Sunday June 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
‘Guyana a Shining Star’ at Tourism Expo in New York - Minister The hundreds of patrons that attended the opening of the Guyana Trade and Tourism Expo in New York were more than thrilled by the energetic and entertaining cultural performances that heralded the start of the three-day event which ends today. The Fitzgerald Stadium came alive on Friday evening as Guyanese music filled the air. The aromas of local food wafted about, welcoming the throngs that came to see the display of craft, products, food and fashion. Addressing the gathering at the opening ceremony, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali expressed his gratitude that the patrons took the time to visit the event and to participate in the many sweepstakes and activities planned for the occasion. “Today we join all of our brothers and sisters back home in sharing a piece of your country with you and the many opportunities that you can be part of. That is why we brought this Trade and Tourism Expo here, we believe that we have a strong tourism product,” Minister Ali announced. At this point, Ali spoke of the record year in arrivals last year, when Guyana was leading the 32-member Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) countries in arrivals with several record breaking months. Commenting on the developments sweeping the nation, the Tourism Minister said that Guyana has moved from a destination with 700 hotel rooms to one with more than 3000 rooms, excluding the accommodation at the Marriott Hotel which is under construction. He said, “In addition we will be having a new airport and more than $32B has been
Sir Clive Lloyd autographing souvenir bats invested in the improvement of infrastructure to develop the industry. Major investors are turning to Guyana as they realise that have the opportunity to expand their business.” Minister Ali resounded the call for more Guyanese to return home. He assured those gathered that the government is ready to partner with them and welcome them home. He said, “We want all Guyanese to be part of the transformational process, we want to take this opportunity to say that home is awaiting you and we want you to be part of the future Guyana. I want to assure you that we have a bright future ahead.” Vice President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Mr. Christopher Nascimento, also spoke of the investment climate in Guyana and reiterated the Minister’s call for more Guyanese to
return home. “We need every one of you to partner with us and to return home to invest and retire. You are our partners and we are your partners so let us join together,” he stated. Tourism brand ambassador and veteran Guyanese cricketer, Clive Lloyd, also spoke of the developments in Guyana. He too placed the call for more persons to witness the developments taking place. The expo opened Friday morning and by the closing time that night, the venue was still overflowing with patrons all wanting a chance to glimpse the displays and experience the authentic products on display. For many patrons, the
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nostalgic nature of the expo provided the incentive to visit and for others it offered the chance to network and to meet industry representatives on hand with important investment, housing, travel and tax information. The Guyanese business representatives that travelled to New York for the show all lauded the organisers and pointed to the massive exposure that such an activity will provide, considering it spanned several days and will attract thousands to visitors.
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The important things in life A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.” “Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff.” “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial
Income Inequality The furore raised over the introduction of the minimum wage, scheduled to kick in tomorrow, raises the issue of income inequality. This issue has become a burning question not only in the US and Europe but in every country in which the neo-liberal economic medicine has been administered. Last month we raised the issue of “Democracy and Inequality” in this space, but the income disparity has some different angles which must also be examined. In Guyana we can compare the minimum wage of $35,000 per month against the reported $2 million the CEO of GPL is said to earn. The latter is 57 times the former and does not include a wide range of “fringes” that might very well run into millions of dollars. Asked about the astronomical compensation levels at the Corporation, the CEO gave one of the standard justificatory responses: certain jobs need such high and specialised level of skills, the almost unique individuals must receive commensurate salaries to retain them. In all of the developed countries this increasing income gap between the top and bottom wage earners has grown. In the US, where the already high share of the top one per cent has grown by 275 per cent since 1980, the comparable rise for the entire bottom fifth grew by just 18 per cent. Total executive compensation packages average 228 times the minimum wage of about $15,000 annually. The question for us in Guyana is whether we will use the US as a model for income levels or instead, use the Scandinavian countries, where the wage disparity is considerably smaller but the standard of living is consistently ranked higher than that of the US. The executive salaries are just an extreme example of the justification for other high paying jobs in the economy: that these jobs need a higher level of training in the new technologies. But if we examine the types of jobs that generated the greatest increases in income, both relatively and absolutely, they are primarily in “finance”, where from all the available evidence, the greatest skill needed is a willingness to take the risks involved in gambling. In the meantime, “finance” has generated almost 40 per cent of the profits in the US with the spoils going directly to the top one per cent, who have used their wealth to game the system. The justification for the mega salaries offered to the CEO of GPL along the lines of their US counterparts is therefore somewhat self-serving since the corporations in Scandinavia are in no way less complex to manage. Critics however, point out that the crucial difference between the two models is the level of taxation. In the US, tax rates for the highest earners have actually fallen during the period since the 1970’s when their incomes were rising the fastest. The effective tax rate for the top hundredth of a percentile has fallen by more than half, from 71.4 percent in 1960 to 34.7 percent in 2004. Interestingly, studies have shown that the declining tax rates actually spurred the top earners to demand even higher salaries. Critics of the new status quo consequently argue that increasing the tax rates on the highest earners may help in more than just the redistribution: it may also discourage the top earners from demanding higher salaries. But ultimately it comes down to the dominant ethos of the day: how much is “enough” and do we have an interest in building a less divided society? But even more fundamentally are we homo sapiens economicus in that all our decisions arise out of the drive for material wealth. Looking around us today, it would appear that Marx might have lost the battle (between capitalism and communism) but won the war as to what motivates man. We may have been somewhat fortunate up to now that our economy has not been “financialised” as much as the ones up north and adopted their guiding philosophy tout court. But just last week there was a conference intended to correct that “defect”, just as the $35,000 minimum wage kicked in. Let us keep equity in mind.
Sunday June 30, 2013
Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
HOLD ON TO THE GOLD, BETTER TIMES ARE APPROACHING DEAR EDITOR, Yesterday June 24, 2013 I attended a funeral of a good friend; there I met a long time buddy. He seriously confronted me saying; you wrote about gold when it was going up. What should I do now with my gold, since the price seems to be heading to new lows? I smiled, patted his shoulder and advised him to hold on to your physical gold. Don’t panic! As a businessman you must be prepared to take risks and be
patient with this volatile market. Yes, indeed gold has taken a huge correction and many gold analysts still see further weakness in the market, but I remain bullish for gold. Mr. Ben Bernanke Chairman of the U.S Federal Reserves, alluded to the fact that he will cut back on Quantitative Easing (QE) which is an unconventional monetary policy used by central banks to stimulate their national economy when standard monetary policy has become ineffective.
Mr. Bernanke further stated that the U.S economy is getting better and there is no great concern for inflation. These statements have stimulated great debate between the wise man Bernanke and some brilliant economists in the United States. The QE fiscal stimulus is a long way from coming to an end. The wise men of the Global Central Banks will continue to print money hoping to stimulate their respective economies. Many countries in the
developed world, including some European countries, are on the verge of bankruptcy, mass demonstrations against austerity measures, the geopolitical problems in the Middle East, high unemployment, political tensions between Russia, China and the United States of America and last but not the least the ever rising gap between the rich and poor countries. The prospects for gold remain very strong in spite of (Continued on page 7)
Sunday June 30, 2013
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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox RON WEBSTER ACQUIRED 85.31% STAKE IN CCI FOR G$300,000 - AND NO MONEY PAID DEAR EDITOR, A review by Business Page of Sunday Stabroek of May 5, 2013 of the annual reports and financial statements of three companies, including Caribbean Container Inc. (CCI), about which three concerns were raised, drew a sharp response from Mr Ronald Webster, that company’s Chairman and Managing Director in respect of one of those concerns which dealt with his controlling interest in CCI. It was Mr. Webster’s view that the column ignored certain statements in CCI’s annual reports for the years 2005 through to 2012. So what did Business Page ignore? Here are five assertions in the reports by Mr. Webster as the company’s Managing Director and by the Board of which he is Chairman, each followed by the facts gleaned from publicly held records. I add some comments as seem appropriate. Assertion 1: That the shareholders of Technology Investment and Management Inc.(“TIMI”), up to the time of the death of Mr. Colin Wiltshire, were Mr. Ronald Webster and Mr. Colin Wiltshire. (See page 15 of 2009
Report of the Directors). The facts: The annual returns and audited financial statements of TIMI filed with the Registrar of Companies for the period 2004 to 2010 indicate Mr. Ron Webster was the only person to whom any shares in TIMI were ever issued until December 20, 2012 when 600 class “A” shares valued at $5,618,000 were issued to Ms. Patricia Bacchus in consideration “for past services. Ms. Bacchus joined the company as a Consultant in September 2006, became Company Secretary in 2007 and was later appointed Director of Administration and Chief Operating Officer. The Annual Reports indicate that 500 shares may have been allotted to Mr. Wiltshire but were never issued to him and accordingly he was never a shareholder in TIMI. Incidentally, under the Companies Act 1991, a shareholding does not vanish on death, the personal representative becoming entitled to be entered in the company’s register of members. Unfortunately for Mr. Wiltshire his “18 years of exemplary service including ten as Director, Administration”, and as an
incorporator of TIMI were not regarded by Mr. Webster as adequate consideration for the issue to him of 500 shares valued at between $50,000 (the minimum issue price of the shares) and $500,000 (computed at the price at which Mr. Webster issued shares to himself). Assertion 2. That TIMI was formed to provide turnaround management services in Guyana and the Caribbean. The facts: Since its incorporation on January 16, 2004, TIMI carried on absolutely no business, not even management services to CCI with which it shares common officers. Except for the shares in CCI’s holding company transferred to Webster’s company TIMI, by RandWhitney Caribbean, and the issue of shares by TIMI to Mr Webster and Ms. Bacchus, TIMI has had no transaction of any materiality or note. The records indicate that TIMI is a passive holding company and raise the question whether the company was anything more than a vehicle for the principal if not sole purpose of taking over Rand-Whitney
Caribbean’s interest in CCI for the benefit of Mr. Webster. TIMI was so passive that it was not until January 2012 that it had its first audit after eight years of existence. Assertion 3: That the articles of TIMI permit shareholding in TIMI by managers of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including CCI. The facts: While the Articles do so provide the public records show that except for shares issued to Ms. Bacchus no shares were ever issued to any managers of TIMI or CCI or indeed to anyone else. It is noted that
at the time of the purported buyout the management team of CCI consisted of ten persons including two executive directors other than Mr. Webster. Yet in that purported management buyout, the records show that Webster issued shares only to himself. Assertion 4: That TIMI acquired the 85.31% of the shares in CCI from RandWhitney Caribbean under a right to purchase arrangement. The facts: The audited financial statements of TIMI indicate investment at the
cost of $300,000 Guyana dollars, or US$1,500for the 100% shareholding in Demerara Holdings Inc. That investment gave TIMI control of 129,670,230 shares (or 85.31%) in CCI. Moreover, an examination of those financial statements discloses no payment to Rand-Whitney Caribbean but merely a provision of $300,000 which has remained unpaid ever since the purported purchase transaction was made at the end of 2006. Strangely, the auditors of TIMI, TSD Lal & Co. have (Continued on page 7)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 30, 2013
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox DID FORBES BURNHAM SEE ME AND WALTER RODNEY AS SOCRATES’ CHILDREN? DEAR EDITOR, This is my final reply to Minette Bacchus. To continue a polemic with Bacchus is to encourage her in her pretence to intellectual claims. All her outpourings are banal repetitions of the same offering - Burnham didn’t kill Rodney; provide the evidence; Rodney was an adventurer; WPA knows what happened and it goes on ad naseum. She will respond to any argument with these repetitive asininities. She did it with Tacuma Ogunseye, M. Maxwell, me and Errol Harry. She will go on doing it. All you end with is self-abuse by
continuing any discussion with this woman But in her jejune attempt to come across as an intellectual discussant, she has self-destructed. The supporters of Forbes Burnham are going to maul her after which they will exile her. Was Forbes Burnham a dictator? Guess who describes the nature of Burnham’s rule after which the only conclusion is that Burnham was a dictator. Here is Bacchus in her own words. I urge readers to read this quote twice or maybe thrice or four of five times. Bacchus wrote the follows words about how Burnham saw me (KN June 25); “The
Forbes Burnham Government refused to employ a dishonourable person to lecture in Guyana’s highest institution of learning. Kissoon was however fortunate under other administrations to be employed where he was given the opportunity to influence young and impressionable minds.” (end of quote) In 1974, after UG approved an appointment for Walter Rodney, Burnham intervened. Ten years after, he did the same thing to me. I came home from Grenada in 1984, got a UG appointment but Burnham intervened. What I am only learning now twenty eight years after, was
that Burnham denied me employment at UG because I was not good enough to teach young people. Socrates was charged for treason for corrupting young minds. So I guess Burnham thought that Walter Rodney, Frederick Kissoon, Andaiye, Bonita Bone, Dr. Mohammed Insanally, Dr. Katheen Drayton were not good enough to be exposed to young students. So we were either denied employment or sacked So Burnham, as we are now told by Bacchus, determined who work in their own country. UG was Burnham’s personal institution so he decided who
could be employed there. But if my memory served me right, Burnham didn’t have an electoral mandate to decide who worked at UG. According to the political studies I did at three universities, this kind of action by Burnham would be classified as dictatorship. But Bacchus would say no. Burnham was right. He had the right to chose which Guyanese was to be employed where in their own country. I wonder if Bacchus supports the same practice under the PPP in today’s Guyana? So there we have it. Burnham was a dictator and it came from the mouth of
THE UNDERLINGS IN THIS CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE HAVE BLENDED INTO GUYANA’S POLITICAL POWER ASSEMBLY DEAR EDITOR, David Casavis’ book documenting the mafia-like criminal connections between an American Embassy Official and Haleem Khan, exposes the development of a criminal enterprise that has grown to encompass virtually every aspect of our lives in Guyana. It did not disappear with the apprehension, prosecution and jailing of some of the principals in enterprise. In fact, since the removal from the scene of these principals, their underlings have blended into the political power assembly in Guyana, and are now being employed in a variety of nefarious purposes. And as has now become apparent, while the Minister of Home Affairs engages in his “wolf wolf” lament about
the potential for instability in the country, he has named one of these alleged underlings to a committee comprised of civilians responsible for reforming the Guyana Police Force. Talk about bare-faced hypocrisy and spitting in the eyes of the citizenry. Given the fact that one of these alleged underlings has now been appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs to the civilian commission to reform GPF the question becomes, what kind of reformation does this Minister have in mind for the force, and what will that reformation entail for the citizens of Guyana? Mr. Editor the press, the opposition, the international community, need to investigate these moves that
do not augur well for stability in our nation in particular, and in the region in general. We can well recall the attempt by the former President Bharat Jagdeo to impose a former New York Commissioner in an oversight position over the Guyana Police Force. We can recall that this man was subsequently indicted and jailed for a myriad of criminal acts in the United States of America. Over the past two decades, the PPP regime and its leaders have displayed a propensity to align themselves with some of the most criminally corrupted individuals, all the while accusing others of supporting criminality. They say show me your friends and I can tell who you are, and
based on these associations, there should be no question about who is supporting, directly or indirectly, criminality in Guyana. I call on the Minister of Home Affairs to inform the Guyanese public about the reason behind the revocation of his US Visa during that turbulent period, and we aint buying that Vietnam War protest nonsense. I further call on the opposition and all civic minded Guyanese to procure this book, to read it, and to draw an understanding of the hidden and nefarious machinations at work in Guyana. The book is available at http:// w w w. a m a z o n . c o m / T h e Thomas-Carroll-Affairebook/dp/B00D8DYBWY/ ref=tmm_kin_title_popover?ie=U
TF8&qid=1372024584&sr=81-spell. The late American Attorney at Law and Associate Justice on the US Supreme Court Louis D Brandeis advised that quote, “......The Government teaches the whole people by its example. When the Government becomes the Law Breaker it breeds contempt for the Law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy.....”, or words to that effect. We have already experienced this in the unlawful expeditions of a former Minister of Home Affairs, and a scourge of blood letting that is unfortunately still with us. For the sake of our country, the future of our children, this slide must end now. Mark A. Benschop Political/Social Activist
Minette Bacchus. I hope the Governor of New York is not inclined to decide who should work at which place in New York where Bacchus lives. If he assumes that power, I wonder if Bacchus would approve of him sacking her from her job. Now I am assuming all (not most) readers would like to hear from Bacchus as to where Burnham got those powers that he used against the names I referred to above. But I could answer that. Bacchus would tell us that Burnham was the elected President of Guyana therefore he had the right to decide who worked in Guyana period! Finally, Bacchus wrote that I pointed to some great achievements of Burnham but when she does the same I criticize her. What Bacchus left out (and which she is incapable of understanding) is that I criticize her because she leaves out the other half – the bad side of Burnham. I write on both sides when it comes to Jagan and Burnham. They had great qualities and horrible qualities at the same time. But let me acknowledge that Bacchus may be changing. Her description of Burnham’s illegal and immoral denial of Guyanese the right to work in their own country is admission that Burnham was a dictator. I close my letter by saying that I can forgive Burnham for my employment denial, not the victimization of my wife. Burnham had no right to victimize her. She was purely a non-political person Frederick Kissoon
Sunday June 30, 2013
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RON WEBSTER ACQUIRED 85.31% STAKE IN... From page 5 concurred with the description of the investment in the financial statements as Cash in Hand and at Bank. Using the stock market value of a CCI share at December 31, 2006, the value of the shares thus acquired was $259,340,460 Guyana dollars, or 0.12% of the then market value. Having paid $442,000 for his shares in TIMI, Mr. Webster gained an 85.31% controlling interest in CCI. At a current stock market price of CCI’s shares of $10, Mr. Webster’s investment is worth more than $1.25 billion! Assertion 5: That TIMI had submitted a detailed restructuring and management buyout proposal to the Republic Bank Group on behalf of CCI management. The facts: The negotiation between RandWhitney Caribbean and Mr. Webster in which he effectively acquired 85.31% of CCI’s shares is not a “management buyout”. Even if Mr. Wiltshire was issued with any shares in TIMI that would still not constitute a management buyout, either applying the definition of the term in Barron’s Dictionary of Finance and Investment Terms – 8th Ed. as “thepurchase of all of a company’s publicly held shares by the existing
management, which takes the company private”, or considering that there were ten management personnel of CCI including one nonexecutive director other than Messrs. Webster and Wiltshire at the time of the transaction in 2006. Here are some other facts of note: 1. TIMI was in breach of the statutory requirement regarding the lodging and filing of Annual Returns and audited financial statements with the Registrar of Companies in respect of all the years from 2004 to 2010 by periods ranging from 7 ½ yearsin respect of 2004 and 1½ years in respect of 2010. In corroboration, the public records reveal that accounts and reports of the auditors for the year 2004 – 2010 were approved by the
two shareholders of TIMI – Ron Webster and Patricia Bacchus - on January 24, 2012. 2. On its incorporation, the registered office of TIMI was at the residence of Mr. Ron Webster but later moved to the chambers of Hughes, Fields and Stoby who are also the attorneys for CCI. 3. Note 23 of the 2006 audited financial statements of CCI reported that “TIMI has been instrumental in the negotiation phase between CCI and the Republic Bank Group and the promotion of the compromise settlement.” The only officers of TIMI - Messrs. Webster and Wiltshire - were paid officers of CCI, yet at least one of them – Webster – was engaged in negotiations in which he was a major beneficiary. In corporate law this is considered a breach of
HOLD ON TO...
From page 4 the price decline. At the very core, what gold bullion essentially does is provide safety from uncertainty. The health of the global economy looks to be deteriorating. As the Euro zone problems have already exacted a toll, now problems in China are sending threats to the global economy. The country is expected to show feeble growth this year, and worries of a credit
crunch in the Chinese economy are growing very quickly. What gold traders do not realize is that Central Banks in the global economy are still printing money. The Bank of Japan, through its QE, is buying almost $72.0 billion worth of bonds; the European Central Bank (ECB) has lowered its interest rates after it promised it will do whatever it takes to save the region. Nazar Mohamed
fiduciary obligation to CCI which subjects the fiduciary to the highest burdens of fair dealing beyond those of all persons engaging in contractual dealings. It is instructive to quote from Canadian Corporate Law, Cases, Notes and Materials, 4th Edition by Welling, Smith and Rotman where on page 363 the writers stated emphatically that “A director or officer who profits out of a conflict between self-interest and fiduciary duty to the corporation is liable to give up those profits”. It may be helpful in the circumstances to refer to the following dictum of Lord Herschell in Bray v. Ford, [1896] A.C. 44 at p. 51 (H.L.): “It is an inflexible rule of equity that a person in a fiduciary position …. is not, unless otherwise, entitled to make a profit; he is not allowed to put himself in a position where his interests and his duty conflict.” The writers continue on page 364 that “the principle clearly covers the case of managers who are interested in corporate contracts, but the principle can cover other
situations as well”. In summary, the statements repeatedly carried in annual reports of CCI are clearly contradicted by the facts. While $300,000 might have been booked by TIMI as the cost to acquire an 85.31% interest in CCI, the books of TIMI do not show any payment as having been made. The duty of fiduciaries to refrain from benefitting from corporate opportunities – such as a share-buyback – is well established in law. But that duty can and probably often is overlooked when the fiduciary is also the controlling shareholder, chief executive officer, chairman of the board and the manager of information flows to
shareholders, the public and regulators. Despite the overwhelming control of CCI by Mr. Webster, it remains a public company. Such companies must pay not only lip service to corporate governance: they must observe and practise it. Non-executive directors, who have no lesser fiduciary duties than executive directors and officers, must be prepared to take the lead. Christopher Ram
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Sunday June 30, 2013
Israelis and Palestinians downbeat as Kerry extends peace bid JERUSALEM (Reuters) U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry extended his Middle East peace mission yesterday, shuttling between Jerusalem and Amman for more talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders on reviving their stalled negotiations. But officials on both the feuding sides played down prospects of the bustle bringing about any imminent diplomatic breakthrough. Cancelling a trip to Abu Dhabi, Kerry flew from Jerusalem to the Jordanian capital for a second meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He then returned to Jerusalem to see Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a
third time. Early in the day, an Israeli official said Kerry’s visit could yield an announcement that Israeli and Palestinian delegates would meet under U.S. and Jordanian auspices. “There is such a possibility, but it is not certain,” the official told Reuters. But as Kerry headed for his evening meeting with Netanyahu, a member of the latter’s inner circle, Civil Defense Minister Gilad Erdan, sounded less upbeat in a television interview. Asked whether new direct talks with the Palestinians might be imminent, Erdan told Israel’s Channel Two: “To my regret, no, as of now.” “To the best of my
understanding, Abu Mazen (Abbas) is still demanding the same preconditions, which we have no intention of meeting,” Erdan said. Peacemaking broke down in 2010 in a dispute over Israeli settlement building in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians want for a future independent state. Abbas has said that, for new talks to be held, Netanyahu must freeze the settlements and recognize the West Bank’s boundary before its capture by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war as the basis for the future Palestine’s border. Israel, seeking to keep settlement blocs under any peace accord, balks at those terms. State Department officials said Abbas and Kerry had met privately for about two hours at Abbas’s residence in Amman before advisers
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L) meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Amman, Jordan, yesterday (Reuters) joined them. “U.S. efforts are continuing (but) until now no results that can lead to the resumption of negotiations,” a Palestinian source, briefed by officials on the talks, told Reuters. It was unclear whether Kerry would be able to announce a breakthrough before his scheduled departure for Asia on Sunday; U.S. officials have compared his shuttle diplomacy to Henry
Kissinger ’s Middle East peace efforts in the 1970s. Kerry - now on his fifth visit as a peace broker - has said he would not have returned to the region so soon if he did not believe he could make progress. He has been guarded about his plans to break the stalemate, while warning time is running out. He is keen to clinch a deal to resume talks before the United Nations General Assembly, which has already granted de facto recognition to a Palestinian state, convenes in September. Netanyahu is concerned that the Palestinians, in the absence of direct peace talks, could use the U.N. session as a springboard for further statehood moves circumventing Israel. With the Middle East engulfed in turmoil from protests in Egypt to the Syrian civil war, which is spilling into neighboring countries, Kerry has said it is time for “hard decisions” by Israel and the Palestinians. “It is urgent because time is the enemy of a peace process,” he said in Kuwait last week. “The passage of time allows a vacuum to be filled by people who don’t want things to happen.” State Department officials believe the sides will return to negotiations once there is an agreement on confidencebuilding measures - such as a partial Israeli amnesty for Palestinian security prisoners - and a formula for fresh talks. As an incentive for talks, Kerry is also working on a $4 billion economic plan led by ex-British prime minister Tony Blair, which would channel new investments in Palestinian areas via the private sector to boost jobs and economic growth.
Sunday June 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
Salvation Army Divisional Commanders relate Guyana experience
Captain Matignol Saint-Lot and his wife Mrs. Mireille Saint-Lot “The past ten years would not have been the same without them …We just want to celebrate who they are and what they have done for us”. One member of the Salvation Army noting the input of Captain Matignol Saint-Lot and his wife Mrs. Mireille Saint-Lot during their stint in Guyana, said that the couple has been Divisional Commanders of the Salvation Army in Guyana. They were assigned to this territory for the past ten years. Mr. Saint-Lot said that his family has grown to love and regard Guyana as their second home. Saint Lot and his wife are Haitians. “It was really exciting to be introduced to a country like Guyana with ethnic and cultural diversity. Over time, we have got to know the people and the people have grown to know us. We have worked with the drug rehabilitation programme for
five years; we worked with people through the length and breadth of Guyana.” The couple has three daughters, Matilda, Yolmeena and Melinda Saint- Lot. The latter child is Guyanese. “Our children helped us to integrate because they are more Guyanese than we are.
Guyana has been the place where the children grew up, therefore we could never forget our experience here. We learn from them. They know more about this country than our homeland.” “Speaking about the rehabilitation programme, Mrs. Saint Lot said, “The
experience was a great one where God has helped us to reshape the lives of many persons who thought that they were nothing living on the streets, abandoned by family to reform their lives and return to society.” Her experience inspired her single titled, “Stop.” “One of the things we are most happy about is the lives we’ve seen changed through the rehab programme. We are blessed to watch people who had given up on life get back on their feet and become contributors of society.” The Captains have spearheaded various aspects of the Salvation Army, fulfilling their mission of tending to the spiritual and social needs of the Guyanese populace to teaching, training and counseling via social networks of the church. Mr. Saint -Lot explained that their work is an answer to the call of ministry. Having travelled and worked throughout the country, the family will be leaving these shores with a complete package of the Guyana experience. The family will be heading to Jamaica for the next mission.
Corentyne carpenter dies after falling off lorry Gopaul Megnauth, 38, a carpenter of Number 47 Village Corentyne died yesterday morning after falling off the tray of a Leyland Lorry traveling to Skeldon. According to his brother, Dinesh Megnauth, Gopaul was on his way to do a carpentry job at Number 36 Village “trying to do an odd job around 09:30 hrs…he fell off—the clip loose off on the
...driver in custody siding and he fall off and fell on another parked truck.” The man died on his way to the Skeldon Hospital. Gopaul stated that he was on his way to Skeldon when he received a telephone call informing him about his brother’s demise and rushed to the hospital. The driver of the truck,
‘Vijay’ (only name given) of Number 47 Village has been taken into police custody and is assisting with investigations. A post- mortem is expected to be performed on the body on Tuesday. Gopaul leaves to mourn his wife, Dolly; and children David, 15, and Sarah, 10.
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Dem boys seh
Donald people didn’t want investment seminar De government vex bad wid de investment seminar because dem don’t want anybody come to Guyana fuh invest. De ABC countries did organize de investment seminar fuh help bring people fuh invest in Guyana. Wha dem didn’t know is that dem got de big ones who don’t want anybody come and invest in Guyana. Dem want everything fuh demself. Dem got dem finger and dem hand in everything. Some of dem got dem mouth in it. Ask Rob Earth. He like talk. But dem boys seh that he does shut he mouth bout certain things. To this day he can’t talk nutten bout de US$10 million contract wha he give BK and dem boys fuh wuk at Den Amstel and Parika. Dem boys still remember when he carry de reporters fuh see de project and then he run way and lef dem reporter in de back dam. Dem ain’t gun forget de US$10 million. Donald got to ask wheh de money deh. Donald also got to ask Irfaat who get all dem land between Eccles and Diamond in de back. Dem boys hear that foreigners get big land. Some sell and still got land lef back. But sometimes Donald does got to tek he time before he seh some things. Tek de case of de hard words wha he tell, Uncle Brent Hard, de American Ambassador. Now de man talk bout trafficking in person and Donald remind he that Guyana ain’t do nutten that it ain’t do last year. Yet it get drop pun de watch list. He tell Uncle Brent that America got TIP too. But is when Uncle Brent tell he that America does ketch and jail people that he realize how bad things is in Guyana. Well Donald got something to tell he. Guyana jail a man de other day fuh de same TIP. Donald also tell he that he can’t talk bout corruption because one of dem own come and corrupt Guyana from right inside de Embassy. Uncle Brent remind Donald that de man get jail, and good jail too Talk half and tell Donald to deal wid de crooks here.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 30, 2013
Guyana’s “development” is influenced by corruption Corruption has become pervasive in Guyana with some Government officials compromising quality of works executed by contractors for kickbacks on projects; manipulating inside information to enrich themselves through surrogates and providing information to influential businessmen. This is according to Ralph Ramkarran, former Speaker of the National Assembly and former Executive member of the People’s Progressive Party Civic, which has been in power from 1992 to date, in a blog entitled “The Kleptocratic Republic of Guyana”. Ramkarran, who had been a party stalwart since 1962, resigned from the PPP/C in June 2012. According to party sources, Ramkarran’s resignation was triggered by abuses from party insiders following his comments on the need for the party to address allegations of corruption. However, only recently and perhaps because of
growing pressure from members of the Opposition, private sector and media fraternity for the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission Ramkarran on his blog addressed the matter of corruption and Government’s unwillingness for this Commission. According to Ramkarran, since the November 2011 National Elections, several revelations have emerged of corrupt, and even potentially criminal activities by persons currently or previously associated with the PPP and who have friends in the leadership or access thereto. He added that corruption could no longer be hidden from the press and police. And, the evidence that is now present was not as a result of any action initiated by the Government without prior exposure. “It is now clear that the adamancy of the government and the PPP in refusing to acknowledge the level of corruption in the society, and to do something about it, is
linked to where the corruption is located. It is not known whether Government spokespersons are still so blind about corruption that they are still asking, where is the evidence? Guyana will soon qualify as ‘The Kleptocratic Republic of Guyana,’ Ramkarran said. Without mentioning names of the corrupt bureaucrats and beneficiaries of contracts, Ramkarran narrowed his comments to persons in leadership capacities and those closely aligned to the party. He also wrote of “a group of wealthy and influential businessmen who have high political connections”. Whilst examining the various categories of corruption, the former Government insider said that there is a group of wealthy and influential businessmen, who have high political connections and access to pertinent information. He said that these men meet regularly to examine business opportunities and potential deals and map out strategies as to how their plans can go forward, and implement those plans. “They have access, through their political connections, to information of the potential opportunities
that are likely to emerge in the near to medium term and are in a position to make the investments now so as to cash in on those opportunities down the road,” Ramkarran said. Another level of corruption involves some bureaucrats (government official), who are usually in charge of funds, contracts, supplies and they easily maneuver around the regulations to enable them to perpetrate their corrupt deeds. This particular group of people he speaks of, utilizes their positions to manipulate contracts so that the rewards go to them directly or through surrogates. “They establish companies with their friends or relatives and steer the contracts to these companies. This is a well known practice that is widely engaged in. They also have friends in the party leadership or access thereto”. He said that many infrastructural projects such as roads, bridges and buildings are poorly done because some contractors are forced to give bribes to many officials. He said, “It is not merely that the contractors are dishonest. They tell you openly that if they have to bribe so many officials, then
there is not enough to spend on the works to complete them in accordance with the contracts and to make a profit for themselves at the same time… Of course, they willingly collaborate with this state of affairs… Many of these contractors, businessmen and suppliers of goods and services have close links with the PPP, including members of the leadership.” According to Ramkarran, “The PPP leadership is supported and financed by all of these groups and state decisions are influenced by their interests. The PPP is no longer motivated by working class ideology although it still clings to its historical connections. The reason that the Public Procurement Commission, a vital instrument in the struggle against corruption, will never be established is that the PPP is a political organization that now represents a section of the petit bourgeoisie, those three parts of which are described above, whose interests are antagonistic to those of the working class and conflict with acceptable standards of integrity.” In explaining the genesis of corruption under this Administration, Ramkarran said it began after 1997 with
Ralph Ramkarran the State’s interest in the Community Development Committees (CDCs) started to wane and eventually withered. He stated that the CDC was created by Dr. Cheddi Jagan in 1992 with the intent of having community members equipped with contracts to help to monitor projects. Using his institutional knowledge he added, “Even though the intention was not clearly articulated at the time, the CDCs would have assisted in the transformation of the functioning of Party Groups and Bodies whose roles had to be reassessed in view of the collapse of socialism and the attainment of office by the Party. “Cheddi Jagan must have understood the great danger of the emergence of corruption which he had been fighting vehemently during the PNC years. At the same time, the focus of Party Groups needed to be shifted to development and service issues so as to keep their activities relevant to the new situation. All of that has now collapsed in the scramble which was allowed to develop for jobs, gun licences, house lots and contracts.” According to Ramkarran, despite the extent of corruption there are thousands of public servants, businessmen, contractors and others who perform services of a high quality with dedication and integrity.
Sunday June 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
Justice Trotman takes harmony dialogue to Essequibo Collective discussions to effect peace and harmony in the Society were held between members of the United Nations Association Of Guyana (UNAG) and NonGovernmental Organizations in Region Two, especially those on the Essequibo Coast. Members of the Anna Regina Town Council (IMC) and the Region Two Administration were among those involved. Further discussions were had on issues of Justice and Human Rights, Government and Civil Society, Economic and Social, Cultural, and Religion, and morals. UNAG, headed by retired judge Donald Trotman, said that the event is one of several outreach programmes promoted by the Association to encourage dialogue and interaction within Guyana. These are intended to focus attention on the rights and responsibilities of Government and Civil society, in relation to older persons,
Donald Trotman women and children, youth and persons living with disabilities. Justice Trotman said that according to policies initiated by the UN, persons must work in harmony. He said that research has found that most of the people on earth are not living in harmony. The retired judge said that it was observed, vividly, that respect has been lacking,
especially towards the older folks. Trotman urged the local NGO to lobby for care homes, especially for older folks, residing on the Essequibo Coast. Expounding on matters of women and children, the former judge reminded his audience that women continue to lobby for equal rights like men. He said that they need to access loans, equal salary, the right to relate to her children, as her husband and a right to an education. Many Essequibians who participated in the discussions said that persons in the Region continue to exhibit Harmony but at varying levels, especially when it comes to varying issues. Also present were Wilfred Gomes, Vice UNAG; Rapporteurs, Ms.Belinda Persaud; Ms.Tracy Marks; Ms. Pauline Jones-Alleyne and Rev. Kayshena Deyal. The activity was held at the Anna Regina Town Hall. (Yannason Duncan)
A section of the audience.
5% decline in peace costs US$473 billion A dramatic rise in the number of homicides and more countries increasing their military expenditure as a percentage of GDP were the key drivers in making the world a less peaceful place, according to the 2013 Global Peace Index (GPI) released recently. This year’s findings underline a six-year trend showing a deterioration of five per cent in global peace. In this time 110 countries have seen their score deteriorate while only 48 became more peaceful. The economic impact of this five per cent loss in peace came at a cost to the global economy of US$473 billion last year, or the equivalent to almost four times Official Development Assistance (ODAs) in 2012. The report further disclosed that the sharp
increase in the number of homicides which hiked by eight per cent over the last year – can almost entirely be attributed to Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa with, for example, the homicide rate in Honduras further increasing by almost 10 per 100,000 people - becoming the highest in the world at 92 homicides per 100,000 people. Steve Killelea, founder and Executive Chairman of the IEP, said: “The migration of populations to urban areas in developing countries has been a key driver in the rise of homicides worldwide. This has also led to an increase in violent crime. It is essential for the police to gain the trust of those living in city slums, to achieve this, addressing police corruption would be a first important step”.
The overall deterioration of the military spending indicator in the GPI is primarily due to a large number of low-middle income countries, typically authoritarian regimes like Iran, Iraq, Oman, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, Cote d’Ivoire and DRC, having increased their expenditure to more than 7% of GDP. In contrast some slight improvements were evident over the last year on the indicators of the likelihood of violent demonstrations and the Political Terror Scale, a measure of state sponsored terror, with improvements in countries such as Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Zambia, and Tunisia. The number of homicides indicator increased by eight per cent, bringing the total for the year to approximately 524,000 homicides.
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Guyana Fire Service receives 3,000-gallon water tankers
Fire tankers supplied by Government of Guyana Recognizing the need for the Guyana Fire Service to be fully equipped to fulfill its mandate in protecting life and property from the destruction of fire, provisions were made to supply the service with additional water tankers during the considerations of the 2012 budget. Following the training provided by a French delegation of fire fighters from the French Guiana Fire Service on Friday, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, handed over two water tankers to the Guyana Fire Service. According to Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, the tankers, which only recently arrived in Guyana, are capable of
holding almost seven times the amount of water the standard water tender holds. The Home Affairs Minister had expressed concern that there have been repeated reports by the local media, of fire tenders arriving on fire scenes without water in the tanks, something which he deemed as being “virtually impossible”. The Fire Chief, replicating the Minister, said that fire tenders cannot arrive at a scene without water since checks to the tank and hoses are among the first tasks that are carried out by a fire fighter on duty. He added it is likely that the fire tender “ran out of water rather than arriving at a
fire scene looking for water. The Fire Chief explained that the standard tankers currently have the capacity to hold 400 gallons of water while the mechanism that pumps the water out of the tanker has the capacity of pumping 500 gallons of water per minute. Hence, the water contained in the standard tenders would be completely drained after one minute, affording the tender no option than to seek alternative sources of water. With the increased capacity to hold water, Fire Chief believes that the two 3000 gallon tankers will afford fire fighters with” a longer fighting capacity”.
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Kaieteur News
West Berbice man killed for his own bike One man is in custody and the police are hunting another following the death of a man at No. 11 village West Coast Berbice. Around 04:25 hrs on Saturday, the body of 34-year old Jaipaul Sampuran, a father of two, and a lorry driver of Waterloo, Bath New Housing Scheme, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice was found in a yard at Number 11 Village, West Coast Berbice. According to information Sampuran, whose wife is in the early stages of pregnancy, was known to his killers. It is understood that the man went to a wedding house at No.11 Village, West Coast Berbice with his bicycle. He parked his bike and subsequently partook in the activities. Some time later, Sampuran decided to head for home and went for his bike, but did not see it. He subsequently saw the two suspects with the bicycle not too far away. He inquired from the men the reason for them having his bicycle in their possession . The men subsequently got into an argument which ended in a fight between Sampuran and one of the men. The fight ended up in a
Sunday June 30, 2013
Falling gold prices pose threat to small scale miners By Zena Henry
Jaipaul Sampuran yard about five doors away where one of the suspects is alleged to have taken a piece of wood and hit Sampuran to his head. The injured man was left lying on the ground and the perpetrators escaped. When Sampuran was found blood was seen oozing from his ears and eyes. The police were called in and following quick action one of the suspects was nabbed. He subsequently confessed to the crime and gave police a detailed description of what happen. The other suspect is on the run. Investigations are continuing.
Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, told Kaieteur News yesterday, that any drop in gold prices is a need for concern. He was alluding to the dangers falling gold prices pose to the industry and the direct effect on small scale gold producers. The Minister viewed with urgency the need to address the current situation, stating that, come next week, a meeting is scheduled to discuss measures to stay above the unfavourable decline. Minister Persaud said that his Ministry is closely monitoring the gold market and is regularly engaging the international community. He saw, too, the need to engage local stakeholders, adding that the views and concerns of the executive licensed gold dealers; the Guyana Goldfields will be looked at. Persaud charged that Guyana has no control over the gold market, but precautionary measures could be taken to ride out the difficulties. Already pressure mounts over the reality that small miners could go out of business as operation cost increases. Minister Persaud continued that the drop in price slows down the gold industry; which is a result of less revenue for local workers who will thus exit the industry. Remittances, the Minister included, will decline; meaning, less foreign
currencies will enter the country. The Natural Resource Minister acknowledged the importance of the gold industry and posited that companies will have to become more manageable and efficient by lowering production cost, diversifying and finding other means to stay afloat. Newly re-elected President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) Patrick Harding also registered his concern about the falling prices. He told Kaieteur News that specific measures have to be put in place to cushion the drop. He too believes that the current situation will adversely affect, especially small scale miners. Harding is optimistic that government’s intervention with a reduction in duty for fuel will aid large scale producers, but hope for a small operator is faint. These small producers will have to
reduce operation cost which might seem impossible, especially with the already high and fluctuating fuel prices. With this in mind, Harding forecasted that some 10 percent of new miners could go out of business. He said that the gold prices have gone from US$1,750 per ounce to about US$1,205 within six months. At the scheduled meeting next week, Harding plans to ask the Natural Resource Minister to rescue the fuel situation. Harding further stated that it would be favourable for all miners to benefit from fuel duty reductions, but monitoring might be difficult. It was thus suggested that high level producers of the precious metal, selling to the gold board should get cheaper fuel. From the records of a producer’s sales and production, it can be determined what fuel reduction or repayment is
necessary based on output levels. The goldfields President suggested that duty reductions be based on certain levels of production. Harding also feels that suppliers to the mining industry can also help by adjusting debt repayments. He proposed that these agencies depended upon by miners can relax repayment periods, extending it for small installments to be paid over a longer space of time. Harding did not say when the country could start panicking, but he admitted that the current situation must be addressed. As of April last, gold stood at US$1400 per ounce ($280,000). Government was already eyeing the situation and suggested that some of the factors contributing to the decline noticed since the year began, resulted from the effects of the Cyprus bail out in the European Union and the selling of reserve gold by the central bank of that country, as well as the possibility of more gold reserves from other members of the EU being sold to cover the larger bail out of countries. The Minister had recognized, too, the slowing down of the Chinese economy and the decision by the United States to move away from quantitative easing as well as lower consumer confidence. The Minister was at the time considering tax breaks and faster processing of work permits for gold miners.
Rotary Club G/town Central gets new Board
The Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, on Thursday evening, held its 30th handing over ceremony at the Georgetown Club, with a new Board of Directors for 2013/ 2014 installed. The new President is Judy Semple-Joseph (seen fifth from right in photo with the other executive members). The guest speaker was prominent attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes, who outlined his vision for how education in Guyana
could improve dramatically by 2025. The President-elect is Kneka Franklin with Gillian Rockliffe, the Secretary. Ramesh Persaud is the Treasurer. Sase Singh is the Club Administration Chairperson while Franklin is the new Membership Chairperson. Derry Harry is the Service Projects 1st Chairperson while Elizabeth Dyer is the Service Projects Second Chairperson. Joseph Eastman is the Rotary Foundation Chairperson.
Sunday June 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
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“The Thomas Carroll Affair”….
US Embassy official sold 25 visas per week at US$8,000 a piece
Author David Casavis spent several months in Guyana researching material for his book. By Dale Andrews David Casavis is fascinated by the United States of America State Department, dedicating most of his adult life studying the working of the US diplomatic apparatus. For him, that was made easier by his known connections to operatives in the sector and he enjoyed their company, journeying from country to country visiting US embassies and consulates for over 20 years. In a way one could say that he envied the life of a US Foreign Service Officer, who was, in his words, “pampered” by the state. “They were given a nice place to live in (but they complained about it); they were given a decent rate of pay and besides that they were given very nice trips…they complained that they were not travelling first class,” he told me in a recent exclusive interview via telephone from his home in New York. So when Thomas Carroll’s scheme was uncovered, Casavis spent three years researching it; he could not imagine that someone who was given so much could be so greedy. His research led him to some startling information that involved greed, complicity on the part of an administration that was compromised, and of course physical violence to protect was turned out to be a multimillion dollar visa selling racket. He could not believe that one man had created such a huge hole in the US diplomatic service, one that threatened the national
security of the world’s most powerful nation. It also highlighted the adverse effect the operation had on our small economy. The end result was a book, “The Thomas Carroll Affair”, which tries to detail the events surrounding a scandal that once again placed this small South American nation under the microscope. According to the book,
exchange rate. It was at 148 Guyanese dollars to one US dollar when he arrived, and rose to 178 when he left. “More Guyanese dollars were chasing American dollars. The nearly one million extra United States dollars a month needed to buy visas tipped the scale.” “I recall the days when Guyanese were denied US visas as a rule, and this fitted
“In a small economy, that much money had a profound effect” Author David Casavis “the scope was vast beyond anything Georgetown had ever seen. Carroll was moving five visas a day, five days a week. That’s 25 visas a week. Conservatively estimated at US$8,000 each, those sales would total US$200,000 a week, or US$800,000 a month. In a small economy, that much money had a profound effect.” “Consider first that this money was largely in American dollars- Carroll insisted on being paid in American dollars-the need for American dollars to pay Carroll’s ever rising prices created a demand for dollars. The supply and demand curve moved for United States dollars,” Casavis noted in his book. Casavis’s book revealed that the US Embassy official, Carroll, closely watched the
Carroll’s scheme perfectly, as many Guyanese did some of the unthinkable, including selling their homes to obtain visas. As the scale of the scheme grew bigger, Carroll began upping the stakes and in fact was hoping to establish a global network that would have guaranteed him and his local cohorts millions of dollars. Casavis told me about Carroll’s network which included prominent Guyanese law enforcement officers and businessmen. “His enforcers were Leon Fraser, the once feared Deputy Superintendent of Police, who was Second in Command of the Target Special Squad, and Eustace Abraham, the body building Constable popularly known as ‘Robo Cop’.”
When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take threeminute “vacations”. Relax and re-energise. Take time out to feel the peace of silence.
According to Cassavis, the Guyana market was getting too small for Carroll, and with a parallel Chinese smuggling racket, aided and abetted by Guyanese officialdom eating away at his business, he was eager to use his enforcers to regain the upper hand. The Chinese Trampoline In his book, Casavis developed on the growing Chinese alien smuggling ring, run by persons he described as snakeheads, that had its base in Berbice and which was rivaling his own scheme. This scheme according to Casavis, was aided and abetted by senior local officials including the late Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis and a new serving top police official. ‘Snakeheads’ are Chinese who smuggle Chinese nationals, and the Central Intelligence Agency of the USA called their operation the “Chinese trampoline”. They charged high. It cost US$40,000 to $45,000 to smuggle a person into the United States in the year 2000. Many Chinese families scrape up what they can to pay the Snakeheads. The family usually chooses a healthy, young man to make the journey, get a job in the
golden land, and repay the debt. Many in America’s cities work long hours for years paying off the Snakehead fee. By these standards Guyanese buying a visa from Thomas Carroll got off light at US$8,000 and a roundtrip airfare. Carroll found out about the Chinese trampoline and was eager to create a trampoline of his own, this time smuggling Asians through South Africa where Casavis found out that he was to be posted after completing his tour of duty in Guyana.
“He wanted to form an Indian trampoline, using Haleem Khan. He felt he could use and (Leon ) Fraser too; Fraser was alive back then. He had all the contacts,” Casavis told me. This would have made Carroll extremely rich; after all, according to Casavis, Carroll had already “stolen US$12M from the Guyanese people.” “We still don’t have $2M, so we know he’s got it somewhere,” Casavis said, adding that he believes that local visa brokers got a portion of the money.
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Kaieteur News
METRO offers $4M support to St. Francis Local computer and office supplies giants, Metro Computer and Office Supplies, in collaboration with its United States counterpart, Metropolitan Office and Computer Supplies, recently extended a hand of support and friendship to one of Guyana’s leading Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Charity and Social Service Organization the St. Francis Community Developers (SFCD) and its collaborating partners. The business conglomerate through its founder and owner Mr. Ron Ramnarayan recently donated over $4M in equipment to the social services provider which will help in its continued social services and developmental programmes and to improve service to its beneficiaries. Included in the package was one CANON color photo copier machine along with one set of toners. The copier is complete with finisher and sorter. According to Ms. Avia Lindie, Berbice Branch Manager who did the honours on behalf of Metro, the gesture resulted from a promise by the owner to
support the disadvantaged and as part of Metro’s Corporate responsibilities. Metro, which has its genesis in the United States of America, has been in Guyana for over 15 years. According to Branch Manager Ms. Lindie, they want to offer a complete package hence the hefty donation. The donation was made at the St. Francis Community Development’s newly constructed state-of-the-art two-storey multipurpose concrete training centre and Conference Hall at Portuguese Quarters, Corentyne. Giving a background to the venture and the partnership between the two organizations was President and founder of the SFCD Alex Foster. The overall purpose of the SFCD is to offer life skills for the at risk population, develop training materials utilizing responsive interventions, offer skills training in non-traditional fields to make residents job ready for personal empowerment, support the suitability and capacity building of service providers in Guyana.
Foster stated that the overall objective of this complex was sold to Mr. Ron Ramnaraya n o w n e r o f Metro and Metropolitan Office and Computer Supplies, Inc when he visited St. Francis and again in his New York Office by Foster when he visited New York. Mr. Ramnarayan bought into the idea immediately with the Metro conglomerate making an initial donation to the club two years ago, of 15 flat screen computers which are being used for training and internet access. With the new addition the SFCD would now be able to offer a complete range of services to the community, such as badge printing, photocopying, laminating, binding, color copying, printing, internet café, development of educational/ promotional materials- in short the Training Centre is fully functional to create a one-stop experience for all training needs. Mr. Foster also thanked the owner, Mr. Ron Ramnarayan, and family for their confidence in the SFCD to act as a conduit to serve persons in difficult circumstances.
Sunday June 30, 2013
$60M in contracts signed for works in Region Six
Contract signing in Number 52-74 NDC office.
In an effort to get residents involved in what is happening in their respective communities the Regional Six Regional Administration has made an unprecedented move and has taken the signing of contracts to the community in which the work would be done. The contracts herald the first set to be signed for the year. Two sets were signed on Friday at the- Number 52-74 and at the Black Bush NDC offices. Among the contracts signed were for the rehabilitation of roads, bridges, sluices, canals and a hospital. The contracts totaled in excess of $60 Million. At the first signing which took place at the 52-74 NDC Office at No 51 village some $25 million has been earmarked to be spent in the area. Among the contracts awarded is for the rehabilitation of Foot Path Bridge at Crabwood Creek, the rehabilitation of the double door sluice at Number
35 Village, the excavation of the Manarabisi Canal, the excavation of the Essex Façade, and a cross street at Number 65 Village. Over at Black Bush Polder seven more contracts were signed for work to be done in the Black Bush Polder area. Works there will include the rehabilitation of the Post Office Street, the construction of concrete bridges at Mibikuri and Lesbeholden, and the construction of a kitchen at the Black Bush Polder Hospital. There is to be, too, the rehabilitation of the doctor’s quarters at the Black Bush Polder Hospital and the rehabilitation of a road at South Field, Joanna Black Bush Polder. Among the contractors awarded contracts were – Shiek Mohamed, Totaram Mohabir, K.P Jagdeo, Annirude Ramcharitar, Associated Construction Services, Alvin Chowritmootoo, Ammerally and Sons-Memorex
Enterprise, A. Parbudial and Zabeer Zakier. Region Six chairman, David Armogan, stated that the administration is trying to do things differently as such the idea of taking the signing out into the community. He wants residents to be vigilant and report any misgiving to the relevant authorities. He also stated that the region is placing great emphasis on quality and the timeliness of work and contractors who failed to deliver will be penalized. He also stated that the liability period has been extended from three months to six months. Instead of three months, the contractors will have to wait for six months after the job has been completed to collect 10 percent of their money which will be retained barring any deterioration of the projects as a result of bad works done. They will have to fix that work or will not be paid, Armogan warned. (Samuel Whyte)
President and Founder of the St Francis Community Developers Alex Foster receives the Multimillion dollar package from Ms Avia Lindie. United States Ambassador to Guyana Mr. D Brent Hardt (right), also savours the moment.
Contract signing in Black Bush Polder.
Sunday June 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Corruption issue takes centre stage at investment seminar - Govt. insists Guyana remains attractive It was supposed to be a straightforward two-day forum geared to improve Guyana’s investment profile. But the Guyana Investment Conference, organized mainly by the diplomatic community and a number of prominent sectors, was anything but that. On Friday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Government went on the defensive, maintaining that the local investment climate remains healthy but that a few things need fixing. This was minutes after a regional expert hired to implement a crime and security strategy for CARICOM said that there is a perception that corruption is prevalent or endemic in Guyana. Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, made it clear that his government is unhappy over the agenda for the seminar which while it dwelled in no small way with crime and security of Guyana, failed to address burning issues of cost of power and bandwidth. The Minister, clearly at odds with the tone of the seminar, also echoed President Donald Ramotar, who on Thursday blamed international perception reports for negatively affecting investments to Guyana. The government was one of the organizers with the High Commission of Canada as the lead organiser. Also collaborating for the forum were the European Union, the United States Embassy, the British High Commission, the United Nations Development Programme, the InterAmerican Development Bank, REPSOL, Pacific Rubiales, the Private Sector Commission, the Beharry Group of Companies (specifically, GBTI and NAFICO) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry. A press conference on Friday following the seminar no government official was present. Only US Ambassador D. Brent Hardt and Canadian High Commissioner, David Devine were there to host it. The day before, President Ramotar accused diplomats of overstepping their boundaries and taking positions without prior consultation. On this front, he blasted the United States government for downgrading Guyana in its annual Trafficking in Persons report. “Here again we see how subjective and unfair positions can harm the reputation of our country.
Reputation is important in attracting investment.” President Ramotar also used his speech to take a swipe at the U.S government on revelations by former spy agency contractor Edward Snowden of its secret surveillance operations. FREE SOCIETY “We have a free and open society. We do not interfere in people’s privacy. We do not read their mail or anything like that. That is an era I hope that is past forever in our country,” Ramotar stated. In responding to President Ramotar’s statements which accused the US and other diplomatic missions of taking positions, the US Am b a s s a d o r believed that President Ramotar was unfair as his country too has come under criticisms on issues. It is what is being done to address the issues that matters, he said. On Friday also, Francis Forbes, a former Top Cop of Jamaica, now the Executive Director of CARICOM Implementation Agency For Crime and Security (IMPACS), said that Guyana, the region’s financial success story of the millennium, is threatened by the scourge of corruption. He made reference to Singapore, a first world country with a solid economy and a “strong, ethical government with an efficient police force. There is a wide belief that development and security are closely linked. With an emerging trend of transnational crimes, the situation is a worrying one. According to the officials, significant proceeds of the drug trade have in recent times placed a whole new dimension on the extent of the problem. It will affect the future of effective law enforcement and public sector administration if the current trend continues, Forbes said. “The integrity of the judiciary will be affected. There is evidence that these have been undermined.” There is also evidence that Government and politicians are even involved in trafficking and there are security officials who intentionally compromise law enforcement efforts. According to the CARICOM official, “Bribery leads to uncertainty in an economy. (It) impedes long term foreign and local investments and pushed firms underground, outside the sector.” It also leads to higher tax rates, ability to raise revenues and fewer and fewer tax
Francis Forbes, CARICOM’s IMPACS’ Executive Director
payers. “A vicious cycle of corruption and underground activity can result.” In his recommendations, Forbes said that for Guyana to improve on its crime and security it will need new legislations to support antimoney laundering efforts and to ensure forfeiture of assets suspected to be acquired by illegal means. There is also need for an ombudsman, an adoption of zero tolerance policy and closer scrutiny of workers who issue permits and licences. The professionalizing of the police force, whistleblower legislation and witness protection legislations are necessary, he said. “If perception is reality, then change is mandatory.” GUYANAHEALTHY However, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, said that the local situation is different from what is being
Banks DIH, DDL and the Beharry Group of Companies. Commenting on the country’s track record for investments, Dr Singh said that small business loans have increased dramatically
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh
in recent years. Of course, he admitted, there are still many things to fix, including crime and security, the cost of bandwidth and energy, regulatory framework and the reduction of red tape.
“If perception is reality, then change is mandatory”- Francis Forbes portrayed. “The ultimate test of the investor environment is the investor. While crime and security are important aspects, they are no means the only aspects.” He urged the organizers to speak to investors who may have a different view as what the challenges are in Guyana. These include cost of energy and bandwidth. These were not included in the agenda of the seminar. Regarding investors, it is clear that Guyana remains an attractive prospect.
Qualfon, a Mexican Call Centre on the East Coast of Demerara, is the largest private employer with over 2,000 persons. US-based Blackstone Group is about to invest millions of dollars in the Amaila Falls project. According to the Finance Minister, Canadian investors like CGX, Guyana Goldfield and Sandspring have invested over CAD$2B in Guyana. There are many large businesses in Guyana which do tremendous trade overseas. These include
Using the US as an example, he said a Dick Morris book had slammed President Barack Obama over his track record, for no investments in that country. Guyana, according to Singh, would be wary of doing that. Corruption is a perception, he argued, promoted by politicians. “We have an obligation as the government to put strong legislations in place to eliminate opportunities for mismanagement and corruption. We will not shirk that responsibility. Do not say because it is happening there that it is acceptable here. It is not acceptable anywhere.” Also discussed at the two-day conference were challenges and opportunities in Guyana; investment promotion and protection; capital markets decision processes and corporate governance.
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Sunday June 30, 2013
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MY COLUMN
There is so much to learn
There are so many lessons to be learned in life that one wonders if at any time people actually stop learning. It would seem that there is never enough time to learn some of the things that present themselves to people in their lifetime. Forget that two people facing the same situation would walk away with two different learning experiences. For example, I happened to be driving when I saw a car undertake, of all things, a truck. Indeed the truck was a bit slow so the driver of the car spotted an opening on the inside and made a dash for it. The driver of the truck must have been very alert because he slowed down a short while later. The car proceeded on its merry way. I was in the line and it was not long after that I realized that the car nearly cleaned up a motorcyclist who happened to be proceeding in the same direction. I would have thought that the experience would have made other drivers who witnessed it a bit more cautious and appreciative of the fact that once they are going somewhere in the city they could not be delayed for more than ten or fifteen minutes. A delay would not hurt too much. Lo and behold it was not long after that another car undertook the same truck. Sad to say, he was not so lucky. This time the object
was not a moving motorcyclist but a rigid stone pile. I am sure that his delay was so much longer. He simply did not learn. But there are other experiences. I have met many young people who are drug addicts and I have stopped asking them why they got involved in the first place. Indeed, one of them asked me why I took to smoking when there was so much being criticized about it. Well I don’t smoke anymore, but very few of those who got hooked on cocaine would be able to say that they are done. It is the same with those who get involved in the drug trade. I saw many young people get killed because they did not pay for their drug shipment. From my naïve vantage point, I wondered how it is that a man would take people’s drug and don’t pay, having seen what happens to those who don’t. But such is the learning experience. Different strokes for different folks. But then again, it could be that some people do not learn. The school system is another case of the leaders not learning about what works. Back when school made sense, children would write no more than seven or eight meaningful subjects at the external examinations. There were subjects that would see them through life. All of a sudden these
children are being asked to write fifteen and sixteen subjects, some of which are as useful as a bucket with holes being used to fetch water. The result is not that we are producing more brilliant students; we are producing students who believe that all they have to do is to remember issues. We therefore do not get children with the ability to think too much. Remove them from their comfort zone where their book knowledge reigns supreme and you have a bunch of children who are at sea. Just this week I had a learning experience that was costly. First, a newspaper does not send any reporter to the High Court. Regardless of how that reporter appears to be aware of the situation, there are issues that unless understood, would land the editor in serious trouble. But that and the other experiences pale into insignificance when one tries to learn to follow the paper trail for some of the enterprises that are gripping national attention. I wanted to understand the reason behind some of the constructions in the city. When I was a boy I learnt that the coast was so unstable that it could not support buildings of a certain height. It was with surprise that I watched the construction of the Pegasus and the Bank of
Guyana. Today there are so many buildings towering above the city that one is left to wonder about the belief or the learning that I had. Someone said to me that technology has changed and that the buildings may be tall, but they are not heavy. Glass has replaced concrete. And when I checked this was indeed the case. Then someone said that the glass is more expensive than the concrete. This would mean that the building is really expensive. My problem began when people started to ask me about
the source of the money for the construction. I pointed to the commercial banks. Then one man directed me to the reports that the Bank of Guyana releases. I am still learning to read those releases, to follow the loans made by the commercial banks. I don’t see many of the loans, so these tall structures are being funded otherwise. A friend asked me to look at the remittances –said to be about US$400 million a year— and I still can’t understand, because the money often comes to people who have little
Adam Harris or nothing to shout about. So even in my old age I have to expand my knowledge; there is so much to learn.
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Sunday June 30, 2013
SUNDAY EDITION DRUG PROCUREMENT QUESTIONS FOR PARLIAMENT - AFC & APNU The truth surrounding the procurement of medical supplies by Government this year would soon be revealed as the Alliance for Change, (AFC) plans to pose direct questions to Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran in the National Assembly. This was disclosed by AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan, whose party had observed that advertisements to bid or tender for medical supplies had not been publicized in the daily newspapers. However, medical supplies were reportedly delivered to State health facilities across the country by the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC). New GPC, which is controlled by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, has been at the centre of criticism as Government’s choice for the distribution of medical supplies to state owned health institutions over the past years. The company has been reportedly sole sourcing billions of dollars in medical drugs. In light of Dr. Ramsaran directing queries aimed at ascertaining the facts surrounding AFC’s allegations to his Permanent Secretary, Ramjattan said that the Minister is being evasive. MONEY LAUNDERING… FIU NOT ENOUGH, INVESTIGATIVEARM REQUIRED - US AMBASSADOR Having legislation in place is the first step, but the investigative capacity is even more critical in building cases and prosecuting persons in relation to money laundering. This is according to the US Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt, who in a recent
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interview, said that the political opposition in Guyana has raised a good point, in that while there is a structure in place, there needs to be adequate investigation. According to Ambassador Hardt, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Ministry of Finance alone would not solve the problem of money laundering in Guyana, given that all it is required to do is receive information. MONDAY EDITION CHINESE CONTRACTOR GETS US$8.5M TO BUILD ONE SECTION OF AMAILA ROAD The cost of building the Amaila Falls access road, for which government had originally issued a contract to Makeswhar ‘Fip’ Motilall’s Synergy Holdings Inc, for US$15.4M, will in the end possibly double and the December 30 deadline for completion will not be met. This is the conclusion of A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU), Joseph Harmon, who, along with party colleague, Dr Rupert Roopnarine, Alliance for Change (AFC) David Patterson and Senior Technical Engineer Charles Sohan, visited the site of the road construction. The visit was facilitated by the Ministry of Public Works at the behest of Head of State, Donald Ramotar. Harmon, speaking with this publication following the visit , said that given the revelations, the party will be looking for full financial disclosure, not just on the road but for the entire Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, which he opines will reach more than the US$840M currently being touted. The APNU Shadow Minister for Public Works informed this publication that the most troubling section of the road
is ‘section seven’ for which the contract was recently awarded to China Railway. That contract, he said, is for US$8.5M, significantly more than had been proposed by Motilall, who had received the contract to build the entire seven sections of road for US$15.4M. TUESDAY EDITION GOVT. ADMITS INABILITY TO INVESTIGATE MONEY LAUNDERING Government officials have for the first time conceded a woeful inability to investigate money laundering in Guyana. On Monday, two Ministers added that ‘suspicious transactions’ that are reported to the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Ministry of Finance, are merely filed and stored for ‘future use.’ Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall and Junior Finance Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, addressing media
operatives while at the party’s headquarters,’ Freedom House, on Robb Street, said that there are a lot of powers vested in a number of institutions locally to investigate money laundering. Asked about Guyana’s ability to investigate Money Laundering, Minister Nandlall told media operatives, “Whether we have the capacity to investigate or exercise those powers is a different matter.” WEDNESDAY EDITION BOBBY RAMROOP TAKES CONTROL OF CPL Just days after signing on as the first Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise owner, Dr. Ranjisingh ’Bobby’ Ramroop’s New GPC Inc, specifically its Limacol brand, has assumed the title sponsorship of the CPL. This means that Ramroop’s CPL is the overall sponsor of the competition. Ramroop, who has long
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been known as former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s best friend, will now pay all the match fees, all the Man of the Match awards and more than anything he will control the broadcast rights throughout the region and further afield. CPL will now be known as the Limacol CPL, said the announcers of the expanded role Ramroop is playing in the competition. New GPC’s sponsorship is a multi-year agreement which will affect all aspects of the tournament, from branding and uniforms to advertising, marketing and promotions. New GPC is also the franchise owner for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. “We are pleased that Dr Ramroop and his group of companies have seen it fit to increase their level of support for the Caribbean Premier League,” said Damien O’Donohoe, CPL’s Chief Executive Officer. “The coolest sporting league in the Caribbean just got cooler. A brand that has kept Caribbean people around the world fresh for decades has joined CPL as Title Sponsor. Ramroop has made a significant long term commitment to ensure the sustainable future of the largest and most exciting event ever to hit the Caribbean; the product is recognised and used by thousands of consumers, both regionally and internationally and has become a popular household name. THURSDAY EDITION LINDEN VICTIMS RECEIVE COMPENSATION FROM OP The relatives of the three men killed in Linden on July 18, last year, along with the victims injured in the mayhem
during the protest action, on Wednesday received the cash award for damages that had been determined by the Commission of Inquiry. The men and women arrived at Office of the President and uplifted the payments but subsequently lamented the quantum received. They further charged that they were made to sign for the money under ‘duress.’ Accompanied by Sharma Solomon, the Regional Chairman, the group has since vowed to continue to press for a more suitable compensation, possibly through legal redress. Solomon who addressed members of the media after the grouping had collected the compensation, said that the sums awarded by the Commission “symbolize a slap in the face of the victims.” DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY INSISTS ON LOCAL GOVT ELECTIONS IN 2013 -WANTS PARLIAMENTARY PASSAGE BEFORE AUGUST RECESS The diplomatic community, for the second time in approximately six months, has called for early local government elections. On Wednesday, it called on the National Assembly to pass critical legislation before an August 10 recess. The National Assembly would break for two months and failure to have the Bills passed before could very well push the elections to next year. Local government elections have not been held since 1994 and have been blamed for a structural breakdown of governance at the community level. Corruption and (Continued on page 37)
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Guyana’s hinterland west of Fort Island on the Essequibo River could be a very lawless and dangerous place. Banditry is rampant; contraband smuggling is commonplace; disease is prevalent; poverty is pervasive and educational standards are lower than the rest of the country. The hinterland – comprising mainly the Barima-Waini; Cuyuni-Mazaruni; PotaroSiparuni; Rupununi and parts of the Pomeroon-Supenaam and East Berbice Corentyne Regions – comprises over threequarters of this country’s territory. Long unwatched land borders with Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname – extending nearly 2,500 km; vast unpatrolled open spaces; unmonitored airstrips and numberless rivers have become corridors for illegal narcotics and firearms to be carried to commit crimes on the coastland. The population might be only about 100,000 but the potential wealth – in the form of bauxite, diamond, gold and manganese mining; stone and sand quarrying; logging and tourism – is inestimable. It has always been a serious mistake to underestimate the human aspects of development, the spatial dimension of national security and the impact
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that neglect of the hinterland infrastructure has had on the rest of the country. Disease is prevalent. The recent outbreak of gastro-enteritis in the Barima-Waini Region caused the deaths of at least three children, although there is evidence that others might have died from the disease. The first child died on 15th February; the second on 4th March. The third death was that of an unnamed twelve-month-old. The number of persons affected by the disease surged to over 529 when the Government imposed a ‘news blackout’ and suddenly stopped issuing medical bulletins by 1st April. The Ministry of Health, throughout the crisis, provided misleading information to give the false impression that the epidemic was “under control” and that “The ministry has been on top of the issue even before it was highlighted by the media.” This was not so. Educational standards are abysmally low. The recent, notorious newspaper photographs of students at Kato in the Potaro-Siparuni Region tell their own story of official misconduct and administrative neglect. Dropout rates for boys and girls in primary and secondary schools in hinterland
regions – particularly Nos. 1, 7, 8 and 9 – are double the rates for the rest of the country. Failure rates at the annual National Grade Six Assessment examinations are a scandal, with the majority of children failing all four subjects. The Ministry of Education blames the victims. Hinterland children are said to perform poorly because of “emotional problems, early adult responsibilities, learning disabilities and parenthood” which were said to be the major contributing factors to children’s dropping out of schools. Poor attendance, low education expectations, low socio-economic status, poor education of parents, large number of siblings and not living with natural parents, limited resources in schools, high pupil-teacher ratios also combined to contribute to the drop-out rates and obstruct opportunities for academic success. Crime, especially banditry, contraband smuggling, robbery under arms, narcoticstrafficking and gun-running are commonplace. The People’s Progressive Party Civic administration and the Ministry of Home Affairs, in particular, have never paid adequate attention to hinterland security. The Guyana Police Force admitted long ago that it was difficult to tackle the problem of crime in the hinterland because of the scattered population and inadequate communications there. Police stations were undermanned; stations were situated very far apart; patrols could not cover the distances because of the size of the districts and its lack of air, land and river transport. The Police Force does not possess the aircraft, vehicles, vessels, personnel and other resources to investigate crimes in the widely dispersed villages, logging camps and mines. Brazilian miners have been murdered; horrible vehicle accidents have taken the lives of dozens; abandoned narco-trafficking airplanes have occasionally been ‘discovered’ on roadways or airstrips. Bandits easily exploit the Force’s lack of resources and inability to effectively patrol the ‘bush’ in order to commit violent crimes.
Sunday June 30, 2013
Robbery with violence is a frequent occurrence and it is easy for assailants to escape. Bandits pounce on miners in their camps or lie in wait in the bush along the roads and trails to ambush, rob and kill. At least one person is murdered somewhere in the hinterland every month. The hinterland is a major conduit for illegal narcotics and firearms to be ferried to the coastland. Drug and gun crimes on the coastland rely on regular replenishment. The hinterland is also the source of significant fuel, gold and diamond smuggling; trafficking in persons; illegal migration and everyday banditry. The crime of trafficking in persons received scant attention until the Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation shamed the government into acknowledging the extent of the problem. A Partnership for National Unity recently piloted a resolution through the National Assembly demanding a Commission of Inquiry into the scourge. The United States’ Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons annual Trafficking in Persons Report, has routinely reported over the years: “Guyana is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labour.” It is a notorious fact that Amerindian girls have been trafficked to brothels near the mining camps and timber grants for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. It is known also that young Amerindian men are exploited under forced labour conditions in mining and logging camps. The ‘frontier conditions’ which are tolerated in the hinterland are the result of a combination of executive ignorance and administrative incompetence. They have had catastrophic consequences for those who live and work there. The PPPC administration needs now to change its negligent approach to the way it governs the hinterland if our citizens are to enjoy a good life.
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Interesting Creatures...
The Brown-throated sloth The brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is a species of three-toed sloth found in the neotropical eco-zone. It is the most common of the four species of three-toed sloth, and is found in the forests of South and Central America. The brown-throated sloth is of similar size and build to most other species of three-toed sloth, with both male and female being 42 to 80 centimetres (17 to 31 in) in total body length. The tail is relatively short, only 2.5 to 9 cm (1.0 to 3.5 in) long. Adults weigh from 2.25 to 6.3 kg (5.0 to 14 lb), with no significant size difference between male and female. Each foot has three fingers, ending in long, curved claws, which are 7 to 8 cm (2.8 to 3.1 in) long on the forefeet, and 5 to 5.5 cm (2.0 to 2.2 in) on the hind feet. The head is rounded, with a blunt nose and inconspicuous ears. As with other sloths, the brownthroated sloth has no incisor or canine teeth, and the cheek teeth are simple and peg-like. They have no gall bladder, cecum, or appendix. The brown-throated sloth has greyish-brown to beige-colour fur over the body, with darker brown fur on the throat, the sides of the face, and the forehead. The face is generally paler in colour, with a stripe of very dark fur running beneath the eyes. The guard hairs are very coarse and stiff, and overlie a much softer layer of dense under-fur. The hairs are unusual in lacking a central medulla, and have numerous microscopic cracks across their surfaces. These cracks are host to a number of commensal species of algae, including Rufusia pillicola, Dictyococcus bradypodis, and Chlorococcum choloepodis. The algae are generally absent in the hair of young sloths, and may also be absent in particularly old individuals, where the outer cuticle of the hair has been lost. The brown-throated sloth is the most widespread and common of the threetoed sloths. It is found from Honduras in the north, through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama into Ve n e z u e l a , C o l o m b i a , Ecuador, Bolivia, and eastern Peru. It is probably not found north of the Amazon Rainforest or east of the Rio Negro, although
its similarity to the palethroated sloth found in these regions has led to some confusion in the past. It is found in many different kinds of environments, including evergreen and dry forests and in highly perturbed natural areas. It is generally found from sea level to 1,200 m (3,900 ft), although some individuals have been reported from much higher elevations. Brown-throated sloths sleep 15 to 18 hours every day and are active for only a few brief periods, which may be during either the day or night. Although they can walk along the ground, and even swim, they spend most of their lives in the high branches of trees, descending once every eight days or so to defecate in the soil. Adult animals are solitary, except when raising young, and males have been observed to fight one another using their fore claws. These sloths inhabit the high canopy of the forest, where they eat young leaves from a wide range of different trees. They do not travel far, with home ranges of only around 0.5 to 9 hectare (1.2 to 22 acres), depending on the local environment. Within a typical, 5-hectare (12-acres) range, a brownthroated sloth will visit around 40 trees, and may specialise on one particular species, even spending up to 20 per cent of its time in a single specific tree. Thus, although the species are generalists, individual sloths may feed on a relatively narrow range of leaf types. In addition to the algae in their fur, brown-throated sloths also live commensally with a species of moth, Cryptoses choloepi, which lives in their fur, and lays its eggs in the dung. Jaguars and harpy eagles are among the few natural predators of the brownthroated sloth. The yellowheaded caracara has been observed to forage for small invertebrates in the fur of the sloths, apparently without the sloth being disturbed by the attention. The female of the species is known to emit a loud, shrill scream during the mating season to attract males. Its cry sounds like "ay ay", much like that of a woman screaming. The male can be identified by a black stripe surrounded by orange fur on its back between the shoulders. Studies of the
brown-throated sloth indicate that mating is most common between January and March in at least the northern parts of its range, but this may vary elsewhere. Gestation lasts at least seven months, and the single young is born fully furred and clawed. Young sloths cling to their mother's underside for five months or more, even though they are fully weaned after just four to five weeks. The female's mammary glands do not store significant quantities of milk as most other mammals do, since the lactating infant sloth remains attached to the nipple at all times, and consumes the milk as soon as it is generated. The young begin to take solid food as early as four days after birth, initially licking particles of food from their mothers' mouths. This process
(Bradypus variegatus)
apparently allows them to quickly identify edible leaves, and young sloths typically have the same
preferences for leaf types as their mothers. Brown-throated sloths have lived for at least three
years in captivity. (Source: Wikipedia – The Free Online Encyclopedia)
Sunday June 30, 2013
From page 27 mismanagement have now become a major problem, with development at risk, critics have said. A joint statement from the diplomatic and business community noted that at the start of 2013, political party leaders, civil society, private sector representatives and members of the diplomatic community all expressed confidence that this would be the year in which Guyana would move forward to ensure that its citizens benefit from strong and effective local governance. “We are now midway through the year and, with a concerted effort, local government elections — and the safer, more prosperous, and more democratic communities they can help build — are within reach.” EX-COAST GUARD RANKS’ TRIAL… DECISION LIKELY BY TUESDAY Medex Loreen Parkinson, the lone witness called by defence attorney, Latchmie Rahamat, testified Wednesday, that she had examined Sherwin Hart, Devon Gordon and Deon Greenidge some three days after they were remanded to prison. The three men are accused of killing Dwieve Kant Ramdass on August 20, 2009 at Caiman Hole in the Essequibo River. They allegedly forced him into their boat and took him to another location in the river where they relieved him of $17M in cash he was carrying in a box to Bartica for his employer. The employer operated a gold and diamond business in the city. In cross examination, the
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witness told the court that she has been a Medex for the last 22 years. She admitted that it was procedure that if a prisoner claims abuse once at the reception area of the Georgetown Prisons the Medex is summoned. The witness explained that this examination depends on the time of the admission and the nature of the physical injuries seen. She was asked to explain the type of physical injury required for the Medex to come to the reception area. According to the woman, the injury would be some form of disfigurement, deformation of limbs or bones, wounds, difficulty breathing or the inability to walk or talk and any form of disorientation. The witness asked whether she was called to exam the men on Monday August 24, she answered in the negative. She added that she was the only Medex working at the prison. The case was later adjourned to Tuesday when it is expected the verdict is likely to come out. FRIDAY EDITION CORRUPTION MUST BE STAMPED OUT TO ATTRACT INVESTORS - CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER President Donald Ramotar on Thursday went on the offensive against western diplomats and other critics of his government saying their actions help to create the negative images of Guyana that sometimes detract investors. Ramotar was speaking at the opening of the Guyana Investment Seminar at the International Conference Centre, which was mainly organised by the diplomats. It was the Canadian High
Commissioner, David Devine, who used his speech to address corruption. He said the insecurity that is created by unwillingness or an inability to enforce laws and regulations is considered by many investors to be the single greatest impediment to the decision to invest. “Countries that condone or do not have effective preventive measures in place to stop corruption will find that the investors who are ethical and conscious of their global image will choose to not invest. There still may be investment deals; however these deals may be accompanied by uncertain terms that will not offer the same integrity and commitment to the country and its peoples,” Devine stated. ARSONISTS GET FIVE YEARS FOR HEALTH
MINISTRY BLAZE Magistrate Judy Latchman Thursday imposed five-year sentences on the two men convicted for the fiery destruction of the Ministry of Health’s head office and annex in 2009. Family and friends of the duo, Clayton Westford and Colin Jones, both 24, who gathered outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ court Thurday, couldn’t help but express their grief as they yelled at the court and onlooking officers following the sentencing. “There is no justice in Guyana, none at all. How they gonna do this to these poor boys?” During Thursday’s proceedings, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy (who was at the time Minister of Health), was called to the stand once more to submit the final evidence for the case, and recap briefly
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some of the important details that would have been brought out in trial. SATURDAY EDITION DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY SAYS: GUYANANOT DOING ENOUGH TO FIGHT CORRUPTION, DRUG TRAFFICKING A two-day forum geared to examine challenges facing Guyana’s investment climate concluded yesterday, with the US brushing off accusations that unfair perception reports coming out of that North American country has forced investors to rethink coming here. According to US Ambassador, D. Brent Hardt, responding to queries of whether President Donald Ramotar was fair in criticizing the reports, said that it is a fact that trafficking in persons (TIP) happens all over the world. This includes the US which fortunately has institutions to deal with issues that crop up. With TIP being experienced throughout the world, even the US with its share is criticized, too. What is
important is that the US has institutions in place to deal with it. The focus, he insisted, should be on the victims of crimes and the systems to protect them. The Ambassador pointed to Thailand, long known for facing a major problem with TIP, and said that it has not affected investments there. Overtime, TIP and other reports, including the ease of doing business, have not been very flattering of Guyana. In most cases, the suggestions were that Guyana has failed or seemed not interested in addressing issues of drug trafficking and erasing the red tape to make it easier for foreign companies to invest here. Government has not been happy with the reports. President Ramotar on Thursday, during the opening session of the seminar, responded to the criticisms with attacks of his own. According to the Ambassador, the response to victims of crimes including TIP, should be the focus.
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Sunday June 30, 2013
A FIGHTING CHANCE AT... KNOW YOUR NUTRIENTS! By Krista Brooks We talked a little about the nutrition of little children. Nursey mentioned that it is also good for parents to eat healthy so their children would copy their good behaviour. So basically if parents don’t have good eating habits, children probably won’t either. Nursey has decided to make the next column all about the different types of things we eat. Knowing a little more about the foods we eat can help us make healthy choices and eventually improve our health. When we eat food, it provides us with nutrients; things that help us grow and keep our bodies going strong. There are actually six types of nutrients that our bodies use. They are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water. If you try to live without one of these things, you will start to notice your body won’t function properly. Water is the one thing we really cannot live without. You can live many days without food but without water you can only live a few days. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats generally help provide our bodies with energy. Vitamins and minerals work in a more specific way in our bodies. All of these nutrients are important for our bodies to function. Of course, too much of a good thing can be bad as well. You don’t want a diet
that only has water and very little of everything else. You also don’t want to be eating all fat or all carbohydrates as well. The trick with nutrition is to try to create a good balance. Once you find it, it will be like an old habit and you won’t even notice you are doing it. When you are making a change, it is important to take it step by step. Nursey says if you told her not to drink soda at all, she would be vexed. Now if you tell her that it might be good to work on drinking soda only 4 days a week instead of 7 days, it is much easier for her to do. That is the kind of change we are talking about making to our diets, not cutting things out completely, but working on including more healthy things and leaving some unhealthy things behind. A while back we talked about goal setting for the New Year. Do you remember how you should set goals? Remember to make them specific, be very clear in what you want to do,
timely, be able to accomplish your goal within a month or a few weeks, and be sure that it is something you can get through with. Since Nursey really likes soda, but she knows it isn’t too good for her, she wants to decrease the amount she drinks. An unrealistic goal for her would be cutting soda completely out of her diet starting today. Like we mentioned before, gradually cutting down the amount of soda she drinks per day is much easier and manageable for her. Over the next few weeks we will learn a bit more about the nutrients that our bodies must eat to help it function properly. Nursey has a lot to tell us about nutrition but she also recognizes that it can be hard to eat healthy. Hopefully with more knowledge and some tips we can work together to get a bit healthier over the next few weeks. Get excited! As Nursey says, get to know your nutrients, the food you eat. I will be back next week to tell you more interesting things Nursey says. Until then! If you have any questions about nutrients or any other health issues please e-mail nurseysaysguyana@gmail.com. Krista Brooks is a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer working with the School of Nursing, which trains Nursing Assistants, Professional Nurses, and Midwifery Students.
From page 36 time off from her Republic Bank job to attend school with her son. The decision was prompted by an appeal from Jahleel, according to Mrs London, who recalled how “one day he came home and he just kept saying ‘mommy I don’t want to become a junkie, mommy I really want to learn and I want you to help me’.” Moved by the earnest petition, Mrs London, through Jahleel’s class teacher, requested permission from the head teacher to stay with him during classes. “I worked with him and I did in fact see what Miss John was talking about – that there was hope for my son.” But according to Miss John, what she was able to teach Jahleel over the period she taught him, pales in comparison to what she learnt from him. “He taught me determination...what it is to be appreciative of what you have. He taught me more than I could have done for him,” said Miss John as she recalled how Jahleel moved from one level of understanding to another. She noted, though, that when he first entered her class at Grade Five she wasn’t too enthused, as she wasn’t sure she could cope with such a pupil. She would soon discover, however, that he was only too eager to learn and there was unconditional support from his classmates, which continued in Grade Six. Ms John reflected on how Jahleel’s classmates would cheer for him whenever he attempted a task. “He would say ‘Miss I want to go to the chalkboard’ and I would allow him, and the other children would clap for him, and that
in itself was a motivation for him.” She recognised that he needed a bit more attention than her other pupils and therefore would use books from the lower grades to deliver remedial sessions. Miss John recounted that by January there was no denying the fact that Jahleel was taking responsibility for his learning and was not going to be held back by his condition. “Whenever we had Composition, regardless of what I would give, he would always write about himself and his condition and how he is thankful to be in the body he is in...how he is grateful to God for his life, and that encouraged me a lot.” Miss John has been a teacher for 19 years, 10 of which have been spent at St Margaret’s, but according to her, she has never encountered a pupil quite like Jahleel. THE RESULTS The NGSA results were on Friday, June 7, officially released by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, and were available to schools across the country by the following week. Having done her part to support Jahleel’s schooling, Mrs London was not prepared to face the results. In fact she was only too willing to hand that task over to his father. “It was an interesting day when I heard the results were out and I said that it was time now for daddy to handle that. I didn’t really know how to react to the results,” she said. But it wasn’t really a task to Mr London, but rather a privilege to learn what his son had accomplished. Given the determination and perseverance exhibited by Jahleel, coupled with the help from his mother and teachers, he was
sure that the best possible result would be the outcome. “I expected nothing less than a satisfactory performance considering his challenges, so it was pretty easy for me to just walk into the school and ask for the results,” he disclosed. Mr London, a lecturer at the Cyril Potter College of Education, recalled how he had promised Jahleel to arrive at his school by 10:00 hours on Monday, June 10, to uplift his results, but was delayed. And by the time he arrived at the school he was greeted with reports of his son’s anxiety. “As soon as I arrived his teacher told me how he was constantly asking for an update of the time. He was very excited to prove that he had done well.” The suspense heightened as father and son, hand in hand, walked the school’s corridor to the head teacher’s office to uplift the results. And as they drew closer to the moment of truth, Jahleel just could not resist the temptation to inform his father that “you guys will see...I told you I was going to do it, and you will see daddy.” With 412 marks, Jahleel secured placement at Tucville Secondary, and according to him, he has no one else to thank but “Jesus, my parents and my teachers.” “I expect to achieve more in my studies. I would like to become either a doctor or a scientist.” He also threw out a challenge to parents who may think that their children are too slow in terms of learning. “Give them a chance; you don’t know whether your child will do well unless they get that chance.”
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New Guyanese Kid on the Block OPRAH TOPS FORBES MOST Ryan ‘RyRy’ Persaud is fresh, talented and heating up the sound waves. This new kid on the block will debut his first single, PARADISE feat. Manifest and June Starr, on June 29th, 2013. This song pays tribute to his homeland, Guyana. His second single, JUST A BOY, is slated for release shortly after and a highly anticipated Mashramani 2013 fusion song that will be a club banger. RyRy’s music is a fusion of genres that will leave everyone asking for more. RyRy performed at the Guyana Trade Show and Expo on June 28th at Queens College in Queens, New York. Those in attendance included the president of Guyana, HE Donald Ramotar, other government officials, and, of course, his fans, who he proudly calls #teamRyRy. Born in New Amsterdam, Guyana but raised in the Empire State, RyRy has always had a passion for music. As early as eight years old he knew he wanted to write and sing songs. At the time however, he did not know much about genres but living in Berbice, Guyana he was exposed to mainly Bollywood music and became fascinated by the Indian beats and rhythm. Another popular genre was reggae. When he was thirteen RyRy moved to the US and settled in Queens, NY. He describes his experience of arriving in the US and being introduced to other genres of music as “like a kid in a candy store”. He immediately gravitated towards R&B, pop and reggae. Today, RyRy is proud to declare that he is not defined by a single type of music. What he is offering to his fans is something entirely
RyRy
new and refreshing. It’s a genre of music that combines many different styles to create a fusion he calls ‘G POP’, short for Caribbean/ West Indian/Guyanese pop. RyRy believes in creating his own style and musical flavour. He writes most of his songs as this keeps him in control of his music and allows him to write and sing his story from a personal point of view. Nevertheless, he enjoys collaborating with other artistes. He explains that it is very uplifting when you can take your own work and combine it with another talent and make a big explosion of music. He supports artistes helping each other on the climb upwards. His fans can keep in touch with him on all popular social media sites, Facebook fan page: RyRy, twitter: RyRy_bigup, Instagram: teamRyRy and YouTube.com/RyRy
POWERFUL CELEBRITY LIST
After two years as a runner-up, Oprah Winfrey was named the most powerful celebrity on Wednesday by Forbes, heading the six women and four men who make up the top 10. It was the fifth time the former talk show host who runs her own TV network has headed the annual ranking of 100 celebrities. Singer Lady Gaga came in second, followed by director/ producer Steven Spielberg and singers Beyonce and Madonna. “There is nobody else with that kind of consistency and power,” said Dorothy Pomerantz of Forbes.com. “There are only three people who have been on every single one of our lists since 1999. It is Oprah, Howard Stern and Steven Spielberg.” Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, who was No. 1 last year, dropped to 12th place. With earnings of $77 million from June 2012 to June 2013, Winfrey was not the highest earning celebrity, an honor that went to Madonna
who made $125 million. But Forbes said Winfrey’s position in Hollywood and her presence in the press, on television and in social media propelled her to the No. 1 spot. “She still wields an enormous amount of power, which is really what we look for in our fame matrix. She is taking this cable network and turning it around just through the sheer force of her will, her connections and her ability.” Despite hip surgery, which forced her to cut short a tour, Lady Gaga earned $80 million in the past 12 months which, along with her army of fans and powerful social media presence, assured her second place. “She is still a huge force in pop music. Even when she is not playing, people are talking about her and speculating about her,” Pomerantz said. Spielberg, with earnings of $100 million in the last year, was the top man on the list, ahead of rock star Bon Jovi at No. 7, Swiss tennis champion Roger Federer, who makes
Oprah Winfrey $400 million each year from ten sponsors, at No. 8, and Canadian-born singer Justin Bieber, the youngest member of the list, at No. 9. “Between the money and the influence, he has had a good year,” Pomerantz said about Federer, who was the only athlete in the top 10. Golfer Tiger Woods was a few spots below at No. 15. Although only 23, sixthplace singer Taylor Swift, made the list for the first time and rounded out the top 10 along with Emmy-award winning TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. (Reuters)
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HOW THE PNC TURNED “COW DAM” (ANGOY’S AVENUE) INTO GUYANA’S LARGEST SQUATTER SETTLEMENT By Ralph Seeram The area was of mixed use, pasture, some housing, but mostly pig pens, cow pens, donkey pens and some farming. The houses were mainly located along “Cow Dam” stretching from Smythfield to Vryheid about a mile long on the outskirts of New Amsterdam. The area Vryheid was purchased by former employees of Blairmont Estate. Over the years folks who wanted to get out of renting in New Amsterdam opted to build what can be described as little more than shacks. They rented the land for as little as a dollar a month. My parents saw the potential of a corner lot at the junction of Smythfield and Cow Dam. They wanted to build a house and use the bottom level as a grocery store. They saw the potential because they were privy to the “Barker Plan” which was a blueprint for the development of Greater New Amsterdam, consisting of Vryman’s Erven, Smythfield and Cow Dam, which lies east of the town, it was the only
land left for the town to expand. The Barker Plan was named after former chief planner in the Ministry of Housing. That plan called for the orderly development of those sections of the town, including reserves for roads, engineering works and playground. The residents of Smythfield had recently purchased their house lot from the estate owner, George Kardar, for about $1000 which gave them about four house lots each. My parents, Arthur Soman and Beauty Soman, who were the first President and Secretary of the Smythfield Coop Society, negotiated with the owner of the estate to pay the amount over ten years. After the purchase was made, the Ministry of Housing stepped in and told the residents that they cannot build houses “willy nilly” that they had to conform to the Barker Plan. This did not sit well with the new owners as several houses had to be relocated to
leave reserves for future road use. However because of that requirement by the then PNC government in the late 1960’s today Smythfield has an orderly development, with roads reserves and playground. Unlike the adjacent Cow Dam, Smythfield avoided being a slum and a squatters’ paradise. Cow Dam which was later renamed Angoy’s Avenue after a former District Commissioner for Berbice was really the name of the dam stretching from Smythfield to Vryheid. It was renamed Angoy’s Avenue after District Commissioner Angoy who was instrumental in converting the dam into a paved road. At the time some people had purchased their lots while some rented for the monthly fee of a $1.00 a month. My parents purchased two lots for a $1000 each, a great sum of money then in the 60’s and 70’s. Fortunately, the owners were willing to hold a mortgage payable over seven years. Most other former tenants purchased their house lots this way.
Unfortunately there were some tenants who felt that the land should be given to them free. This group of people belonged to the PNC branch of the party in Cow Dam. At that time the Burnham government was seizing land from land owners, and giving the land to its members and supporters. This PNC group urged the government to seize the land from the owners, as the land owners were “exploiters”. The PNC government went ahead and seized the lands and paid them the value of the land as valued in 1939. This was outrageous as most owners paid an average of a $1000 for a house lot, but were being paid a pittance of about a $100 or so. These so called “big landowners” turned out to be poor people who were struggling to “make a living”. At that time I was the Berbice Correspondent for the then government owned Guyana Broadcasting Corporation radio station. I can recall dozens of residents gathering in my yard in Smythfield urging me to tell the Government not to seize their lands. They were in my yard everyday asking me to report their plight. However the PNC government gave more weight to the PNC group in Cow Dam in seizing the land. I was able to get the then Housing Minister Steve Narine to visit the area. When
he visited the area he realized that the government had made a grave mistake, and said he will “see what he can do”. The end result was my parents and other persons who purchased their house lots with their hard earned money, lost their money and land to the government. The tenants who were renting, mainly PNC supporters stopped paying rent; they now lived free on the land. Those lands that were unoccupied became a “free for all” like the wild west; whoever squatted first lay claim to the land. And so Cow Dam became a squatters’ paradise. Today Cow Dam is not only Guyana’s largest squatting area, but a criminal enclave. If you check on most crimes committed in the New Amsterdam area, you will find that the address of the criminals is Angoy’s Avenue. On a recent visit to New Amsterdam, my friend Gregory gave me a tour of Angoy’s Avenue. It was kind of nostalgic. In my youthful days I roamed the backlands of Cow Dam; I knew every corner, where there was good fishing, where you can “pick” fruits and vegetables (actually it was stealing because someone had to plant it); where you can find your cows if they “get away”. True there is some development and some beautiful houses along Angoy’s Avenue and
“Patrick Dam”. There is even a swimming pool on Angoy’s Avenue, the second swimming pool in the entire town of New Amsterdam. However the backlands still remain a slum. Former Mayor of New Amsterdam, Errol Alphonso, made an effort to have an orderly development, but was unsuccessful. Recently I saw a news article where the New Haven Coop Society, representing residents dropping its lawsuit against the government. One can only hope that this can result by regularizing the area to conform to modern standards, with electricity water and proper roads. One interesting note, ironically, my parents in the late 70’s sold their newly built house to the then National Service for their use as an office. We made sure the money we lost in the government takeover was recouped in the sale of the building. A few years later the Government came asking us to pass the Transport for the land. “What land?” we asked. “We only sold you the building, you the PNC government already owned the land. You forgot you seized it from us?” Today our former home houses the Ministry of Sports at the Corner of Smythfield and Angoy’s Avenue (Cow Dam). Ralph Seeram can be reached at email ralph365@hotmail.com
Teen highlights human trafficking in Port Kaituma “By the time I was 17 years old, I had already had sex with more than 100 men. I was taken to the camp site when I was just 15 years old. I remember being the most sought after girl because I was a virgin. “Marco, the man I had fallen in love with, told me that this is an opportunity to secure my future and that he loves me. But everything changed when we arrived in Port Kaituma.” Cathy (not the victim’s real name), an 18-year-old victim of sexual exploitation, is calling on the relevant authorities to investigate the matter in Port Kaituma and hopefully put an end to this repulsive practice. The teen explained that Marco (not the trafficker’s real name) always passed by her school in a “fancy car” and pretended to be in love with her. “He bought me many things; a new phone, lunch from anywhere I wanted,
chocolates, roses, gold chains and bracelets and he would usually pick me up from school and take me home. “He never asked for sex for he told me that I was too special to him. He said that he will not have sex with me until I have completed my education. He even bought my school clothes and stationery many times. I was the only girl at school that had $30,000 in her pocket every day. “I felt safe with him. Then he told me that he works in the bush and I should come and see how he works just for a weekend because he is going to marry me soon and any wife of his has to know how his business is going to run. “Upon hearing that, I went,” explained Cathy. She said that this man who appeared to be so “sweet and caring,” transformed into a “ruthless” being from the time they entered Port Kaituma. “The day before leaving,
my aunt whom I lived with at the time had gone to Berbice with her boyfriend and I went with Marco for the weekend. We stayed at a hotel for the night and I was so nervous. He then gave me some tablets and told me that it would settle my nerves and help me to sleep because travelling would be very long. “When I took the tablets, all I remember was waking up in a cottage. Marco then came to me and took me by my hand to a nearby cottage where I saw other young girls. Some even looked as young as 13 years old. “I asked him what is going on and he just told me that I’m here to build my future. He told me that in the night men are going to come and give me gold and money to do whatever they want. He left me with the Big Lady and she told me to take off all my clothes. She inspected my body and (Continued on page 53)
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Endangered marine turtle populations increasing in Guyana From page 48 groups of students from various schools - mainly from the fishing communities - visit the monitoring camps. There, we educate them on marine turtles and their environment, forestry, coastal management and protected areas. These Education and Monitoring programmes have been funded by various entities over the years. Chelonian Research Institute (CRI), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Eerepami and Simpson Oil Limited (SOL) We have just completed our education awareness programme for the 2013 season, where over 100 students participated on the beach, along with teachers and parents. This initiative allows them to have a firsthand experience of the turtles. Nightly patrols with the GMTCS rangers allow them to see how the turtles are being tagged and measured, eggs are relocated, and hatchlings being released to the sea. So generally they have a broad, practical idea of what we do. They are also exposed to the theoretical aspect, having daily indoor classroom sessions covering topics related to the sea turtles and its environment. KN: The current state of our marine turtle populations...could you provide some perspective? RD: In Guyana, the population of the marine turtles seems to be stable for the past few seasons; there has been an increase in Greens popu-
lation for this season. The Leatherbacks have also been recorded in an increasing numbers over the past few years - due to the reproduction success of eggs being hatched over the past two decades, and marine turtles take between 25 to 35 years to mature. There is a strong and positive feeling of the outcrop of turtles nesting this season, and it generally results from our 25 years of conservation project. From the beginning of this nesting season - early February to present date; we have recorded over 460 Greens activities and presently, the Leatherbacks started to lay their eggs at an average of eight turtles per night. One hundred and ninetynine Leatherbacks were recorded over the past six weeks along with eight Hawksbills. Hundreds of hatchlings have also been released and continue on a nightly basis from the hatchery. Six dead Leatherbacks were also recorded. The cause of death was mainly because of incidental catch by long gill nets, locally known as “drift seine”. Fishing in the Nesting beach areas stills remain a problem, where turtles are being caught in gill nets and on a high percentage being drowned. KN: Is enough being done to track the population growth? RD: We are only concentrating in one nesting site this season, Almond Beach, which is the main nesting
Teen highlights human... From page 52 said I am going to be an expensive one because my body is clean and I am a virgin. “She then called some of the other girls there and they got some short pants, high heels and a bra like top for me and put on a set of make up on my face,” related the teen. She continued, “There was much argument about how much I should be paid for oral, anal and vaginal sex. But it turned out that the man that was given the chance to take my virginity would pay much money and that happened to be a Brazilian man who today turned out to be my husband.” “I would receive huge nuggets of gold that sometimes resembled ice cubes but they would go to Marco whilst I received about $120,000 every three to four days. Some of the girls would only receive like $5000 and $10,000 a day after they would have slept with more than five guys. “I remember one time, one of the 13-year-old girls did not give into a client who wanted anal sex and Marco and the Big Lady tied her to a chair as Marco had anal sex with her
as a form of punishment. “The girl bawled whole night saying that she is bleeding and the pain was too much. Sometimes when a really rich man comes in and he wants like three girls at a time, we would all have to get naked and the man would ask us to dance for him and then make his selection. “The only reason I was rescued from that area is because my husband came back to just see me and when we got into the private room in the cottage, he told me that he is going to buy me from Marco because he loves me and he hates what is happening to me. “I cried and that very night he gave Marco a bag of raw gold with close to $1.5 million. I am very grateful for what he did because today I am treated like a princess and I don’t have to endure that torture anymore,” expressed Cathy with tears settled in her eyes. The teen is begging the relevant authorities to get involved. She stressed that this is an issue which needs to be addressed. Cathy fears for the lives of many other young girls who are lured and taken into Port Kaituma, only to be exploited.
habitat. There are other beaches along the coast, that we could not monitor, but due to a lack of resources - both human and financial - we are forced to concentrate only on the main nesting beach. The monitoring programme begins from February to August - annuallyand data gathering is being done on a daily basis, using various methods. Analysis of the activities and records determine the population trends. These are done by the end of the season, and in comparison to the past seasons, we then get our results in terms of increased or decreased population. Direct population of the marine turtles is not known worldwide, but in Guyana; the Greens, Leatherback and the Hawksbill are increasing, we recorded a few Olive Ridleys over the past few seasons. The Olive Ridley turtle population has been pressured by incidental catch by fishing trawlers, mainly because of their diet that consists of shrimps, sea bobs and other crustaceous.
KN: What are some of the other challenges the marine turtles encounter? RD: Last year, we encountered over a half dozen Olive Ridleys with flotation problems. And, almost all of these turtles were rescued by fishermen in the Demerara, and Essequibo estuaries. I had kept a few turtles in captivity and treated them, until they were able to dive once more, before releasing them back to the sea. The flotation problem can be caused by turtles being hit while in foraging grounds by trawl nets, which have a special door that keeps the trawls down and expand. Leatherback turtles worldwide are red-listed as critically endangered, likewise all the other eight types of sea turtles - but in the Guianas - Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and even including Trinidad, this region is known to have the largest leatherback population. In other countries such as Malaysia and Sri Lanka, the population is very low and almost gone. Looking at it on a global perspective, Marine turtles
are endangered. Of the marine turtles, Leatherbacks suffer more due to their diets – leatherbacks feed mainly on jellyfish, and on many occasions they die by suffocation as a result of consuming plastic bags instead of jellyfish. KN: Are there protective measures in place? RD: The Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society, with assistance from various agencies, has been trying to protect the marine turtles. However, it is very challenging to conserve the turtles when fishing is a major economic activity in riverine and coastal communities. Shrimp Trawlers have a special design Turtle Excluder Devises- “TEDs” - which are being used on these trawl nets as an escaped trap door, turtles that are being caught in these nets have a fair chance of escaping, while the fish and shrimp remain in the nets. The TEDs also serve as a reducer of by catch. On the contrary, there is nothing we can do about the long gill nets and the impact they
cause on the marine turtle population, other than having “No Netting Zones” demarked in front of the nesting beaches during the season.” De Freitas indicated that because of our geographic locations and seven major rivers that flow into the Atlantic Ocean, citizens should play a more serious role and avoid discharging garbage that pollutes the waterways, because of the valuable marine stocks that depend on them as their natural habitat. One of the future plans of the GMTCS is to encourage the Ministry of Education to include topics on the conservation of turtles and its environment (along with other endangered fauna and flora), in the school curriculum. De Freitas also highlighted that Shell Beach is now a Protected Area and has laws that govern the protection of all endangered species. There are fines that cover the marine turtles - ranging from $70,000 to $500,000 - and imprisonment, depending on the stage of the act when being intercepted.
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FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Mecedes Benz- 190E, automatic, flair kits, mag wheels, need repairs, sold as is $475,000- Call: 621-4000/ 690-6000 Mitsubishi 3000GT sports car, 5 speed, CD player,18" rims, HID lights, $3M cash: excellent condition- call: 6214000, 690-6000 Toyota Hilux pickup, extra cab 2L engine $3.2M- Call: 264-2682/649-0707
Toyota RZ, BMM 3828 $1.6M- Call:679-3168
One Carina 212 Car, sold by owner- Contact Marcia 6299511/ 225-4511
WANTED
WANTED
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY M E R C U R Y (QUICK SILVER) 9 9 . 9 9 9 9 5 % PURITY - $15,000 PER POUND CALL:604-6108
One qualified Cook, for East Bank area- call:614-4358
Cashier/ sales girls at Nirva’s: 49 Sheriff street: Apply in person- Call:227-5771
Household appliances: Generator 7500 watts, music set etc. Call:269-0959
Machine Operator to work in Garment Factory- Call:2222541
Pure Bred Rottweiler pupsCall:650-8496
Live In Live Out Babysitter Domestic - Call: 225-6070 Receptionist- Call:225-3234 Office Clerk: CXC English/ Mathematics- Call:225-0188/ 225-6070 Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 Experience taxi- minibus drivers and dispatchers at Princess Hotel Contact:6165419, 265-7076 One live-in or live out maidcall:668-3985/264-3355/6837936 One female general worker to work shift in Parafaite Harmonie call:668-0306, 6947817 West Site Taxi service: Wanted experience dispatcher & contract carscall:613-0419/ 600-0699 One live in domestic very good accommodation rates, light duties call:227-1830 1 Handy-boy to work: Living accommodation free- call: 228-5655/628-1756 One experienced driver, gear & automatic: Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with application, 5 Commerce Street One domestic between 25-35 years, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4pm. Call: 227-7355 / 615-2483 Cooks, 64 High Street, Kingston Nacie building opposite Digicel call:2261019 Mangers to work in the Interior on Land Dredges: Mining Firm has own excavators & bulldozers. Call: 226-9768/ 629-0037 Live- in domestic must know to cook & live-in waitress 1825yrs: $50,000 monthly. Boarding & lodging freeTele:610-5043
Urgently Needed: 1 Captain for Vessel, must have Captain License & 2 years experience in Guyana & Venezuela waters- Contact: 699-1220/ 658-6548 Cashier/ sales girls at Sachi’s: 136 Regent street: Apply in person- Call:2272472 1 Sales clerk with knowledge of Microsoft excel & Sales representative @ Marcos Trading- Contact: 225-944511 North road Lacytown.
Experienced Taxi Driverscall:667-9013/ 627-9424 Live in waitress- Call:6439007/ 697-2978
500 Ton Cargo Ship with Contract- call: 687-6174 Games for PS 2, $900,PSP $900, Xbox360 $2600, PS 3 $2600, call:672-2566 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 1 Chicken Farm (8 acres): 5 Pens (capacity 30,000 birds) with own water source and other amenities @ LaluniCall:611-8049 Original games for sale. Call: 265-3232
FOR SALE Cannon IR400 Photocopiers Call:649-0956 One 7 weeks male pure breed German Shepherd pupCall:638-5778
Toyota Fielder $2.1M, Premio $2.6M, Axio $2.9M: Vehicles fully loaded & unregisteredcall: 617-2891 2000 Tundra 4×4 3.4L V6 excellent condition: black with off-road package- call: 651-6050 2- 2008 Toyota Premio TV/ DVD & push button start, 2006 BMW 320i- Tele:6154114
We buy & sell vehicles for cash & we do trading-in of vehicles: 30 Seater Busescall:680-3154 Toyota Starlet Turbo: Working A/C, interior in excellent condition- Call:4446183 or 686-0910 1 Mitsubishi Lancer, excellent condition. Call: 677-9527 / 616-3802 / 222-4650
Lexus, Pitbull never registered- Call:655-0800/ 263-5300
1 Toyota Tacoma 4x2 – 1997; $1.6 million; not registered Phone:265-2103, 611-0674
1997 Ford F350 Canter truck: 14 feet enclosed box with glass case & food warmersCall: 641-4708/ 612-9999
RZ mini-buses BMM & BNN series, AT192, 212, AT170, Tacoma, Canters, NZE & cheap cars- call:680-3154
Massey Ferguson 6140: 4×4 Turbo: $3.2M negotiableCall: 688-6274 or 691-3851
One Toyota grey Ipsum for sale: Excellent condition: Price $1,600,000- Call:6002405/ 651-5073 (serious enquires only)
Sheep for sale- call:695-6139
One 4×4 Toyota: 3VZ engine, GFF series $600,000- Call:6773520/ 689-4483
5 Month Male RottweilerCall:220-6879
Pure Bred Rottweiler puppies; Romel: 653-6281
2- 07 Toyota AvensisCall:698-0674
1 Leyland DAF 620 truck with lots of parts, DEF spring bottom-half, welding generator- Call:654-3488
Nanny wanted, preferably from Georgetown or E.B.D. Contact cell: 693-4075
Male Enhancement Viagra: 4 in a Pack For $3000- Call: 642-6664/ 638-1627 1x1 galvanized angle, galvanized gutter, filing cabinet, 10" cast iron wheel call: 627-7835
Toyota 4 Runner Jeep: 3000cc: Black & Grey, left hand drive $1.2M- Call:6742586
1 Mercedes Benz C200: PNN 6967- Call: 680-4990 / 277-3033
C a s h i e r, 2 5 - 3 5 y e a r s : Salary $12,000 weekly: F a b r i c Wo r l d @ 1 4 0 Regent & Light street with written application & CV
Dell laptops & desktops complete computers from $55,000 Futuretech. Call: 2312206 Fluffy Dashund PuppiesCall:666-5199/ 669-8421
1 Toyota Land-cruiser Prado PMM series- call:225-0188/ 225-6070
Workers at Wash Bay in Town, male & female- Call: 669-4676
Urgently needed, land to buy in Parfaite HarmonieCall: 675-7292 One bachelor to share a 2 bedroom bottom flat; preferably student or working call: 622-2947 Carpenter/ Mason with own tools: Apply @ Guyana Variety Store & Nut Centre38 Cummings & Middle Streets Able bodied Handyman with experience: Apply @ Guyana Variety Store & Nut Centre One live-in domestic for general house work (Monday to Saturday)- call: 647-1985 One domestic Monday to Saturday to come & go- Call: 647-1985
1- 10 RB Dragline, 1- F150 Ford Truck- Call: 687-6174 Fluffy pups call: (Home) 2225671, cell: 641-6162 Nail Plates & Anchor Seal: 4×6, 3×6, 4×8- Call: 265-3541/ 695-4785 Daschund mixed with Pekingese pups six weeks old $15,000- Call:677-2476 One blue female pitbull puppy; Vaccinated and ears cropped- call: 692-3329 Beds, Dining Table, Cabinets, Wall Divider, Wardrobe, Clothes Dryer, Sofas. Call:219-3732 (After 5pm) Used Massey Tractors- MF 165, 175, 275, 1100, 1130, Ford 5000, Yanmar Vegetable Tractors: Affordable PricesCall: 675-9314 6" & 8" Flood control pump with engine, tool sets, ploughs, chippers, slasher, massey ferguson loaderCall:675-9314
Diesel Mechanics: To work in the Interior: Knowledge of excavators and Perkins engines an asset. Call:2269768 Hairdresser must know to cut all styles with nail designing experience: Ruimzeight W.C.D.Call: 2691525/ 656-3561
Sunday June 30, 2013
Strong Tables & ChairsCall: 650-2391 MASSAGE American Style massage services- Call:609-4036 The Gent’s spa: Come be pampered by beautiful sophisticated masseuses four hands special. Call: 657-5979
Pure Bred Rottweiler puppies Call: 227-0828, 604-7105 1 Flock sheep, goats and flock Rams- Call:696-8103 155 Leyland DAF excellent working condition: Price $3.5M (negotiable)Call:656-8346
1 PS3 for sale: $105,000 negotiable: 5 free gamesCall:682-0940 Sale! Sale! Blow Out Sale At Aaliyah’s Cheap Shop: Lot 4 Cove & John, E.C.DCall:664-2209 On Saturdays & Sundays items as low as $100: Sale starts from 6am to 6pm- Call: 664-2209 Empty Fuel Barrels (50 gal)Contact Nicky on 226-7948/ 646-6000/ 697-9610 Promix starting at $ 7 , 5 0 0 , green formula (growing mix)- Call: 6152346/263-5300 Gowns, Shalwars, Khimar, Scarves, Khimar accessories and much more. Dates for Ramadaan available. Halaal Heaven. Call: 226-0311, 6678141 Household items for sale at affordable prices- call: 6211485 Cheap Earth delivery to spot ECD & EBD call: 627-9977, 698-0182 Clean Garden Earth builders waste, also Bobcat rental, excavating, clearing & leveling- call: 616-0617 or 663-3285 Generator 28KVA silent with storage tank SDMO Mitsubishi engine, need repairs $500,000- Call: 6214000/ 690-6000
2 Ford F150: Price $4.5M & $3.5M- Call: 643-5249 / 2654979 1 F150 (Ford) XLT fully loaded: In Excellent condition - Call: 690-6520/ 642-0110 Toyota IST PLL 7683- Call: 639-9553 Shop your car online for the original price through D.North Auto Sales and save big- call:663-0584 Unregistered Solid Def Hilux2005 Raum $2.150,000; Dump Truck $2.3m- Call: 227-1737/ 641-1800: Annadale Public road Nissan Sentra, manufactured year 1999: Imported brand new: PGG series $1,000,000 (1M) Neg- Call:665-6151/ 2335287 Toyota Hilux 4×4, A/C, auto, leather seats, 3RZ engine: Asking $2.7M- Call:225-0398/ 623-1299/ 658-5097 1 Model M bush Truck 4x4 with winch GRR series Tele:226-9492 or 226-9485 office hours 1 Toyota Raum (Black) with body kit, rims, low mileage, first owner, late PKK Price:$1.4M negotiable call: 628-8799 RZ minibus: High BKK series $760,000- Call:6131810/ 697-2550
Honda ATV 500 4×4: New $2.6M- Call: 624-5000 2 Premio, silver & dark grey & 1-2004 silver spacio: Alloy wheels, TV optional: Excellent conditioncall:624-7684/ 617-2378 1 To y o t a R a u m , Vi t z , AT212, AT192, AT170, Ceres, Hilux Pickup Solid DEF, EP82 & 71 StarletCall: 644-5096 / 697-1453 1 RZ long base bus, PGG: Good condition $600,000 (negotiable)- Call:667-6312/ 667-8410 Cheapest- Premio, Spacio, Hilux, Stick Gear Buses- Call: 616-7635 (1) Jialing JL 100-3 Motor Cycle in excellent condition: Minimal usage: Prices negotiable- Call: 220-0890/ 691-5952 or 657-3682 1 Toyota PGG series $700,000 (Negotiable)Call:690-3995 Mercedes Benz A-140 PMM series, automatic, fully powered, need repairs, sold as is- $2.3M- Call:621-4000/ 690-6000 Cherokee Jeep, automatic, 4 doors, projection & LED lights, 15" mag wheel, good condition $1.7M cash- Call:621-4000/ 6906000 Stretched Limousine Lincoln Town car, automatic, seats 12 persons, perfect for rentals, going as a business- Call: 621-4000/ 690-6000 (Continued on page 55)
Sunday June 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 55
FOR RENT Fully furnished Salon to rent with A/C in GeorgetownCall: 686-8223
CAKES & PASTRIES Courses in cake decoration, pastry making & cookery, Call: 670-0798. Also Wedding dresses for sale Courses for: Bridal accessories, Cake decoration, Floral arrangements, Cake & Pastry-contact Sharon:6728768/223-3303
TO LET Fully furnished short term apartments @ Eccles call: 689-6668 Secret Villa apartment, fully furnished apartments Landof-Canaan E.B.D- Call:2665243/266-5245 1- Two bedrooms bottom flat house apartment at lot 60 back street McDoom village, E.B.D-Call:233-0044/ 6823988
FOR RENT
CAR RENTAL
Newly built Ice-Cream parlor and grocery store located at L.B.I Scheme road- Call:2209733 or 649-5268
Aidan’s Car Rental & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807
Office (spacious compound) business premises with living quarters, barber chairs/ shop. Call: 6 7 2 3662/ 694-1440 Houses & Apartments to rent- Call:223-8479/ 647-3768: www.spaceseek.gy
Two bedrooms apartment at Eccles Park $45,000- Call:6041788/ 233-2219 Furnished executive one or two bedroom suite in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners- Call 609-2466 2 Bedrooms Cottage at 11th street Dazzle Paradise, E.C.D: $40,000 monthlyCall:614-1723 Furnished classrooms available: Suitable for day classes, lessons & lectures: 71 Croal Street, Stabroek: Tel: 624-5741 Furnished apartments @ Diamond H/Scheme- Call: 223-1051/ 650-0716
LEARN TO DRIVE B & C Driving School: Lot 5 Hadfield Lodge- call:2250150,229-7258,680-6826 Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166, 622-2872, 615-0964
Premio, Vitz call: 689-6668 Untouchable Car Rental: Low Rate , Low Deposit call:231-8653,621-6827
One furnished 2 flat fenced executive property in gated community, Roraima H/S, Versailles W.B.D: Price $120,000. Call:668-6808 /6734216 Short Term Apartments/ Rooms Available- Call: 687-3017 Located at Enterprise road and railway embankmentCall: 677-9527/ 616-3802/ 222-4650 2 bedroom upstairs apartment. Yard and fence fully concreted, next to SOL, BB Rome, E.B.D: $60,000- Tel: 658-5452
VACANCY Vacancy exist for experience welders Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek 24 hour East Coast Guyoil needs day & night pump attendants, sales girl, Experienced Fuel Tanker Driver Tele: 688-9611/ 684-2838
LAND FOR SALE House lot for sale: Friendship EBD & drafting of house plans. Call: 2230733, 223-0730 Yarrowkabra- Call:6723662 / 694-1440 Three Stories House on 1,500 acres of land. Call: 2238479/647-3768: www. spaceseekgy Parafaite Harmonie - $1M; Schoon’ord -$2.4M; call :675-7292 2 House Lots (39×150 & 38×150) $16M each: Blankenburg public road, W.C.D- Call:658-0132 Twelve House Lots in one block along Corriverton public road- Call:626-6245 2- Acres cultivated, 2-1 Acres cultivated, 7 Acres cultivated, citrus, house, fish pond, storage at ParikaCall:226-7968 GARDEN OF EDEN, EBD ROADFRONT 45X80 LOTS $5M: RIVERFRONT 50X300 LOTS - ASKING $15M– CALL DEREK @ RLTPRO 592-650-1234 32 Acres for sale, Lot 5 Content M a h a i c o n y, E.C.D: US$175,000: Call:813-319-4219: rpooran@tampabay.rr.com
Moulder & wood mizer operators, porters, lumber clerk call Richard :609-7675, 233-2614 One security guard for day shift: West Side Shore Plaza public road Ruimzeight, W.C.D- Call: 269-1525/ 656-3561 Vacancies: Security Officers, Drivers, Dispatchers: Apply Monday-Friday: Security Alliance Barrack street, Kingston (upstairs FedEx)
SUMMER CLASSES: Phonics, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & Fun day: (4-12 years)- July 15th- August 15th: Roxanne Burnham: Call 619-4355/ 2182076 Get trained as a live-in Caregiver to live and work in Canada, under Canadian curriculum- Call:227-4881/ 416-674-7973 CXC Maths, English, Business and Science, January/ June 2014- Call Imperial College at 227-7627/ 683-5742
FOR SALE Komatasu Excavator, new bottom rollers PC 200- Call: 223-1051/ 650-0716 House lot 100’×8’ @ ParadiseCall:223-1051/ 650-0716 Generator 10KVA Lister Petter (England) with exhaust system and tank 3 cylinder cash $850,000- Call: 621-4000/ 690-6000
Engine Room Operator: Apply in person with written application @ Wieting & Richter Ltd. 10-13 Water street, Georgetown Female Office Assistant: Sound Secondary education (Maths and English included) $19,000 weeklyCall:223-0595
PROPERTY FOR SALE Tuschen Housing SchemeCall: 692-3454/616-7632 1 Business Property at Bloomfield public rd, BerbiceCall: 690-6520/ 642-0110 1 Two Storey Business Property (Transported): Brickery Public Road, East Bank Demerara. Call: 660-8128 (1) One House & Land: Samantha Point Grove: $27 million- Call:679-6952/ 6437125
East Coast $5.5M, Kitty (50×123) $51M, Bel-Air $39.5M, AA Eccles $65M- Call Diana @ 227-2256/ 626-9382 1- 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, semi-furnished house & land: Located @ D’Edward village W.C.B: Price $13MCall: 613-9438/ 679-9162 Three Bedrooms House @ Guysuco Gardens $45MCall:617-4261 Two stories House, Diamond- Call: 223-8479/ 6473768: www.spaceseek.gy Versailles 5 Bedroom House with modern facilities and beautiful landscape- Call: 592-684-9203 / 592-624-8704
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Natural beauty salon & spa: Grove Market Street EBD tele:265-4138,6525800 specialized in everything for women & children
Clerical Staff (Computer Literate), Graphic Artist, Gardener & Handyman: Apply to Risan’s @ 51 Main Street, Georgetown
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Skilled carpenters: Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Ferry Stelling Georgetown
Mahaicony Creek 3 Bedrooms, with 6 acres land: access by creek or branch road- call: 621-4000/ 690-6000
(From page 54)
SERVICES CITY TAXI SERVICE (SINCE 1968)- CALL:2256222/ 226-7150/ 2261088/ 225-8600/ 227-1101
1- 2 Storied Business property (transported): Robb street Lacytown, between Camp street & Alexander Street- Call:683-6153/ 2615464 (after 6pm)
1 General domestic must know to prepare vegetarian meals: Apply @ Alabama Trading Ferry Stelling Stabroek, G/Town Vacancy exists for waitress & handyman: Apply in person @ Cool Square 537 West Ruimveldt- Call:226-7418
SERVICES Computer repairs in homes call:675-7292 Brian Moe @642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!!
Princeton College: CXC classes for day and evening students: Register for summer classes 5-18 yearscall:690-5008
One Club/ Entertainment manager to work at a Hotel in Charity, Essequibo CoastCall:226-9768/ 642-7963
Harmony Inn: Fully furnished,air - conditioned apartments; Parfaite Harmonie, 5,000 Per night call:668-0306, 694-7817,602-8769 Diamond $35,000, Queenstown $80,000-US $900, Kitty $65000, Republic Park US$1200 - Call Diana @ 227-2256/ 626-9382
Progressive Auto Rental - cars from $4000 per day. Call 643-5122, 225-8711; email www. progressive autorental. com
EDUCATIONAL SUMMER CLASSES: July 15th – August 15th: Phonics, Mathematics, Language, Spanish, Craft, Tours & Fun day: Garnett St. KittyCall:654-8650
Parcel 877 of Block XXXIII, Bachelors Adventure public rd, E.C.D opposite Guywa:0.585 acre- call Pearl Realty:689-9991 House and Land @ D’Edward, W.B.D- Call: 6892973/698-3703 COUNTRYESTATE HOME, B E A U T I F U L LY LANDSCAPED 3.2 ACRES FRUIT FARM, HAGUE, WCD. ASKING $55M– CALL DEREK @ RLTPRO 592-650-1234 2 Stories concrete house: 32’×55’: 3 Bedrooms: Block 8 Mon Repos, E.C.D $36MCall: 642-2116 Zeelugt 2 storey concrete house, corner spot double lot. Priced to go, fairly new- call: 621-4000/ 690-6000
Vehicle Windshield Repair: Why replace when you can repair for a fraction of the cost- call: John Bakker @643-5485 First Choice Laundromat: $700 per load: Dry cleaning of Wedding Gowns, from $5000: Gents Suits $2500Tele: 225-6337 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool. Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves, TV: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) House Plans, estimates and construction- Contact T.Boodhoo 625-9883 / 6759296 WE FILL OUT VISA FORMS: USA, UK & CANADA & CREDIT CARD SERVICES CALL: 231-5789 ONLINE SHOPPING ZERO COMMISSION, WEEKLY SHIPMENTS,AFFORDABLE RATES, FREE PRIVATE MAILBOX.CALL:2315789, 225-9030 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer. Call:2310655, 683-8734 Omar R o c o t s To o l R e n t a l : R a n s o m , Ta b l e S a w, Compactor, floor sander, Bobcat etc.- Call:675-0767 TransponderTV: No Monthly Fees, No Hidden Fees, No Additional Charges: 250 Channels + 50 HD Channels- Call: 675-3201 CSEC IT training videos + Apps: Office 2010, Auto CAD 2012, Peachtree: Start earlyBrian@642-3543 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call: 225-6496, 662-6045, 223-8115 We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843/227-2766 Steel roof and shed, rails, grills, building frame, truck tray & all types of steel stepsCall:654-3488
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 30, 2013
In South Africa, Obama pays tribute to ill Mandela
Barack Obama shakes hands with South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma during their meeting at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Jason Reed JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Paying tribute to his personal hero, President Barack Obama met privately yesterday with Nelson Mandela’s family as the world anxiously awaited news on the condition of the ailing 94-year-old antiapartheid leader. Obama, who has spoken movingly about Mandela throughout his trip to Africa, praised the former South African president’s “moral courage” during remarks from the grand Union Buildings where Mandela was inaugurated as his nation’s first black president.
The U.S. president also called on the continent’s leaders, including in neighboring Zimbabwe, to take stock of Mandela’s willingness to put country before self and step down after one term despite his immense popularity. “We as leaders occupy these spaces temporarily and we don’t get so deluded that we think the fate of our country doesn’t depend on how long we stay in office,” Obama said during a news conference with South African President Jacob Zuma. Obama’s stop in South Africa marked the midway point of a weeklong trip to Africa, his most significant engagement with the continent since taking office in 2009. His lack of personal attention on the region has
frustrated some Africans who had high expectations for the first black American president and son of a Kenyan man. Even with Mandela’s health casting a shadow over his visit, Obama tried to keep focus on an agenda that includes deeper U.S. economic ties with Africa. The president dismissed suggestions that he was only investing personal capital on Africa’s economy now as a response to the increased focus on the continent by China, India, Brazil and others. “I want everybody playing in Africa,” he said. “The more, the merrier.” But the president pointedly called on Africans to make sure that countries seeking an economic foothold on the continent are making a “good deal for Africa.” “If somebody says they want to come build something here, are they hiring African workers?” Obama said. “If somebody says that they want to help you develop your natural resources, how much of the money is staying in Africa? If they say that they’re very interested in a certain industry, is the manufacturing and valueadded done in Africa? “ The president did not specifically single out China, but some African leaders have criticized Beijing for such behaviors. Obama’s focus on trade and business appeared to be well received in Africa, home to six of the world’s 10 fastestgrowing economies. The majority of the questions he received from the South African press and later at a town hall meeting with young African leaders focused on U.S. economic interests in the region.
Sunday June 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 57
Ravi Dev Column
Geographical Indications and Demerara Sugar (Second in the series on sugar, originally published in 2008) In the world of cooking, “sugar” is not just any old sugar: there’s white (refined) sugar and there’s brown sugar. And there’s not just “brown sugar”: in the words of the aficionados, “When you are looking for a brown sugar the word unrefined is vitally important because some alternatives are just white sugar plus colouring. Demerara is a traditional unrefined sugar, produced so as to have larger and crunchier crystals than granulated sugar.” Another declares, “Demerara sugar is a raw sugar that has been purified. It comes from Guyana and is a dry, coarse-textured amber sugar that has a toffee-like flavour.” While the second description at first glance appears to simply be an extension of the first, in that explication lays the possible salvation of the sugar cane industry in the Demerara Plantations. The first statement describes the brown sugar that is found in most supermarkets in the developed world and extolled for numerous positive contributions to dishes including their healthiness, retailing for several US dollars for a pound. But only the second mentions that “Demerara Sugar” comes from Guyana. Why this distinction is important is that in reality, companies from almost every sugar-producing country in the world ship packaged brown sugar to the lucrative developed markets and blithely dub them “Demerara Sugar”. “Well!” you may sputter, in righteous indignation as a patriotic Guyanese, “This is cheating!” And it is, but we’ve allowed the cheats to get away with it for so long that they don’t even give it a
It is often said that the love of money is the root of all evil. This love of money created some monsters in Guyana to the point that these people do not know what to do with what they have. Money has no value. This surfeit of money is going to lead to a clash of neighbours, because one would want to acquire what the other has for the purposes of expansion. Of course some things are not for sale, so the money power is going to hire guns to blast the obstacle out of the way. Another sad chapter would begin in
second thought today. However, if we want to not only save the Demerara Plantations but to also utilize their annual 100,000 tons of production to generate more profits than the rest of the (about to be expanded) industry, it is high time that we begin to reclaim our property - the name “Demerara Sugar”. The commendable initiative to build a packaging plant at Enmore for our “Demerara Gold” will generate far more revenues and profits if we are able to prevent some of the present fake Demerara Sugar from occupying self space in, say, European supermarkets. And there is a route to that happy eventuality becoming reality. For some decades now, Europe led the way in carving out the right to use a particular name for a product that came from a specific region - and became associated with the name of that region - such as “Bordeaux Wine”. By 1995, it was able to have it incorporated into the WTO Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) as “Geographical Indications (GIs)” protection. The latter were defined by Article 22(1) as “indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a Member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributed to its geographic origin.” Initially utilised only for wines, it was extended to include other foodstuff: “Florida” for oranges “Idaho” for potatoes “Washington State” for apples etc. So why not “Demerara Sugar” for brown sugar from Demerara, Guyana? Booker Tate, (hired in 1990 when the GI issue rose to the
fore) and the Strategic Plan of 1998 for the industry both stressed increased overall total production and mentions possible packaging of our sugar Demerara Gold only for Caricom and local markets. None of the proposed certifications mention GI’s protection. Implicitly, it appeared to be seeking to protect the value of the “Demerara” name through the trademark route. A trademark “is a word, symbol, or phrase, used to identify a particular manufacturer or seller’s products and distinguish them from the products of another for example “Coca Cola” and “Pepsi”.” While there is nothing wrong with pursuing this option, it does not have to be at the expense of ignoring the GI’s window of opportunity. Creating a brand name takes time and while we can boast about ours being the “real thing”, it will be very expensive and timeconsuming to move the fake Demerara Sugar off the lucrative supermarket shelves in the developed countries. At present, two issues are being debated in the TRIPS Council under the Doha mandate in reference to GI’s: creating a multilateral register for wines and spirits; and extending the higher (Article 23) level of protection presently applying only them, to other products. GI’s for Article 23 products are absolutely prohibited if they do not originate in the designated place. It is not necessary to show that there is a risk of confusion or unfair competition to prevent such uses, as required under Article 22 TRIPS. A multilateral system of notification and registration for the geographical indications for wines and spirits in Article 23.4
Guyana. ** The police despite their best efforts will be hard pressed to investigate the spate of murders. It would seem that people kill at the drop of a hat. Two more murders will take place in the east of the country. One would
actually result from a disagreement that arose over a table in a rum shop. That spate of killing is only the tip of the iceberg because the state would be hard pressed to process the evidence for the procession. ** West Demerara seems to be attracting the petty criminals out of the city, but the police there are unprepared. The result is that the criminals would make hay and the police would only put on a show. Fortunately, there are ranks who understand crime and know some of the criminals.
strengthens protection for this category. Our exclusive right to market our sugar as “Demerara Sugar” would obviously be buttressed under this regime. There are presently three proposals on the table and the one advocating extension is supported by several sugar producers who are abusing the Demerara name such as India and Mauritius. Rather ironically, “they see the higher level of protection as a way to improve marketing their products by differentiating them more effectively from their competitors’; and they object to other countries “usurping” their terms.: They can be hung on their own petard. The EU has always supported extension of
protection and its latest proposal reaffirms this position even beyond the scope of the one mentioned above. Guyana would be well advised to negotiate in tandem with them (within the EPA regime?) while simultaneously breaking into their markets. We raised the issue of our position on GI’s in Parliament in 2003 and were advised that it was being handled by the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) – the same group that delivered us the EPA. They had issued a paper on GI’s in 2002, but I am not aware there was any followup activity. For instance, since the WTO agreements specify that GI’s must be used in
Ravi Dev
conformity with the law of the country of origin (reapplication of the law of the country of origin) have we enacted the necessary legislation? Since the negotiations on GI’s are still ongoing within the (stalled) Doha timetable, we still have time to get our Act together so that we may have another arrow in our bow to save the Demerara Plantations.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 30, 2013
OUR ARCHDUKES OF UNPRINCIPLEDOM By Khemraj Ramjattan, Leader AFC The PPP Government, from its very laudatory position of 2003 when it promoted its relinquishment of authority over procurement matters, today argues that Cabinet must have a no-objection power over all procurement awards worth over $15M, even with the coming into being of the new regime under the Public Procurement Commission. This is not unsurprising to me. This backsliding of position, I have argued, is because, firstly, this Government now realises that its most sumptuous gravy train will be halted; and, secondly, so too will its shameless and blatant exercise of favouritism in
- PPP and Procurement
the grant of contracts over $15M for materials, services and supplies, come to an abrupt end. The PPP Government of 2003 was not as corrupt as it is now. But that corruption trajectory and direction was fast becoming very noticeable. When the Procurement Act of 2003 was being debated, many of the PPP proponents of that Act made it quite clear that they wanted a procurement process which was above board, and in which there will be no subversion of the Public Procurement Commission’s functions and powers when that constitutional body became
constituted and commenced operations. It was openly promoted and promised by the then PPP Government that the Public Procurement Commission was going to be constituted almost immediately after the assenting of the Procurement Act 2003. I was fooled by this promise. For the record, I want to point out what some of the leading PPP Parliamentarians and Ministers said then in 2003 which makes the PPP’s position one decade later so outrageous and contradictory. Mr. Shaik Baksh: “The Cabinet’s role will fade away so to speak. The Public Procurement Commission will take hold - so the Cabinet has no vested interest in holding on to these kinds of powers, but we have to give the Procurement Commission the opportunity to strengthen itself and so on.” Mr. Manzoor Nadir: “This Bill has as its focus the removal of the politicians from the procurement process, the politicians from all sides. And it reinforces and entrenches the Procurement Commission… of keeping the politicians out of procurement… Many of my nights will be spent more fruitfully rather than to have to peruse contracts.” Sase Kowlessar, to ensure this fading away of Cabinet’s role in a complete manner and to make it patently clear that Cabinet must not have a hand in procurement matters upon the constituting of the Public Procurement Commission, moved the amendment to Section 54, which myself and Mr. Doodnauth Singh, S.C., our then Honourable Attorney General, drafted. Winston Murray, PNC member, at the behest of the then Speaker, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, had played a role also. I had argued most strenuously with my PPP members that Cabinet must have nothing to do with procurement matters once the Public Procurement Commission comes into being. And, indeed, if they meant what they said as is reflected in the Hansard, then out of an abundance of caution and for certainty and clarity in future there should be a sub-section (6) to section 54 of the Act to capture that intention. The Hansard from which these extracts can be obtained, namely the 14th Sitting of the 2003 Debates, will reflect then Finance Minister, Sase Kowlessar, manifesting this intention with these words: “Mr. Chairman, I move the following amendment. Insert the following sub-section (6) to Clause 54 to read as follows: “Cabinet’s involvement under this section shall cease upon the constitution of the Public Procurement Commission…” Tell me what could be clearer but that Cabinet no longer must play a role upon the constitution of the Public Procurement Commission? Why today this same PPP Government wants a no-objection power over the Public Procurement Commission? I am convinced that it is because of the reasons I mentioned earlier. The PPP members of the Assembly and of Cabinet at this sitting of Parliament, with their eyes
Khemraj Ramjattan wide open, all voted for this amendment. They all said that this piece of legislation was the best in the Caribbean; and, that it accorded with best international practices. You had to hear them. Even I joined the chorus and spoke in support of this Act to placate some of the concerns and very valid criticisms put up by the PNC members, especially Winston Murray, Jerome Khan and Robert Corbin. As I said, I had honestly believed that the Public Procurement Commission would have been constituted and become operational shortly thereafter. A communiqué signed by Corbin and Jagdeo to this effect was made public at this Debate. With this as the background, I hope a better appreciation is had on this issue. And, all the more reason why more condemnation should be directed by all stakeholders against this self-serving no-objection power the Cabinet wants to install as a condition before the coming into being of the Public Procurement Commission. The PPP’s deception and hypocrisy is being exposed now that its skirt is being lifted. After this Bill was approved in the National Assembly and assented to by President Jagdeo, I waited with great expectation for the constitution of the Public Procurement Commission as was promised by the President and senior PPP officials, and as was commanded by the Constitution of Guyana, Article 212 (a) since 2001. I waited, and I waited. Instead of a properly constituted Public Procurement Commission I got a good kick in the backside some eight months after, being expelled for activities detrimental to the Party’s interests as a result of a recommendation from a kangaroo disciplinary court set up by Jagdeo, Ramotar and Luncheon. I still await, even up to today, for the constituting and operationalisation of this Public Procurement Commission. As I write, it seems the PPP just can’t name five nominees to the Public Accounts Committee. What a shame! How unprincipled! Next week I will rebut the reasons proffered by the PPP Government, through its Cabinet Secretary, Roger Luncheon, as to why Cabinet must have this no-objection power retained even under the Public Procurement Commission regime. We must never permit any such no-objection power in the hand of the Cabinet, whether it be under this PPP Government or any other.
Sunday June 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
Hit the road Jack
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Former national security minister Austin “Jack” Warner, whose resignation as a parliamentarian on April 28 triggered a by-election in the Chaguanas West constituency, has been by passed by the ruling party to contest the July 29 election. Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar told party supporters on Friday night that the ruling United National Congress (UNC) will be represented in the poll by Khadijah Ameen, 32, who is also acting chairman of the ruling party, a post Warner also vacated in April. The UNC is the biggest partner in the three-party coalition People’s Partnership government that had decided to send one representative to contest the by-election. Warner resigned from government and the UNC chairmanship after the publication of a report by the CONCACAF Integrity Committee that had been very critical of the former international football boss. His removal from the Cabinet followed widespread calls for Persad Bissessar to act immediately on the contents of the report of the CONCACAF Integrity Committee that was released in Panama. Warner did not cooperate with the investigation. In announcing his resignation as parliamentary representative for Chaguanas
In happier days, Warner and Prime Minister Persad Bissessar (File Photo) West, a virtual safe seat for the UNC, Warner said “I felt that the proper thing to do would be to offer you my constituents, the explanation and the facts and resign as the Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West in keeping with the highest Parliamentary traditions.....” He said when he tendered his resignation he had informed Prime Minister Persad Bissessar of his desire to contest the by-election “as a UNC candidate for the Chaguanas West seat as I am UNC to the bone”. But as she announced Ameen, the chairman of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation as the party’s candidate, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said a
decision had to be made as to who was the best to meet all the requirements that the party stands for including “honesty, integrity and loyalty. “It always comes down to making choices; in every constituency we can only have one candidate. And having considered all the factors we made a choice and tonight I am asking you to embrace your candidate and elect that candidate.” Warner, who was at the public meeting when the announcement had been made, said he met with his party groups and discussed his future options yesterday. He is carded to have a public meeting to announce his decision on Friday.
Region urged to reduce deficits BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – CMC – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) governments have been told there must be sustained economic diversification if they are to successfully reduce their fiscal deficits. Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart gave the advice as he addressed the opening ceremony of the 31st Annual Caribbean Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean. He said it was imperative for the region to overcome some of the global challenges that had emerged, while continuing to maintain “a reasonably adequate safety net”, and social development system. He outlined a six-pronged strategy, which, he said, would put the Caribbean back on a path of development and expansion. Stuart, who the day earlier addressed a national consultation on the Barbadian economy, explained that the plan would involve diversifying the sources of “our economic drivers to align them more with faster growing areas of the world, through expanded and more intensive tourism marketing and product development”. He said “expanded and more focused international business marketing, more and faster product development, increased labour content of our international business, and intensive work on the removal of foreign administrative hurdles to international business” would help Caribbean nations chart
a path to recovery. “We must restructure the energy basis of the economy and improve the competitiveness of production through greater energy efficiency; greater use of alternative renewable energy; an enhanced technological platform for the economy; and greater availability of requisite labour skills. “We must improve the productive capacity of our economies through infrastructure development. We must rationalise and consolidate the fiscal sector by reducing wastage; cutting unnecessary programmes; confronting the ‘entitlement’ mentality in our countries; providing public goods and services more efficiently; and improving the facilitation role of Government,” he told the delegates. Prime Minister Stuart said the economies of the Caribbean had suffered along with the rest of the world over the last six years from a generally low level of economic activity and had continued for this period because of increasing uncertainty about likely changes in global economic fortunes. He said the global uncertainty had “badly shaken business and consumer confidence”, and as a consequence, there had been less investment and spending than usual throughout the world. He said consequently regional states had to “shift the locus of investment and growth more towards the private sector”.
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BOOK REVIEW: Book: Ordinary people in a Normal Society by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh Critic: Dr Glenville Ashby Dr Jerome Teelucksinghs’s latest offering is a macédoine of interfacing dialogue and disjointed scenes clothed in a bipolar literary style, if ever it existed. The many themes of Ordinary People in a Normal Society see-saws at a bewildering and confounding pace. And it traverses multiple scenes - from contemporary New York to the Caribbean. Throughout the author shows a keen insight of life in the Diaspora. But no doubt, the mission (hopefully) of the author is bent on skewing the title to
Kaieteur News
Sunday June 30, 2013
An author’s portrayal of an empty, tragic society create raw irony, almost at a tragic and painful level. This is Dr Teelucksingh at his sardonic best. At times, “Ordinary” sways from over arching silliness to intellectual vacuity. Its opening salvo is nothing short of incredulity with a biting jocularity that borders on slapstick humour. Here, the author presents obesity and obsessive compulsive disorders - still two mental dysfunctions lacking social empathy - to showcase a veritable problem deserving attention. Deriding the obese or the compulsive is not the objective. Rather, the aim is to address paralytic disorders that bedevil advanced
societies. Regrettably, these grave problems are so prevalent that they come ordinary and part of our social psychosis. Nevertheless, the jibes and levity are side-splitting. Overly frugal and obsessed with saving coupons, Sumintra forces her condescending husband to eat dog and cat food, that, over time he relishes; and when she complains “that the water rate is too high,” and “we need to cut down on flushing the toilet and washing wares, and the children will have to pee outside and also will have to bury their s**t in the yard,” her daughter responds, “No
mummy I don’t want to poop outside like an animal.” Readers will beg for more and Teelucksingh delivers pure hyperbole with the overly obese and immobile Ali whose insatiable appetite for food will rattle readers. After consuming enough Chinese food to feed a platoon, Ali, spiking close to one thousand pounds and who capriciously wants to vie for the US presidency, shouts to his wife Indeera two hours later, “I am hungry, order some damn pizza.” And five minutes later, he demands, “Don’t forget to order the damn side orders and dessert.” And what about Melba, the therapist who is hired to psychoanalyze the root cause of Ali’s problems? Funny as it gets! But Dr Teelucksingh halts the barrage of comedic lunacy, launching into Caribbean politics, gay rights, gender concerns and the role of the media through the prism of a series of characters - each one obdurate and opinionated. And the effetely consumed undertaking of Francine, garnering signatures to end poverty and racism also assumes prevalence. The media comes in for a withering tongue-lashing as it is deemed calculating, nefarious and culpable for social ills. Presentations at a convention do not offer solutions, just finger-pointing tirades and calumnies. That the Caribbean and Latin America should increase trade and establish a more viable political and economic bloc could be the most refreshing idea from a spate of rehashed ideas on American jingoism. Views on organized
religion, though pedestrian, are still provocative and worth quoting: “It is unfortunate that in the name of religion many are oppressed, deceived, exploited and condemned. Does God want or expect these antisocial actions? Dr Teelucksingh gives his characters too much stage time - an error that comes perilously close to tainting his work. For sure, he stumbles devoting over half of an overtly satirical masterpiece into a tapestry of intellectual dribble. Did the renowned historian lose himself in his own social concerns? Debatable, that is. But for the sake of readers who are disinterested in paradoxical exposé and double entendre, Dr Teelucksingh for a worthy encore fortuitously resurrects Ali, Indeerah and Melba. Yet, it is but a spurt that leaves readers salivating for more of their vintage antics.
What is evident, though, is the encroaching ennui that seeps into “Ordinary” like morphine served - drip, drip from an IV. For Teelucksingh’s apologists, his characters’ social and political exchanges - nothing more than familiar canards are intentional - an admission of his resignation and admission that for all our political theories and purported analyses, today’s society is doomed to repeat history with the domination of the haves and the perpetual blight of the have nots. Yes, this is our society - as ordinary and normal as it gets. Feedback: glenvilleashby @gmail.com/Followme on Twitter@ glenvilleashby
Ordinary People in a Normal Society by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh Publisher: Xlibris, 2013 ISBN: 978-1-4797-96173 Available: Amazon.com Recommendation: Good
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Perhaps the saddest thing in the world I spent four years studying history as an undergraduate at the University of Guyana. Before UG, I was exposed to plenty philosophy, because I worked as a sixteen-year-old youth at the Michael Forde Bookstore, where I stole philosophy books and carried them home. My philosophy insatiability was heightened when I met a Guyanese Catholic nun who was the foremost historian at UG, Sister Mary Noel Menezes. Something is terribly wrong with that bunch of people who gives out national awards. How can Dr. Compton Bourne be given the Order of Excellence for his work in economics and not Clive Thomas, who I need not say anything more on his talent and Sister Mary Noel Menezes? I honestly mean nothing personal, but excuse me, Compton who? In front of Clive Thomas and Mary Menezes! Anyway, let’s get back to philosophy Professor Menezes taught the course, HST 102: The Philosophy of History. I never looked back after that course. I was craving to do philosophy. From Sister’s course onwards, all my essays had a philosophy dimension and I poured out my soul into studying Nazi Germany as a history student at UG.
My daughter grew up in the home hearing about Nazi Germany and Hitler. For two consecutive years, 2008 and 2009, my gifts from my daughter and wife have been on Nazi Germany and Hitler. In 2011, one of my Christmas gifts was “The Third Reich: In Colour” by Jill Stephenson. In 2012, another of my Christmas presents was, “Tyrants: History’s 100 Most Evil Despots & Dictators,” by Nigel Cawthorne. No need to mention whose visage is on the cover; Hitler of course. I was fascinated by the nature of the Third Reich, because of the inexplicable level of racist evil that swamped that government. How can a human being hate another race with such bestial passion? I went on to do a Masters in History with philosophy as a minor and my thesis was on slavery and the racist motives behind the enslavement of one race by another. Sad to say, hundreds of years after slavery, its racist evil was repeated in Nazi Germany and sadder to know that in the 21st century racism is one of the aberrations of the human mind that is endemic in modern society. Slavery and Nazi Germany are still lurking in the shadows of today’s world. There was a nice, neat, cozy Creole restaurant,
Supreme Food Court, next to the Camp Street jail that was destroyed in a fire two Thursdays ago. Leonard Craig of the People’s Parliament and I ate there quite often. One day we invited a prominent African rights activist to have lunch with us there. This is a woman I like very much. As the conversation continued, she said to us about a friend of hers, “I had to tell him, leave Mugabe out of your conversation, don’t go there, leave Mugabe alone. The white man is out to get Mugabe.” Leonard looked at me with his eyeballs popping out of his head, I responded with equal ocular acrobatics. The first thing that came to my
mind was to tell her that Joshua Nkomo, an equally respected African freedom fighter when Zimbabwe was Rhodesia, said to the world that he was never persecuted under the white man, Ian Smith, as he was under Robert Mugabe. Nkomo died a broken man. I chose to be diplomatic and let her continue her Mugabe thing. I still like her, but I know where she is coming from. That I cannot accept. What lies inside the mind of a human being that can justify the crimes of a leader all because he is of the same race? I have seen that too often in this world and it sickens me. I am an East Indian by no fault of mine.
Two Indian persons made me. But it begins and ends there. The supposedly great, Guyanese, Indian leader, Cheddi Jagan was not my hero. He was immensely flawed and helped to destroy my country. His party came to power in 1992, and I see its rule as one of destruction. I cannot accept that when Indians were being discriminated against in the seventies and eighties, they cried racism, now they are silent when Africans are being made to face marginalization. Forbes Burnham led a government that did very bad things. He must be condemned for it. I believe a great, excellent human being, Walter Rodney, died because of a conspiracy involving a
Frederick Kissoon government that spoke in the name of Africans all over the world, but planned the assassination of this fantastic Guyanese who is widely respected on the African continent. Racism may be the world’s saddest instinct. I hope one day we judge each other for what we essentially are and not on what is inside our genes.
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Don’t drink a laxative on the drill square By Michael Jordan Food was often scarce, you often had to work guard detail on chilly nights and march in the blazing sun. But you made lifelong friends and there was a humorous side to the rigours of being a pioneer in the Guyana National Service. That was the period in Guyana when the slogan ‘every citizen a soldier’ was taken seriously in light of our territorial dispute with Venezuela. Young men and women enrolled in the Guyana National Service as a first step to a military career or to develop a skill. I was one of the hapless young men who enlisted, unsure at the time what career I wanted. We were first shipped off to Papaya Training Centre for a year of basic military training. There we gave up our ‘civvies’ for the ‘parrot green’ and white jerseys which was
the National Service uniform. We soon got to know each other, mainly by nicknames. There was a skinny chap that we named ‘Geese’ because of his loud snoring; there was ‘Dread’, a Rastafarian; ’Fowl-cock’, who would clap his hands like wings and ‘crow’ like a rooster to wake up the barrack room; there was ‘Benjie’ (also known as ‘Kickers’ because he landed on Papaya wearing a pair of ugly platform shoes, or ‘kickers,’ as we called them); there was ’Old Face’, ‘Dutty Platoon’, ‘Dew Fish’, and ‘Jumbie Boor’. There was my friend ‘Eddie,’ who fell in love and got dumped so often that the guys made up a song about him (‘down in Papaya they got/ lots of pretty women/ steal Eddie’s money and break his heart..’) there was Sam, who didn’t know his right foot from his left (which meant that when everyone was marching left-right Sam would be going right-left)
…the lighter side of National Service I was assigned to Mongoose Company and we were supervised by a Corporal named Shepherd. He was a loud-voiced individual who pretended to be more fearsome than he really was. MIDNIGHT P.T. WITH A DRUNKEN CORPORAL Boys will be boys, and of course we would perform pranks on each other late into the night when we should have been resting for the next day of rigorous training. One night, Corporal Shepherd came in drunk after a visit to the staff club. He found most of us gallivanting and came up with the brilliant idea that he should take us for a midnight run. He lined us up outside the barrack-room, then led us on a run through a track around the training centre. At one point he tripped and fell flat on his face. Some of the pioneers laughed. This
infuriated ‘Sheppy’, who made us run farther than he had intended. We had the last laugh, though. The following day, during the customary roll call on the drill square, Corporal ‘Sheppy’ was so hung over that his tongue got tied up trying to pronounce ‘Mongoose Company.’ (it came out as ‘Longoose Company’) A Sergeant Major we called ‘Chip Chip’ made him say it until he got it right. But if we thought we had it rough under ‘Sheppy’, we weren’t prepared for his replacement. This was Corporal Abel, a squatty, muscular man whose claim to fame was that he never smiled. Strange enough, this tough, unsmiling man was a Beatles and old Bee-Gees fan, who was always playing songs like ‘I started a joke’ or ‘The Sound of Silence’ and ‘Yellow Submarine.’ Abel would wake us up before day-clean to wipe out the barrack-room, and he liked to dish out guard duty as punishment. But the pioneer ‘Benjie’, also called ‘Kickers’, seemed to relish getting on Abel’s bad side. It was Benjie who claimed that Abel once went to a staff party, stretched out his hand to a female staffer and said: ‘May I have a dance? I’m a corporal’). It was Benjie who once climbed into Abel’s room and made off with the corporal’s love letters. One afternoon, Abel came into the barrack-room and found Benjie loitering there. According to Benjie, Abel ordered him to jump through the nearest window. The barrack-room was on the top flat of a two-storey building. Benjie hesitated. “PIONEERS USED TO VOLUNTEER TO JUMP THROUGH THATWINDOW!” Abel yelled. “JUMP!” Benjie eventually jumped, landing unharmed near a row of bitter cassava. BENJIE AND THE PL PILLS Every Monday, all the companies were required to stand on the drill square for an hour for ‘muster’. This meant that on Sunday, shoes and boots were polished, clothes starched (with starch we made from bitter cassava) and pressed. ‘Muster’ meant that you would have to stand at attention while some officer inspected your company. Of course, there were the usual fainting spells. One memorable ‘muster’ sticks in my head. That was the time when ‘Benjie’ decided that he needed a ‘clean out’ before the big day. Someone forgot to tell him
that military drills and laxatives don’t mix. So Benjie took two ‘PL’ Pills the night before muster. ‘Ah drink two PL yuh know,” he said to anyone who would listen. So the big day came and we marched onto the drill square and stood at attention. To my left was a lanky pioneer we called ‘Tall Boy.’ ‘Benjie’ was in front of me. It began to rain. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw ‘Tall Boy’ sway like a coconut tree in high breeze, then fall like a log. Then, in front of me, Benjie began to emit some very strange sounds. ‘Purrrruuup…. ppppuuurrrp…’ The PL pills had begun to do their work. I watched as Benjie, his legs locked desperately together, continued to ‘puuuruuup’ in high and low notes. I silently willed my ‘squaddie’ not to ‘let go’ on the drill square. Somehow, he made it through the hour. I still wonder whether he made it to a latrine in time. GEESE’S REVENGE Then there was ‘Geese,’ who earned his nickname because his snores could wake up the entire barrackroom. He was a thin guy in his teens. He didn’t do well on the firing ranges, because he couldn’t hold the heavy Self-Loading Rifle we used. But I liked him because he had guts. The army and the GNS were always teaming up for military exercises, and, near the end of our Papaya stint, ‘Geese’ was one of the pioneers who was chosen for ‘Operation Iron Weed’at Tacama. I recall that ‘Geese’ was one of the ‘enemy’ and he was ‘captured’ by army ranks. However, he managed to escape. Every pioneer had a small padlocked cupboard to store his belongings. Some pioneers were experts at picking locks, and soap, money, foodstuff and other items would disappear mysteriously from locked cupboards. One day, ‘Geese’ woke up to find that someone had raided his cupboard. He identified the thief and, as he confided in me, decided to teach the culprit a lesson. That night, after lightsout, no one heard Geese’s snores. That was because he was crawling along the barrack-room floor, under the double bunks of sleeping pioneers, until he reached the alleged culprit’s cupboard. ‘Geese’ then took the entire cupboard to the creek where we bathed. He then broke the lock, emptied the cupboard, stashed its contents, then dumped the cupboard overboard.
For the next week or so, ‘Geese’ would sneak off to his hiding place and dine on biscuits, Milo, milk, and an assortment of junk food. The victim accused everyone else. He never suspected ‘Geese.’ THELEGEND OF ‘JOE PECK’ Pioneers were assigned daily duties, and some were assigned to the baker shop and kitchen. That meant that they had access to scarce food items. It also meant that they came under the supervision of a chubby staff sergeant. They called him ‘Joe Peck’ and there were several lurid stories about his escapades with young male pioneers. ‘Eddie’, the pioneer who was always falling in love and getting dumped, was one of the pioneers assigned to work with ‘Joe Peck.’ One night, Eddie and ‘Joe Peck’ were chatting alone in the kitchen when the lights went off suddenly (Papaya was prone to long blackouts). According to ‘Eddie’, as soon as the lights went out he heard ‘Joe Peck’ whisper: “Where yuh deh?” ‘Eddie’ said that he immediately panicked. He bolted, knocking down pots and pans in desperation to reach the door. In the darkness, ‘Joe Peck’ laughed. ‘Joe Peck’ also ‘made friends’ with a pioneer named Luke. He showered Luke with gifts. Luke bided his time and one night, he jumped into ‘Joe Peck’s’ room and stole his entire salary. One pioneer recalled seeing fat ‘Joe Peck’ waddling around the base with a cutlass in one stubby hand and asking: “Where Luke deh?” But Luke wasn’t around. He was out on Matthew’s Ridge sporting out Joe Peck’s salary. They eventually caught Luke and kicked him out of the GNS. After this training stint, I moved on to Itabu Training Centre, which was near to Bartica. I stayed in a house with about five other pioneers. One night some of my ‘squaddies’ who were working guard duty at night made off with three chickens from a poultry pen and a sack of flour from the store room. They curried the chickens and made about 20 rotis. A corporal got wind of the scheme and that meant that we had to share with him. But by then, things had begun to get tough on the centres. Food, especially flour, became scarce. Eventually, the centres closed and the National Service experiment ended. But sometimes, I meet up with old ‘squaddies’ and we reminisce on when we were boys just bent on having a good time.
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The Abigail Column Wife in rocky marriage Kickboxing Champion to conduct seminar in USA has some tough choices
DEARABIGAIL, I have been married to ‘Mike’ for three years, and we lived together for three years before that. We had a rocky relationship until we had our daughter, who is now 4. Mike has always been an angry, controlling, emotional person. He managed to get the anger under control for a
refuses to go. Confused
few years, but now it’s back. He will no longer sleep in the same room that I’m in and told me we have an unhappy marriage and it’s all my fault. Beyond that, he completely ignores me. Tell me, how did my husband go from being a loving man, telling me I am the best thing that ever happened to him, to hating me? When I asked him what happened, he replied, “Just fix yourself,” and I have no idea what that means. I asked Mike to go for marriage counseling, but he
Dear Confused, There could be any number of reasons for your husband’s sudden change of heart, considering his previous issues. It would require an evaluation to know. Since Mike is unwilling to see a therapist, try encouraging him to get a physical to rule out a medical problem. Also get counseling for yourself. You have some tough choices to make.
Sunday June 30, 2013 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Be careful about the company you keep, as friends can have an undue influence on your decisions. Hanging out with mates at the pub could be undermining your progress in other areas. *************************** TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): You’ve got big dreams, but need practical plans to execute them. If you’ve got your sights set on a glamorous job, you should do everything in your power to get experience in this field. *************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Just because someone is exotic and unusual doesn’t mean they’re worthy of your time. You’re always looking for new experiences, but some are best left untried. Beware of falling under the influence of someone who prompts you to look down on your upbringing. *************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): As far as romance is concerned, action speaks louder than words. A smooth lover may be melting your heart with lofty promises, but is this person really following through? Resist the urge to make excuses for your admirer. *************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): It’s easy to get lost in a passionate relationship, but take care not to forget your friends. Keep appointments with pals; cancelling at the last minute will only damage your support system. *************************** VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): It may be difficult to find work, which drives you to distraction. Instead of filling your time with a series of household chores, slow down and smell the flowers.
LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Try not to jump to conclusions with somebody whose background is different than your own. While it’s understandable you take pride in your own origins, that shouldn’t mean this person’s experience is completely invalid. *************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): Being of service to your employer paves the way for future success. Unfortunately, a friend, lover or child doesn’t understand why you’re spending so much time at work. You’ve got to explain where your priorities lie right now. *************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): You’ve got a strong urge to parent somebody who is close to your heart and while these instincts are admirable, they could lead to trouble down the line. It’s hard to sustain a passionate relationship when there’s a power imbalance. *************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): A harsh outburst from a neighbour, sibling or cousin feels disquieting. You were totally unaware there were any rifts in your relationship. Try not to take these comments to heart. *************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): You’ve got to keep a tight rein on your finances if your love life is going to flourish. Money is often a sore subject for lovers. Until you learn to discuss this matter constructively, your relationship will suffer. *************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): A partner may not be giving you the validation you crave, which is nerve wracking. Instead of looking to this person for approval, just throw caution to the wind.
Rodney Ramlal
Trinidad and Tobago National Kickboxing Champion, Rodney Ramlal, has been invited by the World United Karate Organization - USA (WUKOUSA) to conduct a series of workshops in his area of martial arts expertise. While there he will be an official at the US Open Martial Arts Championships which will take place at the Coronado Disney Resort. Besides Kickboxing, Sensei Ramlal holds Black Belts in Nihon Ju-Jitsu and
Shito-Ryu Karate. He runs the most successful martial arts club in Carapaichima Tazmanian Bulldogs School of Martial Arts and Kickboxing. Sensei Ramlal is well known and respected in the community. He will be assisted by Rebecca Bhola, an established Kickboxing regional Champion, ShitoRyu Karate Black Belt and senior instructor with Taszmanian Bulldogs. They are both members of the Trinidad and Tobago Karate
Federation (TTKF). While in the US they will be taking a WUKO referee course. Some countries that are already making arrangements to host them are Guyana, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas later this year. They hope their visit will foster good relationships with other countries and martial arts organizations for Trinidad and Tobago and their club.
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‘WI v India v Sri Lanka - Another opportunity for West Indies to impress and improve!’ Colin E. H. Croft Perfect! When making comebacks after serious malfunctions, very good restarts are vastly important. West Indies ODI captain Dwayne Bravo, at the preview for West Indies v India v Sri Lanka Tri-Series, did suggest; “We will try to do better,” easily his most sensible comment after Champions Trophy 2013’s exit. Judging from that first game v Sri Lanka last Friday, it seems captain and team are on a mission to impress. Given West Indians’ ability for selective amnesia, I do not think that they really have to try too hard! Also, since there had not been not one single public word from Head Coach Ottis Gibson, no explanation whatsoever from captain Dwayne Bravo, not even a normally educated offering from team manager Richie Richardson, about that shambolic debacle in England, perhaps the team wanted to show actions!. After all, England’s Coach, Ashley Giles, seriously distressed, openly voiced his and team’s vast disappointment at not taking opportunities to win their first ever 50-overs international competition. South Africa’s coach, Gary Kirsten, went further, downright castigating his charges as “chokers”, a moniker his players absolutely detest. SA only mustered 175, not even batting 50 overs, to lose to India by seven wickets, with seventy-five deliveries
remaining – as bad a beating as possible in ODI’s - in their CT2013 semi-final. Australia went further still. Taking pride, chagrin, history and downright embarrassment, not to mention massive disappointment as defending champions, aboard, they sacked Head Coach Mickey Arthur! One reason given by Aussie CEO James Sutherland for this decision was that team on-field performances must be paramount and acceptable. West Indies must have heard that speech too! As a cricket contest, Sri Lanka were seriously disappointing. In an elevenman team, they still seem to be much too dependent on just two premier batsman, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. With another exciting stalwart, Tilikeratne Dilshan, missing; injured; it is as if the remaining two world beaters do not make runs, then the team fails. Captain Angelo Matthews tried, but needed much help! Sunil Narine bowled really well. Most ODI bowlers would take 10-0-40-4 anytime. Actually, he always does when pitches give him additional assistance with bounce, as Sabina Park almost always will. But stifling an always enterprising Sri Lanka to a laborious 208? That was really shocking from the Tigers! Narine used guile, speed, variety and bounce well, but not that well. Mathews and team must be quite embarrassed. After all,
Marlon Samuels
they were handily placed for at least 275, with 15 overs yet to come, at 151-5. Upal Tharanga, Jayawardene, Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal and Mathews all made double figures, two half centuries for “Jaya” and Angelo, the aggregate for these five being 170. The rest just made dribble! Chris Gayle’s 109, at that continuing excellent strike rate of at least 100%, could not have come at a better time. He has been singularly lacking in recent runs for West Indies. He really needed this big innings! So, is that all that there is from Sri Lanka? I really believe not. Quickly, they are going to have to regroup. I respect them well enough to know that they are much too proud a cricketing nation to allow this! Anyway, from a cricketing perspective, there is nothing at stake in this Tri-series, except bragging rights, and making some ‘green’, but
West Indies’ timing could be useful, especially for the next several months. By winning this first game, and hopefully winning the majority of this series, to eventually playing in the final in Trinidad & Tobago next week, the home team could be on a slight roll, with hopeful momentum. Yes, with much cricket ensuing after this Tri-Series West Indies v Pakistan, inaugural Caribbean Premier League and Champions League 2013, then New Zealand v West Indies, that immediate launch at Sabina Park could very well have been the start of, pardon the pun, a long, good run of any green! Also, considering that India, C-T 2013 winners, are ranked No. 1, and Sri Lanka, semi-finalists, are ranked No. 5, West Indies, ranked No. 8, just ahead of Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Netherlands and Kenya, has no-where else to go but up
Third Annual Trophy Stall Volleyball competition serves off in Berbice today All the top volleyball players and clubs in Berbice are expected to be in action today when play serves off for the much anticipated Third Annual Trophy Stall Inter Club volleyball competition for teams affiliated to the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA). Top class action is expected to unfold when play begins at 09:30 hrs. The event, which was push back from its previously planned date of June 23rd, has given the teams more time to prepare and sharpen their skills. The venue has been shifted to the Guysuco Training Centre Courts in Port Mourant (PMTC).
The competition will be played on a round-robin basis and is expected to attract teams from the following clubs - PMTC, Port Mourant Jaguars, Albion Sports Complex, Falcons of Canje, Union- Renaissance Sports Club of No53 Village, Vikings of Blairmont and 3Doors Strikers of D’Edward as well as a team from the Berbice Under-19 Squad. Trophies will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male teams and to the 1st and 2nd placed female teams. Prizes will also be presented to the MVP in both categories as well as to the best setter, best spiker, best
BVA President Gregory Rambarran receives one of the trophies from Mrs. Sunich of the Trophy Stall server, best defence, best blocker and best libero. Owner/Managing Director of the Trophy Stall, Mr. Ramesh Sunich is
expected to be on hand to serve off the first ball and assist with the presentation of the prizes. (Samuel Whyte)
from here. This series is a great way to start that promised elevation. No-one, I am sure, would contemplate anything further down that slope, and while we will not take anything for granted, not at all, not with West Indies cricket, such a good start to this series is a relatively good omen. That is what representatives do; provide these pleasures to those whom they represent! When West Indies won the first game with a whopping 12.1 overs still to be bowled, they may even have sent some shivers into India’s timbers. Home advantage is probably at least a 12th man, if not better! My favorite present West
Colin E. H. Croft Indies player, Marlon Samuels, who had an easy day last Friday, had suggested that West Indies is going places. There can be no excuses for West Indies to be better now, especially after such a confident, winning start. Today’s game against India will tell tales for the very supporting crowds. Enjoy!
Gairy St Clair moves closer to another world title fight after convincing win By Michael Benjamin Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion, Gairy ’Superman’ St Clair, kept his hopes alive for another world title shot when he defeated Joebert Delos Reyes on points in a welterweight fight at the Richmond Club, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia, yesterday morning. Kaieteur Sport spoke with St Clair moments after he had exited the ring and he said that his opponent was as tough as nails but even though he (St Clair) failed to knock his man out he was happy to once again be on the winning end. He admitted that it was not his best performance and attributes that to Delos Reyes’ competence. St Clair will now go on to fight Australian Olympian, Jeff Horne on August 8 next as part of the three fight deal. He must win this fight if he is to clinch the world title shot. St Clair said that he is confident of defeating Horne who has recently turned professional. “I am not quite certain why he took the fight because I am far more seasoned than him,” said St Clair. Nevertheless, he said that he is taking the fight seriously and would not be complacent. The former world champion said that he will take a few days off to rest
Gairy St Clair but will be back in the gym within a week in order to enhance his chances of winning another world title. The former Guyanese world champion trains under the tutelage of Mark Hardman and spars with tough guys the likes of Billy Dib, Daniel Lewis and Joel Brunker. He started fighting professionally in October 1994 and won on points over Nigel Boston. He managed to notch up a 14-0 record before fighting to a draw against American, Bernard Harris in the USA. Two fights later, he conceded a points decision to Diego Corrales and thereafter lost several other bouts including a unanimous verdict to his countryman, ‘Vicious’ Vivian Harris. Shortly after, he left the USA and took up residence in Australia where he resumed his career.
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FIVE REASONS TO WATCH THE CONFEDERATIONS CUP FINAL Spain's Jesus Navas celebrates after scoring his side's winning penalty against Italy.
Brazilian forward Fred (left) scores in the 41st minute (Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Five reasons to watch Brazil play Spain today in the final of the Confederations Cup, a warm-up tournament for next year’s World Cup: Neymar The locals love Neymar, and the past few weeks have proven that they are on to something. The 21-year-old Brazil striker with the pseudo Mohawk recently completed a blockbuster move to Barcelona, where next season he will play alongside Lionel Messi and several of the same opponents he and Brazil will face Sunday against Spain in the Confederations Cup final. Neymar entered the World Cup warm-up tournament with a huge amount of expectation, and he has so far lived up to the hype of being
the country’s football poster boy. He scored in each of the team’s three group matches — all wins — and played a part in both goals in the semifinal win over Uruguay. More pressure will be on him to perform not just on Sunday, but for the next year as Brazil tries to win its sixth World Cup title in 2014. Maracana Stadium The final will be played at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, one of the most famous football venues in the world. Once one of the largest stadiums on the planet, the Maracana hosted the final match of the 1950 World Cup, commonly remembered as a “disaster” around these parts. In that match, Uruguay beat Brazil 2-1 to win its second world title and leave Brazil still Venton Mars
Assistant Referee Venton Mars is scheduled to depart tomorrow to participate in a CONCACAF Elite Referees Course in Los Angeles, California, USA as the Region’s Governing Body prepares itself to host the Gold Cup from July 7. The Course which runs from July 1-6 will see members of the Elite Panel participate in Fitness Programmes to select the final
searching for a first. The stadium, which was built more than 50 years ago ahead of that World Cup and is owned by the state government, is officially named Mario Filho Stadium, after a famous Brazilian journalist. It has recently been remodeled and will be used for the final of next year’s World Cup. Although Brazil played five of its six matches at the Maracana in 1950, the team will have to make it to next year’s final to get back into the iconic venue — the seventh scheduled match at the stadium and 64th of the tournament. World champion Spain Almost any time you watch Spain play football, you’re watching the game at its best. After years of
underachieving, the Spanish team broke through at the 2008 European Championship. Spain then won the 2010 World Cup and repeated its title at Euro 2012, the first team to win those three major titles in succession. This year, the team looks very similar to the one that has dominated world football, with Xavi Hernandez controlling the midfield and Andres Iniesta driving defenses crazy with his probing runs and pinpoint passes. The team won’t have an easy time Sunday against Brazil, a twotime defending Confederations Cup champion that will be playing at home, but if the Spanish play their now-renowned “tiki-taka” football, they’ll be hard to beat.
Brazil playing at home Brazil invented “O Joga Bonito” — what many in the world call “The Beautiful Game” — and the country’s national team will looking to put that on display in one of its biggest home matches in decades. Ever since Brazil was awarded the right to host the 2014 World Cup six years ago, there has been a huge amount of pressure heaped upon the team to win. \And the Confederations Cup final will serve as a big test to see if the young team is ready to unseat the Spanish veterans who have taken over the mantle as the best team in the world by playing “The Beautiful Game” at its best. Prepare yourself for the World Cup The Confederations Cup
is designed to give the upcoming World Cup host a chance to test out its progress in organizing such a huge event, to try out six of its stadiums, its airports, its transportation systems. But it can also give fans a chance to get ready for the big event, to get an early sense of what many will be spending the better part of next June watching. Tuning in for Sunday’s match — not a bad match, by the way — could be the best warmup for next year, when 32 teams will be playing at 12 stadiums around the country to reach the final on July 13, 2014. Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, left, makes a diving save against Brazil midfielder
MARS DEPARTS TOMORROW TO ATTEND CONCACAF ELITE REFEREES COURSE composition of referees who will officiate in the Cup and Mars, speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday via telephone, said he is extremely elated to be part of the Course. Having attended a similar Course in 2010 along with fellow countrymen Stanley Lancaster and Dion Inniss, Mars will be carrying a lot of experience and knowledge to the Sessions and referred to it as another important step in his career. “I had the privilege of attending a similar Course in 2010 where I learnt a lot and I’m hoping to apply what I learned then along with some of the new techniques to the Course since I hope to represent Guyana successfully,” Mars told this newspaper. He pointed out that even though the officials who will officiate in the tournament have already been appointed, the purpose of the Course is to test the fitness levels of those selected to the Elite Panel and should anyone fail then there is a strong possibility that he could become eligible to replace that individual. In terms of his experience Mars said he has officiated in consecutive Digicel Cup finals, CONCACAF Under-20 qualifiers, both
Caribbean Football Union and CONCACAF Champions Leagues and World Cup and Olympic qualifiers, a pretty impressive resume. The easy going Referee Assistant started his career in 2004 and praised a number of persons for his rise in the sport, especially John Callender, who he mentioned as being chiefly responsible for introducing his to the officiating aspect of the game. Mars was also high in praise of Referees
Instructor Lawrence ‘Sparrow’ Griffith for his encouragement, his place of employment Janico Engineering, especially his CEO Compton Blair and the Management and Staff and most importantly his family. He also stated how happy he is to still be part of the CONCACAF Elite Panel which according to him is a significant achievement since it is very competitive among the Body’s affiliates.
NATIONAL TEAM DEPARTS FOR WICB REGIONAL TOURNEY The Guyana U-17 team departed yesterday for Trinidad and Tobago to contest the West Indies Cricket Board U-17 competition. Speaking just before their departure at the Wind Jammer Hotel in Kitty, Manager of the team Nazeer Mohamed said the team is a balanced one and if the guys play to their true potential Guyana can win the tournament. He stated that the team has a number of talented players in Kemo Paul, Shimron
Hetymer and Sherfene Rutherford and he is looking forward to these players leading from the front. Mohamed said he is looking forward to a successful tour. Guyana will take on the Windward Island in their first game at Bon Accord on July 1 before facing Barbados at Shaw Park on July 3. The Guyanese will then travel to Louidose where they will engage the Leeward Islands on July 4 and will clash with Jamaica at Shaw Park on July 6 before facing the host Trinidad
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FIFA President Sepp Blatter Bravo pleased with Gayle’s thunder, disciplined bowling display pledges $100M to Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — FIFA President Sepp Blatter responded Friday to criticism of the cost of staging the World Cup in Brazil by pledging to give at least $100 million from profits back to the country. Soccer’s governing body gave South Africa $100 million to invest in development projects following the 2010 World Cup, but had not previously said it would establish a similar “social fund” after the 2014 tournament to Brazil. The Confederations Cup, a World Cup warmup event, has been marred by protesters denouncing billions of dollars spent to host the World Cup — money some say should be going toward improving public services. “We have left a legacy (in South Africa), a special fund of $100 million, this fund is controlled by the Football (Association) of (South) Africa, the government of South Africa and FIFA,” Blatter said during a news conference. “I am sure an amount like that, or even higher, will be possible to have here. ... The aim from FIFA is not to take profit out of the country, but to put into the country.” Blatter said he can “understand this social unrest” in Brazil while the tournament has been taking place. The demonstrations took off earlier this month over a 10-cent hike in bus and subway fare in Sao Paulo and morphed into a mass, nationwide movement voicing public dissatisfaction with a range of issues such as government corruption, poor education, health care and spending on the World Cup. The government is projecting that $13.3 billion will be spent on stadiums, airport renovations and other projects for the World Cup, with an estimated $3.5 billion on the 12 venues. As violence escalated in the streets near to Confederations Cup matches, with protesters clashing with police, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said her government would start to invest in projects the public had been demanding. “They have promised to change — this is not our problem, this is a political problem, but something will be changed,” Blatter said. “Then the World Cup will have this platform
FIFA President Sepp Blatter says at least $100 million of the World Cup’s profits will go back to host-country Brazil. (Photo: Darko Vojinovic, AP) when finally this can be delivered. It’s all a question of patience and a question of trust and confidence.” Blatter also expressed “trust and confidence” in how the authorities coped with “some uncomfortable situations we have witnessed” during the Confederations Cup, declining to comment on the police firing tear gas and rubber bullets at some protesters. Blatter, though, expects soccer to help unite the nation, and Brazil will lift the Confederations Cup today if it can beat reigning world and European champion Spain. “Hope is one of the elements of football ... we play football nowadays in all perturbed countries in all the world,” Blatter said. “And not only in the perturbed countries where there are many (security) situations, like in Syria or in Afghanistan where we play football, but also (where) there is some social unrest. “Look at European countries, there is social unrest — there are demonstrations in Portugal, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece.” The extent of the public anger was clear to Blatter at the opening match of the Confederations Cup between Brazil and Japan, with fans loudly jeered him and Rousseff. Blatter said he did not know if the president would attend Sunday’s final at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, and the Brazilian government told The Associated Press: “We do not have that information.”
Jamaica Observer - IN his post-match comments, Sri Lanka’s skipper Angelo Mathews summed it up in a neat, short package. After watching helplessly as Christopher Gayle plundered 109 at better than a run a ball in the West Indies’ comfortable six-wicket win, Mathews said: “When Gayle gets going, no attack is enough and no ground big enough.” That was the case in Friday’s Celkon Mobile TriNation series opener at Sabina Park after nine fours and seven sixes flew off the left-hander ’s bat as West Indies made short work of Sri Lanka’s 208. It was Gayle’s 21st OneDay International hundred as he extended his record as West Indies’ top centurymaker. West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo acknowledged the 33-yearold as his trump card, and noted the importance of him taking the team to the cusp of victory at 181-1 before being dismissed. He said Gayle’s recent dip in form, which saw him getting decent starts, but not pushing on, was never a cause for worry. “Obviously Chris is our best player... and he has been getting starts. As long as he is getting starts he is going to cash in, though it must have been in the back of his mind. “He is an important player for us and I’m very happy he scored a hundred, and I’m happy he batted deep into the innings,”
Dwayne Bravo Bravo told reporters at yesterday’s press conference. Spinner Sunil Narine grabbed 4-40 and pacer Ravi Rampaul shrugged off a scary roll of his ankle to end with 338 to lead the West Indies bowling. Bravo, 29, credited his team’s bowling display for dismissing the Sri Lankans, who boast the quality of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara in their batting line-up, for a modest total.
He suggested that the visitors’ 62-run first-wicket stand was a minor blip in the context of Sri Lanka’s great dependence on the veteran batsmen. “They got off to a decent start, but I had in the back of my mind that once I got wickets it would stall the momentum of the Sri Lankan team. “One (Jayawardene) batted at the top of the order... and Sangakkara batted at (number) three. They bat very close (together) and we know their (Sri Lanka’s) lower order and middle order is not as experienced. So if we can expose them as quickly as possible we can continue taking wickets. They (Windies bowlers) set the tone for us,” he said. Today the West Indies meet reigning ICC World Cup champions India at the same venue in a highly-anticipated encounter. Only two weeks ago, at the ICC Champions Trophy in England, the eventual winners, India, effortlessly raced to 236-2 to beat the West Indies with over 60 balls remaining.
GCB\GTM 3 day Inter County tourney - 3rd round
Rains ruins play on day 1 The first day of the third round of the Guyana Cricket Board\Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Fire and Life General Insurance Company (GTM) 3 day Inter County tournament was called off yesterday without a ball being bowled. Heavy overnight and early morning showers left both of venues waterlogged. Essequibo and the President’s XI were schedule to battle at the Demerara Cricket Club ground, while Demerara and Berbice were set to clash at Bourda.
VALENTINO ROSSI CLAIMS FIRST WIN SINCE 2010 BBC Sport - Valentino Rossi claimed his first win since 2010 with victory at the Netherlands Grand Prix as Jorge Lorenzo took fifth despite a broken collarbone. Seven-time MotoGP champion Rossi, 34, dominated from the front after taking the lead on lap six. Marc Marquez was second and Britain’s Cal Crutchlow was third after starting from pole for the first time. There was disappointment for championship leader Dani Pedrosa, however, as he could only place fourth. The Repsol Honda man had been expected to take full advantage of Lorenzo’s injury, with the world champion only passed fit to race on Saturday morning having had surgery on Friday
following a 120mph practice crash. And Pedrosa seemed to be on course for a third win of the season as he controlled the pace in the opening laps, only for Rossi to begin reeling him in. The Assen stands erupted when the Italian finally came through, as he chased down his first MotoGP triumph since the Malaysian Grand Prix two and a half years ago. “I’m very happy and I can’t believe the victory after a lot of time,” Rossi said. “I worked very hard and never gave up. “We made a big step forward with the race and I rode better.” Pedrosa dropped back further as he struggled with the front end of his bike. He was first overtaken by compatriot Marquez - who himself was riding with a broken toe and finger - with
nine laps to go, before Crutchlow burned past him. With Rossi well clear, the excitement in the final stages came as the Briton tried to find a way past the Spanish rookie, with the battle only ending on the penultimate lap when Crutchlow lightly clipped the Spaniard’s rear wheel and had to drop back. Despite a third podium of the campaign for Crutchlow, the 27-year-old bemoaned another poor opening period, having become the first British MotoGP rider in more than a decade to achieve pole position. “It was too little, too late again,” Crutchlow said. “We cannot ride for the first 10 laps, then come strong at the end. “I am pleased for Valentino Rossi - I wish it was me but my time will come.” Lorenzo, who was doubled over with pain as he struggled off his bike in the
Valentino Rossi
pit lane after a gritty fifth place, restricted title rival Pedrosa to a nine-point lead at the top of the standings. In Moto2 Spaniard Pol Espargaro triumphed to reduce British rider Scott Redding’s advantage to 30
points. Switzerland’s Dominique Aegerter took the final spot on the podium after leading earlier in the race. In Moto3, Luis Salom increased his championship lead to 10 points with victory after Maverick Vinales lost the
lead by running wide in the final moments of the race. MotoGP title standings Dani Pedrosa - 136 points Jorge Lorenzo - 127 points Marc Marquez - 113 points Cal Crutchlow - 87 points Valentino Rossi - 85 points
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FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP FINAL - IT’S SPAIN VS BRAZIL CAN THE HOME TEAM DELIVER? Will Spain be able to stop the mighty Brazilians
BBC Sport - Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari reported no injuries following victory against Uruguay and could name an unchanged side for today’s final. Hulk has failed to score in his last nine international matches, meaning his starting spot could be under threat from Bernard or Lucas Moura. Spanish duo Roberto Soldado and Cesc Fabregas missed the semi-final against Italy because of minor muscle problems. However, both players are likely to be available against the Brazilians. Spain were arguably fortunate to book their place in the Confederations Cup final, but few neutrals will
complain ahead of today’s mouth-watering Maracana showpiece. While Italy would have also been worthy opponents for the Selecao, the Azzurri have already met Brazil twice this year. Instead the tournament climax will be what many are calling the “dream
final” - a surprisingly rare clash between Brazil and Spain. It seems an anomaly that they have met just once in the last 23 years, in a 1999 friendly which ended goalless. Since then Spain have taken on and beaten allcomers. Brazil are the last big
GCF Cycling Championships Time Trials Road Race on today By Franklin Wilson
Michael Anthony The battle lines will be drawn today as the best cyclists in the nation clash in the 2013 edition of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) Road Race Championships. Pedaling off from Carifesta Avenue, the athletes will proceed to the Linden Soesdyke Highway before returning for the conclusion. Results – Seniors Name Raynauth Jeffrey Paul De Nobrega Marlon Williams Godfrey Pollydore Rastaff Oselmo Davindra Sahadeo Jude Bentley Hector Edwards Jr. Mark Sonoram Females Claire Fraser Hazina Barrett Naiomi Singh Marica Dick
Jeffrey (Sr.), Anthony (Jr.), Fraser (female), Newtown (Vet.) are category winners At stake are championships jersey’s, medals and bragging rights for one year for the winners of the senior, junior, female, veterans Under-50 and Over-50. Defending senior champion Orville Hinds, like many other colleagues opted not to compete in yesterday’s Time Trails but they will all be facing starter’s orders today for the Road Race. England based female defending champion Claire Fraser looks set for a repeat after winning yesterday’s Time Trials from Madewini to the First Toll Station and back. A new junior champion will emerge with last year’s winner, Raynauth Jeffrey graduating to the senior ranks. Jeffrey has done his Time 14:31.90 15:31.40 15:37.30 15:38.64 15:48.60 15:55.14 15:59.51 16:41.95 17:55.58 18:07 18:09 18:18 19:27
physique a whole lot of good after winning the Senior Category of yesterday’s Time Trials. The likes of Alonzo Greaves, Warren Mc Kay and Robin Persaud among others will all be vying for the senior title. An enthralling race is anticipated. Meanwhile, the Time Trials yesterday was held in blistering sunshine on the Linden Soesdyke Highway, a distance of 10km (6 miles). Raynauth Jeffrey won the senior category in 14 Minutes 31.90 Seconds; Michael Anthony took the junior division in 15 Minutes 17.92 Seconds; Claire Fraser was the top female in 18 Minutes 07 Seconds; Raymond ‘Steely’ Newton was the best veteran covering the distance in 15 Minutes 25 Seconds.
Juniors Name Michael Anthony Hamza Eastman Shaquel Agard Akeem Arthur
Time 15:17.92 15:56.68 15:59.81 16:33.49
Veterans Raymond Newton Stephen Fernandes Kennard Lovell Lance Rose
15:25 15:35 18:12 20:09
scalp left for them to claim, just as the Confederations Cup is the only senior title to elude them. Victory against the Brazilians, who have not lost a competitive home game since 1975, will cement their legacy as one of the greatest sides ever. It would also exorcise the memories of their 6-1 defeat at the Maracana 63 years ago, a result that extinguished Spain’s hopes of winning the 1950 World Cup and remains their
heaviest ever defeat at the tournament. In addition to home advantage, Brazil will benefit from an additional day of rest. Spain coach Vicente del Bosque admits the gruelling semi-final against Italy has left his camp drained. ”Even I am exhausted and I have barely moved, so imagine how the players must feel,” he said. However, Del Bosque has refused to criticise the tournament scheduling. “I’m
not looking for excuses… We have 72 hours, others have a bit more, but we want to put on a good show.” Spain have kept clean sheets in their last eight knock-out games at international tournaments, but expect goalkeeper Iker Casillas to be kept busy. Brazil may not quite play the “Jogo Bonito” (beautiful game) purists demand, but with 22 goals in their last eight games they certainly possess firepower. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is pleased with his side’s Confederations Cup campaign, but insists they remain a work in progress. “We achieved our goal of getting to the final and giving the players a sense of unity and the fans an idea that we have a good team that can get to the final of the World Cup,” Scolari said. “This team has to face a lot of difficulties and grow, it needs to mature in certain situations. The [World Cupwinning] 2002 team was much more prepared…We are still young, we struggle a little when it’s a different game.”
GBTI renews sponsorship for Annual Open Tennis C/ships
GBTI’s Marketing Assistant Jasmaine Payne presents the sponsorship cheque to Ramesh Seebarran, President of the Guyana Tennis Association. The Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) will serve off the 2013 Annual GBTI Open Tennis Tournament on July 11, at the GBTI Recreational Club, Kaieteur Street, Bel Air Park. The GBTI Open has emerged over the years to be the GTA’s premier competition on its calendar of events. The two week long tournament will feature the following categories: Men’s Open Singles and Doubles, Ladies Open Singles and Doubles, Men’s Over 35 Singles and Doubles, Mixed doubles, Junior Boys and
Girls Open Singles and the relatively new Novice Singles and Doubles categories which was established two years ago for beginners and which sparked much interest in the competition for players to compete at the lowest level of the game. The GTA is hoping to surpass the number of entries for the past two years, a number which is placed at just over 120 since the local tennis playing population is once again on the increase. Some of the country’s top players have migrated, but there is still the anticipation
of a very high level of competition which is expected to be highlighted by the more seasoned players such as defending men’s champion Anthony Downes along with Leyland Leacock and top Berbician Carol Humphrey. A strong challenge is expected in the open categories by top juniors Daniel Lopes, Gavin Lewis and Nicola Ramdyhan. GBTI’s CEO John Tracey, who is also a former tennis player, continues to express his desire to see the sport regain its prominence in Guyana. The entity’s annual sponsorship of this tournament and the provision of tennis facilities both demonstrate its unwavering support for the development of the game. The format for the Open categories is best of 3 sets, while the Men’s Over 35 will play a super tie-breaker for the third set and the novice categories will play one set. The action gets underway from 17:00hrs every weekday and from 08:00hrs on weekends. The Tournament coordinators, Andrew Sawh and Grace McCalman have distributed application forms to all clubs. They can be reached at 6910940 and 626-7987 respectively.
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Kaieteur News
Lewis Hamilton takes pole for the British GP in a Mercedes front row BBC Sport - Lewis Hamilton set a scintillating pace to take pole position for the British Grand Prix ahead of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg. Hamilton’s margin over the field was a stunning 0.452 seconds as Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber took third and fourth on the grid. Vettel’s title rivals Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso could manage only ninth and 10th. Scot Paul Di Resta was fifth ahead of Toro Rosso’s Daniel Ricciardo. It was Di Resta’s careerbest qualifying position and Ricciardo, a contender to replace Webber next year, equalled his own highest grid position. “It’s an incredible feeling,” said Hamilton. “It feels like [previous Silverstone pole] 2007. “The crowd have been great - such a great turnout that was a lap for them. I hope we can do something special in the race.” Hamilton’s pole was his first since the Chinese Grand Prix in April and it came as a result of what team boss Ross
Brawn described as “a very special lap”. “It’s definitely a great feeling to have the fastest car and the Mercedes team did a great job,” said Rosberg. “We are confident we have improved and some of the other cars may be better than us but finishing top two can only be good for us.” Vettel edged out Webber by just 0.009secs as Red Bull put themselves in a strong position for the race. “We will see what happens tomorrow,” said Vettel. “I don’t know if Lewis [Hamilton] found a short cut or he just found something special here - it was a phenomenal lap. “It is always nice to position well in qualifying here. I am looking forward to the race tomorrow and we will see how we are with looking after tyres.” Mercedes are still concerned about their rear tyre usage, especially with higher temperatures forecasted for the race on Sunday. The race looks set to be fought out by the Red Bulls and Mercedes, whose
tyre wear in the cooler conditions of Friday was better than usual. But Raikkonen and Alonso, who both admitted coming into this race that they needed to make up ground on Vettel, face a tough battle after struggling for pace all weekend. Jenson Button won the internal McLaren battle by qualifying 11th and beating team-mate Sergio Perez by 0.4secs, but the team were way off the pace. Ricciardo’s sixth place on the grid was perfectly timed following Webber’s announcement on Thursday that he will be leaving F1 at the end of the year. Ricciardo is one of three contenders for the second red Bull seat in 2014, along with Raikkonen and the other Toro Rosso driver Jean-Eric Vergne, who qualified 13th after running wide on his final lap in second qualifying, which was on target to match Ricciardo’s. Englishman Max Chilton struggled in the Marussia - he qualified last, 1.7 seconds slower than team-mate Jules Bianchi.
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SERENA WILLIAMS THRASHES KIMIKO DATE-KRUMM
Serena Williams (AP) BBC Sport - Serena Williams wasted little time in seeing off Japan’s Kimiko Date-Krumm after their third-round match was moved under the Centre Court roof with the light fading at Wimbledon. The world number one and defending champion powered through 6-2 6-0 in 61 minutes to reach the last 16. At 42, Krumm was the oldest woman ever to reach the third
round at Wimbledon. Their match had been scheduled for Court One, but with the time approaching 20:30 BST they were moved to Centre, where the roof guaranteed they would be able to finish. Williams, 31, was surprisingly broken when serving for the first set, to the delight of the Centre Court crowd who wanted a contest in their unexpected bonus match. The American was not in a charitable mood, however, and responded in kind to take the set before racing through the second to claim her 600th career win. “That’s awesome,” she told BBC Sport. “I had absolutely no idea. That feels really good. On Centre Court - what better place to win 600 matches?” Krumm, who lost to Steffi Graf in the 1996 semi-finals, did at least make one of her targets by keeping the five-time champion on court for over an hour. “I’m finally starting to feel a little better,” Williams added. “I had such a long clay-court season and my first match I felt was a little awkward, so I’m getting there. I always like to peak towards the end.” She added: “It’s unbelievable playing here on Centre Court under the roof - I don’t think it gets better for me than playing under a closed roof on grass.” Williams will next face Germany’s 23rd seed Sabine Lisicki, who beat number 14 seed Sam Stosur of Australia 4-6 6-2 6-1.
Goal spree continues as Orealla Secondary hammer Lower Corentyne Secondary 13-0
Lewis Hamilton (PA)
Small Goal Football set for Charlestown Secondary on Friday The Holy Family Bible Club and the Charlestown Secondary Schools Football team would be running off their annual end of term small goal knock-out Football competition and fair on Friday July 5. The event will be held at the hard court and kick of time is 15:00hrs. The tournament is sponsored by Colours Boutique, GR Bovell
Construction, GR Taxi Service and Star Party Rentals. So far 24 schools have registered to participate and teams interested in competing can contact Sir Parris on telephone number 686-2241. Meanwhile, Charlestown Secondary’s Under-15 team are the 2013 Scotia Bank Soccer champions.
Digicel Schools Football continues tomorrow Play in the Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Championship continues tomorrow with matches in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 and Georgetown. Over in Region 3, Stewartville take on Professional Learning Training Institute at Uitvlugt Community Centre ground from 15:30 hrs. In Region4, Friendship
take on Institute of Professional Education at Grove Playfield and Plaisance battle Apex Academy at the BV ground. Both matches start at 15:30 hrs. In Region 5, Fort Wellington square off against Mahaicony Technical Institute, while in Region 6School of Nations take on Winefred Gaskin at All Saints ground.
Over in Region 10, Marcia Craig Institute tackle Christianburg at the Wisburg ground, while in Georgetown, Sophia Training School square off against School of Nations; Tutorial High engage Sophia Special School; East Ruimveldt do battle with St. Stanislaus College and Queenstown and Lodge collide.
The winning Orealla team take time out for a photo. The goal spree continued in the ongoing Digicel Nationwide U-18 Schools Football competition when the much fancied Orealla Secondary staked their claim for recognition with a 13-0 drubbing of a hapless Corentyne Secondary School. The game was played at the Skeldon Community Centre ground on the Upper Corentyne Friday. The game, which was played in soggy conditions in intermittent showers, saw the boys from the Amerindian settlement of Orealla, some 60 miles up the Corentyne River, made sure that their costly travel by boat to be a part of the competition was a profitable one as they showed good skills to dispose of their opponents with consummate ease. By half time the score was 7-0 with Orealla dominating from the kick off. Kevin Dick goal in the second minute started the goal rout. Evon Herman blasted
home four goals in the session with Jermaine Biswane and Brinsley Rajnarine also on target. Herman again was on target as play resumed for the second half as he found the back of the net on two more occasions to account for his six goals. Dick got another one in the second stanza to take his tally to two with Orsino Moses and Cameron Edwards also getting on the score card. If things were not bad enough a defence error accounted for another goal. The competition continues tomorrow with School of the Nations taking on Winifred Gaskin Secondary at the All Saints Scott Church Ground. Orealla will play their next match on Friday at the Skeldon Ground against last year’s Regional champion Tutorial Academy Secondary (TASS) who drew a bye to the second. (Samuel Whyte)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 30, 2013
West Indies v India, Tri-series, Kingston
YOUNG CHAMPIONS START AFRESH AGAINST HOSTS ESPNcricinfo - Six months ago, Indian cricket was supposed to be at its nadir. On the back of those eight successive overseas Test defeats came a shocking home Test series loss to England. Reeling in the face of doomed conquests and fallen bastions, MS Dhoni and his men managed to come up with the ultimate public relations disaster - a home one-day series defeat to Pakistan. There was nowhere to hide. Australia had arrived to play four Tests. Fortunately for India, the visitors had no clue about facing spin and had plenty of demons of their own to handle. Then came the IPL to distract everyone. And then India went to England - where their mighty had begun to fall in 2011 - and won the Champions Trophy with a squad so young and inexperienced the major justification for its selection was that planning for the 2015 World Cup had already started. Suddenly, it is India this and India that, Dhoni this and Dhoni that. So what do the No. 1 ranked ODI side, the World Cup and Champions Trophy holders have to gain from a tri-series arranged primarily so that the other participating boards could gain from their financial clout? To appreciate that, we have
Marlon Samuels and Dwayne Bravo are all smiles after the win, will they smile again today? (AFP)
Will the Shikhar Dhawan show continue in the Caribbean? © International Cricket Council to recall what Dhoni often says about young players in the squad. As a World Cup approaches, he wants them to have played around 100-150 ODIs so that they have been exposed to multiple situations and have gained enough experience to tackle them. About half of the current squad have not even played 30. Yes, they won the Champions Trophy, but taking that as anything more than a start is to forget what state the side was in just six months ago. The opening combination is nascent. The fast bowlers, barring Ishant Sharma, are new to international cricket.
India need them to gain as much exposure as possible in the next 18 months or so, provided the selectors show their faith in this set of men can last longer than a couple of series. India’s opponents, West Indies, showed against Sri Lanka in the opening game why an ODI ranking of No. 8 does them no justice, especially when they actually use some of their enormous potential. West Indies have done little more recently than to terrorise Zimbabwe and New Zealand at home. A bonus-point win over Sri Lanka was a refreshing start but, as always, the question
with West Indies will be, can they reproduce that kind of performance all through this series? IN THE SPOTLIGHT India’s openers had a dream run in the Champions Trophy, their partnerships reading 127, 101, 58, 77 and 19. Shikhar Dhawan returns to the venue of a failed comeback to the India side in 2011, while Rohit Sharma returns to the place where he was Man of the Series in 2011. Dhawan is the man who can do no wrong at the moment, while - despite successive fifties at an unfamiliar position in the Champions Trophy Rohit is still walking around
with the familiar tag of the underachiever. Both would have developed some sort of understanding during the Champions Trophy. How will they build on it in this series? After 57 ODIs, Darren Bravo’s average is similar to Rohit’s, with a strike-rate from the 1990s. The aesthetic comparisons with his great uncle will probably continue
Marcel Kittel wins first stage of Tour de France
Marcel Kittel of Germany celebrates winning the first stage of the Tour de France. (Photo Christophe Ena, AP)
PORTO VECCHIO, Corsica (AP) — German rider Marcel Kittel won the first stage of the 100th Tour de France in a sprint finish with Alexander Kristoff amid farcical scenes and heavy crashes yesterday. The decision was initially taken late on to shorten the flat stage by three kilometers (two miles) because a bus from the Orica Greenedge team was stuck on the finish line. But organizers managed to move the bus and the normal finishing spot was reinstated. “I’m speechless, so, so happy. This is by far the greatest day in my whole life,” Kittel said. “It’s by far (my) biggest victory. I hope I can sleep, I’m going to be pretty excited about tomorrow.” Then there was a heavy crash involving more than a dozen riders close to the end, with two-time former champion Alberto Contador and sprinter Peter Sagan among those hitting the ground. They were able to
continue, with Contador’s shoulder cut and bruised. British sprinter Mark Cavendish did not crash but was stuck behind those that fell and was not among the stage challengers at the end. Cavendish was aiming for his 24th stage win and hoping to wear the prestigious yellow jersey for the first time in his career, while Sagan was tipped to be his main rival. Neither got close. Cavendish and Sagan were nowhere to be seen as the main bunch turned the corner for home, and Kittel held off Kristoff as they dipped for the line. “I saw the crash happen to my right,” Kittel said. “I knew it was serious. I knew that Mark and Andre (Greipel) were no longer in contention and it was a good chance for us.” Contador had a bad day, too. Returning from a doping ban after testing positive on the 2010 Tour — a title he has been stripped off — the Spaniard grimaced in pain as he crossed the line with his
clothing torn and his left shoulder grazed. As the stage drew to an end, former champion Andy Schleck’s RadioShack team pushed to the front as a side wind made it harder for riders to pedal, then Contador’s Saxo-Tinkoff team pushed up, before Sky took charge as the sinewy, tight roads started to look thinner and thinner. Johnny Hoogerland, who was sent flying off his bike and sustained cuts to his legs on the 2011 Tour after being hit by a Tour car, was sent tumbling after hitting a crash barrier near the end. He was helped back onto his bike and able to continue. Shortly after, a handful of riders — including last year’s Giro d’Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal — were caught in another small crash, but all continued. With the finish line in sight, and as the nerves jangled, about 20 riders were sent flying from their bikes, throwing the stage into chaos.
for as long as he plays, but after four years of international cricket, it is time Bravo starts to draw comparisons in the areas of consistency and impact. He has shown glimpses of that at the Test level, and a 71-ball ODI hundred against Zimbabwe earlier this year was a sign of what he is capable of in this format. TEAM NEWS The big win against Sri Lanka should encourage West Indies to go in with the same XI. Kemar Roach was a bit of a letdown in that match, but he earned backing from his captain, who said while West Indies were glad to have someone like Tino Best in the reserves, there was no issue with Roach’s performance. The conditions might have changed completely, but that does not mean India will be rushing to change the combination that won five successive games in the Champions Trophy. PITCH AND CONDITIONS Angelo Mathews thought the toss was crucial on Friday, as the Sabina Park pitch eased out in the second innings. Sri Lanka had been put in on what Mathews called a two-paced surface, which had a few dark patches suggesting uneven distribution of moisture. However, there was no alarming swing or seam. The expected rain didn’t arrive on Friday though skies remained overcast for large parts of the game. There is some chance of rain again on Sunday.