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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The indiscretions in the financial system Every year the report of the Auditor General contains what may be considered irregularities by some Ministries and Departments. Most common among these are the hidden accounts, all of which should’ve been transferred into the Consolidated Fund. The layman would believe that each year when the Budget is presented, sums are allocated to the various Ministries for expenditures that have been detailed in the budget. Some of these things are foreign funded. Monies that come from the foreign agency either as loans or grants are passed through the Consolidated Fund and duly recorded. This system is intended for transparency and for accounting. Every cent (there are no cents in Guyana these days) spent by the government is duly recorded and explained. It therefore comes as a shock when the Auditor General, in the course of his duties, finds hidden accounts. This could only mean that someone or some entity created these accounts for whatever reason. But at the end of the year, these monies are supposed to be returned to the Consolidated Fund. Instead, each year the Auditor General finds these hidden accounts. For example, he notes that a number of bank accounts were rendered non-operational. The net operating balances in these accounts total some $55 billion. One account is overdrawn by $46.8 billion and still cannot be reconciled. There were eight accounts that have been deemed static lying in the Bank of Guyana with balances totaling $1.8 billion. Something is not all well with the government accounting system. It would seem that while there is a scrupulous effort to collect every ounce of revenue from the tax payer, the government is prepared to allow money to languish in some unused accounts. In cases, the government appears to be lax in collecting monies due to it from individuals. The National Paint Company was privatized for US$1.15 million but less than half of that sum has actually been paid to the government. The Auditor General has found that nearly US$1 million is still owed to the government. Simply put, the new owners actually acquired the company for US$150,000. This company was privatized in 1991. It means that over the past 24 years, the owners have been enjoying a windfall. And to crown it, the government appeared to be unmindful of the fact that a private company owed it that money which at today’s value, would be some US$5 million. There must be other cases of privatized companies that owe the government but for which the government seems to have turned a blind eye. Such things would pose a problem for any new government. Going after those companies could be seen as witch-hunting, especially if they are owned by supporters of the previous government. Another thing that seems to be very common in the financial system is the system of overpayment. The smallest child knows that once money is overpaid it is difficult to recover the overpaid sum if the individual leaves the system. This is exactly the case. Contractors were overpaid, and then granted new contracts without the government making any effort to recover the overpaid sum. Even the police have been overpaid, although the extent of overpayment would not cause any ripples. Such lax accounting procedures often encourage people to attempt to steal from the public treasury. Suffice it to say that the report by the Auditor General is most revealing. It highlights the extent of abuse within the system. For example, the Guyana Elections Commission requisitioned for 22 large water tanks as a matter of urgency. Only five were issued to the various locations. The others have disappeared, reported stolen. Subsequent reports would make for interesting reading given the various disclosures now being made by people pursuing a separate audit into activities that took place more recently.
Saturday June 27, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
The PPP needs to do what it was elected to do DEAR EDITOR, The leaders of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) need to stop behaving like spoilt brats, identify its 32 elected members, and go to Parliament. The press conference Mr. Clement Rohee holds on Mondays only serves for the public to see him pout, sulk, grumble, accuse, threaten and withhold information. These press conferences are only delaying the inevitable, which Mr. Rohee knows. The elections are over, the results have been declared, and it is time to govern. Apart from making Guyana a laughing stock, PPP’s constituents are being denied representation and, important constitutional actions are in limbo. For example, the chair of the Public Accounts Committee is a Member from the Opposition. Another example is that the appointment of persons to the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) awaits the involvement of the opposition. There is rampant corruption in the
award and management of contracts and procurement which has reached unprecedented proportions within recent years, resulting in Guyana being ranked the most corrupt nation in the English-speaking Caribbean. The PPP, which has always said there is no truth in the claims that its government was corrupt, should have an interest in seeing the PPC working, given that the party has already accused the month-old government of being corrupt. The PPP is famous for saying ‘provide the evidence of corruption,’ they must now let the PPC function so the evidence can be shown. The continued inexcusable reasons not to attend parliament won’t cut it. Mr. Rohee would remember three years ago, even though APNU expressed concerns about the votes cast and counted, we went to parliament to represent the people’s interests and hold the government to account. The PPP must act in similar manner. Mr. Rohee cannot forget it is the PPP that has
chosen to cut short its term. The party must accept the consequences of its action. If the news is true that former President Bharrat Jagdeo will be the Leader of the Opposition in the 11th Parliament we can look forward to interesting times. There is no doubt Mr. Jagdeo is capable of performing in a manner befitting the august house. However, there exists serious doubt that Mr. Jagdeo has the ability to contain his unbecoming campaign ‘buse-out’ style, which is a spillover of the style that characterised his presidency when talking to people he considers lesser or thinks he can crush. From insulting the elderly and media personnel, demonising the military, playing the race card, equating his lifestyle to Dr. Cheddi Jagan to thinking he is the best thing that happened to Guyana, Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland has to brace himself for the sporadic outbursts. It will also not be easy on (Continued on page 5)
The Epilepsy Foundation is on the right track DEAR EDITOR, I was pleased to read that the Guyana Epilepsy Foundation will attempt to change public attitudes towards epilepsy by expanding awareness. It is true that many Guyanese (but not only Guyanese) still hold archaic attitudes towards the neurological condition. I myself suffer from epilepsy (detected in 2006 while teaching in class, the location of my first “grand mal” seizure). Although I am open and frank about its form and impact on my life, like others I have had to navigate the stigma and awkward reactions to the condition
that many in Guyana still view as “fits” and the mostly negative implications that go along with the term. I remember quite distinctly while in the third form at Central High School in the 1970s a teacher, Mr “Slabby” Phillips, who suffered from epilepsy. As schoolboys we would laugh when Mr Phillips suffered a seizure (“fits” to us) although the symptoms would dissipate after a few moments. In spite of his condition, we respected this pleasant and capable teacher, we assumed however, he had a mental health problem. Nothing could be further from the truth, and looking back at the time I am embarrassed at our
reaction to his ailment. Unfortunately, time and science have not fundamentally changed public perceptions of epilepsy in Guyana or elsewhere. Epilepsy differs from person to person in intensity and duration, but should be treated humanely and with understanding. The Foundation, in expanding its work and collaborating with others is on the right track in facilitating public awareness of the condition. It is past time that epilepsy (and for that matter cancer and Down syndrome and other illnesses and conditions) is demystified. Nigel Westmaas
The kind of conversation to be had again and again DEAR EDITOR, With all the political conversations occurring in Guyana currently, it was vastly refreshing to witness Guyana’s first ‘Carbon Conversation’ on Monday evening, at which the key speaker was the renowned Dr Suresh Narine. I extend congratulations to him and his team for putting together the well received and certainly thoughtprovoking event. As a young professional Guyanese interested not just in the trajectory of our economy, but in our impacts on our environment, Dr Narine’s presentation highlighted the fulcrum of the carbon crisis: climate change, economic development, environmental
stewardship and the consumption of resources in local and global perspectives allowing his audience to fully note Guyana’s interrelatedness with the rest of the World’s problems. I found the most notable point in the presentation to be the possibilities underscored by the professor for Guyana’s natural resources. In a time where the University of Guyana is not adequately qualifying its students and job opportunities are somewhat scarce, to hear our future can be so vivid, and to hear why and how it can be illustrious was a breath of fresh air. Guyana is on the brink of an oil boom and our future will only be bright if we properly prepare. While the
education sector without a doubt needs to facilitate current and future generations to meet the needs of the black gold industry, we must not forget our environmental responsibilities, which should be intrinsically linked to our economic growth. I implore both Dr Narine and the sponsors for such events to create more opportunities for Carbon Conversations that will engage the younger generation for their ideas and solutions, particularly in an environment moderated less formally, to fully facilitate audience participation. Let their substantial presence to the first conversation be an indication of their interest that is not wasted. Laleta Ramdial
Election not held for modernization ranking, Freddie DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to a Freddie Kissoon’s column ‘Theoretical implications of the 2015 election results’ in which it is stated that “What this election results show is that in the Caricom area, the least modern nation is Guyana” (KN Jun 23). From what logic or reasoning is that conclusion formed? The election was not conducted to determine the development stage of Guyana. The
Guyana election was held to determine which party or political force would govern the nation. In fact, all elections around the globe are held for that purpose unless it is a referendum on an issue. As best as I know and as indicated by Caricom, no referendum or election was held in any member state to determine which Caricom country is the least or most modern. And one cannot make such a determination based on an
election result to choose a national government. Had Freddie read W.W Rostow on stages of development, he would have understood the concept of development and modernization. I urge him that now that his goal of defeating the PPP has been achieved, he should take a rest and stop the unwarranted attacks against good, honest, decent people. Vishnu Bisram
Saturday June 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
An onslaught on the independence of the Judiciary DEAR EDITOR, The announcement by Mr. Joseph Harmon, Minister of State, that “Government will be proceeding with its plan to extend advertisements for the posts of Chancellor and Chief Justice”, requires some commentary. By an almost impenetrable network of provisions, doctrines and mechanisms, the constitution guarantees the independence of the Judiciary against every form of influence and pollution from every person or authority, especially, the Executive branch of Government. This is so because it is the Judiciary which stands as the bulwark of the rights and freedoms of
the citizens; it is the guardian of the Constitution and it is through its vigilance that the rule of law prevails. More significantly, it is this institution that has the greatest constitutional duty to ensure that the executive acts in accordance with law and the Constitution and does not abuse its powers and authority. Against that backdrop, there are some pivotal questions for which answers must be forthcoming. Firstly, why the expressed intention to advertise the position of the Chief Justice when there is no vacancy in that office? It is common knowledge that the acting Chancellor is the substantive
Chief Justice of Guyana. To my mind, this Freudian slip unwittingly exposes a preconceived mind-set and agenda which ought to be obvious to the rational mind. Secondly, in almost 50 years as an independent nation, not once was an attempt ever made to recruit judges from outside of Guyana. Why now? Indeed, we are known to be a reservoir that supplies judges, magistrates and lawyers to the Caribbean and as far afield as the continent of Africa. Why are we now importing judges? Is there an acceptance by the Government that Guyana is devoid of persons of sufficient standing, skill,
reputation and learning to occupy high positions in the Judiciary? Thirdly and most significantly, why the marked reluctance to confirm the two persons who have held these offices for more than a decade and I dare say, have acquitted themselves in those offices with distinction? No one can sensibly question the qualifications and experience of these two gentlemen who have served their country with eminence. I am aware that these distinguished jurists have won the respect and acclaim of their peers in the Caribbean, the Commonwealth and elsewhere. As Opposition Leader,
Mr. David Granger withheld his agreement for their appointments. I called upon him then to candidly inform the nation of the reasons for so doing. Silence, unfortunately, was chosen as the refuge. As President, we are now made aware that the repudiation continues. Again, no reasons are furnished. The nation is left with no option but to surmise. National speculation on such fundamental matters is indeed an anathema to constitutional democracy. Speaking for myself, this entire saga is nothing short of an onslaught on the independence of the Judiciary. This event is reminiscent
of an incident which occurred in early post-independent Guyana. The then Government created the office of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, over and above the office of the Chief Justice, as head of the Judiciary. It was widely believed that this was done not only to circumvent but to also humiliate the then sitting Chief Justice. It was, presumably, successful because the Chief Justice resigned and migrated permanently from Guyana shortly thereafter. The similarities to the current situation are as striking as they are frightening. Mohabir Anil Nandlall Attorney-at-Law
Imagine a Guyana without frequent elections? DEAR EDITOR, Elections in Guyana have usually been accompanied by violence, corruption, stagnation, fear, threats, vindictive victors and bitter losers. In the ABC countries it is not unusual to find voters in the same household supporting different parties. They take a few hours on election day to cast their votes, and return home to watch the results a few hours later on the same evening, then back to routine the next morning. It is now established in Guyana that generally voters will support the same party no matter what the other side does. It is a country where it
is easier to persuade some to change their religion rather than to convince them to support another political party. Whether fair or fraudulent, the result that allows any party to govern for decades produces a feeling of invincibility, arrogance and corruption. The question then is how to respect the views of the public and change the party in office without resorting to the expensive, divisive, unpredictable, timeconsuming process of elections that makes enemies of neighbours, co-workers, family and friends? We borrowed from others
in limiting the Presidency to two terms and I seriously wonder whether we can lead the world in limiting the period for which a party governs, considering our unique experience. Suppose we allow each party to govern for a limited period of time, e.g. 5 years, and then have the other party take over without an election? This would give the country the necessary breathing space to stabilize, grow and flourish. Then maybe in 20 years’ time with more mature parties and an electorate who have not grown up in an atmosphere of hatred and violence, we can go back to frequent
Public service is one of the greatest honours in man’s earthly life DEAR EDITOR, The deep-founded faith in our national motto ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ rests in the universal application of a core belief system. It is a belief that all must be held to the same standards and play by the same rules. This translates to our required cooperation in ensuring established institutions are working for all and not some. Where our laws reject certain behaviours and require of us application of
certain procedures, together we can achieve when these standards and rules are applied to and for all. Public service is one of the greatest honours in man’s earthly life. When this honour is bestowed, it requires doing honour to the people’s honour by playing by the rules and adhering to the standards set by the people. It is betrayal of the people’s trust when honour is seen as an entitlement to operate as a law unto self. Simply put, you cannot do as you want when
The PPP needs to do what it was elected to...
From page 4 Mr. Jagdeo’s ego that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo will be looking across at him on the other side of the House and calling the shots from the government side. Messrs Jagdeo and Rohee’s emotions aside, the opposition has a meaningful
role to play in society. The PPP needs to do what it was elected to do by going to parliament, representing the people that elected it and discharging other constitutional and parliamentary responsibilities as Guyana’s new opposition. Vanessa Kissoon
you are being paid by the people to work for the people, based on the rules established by the people. The revelations of corrupt practices though these come as no surprise, followed by diverse condemnations and calls to apply the rule of law to address these misconducts, are reminders that the hope, dream and aspiration to be ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ are in our hands to mould. We are reminded in widespread condemnations to unfolding revelations that corruption (white collar crime) like blue collar crime, is not the domain of any group (race, class, religion etc). The evidence further anchors the foundation of what this beautiful land and her diverse people can together achieve when we cooperate for Guyana and resolve to fight together. It confirms a core belief that we can do it right together. Onward, upward, may we ever grow! K. Sharma Solomon
elections. This rotation in governing would ensure that there is the power-sharing every five years. GECOM will need less funds, and we can ask our global team of Observers to concentrate their limited resources elsewhere. Some may argue that this is not democratic, but then not even the ABC countries are perfect democracies. In fact it is quite probable that even regular elections may provide similar rotating governments given the small number of swing votes necessary to defeat one party. One concern may be that if one party knows that it is guaranteed to govern for a period of time, what would prevent it from become corrupt or dictatorial? The checks and balances of the constitution, the rule of law enforced by a strong, independent judicial system, and a professional public service without political interference. Asking the indulgence of readers, reference is made to the prefatory remarks in my book ‘Mohandas K Gandhi, Thoughts, Words, Deeds’. A judge presiding over a vicious court battle for child custody asked the child’s opinion. Her reply was “I just want this fighting to stop or I will hurt myself.” She then showed him marks on her wrist as evidence that she had already attempted to do so. The immature parents were participating in an adversarial process without recognising that they were harming the child that they both claim to love so much. The difference, of course, is that while the child involved gets an opportunity to express a viewpoint, there is no one to speak for the country when political parties are engaged in an internecine conflict that can destroy the
very country they want to govern. The nation needs time to heal, investors need a period of economic stability, and there is need to reach back into history exploring how ancestral societies functioned without elections while allowing the people to express their choice of who will take the leadership role. Can we start this
discussion now and seek input from the great minds at home and the Diaspora Advisory Department? Hopefully we can find another way before the next silly season destroys our native land. Perhaps it is time we have another Referendum. Ramnarine Sahadeo Retired Lawyer/Author Ontario, Canada.
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$54.9B remains outside of Consolidated Fund AG 2013 report …
By: Kiana Wilburg Just a few months ago, there was much concern by local economists and even Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, regarding the Consolidated Fund being in heavy overdraft. A look at the Auditor General’s (AG) latest report reveals similar concerns. Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, noted that the old Consolidated Fund bank account (No 01610000400) was not reconciled since February 1988. He said that a cash book for the account was subsequently reconstructed for the period 1989 to 2003 in order to aid the reconciliation of this account. However, despite attempts by the Accountant General’s Department to reconcile the monthly transactions on the account from January 1994, the AG said that it was found that a proper reconciliation was still not done. He emphasized that this account continues to be overdrawn over the years with a balance of $46B as at December 2013. He said, too, that it should
- but Fund is overdrawn by some $48B be noted that the new Consolidated Fund Bank account which was opened in January 2004 with a transfer of $5B from the old Consolidated Fund account, was also found to be in overdraft of $2B while the cash book reflected an overdraft balance of $21B. However, the very 2013 AG report shows in more than a few instances that there are several accounts with unused monies. As at December 31, 2013, Sharma highlighted that a total of 22 government bank accounts were listed as in active. He said that the net accumulated balance of these accounts and other operational accounts excluding the balances of the bank accounts of special projects totaled $54. 9B. Sharma said that this account included the unspent sums of money by ministries, departments and regions. In spite of his annual recommendations, the monies after 10 years have still not been paid over to the Consolidated Fund. The period of review, reflected a
balance of $647.943 million in this account. Sharma said that prior to 2004; money was released from the Consolidated Fund for use by the non-sub accounting ministries and departments. The money placed in bank account number 3001, Sharma said, was under the control of the Accountant General’s Department. He also found that there are eight accounts at Bank of Guyana holding a total of $1.8B. These moneys had been untouched for over a period of five years. Attorney General Deodat Sharma insists that these monies belong to the Consolidated Fund. This Fund is Government’s main bank account into which revenues are deposited and out of which expenditure is made. The country’s financial laws dictate that all advances made from the Consolidated Fund which have not been utilized must be returned to the Consolidated Fund. Further, Sharma expressed much concern regarding the
heavy overdraft of the Consolidated Fund stating particularly, the need for agencies which received advances from the Fund to make the necessary repayments. In this regard, he cited a number of agencies throughout his 300-page report which failed to repay funds taken from the Consolidated Fund. One such entity was the Ministry of Health which failed to refund the Consolidated Fund to the tune of $292.4M which it had received in 394 cheques. In response to the AG’s concerns about the heavy overdraft of the Fund’s old and new accounts, the Finance Ministry said that it is making efforts to bring closure to the un-reconciled position of the old fund. The AG nevertheless emphasized that the Ministry should take necessary steps to properly reconcile the account and close it. Earlier this year, Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran, had stated that up to then, the Consolidated Fund could be overdrawn by
as much as $60B. The Former Auditor General in pointing to this startling revelation had said that it paints the clear picture that “Guyana has been living beyond its means.” He had stated that the accumulated balance on the Consolidated Fund reflected a deficiency of $45.947 billion as at 31 December 2012. “If the transactions for 2013 and 2014 are taken into account, including the unauthorized withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund, the deficiency in the Consolidated Fund could very well exceed $60 billion.” Goolsarran had said that the overdraft situation can be traced back to 1992 and earlier periods. He said that the evidence suggests that expenditure from the Fund over the years exceeded revenue paid into it. Goolsarran said that for the period 1992 to 2012, the total revenue paid into the Consolidated Fund amounted to $1.643 trillion while expenditure totaled $1.727 trillion, giving a deficiency of $84 billion. The Chartered Accountant said that it is evident that “we have been
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma living beyond our means for decades only to be rescued by borrowings from the issuing of Treasury Bills which attract additional costs by way of interest charges.” When Treasury Bills otherwise known as ‘T-Bills’ are bought, it simply means that money has been lent to the government. The special bills have a face value, but are sold for less than they are worth. They also have a specified date upon which the face value is repaid. If Guyana has a T-Bill worth $60, it is sold for $50. But by a certain date, $60 is what is repaid. The buyer essentially earns $10 for the investment. Treasury bills are one of the safest forms of investment and are considered risk-free.
Responsibility for missing money lies with past Finance Ministry - Seeraj Missing PetroCaribe funds… By Jarryl Bryan General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) and formerly Vice- Chairman of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Dharamkumar Seeraj, yesterday made it pellucidly clear that the GRDB bore no jurisdiction or authority over the PetroCaribe fund. Thus, the body could not be held accountable for the misuse of the millions of dollars that the new Government declared missing from the fund. Addressing a press conference, at Sleepin Hotel on Brickdam yesterday, Seeraj pointed to the former Ministry of Finance, at the time under Finance Minister Ashni Singh, stating that his or the GRDB’s knowledge of the fund was limited. The Government of the day had control of the fund, he said, when asked about the final responsibility for the missing money. The rice industry was rocked by the news on Wednesday last, that the Government had accepted the resignation of General
Manager of the GRDB Jagnarine Singh. There was news that Seeraj would also be off the Board of Directors. This, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had said that same day, was as a result of the ‘empty’ PetroCaribe fund the new administration encountered when it came to office. Brandishing the newspapers containing the headlines-Kaieteur News, Stabroek News and Guyana Times, Seeraj accused the government of misrepresenting the facts on purpose, in keeping with political machinations, in order to turn farmers away from the GRDB and GRPA. “I cannot believe that as a senior Minister, he would not be aware of this. We don’t know where the account is or how it was set up. So when the Minister starts bashing the GRDB for payment to farmers and blaming it for the misuse of money, he is barking up the wrong tree.” “I have limited knowledge of the PetroCaribe fund and account. I have extensive knowledge of the GRDB fund and account. The PetroCaribe fund does not
play a part in the overall management and responsibility of the GRDB. Wherever that is going, it is not at the GRDB.” Seeraj stated that the rice board had been appealing for payment from the PetroCaribe fund. So, responsibility for the fund was not a matter for either the GRPA or the GRDB, but rather for the custodians of the Petro Caribe fund/ account, who he said would be the Ministry of Finance. “I want to think it’s the Ministry of Finance, since it was them we would approach and make representation to. We would make our representation (for payment) to the then Minister (Ashni) Singh and Minister (Leslie) Ramsammy. Now, we have made representations to the new Minister of Finance and Agriculture.” According to Seeraj, when the PetroCaribe deal was initiated, rice was not a part of the deal. He intimated that the GRDB was never privy to details about the fund. There are also widespread accusations within the industry that the selection process for exporters was a biased one. According to
GRPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj
Seeraj, the tendering process was a public and occurred with every season. According to him, the quality control board within the GRDB examined the tenders and then made subsequent recommendations to the rice board. He stated that the millers are also invited to make recommendations. “Every (rice) season, if you are desirous of exporting to Venezuela, you can submit to GRDB a public advertisement. What we use as a rule of thumb is we look
at the amount that you (potential exporter) purchase and we give the exporter a percentage of that to go to Venezuela.” He explained that in terms of the exporters, the rice board was the contracting partner to supply a combination of rice and paddy. He explained that in 2009 he was a part of a team going countrywide in efforts to get the vessels loaded. According to him, exporters were reluctant to come on board until 2010, when a payment system was
set up. It was then that more exporters were brought into the enterprise. According to him, since the export amount was higher than what went to Venezuela, the Board looked at what percentage of the 200,000 tonnes going to Venezuela played in the overall export. Seeraj was adamant that advertisements were placed in the newspapers, asking for interested exporters to come forward and tender. In explaining the criteria (Continued on page 23)
Saturday June 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
House passes Anti-Money Laundering Bill By Nicholas Peters After a tumultuous past, the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill, was passed in Parliament last evening. The passage of the Bill will strengthen the Government’s capacity to fight money laundering and the financing of terrorism. As the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was absent from the National Assembly, the passage of the Bill was met with no resistance. Presenting the Bill was Attorney General Basil Williams. He was the first to acknowledge the controversial past of the Bill. Williams said that despite the passage of an Anti-Money Laundering Act in 2000 and the CFT Bill in 2009, respectively; no one was ever investigated, charged or committed under the previous administration. The AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill was not passed in previous House sittings under the 10th Parliament due to a lack of consensus in the House, which led to Guyana’s being “grey listed” on the global market. Williams lauded the legislature for its amendments which would ensure transparency at all levels of its enactment. Among the amendments were some major changes to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). In accordance with the Act, the AML/CFT Authority and the FIU will have to liaise to attain “maximum coordination” to achieve the objectives of the Act. He said that with the amendments to the Bill the National Assembly will, by a majority; and on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments, appoint the AML/CFT Authority which will have 10 members. “They will be appointed by a transparent process that is by the Parliamentary Committee of the National Assembly of Guyana, after which they will come to the House for application and approval,” said Williams. He added that when the positions are operational they would have gone through the right consultations and be advertised. The Attorney General said that the AML/CFT Authority will in no way rob the FIU of its independence. In fact, Williams said that provisions clearly state that the Authority will not interfere with the daily operations of the FIU.
Attorney General, Basil Williams
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
“They are merely for policy guidelines to give policy guidance for the FIU,” added the Attorney General. During his presentation, Williams addressed the amendment dealing with the role of Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) which would be served by senior Police and Customs Officers. This was an amendment to which the PPP/C had rejected. This amendment would allow officers to seize monies in excess of $10M in a person’s possession, once the money is suspected to be the proceeds of money laundering or intended to finance terrorism. “It can’t be done whimsically or capriciously. The Bill requires cogent evidence. That means they cannot seize cash in possession of persons doing business or engaged in trade or commerce,” Williams assured. He reiterated that in addition to high or reasonable suspicion, their needs to be evidence since officers cannot seize cash in business or commerce. Seconding the Bill was Finance Minister, Winston
Jordan, who outlined the benefits it will have for the economic accountability of the country. He said that without the Bill a parallel “illegal” economy will exist which will be detrimental to Guyana’s official economy. “If the illegal sector forms a significant part of the economy and criminal proceeds are withheld from the formal banking system, then official on data on employment, consumption, foreign exchange and so forth will not reflect the economic realities of the country. Policymakers will have a difficulty of establishing a state of the economy and formulating appropriate economic policy,” said the Finance Minister. He noted that the Bill was a result of tremendous work from a wide cross section of people fighting the “twin evils” of money laundering and financing of terrorism. Jordan added that the legislature amendments represent the firm resolve of the Government to tackle these illegalities. Now that the Bill is passed by the National Assembly, it will be sent to the President for assent.
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THE GOVT. IS ENTITLED TO A FEW MISTAKES It has been twenty-three years since the PNC aka APNU has been out of political office. Most of those who would have been part of previous PNC governments are not a part the APNU Government. What we therefore have is a bunch of mainly newcomers. It is therefore understandable that they will take some time to get accustomed to the workings of government. They will also make mistakes. This is all part of the learning process and some accommodation has to be made for this. The new government should not be judged too harshly so early in their term. They are new to the job and it will take some time for them to get accustomed to the “ropes”. But because they are new to the job, they should be careful as to whom they are removing and the pace at which they are removing persons. This could backfire against them and strip them of persons of knowledge and experience who they will need during these early days of their rule. The sweeping changes made to the GUYSUCO Board
and the sending home of a senior manager, may have been too rash a move especially considering that the Commission of Inquiry into the corporation has only now been established. The government should have allowed the Commission to conclude its work before taking action. On the question of the Commission of Inquiry, the timeline is way too short. The members cannot effectively diagnose the problems of the corporation and find solutions within a three month period. They need at least eight months to conclude their work. When you are new to political power, there is tendency to feel that things will work quickly, but in reality they never do and it will take much longer for the work of the COI to be completed. The COI should be given time because if they rush to produce a report they may not be able to explore all the avenues that may be open to the corporation. Those who commissioned the inquiry would want to explore all options and they should give the commission adequate
time to do this. They should also have considered that it may have been better if this COI could have benefited from the findings into the forensic audit of the new sugar factory at Skeldon. The outcome of this would have been very helpful to the commission if they went about their work. It will be incredulous if the COI can arrive at conclusions without a detailed investigation into Skeldon. Time however is not on the side of the authorities. They have to get things going, and they have started. Missteps are going to be made and already in fact have been made. One thing however must be clear. No one is doing the sugar industry a favor by doling out billions to it. In the days when a billion dollars was probably worth ten billion dollars today, the sugar industry was deprived of critical resources to recapitalize the industry. Monies were dug out of the profits of Guysuco to the tune of billions of dollars. For years as much as four billion dollars were levied against the sugar corporation to support workers elsewhere.
Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo fighting fuh keep out of de court Dem boys know that is only a matter of time before Jagdeo do everything to avoid going to court. De other day, after he had to go and stand up in de docks, he get a medical certificate fuh seh that he back hurting he. De sick leave ain’t finish yet but de lawyers already start another move fuh stop de court matter. Dem file an action and a judge rule that de magistrate must show cause why de trial mustn’t stop. Well dem boys seh that somebody giving de magistrate basket to fetch water because she ain’t even know de facts of de case. She can only talk if she know wha she talking about. A lawyer file de case in Berbice before de same judge who did mek Jagdeo get vex. When Jagdeo did want kill de Chancellor wid wuk by mekking de man do two jobs this was de judge who seh that de man can’t do two wuk. De ordinary man woulda got to find he tail in court. Nobody woulda let he try all dem things. De same Jagdeo, when de police kill a man, tun round and seh that de police
got to deal wid de criminals. Well dem boys seh that dem got other people who got to deal wid criminals but of course, all criminals ain’t equal. But dem boys want to know why Jagdeo frighten to go to court. He is one who really sorry that he not in power. When he had to stand in de docks he realize that he is just one ordinary citizen. Since then he frighten. But dem boys shoulda know that he frigthten de court. He didn’t even go when he sue Uncle Freddie and de Waterfalls paper. And wha mek he more frighten is when he got to cut down pun de lights he does burn. He is a man who frighten darkness, suh is either he spend some of he money to pay light bill or he cut down. One thing is certain, he can’t go in parliament once de charge deh hanging over he head suh at least he can’t push out Donald. Talk half and watch how Jagdeo trying all he tricks.
This was money that should have belonged to the sugar workers. They would have had a larger profit sharing but instead this vulgar levy was placed on the industry. This is one of the reasons why investments could not have been made. It is hoped that the unions will forcibly represent this point because no industry should ever again be subject to such an
obscene levy. What is more important is that the new government has seen it fit to introduce a measure which had reduced circulation during the PPP administration. Perhaps if the PPP had seen the wisdom of doing what the new government is now doing, they would have avoided the ignominious fate of managing the best
performing economy in the region- forget about that nonsense about the economy not growing over the past two years- and yet losing political office.
Simona Broomes’ directive to PSC...
Court rules that Minister overstepped her boundary Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang on Wednesday granted an order in favour of a legal challenge brought by Attorney Euclin Gomes against Junior Social Protection Minister, Simona Broomes, challenging her instruction to the Public Service Commission (PSC). Justice Chang declared that the Public Service Commission, a Commission established by the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in the exercise of its functions shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority. He added that a letter dated May 28, 2015, directed to the Secretary of the Public Service Commission, and signed by Broomes, a Minister and a member of the Executive, advising that “all interviews and meetings of the Commission are to cease forthwith until further (sic) as instructed by His Excellency, the President, David Arthur Granger ’s notice”, is in violation of Article 226 of the Constitution of the Cooperative of Guyana. The Chief Justice ruled
Junior Social Protection Minister Simona Broomes that it is unlawful, null, void and of no legal effect. In May, Broomes had requested that the Public Service Commission (PSC) suspend interviews to fill vacancies within her Ministry. However a motion which was filed on behalf of Attorney Gomes and former Attorney General and
Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, disputed that Broomes had the authority to direct the functions of the Public Service Commission. The document filed essentially had argued that the PSC is a constitutional body, in which in the exercise of its functions, shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority. Gomes also requested a declaration that the letter sent to the PSC by Broomes, directing that “all interviews and meetings of the Commission are to cease forthwith until further (sic) as instructed by His Excellency, the President, David Arthur Granger ’s notice,” is in violation of Article 226 of the Constitution and is unlawful, null, void and of no legal effect. In her defence, Minister Broomes said that she merely asked that interviews slated for May 29, just weeks after the new administration took office, be discontinued until further instruction by President David Granger.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 27, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Demystifying the mysteries of dictatorship Too many depravities of the Jagdeo/Ramotar period of the presidency appear as acts that we will never know the reason for. Many political observers just say, “Because deh daam stupid.” You hear that all the time when you bring up some really unnecessary bad things the PPP leaders did that made them look terrible and caused them to lose support. They may have been damn stupid alright but we still have to answer why the balance sheet of horrors kept expanding. Is there a single explanation or a number of factors were at work? I will offer my analysis below after looking at some of these “mysteries.” Varshnie Singh said that President Jagdeo refused to
let her have a car for her charity work after the common law marriage broke down. She described how he intervened to prevent his friends in business when they offered office space and a car. You have to look hard to find another situation like this in another country. I doubt you will find the parallel. The Varshnie Singh accusations against President Jagdeo have definitely contributed to the national dislike for this man. Let me digress a tiny bit to opine that East Indians increased their votes for the PPP in the 2015 elections not because of the personality of Jagdeo, but because of the hate message Jagdeo delivered they felt was also the sermon of the PPP –
African Guyanese will kill Indians if APNU wins. Mr. Jagdeo is not a figure of admiration among Indians. Any other Prime Minister or President would have done the commonsensical thing and see that his wife was as comfortable so she wouldn’t run to the press. In any case why bother to deny her a car? From her press release, Ms. Singh painted a tale of a man who didn’t care about his actions. If you accept that the fifteen years of Jagdeo/ Ramotar rule was punctuated by psychotic mysteries then “Killamaan” is the biggest enigma in Guyanese life since the Dutch came here. It is my deeply held belief that “Killamaan” would not have been tolerated in another
country on the map. Who was “Killaman”? Why did he have Teflon quality? Why after one illegal act after another (and there were several), did “Killamaan” stay in his job? It must be made clear that the “Fip” Motilall imbroglio, NCN corruption case, Nirmal Rehka scandal, NICIL/ Marriot madness, airstrip insanity in Wakenaam and Leguan, four-lane Timehri airport road, Specialty hospital and dozens more like them are not mysteries of the PPP Government. Not in the least. These outrageous stories are quite simple to understand because they exist all over the world. They involved corruption where public office holders enriched themselves. The four lane road from the Timehri turn to the airport can easily be called a pure act of ignorance. Guyana does not have even five percent of the vehicular traffic that leaves
the Barbados airport each day to warrant that humongous expenditure on a road in a country where there are hardly three flights a day from the Timehri airport. The road was built because it offered enormous scope for enrichment by politicians. The mysteries of the PPP Government have to do with things that were totally unnecessary and should not have been tolerated. A Minister couldn’t keep his hands off the young girls who worked under him. He was never disciplined. He resigned, ended up in the office of the party and was a lead person in the PPP’s election campaign. A foreigner came from abroad to take up an appointment in the public sector. His total remuneration including electricity, water, gardener and entertainment bills plus a free middle upper class house was $1.8 million. Yet the man took another
Frederick Kissoon job in another section of the public sector bringing his total earnings to $3million a month. This was exposed in the press. No one asked him why he couldn’t concentrate on his complex, burdensome job that he was brought to Guyana to deal with in the first place. It was obvious to the PPP leadership that the man could not and should have done two jobs. But he was allowed to. Why pay Shaun Samaroo $16 million when many PPP loyalists over the long years could have done the exact project? The answer for these inscrutabilities lies in one explanation. After long incumbency, hubris, hauteur and invincibility destroyed the collective will and mind of the PPP. At the mental level, the PPP had absolutely no interest in arresting the immoral descent of its mandarins. The hierarchical leaders simply didn’t care who did what to whom, when and where.
Saturday June 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Statistical analysis of 2015 NGSA still to be released Although the Ministry of Education has not yet released a statistical analysis of the 2015 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) which reflects an admitted decline in the performance of English, Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, has assured that remedial measures are already apace. The measures of which Sam spoke were in motion a few years ago and have yielded some results. He pointed out that “one of the things about education is that sometimes these results take a little while to bear fruit but we are certainly encouraged by initial indications.” According to information out of the Ministry, while the 2015 NGSA results revealed a decline in English, improved performances were recorded in Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. But when the results were announced last year it reflected what was termed a “considerable improvement” in English with the performance of Mathematics being labelled as “still suffering.” Based on the Ministry’s statistical analysis, the 2014 results revealed that the performance in English improved – the percentage of candidates securing 50 per cent and more moved from 28.73 in 2013 to 51.92 in 2014. It was disclosed that all regions showed an increase of 9.6 per cent, except Region 10 and Georgetown, both of which exhibited performances of more than 25 per cent. While it has been acknowledged that private schools’ performances continue to be laudable this year and that girls continue to outperform boys, the Ministry is yet to publicise a statistical analysis of the 2015 NGSA. Nevertheless, Sam has alluded to primary grade assessment processes for the performance and evaluation of pupils among other strategic tactics aimed at improving the results produced at the NGSA level. “We are certainly continuing to bolster that effort; we are getting expert opinions and some capacity building exposure to ensure that our assessments help us plan more effectively for the primary grades,” asserted the CEO. And according to him, too, the literacy approaches embraced by the Ministry have been expanded even as he pointed out that the Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO - Primary), Marcel Hutson, has been working assiduously to provide some national awareness of employed
Page 11
The Auditor General’s 2013 report…
$22M in overpayments on contracts - $7M in overpayment on salaries
Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam approaches. The aim of this tactic, Sam said, is to “get buy in from parents and other stakeholders.” He recounted how the Ministry last year, during the celebration of Education Month, had disseminated some information in relation to what it is hoping to have unfolded in the school system. And the expected outcome, according to Sam, will not be limited to the schools but the homes in relation to “our parents supporting our efforts of improving our literacy output in our schools.” Moreover, he added that “we will continue to plug away in relation to those strategies and employ others that we will deem to be beneficial.” This is in light of Sam’s observation that “a one off assessment might not be a true assessment of the total trend.” He however noted that “...we are certainly looking at all of the indicators at the various levels and we will make corrections and adjustments as we go forward where necessary.” As part of its strategic
intervention, the Ministry is also moving towards consultation with the Caribbean Examination Council, the regional examining body. This move, Minister of Education, Rupert Roopnaraine, has said, is aimed at improving the National Grade Two Assessment (NGTA), the National Grade Four Assessment (NGFA) and NGSA. Currently the ascension to secondary schools require that five per cent of each candidate’s NGTA score in Mathematics and English and 10 per cent of the NGFA score in the same subjects, be added to 85 per cent of each candidate’s NGSA score in the same subject areas. The combined scores in Mathematics and English are added to the scores gained in Science and Social Studies. And it is the expectation of the Minister that the move to consult with CXC will help to build capacity with a view of improving pupils’ performances not only nationally but at a Regional level.
The issue of overpayments on contracts and salaries continues to remain an area of concern for the guardian of the national purse, Auditor General (AG) Deodat Sharma. In his latest report on the state of the country’s finances, Sharma said that for 2013, there were overpayments amounting to $22.148M which were made on measured works on various contracts administered by Ministries, Departments and Regions. He said that some of these included the Guyana Elections Commission, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Defence Force and Regions Four, Five, Six, Eight and Ten. Sharma also noted that there were some overpayments on contract works administered in prior periods which amounted to $187.184M. He said that it was reported that several of these entities are facing serious challenges in recovering the amounts overpaid. Sharma said that this continued trend coupled with no evidence to suggest that disciplinary action of any kind had been meted out to engineering or other staff involved in the assessment of works in progress and the certification of progress payments, is troubling and hints at management’s
perceived in action to remedy the current situation. The AG then spoke to the importance of internal control systems intended t o p r o m o t e e ff i c i e n c y, reduce risk of assets loss and help ensure the reliability of financial statements and compliance with applicable legislation. Against this background, he said that during the period under review, several instances were identified where the design or operation of one or more of the internal control components were weak or nonexistent. Sharma said that this resulted in the overpayment of salaries and deductions, the clearing of cheque order vouchers long after the stipulated timeframe, and
non compliance with applicable legislation. He said that in one Ministry and four regions, there were overpayment of salaries to staff and deductions to agencies totaling $7.225M for 2013. Sharma said that these entities have faced serious challenges in recovering such sums, particularly because banking institutions require authorizations from account holders to do so, and statutory agencies such as the Guyana Revenue Authority and the National Insurance Scheme are not fully complying with requests to refund the sums overpaid. He said, too, that amounts totaling $35M that have been overpaid for the years 2007 to 2012 are yet to be recovered.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 27, 2015
APNU+AFC set on course to guarantee FATF blacklist of Guyana - says PPP/C The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) criticized the coalition government of A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) for its Anti Money Laundering and Countering of Financial Terrorism (AML/CFT) bill, with its current amendments. The PPP stated that not only were the amendments in breach of the Financial Action Task Force/ Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (FATF/CFATF) regulations, but that the government’s intended actions would propel Guyana from its current gray list position to black list. The Party also had heavy criticism for US Chargé d’ Affaires, Bryan Hunt, who had previously expressed his support for the revised bill. The PPP stated that the envoy “was not fully informed or was speaking about the wrong Bill”, by stating that the Bill was fully compliant with CFATF/ FATF regulations. The government subsequently went ahead with the tabling of the AML/ CFT on Thursday. It debated the Bill yesterday. The party expressed its views at a press conference on Wednesday at the Party’s headquarters at Freedom house. Hosting it were former
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, former Chief Whip Gail Texeira and former Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill. The amendments which, according to the PPP/C do not meet international standards are contained in Section (2), Sections (8) and (9) and Section (37). The first amendment in contention dealt with removing the words ‘Attorney General’ and replacing them with the words ‘Director’. However the party had an especially harsh view of amendments, Section 8 and 9, which provide for the establishment of an AML/ CFT authority, whose members are appointed by the National Assembly, as well as the removal of the powers of the Minister of Legal Affairs to appoint/dismiss the Director and placing these powers with the authority. Nandlall labeled the proposal to appoint the authority, from such a pool of members, as an “incestuous and banal fancy” that could not and would not find favour with the regulatory body. According to him, the Bill took politically compromised persons and in effect made them managers of the FIU. This, he declared, was a direct breach of FATF
Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall Recommendation 26, that “the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) should have sufficient operational independence and autonomy to ensure that it is free from undue influence or interference.” “What they have done is take politically exposed persons, who are MPs and make them the appointing authorities for the FIU. What this document (proposed amendments) does is insulate these individuals from the investigative and monitoring arm of the AML/CFT infrastructure and bodies that are there to investigate. The FIU is central in this process.” According to Nandlall, with the new stipulation on
the appointment of these persons, it was “inconceivable” how the bill could meet the international requirements in terms of the FIU being an autonomous and independent body. He added that with such an appointment, these individuals could never be able to function without undue influence. The former Attorney General attacked the proposed amendment dealing with cash seizures. According to amendment section 37,” the powers of a police or customs officer to seize and detain cash, (G$10M or more) throughout the country upon suspicion that such cash was derived for use to/ will be used
to commit a serious offence, a money laundering act or where a false declaration was made. According to him, the amendments were wholly unnecessary and an added burden to the economy. “Our legislative infrastructure suffers no deficiency in this regard. Our law, currently structured, meets the international requirement for that specific recommendation. So there is absolutely no need for this intervention, to allow this unusual power granted to police and customs officers, and officers with the FIU, to seize and detain cash throughout the country.” According to him, it was the CFATF/FATF who stipulated what were the minimum standards that countries had to assimilate. This, he said, was universally followed by countries, since the maximum standard placed undue burdens on the particular countries economy. “Here, this Bill goes to the other extreme and imposes stringent, stifling requirements that make them part of our law and are not required. It is going to result in undue hardship.” He also alluded to comments made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat Joseph Harmon who in response to the PPP/C’s abstinence from parliament had said that their input was important in the national assembly. Nandlall questioned why the sudden realization of how important the PPP/C’s input was, when “for three years Harmon was part of a grouping that rejected the PPP/C’s input.” The accusation was later made against the APNU+AFC Government of having committed itself to a position whereby, in order to save face, it must proceed with the defective bill, rather than admit that the PPP/C was right and that moreover, the PPP/C would not be used in order to pass the compliant version of
the Bill. When asked why the party, in its concern for the potential passage of the Bill in its current form, did it not then take up its opposition in parliament, Teixeira, who once served as the Chairperson of the Special Select Committee, retorted that she did not see the need when the party’s opposition to the APNU+AFC version of the Bill was a much ventilated position since the amendments were brought to the Assembly. Nandlall also predicted dire consequences for Guyana if the government maintained its course. According to him, with the advent of the next FATF meeting in September, should Guyana not have the right, compliant bill in place, the country would be moved from gray list status to blacklist status. This, he said, would signal a curtailing of foreign investors, in addition to international embarrassment and other economic repercussions. Minister Harmon made it pellucid that as a former Attorney General, Nandlall should appreciate the seriousness of the act. According to him, the APNU+AFC had always committed itself to the passage of the AML/CFT bill, but not with its loopholes as previously tabled by the PPP/ C. “We want to make it very clear that money launderers and terrorists be put on notice that we are very serious about this. We are going to do whatever it takes to ensure that the law is tightened up. We said on more than one occasions that there are too many gaps in the previous legislation. There are large enough holes for detractors to slip through and we need to tighten these things up.” “This is the law; this is not a joke or a promise to do something that we are talking about. Why would we put something in there for cheap political points?” he queried. There has been mounting pressure for passage of the FATF compliant legislature, with the issue being hotly debated in the 10th parliament. CFATF has issued many calls for Guyana to fall in line. With the advent of the APNU+AFC government, US Chargé d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt had also expressed optimism that the passage of compliant Bill could proceed. He had also referred to it as Guyana’s last chance to enact the legislature before being blacklisted; as Guyana’s current status would come up during the FATF meeting in September.
Saturday June 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 21
Port Kaituma man Army recovers missing remanded on four charges Pomeroon farmer’s body Calvin Caesar, a 30-year old driver of Fitzburg, Port Kaituma, was yesterday remanded to prison on two counts of assault, one charge of break and enter and one charge of resisting arrest. He had appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry-Sewnarine at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It was alleged that between May 22 and June 23, last, he broke and entered the home of Richard Hunte in Port Kaituma, and stole a quantity of articles. The articles included one portable tablet; two solar panels, one laptop, one gas cylinder adapter and a quantity of tools including one Power drill. The defendant pleaded not guilty to this offence. It was also alleged that on June 22 at the said area he assaulted Constable Clive Hazelwood and Detective Colwin Solomon in an attempt to escape from the lawmen. He pleaded guilty but asked to give an explanation. Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru stated that on the day in question Hunte left his home to attend to matters in Georgetown. Upon his return he saw that his house had been broken into. He made a report to the police and an investigation was launched. Caesar was contacted by the police and an electric drill was allegedly found in his possession. In a bid to escape, he reportedly assaulted the officers. Caesar who was unrepresented, said, “On the day of my arrest two men came to my home in civilian clothing said they were police officers without any form of identification.” “The officers came into the house and order me to sit
on the floor as they carried out a search. Hunte later came and the officers told him to check for his items as they repeatedly asked me for a laptop.” He also added, “The VC identified a knife as his and a pack of sanitary napkins saying that it belong to his girlfriend. An exchange of words took place; one of the officers came over and cuff me in my belly and tell me to shut my mouth… the VC choke me from behind another officer asked for a rope to tie me up.”
He said that the officer took his clothes line to tie him up and fearing for his life he bit both officers, one on the hand and the other on the leg and tried to escape. The Prosecutor however objected to bail. He stated that the defendant is currently under investigation for other similar charges. Bail was refused and Caesar is expected to make his next appearance at the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrate’s Court on August 4.
The damaged boat
Ruimveldt man jailed on robbery charge In another case 36-yearold Paul Rodney appeared before Magistrate Leron Dailey yesterday to answer an armed robbery charge. Rodney of North Ruimveldt was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment. On November 13, last, at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, while armed with a gun, he robbed Desmond Singh of $380,000 cash. During the trial, a total of
six witnesses were called. Rodney, in his defence, told the court that he and Singh were gambling in a cock fight when an argument arose because Singh lost the game. Police Prosecutor Inspector Michael Grant told the court, the defendant and two others saw Singh in Friendship, EBD, when they approached him with a gun and robbed him of the cash.
Two sentenced to 10 years after found guilty Two men fingered in a 2010 Nandy Park robbery were yesterday jailed by Providence Magistrate Leron Dailey for 10 years after they were found guilty. Ade Doobay, 36, of North Ruimveldt; and his partner Damano Torrisi, 38, of Diamond Housing Scheme, during their first appearance at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, were
remanded to prison after they pleaded not guilty. They were subsequently placed on $150,000 bail each. On July 16, 2010 at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, the men armed with a gun, robbed Mohamed Raheem and two others of a quantity of gold and diamond jewelry. Several witnesses were called to testify in the matter.
Members of the Guyana Defence Force retrieved the decomposed body of 47-yearold Orton Benjamin, the farmer who was struck and killed while transporting his wife and a five-year-old boy to the Liberty Primary School, in the Lower Pomeroon River, Wednesday morning. Army ranks had mounted a search for him since he went missing on Wednesday, and have indicated that the GDF would foot the financial expenses for Benjamin’s burial which is scheduled to be held today. Results of the Post Mortem examination which was performed yesterday revealed that he died from multiple injuries. The dead farmer’s wife,
Simone Benjamin, who survived the river accident, said, yesterday, that members of the GDF have since reached with her family to discuss the role the army would play in terms of compensation.. A meeting was scheduled late yesterday with Mrs. Benjamin and a team of GDF officers. Benjamin met his demise Wednesday morning after his 15-horse power engine boat in which he was transporting
his wife and a child was struck from behind by a boat belonging to the Guyana Defence Force. Simone recalled that her husband’s boat was struck by the GDF vessel which then resulted in him falling overboard. Mrs. Benjamin reported that her husband died before he submerged. Benjamin recalled their boat overturning after the impact. She and the child were however rescued by relatives who live close by.
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Kaieteur News
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Single, honest & reliable live in domestic, 35-55yrs - Call: 646-1758 (9am-7pm)
Mercedes ML320 Blue and gray leather interior, UK import right hand drive –Tel: 698-6243 One yellow cab HB9604 – Call: 223-5615 AE100 Toyota Corolla PHH 7796 – Call: 670-1375 EP 82 Starlet, AC 4 Doors, working standard rims, lady driven – good condition $550,000 –Call: 662-5052
1 Cleaner, apply @ 19 Middle St C/Ville G/town, closing date June 30th 2015 - Call: 219-4683, for information (must work Saturday).
SALE! New model Allion $3.2M, Bluebird Sylphy $2.5M, Loaded Belta $2.5M, Tacoma – $3.7M – Tel:621-4190, 639-7101
One maid to work in Boodhoo Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara. Attractive salary. Phone 6227933 or 600-5775
AT170 Corona EFI, PGG 4289 -$250,000 – Tel: 685-5298
(2) General manager for a seafood company. Serious interest only. Send message to 644-4286
1 RZ EFI minibus. BKK 7634Call: 226-9530, 651-2274 1 Beige Toyota Spacio 2003 model, PMM lady driven -1st owner, excellent condition – Tel: 628-5828 Toyota Prado, Price$4.4M Neg. Call: 643-2403 1 Toyota Cami PLL Series, 1 Million negotiable –Tel:6793410 Unregistered Toyota IST fully loaded -$1.950M – Call: 691-7475 Nissan Titan for sale, immaculate condition – Contact: 647-3924 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive -price $1.5M negotiable –Tel: 668-8431
Fantasy Auto Sales: 38 Alexander Street Kitty. Get $100,000 discount on perorders- Tel: 611-1833
1 Toyota Raum HB series, price -$750,000 –Contact: 642-4779 owner leaving country.
We buy residential house lots in Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, and elsewhere –Tel: 611-7223; 675-7292
Honda 600 RR, Toyota AT212, AT192, Rush, BB, RZ-Bus Tundra & 150CC motorbike –Tel: 644-5096; 697-1453 One Toyota Allion PNN SERIES & 1 new & unregistered Mazda Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 649-0956
1 Noah BSS 1650, excellent condition. Tel: 652-0709
Security guards to work in the interior with mining firm must have military experienced –Contact: 2269768; 642-7963
Salesman and drivers – Call: 661-9809 One experienced pastry maker –Call: 266-5845
Saturday June 27, 2015
One G-Touring, in excellent condition –Tel: 650-8187 One Toyota Celica convertible customizes (high performance set up). One Toyota Ipsum (new model) going cheap. Contact: 629-5414
2 Ford F350 Pickup, extended cab, 4X4 Diesel, excellent condition, fully loaded, 6" lift kit – Call: 610-5370 Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Spacio, Fielder, Bluebird, Carina 212, ISTCall: 652-3820, 665-4529 First Class Auto in Stock: 09 Allion, 08 Premio, Carina 212, Spacio, Runx, IST, Mark 2, Axio, 06 Premio –Call: 6098188; 638-3045 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154
Security officers wanted at a security company –Contact: 672-1920 Work from home, earn $5,000$20,000 daily Call MondayFriday 9am-5pm #233-6517, 638-0595 www.job fairworldwide.com Live in housekeeper to care for infant, long term employment –Tel: 697-8797 Vacancy for a full time maid should be good in Indian cooking. Call 2274799, 618-1853 DRIVER-LORRY LICENCE REQUIRED, SALESMAN TO SELLCOOKINGGAS.6766700 SECURITY GUARDS WORKING 12 HRS FOR UP TO $4,000 PER NIGHT, PART TIMEWELDER,CARPENTER/ MASON, GARDENER. 676 6700 I N T E R N AT I O N A L EMPLOYMENT: NURSE, TEACHERS, CARPENTERS, ELECTRICIANS, COOK, WAITERS, BELL BOYS, HOUSEKEEPERS, STOREKEEPERS, SECURITIES. CONTACT: 231-6296; 650-9880/ www.plzrecruitme.com
Just Arrived! TM Trucks from UK, excellent condition Tel: 679-7587; 695-3188 FOR SALE One Canter Van for sale, as it is- Contact: 695-4398
Double lots (corner) in secure, gated community @ Land of Canaan, light, water, roads -$15M –Tel:668-0306 600AMPS, 200AMPS, transfer switches, exhaust box 6"-Tel: 627-7835 Pure breed Rottweiler pups, male & female, vaccinated, first litter-Tel: 225-8172, 6527647 1 Caterpillar Excavator 320C, excellent condition Contact: 658-4450 1 Lincoln arc welder with Perkins engine on wheels – Call: 609-5672 Inboard marine parts, all type of engine, transmission, shaft, gland, propellers & all electronics, etc –Tel: 652-8970, 674-3735 Hair sale -20" to 30" Brazilian, Indian & Cambodian; free gifts with purchase –Tel: 644-6028
One handyman / gardener contact 223-5273/4 Dagger operator contact: 223-5273/4 Vacancy exists for one certified hairdresser, who knows to do everything. One nails station to rent –Contact Melissa: 610-1941; 225-1037
Tent Sale- Clothing, women 2X &3X golf shirts, etc @ 455 Aubrey Barker St, Saturday June 27th –Tel: 626-6335
One experienced hairdresser magic touch beauty salon – Tel: 225-6492.
Canter Truck 2 Ton, Mitsubishi, GLL series $1.9M –Call: 223-6236
1 Crankshaft grinder and machinist to bore engine block-Apply @ Technical Service -18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles.
House and land - Call: 265-3586
Cutter/straight stitch/button tack/hole operators. Call: 222-2541 (8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri) Cashier to work in Super betCall: 625-5322
One stall at Stabroek Market, 37.5 Acres farm land, Highway, Linden/ Soesdyke-Call: 679-1151, 225-7794
Adults Only: female enhancers and novelties – Tel: 644-6077 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call:225-9032, 647-2943 Pure Breed pit-bull pups, dewormed and vaccinated – Call: 661-1715/ 669-2434 Pure breed Rottweiler pups, fully de-wormed & vaccinated - Tel: 220-2277, 220-8904; 629-1471
AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Mazda Hatch back, full body kit, rims, crystal lights on, in good condition -Tel: 691-5485
Wild caught fresh fish depot @ Meadow Bank Wharf, E.B.D –Tel: (592) 628-1200, 619-6601, 619-7777. For your seafood needs!
HEALTH Follow-me male enhancers, diabetic, hypertension and more. Sickness free sample treatment- Tel: 696-2957 FOR HIRE Enclose truck and Hiab Truck, double axel –Tel: 6945460, 662-8884
Pools table, cloth, balls, pocket, cue stick, rubber, coin Shute, spring coin, chalk holder –Tel: 669-9927 One wall divider (2Pcs), good condition-$40,000. Contact: 682-2428 Large 65FT, red snapper fishing boat, 3yrs old, including 100 traps, ropes, all licenses -15M –Tel: 6528970, 674-3735 Continued on page 23
Saturday June 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Responsibility for missing money lies with past Finance Ministry - Seeraj From page 6 used to allow quotas, Seeraj explained that this was reflective of the overall percentage of total export, which is thirty/thirty-four percent. “So if you buy a hundred tonnes of paddy, you will be allowed thirty-four tonnes, in keeping with that percentage, to go to Venezuela. The remainder will go to our traditional markets e.g. the Caribbean, Europe, and more recently Central America and further afield towards North America.” Asked whether he was happy with the state of rice in the country, Seeraj was affirmative. An inquiry into
the spending and operations of the GRDB has since been launched, with the audit firm Nigel Hinds and Associates being given the task to undertake. The PetroCaribe fund was identified as one of the aspects that auditors will pay close attention to. The PetroCaribe fund is an account used to store money the Government would have saved, as a result of the Venezuelan oil for rice deal that sees Venezuela supplying oil to a number of countries, including Guyana, who would pay part of the money up front, at a minimal interest rate, over a 20-year period. In return, Guyana would
supply rice to Venezuela, which accounts for 36 per cent of Guyana’s rice market, while using the extra money to pay farmers and millers. Millions of dollars were supposed to be in the fund, especially after assurances from the PPP/C, that only US$15M was used from the fund for projects like the Hope Canal and the new Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Wartsilla generators. But the new administration discovered an empty fund. Alternate means were subsequently found by the Government to pay millers and farmers, with some $800M being allocated for this purpose.
From page 23
FOR SALE Diesel Engines: 1-Perkins 6354 with irrigation pump 6in 60wt, 1-Perkins 4-108 complete bedded, for mining Call: 696-1439; 602-3906 Tractor Driven 16c bore pump on trailer, long connections, new $1,200,000 new -Tel: 227-1830
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461. 2 Storey property for sale @ 19th Avenue Sec ‘C’ Diamond Scheme-$18M negotiable –Tel: 622-9916 Two storey 45X35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete, in Diamond, New Scheme, 5th Avenue, E.B.D –Tel:629-4017 Lot 23, Area F Zeeburg, South, old gas station road, West Coast DemeraraContact: 621-8386 (Brodo)
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
Two executive houses in gated compound at Oceanicvillas -$58M eachTel Shiv: 600-6681 2 Storey concrete building, partially completed 20X50, located at Leonora –W.C.D -$16M neg. Call: 622-4490
DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 TO LET Space suitable for salon/ massage parlor/beauty service to co-exist with other business –Call: 647-1773 Newly built 2 bedrooms house & apartment on W.C.D - Call: 698-6496 Fully furnished (2) bedroom apartment in South: TV, AirConditioned, Hot & Cold, Cable and washing machine Tel: 689-5877
Oceanicvillas air conditioned, apartments/ fridge/stove/washer/dryer/ microwave-Contact Shiv: 678-6887 or email: oceanicvillas@yahoo.ca GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098 Charlotte St/Orange Wa l k : l a rg e b e d r o o m house, no parking -Tel: 652-8970; 674-3735
ACCOMODATION Aracari Resort –Tel: 2642946: Rooms from $45USD, double occupancy, fully air conditioned, hot & cold bath, WiFi, breakfast. Harmony Inn: furnished, airconditioned apartment & rooms, suitable for local & overseas guest -$20USD, $30USD, $35USD –Tel: 6680306; 694-7817, 218-1400
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 27, 2015
Argentine tourism project to boost local sector After years of cooperation with the Argentine government in the area of tourism, Guyana is expected to further benefit from the relationship through the implementation of a quality tourism project. During a press conference held yesterday, Minister of Tourism Catherine Hughes met with Argentine Ambassador to Guyana Luis Martino and the two cemented the years-long relationship between the two countries. Tourism is the first sector in which the Argentinean government has worked with Guyana in and the cooperation is expected to strengthen with the new project’s implementation. The project will focus on four areas; training and capacity building, promotion, quality, and planning and development. According to Minister Hughes, Guyana has much to learn from one of Latin America’s most prominent tourist destinations. She noted that, as the new minister, she would be benefiting from a foundation that was laid almost 3 years ago. However, she said, the new project being embarked upon will be different. “What’s different about this is the practical nature about what we’re doing,” Hughes opined. For a new and emerging tourist destination like Guyana we still are learning to market ourselves, to present ourselves, to gather business and to focus on niche markets. This type of association really provides almost a hand to lead us through some of the
Minister of Tourism Catherine Hughes (second right) and Argentine Ambassador to Guyana Luis Martino (third right) with them are representatives from the Argentine Ministry of Tourism (first and second left) and the Guyana Tourism Authority (right) challenges we think we may expect to face.” She said too that the partnership will provide Guyanese with important skills and training to persons in the local tourism sector. “We’re happy that as we talk about the planning for the implementation of a hospitality training school in Guyana, we’re going to be able to get some practical consultants and training in terms of how we establish that school and how we can ensure that the school and the provision of training meet the needs of those not only in the Georgetown area but in our
outlying regions,” Hughes said. In recent times, the Argentine government has provided 3 virtual courses. These courses reportedly benefited 267 Guyanese involved in tourism related and the hospitality sectors. These courses had been free of cost. “I think that’s a huge plus, especially in a marketplace where we face challenges of the cost of training,” Hughes said. She also noted that Guyana had the challenge of making training available to businesses and establishments based out of Georgetown and she opined
that the virtual courses would go a long way in solving this issue. Argentine Ambassador to Guyana Luis Martino similarly noted the huge benefits the bilateral tourism cooperation could reap. He explained that the cooperation was fostered by a programme under the Argentine Ministry of Tourism which aims to establish partnerships for the govt. with other countries to create spaces for the sharing of knowledge, technology and best practices. “The idea is to strengthen the capacity of the
organisations…The upgrading of capacities of any organisation of any country has to do with sustaining this aspiration in upgrading ourselves and moving to the next level,” Martino said. He said too that the nation has to bridge job demand in the specific area together with the professional tourism sector. “So, what you study in college, when you finally graduate, you will eventually have the opportunity of getting a job.” Representatives from the Argentine Ministry of Tourism are in Guyana for a
week to work out the best way to implement the country’s system of tourism quality. The project is in its pilot stage, one of the representatives indicated. Argentina has already created a proposal to improve Guyana’s tourism sector and, according to the representative, the proposal has reaped “real, practical results” since its implementation a year and a half ago. “We’re working together with the Guyana Tourism Authority so that it can very useful to Guyana…We’ll be adapting our ideas with your reality,” the Argentine rep said. Two more virtual courses are also expected to come on stream before year end. One of them will be on Spanish, since there has been an upsurge in the number of persons entering Guyana from Spanish speaking countries. According to the GTA, arrivals from South America alone have grown from about 3% to 14%. Meanwhile, Hughes expressed hope that the partnership will be cemented by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two governments. “We’re convinced that this is a great mechanism for Guyana to grow and I look forward to building on the good relations we have been able to cement,” Hughes emphasised. The MoU is expected to cover a number of areas including internships, major assistance for the hospitality institute, technical assistance and a series of quality management seminars.
A community in dire need of development From page 20 these people don't pay as much." Block 42 Lower Amelia's Ward/ Kara Kara has no potable water, no landline telephone service and no proper access road. Residents depend on the rain, for drinking water, but in the dry weather they purchase bottled water. The nearby Kara Kara Creek is the community bathroom. They also do their laundry there. However, residents claim that the problem with the creek is that persons from other communities dump carcasses and other debris, polluting the waterway in the process. "Right now there is a dead pig not far from here; you could smell it, and is somebody dump it- this ain't fair to us, because we depend on this water for so many things. “People got to stop doing this. They got to realise that these things affect us," the
boat captain pointed out. But despite the hardships and challenges, there is nowhere else the residents of this obscure little community would rather live. "This is a beautiful place; all we need is the necessary infrastructure and development. For instance we need a nursery school and a playground. We already earmarked sites for these. And that wide expanse of water over there, we plan to develop it into a facility for aquatic sports, to help boost tourism. “We also need the relevant authorities to dredge the creek on a regular basis, because when it becomes silted up, we suffer flooding," Chairman of the Community Development Group, Mr. Bunbury declared. He added that residents are willing to work to help develop the community, provided the necessary assistance is given. (Enid Joaquin)
Walking along a 'sirihe'(narrow path through bushes)
Saturday June 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Gunman posing as tourist kills 37 at Tunisian hotel A gunman disguised as a tourist opened fire at a Tunisian hotel yesterday with a weapon he had hidden in an umbrella, killing 37 people, including British, German and Belgian tourists, as they lounged at the beach and pool in a popular resort town. Terrified tourists ran for cover after the gunfire and an explosion erupted the Imperial Marhaba in Sousse resort town, 140 km south of the capital Tunis, before police shot the gunman dead, witnesses and security officials said. The attack took place during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, on a day in which a decapitated body daubed with Arabic writing was found in France, a suicide bomber killed two dozen people at a mosque in Kuwait and at least 145 civilians were reported killed by Islamic State militants in northern Syria. It was the second major attack on Tunisia this year following the Islamist militant assault on Tunis Bardo museum when gunmen killed 21 foreign visitors. The body of the attacker lay with a Kalashnikov assault rifle where he was shot. Local radio said police captured a second gunman, but officials did not immediately confirm the arrest or his role in the attack. “One attacker opened fire with a Kalashnikov on tourists and Tunisians on the beach of the hotel,” said a hotel worker at the site. “It was just one attacker. He was a young guy dressed in shorts like he was a tourist himself.” Rafik Chelli, a senior interior ministry official, said the gunman killed was a student,
Police officers surround a man (C) suspected to be involved in an attack on a beachside hotel in Sousse, Tunisia June 26, 2015. (REUTERS/ AMINE BEN AZIZA) unknown to authorities and not on any watchlist. Dressed in shorts, the assailant pulled out a weapon he had hidden inside an umbrella he was carrying before opening fire at the beach and pool and tossing an explosive, witnesses said. A security source said another bomb was found on his body. A health ministry statement said British, German and Belgian nationals were among the dead. Tunisia, which has been hailed as a model of democratic transition since its 2011 ‘Arab Spring’ uprising, is one of the most secular countries in the Arab world. Its beach resorts and nightclubs on the Mediterranean are popular
with foreigners. No one immediately claimed the attack. But Islamist jihadists have attacked North African tourist sites before, seeing them as legitimate targets because of their open Western lifestyles and tolerance of alcohol. Irishwoman Elizabeth O’Brien, who was staying at a neighboring hotel with her two sons, said there was panic on the beach when gunfire erupted. “I honestly thought it was fireworks and then when I saw people running... I thought, my God, it is shooting,” she told Irish radio station RTE. “The waiters and the security on the beach started to say ‘Run, run,
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Kaieteur News
Caribbean integrity commissions form new Commonwealth body to fight corruption
Saturday June 27, 2015
Barbados’ largest public sector trade union threatens island wide strike action BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) is threatening that its members across the public service could take industrial action next week over the refusal of the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) to withdraw termina-
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - National authorities from 12 Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean have joined forces to establish a new regional body to enhance transparency and help fight corruption. The Association of Integrity Commissions and AntiCorruption Bodies in the Commonwealth Caribbean was formed at an international conference convened by the Commonwealth Secretariat in Grenada and hosted by the Integrity Commission of Grenada. It was launched at the first Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies in the Caribbean this week and inaugurated by Grenada’s Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade and Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell. The association, made up of the heads of national commissions, will help Caribbean countries to cooperate across borders, exchange best practices and develop regional anti-corruption initiatives.
Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Deodat Maharaj, welcoming its formation, expressed his hope that the new body will help to further strengthen public confidence in cross-border initiatives to enhance accountability. “The formation of this new association represents a major step forward in regional efforts to support integrity and address corruption. We have high hopes for the future of this network of national agencies, which will deliver practical benefits to members as a forum for knowledge sharing and coordination,” Maharaj said. She said the intention was also to help countries learn and exchange with other Commonwealth countries and regions. Chairperson of the Integrity Commission of Grenada Justice Dame Monica Joseph said the move was a demonstration that they saw it as vital for people who serve us in public life to function honestly, free of corruption and corrupt practices.
“We hope that, with that step, the peoples of the region would have confidence in the several commissions and anti-corruption bodies that form the association,” she said. The establishment of the Caribbean body follows the similar formation, in 2011, of the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa, spearheaded and supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat. The African association has helped improve the performance of national authorities through information exchanges, peer learning and by becoming a launch pad for bilateral agreements between countries. The countries belonging to the new Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies in the Commonwealth Caribbean are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
shutdown of the country,” she said after meeting with workers from all statutory boards. “We will recommend [to the union’s National Council] that if BIDC fails to change their decision, then the only option that we will have is to embark on serious industrial
legal, noting that the Pensions Act had been amended to allow employees of statutory boards to work up until age 67. Furthermore, it said, if the BIDC did not want to rescind the termination letters, it would have to pay the dismissed workers as if they had reached that age.
Picketers outside the BIDC office, including NUPW officials. (Photo: Barbados yesterday) tion letters given to over a dozen workers over the age of 60. And the biggest trade union in the island, the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), says it is backing the NUPW in its fight with the statutory board over its forced retirement of the employees. NUPW general secretary Roslyn Smith said at a news conference Thursday that if the letters given to the 13 BIDC workers are not withdrawn by next Tuesday, “serious” industrial action will commence. “We have not ruled out a
action . . . We will not be going backwards, we are going forward.” The National Council will meet next Tuesday to make a final decision on the matter. Last week, a day before its management was to meet with the union, the BIDC distributed the termination letters, triggering protests at the statutory board. It said its Board of Directors had decided to invoke its right under the Statutory Boards (Pensions) Act to retire officers reaching the age of 60. However, the NUPW has insisted that the move was il-
In addition to fighting the matter on the legal front, the affected workers are seeking a court injunction to stop the terminations from taking effect. BWU general secretary Toni Moore, at a separate media conference yesterday, declared that her union is in “full support” of the NUPW’s position. “The Barbados Workers’ Union, like the NUPW, is satisfied that where the government acts in a manner that forces people out involuntarily before their time, that is a situation that must be abhorred,” she said.
Brazil probe pits investigators against long-protected elite Police Commissioner commits Erika Marena
CURITIBA, Brazil (Reuters) - In a nation where the elite have enjoyed relative impunity, a new generation of police and prosecutors in Brazil are bent on using the country’s largest-ever corruption investigation to send the message that no one is
above the law. They have displayed in a local museum works of art seized in arrests in connection with alleged bribery at staterun oil firm Petrobras. They have also paraded lobbyists and chief executives in handcuffs before TV cameras.
And they gave the moniker Operation ‘Erga Omnes,’ Latin for ‘For everyone’ to a raid that jailed one of the country’s most powerful corporate scions, CEO Marcelo Odebrecht. Earlier this week they publicized a hand-written note Odebrecht wrote from jail. Police said the arrests have come as a “shock” to the wealthy and powerful suspects. “These people thought the police, and justice, would never reach them,” Federal Police agent Erika Marena told Reuters this week in her office in Curitiba, the epicenter of the Petrobras investigation. Marena said it has been particularly surprising to see some detainees struggle with basic rituals like shaving or laundry, presumably because they had “a group of people who took care of everything for them.”
to safety of journalists Trinidad Guardian - The safety of journalists remains a high priority for law enforcement officers. At a meeting with the Media Association (Matt) yesterday, the acting Police Commissioner assured journalists that their safety is “a major area of concern”. Acting Commissioner
Stephen Williams met with a Matt delegation that included its President Francesca Hawkins, Secretary Jabari Fraser, Floor Member Dr. Sheila Rampersad to discuss matters of mutual interest. Matt officials said they were concerned over police treatment of threats made
against journalists via social media, among other issues. Williams said the Police Service would work with the Association to probe the online harassment of journalists. The meeting was held at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain.
Caricom Rejects Inclusion of Members in EU Blacklist (Prensa Latina) The Caribbean Community (Caricom) rejected the recent inclusion of its members in a list of 30 countries that the European Union (EU) considers tax havens and liabilities for fraud and tax evasion. “That assertion is patently false because the member states (of the Community) will always strive to meet the
onerous and unilateral measures of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which implements international standards on the issue,” declared the block. The Caribbean mechanism expressed surprise, because during a recent meeting in Brussels between the EU and its partners, the sub-
ject of the blacklist never came up, and the Europeans called for strengthening the cooperation and mutual relations. “Caricom expresses its deep disappointment and concern for the conduct of the EU on this issue,” concluded an official statement, which emphasized the importance of financial services for the economies of the area.
Saturday June 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Sachia Vickery qualifies for Wimbledon Singles main draw Teenager Sachia Vickery, who is born to Guyanese parents, playing out of the United States, advanced to the main draw for the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, England after winning her qualifying competition yesterday. Vickery beat Puerto Rico’s Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in the final game to book her spot among the big guns at Wimbledon. The youngster, who is accompanied by her mother Paula Liverpool, who formerly hails from Kwakwani on the Berbice River, but currently resides in the United States, beat Nigina Abduraimova of Uzbekistan 6-0, 6-1 and Sorana Cirstea Romania 6-7(57), 6-3, 6-4 en-route to the clash with Pegula, who won
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Bowlers benefit from ODI rule... (From page 29) we stick to the current fielding restrictions because I genuinely believe that has lead to a much more attacking approach, from the captaincy, fielding and batting perspectives.” Asked by veteran West Indies commentator Tony Cozier whether the ICC considered the big totals that teams were scoring regularly detrimental to ODI cricket, Richardson disagreed. “Not necessarily, Tony,” he said. “There is a great appreciation for the attacking
nature of the play. The level of skills that batsmen have developed over the years are largely due to T20 cricket and just an overall attacking approach to the ODI game is actually welcome. The indirect impact of that is the only way the fielding team can survive is [by being] more attacking themselves. So you see an effort to get wickets especially early on in the innings. So the overall attacking approach is certainly not something we want to get rid of. “Whether it is 300 or 400,
as I said, towards the end of an innings in particular if you have just four fielders out, there is always two places you just cannot defend. But by allowing five fielders there is only one place. So if you have two places which are undefendable, you have to change the field and then the batsman knows exactly where you are going to bowl. Because you can’t bowl anywhere else as you would be murdered. (So by) reducing undefended area to one it makes it a little bit easier for the bowler.
Entertaining action in DIGICEL/GSA... Sachia Vickery (left) proudly flies the Guyana flag with Dominique Mitchell and mom Paula Liverpool after her success at Wimbledon. (Paula Liverpool facebook) her matches. Vickery is set to face Ekaterina Makarova of Rus-
sia in her opening match of the tournament which opens Monday.
Saturday June 27, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Take the time today to consider your health, Aries. Living a long, healthy life is something we all want. Start now to take care of your body.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your mother may be on your mind today, Libra. Your mother probably affects how you think, act, and feel, both in the past and now.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today you may emphasize organizing things and managing your life, Taurus. Take a look at your time management.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Focus on yourself today, Scorpio. Take note of your health. You probably know that this is something you must take care of always, not just sometimes.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) One day, I want to be…. When you were little, how did you finish that sentence, Gemini? See what your memory and imagination come up with. CANCER (June 21–July 22) If you feel cautious today, Cancer, don't be alarmed. This can be a good thing, Cancer, as you can be too trusting at times or forget to take care when going into something new. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Leo, personal dignity may be important to you today. This may come about when things go wrong or if you're accused of something you didn't do. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't be surprised if someone describes you as conservative. It may be true. It could indicate that it's important for you to maintain control over most things - these are all things that conservative people tend to closely monitor.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) No dream is too big or too late to fulfill. You may be thinking about your special dreams today, perhaps you aspire to do something really great, be a pioneer in some field, or be a prominent figure. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Chances are good that you will receive a helping hand or comfort from someone many years your senior who cares about you, Capricorn. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today, Aquarius, you may think about competition and possible future goals. Take time to think such things through and, if need be, get back on the right track. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may think about your finances today, Pisces. It's never too late to learn about saving and investing, especially if there's something you really want to do, like travel.
(From page 31) Akeila Wiltshire ensured there were no easy wins for the Junior athletes competing in the senior competition as they both won in straight sets. Alwyn Callender notched
up his second consecutive win when he defeated Tariq Williams 3-0. There were also straight set wins for Regan Pollard, Peter DeGroot, Nyron Joseph, Jason Ray Khalil, Joe
Mekdeci, Deje Dias and Medhi Ramdhani. The quarter finals of the Men’s Group and the Semi finals of the Female’s Group were contested last evening at the Georgetown Club.
Farley scores 4 as St John’s overwhelm... (From page 33) fair share of the ball in the first half. A wonderful solo run down the right wing by an unmarked Akimbo Henry, outsprinting the opposition and with only the Goalie to beat, drilled the ball past Alec Clermonson to make it 2-0. Ruben Dainty made it 3nil in the 22nd minute when he patted the ball to the right of the advancing Clermonson, while Randy Bharrat scored in the 37th minute to make it 4-nil but although St John’s played the more attacking football they did not have things all their way as the team from Guyana largest County stayed back and defended for dear life. As the players got more tired in the second half, E’bo found themselves with the ball in St John’s area a few times but they were dispossessed before they could shoot. St John’s Keeper Auton Simmons had some work to do and made a beautiful save when an Essequibo player managed to ‘fire one’ on target but it was soon 5-0 when Danity again found the back
of the net in the 45th minute before two minutes later Henry made it 6 to nothing. Despite some good saves which denied St John’s from surpassing the 16 goals scored by Leonora against the Professional Learning Insti-
tute on Thursday at the same venue, Farley scored for the fourth time and Gary Mingo’s 70th minute effort put the icing on the cake to send the Essequibo side on their boat journey from Parika to Wakenaam a dejected bunch.
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Kaieteur News
13 year-old Amy Grant for Individual Sprint Triathlon
Amy Grant, known for her singing and swimming ability will be competing today in the Individual Sprint Triathlon for the first time in her young life, as the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and its affiliates stage a team and individual triathlon competition as one of the Olympic Day 2015 activities. Grant will swim for 750m at The National Aquatic Centre, then cycle for 20km and finish with a 5km run in the National Park. She had entered the event last year for the first time but not in the Individual category. This year however, she is taking on all three disciplines by herself. She was out of the pool for a little over one week due to exams but started back her swim training on Monday for the up and coming July Sprint Meet which will also serve as the Goodwill swim
Amy Grant
trials for the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association team to the Goodwill championships set for Trinidad and Tobago in August. All eyes will be on the Bishops’ High School second former to do well so that other young girls and boys can be
encouraged to do the same, especially since she is expected to be the youngest athlete in the Individual category. The event is slated to start at 06:30hrs today at The National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
Saturday June 27, 2015
Guyana crashes out of CFU Olympic Qualifier, lose to Antigua 2-0 Guyana’s chance of moving forward in the CFU 2016 Olympic Games qualifying competition came to an abrupt end when they lost to home team Antigua and Barbuda 2-0 in their second Group 2 match last evening at the Antigua Recreation ground. The Guyanese had fallen to Cuba by a similar scoreline and were hoping to rebound against the hosts in order to have a chance of making it out of the group. After watching Antiguans dismantle Aruba 7-1 in their first game, Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz called the host nation a “formidable opponent” and one which he believes will be a tougher to get by than the Cubans. Elvis Thomas, the 21 year-old forward who plays for Shabazz’s Caledonia AIA in the TT Pro-League opened the scoring just three minutes into the contest to give his country the lead. Thomas
blasted in his second of the night and the game winner in the 29th minute. The Antigua and Barbuda forward’s teammates at Caledonia AIA Trayon Bobb, Domini Garnett and Pernell Schultz tried their best to claw Guyana back into the game and ultimately the tournament, but resolute defending by the home side thwarted their every move. Guyana will now play the peren-
nial whipping boys of the group Aruba tomorrow and will be aiming to end on a high. The final group game will be a humdinger of a battle with Cuba, which hammered Aruba 11-1 in yesterday’s opening match, facing off with Antigua for a place in the next round. Cuba are atop the standings with a better goal difference, Antigua had hammered Aruba 7-0.
Flying Ace Cycle club selects strong team for national cycling champion ship The Flying Ace Cycling Club (FACC) of Berbice has selected a strong seven man team to participate in the annual National Cycling championship slated for this weekend in Georgetown. According to founder and coach, the club which is one of the top clubs in the country will be represented in the veteran’s and female categories.
Their charge will be lead by former national champion Gary Benjamin and he will be supported by fellow veterans Syborne Fernandes, Wasim Hassnu. Benjamin was the champion in 2008 and again in 2010. The female cyclists will be led by former national champion Marica Dick and Whitney Poyer.
2015 motor racing season promises continued excitement Recently, Round 2 of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship concluded at Wallerfield International Raceway in Trinidad & Tobago. The weekend was jam packed with excitement with an estimated crowd of about 6,000 persons that were in attendance. The different Group classes put on a fantastic show on a mainly wet track for most of the days’ races. Although, there were some spills including a few cars that turned turtle, the days’ action played out very well with an even playing field. The track was newly repaved after decades from the ‘old’ pavement and proved to be a favourite amongst the racers. Satur-
days’ strategies had to be turned inside out because race day had rain and lots of it. The qualifying record holder of just over 40 seconds, Kristian Jeffrey (GUY) had to change his race-day strategy along with many other racers due to having a rain set-up to maximize traction. The action from race day was mainly contested on rain tires. In total, there were about 60 cars that were registered with many rivalries in the different classes. The motto of race day was in order to finish first, you must first finish but, finishing in last place was still better than not finishing at all. Even not finishing at all was way
Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 4
better than not starting. Several racers and their cars were absent due to unknown reasons. At the end of Round 2, the torch was unofficially passed onto the two Kristians. Kristian Jeffrey, the current CMRC point’s leader and reigning Champion, split points totals with Kristian Boodoosingh along with Gerard Carrington. With Group 4 being the unlimited class, race day saw the Mitsubishi Evolutions dominate and swept the podiums in all three events. For many years to come, Kristian Boodoosingh (T&T) who races in the United States of America with tremendous successes and Kristian Jef-
frey (GUY) who races in North American (mainly in Canada) have won at every levels in his career in the many different series he competes in. Both racers are ultra-competitive and have the desire to win at any level. After witnessing Round 2, it is safe to say that the remaining rounds of the CMRC will be a joy to watch. Not to put his performance on the backburner, but, Gerard Carrington certainly solidified himself as a legitimate racer. He can certainly compete on the same level! The sport is now at the highest level it has ever been and will certainly garner a lot of attention worldwide. There are certainly some world class
drivers’ amongst this group of racers and going forward; this will make it exciting to watch. Every team works on a strategy and will make adjustments from time to time in order to gain that advantage that will mean success. Group 3 will see the likes of Gary Barrett (CAY), Paul Vieira (T&T), Danny Persaud (GUY) battle it out for the Championship. Whereas, Group 2 rivalries will be very intense as the list can go on and on with the Mark(s) including if it’s spelled differently, Marc, Jordan Powell (JAM), Shiraz Roshandin (GUY), Damien Nesbitt (T&T) unless an unknown emerges which is unlikely. This half season report is to update everyone associated with the sport. Some people will have to defend their positions, some will have to maintain their positions and some will have to try to move up the standings. All in all, there are still enough races remaining to turn the tides and ‘new’ faces might emerges but, one thing is certain, the Championships have not been determined nor claimed. At the half-way point, there have been more surprises than disappointments and we hope this season continues to thrill us. The list of competitors are expected to increase as the remaining rounds approaches especially when it’s a home race, more local talents are bound to register and we hope that most of the current competitors remain for the duration of season.What is certain, is
that a ‘new’ face will emerge in the likes of Frankie ‘Next Gen’ Boodram (T&T). He has had great success in karting and is expected to make the jump into the CMRC at any time. His debut might be this season or next season but, he will certainly join the likes of the new faces that are emerging as the future stars of the Caribbean. These new faces are in transition to replace some of the great racers such as David Summerbell, Hollywood Gore, Andrew King, The Maloney’s from Barbados, The Mayers’, along with the resurgence of Kevin Jeffrey, Mark & Paul Vieira. By all means, these racers are not done with the sport as yet, however, with the infusion of these new talents from around the Caribbean during this transition stage; it will mean great things for this sport and all involved. If we can get caught off guard with any ‘new’ emerging talent that is relatively unknown, then, we say, bring it!!! It will benefit us all!!! Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship 2015 February 28/March 1 - round 1, Jamwest, Jamaica June 20/21 - round 2, Wallerfield, Trinidad & Tob a g o September 12/13 - round 3, Bushy Park Barbados November 14/15 - round 4, South Dakota, Guyana Seaboard Marine - Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) at Wallerfield International Raceway, Trinidad & Tobago, June 20/21, 2015– RESULTS
Saturday June 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Day 5 Higahlights: SQUIRES CLAIMS FIRST WIN IN GBTI OPEN 2015 Nicola Ramdyhan in her quest to retain her title wasted no time to knock junior, Allan Chung, out of the Ladies Singles Open. She won the match comfortably at 6/0, 6/0. While on the other court, Kalysia Fraser continues to look strong as she dispatched Kizzy Richmond 6/3, 6/2 out of the competition in latest play. Philbert Clark started strong in his match against Mindat Lallbeharry in what would appear to be a troublefree win for Clark until Lallbeharry levelled the set at 4/4. Clark did not hesitate after this point to close the set at 6/4 and quickly repeated a 6/4 win in the second set. Philip Squires, who finished runner up last year to Anthony Downes, had a surprising battle for his first match. Squires is recognized for is agility and playful style but it was evident that he is not in his best form. GBTI 2014 Novice winner, Orande Dainty, played exceptional for his transition into the Open
Philip Squires category. His big serves and aggressive ground strokes earned him 4 games but the higher margin of errors on his part handed the game to Squires at 6/2, 6/2. Squires’ path to the finals is threatened by the likes of No. 4 seed, Daniel Lopes, and No 2 seed, Leyland Leacock.
To secure a spot in the finals, his game needs to be better. On the same half of the Men’s Open draw, Daniel Lopes took an easy win of 6/ 1, 6/0 over Charles Adams. Adams thought it was a tough match coming up against a national player nevertheless he served a higher percentage than the night before. He failed to capitalize on important points when it was most critical which cost him the match. The last match of the evening went to Harry Panday after his opponent; Alfonso Field tweaked his back during the third game of the first set. Field tried to press through the pain but serving became extremely difficult. Panday takes on Seanden David-Longe tonight at the GBTI Recreational Centre, Bel Air Park. Matches were not played yesterday but resume this morning for juniors, while the Open matches will begin at 4:30PM.
Bowlers benefit from ODI rule changes
ESPNcricinfo - In a move to give bowlers a bit of breathing room in 50-overs cricket, the ICC board has decided to do away with catching fielders in the first ten overs, get rid of the batting Powerplay, and allow five fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last ten overs of an ODI innings. The other notable change that will take place from July 5 will see free hits awarded for all no balls in ODI and T20 internationals, not just when bowlers overstep. These changes to the playing conditions were part of the recommendations made this May by the ICC’s cricket committee headed by the former India captain Anil Kumble. David Richardson, the ICC chief executive, said the modifications were made to make the “game simpler” for the fan and were approved by the ICC’s chief executive committee and further ratified by the ICC Board at the annual conference in Barbados this week. “What we tried to do is make the game simpler for the fan and at the same time try and at least claw back a little bit of balance in favour of the bowlers especially in the last ten overs of the innings,” Richardson said during a media conference on Friday. “So to that end we have got rid of the requirement to have com-
David Richardson speaks at the ICC Annual Conference, Barbados, June 26, 2015 ©International Cricket Council pulsory close catchers in the first ten overs.” Explaining the move to remove the batting Powerplay, Richardson said bowlers were getting a “hiding to nothing” with batting teams going on a rampage during the last fifteen overs, taking advantage of the expansive gaps in the outfield. “We have got rid of the batting Powerplay where you were only allowed three fielders outside the circle. It was normally taken between the 36th and 40th overs. So you had those 15 overs where it was all hell broke loose and especially if a batsman was set on a good batting wicket we were on a hiding to noth-
ing.” From October 2012 the ICC altered the fielding restrictions to ensure that no more than four fielders could be outside the circle at any stage of an ODI; previously five was the maximum. Although the change was implemented for the first time in a World Cup hosted earlier this year by Australia and New Zealand, teams have strongly criticised the move. Incidentally in March Richardson had told ESPNCricinfo that he supported the fielding restrictions as they made the cricket and team tactics more aggressive. “Personally I’d like to see that (Continued on page 27)
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NO.9 seed, Benjettan Osborne, sets up another match with Rudy Grant No. 1 seed Anthony Downes hardly broke a sweat in his first match of the tournament against national player, Keenan Persaud in the GBTI Open Tennis tournament. The sign of nervousness was evident as Persaud started the game with a few shaky shots. He produced a handful of winning shots but this did not make an impact in the indomitable Downes who won the match 6/0, 6/1. Former Caribbean champion for U12, Afruica Gentle, emerged victorious in her match against Shivani Persaud. Despite the big swings launched at her, she held her ground and made as equally damaging counter shots at Gentle. Her forehand was her biggest weapon but Gentle played strategically by hitting C balls which was out of Persaud’s hitting range. Gentle won her match 7/5, 6/ 4. In the Men’s Open, Bishan Dalip held to defeat Lemuel Ross. The final score was 6/3, 6/3. The most
Benjettan Osborne anticipated match for the night came in the same category between Benjettan Osborne and Jordan Beaton. Osborne served to begin the match, which featured two failed break chances by Beaton. He held his own serve, leveling the match at one game apiece. Osborne was immediately broken after that and appeared to lose all
focus. Osborne eventually picked up the pace and placed himself in the position to serve for the came at 5/4 but Beaton held on to break his serve and ultimately took the first set to a tiebreaker. Osborne turned on the ignition, stepped on the gas and raced to a 6-0 lead in the tiebreaker. He surrendered, secured the set with a clean down the line winner to rack up 16 winners in the first set. Taking the momentum into the second set, Osborne broke his opponent’s serve with a softly hit forehand shot. That trend (losing serves) continued until the fourth game, when Osborne held serve and immediately broke to go up 4/1. Both players exchanged a break in serve. Osborne secured the next game which gave him the win at 7/6 (7/1), 6/2. He sets up another match with Rudy Grant who is looking for the opportunity to settle old scores. The two clashed last Open in a 3 set which lasted over 2 hours in Osborne favour 4/6, 7/5, 6/2.
Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition
Skeldon High edge Skeldon Line Path 4-3 in penalty shootout Skeldon High made it to the next round of the Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition after surviving 43 in a penalty shootout against Skeldon Line Path Secondary yesterday, at the Skeldon Community Centre ground. The two teams had played to a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time with Orsino Moses (26th) and Ravin Hendricks (50th) netting for the winners, while Ravin Partab booted in a brace in the 41st and 47th minutes for the losers. Moses sent Skeldon High ahead when he scored from the penalty spot after being brought down in the penalty area. Supported by some excellent goalkeeping by Odean Cort for Line Path, their strikers turned the pressure on Skeldon High and Partab went around defender Ken Austin and then pulled away from the next defender Kundan Dhunmun, before firing past Thophal Grey stationed between the uprights Partab, who was making life miserable for the Skeldon High backline, was again in action when he punched in from close range as the transfixed Grey watched the ball head over the line.
Skeldon High goalscorers (from left) Orsino Moses and Ravin Hendricks pose for a photo op yesterday. This immediately prompted captain Safraz Esan to take up the position between the uprights and he too had to produce a spectacular save to deny Partab a hattrick, turning the ball round the corner for a corner-kick. With time expiring Skeldon High went on an all out attack and the tactic paid dividends when Hendricks ran on to a weighted pass from Akeem Blades, but his effort was intercepted by a defender who in his effort to rifle the ball out of the danger zone saw it slam into Hendricks’ foot and rebound into the back of the goal to
level the proceedings at 2-2. Both teams tried desperately to net the go-ahead goal, but when the final whistle sounded to signal the end of regulation time they remained deadlocked and a penalty shootout was the next option to unseal the two teams. The ensuing spot kicks tilted back and forth until a miss by Skeldon Line Path and a successful final effort from Skeldon sealed victory. The Region Six leg of the knock out tournament will continue on Sunday when Orealla take on Siparuta at Orealla.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 27, 2015
New Constitution adopted by GFF MAs Affiliates increase from 12 to 22 In a vote of unanimity, members of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday adopted a new constitution that will govern the future development of the sport. Convened at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, yesterday’s Extra Ordinary Congress was attended by the Rupununi Football Association, Berbice Football Association, East Demerara Football Association, Georgetown Football Association, East Bank Football Association, West Demerara Football Association, Guyana Football Referees Council, National Association of Women’s Football and the Guyana Football Coaches Association with all voting in favor of the new rules which took immediate effect. The process which was guided by FIFA through Head of Member Associations Primo Cavaro, who was also present as well as CONCACAF and overseen by the GFF Normalisation
Committee headed by Clinton Urling, was achieved in seven (7) months. It was a historical moment for the sport as the membership of the GFF has now increased from 12 to 22 which will see for the first time in the hundred plus year history of the sport, clubs, in this case eight Elite Clubs being bestowed with voting rights. The members are: Regional Associations: Bartica FA, Berbice FA, East Bank FA, East Coast FA, Essequibo/ Pomeroon FA, Georgetown FA, Rupununi FA, Upper Demerara FA, West Demerara FA. The eight Elite Clubs: Alpha United, Slingerz FC, Guyana Defence Force, Monedderlust FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Georgetown Football Club, Pele FC and Buxton United FC; Guyana Football Coaches Association, Guyana Football Referees Council, Guyana National Women’s Football Association, Guyana Futsal Association and the Guyana Beach
Soccer Association. Each of the members are entitled to two delegates at Congresses but only entitled to one vote each. Unlike the past where elections were held for each position, the new constitution under Article 26:3 states: “Elections shall take place by slate. Each slate must foresee one candidate per position. A candidate may not be listed in more than one slate.” Each member of the GFF will now have to redo their constitution to mirror the GFF’s and must hold elections which will be supervised by the NC. Following this process, the GFF will then hold its elections which will again be supervised by the NC. Urling speaking at a post congress, press conference said that the Congress was very cordial and lasted for about one and a half hours. Cavaro in remarks said he was very happy to be part of history in Guyana where the MAs were unanimous in adopting a new constitution. ”You know better than me
how was the situation before we set up the Normalisation Committee and I think that what has been achieved today should help as the chairman said to move forward positively.” Cavaro commended the efforts made by the NC in bringing the football family together to achieve something good for the sport in Guyana. The FIFA MA Head also noted that members stated that it has been a long time since such a cordial meeting among affiliates was achieved with mutual respect for each other. He posited that these are signs which make him optimistic about the future of the game here. He stated that the issue of Elite Clubs now being able to vote is not unique to Guyana noting that it is aimed at promoting balance among the main stakeholders whilst also encouraging dialogue amongst them. Cavaro said going forward members of the ethics, electoral, appeals and disciplinary
Ansa McAl on board with BCB fundraiser .....Caricom Championship 2015. Beverage giant Ansa MCAL under the Carib brand is on board with the Berbice Cricket Board Fundraiser.....”Caricom Championship 2015". The company will have the full bar rights for the event. At a simple ceremony held recently, Berbice Manager Mark Bhikhai commended the initiative by the board to raise its own funds to carry out its mandate. He is happy to hear also that proceeds from this event will go towards a long awaited three day cricket competition for first division teams in the county, a tournament that will surely develop our young and aspiring cricketers. Speaking on behalf of the board, Angela Haniff, BCB representative, thanked Ansa McAl for their support once more and for recognizing the work of the BCB and its intention to play three day first division cricket after many years. She said that the WICB receives lots of funding from the ICC for cricket development but it seems like that money is only channeled to certain preferred boards and areas. She is calling on the New Minister of Sports to intervene in the current cricket situation in Guyana and bring back normalcy, for all and sundry are affected. Haniff re-
ANSA McAl Berbice Manager Mark Bhikhai hands over sponsorship cheque to BCB representative, Angela Haniff in the presence of the Alicia Anderson, Marketing Assistant of the company and BCB selector Leslie Solomon. minded that gathering that ANSA McAl is also the sponsor of The Carib Beer T20 First Division Cricket Competition for teams in Berbice. The BCB is working to make sure that three day first division cricket returns to Berbice and proceed from this event will go towards that initiative. The board is appealing to all cricket lovers in Guyana and in the diaspora to come on board with the BCB to further enhance the game in the ancient county. The board is also calling on former Berbice players for assistance. Contact can be made on telephone numbers 333-2375, 655-4140 and 623-6875. Emails can also be sent to
abeharry1970@yahoo.com and ros_haniff2001@yahoo.com. Others sponsors on board so far are: Sentinel Security Inc, Republic Bank Guyana Ltd, Tiger Sports, Balram Shane Variety Store of Rose Hall Town, Sandeep Ramdas of Ishmail Poultry Establishment (Pampey), Safraz Photo Studio, Office Express Daniel Harricharran of Beauty and Home Systems and Rocky of Palace Taxi Service and Restaurant and Bar. The board would also like to thank the print and electronic media for their support so far. The Caricom Championship will be played at the historic Albion Sports Complex on Sunday July 5, 2015 will see eight top first division teams
in Berbice taking part in a ten over knockout competition with the final of 20 overs to be played under lights for a top prize of $80,000 and trophy. The runner up will receive $40,000 and trophy with the losing finalists $15,000 each. Man of the match in every game will be rewarded. The teams will don coloured clothing and white balls will be used. Action begins at 10am sharp with the top Berbice cricketers on show. Many gate prizes will be up for grabs with a well stocked ANSA McAl bar and musical entertainment present. Games for the young and old will be there. Entrance is $300 for adults, children under 12 free.
FIFA Head of Member Associations Primo Cavaro FIFA (left) and GFF NC Chairman Clinton Urling during yesterday’s press conference. committees will be elected by the congress rather than being appointed by the executive. He noted that this move by FIFA is to combat the challenges that are currently facing the sport at the highest level. ”It’s a kind of guarantee for more independence.
The new constitution will now set the pattern for the GFF to move forward and to get to what you deserve. I will report on the good job of the NC but also I will report on the good spirit which prevailed here today which was really positive.”
Johnson King dominoes on tomorrow in Linden With the aim of improving their community through sports, a small group of Lindeners in collaboration with Lawrence Johnson will be hosting a King Dominoes competition on June 28 at Watooka Complex in the mining town of Linden. The competition which is being dubbed ‘Desert Eagle’ will see the winner pocketing $500,000. Entrance fee is $1000 per person and nomination commences at 09:00
hrs. There will be other attractions including a ball room dance off which carries a first prize of $10,000. Players from Berbice, Georgetown and Linden are expected to battle for supremacy. Meanwhile Mark Wiltshire will stage a two-inone-out 4-game tournament on the same day at the said venue. Entrance fee is $10,000.
Ramdhan Distribution appointed CPL Ticket Agent in Berbice Cricket fans in Berbice can purchase tickets for the upcoming Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches in New Amsterdam following the appointment of Ramdhan Distribution as a new ticket agent in Berbice. Ramdhan Distribution is located at 19 Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, a few buildings from Berbice High School (BHS). Tickets went on sale on Thursday June 25th at the location and will be available for the Guyana leg of the Hero CPL which will be played from July 15th-21st at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
Guyana Amazon Warriors will square off against Jamaica Tallawahs on July 15th , then oppose St. Lucia Zouks on July 17, while on July 18th they battle against Barbados Tridents before meeting Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel on July 21st. Ramdhan Distribution can also be contacted on the following telephone numbers 333-5981, 676-9931 and 6220982. The office business hours are 08:30 hours to 16:00 hours. Meanwhile, fans countrywide can purchase tickets at the CPL Central office at Middle Street while from July 1st tickets will go on sale at the Ticket Office at the Guyana National Stadium.
Saturday June 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Entertaining action in DIGICEL/GSA Senior NPG Packaging Basketball competition in Berbice Rockers demolish Jammers after slow National Squash Championships start to reach finals with 75-45 win Larissa Wiltshire (right) serves in the fifth game of her match against Ashley DeGroot.
Squash enthusiasts were treated to an evening of high entertainment when The Digicel Senior National Squash Championships continued on Thursday, with World Number 26 Nicolette Fernandes turning in a 3-0 victory over exciting Junior Makeda Harding (11/5, 11/2, 11/7). Ashley DeGroot later held off a determined comeback from Larissa Wiltshire to hold on to a 3-2 w i n o v e r t h e J u n i o r. Wiltshire recovered from being two games down to challenge her Senior opponent by winning consecutive games of her
Smithfield Rockers steadied themselves after a shaky start to hammer Rose Hall Town Jammers 75-45 for a lopsided victory and book their place in the final alongside Canje Knights in the NPG Packaging Inter club First Division Basketball competition for teams in Berbice. The game was the second semi final game which was played last Sunday at The Fyrish basketball court. The Rockers took some time to steady themselves and were behind 9-10 at the end of the first quarter. However at the start of the second stanza things began to take a turn as the Rockers began to find their range and were leading 30-24, by the
half time whistle. The Rockers were in full flow during the third quarter as they began to assault the Jammers from all angles to extend their lead to a sizable 40-35 by the end of that piece. The last quarter was a walk in the park for the roving Rockers romped away for the big 75-45 win. For the Smythfield Rockers, Michael Bowen led the way with 14 points and received good support from Shemroy McKenzie 10, Robert Esseboom 10 and Jamal Felix with 9. The Rose Hall Jammers top scorers were Eon Wiggins with 11, Perry Cort and Osafo Profit with 10 each and Keven Wiggins
with 8. The final is set for Sunday between Smythfield Rockers and Canje Knights at the Fyrish Basketball Court and is expected to be played under lights. In The third place playoff host Fyrish Black Sharks are expected to match skills with Rose Hall Town Jammers. Canje Knights had destroyed Fyrish Black Sharks 83-66 in the first semifinal to book their place in the final. The top two teams will receive cash incentives and medals. The most valuable player will also be presented with a trophy. The organiser is Vibert Garrett. (Samuel Whyte)
FREE 3-WEEK SUMMER GOLF CLINIC at Lusignan Golf Club
own. As the match moved into the fifth game the players exchanged match points before DeGroot
finally ended the match 13/11. Ashley Khalil and (Continued on page 27)
Beginning Tuesday 14th July and continuing on successive Tuesdays and Thursdays for 3 weeks until Thursday 6th August, a free golf clinic for all ages above 10, will be conducted at the Lusignan Golf Club. Interested persons should call the numbers 265-2205, 265-2217 or 618-0217 to
register their interest. Spaces are limited and registering of participants will close at 16:30 hours on Friday 10 July, 2015. Programmed for 10:00 – 13:00 hours on the scheduled days, the clinic will be conducted by a team of skilful golfers and will comprise many practical
exercises as well as some theoretical instructions with regards to the basics of golfing. Persons attending the clinic should wear golfing attire and sports shoes, but jeans and armless clothing are not allowed. Each participant is asked to walk with at least six (6) golf balls.
Caribbean Guinness Street Football Challenge Competition
Chase- Green optimistic about team’s chances Manager of Sparta Boss, the team that won the right to represent Guyana at this w e e k e n d ’s C a r i b b e a n Guinness Street Football Challenge Competition, Terrence Chase-Green in an invited comment shortly after the team’s final practice session on Tuesday night was optimistic about their chances of doing well at the event. The Caribbean tournament which will be played in Jamaica is expected to bring together teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Aruba, Barbados, Haiti, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and Dominica along with first time hosts Jamaica. Chase-Green in commenting on the team’s preparations said, “We are very confident because everyone has been putting in a lot of hardwork which is the recipe for good results and that is what we are
looking for”. He added that because they’ve not eased off since winning the national final the thoroughness of their preparations has confirmed his confidence that they will do well, especially with the inclusion of two experienced guest players in Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson and Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant, both of who have played with the senior national team and are extremely skilful players. “Everyone has been coming out on time and working hard and because of the kind of discipline and commitment I’ve seen I have every reason to feel confident.” Since the competition started four years ago, Guyana ended runners-up on two occasions with Back Circle in the inaugural competition and Queen Street of Tiger Bay in last year’s tournament.
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Manager of Sparta Boss Terrence Chase-Green (3 left) poses with team members following their final practice session on Tuesday night.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 27, 2015
Something went horribly wrong in Tortola
Guyana’s National Basketball Team along with management poses for their official CBC photo in Tortola, BVI last week. (www.caribbeanbasketball.com photo) By Edison Jefford Forensic analysis has become common parlance for most Guyanese in this post-election era that
necessitated righting the many perceived wrongs. It will not be ad hoc if a forensic study is done to ascertain information as to w h e r e G u y a n a ’s m a l e
basketball team went wrong in the Caribbean Championships in Tortola. This team left these shores with the hope of at least a Final Four place after
5th annual Trophy Stall Volleyball competition set for tomorrow at Port Mourant CC The Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) with sponsorship from Mr. Ramesh Sunich of The Trophy Stall will be staging the 4th Annual Trophy Stall Volleyball Competition tomorrow at the Port Mourant all weather court situated in the Port Mourant Community Centre. Play starts at 09:30 hrs. A number of top teams from Berbice are expected to participate in the one day competition and among them are- :- PMTC 1, PMTC 2, Port Mourant Jaguars, 3 Door Strikers of D’Edward, Rollers of New Amsterdam, Fyrish, No 53 of Corentyne and Tain also of Corentyne . Two female teams are also expected to participate in the competition. To p t e a m C a s t r o l Strikers of Demerara has been invited as a guest team to match skills with its Berbice counterparts. The first, second and third place winners in the male category will receive trophies as well as the top team in the female category. Among the individual prizes
Flashback: Some of the beautiful trophies up for grabs last year and more are expected this year. up for grabs in both categories are –MVP, best setter, best spiker, best blocker, best server, best defence and best libero among others. Sponsor Mr. Ramesh Sunich is expected to be on hand to serve the ball and assist with the presentation c e r e m o n y, w h i l e t o p officials of the Guyana Volleyball Federation are also expected to be on hand.
T h e B VA i s a l s o expected to use the occasion to look at current and new players to continue training for upcoming events. The BVA wishes to thank Mr. Ramesh Sunich for his unwavering support in assisting to promote and develop Volleyball in Berbice and Guyana as a whole. All teams are urged to be punctual. (Samuel Whyte)
it finished fifth last year. Instead, Guyana finished tenth overall this year, albeit costing Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) in excess of $5 million. The GABF procured the funding from Government, and with a shrewd finance expert at the helm of the federation, it is almost certain that there will be an investigation into Guyana’s substandard performance at the just-concluded Caribbean Championships. Nigel Hinds, who knows all about accountability, being the head of Hinds and Associates, which is an Accounting Firm, will not let this pitiable showing slip, since he was the one who projected at minimum a Final Four place for Guyana. The team must be held accountable since it is obvious that something went horribly wrong in the British Virgin Islands. Five million plus dollars was expended on the national team, as such, it is reasonable to expect respectable performances in return. To allow the team to escape without analysis and/or penalties would be to deflate the Caribbean Championships as an outing or mere tour where creditable performances was never the aim. The GABF cannot set such a dangerous and comical precedent. From fifth in 2014 to last in 2015 cannot be ignored. The financial investment in the team, which raised its profile, cannot be ignored.
The nights of housing and feeding out-of-town players and a hydration process that included regular fruits for players cannot be ignored. Psychologically, how many players approached the flagship regional basketball competition with the seriousness of knowing a significant investment was made, or knowing that what is required is nothing less than an improvement from fifth place last year? Or did the beaches and other tourist attractions impacted the mind of players so much that they forgot the reason they were sent to Tortola? The point is the federation, as a representative of the nation, has to demand answers for Guyana’s freefall. It is no secret that Guyana is undersized and even perhaps unskilled in certain fundamentals and in certain positions, but at least the federation created the mock situations where they played two of the teams in their group at the Caribbean Championships. Before winging out to Tortola, Guyana had beaten Bermuda 3-0 in a series in March and lost 1-2 to Suriname in Suriname. Both Bermuda and Suriname were in Group B along with Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas and Guyana that finished without a win in the group. Bahamas lost to Virgin Islands in the Championship game while Antigua finished third overall in the Caribbean Championships. The GABF had fancied
Guyana’s chances after beating two of the four opponents in its group leading up to the competition. But while in Tortola, the Guyanese suffered monotonous meltdowns to the point that Surinamese blew them out 81-48 in their game. They also lost heavily to The Bahamas (69-89), Antigua (60-80), and Cayman Islands (89-60); Guyana’s closest game came against Bermuda, losing 6574 in the latter stages. After Guyana’s campaign against an impressive Bermuda team in Guyana it was widely believed that the local players are capable of accounting for themselves against quality opponents. Guyana went to Suriname and reinforced that popular perception. Hence, the federation fed the team with its needs from its international roster: a proper ‘big man’ in the form of US-based, Gordon James and shooting guard, Keron McKenzie. The remainder of the 12man team came from the locally-based players. From assessing the FIBA stats during the competition, Guyana’s overall efficiency was poor and their psychological strength and fitness in the fourth quarter were also detrimental factors. Coach Darcel Harris and Manager, Andrew Hercules should produce reports; these documents will give further insight into what really went wrong in Tortola.
Saturday June 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 33
Digicel Nationwide Schools Football competition GFF Extra Ordinary Congress lifts suspension on UDFA Exco members Farley scores 4 as St John’s
overwhelm E’bo Islands Secondary 11-0
Members of the GFF at yesterday’s Extraordinary Congress at the Marriott Hotel. The Extraordinary Congress of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) held yesterday at the Marriott Hotel by majority decision approved the lifting of the suspension that was imposed on Executive Members of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) on January 17, 2014 at a Special Extraordinary Congress. The members who have received a new lease on their administrative careers are former President Sharma Solomon who was previously suspended for 8 years, while respective 5 year suspensions were imposed on Collie Hercules, Claude Williams, Wainewright Bethune, Rawle Johnson, Jeffrey Trotman, Ansawatt Barrett, Patrick Dey, Terrence Mitchell and Clive Brusche. The officials had appealed their suspension by way of letter to the GFF
Normalisation Committee on January 30, 2015. The GFF Normalisation Committee submitted a motion to the members at yesterday’s Extraordinary Congress which was deliberated upon after which the members voted by way of majority to lift the respective suspensions with immediate effect. Only the Georgetown Football Association abstained from the vote. The officials from Linden were suspended by the Christopher Matthias led GFF for playing their Final on January 1, 2014 at the M S C G r o u n d , simultaneously with the GFA’s Banks Beer Cup Finals at the Guyana National Stadium. Congress at the time believed that the two should not have been played on the same day but the UDFA explained that their Finals being played on
Brooklyn X2 to host sevena-side football in Linden Brooklyn X2 promotion will be hosting a grand interward seven-a-side football tournament on July 6 at Wisburg Secondary School ground in Linden. Among the teams slated to take part are Blue Beery Hill, Silver City Valley Combined, Christianburg, Amelia’s Ward, Mines West Wakatoo and Central Mac Kenzie. Entrance fee is $3,000 and the winning team will take home $100,000, the runner up $50,000 and third place $20,000. Coordinator Marlon Washington said there will be lots of giveaways for the fans, music and a bar. Banks Beer, I-Cee, B e l l a ’s L u m b e r Ya r d , Babloo Car Rental, Foreign Links, Jermain and Sons
Marlon Washington Grocery, Melissa Brewley of High Rollers FC, Snooks Variety, Jacks Restaurant and Bar are some of the sponsors on board so far. Admission is $500 and action gets underway at 12:00 hrs.
New Year’s Day, 2014 meant a lot to the Linden community and as such, went ahead with same. It was also argued by Linden that a final in Linden would not be a hindrance to the finals being played 65 miles away. The members all agreed that they were happy to welcome back the administrators to serve since Guyana’s football needs everyone on board going forward. Members present were Rupununi Football Association, Berbice Football Association, East Demerara Football Association, Georgetown Football Association, East Bank Football Association, West Demerara Football Association, Guyana Football Referees Council, National Association of Women’s Football and the Guyana Football Coaches Association.
Goal scorers (from left) Keon Farley, Ruben Dainty, Akimbo Henry, Sheldon Benjamin, Randy Bharrat & Gary Mingo.
By Sean Devers The game was not as onesided as the final result suggested when the Digicel National Schools Football tournament continued yesterday at the National Track & Field Centre at Leonara with St John’s Secondary whipping Essequibo Islands Secondary 11-nil in the Region Three Zone. Consistent late starts have now became ‘normal’ in this tournament and when the contest eventually commenced in sunny conditions, a small gathering of spectators comprising
mainly female Teachers of the St. John’s school saw the West Coast institution reach 4-0 by half time. But St John’s Secondary, which was originally located opposite the Leonora Stadium in the Village of Edinburgh, but is now housed at Den Amstel Community Center due to the unfit state of the bottom flat of their school, had to work hard for their goals in the first stanza as the Essequibo side displayed a decent defence on the heavy field. St John’s created two scoring opportunities inside the first three minutes but
E’bo Islanders’ defence exhibited good clearances on both occasions. However, in the 5 minute, Sheldon Benjamin collected a loose ball in front the goal mouth and booted it for the opening goal and their supporters, some of whom knew nothing about Football, screamed in delight. Although St John’s had more ball possession, the students from the Essequibo school, which is located in the Island of Wakenaam which produced International Cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan, had a (Continued on page 27) th
t r o Sp Sachia Vickery qualifies for Skeldon High edge Skeldon Line Path 4-3 in penalty shootout Wimbledon Singles main draw
Sachia Vickery (left) proudly flies the Guyana flag with Dominique Mitchell and mom Paula Liverpool after her success at Wimbledon. (Paula Liverpool facebook)
Action in the clash between Skeldon High and Skeldon Line Path Secondary yesterday at the Skeldon Community Centre ground.
New Constitution adopted by GFF MAs Affiliates increase from 12 to 22
Delegates of the GFF MAs that attended yesterday’s Extraordinary Congress pose for a photo following successful deliberations. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210