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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
A Bill under siege What is really the issue with the modifications to the Anti-money Laundering and Countering Financial Terrorism Bill? This Bill has been languishing in Guyana for a long time, so long that the political opposition concluded that there was no rush to get it implemented. Indeed there was a time when this Bill remained with the government. The excuse was that preparations were underway for the general elections of 2011. There are some in the society who feel that the parliamentary opposition parties want to hold the government to ransom for certain concessions. The government has said as much although the opposition parties are denying this fact. But how could one explain the condition imposed by the Alliance For Change that it will only support the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financial Terrorism Bill if the government gives it the Public Procurement Commission? Then when one looks at A Partnership for National Unity, which for reasons best known to that party, stalled work on the passage of the Bill one can only conclude that there was a deliberate plan to ensure that deadlines were not reached. Having consigned the Bill to the Special Select Committee of the parliament, APNU then found ways of stalling the discussion. The government accused it of failing to submit the recommendations that it said were necessary for a strong Bill. These recommendations came months after the first deadline passed. Now we hear that the other leaders of the Caribbean Community and Common Market are concerned that Guyana has not yet passed this piece of legislation. Their concern rests in the fact that they would have to ignore this country in their trading patterns but the very spirit that formed Caricom precludes any country from excluding another member from any trade or other negotiations. But the conditions that would prevail if Guyana enters the realm of a blacklisted country would place the country in a position where the very unifying conditions that bind Caricom countries would not apply. In addition, the country would be subjected to a series of hardships. It would not be allowed to transfer money to foreign sources; it would not be allowed to receive remittances; payments for imports would be so delayed that pretty soon even the imports would dry up. Is it that the parliamentary opposition wants to hurt the government and by extension, the country? One thinks not. Instead, one believes that there is a lot of distrust of the government, something that dates back to years of dealings with each other. On this occasion when the anti-money laundering Bill needed almost immediate passage, President Ramotar was prepared to enter into an agreement with the opposition. By his own admission, President Ramotar said that he promised both orally and in writing to give the opposition what amendments it was seeking. But the opposition claims that it had been given similar guarantees in the past only to sit back and see these broken. They pointed to the agreements reached between the then President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte and between President Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin. One particular agreement dealt with the liberalization of the airwaves. That fell through the floor. Indeed there was the Advisory Committee on Broadcasting which was to ensure that there was no abuse of the media landscape. This was observed in the breach. The government refused to sanction those under its control for breaches. In the end, just before he left office Jagdeo liberalized the airwaves in a manner that drew criticisms across the country and even further afield. The government promised to make certain disclosures, for example to let the nation know about the special investor in the Marriott Hotel
Saturday March 15, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news
UNNECESSARILY AGGRESSIVE ATTITUDES AND GREAT INJUSTICE
DEAR EDITOR, I read with grief and pity the treatment that Ms. Ali Williams received from traffic ranks at the Providence Police Station, East Bank Demerara. I wonder how much is being taught at the Police Training College about their pledge and motto upon swearing to become a Police Officer. When I look at the motto and I reminisce about the essence of the motto “Service and Protection” joy reverberates in my mind, but when I look at the dispensation of the motto by many ranks as they exercise their professional responsibilities in our society, anger and frustration overtakes me. Don’t get me wrong, the Police Force has many good officers, but the outlaw few are really tarnishing the integrity of the organisation and for this very reason the Officers-In-Charge of the Police Stations and Outposts must be pro-active. They must be
knowledgeable of the activities and conduct of all ranks under their charge and command. The masters of this are Mr. Leroy Brumell - Commissioner, Mr. Seelall Persaud - Crime Chief and Mr. G e o r g e Vy p h u i s - D i v i s i o n a l Commander. What I have found over the years is whenever someone enters a police station; immediately the perception is he /she is a criminal or someone who committed a crime and the attitudes of some ranks become very aggressive and intimidating, as was demonstrated to Ms. Williams. I sympathize with her and I know that she will be given justice. The other point I would like to highlight and I hope those in authority will address with seriousness is the uncalled for traffic woes in the evening Monday to Friday at Providence Police Station, and probably by the very same traffic rank(s). It has become the rule of the day that at the peak hours in the afternoon, after
3:00pm, that is when about four traffic ranks will start working. They will stop most vehicles proceeding in a southerly direction for a “routine” check of documents, which they probably checked a dozen times before. They really don’t exercise any consideration for the working class people, school children, sick and elderly persons, people proceeding to the airport, or in an emergency. This is a ritual that is going on for a very long time. As a result, the traffic jams sometimes would be as far as the Harbour Bridge. By the time commuters get to their homes at Grove or in the New Diamond Housing Scheme it is around 7:00pm. This is really a great injustice. I hope that the relevant authorities can look into these matters and I trust that good sense will prevail and our Police Officers can live up to their motto and mission statement. Nazar Mohamed
HABITUAL DISCRIMINATION IS JUST NOT ACCEPTABLE ANYMORE DEAR EDITOR, What Mr. Hamilton Green cannot take any more is allegedly “this nonsense about racial balance” in Guyana’s armed forces, as he sees it in the KN of 3-13-14. Despite the necessity for peaceful coexistence in Guyana, he is yet to comprehend the urgency by which ethnic security becomes reflected within the S p e c i a l We a p o n s A n d Tactics (SWAT) unit. He did not say so, but is it all more garbage to him? Well what do you know! For him, it’s not Guyana’s but “Our (?) history (which) demonstrates certain ethics, preferences, and religious attachments from the time we were settled (?) in British Guiana – a tendency by certain racial groups to gravitate (?) to certain areas of activity almost as a natural (!) thing. To make artificial impositions is not right” he seeks to assert. At his age, and in today’s Guyana, can fellow countrymen afford to wrong others by legitimizing their cultural extinction as done to them? Whose racial security is always under permanent threat, with everyday onslaught on their cultural
values, to become assimilated to someone else’s? Habitual discrimination which denies due natural and constitutional rights to taxpayer- funded institutions is just not acceptable anymore. Let’s find out what are the relevant and valid justifications proffered for such counter demands addressed: “To those who seek ethnic balance then let’s start (!) with the allocation of land, the cabinet, licence for businesses or firearms, balance on who we send to be trained as professionals – ethnic balance in the Judiciary. Yes, perhaps balance with who we send to jail or who we accommodate in the Palms or the mad house. Balance in the media, radio, televisions and newspapers”? By what criteria is any validity sourced or justifiable which always insists on one race for entitlements but constantly rejects the same for other Guyanese? Even as the favoured natural successors to the departing colonials, can any automatic inheritance or valid licence arise which can support the rigidity to dismiss that what
project. This has not been done. These factors must have influenced the reaction of the opposition to President Ramotar’s promise. But the bottom line is that the anti-money laundering Bill is being held hostage to the extent that President Ramotar is accusing the very opposition of blackmail politics. Whenever the dust settles the Bill must be passed; but for now the country feels threatened.
Mr. Green finds “nonsense about racial balance”? Forever energized to become carbon copy mimics which only motivates counter demands to provide and equalize “benefit” to those whom he champions,
ought to be clarified why such contradictions are not piled-up demands, even as he admonishes: “To make artificial impositions is not right”! Even if our ‘Greens’ still feel justified, wouldn’t it be (Continued on page 24)
Knock, but please don’t knock-out the sugar industry DEAR EDITOR, For quite some time now, the media has been replete with knocks to the sugar industry. Most of these appear well-founded, logical and sensible, but certainly not so the recent call for the knock-out blow to an industry that still employs 16,000 persons and sustains the livelihood of thousands of others, including private cane farmers, among whom I include myself as benefitting from the sale of sugarcane to GuySuCo. The proposed alternative of converting the cane fields to fish farms does not seem to s u ff i c i e n t l y t a k e i n t o consideration the real prospects of fixing the current ills of the industry which has proven its resiliency over and over in the past. It certainly ignores the social dislocations and the attendant hardships that will ensue. Let us try to work together to revive the fortunes of this pre-eminent and previously bountiful industry, even if it
means re-privatization or semi-privatization à la the ‘Booker-Tate’ model. For the proponents of conversion to aqua-culture, I wish to recommend that they seriously ponder the excellent letter in Thursday’s newspapers, unfortunately by an anonymous writer, who made the brilliant suggestion that fish farms be developed on the thousands of acres of available land currently lying idle in our coastal belt. A casual drive from Georgetown to the Corentyne River will not only demonstrate the availability of more lands than currently sustain the sugar industry, but lands perhaps more suitable for fish farms; at least the exhilaration of the Mahaica-MahaiconyAbary-Corentyne coast will be worth the drive—a real joy which I look forward to as I do my weekly trip from the ‘ugly city’ to the invigorating Corentyne! Nowrang Persaud
Saturday March 15, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
A GUYANESE PHAGWAH In search of a proud and principled Caribbean IS SHEER JOY DEAR EDITOR, Phagwah or Holi is one of the more popular festivals in Guyana, where people of virtually all the ethnic groups and religious backgrounds partake in the festivities. I have very fond memories of the festival, and it was one the then youngsters looked forward to, presumably like those of today, because of the nonstop entertainment and unlimited food. I think it is accurate to say that Phagwah can be described as the most joyous of Guyanese festivals, celebrated with much zeal and enthusiasm. People of all ages and ethnicities are boisterous and celebrate the festival with much fun, excitement and revelry. Phagwah is a festival free from social norms bringing diverse people together. Coloured liquids or powders are showered on anyone, with the community merging into one big fraternity. There is no distinction of creed, race, caste and sex. As a youngster I remember the celebration would begin after the burning of Holika – a bonfire symbolizing destruction of evil. Phagwah signifies the triumph of good over evil. Hence the burning of holika which represented evil and that was planted (with dried branches of trees and wood) amidst chanting of rituals and pooja, a month before its burning on a full moon. During many of the ensuing nights, members of the chowtal groups in each village took turn singing chowtals and taans (folk singing) at each other’s home where delicacies and tea (or often rum) were served. The
revelry and snacks attracted the youngsters. The intoxicants attracted the older the folks. As Phagwah day approached, phagwah mania was all over the place, especially among the youth, who accompanied the adults on their nightly singing – for the treats of Indian snacks. For the youngsters, the festivity would begin on the last school day before Phagwah with a prayer service and a cultural variety concert. Then students would spray abeer or splash powder or water on each other. After school, students would throw each other in some dirty drain as part of the fun. After the burning of Holika, on the full moon night, men would sing folk songs (chowtaal), accompanied by rhythmic beats of the indigenous drum. The celebration commenced with the splashing of water mixed with ash on each other after midnight. Then the chowtal groups would sing with the accompaniment of music for hours while consuming alcohol. The revelry and singing would continue throughout the night until the midmorning. Then the men would slowly begin their rhythmic tempo through the main street of the village. The group would often stop in people’s homes along the way and be entertained with delicacies or liquor or tea. Celebrants would throw water that was often mixed with mud or cow dung, or abeer on each other. Some of the celebrants would get thrown in dirty ravines or trenches or canals as part of the fun. By the mid
morning, the “dirt” part of the celebration ends and participants clean up and get ready for the evening celebration which was more sobering. In the late afternoon, celebrants, dressed in clean white clothing, make their way through the village and or to neighboring villages armed with a pitchkari or spray bottle with colourful abeer and talc powder “playing phagwah” with the whole village and beyond. Almost every home would be visited. People danced to the rhythmic beats of the drums and sang Holi songs from Bollywood movies. They would exchange good wishes, sweets, cards and gifts. Hindus and nonHindus, and visitors would partake in the delicacies (bara, gulgula, phulourie, bigany, mango chutney, potato ball, parsad, channa, dhal puri and alou curry, ghoja, kheer or sweet rice, among others prepared for the occasion. Food was always plentiful and the youths would have a feast of dainty dishes and or snacks and soft drinks. Also, on Phagwah day, it is traditional for Hindus to distribute sweets or mitai and food to non-Hindus or those Hindus who could not celebrate Phagwah because of the recent death of a relative. I was often tasked to deliver foods and snacks to non-Hindus or those not celebrating the occasion and even to those celebrating it. And I would be rewarded with plenty of goodies that I shared with other youths. Oh we feasted and provided snacks to so many as part of our good deeds. What a joyous occasion! May I use this occasion to wish all the readers a Happy Phagwah. Vishnu Bisram
DEAR EDITOR, On Thursday, March 6, 2014, at the Annual Awards Ceremony for Corporate bosses, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Basdeo Panday, in his speech to the gathering, with an amazing sense of prognostication intonated that CARICOM is dying and that they corporate leaders will do well to cast their eyes on the horizon of wider Latin America. I believe that Mr. Panday’s statement should be properly analyzed by scholars of international relations because it has implications for the general well-being of CARICOM. Be that as it may, it should be noted that his statement about Caribbean countries forging relations with states in Latin America is not a new position. However, it should be seen in its wider context. It is clear to me, that Mr. Panday’s statement is anchored on the following: 1. Lack of patriotism by sections of the Caribbean Community, particularly in Trinidad and Guyana. 2. A failure to recognize that the richness of a people is predicated on their understanding of their roots and collective history ¯ a history, which successive generations seek to vindicate in different ways. The English-speaking Caribbean has, for generations, been faced with the challenge of its history, and that is why our post-cold war magnificent successes in cricket as highlighted by our calypsonians -”Cricket lovely Cricket” - helped to stimulate a collective, Caribbean consciousness about who we are and our potential to be a people distinct and unique in
spite of our slave and indentured labour backgrounds. Cricket, along with Carifesta ‘72, pointed to the overcoming of post-World War I discussions on confederation versus annexation to the United States of America. Also, the Caribbean people gained strength and stimulation from India’s independence in 1947 and Ghana’s ten years later. However, with the pressures of migration, economics and the cultural assault as a result of a pervasive mass media and easy movement of people, many West Indies leaders lost sight of the richness of the Caribbean culture and our potential, despite our being just a few million people. However, as a result of the three great West Indian founding fathers; Errol Barrow of Barbados, Forbes Burnham of Guyana and Michael Manley of Jamaica, who in December 1965, at Dickenson Bay, Antigua, the idea of Caribbean Unity was properly advanced. They and their successors expanded confederation to what is now CARICOM. Therefore, instead of moving to be subsumed by the interests of large South American Republics, we are better off, for the sake of our children, building on the dream of the founding fathers of CARICOM. It is only that way that we can bequeath to our next generation a proud and principled Caribbean. Further, Panday’s exhortation failed to encourage the executives to consider the internal factors and social forces which are affecting the general integration process and to contemplate ways and approaches to solve them. Indeed, Caribbean leaders
may very well discover that once they engage in bilateral relations with Latin American Republics, that they too have their own set of challenges and difficulties. Might I add that Panday’s encouragement to the leaders is in effect a serious indictment against Caribbean political leadership? If our political leaders cannot push ahead with achieving the objectives of CARICOM, then they have failed the people of the Caribbean. I very much doubt any thought that our leaders are not capable of carving CARICOM into a Single Market Economy for the good benefit of all those countries whose shores are washed by the Caribbean Sea. I close with a quote by William Shakespeare: “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves, that we are underlings”. Let us look to ourselves, let us be self-reliant, let us make CARICOM work not only for us but our next generation. Congratulations to all those businesses that received awards! Royston King
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Anti Money Laundering Bill… Government signs another component of APNU accuses AG of hijacking amendments Trinidad land MoU Government has signed another component of its initial land deal with sister Caricom country Trinidad and Tobago. The deal is intended to advance the agreement between the two countries to develop an agricultural investment project which will reduce the importation of food in Trinidad and Tobago from outside of CARICOM. During a teleconference this week between Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and Trinidadian Minister Devant Maharaj the two countries signed the Memorandum of Understanding. According to the Agriculture Ministry, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), has already completed soil testing and has made the findings available to the Trinidad Government. “With this step completed the Trinidad Government would proceed shortly to advertise for investors to tap into the opportunity to invest in Guyana, even as the joint Technical Team from the two
countries determine what crops are suitable for Trinidad farmers to commence with,” the local Agriculture Ministry said. It was noted that the team previously identified a list of crops in which Trinidad has a special interest. With the soil test completed, the choice of crops is now possible. “Officials from Guyana and Trinidad have been meeting on a regular basis, to ensure that this MOU is advanced…The Trinidad and Tobago Government would now advance with this agreement now that the soil testing has been completed,” Minister Ramsammy said. A possible area has also been identified for farmers to commence the necessary land preparation for cultivation. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was signed between the Governments of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago in September, grants the Twin Island access to lands in Guyana. The agreement addresses several areas including programmes and activities, core areas of cooperation, monitoring and coordinating mechanism, mutual responsibility, commitments and rights and obligations. A subsequent meeting is expected to be held between the two governments shortly on the way forward.
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has rejected the Attorney General’s revised version of the Chief Parliamentary Council, Cecil Dhurjon’s submission Those submissions incorporate the changes APNU made to the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill (AML/CFT) that is currently with the Parliamentary Select Committee. APNU’s Executive Member, Joseph Harmon, in a public missive, described as “obnoxious”, the position taken by the Attorney General Anil Nandlall to submit a revised version of APNU’s amendments that were completed by Dhurjon at the same time his (Dhurjon) amendments were submitted. Cecil Dhurjon, Harmon said, did a good job of implementing APNU’s amendments. He said that the People’s Progressive Party/
Civic (PPP/C) will find the amendments uncomfortable because they fit in so nicely with the law. “It’s basically going to be at variance with the public statements that have been made by the State, the President, the Minister of Legal Affairs, Attorney General, by the Ministers of Finance both junior and senior going around the country on these so called consultations. “We are satisfied that the recommendations which we made for strengthening the AML architecture.” It is against that backdrop that APNU rejected the revised version of Dhurjon’s work. According to Harmon, “Mr. Nandlall has already submitted the revised version of the Chief Parliamentary Council’s work even before it came to the Select Committee and I had cause to remind the Attorney General that he sits in the Committee as a member
APNU’s Executive Member Joseph Harmon of the Committee not as the Attorney General. “Therefore he has no prior right to the work of the Chief Parliamentary Council.”
E’bo Wartsila engine repairs completed - GPL Repairs to a key generator on the Essequibo Coast are completed and there are plans to add another unit shortly, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) announced yesterday. That Region Two area has been facing significant power outages recently. The Wartsila unit, from February 27th to Wednesday, March 12th, underwent a rigorous maintenance process. GPL said that works were successful at the Anna Regina Wartsila plant. Residents between Onderneeming to Supernaam and Devonshire Castle to
Charity, Region Two, were affected. “Cognizant of the electricity difficulties experienced in Essequibo, GPL pledges its unwavering commitment to the residents of Essequibo to continuously work to provide quality electricity despite our constraints,” the state owned company said yesterday. GPL’s longer-term development plans for Essequibo extends beyond engine overhauls for existing infrastructure. “In the latter half of this year, our company is proposing to complete the foundations for a new four-
MW HFO fired Unit at Anna Regina and the foundations for a new 3 x 2 MW HFO fired power station at Bartica.” GPL also said that on the program for this year is the installation and commissioning of two new 500 kVA generating sets at Leguan, and one new 500 kVA set at Wakenaam with a view to providing a 24 hours, seven days per week service. GPL has been battling a rising demand for power as new housing schemes and companies continue to be added to the grid rapidly. Government has been eyeing hydro-power as one of the answers to growing demand and for the long term reduction of its high fuel bill. These development plans will work together to provide the residents of Essequibo with the best quality supply of Electricity.
He said that the Chief Parliamentary Council’s office is located within the office of the Attorney General and comes under Dhurjon’s work the purview of the Attorney General himself. Harmon contended, “Nandlall is to receive documents just as any member of the Committee and if he intends to make any recommendation it should be made then. The manner in which the government sought to submit to us, the Chief Parliamentary Council’s recommendations and revised version by the attorney General dated the same day we consider that to be obnoxious and out of hand in fact we haven’t considered his amendments.” Harmon said that their recommendations were well made and well founded both in law and in reality “therefore we are basically saying now that the government has no further excuse to make for delaying what needs to be done, to have an Anti Money Laundering Bill passed in the National Assembly.” According to Harmon, it is now time for President Donald Ramotar to engage with the opposition political parties and deal with the issues they have on the table. “What we are looking forward to now is for President Ramotar, rather than going around the country, spending some time and energy talking to us of the issues that affect this nation.” Harmon said that this position is also shared by his colleagues form the Alliance for Change (AFC). “We have made it very clear that we are reasonable people. We have put our demands there on the table and we expect that we would have some consultation with the government with respect to how we satisfy the requirements of all the parties. “You can only achieve that by sitting together at a table not by shouting at each other at the television or at the convention centre, it’s not there; that is not the forum.”
Friday March 15, 2014
Kaieteur News
Investigators focus on foul play behind missing plane - sources KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - An investigation into the disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines jetliner is focusing more on a suspicion of foul play, as evidence suggests it was diverted hundreds of miles off course, sources familiar with the Malaysian probe said. In a far more detailed description of military radar plotting than has been publicly revealed, two sources told Reuters an unidentified aircraft that investigators suspect was missing Flight MH370 appeared to be following a commonly used navigational route when it was last spotted early on Saturday, northwest of Malaysia. That course - headed into the Andaman Sea and towards the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean - could only have been set deliberately, either by flying the Boeing 777-200ER jet manually or by programming the auto-pilot. A third investigative source said inquiries were focusing more on the theory that someone who knew how to fly a plane deliberately diverted the flight hundreds of miles off its scheduled course from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. “What we can say is we are looking at sabotage, with hijack still on the cards,” said the source, a senior Malaysian police official. One of the most baffling mysteries in the history of modern aviation remains unsolved after nearly a week. The latest radar evidence is consistent with the expansion of the search for the aircraft to the west of Malaysia. There has been no trace
of the plane nor any sign of wreckage as the navies and military aircraft of more than a dozen countries scour the seas across Southeast Asia. Malaysian Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said he could not confirm the last heading of the plane or if investigators were focusing on sabotage. “A normal investigation becomes narrower with time ... as new information focuses the search, but this is not a normal investigation,” he told a news conference. “In this case, the information has forced us to look further and further afield.” Investigators were still looking at “four or five” possibilities, including a diversion that was intentional or under duress, or an explosion, he said. Police would search the pilot’s home if necessary and were still investigating all 239 passengers and crew on the plane, he added. If the jetliner did stray into the Indian Ocean, a vast expanse with depths of more than 7,000 meters (23,000 feet), the task faced by searchers would become dramatically more difficult. Winds and currents could shift any surface debris tens of nautical miles within hours, dramatically widening the search area with each passing day. “Ships alone are not going to get you that coverage, helicopters are barely going to make a dent in it and only a few countries fly P-3s (longrange search aircraft),” William Marks, spokesman for the U.S. Seventh Fleet, told Reuters. “So this massive expanse of water space will be the
biggest challenge.” The U.S. Navy was sending an advanced P-8A Poseidon plane to help search the Strait of Malacca, a busy sealane separating the Malay Peninsula from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It had already deployed a Navy P-3 Orion aircraft to those waters. U.S. defense officials told Reuters that the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, USS Kidd, was heading to the Strait of Malacca, answering a request from the Malaysian government. The Kidd had been searching the areas south of the Gulf of Thailand, along with the destroyer USS Pinckney. Satellites picked up faint electronic pulses from the aircraft after it went missing on Saturday, but the signals gave no immediate information about where the jet was heading and little else about its fate, two sources close to the investigation said on Thursday. U.S. experts are still examining the data to see if any information about its last location could be extracted, a source close to the investigation told Reuters. Malaysia’s civil aviation chief confirmed on Friday the government was working with U.S. investigators to establish if there was any satellite information that could help locate the airliner. The last sighting of the aircraft on civilian radar screens came shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, less than an hour after take-off. It was flying as scheduled across the mouth of the Gulf of Thailand on the eastern side of peninsular Malaysia, heading towards Beijing.
Pakistan court orders Musharraf to appear or face arrest
Islamabad (AFP) - A special tribunal hearing a landmark treason case against Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf yesterday ordered him to appear in person on March 31 or face arrest. The court was due to indict Musharraf yesterday over his 2007 imposition of emergency rule, but Musharraf’s lawyers said he was unable to appear because of the threats to his life. The case is seen as a key test of civilian authority over Pakistan’s powerful military. The three-member panel headed by judge Faisal Arab ordered the 70-year-old Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999-2008, to
Pervez Musharraf appear on March 31. “It is further directed that the (arrest) warrant would be executed early in the morning
of March 31, if the accused refuses to appear before this court on his own volition,” it added. Musharraf became the first former army chief to appear in court on treason charges on February 18, but since then has missed repeated hearings due to bomb scares and health problems. He has endured a torrid time since returning to Pakistan in March last year on an illfated mission to run in the general election. Almost as soon as he landed he was barred from contesting the vote and hit with a barrage of legal cases dating back to his rule.
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A MAN WHO CANNOT FEED HIS FAMILY IS LESS OF A MAN In 1980, there were close to 100,000 workers in the public sector. This meant that one in every four employable Guyanese worked for the government. However by 1986, the total number of workers in the public sector had been slashed to about 78,000, close to a twenty-five per cent decline. It was not as if these workers had simply gone over to jobs in the private sector. The private sector in those days was economically enfeebled and would have been unable to accommodate the close to twenty-two thousand workers who had left. The greater part of those leaving was retrenched. In 1982 alone, some four thousand government workers received their dreaded redeployment letters.
It was a traumatic experience that led to the wholesale vending that has now taken over the country. People had to make money and though there was little to sell, people could not go hungry. And so they peddled whatever there was to sell, which in those days of import restrictions amounted to tamarind balls, sugar cakes, plantain chips and locally manufactured chewing gums and mints. Do you know how many persons in this country avoided starvation by selling mints? A great many persons also departed these shores never to return. They have tried to suppress that memory of what happened to them when they lost their jobs. It was a terrible period in the country’s history, one caused
Dem boys seh...
Ah Kneel hijack Hap New amendments Old people always seh that monkey does mek he pickney till he spoil am. Dem got another seh that when people ain’t got nutten to do dem does use a perfume bottle fuh a toilet bowl. Ash Knee had nutten to do suh he mek a $5,000 note. Everything was going good; was easy fuh dem minibus got problems finding change fuh $500. Now because Ash Knee want people remember him he mek this $5,000. Dem boys seh that he was probably thinking of how much money he could pocket without anybody noticing. But he causing problems fuh nuff people. Market people frighten de money; dem stores don’t want see it and wuss of all, dem men frighten to walk wid it when dem drunk because dem gun mek serious mistake. De other one, he de Ah Kneel, mek a mistake too. He come out and tell people how de chief legal draftsman got a problem wid de amendments that Hap New mek. Then de draftsman come out and seh that Ah Kneel lie. Ah Kneel get vex and decide to use he powers. He tell de draftsman that de man got to give he de Hap New amendments before he give de parliament. This is a man who claim that de opposition delaying de Bill. But he tek de amendments and he mek he own amendments. Dem boys want to know if is not more problems he creating. Now de Hap New people calling he a crook and a destructive element. But de truth is that Ah Kneel defending he wuk. He believe that he got to peep everything suh he peep wha de draftsman do. Normally, when a man thief, he does wait fuh li’l time pass before he use wha he thief. Ah Kneel use de people amendment before even dem see it. People now calling he a scamp and he is de same man who sue de Waterfalls paper because de paper h9int at he scampishness. Talk half and keep you eye pun Ah Kneel.
by economic mismanagement and particularly by an earlier expansion of government employment. In those days if you wanted a government job, it helped, helped considerably if you had a party card for the ruling party. The party office was a virtual Ministry. In fact the Ministry of National Mobilization was a virtual party office and employed senior party operatives. When they sent a worker to a government agency, it was not a case of the ministry examining whether a job was available. It was a case of the ministry being forced to find a job for that employee. Three sets of problems arose because of this practice. The first was the ballooning of the State sector. The State sector became too large and this meant that large sums, sums not being earned because of the falling production and productivity, had to be found each month to pay wages. As a result, central government finances were thrown into disequilibrium. The second problem was that there were many square pegs in round holes. You had persons sitting in front of
typewriters who punched the keys with one finger while there were young girls just out of typing school typing at 120 words per minute who could not find a job even in this over-bloated public sector. You had a great many incompetents holding down office. Some of them are still around. They did not have clue about the jobs to which they were assigned and this was one of the primary reasons why the economy instead of recovering continued to go into a tailspin. The third problem that arose was discrimination. They were many ably qualified persons who were bypassed for promotion because party hacks had to be catered for. There were many individuals who were catapulted into senior government positions simply because they knew some top official, not because they could do the job. Many of them are still around, waiting for their retirement packages. The lesson that this present generation should heed from this experience is one related to dispossession. There are many ways to rob a man of what he has. And a
great deal of wealth has through rank criminality, been taken from innocent hard working persons and found its way into the hands of crooks. But the most humiliating form of dispossession is for a man to lose the source of his livelihood. When over twenty thousand workers lost their jobs in the public sector in the six years beginning 1980, it caused real distress in homes because there is nothing worse, nothing more humiliating to a man than not being able to provide for his family. Those retrenchment letters that were received caused many families to suffer grievously. Today, the tables have turned and now the private sector is the largest employer. In fact, one foreign company is now the largest private employer in Guyana. But GUYSUCO remains the largest public sector company and still employs thousands of Guyanese. Those who make reckless
statements about Guyana exiting sugar and who urge that ethanol and fish farms be considered are making the same sort of promises that the retrenched workers received during the period 1980 -1986. Those workers were told that they were redeployed, that they would be placed elsewhere. Those jobs never materialized and people suffered. If an alternative to sugar is to be found, it has to be phased in and phased in extremely gradually because there is no way that Guyana can ever recover from the dispossession that will result if the sugar industry is closed without the immediate prospects of finding alternative employment for displaced workers. The 1980s must never again be repeated in this country.
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Anti Money Laundering Bill...
APNU amendments in violation of Parliamentary Standing Orders -Dr Singh Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh has accused the political Opposition of operating outside of the Parliamentary Standing Orders with the submissions of its amendments to the Special Select Committee dealing with the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill. The Finance Minister was at the time speaking at the International Conference Centre at the Government hosted consultation regarding the non passage of the Bill which could lead to international blacklisting by the Financial Action Taskforce (FAFT). “What we have here before the Committee is two sets of issues; we have the Bill that responds to the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce (CFATF) recommendations and Opposition amendments.” According to Dr, Singh, there is an interpretation of the Standing Orders that suggests that the Committee cannot consider the Opposition’s amendments. He said that the Committee is constrained to dealing with the matter which was referred to it. The amendments proposed by A
Partnership for National Unity (APNU) which has also found support with the Alliance for Change is to amend the Principal Act. Dr Singh points out that what was sent to the Committee is a Bill that was drafted based on recommendations from CFATF and as such “for the Committee to deal with the Opposition’s amendments is a violation of the Parliamentary Standing Orders.” The Finance Minister further noted that there are strong grounds for concern in relation to the Opposition’s amendments. LEGITIMATE CONCERNS He said that there are legitimate concerns about the amendments dealing with currency seizure within the business community, inclusive of farmers and miners. Dr Singh was speaking to the amendment which seeks to allow for the stop search and seizure of currency within the country and not just at the ports of entry and exit, as is currently enshrined in the Law. The Finance Minister said that it must be pointed that money laundering is not only about drug trafficking or terrorism. “Money laundering is the laundering
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh addressing the consultation of the proceeds of crime… which for the purpose of that definition is an extremely broad concept in the money laundering act.” He said that for the purpose of the Anti Money Laundering Act, crime does not only include trafficking in narcotics but would also comprise fraudulent conversion and tax evasion. With the APNU proposal enacted into law, according to Dr Singh, you can be stopped not only on suspicion of
involvement in narcotics related activities, “you can be stopped on suspicion of fraudulent conversion.” He posited that a policeman would then be able to say to a citizen that the chain around their neck was purchased using money that should have been used to pay taxes. That person’s assets would then be subjected to a lengthy process to recover the seized assets Speaking to the other amendment by APNU to have the National Assembly be responsible for the appointment and composition of the members of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Dr Singh said that “CFATF has already pointed out that FATF standards require that the FIU operate independently. According to Dr Singh, the insertion of a politically appointed body as well as for Parliament to execute
supervision will impair the independence of the FIU and potentially bring Guyana into non compliance with FAFT. “There are legitimate reasons for concern about Opposition amendments,” reiterated Dr Singh. He reminded that the contents of the Bill that went to Parliament was in response to CFATF’s recommendations and further is not the subject of any controversy. REASONABLE OFFER Both Government and Opposition have agreed on the original Bill, said Dr Singh. He told those gathered at the Conference Centre that the disagreements are only in relation to the Opposition’s amendments. As a result, Dr Singh holds the view that there is absolutely no reason why the Parliament should not proceed with the CFAT compliant Bill that it has before it “There is no reason why
a responsible parliamentarian should not say let us approve the Bill to bring Guyana out of a perilous situation even as we continue to consult with other stakeholders on the Opposition’s amendments.” He said that the Opposition should pass the Bill for which there is agreement and at the same time engage stakeholders and study the amendments to further examine if it will bring Guyana into conflict with FAFT. Dr Singh advocated for an examination of the Opposition’s amendments to see if it will cause any problems for the business community. He suggested that in doing so, the CFATF compliant Bill should not be detained which places the country at the risk of peril. According to Dr Singh, President Ramotar has already given the Opposition leader, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, the assurance that he would continue to engage them on their amendments in return for support and passage of the current Bill. Dr Singh said that the President even documented his proposal that should an acceptable formulation of the Opposition’s amendments be found which would not collide with the interests of domestic stakeholders as well as meet FAFT’s standard, the Government would support it. “I don’t believe that one could reasonably ask for a more reasonable proposal than what was put to Mr. Granger …he (President Donald Ramotar) didn’t throw the APNU amendments out of the window,” Dr Singh told those gathered at the Conference Centre for the consultation.
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Propagandizing will not pass the AML Bill -AFC The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill which Government is hoping to get the House’s majority vote on will not get passed through “propagandizing”. This is the view of Treasurer for the Alliance for Change (AFC) Mr. Dominic Gaskin. Gaskin was at the time speaking at the Party’s weekly press briefing. According to Gaskin, Government, while it extends tremendous energy and resources both human and financial, has failed to extend even a small fraction of that energy towards reaching consensus with the parliamentary political parties. Gaskin said that while it is beneficial for the electorate to be informed on the provisions of the Bill, the AFC notes that the many outreaches by Government has failed to address this area and have
- Gov’t needs to engage Parliamentary Opposition
AFC Executive Dominic Gaskin instead been used to cast blame on the Opposition. “Government also continuously fails to explain to those who attend the outreaches, why it failed to bring the amendments to the house for over 17 months” Gaskin told the media. He noted that many would recall that the Caribbean Financial
action Task Force (CFATF) had indicated the need to amend legislation as early as November 2011. Gaskin further noted that even after the sitting of CFATF for close to one and a half years, the Government when it did bring the amendments to the House was recalcitrant is providing all the needed information to the Opposition. “Now that the Government finds itself under pressure from local, regional and international bodies to pass the amendments, it is blaming the Opposition for the delays” he said. Gaskin said that one would expect Government to engage all political parties at a tripartite level to resolve differences so that the Bill could be passed, but it seems as though they are opposed to this.
GTU adopts ‘zero tolerance’ stance to sexual teacher/student relations A zero tolerance stance has been assumed by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) regarding sexual teacher/student relationships that has in recent years escalated to disturbing proportions. During an interview with this publication GTU President, Colin Bynoe, advocated for teachers, both male and female found in such situations, to be subjected to any and all penalties for defying the normal and acceptable teacher/student relationship. “A sexual relationship with a student, this is a no, no...and when they (teachers) are caught they must face the penalty; they must face the full brunt of the law,” insisted a passionate Bynoe, who himself has been a teacher for a number of years. According to him, the GTU has been privy to instances where both male and female teachers were known to develop relationships of a sexual nature with students. “It is happening both ways, some of them are loud and some are silent, but I wish to say that the GTU’s position is and will continue to be zero tolerance for this,” emphasised Bynoe. He alluded to the fact that an individual, upon assuming the role of a teacher has taken up the noble role of being responsible for nurturing the minds of the nation’s children, an undertaking that certainly doesn’t include “getting into their bodies.” Moreover, Bynoe declared that “as a teacher you are not to take control of a child’s mind and use other parts of
GTU President, Colin Bynoe them for personal gain. As a human being and as President of this Union I will continually say that we will not in any way condone this practice.” In fact he disclosed that the Union would have no objection if such cases in the school system attract substantial jail time. “We have a responsibility to look after people’s children, not have sex with them.” But the situation of such relations have overtime proven to be quite peculiar, in some instances, as according to Bynoe there are times when teachers themselves find themselves as the victims. This however, does not; in anyway, take away from the fact that there are male teachers going after both male and female students and female teachers going after both female and male students. Speaking specifically to some cases where female students are seen as the aggressor, Bynoe speculated that “a lot of parents are sending their children to
school to find somebody who could give them their next lunch, dinner or breakfast.” “Children are using teachers as the means of doing this and our male teachers, we have said around our branch meetings and at our other meetings, they have to beware of female students in their classrooms,” confided the GTU president. He disclosed that since the ‘male teacher’ faction in the school system is so meagre, the GTU has in fact called on female teachers to help protect the male teachers from some “ultra aggressive” school girls. The GTU, according to Bynoe, has not only been calling on male teachers to “resist advances but they need to know when to run for cover...this is in their interest and in the interest of the profession.” Added to this, Bynoe disclosed that male teachers have been cautioned to watch for those female teachers with ulterior motives as well. “A lot of the time the focus is on the male teachers but it really is across the board...so we are also asking male teachers to talk to female teachers who have their own agenda of playing around with girls or boys in schools as well as male teachers who want to play around with boys or girls as well. We are saying to the teachers knock that out, that is not the place,” warned Bynoe. In fact he insisted that the GTU has been calling for schools to report even any suspicion of such activities before they are blown out of proportion.
“It must be made clear, that no amount of propagandizing and electioneering can get the Bill passed without engaging the Parliamentary Opposition” Gaskin posited. Recently, APNU had stressed that the ruling Administration’s record of enforcement of the existing Anti-Money Laundering Bill has been one of inconsistency and incompetence. Leader, Brig David Granger had stated that the coalition is committed to strong legislation being in place but is also determined “that the Bank of Guyana (BoG), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
(DPP) are functionally empowered with the needed autonomy and equipped with the technical and institutional capabilities and capacity to effectively discharge the functions assigned to them by the amended 2009 Act.” The Opposition Leader had said that the ruling Administration has been deliberately dilatory and delinquent in enforcing its own anti-money-laundering legislation for over 13 years. “It has not been diligent to implement reforms…It has reacted only when forced to do so by direct threats of sanctions from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the international financial community.” He reminded that a Special Select Committee was
established by the National Assembly in June 2007 to examine a new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill. That Committee started work a year later under its chairman Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Finance, with the new law being enacted more than two years later in 2009. CFATF reported, further, “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2013 was presented in Parliament on April 22, 2013, a week before its deadline of April 30, 2013.” The Opposition leader stressed, it was only in April 2013, when Guyana was threatened with being ‘blacklisted’ and deadlines for compliance were set that the Government was forced to introduce amendments to the Act in the National Assembly.
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Bitter sugar politics…
CANE FARMING COMMITTEE BLAZES POLITICAL OPPOSITION The National Cane Farming Committee (NCFC) has lashed out at the political Opposition, accusing them of attempting to use the ailing sugar industry as part of their political schemes. Through a notification yesterday, the NCFC sought to make clear their disappointment in the fact that the Alliance for Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) are
proposing the closure of the sugar industry. The National Committee expressed that the industry plays a key role in direct and indirect ways in developing the lives of the Guyanese people. The body said that while the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is going through a difficult stage, all parties and stakeholders should work towards creating initiatives
that will positively impact the growth of the industry and the lives of its workers. The Association also said that the public missive comes in light of the fact that not only is the political Opposition calling for the closure of the industry, but is suggesting that moves be made towards ethanol production and aquaculture. The 17 member board which consists of members
from GuySuCo, the banking sector and cane farmers, made a strong appeal to the Government to “continue to invest in GuySuCo and cane farming and requests that the Opposition supports the role Government plays. Farmers at Skeldon, Wales, Albion and Rose Hall have invested billions into sugar cane cultivation and as such it important that it remain the flagship of this country.” Earlier this week, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy had sent out a missive expressing similar views as those proffered by the Association. Ramsammy had said that the Opposition wants Government to cease all investments in sugar and move towards aquaculture but Government’s plan is to pursue both avenues vigorously. However, APNU’s expert on agricultural issues, Mr. Anthony Vieira stressed that he is happy that the Minister sees the potential of this industry. Vieira said, “I am glad to see that he now recognizes the potential of aqua farming. They have never verbalized that before. There will certainly be a transitional period of perhaps five to ten years whilst we convert from cane to aquaculture. But converting to aquaculture along the coast would be foolhardy if we did not use the cane fields which
after hundreds of years of slave and indentured labour have created a field layout which is tailor-made for aquaculture. This land is now too low and too wet to grow sugar cane profitably since the canes cannot be reaped because the mechanical cane harvesters now necessary to harvest the canes due to the shortage of hand labour cannot work under these conditions... the deficiency of understanding of the situation in this nation by its Minister of Agriculture is frightening. The only way that the sugar industry can flourish in this country is to move it away from the low lying wet costal soils to higher virgin ground where we can use machines to harvest it. What the Minister is suggesting here is total nonsense.” The former Member of Parliament stressed that he wishes to make it categorically clear that APNU is not suggesting the removal of the sugar industry and leaving nothing in its place which can employ the sugar workers. However, “What we are saying is let us give them an industry which will employ them all, but will be lighter work and better pay since aquaculture is much more profitable than sugar cane harvesting.” “The executives of the
Anthony Vieira, APNU’s Agricultural Expert People’s progressive Party should put more of their limited talent towards running the country for all its people and stop raiding the national coffers since it is clear that they don’t have the intellect to do both at the same time.” In light of the comments being hurled at the coalition, Vieira said, “These people are responding as if we presented this as our initial plan. When we demonstrated the depth of the trouble the industry is in, without any reasonable possibility of extraction. We were then asked by the media what alternatives we would suggest and we said that the field layout which was militating against us now in growing sugar cane were perfect for another type of agriculture i.e. aqua farming since the very conditions which were against cane harvesting mechanically were perfect for aqua farming. It continues to be spread as though we said that this is our main plan. That is not what we said and will answer to these lies as they present themselves.”
IMMIGRATION INFO: Immigration News For Our Community Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com Through this “Question & Answer” column, our goal is to answer your immigration questions. We appreciate your comments and questions. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, please email : Gail@GailLaw.com. Question #1: Can my daughter who is age 16 and a U.S. citizen file for me? Answer #1: No. While a U.S. citizen can file or petition for his/her parent, however the U.S. citizen child must be age 21 or older. This type of petition, where a U.S. citizen files for a parent is considered an immediate relative petition and a visa is available immediately (meaning there is
no backlog). Question #2: During my interview for U.S. citizenship, I lied to the officer and was denied because of the lie. When can I re-file for U.S. citizenship? Answer #2: Lying to an immigration officer is a serious offence. I do not recommend anyone to lie to a federal officer. You were denied because the officer found you to lack good moral character. One of the requirements for U.S. citizenship is that you must possess good moral character. My advice is to wait five (5) years from the interview date before reapplying for U.S. citizenship. Question #3: Can I marry while the immigrant petition filed by my parent is pending? Answer #3: It depends on whether the petitioner is a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen. If the petitioner
Gail S. Seeram (person who filed the petition) is a permanent resident then you cannot marry because marriage would void the petition. A permanent resident can only file for an unmarried child. If the petitioner (person who filed the petition) is a U.S. citizen then you can marry. Once you marry then the petitioner can change the preference category of the petition from first preference to third preference. Note, the wait time for the visa may increase once you are married but then you and your spouse will be able to emigrate to the U.S.
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Bajan police dogs find missing Guyanese woman in bushy area In what may be a case stemming from domestic violence, a Guyanese woman missing in Barbados has been found dead in a bushy area on that island. According to news reports coming from that island the body of Onicka Malicia Gulliver, 28, was found by police dogs in the Vaucluse area, St. Thomas, yesterday morning. Gulliver disappeared on Tuesday night sparking a police search. Relatives in Guyana told Kaieteur News that the dead woman’s mother travelled to Barbados yesterday morning. Joan Nedd, her aunt said that they heard the news of her disappearance yesterday morning. Nedd said that she did not have much
information but disclosed that Gulliver was the eldest child for her parents. The Gullivers have relatives in several parts of Guyana and are mainly from Georgetown, East Coast of Demerara and Bartica. The woman was said to have been living at Station Hill, St Michael. It was unclear who made the report of her disappearance but police say they have held a suspect, indicating that her death may not have been natural. Media reports in Barbados also indicated that the case may be one of domestic violence. The case has been attracting attention in Barbados also because of the discovery of a marijuana field in a quarry, during the search for the woman.
CUBAN FIVE… René
González refused visa to enter UK
Just a few hours before he was due to fly from Havana to London, René González, was refused a visa to enter the UK, according to President of the Guyana/Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM) Haleem Khan. René González is the principal witnesses for the International Commission of Inquiry into the case of the Cuban Five which took place at the Law Society in London for two days from March 7. In its letter of refusal, the UK Immigration and Visa Office stated that it is due to point 320 (2b) of UK immigration law, which says entry can be denied to a person who has been sentenced to more than four years in prison. Although, dispensation can be granted in exceptional circumstances, the UK government stated that it did not consider Mr González’ attendance at the International Commission to be reason enough to justify this or “outweighed by the public interest in maintaining a refusal.” Rob Miller, Director of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, one of the organisers of the Commission said,
President of the Guyana Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM) Haleem Khan “We are deeply disappointed and surprised by the decision to refuse a visa to René González. “The British government has the opportunity to show discretion on visa applications in circumstances like this but has chosen not to do so with regards to René González’ application. In the context of the already highly politicised case of the Miami Five (Cuban Five), such a decision can only be
interpreted as a political one. “We have taken legal advice and will be appealing this decision including seeking an urgent Judicial Review if necessary.” González returned home to Cuba in May 2013 after serving 13 years in prison and 18 months of supervised released in the United States. He was arrested with four other members of the Miami Five in 1998 after infiltrating Florida-based responsible for carrying out terrorist attacks against Cuba. Haleem Khan noted that the fairness of their trial has been questioned by international human rights groups including Amnesty International. One of the aims of the Commission of Inquiry is to investigate this aspect of the case. Twenty international witnesses and commissioners including their US legal team, family members, victims of terrorism against Cuba and experts on international law, US- Cuba relations and human rights arrived in Britain to take part in the International Commission of Inquiry and associated events.
Key witness takes stand in Tain... From page 3 matter continues today. So far the prosecution has called a number of witnesses include Detective Assistant Superintendent of police Gary Mc Alister who testified to visiting the scene and taking a statement from Morrison. Detective Constable Emmanuel Rajnauth in his testimony gave evidence that he witness the statement given by Morrison. He also visited the scene of the crime and arrested Morrison and testified to finding the cutlass that as allegedly used to commit the crime. Police Constable Nkofi Austin in his testimony stated that he arrested the number one accused, Joshua Persaud, at Black Bush Polder. Police
Detective Constable Andel Doris testified to taking photographs of the scene. While two other witnesses also took the stand including the deceased father Surendra Ramcharan who identified the body. Molchan Raghubir who testified that on the night in question the number one accused Persaud went by his house in company with Morrison and demanded a cutlass from him which he subsequently gave to him. The court had also visited the scene of the crime at Tain on the request of the defence. Earlier Prosecutor Singh who presented the state's case, said that on the day in question Ramcharran was at a bar in the village where he
met two friends, Nicholas Beharry and Rakesh Jaikarran. One of Nicholas friend's borrowed his bicycle to go to 'Dust Till Dawn'. The men subsequently went and look for the friend to retrieve the bicycle. Around 02:30 hrs on the day in question, the friends left the bar. Marlon went ahead and his two friends followed behind. The friends subsequently heard Marlon pleading 'you chopping the wrong person'. Beharry and Rakesh then ran to where Marlon was shouting and there they saw the two accused chopping him. Marlon subsequently fell to the ground. The judge has so far ruled that the statements given by the two accused are inadmissible.
Investigators at the scene yesterday. Inset: Onicka Malicia Gulliver
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FOR HIRE Bush Truck for hire - Tel: 660-3400
AT192, Good condition, must see – Price - $850,000 – Tel: 616-1671 Toyota Hilux Surf 3RZ engine fully loaded with 20’ Chrome rims -Tel:643-5182; 669-8803 1 -1RZ, 15 seater, automatic mini-bus, BNN 3760 - $1.7M Negotiable. Good condition, never used for public transportation – Tel:6280310 ; 672-5429
Executive 5 bedrooms house @ Bel-Air Park, automatic gate, garage & generator, A/ C, semi-furnished- Contact: 223-8479;647-3768 - www. spaceseek.gy 2 One bedroom apartment, fully furnished @ Lot 4 Henry Street, Werk-en- Rust, Georgetown – Contact:6606446; 644-6030 House in Diamond/Grove – Tel:692-8513 Three bedrooms top flat Diamond E.B.D – Tel:6851140; 678-9835
VEHICLE FOR SALE
LF / DAF truck in working condition, 1 super custom diesel bus – Price Attractive for Both – Call:681-5988; 6755448
Toyota Premio- Dark interior with TV, mags, spacio. Tel: 697-0294
One Toyota Tacoma 2006, 12ft Aluminum Boat, Tacoma : rims & tyres – Call:641-6162; 220-1981; 222-5671
Toyota Allion (Black) – Fully powered, automatic, late PMM series, Excellent condition – Tel:622-0112 2008 Fielder & Axio, fully loaded with bodykit, rims, TV/DVD unregistered - Tel: 617-2891
EP-82 Starlet – Call:685-9696 Fully loaded Toyota Rush W/ TV, spoiler, rims, etc, 2008 Toyota Premio – Tel:6154114
2004 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 2700 CC – 4 Cylinder @ 31 Grove Housing Scheme EBD Call: 665-8933; 416-836-1466
First Class Auto: Avensis, Allion, IST, 212, Premio, Spacio, Raum, Passo, Fielder, Verossa -Call:6098188; 602-6307
Unregistered 2002 Toyota Fielder Body Kit, mags, HID fog lamps – Contact:6449277 ($2.2M negotiable)
Toyota Marino AC, mags, CD, recently sprayed over $750,000 – Tel: 618-1047
Unregistered Toyota Premio $2.450, Toyota Spacio - $2.250 Tel: 616-3001; 628-4284
Chevy Cargo Van, Ford 150 & Toyota Tundra - Tel: 227-8519
1 Toyota Rav4 old model , good condition (Selling cheap) – Tel:687-1392
1 Nissan laurel Car - $350,000, 1 American made Saturn Jeep L-hand drive, stick gear – $2.5M – Call:677-3406
Tundra GPP, fully powered, AC, 4 wheel drive – Price: $1.6M – Call:654-3389
2003 Honda Civic, stick shift, low mileage, music, with rims Tel: 696-4659 1- 2007 Toyota 4X4 Tacoma for sale Call: 670-3328 for more information.
1 – F150, 1 – New Model 212 – Call:621-8129
1 Toyota RZ for sale – Price : $1.2M – Contact:616-5310; 692-3028
1 Toyota Minibus pit-bull, BRR Series, immaculate condition, owner leaving country – Tel:629-3663
110 Corolla new model, crystal Lights, CD, AC, good condition - $850,000 – Tel:618-1047 1 -212 - $1.3M negotiable, 1 grand Cherokee - $1.5M, Two 250 night hawk & one 750 night hawk – Call:2653024; 265-4454; 663-8639
LAND FOR SALE
Madza 2 PLL series; leathered upholstery, BMW 318i PMM series, Toyota Corolla Axio PRR series. Excellent condition - Contact: 600-1329
2- Acres cultivated, 2-1 Acres cultivated, 7 Acres cultivated, citrus, house, fish pond, storage at Parika- Call: 226-7968
AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN & RZ & Pitbull buses, 7 seater super customs. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154
Land at LBI, E.C.D Size:150X50, No agent, only serious inquires Call between 8:30am & 5Pm – Tel:222-8023
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154
One Transported large Lot at Zeelught EBE - $2.2M – Tel:617-4439
Cheap Deals on all English & Japanese Vehicles Online Call: MRR Imports on 6917475; 626-9590
Unregistered Toyota Raum 2004 & Spacio -2003 - Tel: 617-5536
FOR HIRE
Romrima Trust Versailles @ W.B.D - Tel: 652-3707
Large enclose canter, double axel Hiab truck – Call:6945460, 662-8884; 266-5771
Parfaite Harmonie With foundation (30ftX20ft) $1.5M - Tel:675-7292 Herstelling - $3.2M (110ftX60ft) - Call: 675-7292 Schoonord - $2M - Tel: 675-7292 25 Acres land @ Mouth of Bonasika Creek - Tel: 626-7212
DRESS-MAKING Courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral, cake - decoration Tel: 670-2653; 618-1706
VEHICLE FOR SALE
2 Ton Canter with power gate, unregistered - Tel:6172891
1 Lower Flat 2 bedrooms located at Diamond H/ Scheme, 2nd Bridge - $45,000 negotiable – Call:625-3695; 663-6479
1 Stall In La Penitence Market - Call: 691-7886 2 Trucks – Tel:618-1967; 6984321
Toyota Tundra bubble back fully loaded with 22" Chrome Rims -Tel:643-5182; 669-8803
50 Acres transported land at Grant Belfield, Lower Pomeroon – Tel:671-8100 House lots in Friendship. Tel: 692-8513
1 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 4X4 solid Axle pickup $2.7M Tel: 658-5193; 6382525; 648-4374 1 Freight liner hauler with sleeping cab, 1 -48ft trailor with treated wood – Call: Rakesh 613-6979 1 DAF 4X4 Bush Truck Winch - $3.8M - Tel:6585193; 638-2525; 648-4374 Toyota RZ mini-bus BPP series excellent condition, hardly worked - Price: $2.5M Negotiable Contact: 694-8825
Toyota Mark 2 for sale: very good condition - $1.5M negotiable – Call:641-6725 One Raum – PMM series $1.2M – Contact:671-6051 AT170 Corona, automatic EFI, SV10 Toyota Camry Tel: 676-8475 1 RZ minibus, stick gear, BKK series (working Condition) – Tel:693-2174 AT192 - Call: 602-0236 Corona AT190, PHH Series . Contact: 217-0138; 686-0251 Toyota Carina PGG 5408, AT150 Car, Good driving condition - $170,000 - Tel: 654-4635 Toyota Raum, Spacio, AT212, AT192, AT170, NZE and L- Touring wagon, Nissan E24 Caravan – Tel: 644-5096; 697-1453 One Honda accord DX manual transmission, excellent condition – Call:618-5972; 685-57-27; 218-1208 (Continued on page 23)
Saturday March 15, 2014
Kaieteur News
MASSAGE American Style massage services- Call:678-7499 PEN PAL Foreign Man: loving, generous & loyal seeks female Guyanese friend (1736yrs) , Email picture to iluvguyanesewomen @yahoo.com / Tele: 1-246835-6908 (7pm – 8pm) Looking for friendship 4050yrs – Call:626-8482
EDUCATIONAL Balloon decorating classes – April 05 - Call: 225-3133; 6137513 for more information and to register. Do you want to live & work in Canada? Train as a live in caregiver, Canadian Standards - Tel:592-2274881; 416-674-7973
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 647-2943 COOL TECH: Repairs Services & Installation of all types of home appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 2332008; 675-4959 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045 Masons seeking job work – Tel:678-9043 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) Painters available, job work prefer – Tel:694-6823 Florida to New York Road Trip – Tel:675-7292
VACANCY 1 Driver must have a valid Tractor Licence. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek Two mature hire car drivers to work with taxi services – Tel:611-1018 or 642-6564 One experienced taxi service dispatcher, excellent salary Call: 611-1018 or 642-6564 Tibetan Terrier pupsCall:225-4780; 601-5927 Tudor’s Business Linden, have vacancies for Two 2 sales clerks. Apply in person Tel:444-5883
LEARN TO DRIVE Shalom Driving School @ 2 Croal street. Fee $16,000Call:227-3869 Soman Son & Outar Driving School @ Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 Ultravoilet Driving School – Contact:231-2372;6022583;658-4015
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PROPERTY FOR SALE
Lot 52 Bella Dam, Pouderoyen W.B.D. Call: 615-4775 Urgently needed 2 plots of land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie – Tel:675-7292
Property for sale - Call:6275416
Taxi Drivers – Apply at Gems Taxi – Call:667-9013
3 Storey wooden concrete building situated @ Broad & Charles Sts, Charlestown – Tel:677-3406
1 Live in maid between 4048yrs – Contact:675-5256; 662-9861
Diamond- Close to public road. Spacious 3 bedrooms, 2 family properties -$20M. Jewanram: 227-1988/ 623-6431. Near Regent Street -$37M, Campbellville (2 buildings) $25M, Lamaha Gardens $55M – Contact Diana:2272256; 626-9382 2 Storey concrete building, 7 bedrooms: 4 upstairs & 3 downstairs @ Paradise $5M negotiable Tel:6796377; 667-0064 House and land @ De’ Edward W.C.B - Tel:689-2973 1 Newly built 2 storey concrete house @ Canal No#2 Belle West - Tel:6153333; 648-9428 Durban Street close to Mandela Avenue 2 flat fairly new concrete building $30M - Contact B&G’s Realty :617-9717;682-4094 Queenstown, second building, 3 bedroom cottage in good condition - $16M Contact B&G’s Realty :6179717;682-4094 Unfinished two storey concrete house @ Bladen Hall E.C.D – Call:688-6316 FOR HIRE One large enclosed canter, ideal for beverages, goods & furniture - Call: 611-9297
Barbers – Contact:683-1534; 609-4983 Sales Executive, experienced in corporate computer supplies and accessories – Cal:223-1556 One experienced hairdresser – Contact Magic Touch Beauty Salon – Tel:225-6492
Experienced hairdresser, must know to do hair & nails, experienced barber for interior location – Call:6655812; 233-2186; 697-6726 Natural beauty salon & spa: Grove Market Street EBD Tele:265-4138,6525800 specialized in everything for women
Experienced Babysitter, age: 20-40yrs, Contact: 223-5273-4 Arc/ Acetylene Welders, good fabricating skills, high rates – Tel:610-2978 One live in maid for Georgetown preferable from country side – Contact:6995359 1 Whole day domestic – Tel:667-5717; 650-4761 Experienced driver & dispatcher @ Princess Hotel Tel: 265-7075; 265-7076; 6165419 FOR SALE/RENT
CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental- Call: 2257126/226-3693- dollysauto rental@yahoo.com/ www. dolly sautorental.com Aidan’s Car Rental & Pickup Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807 Premio, vitz call:6797139,639-4452 Wings Car Rental - Call: 643-1131
WANTED Salesgirls & Porters. Apply with written application at Lot E Dennis & Middleton Street, Best Buy Food Supplies. Wallaba posts, greenheart and bullet wood lumber (milled sawn preferably) Tel: 600-5872; 600-1329 Sawmill workers - Tel: 6539752. Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 CHAINSAW LUMBER: Kabukalli, Shibadan, Silverballi, Simarupa, etc – Tel:653-9752 One Domestic to do general domestic work - Age 4550yrs to work at Montrose Tel: 600-5253 Live in , live out babysitter Tel: 225-6070 2 Experienced salesgirl $15,000 per week - Call: 2239677
Vacant corner lot 58"X30" @ Garnette & Republic Streets, Newton Kitty – Tel:645-0616
Rangers. Must have experienced reading maps and using GPS - Contact: 223-5273/4
American pool table – Tel: 227-0578; 685-9714
Live in waitress- Call:6439007/ 697-2978 Hire car driver need - Contact: 611-2414 or 693-8176 One female cook for home in the interior contact: 681-6044
TO LET Apartments to rent in Cummings Lodge - Call:2224389 Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call:6193660,639-4452 Ruimzeight Garden – 3 bedroom house: toilet, bathroom, fully furnished – Tel:269-1277; 667-2338 1 -4 bedrooms house at Happy Acres, $300,000 per month – Call:231-7839
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773
WANTED
2 Income properties at bargain p r i c e - $ 4 0 M negotiable - Tel: 686-4899; 684-3718
Cashiers and porters vacancy at Marcos Trading, experience would be an asset Tel:225-9445 1 Experienced Nail Technician (preferably Air Brush) @ Nalline Beauty Salon, Vreed-En-Hoop Junction – Contact:604-2900; 625-3899
(From page 22)
One three storey business property @ Middle street, Georgetown, 2 business Property on Whim Public Road Berbice - Tel: 619-7134; 225-6481
Campbellville -$90,000, Queenstown -$US800, BelAir - $US900 & Many More Contact Diana:227-2256; 626-9382 Fully furnished rooms for foreigners in Diamond – Call:687-1392 Wings Two bedrooms apartment – Tel:643-1131 Single room apartment (furnished) in Eccles – Call:233-2770
One mechanic must know about Perkins and Cummings to work interior Contact: 681-6044 Experienced Carpenter Call: 668-9863; 625-0930 Attractive Live-In waitress Tel: 228-5129; 604-8277 Attractive waitress and experienced cooks - Tel:6227201/ 622-0494 One Hire car driver 35 years and older from W.B.D or W.C.D – Tel:616-0111 Experienced Cashiers to work @ supermarket on the East Coast, Age 25-50yrs Call: 642-1141 Do you need excavator operator 12 years experienced in mining , I’m Available Call:Tel:696-2510; 254-1874 Experienced Roti, Puri cooks, cashier, counter servers, pastry makers, handyboys. Apply @ Hacks Halaal, Lot 5 Commerce Street. One maid – Tel:612-9570
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Kaieteur News
Saturday March 15, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Exploitation of East Coast commuters must stop DEAR EDITOR, It is with great apprehension that I write about the exploitation faced by commuters when using public transportation for the East Coast Demerara route after coming off work at 16:15hrs on a daily basis. As an employee who awaits transportation in front of The Hand in Hand Group
of Companies, North Road, along with my colleagues and fellow members of the traveling public, where the No. 44, 50 and 63 buses traverse, we are at the mercy of this immoral action by both minibus drivers and conductors, mainly the No. 44 buses. Both minibus drivers and conductors indicate to passengers before entering
their bus that they have to pay a fare of $200 or more to travel along the East Coast Demerara route. The regular fare, as we all know, is $100 from Georgetown to Annandale/ Strasphey, and an additional $20 as the journey goes on. Myself and fellow commuters are outrageously subjected to pay double or more of the
normal fare to get to our destinations daily. Passengers refusing to comply with these demands are verbally and physically assaulted when they exit the minibuses. There have been instances where minibus conductors took away the handbags of female passengers and without consent, took out money from their purses and then they drove away. In order to get home early, one has no alternative but to give in and put up with this ridiculous behaviour or remain stranded at the bus park. This already puts a
strain on commuters’ pockets since it seems that if you do not have $200 in your possession, you are not going home. This practice is illegal and passengers feel that they can do nothing about it and have to endure this unscrupulous behaviour daily. It is very nerve-racking after a hard day’s work to watch this go on and nothing is being done by the relevant authorities. There have been several occasions in which the Minibus Association, Consumers’ Association and the Minister of Transport had promised to conduct
investigations into the unregulated hike in minibus fares across various routes starting from 16:00 hrs in the afternoon, when commuters are asked to pay double or even triple the normal fare when the Police are conducting road blocks. I appeal to those in authority to enforce the correct fare structure for the East Coast Demerara route minibuses and to persons found guilty, the necessary criminal charges be instituted against them - Owners, Drivers and Conductors of minibuses. Chitramanie Rupnarain
Habitual discrimination... From page 4 most appropriate within a Federated Guyana, to finally showcase any lofty dreams in that paradise? “Note the reluctance of certain groups to take part in National Service, generally regarded as semi-military” by which the PNC Mayor exhibits such out of touch characterization for those who adamantly reject the “all in one cook up” to realize the required flavour. When Mr. Green has become sufficiently sensitive to escape his everyday mental and physical location of Georgetown to a new reality, then, maybe he can attempt to comprehend why no par-
ent will send their daughters to be raped in conformity with a political policy which they detest. Racial balance in the SWAT unit must become a reality as a start. Dr Cheddi Jagan’s 1960s governing PPP, even when Guyana was not independent, even when he always claimed he was in office but not in power, achieved the noble establishment of the Special Services Unit (SSU) under the command of Sandhurst (UK) Major Abdul Sattur, with precise racial balance. The incoming PNC-UF government transformed the SSU into the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), fired Major Sattur, disbanded the predominantly black British
Guiana Volunteer Force and poured them into the newlyreorganized GDF, completely altering the racial balance in existence today. Was that gravitation or an artificial mix? To his credit, British Guiana’s first PPP Home Affairs Minister Mr. Balram Singh Rai also actively promoted the recruitment of Indo Guyanese in the Guyana Police Force. It is obvious what would have been black American reactions to a white Mr. Green’s carbon copy historic presumptuousness in such bold rejection (now inflicted onto his fellow Indo Guyanese) which told North American black people: “As we mature, this nation (i.e. America) must concentrate on training our youth, developing sound morals and decency, learning to judge a person not by race or belief but by content of character and willingness to work hard and make sacrifices” notwithstanding Dr Martin Luther King. Mr. Green acts as if he is still both victim - enslaved and simultaneously mastercolonial inheritor - to decide who are most entitled to maintain “winner takes all” by a birthright patent. Was white America’s accommodation of former slave descendants and its Jewish minorities of any significant threat, since they were already conquered officially by institutionalized creolization? Those experiences cannot be applied carte blanche to the Indian cultural presence in the Caribbean, especially Guyana. Sultan Mohamed
Saturday March 15, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 25
$5000 note rejected by some sections of the business sector The $5,000 was put into circulation on December 9, 2013. While the note has been accepted by large companies and commercial banks, shops, minibuses and taxies and stall holders in the market have not only complained about the note, but have rejected it. Some minibus drivers complained bitterly about the fact that the note puts a huge strain on them to make “change.” One driver said, “I honestly don’t understand what is de purpose of this new money that they put into this system because it is stressful to deal with people that bringing a set of $5000 notes. It is ridiculous to deal with
- Deputy Governor insists the new note is serving its purpose and I put a ban on it. I am not accepting it.” Several other drivers were faced with the dilemma of finding change for each of six passengers who presented the note. “As they bring in this money I think the government should put more of the smaller notes into the system. This really stressful and we would like them to explain how this helping the man that got to struggle everyday and sometimes don’t have enough money to make the change. “How they helping the poorer man with this? Is like
this new money is only for people that earning the big money and when it trickles down to we, we have to feel the pressure.” Some local vendors at the Stabroek Market and even at the Bourda Market also expressed their concern at the way in which it puts a strain on their business and even their fears. One vendor explained, “Now it is already hard to find change for this big money. And sometimes when you try to flex with the customers you find yourself in a situation where
you end up with a set of $5000 notes and li’l bit change. “Now I reject it not because of change alone but to tell you the truth I don’t
Anti Money Laundering Law...
Opposition bent on taking Guyana back to 1964/1992 era - Whittaker The combined Opposition seems bent once again on taking Guyana back to the epoch of the 1964 to 1992 era by their failure to pass the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill. This is according to acting Minister of Local Government, Norman Whittaker, who yesterday decided to add his voice to those seeking to press the political Opposition to urgently pass the Bill. Whittaker yesterday said that the Opposition only wants to demonstrate that they are powerful and that they can make Guyana ungovernable. “We cannot allow that to happen,” urged Minister Whittaker. He said when Guyana was blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce (CFATF), “one would have thought that the political Opposition who claim to have the interest and welfare of the Guyanese people at heart would see the negative impact and the imminent jeopardy in which they were about to place our country; since we will be subject to sanctions if we did not comply and put the required legislative reforms in place.” Whittaker holds the view that the non passage of the Bill will negatively affect bilateral financial arrangements with other countries. “Loans and grants to Guyana will suffer and so too will money transfers in and out of Guyana…The flow will be adversely affected…Trade deals will be much more difficult as will import and export of goods…So if my brother in the USA wants to send me a few dollars, it will be more difficult for him to do
Minister of Local Government (ag), Norman Whittaker
so and more difficult for me to get it; all because the risk rating of Guyana will go up.” Whittaker noted too that money borrowed by investors will attract a higher interest rate. “Already I have been told that some banks have been reporting delays in sending and receiving monies with mandatory measures now in place to verify the identities of the persons transacting business.” He suggested that Guyana’s international image will be blemished and this may well make travel and investment more difficult to obtain. “A citizen from a suspected drug country will be subject to much closer scrutiny…None of this is good for any of us…We should all be very worried.” Whittaker said that the Opposition has expressed that the Bill places too much enforcement powers in the hands of two Ministers and that it must be cleaned up. “What do they offer as an alternative; as an improvement? They table three amendments, but many including CFATF Financial Adviser Roger Hernandez expressed concerns that some of the proposed
amendments to the Principal Act could land Guyana in danger zone.” Whittaker said that “try as we may, though these risks were outlined, we have not to date succeeded in getting APNU/AFC to recall these amendments which include vesting police and customs officers with the power to seize currency from any person, anywhere in Guyana, if those Officers have reason to believe that the currency is the proceeds of crime or will be used to finance crime.” He noted too that the Opposition also wants the
President to assent to Bills which they passed in the National Assembly using their one seat majority “even though we did not support them.” Whittaker posits that “both Opposition Parties are obviously enemies of progress and therefore of the Guyanese people. The Guyanese people want progress; they want development. As I move around this Guyana people are asking questions: they want to know if the role of the Opposition has been redefined; they want to know what manner of people are these.” According to Minister Whittaker, “our voices must continue to be sounded and to be heard…T h e Opposition must put our country and its people and their well-being first.”
even know how to really know if the money fake or not. I ain’t want to get shafted so I don’t take it at all.” A herbalist at the Stabroek Market said, “You know the first day I collect this money from a lady that came to by lemon grass from me she mek me fuh know how she ain’t got no change and all she got is the green money. I take it and then when I went into the cambio to buy some US dollars the other day they told me how the money is mock. I was like ‘never again’. “I don’t know how to know this money real or fake. It so fancy with all these symbols I can’t memorize all these things. I would appreciate if the Ministry of Finance or whichever Ministry in charge can come and hold some seminar or a
programme and educate us on how we could identify the real thing. So we don’t want it.” Some local shops have said that they will not accept the $5000 note, regardless of the circumstance. Some have even gone to the point of placing signboards up on their shop with their rejection. Deputy Governor of the Bank of Guyana said, yesterday, that while he has not heard any complaints the $5000 note is serving its purpose. Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Ron Webster, said “I can understand that it may pose difficult for the local market vendors to produce change but I think it’s all a matter of commonsense when it comes to buying goods and when to use the note.”
Guyanese construction worker falls to death in Trinidad A Guyanese man working on a house in California, Trinidad and Tobago reportedly fell to his death Wednesday, news reports said. The deceased was identified as Junior Sammy, who had been staying at Charles Street, Gasparillo, according to the Trinidad Express. According to a police report, Sammy and four other employees of Stephen Babwah Contracting Services of Couva were working at a house at LP# 2 Phoenix Park Road. Police said at around 11 a.m., Sammy was standing on scaffolding raised some 14 feet, when he fell to the ground. Employees contacted paramedics, but Sammy, who appeared to have head injuries, had already died.
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Kaieteur News
Questions arise again over GECOM’s independence The question of the independence of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) may again be rearing its head as Local Government polls becomes a real possibility after more than almost two decades. GECOM under the law, Opposition Parliamentarians have been arguing, is supposed to be an autonomous body, not dependent on the National Assembly to pass its monies. However, a 2003 law called Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMA) has taken away that autonomy by making GECOM accountable to Parliament, a worrying fact that may even conflict with the Constitution, observers say. Last year, Member of Parliament, Carl Greenidge, of A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), successfully piloted a Bill to correct this but President Donald Ramotar has not assented to it. The Administration has said that the Bill is unconstitutional. Under that 2003 law, a number of independent
Jagdeo/Kissoon libel case Lawyers in the Jagdeo/ Kissoon libel case are awaiting a decision by presiding Supreme Court Judge, Brassington Reynolds, on the amendments to the defence case. These amendments were submitted by Attorney -at Law, Nigel Hughes, yesterday. Lawyers for Bharrat Jagdeo (Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos and Sase Gunraj) have objected to the changes. The judge’s is scheduled for March 24. Hughes is representing Kaieteur News columnist, Frederick Kissoon, who is being sued by the former Head of State for in excess of $10M for libel. Also sued are Editor in
GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally bodies including the Judiciary (Director of Public Prosecution and Supreme Court), Office of the Ombudsman, Parliament Office and the Office of the Auditor General, were placed under a different classification or schedule which requires them to present Government administrators with information on requests. The situation may also be worrying for GECOM’s officials themselves, with Chairman, Dr. Steve
Surujbally, indicating Thursday that the release of monies for Local Government elections is now awaiting the passage of the National Budget. While not worrying too much that the Budget can fall under the axe of the Opposition as had been the case for a number of projects and entities like the stateowned media, GECOM would be mindful that the Opposition and others, including the diplomatic community, have been clamoring for early elections with tentative dates like August 1st being thrown out. While not saying much of that controversial 2003 law, the Chairman during a press conference to introduce new Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, said that that effectively, overnight, changed the GECOM into a budget agency. But that is not stopping GECOM from proceeding with its work. Demarcation of voting districts is almost completed with sensitization of the process also started.
Lawyer seeks to amend defence, judge to rule Chief Adam Harris and Publisher Glenn Lall. The former president took legal action against the columnist, who wrote that Jagdeo practised “ideological racism”. The comments were contained in an article titled King Kong sent his goons to disrupt the conference. Based on the evidence that the latest witness for the defence was giving, the issue of justification was raised. Senior Counsel De Santos felt that the defence was making statements that could not be supported. He said that there are no particulars of general assertions which provided the defence with the right to lead certain evidence in the matter and as such asked that
the defence provide evidence to support their claims. Hughes had told the court that the defence was tasked with proving the statements made against the former president. He argued that this was being done based on the research which was conducted by the defendant and the evidence given by the witnesses. He said that the case for the defence is a plea of justification, and in doing so, witnesses are being called to speak on the areas of public/ social services where “ideological racism” was practised. The attorney is seeking to amend his case to specifically deal with the issue of justification.
Friday March 15, 2014
Tragedy at Port Kaituma…
Mother, three children perish after berserk father torches home
A mother and her three children were burnt to death at around 20.45 hrs last night, after a Port Kaituma businessman set his heavilygrilled two-storey home alight with his family trapped inside. Reports out of Port Kaituma stated that two of the man’s daughters and his son perished with their mother. Kaieteur News was told that one of the children is a little over a year old. Sources identified two of the victims as Leah and Lebron LaCruz. The name of the lone survivor has been given as Lisa. People spoke of hearing the children screaming inside the inferno but could do nothing. The said that they feared the possible explosion from the gas cylinders and fuel stored nearby. Residents identified the businessman as Lenus La Cruz, who owned a variety store that was in the bottom flat of the property. Sources said that La Cruz suffered burns to the head, back and limbs after fleeing from the burning building. He was subsequently detained at the Port Kaituma Hospital where he sought medical attention. Irate residents hurled threats at the suspect as he was being taken into custody. Kaieteur News was told that the suspect’s 15-year-old daughter managed to escape. She was reportedly taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital for observation. Kaieteur News was told that she was subsequently taken to a teacher’s home, where she remained. The entire building was destroyed, and residents lamented the absence of a fire station in the community and the shortage of water to fight the flames. Fortunately, despite heavy winds, the flames did not spread to Abdool’s fuel depot which also stored cooking gas. It is believed that the businessman may have waited until his family was asleep before torching his
Taking precautions: Residents removed these gas bottles from a nearby business place property. Residents said that they were alerted to the tragedy after seeing flames and hearing the screams of the children who were trapped in the heavily grilled building. A resident who was at the scene recalled seeing the lone survivor, who is in her teens, standing outside the burning building and screaming “My daddy kill my mommy and my brother and sisters.” At press time, police who were at the scene were still to remove the bodies, and even after the inferno had died down, several angry residents still remained at the scene, speculating as to what
could have triggered the heinous act. “People are angry; they are wondering what caused him (the father) to do this,” one resident said. The resident said that he had seen Mr. La Cruz two days ago and that the businessman had appeared to be “stressed out,” and “down and out.” Kaieteur News understands that the eldest child had made a report to police on Thursday that her father had threatened to burn their house down. The police reportedly told her that they would investigate but that they never did.
Friday March 15, 2014
Kaieteur News
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CDB funds for development Journalist “banned” from covering assignment at President’s Office projects in Bahamas and Barbados PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The NEWSDAY newspaper yesterday said that its senior investigative reporter Andre Bagoo had been banned from attending a media event at the Office of the President, “due to concerns that he might ask President Anthony Carmona a question”. The paper reported yesterday that although it had submitted the name of Bagoo to cover the handingover ceremony for the Report of the Commission of Enquiry into the events of 1990, the reporter was told on arrival at the president’s office that his name was not on the list and he was not authorised to attend the event. “Bagoo’s name was apparently not placed on a list of invitees after concerns were expressed by staff at President’s House over NEWSDAY’s assignment of the reporter to cover the event. “President’s House said
Andre Bagoo they were concerned Bagoo would ask the president questions, having done so on February 27 when Bagoo sought the President’s response over criticisms relating to the revolving appointments of deputy chairman of the Integrity Commission, retired Justice Sebastian Ventour,” the
paper reported. The paper said that on Wednesday, the Office of the President had issued a press release inviting the media to attend the formal handingover of the Commission of Enquiry report indicating also that the name of the journalist to cover the event be submitted to Information Officer to the President. But the paper said after it submitted Bagoo’s name, there were “calls from a spokesperson from the Office of the President… saying there was a “concern” over the reporter being assigned. “It is unclear which official at President’s House had the final say on the issue. NEWSDAY’s Chief Photographer Rattan Jadoo was allowed in to President’s House… as it appeared his name was on the list, but Bagoo was told his was not,” the paper reported.There has been no response as yet from the Office of the President to the newspaper article.
Venezuela’s foreign minister calls Kerry ‘murderer’
CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuela’s foreign minister lambasted U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday as a “murderer” fomenting unrest that has killed 28 people in the South American OPEC member nation. Since street demonstrations began against President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist government in early February, Venezuelan officials have been accusing Washington of stirring the country’s worst political troubles in a decade. U.S. officials say Venezuela is using them as a scapegoat, inventing accusations to distract from internal economic and political problems. In the sternest words during the crisis from Washington, Kerry said on Thursday the Venezuela government was using a “terror campaign” to repress its own citizens. “Every time we’re about to isolate and reduce the violence, Mr. Kerry comes out with a declaration and immediately the street protests are activated,” Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said in a speech carried on state TV. “Mr. Kerry, we denounce to the whole world, you encourage the violence in Venezuela ... We denounce you as a murderer of the Venezuelan people.” After tense relations
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Elias Jaua attends an extraordinary session of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) in Santiago. REUTERS/Maglio Perez during the 14-year rule of the late Hugo Chavez, there had been some hopes on both sides of a rapprochement between Venezuela and the United States. Kerry and Jaua did actually meet in June last year, on the sidelines of a meeting of the Organization of American States in Guatemala, with both governments saying they wanted better ties. But the bitterness and incidents have continued, with Maduro last month expelling three U.S. diplomats he accused of recruiting protesters. Washington responded in kind. “In Guatemala, you said to me ‘you have to lower the
tone’,” Jaua added in his speech. “We are not going to lower the tone to any empire until you order your lackeys in Venezuela to cease the violence against the people.” Despite the harsh words, pragmatism has continued to trump politics when it comes to oil, with shipments unaffected and the United States remaining Venezuela’s main export market. Elected last year to replace Chavez who died of cancer, former bus driver Maduro has faced six weeks of protests led by militant opposition leaders and students. As well as the 28 deaths during the unrest, more than 300 people have been injured. Security forces have arrested
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is making available more than US$18 million in loans to the Bahamas and Barbados for various development projects. CDB at its 60th meeting of the Board of Directors on Thursday approved US$16.18 million for the 40 year-old College of The Bahamas (COB) for an institutional and physical makeover. Among the initiatives for COB are a new Hall of Residence to house 100 students and a new Business Centre. “The transformation of COB is part of a national strategic goal to enhance the human resource capacity of the country to meet its existing and emerging socioeconomic development needs. And, this project is the first phase of a wider transformation programme to support COB’s transition to university status by 2015,” said Deidre Clarendon, Officer in Charge, Projects Department, CDB. Along with the construction of the Hall of
Residence and Business Centre, the loan will fund energy efficiency enhancements, and consultancy services for development of the legislative framework for university status and for the development of Enterprise Risk Management and Quality Assurance systems. The project will also undertake the restructuring of the Business Finance and Human Resource Management systems, the establishment of a Research and Innovation Centre and expanded distance education capacity for learners in the Family Islands. “CDB’s involvement in the tertiary education sector in the Caribbean is informed by its education and training policy and strategy. This strategy supports investments for increasing and broadening access, improving efficiency and effectiveness, strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing technological capacity,” Clarendon said. The CDB said that the COB project complements initiatives in tertiary education in the bank’s
borrowing member countries such as the establishment of the Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network and the establishment of a regional accreditation system. The CDB said that it had approved a loan totalling US$357, 200 for a study that would explore the best approach to improving cargo facilities at the Grantley Adams International Airport. The CDB said that the study would assess the current and future needs, and the type of infrastructure that will best create a world class facility. Such an upgrade will result in improved international competitiveness and multiple benefits to small medium enterprises (SMEs) in particular. The CDB said that along the outcomes of the study will be a gap analysis of the existing operations/physical infrastructure and proposed operations/infrastructure required to accommodate forecasted cargo opportunities and facility demand as well as security considerations to applicable international standards, for both operations and physical infrastructure.
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Kaieteur News
Friday March 15, 2014
Ukraine president, in uniform, says determined to boost military HONCHARIVSKE, Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukraine’s acting president, dressed in combat fatigues as Russia’s military tightened its grip on the Crimea peninsula, said yesterday the former Soviet republic was taking every possible measure to strengthen its military. Oleksander Turchinov, elected by parliament as speaker last month after the removal of a Moscow-backed president, praised troops taking part in exercises north of Kiev, saying they were “carrying out their duties with honor”. “Today at this training site, we saw not some sort of show, but real exercises with tank units and mobile air units essentially working in tandem,” the acting head of state and commander-in-chief told the troops during the exercises, about 150 km (90 miles) north of Kiev. “That is the main conclusion we can make today. At the same time, we are working to strengthen our armed forces and strengthen the newly created National Guard. And I am certain that all the Ukrainian people will help us in this endeavor.” Troops demonstrated an array of weaponry to the media, including tanks, attack helicopters and anti-aircraft and anti-tank missile systems. Similar exercises were held in other parts of the country,
Oleksander Turchinov military officials said. Turchinov, who took over as acting president the same day that Moscow-backed Viktor Yanukovich fled Kiev last month, said on Thursday that a build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine’s eastern borders, in addition to Moscow’s military takeover of Crimea, showed Russia was “ready to invade ... at any moment”. Later yesterday in Kiev, he said Moscow was seeking to restore the Soviet empire by force: “The conflict has moved to a new level - either our new, young democracy will triumph, or a totalitarian curtain will fall on Ukraine.” Meeting visiting U.S. senator John McCain, Turchinov said it was important Moscow’s action
met resistance: “Unfortunately, Russia has given not a single signal that a peaceful solution to the conflict is possible. “Without having any motivation, the Russian authorities will not stop deploying a g g r e s s i o n i n Crimea and will not pull their troops from the eastern borders of Ukraine,” he said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied yesterday that the Kremlin had any plans to invade southeastern Ukraine. Earlier, his ministry had said Russia reserved the right to take people under its protection after clashes between demonstrators in the Russianspeaking city of Donetsk left one protester dead.
U.S. prosecutors again indict Indian diplomat Khobragade
NEW YORK (Reuters) A grand jury in New York has returned a new indictment against Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade for visa fraud, two days after a U.S. judge dismissed a similar indictment because she had diplomatic immunity. Khobragade’s arrest in December and a subsequent strip search drew outrage in India, causing a major diplomatic rift between the United States and India. The United States granted her immunity and then essentially had her expelled from the country in a flurry of diplomatic maneuvers on January 9, the same day she was indicted for the first time. “Unfortunately, I can have no comment at this stage,” Khobragade’s lawyer, Daniel Arshack, said in an email. “The government of India will respond in due course.” The new indictment effectively returns the case to where it was before Wednesday’s dismissal. U.S. District Judge Shira
Devyani Khobragade Scheindlin ruled on Wednesday that Khobragade, who was India’s deputy consul-general in New York, had diplomatic immunity when she sought on January 9 to dismiss the indictment, and thus could not be prosecuted for alleged underpayment of her nanny. A spokesman for Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan, said at the time that the ruling did not bar prosecutors from seeking a new indictment based on the
same charges, now that she has left the country. In yesterday’s move, the grand jury indicted Khobragade for visa fraud and making false statements. Prosecutors have accused her of forcing Sangeeta Richard, her housekeeper and nanny, to work 100-hour weeks at a salary of just over $1 an hour, far below the U.S. legal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. With Khobragade in India, the new indictment does not appear to have any immediate practical consequences. A State Department spokeswoman said this week that the agency’s position was that Khobragade had full immunity from prosecution only for a single day in January and no longer enjoyed protection from prosecution once she left the country. The dispute over Khobragade’s arrest set off reprisals against U.S. diplomats and the removal of some security barriers near the U.S. embassy in India.
Friday March 15, 2014
Kaieteur News
NBA roundup: Dunleavy scores 21 in Bulls’ win The Associated Press CHICAGO — Mike Dunleavy scored all of his 21 points in the second half, Joakim Noah flirted with another tripledouble and the Chicago Bulls posted a 111-87 wire-to-wire victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. Noah finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in 34 minutes. He was headed for his fourth tripledouble of the season, but sat down with about three minutes left because of the
lopsided score. Kirk Hinrich scored 19 points for Chicago, going 5 for 6 on 3-pointers, Carlos Boozer added 18 points, D.J. Augustin 13 and Jimmy Butler 11. The Rockets have dropped two straight. Reserve guard Jeremy Lin led Houston with 21 points, while Dwight Howard had 12 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes. James Harden had eight points on 2-for-7 shooting in 27 minutes.
DCB U-15 Inter Association tourney
Persaud hits century as Georgetown whips East Coast Joshua Persaud slammed a fine century as Georgetown hammered East Coast by 142 runs when the Demerara Cricket Board Inter Association U-15 50 overs tournament continued yesterday at Enmore. Persaud hit thirteen fours in scoring 102 and got support from Alpheus Bookie with 43 and extras 33 as
Georgetown batted first and scored 234-6 in 50 overs. Pradesh Balkishun and Ramdeo Basdeo took two wickets each. East Coast were bowled out for 92 in 39.2 overs. Balkishun 17 and Anil Singh 13 were t h e o n l y b a t s m e n that reached double figures as Bookie captured 4-21, Khemchand Hardyal 3-19 and Stephon Wilson 2-15.
THUNDER 131, LAKERS 102 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant scored 29 points apiece, and Oklahoma City avenged Sunday’s surprising loss to Los Angeles. Serge Ibaka added 15 points, 13 rebounds and a season-high seven blocks for the Thunder, who won their second straight and climbed within half a game of San Antonio for the top record in the Western Conference. Lakers guard Jodie Meeks, who scored a career-high 42 points on Sunday, was held to 19 on 6-for-15 shooting. Kent Bazemore scored 16 points and Pau Gasol added 14 for the Lakers. HAWKS 102, BUCKS 97 ATLANTA (AP) — Kyle Korver scored 12 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter to help Atlanta beat Milwaukee for its first backto-back victories in nearly six weeks. Jeff Teague added 22 points, including eight in the final period when the struggling teams traded the lead several times.
Friday March 14, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Be sure to spend time helping children with projects that are too difficult for them to accomplish alone. You will enjoy travel and getting together with peers. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Unexpected visitors are likely. Be prepared to do your chores early. Talk to employers in order to promote your career objectives. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will communicate easily and should be able to accomplish all that you set out to do. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Refrain from arguing with your mate. You'll be pleased with the results if you take the time to decorate your home. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Avoid getting involved with married individuals. A little rest will do wonders. You may not have the same ideas when it comes to what you both enjoy. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your home environment appears to be a little shaky. Look for professional guidance if it will help unite the family.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Moneymaking opportunities will surface. The battle continues. Be careful not to show your temper when dealing with the boss. SCOR. Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You should be able to make major career gains if you plan your intentions carefully. You should make sure that your personal papers are in order. SAGIT. (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Organize your day well if you wish to accomplish all you set out to do. Financial limitations will not be as adverse as they appear. CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Do not be surprised if your partner doesn't understand your needs. Problems with relatives and friends could surface. AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)
Do not let them blow situations out of proportion. Matters pertaining to work must be completed before you leave. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Helping children may be rewarding and challenging. Be prepared to make compensations and adjustments.
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Tendulkar voted cricketer of the... From page 32 bowling as well, so I am very happy for this.” Indian players took the two batting prizes. Shikhar Dhawan won the Test batting award for his rollicking 187 on debut against Australia in Mohali last year. Rohit Sharma’s ODI double-century in Bangalore, also against Australia, was picked as the ODI batting performance of the year. “It is really a special award, and it was a very special performance, and it is very close to me,” Rohit said about winning. “I am very happy that ESPN has recognised this performance of mine. Getting 200 every day is not easy. More than anything else it was a match-winning performance and it helped us win the series. It was a decider game, we wanted to win the game and win the series, so I am happy that it came at the right time and we won the series.”
The jury for the performance awards included Mark Butcher, Sanjay Manjrekar, Daryll Cullinan, Russel Arnold, Ian Bishop, Rahul Dravid, and a number of ESPNcricinfo’s senior writers. A new category, the Debutant of the Year, voted on by ESPNcricinfo users, was won by India’s Mohammed Shami, who took 17 wickets in his four Tests in 2013, and 30 ODI wickets. Shami beat the likes of Kusal Perera, Ashton Agar, Kyle Abbott, Sohail Maqsood and Jason Holder to the title. Also new this year, the Contribution to Cricket Award went to Tarak Sinha, head coach of the Sonnet Cricket Club in Delhi, who has been involved in the development of a remarkable number of Indian Test and first-class players, among them Aakash Chopra, Ashish Nehra and Manoj Prabhajar. Sinha, who was nominated for the award by
Rahul Dravid, has coached Ranji Trophy-winning Delhi and Rajasthan teams, and was the coach of the India women’s team the first time it won a Test series overseas. South Africans AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn dominated the Statsguru Awards, which are adjudged based purely on statistical data. De Villiers won Batsman of the Year, Best Test Batsman, and Most Consistent Batsman. Steyn was the Bowler of the Year and the Best Test Bowler. The ESPNcricinfo Awards are now in their seventh year. Past winners have included Dale Steyn, Kumar Sangakkara, Virender Sehwag and Lasith Malinga. (ESPNcricinfo)
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Oscar Pistorius’ watches went missing under police guard
Oscar Pistorius could face a long jail term if found guilty of murder. (Reuters) BBC Sport - A former South African police officer has said he was “furious” when two of Oscar Pistorius’ watches went missing from the crime scene. Col Schoombie van Rensburg told the murder trial he ordered his officers to be body-searched for the “expensive” watches, but they were not found. He also said an officer had handled Mr Pistorius’ gun without wearing gloves. Mr Pistorius denies murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, saying he mistook her for an intruder. The prosecution says he intentionally shot Ms Steenkamp after an argument at his house on Valentine’s Day 2013. Friday’s hearing has now been adjourned and the trial continues on Monday. Col Van Rensburg, who was initially in charge of the crime scene, said that when he first saw the watches he was worried about them and ordered them to be photographed because they “looked expensive”. After returning to the main bedroom where a team of forensic experts was gathering evidence, he realised one watch, said to be worth as much as $10,000 (£6,000) was missing. He said he was told Mr Pistorius’
sister Aimee had come into the room and removed it. After leaving the room again, another watch went missing, so he gave instructions for the police officers and their cars to be searched. Col Van Rensburg said that after that, everyone entering and leaving the scene was thoroughly searched and entered into a log, presented in court. He described his stunned reaction to the watches’ disappearance: “I said: ‘I can’t believe it. We were just there. How can this watch be gone?’” He said he told Mr Pistorius he should file a complaint, while he opened a case of theft. The former officer, who retired last year, also told the court he was angry when he saw a ballistics expert handling Mr Pistorius’ 9mm pistol without any gloves, and told him to put some on. The admissions call into question the police’s handling of the crime scene, in a case that is likely to hinge on sensitive forensic evidence, correspondents say. ‘Trail of blood’ Col Van Rensburg also said he saw Mr Pistorius with blood on his arm, while the court was shown a
Trophy Stall/EBFA U-15 League
Double header at Grove today Competition in the Trophy Stall sponsored, East Bank Football Association Under-15 League will continue today at the Grove Playfield with the final two matches in the first round. The unbeaten Grove H i Te c h w i l l c o m e u p against Herstelling in t h e o p e n i n g game at 10:00hrs and that will be followed by a clash between Soesdyke Falcons and
Diamond United. Grove are the only unbeaten team in the four team league with wins over Diamond and Soesdyke. Herstelling are still to register a point in this first round. Both Soesdyke and Diamond are going after their second win having also lost one game each. The second round of the League will commence next week.
photograph of the South African Paralympic athlete with blood on his shorts and parts of his body. Mr Pistorius says he carried Ms Steenkamp downstairs to try to save her. On Thursday, Col Van Rensburg told the court in the capital, Pretoria, he had followed a “trail of blood” up the stairs after arriving at Oscar Pistorius’ home. Before Col Van Rensburg began his testimony on Thursday, photographs of Ms Steenkamp’s bloodied head and face were shown in court, prompting Mr Pistorius to vomit. The athlete was sick several times on Monday while evidence from the postmortem examination was presented to court and has also cried on several occasions. The court was later told that photos of her body would be removed from the police file and not displayed in court. The BBC’s Pumza Fihlani, who was in court, says images of the deceased’s body are often shown during trials and the decision could fuel a perception that South African courts give special treatment to the rich and famous. The trial, now in its 10th day, is expected to call on more than 100 witnesses. It had been set to last for three weeks but looks likely to be extended. The state is seeking to convince the court that Mr Pistorius and Ms Steenkamp - a 29-year-old model, reality TV star and law graduate - had an argument before he fired the shots that killed her. There are no juries at trials in South Africa, and his fate will ultimately be decided by the judge, assisted by two assessors. If found guilty, the 27year-old - a national sporting hero and double amputee dubbed the “blade runner” because of the prosthetic limbs he wears to race - could face life imprisonment.
Friday March 15, 2014
Letter to the Sports Editor
The ECB continues to administer cricket in mediocrity Dear Editor, I am quite concerned as a Coach about the future of our young players, particularly the under 15 cricketers emerging from Essequibo. I can only describe the current volatile situation by proclaiming the ECB to be misguidedly disposing an innocent bunch of young humans into a rough sea at the mercy of violent sharks. The Administration simply cannot continue to administer the game in such a callous and dismissive manner. It was indeed a welcome gesture when the ECB secured corporate sponsorship for it’s just concluded under 15 tournament. However, the execution of this key competition, which will be used to select the intercounty squad, was an abject failure, according to my estimation. During the first round held at the ARCCG, several players were allowed to play despite being overaged since the officials managing the teams couldn’t ascertain the age requirements. Even so, the same players were told to continue playing for the duration of the tournament since it appeared that time and cost were factors that the ECB were concerned about should the players have to return home and be replaced. Is this logical and prudent given the importance of the tournament? Ironically though, I could have observed that there were several players in uniform either sitting on the bench or idling around during the following matches, some of
whom apparently were within the age limit. Perhaps they were not good enough, so it didn’t matter. In addition, the competition was played without the provision of any playing regulations. The ECB never held a meeting with the Committees to apprise them about the competition and as a result it became a guessing game as to how the tournament should have been played. Incidentally the eight area committees imposingly had to be drawn into four teams instead, a decision that was made without any consultation and this meant that the pool of players was disappointingly less. This is certainly tragic when one considers that the under 15 level should be prudently managed since it is the most critical stage of any player’s development, a concept that should have been to the Board’s knowledge as well. Instead what I would have observed was an exercise in futility that has further exposed the ECB’S inability to develop an effective and achievable framework for the constructive rise of cricket in Essequibo. I would have even chastised the ECB in the past for not having made proper preparation such as the hosting of tournaments or trials before selecting intercounty teams. In this case they would have done so but it was hastily executed and I am not convinced that the environment, including the absence of selectors at most
of the games that I would have witnessed, served in the best interest of the players. In fact the safety of the players was evidently at risk as well, since I would have observed that most of them ill-advisedly went out to bat without securing a helmet. The WICB under 15 playing regulations stipulates that every player must wear a helmet including the wicketkeeper, whilst standing up to the stumps. Such a condition is mandatory and the ECB cannot be ignorant of this fact, especially given the unavailability of medical personnel or first aid kits at any of the grounds. The players certainly seemed not to have been properly supervised and were underprepared for the serious nature that such a tournament should have undertaken. Sadly scores of ten and forty six were some of the totals that emerged. Can the ECB explain what are some of the objectives that were achieved? I doubt if there were any. Unfortunately the young cricketers will continue to under achieve, not because of the lack of talent, but it is as a result of the incompetent leadership of the ECB which has failed for too long to address cricketing issues constructively and in the best interest of the players. This is an undesirable position that may lead towards ruining the career and psyche of the next generation of Essequibo cricketers. Yours Faithfully, Elroy Stephney
Pele FC to host Fun Day The Pele FC will be hosting a grand Family Fun Day on Monday March, 17th at the GFC ground. The all day Event will begin at 10am with an Inter-house football competition among the Club’s members from Juniors to Masters. For the first time, the club, which is celebrating 42 years this year, has established Houses named after past outstanding players of the Club. The houses challenging for top honors are; Clyde ‘Oiler ’ Watson, Wendell ‘Figaro’ Sandiford, Keith ‘Wila’ Niles and Vibert ‘Dordee’ Butts. Vice President of the club Alister Parris says that the
idea behind the event is to create an atmosphere of club togetherness involving all members as well as supporters. In addition there
will be several novelty events including, Sack race, Lime & Spoon Race, Two-legged Race, Supporters’ race and Tug-o-war.
Lusignan overcame Mavericks of West Bank Demerara by 5 wickets when action in the Cheddi Jagan Over-40 T/20 cricket competition commenced last Sunday at Lusignan. Mavericks batted first and scored 155-3 in 20 overs with Herman Singh scoring 70 (6x4,3x4), Eion Williams made 50 (4x4) and extras assisted with 24. Chandrika Geenarine claimed 2-21. Lusignan replied
with 157-5 in 19.4 overs. A. Haniff took 2-25. Mavericks rebounded to win the softball game which followed. The host took first strike and scored 85-8 in 10 overs to which Mavericks responded with 88-7 in 9.3 overs. The finals will be played on Sunday at Lusignan. Officials from the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport are expected to be on hand to present the prizes.
Lusignan beat Mavericks in Cheddi Jagan Over-40 cricket
Friday March 15, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Windwards in driver’s seat against Sunburst continues Guyana in Regional 4-Day encounter partnership with Edghill By Sean Devers The Windward Islands were in the driver’s seat against Guyana when stumps were drawn on the second day of their Regional four-day cricket encounter yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. Guyana were 187-7 in reply to the 307 all out made by the Windwards with Assad Fudadin leading the Guyanese fight with a confident 82 from 255 minutes and 184 balls with nine fours and a six before he threw his wicket away when 18 short of his fourth ton at this level. He added 81 with Skipper Shiv Chanderpaul (26) to rescue the hosts from a precarious position of 37-4 before Anthony Bramble (29*) and Devendra Bishoo (22) featured in an unfinished eighth wicket stand of 51 to leave Guyana to get another 120 runs for first innings honours. The Windwards resumed the day on 289-6 and lost their last four wickets yesterday for 18 runs with Chris Barnwell taking 4-54, left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul had 369 and Narsingh Deonarine 254 for the host. Soon after play began, Deonarine trapped Liam Sebastien LBW before he had added to his overnight 60 to leave the score on 2907. Kenroy Peters (5) had his stumps scattered by Barnwell at 299-8, while Deonarine got rid of Delorn Johnson (4) at 304-9 before Barnwell finished off the innings by removing Nelon Pascal for a duck as the Windwards lost their last six wickets for 44 runs. When Guyana began their reply they quickly lost Tagenarine Chanderpaul when the 17-year-old lefthander was well caught low down to his left by
wicketkeeper Lyndon James off Grenadian Nelon Pascal before he had scored. It was soon 1-2 when the experienced Sewnarine Chattergoon (1) edged a catch to second slip off leftarm pacer Johnson to the dismay of the spattering of spectators which comprised of mostly Primary School students. By Lunch Guyana, with six Regional titles but none since 1998 when they shared championship honors with the Leewards, were 26-2 with Fudadin and Vishaul Singh at the crease. Singh (14) was next to go soon after the interval when he was trapped in front by Peters and the home team were 36-3. Deonarine, with three ducks in four innings in the series so far, seemed anxious to get off the mark with a gentle push to mid-on and was run out first ball at the none striker’s end by a direct hit from Alston Bobb as Guyana slumped to 37-4 and Deonarine’s horror tournament continued. Shiv Chanderpaul shares Guyanese record 4th wicket partnership of 305 with Roger Harper against Jamaica in 1996 when he made an unbeaten 303, which is also the only triple century in Regional cricket since 1966. Yesterday the veteran left-hander, who has played more Tests than any other West Indian, joined Fudadin with his team wobbling on the ropes and exploded with a straight six off Sebastien before following it up with a glorious boundary through the covers off the next ball. Fudadin brought up his 17th fifty at this level with a six back over the head of the bowler and the landmark took 124 minutes, 104 balls and was decorated with four fours and a six.
The Berbician, with three Tests to his name, played several well timed drives through the off-side and was far more positive in yesterday’s innings, and along with Chanderpaul, dug Guyana out of a dark hole with their accomplished partnership with the 100 coming up in 43 overs. By Tea, the fifth wicket stand was worth 72 with Guyana on 108-4. Fudadin was not out on 70 and Chanderpaul on 23 and the second session had produced 82 runs and two wickets. After Tea the ‘big fish’ was caught when Chanderpaul trying to cut, edged the ball that bounced more than he anticipated from Sebastien for James to hold the offering. Chanderpaul averages 95.4 from seven matches against the Windwards and they would have been delighted to see his back. Chanderpaul’s 26 came from 107 minutes, 73 balls and included a six and a four and his demise came at 117-5. When apparently well set for a big score Fudadin threw his wicket away as indiscretion got the better of him. The left-hander pulled a long-hop from Sebastien for Devon Smith to take a sharp catch at short mid-wicket to leave Guyana on 136-6 and Fudadin 18 short of a threefigure score. Barnwell, who got off the mark with a thunderous six and followed it up with a majestic cover drive for four, was caught behind off left-arm spinner Bobb as the South Americans slumped to 136-7. Anthony Bramble and Devendra Bishoo then batted to the close without further loss to give their team a fighting chance in the contest.
Roger Federer and Li Na advance into semi-finals at Indian Wells
BBC Sport - Roger Federer moved into the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open at a windy Indian Wells after defeating South African Kevin Anderson 7-5 6-1. It was the 10th win in a row for the Swiss, 32, who has put his poor form of last season behind him. “There is a sense of calmness to my game now,” said the world number eight. Li Na, 32, reached the semi-finals of the women’s competition for the first time since 2007 with a 6-3 4-6 6-3 victory over Dominika Cibulkova.
Federer will face Alexandr Dolgopolov - who knocked out Rafael Nadal in the third round - after he beat Andy Murray’s conqueror, Milos Raonic, to reach his first Masters series semi-final. After also winning in Dubai two weeks ago, Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, admitted his recent improvement had taken him by surprise. “That grit and wanting to win badly feeling is out there, which was hard to find at times last year,” he said. Dolgopolov, 25, clinched a 6-3 6-4 victory over Raonic
and is returning to the form that took him to number 13 in the world two years ago. Li Na will play Flavia Pennetta after the Italian beat Sloane Stephens 6-4 5-7 6-4 in a dust storm. Pennetta said: I’m happy because I got through this match, but I don’t have a good feeling right now. “Outside it’s crazy. The wind came from nowhere.” Meanwhile, Laura Robson has confirmed she will miss next week’s tournament in Miami to give her injured left wrist more time to recover.
By Edison Jefford Sunburst Juices, which is distributed by Continental Group of Companies, yesterday continued its partnership with table tennis phenom, three-time national ‘Junior Sportswoman of the Year’, Chelsea Edghill with a projected extensive sponsorship arrangement. Sunburst Juices, which had first announced its intention to make Edghill the face of the product last year, has supported Edghill to compete this weekend at the Silver Bowl in Trinidad and Tobago where she is defending her Under-21 and Singles titles. The support this weekend is the first of a broad plan to sponsor Edghill in a series of competitions that will offer much-needed exposure to the top racquet-wielder leading up to the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, August 17-28 in Nanjing, China. “Since Chelsea is going to defend two titles this weekend, I said we cannot embarrass her... we hope to sit down with you people and go through the details with the Road to Nanjing where we will work out the package for deliverables,” Corporate Secretary of the Continental Group, Percy Boyce told the
media and the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA). Boyce made it clear that the GTTA and/or Edghill and Continental Group will “have to go into an agreement” since the package will be exponential. He said that the company will have to look at what they will be getting in return for the magnitude of support. “In principle, we have taken a decision and all things will be considered to work out the details. I see no reason why we can’t have big posters of Chelsea as we see with Nicolette (Fernandes, the Squash player). It is a Herculean task, but we are up to it,” Boyce said. Following last year’s announcement of Edghill’s arrangement with Sunburst Juices, the athlete’s image has already appeared alongside the product on Continental Group’s 2014 Calendar and on a branded refrigerator at the company’s Ruimveldt Headquarters. President of the GTTA, Godfrey Munroe disclosed that Edghill has a packed schedule leading up to the Youth Olympics for which she has qualified; apart from this
weekend’s Silver Bowl, she is expected to compete in the Dominican Republic this month end in a Latin American competition as well as a few other marquee tournaments before heading to China. “It is not only about Chelsea going to the Olympics, but it is also ensuring that she competes and does so very well. This is definitely a step in the right direction and we know that there will be a lot of long term benefits,” Munroe told those present yesterday. The GTTA President said that the bigger picture is ensuring Edghill gets the right support ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil; “this is a critical and pivotal intervention with this gesture and it will spill off to so many other positive things,” Munroe said. He expressed his gratitude to the company for the support and committed the GTTA to ensuring that the Sunburst brand is properly represented during the association’s packed annual calendar of events. Edghill and Coach, Idi Lewis left this morning for Trinidad.
Dear Editor, Please Mr. Editor allow me to further introduce with compliments, this dynamic personality Mrs. Faye Joseph. She happens to be the first female president of the Georgetown Dominoes Association. I would even extend to say the only female president of that sport in the Caribbean. Mr. Editor, I was encouraged
to pen this letter because of the determination and courage she has shown managing in her capacity of this popular countrywide sport. I often go to see competitions and I am amazed to see how well she interacts and entertains her fellow players and supporters. She is also a very good
player and often gives a good account of herself when competing with males. Mr. Editor, words are limited for me to recall this individual’s achievement. I conclude in saying that dominoes is on the rise in Guyana, keep up the good work Mrs. President. Yours truly, Keith Baptiste, Sports Enthusiast
- mulls long-term sponsorship agreement
Letter to the Sports Editor...‘A Woman’s Dominance’, Dominoes on the rise in Guyana
NAWF Girls U17 Inter-Secondary Schools Football
Stewartville and Zeeburg battle to draw Stewartville and Zeeburg battled to a 1-1 draw when play in the National Association of Women Football (NAWF) Under-17 eight-team Inter Secondary School competition continued recently at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground, West Coast Demerara. The exchanges were fierce, even in the first half with both teams having one thing in common; they missed efforts from the
penalty spot. Lashawn LaRose of Zeeburg was the first to throw away in the 12th minute and Stewartville followed suit in the 20th minute when Tamar Isaacs emulated La Rose. Isaacs also missed a sitter in the 18 yard box after receiving a through ball. Zeeburg’s custodian Sherne Kertzious also brought off some good saves that kept her school in the game denying Lashana Paul on three occasions. The first
half didn’t produce any goals but the action was pulsating. In the 45th minute, it was Zeeburg who would take the lead against the run of play through Kezia Baird’s well directed shot. Stewartville had to work even harder having found themselves trailing the determined Zeeburg side. They {Stewartville} were duly rewarded in the 62nd when the persistent Lashana Paul was finally able to ink her name on the score sheets.
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Kaieteur News
Hamilton on top, Red Bull relieved in Australia
Friday March 15, 2014
Tendulkar voted cricketer of the generation Johnson, Afridi, Rohit, Dhawan win performance awards for 2013 ESPNcricinfo - Sachin Tendulkar has been voted the cricketer of the generation by a 50-member jury of current and former cricketers and journalists. Tendulkar beat strong competition from Shane Warne and Jacques Kallis to win the award, presented to mark the first generation of the existence of ESPNcricinfo, which has been online since 1993. The jury that decided on the award included Michael Holding, Ian Chappell, Martin Crowe, Mark Taylor, Younis
Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain waits in his car during the second practice session of the Australian F1 Grand Prix at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne March 14, 2014. REUTERS/Brandon Malone MELBOURNE (Reuters) Lewis Hamilton lent some credibility to the hype around Mercedes by posting the fastest time in Friday practice at the Australian Grand Prix, as the Formula One season kicked off with teams still battling reliability problems. The 2008 world champion could not finish a lap in the first session due to an oil pressure sensor problem, but topped the timesheets in the second with a lap of one minute 29.625 seconds on a glorious sunny day at Albert Park. Champions Red Bull, who arrived under a cloud after problems throughout winter testing, also made a promising start and breathed a sigh of relief. Quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel finished an encouraging fourth on the timesheets, with his new team mate Daniel Ricciardo sixth behind McLaren’s Jenson Button. Hamilton’s quickest lap edged out team mate Nico Rosberg by 0.157 seconds as the pace of the two Mercedes’ drivers carried on from their strong showing in winter testing. “I was trying to feel the car. I missed obviously P1 (first practice) which I felt like was a big back-step,” Hamilton told reporters in the paddock. “I’m satisfied with
P2...Not the most perfect day but I’m really glad I got some run in P2 and just grateful I got some time to feel the car.” “I’ve still got a lot to improve on, a lot to find. Otherwise the balance doesn’t feel too bad.” Teams struggled to come to terms with the new turbocharged hybrid engines during pre-season, and continued to battle glitches during practice, with drivers cooling their heels for long stretches in the garages, as technicians tinkered frantically. Excursions onto the track saw plenty of over-steering at corners and skids into the grass as drivers fought to handle the new braking systems, extra torque and reduced downforce of the V6 power units. Ferrari’s two-time world champion Fernando Alonso handled conditions better than most, posting the quickest lap of one minute 31.840 seconds in the first session and finishing third fastest in the second. His new team mate Kimi Raikkonen, returning to Ferrari after four seasons away, had a low-key start, posting the seventh fastest time in the second session after being rolled back to the garage due to an aborted start at the exit of the pit lane. German Vettel, bidding for a fifth successive F1 title, was
Hussain birth anniversary softball set for tomorrow at GNIC Imran Hussain’s birth anniversary softball tournament is set for tomorrow at GNIC ground. Wolf’s Warriors, Regal, Speed Boat and Memorex are the teams slated to take part and action starts at 09:00 hrs. The winning team will pocket $175,000. Meanwhile, West Coast will take on Georgetown in an Over-40 affair at 11:00 hrs.
forced to pit quickly in the first session due to a heat problem and survived a skid on the grass in the second but his 51 laps for the day was a third of his total mileage for the winter. “I’m quite surprised today, both Dan (Ricciardo) and I did a lot of laps so that’s very good news, so let’s see what tomorrow brings,” Vettel said. “I learned a lot today, we’re in a much happier place already.” Hamilton was left fuming when his car stopped at turn nine of his installation lap just five minutes into the first session. With the vehicle hauled off by a tow-truck, the 29year-old Briton walked back to the paddock without taking his helmet off and suffered the indignity of being stopped by security before retreating into his team’s tent. Brazilian Felipe Massa was 12th fastest for Williams, outshone in his first drive for the British-based team by Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas, who was eighth quickest in the second practice. Lotus, who missed the first test of the season because their car was not ready on time, suffered a black day with only French driver Romain Grosjean able to post a lap time, his best only 18th from 19 cars in the later session. McLaren’s Kevin Magnussen was the best of the three F1 rookies, the Dane ninth fastest in P2. Kamui Kobayashi’s return to F1 with Caterham was forgettable, as both he and his debutant team mate Marcus Ericsson were unable to post a lap time in either session due to reliability issues.
Khan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Barry Richards, John Wright and Jeff Dujon, among others. Mitchell Johnson’s series-defining 7 for 40 in the Ashes Test in Adelaide won the Test bowling title for 2013 in the annual ESPNcricinfo Awards, over performances from Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, James Anderson, and Johnson’s own Brisbane four-for in the Ashes opener, which kicked off a scarcely believable streak in which he took 59 wickets in eight Tests at a little over 15 runs each.
Shahid Afridi won the ODI bowling award with his 7 for 12 against West Indies - a match he also dominated with the bat, making 76 off 55 balls. It was Afridi’s second ESPNcricinfo Award; he won in the same category for 2009. “I remember this game because I was not picked for the Champions Trophy, and that was my comeback and that was my first game in Georgetown,” Afridi said about the award, “and [I produced an] awesome performance in batting and Continued on page 29
Uli Hoeness resigns as Bayern Munich president after court case
On Tuesday, Hoeness (centre) was celebrating his club’s win against Arsenal in the Champions League. (Reuters) BBC Sport - Uli Hoeness has resigned as Bayern Munich president and chairman in the wake of his conviction for tax evasion. The 62-year-old, who played for Bayern from 19701979 before retiring through injury aged 27, will not appeal against a three-and-a-half year jail sentence. “Tax evasion was the biggest mistake of my life,” he said in a statement. “Bayern Munich is my life’s work and will also remain so.” Hoeness was found guilty of evading taxes worth £22.5m (27m euros). Bayern have appointed Adidas chief executive Herbert Hainer as the club’s new chairman. Hainer, 59, was previously deputy chairman at the German champions and his appointment was unanimously approved by the Bayern board. “Uli Hoeness has always devoted his leadership qualities, great personal
commitment and outstanding lifelong effort to the best interests of Bayern Munich,” said Hainer. “He is very largely responsible for Bayern becoming one of the most successful and attractive clubs in the world both in sporting and financial terms. We offer him heartfelt thanks and gratitude for this.” As a player Hoeness won the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup with West Germany and three successive European Cups with Bayern. Following his retirement, he was appointed general manager at German giants Bayern, who have reached three of the last four Champions League finals and won the tournament last year at Wembley. He was elected Bayern president in November 2009. He was initially charged with evading £2.9m (3.5m euros) in taxes but then
admitted to another £12.5m (15m euros) and was found guilty of “seven serious counts of tax evasion”. In a statement on the Bayern Munich website he said: “After discussing the matter with my family I have decided to accept the judgment. This corresponds to my understanding of integrity, decorum and personal responsibility. “Evading tax was the biggest mistake of my life. I accept the consequences of this mistake. “Furthermore I hereby resign the offices of president and chairman with immediate effect. By doing so I wish to avert further damage to my club. “I will continue to be associated with this magnificent club and its people in other ways for as long as I live. I wish to thank from the heart my personal friends and all followers of Bayern Munich for your support.”