Wednesday June 29, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Contractor cries foul Pres. Granger must answer this question EDITOR; behalf of the Guyanese share with the Guyanese follow in the exact path of about tender nepotism DEAR The United Republican public, would therefore like to people some kind of an those they once vehemently DEAR EDITOR; Please permit me space in your newspaper to vent my anger and frustration with the current situation in Guyana as it relates to the award of contracts. The company that I work for and also a co-owner over the past few months, has been under tremendous strain because of the way these matters have been handled by the tender board and the various Ministries of Government. My company has won a few contracts in the national competitive bidding process, but was not awarded. We primary do most of work in the electrical department; work is being handed down to Cummins Electrical Company ltd even though they were not the lowest evaluated bid. We have written to the Government on this issue and were told it was a tender
board matter. When contacted NPTAB through written communication, said they replied; we never receive a reply. Mr. Editor, this situation is becoming more frustrated. We have a work force of 32 employees and were recently forced to lay off 5. Cummins Electrical enjoys the good grace of this current administration and all the various Ministries, electrical works are being done by this company allegedly without tenders. I know this Government mean well in that they pursue a fair and transparent economy, but how can we encourage foreign investors when gross irregularities such as contract award like this happen every day. This only affects the nation as a whole since only a select few are favored by the administration. Micheal Persaud
We needs to treat senior citizens better DEAR EDITOR; Our senior citizens are much more deserving of respect than is currently meted out to them both in the public and in the private sectors. This is particularly evident at banks and post offices especially at month ends when salaries and pensions become payable. There was one bank in the city where a special line was allocated to senior citizens but for some unknown reason this noble practice was discontinued much to the frustration and inconvenience of the sick and elderly. It is time for those in positions of authority to put in place the necessary arrangements to make life easier for our senior citizens many of whom have given years of dedicated service to this nation. Hydar Ally
Crab dance brings mud at the City Hall DEAR EDITOR; It was quite hilarious but yet still infuriating to learn through the press of a discomfort the Georgetown Mayor and Town Clerk have as it relates to persons discussing with their children the ‘Parking Meter Fiasco’ that their parents are involved in. I must say that in normal circumstances maybe such positions may have been justifiable and legitimate. H o w e v e r , t h e Georgetown City Council is a far from a normal place. There is a popular Guyanese saying that is very applicable here – ‘nah guh crab dance if yuh nuh want yuh skin get mud’. If the ‘Gang of Four’ along with some of the more questionable Councillors that have returned from the old batch and some allegedly
corrupt senior officers of the municipality wish to have their relations protected from the vagaries of City Hall, then they should not have them and their other relatives, being given illicitly, cleaning contracts, choice stalls in the municipal markets and cushy jobs with the Council. So long as the hierarchy at City Hall continues to practice such blatant acts of nepotism and cronyism, then their relatives cannot be insulated from the censure and reproach of Councillors and citizens, as they are part and parcel of the skullduggery of the Council. It is time for the members of the ‘Fantastic Four’ to stop pretending to be pictures of moral rectitude and clean up their acts, in order to save the city. The President is asking this of them. James Mc Onnell
Party (URP) would like to ask the Granger administration if they can tell the Guyanese people what is the contracted percentage that Guyana will derive from the oil proceeds and also from the Guyana Goldfields (GGF) project. This is a most pertinent question after years of PPP secrecy in deals that never turned out to be in the interest of the people of Guyana but rather a few of the PPP cronies. The Guyanese citizens are wary of losing the wealth of our resources to a few greedy politicians, their friends, and their family. We heard also that the Guyana Goldfields will increase production in the coming years and that the price of gold is going up and set to climb. The URP, on
get a working understanding of what is in the deal for them. The GGF is projecting their returns in the short to midterm. Can the Guyana government also project for us how much Guyana is estimated to make over the same period? We were also told that Exxon Mobile is drilling other wells based on the significant finds of oil sands off Guyana shores. It is obvious that this company’s operation is governed by some kind of a contractual agreement. Is it possible, then, that the Guyanese populace can get some working understanding of how much the country is likely to benefit from this deal? If the investors are able to project a return on their investments, then the government must be able to
estimated cost and benefit for the sale of our minerals. Editor, the URP, as a patriotic Guyanese party, wishes to alleviate the embarrassment of the Granger administration that seems to have to be consistently reminded, from the international communities, about their need to practice transparency. The people of Guyana had grown accustomed to the shady, crookish, deals under the PPP and before it the PNC. Last May, the coalition spoke out against those kinds of behaviour and people voted the PPP out of office. The APNU/AFC coalition promised that they would do things differently. Yet, so far it is the same old. It is disingenuous for the Granger administration to
condemned, for the same practices. We are, therefore, asking that this administration release immediately the percentages of the proceeds from these multi-million dollar ventures. After all, the minerals that are being extracted from Guyana cannot be replaced; they are not renewable. It is unfair and may be criminal for a select few from the coalition to continue to benefit from the resources that belong to all of us. Mr. Granger, follow the advice from the international community and tell the Guyanese citizens what the investors already know. Tell us how much you are selling out natural resource for. It is only fair. Dr. Vishnu Bandhu URP Leader
Jagdeo was the first President to visit City Hall DEAR EDITOR; It seems difficult if not impossible for some of the imperceptive and deceitful leaders at City Hall, to practice the virtue of honesty even if for just one day. The most recent example of their dishonesty is the declaration that President Granger’s recent visit to City Hall is the first by a Guyanese Head of State in more than twenty years. They know that they are lying but I guess they are hoping that people’s memories are short or convenient like theirs. I would like to state at the outset that I do not wish to detract from or devalue the importance of President Granger’s visit. It was a most commendable and exemplary gesture on his part, particularly at this time when
the Council is in the midst of several scandals and mired in controversy. He has shown considerable leadership, gallantry and good sense, as the Council seems very insular and directionless and in need of the guidance which he is providing. But the facts are the facts. First on March 19th 2009, President Bharrat Jagdeo in the company of Minister of Local Government, Kellawan Lall, Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh and Minister of Public Works Roberson Benn graced City Hall with his presence where he announced that the government would be providing the Council with 120 million in assistance, five computers for its Information Communication Technology strategy and two vehicles to
aid the work of the Constabulary Department. On August 10, 2011 President Bharrat Jagdeo again visited City Hall and offered a financial bailout of 215 million to the Georgetown City Council, to relieve the Council of its unending fiscal crises. President Jagdeo again did not go alone but was accompanied by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, P u b l i c Wo r k s M i n i s t e r Robeson Benn, and Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker, where the Councillors and staff of the municipality were
allowed to interact with the government team, give vent to their ideas, problems and recommendations. Why then would the Council pretend as though this never happened? Barefaced dishonesty will not get the old timers (Councillors) or the capital city anywhere. How can we trust them to lead the capital city when we can’t even trust them to just speak the truth? And of course Royston King would never stand to correct them! What an insolent group? Amber Valentine
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Wednesday June 29, 2016
The death penalty once done cannot be reversed DEAR EDITOR; In societies all over the world when the murder rate is deemed uncomfortably high citizens’ engage in fierce discourse on the merits and demerits of the death penalty, Guyana has been no different. Recently I have noticed that this discourse has been joined by a number of distinguish professionals and academics, who almost to a man state their opposition to the death penalty. The Kaieteur News of 13th June 2016 informs that Minister Ramjattan opposes the death penalty, arguing that he has “statistics to show that the use of such an extreme form of punishment does nothing to stop crime.” Mr. Ralph Ramkarran seems to have had the most to say on this matter. He echoes Mr. Ramjattan’s contention. He also claims that the “argument in favor of the death penalty has always been revenge.” The truth is that the revenge argument is extremely old and is no longer seen as a serious argument. Since the 1970s modern criminologists are more inclined to talk about the death penalty as deterrent
instead. Mr. Ramkarran shared many other views on this matter in that Kaieteur News edition. However on those I will be silent for now, since they are controversial and a response would demand too much time and space. Dr. Hinds is said to have based his objection to the death penalty mostly on the fact that it is disproportionally meted out to racial minorities and the poor. Dr. Hinds is right there is overwhelming evidence in both the USA and Europe supporting his contention. However the presence of discrimination and bias in sentencing is not an argument against the death penalty. Rather it is more an argument for ending discrimination along racial and class lines in the administering of justice. Further, Dr. Hinds was reported as saying he considers the death penalty primitive and therefore having “no place in a modern civilized society.” This contention I will comment on later. Since the two distinguished lawyers mentioned above both cling tightly to statistics on the death penalty which in the words of Mr. Ramkarran
“does not support assumption that it reduces cases of murder,” I will direct my attention to their claim first. A perusal of the literature will reveal a wealth of information and studies that suggest a different conclusion. Singapore with the second highest per capita execution rate in the world up to 1998 had one of the lowest murder rates in the world. Similarly, Japan has the death penalty even though it uses same sparingly (only in cases of multiple murders, single murders rarely are sentenced to death), but it also has one of the lowest murder rates in the world. In fact Japan and Singapore hold first and second place as the countries in the developed world with the lowest murder rates. In the United States the state of New Hampshire had the lowest rate of murders (0.9 per 100,000 persons) for year 2014 even though the death penalty has not been abolished there. In the state of Maryland the city of Baltimore recorded below 200 murders for the year 2011, at that time Maryland still had the death penalty. However during the period January
2015 to the end of August 2015 Baltimore had already recorded 215 murders, the state of Maryland abolished the death penalty in 2013. A study done in 2006 by Emory University in Atlanta found that “murder rates declined in counties where capital punishment was imposed” (Schmalleger, 2007). So in terms of statistics it is perfectly reasonable for those who support the death penalty to argue that its use or availability leads to a reduction in murders. Here in Guyana President Granger has indicated an unwillingness to approve “the execution of any prisoner.” While he did not, based on the report I read, elaborate and offer a reason for this unwillingness I suspect that his position; similar to that of Dr. Hinds; is influenced by ethical considerations, on this I am at one with them. For me, when arguing against the appropriateness of the death penalty one is on surer ground when one expresses ethical concerns as the corner stone for one’s objections to this form of punishment, rather than reliance on statistics.
Natural resources not responsible for prosperity of nations DEAR EDITOR; Many Guyanese are very ignorant of the fact as to what really makes a nation prosperous. I have been hearing a lot of talk about how far behind we are in comparison to other countries that are about the same age of us. Street corner political analysts and reputable political advisers speak of the vast amount of resources Guyana has, and how we all ought to be wealthy people, living like sheikhs and kings. Little do they know that the prosperity of a nation has very little to do with the resources of that nation. Besides Liberia, there are several countries in Africa and elsewhere that possess vast amount of natural resources, but the people are extremely poor. Civil disorder is tearing their people apart, and there is no way out in sight. In spite of the many natural resources of these countries, many of them survive on aids and grants. The level of inflation keeps spiraling out of control and their Income Per Capita is amongst the lowest in the world. Had it not been for heavy investment in certain parts of Africa by the Chinese, many African countries would have had nothing to show as far as their development is concerned. On the other hand there are some countries with virtually no natural resources, but they are within the elite club of industrialized countries, technologically advanced countries, and so on. The key factor that is responsible for the prosperity of a nation is the average IQ of its population. According to Science and the Wealth of Nations, a country must have an average IQ of 90 and over to be able to run a technologically advanced civilization. The resources of countries that do not
have a reasonable pool of intelligent people who are armed with the capital to develop the resources leave room for foreign companies to take advantage of these countries. We have been seeing this happing over the past 50 years in Guyana. From one multi-national company to another, the trend continues. The IQ of a nation determines the quality of life its citizens live. It is what determines whether they live a life of crime, broken homes, and low life expectancy on one hand. On the other hand a nation’s average IQ is also responsible for higher standards of living, low mortality and stable family relationships. Why is the average IQ level in some countries higher than other countries? Is it the educational opportunities that are available in some countries? Is it the culture of the people that are part of the society of a country, or is it the genetic make-up of the people of some countries? I would say that all three can have an effect on how intelligent the people of a country is, but I am more inclined to believe that our genetic makeup is one of the main restrictions that is preventing some country from achieving a high IQ average, and advance rapidly. Historically some civilizations were more developed than others. Some built complex ancient cities with drainage and irrigation, and sewer systems, and had better knowledge of science and the universe in which we live; while some civilizations, until recently, have always lived in caves and stick shacks. Some civilizations created complex languages that are still in existence today, including alphabets and their own scripts, and the ability to read and write their languages, while some just survived by means of
spoken dialects. What resource does a country like Japan possess? ‘Nada’! However, Japan is amongst the top 10 most advanced countries in the world. We also know that the high level of their intelligence and skill are not attributed to the 20th and 21st century alone, but they made remarkable advances in metalworking – a skill that had not been indigenous to them. Unless Guyana is prepared to open its doors and welcome intelligent people into our society, and not humiliate them and treat this with mistrust; unless these people feel a strong sense of belonging to the Guyanese society, and not looked at with scorn; unless people with the skills and resources are encouraged to remain in Guyana, and also feel a sense of belonging, there is no hope for this place. The Coalition has been doing everything to alienate Guyanese. Bai Shan Lin is just one company that has allegedly stepped over the line, but there are thousands of Chinese who are law abiding citizens and are contributing to the development of Guyana. What is wrong with someone showing strong attachment to their motherland? The US and Canada have opened their doors to immigrants from all over the world, and the immigrants are sending millions back to their home country. What is the big deal about this once taxes are paid? This is how the free world operates. Guyana needs creative and innovative people integrated into our society. There is certainly going to be some problems with the first generation, but eventually everything is going to be fine… and do not expect a skilled laborer that assembles digital billboards to earn the same as a man pushing a trolley down the road with a few rotten eggplants. Fazal Gafoor
Morally how can the state support its claim of intolerance for killing perpetuated by others by itself carrying out acts of killing? The Jamaican criminologist Professor Bernard Headley puts it best “if we are to expect all others in the society to respect human life and not deprive another of it, then the state must set the example.” Secondly there is the uncertainty of the guilt of the condemned. Between 1989 and 2007 at least 143 state convicts were exonerated through the use of DNA tests in the United States of America. The death sentence once carried out cannot be reversed, it does not allow a society to correct its mistake. And since we claim to believe that it is best for 100 bad men to go free than for one innocent person to be punished, we have no alternative but to support the abolishing of the death penalty. This is especially so here in Guyana since DNA testing is not readily available. In any case the presence of DNA evidence at a crime scene is not proof of guilt of a crime. Mr. Editor, the debate on the appropriateness of the death penalty will rage on. As a country pressure, will be exerted by those international organizations and nations
which feel small countries must follow their lead. As the pressure mounts small nations like Guyana can take courage from the Singapore’s response. Fighting off the UN’s criticism on his nation’s high level of executions of those who commit serious crimes, Singapore’s representative at the UN said “the right to life is not the only right, and it is the duty of societies and governments to decide how to balance competing rights against each other.” Mr. Editor, in closing, allow me to make a final comment. In the Kaieteur News of 15th June 2016, I noted that the British government by way of its Ambassador is encouraging the Guyanese Government to abolish the death penalty. Through the years in my quest for understanding I have come to accept that in human affairs the solution to a problem is all too often the creation of another. If we agree that the death penalty is inhumane and unjust we are likely to move to imposing life sentences for murders as is being done in most country that have abolished the death penalty. With Guyana’s high murder rate coupled with its recidivist rate of over 80%, who is going to help Guyana foot the bill for taking care of murders for life? Claudius Prince
A poem for Walter Rodney DEAR EDITOR; They want we to focus on race, But they don’t want we to focus on class. They kill Dr. Walter Rodney because he tell we, “Class is the issue”. I gon do as Rodney say, And focus on class class class, Until economic apartheid dun pass pass pass! In he book “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”, Rodney did tell we about them African Kings, Who sold our Brothers and Sisters into slavery for finger rings! I gon do as Rodney say, And focus on class class class, Until economic apartheid dun pass pass pass! We must remember the proverb about the axe with the wooden handle. When the trees did see the axe coming into the forest, the trees did say “Brothers and Sisters, there is no need to worry- the handle is one of we”. But we know what happened to the trees – they dead dead dead! I gon do as Rodney say, And focus on class class class, Until economic apartheid dun pass pass pass! The vested interests try to divide and rule we with race, But they don’t want we to focus on class. I gon do as Rodney say, And focus on class class class, Until economic apartheid dun pass pass pass! They living in Millennium Heights *, But we living down here in dire plights! We must demand our economic rights! I gon do as Rodney say, And focus on class class class, Until economic apartheid dun pass pass pass! Lalu Hanuman, Attorney-at-Law, Barbados
Wednesday June 29, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Constitutional Reform…
If it involves taming executive powers then so let it be By Kiana Wilburg When it comes to the issue of Constitutional reform, President David Granger believes that the people know best what they want. And if it comes down to taming the powers of the Head of State, then so let it be. Granger made this remark while he was being questioned by Kaieteur News during a taping of the Government show, The Public Interest. He was asked to say if since attaining office, Constitutional reform and particularly redefining the powers of the President, would remain a priority. Granger made it clear that the issue is indeed one which remains part of Government’s agenda. “Mr. Nigel Hughes (AFC Executive Member) has already presented a preliminary report (on Constitutional Reform) and we will be proceeding with discussing it more fully. And it is my view, given the controversy that has surrounded Constitutional reform for nearly 40 years, that we need to go to the people, find out what they think, and have consultation. We need to listen to them, the
- President Granger
President David Granger President remarked. He added, “Some people seem to have jumped to conclusions and they seem to have their own ideas about the form reform should take. My view is that the people know best and we had better consult them. So yes, if it involves ‘taming’ the powers of the Executive, well, so let it be; but let the people speak. Don’t let us try to tell the people what to think. Let us find out what they need. Let us find out what the people really want to see in their Constitution.” The Head of State said that he has no intentions of having a “boardroom constitutional reform” but would rather prefer to pursue
a public discussion on the matter. “I want people in their communities to meet and express their views. I don’t want a group of people sitting down in a room saying what must be done,” the President added. When Former President Donald Ramotar prorogued the Tenth Parliament, it awakened the discussion on taming the powers of the Executive. And leading this discussion at the national level was the hierarchy of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Members from both sides agreed that during Ramotar’s reign, Guyana experienced an unprecedented abuse of Executive power. They agreed, too, that there is a need to alter the boundless authority afforded to the Head of State. But even under the “Better life for All” leadership, the AFC maintains that the powers of the Executive need to be reexamined and amended.
AFC Executive Member, Nigel Hughes, had outlined that one of the important things the Constitution speaks to is the distribution of power and how it should be exercised. Referring to Article 51, the Attorney-atLaw said that supreme democratic power should be vested in three organs; the Presidency, Parliament and Cabinet. Hughes had said, “What you have is the President being a part of the parliament and then when you go to Cabinet, you have him there, where he has supreme executive power. So in effect, he has power of all three organs of the state. “He dominates them, and this is long before we come to discuss his immunities from suit, which means that in the exercise of his executive power, he is not answerable to the court or anyone; he can only be removed by grave misconduct, ill-health or loss of confidence in him by the House.” Hughes, a practicing Attorney, said that the
current structure of the Constitution gives the President absolute power to govern. The AFC has advocated for this to be addressed with urgency, for power, he opined, must be distributed evenly. The other difficulty with the Constitution and the powers vested in the President, Hughes said, is how one becomes President due to the party list system. “Let’s say you have three political parties in a race. One gets 33 percent of the votes, the other 32 and the last 31 for argument sake. The party with the 33 percent gets to be President with full executive power. In essence you are giving this person or party, which doesn’t represent a plurality, the presidency, and it puts the nation particularly at a disadvantage, because you have people from different cultural backgrounds not being represented when the 32 and 31 percentages are combined. “If you continue this, then you perpetuate a system where others are excluded and they will have no representation in the executive and the executive is where the decisions are really
made, that is where policies are made and carried out.” “My position on that issue has not changed… My position does not depend on who is the President; my position depends on the powers, not who is occupying the position of the President. You don’t wait till you have a good candidate to decide whether or not you are going to change the powers of the President. You try to protect yourself in the event that you have a bad candidate. So the fact that you may have a good candidate now is not a basis that you should change your position at all.” Hughes did not want to state whether this was noted during the discussions of the Committee on Constitutional Reform. He said that he was the convener on the Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform and the report on its finding and recommendations was submitted on April 30, last, to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. Hughes said that he would leave it to the Prime Minister to reveal any content in that regard. The AFC Executive Member noted that Guyana (Continued on page 8)
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Kaieteur News
Consultations on copyright Strategic Development Plan legislation underway not possible after one year Consultations on copyright legislation have commenced with both government and private sector stakeholders. This is to provide a better environment for people in the creative arts industries, explained Advisor on Cultural Policy, Ruel Johnson, in an interview with the Government Information Agency. Johnson, who himself is a published author, said that in order to create an environment that is healthy for people in the creative industries, “The first thing that we have to tackle is legislation, copyright legislation.” Johnson said that he has consulted with both government entities and private stakeholder groupings. The aim, he noted, is to create a working group of people who would deal specifically with the copyright legislation. The official is looking at interventions that can be made over both short and long term periods. However, even though copyright legislation is on the front burner, if creative artistes are to be fully catered for, other types of legislation must be taken into account.
Advisor on Cultural Policy, Ruel Johnson Johnson disclosed that he has been in contact with the Commercial Registry, the Ministry of Business, the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. “Now we are also going to be looking at general intellectual property legislation that deals with everything from business branding, packets, to protecting indigenous cultural knowledge, traditional knowledge, that doesn’t quite come under copyright, but comes under protected intellectual property,” Johnson explained. Once the consultations are complete and consensus is reached, the legislation for providing adequate grounds
for creative artist will be realized. The copyright laws will help to foster an environment in which creativity and innovation can be encouraged and allowed to flourish. The laws will provide the opportunity for the producers and creators of various works to profit financially from their efforts, which will be formally recognized. This includes literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works, sound recordings, films, broadcasts and cable programmes. The copyright law should have provision which speaks to reproduction of any work by an artiste without the permission of the owner of the copyright who is often the author, but may be the publisher, broadcaster or other person. If the need arises, persons will be required to pay a fee as a price for giving their consent. These fees vary in different circumstances. Over the years, with little protection, the works of the artistes have been pirated wholesale and are even being resold in broad daylight. The fines date back to the 1960s, with little recourse for artistes.
If it involves taming... (From page 7) needs a Constitution that protects the people from the possibility of abuse. He maintained that he saw it as a priority issue during the campaign trail and maintains the same stance now. Prime Minister Nagamootoo said, “I would want to believe that it (amending the powers of the Executive) is not an issue that stands alone. “We have to see how it is that the Constitution could be reworked and amended or reformed to bring about greater comity between the powers of the Executive and the Legislature, and particularly, how you could be able to diffuse some of the powers of the Executive to bring some of those powers within the purview of the Prime Minster. “That was (one of) the intention (s) of the Cummingsburg Accord. It might not have been a manifesto promise, but I am not the one to decide whether these things are to be done.”
There have been calls emanating from the public and the political opposition for the Government of Guyana to publish a development plan for the nation. At the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Small Business Development Finance Trust Inc. (SBDF) held on Monday last, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin stated that such a plan could not be possible after just one year in office. He assured the gathering that a strategic development plan is on the way for Guyana, and that it should not be expected that such a plan would be developed and implemented in that length of time. “Our government has been in office just about a year now, the development of any serious strategic long term development plan, does not happen in a year.” According to Gaskin, the national development strategy that was developed in the late 1990s took a few years to put together. The Minister reminded those in attendance that there are a host of plans which have never been established. “We need to understand too that Guyana is a country with lots of plans and a lot of those plans are sitting on shelves in offices never
– BUSINESS MINISTER
Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin having been implemented.” Gaskin urged that for a long term plan to be successful, it would require input from all stakeholders. The Minister noted “that plan has to stem from a national vision that we all accept”. Moreover, he does not expect the plan to be specific to one government. “It cannot be the plan of any one government; it must be our plan, the Guyana plan.” Gaskin believes such a nationalistic approach is slowly evolving. He credits the frequent reference to terms such as “Value Added Productivity”, “Green Economy” and “Sustainable
Development” as having influenced the vision of Guyanese regarding development. According to Gaskin, these concepts have meaning and are becoming imbedded in the psyche of Guyanese. As a consequence, he believes a vision is being promoted and once that vision is crystallized, it can be used for the development of a strategic development plan for the future of Guyana. Gaskin also sought to address the position which some persons have taken; that the economy has slowed down since the May 2015 elections. He expressed that an election should be routine for a country and that at no time should it be allowed to affect business relationships. “We cannot allow our economy to be disrupted every five years because of an election, and the more our economy develops the more harm such a disruption may do to our economy.” The Minister ended on the notion that Guyana’s democracy has progressed over the years, and as such, an election should be nothing more than an exercise to change or keep the government of the day.
Norway agrees not to take back... (From page 3) REDD Investment Fund (GRIF) to support the Centre. GRIF is the fund which is used by Norway to channel the monies towards projects that Guyana has to present. Guyana will have to submit a proposal now to Norway on the funding for Iwokrama. Iwokrama 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. Accompanying Minister Trotman on the trip were Jocelyn Dow, Chairperson of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC); Pradeepa Bholanath - GFC; and Teresa Gaime – Technical Officer – Ministry of Natural Resources. While in Norway, the delegation met with Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate; Statkraft, considered the largest renewable energy Supplier in Europe; and NORAD’s Oil for Development Program. According to the Minister, there have been commitments for collaborations, once Guyana makes a formal request. The delegation also visited two parks and nature reserves and the Rånåsfosspower station, which has a hydro power plant. VISIT TO GUYANA
“We also made an appearance before the Foreign Affairs and Defence and the Energy and Environment Committees of the Parliament, known as ‘the Storting’,” Trotman disclosed. During that Parliamentary session, Guyana was asked to clarify the Government’s position on new and renewable energy as against its stated opposition to the Amaila Falls Hydro Project as it was previously configured. “We also held a meeting with Eric Solheim, Executive Directorate designate of the United Nations Environment Programme. Mr. Solheim offered his support to advance Guyana’s environmental programme.” A meeting was held with the Minister of Climate and Environment, Vidar Helgesen, and staffers of various Ministries and departments and a decision was taken to deepen the partnership. The Minister was invited to visit Guyana and he has agreed in principle.” A number of Norway delegations have been visiting Guyana. Guyana is looking for another deal with Norway with the other one expiring last year. Norway has extended it as Guyana still has a number of targets to meet. Of the US$250M, Norway has so far disbursed about US$150M, rewarding Guyana’s achieved results. Of this, US$70M has been transferred to Guyana REDD+ investment fund – GRIF (administered by the World Bank), and as indicated, US$80M has been set aside in an account with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) to cover Guyana’s equity share in the Amaila Falls project. All projects are implemented by the World Bank, the IDB or the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and thus adhere to their strict rules and safeguards, Norway said.
Wednesday June 29, 2016
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Kaieteur News
An unlawful appointment doesn’t necessarily make that appointee’s actions unlawful There is an interesting fact that is often overlooked whenever there are discussions about the former Town Clerk, Carol Sooba. It is often assumed that she owed her employment in the City Hall to the People’s Progressive Party Civic government. This is, of course, far from the truth. Before she was appointed as Town Clerk, Carol Sooba was an employee in the legal department of the municipality. She was employed by the PNC-GGGdominated City Council. The very persons who turned against her had worked with her for a number of years. They were the ones who were responsible for her recruitment, not the PPPC. She was eventually appointed by the then Minister of Local Government, as the Town Clerk, a decision that was
opposed by the Council. The present Town Clerk challenged this appointment in court on the grounds that the process was not fair. The then Chief Justice, Ian Chang, ruled that her appointment was illegal, but on different grounds to the challenge. He argued that the Minister of Local Government did not have the power to appoint the Town Clerk, since this was the rightful duty of the Local Government Commission, of which none existed at the time. He went on to adduce the de facto/ de jure distinction. He ruled that Carol Sooba should remain in office since she was the de facto Town Clerk. Her appointment would either have to be confirmed or dismissed by the Local Government Commission. This de facto/de jure distinction was also invoked in the ruling in the Esther
Perreira case, in which the results of the 1997 elections were challenged. The court did not expel the PPPC from office. It ruled that the PPP should remain in office, despite the election results being vitiated. The Hoyte administration had stayed out of parliament during the controversy. It eventually crawled back in and Hoyte justified his actions on the grounds that despite the ruling, the PPP remained the de facto government of the day. But let us return to the controversy over the appointment of the old Town Clerk? When the new administration came in, the Minister of Communities revoked the appointment of Carol Sooba and appointed Royston King as Town Clerk. But what about Justice Chang’s ruling that only the
Dem boys seh...
Guyana is a nice and safe place Guyana is a nice place. When people do something wrong in another country dem does run and come to Guyana. Some years ago a man from Trinidad, Abdul Malik, kill some people in Trinidad and he come to Guyana. Of course he get ketch. When Uncle Sam want we people we got a law that does mek we keep we own people. Dem boys seh that Guyanese really happy. Everybody want a visa to go to de States and dem applying and getting through. Now some of dem want to give back de visa. People killing people like crazy. One man tek a gun and kill 49 people in a bar. Yesterday dem boys hear some people blow up an airport and kill nearly 40. De people who count seh that 90 people get injured. All of a sudden Guyana got a terrorist. This man who was a security guard fuh a one time Minister ain’t wukking. Everybody he go to telling him how dem ain’t got money. Even Jagdeo refuse to give de man a raise. He
claim how he don’t walk wid money. But it was a lady who cause all de trouble. When de man ask she, this woman tell de man to go rob a bank. That is when de trouble start. De man walk in a bank and tell de woman teller how he got a bomb and how he want $10 million. This is de same man who did do this thing couple years ago. He did walk in another bank and tell de people how he got a bomb and how he want money. He end up in jail that time and he gun end up in jail this time. Dem boys want to know how man can do de same thing all de time and expect a different result. This man think he is de whole ISIS. But is a good thing he in Guyana. Any other place he woulda dead. But then again, dem boys seh that any other place, he might have had a bomb fuh real. Talk half and always know that Guyana nice.
Local Government Commission can appoint the Town Clerk? The question as to whether the Minister of Communities can lawfully appoint a Town Clerk will no doubt feature whenever the legal challenge brought by Carol Sooba against her dismissal is heard. The court is usually guided by precedent, so it would be interesting to see how the court will rule. If the court rules that the Minister has no authority to appoint the Town Clerk, this will raise the question as to what happens to all the agreements signed in the name of the Town Clerk. Will these agreements be legal? The de facto/ de jure
principle will ensure that even if it is held that the appointment of the Town Clerk was illegal, this does not necessarily make unlawful any agreement that he would have signed as Town Clerk. This issue is raised in the context of the examination being carried out by the government on the legality of the deal. The government really has no role in this matter. It is for the citizens, not government, to challenge the legality of the parking meter agreement. But how can the citizens challenge the agreement when they have not seen it? Citizens therefore should not expect the government to save them from this parking
meter burden. The government is not going to save them. The government has the political clout to overturn this agreement. The ruling parties can order their councilors to vote against the agreement, but they are not doing this. The government’s response to the parking meter controversy has been muted. The government will not interfere; it will not intervene. It has a wired notion of unity It is left to a citizen of Georgetown to file an injunction challenging the imposition of parking meters. But how can grounds be adduced in challenging the agreement when the agreement is not public.
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Wednesday June 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...
King’s privacy, the lady’s store and the fault, Dear Brutus One of the sickening flaws of Homo sapiens is selfishness. It is as if humans are so possessed of selfishness that they are unfit to be classified as higher animals. A dog would love you without any selfishness. If you tell your dog to fetch your shoes and he/she did that yet you eat your food right in front of him/her and didn’t offer not even a drop, that dog will tomorrow serve you faithfully. When I began to read philosophy books I thought that because humans are possessed of reason, the world will always be a better place because of reason. It was the Roman philosopher, Cicero, who argued that reason is what distinguishes us from lower animals. This is how Cicero puts it; “Reason which alone
raises us above the level of the beast and enables us to draw inferences, to prove and disprove, to discuss and solve problems and to come to conclusions, is certainly common to all of us, and, though it varies in what it learns, in its capacity to learn it is invariable.” That passage from Cicero had undue influence on me. For me, it was the single most important characteristic that made the title of higher animals a justified one when describing Homo sapiens. Later on, in my studies, I came to be flippant about reason, especially after reading Arthur Koestler. Koestler devastated the existence of reason in Homo sapiens. More than two thousand years before Koestler was born, the Roman general, Marc Anthony, at the funeral service for Julius
Caesar, said of his countrymen, “Oh judgement! Thou art fled to brutish breasts and men have lost their reason”. Men lost their reason long before Anthony spoke those words. It is doubtful they will ever get it back. The great 18th Russian writer, Dostoyevsky has an interesting observation. It goes like this; “People speak sometimes of the bestial cruelty of man, but that is terribly unjust and offensive to beasts; no animal could ever be as cruel as a man, so artfully, so artistically cruel.” Cicero died more than two thousand years ago, but he must be turning in his Roman grave to know that men have lost their reason and have fled to brutish beasts because as he told us in the passage above, it was reason that raises us above the level of
the beast. If Homo sapiens did not lose their capacity to reason so long ago, human society would have been perfect. There would have been no place for selfishness. But selfishness has long replaced reason. People are obsessed with their own mental and social elevation and have no capacity to reason about the way other humans feel. I laughed when I read about the complaint of Mr. Royston King to the City Council. King was aggrieved that a councilor met his daughter and enquired about his trip to Mexico. King said it was an abuse of his and his family’s privacy. Indeed it is. The person was out of place to approach King’s daughter. But King has to know that his action as Town Clerk has hurt the daughters of countless
people that his hammer fell upon. Many vendors are single mothers and they had to go home and tell their daughters that income would not be coming any longer because the Town Clerk has evicted them. King told the owner of Lance’s Photo Studio at Stabroek Market Square he had to move his 30-year-old business because the Golden Jubilee floats have to move off from the square. Surely, the owner has daughters who depend on their father’s income. Maybe only King has the capacity to feel hurt and pain. Then there is this lady who supports the PPP. She picks on all the little faults of the Coalition Government. She claims the Government has struck her father’s store off the list of cloth stores at which the Ministry of
Frederick Kissoon Education’s school vouchers are tenable. I know her father. Nice gentleman who doesn’t dabble in any kind of politics. If it is true, then the Government is wrong and must reverse its decision. But this lady who is now crying wolf needs to acquire the capacity to reason. If and when she does, she must be made to understand, like Royston King must be made to understand that “he/she that feels it knows it.” Homo sapiens must reclaim their capacity to reason so they can understand that they must not hurt people. But do they care about their faults? They are too selfish to do so.
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Contract to build N/A nurses’ hostel among several attracting competitive bids The opening of bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday attracted highly competitive bidding. This was especially evident with regard to a contract for the construction of a nurses’ hostel, in the New Amsterdam School of Nursing compound. The engineer’s estimate for this project, which was tendered under the Ministry of Public Health, was $60.1M. Fourteen (14) companies submitted bids.
There were also bidders seeking to carry out rehabilitation works at the Ministry of the Presidency’s cabinet rooms. The engineer’s estimate was $32.1M.
The Regional Democratic Council for Region Six put out a tender for a contractor to construct a building that could accommodate classrooms at the Upper Corentyne Technical Institute, Region No. Six. The engineer’s estimate was $20.8M.
There was another contract under the Ministry of Public Health, to extend the New Amsterdam School of Nursing building. The engineer’s estimate was $30.4M.
There were also bids to supply, install and test equipment at the Essequibo Technical Institute.
There was a tender on behalf of the Wildlife Management Authority for the supply and delivery of a new, double cab 4x4 pickup vehicle. Only one bid was opened.
Finally, under the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) there was a tender for the supply and delivery of a new Mini Bus.
Meanwhile, under the Ministry of Education, bidders vied for a contract to reprint and deliver textbooks under the national book distribution drive, at the Primary School level. The bidding was done in lots one to three.
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Wednesday June 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
CDB remains crucial partner to Guyana’s development As the Government forges ahead with plans for the nation’s development, it will continue to lean on crucial partners like the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for unwavering support. This is according to Finance Minister, Winston
- Finance Minister Jordan. He made this remark, among others, at the 46th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the CDB.
There, Jordan made it clear that the Government values the relationship with the CDB, and stressed that the entity remains a fundamental development partner in supporting Guyana’s national developmental agenda. In recognition of this fact, the Finance Minister said that mere months after its accession to office, the APNU+AFC Government was extremely pleased to welcome a high-level team, led by CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith. He said that the fruitful engagement led to the rapid preparation of a Mid- Term Review Strategy Paper for Guyana. The Finance Minister said that this Interim Strategy will inform a comprehensive Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for the period, 2017-2020, which will be aligned to Government’s Vision 2020. The Finance Minister said that within the context of engagement with the CDB, it is pertinent that the coalition administration acknowledges the Bank’s role in developing and implementing the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Programme, of which Guyana is a main beneficiary. Jordan said that the BNTF has been a pillar in improving living conditions in rural communities in the country. The economist expressed that community-
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan driven interventions under the programme have assisted in reducing poverty levels through focus on: Education and Human Resources Development; Water and Sanitation; and Community Access Roads. The Finance Minister said that the Government looks forward to the strengthening of the BNTF Programme across the Region. In this regard, he said that the early replenishment of the Special Development Fund (SDF) will signify new hope for the development of catalytic projects which can be designed towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and meeting other international milestones. “I salute the efforts of the Bank in exploring options for creating easier terms of borrowing within the Special Development Fund (SDF). Guyana supports the recommendations of the Bank
to reduce SDF lending rates from 2.5 percent to one percent for Groups One and Two countries, and from two percent to one percent for Group Three countries,” Jordan expressed. He added, “The Government also welcomes the Bank’s options for cofinancing and is grateful that the Bank is considering this funding mechanism under the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Programme (UK-CIF) and SDF initiatives. This would contribute to increasing the resource envelope available to Guyana in the form of loans co-financed by a grant element.” The Finance Minister said that he is cognizant of the growing CDB portfolio in Guyana and the level of discomfort at the rate of implementation of the projects. “We would like to recommend that the Bank reconsiders placing a permanent resident representative in the country. This would release the stress under which the monitoring of the current Investment Portfolio finds itself, as well as improve the efficiency and effectiveness of communication between the Bank and the Government,” the economist expressed. The Finance Minister said that as the Government continues its plans for Guyana’s economic development, it will look to partners like the CDB to help build a green and prosperous nation in the coming years.
Bound body in metal container…
Cops detain two more for gold miner’s murder Police have now detained all three of the suspects who were wanted in connection with the murder of porkknocker Shawn McDonald, whose bound and battered body was found in a metal container at Kurupung two Mondays ago. A senior police official said that the last two suspects were held on Monday. One was captured at Kurupung Mountain Foot. The first suspect was arrested on Sunday at an area known as Pappy Show Landing, some three miles
from the area where Mc Donald was slain. They were all taken to the Bartica Police Station yesterday. McDonald’s battered body, with limbs bound, was found in a metal container at his camp at Kurupung last week Monday. A post mortem showed that he sustained multiple injuries, including wounds to the head, a broken shoulder, and a deep cut to the mouth that reportedly caused him to suffocate on his own blood. The killing may have been triggered by complaints that
SAY NO TO CORRUPTION, IT HURTS US ALL.
a woman made that Mc Donald had tried to sexually assault her and had cut down two hammocks near a camp. Police were also told that McDonald was seen drinking and brandishing a cutlass at individuals at Kurupung. He was then seen heading towards his camp. Police were also told that three men were later seen putting the porkknocker in a metal container. Around 06.00 hrs last week Monday, a woman went to Mc Donald’s camp to check on him and found the miner’s body in a container. The police were then notified. McDonald resided at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, and was the eldest of four siblings. He had worked in the interior for several years.
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Guyanese among 600 migrants rescued by US Coast Guard
Probe into Roraima Airways airport incident finds safety breaches The scene of the incident earlier this month at the Ogle airport.
Authorities investigating injuries to an engineer at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport over a week ago have determined that safety standards were breached. According to a report released by the Ministry of Social Protection, yesterday, it received reports of an accident involving an aircraft at the Ogle airport, on June 20, 2016 with an investigation immediately commissioned. Investigators found that an engineer sustained burns to the body and a fractured left ankle. He was reportedly working on an aircraft engine and was standing on the wing of the craft. “The investigations have thus far revealed that while the engineer was working on the aircraft owned by Roriama Airways, a fire of unknown origin engulfed an area on the ground below the same engine which he was working on, forcing him to jump from the wing to the ground.”
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The engineer sustained the injuries to his left ankle and body after he jumped. “The management of the company when questioned about the accident was unable to give an accurate account of what transpired. It was determined that breaches of the known safety standards were in existence for an accident to have occurred,” the Ministry disclosed in the report. The Ministry said that it intends to address all breaches “with the seriousness they deserve”. Investigators will be collaborating with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and other departments in addressing infractions of the Occupational Safety & Health Legislation and all other labour-related laws. A copy of the investigation report containing the findings will be forwarded to the management of the Roriama Airways in due course.
The Coast Guard Cutter Diligence returned to Wilmington last week following a 53-day patrol. (Source: US Coast Guard)
WILMINGTON, North Carolina (wect.com) -The Coast Guard Cutter ‘Diligence’ returned to Wilmington last week following a 53-day patrol. During the patrol, the Diligence spent 32 days in the Florida Straits in support of Operation Vigilance Sentry and Operation Blue Hammer. The Diligence’s crew rescued 62 Cuban migrants from six unseaworthy vessels and worked with agency partners to coordinate the rescue and care for a total of 600 Cuban, Haitian, Jamaican, and Guyanese migrants, according to a report of the news site. Operation Blue Hammer focuses on migrant interdiction and repatriation operations in the Florida Straits. The migrant interdiction operations were coordinated with federal and interagency partners, including Customs and Border Patrol, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, U.S. Public Health Service and several state and local law enforcement agencies from Florida. The Diligence is a 210-foot medium endurance cutter with a crew of approximately 80. Its missions typically include counter drug and migrant interdiction, enforcing federal fishery laws, and search and rescue operations.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Govt. reviews 17-year-old contract with Exxon Mobil BYABENA ROCKCLIFFECAMPBELL
…but agrees it provides “relative” protection as constituted
The APNU+AFC government is claiming to be serious about protecting the interests of Guyana and its people. Well at least that is what is being touted by the Ministry of Natural Resources, according to the subject minister, Raphael Trotman. During a recent
interview with Kaieteur News, Trotman disclosed that the contact that is currently governing Exxon Mobil’s exploration of oil is one that has been signed since 1999 – 17 years ago. That would have been during the reign of the P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)
government. Trotman said, “It’s a pretty old agreement, but it remains enforced because we respect the sanctity of above board a g r e e m e n t s . H o w e v e r, government has taken the opportunity to have the agreement reviewed if not wholly, certain parts.”
interest, but it is dated in some respects and we want to ensure that we have a more H e s a i d t h a t t h i s i s contract in the areas we feel modern and realistic agreement. b e i n g d o n e t o s e c u r e a need strengthening.” Trotman sought to make stronger relationship with Trotman was asked if he t h e A m e r i c a n c o m p a n y feels the contract provides it clear that Exxon has not in “ b e c a u s e w e a r e v e r y adequate protection for any way attempted to resist contract revision. i n t e r e s t e d i n a n e v e n Guyana as a young nation a stronger relationship with about to enter into the oil Therefore, he thinks that the Exxon.” business. He replied, “It is process would be a smooth The Natural Resources relative. I think that the one. Exxon Mobil is the only Minister also told Kaieteur agreement signed in 1999 company that News that it is has so far imperative that the contract be “I think that the agreement signed in 1999 found oil in commercial updated to conform with perhaps represented the best that Guyana quantities in Guyana. The standards of could have gotten at the time.” first find was today, as made last year. having been And Trotman said that signed in 1999, Trotman said perhaps represented the best that the contact can be that Guyana could have more tests have been carried considered outdated in some gotten at the time. The out over the last few weeks areas. agreement itself is not a bad “and I hope to get a report He explained that there are one, but with the passage of soon on those tests.” The some industry practices time… from 1999 to 2016, we Minister said that he which would have evolved believe that there are some couldn’t speak any further over the years”…so we areas that can be until the report has been remain engaged with the strengthened; and we are received. The report will company. As I said, the working with the company to indicate quantity. Last year Exxon made an relationship is a good one, but do so.” we are working on improving The Minister continued, oil discovery in the Stabroek that relationship and “I wouldn’t describe it (the Block, located around 120 improving the terms of the contract) as against our miles offshore Guyana.
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
The billion-dollar forensic lab facility at Turkeyen
“Major upgrades” still needed for billion-dollar forensic lab When it was commissioned in 2014, there had been intentions for the billion-dollar forensic lab aback of the University of Guyana, Turkeyen campus to serve several important functions including bio-fluid and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing. Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee had even assured the nation that it would always conform to international standards. Fast forward to 2016, however, and the lab still has some way to go before it can meet international standards or even perform the aforementioned specialized functions. In an interview with members of the media recently, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan made it clear that much still had to be done. One problem the Minister highlighted was the required expertise and level of qualifications of staffers at the lab. He stated that it was an impediment to the lab performing at its optimum and conducting highly specialized tests. “They have reached the Bachelors and the Masters,” he gave as an example. “But the equivalent, highest ratings that you have to pass before you can get to do all these other things that are going to mean much to the court, is very important.” He made it clear that what the state did not want was a substandard lab, where there could be lapses while handling evidence and test tubes. He noted that if there were any problems with record keeping or the quality of evidence; then defence counsel could tear the prosecution’s case apart. “And especially when they are going to ask questions about the temperature and the air conditioning in the department. Because all of that helps in keeping the specimen together, to the extent that it can prove your case.” “I don’t think that even that has been reached. Because right now, as we speak, the arrangement for the offices, the regulated temperatures required to keep these specimens (preserved) are not there. We might have to reconfigure the AC units and replace a whole lot of things. It will be costly, that’s why that forensic lab can only do things like documents, fraud and handwriting expertise.” “But when it comes to blood type and DNA testing, you have to have a surrounding environment like that which is in Trinidad and Jamaica, and we don’t have that.” Over the years, police have consistently had to send bio samples such as blood, hair
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and even synthetic material to countries like Trinidad and Tobago for testing. This is a process that can sometimes take weeks and even months. As recent as last month, when the skeletal remains of a woman believed to be Babita Sarjou were dug up from a shallow grave in her husband, Sharadananda Narine’s yard, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had stated that samples would have to be sent to T&T for DNA testing. The laboratory at Turkeyen was built under the Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP), and was a collaborative effort between the Government and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The CSP had three elements: Institutional modernization of the Home Affairs Ministry, Community Action Component (CAC) and modernization of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The final component included strengthening its forensic capability. The facility consists of a two-storey main building. The ground floors of the main building house the administrative offices, library and research centre, conference room, security monitoring, evidence submission and washroom facilities. The first floor, on the other hand, supports the facility’s four departments; chemistry, toxicology, document and trace evidence. These four departments have six laboratories and an instrument room. The Facility also has a single floor Service Building totaling 2,600 sq. ft. where the main electrical panels and transformer, vehicle inspection booths, ballistics as well as chemical and general storage are located.
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Wednesday June 29, 2016
Human development challenges emphasised in new Report The Region of Latin America and the Caribbean requires a renewed focus on public policy to deal with current challenges, as well as to sustain, consolidate and continue with past achievements in terms of wellbeing. This is outlined in the Executive Summary of the Regional Human Development Report for Latin America and the Caribbean. Although the actual Report entitled ‘Multidimensional progress: wellbeing beyond income’ has not yet been officially released in English, snippets of its content have been unveiled in an Executive Summary shared by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Report is essentially one that focuses on the increasingly pressing challenges facing the region. The Report was launched on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) in Panama, in the presence of national authorities, over 60 parliamentarians from the region and other key regional partners. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Report offers key policy recommendations to boost resilience and prevent millions from sliding back into poverty at a time when the Latin American and Caribbean region faces economic slowdown. The report therefore calls on Latin Americans to rethink the region’s progress along multidimensional lines, inspired by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It also highlights the need for new metrics to measure development beyond per capita income, economic
growth rates and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and recommends social protection, care systems, labour skills and closing historic gender, racial and ethnic gaps not resolved with economic growth alone. In the Executive Summary, it is underscored that in times of global economic fragility, eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities in all their dimensions require a two-fold strategy. Moreover, the report stresses the need to protect the achievements of the last decade to prevent millions from falling back into poverty while promoting comprehensive policies adapted to populations suffering from discrimination and historical exclusions. Among the main challenges outlined are reduced productive inclusion, the regressive nature of many tax systems, the substandard quality of education, the segmentation of social protection systems and the absence of care systems. Low productive inclusion in quality jobs constitutes one of the challenges still to be addressed in the region and it is also an obstacle to achieving future transformations. The region is characterised by a high level of precarious, informal and low-productivities jobs. On the one hand, more than half of the 300 million people employed in the region work as salaried employees in micro-enterprises with fewer than five workers as unqualified self-employed workers, or as unpaid workers. These conditions employ seven out of 10 working people who live in poverty and five out of 10 working people who are in a vulnerable
situation, the Report highlights. “The figures underline a high level of informality in the region’s enterprises: of the more than 50 million small and medium-sized enterprises in the region, some 37 million (70 per cent) are informal,” it outlined. On the other hand, the Report takes into consideration that the economic growth experienced in the region as of 2003 was mainly due to factors concerning capital and labour. “Therefore the contribution of these factors to total productivity was very low: just 4.5 per cent of the growth experiences in the 2003-2008 period was due to increases in productivity while during the years following the crisis of 2009, the contribution of productivity to growth was negative.” As such it has been deduced in the Report that comprehensive policies that can act simultaneously on various fronts must be developed. This is the third such report produced with financial support from the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development. Over 20 regional authorities took part in the report’s advisory board including ministers, senators and academics from the region. UNDP is also finalising the Caribbean Report which will be launched next month. Each human development report since 1990 has focused on some aspect of well-being ‘beyond income’. The human development approach is precisely about enlarging people’s choices – focusing on the richness of human lives rather than on material wealth or income alone.
Statements admitted as evidence in Rubis Exec. murder PI All statements given by the men accused of murdering Rubis Executive, Jason Cort, were yesterday admitted into evidence by Magistrate Judy Latchman at the conclusion of a Voir Dire (trial within a trial). Clifton Gibson, 30; Linton Eastman, 23; and Stancey Rodney, 27; of Perry Street, Tucville, are facing a preliminary inquiry (PI) for the indictable offence which allegedly occurred on June 7, 2015. The court had commenced a Voir Dire to determine whether the statements were freely and voluntarily given and if they can be admitted as part of
evidence in the PI. Cort, a 27-year-old Accounts Executive, was gunned down in front of his Lot 262 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, ring and an X-Box console. According to reports, the couple, who had a two-yearold son, had just come from a Kingston location, and were preparing to head to another
Jason Cort venue on East Bank Demerara when the attack occurred. Assistant Superintendent of Police, Vishnu Hunt is presenting the prosecution’s case. This matter has been adjourned until July 5.
Wednesday June 29, 2016
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Region Ten launches work readiness programme More than three dozen young people and their parents yesterday turned out at the Egbert Benjamin Centre, in Linden, for the official launch of the Region Ten “Work Readiness” Programme. They formed the first batch of a proposed 200 youths who are expected to benefit from the programme. The youths, who were drawn from communities across Region Ten, would be attached to several institutions such as health centres, the Linden Hospital Complex and the Mayor and Town Council. An initiative of Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, who collaborated with the Christian Development Association, the Project has received the full support of President David Granger.
It is the first of its kind in Guyana. At the launch, the youths were exhorted to be on their best behaviour, and were lectured at length on work ethics such as punctuality, regularity, deportment and respect for authority among other things. The Charge was delivered by youthful Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira. “You have an opportunity to continue the legacy of Region Ten in being the champion of National and trendsetting experiences. My charge to you is to be disciplined and responsible in executing your duties and responsibilities to the organization by which you will be employed. “And to give of your best in service to that organization in service to the people that
you would have to deliver those services to. Always be respectful, always aspire to be a valuable asset to that organization. “I would also like to encourage you in the experiences that you will garner from this opportunity is to aspire to discover your true gifting and talents and become an entrepreneur who will be an employer of employees,” Figueira exhorted the youths. Deputy National Director of the NDIA, Sandra Adams, spoke to the youths of her humble beginnings in the world of work, and how through application and dedication she was recognized as employee of the month in her very first month of employ as a counter clerk at Banks DIH Qik Serv Linden Branch.
EU lauds Govt’s effort in... (From page 19) Government’s chief bank account) have been closed and the monies transferred to the Consolidated Fund. Further, over 50 forensic audits have been conducted, indicating widespread fraud, corruption and mismanagement of resources under the previous regime. These audits, the Minister said, are being studied with a view of pursuing administrative and/ or legal options.
Under “tremendous” pressure last year, the Minister stated that the Government was able to present the budget well in advance of the deadline. “A mere five months after that presentation, the 2016 Budget was presented in January, the earliest in recent history. It was welcomed with relief by all stakeholders, particularly the Line Ministries and the private sector, which were in a better position to
plan and manage their affairs over a longer period, instead of the truncated budget year inherited from the previous administration. And, as disclosed by His Excellency President Granger, we intend to go one step further to restore budgeting to its rightful place in the management of public resources, when we will attempt to present the 2017 budget in December 2016,” Jordan said.
After three of those awards she was declared employee of the year, Adams noted. Adams said that her dedication to her job, was not because she was looking for credit, but out of pure love. “I am saying to you, who have been given this opportunity because the world of work is looking for committed people, for dedicated people. You must love what you do. “It might not be in the field that you are looking for. But for the time that you will spend there, do it with excellence, put your best into it. You never know where you are going to end up and you are going to need a recommendation from right where you started.” She reminded that whoever has to recommend a potential employee for a job,
would only make those recommendations based on one’s performance. “I am saying this because I want you to understand that you can start from anyplace and get to some place.” Adams congratulated the youths on behalf of the President and exhorted them to make Region Ten Proud. The Work readiness programme was expected to be launched in time for Guyana’s 50th anniversary. Chairman of Region Ten, Renis Morian, had told the media a few months ago that he was on a mission to raise $48 million to fast track a programme which would involve 200 young people. The purpose, he said, was to get the youths attached to various institutions and businesses in Region Ten, which would afford them the opportunity of acquiring
much needed experience in the world of work. “Now when people apply for a job one of the first questions asked is about how much experience you have, but if you were never afforded the opportunity to be employed where is the experience going to come from?” “So the whole idea behind the initiative is to provide that experience for young people.” Morian said that he had written to various entities across Region Ten seeking their collaboration to make the programme a reality. Among the entities written to were Bosai, LUSCSL and Banks D.I.H. He had also penned a letter to President David Granger seeking his assistance, to which he received a positive response Morian said. (Enid Joaquin)
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Wednesday June 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Istanbul Ataturk airport attack:
Brexit vote: Bitter exchanges At least 36 dead and dozens injured in EU parliament debate
(BBC) A gun and bomb attack on Istanbul’s Ataturk international airport killed 36 people and injured about 90, yesterday. Three attackers opened fire near an entry point to the terminal and blew themselves up after police fired at them, officials say. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said early signs suggested the so-called Islamic State was behind the attack. Recent bombings in Turkey have been linked to either Islamic State or Kurdish separatists. Yesterday’s attack looks like a major co-ordinated assault, says the BBC’s Mark Lowen. Ataturk airport was long seen as a vulnerable target, our Turkey correspondent adds, reporting from a plane stuck on the tarmac in Istanbul.Police opened fire to stop the suspects at an entry point, Reuters reports. It appears that the attackers detonated explosives at the entrance to the international terminal. Turkish media report that
two suicide bombers were involved. Security concerns and a Russian boycott have hit the country’s tourist sector this year. Eyewitness Paul Roos told the Associated Press news agency that he was due to fly home to South Africa when the attackers struck. “We came up from the arrivals to the departures, up the escalator when we heard these shots going off,” he said. “There was this guy going roaming around, he was dressed in black and he had a
handgun.” Last year, Ataturk overtook Frankfurt airport to enter the top three busiest airports in Europe after London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle. More than 61 million passengers travelled used the airport in 2015. A US State Department travel warning for Turkey, originally published in March and updated on Monday, urges US citizens to “exercise heightened vigilance and caution when visiting public access areas, especially those heavily frequented by tourists.”
UK Prime Minister David Cameron A central figure in the Leave campaign, UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage, was booed, called a liar and accused of using “Nazi propaganda”. Mr Farage shot back that the EU itself was “in denial”. UK Prime Minister David Cameron is meeting leaders of the other 27 EU states for the first time since Thursday’s referendum. “I’ll be explaining that Britain will be leaving the European Union but I want that process to be as constructive as possible,” he told reporters before the summit’s working dinner in Brussels. An EU official close to the talks told BBC News the mood was “very, very serious” and a question mark hung over the UK’s next presidency of the EU, due to begin in the second half of next year.
“The leaders are very interested in hearing the UK’s timeline but everyone knows Cameron won’t trigger Article 50 [the first formal step in the withdrawal procedure],” the source added. ‘The announcement of Mr Cameron’s replacement as leader of the Conservative Party, and thus prime minister, is not due now until September 9. Tomorrow is the deadline for nominations. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned against delay in starting the exit process: “I don’t think we should see any shadow-boxing or any cat-and-mouse games. It is clear what the British people want and we should act accordingly.” The European Parliament passed a motion urging the UK to start the exit process by triggering Article 50 immediately. Opening the session, Mr
Juncker said the will of the British people must be respected, prompting shouting and clapping from Mr Farage. “You were fighting for the exit, the British people voted in favour of the exit - why are you here?” Mr Juncker responded, to applause from others in parliament. He accused Mr Farage of lying about using the UK’s EU contributions to fund the country’s National Health Service, saying he had “fabricated reality”. Belgian ex-Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt said Mr Farage had used “Nazi propaganda” in the referendum campaign, referring to a poster showing lines of refugees. This was a stormy and deeply emotional debate, with accusations and counter-accusations of lying. Britain’s vote to leave the EU has divided and shaken the European Parliament. This is a watershed moment. Many MEPs expressed sadness at losing the UK. There was a standing ovation for the UK’s outgoing Commissioner, Lord Hill.
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Former PM hospitalised PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Former prime minister Patrick Manning was rushed to hospital on Monday night but his condition is said to have improved to the point that he is now speaking, alert and coherent. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley on Tuesday confirmed that Manning, who served as prime minister on two occasions between 1991 and 2010, had been taken to the San Fernando General Hospital. He urged the nation to pray for the 69-year-old politician. In 2012, Manning, who was the longest serving parliamentarian here, suffered a stroke and received medical attention in the United States. He did not contest the September 7, 2015 general election.
Former prime minister Patrick Manning In a statement, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar also urged the nation to pray for Manning. “As a former Prime Minister and longstanding public servant, we have no doubt that the
nation will join us in sending prayers and heartfelt wishes to the Manning family”. Hospital sources told CMC that Manning was “speaking, alert and coherent”.
Opposition party buoyed by Court of Appeal ruling PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Lawyers for the main opposition United National Congress (UNC) will Tuesday begin their challenge to the results of the September 7 general elections in five constituencies. They are buoyed by a Court of Appeal ruling that has widened the scope of evidence on which they can rely. The three-member Court on Monday agreed that certain evidence sought to be adduced by the UNC which is challenging the legality of the polls, can be allowed. The judges ruled on two appeals and two cross appeals which saw additional ‘hearsay and irrelevant’ evidence previously struck out, being allowed when the five petitions are heard. The judges also affirmed the court’s ruling on allowing confidential election documents in five constituencies in the last general election at Tuesday’s hearing that had been delayed by a day to allow for the hearing of the appeals filed by the UNC and the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC). The Court of Appeal in its ruling held that Justice Mira Dean-Armorer failed to take into account relevant considerations when she gave the EBC only 48 hours to reply to an affidavit to which the election documents were affixed. They have extended the time to Thursday, for the EBC to reply. The three judges also agreed that while there is no
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Kaieteur News
absolute discretion to allow hearsay evidence, there was the general principle that such evidence could be admitted. They also noted that High Court judge did not give her reasons for not allowing the evidence advanced by the UNC, saying she was wrong not to consider the evidence and sent it back to her for consideration. The Court of Appeal in its oral ruling on Monday also said that the UNC petitioners were entitled to lead evidence in support of their case, adding that the judge looked at the issue case too narrowly. The judges agreed that their rulings will not affect the
start of the petitions which will be heard this week, with additional days being set aside next week. The UNC, the major partner in the coalition People’s Partnership government that lost the September 7 general election to the People’s National Movement (PNM), is challenging the results in the constituencies of Toco/ Sangre Grande, Tunapuna, St Joseph, San Fernando West and Moruga/Tableland. The party claims that the decision by the EBCX to extend the voting period by one hour in Trinidad affected its chances of winning the election.
Jamaica’s PM says crime affecting economic growth in the Caribbean KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has warned that transnational organised crime is stifling social and economic growth in the Caribbean. “It is no secret that this region has seen the impact of transnational organised crime within our borders,” Holness told the closing ceremony of phase two of Exercise Tradewinds 2016, a multinational military event that involved the participation of over 1,000 military personnel in capacity-building, aimed at combatting transnational organised crime. He said transnational crime is corrosive “and it neither recognises state borders nor the strictures of law and regulation which are widely subscribed to by nations that value freedoms and prosperity for all their people”. Representatives from the United States and 17 partner countries participated in
Phase II of Exercise Tradewinds, a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise which has multinational military interacting in training that also promotes regional security cooperation. Phase II of the exercise will include both maritime and land events, which will further enhance opportunities for participating countries to improve their security and disaster assistance capabilities. Chief of Defense Staff of the Jamaican Defense Force, Major General Antony Anderson said the exercise was attended by at least 1,000 participants from 18 countries. “It’s a great opportunity to [familiarize each other with the procedures of partner na-
tions] who perhaps don’t work together that much, but also between cultures and languages, and how we make all of that work together, to ensure that we have a safer region.” The participating nations will conduct numerous training events, which will include internal security training, counter-illicit trafficking training, and dive and ship operations training. “What’s most important, are the relationships that we build and develop, because they will determine how well we come together when faced with a crisis or natural disaster,” said Col. David Carbonero, Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Marine Forces, South.
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VEHICLE FOR SALE
SALON
One silver colour RAV 4 J PNN 6469, excellent condition – Call: 625-2323; 254-0530
- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Toyota Voxy/ Noah unregistered, 2008 model $2.5M. Call: 603-9700 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 1 complete 3 storey building for rent at 68 Pike St. Kitty Call: 615-8176 (1) Two bedroom apartment in Cummings Lodge (near UG)- Tel: 222-3123/615-8469, landline available from 5:30pm, Wi-Fi available. 1-4 Storey building @ Charlotte Street Georgetown. Call: 668-8332; 638-5303 Furnished luxury 2 & 3 bedrooms apartment for rentCall: 665-3505 One self contained room to rent, preferably bachelor – Call: 223-4545 1-3 Bedroom top flat for rent at Mon Repos E.C.D, Price$45,000.Call:645-2395;629-5300 One bedroom upstairs with A/C, fully grilled space for 1 car preferably a couple. Call: 650-2708
Ramdass Visa application & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 615-9295 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
EDUCATIONAL Summer classes for children age 5-17yrs, Form 1-5, CXC classes. Call: 690-5008; 660-2152 Electronic Course. Starting 9th August. Hands-on training repairing all types of TVs, etc. Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 Register now! Computerize Accounting -$30,000, Graphics Program -$30,000, PC repairs @ Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 2643057 Computer Diploma 9 Courses -$35,000, summer computer classes for kids, register now @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
One Hilux Tiger 4X4 for sale, 5L engine, stick gear, diesel, 15 inch mag, roof rack & back covering. Call: 692-9577; 2292379 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 2010 IST -$2.6M, 2011 BLUEBIRD -$2.7M, 2011 RACTIS -$2.6M, 2009 AXIO -$2.4M, 2009 BELTA -2.4M. CALL: 617-2891 One Silver Premio excellent condition, PRR 3854 -$1.7M negotiable. Call: 682-4742 Toyota AT212, in good condition -$1M negotiableCall: 690-3352; 267-1308; 6262841 Toyota Alteeza, HID, Body Kit, ADR rims -$1.850M- Call: 652-5668; 672-1900 1 Black CRV, 2004 model, PNN series, female driven & in good condition. Interested person call: 624-1614, 2250884 2001 Tacoma 4 cylinder 3RZ engine. Very good condition. $1.6M negotiable- Call: 617-7113
TO LET 2 Bedrooms apartment to rent @ Diamond for more information. Call: 685-1640 1-2 Bedrooms lower flat apartment situated at 529 Section ‘B’ Block ‘X’, Great Diamond, ‘10th Street Back Half’. Call: 689-1518; 6613288; 216-4200 One bedroom apartment for rent @ Norton and Creen Street Newburg -$40,000 monthly –Call: 671-5307 One three bedrooms house in Second Ave. Diamond H/ Scheme- $65,000 monthly. Call: 664-3488; 611-6632
Toyota IST for sale, excellent condition, Chrome Rims, AC, CD player -$1.2M negotiable –Call: 685-7728
Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
MIX BREED PUPS –CALL: 615-0146 5 Chinese Seine, 1-50HP outboard engine, 1-31 FT flat bottom boat, 1000 lbs nylon seine –Call: 691-3633; 2234552
Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572
Weinig Moulder, Produce Export Quality Wood six heads, great price Call: 6270056
Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities–Reduced Price. Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 House & land 150X100 @ 6 Good Hope EBE, Double Lot @ 41&44 Vergenogen E.B.E, Double lot (business spot) @ Zeelugt. Call: 642-6642 1 Front building & 1 -2 storey back building @ 180 Charlotte Street Bourda (30X120), price negotiable- Call: 2265183; 227-6817; 624-7341
Wadkin 6 heads Moulder, Produce Export Quality Wood, great price Call: 627-0056
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Enmore: Hope West, 1-two storey 3 bedrooms wooden building, overlooking FoulisCall: 602-2818; 649-1434 High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Property located @ Waller’s Delight W.C.D- Call: 6620187; 674-4929 Large 4 bedrooms concrete house for sale at Ruimzeight Garden, W.C.D, residential area. Call:269-0189; 268-3214
TO LET 2 Bedrooms apartment @ Cummings Lodge, preferably couple. Call: 671-8457; 2223750 after 5pm Rooms in Albertown – Call:225-3234
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 1 Complete high volume, 3stage water purification systems, UV light, water tanks, freezer, reasonable , owner migrating – Call: 6498430
2 Storey 5 bedroom (2 selfcontained) wooden & concrete, with concrete fence, garage (space for 6 vehicles). Call: 6140107; 692-8923
Concrete spindles, crowns, posts etc. very good qualityCall: 613-0567 Zeelugt well fenced, water & light -$2M, Uitvlugt -$2.2M 50X105,(1) -2 Storey newly built concrete building -$26M Tuschen-Call: 642-1252 Refrigerator (Frigidaire) 22.2 Cu.Ft, side by side door with icemaker -$200,000 – Call: 6857728 One shed boat with a 200HP Yamaha Engine and turn system, Parika –Supenaam route. Call: 680-5539 1 Honda Jet Ski, Aquatrax R12-Low Hours, Garage Kept 1.5m Neg- Contact#661-9096 1 Lincoln Ranger Welder, Briggs & Stratton Gas Engine, 2 Cummins L10 855 Engine- Contact# 661-9096 Yamaha Outboard Motors, Foreign Used 250hp, 200hp, 150hp, 50hp, 100hp & 115hp 4-Stroke- Contact#661-9096
Property for sale at lot 32 Princess Street, Wortmanville, GeorgetownCall: 621-8767 WANTED Helpers for farm animals around Eccles area -$20,000 weekly – Call: 223-2049
CAR RENTAL
CAR RENTAL
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO. COM
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 PEN PAL Middle age man is seeking female for long term relations 32-40yrs. Call: 670-7969
One truck driver/tractor driver with valid license, apply in person at Alabama Trading. LAND FOR SALE Land in La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M, $1.4M, Tuschen (front) $3.5M with house, water & light -Phase 2$1.2M. Call: 642-1252
WANTED Hallow Blocks maker- Call: 233-2767 Night manager, Security, DJ, waitress, bartenders,1 experinced secretary between ages 18-25, must have CXC–Call: 668-8332; 638-5303 Experienced driver/salesman and porter to drive & sell beverages. Experienced is an asset. Call: 226-9800 Experienced female Accounts clerk passes with English & Mathematics. Apply at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. One experienced Hauler driver, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek. Girls to work in bar @ E.C.D location- Call: 612-2522 Experienced taxi driver, bus driver and dispatcher at Princess Ramada Hotel. Call: 265-7076; 616-5419 Live in or live out maid, assistant salesgirl E.C.D-Call: 603-5416; 644-9802 3 Waitress @ R&V Sports Bar -$16,000 per shift, free meals & accommodation. Whatsapp: 661-8802 1 Male to cook in the Backdam-Call: 678-0565 Experienced male salesperson must be able to multitask, communicate well & have computer skills @ KeyFood Trading McDoom. Experienced Fish processors, filleters and labourers. Earn between $3,000 and $4,000 per day. Call 223-5180 One Accountant and one Assistant Accountant. Must be knowledgeable with Quick Book experience. Very attractive salary. Call 6975221 One baby sitter and one maid. Attractive salary. Call or text, 223-5180 FOOD WHOLESALE COMPANYLOOKINGFOR SALESPERSON WITH EXPERINCED AND VEHICLE . POLICE CLEARANCE A+ -CALL: 231-8529/ 231-8344 Female domestic worker to work in Trinidad. age 21 to 40 years. Call 1868- 268- 5177 General Domestic @ Diamond -Call: 227-8529; 2237357 Salesgirls @ Christine’s Variety Store, Lombard Street –Call: 227-8529; 223-7357 1 Live in hotel domestic. Call: 225-9211 Responsible hire car drivers. Call: 231-7474 (Continued on page 29)
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
‘PICTURE BOY’ DOUBLE MURDER RETRIAL NEARS CONCLUSION The trial for which Cyon Collier called ‘Picture Boy ‘is facing the judge and jury at the Georgetown High Court for the 2006 double murder of Victoria residents Ray Walcott called ‘Sugar’ and his brother Carl Andrews called ‘Alo’ is nearing its conclusion. This is Collier’s second retrial for the murder of
Victoria, East Coast Demerara residents. The previous trials ended in hung juries. According to reports the accused allegedly rode up on a motorcycle and began chatting with a group of domino players in Victoria before pulling out a gun and shooting at them. Walcott and Andrews sustained gunshot wounds.
Guyana aims to submit... (From page 24) subscribing to that standard and being transparent and open,” Trotman said. In its quest to embrace good governance standards in the regulation of the extractive industries, Guyana has been receiving guidance and support from the EITI’s Norway-based secretariat and the Trinidad & Tobago Chapter (TTEITI). Guyana had reaffirmed its commitment to join EITI at the world summit in Peru last February.
GPHC gives recognition... (From page 21) who are passionate about care giving and are dedicated even beyond the call of duty deserving commendation”. “Awesome”, according to Kazim, was used to name the initiative, because it serves to emphasise that these nurses “inspire an overwhelming feeling of awe and admiration.” It is Kazim’s expectation that the nurses who were duly recognised yesterday would inspire their colleagues to strive for similar recognition. “I want to say to you guys who have been chosen, we want you to go out there and continue to be awesome; affect and infect the other nurses who are not there as yet and serve as role models and mentors for those nurses,” Kazim told the recognised nurses. The ceremony was attended by several senior functionaries of the GPHC, including Chairman of the Board, Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alan Johnson and Matron Collene Hicks, among others. The officials, who also delivered remarks at the ceremony, also commended the initiative, and particularly the nurses who were recognised yesterday. It was disclosed that as other nurses are found to be outstanding they too will be added to the ‘awesome’ nurses list. The hospital is aiming to have a total of 100 nurses on the list by November. To help boost the mannerisms of the nurses, they are also expected to benefit from etiquette sessions with Human Resource Specialist, Joyce Sinclair.
GTU and Education...
(From page 17) many occasions is not consulted. We are not consulted on issues with regards to education, but we are expected to play this major role to say yes GTU has been there.” “What we find is that very often when it is convenient to the Ministry, when it is beneficial to them, then they make themselves available quickly to speak to the Union, but when there are issues that the Union regards as being important we have all kinds of setbacks...we are told next week, tomorrow, day after tomorrow, and if something comes up they can’t meet today,” McDonald related. The course of action by the Ministry, according to the GTU President, has essentially served to create “a bad relationship between us and them.” And he informed that the Union is prepared to take necessary action to reverse the discouraging trend. Speaking specifically of the Brickdam secondary school’s issue, Lyte said that “we are saying this is uncalled for. This is a clear case that the Ministry wants to silence this Union and silence our members, and we will not be silenced. We will find other innovative ways or we will seek audience with a higher authority even if we have to speak with the president (David Granger) on this matter.” “We are saying this should not be and this has all come about because teachers stood up and said their environment is unfit and they are not prepared to work in that environment. Why is it that people have to be forced to work in an unsafe environment and when they speak about it they are being victimised?” asked Lyte.
Andrews was shot at least three times. He died as a result of perforation of the lungs from a single gunshot wound according to the post mortem report presented in court. Both brothers died as a result of the gunshot injuries. The trial has been taking place for almost three weeks before Justice Priya Sewnarine Beharry and a mixed twelve-member jury. Yesterday, after calling
their final witness to the stand to testify State Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy and Narissa Leander closed their case. During the trial the prosecution called a number of witnesses, including Mohan Singh and Sherwin Marshall. Marshall was deemed fairly new to the trial; he had testified during the summary hearing in the Magistrates’ Court, but he could not be found for the last two trials.
Marshall is said to have witnessed the shooting incident. After the prosecution closed its case, Collier was called upon to lead his defence. In an unsworn statement, the accused detailed to the court his account of the day in which the brothers lost their lives. He claimed that he was not even in the vicinity of the East Coast when the incident took place but was in Linden.
CITY COUNCIL VOWS TO RECLAIM PARAPETS The Georgetown Mayor and City Council intends to embark on a campaign directed at reclaiming the City’s parapets which have been misappropriated by both businesses and private citizens. The Council last evening issued a statement expressing its dissatisfaction with the way city spaces have been exploited. “The council has observed that some businesses use parapets and other public thoroughfares for their own personal financial gains.” The council noted that the actions of businesses have caused discomfort to residents and motorists. “The entrances of residences have been
continuously blocked, while there are those who cannot use the parapet in front of their homes because they have been permanently occupied.” This occupation according to the M&CC is the conversion of parapets and reserves into parking lots for customers and employees. In other instances, parapets have been paved and treated as extensions of private property. The council disclosed that these practices are prevalent in communities such as Kingston, Campbellville and Kitty. “The Council has issued letters to several businesses urging them to refrain from this
illegitimate use of City spaces and many have not complied.” The municipality recently acquired a tow truck which it intends to use during its campaign. Town Clerk Royston King had informed the media two Mondays ago that derelict and unauthorized vehicles will be towed away to the council’s Princes Street location. Owners who wish to retrieve their vehicles will be forced to pay a fine. In the event that the owners do not claim their property, the vehicles will be auctioned to the highest bidder. He noted that the Laws of Guyana permit such action and it is under that premise that the council will operate.
PAGE 29
ACCUSED MURDER: Cyon Collier called Picture Boy Afterwards Defence Counsel Lyndon Amsterdam indicated that the defense has a witness to call. He is expected to call that witness when the trial resumes today.
From page 28 22
LAND FOR SALE Land located at Nouvelle Flanders West Coast Demerara. Call: 662-0187; 674-4929 100X100 residential lease lot @ Kuru Kururu Linden Highway, First Hill from Soesdyke Junction –Call: 6806136
VACANCY One fitter machinist & one welder - Call: 613-1588; 234-0780 (HOUSEKEEPER/COOK) required for Indian Nationals in GuySuco Scheme, Turkeyen, Police Clearance mandatory after shortlisting. Call: 686-7786 Control Room Assistants and Visiting Officers. Massy Security (Guyana) Inc. Lot 0 Ruimveldt, Georgetown.Tel: 225-5573/6 Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 695-9880 Exist for qualified and experienced teachers in all subject areas at I.P.E GroveCall: 265-3996; 643-0777 Male Janitorial / Cleaner, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek.
PAGE 30
Alleged engine thieves on bail Two men accused of stealing an engine were each released on $50, 000 bail after pleading not guilty to a simple larceny charge when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It is alleged that on June 23, at Burma, Berbice River, Keon Simpson, 25 and Orlando Felix, 27, stole an the engine valued $3.1 million-- property of the Bauxite Company of Guyana. The court was told that Simpson who resides in Mackenzie, Linden was initially released on $50,000 station bail, while Felix was on $25,000. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones had no objections to the men being granted pre-trial liberty. He told the court that the defendant admitted to steal the boat which has since been recovered by police. The duo will make their next court appearance on July 15, at the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court.
Orlando Felix
CONVICT REMANDED OVER $5M FRAUD A convicted fraudster was yesterday remanded to prison after he was accused of obtaining almost $5M by false pretence, when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Neil Benjamin, 51, of Section C, Enterprise, East Coast Demerara was slapped with four charges, to all of which he entered not guilty pleas. It is alleged that between December 30, 2012 and November 26, 2014 at Lot 293 Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt, he obtained $4.9 million from Erick Jones by falsely pretending that he had contractual work with the Guyana Power and Light
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
(GPL); Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC); Gafoors Limited and Hoyte Blackman Television (HBTV /Channel 9), knowing same to be false. The monies are the property of Menza Samuels. When asked if he had anything to say in relation to the allegations, the father of three denied telling the complainants that he had any contractual work with the companies mentioned in the charge. Benjamin claimed that he made no arrangements with Erick Jones. He said that he and the complainant’s brother, Dennis Jones, were business partners. However, the defendant told the Magistrate that he
had already began paying back the monies. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharrat Mangru objected to bail for Benjamin based on the fact that he was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment back in 2012 on a similar charge. Mangru pointed out that the defendant also has pending matters of a similar nature in the East Demerara Magisterial District. According to the P r o s e c u t o r, should Benjamin be released on bail there is a likelihood he might not return to court for trial. Mangru said that investigations are still ongoing in the matter. This matter has been adjourned until July 22, for reports.
Duo accused of $31M robbery granted bail Two men appeared in court yesterday, for allegedly robbing Marvin Samaroo of two computer hard drives valued $73,500; 15 flash drives valued $10,500; one wireless mouse valued $10,500; three phone chargers valued $10,500; memory cards valued $25,200; several hard drive cables valued $21,000; and a quantity of memory cards as well as other items on May 4, last, at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. Albert De Freitas, 27, of Lot 100 Leopold Street, Georgetown, who was represented by Attorney-atLaw Savanna Barnwell; and Basdeo Sukhoo, 22, of West Coast Demerara who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Olwyn Joseph, appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess. It is also alleged that on the same day the men robbed U Mobile Cellular Corporation of one Blackberry Z10, one Azumi Mobile; one Samsung Note 2 and two Samsung Galaxy cellular phones valued among other items. All told most of the items represented articles used by Digicel to maintain and support its telecommunication activities in Guyana. The combined articles were worth $31M. To these allegations, De Freitas and Sukhoo were not required to plead since the charges were filed indictable. The suspects were
Albert De Freitas
Basdeo Sukhoo
described as perennial trunkers who have managed to remain at large for a very long time, always targeting cars and escaping undetected. They were each released on $450,000 bail and ordered to lodge their passports. They were also instructed to report to the Head of Major Crimes Unit, Mitchell Caesar, every Monday and Friday at Criminal Investigation Department, Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown. De Freitas’s Attorney, Savanna Barnwell, she claimed that her client was brutally beaten by police officers. Barnwell also stated that a complaint was made to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum. The lawyer pointed out that despite the complaint her client was not taken to see a doctor. Police Prosecutor,
Christopher Morris objected to bail citing the nature and gravity of the offence. He said that De Freitas was in custody since last Saturday and that police are unaware of the beatings. During the court hearing a medical certificate for De Freitas was presented to Magistrate Bess by the prosecutor. The medical was subsequently shown to the lawyer by the Magistrate. When the Magistrate inquired from the prosecutor if the crime was captured on CCTV, the prosecutor said that he is in possession of a caution statement from Sukhoo. Prosecutor Morris added that the case file is still incomplete. This matter will be called again on July 19, for statements.
Wednesday June 29, 2016
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First baby with Zika-related birth defect microcephaly born in Florida A Haitian woman in Florida has delivered the first baby in the state born with the birth defect microcephaly caused by the Zika virus, Florida’s health department said on Tuesday. The mother contracted the mosquito-borne virus in her home country and traveled to Florida to give birth, state officials said in statements. If confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, the child will be the fifth in the United States to be born with a birth defect linked with travel to a country in which Zika is circulating. Another four pregnant women lost their babies as a result of travel-related Zika infections, according to the latest CDC report as of June 16. So far, there have not been any cases of Zika in the United States arising from local mosquito transmission.
The CDC’s U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry does not specify the states where those cases occurred. Cases of babies with microcephaly previously were reported in Hawaii and New Jersey. The U.S. cases so far involve women who contracted the virus outside the United States in areas with active Zika outbreaks, or were infected through unprotected sex with an infected partner.
Syrian rebels move to crush Islamic State Syrian rebels launched an attack on a town held by Islamic State near the Iraqi border on Tuesday, senior commanders said, opening a new front against militants also facing an offensive from U.S.backed forces in the north. If the rebel New Syria Army succeeds in capturing the town of Al-Bukamal from Islamic State (IS), it would hamper the jihadists’ ability to move between the Iraqi and Syrian territories of their self-declared caliphate. Armed and equipped by the U.S.-led coalition, the New Syria Army was formed 18 months ago from Arab rebels driven out of eastern Syria by Islamic State as it expanded its territories in mid2014 following the capture of
the Iraqi city of Mosul. A commander said the rebels had secured the desert approaches to Al-Bukamal. Another senior rebel source said they were now inside the town’s administrative boundaries after a rapid advance across sparsely inhabited desert from their main base further southwest in al Tanf. The rebels had advanced close to a railway station nearly five km from the outskirts of the Euphrates River town, approaching mineladen trenches dug by IS as a line of fortified defense, two rebel sources said. The militants also cut internet and electricity services in the town, which IS has controlled since 2014, they added.
U.S.-led coalition jets fired missiles at the town’s Aisha hospital used by Islamic State but intense aerial bombing had not begun yet, Abdul Salam Muzil, a senior member of the New Syria Army in touch with commanders on the front, told Reuters. But another New Syria Army commander said the rebels would be relying on heavier air strikes in coming days to help them encircle the town, believed to have around 50,000 people. “This is a major gamble but we have been preparing for it for a long time. U.S. logistical support and aerial support is key to the success of this operation,” said the commander, who like others requested anonymity.
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Wednesday June 29, 2016
Serena intent on defending Olympic title she loves LONDON (Reuters) Serena Williams is intent on defending her Olympic titles in Rio and finds it sad that several athletes will miss out on an “amazing” experience because of worries about the Zika virus. The 34-year-old American, who won singles and doubles titles at London 2012, beat Amra Sadikovic 6-2 6-4 in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday. “My experience has been really amazing at the Olympics. I really loved going out there and competing...standing out there and being an Olympic athlete,” Williams told reporters. “It is really one of the best experiences that I’ve had.” Several high-profile ath-
letes have said they will avoid the Olympics because of health fears. World number one golfer Jason Day announced on Tuesday that he would not go to Rio. “I think for me, the most important thing is knowledge and protection,” Williams said. “I’m also going to be super protected and ready, hopefully, to be the best that I can be, and probably beyond that.” The mosquito-borne Zika virus can cause birth defects such as microcephaly in babies which are born with unusually small brains and, in adults, has been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre. On Monday top Romanian tennis player Simona
Halep said she might not make the trip to the Aug.5-21 Games, but had yet to make a final decision. Williams said she understood athletes’ fears. “I think it is sad. But at the same time I obviously understand where they’re coming from and how they feel. Part of me feels that way, too, which is why I’m going in with a whole mindset of how do I protect myself.” But she added she looked on the Games as a bonus. “It’s probably one thing I have that I love the most.” Williams, 34, and her older sister Venus, 36, are aiming for a fourth doubles gold in Rio after winning in 2000, 2008 and 2012. Venus also won singles gold in 2000.
Wednesday June 29, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You will not be able to contain your emotions today. Travel may change your attitudes with regard to your philosophy. Don't make any drastic changes or begin new projects today.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Try not to push your philosophies on others. You need a day to rest and relax with the ones you love. You're on the right track and you can make money if you are willing to go out on a limb.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Don't ignore any emotional issues that could be causing problems. Do what you can but don't jeopardize your health trying to please everyone. Outbursts of passion may cause arguments with your mate.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Opportunities may come up at prestigious affairs. Your ability to take hold of a situation will surely bring you popularity and leadership. Don't rely on others to handle the workload.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Things aren't as they appear. Your lover may cost you financially. Attend seminars that will bring you in contact with the right people. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your stubborn nature will backfire if you give your mate an ultimatum. Don't let your health suffer because of worry. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can be sure that any dealing with large institutions should go well. Focus on what's important rather than spreading yourself too thin and accomplishing little. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Join humanitarian groups and let your leadership ability take over. It may not be the best time to socialize with clients or colleagues today. Be sure to sidestep those who are eccentric or unpredictable.
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SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't tell others of your plans. You should be making plans to spend some time with the ones you love. Don't lend to people who have given you negative vibes. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Accept the inevitable, and opportunities for advancement will follow. You won't be able to keep a secret. Don't evade important issues; you may find yourself backed into a corner. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may have difficulties while traveling or problems dealing with close friends or relatives. You can pick up wonderful buys if you really look hard today. Be careful what you consume today. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Partnerships with creative people could lead to financial gains. You can expect to have a problem with your lover.
Slow pitches hampering Windies... (From page 37) Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh earlier this year. “He reminded me of Andre Russell. He bowled fast, beautiful yorkers – and what an athlete. I reckon I’ve
seen four or five who have really, really raw talent, and they just kept bowling. That’s what I kept loving. They just kept running in and bowling all day,” said Langer.
“These kids just kept running in and bowling fast, and it was bloody hot … I do know they gave our batsmen a workout, and there was talent. The talent is very obvious.”
Mr. Claude Raphael needs... (From page 33) representatives then never turned up to sign off on the revised draft MOA and the revised Bill even after the WICB/GCB agreed to remove the then opposition parties as signatories to the MOA. 9. Mr. Sanasie, the GCB Secretary, also acts as our CEO on a pro bono basis, while all other CEOs of the Cricket Boards throughout the region earn hundreds of thousands per year. The savings to the GCB helps to finance our cricket academy programme. Mr. Sanasie’s business acumen has helped to place the GCB on a sound financial footing. 10. Mr. Sanasie replaced Claude Raphael as the WICB Director in 2009 after free and fair elections at the GCB then led by Chetram Singh. Raphael has been sour ever since then and seems to be on a crusade to discredit everything about the GCB and WICB. We at the GCB welcome constructive criticism. In fact, the public should ask Mr. Raphael why Stephen Camacho had to demand the return of a passport and Digicel phone from Mr. Raphael after he was ousted as a WICB Director. 11. Claude Raphael, for most of his time spent at the GCB, was an appointed Executive; he never had to face the GCB electorate. In fact, when his name was touted to replace Chetram Singh, then Vice-President, Alvin Johnson, decided to run against him. 12. Raphael served a single term as WICB Director during which time Alvin Johnson attended Meetings and not Claude Raphael, so his competence and achievements as a Director cannot be determined. 13. Mr. Raphael’s term as the Chairman of GCB’s National Senior Selection panel ended in July 2011, Guyana’s cricket went in the doldrums at that stage and during the majority of his tenure. 14. The National Sports Commission now has a transparent process to select Sport Awardees. Firstly, an extensive document was sent out by the Commission for recommendations from all sporting disciplines. These submissions were then submitted to seven (7) independent un-
known individuals across the country. Their recommendations were then collated and sent to a high office of the land, after which, sealed envelopes were delivered at the National Cultural Centre at an impressive presentation ceremony. Transparency and a new beginning alien to Mr. Raphael. 15. The GCB made submissions in all the available categories. We won in two of those categories. I personally submitted Mr. Sanasie’s name for his dedicated work as Secretary/CEO of the GCB. We are all happy that his personal sacrifices were rewarded. Only a fool would not
recognize the success of Guyana’s cricket and Mr. Sanasie. In conclusion I would like to state that we are proud of our achievements and would continue to push ahead while Claude Raphael continues with his masquerade. I would again state that all sports in Guyana should be governed by a National Sports Policy which includes tax incentives for sponsors to support sports in general. Cricket cannot be singled out. Scrap this flawed piece of legislation. Yours sincerely, Drubahadur President of GCB
Palestinian swimmer... (From page 36) marathon. Swimmer Ahmed Jibril will compete in the 200 and 400 meters freestyle. Palestine will also be rep-
resented by in dressage by equestrianist Christian Zimmermann and in judo by Simon Yacoub, both of whom have dual German and Palestinian nationality.
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Graham’s Hall overcome St. Ambrose Graham’s Hall defeated St. Ambrose by eight wickets when the National Sports Commission 50 shades of games primary schools Wi n d b a l l c o m p e t i t i o n continued recently in Georgetown. Batting first in the male category, St. Ambrose managed 31-4 with Akalem Griffith scoring 11. Jeremiah Letch had 2-0. Graham’s Hall responded with 35 – 2. Josiah Grootfan got 19 and Anthony Geer got 15. In the female division, Graham’s Hall thumped St. Ambrose by 40 runs. Graham’s Hall posted 109-2 including 33 extras. Sarena
Razack struck 35 and Akeila Hayles 24. Saint Ambrose in reply were restricted to 63-2, with Alicia Felix getting 24. St. Angela’s beat Sophia by nine wickets. Sophia were limited to 46-5, taking first knock. Reshanna La Rose scored 12; Shandy Davis took 3-23. St. Angela’s turn in the middle saw them reach their target 50-1, with Davis slamming 40. Bel Air went down to Winfer Gardens by six wickets. Bel Air got to 30 without loss, taking first strike. Tiffany Barrow made 18. Winfer Gardens responded with 334. Air Crystal took 2-4.
Foreign ministry to host Tapeball Cricket on July 3 The Foreign Ministry Sports Promotions will be hosting a Tapeball Cricket competition on Sunday at the National Cultural Centre tarmac starting from 09:00hrs. The competition is being organised to foster better relationship among Guyanese.
Before the start of play Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally will address the teams. At stake are trophies and medals for the winners, runner up and MVP. Interested teams can contact James Lewis on 672 -6179 or 6281656 for information on registration.
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Maradona urges Messi to shelve plans to quit Argentina (Reuters) World Cup winner Diego Maradona has called on compatriot Lionel Messi not to abandon international football after the Argentina captain announced he was quitting the national side foll o w i n g S u n d a y ’s C o p a America final defeat. Maradona, captain of his country in the their second World Cup triumph in 1986, was among many leading personalities to speak out in support of Messi, who appeared badly affected by the penalty shootout loss to Chile in New Jersey. The 29-year-old Messi, a multiple trophy winner with Barcelona, has now been part of four final defeats with the national team, three in the Copa America and at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Argentina’s coach Diego Maradona (R) hugs Lionel Messi after their 2010 World Cup Group B soccer match against South Korea at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 17, 2010. (REUTERS/AMR ABDALLAH DALSH) “Messi must carry on in the national team... because
Seepersaud wins Clear Waters pools competition Leon Seepersaud withstood a highly competitive field of 33 players to win the Clear Waters Pool competition which was contested recently at Hot Shots Sports Bar Eccles, East Bank Demerara. In an exciting final Seepersaud edged Robert Arjune to claim the top prize. The competition was played on a knockout basis using the straight pools rules. Seepersaud received the Clear Waters Trophy, while the crowd favourite, Arjune had to settle for the runner-up trophy which was donated by Ron Allen of Pestex Environmental
Solution. The competition, which was well supported, saw Lester Patoir picking up the Best Pool Player award which was donated by Stag Beer. At the presentation ceremony, Operations Mana g e r o f C l e a r Wa t e r s Narendra Lucknauth said his company was pleased to be associated with the competition as his company always support sports and will continue to do so nationwide. Lucknauth said based on the success of the competition there will be a similar venture at Hot Shots Sports Bar in the near future.
he still has a lot to give, because he’ll get to (2018 World Cup hosts) Russia with chances of being world champion,” Maradona was quoted as saying in the Argentine daily La Nacion on Monday. “He has to lean more on the lads who can help him take the team forward and less on those who say he should leave,” added Maradona, who played in two World Cup finals. “Messi was abandoned and I don’t want to abandon him. That’s why I want to talk to him, to fight against all those who abandoned him,” said Maradona, who coached Messi and Argentina at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. THE END A dejected Messi, who had said he would swap his
five world player of the year awards for one title with Argentina, told reporters after the match he was leaving the national team. “In the dressing room I thought that this is the end for me with the national team, it’s not for me,” he said. “I tried so hard to be champion with Argentina. Now I am leaving without having managed it,” he said after the defeat at the tournament hosted in the United States to mark the centenary of South America’s flagship competition. There was a strong show of support for Messi when the team returned to Buenos Aires, with fans displaying banners at the airport s a y i n g : “ Wi t h o u t y o u we’re nothing, don’t go Messi” and “Stay Messi, you’re the best”. A call went out on social media for a demonstration to be held on Saturday at the Obelisco monument in the centre of Buenos Aires, a traditional spot for celebrating sporting victories, to urge Messi to reconsider. President Mauricio Macri, a former chairman of Boca Juniors who was pictured watching Sunday’s match wearing an Argentina shirt, joined in the show of support for Messi with a message on Twitter. “More than ever I feel a great pride in our national team. I h o p e t h e j o y of seeing the best in the world will continue for many more years,” he wrote.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Letter to the Sports Editor
Mr. Claude Raphael needs to stop peddling false information in the public domain Dear Sports Editor, The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) continues to execute its mandate regarding the administration of cricket in Guyana in accordance with the Guyana Cricket Administration Act despite the regular diatribe that emanates ever so often in the national media from a disgruntled few inclusive of Mr. Claude Raphael. We have refrained from responding to those constant spurious allegations against our Board and its members with the hope that the media would fact check these issues prior to publication but this has not been the case. The Board strongly feels that in this instance it is necessary to provide a comprehensive response to the general public on these sore issues and as the head of a successful sports o rg a n i z a t i o n I c a n n o t c o n t i n u e a l l o w misinformation to be peddled in the public domain. My response is to the letter captioned, “Questionable Sports Awards to GCB and Mr. Sanasie”, published in the Kaieteur News and in another daily newspaper: In his letter, Mr. Claude Raphael refers to himself as an “experienced administrator ’ in these publications circulating in the press. He also signed off as “Former Executive of the GCB” and “Former Director of WICB”. No matter how hard I have tried, the success of Claude Raphael as an administrator has proven deeply elusive. However, what is very easy to find, is that Raphael is involved directly or by association in at least four (4) court matters filed against the GCB and/or its officers and, ironically, some of those said matters were attempting to stop elections at the GCB or DCB. One of those matters was also directed to stop the GCB from being represented at the WICB. It should be noted that Claude Raphael, whilst serving as the GCB’s Chairman of Senior S e l e c t o r s , w a s democratically removed as a WICB Director by the GCB electorate in February 2009 and herein commenced his bitterness and vitriol against
those persons whom he perceived to have voted against his election as a WICB Director. Most of what Raphael has to say in his letter is addressed hereunder: Mr. Editor, I would like to state the following matters of fact and allow the public to make their own inferences. 1. T h e G C B i s currently the most successful territorial Cricket Board, both administratively and on the field of play in West Indies Cricket. The facts are there to prove it. 2. The only sports association in Guyana with a countrywide structure is the Guyana Cricket Board. By structure I mean development across the country from school to national level at all age groups and club. 3. Cricket Guy Inc. is the commercial arm of the GCB and is a requirement for all franchises of the WICB Inc. The WICB has also established a commercial arm. 4. D e s p i t e i t s numerous flaws the GCB adheres to the Cricket Administration Act as the law of the land. 5. O u r A u d i t e d financial statements, which are completed annually by a reputable auditing Firm in Guyana, has been submitted to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, the Director of Sports, the Deeds Registry and the Minister of Sports. We are still contemplating how to present same to the National Assembly if not through these entities. Perhaps Mr. Raphael can arrange a seat for the GCB in Parliament to make a direct presentation of its audited accounts. I would like to note that the GCB receives no funding from the Government’s coffers and we are not a budget agency. 6. T h e G u y a n a Cricket Board has summoned its elections on every occasion when it is constitutionally due. In fact Mr. Raphael and his cohorts filed the first court matter to stop the GCB elections in 2011 yet still claim that elections are not being held. F o r M r. R a p h a e l ’s knowledge, the current Cricket Administration Act
2014 has created a roadblock to any proper elections process. The GCB even sought the court’s help to resolve same. 7. Article 10 (d) of the GCB Constitution, appended to the Act states “Nominations (with resumes) for all positions on the executive committee of the Guyana Cricket Board must be made and seconded by MEMBERS at the October Ordinary General Meeting preceding the Annual General Meeting at which elections are to be held……..”. Please note that the GCB has three members only, namely, Demerara Cricket Board, Essequibo Cricket Board and the Berbice Cricket Board. In October preceding an election year at the OGM of the GCB, when one member makes a nomination for any and all positions on the Executive Committee and another member seconds that nomination, that nomination and election is effectively completed. In practicality, it is virtually impossible for the remaining third member to secure a seconder hence the positions are filled by a single nomination and seconder. That was the foresight of the authors of this Act ably strayed by Mr. Raphael and his detractors. The GCB PROTESTED against this flawed piece of legislation but yet it is now law. We have to and will abide by this lopsided piece of legislation which Mr. Raphael cannot see any flaws within until it can be corrected. 8. The public should know that Claude Raphael was a member of the PPP Government delegation when the WICB sent a delegation to Guyana to resolve the cricket impasse and the very flawed cricket Bill. The other members of the PPP delegation were Messrs. Anil Nandalall, Frank Anthony, Stephen Fraser and Bissoondyal Singh. The WICB also met with the opposition parties, APNU and AFC, to get their consensus on a revised cricket bill. Everyone agreed on the revised Bill but the PPP representatives objected to the presence of the opposition parties names listed on the MOA. The PPP (Continued on page 31)
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Erratic Wawrinka sees off teenager Fritz LONDON (Reuters) Stan Wawrinka met stiff resistance from American teenager Taylor Fritz before he finally asserted his dominance in a 7-6(4) 6-1 67(2) 6-4 first-round victory at Wimbledon on Tuesday. The Swiss fourth seed was far from his best, with his groundstrokes uncharacteristically erratic, but his fearsome one-handed backhand and experience were enough to see off the 18-year-old making his tournament debut. Wawrinka, who will play Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro in the next round, said he and other players needed to get used to grasscourt conditions. “I know if I can start to win few matches, I can be dangerous to go far,” he told reporters. Fritz, the youngest man in the draw, showed few nerves in the first set as he matched the twice grand
Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka celebrates winning his match against USA’s Taylor Fritz. (REUTERS/PAUL CHILDS) slam champion shot-for-shot in a punishing baseline battle on Number One Court. But his confidence seemed to evaporate after he lost the tiebreak. He won just one game in the second set as Wawrinka found his range and bossed the exchanges. Wawrinka struggled for concentration in a scrappy third set in which he made a
string of unforced errors and he lost the tiebreak. Visibly angry with himself, the 31year-old stepped up his game to close out the match in the fourth. He had encouraging words for Fritz. “He has a big potential,” Wawrinka said. “For sure he is the future of tennis.”
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Wednesday June 29, 2016
Dominant England seek series knockout Angelo Mathews stretches his troublesome hamstring, Kia Oval, June 28, 2016 ©Getty Images
Chris Jordan was an effective inclusion at the expense of Moeen Ali © Getty Images ESPNcricinfo - So now it’s official. Break out the Brexit gags and wallow in whatever the Icelandic is for schadenfreude. England really, really, really doesn’t want to be involved with Europe in any way, shape or form. What a time to be alive. Happily, for those of an escapist bent, the nation’s cricketers have rarely had much need to engage with
the continent - save for their biennial ICC-tournament humiliations at the hands of the Netherlands and Ireland, of course. But, when it comes to being upstaged by plucky islanders who thrive on their underdog status, well, they more or less wrote the book. F r o m S r i L a n k a ’s maiden Test victory over England, way back in 199293, via Murali’s magic at The
Oval in 1998, and a brace of i n f a m o u s Wo r l d C u p drubbings in 1996 and 2011, England’s cricketers have been taught the hard way never to make assumptions about their pre-eminence. Sure enough, the trend continues in 2016. Despite a record-shattering victory in the second ODI at Edgbaston, a combination of an off-the-boil first outing at Trent Bridge and the onset of
bad weather in Bristol mean that England are just 1-0 up with two to play as they prepare for the fourth match of the series at The Oval. Realistically, it is hard to see any way back for a Sri Lanka side that has lacked impetus with the bat and penetration with the ball, and yet we were making similar claims ahead of their fightback at Lord’s in the third Test earlier this month - and that didn’t quite follow the presumed script. That said, it will take quite a collapse in resolve from England to squander their hard-earned lead. Despite the early loss of Alex Hales in their run-chase at Bristol, that target of 249 ought still to have been hunted down with ease, following a middling batting display that relied too heavily on two senior batsmen nursing injury concerns - Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal - and seemed almost a throwback to England’s own one-day batting tactics of the early- to mid-2000s, as they nudged ineffectual singles and preserved wickets for a late onslaught that never entirely materialised. There are still several untested elements to England’s line-up - rain, coupled with that ten-wicket win in the second match, means that only Hales and Jason Roy have had any meaningful time in the middle since the lacklustre display at Trent Bridge that left them scrambling a lastball six for the tie. But with the ball, the addition of Chris Jordan’s death-bowling prowess added an extra layer of impenetrability to a varied and incisive attack, in which Adil Rashid’s legspin has been particularly hard to collar. If the rain stays away, and there’s no absolute
guarantee of that, then England can expect to wrap up the series under the Oval floodlights tomorrow evening, and raise the spirits of the nation, once and for all. But there have been a lot of assumptions flying around the country in recent days, and not very many of them have come to fruition. In the spotlight Joe Root, who swept the board in England’s player of the year awards last month, barely put a bat out of place in a stellar 12 months, up to and including the World T20 in India. But since the English summer got underway, he has not enjoyed the most fruitful of homecomings. There’s not been much evidence that he is out of form as such - a well-crafted 80 in the second Test suggested otherwise but he hasn’t spent quite enough time at the crease to be sure. Four single-figure scores and a rain-aborted 11 not out at Bristol complete his season’s efforts. He’ll want to reassure himself, if no-one else, that he has not mislaid his touch. If Kusal Mendis, at the age of 21, stores away the memories of this maiden tour of England and cultivates them for future payback, then Sri Lanka are bound to be well served by a rising star whom Kumar Sangakkara, no less, has earmarked for great things. He’s managed three fifties on the tour so far, one in the Headingley Test, another against Ireland, and the third - 53 at Bristol on Sunday which helped restore Sri Lanka’s impetus after the early loss of both openers. There is plenty on which he can improve - in particular he was troubled by Liam Plunkett’s lift and bounce and eventually caught on the hook - but his willingness to front up has not gone
unnoticed in adversity. Teams news Moeen Ali was rested in Bristol to make way for J o r d a n ’s r e t u r n , a n understandable rejig given his slight drop-off in form, allied to the fact that Rashid has added impressive control to his everimproving command of variation. The resulting fiveman attack offers pleasing variety to cover for the ongoing absence of Ben Stokes and deserves another outing, although the unsettled weather may influence the final selection. There’s little point in fiddling with the batting, seeing as the middle order has had a solitary airing all series. Sri Lanka’s patched-up batsmen were a qualified success at Bristol - they managed to put runs on the board, even if their mobility limited their reliability between the wickets, and both Mathews and Chandimal have been passed fit. Dasun Shanaka replaced Suraj Randiv for their last outing and, despite being the most culpable of Sri Lanka’s mis-callers, he is set for another outing. Farveez Maharoof continues to be available despite a damaged finger. Pitch and conditions There’s rain on the radar for Wednesday afternoon, which doesn’t bode well given how torrential it has been lately when the heavens have opened. Despite being a floodlit game, play has to get underway at 1pm due to local restrictions on latenight revelry, which means seeing as we are only a week past the longest day of the year - the match is likely to finish in manageable twilight anyway. The pitch itself has got a bit more grass on than expected, according to Eoin Morgan.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 29, 2016
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GOA’s Open Badminton Tourney
Father, son clash highlights final night action The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) Open Tournament concluded Monday Evening at the National Gymnasium with action in the Men’s, Ladies’ & Mixed Doubles of the three day event which was used to observe Olympic Day 2016. The Day is observed each year on June 23 and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) celebrate the occasion on the Sunday c l o s e s t t o t h a t d a y. Olympic day is the only annual worldwide event of the Olympic Movement and the majority of the NOCs in each Continent take advantage of this occasion to share the Olympic spirit with people of all ages and all walks of life. The much hyped clash in the Men’s doubles final involving father and son proved that fitness and youth usually prevails against experience and age as 50year-old national Coach Gokarn Ramdhani who teamed up with Nicholas Ali lost to his son and National C h a m p i o n 1 8 - y e a r- o l d
Narayan Ramdhani, who had as his partner national player Jonathan Mangra. The contest was not as one-sided as some may have thought it would be. The elder Ramdhani, a former National player in the 1980s, rolled back the years and used all his experience and along with youthful partner produced an exciting contest with the younger pair before running out of gas and losing 21-14, 21-17. Narayan, who celebrated his birthday on the 3rd of this month and Mangra were able to execute the more powerful smashes, while the aging legs of Gokarn would not allow him to turn back the hands of time as several drops shots caught him napping. In the Mixed Doubles final, the Ramdhani siblings (Naryan & Priyanna) defeated Jonathan Mangra & Ambika Ramraj 21-18, 2115 after Mangra and Ramraj had gotten past Cecil Abrams & Kara Abrams in the semifinals. The first final in this tournament was played off on Friday with Priyanna
The Ramdhani siblings (Naryan & Priyanna) defeated Jonathan Mangra & Ambika Ramraj in the mix doubles final. (Sean Devers photo) Ramdhani & Ambika Ramraj defeating Ayanna Wa t s o n & E m e l i a Ramdhani: 21-7, 21-12. Also on Friday, Narayan Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra defeated Ronald Yuen & Avinash Odit: 21-15, 21-18, while Ali teamed up with his Coach Gokarn
Ramdhani to produce a thrilling three setter to win against Darrell Carpenay & Marlon Chung: 13-21, 2220, 21-13 in the semis of the Men’s Doubles. In the Ladies doubles semi-finals Priyanna Ramdhani & Ambika Ramraj defeated Ayanna
Watson & Emelia Ramdhani 21-7, 21-12, while the husband & wife pair of Gokarn Ramdhani & Emelia Ramdhani lost to Cecil Abrams & Kara Abrams 2112, 19-21, 21-16 in the Mixed Doubles quarter finals. Narayan Ramdhani & Priyanna Ramdhani defeated
Darrell Carpenay & Ayanna Watson: 21-5, 21-12 in the Mixed Doubles semi-finals. The GBA will hold the Presentation Ceremony on Saturday July 2 at the Olympic House on High Street Kingston from 13:30hrs. (Sean Devers)
Digicel Schools Football Championship
Archer’s diving header gives Kwakwani second Linden scalp -defending champs in action today Jhvon Archer’s diving header in the 76th minute enabled Kwakwani Secondary to claim their second scalp from Linden in three days as play in this year ’s Digicel Schools Football Championship continued yesterday, at the Wisburg ground. Playing in wet conditions against Mackenzie High School, the lads from Kwakwani exhibited eye catching ball skills and even though they were the visiting team they showed more hunger than the hosts and got their reward through a cross from the left flank that saw Archer race past his marker on the back post to head past the opposing goalkeeper. The game which was
slightly hampered by the unfavourable conditions due to rain earlier in the day saw both teams try desperately to put together several passes, but the ball stopped in certain parts making it difficult to create chances of scoring as the half came with no team managing to enter the scoresheet. In the second period a similar pattern continued, but Kwakwani seemed to have read the conditions better, delivering long balls into MHS penalty area and causing some amount of anxiety. Deep into the final period, Kwakwani mounted an attack on the left side and a long cross floated beautifully into the penalty
area and Archer with space between him and the left back ran on and devilvered a powerful header into the back of the net to evoke wild celebrations among the visitors camp. They held firm until the final whistle sounded to secure the narrow win, but most importantly send a chilling warning to the Linden-based schools remaining in the championship. The action resumes today, at the same venue with the defending champion Christianburg / Wismar set to take the field. In other results: Chase Academy beat Guyana Industrial Training Centre 10-1
Chase Academy scorers Daniel Floy 9 Jeremyy Garrett 28 Shomol Smith 32 Joshua Williams 34 Nicholas mcArthur 53 Ryan Hackett 69 Job Caesar 70, 79 Timothy Alberts 76, 78 Guyana Industrial Training Centre scorer Andrew Bennett 64 P Vergenoegen defeated L e o n o r a Te c h n i c a l Institute 3-1 Vergenoegen Secondary scorers Jamain Cumberbatch60th Chris Macey-66th and 77th L e o n o r a Te c h n i c a l Institute scorer Jamal Grant-6th
Jhvon Archer
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Wednesday June 29, 2016
Palestinian swimmer glides past obstacles to reach Rio Games BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK (Reuters) Palestinian swimmer Mary al-Atrash can’t wait to make a splash at the Rio Olympics in August, but participation, rather than a podium finish, is probably the best she can hope for. Atrash competes in the 50 meters freestyle but her best time of 29.91 seconds is more than four seconds slower than the Olympic qualifying threshold of 25.28 seconds, in itself almost two seconds behind the world record. Atrash will be one of six Palestinians competing in Rio and the delegation will be the largest Palestine has sent to the Games since its first participation in the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996.
Five competitors appeared in London in 2012. “ I a m s o h a p p y, representing Palestine in competitions is a dream for any Palestinian athlete, especially the Olympics,” Atrash told Reuters. The 22-year-old u n i v e r s i t y g r a d u a t e ’s preparations have been hampered because she does not have an Olympic-sized pool to train in. There are none in the Palestinian territories and she has to settle for a 25-meter pool. She also has no training partners and relies only on her coach, Musa Nawawra, with occasional travel to competitions abroad. “Preparations are going well, and considering the
Palestinian swimmer Mary Al-Atrash, 22, who will represent Palestine at the 2016 Rio Olympics, train in a swimming pool in Beit Sahour, near the West Bank town of Bethlehem June 27, 2016. (REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)
resources we have... we are able to achieve our best and set goals and ambitions,” Atrash said. Nawawra was also
upbeat, despite the lack of adequate training conditions. “I am very happy that there is someone from
Palestine who will represent us in the Olympics. This is something to be proud of, especially with the limited resources we have,” he said.
Use of superior Israeli facilities and training partners in nearby Jerusalem where there are several Olympic-sized pools and many swimmers, has not been possible due to the long-standing conflict with Israel. Atrash is one of two swimmers and two runners invited, a man and woman in each category, to compete under an International Olympic Committee program for nations whose athletes have not managed to attain the qualifying minimum. Mohammed Abu Khoussa will run in the 100 and 200 meters sprints and Mayada Sayyad in the (Continued on page 31)
Iceland Cinderella story a model for others, says UEFA’s Theodoridis PA R I S ( R e u t e r s ) Iceland’s fairytale progress to the last eight of the European Championship is just what the competition needs to prevent it going stale and a model for smaller nations to realise their dreams, UEFA’s interim chief said on Tuesday. The smallest country ever to compete at the Euros, surprised soccer fans around the world after comfortably knocking out England, the overwhelming favourites for the game, 2-1 on Monday night to set up a dream tie with hosts France. But UEFA’s interim Secretary General, Theodore Theodoridis, said the victory was not entirely unexpected after the country of just 330,000 people invested heavily in recent years to develop its soccer infrastructure. “It’s a model. We will be using it as a positive image for the expansion (to 24 teams),” he told reporters. “It’s pleasant for football to have one or two Cinderella stories. If you always have the same eight teams qualifying it becomes a little boring.” Fellow minnows Wales, too, have made it to the quarter-finals, which also include former champions Germany and Italy. Theodoridis, who more or less ruled himself out of r u n n i n g f o r U E FA’ s presidential election next S e p t e m b e r, s a i d t h a t Iceland’s success was not a
UEFA General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis of Greece attends a news conference after an UEFA executive committee meeting in Basel, Switzerland May 18, 2016. (REUTERS/Ruben Sprich) surprise. “You could see it coming — maybe not beating England, but you could see they would be competitive and would end up in a final tournament,” he said. “If you look back over the last four years their under-21s and under-19s qualified more often than in the past.” Much of the success story, Theodoridis said, was down to the Icelandic soccer association’s decision to create the infrastructure for people to play the game all year round despite extreme weather conditions. In 2008, the association set up a fund, with the support of UEFA’s Hat-Trick financial assistance programme, to build and renovate grounds, pitches and in particular indoor
facilities. “It was in the middle of their financial crisis and so they needed Hat-Trick desperately far more than others,” he said. O P P O RT U N I T I E S FOR MINNOWS Theodoridis, who played a key role in developing Greek football before the country’s shock triumph at Euro 2004, said other smaller nations, could learn from the Icelandic example. “Iceland, because of the extreme weather conditions, were obliged to do it,” he said. “Other countries perhaps spread (investment) around ... without putting indoor halls as a priority.” Euro 2016 was expanded from 16 to 24 teams to give opportunities to countries — and their fans — who might
Iceland’s Aron Gunnarsson celebrates after the game. (REUTERS/MICHAEL DALDER LIVEPIC)
not otherwise have qualified to experience a major tournament. Some critics have said the quality of the tournament has slipped, with teams playing too defensively and the format creating confusion and unfair conditions for certain sides. “At the end of the day
you have eight more countries that have strongly helped develop football in their countries,” he said. “ Yo u ’ v e r a i s e d t h e competitiveness and raised the possibilities for people to dream.” When asked whether a 32-team tournament could happen, he said there would
be a reflection ahead of the 2024 championships. “Before the tournament, I would have said yes, 32 is too much, but right now I have no idea. In a final tournament, perhaps it would be better, but in qualifiers with 55 teams how would it work? You have to assess everything.”
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 29, 2016
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Warner Park to host CPL 2016 finals BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC-The finals o f t h i s y e a r ’s H e r o Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have been awarded to St. Kitts and Nevis, organizers announced on Tuesday. All four games of the knock-out stages will be played at Warner Park, starting on Wednesday, 3 August and culminating on Sunday, 7 August, a CPL release stated. “After a lengthy process over the last number of months, we are delighted to announce that the finals will be held once more in St. Kitts & Nevis,” said CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe. “Warner Park is an iconic and intimate venue and will be a fitting arena for the staging of the Play offs and Final, in what is shaping up to be a hugely exciting tournament”. This will be the second
time that the finals have been awarded to Warner Park. K i e r o n P o l l a r d ’s Barbados Tridents, who clinched the title two years ago at Warner Park, will no doubt be hoping that the selection of this year’s finals venue is a favourable omen for his side. “We are truly honoured by this award by CPL and we will endeavour to host the greatest finals to date,” said Shawn Richards, Sports Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis. “I know that we can count on the great support of the people of St. Kitts & Nevis to turn up in huge numbers once more to see some of the greatest cricketing talent in the world. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from near and far to savour the sights and rich heritage of our great nation.” T h e C P L T 2 0
tournament is played between six teams and is divided into a group stage
and a knockout stage. In the group stage, the teams each play 10 matches
overall, four of which are at home, with each team also playing two neutral venue
games in Central Broward Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida from July 28-31.
Slow pitches hampering Windies Courts contributes to CARICOM 10km Road Race return as world beaters-Langer
Manager of Crime and Security at CARICOM and Race Coordinator, Sherwin Toyne-Stephenson (left) collects Courts’ presentation from Country Manager, Clyde De Hass yesterday at their Main Street Branch. Courts Guyana Inc., who are no strangers to 10km Road Races in Guyana, will be partnering with the CARICOM Secretariat, Ministry of Education – Department of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) to host the 12th Annual CARICOM 10km Road Race on Sunday. The race begins at CARICOM Secretariat at 6am and ends in the National Park. The race coincides with
the Meeting of the Heads of Government Conference as has been the established practice. The race will be held under the theme: “Promoting Peaceful and Healthy Societies” and Courts, in keeping with its commitment to the continuous promotion of healthy lifestyles, is happy to be associated with another mega 10km Road Race. A release from Courts stated that the race promises to be a very exciting one with great cash prizes, trophies
and medals up for grabs. In addition to the main event, it will feature athletes from schools and clubs. “Courts is proud to associated with the CARCOM10km race with a contribution of $500,000 as the brand endeavours to take the healthy living campaign Caribbean-wide and further afield,” the release said. Courts Guyana Inc. took the opportunity to invite members of the public to be a part of the event on Sunday.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC-Australia’s stand-in Coach Justin Langer says slow pitches in the Caribbean are preventing the regional side from reemerging as a power house in World cricket. Langer has criticized pitch preparation in the region saying he is baffled that they were being prepared to help spinners instead of fast bowlers. Langer, in charge of the Australian squad while Darren Lehmann was given a respite, says batsmen will improve once pitches are prepared to suit the abundance of fast bowling talent emerging in the Caribbean. “There’s so much natural talent. We’ve seen it in the net bowlers. I’m in awe of how many young fast bowlers you’ve got in the West Indies,” said Langer. “ We ’ v e s e e n i t i n Guyana, we’ve seen it in St Kitts, we’ve seen it in Barbados, and yet you play on wickets that bounce about this high. It doesn’t make sense to me.” Wo r l d C h a m p i o n s Australia defeated number eight ranked West Indies by 58 runs to win the tri-series tournament which also involved third ranked South
Alzarri Joseph bowls, India v West Indies, final, Under-19 World Cup, Mirpur, February 14, 2016 © Getty Images
Africa. The Australian interim coach said he had been in awe of the talent he had seen among local net bowlers over the past month. “There is so much fastbowling talent here. You’ve got big, tall, beautiful athletes, and they run in and bowl fast and they keep bowling all day, but I don’t understand why they play on such dead, low, lifeless wickets. It doesn’t make any sense to us,” he said. “If you could harness the natural ability you’ve got in the West Indies with those
tall fast bowlers … it would get the batsmen more used to facing fast bowling, more used to facing short-pitched bowling. And with the natural talent they’ve got it won’t take long. But you’ve got to face it. You’ve got to be exposed to it”. Lanker says he was impressed with the 19-yearold Leeward pacer Alzarri Joseph who bowled in net sessions against the Australians during the St. Kitts leg of the tour. Joseph was part of the West Indies side that won the (Continued on page 31)
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Wednesday June 29, 2016
Guyanese ready for Hero CPL t20 Fans encouraged to get tickets early
Martin Guptill It is said that when night falls the stars come out to play and so it should be when the Guyana leg of this season’s Hero CPL t20 tournament bowls off on July 7 u n d e r- l i g h t s a t t h e Providence Stadium as local fans get ready to welcome the biggest party in sports to South American shores. Ramnaresh Sarwan led the Guyana Amazon Warriors to the inaugural CPL final in 2013 and the South American based Franchise again reached the final the next year before falling in the semis last year. T h i s y e a r, w i t h o u t Sarwan, who returns to
competitive cricket to represent Trinbago Knight Riders, Warriors, the most consistent team in CPL cricket, will hope that they can win their first title. Although the Warriors have lost their Trini brigade including Skipper Denesh Ramdin, Lendl Simmons a n d o ff - s p i n n e r S u n i l Narine, they could still be a force to be reckoned with. Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa who participated in the TriNation Tournament and Guyanese leggie Devendra Bishoo are the leg spinners in the squad, while left-arm
Sohail Tanvir
Dwayne Smith s p i n n e r Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul and off-spinners Steven Jacobs and Jason Mohamed could exploit tracks in the region that offer assistance to spinners. If selected for the fourTest series against India which begins in Antigua on July 21, Bishoo will only be allowed to play the first four matches but if he and his slow b o w l i n g c o unterparts utilize the conditions in St. Kitts, Trinidad and at Providence, the Warriors could be off to a promising start. The Warriors play their opening game tomorrow in
St Kitts then go to Trinidad for their second match on July 2 before playing their next four games on home soil. They then play a game in Jamaica and another in St Lucia before opposing Barbados twice in Florida. The Guyanese Franchise, which includes left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir, Ryad Emrit, Paul Wintz, ICC Americas 25-year-old pacer Muhammad Ali-Khan and Chris Barnwell will hope to be involved in their fourth semi-final in the four-year history of CPL. The Warriors batting will hinge on Skipper and
overseas International batsman Martin Guptill, Chris Lynn, Dwayne Smith, Assad Fudadin, Orlando Peters, Jason Mohamed, Shemron Hetymer and Keeper Anthony Bramble, while Barnwell and Jacobs could also play big shots in the death overs. The Warriors play four games at Providence (July 7, 9, 10 & 12) and two in Florida (28 & 30) and tickets for both locations are on sale both physically and on-line and are going fast with the Florida and Guyana legs almost sold out. Tickets for Providence cost $2,000 (Mound), $3,000
(Orange) and $4,000 (Red & Green). Tickets for the three matches and one day (July 9) game are on sale. Guyana Amazon Warriors squad: Martin Guptill (New Zealand), Sohail Tanvir (Pakistan), Chris Lynn (Australia), Adam Zampa (Australia), Muhammad Ali-Khan (USA), Dwayne Smith, Rayad Emrit, Jason Mohammad, Orlando Peters, Stephen Katwaroo, Christopher Barnwell, Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l , Assad Fudadin, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Shimron Hetmyer. (Sean Devers)
Assuria Insurance supports Enterprise CC Legends Assuria Life-PensionsFire and General Insurance Company has supported the Enterprise Cricket Club Legends on their trip to Suriname this weekend. The company, which provides services in Life, home, auto, travel and contract insurance, presented the team jerseys to the club at a simple ceremony held yesterday at their head office 78 Church S t r e e t , S o u t h C u m m i n g s b u rg , Georgetown. Chief Operations Officer of the entity which has branches in Vreed-en-Hoop, Corentyne and Giftland Mall Turkeyen, Clyde Muntslag
said they are pleased to assist with the trip. “We at Assuria think it fitting to give back to the society especially in sports since it is important to a nation. It is a wonderful way for our country to exchange sportsmanship,” he posited. Muntslag wished the team well and urged them to put their best foot forward. Secretary of the Enterprise CC Jitlall Jowaharilall expressed gratitude to the company for their support and expressed confidence of doing well on tour. The team departs tomorrow and will play their opening game, a T20 fixture
on Friday at Stelling Park against Amar Shakti CC before facing Spartans CC on Saturday in another T20 game at the said venue. They will then take on Amar Shakti on Sunday in a 30over contest in their final match on tour. The Enterprise Legends team reads; Seemangal Ya d r a m ( C ) , J i t l a l l Jowaharilall, Vishwanauth Gobin, Narine Roopdeo, Rohan Mangal, Shilander M o h a b i r, R o o p n a r i n e Ramnarace, Nirmal Singh, Jai Persaud, Ovid Persaud, Vicky Durga, Lakeram Samaroo and Kamesh Yadram. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Operations Manager of Assuria Insurance Clyde Muntslag (3rd left) presents one of the jerseys to Enterprise Legends captain Seemangal Yadram in the presence of his team mates.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 29, 2016
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Serena toils to scrappy opening victory (Reuters) Defending champion Serena Williams stuttered to a low-key and error-strewn 6-2 6-4 firstround victory over Swiss qualifier Amra Sadikovic on Tuesday. Looking ill-at-ease, as though her quest for an elusive 22nd grand slam title was weighing heavily on her shoulders, Williams struggled with her serve and sprayed balls wide on both sides of the court. \She served three double faults in the fifth game of the first set. It was Williams’s first
match since she lost the French Open final to Garbine Muguruza this month and the American should have had few problems against Macedonian-born Sadikovic, ranked 148th in the world and with little main tour experience. By turns urging herself on and telling herself off, Williams eventually secured match point when her opponent just missed a lob and sealed victory after challenging a wrong call when her shot landed on the far baseline.
USA’s Serena Williams in action against Switzerland’s Amra Sadikovic at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon, England.(REUTERS/ STEFAN WERMUTH)
CPL Champions TKR promising “aggressive cricket” on the eve of curtain-raiser clash
Simon Helmot, Kevon Cooper, Jacques Kallis, Dwayne Bravo, Hashim Amla and Brendon McCullum at the launch of the Trinbago Knight Riders kit, CPL 2016, Port of Spain, June 27, 2016 ©Trinbago Knight Riders
P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad, CMC-Defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders are promising “aggressive cricket” when they start the defence of their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title at the Queen’s Park oval today. TKR is playing on home turf against St. Lucia Zouks as the curtain rises on the fourth staging of the HERO CPL which by all accounts promises to be a cliff hanger affair that runs until August 7 “It’s what we expect
from the fans! We saw last year that the noise was electric, the support was just brilliant,” said TKR’s Coach Simon Helmot. “I think the fans of Trinbago Knight Riders can expect us to play aggressive cricket, exciting cricket and cricket that they want to come and watch. Hopefully they see winning cricket”. TKR are bidding for a repeat of the title they won last year when they defeated former champions Barbados
Tridents in the finals. The Port of Spain based outfit boasts the like of the Bravo brothers, Captain Dwayne and Darren, who will be available for several matches before his departure for West Indies Test duties against the visiting Indian team. Their line-up is also bolstered by the presence of New Zealand superstar Brendon McCullum and prolific South African batsman Hashim Amla. “ ” We ’ v e g o t s o m e
superstars. Obviously our captain, ‘The Champion’ Dwayne Bravo, his brother Darren is available for some matches which is really exciting for us. They love playing in front of their home fans at Queen’s Park Oval,” said Helmot, an Australian cricket coach, who was formerly the coach of the Melbourne Renegades. “The Trinbago Knight Riders have recruited Brendon McCullum who is a superstar from New Zealand. Obviously Hashim Amla is
one of the most wonderful cricketers and batsmen out of South Africa. So we’ve got some exciting cricketers playing with us this season and if we can gel well together, and play well together, then I’m sure we will have some success together.” The prospect of the world’s leading T20 players battling alongside the top players in the region has heightened anticipation among fans. Last year’s CPL was a
close contest with all four teams at the top of the table winning six matches. This year’s tournament is predicted to be even tougher. “The fans, the weather and I think the Carnival atmosphere makes CPL such an interesting, exciting and dynamic competition,” said Helmot. “The cricket is amazing; every venue has its own type of wicket and ground advantage. Every team has got some superstar skilled players”.
t r o Sp Digicel Schools Football Championship
Archer’s diving header gives Kwakwani second Linden scalp
Players from Kwakwani Secondary (white jerseys) and Mackenzie High School fight for possession of the ball during their clash yesterday at Wisburg ground.
-defending champs in action today
GOA’s Open Badminton Tourney
Father, son clash highlights final night action
Gokarn Ramdhani plays a drop shot in the Men’s double final. (Sean Devers photo)
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