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Kaieteur News
Thursday March 19, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Kaieteur News Clearly, the rot in the PPP started Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The earnings of politicians then and now The passage of time often blunts the reality of a situation. For example, it still holds true that time heals all wounds. In times of bereavement, the passage of time diminishes the hurt that one feels at the time of the bereavement. Similarly, the recipients of corporal punishment should associate the pain of the punishment with whatever it was that attracted the punishment in the first instance. Sad to say, there are many who seem to be able to cast aside the memory of the punishment and easily commit a similar infraction. The passage of time also forces us to change perceptions; to embellish past events. It is difficult to make genuine comparisons so that people always hearken to the so-called good old days which in their view was always better than the present. All too often people talk about worsening standards among the succeeding generation when in fact that may not necessarily be the case. In Guyana, the slide of the local currency has made it difficult for people to appreciate changes in prices even though their salaries do not move as appreciably as the currency does. No one without an effort can remember paying a lower price than they now do for a loaf of bread or a soda or even the cost of transportation. House rents have gone through the roof. Houses that rented for a few local dollars now fetch hefty American dollar rents. One can make comparisons ad infinitum and a common comparison is the salaries of people then and people today. Because the Guyana dollar had slid so fast and to such depths one has a serious problem appreciating the value of money. And so it is that one is taken aback when one examines what was earned by the political directorate just over two decades ago and what is being earned by the current crop of politicians. The evidence would suggest that the pre-1992 politicians were little better than mendicants. Given the exchange rate of $125 to the United States dollar, the Prime Minister was earning about US$260 per month. At today’s scale the Prime Minister is earning US$8,100 per month. In reality, the figures out of the National Assembly showed that Government Ministers earned between $14,000 per month and $28,000 per month. The Attorney General was the highest paid Minister at $78,000 per month at August 1992. The average public servant was not earning much better but for some strange reason, these persons always appeared to be affluent. One can only conclude that the cost of living was so low that such sums afforded the earner a sizeable disposable income. Even when one takes inflation into consideration one cannot conclude that the present government did not do serious modification to the money Ministers and other senior government officials earned. People in certain public corporations earned real money, close to $100,000 per month. Later in the year there were upward salary adjustments but even these, dollar for dollar, pale into insignificance compared to what Government officials earn today. If as the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party say, that the pay Ministers receive ever since 1992 were adjusted downward and have increased incrementally with increases offered to public servants then Guyana should have exceedingly rich public servants. From $28,000 per month, the Prime Minister is now earning $1.6 million per month. The PPP General Secretary had to be very wrong with his contention. The Attorney General now receives $1.7 million per month up from the kingly $78,000 his counterpart earned back in 1992. No Minister earns less than $500,000 per month. On the other hand the most senior public servant earns slightly more than $200,000 per month unless he is the beneficiary of a contract offered by the government. Certainly the government fixed itself nicely to preside over the people and resisted like the bull going to the slaughter when public servants demanded higher wages and salaries. Small wonder that many politicians of yesteryear did not own their own homes, while today’s crop owns mansions.
while the Jagans were still alive DEAR EDITOR, There has been quite a stir in Guyana since President Bharrat Jagdeo, in defending his sumptuous lifestyle, suggested that the party’s founder leaders and heroes Cheddi and Janet Jagan lived well too. ExExecutive Ralph Ramkarran and the Jagans daughter, Nadira, disputed Jagdeo’s suggestion. A few others have followed. But, none of the current leaders of the party has said anything in defence of the Jagans. What is clear is that the present PPP leaders are prepared to go to any length to protect their hold o n p o w e r, i n c l u d i n g denigrating their founderleaders. The Jagans, it seems, are now collateral damage. It is understandable that
observers would lament the extent to which the present PPP leadership has strayed from the Jagans’ ideals. It is unthinkable that Cheddi or Janet would have sunk to the depths of the present PPP leadership. There is no dispute there. But we have to be careful that, in our quest to draw the contrast between the good founders and their bad successors, we do not miss or silence an uncomfortable truth. The rot in the PPP started shortly after the party rose to power in 1992. It was bound to happen. Parties in opposition, especially those fighting dictatorship, generally become paragons of political virtue. After all, they are fighting against supposed political evil. The PPP benefited from that
while in opposition. Once they got into power the scenario changed. The harshness of the previous regime coupled with the belief that the PPP was cheated out of office in 1964 became fertile ground for a praxis of revenge among the PPP cadre. The government and state soon became platforms for settling scores. In the process excesses and overreach were inevitable. It is said by insiders that the Jagans tightly controlled the party while in opposition; they controlled the organization and the finances. But they could not control the government in the same way; it’s a different kettle of fish. Further, holding on to power leads good leaders to
ignore, downplay or turn a blind eye to the transgressions of the troops. We now know that the Jagans saw things they didn’t like, but they didn’t rock their own boat. Dr. Jagan had promised an anti-corruption committee headed by Mrs. Jagan that never really functioned. It is worth remembering that President Jagdeo dismissed Mrs. Jagan’s criticism of his government’s decision to remove Government advertisements from the Stabroek News. Now we know from Ralph Ramkarran that she refused to give him permission to confront Jagdeo on that matter. Clearly, the rot in the PPP started while the Jagans were still alive. David Hinds
PRESIDENT HOYTE’S LEGACY DEAR EDITOR, The evening of March 12, 2015, at the Pegasus Hotel, was a memorable experience. Apart from celebrating the late President Hoyte’s political and social legacy, it displayed a talent of the highest order in the form of the guest lecturer Supriya Singh-Bodden, who admitted to a substantive life change inspired by Hoyte, her mentor. Hers was a magnificent
exposition of the impact of a positive role model in her time. And without articulating it, the point was underscored that since then there have been current potentials searching for similar mentoring to develop their talents, all the more for the benefit of a society in need. By the very presentation the point was made, and well taken, that there was the fact of total gender equality; and by extension a
mission of having full inclusivity of every component of the Guyanese society. Ms. Singh-Bodden’s eloquent quoting of Hoyte’s passion for, and implementation of, racial unity struck not only a refreshing chord for those who experienced Desmond ‘Persaud’s’ presidency; but came as a timely rejoinder to those who now bait race. She adverted too to his stance on good governance
based, on his insistence, on the untainted rule of law. Enough cannot be not be said by one person in praise of this sixth Hoyte lecture, but that it evoked a prolonged standing ovation was indicative of the satisfaction it provided. Hopefully the organisers would ensure that the text be given the fullest publicity. It is the least justice they can do in honour of Hoyte and all his protégés. E.B. John
Thursday March 19, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
BK Int’l condemns Freddie Kissoon Chalk to Cheese publishing rumours in his KN column DEAR EDITOR, BK International views with great concern the unfounded and libelous charges made by Mr. Freddie Kissoon in his column published in the Kaieteur News of Sunday March 15, 2015. Mr. Kissoon suggests that BK’s business growth and success are a consequence of his personal friendship with Mr. Jagdeo and not a reflection of his entrepreneurship and the quality of work of the scores of engineering and other professionals; and the hundreds of workers in the employ of BK International. Mr. Tiwarie has been in business in Guyana for close to forty years and has made many friends on all sides of the political and other divides in Guyana. He is unashamed of his friendships, but his business is run by a team of highly trained and skilled professionals which today
includes his own children who have qualified themselves with distinction. His comment that “You can count on your finger, the private contracts Brian Tiwarie gets. His contracts, thus his wealth, came from the twelve-year reign of Mr. Jagdeo, and he is still getting more under Ramotar” is disingenuous at best. Mr. Kissoon must know that there are no private projects of that scale and magnitude for which BK International is qualified to compete. BK International bids consistently for public infrastructural projects and while it wins many, it has also lost many to other contractors, local and foreign. Both the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News regularly publish the table with submitted tenders after the regular Tuesday opening and it is therefore public knowledge what BK has
tendered for and at what price. Editor, BK is surprised that you would allow Mr. Kissoon to not only publish unsubstantiated charges, but to also publish what he admits is rumour and gossip. He says in his column that “This columnist was told an interesting story. A close friend of Bharrat Jagdeo took a bank loan of two billion dollars to buy a quarry. He then got a three-billion-dollar contract from Mr. Jagdeo’s government to supply stone. He instantly paid off the loan. I don’t know if the story is true, but this was what was alleged”. Certainly someone with the credentials of Freddie Kissoon knows that he should research any such claims and establish the veracity and truthfulness before publishing. Certainly also, you as Editor would not want your paper to be considered a mere rag by
publishing spurious rumours picked up on the street. For the record, Mr. Brian Tiwarie started out as a businessman in the early 1980s, and by 1983 he had established and operated his company B & K Transportation and Construction Services. That early company quickly became owner and operator of the largest fleet of vehicles (road and river) and equipment in Guyana and was working on a number of significant construction jobs. In 1993 BK International was established as a successor company to B & K Transportation and Construction Services and all other business activities conducted by Mr. Tiwarie. BK International has had considerable success as a construction and also as a diversified entity. The company established (Continued on page 23)
Cold Cases and the Hard Facts-Rhetorical Echoes of the Past DEAR EDITOR, Yesterday, Wednesday March 18, 2015, as the body of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing was lowered into the ground, with it went the symbolism of how far we as a nation have sunk, not to mention the price that citizens must be willing to pay if they speak out against perceived injustice. Freedom of expression was dealt a gut-wrenching blow. The name Courtney Crum-Ewing became another in the list of Guyanese who have paid the ultimate price for putting the spotlight on the powers that be. In January 2006 when journalist Ronald Waddell, although an active member of the People’s National Congress met a similar demise, based on his voiced criticism of what he believed was government-sponsored genocide, on his talk show. Following his death, the Guyana Government as well as the Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuur condemned the assassination and called for a full investigation into the crime. In similar vein, the Government has called for a full no-holds barred investigation into Courtney’s death. Incidentally, let us not, due to the passage of time, forget the 1979 senseless slaying of the British Jesuit priest and secondary school teacher Father Bernard Darke. He was murdered as he took photos of a demonstration in Georgetown. A gang of supporters of the Forbes
Burnham Government had attacked demonstrators from the Working People’s Alliance and then turned on bystanders, of whom Father Darke was one. Springing to mind with equal rapidity and accompanying shrouded uncertainty is the case of the then Education Minister Vincent Teekah who was assassinated on the night of October 24, 1979. At his funeral, over his dead body Prime Minister Forbes Burnham promised to get the persons or persons involved. No inquest or investigation was held, surrounding circumstances never gelled and no killer was sought or ever caught. The toxic rhetoric of the past is now serving to unleash the fury of the people who feel that with election so imminent, even scarier conspiracy may be underfoot. Yes, here we are now in worse times, and to pen the words of the great American writer and political activist Eldridge Cleaver, “history could pass for a scarlet text, its jot and title graven red in
human blood”. The writer further coined another saying, “if you are not part of the solution; you are part of the problem”. All civic-minded citizens should not only ponder on the latter-mentioned statement, but it should serve as the motivatory agent for each and everyone to decide their reformative move and the way forward. At this juncture I do not wish to change roles and to now be seen as a soothsayer, a psychic, a seefar, clairvoyant, or the harbinger of doom, but I wish to boldly affirm that the death of Courtney Crum-Ewing will join the ranks and gain posterity among the annals of unsolved high profile assassinations in Guyana. It would be sheer folly bordering on unbridled insanity for the people of Guyana to believe that the recent slaying of Courtney Crum–Ewing would be solved and the perpetrators brought to justice. Case closed! Next chapter! Shame! Shame! Shame! Albert Einstein said that insanity was doing the same
thing over and over again and expecting different results. The handling of past situations speaks volumes, as the dead are unable to speak for themselves. However the people of Guyana must not be deterred by the rhetoric that they have heard one more time too often. What does this all mean in this great period of Guyanese history? Basically translated or explained, it simply means that the struggle must continue and that the people must stay together and maintain unity. In Biblical times when the Pharaoh wanted to prolong the period of slavery, his favourite recipe for so doing was to keep the slaves fighting among themselves. When the slaves were united, that was the beginning of their getting out of slavery. According to Frantz (Continued on page 23)
DEAR EDITOR, FORMER President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo should stick to the old adage: If you don’t have anything good to say SHUT UP! Whether well intended as justification for the new dispensation of lifestyles for some of the ruling class, Jagdeo should not invoke Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s way of life. To compare Dr. Jagan’s simple life and his home in Bel Air to what obtains today is absurd. Dr. Jagan and Mrs. Janet Jagan were way above reproach when it comes to modesty in both public and private life. There’s no need to reiterate what Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, SC, and Ms. Nadira Jagan-Brancier said, however some things with regard to Mrs. Jagan will clarify how both the Jagans lived and led by example. There’s a funny story about Cheddi’s legendary frugality. Apparently the roof of the house leaked and Janet would use the pots and pans to catch the drips. It was only when she ran out of drip pans that Cheddi reluctantly agreed to have the roof fixed. I worked with Mrs. Jagan for almost 10 years and never once could the label “fancy lifestyle” apply. As president, Mrs. Jagan chose to live at Bel Air instead of State House. The presidential guards complained that their assigned space was inadequate. She loathed the use of outriders and sirens when she travelled. Mrs. Jagan was a security nightmare for those responsible for that assignment. She frequently
made unscheduled stops to go to the market, visit a sick person, etc. Mrs. Jagan and I took a few overseas vacations. We always stayed at moderately priced hotels with kitchenette-styled facilities. No Marriott for us and all expenses were split equally. Mrs Jagan’s only extravagance was the purchase of local art. It got to the point where “starving artists” would leave their pieces at the Office of the President (OP) for her to buy. Desmond Alli was one such artists. When she resigned from the Presidency, Mrs Jagan didn’t want to inconvenience the staff of OP as it was a Sunday, she did it from the enclosed stairwell of her house. I remember scrambling to organise the small space to hold the podium, national flag and other equipment. Such was her modesty. One can criticise Dr. and Mrs. Jagan for their political views and their tenure as presidents but when it came to humility, simplicity and integrity with the public purse, only the unconscionable among us can cast even a pebble. Mr. Jagdeo, your comparison is chalk to cheese. SADIE AMIN
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Kaieteur News
Thursday March 19, 2015
Anti-Govt. protestor’s assassination…
Amnesty Int’l calls for thorough, independent, impartial and timely investigation International human rights group, Amnesty International, is calling for a thorough, independent, impartial and timely probe into the assassination of the political activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing, to bring those responsible to justice. The international watchdog also called on the Guyanese authorities to guarantee a favourable context and peaceful atmosphere for the exercise of freedom of expression, association and assembly and other civil and political rights. In a document headlined “Guyana: Political activist killed ahead of elections: Courtney Crum-Ewing,” the group also urged the authorities to provide adequate protection to political activists, journalists and human rights defenders who might be at risk as a result of the exercise of their right to freedom of expression. The human rights body has noted that the killing of a political activist during the pre-electoral period fuels fear that further violence and limitations to freedom of
Political Activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing expression may occur. The international body said that in recent months, Crum-Ewing had reported receiving threats from members of the ruling party and filed two complaints with the police. It further noted that after his killing, his mother stated that those reports had not been adequately dealt with. “Several members of both the opposition and the ruling parties have condemned the
killing of Courtney CrumEwing and have urged the police to thoroughly investigate it. However, given the sensitive electoral context and the police poor record in solving high-profile murder cases, there are fears that this killing might exacerbate political tensions, spark further violence and have a chilling effect on freedom of expression,” Amnesty International said. It is against that backdrop that the body has made the appeal to Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds; Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall as well as diplomatic representatives accredited locally. Crum-Ewing was killed on March 10, last, in the East Bank Demerara neighbourhood shortly after “he had called on local residents through a bullhorn to vote in the upcoming legislative elections, scheduled on May 11, in order to oust the incumbent ruling party.” The body noted that the autopsy showed that Crum-
Ewing was shot five times, with three shots to the head and another at point blank range from behind his neck. Police initially said a car with four men drove up and discharged the shots at him before driving off. Amnesty International went on to say that a few days later, the police arrested two men but on March 16, last announced that they were most probably going to be cleared of the crime. “Courtney Crum-Ewing had staged a protest for several weeks outside the office of the Attorney General between November and
December 2014 calling for his resignation following allegations of corruption and threats to journalists,” the body said. Amnesty is of the view that the political situation in Guyana has become tense since November 2014, “when ahead of a no-confidence vote against his government the President took the rare constitutional measure of “proroguing” Parliament, which effectively suspended it.” The organisation reported that the President justified this measure as necessary “to allow the
parties in Parliament additional opportunities to talk” and resolve the pressing national issues that were confronting them. The opposition criticized this measure as antidemocratic and as a means to avoid calling elections, it said. On February 24, last, the President finally announced the dissolution of Parliament and called for elections on May 11. “Politics in Guyana have traditionally reinforced an ethnic divide, with one major party drawing support from the Afro-descendent (continued on page 21)
GECOM is not short of polling day staff – PRO Amid statements of concern expressed by one political party over the competence and complement of elections day staff, the local electoral body has categorically stated that to date, its reservoir of staff has almost completed training ahead of the May 11 polls. Speaking to Kaieteur News, Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Richard Francois said that the claim that the electoral body is currently short of staff is not factual. Francois was at the time responding to allegations made by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) at their weekly press briefing, held on Monday last, at Freedom House. The party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee, had said that the PPP was made aware that there is a significant shortage of polling day staff in some regions and it is against that backdrop they are urging the electoral body to reopen the process to allow for persons who are “qualified and desirous of working” on elections day to apply. The Party was of the belief that “situations like this can lead to the relaxing of requirements and accepting second standard choices and handpicking of persons” which it stated, that it was totally against since it may have dire consequences to the integrity of the electoral process. The shortage, according to the PPP, existed in Regions One (Barima Waini), Six (East Berbice Corentyne) and “some others.” At a press conference held last month, GECOM had said that it was short of some 1623 persons to work on elections
PPP’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee
GECOM’s PRO, Richard Francois
day, but said, that the issue is bound to be addressed as the hiring process has not yet concluded. Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield had said that the full complement of staff needed to adequately serve the 2,260 polling stations on May 11, would amount to some 12,000 persons who would be trained by the electoral body. Providing this newspaper with an update, Francois said though there had previously been a shortage of 1600 staffers, those posts have already been filled. In fact, Francois said that the Elections Commission is currently wrapping up its training exercises for all staffers. During a telephone interview, the PRO told Kaieteur News in no uncertain terms that no shortage exists and in fact, the body has a reservoir of people for the upcoming polls. The PPP has since the prorogation of Parliament last November, been hot on GECOM’s trails as it offered criticisms for the body’s
choice of Francois as PRO, its support of local youth body, the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC), as well as the use of information clerks, among other things. The party has also made several request of GECOM, among them a call for an aggressive voter education programme as well as the public vetting of polling day staff. The body and its Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally has since addressed each concern rising from the ruling party. In fact, during a workshop the body held with members of the media, Dr. Surujbally had categorically stated that the entity will not serve as “the whipping boy” for any political party in the run-up to elections because of the party’s fear of losing the May 11 polls. Regional and General Elections are slated for May 11 and GECOM has recently announced April 7, as Nominations Day when it expects all political parties that intend to contest in the May 11 polls to submit their respective lists of candidates.
Thursday March 19, 2015
Kaieteur News
U.S. rebukes Israel’s victorious Netanyahu on Mideast policy (Reuters) - The White House yesterday scolded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following his re-election victory for abandoning his commitment to negotiate for a Palestinian state and for what it called “divisive” campaign rhetoric toward Israel’s minority Arab voters. Even as President Barack Obama’s administration congratulated Netanyahu for his party’s decisive win, the White House signaled its deep disagreements – and thorny relationship - with Netanyahu will persist on issues ranging from Middle East peacemaking to Iran nuclear diplomacy. In a hard-right shift in the final days of campaigning, Netanyahu backtracked on his support for eventual creation of a Palestinian state - the cornerstone of more than two decades of peace efforts - and promised to continue building Jewish settlements on occupied land. Such policies could put him on a new collision course with the Obama administration. Some Obama aides had privately left little doubt during the Israeli election campaign of their preference for Netanyahu’s center-left challenger, Isaac Herzog. White House spokesman Josh Earnest reaffirmed Obama’s commitment to a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict and said that based on Netanyahu’s comments, “the United States will evaluate our approach to this situation moving forward.” Netanyahu’s insistence that there will be no Palestinian state while he holds office, seen as a maneuver to mobilize his right-wing base, angered the Palestinians and drew criticism from the United Nations and European governments. Chances for restarting long-stalled peace moves already had been low. U.S. lawmakers were divided on Netanyahu’s hardened stance. “It was remarkable to back-track so significantly on a two-state solution,” said Democratic U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, adding it could make Washington’s effort to mediate more difficult. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he hoped the United States and Israel would see the election as “an opportunity to start over.” But he said: “A twostate solution is impossible as long as Hamas exists and runs Gaza.” DEEP CONCERN
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Earnest said the administration would communicate its concern directly to the Israeli government over rhetoric used by Netanyahu’s campaign. Netanyahu charged on election day in Israel that leftwingers were trying to get Arab-Israeli voters out “in droves” to sway the election against him. “The United States and this administration is deeply concerned about rhetoric that seeks to marginalize Arab-Israeli citizens,” Earnest said. Arabs comprise about 20 percent of Israel’s population of eight million and have long complained about discrimination. They emerged from Tuesday’s vote as the third largest party. Two weeks ago Netanyahu defied Obama with a politically divisive speech to Congress attacking U.S.-led nuclear talks with Iran. Earnest predicted that Netanyahu’s re-election would have no “material impact” on the sensitive Iran negotiations. Secretary of State John
Kerry called Netanyahu on Wednesday to congratulate him. Obama will follow suit “in coming days,” Earnest said. He said that after previous elections Obama had waited a similar amount of time, holding off until Netanyahu was formally given the goahead to form a coalition. Although Netanyahu must still put together a coalition, his victory all but guarantees Israel’s president will give him the first opportunity to form a government. Administration officials had privately signaled their hopes for an election outcome more in sync with Obama’s agenda, especially with an end-of-March deadline looming for a framework nuclear deal in negotiations between Tehran and world powers. But they, and lawmakers, said U.S.-Israeli ties were strong enough to transcend their leaders’ differences. “Who cares if they don’t like each other?” asked U.S. Representative Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee.
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APNU HAS TO COME BETTER APNU’s new found love is the sugar workers. It is now saying that it will not close the sugar industry down but that it is interested in turning around the sugar industry. During the 2011 elections it said that it would privatize the sugar industry. The government took full advantage of this unqualified statement and spread the propaganda that APNU was threatening to close the industry down. APNU was forced to indicate that privatization did not necessarily mean that sugar would no longer be produced. But it did not state just what it meant by saying that it would privatize the industry. And so the government put its own spin on APNU’s non- elaboration of its plans to privatize the industry. APNU confounded its difficulties when during the Budget debates of 2014 it threatened to veto a subvention to the Guyana Sugar Corporation. Sugar workers took to peacefully protesting outside of the National Assembly. The opposition parties backpedaled on their threat and the subvention was approved. But the damage
was already done. The workers understood who stood by their side and who did not. APNU is now trying to undo the fallout from that threat. It is doing so in order to win the hearts and votes of workers in the industry. APNU is now saying definitively that it will not close the industry down. It should have said that back in 2011. It should also have never threatened to votedown the subvention by the government. The sugar workers will not forget this. They will remember that they were forced to take to the picket line in order to avoid being placed on the breadline. APNU is now saying that it wants a turnaround plan. This plan involves a new Board, ensuring increased attendance by cane harvesters, and a privatized management. These are some of the elements of APNU’s turnaround plan. Well none of these elements will necessarily turn the sugar industry around. Firstly, the Board is not the problem. The problems with the sugar industry are not at the level of the Boardroom. Chopping and changing Board personnel will not turn
Dem boys seh ...
Hope Umana Yana don’t cost $69 Michael like NIS When dem boys see de fire high day time near de Pegasus everybody think was a genuine fire until people began to whisper that it was a deliberate act. Was de Umana Yana on fire. Dem boys hear couple morning after, de real reason fuh de benab bun down; it was a eyesore; it was blocking de view of de Marriott and dem wanted more parking fuh de Marriott. After de benab bun down de government officials begin to talk quietly that how dem shouldn’t waste time fuh build back a benab. Dem was talking bout putting aside couple million dollars fuh build a brighter Amerindian heritage spot. De Amerindian Minister agree; big smiles come out pun she face. When dem boys expose de devious plan fuh grab up that piece of land too, fuh de Marriott, de scamps jump quick and seh that dem gun build it back on spot. Is two year now de benab bun down and every time dem boys ask is one answer all de time. “We gun build it back.” Up to today, when asked again de Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner man give de usual answer, “We gun build it back.” He add on piece more to de answer. He seh year end. Dem boys hope it ain’t cost another $69 million like Jagdeo NIS Berbice building. Lunch man mekking people a FOOL. This is something that dem Amerindians can build 15 in ten days fuh next to nutten. Fuh tell de nation that you put out tender and dem got to wait till year end, he eyes pass people and he mekking dem de thing wha deh under de cow tail. De greatest prison people live in, is de fear of what other people think. Dem boys just want remind de clique who know demselves and Guyana know dem too—all of dem by name and face— that nuff people thinking bout dem—terrible things. And while people thinking bout dem, dem boys thinking bout Courtney. Dem vow that dem would never keep out he name and he face from de pages of this newspaper until justice is served and dem bastards who de dawgs still watching, go to prison. Talk half and rest in peace, Courtney.
the industry around. It is easy to say that if there is change of Board that there will be change of policy. But it is far more difficult for parties to develop those policies that are necessary to turn the industry around. It is even more problematic to ensure increase attendance by cane cutters. Cane harvesting by manual means is a backbreaking enterprise. Sugar workers are removing themselves from the fields because there are better opportunities out there. The cane cutters can make more money working in the construction sector than they can in the fields. Also, many of them do not want their children to do follow in their footsteps by cutting cane. They discourage them from cutting cane. This has impacted on the problems of
labour in the sugar industry. The solution to Guysuco’s labour woes is not to try to improve workforce attendance. Those familiar with the industry understand that the situation with the workforce will not get better. It will get worse. It is only APNU that does not seem to realize this. The solution is to move towards mechanized harvesting which is what is being done by the government. APNU is also way off the radar when it suggests that part of the turnaround of the sugar industry may involve privatizing the management. The management of the sugar industry is not the problem. On the contrary, GUYSUCO has always had some of the best managers in this country. Always! GUYSUCO is not short of managerial expertise. It has
some of the best agronomists at its disposal. It has some of best factory managers and field supervisors that you can find anywhere in the sugar industry. Guysuco has a highly competent management. Privatizing the management was tried before. It was controversial at best. There were serious concerns as to the high management fees that were charged and whether the country was getting the returns for those fees.Going towards a management contract was perhaps necessary in those days because of the strategic linkages to the marketing of Guyana’s sugar industry. It was the PNC that did privatize the management of GUYSUCO in the past and one can understand the need for that party to defend this arrangement.
But for APNU to move from a general call in 2011 for the privatization of the industry to a call now for the privatization of the management, is a case of moving around in a circle. APNU is offering nothing imaginative or encouraging when it comes to the sugar industry. In this regard, the plans by the PPPC while not turning the industry around are far superior to anything that the main opposition is proposing. APNU’s turnaround plan is at best embarrassing. It is not thinking outside of the box.
Teen allegedly steals from employer A teenager appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya S e w n a r i n e - B e h a r r y, yesterday, after it was alleged she stole a quantity of items from her employer. Ariana Lalloo, 18, of Carifesta Avenue, denied the charge which stated that between January and March 2015, as an employee at Aqueelan Jewellery and Gift Shop, on Regent Street, she stole a quantity of items valued in excess of $700,000, property of Amrita DeJoy. Police inspector Michael Grant stated that the defendant is employed as a
Rum thief jailed for six months A man who decided to blame his thieving ways on alcohol was given a six months jail sentence, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts yesterday. Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry sentenced Derrick Persaud, 55, to six months imprisonment after he admitted to stealing a bottle of Eldorado rum, from Ashmin’s Trading on March 16. Persaud explained to the court that on the day of the incident he was under the influence of alcohol. He claimed that the security guard at the store beat him and burst his head. Police inspector Michael Grant informed the court that the item was recovered. He also reminded the Magistrate that Persaud was convicted before for offences of a similar nature.
sales clerk at the victim’s store. He said that during the course of her employment, it was alleged that she stole the articles. She was arrested, charged and admitted to stealing some of the articles. Grant noted that some if the
items were recovered in her possession. Lalloo’s lawyer petitioned for her client to be released on bail. The Attorney told the court that Lalloo is strongly denying the allegation against her. She is looking
forward for a trial to prove her innocence, the lawyer said. The Prosecutor had no objections to bail and the accused was released on $50,000 bail. She is scheduled to make her next court appearance on April 1.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday March 19, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Christopher Ram, Supriya Singh and Clinton who? Christopher Ram is a find for the coalition. He is now in the leadership of the Working People’s Alliance which automatically puts him in the leadership APNU. Mr. Ram will make a good speaker on the campaign trail. A definitely good speaker on the campaign trail is Ms. Supriya Singh. Long absent from the ranks of the PNC, Ms. Singh made a dramatic reentry into politics at the coalition rally in Linden last Sunday and was an enormous hit. The coalition now boasts
two additions in Ram and Singh which gives it a tremendous advantage, not to mention that Raphael Trotman has returned to the leadership of the AFC. Trotman would say he never left the leadership but I will stick with the word “return” and I will do so because I know better. Why then would the coalition see Clinton Urling as a boost given the amazingly nonsensical statement he made the other day? Urling told the media that he is interested in joining the
political campaign but will wait and see what the APNUAFC unity team and the PPP have to offer to the nation in their respective manifestoes before he joins one or the other. People tell me periodically that I am too blunt as a commentator but how should you describe such asininity as what came out of the mouth of Clinton Urling? He is waiting to see what the PPP has to offer in its election manifesto. Ignorantly, Mr. Urling has not read the previous manifestoes of the PPP. Let’s leave out of the discussion the previous manifestoes of APNU and the AFC because they didn’t acquire power so we cannot accuse them of not
implementing what they promised. The PPP in its last electoral programme, and ones before the 2011 elections, assured us of local government polls. In 2013 and 2014 the only organization in this entire country that opposed the holding of Local Government Elections was the PPP. In previous manifestoes, the PPP promised the end of the radio monopoly. The radio monopoly is still there. The PPP government shared out thirteen radio licences and all went to Jagdeo’s friends and even the PPP itself got one. Linden is a communication nightmare for this country. The people who live there can only access the signals of NCN. I don’t want to go further because it is a waste of time. Urling lived in Guyana the past twenty-three years and the breakdown of Guyana is there for him to see. He went to the University of Guyana where he was a student of mine. He must have seen the falling conditions then and they are worse now. Urling runs a cook-shop in Tiger Bay named German’s. People are often robbed right outside his cook-shop in
broad daylight which testifies to the breakdown of law and order. Terrance Parahoo left the cook-shop with his little daughter only to be seriously shot and robbed. As recent as February 5, this year, Leila Gorberdhan and her little daughter were robbed of five million dollars after they finished dining and went to their car parked right outside the cook-shop. Because of these frequent robberies I do not take my wife to German’s anymore. Against this backdrop, Clinton Urling is waiting to see what the two major parties have to offer before he joins one of them. But how impertinent is this guy. Who does he think he is? He can just walk into the APNU-AFC coalition and say to them, “If the PPP had a better programme, I would have joined them but yours is better so I am on board.” In other words, Clinton Urling has no ideological position on what has taken place in Guyana since Mr. Jagdeo became President and since the 2011 elections. The question is whether the coalition needs him. I wrote above that now that Christopher Ram has officially
Frederick Kissoon entered politics and the PNC has regained Supriya Singh, what more does the coalition need than what they presently have? But let’s enter into a debate about Urling. Can Urling make a difference? If yes, in what ways? Which constituencies will Nagamootoo sway? In which areas will David Granger be a hit? Where in Guyana lies the strength of Sharma Soloman and Vanessa Kissoon? Which section of the electorate can Dr. Ramayya persuade to vote for his candidacy? We are talking practical politics here. This is the sociological realty of Guyana that all of us know about and hope to change one day. But given the present configurations and permutations, I don’t see what electoral capital Clinton Urling can bring to APNUAFC.
Thursday March 19, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Food and Drug Department to GRA slams Chronicle for misleading story on remigrant scheme investigate macaroni and cheese …As Kraft recalls 6.5 million boxes worldwide
The recalled Kraft Macaroni and Cheese dinner The Guyana Food and Drug Department will be launching investigations with a local company following the recall of 6.5 million boxes of original flavour Kraft Macaroni and Cheese worldwide. On Tuesday evening, Kraft Foods Group issued a statement indicating that some 242,000 cases of the brand were being voluntarily recalled due to possible metal contamination. These boxes were sold throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, Caribbean and some South American countries, the company said. None was shipped or sold in Canada. When contacted last evening, Government Analyst, Food and Drug Department (GAFDA) Director Marlon Cole, admitted that he was unaware of the recall. He subsequently said that the recall was due to a
manufacturing defect that saw the introduction of a metal element. Cole further said GAFDA needed to confer locally with the official distributors, Toucan Industries, to verify whether the particular recalled batch had made its way to Guyana. “At this point, we don’t know whether the affected batch is here in Guyana,” Cole said. He said, too, that verifying the information would take less than a day. According to Cole, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) would usually inform GAFDA on any such alerts coming from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Though GAFDA was yet to be alerted, Cole estimated that the message would be translated sometime soon. Up to last evening, the item was not on the FDA’s list of recalls and food safety
alerts. Further, when questioned on sellers outside of the official distributors, Cole said that GAFDA will also be targeting this group. According to Kraft, the boxes, each 7.25-ounce in weight, all have expiration dates ranging from September 18, 2015 through October 11, 2015. Further, they are marked with the code “C2” directly below the date on each package, Kraft revealed. Some of the products were also packaged in multipack units with a range of different code dates and manufacturing codes on the boxes. Kraft had indicated that eight consumer complaints had been logged about the product, but there have been no reported injuries. Following the recall, Kraft Foods Group shares fell yesterday morning.
GBHCA promotes healthy living in the workplace In an attempt to promote healthy lifestyles, the Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/ AIDS (GBCHA) has commenced training 20 employees of their member organisations, in order to equip them with peer education skills to promote healthy behaviours among their colleagues. In a recent press release, GBCHA stated that training started on Tuesday last, and is to be held over a three-day period at the Edward B. Beharry Group of Companies, Charlotte Street, Georgetown location. The primary objective of this exercise is to sensitize all participating employees on health issues and domestic violence prevention. Peer educators have been
taken from organisations all over the city, and include persons from Edward B. Beharry & Company, Guyana Forestry Commission, Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners Association, Guyana National Shipping Corporation, Guyana Revenue Authority, Hand In Hand Group of Companies, Pegasus Hotel and Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited. Ms. Ruth Autar, Chairperson of the Coalition, has commended participants on their interest in promoting healthy lifestyles in their places of work and communities. She also expressed gratitude to the management of the participating companies, for supporting the mandate of the GBCHA.
GBCHA has promised to increase awareness on health issues through partnerships with the business sector, Ministries of Health and Labour, Human Services and Social Security and other organisations. The Coalition has been assisting their members in the development of workplace programmes, training, and the distribution of resource materials. The programmes offered under GBCHA are made possible through member contributions, and fund raising. GBCHA is set to draw a fundraising raffle on March 31. The raffle is sponsored by Fly Jamaica, Wilderness Explorers, ND&S Superstore, Nanda’s Boutique, Cellsmart and Topaz.
Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur has criticized the Guyana Chronicle for a story carried Monday under an article titled ‘Auditor-General knocks GRA over sloth in investigation’. The tax chief, in a strongly worded statement, said that the reporter, Vanessa Narine, sought to give the impression that the GRA is stymieing the investigations of the Auditor General’s office as it relates to the re-migrant scheme. “At no point in the article did the Auditor General, Mr. Deodat Sharma, attack the GRA for the slow pace of the investigation. Rather, he indicated that there were issues which have hindered the speedy delivery of information, while noting that the investigations will be completed shortly.” The Chronicle report claimed that repeated calls to the Commissioner-General for a comment on the matter
have gone unanswered. “It must be pointed out that there is no record of such calls being made enquiring about this specific matter or any request for information relative to the issue at hand. Additionally, it should be noted that the GRA is not in a position to comment on matters of this nature since this is an ongoing investigation under the purview of the Auditor General’s office.” GRA insists that it is not the agency tasked with the responsibility of granting remigrant status. “However, once such status is granted, the GRA acts accordingly. Recently, specific decisions in court cases of this nature have mandated that the agency be guided by the law and not by policy which states that a person must own and show prior usage of vehicles and that this should be in excess of six months.” GRA pointed out that it is tasked with monitoring the
GRA’s chief, Khurshid Sattaur concessions to ensure they are being used for the purpose intended. “Through its Investigative Section, the agency checks on persons who have been granted remigrant status to ensure they are compliant and have not requested such status in an effort to defraud the state.”
Page 12
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 19, 2015
Int’l observers expected as early GECOM commences distribution as Nomination Day - Luncheon of National Identification Cards
Int’l observers for the May 11 elections are expected in Guyana as early as April 7, Nominations Day Government has dispatched letters inviting several countries and internationally recognised groups to officially observe the upcoming General and Regional Elections on May 11. Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his weekly press briefing yesterday, said that this followed the “dispatch of letters” notifying the said countries and groups of the pending elections, following President Donald Ramotar’s decision to prorogue the 10th Parliament. The announcement of the May 11 date for elections then saw letters of invitations being sent to the same bodies
and the international community to participate in observing the elections, a Government statement said. Formal invitations have been extended to the governments of India and South Africa and others “habitually written to”, said Dr Luncheon. These include the United Nations (UN), Caribbean Community (Caricom), the Organisation of American States (OAS), Commonwealth, Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Carter Center, the United Kingdom branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
As part of these preparations, a visiting UN team of electoral officials recently concluded a visit to Guyana, after meeting with government officials, opposition political parties and several other stakeholders. It is anticipated that observer missions from Caricom, OAS and the Commonwealth, will be making their presence felt “long before the actual EDay”, according to the Cabinet Secretary. The plan is to have the missions begin the monitoring process, for an extended period prior to and after the elections. The expected start date has been given as Nomination Day, April 7.
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has started the distribution of National Identification Cards for persons registered during the recent Claims and Objections exercise. The Commission yesterday asked that persons, who would have conducted registration transactions during this exercise, visit the Registration Office responsible for their areas of residence to collect their ID cards. “Also GECOM is urging persons who were registered during previous registration exercises but have not uplifted their National Identification Cards, to make a very special effort to do so, from the GECOM Registration Office or Sub-Office responsible for their area of residence.”
According to GECOM, all of its Registration Offices and Sub-Offices will be opened Monday to Thursday from 8:00h-16:30h, Fridays from 8:00h – 15:30h, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00h-14:00h. “Every registered Guyanese age 14 years or over should at all times be able
to show a valid National ID card if so requested. Please note carefully that your National ID card is a multifunctional document that identifies you by photograph. Collect your National ID Card today!” Guyana is set to have early General Elections on May 11.
GRA denies fault in delaying mortgage ... From page 3 institution is notified. In the initial stages of implementation of the MIR, cooperation with the lending institutions was a problematic area that had stymied processing of a large number of applications. Subsequent meetings were
held between the GRA and the bankers association to reach a solution.” GRA urged that all stakeholders, including the commercial banks, fulfil their end of the bargain so that no other taxpayer, who has been approved for the MIR, would have to face simi-
lar challenges. With thousands of new homes being built each year, applications for mortgage financing have increased significantly. The MIR was introduced to help reduce the burden of new homeowners, Government says.
Thursday March 19, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 21
Mustapha to file more Pupils’ relocation fails to charges against Ramayya find favour with parents Executive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Zulfikar Mustapha, will be heading to the High Court this week to file Contempt of Court Charges against AFC Executive Member, and television talk show host, Dr. Veerasammy Ramayya. Mustapha said that the words uttered two Saturdays ago on TV did not qualify as an apology. He said that he is seeking redress in the Court since Ramayya did not issue a public apology as stipulated by the Berbice High Court two weeks ago. The court had found Ramayya culpable of libel for comments he (Ramayya) made on the TV programme, ‘Issues of the People (Live); on DTV-8, a weekly televised programme aired every Saturday night. The comments were aired back in 2006, during the height of the election campaigns. Justice Nareshwar Haranand ordered Ramayya to publicly apologize to
Mustapha on television within seven days of the High Court ruling. The good doctor uttered a few comments before the start of his programme, ‘Alliance on the Move’, on Saturday, March 7, 2015 on DTV-8. “I was ordered by the court, and I am not very comfortable with what I have to do or say. On behalf of myself and TV Station, we want to apologise to Zulfi Mustapha for the allegation that was made on this television programme. So that ends the episode with a very big full stop,” Ramayya said on the programme. But Mustapha does not consider the remarks apologetic in nature, and plans to file more charges against the good doctor. “It was not what he was ordered to say on the television programme,” Mustapha told Kaieteur News yesterday. According to Mustapha, Ramayya was given a few paragraphs of choice of words on how his apology
should be stated. Sources close to Mustapha, also revealed that the judge ensured Ramayya read a copy of the apology and he (Ramayya) had to pronounce each word very slowly, to show he understand what was printed and what had to be said on the airwaves. Mustapha told this newspaper last evening, that he is no longer looking for an apology from Ramayya since Ramayya already committed Contempt of Court. “That is not an apology,” he said. Additionally, Mustapha also stated that Ramayya has not paid $250,000, the fine levied by the judge after the ruling. Mustapha has also moved to the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) against Ramayya and the AFC, for what he dubbed were racial remarks by Ramayya on a February 28, 2015 edition of the AFC TV weekly Live programme, ‘Alliance on the Move’, on DTV-8.
Man freed for 2004 and 2009 sex with nine years old - Virtual complainant declines to offer evidence Jagdeo Deodat, 45, a fisherman who on two occasions back in 2004 and 2009, engaged in sex with a minor, a close relative, walked out of the Berbice High Court on Tuesday a free man. The girl now 19 decided that she does not want to continue with the matter Deodat, of Cromarty Farm, Corentyne, was accused of committing the act between January 1 and January 31, 2004 and again between January 1 and January 31,
2009. The matter was called before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a mixed Jury in the Berbice High Court. State Prosecutor Judith Gildarie Mursalin called the alleged victim as the first witness to the stand, and she informed the court that she did not wish to give further evidence in the matter. She stated that she has moved on with her life, is happily married, has a child who is nine months old and
is pregnant with another. She said that she was not induced, pressured or forced to change her mind, but decided on her own free will that she does not wish to go ahead with the matter. Justice Reynolds then directed the jury to return with a formal verdict of not guilty. Deodat, who was represented by Attorney-atLaw Raymond Ali, told the court thanks, when Justice Reynolds asked him if he had anything to say.
Amnesty Int’l calls for thorough ... From page 6 population and the other from the descendants of East Indians,” the international body said. Continuing, Amnesty noted that though Guyanese people of different ethnic groups generally maintain harmonious relations, each had in the past fallen victim to the other during instances of racially-motivated violence, which has left painful memories and underlying tensions. On March 14, the Guyanese Human Rights Association (GHRA) expressed concerns that “the murder of Courtney CrumEwing might also be seen as the beginning of a process of manipulating ethnic insecurity aimed at people voting for ‘race’, rather than
for their political convictions. These tactics have distorted Guyanese elections for the past sixty years.” Courtney Crum-Ewing had started protesting against the Attorney General after the publication of a recording in which the Attorney General told journalists of the independent news outlet Kaieteur News that if they continued linking the government to corruption scandals they might suffer an attack. On November 18, last the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) issued a request for precautionary measures on behalf of three K a i e t e u r news journalists, requesting that the State take measures to protect the lives of the journalists,
according to their wishes, and to investigate the incidents. The body also recorded that in December 2014, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) announced that there was no evidence to charge the Attorney General. “Defamation is a criminal offense in Guyana that can be punished with up to two years in prison, and public officials have used civil libel suits towards journalists who had put forward allegations of wrong-doing. In 2006, Kaieteur News was the target of a purported attack in which four employees were shot dead. Although several people were charged for the attack, none of them were convicted,” it ended.
Parents of pupils attending Christianburg Primary School are up in arms against the decision by the Region Ten Education Department to relocate some of the pupils to St Aidan’s Primary. The parents yesterday protested in front of the Region Ten Education Department. They have vowed to continue their protest today, and for the entire month until the Department revisits their decision to relocate some of the children to St Aidan’s Primary, which is more than three miles away from the Christianburg Primary School. The parents argued that the children would be hardpressed to foot the distance to St Aidan’s which is the only option for most. The decision to relocate the children was taken after the PTA decided to shut the Christianburg Primary School down last Friday, to register their dissatisfaction over the rapidly deteriorating building. Officials from the Education Department subsequently visited the school and advised parents of the decision to have the children housed at St Aidan’s. Parents were however not in favour of the decision, because of the distance the children would have to travel. Some parents subsequently met with Regional Chairman, Sharma Solomon. Suggestions were made to have the pupils housed at the nearby Christianburg Community Center and a health center that is currently vacant. However, no approval was reportedly granted by the Department for such a move. At present, only children preparing for the National Grade Six examinations are attending the St. Aidan’s School. The other pupils are not attending school. According to the parents, the Christianburg Primary School is not fit for human habitation, and their cries for help had fallen on deaf ears. Addressing their concerns to APNU parliamentarian Rennis Morian on Thursday said that the school is a “catastrophe waiting to happen”. President of the PTA, Sharon Sansculotte, said that the school administration had written the Region Ten Education Department and all the relevant bodies, concerning the school building which continues to deteriorate. “For the past three years we’ve been complaining about the deplorable condition of the school, our
HM sent letters to all the relevant bodies, and to date nothing has been done. I took pictures of the school and posted on facebook- nothing has been done, so we have come to the conclusion, that (the building) is dangerous for the children to occupy, so we’re going to lock the school”. Sanculotte identified a host of issues affecting the smooth running of the school, among them windows that cannot open, which result in classrooms being very hot. She pointed to the building which is leaning precariously, and which parents fear would eventually slide off its foundation. A ‘virtual forest’ is slowly developing. Already vines have begun to climb on the walls of the school. This situation, parents fear, will result in a similar scenario, as that of the Watooka Day School, which had to be closed recently, because of a snake infestation. The washroom area, which is leaking and causes the area to be always wet and smelly, is another cause for concern. Sansculotte said that these concerns were pointed out to Minister Juan Edghill during one of his visits to the mining town. Edghill, she noted, asked about the number of children attending the school, and the location of the nearest school, so that pupils could possibly be housed elsewhere. But parents are adamant that they want their own school. The PTA President pointed to the recently built clinic, which was done despite the fact that a clinic was already in the area. “They build the clinic, when there was already one, now we don’t have a school, this building is church property- Why they can’t give us a new school? Every now and again we want to do something; we have to write the church for approval, then when we get the go ahead from the church. We have to write Ministry of Works and this body and that body- We don’t have enough space for an IRI section. “We bought materials to do it, but it was left to rot; wood ants eat out the materials – over $500,000 in materials, before we could do anything, because of all the red tape involved. APNU Parliamentarian Rennis Morian, said that parents need a proper school for their children, so that they could be at home and know
that that they are safe. He added, “I’m alerting people about this situation because if and when a tragedy should happen, people would know that we would have brought this situation to the attention of the government, and we will not, as residents, sit back and allow our children to be injured or killed in a building like this. I’m saying to the Government that they need to come in here as soon as possible, because this is a catastrophe waiting to happen! MEETING Officers of the Education Department subsequently held a meeting with parents and teachers on Friday, where the decision was taken to house Grades One and Six at the nearby Christianburg Community Centre, while Grades Two, Three, Four and Five would be accommodated at the St Aidan’s Primary School. Region Ten Chairman, Sharma Solomon, said that the Education system in Region Ten is becoming a serious cause for concern, as it relates to the well being of students and teachers. He added that in relation to infrastructure very little regard is being shown for the condition under which both teachers and children are forced to work under. Solomon alluded to the motto for education which stresses the need for a conducive environment so that learning can take place. He said that the situation as it relates to Christianburg Primary, graphically illustrates that the environment is definitely not conducive to learning. “Children have to be climbing shaky stairs- the building is on the verge of collapsing. This is of serious concern. And these matters are not new. These matters were brought to the attention of the people at the department of Education for years now. But I do sympathize with them, because for two years now these matters were put in the budget, at the level of the RDC after they were brought to our attention, but we are not getting the support or funding. “So now it is most unfortunate that today these children have to be forced out of a building, where works could have been done two years ago to rectify those matters.” Solomon said that the issue is not an isolated matter but one that is becoming a “plaguing situation across the Region”.
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Kaieteur News
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AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154
One Stale Pool Table – Price: $300,000 (three hundred thousand) - Tel:228-2098; 628-5796.
Unregistered Toyota IST, fully loaded - $2.150M – Call: 691-7475
American bully pups gottiline remyline – Call: 2207933; 667-4845; 610-0068 Get your cooked and smoothly grind split peas, for all your daily cooking needs. Contact Dr. Sharma’s : 6708212; 225-9701 1 Toyota Forklift -$1.4M, 1 Clarke Forklift -$1.1M, excellent condition – Tel:6225770; 416-880-5044 Imported pure breed German Shepherd pups, ARC Pedigree, 8 weeks old, serious inquiries only – Tel:693-1404; 615-5454
One Hino Canter- Tel:2282098; 628-5796. Price $1.3M Just Arrived! 09 & O6 Tacoma, manual & auto, new model Allion, Bluebird, Belta, Fielder - Tel:621-4190, b e s t c a r a u t o s a l e s@ facebook.com One Silver, new model Mitsubishi Colt - Tel:610-3746
Great Deals on video games and all gaming consoles – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 1 Honda XR 125 Excellent condition, for inspection/ price - Call: 225-8066
Honda CRV 2001; excellent condition -$2,150,000 negotiable – Tel: 624-6099
PS2 $15,000, Nintendo DS $12,000, PSP $15,000, XBox360 $30,000, PS3 $50,000, plastic barrel $6,000 - Call: 603-8643, 621-7497
One RZ Bus, in Good condition – Contact: 6773177 or 678-5887
Enduro Yamaha 40 engine short foot (like new) $650,000- Call:645-2427
1-16FT BOW RIDER FIBERGLASS BOAT, 85HP OUTBOARD ENGINE WITH 25 GAL BUILT IN FUEL TANK, SEATS, 9 TRAILER INCLUDED CALL: 683-6721
Business property located @ Supply public road, E.B.D. Entering either by river/ public road- Call: 6988100 Flat concrete house for sale in Grove with land spaceCall: 679-3913 Property @ Lot 63 West Ruimveldt, Estate Housing Scheme Georgetown – Contact Mark: 618-9744 Houses & land available for sale in Non- Pariel, Enmore, Providence & Diamond Contact: Pacific Development Inc # 223-6035; 231-8480 Parfaite Harmonie, West Minister, Onderneeming, Cornela Ida, Tushcen, etc Contact: Pacific Development Inc # 2236035; 231-8480 Caneville Grove E.B.D $2.6M, Sophia ‘C’ big foundation - $3.1M, Parfaite W.B.D - $1.3M, L.B.I EarlsCourt 90X120 - $20M – Call:231-2199; 618-7483 House for sale located in Eccles- Contact: 622-7473 Property @ 62 Bent Street Wortmanville Georgetown – Tel: 629-6101; 660-5019 24x58 Seafield Leonora water pump street - Call: 6425799
Nissan Titan for sale, immaculate – Call: 647-3924 First Class Auto: Allion, Premio, Bluebird, Sienta, Runx, Axio, Verossa, Mark 2Call : 609-8188; 638-3045 Unregistered Toyota Spacio with body kit, spoiler, rims, fog lamp -$2M - Tel: 617-2891
SPECIAL DEALS ON YAMAHA OUTBOARD ENGINES: 90HP 4 STROKE, 75 HP 2 STROKE, 50 HP 4 STROKE – CALL: 683-6721
Urgently needed live-in waitress - Tel: 693-4154 ACCOMODATION Inner Retreat Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Retreat Road Parika. Indoor / Outdoor bar in Picturesque setting - Phone: 260-4504
Thursday March 19, 2015
ACCOMODATION Saturdays & Sundays after lunch @ Inner Retreat Hotel Parika: Bar-B-Cue & games: pools, darts, table tennis etc. Phone: 260-4504. EDUCATIONAL Pre-Easter Computer Classes; 9 Courses: Office 2013, windows 7/8, $30,000.00. MicroGraphics Technology Vreed-En-Hoop, Tel: 264-3057 Pre-Easter Computerized Accounting, 4 Courses: Ptree, QuickBooks, POS, Excel 2013.$30,000.00 @ MicroGraphics Vreed-EnHoop, Tel: 264-3057
LAND FOR SALE 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front - $100M Negotiable, serious enquiries only! Tel: 669-8152 Vacant high income house lot @ Diamond New Scheme, 2nd Avenue $6.8M negotiable – Tel:6974659; 629-5300; 684-6536 Riverside land 75 acres @ Soesdyke Linden Highway, best price offered – Tel:2238590; 678-1575. Blankenburg, 3 lots 75X76 each, $15M, all 3 lots, Parika, Peter Street, lot size 38’X150' - $7.9M-Contact # 650-0402/ 260-4988 Road side 10 acres of land at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke Linden Highway - Call: 6013369 40x110ft at 10th street Cummings Lodge near UG $12M- Call:674-5019 Continued on page 23
Thursday March 19, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views
Benschop should throw his Independent Party support behind the Coalition DEAR EDITOR, Social and political activist Mark Anthony Benschop, who is seeking to gain a few seats in Guyana’s Parliament by contesting the 2015 national elections, has complained about his flyers and political party posters being vandalised in APNU AFC strongholds. The human rights fighter, who spent five years in prison on trumped up charges of treason during the presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo, is the leader of the Independent Party. Benschop is best known and liked for his social and political work representing the disadvantaged in Guyana. He has brought relief to many of Guyana’s destitute citizens through his charitable organisation, the
Benschop Foundation based in Georgetown, and had also shown a strong interest in vying for the position of Mayor of Georgetown. Benschop is also a popular blogger and the host of Benschop Radio. Many who know him would always define him in one word, courageous. Guyana faces its most crucial elections, expected to be held in less than eight weeks, and the coalition is gaining tremendous public support as many are determined to see the end of the PPP’s twenty-three years of bad governance. The recent historic unity merger between Indian and African politicians and the fielding of an African presidential candidate and an Indian prime ministerial
candidate from APNU and the AFC respectively, have caused the elections campaign to reach fever pitch. Many are adamant that nothing must interfere with what appears to be the best possible opportunity to remove the PPP/C from office through democratic means. It appears as if Benschop the politician will not be able to garner the support or enjoy the popularity he has had in other areas of his public life. I have spoken to many Guyanese at home and abroad who believe that Mark Benschop would have become a successful politician had he chosen to align himself with the coalition. Questions surround the seeming secrecy of the Independent Party as it relates to who the key players
are and why that political party has not decided to contest for the presidency and prime ministerial positions. The greater concern, however, seems to be centered around the question of why Mark Benschop would want to split the votes in the coalition constituencies at such a crucial and historic political moment; especially when the coalition needs every single vote to be victorious at the upcoming polls. More serious politicians believe that Benschop will be forced to pull out as a result of not being successful in gaining the required numbers needed at nominations. It would have also been a boost for the Independent Party, if it were able to attract Guyanese professionals and young people who may share
the same belief as the party leader that the actors in the coalition are largely from the era of yesteryear politics, who may not be able to bring the change Guyana needs. It appears that the party is seen as a one-man show. It is however, Mr Benschop’s democratic right to pursue his political ambitions and give it his best shot at becoming a serious politician who will play a major role in decision-making at parliamentary level. Like every other political group, Mr Benschop and his Party will be subjected to rigorous scrutiny. His personality, his public utterances and his party’s unpreparedness to contest the elections in a traditional way, will inevitably be thrown into the spotlight. Norman Browne
It is important for voters to be guided by policies intended to promote the national good DEAR EDITOR, Someone once said that the greatest of all freedoms is the freedom of choice. Guyanese will once again be given that opportunity to make a choice on May 11 as to which political party they would like to govern this country for another five years, provided of course, that there is no repeat of what transpired in the elections of November 2011. However, unlike what happened in 2011, the chances of any of the contesting political parties winning a plurality of the votes are almost zero. This is why the stakes in the upcoming national elections are so high. The Constitution does not allow for postelection coalitions, which is why APNU and the AFC agreed to join forces in advance of the elections with the hope of securing a majority of the votes and
thereby taking control of two of the three powerful branches of government, namely the Executive and the Legislative. The PPP/C on the other hand is determined to recover lost ground, especially in the context of a lower than expected voter turnout and a relatively high level of voter apathy. There is a school of thought among political scientists to the effect that it is in the best interest of the country for someone to abstain from voting rather than voting for the wrong political party. This is referred to in the literature as functional apathy and speaks to the dangers that could befall any nation when wrong political choices are made. This is why it is so important and necessary for voters to be guided by policies and programmes that are intended to promote the
Cold Cases and... From page 5 Fanon in his book ‘Wretched of the Earth’ “every generation must out of relative obscurity, discover its own destiny and betray or fulfill it in relative opacity”. If in Guyana previous generations have been neglectful, errant or just plain indifferent, then such behaviours should not be allowed to continue. The toll has sounded, the die has been cast and the dirge played. As a people on the threshold of a new day and a new dawn, it behooves us all to accept (hard though it is) and overcome the cold hard facts, the heartless acts, and
despite the buried pain, toil towards a common gain. The work of our fallen brother must go on. That is the greatest tribute that we can pay him. Allow time to serve as the Great Equalizer and the Mysterious Sleuth permitting lips that were previously sealed to gradually start the truth to reveal. Have no fear and shed no tear fellow comrades, some cold cases have been known to become warm with the passage of years. So to our national hero: Rest in peace. The labourer’s task is o’er. The struggle will continue. Yvonne Sam
(From page 22)
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severe strain their sincerity and credibility as a serious alternative to the incumbent PPP/C administration. It would take an awful lot of explanation by the APNUAFC coalition as to why the electorate should entrust in their hands the stewardship of administering the affairs of the state, especially when seen against the antidevelopmental stance they have taken during the life of the previous parliament. Hydar Ally
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national good rather than appeal to the baser human instincts and surface emotions. With the exception of the PPP/ C, which already has a clear vision and a well defined and articulated strategy to propel this country forward, none of the other parties have so far presented to the electorate what plans they have that are comparable or superior to that offered by the present government. Rather, the main focus by the APNU-AFC coalition is to
From page 5 subsidiaries including BK Marine, BK Farms and BK Quarries. The development of BK Quarries is significant in the context of the false charges being levelled by Freddie Kissoon in his column. Mr. Kissoon insinuates that there is some wrongdoing on the part of BK Quarries on the basis of the company obtaining a contract that enabled it to pay off bank debt. BK will not publicly discuss its private arrangements with its bankers, but notes its ability to secure credit is based on the demonstrated ability to manage its businesses and properly service its debt. BK will however proudly state that when it bought the quarries at Teperu they were in a state of physical disrepair and total financial collapse. Over several decades, the quarries there had changed hands back and forth between the government and various private owners and operators – all of them failed. When BK acquired the quarry from Mazaruni Granite,
be critical of the policies of the administration without coming up with viable and workable alternatives. Simply being critical without offering credible solutions is at best, dysfunctional, and smacks of a fair measure of deception by the political opposition. The failure by APNU and the AFC to lend parliamentary support to several pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the country and creating jobs for our young people, put under
the company was able to make the quarry operational in seven days, because BK already had much of the required equipment since the company was already involved in quarry activities in Linden and Omai. Today the quarry is a successfully operated unit of the BK Group. BK Quarries employs several hundred workers in what is one of the best working environments in Guyana. We have raised the standards of operation to the point where the quarry can be an industrial mining site and an eco-tourism resort at the same time. The operations at the quarry are open to public scrutiny at any time. The fact that BK Quarries wins contracts to supply stone is a testimony to the complete turnaround of the operations there, its capacity to produce over and above demand, and to be a reliable partner for construction all over Guyana. BK Quarries, today, doubles more than the production of all other quarries combined. The
efficiency and volume of its production has also had an impact on both on the availability and the price of aggregate with the price of stone by 30% since we started operations. Editor, it is believed that the credibility of your publication is marred by this publishing of rumour and unfounded allegations. BK believes in your commitment to truth and fact, and therefore expects that you would cause a retraction of these charges to be published in your paper soonest. Alex Graham Tagman Media for BK Group EDITOR’S NOTE: There may be innuendoes, but there is nothing more to suggest anything illegal in the dealings of BK International. Mr Kissoon may have taken liberties with the language and as a columnist, was given his way. However, the newspaper does not question the credentials of Mr Tiwarie and his company.
Gasoline Mechanic – Call: 223-5273/4
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One driver/salesman to work on water truck, must be living around W.B.D, attractive salary - Tel: 6184257 (1)Live-in caretaker/ family to work @ Coverden, E.B.D. Send application to 31-33 Austin Street, Campbellville, G/Town- Call:225-7493
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Kaieteur News
Lethem man before court on wounding charge Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry ordered a Lethem man to post $100,000 bail, when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts yesterday. The court alleged that on January 20, at Lethem, Shawn Meyers unlawfully and maliciously wounded Dexter Mentore with the intent to maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm. Meyers, who resides at Lot 6, Tabatinga Drive, Lethem, pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him. Inspector Michal Grant did not object to the defendant being released on bail. Grant informed the court that the victim received
Shawn Meyers several stab wounds and a fractured skull. The matter was transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for June 1.
Felony accused out on bail
Frank Thomas Frank Thomas, of Ann’s Grove East Coast Demerara (ECD) was placed on $50,000 bail after it was alleged he attempted to commit a felony. Particulars of the charge
stated that on March 14, at Arangoy Landing, Cuyuni River, he broke and entered the business place of Simone Simon, to steal from therein. Thomas, a pork knocker, was unrepresented by an attorney. He pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry. No facts about what transpired on the day in question were provided to the courtroom by the prosecution. However, the prosecution informed the court that the defendant was charged for simple larceny last year. Thomas is expected to make his next court appearance on March 26, at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
Cummings Lodge father fined on ‘con’ charge A Cummings Lodge father of two appeared in court yesterday to answer to a fraud charge. Marvin Morgan, 26, of 898 Second Street Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD) accepted that on February 26, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained $3,000 from Attorney-at-Law Mr. Lloyd Mark Conway, by falsely pretending to Conway that he was sent by Attorneyat-Law Mr. Andrew Pollard, for the money to file matters in the Supreme Court, knowing same to be false. Morgan told the court that it was a mistake and he was very sorry for what he did. His lawyer, George Thomas, asked the Magistrate to be lenient with him since it was his first offence. Thomas stressed that his client is the sole breadwinner for his family
Marvin Morgan that comprises two minor children. Morgan was subsequently ordered by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, to pay a fine of $20,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in him being imprisoned for three months.
Thursday March 19, 2015
US Embassy’s ‘International Woman of Courage’ Award goes to the late Dr. Faith Harding ...remembered for social The local United States Embassy during its customary celebration of International Women’s Day has recognised the late Dr. Faith Harding as this year’s recipient of the ‘International Woman of Courage’ award. Her husband, Patrick Harding, was on hand to collect the award on her behalf. A special reception presided over by Charge’ d Affaires Bryan Hunt, was held at the Ambassador’s residence in honour of the late politician, educator, women’s rights activist, community worker and psychotherapist. Charge Hunt in his address noted that the courage and contributions of women and girls around the world must be celebrated, while acknowledging the accomplishments of American and Guyanese women who have made invaluable contributions to their communities and countries. He said that when the Embassy’s senior leadership met to discuss the 2015 award recipient in Guyana, “the selection was sad but obvious...; no one has embodied the ideals of an International Woman of Courage more than the late Dr. Harding, who was tragically lost to this country earlier this year.” “There is no question to those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Faith, however briefly, that she dedicated her life to the service of the human family. Whether she was championing the cause of gender equality in front of an audience of thousands or simply extending a helping hand and sympathetic ear to a troubled teenager struggling with thoughts of suicide, Faith was equally determined to ensure that justice was done and that all were given an equal opportunity to succeed.” The Charge’ described her “as a powerhouse of ideas, a passionate and compassionate advocate, even, on occasion, a force to be reckoned with... She had seen herself as a servant of others. “ The Charge said that while many would theorize about the problems that face Guyana, “it was Faith who more often than not, brought us back to reality by asking the simple question — ‘So what are we going to do about it?’” “And in so many ways, it was that spirit of action that I most admired about Faith. No
services, and family life
Some of last night’s attendees problem was too big for her. No issue was too complex. In her mind no obstacle was f u n d a m e n t a l l y insurmountable. She truly embodied the old Chinese proverb ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’” “If we found the problem of domestic violence to be too big to tackle, Faith would urge us to help just one survivor. If we were overwhelmed by the pain of the growing rate of suicide among young Guyanese, Faith would urge us to listen and bring comfort to just one troubled teenager.” Despite spending her life working to help countless men, women and children who were confronting some of the most desperate circumstances imaginable, Faith never lost her hope, her optimism, and her conviction that somehow, someway, justice could and would be done for them, he said. Dr. Harding was remembered for her dedication to Guyana and committed to its promise to deliver freedom and justice to all of its citizens. “She steadfastly refused to participate in the politics of negativity in which so many others seemed content to dabble. She demanded a new form of Guyanese politics — one that looked beyond the divisions of the past and sought to promote inclusive development for all Guyanese. “ The Charge said that Dr. Faith Harding embodied the ideals of the International Woman of Courage Award. “She has done what all women of courage have done — they have gone that long way, and they have inspired so many others to join them. They’ve built movements and created waves of momentum for justice and peace and equality.” The award which was
Charge’ Bryan Hunt presents the award to Patrick Harding handed over to Dr. Harding’s husband read “In recognition of her exceptional courage and humanitarian contributions in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment and her passionate commitment to raising awareness of suicide prevention and educational initiatives.” Patrick Harding thanked the Embassy for the recognizing his wife before adding to the list of positives said about the late Dr. Harding. He remembered the
long hours his wife would put into the humanitarian services she went about and her relentless pursuance of justice for those less fortunate. Mr. Harding went into detail about how his wife placed others before herself and going beyond to bring comfort to those who needed it. His appreciation speech prompted resounding applause from the many guests who came in honour of the late social contributor.
CARICOM, UNFPA plan to curb Caribbean teenage ... From page 18 consent, prosecution of perpetrators of sexual violence, and access to social protection, and sexual and reproductive health services. The vision to be achieved by the year 2020 involves a system where governments in the Caribbean, exchange knowledge and information, while adopting good practices in addressing so-
cial determinants of adolescent pregnancy. In ensuring that the Framework for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy is a success, CARICOM and UNFPA has teamed up with UNICEF, PAHO/ WHO, UNESCO, UN Women, UNAIDS, Government agencies, civil society, other international development partners and adolescent and youths.
Thursday March 19, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Thursday March 19, 2015
Protesters, police clash near new European bank HQ in Frankfurt (Reuters) - Anti-capitalist protesters clashed with riot police near the new headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt on Wednesday and set fire to barricades and cars, casting a pall over the ceremonial opening of the billion-euro skyscraper. Some 94 police officers were injured by stones and tear gas flung by a violent minority from within the 3,500 protesters, police said. Rally organizers said there were 7,000 protesters, more than 100 of whom were injured by police. Seven police cars were set on fire, streets were blocked by burning stacks of tyres and rubbish bins, and shops were damaged in the city center. Dark smoke billowed in front of the 185-metre high ECB towers and over Frankfurt. Police used water cannon to try to make a path through the mass of black-clad protesters to the entrance of the building, blocked off from the street by barricades. A total of 550 protesters were detained. “Police were attacked with stones and spray. Due to the extreme violence we saw in the morning, we have to assume it could happen again,” a police spokeswoman said.
ECB President Mario Draghi addressed the demonstrators in his speech at the opening ceremony but said they were missing the point by blaming the ECB. “European unity is being strained,” he said. “People are going through very difficult times. There are some, like many of the protesters outside today, who believe the problem is that Europe is doing too little. “But the euro area is not a political union of the sort where some countries permanently pay for others,” he said. “It has always been understood that countries have to be able to stand on their own two feet – that each is responsible for its own policies. The fact that some had to go through a difficult period of adjustment was therefore not a choice that was imposed on them. It was a consequence of their past decisions.” German leaders condemned the violence while defending the right to protest against the ECB. “No one has the right to endanger the life of police and fire officials,” Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble told a news conference in Berlin. The protest was organized by a group called Blockupy - named after the
Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011 “Free caviar for everyone,” read one sarcastic banner. “Our protest is against the ECB, as a member of the troika, that, despite the fact that it is not democratically elected, hinders the work of the Greek government. We want the austerity politics to end,” Ulrich Wilken, one of the organizers, said. “We want a loud but peaceful protest,” he told Reuters. Blockupy says it represents grass-roots critics of supranational financial institutions including the “troika”: the ECB, the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund, whose inspectors monitor countries such as Greece and Cyprus that have received international bailouts. The ECB is also influential as a provider of finance to the banks of struggling countries and has in recent weeks sanctioned a drip feed of extra emergency finance to Greece’s lenders. Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis last week criticized ECB policy towards Athens as “asphyxiating”, a criticism also made by the protest organizers.
Brazil’s scandal-hit Rousseff unveils anti-graft plan …her popularity poll plummets Brasília (AFP) - Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff announced a package of anticorruption bills yesterday as she sought to battle back from a devastating scandal at state oil giant Petrobras that has ensnared her party. “We are a government that does not tolerate corruption and we have the duty and obligation to fight impunity and corruption,” she said in the wake of massive protests against her administration. The package includes bills to criminalize under-thetable campaign contributions, seize property from government officials who cannot document its origin and bar anyone without a clean criminal record from serving in public office. Rousseff is reeling from nationwide demonstrations against her that drew hundreds of thousands of Brazilians into the streets
Sunday. Her approval rating has plunged to a dismal 13 percent, according to a poll published yesterday — disconcerting for a politician who is just a few months into her second term. The left-wing leader has presided over a sharp slowdown in the world’s seventh-largest economy and rising inflation, as well as the scandal at Petrobras, whose board she chaired during much of the period under investigation. Prosecutors say the statecontrolled oil giant awarded inflated contracts to some of the country’s biggest construction companies over a 10-year-period, generating a flood of dirty money used to bribe Petrobras officials and pay off politicians. Nearly 50 politicians, many of them Rousseff allies in Congress or leaders of her Workers’ Party, are under
investigation. Among those charged is Workers’ Party treasurer Joao Vaccari, accused of receiving huge bribes that he insists were legal campaign donations. Rousseff, 67, has not been personally implicated in the scandal, and the Supreme Court yesterday rejected an opposition request to investigate her. But her popularity has taken a beating. Sixty percent of those surveyed in yesterday’s poll said they believed the country’s economic situation was worsening, against 15 percent who thought it would improve — the most negative result since polling firm Datafolha began asking the question in 1997. The poll also showed falloffs in Rousseff’s popularity in all socioeconomic groups, as well as in areas considered strongholds for her party.
Thursday March 19, 2015
Kaieteur News
Trinidad president appoints tribunal to probe Jack Warner’s finances P O R T- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad - CMC – Leader of the minority opposition Independent Liberal Party (ILP), Jack Warner says he is not “trembling in his shoes” after a four-member tribunal was sworn in by President Anthony Carmona to probe his declarations of income, assets and liabilities filed with the Integrity Commission. “I am not trembling in my shoes,” Warner said on television, as the tribunal chaired by retired High Court judge Sebastien Ventour, probe the finances of the former senior government minister for the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The appointment of the tribunal was made pursuant to Section 15 of the Integrity in Public Life Act (ILPA). Last January, the Integrity Commission said it invoked
the legislation to appoint the tribunal to probe Warner’s declarations of assets and income following a 2013 report by the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association (CONCACAF). The report accused Warner of using deceptive methods to secure funds from CONCACAF and FIFA, as well as induce FIFA to transfer funds earmarked for development purposes to bank accounts he controlled. The CONCACAF report also claims that Warner accepted money intended for FIFA that landed into his personal bank accounts. But Warner, who resigned his ministerial position and was re-elected as a member of parliament in a subsequent by-election, has in the past dismissed the report. Ventour told reporters
that the purpose of the tribunal “is really to go deeper into the declarations made by Mr Warner” and that the work of the tribunal would not be done in public. “As you probably all are aware under the Integrity in Public Life Act it’s an issue about secrecy so we cannot be divulging information and the tribunal will be conducted in privacy. “It is not like the ordinary commission of enquiry although the powers are the same. We will be conducting the investigation in privacy. It is not a public issue at all so we have got to respect that,” he said, adding that if the tribunal members believed nine months were insufficient to complete the probe then it was up to the President to grant an extension.
OAS chooses Uruguayan Luis Almagro as new secretary general WASHINGTON (AP) — The Organization of American States yesterday elected former Uruguayan foreign minister Luis Almagro as the new secretary general of the hemispheric organization. The 34 member states voted for Almagro in a secret ballot. He was the only candidate after former Guatemalan vice president Eduardo Stein and Peruvian jurist Diego Garcia-Sayan withdrew their candidacies. Almagro will replace Jose Miguel Insulza on May 25, and will serve a five-year term. He said he hopes to rule over the organization’s renovation, not serve as a mere administrator during crises. During his term, Almagro said he plans to give priority to issues including citizen
security, prevention of social conflicts, protection against natural disasters and improved interconnectivity and education. He also reiterated his hope of bringing Cuba back as a full member of the group. Almagro’s election comes just two weeks before leaders from around the hemisphere will gather in Panama for the Summit of the Americas, with Cuba attending for the first time since its suspension from the Washington-based grouping in 1962. The suspension was annulled in 2009, but Cuba has not moved to rejoin the organization. The vote also comes in the wake of U.S. sanctions levied against seven Venezuelan officials accused for of human rights violations.
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Four Venezuelans arrested during a crackdown on anti-government protests last year have been released from jail following widespread international condemnation and the recent suicide of an imprisoned government opponent. Of the four released, the most prominent is Christian Holdack, who is standing trial alongside the nation’s most-prominent antigovernment prisoner, Leopoldo Lopez, on charges they perpetrated violence at a demonstration in February 2013. The Supreme Court late Tuesday granted Holdack bail in response to his lawyers’ plea that he was suffering from depression and was at risk of committing suicide if he remained locked up. In recent days, Holdack was reported to have initiated a hunger strike to draw attention to his plight. Tuesday night, the 34-year-old walked out of the police station in eastern Caracas where he had been held for the past year. He was greeted by Lopez’s wife, Lilian Tintori, and a small group of former cellmates who were released previously. Holdack, an amateur photographer, was filming protesters in Caracas when he was
detained last year, according to his wife. The protest kicked off a wave of unrest against Venezuela’s socialist government in which at least 43 people from both sides of the conflict died and 3,300 people were detained, although the vast majority of those were released long ago. His release comes less than a week after a jailed government opponent, Rodolfo Gonzalez, committed suicide, drawing attention to what rights groups say are harsh prison conditions for the 40-plus opposition members still in custody Amnesty International this week called for Holdack to be released on humanitarian grounds, repeating his lawyers’ assertions that he was unfairly imprisoned and had been beaten while in custody. As a condition of his release, Holdack is required to report before the court every eight days and is banned from leaving the country. Three lesser-known government opponents also were released in the past two days, Congressman Miguel Pizarro said Wednesday. He identified them as Julver Pulido, Juan Esqueda and Miguel Angel Nieto. Pizarro called the releases important but cautioned that he sees no wider amnesty underway.
Venezuela high court releases 4 government opponents
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Barbados PM to reveal “list of names” Museum terror attack leaves who benefitted from CLICO collapse 22 dead, including 17 tourists BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has told Parliament that he has in his possession a list of people who would have benefitted from the collapse of the Trinidad-based insurance conglomerate, Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) a few years ago. Stuart, contributing to the 2015-16 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, told legislators that in due course he would make public “the list of names” in his possession. “Do not mistake my silence for an incapacity to speak. The time will come when all things will be made clear and explained. I ain’t saying anything yet,” Stuart told Parliament, adding “I have a list . . . of all of the persons who invested in the Executive Flexible Premium Annuity, but I ain’t saying nothing yet. “I know all the people who earning quick money, who were entranced by the lure of attractive interest rates. I know them, I have all of the
Freundel Stuart names,” Prime Minister Stuart said, hinting that the investment might have questionable legal standing. “It is not a traditional insurance product according to legal advice.” Stuart said that much of the current controversy surrounding CLICO would have been avoided, or ended, if action was taken consistent with the intention of the late
prime minister David Thompson. “We might have been better off if there was more trust on the respective sides of this House and the oversight committee, which had been put in place by the late honourable member for St John, had been kept in place. “The millions of dollars that I am hearing about that have had to be paid to judicial managers . . . we wouldn’t have to pay and would have made a little more progress in this matter.” He said his administration would do “what the government has to do” and he is hoping that “having agitated for the matter to be put under judicial management that we will now have the patience to wait to see it through. “But let it not be forgotten that there was agitation in this House and outside for the matter to be put under judicial management,” he told legislators. “Not surprisingly the issue of CLICO is being raised,” he said, as he defended Thompson from those who were “trying to besmirch the reputation of the late honourable member for St John, and trying to destroy the sanctity of his memory”.
At least six people were wounded and 17 tourists killed in the shocking attack Gunmen wearing military uniforms stormed Tunisia’s national museum yesterday, killing 17 foreign tourists and three Tunisians in one of the worst militant attacks in a country that had largely escaped the region’s “Arab Spring” turmoil. Two of the attackers were also killed. Five Japanese as well as visitors from Italy, Poland and Spain were among the dead in the noon assault on Bardo museum inside the heavily guarded parliament
compound in central Tunis, Prime Minister Habib Essid said. “They just started opening fire on the tourists as they were getting out of the buses ... I couldn’t see anything except blood and the dead,” the driver of a tourist coach told journalists at the scene. Essid called it a cowardly terrorist attack and warned that three suspects were still on the loose. In all, 22 people were killed in the attack: 17 tourists, the two gunmen, a museum security officer, a cleaner, and a police officer as well as a police dog. Scores of visitors fled into the museum and the militants - who authorities did not immediately link to any extremist group - took hostages inside, officials said. Security forces entered around two hours later, killed two militants and freed the captives, a government spokesman said. A police officer died in the operation. The attack on such a highprofile target is a blow for the small North African country that relies heavily on European tourism and has mostly avoided major militant violence since its 2011 uprising to oust autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali. Several Islamist militant groups have emerged in Tunisia since the uprising, and authorities estimate about 3,000 Tunisians have also joined fighters in Iraq and Syria — igniting fears they could return and mount attacks at home. “All Tunisians should be
united after this attack which was aimed at destroying the Tunisian economy,” Prime Minister Essid declared in a national address. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry joined leaders from Europe condemning the attack and said Washington continued “to support the Tunisian government’s efforts to advance a secure, prosperous, and democratic Tunisia.” Television footage showed dozens of people, including elderly foreigners and one man carrying a child, running for shelter in the museum compound, covered by security forces aiming rifles into the air. The Tunisian premier said 17 tourists were killed, including four Italians, a French citizen, a Pole, two Colombians, five Japanese, an Australian and two Spaniards. He had previous mentioned a German fatality, but did not mention that in later statements. Two Tunisians were killed. The museum is known for its collection of ancient Tunisian artifacts and mosaics and other treasures from classical Rome and Greece. There were no immediate reports that the attackers had copied Islamic State militants in Iraq by targeting exhibits seen by hardliners as idolatrous. Bardo’s white-walled halls set in the parliament compound are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Tunisian capital. Many tourists come for day trips to Tunis from nearby Mediterranean beach resorts. Shocked but defiant, hundreds of Tunisians later gathered in the streets of downtown Tunis waving the country’s red and white crescent flag, and chanting against terrorism.
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GOA Admin Secretary, Blackmore passes away The sports community in Guyana was plunged into sudden mourning yesterday with the death of Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Administrative Secretary, Shanomae Blackmore, following a brief illness. Blackmore reportedly passed peacefully at her home. GOA Secretary General, Hector Edwards officially informed the media in an email when he said that “it is with regret (that) we wish to inform you of the death of Ms. Shanomae Blackmore, our Administrative Secretary, who passed away this morning at her home after a brief illness.” President of the Olympic Association, K.A. Juman Yassin told Kaieteur Sport that the passing of Blackmore is “unbelievable” and “tragic”. “She was a valuable employee and a great person. She was deeply involved in our administration of sports,” he added. According to Yassin, Blackmore was always helpful and willing to assist; he said that she will
be missed by many. The GOA President expressed condolences to the family, and friends of the late Blackmore, who has worked with the Olympic Association since 2007. The Olympic Association recognised Blackmore at its Award Ceremony last year for ‘Outstanding Contributions to the Development of Sports’. As Admin Secretary for the GOA, Blackmore interfaced with all Olympic Sports in Guyana that made her one of the most popular Administrators of Sport given her knowledge of any discipline that is under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) umbrella. Blackmore was also Secretary of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), where she was an asset, being trained to use the Meet Manager Computing System, which enters athletes and result electronically. Blackmore’s Meet Manager knowledge made her a reliable source of information for the media. In addition, Blackmore
- Sports fraternity mourns served as Secretary for the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Committee for the last six years, where she played a major role in the development of the meet that’s held in Linden annually. Contacted yesterday, Chairman of the Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Committee, Colin Boyce said that Blackmore was known to all in the sport community, and more specifically the athletics community, as an “astute” and “dependable” individual. “Shanomae had a pleasant personality and she gave her life to the development of sport. She will be remembered by all as one who spent her life developing sport and track and field in Guyana,” Boyce said, expressing condolences on behalf of the Boyce & Jefford Committee to the family of the late Blackmore. Despite her busy schedule and overwhelming diet of sport administration,
Thursday March 19, 2015 ARIES (MARCH 21 APRIL 19): Today, or rather tonight, is for romance and cozy intimacy, Aries. You pull out all the stops for your evening with that special someone. ******************************** TAURUS (APRIL 20 MAY 20): Some interesting moneymaking opportunities are likely to come your way, Taurus, either today or in the near future. ******************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20): There’s going to be so much to get done today that you might feel a little daunted about getting started. By midday you could even find yourself downright overwhelmed. ******************************** CANCER (JUNE 21 JULY 22): No sooner do you set foot in the office this morning than you begin to get pelted from all directions with various crises and problems, Cancer. ******************************** LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22): To d a y w i l l b e a l o v e l y combination of harmony and passion. Make the most of it, Leo. ******************************** VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22): Your efforts on the domestic front have certainly paid off, Virgo. Your home is looking wonderful. Everyone who enters says so.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22): Your neighborhood is changing, Libra, and the change is all for the better. Wonderful new neighbors may have moved in, or perhaps a small gourmet takeout shop has just opened up. ******************************** SCORPIO (OCT. 23 NOV. 21): Financial prosperity is just around the corner, Scorpio, especially with your recently acquired money-management skills. ******************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21): The significant other in your life needs your support not a lecture right now, Sagittarius. ******************************** CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 JAN. 19): Today is the final push to complete a very big project you’ve likely been working on for some time now, Capricorn. ******************************** AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 FEB. 18): A pleasant outing could get delayed or cancelled due to an event entirely out of your control. ******************************** PISCES(FEB.19-MARCH 20): There’s no question about it, Pisces, you’ve been working hard these last few weeks. As an approaching deadline looms, you may find yourself waking up at night, running numbers through your head.
Blackmore was part of civil society. Her facebook page was abuzz yesterday with several persons local and international pouring out condolences and remembering Blackmore. Popular local artiste, Desiree Edghill said that
Blackmore skilfully held together her youth group at Church amid challenges. According to Edghill, Blackmore was “strong” and “courageous” and “a leader”. “You made my time as Youth Coordinator for the Youth Group so meaningful, and Mothers Day even more special. You held that youth group together, through all
Inter-Association U-19 tourney...
Alli guides East Bank to victory over West Demerara A stroke-filled unbeaten 94 from left-hander Ershad Alli guided East Bank to a fourwicket victory over West Demerara when the InterAssociation U-19 50-over tournament continued yesterday at Everest Cricket Club. Chasing 219, Alli struck twelve fours as East Bank ended on 222-6 in 46.5 overs. Alli and Ryan Shun steadied the chase after their team lost three early wickets to be at 453. The pair virtually took the game away from their opponents as they added 124 for the fourth wicket with level headed batting. Shun slammed eight fours and one six before he was dismissed for 68. Off-spinner Richie Looknauth claimed 2-40. Earlier, openers Kelvin Shewpersaud and Ronaldo Renee gave West Demerara a bright start with a stand of 55 before Renee was caught and bowled by Dexroy Williams for 29. Shewpersaud then shared in a second wicket
Peter Lewis... From page 35 Sleep in Hotel, Star Party Rentals, Latchman Mohabir Cambio, P and P Insurance Company, Taljit Depot, Top Brass Distributors, Delmur Shipping Company, Marcus Trading, Chester Fry Bush Lot, Elegance Pawn Shop, Mikel’s Plaza, and Inshan Bacchus Trucking Service and racing stable, Trophy Stall Bourda Market, Aubrey Elcock, Neil Teekaram, Francis ‘Chico’ Chichester, Archway Snackette, Atlantic Cable Network, Ganesh Singh and Robin Persaud among others. Music will be supplied by the might Crown Vibes International Sound Company. The next promotion organised by the group is fixed for August 2nd 2015 at the same venue. Interested persons can make contact with Rajendra (Jim –Jo) 618-7278, Fazal 657 7010, Colin on 6242723 or Donald or Zaleena Lawrie on telephone Nos 225-4530 for additional details. Race time will be 12:30hrs.
stand of 62 with Akshaya Persaud, but when Alli trapped Shewpersaud lbw for 35, East Bank managed to restrict the scoring to some extent. Persaud went for 28. However, Chetnarine Pooran beefed up the total with 31. West Demerara lost nine wickets with Ryan Shun capturing 3-36, Paul Thomas 2-9 and Daniel Barker 2-29. (Zaheer Mohamed)
the challenges. How I wish I could have done something, something to make it easier for you. But I have to believe that God knows best or else it would be so difficult to get through this time and future times without you. I will miss you. We all will miss you! I loved you so Shanna. You will always be in my heart. Rest in Peace dear child,” Edghill seems to sum up the feeling of all who knew Blackmore. Ironically, Shanomae’s last post on social media, Facebook, was one from Joel Osteen Ministries that stated “No matter what life throws your way, look that challenge in the eye and declare ‘You will not defeat me. I am a child of the Most High God.’” Kaieteur Sport extends condolences to family, friends, Organisations, and all those mourning the loss of Ms. Shanomae Blackmore. Kaieteur Sport has benefitted immensely from the contributions of Blackmore. May her Soul Rest in Peace.
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Duminy hat-trick as South Africa storm into semis SYDNEY (Reuters) - Allrounder JP Duminy claimed a hat-trick as South Africa stormed into the World Cup semi-finals with a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday. The victory in the last
eight clash was South Africa’s first in a knockout match at a World Cup and earned them a date with New Zealand or West Indies in Auckland next week with a spot in the final up for grabs. The Proteas will probably have to win the semi-final to finally bury their reputation
Farm to host double wicket competition After an absence of 12 years, competitive cricket will make a return to the Farm community centre ground in the form of a double wicket cricket competition to be held on the 29th March. The event is sponsored by D. Mangal vulcanizing Establishment of Herstelling public road and organized by the Farm Cricket Club as part of its fund raising activities. 12 teams are expected to
participate namely Ruimveldt, Eccles, Nandy Park, Providence, Combined United, Farm, Diamond, Sandpipers, Silver Bullet , North Soesdyke , Herstelling and Laluni. All teams are asked to send a representative to a meeting on tomorrow at the club’s pavilion to discuss the playing conditions and to make the draw. Entrance fee is $3,000.
as World Cup ‘chokers’ but they went some way to removing the tag with the rout of the 1996 champions, who they restricted to 133 runs off 37.2 overs. Under-fire opener Quinton de Kock led the way with an unbeaten 78 from 57 balls as the South Africans comfortably reached their target with 32 overs to spare at the cost of only the wicket of Hashim Amla. After losing the toss and being sent into the field, South Africa’s highly rated but under-performing pace attack quickly removed both openers but it was spinbowling that did the most damage to Sri Lanka’s cause. Duminy took three for 29 and Imran Tahir four for 26, the pair combining to break the back of the Sri Lanka innings with four wickets at the cost of just two runs in three overs to reduce the islanders to 1168. The spell included the ninth
World Cup hat-trick, Duminy dismissing Angelo Mathews (19) with the final ball of the 33rd over and returning to send back Nuwan Kulasekara (1) and debutant Tharindu Kaushal (0) with the first two deliveries of the 35th. When Kumar Sangakkara was dismissed soon afterwards, Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching a third successive World Cup final looked all but gone. Sangakkara, who had been looking for a record fifth successive century, scored a measured 45 but was forced to throw off the shackles as
the wickets tumbled around him and holed out in the deep off paceman Morne Morkel. A heavy shower appeared out of the blue as if to mourn the final one-day innings of one of the game’s great batsmen and the players came off the pitch for a 23minute rain break. It only delayed the inevitable, however, and de Kock and Amla were soon at the crease playing with the freedom allowed to a batsman chasing such a low target. Amla departed for 16 but de Kock and Faf du Plessis
(21 not out) ensured that skipper AB de Villiers, who scored 162 not out in his last innings at the SCG last month, could keep his powder dry for challenges to come. Tahir ’s four victims included Mahela Jayawardene to leave the other retiring Sri Lanka batting great with a tally of four runs in his final innings in the 50over format. Scores: South Africa 134 for 1 (de Kock 78*) beat Sri Lanka 133 (Sangakkara 45, Tahir 4-26, Duminy 3-29) by 9 wickets.
U-19 Cricket...
GT maul E/Coast by 9 Wkts By Sean Devers A hard pitch at the Enterprise Community Centre ground on the East Coast of Demerara backfired on the East Coast under-19 cricket team yesterday when their second round match against Georgetown in the InterAssociation 50-over game resulted in the hosts being blown away by nine wickets. East Coast, who beat East Bank in the opening round on Tuesday at Enterprise, offered little resistance to the pace and bounce from fast bowler Carlton Jacques, who ripped out the first four batsmen before off-spinner Tariq Dharamlall finished off the innings with the first fivewicket haul of the four-team tournament as the hosts crashed to 53 all out from 27.5 overs. The City side reached 661 in just 11.4 overs as the game was completed 13:32hrs much to the disappointment of a raucous turn out. Vishwanauth Ramlakhan spooned a ball to mid-off as Jacques started the slide by removing Ramlakhan for a duck with just eight runs on the board. Things got progressively worse for the home team when the lively Jacques, excellently utilizing overcast conditions and a strong breeze, induced Bashkar Yadram to edge one that left him before he had scored, to slip, while Ramnarine Chaturia
Carlton Jacques & Tariq Dharamlall shared 9 wickets between them yesterday. got a beauty from Jacques, who got prodigious lateral movement in the air and off the seam, and edged it to the Keeper as two wickets tumbled for no run to leave the score on 15-3. Jacques (4-15 from 8 overs) bowled with impressive pace to follow up his 2-46 in his team’s first round defeat to West Demerara at DCC, while Dharamlall went to work on the lower order with a mesmerizing eight-over spell which yielded five wickets for 12 runs as only Vivian Albert, who made an unbeaten 35 on Tuesday in his team’s win against East Bank, offered any resistance with two fours in 23. But he was the only batsman to get into double figures and the total could have been less had Georgetown not conceded 15 extras. When the team from the Nation’s Capital began their run chase they lost Joshua Ram for a duck when he top edged a pull to one that bounced viscously from offspinner Richard Woolford and was taken at short fineleg by Chaturia, running round from slip with just a run on the board. Ram’s dismissal must have been a motivator for the East Coast team since he and
Sherfane Rutherford had put on 52 for the first wicket in the opening round but the sun returned in all of its glory and conditions proved a lot easier for batting as Rutherford and Joshua Persaud joined forces. The left-handed Rutherford, who hails from the East Coast, tucked into the bowling with increasing confidence after overcoming a testing period from pacer Gavin Moriah and Woolford, who opened the bowling and operated with good control although he bowled a bit too quickly on the ‘true’ surface. While Persaud played the supporting role and knocked the ball into the gaps in his unbeaten 18 from 33 balls, Rutherford was more dominant and disdainfully hooked Moriah when he pounded in a short ball and the ball speed to boundary over a fast, if slightly uneven outfield. With three to win, Rutherford nonchalantly deposited off-spinner Jaydeo Mana for six the finish the contest in emphatic fashion. With a win and loss each, Georgetown face East Bank in their final round game on Friday, while East Coast faceoff with West Demarara at Everest.
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GOA set aside $14million for 2015 rugby campaign
President of the GOA K.A. Juman Yassin (right) and President of the GRFU Peter Green seen at the briefing yesterday at Olympic House. By Rawle Welch With the year 2015 anticipated to be a busy one for the national rugby teams and the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) overheads at an unprecedented high, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) announced its intent to significantly alleviate the
Union’s burden, during a press briefing yesterday, President of the GOA K.A. Juman Yassin speaking at the occasion disclosed that roughly $14million have been earmarked to assist the national rugby teams get to various tournaments along with contractual support for Technical Director Angus Thomson and other related
expenses for the teams’ preparations. According to Yassin, the GOA and the Union have enjoyed a cordial relationship of recent, adding that because this year is a very important one for them the Association found it imperative to offer its support. He mentioned the support, which started last year when the Union was
Gittens two-day Bday Domino Tournament starts tomorrow Lyall Gittens familiarly known as the ‘Untouchable Boss’ will be celebrating his birthday with a big two-day Domino Tournament and take-away lunch scheduled to be staged tomorrow and Saturday, at the Banks DIH Sports Club, starting at 15:00 hrs. The Organiser speaking with this newspaper recently said that the event is anticipated to be one of the biggest tournaments to be held for sometime with a number of the leading teams expected to be part of the competition. Gittens, widely regarded as one of the leading organisers of the sport revealed that teams from the Private and Public Sectors have been invited to participate in the tournament and already most of them have begun to confirm their intentions to attend the two-
Lyall Gittens day tournament. Close to $350,000 in prize monies and trophies will be up for grabs and entrance fee is $10,000 per team. The winning team will collect $‘150,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up receives
$100,000, 3rd place $50,000 and 4th place $10,000. According to Gittens, among the teams invited are F& H Printery, Sterling Products, the Guyana Police Force, Banks DIH, Guyana National Shipping Corporation, CCI, Orin Taxi Service, Ministry of Works, Guyana Harbour Bridge, Frankie’s, Legend, Buxton All Stars among others. The leading sponsors of the event are: Jada Juices of Guinness Bar, August Beverages, Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Sdtall, Korner Kick, Cyril’s Taxi Service, HJ Boom Station, Gobin’s & Sons, Kaieteur Spring, Big Boss Transportation, Demerara Ice House, Strikers Sports Club, Boom Town DVD, Park 28, Michael and Lisa of First Street, Bartica, ABU Taxi Service, North East Taxi Service, Beck’s Lumber Yard and Patterson Associates.
MCYS Schools Windball-East Bank...
Wins for IPS, Covent Garden Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) and Covent Garden Secondary recorded victories when the East Bank Demerara Schools 23rd Annual Easter Term Windball competition continued recently at Timehri Red Ground. Institute of Professional Studies (Golden Grove)
overcame Xenon Academy by 66 runs. IPS batted first and made 125-3 off 8 overs, with James Couchman scoring 57, (8x6); Christ Bohesport made 22 and Shawn Alleyne 12. Xenon Academy in reply were bowled out for 59 in seven overs. Navindra Kumar picked up five wickets. Eleven times champions
Covent Garden Secondary defeated debutant Camille’s Institute (Diamond Branch) by 104 runs. Covent Garden posted 153-1, batting first. Sagar Hatharimani struck 89 not out (5x4,10x6) and Kurt Douglas made 61 (3x4,7x6). Camille’s were bowled out for 49; Hatharimani captured four wickets.
given $3million to attend NACRA, will continue with funding for the team’s participation in Hong Kong, the NACRA Sevens in the USA which will cater for airfares, accommodation etc to the tune of $6.5 million, while the Pan Am preparations in Guyana could cost in excess of $990,000. Yassin added that the GOA will be covering the cost of the team’s travel to the Games in Canada in July and other related needs to the tune of $5.5 million. He reported that the GOA intends to foot the bill for the team to be in Canada at last two weeks prior to the commencement of the Games and that according to him is an additional cost. “We have taken the burden and headache off the Union,” Yassin said. The GOA Boss then congratulated the President of the Union Peter Green for
leading the entity on a successful path and expressed hope that the current success spills over in 2015. Green opened up by stating that the success garnered so far is all part of a three-year plan that was constructed last year, informing that they’ve achieved all their goals to date. “We were in the red in 2013, but last year we were able to convince some of our sponsors to assist us and we are now reaping the rewards of our labour,” Green said. He thanked Yassin for listening to the Union’s pleas for assistance and answering the calls. Green was also grateful for the support of Beharry Companies and the Government that made significant contributions as well. Thomson quizzed on the makeup and preparations of the team revealed that the
team is a combination of experience and new players, while the preparations have been going well to date, especially with the arrival of the overseas-based players. He assured that they will not be going to Hong Kong for a training exercise, but rather taking it as a serious boost to their preparations for the NACRA Sevens slated for June. He, however, reminded that the Group that Guyana is in is a tough one with the likes of Spain, Zimbabwe and Tonga, all very strong teams in the division. Guyana open up against Zimbabwe next Friday, while the team leaves this Saturday.
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Golden Jaguars widen pool with addition of more overseas players As preparations wind down ahead of Sunday’s friendly international between Guyana and St. Lucia at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, the Golden Jaguars continues to widen its pool of players. Two more overseas players have been added to the squad, 29-year-old Michael Ten-Pow who is a born Guyanese but migrated to the USA a few months old. The qualified Computer Engineer disclosed that he lived in Chile for five years before returning to the USA. His dad’s name is Rudolph Ten-Pow and mother is Bonita Ten-Pow. Ten-Pow disclosed that he has played at the national pool youth level in the United States and was contacted around the year 2000 by someone from the GFF but he didn’t take the opportunity then since he was in the height of his Computer Engineering
Michael Ten-Pow (USA) & Daniel White (Canada) joins studies. “I’ve been an engineer for the last decade and have decided now to get back active in the game so I made contact with the GFF and told them that I need the opportunity to get involved. I still have skills; still have a good body on me and a desire to represent my country, so it’s an opportunity I’m happy and lucky to have.” Ten-Pow disclosed that he plays in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in San Francisco with the San Francisco Stompers Football Club as a left winger. “I and aiming and expect to become a permanent fixture with the Golden Jaguars with good performances. I would like to see Guyana get back to prominence. I know we had a good run a few years back and I would like to see us do that again. I know some
people have written us off given the kind of turmoil that has happened but I would like to see that change.” Twenty year-old Daniel White is based in Canada and his dad, James White is from Campbellville, Georgetown. He said it was always his dream to play for his dad’s country and intends to make this opportunity count. “The Golden Jaguars are really welcoming, it’s like a family right now, and they are kind to me and respectful and they treat me as one of them.” White ply his trade in Canada at an Academy called Sigma FC which plays in League One which is a very competitive league and is of the view that the level of competition there has played a great part in preparing him for this challenge. “I’m in my third year at university studying to
become a physiotherapist or to get into sports medicine.” The 18-man squad to face St. Lucia would be selected on Saturday morning ahead of Sunday’s game. National Captain Christopher Nurse has also joined the squad. Nurse, a defensive midfielder was recently re-signed by the RailHawks ahead of the 2015 NASL Season. Nurse, a key player of the 2011 RailHawks roster that won the regular season championship, will return to the RailHawks yet one more time. In 2012, Nurse returned for his second season with the RailHawks, making 10 appearances while registering 6 starts and 1 assist. A release from the club said that Nurse has developed vast experience at different levels of the game throughout his extensive professional career. He has played for several Conference North and Southern Football League clubs in England, such as
Daniel White Michael Ten-Pow Tamworth Football Club, Moor Green and Hinckley United, as well as NASL sides
Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Puerto Rico Islanders and FC Edmonton.
Winning must become a habit ....GCB Secretary tells departing Guyana Jaguars
Guyana Jaguars team pose for a photo with GCB Secretary, Anand Sanasie (3rd from left) at the Ogle International Airport. Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, Anand Sanasie, told members of the Guyana Jaguars team that winning must become a habit; that’s what make champions become legends. He emphasized that even though Guyana Jaguars have won the Regional 4-Day title, they must not take the final match lightly; it is their opportunity to continue their dominance and finish the Tournament on a very high note. “Professional athletes and successful teams understand that winning must become a habit and this is what makes champions become legends”, the GCB Secretary said to the players and staff. He further stated, “Let your final match act as
a catalyst for the next tournament as upon your return and a short time off, you would begin preparation for the next season.” Sanasie met the players and management at the Ogle International Airport just before they departed for Dominica to play the Windward Islands in the final round game of the WICB PCL Regional 4-Day Tournament. After nine rounds, Guyana sits comfortably at the top of the points table with 130 points, 22 points ahead of Barbados Pride who is at second position. Windward Islands Volcanoes is on 106, Jamaica Franchise on 68, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on 60 and Leeward
Islands Hurricanes on 37. Since a team can only score a possible maximum of 20 points in a game, Guyana Jaguars have basically won the Regional 4-Day 2015 going into the final round. The final round begins tomorrow. The Jaguars’ team reads: Rajendra Chandrika, Assad Fudadin, Leon Johnson (captain), Narsingh Deonarine, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh (v.captain), Raymon Reifer, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Keon Joseph, and Ronsford Beaton. The Coach is Esuan Crandon and the Assistant Coach/Manager is Rayon Griffith.
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Kaieteur News
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704 Sports Bar launches annual arm wrestling tournament The 704 Sports Bar officially launched yesterday the second series of its Arm Wrestling Tournament which will see 29 contestants battling for over $600,000 in cash and prizes come March 28. According to the entity’s Project manager, Dustanni Barrow, the competition is open to both men and women this year. He said that they will be participating in two categories; under 200lbs and over. Apart from trophies for the top performers, the winner will receive $100,000 along with high quality sporting gears from Gizmos and Gadgets Fitness Factory, while the runner-up gets $75,000. The third place collects $50,000. Registration forms are available at all leading gyms in Georgetown and at the 704 Sports Bar on Lamaha and Albert Streets. The 704 Management team has also
assured that paramedics will be on standby and all contestants will be insured so that in the event of any injury they would be fully covered. Barrow asserted that for next year’s edition of the competition, the 704 Management will be offering referee and arm wrestling courses. The sponsors for the event include; Gizmos and Gadgets, Southland International Inc. and the National Communications Network (NCN). The project manager also explained that special cocktails have also been created for the sponsors and will also be added to the cocktail repertoire of the 704 Sports Bar. These concoctions include; Dream TV, E1, and Pass De Cash which will be available at the preliminary round as well as the final round of the event which is slated for April 4.
Promoters of the 704 Arm Wrestling Tourney pose for a photograph at the launch.
Simply White Spa improves the smile on K&S
Tristell Manifold hands over the trophy to Aubrey Major in the presence of her sister, Karen.
S
imply White Spa is a relatively new business place situated at lot 50 Louisa Row and Norton Street Werk-en-
Rust. It has been in existence for approximately two years yet the managers have found the grace to support the efforts of the Kashif and
Shanghai Entertainment Group ever since their inauguration. This business organization has continued the rich tradition and has once again acquiesced to tangible assistance even as the minutes to the first whistle whittles down. Last Tuesday afternoon, Karen and Tristell Manifold, the owners of Simply White Spa, visited the Kashif and Shanghai’s Irving Street office and handed over the prize, a beautiful trophy, for the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Moments after handing over the gift to Mr. Major, Tristell explained that they are ardent lovers of the sport and feel obliged to contribute to its continued development. The young businesswoman said that her firm provides teeth whitening services that are
comparable to none. She said that the customers’ satisfaction is the primary objective as her staff aspires to please the customers. Displaying perfectly white teeth behind an infectious smile, Karen supported her sister while
explaining that their service leaves customers with bright smiles and clean white dentures. Mr. Major received the gift on behalf of his firm and expressed delight even as he urged the public to support the young entrepreneurs.
“They are not in the leagues of the powerful businesses yet they unselfishly contributed to the development of the sport and such chivalry ought to be tangibly rewarded,” pronounced the K&S Director.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday March 19, 2015
Changes made to Jumbo Quincy Gomes defeated Jet “Guyana Cup Fever” despite Horserace meet valiant Gomes (right) mixes it up with Gonsalves albeit in a losing cause.
The action promises to be intense. As preparation intensifies for the “Guyana Cup Fever” Horserace meet 2015, organised by the Port Mourant Turf Club in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and racing stables, set for Sunday 5 April, some changes have been made to the programme. Eight races are still on the cards with over $10M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs in the event which is one of the richest on the horseracing calendar so far. The feature D1 and Lower event will now be a little over 1600M from the previously advertised nine furlongs for a winning take of $1.5 and a combing purse of $2,820,000. The G1 and lower event will now be a G3 and lower th
race and will also feature West Indies and Guyana bred colts, fillies’ 3-year-old and up. The distance is 1200M for a combined purse of $750,000 and trophy. The F1 and lower 1200M event will also feature animals classified three year old West Indies and Guyana bred, colts, fillies, mares and up for a total prize of $ 940,000 and trophy. There is an event for West Indies and Guyana bred three year old animals including colts and fillies also for a total prize of $940,000 and trophy over 1500M. The Guyana Bred three year old colts, mares and fillies will have their chance at competing for a total prize package of $560,000 and trophy over 1200M. The event for I1 & lower
horses over 1200M is also for Guyana bred 2yrs old and up, colts, fillies and mares racing for a winning package of $470,000 and trophy. The final race will be for animals classified J2 and lower and Guyana bred colts, fillies and mares for a total purse of $375,000 over 1200M. The programme shows that the organisers are also moving in line to implement a number of new initiatives taken recently by those in the horseracing fraternity with the ratings and class of the animals being taken into consideration. The events will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Interested persons can contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 232-0633), Romel Jagroop (624-1798), Irshad Mohammed on 6641650. Nazrudeen “Jumbo Jet” Mohammed Junior is the coordinator. Race time is 12:30hrs They organisers have also arranged a number of added attractions, giveaways and incentives including free kites for kids upon entry. (Samuel Whyte)
effort
Guyanese boxer, Quincy Gomes, turned in a valiant performance but failed to get past Frenchman, Arnold Martinez, when they faced off at the Georges Donzenac C e n t r e S p o r t i f Départmental, Cayenne, French Guiana, last Saturday in the only professional bout on the two nation Inter G u i a n a B o x i n g Championship. It was Gomes’ first overseas outing against a boxer of more experience with the home advantage but the Guyanese shrugged aside this advantage to commence the round aggressively. He attacked his man from the onset and had him on the back foot for the initial part of the round until Martinez asserted himself and dealt his opponent several wicked clouts to the head that slowed down the Guyanese pugilist. Not to be outdone, Gomes entered the second round with similar aggression and scored with several combinations but the Frenchman resorted to his experience and boxed his way out of trouble with
clever combinations. The fight gathered momentum in the third round and Gomes bustled forward attempting to establish his dominance but was met by a determined Gonsalves who used his long reach to full advantage to build up crucial points while keeping the busy Gomes at bay. The fight continued at a vicious pace into round four and Gonsalves boxed around while pausing for the occasional flurry. Gomes held a high guard and shuffled forward but the Frenchman climbed on his bicycle and was very elusive. Gomes changed his mode of attack in the fifth round and pummeled Gonsalves to the body. The latter fighter took his blows like a man and responded with a four punch
combination which Jones managed to evade through clever bob and weaving tactics. The final round was a gem as both fighters attacked with venom; Gomes lashed out with a right cross but Gonsalves, sensing that he was ahead on the judges’ scorecard, opted to dance around while sticking out the jab with an occasional combination. Gomes demonstrated courage when he attacked his man, attempting to finish him off but Gonsalves refused to be caught in a brawl and retained a distance while scoring with jabs and right crosses. The French fighter eventually earned the nod on all three judges’ scorecard by margins of 60-64, 59-55 and 59-46.
Disappointing end to Anamayah Memorial Basketball tournament in Berbice - Rose Hall Jammers win by walkover after Smythfield Rockers failed to show After a number of weeks of keenly contested action in the second annual Anamayah
first division basketball competition there was a disappointing end to the
tournament. In the end Rose Hall Town Jammers were declared champions after their opponents Smythfield Rockers suffered cold feet and failed to show for the final scheduled for last Sunday at the Area ‘H’ hard court Rose Hall Town, Corentyne. It was a disappointing end to the tournament which went well and the organisers will have to sit down and decide on what course of action to be taken against the defaulting Smythfield Rockers team who could not give any plausible excuse for their non-showing. Smythfield Rockers were the runner up last year, while The Rose Hall Jammers had knocked out defending champion New Amsterdam Warriors from the tournament. From the tournament a squad is expected to be selected to continue training for future tournaments.
Coaching and training is expected to continue with help from the parent body in Georgetown. Although the tournament ended on a disappointing note the sponsors were generally pleased with how it was conducted and the publicity it gained. They have shown all indications that it might be sponsored again. The Rose Hall Town Jammers are now the new champions of Basketball in the Ancient County. The tournament attracted seven teams - New Amsterdam Warriors and Smythfield Rockers of New Amsterdam, Hopetown Stealers and Ithica Hardliners from West Berbice, Fyrish Black Sharks and Rose Hall Jammers from Corentyne and Canje Knights of East Canje. The tournament was coordinated by Vibert Garrett. (Samuel Whyte)
Thursday March 19, 2015
Kaieteur News
Clash of the Titans Horses Race meet...
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Peter Lewis Associated Construction Services partners with Four Horsemen promotion Crown Vibes International Sound System also on board
CP got even during a workout at the Port Mourant Turf Club this week. By Samuel Whyte The ‘Clash of the Titans’ Horserace meet organized by the Four Horsemen Promotion group, set for Sunday at the Port Mourant “Big Yard”, Turf Club, Corentyne Berbice is definitely the most talked about horseracing event on the racing calendar so far in terms of the calibre of animals it has attracted. Thousands are expected to the venue to witness the mouthwatering races expected to unfold. A number of sponsors have been making good on promises as they pour forward with their sponsorship deal. The latest on board was the principals of Peter Lewis Associated Construction Services (ACS) of Hampshire, Corentyne, Berbice. Mr. Lewis in brief remarks stated that his company is happy to be on board with the ‘Clash of The Titans’ Horsesrace meet. He said that his company is one that upholds good standards and quality and they are always willing to support anything that upholds such traits. The impending
activity has all the characteristics of improving the quality of horseracing and he is willing to support he said. The presentation was done at the company’s head officer at Hampshire Corentyne, Berbice. Eight races are listed for the day with over 60 horses already on board. With a number of sponsors on board there are now over $8M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs in the various divisions. The feature A and lower is over 1600M with a whopping first prize of $1.2M and Trophy available and a terrific lineup has been assembled. Guyana number one and only ‘A’ class animal Score’s Even, the big 1000 pound Grey Gilding, is expected to receive its stiffest test so far in that feature event. Although beaten already the animal has not been in the kind of condition it is at the moment. Stable mate Run Nana Run is also showing good form. However with animals the likes Treacle C.P Got Even and Curfew Tower in the race anything could happen. Could the newly
imported record breaking Diplomatic Cat get enough time to settle in and continue from where it left off in Trinidad or the likes of Spit Fire, Tiz a Holiday, Western Charm, Spirit of Dixie, Lady Budapest and Storm Mark turn the arena upside down. The other events include the three year old event for West Indies Bred horses over 1200M for a winner’s take of $400,000 and trophy. The event for animals classified D3 maidens and four year old horses and nonearners in the last six months over 1400 meters has a winning purse of $300,000 and trophy. The likes of Spit Fire, the resilient Unsettled, Just call Me Boss, Swing Easy, Church House, Right to Rule, Tiz A Holiday, California Strike among others are set to compete. The G1 and lower 1200M race fetches the winner $320,000 and trophy. The winner of the three year old Guyana bred and I and lower 1200M event will take home $300,000 and trophy. The G 3 Maiden and H and lower 1200M race has a winning pocket of $300,000 and trophy. The ‘J1’ and lower 1100M event has a pole position taking of $240,000 and trophy. The J3 and lower 1100M event has a first prize take of $200,000 and trophy. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the Trophy Stall and the organizers. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Among the sponsors on board so far are Banks DIH Limited, E-Net Works, Southland Distribution Incorporated, Poonai and Poonai, Atlantic Supply, (Continued on page 29)
t r o Sp
Duminy hat-trick as South Africa storm into semis GOA Admin Secretary, Blackmore passes away - Sports fraternity mourns
The late Shanomae Blackmore (left) collecting an award from the GOA President, K.A. Juman Yassin for her outstanding contributions to sports last year.
Imran Tahir takes a catch off his own bowling to dismiss Lahiru Thirimanne ©ICC. INSET: Quinton de Kock loads up during his top score. ©Getty Images
Golden Jaguars widen pool with addition of more overseas players
Golden Jaguar Captain Christopher Nurse (right) and colleagues listens to Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz during yesterday’s session at eth Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
GOA set aside $14million for 2015 rugby campaign Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210