Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Kaieteur News

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

An open letter to the President An abuse of power DEAR MR. PRESIDENT, I am a Citizen of Guyana, who has a pressing medical emergency. Both my kidneys have collapsed and the Ministry of Health assisted me once with a check for $360,000 to pay Doobay Renal Center for Hemo-Dialysis. For the second time I collected all the necessary papers and submitted them to one Ms. Bibi Seeraj, who told me that as soon as she

receives confirmation from NIS that it is not paying me, she will submit the requisition to Cabinet for approval. Mr. President, that was actually two months ago since I came out of hospital and since then, I have not been dialysed, At present both of my feet are swollen and can’t even get into my shoes. I had to cut open my shoes, in order to get something to wear. I

even approached the Chief Medical Officer for help and none is forthcoming. I am on the verge of being poisoned with toxin and my wife Dr Zoila Fletcher from PAHO, is at present in Cuba and unable to help me financially. Mr. Khan was approached about me doing Dialysis at the GPHC, but he claims that the facilities t the Hospital are for in-house patients

Mr President, I would become a Permanent Resident of the Hospital, if every time I need Dialysis, I have to be admitted. I am now appealing to you, Mr. President, to use your Executive Power and intervene on my behalf to save my life. Thanking you in anticipation and looking forward to your urgent intervention. Aubrey Gill

The PPP prefers diplomatic blacklisting to holding Local Government Elections DEAR EDITOR, The results of the 2011 elections indicate that Guyanese democracy should have evolved by now, yet one finds that the Minister of Finance has the audacity to illegally spend some $4.5 billion without Parliamentary approval. This is indeed a major step backward but Mr. Carl Greenidge and the majority opposition have been giving the PPP its way for too long. In response, the PPP cabal has not only taken the majority strength of the opposition for granted but it has totally disrespected both APNU and the AFC in and outside Parliament. In 2013, the Minister of Finance spent billions of dollars that were not authorized by Parliament and the majority opposition did nothing but hold press conferences. In 2012, the combined opposition sanctioned Minister Rohee but instead of asking Rohee to resign, the president bequeathed more powers to him. The majority opposition is very weak and is in total confusion on a number of issues. It has not been able to hold the PPP regime accountable not assenting to the Bills passed by Parliament, for not holding Local Government Elections, for giving away the airwaves to friends and family members, for failure to disclose the names of the investors for the

Marriott Hotel until late, for allowing the head of NICIL to give away Guyana’s prime land to China Railway, and for not honoring the agreement signed in 2012 to grant a TV station to the people of Linden. These blatant violations of the use of raw power by this corrupt regime continue everyday and yet all the opposition does is to hold press conferences. After some three years, we had expected the maturing of the Guyanese democracy where people who lost the majority power would have summoned the tripartite committee to iron out all the major issues in the running of the country in an environment of molding a nation before it is taken to Parliament. What we have

instead is a schoolyard bully in the form of the PPP cabal who continues to use trickery, deception and propaganda on Mr. Granger and the entire opposition to score cheap political points and win the battle. The news for the school yard bullies is so bad that after losing over 15,000 votes in Berbice to the AFC in 2011, the reality is if any local government elections are held the results will be worst for them. They are full aware that they will get a sound trashing from the people in Towns like Corriverton and Rose Hall and NDC’s like Whim / Lancaster and several others which abandoned them for the AFC. This is the primary reason why they will not call

local government elections. The news from the ground on the Essequibo Coast is that the people are also quickly catching up with this trend of abandoning the PPP. The only bright spot for the PPP remains West Demerara where the regime has unfairly used the housing programme to consolidate the PPP support base in that Region. So we want to forewarn the people, do not expect any elections in Guyana before 2016. The PPP is prepared to accept diplomatic blacklisting in exchange for not holding local government elections since the electoral humiliation will be enough to even cause them to lose the plurality. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh

DEAR EDITOR, In recent times there has been one sex scandal after another involving highranking government official. With the exception of the much publicised New Opportunity Corps affair, none of these officials were called to account. The public is therefore forced to conclude that the President and his Cabinet will not cause this to happen out of apparent fear of exposing the deviant nature of many who grace the halls of power. The inaction will then force into silence victims who are made to feel insignificant and worthless in the face of that power; the perpetrators will continue their nefarious behaviour knowing there is tacit official acceptance of such behaviour. For the public perception to be reversed, the President and his Cabinet must act condignly to stamp out this scourge in his ranks. I will provide him with his first test case: There is a senior official within the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs who has

impregnated an under-aged Amerindian girl from the quiet, remote village of Shirirri in the South-Central Rupununi. I can provide the name of the girl, her parents and the circumstances under which this sick official committed this act. I can also prove that this is not the first such encounter of this official with under-aged girls. I can also prove that this is not the only officer who is engaged in such acts. What is troubling is the fact that this officer was placed in a position of trust to protect the rights of Amerindians. Instead, he took advantage of their humility and meagre means, and violated them. I am promising the President this: if action is not taken within a reasonable time, I am going to raise this issue as far up as the United Nations. This confounded nonsense has got to stop. I am also putting the organisations that represent young women and girls on alert. Carl Parker Sr.

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Kaieteur News

Competition offences in Guyana…

Regulators probing several cases of bid rigging – Ramesh Dookhoo In April 2006, Parliament passed a Competition and Fair Trading Act, which targets offences such as price fixing, conspiracy, bid rigging, misleading advertisements, anti-competitiveness, abuse of dominant position, and resale price maintenance. But according to a 2013 Investment Climate Statement – (Guyana) Report by the US Department of State, “The Act provides for a Competition Commission to have authority to review anti-competitive business practices, but the Commission is not fully functional…the Commission receives complaints, however, it remains inadequately staffed.” Members of the political Opposition however, have supported the claim of the report stating that competition offences still continue to plague the efficiency and effectiveness of doing business in Guyana. It was also posited that more should have been done, and still needs to be done, by the Competition and Consumers Affairs Commission (CCAC). It is also believed by the Opposition that the entity has not had a significant impact as it relates to effectively addressing the issues which hinder competitiveness in Guyana.

CCAC Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo But the Chairman of the CCAC, Ramesh Dookhoo, begs to differ. He said that while he does not negate the fact that the issues are prevalent, the Commission, he believes, has taken the necessary steps thus far to continue making a significant impact as it relates to the said issues. Consumer Affairs issues in Guyana are usually handled by the Consumer Affairs Department and the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission. The Consumer Affairs Department in the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is the first recourse

in terms of consumer issues, and for resolving those issues by moral suasion. The CCAC on the other hand, deals with legal issues of consumer affairs; issues that cannot be resolved by moral suasion. It became fully operational in September 2011. Dookhoo pointed out that while some of the offences have been reported, there are some such as price fixing, which the Commission has taken the initiative to deal with. He said that in the case of price fixing (a practice whereby rival companies come to an illicit agreement not to sell goods or services below a certain price), “the Commission has dealt with this in several areas and continues to examine other sectors where this offence is particularly prevalent.” While admitting that the Commission, at the moment is without a director, Dookhoo said that it will soon be appointing one, as its former head retired three months ago. He also confessed that there are a lot of uncompetitive deals in Guyana, but the Commission cannot address all. “Once a report or complaint is made, we take it very seriously. For the moment, we have effectively dealt with a number of complaints which come before us. We only have one case that is still before the court and a few which are pending. As a future project, we are working on developing a website so consumers can be able to see the cases we have dealt with and how effectively we have done so. “And I want to make this clear; it is not that the Commission waits until a complaint comes in before it takes corrective action. In

some cases, we have gone out and dealt with issues. For example, some stores have been putting up signs which read, ‘Goods not returnable’ and that is illegal. That should not be happening, and we have been dealing with businesses seriously when they are found doing that. We will continue to enforce the law where this is concerned and we will go into a different phase this year.” Bid rigging, also referred to as collusive tendering, occurs when two or more competitors agree they will not compete genuinely with each other for tenders, allowing one of the cartel members to ‘win’ the tender. Participants in a bid rigging may take turns to be the ‘winner’ by agreeing about the way they submit tenders, including some competitors agreeing not to tender. As it relates to this offence, Dookhoo said that the Commission has received complaints about this, and as such, plans to meet with the Tender Board and a senior Finance Ministry official, with a view to addressing the various claims. “Our position is to meet with the Tender Board and deal with them in terms of explaining the seriousness of this offence, as they are the only people who are able to see this, especially on the national level. So yes, we are taking steps where this is concerned, and as such we will continue to pursue this.” With respect to the abuse of dominant position, the CCAC Chairman said that there have been three resolved cases, one matter withdrawn by the complainant, and one before the court.

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Nothing preventing establishment of local DEA office - US envoy By Zena Henry The establishment of an office of the United States (US) Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) here in Guyana is still very much a consideration. According to outgoing United States Ambassador Brent Hardt, there is nothing substantial preventing such a placement of the renowned anti-drug agency. The US Ambassador reaffirmed yesterday that he is still very committed to this development, even if it is outside of his tenure. During an interview at the US Embassy, Hardt expressed that training among other preparatory issues is outstanding, but the government has already expressed its willingness to working closely with the foreign agency in dealing with drug issues should the office be established. Hardt highlighted that the role of the Embassy is to boost the capacity of local partners so that they can do their jobs in a more effective manner. He pointed out that in boosting effectiveness, programmes such as the recently completed Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) interrogation course arises, “and interrogation is a critical part of the process”. The Ambassador said that such skills are necessary especially for borders and other entry ports where persons have to be assessed. Hardt noted that such enforcement techniques aid with detecting certain unusualness; for example nervousness and unfamiliar behaviours. The Ambassador said he believes that through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) engagement and investments being made, the work is paying off, and in the end, it is boosting the

US Ambassador Brent Hardt capacity of drug squads and the police in general. He said that there is much more to be done, but there are numerous engagements ongoing to strengthen the ability of agencies and their agents. The Ambassador said also that he has been trying to boost the presence of DEA operations here in Guyana and good progress has been made, since there is an even more active engagement with the Trinidad and Tobago-based agency. The Ambassador also recognized that despite efforts to have the office established during his tenure, there had been some, “severe budgetary issues in the US for the first couple of years.” He said however that that is now over, “and the DEA is now able to identify human resources to open another office.” However a new office requires congressional approval, notification etc., so it then becomes a processing issue. The Ambassador is hopeful that in time to come he can one day “knock on the door of a Guyana-based DEA office”. “There is nothing holding back the establishment of the office.” Hardt said that from all indications and what was spoken about with President Continued on page 21

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Chinese official looks to charm Taiwan during landmark visit B E I J I N G / TA I P E I (Reuters) - China’s top official in charge of Taiwan ties will make a landmark visit to the island this week to try to woo Taiwanese who remain suspicious about a pending trade pact as well as meet a senior figure from the proindependence opposition. Zhang Zhijun, director of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, will be the first head of the body to visit the self-ruled and democratic island, where defeated Nationalist forces fled after losing a civil war to China’s C o m m u n i s t s i n 1949. His trip from today to Saturday will focus not on the affluent capital Taipei but on the poorer middle and south, which have benefited less from trade with China and where proindependence sentiment can run deep. While China regards Taiwan as a renegade province and has never ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control, relations have improved markedly since China-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou took office in 2008.

China’s charm offensive with Taiwan stands in contrast to its ties with several countries in Asia where bitter territorial rows have flared over maritime boundaries. China has also recently denounced people in Chinese-run Hong Kong, where hundreds of thousands have been pushing for greater democracy. Zhang’s main talks in Taipei will be with Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Minister Wang Yu-chi. He will not meet Ma, who has never held talks with senior Chinese officials as president. But Zhang’s visit does include a meeting with opposition party stalwart and mayor of the heavily proindependence southern port city of Kaohsiung, Chen Chu. While Chen has previously visited China and met Zhang there, spearheading efforts by the Democratic Progressive Party to engage with Beijing, such high level meetings in Taiwan itself with opposition figures are almost unheard of. “This will be an opportunity for Taiwan’s opposition and people who

don’t like the mainland to get to know Zhang Zhijun, to listen to him and understand that China wants to help, not harm, Taiwan’s economy,” said Zheng Zhenqing, assistant professor at Tsinghua University’s Institute of Taiwan Studies in Beijing. Chinese state media has said Zhang would also talk to small- and medium-sized industries which have been hit by competition from lowcost China and engage with Taiwanese youth, few of whom feel much cultural connection to China today. His trip comes at a sensitive time. Protesters occupied Taiwan’s parliament and mounted mass demonstrations over a threeweek period starting in March in anger at the trade pact, which will open various sectors in both economies. The opposition calls the pact a threat to Taiwanese industry and fears it could open the door to Chinese influence on the island’s politics. Signed a year ago, it remains stalled in Taiwan’s

Zhang Zhijun parliament and legislators are set to discuss it during a session which overlaps with Zhang’s visit. Advocates including Ma say it is a vital step to normalising ties with Beijing and will provide jobs and raise living standards. Nevertheless, booming trade worth nearly $200 billion last year has not brought progress on political reconciliation or reduced military readiness on either side. Many Taiwanese,

especially in the south, fear autocratic China’s designs for their free-wheeling island. In 2008, a vice president of China’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, a separate semi-official body that handled cross-strait ties in the absence of official contacts, was attacked by independence activists while in Tainan, Taiwan’s former capital and which is located close to Kaohsiung. “We expect at least a dozen separate groups will come out to protest in Kaohsiung,” said Shinichi Chen, general secretary of the pro-independence South Taiwan Society. “Our demands are very simple: we want Zhang to acknowledge that Taiwan is a nation that belongs to the Taiwanese, and that Taiwan’s future will be decided by the Taiwanese.” While Chinese President Xi Jinping said in October that a political solution cannot be put off forever, Ma has repeatedly said the time is not right for political talks. Tsinghua’s Zheng said Zhang’s goal was more about setting up a regular channel

for high-level dialogue, and that with presidential elections in Taiwan just two years away he would avoid touching on the prickly subject of political talks. “There’s no way to resolve these sensitive subjects at the moment. But perhaps in the future this channel might be used for communication on the matter,” he said. China’s efforts to be friendly toward Taiwan were underscored last week by comments from its number four leader, Yu Zhengsheng, who said Beijing respected Taiwan’s social system and values. In contrast, China has branded as illegal the campaign for more democracy in Hong Kong, where many residents are concerned that civil liberties are being eroded. “The difference between Hong Kong and Taiwan is night and day,” said Bruce Jacobs, a Taiwan expert at Australia’s Monash University, pointing to Hong Kong’s almost complete reliance on China for even basics like water.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Proposed hike in UG tuition fee…

Management plans glorious future, students unimpressed By Abena Rockcliffe Some 150 students gathered in the University of Guyana (UG) George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT) yesterday for what was supposed to be a consultation on the proposed hike in tuition fees, but ended in what can be described as a non-violent “face off” between management and students. Registrar Vincent Alexander addressed the gathering, speaking a little about the history of the University with regards to tuition fees. He spoke about the adjustment in fees over the years from the days when students were made to pay $100 to when tuition was set at US$1000 in 1994. Alexander also pointed out that there was a time prior to 1994 where nothing was paid. He bemoaned the fact that there has been no increase since 1994. Alexander explained that it was decided that tuition fees would be US$1000 no matter the exchange rate. He said that the rate in1994 is different from now, hence the university is being shortchanged. Bursar Holda Poonai provided stats on UG’s financial state between the years 2005/2006 – 2013. Her graphs, which she displayed in a Power Point presentation, showed the University’s operating cost as drastically more than what students are paying. Basically, the expenditure is increasing while the total income is reducing. Poonai revealed that 2005/ 2006 is the last year that UG’s operating cost was a little less than its income. In 2007 it broke even, but in each year after that, the operating cost was drastically more than revenue, with 2013 being the worst year so far. Poonai emphasized that the University’s assets are less than its liabilities and noted that that has been the case since 2010. Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Alim Husein, briefed the students on the challenges faced by the faculty and the University as a whole. He highlighted the problem in attracting qualified staff. “We interview people every year who we would love to work with; qualified people who would make a good addition to the team but at the

end of it all when they hear the salary, they decide not to work with us.” Husein noted that the university’s facilities are in a bad state and pointed out that the library is literally crumbling. “If we can’t maintain a library, how much further can we go?” The Dean spoke too about how the lack of adequate financing can hinder quality control and urged the students to assess what level of education they are willing to accept. Students’ Society president Richard Rambarran told a little about how

government pays the other half. He said that this is the case unless a student earns below a certain GPA, in which case that student will have to pay 100 percent He pointed out the five percent increase in workers’ salaries, but no increase in subvention. The Professor said that the university’s extra earnings will go to classroom furniture, lecture room, Information Technology facilities, campus security, improved library/lab facilities, health facilities and insurance for students. He spoke about students being able to tweet questions

A section of the students gathered

“The track record of UG Vice Chancellors is that they do us an injustice” insufficient financing is affecting the body. He said that when the last budget was submitted they were told months later that there was no money to execute projects. He posed no objection to the proposed increase, but said that it is all about the modality that will be used to implement such. He also reflected that persons enter UG as good athletes but soon lose their skills or the impetus, as there is no track to practice on. Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacob Opadeyi also delivered a power point presentation under the theme “transforming the quality of products and services delivered at UG.” He asked, during his presentation, questions like; “What is the fair price for quality education?” and “Should the learners pay the full cost, when it is indeed the country that is being educated?” The Professor compared UG’s fee to other universities around the Caribbean and said that UG’s is significantly less. “Can Guyana afford a hike?” “Yes it can.” He said Guyana is not a poor country and opined that it is just a matter of prioritizing what to do with the money. The professor said that UG is now at this stage as a result of several factors, including inadequate funding and poorly managed student loans, as well as little subvention. He made reference to Trinidad and Tobago, where students only pay 50 percent of their tuition fee while the

during lectures, having a swimming pool, basketball and volleyball court. Opadeyi said the university will earn extra revenue through its potential offering of more short courses, investment in university farm; rental of university facilities and offering of client-driven programmes. He urged students to “Be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.” RAUCOUS It all went well up to this point. But then it was time for student’s questions and Glenn Dennison, a student who is seemingly extremely passionate on the matter, asked his question first. Dennison said he had no problem with the proposed hike in fee, but pointed out that there is a “management problem.” He said that “ in all I heard today it is clear, and you concede, that there is a management problem.” His question that attracted a round of applause from students was, “how do we know that there will be no longer be bad management…what is in place to ensure that bad management does not prevail?” Opadeyi said that it will not happen under his watch. He said it was a bad management with a human face, as his predecessor did not confront the elephant in the room. Dennison then asked “If we are your biggest stakeholders, why the first thing is to hike the tuition fee? The track record of UG VC’s is that they do us an injustice…What makes you so special?” The Professor then posed and said, “look at me I am special…Don’t think I skylark; I work 18 hours a day…”if the money is there, there will be visible changes

by December. Dennison then asked the Professor to “Show us what you did in the past 14 months?” But as he tried to a n s w e r, h i s v o i c e w a s drowned by the applause and D e n n i s o n ’s continuous remarks.” Opadeyi pleaded for less drama and his lecturers supported him. He said he can guarantee a better future and the last thing he would do is lie to his

constituency. Registrar Alexander said he was taken aback by the way things unfolded. He said that in spite of all the views persons may have, no one can deny or dispute that UG is in a deficit. He said that this move is intended to stabil i z e a sinking ship. “There is an obvious gap between expenditure and revenue. Notwithstanding the

raucous created, we need to close that gap…this is the way forward.” The registrar said the consultation was one to stand as a reaffirmation to make the move and to facilitate discussions on the modalities of implementing the increase. Students now pay US$600 as opposed to the US$1000. Payment of the latter will represent a 36% hike.

PPP wants more Guyanese at Hugh Wooding Law School The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), through its General Secretary Clement Rohee, says it welcomes the decision by the Council of Legal Education (CLE) to admit eligible students from the University of Guyana who are seeking admission to the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad. However the party is calling on the CLE and the Hugh Wooding Law School to facilitate Guyanese students by making it possible for more of them to gain entry into the Law school, beyond the existing quota “having regard to the growing demand for law graduates.” According to Rohee “this is indeed a step in the right direction, as Guyanese students generally are always known to do well at the Hugh Wooding Law School, and in numerous instances have made it to the Honours Roll.” There was recently an issue where the 2013 law students from the University of Guyana (UG) had lost their automatic placement within the Hugh Wooding Law School in

…beyond existing quota Trinidad and Tobago, even t h o u g h t h e r e was an agreement between UWI’s Council for Legal Education and UG that every year, 25 automatic placements were offered by the Council to UG for entry into the said School. The government however, through its Attorney General Anil Nandlall, made advances to have that decision rescinded and was successful in their endeavour, following a meeting at the Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Caricom Secretariat on Monday last. The meeting, which was instigated by President Donald Ramotar, specifically addressed the protracted impasse affecting the local law students’ entry to the Trinidad-based law school and the review of legal education in the West Indies. Nandlall had disclosed that “it was decided that the top 25 Guyanese Nationals, graduates of the University of Guyana Law Programme, 2013, will enjoy automatic entry into Hugh

Wooding Law School, for the academic year commencing September 2014-2015.” An additional 10 students who are non-Guyanese nationals graduating out of the said programme will secure automatic entry to the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica or Eugene Dupuch Law School in Bahamas, depending on which zone their territory falls. It was also decided that “there shall be comprehensive review of legal education in the West Indies, and the modalities extent and financial implications of the same will be discussed at the next meeting of the Caricom Heads of the Government” which was convened via teleconference. The party also outlined its optimism “that it is only a question of time before the country has its own Law School which would allow all Guyanese students who are desirous of completing the Law programme to be able to do so.”

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Kaieteur News

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LET THE COURTS DECIDE Parliamentary authorization is not needed to make advances from the Contingencies Fund. The Minister of Finance and the Minister alone is empowered by the Constitution and by the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act to authorize disbursements in the form of advances from the Contingencies Fund. The Contingencies Fund is a sub-fund of the Consolidated Fund. Approval is needed from the National Assembly for the replenishment of the Contingencies Fund, not for the spending of the advances. The Contingencies Fund is replenished through the laying and approval of a

Supplementary Bill. If no such approval is had, then the Contingencies Fund cannot be replenished and the spending cannot be deemed to have been used for the appropriation. But neither does this non-approval delegitimize the advances. The National Assembly may within its right, refuse to replenish the Contingencies’ Fund. It may refuse to do so because the members may be aggrieved as to the uses to which the monies were put. But this does not delegitimize the authorization by the Minister of Finance to make advances from this fund. It is the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Finance alone who can authorize the use of these

funds. It is also the Minister to be satisfied that an urgent, unforeseen need exists to meet the expenditure for which no other provision exists. It is not for the National Assembly to be satisfied. It is for them to either approve or disapprove of the Supplementary Bill seeking replenishment of the Contingencies Fund. I have dealt with this issue on so many occasions that I am being repetitive in making the aforementioned arguments. The substance of this column is however not about whether the Minister of Finance has acted improperly in relation to the Contingencies Fund. He cannot act improperly when

Dem boys seh...

DONALD CAN SING FUH DE DINNER When dem boys was in nursery school, dem had a rhyme that talk about a boy who use to sing for he supper. Dem had other people who try and end up hungry because dem couldn’t sing. But Donald is a different kettle of fish. As a li’l boy he had to sing fuh he supper and today he got to sing fuh drinks. Every bar he go to he does end up singing and de people does give he drinks. Sonu Nigam come to Guyana all de way from India because he hear bout Donald. He had to get a chance fuh sing wid Donald. Dem sing some song bout somebody rat. At first Bharrat heart flutter because dem was singing bout he because he

couldn’t hear de words; all he was hearing was de rat. Anyhow, Donald does tek he joke too far. Dem boys hear that when he listen to de Punch girl de other night and hear all de applause she get he decide that he going and sing pun de same TV show. He ain’t de only one who does sing fuh drinks and things like that. Ramson does sing too. De other night he and Donald had a sing off. Is a pity that Brazzy limit de audience. He didn’t had too much people in he bar because he didn’t want to run out of stocks. He is a man does buy limited stocks and want to entertain all of Bharrat’s friends. And while Donald having

fun, Ash Knee busy trying fuh tell anybody who want to listen that he got a right to spend money. He claim how he in charge of de Contingencies Fund. Dem boys seh that he really think that is he salary and that he can spend it as he like. Well dem boys got plans fuh he. Dem intend to see that he answer fuh he deeds just like how dem thieves does answer when dem end up in front of a magistrate. And as a distraction he got de one jailbird telling some Nancy story. Imagine this man claim how Balram Persaud was he master in de police force. This time poor Balram was a high school boy. Talk half and form a choir wid Donald.

both the Constitution and the law give him the power to make advances from the Contingencies Fund and then to lay a Supplementary Bill relating to these advances. This column addresses two main issues. The first of these is the threat to sanction the Minister in the National Assembly. The second concerns the refusal of those who allege that the Minister has acted unlawfully to have the Court determine this question. The Minister of Finance cannot be sanctioned by the National Assembly for any breach of the law. If the legislature attempts to do so, it would be usurping a judicial function. This would be a naked violation of the separation of powers. There is an abundance of case law on this issue of the legislature being constrained from exercising a judicial function. But you can bet your bottom dollar that the opposition politicians are going to move to have the Minister face the Committee of Privileges, without even establishing just what privileges were breached.

That is the nature of the type of politics that is practiced today by the opposition. And it is no use losing sleep over those threats. The second issue concerns the reluctance to have a judicial interpretation of the relevant provisions of the law and the Constitution. When the President of Guyana refused to assent to one of the Bills that the opposition had tabled and passed in the National Assembly, he explained that the Bill contained provisions that were unconstitutional. The response by the opposition was that it is for the President to determine the constitutionality or the Bill. That they say is for the courts. Well should a sitting President, believing that a Bill is unconstitutional, bring it into being and then approach the courts to have the same Bill that he signed vitiated on the grounds that it is illegal? The Minister of Finance is being accused of acting contrary to the law when he authorized disbursements from the Contingencies Fund. Yet the very people, who were

claiming that it is not for the President to determine whether something was legal, are the same forces that are pontificating that the spending of monies from the Contingencies Fund is not consistent with the Constitution or the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. Well, why not test this proposition in the very arena where they claim the constitutionality and legality of Bills need to be tested? Why not test it in a Court of Law? Why not seek an interpretation from the Courts as to whether disbursements from the Contingencies Fund authorized by the Minister of Finance are constitutional and lawful? Is this not where disputes are to be settled, particularly disputes over interpretations of the law? And there is a dispute over this spending. So why not let the Courts decide? Is this not how civilized democracies are supposed to operate?

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 25, 2014

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The Opposition Leader got it wrong Opposition Leader David Granger said that he thinks that the PPP is preparing for a snap poll. Mr. Granger has read the vibes wrongly. Even among the present crop of PPP leaders, there is some serious bad-mouthing of each other. A PPP big wig once said that his party’s problem is that it hasn’t got thinkers the type of which the PPP once had. The wife of a Minister told me that she disapproves of most of the PPP leaders who run Guyana. This lady told me in Giftland Office Max, “Freddie

keep on, writing!” One of the richest farmers in this country was frank enough to tell me that his personal economy is bound up with the rule of the PPP, and he would keep on supporting them, but courageously admitted to me that Guyana needs better leadership. The child of one of the most powerful dictators in the PPP leadership said that the split in power between the parliament and the presidency after the 2011 general elections is not a bad thing. Of course the split didn’t

materialize. There is no split. The presidency of Guyana is totally in charge, even over the Constitution itself. If there is a split it is a banana split, and other kinds of splits that may not be fit to put in print. The point is that even in the hierarchy of the PPP there is mounting uncertainty about the future of the PPP in government. And the longer the PPP stays in power, the deeper will be the rut. The PPP is not going to take a chance and curtail two years off its five-year tenure. There is no PPP leader who is willing to gamble with a snap poll. What Luncheon and Ramotar are doing is bluffing. Here are some factors that have killed off any thought of a snap poll. (1) – The

hegemony of the presidency has not been touched since the 2011 election. Every aspect of state power, state patronage, ethnic favouritism, financial manipulation, political oppression, media abuse, have continued from where Mr. Jagdeo left off. Why cut off two years from your reign when your minority status hasn’t changed anything. (2) – Time, age, fatigue, loss of mental energy, lack of ideas have caught up with many of the dinosaurs who lived in Freedom House in the seventies These troglodytes know that at 2016, it would have been twenty-four years they have been in power, hardly achieved anything, despised by the nation and have lost the admiration of the young generation. They know that they will not be the winning tickets in the 2016 elections, so they will have the two remaining years left of their power. After

2016, they know they are gone. Gail Teixeira did a Freudian thing the other day that any schoolboy analyst would not fail to miss. In speaking to a magazine, she said that politicians don’t resign, they wait until they are thrown out. The Freudian base of that statement was graphic (see “Lady,” Vol. 1, No. 1, June 2014, page 40). Which young Indian is going to vote for Sam Hinds, Roger Luncheon, Gail Teixeira, Indra Chandarpal, Komal Chand, Donald Ramotar, Navin Chandarpal, Clement Rohee? Of this bunch, Luncheon is the most realistic. He announced that he is sick and obviously left it up to you to read into that – he is at the end of his career. (3) – It is because of the existence of the geriatric cabal that there will not be a snap election, because the young Turks have become impertinent and the troglodytes resent their brazenness. It is the young Turks that are clamouring for early general elections because they feel their time has come and the longer the things in Steven Spielberg’s movie,

Frederick Kissoon Jurassic Park, are allowed to roam, the PPP’s survival is threatened. Has anyone ever explained why Anil Nandlall brought fifth at the last PPP congress but failed to make it into the nerve centre of the PPP – the executive committee? Has anyone put any analysis on why the Chronicle carried a front page lead on Jagdeo being the most popular presidential candidate according to a poll taken? These are examples of the young Turks at work. Among the PPP leadership and in PPP district committees, the young Turks are in overdrive. The list include Mr. MBA; the lady with the house that cost a million American dollars; the legal man; the cricket bill man; the West Coast swimming pool man; and Mr. Ackee Sing. Finally, Uncle Donald is staying on until 2016. And that is for sure, absolutely sure!

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Roads to be upgraded in several regions Bids were opened yesterday under the Ministry of Housing and Water for the upgrading of roads in regions two, three, four, five and six.

The bids were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Main and Urquhart Street.

>>>> Continued on page 12 <<<<

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Outgoing US Ambassador elated that democracy project approved The US-backed democracy project that was halted last month is back on track after Government approved elements of it. Speaking with reporters yesterday, outgoing US Ambassador D. Brent-Hardt said that the Guyana Government has issued a diplomatic note to the embassy which greenlights the project to restart. In early May, Guyana and the US agreed to bring to a halt the Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Project, being implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The LEAD problem has been a major disappointment for the outspoken diplomat who has also been pushing aggressively also for the early Local Government Elections and passage of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill. According to the Ambassador, the LEAD project is a crucial one for Guyana, and an extension of the USAID work. Admitting that he was surprised at the unexpected challenges that arose, the Ambassador made it clear that he is convinced that Guyana’s potential is still to

be realized. The LEAD project is supposed to address some of the democracy and Parliamentary issues that hinder development. Explaining, the official pointed to Guyana’s per capita figures which remained “fairly low” in the hemisphere, despite an abundance in resources. With political issues among the biggest challenges in Guyana, the USAID programme was geared to address especially the areas of economic and social challenges. The LEAD project itself would have been critical in helping to build consensus in

Parliament. The 10th Parliament has been facing significant challenges as Guyana for the first time in decades as an independent country, has an Oppositioncontrolled House. The LEAD project especially targets the youths and women in engagements, as part of the efforts to establish proper consultative mechanisms. Weeks after halting the project, Government last month announced that it had withdrawn its non-approval and had started negotiating with the US on the project. In early January, Cabinet

Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon said that the decision by the US Government to proceed with a project that the Guyana Government had already rejected was disrespectful. He had said that the four components of the project were analyzed by Cabinet and one contained major activities that captured a relationship between USAID and individual political parties in Guyana. Guyana does not have a public policy by government for the support for political parties, he added. The LEAD project

seeks to enhance the technical capacity and functionality of the legislature through the regular use of consultative practices and mechanisms for legislative drafting, analysis, review, and passage. On May 8, Ambassador Hardt met with Dr. Luncheon at the Office of the President where it was announced that the US Embassy had agreed to immediately put the contentious USAID-backed project on hold in order to facilitate talks with the Guyana Government with a view to coming up with a mutually agreed position.

Region Six Vice-Chairman’s son critical after accident The son of Regional ViceChairman of Region Six, 25year-old Anup ‘Anesh’ Jhagroo, was up to press time last evening in a critical condition at a private hospital in Georgetown after being involved in a vehicular accident along the Bush Lot Public Road on the Corentyne. Jhagroo, an employee of the Guyana Lottery Company (New Amsterdam Regional Office), was at the time heading to his Canefield Settlement, Canje home, after making a trip up the Corentyne around 19:00 hrs on Monday evening.

According to reports, the young man lost control of a grey Toyota Rav-4, and slammed into a utility pole after which the vehicle careened and crashed into a concrete bus-shed. The vehicle was badly damaged. Jhagroo was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital, after which he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the New Amsterdam Hospital. The man was said to have suffered a punctured lung and severe head injuries. He was rushed to a private hospital in the city around midday yesterday. Police are investigating.

CRITICAL: Anesh Jhagroo

Roads to be upgraded in several... >>>>From page 11 <<<< In addition, the Housing Ministry also received bids for the procurement of Wallaba Poles and Timbers products.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) under the Agriculture Ministry received bids for the construction of a chain link fence, HDPE Culvert Bridge and Land filling quarantine station, Timehri.

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Kaieteur News

Sawmill supervisor’s murder…

Prosecution closes case in PI State witnesses have finished giving evidence at the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) of the man accused of killing a 22-year-old sawmill supervisor, whose body was found at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, over a year ago. Raymond Shawn Tyson, 28, is accused of murdering Kemraj Singh at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara between May 27 and May 28, last year. Singh’s body was reportedly found lying on a bed in a shack at his employer’s sawmill. His throat had a gaping wound and he had been struck repeatedly to the head. The Prosecution had related at the first arraignment that Singh’s death had stemmed from previous grudges, and that Singh’s employer had discovered that the victim’s BlackBerry cellular phone had been stolen. The phone’s internet service was activated and contact was made with a male. However, it was later discovered that the accused was in possession of the said

MURDER ACCUSED: Raymond Tyson cellular phone, as his exreputed wife saw him with the said phone on May 28, 2013. Tyson had allegedly pawned the BlackBerry to the woman’s sister, who reportedly gave the instrument to her husband. The cellular phone was subsequently retrieved and the accused was arrested, but when questioned, Tyson refused to divulge how he came to be in possession of the phone. When confronted by investigators he had denied

killing Singh. It was after the file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice that the murder charge was instituted against Tyson. The last witness to appear in court yesterday as the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) continued was Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Communications Officer Liz Rahaman, who stated that she had sent out radio messages at the Police Prosecutor Inspector Michael Grant’s behest for absent witnesses. A total of 22 witnesses were slated to give evidence during the (PI) before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Photos and other pieces of evidence have already been tendered as evidence. Following Rahaman’s testimony yesterday, the Prosecution moved to close its case, having made several attempts to contact witnesses prior to the hearing yesterday. Attorney-at-Law Kendaise Rodney, who represented the accused, is set to make submissions on July 4.

PAHO Representative lauds ... From page 14 realise that they are homosexuals who may have HIV too.” There have been continuous calls for the repeal of the existing legislation, a move the PAHO Representative intends to support. “The advocacy has started, even before I came, because at the last meeting with Global Fund it was decided we needed to look at those laws and see how best legislation can come and assist us, because the more you incriminate them (homosexuals) the more they go underground and their viral load will increase in their system,” disclosed Dr Adu-Krow. Global Fund is an international financing organisation that disburses resources globally to prevent and treat HIV/ AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. For a number of years, Guyana has been a beneficiary of the Global Fund disbursements. According to the PAHO Representative, in light of the fact that stigma and discrimination is a hindrance to progress, efforts must be channelled to ensuring that it is not permitted, as far as possible. He made reference to early fights against tuberculosis and leprosy, both of which were affected by stigma and discrimination, thereby resulting in persons refusing to be tested.

“Once you open up to these people they feel free to come and get tested and get medications so that they can prevent themselves and other people from getting the disease. So there is no doubt we still have work to do,” Dr AduKrow asserted. Moreover, he is calling for efforts to be made to reach out to religious bodies to help reduce existing levels of stigma and discrimination. He noted that “normally institutions are the last groups to embrace change;

individuals do change, but institutions I think are very dogmatic, so we have got to work through churches and gradually get them on board.” And although churches may not be willing to accept certain lifestyles, Dr AduKrow has warned that efforts must be made to guard against shunning persons. “From a PAHO/WHO standpoint, we need to work with all individuals without discrimination because we know we all have our own choices to make at the end of the day.”

Nothing preventing.... From page 6 Donald Ramotar, the Foreign and Home Affairs Ministers, “they are prepared to work with us to meet structural relationships between the DEA and special units. The US has been instrumental in the identification and arrest of major drug operators. The Ambassador attributed that ability to their closeness with relevant agencies and on the ground intelligence. He said that the DEA also depends on their global reach and scope, “we understand and appreciate the interconnectedness of some drug networks.” “Drug organizations are multinational companies in essence, they work across global markets, they can look and see where the prices of cocaine are best and try to get shipments in that direction,” the Ambassador asserted. “Being able to make the connections and keeping an ear on the ground is very effective. Catching someone with drugs is great, but it is really hard work to get on to the bigger fish,” he said. The outgoing US envoy pointed out that the Anti-money laundering legislation is one key area in identifying drug operators. He said that it really takes carefully developed law enforcement investigations and training and operation to support the efforts.

Page 21

PCA investigating 30 new complaints against cops in Berbice The Police Complaints Authority has launched investigations into 30 new matters involving alleged police misconduct in the Berbice District. The investigations stem from complaints made by residents when the Chairman of the body Cecil Kennard paid a visit to the Ancient County over the past weekend. Kennard, a Former Chancellor of the Judiciary, reported a large turnout of residents on Saturday at the Berbice High School where he entertained complaints ranging from Neglect of Duty, which takes into account the police’s failure to record citizens’ complaints and failure to attend court. Speaking with this newspaper yesterday, Kennard said that there were also several accusations by Berbicians of the police “illegally” searching their homes. “There are cases where people feel that their homes are violated by the police…while in some cases the police have the right to search, the people

PCA Chairman Cecil Kennard have no objections, but it’s the way it’s done…lack of courtesy and the use of expletives when carrying out these searches,” Kennard explained. He said that during his visit to Berbice he also held discussions with a large number of ranks at the police

training college, where he spoke about the role and functions of his office. During these discussions, he highlighted areas of grave concerns, including the police’s use of excessive force and the wanton use of firearms. The Former Chancellor also pointed to the vexing i s s u e o f t h e p o l i c e ’s detention of vehicles when there is no certifying officer to examine them, as well as the detention of persons beyond the statutory 72 hours, without permission from the competent authority. Kennard announced that from the look of things, Berbice is second only to Region Four as the area that accounts for the most complaints against police ranks. His next visit will be to Moruca.

Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it.

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 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 Used pedicure chair, hair dryer and salon chair – Tel: 668-9583, 698-5272 Pure breed Rottweiler puppies for sale – Contact Natasha: 653-5132 Fluffy dachshund pups – Call: 670-2653; 618-1706 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 Teach yourself Graphics, video editing, accounting etc. Software and training tutorials available – Call: 603-6823

300 HP Yamaha Vmax HPDI outboard engine: 30” four fin propeller, excellent condition, foreign used – Contact: 621-8612

LAND FOR SALE

Now In Stock Whole plucked chicken at BM Ent. Inc. contact: 227-8175/8176 delivery available

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

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

La Parafaite Harmonie $1.1M Grove- $2.6M (foundation) Herstelling $3.5M (110ftX60ft) – Tel:2185591, 675-7292 Land for sale 110X60 at 5th Avenue Diamond, EBD. For quick sale - $7M. Contact: 652-5601 Nimes Public Road, WBD, 1.4 Acres of prime property in the Vicinity 2 gas station – Contact: 223-9125; 614-1673, between 8:00am-5:00pm One transported lot @ Zeelught E.B.E – Tel: 6174439 TO LET One – Two bedroom bottom flat @ 5th Avenue Diamond $50,000 monthly – Tel:6222765, 695-5834

Cut Style Nah barber Shop hiring barbers to fill complete barber stations – Contact: 643-5177; 648-0123 One welder/fabricator – Tel: 642-7898 Live in maid, between 3545yrs – Tel: 656-1284 Porters, Moulder, Rip Saw, band saw & woodmizer mil operator, Mill Wright, Grant Manager – Call Richard: 6097675, 233-2614 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 670-8893/684-2838 Sewing girls with factory experience – Tel:622-4386 or 627-5378 Cashiers @ Shell Service Station Providence, EBD, Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) – Tel: 265-7305 Hard working, educated, easy to train & fill supervision job @ plant shop, able work along with staff 6481821

Wednesday June 25, 2014

PROPERTY FOR SALE 1-2 storey wooden & concrete house with 5 bedrooms, upper flat & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $38.9M Tel: 642-7898 Diamond: Avenue A - Three bedrooms, two-storey concrete house & 1st Bridge - Flat concrete & high house. Have property for sale? Contact: 643-7633 Concrete flat house with 3 bedrooms located at Tushen New Scheme – Call:692-3454 One 2 storey wood & concrete house, 3 bedrooms with one self contained with A/C @ Parika E.B.E – Call: 660-3118 Lot 1064/65 Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt Park, Gauling St . – Serious Offers only- Call:619-7299 Prime Property for sale – Light Street, Alberttown – Contact:639-3619, 619-7299 House & land for sale at Good-Hope, E.C.D – Tel:6211722

SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Earn a certificate in cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, limited spaces Call Abby: 619-7603, 666-5241

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. COOL TECH : Repairs Services & Installation of all types if homes appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 Permanent & Visitors Vi s a Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 2256496, 662-6045

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: Come be pampered by beautiful attendants. Check our monthly specials - Tel: 6575979

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Furnished new apartments USD$600-$1000 located in Ogle: Pool, parking, hot water, AC, Wi-Fi. Contact Richard: 622-7236 GT TOOL RENTALS SPECIALS CONCRETE SAW; JACK HAMMER WELDING MACHINE, PRESSURE WASHER & RANSOM – CALL: 6750767; 627-5098 1 Newly built upper flat to rent @ Diamond EBD – Tel:6516263; 697-5933 2 BEDROOM UPSTAIRS FLAT, LARGE VERANDAH & WASHROOM, PARKING ETC @ LAMAHA GARDENS – SERIOUS ENQUIRIES – CALL:6098132 OR 672-8569 (MAX)

CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com ProgressiveAuto Rental: Cars & SUV for rental- $4,000 & up per day- Call: 643-5122, 628-2284 ,Email:pro_ autorental @yahoo.com

WANTED Salesgirls and drivers for Mohan Variety Store @ Brassonic Building, 42 Water Street - Contact Heera: 6732887; 227-6873

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 Low cost TV commercials & branding visit snappyads.com or call: 6036823 WANTED We buy all low income land in La Parafaite Harmonie, Herstelling, Eccles, and NonPariel – Call: 218-5591 or 6757292 Live-in waitress to work in a bar – Call: 603-6301

VEHICLE FOR SALE 2006 Blue Nissan Titan. Fully Loaded GSS Series. Contact: 604-6108. 2009 Red Nissan Titan. Flex Fuel GRR Series. Contact: 604-6108. 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 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 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 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 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 (Continued on page 23)

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Rodney COI…

No incentives were offered to me – Gates By Latoya Giles Witness Robert Gates, who goes by several other aliases, yesterday denied that he was a witness of convenience and that he was given incentives to come to the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry to lie. According to Gates, he is currently a guest of the State serving a 48-month sentence for the offence of obtaining money by false pretence. Under cross examination yesterday by attorney at law Basil Williams, Gates claimed that he had come forward off his own free will to give evidence. Williams then proceeded to question the witness about any prior brushes he had with the law. Gates was asked about several companies which were all linked to obtaining money by false pretence. One such company was Confidential Investigation Bureau. Williams questioned Gates about whether he had invited the public to donate. According to Gates, he did, but no one invested. Gates was asked whether he had collected some $50M from unsuspecting persons who wanted to invest, which prompted the Guyana Security Council to put out several ads alerting persons. Gates denied any knowledge about this. He was further questioned about who one Simone King was to him. Gates said she is a relative, neglecting to mention that it was a daughter who was charged with him for obtaining money by false pretence. Moving forward to his present sentence, Williams

asked Gates whether he was convicted on 12 counts of obtaining money by false pretence. Gates admitted that the sentence was in connection with 12 counts. He said that he was sentenced in August 2013, but he was never notified of this. According to Gates, he started serving his prison term in January 2014. Gates further disclosed that soon after he started serving his sentence, a relative submitted a statement to the commission. According to Gates, he was later contacted by Commission lawyer Glenn Hanoman. Williams asked Gates whether he was promised anything for his testimony, to which he said that he was not. Gates further told the Commission that based on his knowledge and interaction with Former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) member, Gregory Smith, he was convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that Smith deceived both Dr. Rodney and his brother Donald into believing that he had given them a “walkie talkie” when he knew it was an explosive device. Gates claimed that Smith had told him that the Army, specifically Former Army Chief, Norman Mc Lean was going to give him an explosive to give to Rodney which would have exploded, killing him. Gates claimed that Smith had told him that the device would have taken three months to assemble. Gates also said that he had spoken to Smith sometime in March of 1980. However under cross examination, Williams

Inclement weather affecting activation of rehabilitated sewer mains - GWI Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has announced that inclement weather is affecting the planned activation of the recently rehabilitated Force and Delivery mains under the Government of Guyana (GOG) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) US$ 10 Million Georgetown Sanitation Improvement Programme (GSIP). According to Programme Manager, GWI, Orin Browne, ‘the consistent rainfall and flooding has caused delays in the activation of the new sewer infrastructure’. He stated that private contractors (S. Jagmohan/ Nabi Consortium) were forced to halt works related to the activation because of flooding at several work sites. In addition, road repairs

related to the GSIP are being executed at a reduced pace due to consistent rainfall. Contractors have advised GWI that executing road repairs during the current inclement weather would significantly affect the quality of work. Contractors are also monitoring the weather and site conditions closely and will resume works at the required pace when the weather permits. Customers with concerns are asked to contact GWI’s Sanitation Hotline numbers on 227-8718 and 226-6059 from Monday to Friday between 8:00 to 17:00hours. GWI in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works will continue to consistently monitor all road repairs being executed by private contractors.

Robert Gates suggested to Gates that he never had that conversation with Smith. Further Williams suggested that adding to the “non-existent” conversation, Smith could not have been given any directives by Former Army Chief Norman McLean, since he was not in the GDF at that time. Further, Gates admitted under cross examination that he could not confirm anything that Smith had told him. Gates however maintained that Smith did tell him these things and he had even told Former Police Commissioner Winston Felix. Williams however reminded Gates, that Felix’s rank was not even higher than a sergeant, making his (Gates’) claim farfetched. According to Gates, Felix was aware of his “special assignment to infiltrate the WPA…” Williams suggested to Gates that he was lying and is trying to finger the “leadership of APNU” in his

testimony. The witness was also questioned about whether they would have records to show that he was indeed a member of the Police Force. “Ask Former Commissioner Brumell…or Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud …they know me and they would have all my records” Gates said. However when contacted yesterday Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud said that he couldn’t verify anything that happened in the Police Force in 1978 since he was in High School. Persaud said also that his office might be responsible for records, but he could not divulge that. He said that a request would have to be made for the records. Attorney at law Joseph Harmon in his cross examination, sought to ascertain what type of training Gates received which deemed him an “intelligence officer”. Gates told the Commission that he was trained for six months in the basic recruit course, and then he was sent to the “special squad”. Harmon asked whether he, Gates, would have any evidence of his training and existence in the Force. Again Gates said that all his information would be with Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud. Gates also told the Commission that he was sent abroad to the “Rouse School of Special Detective Training” at which he spent nine months.

(From page 22)

VEHICLE FOR SALE Cheapest – New model, fully loaded Spacio, VVTI Manual & Automatic buses, one Vizio 42" High Definition Television – Tel: 616-7635 New Toyota Noah: TV, Camera, 15" Rim – Tel:6632700, 629-2619 Toyota Rav 4 PKK series, aero kit, TV, spoiler, roof rail & more - $2.5M negotiable , excellent condition- Tel:2318694, 670-1638 2001 Mercedes Benz C200, 2000 CC engines, backup camera, sunroof, back & front sensors, leather interior - $3.5M- Tel:670-1638 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 One 2003 unregistered Premio – 55000KM, excellent condition - $2.5M negotiable – Contact: 657-2790; 225-6810 One Bedford TM 4 Wheel with winch approximately $2.7 Mil solid condition – Call: 660-9139 One Starlet (EP82) -Tel: 6435161

Ganja in Camp Street jail…

Prison officers interdicted, to be investigated departmentally The two prison officers who were questioned last week about the discovery of a quantity of marijuana in the Camp Street jail, have been interdicted from duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Police said that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) made the recommendation, and that the ranks have since been released from custody. A source explained that the prison warders were not charged because they were not found with the marijuana. A senior Prison official confirmed that the ranks had been interdicted, but said he hadn’t been apprised of any aspect of the investigation. The two ranks, who have

each been working at the prison for abut ten years, were detained last Friday on allegations that they had tried to smuggle over 500 grams of marijuana into the Camp Street jail. A senior prison official reportedly found the marijuana and a lighter, stashed in two paper bags in a toilet at the prison, shortly after the two accused ranks reported for duty. It is alleged that when the warders arrived at the prison, they failed to present their bags to be scanned, as is routinely done for anyone entering the penitentiary. This reportedly aroused suspicion, and other ranks who were alerted, allegedly saw the prison officers head to a washroom before changing into their uniforms.

A senior officer later went to the area and allegedly found the two paper bags of marijuana. He then confronted the two prison officers before contacting the police. But one of the detained prison officers reportedly told investigators that he decided to bypass the security check because he was late and the rank who should have searched him was on a lengthy phone call. Denying that he ever went to the washroom, the prison officer reportedly stated that he went to an office where he changed into his uniform. He claimed that it was shortly after this, that a senior officer showed him a paper bag and subsequently had the two ranks detained.

WANTED One cook for home in the interior – Contact: 681-6044 Experienced roti/puri Cook, curry cook, handy boys Apply at Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce Street, Georgetown 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 Driver wanted to work AE100 Corolla, must be from West Coast Demerara – Please Contact: 650-9721 Silverballi and Kabakalli logs - Tel: 653-9752 Mature couple to live and work on resort – Tel: 2310363. Office hours - 8:30AM - 4:30PM 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. Contact: 627-6416 Sales person. Apply in person to Lot 4 First Street, Albertown Heavy duty sewing machine and sorgors needed – Tel:622-4386; 627-5378 Female worker needed, 3 CXC subjects or sound secondary school education - Call: 612-1595 Female customer representative – CXC English, Mathematics and computer knowledge & customer friendly, written application- Call: 643-9268 INTERIOR EXCAVATOR OPERATOR SEEKS EMPLOYMENT WITH 8YRS KNOWLEDGE OF INTERIOR WORK, WELDING MACHINE – CONTACT:681-1605 Workers for land dredge – Tel:616-6702 Live-in experienced domestic must know to cook & bake - $60,000 monthly & live-in waitress 18-25yrs - $50,000 monthly – Tel: 610-3974

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City money-changer fined for counterfeit $$$ A 65-year-old America Street money changer who was last year arrested by the police during a sting operation was yesterday fined by a city Magistrate for being in possession of counterfeit money. Dennis Yarris of Cooper and Sussex Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on three charges. The first charge against him detailed that on April 11, 2013 at Kitty, Georgetown, he had forged currency purporting to be US$100 and two EUR$50 notes in his car despite knowing them to be forged. The police had claimed too that he had in his possession forged currency, a US$50 and two $1000 notes; despite knowing them to be forged. He was accused too of uttering to a Detective Corporal US$3,800 and US$50 counterfeit currencies. Last year, police acting on “sensitive information received”, conducted a sting operation. It was previously reported that between March 28 and April 11, 2013, Corporal Roopnarine engaged Dennis Yarris and two others, in discussions. During those discussions, the defendants sought the assistance of Corporal Roopnarine, who would operate as a boat captain, so that they could transport a quantity of “weed” from

…exonerated on two other charges Guyana to Barbados. On April 11, the defendants along with Corporal Roopnarine were in motorcar, PPP 8866, when they were intercepted at Coldingen Public Road. A search was conducted and the illicit substance was discovered. The suspects were arrested and taken to the police station where they were then charged for the said offence. Further probes had led to Harris being charged for uttering forged currencies and being in possession of forged currency. He had purportedly offered the Corporal an envelope with forged money as payment in the operation. When he and his car were searched, more forged currencies were found and he was subsequently charged. The trial for the drug trafficking charge is ongoing at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court. Yarris was last year formally charged and a trial was conducted before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. At yesterday’s hearing, the Prosecution spearheaded by Corporal Deniro Jones closed its case, stating that it had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Yarris

had committed the offences for which he was charged. Jones urged the Magistrate to convict Yarris, citing that the Prosecution had proven every element of the offence. The Prosecutor called upon the caution statement and the unsworn testimony of the accused as well as the testimonies offered by witnesses before the court. Jones asked the court to accept his confession statement as freely and voluntarily given to the police. Corporal Jones beseeched the court to find the defendant guilty as charged. Responding, Magistrate McLennan stated that she had considered the Prosecution’s evidence on account of the three charges, the no case submission made by his defence attorney Peter Hugh, as well as the Prosecution’s response. On account of the first charge, she indicated that the court was satisfied that the money was forged but it was yet to be proven that it was Yarris’s. Doubt had risen, she said, because there was evidence showing that there were other persons in the vehicle. The court ruled that the Prosecution had failed to prove that case and it was dismissed. In response to the second

charge, she said that the court believes that the currency was forged and that she accepted his confession statement. The court had found that he had knowledge and possession of the money which was found in his wallet. Yarris, she said, was in custody and control of the money, so he was guilty as charged. For uttering a forged document, she said that the envelope which contained the currency was indeed in his custody but the court was not convinced that the essential for such an offence was proven, since there was nothing that indicated that he had seen what was concealed therein. She said that the Prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt and it was dismissed. Harris had entered a mitigation plea through his lawyer asking for the court to consider a noncustodial sentence, since this was his first time before the courts. Hugh said that his client does have a matter at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court which arose from the same circumstance, but that is of a different nature. “Given his age and that he has had no antecedent, I am humbly asking the court to exercise discretion and impose a non-

Dennis Yarris custodial sentence.” Magistrate McLennan fined him $60,000 which, failing to pay by July 1, will result in nine months’ imprisonment.

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Kaieteur News

Kerry urges Kurds to save Iraq from collapse

Map provides updates on violence in Iraq’s Anbar province. ARBIL Iraq (Reuters) U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urged leaders of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region yesterday to stand with Baghdad in the face of a Sunni insurgent onslaught that threatens to dismember the country. Security forces fought Sunni armed factions for control of the country’s biggest oil refinery yesterday and militants launched an attack on one of its largest air

bases less than 100 km (60 miles) from the capital. More than 1,000 people, mainly civilians, have been killed in less than three weeks, the United Nations said yesterday, calling the figure “very much a minimum”. The figure includes unarmed government troops machinegunned in mass graves by insurgents, as well as several reported incidents of prisoners killed in their cells

by retreating government forces. Kerry flew to the Kurdish region on a trip through the Middle East to rescue Iraq following a lightning advance by the Sunni fighters led by jihadis of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. U.S. officials believe that persuading the Kurds to stick with the political process in Baghdad is vital to keep Iraq from splitting apart.

Iran expects deal soon on Russia building new nuclear reactors DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran said yesterday it expected to sign a deal with Russia in late August on the building of two new 1,000-megawatt nuclear reactors in the Islamic Republic, potentially boosting its e that it is refining uranium for civilian energy, not atom bombs. Russia is one of six world powers negotiating with Iran on a long-term agreement to end a decade-old dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program, which the country says is peaceful but the West fears may be aimed at

developing a nuclear arms capability. Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran’s atomic energy organization, will go to Moscow to finalize the reactor contract and construction may start early next year, according to the official news agency IRNA. There was no immediate comment from Russia. Iran has long argued that it needs to enrich uranium - which can have both civilian and military uses - to fuel a planned network of atomic power stations and that any contract on new reactors with Russia

may help it back up its case. But Russia - which built Iran’s so far only nuclear reactor, at Bushehr on the country’s Gulf coast - is providing the enriched fuel for that plant and may want to do that also for any future facilities it will build in Iran. The world powers - also including the United States, France, Germany, Britain and China want Iran to significantly scale back its enrichment of uranium to deny it any capability to quickly make bomb-grade fuels. Iran denies any such aims.

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First US military advisers Putin moves to scrap begin work in Iraq option to invade Ukraine Washington (AFP) - The first teams of up to 300 US military advisers have begun their mission in Baghdad to assist the Iraqi army in its fight against S u n n i e x tremists, the Pentagon said yesterday. Admiral John Kirby told reporters that “we have begun to deploy initial assessment teams” and two teams of about 40 troops “have started their new mission.” But he insisted their role is to evaluate the state of the Iraqi army and not to stage attacks on militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which have swept across western and

northern Iraq. “This isn’t about rushing to the rescue,” Kirby said. “These teams will assess the cohesiveness and readiness of Iraqi security forces ...and examine the most effective and efficient way to introduce follow-on advisers.” The US troops would relay their findings to commanders within “the next two to three weeks.” The first two teams were drawn from the US embassy in Iraq, and an additional 90 troops have arrived to set up a joint operations center in Baghdad. Another 50 are due to deploy in the next few days.

President Barack Obama announced plans to send advisers to Baghdad last week but has left open the possibility of air strikes. The US military, which has deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf, was ready to carry out bombing raids if called upon, Kirby said. “We remain postured to do that,” Kirby said. But for the moment, the focus was on looking at the Iraqi forces and examining how additional teams of American advisers should be organized, he said. “This is just the first day of the establishment of these assessment teams.”

Gunmen fire on plane at Pakistan’s Peshawar airport, one killed PESHAWAR Pakistan (Reuters) - Gunmen fired on a Pakistan International Airlines plane as it was landing in the northern Pakistani city of Peshawar yesterday night, killing a woman on board and injuring three crew members in the third incident at a Pakistani airport this month. Flight PK 756 was carrying 178 passengers travelling from Saudi Arabia when it came under attack as it was preparing to land, policeman Asghar Khan said at the airport. The plane was hit by six bullets, police said, killing the Pakistani woman and narrowly missing the captain. At least one bullet struck the plane’s engine, police said. The woman’s daughter was sitting next to her when she was shot in the head, PIA official Mohammad Kifayatullah Khan said.

“When I went inside the plane, I saw the woman lying on the seat and her nine-year-old daughter was crying, ‘My mother is dead, my mother is dead’,” said Khan. “All the passengers were panicked. Some of them wanted to get out as soon as possible because they were afraid of fire inside the plane. “The captain of the plane had narrowly escaped,” he said. “It would have been a disaster had he been hit.” The incident will raise further questions about whether the government is prepared for a Taliban backlash after officials announced a military operation to flush the militants from their mountain strongholds in North Waziristan on June 15. Pakistani jets have pounded suspected militant hideouts and the Taliban

have vowed counter attacks. Islamabad has promised to tighten security at airports and other potential targets, but critics say decades of neglect of Pakistan’s ragged police force has left citizens vulnerable. On June 8, ten Taliban gunmen attacked the airport in the southern port city of Karachi, Pakistan’s financial heart and home to 18 million people. Thirty-four people were killed in the fivehour gunbattle. The Taliban fired on an academy for the security forces at the airport two days later. On Monday, the government was forced to divert a plane carrying prominent cleric Tahirul Qadri after violence broke out on the ground in Islamabad, with hundreds of supporters armed with sticks battling police, who fired teargas.

Moscow (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday asked lawmakers to revoke a resolution allowing him to invade Ukraine in a shock turnabout that Kiev hailed as his “first practical step” towards helping defuse the crisis. The surprise reversal from the Kremlin strongman comes amid the threat of tougher Western sanctions against Moscow and could help spur fragile peace initiatives to end fighting in eastern Ukraine after pro-Russian rebels agreed Monday to a temporary government ceasefire. Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the decision to reverse the March 1 vote giving Putin carte blanche to send troops into Ukraine was aimed at “normalising the atmosphere and resolving the situation” where over 370 people have been killed since April. In a rare sign of agreement Ukraine’s Western-backed President Petro Poroshenko welcomed the announcement

as “the first practical step taken by the Russian president in the wake of his decision to officially support Ukraine’s settlement plan for the (eastern) Donbass region.” Senators in Russia’s rubber-stamp legislative body will vote today to rescind the decision which saw troops massed along the border in what was seen as a threat of intervention. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told journalists after meeting Poroshenko in Kiev that “appropriate signals” were needed from all sides and that both rebels and the Ukrainian army had to stick to the ceasefire. On the ground in eastern Ukraine fighting still bubbled away — albeit at a lower intensity — with Poroshenko saying that one serviceman was killed as insurgent attacks continued overnight. That came despite a prominent rebel leader on Monday reversing his firm rejection of Kiev’s peace overtures by agreeing to a

ceasefire and suggesting talks with the authorities. “We hope that during the period in which both sides halt fire, we will be able to agree and begin consultations about holding negotiations about a peaceful settlement to the conflict,” Alexander Borodai, prime minister of the self-declared Donetsk People’s Republic said in a broadcast by Russian television. Poroshenko has been lobbying world leaders to follow through with their threat to unleash devastating economic sanctions against Russia should Putin fail to immediately end his perceived military and diplomatic backing of the insurgents. Putin’s volte-face came shortly ahead of a visit to Vienna yesterday where he was expected to face renewed pressure from his counterpart Heinz Fischer and Switzerland’s Didier Burkhalter — the current head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Barroso says EU ready to assist Russia-Ukraine peace plan BUDAPEST (Reuters) The European Union stands ready to support a fresh peace plan launched by Russia and Ukraine, EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said yesterday. “We stand ready to assist the peace plan just launched and we urge all parties to seize this opportunity to deescalate the crisis and end violence of this developing tragedy,” Barroso told a conference of central European prime ministers in

Budapest. Referring to an association agreement the EU is planning to sign with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, Barroso said: “This week on the 27th of June we are going to sign this agreement, not only the remaining part with Ukraine, but also the full agreement with Georgia and Moldova, which shows that the EU is giving a helping hand to other parts of Europe that do not yet enjoy all the benefits of European integration.”

Jose Manuel Barroso

Russia wants UN to prevent terrorists selling oil UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Russia’s U.N. ambassador said yesterday he wants the U.N. Security Council to prevent terrorists from selling Iraqi and Syrian oil to finance their illegal activities. Vitaly Churkin told Russian journalists that Russia will circulate a “document” — almost certainly a draft resolution — in the near future to address the issue. “We know that terrorist organizations are doing illegal oil trading from the territory of both Syria and Iraq,” he said. In March, the Security

Council condemned the illicit export of crude oil from Libya and authorized U.N. member states to board suspect vessels and return illegally seized oil to the Libyan government. The council acted three days after U.S. Navy SEAL commandos seized a tanker off Cyprus containing Libyan oil that a militia controlling the country’s oil terminals was trying to export in defiance of the central government. Churkin told reporters Monday that al-Qaedainspired terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, who are active in

Syria and have captured a large swath of Iraqi territory, and other terrorist groups must be stopped from selling oil from fields they have taken over. Churkin said the language in the Libya resolution could be useful but the situation in Iraq and Syria is “slightly more difficult.” “We think the situation is even more dramatic, because in the case of Libya it was some people who were not associated with the government and not necessarily being affiliated to any terrorist groups who were trying to sell oil,” Churkin said.

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Kaieteur News

Dookeran: Caricom must show it has capacity to host ATT secretariat Trinidad Express Caricom must present credible programmes of action if the region is to gain international support to host the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Secretariat in Trinidad and Tobago, Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Dookeran has said. Speaking at the regional workshop on the Arms Trade Treaty at Hilton Trinidad, St Ann’s, Monday, Dookeran said the United Nations (UN) agencies need to be redistributed more equitably in their headquarters throughout the world and the region already had support on the issue from other nations, but the workshops were critical toward the future prospects of the achievement of a regional ATT secretariat because it would show whether or not the region has the capacity to do so. “Capacity is not only a capa-city of financial resource, but of technical know-how, commitment and professional know-how. Workshops of this nature [are] but the stepping stone and the building blocks of

that capa-city building that is required,” said Dookeran. “We have moved from the negotiation stage of the treaty into generating the legitimacy of the process for which the UN has lent its full support. The legitimacy of that process would require us, and you in particular, who are the professionals in this field, who understand the differe-nt dimensions of the pursuit to work out credible programmes of action. “I urge you today to take all of the right decisions, tough as they may be on the legislative front, on the operational efficiency front, because the world is loo-king at Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region to see whether they can indeed meet the standards and requirements of a secretariat for the ATT,” he added. However, he pointed out that time was not on their side because the task before them to develop a legislative framework for the various countries was a huge task that must be done within a limited time period. “We have to reduce that

time because we expect, hopefully, by the end of the year that the treaty would in fact be ratified by more than the minimum number identified to make it a reality and the first conference of State parties will be held in Mexico, where the issue of the secretariat will be considered,” said Dookeran. “We must be ready in the Caricom region to win the confidence of all the State parties in the world that we can in fact deliver on their expectations. “So in designing your frameworks and your plans, bear in mind it must be measurable in terms of its impact and to be able to solicit confidence among the whole global community that we can so do,” he said. Dookeran said there were seve-ral countries in Latin Ame-rica, including Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and Guatemala, which have formally lent their support to Trinidad and Tobago’s bid to host the secretariat; and this country also has support from Angola and New Zealand.

St Lucia government denies implementing public sector salary cut CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC – The St. Lucia government yesterday denied that it had given instructions for a five per cent deduction to be made to the salaries of public servants for the month of July. CSA president Mary Isaac told public workers Monday that the union had been informed that the government had given the green light to implement the pay cut. The government is seeking to reduce the EC$76 million (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) fiscal deficit by cutting public service salaries and introducing a wage freeze for the next triennium. But both proposals have been rejected by the public workers with the government now saying that every option, including the possible retrenchment of public workers, being placed on the negotiating table. Isaac told reporters that there were other options to reduce the fiscal deficit besides implementing a five per cent cut in the wages of public servants, but that Prime Minister Anthony was not interested. A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister

said that it had taken note of the “false” claims made by Isaac and the leader of the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP), Allen Chastanet on the issue. “Mary Isaac went further to say during the evening news on Monday that an order has been given to the Treasury to cut wages and salaries in July and that if salaries are cut in June/July, public servants will protest. “The Government of St Lucia wishes to state that the statements by Allen Chastanet and Mary Isaac are false. No such order has been given to cut wages and salaries,” the statement said. Chastanet had said that his party, which lost the last general election, understood the plight of the workers. “We are not here saying that the unions should not agree to five per cent pay cut. We are saying the government has gone about this in the wrong way and we don’t support what they have done and think they have not been truthful,” Chastanet said, adding that he had not seen any sacrifices being made by the government through its policies and “major cuts.” Chastanet said he was

wondering also whether or not the five per cent salary cut is the only proposal being considered by the government, asking whether or not there would be new taxes on the population. The statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said that the Kenny Anthony administration is continuing its efforts to engage public sector unions, civil society and the general public on the economic situation facing the island. “The government will continue to update the public on the status of discussions and Government’s actions to deal with the crippling fiscal imbalance,” it said, adding “”it is now clear that Allen Chastanet and Mary Isaac are on a campaign to stir up discord and confusion among public sector workers and the nation”. The government said it was urging the opposition and the CSA to stop spreading false information to the public in light of the ongoing economic situation, reminding the population that on Monday, it had announced a decision to re-activate the Government Negotiating Team (GNT) at the request of the unions.

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World Cup newsflash: LeBron opts out! SAO PAULO – The grounds of the training facility at Sao Paulo Football Club, where the United States soccer team has set up camp, are pristine. There’s a canopy of trees, lush fields, clean modern facilities and even peacocks roaming about. The tranquility – particularly here in a sprawling, teeming metropolitan area of some 21 million – is partly why U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann chose it as the Americans’ home base. There is not just physical recovery for his players here but also mental. Then suddenly Tuesday

morning, as the U.S. team went through the start of practice for today’s game with Germany (noon ET) under a bright, beautiful sky, hushed tones and calm conversations were overcome by shock, excitement and even professional panic. At least that was the case among the large international media throng gathered on a side field. “LeBron James has opted out of his contract with the Miami Heat,” came the news bulletins over Twitter and text message in about the only bit of sports news that could

upset the bubble of the World Cup as teams fight to reach the knockout round. Employees of all sports television outlets back in the States hung their heads, knowing full well that little of what was planned on coverage of the U.S. national team would make it on the air. Now it’s nearly all-LeBron, all the time. “Well, there goes all of that,” said one reporter. News holes shrunk at major newspapers (this might be big news in, say, the Miami Herald) and radio time was gobbled up. Soon, nearly all but the most soccer-ob-

Wednesday June 25, 2014 ARIES (March 21 April 19): Take it easy today, Aries, and work to digest some of the input you've received over the past couple days. This is a day to contemplate and plan. With matters of the heart, you may find that a sensitive, grounded approach works best. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 May 20): Anything having to do with love and romance is likely to go well today if you play your cards right, Taurus. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Don't be surprised if you run into a few emotional roadblocks today, Gemini. People could be quite stubborn and difficult to deal with. ******************** CANCER (June 21 J u l y 2 2 ) : The planets align to make this a great day for you, Cancer. You should find that your mood is excellent and your mind focused. Romance will thrive in the nice, stabilizing atmosphere, and you should feel free to take center stage. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): Try to bring things down to reality today, Leo. This is a good day to consolidate and organize. When it comes to matters of love and romance, try not to be so fickle. and ambiguous. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 Sept. 22): Your sensitivity will be greatly appreciated today, Virgo, and you'll find that there is a great grounding force that will help balance your extreme emotions.

.LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): You generally enjoy philosophy, metaphysics, and other forms of higher thought, Libra, but today you could find yourself almost obsessive about them. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 N o v. 2 1 ): Social events, perhaps involving a group you're affiliated with, could involve discussions of some deep subjects, such as philosophy, metaphysics, science - or all three. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Today you might decide to help someone with repairs or decorating in their home or perhaps a church or school. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): An engagement with a current or potential romantic partner could involve a lot of communication on a subtle level, enjoying each other's company while not saying much. You're likely to feel especially passionate today, Capricorn. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): You shouldn't work as hard as you do. You might have a lot of energy, but your body needs to rest from time to time. There is more to life than work. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): Social events in your neighborhood could focus on families, with everyone bringing their children. You might spend time telling stories today. Someone with whom you're in contact could be dealing with some powerful emotional issues and not want company.

sessed reporters were speculating on where James would end up: Chicago? New York? Cleveland? Just stay in Miami? And considering LeBron was technically unemployed at that moment – Does he get COBRA? – jokes flew about whether Klinsmann could find a loophole in FIFA rules to get him on the U.S. team. It went so far that the U.S. Soccer Twitter account got in on the fun. Have President Obama scramble a jet, find a coach to offer some basic pointers on the way down and maybe America has its late-game substitute X-factor. Any Germans want to try to stop 6foot-8, 265-pound, 40-inchvertical LeBron (Continued on page 25)crashing into the penalty area on corner kicks? If Klinsmann and a couple players, including NBA-mad midfielder Jermaine Jones, hadn’t already completed their media duties, they would’ve assuredly been asked about where James should go. Soccer may be the world’s most popular sport but basketball is second and perhaps even gaining. So this wasn’t just a U.S. phenomenon. This was a practice camp that featured a large German media contingent due to the upcoming opponent and Klinsmann’s star factor back in his homeland. Klinsmann even did a German-language question-and-answer session. Plus there were outlets from Brazil, Argentina, Israel and elsewhere. LeBron is a big deal everywhere, including here in Sao Paulo where sightings of his Miami Heat jersey are common. Maybe not the equal of Brazilian soccer star Neymar, but LeBron jerseys are here. Even Brazilian media outlets quickly carved a small section of their websites for the latest on LeBron. Kobe Bryant is the bigger soccer fan – he’s here attending matches and calls Argentine star Lionel Messi a friend – but James has a minority interest in Liverpool. And LeBron has a history of inserting himself into this event. Four years ago, James upstaged part of the World Cup in South Africa when he announced he was leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Heat. Now history repeats itself. It’s still soccer-first here in Brazil. This is still the World Cup in a country obsessed with the sport. But being able to puncture that soccer-obsessed balloon even a little bit, even for a day or two, says plenty about the power of LeBron James and the NBA.

American basketball player LeBron James, a minority stakeholder of Liverpool FC, visits Anfield stadium, the home of Liverpool Football Club on October 14, 2011 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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Georgios Samaras sends Greeks through to last 16 with dramatic injury-time penalty Another night of heartbreak. Just when it appeared Ivory Coast had something to smile about, their dreams of World Cup progress were dramatically shattered by Greece. They were within 90 seconds of reaching the last 16 but a reckless foul by substitute Giovanni Sio enabled Giorgios Samaras to rifle in a penalty to secure a 21 win in Fortaleza and allow Greece to progress to the last 16 for the first time in their history. Greece’s joy was in sharp contrast to Ivory Coast’s anguish. This game was played out with the death of Yaya and Kolo Toure’s brother Ibrahim still fresh in the mind and their country has been hit by severe flooding in recent weeks. Yaya accused Manchester City of lacking compassion and not allowing him to spend time with Ibrahim in the days after City won the Premier League title. Just when it seemed as though they would have something to smile about, when Swansea’s Wilfried Bony scored in the 74th minute, their hopes were ripped away. For so long Ivory Coast have looked like they could make an impact at a World Cup finals but their recent history in this tournament is littered with misfortune and near misses. In 2006 and 2010, they were drawn in ‘groups of death’ and failed to make the knockout stages. This, then, represented their best opportunity to progress but even though they started brightly, with some surging runs from onetime Arsenal flop Gervinho

Samaras celebrates after netting Greece’s injury - time penalty against the Ivory Coast and Manchester City’s Yaya Toure, they did not have the gumption to turn the heat up on Greece. Their passing was slow and deliberate, taking two touches when one would have done. Players who have been giants in the Barclays Premier League, most notably Didier Drogba, failed to replicate the kind of form for which they are feared. Greece also lacked intensity in their efforts, which was surprising given their need for three points was arguably greater. To make matters worse, their game plan was disrupted severely by having to make two substitutions in the opening half hour. The 2004 European champions, however, sensed there would be some reward for them if they could get on the front foot and in the 33rd minute, they came agonisingly close to taking the lead when Jose Holebas hit the bar after being set up by Celtic striker Samaras. Aside from rattling the woodwork, that shot also rattled Ivory Coast and, just

before half-time, they conceded a goal that was of their own making when Newcastle’s Chieck Tiote squandered possession. Substitute Samaris ensured the slip received maximum punishment when he fired in from 18 yards. After the break, when Ivory Coast began to apply pressure, Greece’s defending was excellent and every successful tackle was greeted with thumping slaps on the back and words of

Greece players and substitutes celebrate wildly with goal scorer Samaras encouragement. They were in no mood to let this opportunity slip. Yaya Toure was still angry at what he claims was City’s insensitive reaction to his brother’s terminal illness. He told France Football: ‘At the end

of the season, I wanted to stay for four or five days with my brother before I flew to prepare for the World Cup with Ivory Coast, except that City did not want to grant me a few days. ‘I went to celebrate the title

championship in Abu Dhabi while my brother was lying in his sickbed. By fortune, Kolo was at his bedside. After that I blame myself for not insisting and for not making them respect me.’ (Mailonline)

Martinez nets double to seal Group C top spot as Japan are sent packing Colombia striker Jackson Martinez and their emerging £37million superstar James Rodriguez put Los Cafeteros into the knockout stages with a 100 per cent record, and there was an emotional appearance for 43-year-old Faryd Mondragon, who became the oldest ever player to appear in a World Cup. The Columbians defeated Japan 41, yesterday. Manager Jose Pekerman brought on the veteran ‘keeper – who went to his first World Cup in 1994 – for the remaining five minutes and he was given a hero’s ovation as he replaced David Ospina and took Roger Milla’s age record. By that stage, Colombia were secure in the knowledge that they will go into Saturday’s last-16 clash against Uruguay as Group C winners and in perfect nick. They will fancy their chances against their South American rivals particularly if Uruguay have to play without Luis Suarez after his latest biting storm. Japan, meanwhile, will return home deflated having picked up just one point in three games in Brazil. Colombia struck first after 17 minutes when Yasayuki Konno felled Adrian Ramos and Juan Cuadrado drove a fierce penalty down the

middle.To Japan’s credit, they registered a dozen shots in the first half and levelled with literally the last touch before the interval when Keisuke Honda of AC Milan crossed for Shinji Okazaki to head home as the referee was about to blow his whistle. Pekerman threw on 22year-old Rodriguez and he was too hot to handle. Within minutes of his arrival, the twinkle-toed youngster eluded three Japanese defenders before his shot was deflected wide. Inevitably, Rodriguez was heavily involved as Colombia regained the lead after 54 minutes. The 22-year-old drifted into the penalty area

and at just the right moment, slipped a pass into Martinez. The Porto striker made no mistake from eight yards and immediately sunk to his knees in prayer. Eder Balanta was then lucky to escape when he held off Okazaki with his elbow but as Japan poured forward, Colombia hit them with a double sucker-punch. First Rodriguez played in Martinez to drive in his second to make it 3-1, the big Colombian going down on his knees in prayer to give thanks for his goal. Then, after Mondragon’s emotional arrival, Rodriguez went on a Messi-like dribble before chipping the

Jackson Martinez goalkeeper. Colombia are the only country along with Holland to so far win all three group games though that can be emulated in the next couple of days by Argentina, Belgium and France. (Mailonline)

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Kaieteur News

Defending champions Mae’s, Redeemer register wins

Page 31

Wolf’s Furniture Store softball tourney

Frontline thump Parika Defenders by 85 runs in over-35 final

Windball cricket participating teams assemble at the National Park shortly before the start of play recently. Defending champions Mae’s Boys and Redeemer Girls recorded wins on the opening day of the 17th Annual End of School Year Primary Schools Overhand Windball Cricket Champions Trophy Georgetown Zone which was played recently, at the National Park. In the day’s full results: Mae’s beat Rama Krishna by 10 wickets. Rama Krishna making their return after a sixyear absence compiled 40-4 off the allotted 5 overs; Tromond Eversley hitting a top score of 19. Elisha Bobb grabbed 2wickets. Mae’s in reply reached 44-0, with Yudistair Persaud stroking 31. West Ruimveldt beat newcomers Sophia by 7 wickets. Sophia batted first and ended on 37-2 with Ras Telford 18, being the top scorer. Jonathon Barton picked up 2 wickets. West Ruimveldt, runner-up in last year’s competition secured victory after finishing on 393 in 4.4 overs with Barton smashing 19. Cidel Prescod 2wickets. Sophia defeated Redeemer by 5 wickets. Redeemer 39-5, Trevon

Ephiram 12. Sophia 42-5, Joshua Thompson 22, Emanuel Pompey 18. Girls Redeemer beat Rama Krishna by 22 runs. Redeemer made 63-0 batting first, Jasmine Jones 34 (4x4 2x6, Cindy Mohamed supported with 26. Rama Krishna 41-2, Precious Brusche 21. Cindy Mohamed picked up 2 wickets. St. Pius trounced West Ruimveldt by 5 wickets. West Ruimveldt made 35-3, Varshanie Didas 10. Former champions St. Pius replied with 37-5, Carlisa Rugders 12. Lower East Bank Demerara zone also played at the said venue. St. Anne’s defeated Grove by 8 wickets in the girl’s semi finals. Grove 56-4, Rabecca Isaacs 21.| Saint Anne’s reached 592, Collette Welch 18, Shamika Roberts 12.

Eccles squeezed past Covent Garden by 1 run. Eccles made 52-3, Brianna Inniss 21 (4x4), Shaunica Moses 15. Vanessa Persud 23. Covent Garden 51-3; Onika Persaud 12, Vashaney Prasad 11, and Nazeema Waheed 10. B Inniss 2-10. Saint Anne’s will play in both finals when action continues shortly. Boys – Quarter final Peters Hall 35-1, Jaikun Craig 16, Kevin Rambaran 14. Saint Anne’s 36-1, Tyron Younge 12. Semi finals - Covent Garden 60-3, Brian Mohamed 26, Joshua Thomas 16, Deno Cupidore 10. Grove reply with 62-3, Osaie Jacobs 23, Corvin Griffith 14, Akeem Smith 10. Jermiah Singh 2-4. Craig 50-3, Amari Hunte 22, Ricardo Vasquez 13. Tyron Younge 2-8. St. Anne’s 51-1, T Younge 19, John Lakhan 17.

Managing Director of Wolf’s Furniture Store Imran Hussain (right) presents the trophy to captain of the victorious Frontline team Mohamed Rafeek in the presence of his teammates. Frontline defeated Parika Defenders by 85 runs to win the final of the Over-35 category of the Wolf ’s Furniture Store softball tournament played recently at Thirst Park. Led by Ramo Malone’s 51, Frontline posted 198-7 in 15 overs after taking first strike. Roy Persaud supported with 38, Samuel Kingston 26 and Rudy Rodrigues 20. Mohamed Safie claimed 2-25. Parika Defenders were limited to 113-9 in 15 overs in

reply. Mahendra Balgobin stroked 46 and Ashmead Bacchus 21. Samad Hafeez and Malone captured two wickets each. In other results, Parika Defenders defeated Superstar by 31 runs in the first round game. Parika Defenders piled up 186-3 in 15 overs. Diaram Persaud top scored with 73; Bacchus hit a robust 61. Superstar responded with 155-8 in 15 overs. Jagdesh Persaud hit 52 as Sheik Ali and Ramesh Rambharose

captured two wickets apiece. Frontline got the better of Superstar by four wickets in the second round. Superstar managed 154-2 in 15 overs, taking first knock. S. Mohan led with 58 and Jagdesh Persaud made 46. Frontline replied with 155-6 in 12 overs. Singh was their leading batsman with 56 while Malone contributed 21. Frontline pocketed a trophy and $40,000 while Parika Defenders took home a trophy and $20,000.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Godin delights Uruguay, Ticos top group with England draw sends Italy home Barkley and Lallana gang up on Costa Rica striker Roy Miller

Costa Rica have secured top spot in Group D after a 00 draw with England in Belo Horizonte’s Estadio Mineirao. Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions created the better chances in the match, but they again failed to capitalise and head for home bottom of the section having failed to win any of their three matches. Both sides had rung the changes for this match, with the outcomes of their respective group campaigns - qualification for Los Ticos, elimination for England already assured. Costa Rica did have pole position still to play for, but there was a distinct lack of tension in the early play from both sides. Joel Campbell has certainly done enough at this tournament to earn the right to play with a relaxed freedom, and it was the Olympiacos forward aiming to impress parent club Arsenal - who first

threatened, narrowly missing the far post with a deflected 20-yard effort after just two minutes. England’s much-altered line-up took some time to click, but when they did it was one of the Three Lions’ two ever-presents, Daniel Sturridge, who came close to breaking the deadlock, crashing a left-foot shot just wide of the right-hand post from 20 yards. The sharp, busy Liverpool striker went close again from a similar distance soon after, but it was England’s goalkeeper, Ben Foster, who succeeded best in getting the fans off their seats. With 23 minutes played, Celso Borges curled in a magnificent free-kick from 25 yards that seemed destined for the top corner, but Foster matched the quality of the shot with a superb flying save, somehow tipping the ball on to the

crossbar and over. The best of the chances, though, continued to fall to Sturridge, who headed over from close range as the first half neared its conclusion and was then denied early in the second period when Keylor Navas raced from his line to save bravely at the striker’s feet. Perhaps the most glaring of all came and went on 65 minutes, when Sturridge worked a one-two with Jack Wilshere and, with the goal at his mercy, curled wide of the far post. Wayne Rooney entered the fray as a late substitute and also threatened a breakthrough, forcing Navas into an agile tip-over with a beautifully weighted chip from just outside the box. But England were forced to contend themselves with a first point at Brazil 2014, while Costa Rica march on the Round of 16 unbeaten and as Group D winners.

A fortunate conversion from Diego Godin proved golden for Uruguay as they booked a spot in the FIFA World Cup™ Round of 16 with a late 1-0 victory over ten-man Italy in Natal. The Atletico Madrid defender rose highest from a corner with nine minutes remaining on the clock to complete a remarkable turnaround for his country, who had been beaten in their opening fixture of the tournament but now progress to a meeting with the winners of Group C. Italy held the safety net of knowing that a draw would be enough to reach the knockout stages but the Europeans nevertheless probed with regularity in the opening exchanges. The anxiety of La Celeste to register an early impact, meanwhile, led to the concession of numerous freekicks – one of which Andrea Pirlo punted with power straight at goal to worry Fernando Muslera into diverting over. The four-time world champions’ total control of the ball – more than 60 per cent possession during the first 20 minutes – ensured that chances were hugely limited for Uruguay. When Edinson Cavani did attempt to flick

dangerously at the near post from Alvaro Pereira’s rolling delivery into the area, the Paris Saint-Germain goalgetter fired off-target under pressure. Mario Balotelli collected a needless but deserved booking for a hefty challenge on Pereira. It could have been a costly yellow card too, ruling the enigmatic forward out of the Italians’ next fixture. By way of recompense, the 23-year-old surged into open space on 27 minutes, but his focus was out of kilter when unleashing a rightfooted shot from long range and the opportunity passed. Out of the relative impasse suddenly came a Uruguay chance. An intricate one-two between Nicolas Lodeiro and Luis Suarez at close quarters released the Liverpool talisman inside unprotected Italy territory, only for Gianluigi Buffon to rush from his goalline instantaneously to smother the No9 and prevent a genuine strike. The goalkeeper’s reactions were equally quick, and no less vital, in denying Lodeiro’s follow-up. The frustration of the South Americans was perhaps most evident by Martin Caceres’ ambitious and futile effort to beat Buffon

with a lobbed drive from midway inside his own half. When the two teams trotted back out for the second half, Balotelli was conspicuous by his absence, Marco Parolo replacing the AC Milan superstar. For his part, Oscar Tabarez swapped Maximiliano Pereira for Lodeiro in search of a breakthrough. Stalemate reigned again until an actionpacked minute just before the hour mark. Cristian Rodriguez penetrated along the left flank, fed Suarez and collected the return pass as he sprinted into the box; once there, however, the wide-man disappointingly sliced his left-footer far wide. The dynamic was altered further within seconds, when the referee brandished a red card in the direction of Claudio Marchisio for a high tackle on Egidio Arevalo. Buffon served unnecessary notice of his unrivalled skills by pouncing low to his right when Suarez took control of a scramble at the edge of the Italy area and dispatched a strike towards the corner that looked a certain goal until the ‘keeper’s fine intervention. But the veteran stopper was helpless when a Gaston Ramirez set-piece sailed in and Godin forced over the line with a clumsy combination of shoulder and back to send La Celeste through and Italy home.

National U-17 cricket trials postponed The two 50-over Under-17 cricket trials scheduled for yesterday and today at Bourda have been postponed due to the inclement weather. The National Junior Selectors were planning to use the matches to pick the Guyana team for next month’s Regional 50-over Under-17 competition in Jamaica. Twenty-seven players were invited to trials; the Berbicians and Essequibians in the squad were set to be at the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence at LBI on the East Coast of Demerara from Monday but the wet conditions have forced the organisers to put the match

on hold until the weather improves. Last year when the tournament was held in Trinidad, Guyana’s only win was against Jamaica when they finished in the penultimate position on the points table. Travis Persaud who led Guyana then, is among the players back from the 2013 tournament while Shurfane Rutherford, Brandon Prashad, Ronaldo Renee and Kemo Paul are the other surviving players from last year’s team. Raymond Perez, Richie Looknauth, Kelvin Sewpersaud, Ronaldo AliMohammed and Kemo Paul are members of the trials

squad to have graduated from last year’s Under-15 team. Those selected in the 27-member squad are Renaldo Renee, Raymond Perez, Adrian Sukhwa, Travis Persaud, Brandon Prashad, Richie Looknauth, Akini Adams, Deon Sinclair, Ershad Alli, Malcolm Hubbard, Kelvin Sewpersaud, Ramnarine Chatura, Timothy McAlmont, Sylus Tyndall, Kevin Martinborough, Ronaldo Ali Mohammed, Kemo Paul, - Ritash Umroa, Nathan Persaud, Shurfane Rutherford, Matthew Hardyal, Malcolm Hubbard, Vivekanand Jagjit, Daniel Samaroo, Joel Seetaram, Ewart Samuels and Samuel McKenzie.

Delight as Uruguay scores the winning goal against Italy

NCN secures injunction against Moviestar The National Communications Network Incorporated (NCN Inc.) yesterday June 24, 2014, secured an interim injunction in the High Court of Guyana against local cable service provider Moviestar, for the unauthorized broadcast of the 2014 FIFA

World Cup Brazil.NCN remains the SOLE RIGHTS HOLDER for the broadcast of the games in Guyana and is the only authorized broadcaster, except for DIRECTV and E-Networks Inc., which were authorized by NCN to broadcast the games via their network.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Page 33

Schools Football Championships

Defending Reg. 6 champs NATI advance It was a case of goalkeeping blunders and questionable refereeing decisions, but in the end defending Region 6 champions New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) defeated Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) 2-1 yesterday as play in the 4th Annual Digicel Schools Football Championships continued at Skeldon Community Centre ground. On target for the winners were Rayon Emmanuel who netted in the 53rd minute and Anthony Weekes in the 66th. Duel Hall’s 58th minute strike had leveled the game briefly, before Weekes’ goal restored NATI’s advantage and subsequent win. The win means that NATI remains on course to

defend their title won last year. The game which was played in soggy conditions caused by heavy rainfall saw the players struggle to exhibit their true potential, but the sprinkling of fans still got a glimpse of the immense talent that they possess. From the start both teams went at each other in toe to toe style with the smaller stature BEI team giving as much as they received and even looked the more skillful and purposeful of the two combatants, but robust defending by the NATI backline nullified their promising buildups. The half came with no team managing to enter the score sheet. On the resumption, NATI using their superior

Action in the New Amsterdam Technical Institute / Berbice Educational Institute game yesterday in the Ancient County. physical strength and speed started to impose their will,

Friendship overcome Dora on Pks; IBE swamp Shivitas Business College 25-0 Friendship Secondary School defied a spirited first half attack by Dora Secondary School and staged a remarkable comeback to first equalize the situation before clinching victory by the penalty route 3-1 when action in the Digicel Schools Football Championships continued at the Hauraruni Community Centre Ground, Linden/Soesdyke Highway, yesterday afternoon. Indeed, the lads from Dora Secondary distinguished themselves in the first session with a display that convinced the smattering of spectators that they were the better unit. The lads from Friendship started aggressively and peppered the Dora custodian, Jamal dos Santos, from the onset but the latter individual, with an acrobatic display between the uprights, denied them several opportunities that looked like sure goals from the time they were struck. The determination of the Dora strike force was underlined when Rondell Heywood collected a pinpoint cross and delivered a stinging right foot kick in the 37th minute, mere seconds before the half time whistle sounded for the end of the truncated first session, due to a late start. Heywood upped the ante promptly at the start of the

second session when he successfully dribbled to the opposition’s goal. However, with just the goalkeeper to contend with, the hard w o r k i n g s t r i k e r o v e rchucked the ball and ruined his chances down the right side of the goal. It proved to be his undoing as the opposition came to life and Naphtali Joseph, a petite striker that appeared to be of little significance, broke away from the bunch and sent in a powerful shot that breached the opposition’s defense in the 63rd minute. Thereafter, the battle intensified with both teams muffing clear cut chances and though Friendship Secondary seemed to have experienced a resurgence of energy, they were unable to break the stalemate and the final whistle meant the two teams had to revert to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Even this session provided some tension as Dora missed the first two chances while Friendship conceded their first attempt. The former institution then blundered with two other attempts while the latter sunk their final three to stage a really heroic comeback and advance to the next round. Meanwhile, over at the Betterverwagting Community Centre ground,

Institute of Business Education enjoyed a field day and humbled Shivitas Business College 25-0 in a totally one sided affair. Jason Cromwell led with a seven goal haul (10, 13, 19, 35, 60, 70, 71) while Shemar Scott supported with successes in the 1st, 14th, 27th, 28th and 72nd minute. Isiah Holder (12, 22, 24, 36), Seon Singh (62, 69, 73), Teshawn Gordon (51, 67), Colin Liverpool (29), Oder Abrams (49) Shamar Gonsalves (50),) and D es haw n Trotz (75) completed the onslaught.

but poor finishing in the attacking third kept the contest even. However, they eventually took the lead through a goalkeeping mistake committed by BEI’s Omari Bentham, who failed to grasp a curling corner kick and the ball fell into the path of an unmarked Emmanuel, who headed home for the first goal of the game. Not to be outdone, BEI responded quickly, five minutes later to be exact and it came through a similar

mistake when the opposing custodian failed to clear a floated free kick and the ball fell at the feet of a lurking Hall stationed at the far post, he tapped it in from close range to level the scores. The winning goal came four minutes from full time when Weekes, who had missed a few clear opportunities to score made amends when he took full advantage of a ball that had eluded a diving Bentham from a low cross from the right side and being all alone

just swept it into an empty goal. Many, however, felt that at least three players were in an off-side position, but the referee thought o t h e r w i s e a n d N AT I withstood a series of threatening raids before the final whistle sounded giving them the chance to advance further into the competition. Play in the Zone continues today with Central Corentyne taking on Tutorial Academy at Scotsburg ground, commencing from 15:30 hrs

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Gibson: We have momentum and confidence Bridgetown, Barbados – Having achieved a hardfought, series-levelling win in the second Test match, West Indies Head Coach Ottis Gibson is urging his team continue the good work against New Zealand in the third and final match. Gibson said it was pleasing to see the “highly impressive response” in the second match at Queen’s Park Oval Trinidad after the home side lost the series opener at Sabina Park, Jamaica. The two teams will now meet in the third and decisive Test at Kensington Oval, Barbados, starting tomorrow. First ball is 10 am (9 am Jamaica Time). T h e We s t I n d i e s selection panel retained the same 14-man squad which won in Trinidad and Gibson said the home side is confident following the victory. “To win by ten wickets was brilliant and we are looking forward to the next

Test match and five intense days of Test cricket. That victory, the way it was achieved, has given us momentum and you know momentum is a big thing in sports. It has also given us confidence,” Gibson said. “I think the Test cricket that we played in Trinidad, that is the sort of Test cricket that we want to play. Obviously the opposition is not going to allow you to play that sort of cricket all the time but that’s the cricket we want to play and that’s what we will set out to do. “After Jamaica we were obviously very disappointed with how we performed, and we sat and spoke about the response that was needed and it was good to see them respond.” Gibson said he was impressed with the batting, especially young righthander Jermaine Blackwood, who played with freedom in his first Test match. “Kraigg Brathwaite got a

very good maiden Test hundred and Darren Bravo also played well for his century on home soil, the way Shiv continues to play with assurance, and the way Kirk Edwards played in a positive manner, was great. “The batsmen spent a lot of time at the wicket and made runs. Jermaine Blackwood has been making a lot of runs this year and we gave him an opportunity and he came in and played really positively and was a joy to see. “At the end to see the way Chris Gayle went out with positive intent that sent a strong positive message to New Zealand. He played the way only he can and took the game by the scruff of the neck and took it away from them. That was great to see and gives us momentum heading into this match which will decide the series.” Gibson added that he was delighted with the bowling unit – which dismissed the

Windies team huddles. visitors twice on a surface that was good for batting. “I thought the bowlers bowled well in Jamaica and we backed it up in Trinidad on a pitch where we had to

work really hard. All in all it was a very good response and we’ve just got to move on now. It was a pitch on where we had to work very hard. Jerome Taylor has been

a very good leader of our attack and everyone has confidence from the win in Trinidad and the ultimate goal is to win the series,” he said.

Coca Cola winners depart for Brazil World Cup

The Coca-Cola Promotion winners and their guests pose with Banks DIH Limited officials Carlton Joao and Jennifer Khan before departure to Brazil. The three winners of the “Coca-Cola Win Your Trip to Brazil Promotion” and their guests have left Guyana for neighbouring Brazil to witness the FIFA World Cup match between Ecuador and France on Wednesday in Rio de Janiero. Jaimattie Ramlakhan, Lawrence Brisport and Doodmattie Prashad were declared winners following the Promotion drawing on June 6th at Demico House Retail Liquor Store on Brickdam. Ramlakhan resides at P o u d e r o y e n , We s t

Demerara, Brisport is from Amelia’s Ward, Linden and Prashad resides at West Coast Berbice. These three names were pulled from a number of entries that were submitted at various Banks DIH outlets and dealers countrywide. Coca Cola, a proud sponsor of the FIFA Would Cup since 1974 launched the campaign “Everyone is invited to the World’s Cup.” This campaign is CocaCola’s way of inviting consumers to participate and celebrate with the fans worldwide as they

experience the Brazil World Cup. The six Guyanese Lawrence and Franklyn Brisport, Jaimattie and Romell Ramlakhan and Doodnauth and Premnauth Prashad will join other winners of the Coca-Cola promotion in Brazil in an allinclusive package which i n c l u d e s h o t e l accommodation, air travel and sightseeing tours. They are accompanied by Banks DIH Limited Sales and Marketing Executive Carlton Joao and Coca-Cola Brand Manager Jennifer

Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 25, 2014

Women’s team CBC participation in limbo By Edison Jefford President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Nigel Hinds has said that they have available funding to the send the men’s basketball team to t h e C a r i b b e a n Championship but the women’s team may be affected owed to inadequate funds. Hinds had stated last week that the federation is in need of about US$35,000 more to send both of the teams to the Caribbean C o n f e d e r a t i o n Championships (CBC) in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) July 1-12. He was updating Kaieteur Sport yesterday. “We have money to send the men’s basketball team, but that may affect the women if we are to use all the resources on the men,” Hinds informed, adding that he may have to remain in Guyana to ensure that the women can secure enough funding to participate. The national men’s team, currently 19 players, will be further reduced to 14 players this weekend to form the touring roster. The men are expected to depart for Tortola on Sunday with the women scheduled to leave on July 6 for the same British Virgin Island. “We want to cover both teams (financially) and right now we do not have enough for both teams; we have enough for the men. We

- Men assured of competing Nigel Hinds

know for sure that the men are going,” Hinds continued, adding that they need another US$30,000 to send the women’s team. Funding for national teams has been one of the serious hindrances to the development of local sport. Thus far, Office of the President, GT&T and John Fernandes Limited are among the major sponsors of the teams. Other sponsors include Guyana Olympic Association, Windjammer Hotel and ANSA McAl. The door is still open for other sponsors as the federation remains in need of US$30,000 to offset the expenditure of their mammoth budget to participate in the 2014 competition.

According to Hinds, the teams are quality units and provide an excellent opportunity to corporate Guyana to support teams that could bring home the prestigious Caribbean title and move forward to the CentroBasket or Central American Championships. “I have watched these players in awe and the leadership of former NBA player, Rawle Marshall and his skill-set is just amazing. He has become very valuable to the team, which is very strong, has experience and knowledge combined,” Hinds indicated. The GABF President has said that all the locally-based players’ game has raised and Guyana will be very proud if both teams play to their potential in the British Virgin Islands. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has not responded to the GABF request for funding; the federation will host a fund raising party at the New Palm Court Thursday night.

Page 35

Cricket For Unity

ANSA McAl Trading and Sanjay’s Variety Store on board Two more corporate entities have come on board in support of the Cricket For Unity T20 match that will be played on July 5th, 2014 at the Demerara Cricket Club ground, Queenstown. ANSA McAl Trading Limited (Guyana) and Sanjay’s Variety Store have both thrown their weight behind the game which will feature prominent businessmen, politicians, members of the armed forces, media personalities and former cricketers. ANSA McAl’s Brand’s Coordinator Nigel Worrell handed over his company’s contribution to Chairman of the Cricket For Unity Committee, Dexter Garnett at their Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, Headquarters. Worrell in handing over his company’s contribution said that the idea for such a game was a brilliant one and to see so many persons already confirming their participation is commendable. “To see politicians, members of the business community among others giving their commitment to play is very exciting and as a company we would want to support this cause which is for a good. We w o u l d l i k e t o encourage lovers of the game to come out on July 5 to cheer on these players at DCC.” Sanjay’s Variety Store Manager Pawan Peswani also commended Garnett for taking on such an event stating that his company is committed 100%. Garnett expressed gratitude to both Worrell and Peswani for their company’s partnership which he said would certainly make the event a

Dexter Garnett (right) receives Sanjay’s Variety Store’s contribution from Manager Pawan Peswani.

ANSA McAl’s Brand’s Coordinator Nigel Worrell (left) hands over their contribution to Dexter Garnett. success. Meanwhile, the players for the two teams that will be competing, Roraima Strikers and Kaieteur Thunders are asked to make contact with Coach Garvin Nedd on 617 9381 to finalize the sizes of their uniforms that would be provided by the organisers. Roraima Strikers: Neil Barry, Lloyd Harper, Travis Dowlin, Jomo Primo, Gordon Moseley, Clifton Hickens, Orin Forde, Anthony Rigby, Aaron Fraser, Jermaine Neblette, Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine,

James Bond, Lennox Cush, Colin Stuart, Alfred King, Anand Sanasie. Coaches: Reon Griffith and Andre Percival. Kaieteur Thunders: Raphael Trotman, Asif Khan, Khemraj Ramjattan, Carey Griffith, Rabindranauth Seeram, Sheik Mohamed, Clyde Butts, Tony Najab, Reon King, Esan Crandon, D a v i d H a r p e r, A l f r e d Mentore, Steve Ninvalle, Lakeram Mike Singh, Ramesh Sunich. Coaches: Clive Grimmond and Garvin Nedd.

t r o Sp Costa Rica pair Gonzalez (left) and Celso Borges challenging Barkley in the air.

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Ticos top group with England draw Schools Football Championships

Friendship overcome Dora on Pks; IBE swamp Shivitas Business College 25-0

Defending Reg. 6 P.33 champs NATI advance World Cup newsflash: LeBron opts out! P.29 Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team CBC participation in limbo - Men assured of competing

Gibson:

We have

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momentum and confidence Ottis Gibson

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