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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
Keeping the criminals away from society Yesterday was Phagwah Day but every newspaper screamed the story of the jail sentence handed down to two child-killers. It was the largest sentence ever handed down by a Guyana court and it is coming after certain modifications to the laws. Not so long ago Judges had no option but to impose the death penalty once a killer was found guilty. It was mandatory that once the jury returned a verdict of guilty then the judge must pronounce words to the effect that the convict “must hang by the neck until dead”. There were problems here. There were members of the jury who were opposed to the death penalty so many, rather than hand down the guilty decision, would try to go for a manslaughter decision. The law now gives the judge the scope to impose a sentence other than the death sentence so juries need not be conservative with their decisions. But it has been nearly two decades since Guyana has executed anyone and this is because of the various petitions to the United Nations Human Rights convention against the death penalty. At the time there were thirty-five people on Death Row, some for two decades and more. In the end this was deemed to be cruel and inhuman treatment. The critics did not consider the crime that landed the convict in the jail in the first place as cruel and inhuman. The goalpost had shifted. Being a signatory to the United Nations Convention against the death penalty, the local courts began to take notice of the moratorium on the death penalty. They started to commute the death penalty to life sentences. Of course, the society is split on the issue of the abolition of the death penalty. For one, there have been very serious crimes and there seems to be no letting up. People remember when the so called ‘kick down the door’ bandits emerged and waged a reign of terror. In fact, they were responsible for the grillwork that adorns so many homes today. Desmond Hoyte, who was president, was quick to respond to the situation. He ruled that a man’s home was his castle and any invasion must be dealt with. The gallows swung into action and that nature of crime disappeared from the landscape. People feel that should the gallows be used again then there will be a reduction in serious crimes. Enter Justice Navindra Singh. He has changed the judicial landscape. When he ascended to the bench he recognized that the gallows was silent and that those who committed serious crimes had the opportunity to return to society to commit similar crimes in the future so he devised a method that would keep the very serious criminals off the streets for most of their natural lives. He began to impose the kind of sentences that had never been imposed in Guyana and they are having an effect. Criminals who at one time exhibited not an iota of care for the justice system are suddenly sitting up and taking notice. They are trying their damnedest to avoid appearing before Justice Singh. One criminal who was billed to appear before the judge actually objected. He sought to petition the court to change the judge. This could have meant only one thing: the man was saying that he was guilty and that he was afraid of a lengthy sentence. So we come to the history making or record-breaking sentencing that rocked the country. The Neesa Gopaul issue rocked this country when it was reported that her body had been found in a weighted suitcase tossed in a creek along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The trial was even more riveting to the point where on the last day there were groups protesting outside the High Court. The sentence of 106 years and 96 years for the two convicts, one of whom was the mother of the dead girl, produced gasps and cries of satisfaction. The protesters, to a man, felt that justice was served. And for sure there is a judge who actually dispenses justice. After all we do not hang people anymore.
Saturday March 07, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Democracy has benefited the few DEAR EDITOR, According to Webster’s Dictionary, democracy is government in which the people hold the ruling power, either directly or through elected representatives; the principle of equality of rights, opportunity etc, or the practice of this principle. In the Caribbean, democracy is more popular than Pepper Pot is in Guyana .Of the thirteen colonies to become independent after World War II, only three have had governments that have not been chosen by free and fair elections (a revolutionary one-party state in Grenada, a Mexican-style corporatist dominant party in
Guyana, and military dictatorship in Suriname) and ten have had democratic government continuously since independence. This is demonstrating an unusual affinity for democracy by countries that have been colonized: Latin America, Africa and Asia have demonstrated a greater tendency for dictatorship. But is democracy simply voting and placing a government to do as it please? A close scrutiny of China’s constitution shows it recognizes its government as democratic. The fifth article of their constitution states “The organizational
principle for the state organs is democratic centralism.” However, China does not have an adversarial democracy like the Westminster system or the US congressional system, but a democracy, because the people of China choose their leaders without competition. It is a contradiction that is difficult for a western educated person (such as me) to grasp. In China, “The Communist Party is the sole political party in power.” Singapore has a similar system but is not considered a dictatorship. Why is that? To c o m p a r e t h e C a r i b b e a n ’s a l m o s t unquestioning preference to
democracy, a study of Latin America - in which 20,000 people were surveyed in the 18 Latin American countries for the project – shows that the region faces severe challenges that have led to a deep sense of popular dissatisfaction with its democratically chosen leaders. Slow economic growth, severe inequalities, and deepening poverty levels are triggering popular unrest and undermining confidence in electoral democracy. The report’s message is clear: democracy is in trouble. More than half of all Latin Americans - 54.7% say they would opt for an (Continued on page 23)
President Cheddi would never have approved these medical and dental expenditures DEAR EDITOR, There has been a big furor as to medical and dental expenses incurred by government officials. As a registered dentist in Guyana, I would like the public to know, especially after GHK Lall’s letter to SN, in which he insinuated that “Jagan Dentistry” may have gotten some of the government payments, that this office at 199 Charlotte Street has never been the recipient of any government check for Dentistry. It is regrettable that the Minister of Amerindian affairs would spend 2.1 million in dental treatment when most Amerindians can barely afford extractions. It is regrettable that Mrs. Hinds could spend $780,000 on dental treatment when most citizens from Linden can’t afford good dental treatment. It is regrettable that Minister Webster would spend 1.2 million of the
taxpayers’ money when the average sugar worker can barely make ends meet. As to the expenditures on medical costs, it is indeed alarming that government officials could not receive treatment in our own medical services which is so much boasted about in government propaganda. I have medical coverage in the United States, including Medivac (medical emergency requiring airplane transport to the USA) and on two instances where Medivac would have applied to my situation, I underwent surgery at Georgetown Hospital to correct leg and shoulder injuries. Why can’t these officials do the same, instead of incurring huge expenses, paid by taxpayers’ dollars? As a matter of fact, I remember the day when President Cheddi took ill and was at the Georgetown hospital fighting for his life, and at the emergency meeting in the hospital where all were
gathered, Roger Luncheon asked the question about who would pay for President Cheddi’s medical evacuation to the USA. I was so enraged at his comment/question that I would not repeat what I told him. And today, all the big shots, including Luncheon, go abroad while the regular Guyanese have to deal with sub-standard medical treatment. President Cheddi would never have approved these medical and dental expenditures if he was alive today and Minister Pauline Sukhai should resign out of shame and respect for Jagan on his death anniversary. These government officials should remember what President Cheddi said: “a Cadillac (Rolls Royce) lifestyle by government officials in a donkey cart economy is not what the Guyanese people deserve”. Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr)
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
An APNU/AFC govt. will adopt the “no child left behind” policy to reduce poverty DEAR EDITOR, Among the concerns the people should raise in the upcoming election is the availability of resources to help the poor. The adage ‘to be poor is a crime’ is quite familiar to most Guyanese. However, poverty is much more. Poverty is a form of punishment that delays and stifles the full potential of human development. To be poor in Guyana is like having a lifelong sickness, a chronic and crippling condition that affects the mind, body and spirit. Poverty is a social condition which affects more than half of the country’s population, most of whom live on or below US$4.25 a day, which means that they have and continue to live in extreme poverty. Disturbingly, women and children account for a sizeable portion of those who live in extreme poverty in Guyana. This is most unacceptable in modern day Guyana, which President Ramotar claims to have had an increase in GDP
of 25 percent in the last three years. If this is true, then why poverty is still on the increase? The truth is the minority PPP government has done absolutely nothing to ease the burden on the poor. Instead, most of the economic policies they have implemented over the last 15 years have benefited their rich friends and relatives. Guyana, like any other developing country, continues to struggle with measures to alleviate poverty where more than 300,000 Guyanese live below the poverty line. These statistics speak volumes and require urgent governmental intervention in order to reduce poverty and maintain sustainable human and economic development. In this election, the people should demand a solid investment in education which is the only way to break the cycle of poverty that has entrapped and destroyed thousands of Guyanese families. It is well documented that many children raised in
poverty enter school a few steps behind their affluent peers. The cognitive stimulation parents provide in the early childhood years is crucial and the most critical years of a child’s development are from birth to age five. This is exactly why the PPP should have invested more in early childhood education to ensure that each institution has trained teachers with the necessary skills to mould these young lives. A substantial increase in funding is necessary in order to bridge the socio-economic divide at the primary level of the public education system. A country’s brightest minds should be at the foundation level working to stimulate the minds of the very young. However, this is not the case in Guyana where under the PPP regime, the poor are left to fend for themselves as their children suffer. Unlike the affluent, the majority of students attending public schools are from economically disadvantaged families. Such
Now those two monsters will be living off our taxes DEAR EDITOR, In addition to the poor quality of media coverage of the Neesa Gopaul trial, it is needless to say that I feel very disenfranchised by the verdict. As many Guyanese watched with disdain the pictures of those two monsters on the various front-pages of the dailies yesterday, the thought of our taxpayers’ monies having to fund their breakfasts, lunches and dinners, must have surely crossed their minds as well. I say poor quality of media coverage, since the television media, which had more advantage to report the matter, did not utilize the various journalistic resources, such as more interviews, comments, and stances from various prominent and relevant resource persons. What may prominent, well-seasoned attorneys, judges, magistrates, police as well as government officials have had to say about the trial and the verdict? Not that we don’t have talented journalists, but it was so disappointing; the entire thing reflected much laziness. What Red Thread and the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association should have been protesting was the resumption of the death penalty, especially for those two animals! But readers like myself
were glued to the national newspapers: the Kaieteur and Stabroek News which, given the limited resources, provided some sort of acceptable coverage. Yet, there could have been analysis, especially of these high-profile murder cases. And I know that both newspapers possess the skills and talented journalists that could have ensured same. Notwithstanding, the two convicts now ride into the sunset. Most of us would
never hear anything about them anymore. They would spend the rest of their lives behind bars, which I feel is not enough. Guyana needs to resuscitate the death penalty and send a strong message to would-be criminals that these things are just not acceptable. ‘Heinous’ does not even delve into describing the horrible act by a mother and her jealous lover. Now they will be living off our taxes. Leon Suseran
families are those with parents whose incomes are less than what is required to purchase and satisfy basic needs of food, shelter and clothing. Is it that the rich do not have confidence in the public school system? Or is it that more than 60 per cent of the country’s primary and secondary schools are failing in their education delivery to the nation’s children? So clearly what we have in Guyana is a failing public education system which the PPP regime has ignored over the years. Educators Robert H. Bradley and Robert F. Corwyn of Arkansas University have stated that risk and resilience in children have shown that family income correlates significantly with children’s success. Poor children are half as likely as well-off children to be taken to museums, theatres or the library, and they are less likely to go on vacations or on other fun or culturally enriching outings with their parents. The Ministry of Education has been lacking in helping the many emotionally
dysfunctional students in the public schools because they are poor. Poverty should not be an excuse not to succeed; however, poverty does impact the development of one’s brain and this will certainly impair one’s success. Children raised in poverty are much less likely to have critical social skills. And students from povertystricken backgrounds are more likely to drop out of school than their peers from affluent backgrounds. Many poor students, especially in the inner-city communities, have little or no support and are being left to chance to succeed. During the past 15 years, the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal has done a disservice to the children from poor socioeconomic backgrounds. The Ministry of Education ought to know that students cannot be expected to function at a high academic level when their basic needs for food, shelter, medical care, safety and family are not met. In Guyana, a significant percentage of children struggle on a daily basis to have their basic
needs met, and there are many students who attend school daily without having breakfast. However, unlike the uncaring PPP regime, the APNU-AFC Alliance, if elected to office on May 11, will develop a social safety net to address the nature of Guyana’s poverty in the urban centres and the rural areas, where a large percentage of the residents rely on untreated sources for water. The good news is that the leaders of the Alliance realize that the human spirit is able to overcome adversities, and being raised in poverty is not a sentence to a substandard life. The Alliance will develop policies to help students succeed despite the odds, and to alleviate and empower the poor within the society so that no child is left behind. In the words of the late Nelson Mandela: “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity; it is an act of justice.” Dr. Asquith Rose Chandra Deolall Dr. Merle SpencerMarks
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APNU+AFC formulating plan to deal with Guyana’s debt status APNU’s Shadow Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge
- says projects that abuse taxpayers’ dollars will be halted, reviewed By: Kiana Wilburg As the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) gears for its first election campaign rally in a few weeks, some of the members recently disclosed their concern for the number of regional and foreign loans taken by the government and the long term impact on the economy, in terms of the debt accumulated over the years. While Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga said that Guyana’s debt is being managed quite well, APNU’s Shadow Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge, remains unconvinced. Greenidge spoke briefly about the APNU+AFC’s plans, once the coalition assumes office, to deal with the nation’s current debt status due to the loans taken. He also expressed concern about some developmental projects piloted by the government which he deems as being clear representations of abuse of taxpayers’ money. Some of these identified are the Marriott Hotel, the Skeldon Sugar Factory and Government’s One Lap Top for Family Programme, which leaves the nation in debt that extends to 2032. The former Finance Minister said that some of these programmes will have to be halted immediately to bring an end to the absence of convincing feasibility or technical proposals such as. the case with the yet to be completed Hope Canal project. He said that the AFC had sponsored a resolution adopted by the National
Assembly to the effect that further public monies should not be spent on the Marriott Hotel and since it has been revealed that the hotel was fully funded with taxpayers’ dollars, Greenidge said that the actions of NICIL will need to be assessed in light of that decision. The Shadow Finance Minister articulated, too, that a debt policy will be agreed on and implemented. He explained that the level of external borrowing undertaken by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) since 2006 has exceeded all the borrowing ever undertaken by the previous Governments combined. In light of Guyana’s “poor export performance,” he said that such economic decisions on loans are damaging and unsustainable and will be brought down to acceptable levels. The APNU+AFC, he said, will have to decide what to do about lenders and debts who have been lending when the Parliament was prorogued or while the government has been spending illegally. The politician said that the internal debt has also reached unprecedented levels and cannot be allowed to continue. He said, too, that a policy will be agreed, announced and adhered to. Greenidge added that a number of outstanding matters from the Tenth Parliament also need to be dealt with expeditiously in order to support a new era of accountability. He noted that it should be possible to dispatch some of these including the legislation on
telecommunications and the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill. The Opposition Member said that it is also important that one bears in mind, that a National Assembly has to depend on its power of denial of funds whenever the Executive fails to meet certain standards and to honour its obligations to the legislators and the public in general. He said that this should be observed regardless of who forms the Executive to support the principle of accountability. He added, “The achievement of the 10th Parliament has been to firmly hold the Government’s feet to the fire and when the Government failed, it used its power of denial, which is, withholding funds and a NoConfidence Motion. “For that historic event, the PPP can thank the foolish and arrogant behaviour of Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, who on the basis of contemptible and cynical advice from Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, not only showed utter contempt for the representatives of the people, but repeatedly broke the country’s laws in pursuit of partisan and corrupt policies aimed at making a few PPP supporters and friends rich at the expense of Guyanese taxpayers and the public in general.” The Shadow Minister of Finance also stated that financial probity is of great importance to the APNU+AFC and stressed that the electorate deserves a government that is committed to bringing progress while avoiding the mistakes of the PPP in stifling accountability. Greenidge said that the issue of financial probity will be central to the work of the APNU+AFC as it is one of the top three concerns of the public. The partnership intends to end nepotism, political and other interventions which result in hard-earned taxpayers’ income being misappropriated for the
benefit of relatives, associates and members of the PPP or even the political party in office. Greenidge said that accountability can be made more effective by bringing light to areas where darkness normally prevailed under the PPP regime. He asserted that one way of doing this, is to make information available once there is no risk to commercial viability of firms in the sector. The Shadow Finance Minister said that there is legislation on access to information and that should be honoured. The politician stated that the APNU+AFC favours civil society’s involvement in governance. As such, he said that it will arrange for the planning of programmes to reduce the incidence of criminality and violence, and
improving the utilization of natural resources in such a manner that it involves civil society representatives in the new age of accountability. The same he said will apply to monitoring the implementation of those programmes and the reviews of their impact and
effectiveness. “We shall also be looking quite early at the working of the Department of Audit, the Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in this context, given their politicization under the PPP,” He added.
Kaneville man shot dead - body abandoned at Diamond Diagnostic Centre Police are trying to find out how a 28-year-old Kaneville, East Bank Demerara man ended up dead with a bullet in his back last Friday night. They are also trying to track down two other men who left the Diamond Diagnostic Centre hurriedly, after bringing the mortally wounded victim there in a car. A police release stated that Shem Padmore, of Lot 940 Fourth Field, Kaneville, was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre at around 22.00hrs by two men who hurriedly left the medical facility in a motor vehicle. “Shem Padmore was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diagnostic Centre. A suspected bullet injury was seen to his back.” Police have no idea where the shooting occurred or the circumstances behind the incident. Miranda Dennis, the slain man’s reputed wife, said that Padmore left their Kaneville home at around 19.00 hrs, after
Shem Padmore she asked him to buy fish and chips from a vendor who lives about a corner from her residence. She said that shortly after midnight, police ranks came to her home and enquired about Padmore’s whereabouts. “I say that he gone on the road and they say that Shem Padmore get shoot and dead and he at Diamond Hospital.”
Miranda Dennis said that by the time she arrived at the hospital, Padmore’s sister had already identified his body. Padmore and Dennis have a five-month-old son. He also has a daughter, aged about two, from another relationship. Padmore’s reputed wife said that he was employed at Prittipaul Singh Investment Inc. and had last worked on Friday. She said she knew of no one who would have wanted to harm Padmore. In 2012, Padmore was charged in connection for allegedly stealing a Blackberry phone and $48,000 from a woman. The matter was subsequently dismissed after the victim indicated that she was compensated. Meanwhile, police said that at about 06.00hrs Friday, the body of miner Charles Major, 57, of Victoria, East Coast Demerara, was found along a trail at Dickman Hill, Mahdia, with several lacerations.
Saturday March 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
UK inflation expectations at lowest in more than 13 years Pedestrians walk past the Bank of England in London (CREDIT: REUTERS/SUZANNE PLUNKETT)
(Reuters) – The British public’s expectations for inflation over the next 12 months fell to its lowest level in more than 13 years last month, according to a survey yesterday from the Bank of England (BoE). Inflation expectations for the year ahead fell to 1.9 percent in February, the lowest level since late 2001, from 2.5 percent in November, the quarterly survey showed. The BoE report follows official data that showed British consumer price inflation fell to its lowest level since records began in January at 0.3 percent, and the BoE has said it could turn negative in the coming months. Yesterday’s survey will be of interest to members of the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee, which on Thursday voted to keep interest rates at a record low 0.5 percent, their level for the past six years since the depths of the financial crisis. Minutes from February’s
MPC meeting showed plunging inflation persuaded all nine members voted to keep rates on hold, although a minority of them have warned rates could rise relatively soon if inflation rebounds strongly. The BoE survey showed the proportion of Britons expecting interest rates to rise in the 12 months fell to 36 percent with 37 percent in November. The proportion expecting a cut in rates doubled to 8 percent - the highest since August 2012. The BoE has said it could cut rates if low inflation becomes embedded, although Governor Mark Carney has said he expects the next move to be a rise. Economists polled by Reuters last week showed the BoE will keep interest rates at a record low until at least October as inflation remains stubbornly below target. A similar survey by polling company YouGov for Citi, which was published
earlier this week, showed the British public’s expectations for inflation in the next 12 months fell to 1 percent, their lowest level in more than six years, in February. The BoE survey typically shows a disconnect between perceptions of inflation and the official consumer price index. The BoE said the median estimate among respondents for inflation over the past 12 months was 2.2 percent - more than 7 times the CPI rate in January. Pay growth outstripped a dwindling inflation rate by the widest margin since before the financial crisis in December, several measures of earnings showed, giving many households a boost ahead of elections on May 7. Only 8 percent of respondents in the BoE’s survey said they planned to push for increased pay with their current employer, up marginally from 7 percent when the question was last asked a year ago.
Britain gifts Ukrainian army non-lethal military equipment (Reuters) - Britain said on Friday it planned to supply Ukraine’s army with a package of non-lethal military equipment to help it defend itself against what Defence Secretary Michael Fallon called “Russia’s aggression.” The equipment, worth 850,000 pounds, will be gifted to Ukraine in the coming weeks in response to a request from Kiev. The package includes first aid kits, night vision goggles, laptops, helmets and GPS units. Britain said last month it was sending 75 military personnel to Ukraine, where violence has continued despite a ceasefire agreement, to help train its army, and would not rule out providing arms at some point in the future. “The UK is committed to supporting Ukraine’s
sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s aggression,” Fallon said in a statement on Friday. “This gift of non-lethal equipment is designed to prevent further Ukrainian
fatalities and casualties and to help improve situational awareness on the ground. Our overall aim is to strengthen the defensive capability of the Ukrainian armed forces.”
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LOOKING BEYOND THE PAST It is very disingenuous for the Alliance for Change (AFC) to justify its alliance with APNU on the basis that one should not continue to judge the PNCR on its past. It is equally disingenuous for the AFC to argue that it is necessary to move beyond that past. When the AFC was formed, the pasts of the both the PPP and the PNC were very much on its mind. The AFC opted to not forget this past but to move away from those parties and the pasts that they represented. For the AFC, Guyana’s political culture was a victim of these two parties. The AFC understood clearly then that these parties embodied a culture which the AFC wanted to have nothing to do with and as such they offered the electorate an alternative. The AFC understood then also that the past of both parties mattered. It understood then that the political culture of Guyana was conditioned by the past. The AFC understood that the two parties played a role in shaping Guyana’s divided and fractured political culture. It is not that parties cannot change. They can and do. It is simply that one has to look long beyond the changes in the parties -which are often times cosmetic - and examine the political culture
that these parties have shaped and structured and to question whether the changes in the parties have altered the structural conditions of the culture to which these parties are inserted. The PPP and the PNC are symbiotic twins. They need each other to survive. Without the PNC, the PPP would find it difficult to continue to dominate elections as it has done because what binds many of its supporters to the party is the fear of the PNC coming to power. Similarly, the PNC would fizzle and disappear eventually if the PPP goes out of existence because the same logic follows. The AFC understands this. The AFC knows that the polarization that characterizes Guyanese politics is a product of the two parties, the PPP and the PNC. It is a product of their past and also of their present which is linked to that past. If that political culture is to be de-mobilized, those pasts matter because those histories are what condition the political culture of the country. So it is not a question of whether parties change. It is question of whether that change has altered the political culture of the country. From all accounts it has not. Indeed the raison
Dem boys seh...
People can’t trust nobody Is human nature to always want but is greed when you want everything you set your eyes on. And that is wha happen in this country because dem tek de airwaves, dem tek de businesses, dem tek all de money out of de treasury and dem tek away de decency and de law from de country. Some foreign people come to Guyana to do an investigation. Dem do de wuk quietly suh de government didn’t even get time to criticize de people. Dem boys know that when people start fuh check Guyana is one big story. Donald and he team does find fault. Right now dem find fault wid some young people who link up wid GECOM. Anyhow, de people come and gone but dem publish dem findings. Dem find wha de whole country know ever sincethat people don’t trust de police. That ain’t de only people dem ain’t trust. Nuff people don’t trust some of dem judges and magistrates. And people blaming Jagdeo. When dem go to court, if dem was Jagdeo friend, then de magistrate had to back off. That lead to corruption suh till de Judicial Service Commission deh knocking off couple magistrate. Corruption rampant and dem magistrate finding demself wheh dem getting knock off. Dem boys was saying this all along. Dem seh that thank heavens there are some good judges. Dem got one who just send some wicked people to jail fuh so long that dem would never walk de streets again. Well dem boys want he to hang around because he got to jail all of dem who bring Guyana to de state it is-when people don’t trust police. Some people seh that de country need prayers. Wha dem boys know is that Jagdeo tek over de radio and is now de opposition parties know wha happen. When Jagdeo done share out dem radio station not one opposition party get and all who get was Jagdeo friend and family. Dem hear de other day when a pastor decide fuh pray fuh Donald. Dem boys seh that she probably get a small piece because she holler, “I praying fuh President Donald. People praying fuh he go and I praying fuh he stay.” Dem, boys praying fuh she tell de truth. Talk half and watch when you see police coming.
d’etre of the present alliance between the AFC and APNU is based on the fact that the electorate remains polarized. The AFC is not going to change that by joining with APNU. It never saw any such alliance as having that potential. If it did it would have joined with APNU since the days when that party was cobbling its Big Tent. If such an alliance was seen by the AFC as having the potential to break Guyana’s rotten political culture, a culture shaped by both the PPP and the PNC, then the AFC would have joined with PNCR since the 2011 elections. It did not join then because it just did not only look at the past of
the parties but it also looked at the culture that those parties were a part of. But even if one accepts that one should look beyond the past of a party rather than at the culture of which it is a part of, the AFC has to know that for a party to signal that it is no longer the same, that party has to demonstrate and show how it has changed. And I am not joining the bandwagon here and calling for the PNC to apologize for rigging elections. The PNCR has to do that of its own free will. But if a party has changed then it should be able to demonstrate that it has changed. Has the PNCR
really changed? What has been the role of the PNC and PNCR in stirring unrest in Guyana since 1992? Who has been most responsible for refusing to accept the will of the Guyanese people at elections? Which party’s claim to embracing internal democracy has been contradicted by the way it runs its own internal elections? Where is the evidence that the PNCR has changed? And has the PPP not also changed. Has the leadership of the PPP not been hijacked by a cabal, linked to a financially powerful oligarchy? Has the PPP not strayed away from its socialist
roots? Has the PPP not become the very thing that is fought against when it was out of office? So why not join with the PPP? Why not look beyond the PPP’s past, including the recent past where it expelled and forced some its leaders to leave it ranks. After all the AFC now believes that parties can change and it is necessary to look beyond their pasts.
Anil Nandlall has done nothing to impact positively the administration of Justice By Kiana Wilburg Distinguished Guyanese Scholar, Dr. Fenton Ramsahoye, affirms that serious attention needs to be paid to Guyana’s judicial system. The Senior Counsel (S.C) opined that the absence of ‘checks and balances’ is causing inordinate delays for certain high profile constitutional cases. Sir Fenton said that it is disappointing that the budget cuts case for 2012 is yet to be heard in the Court of Appeal as well as others such as the Jacob Rambarran matter which challenges the makeup of the controversial Broadcasting Authority. The attorney-at-law said that it is certainly a disturbing matter and should be taken into consideration by the next government. The Queen’s Counsel said that the current state of the judiciary is not satisfactory because there are too many delays in the system. But while he is disappointed in the apparent lack of discipline in the organization, he said that the judiciary is not alone responsible. Dr. Ramsahoye asserted that some lawyers need to accept some of the blame for the disorderliness they create by seeking unnecessary postponements. He opined that some attorneys do not approach the law with a certain degree of respect, discipline and importance to ensure they avoid delays. “Hence my position that the other elements of the Judiciary cannot be completely at fault because they alone cannot contribute
- Dr. Ramsahoye S.C to the disfunctioning system,” the Senior Counsel added. Dr. Ramsahoye said that what is urgently needed is a whole revision of the system whereby the judges and the lawyers would accept their responsibilities and act accordingly for it is far removed from that at the moment. In relation to criticisms from several quarters that acting Chief Justice, Ian Chang, manning the Constitutional Court alone puts Guyana on a dangerous precipice, Sir Fenton Ramsahoye said that he couldn’t agree more. The lawyer said that he strongly believes that one judge should not sit in that court to deal with constitutional questions. “If memory serves me right, in Jamaica for example, two judges sit on a Constitutional matter. We should have two or three judges sitting on matters in Guyana. Further, having one judge deciding on the cases, denies the other judges a chance to gain the experience in that field. It offends common sense. “It should be changed because constitutional questions are important and the Constitution itself is riddled with inconsistencies. Different people wrote various parts of this Constitution and then they patched it up together so those are just two points that underscore why the CJ alone should not be burdened with handling all the cases,” the
Queen’s Counsel stated. He then turned his attention to the performance of Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall. Ramsahoye who also served in this capacity expressed that an AG would normally try to introduce measures that would improve the laws and create improvements in the administration of justice. But since 2011 election, the former AG claimed that “Nandlall has done nothing to have an impact on the dispensation of justice in Guyana.” “I wouldn’t say that he failed in his capacity as Attorney General but under his watch, nothing has been done to improve the system and that is really important for us to note. He should have done more.” Sir Fenton, commenting on some of Nandlall’s contributions to the judicial system such as the digitalization of the Deeds Registry and introduction of new laws, said that he was the least bit convinced or impressed by this. He said that while it would have been the case, it has not affected a core issue —how justice is served in Guyana and the timeliness of it. “All those things he did are ok but I am speaking about
Sir. Fenton Ramsahoye S.C the administration of justice being improved. There are critical cases, such as the budgets cuts case and the Jacob Rambarran case which are yet to be dealt with, He, as the AG, should be inquiring when the Court of Appeal will hear them. He should be doing things to get them heard along with other matters. “I was there myself and I know what goes on in there. You don’t need some bright legal mind to do that kind of administrative work. The Court of Appeal and other organs of the system need to be improved. It is discouraging and saddening that it is this way under the Honourable Nandlall,” The Former AG concluded.
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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Is Kwame McCoy the proof of Donald Ramotar’s moral politics? What a mess civilization has become in Guyana. How do nice people get the psychological courage to live in this hell-hole named Guyana? Does the State Department in the US still dole out a hardship stipend for Embassy staff assigned to this country? We don’t know that but what we know is that since 1980, 34 years ago, the Caricom Secretariat has not filled its quota of Caricom nationals. Under the founding charter, Caricom must strike a balance between Guyanese employees and Caricom nationals. Some occupations
within the Secretariat cannot be filled by Guyanese once Guyana meets its quota. This commentator was told ten years ago and in 2012 by the most authoritative personnel in the Secretariat that the Caricom quota has been consistently short over the past three decades. No one from the middle class in the Caricom region wants to live and work in this hell hole. And why is Guyana such a wreck? Surely economics explain it. Guyana is dirt poor compared to other Caricom territories. But underdevelopment is not the only factor. Power madness is another.
In which other country you will find the behaviour of the President’s press liaison as we see with Kwame McCoy? This man works closely with the President of Guyana. Mr. Ramotar shouted down the telephone line to Mark Benschop, the following words; “I believe in moral politics.” The exclamation took place against the backdrop of Ramotar’s son, Alexei. The son was involved in a road accident outside my nephew’s gate in which my nephew’s leg was crushed. Because of the unprofessional conduct of the police, Benschop carried the event on his web page. In the telephone conversation, which was taped and that I heard, Ramotar chided Benschop for his report. He told Benschop that he endangered Alexei’s life the way he penned the
accident. Benschop replied that Mc Coy endangers his life, Benschop, that is, by the nasty things he writes about him. Ramotar yelled out, “I don’t read or listen to Mc Coy, I believe in moral politics.” I am assuming Mr. Benschop has the tape and we may hear it during the election campaign. There are a lot of things Ramotar believes in but I doubt that moral politics is one of them. Do we have to define that for a person who is the President of a country in 2015? I think 2015 belongs to the 21st century so I assume Mr. Ramotar should know by now, in the 21st century, what the term, “moral politics” mean. Let us not engage in any polemical exchange on moral values and have to resort to the great 18 th century philosophers like Immanuel Kant and David Hume, two formidable minds that wrote of the meaning of moral values. A person has to be a semi-civilized fool if he/she does not know that moral politics involve the use of the
recognition of the right of the citizen to ask questions of the people who administer the country under which they live. This was what the journalists were doing when they were guests of the leader of the PPP, Mr. Clement Rohee. Mr. Rohee’s party forms the government. Mr. Rohee is also a Minister in the government. Repeatedly in front of Mr. Rohee, Mr. McCoy crassly interfered with the right of the journalist to ask questions of a Minister who makes policies with which the citizenry has to abide. Implorations to Mr. Rohee to restrain McCoy were ignored. Let us leave aside Mc Coy for the moment. Does Mr. Rohee know what moral politics is? Like Ramotar, he does not. Mc Coy carried on and Rohee enjoyed it. That for Rohee, was moral politics. It seems the understanding of moral values by the PPP leadership may be less mature than a donkey’s. Mc Coy repeated his exploits and this time went far, far across the line. At a press conference in the building
Frederick Kissoon over which Mr. Ramotar presides, the Office of the President, Mr. Mc Coy chased journalists out of the building and menacingly followed Adam Harris into the courtyard using words that need not be repeated here. A part of Mc Coy’s behaviour was described by Inews, owned by Robert Persaud. The online newscast wrote that Mc Coy tucked Luncheon into a room and went to confront Harris. Where in the world this could happen at the head office of the president of a country? One of Guyana’s icons a few years ago described Guyana as “piss poor.” But when you read about the power of McCoy and how Rohee, Luncheon and Ramotar could tolerate such repugnancy, then Guyana is not just piss poor but a pissing madhouse.
Saturday March 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Petrocaribe member countries to meet in Venezuela to chart future Venezuela - Leaders of Central America and the Caribbean will hold an extraordinary summit March 6 in Venezuela to evaluate the development and future of Petrocaribe. Initiated as a pact to assist in the economic and social development of countries in the region, Petrocaribe is primarily an effort to alleviate the economic dependence experienced by many small developing countries in the Caribbean and Central America. Petrocaribe is the brainchild of the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who understood that social and economic development in lower income countries of the region, was hindered by the need to spend on an indispensable resource – oil. Launched in 2005, Petrocaribe allows member countries - currently totaling 19, including Venezuela - to purchase oil from Venezuela under preferential terms. Member countries need only pay 60 percent of the cost of oil up-front, and the remaining 40 percent can be paid over a period of 25 years at an interest rate of a mere 1 percent. PDVSA, the Venezuelan state oil company, currently provides 100,000 barrels of oil per day to member countries, and since the creation of Petrocaribe, countries have received over 230 million barrels of oil under the initiative. Working to Improve the Lives of Millions The motivation behind Petrocaribe, however, goes beyond the provision of economic benefits. One of the aims of the Bolivarian Revolution was to
return control of Venezuela’s natural resources to the people so that the income generated could be spent on the needs of the majority, instead of small, privileged elite. This kind of thinking does not only apply to domestic policies, but also outside of Venezuela’s borders. The savings provided through the Petrocaribe initiative to member states allows these countries to spend more on social development projects. The breathing room that Petrocaribe provides to lower income countries has resulted in a marked improvement in the quality of life of the residents of member countries. As an example, Petrocaribe funds have provided for the building of important infrastructure projects in Guyana and funding for social programs in Saint Lucia. In addition, Petrocaribe also established the ALBA Caribe Fund, which finances development projects in member states and so far has funded 69 social welfare projects to the tune of US$106 million. Even sectors that are at odds ideologically with Caracas defend the initiative. Honduras rejoined Petrocaribe after private sector oil interests expressed their support for the initiative. Many member countries are headed by right-leaning or right-wing governments, a clear indication that the initiative enjoys widespread support. Critics of the Bolivarian Revolution have been attempting to undermine the success of Petrocaribe by claiming that the drop in the price of oil on the international market will spell
the end of the initiative. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been expressly clear that his government stands firmly behind the initiative and it is not at risk of ending. ALTERNATIVE COMPENSATION MECHANISMS Petrocaribe has also transformed the way in which member countries trade with each other. The Venezuelan government allows part of the costs to be repaid through the bartering of products and services. The most widely known example of this is in the case of Cuba, who sends doctors to Venezuela to provide medical services to people who previously did not have access to one. But other countries use this mechanism to pay through provision of goods. For example, Jamaica provides clinker, a cement component. Guyana provides rice crops. And Nicaragua pays with milk products, meats, coffee, sugar, and cattle. TOWARD AN ECONOMIC ZONE In November 2014, the Petrocaribe member countries’ foreign ministers met with their counterparts from the ALBA, CARICOM and MERCOSUR regional blocs to discuss regional integration, and decided to create an economic zone among these three groups of countries. For now, efforts to integrate ALBA and Petrocaribe into an economic zone have been led by the government of Ecuador. However, the idea is to incorporate Mercosur in a future stage. “We shield ourselves to fight against hunger, fighting for health and education, for
an equitable development, fair and complementary to all the nations that are part of these efforts,” explained President Maduro. The member countries hope that by creating the economic zone tourism, commerce and productive chains among countries will increase. Through the transformation of Petrocaribe, ALBA and Mercosur into one economic zone, member countries hope to create a new productive model which is based on and will reinforce peace and stability in the region. (www.telesurtv.net)
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Saturday March 07, 2015
Int’l survey shows Guyana gov’t not listening to its people A recent poll coming out of the United States has shown that amongst more than 1,500 Guyanese, the country ranks very low in whether people believe that leaders are interested in what they think. The international Americas Barometer survey was conducted by the Latin America Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) and interviewed 1,558 Guyanese in 2014. According to the survey, the perception that those who govern are interested in what the people think has steadily dropped over the years and Guyana was ranked very low amongst the Americas. According to Elizabeth Zechmeister of LAPOP, the public held decreasingly low levels of external efficacy. She explained that the term focused on how people believed the government was listening to its citizens. Zechmeister, during a reveal of the findings, showed that external efficacy dropped from 38.2 to 30.7 between 2012 and 2014. Guyana was only ranked higher than Belize and Colombia. Zechmeister said too, that the feelings of external efficacy vary by region and ethnicity. She said those living in the interior and IndoGuyanese were most likely to say that the government is
interested in them. Furthermore, 1 in 4 Guyanese who took part in interviews answered that politics was the most serious problem in Guyana. These persons represented 25.6% of respondents. Security was ranked slightly above politics at 27%. The economy was deemed the most serious issue at 31.5%. Zechmeister said the survey showed that the percentage of persons who deemed politics as the most serious issue increased from less than 15% in 2006 and 2009 to more than 25% in 2014. Meanwhile, trust in core political institutions has declined. Zechmeister showed that, between 2012 and 2014, trust in the executive, the legislature and the parliament had declined in Guyana. Respondents were asked three questions; firstly, to what extent they trusted the parliament. Secondly, to what extent they trusted the President and finally to what extent they trusted the political parties. For all three of the areas, trust decreased dramatically in 2014. From 2006 to 2014, political parties were less trusted than the Parliament and the President. However, the survey also showed that young people have more trust in political parties than the older age demographic.
“We found that interesting because young people are sometimes cynical. In this case, they seem to be more on balance with optimism than others,” Zechmeister said. Furthermore, the survey showed that satisfaction with democracy had held steady until it declined in 2014. From 2006 to 2012, the survey showed that, on a scale of 0 to 100, satisfaction with democracy had ranked above 43. However, this satisfaction dropped to 39.9 in 2014. Guyanese’s satisfaction with democracy also varied by age, region, and ethnicity, Zechmeister said. By age, those between 18
and 25 were more satisfied with the democracy than the older cohorts. Those in the greater Georgetown area were also the most dissatisfied; this figure ranked at 27.47. Persons from Regions 2, 5, and 6 were ranked the most satisfied with a figure of 46.03. Further, Afro-Guyanese were the most dissatisfied ethnic group; this group registered a satisfaction ranking of 28.5 while IndoGuyanese indicated satisfaction of 48.1. Those who identified themselves as ‘other’ ranked at 39.6. LAPOP is the premier academic institution carrying out surveys of public opinion in the Americas. LAPOP has
Elizabeth Zechmeister of the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) over 30 years of experience. The Americas Barometer was established in 2004 to regularly conduct surveys on democratic values and behaviours in the Americas. The survey focuses on at
least 1,500 voting aged persons in each country. The Americas Barometer survey is carried out every 2 years and in 2014 more than 50,000 persons were interviewed.
Obama nominates former Afghan-stationed diplomat as new Guyana ambassador A Wofford College graduate and former manager of Radio Shack stores in South Carolina who has built a career as a member of the Senior Foreign Service has been nominated by President Obama to be ambassador to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Perry L. Holloway, of South Carolina, most recently served as Political-Military Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan (2013 – July 2014), according to www.greenvilleonline.com Holloway is known as a talented leader, consensus builder and manager, with broad, high-level policy experience in Latin America,
according to the State Department. Holloway earned a B.A. in foreign languages from Wofford College; a M.A. in International Business Sciences from the University of South Carolina, and a M.A. in National Resources Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C., according to the State Department. He is the recipient of three Senior Foreign Service Performance Awards, eight Superior Honor Awards and two Meritorious Awards from the Department of State. He speaks fluent Spanish. Before joining the Foreign Service, he was a manager of
Perry Holloway has been named new US Ambassador to Guyana. Radio Shack stores in Georgia and South Carolina, according to the State Department. Holloway would replace Ambassador D. Brent Hardt
who ended his duties last year amidst much controversy. He was criticized by the Government of Guyana for “interfering” in local matters.
Saturday March 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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President’s “human UG students seeing much capital” statement irks NIP needed improvements The National Independent Party (NIP) has objected to President Donald Ramotar repeatedly labeling the people of Guyana as “Human Capital”. NIP’s leader, Saphier Husain-Subedar, said the President made the statement during his recent participation in a programme called ‘At Home with the President’. The lawyer insisted that the use of the term ‘Human Capital’ is derogatory and reduces human beings to mere factors of production, according to the President’s portrayal, “without soul or spirit and without inalienable rights endowed by their creator”. “In fact, this term is consistent with ideology denying the existence of a creator (God) and is consistent with the PPP’s treatment of the Guyanese people as poor, ignorant peasants for exploitation, ignoring the beliefs of Christians, Muslims and Hindus that human beings are the highest creation and subject to judgment hereafter and have guaranteed fundamental rights of
NIP Leader, Saphier Husain Subedar
President Donald Ramotar
freedom of conscience,” the lawyer said in a statement. The party said it is calling on the President to withdraw the “animalistic” description and urged Guyanese and other religious organizations, including Christians, Muslims and Hindus, to lend support to condemn the remarks. Husain Subedar said that the President uses the term to mean human beings
themselves are capital and education, training and employment schemes used to “enhance” the capital which can be sold for a higher value - for example the slavery with the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) for the state to enjoy and exploit. NIP said it rejects the human capital theory as is being put forward by President Ramotar and the PPP regime.
GANJA TRAFFICKER JAILED FOR FOUR YEARS A Wismar man, who was nabbed by police in a minibus on Tuesday with a quantity of narcotics, has been jailed for four years. The man, Daniel Apple, 52, a labourer of Bastoo Street, Wismar, Linden, appeared on Wednesday before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver at the Fort Wellington Magistrate Court. He pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. According to Prosecutor Inspector Grace Bristol, around 19:15 hrs on Tuesday evening two police officers who were on their way home, boarded a minibus at Rosignol. The vehicle had a
number of persons on board, including Apple. Upon entering the vehicle the alert officers got the smell of marijuana, but were not certain where it was coming from. Upon reaching the vicinity of the Fort Wellington Police Station, the officers ordered the chauffeur to drive into the Police Station compound. Everyone was ordered out of the vehicle and their personnel belongings were searched. Upon checking the belongings of Apple a quantity of what was suspected to be seeds, leaves and stems of the marijuana plant, was found in two parcels wrapped in plastics,
concealed in his bag. The man was taken into custody and the substance was collected, tested and weighed and found to be 7kilograms, 196 grams of the marijuana plant. Apple subsequently confessed to the crime and was charged. A report from the police states that around 19:15h today Tuesday March 03, 2015, two police ranks were in a mini-bus at Rosignol, WBB, when they became aware of an odour in the vehicle, as a result of which the vehicle was s u b s e q u e n t l y searched where 7 kilograms 196 grams of marijuana were found concealed in the vehicle.
At a recent Academic Board meeting at the University of Guyana (UG), it was revealed that the semester will be extended by at least four weeks. This therefore means that the semester will end the last Friday in June and will by extension result in more UG deadlines being extended, including the payment of tuition fees. This development is one that resulted from a five-week long strike action by university workers who, through their unions, have been calling for a pay hike, other improved benefits and conditions. The industrial action was, however, brought to an end earlier this week since the University Unions – the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) – and the University Administration were able to reach an agreement. Moreover, the Academic Board meeting was intended to ascertain the way forward. With a focus on the academic interest of students, it was disclosed at the meeting that the impact on the strike action felt particularly by law students will be addressed even as efforts are made to ensure that all students are in receipt of their grades shortly. In an invited comment to this publication, President of the University of Guyana Students Society (UGSS), Joshua Griffith, said that he was informed that the delay in the availability of grades has been linked to the nonavailability of internet service on campus for a period of about one week. However, he intimated that the service was restored Wednesday thus students’ grades should be available by next week. But this is only based on Griffith’s estimation. The process of grading entails a number of stages including one that requires the approval of the Board of Examiners of
- hoping to solicit support of private sector to do more
UGSS PRESIDENT Joshua Griffith each individual faculty, an undertaking that has not been realised in most faculties, this publication understands. “Even though lecturers are finished grading and second markers have marked, most grades have to be approved at a Faculty level and until that is done it cannot be fed into the system to be uploaded for students to see,” said the UGSS President. He, however, noted that based on disclosures from the UGSSA President, Dr Mellissa Ifill, a lecturer herself, students can make contact with their lecturers and request to see their grades, though unofficially. However, Dr Ifill has advised that the process must run its official course before grades are placed online and made available for students to access. Meanwhile, regarding the UGSS’s initiative, #UGRevolution, which is aimed at having the concerns of students, as it relates to the tertiary institution be addressed, Griffith said that
“we will be regrouping over the weekend”. He nevertheless noted that “we have seen a lot of progress but there is still room for improvement...We are appreciative and we are working with the slow progress and moving forward.” Among the improvements that have become noticeable, according to Griffith, are the installation of much needed whiteboards in the classrooms and physical cleaning of the environment. However, this process, according to Griffith, in some instances, leaves much to be desired since silt removed from the drains can be seen merely left sitting around the campus compound. “That looks a bit unsightly and we are working to get that addressed,” said Griffith as he went on to note that while classes have resumed there are yet some courses that do not have lecturers. Another issue that was of immense concern to students but has been addressed by the Administration is that of the thorough and frequent cleaning of washroom facilities, Griffith disclosed. He however insisted that the onus is also on students to help ensure that the facilities are kept in an acceptable condition. Even as the students await the complete improvement of UG, Griffith said that the revolution initiative is likely to take on a more proactive student-phase whereby attempts will be made to engage the private sector with a view of “working together to develop our campus”.
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Kaieteur News
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FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 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 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098 1 Executive apartment in an exclusive residential area with all modern amenities including parking. Call for appointment: - 653-2920 Barber Chairs on Durban Street near Smyth Street $6,000 weekly- Call: 682-6396; 692-9806 One 3 Storey building at 104 Regent Street – $9,000.USD negotiable – Tel: 223-6299; 617-7028 Three bedrooms house with A/C, 1 self contained furnished / non-furnished & Parking in Residential area – Tel: 666-4882 Apartment to rent: living room, 1 bedroom kitchen & toilet & bath, available @ West Minister – Call: 6745779 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. 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, 6688403 4 bedroom house, AC, Security camera, GEB alarm, telephone, 2 vehicles parking, etc @ Friendship E.B.D- Tel:674-6363
VEHICLE FOR SALE 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 2005 F350 Ford, door ½, fully loaded 4X4, diesel, automatic, leather interior, 35" tyres & rims; excellent condition – Tel: 610-5370 1 Toyota Vigo, manual transmission – Tel: 600-5759 Toyota AT212, AT192, Raum, Premio,Tundra, AE100 Sprinter, Vitz, RZ Bus, EP71 & 825 Starlet, Honda 600RR – Tel:644-5096; 697-1453 One Nissan X-Trail, year 2004, PRR series. Fully loadedPrice $3.1M Neg- Call: 6470016 1 New unregistered Mazda Axela, going cheap, owner leaving country – Tel: 6490956 GNN 5366 75 DAF, GSS 6715 65CF DAF, PMM 755 IST, truck tray – Contact: 6441030; 613-5212 AT192 for sale -$700,000 – Call: 653-6337 PPP Series Rav-4 - $3.2M Contact:225-9230; 623-0368; 225-1005 L-Touring Wagon, excellent condition -15" rims; DVD, TV, R. Start Alarm - $1.3M negotiable – Tel:667-9013; 233-2538 1 Mitsubishi Canter GNN 722, good working condition – Tel: 228-5655; 628-1756
PROPERTY FOR SALE 1 Flat concrete house @ Kururu Kururu Linden Soesdyke Highway, size 38X20, land 100X200 – $8M negotiable-Tel: 592-6616073; 694-1090 1 Newly built 2 storey concrete house @ Canal No#2 Belle West - Tel:6153333; 648-9428 Business property located @ Supply public road, E.B.D. Entering either by river/ public road- Call: 698-8100 Grove Caneville, 4th field, 1st Street, concrete flat house, incomplete, B.Size 19X40 land 40X100 feet $2.5M – Tel:231-7805; 6187483 Public Road Grove corner property $25M Negotiable Call: 613-5645 Flat concrete house for sale in Grove with land space- Call: 679-3913
Saturday March 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news
Kuru Kururu accident The days when Amerindians were leaves student critical, fooled and taken for granted are over logger with broken jaw
DEAR EDITOR, I recently visited a number of hinterland communities in Region Nine, including the village of Aishalton in the Deep South. The pace of development in the communities visited is very much in evidence. The time taken to travel from Lethem to Aishalton by trail is considerably reduced, thanks to regular maintenance works done by the regional administration. Most of the communities now have lights powered by diesel generators or solar panels. These villages have taken on a new appearance with the several infrastructural works undertaken by the PPP/C
administration. New nursery, primary and secondary schools, health centres and huts, learning resource centres and recreational facilities, have literally changed the landscape in almost all Amerindian and hinterland communities. Region Nine has seen the construction of several new secondary schools, including at Aishalton, Annai and Sand Creek, with dormitory facilities to cater for students from the outlying villages. Our Amerindian children are doing much better in school today. The performance gap between hinterland schools and those on the coast have been greatly reduced.
Residents are highly appreciative of the developmental projects undertaken by the PPP/C regime, despite attempts by the opposition parties to block funding for several other interventions including land titling, solar panels and the development of information and communication technology. It is clear that there has been a significant reduction in the developmental gap between Amerindian communities and the rest of the country, thanks to vastly improved information and communication infrastructure and the massive infrastructural works undertaken by the PPP/C
administration. Cell phones have now become commonplace in several communities, which makes it much easier for information-sharing and processing. The days when Amerindians were fooled and taken for granted are over, and no amount of opposition propaganda can erase the fact that the quality of life among the Amerindian and hinterland communities are today much better than under the previous PNC regime. True enough there are still many challenges to overcome, but it is not the power to achieve but the will to conquer that matters. Hydar Ally
Democracy has benefited the... From page 4 “authoritarian” regime over democratic government if authoritarianism could “resolve” their economic problems. Almost all of Latin America is living under a democracy, but the people are not contended and seem willing to have a benevolent dictator. In contrast, we in the Caribbean are hyper-concerned about democracy. The swift reaction to the slow transition of government in St Kitts and Nevis demonstrates that point. Almost immediately the Caribbean community reacted. I read articles within a week, in about ten Caribbean countries, expressing their discontent with the apparent attempt to hold on to power. I agree with the concerns, however, we in the Caribbean seem to be more concerned about democracy rather than quality of life. Has democracy made every single citizen of Caricom have enough food to eat, get a quality education and have a living wage after completion of school? I would like to argue that any system that does not do that - have the maximum wellbeing of all its citizens, has failed or at best has to achieve its final outcome - in other words is a work in progress. There is competition between China and the United States of America. At the 2014 APEC Summit of Pacific Rim countries, China attempted negotiations on a regional agreement, the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific. This was hindered by the US which supports the TransPacific Partnership (TPP), a trade agreement that excludes China. China considers the
TPP an instrument of its containment by the US and has responded with the ChinaASEAN Free Trade Area involving Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. In 2014, China’s President Xi Jingping met with the Caribbean Community in Trinidad and Tobago and shortly before US Vice President Joe Biden met with Caricom. Most Caribbean leaders and the general populace will tend to favour the US. We get US television and a lot of our relatives live there and we natural have a cultural bias being products of a western education system. A number of concerns expressed were about China’s cultural values with regard to democracy and human rights. Again, we must understand that all countries throughout civilization go through social and economic developments that are correlated. China is going through a similar process. The fact that China amended its constitution in 1982, 1988, 1993 and 1999, supports the assertion that it is going through political, economic and social changes simultaneously. The media report of Chinese dissidence such as in Tiananmen Square is a sign of social progress. I view Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X as US dissidents. The US is still the world’s leading country, but Russia will not allow Ukraine to join NATO. According to the Moscow Times, President Vladimir Putin’s March 18, 2014 speech announcing the annexation of Crimea was similar to US objecting to missiles being place in Cuba in 1962. Arguing that Russia was forced to annex Crimea to
forestall the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO, Putin asserted that the West “had lied to us many times”. Al-Qaida and ISIS are also determined to create their own global order. Choosing sides should not be our concern, but doing what is in our best interest, and it does not have to be in the more powerful country’s best interest. History has shown that it does not matter who the colonizer is, they will look after themselves at the expense of the colonized. Today we not only face countries, but transnational corporations that are more powerful than many countries. We in Guyana, the Caribbean and Latin America must be determined to live a good quality of life. We can’t only be obsessed with ideology such as communism, capitalism and democracy. If democracy is not delivering a good quality of life for its citizens, either it is not genuine democracy or democracy is not omnipotent, or both. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. If the majority of people in a country are poor and powerless, then that system is not in the best interest of the nation. In 507 BC Cleisthenes put into effect in Greece the world’s first democratic constitution. In 1215 King John of England was forced to sign the Magna Carta. This Great Charter stated that a king would no longer collect taxes unless the Great Council agreed and freeman accused had the right to trail by their peers or equal. This was a monumental step toward democracy, because it made everyone subject to the law. The peril of modern democracy is a great number of
developing nations are not producing enough food to feed their people and buy it elsewhere. They do not have enough money to provide decent housing, health care and education for their citizens. Democracy is meant to produce equality and prosperity for all, but it has failed to do that in the developing world. I am in support of democracy in Guyana and all countries, but not an ineffective model. In every developing country you have very rich persons who sometimes throw away food, while some people don’t even have enough food. My basic argument is that democracy has benefited the few and to be a genuine democracy it must benefit all, with a good quality of life. Brian E Plummer
A Wednesday afternoon collision has landed third form Dora Secondary School student, 15-year-old Richard Paramdeo, aka ‘Black Boy’, and 23-year-old logger, Travis Anthony Simeon’ at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) fighting for their lives. The teen is said to be on life support, in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital, while Simeon is recovering from internal injuries, and a jaw that has been broken in three places. This newspaper understands that Paramdeo had just left school and was making his way to his Lot 192 Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke Linden Highway home on his bicycle when he collided with Simeon’s motorbike. The accident occurred in the vicinity of the Kuru Kururu cemetery. The teen’s mother, Babita Ramdin explained that she was at the creek washing when her husband got a call that her eldest son had just been in an accident. The woman related, “Just after 5:00, me husband was at home when he get a call saying Black Boy (Richard) get in accident with a motorbike…So he come and tell me Black Boy get knock down…Then the people call me and seh me gotta hurryup because the child deh bad”. Paramdeo never regained consciousness. Tears began to settle in Ramdin’s eyes, as she told this newspaper that people from the area picked up the injured teen and took him to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) medical outpost at
Timehri. The teen was then transferred to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, before being transferred to the ICU of GPHC. One of the child’s relatives related that although he has been responding to touch, there is still a 50/50 chance that the youth will not make it. His visibly upset mother kept saying “he deh real bad”. This newspaper understands that the child suffered a few broken bones, and severe head injury. Meanwhile, lots of family members and friends flocked Simeon’s bedside in the male surgical ward at GPHC. The injuries he sustained to his face made it difficult for him to speak. He was forced to place a towel over his face, in order to hide the disfigurement of his mouth and jaw. In his account of what transpired on Wednesday last, Simeon said that he was riding his motorbike along the burial ground road in Kuru Kururu, when he spotted the child on his bicycle. He claims that he paid the child no mind, but then the Dora Secondary School student suddenly swerved into his path, following which everything went blank. Simeon appeared emotional, and was constantly asking for a report on Paramdeo’s condition. This newspaper understands that a few children were playing cricket on the road, and they are the only ones who are aware of what exactly occurred on Wednesday afternoon. They are yet to come forward with that information.
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Saturday March 07, 2015
Kidney Foundation gears Government’s WOW initiative to up for World Kidney Day be taken to Regions One and Seven Thousands of people in Guyana have suffered from renal failure, and the numbers continue to rise. Gone are the days when dialysis was hardly available. There is hope for Kidney patients. But the numbers that perish annually can turn around, at least if it was up to those at the Kidney Foundation. With Thursday (March 12) being World Kidney Day, those at the Foundation are gearing up for a week of activities to promote awareness on the importance of maintaining healthy kidneys. Dr. Areefa Alladin, who sits on the Management Committee of the Kidney Foundation, maintains that with awareness there can be a major turnaround in the number of persons who perish from this disease .Against that backdrop, the organisation will be the driving force behind a series of awareness events will take place this week. “Kidney disease is an associated health problem worldwide. World Kidney Day provides the perfect opportunity to get out in the community and get involved. We can increase awareness by telling our family members, our friends and the people out there that we meet. We can just save a life if we just start spreading the message,” she said. The aim of the Kidney Foundation, she said, is to raise awareness of the importance of the kidney to health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney diseases in Guyana. The Kidney Foundation of Guyana was established three years ago by demand
Dr. Areefa Alladin because of an increasing need for kidney services such as dialysis and Dr. Alladin said that there is also a high incidence of noncommunicable diseases in Guyana such as hypertension, diabetes, even with obesity being on the rise. “The general population is not aware of the functions of their kidneys and that your kidney can continue to function until about 80% of it is damaged and that is when you start to show signs and symptoms and by then it is usually too late to reverse those changes,” she said. According to the health care official, the demand for dialysis is great, and the local dialysis centers are even expanding to meet this demand. This she said tells of the burden of kidney diseases in Guyana. Dr. Alladin emphasised that patients with diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases need to be screened, at least annually, and to monitor their diseases, control their blood sugar level and pressure; to prevent
Residents concerned... From page 19 vehicular use, caused by the road particles not adhering, will be fixed according to due process. H. Nauth and Sons has been featured prominently in the media after residents would have highlighted
works they considered substandard. This happened most recently last November when residents from the East Bank of Berbice complained about the shoddy work being done on one of their thoroughways.
kidney failure. She stated that on Sunday, March 8 at 9:00 hours and Wednesday, March 11 at 14:00 hours, representatives from the Foundation will be hosting a television programme on Television Guyana (Channel 28). “Those shows will feature patients who are on dialysis. They will be addressing Kidney failure: what it has been like for them, how they ended up needing dialysis and walk the public through the treatment they have been receiving.” Dr. Alladin explained that the objective is to increase the awareness and to send a clear message on the consequences of failing to care for one’s kidneys. A part of their activities includes sending out a blast message and featuring publications in the print media. The advocate explained that the Foundation will also be updating its website (www.kfg.org.gy/). According to Dr. Alladin, the hinterland and outland regions of Guyana will not be neglected. She said the Foundation will be sending posters to areas in Essequibo and Berbice, as well as sending out Whatsapp broadcast messages to health care professionals all across Guyana to get everybody involved. “The main thing is to drink a glass of water and pass one on…It just starts with a glass of water. If you drink ten glasses of water a day, it is going to help you a lot. Start by doing a simple thing like drinking a glass of water on World Kidney Day and give somebody else one,” she remarked. “We are asking everyone out there to get involved. Drink a glass of water and give one too. Shout Kidney Health for all in 2015 and we are going to hope for continuing years, we are going to try to relieve the burden of kidney disease in Guyana.” She made a call for the public to contact the Kidney Foundation of Guyana at their new found office at the GuyEnterprise building at Lance Gibbs and Irving streets, Queenstown where additional information could be provided. The Kidney Foundation of Guyana aims to provide public awareness, to be able to provide education and to provide services that are needed to prevent kidney failure in Guyana or even if patients have kidney failure, to be able to manage it. They also assist with renal replacement therapy and provide information on public health.
Plans are currently in the pipeline to expand the Women of Worth (WoW) initiative to Regions One and Seven this year, according to the programme head, Donna Short-Gill. Short-Gill made this announcement during a recent interview with this newspaper at her Water Street, Georgetown office. The WoW programme, which was launched in June 2010, was founded by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in collaboration with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI). The main purpose of the programme is to remove the obstacles single parent women face in society, to enhance their self-esteem, to empower them to take advantage of the economic opportunities around them and to increase their participation in society. The programme is currently available to women in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight, Nine, and 10. Kaieteur News was told that workshops will be held for the beneficiaries in all the regions. “It is a way of making women more independent. This is to make sure women can sustain themselves and family on long-term bases,” Short-Gill related. To be eligible, female single parents must fall within the age range of 18 to 60. Women must have a minimum level of training/skills in the proposed area of business. Their monthly earning must not exceed $40,000. To access this loan, women must be registered with the Single Parent Registry of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security. APPLICATION PROCESS There is a pre-interview with the officers of the WoW department at the Ministry, where
Head of the WoW programme, Donna Short-Gill it is ascertained if the applicant is single and has children and also the type of business they wish to apply the loan to. Once they qualify, they are given a form which outlines the relevant documents they need to secure after which an investigation is conducted on the applicant by the WoW department. If the applicant is approved, he is sent to the bank with a recommendation letter from the Ministry. To date, there are approximately 1,100 beneficiaries of the WoW loan. There are 102 first, second, third, fourth and fifth time repeat borrowers in the areas of clothing vending, snackette business, sewing, fruit juice production, agriculture, cosmetology, daycare services, poultry rearing, wholesale and retail services. With a WoW loan, one recipient who was selling plantain chips was able to expand her business and is now selling clothing.
RK security guard hospitalised after falling through stairs After falling through the stairs of an unfinished building, a security guard employed at Roshan Khan Security Services (RK), Razack Mohamed Juman, is currently recovering from a broken leg and dislocated knee at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The injured man is alleging that the negligence of his employer is partially to blame for his present condition, since the circumstances under which he has been forced to work are less than satisfactory. The Lot 5 Klein, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara resident said that he has been working with the security company for the past four months, and although he very much appreciates his job, a lot more can be done for the security guards that are employed at RK. Juman claims that on Republic Day, his supervisor sent him and another employee to guard the unfinished two-storey Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) building, located at 44 High Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown. He said that the stairs collapsed while he was
Injured RK security guard, Razack Mohamed Juman at GPHC yesterday
making his way down, after conducting a patrol of the upper storey of the building. “The place ain’t had no light or nothing. It was really dark and I could not see where I was going. I fell through the stairway and I break my right foot in three places, and my left knee cap.” He said that his supervisor and two other security guards brought his broken body to GPHC, and never returned. He added that the company’s welfare officer visited him once, but he is unaware as to what R.K intends to do about the matter. Juman said, “A lot of the times we are sent to
places and have to work at night with no source of light, no chair, no guard hut, no torchlight or nothing…not even a raincoat to cover yourself when rain falling”. Juman appealed to Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda Gopaul to look into the matter. He believes that the conditions under which many security guards are forced to work are in contravention with the labour laws of Guyana. When contacted, the Human Resources Manager at RK Services told this newspaper that she is willing to discuss the specifics of Juman’s case in person, at a later date.
Saturday March 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
100 houses a week - No election gimmick delivery, says Moonilal Trinidad Express Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says his promise to deliver 100 houses a week from next week Saturday to December 31, 2015, is no election gimmick. If the houses are delivered, there will be over 4,000 new Government homeowners this year. Moonilal said this was part of the People’s Partnership policy of delivery to the people. He said the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), under the “sterling” leadership of managing director Jearlean John and chairman Rabindra Moonan, has been working to ensure the housing sites are completed. “Yes, we have been
Dr. Roodal Moonilal working for three full years, silently along the radar, on a massive construction programme that is now bearing fruit, so that we are in
a position where our construction agenda has now synchronised with our distribution policy, and we are in a position now to distribute 100 homes per week for the rest of the year,” Moonilal said in a telephone interview with the Express Thursday. Moonilal who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Oropouche East and leader of Government Business in Parliament, said the keys for the first set of 100 houses will be distributed next week Saturday at the Carlson Field housing site. Moonilal said 80 per cent of the houses to be distributed are new homes that were constructed from 2010 under this Government, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Suriname abolishes death penalty, raises prison term limits PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname - CMC – The National Assembly has approved legislation formally abolishing the death penalty in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country. But the legislators raised the highest prison term limits from 30 to 50 years in what is seen as a compromise to amending the Criminal code. Parliament also scrapped conditional release for people convicted of capital crimes. Convicts doing time for murder, manslaughter, sexual offences or major drug crimes are now no longer eligible for release after serving three quarters of their sentences.Justice Minister Edward Belfort had initially suggested that that maximum jail sentence be increased to 30 years, but parliamentarians deemed it necessary to send an even stronger signal to criminals. Crime has been on the rise and parliamentarians argued that criminals were exhibiting almost sadistic behaviour, often leaving victims dead or gravely injured. They favoured hiking the maximum jail sentence instead to 50 years, “for crimes that would otherwise be punished with the death penalty,” the National Assembly said in a statement. “The punishments for major crimes have been increase. That is a clear signal,” said Ruth Wijdenbosch, the Vice Chair of the National Assembly said at the end of the meeting. She was among the
parliamentarians who worked to have the death penalty removed from the criminal code. Suriname has not implemented the death penalty since 1927, but the capital punishment remained included in the country’s Criminal Code. Last year Belfort went on record as saying that there is no need for the death penalty, because as far as he was concerned capital punishment was not having the desired effect in the countries where it is applied. “We leave the crimes people commit to their consciences; in the meantime we (do our best to) catch them and bring them to justice,” he said, then, noting He said that he is not a giver of life and would not encourage taking of a life. In the statement issued
by the National Assembly, it noted that the new legislation to abolish the death penalty Suriname in line with international trend. The approval of the new criminal code has been nine years in the making. The amended legislation includes punishments for cybercrime and terrorism; these crimes were not included in the old law. Belfort also presented a re-socialization plan for convicts to the National Assembly. He told legislators that the plan focuses on reintroducing repeat offenders to the community, by taking them through a tight regimen of social development. Houses of detention will be transformed to houses of correction where convicts are prepared for their reintroduction.
Dominica fully joins Caribbean Court of Justice ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) – Dominica yesterday became the fourth Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to replace the London-based Privy Council as their final court of appeal, replacing it with the Trinidadbased Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). In a ceremony lasting more than two hours, CCJ president Sir Dennis Byron said he hoped Dominica’s decision to join the Court that was established by regional governments in 2001, would serve as an impetus for other
Caribbean countries to follow suit. “This is really a momentous occasion, I want to congratulate Dominica,” Sir Dennis said, describing the occasion as “really tremendous” as the island “completes its circle of independence”. He said in a certain way the CCJ with both an Appellate and Original Jurisdiction, had been the Court of Dominica “but today it is completely your court in every respect and it is now the final court of appeal for the Commonwealth of Dominica”.
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Embattled Venezuelan president seeks international support CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — South American foreign ministers met with Venezuelan officials in Caracas yesterday in hopes of encouraging dialogue between opposition leaders and the socialist administration to head off a political crisis. Leaders of Caribbean nations were also gathering for a meeting of PetroCaribe, a decade-old trade programme created by the late President Hugo Chavez that requires member countries to pay only a small portion of the up-front costs for oil, allowing them to finance the rest under long-term debt agreements. With the price of crude crashing, Venezuela is struggling economically and is looking for ways to wring cash out of the alliance’s debts. The foreign ministers from the 12-nation UNASUR group were also expected to meet with Venezuela’s opposition coalition. The group last visited in
Nicolas Maduro
May, trying to calm conflicts between the administration and protesters who staged weeks of violent street demonstrations. Those talks broke down, and the country remains as polarized as ever. The opposition has expressed skepticism about the visit, while President Nicolas Maduro said he welcomed it. Meanwhile, 33 local and international nongovernmental groups signed on to a letter to UNASUR
urging it to help ensure respect for human rights in Venezuela. Among other things, the letter calls for a revision of a policy that allows for the deadly use of force to control protests. Last month, a policeman killed a 14-year-old boy during an anti-government protest, raising tensions that had already been running high amid a crackdown on the opposition and crippling economic problems.
Ramesh ‘not in bed with PNM’ but says: I am ready to defend Rowley Trinidad Guardian Despite accepting Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley’s offer to head his legal team for the impending lawsuit to be filed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj is assuring he has no political arrangements with the People’s National Movement (PNM). “It’s simply a lawyerclient arrangement. I have no intention of serving in public office,” Maharaj said in a telephone interview Thursday. “I appeared in many political cases. It does not mean I have the political views of any clients or
Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj
groups.” Asked why and when the decision was made, Maharaj said: “Dr Rowley called me on Wednesday and told me that he wants me to lead a team of lawyers in anticipation of the legal action announced by the Prime Minister and I accepted. It is my duty as a lawyer to provide legal representation and I can accept a brief.” Maharaj said he had no qualms about his decision, saying he has represented several politicians, including prime ministers and leaders of the opposition, in the past. This is not the first time Maharaj will in fact be representing Rowley.
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Kaieteur News
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No drums, beer or banners - Semi-final matchups determined... Copa America could be dull SANTIAGO (Reuters) - In a bid to keep South America’s notorious ‘barra brava’ hooligans away from soccer stadiums, Chile is implementing strict rules that fans complain will take the fizz out of proceedings at the Copa America in June. This year’s tournament, to be hosted by Chile, is the region’s biggest national soccer championship and fans are looking forward to seeing players like Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Neymar battling it out on the pitch. Games featuring South American teams are renowned for their color and noise, creating an atmosphere that can make European matches seem
dour by comparison. But some elements of that atmosphere can undermine security and controls are being tightened, Jose Roa, the head of the Chilean government’s ‘Safe Stadium Plan’, told Reuters. “Our aim is to create a framework so the soccer community can enjoy a safe party, and exclude from the stadiums those who have set themselves apart from the soccer community,” he said. Drums, whose throbbing beat is so often the backdrop to Latin American matches, could block exits and will not be allowed in to Copa games. Nor will fireworks, flares
or banners. The latter can impede views or be used to smuggle in weapons or other banned items, Roa said. The security crackdown has upset fans, who say it is disproportionate. One local Facebook group with 17,000 likes said: “Drums and banners do not generate violence...we are fans, not criminals!” Last month, the ‘barra brava’ of Chilean team Colo Colo raised a banner at a match, warning: “Without a fiesta, there is no Cup”. ‘Barra bravas’, tied to clubs and most active in neighboring Argentina, are fanatical and sometimes violent supporters’ groups, often with links to organized crime.
Saturday March 07, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may find that you're indecisive when it comes to issues concerning love and romance, Aries. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Try to get more grounded in your actions regarding love and romance, Taurus. You may need to take a more reserved approach in your actions in order to get where you need to go. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You're quite sure of yourself and solid about many things except one. When it comes to romantic relationships, you feel a bit unsure and inadequate, Gemini. It could be that you're indecisive about how to proceed. CANCER (June 21–July 22) When it comes to love and romance, things are definitely in your favor, Cancer. The thing to be aware of today is that there might be some manipulation on the part of someone close to you. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Things regarding love and romance may be a bit dicey for you, Leo. You may find that you have to make a few adjustments in order to remain on the same page as your loved ones. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) The more tightly you try to hang onto something, Virgo, the more likely it is it will want to slip through your fingers. Grab what you want, but don't squeeze too hard.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Matters involving love and romance might not go exactly the way you'd like, Libra. You could be waiting for your partner to make the next move, since you're unsure of which way the relationship is progressing. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Things should be going well for you in the love and romance department, Scorpio, but you could find that today things get a bit tenuous. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) People may be wondering how to proceed while you're off doing your own thing. Don't go in one direction and leave someone else behind, Sagittarius. CAPRI (Dec.22–Jan.19) Recent events in the love and romance department may have you feeling like you aren't getting your needs met, Capricorn. Remember that other people aren't mind readers the way you are. If someone's behavior isn't right with you, say so. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Be careful that you aren't manipulating a romantic situation so your partner loses any power, Aquarius. You may think your actions are noble and well meaning, but you may be creating a scenario that has no basis in reality. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Things in the love department may be looking up for you, Pisces, but beware that you aren't getting pushed around.
(From page 28) de Montreal vs. LD Alajuelense @ Stade Olympique, Montreal, CAN 2nd Leg – April 7-9: Tuesday, April 7, 10:00pm ET (8:00 Local) — LD Alajuelense vs. Impact de Montreal @ Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto, Alajuela, CRC Wednesday, April 8, 10:00pm ET (9:00 Local) — Club América vs CS Herediano @ Estadio Azteca, México City, MEX The winner of each of the semi-final pairings will advance to the final round, to be played over two
legs in the final two weeks of April. For logistical reasons, potential home and away teams and stadiums for each leg of the competition are determined at the beginning of the knockout stage, with winner of the pairing featuring the higher seeded team carrying over that seeding to the next round. Thus, CD Alajuelense (8), which participated in the 1 vs. 8 quarterfinal matchup against DC United (1), now carries the No. 1 seed and is a home team for the sec-
ond leg of the semi-final, along with Club America (2). The winner of the CD Alajuelense vs. Impact de Montreal semifinal pairing will carry the top seed into the final, and host the second leg of the 2014/15 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League final in the last week of April. The final four teams have emerged from an original field of 24, which kicked off group play last August in the quest to replace defending champion Cruz Azul as the region’s club champion.
Permaul (5-77), Bishoo (4-62)... (From page 28) conditions that had again become overcast, and with spicy Indian music emanating for the Tarmac to West of the ground, the visitors were well placed on 219-4. Walton was on 52 and 20-year-old Brandon King, who scored 71 on debut against T&T in the last round, looking organized on 19. At time when most West Indies batsmen seem incapable of successfully countering spin bowling, the 25year-old Permaul continued to torment batsmen and in the third over after the break, trapped Walton LBW after the right-hander missed a sweep and was sent packing for 57 with the score on 230-5. He struck eight fours and batted for 138 minutes, faced 106 balls and his dismissal provided Permaul with his 50th wicket of what has been a dream tournament for him. King, a West Indies under-19 player who is quite good to spin, stroked four fours and cleared the boundary once before he missed a big on-drive at Bishoo and was stumped for 27, while
Dave Bernard (1) went in a similar manner as Jamaica lost two wickets for three runs to slip to 236-7. The Bishoo trapped Damion Jacobs (6) LBW at 243-8 and moved to 40 scalps for the tournament when he had Mindley (6) caught behind at 258-9 by Bramble, who fell one short of Geoffrey
Murray’s record five dismissals for Guyana against the Combined Islands at Bourda in 1970. Permaul then wrapped up the innings by getting rid of Dawes (6) to leave the Jaguars to bat 40 minutes on the opening day Play on the second day today starts at 10:00hrs and admission is free.
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Reigning NACRA 15s champions Guyana spring into action against B/dos today Reigning NACRA 7s and 15s champions Guyana will commence the defence of their 15s title with today’s clash against Barbados, at the National Park Playfield. The local ruggers dubbed the ‘Green Machine’ wrapped up their final practice session on Thursday at the Georgetown Football Club ground and seemed to be brimming with confidence ahead of the engagement against the Bajans. Head Coach Theodore Henry speaking at a presentation ceremony at Banks DIH on Thursday morning ex pressed optimism of a victory against a team that the Guyanese have dominated in recent times, adding that the mood in the team is positive and the players are extremely fit and raring to get into action in front of what is anticipated to be a vocal home crowd. The Bajans players and management arrived yesterday afternoon at the Ogle International Airport and were expected to have a practice
The Barbados national rugby team and Management pose for a photo op after arriving at the Ogle International Airport yesterday. session. Meanwhile, the respective teams have been announced and they are: Guyana- Cyon Kitt, Ryan Gonsalves, Claudius Butts, Joseph Rahaman, Avery Corbin , AllainCrawford, Kevon David, Rickford Cumminns,
Rondell Mc Arthur, Theodore Henry, Richard Staglon, Jason Tyrell, Phabion Joseph, Godfrey Broomes, Dwayne S c h r o e d e r, Peabo Hamilton, Jose Felicien, Lancelot Adonis, Leon Greaves, Jamal Angus, JermaineProwell, Grantley
Williams, Akeem Fraser, Troy Bascom, Blaise Bailey, Ronald Mayers and Delroy Gordon. The Barbados squad is: Neil Grantley Forde, Jerrin Akeen Clarke, Romeo James Mayers, Rajk Keyeuteyen Edwards, An-
WICB First-Class cricket Franchise
Permaul (5-77), Bishoo (4-62) destroy Jamaica Jaguars in driver’s seat after opening day By Sean Devers Guyana Jaguars’ left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul took his 13th five-wicket haul to take his tally in this year’s West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) First-Class Cricket Franchise tournament to 51 wickets on the opening day of their eight-round match against Jamaica at Providence yesterday. Permaul finished with 5-77 from 31.4 overs and got support from leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo who had 462 from 25 overs as the Albion spin twins conspired to destroy the Jamaicans, who were bowled out just before the close for 258 despite halfcenturies from Jermaine Blackwood (54) and Chadwick Walton (57) and a confident 44 from Skipper Tamar Lambert. The Jaguars in reply were 35 without loss from nine overs with Rajendra Chandrika, who elegantly cover drove Jason Dawes for four, and Assad Fudadin, who caressed Marquino Mindely majestically for a couple of boundaries through cover, were the unbeaten batsmen on 16
and 18 respectively when bails were lifted with the host 223 runs away from first innings lead with all of their wickets in hand. Fudadin returned from a finger injury in place of Barbadian Raymond Reifer who was surprisingly dropped after seeing the Jaguars to victory over Barbados in the last round. Fudadin showed no signs of his injury and along with the elegant Chandrika, who would want to convert his good starts into a threefigure score, looked untroubled in their time at the crease yesterday to put their team in the driver’s seat. When play began 12 minutes late due to a short sharp shower just before the start, Jamaica opted to bat and lost Shacaya Thomas (1) who was caught off Chris Barnwell with just a run on the board before John Campbell and Jermaine Blackwood revived the position with an 87-run partnership with Blackwood, who played five Tests, reaching his third fifty for the season and 12th overall with an entertaining batting display on a low and slow pitch.
The partnership was broken when the 23-year-old Blackwood edged one that spun away from him from Permaul to wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble at 88-2 after facing 48 balls and batting for 56 minutes in his 54 which was decorated with 10 fours. When two short of his third fifty for the season, Campbell, who hit four fours and two sixes from 97 minutes and 69 balls, was removed by Permaul just before Lunch with Jamaica on 109-3. And by the Interval the team from the largest English-speaking Caribbean Island, were 113-3 with Lambert and Walton at the crease. After Lunch, a small amount of the massive crowd which included President Donald Ramotar, that turned out for the Phagwah day event on the Tarmac, ventured inside the Stadium to watch the cricket as the sun returned in all of it glory. There was lots of confusion regarding which gate those wishing to attend the cricket had to use, casing much inconvenience and lengthy delays for those persons. The burly Lambert, who
led Jamaica to an unprecedented five consecutive Regional First-Class titles from 2008, stepped on the gas in the second session. He dumped Bishoo back over his head for six and continued to play in a positive fashion and together with Walton put on 76 for the fourth wicket before Lambert drove Permaul to Shiv Chanderpaul at mid-off to end his innings six short of what would have been his 30th First-Class half-century. His 44 lasted 129 minutes, 110 balls and included four fours and a six and his demise left his team 185-4. Walton who played two Tests against Bangladesh and was impressive with the gloves in his maiden Test series, where he equaled Ridley Jacobs’ record with five dismissals in an innings, in Grenada, soon reached his 16th First-Class fifty from 86 balls, 105 minutes with seven boundaries. Jamaica enjoyed the better of the exchanges in the second session, losing just one wicket and scoring 106 runs, and by Tea, in (Continued on page 27)
thony Reno Faggiani, Jamal Omar Gonsalves, Jermaine Jamal Bynoe, Stephen Millar, M i k y l e F o r d e Wa l c o t t , Bryan Michael Cummings, Kenneth Payne, Troy Anderson Grant, Ramin McDonald, Downes, Kevin Dwight Cobham,
TahaireShabazz Niels, Shane Kevin Taylor, Daniel Patrick Ramsey, Kevin Cedric Murrell, Kevin Jamal Carter, La-Andro Leo Jordon, Nico Jason Blunt, Greg Andre Moseley, Caston Henderson Howard and Enrique Kristen Oxley.
Semi-final matchups determined in Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League
Miami – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has confirmed the semi-final pairings for the 2014/15 edition of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League, the region’s premier competition for clubs. Following the results of a thrilling quarterfinal phase, in which semifinal passes were on the line to the very end across the Confederation, Impact de Montreal and LD Alajuelense claimed tickets on one side of the bracket, while Club America and CS Herediano will dispute the other semi-final, all vying for
the right to represent the Confederation at the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup. Like the quarterfinals, both semi-final matchups will be played in home-and-away f o r m a t . The exact schedule for semifinal play is as follows: Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League 2014/15 S e m i - f i n a l s 1st Leg – March 17-18: Tuesday, March 17, 10:00pm ET (8:00 Local) — CS Herediano vs Club América @ Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero, Heredia, CRC Wednesday, March 18, 8:00pm ET (8:00 local) - Impact (Continued on page 27)
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Sri Lanka suffer injuries to Khemraj Pooranmall prevails Karunaratne and Herath as GDA Mashramani Draughts Tournament concludes BBC Sport - Sri Lanka will be without batsman Dimuth Karunaratne for the remainder of the World Cup, after he broke a finger during fielding practice. Leg-spinning allrounder Seekuge Prasanna, already in Australia as cover for injured spinner Rangana Herath, comes into the squad as a replacement. Herath is expected to miss Sri Lanka’s game against Australia tomorrow after having stitches in a hand injury. “He needs five or six days to heal,” said batsman Mahela Jayawardene. “The stitches will come off then we’ll see how he progresses.” Herath split the webbing in his fingers attempting a caught and bowled during his side’s nine-wicket win over England on Sunday. Batsman Kusal Janith Perera, who has featured in 41 one-day internationals, has now been put on standby to replace Herath. Karunaratne has featured in all four of Sri Lanka’s World Cup games to date, making scores of 14 and 23. “I’m not sure how bad [the break is] or how long it will take but he’s definitely going back home,” said
Cordel Nunes cops schools honours
Dimuth Karunaratne (AFP)
Jayawardene. Sri Lanka also lost leg-spinning all-rounder Jeevan Mendis and fast bowler Dhammika Prasad from their original squad for the tournament. They are sec-
ond in Pool A after four games and will guarantee qualification for the quarter-finals with one more win. They conclude their group games against Scotland on 11 March.
BCB/Republic Bank Inter Zone Under-17 final fixed for today at Albion The long awaited final of the 2014 Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd sponsored Inter Zone Under-17 cricket competition in Berbice is now set for today at the Albion Sports Complex. After several postponements due to the unpredictable weather and other unforeseen reasons, the match will commence at 9:00hrs and will feature the best young cricketers in the county with Lower Corentyne set to clash with New Amsterdam/Canje. Lower Corentyne with
start as slight favorites but a stiff challenge is expected from the lads from the East Bank Berbice NA/Canje area. Lower Corentyne, who defeated Upper Corentyne in the semi final, has a strong batting line up led by National Under-17 player and captain, Brandon Persaud. He will receive support from Adrian Sukwah and Matthew Hardial. Pacer Sylus Tyndall will spearhead the bowling with support from all rounder Joshua Harrichand and Suraj Dookhna.
NA/Canje on the other hand will have in their line up several all rounders in the names of the in-form Kevon Sinclair, Steve Deonarine, Joel Seetaram, Junior Williams and Sasenarine Sukhu. The BCB junior selection panel headed by Leslie Solomon will witness the game which will give the players the final chance to create an impression on the mind of the selectors as Berbice Under-17 team concludes preparations for the upcoming Inter County tournament.
New FIFA ethics chief won’t be... (From page 28) offset the lack of prosecutorial powers.” The former prosecutor noted that proceedings can be fluid, often turning up new evidence, and the amount of time needed to carry out an investigation depends on each particular case. “These are all decisive factors which naturally influence the course of an investigation and make it impossible to say how long the process
generally lasts.” Asked how wide his remit was in terms of who could be investigated, he said: “Every football official is subject to the ethics code. Whoever... breaches it will come into our purview, regardless of hierarchy, rank or position.” Borbely added that he would act upon complaints sent to him but was also on the lookout himself for any wrongdoing. “Cases end up on my desk
through notifications and tips that I carefully evaluate. But I also have my eyes and ears open and if I see something that calls for it, of course I open a preliminary investigation,” he said. “Everybody can hand in tips or any kind of information via our whistleblower website. Any information will be transferred directly to us, there is no intermediate in between at all.”
Khemraj Pooranmall turned in a masterful display to accrue 9 points and cart off the spoils, while Cordel Nunes of New Campbellville Secondary came out on top in the junior category when the Guyana Darts Association (GDA) staged a two tiered Mashramani Draughts Tournament at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, last Sunday, March 1. In the senior category, President of the GDA, Jiaram, finished in the second place after defeating Mark Brathwaite and scoring 7 points. Steve Bacchus also scored a victory over Brathwaite and sealed off the third place after the tie break system was employed with Brathwaite having to be contented with fourth place. Meanwhile, reports are that play in the senior category was very competitive with several nailbiting finishes. The consensus seemed to suggest that the final game of the day between veteran players, Brathwaite and Jiaram was a stinger with Jiaram calling on his vast experience and taking a gambit; he cleverly stroked 2 pieces for 4 pieces to triumph over his nemesis. However, though sensational, the play failed to earn him the top prize as Pooranmall had long since secured an unassailable
lead. Esan Anderson scored 6 points and finished fifth, while Mitra Persaud and Anthony of Malteenoes ended sixth and seventh respectively. Three schools, St. Joseph’s High, New Campbellville Secondary and Queenstown Secondary, competed in the junior category and second place went to Alan Kishun of St. Joseph’s High with Darrel Jones of New Campbellville Secondary closing off the podium spots. Queenstown Secondary representative, Kevin Clarke, ended in the fourth place. President of the GDA Mr. Jiaram, delivered remarks at the opening ceremony and urged the participants to compete diligently. The GDA boss further assured the players of a tour to neighbouring Suriname but said that this will hinge on their performances at the just concluded tournament. He also encouraged them to continue playing even after they would have left school. Mr. Jairam provided some insight of the game to the youngsters, “Draughts is considered a mind game; it strengthens your mental faculties while enhancing your thinking ability,” said Mr. Jairam. He also said that the sport has the ability to
foster positive behaviours in participants. He juxtaposed the sport to life; “One false move can cost you the entire game just as one mistake can hamper your entire livelihood; draughts teaches you to think and act smart,” he concluded. The top five players received trophies and cash incentives, while Cordel Nunes won himself a hair style, compliments of Kevin’s Reflection. Participants in the junior category also received certificates by A&R Jiawanram Printery. Several individuals and entities contributed generously to make the tournament a success and the organizers have conveyed deep gratitude. These include W&R Co. Ltd, Water Chris Hotel and Restaurant, Ansa McAl, Star Party Rental, Noble House Seafoods, NCE Screen Printers, Hand-inHand Insurance, Hand-inHand Trust, Blyden & Fernandes, H.A Snacks, Mr. Lalta Gainda of Rubis Gas Station, Guyana Beverage Inc. and DeSinco. Printing services were provided by A&R Jiawanram Printery, Bel Air G/town while the executive of the GDA extend special thanks to Paul D’Anjou for his tireless efforts in coordinating the tournament.
Ramnarine returned as WCC head Totaram Ramnarine was re-elected unopposed as Chairman of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) when the body held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday last in Good Success. Navishaul Pooran is the Vice Chairman, while Nazeer Mohamed will continue to serve as the Secretary. Bhawanie Persaud retained his position as the Treasurer; Loaknauth Persaud is the Assistant Secretary Treasurer and Vickram Ramanrine the Public Relations Officer. The body will name its respective committees at their first executive meeting on Monday. Ramnarine who is also an umpire and a match referee thanked the members for their
Nazeer Mohamed
Navishaul Pooran
support and urged his fellow executive to work together for
the development of the game on the island.
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Letter to the Sports Editor Soft drink brand inks Race horse owners should voice deal with Javon Francis their concerns at today’s meeting
FRANCIS... this partnership is a big moment for me Jamaica Observer - BIGGA Soft Drink, flagship brand of The Wisynco Group Limited, has signed teenage track sensation Javon Francis, it was announced recently. Dubbed ‘Donkey Man’ for his galloping burst of speed like a thoroughbred on the race track, Francis — a master at 200m and 400m — caught the eyes of the world while anchoring Jamaica to a silver medal in the 4x400m at the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow. Francis, starting his lap in fifth place, galloped to 44.00 seconds to power Jamaica to a second place finish. Before his exploits on the international stage, Francis was already well known in Jamaica as strong performer on the track, leading some to even think he could be the
next Usain Bolt. On the partnership with BIGGA, Francis expressed delight that Wisynco would see him fit to be a brand ambassador for the company. “This partnership is a big moment for me, and I’m proud that they see such potential in me,” Francis said. “BIGGA Soft Drink is a Jamaican brand and I am more than happy to be a part of any initiative to push brand Jamaica to the world,” the quarter-miler continued. Brand manager for BIGGA Soft Drink, Kimberly Lawson, was elated to have completed the deal to have Francis as an ambassador for the brand. “Javon is someone that we have been monitoring for some time now. Learning of his background and the obstacles he’s faced, we’ve
watched him develop into a fine young athlete with vast potential,” Lawson shared. “The Wisynco Group Limited has over the years stayed true to its mantra of improving the lives of the Jamaican people, and when an opportunity comes around to harness the talents and gifts of these lives, we have to do our part. “Javon’s talent, energy and passion for what he does, and why he does it, suggests to us at the Wisynco Group that he’s a star in the making and the perfect fit BIGGA Soft Drink.” Francis’ commitment with The Wisynco Group will see him receive hydration products for his training and development over a period of two years, among other incentives.
Dear Sports Editor, The Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA), in its most gutted and pilfered form, has issued an invitation to race horse owners to a couple of meetings scheduled today. This letter serves as a compelling reason as to why the invitation to Owners/ Trainers to attend these meetings should be accepted, and a concerted effort made to attend. Too often on race day, officials and horse owners try to do the sport’s business and end up being distracted by the racing and all the excitement and noise; this meeting offers a perfect stage. I advise all Owners/Trainers to bring their baggage and their issues and have them dealt with at either of these meetings. How can the sport of horseracing in Guyana move forward when the owners and trainers are dealing with systemic issues preventing them from moving forward; you MUST voice your concern. Mr. Editor, there are four partners in this sport, track owners, sponsors, fans, and most important, horse owners. Last I checked, it wasn’t nowhere near cheap to maintain and train a thoroughbred horse, much more the maintenance of 10 or 12. As owners of thoroughbred race horses,
this is your sport, and the costs associated with presenting any animal on any of Guyana’s racetracks, are yours and yours only. I have repeatedly asked this question with no answer in sight: why should a horse owner be held by the short n curly, by track owners and dollars oriented promoters. The star of any horse race meeting in this country happens to be a thoroughbred horse which is owned and maintained by a race horse owner. No one comes to the track to see the track owner or the promoter; we go to watch these beautiful animals gallop and win our hearts in strides. Horse owners in this sport hold the die, yet they are fearful to cast it and demand “FAIR AND OPEN” racing for their animals. Take a look around our sport, sponsors are drying up, and it’s due to the fact horseracing has not been able to offer them any advertising value for their millions of dollars they pour into promoters’ coffers. The promoters do not offer advertising value to prospective sponsors, so in turn; they resort to horse trading and shenanigans in the lead up to most race meetings. The promoters shape the racing, the tracks have their own rules and separate alle-
giances and/or partnerships and horse owners are left to fend for themselves; carting their horses from track to track fighting off unscrupulous track classifiers, punters, and track owners who bend and change the rules to suit their own interests. It seems as though these races are just thrown together. A few calls are made, and a race is made. If another owner comes along and wants in, no problem, we’ll just make adjustments until everyone is happy. A particular race on a provisional could start off as 7 furlong, adjusted to 6 furlongs, then back to 7; all depending on the direction in which select owners pull the promoter. Sometimes I wonder why owners even cart their horses to these events. We have placed so many obstacles and jumps in their way; we might as well switch from flat racing to jump. So I ask of you horse owners to loosen that girth strap which the promoters have tied you up with, remove the saddle track owners have placed on your backs, and take off the blinders you have placed on yourselves and come out and understand how the rules and policies affect you, the horse owner. Sincerely, Ron G. Elcock Media Relations GHRA
New FIFA ethics chief won’t be pushed around ZURICH (Reuters) Younger than some professional footballers, Swiss attorney Cornel Borbely is at first sight an unlikely choice as the man to step into Michael Garcia’s shoes and try to keep corruption out of FIFA. A disillusioned Garcia, the former U.S. attorney with a long track record in complicated, international, high profile cases, resigned in December, saying he felt he was no longer making progress and that football’s governing body “lacked leadership.” Widely regarded as the man most likely to get to the root of FIFA’s problems, Garcia’s departure was seen as another sign that the organization was incapable of reforming itself. Borbely, who has enjoyed a remarkably swift rise through the Swiss legal world, has landed the role as FIFA’s chief ethics investigator at the age of 36, having been promoted from his previous role as Garcia’s deputy. In football terms, he is like
a young coach who has made a good start to his career with middle-ranking teams and has now been appointed to lead a large, volatile, internationally renowned club with an army of fickle supporters. In his first interview with international media, Borbely told Reuters he would not be pushed around and rejected suggestions he will act on FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s orders. “This is absurd and any such claim is not founded in any facts that I could comprehend or cite. I can only emphasise that I am not an employee of FIFA,” he said. “I run my own law firm and I don’t take any orders at all from FIFA — none whatsoever. I alone decide whether to open, conduct and conclude an investigation and on its result. “I am completely independent of any FIFA officials. Otherwise I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, do this job. Nobody interferes — neither the (FIFA) executive committee nor anybody else.”
He added: “My contact to the executive committee is purely professional. Some of these contacts have become public, but it is imperative for my independence that they remain professional, otherwise I could not fulfil my mandate. “I can’t disclose details of how often I have met with Sepp Blatter, but my contacts with him are limited to purely professional encounters. He has no authority to give directives to me.” IMPOSING FIGURE A physically imposing figure who headed an economic crimes investigation unit in Zurich for three years and has worked as a prosecutor for a military tribunal, Borbely has accepted what is seen by many as a thankless job with little to gain. Asked about his motivation, Borbely talked about the “fairness of the sport” and said he was also eager to apply his experience as a prosecutor and criminal lawyer to sports. He also warned there
would be no quick fix. “It’s going to take a lot longer than a few months of good work to show that we are highly professional, but that is our aim,” he said. “Our work is conducted with a high degree of professionalism, is of high quality and efficient, and I believe we are a credible team. “I have few illusions that it will be quite some time, especially in these turbulent times, before that is recognized.” FIFA has been plagued by a wave of scandals and controversy, ranging from allegations of corruption in the 2018/2022 World Cup bidding process to a row over $25,000 watches given as gifts to executive committee members at the World Cup in Brazil. Garcia resigned after a disagreement with HansJoachim Eckert, head of the ethics committee’s judgement chamber, over the handling of his report into the process which led to the 2018 World Cup being awarded to Russia and 2022 finals to Qatar.
But his probe led to investigations being opened against a number of individuals, which have been left to Borbely to follow through, and a redacted version of Garcia’s report will be published at an undisclosed date. Borbely said he could not reveal the individuals under investigation, although the names have been widely published in the media. “It is imperative and an integral part of the professionalism of this chamber that such facts, correct or false, do not enter public view,” he said. “This is quite delicate, since a leak of facts like these can sabotage an ongoing investigation. I am strongly of the opinion that this must not be allowed to happen.” “When legal breaches and leaks take place, we take it very seriously and this will be pursued accordingly.” WIDE-RANGING POWERS Borbely said that nobody would be above investigation, and added that he had wide-ranging powers.
FIFA’s new chief ethics investigator Swiss attorney Cornel Borbely speaks during an interview with Reuters in Zurich March 4, 2015. REUTERS -Ruben Sprich “We can force people to cooperate under Swiss law governing associations, and if they don’t cooperate they are punished. This distinguishes us from a prosecutor, who cannot force people to cooperate. “In effect, the requirement to cooperate is an attempt to (Continued on page 27)