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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
GUEST EDITORIAL
PROVIDING HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS On May 11, 2015, the bell finally rang for the people of Guyana. Now that the long campaign period is over, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has work to do to convince the electorate that they are the ones to lead Guyana for the next five years. Although it was a very narrow victory, yet the election of the APNU+AFC Coalition to office has brought hope to the hopeless in Guyana. That was the easy part, now comes the difficult task for the government to demonstrate to the nation how they intend to spend the taxpayers’ money to transform and diversify the economy, reduce poverty, create employment, end the widespread flooding and reduce crime, to name a few. In practical terms, it is the responsibility of the leaders of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government to explain to the people what each one of them will do separately and collectively to repair what has generally been agreed is a fractured society. How they intend to improve education and health care, unite the people and improve the well-being of the masses. Will they get the people involved in solving the conflicts in society that are associated with ethnicity and racial politics and harmonize the social divide into a oneness that recognizes equality, fairness, respect for the rule of law and that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers? President Granger and his team must be made to account for their stewardship. They must move away from the campaign rhetoric and explain their development strategies and the direction they intend to take the country. In the process, they must be prepared to recognize their failures. They have the intellectual capacity to overcome even the most daunting of challenges, be they social, economic, political or of whatever kind. As transformational and visionary leaders, which Guyana needs desperately at this time, there is nothing that is beyond their ability to deal effectively with the nation’s problems if they put their minds and hearts to it. And they will! The evidence of the damage done to the social and political fabric of the country by the previous administration is overwhelming but there is absolutely nothing to convince the people that the rotting of Guyana’s social and political fabric is too advanced to be reversed. In fact, there is always hope in hopeless situations and hope for the hopeless. No social or political situation in Guyana or elsewhere is ever irreversible and no one is ever beyond redemption. Therefore it is unbelievable for the opposition to pronounce doom and gloom for Guyana under the new coalition government despite the fact that there is evidence that many countries throughout history that were in similar situations or worst have pulled themselves from the brink of destruction. To assert that the nation is going to hell reflects a lack of insight into history. Unlike the previous PPP administration which was reactive, autocratic and without a conscience, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government is proactive, democratic and has integrity. It is wrong for anyone to believe that Guyana has some long-standing and deep-rooted socio-economic and political challenges that seem insurmountable. The fact is the indomitable patriotic spirit embodied by the leaders of the Coalition government would lift the people up, provide hope for the hopeless and propel the country forward towards sustainable economic and human development. However, given the divisive political climate in the country, one would expect the opposition to make more positive pronouncements about the direction in which the country should go rather than the negative declarations of where they perceive it will be in five years under the newly elected coalition government. The people understand that by losing the election, the PPP which finds itself in the opposition is bitter and contemptuous of the new government. The bottom line is that the David Granger-led APNU+AFC Coalition Government must work to provide hope for the hopeless.
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Inquiry into National Service atrocities should be held DEAR EDITOR, A Commission of Inquiry is held into the murder of Walter Rodney some 35 years later to bring closure to that terrible act. A similar inquiry will help to heal wounds arising out of National Service. Allegations of rape, violations of religious sanctity and cultural diets, beatings and other atrocities were leveled against the commanding officers and the entire programme of National Service (1974 thru 1992). The problem of sexual abuse was widespread and involved official levels of cover-up and turning a blind eye. Although complaints were made, no action was ever taken against officers. These should be investigated, especially given the fact that the APNU+AFC government plans to re-introduce national service. Just last week, I met a teacher in New York’s public school system who confirmed that rape and the
atrocities noted above did take place at the camps he was mandated to serve. He regretted he could not help the victims, claiming he was in no position to assist for fear of the consequences to himself (being denied a National Service completion certificate and/or the special food privileges he enjoyed). That teacher plus other eyewitnesses and victims are willing to speak out on rape and other sexual abuses at National Service. The allegations warrant a commission of inquiry. Rape and sexual assaults have no statute of limitation; those who engaged in sexual misconduct or covered up wrongdoing should be brought to account. It is recalled that failure to join national service led to victimization from government jobs and/or denial of promotions, admission at tertiary institutions or academic certificates, etc. Even females were forced to join the National Service in order to obtain diplomas at University of
Guyana, Teachers’ College or at any Tertiary institution. Also, innocent females at several high schools were tricked into joining national service as a condition for entrance into university or obtaining GCE and CXC certificates. Based on interviews of individuals who served in national service, many females were sexually assaulted (raped, inappropriately touched, kissed without permission, ordered to perform sexual acts, verbally abused, etc.) at boot camp. According to those I interviewed, many victims did not report their sexual abuses because of fear or recrimination and the stigma of rape or of people knowing that a female was in bed with an officer. But word got around anyway that the officer had “a nice time” with a certain female who felt ashamed that everyone knew “she was forced into bed by an officer”. Evidence suggests that sexual exploitation was not a secret at National Service
camps. Almost everyone knew who was a victim and who slept with which officer. And after an officer had a good time, he passed on the victim to another officer colleague who in turn passed her off to another officer. In short, some officers took turns abusing female participants of National Service. Victims were stalked, harassed, intimidated and victimized. Several officers were repeat offenders. Would-be victims could not hold off the advances of superiors. As some noted, it was like being in a domesticviolence marriage that you can’t get divorced from, because you could not get out of National Service. You had to tolerate the abuse. The violence of rape and the ensuing emotional trauma damaged people’s psyche. Victims recognized the futility of reporting sexual abuses to their commanders, and government officials knew no action would be taken (Continued on page 23)
This COI should propose methods to wind down the sugar industry with as little pain as possible DEAR EDITOR, It was noted with great disappointment, in an SN article of June 27, that Vibert Parvatan, formerly CEO of Fogarty’s Ltd., has been appointed Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) to examine the affairs of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Guyana’s largest industry, and determine its way forward. This development has occurred as the Corporation is not just at a crossroads, but is heavily indebted and in a downward spiral for some time now, with no chance of survival except with continued subsidy from taxpayers which cannot continue indefinitely without serious adverse effects to the country’s economy. Mr. Parvatan has had an unblemished record of honesty and integrity and has been involved in promoting many social programmes to help the needy. However, in my opinion, he lacks the experience and strategic clarity to lead a COI to ascertain what really ills GuySuCo, and what should be done to revive its assets to make it a viable industry.
Guyanese would need to know what experience Mr. Parvatan has had that motivated Minister Holder to appoint him to lead a COI team to provide answers necessary to turn around GuySuCo. The FOB price of sugar on the world market has been hovering at about US$0.13/lb for some time now, while its costs of production by GuySuCo has been more than US$0.28/lb. Therefore there is no conceivable way GuySuCo could ever service its debt, trim its production costs and remain viable to compete on the world market with Brazil, India and others, unless it could find the various skills lacking and large capital investments to bring about needed efficiencies to accomplish the competitive threshold of production. This, of course, would be a pipe dream, as the development banks will find it difficult to make investments in an industry which has no chance of becoming viable. The APNU/AFC administration should therefore re-examine the seriously skewed terms of
reference which Minister Holder has charted for the COI as a means of making GuySuCo economically sustainable and viable, unless they were politically motivated to buy time until the next general election. GuySuCo cannot be resurrected and therefore the future viability of sugar production in Guyana is dead. Hence, the COI should be recommending means and methods to wind down the industry with as little pain as is possible, and where and how the available assets should be deployed to grow
the economy to provide the paying jobs (not the backbreaking ones) Guyanese in the sugar-belt have been dreaming about. Development plans are usually prepared for fiveyear periods, not 15 years, since not even the APNU/AFC could project with any meaningful level of certainty, whether they will retain political power beyond their present mandate, much less make projections for the survival of GuySuCo in 15 years’ time. Charles Sohan
Reform the courts DEAR EDITOR, The justice system is the mechanism that upholds the rule of law. Our courts provide a forum to resolve disputes and to test and enforce laws in a fair and rational manner. The courts should be an impartial forum, and judges should be free to apply the law without regard to the government’s wishes or the weight of public opinion. Court decisions are based on what the law says
and what the evidence proves; there is no place in the courts for suspicion, bias or favouritism. The Guyanese public shares President Granger’s exasperation with our broken justice system. We agree that our judiciary must be purged from politicization, even if it requires recruiting outside of the country. We support the president’s initiative to reform the judiciary Berkeley Van Bowen
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
We can transform UG in Crime and Underage Drinking under five years, but… DEAR EDITOR, It is a relief that new interest is being taken about the unmitigated wreck that is University of Guyana. The recent editorial in KN that zoomed in on UG was spot-on. The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, has put his reputation on the line. KN’s front page proclaimed: “If UG is not transformed in five years, I’m a failure.” Admirable indeed, since it represents a refreshing new attitude from the former Minister, who is reported to have said that UG is not the Ministry’s business. Of the several letters and comments written recently, the article that caught my eye was the one that advocated the closure of UG for three years, while we build a new institution. As someone who has been intimately involved in reforming and transforming universities in several countries around the world, I would say that this is impractical. To begin with, this closure would disenfranchise thousands of enrolled students as well as the new intakes. What do they do in the meantime? Faculty and staff will also suffer unimaginably. Having been unemployed for almost three years and still without a job, I know that suffering very well, and no one in this nation should have to endure that horror. But the essential question is this: How do we transform UG? It is sure that it cannot be done with the current thinking. Here are a few starting points: 1. Close UG for ONE semester, during which we bring UG’s Acts and Statutes into the 21th Century. Our parliamentarians can pass an Act without delay to make this real. 2. Refashion the Administrative Structure at Turkeyen and UGBC within a week. 3. For the closed semester, students will be given appropriate assignments/papers/projects in each course. These will be incrementally submitted to respective lecturers by email
per fortnight and feedbacks from lecturers to students are due within a week. Hold to these time lines. In this way, no time is wasted by anyone, and students will not be disenfranchised in any way. Ancillary staff will remain on the job. 4. In the semester of closure, design a Strategic Planning Engine for UG (Strategic Plans are no longer used in the educated world). The Outcomes of the Strategic Planning Engine will include the following: A Strategic Plan; Updated Rules and Regulations; Financial Structure with predictive profitability; modernized curricular refashioning for every course in every academic department, every certificate programme, every diploma and degree programme across the university; infrastructure enhancement; library upgrade; IT upgrade; Mission Statement; hinterland and international outreach; twinning programmes; identification of National Priorities and design degree programmes to suit; Meals and Dormitory facilities, etc. The Strategic Planning Engine will show the implications of each change in any area relative to all other areas, and to the institution as a whole, including costs. 5. Immediate but to-thepoint, across-the-board consultative review of salaries, benefits, working conditions, and incentive schemes for measurable excellence. Immediate implementation. Full participation of all Unions will be necessary. 6. Design a Code of Practice for Teaching, Learning, Research Excellence and
Administrative Excellence. This must be practical, measurable, implementable. Quality! Incentives will be built in for excellence. 7. Design Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all categories of staff, all academic and non-academic units, all schools, and for the institution as a whole. 8.Design a comprehensive Student Advising Handbook and a companion booklet. These will facilitate the following: inform students of rules and regulations; inform students of important deadlines; inform students of course options and selfdesigned degree programmes; provide fasttrack options, including extension courses and summer courses, so that a degree can be completed in three years or less; offer precise predictability for degree completion for each and every student; identify duties and obligations of all students and academic advisors; track Grade Point Average for each student; ensure fairness and academic integrity; identify areas of weakness for corrective action, etc. This is more difficult than I make it appear, but there are a few (very few and none in the West Indies) of us who have done this for several countries with great success. The Minister is right. We can transform UG in under five years, and make the place internationally recognized and free of government subvention in eight years. It can be done, but it would take creativity, international experience, great intelligence, and a love for this nation that is beyond measure. Professor Daizal R. Samad
DEAR EDITOR, I would first like to applaud the new Minister of Public Security for the outstanding work done so far and new vision and direction put forth for the reforming of Guyana’s security sector. The devastating impacts of crime on foreign investment, migration, and morale of country, among others, have been documented by many observers in the past. I however would like to encourage the Minister to look into an area that has been neglected for far too long in Guyana, and has now become our dominant culture - one which I believe has an extricable link to crime in this country, and that is underage drinking. As a young Guyanese and one who resides in what it is considered a low-income area in the countryside of Guyana, the effects of this phenomenon is more profound and evident due to obvious impacts one can see taking place by this culture which unfortunately has been allowed to flourish and get out of hand. Today in Guyana and virtually in all locations where alcohol is consumed or sold, one can find the presence of underage persons (persons under 18) either buying or consuming alcohol. Many bar/shop owners, particularly in rural areas of Guyana, accept this behaviour, because for them, underage drinkers account for a good percentage of their revenue, thus the reluctance to change. Persons who acquire a liquor licence should be aware that selling alcohol to minors is a violation and risk having their licence taken away. Almost none of these establishments practice checking the ID’s of suspected underage persons
and virtually none have clearly visible signs (which should be issued by a Governmental entity) of the infraction of selling alcohol to a minor, as typically done in the US (also applied for tobacco as well). As a person who lived in the US for quite some time, I am appalled at the apparent lax in this law and the type of culture that now dominates Guyanese society. This is an issue that US States and Federal Government take very seriously, because they recognize the dangers that exist. It does not take an expert to observe what lies ahead for a society/community that continues to allow this behaviour to continue. Teenage drinking is quite frankly something that no business establishment should be encouraging. I reiterate that persons living in these communities where this trend is more evident can testify to the
problems that occur when underage persons consume alcohol, particularly rural areas, which is most of Guyana by and large. It is the number one contributor to violence, noise nuisance and lawless behaviour towards lawabiding citizens in these communities, and many Guyanese are simply hostages to this phenomenon. Guyana is now at a crossroads for her survival after decades of rot and decay. What we do today will determine where we as a society stand tomorrow. Like many ills which start innocuously, this one was allowed to fester and become the elephant in the room which hardly anyone talks about. It is time for change, and on that note I ask that this issue be looked at and taken seriously by the new administration. D. Persaud Patriot & Son
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Frustration high as gold declarations fall 17 percent By Leonard Gildarie The gold sector is continuing its downward spiral, reflecting almost a 17 percent drop in declarations for the first six months of this year as compared to the same period of 2014. According to figures provided yesterday by miners, as of June 25th, the industry has seen a measly 164,419 ounces being declared for the year. For the first half of 2014, the declarations were reportedly just over 198,000 ounces. Poor world prices, high operating costs and a rainy season are being blamed. Yesterday, President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA), Patrick Harding, admitted that quite a number of miners have halted operations. This coupled with low prices and the rainy season has not been helping the situation much. Miners want a number of interventions immediately.
Gold miners are urging speedy solutions
Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman
These include a reduction of the fuel tax which is as much as 45 percent. Several roads in the hinterlands leading to the mining camps are also in a deplorable state. These
include the Omai, Issano, Puruni and the Bartica/ Sherima roads. Over recent weeks, miners have been agitating for some kind of action from the new
coalition Government. On Friday, the new Government vowed to work closer with gold miners to ensure the industry continues to play its vital role to the country. The commitment was made after Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, met with members of the GGDMA over the state of the industry. According to the Ministry, the new administration is committed to working closely with all stakeholders in the mining sector to ensure its continued contribution to the local economy is sustained. The Minister also promised a range of measures so as to ensure the continued growth of the sector. Minister Trotman was at the time meeting with Executives of the GGDMA and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, a key regulatory agency for the sector. “The meeting specifically focused on a range of issues raised by the GGDMA on how the sector can be improved in light of the prevailing world market prices and the association expressed its willingness with the administration in addressing issues…,” the Ministry said in a statement. Some of the issues included security; compliance and enforcement of the Mining Act and
Regulations; implementation of waivers for double cab pickups for miners; implementation of waivers for fuel for the mining sector and rehabilitation and use of hinterland roads. According to the Ministry, the meeting agreed on a number of actions which will be unfolding in the coming days with Minister Trotman assuring members of GGDMA that the government intends to take a collaborative approach towards addressing the challenges within the sector to ensure the sustainable growth and development of mining in Guyana. This year ’s performance would mirror the situation of last year- but it is getting worse. According to the country’s 2014 first half report on its performance, the sector had recorded a decline of 17.2 percent in gold declaration. While the previous Government had revised downwards the gold declarations to 450,000 ounces or a 6.5 percent decline, the year end figures were 387,508 ounces, way below the adjusted target. The first half of 2014 also witnessed a 24.6 percent contraction in gold exports earnings to US$226.7 million, associated with a 10.1 percent decline in export volume to 182,411 ounces, coupled with a 16.1 percent contraction in average export prices to US$1,243 per ounce.
GGDMA’s President, Patrick Harding As a result, overall receipts from exports fell by 10.3 percent to US$534.2 million in the first half of 2014 compared to the corresponding period in 2013. As of yesterday, world gold prices were just below US$1,180 per ounce. It went up to US$1,300 in January but nowhere near had the US$1,900 hit a few years ago when the industry saw significant growth. Gold had been one of the biggest drivers of the economy before poor world prices caused the sector to fall behind rice and sugar in terms of foreign currency earned for the country. The situation had left miners holding mortgages and owing suppliers for parts and heavy machinery. While there have been moves to have miners explore the possibilities of used, less costly gold recovery systems, there has not been much success because of the initial capital costs. The gold fields have been attracting a large number of workers who have migrated from logging and from the coastlands, but the situation is slowly contracting. The situation would be further bad news for the new administration which is facing problems in both the rice and sugar sectors.
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Guyana courts Commonwealth to tackle corruption, Local Govt. Elections
Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, with Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Kamalesh Sharma. Visiting Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Kamalesh Sharma said that the body is prepared to work with the new Government to strengthen the country’s electoral systems and implement anti-corruption measures. Following meetings with President of Guyana, David Granger and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, yesterday, Sharma sat down with Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, to discuss mutual areas of collaboration, a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said. The Secretary General, who is here on a three-day working visit, believed that an improvement is needed at the grass roots levels as far as elections are concerned. “If the grass root structure is not strong, then the super structure cannot be strong”, he said. Trotman, the ministry said, assured the visiting diplomat that Local Government Elections (LGE) continue to be a priority for the administration with one to be held before the end of the year. The last one has been held over two decades ago, with legislative and other reforms causing delays. Minister Trotman also indicated that Government is looking forward to the Commonwealth’s report on the recent general elections. According to Sharma, it is worth noting that elections results which came after a delay of five days with only a difference of about 4,000 votes…it is time now to build on that. The Commonwealth would be interested in working to support improvements
in the elections process and has developed a compendium of best practices within its members states in the region and this will be shared with Guyana. Meanwhile, on the future of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, Minister Trotman said that Government is trying to determine a way forward for the centre, which almost twenty years after its establishment, remains financially dependent on Government subsidies. The project, a non-profit organisation, is governed by an International Board of Trustees and managed by a professional team of around seventy permanent staff in Georgetown and at the Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre at Kurupukari. It was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest, “in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general”. The Secretary General said that Iwokrama has been the longest and most expensive project that the Commonwealth has embarked on. He
noted that Iwokrama was supposed to be self-sustaining but has instead; cost the organization some £3.5 million. The Commonwealth would be prepared to support the development and implementation of a results-based management approach that is built on the original principle of a sustainable business model for the centre. The Secretary General said that they can provide technical and financial support for crafting that model. Minister Trotman also said that the country is looking to the Commonwealth for help in the development of a code of conduct for Government ministers and officials. Other key areas of discussion at the meeting for potential and expanded cooperation were the Integrity Commission, debt management, trade, anti-corruption initiatives and access to climate change financing. The Commonwealth dates back to the mid-20th century with the decolonisation of the British Empire through increased self-governance of its territories. It was formally constituted by the London Declaration in 1949, which established the member states as “free and equal”. It consists of 53 member states that were mostly territories of the former British Empire.
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INSUBORDINATION I would like to see which employee in Kaieteur News who is given an order by the management, would refuse to carry it out. I would like to see any person who without cause would dare to be insubordinate to someone like Glenn Lall. That person would be given reason to explain his or her decision and if no sensible explanation is forthcoming, that person would be sent packing with his or without his benefits and immediately. If there is anything that Glenn Lall would not tolerate it is insubordination. If he gives an order and you do not agree, he will listen to your arguments. He will respect your position. But you simply will not be allowed to defy an instruction that is given. That is considered insubordination and Glenn Lall has no tolerance for this type of misconduct. Insubordination leads to anarchy. When someone who is employed refuses to carry out an instruction, that person is defying his superior. He is going against the authority that you command. It is authority that allows for internal order and cohesion within any organization. Remove that respect for authority and what obtains is anarchy. It is the same in the home.
Whenever the authority figure in the home loses respect, the entire household can be thrown into chaos because everyone believes that each member can do as they please. There is no one to impose authority and order. Things fall apart. Right now there is a problem at the Georgetown Public Hospital. A member of staff was said to be dismissed for insubordination. The person has reportedly refused to accept the letter of dismissal. There is a standoff taking place. The person is said to still be occupying her office. Some members of the nursing staff have thrown their weight behind the dismissed staff member who, interestingly, it is said is on probation. A number of things need to be made clear about this matter. The first thing is that insubordination is a basis for immediate dismissal. There is no need for any arguments that the punishment is excessive. If it can be established that there was insubordination, then the person can and is most likely to be dismissed forthwith rather than face a lesser form of disciplinary action. The second thing is that someone on probation is not automatically entitled to be confirmed. If the person’s
Dem boys seh...
Cobweb tekking over de Marriott A li’l girl in Ireland call de demolition crew fuh smash up she school. She claim how nobody don’t like de teachers because dem always giving plenty homework when de Friday come. When de gyal mek de call and she ask if is de demolition company de lady who answer de phone had to call she boss. This gyal was so serious that she ask dem fuh use a big wrecking ball although she admit that a bomb would be better but dem must mek sure that all de teachers lef in de building. Right away dem boys remember de Marriott and Brassington. And it got to be he de Brassington because Li’l Joe seh how Ash Knee tell him that he didn’t have nutten to do wid de negotiations. Imagine fuh all he scampishness somebody call de demolition crew to come wid a big wrecking ball. People don’t know how much de Marriott cost, if it done build, if is de government own it and how much money dem got to find to complete de wuk. That li’l gyal who call fuh de demolition crew would mek sure Brassington deh in de building. Dem woulda mek sure Jagdeo deh inside too because is he idea that start de Marriott. When dem was building de place, Jagdeo and Brassington talk how all dem tourists gun come and stay there because Guyana ain’t got no good hotel. Nobody ain’t come yet. Dem boys seh that every day dem got dem cleaners going from room to room cleaning out cobweb because when people ain’t use a room fuh a long time de spiders does hold party. Brassington run and gone. Jagdeo can’t run because he ain’t got nowhere to run especially since dem got a big choir in de states. Ed Ahmad just finish a solo. Talk half and watch story wid de Marriott.
performance has been found wanting, that person’s services may be ended. We do not know the facts in this case but the central issue seems not to be the right to confirmation but rather insubordination. The third thing that needs to be made clear is that there is no security of tenure enjoyed by employees of a public corporation. Public servants enjoy security of tenure. Employees of public corporations can be dismissed, as the Head of Guysuco was recently, for not enjoying the confidence of the Board. A public servant can only be dismissed by the Public Service Commission which is supposed to be an independent constitutional body. The employee of a public corporation on the other hand is liable to be dismissed by the management. The Georgetown Public Hospital is a Corporation. As such, an
employee can be dismissed without referral to the Ministry of Health. There is no relationship at all with the Public Service Commission. In other words, there is no security of tenure. You can have your services terminated because the management no longer has confidence in you as was the case a few years ago with some workers of a commercial bank. They terminated a number of staff whom they said no longer enjoyed their confidence. Of course every employee should be subject to the principles of natural justice. If you have committed a wrong, you should be asked to explain your actions. But bear in mind, the management has the unquestionable prerogative to make an evaluation of your performance and if it is not satisfied with that performance, you can be let go. A small group of workers at the hospital is protesting
the dismissal of the employee who is being accused by the management of being insubordinate. This is not an official strike; it was called by the union. For one, the employee was said to still be on probation and therefore was hardly likely to have been a member of the union. Second, the protest action is being taken on the workers’ own time: during their lunch break. There is no need for the Ministry of Health to intervene in this matter if it is not resolved by the time this column is published. If the employee feels that she was unfairly treated, she should write to the Chairman of the Board explaining her reasons for contending that she was unfairly treated. The Board may, at its discretion, review the matter or it may decide that in the case of workers on probation that the decision of the management stands.
However, it should never allow for a review of the dismissal until the person removes herself from the premises of the corporation. No review should take place while the person is still occupying an office within the hospital. This should be a non- negotiable position. If a review is allowed without the person demitting her job, there is nothing to review because there is no dismissal being complied with. And if persons are allowed to defy the authority of the management, this can only encourage further problems and chaos. For these reasons, until the person removes herself from the premises of the hospital, no review should be allowed.
Challenges and solutions prevalent - Minister in education sector Queen’s College student Elisa Hamilton with 19 grade ones and one grade two passes, was last year named the best performing Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) candidate. However, while the upside of the results was that Guyana had achieved this feat multiple times, the downside was that in 2014, half of Hamilton’s local colleagues did not pass Mathematics and English, the basic subjects. This observation was made by Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. Delivering his preliminary thoughts on the state of education in Guyana to the National Assembly last week, he said that in addition to securing the CXC award for Overall Outstanding Achievement (Hamilton), Guyana also claimed three other prestigious awards namely: Most Outstanding in Humanities (Aliyyah Abdul Kadir of Queen’s College); Most Outstanding in Business Studies (Ryhan Chand of Queen’s College) and Most Outstanding in Technical Vocational (Krishan Critchlow of New Amsterdam Multilateral School). The previous year Guyana claimed the same four awards in addition to Most Outstanding in the Sciences. Dr. Roopnaraine alluded to the observation of educator, Dr. Albert Cumberbatch, who said, “We
scored high enough to qualify for entrance to the number one school (QC).” The Education Minister observed that “this has been the consistent narrative, over the past five years at least, and while billions of dollars have been invested into public education infrastructure, we are still met with horror stories of schools that are lacking basic facilities from lab equipment to
Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine can note that, also in 2014, some 13,700 students took the Grade Six Assessment Test – of this group, less than 0.2 per cent or about 186 pupils,
furniture and in the most horrendous instances, toilet facilities.” With the foregoing in mind, Dr. Roopnaraine said that the baseline for future planning in education has to be significant reform of the education system even as he acknowledged that certain problems are clear-cut, as are their solutions. He continued by pointing out that “our (Continued on page 24)
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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Drs. Karen and Immanuel Cummings and the cries of the PPP We are nothing in this world if we do not accept and possess moral obligation. Moral obligation is one of the most recondite discussions in philosophy. Kant is regarded as the philosopher who pioneered an understanding of moral obligation but subsequent philosophers have seriously critiqued Kant. Hegel is one. Hegel lifts the subjective role in moral obligation out of Kant and replaces it with the moral relation between individual and society. Hegel’s position best explains moral responsibility in modern society and should be applied when studying the refusal of PPP leaders working in the nerve centre of government to resign even though their party has lost the 2015 General Elections. It is morally outrageous that these PPP leaders can remain in high administrative
capacities and see no moral virtue in offering their resignation. Should this be accepted by the citizenry? In which modern democracy in the 21st century, would a new government retain leaders of the losing party in some of the most structural edifices of the state? When Raymond Azeez, the Commercial and Marketing Manager of NCN called me after rumours began to spread about this resignation thing, I said to him, “You make your bed; you have to lie on it.” That was the Guyanese proverb I cited and they were among the first words I used when I got the call from Azeez. He was a candidate for the PPP in the 2015 poll. One day I had lunch at Big Daddy’s On Parade Street, Kingston with Dr. Immanuel Cummings, my former colleague at UG and
husband of Junior Health Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings. I remonstrated with him over his lack of confrontation with the PPP leadership in the 2011 General Election when his wife was dismissed from her job as Regional Health Officer because she was on the APNU list of candidates. Immanuel was a PPP election candidate at the same time. Last week Thursday, I asked Immanuel how he felt about these PPP candidates who were on the PPP lists in 2015 but are still in the public service jobs. He said he wants to be quoted as accusing the PPP of practising double standards. He said in 2011 when he brought up the issue of his wife’s dismissal, the PPP told him, it was public service rules that a person could not be on a party list and remain as a public servant. He agreed with the question put to him
that these candidates should resign. This is where the saying. “Who feels it, knows it.” comes in. At the time of the dismissal of Dr. Cummings, she had a young child attending private school. It is for this reason that dictators have to be made accountable for their crimes. The very people who are crying about witch-hunt of their supporters witchhunted Karen Cummings out of her job in 2011. It is not that the PPP leaders just quietly did their state job while they served the PPP. In fact, they campaigned and after the PPP lost the election on May 11, they were even in the picket line demonstrating against rigged elections. This newspaper has a photograph of Hydar Ally, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Public Service in a demonstration after May 11.
Ally is both a member of the PPP Central Committee and its Executive Committee. Omar Shariff, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President appeared at a PPP press conference after May 11. There is PPP 2015 election candidate Mahender Sharma, Head of the Energy Authority. He is still on the job. There is the PPP 2015 election candidate, Badri Persaud, Head of Guyoil. He is still on the job. Winston Brassington is still on the job. Ricky Singh is still a Chronicle columnist. Where are these people’s moral obligation to themselves and society? Dr. David Hinds, a Guyanese icon told me he will soon be doing columns for the Chronicle. I yelled out loudly; “You will have Mark Ramotar as your editor?” David grew up in political struggle and is a superb orator. But when I calmed
Frederick Kissoon down, there was no response from him. For the first time, I saw that my friend was lost for words. Really David! You would accept Mark Ramotar editing your columns? Ramotar should have gone a month ago. The caricature becomes intriguing because the new government seems to mirror the position of these PPP mandarins. The PPP personnel say that they see no moral obligation to the nation to resign. The new government says it sees no moral obligation to the nation to dismiss them. Strange politics in a strange land.
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Absent proposals from UG stall entry to Hugh Wooding - AG A way forward on the automatic entry of Guyana’s top law students into the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad, is apparently being hindered by the University of Guyana (UG). For years, the top 25 UG law students benefited from automatic entry into the Trinidad law school. However, in more recent times, the automatic entry policy has been fraught with difficulties. In fact, it was unclear most recently what the position on the matter was. Now, according to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Wi l l i a m s , t h e e n t i r e process is apparently being stalled by UG. According to Williams, the issue with HWLS had been one of his top priorities. Hence, he set out upon finding out Guyana’s position with the school. However, he said, he could not find a file in the AG’s Chambers that spoke to an updated position
on the issue. Instead, he said, he had to write to the Council of Legal Education. He explained that the Council responded and intimated that there had been an agreement in 2013 that the top 25 students would automatically be accepted in 2014. However, there was no mention in the correspondence on the automatic entry of students in 2015. Rather, he said, “What they spoke about is that there is an ongoing negotiation in relation to the collaborative agreement between UWI, UG and the Council of Legal Education. He suggested that a new proposal from the University of Guyana is what is stalling any consensus being reached.” Williams said that he attempted to contact UG Vice Chancellor Jacob Opadeyi and the Dean of the Law Faculty to get a position on what exactly the proposals are. However, neither official could be reached. He further said that there
was no question on the availability of space. “There’s sufficient space for even 40 of our students.” He continued, “So this is something that we have to look into because as I said on previous occasions, it’s not good for you to be in your final year and you’re not sure whether you’ll get to complete your professional applications… “So we’re seeking to establish some sort of permanency for the situation.” Emphasising that the issue was an important one, Williams said that he would have to attend the Council’s upcoming meeting in September, “to really have a greater insight into what the situation is. That’s where I am; I’m trying to get information of the problem.” Similarly, President of the Guyana Bar Association, Christopher Ram, agreed that the matter was a central one and needed to be dealt with expediently. At the time, Ram
and other members of the Bar Association were meeting with the AG. He explained that one area that was set to be discussed was the way forward in regard to the HWLS. Opining that the automatic entry policy was an “annual issue”, Ram said, “The profession always needs to renew itself and renew membership, so it’s important that we have new members coming out every year. It’s also important that we remove that uncertainty that always seem to characterize the Turkeyen Campus around this time of the year.” In regard to the proposed law school here in Guyana, Ram said that the idea was still on the table although it was a “very major step”. He admitted that the project would require quite a bit of resources but would be beneficial to Guyana in the long run. “It will take some time and some planning but I am very optimistic. I think we can make
Attorney General Basil Williams this into a very lucrative type of operation. We can in fact, become a center for the teaching of law in the Caribbean but it means we have to have lots of pieces into place,” Ram stressed. He further said that the Government of Guyana will have an integral role to play in the establishment of any such school by providing resources such as lands, building and human resources. Meanwhile, AG Williams shared that he recently visited first year students of
HWLS who expressed some of their problems. He explained that one of the main problems had been the sudden change in the school’s payment policy. Previously, students were allowed to pay a year’s tuition in increments. However, this policy was updated and the students are now required to pay for the entire year upfront. Williams said that this amounted to US$11,000 at one time. He added that this was another issue that would have to be raised with the Council.
AG report on Education Ministry shows…
$13M still outstanding as overpaid salaries For 2013, the salary overpayments continued at the Ministry of Education. These overpayments amounted to just over half a million. With these new overpayments the Ministry’s outstanding overpayments have climbed to $13.887M. And though a systems review had been previously called for by the Auditor General, it appears as though no such review had been done. According to the 2013 Auditor General’s Report, $531,649 from seven transactions was overpaid for salaries. These transactions were related to pay change directives for resignation and dismissals. According to the report,
the transactions were forwarded late to the Central Accounting Unit of the Ministry, thus resulting in the overpayments. To date, the report added, the overpaid amounts for the period under review have not been recovered. The situation is worsened by the fact that over $13M remains outstanding from previous overpayments. According to the extensive report, the Ministry managed to overpay $13.650M in salaries from 2006 to 2012. However, the issue of recovering the overpaid sums was highlighted by the AG on a number of occasions and hence the Ministry collected amounts totaling $294,437 in 2013.
Though the Audit Office commended the Ministry’s recovery of some of the outstanding funds, the unrecovered amounts as at December 31, 2013 totaled $13.887M. The Audit Office reiterated its recommendation of a review of the system, stating that such a review would ensure “that the measures in place are updated to provide more efficient, effective and timely advice to the Central Auditing Unit.” In response to the AG’s findings, the Ministry indicated that efforts are ongoing to recover the outstanding overpaid salaries/deductions from the previous years. The Ministry further noted that it had
succeeded in reducing the total sum from previous years. This response has been one employed by the
Ministry in the past. In the 2012 AG Report, it was revealed that the Ministry recovered $2.312M during that year from the
$14.892M overpaid from 2006 through 2011. However, the Ministry overpaid salaries totaling $1.070M from across a total of 13 transactions.
Page 12
Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Cash jet pilot staring at 18 months jail, faces more troubles in NJ court - immigration status will be affected By Leonard Gildarie A Guyanese-born pilot nabbed by Puerto Rican authorities in a high profile arrest back in November while transporting more than US$600,000 in cash aboard his jet, is facing up to two years in jail. In a plea deal submitted and being reviewed by the United States District Court of Puerto Rico, Captain Khamraj Lall agreed for US$620,588 along with the 1988 Israel fixed wing multiengine aircraft bearing Registration N822Ql and used in the crime, to be forfeited. Under the deal with the US Government, Lall pleaded guilty to one count-- of concealing more than US$10,000 in his plane and
Captain Khamraj Lall attempting to transfer it outside of the US to Guyana. He would have been facing up to five years on a number of charges if he had opted for a trial and found guilty, according to court documents seen by Kaieteur News. Lall, who operates a hangar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and
controlled KayLees Gas Station at Coverden, East Bank Demerara, has also agreed that other assets may be subject to forfeiture as there is still a pending civil matter for assets seizure in New Jersey, another US territory, where he has homes, vehicles, cash and other properties. He will remain on restricted freedom until a sentencing hearing on October 27 before Judge Jay Garcia-Gregory. Through his attorney Rafael Castro-Lang, Lall’s plea deal was yesterday filed and accepted in open court. The defendant was found competent to plea. The court yesterday ordered a presentence report. As part of his filings, Lall, who had his licences revoked, submitted a waiver of right to trial by jury. In addition to imprisonment, the court will impose a term of supervised release of not more than five years with no possibilities of parole or that the sentence be
The pilot agreed for this jet to be seized as part of his plea deal with the US Government. suspended for any reasons. The court may order a fine to reimburse the US Government for costs of imprisonment, probation and even supervised release. The court may even go higher on the minimum 18 months sentence being offered by prosecutors but Lall cannot withdraw his plea if this happens. The Puerto Rican court made it clear in the deal that it does not have to follow the recommended sentencing of between 18 and 24 months. Lall agreed that he will take steps to transfer the plane and cash to the US Government. More importantly and to the detriment of the Guyanese-born businessman is the fact that the US Government agreed that the plea deal will not affect a civil case filed against him, stemming for the cash smuggling charge, in the district of New Jersey. In the civil matter, the prosecutors of that state are going after luxury vehicles, another plane, more than US$400,000 cash lying in several frozen bank accounts as well as at least three
properties. Lall will not be able to appeal the final judgment of the court come October when he is sentence and his immigration status in the US could also be affected. Lall’s arrest in November in Puerto Rico had sparked swift investigations by the US Government in New Jersey where some US$442,743.59 was frozen in accounts at Wells Fargo bank, Citibank and Morgan Chase Bank. They zeroed in on properties Lall owned or controlled in Ringwood, New Jersey; Citra, Florida and Hamptonburgh, New York along with a 2013 Lexus GX wagon. Lall was arrested after his jet made a stop to refuel in Puerto Rico, on its way to Guyana. Stashed in different parts of the plane was more than US$600,000 that Prosecutors say was not declared by Lall. He reportedly took responsibility for the cash at the time of arrest. On board were his father and another person. It was disclosed that the pilot, who also owns a limousine service in Guyana,
had flown Government officials. There were swirling questions over the operations of the hangar and its accessibility. Government had denied that it granted the company any special privileges and said that the operations were in keeping with regulations. Lall who was bailed after his initial court appearance, was forced to close his Exec Jet offices at Gainesville, Florida because of the troubles. The US Government had used laws which allow for properties that are linked to illegal transactions to be seized. As Puerto Rico is a territory of the US, the country’s tax body, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), had stepped into the matter, going after the bank accounts, the Lexus car and two planes. Investigators, apparently working on information, started tracking Lall’s deposits to accounts held at Wells Fargo, Citibank and JP Morgan and found startling evidence that between April 2011 and September 2014, the pilot and family members deposited an astounding US$6,324,411.41 (G$1.3B). There were over a thousand transactions. The IRS believes that a scheme was devised where Lall and others deliberately deposited less than US$10,000 each time in attempts not to trigger suspicion by banks which are mandated to report transactions above that amount. Lall’s wife, Nadinee, and mother Joyce, were named in the transactions. The US Government said that while it is not yet requesting seizures of properties that the Lalls controlled in three states, it intends to do so, as proceeds of the deposits were used to renovate or pay mortgages. Lall’s case has been generating much attention in Guyana, Puerto Rico and mainland US, because of the amount of cash that he was found with and the fact that he was well known here.
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 21
Bandits terrorise Stewartville families Bandits terrorized two Stewartville, West Coast Demerara households during a 15-minute robbery spree, early yesterday morning. The bandits’ main target was a Bourda Market businesswoman, whom they tricked into opening up her door by using one of her employees. It was around 03:00 am, and the businesswoman, who is familiarly known as ‘Naz’, was already up, preparing to leave for her business in the city. The bandits had already attacked the home of one of her employees who lived in the back of her yard and robbed them of an undisclosed amount in cash.
They then took the employee to the front where they forced him to call out his employer, who was waiting for him to accompany her to the city. According to the business woman, she got up and as usual, sat in her home, waiting for the driver of her Canter truck to transport her with her goods to the market. She said that she shouted over to the employee, who lives at the back house and told him to get ready as the driver would arrive soon. She was unaware that bandits had attacked his home and was holding him under duress. “When I call him, like they allow he fuh answer and he
say he coming now. Then he rap on the door and ask me to warm up some food in my microwave (oven).” Naz said that she collected the bowl with food but did not open her door. She did not see the bandits, who had obviously secreted themselves and were instructing her employee as to what to say. A few seconds later the employee made another demand; this time he was instructed by the bandits to ask her for something to drink, since they knew that she would have to open the door. “When I open the door, a bandit run in and tell me lie down. I only see one bandit and after he tell me drop on
Mastermind behind cocaine in rum jailed for 4 years, fined $17M
Keon Brewster, 21 of B Field Sophia, was jailed for four years after he pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking charge before Magistrate Ann McLennon. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $17,020,800 On May 29, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri, Brewster had 6.3kg of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. The convict along with Chris Douglas, of Timehri and Loric Williams, of 57 Prospect, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge at their first court appearance on May 31. Douglas and Williams have maintained their not guilty pleas and are currently on trial in relation to this matter. At that hearing, Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharrat Mangru, had told the court that Brewster is an American citizen. He said that on the day in question, Brewster was an outgoing passenger on a Dynamic Airways flight, destined for John F. Kennedy Airport, USA. Mangru revealed that a routine check was conducted on the defendant and three
bottles of El Dorado Rum was found in his hand luggage. The rum was probed because the contents of the bottles seemed thicker than usual. The substance in the bottle was tested and proved positive for cocaine. As a result, Brewster was arrested and told of the offence. He later implicated the two other defendants. The police then reviewed CCTV footage from the airport, which showed Douglas and Williams leaving the washroom area and acting in a suspicious manner. Mangru also stated that the defendants provided the police with caution statements admitting to the offence. During that court hearing, Attorney Latchmie Rahamat, made a bail application on behalf of Williams. She argued that during investigations the police forced her client to sign a statement. The lawyer contended that the accused has no knowledge of the alleged narcotic. Rahamat explained that Douglas provided the police with a statement, which they demanded her client to sign. She asserted that the accused has an unblemished criminal
Three remanded for... From page 14 one of the defendant's relatives and asked her, “How can you live with yourself”. She even opined that Guyana should reinforce the death penalty. A person from the gathering shouted “Yuh shoulda abort yuh child,” at one of the defendant's mother. Cort's grief-stricken relatives attracted the attention of many bystanders and motorists, who were in the vicinity of the court. Cort, a 27 year-old, accounts executive, was gunned down in front of his Jamoon Drive, Meadow
Brook Gardens home by gun toting bandits, shortly after he had arrived home with his fiancée, Shauna Garraway. He was shot to the chest and died subsequently at the Balwant Singh Hospital. It was reported that the bandits took Cort's licenced firearm, cell phone, gold band, chain and ring and an X Box console. According to reports, the couple, who have a two-yearold son, had just come from a Kingston location, and were preparing to head to another venue on East Bank Demerara when the attack occurred.
record and at the time of his arrest he was employed as an AC technician at the CJIA. Douglas’s attorney, Nigel Hughes, requested that his client be released on reasonable bail because he has no knowledge of the alleged cocaine. He too contended that his client has an unblemished criminal record. And Levi Williams, 29, of 12 Norton Street, Lodge was remanded to prison, when he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennon yesterday to answer a wounding charge. It is alleged that on June 17, at D’Urban Backlands, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Jordan Sampson with intent to maim, disable or disfigure him. Williams pleaded not guilty to the charge. Police Corporal, Deniro Jones, informed the court that the defendant stabbed the victim to the eye. He noted that the victim is still hospitalized. Williams was remanded until July 7, 2015.
the ground, I go down and close me eyes,” the businesswoman told this newspaper, adding that she could not say for sure how many bandits entered her house. Kaieteur News was told that at that time, except for one of the woman’s daughters, the other occupants of Naz’s household were asleep, but not for long. After tying up the businesswoman and her daughter, the bandits went into a bedroom where they confronted her son-in law. It was as if the bandits had knowledge of who slept in which room. “I was in the front room sleeping and they went into the middle room to my brother-in law. Between sleep and wake, I hear he (brotherin-law) arguing with somebody,” recalled another one of Naz’s daughters, Bibi Zareena Singh. A bandit was telling her brother-in-law to get up and since he was rudely awakened the man took a while to comply. “I hear the bandit saying, ‘Like you want fight.’ And I call out to my brother-in-law,” Singh said. The sound of her voice gave her away, because a few seconds later, a bandit barged into her bedroom and dragged her out of her bed. “He rush in and tell me ‘Shut you mouth. Wha you keeping noise for?’ When I go outside, I see they done tie up the rest of the family,” Singh explained.
Although Singh wasn’t tied up like the rest, she too did not get a good look at the bandits, since she was forced to the ground and ordered not to look up. All she could recall was that one of the bandits was wearing a pair of camouflage trousers. All the while the bandits were demanding cash and jewellery, threatening to kill if their demands were not complied with. “They keep asking, ‘whey de gold and US deh?’ They say they gon beat we. They even lash me brother-in-law in he head with a gun,” Singh
said. Eventually, the family gave in and Singh’s sister took one of the bandits into a bedroom and gave him the cash and jewellery. The bandits then made good their escape but not before slashing the tyres of their victims’ car. According to Singh, as the bandits were leaving, they also discharged a few rounds at the Canter truck driver and another employee who were reporting for work. The matter was subsequently reported to the police and investigations have been launched.
Teenage mother still hospitalised The surviving twin baby born to the 15-year-old Wakapoa, Lower Pomeroon River teen almost two months ago is still being monitored by doctors. The baby has not gained sufficient weight for him to be discharged. While still monitoring the condition, doctors have since released the child into his mother’s care. He was previously kept in an incubator. The teen’s aunt, Norma said that her niece was doing well but she is uncertain when doctors would discharge them. She was however told that as soon as the baby attains the required weight, he would be discharged from hospital. Norma is hoping
that when her niece is discharged, she would re-enter school and complete her secondary education, since she was doing well in school. The teen accused a family member of rape while she was vacationing last year at Timehri with her older sister. The teen said that the man raped her while her sister had left her alone at home. A report was lodged with the Police, at the Charity Outpost but no arrest has been made. Meanwhile, the other 15year-old who was apparently impregnated by her father has been transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Her father has since been charged for rape.
Jilted teen attempts suicide An 18-year-old Jibb, Essequibo Coast woman, who attempted to end her life by consuming a quantity of gramoxone, remains in a critical condition at the Oscar Joseph Hospital. While the teen’s condition is being monitored by doctors at the medical
institution, her hopes of surviving has been given by medical practitioners as “slim”. The teen, Nazeema Rafick, apparently consumed the poisonous substance after learning that her boyfriend, the same guy with whom she had eloped, went and sought another
girl’s hand in marriage. The teenager had returned to her parents’ Jibb home when she decided to take her own life. In another case, a young man was also hospitalized after he consumed a quantity of a poisonous substance. He was hospitalized at the Suddie Public Hospital.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
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GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 6750767, 627-5098 Charlotte St/Orange Walk: large bedroom house, no parking -Tel: 652-8970; 674-3735
1 Lincoln arc welder with Perkins engine on wheels – Call: 609-5672 Inboard marine parts, all type of engine, transmission, shaft, gland, propellers & all electronics, etc - Tel: 6528970, 674-3735 Diesel Engines: 1-Perkins 6354 with irrigation pump 6in 60wt, 1-Perkins 4-108 complete bedded, for mining Call: 696-1439; 6023906
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security - Tel: 698-7807
One stall at Stabroek Market, 37.5 Acres farm land, Highway, Linden/ Soesdyke-Call: 679-1151, 225-7794 Canter Truck 2 Ton, Mitsubishi, GLL series $1.9M –Call: 223-6236 House and land - Call: 2653586 Adults Only: female enhancers and novelties – Tel: 644-6077 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call:225-9032, 647-2943 Pure breed German shepherd puppies - Contact: 615-0513 (afternoons)
TO LET Newly built 2 bedrooms house & apartment on W.C.D - Call: 698-6496
40ft Banga boat, complete with 350lb net, 3000lb ice box, 40HP Yamaha-Tel:668-6624, Jack: 672-8939 One wall divider (2Pcs), good condition-$40,000. Contact: 682-2428 Large 65FT, red snapper fishing boat, 3yrs old, including 100 traps, ropes, all licenses -15M –Tel: 6528970, 674-3735
1 Mazda Axela, PNN Series, Flair Kit, 17" mags, etc, price negotiable –Tel:616-9081 1RZ Minibus, fully loaded, USB Deck, A/C, Excellent condition. Price $2.1M negotiable. Phone Andy: 617-9143 or Darius: 660-8160 1 Toyota IST, PNN Series $1.6M negotiable –Tel: 6915804
1 Toyota Raum HB series, price -$750,000 - Contact: 6424779 owner leaving country.
2008 Fielder -$2.5M, 2004 Spacio -$2M, Carina 212 $1.9M, all vehicles unregistered –Tel: 617-2891
EP 82 Starlet, AC 4 Doors, working standard rims, lady driven – good condition $550,000 - Call: 662-5052
Allion PRR, 42,000KM, alarm, reverse camera, 17" rims, DVD deck, HID, music, hardly used -$1.850M – Contact: 616-3566
One G-Touring, in excellent condition –Tel: 650-8187
AE100 Toyota Corolla PHH 7796 – Call: 670-1395
600AMPS, 200AMPS, transfer switches, exhaust box 6"-Tel: 627-7835
VEHICLE FOR SALE
One Toyota Celica convertible customizes (high performance set up). One Toyota Ipsum (new model) going cheap. Contact: 629-5414
1-225 HP Yamaha outboard engine on 23ft wooden boat, 1-85 HP Yamaha outboard engine –Tel:2310363 (9am-4pm) Pure Bred & registered pedigree Rottweiler pups for sale, imported, fully vaccinated, serious enquiries –Tel:664-5401, 6155343 One complete fishing boat. Call: 626-1856 Imported huskies, cocker spaniel, British Bulldogs and German Shepherd- Call or whatsapp: 664-5401 Continued on page 23
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views
Guyana seems determined to nurture its alcohol culture DEAR EDITOR, Reports in the Stabroek News (26 June, 2015) and Guyana Chronicle (28 June 2015) from the 60th Caribbean Public Health Agency Research Conference in Grenada say that Guyana has been highlighted as one of the countries with high levels of alcohol use in children and young people. Guyana seems determined to nurture its alcohol culture and alcohol industry. There has probably been one or two prosecutions for anyone
selling alcohol to children and there is aggressive marketing targeted at young men especially. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the majority of alcohol consumed by children, young people and others is legally made and distributed, with taxes supposedly contributing to Guyana’s development. There have been reports of accidents over the last few months which involved young people ‘who were drinking’. There are other violent episodes (and the
Conference talked about violence as a public health issue) with persons, men especially, who ‘were drinking’. There is hypocrisy in telling boys and girls that they should not drink when adults can do so. Many adolescents and young people would probably rebel at such hypocrisy. Statisticians and philosophers can probably argue over correlation and causation related to Guyana being home to the finest rum in the World, where the laws do not matter, and the amount
of lives destroyed by alcohol consumption. The reality for many is that the alcohol culture has made it difficult for many Guyanese, children especially, to achieve their full potential. Discussions about moderation are irrelevant when many of the persons who believe that they are in control are not. Many persons who enjoy their drinks and have continued their lives resist any idea of a responsibility to change the alcohol culture in Guyana. Can’t Guyanese
commit to reducing alcohol consumption in Guyana now? Can’t Guyanese have a good time without drinking? Can’t Guyanese men ‘roll’ without drinking as one campaign pushes? This is not about saints who do not drink and villains who drink. Hitler was reported to have been a teetotaler. It is just calling for Guyanese to take some personal action with a collective responsibility to ensure that alcohol does not destroy any more lives. Vidyaratha Kissoon
Inquiry into National Service atrocities should... From page 4 against the perpetrators. No one in authority investigated any complaints. Every government official turned a blind eye to the abuses at various camps. Some officials were even complicit in the abuses committed by officers. Some of the victims thought of suicide, although it is not confirmed whether anyone actually committed or attempted suicide. But according to doctors and mental health experts I interviewed, victims of rape suffered depression, paranoia, and feelings of isolation. They drowned in guilt, shame and fear as the psychological damage silently ate away at their lives. Eventually, some ended up taking their own lives. Interviews with doctors in
Georgetown and elsewhere revealed hundreds of females underwent abortions. They did not want to bear the unmitigated shame and embarrassment of carrying an unwanted pregnancy. The females did not report their experiences of sexual abuses because they feared reprisals from their attackers, the authorities, and the government. They worried about the stigma and retribution from their own families. They did not want to lose their boyfriend and a hand in marriage. As teachers or government employees, they did not want to lose their only source of income should they be denied a certificate of completion of national service. Without a completion of national service, one risked losing one’s job.
Also, it is to be noted that those who performed sex were accorded favoured treatment. Their cultural dietary needs were met; otherwise they were subjected to pork and beef almost daily, in violation of the dietary restrictions, especially of Hindus and Muslims. No accommodation was made for vegetarians or those with special dietary needs. Those females who submitted their bodies to officers were given light tasks; accommodations were subsequently made for their dietary needs. An inquiry was held into the Rodney murder 35 years after he was killed. There is no reason why a similar inquiry can’t be held into sexual crimes committed at various national service camps. The Government should
appoint a commission to investigate sexual abuse and exploitation of females by their commanding officers, and take action against those who contributed to or turned a blind eye to rape. To prevent a recurrence, the country needs to identify and punish the national service officers and troops who committed these sexual offences. The public needs to
do all it can to prevent further sexual exploitation and abuse of females. There should be a public chorus for an independent closed-door inquiry into national service to allow victims to testify without revealing their identity in public, as is done in US, Canada and UK on hearings of sexual crimes in the armed forces. Vishnu Bisram
From page 23
LAND FOR SALE 144X37.4ft house lot, available at Buxton -$3.2M Call: 696-8391 3 Large house lots @ back of B/Burg gas station -$15M for all 3 –Call: 650-0402 House lot for sale at Grove/ Diamond, 2nd Bridge area, serious enquiries only –Call: 624-2857 1500 acres transported land 4½ miles from Bartica Rock, Quarry, Forestry, Agriculture. Contact Mark: 603-1266; 625-9788
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461. Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Lot 23, Area F Zeeburg, South, old gas station road, West Coast DemeraraContact: 621-8386 (Brodo) Two executive houses in gated compound at Oceanicvillas -$58M eachTel Shiv: 600-6681 2 Storey concrete building, partially completed 20X50, located at Leonora –W.C.D -$16M neg. Call: 622-4490
EDUCATION Summer Kids; computer classes, ages 5-16 @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop –Tel: 264-3057 Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 13thAugust 13th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:2182076; 619-4355 Earn a Diploma in computers, 9 courses @ Micrographics, Vreed-EnHoop –Tel: 264-3057
Page 24
Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 30, 2015
New govt. stands by Three held for murder of residents of Timehri North Corentyne businessman …will cushion limited relocation - Patterson By Abena Rockcliffe No longer will the fear of displacement dwell in the minds of the residents of Timehri North. Worry about their homes being bulldozed has come to an end. The new government announced that only a small number of residents will have to relocate and that the affected citizens will receive Government’s help for relocation. Under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration, Timehri North residents were told that they have to relocate to facilitate the Cheddi Jagan International Airport runway (CJIA) expansion project. While some houses were bulldozed in the initial stages, residents hoped against hope that theirs would have been spared. On Friday last, Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, made declarations that most likely rest well with the once peeved residents The Minister made the announcement at the third sitting of the National Assembly since the convening of the Eleventh Parliament. Patterson was speaking to a motion which sought to have the House approve polices of the new government, as outlined by President David Granger during his address at the convening of the Eleventh Parliament. This motion, which was taken to the House by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, was eventually approved. In his address to a House that lacked opposition, Minister Patterson said that only 15 homes might have to be moved to facilitate the expansion. Necessary assistance would be given to displaced persons who need
it, he added. “On behalf of the government I’d like to inform the residents of Timehri North, that this proposed expansion of the runway will be done without the mass relocation that was threatened by the previous administration.” “Mr. Speaker, no more than 15 houses may need to be relocated, and if this happens, required and suitable land close by will be found and developed for anyone dislocated. Plus Mr. Speaker, assistance will be provided for this relocation.” The A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition while in election mode, had promised Timehri North residents to address their concerns about displacement once the coalition gained executive power. The airport project entails, among other things, the extension of the runway from 7,447 feet to 10,500 feet to accommodate larger aircrafts. With the expansion of CJIA facilities, residents were ordered to remove from the airport environment. They were labeled as squatters on the facility’s property. The Ministry which Patterson now heads, known under the PPP government as the Ministry of Public Works, had on more than one occasion bulldozed homes within the community, destroying new but incomplete structures, old homes and even foundations. It was stated at the time that no more homes were to be built, no extensions were to be done and the semifinished buildings destroyed to prevent the completion of properties. Timehri North residents
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson were then regarded as squatters, but according to them, it was the very PPP government that had removed them from the now regularized Timehri Base Road in the early 1990s, saying that the area would have been for farming purposes only. A great number of those residents were said to have moved to Timehri North where a small number of persons were already residing and were engaged in subsistence farming. Over time, the community grew and under the PPP/C government, Timehri North residents were told to get their act together to accommodate the regularization of the community. It was recalled that sometime in 1997, Philomena Sahoye-Shury, National Director of Community Development Councils, told the community to apply for water, electricity and other facilities as the government was working to facilitate the regularization. Excited and optimistic, the residents did so and to date, the community has all those amenities and a landline telephone service.
Joe Singh Celebrates 70th Birth... From page 17 elections. Singh was in charge of the army at the time. Singh's character and discipline, also acknowledged his concern for the protection of the environment and his commitment to its preservation and orderly development. This led to him support-
ing initiatives by government, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy. Mr. Singh also served as the Executive Director of Conservation International-Guyana for a number of years and in 2012 served briefly as the Chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. His retire-
ment came after concerns were raised by miners who threatened to boycott GGMC activities. Having great knowledge of the interior and hinterland districts, the Retired Major was able to preserve the WaiWai heritage as he was said to have been the only person they trusted to converse with.
Police have detained three men, including two brothers, in custody in connection with the murder of shopkeeper Rampersaud Shivcharan, who was shot dead at his Lot 9 Ankerville, Port Mourant, Corentyne residence around 19.30 hrs on Sunday. The men were reportedly detained after a relative of the slain grocer provided police with information about money that was owed to the family. Shivcharan, a 41-year-old father of three, who ran Debbie’s Grocery and Liquor shop, was found lying in a pool of blood in a passageway. A police release stated that Shivcharran was in his shop when two men armed with firearms entered the premises. The men approached the businessman and shot him during a scuffle. He was taken to the Port
Mourant Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. But although the building was ransacked, police sources said that the killers made no attempt to rob their victim. Some of Shivcharan’s relatives confirmed that the killers left a large sum of cash and other valuables untouched. The gunmen struck during a power failure and the grocer was reportedly tending to his customers by candle-light. According to an eyewitness the men, who were armed, walked into the shop at around 19.30 hrs on Sunday and ordered everybody to be quiet. They then shot Shivcharan in the region of his heart. Two of Shivcharan’s children were present, but they escaped to a neighbour’s house.
The man’s wife Debbie Rampersaud, who was overseas, returned home at around 06:00 hrs yesterday. She refuted reports that she and her husband were not on good terms, but said she did not have a good relationship with some of her in-laws. She also claimed that some individuals had threatened the family and had owed them large sums of money. The woman also told reporters that robbers had targeted the family before. She claimed that the police had proved to be of little help, although the family had provided surveillance footage of the attacks. The police are looking at a number of theories and are still to come up with a motive for the brutal murder. A post mortem examination is expected to be performed on the body today.
Blind Society aims to facilitate... From page 18 virtual,” said Singh. The internet service utilised by the Society is offered free of cost by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company. And it is hoped that support will continue as the Society looks to expand its operation. According to Singh, it is hoped that the CXC programme could soon have a physical presence in Linden, Region 10. This proposed move is premised on the fact that “there is a high concentration of persons who are blind or visually impaired there,” Singh intimated. He is convinced that these individuals are not being afforded the opportunity to access second-
ary education, pointing out that while they are known to do well at the primary level they become lost in the system at the secondary level. “We have to capture them now,” said Singh as he considered that the only foreseeable hindrance to the CXC programme is not having students take advantage of it. “I am sure that the Ministry of Education will continue to support us but there are a lot of young people whose parents want to keep them at home,” said Singh. This move is usually intended to protect them Singh noted, as he went on to explain that “it is a well known fact that there is a very negative label attached to people with disability or someone who is blind. People
think of you as objects of charity, lacking any ability...'you just deh'; you can't do anything.” But according to him, by empowering blind/visually impaired people, the Society is poised to change that conventional thinking. “We want to change the status quo of disability in Guyana and through our work it can definitely happen,” asserted Singh. Based on a survey conducted over a decade ago, the blind/visually impaired population amounted to about 8,000 individuals. It is however believed that with prevailing eye conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that figure is significantly higher.
Challenges and solutions prevalent... From page 9 teachers, it must be said, are under-paid and under-valued, so we need to pay teachers more and value them more.” Dr. Roopnaraine also made reference to poor enforcement of existing rules and guidelines in the system which he observed can be countered by more emphasis on accountability. He gave attention to the fact that, “We have the lion’s share of resources concentrated in schools and educational institutions in the
capital and on the coast, so we need to ensure that resources are equitably spread, including the establishment of technical and vocational institutes in hinterland communities.” In outlining the way forward for the sector, the Minister noted that the role of the Ministry of Education under the current administration is going to necessarily be far more expansive than simply addressing nursery to tertiary concerns, as challenging as those will be. And there will also be the challenge of fundamentally changing how government operates so that, “We can work with our fellow state institutions in crafting a bold
and innovative new pedagogy of development, of citizenship, of tolerance, of progress, one that connects to and resonates with all our people.” Guyana, he said, has proven time and time again that, “We possess individuals within this society who are capable of excelling, despite the general conditions, capable of rising above the tide of stagnating and worsening education delivery.” With excellence at the primary goal, the Minister noted that Guyana is poised to benefit from a needed wave of new reforms in which “all boats rise equally and provide an even higher point of departure for those who would excel.”
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Greece in shock as banks shut Puerto Rico amends laws to allow gay marriage after snap referendum call
Pensioners waiting outside a closed National Bank branch and hoping to get their pensions, argue with a bank employee (L) in Iraklio on the island of Crete, Greece June 29, 2015. (REUTERS/STEFANOS RAPANIS) Stunned Greeks faced shuttered banks, long supermarket lines and overwhelming uncertainty yesterday as a breakdown in talks with international lenders plunged their country deep into crisis. With Greece’s bailout expiring today (June 30) and an IMF payment falling due at the same time, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras pleaded in vain by phone with European officials to extend the program until a referendum on July 5 on its future terms. The frantic efforts to secure Greece’s place within the euro zone followed a dramatic weekend. Tsipras’s decision, early on Saturday, to put the aid package to a popular vote took the lenders by surprise and sent Greeks rushing to cash machines. It also pushed Greece toward defaulting on 1.6 billion euros ($1.77 billion) due to the International Monetary Fund today, which would take it closer to an exit from the euro zone. A Greek official confirmed to Reuters that the payment would not be made. Greeks - used to seeing lengthy talks with creditors end with an 11th-hour deal were shocked by the turn of events. Queues snaked outside ATMs and inside supermarkets while fears of disruptions to fuel and medicine supplies grew. Drugmakers said they would continue to ship medicines to Greece in coming weeks despite unpaid bills, but warned that supplies could soon be in jeopardy without emergency action. The breakdown of talks
has pushed the European Union and euro zone into uncharted terrain. The Athens stock exchange was closed like the banks, but other share markets fell on fears that Greece could be heading out of the euro. After months of talks, Greece’s exasperated European partners have put the blame for the crisis squarely on Tsipras for rejecting a package they consider generous. The Greek side argues that pension cuts and tax hikes demanded of it would only deepen one of the worst economic crises of modern times in a country where a quarter of the workforce is already unemployed. A snap Reuters poll of more than 70 economists and traders taken yesterday put the probability of Greece leaving the euro zone at 45 percent, up from 30 percent a week ago. PERSONAL BETRAYAL Emotions were unusually raw among Europe’s leaders. EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he felt personally betrayed and told Greeks a “No” vote would be seen as signaling an exit from the euro - a position that other European leaders lined up to echo. “I will say to the Greeks, who I love deeply: you mustn’t commit suicide because you are afraid of death,” Juncker told a news conference. Despite the acrimony over the weekend, the creditors said the door to negotiations remained open. French President Francois Hollande appealed to Tsipras to return to the negotiating table and German
Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was ready to restart talks with Athens after the referendum, including on how to ease its debt burden. Hollande spoke to U.S. President Barack Obama, and Hollande’s aide said they had agreed to work together for a resumption of talks and a solution to the crisis to ensure Greece’s financial stability. Greece’s banks were shut after the European Central Bank rejected its request for 6 billion euros of additional emergency funding on Sunday to cope with massive withdrawals, though the ECB is expected to allow Greek banks to keep using existing funds until the referendum, people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. As Tsipras announced the closure of banks and the stock exchange late on Sunday, long queues grew outside ATMs and petrol stations as people raced to take out cash before it was too late. Yesterday, cash machines remained closed until midday, and then opened for withdrawals of no more than 60 euros a day. “DRAMATIC HOURS” Pensioners hoping that they, at least, would be allowed to receive money were turned away from banks. “I’ve worked all my life, only to wake up one morning to a disaster like this,” said one shop owner queueing at a branch of the National Bank of Greece hoping to collect his wife’s pension. Businesses complained that they could not pay salaries or suppliers and had to halt imports, while agricultural production was also expected to be affected.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Monday June 29, 2015 – Just hours after Friday’s US Supreme Court ruling to allow gay marriage, authorities in Puerto Rico rushed to approve legislation extending marriage rights to same-sex couples in the US island territory. According to the Associated Press, Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla signed an executive order requiring government agencies to become compliant with the ruling within 15 days. As a result, the island’s Health Department and other agencies are expected to begin issuing marriage licenses by early July. All US Supreme Court rulings apply in Puerto Rico. Justice Secretary Cesar Miranda said he would accept and support the change, and praised the Supreme Court ruling as “a huge step in the quest for equal rights.” “You cannot deny people the right to love,” he said. It was not immediately clear whether the ruling also meant that gay couples in Puerto Rico could now adopt. Thousands of supporters of the ruling, including those gathered outside the Capitol building in San Juan, celebrated the historic move, while religious leaders in the socially conservative island
rejected it. Monsignor Daniel Fernandez, Catholic bishop of Arecibo, said he would continue to protect the institution of marriage “as it is meant to be.” “By nature, marriage exists and can only exist between a man and a woman,” he said. Meanwhile, Puerto Rican pop superstar Ricky Martin celebrated the ruling on Twitter, lauding the power of love. The internationally acclaimed singer is known for his human-rights activism, and since he came out as gay in 2010 he has been a staunch advocate for the LGBT community. Billboard reports that Martin heard the news of the ruling while on the island before traveling to Buenos Aires for a benefit concert.
“This ruling opens the path for a Puerto Rico that is free of discrimination and recognizes the right to love for all couples,” Martin said in a statement. “I trust that this will be the first step to end discrimination of any kind and that we can all learn to recognize the right to equality.” Martin called for religious conservatives to “put an end to homophobia which has characterized your public speech, and reflect on everyone’s right to live in a free and democratic society. “Stop seeing with critical eyes and accept that the time has come to embark on a path toward greater understanding, tolerance, solidarity and acceptance,” he urged in the statement.
Jamaican sentenced in international lottery scheme FLORIDA, United States, Monday June 29, 2015 – The first Jamaican extradited to the United States to be prosecuted for his role in an international lottery scheme targeting elderly victims has been sentenced to almost four years in prison. And the Justice Department is putting other scammers who operate in foreign countries on notice that they won’t get away either. Damion Bryan Barrett, 28, was sentenced by US District Court Judge William Zloch of the Southern District of Florida to 46 months in prison and five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay US$94,456 in restitution. Barrett was indicted by a federal grand jury in Fort Lauderdale on August 9, 2012, and was arrested in January this year in Jamaica based on a US request that he be extradited to the country. He was extradited to the United States on February 12 and was the first Jamaican to be extradited to the US based on charges that he committed fraud as part of an international lottery
SENTENCED: Damion Bryan Barrett scheme. Barrett pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on April 10. The prosecution is part of the United States’ ongoing crackdown on fraudulent international lottery schemes. “This sentence sends a very strong message that scammers operating in foreign countries will be held accountable for the laws they break in the United States,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ben-
jamin Mizer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department is committed to bringing these international fraudsters to justice.” US Attorney Wifredo Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida said the case was an excellent example of coordination between domestic and international law enforcement agencies to hold those who facilitate and participate in fraudulent schemes accountable.
Page 26
Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Aftermath of unusually high winds…
Mocha home crushed, GPL records high number of fallen poles Following destructive high winds and heavy rains on Sunday a First Street, Mocha/Arcadia man is now homeless after his home came crashing down with the storm. Yesterday when Kaieteur News reporter visited Mocha/ Arcadia, there were three fallen poles and broken trees in the Mocha area. The man was nowhere around at the time however a neighbour recalled that while she was washing in the rain she heard a crashing sound. Upon investigating she saw the house crumbling. Kaieteur News understands that the man who resides alone was not at home at the time of the incident. Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has since recorded 21 broken poles in Demerara while Berbice recorded five; in addition the power company also confirmed six precariously leaning poles in Demerara and one in Berbice. Yesterday just after noon the fallen poles in Mocha/
Arcadia were replaced, bringing some normalcy to operations in the area. According to a release from GPL, consumers in the affected areas experienced outages and fluctuating voltage of varying durations while emergency crews continue to effect repairs to the network. Much success was achieved since the storm; several communities were repowered, owing to the strengthening of emergency services by almost triple the usual number. “Additionally, our company received machinery support from the Management of Demerara Harbour Bridge and to this end we extend our appreciation, GPL said “The most critical confirmed report had emanated in Berbice with a broken pole at Ithaca which supports a critical transmission line linking East and West Berbice thereby affecting East Berbice residents. The technical work
The aftermath of the heavy rainfall and winds on Sunday
required to replace this pole could not have been executed yesterday owing to the location of the pole and unfavorable weather conditions. “Our approach to emergencies has been segmented into high risk and low risk for which we have distinct skilled crews to address same. Numerous crews are currently engaged in mopping up operations and addressing isolated cases where individual consumers may have had service interruption caused by the high winds while the very highly skilled crews are engaged in pole replanting and fixing damaged line hardware.” “As work progresses we solicit your patience and ask that you exercise due caution around fallen poles and lines. If you are experiencing abnormal voltages, please power off your main switch and call our emergency hotline. Our Emergency Services telephone numbers are: Berbice 333-2186; Demerara 2254015 or 2254016.”
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
US SENDS FOR... (From page 29) arrival. With this red notice in effect, it also means that all flight manifestos, train stations, ports — air and sea — and other modes of transportation will be closely monitored.
According to international reports, Lazaro is under house arrest in Paraguay. Local Interpol sources say the alert is normal when dealing with an investigation of this magnitude and with such high-profile individuals. The Interpol “red notice”
means those named risk arrest anywhere they travel. Argentinians Burzaco and Hugo Jinkis are accused of paying more than $100 million in bribes for media and commercial rights to football tournaments; and Margulies, a Brazilian broadcast executive.
Page 27
Ravens down national... (From page 31) the jump shooting act to ensure Pacesetters were in with a chance at the end of the penultimate period. However, the national champions could not continue their momentum in the final period. Ravens outscored them 22-11 to bring home the bacon. The
tournament was the first for the new GABA Administration. Pacesetters won the Under-23 title. In the earlier game, Republic Bank Nets crushed West Side Warriors 117-53. Guard, Pelham Doris top scored with 22 points. Mortimer Roberts and Michael Richards had 21
points apiece, while Fabian Johnson and Mortimer Williams scored 19 and 14 points respectively. For West Side, Devon Murray had 24 points. Orin Joseph had 12 points while Deon Barnes and Samuel Hollingsworth added eight and seven points respectively.
(From page 32) GSSF’s electronic time display board which was reflecting live shot per shot time from the electronic timer, there were many anxious glances di-
rected towards the board from shooters as they battled it out, pushing for faster times. The GSSF is expressing gratitude to the Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Phillips, Colonel Benn also of the GDF, GPF Commissioner Seelall Persaud, Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine, Commander Hicken, OC TSU Superinten-
dent Dehnert, Corporal Dunn and the ranks of the GPF Armoury and TSU for the support towards making the event a success. The federation is also expressing thanks to Mr. Tamesh Jagmohan of El Dorado Trading, Mr. Mohamed Qualander of Queensway and Mr. Lennox Cush of Star Party Rentals.
Hosts St. Cuthbert’s Mission... Ryan McKinnon out-shoots...
(From page 33) able to complete his double when he latched on to a pass from the right flank, before poking past the goalkeeper, who had remained transfixed to his line. The heavy outfield and errant finishing kept the scoreline relatively decent as many opportunities were missed, but Roberto Gapputh took full advantage of his chance to score and finished with efficiency in the 50th minute to put the game out of
reach of their opponents. The final whistle eventually brought much reprieve for the Canadian School of Arts Science who also had one player red carded for misconduct. Meanwhile, play in the competition continues today with eight matches at various venues. At Wisburg ground in Linden, defending champions Christianburg / Wismar take on Mackenzie High School, at Leonora, Vergenoegen tackle
Leonora Secondary; at No. 5, Belladrum engage Bush Lot; at Timehri, Soesdyke play Providence; at GFC, South Ruimveldt take on Mercy Wings; at Ministry of Education ground, North Georgetown and St. Winefride square off; at Skeldon, Tagore matches stride with Manchester and at New Opportunity Corps, they host Essequibo Training Centre. All matches commence at 15:30 hrs.
Tuesday June 30, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today is an excellent day for you, Aries. You will receive some bursts of unexpected energy that help you accomplish whatever it is you wish to do. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Things may be moving a bit too quickly today for you to grab hold of anything, Taurus. There's an element of the unexpected entering into the equation. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Enjoy the day today, Gemini. Take control of the situation and make the most of whatever comes your way. Do it with a smile. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your flexible nature may get you in trouble today, Cancer. Personalities may clash when no one is willing to lead. Be aggressive without being manipulative. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Things will flow smoothly for you, Leo. There's barely a reason for you to lift a finger. You have the good fortune of enjoying this day with very little effort on your part. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) People aren't going to want to be quite as intense as you require today, Virgo. Things are light and airy. You may find that no one is in the mood to delve as deeply as you want to go. Use the day to relax and release control for a while.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It may be hard for you to make a decision about anything today, Libra. Things may seem wishy-washy and unclear. Don't worry about it. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Things probably aren't going to go exactly as you planned today, Scorpio. Realize that people may act in erratic, powerful bursts, especially when it comes to emotional issues. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today is an excellent day for you, Sagittarius. Events will flow quite smoothly. The only thing to be aware of is that your emotions may seem rather erratic and unwieldy. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You may be indecisive today, Capricorn. You may not be able to find solutions you can live with. You don't need to finalize anything now. Use this day to lay low and gather data. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) There is plenty of air to fuel your fire today, Aquarius. You're able to get quite a bit done. Multitasking is key to accomplishing what you want to do. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may need to make some slight adjustments in order to get through to people today, Pisces. The pace may be a bit faster than you'd like. Remember that people aren't mind readers.
RHTYSC Cricket... (From page 31) while promoting the value of education and sports. The cricket teams involved in organizing the programme are the RHT Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets First Division teams.
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NBS Ltd lends support to BCB Caricom championship 2015 fundraiser The largest mortgage institution in Guyana, The New Building Society Limited has joined in supporting the Berbice Cricket Board Fundraiser.....”Caricom Championship 2015". At a simple ceremony held recently, Bryan Baker said that his company provides a very important service to the citizens of Guyana with its head office in Georgetown and six other branches across the country. He added that the society is always cognizant of its corporate responsibilities and willingly gives back to charity and charitable organizations. He mentioned that sports plays an important role in nation building and encourage young sports personalities to take full advantage of the opportunities available today. He encouraged administrators to help mold our young people and lead by ex-
ample. Speaking on behalf of the board, Angela Haniff, BCB representative, thanked the mortgage institution for their confidence in the Berbice Cricket Board and their continued support over the years. She promised that the competition will be well conducted with good mileage for all sponsors. She said that the board has a history of good accountability and will continue to do so. Haniff called on other companies and private individuals to join the board in the effort to return three day first division cricket to Berbice after several years. Proceeds from this event will be used mainly to organise that competition. The Caricom Championship will be played at the historic Albion Sports Complex on Sunday July 5, 2015 will
see eight top first division teams in Berbice taking part in a ten over knockout competition with the final of 20 overs to be played under lights for a top prize of $80,000 and trophy. The runner up will receive $40,000 and trophy with the losing finalists $15,000 each. Man of the match in every game will be rewarded. Action starts at 10am sharp with the top Berbice cricketers on show. Meanwhile, the draw was done and is as follows: Game 1: Young Warriors/Rose Hall CC/Edinburgh Combined vs UCCA/Skeldon Combined. Game 2: Albion CC vs Bermine/ Police Combined Game 3: Port Mourant vs Bush Lot/ D’Edward Combined Game 4: Blairmont/West Berbice Combined vs Rose Hall Town
Birdman Djokovic soars past Kohlschreiber LONDON (Reuters) Novak Djokovic displayed his usual killer instinct against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first round at Wimbledon on Monday but took pity on a tiny bird on Centre Court. The defending champion pounced at the key moments to see off a dangerous opponent 6-4 6-4 6-4 but was more compassionate when it came to the disorientated sparrow which seemed determined to hog the limelight. At one point in the second set Djokovic tried to coax the feathered invader on to his racket strings, to no avail. “From where I come from, Belgrade, there’s a special sparrow bird. I believe this bird came all the way from Belgrade to help me,” Djokovic told reporters. “I was fearing for its safety, honestly. At one point Kohlschreiber was serving at the advantage side, between the first and second serve, the bird landed close to the sideline. “She stayed there until I won that point. So I said, be my guest, stay around, if you want. “It was funny to see that. We had birds, mostly birds and different animals come in and out from the court. “But the sparrow bird from Belgrade really stayed for the entire match,” he added smiling. It was a light-hearted moment for the 28-year-old world
Angela Haniff, BCB representative collects sponsorship cheque from Bryan Baker, Supervisor, NBS New Amsterdam Branch while other staff members look on. The winner of game 1 and 2 play in the first seminal and the winner of game 3 and 4 plays in the other.
Several gate prizes will be up for grabs by the fans with a well stock ANSA MCAL bar and musical entertainment.
Games for the young and old will also be there. Entrance is $300 for adults, children under 12 free.
U.S. ready to end 100m drought, enjoy big medal haul
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after winning his match against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, June 29, 2015. (Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett) number one who was happier to talk ornithology than discuss accusations of on-court coaching from his box, specifically three-times Wimbledon champion Boris Becker. “I’m just trying to figure out what you want to achieve with this story,” Djokovic said. “I don’t understand what you really want. Do you want to say I’m cheating, my team? “I’m really trying to figure out what’s behind this.” “I’m going to repeat myself,” he added. “I’m going to say that there are certain ways of communication which is encouragement, which is support, which is understanding the
moment when to, you know, clap or say something that can lift my energy up. “But it’s all within the rules.” At least Djokovic was not having to discuss becoming the first defending champion to lose in the first round since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003, having negotiated a tricky opening match with relative ease despite no competitive action on grass in the build-up to his title defense. “Overall a great performance against a quality opponent,” said Djokovic, who faces Finnish veteran Jarkko Nieminen in the second round.
EUGENE, Oregon (Reuters) A strong and hungry group of U.S. sprinters is ready to end a long American drought. The once dominant country has not won a global title in the 100 meters since 2007, but that could change at the IAAF world championships in Beijing in August. Led by year’s fastest man Justin Gatlin, the U.S. squad finalised at the weekend’s American trials is loaded with talent to challenge the world. “The U.S. team will be the strongest for some years,” internationally recognized athletics expert Mel Watman told Reuters when asked to assess the overall strength of the American team. “At the 2013 worlds the U.S. won only six gold medals but in Beijing I wouldn’t be surprised if your athletes won double that number.” Along with Gatlin, former world champion Tyson Gay, the last U.S. sprinter to hold a global title, promising teenager Trayvon Bromell and veteran Mike Rodgers, all will be in the 100m at Beijing.
“I think a lot of (U.S.) sprinters are waking up and understanding that it’s time to fight back,” said Gatlin, who had a bye in the 100m at the trials but ran a scorching 19.57 seconds in the 200m. Only four men have ever run faster. “It’s time to go out there and work hard and bear that American flag with honor,” said the controversial Gatlin, who has served two doping bans. “I think a lot of us are doing that, Bromell, Tyson, myself, even Isiah Young in the 200, Wallace Spearmon. “We’re going out there and we’re going to be ready when it comes to world championships.” The group’s speed in both sprints — Gatlin, Young and Spearmon will run the 200m — has given the Americans hopes of dethroning an underperforming Usain Bolt, who has won all but one global 100m title since 2007. The other went to Jamaican compatriot Yohan Blake. There is strength too on the women’s side with En-
glish Gardner sharing the year’s top time in the 100m and London Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix the outright leader in the 200. Along with Gatlin, Felix, Gardner and Olympic pole vault champion Jenn Suhr, the Americans leave their trials with nine other athletes with the top performances in the world this year. “A nice blend of youth and experience, as typified in the sprints where you have proven big-time winners like Gatlin (33), Gay (32) and Felix (29) lining up with wonderful newcomers to the international scene such as Bromell (19) and Jenna Prandini (22),” said Watman. “The strength in depth in numerous events was awesome. “No other nation could match 12 men inside 10.00 seconds for 100m (admittedly some wind assisted), six inside 45 seconds for 400m, five long jumpers over 8.30m, nine women inside 11.00 seconds for 100m, and six 100m hurdlers inside 12.70 seconds.”
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SENDS FOR JACK Serena overcomes early US Extradition papers delivered to wobble to ease through Ministry of Foreign Affairs LONDON (Reuters) The cobwebs were dusted off and normal service was swiftly resumed, but for a few games at the start of her 6-4 6-1 victory over Margarita Gasparyan, Serena Williams looked edgy, vulnerable and nothing like a five times Wimbledon champion. Embarking on her quest to clinch a second non-calendar year grand slam, Williams strode out on to Court One under hazy skies, but in the face of an early onslaught from her Russian opponent, she was quickly turning the air blue as her frustration levels mounted. On paper it should have been a walkover for Williams, playing a woman without a victory on the WTA tour who was facing her first match at Wimbledon after battling through the qualifiers. But for a brief time the form book looked in danger being hurled out the window as Gasparyan broke in the first game and held on bravely, firing winners off both flanks
Serena Williams of U.S.A. plays a shot during her match against Margarita Gasparyan of Russia at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, June 29, 2015. (Reuters/Toby Melville) with Williams shuffling uncomfortably around the court. The American had not played a competitive game since clinching a 20th grand slam title at the French Open three weeks ago and the ring rust took six testing games to drop off. It was always going to be
hard for a woman ranked 113 to keep up the fight and Williams was in no mood to let her turn her early break into a more decisive stranglehold on the match. The world number one saved another break point in the fourth game, before hitting back to level at 3-3 but
only after she received a code violation for “an audible obscenity”. The 33-year-old broke again when Gasparyan netted a backhand to clinch the first set after 48 minutes of nip and tuck battle, but then powered away, breaking twice in the second set and crunching down a smash on match point to clinch victory. Williams is no stranger to scares in the early stages of a grand slam, and was none too pleased to have been tested in her opening salvo. “I would be lying if I said I want a hard match,” she told reporters as she weighed up the unexpectedly tough challenge Gasparyan had posed. “At the end of the day, I think it’s definitely good for me. But no one really wants to be in any sort of difficult match.” The next step on Williams’s quest to hold all four majors at the same time is the 93rd-ranked Hungarian Timea Babos, another unknown quantity, who she has never faced before.
Boxers Mayweather, Pacquiao top Forbes best paid celebrity list NEW YORK (Reuters) Boxers Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao topped Forbes list of the world’s 100 highest-paid celebrities on Monday, on the heels of their lucrative clash in Las Vegas last month. With an estimated $300 million in earnings over the past 12 months, Mayweather more than lived up to his nickname “Money” and was the undisputed champion. Pacquiao was second, making $160 million over the past 12 months. Their final earnings from the May 2 bout, which Mayweather won by unanimous decision, have not yet been disclosed. But Forbes’ estimates were based on what experts have described as the richest fight in boxing history. “His (Mayweather’s) $300 million shattered the record for athlete earnings, which was previously held by Tiger Woods who managed to bank $115 million in 2008,” Natalie Robehmed, of Forbes, said in an interview. “It is above and beyond anything anyone has ever done.” Singer Katy Perry’s massive Prismatic World Tour helped her nab third place
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao box during their world welterweight championship bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. (Joe CamporealeUSA TODAY Sports) with $135 million, followed by British boy band One Direction with $130 million and TV and radio host Howard Stern with $95 million. Musicians and athletes dominated the top 10 spots which included only two women. Country music star Garth Brooks was No. 6 with $90 million, while pop singer Taylor Swift tied for No. 8 with actor Robert Downey Jr. with
$80 million. Forbes compiled its annual list of the most powerful celebrities from the worlds of sports, television, music and books by estimating pre-tax earnings from June 1, 2014 to June, 1 2015. Management, agent and attorney fees were not deducted. Reality TV star Kim Kardashian, who earned $28 million in the previous list,
nearly doubled her earnings to an estimated $52.5 million, according to Forbes. “I personally think she has been able to monetize fame better than anybody else,” said Robehmed. “A large percentage of her earnings come from her iPhone game.” Kardashian placed just above Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence who was No. 34 with $52 million. Lawrence and Scarlett Johansson, No. 65 with $35.5 million, are the only two film actresses to make the 100 list, compared to 14 male movie stars. “I thin k t h a t r e a l l y speaks to the wider Hollywood pay gap. It is a lot more difficult for women to get the kind of roles that they would earn massive profits on the back end of in comparison to male actors,” said Robehmed. British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay at No. 21 with $60 million was the highest earning chef ever on the list, which included 38 musicians, 29 athletes, six personalities and two comedians. The full list can be found at www.forbes.com/celebrities
ILP Leader Jack Warner. (Photo: Robert Taylor) Trinidad Express - Official documentation requesting the extradition of Independent Liberal Party (ILP) leader and former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has been delivered to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sources told the Express that around midday Saturday the package was dropped off via courier and was be sent to Central Authority head Netram Kowlessar yesterday. The package, sources say, also gives detailed listings of the alleged offences against Warner, who is wanted on wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering charges. Contacted, Attorney General Garvin Nicholas said he is unaware that the US Department of Justice had sent the necessary paperwork for the commencement of extradition proceedings. “I am unaware of that,” Nicholas said. Kowlessar said: “I don’t know. I wasn’t in office today (Saturday). I will check when I go in tomorrow (yesterday).” Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran when contacted also said he was unaware if any package had arrived. Sources told the Express, that extradition proceedings ought to come through diplomatic channels and this would be through Foreign Affairs and then sent to the Central Authority. It has been a month since a provisional warrant was issued for the arrest of Warner. Warner is currently on $2.5 million bail after surrendering himself to Fraud Squad officers on May 27 after learning the warrant had been issued for his arrest. He is being represented by a battery of attorneys, including Fyard Hosein SC, Nyree Alphonso, Rishi Dass and Anil Maharaj, while the State is being represented by Pamela Elder SC, attorneys Jagdeo Singh and Gerald Ramdeen.
Queens Counsel Alan Newman and James Lewis have also been retained by the State and will be appearing alongside the local team on July 9, when the matter next comes up for hearing. Warner will next appear before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar in the Port of Spain Court on July 9. He is accused of accepting a $10 million bribe in exchange for helping South Africa secure the right to host the 2010 World Cup. Officials in South Africa have denied that the money was a bribe. Warner has denied wrongdoing and claimed that the charges are part of a US “witchhunt” meant to punish him for his support of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup. Sources told the Express that had the documentation not arrived by July 9, the matter would have been adjourned to a date on or before July 27, since the State was given 60 days to furnish documentation from the U.S. regarding Warner’s extradition. The 60 days took effect following the provisional warrant being served on Warner. On June 3, Warner and other FIFA officials were placed on “red notice” by Interpol. Former executive committee member Nicolas Leoz and corporate executives — Alejandro Burzaco, Hugo and Mariano Jinkis and Jose Margulies, also known as Jose Lazaro, were placed on the notices following a request by law enforcement officials in the United States. The red notice was issued to all Interpol member countries and is geared towards seeking the location and arrest of wanted persons with a view to extradition or similar lawful action. Essentially, this means if Warner decides to leave the jurisdiction of T&T and go to another country, law enforcement will be alerted upon his (Continued on page 27)
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Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition
Aurora, NOC open Region Two Zone with wins By Sean Devers in E’bo On a wet and windy day on the Essequibo Coast, the Region three zone of the Digicel National Schools Football competition kicked off on Sunday with a pulsating double header at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) ground on the Essequibo Coast. Aurora had advanced to the Region Three final of this competition for the last three years, each time they were beaten by Charity Secondary. But on Sunday, in torrential rain and on a heavy ground which proved brutal for tired legs and made long passing a nightmare, Eight of May Secondary got past Aurora Secondary 2-1 on penalty kicks in an exhilarating contest that ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time. In the first game which began 30 minutes late, NOC, led by Goals from Cleon Austin, Jason Perriera, Stephon Apple and Mark Lawrence, beat Anna Regina Secondary (ARS), which is actually located in the Village of Cotton Tree, 4-nil.
In the opening game, Sherwin Greenidge had the first shot on goal in the 3rd minute but it was well saved by a diving Shquel Cummins. NOC responded a minute later with a shot that was also saved to set up what turned out to be a closely fought game despite the end result. Under dark skies and a persistent shower which got harder as the afternoon progressed and a heavy and slippery surface which tested the fitness level of the players, Austin opened the account in 26th minute for NOC. As the rain eased, ARG was guilty of not passing the ball enough and trying to dribble through the sturdy NOC’s defence and the first half ended 1-nil. A harsh off-side call early in the second half negated a goal from Lawrence who scored NOC’s second goal in the 51st minute when he collected a pass and steered the ball past the advancing Keeper. The sun returned briefly but the wet ball was getting heavier and as the players got more tired the pace slowed.
Bobb cops gold in T and T
But the inclement weather did not prevent a raucous contingent of female NOC students from urging their team on and when Perriera buried one into the back of the net in 65th minute they could not contain themselves. A Penalty from Apple in the 69th minute sealed the issue for NOC. The second game, between Aurora Secondary and 8th of May Secondary from the Village of Dartmouth, which got its name from the birth date of the late former Prime Minister Ptolemy Alexander Reid who was born in that Village, was even more exciting and keenly contested. Wayon Friends wasted two easy opportunities to put Aurora ahead as the soggy state of the ground resulted in the long passes going nowhere and even though the only National player in the game was Aurora’s goal Keeper 16-year-old Dwayne Thomas, who played in the last year’s CONCACAF U-17 tournament in Dominica, it was the diminutive Jevon Forde who had a brilliant afternoon between the uprights for 8th of May and looked the better Keeper on the day. The high swirling winds and slippery conditions made ball-control a difficult task for both teams, but the smaller 8th of May students looked the fitter side. The hectic action continued with Rashid Thomas firing from close range and Forde bringing off a wonder-
Goal Scorers (from left) Cleon Austin, Jason Perriera, Stephon Apple & Mark Lawrence scored Goals in the 4-0 win for NOC. ful save. The energized striker pounced on the rebound but shot it high and wide, to the dismay of the National U-15 Cricket Team’s Manager Andy Ramnarine, the Manager of the Aurora team. Aurora’s Lee Govia leaped above the defenders to smack a perfect header but Forde was gain equal to the task with another excellent save. After a goalless first stanza, the second half was action-packed with both teams sharing almost equal ball possession and in attack mode. Forde was at his best,
pulling off some stunning saves, including one from the penalty spot by Samuel Fraser. Forde also had some luck as a shot from Travis Bishop crashed into the Goal post with less than four minutes left in regulation time. A defensive error left the lanky Dwayne Thomas all alone in goal and Shemar Dawson drove the ball to his right to make it one to nothing for 8th of May in the 60th minute in a battle of stamina in cold and chilly conditions. Dwayne Thomas redeemed himself in pounding rain with a well taken free kick
which Forde failed to gather and Rahid Thomas latched onto the rebound to level the score with a 62nd minute effort and despite repeated raids on each others goal to try and break the dead lock the riveting contest remained tied at regulation time and the game would be decided on five penalties by each side. Forde’s confidence was high after saving a penalty during regulation time and saved two more when it most mattered as 8th of May celebrated a hard fought 2-1 win on Penalties on the 28th of June.
De La Hoya says has decided against making a comeback
From left Troy Bobb, Garfield Newton and Dellon Hyman Troy Bobb of the Guyana Police Force turned in a commendable performance to capture gold in a Martial Arts tournament held on June 28 in Trinidad and Tobago. Bobb achieved the feat competing in the black belt masters open kata. Guyana’s
other representatives Garfield Newton of Black Hawks academy placed second in high kick and sparring, and third in self defence, while Dellon Hyman of the National Martial Arts Association landed silver in the open kata 35 and over category.
(Reuters) Boxing Hall of Famer and former Olympic champion Oscar De La Hoya, after pondering a return to the ring, said on Monday that he would remain retired. “As a professional athlete and someone who has spent almost his entire life in boxing, not a day goes by when I don’t think about coming back,” De La Hoya, 42, said in a statement. “But I am retired, and after speaking to my family and following a great deal of introspection, I have decided to stay retired.” De La Hoya, who recently spent two spells in rehab to battle substance abuse, told ESPN last Monday that he was “50-50” about fighting again. He had quit boxing soon after retiring on his stool at the end of the eighth round of a lopsided 2008 defeat against Manny Pacquiao, but told ESPN: “I am so hungry
and so determined. I am young, I am healthy and I feel great... 42 is the new 32.” Nicknamed “Golden Boy”, the 1992 Olympic champion won world professional titles at six different weights and founded Golden Boy Promotions in 2002. He said he was only interested in either a rematch against undefeated welterweight Floyd Mayweather Jr. or a bout against hard-hitting Kazakh middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin. “To the many thousands of fans who over the last couple of weeks encouraged me to come out of retirement and fight again, I thank you,” said the Californian, who retired with a 39-6 (30 knockouts) record. “You can rest assured that I will spend the rest of my days around this wonderful sport, even though those days won’t be spent inside the ropes.”
Former professional boxer Oscar de la Hoya poses at the premiere of ‘’McFarland, USA’’ at El Capitan theatre in Hollywood, California February 9, 2015. (Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)
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RHTYSC cricket teams, Partners launch massive campaign for Region 6 youths
Members of the massive gathering saying the Say No to Drugs/Suicide Pledge The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club in conjunction with its cricket teams, Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd, the Guyana Police Force ‘B’ Division and the Region 6 Ministry of Education Department on Friday last launched a massive “Say No to Drugs/Suicide and Say Yes to Education/Sports Campaign. The campaign targets all the Primary and Secondary Schools in Region 6 along with the Technical Institutes, the
Guysuco Training Centre and several Berbice organisations like the Berbice Cricket Board, the St. Francis Community Developers and the Berbice Volleyball Federation. The Campaign was launched with 800 students marching with members of the Guyana Police Force and the RHTYSC from Hampshire to the Head Office of the St. Francis Community Developers in Portuguese Quarter, Port Mourant. Each of the
schools had a Say No to Drugs banner and students held up specially made placards promoting the theme of the campaign while to the excitement of numerous onlookers who shouted out words of advice to youths along the parade route. Region 6 Vice Chairman Bhoopaul Jagroop, Police Commander Christopher Griffith and Senior Secondary Education Officer Claude Johnson and Selestina La Rose along with B e h a r r y ’s M a r k e t i n g
Edward B.Beharry Marketing Manager Satesh Singh poses with students after making presentations to the New Amsterdam Multilateral School. Manager Satesh Singh took the salute at the march past. Secretary/CEO of the RHTYSC Hilbert Foster, in giving a comprehensive report on the campaign,
Ravens down national champs to win hard court title Dyna’s Ravens maintained their stranglehold on current National Division I Champions, Trinity Grid Holdings Pacesetters Saturday night to win the i n a u g u r a l G e o rg e t o w n Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) ‘King of the Hard-Court’ title. Ravens won 74-61 on Burnham Basketball Court with Ryan Gullen top scoring with 21 points in the game. Ryan Stephney was the next best scorer with 18 points while Dominic Vicente scored 14 points. Guard, Travis Burnett led Pacesetters with 21 points while Ruel Ritch, Stephon Gillis and Travis Williams chipped in with 10 points apiece. Ravens jumped out to a huge lead in the first quarter, compliments of a 13-0 run that put them up 19-5 with 2:55 remaining in the first quarter. However, Pacesetters scored 11 points
Ravens Division I team Saturday night at Burnham Basketball Court. (GABA Photo) to close out the period down 16-24. Pacesetters continued their surge, outscoring Ravens 14-10 to go into the halftime break still down 3034, even though Gillis caught fire from beyond the arc with two three-point
daggers. The keen contest continue in the third period with both teams exchange points, but Ravens still managing to hold on to the lead at the end of the period. Ravens led 20-18 to head into the final period ahead
52-50. Burnett and Williams led Pacesetters’ offence in the period with Burnett, who is known for his penetrations, nailing a three pointer and a jump shot. Williams also got into (Continued on page 27)
stated that the main aim is to get youths across the region to stay away from Satan and his evil ways of Drugs, Crime and Suicide, while encouraging them to stay in school to obtain an educational background. The campaign also aims to encourage youths to get involved in sports and culture as an alternative to a life on the streets. Each of the schools received a 5’ x 3’ banner, posters for every classroom and several copies of a specially prepared 40 pages youth booklet which contain vital information for youths on topics like HIV/Aids, Drug Abuse, Public Manners, Ta b l e M a n n e r s , P e e r P r e s s u r e , Te e n a g e Pregnancy, Public Speaking and the Importance of Religion. West Indies and Guyana Junior Players of the RHTYSC – Erva Giddings, Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Esuan Crandon, Khemraj Mahadeo, Shemaine Campbelle, Shaun Perriera, Plaffina Millington, Brandon Prashad and Akshay Homraj appeared on the posters, booklets and banners as the positive role model for the campaign. The long-serving Secretary/CEO , Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to Mrs. Anjuli Beharry - Strand and Vishal Hemchand of the Beharry Group, Commander Griffith and Asst. Supt.
Brown of the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Education Region 6 Department for their cooperation and disclosed that the second segment of the campaign would include the hosting of sporting and educational competitions for schools. Beharry Group of Companies Marketing Manager Satesh Singh stated that his company was delighted to be associated with the programme as part of its corporate responsibilities. He urged youths to listen to the advice of their seniors and urged them to follow their educational and sporting ambitions in an effort to fulfill their full potentials. Commander Griffith, who recently was appointed to head the ‘B’ Division, urged the attentive youths to stay away from crime, to develop a culture of hard work, honesty and to be role model citizens of Guyana. Regional Vice Chairman Jagroop, School Welfare Officer Golika Jai Kishun and Senior Educational Officer Selestina La Rose also addressed the capacity gathering. The launching also featured cricketers of the RHTYSC, Members of the Guyana Police Force and the students all pledging to be a positive role model and to work harder to get rid of drugs, crime and suicide, (Continued on page 27)
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El Dorado Trading/GSSF 1st Anniversary Steel Challenge Cup
Ryan McKinnon out-shoots field to become inaugural winner Seasoned campaigner Ryan McKinnon became the first shooter to ink his name on the lien trophy when the El Dorado Trading sponsored, Guyana Sports Shooting Federation (GSSF) Steel Challenge Cup which was held in commemoration o f t h e e n t i t y ’s f i r s t anniversary. With Executive members of the sponsors, El Dorado Trading of 136 Young Street Kingston on hand, the experienced McKinnon easily won ahead of Joseph Chin and GSSF President Ms. Vidushi Persaud, the lone female competitor. The tier 1 match which was held at the Guyana Defence Force Timehri Ranges, Linden Soesdyke Highway, consisted of three sanctioned S.C.S.A. stages (Smoke & Hope, Roundabout and Accelerator) with shooters competing in two Divisions; Limited and Wildcat. In every stage competitors were required to shoot five steel targets, positioned at various angles and distances, one of which is designated as a “Stop plate” which is shot last. Registering a hit on the stopplate stops the time. The
total time it takes to hit all five plates is used for the score (your time is yourscore.) Any misses add 3 penalties seconds to the time per miss. The best 4 out of 5 strings make up the total time per stage and ultimately the shooter with lowest time (score) wins.The competition requirements were as simple as the scoring, the shooter would assume his/her position in a 3 feet square shooting box with hands above their shoulders, upon the beep of the electronic timer, he/she would then draw their firearm and shoot at the targets, the timer stops when the shooter hits the stop plate. One of the attractions of this GSSF’s First Anniversary Match, was that members shooting full power handguns (Limited Division) were competing for the privilege of holding the El Dorado Trading Steel Challenge Cup. When the evening stepped in and the dust settled at the Ranges even after a bit of rain intervened but played no major part in curtailing the event; the fleeting total time for all three stages in the match, which amounted to
under a minute of actual shooting when calculated, saw pre-match favourite and Guyana’s leading handgun shooter Ryan McKinnon being declared the winner and being the first recipient of the prestigious El Dorado Trading Challenge Cup. McKinnon staved off a stern challenge from veteran shooter Joseph Chin who placed second ahead of GSSFPresident Ms. Vi d u s h i P e r s a u d w h o claimed third. At the presentation of trophies, Managing Director of El Dorado Trading, Mr. Tamesh Jagmohan noted that the Challenge Trophy is one that McKinnon will have to defend in 2016 during the month of June in honour of the anniversary of the GSSF. Each year the winner’s name will be affixed to the Cup’s base. Ms. Persaud conveyed thanks to El Dorado Trading for sponsoring their First Anniversary Steel Challenge Match. She commended the Match Committee, Range Master, Range Officers, Stats Officer-Dr. Pravesh Harry and shooters for ensuring the efficiency and safety standard with which the match was run.
Prize Winners with representatives of El Dorado Trading display their hardware following the presentation.
Additional trophies were presented by Mr. Pavasky Jagmohan of El Dorado Trading to the top three overall in each division. The first stage named “Smoke & Hope” saw targets set at various distances with the Stop Plate located closest the shooting box. This caused some
excitement as seasoned shooters missed the fairly close stopplate and had to take follow-up shots in order to stop the clock ticking. The second stage named “Roundabout” saw targets set at closer distances but in somewhat of a tricky arrangement, which caused shooters to engage them in
Squash winners:
In this photo, winners of the respective divisions in the just concluded 2015 Digicel Senior National Squash Championships display their prizes following the presentation. Nyron Joseph and Nicolette Fernandes were crowned male and female champs.
random orders as they each felt was best. The third stage named “Accelerator” caused both the shooter’s trigger finger action and their heart-beat to accelerate as they engaged the various targets set in a challenging layout. All eyes were glued to (Continued on page 27)
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 33
Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition
Ascension outlasts Business School for a place in the next round
The three marksmen for Ascension pose for a photo op yesterday. The Business School paid a heavy price for squandered chances in their clash against Ascension who defeated them 3-2 in another fixture of this year’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition which was played yesterday, at the Tucville ground. Played in soggy conditions, Ascension took the lead after three minutes through Oslin Lewis, who chested in a cross from the
left wing that floated over the jumping opposition goalkeeper. Both teams missed several opportunities after that, but it would be Ascension who increased their advantage in similar manner as the first when Annan Profitt delivered a high cross from the right side this time, eluded the goalkeeper stationed on the near post in the 19th minute of play. It was another case of
Action in the clash between Ascension and Business School yesterday at Tucville ground. him making a bad judgment and clearly highlighted his weakness to the floated ball. In search of more goals, Ascension gained a two-goal cushion four minutes later through Anthony Roberts whose cracker screamed past the opposing custodian. H o w e v e r, B u s i n e s s School responded two
minutes later with Quincy Aldridge hitting a firm shot past the Ascension goalkeeper. The half came with Ascension enjoying a handy 3-1 lead. On the resumption, Business School continued to waste precious chances with balls being sprayed either over the crossbar or just outside the uprights.
Their urgency seemed to overwhelm Ascension and another goal was scored in the 60th minute when Kevyn Murray rose high over the Ascension backline to hit a bullet-like header from a corner into the back of the nets. It was now nervous moments fro Ascension as Business School nearly got the equaliser when a
rasping drive from the right side slammed on to the right upright and stuck in the mud inches short of the heading over the goalline. It was a bit unfortunate for the Brickdam-based line-up that made a late rally, but fell short as the final whistle sounded to hand Ascension a welldeserved victory.
Hosts St. Cuthbert’s Mission cruise to 5-0 win over Canadian School of Arts Science
Part of the action between St. Cuthbert’s Mission Secondary and Canadian School of Arts Science on Sunday. Residents of the Amerindian community of St. Cuthbert’s Mission situated deep off the Soesdyke Highway braved the inclement weather that threatened to prevent play in the match between the hosts and Canadian School of Arts Science on Sunday. A large crowd converged
at the community centre ground and saw the home side St. Cuthbert’s Mission Secondary inflict a 5-0 thrashing on a game, but clearly outclassed Canadian School of Arts Science in the Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition. The homesters took the lead after fourteen minutes
through Rahaul Poonsammy whose feeble attempt towards the goal somehow managed to trickle through the hands of the opposing goalkeeper and over the goal-line. Two minutes later, Cleyo Evans sent the partisan band of supporters into frenzy when he fired past the
St. Cuthbert’s Mission goal-scorers pose for a photo op following their 5-0 demolition of Canadian School of Arts Science on Sunday. goalkeeper after a scrimmage in the penalty area that resulted in him being left unmarked and he made no mistake, hitting it to the right side of the goal. Buoyed by their early success, St. Cuthbert’s searched for more goals as they bombarded the visitors goal area with alarming
frequency and got another in the 22nd minute following a hand ball in the ‘Red Zone’ which saw a penalty being awarded. Ronaldo O’Selmo strode up to take it and he calmly slotted home to the left-side of the goal. No team managed to score, before the half time
whistle sounded as the hosts went to the break feeling comfortable about their 3-0 lead. The second period did not bring any reprieve for the Canadian School of Arts Science as they were constantly kept in defensive mode and Poonsammy was (Continued on page 27)
t r o Sp
Aurora, NOC open Region Two Zone with wins
NOC’s Shquel Cummins makes a diving save to help his team to a 4-0 win over ARS at NOC ground on Sunday.
El Dorado Trading/GSSF 1st Anniversary Steel Challenge Cup
Ryan McKinnon out -shoots field to become inaugural winner
Ryan McKinnon in action.
Vidushi Persaud hitting the targets.
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