celebrates 57th Anniversary

The Theatre Guild of Guyana is 57 years old this week. That makes it the oldest cultural institution in Guyana and among the oldest in the Caribbean. It is older than the Republic of Guyana itself, older than the Ministry of Culture and older than most of its current members. But not all of them.

A few weeks ago while the Guild was in the middle of a weekend forum on governance, cultural industries and the arts in Guyana, two of the oldest existing members of the Guild showed up. Ricardo Smith and Ras Michael Jeune, delighted the younger members gathered, to discuss the future of the Guild in the development of Guyana’s Cultural Industries with memories of the guilded days gone by.

Smith told those gathered that the Guild was such an institution that the now famous poem “Old Higue” written by Wordsworth McAndrew was first performed there in the 1950’s. Ricardo, himself, was one of the early Guild playwrights writing and producing his own work as early as 1966 when he wrote and produced “Guyana Legend”.

Other writers of the time w e r e Wo r d s w o r t h McAndrew (Freedom Street Blues), Vic Forsythe (Sweet Carilla), Rajkumari Singh (Sound of Her Bells), Winslow Fraser (Winds of Change), Francis Quamina Farrier (Freedom Trail, Tides of Susanburg), Bertam Charles (Human

Young Daphne Rogers, making costumes at the Theatre Guild, circa 1957.

Predicament) and perhaps the most famous of all, Slade Hopkinson, father of world famous novelist Nalo Hopkinson (Onliest Fisherman and Spawning of Eel) among others.

Smith and Jeune recalled the formation of the Guild back in 1957, when meetings were convened at Bishops High school. Later, the playhouse was created in the early 1960’s. The founders of the Guild were Lloyd Searwar, a former Head of the Foreign Service in Guyana, Bernie Martin, Director of the Georgetown Dramatic Club, Arthur Hemslock an experimental dramatist and director of the BGSPA. According to founding member Frank Thomason in his book “History of Theatre in Guyana 1800-2000” which chronicles the early history of the Guild, in 1957 these three presented their vision at a public meeting at the Public Library where those present agreed to proceed.

It seemed that they saw the arts and culture as a way of bridging the gap between race and class which was so stark in those days and also as a way of expressing and engineering a Guyanese cultural identity.

The constitution which was drafted in 1958 specified the following aims: · To sponsor and support Guyanese, West Indian and International plays of the highest possible standards · To promote writing of local plays · To encourage the development of theatre in

Guyana in all of its aspects.

Among the early members were Ian McDonald and Hans Barrow (still members of the Guild’s Board of Trustees), David DeCaires and Frank Thomason. Other Illustrious members of the Guild included Sir Shridath Ramphal, Father Malcom Rodriguez, Ken Corsbie, Malcom Hall, Ulita Anthony, Patti Gomes, Desiree Edghill, Henry R o d n e y, M a rg a r e t

Lawrence, Mark Matthews, Iylene McAndrew, Daphne Rogers, Henry Mootoo and Elaine Nascimento.

Old school boys from Queen’s College like Vic Insanally and Francis Farrier recall walking through the back of Kingston from the Queen’s College building just so they could pass by the Guild and see what was going on. It once was the only space of its kind in the city and in some ways still is.

(To be continued)

Page 19

Ricardo Smith (left) and Ras Michael Jeune at the recent Guild forum.

Page 20

Kaieteur News

Three years later family seeks justice over missing man Three years later and the relatives of Heimchandra Boodram Mohabir, called “Collie Boy or Rohan”, are still to hear anything pertaining to his disappearance from the interior location of Kamarang, Region Seven.

He last resided at Claybrick Road, Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara. His relatives are adamant that foul play was the cause of his disappearance and police have not made any headway on the case.

According to the man’s wife, Somwattie Mohamed, she and relatives visited the Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee on March 25, 2011 and stated their concerns and suspicions about the disappearance of her husband.

However, to date, no information about the investigation of her

FEARED DEAD: Heimchandra Boodram Mohabir husband’s whereabouts was received. Relatives had visited Kamarang and spent four days but were unable to locate him.

Complaints were made to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) about the sloth and lackadaisical attitude of the police in their investigations.

It was also disclosed that the prime suspects into the disappearance are related to a senior police officer in the police force and no proper investigation is being done.

Mohamed had explained that the father of two had

been working in the interior for several years as a welder, fabricator and operator of machines. On February 2, 2011 he left to work at Kamarang in the Mazaruni District. On March 3, 2011 she was told by her husband’s employer that her “husband fall overboard and he was not found.”

However, before his disappearance she received three phone calls from her husband that were distressing. “He tell me that he and some workers got problem. I told him come home but he said no, that he boss man ain’t deh and he got to take care of something.”

She explained that her husband was second in charge after the General Manager where he worked, and the following day after she received the report of her husband’s demise she visited his employers. There she was told that her husband was missing in an accident.

The relatives are calling on the acting Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud to reopen the case and order further investigations into the matter.

Tuesday June 24, 2014

‘Lady’ hits the streets …celebrates Guyanese women

The Inspire Inc team unveils the cover of the first edition of “Lady”

I

nspire Inc launched “LADY”, another magazine. This one promotes Guyanese women in their personal and professional capacities while highlighting women’s lifestyle, career achievements, health issues, women in sports and politics.

The cover was unveiled recently at the Pegasus Hotel and complimentary copies were distributed. In attendance were Prime Minister’s wife Yvonne Hinds, Member of Parliament (MP) Cathy Hughes and special invitees.

The magazine highlights women such as politician Gail Teixeira and businesswomen Doris Lewis and Carolyn Rahaman who have lifted the ceilings in their respective fields.

Dr. Yog Mahadeo. Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Inc noted that the magazine looks at the examples of women overcoming challenges in life and how those examples can bridge the gap for everyone.

Each story told represents hope and perseverance, as it signals the undying strength and spirit of the woman.

Ms. Anita Balram, Managing Director of

Inspire Inc. and Publisher of “Lady” said that the magazine is available for free distribution at their offices and various business places in Guyana, Fly Jamaica, female hotspots, boutiques and salons.

“We dig deep into social issues and the experiences of some women…however, the overall strength of women can be seen as their desires for success and in some cases, survival comes to the fore. We also look at the lighter side of health, fashion, food and beauty which we believe contributes towards shaping a lady.”

The publisher thanked advertisers, colleagues, well-wishers and the Inspire team for making the magazine possible. She explained that the magazine seeks to bridge the gap between the lower and higher class of women in society.

Editor of the Magazine, Tivia Collins, said the publication has been nothing short of an absolutely amazing experience. “As the name suggests, Lady celebrates the accomplishments of Guyanese women while highlighting the challenges faced in a world where gender inequalities are still prevalent.”

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 21

“We would never Opposition rejected their leave Robert Gates unguarded” own amendments, says AG AML/CFT Legislation…

Government delinked agreements that were on the table since last year- APNU Attorney General Anil Nandlall is insisting that Government bent over backwards to the combined opposition to get the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill passed (AML/ CFT). He said that Government even made a request to incorporate the APNU amendments to the Bill should the opposition provide support for its passage.

However, support was not forthcoming and this caused Nandlall to contend that the opposition rejected their amendments.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has since said, however, that it could not support what the government was proposing since it delinked the constitutional requirements that both APNU and the Alliance for Change (AFC) have been calling for before support can be given for the passage of the AML/ CFT Bill.

The opposition party said that the assent by the President to the four local government election Bills and the setting up and running of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) to monitor contracts are critical.

According to Nandlall, “In a last ditch effort, to have a legislation available, even one which runs the risk of being CFAFT (Caribbean Financial Action Task Force) non-compliant, before the FATF meeting in Paris, France, scheduled to take place on June 23, 2014, Government was prepared to cede to the opposition and agree to enact all their amendments which were proposed in the Special Select Committee.”

“We tried to do so, firstly, via the process of the Special Select Committee. Numerous efforts were made by the chairperson of the select committee, Gail Teixeira to convene a meeting of that committee before the June 19, 2014, sitting of the National Assembly.

“We have long e-mail exchanges between the chairperson and several members of the APNU who sit on the committee to prove these efforts. Additionally, the President spoke to the Opposition Leader on the telephone requesting that he persuade his members on that committee to meet before the June 19 sitting of the National Assembly. All those efforts failed,” the AG decried.

Nandlall added that when that didn’t work “the President invited the Leader

of the Opposition to meet and they did meet at 5:00 p.m. on June 18, 2014. I am informed that at that meeting, the President indicated to the Leader of the Opposition that Government is prepared to enact and that he will assent immediately to a Bill which contains the Opposition’s proposals, although, those provisions may subsequently be adjudged to be CFATF non-compliant. This offer was also rejected.”

According to Nandlall, APNU never wanted to support the AML/CFT in the first place; it was only about getting the four nonassented local government elections Bills passed. “It was an attempt to get the top prize, the non-assented Bills passed. Why? Because those Bills have one common thread running through them; which is, an unconstitutional and undemocratic hijacking of political power from the government to the Opposition in the National Assembly.”

Leader of APNU, Brig.

David Granger, however, is contending that the government never wanted to have enforceable AMLCFT laws within the framework of governance and that is what CFATF and its head body the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) are calling for.

He said that the “last warning from the CFTAF came in 2011. That was even before the APNU was established, warning the

government of Guyana to correct certain deficiencies by November 2013.

“The CFTAF was always concerned with the enforcement because we had some form of AML law on the books since 2000 but it was not enforced.”

Granger said, “Up to now there has not been a single prosecution for money laundering after 14 years so our concern has always been the institutions, particularly the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the new organization Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) that has not even been staffed,” according to the Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon.

According to Granger, only this week the government said that it will now accept the opposition amendments. “But the government was aware all the time that we had linked our approval to the passage of this Bill not only to legislation but also supporting the AFC with the Procurement commission and also that the President initiates a process by which the four Bills he had not assented to could be brought back.”

“When I met with the President on May 12, this was on the table and he agreed that the Attorney General would meet the Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs on the matter. When that meeting took place the

AG did not proceed along the lines that had been proposed.

He did not propose a process by which the Bills could be brought back to the National Assembly,” said Granger.

He said that his last meeting with the President ended the same way. “The President did not accept something that has been put on the table by APNU since last year so it is not a question of APNU disagreeing.

“It was always on the table; just that the government did not implement what we have been calling for.”

He said, further, that APNU is “willing to grant approval to the amended Bill once the President agrees to the process but they are not budging. I initiated meetings with the President twice during the month in order to break the deadlock.”

“The things we are calling for are constitutional; we are not asking for any waiver or favour we are asking for things that are outlined under the constitution,” said Granger.

Speaking to the imminent international blacklisting that might emanate from the FATF plenary, Granger said that “this is a risk that the government seems prepared to take because I do not believe the demands of APNU and AFC are so great, I don’t think we deserve the sanctions that are going to be imposed in light of what we have been calling for. I don’t think the country deserves that.”

- prison official

“The Georgetown Prison would never allow Robert Gates, to go unsupervised,” one prison official told Kaieteur News yesterday. The official who spoke on the ground of anonymity explained that Gates was always under guard.

Earlier this month Kaieteur News had queried why Gates a convicted felon who is giving evidence in the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry was allowed to wander around in and around the High Court.

According to the official, the prison was served with a summons from the Commission which they had to comply with. The official explained that Gates would at times be guarded by either uniformed or plain clothes prison guards.

“If you only make a mistake with Gates he would disappear,” the prison official told Kaieteur News. At yesterday’s sitting Gates was guarded by a female prison officer.

Gates, a former policeman, testifying before the Commission of Inquiry into the death of Walter Rodney, alleged that he was sent to infiltrate the Working People’s Alliance in the years leading

up to Rodney’s death.

Gates, who goes by several aliases, was charged back in 2010 for obtaining money by false pretense after he fleeced unsuspecting persons using the ruse that he owned a car dealership.

According to Gates, the charges for which he has been convicted were allegedly “trumped” up because of his intention to give evidence at the Commission. He was charged in 2010 when the commission was not even considered.

However, it was only when Gates disclosed that he was “serving” the sentence that persons realized that he had been coming to the Commission since its inception in April without any apparent prison guard.

Gates, during all hearings, was seated at the back of the room with a woman next to him. Neither prison guard nor police would be seen accompanying him to the Commission.

It was unclear whether there is some “special arrangement” between Gates and the Commission or the Guyana Prison Service. In normal circumstances, prisoners who are brought (Continued on page 24)

Page 22

Kaieteur News

VACANCY

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

Dressed and mill cut lumber: Kabukalli, Silverballi, Greenheart, Crab Wood etc Call: 688-6579 Pluck Chicken - Call: 6273484, 253-3246 Spares for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Dell computers with 17" Led -$59,000, laptops from $64,000, Blackberry 8310 $9,000 at Future Tech – Call: 231-2206; 644-6760 1- Fishing Boat – 50ft long complete with 400lbs Bangamary net, 2-48 Yamaha Engines & all accessories – Price $3M - Call: 220-2259, 669-7864 Pluck Chicken for Sale: Tel: 656-3479 A fully equipped sawmill operation at prime location: large land space, plenty suppliers & customers Contact Swamee: 614-1466; 678-1421 Three caterpillar engines: Model 3406-$1,6M, 3116 $1,1M, 3208- $1,1M. Contact 650-0402; Serious Inquiries Only

EDUCATIONAL I.A.S – 94 Alberttown: CXC Adults/ Students classes $1200 per subject. Day/ Evening / Grade 6 classes – Call: 223-7906, 690-5008 Certificate in home nursing and child care programmes – Tel:692-2063; 685-9095; 6130803 Transitional/Foundation summer classes Form 1, 2&3 July21-August22: Mathematics, English, Music, Spanish/Portuguese, IT, Etc – Call Mr. Lee: 2277850 Writing CXC Mathematics / English, January/ June 2015, placement in July; Additional Maths etc: Call Mr. Lee: 2312076 Now Enrolling! For a Diploma in computers (9 courses) Special discount for 2014 CXC students @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-EnHoop –Tel: 264-3057 Now Enrolling! For summer computer classes – Ages: 514yrs, certificate course @ MicroGraphics Technology – Vreed-En- Hoop –Tel: 2643057

LAND FOR SALE

300 HP Yamaha Vmax HPDI outboard engine: 30” four fin propeller, excellent condition, foreign used – Contact: 621-8612 Now In Stock Whole plucked chicken at BM Ent. Inc. contact: 227-8175/8176 delivery available

La Parafaite Harmonie $1.1M Grove- $2.6M (foundation) Herstelling $3.5M (110ftX60ft) – Tel:2185591, 675-7292

1997 Suzuki 650 GSR: asking price - $700,000 or best offer, with vest, jacket & helmets Tel: 698-9368, 275-0081

Land for sale 110X60 at 5th Avenue Diamond, EBD. For quick sale - $7M. Contact: 652-5601

Land for sale at Better Hope South – Price $6,350,000, negotiable – Tel: 642-7898

One Tata Truck GEE 9962 in good working condition – Tel: 629-9286 One Toyota Hiace 2RZ minibus – Price: $1.5M negotiable, good condition – Contact: 677-9107 Household furniture, owner leaving country – Tel:2269460 5000 gas fuel tank – Call: 6013194 TOURS Suriname Tour Return: July 4th/ Caricom Holiday 4-7 July – Tel: 639-2663, 6440185, 665-5171, 227-8290

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Have property for sale?

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Hard working, educated, easy to train & fill supervision job @ plant shop, able work along with staff 6481821

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SALON

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1 Honda CRV, Toyota AT192, AT212, AE110 Corolla, Raum, Funcargo, Ep-71 Starlet, Nissan Pathfinder – Tel: 644-5096, 697-1453 One 8000 Forde Tractor, one 450 Forde tow truck, one Toyota Tacoma – Contact Floyd: 694-5599

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

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Tuesday June 24, 2014

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COOL TECH : Repairs Services & Installation of all types if homes appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 Permanent & Visitors Vi s a Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 2256496, 662-6045 Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032,647-2943 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, washing machines, A/C units – Call Lindon: 6411086, 694-2202, 227-8907 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312, 627-3206 (Nick) For low cost: Repairs to fridge, freezer, A/C unit, microwaves, TV & washing machine - Call: 629-4946 or 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655,683-8734 NEED WORK CALL LABOUR READY STAFFING SERVICES AT: 603-6052 OR 227-2766 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $10,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766

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Smart Choice Auto: Unregistered 212, Allex, old & new model Spacio, 05 & 03 Allion, Voxy- Call:6523820/ 665-4529 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 One Carina AT212, PMM Series, good working condition, leather seats, flash drive deck, rims – Call: 663-1576 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 One Leyland Daf dump truck $2,5M, One S130 Bobcat $2,1M -Contact 6500402; Serious Inquiries Only Noah/ Voxy, unregistered, (private or bus), Toyota Regius/ Super custom, unregistered (goods) – Tel: 603-9700 One Toyota Land cruiser Prado, PMM Series Call: 225-0188, 223-7500, MonFri 8:15-4:15pm, Sat – 8:151:15PM One black Toyota Starlet – PHH Series, excellent condition, sunroof and back vizor equipped – call:6492645 One Lancer Motorcar: PJJ375, fully loaded rims & music – Price Negotiable $750,000. Cell: 644-6999 One NZE, female driven $1.5M negotiable - Tel: 6449356 One Toyota Rav4, PMM Series, fully loaded, good condition – Price$1.9M negotiable. Contact: 669-6499 New model Toyota RAV4 $2.5M Negotiable – Tel: 2255034, 639-5577 We Order: Tacoma/Tundra/ Titan Body parts & Accessories – Contact Eddie’s Auto Spares – Tel:227-2835, 227-5381 One 2006 Suzuki Escudo, newly registered - Tel: 6426079 (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 23

PAHO working with Health Ministry to reduce maternal mortality

PAHO Resident Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow “No woman should die during child birth,” was the firm assertion of Resident Representative of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr. William Adu-Krow, as he spoke of plans in the making to ensure that this objective is realised in Guyana. Dr. AduKrow, during an interview with this publication recently, disclosed that currently, close attention is being directed to maternal health.

Dr. Adu-Krow, who recently assumed the position of PAHO Resident Representative, said that he has already met with officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Health Ministry, including Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, to address the challenges of maternal health.

“Both Ministries, Health and

Finance, have come together to assist in health...along with PAHO and other development partners to come up with a plan whereby no woman should die during childbirth,” said Dr. Adu-Krow.

But according to the PAHO Representative, despite efforts made over the years, there are some women in Guyana who are dying from avoidable circumstances and “there is no way that we should allow that to happen.”

During the past year the local health sector recorded a total of 18 maternal deaths, a figure that Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud has called “way too high.”

He, during an interview with this publication said that of the recorded cases, 11 were directly linked to pregnancy complications while seven were triggered by indirect circumstances ranging from malaria to heart conditions.

But according to Dr. Persaud, it is usually only the direct causes that are used in the calculation of the maternal mortality rate.

Moreover, he disclosed that the Health Ministry, based on the estimated number of births for last year, recorded a maternal death rate of 79.7 per every 100,000 live births. “This is just about where we should be in terms of our Millennium Development Goal (Five)…we should be 80 or less in terms of our indicator; so this means that we can absolutely have no more than 11 direct maternal deaths,” said Dr Persaud.

The main direct causes recorded last year were

mostly due to haemorrhagic conditions, hypertension in pregnancy, eclampsia and adverse effects relating to bleeding. There was also a case related to an ectopic pregnancy and two related to termination of pregnancies where some complications were encountered.

Two of the indirect cases were linked to malarial complications and there were three cases with patients who had various types of chronic diseases – with at least one being an HIV related complication.

One case entailed a patient who had an underlying heart condition as well which led to the unfortunate outcome of death, Dr Persaud disclosed.

As part of efforts to put measures in place to help reduce the instances of maternal death, Dr Adu-Krow said that an assessment has been done and a report has been generated. This, according to him, has allowed for efforts to be directed towards the process of compiling a report and deriving a workable plan to guide the way forward. “I think in about five years time we should not be having the number of deaths that we are having now,” said Dr AduKrow. This, he said, will be addressed with the planned moves by the Health Ministry to recruit 10 obstetricians in the near future, and train even more, so as to ensure that the country is furnished with well trained personnel to conduct deliveries. This is in spite of the fact, Dr Adu-Krow noted, that “there are many women

who deliver without the assistance of obstetricians.”

But according to the PAHO Representative Guyana, from all indications, is in a much better position when the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) Four and Five are considered. “Coming from Papau New Guinea (where he previously held the position of Resident Representative) I think Guyana is much better off...however it doesn’t mean that we have done everything that needs to be done; there is lots of work yet to be done,” Dr Adu-Krow noted.

MDG Four speaks to the reduction of child mortality while MDG Five is one that addresses the improvement of maternal health. Although strides are consistently being made to meet these goals by next year, as recommended by the United Nations, the PAHO Representative has expressed some concern that MDG Four may not be attainable by the stipulated period. “I think it appears we may not be able to achieve that by 2015...however I think we are setting ourselves targets that are more meaningful,” said Dr AduKrow.

In the quest to refine the approach to reducing child mortality, the PAHO Representative disclosed that bottlenecks have been identified and “so now what we have to do is work towards getting rid of those bottlenecks and ensuring that we execute the plan to achieve the results we are looking for.”

High profile murder trial aborted From page 5 Renita Singh had delivered a lengthy opening statement when the matter began.

She had stated that Shawn Fraser and his brother, Audwyn Bindah, called ‘Audwyn Fraser’, of 11 Adventure Farm Corentyne are cattle and rice farmers. On July 27, 2011, they left their home to tend to their rice field at the Hogstye back dam.

On their way they saw three men, Krishna called ‘John’; his son Romell Krishna, called ‘Romell’ and one Bobo plowing with a tractor on a cross dam. The brothers made a stop opposite where the men were plowing to attend to some work. One of them then noticed the men had stopped working and were under a tree in front of the reef.

The brothers subsequently finished spraying their field and were on their way out when they saw the three men on top of a reef, each armed with a

shotgun. The men then suddenly opened fire hitting the brothers.

Audwyn managed to escape and ran some distance to where another brother, Ray Fraser, was in a nearby farm, tending to his crop. Ray had heard what sounded like gunshots, and saw his brother Audwyn Bindha, running towards him with blood all over his body and the men with a gun each in their hands.

Ray then saw the men shoot at his brother, Audwin Bindha, who subsequently collapsed. The attackers then turned back and escaped out of the rice field. Ray in the meantime went to his brother’s assistance and saw that he was covered in blood and had holes on his back and left side chest.

Ray then made contact with a number of other siblings who converged on the scene.

One of the sisters, Kim Providence, had seen two

men Romell Krishna and Kevin under a shed. The men had enquired from her the whereabouts of another brother, Jermaine, and she cursed him.

The police subsequently arrived on the scene and managed to arrest the two men. Her brother, Audwin, was rushed to the Port Mourant and then New

Amsterdam Hospital. Shawn Fraser’s body was picked up and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Among those who testified during the trial were prosecution star witness Audwyn Bindah, called Audwyn Fraser, who spent five days on the witness stand.

(From page 22)

VEHICLE FOR SALE New Toyota Noah: TV, Camera, 15" Rim – Tel:6632700, 629-2619

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Toyota Rav 4 PKK series, aero kit, TV, spoiler, roof rail & more - $2.5M negotiable , excellent condition- Tel:2318694, 670-1638

One cook for home in the interior – Contact: 681-6044

2001 Mercedes Benz C200, 2000 CC engines, backup camera, sunroof, back & front sensors, leather interior - $3.5M- Tel:670-1638

Experienced roti/puri Cook, curry cook, handy boys Apply at Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce Street, Georgetown

2004 Lexus GX470, fully loaded, 20" chrome wheels, tow hitch, excellent condition – Price: $8M negotiable – Tel:231-8694, 670-1638 Toyota Allion PPP 6146, low mileage, excellent condition - $1.750M negotiable – Tel: 231-8694, 670-1638

Wanted to buy: 18 months coconut plants; any quantity – Tel: 223-5273/4.

Farm Workers – Tel: 6611585, 617-2032 Over edge, straight stitch, button & button tack operator to work at garment factory – Call:222-2541 Live out domestic babysitter and live in babysitter – Call:225-0188, 225-6070 (Monday to Saturday ) (8:15am-4:15pm) Silverballi and Kabakalli logs - Tel: 653-9752 Mature couple to live and work on resort – Tel: 2310363. Office hours - 8:30AM - 4:30PM Children feeding program continues. Celebrating any occasion or just want to partake? – Call: 696-7467 Experienced: 1 PAYE/NIS Payroll Clerk with office assistant duties – Tel:2310363 One experienced general domestic. Must know to cook a variety of dishes; pleasant & trustworthy- Tel: 656-6388 Two persons to work on Poultry Farm in the Interior.

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VEHICLE FOR SALE Mazda RX8 Sports package, full aero kit, 18" staggered wheels, racing exhaust system & more - $2.1M negotiable – Tel:231-8694, 670-1638 Toyota Premio; PRR 909, PRR982, low mileage in excellent condition, $1.9M negotiable – Call: 231-8694 or 670-1638 One Starlet (EP82) -Tel: 6435161

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Recaptured escape prisoner jailed Suriname police shoot

Keiron Cummings at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday Two days after he was nabbed in Omai area, Essequibo, the last of the four prisoners who escaped from the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court over a month ago was jailed yesterday.

Keiron Cummings, 24, who was initially in court on 12 different charges, including carjackings and armed robberies, yesterday faced Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on an escape from lawful custody charge.

The Sophia resident, along with 28-year-old Vickram Persaud, Steve Richard Bacchus and Randolph Marques, escaped from the Magistrates’ Court on May 19, last, by ripping the grill work and the mesh that covered the window at the back of the building to provide ventilation to prisoners in the holding cell.

They then proceeded to

climb down the back wall and to scale the fence, cutting a strand of razor wire at the top of the fence.

The breakout occurred around 12:45 hrs that day, during a heavy downpour, while the men were awaiting their scheduled court appearances.

While Cummings managed to maintain a low profile for more than a month, the other prisoners were not so lucky.

Bacchus had his freedom cut short when he was dragged out of a minibus at Hadfield Street, Georgetown less than two hours after the breakout while Persaud was shot dead at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice.

Randolph Marks was found under his mother’s bed in a house at Freeman Street, East La Penitence less than a day after the breakout.

It was after being on the run for 33 days that Cummings, of ‘C’ Field Sophia, East Coast Demerara was recaptured in the Omai area, Essequibo last weekend and charged.

The charge against him detailed that on May 19, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court lockups while being a remanded prisoner pending charges for robbery under arms, he escaped from lawful custody.

In a plea of mitigation, he said, “Ma worship, I ain’t got nothing to say. I see people was going so I go for my freedom. I saw people going through the hole and I go.”

Cummings told the Magistrate that he had had no prior convictions, but to his evident surprise the Chief Magistrate told him that he had been sentenced on three

counts of robbery under arms in absentia.

“The court conducted the trial ex-parte and found you guilty on three counts of robbery under arms. You were sentenced to four years on each,” the Chief Magistrate informed him.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharat Mangru told the court that Cummings also had nine pending matters in the court – three in the city court and six others at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

In sentencing, Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry indicated that she considered the seriousness of the offence and that he pleaded guilty and had not wasted the court’s time.

The court had mulled over that he had escaped from custody, that he has nine pending charges, three

convictions as well as the fact that the maximum possible for the charge was three years imprisonment.

He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on the escape from lawful custody charge. The sentences, she said, will run concurrently.

Cummings had faced five counts of armed robbery, two counts of attempt to commit a felony, a break and enter and larceny charge, possession of firearm and ammunition, one count of threatening behaviour and another for discharging a loaded firearm.

The three jail terms which were handed down in his absence were for barging into the home of the former Assistant Commissioner on February 20, holding him, his son and his daughter-in-law at gunpoint and relieving them of over $500,000 in cash, jewellery and other items.

Minister walks out of City...

From page 3 time doing. About 50 minutes into the meeting and they are engaging in semantics, nothing productive.”

He said also that Deputy Mayor Patricia-Chase- Green spent 20 minutes talking, “what I consider to be foolishness.” He said that he expected to address the Council at the inception of the meeting but he was not even acknowledged, yet “all they are talking about is a ‘t’ not crossed in the minutes, a word that has a different meaning and exercising futility...They are wasting the taxpayers money,” he charged.

Whittaker said, “We are trying to help the Council.”

He highlighted various issues which he said the Council is failing to address

before highlighting that the Council wants the government to give to it the $500M slated for Georgetown’s clean up. “I’ve got to be dumb and stupid to make those funds available to them,” the Minister posited.

Mayor Hamilton Green said that he welcomes any enquiry by the Minister so that it could be highlighted how he has been micro-managing the Council and how the imposed Town Clerk (ag) Carol Sooba is contributing the negative issues facing the body. The Mayor said also that he would have recognized the Minister after he had made his announcements, “just as I did when the Opposition Leader David Granger had visited the Council.”

Guyanese fugitive

By Ivan Cairo PARAMARIBO – Police in Suriname in an official statement said that they captured Guyanese fugitive Samuel Fable after he was shot.

Officers of the Surinamese police SWAT-team on Saturday shot Fable in the leg when he resisted arrest during a confrontation along the Anton Dragtenweg in Paramaribo.

The Guyanese national was being sought by the judicial authorities in Suriname for alleged armed robbery.

Meanwhile, the Suriname Police Force issued a statement Monday saying that Fable alias Sammy Griffith is a wanted man in his native Guyana.

He is being accused of killing Gangaram Busgith, a butcher from Alness Village Corentyne, during an armed robbery in 2006.

In March 2007, Fable who lived in Alness and Fyrish Villages on the Corentyne along with two other inmates were being transported in a van, from the Whim and

SHOT IN SURINAME: Samuel Fable Springlands Magistrates’ Courts to the New Amsterdam Prisons, when they cut the lock from inside and escaped.

The men were in the vicinity of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute when they jumped from the prison van and escaped. Samuel Fable was on trial for allegedly killing Busgith. After his escape he subsequently fled to Suriname. Police here say that Fable will be extradited to Guyana.

Father jailed, son...

From page 17 that whilst in CANU’s custody the accused had provided several addresses to the court – Rosemary Lane in Tiger Bay, Norton Street but then finally took ranks to his mother’s house in D’Urban Street. The charge was subsequently instituted against him. Representing the accused was Attorney-at-Law

George Thomas who stated that his client, a vendor, resides with his mother at Lot 27 D’Urban Street, Lodge.

He said his client had no prior charges or convictions.

Thomas claimed that his client was not a flight risk since his passport is currently in CANU’s possession. The lawyer made a request for a short adjournment date for trial.

Bail was refused and the accused was remanded to prison. The case will be called again on Thursday (June 26) before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

“We would never leave...

From page 21 from the Camp Street jail to give court evidence are accompanied by a Prison Guard, who promptly follows the inmate around. When the inmate is finished, a prison vehicle would be waiting for that inmate to be taken back to prison. Commission lawyer Glenn Hanoman, when questioned about Gates, said that the idea of a Commission of Inquiry being held was floated over 30 years. When asked about the conditions for Gates and the fact that there is no prison guard around him, Hanoman said there’s a reason for it and it was part of a plan.

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

Shanique Myrie gets long-awaited money (Jamaica Gleaner) Jamaican Shanique Myrie, who won a landmark discrimination case against Barbados at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) says she has finally received money awarded to her in damages.

Last October, the CCJ, ordered Barbados to pay J$3.6 million arising from the case in which Myrie claimed she was discriminated against because of her nationality when she arrived in Bridgetown on March 14, 2011.

Myrie said she was subjected to a body-cavity search in unsanitary and demeaning conditions before being detained and deported from Barbados in 2011.

Yesterday morning Myrie said her lawyer, Michelle

Brown, called her to inform that the money has now been deposited in her account.

After an eight-month wait, Myrie went public two weeks

ago, claiming she was very frustrated that the Barbados government was yet to honour the court ruling. She had also threatened to file a complaint with the CCJ. Within days, Barbados’ Attorney General George Brathwaite told local media that his Government would make the payment by the end of last week. Barbados has also insisted that it had no intention to disregard the CCJ’s judgment.

Myrie had also criticised the Jamaican Government for not pushing Barbados to pay her in a timely manner.

However, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator A.J Nicholson defended Jamaica, stressing that the Government had no power to press Barbados to pay.

MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Latin American and Caribbean countries need to do more to improve budget management, tax collection and public sector pay equality if they are to catch up with advanced economies in terms of government performance, according to a joint report by the OECD and the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).

Government at a Glance: Latin America and the Caribbean finds that around half of the 17 countries examined have introduced innovative new budget tools, including fiscal rules or stabilisation funds, which added a layer of protection during the global economic crisis.

Yet more could be done to improve the overall management of public finances, public sector hiring and pay, and public

procurement practices, it says. This could help raise living standards, strengthen public services and protect against future economic shocks.

For example, the report reveals the level of inequality in public sector pay, with top managers paid much more relative to other staff than in OECD countries.

The first such crosscountry comparison on public sector compensation shows top managers are paid 11 times average income, as measured by per-capita GDP, versus 6 times in OECD countries.

“Good government practices are critical for economic development, resilience and overall wellbeing,” said Edwin Lau, head of public sector reform at the OECD, presenting the report in Mexico City. “This shows us exactly where Latin

American and Caribbean governments have made progress and where there is still work to do.”

“While the region has made important innovations in public financial management in the last decade, such as the adoption of performance based budgeting, governments must still focus on generating fiscal space to increase muchneeded expenditures in poverty reduction programs, basic infrastructure, and mitigation of economic shocks”, said Gustavo Garcia, principal fiscal economist of the Fiscal and Municipal Management Division at the IDB. The report examines 17 countries in 31 areas, showing how Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) governments are performing relative to each other and next to the OECD average.

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – The Grenada government says it expects to receive US$21.9 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by the end of this month under the structural adjustment programme it has with the Washington-based financial institution.

A government statement said that the Keith Mitchell administration is expecting to

receive US$100 million over the next year from various donor agencies for a number of development projects on the island. It said the IMF board will meet on Thursday where it is expected to approve Grenada’s three-year economic revival programme.

“There is already a stafflevel agreement between Grenada and IMF on the package. Subsequently, the

required letter of intent was signed on June 12,” the government statement said.

The Mitchell administration has embarked on a three-year programme that is aimed at turning around an ailing economy and reducing the island’s high debt that is estimated at more than two billion EC dollars (One EC Dollar = US$0.37 cents) and low growth.

Shanique Myrie

C’bean governments need to do more on budget management, public sector pay equality – Report

Grenada expects US$21.9M IMF disbursal by month-end

Page 25

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Three days later…

Shot America Street money-changer succumbs - Assailants still at large Wendell Liverpool, a popular America Street money-changer who was shot and robbed last Friday by three masked gunmen in front of a night spot at West Ruimveldt, succumbed to his injuries early yesterday.

Liverpool, 44, of Lot 453 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme died around 03:15 hrs in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Kaieteur News was told that the money-changer died hours after doctors had informed family members that he was ‘brain dead.’

The father of four was sitting with one of his brothers at the night spot around 22:00hrs when three masked men approached him on bicycles and shot him to the back, buttocks and shoulder.

Liverpool’s mother, Bernice, in an interview with this newspaper yesterday revealed that the doctors at the GPHC informed family members that the money changer died from the

gunshot wound he sustained to his back.

“The doctor said that the gunshot he received to his back damaged some of his organs,” the older Liverpool informed this newspaper. She added that a nurse from the medical institution called the family early yesterday and informed them about the man’s death.

According to the elderly woman, prior to last Friday, her son was attacked and robbed by gunmen twice, not far from where he resided.

“One time they take away everything he had on him— money and jewelry.”

Liverpool said because her son wore a lot of jewelry, bandits always had their eyes on him. “I does always tell him to take (the jewelry) off when he going anywhere but he doesn’t listen.”

Recalling what happened on that fateful day, Liverpool said that she was at home when she heard that her son was shot.

The woman said that her stepson told her that while they were drinking outside

DEAD: Wendell Liverpool the night spot three men rode up to Liverpool on bicycles with their weapons aimed at him. “(The dead man’s brother) said that when he see them he run away. I hear my son pulled off one of their masks but I don’t know cuz dead man carries no tale,” the devastated mother related.

The gunmen reportedly relieved the money-changer of a large gold chain, two gold rings encrusted with small diamonds and a gold band.

Relatives believe that the bandits took cash from their victim.

Uniform vouchers can be uplifted July The Ministry of Education has announced that preparations for this year’s distribution of uniform vouchers are well on the way and distribution should commence soon.

The Ministry, in a public missive yesterday, indicated that distribution of 165,000 vouchers to the various Departments of Education in all the Regions—with the exception of 1 and 8—has begun.

Kaieteur News understands that parents, guardians and secondary schools students with National Identification Cards will be able to uplift vouchers

from July, 1.

Every child attending a government school is entitled to uniform assistance under the National Uniform Programme. On the coastland, that assistance is administered by the Ministry of Education and given by way of voucher that is used to make purchases at accredited stores. In the hinterland the programme is administered by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the assistance takes the form of actually providing fabric that is sewn by various women’s groups in the villages.

A complete list of vendors where vouchers are

redeemable will be posted at the Regional Education Offices and at every school.

Vendors who have indicated an interest in redeeming vouchers are advised to be ready and are encouraged to make their prices competitive.

The Ministry of Education wants parents to uplift their vouchers as soon as they are available, as the Ministry wishes to ensure that every child is sufficiently outfitted for the new school term, which will commence on September 1.

The Ministry advised that vouchers must be uplifted before the close of school on July 11.

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Judge says -‘My sentencing policy is less harsh than death penalty’ - issue has been misunderstood Known for the lengthy sentences he imposes on convicted killers, Supreme Court Judge Navindra Singh says that his sentences are within the confines of the law.

During the last session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes, Justice Singh sentenced two murderers to 78 years and 56 years’ imprisonment respectively, after the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts.

Some people have been questioning his sentencing policy, describing it as “too harsh,” but Justice Singh believes that the issue has been misunderstood. He explained that the legal option which other Judges exercise is the death penalty. How could a term of years be more harsh than a death penalty?”

“I don’t understand why people complain about the jail sentence when before another judge, a person could be sentenced to the death sentence,” Singh said in reference to a ruling handed

by Justice Franklyn Holder last year, in which three coast guard ranks found guilty of murder, were sentenced to face the gallows.

Justice Singh explained that he views the death penalty as not mandatory. As such, his rulings are handed down based on a number of factors.

“I have done up a list of aggravating and mitigating factors and based on the United States and British sentencing schemes I try to tailor the sentences as best as I could to suit the Guyana society…”

Justice Singh had said, earlier, that he believes that the purpose of the death penalty is that if the person is found guilty it means that the person is dangerous to society.

He said that if there is no execution, the person would be on death row which could lead to their sentence being commuted to life imprisonment. He explained

Justice Navindra Singh

that once the sentences are commuted, there is a great likelihood that the person could be released at some point in time which he believes, is contrary to the concept that the legislators wanted.

“I tailored it to suit our situation using the base figure which is the estimated life expectancy (span) in Guyana derived from World Health Organisation (WHO) and other world globally recognized institutions. The base figure I come up with is sixty years which is less than life expectancy in Guyana.”

Justice Singh said that sentences are discretionary as long as they do not exceed the maximum limit.

“For murder the maximum limit is death which may be at the discretion of other Judges. Those found guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter, are given a term of years. Persons can be sentenced to between 15 and 20 years.”

Asked whether there are options for those on trial, the Judge explained that prisoners have no choice as

to which Judge does his trial.

“Once a person is arraigned and the jury is empanelled, if he disrupts or is disrespectful to the court there is an alternative. I can exclude him from the trial and continue the proceeding… I can’t stop the behaviour of a prisoner but if I feel that it is disrupting the proceedings I can continue the trial without him but I don’t think anyone would want that.

“I don’t think that anyone would want to be sitting in prison trying to figure out what is going on in their trial before the court today.”

Justice Singh further explained that while someone may be serving a long term sentence, there will be opportunities for parole.

“In prison terms a jail year is eight to nine months of a calendar year. Therefore if a person is sentenced to 56 years the sentence works out to two-thirds of the original sentence. At some point in time during that sentence if a prisoner is on good behaviour and satisfies the criteria for parole, he/she can apply for parole.”

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

Hernandez inspires Mexico into last 16 with Croatia win RECIFE (Reuters) - Javier Hernandez came off the bench to help Mexico reach the last 16 of the World Cup as their watertight defense and swift counter attacks gave them a 3-1 win against Croatia on Monday to emerge from Group A as runners-up behind Brazil.

Mexico, who will face Group B winners Netherlands in Fortaleza o n S u n d a y, h a d l o o k e d happy to hold out for the draw that would have seen them into the knockout stages, before the Manchester United forward came on to turn the match on its head.

Within 10 minutes of Hernandez entering, Rafael Marquez put Mexico ahead with a powerful header, before Andres Guardado rounded off a swift counter attack and Hernandez himself finished with a close-range header.

Mexico briefly flirted with top spot in the group, needing one more goal to depose Brazil before the tournament hosts got a fourth against Cameroon.

Ivan Perisic then grabbed a late consolation for Croatia who had substitute Ante Rebic sent off in the dying stages for a studs up challenge.

Mexico, securing a sixth successive appearance in the second round, finished second in the group with seven points, behind Brazil on goal difference after the hosts beat Cameroon 4-1.

Having snuffed out both Brazil and Cameroon in their previous two games, Mexico’s backline restricted Croatia to a handful of halfchances in the opening 45 minutes, with Perisic slicing their best effort wide from the edge of the box.

Mexico’s Hector Herrera

rattled the crossbar with a vicious left-foot drive from distance after 15 minutes but the second half was almost entirely controlled by the men in green, however, and after they had a strong penalty appeal turned down, they took the lead with 18 minutes to play.

Captain Marquez rose powerfully in the area to head a cross from the left into the bottom corner.

Three minutes later and the largely Mexican crowd were rocking in the aisles as Guardado was allowed to arrive unmarked at the far post and finish off a sweeping counter attack with a crisp finish past Croatia keeper Stipe Pletikosa.

Hernandez got his goal with eight minutes remaining, heading a Marquez flick-on from a corner into an unguarded goal.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You may have difficulties with family members if you get involved in petty arguments. Deception is apparent.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will have a tendency to exaggerate, which will lead to major confrontations with loved ones. Compromise will be necessary. You could be cornered, so be prepared to tell the truth.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) This is a great day to get out and enjoy an entertaining evening with friends or lovers. Don't get upset. Social events will lead to a strong and stable relationship.

Letter to the Sports Editor

ECB coach should have been suspended for improper conduct Dear Editor, As the President of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee I had formally written to both the Essequibo and Guyana Cricket Board to launch an investigation into the conduct of one of its executive members. I did so after receiving complaints that the Essequibo under-15 Coach had acted irresponsibly and recklessly by demanding some of the under-15 players at the time to catch cricket balls after turning off the lights during one evening.

Cricket is not similar to a karate contest where blindfolding may form part of the training for a fight or are the players bats and owls to see in the dark. He was also alleged to have been under the influence of alcohol and threatened them. Sure the aggrieved players were traumatized, since they could also have been injured. Is this

Randy Wade bags 12-wkt...

Tuesday June 24, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Authority figures may be less than accommodating if you have done something deceitful. Take some time out.

Page 27

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Put your efforts into being creative. Residential moves are evident. Investments that deal with property will be lucrative; however, upsets with family members may be likely.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. You may need the space, but you need the extra cash more.

SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can enhance your reputation by making contributions to worthwhile causes. Friends may not be completely honest with you.

CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't turn down offers that include sports activities or children. You will need a little competition today.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Be sure to get involved with those who can introduce you to unusual forms of entertainment. You may find acquaintances being deceptive.

AQUA. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Be honest if you wish to solve the problem. Opportunities to meet new lovers will come through pleasure trips or social events.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Minor fevers or infections will develop if you're overstressed. Don't make any drastic changes or begin new projects today.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Self-deception is likely. Try to spend some time on your own. Don't bother trying to make someone you live with see your point of view.

From page 29 with Brandon Stewart who took 5 for 4, Naresh Chan 2 for 2 and Joshua Deonarine 2 for 7. Tucber Park B 1st innings 71 with Rabindra Ramnauth taking 3 for 16, Keon Isaacs 3 for 16 and Gordon Schultz 3 for 17 and 2nd inning 27 for 2 with Keon Isaacs who took both wickets for 6.

At D’ Edward, Monedderlust beat D’ Edward by 7 wickets. D’ Edward 1st innings 80 with Anil Budhoo 24. Lynford Reynolds took 6 for 19 and Sam Saul 3 for 5 and 2nd inning 61 with Andrew Rambarran 33, Ronnel McLennon 4 for 11 and Sam Saul 3 for 12. Monedderlust 1st innings 89 with Ronnel M Lennon 22. Chitram France took 4 for 16 and Raymond Braithwaite 5 for 20 and 2nd inning 53 for 3 with Ronnel M c Lennon 33 N.O. France took 2 for 17.

At Rose Hall Town, Rose Hall Town Bakewell took 1st innings points from Port Mourant in their drawn match. Port Mourant 1 st innings 158 with Javid Seecharran 42, Daniel Samaroo 36 and Harish Jaipaul 25. Brandon Prasad took 3 for 50 and Azam Khan 2 for 10. Rose Hall Town Bakewell in reply made 164 for 7 with Azam Khan 49, Kevlon Anderson 30 and Brandon Prasad 21. Vivek Jagjit took 5 for 47 and +Jamal Lancester 2 for 17.

not insane conduct?

This incident occurred in 2013 when the players were encamped at the Essequibo Hostel in preparation for the inter-county tournament. I was also informed that the GCB received a letter of complaint from a parent.

Further the said Coach it was also alleged, knowingly facilitated the playing of an over aged player in the competition.

The player is related to him and was selected for the national team. He however had to be withdrawn from the squad after the discovery was made.

Astonishingly neither the ECB nor the GCB cared to launch an investigation.

Instead I was banned by the ECB for seeking an investigation. In fact the President and Secretary of the GCB were at the meeting and actively participated in having me silenced. I will not be deterred however from continuing to expose these undesirable acts as well as to

protect the interest of my constituent.

My main contention in this scenario though, is that the individual is unfit and disqualifies himself from being a coach of the ECB, particularly having to coach minors.

Instead he should have been suspended. Such maligned conduct is totally unacceptable.

Interestingly what the ECB instead has done was to promote him, since he is now the appointed Coach of the Essequibo under-17 squad. I can only conclude therefore that the GCB and ECB are condoning executive indiscretions by their members. It is therefore not an illusion as to how the two Boards are functioning. They are doing so with impunity and total disregard for good governance. They are also sullying the good image of the sport if not the career of the players. What next for the GCB and ECB? Prince Holder

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Laured Stewart arrives in Australia for 2 year training sojourn Amidst all of the disagreements among sports pundits debating the lack of opportunities and commendable advancements in their respective fields, one view is sacrosanct, that local sportspersons plying their trade in Guyana are bound to experience debilitating challenges which in turn precipitate their failures unless they are lucky to attract international assistance.

This view is extended because most local sportspersons operate devoid of the requisite facilities and infrastructure to aid their development.

Luckily, some of them manage to slip through the loop and procure worthwhile international exposure that translates into success.

Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis, who benefitted from a training sojourn in the USA, could attest to this. The most recent to fall on good fortunes is Laured Stewart, a local middleweight pugilist who has so far fought twice, winning both times, one by the knockout route.

Last Saturday morning, Stewart left these shores for Australia on a two year stint that will see him attempting to procure meaningful bouts on his way to international acclaim. Former world champion, Gary ‘Superman’ StClair, now residing in that country, was instrumental in organizing the trip. Stewart has since arrived in Australia and is now engaged in the orientation process before settling down to his training programme.

The stocky fighter will be trained by Johnny Lewis, best known for working with six World Champions, most notably, Jeff Fenech and Costya Tszyu. Lewis is one of Australia’s most successful boxing trainers and in 2006 was inducted into the Australian Boxing Hall of Fame. He currently trains three top Australian pugilists, King Davidson, Leroy Brown and Luke Helm. Lewis currently operates at the Corporate Fitness Centre in Sydney, Australia.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur Sport spoke with St Clair and he said that he is currently preparing a fight here in Guyana August 16 next. He said that he is currently in negotiations with the promoter and will release details soon.

YGB School’s B/Ball The NSBF-Regional Conference Tournament finals of the Youth Guyana Basketball (YGB) are set in all but one conference. After 6 weeks of competition in the Georgetown, East Coast and Berbice Conferences - finals/ playoffs will take place on July 4, 2014.

The Corentyne and the New Amsterdam zones are

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Tournament reaches latter stages still continuing and will conclude this week.

The other finals are:Diamond (East Bank): Covent Garden VS Combine Schools.

ECC (East Coast): University of Guyana VS President’s College Ancient County (Berbice): PENDING

City (Georgetown): Bishops’ High VS Marian Academy Big 10(Region 10): Kwakwani Secondary VS Mackenzie High The Regionals and NSBF are sponsored by Digicel Guyana, Edward B. Beharry and Company Ltd and Banks DIH.

Soccer’s many moves boost fitness skills, experts say NEW YORK (Reuters) Young soccer players may never reach the dazzling athleticism on display at the World Cup in Brazil, but fitness experts say the sport cultivates such a variety of skills that playing it can underpin a lifetime of activity.

From aerobic prowess to foot-eye coordination and the ability to turn on a dime, soccer hones the body so even a young baseball or tennis player can benefit from the sport, said Dr. Michael F. Bergeron, executive director of the National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute, which advocates for health and safety in youth sports.

“Soccer is a sport that requires lot of different kinds of movements: running forward and back, cutting, changing direction, highbursts and recovery capacity, that all enhance foundational skills,” said Bergeron, who is based in South Dakota.

“The conditioning, body control, recovery capacity and eye-foot coordination skills translate nicely into a variety of sports,” he added.

The number of young people playing soccer has risen from 1.6 million in 1990 to more than 3 million in 2012, according to figures from the U.S. Youth Soccer, a member of the United States Soccer

Federation.But Bergeron added there is a dramatic drop-off in sports participation in general by age 15.Lauren Sesselmann, an American-born Canadian professional soccer player for the Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League, runs youth soccer camps for boys and girls, mainly ages seven to 18.

“I work with the kids on jumping, vertical leaps, how not to be afraid when in the air, how to execute a proper header, and different ways to protect themselves,” said Sesselmann, whose Canadian national team captured a bronze medal in the 2012 Olympics.

From page 31 Barbados Michael Chase top scored with a game high 26 pts, Malcolm Stanton 14 pts, Malcolm best 10 pts.

Game No. 12 Guyana edged Barbados 79 to 76 to take Bronze Medal; for Guyana Stanislaus Hadmon 34 pts, George Sharples 18 pts.

For Barbados Michael Chase scored 17 pts, Malcolm best 13 pts, Malcolm Stanton 10 pts.

Game No. 13 Suriname blew out Antigua & Barbuda 109 to 67; for Suriname Lucian Blanker had a game high 26 pts, Jerry Beaggraat 16 pts, Jerry Straal 15 pts, Izaak Campbell 14 pts.

For Antigua & Barbuda Wayne Harris scored 10 pts, E. Thomas 9 pts, Mark Christian 8 pts, L. Clarke 8 pts.

Game No. 14 Jamaica beat

Trinidad 93 to 79 in finals; for Jamaica Centre Wayne Sappleton scored 19 pts, John Bailey 17 pts, Richard McGhee 13 pts. For Trinidad Brian John had a game high 27 pts, Lennox Sobers 18 pts, Victor O’Garro 8 pts.

Before the start of the finals both teams were introduced to then Caricom Secretary General Dr. Kurleigh King and his wife.

After the tournament the first Caricom All Star Team was selected comprising the following players: Hewley Harry – Guyana Stanislaus Hadmon – Guyana James Brusche – Guyana Lennox Sobers – Trinidad Brian John – Trinidad Victor O’ Garro – Trinidad Wayne Harris – Antigua & Barbuda Frank Menke – Suriname Dennis Spier – Suriname

Wayne Sappleton – Jamaica John Bailey – Jamaica Junior Foster – Jamaica Malcolm Stanton – Barbados Michael Chase – Barbados Lennox Jervier – Dominica The historic Guyana 1981 Caricom championship team: Hewley Harry – Captain Eagles Stanislaus Hadmon – deceased Eagles Orin Cumberbatch – Eagles Eon Andrews – Ravens George Sharples – Ravens Suchubert Cappell deceased – D.Y.C Mark Agard – Pacesetters Brentnol Carmichael – Pacesetters Compton Hinds – Celtics James Brusche – Y.M.C.A Kings Royston Telford – Yellow Birds Keith Alexander – 76 ERS Mike Brusche – Coach

A tribute to the trailblazers, the...

Cricket to become a private club Fro m page 30 prefer, formalising a mindset of self-interest that has long existed. Should Srinivasan be removed in the future, it will be under the terms of this code.

But Srinivasan is nothing if not determined, and in repeatedly asserting his innocence of any wrongdoing has persuaded the executive board, the BCCI and the Supreme Court that allegations of major

impropriety should not stop him from taking the role. India’s administrators seem largely content to allow Srinivasan to represent them overseas, while there appears to be little will to prevent his coronation in Melbourne - a repeat of the John Howard coup de’tat at the 2010 conference in Singapore looks unlikely.

As significant as the unveiling of the new chairman will be the long-delayed and

much debated signing of the Members Participation Agreement for ICC events. This document, and the BCCI’s refusal to sign it until the shape of the game was changed to reflect its view of the world and financial contribution to it, was the catalyst for cricket’s current direction. There will be little fanfare around the boards putting pen to paper, but the gravity of the moment will not be lost on those in the room.

Tuesday June 24, 2014

Kaieteur News

2014 Memorex Under-17 cricket competition for teams in Berbice

Randy Wade bags 12-wkt match haul including 9 for 21, Joel Sietaram hits 62, bags 6-45

Kevin Sinclair

Joel Sietaram

Randy Wade

The 2014 Memorex Under-17 two innings Cricket Competition continued recently. Highlighting the latest matches was the outstanding bowling performance of Achievers medium pacer Randy Wade who took 9 wickets for 21 runs from 10 overs to almost singlehandedly bowled out Cotton Tree Die Hard for 55 in their innings, producing the best bowling performance in a single innings in the competition so far. After achievers tallied 141 in their response, he came back and took 3 for 16 from 5 overs to skittle Cotton Tree Die Hard for 84 in their second innings to finish with a match haul of 12 for 37, the best so far in the competition.

Former Under-15 allrounder Joel Sietaram slammed 62 to assist Tucber Park A to 173 in their first innings against Police. When Police replied, he came back

with his left arm spin to take 6 for 45 to bowl them out for 125 despite a fine innings of 53 from Berbice Under-15 Batsman Kevin Sinclair.

Leg spinner Brandon Stewart of Tucber Park B had an eight wicket haul (3 for 22 and 5 for 4) in his team first innings loss to Rose Hall Community Centre.

Pacer Lynford Reynolds of Monedderlust took 6 for 19 in D’Edward’s first innings to set up an outright win for his team.

Summarized scores: At Cotton Tree: Achievers beat Cotton Tree Die Hard by an innings and 3 runs. Cotton Tree Die Hard scored a meagre 55 in their first innings with Andre Chesney 28. Randy Wade took 9 for 21. In their second turn at the crease, the host made 84 with Wade 3 for 16, Jason Johashen and Titus Webster taking 3 for 21 each.

In Achievers only innings,

they made 141 with Johashen 31, Rishi Daniels 27 and Wade 24. Leonard Seetayah took 5 for 32 and David Samuel 2 for 17.

At Vryman’s Erven: Tucber Park A took first innings points from Police in their drawn match. Tucber Park A first innings 173 with Joel Siteram 62 and Ravindar Beharry 30. Kevin Sinclair took 3 for 12 and Raymond Ven Kenie 3 for 19. Police first innings 125 with Kevin Sinclair 53. Joel Siteram took 6 for 45 and Tyrell Peters 4 for 30.

At Rose Hall in Canje, Rose Hall Community Centre took first innings points from Tucber Park B in their drawn match. Rose Hall Community Centre first innings 79 with Kristaff Bahadur 20. Jamin La Fleur took 3 for 16, Brandon Stewart 3 for 22 and Dominique Durant 2 for 15. In their 2nd inning they made 65 Continued on page 27

Sensei Dunbar

The Guyana Wado Ryu Karate Association (GWKA) will host its Annual Junior Karate championships on Sunday at Banks DIH Sports Club, Thirst Park.

Chief Instructor, Sensei Winston Dunbar disclosed that over 40 students are expected to compete in the one-day event which starts at 10:00 hours.

The students will represent the following dojos - Mae’s School, Banks Sports Club, Eccles Primary School and Farm, East Bank Essequibo.

Students will compete for top honours in boys and girls 6-8 years , 9-11 and 11-14 years divisions.

Sensei Dunbar said the students have been training very hard for the championships as they look

forward to the kumite (fighting).

“The juniors have been showing great potential as displayed at the recently held National Junior Karate Championships at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall where the (GWKA) secured four first places, three second and two third place finishes,” Sensei Dunbar said.

“We also have two other important events scheduled for next month, the first being the Annual Walk-A-Thon from the National Cultural Centre to Banks DIH Sports Club on July 9th, while the second event will be the grading exercise billed for July 13th at Thirst Park,” he added.

Sunday’s tournament is sponsored by Banks DIH Limited.

Page 29

Williamson reported for suspect action ESPNcricinfo - Kane Williamson, the part-time New Zealand offspinner, has been reported for a suspect bowling action following the second Test against West Indies in Trinidad. As per ICC regulations, Williamson will have to undergo testing of his action within 21 days, but can continue bowling until the results of the test are known.

Williamson was reported by umpires Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth and Rod Tucker, and match referee Chris Broad, after the Test ended on Friday. Williamson had bowled 15.2 overs in the Test, for figures of 1 for 43. An ICC release said: “The umpires’ report cited concerns over a number of deliveries that they considered to be suspect and believed that his action needed to be tested.”

The report has been handed over to the New Zealand team manager.

Mike Hesson, New Zealand’s head coach, said the move was not “completely unexpected” because of what appeared to be a “clampdown” on suspect bowling actions by the ICC. “I wouldn’t say it was completely unexpected and

we are fully supportive of going through the process,” Hesson told Radio Sport.

“There is concern there but Kane has never changed the way he has bowled in international cricket over two years ago. There appears to be a clampdown by the ICC in terms of suspect action and, if that’s the case, then I applaud that.”

According to Hesson, the report had not pointed at any specific deliveries under scrutiny as Williamson did not bowl the doosra or the quicker one. He said the cricketer was “miffed” at the timing of the report, but hoped that the ICC would show consistency in reporting bowlers for suspect actions.

“He’s a little miffed really because he hasn’t changed the way he bowls in two years,” Hesson said. “He’s just miffed with the timing of it. But, as I said, if they are going to make a clampdown on illegal action, then that’s fine. All that Kane wants to see, and all any player wants to see, is a level of consistency.”

Williamson will be available to bowl during the

Kane Williamson will be available to bowl during the third Test and the two T20s against West Indies © AFP third Test against West Indies and the two T20s. He will then travel to England to join Yorkshire for the county season and will also have his action tested in Loughborough.

New Zealand’s Test series against West Indies is currently tied at 1-1, with the third Test set to begin in Barbados on June 26.

Flying Ace cyclist get cash to refurbish bike for National Cycling Championship

Guyana Wado Ryu Karate Association to host Junior championships on Sunday

Natasha Dey (left) Secretary of The Arokium Funeral Home presents the cheque to cyclist Ray Millington as club coach Randolph Roberts look on.

The Flying Ace Cycle Club of New Amsterdam is presently preparing its cyclists for the upcoming National Cycling Championship slated for next weekend (June 28 and 29th) in Demerara.

As such the club through the instrumentality of its coach Randolph Roberts on Thursday received a substantial monetary donation to assist one of its

top cyclists, Ray Millington, to get his bike in order for the championship.

The donation was made by one of the club’s sponsors Arokium Funeral Parlour.

Millington over the years has consistently been one of the top riders of the club and Berbice.

Recently he has been having trouble with his bike and has not been able to perform to his best. The

donation will enable him to procure the necessary parts to get his bike back in order in his quest to make his club and county proud.

The two day championships will get underway on Saturday with the Time Trials on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, while the second see the riders battling from the Linden Highway to Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

ICC annual conference 2014 ESPNcricinfo - Melbourne is something of a Mecca for private members clubs. From the Melbourne Club and the Australian Club to the Kelvin Club and the Melbourne Cricket Club itself, the private meetings of well-heeled businessmen in woodpanelled dining rooms by open fires, all members by invitation only, are part of the fabric of the city. On Albert Street in East Melbourne the United Grand Lodge of Victoria stares forbiddingly down towards the MCG - who can forget that Sir Donald Bradman was himself a Freemason?

Cricket to become Neymar sends Brazil into last 16 a private club motivated navigators for cricket, and abandoning much of the expansionist vision favoured by ICC management in recent years.

Instead the game’s current balance of power will be definitively entrenched, as India, England and Australia take a larger slice of revenue from ICC events in addition to their existing windfalls from bilateral tours.

The game’s most influential decision-making will no longer take place at the executive board table but at the more exclusive meetings

pragmatically at the ICC. Earlier this month he reportedly called Srinivasan to discuss the implications of his appointment as chairman while still under investigation, and to seek reassurance that there would be no surprises later on if he did take up the post this week. The image of President Nixon’s second inauguration playing on a newsroom television at the Washington Post while Woodward and Bernstein tap out the stories that will lead to his resignation spring to mind.

N Srinivasan (right) is all set to chair the ICC © Getty Images So it is entirely fitting that international cricket’s redefinition as a private club, with the BCCI’s barred board president N Srinivasan crowned as its omnipotent chairman, will take place in the MCC Members Dining Room this week. Since 1877 the MCG has hosted all manner of cricketing feats, but not since that first Test match between Australia and England has it been the scene of a more significant moment than this.

A re-shaping of the international game that began more or less in secret, during meetings between Srinivasan, the ECB chairman Giles Clarke and the Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards over the past two years, will reach fruition at the ICC’s annual conference.

While the broad resolutions for the new landscape have been known since January, their inking into law will be the point of completion, and some contemplation. There can be no going back from here.

After Thursday’s centrepiece conference meeting the ICC’s constitution will be changed drastically, setting up the boards of the “big three” nations as commercially-

Tuesday June 24, 2014

of ExCo, the five-member working group that will have UN security council-styled permanent membership for the BCCI, ECB and CA. Edwards will chair ExCo for one year and his CA successor David Peever, the next. Clarke is already head of the ICC’s finance committee, and Srinivasan’s coronation will complete the triumvirate.

Srinivasan’s ascension will take place despite the reservations of many. The Supreme Court of India has barred Srinivasan from his duties as BCCI president while the investigation into corrupt activities around the IPL and Chennai Super Kings is ongoing: members of the ICC’s executive board have personally expressed to him their preference for Srinivasan to refrain from taking the international post until it has concluded. The conflict of interest inherent in Srinivasan’s ownership of Super Kings alongside his cricket administration has also been mentioned, but always excused by the fact the BCCI allowed it.

Chief among those expressing caution has been Edwards, an architect of vast governance change at CA but compelled to work more

“We respect the right of each nation to nominate their representative on the ICC,” Edwards said ahead of the conference. “With that comes great responsibility to ensure representatives comply with the standards required to govern the game. I have been assured by Mr Srinivasan, legally and by ICC management that there is nothing preventing the BCCI putting him forward as a candidate for chairman. I accept that and am confident that Mr Srinivasan can play an important role in strengthening world cricket.”

Edwards is well aware of said standards as the primary author of a new ethics code for the ICC board and administration, a document broader in some senses but more restrictive in others.

Accusations against members can now only be made by fellow signatories of the code, a change that underlines the shift to private membership values as much as anything else. The responsibilities of members to act in the best interests of the ICC itself have been stripped away, instead they will be freed up to do whatever their own countries would best Continued on page 28

BBC Sport - Neymar scored twice in a man-of-thematch display as Brazil rediscovered their attacking flair to overwhelm Cameroon and qualify for the World Cup knockout stage.

The 22-year-old produced two brilliant first-half strikes either side of a Joel Matip equaliser, with Fred and Fernandinho assuring their side of a place in the last 16 as winners of Group A. Standing between the hosts and a place in the quarter-finals are Chile, and Brazil can approach that meeting in Belo Horizonte on Saturday with renewed belief in their title chances.

U n c o n v i n c i n g performances against Croatia and Mexico raised concerns about Brazil - and worries remain over their defence - but with Neymar at their disposal, anything is possible.

The Barcelona forward was back at the scene of his spectacular goal against Japan in the opening game of last year’s Confederations Cup, which kick-started Brazil’s march to that title, and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will desperately hope this result can have a s i m i l a r i m p a c t . Scolari named an identical line-up to the one that beat Japan, meaning Hulk returned from injury to replace Ramires in the same 4-3-3 formation that edged them past Croatia.

Any frustration from Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Mexico appeared to have dissipated as droves of yellow-and-green-clad fans created a sensational atmosphere inside Brasilia’s magnificent Estadio Nacional, and Brazil responded by

pouring forward in search of an early goal.

They almost had it when a Paulinho shot was blocked after Neymar played in Hulk to cross, but such attacking ambition left them exposed in defence and Cameroon looked to capitalise.

A sharp break ended with Marcelo blocking a goalbound Vincent Aboubakar strike before David Luiz was forced to frantically clear Eric Choupo Moting’s low centre inside the six yard box.

Brazil did not, however, seem in the mood to curb their natural instincts and after Neymar had been riled by Allan Nyom’s off-the-ball shove, the 22-year-old made his mark.

Luiz Gustavo won possession on the left and crossed for Neymar to open his body and beat Charles Itandje with a delightful firsttime, side-footed finished into the bottom corner.

It was a fitting way to register the 100th goal of this World Cup - and the same man almost made it two with a ferocious volley that Itandje did well to punch away.

The stadium was rocking but would soon fall silent as Cameroon exposed the hosts’ shaky defence, Nyom beating Dani Alves and squaring for Matip to escape Luiz and finish from close range.

Scolari gesticulated wildly to his players and they responded in the only way they know, Marcelo finding Neymar to race upfield and wrong-foot Itandje for his 35th goal in 52 internationals.

Neymar was now showboating and he

combined with Oscar and Paulinho to set up Hulk for what would have been a sensational team effort, only for Hulk to miscue.

Scolari replaced Paulinho with Fernandinho at half-time - a move many supporters and pundits have been calling for in recent days - and it had an immediate impact.

The Manchester City midfielder sent Hulk clear, Henri Bedimo arriving with a perfectly timed challenge, and then found Luiz to cross for Fred to extend Brazil’s lead.

Replays suggested he was offside but referee Jonas Eriksson stood firm and Fred celebrated a moment that should help his confidence after poor showings against Croatia and Mexico.

Fernandinho slotted home a superb fourth that his contribution deserved and Brazil’s satisfaction was increased by the fact that all of their players who were one booking away from a suspension - Neymar, Thiago Silva, Luiz Gustavo and Ramires - finished without punishment.

Who has qualified for the last 16?

Brazil (Group A) Mexico (Group A) Netherlands (Group B) Chile (Group B) Colombia (Group C) Costa Rica (Group D) Argentina (Group F) Belgium (Group H) Who is out of the World Cup? Cameroon (Group A) Croatia (Group A) Australia (Group B) Spain (Group B) England (Group D) Bosnia-Hercegovina (Group F)

Jamaica Observer CRISTOBAL, Dominican Republic — Jamaica advanced to the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Cup, sweeping to an emphatic 7-0 victory over the hosts Dominican Republic at the Estadio Panamericano here Sunday.

After brushing aside St Lucia 14-0 on Wednesday, the Reggae Girlz eased to another convincing victory to top Group Five with six points.

The Dominican Republic ended with three, while St Lucia finished without a point.

Anguilla, originally the fourth team in the group, pulled out of the tournament days before it began.

Jamaica’s striker Shakira Duncan scored four times (third, 23rd, 64th, and 77th minutes) against Dominican

Republic to end the competition with eight goals in two matches. Omolyn Davis, who missed a penalty in the 88th minute, hit a brace with strikes in the 32nd and 90th.

Donna-Kay Henry, making her second start for Jamaica, blasted in the other goal in the 42nd minute.

Jamaica’s head coach Merron Gordon said his team “moved the ball around well” against “a fighting Dom Rep” outfit. He praised his players for scoring 21 goals and not conceding any.

The Jamaicans went ahead only three minutes into the encounter when Davis slipped a neat pass for Duncan to slot past Dominican Republic’s goalkeeper Isairis Minaya.

The Jamaicans proceeded

to settle into a smooth passing game, forcing the hosts to chase the ball in warm, sunny conditions.

They went two goals up when a floated diagonal pass from the left by Monique Pryce ended with Duncan lobbing the advancing ‘keeper in the 23rd minute.

It was 3-0 nine minutes later when a good build-up between Henry, Khedine Salmon and Davis put the latter through on goal to squeeze home.

Henry powered into the box and fired home a leftfooter from close range in the 42nd to give the Girlz a 4-0 lead at the half- time break.

The finals of the CFU Cup is to be played among eight teams in Trinidad & Tobago from August 19 to 26 of this year.

Girlz slam Dom Rep 7-0 to advance in CFU qualifiers