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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
Should UG become a private institution? A vice president at Washington State University with a background in business and academia, and whose portfolio included public-private partnerships, was frequently asked why higher-education institutions do not simply become private schools? Isn’t higher education today more of a private than public good anyway? No, it is not. It is true that the rewards of college go to the degreeholder, including successful careers, higher incomes and more stable lives. Not to be overlooked, however, is the greater public good generated by college graduates who tend to be civically engaged, philanthropic and entrepreneurial, creating opportunities and jobs. They give back to their communities and their schools. In the United States, Washington State University and the University of Washington are among more than 40 universities that have successfully waged billion-dollar fundraising campaigns. Guyana is not so financially sound with the result that the university often does not even have money to properly pay its staff. Private support has an impact, and has done much good in public higher education. But privatization through studentassessed fees for campus amenities, outsourcing of bookstore, food and other campus services, as well as the revenue that has come from certain external sources have caught the attention of many. Coupled with the broader national trend of privatization of almost everything, it’s not much of a leap to ask the local universities to think of living off private support. Such talk of privatization of public higher education could not come at a worse time. Wage and education gaps in this country are at historic proportions. Do we not feel a collective responsibility for keeping our university accessible and affordable for the next generation? Public higher education has seen tough times before. In the United States, adversity was the parent of tough times during 1862 when Abraham Lincoln and the federal government created a new kind of public research university through the Morrill Act. Using the only asset they had, Congress granted land to the states to finance this very public experiment to provide economic support and ultimately opportunity for their citizens. Looking back, the establishment of these universities literally changed the world. These new engines of research and scholarship produced the people and ideas that powered the economy through progress in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, health and technology. Broad accessibility and public accountability were key to this success. Today, there is not a U.S. hub of innovation and development that is not anchored by a public research university. Guyana has one university but there is an annex that funds research into the use of many things, including waste oil, used tyres and plastic. That is the Institute of Applied Science and Technology. And, the best partnership has private and public support aligned. The growing amount of private support seems more of an endorsement of its very explicit public mission. These are grateful supporters who are voting with their checkbooks to leverage and serve the whole state - its people, communities, businesses and challenges. Private support is able to take programmatic risks, support targeted students and add a level of quality that we should not expect from the public. But it cannot replace the dollars from public funding or the powerful voice of collective ownership public dollars convey. Some universities have maintained their innovative frontier spirit, and celebrate sons and daughters who have done well. The University of Guyana recently attempted to do the same when it observed its 50th anniversary. In turn, many of those who have passed through its doors have demonstrated their gratitude and have shown the world how to give back, providing private support for very public problems. As unfashionable as it may seem, rather than seeing state support and politics as problems, one should see them as a necessary part of keeping the public’s stake in public higher education. Let’s help define and expect the public purpose of our university - private and public support will follow.
Thursday March 05, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Let coalition politics prevail in our nation and those who oppose it fall by the wayside DEAR EDITOR, T h e r e c e n t announcement of the APNUAFC coalition is a historic moment in Guyanese politics and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those who brought this coalition about. From what I have read about the arrangements and conditions between these two parties, there are enough checks and balances placed in the general agreements, that a voter who might be undecided at this time, can identify the merits of this coalition against majority (one-party) rule, which, we, the Guyanese people, have experienced all our natural lives and which has left us divided and has weakened our dear nation. Mahatma Gandhi exhorted against majority rule in India:
“The rule of majority has a narrow application, i.e., one should yield to the majority in matters of detail. But it is slavery to be amenable to the majority, no matter what its decisions are. Democracy is not a state in which people act like sheep. U n d e r d e m o c r a c y, individual liberty of opinion and action is jealously guarded. I, therefore, believe that the minority has a perfect right to act differently from the majority. A living faith cannot be manufactured by the rule of majority.” Nelson Mandela advocated against and rejected majority rule in South Africa, bringing his former sworn enemies into his first government; right next door in Trinidad, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar has
rejected majority rule for coalition governance. In many countries throughout the planet, coalition governance is the answer to civil and political strife. Coalition politics is the new world order- President Cheddi, on innumerable occasions, called for coalition politics and in 1992, created the Civic as a partner of the PPP, hoping to expand the civic as a component of the PPP/Civic amalgamation. That was one of his greatest hopes, as he told me on many occasions. Since his passing in 1997, the Civic has been marginalized to the point where Mr. Sam Hinds became a one-man show after failing President Cheddi’s vision, miserably, to say the least - his imminent departure from the Prime Minister’s office is
indeed good news. The Civic is dead and any semblance of coalition politics has changed to PPP majority rule (even though they became a minority government). When PPP leaders claim to be following President Cheddi’s vision, let them explain the demise and death of the Civic which Dr. Jagan placed so much hope on. Mrs. Elizabeth Harper, even though a good civil servant is hardly a civic leader and in reality, becomes “window dressing” for President Cheddi’s vision-a mirage of what that great man envisioned. Let coalition politics prevail in our nation and those who oppose it will fall by the wayside, becoming politically insignificant. Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.)
Cheddi Jagan: Man of the people DEAR EDITOR, March 6, 2015 will mark eighteen years since the passing of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Founder Leader of the PPP and former Executive President of Guyana. His wife, Janet Jagan also passed away in the same month, March 28, six years ago. The People’s Progressive Party, as is now traditional, will be celebrating the life and works of those two outstanding political luminaries with activities planned in all ten regions of Guyana. The biggest event will take place this Sunday, March 9 at Babu John on the Corentyne. As is common knowledge, the Jagans were highly instrumental in helping to raise the political consciousness of the working people who under colonial rule were highly exploited by the planters and other expatriate owners. Prior to the formation of the PPP, Dr. Jagan ran as an independent candidate in the elections of 1947 and won a decisive victory. In his victory speech, he declared “we the people have won. Now the struggle has begun.” That struggle turned out to be long and bitter. Not only did Dr. Jagan have to confront the intrigues and machinations of the colonial powers and their local lackeys, but he also had to do battle with opportunist elements within the ranks of his own party, some of whom sought to undermine his leadership. The Congress of
1955 would go down as one of the most painful periods in the political life of the Party, just a mere five years in the life of the Party and two years after the suspension of the Constitution, following a major victory scored by the PPP at the polls. The suspension of the constitution brought to the fore the intrigues of the colonial powers to destroy the PPP and the opportunism of some leaders who were more interested in personal power rather than defending the rights of the ordinary people. Leading that group of political opportunists was Forbes Burnhan who was Party Chairman at the time of
the formation of the PPP. Dr. Cheddi Jagan was Party Leader and his wife Janet Jagan was General Secretary. The structure of the Party at that time allowed for a Party Leader and Chairman which were held by Dr. Jagan and Mr. Forbes Burnhan respectively. As it turned out, Burnhan’s ambition and ego got the better of him. He was not satisfied with being Party Chairman but wanted to become Party Leader. In pursuit of that ambition, he sought to manipulate the convening of the Party Congress by announcing a date and venue which was not endorsed by
the Party’s leadership, but which he felt would have given him an advantage in his desire to take over the leadership. Time and space would not allow for a detailed exposition of the intrigues and machinations which took place during that time. Suffice it to say, however, that it eventually led to a split in the PPP with one section of the Party led by Dr. Cheddi Jagan and another led by Forbes Burnham. It was not until the humiliation inflicted on Burnham following the results of the 1957 elections that he changed the name of (Continued on page 7)
What are Mr. Rohee and others fussing about? DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Rohee needs to better advise himself on the cost benefit analysis around the three Vice Presidents proposed by Broad Based Coalition. It is cheaper to have three Vice Presidents doing real human developmental work for the poorest in Guyana than the vain PPP Ministers who continue to spend millions of taxpayers’ money on personal dental cosmetology and other non-essential cosmetic treatments abroad. People are dying in Guyana because they cannot access basic dialysis treatment and these people have got money to “line up” their teeth. So let us have 3, 4 or even 5 Vice Presidents; once they can work for the people and deliver value greater than their cost, then Guyana wins. But what is of much concern is how the PPP Ministers hoggishly raid the Treasury while continuing to exhibit attitudes of policy
paralysis every single day – case in point the Minister of Amerindian Affairs. She is negative policy equity to the State of Guyana but yet cost the nation millions for cosmetic dental treatment, and does not have the decency to foot her own bill. These people are predators to the Treasury. Now the PPP operators talk about the State paying for Nigel Hughes’ medevac. Did he benefit from a service that is unavailable to the people of the South Rupununi where he fell ill? The service he got was available to anyone from the South Rupununi who found themselves in similar circumstances. Therefore there was no special privilege here. So what are Mr. Rohee and others fussing about? Let us talk about the PPP Ministers with the “diamond teeth”? Would the PPP pay millions of dollars for anyone living in Region 4 for similar dental cosmetology? Sase Singh
Thursday March 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Moses has the facts on PNC Memories of a fraternal Guyanese Holi rigging elections, David DEAR EDITOR, APNU/AFC Presidential candidate Mr. David Granger is disdainfully not offering any apology for the rigging of 1968, 1974, 1980 and 1985 general elections by the PNC Government, because he is not aware of such skullduggery by the PNC. He wants to see the facts. Ironically, the facts are not far from his reach. His running mate Moses Nagamootoo, during the 1980 general elections, stood like a colossus against the PNC
big guns for three nights on the call-in programme ‘Action Line” , detailing all the facts and figures of the PNC rigging in the 1968, 1974 and the then current 1980 elections. For three nights Moses stood alone for the PPP taking on skillful propagandists of the PNC and humbling them in the process .Moses had oral and visual evidence of the role of the army in tampering with the ballot boxes, the dead voting, the living voting multiple times, and even horses and mules voting
overseas. It was all done by irrefutable facts and figures presented by Moses. Here we now have Moses’ presidential candidate David requiring proof of PNC rigging elections. Someone referred to the two as being similar to the biblical prophets. Both, however, seem to be reading from different scriptures on the PNC rigging of elections. But then again, the good book does warn us that we should beware of false prophets. Reggie Bhagwandin
All in all, it was a good exchange DEAR EDITOR, Someone dubbed the recent exchange between myself and Ruel Johnson as “the duel with Ruel”. The duel was good in that it uncovered the Guyana Prize as a mediocre and corrupt award that needs to be scrapped and/or reconstituted as a prize worth winning, and that writers should not be writing in order to win a prize. It also uncovered that Johnson’s criticisms of the current government is not based on a principled stand that all governments must be held accountable, since he expects to become part of the establishment if his party wins at the polls. But, all in
all, it was a good exchange. About any public policy, cultural or otherwise, the history of our governments since independence is one in which policy statements are nice words on paper that are meaningless, since successive governments have used their office to marginalize and disempower whole groups, including their own supporters, appease their detractors and, during a period of authoritarianism
and victimization, to imprison, brutalize and even kill their critics. If the public has a healthy distrust of public officials promoting their lovely policies, this is as it should be. Johnson dispatched himself very well during the duel and given what is expected of a public functionary in Guyana, he has proven himself worthy of such a position if his party wins. I wish him well. Ryhaan Shah
DEAR EDITOR, Many of us in the diaspora have fond memories about celebrating Phagwah or Holi at home – the special foods prepared for the occasion and the revelry of dousing of abeer or mud or powder on one another. As a child growing up during the 1960s and 1970s on the Corentyne, Phagwah was celebrated with much gusto, zeal and enthusiasm by almost everyone, regardless of race, in schools and in the villages with celebrants going to nearby villages to play with friends and relatives. I am sure the celebration was similar in other parts of the country. The occasion also provided an opportunity for young men to visit the home of a girl they liked or admired to play Phagwah with the young lady who also looked forward to the visit. Religious and racial aspects were stripped from a traditional Hindu festival, with people of varied religions and ethnicities forming one large community to partake in a national celebration on Phagwah Day itself. The same is true of the celebrations, transplanted by Guyanese, in Queens, Bronx, Jersey City, Central Orlando,
with the annual parade and cultural mela at a public park. In Guyana, unlike in the US, at school on the last day before the holiday, students of varied ethnic and religious backgrounds doused each other with abeer or powder – white clothing became unrecognizable with multicolouring. Faces were smeared with colours. Some years ago, Brooklyn Technical High School disciplined students for spurting powder (bottles were confiscated) on each other. The school administrators did not believe there is such a festival in which students put powder on each other. My intervention was requested by Mr. Ramesh Kalicharran, and only after I explained to one of the administrators, via the phone (don’t teach there), about the religious significance and how it is celebrated, did the deans backtrack on disciplining the students. The matter had the potential of triggering a significant court case relating to religious freedom and schools. In Guyana, as in Trinidad and Suriname, Phagwah celebrations historically crossed racial and religious boundaries. The festival’s
theme is one of universal brotherhood, and youngsters of all races, even adults, when I was growing up during the 1960s and 1970s, looked forward for it. Even in India, it has been a festival freed from social norms with people of varied castes playing together. Colourful abeer, gulal and abrack are showered on the people, with celebrants merging into one big fraternity with no distinction of status noted. As in India, in Guyana, there is no distinction of creed, race, age and sex as (Continued on page 07)
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Kaieteur News
Thursday March 05, 2015
Opposition launches Election campaign…
May 11 will be ‘Deliverance Day’ By Kiana Wilburg Hundreds assembled in at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel yesterday, to witness the grand launching of the election campaign for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change, now branded APNU+AFC with the slogan, “It is time.” The room was well decorated in yellow and green balloons and garlands, representing the colours of the two political parties. The proceedings were moderated by APNU’s Dawn Hastings who paved the way for warm welcomes and supporting messages from representatives of the various party members of the APNU. Following this was a stirring session of cultural musical renditions which featured the Dubraj Tassa Group alongside the Otishka Drummers, a steel pan medley by Detroy Dey and an inspiring performance of two national songs by the Circle of Love. The haunting melodious sounds of the Yoruba Singers served to intensify the mood of unity that encapsulated the event. Hastings then introduced Prime Ministerial candidate of the APNU+AFC, Moses Nagamootoo, to deliver the ‘Unity Call.’ The politician articulated to his attentive audience that he was too humbled by the ambience created. A cool and collected Nagamootoo said that yesterday marked another giant step towards national reconciliation. As he highlighted that Guyana needs unity, he recollected that when many saw the outcome of the talks between APNU and AFC, they
- “Our children, like little Red Riding Hood, are given a modern-day glimpse of the big bad wolves with new, brighter, but bigger teeth to laugh at our people’s pains and miseries.”
The APNU+AFC alliance symbol
Prime Ministerial Candidate, Moses Nagamootoo (left) joined by his wife and Presidential Candidate, David Granger and his wife (right) as they dance to Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’ anthem responded, “It is high time.” It is time, the Prime Ministerial Candidate said, that true meaning is given to the sacrifices and struggles of “our people, and of the generations living in the colony before or remaining in Guyana after Independence.” The lawyer reminded that since 1955, a single occurrence called “the split” has wounded the Guyanese civilization. He said that it occasioned political and ethnic division. But yesterday he stressed, represented a conscious step to putting the healing balm to the scars of that division. Nagamootoo said that the restoration of electoral democracy in 1992 started a
hopeful process but it did not bring healing. After a few years, he reminded that it saw a new cycle of autocratic, oneparty rule. He said that the promise of 1992 faded, and then became distorted in a “frenzy of sleaze, corruption and complicity in criminal enterprises.” The politician added that the gang of betrayers derailed Guyana’s democracy. By 2011, the AFC Vice Chairman recalled that the electorate condemned the pseudo-leaders to minority status and though they tried to duck and dodge, eventually they buckled under pressure. “These new, pre-mature elections are the final, desperate refuge of a
cowardly, minority clique,” said the Prime Ministerial candidate. March 4, he said, also represents a new wave in Guyana’s democratic ambitions and will see the injection of new life into the decaying political system, and transformation of governance by ending “winner-takes-all-politics.” The APNU+AFC alliance, he stressed, will defeat the monster of racism and overcome the campaign of fear. Nagamootoo asserted that over the past 54 years of his life in the political arena, he worked tirelessly for the day when a broad coalition, a “Rainbow Coalition,” could be possible. The APNU+AFC team, he said, has achieved not only a political union but has outlined plans and programmes for investment,
growth and the development of a new Guyana. The lawyer said that going forward, new meaning must be given to the Guyanese creed “One people, One nation, One destiny.” He said, too, that from this day onward, Guyana must embody the very essence of a line by Alexandre Dumas’ in his novel, The Three Musketeers, “One for all; and all for one.” “I still remember the fleeting moments of meeting David Granger when we were both in short pants, in my native village Whim, and we crossed path on our way to the Auchlyne Scots School. Our lives would have taken us to different paths – his, to a career in teaching, in the police and in the military and mine, in journalism, politics and law. “But if as boys we shared a village and a school, tell me, why today can we not share in common our country, our Guyana home?” This statement earned Nagamootoo a standing ovation and an almost threeminute round of applause, as members of the audience shouted, “Yes Naggy, preach it!” The AFC Vice Chairman said that he has no doubt that the APNU+AFC alliance will be victorious and that his
schooldays comrade, David Granger, will become Guyana’s next President. “I have every reason to feel that as President, David will be just and fair, and that he will put Guyana first, and help restore our beloved country to the place of respect and dignity in the Caribbean and the rest of the world.” Nagamootoo also stated that the APNU+AFC alliance has noted how utterly depraved the current administration has become by shamelessly misusing public funds. “Our children, like little Red Riding Hood, are given a modern-day glimpse of the big bad wolves with new, brighter, but bigger teeth to laugh at our people’s pains and miseries.” Nagamootoo then charged that May 11 is Deliverance Day from the current administration. He added, “It is time, in the lyrics of Bob Marley that we too ‘get together and feel all right.’” Unexpectedly, the Marley hit was played and the AFC Vice Chairman wasted no time in inviting his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Granger onto the platform to share in the moment of happiness and unity and even a few rhythmic moves as the entire audience sang along.
GRA dismisses Guyana Times article as deceptive The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed the distasteful comments made by the Guyana Times which suggests that the GRA in some way condones the establishment and operations of illegal bottom house rum shop. In a press release the GRA strongly asserted that the newspaper's articles are false since the GRA's Licence Revenue Office, for the Year 2014 alone, conducted a series of control visits throughout Guyana in an effort to ensure
non compliant businesses were regularized. The visits saw more than two hundred business operatives being engaged over a ten month period by staff of the Agency and efforts were made to have them legalize their operations. However, given the vast expanse of Guyana and the limited human resources at the agency's disposal, most of these visits were conducted in central areas, or in areas where intelligence was received that ille-
gal rum shops were in operation. It should be noted that in most instances the GRA only becomes aware of and takes action against these illegal operators when the public provides information. GRA says it periodically advises the general public on its intent to commence the sale of all Liquor, Trade, and Miscellaneous Licenses and 2015 was no exception. By virtue of notices, the agency says license holders are encour (continued on page 11)
Thursday March 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Alleges further Memories of a fraternal Guyanese... police... Letters... Where your views make the news
From page 5 people play “Phagwah” with one another. In Guyana as in India, Phagwah is the most colourful of the Hindu festivals and celebrated after bonfire burning of Holika, the symbolic destruction of evil – the message behind the meaning of the festival. During my youthful years growing up in Ankerville (home of Dr. Jagan), Holika was planted at the back of the hospital on the ball field a month earlier before the actual burning of the pyre. Dried branches of trees and other burning materials were heaped together; dried coconut branches were added to the pyre over time. During many of the ensuing nights, members of the chowtal groups in each village took turn singing chowtals and taans (folk singing) at each other’s home
where delicacies and tea (or often rum) were served. The youths (including non-Indians) looked forward for the nightly sessions; delicious snacks and enjoyable drinks were served. As Phagwah Day approached, phagwah mania was all over the place, especially among the youth who accompanied the adults on their nightly singing. For the students, the festivity would begin on the last school day before Phagwah with a prayer service and a cultural variety concert. Then students would spray abeer or splash powder on each other. After school, students would throw each other in some drain as part of the fun. By Holika night, the Holika pyre would become a mountain in size and set
Cheddi Jagan: Man of... From page 4 the Party to that of the People’s National Congress. Despite the passing of Dr. Jagan and his wife Janet, the vision and core principles of the Party remain unchanged. Following the passing of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, the post of General Secretary of the Party was entrusted in the capable hands of Comrade Donald Ramotar who has continued to uphold the legacy of Dr. Jagan. Today, that post of General Secretary is entrusted in the capable hands of Mr. Clement Rohee following the elevation of Mr. Donald Ramotar as Executive President of Guyana, which from all indications he will resume after the May 11 poll. The PPP and the PPP/C administration are fully committed to honouring and preserving the legacy of Dr. Jagan. This, as mentioned earlier, is done through com-
memorative activities in the month of March. More fundamentally, it is manifested in the continuation of the policies and ideas of Dr. Jagan which are firmly rooted in the creation of a just society where every Guyanese, in particular the working people, are provided with the opportunity to lead rewarding and fulfilling lives. The cause of a better world, where ordinary people are treated with dignity and respect, had always been at the centre of his political activism, which later found expression in the call for the creation of a New Global Human Order. This call has been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, a fitting honour for a man who dedicated his entire life to the cause of working people, not only in Guyana, but in the world at large. Hydar Ally
ablaze at midnight after prayers, ritual invocations and chowtaal singing. The celebration commenced with the splashing of water mixed with ash on each other after midnight. The rest of the evening and through the morning the men would sing chowtaal (with clanging majeera and the beat of dholak and tassa). Nearby villages had similar celebrations and groups visited each other’s villages to sing chowtaals in an unofficial competition. Several Africans joined in the singing and in the burning of the Holika. In Port Mourant and Rose Hall Town, the few Chinese, Portuguese and Mixed also partook in the celebrations. The chowtaal groups would sing with the accompaniment of music for hours while consuming alcohol. The revelry and singing would continue throughout the night until the mid-morning. Then the men would slowly begin their rhythmic tempo through the main street of the village. The group often stopped in people’s homes along the way and be entertained with delicacies or liquor or tea. Celebrants would throw water that was often mixed with mud or cow dung, or abeer on each other. Some of the celebrants would get thrown in dirty ravines or trenches or canals as part of the fun. By the mid-morning, the so called dirty part of the celebration ends and participants clean up and get ready for the evening celebration, which was very sober. In the late afternoon,
celebrants, dressed in clean white clothing, make their way through the village and or to neighbouring villages, armed with a pitchkari or spray bottle with colourful abeer and talc powder “playing phagwah” with the whole village and beyond. Almost every home would be visited. People with faces smeared with colour look adorable. They would exchange good wishes, sweets, cards and gifts (sweets and foods). Hindus and non-Hindus, and visitors would partake in the delicacies before the banning of foods (such as bara, gulgula, phulourie, bigany, mango chutney, potato ball, prasad, channa, ghoja, kheer, among others prepared for the occasion. Food was always plentiful and the youths would have a feast of allou curry with dhal puri and the other dainty dishes and the cold soft drinks. Also, on Phagwah Day, it was traditional for Hindus to distribute sweets or mitai and food to non-Hindus or those Hindus who could not celebrate Phagwah because of the recent death of a relative. Non-Hindus are also invited for dinner for the occasion. Africans would visit the homes of Hindus for an entertaining evening when the groups lived in harmony and were not divided by politics and race-baiters. Vishnu Bisram
From page 3 refuse, they turn up at my house the next day. Why are the police coming to my house?” Bailey said he is not under investigation for any criminal activity and should not be treated as if he was. The anti-corruption advocate went on to say that people have legitimate reasons to fear the police. The 29-yearold made it clear that he is not adverse to supporting an investigation or meeting with the Police Commissioner and vowed to follow up on any channel necessary. Additionally, he told Kaieteur News that he intends to lodge a report with the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore. Bailey expressed hope for a proper investigation to be launched. “People shouldn't look at this as a single case but this falls into a pattern of victimization. There are numerous cases where citizens
are being victimized by the Guyana Police Force,” he said. Former Commissioner of Police, Winston Felix, had told this newspaper, “Unless these matters are dealt with, policemen will not get the message. So we will have to take a course of action which sends a message to everybody that this (taking a video) is not an illegal act. You can photograph anywhere!” “This should not be termed anything like policing; that is what you call bullyism,” Felix stated. “I don't know if the Force cannot recall, but since in the eighties, we got rid of this nonsense of taking away people's cameras. People are free to take photographs and (in this case) the action of the police is illegal,” Felix declared. In light of that, Bailey said that it is clear that the police ranks who arrested him seem to be making up their own Law.
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Thursday March 05, 2015
U.S. envoy to Seoul Lippert injured in attack by armed assailant
U.S. envoy to Seoul, Mark Lippert, following the attack SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert was slashed on the face and wrist by a man wielding a blade and screaming that the rival Koreas should be unified, South Korean police said today (Thursday). Media images showed a stunned-looked Lippert staring at his blood-covered left hand and holding his right hand over a cut on the right side of his face, his pink tie splattered with blood. The U.S. State Department condemned the attack, which happened at a performing arts center in
Seoul as the ambassador was preparing for a lecture, and said Lippert was being treated at a local hospital and his injuries weren’t life threatening. YTN TV reported that the man identified by police as a 55year-old, surnamed Kim screamed during the attack, “South and North Korea should be reunified.” The suspect also shouted anti-war slogans after he was detained, and Seoul police say the weapon used had a 25-centimeter blade. Yonhap TV showed men in suits and ties subduing the attacker, who was dressed in
Stocks fall, euro hits 11-1/2-year low before ECB talks (Reuters) - Stock prices around the world fell yesterday on profit-taking, while the euro dropped to an 11-1/2-year low ahead of a European Central Bank meeting where policymakers are expected to offer details on their bond-purchase stimulus plan. The Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated further from record highs set on Monday while major gauges of European and Japanese shares were below their multiyear peaks. “Given the strength we’ve had in the equity markets since the beginning of February, we are transitioning into a sideways-trending market as investors digest the recent gains and look for greater clarity,” said Terry Sandven, senior equity strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management in Minneapolis.
Brent crude fell on data showing U.S. crude inventories climbed to a record high in the latest week. It held above $60 a barrel on Iran’s opposition to a nuclear deal and supportive market comments from Saudi Arabia’s oil minister. The U.S. government’s February payrolls report due tomorrow is seen as the week’s premier data. Further evidence of jobs and wage growth would support the notion the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates as early as this summer. Payroll processor ADP said yesterday U.S. companies added 212,000 workers last month, slightly less than forecast, paring bets on a robust February payroll figure. Economists polled by Reuters projected U.S. payrolls grew 240,000 in February, below January’s 257,000 increase.
a modern version of the traditional Korean hanbok, and Lippert later being rushed to a police car with a handkerchief pressed to his cheek. The attacker’s comments on Korean reunification seem linked to lingering, deep divisions in South Korea that stem from the Korean War. The rival Koreas have been divided for decades along the world’s most heavily armed border. The U.S., which backed South Korea during the 195053 Korean War, still stations 28,500 troops in South Korea as a deterrent against North Korea, and some South Koreans see the U.S. presence as a barrier toward a reunified Korea. Anti-U.S. protesters have recently been demonstrating to voice opposition to annual U.S.-South Korean military exercises that North Korea says are preparation for an invasion. Seoul and Washington say the drills, which will run until the end of April, are defensive and routine. Lippert, 42, became ambassador last year and has been a regular presence in Seoul and social media during his time in Seoul. His wife gave birth here and the couple gave their son a Korean middle name. Lippert was formerly the U.S. Assistant Secretary Defense for Asian affairs and a foreign policy aide to President Barack Obama when Obama was a U.S. senator. Obama called Lippert after the attack to express his thoughts and prayers for a speedy recover, the White House said. “We strongly condemn this act of violence,” State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said. She had no other details.
Thursday March 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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A CASE OF SURVIVAL The AFC should not add to the confusion of its many members who are attempting to rationalize why their party entered into an alliance with APNU to contest the May 2015 elections. The AFC has offered a bizarre explanation: it says that no alliance could have seen the demise of the party. This is a case of employing reverse logic. It is by entering into a partnership with APNU, which is effectively the PNCR, that the AFC risks downgrading. It risks losing its identity and its independence. It can no longer present itself as a third force party or claim that it is seeking to break with Guyana’s polarized culture. Its alliance with the PNCR will have the effect of asking the electorate to make a choice between the Indiandominated PPP and the African dominated PNCR. Instead of fostering a new
political culture in Guyana, instead of offering the Guyanese people an alternative to both of the main political parties that have come to embody the political problem in Guyana, the AFC has joined with one of these parties. This is after it was established on the basis of, and after publicly proclaiming that it would never enter into any alliance with either the PNCR or the PPP. The AFC’s reasoning as to why it risked imminent collapse unless it joined with the APNU is that if it did not people would have said that the party was racial and that it was after power. Well, this again is a case of reverse logic. It was the AFC that put on the table what it said was a non-negotiable proposal. It was the AFC that said that it had to lead any alliance with APNU. It was the AFC which
More abuse of power ... The advancement of technology is creating havoc for some police ranks who seem bent on violating the rights of citizens who capture their wrongdoings on camera. Just one day after former Commissioner of Police Winston Felix reminded that it is illegal for the police to seize people’s camera, another citizen has come forward with an allegation
was proposing Moses Nagmootoo as its candidate. The objective was clear. The AFC wanted to appeal to PPP supporters by having a candidate that would allow these supporters to feel secure under any coalition with APNU. There was logic and there was merit in this proposal. The only way that any coalition could win was if PPP supporters voted in significant numbers, estimated at between 30 000 to 60 000, for the coalition. This is according to one analyst who is part of APNU. Thus unless the AFC could guarantee that it would bring an additional 30,000 votes at the minimum, that is, votes apart from its support at the 2011 elections, no coalition with APNU was going to win the election. Having an AFC nominee as the Presidential candidate for the coalition could have
offered the ethnic security needed to get these extra votes. The AFC wilted during the negotiations with APNU and abandoned its nonnegotiable position. This party which had refused to budge in the face of national pressure to pass the Anti-Money Laundering and the Countering of Terrorism Bill, this party which despite all the pleas for it to act in the national interest and not hold the government to ransom on such a critical obligation, is the same party that could not hold out on APNU for the Presidential slot. Why then is the AFC so concerned when people accuse it of betrayal? Why then is the AFC disturbed when people claim that they traded the presidential candidacy in return for three Vice Presidents and a guarantee of twelve seats in
the National Assembly? So it is not that if it had not ceded the presidency that people will say that it was acting in a certain way and that all it wanted was power. It was the AFC itself that had put up s a non-negotiable position of an Indian candidate to lead the coalition. And it was the AFC that opted to remove itself as a Third Force and join with APNU in return for twelve seats and three Vice Presidents. We have heard nothing at the launching about a common programme. The AFC is making a leap of faith. It has published the banns for a wedding without knowing what the wedding plans will be like. There is no common programme agreed as yet for the alliance, yet the AFC has gone on the stage for a launching. They are in effect launching without any
agreement as yet on a common programme. This is a party that is in absolute confusion. But in sympathy with them perhaps they saw the writing on the wall. The walkabout in Skeldon before the Valentine‘s Day Agreement must have driven home to them that their support base in Berbice was gone. And the poor response to the meeting in Adelphi must have confirmed this fact. Perhaps they saw their future as bleak and decided that it is best they piggy back on APNU instead of being humiliated at the elections by going it alone. Perhaps it was indeed a case of survival!
Police delete photos of ranks beating suspect
that the police did just that. Anita Ali, of Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, had to engage the assistance of an attorney at law to retrieve a camera from the Sparendaam Police Station, after a relative had photographed the assault of her husband while he was being arrested by a party of policemen last Thursday. But by the time she
Dem boys seh ...
Greed and deceit would forever linger in de Marriott You can run but you can’t hide fuh long. You can duck, dodge or dilly dally but you does get ketch one day. You tail does tun up in de air fuh all to see. Brassington tail tun up in de air. When dem start de Marriott was one set of merry go round story. He, Donald and Jagdeo was playing merry go round wid de nation. Brassington tell de nation that de hotel cost US$58 million and that government gun put US$20 million. He seh that dem gun tek US$27 million in loan and private people gun put de rest and own two-thirds of de hotel. He use all kind of confusing language and fancy words. He talk bout Cindy Kate loan (this is a panty business); heck witty investors (that got to be he mudda and daady, Jagdeo sissy dem and Donald pickney because all of dem jokey). De hotel done build and Luncheon seh without de loan and without one cent from de hin-vestors. What he didn’t want tell de nation all de time is wha dem boys done know already. Dem nevah had to tek no loan because dem inflate de cost. But hear this. Luncheon seh Brassington tek all de money from NICIL and complete de hotel. He also seh that when de get de Cindy Kate loan from de bank dem gun give back Brassington. This is a case of Adam building a house wid he own money wha he had in he wardrobe and when de house done build he tek a loan from de bank fuh put back in de wardrobe to pay interest to de bank. De truth is that Jagdeo and he kavakamites did want to buy Pegasus before Badal but dem boys hear that Badal outsmart Jagdeo. Jagdeo fight Badal down to de last day before de hotel sell and when he lose de devil kick in. He decide that he gun show Badal who is boss. That was de beginning of de Marriott, a hotel built on greed, envy, crookishness, and deceit. Talk half and chase these bastards to hell.
retrieved the camera, the images had all been deleted in an apparent move designed to eradicate any incriminating evidence of her husband’s assault at the hands of the arresting ranks. The ranks were reportedly investigating an alleged break and enter and larceny. The incident was brought to this newspaper’s attention by Attorney-at-law, Motie Singh, who is representing the woman’s husband, 26-year old cane cutter Fyouse Shakir, and who had accompanied the woman to the station to retrieve the camera. When contacted, the woman related that on Thursday last at around 22:30 hours, she and her husband were aroused by a heavy knocking on their door. At the time their four children were asleep. The woman said that when she opened her front door, she was confronted by two armed police ranks who pushed her aside and barged into her house. “They say, ‘we
ain’t come fuh you.’ And they went straight into the bedroom and start beating me husband. Dey cuff he and kick he up,” Ali said. The police accused her husband of stealing a sixburner gas stove during a break and enter in the neighbourhood. Ali said that her husband denied stealing the stove, but admitted to purchasing it from another villager. The police, nevertheless, continued to beat Shakir and demanded that he put on his clothes to go with them to the station. During this confrontation, one of Ali’s relatives took out a camera and began photographing the police actions. Of course, this greatly angered the ranks who chased after the relative and seized the camera despite her protestations. “They push she into a wall and snatch de camera from she. Dey tell she dat she ain’t get no permission fuh tek out de police photograph,” ali recalled.
She said when another male relative requested that the police return the camera; he was told that he had to come to the police station to collect it. The ranks eventually went away with Ali’s husband. The following day, Ali and her uncle went to the Sparendaam Police station to collect the camera, but were told that they had to produce a receipt for the device in order to uplift it. She contacted her attorney Motie Singh and when he contacted the police, he too was told that the owner of the camera had to produce a receipt. Not deterred, the woman and Singh went back to the station on Tuesday last and were eventually given the camera. “When we check de camera, all de photos delete,” ali stated. “I don’t know why dey carry away de camera; dat ain’t had
nothing to do with the story,” she added. According to the woman, the police appear to be only interested in brutalising people and not actually solving the crime. She explained that while her husband is languishing in prison having been remanded by a magistrate, the person from whom he bought the stove is still walking around a free man. Ali said that she contacted the police yesterday informing them of the suspect’s presence in the village and they refused to respond, claiming that they did not have a vehicle. The woman was eventually invited to meet with a senior rank in the district after this newspaper contacted the Sparendaam police yesterday.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday March 05, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Silhouettes of sempiternal dreams in a crowded room I attended the launching of the election campaign of the APNU-AFC at the Pegasus yesterday. There wasn’t parking in the Pegasus compound. There was of course silly parking. Some drivers were blocked by unconscionable drivers, meaning you were boxed in when it was time to leave. There was no parking outside the Pegasus, too. Inside there was no
standing room. AFC official, Clayton Hall, kept imploring to those standing not to block the door but his plea fell on deaf ears. I spent the entire occasion fastened next to a sitting Bert Wilkinson. I began to feel cramps coming on so I went outside. I asked for snack and a glass of juice but the attendants said only when the speeches were over. As I was walking back in,
I saw my old UG friend, Dr. Mark Kirton, walking towards the washroom. He told me that he was at the Pegasus to collect his UWI colleagues who were in Guyana to do a survey on international security and wanted to know what was going on. I ushered him in but it was pointless. He just couldn’t find space even to stand. I managed to wriggle in again but it was uncomfortable standing again. You had to be there to feel the emotions permeating the crowded room when Moses Nagamootoo and David Granger spoke. I saw tears in the eyes of some people. Nagamootoo offered the theory of “the split”. He said that the civilization of Guyana was badly damaged in 1955 with the Burnham-Jagan split and it has not recovered since. He then said that the APNU-AFC coalition is the beginning of the end of the split. There were loud cheers when that tone was made. No one should envy Elizabeth Harper when the Prime Ministerial debate begins if
there is one. I am afraid Ms. Harper’s inexperience will allow Nagamootoo to overshadow her. Moses Nagamootoo, after fifty years in politics, has become a phenomenal orator. It is doubtful that there were people in that packed room who witnessed the birth of the Jagan-Burnham unity party, the PPP in the early fifties. But somehow you felt you were there as Nagamootoo and Granger serenaded you. There was this tantalizing illusion that what was taking place in that room was the final coming together of the PNC and PPP. The ambience, environment, aura, excitement made you feel that Guyana had now reached the pinnacle of that sempiternal dream of racial unity between the PPP and the PNC. In fact that was no illusion. It was true, except that you had to take the PPP out of the equation and put in the AFC. After the event, I was talking to Tacuma Ogunseye on my feeling inside that room. I told him I felt it was like if African-Indian
Guyanese had now decided there would be no longer the “coolie/blaakmaan thing”. Words are hard to come by to describe one’s psychological shape as Nagamootoo and Granger waxed lyrical on racial unity. You had to be in that crowded room to see that silhouetted against the sprawling drapes was the sempiternal dreams of Guyana that was born over sixty years ago when the legendary Burnham and Jagan ganged up against colonial rule. Can those dreams light up the midnight sky of May 12 when we should know the election results? It depends on each individual’s viewpoint. All, without exception that I have spoken to, said that there will be an opposition victory. Most of the opinion-makers believe that it is not a done deal; that the opposition has to work hard. As Khemraj Ramjattan was leaving with his wife, I told him I believe the coalition will win though I think some Indians who voted against
Frederick Kissoon the PPP in 2011 may return to the PPP. He said in unambiguous terms that Berbice wants a change. The difference in the AFC’s showing this time around is that I believe the AFC will lose a small amount of votes from Indians who are over fiftyfive years but that will be made up by a big swing of young Indian voters to the AFC. Most people I have spoken with think that there will be a fantastic upsurge in Region Four voting that will favour the PNC in the coalition. If you look at the last election, over 100, 000 electors did not turn up for the big day. APNU personnel opine that people will come to the polling station this time because they sense victory. We have about two more months before we will see if the Jagan/Burnham brotherhood will be reincarnated.
Thursday March 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Minister Ramsammy unlikely Police conduct internal to continue - Dr. Luncheon investigation Police detainee’s death…
Two months before early general elections to choose a new government, the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) may well have to do without one of its most seasoned campaigners…Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. The Minister of Agriculture, said to be in his late 60’s, is ailing and currently receiving treatment overseas which will ultimately determine whether he continues in the political arena. Responding to questions from Kaieteur News yesterday during his postCabinet press briefing, Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, confirmed that Ramsammy has been on leave for over three weeks now. A former Health Minister, Ramsammy informed Office of the President that he is ill and is headed to the US because of heart problems. Ramsammy has for years now been suffering from cardiac difficulties and was forced to conduct a triple bypass surgery. While Ramsammy has not informed the Government that he is quitting, it would appear that the PPP/C has concluded that the existing
health situation will have an impact on his return to full duties. As Minister of Agriculture, Ramsammy has responsibilities for the allimportant rice and sugar sectors; the latter is facing severe problems amidst falling production and price on the world market. Dr. Luncheon admitted that there are rumors circulating of the Minister quitting because of health problems. Following the 2011 elections, President Donald Ramotar surprisingly named Ramsammy as his new Agriculture Minister, replacing Robert Persaud, who was made Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, an entirely new ministry. He first entered the political contest in 1992 as the Presidential Candidate for the United Republican Party (URP). He later joined the PPP/C Civic in 1997. During his tenure first as the Health Minister and then in the Agriculture Ministry, Ramsammy was dogged by reports of him transacting the purchase of a cell phone intercepting “spy laptop” for use by US-convicted drug
GRA dismisses ... From page 6 aged to have their licences renewed. Further, persons who have never purchased a licence are also targeted in an effort to ensure compliance with the Laws of Guyana. “The GRA would never promote or condone any activity which is in contradiction with the country's Laws.” As such the GRA is calling on the Guyana Times newspaper to desist from making such provocative remarks which, when taken out of context, can be used to peddle propaganda and political agendas. Further, the GRA says it is fully aware that this news agency is fully acquainted with the GRA's established means for verifying the authenticity and validity of a story, before same is published and the agency would strongly suggest that they use these means before publishing articles about the GRA. Further, the GRA wishes to remind holders of Restaurant Liquors, Off Licences, Spirit Shops, Members' Club, Hotels, Malt Liquors and Wines that they can purchase their licences in Georgetown at the GRA's Headquarters which is located at 200-201 Camp Street Georgetown. While persons residing in Anna Regina and New Amsterdam, can purchase
their licences from the GRA's Branch Offices in those locations. Trade and Miscellaneous Licences can be purchased at the Guyana Revenue Authority's, Licence Revenue Office or at GRA's Branch Offices in Anna Regina, New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Parika, Linden and Bartica. Liquor Licence holders are required to pay the relevant fees and submit the following documents to the License Revenue Office; taxpayer identification number, liquor Licence, valid form of identification (national identification card or passport) and a completed renewal application form. In the case of Trade and Miscellaneous licences the requirements differ depending on the type of Licence. For General Shops, Butcher Shops, Pharmacies, Cinemas, Internet Cafés and Lumber Yard Licenses, applicants are required to submit; a valid form of identification, tax identification number, sanitary certificate, business registration and licence for 2014. For Betting Shops, Insurance Companies, Video Rentals, Pawn Shops, House Agents, Auctioneers, and Rice Factories, Licence applicants are required to submit a valid form of identification, tax identification number, business registration and license for 2014.
Dr. Leslie Ramsammy lord, Shaheed ‘Roger’ Khan. Ramsammy also headed the Health Ministry at a time when New GPC, a company that has close relations with former President Bharrat Jagdeo, started to receive billions of dollars in pharmaceutical contracts under questionable circumstances.
The Guyana Police Force is conducting an internal investigation to ascertain if ranks were negligent in their duties after the death of 28year-old Zaharadeen Razan of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara. Razan died in police custody after he was locked up at the Parika Police Station. The father of three was arrested and taken into custody on Tuesday February 24, following a report of damage to property that was made against him. The following day Razan was taken for medical treatment at the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead. Investigations are also being conducted by the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). Ranks on duty had reported that Razan had been bashing his head against the
walls of the lockups and had suffered a seizure. A post-mortem confirmed that the man had died as a result of a seizure, and that there was blunt trauma to the head which was consistent with the seizure. “In this latest case, as you are aware, the police did nothing inappropriately to the individual; but if there were cases of neglect, if the police knew what was going on in the lock-ups and did not take the appropriate action, we have to find out,” Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud told the media. He noted that ranks on duty that morning were aware that something was amiss in the lock-ups at the station but failed to act accordingly. Meanwhile, the father of the dead man, Majeed Razan, has rejected the police explanation as well as the post mortem report. Mr. Razan said
Dead: Zaharadeen Razan that he is confident that his son’s death occurred within the confines of the lock-ups where he was brutalized. After inspecting his son’s body at the morgue, he claimed that his son had marks about his body which were consistent with assault. The elder Razan, who was a Rural Constable (RC) for over a decade, said he intends to pursue justice for his son.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday March 05, 2015
Health Ministry HPV programme halted - official claims programme will revive “soon” Although it was only recently rated as a success by Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, information reaching this publication is that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination programme is currently at a standstill. While unable or unwilling to divulge exactly when the programme was halted, an official close to the Maternal and Child Health Department of the Ministry of Health confirmed that by the end of last year there were no vaccinations. This comes amidst reports that the programme which was introduced in 2012 has flopped. In order to appease concerns circulating about the demise of the programme, the official then expressed confidence that HPV vaccines have been ordered and a shipment is likely to arrive soon in order to continue the programme. The official was, however, unable to state when the vaccines are expected to arrive. Moreover, the Ministry’s Vaccination Centre remains without HPV vaccines and thus the various
health facilities are unable to offer the vaccination service. “We don’t know when,” said the official of a date for the arrival of the vaccines. In order to reach its target of young girls between the ages of 11 and 13, the vaccine Gardasil, was being administered at schools. The official pointed out to this publication that while the programme was intended to be offered on a national scale, there were some regions that were not benefiting from it. The official remembered that, at least, Regions Eight and 10 are among those that have not been able to gain access to the vaccine. This was due to the fact that the Vaccination Centre did not have enough vaccines to ensure that distribution reached to the two regions, said the official. The HPV Vaccination programme, which was introduced in January 2012 as a $40 million venture, was launched at the East La Penitence Health Centre by Minister Ramsaran. He had then informed that one of the vaccines can cost as much as US$14, making it arguably the
most expensive vaccination programme administered by his Ministry. He therefore explained that the launch of the vaccine was another step by the Health Ministry to bring more services to wider sections of the population. “It is a costly venture and in the atmosphere and in the environment now where there is contracting budgets especially from international
agencies, especially from our health programmes, it must be seen as a bold step,” Dr Ramsaran stated. The programme was aimed at slashing the incidence of cervical cancer, which kills an estimated 80 Guyanese women annually. And in order to stem this health challenge, some 7,000 girls were slated to be vaccinated over a six-month period which commenced in
January, 2012. The official was, however, not in a position to speak of the number of vaccines that has thus far been administered. “I don’t know much about that but there are other persons within Maternal and Child Health who will get that tallying done,” said the official who assured that as soon as vaccines arrive the programme will be revived. A potential impact of contracting cervical cancer is the development of other health conditions such as
genital warts and even cancers of the anus, vagina and vulva. The programme was therefore launched under the theme “early detection saves lives”, and represented Guyana’s efforts to join the world in celebrating Cervical Cancer Awareness month. Its introduction was however not without controversy. There were some who are convinced that the vaccine is linked to the development of autism. A protesting group in a petition to the Health (continued on page 24)
GuySuco to release lands for housing – to enable CH&PA to meet its obligation The Ministry of Housing and Water's, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has approached the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuco) for the release of lands, to meet housing needs across the country. This was revealed by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon today, during his weekly media briefing at the Office of the President. The HPS pointed out that whilst there are many development achievements by the
People's Progressive Party/ Civic administration over its years in office, none can touch its achievement in the housing development. Nevertheless, the CH&PA has made it clear, that whilst access to land is not threatening the housing drive, the needs are unmet. “Every day there are complaints: we have applied and we are waiting,” the HPS noted. Even with the One Stop Shops, he explained, there is a backlog “in no mean order and land is necessary for a
developmental task, that is unquestionably benefitting Guyanese from all walks of life.” With the efforts of the administration's response to the housing drive, he explained that whilst GuySuco has available lands, this could be made available for the CH&PA. This would then enable it to discharge the housing drive and obligations, across the whole of Guyana, including the hinterland. The reach out to GuySuco is a means to obtain
available lands for consideration so that the CH&PA would meet its obligation in this issue, the HPS declared. Under the PPPC Administration about 100,000 Guyanese families have received house lots in several regions including Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight and Ten. On these areas developed for housing purposes, the government has spent huge amounts of money for infrastructural development, and the lots are also subsidised.
Thursday March 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Students cannot be charged for extra lessons in schools - Manickchand Minister of Education, Ms. Priya Manickchand says that the Ministry of Education (MoE) had put a stop to extra lessons being offered in schools because it was being abused. During an interview recently in Berbice and while addressing the issue of extra lessons, she said that while teachers can indeed hold extra lessons in the school building, they cannot charge students.
and do better, and that there is value to extra tuition…but I truly feel that they have started too early—I’ve heard Grade Two students going to lessons, which is beyond my comprehension.” She recalled the time when teachers used to give private lessons at the school, “and parents complained that what teachers were doing— well not all teachers—that the teachers were not teaching in
Minister Manickchand in discussion
“What we have said very clearly, is that if teachers want to do extra tuition, they can—so the schools are opened for extra tuition, but the teachers cannot charge for it in the school and you cannot run a private business of lessons in a school.”- Manickchand “What we have said very clearly is that if teachers want to give extra tuition, they can—so the schools are opened for extra tuition, but the teachers cannot charge for it in the school; you cannot run a private business of lessons in a school.” Manickchand added that once the instructional hours are used in school to offer instruction, children will learn and there is very little need for lessons. “I know lots of parents think that having their children go for lessons, will actually make them brighter
the class and keeping the children back, and charging them for lessons.” M a n i c k c h a n d underscored the importance of parental involvement in the education process of their children. “I am pleading with parents—we would do what we have to do, I promise you that—but you have a role to play, too, as parents.” Speaking about Universal Education, she said that while Guyana has achieved 90 per cent universal secondary education access, Berbice has achieved 100 per cent universal secondary education.
“We are going to have universal secondary education, once we are elected and during the next term in office,” she asserted. The Minister revealed that three brand new agreements were just signed for the construction of new secondary schools in La Parfaite Harmonie, to accommodate 1,000 children; one along Lusignan, and another the East Bank Demerara. She noted that not only did the government build additional schools, but transportation to and from schools had to be catered for
Searches for No. 69 Village watchman turn up empty ...co-worker released from custody Relatives of Leon ‘Finger Man’, Anil Etwaroo, 45, of Number 69 Village, Corentyne, are beginning to lose hope in finding their missing relative. Extensive searches were conducted on Sunday at the Number 66 Backdam through the trail which led to the excavator work- site. Etwaroo, 45, of Number 69 Village, Corentyne, an excavator watchman, for contractor, Budhur, of Number 69 Village, left home as usual on the morning of February 17, 2015 to venture out in the Number 66 Village backdam to work. He left as usual with his co-worker named Rohan. The man’s family never heard from or saw him again, sparking comments. On Sunday, police from the Springlands Police Station accompanied the man’s sister Gaitree Rajaram to the work-site. They discovered the man’s work bag and clothes.
VANISHED: Anil ‘Singer Man’ Etwaroo Additionally, the man’s asthma medication bottles were also found at the site, but there was no sign of Etwaroo. Meanwhile, Etwaroo’s coworker, Rohan Ramkissoon, was released from police custody on Monday. He was arrested last week to assist the police with questioning
into the whereabouts of his coworker. The man’s son-in-law, Ryan Ramdass, told this newspaper yesterday, that while the family is starting to lose hope, they want some sort of closure into the matter. “We’re not giving up hope (that he’s alive) but we believe foul play happened,” he said. “Either they shallow grave him or something...we searched the whole of Berbice, but he’s nowhere around…” He revealed that searches too, were conducted at the National Psychiatric Hospital (NPH), Fort Canje, seeing that Etwaroo use to attend the clinic for medication. “I believe it was foul play that happened, but the CID ain’t taking the story seriously,” Ramdass said. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Etwaroo can contact Ramdass on telephone numbers, 335-3569, 622-1800, or the nearest police station.
as well. Boats and housing for students, in the form of dormitories, had to be constructed for students coming out of riverain communities, like Orealla. In 2005, she noted that just under 50 per cent of teachers were trained in the primary schools, whereas today it is over 75 per cent. Also, 58 per cent of secondary school teachers were trained in 2005, whereas today it is over 67 per cent. “If you have a trained teacher in front of the classroom, it is more than likely your child will have a more sound and solid education.” “The whole sector has massively improved, but it did not happen by magic,” she added. “It happened first because we (the government) had an ideology and a political will to make it happen and we funded that will—and
we have seen how that consistent funding and investment in education, has produced results over the years.” In the secondary schools, in 2005, she said there were 32,000 in general secondary. In 2014, there were 68,000 students enrolled across the general secondary schools. There is still a two per cent
Man freed following ex lover’s refusal to give evidence A Laing Avenue man is free after his former lover refused to give evidence against him in a threatening language charge. On Tuesday, Dexter Andrews, 47, of 229 Laing Avenue, denied before Magistrate Dylon Bess that
Teacher goes missing The relatives of a 68-yearold teacher, Aubrey Hercules, who has been residing between Richmond Housing Scheme and Bush Lot Village on the Essequibo Coast for the last two years, say he has not been seen since Wednesday last. He was last seen by a priest boarding a minibus at Parika. Brother-in-law of the missing man, Lawrence Allen, said that he last saw Hercules some time last week. Allen said that he was told by one of Hercules’s neighbours that Hercules had told her that he was traveling to Georgetown to conduct some business. A worried Allen stated that Hercules has no reason to go to Georgetown since he has competent persons who are taking care of his financial affairs. He also stated that the missing man’s eyesight is not good; he suffers from near sightedness. Hercules taught
dropout rate, she noted, which needs to change. “But we have moved from 11 per cent to just two per cent—it’s a remarkable gain across the (education) sector.” Manickchand noted that the curriculum too, has been changed to ensure equity and more variety of education, in that more than 50 of the 110 secondary schools actively pursuing the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP). This would allow students pursuing that programme to have a certificate upon completion, which is accredited for jobs across the Caribbean. The Minister boasted about how Guyana was able to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to ensure that every primary school child receives universal access to education. “In our little Guyana—every single child can have access to primary education, whether you live here in Berbice, Corentyne, Lethem, Crabwood Creek, Suddie, Pomeroon—wherever you are.”
Aubrey Hercules for many years in the Bahamas. He is originally from Bush Lot, Essequibo Coast. Allen is appealing to the general public to contact these telephone numbers 685-3298 or 673-6560 if anyone happens to see Hercules wandering in the city.
on February 27 at West La penitence, he made use of threatening language to Natasha Douglas whereby a breach of the peace was occasioned. Andrews told the court that he has an 18-year-old child and he was never convicted of any offence. Douglas explained to the court that she would like the defendant to stay away from her. The magistrate then advised her to apply for a restraining order, which she immediately did. The woman then took to the witness box and testified to the courtroom that she did not wish to give evidence against the man. She further stated that she was not threatened or forced to make the decision. Before dismissing the matter, the magistrate instructed Andrews to “see the woman and pass her straight”. He informed the man that the offence attracts a penalty of six months. Andrews was also warned that the next time he appears before the court for any matter of a similar nature, the court will not show leniency. He was placed on a bond to keep the peace and any violations of the bond will result in him being imprisoned for three months.
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Kaieteur News
SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
VACANCY Work from home: Earn $5,000 to $20,000 daily, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday - Call: 233-6517/ 638-0595 or www.jobfairworldwide.com RA Soda Factory: Bond Clerk, Accountant, Drivers – Call:330-2399, 330-2772, 6235920 Administration officer CXC subjects or above experience would be priority – Contact number: 668-7104 Alice Zhang, attractive salary. Female accounts & sales clerk also for porters, Apply in person @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Marketing Assistant, age 2135yrs: sound education, computer skills, experienced in a marketing environment – Call: 227-3801; 694-3103; 6654790 FACTORY STAFF, GTI / GITC Male /Female graduates preferred. CANTER DRIVERS, MARKETINGASSISTANT, Drivers Licence required, GUARDS. Tel: 266 4427 Bag packer/ porter- apply with written application & passport size picture to Survival @ 173 Sheriff St.Call:227-5286/9. One refrigeration Airconditioned trainee- Call: 231-0655, 683-8734 Vacancy for body work man – Tel: 649-0659 Female accounts clerk for Eccles Location, CAT Level 1, and 1 year experience. Email: vijai_ramnarine @hotmail.com - Tel: 233-3358 DRESSMAKING Designing & Sewing classes, ladies wear, curtains etc. (CanadianTrained Tutor), Schoon-Ord, W.B.D- Tel:6262629, 676-6312 FOR SALE/RENTAL American pool table – Tel: 277-0578
WANTED 1 Mechanic to work in the interior; must know about Cummings & Perkins Engine. Tel: 691-6260
P.O.S.E Salon beginners certificate courses in Cosmetology & Nails @ E.B.D- Call: 216-3491, 6694511.
Bartender for more information call: 691-6348; 227-8542 1 Male & female to work in the Interior to look after layer birds – Tel: 691-6260 Senior Accounts Clerk, 5yrs experienced, CAT or equivalent. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com Handyman, care for dogs and yard – Call: 227-2027 Experienced drivers with minibus and hire car licence – Call: 645-0025 Honest, reliable, live in domestic – Call: 646-1758 between 9:00am to 3:00pm Experienced dispatcher, taxi & bus drivers @ Princess Hotel Providence- Call: 6165419/265-7076 1 Diesel mechanic to work in the interior (backdam), experienced in repairing Perkins, MWN, Duetz & lister engines – Contact: 661-4265 Contract Cars & Drivers Call: 227-1720, 227-1721 or 6606102 SALESGIRLS: MATURE WITH EXPERIENCED IN A HARDWARE STORE, MONDAY – SATURDAY 8AM-5PM. RUIMVELDT INDUSTRIALESTATE. TEL: 231-8529 Hairdressers, spa artists & nail technicians at Hair Fanatics- Call: 680-7813, 6014181 One handy boy to work in a shop in the interior- Call: 6916260
Experienced counter servers, pastry makers, roti/puri cooks, cleaners, apply at Hack Halaal, 5 Commerce Street. Ladies to do cleaning on the W.C.D – Call: 684-8231; 6629341 Driver for canter lorry to work on W.C.D - $30,000 weekly – Call: 684-8231; 662-9341
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
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045 Mahadeo Construction for all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376 Accounting & Taxation Services: tax returns, compliances, financial statements. Avinash Persaud Tax Consultancy, 163 Parika, EBE – Call: 260-4762. REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL: 6294946 OR 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655,683-8734
Experienced bulldozer operator, experienced excavator operator, call between 9am-5pm: 611-5398 We offer $3M for Eccles Land, $1.5M for Leonora & $1.5M for Schoon’ord – Tel:675-7292; 689-3339 One Accounts Clerk – Call: 614-4358
Thursday March 05, 2015
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 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 1 Music system, 80 mercury engine, 40 Tohatsu Engine, Hilux extra cab fiber glass cover – Tel:672-9272; 2616634 One 12ft aluminum fishing boat asking $320,000- Call: 672-9640 One Honda 4 stroke 15HP outboard motor asking $250,000- Call: 672-9640 Scanning Machine and Detox foot spa machine for sale, for information Call: 6497884; 692-7886 Four (4) Stalls in Bourda Market – Contact: 614-3630 XBOX 360 Slim, with games & controller 1-32" Samsung HDTV- Call: 683-8386 Great Deals on video games and all consoles – Call: 6722566; 265-3232
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 WANTED Diesel Mechanic to work G/ Town – Tel: 218-5105 Business/Economics Writer, email application to snow198390@hotmail.com
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 RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 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 1- 95X50 business place for rent located at Mon Repos Public Road E.C.D –Tel: 627-6789 Wash bay and snackette at Lot 15 Good Hope E.B.E – Tel: 663-2882 Prime business place for rent on Sheriff street only for offices- Call: 627-6740 One barber shop in Diamond – Call: 233-0269; 658-5756
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Tacoma GTT 269 with extracab, mag rim, crash bar- Call: 216-2465, 687-6083, 678-5438 Lowest prices @ best quality: Premio, Allion, Bluebird, Axela, new model Fielder Wagon- Call: 6163413, 626-7478 City Motors Toyota Prado, Price$5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 Canter: Short Based - $2.2M, Voxy $1.7M, Spacio $2.1M, (all never registered) – Call: 617-2891 Toyota Vigo smart cab for sale - $3.3M negotiable; Spacio$1.550M – Call: 668-4553 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
GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING Toyota AT212, AT192, Raum, HAMMER RANSOM & Premio,Tundra, AE100 FLOOR SANDER, , JACK Sprinter, Vitz, RZ Bus, EP71 HAMMER, CONCRETE & 825 Starlet, Honda 600RR SAW & MORE - CALL: – Tel:644-5096; 697-1453 675-0767, 627-5098 One Nissan X-Trail, year 2004, 1 Bedroom apartment PRR series. Fully loaded25FTX22FT preferably Price $3.1M Neg- Call: 647working couple / single 0016 working person with no children, price $30,000 –Call: 1 New unregistered Mazda Axela, going cheap, owner 657-8335 leaving country – Tel: 6491 Executive apartment in an 0956 exclusive residential area with all modern amenities GNN 5366 75 DAF, GSS 6715 including parking. Call for 65CF DAF, PMM 755 IST, appointment: - 653-2920 truck tray – Contact: 644-1030; 613-5212
TO LET Fully Furnished vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours – Call: 227-1218 One bedroom furnished bottom flat @ Diamond E.B.D- call: 216-0644, 668-8403
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
4 bedroom house, AC, Security camera, GEB alarm, 1 Flat concrete house @ telephone, 2 vehicles parking, Kururu Kururu Linden etc @ Friendship E.B.D- Soesdyke Highway, size Tel:674-6363 38X20, land 100X200 – $8M Two bedroom downstairs negotiable-Tel: 592-661apartment in Alberttown - 6073; 694-1090 $50,000- Tel: 691-2727 1 Newly built 2 storey One (1) bedroom apartment concrete house @ Canal to rent at Grove E.B.D – No#2 Belle West - Tel:6153333; 648-9428 Tel:661-9852; 681-1047 LAND FOR SALE Business property located @ Measuring 90’X165’ facing Supply public road, E.B.D. Atlantic Ocean, Entering either by river/ approximately half mile from public road- Call: 698-8100 Sheriff Street on High Way. LAND FOR SALE Contact Shiv: 600-6681 Parfaite Harmonie - $1.5M, 50 Acres titled farm land @ Herstelling- $4M, EcclesThe Belle, Upper Dem, River $6M (100ftX50ft), Leonora Front - $100M Negotiable, $3M – Tel:675-7292; 689-3339 serious enquiries only! Tel: 669-8152 (Continued on page 23)
Thursday March 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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GPL implements 10% fuel rebate ‘Cuffy’s Square’ deceased died by drowning
Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has implemented an interim 10 per cent fuel rebate from the beginning of this month as approved by the Public Utilities Commission across all tariff categories. According to the power company, “The interim rebate takes effect from March, 1, 2015. It will immediately impact those customers whose reading began in February and end in March and subsequent month consumption.” This was as a result of an
announcement made by President Donald Ramotar last month at the commissioning of GPL’s newly built Wartsila 26 MW Power Plant at Vreed-enHoop. GPL noted that the 10 per cent fuel rebate is being applied to the Residential, Commercial and Industrial tarrifs. The rebate is in keeping with the fall in the world market fuel prices, resulting in the decision to reduce tariff rates by 10 per cent.
“Consumers should be aware that the 10 per cent rebate is being applied to energy charges and not fixed charges. This 10 per cent fuel rebate across all tariffs is estimated to pass on to consumers annually $3B through the reduction in their electricity bills. “This reaffirms GPL’s continued commitment to provide quality electricity supply at fair costs to our valued customers, as oil prices continue to fall on the world market.”
Only a heartless mother could watch somebody else kill her... From page 16 wounds which the victim sustained. She noted that this meant Neesa Gopaul was very much alive when those blows were inflicted. “She felt the pain; she felt the fear and she was dying as her mother looked on….” the prosecutor said. She noted that the girl begged her mother, “Mommy, mommy don't kill me,” as Small attempted to strangle her with a piece of rope. “Only a heartless mother could calmly walk out of a car and watch somebody else kill her child.” At this point, some female members of the audience became emotional. However Small remained expressionless as he sat in the prisoners' dock. Gopaul bowed her head with her hands clasped tightly and her lips moving. Given that the Defence questioned the credibility of the DNA analysis, Prosecutor Kaulesar noted the DNA analysis conducted on the lung sample taken from the victim revealed that it is a 99.98 probability that the sample came from a female offspring of Bibi Shareema Gopaul. She said that the only inference that could be drawn from that evidence is that the body belonged to Neesa Gopaul.
The Defence had also questioned the sequence in which the witnesses related their portions of evidence. In response, Prosecutor Kaulesar noted that the only people who can tell what exactly happened to Neesa Gopual are the people who killed her. “And ladies and gentlemen those two persons are seated in the dock.” She also held that what Barry Small said in his defence can be nothing but a complete lie. Kaulesar said that the accused had admitted to telling the police he had information as it related to the teen's murder. “Officers David and Jessamy both testified that Small told them he knew who murdered the girl.” Small had also claimed that his relationship with Bibi Gopaul had ended long before her daughter went missing. However, the Prosecutor pointed to portions of evidence which suggested otherwise. Kaulesar noted that several witnesses (some of whom claimed to be Small's friends) had testified that they would have called Barry to find out whether he was at his house or at Gopaul's before they could meet and hang out. One of the witnesses (Tiwari), the Prosecutor recalled, had even testified that
Magistrate Alex Moore... From page 13 traffic offence. Recently, the JSC dismissed Magistrates Sohan and Geeta Chandan-Edmond, who both presided in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court, on a number of infractions. Both Attorneys-at-Law have since stated publically that the JSC's decisions were unjust. Sohan, who faced yearsold allegations, said that he never had an inquiry but rather appeared briefly before the commission. Similarly, Chandan-Edmond was
dragged before the JSC for matters dating back to 2009. While Sohan had pointedly stated that the decision to remove him was solely because he, the longest serving Magistrate, was tipped to be Chief, there are allegations in the media that ChandanEdmond's dismissal was politically motivated since she had tried and convicted a high ranking official's son. Both lawyers complained too that the complainant and the adjudicator in their proceedings were the JSC. Moore is off on full pay.
shortly before the incident, he picked up “Barry and Nari” (Bibi Gopaul) from a hotel in Parika. She added that several witnesses also confirmed the dumbbells which were recovered from the scene belonged to Small. The State Attorney noted this proved that the two persons were in an ongoing relationship when they planned the murder. Kaulesar told the jury not to believe the Small's deceitful demeanor when he related that he is a Christian man and a family man as he was using this to play with their emotions. Small's attorneys had likened his trial to that of Jesus Christ given their view of an inadequate police investigation and lack of evidence used in charging the accused. In response Prosecutor Kaulesar noted that Small has been “accused of being a child molester wife beater and murderer. He cannot compare to Jesus.” ( Rehanna Ramsay)
A post mortem examination done on 54-yearold Sarju Gopaul yesterday revealed that he died of asphyxiation due to drowning. The autopsy was done by Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh. Gopaul’s body was found submerged in a canal in the vicinity of Square of the Revolution on Monday afternoon. Strewn on the ground were three photographs and a messenger bag, all believed to have been his. Also present was an empty vodka bottle, a cell phone case and a bunch of keys. Gopaul, who is an alcoholic and has had seizures in the past following
Alleged ‘weed’ trafficker remanded Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded a miner to prison yesterday after he was charged with having a quantity of marijuana in his possession. Oswald Moses, 37, from North Ruimveldt denied the charge which alleged on March 03, at Georgetown, he had 235 grams of cannabis of the purpose of trafficking. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones did not present the court with any facts about what occurred on the day in question, citing that investigations are still
Govt. foots total bill for... From page 2 Investments Ltd. A few months ago, Brassington, who has been under fire for his role in a number of controversial deals, admitted that financing for the project was in jeopardy because of the court case filed by Opposition Member of Parliament, Desmond Trotman. The court case sought to block the transfer and mortgaging, among other things, of those prime Kingston lands. Brassington, and Government by extension, until
his drinking sprees, was identified by his son-in-law Arafat Ally on Tuesday. According to Ally, Gopaul, a father of three, was employed as a night security guard at a Vlissengen Road business location. He said that his father-inlaw would normally walk past the Square of the Revolution and through cemetery road to get to his home, located in West Ruimveldt. According to Ally, the last time he had seen Gopaul was at his workplace on Sunday night. He had appeared perfectly normal. There are speculations that he had stopped for a smoke when he had one of his seizures and fell into the canal.
yesterday, have been largely silent on how the hotel was going up. Built by Chinese contractor, Shanghai Construction Group, the works have been criticized because of the very few jobs that were available to locals. Recently, AHI said that it has hired almost 240 staffers. Last minute minor works, like landscaping, are being done by the contractor with a main roadway, Battery Roadway being currently repaired, in anticipation, of the hotel's opening.
ongoing. He will return to court on March 19.
(From page 22)
ACCOMMODATION Inner Retreat Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Retreat Road Parika. Indoor / Outdoor bar in Picturesque setting – Phone: 260-4504 Saturdays & Sundays after lunch @ Inner Retreat Hotel Parika: Bar-B-Cue & games: pools, darts, table tennis etc. Phone: 260-4504.
FOR SALE Just arrived Massey Ferguson, 290 Tractor 2WD, Excellent Condition – Tel:684-6661; 669-9315
Guyana is an unhappy... From page 14 is that the citizenry is weary. He said that the nation has had it with PPP’s winnertakes-all strategy for holding on to power at any cost; divide-and-rule tactics that provoke hatred and foster hostility; and its one-size-fits-all village policy that impoverishes the countryside and hinterland. Granger expressed that the APNU+AFC coalition will adopt a unified approach and bring an end to cronyism at high levels (that is a drain on the country’s financial resources); crime and corruption in the law-enforcement and regulatory agencies in
the mining and forestry sectors; and constitutional abuse by the President, Cabinet and executive branch of the government. The historian said that he is happy to have at his side his ‘Corentyne colleague’ from Whim Village, Moses Nagamootoo. He described the Prime Ministerial candidate to be a committed campaigner who cares about the conditions under which ordinary people now live and work. Granger added that the APNU and the AFC have worked together over the past three years and shall continue to collaborate for the good of the people of Guyana.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday March 05, 2015
APNU-AFC to develop comprehensive plan to address issues affecting Guyanese women - Cathy Hughes Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member, Cathy Hughes was very excited as she announced recently that since the marriage with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), there have been very serious efforts to devise a comprehensive plan that will address critical issues affecting Guyanese women. On a televised programme on Channel 13 on Sunday last, the politician said that she is very eager to introduce to the Guyanese society the opposition's innovative plans which promise to make a real difference. She said that from the beginning, the AFC has always been concerned about the welfare of women in Guyana, which was evident in its presence in the Tenth Parliament. Hughes reminded of the party's seven parliamentary seats, three of which were held by women. The politician emphasized that the structure of her party has always allowed women to participate, whether it is at a parliamentary level or even in an in-house meeting.
However, if it is elected, Hughes said that there are some specific things that an APNU-AFC government would be happy to do for women living in Guyana. The AFC executive member not only expressed concern about the number of women who fall prey to domestic violence in Guyana, but also said that the opposition is concerned about the number of women the country loses in maternal deaths. Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon had disclosed that there were 18 recorded maternal deaths for 2014, ten of which were at the Georgetown Public Hospital alone. The APNU-AFC plan will look at those areas, Hughes said, and stressed that, once elected, the party will implement a programme which comes with a special view in mind for women. Hughes said that its wideranging plan also takes into account the need for proper shelter arrangements for “battered women” or those who may feel trapped in a situation that has all the characteristics of domestic violence.
AFC Executive Member, Cathy Hughes “We are talking about a comprehensive plan where we are providing accommodation for a family and a woman who is facing severe domestic abuse. Quite often, a woman does not want to walk away from that relationship because she knows she can't walk with her four children and doesn't have any money because she has been a homemaker for so long and so she deals with it and endures it.
“So we are talking about a programme that provides accommodation for her and her children and she wouldn't have to worry about how they will go to school or where she will get money from,” Hughes explained. The politician explained that the programme will ensure that such women and their children can stay up to six months in the facility and there, she will be cared for by councillors and given assistance by individuals who will take account of her skills and help her find a job. Hughes said that the programme will also take into consideration initiatives that will improve the lives of female police officers. She explained that the political opposition wants to equip those police officers with certain skills so that they too can be integrated into a plan that will see them serving a role as it relates to dealing with the plight of women in the communities they serve. The opposition member said too that after reading certain stories in the print media, especially those relating to
women who lost their lives, it is evident that the entities that are supposed to be providing support to the respective families are not doing their jobs sufficiently in those situations. An APNU-AFC government, the politician said, is hoping to address this. Further, the AFC member said that she has asked the opposition's economic advisors for help in relation to another matter that seeks to develop programmes or incentives for companies so as to encourage them to have daycare facilities at their offices. “The reality is that women are not able to be involved and employed at some of the companies they would like to be at because at lunch time, they have to leave to pick up their children or leave at 3:00 pm to make sure that they can look after children and we have an innovative programme to assist in that regard,” Hughes articulated. She said, too, that the opposition is also looking at increasing the salaries of teachers and nurses as she strongly
Guyana aviation authority to review e-cigarette fire warnings
believes that more needs to be done for Guyanese women. “They are the ones who take their pittance each month and they manage it as best as they can. They will make sure there is money for electricity bill, food is on the table and in the lunch kits, so I am really excited that the women in the AFC and those of the APNU will do better for Guyana's women.” AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan in support of his colleague's position said that while there has been a lot of talk that the new alliance only seems concerned with the distribution of “power posts”, Hughes' statements tell the truth about what the APNU-AFC arrangement is interested in, and that is, “having a better Guyana”. Ramjattan said that for one to make all those things Hughes spoke about along with other programmatic policies possible, they will inevitably have to be part of the government, hence discussions were held about their Cabinet arrangements.
A type of rechargeable e-cigarette
... local service providers to investigate possible dangers There is no room for error in the aviation sector, regulators have often said, and that’s why the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is taking no chance with the possible danger surrounding electronic cigarettes onboard aircraft. With international recommendations warning against the possession of electronic cigarettes in checked luggage and even in carry on travel cases, regional authorities are said to be keeping an eye on the
development. Some electronic smoking devices are said to be fire hazards since their heating mechanism can be combustible. Guyana and other Caribbean destinations serviced by the regional air carrier, LIAT will have to adhere to new regulations that effectively prohibit the possession of electronic or ecigarettes in checked luggage. The Caribbean carrier announced on Tuesday that e-cigarettes will be prohibited in checked luggage, and
Health Ministry HPV ... From page 12 Minister, soon after the introduction of the programme, had called for the vaccination programme “to be terminated with immediate effect” until the questions associated with the vaccine are answered. According to the group, their concerns were rooted in the fact that the Ministry hadn’t adequately furnished families with information about the effects of the vaccine that have the potential of emerging years later. “We hereby request
further and detailed information about the Ministry’s decision to inoculate these children against the HPV in a vaccination programme, purportedly to protect them from cervical cancer and other related diseases they are likely to contract in their adulthood,” the petition outlined. Despite the concerns raised, Government has insisted that the HPV vaccine will continue to be administered to girls from age 11 “along with intensive sensitisation programmes” in order to alleviate the occurrence of cervical cancer.
warned against the item in carry-ons following recommendations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. This is because the smoking device had caused two separate fires: one occurring on a grounded flight and the other in a baggage storage area. Citing the FAA recommendation, LIAT said that “e-cigarettes are a fire risk”. “E-cigarettes mainly use lithium cells to heat liquid nicotine into a vapour and these devices have, in some instances, overheated or caught fire when the heating element was accidentally activated.” The electronic cigarette or Personal Vaporizer (PV) is a b a t t e r y powered vaporizer which has a similar feel to tobacco smoking. The device does not contain tobacco, although it uses nicotine from tobacco plants. E-cigarettes do not produce cigarette smoke but rather an aerosol which is frequently, but inaccurately referred to as vapour. Generally, e-cigarettes have a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution
called e-liquid.http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Electronic_cigarette cite_note-Weaver2014-5 This is usually a mixture of chemicals and flavourings. Some e-cigarettes are also rechargeable and these too are dangerous, having been the source of several domestic fires reported in the US. The GCAA has noted, however, that the FAA has not put out an official statement on the issue, but it is “definitely” an area of concern for the local agency. The Director General, Zulphicar Mohamed, said that he is unaware of the working of the considerably new piece of equipment, but given the recent reports, he will have his security and safety personnel look into the matter to determine whether recommendations or new regulations should be put in place to address this matter. The US has warned all airlines operating within the country’s airspace to safeguard against the smoking device. This means that airlines that service Guyana and travel to US destinations will have to adhere to the regulation. Some of the more
popular local air service providers, Dynamic Air and Fly Jamaica, have already registered their intention to address the new development. A Fly Jamaica representative told the newspaper yesterday that the airline’s executives are aware of the matter and will soon issue a release to state their policy on the possession of the device. Dynamic Airways local representative Captain Gerry Gouveia said he was initially unaware of the FAA warning but he will make inquires as to any stated policy in this regard. He noted, however, that any decision on the issue will come from the company’s foreign-based head office. Caribbean Airlines’ representatives were not so easily accessed. One fire incident involved e-cigarettes packed in a passenger’s checked bag in the cargo hold of a Jet Blue flight in Boston. The fire forced an evacuation of the aircraft. In the second
incident, a checked bag that had missed its flight was found to be on fire in a baggage area at the Los Angeles International Airport in January. Emergency responders said the device had overheated. LIAT noted that airport security in the territories where they operate have not yet confirmed a unified stance on the carriage of ecigarettes in carry-on baggage. The airline therefore recommended that passengers do not carry ecigarettes on the flights in case airport security decides to remove them. A US news agency had reported that emergency responders have also blamed e-cigarettes for a number of domestic fires sparked by overcharged devices. Last December, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), an agency of the United Nations, issued a similar recommendation pertaining to e-cigarettes. (Zena Henry)
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Kerry says demanding Iran’s ‘capitulation’ is no way to secure nuclear deal (Reuters) - Simply demanding Iran’s capitulation is no way to get a nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday as he wrapped up three days of talks with a veiled dig at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Kerry said he and Iranian counterpart Mohammad Jawad Zarif made some progress in their negotiations in the Swiss lakeside town of Montreux and would resume them on March 15. Kerry aides said many obstacles remained before a late March deadline for an outline accord between Iran and six world powers. “There are still significant gaps and important choices that need to be made,” Kerry told reporters after more than 10 hours of talks all told with Zarif. On Tuesday, Netanyahu said in a speech in the U.S. Congress that Washington was negotiating a bad deal with Iran that could spark a “nuclear nightmare,” drawing a rebuke from President Barack Obama and exposing a deepening U.S.-Israeli rift. Kerry said politics and external factors would not distract from the talks, which aim to constrain Iran with intrusive U.N. access and verification of its nuclear activity and lengthen the “break-out” time needed for it to build any nuclear weapon. “No one has presented a more viable, lasting alternative for how you actually prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. So folks, simply demanding that Iran capitulate is not a plan. And nor would any of our P5+1 partners support us in that position.” The other P5+1 countries are Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany, who
would all have to sign off on any deal. Netanyahu has called for the powers to insist Iran dismantle its nuclear infrastructure and change what he described as its “aggressive” regional posture — an idea swiftly rejected by the Obama administration as equivalent to seeking “regime change” in Tehran. Israel and Iran have been arch-enemies since 1979. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, elected in 2013 on a platform of easing Iran’s isolation abroad through diplomacy and a removal of sanctions imposed on it, said Tehran was prepared to accept greater nuclear scrutiny as part of a deal. “If the basis of these negotiations is for increased transparency, we will accept greater transparency,” he said in a statement. “But if the negotiations are trying to prevent the people of Iran from (enjoying) their inalienable right, in other words advancement in science and technology, it is very natural that Iran will not accept such an understanding or agreement.” KERRY REASSURES IRAN’S ARAB RIVALS Kerry also sought to address the concerns of Arab nations who fear that a nuclear deal may simply leave Iran with more cash and energy to pursue its regional agenda, including supporting Shi’ite Muslim groups in Yemen, Syria and Lebanon’s political and militant movement Hezbollah. “For all the objections that any country has to Iranian activities in the region, and believe me, we have objections and others in the world have objections, the first step is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” Kerry said. Zarif told Iran’s state-run
Press TV: “We are not far from reaching an agreement. There are gaps that need to be filled, serious gaps. But that does not mean that we are not capable of moving forward. He added: “We have one very serious problem and that is that there is a great deal of pressure being imposed by warmongers, by scaremongers ... trying to prevent the deal by scaremongering tactic, by lying, by demagoguery. And that is an impediment to the necessary atmosphere that is required to reach a deal.” The six powers’ foreign ministry political directors will meet Iranian negotiators in Switzerland on Thursday ahead if the next round between the two pivotal players, Kerry and Zarif. Kerry flew to Saudi Arabia later yesterday and plans to meet the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany in Paris on Saturday, a senior U.S. State Department official said, and U.S. negotiator Wendy Sherman will brief Israel soon. Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, in which he blasted the current diplomatic approach to resolving the dispute, may make it harder for the Obama administration to sell the potential deal back home. Netanyahu argued that rather than preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear arms, a deal would “all but guarantee” that it would one day get the atomic bomb, putting Israel, the wider region and U.S. interests at risk. Obama responded within hours saying Netanyahu had offered no “viable alternatives” to the current course of negotiations. Netanyahu said on arrival back in Israel yesterday that he had offered a “practical alternative” with his proposals for the powers’ negotiating approach. Iran and world powers are trying to put a framework agreement in place by the end of the month, despite the misgivings of Israel, U.S. congressional Republicans and some Gulf Arab states. Such an accord would be followed by a comprehensive agreement to be completed by the end of June. The aim of the negotiations is to persuade Iran to restrain its nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions that have crippled the major oil exporter’s economy. Iran wants sanctions scrapped swiftly, the powers only in phases.
Thursday March 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
Supreme Court split over Obamacare challenge
The justices of the U.S. Supreme Court (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court appeared sharply divided on ideological lines yesterday as it tackled a second major challenge to President Barack Obama’s healthcare law, with Justice Anthony Kennedy emerging as a likely swing vote in a ruling. The nine justices heard 85 minutes of arguments in the case brought by conservative opponents of the law who contend its tax credits aimed at helping people afford medical insurance should not be available in most states. A ruling favoring the challengers could cripple the law dubbed Obamacare, the president’s signature domestic policy achievement. Kennedy, a conservative who often casts the deciding vote in close cases, raised concerns to lawyers on both sides about the possible negative impact on states if the government loses the case, suggesting he could back the Obama administration. But he did not commit to supporting either side. Chief Justice John Roberts, who supplied the key vote in a 5-4 ruling in 2012 upholding the law in the previous challenge, said little to signal how he might vote. The court’s four liberals appeared supportive of the government. Conservatives Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito asked questions sympathetic to the challengers. Fellow conservative Clarence Thomas, following his usual practice, asked nothing. If the court rules against the Obama administration, up to 7.5 million people in at least 34 states would lose the tax subsidies that help low- and moderate-income people buy private health insurance, according to consulting firm Avalere Health. The court challenge was
financed by the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a libertarian Washington group. The legal question is whether a four-word phrase in the expansive law saying subsidies are available to those buying insurance on exchanges “established by the state” has been correctly interpreted by the administration to allow subsidies to be available nationwide. Exchanges are online marketplaces that allow consumers to shop among competing insurance plans. Kennedy’s concerns focused on the possibility that if the law allows subsidies only for states that set up their own insurance exchanges, it would raise a new, more serious question about whether the law is unconstitutionally coercive by essentially punishing states that fail to establish exchanges. “There’s a serious constitutional problem if we adopt your argument,” Kennedy told the challengers’ lawyer, Michael Carvin. Kennedy said throwing out subsidies would potentially unlawfully pressure states and cause an insurance “death spiral” because premiums would increase. But Kennedy indicated he had an open mind over the challengers’ interpretation of the law. “It may well be that you’re correct as to these words, and there’s nothing we can do,” Kennedy said. Alito disputed Obama administration lawyer Donald Verrilli’s assertions about the disruptive impact of a ruling allowing subsidies only in states maintaining their own exchanges. Alito said states could simply establish new exchanges. “Going forward, there
would be no harm,” Alito said. Most of the 50 states have not created exchanges. Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have them, with another 34 run by the federal government and three operating as statefederal hybrids. When Verrilli said people would lose tax credits immediately if the government loses, Alito suggested delaying the ruling’s effective date to the end of the tax year. Scalia said Congress could potentially amend the law to avoid disruption if the government loses. Verrilli expressed skepticism the Republican-led House of Representatives and Senate would do so. ‘ C ATA S T R O P H I C DAMAGE’ Asked about Alito’s comments, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said there are “no contingency plans that could be implemented that would prevent the catastrophic damage” to the law from a ruling favoring the challengers. Earnest doubted a legislative remedy, saying Republicans who control Congress “struggle mightily to do even the simplest, most politically popular things” and have fought Obamacare “tooth and nail.” One possible outcome is the court could find the law ambiguous and defer to the government’s interpretation. In one of his few remarks, Roberts said that would allow a future president to reverse course. One Kennedy remark indicated he would not support resolving the case that way. On a chilly, damp, cloudy day, a couple hundred demonstrators mostly from pro-Obamacare forces gathered outside the white marble columned courthouse.
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Kaieteur News
Gunmen caught after robbery Two of three bandits who robbed a Stabroek Market vegetable vendor at his Mahaica, East Coast Demerara home were last evening hospitalized after swift response by police officers quashed their escape plans. The assailants sustained injury following a dramatic chase which resulted in them driving into a trench during an exchange of gun fire with police officers. Kaieteur News understands that the police ranks were able to recover an undisclosed amount of cash stolen by the thieves and a
weapon found .38 revolver with two live matching rounds. The men’s apprehension was the result of keen observation by the robbery victim’s neighbour who figured something was amiss when he saw a man walking into the vendor’s property. He immediately went for help. According to reports, around 20:00hours last evening, three men entered the Supply, Mahaica, home of the vendor and robbed him of cash before shooting him. It was related that the vendor’s
neighbour was seated in his vehicle after arriving home from work and noticed a man armed with a gun was heading in the direction of the victim’s residence. The neighbour then left for the nearest police station where he alerted police ranks of what was taking place. The neighbour transported the ranks to the location and they arrived just in time to see the bandits speeding out of the housing scheme in a Toyota 192. Reports are that the police ranks, in the civilian’s car, tracked the bandits who had driven to Mahaica Old Road in the vicinity of Unity. On noticing that they were being trailed the bandits reportedly shot at the ranks who in turn returned fire. It is believed that the driver of the getaway car was not familiar with the area since he misjudged a turn and ended up in a relatively deep trench. The ranks were able to apprehend one of the bandits who attempted to walk under water. However, the man’s dread locks sold him out since the police ranks noticed his hair floating on the water top. He was pulled out of the trench and arrested. Another rank who noticed bubbles coming from the area where the car had ended up jumped into the water and was able to apprehend another bandit, but not without a challenge. The rank and the bandit ended up in a scuffle and that is when the rank reportedly felt the third assailant swim pass his feet and escape. The rank was able to overpower the second bandit and he too was apprehended. The two men were transported to the Mahaicony Hospital where they are under police guard. More details in tomorrow’s edition.
Thursday March 05, 2015
ExxonMobil starts oil exploration today Another shot:
President Donald Ramotar, Natural Resources and the Environment Minister, Robert Persaud and ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Jeff Simon during a tour of the company’s head office at New Market Street yesterday. Despite objections from neighbouring Venezuela, USbased oil company, ExxonMobil, is all set to start oil exploration offshore Guyana, today. It expects to spend up to US$200M during the search. According to a Government statement yesterday, the Deep Water Champion exploration ship is in position at the Stabroek Block offshore in Guyana. With this being Guyana’s third shot at finding oil in its waters, the drilling is being looked at with much hope. Yesterday, President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, visited ExxonMobil’s head office located on New Market Street, Georgetown, and were given a tour of the facility and briefed on the scope of its operations by the company’s, Country Manager, Jeff Simons. ExxonMobil, the largest public trading international company in the world, has a
leading inventory of oil and gas projects, and is the world’s largest refiner of petroleum products. It has a long history of using science and innovation to find safer and cleaner ways of bringing energy to the world. The total area allotted to Exxon for exploration (the Liza Area or the Stabroek Block) covers 26,806 square kilometers. The company intends to drill at a depth of 1750 metres. “President Ramotar, who was impressed with the size of the company’s operation, described the exploratory area as a “small village”, noting that it ought to take a lot of effort to manage and execute all logistics,” the GINA statement said. “I’m quite impressed with what is taking place, and looking forward to going out myself,” the President noted. Minister Persaud urged the company to ensure that the activities envisioned are within the specified timeframe. “All government agencies are fully mobilised for an efficient and effective exploration”. The explorations are expected to be executed over a period of 10 years in three periods including two phases in each period. Each period lasts for one to two years. The scope of operations include a drillship, with approximately 200 crew and contractors; helicopter support, with two from Ogle including a utility and a
Search and Rescue at all times; four support vessels and two shore bases running from Georgetown and Trinidad, and a waste treatment facility at the John Fernandes site at Houston. Guyana has been receiving a lot of international attention from huge companies, especially in the oil sector. The US Geological Survey said in 2000 that the Guyana-Suriname Basin has the second largest unexplored oil potential in the world after Greenland. Guyana first struck oil in the 1980s in the Takutu Basin, and there is high optimism that oil will be found in commercial quantities. ExxonMobil will now join other investors such as CGX Energy, Repsol, Anadarko Guyana Co, and Gas and Nabi Oil and Gas in exploring oil in the Guyana basin. ExxonMobil’s exploration met resistance with news last week that Venezuela is objecting to the drilling. That neighbouring country has claims on a large section of Essequibo, including large swaths of the oceans. However, ExxonMobil said it remained unfazed by Venezuela’s objections as it has an agreement to explore with Guyana, not that country. Guyana is now reconsidering arrangements it has with the United Nations to settle that dispute with Venezuela.
Thursday March 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Cameron’s Removal - an... Gayle admits possibility of... From page 30 discipline, I think that timing is important and a fair and structured plan must be the basis for any action, not vengeance nor malice. After all, the impact their decisions will have on the players themselves must be considered. Within the framework of such obvious inefficiencies along with the President’s recent tweet and retweeting on retirement packages for his players we find that Guyana, Leewards and Windwards – the current minnows of WI cricket, the territories that have suffered most from the ineffectiveness of Dave Cameron’s poor leadership are the ones that now seek to re-elect him Kudos to Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica, at least the executive bodies, who worked with Cameron for the past two (2) years have not seen it fit to commit to his re-election. This is more important when one recognizes that it was Jamaica who nominated Cameron and Trinidad that seconded him in 2013 elections. Guyana and Barbados in 2013 supported Dr. Hunte. Yet today despite all Cameron’s wrongdoings Guyana’s self- imposed Directors (who do not have the support of the majority of the members) have decided to vote for “gross inefficiency” instead of a “hopeful change”. One must ask the question – Why? Is it because the self-imposed Guyanese Directors are clueless on cricket matters and could not care less about the state of Guyana Cricket and West Indies Cricket. We are indeed in a bad way when the eighteen (18) persons in charge of Regional
Cricket cannot come together and make decisions in the best interest of our cricket, but prefer to allow greed, corruption and incestuous practices to take over our beloved game. The very WICB insists that players must represent West Indies with pride but they themselves do not manage West Indies Cricket with pride. I suggest that they indulge in some serious introspection, and I am extremely concerned that if Mr. Cameron is returned as President, our cricket will continue its downward slide. There is nothing in his ten year sojourn at the top of our cricket administration to suggest otherwise. Proverb 29:12 states that “if a ruler hearken to lies all of his servants are wicked”. 1. Meanwhile, we will have to pay fortytwo million dollars (US $42m) to India and simultaneously lose the friendly relations that have always existed between India and the West Indies. 2. And in the not too distant future, WI Cricket will dive further into the Abyss of Doom and be among the minnows of international cricket where even Ireland, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will all rise above West Indies. For Mr. Cameron and those who support him care not for WI Cricket. No amount of money they have received seem enough and for them cricket development is to “talk about” but not “execute” particularly since, according to Cameron, the cricket belongs to them and they cannot be moved. Claude Raphael Former WICB Director
Thursday March 05, 2015 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Information coming your way today might be unreliable, Aries. It could be hard for you to take a solid hold on the messages you get. *************************** TAURUS (APR 20 MAY 20): Be careful about being manipulated by another person today, Taurus. It’s possible that someone is putting words in your mouth in order to get you to act a certain way. *************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Information you receive today may get you stirred up, Gemini. Remember that it takes two to start an argument. *************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): There’s a great deal of power to your words today, Cancer, so be careful how you use them. *************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): Answers may not be crystal clear today, Leo. They probably won’t be laid out in a neat and organized manner. *************************** Virgo (AUG 23 - SEP 22): Your head should be quite clear today, Virgo, and your witty comments will be met with appreciation and laughter. Your smile will delight
everyone you encounter. LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Don’t worry about probing too deeply today, Libra. Trust people more than you normally would. *************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): You might consider taking a short trip today, Scorpio. Perhaps you need to get out of the house and go across town. *************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): Your mind might be stimulated today, Sagittarius, so stay alert and open to new information. If you feel tired, take a short nap. It’s better to operate at top speed and full capacity than go through your day only half present. *************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Communication is flowing smoothly today, Capricorn, so take advantage of this and get the word out. *************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Don’t let fear of failure or fear of success hold you back, Aquarius. *************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): Powerful thoughts are running through your brain. You will find that this information can be transforming, Pisces.
From page 31 tour of South Africa before arriving for the World Cup. “Some of the guys have been away from home for four months now. It has been tough. They played a Test series in South Africa and they leave from South Africa and come straight here . It is going to take a toll on your body. It is a tricky one.” According to Gayle, if the WICB administrators were serious, there was a way out: sit with the players, communicate and find a solution. Gayle suggested adopting a rotation system for certain players would prove to be useful. “May be the board can come down and talk to players,” he said. “Have
confidence in players to be able to talk honestly about how they feel. If a player says, listen they want a break, don’t take it personally. You can give a player a break. You can do the rotations system as well. I think Australia do that in some formats with their bowlers. We can look into that as well. Give the guys a chance by telling them they won’t lose their place. Because a player says he wants to take a rest it doesn’t mean he thinks he is bigger than the game.” It remains to be seen whether the West Indies selectors and director of cricket Richard Pybus would be open for discussions. Pybus’ vision statement, approved by the WICB last
year, included the crucial “West Indies first” point, which was put to test for the first time when Narine was omitted for the home Test series against New Zealand. The reason: the offspinner had failed to make it to the squad’s mandatory training camp because he had to play the IPL final for Kolkata Knight Riders last May. West Indies’ home season includes the visits of England and then a two-Test series against Australia in June. Gayle is likely to put his IPL commitments above playing against England, since he is not contracted to the WICB, but may wish to feature against Australia after playing a full season for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Webb sticks to his guns and fires up... From page 34 landmark year for CONCACAF with the organisation of the Centennial edition of the Copa America – the world’s oldest international tournament played in the South American confederation Conmebol – in the US. The Copa Centenario will be elevated to a global stage by moving to the US and will overlap dates with the expanded Euro2016 Championships in France. The CONCACAF Congress will be asked to vote for the Central American representative to FIFA’s executive committee. Guatemala’s Rafael Salguero is the present
Fudadin... From page 35 anywhere if the team needs him to do so. He also described what it is like to be a Muslim in the West Indies team adding that he now proudly dresses in a Kurta and tope when he goes to the mosque, which he did in South Africa. “I am very comfortable being a Muslim in the West Indies team. The players and management made me feel very comfortable and don’t have a problem with me practicing my Islam in the dressing room. Fudadin explained that when he was doing ‘Salaat’ (praying on mat) those in the team who wanted to understand what he was doing would ask questions and never once did he ever feel discriminated against because of his religion. A compact batsman who could open the batting, Fudadin says he is eager to return to playing cricket and feels he is fit enough to play, having been selected to face Jamaica.
incumbent and he is being challenged by Costa Rica’s Eduardo Li for the seat at world football’s top table. Costa Rica were the breakout nation at last year’s Brazilian World Cup eventually losing on penalties in the quarter finals the Netherlands. Costa Rica are the reigning Central American champions and last year
hosted the FIFA U17 Women’s Chmapionship. Mexico’s Justino Compeán, Jamaica’s Horace Burrell, Panama’s Pedro Chaluja and Turks and Caicos’ female representative Sonia Bien-Amie are all standing unopposed in their election to CONCACAF’s executive committee. (InsideWorldFootball)
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Letter to the Sports Editor... DEAR SPORTS EDITOR, It is my understanding that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will be holding its Annual General Meeting on 7th March 2015 and Directors Joel Garner and Baldath Mahabir, will be challenging to unseat the incumbent President Dave Cameron and Vice-President Emanuel Nanthan respectively. This is not surprising for President Cameron has been a WICB Director for approximately 10 years including the post of VicePresident from 2007 to 2013, and President from 2013 to date. During his two years reign as President, he displayed a high level of immaturity and incompetence never before demonstrated by any of his predecessors and exhibited a remarkable ability of making decisions that are not in the best interest
Kaieteur News
Cameron’s Removal - an imperative for the survival of West Indies Cricket of West Indies Cricket. According to Proverbs 29 Verse 18, “where there is no vision, the people perish” Mr. Cameron fulfills this scripture absolutely. His many failures include: 1. The firing of Coach Gibson without proper thought to his replacement and assigning coaching responsibilities to Sir Richie Richardson, Curtley Ambrose and Stuart Williams, all of whom did not even coach the Leewards teams. In any case, Richie Richardson is the Manager of the WI team whilst Stuart Williams as the Asst. Coach does not seem to be favoured by the WICB for the post of Head Coach. It was expected that during that period the WICB would have been thinking in terms of the composition of the World Cup team, the captain, leadership etc. 2. The hiring of a Director of Cricket who seems lost in
Brake Up take Dominoes TITLE IN WAKENAAM Brake Up marked 78 games to win the final of a specially organized Dominoes competition played recently at Amit Ramnarine bar in Good Success, Wakenaam. All star placed second with 64 games, while Sit Up finished third on 60. Krishendat Hansraj made the maximum 18 games while
Thursday March 05, 2015
James Ramnarine scored 15 for the winners. Vijay Persaud chalked 17 and Tom Singh 15 for All star while Suruj (only name given) made 15 for Sit Up. Hansraj claimed the most valuable player award, while All star pocketed a trophy and $32,000. The tournament was sponsored by the participating teams.
Directors must vote responsibly the maze of islands and Guyana that make up the West Indies, and after two full years still has not visited many of the territories (including Guyana) in order to properly assess their needs and formulate a proper cricket development programme. He seems to be oblivious to the fact that WI Cricket development must not only focus on the performance of the Senior WI cricket team, but also on the type and quality of cricket development processes starting from the bottom, the grassroots. In this regard there should be the- : (a) Establishing of a reliable school cricket progamme throughout the WI. (b) Strengthening the club cricket structure administratively and technologically ensuring that appropriate infrastructure is in place. (c) Intensifying the domestic and regional tournaments. (d) The institution of satellite Cricket Academies in each of the six territories and restoration of the now defunct High Performance Centre (HPC) in Barbados. 3. Establishing a Coaching Committee that visits each territory in order to design a comprehensive coaching programme that is suitable and sustainable for each
territory and consistent with the WICB overall coaching programme so that when players progress to the test level they are better prepared. 4. The Professional League/ Franchise tournament has been poorly instituted with the WICB losing a golden opportunity to rake in the funds required to execute most if not all development needs, particularly when Mr. Garner is now saying that the WICB is Bankrupt. 1. So what was the interest and expectations of WICB in this venture? 2. Where are the funds received from the franchise/ professional league and the total capitulation to the ICC (India, England & Australia) takeover of international cricket? The amounts and utilization of these funds seem to be a well-guarded secret which must now be divulged. 3. The ignoring of the ongoing Guyana cricket problems must be the most sinful and shameful act of Mr. Cameron and his seventeen (17) Directors together with the unprecedented
deterioration of the standard of cricket in Leewards, Windwards and Guyana specifically, and Trinidad/ Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados generally. The situation is so grim that Guyana has won the 2014 U-15, U-19 and Senior’s competitions consistently beating all the other teams but yet cannot have a single player on the WI World Cup Team. Chairman of Selectors Clive Lloyd stated that Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were omitted from the World Cup side basically because of poor form but he and his panel failed to recognize the current form of Verasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo and Narsingh Deonarine even in the replacement of injured WI players. I am wondering if in considering young Jason Holder for the captaincy of the WI World Cup team Clive Lloyd’s selection panel remembered that Permaul was twenty-three (23) years old, captained the Guyana Seniors, the WI ‘A’ Team and represented the WI Senior Team? I am also wondering if our self-imposed directors to the WICB had questioned the Selector’s recommendation for it is the known policy that
Selectors recommend to WICB meetings and the Board appoints/confirms. The Buck stops at the Board and its leadership. It is my considered view that Clive Lloyd should have been made President of the WICB or Director of Cricket of the WICB where his experience, expertise and vast influence could have been better utilized, rather than as Chairman of Selectors where he could only select from what the pool produces. Any Board President worth his salt must question such recommendations especially when the person recommended is young, inexperienced, cannot command a place in the team and leading a group consisting of senior players participating in a high level international tournament and with three (3) former captains in that team. It is my firm belief that the entire plot was implemented by the WICB based on a determination to penalize Bravo and Pollard more than any concern for West Indies Cricket. While I have no problem with the WICB embracing a new order and enforcing (Continued on page 29)
GCB/CGI Jaguars Franchise contract adjustments Following Leon Johnson being awarded a central contract with the West Indies Cricket Board, there has been a shift in the various levels of contracts for some Guyana Jaguars Franchise players. Narsingh Deonarine has
moved from a “B” contract to an “A”, Anthony Bramble from a “C” to a “B” and Shemron Hetmyer from Academy to a “C” contract. In the Academy list, Jonathan Foo has filled the vacancy left by Hetmyer and
Dexter Solomon has replaced Jason Sinclair who failed to report for training during the month of February. The new Academy players signed their contracts on Tuesday, 2nd March 2015 at the CGI office and commenced training immediately after. Players occupying the various contracts are as follows: “A” CONTRACTS: Raymon Reifer, Assad Fudadin, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, and Narsingh Deonarine. “B” CONTRACTS: Christopher Barnwell, Rossford Beaton, Rajendra Chandrika, Keon Joseph, and Anthony Bramble. “C” CONTRACTS: Trevon Griffith, Paul Wintz, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, and Shemron Hetmyer. A C A D E M Y CONTRACTS: Gudakesh Motie, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Jonathan Foo, Raun Johnson, Dexter Solomon, Ricardo Adams, Keemo Paul, Raj Nannan, Steven Sankar, Robin Bacchus, Kemol Savory, and Keavon Boodie.
Thursday March 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Jamaal Shabazz and Wayne Dover Gayle admits possibility secure two-year contracts with GFF of Test retirement - duo aiming to create new achievements going forward By Franklin Wilson Back for their third fulltime stint as a team, Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz and Assistant Coach Wayne Dover were yesterday presented to the media as two of the main Technical strategists responsible for charting the way forward for Guyana’s Senior Men’s and Olympic teams. In announcing the appointments, Chairman of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalization Committee (NC), Clinton Urling remarked that Shabazz and Dover are no strangers to the football landscape. Their appointments follows the one-off arrangement for the February 1st, 2015 friendly international against Barbados which ended 2-2 in the Land of the Flying Fish and also formed part of the evaluation process according to Urling to assess Shabazz as well as to get feedback from the players. Shabazz and Dover will be working in tandem with Technical Director Claude Bolton who commenced a four year contract with the GFF in January this year. They {Shabazz and Dover} will have responsibility for the Senior Men’s and Olympic Under-23 teams. The Senior Men’s team will be preparing for the CONCACAF Preliminary Competition for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 – Guyana is to start their campaign in June against St. Vincent & the Grenadines while the Olympic Under-23 Team is expected to
commence their campaign later this year. Shabazz, a native of Trinidad and Tobago previously held similar positions with the GFF from 2005 – 2008 and 2011 – 2012 with Dover also being his assistant during those stints. Shabazz stated his pleasure in being back noting that he is satisfied he has made the right decision. “For me it’s always and exciting moment to pick up a new challenge. One of the things Coach Dover and I have discussed is that we are happy for the work we have done in the past but we are now ready to move on. Now is a new time, a feeling of desire and need and feeling to accomplish new things and try to push the programme further than it went before.” He also noted that he and Dover are very motivated to work, noting, accepting that there will be challenges but they have time in the two years to work with the Technical Director Claude Bolton and other coaches as a united front in order to succeed. Dover in his comments also thanked the NC for the opportunity to contribute to Guyana’s development and the process of rebuilding the game. “This is a new era, always as a coach you have to look forward to the new stint that you are embarking on. I will do my best in helping this nation.” The immediate task of the duo and staff will be to name a squad for the March 22 international friendly against St. Lucia set for the Guyana National Stadium,
Providence. Shabazz informed that that squad will be named by mid next week. He also said that there are two Canadian based players already here in Guyana training with Alpha United who are quality players. Technical Director Claude Bolton commented that he does not think that Guyana has appointed the best Head Coach here but it is the best appointment in the Caribbean region. Quizzed on how the NC intends to offset the salaries for Shabazz and Dover, Urling said that while the GFF is heavily indebted they have been able to draw down on some bonus funds from FIFA which is just enough to pay the salaries of the duo. Meanwhile, the new Assistant Secretary of the GFF Ms. Deidre Davis was also introduced to the media; she commenced duties on February 24. Condolences were extended on behalf of the GFF and the NC to the families and relatives of the late Mervyn ‘Pug’ Wilson (former U-19 player and National Coach) and Compton Julian (former National Player) who both passed away recently.
ESPNcricinfo - West Indies opener Chris Gayle has raised the possibility of retiring from Test cricket if his fragile back cannot cope with the increasing workload in a crammed cricket calendar. Despite previous comments on the format, Gayle made clear that he was still passionate about playing Tests but said that he would assess his future immediately after the World Cup, when he sits down with WICB officials. “I do [feel passionate about playing Test cricket], to be honest with you,” Gayle said in an interview with Digicel Cricket, in Perth on Tuesday. “It is just that lately this back problem has kind of pushed me away a bit from Test cricket. To be able to go five days, it has been tough. I haven’t sorted my situation yet, which is the back problem. That is another concern ... because I’ve been playing cricket straight on the road and really didn’t get a chance to spend the time and give the back as much time to heal.” Gayle then spoke about his reluctance to go under the blade. “People say surgery but they say once you have surgery on your back basically your career can be over,” Gayle said. “It would never be the same as well. Lot
of thinking then.” Asked if there was a chance of him retiring before West Indies’ next Test engagement - a three-Test series at home against England in April - Gayle did not rule that out. “It is a possibility. You never know,” he said. But Gayle stressed that he would not take a big call like that in a hurry. “After the World Cup we will see what happens. Where Chris Gayle will actually head. Or you can sit and discuss and work out how we go about playing for West Indies cricket.” At 35, it is no surprise that Gayle is taking stock of the situation. As far back as 2009, he mentioned the possibility of curtailing his Test career. Having arrived in England for a Test series on the back of a season in the IPL, Gayle West Indies captain at the time - said he “wouldn’t be so sad” if the five-day format died out in, although he later played down the comments. He subsequently went on to become the ninth West Indian to have played 100 Tests, although he has not featured consistently in the format. Since March 2010, West Indies have played 41 Tests but Gayle took part in only 18. In the last two years
he has played eight of 15 Tests, with his last match being at home against Zimbabwe in September. He could not finish that series owing to the lower back injury which also ruled him out of the Test series in South Africa preceding the World Cup. Recently Gayle and Sunil Narine declined the retainer offered by WICB. It did not surprise many considering both players are much sought after by domestic Twenty20 franchises around the world. But Gayle admitted that having a heavily packed cricket calendar in the long run cannot be beneficial for players. He agreed that having free time to spend with family and friends was crucial, something administrators had to pay attention to. “That is important. That is something they can look into for sure, to give people a bit of time back home,” he said. “This is our livelihood. This is our bread and butter still. At the same time you are going to drain yourself, you are not going to get the performances that you will normally see over the years consistently.” As an example he cited some of the West Indies players who played a whole (Continued on page 29)
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Thursday March 05, 2015
Australia post World Cup record score in win over Afghanistan BBC Sport - Australia posted a World Cup record total of 417-6 as they beat Afghanistan by 275 runs - the biggest winning margin in the tournament’s history. David Warner hit 178 off 133 balls, Steve Smith scored 95 while Glenn Maxwell struck 88 in 39 deliveries in the Pool A encounter in Perth yesterday. Afghanistan were then dismissed for 142, with Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc taking six wickets between them. Australia’s score surpassed the 413-5 India made against Bermuda in 2007. It continues the pattern of bat dominating ball in this tournament as the third 400 plus score achieved in the pool stages, following South
Africa’s 408-5 and 411-4 against West Indies and Ireland respectively. The winning margin beats the 257-run amount by which India beat Bermuda in Port of Spain in 2007, which was equalled five days ago by South Africa in their victory over West Indies in Sydney. Warner played the aggressor, ably assisted by the more conservative Smith, with the pair adding 260 - a record Australian partnership for any wicket in ODIs - before the former was caught at midon by Mohammad Nabi off the bowling of Shapoor Zadran in the 38th over, just seven runs short of Shane Watson’s record Australian ODI score of 185.
If Afghanistan thought this would bring them some respite they were wrong as Maxwell took over, hitting six fours and seven sixes in a brutal 39-ball innings, during which he scored 88, as Smith increased his own scoring rate to reach 95 before driving one straight to Najibullah Zadran off Shapoor with seven overs remaining. Despite the fall of three further wickets, returning captain Michael Clarke did not come out to bat, allowing James Faulkner (7), Mitchell Marsh (8) and Brad Haddin (20 not out) to help Australia to their record total. As expected, Afghanistan were unable to cope with the Australian bowling attack, with their top order removed before they could reach three figures. Johnson played a major role, having Usman Ghani, Nawroz Mangal, Asghar Stanikzai and Hamid Hassan all caught and Josh Hazlewood picked up two wickets, while Clarke unexpectedly got in on the act with a five-over spell of offspin, during which he had Samiullah Shenwari caught by Johnson at short fine leg. Starc - who almost salvaged a win against New Zealand in a dramatic encounter in Auckland four days ago came to the fore later in the innings with two wickets to help seal the record win. Listen to highlights from Test Match Special’s and 5 live Sport’s 2015 World Cup coverage. Captain’s view Australia captain Michael Clarke: “It was a
very good win. The boys were outstanding with the bat. David Warner was excellent and the way the others played around him Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell was unbelievable. “The way we bowled set a good standard for ourselves. Overall, it was much improved from our display against New Zealand. “I decided to send Max in
ahead of me as we had a chance to break the World Cup record. I was thinking of coming in at four. I would liked to have batted for my own form but it was best for the team to make the decisions I did. I think it proved it was the right thing.” Afghanistan captain Mohammed Nabi: “It’s a good experience and Australia played very well, especially
Warner and Smith. You know Australia’s bowlers are the world’s fastest and they bowled very well. The last three games we have played very well, and we take the experience into the next matches.” Scores: Australia 417 for 6 (Warner 178, Smith 95, Maxwell 88) beat Afghanistan 142 (Mangal 33, Johnson 422) by 275 runs.
Trophy Stall on board in big way for “Clash of the Titans” horserace meet With just about two weeks to go before the mega “Clash of the Titans” horserace meet organised by the “Four Horse Men Promotions” the question being asked, is could any horse in Guyana defeat Guyana number one and only ‘A’ class animal “Score’s Even” in a horserace event over any distance. That question could be potentially answered on Sunday 22nd March at the Port Mourant Turf Club. The fact is that the best animals in Guyana have been lined up for the event. With eight races on the programme and over $7M up for grabs, a scintillating and action packed day of racing is anticipated. So far over 35 horses have entered. With Score’s Even dominating the racing circle over the past two years with its speed and stamina and being debarred from some events due to its class, the organisers of the “Clash of the Titans” meet have opened the event so that all the big guns
can participate. With the likes of Score’s Even, Treacle, C.P Got Even, Curfew Tower, Princess She Not, the improving Spit Fire and the highly rated and not yet tested Plum Plum all expected to line up for the feature event the prospects are mouth watering. The winning prize is $1.2M over a distance of 1600M which gives all the animals an equal opportunity in the event. Rightfully so, the anticipation of finally seeing the race all Guyana wants to see over a Classic Mile, thousands are reserving the date. With the authorities not wanting to leave anyone out of the activity with the recent announcement regarding changes to the provisional programme, which is a move seen by the racing fraternity as a positive step in enhancing the racing., more hype has been created for the day’s activity. The four year old event has now created a possibility
of fantastic proportions, a double feature so to speak and will also feature horses also classified D3 maidens and non-earners in the last six months over 1400 meters for a winning purse of $300,000. The event will see the much talked about return clash between the much vaunted Spit Fire, the resilient Unsettled and the boss himself and winner on that occasion - Just call Me Boss. When one add likes of Swing Easy, Church House, Right to Rule and newcomer Tiz A Holiday then you already have a horserace meet of immense proportions on your hands. It might very well turn out to be the race of the day. The other events on the day’s card are the three year old event for West Indies Bred horses over 1200M for a winning prize of $400,000 and trophy. The G1 and lower 1200M event already has a large field and fetches a winner’s money of $320,000 and trophy. There is a race for three year old Guyana bred and I and lower horses over 1200M for a winning take of $300,000 and trophy. A winning prize of $300,000 and trophy is also available in the G 3 Maiden and H and lower 1200M race. There are two J class events. The first is for animals classified ‘J1’ and lower over 1100M for a winning pocket of $240,000 and trophy. The J3 and lower 1100M event has a first prize take of $200,000 and trophy. Trophy Stall along with the organisers have guaranteed the top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer sponsorship for their trophies. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. The next promotion organised by the group is fixed for August 2nd 2015 at the same venue. Interested persons can make contact with Rajendra (Jim –Jo) 618-7278, Fazal 657 7010, Colin on 6242723 or Donald or Zaleena Lawrie on telephone Nos 225-4530. Race time will be 12:30hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Thursday March 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Airport XI capture Region Nine names team MCYS Tapeball title for CARIFTA games trials
F
Permanent secretary of the MCYS Alfred King (left) presents the winning trophy to Airport XI captain Teekaram Narine in the presence of other players.
A
irport X1 defeated the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MTIC) by 22 runs to win the final of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport (MCYS) knockout Day/Night Tapeball competition played recently at the National Park Tarmac. Airport XI batted first and scored 132-8 off their 12 overs while MTIC replied with 110-7. MTIC overcame Audit Office of
Guyana by the five runs in the semi final. MTIC took first strike and scored 144-5. Audit Office of Guyana responded with 1397. Airport thumped MCYS by 61 runs their next semi final matchup. Airport made 140 all out with extras contributing 25. Bowling for MCYS, Mark Cumberbatch claimed 3-10 and Alfred King 2-28. MCYS were reduced to 6-6 but managed 79 including 24 extras, in reply.
Montreal advance to SCCL semi-finals on away goals
The Impact de Montreal celebrate progressing to the SCCL semifinals. (Photo courtesy of the Impact de Montreal) Montreal – Cameron Porter scored four minutes into second-half stoppage time to boost the Impact de Montreal into the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) semi-finals on Tuesday before 38,104 fans at the Stade Olympique. The forward’s dramatic strike gave the Major League Soccer (MLS) side a 1-1 draw with Pachuca, a result that saw them advance on the away-goals rule after the quarterfinal series ended level at 3-3. Montreal, which had the worst record of all MLS clubs last season, became only the third team from the league to overcome a Mexican foe over two legs in
a CONCACAF club competition, joining Sporting Kansas City (2002) and the Seattle Sounders (2013). Pachuca looked as though it was in the driver’s seat, when German Cano converted a penalty in the 79th minute after Laurent Ciman had wrestled him down in the penalty area. On the ensuing kick from the spot, Cano powered his attempt into the right corner for a 1-0 advantage. Montreal had other ideas as a pair of second-half substitutes combined for one of the most memorable goals in the club’s history. Calum Mallace, who took over for midfielder Marco Donadel in the 65th
minute, launched a 60-yard pass to an onrushing Porter on the left wing. Porter, an 85th minute replacement Nigel Reo-Coker, chested the ball down, ran into the penalty area, got around a defender and drilled a shot to the lower right past goalkeeper Oscar Perez. Up until Pachuca’s goal, the game still proved to be a thrilling affair with so much at stake. Both sides pushed forward, although quality scoring opportunities were at a premium. The Impact will face the winner of the D.C. United-Alajuelense series for a place in the final. The semifinals are scheduled for March 17-19 (first leg) and April 7-9 (second leg).
ollowing the completion of several events last weekend, the Region Nine Athletics club, based on timings has selected eight athletes to represent the region at the upcoming CARIFTA games trials. The squad reads; Simona Lawrence (3000m), Mary Leandrew (800m), Garville Daniels (100 and 200m), Nyron Edwards (3000m), Brandon Parks (200 and 400m), Kerry Joseph (100m), Deon Jackson (5000m) and Leo king (high jump). Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, president of the club Kenrick Lewis expressed confidence that the athletes will excel at the trials. “Our Athletes are
Simon Lawrence talented and I am sure they will make the region proud,” he stated. The trials are set for Saturday and Sunday at the Guyana Defence Force ground, based Camp Ayanganna.
Mary Leandrew
Michael Phelps may be reinstated for Russia World Championships BBC Sport - Michael Phelps, the 18-time Olympic gold medallist, may be allowed to compete at the World Championships in Russia after originally being banned. The American, 29, was given a six-month competitive ban plus exclusion from the Worlds later this year after being convicted of drink-driving. USA Swimming director Chuck Wielgus told ESPN: “It’s complicated, but there are ways in which it could happen. “There’s a pathway for things to be reconsidered - or considered.” Phelps is expected to make his comeback at the US Grand Prix in Arizona in April when his suspension
Michael Phelps.(Getty Images) ends. He announced he was quitting the sport after London 2012 but changed his mind and is preparing for the 2016 Olympics in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. He has already qualified for the American t e a m f o r t h e Wo r l d Championships in the 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly and 200m medley and would
probably be included in three relays. The championships are being held in Kazan from 24 July to 9 August. Phelps was given a oneyear suspended prison term and sentenced to 18 months of probation by the courts following a drink-driving incident in his home town of Baltimore in September 2014.
South African fires disrupt world’s largest cycle race CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - South Africa’s Cycle Tour, the largest bicycle race in the world, will be shortened this year by road closures after fires swept across Cape Town’s Table Mountain, race officials said yesterday.. A number of roads associated with the scenic but tough 109- kilometer route remain closed to traffic since the fires started on Sunday and will be out of bounds for cyclists. The route usually traverses Cape Town’s south peninsula, including Chapman’s Peak Drive. The cycle route will now be shorted to 47 kilometers, David Bellairs, marketing director for the Cape Town Cycle Tour said. “It has become clear that the safety of cyclists cannot be guaranteed on Chapman’s Peak,” Bellairs told reporters. The race is the largest cycling race in the
world, measured by the number of riders individually time. An estimated 35,000 cyclists, many of whom are foreigners, are expected to start the race on Sunday morning. The fires, fanned by strong winds, have scorched swathes of mountain vegetation, gutting three homes and damaging several others since starting in the early hours of Sunday morning. Firefighters battling the winds and sweltering temperatures have managed to push back the fire with the help of helicopters water-bombing inaccessible hot spots. More than 500 residents were initially evacuated, but most have returned home, disaster management officials said. No fatalities were reported, although one firefighter was hospitalized for burns.
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DCB INTER ASSOCIATION U-17 CRICKET...
EAST COAST DETHRONE GT TO TAKE THE CROWN
Champions East Coast! Skipper Baskar Yadram is third from left sitting while leading run scorer Ramnarine Chatura is to his right. Coach Latchman Yadram is sitting 2nd from right. By Sean Devers On a rainy day on the East Coast of Demerara, host East Coast’s final round g a m e a g a i n s t We s t Demerara in the Demerara Cricket Board’s (GCB) Inter A s s o c i a t i o n U n d e r- 1 7 cricket contest never started yesterday due to soggy patches on the Enterprise ground, leaving the two teams share to the points. The washed out game was set for an after Lunch start when the skies opened up for the second time and deposited a persistent shower which lasted well into the afternoon to the end the contest in a no-result, leaving East Coast as the only unbeaten team in the four-team tournament.
With victories against East Bank by 76 runs on Monday at Enterprise and defending champions Georgetown by four wickets on Tuesday the washed out game yesterday put East Coast, led by victorious national Under-15 Skipper Baskar Yadram, on top of the points and earned them the Championship title. The City side, who defeated West Demerara by nine wickets in their opening match before losing to East Coast, were aiming to beat East Bank yesterday in the other final round game at the Police ground and hope that West Demerara, who were beaten by 20 runs by East Bank, staged an upset win over East Coast for the tournament to be decided on
net run rate. However, heavy overnight and morning rain left the Eve Leary ground in an unplayable condition to leave East Coast with two wins and a no-result, while Georgetown and East Bank both had victories over West Demerara to finish with one win each. East Coast were spearheaded by the tournament’s leading run scorer National Under-17 batsman Ramnarine Chatura who fashioned a classy unbeaten 71 against East Bank before making 63 not out the next day against Georgetown, while Gavin Budwah, who got scores of 62 not out and 37 was the other East Coast batsman to register a half-century. Ya d r a m w i t h a n
unfinished 43 and Shrichand Gangaram who reached an undefeated 26 were the other players to bat well for the champions. Baskar Deodat had a couple of two-wicket hauls while Afzal Rohaman took three wickets in two matches. East Coast Coach Latchman Yadram said that his team was very experienced since seven members would have played last year, adding that he was pleased the DCB sub Association emerged winners this year. He however, expressed disappointment that the adverse weather robbed his team of exposing the two players who did not participate in the first two matches
Thursday March 05, 2015
Webb sticks to his guns and fires up for new term as CONCACAF chief Jeffrey Webb is set to be re-elected unopposed to the presidency of North and Central American and Caribbean confederation CONCACAF. The XXX Congress on April 16 will see one contested election with a battle for the FIFA Executive Committee post for the Central American region. Webb took over the presidency of the confederation in May 2012 at a tumultuous congress that officially ended the authoritarian regime of Jack Warner and Chuck Blazer. It was a watershed moment for football in the region. Since then the pace of change in the CONCACAF region has been remarkable with Webb focusing strategy on development and i n c l u s i o n . We b b h a s successfully harnessed the power of the region’s football and commercial giants Mexico and the US to help explode what he repeatedly has called the “potential” of the CONCACAF’s federations with new opportunities on the field of play and within the infrastructure of the game. Central to his mission has been the recruitment of a core team at CONCACAF headquarters led by General Secretary Enrique Sanz who similarly has emerged into a mercurial and galvanizing figure in the region’s
Garner would have more influence with BCCI than Cameron - former Windies team manager ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) - Sports psychologist and former West Indies team manager Rudi Webster said he suspects that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has a $42million claim against the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), wants to see the back of president Dave Cameron. Cameron is seeking reelection at the weekend meeting in Kingston, but is being challenged by former fast bowler Joel Garner. We b s t e r t e l l s t h e CARIBUPDATE television show THE BIG BANG that he believes India will insist
on collecting the money for last year’s abandoned tour, but that any chance for a negotiated settlement would only come with a new president. “And I suspect if there was a change at the top the BCCI would be tempted to say, ‘look let us forget this thing or at least reduce it’,” said Webster. “I think that Garner would have more influence with those people because a lot of them went to see him when they were little kids and they respect him more. With Cameron at the helm the BCCI might insist on getting their money.” In January the BCCI
issued an ultimatum to the WICB, asking the board to furnish the requisite $41.97 million as damages borne out of West Indies’ “sudden, arbitrary withdrawal” from the India tour last October. Webster said the name Cameron is now a bad name with Indian cricket. “I think the Indians are going to insist on getting their money and I don’t think they are backing down from that. Cameron is not the most popular person in India .I don’t think he understood the culture of the Asian people,” said Webster. “You don’t embarrass the Asians and make them
lose face and expect them to support you and I would say he is probably the most unpopular West Indian in India at the moment, although he thinks that he is one of the most popular”. Last month, Cameron was blasted for apparently retweeting a demand for outspoken opener Chris Gayle to be given “a retirement package”. While the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) have backed the legendary former West Indies fast bowler, the Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, Guyana and Jamaica
seem to be supporting Cameron’s re-election bid. Webster said however, it appears on the surface that Cameron might have the votes to be re-elected. “These secret ballots are a funny thing and Cameron did a stupid thing when he tweeted that thing about Chris Gayle,” Webster told THE BIG BANG. “Normally Jamaicans don’t go against other Jamaicans but if you criticise Chris Gayle or Usain Bolt you are asking for trouble, so although the board has been told to vote for him, it’s a secret ballot and we don’t know what is going to happen.”
Jeffrey Webb football. With the elections of FIFA president coming up i n M a y, p r i o r t o t h e nomination deadline in January there had been whispers that Webb would stand against Blatter. Webb repeatedly cut those rumours off at the root saying that there was still work to be done at CONCACAF. He told Insideworld football back then: “I am the president of CONCACAF and that is my 100% commitment. That is my responsibility, that is my job, that is my focus. “What you are seeing is the start of the process in our region. We have made some important changes, we have started a lot of programmes, we are involving as many of our member associations as we can, we have added competitions and initiatives, this is a huge task.” For Webb the task continues with the support of CONCACAF’s Canadian federation in the organisation of this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, and the 2015 edition of the region’s premier event, the Gold Cup. Staying true to his development mission, the confederation will also organise the second edition of the Boys U15 championship in Webb’s home country, the Cayman Islands. The U15 competitions are the youngest age-group championships run by any of the confederations. 2016 will be another (Continued on page 29)
Thursday March 05, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Fudadin would have liked to play in S/Africa Tests By Sean Devers A lot has changed in the life of West Indies Test lefthander Assad Fudadin since his 55 helped the West Indies beat Pakistan to win the 2000 under-15 World Cup and four years later he made 13 in U-19 World Cup final which the West Indies lost by 25 runs to Pakistan. Back then the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club all-rounder was a dashing batsman who enjoyed playing shots and when he made his First-Class debut for Guyana against Kenya in 2004 he was an aggressive batsman without his beard. But now he has matured as an individual and cricketer, is married to Akeema, has a six-year-old son. But most noticeable he now sports a flowing beard which he says is to be physically identified as a Muslim. But he was quick to add that while he wants people know he is a Muslim by his looks it is more important to show the character of someone who is very serious about his Islamic faith. He is now more focused in his Islam which means ‘a way of life’ and this new focus has not only affected
But feels everything happens for a reason his life in a positive way but also rubbed off on his cricket career. He began growing his beard two ‘Ramadans’ ago in July of 2013 after returning from Bangladesh with the West Indies team the year before. Born in August 1985 in Berbice, Guyana’s second largest county, Fudadin fulfilled his boyhood dream of playing Test cricket when he made his Test debut in 2012 against England to become one of 17 players from the Ancient County to play at the highest level and the only one to do from Rose Hall Town. “When I broke my finger while doing fielding drills on the morning of the first Test (Dec 17, 2014) in South Africa, I would have liked to play since I had a chance of doing well against world quality bowlers and secure a permanent place on the West Indies team. I got two screws in my finger and I could remove them after six months but I don’t have to. I would not say I am disappointed because I believe that everything happens for a reason and God is in control of what
happens to everyone,” Fudadin explained. The 29-year-old disclosed that since he has moved closer to Allah he has been able to deal a lot better with disappoint and knowing that everything happens for a reason, helps. “Even though I was injured I could not get back home for Christmas since the rules of getting a UK Visa was changed a few days after we arrived in South Africa. I had to wait for 15 working days to get back my passport which meant I could not get it until during the final Test. I was with the team all that time in my West Indies clothes, sometimes playing the role of 12th man. I could not grip the weights at the Gym and I ran to stay fit. But I missed playing,” disclosed Fudadin, who has one Test fifty and an average of 30.50. Fudadin, who said he was not surprised by his selection for the South Africa series because of his good performances with the ‘A’ team, is hoping to return to the Guyana team but is not setting any goals if he plays in the three remaining games. “While I would like
to play against England, right now I am not looking that far ahead. I am taking one step at a time beginning with getting back into the Guyana team. Session by session, match by match, make runs and stay in the moment and leave it to the selectors,” said Fudadin, who has four centuries and 19 fifties from 75 First-Class matches. Fudadin batted in an ultra defensive manner in last year’s Regional tournament but pointed out that when Hashim Alma started he was deemed a Test batsman only but he is now one of the most consistent batsmen in all formats. “If you have a solid technique in Test cricket you don’t have to change that to be successful in the shorter version. What you need to change is your mindset and take a few more risks, find the gaps and face fewer dot balls,” Fudadin opined. Fudadin disclosed that he supports the Franchise contracts to the 90 players who have not been able to hold down places at the International level and advised them to work hard
Fudadin batting for the West Indies.
since he feels you get out what you put in. He also feels it is important to be honest in whatever you do. Fudadin, who also plays
first division cricket for City side GNIC, says while he started as a middle order batsman he is willing to bat (Continued on page 29)
Pakistan cruise past UAE in Napier BBC Sport - Pakistan kept up their push for a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a routine 129-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in Napier yesterday. Ahmed Shehzad hit 93 and both Haris Sohail (70) and captain Misbah-ul-Haq (65) weighed in with halfcenturies as Pakistan ran up 339-6. UAE were reduced to 25-3 early in their reply and though in-form Shaiman
Anwar made 62, they fell well short on 210-8. Pakistan join Ireland and West Indies on four points in a congested Pool B. Ireland meet Pakistan on 15 March, the final day of the group stage, in a match that is looking increasingly likely to decide qualification for the last eight. For Pakistan, a second win in four days represents a build of momentum after heavy defeats by India and
Fudadin to play against Jamaica Assad Fudadin, who was suffering from an injury to his hand, is now fit and ready to play in the 8th Round of the WICB Professional Cricket League 4-Day match against Jamaica which bowls off tomorrow at the Guyana National Stadium. He replaces Shemron Hetmyer. The team reads: Rajendra Chandrika, Assad Fudadin, Leon Johnson, Narsingh Deonarine, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, Raymon Reifer, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Keon Joseph, Ronsford Beaton.
West Indies in their opening two matches. The 1992 champions will almost certainly earn a place in the next round if they win their final two games against South Africa and the Irish. “That was a much needed win for us,” said Misbah. “We won by a margin so we can relax now, the next game is really important and we need to focus on that. We have a good net run rate now also.” Pakistan were rarely troubled in this comfortable win against a UAE side who did not disgrace themselves, particularly by sticking to their task with the ball on a good wicket with one very short square boundary. Indeed, the Associate side will rue two missed opportunities off Shehzad, the opener put down on two and nine. Reprieved, he compiled a 160-run stand with Haris, missing out on a century when his dive to
complete a second run was not enough to prevent a runout. With Haris then caught at mid-on off Mohammad Naveed, Pakistan were in danger of wasting a good platform, but Misbah steadied with Sohaib Maqsood (45). When the time came, they opened their shoulders, beginning a blitz that would see 124 runs added in the final 10 overs. In that time, Shahid Afridi’s 21 from seven balls made him only the second man, after Sanath Jayasuriya, to score 8,000 runs and take 300 wickets in one-day internationals. If they were to pull off an unlikely chase and a great World Cup shock, the UAE needed a solid start with the bat, but their top order could not handle the Pakistan pacemen. Rahat Ali bowled Amjad Ali before Sohail Khan had both Andri Berenger and
Shahid Afridi’s late cameo made him the second man to reach 8,000 ODI runs and 300 wickets. (Getty Images) Krishna Karate caught behind to effectively end the contest. Anwar and Khurram Khan shared a defiant partnership of 83 until Khurram flicked Maqsood to square leg for 43. The match meandered to its inevitable conclusion, but for Anwar, an innings that ended when caught at longoff off Afridi took him to a total of 270 runs, the highest of the tournament so far. UAE captain Mohammad
Tauqir said of Anwar: “He’s a brilliant batsman and I’m very happy for him. He’s such a confident individual that we call him ‘Sir Viv’. “He missed out on a hundred, but if he’d stayed to the end of the innings he would have got it. It was an excellent performance.” Scores: Pakistan 339 for 6 (Shehzad 93, Sohail 70, Misbah 65, Guruge 4-56) beat UAE 210 for 8 (Anwar 62, Afridi 2-35) by 129 runs.
t r o Sp
Jamaal Shabazz and Wayne Dover secure two-year contracts with GFF - duo aiming to create new achievements going forward
Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz makes a point during the press conference in the presence of Assistant Coach Wayne Dover (right) and other GFF officials.
Australia post World Cup record score in win over Afghanistan
David Warner dealt with the short deliveries with ease ©Getty Images Inset: Nawroz Mangal top-scored for Afghanistan with 33 from 35 balls (AFP)
Gayle admits possibility of Test retirement
Chris Gayle has played less than half of West Indies’ Tests over the last five years © WICB
DCB INTER ASSOCIATION U-17 CRICKET...
East Coast dethrone GT to take the crown
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