Kaieteur News
PAGE 04
Thursday June 30, 2016
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Children Learn What They Live!
It is time that the government acknowledges that the education system is not adequately preparing children to meet the challenges of the information age. Some have described it as an elitist model that was ideally suited to the colonial system, where only the privileged few were allowed the opportunity to go to the best schools. Others have claimed it is “a one cap fits all” approach to teaching and learning, which means that all students basically are from the same socio- economic backgrounds. Education is regarded as a right, not a privilege for each child. The education system must cater to the diversity and social backgrounds of students and should develop their human capital through inclusion rather than exclusion and marginalization. Schools must provide hope for all to live in a fair, just and equitable society. Students should be taught to think critically, analyze information, and create solutions to the problems that confront them. They are the leaders of tomorrow. However, this has not been the case with the current education system which continues to teach children to cram and recite information and excludes those aspects based on cognitive ability. The system has made children from poor neighbourhoods believe that they are failures by equating schooling with the passing of examinations. It is not geared to help every child to realize their maximum human potential, so that they can add value to their own lives as well as the lives of people around them. Based on the high levels of crime and violence in society, the Ministry of Education should develop a new school curriculum to teach children to be respectful of themselves, each other and to be good citizens. The curriculum must be rich and diverse and reflective of the realities of today’s society. It must cater to the peculiar needs of children, and encourage them to question, challenge and enquire as part of their daily school experience. The education system must recognize that it is preparing children to face a future that no one can predict and therefore must prepare them to adapt to a rapidly changing global order by helping them to focus and become life-long learners. Some have contended that the current education model with all its redundancy has been stretched to the maximum in terms of what was expected of it given the requirements of today’s society. It is therefore no surprise that many are calling on the government to reform the system to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The reform must take into consideration that all children must not only have the chance to attend school, but their diverse needs must be met. The challenge for educators is to figure out how to get parents involve in the reform process. The unfortunate reality is that parents whom teachers often depend on for assistance have never really provided any despite their best efforts. This is where the Ministry of Education needs to intervene to help teachers seek the critical involvement of parents. Studies have shown that children whose parents have been involved in their schools tend to have better academic performance and by far, fewer behavioral problems. Addressing the issue of violence within the schools must involve all, including parents, teachers, the school community, not to mention the private sector and the government. Students have shown that violence and the display of dysfunctional and antisocial behaviour at schools originate from the home. If children are brought up in homes and communities where verbal abuse, physical violence, intolerance and disrespect are the order of the day, they will practice exactly what they see and hear. The saying that children learn what they live is true.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
My take on Nandlall response to Freddie DEAR EDITOR; Allow me to respond to former AG Nandall’s letter to Kaieteurnews dated 06-26-2016, captioned “Response to Freddie”. Nandlall has the audacity to assault the intelligence of the readers of Kaieteur News with his deplorable explanation, and excuse, as to why his conversation with reporter Gildarie did not amount to a threat. First, his then government in power attempted to mislead the citizens of this country by saying the taped conversation was a hoax in an effort to sway public opinion and garner support, in an attempt to make Nandlall out as the poor victim, which was an embarassment for the conspirators. Mr. Nandlall abused his then position and that of his office by indirectly making threats against Kaieteur newspaper and that of its employees. I saw where it stated in “Laws Of Guyana” Page 34, Section 41, That everyone who, without lawful excuse utters, or directly or indirectly causes to be received, any threat of murder, or to kill, or to causes grievous bodily harm, or to shoot at, any person, is guilty of a felony and is liable to ten years in prison.” The English dictionary stated that “utters” means “to give audible expression” “to say something” “to
make sound with your voice”. The Law states that a person can be arrested and prosecuted as an accessory before a crime is committed, or after a crime is committed. The law also states that a person can be arrested for directly or indirectly making threats. Nandlall admits to the conversation after there were no escape routes available, typical of an animal that cannot shake loose the hungry ticks, he comes up with various analogies as excuses. He writes, “If I say to someone that if you don’t look before you cross the road you will be struck down by traffic”, that it is not a threat. Everyone knows it is not a threat. Nandlall cannot wiggle his way out with his poor comparison. To invoke the name of his grandmother who I am positive if she is still alive, would distance herself from him after hearing his unscholarly and unadulterated rant. I am positive she taught him better. He further stated in his response to Kissoon “Can lawyers be accused of threatening their clients? Of course not”. That information is incorrect. If I am a lawyer and I tell my client “ You better have the money to pay me after I represent you, or else you will be dead”, is a threat. Anyone listening to the conversation clearly understands that Nandlall was very upset, but that is not
an excuse to indirectly make threats, especially from a so called learned professional and sitting AG. He told Gildarie that people were going to walk into the Saffon street office with their weapons and what is going to happen will happen, Peter will pay for Paul, and honestly it will happen soon. So the quicker Gildarie gets out, will be for the better, meaning that he can save himself, or else he too will get the same medicine meant for the others. He states that Mr. Lall is aware of his (AG) capacity, he does not have to revert to the courts, he can revert to other methods, more effective methods (read between the linesindirect threats). He tells Gildarie that Kaieteur News is a dangerous place to work, and to read between the lines, it was going to happen soon. He states “if this thing go down this road, it’s not going to be good, the tempo has changed, people get sensitive now” He says that he is of a higher breed (Chatree) that he is not Jagdeo, or Bobby or Brassington. It appears Nandlall believes that readers of Kaieteur News just stepped off the banana boat. Mr. Editor, Nandlall had one and only one intention that day when he made that phone call, and that was to intimidate Lall and his employees, by issuing these indirect threats. He wanted (Continued on page 6)
Anil Nandlall on television in Berbice DEAR EDITOR, I was surprised when I saw the former Attorney General on a television how in Berbice as the host and he had a few guests on the show that was talking about their animals being impounded or caught by the stray catchers. Here is what the show contains. As the former minister was interviewing the individuals about how their animals were taken away, I was surprised when he said that the stray catchers only supposed to be on the roads not in the streets. He said that is what he knows according to the laws. However, the funny part is when the man said he don’t know if that is still in the law because he didn’t read it since it was updated. Well that ketch me Anil, you are a lawyer and don’t even read the laws when it’s updated. During that interview the former AG told the guests and the viewers that he will ask a lawyer in Berbice on their side or he will have to sue the stray catchers for embezzlement and that he will also sue for other things. I don’t see anything wrong in suing them for taking monies from the owner’s within paying it to the relevant authorities. If the claim is true and correct. The joke on this part is when he told the cattle rearers on television that they must claim that they were near the animals when it happened. This man is telling the men what to say in public when they get to court. So if the stray catchers are legally doing their work he is asking the owners of the
cattle to lie. After that interview he started to talk of the flood in region 5 and that pumps were taken only to certain villages and so on. He then said that he saw a long article in the newspaper written by the gentleman from Region 5 that was knockout of APNU+AFC for some reason, Mr. Abel Seetaram and he don’t know where he is now but he wrote that MMA Must be Blamed for the Flooding. He went on to say that this means something is wrong and that he don’t know whether the man sits on the MMA board but he have his facts and doing a lot of hard work in the region. He also alluded to the fact that I did say sorry to residents of the areas affected behalf of the APNU+AFC Regional Councilors. But the joke of the story is that the former AG finds the article interesting but yet told us Berbicians that he can’t say much of the article because he did not read it out. Anil, you said the article was interesting. How come you know that and you claimed you did not read it out? Readers the part where I blamed MMA is because since this APNU+AFC government took office, the management of MMA seems not to do what needs to be done. And I have personally call on the GM on several occasions to assist in various areas but never had anything done. In the article, I mentioned that in the years of the PPP government millions were given to MMA but they never focus on certain areas in Region 5.
I spoke about the spending at MMA under the PPP that could have seen all the areas benefitted but some never did or hardly did. I spoke of the corrupt practice and employment of the Community Enhancement Project that was started by the PPP. But it seems that the AG who is the law man does not want to mention those parts that I wrote in the article. So he selectively decided to fool the viewers about what I wrote. The former AG then went on to talk about what is taking place at the Town Council in Georgetown with the parking meters and he said a lot of things. He said that the APNU+AFC want to dictate and run the townships. But the best part is when he opened the telephone lines and started to take calls. Most of the calls were coming from the people selling at the Rose Hall Town Market run by the Town Council which was won and controlled by the PPP. The callers started to complain about the treatment they are faced with at that market and he made a propaganda remark by telling them; “See, see what is taking place, that’s what the government is doing”? The former AG should have known that it’s the PPP that controls the Township of Rose Hall and they are the ones that make the laws to govern their area not the central government. That it is the PPP that is taking away the bread from the sellers’ and their families’ mouth. Abel Seetaram APNU+AFC Regional Councilor
Thursday June 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Sherod Duncan should be Praise for the man doing given full praise things for Region 3 DEAR EDITOR; Democracy and democratic values are not merely about free and fair elections, winner takes all, ethnic domination, party paramountcy and inflated egos. Rather, the virtues of: Accountability, Constitutionally, Democracy, Inclusivity, Transparency, Parliamentary Procedures and Receptiveness; are all pillars upon which the foundation of good governance is laid. Editor, at least I do believe so. However, constructive criticism must be accepted with the deserved smile and strive towards rectifying the situation. Since self-criticism, is just a phase of appraisal or evaluation.. Nevertheless, the adage of “the ill-effects of democracy allow any misfit to be elected by the will of the majority” may well be true and applicable. The ongoing turmoil, relating to the parking meter scenario, has resulted in the negatives by far outweighing the positives. The “old brigade” of Her Worship, Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green and Oscar Clarke, a veteran Councillor, have both collectively re-invoked the principle of “large and in charge”. While one of and the only to date, “new kid on the block” Sherod Duncan, is providing a good measure of openness and transparency, and being accountable to the remaining Councillors. But also to his
constituents that voted for him which is also important. With this not being primarily of the CoalitionAPNU+AFC, the individual groups and the political parties all have “seats around the horse shoe table” that simply cannot be ignored. Editors, what is most distasteful, are the following: 1) “I have no apologies to make; I am getting like Harmon”, Oscar Clarke. How is he still a member of the M&CC, and not subject to a Disciplinary Hearing? 2) “It’s a shame that some people had to resort to the likes of Google and Wikipedia to search for the address of the company”, Mayor, Chase Green. Did I read and interpret correctly? Is it a crime for one to do this, in the absence of documentation for perusal? With “old habits” dying hard” albeit, the leopard cannot change his spots. From all indications, it’s hard for the old brigade of Councillors, to change the “big stick diplomacy” and dictatorial method of governance. An important issue as the “parking meter” is rife with secrecy. Suffice it to say that even though the deal/contract was inked, during the life of the previous M&CC administration, the dictates of protocol would entail it’ be placed on the agenda for scrutiny/ update, at the first statutory meeting. Additionally, under Financial Update/Treasurer’s Report, the Councillors would have known of the financial
implications. Maybe, Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan should go online, sourcing EBay to order copies of “Robert Rules of Law” for all the Councillors, availing each Councillor with a copy on the “Chart on Parliamentary Motions”. With open-self confession being good for the soul, in erstwhile a timely reminder: “Cde. Oscar Clarke needs to know that the hallowed chambers of the City Hall, isn’t Congress Place-a la Vanessa Kisson”! Is Cde. Clarke a victim of dumb insolence? Since as chairman of the, Finance Committee, within the “Budget of Expenditure” miscellaneous expense would have taken care of monies spent for additional cleaning et.al during the Jubilee celebrations, if any at all, rather, than approaching Central Government, for yet another bailout. By the way, does the M&CC, have a paid Public (Continued on page 6)
DEAR EDITOR; I consider it my duty as a resident of Region 3 and a citizen of Guyana to publicly send appreciative remarks to the Regional Executive Officer of Region 3 - Mr. Denis Jaikaran and by extension the Government of Guyana for the many improvements Region 3 has seen over the past year. Mr. Jaikaran upon assumption of office immediately brought relief to the many commuters who traverse the Parika area just infront the stelling . One would recall the large muddy pot holes that were present just in front that stelling which was not only a disgusting sight for many years but a complete hindrance to people who uses the Essequibo River. Today that said area is no longer in mud with pot holes. In-fact it is now paved with bitumen. This was a respectable and well appreciative job done by the REO. Secondly, a number of rice farmers would have expressed their gratitude to the REO for his timely intervention in assisting them by providing fresh water to their crops during that long dry season we all would have recently overcome. Mr. Jaikaran who himself came from a rice farming back ground understands what it is to be a rice farmer and will
always do his utmost to assist rice farmers within his region. Thirdly, all schools within Region 3 can now confidently boast of some form of infrastructural improvement. The most recent infrastructural work is currently going on at Essequibo Islands Secondary on the island Wakenaam. Fourthly, the health sector has also seen massive improvement. Leonora Cottage Hospital was recently given a face lift and Parika Health Center is now state of the art. Within a matter of months the Leguan Cottage Hospital will get an X- Ray department and more improvements are on its way for the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Editor I can full the letter column space with all the works this remarkable gentleman would have completed and is in progress with but that would be selfish of me for many other persons would like to express their views on matters of public interest. In conclusion I wish to say confidently that Region 3 is indeed blessed to have Denis Jaikaran as the Regional Executive Officer and the APNU AFC as our government. There are few who are doubting the development but it is tangible and even the jaundice of eyes can see it. Ganesh Mahipaul.
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Thursday June 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
A legacy of hope and inspiration Social Cohesion on trial
DEAR EDITOR; Thirty six years haven’t seemed to erase nor dull the misrepresentation, falsehood, ignorance, disparaging and I might even add a kind of grudge that have been perpetrated and perpetuated by bad people against one of our finest heroes Walter Rodney. Babies born on his day of assignation – 36 years flush today, grown up youngsters are repeating and peddling the poppycock and hog-wash fed to them. David Hinds letter in Stabroek News edition of June 13th 2016: “Rodney still represents light in the midst of darkness” was like sort of gentle breeze, wonderfully refreshing and reassuring and in some ways rekindle a sense of hope. Definitely all is not lost. I felt the joy and pride as he spoke about the acclaimed scholar-activist Angela Davis memorable address at
the recent annual Conference of Caribbean Studies Association held in Haiti: “when she got to the point of her address that discussed underdevelopment, she asked the audience who she was thinking about and hundred of voices responded in unison – “Walter Rodney”, followed by a generous round of applause”. Oh he certainly took me back a long way to the turbulent radical blackpower period when the big Afro sister was on the move. Who, which Guyanese present there as David was wouldn’t have felt the way he did: “……I felt a rush of pride as a Guyanese, as a comrade and a descendant of Rodney and the Caribbean…..”. After witnessing such esteem in which he is held, the respectful and open encomium that are constantly lavished on him by scholars from all parts of the world – 36 years after
The European Union has to reinvent itself DEAR EDITOR; Nations and political unions can only succeed if the people are on board. Government is by consent, not by assumption of consent, and not by assumption of superior expertise or knowledge. If the people are ignored, they will pull the plug. The far right and far left may be loud, but may be ignored. The middle ground conservative, progressive, or whatever, whereon the majority stand and maintain fairness, may not be ignored. These are the people who get on with it and keep the system working. It takes a lot to alienate them, but when that happens, they will respond. There is no deep wound inflicted, the British referendum on staying in the EU was a referendum with no pitchforks, pikes, or guillotine involved. People spoke in the only way that they could. This came as a surprise to those who had determined in their own minds that there
was only one way forward, but not to the generality. The European Union as constituted, and as it now operates, is the problem. The economic crash and the immigration crisis have shown not only that the EU couldn’t cope, but also that it is unclear on the rights of its citizens, and how to protect those rights, and the welfare of its citizens. Its dealings with Greece have been appalling. Germany was rebuilt after WW2, why not Greece? Why grind it down and allow it to be overburdened with immigrants? Where is the long term immigration policy, and controlling of the Mediterranean, that would have saved lives and prioritized refugees? The economic union was successful, but the European Union has moved too quickly from an economic union to a political union. It can, and should be successful, but it needs to reinvent itself, and its philosophy. Rooplall Dudhnath
My take on Nandlall... From page 4 to instill fear and that he did. Readers will never forget the past murders of Kaieteur News employees. He is well aware of that (from his own mouth “read between the lines”). This matter cries out for justice, and like my
Guyanese compatriots, we call on Attorney General Basil Williams to reopen this case, and let justice take its course. In a democratic country Nandlall would be facing prosecution. Can this government please do the right thing. Jagmohan
his demise, tell me who wouldn’t. And I do understand the point that David followed on with: “….Guyanese of post 1980 generation do not get to experience moments like those when their country is lifted to the mountain-top by the mere mention of hi name”. What a pity and how unfortunate, oh by the way isn’t there a video recording? I am thinking that if only some of the young adults could have had such an experience to see and hear the brother being talked about by others – both ordinary everyday working class and intellectuals from other countries, what a difference it could probably make, help to debunk the foolish backwardness that seemed so indelible that you think you are dreaming. The brother in that article was right about so many things; we are prone to blinding our eyesto the truth and hypocrisy, even getting better at them. Why! Even the daily papers that you try to express your sincere and objective opinions are dealing you short, chipping your thoughts to pieces, denying you, conspiring in piling on the frustration. There is no denying that our heaviest shackle our highest hurdle and flourishing hypocrisy is that of race and our politicians can play this game well. But David reminded us of
two things that Rodney wasn’t tired of saying and which annoyed some of his detractors: “…… the value of asking questions of power even when the face of that power looks like ours”. This is definitely a thorny matter today, seldom seen in good light. And here I need mention not so long ago this same David Hinds made a criticism against the coalition in which one of them responded to him “reminding” him that it is because of the coalition that he now enjoys the latitude to criticise them. This is the style of behaviour – the “granting of freedom” that we have to keep an eye out for. Remember what goes around comes around. The other – “That the educated sons and daughters of the poor must serve the poor in word and deed”. Well this is like looking for a needle in a haystack, for all we know that the educated/intellectual class serves none other than self, twist it any which way you will. Finally I have to agree with the brother in saying: “The revolution which Rodney started and for which he was murdered by the hand of the state is still incomplete”. Indeed just the mention of the name Walter Rodney is a legacy of hope, an inspiration, as always he is and will remain a shining and guiding light in our darkness. Frank Fyffe
Save the children of New Amsterdam DEAR EDITOR; For the past weeks, I discerned something disturbing that is happening in the New Amsterdam area which needs urgent attention by those in authority. I honestly believe that this issue should be treated as a matter of urgency and concern. There are a number of children that would roam the streets of New Amsterdam begging for money. What is more disturbing is that this happens on a daily basis, during school hours and late in the nights. What is the Ministry of Education (Welfare) doing? Is the Child Protection Agency, that is, located in New Amsterdam, oblivious about this issue? My point is, to give a child the money asked for isn’t a problem, the problem is why are they on the streets begging when they should be in school? Apart from that, these children should not be seen as culpable. They didn’t choose a life of poverty but the fact is they should be in school. Most importantly, the Ministry of Education (Welfare) would
receive a monthly report of the names of children who would be absent from school more than 5 days so they are aware of this issue. What do they do with this report? A child approached me one night around 20:30 hrs and he said; “ uncle please for $100”. I interrogated him. After interrogating him, I learnt that he is living with parents. Their approach is one of desperation and can lead to some serious repercussions. In my opinion, if this continues then we will be rearing a society of criminals and the reason will be because negligence of the ones in authority. There may be cases where there are orphans among those children but the Child Protection Agency do have certain measures in place for such cases. I, therefore, urge the Child Protection Agency along with the Ministry of Education( Welfare) to have these children removed from the streets and let them be in school so that they can have a purpose in life and be of importance to society. Concerned citizen
DEAR EDITOR; Depending on the party holding executive power, this determines which section of Guyanese are employed generally in the public service and public corporations and other public entities. This is especially the case in senior positions. The minority member of the coalition, the AFC is not doing anything whatsoever to remedy this ill.. There must be some mechanism to ensure there is balance in hiring practices in the public service especially, and the private sector as well. I feel the private sector is somewhat balanced and the private sector cannot be dictated to by the government. If President Granger is serious about Social Cohesion, then he should start with the areas he has control over. This is the public organisations. There must be balance in the employment practices in public organisations. There must be! There is not even a 50/50 representation of the population in the employment practices despite 23 years of the PPP in office. The PPP was incapable, afraid or too incompetent to fix this problem. It is a problem! The PPP placed its supporters at a disadvantage by not fixing this problem which existed since earlier PNC administrations. The PPP tried to get around this by hiring contract workers which is a “wishy washy” solution. One source of the problem here are the incompetent, unprofessional and bias Human Resource Managers and other personnel who channel the persons they want to be hired and “duck” the other applicants who may sometimes be better suited for the job. This exists in all sectors of the public service and public organisations and it is not acceptable. I propose that President Granger push to have a balance first in the Human Re-
sources departments. That these be staffed with professionals comprising both ethnic groups. That Permanent Secretaries and their deputies, CEOs and other Heads of Departments and their deputies be balanced. Either one representing a different segment of the population at all times. I hope the President is serious about Social Cohesion and will do this. Glen Lall needs to take up this part of the struggle as well. He knows that this country can only move forward united. The PPP should lobby for this too. We need to use this mechanism now until we evolve and the process becomes fair and equitable. Rules must be strictly enforced. No politicians and no one belonging to a political party, whether previously or currently should be appointed to a public service or public organisation position in this small nation. We need to create a professional public service with neutral and objective persons who can continue to manage the affairs of government whichever political party assumes executive office. This will create the “space” for neutral and objective persons who are willing and can tribute to nationbuilding. Currently what obtains, is that politicians “hog” the “executive space”, the “administrative space” (public service and public organisations) and the “economic space” as well. So many of them are in business while holding public office. There is no room for neutral and objective Guyanese who do not want to get into the gutter where politicians dwell and thrive. Politicians should dictate policy not perform administrative roles which leads to corruption. Those politicians who want to get into some economic activity should get out of the executive. Really persons cannot do both at the same time. H. Singh
Sherod Duncan should be given... From page 5 Relations Officer (P.R.O) in its employ, if so, who is the individual? Since “autocratic and micromanagement doctrines” by the Town Clerk, have parked the P.R.O, at the Council’s Princess Street location. To brother: Sherwood Duncan, Deputy Mayor, continue the good work, despite the detractors and usurpers of authority. May the Grace of God and the Fellowship, of
the Holy Spirit; be with Thee, now and Forever More, through His Only Begotten Son, Jesus the Christ. Personally, thank God, thank the Heavenly Father; thank the “Black Christ” for his words of enlightenment, spiritual awakening and rebirth that my vote went to vote Benschop for Mayor. They are from us, but not of us. Glory be to his name. Lester Sealey
Thursday June 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Weak prosecution system affects forensic audits …insists that Cabinet is interested in - Foreign Affairs Minister seeing wrongdoers brought to justice If Guyana possessed a “sharp and competent prosecution system” then questions and doubts about whether justice would be had from those damning forensic audits would not even exist. This was the perspective of Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, as he weighed in on the concerns expressed recently by outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission, Bryan Hunt and UK High Commissioner, Greg Quinn. Greenidge said that he agrees with the top foreign diplomats that those who have been found by the audits to have committed any financial wrongdoing must be prosecuted. But Greenidge said that while those sentiments are taken in good faith, Government on the other hand is battling a reality which deals with the expectations of the public. The Minister said that he is aware that the citizenry is growing tired of hearing “all the talk about we want corruption to be out and we will ensure prosecution…” “But when they don’t see these things happening swiftly they begin to wonder
if we are responsible for what is taking place. This government wants what is best for this nation. We want to see action taken on these forensic audits but people must understand that Cabinet is not the one in charge of that,” the Foreign Affairs Minister expressed. He added, “We are clearly faced with weaknesses in some of our key institutions which are part of the process. Cabinet has issued instructions for the files to be examined and investigated by the police and for prosecutions to be executed where they could be had. “But the problem we are facing with these forensic audits is with the competence of the institutions. People also need to understand that prosecutions are not waiting on some Cabinet decisions. Furthermore, there has been no refusal of the Cabinet to prosecute.” The Foreign Affairs Minister reiterated that Cabinet is interested in prosecution and has spoken about the forensic audits on numerous occasions. “But if you had a sharp and competent prosecution
system here and good judges then you won’t be asking those questions about whether or not we are going to see results. The reality is that the system is very weak,” Greenidge added. Asked whether Government has reached out for international support, the Foreign Affairs Minister answered in the affirmative, “A member state from the international community is particularly interested in helping us in securing successful prosecutions and they have told us that they will help us when that time comes.” US envoy, Bryan Hunt, had made his views on this subject very clear during an exclusive interview with this publication. Hunt stressed that it is important for the Guyana Government to take action against those who stole or mismanaged state assets as documented in several forensic audit reports. The Deputy Chief of Mission said that he is indeed “alarmed” at the findings of the forensic audits which were launched by the coalition administration. Hunt said that he is worried
Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge anytime he observes the level of deep-seated corruption and lack of procedures that apparently existed. The envoy, who has served in Guyana for three years, said that he is not going to take a view on who is responsible for the state of affairs. He commented that that is for the courts and law enforcement officials to determine. Hunt said, however, that the fact that the audits have unearthed so many irregularities is alarming to
him, given that he represents a major international donor to Guyana. “And I would hope it is alarming to every Guyanese taxpayer, because a lot of that is basically your money that went missing which should have been used appropriately to benefit the people,” the official added. Hunt asserted that while Government needs to allow law enforcement officers to do their investigations, he is not suggesting in any way that the process of doing so needs to be rushed. The US diplomat said, “It has to be done systematically and the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) needs to do its investigations. We need to develop solid evidence that can successfully prosecute and convict those who were responsible for the irregularities and the missing money.” Hunt added, “We love to use the word irregularities, but what we are really talking about is theft. We need to figure out who stole the money. We need to figure out where it is and prosecute
those people and if you recover any money, then it is even better. I would love to see money brought back into the state treasury, but I think first and foremost you have got to convict those responsible. If you don’t, then there is no deterrent…” While noting that Government should make moves to prosecute those who were found to have been involved in various financial irregularities, the Outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission articulated that focus should also be placed on determining the vulnerabilities in the system “that allowed persons to be able to walk into a ministry and drive off with vehicles.” It was in May 2015 that the Granger-led administration began expending some $133M of taxpayers’ dollars on 45 of the 50 forensic audits to ascertain how the assets of the state were sold, disposed of or transferred under the previous administration. The remaining five audits were sponsored by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB). Over 20 forensic audit reports have been released thus far for the public to peruse.
Jagdeo urges Gov’t to release PPP contracts Bharrat Jagdeo, the Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C), is urging the David Granger-led Administration to release to the public and the media, several controversial contracts that were signed by the PPP/C. Jagdeo made this disclosure during a press conference hosted by the Party at its headquarters located on Robb Street, Georgetown yesterday. These contracts include one for the construction of the road to the Amaila Falls; the contract for the Marriott Hotel; the Speciality Hospital among other contracts. Jagdeo said that when A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) were in the opposition, they were pressing for the release of
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo these contracts which they had labelled as “corrupt.” Now that the proverbial shoe is on the other foot and the Coalition Government is claiming to walk the line of transparency, it should release these contracts to the public.
However, he did not disclose why the PPP never released them when that party was in Government. “In the light of the call for greater transparency by the President and the Minister of Finance, we have asked for all of the contracts that were signed by the PPP that they said were corrupt, to be released,” he said. The former President made reference to a particular contract – the Road to Amaila Falls which was undertaken by Makeshwar “Fip” Motilall. “You would recall that they said with the Fip Motilall contract – that is the road to Amaila Falls— that that was a corrupt deal. The government, now, is in the possession of these evaluation reports when that project went to tender. Will they now release the evaluation report for the road
to Amaila Falls to the public?” Jagdeo said that since it was deemed by the then opposition that the Specialty Hospital was corrupt, the Government which now has possession of the contract, should make it public and prove to the public that it was corrupt. He continued that the evaluation report for the Marriott Hotel should also be released since an evaluation
was also done after bids were submitted. “So in light of this, the Government – which claims that it (Marriott Hotel) was a corrupt deal, (has) now decided to expand the facility to put in the casino,”. The Opposition Leader continued that since the then Opposition had said that the PPP was sole-sourcing the supply of drugs from the New Guyana Pharmaceuticals
Corporation (New GPC), the pre-qualification evaluation report should also be released to the public and the media. The Coalition Government had made several attempts to release contracts that would have come under scrutiny. However, for several reasons – one being “confidentially clauses” these contracts never made it into the public domain.
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Thursday June 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
The Guyanese maritime industry moves … with respect to the recently to the next level opened Panama expansion project Guyana’s trade transaction costs and as a consequence its competitive advantage are inextricably linked to an effective and efficient Maritime Transportation Sector. I n c r e a s e d industrialization and trade liberalization have fuelled the acceleration of free trade. This, in turn, has resulted in technological advances with respect to Maritime Transportation buoyed by increases in world population
thereby increasing the demand for food, raw materials and finished products by both developed and emerging economies. The major international shipping lines have been responding to the increasing freight demand by constructing larger vessels, thereby realizing competitive advantages in terms of cost efficiency and transit times. This tendency is likely to continue and possibly escalate with the completion
of a number of mega projects. These developmental needs have resulted in major shifts in the global maritime transportation corridors evidenced by the expansion of the Panama Canal which has now been recently opened to the public; the construction of the Interoceanic Grand Canal Nicaragua project; the proposed Guatemala’s Interocean Corridor; transformation of Ports from
transshipment hub ports to Gateway Ports, facilitating last minute logistics; the recently completed Egyptian Suez Canal Facility and the corresponding upgrading of the US East Coast facilities; and finally the planned upgrade of the US Land Bridge between the US West and East Coast. These developments are already challenging Caribbean ports to undergo “a paradigm shift” with respect to cargo movement. For 90% of the containerized cargo imported into the Region, the containers are returned empty. This could present a challenge, as well as an opportunity. The global economic meltdown and associated financial crisis of 2008 has forced Regional Ports to reinvent themselves away from simply receiving, storing and delivery of cargo to assuming the role as an integral part of the global supply chain. The wider Caribbean is endowed with an opportunity of serving 800 million people covering North, Central and South America and all the Islands within the Caribbean Seas. Some of those ports currently being modernized to accommodate safe
berthing and efficient discharge of the newer post Panamax Mega Ships as well as accompanying logistical facilities are Kingston (Jamaica); Mariel (Cuba); Causedo (Dominican Republic); Point Lisas/Port of Spain (Trinidad); Freeport (Bahamas); Cartegena (Colombia) and Manzanillo (Panama). Guyana’s cargo demand for the foreseeable future is likely to be influenced by substantial increases in exports of traditional products including sugar, rice, timber, bauxite and other minerals and added value items derived from these. There is also likely to be corresponding increases in fertilizer and other imports to support the production and exports envisaged. Faced with the dual challenge associated with increased cargo demands and restrictive vessel specifications inclusive of draft and handling gears, the Guyana Maritime Sector would be continuously challenged to provide significant expansion/ implementation of effective and efficient management and operation of the Demerara and Berbice River Harbours and offloading berth.
This must include the establishment of transshipment hubs; capital and maintenance dredging; tugboats; navigational aids, fire fighting equipment and mooring buoys. Such major infrastructural machinery and equipment interventions are best addressed via Public/Private Partnerships. It therefore means that Guyana must also as a necessity and priority, implement a similar model that is best suited for the particular circumstances. Another major intervention is the need for the establishment and/or refurbishment of local shipyards. Such facilities become a necessity not only to provide shipbuilding and repair services to Ferries, Cargo Boats, Tugs and Barges, but also critical product support services for emerging sectors such as Oil and Gas. The other intervention is the strengthening of our Regulatory Institutions such as MARAD to ensure that there is adequate safety and security within the sector inclusive of enforcement of mechanisms that would allow for compliance to mandatory international standards and regulations such as the (continued on page 24)
Councillors not pursuing development of their respective constituencies - Mayor Chase-Green According to the Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green, councillors have not been looking to initiate projects that will advance the development of their respective constituencies. Only four councillors have come forward with projects aimed at developing and improving their areas. The Mayor stated that those four councillors are Malcolm Ferreira, Monica Thomas, Sophia Whyte and Winston Harding. She said that instead of going behind other Council members’ backs to investigate their personal lives and that of their family members the councillors should be pushing for projects such as cleaning drains and improving roads or bridges in their communities. Councillor Harding, she noted, has already initiated the project of cleaning the East Ruimveldt canal. “There is nothing else; no one else has brought anything for us to look at.” “It is unfair that after three months, you find time to do idleness instead of moving the city forward. None of them has said to me so far, and they have all the negatives to say, but they have not said to me positively how we can move the city forward. “None of them have asked for the 2016 budget, a budget that they have to be a part of spending.” The Mayor continued that she told the Town Clerk that they need to hold another
Mayor Patricia Chase-Green
workshop so that the councillors can fully understand what their roles are and how they could move the city forward. “You’re representing a constituency, you have to be part of something, but no they’re not there for that, they’re there to tear each other down and I will not be a part of that.” “If the majority of the council is willing to work and move forward, we’re going to move the city forward, those who have reservations and can’t move on; well the council has to move on.”
Thursday June 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Ministry to release 2016 The gov’t is not NGSA results Tuesday fooling anyone Those anxious for the results of the 2016 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) which was written in April, will have to wait a few days longer before they are officially released by the Ministry of Education. According to the Ministry, the results will be released on Tuesday July 5, 2016. The NGSA assessment is one that helps to determine the secondary level schools at which candidates will be placed. The marking of the assessment was slated to be completed in May. Approximately 14,500 candidates participated in the assessment this year. The subject areas in which they participated were Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies. Although the assessment this year incorporated some changes, the Ministry had made it clear that these were related to the question paper and answer sheets and not to structure or format of the questions on the question paper. To clarify this development, the Ministry had explained that while each of the four subjects written in the NGSA continues to have two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2) as it relates to candidate information, the two papers require different sets of information. For paper one, the answer sheets the candidate information –candidate name and identification number – were already printed or ‘preslugged’. The candidates, however, were required to write/sign their names as a mechanism to ensure that the candidate for whom the paper was prepared was actually
the one who answered the questions. But, according to the Ministry, this would have had no implications for marking since the Ministry this year decided to mark all answer sheets electronically. As it relates to paper two, the cover page of the answer sheet was bifurcated and perforated. The Test Code, Subject and Candidate Number were required on both sides. The Test Code and Subject were printed on while candidates were required to write in their Candidate Number. In addition to this, on the right half of the paper only, candidates were required to write the name of their school, their full name, date of birth and gender. The right side of the sheets were all detached prior to the commencement of the marking of paper two and retained for administrative purposes only. But the information required for the marking process, according to the Ministry, is the Test Code, Subject, and Candidate Number only. ”These are administrative mechanisms and will have no bearing on the marking process whatsoever,” the Ministry in a statement had insisted. Word of the changes to the assessment did not find favour with some factions. Former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, was among the fierce critics. She, in a statement, had disclosed that “it has come to my attention that the Ministry of Education in Guyana intends to change the manner in which the National Grade Six Assessment, or a part
thereof, is going to be written and marked.” She considered that this change will begin and occur at the 2016 exams scheduled for April 27 and 28, 2016 and condemned the Government for failing, refusing and neglecting to inform all the relevant stakeholders of the changes even up to mere weeks ahead of the assessment. She, moreover, emphatically questioned, “What precisely are the changes? Are our young children going to learn about these changes when they enter the examination room? Can they be expected to do their best in these conditions?” According to the former Minister too, “This type of lazy, contemptuous governance is what the nation is coming to expect of this incompetent government. In this instance, however, this is not acceptable, as it can severely, adversely affect the lives of our most valuable resource, our children.” She had speculated too that the changes were in fact the ones that the PPP/C government had begun to put in place and had publicly spoken of. But, according to her, these changes were never meant to be a secret, hidden from the children, their teachers and parents and sprung upon them as a surprise. The NGSA this year was written more than three weeks later than the previous years. The Ministry had extended the dates to allow teachers sufficient time to complete the Grade Six curriculum and give students additional time within which to prepare for the Assessments.
Dem boys seh ...
Round One: Trotman-10; Jagdeo-9 Fuh a long time dem boys know that cuss don’t have back door. Dem also know that nobody could cuss like Jagdeo. Well it look like Jagdeo pick pun de wrong man fuh cuss. He cuss Trotman and Trotman cuss him back. Jagdeo did sign an oil contract wid Exxon Mobil since Noah was cutting he eye teeth. That contract so old that de paper it write on loose up. Trotman know that times change so he decide that he gun let de people review it. He tell dem boys that after a time even laws does change so de contract had to change. Even dew constitution does change so what about a contract. But Jagdeo get vex. Dem boys suspect that he set up de contract suh that he and some of he kavakamites would benefit. Jagdeo probably sign a clause that seh that fuh
every barrel of oil that pull up, Jagdeo got to get a quarter. That is why he and de rest of dem was so vex when dem lose de elections. De same Jagdeo holler how de foreign embassies rig de elections fuh thief de oil. Since then, Jagdeo picking at everybody except Soulja Bai. He know who is scamp and who is thief. Trotman deal wid he case. Trotman tell dem boys that Jagdeo watch too much movie. Gold is up, diamonds are up, bauxite is up, timber is doing well and we’re about to declare oil so that is what has him vexed. That is money he can’t put he hand on. And like a rat he don’t want to see anybody get anything if he can’t get it. But Trotman got to be rat poison because he shut Jagdeo mouth. He call Jagdeo a scamp and a fortune hunter. Jagdeo know too that
when money start to flow he gun be history But dem boys want Soulja Bai to know that Trotman may be a good man but he got some people round him who looking like Jagdeo, talking like Jagdeo, smelling like Jagdeo and even thinking like Jagdeo. Dem just as wicked and scampish and he, Soulja Bai should know that these are de people who gun bring trouble pun he head. Dem got de one who tek over GRA. He do wickedness and run off to de States. Soulja Bai gun hear about him. But this story is about Jagdeo and Trotman. Yet Jagdeo is not de only twisted one. De goat man is another one. All of a sudden he know who incompetent. This is a man who sit down and people committing crime all round him and he can’t see. Talk half and score de round fuh Trotman.
The citizens of Georgetown did not vote for a Mayor. They voted to elect Councillors. It is the Councillors who picked from amongst themselves, the person whom they wanted to be their leader. If the Councillors have the power to freely elect their Mayor. They should have the power to ask that person to step down if the Council so feels. The Council is not a rubber stamp. The Councilors should have a say in the affairs of the Municipality. This is why they were put there. Half of them were elected as representatives of their constituencies. The other half is representing their parties or groupings. So far, of all the Councillors, only the Deputy Mayor and the groupings which had independent candidates on the Council have publicly expressed concern about the parking meter scandal. The PPP has called for consultations on the matter. It therefore means that at best only five of the 30 elected Councillors have publicly expressed reservations about the parking meter concern. What about the other 25 councilors? Where do they stand on the issue of the parking meters and the contract that was signed? Are they in agreement with how things were done? They should say. If they do not they will be playing right into the hands of those who feel that in time the controversy will blow over and the contract will stand. The strategy of those behind the deal is obvious. They will ride out the storm. Within two months, they feel that all the fuss will disappear and the Council will be free to go ahead with the contract. The issue of the parking meters should be discussed in Council. The decision to have parking meters should
not be a done deal. It must be sanctioned by the Council. The full Council must discuss this matter and arrive at a decision as to whether they will support the contract or disapprove it. If it disapproved, it will most likely see the resignation of those involved in its signing. This matter must be placed on the next agenda of the Council and must be exhaustively debated and voted upon. Right now, it is shocking that more councillors are not adding their voices of dissent to the manner in which this arrangement has been pursued. A contract was signed, the full Council was not aware of when it was signed. They should be aware of the details now and therefore be in a position to make a decision as to whether they will approve of it or sanction those who were involved in its signing. There are obvious legal implications involved. This is why the Councillors should take seriously the actions of those who signed it without the approval of the full Council. The majority of the Councilors may wish to preserve unity and therefore opt to remain silent at this time. This is not necessarily an understandable position. The coalition is one year old. There have been cracks before and these cracks within the coalition have forced action to bring parties together. Those who wish to remain silent are not doing the
coalition any good by their actions. Things are at a stalemate. It seems as if a decision is being awaited from the government. But the Council itself does not need the government to decide on the legality of the contract. They can ask a legal firm to give them an opinion on this. The issue is not one of legality. The issue is about transparency. The issue is about whether this measure is in the public interest. The issue is about whether citizens have gotten the best deal. The issue is about whether there is a need for parking meters. The government has sworn to protect the public interest. But it is only examining the legality of the contract, not how the parking meters will affect the pockets of citizens and the bottom line of businesses. What was preventing the government from undertaking a study to determine the effects of the parking meter contract on citizens and businesses? What is preventing them from doing that? The government is playing a game. It is acting for the sake of acting. Its actions do not address the issues of greatest concern to the public. And the government while claiming to act is also claiming not to interfere. The government is not fooling anyone.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday June 30, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Leadership: We and the White people In Guyana during the Burnham era, there was a song called, “Follow De Leadaah.” It was a kind of glorification of Burnham. But it would be inaccurate to say that only Burnham was invincible and omnipotent among PNC members. The same situation existed in the PPP with Cheddi Jagan and his wife Janet Jagan. The song, “Follow De Leadaah,” was composed when Burnham was President. It was virtually impossible for there to have been any questioning among party members of Burnham as President, Jagan as President, Hoyte as President. Once the leader is the President or Prime Minister, the opiate is to “follow de leadaah” never mind the leader may be destructive and self-destructive. One of the most horrendous cases of a self-destructive leader was that of Prime Minister Patrick Manning of Trinidad. No one in his party or on the Government bench dared to stand up to him. Right in the middle of his term, he chose to call a snap poll. There wasn’t any reason. The economy was doing alright. He had a parliamentary majority. There was nothing alarming taking place in the country. Manning was eccentric. He called the early election and lost. No one or no group within the PNM sought to remove him as Prime Minister because he had lost
touch with reality. Contrast the Manning scenario with British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. At the height of her global fame, with the American President, Ronald Reagan openly saying she was his favourite world leader, the Conservative Party removed her as head thereby bringing her Prime Ministership to an end. What happened in the UK with Mrs. Thatcher is unthinkable in the Third World. Now we have Brexit. Prime Minister, David Cameron, campaigned for the UK to stay in the EU. His party’s parliamentary group and the general membership were split. This definitely wasn’t a case of “Follow De Leadaah.” Can one imagine in the Third World, a Prime Minister campaigning for an issue while a big section of his Parliamentary party is on the opposite side of the campaign trail? The intoxicant and cult of “Follow De Leadaah,” would prevent that. Over in the US, Donald Trump who is running for the presidency of the Republican Party is facing a relentless pursuit among top Republican leaders to deny him the party nomination even though he won the primary stage of the context among Republicans. All indications are that if Trump becomes the US President, a significant group of Republican leaders will not accept his control over the
White House In Guyana, “Follow De Leadaah” never stopped playing even though President Burnham died in 1985. Much to his credit, Hamilton Green in Guyana remains, together with the challenge by two Ministers to Prime Minister Basdeo Panday in Trinidad, of examples where a sitting President (and Prime Minister) were challenged. We do not see that often in the Third World. It is a rarity. In Guyana, it was possible because Green was far more a figure of popularity in the PNC therefore he had both the resources and party personnel to challenge President Hoyte. The “Follow De Leadaah” syndrome played a deadly Frederick role in the loss of power by the PPP in the 2015 National Elections. After Ralph Ramkarran was ousted from the presidential contention for the 2011 national poll by Jagdeo, that put an end to any disagreement with President Jagdeo within the PPP hierarchy. After he lost the parliamentary majority in the 2011 General Elections, it was clear to most Guyanese that
Donald Ramotar was not a winnable candidate but he was selected again to represent the PPP in 2015 Had there been a serious challenge in the PPP pyramid to President Ramotar to step down in favour of a more presentable, elegant, suave, intellectually endowed candidate, it is possible the PPP may have won the 2015 elections. The results of the 2015 poll have psychologically devastated the PPP. The PPP lost the Parliamentary majority by one, just one ballot. In Region Eight, the Coalition won by one vote thus giving them the Region Eight parliamentary seat to enable them to govern by one seat. In the PR results, the Kissoon PPP lost by less than 5,000 votes. If Guyana was different and had a democratic tradition like the White man that we, Third World people are always cussing down, the PPP may have created history in 2015. But no one dared to confront a sitting President. After all, in Guyana you have to and you must “follow de leadaah.”
Thursday June 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Camp Street COI report ...
Guidelines should be crafted for the issuance of bail With a growing number of inmates on remand in overcrowded penal facilities the report on the Commission of Inquiry, (COI) into the recent Camp Street prison disturbances has highlighted the need for guidelines to be crafted for Magistrates and Judges with regard to the issuance of bail. The report outlined that when the ratio of remand to convicted prisoners was 30/ 70 in 2004, the Criminal Justice Review Committee (CJRC) had recommended that the disparity, inequity and inconsistency of Magistrates’ discretion could only be addressed by a Bail Act in order to achieve some degree of uniformity in the
grant of bail. Citing the 2004 recommendations the report said that in addition to legislation, a further recommendation from the CJRC called for specific guidelines to be crafted for Magistrates and Judges with regard to bail. “In light of the failure of this and a plethora of similar recommendations from all quarters to penetrate Magisterial practice, the Commission of Inquiry, COI is calling for more effective enforcement of such recommendations.” The document noted that bail is a constitutional right except in cases where the likelihood exists of the accused not appearing for the
trial for indictable offences. Murder and treason are the only charges for which bail is expressly denied. “In practice, however, Magistrates, in particular, are extending the discretionary powers they enjoy in indictable matters to routinely denying bail in summary offences.” “Rather than evidence that a person will not appear for trial, remand figures suggest that Magistrates are substituting a presumption of guilt for a presumption of innocence. As a result, twothirds of all prisoners in Camp Street are on remand (604/ 1014). Of the 604 remand prisoners in Camp Street, 193 (32%) are charged with
Road accident charge leads to drug trafficking conviction Robin Kawall, 32, who gave his address as Sideline Dam, Lusignan, and then 1416 Church Street, New Amsterdam, was on Wednesday found guilty of drug trafficking, when he appeared before Magistrate Rondel Weever, at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court. The case before the court was that on April 25, last, Kawall was proceeding west along the Bush Lot Public Road, West Coast Berbice, when he became involved in an accident, but failed to stop at the scene. The police gave chase and Kawall was intercepted at Plantation Rising Sun, and escorted to the Fort Wellington Police Station. He appeared in court the following day and pleaded guilty to the traffic offences that
included driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of the accident. He was fined a total of $57,500 with an alternative of three months in prison. According to Police Prosecutor, Constable Garfield Edwards, on the day in question, when the police were about to secure Kawall’s car, HC 5761, they discovered two bulky parcels in the trunk. The contents turned out to be marijuana weighing four thousand, three and fifty grams, and worth approximately $6.5M. Kawall who was represented by Attorney, Sasha Roberts, denied any knowledge of the substance in his car, but he was found guilty by the court, and was sentenced to three years in prison.
murder, the other 68%, overtwo thirds, are eligible for bail.” While the immediate cause of the abuse of bail procedures at the Magisterial level is most evident, the report outlined that the major obstacle remains a judicial culture in which bail is viewed as “a judicial gift.” As with sentencing, the very notion of a bail ‘policy’ or ‘guidelines’ is considered by the more conservative as an offensive ‘executive’ intrusion into judicial autonomy. “Such attitudes are consistent with bygone ages, in which notions such as democracy, human dignity and constitutional rights were foreign to the judicial culture. It has been patently clear to both Magistrates and defence Lawyers for some years that the back-log of cases in the Guyana courts is such, that the constitutional rights of the accused to a trial within a reasonable time is routinely violated. In addition to violating this constitutional right, refusal of bail violates all the rights associated with committal to overcrowded prisons. However, avoidance of unconstitutionality as a ‘special reason’ for bail in narcotics cases has not, to
our knowledge, ever been advanced in narcotics cases. Additionally the Commission said that the illustration of the lack of professional energy and standards in the administration of justice in both the Bar and Bench in Guyana is well exemplified by reference to bail in narcotics cases. “Refusal of bail in narcotics cases has become virtually clear in Guyana despite the obvious injustice involved and its significant contribution to over-
crowding of prisons.” “Section 73 of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Act 1999 Act precludes granting of bail in all cases unless ‘special reasons’ can be advanced. ‘Special reasons’ has been reduced in practice by both the Bar and Bench to issues related to the substance i.e. quantity, circumstances etc. without reference to the person of the accused, as pointed out in the CJRC Report referred to earlier,” the document stated.
PAGE 12
Oil find… By Jarryl Bryan Come November 2016, Guyana will be applying to become a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). This is to ensure that Government remains accountable and transparent to the people, while handling an impending multibillion dollar oil sector. According to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, Government is also looking at introducing key pieces of legislation that will ensure that not only is the surplus from the oil proceeds managed responsibly, but also legislation to mandate that a quota of Guyanese are hired by the oil companies. He made this disclosure following an EITI symposium at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre yesterday. Trotman was asked about the guarantees that would be in place to ensure that jobs coming from Exxon Mobil’s work would not just go to foreigners, as has happened to Guyana previously with foreign investors.
Thursday June 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Laws to mandate foreign investors hire - Consultations on Wealth Guyanese - Min. Trotman Fund likely before year end Trotman revealed that Government has been having talks with Exxon Mobil on the matter of local job creation and that the response has been favourable to the Guyanese cause. “We are looking at legislation to ensure that it is enforced,” the Minister said. “So this is something that is uppermost in our minds. (However while) it is easy to say that 100 percent of the jobs should go to Guyanese, there (might) be only three Guyanese in Guyana who could actually respond.” Trotman acknowledged that once there are people with skills available they should be given the first preference. “It’s based on several factors, one of them the dynamism of the market itself. As you look around Guyana, there are very few people who have the skills and so it’s going to be difficult now but certainly the University of Guyana and the Ministry of Education are gearing up. “(And) in another three to four years the University of Guyana is going to start
producing graduates with skills in the oil and gas sector.” SWF Asked about the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), Trotman stated that this fund is expected to play a key role in Guyana’s oil operations. He noted that between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Natural Resources, the fund will be established. “Some countries call it different names. Some call it a pension fund, some call it a heritage fund, but essentially this is one where the money for spending and infrastructural projects, for education, for better health care services, for roads, bridges, and airports in the interior would be stored.” He listed other ways in which the fund would impact the country, including the potential for it to be used for budget support and to keep the economy going. For instance, Trotman posited that if the price for oil per barrel were to dip too low (it currently hovers around $50 per barrel), Government
that Government was looking at other countries with SWF mechanisms. He identified Norway’s as one which stood out, but also flagged Trinidad and other new oil producing countries in Africa “We are looking to them and we will put something in place by the end of this year.”
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman could dip into the fund to ensure that there is no blowback on development. “And the third and most important function of the fund is to prepare for the future. So 200 years or 300 years from now Guyanese should be able to enjoy the wealth that we have because, like everything else, whatever is in that well is going to dry up in time. “So we don’t want to squander all of it now.” In formulating the fund’s mechanisms, Trotman noted
CONSULTATIONS While he could not be sure whether the legislation would be passed into law, he stated that it would certainly be brought to parliament for an open discussion. He pointed to events such as the EITI symposium and the chance to become a member of EITI as positive steps in the interest of transparency. “We intend to do briefings with stakeholders. We would like to be as open as possible. Of course, we will be briefing the parliamentary opposition, civil society, the press. “All of you should have a right to know and help us disseminate that information.” The legislative steps which Trotman identified would be taken as Guyana prepares to produce oil commercially, are just some of
the preparations underway. Another aspect is a workshop which is being coordinated by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) which is working to formulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed in case of oil spills. The proposed legislation will come after some unsavory experiences the country would have had with foreign investors not hiring Guyanese labour. Back in 2013, while the Marriott hotel was being constructed, the Guyana Trade Union Congress had cause to intervene because Chinese contractor, Shanghai Construction Group, was building the hotel on purely foreign labour. The previous administration had boasted that the project, which cost almost US$60 million, would create hundreds of jobs; but after months of construction and repeated visits, Guyanese labour was nowhere to be seen. Exxon Mobil is one of the world’s largest publicly traded international Oil and Gas Companies and with its coming, it is anticipated by many that there will be a demand for labour separate from the specialized workers.
Inmate reportedly beaten in NA Prison An inmate of the New Amsterdam Prison has made allegations against a number of prison officers claiming they physically assaulted him. Kaieteur News learnt of the alleged assault yesterday evening. The prisoner, Lennox Wayne, called Two Colours, said that the altercation stemmed from his relatives wanting to give him a quantity of razor blades. The items were given to a Constable, initially, who later informed Wayne that he will need to uplift the package from the prison administrators. Another Constable then informed Wayne that another police had the package. During this time, Wayne said, he was seated in the prison
reception room. The prisoner had in his hand a $5000 note which an officer attempted to relieve him of. According to Wayne’s account of the ordeal, he swallowed the money so as to prevent the officer from taking it. The displeased Constables reportedly proceeded to spray the inmate’s eyes with pepper spray. Unable to cope with the spray, Wayne said he then ran into the bathroom to wash off his eyes but was followed by the assaulting officer. Other officers supposedly joined the Constable and they began beating him with a baton. Due to the injuries he suffered a doctor was brought from the Georgetown Public Hospital to examine him.
Lennox Wayne, called Two Colours Wayne indicated that he refused to see the doctor. According to him he informed the top level prison officials that he prefers to be examined by a doctor from the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. This request was granted and the doctor recommended that an x-ray be conducted. According to Wayne, the x-ray revealed that he suffered a fractured hand and two broken fingers. He reported that the officers took away all his toiletries and supplies which his relatives would have brought for him. He is now contemplating private criminal action against the officers who beat him.
Thursday June 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
EU tells UK single market access requires full free movement
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is welcomed by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker ahead of a meeting at the EC in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. (Reuters) - European Union leaders met for the first time without Britain yesterday less than a week after it voted to leave, delivering a tough message that London can access the bloc’s lucrative single market only if it agrees to allow free movement for EU workers. Last week’s shock referendum vote to leave the EU has caused global financial market turmoil, sent the pound sterling tumbling and wiped billions off the value of British shares. Britain’s giant financial services sector, roughly 8 percent of its economy, relies crucially on access to the EU market. Prime Minister David Cameron, who campaigned to stay in the EU and lost, has announced his resignation and left it up to his successor to negotiate the terms of Britain’s exit. But leaders of the victorious Leave campaign have not spelled out in detail what sort of relationship they hope to build with Brussels, creating uncertainty about the future for both Britain and the rest of the bloc. Cameron, staying on as caretaker until a successor is found, told EU leaders at his final summit with them on Tuesday that he believed the referendum was lost over the principle of unrestricted travel among EU citizens. But free movement of workers is one of “four freedoms” — along with movement of capital, goods and services — that the EU says must be maintained by any country that wants access to its common market. The 27 leaders added a line to their summit statement at the last minute emphasizing that principle. They also called on Britain to trigger the EU’s exit clause by notifying them of its intention to withdraw, which would start a two year clock to negotiate its exit. “There can be no negotiations of any kind before this notification has taken place,” the statement said. Cameron wants time for his successor to formulate a strategy and sound out European colleagues before beginning the countdown. DIFFICULTTIMES Cameron, who had expressed regret and sadness at last week’s referendum result over dinner with his EU peers on Tuesday, told parliament the British economy faced hard times as a result. “There’s no doubt in my mind these are going to be difficult economic times,” he said. A senior British lawmaker, Andrew Tyrie, said Britain should not give official notice until a new government had agreed on a negotiating position. “A crucial task is to identify the maximum level of EU market access, consistent with the
need for some control on migration,” he said in a statement on behalf of the influential Treasury Select Committee. The battle to succeed Cameron as ruling Conservative Party leader is likely to be fought over promises to limit EU migration while still retaining as much access to the common market as possible after Brexit. One of the candidates to succeed Cameron, Stephen Crabb, said securing control of immigration was essential and acknowledged that might mean less access to the EU market. Work and pensions minister Crabb ruled out holding another referendum and said his Conservative Party and the country must now unite in focusing on negotiating the best Brexit deal. “The British people want control of immigration ... For us, this is a red line,” he told a news conference. Former London mayor Boris Johnson, who led the Leave camp and is bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Cameron, has suggested Britain could have full market access, including for the vital financial sector, without having EU rules enforced by the European Court of Justice or paying as much as London does now into the EU budget. He has also said British citizens would keep rights to live and work in Europe. His critics say his position is unrealistic. The political turmoil following Britain’s decision to exit the EU has not only triggered a leadership contest in Cameron’s ruling Conservative Party, it also caused lawmakers from the opposition Labour Party to turn on their leader, leftist Jeremy Corbyn, accused of leading a half-hearted campaign to stay in. Labour lawmakers voted no confidence in Corbyn on Tuesday, but he refused to step down, setting the stage for a bitter fight to push him out. Party rivals want a stronger figure to lead Labour in a general election if the Conservative government falls or parliament is dissolved. The UK itself could split apart. Voters in Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU, and Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said Scots must not be taken out of the bloc against their will. Sturgeon visited Brussels yesterday to make her case to European leaders to keep Scotland in, hours after Cameron had left. She got a polite hearing but won no commitment, and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of Spain, which is concerned about separatism in its own Catalonia region, said Madrid would block direct negotiations with Scotland. “If the United Kingdom leaves, Scotland leaves,” he said.
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Thursday June 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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 Rooms in Albertown – Call:225-3234 2 Bedroom apartment @ Section ‘A’ Sophia – Call: 219-1045; 625-0940
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TO LET Furnished 2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560
VACANCY One fitter machinist & one welder - Call: 613-1588; 234-0780 (Continued on page 23)
Thursday June 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Exxon Mobil Contract Review…
We have a right to review any contract - Trotman tells Jagdeo Moments after being criticised by the main Parliamentary Opposition’s Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, fired back. He described Jagdeo’s comments as nothing but “trash”. Earlier yesterday during a Press Conference hosted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at the party’s Headquarters in Robb Street Georgetown, Jagdeo heavily criticized the move made by Trotman to review the 1999 Exxon Mobil contract. The Opposition Leader told media operatives that the review of the contract will create a passage for corruption to enter into the Ministry. He claims that there is poor management of the Ministry by a “mediocre” and “incompetent “Trotman. Last evening Minister Trotman dismissed Jagdeo’s claims and said that the Government has a right to review any contract signed by the PPP Government and what Jagdeo is saying is nothing but trash.
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman. “The government has a right to review any contract that the PPP has signed. We have that right to do so and I think what they are worried about is when we start reviewing contracts, they will be embarrassed. So that is a right that we have as government,” Trotman said. Jagdeo also stated that it
always raises concern when Ministers or politicians involve themselves in negotiations with companies, particularly oil companies. Such engagements he added, lead to politicians selling out national interest. He called on the Minister to explain the reason for the review and state whether more concessions will be given. Jagdeo explained that the oil and gas sector will be an important sector and the State should get the best agreement possible. Trotman dismissed the Opposition Leader. He said that he would never expect to hear anything better from Jagdeo. “Jagdeo being a Former President and “attacking” a ministry is an indication that the “ministry is hurting him”. “Gold is up, diamonds are up, bauxite is up, timber is doing well and we’re about to declare oil so that is what has him vexed.” Trotman also stated that Jagdeo may be “upset” because the Norwegians ignored his request to cut off the Norway funds from Guyana. He indicated that Norway has in fact, decided to continue.
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VACANCY (HOUSEKEEPER/COOK) required for Indian Nationals in GuySuco Scheme, Turkeyen, Police Clearance mandatory after shortlisting. Call: 686-7786
Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. “So he cannot point to any sector; any component of the Natural Resources saying that it is in trouble. He can say what he wants; we are well advised; we have international experts advising us but we will exercise our rights as a sovereign state and as a government. He is no longer President. He is the leader of the opposition and he has to remember who he is. So let him earn his salary there,” Trotman said. The Minister concluded if Jagdeo is serious about debating this issue in Parliament, he is most welcome to “any day”.
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. Professional cosmetologist at Natural Beauty Salon & Spa, 110 Grove, Market Street E.B.D– Call: 652-5800
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Thursday June 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
GPL to build four more sub-stations, upgrade six existing ones The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is moving to the second phase of a major infrastructure development project that will see the construction of four more sub-stations, upgrades to six existing ones and the running of some 47 kilometers of transmission lines. In an Invitation for Bids published Sunday in Kaieteur News, GPL disclosed that it is moved to Phase Two of the Infrastructure Development Project. The project will follow the first phase where seven substations were built along the coastlands and with the stringing of new transmissions lines along with a built-in fibre-optic cable. That project was commissioned in late 2014 at a cost of over US$40M The monies are part loan and part grant, of around US$65M, coming from the Inter-American Development Bank and the European Union. The bidders for this second phase are invited for the engineering, design, manufacturing, inspection,
supply, installation, testing and commissioning of four new 69kV/13.8kV substations. These facilities will be located at Williamsburg, East Coast Berbice; Kuru Kururu, East Bank Demerara; Canal 2,West Bank Demerara and Hydronie, Parika, East Bank Essequibo. The project will also see the extension and upgrade of six existing sub-stations- Number 53 Village East Coast Berbice; Kingston, Sophia and Garden of Eden, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara and Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice. It will also involve the running of approximately 47 km of 69 kV Transmission Lines from Vreed-en-Hoop substation to Canal 2 substation -10.5km; Edinburgh substation to Hydronie-Parika substation — 19km; Garden-of -Eden to Kuru Kururu -12.5 km and Kingston to Sophia-5km. The GPL notice indicated that the contractor will be selected via an international competitive bidding process. The bidders must attend a mandatory pre-bid meeting to be
held over two days on Tuesday July 26th 2016 and Wednesday July 27th 2016. The US$65M project is part of an overall effort to reduce losses while at the same time increase GPL’s efficiency. The project is designed to ready GPL for the coming of hydroelectric power. IDB had said that reducing overall electricity losses can improve GPL’s financial performance, while alleviating the government’s fiscal commitments with regards to the energy sector. IDB said that the country is expecting a significant increase in electricity consumption during the next decade as a result of the growth of its residential and commercial sectors and the expected return of large customers to the national power grid. “The Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP) is designed as a holistic, integrated approach to support GPL with financing for critical infrastructure investments and technical support for GPL’s key business areas. This support should increase GPL’s overall performance, reinforce GPL’s operational capabilities, and the
achievement of a sustained trend in overall loss reduction.” To date, it will be among the most challenging of projects for GPL which over the years has been concentrating mostly on increasing its generation to meet growing demands. Because of the absence of cash, it had led to critical infrastructure, like transmission lines and transformers being affected, with no new investments. There have been fears that GPL’s current infrastructure, because of its leaky lines, transformers and equipment, would not have been ready to take off increased power, including from any hydro electric project, leading to waste and losses. Theft of electricity has also been a major concern with the project expected to introduce new technology to address this. The previous governments had introduced a number of new power plants with the most recent at Vreeden-Hoop, West Demerara. The PUUP project would be seen as a major shift in GPL’s attention, from finding monies for new generators to improving its efficiency;
GPL has invited bids for the construction of four more sub-stations and the upgrade of six existing ones reducing losses in the process. GPL has around 170,000 customers on the coast. Losses including technical and commercial had been a worrying 30 percent for GPL. Studies have found that weaknesses in the distribution network increase technical losses, due to the low capability of handling the distributed energy and also hinder efforts to reduce commercial losses, due to lack of antifraud type installations and adequate control
support. It has been noted that these factors, together with low technical and executing capacities of GPL, high costs of generation and constraints to raise already high tariffs, contribute to poor financial results and constrain capital expenditures, among other undesired consequences. GPL is currently moving to build a new power plant on the Essequibo coast with invitations this week for clearing of the site at Anna Regina.
UG wants Govt. to provide emergency funding The University of Guyana Education Resource Ambassadors are calling on the Government of Guyana to provide emergency funding to arrest the further deterioration of the University. The ambassadors issued a resolution last Tuesday highlighting the several issues which they believe deserve immediate action. Upon visiting both the Tain and Turkeyen campuses, the Ambassadors reported their dismay at the degradation which was allowed to occur over the years. The Ambassadors, comprising both resident and overseas-based Guyanese alumni of UG, recognized in their statement that the deterioration of landscape and physical infrastructure of the Turkeyen Campus should be reversed. It was highlighted that both staff and students are forced to work in unhealthy and unsafe environments. The Ambassadors expect that funding be provided to increase the salaries of staff. “The faculty and staff are woefully underpaid, demotivated and constrained in poor conditions.” The representatives also expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of resources at the campuses. It noted that this deficit is adversely affecting the delivery of education. “The
- cites critically deteriorated conditions at campuses
Participants in the First Conference of Education Resource Ambassadors university is seriously underprovided with materials, equipment and technologies necessary for its effective functioning.” It was highlighted in the resolution that there are numerous members of Government, the political opposition, private, public sector and civil society who would have attended the premiere tertiary institution. It is expected that these individuals recall their roots and step up to offer the support which the university needs. The representatives are
calling on the immediate intervention of President David Granger and Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine to publicly pledge adequate and sustained funding for the restoration of the national institution as a source of national pride. The Conference of Education Resource Ambassadors was initiated with the mandate of providing resource assistance to the University. It was the brainchild of the university’s Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ivelaw Griffith.
The VC had mentioned during his first press conference since assuming office that the government alone cannot be expected to provide all the funding which the university needs hence his outreach to the alumni of UG. At the first conference of ambassadors held on June 25 at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, the participants were able to raise a total of US$70,000. Added to finances, s c holarship funds and overseas assistance were pledged.
The three-day conference was held under the theme “Dreaming Resources, Doing
Resources”. A follow-up conference is expected to be held within a year’s time.
The Guyanese maritime ... From page 8 IMO’s, ISPS Code and other emerging Environmental Management Systems. The reduction of trade transaction costs and time is an absolute necessity. Finally it is indeed an anomaly that in Guyana (Land of Many Waters) there exists no dedicated Skills Development Training Facility specifically geared to
the needs of the Maritime Industry. Such a facility must form the basis of any modern Maritime Services and Logistics Sector in Guyana. Business Support Organizations such as the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) must of necessity become more proactive in leading the way in taking the sector to the next level. (CLINTON WILLIAMS)
Thursday June 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Brazil could dismiss Rousseff the day before Olympics ends
(Reuters) - Brazil’s Senate could take its final vote on the impeachment of suspended President Dilma Rousseff the day before the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, a senior lawmaker said yesterday. Senate President Renan Calheiros told journalists the final vote in Rousseff’s impeachment trial was scheduled for around Aug. 20. If she is found guilty of breaking budgetary rules to help win re-election, Brazil’s first female leader would be permanently replaced by interim President Michel Temer, her former deputy. The Rio Olympics, the first games to be held in South America, are set to open on Aug. 5. They were intended to showcase an economic boom that has fizzled amid political turmoil, concern about an outbreak of the Zika virus and Brazil’s deepest recession since the 1930s. Brazil’s Senate voted on May 12 to put Rousseff on trial and a committee that has
been hearing testimony from witnesses is expected to present its findings to the plenary on Aug. 9. “The final judgment ... should come around Aug. 20,” Calheiros said. The closing ceremony of the Olympics will be held on Aug. 21. His estimate contradicted a report in newspaper O Globo on Wednesday that the vote would be held after the Olympics in late August. The paper cited advisers to Supreme Court Chief Justice Ricardo Lewandowski, who will preside over the trial. Newspaper surveys of senators suggest Rousseff is likely to be found guilty and dismissed from office. Temer needs to confirm Rousseff’s ouster as quickly as possible to gain legitimacy for tough measures to salvage Brazil’s tanking economy, which has sapped revenue for public services. A budget crisis in Rio de Janeiro’s state government has fueled concerns about readiness to host the global
sporting event. With its economy hard hit by a slump in oil prices, Rio de Janeiro state declared a financial emergency this month and has appealed to the federal government for 2.9 billion reais ($891 million) in budgetary support. The acting state governor, Francisco Dornelles, told O Globo on Monday that the payment, approved last week, had not yet been received and warned that the Olympics could be a “big failure” if certain steps were not taken. Dornelles was optimistic the Games would be a success but said police patrols could run out of money for fuel as soon as the end of this week without the federal aid. Some 85,000 police and soldiers are due to be deployed in Rio during the Olympics to ensure security. Some 500,000 visitors are expected to attend the games. Adding to security concerns in Rio, parts of a mutilated body washed up on the sands of Copacabana Beach on Wednesday, a short distance from the Olympic beach volleyball arena. In another major headache for organizers, a metro line meant to carry visitors to the Barra area of western Rio where the Games will be held has not been completed and federal funds to finish it have not yet been disbursed. Recent terrorist attacks abroad also led Transportation Minister Maurício Quintella to call for stepped up security at Brazilian airports, especially Rio’s Galeao International. “Clearly when you have attacks in Brussels and Istanbul in the public areas that raises alarm and increases the concerns of the government and all those involved in the Olympics,” Quintella told journalists yesterday.
Thursday June 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
China slams South China Sea case as court set to rule (Reuters) - An international court said yesterday it would deliver a hotly anticipated ruling in the Philippines’ case against China over the South China Sea on July 12, drawing an immediate rebuke from Beijing, which rejects the tribunal’s jurisdiction. The United States, which is a close ally of the Philippines and is concerned about China’s expansive South China Sea claims, reiterated its backing for The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration and urged a peaceful resolution of the dispute. Manila is contesting China’s historical claim to about 90 percent of the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Several Southeast Asian states have overlapping claims in the sea and the dispute has sparked concerns of a military confrontation that could disrupt global trade. In a lengthy statement after the court’s announcement of the July 12 ruling date, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Manila’s approach flouted international law. “I again stress that the arbitration court has no jurisdiction in the case and on the relevant matter, and should not hold hearings or make a ruling,” he said. “The Philippines’ unilateral lodging of the South China Sea arbitration case is
contrary to international law.” He said: “On the issue of territory and disputes over maritime delineation, China does not accept any dispute resolution from a third party and does not accept any dispute resolution forced on China.” In Manila, presidential communications secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said the Philippines “expects a just and fair ruling that will promote peace and stability in the region”. U.S. state department spokeswoman Anna RicheyAllen reiterated U.S. backing for the court. “We support the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea, including the use of international legal mechanisms such as arbitration.” China’s official Xinhua news agency said the court was a “law-abusing tribunal” that had “widely contested jurisdiction.” It said the case would only worsen the dispute. “Manila fails to see that such an arbitration will only stir up more trouble in the South China Sea, which doesn’t serve the interests of the concerned parties in the least,” it said. The case “even threatens to further complicate the issue by giving certain parties in the disputes the false impression they could profit by deliberately creating chaos”, Xinhua added.
China’s bases its South China Sea claim on a so-called “Nine Dash line” stretching deep into the maritime heart of southeast Asia and covering hundreds of disputed islands and reefs, rich fishing grounds and oil and gas deposits. The Philippines argues that China’s claim violates the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and restricts its rights to exploit resources and fishing areas within its exclusive economic zone. U.S. officials are worried China may respond to what is widely expected to be a negative ruling for Beijing by declaring an air defense identification zone in the South China Sea, as it did in the East China Sea in 2013, and by stepping up its building and fortification of artificial islands. U.S. officials say that beyond diplomatic pressure, the U.S. response to such moves could include accelerated “freedom-of-navigation” patrols by U.S. warships and overflights by U.S. aircraft as well as increased defense aid to southeast Asian countries. China has accused the United States of “hyping” the issue and warned in May that international complaints about its actions in the South China Sea would snap back on its critics. But it has largely avoided specific threats of how it might respond to the arbitration ruling.
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North American leaders vow to boost trade despite threats OTTAWA (Reuters) Canada, the United States and Mexico yesterday vowed to deepen their economic ties, pushing back against antifree-trade sentiment that has shifted political debate in the United States and Europe. The three nations are member of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has vowed to renegotiate or scrap if he wins November’s election. U.S. President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Enrique Pena Nieto, meeting at a “Three Amigos” summit in Ottawa, said an efficient North American economy was vital for creating goodpaying, middle-class jobs. “We will build upon this strong trilateral economic relationship, and further facilitate trade among our three countries, and improve the networks that allow us to produce products and services together,” they said in a statement. Trump says free trade has been disastrous, costing thousands of U.S. jobs and depressing wages. Similar complaints were heard in Britain ahead of a surprise referendum vote last week to leave the European Union and its free trade area. Obama and Pena Nieto stressed the importance of the relationship between the United States and Mexico, which has come under strain amid heated U.S. campaign rhetoric, and Obama invited the Mexican leader for a last visit to Washington before Obama’s term ends in January. “Isolationism cannot bring prosperity to a society,” Pena Nieto said after talks with Obama. Later, at the news conference, Pena Nieto warned of the dangers of populism in a globalized world and defended comments earlier this year in which likened Trump to Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. “Hitler, Mussolini, we all know the result,” he said when asked to explain the comparison. “It was only a call for reflection and for recognition, so that we bear in mind what
From left: Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama shake hands while posing for a photo at the North American Leaders’ Summit in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, yesterday. (Reuters/Chris Wattie) we have achieved and the great deal still to achieve.” The summit, Trudeau’s first and Obama’s last, could be the final harmonious one between the three countries if Trump wins the White House. Trudeau, who has generally steered clear of commenting on Trump’s remarks since taking power last November, said that regardless of rhetoric the three nations would continue to have tremendously close relations. Obama has strongly criticized Trump in recent weeks and took aim at the
Republican’s promises to clamp down on what he says is out-of-control illegal immigration. The United States, he said, acknowledged public fears about the uncontrolled arrival of foreigners and had worked hard to secure its borders, helping cut illegal immigration to its lowest level since the 1970s. “America is a nation of immigrants. That is our strength ... The notion that we would somehow stop now on what has been a tradition of attracting talent and
strivers and dreamers from all around the world, that would rob us of the thing that is most special about America,” he said. Protests over immigration have also been seen in Britain in the wake of the socalled Brexit vote last week, which at one point wiped more than $2 trillion off global equity markets and dealt a huge blow to the EU. Obama said he expected the world economy would be steady in the short run but added: “I think there are some genuine longer term concerns about global growth if in fact Brexit goes through and that freezes the possibilities of investment in Great Britain or in Europe as a whole.” Trump also opposes the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was signed in February but may not be ratified by the United States given increasing domestic re-
sistance. Obama said on Wednesday he was committed to ensuring the pact contained high labor and trade standards. One obstacle to free trade is the dumping of products at artificially low prices, and Trudeau, Obama and Pena Nieto said they agreed on the need for the governments of all major steel-making nations to address excess capacity. Although they did not single out any country, the United States has acted several times to prevent dumping of some Chinese steel products. The three have pledged to produce 50 percent of their nations’ electricity from clean energy by 2025. The North American countries plan initiatives including cutting power waste by aligning 10 appliance efficiency standards or test procedures by 2019, the White House said.
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Thursday June 30, 2016
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Smith, Kane lead Phantom to victory Millington’s introduction was... From page 35 never an easy task to run a club at this level with the aim of fully professionalizing it. He shared his understanding that it is a lot of investment and financial strain on club owner Javid Ali whom he also complimented for his vision in shaping the entity whilst crossing the many hurdles that have come their way. ”I’m hoping that sponsors come on board to assist with this programme. It’s a very serious and important programme for Guyana’s football. Most of the players are senior national team players and the club has done so much for them, not only giving them a salary but helping to develop them into becoming better players to represent Guyana.
Players in action at Turning Point Tony Smith and Andrea Kane marked 16 games each as Phantom chalked 69 games to win their latest round match when the Turbo Power Plus dominoes tournament continued on Tuesday night at Turning Point. Turning Point placed second with 66 games while Rage finished third on 56. Monty Tyrell and Clifton Wallace got 15 apiece for
Turning Point, while Mark Welch made 15 and Shawn Morgan 14 for Rage. The tournament will conclude on August 1 at the National Gymnasium. The winning team will take home a trophy, 9 medals and $500,000, the runner up will pocket a trophy, 9 medals and $200,000 and third place a trophy, 9 medals and $100,000.
Thursday June 30, 2016 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Don't give your heart too readily. Expect to have problems with the ones you love. Sit back. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Your self confidence will attract members of the opposite sex Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with, but try to do things by the book. You may cause a fuss if you come on too strongly in public. GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) You may find your mate somewhat perturbed. Balance is required if you want stability. You're in the mood to spend money. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You will be able to dazzle others with your obvious charm and your outgoing nature. You can make money through your creative efforts. Do your own thing. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are apparent. You must consider yourself for a change. You can expect changes at your work place. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Stay out of other people's affairs. Someone you live with may cause drastic alterations in your usual routine. Try to be reasonable.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Make arrangements to spend quality time together. Your personal partner may be less than willing to accommodate you today. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Don't settle for less than the best. Groups and organizations that indulge in social events to raise money will be conducive to meeting new and exciting lovers. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided. Stay mellow. Limitation could set in if you've been spending too much. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Children may cause limitations. Uncertainties about your home may cause tension. You may want to take a look at your direction in life. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Romance and social activity will be a promising combination. You need time to think things through. Don't hold back. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Sports, physical fitness programs, exercise in general will make you feel better and show some pretty quick results. Someone you live with may cause drastic alterations in your usual routine.
Sometimes it has become so much of a burden to Mr Ali; I know that in my discussions with him. So I’m appealing to corporate Guyana to come on board and support this successful programme. Our sportsmen need the kind of support not only from individuals but from companies and groups. I know football is in dire straits in this country in terms of a major financial injection that is sustained.” Kudos was extended by Wilson to Ansa McAl under their Stag brand for their investment in the SEL as well as COURTS Guyana Inc., E-Networks and Knight Rider Bus Service for stepping up and showing what can be achieved with a collective effort.
More sponsors roll in for... From page 36 old race goes home with a $200,000 bonus. The jockeys piloting the animals first across the finish line in those events will all ride away with an extra $50,000. Most of the top Horses in the country have already given an indication to be a part of the day’s programme. The feature event is for animals classified “A” and lower with a mouthwatering winning prize of $4M and the Guyana Cup Trophy from a total package of $8 M in total over 1600M. The other placers in that event will also be handsomely rewarded. In the Co-feature 1600M event for 3 yrs. old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies, the organizers have put up a mouthwatering $2M and trophy. The Two year old event for West Indies Bred horses which has its first prize tagged at $1M and trophy, will be run over 1000M. The horses running in the E class and lower event also has a lucrative $1M first prize money available over 1300M. The G3 and lower race is also a 1300M gallop with the winner getting an encouraging $700,000 and trophy. The H and lower 1400M race has a winning pocket of $500,000 and trophy. The animals classified J and K and lower will race for $350,000 and trophy over 1100M. The L class 1000M race has a winning purse of $250,000 and trophy. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer
will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers and Trophy Stall. The event will be held under
the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed Jnr. (Samuel Whyte)
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Guyanese Baker shows all-round worth in Canadian Cricket A solid all-round performance from Malteenoes player Elton Baker who grabbed 3-40 from 10 impressive overs before stroking an unbeaten 84, spearheaded Civics to an emphatic seven-wicket win over Sheridan at King City last Sunday in Canadian Elite division 50-over cricket competition. The 28-year-old Baker hit 11 fours in his commanding knock and shared in a 78-run second wicket stand with Krishna Deosarran. Deosarran, a 28-year-old left-hander from Lusignan, reached the boundary seven times cleared it once in an entertaining 52 as the Guyanese pair helped Civics to 184-3 from 42.1 overs replying to 180 all out made by Sheridan for their first win in five matches. The partnership was broken when Rakesh Viren struck twice in two balls to leave Civics on 136-3. Deosarran edged a catch to the Keeper and Avin Ankush was bowled for a first ball duck. But Baker continued to time the ball sweetly and was there at the end, 16 short of what would have been a well deserved century. Viren, who took the first wicket to break the 61-run opening stand between Baker and Imran Hassan (15), finished with 3-43 in a losing cause. Sheridan won the toss and elected to bat in sunny conditions on a good turf pitch for batting, but only Asraf Hamza, who top-scored
Krishna Deosarran with 42 batting at number seven offered any prolonged resistance for Sheridan. After opening bowler Danny Maaz reduced Sheridan to 12-2, Baker stuck at 46-3 and Sheridan never recovered despite the gutsy rearguard batting from Hamza was eventually LBW after facing 99 balls. Maaz supported with 3-34 from his 10. With 10 games remaining in the league, Civics will be hoping that last Sunday’s win will kick start their momentum to qualify for the play-offs which start in late September. (Sean Devers)
Digicel Schools Football Championship...
Tenacious Christianburg/ Wismar hold off New Silver City to reach Region 10 final Displaying the tenacity of champions, Christianburg / Wismar rebounded from a dismal first half performance to escape with a 2-0 win over a determined New Silver City Secoindary to advance to the final of the Region 10 Zone of this year’s Digicel Schools Football Championship. The encounter, which was played yesterday at the Wisburg ground, saw the champs squander numerous chances in the opening period, before netting two goals, one of which has to be ranked as one of the best so far in the competition courtesy of a flying header by Shaquille Campbell in the 63rd minute, before Brian Johnson scored in similar fashion from a goal mouth melee two minutes later to seal the victory and
RHTYSC, MS Cricket teams to organise Rose Hall Town 46th Anniversary Town Week With a proven track of record of successfully organising major programmes, Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS and its eight cricket teams have been chosen to organise the 2016 Rose Hall Town Week. The Club was the choice of all the councillors present during the voting process to spearhead the township’s 46th anniversary celebration during a two weeks period in the month of September. The eight cricket teams to organise the packed two weeks agenda would be the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Rose Hall Town Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermiade, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under 21 and First Division teams. They will be supervised by the Club’s Educational and Public Relations Committee and the Over-35 group of the Club. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the RHTYSC, MS was delighted to be selected to organise the township’s 46th anniversary and as usual would work beyond the call of duty to make the events memorable for each resident of Guyana’s smallest township. The RHTYSC, MS in 2007 had co-organised the event which to date has been described as the best ever.
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Kaieteur News
Hilbert Foster The long standing Secretary/CEO stated that the main objectives of the two weeks activities would be to celebrate the township’s tradition and developments, to promote the Say No to Drugs, Suicide, Crime and Yes to Education, Life and Sports message, to attract tourists to Rose Hall Town, to assist youths to choose their future careers and to recognise the contribution of outstanding residents of Rose Hall Town. The confident 2011 Sports Personality of the Year Awardee stated that the Rose Hall Town 2016 Anniversary celebration would be the best ever organised by any township in Guyana. The activities planned for the anniversary are an Opening Ceremony and Concert, Inter faith religious Service,
Spelling Bee Competition for Primary Schools, Essay Competition for Secondary Schools, 20/20 Cricket Tournament, 5 a side Football Tournament, Volleyball and Basketball Tournaments, Steel band musical Concert, Medical Outreach programme, Opening of Family Recreational Park, Youth Career and Business Fair, Public Exhibition on the Township, Launching of a 40 page booklet on the History of Rose Hall Town, honouring of residents over the age of 85years, feeding the poor, a youth inspirational forum and a Day of Sports. In addition, the Club with assistance of overseas based residents of the town, will decorate the entire township with flags and banners while large depictions of the logo
for the 46th anniversary would also be on display. The energetic Foster also disclosed that a local Rose Hall Singer is currently working on composing a 46th anniversary theme song and jingle. Several 46th anniversary souvenirs would also be prepared for residents of the township including pens, mugs, and keyrings among others. The opening ceremony on Wednesday 21st of September is expected to feature a March past featuring close to 700 persons. A special half hour Television Documentary on the township would also be unveiled during the opening ceremony, while the organisers would also honour outstanding students at the Grade 6 national examinations. Foster issued a special invitation to residents of the Township to work together with the Club to make the event a memorable one and to ensure that Rose Hall Town is promoted throughout the country in a positive way. Residents are encouraged to call the Club Office on 3374562 or email foster_hilbert @yahoo.com for further information. The highlight of the two weeks celebration is expected to be the Youth Career and Business Fair, which is expected to attract close to over 100 NGO’s, schools, businesses, Government Agencies and Overseas service organisations.
set up a mouth watering clash against a formidable Kwakwani side. The first period saw both teams’ waste early chances with the defending champions failing to take the lead after the usually reliable Omar Brewley missed from the penalty spot with the opposition goalkeeper bringing off a brilliant save to parry the ball on to the crossbar, before it rebounded into tounch for a corner. Shortly after, New Silver City had two cherries to bite on but on both occasions poor finishing kept the contest scoreless as players in one on one situations fired tame shots straight at the goalkeeper. The half came with no team managing to get on the scoresheet and the fair-sized crowd knew the second period had to be explosive and it was. First Christianburg / Wismar came out in attacking
mode and went near on a few occasions with Brewley and Johnson firing just outside the uprights. Substitutions by the reigning title holders were the answer with Campbell very early showing the kind of desire as one of the newcomers to the team. He sprinted on to a cross from the left side and with the proper impulsion delivered a bullet-like header into the right corner to give his side the lead. Bouyed by their initial success and ozzing with confidence, it was another substitute that gave them the cushion they searched for in Johnson, who leaped high in the air to head home a high bouncing ball in the goal area to make it 2-0. After that it was smooth sailing for the champs and they coasted to the end of regulation to set up a date with Kwakwani on July 4.
Hyman shines in T&T
Dillon Hyman displays his accolades.
Guyanese Dillon Hyman turned in an outstanding performance to win the traditional kata and weapons in the classic tournament which was held recently in Trinidad and
Tobago. Hyman placed second in sparring and third in open kata. His next assignment is in the Dragon Cup which will be staged on July 31 in the twin island republic.
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GMMAKA excels at Best of the Best Mixed Martial Arts Karate Championship The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association (GMMAKA) competed at the Best of the Best Martial Arts Karate Championship on Sunday last and achieved encouraging results with all six students that competed well. The students were under the charge of Master Lloyd Ramnarine; five (5) from Black Cobra Karate and the other from Iron Fist Karate Club. Asif Ramjohn of Black Cobra Karate Club copped gold medals in the 8 – 10 traditional Kata and Weapon forms, while Jaffar Ramnarine in the Free form Kata also won gold. Zafar Ramnarine in the 11 – 15 Black belt category earned silver in the traditional Kata while Alliyah Ramnarine earned the bronze. In the 35 and over there were silver medals for Ms Norlyne Paul in the traditional form
The GMMAKA contingent that participated at the Best of the Best Martial Arts Karate Championship.
RHTYSC, M.S Cricket teams continues to make a positive difference The eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and sports Club, MS on Friday last continued to make a positive impact on communities drawn across the ancient county. The teams – Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermiade, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under 21 and First Division handed over donations to the Ithaca, Blairmont and Genderland Community and Social Development Group of Region 5, the Port Mourant Primary School, Tain Primary School and the Kendall Union Sports Club of No.19 Village, Corentyne. The Ithaca, Blairmont and Genderland Group received a financial donation along with a supply of first aid kits, Cricket coaching kits, trophies, educational promotion aids, footballs and cases of drinks for a father ceremony. The Port Mourant and Tain Primary Schools received trophies for their upcoming graduation ceremonies while the Kendall Union Sports Club received trophies, exercise books and Medals to honour five outstanding students in the No.19 Area. The Club also received 12 personal first aid kits from the RHTYSC, MS. Secretary/CEO of the RHTYSC, MS and Executive Member Mark Papannah met the executive members of the Ithaca, Blairmont and Genderland Group and shared
advice with the recently formed group. Foster pledged that the RHTYSC would assist the group to fulfil its mandate and urged the executives to develop a culture of honesty, hard work and dedication to assisting those less fortunate than themselves. The RHTYSC, the long standing Secretary/CEO is the only youth and sports organisation in Guyana that works beyond the call of duty to assist other organisations to fulfil their mandate. Stating that the Club would continue to assist others in the future, he urged other established NGO’s to follow in its footsteps in an effort to get youths involved in sports and promoting the importance of education. Treasurer of the Ithaca, Blairmont and Genderland Social and Community Group,
Gillian Enniss expressed gratitude to the cricket teams and the RHTYSC for supporting the newly established group which is seeking to make a difference in the rural communities where there are a lot of social ills affecting youths. The RHTYSC, she stated is a role model and dynamic organisation which her group is hoping to emulate in the future. President of the Kendall Union Sports Club Albert Budhoo congratulated the RHTYSC and its cricket teams on the outstanding work they are doing across the ancient county. The No.19 Village based cricket Club, Budhoo stated is seeking to assist youths, the elderly and less fortunate in that area and was delighted that the RHTYSC, MS was joining hands with them to honour their students.
Camille’s Institute... From page 37 which added more energy to their play. Williams got into the act with his first goal and the team’s second in the 7th minute while Barker fired in his first in the 31st minute from an indirect free kick just inside the 6 yards after the stand in goalie Krishnashiva Sankar handled the ball in the area, to make it 3-0. Sankar had replaced Junior Charlie who picked an injury to his finger after the first goal was scored; he was replaced after the score was
doubled. The Canadians never really threatened Camille’s goalkeeper, Deshawn Fernandes. Five minutes before halftime of the 80 minute match, Williams completed his double. Ranaldo Sim blasted the first goal in the second half which came in the 55th minute as Camille’s went 5-0 up. Barker achieved his brace in the 65th minute while Gavin Abrams sealed the deal for the winners in the 70th minute to confirm a place for Camille’s Institute in the next round of matches.
and Isaiah Busby in Kumite, which is sparring. Commenting of the performances of his students, Master Ramnarine said it was a fair competition and that he is satisfied with their achievements. Ramnarine informed that he is preparing 20 students for a competition in Suriname in August and the GMMAKA will be hosting a bar–b-que and fun-day at the National Park on July 31st. The GMMAKA is made up Black Cobra Karate Academy located at La Parfait Harmony Phase 2 Westminster, Eccles Martial Arts Academy and the Iron Fist Karate Academy at the New Diamond/Grove Primary School. Anyone interested in learning the art form can contact the President and Chief Instructor Master Ramnarine on 698-6727, Assistant Instructor Steven Persaud on 699-1875 or General Secretary Ms Norlyne Paul.
MoH Soft Shoe Football Competition resumes tonight
Part of the action in the MoH Soft Shoe Football Competition. Due to the inclement weather, the Ministry of Health/Petra Organization Soft Shoe Football Competition will resume today with Round of 16 action, at the Ministry of Health ground on Brickdam and Vlissingen Road. In the opening fixture at 21:00hrs, Channel-9-Warriors go up against Broad Street and the former are the favourites to advance, having scored seven times and conceded just three goals. On the other hand, Broad Street has scored six times and allowed five goals. In the second encounter at 21:45hrs, Tucville take on Campbellville and once again the former should start as clear favourites to win this matchup. Tucville has recorded eight goals, while conceding five times, while Campbellville
with seven goals and allowing eighth to penetrate their backline sums up their defence. The third contest will witness the clash of North Ruimveldt and Globe Yard at 22:30hrs with North Ruimveldt unit claiming the favourite tag compliments of nine goals registered in the group stage against seven concessions. Globe Yard has scored and allowed seven in, while the final showdown at 23:15hrs is slated to be high scoring contest involving title holders Sparta Boss and Albouystown. The East La Penitencebased side has shown indifferent form so far with their third place qualification in their group as ample evidence of such. Their numbers highlight the struggles, with a defen-
sive record showcasing seven goals shipped in alongside eight goals scored. In the case of group winner Albouystown, 10 goals were scored by the strike force while five goals conceded by the backline. Following the conclusion of this round, the event will enter the quarterfinal stage. Winner of the event will collect $300,000 and the Championship trophy while the second placed side will receive $200,000 and the runners-up accolade. On the other hand, the third placed side will receive $100,000 and the respective trophy while the fourth place finishers will pocket $50,000 and the corresponding title. Other sponsors of the event include GTT, Lucky Dollar, Nigel’s Supermarket, Junior’s Jewellery, Star Party Rentals and 2-J’s General Store.
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FIBA Level 1 Certified Equipment Dover disappointed arrives for Cliff Anderson Sports Hall losing to Slingerz - Director of Sport lauds historic moment for sports in Guyana The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Level 1 Certified Equipment, which includes the latest version of Gared Sports Basketball Goals, Shot Clock and other apparatus, arrived to be erected at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Tuesday night. The equipment arrived in Guyana last week via Air Freight through Zoon Online Shopping. The Government of Guyana then facilitated its clearance duty free before the items were transported to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to be permanently put into place. The items represent a deliberate plan to continue to upgrade the facility, which has undergone a complete makeover ahead of Sunday’s Opening of the U16 Caribbean Basketball Championship that bounces off at 1pm. Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, lauded the moment as being “historic” Tuesday night when he spoke to the media. He said that nothing of this magnitude has ever been done for the facility and the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Government must be commended for taking the initiative to have an internationally accredited basketball venue. According to Jones, much more is to be done to get sports facilities up to stan-
Director of Sport, Christopher Jones (right) and CBC VP, Patrick Haynes (left) along with NSC Officials that included GABF President, Nigel Hinds stand in one of the crates that housed level 1 FIBA certified basketball equipment at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. dard in Guyana, but there needs to be a better system in place for the release of funds. The Director of Sports said that funds to develop sports take too long to be processed sometimes, which cause delays that are unnecessary. He said that because of the bold step of the NSC to spend in excess of US$60,000 on the facility, Guyana is now in a position to host any Caribbean or international bas-
ketball championships. He said that players can now benefit from upgraded locker rooms with granite countertop cupboards and showers that actually work. The same has been done for the washrooms for patrons. The VIP Area has been renovated for the expected guests as well. Guyana will host the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting during July 3-5, and it is likely that
the Heads of CARICOM Member States that are playing in the CBC U16 Championships will visit the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Having the FIBA equipment arrive at the Sports Hall before yesterday was especially important since it was the departure date of the CBC Executive Evaluation Commission, which came in on Monday to ensure Guyana is ready to host the Championships.
With this slated to be the biggest and best Guyana Cup Horserace meet so far in recognition of a decade since the event was first held. Sponsors have begun to roll in as massive preparations continue. The $20M mega horserace meet, compliments of the Port Mourant Turf Club and the Jumbo Jet Businesses, is slated for Sunday 14th August at the Port Mourant Turf Club, beginning at 12:00 hrs. With Guyana also celebrating its 50th year of Independence, a number of sponsors are making their pitch early to be a part of the mega event. The Guyana Cup is by far the largest sporting activity in the country and the ‘Sport of Kings’ usually attracts large purses. Joining the list of sponsors coming on board early to be a part of the activity is the Jameel Bar and entertain-
ment Lounge on the East Coast of Demerara. The entity which is sponsoring an horserace event for the first time is happy to be on board. Speaking at the simple handing over ceremony which was held at the business entity’s Atlantic Garden Location, Mr Jameel stated that after the Guyana Cup 2015, his business place was flooded with a very large crowd even though he is located on the East Coast. He had no hesitation to be a part of this year event, even though he is located a good distance away on the East Coast. Already on board is the Muneshwar Store on The East Coast Demerara and the Hyper Malt beverage community. So far a number of new initiatives have been announced with the winning horses in the A class event taking home an unbelievable $500,000 extra, the winner of the three year old event gets $400,000 while the horses placing first in the two year (Continued on page 25)
More sponsors roll in for Guyana Cup 2016 horserace meet
Rovin DeSouza at left receives the sponsorship cheque from Bibi Jameel.
Alpha United’s Head Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover said that he is disappointed in his side’s loss to Slingerz in the champion of champions match that crowned the Stag Elite League overall champions on Sunday night last at the Leonora Track and Field facility. Dover, who has shaped the team into an institution that, has already etched its name into the history books of Guyana, dominating for many years, believed that they {Alpha} dominated the match for long periods but lost out in the end after a lapse in defence. ”Very excellent performance by Alpha United tonight, we controlled a good portion of the game, created numerous chances, failed to concert and was on the receiving end tonight. Very disappointed in terms of not coming out as the champion, tonight.” The long serving Coach noted that it was an elementary mistake at the back that cost them the game and the championship. ”For them {Slingerz} it is a satisfying end to the season given the fact that they would have dominated throughout and who can blame them for being elated at moment given the fact how
Alpha’s Head Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover after his side’s loss to Slingerz in the SEL champion of champions match. the league has gone for them. Bu for us, we really felt the disappointment.” During this welcome break, Dover informed that there will be a forensic analysis of the team’s showing throughout the entire league in order to have an appreciation of how they did whilst making the necessary changes going forward. (Franklin Wilson)
Payless Variety assists Enterprise Legends
Latchman Yadram of Enterprise CC receives the donation from Sales Clerk Lisa Seegobin in the presence of his team mates. Payless Variety Store has assisted the Enterprise Cricket Club Legends in their trip to neighbouring Suriname. The store donated a quan-
tity of track pants to the team at its location in Wellington Street. The team will play three T20 games before returning home.
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Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil improves world rating following latest win
J
ust when many boxing pundits have written her off, saying that she is too old for the sport, Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil has defied her critics when she registered a victory over Mery Rancier in a fight in Dominican Republic dubbed ‘War in the DR’ on June 24 last. Details pertaining to the fight are sketchy with reliable sources informing Kaieteur Sport of O’Neil’s
victory on a card that featured several top boxers out of the Spanish country. Consequently, O’Neil, also the United Boxing Federation (UBF) champion, has managed to retain a top position in the world rating and sits at #3 in the heavyweight division of the World International Boxing Association (WIBA) ratings released in early June. Australian, Lisa Marie Vizaniari, is the champion in that division, while WIBC
Champion, Mexican, Alejandra Jimenez, enjoys a number 1 ranking. Martha Salazar, who had defeated local pugilist, Pamela London at the Splashmin’s Park in November 2004, is rated at number 2. Kaieteur Sport was unable to engage O’Neil for her thoughts on the just concluded bout and her future career but is still working feverishly to do so. O’Neil was born in August 1969 and grew up in Barima/Waini region as a
Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil
farmer. She commenced her professional boxing career in July 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago and suffered an unfortunate loss to Kim ‘Bonecrusher’ Quashie in the latter boxer’s hometown, Trinidad and Tobago. She rebounded to defeat her nemesis twice by knockout, in June 2000 in Quashie’s hometown and then again in May 2002 when she replicated the knockout victory at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall
(CASH). O’Neil then went on to chalk up a win over American Kathy Rivers in May 2004 to become the first woman to win world title for Guyana. She has since added four more titles to her bulging collection, the Women’s World Boxing Association super /middleweight title,
Women’s International Boxing Association World super middleweight title, the Women’s International Boxing Association World heavyweight title and the United Boxing Federation World female heavyweight title. Her record now stands at 20-7-1 with 3 of her opponents failing to answer the final bell.
Big Boss Transportation Service dominoes set for July 3 Big Boss Transportation Services pre Caricom dominoes tournament dominoes tournament has been fixed for July 3 at the Garage bar, Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt. Entrance fee is $10,000 and the winning team will pocket a trophy and $250,000, runner up a trophy and $150,000, third place a trophy and $100,000. The best uniformed team will take home a trophy and $25,000, while the player sharing the first double love will pocket a trophy and
$10,000 and MVP a trophy and $10,000. Double-six time is 13:30hrs. For more information teams can contact Mark Wiltshire on 665 5855 or Barbara Marshall on 663 8280. The competition is being sponsored by Ansa Mc AL, GUYTRAC, Doosan, HB Curtis, Scott’s Jewellery, KB Mining, Atlantic, The Garage, Faye Joseph, Patterson and Associates, Nolan Enterprise, Big Boss Transportation, Dynasty Entertainment Centre and Strikers Sports Club.
Kaieteur News
Thursday June 30, 2016
PAGE 37
Camille’s Institute waltz to big win over Canadian School of Arts By Franklin Wilson A brace of goals each from Ralph Williams and Kerry Barker propelled Camille’s Institute to a huge 7-0 win over their East Bank counterparts, Canadian School of Arts when the Digicel Schools Football Championship, East Bank leg continued yesterday at the Leonora facility, West Coast Demerara. C a m i l l e ’s I n s t i t u t e wasted no time in imposing their will on the boys from the Canadian school as they showed them the art of scoring, a lesson it is hoped they will learn in time for the next competition. The teams could have hardly settle following the opening whistle, Camille’s
Kerry Barker (3rd right) nets his first goal and Camille’s Institute’s third goal from an indirect free kick in the 31st minute yesterday at the Leonora ground. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Isaiah Sam netting from an acute angle on the first run down to send his team ahead, while his teammates and fellow colleagues who were taken by bus to the venue in a 32-seater along with some
teachers erupted in cheers. The support of the mostly female students in the stands could have been heard every time a Camille’s student touched the ball (Continued on page 27)
t r o Sp
Tenacious Christianburg/Wismar hold off New Silver City to reach Region 10 final
A player from Christianburg/Wismar attempts to dribble past two New Silver City defenders in their clash yesterday at Wisburg ground.
FIBA Level 1 Certified Equipment arrives for Cliff Anderson Sports Hall - Director of Sport lauds historic moment for sports in Guyana
Officials from the LOC for the CBC U-16 Championships, George Vyphuis (left), GABF Head, Nigel Hinds, DoS, Christopher Jones and Japarts’ Terry Singh (right) take a photo opportunity at the mega new Shot Clock that will be erected at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210