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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
THE RACE AGAINST THE GRAVE To die of old age is a death rare, extraordinary, and singular, and therefore so much less natural than the others. ’Tis the last and extremest sort of dying, and the more remote the less to be hoped for. It is indeed the boundary of life, beyond which we are not to pass: which the law of nature has pitched for a limit not to be exceeded. —Michel de Montaigne, Essays, Book I, Chapter 57 This centuries-old description by the French essayist perfectly captures just how peculiar it is to arrive at the end of one’s life having escaped death by infection or diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia, for which age is the biggest risk factor. Although Montaigne himself reached what was at the time considered old age, succumbing to a bacterial infection in 1592, when he was 59 years old, he certainly did achieve literary immortality. This issue of The Scientist is about aging, and the focus is not on the diseases that are hallmarks of time’s passage, but on why cells have a limited life span and what fails on the cellular and molecular level as the years go by. It’s a complicated picture, with lots of missing pieces. The field of cellular biogerontology was kick-started by the observation, published in 1961, that normal cells in culture stopped dividing after 50 or so doublings—the well-known Hayflick limit. In “Of Cells and Limits,” you can meet Leonard Hayflick and learn of his dogma-defying discovery in a profile of the unretired (and unretiring) octogenarian’s contributions to the understanding of cellular aging. A staff-written feature describes some of the knowns and unknowns of “How We Age” at the level of the genome, cell, and whole organism. “Wrangling Retrotransposons” lays out a possible connection between aging and a mobile genetic element called long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1 or L1), as it roams around the genome inserting itself in damaging places. Authors Michael Van Meter, Andrei Seluanov, and Vera Gorbunova write that “because genomic instability and DNA damage are key features of aging, it is easy to envision how L1s may contribute to the molecular etiology of the aging process.” In “Nourishing the Aging Brain,” Morten ScheibyeKnudsen takes a hard look at the brain’s nutritional requirements, what is known about neurological brain aging, and the suggestion that caloric restriction could increase human life span and ameliorate some of the effects of aging-related diseases. The Literature section is devoted to three recent papers that raise interesting possibilities for aging research, albeit using different model organisms: human telomeres’ changing regulation of gene expression as a function of their shortening; roundworms’ upregulation of collagen production and the extension of life span; and the interaction between growth hormone signaling and a life span–extending dietary supplementation in mice. Whether human life span can be extended beyond the limit of about 120 years remains to be seen. Heaven knows longevity is a wish as old as life itself, and now serious science is shouldering aside the quacks, committing research and funding to probe the real possibility of lengthening our time on the stage. Ankita Bansal and Heidi Tissenbaum (“Quantity or Quality”) sound a cautionary note that increased life span must be accompanied by an increase in health span, lest we merely spend more years in decrepitude; and Matthias Ziehm urges the sharing of data to help further longevity research. You won’t be that much older by the time you finish reading this issue, but I hope you take away some provocative new clues to how we all-eventually-age. From The Scientist.
Tuesday March 03, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
How to reduce controversy over compensation for politicians DEAR EDITOR, For some time now the media has been reporting continuing controversy, animosity and friction regarding the compensation (i.e. the pay, benefits such as health and retirement and related working conditions) payable or allowable or claimed/received by people holding ‘political’ office for themselves and their families. The recent exposure about claims made/approved for health-related benefits has again brought this matter to a head and appears to be detracting from the more urgent and critical issues that should be engaging our attention, especially in this crucial electioneering period. It is interesting to note the comment reportedly made by Mr David Granger, Leader of the APNU/AFC coalition, about the need for “systemic policy and guidelines to be structured” and hopefully implemented equitably. In that context, I wish to suggest serious consideration of the virtually standard, universal practices derived from the discipline of Human Resource Management and practiced in progressive businesses, governmental and non-governmental organizations,
including the United Nations, in all of which fields I have been fortunate to have had some hands-on experience as a Human Resource practitioner and advisor. Briefly and simply put, these guidelines/practices require the entity to take the following steps independently or in consultation with stakeholders such as Trade Unions or Staff or Employers’ organizations where they exist (or in the case of political/ governmental entities the ‘Opposition’ elements etc): • Decide if the entity will base its compensation content and level on what is applicable among the ‘leaders’ or say top quartile or average etc in the relevant field (e.g. Private Sector, Public Sector, Government, NGO’s etc). For example, in the case of the UN, it is typically based on what is applicable in the US civil service with “post adjustments” made for five different categories of location depending on certain obvious variations. • Periodic surveys are done to ensure continuing relevance/comparability; on this basis adjustments are made. • Adjustments are sometimes also necessary due to significant changes
beyond the control of the individual entity, e.g. significant changes in the cost-of-living, fortunes of the entity such as affordability and market influences etc. It goes without saying that once public, transparent and objective bases are established and strictly followed by and for all concerned, the room for a b u s e , a c r i m o n y, f r i c t i o n , dissatisfaction and public controversy will be considerably reduced, so that our energies and attention can be better utilized for our collective good. Of course, the foregoing ignores another quite relevant consideration which has to do with the fundamental question: Should people like politicians expect, seek, demand compensation like regular employees? Are they not civic, public-spirited people who, at least initially, ‘volunteer’, freely offer their services, as servants of the public who are motivated by the noble desire “to serve” the populace and the country from a position and platform of pure patriotism, love of country, of fellow citizens who ‘need’ their leadership and public service etc., from a position of altruism and not for selfish gains! Nowrang Persaud
Albert Boodhoo was not afraid to speak out on behalf of working class DEAR EDITOR, It is with sadness that I learnt of the passing of New York-based Albert Boodhoo who was a grass roots activist of the PPP and a strong trade unionist who served GAWU and the working class with distinction. He greatly admired Dr. Jagan for his selfless struggle against the exploitation of the working class, and he took a page out of Jagan’s life to serve the sugar workers. He also fought against the PNC dictatorship for the restoration of democracy and supported our struggle in NY. Albert, as we called him in NY, came from humble beginnings on the Corentyne with his parents, grandparents and great-grands tied to the sugar estate. Not surprisingly, he grounded with the poor and the working class and committed to improving their lot. I first met Albert around 1991 in
Richmond Hill at a public forum when I was a discussant on the freedom struggle against the PNC dictatorship. He gravitated towards me for my political analysis on Guyana. He was at several political meetings thereafter, even after the restoration of democracy, and he attended several cultural events including the annual Phagwah parade. Boodhoo was a supporter of the Association of Concerned Guyanese N.Y. branch, though not an activist like others who were members of the ACG, or the handful of us not affiliated with a party, who were deeply embedded in the struggle against the dictatorship. Albert attended several meets when Dr. Jagan, Mrs. Jagan, Sam Hinds, and Bharrat Jagdeo visited our community in Queens and addressed the public, giving updates on the political situation. He also admired the political work and intellect of stalwarts like Ralph Ramkarran and Moses Nagamootoo,
and he was most disappointed that both left the party they so long served for almost fifty years each. He was especially praiseworthy of Ramkarran, who he felt, would have made an excellent President, and thought he was the most qualified to lead Guyana. I did not see Boodhoo when President Ramotar visited over the last several years; understandably, he was wheelchair-bound. In our limited interaction, Albert gave a lot of details about Guyana’s politics, race relations and labour affairs. He was concerned about Guyana’s politics and the direction of the PPP. He was a source of information for several topical issues. He possessed a tremendous amount of knowledge on labour issues. He was a human library on labour matters; he knew virtually everything about the history of labour, even though he was (Continued on page 23)
Does Mr. Moses Nagamootoo share the views and sentiments expressed by his political boss DEAR EDITOR, APNU Leader and Presidential Candidate David Granger is reported to have said during a recent interview with the Stabroek News that there is nothing to apologise about during the period when all national and regional elections were massively and blatantly rigged by his party, the PNC. Does Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, his Prime Ministerial running mate, share those views and sentiments expressed by his political boss now that the AFC has become an integral part of the
Granger-led coalition? The issue goes way beyond that of rigged elections but spanned an entire reign of terror, as the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry so forcefully reminded us. Several lives were lost in the struggle for democracy, scores of opposition members and supporters tortured, jailed, victimised and harassed, not to mention the shattered dreams of countless Guyanese, all because of the insatiable greed for power by the PNC regime It is clear from the interview given
by Granger that the PNC has no intention whatsoever to make a break from its dictatorial past and embrace a new approach to politics based on truth and reconciliation and an acceptance of the norms of democracy as the basis for governance. All the talk of a government of national unity is shallow and meaningless unless there is a willingness to accept responsibility for past misdeeds, something which Granger and the PNC seem reluctant to do. Hydar Ally
Tuesday March 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Guyanese must support the Alliance to rebuild Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Whether Guyana will be a prosperous country in the next five years ultimately depends on the extent the AFC/APNU Pro-Democracy Alliance could influence the people to unite and reject the race-bait politics and empty campaign promises from the PPP cabal for the next two and a half months and vote for change by electing the APNU/AFC Pro-Democracy Alliance on May 11. This means that the commitment of the Alliance has to extend beyond friends and party supporters to include all Guyanese irrespective of their race, class or party affiliation. The leaders of the Alliance have pledged to build a better Guyana for all Guyanese by cultivating a mindset that everything that happens or can happen in Guyana is the people’s business and should concern them. That a divisive, racial and class segregated Guyana
is detrimental to its development, unity and lack of prosperity. To accomplish this, the Alliance has to convince the people to put aside their political, racial, class and religious biases and prejudices, and put the economic and human development of the country before the individual accumulation of wealth. First, the coalition must embark on a policy to reduce the level of violence, starting with a drastic reduction in murder. But the reduction in violence has to cover a much broader spectrum than murder to include the cruelty to children; the rape of young girls; brutalizing of the elderly and the disabled; as well as the neglect of the destitute. Although they may not be able to help all our downtrodden brothers and sisters in the short run, yet they can be compassionate towards them and protect them from violence. The leaders of the Alliance have
to persuade the population to replace hatred with love and civility, even in how individuals speak to each other, and to be each other brothers and sisters’ keepers in the struggle to rebuild Guyana and make it a better and safer place for all. Second, they must reduce the level of crime, especially armed robbery, which has severely affected the average citizen and the business community. During the last ten years of PPP rule, crime, gang warfare, kidnapping, illegal drugs and the trafficking of persons have crippled Guyana and made it one of the worst countries in the Caribbean. Also, the coalition must develop strategies to tackle organized crime, in particular, white collar crime which has wreaked havoc on the country. They must not only apprehend the petty criminals, but lock up the accountants, businessmen, government officials and the drug barons who manage the
Why I support President Ramotar and the PPP/C DEAR EDITOR, I can give a hundred reasons why I support President Ramotar and the PPP/C, but the letter would be much too long for publication and no editor would carry it. Guyana today, is by far more developed, more prosperous and more respected than it ever was under previous PNC Administrations. The quality of life that Guyanese now enjoy and take for granted was only made possible through the brilliant financial management of our nation’s resources, first by former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and now by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh. In 1992 when the PPP/C took office, not even Dr. Cheddi Jagan knew just how bankrupted the country was, and the vast sums of monies owing to foreign
governments and financial institutions. Corruption within the former PNC Government was commonplace but no one dared speak up against it, not even Freddie Kissoon, who now uses the freedom of speech guaranteed under the Constitution to criticize the very PPP/C Government that protects his rights to do so. According to Peeping Tom (Kaieteur News, December 24, 2013), “...an Integrity Commission Act was first passed under the Desmond Hoyte (PNC) regime in 1991 following concerns about pervasive corruption under the PNC
regime. In those days, things moved within sections of the bureaucracy in relation to the amount of grease applied. For almost all public services there were underhand dealings believed to be taking place. In the face of concerns that reining in excesses by public officials with access to the public purse was fast becoming impossible, the Hoyte regime passed an Integrity Commission Act. This Bill was however seen as tepid and unable to curb the excesses taking place. It never did. No one was ever indicted, sanctioned, (Continued on page 23)
affairs of the small bandits. Over the years, the PPP regime has been far too tolerant and helpful to those involved in corrupt practices. PPP has always aided and abetted the corrupt practices, not only of their members, but also of foreign companies whom they have awarded multi-billion dollar contracts for huge kick-backs. For the PPP not to heed the warning of the Norway Government that the Chinese company involved in the Amaila Falls Hydro Project is corrupt, and for them to even say that there are safeguards in place to protect Guyana against corruption is not only absurd, but it also shows that the PPP is corrupt to the hilt. It also shows that their concern is not to protect Guyana from corruption but to fatten their bank accounts with kick-backs. The only bidding process that takes place in awarding contracts is that the companies that give the largest kick-backs will receive the contracts. In this election, the leaders of the Alliance must convince the electorate that they would incorporate a new type of anti-corrupt culture to put an end to corruption in all government departments, state agencies and the police force. They also have to stop the stealing of electricity, oil, the purchasing of forged passports and driver’s licences, and the bribing of politicians and others in authority. Third, the AFC/APNU Alliance must develop an economic programme that will reduce poverty, improve the lives of the poor and create jobs for the youths and those
who want to work. They must lower VAT by 2 percent, provide a 15 percent annual increase in salaries for the workers, increase old age pension from $13,000 to $20,000 per month for senior citizens and lower the toll on the Berbice Bridge from $2200 to $1000 for cars and mini buses, and free for motor cycles. Guyana cannot afford to fail, and the people cannot continue to punish this time around, therefore the Alliance has to get it right for the first time and set the economy on a path of sustainable economic and human development. The Alliance cannot only depend on loans from the IMF, World Bank and InterAmerican Development Bank, or rely solely on remittances to take care of the people’s needs. They must improve the production of rice, sugar and gold, among others, to help finance the developmental projects.
Fourth, it is time for all Guyanese to rise to the level of political maturity as the basis for the establishment of a national consensus based on an agenda of priorities and a programme of policy measures to achieve these goals. The Alliance must spare no effort and leave no stone unturned in its attempt to heal and unite the nation, reduce partisanship and end racism. It must set an example for the people to follow and must welcome all those who want to contribute ideas and time. Nation-building is the responsibility of each and every Guyanese. As John Kennedy said, “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country [Guyana].” Let us all join team APNU/AFC ProDemocracy Alliance now and work to rebuild Guyana. Asquith Rose Chandra Deolall Dr. Merle SpencerMarks
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Tuesday March 03, 2015
UG STRIKE OFFICIALLY CALLED OFF Strike action at the University of Guyana (UG) has been officially called off. This long-awaited development has been the direct result of the signing of an agreement yesterday between the University Unions – the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) – and the University’s Administration. In a statement issued yesterday, the Unions announced that all forms of industrial action at the tertiary institution have been called off. It added that staff members should fully resume duties as of 07:00 hours today (March 3, 2015). The Unions have outlined that the cessation of industrial action follows the signing of two agreements with the UG Administration yesterday. “The first agreement details the terms under which our members will return to work. The second outlines a 10 per cent interim pay offer effective January 1, 2015.” Both agreements were publicly circulated. The signing of these documents represents the end of a very protracted period of industrial unrest that ultimately resulted in a virtual standstill at UG. And according to the Unions, “We feel vindicated in the results of the action that we have taken. As we have maintained from the beginning, we were forced to first sit-in and then to strike as a result of a series of events.” According to President of the UGSSA, Dr. Mellissa Ifill, in an invited comment yesterday, while the workers will return to work based on an interim agreement, “we don’t expect that this is the final agreement; we intend to press for further increase.” When asked if a timeline has been stipulated by which further negotiations must be completed, Dr Ifill disclosed that the Unions have identified June 30, 2015. She
- Unions want further negotiations to end by June 30 went on to intimate to this publication that “if we have not arrived at an agreement by that point, we will return to the Ministry of Labour for Conciliation for seven days and if that process is unsuccessful, we have agreed that we will go the route of arbitration.” The University Administration has long made it clear that it is unable to pay the 60 per cent salary increase to workers. This level of increase was initially demanded by the Unions. The University had in fact offered workers a five per cent increase for this year and 10 per cent per the following two years. This was rejected by the Unions on behalf of the workers resulting in a subsequent demand of a 25 per cent increase for the three years under consideration. The response from the University was characterized by Vice Chancellor, Jacob Opadeyi, withdrawing the University’s offer but demanding that workers resume work before negotiations continue.
Workers in striking mode recently
But although from all indications the two sides – Unions and Administration – have been able to resolve their differences and are ready to head back to the negotiating table, Dr Ifill noted that deriving a suitable salary increase will be dependent on
a move by the University to unveil its financial status. She said that the University had since last December promised to share such information with the Unions but had failed to do so. “We haven’t got it, but based on the financials we
had seen prior to that, we believe that the University can find some source of funding...we have to see what the University’s books look like,” insisted Dr Ifill. She continued, “At the same time, we recognise that the University is heavily
funded by the State, and so we believe that the State has to play a role in funding any increase for staff at the University of Guyana. “We have to see what kind of monies (the University) has in various (bank) accounts, etc, and from where we can finance an increase...We will have to ask that the Administration advocate on our behalf and push for a substantive settlement in terms of a percentage increase,” added Dr Ifill. Strike action at the University of Guyana resulted from a collapse in negotiations between the UG Administration and the UGSSA/UGWU on salary and non-salary benefits. This was characterized by the cancellation of the negotiation meeting scheduled for January 15, 2015 by the University of Guyana Council on January 14, 2015. Another issue of concern to the Unions was a workload policy imposed on the workers without any attempt to get the input of the academic community and the UGSSA.
GECOM Secretariat is overstepping it is facilitating authority - Rohee - Suggests foreign “interference” By Abena Rockcliffe The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) collaborating with the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC). The latter is implementing a programme aimed at bringing out more youths to the polls. As he hosted PPP’s weekly press conference yesterday at Freedom House, the party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee criticized the “self-anointed” GNYC. The PPP is “concerned” about GECOM’s collaboration with the body, he said. This, he said, is because
the GNYC has no authority to represent Guyana’s youth. Rohee told the media that as far as the PPP is concerned, GNYC is “a creature of external interference, through the (Leadership and Democracy) LEAD Project and is nothing more than a group of partisan persons who are attempting to hijack the name Guyana National Youth Council.” The LEAD project is an initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It is one that focuses specifically on the capacity of the country’s Parliament, young people, women and Local Government Elections. It aims at enhancing the technical
capacity and functionality of the legislature through the regular use of consultative practices and mechanisms for legislative drafting, analysis, review, and passage. The project, however, has not been one that is favoured by the Guyana Government. It attracted accusations of interference and an almost sour split between local and foreign parties involved. This occurred when US forces were pushing for the holding of Local Government Elections. When GNYC went to negotiate with GECOM, Glen Bradbury, Chief of Party (USAID/IRI) LEAD Project
was a part of the contingent. It is because of his involvement, the PPP is against the collaboration. Yesterday Rohee told the media that as far as his Party is aware, the decision to enter into a formal arrangement “with this partisan body of youths or anybody” must be made by GECOM’s Commissioners. Further, he noted that the matter was never discussed at the Commission level and declared that “those who are making such a claim are clearly over stepping their authority. The PPP rejects this outright interference and imposition on the electorate of Guyana.” The General Secretary urged that GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, take the matter to the Commissioners, whom he said are the highest decision makers in GECOM,
PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee for review and a final determination. Rohee said that GECOM should collaborate only with legitimate and recognized organizations whose representation can be seen as bipartisan and in the interest of all Guyanese. “The locus standi of the so-called Guyana National Youth Council is highly questionable,” he said. Nevertheless, Rohee said that the PPP wants to see GECOM intensify its voter education programme, especially in rural areas and the Hinterland Regions. He told the media that previous experiences have taught the PPP that a large percentage of rejected ballots on polling day were occasioned as a result of poor voters’ education by GECOM, resulting in lack of knowledge by voters, especially with regards to changes made in between elections.
Tuesday March 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Neesa Gopaul murder trial nears end
Lover threatened to kill Neesa if sex, other charges - mother tells court not dropped against him Almost five years after being silent about the incident, murder accused, Bibi Shareema Gopaul looked anxious yesterday as she waited on her turn to lead a defence in relation to the murder of her daughter, Neesa Gopaul. Gopaul and her former lover, Jarvis Barry Small, are jointly charged for the murder of the 16-year-old Queen’s College student. The incident occurred between September 24, and October 2, 2010. Small and Gopaul were called upon to lead their defence yesterday, after Justice Navindra Singh overruled no case submissions by Attorneysat-law George Thomas and Glenn Hanoman, two of the five member legal team representing them. When given a chance to lead their defence yesterday, both accused elected to give unsworn statements from the prisoners’ dock. “Sir I am innocent of this charge. I did not kill Neesa Gopaul or play any part in killing her,” Small said. “I never told Sergeant Caesar that I know who wanted to Kill Neesa Gopaul. Mr Jessamy asked me if I know who would want to kill the girl and I said I think I know who would want to kill her but I would only say so in the presence of my lawyer.” Small said that he never admitted to ownership of the dumbbells which were lodged at the Station. He told the court that he shared a relationship with Bibi Gopaul but that it ended long before September 23, 2010. He claimed that on September 25, 2010 Gopaul contacted him via telephone and related to him that her daughter had gone missing. “She was crying and wanted to see me,” the accused added. He agreed to meet with the woman but not in public. He said that he didn’t want his wife to find out. “I had grown to love Neesa and Mary like my own daughters. I would never do her anything to cause harm to her. I would like the police to find the real killers and let them pay for what they did.” Gopaul sat at the edge of her seat, and as she listened to Small speak, she fidgeted and appeared anxious at some points of his testimony. Persons had begun to flock the courtroom and additional benches had to be brought in to accommodate the growing audience. Despite the crowd, the courtroom was dead silent. “My freedom was taken
away for me, from my wife, from my children, for a charge I know nothing about, for which I am innocent. I never encouraged Bibi to kill her husband or anybody.” “Sir, I am a Christian man. I am a father of three and a brother to five sisters and a husband of one wife (whom) I love very much. I did backslide. I did cheat but I never kill. I am not a killer. I am a family man.” Small concluded his defence in less than half an hour. At this point, Small’s attorney, Lyndon Amsterdam, noted that no witnesses will be called on his behalf. Bibi Gopaul thereafter stood up to lead her defence. She took almost three hours to tell her story. The woman told the court that on September 23, 2010, she picked up her children from school and they had a normal day; she cooked, they had dinner and went to bed. Gopaul related that after the children had finished having dinner and had their bath they were watching television in her bedroom. “We would watch television until we fall asleep. There is no lock on my room door so I placed a towel on top to keep the door closed tightly. There is an A/C in my bedroom that is why the door must be kept closed tightly”, she explained “Me and my children sleep in one room, on one bed. In the morning when I got up Neesa wasn’t in the room,” the accused added, noting that she didn’t find this unusual since it was normal for her daughter to get up and do her chores early. She said that after a while she realized her daughter was not going to bathe and she “looked around for her but couldn’t find her anywhere”. The woman said that she immediately called her parents since it was not the first time Neesa might go out without her knowledge or consent. The woman claimed that the Islamic School on East Street, Georgetown, which Neesa and her younger sister attended at the time, had half day school, hence she assumed her daughter had gone to spend the day with her friends. However, at 5 o’clock the girl did not return home. She said that the following day, she opted to make a missing person’s report at the Leonora Police Station. The woman related that she checked everywhere for her daughter but she could not find her. Gopaul said that on
October 3, 2010, Officer Paul of the Leonora Police Station contacted her and told her that they had found her daughter and she was dead. The accused told the court that she began crying and screaming. The woman recalled that the officers took her to the Police Station at Leonora, West Coast Demerara and La Grange, West Bank Demerara before taking her to a funeral parlour. Gopaul said that at the funeral parlour she was shown a body and she recognized the top to be one which her daughter was wearing. She claimed that she thought it was her daughter but she didn’t know since the head of the victim was covered. The accused said that she was taken to a number of police stations but she never participated in confrontations with anyone except for Jarvis Small. She said that the police never showed her any dumbbells, rope, passport or bank card. “I was only shown a bag, a sheet and a dress and I told the officers I don’t know them. They are not mine. Sir I have suitcase at my house but I have no bag like that,” Gopaul added. She went on to say that Officer Caesar had shown her a photograph of her younger daughter with some red rope hanging on a wall in the background. The woman explained that the rope was used to tie a hammock in her house but that the hammock was taken down long before the incident. She recalled that after her daughter went missing, she met Small at Parika and followed him to a hotel because she wanted to see if her daughter had been with him. She said she did not find the girl there but the police showed up moments later. The woman said that her
MURDERED: Neesa Gopaul
MURDER ACCUSED: Jarvis Barry Small
MURDER ACCUSED: Bibi Shareema Gopaul
daughter had said that Small had sexually assaulted her. Gopaul claimed that she accompanied the teen to the station where they lodged a report. She said that she never recanted any story, as was relayed in the evidence of police witnesses. Gopaul added that she was also assaulted by Small; he had fractured her skull. She said, however, that she went to the Justice of the Peace with him in relation to another matter. As the woman told her story she appeared to be crying but she shed no tears. She gasped and paused as if she was having trouble breathing, causing members of the jury to fix their eyes upon her from time to time. The accused told the court that she feared for her life and that of her children since Small had threatened “to take my daughter (Neesa) out of the picture” if she didn’t sign the affidavit to rebut her reports. She claimed that the man had moved out of her house taking his “big weights” with him but he left a pair of small weights which remained on her back verandah. Gopaul said that she would sometimes hear noises coming from her backyard as
if someone was there. She said that she reported this to the Police. The woman said that she was forced to sign an affidavit since she feared for her life. She said that she felt the need to protect her daughter. “Sir, I protected my daughter; I didn’t kill her and I didn’t allow no-one to hurt or kill my child… I never hurt my daughter. I never put my child in no bag and I never throw my child away. I don’t know such things sir.” The woman went on to tell the court that a year prior to that her husband had passed away after a period of illness. She claimed that her husband, “Javed,” had diabetes and other health complications before he passed. Gopaul said that after her husband passed his relatives from Crabwood Creek were present and they prepared his body for burial the day he died. “I love my husband and I love my kids,” Gopaul said, noting that she never poisoned her husband. The woman also told the court that she does not use any drugs or smoke. She explained that her children are very bright academically but that her
daughter Neesa‘s grades began to drop drastically while she was at Queen’s College and thus she transferred to the Islamic school. She said that she did her best to do what was right by her children. “I did not stand by and allow Jarvis Small or anybody else to kill my daughter,” Gopaul said The accused also told the court that she never slept in or shared any cell at the East La Penitence Police with Simone De Nobrega. She said that she never confided in De Nobrega or told anything as it pertains to any crime. The teen’s remains were recovered from a location along the Soesdyke /Linden Highway. Reports indicated that the body was found in a suitcase which was partially submerged in a creek at the location. A rope was wrapped around the suitcase, and at its ends dumbbells were attached, apparently in an effort to keep the body under water. A family on an outing made the discovery when they became aware of an offensive smell. Inside the suitcase, along with the body was a passport and bank card (Number 0730108) bearing the name Neesa Lalita Gopaul. Following the discovery, Small and Gopaul were arrested and charged for the murder. They are on trial before Justice Navindra Singh and mixed 12-member jury at the High Court in Georgetown. ( Rehanna Ramsay)
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Tuesday March 03, 2015
Smart classrooms could address teacher shortage - Manickchand As part of its efforts to address a shortage of teachers, the Ministry of Education just recently decided to introduce smart classrooms. With this feature in place, it is expected that a teacher would be able to deliver sessions from a classroom in Georgetown and have it transmitted simultaneously to another classroom in a remote area, providing that internet access is available. Already benefiting from this technological feature is the North Ruimveldt Secondary School which just last week was elevated to an ‘A’ List school. The interactive feature has the capacity of making just about any wall suitable for delivering lessons with the aid of E-Beam, which has the capacity of making a room a dynamic learning environment. Added to this, whatever is taught can be recorded for subsequent viewing. The smart classroom feature is also slated to be introduced at the Government Technical Institute and another three will be installed
at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), according to Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand. The aim of introducing the smart classroom at the level of CPCE, she revealed, is to ensure that each teacher leaving the training college is capable of using such features in the schools to which they are placed. “The benefit of this is easy to see...if we have a shortage of trained teachers in various places that can produce a whole host of domino effects on our results...for example, if we don’t have teachers who are trained, it is unlikely that we will have the number of students graduating that we would like to see with five or more CXCs that can go into college and can come back and teach,” explained the Education Minister. She went on to point out that with the aid of a smart classroom, the education system could take advantage of a Master Teacher who can deliver a specific subject to students in multiple locations. “We can hook up 10 schools and have that Master Teacher
teach all 10 at the same time, especially 10 schools in the hinterland that have access to this kind of teaching resource; that’s what we can possibly do with this technology,” said the Education Minister. According to Terrence Sukhu, Chief Executive of Digital Technology, the smart classroom has the capacity for video conferencing integration whereby persons from a remote location can interact with the Master Teacher who might be located in Georgetown. The smart classroom, according to Sukhu, functions similarly to Skype video conferencing. An added feature is that it can also offer private messaging between the Master Teacher and individual students and even has the capacity for annotation by teacher and/or students. Speaking of the smart classroom, Yoganand Indarsingh, Head of the Ministry of Education’s Management Information Systems Unit, emphasised the importance of information technology in the school system. Through this means, he noted, students can be easily prepared for the world and further studies and communications, as he emphasised the laudable interactive ability of the smart classroom. With the introduction of the programme at the North Ruimveldt School, Indarsingh said that this puts them ahead of the other public schools in the country, as this programme has not yet been introduced nationally but is slated to expand.
Tuesday March 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 9
Retirement looms for leaders of all three parliamentary parties The 2015 general election in Guyana will be a defining one for the three main political parties but not necessarily for the country. All of the three parliamentary political parties will undergo a metamorphosis after the elections, regardless of who wins the polls- that is a certainty- but there is no guarantee that any of the parties will pursue policies outside of the neoliberal model. In other words, the parties will undergo change but there is no guarantee that the country will change direction economically or even politically. We have already begun to see implications for civil society and independent politics. Emerging civil society is about to choose a different cap. The United States has been unwisely seeking to promote in Guyana a system of political pluralism. If they understood the politics of Guyana and how polarized the society is, they would have recognized that the impossibility of their mission. But the United States acts like an imperial power and believes their system is the best one and they have a right to impose it on others without considering the peculiarities of the situation. US strategy over the past few years has been to promote and build capacity of civil society. But what the US failed to appreciate was that civil society in Guyana has historically been polarized. To create an independent space for them was never going to be easy. A start was made but it now seems as if
the politicians are seeking to gobble up that space and leave the US plans in tatters. The politicization of civil society that is now taking place will put paid to the US designs to create political room for the emergence of influential civil society groupings and space for independent political parties. The politics of Guyana will continue after 2015 to be dominated by the two main political forces. But for the individual parties there will be serious ramifications. For most of the top leaders of both APNU and the AFC, the 2015 elections will be their last chance to hold political office. Age is not on the side of many of them. If they do not get power in 2015, some of these leaders will be forced to recede into the political sunset. It is the same for the PPP. For most of the top leaders of the PPPC, this is their last stint in power. They will have to give way to younger heads. A new generation of political leaders is likely to emerge, one way or the other after these elections. For APNU, it will be time for new leaders. If APNU loses, the old guard will depart. If they win, new leaders will have to be groomed for 2020 and beyond. It will be the same for the PPP and it will be the same for the AFC. Many have questioned the rationale for the AFC joining with APNU this time around when they had rejected doing so in the past and had made it clear that they would never join with either the AFC or the PPP.
The answer to why they did this has to do with an aging leadership. For many in the leadership of the AFC, this is their last chance to hold public office. If they do not get into power this May, they never will, and they will have to retire. The election therefore has implications for all three of the political parties. It will bring the curtains down on
ideologically. This could only mean that they are cut from the same bolt of cloth. There is no difference in their political orientation. They are all neoliberal parties or controlled by neo-liberal interests and therefore the task of defining where they stand ideologically is an inconvenient one for all three because they adhere to the
same ideology. The ideological choice facing the electorate is not between Left and Right. The electorate is being asked: Who amongst these parties is the better neo-liberalist and who is best suited to administer a capitalist economy?
Cash-strapped GuySuCo sells East Coast lands for $3B - Contemplates sale of Skeldon’s co-gen plant
The first sugar crop for the year has started with the state-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) reportedly attempting to raise some badly needed cash. Officials yesterday reported that the Corporation has sold a large chunk of land on the East Coast of Demerara and is now negotiating with Government to sell its cogeneration plant at Skeldon estate to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). Earlier this year, GuySuCo sold off swaths of canefields stretching from Sophia to Goedverwagting/Ogle area. For this GuySuCo reportedly received or is set to receive up to $3B from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). The authority has been making preparations to build
Dem boys seh...
Tractor leads cops straight to thief man house Dem got a saying bout de smart fly. It does get ketch. Everybody know wheh. Dem got some thief man smart just like that fly. Dem deh in Berbice. No thief man or scamp does want lef a trace. But dem does always lef a trace. Is either dem lef items, footprint, records or even clothes. Jagdeo lef some scamps behind him. Donald Duck tun one. De other day two of dem went to de back dam, tie up an old man, rob de place of all de valuables including de security camera. De camp had so many things that dem couldn’t fetch so dem see a tractor and decide fuh thief that too. That is wha dem fetch dem stuff wid. Everybody know that two man can’t fetch a tractor and a tractor can’t move without leffing a trail. Fuh sure it don’t fly like de smart fly. De old man who dem tie up manage to loose heself and he call de police. Well dem
the political careers of many a leader in all three parties. For this reason, the election will be a defining one. But for the country there is no guarantee that anything is going to change. The three parties are competitors for political power. But ideologically, they are indistinguishable. None of the three parties have sought to define themselves
boys hear that de police come and tek notes and seh that dem gun see if dem can find anything. Dem nutten like dem boss, See-all who don’t see nutten at all. De old man had to tell dem that dem ain’t got to go far to see. Just look under you nose; watch pun de ground and you gun see when de tractor gone. Leh we follow it. De police smile and walk in de wheel track which lead dem into a yard. De thief man smart like Jagdeo, Brassington and Ashni that dem believe that covering de tractor wid a tarpaulin and some branch gun mek de tractor invisible. De police find de tractor plus all de things wha dem thief, including de DVR wid de video footage of de bandits demself. De only people not on de DVR according to de police was Jagdeo, Brassington and Ashni. Talk half and dem boys ain’t saying nutten more.
a highway linking the housing scheme along the East Bank to the East Coast of Demerara to ease the traffic woes. The GuySuCo lands are critical for this initiative. According to union and GuySuCo officials yesterday, the sale of the reported 3,000 acres on the East Coast will also help to reduce the number of applications for houselots on file at CH&PA. GuySuCo reportedly used some of the $3B in cash from CH&PA to pay off over $1B it owed to the National Insurance Scheme. It also has used part of the money to pay workers their annual production incentives and to finance the start of the crop and pay suppliers who have been demanding their monies. GuySuCo has been moving slowly to consolidate its operations in the East Demerara area. It sold the Diamond Factory and compound to the Demerara Distillers Limited and has closed the LBI estate. It is the intention to centralize operations at Enmore, placing GuySuCo’s headquarters there. GuySuCo is in serious financial troubles after sugar prices fell by almost 50 percent over the last year. With production costs almost double the world price, GuySuCo has been looking to cut expenditure all around. One of the ways the stateowned Corporation is looking to raise cash is through the sale of its co-generation plant at the US$200M Skeldon plant. In constructing that new facility at Skeldon, GuySuCo had opted for a bagasse/diesel system that reportedly cost around US$35M. However, its tight cash flow and technical issues with the factory has seen the cogeneration plant being left on
Cash strapped GuySuCo has reportedly sold a large swath of land on the East Coast of Demerara to the CH&PA. the back burner in terms of maintenance. Both GPL and GuySuCo sources confirmed that talks are advanced for the sale of the power plant which could net the corporation up to $10B. However, GPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Bharat Dindyal, said he was unaware of a deal and will have to check. GuySuCo owes over US$100M in loans for the Skeldon expansion but has been unable to make payments to the China’s Export Import Bank. Government has been making the payments. With over 16,000 workers, GuySuCo has been high stakes for the Government with the Skeldon factory unable to perform since its commissioning more than five years ago. GuySuCo ended up hiring
help from abroad, spending more than $1.6B to fix a number of technical issues, including the punt dumper, which moves cane from the waterways to the factory. Skeldon, despite being the newest factory, produced cane at more than double the costs, as compared to the older factories. The industry continued its string of poor performance last year, barely scraping past the target of 216,000 tonnes. This year, GuySuCo is looking at a hefty 245,710 tonnes of sugar, but it is likely this will be reduced. Skeldon has not yet started the crop and it is expected that this could happen by mid-month. GuySuCo is targeting over 86,201 tonnes of sugar for t h i s first crop. The Opposition has been upping the pressure on GuySuCo to table a feasible plan.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 03, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Anjandai Chan is going blind My January 19 column was captioned, “Face to Face with evil in Berbice, Saturday evening”. In that column, I mentioned how cheap life is in the rural parts of Guyana. I related the story of two women I met at a wake and the tragic past they have to live with.
Anjandai Chan’s father was killed by a speeding police car at Cotton Tree, Berbice. Inside the car at the time was one of the leading police officers whose driver was out of control. Ms. Chan told me there was never an inquiry into her father’s death. Not one police
officer ever came to her home. That was the end of the story. Then two years later, her father’s brother died when a commercial truck struck him down. The wife of this brother told me that the driver was charged but she never received a court date to testify. Months after, she saw the driver on the road. When she inquired, she was told he was freed. The wife told me that she cannot collect death benefit from NIS because there are no records. I promised these two women that I would tell Guyana their story when I got back to Georgetown. I did that in the January 19 column. The same day of the publication of the article, Anjandai Chan called me to ask for help because she is going blind. Her description of what the Ministry of Health did this poor (in economic terms) soul makes you livid. Ms Chan said that she went to the Georgetown Hospital. The diagnosis was made. The operation could only be done in Trinidad. The Ministry took her details and she never heard back from the Ministry. I sent Ms. Chan to my personal eye
doctor to ascertain if the previous diagnosis was correct. It was. Ms. Chan has to go to Trinidad because even at the Balwant Singh Hospital, the surgery cannot be done. I contacted the Minister’s Secretary. She put me on to his Secretariat where Ms. Noel promised me to look into the financial arrangement for Ms. Chan’s treatment. I never met with Ms. Noel. I spoke to her four times on the phone. I accepted her assurances. Since January, Ms. Chan was not contacted by the Minister’s Secretary. Ms. Chan since January 19 has been calling my home. My wife told me she called as recent as last week. There is nothing more I can do for Anjandai Chan. I did all I could. I will not even contemplate going to the Minister. He is not someone I want to dialogue with because I know I will be wasting my time. I know the Minister from our old days in the seventies. My characterization of him is someone who would be hostile to me. He has been so in the past when we sat together on the Council of the
University. The story of Anjandai Chan tells about the insanity of power in Guyana. When I read about the money spent on medical bills for Ministers and Government officials, I thought of Samuel Doe and the way he reacted against the Government that he overthrew in Liberia. This is the third time in my columns I have made reference to Doe’s reaction. It cannot be accepted that a Minister can get $2.1 million for dental treatment while Ms. Chan goes blind because the Ministry of Health has forgotten about its obligation to her. My daughter was born with terrible crooked teeth. We spent ten years at Dr. Bera’s clinic at the Woodlands’ Hospital getting orthodontic corrections at the cost of two million dollars. This is the reality of life in Guyana for the ordinary citizen. I met a relative of Dr. Cheddi Jagan last Sunday and he said he cannot imagine what could go through the head of the PPP leadership that they could give free money to Ministers to fix their teeth. This is a close relative
Frederick Kissoon of the founder of the PPP. A poor woman is going blind, but Ministers could get taxpayers’ money for dental purposes. What will make it even more depraved and lead you to think of Samuel Doe is if the dental expense was for aesthetic purposes and not corrective surgery. We don’t know. Maybe the new kid on the block, Elizabeth Harper, could find out for us. When we read about these horrible distortions in power arrogance as with the medical bills for these officials, we should now call on Ms. Harper to get her reaction. I will have much more to say about Ms. Harper before May 11 comes. Meantime, Guyanese should brace themselves for more scandals.
Tuesday March 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 11
DPP defends against challenge to her professionalism Once again, Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack has been moved to defend the integrity of her office, against criticism from political circles. Yesterday, the DPP made it clear that all matters that come before her are dealt with in a professional manner. Ms. Ali-Hack was referring directly to a published article titled ‘Pointless pursuing criminal proceedings against Finance Minister now Basil Williams...”lt is obvious that the DPP would intervene”. This report was carried in the Saturday February 28, 2015 edition of the Kaieteur News. In the article, executive member of A Partnership for National Unity, Basil Williams,
purported that “Shalimar AliHack has indicated that she was not interested in Ramjattan’s matter...” The APNU Shadow Minister for Legal Affairs was speaking to the recent court ruling by Chief Justice Ian Chang regarding the “illegal” spending of billions of dollars by Finance Minister Ashni Singh, without parliamentary approval. In a statement issued yesterday, the DPP stated categorically that she never indicated that she was not interested in Ramjattan’s matter. “All files that come to the DPP Chambers receive professional advice based on the facts available in the files and the prevailing Law. The DPP emphatically states that
she does not have to be interested in any files that come to the Chambers, since all files are dealt with in a professional manner,” the statement from the DPP chambers noted. Williams said, last Saturday, that while the court ruled that Government’s spending of billions of dollars of taxpayers’ monies which were disapproved by the National Assembly was unconstitutional, it would more than likely be futile trying to pursue criminal proceedings against the defaulters at this point. When asked to explain the way forward to hold those responsible accountable, and to recover the said sums, Williams, an attorney at law, admitted that indeed action
could be taken against the Finance Minister. He added, “You couldn’t breach the Constitution by spending the people’s monies and not be subject to a charge. And we at all times before the Chief Justice said that the possible charge is misfeasance in public office.” However, he emphasized that APNU does have a plan but “we don’t control the relevant state apparatus to deal with that. I think even Sir Fenton Ramsahoye Q.C, spoke to that. The question of enforcing would be in the hands or domain of the government, because as you know, all criminal prosecutions are under the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).” The Parliamentarian
DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack APNU’s Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams reminded that Leader of the Alliance For Change, Khemraj Ramjattan, had filed a complaint with the Guyana Police Force against the Finance Minister over what
was deemed at the time, the “alleged illegal spending” of some $4.5B from the National Treasury. But that matter, however, died a natural death. “You saw what happened with that (Ramjattan’s case)... It is obvious. The conclusion is that we have to win the elections.”
Guyana set to receive Euros 34M in 5-year developmental aid Guyana is set to receive up to Euros 34M over the next five years as part of the European’s grant aid programme The Delegation of the EU to Guyana, in a statement yesterday, said that the allocation to cover the period ending 2020 will focus on climate change adaptation, disaster reduction and sustainable infrastructure, including sea defences and building upon successful cooperation in this area in the past. “The EU is the largest grant donor to Guyana and is a committed partner to Guyana’s development. This year will mark the celebration of 40 years of EU-Guyana cooperation,” the delegation said yesterday. The Euro 34M was announced yesterday by European Union’s High Representative and VicePresident, Federica Mogherini, and Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, and was part of the bigger Euro 30.5B worth of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). “The EU and its member states remain collectively the world’s largest donor, providing more than half of global official aid. As an important part of its external action, the EDF is a cornerstone of the EU’s international cooperation and development policy that concretely implements our partnership and dialogue with
EU’s High Representative and Vice-President, Federica Mogherini African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries under the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement.” The 11th EDF will finance EU development cooperation projects until 2020 to assist
partner countries’ own efforts in poverty eradication. The funds come from EU member states and will be managed by the EU to target the people most in need and to finance different sectors such as health and education, infrastructure, environment, energy, food and nutrition. “The promotion of good governance, democracy and the rule of law are also other key areas that are supported as is sustainable development, including sustainable agriculture and rural development.” The delegation said that these are some of the ways how the EU and its members are clearly signaling support to the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals so continued focus will be placed where the most impact can be derived. “This is in line with our vision set out in the 2011
Guyana is set to receive Euros 34M over the next five years under the 11th European Development Fund
“Agenda for Change”. EDF long-term development programmes are always agreed in close partnership with each of the countries or
regions. This ensures that cooperation is aligned to the respective national or regional priorities and that partner countries exercise their
ownership of the development process.” In the past, the EU grants have been used especially in sea defence works.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 03, 2015
Providence killer remains at large …flees bullet-riddled home with partner, step-child The prime suspect in Sunday night’s execution style murder of 19-year-old Ryan Sooklall has fled his Lot 41 Norton Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara residence. Kaieteur News understands that the alleged gunman left his home before riddling Sooklall with bullets at a shop in Parker Street, Providence, East Bank Demerara. He reportedly took his reputed wife and 13-year-old stepson with him. When Kaieteur News made checks, the house was shut tight and it was
observed that at least ten bullet-impressions were on the outer wall of the eastern bedroom. Several of the bedroom window panes were shattered. Earlier reports indicated that the suspect’s house had been the centre of an attack, reportedly by a group of boys, including Sooklall. Police believe that it was then that the 19-year-old signed his own death warrant. Around 02:00 hours Sunday morning, the group hurled two ‘channa bombs’ and fired over 20 shots at the suspect’s home while he and
his reputed wife were in bed. The matter was reported at the Providence Police Station. According to neighbours, the early morning gunfire had roused them from their sleep. They claimed that the men opened fire on the couple’s bedroom and that angered the alleged killer. Neighbours told Kaieteur News that later that day the suspect was heard angrily shouting, “I gun kill all of them!” Residents surmised that he meant the gang who turned up earlier while he was in bed. According to them, the
Investigators checking the suspect’s house yesterday. Inset: DEAD: Ryan Sooklall alleged gunman and victim were close friends who would normally “lime” in the area. They, like residents of Providence, could not fathom
what caused the relationship to turn sour. The 19-year-old was reportedly gunned down around 21:00 hrs on Sunday in a shop in Parker Street, Providence, East Bank Demerara. Sooklall, called ‘Plyboard’, was shot at least three times in the back and was pronounced dead on arrival at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital. Investigators, too, are convinced that he was killed in retaliation for the ‘channa bomb’ incident. The shop
where Sooklall was slain is said to be a popular meeting place for both killer and victim. According to eyewitnesses, Sooklall and about 10 other youths were at the Providence shop when the killer struck. One eyewitness said the gunman rolled up on his bicycle and finished Sooklall. Everyone scattered while the teen collapsed in the yard. The alleged gunman fled on the bicycle. Sooklall was the manager of one of his father’s three lucrative businesses.
Tuesday March 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 21
Man found dead in Charity house Guyana-born singer of R&B group, Brownstone, dies after freak fall
Police attached to the Charity police outpost Monday morning were summoned to a house in Charity by neighbours who had detected a putrid scent emanating from the building. The police found the decomposed remains of a man who apparently died of natural causes. The man, who was identified only
as ”Braff” and “Fat Head”, was living alone at Charity Extension Housing Scheme. He apparently had suffered from Typhoid and had died several days ago. The man’s body is at the Oscar Joseph Hospital in Charity. His funeral is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.
Mexican Movie Cycle continues today The Embassy of Mexico in Guyana announced that it is to co-host with the National Library, the 9th Mexican Movie Cycle in Guyana, which will extend from today to Wednesday. The Ninth Cycle celebrates the creation of contemporary Mexican artists and includes animation, comedy and drama productions from the last 15 years. The cycle starts with “The Revolution of Juan Escopeta”, an animation produced in 2010 to commemorate the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution. The movie tells the story of Gapo, an 11-year-old boy who in the midst of the struggle decides to look for this brother “el Damian”, a Revolutionary hero. The second day will be the turn of “The Implacable”, a contemporary comedy about Max, a youngster who looks for ways to become more attractive for women and seeks the advice of a young good-looking friend with whom he will ultimately end up fighting for the same girl. For Wednesday March 4, the Embassy will show for the first time in Guyana “Amores Perros”, nominated for the 2001 Oscar Award as Best Foreign Language movie and directed by 2015 Oscar Award winning director, Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu. Mexican cinema goes back to the ending of the 19th century, when films of the Mexican Revolution were produced. The Golden Age of Mexican cinema took place
during the 1940s and beyond. Mexico dominated the Latin American film industry. Names of actors like Cantinflas, Pedro Armendáriz, Maria Félix are well known, same as of directors like Emilio Fernandez, Luis Buñuel and cameraman Gabriel Figueroa. In the 90s the New Mexican Cinema flourished and has not stopped since then. High quality films by Arturo Ripstein, Alfonso Arau, and Alfonso Cuarón were produced. Among the
films, and with a notable international success, Amores Perros was produced. The quality of the Mexican artists has been recognized in the Cannes festivals and the Oscars, among others. Emmanuel Lubezki has won the cinematography Academy Award for “Birdman” a year after taking the trophy for “Gravity.” Alejandro González Iñarritu and Alfonso Cuarón won the Best Director Oscar award in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Denmark - Charmayne Maxwell, better known as Maxee, a member of the Grammy-nominated ’90s R&B group Brownstone, died Saturday after a mysterious fall. She was 46. According to TMZ, Maxwell was attending a soccer match in Denmark when the fall occurred. Although no further details about her demise have been released, early reports suggest that authorities are describing her death as an “accident”. Maxwell is survived by her husband, Danish music producer, Carsten Soulshock, and her young son. The Guyana-born singer and her fellow group members Monica “Mimi” Doby and Nichole “Nicci” Gilbert were signed to Michael Jackson’s MJJ Music label. The group’s biggest hit was 1995’s “If You Love Me,” which earned them a Billboard Music Award and a Grammy nomination. Following the group’s brief success, Maxwell moved to London and signed with Mercury Records in 2000 to pursue a solo career. Her biggest hit on the European charts was the Darkchildproduced “When I Look Into Your Eyes,” which peaked at No. 1. (www.mtv.com/news)
DEAD: Charmayne Maxwell
Attacking Jagdeo's... From page 18 serve to incriminate him and his Party and in the process, do further damages to his electoral ambitions.” Rohee said that the “amnesia of Granger and his acolytes are at best mind boggling and raises some serious questions regarding the suitabil-
ity of Granger and his political entity to be entrusted with the task of administering the business of government.” He declared that Guyanese electorate will see beyond the opposition's “veil of secrecy and silence and return the PPP/C to government with an overwhelming majority come May 11”.
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Kaieteur News
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CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel: 698-7807 FOR SALE/RENTAL American pool table – Tel: 277-0578
Tuesday March 03, 2015
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. American Made, Aluminum ladder 24ft -$38,000 & 32ft $52,000 –Tel: 602-5794; 6097257 3 Engel moulding machine – Please Contact: 695-0333 Sawmill: Timber Harvester, 30th 25th fully hydraulic, electric motor- Tel: 261-2553 AMERICAN BULLY PUPS GOTTILINE REMYLINE – CALL: 220-7933; 6674845; 610-0068 1.60 everude engine, caterpillar skidder spare parts, modulim truck spare parts, 75 Yamaha spare partsTel:672-9272; 261-6634 Lady Driven Toyota Rav4 PRR – Call Selvin at 622-0137 Pure bred German shepherds – Tel:612-6672; 697-1141 1-XR-650L Motor Cycle, excellent condition- Tel:2271014; 678-5499 White & Brown eggs, ducklings also – Tel:6887291; 652-6425 One Milwaukee M12 drill driver combo, asking $35,000Call: 672-9640 One miller Bluestar 6000 welder generator asking $250,000- Call: 672-9640 Green Heart Piles, Green Heart Logs, Wamara Logs, also rare old coins – Tel: 639-3450 Large China Cabinets $80g, whirlpool heavy duty washing machine $120g 3pcs sofa set -$150g – Call: 6813660 1 Music system, 80 mercury engine, 40 Tohatsu Engine, Hilux extra cab fiber glass cover – Tel:672-9272; 2616634 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Ducklings: French Mascouie$600 each – Tel:671-2474 One 12ft aluminum fishing boat asking $320,000- Call: 672-9640 One Honda 4 stroke 15HP outboard motor asking $250,000- Call: 672-9640
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2-Bedroom upper flat @ 5 Wallers Delight, W.C.D – Tel:674-4929; 662-0187 Apartments for rental @ Nandy Park E.B.D – Tel:2275194; 624-5194 1 -8000 SQ Feet ware house, located 20 miles from City $5000USD monthly – Contact: 695-0333 Container Bar 160 Vryheid Lust E.C.D, for bar or any other kind of business – Tel:220-4372 or 690-3129 Wash bay and snackette at Lot 15 Good Hope E.B.E – Tel: 663-2882
1 Tacoma GTT 269 with extracab, mag rim, crash bar- Call: 216-2465, 687-6083, 678-5438 Nissan Titan 4X4; fully loaded; good condition; price negotiable. Call: 620-1026 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 Toyota Prado, Price$5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 One 2004 NZE $1.750M, One 2001 Stick Shift, Carina 212 - $1.9M - Call:616-5974 or 618-8703
Prime business place for rent on Sheriff street only for offices- Call: 627-6740
Canter: Short Based - $2.2M, Voxy $1.7M, Spacio $2.1M, (all never registered) – Call: 617-2891
Unfurnished 3 bedrooms & 1 bedroom apartments in Granville Park E.C.D. Free water & parking – Call: 6813660
Toyota Vigo smart cab for sale - $3.3M negotiable; Spacio-$1.550M - Call: 6684553
GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098 1 Bedroom apartment 25FTX22FT preferably working couple / single working person with no children, price $30,000 –Call: 657-8335
Toyota Mark 11 GX90$1.1M, Ford F150 - $1.2M, good condition – Call: 610-6066 2005 F350 Ford, door ½, fully loaded 4X4, diesel, automatic, leather interior, 35" tyres & rims; excellent condition – Tel: 610-5370 1 Toyota Vigo, manual transmission – Tel: 600-5759 Toyota AT212, AT192, Raum, Premio,Tundra, AE100 Sprinter, Vitz, RZ Bus, EP71 & 825 Starlet, Honda 600RR- Tel: 644-5096;697-1453 One Nissan X-Trail, year 2004, PRR series. Fully loaded- Price $3.1M NegCall: 647-0016
PROPERTY FOR SALE Public Road Grove corner property $25M Negotiable Call: 613-5645 Flat concrete house for sale in Grove with land space- Call: 679-3913 1 Flat concrete house @ Kururu Kururu Linden Soesdyke Highway, size 38X20, land 100X200 – $8M negotiable-Tel: 592-661-6073; 694-1090 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms house and land at Mon Repos (Martyrsville) $13M negotiable – Call: 629-5300
DRESSMAKING Designing & Sewing classes, ladies wear, curtains etc. (CanadianTrained Tutor), Schoon-Ord, W.B.D- Tel:6262629, 676-6312
VEHICLE FOR SALE
1 Newly built 2 storey concrete house @ Canal No#2 Belle West - Tel:6153333; 648-9428 Business property located @ Supply public road, E.B.D. Entering either by river/ public road- Call: 698-8100
GPP Tacoma 5VZ engine, stick gear, 4WD price $2.3M negotiable – Call: 617-7113 LAND FOR SALE Land @ William Street Kitty; size: 38FT wide by 116FT length, reasonable price – Tel: 664-0829 One residential land at Herstellling Plot ‘B’ E.B.D $4.5M Tel: 661-0618; 6013469; 600-1062 Measuring 90’X165’ facing Atlantic Ocean, approximately half mile from Sheriff Street on High Way. Contact Shiv: 600-6681 Land @ William Street Kitty; Size: 79FT wide by 116FT length, price $60M Negotiable - Tel: 664-0829 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front - $100M Negotiable, serious enquiries only! Tel: 669-8152
Tuesday March 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
APNU-AFC alliance places Guyana at dangerous crossroads DEAR EDITOR, I have occasionally, in these pages, spoken out against what I felt was shabby treatment, by the PPP, of some of its most devoted stalwarts, including Moses Nagamootoo. I still feel the same. Further, I think that were issues addressed in ways conducive to compromise and not friction, Nagamootoo would today still be one of the foremost voices within the PPP and could very well be their presidential candidate
for the upcoming elections. Sadly, that is not the case today. Now, with the latest political alliance between APNU and the AFC, Guyana is placed at a critical, dangerous crossroads, faced with the possibility of the return to power of the same party that wreaked havoc on, plundered and bankrupted the country for nearly three decades. And Nagamootoo, who, as a dedicated PPP soldier, was at the forefront in the struggle against the PNC, may very well end up
with an indelible stain on his legacy if the alliance prevails come May 11 and the country reverts to the pre-1992 status quo. There are those who posit that “things are not the same,” that Granger has become moderate, and that we should forgive and forget the past iniquities of the PNC, in favour of an alliance that promises “change” from what they paint as a dismal state of affairs in the country. Obviously, some of us seem to have short memories and are willing to take
reckless chances. The PNC, in its heyday, consolidated power to such a degree that they controlled ALL institutions within the country, including the press and judiciary. Malfeasance was rampant, but there was no true recourse for anyone wanting to pursue legal remedies. In fact such dissenters were subjected to KGB-style witch-hunting, and their being silenced was just a matter of a few phone calls involving the powersthat-be. Heads were rolled,
Why I support President Ramotar... From page 5 investigated or prosecuted under that Act.” Editor, many of the major actors of that regime are still active members of the opposition PNC-APNU. In my opinion, the main culprit whose policies as Minister of Finance left Guyana’s economy devastated in 1992, PNCAPNU Shadow Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge, will return as the PNC-APNUAFC Finance Minister if (God forbid) that Party wins the election...that is a frightening thought indeed. We’ve come too far to go back now. Under the PNC, most Guyanese lived below the poverty line. There was no foreign exchange to import anything. Parents kept their children home from school to stand in long lines to buy a loaf of bread, a pint of cooking oil or two rolls of toilet paper whenever these items were available. And if you were one of the fortunate few that owned a vehicle, you were restricted to a few gallons when gas was available, but only after waiting for hours in long lines at the gas station. New tyres and spare parts for cars were impossible to get on the local market.
Everything was rationed by the PNC Government, and the daily shortages of food supply and spare parts gave birth to the Traders. Today, almost anything you need and in any quantity, is readily available in stores and supermarkets. Almost anything you can get in New York is available right here in Guyana, often a lot cheaper. Guyanese now travel freely to other countries without the hassle of having to waste the entire day at the Inland Revenue Department to get an incometax clearance before they are allowed to travel. And Guyanese are free to buy any amount of the readily available US dollars under US$10,000 without government interference. In the dark days of the PNC, Guyanese were only allowed to leave the country with the equivalent of One Hundred Guyana Dollars. In Guyana today, more families own a car, a home or house lot, something they never thought was possible before. Today, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation, any contractor can secure a contract with the Government of Guyana as
Albert Boodhoo was... From page 4 not college educated. Albert was a fine gentleman who exuded compassion and care for the dispossessed and poor working class. He was professional in his demeanour and spoke candidly about politics in his former homeland. He was not afraid to speak out against what he perceived to be errors made by the PPP administration postCheddi and Janet Jagan. He felt the working class was being neglected and not much was being done to alleviate the hardship of sugar workers. I was not aware that Albert was ailing, and it was only recently I inquired about
his well-being as well as that of his partner who we called Bristol, with whom I met several times in Queens. During his stint as GAWU President, he interacted with 20,000 sugar workers and the leadership as well as membership of other unions. I join with friends and former sugar workers in saying farewell to a former stalwart of GAWU for his outstanding contribution to labour activism and workers’ rights in Guyana. His deeds in the fight for the restoration of democracy and for the dignity of the working class in our homeland will remain deep in our memory. Vishnu Bisram
long as the criteria are met as advertised. The integrity of the bidding process is protected by public scrutiny through advertising; very different from the days when only supporters of the PNC Government were given contracts without public knowledge. There was never a period during the entire 28year reign of the PNC when contracts were awarded with the frequency they’re being done now. Of course, in those days, there was hardly any money in the treasury to build anything, and I cannot recall seeing advertising in the local media for projects up for tender. Isn’t it hilarious that Greenidge is the one now crying foul, and demanding transparency in the bidding process? How many Indian businessmen do you believe got lucrative contracts from the PNC government in those days? I don’t know of any. In fact, if a Guyanese did not have a PNC Party card, he/she was very unlikely to get a job in the public sector, much less be given government contracts. Guyana is fortunate to have a leader like Donald Ramotar at this moment in our nation’s history. Contrary to the image the Opposition paints of him, this man does not have one gram of racist blood running through his veins. He is truly a man of the people that is constantly working to improve race relations and to mould us all as one people, one nation. I’ve said before, and will repeat it here again...AfroGuyanese in traditional PNC strongholds have benefitted a lot more from PPP/C Administrations than they ever did under the PNC, and that’s an undisputed fact. What have David Granger and APNU done for Black people in Guyana, and specifically, those who voted PNC-APNU last election? Nothing! All the cheap electricity his supporters enjoy in Linden is subsidized by this
government. Linden has new roads, new reliable water supply; new schools; new sports facilities; and thousands of Black families all over Guyana now own homes and house lots - a dream that was once Forbes Burnham’s, but now is a reality under this PPP/C Government. There are more Blacks working in Government Ministries than any other race. Yet if you believe the rhetoric spewed by the Opposition, Black people are being denied jobs. I frankly expect to be accused of race-baiting by some in the opposition, but it is time someone has the courage to tell it like it is without having to be politically correct for fear of hurting someone’s feelings. The truth is, most Blacks enjoy a better quality of life under this PPP/C Government, but the younger generation don’t see it that way. They are constantly demanding more. Perhaps if they knew from whence we came: the tremendous sufferings of the Guyanese people under the dictatorial PNC and the atrocities committed by that regime, the youth of today would be less demanding and more appreciative of having the good fortune of growing up under the PPP/C. It is imperative that Donald Ramotar and the PPP/ C be re-elected to continue the modernization of Guyana, and to regain our leadership role in the Caribbean. But if there is one reason why women in particular should turn out in droves to re-elect the PPP/C regardless of their political affiliation, it is because the PPP/C has passed laws with teeth, to protection women and their children from the scourge of abuse, and to empower them in the workforce. I am confident that our next Prime Minister, Mrs. Elisabeth Harper, a strong and dynamic woman, will ensure this trend continues! Harry Gill
people were unduly harassed and incarcerated, and many folks were simply eliminated. Anyone critiquing the government, on issues ranging from financial mismanagement to rigged elections, was challenged to “produce the proof.” And, needless to say, legal challenges were doomed to failure. The difference today is that the judiciary is independent – not just on paper; and anyone claiming malfeasance, with the requisite proof, can be assured of a fair resolution. However, what has been rampant are unsubstantiated allegations, mostly based on rumours and innuendos. Gossip-mongering is pregnant with stories about high government officials driving expensive automobiles or building “mansions,” with salaries that supposedly are not commensurate with such lavish spending. Of course these are factors that, absent proof, should not be considered prima facie evidence of corruption. Also, irresponsible sections of the media have been seizing on such tales and feeding the manufactured frenzy. To add insult to injury, obstructionism in Parliament, involving APNU/PNC and AFC and their one-vote majority, has been the order of the day since the last general elections, leading to a no-confidence motion, Parliament being prorogued and new elections scheduled. Nagamootoo’s decision to negotiate with a party that, as history will attest, was involved in some of the most
heinous acts against the Guyanese people, raises some important questions. Did the issues involving his falling out with the PPP outweigh the sins of the PNC? Was there absolutely no avenue open for him to negotiate some degree of rapprochement with his former colleagues? It seems he could have exercised much leverage in any such negotiations, considering his possible choices if they (the PPP) proved intransigent. One would think that someone of such national stature would put country first in arriving at such a crucial decision. Instead, an alliance, likely fuelled by the “axe to grind” mindset, ensued. Pragmatic considerations must have taken a back seat in the rush to ink the deal. The stakes are very high, including for Nagamootoo and Ramjattan, who may very well be relegated to the political wilderness should the PPP prevail. But political careers aside, it’s the Guyanese people who stand to lose the most with a return to the dark days of the PNC. After all, the country has seen tremendous progress, as documented not just locally but by international institutions, including the IMF, World Bank, IDB, and CDB, since democracy was restored in 1992. The upcoming elections will determine whether the Guyanese people want the progressive trend to continue or opt to reward those who made every effort to stand in the way. Abel Peters
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Tuesday March 03, 2015
Health workers commence Operating Room Technician programme Eighteen health workers from across the country now have the opportunity to undergo extensive training as Operating Room Technicians. The trainees were inducted into a training programme during a ceremony yesterday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). These trainees are the fifth batch to join the training programme since its launch in 2012, and will undergo an entire year’s worth of training. According to Soogrim Singh, the Training and Development Manager of the GPHC, the programme has so far celebrated a 100% pass rate. Singh said that when the programme first commenced it was limited to staff of the
hospital. However, he said, other local hospitals indicated their interest in participating and had noted the need for their employees to be trained as well. The call from other hospitals saw the expansion of the hospital’s admission requirement. The fifth batch of trainees includes persons from GPH, West Demerara Regional Hospital, Davis Memorial Hospital, Georgetown Medical Centre and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. The first nine months of the programme will see the trainees undergoing rigorous training, while the last three months will involve preceptorship, a period of supervised practical training. Singh added that the
students will be monitored periodically. Singh reminded the trainees of the importance of hard work and urged them to pay keen attention to the programme. “Don’t give your tutors any hard time; you are here to learn and whatever they instruct, you have to follow. This is a very intense programme and it calls for your full concentration,” Singh emphasised. Similarly, Clinical Supervisor Gail Gill told the trainees that success would be achieved if they worked as a team. She also reminded them that honesty was an important trait for the programme and said, too, that dishonesty could make a
Gail Gill, Clinical Supervisor (left, seated) and Soogrim Singh, Training and Development Manager of the GPH (right, seated) with the trainees of the Operating Room Technician Programme difference between the life and death of a patient. The training programme was launched with the
mandate to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to provide competent pre and post-operative care and
support to patients, provide in-operation assistance to surgeons, and to maintain the efficiency of operating rooms.
been set aside this year to improve the networks in the Moruca sub-region. “Thirteen point five kilometers of new roads were developed in the area; however, some of them are not up to standard. We have to make a change. I have instructed my engineer so that we make that change quickly,” Minister Benn charged. Noting that General Elections is less than three months away, Minister Benn told the gathering that unity and peace must prevail and
that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has the best talented, most committed leaders to move Guyana forward. The Minister said to the Amerindians that “We recognize that our Amerindian people throughout the country need to access and benefit from all aspects of the social, economic and developmental spheres, irrespective of where they are living…The party I represent has been making great efforts to improve their livelihood and living standard.”
Government. committed to development of Amerindian communities “Being able to connect the coastland to hinterland regions is a major factor in developing Amerindian communities. It is vital to their advancement.” This point was highlighted by Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, to numerous persons during an address in Region One last Sunday. It was noted that Amerindians are the most at risk group in Guyana and the current government is “committed, despite all odds, to improve their livelihood and living standards.” This can be done once
communication and transportation becomes easy for movement between the two areas. The Public Works Minister made the pledge to improve the livelihood of Amerindians when he spoke at the Kumaka Recreational Ground, Barima-Waini. He said “stunted growth” is one issue that personally affects him. He highlighted to the large crowd that the combined Opposition’s refusal to approve funds for the maintenance of hinterland airstrips was a thoughtless act which denied many Amerindians their basic rights. Last year, $248M was allocated for the rehabilitation of airstrips in Matthews Ridge, Imbaimadai and Kamarang and the maintenance of 43 airstrips in Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine. However, because the Administration had bundled the allocations for airstrips with other controversial and unwanted projects during the 2014 budget, funds were
Some of those who attended last Sunday’s meeting turned down by the opposition parties when it came time to vote in Parliament. The Minister emphasized, however, that the airstrips are critical for the movement of goods and services “in and out of these communities”. The failed Amalia Falls Hydropower project was also addressed by the Minister. He claimed that the project was important for the country and would have resulted in a reduced light bill for Guyanese. “… In particular,
we would have savings for renewable sustaining energy project. That way, we can make the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) facilities available to communities that have inadequate power supply,” he disclosed. There were a number of missed opportunities to attract new investments as a result of not having cheap, renewable energy, the Public Works Minister stated. Commenting on road works, Minister Benn said that approximately $70M has
Tuesday March 03, 2015
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Tuesday March 03, 2015
Dominica health ministry declares Chikungunya epidemic officially over The Ministry of Health says the chikungunya epidemic on the island officially ended on January 23. The declaration is based on World Health Organization (WHO), recommendation that the end of a disease outbreak in a country can be declared over – once two maximum incubation periods have passed and no new cases have been detected. “The incubation period for chikungunya ranges from 1 – 12 days…the last clinically diagnosed case of CHIKV in Dominica was on December 28, 2014. Since then 42 days (as
of February 9), which is more than twice the maximum incubation period, have passed without a new case of chikungunya being detected in the country,” the Health Ministry said. The disease had tremendous impact on Dominica with 3,764 cases reported across the island and 173 cases confirmed by laboratory testing. One hundred and eleven persons were hospitalized during the epidemic. The first confirmed reported case of the disease was in Dominica came from an individual who travelled from St. Martin.
US customs officials nab several Caribbean nationals The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says it has apprehended 10 Caribbean migrants in the waters off Miami. CBP said that the migrants, whose nationalities were not identified, were nabbed after agents
deployed warning shots and disabling fire to successfully interdict a vessel last week. It said law enforcement authorities had detected and tracked a suspicious vessel traveling westbound from the Bahamas without navigational lights. “Training, skill and
commitment of our agents allowed us to safely interdict these migrants attempting to enter the country illegally. Day and night we stand guard against illicit trafficking of people and contraband bound for the United States,” CBP said in a statement.
Guardia Nacional finds missing Trinis off Venezuela coast A group people who went missing during a fishing trip on Friday were found this morning by Venezuelan authorities. T&T Coast Guard Communications Officer, Lt Cmdr Kirk Jean-Baptiste, said the missing group of about ten people were spotted by Guardia Nacional off Los
Mensajes, north of the Venezuelan mainland. The matter is being dealt with by Foreign Affairs ministry and the Venezuelan embassy. The Guardian understands that the cargo was being inspected and that once the crew is cleared, they will be given fuel and escorted to the border. Jean-Baptiste
said the group had left the waterfront along the old Marabella trainline aboard the pirogue “Davi Ann” PFZ 94. Among those on the vessel were Forestry Division worker Christina Maharaj, 28, her neighbours Hendy Scott, 55, and Keston Moraine, 42, all of the Bayshore Avenue, Marabella.
Obama, Israel’s Netanyahu clash over Iran diplomacy (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu clashed over Iran nuclear diplomacy yesterday on the eve of the Israeli prime minister’s hotly disputed address to Congress, underscoring the severity of U.S.-Israeli strains over the
issue. Even as the two leaders professed their commitment to a strong partnership and sought to play down the diplomatic row, they delivered dueling messages – Netanyahu in a speech to proIsraeli supporters and Obama in an interview with Reuters
– that hammered home their differences on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Neither gave any ground ahead of Netanyahu’s speech to Congress on Tuesday when he plans to detail his objections to ongoing talks between Iran and world powers that he says will inevitably allow Tehran to become a nuclear-armed state. Netanyahu opened his high-profile visit to Washington yesterday with a stark warning to the Obama administration that the deal being negotiated with Tehran could threaten Israel’s survival, saying he had a “moral obligation” to sound the alarm about the dangers. He insisted he meant no disrespect for Obama, with whom he has a history of testy encounters, and appreciated U.S. military and diplomatic support for Israel.
Tuesday March 03, 2015
Kaieteur News
Tobacco workers in Cuba dubious about opening of U.S. market We have to wait and see,” “There isn’t a lot of talk about it,” are the responses from tobacco workers in this rural area in western Cuba when asked about the prospect of an opening of the U.S. market to Cuban cigars. “If the company sells more, I think they would pay us better,” said Berta Borrego, who has been hanging and sorting tobacco leaves for over 30 years in San Juan y Martínez in the province of Pinar del Río, 180 km west of Havana. The region of Vuelta Abajo, and the municipalities of San Juan y Martínez, San Luis, Guane and Pinar del Río in particular, combine ideal climate and soil conditions with a centuries-old farming culture to produce the world’s best premium hand-rolled cigars. In this area alone, 15,940 hectares are planted every year in tobacco, Cuba’s fourth top export. While continuing to hang tobacco leaves on the Rosario plantation, Borrego told IPS that “there is little talk” among the workers about how they might benefit if the U.S. embargo against Cuba, in place since 1962, is eased, as part of the current process of normalisation of bilateral ties. Borrego said “it would be good” to break into the U.S. market, off-limits to Cuban cigar-makers for over half a century. And she said that raising the pay of day workers and growers would be an incentive for workers, “because there is a shortage of both female and male workers since people don’t like the countryside.” Cuban habanos, rum and coffee represent a trade and investment opportunity for Havana and Washington, if bilateral ties are renewed in the process that on Friday Feb. 27 reached the second round of talks between representatives of the two countries. Habanos have become a symbol of the thaw between the two countries since someone gave a Cuban cigar to U.S. President Barack Obama during a Dec. 17 reception in the White House, a few hours after he announced the restoration of ties. Among the first measures approved by Washington to boost trade and ties between the two countries was the granting of permission to U.S. tourists to bring back 100 dollars worth of cigars and rum from Cuba. But the sale of habanos in U.S. shops, where Nicaraguan and Dominican cigars reign,
is still banned, and U.S. businesses are not allowed to invest in the local tobacco industry here. Furthermore, the lifting of the U.S. embargo depends on the U.S. Congress, not the Obama administration. But when it happens, annual sales of habanos in the U.S. market are expected to climb to at least 250 million dollars, according to estimates by the only company that sells Cuban cigars, Habanos SA, a joint venture between the staterun Tabacuba and Britain’s Imperial Tobacco Group PLC. The corporation estimates that 150 million cigars from the 27 Cuban brands could be sold, once the U.S. market opens up. The new permission for visitors to take home 100 dollars worth of cigars was called “symbolic” by Jorge Luis Fernández Maique, vice president of the AngloCuban company, during the 17th Habanos Festival, which drew 1,650 participants from 60 nations Feb. 23-27 in Havana. “The increase in sales in Cuba won’t be big,” the businessman forecast during the annual festival, which includes tours to tobacco plantations and factories, visits to auctions for humidors – a specially designed box for holding cigars – and art exhibits, and combined cigar, wine, rum and food tastings. In its more than 140 locations worldwide, La Casa del Habano, an international franchise, sells a pack of 20 Cohiba Mini cigarrillos for 12 dollars, while a single habano cigar costs 50 dollars. Premium cigars are the end result of a meticulous planting, selection, drying, curing, rolling and ageing process that involves
thousands of humble, weathered hands like those of day worker Luis Camejo, who has dedicated eight of his 33 years to the tobacco harvest. During the October to March harvest, Camejo picks tobacco leaves and hangs them in the shed on the Rosario plantation. Like the others, he is reticent when asked how he and his fellow workers could benefit from increased trade with the United States. “I wouldn’t know,” he told IPS. He said he earns 1,200 Cuban pesos (50 dollars) a month during harvest season, and a bonus in convertible pesos after the plantation owner sells the tobacco to the state-run companies. That is more than the average of 19 dollars a month earned by employees of the state, by far the largest employer in this Caribbean island nation. But it is not enough to cover people’s needs, given that food absorbs 59 to 75 percent of the family budget, according to the Centre of Studies on the Cuban Economy. “To reach a dominant position in markets, we have to grow from below, that is, in quality and yield, because Vuelta Abajo isn’t growing,” said Iván Máximo Pérez, the owner of the 5.4-hectare Rosario plantation, which produces 2.5 tons of tobacco leaves per hectare. “In terms of production, the sky is our limit,” he told IPS with a smile. In his view, “tobacco is profitable to the extent that the producer is efficient.” “The current harvests even allow me to afford some luxuries,” he admitted. He said he continues to plant tobacco because “it’s a sure thing, since the state buys everything we produce, at fixed prices based on quality.”
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Tuesday March 03, 2015
Tuesday March 03 , 2014
Kaieteur News
Duckworth-Lewis method in new avatar for World Cup An anomaly in the Duckworth-Lewis rain calculation system has been addressed in the formula being used at the World Cup, adding a third name to the complex calculation in the form of Australian academic Steve Stern. The “Duckworth Lewis Stern” formula pays more heed to the issues created by the trend of ODIs towards higher scoring, providing a more layered calculation for instances when tallies cross the 300-mark or beyond, or when extremely high-scoring overs have the potential to change the scenario dramatically. A long-running criticism of the system had been that the weighting of wickets meant a team chasing a high target in questionable weather was better off playing conservatively and keeping wickets in hand rather than being more proactive in
chasing the target. ”The difference between Duckworth-Lewis-Stern and the original Duckworth-Lewis is DLS starts adjusting the formula if scores get really high,” Professor Stern said. “So it is an improvement for T20 matches and one-day matches with very high scores.” Professor Stern has taken over from the Englishmen Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis as the ICC’s rain formula custodian following the retirement of the older men. Stern was born and raised in the United States but developed a taste for cricket after moving to Australia in 1994. He works in the Science and Engineering faculty of the Queensland University of Technology. ”No one wants the game to be uninterrupted more than me. But if it’s only a shower nobody wants the game to be called off,” he said. “The sys-
tem isn’t designed to be a substitute for a full game but, if part of the game is interrupted, it’s preferable to have some kind of game. ”I am trying to educate more people in the game about the method and get it more into the standard parlance of cricket. I think it’s incredible that even international players don’t know the basic underpinnings of the rule - imagine saying the same thing about the lbw law!” The previous edition of the World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand, in 1992, was marred by slack over rates and also a simplistic rain-rule calculation that left South Africa with the impossible task of scoring 22 runs off one ball in their semifinal against England at the SCG. A brief shower had interrupted play when the South Africans required 23 runs from 13 balls. (ESPNcricinfo)
Tuesday March 03, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't worry about being productive today, Aries. Thanks to the high energy provided by the planetary aspects, it might be one of the most efficient days you've had for a long time. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Expect an added boost to your physical energy today, Taurus. It's an excellent day to clean out closets and storage rooms. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If certain projects or tasks have seemed difficult to finish, take advantage of the energy provided by today's planetary aspects. CANCER (June 21–July 22) The day's planetary aspects offer a powerful energy that will increase your mental acuity and physical strength. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) If there's something you want to take on, Leo, today's t h e d a y. T h e c e l e s t i a l aspects will see an increase in physical and mental strength that can work wonders for you. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you've been feeling sluggish lately, Virgo, today will see a surge in energy that will greatly increase your creativity and physical strength.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Libra, if there's something interesting that you want to try, go for it. Adventure brings excitement, creative flow, and energy, and these are essential to you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today's energy will help you take steps toward getting things in order, Scorpio. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The energy of the day makes you ready for almost anything. Given your so m e t i m e s radical approach to whatever you do, you may need to rein yourself in. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Today may be an excellent time to take a second shot at something that didn't work out the first time, Capricorn. Falling flat on your face can damage your confidence and selfesteem. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your ability to find innovative approaches to tasks may serve you well today. Today is full of added energy and mental acuity. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Don't put anything off. If you procrastinate, the pile will just get bigger. Do what needs to be done and you will feel great afterward.
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Ecclestone offers cash advance for smaller... (From page 30) back from the abyss and entered the 2015 championship as the Manor Marussia F1 team. Force India have also suffered delays to the build of their new car, which made its track debut only last Friday in Barcelona. The agreement with Ecclestone came after a meeting between the so-called smaller teams, who spent much of last year calling for a greater share of the revenues and a more level playing field,
and the 84-year-old Briton last Thursday. The Times newspaper said each team had been promised a $10 million advance by the end of the week, when the cars and freight are due to be sent to Australia. The money would have been due to them in due course anyway. ”I think all three teams are in a position to carry on, we’ve just had this one extraordinary period where we lost two teams,” said Fernley. The season starts in Melbourne on March 15.
Bernie Ecclestone
Nishikori breaks into world’s top four, Murray out Reuters - Japan’s Kei Nishikori broke into the top four of the ATP world rankings yesterday as the Asian trailblazer continued to shake up the top echelon of men’s tennis. His run to the final in Acapulco, where he was beaten by Spain’s David Ferrer, elevated him to a new career-high ranking of four, taking him above Britain’s Andy Murray. Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Murray have long been regarded as the “big four” in the men’s game. Nishikori, who became the first Asian male to reach a grand slam singles final at the U.S. Open last year, has equaled the highest ranking for a Japanese player, matching the feat of Kimiko
Important facts about India-West Indies... (From page 34) Richards has the distinction of scoring most runs in a single World Cup against India. He scored 169 runs in 3 innings in 1983. 8. India won their first ever World Cup trophy by defeating West Indies in 1983 at Lord’s. 9. All 7 matches between the sides have seen 7 different Man-of-the-match award winners. (One India)
Kei Nishikori
Date-Krumm in the women’s list 20 years ago. ”What’s important is where you are at the end of the year,” the 25-year-old Nishikori told local media. “I hope I can produce some big results.” He will be in action for Japan later this week in a Davis Cup World Group first-round clash against Canada in Vancouver.
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Kaieteur News
CONCACAF Under-17 Championship
Canada rallies to defeat Haiti in CU17
Andy Reyes San Pedro Sula, Honduras – Canada struck for a trio of unanswered goals after falling behind to defeat Haiti 3-1 in the 2015 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship opener for each on Saturday. The victory completed a Group B tripleheader at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano that started with Mexico’s 3-1 win over Panama and was followed by a 4-0 victory for Costa Rica against St. Lucia. Haiti took a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute, when Ronaldo Damus turned on a through ball from Bellora Charles and fired in with his left foot while falling backwards from 12yards out. A response from the Canadians was swift as Duwayne Ewart ran onto a telling feed from Munir Saleh in the left side of the box and placed a shot past charging goalkeeper Emmanuel Chery to make it 1-1 in the 34th minute. Ten minutes later, Haiti almost regained the lead. Jude Maitre broke into the left side of the box, beating goalkeeper Luciano Trasolini with an effort that looked destined to find the back of the net. Kadin Chung, however, appeared from nowhere to slide across the goal line and cleared the ball to safety. Chung’s heroics proved inspirational for his teammates, who would take a 2-1 lead in the second minute of first-half
Kadin Chung (#2) saved a goal and scored one in Canada’s win over Haiti. (Photo: Mexsport) stoppage time. Harrison Paton delivered a corner kick from the left side that Chery appeared to touch slightly with an outstretched hand. Matthew Baldisimo was there to head it off a Haitian defender and over the line from three-yards out. After being thwarted by Chery in a 1v1 situation earlier, Chung got on the scoresheet in the 73rd minute. Saleh played another pinpoint pass on the ground into the left side of the box for the defender, who calmly slotted an effort with his right foot into the right side of the goal from seven-yards out. Canada returns to action today against Costa Rica, while Haiti will square off against Panama in the first match that day. Costa Rica 4 St. Lucia 0 Andy Reyes and Kevin Masis scored two goals apiece as Costa Rica earned a 4-0 win over St. Lucia in their Group B opener for each. After an evenly played first half, the Costa Ricans shifted to a higher gear against the Caribbean side, which was making its first appearance in the competition since 1988. Mexico tops Panama Mexico opened defense of its
CONCACAF Under-17 Championship title with a 3-1 win over Panama on Saturday. The Tricolor’s unbeaten streak in the competition was extended to 19 consecutive games, including nine straight wins. Mexico’s advantage was doubled in the 25th minute, though, as Emmanuel Chanis — while under pressure from Zamudio — inadvertently turned a Lara cross into his own net. Despite the misfortune, undaunted Panama continued to play attacking football and was rewarded for its persistence eight minutes before the break. Off a quickly taken restart, Jose Luis Rodriguez burst down the right side into the Mexican box and from the goal line played a short diagonal pass to Ronaldo Cordoba. The Chepo FC forward collected the ball with his left foot and calmly knocked it home from six-yards out. Aguirre got his name on the scoresheet in the 54th minute to seal the result, heading home from fiveyards out a beautifully served left-sided free kick by Pablo Lopez. (CONCACAF)
Ecclestone offers cash advance for smaller teams Reuters - Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has offered advance revenue payments to Sauber, Force India and Lotus to help with cash-flow problems ahead of the new season starting in Australia next week. ”Bernie understands we’ve had these challenges over the winter because the (team) suppliers got so badly hurt by the Marussia and Caterham issues,” Force India deputy principal Bob Fernley told Reuters yesterday.
”Whereas we’ve always been able to work with them and smooth it out over the period of the start of the winter, they simply can’t. Whereas we used to get 30 days credit, now we need 30 days in advance. ”He (Ecclestone) suggested that we take an advance and smooth it out that way. That’s going to help enormously.” Marussia and Caterham went into administration last October, with unsecured creditors losing significant
amounts of money owing and now demanding payment up front from other customers such as Force India. Silverstone-based Force India, who use Mercedes engines and have Mexican Sergio Perez with Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg in their driver line-up, contract out much of their chassis work to keep costs down. While Caterham’s assets are now due to be liquidated at a public auction starting this month, Marussia has fought (Continued on page 25)
Tuesday March 03 , 2014
Curry scores 37, leads Warriors from 26 down to beat Celtics Boston (AP) - When you’re sitting on the NBA’s best record like the Golden State Warriors, you don’t have to stress over every single game. Because you usually win, anyway. Stephen Curry scored 37 points on Sunday night, and the Warriors erased a 26-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 106-101. Golden State won for the seventh time in nine tries to improve its league-best record to 46-11. Klay Thompson scored 20 for the Warriors, Harrison Barnes had 17 and Draymond Green scored 11 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter. Isaiah Thomas scored 20 points off the bench for Boston, which had its three-game winning streak snapped. The Celtics led 56-30 midway through the second quarter, bringing the usually quiet TD Garden back to life. Jae Crowder had a career-high 17 rebounds to go with his nine points, but his 3-pointer
Stephen Curry with a chance to give Boston the lead with under a minute left rolled around the rim and out. Andre Iguodala followed with a layup to give Golden State a three-point lead, driving down the center of the lane as the final seconds ticked off the shot clock. Thomas made a layup, then Curry sank two free throws to make it 104-101 with 10.5 seconds left. Thomas had an open 3-pointer, but it bounced off the back of the rim and Curry grabbed the
rebound. He made another pair of free throws to clinch it. It’s the first time since the Warriors moved west from Philadelphia in 1962 that they have won four straight games against the Celtics. Boston led by 13 at the end of the first quarter despite 14 points from Curry. Boston stretched it to 5630 on back-to-back 3-pointers by Crowder and Jonas Jerebko midway through the second. But the Warriors had cut the deficit to 16 points by halftime and scored nine straight points early in the third quarter - seven of them by Curry to bring it into single digits. It was 86-75 after three before Golden State scored the first six points of the fourth on a 3-pointer by Green and Shaun Livingston’s three-point play. Trailing 92-87, the Warriors went on a 9-2 run, tying it 94-all on Iguodala’s dunk and taking the lead on Green’s tip-in.
With no Durant or Westbrook, OKC still tops Lakers 108-101 Los Angles (AP) - D.J. Augustin was still in Detroit when the Oklahoma City Thunder played 14 games without Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook earlier this season. With the Thunder’s superstar duo sidelined again, the undersized new guy seized the opportunity to show his skill. Serge Ibaka had 18 points and 14 rebounds, Augustin added 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists, and Oklahoma City beat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-101 Sunday night to snap a two-game skid. The game looked like trouble on paper for the eighth-place Thunder. Durant is out with a foot injury, while Westbrook underwent surgery on his right cheek Saturday in his native Los Angeles, where the Lakers had won a season-best three straight. Yet with Augustin in charge and fellow newcomer Enes Kanter adding 16 points and 15 rebounds, the Thunder’s supporting players and backups never trailed against the 14thplace Lakers. Augustin stepped in for Westbrook as the Thunder’s catalyst, and the veteran looked sharp in his sixth game with his sixth NBA team. Oklahoma City went 4-10 earlier in the season when Durant and Westbrook both were sidelined, but the Thunder clawed back into playoff position after their return. They’re holding off New Orleans in eighth place in the Western Conference with 22 games to play. Westbrook had triple-doubles in his last three games, but needed surgery after breaking a bone in his face by colliding with teammate Andre Roberson’s knee on Friday. Durant hasn’t played in six straight games while nursing a broken bone in his right foot. Jeremy Lamb added nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter while Augustin went scoreless. Lamb’s 3-pointer with 4:23 to play stretched Oklahoma City’s lead to a game-high 14 points, allowing the Thunder to avoid a winless three-game road trip.
Serge Ibaka #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots against Carlos Boozer #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Juan Ocampo/ NBAE via Getty Images) Jeremy Lin had 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds for the Lakers, whose modest winning streak ended meekly. Los Angeles got at least eight points from eight players, but couldn’t win its season-high fourth straight. Jordan Hill had 14 points and 12 rebounds while hitting his first career 3-pointer for the Lakers, who played without top scorer Nick Young. He missed his third straight game with a sore left knee.
Tuesday March 03 , 2014
Kaieteur News
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JAMAICA LEAD CMRC POINTS STANDING -Guyana in hot pursuit Host Jamaica led the points standing at the end of the first leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship which was held over the weekend at Jamwest Speedway in Westmoreland. The Jamaicans amassed 323 points and they were followed by Guyana on 156, Trinidad and Tobago 126, Cayman Islands 62 and Barbados that did not send a competitor in the cellar on 0. However, the day’s proceedings was dominated by the Guyanese who secured three firsts from reigning CMRC Group 4 champion Kristian Jeffrey, while Superbike king Stephen ‘Valentino Rossi’ Vieira, who added two firsts and a second place from three starts. Also registering outstanding performances were Elliott Vieira, who copped a first place to go with two second place finishes, while Group 3 drivers Rameez Mohamed with two second place finishes and USAbased Afraz Allie with a second and a third place along with a third place from Danny Persaud in the final Groupo 4 race completed a successful day for the competitors from ‘the Land of Many Waters’. Chet Singh and Kevin Jeffrey suffered mechanical issues and did not factor in the championship. Meanwhile, the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club would like to thank the following sponsors for their support to the team and champi-
onship and they are Seaboard Marine, Fly Jamaica and the Ministry of Tourism. Below are the results of the Guyana team and overall points standing: GROUP 4 RACE 1. 1. Kristian Jeffrey Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 Guyana 2. Peter Rae Mazda RX7 Jamaica 3. George Bayley Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Jamaica Race 2 1. Kristian Jeffrey Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 Guyana 2. George Bayley Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Jamaica 3. Franklyn Boodram Renault Megane Trophy Trinidad and Tobago Race 3. 1. Kristian Jeffrey Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 Guyana 2. George Bayley Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Jamaica 3. Danny Persaud Mazda Miata Guyana Fasetst lap time: Kristian Jeffrey 1.08.785 in Race 2 Group 4 top driver: Kristian Jeffrey Group 3: Race 1 1. Noel Golding Jr Honda Civic EG Jamaica 2.Rameez Muhammed Toyota Starlet turbo Guyana 3. Natasha Chang Honda S2000 Jamaica Race 2 1. Gary Barrett Honda Civic EK Cayman Islands 2. Rameez Muhammed Toyota Starlet turbo Guyana
3. Afraz Allie Toyota Glanza turbo Guyana Race 3 1. Gary Barrett Honda Civic EK Cayman Islands 2. Afraz Allie Toyota Glanza turbo Guyana 3. Natasha Chang Honda S2000 Jamaica Group 3 fastest lap: Noel Golding jr. 1.17.101 in race 1 Group 3 top driver Gary Barrett CMRC GROUP 2 RACE 1, 2 AND 3 HAD THE SAME RESULTS 1. Jordan Powell Honda Civic EG Jordan Powell 2. Marc Gill Honda Civic EK Trinidad and Tobago 3. Damien Nesbit Nissan Sunny B13 Trinidad and Tobago Group 2 fastest lap Jordan Powell 1.17.493 in race 1 Group 2 Top driver: Jordan Powell CMRC Super stock Bikes 1 Elliot Vieira Guyana 2 Stephen Vieira Guyana 3 Robert McDonald Jamaica 1 Stephen Vieira Guyana 2 Elliot Vieira Guyana 3 Robert McDonald Jamaica 1 Stephen Vieira Guyana 2 Elliot Vieira Guyana 3 Robert McDonald Jamaica Stephen Vieira Fastest lap: 01:11.665 Overall standing with points Jamaica 323 Guyana 156 Trinidad 126 Cayman Islands 62 Barbados 0
Pacesetters tame Colts to win National Basketball Championship Pacesetters’ Point Guard, Travis Burnett (airborne with ball) skilfully evades Shelroy Thomas at the rim on his way to completing one of his jawdropping plays. By Edison Jefford Point guard Travis Burnett reminded of his magic Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall when he took over in the final period to lead Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters to a maiden National Basketball Championship title. Burnett’s dominance helped tame Colts United 8576 in Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) ‘Road to Mecca’ National Club Championship, impressively contributing 16 points in the last quarter that brought patrons to their feet. Burnett scored eight straight points at the beginning of the decision period that gave his team the lead 65-61 with 7:43 remaining on the clock. The offensive exchange continued between both of the contenders before Burnett let loose again in paint. Back-up guard, Ruel
Ritch also came of age for Pacesetters, landing what would become a huge baseline three-point dagger to continue the team’s surge toward the title. Dave Causway and his side-kick, Shelroy Thomas helped Colts to 71-70 with 3:40 remaining, but that run turned out to be the last from the Colts. Pacesetters went on to outscore them 15-4 as Colts squandered its chances from the free-throw line when they missed five crunch-time shots. On the contrary, Pacesetters ensured that it made all its free-throws under pressure, which helped them secure the win. Burnett scored a gamehigh 28 points with shooting guard, Stephon Gillis, who was a part of the team’s early offensive plot adding 19 points. Ritch had nine points while Randy Richardson and Jermaine Hamilton scored seven points each. Thomas and Causway fin-
ished with 19 and 17 points respectively while Haslym Hooper scored a doubledouble of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Nicko Fraser shot his way to 10 points and seven rebounds, before being overwhelmed down the stretch. Former champions, Dyna’s Ravens settled for third place after they beat the team they played in the final last year, Linden’s Retrieve Raiders 72-51; Jermaine Slater led Ravens with a double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Marlon Rodrigues had 10 points while Darian Lewis supported Slater with nine points. Keon Cameron led the Linden side with a game high 19 points while Stephan Tappin was a huge defensive presence in the paint, scoring 12 points, enforcing eight block shots and nine rebounds. Sheldon Noel scored nine points for Raiders, which finished fourth.
Commonwealth Games RHT Jammers upset NA Warriors to advance to finals 2022: Winter World Cup Rose Hall Town Jammers sunk 6 points to end that sesgood for Games registered an upset win over sion with a slim 16-19 advanAnamaya B’ball Competition
defending champions New Amsterdam Warriors and sealed a semifinal spot when play in the Anamayah Memorial Inter Club first division basketball competition continued at the Rose Hall Town Basketball Court last Saturday afternoon. Despite enjoying home advantage, the ‘Jammers’ started the game as the underdogs, but emerged victorious 47-40 when the smoke had cleared. Displaying determination and grit against a tame and d i s o rg a n i z e d Wa r r i o r s combination, the eventual winners enjoyed a 13-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Warriors managed to regroup in the second quarter displaying glimpses of their old self and scored 12 points while the opposition
tage. The Jammers again opened up in the third quarter and dunked 14 points while restricting the opposition to 9 and extending the lead 33-25. The final stanza was evenly contested as the Jammers pulled off all the stops in their bid to secure the advantage. The Jammers refused to be denied and held their own to the end to cart off the spoils. Top scoring for the winners were Emon Wiggins and Antonio Islam with 12 points each while Percy Cort contributed 9 points. Shemroy Mc Kenzie led the way for The New Amsterdam Warriors with a game high 18 points while his teammate, Kirk Fraser and
Rose Hall Town Jammers and New Amsterdam Warriors in action. Edmar Semple scored 9 and 7 points respectively. Rose Hall Town will now await the winner of the next semi final between Hopetown Steelers formerly Hopetown Warriors and Symthfield Rockers, who are scheduled to face off at Hopetown West
Berbice on a date to be announced. The top two teams and outstanding individual players will be presented with trophies and other incentives. Activities are being c o o r d i n a t e d b y Vi b e r t Garrett.
Holding the 2022 FIFA World Cup in December would benefit the Commonwealth Games, says the president of the Commonwealth Games Federation. A FIFA taskforce has recommended football’s showpiece event take place in November and December in Qatar. Should the World Cup be moved from its traditional June/July slot, it would leave the Commonwealth Games as
the only major event of that summer. Prince Imran said: “It’s very good news for us. It’s an opportunity for us.” Durban in South Africa is the only remaining bidder to host the 2022 Games after Canadian city Edmonton withdrew. Prince Imran said hosting the event in South Africa for the first time would “open up Africa to the rest of the Commonwealth”. (BBCsport)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 03 , 2014
ND&S Furniture Store A. Ally & Sons Inter-Sec. U-17 Schools Cricket outfits Cultural CC Kissoon bags six wickets for New Amsterdam
Managing Director of ND&S Furniture Store, Sham Mahadeo (blue shirt), hands over a jersey to CCC captain Randy Persaud and President Gobin Persaud in the presence of other members of the team. As part of a concerted effort to give back to the society in which it operates, ND&S Furniture Store, located in West Coast Demerara, has sponsored full uniform kit for the Cultural Cricket Club (CCC). During a simple ceremony on Sunday morning at the CCC ground at Cana Number Two, West Bank Demerara, members of the team were presented with a complete set of
branded burgundy and yellow outfits, along with blue caps. The presentation was made by Managing Director of ND&S Furniture Store, Sham Mahadeo, to captain of the team Randy Persaud in the presence of other members of the team prior to clash with the Guyana Media XI. Mahadeo said he was pleased to support the CCC, given the enormous amount
of talent that exists within the club. He urged the players to care the outfits and wear them proudly. Persaud, speaking on behalf of the players, expressed gratitude to Mahadeo for the kind gesture, noting that the players will endeavour to represent the company to the best of their abilities. Also present at the simple ceremony was President of the CCC, Gobin Persaud.
CONCACAF takes part in FIFA grassroots seminar Madrid, Spain – CONCACAF was well represented at a four-day FIFA grassroots seminar, which concluded Friday at the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) Ciudad del Fútbol. Confederation instructors Vin Blaine (Jamaica), Lenny Lake (St. Kitts & Nevis) and Etienne Siliee (Curacao) joined Marcos Tinoco, Anton Corneal and Rodrigo Kenton – the region’s FIFA Technical Development officers — at the comprehensive workshop. The program examined trends in grassroots football, reviewed events organized from 2011-2014 and discussed
key objectives for the next four-year cycle. FIFA reported that over the previous four years, 300 grassroots courses and festivals were organized and 15,000 coaches were trained in 143 countries. Significantly, more than 350 similar events are slated to take place from 2015-2018 and FIFA’s grassroots budget in support of those activities has been increased from USD $8 million to USD $10.5 million. A total of 60,000 young people have taken part in FIFA grassroots festivals to date, with 80,000 more expected by 2018. Key upcoming priorities
are the establishment of selfsufficient, long-term grassroots projects in cooperation with the member associations and expanding the scope of countries benefiting from grassroots programming. Other areas to address included the formation of grassroots collaborations with the confederations and the facilitation of a conduit between grassroots and youth football at both the amateur and elite levels. The FIFA grassroots seminar concluded with a festival involving about 160 children from the RFEF’s academy. (CONCACAF)
The A. Ally and Sons, Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Inter-Secondary School Under-17 two innings competition continued recently with left-arm-spinner Floyd Kissoon of New Amsterdam Secondary School (NASS) picking up 6-19 from nine overs to help bowl out Canje Secondary School (CSS) for 59 in their first innings. This was in response to NASS’ first innings total of 114 all out. Batting a second time, NASS made 48-8 declared setting CSS a 101-run victory target. CSS struggled to 62-7 when time expired with Kissoon picking up 3-22 from six overs to end with match figures of 9-41. At Rose Hall, Vryman’s Erven Secondary School (VESS) made 117 all out in their first innings against
Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) with their spinner Kyle Michael taking 5-8 and pacer Isiah Lewis 3-18 to bowl out BEI for 94 in their first innings. Summarized scores: At Cumberland, New Amsterdam Secondary School took first innings points from Canje Secondary School in their drawn match. NASS 111 all out in their first innings; Berbice U-15 batsman Garfield Benjamin (30) and Brandon Corlette (22) the main scorers. Off spinning all-rounder Kevin Sinclair took 4-28 and was backed up by Joshua Bacchus who had 2-18. In their second innings they made 48-8 declared; Kevin Sinclair (3-20) and Joshua Bacchus (2-4) doing the damage. Canje Secondary School in their first innings made 59
all; Floyd Kissoon bagged 619 and Guyana U-15 pacer Steven Kamaludin 2-15. In their second turn at the crease, CSS made 62-7 with Kissoon 3-22, Joshua Deonarain 2-9 and Arjuna Pooran 2-9 bowling well. At Rose Hall CC, Vryman’s Erven Secondary School took first innings points from Berbice Educational Institute in their drawn match. VESS made 117 all out in their first innings; all rounder Junior Williams 36 and Mark Wilson 22 leading the way. National U-15 Steve Deonarain had 3-25 and Floyd Schultz 2 for 30. BEI fell for 94 in their first innings with Sasenarine Sookoo (30) and Mahendra Parasram (20). Kyle Michael captured 5-8 and Isiah Lewis 3-18.
GCA/NBS second division 40-over tourney
TSC, DCC and GYO register victories
Dennis Squires
Shawn Massiah (left) and Charwayne Mc Pherson
Transport Sports Club (TSC), Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) recorded victories when the latest round of matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/New Building Society second division 40-over tournament concluded on Sunday last. At GYO, the home team overcame Diplomats by 139 runs. GYO batted first and were bowled out for 192 in 38 overs. Chris Deonarine struck 52 while Treaton Liverpool supported with 44 and Abdool Raheem 20. Rickford Mohamed grabbed 5-24 and Horace Mohamed 3-29. Diplomats were skittled for 53 in 15 overs in reply. Devon Paul (12) was the only batsman to reach double figures as Mark Hamilton bagged 5-7 and Antonio De Freitas 5-33. At Eve Leary, TSC trounced Police by 67 runs.
TSC managed 188 all out in 36.4 overs, taking first knock. Charwayne Mc Pherson slammed 65 and Sunil Singh 26. Medium pacer Steven Harris captured 5-19, Trevor Benn 2-20 and Kelvin Leitch 2-26. Police were sent packing for 121 in 30.5 overs in response. Mark Robhe scored 35 and Chien Gittens 22. Shawn Massiah picked up 4-25 and Oslyn Batson 2-18. At Malteenoes SC, DCC defeated Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) by five wickets. Batting first, MYO were bowled out for 109 with Richard Latiff and Shafeek Ishmile scoring 22 apiece. Dennis Squires captured 430 and Carlton Jacques 2-28. DCC replied with 111-5. Squires smashed an unbeaten 54 (2x4 6x6) from just 15 deliveries. Pacer Roopesh Motilall took 3-25.
Williams XI overcome Jailall XI in ECB U-17 trials
CONCACAF instructors from left, Lenny Lake, Vin Blaine and Etienne Siliee.
Mark Williams XI thumped Orlando Jailall XI by two wickets when the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) commenced preparations for the upcoming Inter-County U-17 50-over tournament.
Taking first strike at Imam Bacchus ground at Affiance, Jailall XI managed 124 all out in 29 overs. Shakeem Sue struck 37 (4x4 2x6) and Joel Fortune got 22. Manoj Ramraj snared 3-20 and Chanderpaul Mohabir 2-
13. Williams XI made 125-8 in 21 overs in reply with the skipper scoring 41 (5x4); Mahendra Persaud grabbed 4-25 and Fortune 3-15. The other matches have been re-scheduled for this weekend due to rain.