Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The mining sector and development For most Guyanese who live on the coastlands (and that means almost ninety percent of the population), mining is outside their everyday radar. The relatively frequent killing of miners deep in our interior, however, has forced many to deal with the reality that life and “economic” activities go on continuously there, as the wealth under our soils are excavated in one manner or another. Ever since the abolition of slavery, thousands of our citizens went into the interior to seek their fortunes and in the process founded a new industry – gold mining. Diamonds were also discovered and became a subsidiary activity. Almost a century ago, bauxite deposits were identified up the Demerara and Berbice Rivers, and Demba and Reynolds, Canadian and American multinationals respectively, hired or lured additional thousands and built townships near the mines. Manganese at one time was mined in the Northwest District (Region One), and once again Guyanese moved in to move earth. Today, as we look at the sector, we notice that it is dominated by the production of gold and diamonds, and a lot of holes in the ground. Last year, some 481,000 ounces of gold were declared, the largest amount ever. The bauxite industry essentially fell on hard times since the eighties. A Chinese and a Russian company control the Demerara and Berbice bauxite operations – but the lives of the people in the mining areas have basically been devastated. One would have assumed that our policy makers would have by now devised a more holistic approach that would balance the exploitation of our resources with the long-term development of the wherewithal of our people to earn a living. The approach to focus on the revenue generated, and the short-term jobs created, is ameliorated only by token gestures to “environmental” concerns that the state has very little capacity in the first place to enforce. They are in the process of implementing some measures for this purpose. The authorities glibly talk about “sustainable mining,” but factually, this is an oxymoron, since all ores are finite and non-renewable. However, we acknowledge that our mineral resources must be extracted and utilised for our economic growth. The challenge, we posit, is how to conduct mining in an environmentally and socially beneficent manner for the long term. Economic growth models that incorporate natural resource constraints in economic activity stipulate “sustainable development” as non-decreasing consumption over time, and derive the result that all income from nonrenewable resources’ extraction must be invested in manmade capital so as to keep the total stock of capital constant. We cannot just consume the (meagre) gains that are thrown our way. Since our natural capital, like wildlife and sanctuaries, and certain ecosystems offer incomparable values, they must be protected. But just as importantly, sustainable development requires that the prices of exhaustible resources should reflect their social costs, and that development must be inclusive in the sense that people displaced or having their lives disrupted because of mining should not be made worse off. Over the years very few have listened to the complaints of our Indigenous peoples. Because of the broad negative externalities from mining and the social necessities identified, a more intrusive role for the state is required. It is to some extent encouraging that our mining laws and rules are being re-evaluated and various measures implemented, chiefly with respect to the acquiring of land, determination and use of royalties, linking penalties for violations of pollution standards to the damages, and the introduction of strict liability for mine closures. A portion of the royalties must be identified for building physical and human capital to ensure sustainable livelihood for the displaced and other affected people – including people used for the present mining operations. The environmental impact must include the impact on people, too.

Friday March 21, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

Abu Bakr attempts to make reparations a trivial event DEAR EDITOR Abu Bakr is a well-read intellect who knows his history better than most. It was therefore very perplexing to read many of the statements Abu Bakr made in his Letter to the Editor entitled “we learn a certain narrative of our past” (Stabroek News March 20, 2014). Let me use this opportunity to clarity a few of the incredible statements Mr. Abu Bakr made in his letter First, and I quote from his letter “it is know that among the Akan peoples from many in the English speaking world are descended, slavery was a socially accepted practice” and speaking of some tribes

in African (a few of the 3000 that exist) Mr. Abu Bakr further states “they bought, sold and exported slaves for hundreds of years. They committed the crimes. They reaped the profits. But it is considered useless to press these unfortunates, long fallen on hard times, to subscribe to the reparations fund”. How can a man of vast knowledge and intellect like Abu Bakr, make some troublesome and totally false statements. On whose agency is he writing these delusional statements? European slavery was chattel slavery where human beings were defined as inhuman and property.

African tribes never practiced chattel slavery. Never. Slavery practiced by African tribes was never a “crime against humanity”. Chattel slavery was evil and was purely because of criminal enrichment. How else do you explain the forced migration of 16 to 20 million Africans and millions of deaths from chattel slavery? Chattel slavery was an industry of rape, murder, exploitation, free labour, inhumanity and has never had chattel. Were African tribes building huge ships to take these “gifts” away to a foreign land of extreme cruelty and death? Yes, some African tribes participated in selling other

Africans to Europeans. But these same tribes never practiced chattel slavery. Chattel slavery was about Indigenous genocide as in the case of the Garifuna in St. Vincent. Chattel slavery was about African genocide for profit. European chattel slavery was the world’s first nuclear bomb that annihilated Africa, African culture, African family structures, African institutions, African pride, African civilizations, African commerce, African science and African economic development. Chattel slavery was designed by Europeans for European criminal (Continued on page 31)

I am now faced with victimization from the City Council DEAR EDITOR, I address this letter to the Honorable Minister of Local Government, Fort Street, Kingston. Dear Sir, With reference to my letter dated 27th January, 2014, informing you of illegal construction of fences, installation of razor wire and paving the reserve, I am now faced with victimization from the City Council. On Thursday, 13th March 2014, at 7:46 AM , I was called by a member of the Engineers Department, informing me that the ‘half gate’ I am putting in front of the driveway/walkway is illegal and if I should go ahead and put it on, it would be broken down. This half gate was broken off when a couple, who are my neighbours, constructed the illegal fence and installed the razor wire, leaving the other half gate on the other side of the fence. They had bought their property with the gate on the driveway entrance and I bought my property with the gate also. They did not object when they bought their property a few years ago, but now through the City Council, they are objecting. My neighbours can call the City Council anytime of the day or night and get quick action, but I have written the City Council since 9th of January, 2014, and officers of the City Council cannot act because they are still reading the bylaws. Is it because I am not a

friend / relative of a member of the City Council who holds a high office? The e n g i n e e r ’s d e p a r t m e n t cannot act in relation to my matter because they are influenced by a member of the COUNCIL who holds a high position. I am in sympathy with the officers of the Engineers Department. The City Council including the Engineer’s Department does not know if the following is illegal: 1. Installing razor wire on the fence projecting over my property. 2. Constructing four sides fences without consulting anyone, leaving the outer side unfinished and preventing me from neatening it. 3. Installing the razor wire five (5) feet above ground which poses danger to my family and visitors.

5. Constructing the Government Reserve, causing the road to flood and blocking the flow of water in the drain. 6. Driving a container truck and sinking my bridge at 151 Thomas Street. 7. Advising ny neighbours to apply to install razor wire on the fence after I complained. 9. Allowing the said neighbours to fence sixty-six feet of land even though they claimed they own sixty-three feet. 10. Changing the boundary line from the middle of the road, putting the boundary line three feet inside of their fence, where as every boundary line in Thomas Street is between twenty-seven to twenty eight feet from the middle of the road, theirs is thirty feet. 11. Giving the said

neighbours the letter I wrote to the City Council and showing the wife the photographs submitted causing her to direct illremarks at me. 12. Causing them to curse my husband and I. But, the City Council knows that putting back the half gate that was on the driveway for over twentyfive years is illegal. Honourable Minister, I am now confused with these supposedly intelligent professionals who work at the City Council and further I say not. The irony in the installation of the razor wire is that only the three sides which borders my property, the wire was installed, the front where easy access can be gained from the road, razor wire was not installed. Chandroutie Persaud

How many were fooled into paying these prohibitive amounts? DEAR EDITOR, “ A remigrant should avoid importing a motor car that is more than 2000 cc unless he/she is absolutely certain that he/she can afford to pay the partial customs duty, consi.A6on tax, and purchase tax on same, since such amounts can be quite prohibitive eve the duty free concessions granted are considered.. An example is provided below: On a motor car of 3000 cc for which the Customs and Excise Department has accepted the taxable value as being G$1,500,000 .1/3 of Customs Duty of 45% - G$225,000 . 1/3 Consumption Tax of 30% G$172,000 . 1/3 of Purchase Tax of 70% -

G$442,750 . Total Taxes payable G$8540,250 A friend of mine tried to convince me that this was a typographical mistake, but I am loathe to accept this. The Minister went to great lengths to make the argument that the duty to be paid would be “ quite prohibitive even when the duty free concessions granted are considered”. How about an International Commission of Forensic Auditors to determine how many were fooled into paying these prohibitive amounts. Why not investigate the General Secretary for acts committed during his term of office? Who were the then Remigration officers? George Isaac Jordan

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Can the AG prove that he had no involvement with the Vernon Griffith file? DEAR EDITOR, Kindly allow me to respond to Mr. Nandlall’s letter titled “Nandlall denies any relationship with jury foreman” (KN, March 19, 2014). Mr. Nandlall was responding to my missive titled “Was the PPP playing political games with the Lusignan massacre trial?” (KN, March 17, 2014). Mr. Nandlall states “The P.P.P as a political party plays no role in the prosecution of criminal matters. In fact, the Constitution specifically insulates political influence from the political process. The assertion, therefore, that the P.P.P failed to deliver a conviction in the Lusignan Massacre is simply ludicrous.” The PPP is the political party that forms the present Guyana government or the executive arm of the state. Members of the PPP and only members of the said PPP, Mr. Nandlall included, hold the highest positions of power, authority and direction in the Government of Guyana. Members of the PPP, including members of the PPP’s Central Committee and its Executive Committee, comprise the majority of Cabinet. The Government of Guyana is dominated by active PPP members. That same Government of Guyana supervises, directs and controls the Guyana Police Force, which commences, initiates, targets, investigates and prosecutes crime. Prosecution of crime

starts from the very moment the GPF becomes involved. Therefore, it is ludicrous that Mr. Nandlall will assert that the PPP plays no role in the prosecution of criminal matters. Every country that has a political system with competing political parties and especially so in Guyana, will be subject to governmental/executive decision-making being heavily affected and influenced by political party influence. To try to argue that there is separation of the party from the governance of the state, government and the actions of the executive arm of the state, and particularly so in the case of Guyana, is simply preposterous, no matter how much constitutional balderdash is quoted. I am no attorney, but I think it is shallow to suggest that article 187 of the constitution removes the Attorney-General from engagement in the prosecutorial activity of the state and puts that responsibility solely in the hands of the DPP. The Attorney-General is the principal legal advisor to the Government of Guyana by virtue of Article 112. That legal advice encompasses civil and criminal matters in which the Government of Guyana has an interest or which involves the Government. In Guyana, and most shockingly in failed state and corrupt Guyana, the DPP surprisingly does not usually institute criminal proceedings on its own although it has the

power to do so! The DPP typically acts on proceedings and investigations commenced by other bodies, primarily the police force. The Guyana Police Force is directly supervised and directed by the Government of Guyana, which in turn is controlled by members of the PPP led by a President who was elected as head of a PPP slate. The police force does, at times, prosecute without the involvement of the DPP. The Guyana Government would have direction over those proceedings by virtue of its power and superintendence of and over the police force. Of his own or if requested, the AG as the principal legal advisor to the Guyana Government, has constitutional authority to provide legal advice to the Government of Guyana on these matters directly prosecuted by the police without any involvement of the DPP. That legal advice could be used to direct the police in its prosecutorial actions. Further, because any criminal matter that is in the hands of the police is within the ambit of control of the Government of Guyana and is accordingly open to the advice of the AG acting on behalf of the Guyana Government, the AG could provide legal advice on any

aspects of police prosecution involving any matters and could further, provide legal advice to the Government over the interactions and dealings of the police with the DPP on any ongoing investigations. In ongoing cases where the police and DPP are in collaboration on evidentiary and other matters, the Government of Guyana has the power to direct the police throughout the course of its dealings and interactions with the DPP. Any member of the Guyana Government has the ability and right to ask the AG for legal advice on any matter involving a police investigation. That advice could have a bearing or impact on the prosecution of a case directly prosecuted by the police or taken over by the DPP. The Lusignan massacre file was in the hands of the police before the DPP got involved. While it was in the hands of the police, Mr. Nandlall had the constitutional ability to provide legal advice on the Lusignan massacre to the police or to the minister responsible for the police or to the President who directs the minister responsible for the police or to any other officer of the Government of Guyana. Mr. Nandlall should inform the public whether in his capacity as Attorney-

General he provided legal advice to any member of the Government of Guyana or their subordinates including the President, Minister of Home Affairs or Chief of Police on the Lusignan massacre matter? I am prepared to apologize and retract my statement that Mr. Nandlall had a relationship with Vernon Griffith, the jury foreman in the Lusignan massacre trial, if Mr. Nandlall could confirm that before the start of the Lusignan massacre trial the Vernon Griffith file was handled exclusively and solely by Mr. Manoj Narayan of his office and that Mr. Nandlall had no involvement on the file or any supervision over Mr. Narayan’s work on the file. Mr. Nandall could verify whether he knew Vernon Griffith through their mutual PPP membership? Mr. Nandlall could also inform the nation whether, at any time before the start of the Lusignan massacre trial, he knew his law firm

represented Vernon Griffith? Mr. Nandlall could clarify for the nation whether he knew of the prior Nigel HughesVernon Griffith relationship before the Lusignan massacre trial started? Did Mr. Nandlall know Vernon Griffith picketed Mr. Hughes in protest before the Lusignan massacre trial commenced? M. Maxwell

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Kaieteur News

2010 Charlestown hacking deaths…

Killer gets 47 years By Zena Henry Forty-six-year-old William Lyte, the man who was accused of hacking two persons to death in Charlestown in 2010 was yesterday sentenced to 47 years imprisonment following a guilty plea to the lesser count of manslaughter at the High Court. Lyte was sentenced to 21 years and another 26 years, for the deaths of Ann ChanA- Koon, 38, and Cedric Blackman, 75, respectively. The sentences will run consecutively. He pleaded guilty to the charge before Justice Navindra Singh who handed down the sentence to the accused following a probation report by agents of the government’s social service arm. From the sentence, which the court commenced at 30 years, three years were taken off of each factor; time spent on remand, guilty plea, being remorseful and for the court finding favour in the probation report. Three years were however added to the sentence for the cruelty of the offence and the danger that was posed to the public. The court, in Blackman’s case, gave the accused a greater sentence, given the assistance that Blackman had rendered to the accused. In October 2010, Lyte, while at Howes Street, Charlestown, hacked to death the two persons and injured two others who were at the time passersby in the area. Blackman was said to be the husband of the accused man’s aunt, and according to the probation report, the incident stemmed from a

46-year-old William Lyte broken promise over a piece of land that was promised to the accused by Blackman. Chan-A-Koon, according to reports, met her demise when she came onto the street to investigate the commotion. The probation report showed that Blackman had promised the accused documentation for a piece of land at the said property which he (Blackman) owned in Charlestown. An argument ensued over the property and an incensed Lyte reportedly “tripped out”. The report continued that Lyte claimed to have used marijuana before the incident and “felt like a spirit” had gotten into him. The probation officer’s report, which gave a synopsis of Lyte’s life, showed that Lyte never finished school and had no solid educational background. He grew up in a poor and unstable family. He had met his father twice as a

CORRECTION The British High Commissioner to Guyana is Andrew Ayre. He has been here for almost three years. Ms Victoria Dean, who was duly appointed plenipotentiary to CARICOM, on Wednesday, was erroneously reported to be the new British High Commissioner to Guyana. We apologise for any embarrassment caused.

child before his death. However, at age 20, the accused had engaged in a relationship with a woman, but was psychologically impacted by the break-up which saw him ending up in the public hospital’s psychiatric ward. This incident, it was said, impacted his life negatively. It was mentioned also that the accused man’s family was known for cases of mental illness. Generally, the accused was described as a peaceful person, with his stepchildren from another relationship saying that he was more of a father to them than their biological father. In his own childhood days, it is alleged that Lyte was subjected to abuse meted out to him by his grandfather with whom he lived along with his grandmother and cousins. The grandmother it was stated was also subjected to the grandfather’s abuse and at one point had threatened suicide. Lyte’s lawyer, Bettina Glasford, reminded the court that the accused wasted no time in expressing his guilt and that was a mitigating factor. She mentioned too that the court was spared the expense of a trial and the accused waived his right for the prosecution to prove the case against him. The prosecution, led by Denika Singh on behalf of the state, said that the act by the accused was unprovoked and that two lives were lost. She pointed to the fact that the accused would have taken the life of Blackman who for a number of years was very helpful to the accused. Lyte, who for the most part of the proceedings hung his head low, with eyes closed in apparent meditation, told the court that he was “sorry about what took place.” He apologized for the hurt he caused the families of the deceased and asked for their forgiveness, while asking for the mercy of the court.

Friday March 21, 2014

Lions Club helps injured teacher Flanked by members of the Grove/Diamond Lions Club, Miss Debra Inniss, sits in her wheelchair to the delight of her students.

The Lions Club of Grove/ Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara on Wednesday came to the rescue of a teacher attached to the St. Gabriel’s Primary School, donating a wheelchair for her comfort. The teacher, Miss Debra Inniss, Graduate Senior Mistress, was presented with the wheelchair in the presence of the grade two students she teaches. The donation was part of the Lions Club’s ongoing service programme and was the fulfilling of its promise to assist the teacher. Kaieteur News understands that Miss Inniss

recently sustained an injury which made it difficult for her to move around the classroom. She would do so with the aid of a walking stick. According to the Lions Club, the need to make Miss Inniss as comfortable as possible in moving around her classroom was of paramount importance. With this in mind, Club President Petal Ridley approached the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre seeking the donation of the wheelchair and the courtesy was extended to her. The Club which was charted on 11th February 2011 has completed many service

activities within the Diamond /Grove area. Among the activities done thus far are: distribution of dental kits – compliments of Colgate Palmolive, to students of the New Diamond/Grove Primary School; a hair-cutting exercise for male students of the said school; pedestrian crossings in front of three schools within the area; distribution of food hampers to senior citizens, and feeding of displaced persons. The Grove Diamond Lions Club continues to receive corporate assistance from the business community and individuals.

A female police constable who allegedly tried to obtain items from the Police Consumer’s Co-op Society Ltd. on credit by using a forged document was granted bail when she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry yesterday. The accused, Police Constable 19025 Julina Nicholas, 36, of Haslington, East Coast Demerara was offered bail in the sum of $60,000 after she pleaded not guilty to a charge of uttering a forged document. The allegation against her claimed between October 1 and October 31, at the Police Consumer’s Co-op Society Ltd. with intent to defraud she uttered a forged document with the signature of an Assistant Superintendent of Police to Sergeant Shelly Cole-Douglas, despite knowing same to be forged. The court heard that in October last year, Nicholas went to the establishment located on Robb Street,

Georgetown and presented the form to the Sergeant. When it was discovered that the document was forged, the accused was arrested and charged with the offence. Nicholas’ lawyer, Patrice Henry, told the court that his client, who has had no previous conviction, served

the Guyana Police Force for thirteen years. He urged the court to consider reasonable bail for the woman. Henry’s application was met with no objections from the Prosecution, hence bail was allowed. Nicholas is scheduled to return to court on April 13.

Bail for female constable on forgery charge

US agents arrest Guyanese ‘imposter’ Erie, Pennsylvania (CMC) – The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says its agents have arrested an alleged Guyanese imposter with a criminal record who presented fraudulent documents to authorities. On Wednesday, the CBP said that the unidentified Guyanese man had served time in a county jail in Pennsylvania on an outstanding warrant and that he had “convictions of multiple crimes”. CBP said agents from the Erie Station were contacted by the Pennsylvania State Police on Monday to assist in identifying the suspect in their custody. After initial database verifications, the document came back to a different

subject and the suspect was arrested by Border Patrol agents following his release from Mercer County Jail from charges by the Pennsylvania State Police. “Further processing revealed the suspect illegally entered the United States in 1995 with a fraudulent US Virgin Islands Identification Card and presented himself as a US citizen to immigration inspectors,” said a statement from the police. “The suspect is currently in custody and will appear before an immigration judge to determine his eligibility to remain in the United States,” it said. Due to his criminal convictions, the suspect could face removal and a permanent bar from entering the US in the future.

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Post mortem adds to mystery of tug captain’s death A post mortem on the remains of elderly tug Captain George Clarke has left his relatives with even more questions as to how his body ended up in the Mazaruni River at Iteballi, Cuyuni/ Mazaruni last month. The 74-year-old Toolsie Persaud Limited employee disappeared on February 21, while working on a tug, the Arawai, which was moored near the Iteballi shore. His body was recovered near the vessel on February 23. When the corpse was found, the victim’s trousers were unzipped and his genitals were exposed, leading to suggestions that he fell overboard while urinating. But relatives and a Toolsie

Persaud limited official have stated that a post mortem indicated that there was no evidence of water in the victim’s lungs. The cause of death was undetermined. “Based on what I gathered, the post mortem stated that the cause of death was unknown and there was no water in his lungs,” the official told Kaieteur News yesterday. The official conceded that the post mortem “leaves a big puzzle,” but stressed that it “points no fingers” at anyone. Kaieteur News understands that the decomposing state of the corpse may have made it difficult for the pathologist to make a definitive ruling on

how Mr. Clarke met his death. One of the sons who witnessed the post mortem showed Kaieteur News a photograph of his father’s body. He pointed out that the man’s tongue was protruding, which sometimes occurs in cases of strangulation. “They had said that the man drowned, but the post mortem say ‘undetermined’. If a man didn’t drown…how he end up overboard?” From the outset, some of Mr. Clarke’s children had suggested that he was the victim of foul play. They pointed out several things that have aroused their suspicions. According to reports,

George Clarke only one other crew member was on board the vessel on

GRA requests details of GCCI's... From page 3 goods examination process. Another measure mentioned was that of the processing system in which all declarations are profiled at Georgetown instead of different locations. Recently, the GRA has taken the initiative to introduce other means of paying taxes in terms of the internet and tele-banking option and the over-the-counter facility of Bill Express to limit taxpayers' interface with staff of the organization.

“The GRA has taken and will continue to take disciplinary action against staff found guilty of corrupt practices and deal condignly with businesses that seek to evade taxes. Indeed the task of promoting transparency in the GRA has not been smooth sailing and in the process, tough actions were required, oftentimes against some officers who were entrusted to execute the GRA's mandate in accordance with the law. Additionally, the online declaration checker is in GRA's view,

one of the most transparent measures in which the importer is privy to the various processes in which he/she can track the progress of their declaration.” Based on the aforementioned measures adopted by the Authority to improve its systems, it then expressed that it is disturbed with the contents of a Kaieteur News editorial which it felt did not properly address the contents of the survey during its analysis. “The GRA finds it a bit

disturbing that the Kaieteur News could pen statements, as appeared in the Editorial of the aforementioned edition, to conflict with and waterdown the findings of the survey and veil the strides made by the GRA in addressing the scourge of corruption. The GRA would prefer constructive criticism, which not only seeks to highlight flaws and weaknesses, but also equally highlight the successes and strengths while underling the areas for improvement.”

Possible debris off Australia a “credible lead” for missing Malaysia jet

This graphic made Wednesday and released by Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) yesterday. (AP Photo/Australian Maritime Safety Authority) SYDNEY/KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Aircraft and ships ploughed through dire weather in search of objects floating in remote seas off Australia that Malaysia’s government called a “credible lead” in the trans-continental hunt for a jetliner missing for nearly two weeks.

New Zealand’s air force, whose P-3K2 Orion returned from a 2 1/2-hour search mission in the Indian Ocean early today, said it had found nothing that could have come from the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 which disappeared on March 8. “The crew never found any object of significance,” Kevin

Short, air vice marshal at New Zealand’s Defense Forces, told Radio New Zealand. “Visibility wasn’t very good, which makes it harder to search the surface of the water,” he said, adding that the plane had flown at around 1,000 feet over the sea. The large objects which Australian officials said were

spotted by satellite four days ago are the most promising find in days as searchers scour a vast area for the plane lost with 239 people on board. A Norwegian merchant ship arrived in the area yesterday, but officials cautioned it could take days to confirm if the objects were part of the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777.

the day that Clarke vanished. The crewman had told Kaieteur News that he last saw Mr. Clarke at around 11.00 hrs on Thursday, February 20. However, a daughter of the missing man insisted that she spoke to her father at around 19:00 hrs that same day. The crewman told Kaieteur News that they were moored near the Mazaruni River shore at Iteballi, while other TPL workers were loading logs onto a pontoon that is attached to the tug. He said that in the meantime, he was assisting Clarke to pump water out of the tug. According to the crewman, he was below deck holding a hose while Mr. Clarke was above operating the pump. The crewman said that after about 30 minutes, he realised that the pump had ‘slowed down’ and he went on deck to check on Mr. Clarke, but did not see him. The man said he then searched the entire tug, including the engine room and the toilets, but saw no sign of Clarke. According to the man, he then questioned the rest on shore and they also said that they had not seen ‘Clarkie.’ Kaieteur News was told that the men then

concluded that Mr. Clarke had fallen overboard. However, the crewman said that Clarke had never complained of feeling unwell or of having dizzy spells. Two of Mr. Clarke’s sons say that he knew to swim and would have been able to reach the nearby shore had he fallen overboard. One of the sons said that he had visited Iteballi after his father’s remains were recovered. According to the son, the crewman who was on the tug gave him his father’s watch, rings and a cell phone, which were reportedly found in the tug’s cabin after he disappeared. The son queried why his father would have taken off these items prior to his ending up in the river. Both sons said that their father ‘went everywhere’ with his cell phone. According to the son, the crewman also showed him an area on the tug where he claimed Mr. Clarke was in the habit of urinating. However, the son said that he observed that there was a toilet nearby, and suggested that his father would have used the toilet instead. “I need justice. The police should question the man who was on the tug.”

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Friday March 21, 2014

Venezuela moves swiftly against opposition CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has used the military, legislative and judicial power consolidated during 15 years of socialist rule in a sudden series of blows against opponents who have spent more than a month protesting in the streets, knocking down their barricades and throwing dissident leaders in jail. Yesterday dawned with two more opposition politicians behind bars, one of them sentenced to more than 10 months in prison. And pro-government lawmakers had already started trying to jail another outspoken critic as well, moving to strip an opposition congresswoman of her legislative immunity from prosecution. Maduro has been warning his rivals for weeks that they could soon meet the same fate as opposition hardliner Leopoldo Lopez, who was jailed on charges related to the Feb. 12 protests that initiated the wave of unrest, which has so far led to at least 28 deaths, most of them after Lopez was arrested. San Diego Mayor Enzo Scarano was removed from his post by the Supreme Court, arrested and on the same day sent to begin a 10 ½-month prison term for failing to heed a court order to have protesters’ barricades removed from the streets of his city. San Cristobal Ma y o r Daniel Ceballos was arrested as well on charges of rebellion and conspiracy. Maduro said in a speech last month that Ceballos would soon join Lopez in prison for fomenting violence. “It’s a matter of time until we have him in the same cold cell,” Maduro said. The federal government itself moved in this week to clear out the plaza at the heart of the demonstrations against inflation, shortages, crime and perceived official intolerance,

sending national guardsmen to take over Plaza Altamira in the capital. Maduro’s mentor and predecessor, Hugo Chavez, also picked off rivals one by one in previous political crises, but rarely if ever over such a short period of time. Luis Vicente Leon, president of Caracas-based polling company Datanalisis, said the government’s recent moves were a step toward radicalizing the country’s political process. “Without a doubt (Maduro) has perceived that the protests are not going to stop so it’s best to simply confront them and deal with them harshly,” Leon said, adding that the opposition will likely find less room to maneuver because the government seeks to create a sense of fear that anyone even demonstrating peacefully could face danger. Maduro’s rivals said they would not be bullied into submission, vowing new marches. Two-time opposition presidential candidate and Miranda state Governor Henrique Capriles said through his Twitter account Thursday that Maduro had “thrown gasoline on the fire.” “He and only he will be responsible for the situation that unfolds in the country,” Capriles wrote. Interior Minister Miguel Rodriguez Torres on Thursday distanced federal authorities from the arrests, saying it was other government branches that were acting “to protect the right of the majority and not to protect the right of a small group that under the excuse of protesting wants to muddle the lives of Venezuelans.” San Cristobal, where the wave of protests began, is being run by an unelected official who had been serving as a city administrator, one of Ceballos’ top aides, Ronni Pavolini, told The Associated Press.

A woman prays with a bible in her hand, in front of Bolivarian National Guard officers during an anti-government protest in Plaza Altamira, Caracas, Venezuela. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) Ceballos, a member of Lopez’s Popular Will party, had been outspoken in denouncing the harshness with which government security forces attacked the demonstrations in his city near Venezuela’s western border with Colombia. Alfonso Medina Roa, attorney for the San Diego mayor, said that town would be run by an administrator designated by Scarano while he serves his sentence. A director of the National Electoral Council said the body would meet to propose a schedule for new elections in San Diego, where Scarano was elected in December with 75 percent of the vote. The lawyer said Scarano was “sentenced without justice, sentenced without accusation.” Protests continued yesterday, when police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a student-called protest of several thousand people in Caracas. Some of those demonstrating against the arrests of the mayors threw objects at riot police.

There were no injuries reported. The night before, several businesses were looted or burned, including a large supermarket, in San Diego.

Carabobo state Gov. Francisco Ameliach, a member of the ruling party, used his Twitter account to blame “terrorist groups that were sown and protected in

San Diego by authorities.” Venezuela’s National Assembly on Tuesday voted to start a process to strip opposition lawmaker Maria Corina Machado of her immunity so they could bring charges against her for allegedly trying to destabilize the government. Machado, a former presidential candidate, was expected to speak Friday at a meeting of the Organization of American States in Washington about the situation in Venezuela. Because the Venezuelan government controls the country’s seat at the organization, Panama has offered Machado its seat to make her presentation to the regional body. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki expressed concern yesterday over the arrest of the two mayors. “The Venezuelan government should stop the violence against its citizens and opposition officials who are exercising their freedom of speech,” Psaki said.

Colombia’s Santos slips in poll but still election favorite BOGOTA (Reuters) Support for Colombia’s centerright President Juan Manuel Santos has slipped in a survey of voters’ intentions for May 25 elections, but he remains the clear front runner in a race that will center on how to end the country’s five-decade conflict. The Gallup poll published on the website of broadcaster Caracol showed Santos would gain 32.5 percent of votes, down 2 percentage points from the previous survey, and leaving him far short of the support needed to avoid a second round of voting. Nonetheless, he retained a 17 percentage point lead over his nearest rival Oscar Ivan Zuluaga from the Centro Democratico party founded by ex-President

Alvaro Uribe. Uribe has been a ferocious critic of Santos for engaging in peace talks with FARC rebels who have been fighting the government for five decades. Zuluaga jumped 5 percentage points from the previous Gallup poll to 15.6 percent. If he and Santos proceed to a second round of voting, Santos would obtain 47.2 percent of votes versus 29.7 percent for Zuluaga. Uribe’s Centro Democratico, founded around more than a year ago, fielded candidates in congressional elections on March 9, garnering around 15 percent of the total vote for the Senate and just under 10 percent for the lower house. That will thin Santos’ congressional majority when

the next legislature begins on July 20 and likely make it more difficult to pass new bills necessary to enshrine a future peace deal with the FARC in law. Santos ratified a decision by the country’s inspector general removing the left-wing mayor of the capital city Bogota over mismanagement, a controversial decision which could cost him the support of some voters. The survey put Enrique Penalosa of the Alianza Verde, or Green Alliance, in third place with 11.3 percent, followed by the Conservative party’s Marta Lucia Ramirez with 9.3 percent. Clara Lopez of the left-wing Polo Democratico has the support of 8.6 percent of the electorate.

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 9

THE TRAFFIC PLAN The authorities have promised that the traffic flow at the corner of Regent and Camp Streets will be improved by the end of April. They are proposing to undertake changes and insert markings at that junction to help relieve the massive buildup that takes place on daily basis at that junction which is regulated by traffic lights. This seems an ambitious

promise being made the authorities. It is indeed a busy junction, but it is also part of a busy block located in the heart of the commercial district. As such, the traffic problems at this junction are just an extension of the congestion within the overall commercial zone. Therefore, merely addressing one junction without regulating the flow throughout the

entire business zone, and not just along Camp Street, will not likely have the desired effect. It will be near impossible to reduce the congestion at Camp and Regent Streets, unless there is a plan for the overall management of traffic within the entire commercial district. As was seen when the traffic lights were reintroduced in 2007, a plan

Teen to serve 10 years for schoolmate’s fatal stabbing By Zena Henry Decked out in all-white, 19-year-old murder accused Akeem Roberts appeared relatively calm when he faced Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court yesterday to be sentenced for the murder of his St. George’s High schoolmate, Shane George. The teen had pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter even before the Court could have empanelled a 12-member jury to start the murder trial. Taking into account several factors highlighted in a probation report which showed promise on the part of the teen, Justice Singh sentenced the young man to 10 years imprisonment. Starting at 30 years, Justice Singh removed four years for the teen’s expression of remorse, two years for the period he was on remand, another six for the early guilty plea and five more years for the favourable probation report which was presented by a state social service worker. The court went on to deduct additional years for the impeccable report which revealed that within months of the teen being placed on remand, he became a prison orderly which according to prison officers is very difficult to attain and requires very good behaviour and discipline on the part of the inmate. The court recognized also that the teen had commenced repairing his life having being involved in every prison programme available and further recognized his fault; anger management in dealing with the matter which had him sitting in the accused box of the court. Reports are that on May 16, 2012, Roberts and George were involved in an altercation, while attending lessons at the Morgan Learning Centre in John Street and Stone Avenue, Campbellville. The fight ended up with George receiving a single stab to the heart; a fatal blow which the

19-year-old Akeem Roberts teen succumbed to before he arrived at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The probation report showed that Roberts was very remorseful for the act he had committed. He was a resident of Ogle Road on the East Coast of Demerara; and was raised in a nuclear family. He came from a humble, hardworking family with parents who worked towards instilling proper values. They were not well off and prior to the incident, Roberts was taken out of Secondary school because of poor academic performance. He was however enrolled in afternoon classes at the Morgan Learning Centre six days a week. According to the report, Roberts described George as a popular boy who “dressed in the latest brand name attire”. George was a persistent teaser and would find joy making fun of those who were clad in what he (George) did not favour. While Roberts said he avoided George, they were however involved in the altercation resulting in a crime being committed. Roberts admitted to the probation officer that he believed he had anger management issues because of some of the hardships he faced in school. Before encountering George, he had in the past dealt with teasing issues, since he was not fortunate to enjoy the “finer things”. However, his (Roberts) being taken out of school had a negative impact on him, and the fact that he was also removed from a

music and dance group, pressured him some more. The report indicated that the teen found relaxation and peace when he was dancing and entertaining. Reports from Roberts’s past school, the prison and community showed that Roberts was a well mannered youth that for the most part went on peacefully. The school said there was never a major incident that involved Roberts and while he was not an outstanding academic performer, he had promise. Neighbours described Roberts and his family as peaceful, humble people who usually graced the neighbourhood with beautiful music. The report from prison administrators showed that Roberts was well mannered with a character “contrary” to his actions. The teen had engaged in anger management classes while on remand and involved in information technology classes among other things. Within months of incarceration, Roberts was a prison orderly for one year. Prison officials were reported as saying that if they were to recommend a second chance for anyone, it would be for Roberts. Attorney Mark Waldron, who represented the accused, reiterated all the positive factors and urged the court for a sentence that would not see two young lives being taken away. State prosecutor Denika Singh asked the court to recognize that the fight between the teen had finished when Roberts returned with a knife and fatally stabbed George. She said Roberts was a jealous boy who grudged George for what he had. Roberts apologized to the family of the deceased and to his own family for the suffering he had caused. He asked both sides for forgiveness. Justice Singh before handing down his sentence emphasized that he was faced with a sad and difficult (Continued on page 14)

to address a specific concern quickly becomes obsolete in the face of the tremendous growth in vehicular traffic. Traffic lights are now becoming an impediment to the flow of traffic. Instead of improving traffic, they have become part of the problem. They have served their purpose in regulating traffic for the past seven years. No amount of analyses of trafficflow will allow these lights to facilitate the smooth and unimpeded flow of traffic in the commercial district. Traffic lights will have to done away with. Other countries have seen the wisdom of moving towards flyovers and roundabouts. Flyovers, however, would be unaffordable in Guyana. But roundabouts can be implemented. There is certainly a need for a mini-flyover at the junction of the East Bank Public Road and the access road into the Demerara Harbour Bridge. If this is done it will allow for the free movement of traffic from the Bridge onto the East Bank Public Road and it will allow for non-stop traffic to exit the eastern carriageway of the East Bank Public Road into

the access road. The traffic lights there can then be deactivated. However flyovers and ramps are extremely costly and if this cannot be afforded, then some diversion of northbound traffic south of the bridge can be made, so that traffic from the direction of the airport may bypass the bridge. It is understood that a road is being constructed east of the East Bank Public Road. This should help. Another solution would be to have a movable median from the Harbour Bridge to Alexander Village. In the mornings, the median can be moved to create three lanes of traffic flowing into the city. In the afternoons, the medians can be moved to create three lanes flowing south. But back to the city! What is needed is a comprehensive traffic management plan. There is supposed to be such a plan that would see the city divided into four quadrants. This programme was to have been launched this month. We are well into half of the month and there has been no announcement about this four-quadrant traffic management plan.

This plan should help with a short term solution to the problem of traffic congestion in the city. But it would help considerably if when that plan is put into effect - and it is hoped that this is done almost immediately - there will be an attempt to reduce the flow of traffic at junctions where there are traffic lights to only three directions. At most junctions with traffic lights, the traffic flows from the four corners, east west north and south. This extends the waiting period for any lane of traffic. What is needed is a plan to reduce the flow to only three directions. Thus, for example, at certain junctions, instead of traffic flowing north to south; south to north; east to west and west to east; one of the streets should be made a one-way, and this would mean that the lights would only have to regulate traffic in three directions, thus reducing the waiting time. This in turn will reduce the build-up of traffic.

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Kaieteur News

Friday March 21, 2014

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Here is the evidence of Guyana’s doomed future Time and time again, over decades as a columnist, I have pointed out that the danger facing this country is the delusional, irrational psychology of the PPP leadership, without exception. This was the legacy Cheddi Jagan left the immature minds in the PPP when he died. After Jagan lost power in 1964, the hemorrhage of educated, thinking, wellintentioned leaders inside the PPP left Jagan with just three credible persons, “Boysie” Ramkarran; Harvard educated Ranji Chandisingh; and Vincent Teekah. Teekah and Chandisingh left the PPP for the PNC in 1976. Shortly after that, Ramkarran died. The PPP of Cheddi and Janet Jagan was virtually bare, except for Ralph Ramkarran and Navin Chandarpal, both of whom had university education. They were later joined by Gail Teixeira and Roger Luncheon, both of whom were expatriate Guyanese; the former from Canada, the latter from the US. The two Jagans schooled

a series of young men and women from the deeper recesses of the countryside who had no proper formal schooling, no proper social upbringing and came from very humble roots. They all looked up to Cheddi and Janet Jagan as the greatest Guyanese who were special human beings. These protégés virtually worshipped the Jagans. It was a horrible sight to see the 35 members of the Central Committee sitting around the table at Freedom House during a statutory meeting. A majority of them knew nothing about politics, Guyana, or maybe life itself. Whatever the two Jagans did to this school of Pavlovian activists, they knew only two things about Guyana – that Cheddi Jagan was a hero in a class by himself and that the PPP is the greatest source of knowledge and virtue and the embodiment of Guyanese history. When the PPP came to power in 1992, these protégés became the administrators of Guyana. To describe how

they behaved would be treason against this country. But I will leave you with two examples and this was long after 1992. I was on the same flight with one of them. As we deplaned he was wearing a pair of rubber slippers and madly clinging to the electrical blender and coffee-maker he no doubt had to hold in his hands because his suitcase was overfilled. He pushed his way through the immigration line as he was an animal hunting a prey. The second example was at the wedding reception of the editor of the Mirror newspaper, Earl Bousquet, at the Ocean View Hotel. The Minister came in drunk, grabbed some pastries, devoured them, then loudly belched in my face and in the face of my wife and the others who were seated at the table. These people run Guyana. They are imbued with the psychological deception that they are superior to any and everyone in Guyana because they are from the PPP, the party of one

of the “greatest” men in the world, Cheddi Jagan. This psychological makeup explains why there is never going to be any recognition by the PPP that it is a minority government, that it didn’t win the election in 2011, that Parliament can make laws that the President has to assent to, that it has to offer concessions to the opposition that when combined has a majority in Parliament. You deconstruct the words of Roger Luncheon at his press conferences; you put Freudian interpretations to Jagdeo’s and Ramotar’s utterances and you see vividly rulers who believe they are special, monarchial and superior. When Ramotar said that he was disgusted with having to engage in blackmail politics with the opposition, he was assuming a superior status, and was quite ignorant of the fact that he himself was engaging in blackmail politics. When Ramotar exclaimed; “For Christ sake, don’t let our opposing ideas paralyze Guyana,” he meant the negative ideas of others, not the PPP’s. When Ramotar exclaimed that Guyana needs a new political culture, he is referring to the politics of the PNC. When Neil Kumar said the Sports Ministry cannot open the Colgrain swimming

pool to the public because people must understand they have to bathe first, he was simply echoing the contempt the PPP has for Guyana. Now read the March 19, 2014 edition of this newspaper on page 3, Clement Rohee exclaimed to a reporter; “You are asking the GeneralSecretary of the ruling party of this country.” An amateur Freudian analyst can tell you this indicated the working of a superior mind. Those who are afraid of the consequences of Guyana not having a

Frederick Kissoon proper anti-money laundering Bill had better start praying to their God. We are not going to have one, because the “great” PPP will not bow to anyone.

Dem boys seh...

Jagdeo want polling Chris de Ram is a real ram. He write a letter and talk he mind and he get a letter from Sue Zee, who did name Ah Kneel. De letter wha Sue Zee write want Chris de Ram to kneel down and beg pardon. Well Chris de Ram seh that dah can never happen. When dem boys ask he if he intend to kneel down in front Sue Zee, who did name Ah Kneel, and avoid a court action he tell dem that he frighten to kneel down near Sue Zee. He seh that all he life de only time he had to kneel down was when he was a li’l boy going to church school and was prayer time. Sue Zee was not one fuh prayers suh Chris de Ram frighten. He tell dem boys that if he kneel down in front of Sue Zee, called Ah Kneel, de man might push he down pun he face and lef he tail exposed to all kind of negative treatment. He seh that he too old fuh that. He rather go to jail because he know he gun protect he assets. Dem prisoner don’t handle old food. Sue Zee is a different kettle of fish when he go to jail. From de time dem jail man hear Sue Zee coming dem gun shout Halleluiah. But Sue Zee lucky because he never had to get a sturdy plug like Jagdeo. And to mek matters wuss, one of Jagdeo media outfit holler how a Poll treat Jagdeo good. According to de media outfit, de opposition poll Jagdeo. Dem lucky de same opposition did not pull de plug and pole he. Dem seh that if he had to run fuh election, he would win 51 per cent of de votes. Dem boys got a message fuh he. Dem want 51 per cent of de nation fuh pull out he plug and give he a good polling. But everybody know that Jagdeo can’t tun president again. Suh who in dem madness gun mek up a news item like that. But then again, dem boys believe that is Jagdeo heself write de news item. He look like he would do anything fuh get a good polling. Rob de Earth seh suh. Talk half and wait fuh another poll.

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

US$34.2M to improve W.C.D. Public Road

Participants at the workshop The Ministry of Public Works will be undertaking the construction of 31 kilometres of roadway from Vreed-enHoop to Hydronie, West Coast Demerara. The improved structure will include safety features such as walkways, bicycle paths and expansions in certain sections. This was pointed out by Geoffrey Vaughn, Coordinator of the Work Services Group of the Ministry of Public Works at the official launching of the five-year project and project implementation workshop. The project is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank through a US$34.2M loan to the Government of Guyana. The West Coast Demerara road project has several components: Road Safety Education; Capacity Building; Engineering Services; Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation. Physical construction of the roadway will take about two years. Besides the schools’ road safety educational

programme that will be undertaken by the Ministry of Education, every other element of the project will be undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works. Vaughn related that designs for the improved structure are completed but have to be reviewed to ensure all aspects such as utilities are taken into consideration in the final designs. Following the review period - which would probably take about six weeks - the Ministry will be inviting companies to tender for the project. According to Andrew Dupingy, Division Chief of the CDB, road transport remains the most common form of transportation in Guyana and this project aims to enhance safety on the roadway. He noted that the CDB is privileged to provide technical and financial support for the project that will benefit the various communities along the stretch, which houses 46 primary schools, health centres and other Government buildings.

The CDB, in its strategic plan, recognizes that good roads help to support national development. And Guyana has been recording positive growth within recent years, with sectors such as rice and mining playing major roles. This growth is propelled by the development of road infrastructure development. According to Transport Minister, Robeson Benn, the Government is particularly pleased with such development. Projects funded by CDB within the Ministry are the Third Road Project and the Profitt/Fouils Sea Defence project. “The Government would like to compliment the President and staff of CDB for their contribution to Guyana’s Development,” he said. The Minister emphasized that this new project is critical to the development of the West Coast Demerara corridor that has one of the largest housing establishments Tuschen Housing Scheme which has more than 1,000 (Continued on page 13)

Page 11

Teen to face judge, jury for hotelier’s murder Nineteen-year-old Brian Leitch, also known as ‘Big Foot,’ has been committed to stand trial in the High Court, for the murder of South Central Hotel’s proprietor who was found dead in one of his guest rooms four months ago. The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the hotelier’s death ended yesterday, as Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry informed the teen that the Prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case of murder against him and as such he will be facing a judge and jury for trial. Leitch, a resident of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was indicted on December 2, last year for the murder of 62-yearold Joseph ‘Joey’ Jagdeo whose motionless body was reportedly discovered on November 14, bound with a pillowcase and lying under a bed. The day before, Leitch and a female companion had reportedly rented a room in the guest house. During his stay, the hotelier had misplaced his cellular phone and purportedly confronted his assailant who became annoyed at the allegations of the hotel owner. It was previously reported that Jagdeo was last seen in his dwelling room, and his employees who had not seen

Accused: Brian Leitch

Dead: Joseph Jagdeo

him since about 17:30 hours the previous day, became concerned about his whereabouts On November 14, the guest house’s female caretaker reportedly went to clean his room but found it locked, so she forced her way in and was greeted with the body of her employer; bound and lying under the bed. Jagdeo’s cause of death was given as asphyxia due to manual strangulation. The matter was reported and the police claim to have discovered that Jagdeo’s cellular phone was missing. Investigators then reportedly used a tracking device to recover the cellular phone from a female (no name provided) who admitted she had purchased the device from the accused. After fruitlessly chasing after Leitch, wanted bulletins

were issued for him. He subsequently turned himself in on November 30, last and was arraigned on December 2, appearing before the Chief Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the capital offence. The PI got underway on February 25, last, and the Prosecution which was led by Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharat Mangru, attached to the Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecutions, brought eighteen witnesses to testify on behalf of the State. When called to lead a defence, Leitch, who did not solicit a lawyer, received advice from Attorney George Thomas who was asked to appear amicus curiae on his behalf. When provided with his three options, the teen opted to remain silent.

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Kaieteur News

Special team to evaluate proposals for new Demerara River Bridge A team is still to be put together to assess the Expressions of Interests submitted to build a new bridge across the Demerara River. This is according to Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, who made the disclosure during a brief interview yesterday. He told reporters that a team for the evaluation is being put together to look at the proposals He also said that there have been proposals made for the members of the team and that these are to be finalized. A number of Chinese and Indian Companies are vying to build the New Demerara Bridge river crossing being handled by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). At the time of the opening, 22 Expressions of Interest were submitted. All the proposals were opened privately at NICIL and not at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, publicly, given that it is the Government’s holding company that is handling the project. According to information reaching this newspaper, the proposals will be evaluated and ranked, at which point in time those shortlisted will be invited to submit their financial and technical proposals. This latest mega project to

be undertaken by the Guyana Government will see the use of the same debt and equity financial structure utilizing a public-private partnership, as was the case with the Berbice Bridge, the Georgetown Marriott and the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project. In the call for partners, Government said that the project will be implemented using a Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) model, “in a manner similar to the Berbice Bridge.” According to the Guyana Government, the responses received from the call for expressions of interest will be used to guide the selection of a partner or partners who will work with government to design and implement the project. The project will see NICIL creating a special purpose company “financed by debt and equity contributions, following a public/private partnership model.” The call for expressions of interest had stated clearly that “The GoG is not bound to accept any Expression of Interest.” A pre-feasibility study was done for the construction of a new river bridge by the Public Works Ministry and has identified the best location for the bridge to be between Houston on the East Bank of Demerara and Versailles on the West Bank of the river. As it relates to the tolls to

be charged, the pre-feasibility study predicts that user tolls were considered to increase at a rate of two per cent per year above the existing regime. The study indicated that “a detailed feasibility study should be done to incorporate exogenous costs and benefits not considered in this study, as well as a financial analysis that addresses the concerns of project-financing and environmental impacts.” The existing two-lane floating bridge was constructed in 1978 by the UK firm Thomas Storey Engineers Limited and had a life of 10 years. From 1995 to 1998 the bridge underwent major rehabilitation by the Damien Ship Yards of the Netherlands at a cost of US$9M and was given an extended life of 15 years (from 1995). According to the prefeasibility report, at present the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) carries out intensive annual maintenance and element replacement activities on the bridge structure to provide a continuous level of service, and this can be coupled with increasing traffic volumes and level of Government subventions to warrant consideration of bridge replacement. At present, the Demerara (Continued on page 14)

Friday March 21, 2014

CJIA expansion project continuing apace - Benn …squatters to be relocated in phases By Latoya Giles On Monday, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, will present the National Estimates for several major government projects, but financing will hinge on whether the Joint Opposition votes affirmatively for the monies to be allocated to them. One such project is the US$150M Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, which had its budgetary allocation slashed last year. Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, told Kaieteur News yesterday that “it’s anybody guess which kind of cover we would have when the budgetary allocation for that comes up.” He explained that for the airport project and other major infrastructure projects they would anticipate that they (opposition) are looking at issues that are overarching national issues which would see through the term of any government or any party in power. Benn said that the airport project, which government is pushing for, is looking well beyond the next 20 to 50 years. “If the money is cut, we believe that what is in the country’s intrinsic and overarching national interest…. they would have to follow those dictates,” Benn said. With regards to the stillto-be-removed “squatters” Benn insisted that they will be relocated. He said that there were several meetings,

one such being held yesterday, to discuss this issue. According to Benn, Government will be undertaking the relocation in three phases. The Minister had earlier stated that the expansion project was still progressing on schedule, despite the fact that the opposition had not approved expenditure allocated last year in the Budget, and that funds were still provided from the national coffers. Benn had maintained that what was done was lawful, and directed attention to the recent ruling by Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang. He said that the project started with the US$20.7M that had been advanced to the Chinese contractor in 2012 after which the 2013 monies were paid over. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Balraj Balram, during a recent media briefing had reminded media operatives that the Minister of Finance had prepared a Statement of Excesses in which he detailed to the House that the $1.6B (US$8.3M) had been spent on the airport project. Prior to the recent ruling by Chief Justice (Ag) Chang, the Opposition had voted down this provision when it came up for consideration on December 12, 2013. Chairman of the Board of Directors of CJIA, Ramesh Dookhoo, had said last year, that growth in the air transport sector will complement other sectors such as mining and

Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn energy, thus the need for the project. He had said that the project will create new employment opportunities and provide training and development, and capacity building for existing and new employees. Other possible benefits, he said, would include increases in the quality of goods and services available to consumers, and local and regional linkages for the import and export of commodities. Direct benefits include improvements in facilitation, efficiency in processing time for passenger travel, implementing improved safety and security systems, and the overall enhancement of operations at CJIA. An expanded airport operation will also attract other key businesses such as ground handling services, cargo handlers, and security service providers, catering service, approved café, restaurants, and franchises and so on… these will all create jobs,” Dookhoo said.

Temporary fix for Parika Stelling Rising the decking of the shaded section of the Parika Ferry Stelling, East Bank Essequibo, is imminent, since the structure and surroundings experienced flooding in January last during the spring tide period. Apparently, during the spring tide, reportedly the highest in the area in over four years, water seeped through the spaces on the timber decking. It is unknown when works

will commence on the stelling but in the interim, the Ministry of Public Works will be executing temporary works to prevent floodwater getting into the market, on the roadway and the Parika Police Station’s compound. Next to the stelling is a beach area, which borders the police station and has a drain that added to the area being flooded. As such, the Ministry will be building an 18-inch high slope between

the stelling and the road. This slope would connect to the station’s concrete fence. In addition, the Ministry will be placing flap gates to the drains inside the market. The market’s drainage system is ineffective during rainy conditions. However, observers believe that the Ministry should aggressively rise the decking because there is no certainty that the water would not overtop the slope.

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

Widespread corruption underscores need for ‘functioning’ Integrity Commission - APNU A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Shadow Minister of Public Works and Telecommunications, Joseph Harmon has lashed out at the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee for comments he believed were grounded in ignorance. Harmon recounted that Rohee during his “Tuesday Theatre” at Freedom House, expressed that he will not support baseless allegations that some of his colleagues in Government had amassed their wealth through corruption. The APNU parliamentarian opined that Rohee’s remarks were “extremely preposterous”. “It is not unusual for us to hear from Rohee that he doesn’t know. He hardly knows anything… But what is important is that he doesn’t want to have help in knowing these things because in the National Assembly, the Leader of APNU, Brigadier David Granger, presented several motions aimed at bringing closure to a number of these issues… Rohee can say he doesn’t know and that’s understandable, but what is not understandable, is when he had the opportunity to know and he chose not to utilize it.” In relation to the question of government officials who amass wealth via corrupt practices, Harmon expressed that it reinforces the need for an effective and functioning Integrity Commission in the

Joseph Harmon country. “We have a system which requires public officials to report annually on their assets and I believe their liabilities too, to the Integrity Commission, but we have one that is not functioning. We have one that even while it was functioning, did not have the investigative capacity to go after information that was so clear and evident to all Guyanese citizens. APNU has always said that what this country needs is an integrity commission that can act autonomously.” The Member of Parliament then made reference to the Integrity Commission of Trinidad and Tobago which he deemed to be a monument of effectiveness and as such, Guyana should seek to emulate such a model to promote transparency. “You cannot have an environment for public officials to be amassing

wealth far in excess of their known capacity to earn as a public official. And this is not related to ministers only, since we have other people that have been amassing wealth quietly and still you have no investigations being carried out. We are restating that there is a need for a firm, independent and well resourced Integrity Commission to deal with the issues that are being spoken to now. The question of corruption among public officials is well reported. There are endless reports by the Auditor General and you have endless cases where ministries are summoned before the Public Accounts Committee and then you don’t hear of anyone being charged from the outcome of the matters before the Committee, and so we have a long way to go for accountability.” The APNU executive member expressed alarm at the fact that there are some who do not perceive the acquisition of wealth in an unlawful manner to be corruption but rather perceive it to be the price of doing business in Guyana. “And that is how they see it… and so they have no moral turpitude where that is concerned. We have to set a high standard and ensure that the constitutional entities established to ensure good governance and order in our society be made to function and serve their purpose.”

US$34.2M to improve W.C.D... (From page 11) house lots. In addition, there are many striving businesses and farming areas which will benefit from this project and it would also complement the construction of the New Demerara River Bridge, as well as the increased importation of vehicles in Guyana. The West Coast Demerara Road has always been the main artery for persons and goods being transported from the City to the Essequibo Coast and Islands. The major upgrade to the road will result in a reduction of travel time for transporting of goods and services. Benn indicated that a factor that must be considered during the workshop discussions is the usage of the roadway by rice farmers to dry paddy. He noted that the Traffic Department has been faced with this challenge for years, but his Ministry is always willing to allow the farmers to

utilize the roadway since rice contributes significantly to the economy. Nonetheless, the improvements to the road are not being done to facilitate the drying of paddy. Developments to this roadway would also complement the construction of the Parika to Goshen Road that would open up farmlands. In addition, it would provide alternative access to the interior.

According to Benn, there have been some improvements in the monitoring of projects executed by the Ministry however, more needs to be done. He related that the Ministry has registered the negatives that resulted in the delays of projects such as the East Bank Demerara Public Road four-lane expansion, and is working on not repeating them.

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Kaieteur News

Friday March 21, 2014

Slavery reparations…

Energies should be focused on modern-day atrocities By Zena Henry While Heads of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) gear to approach European countries for reparations after years of African slavery and native genocide, it is apparent that accessing compensation might be more uphill than previously anticipated. Already, representatives of one nation have expressed skepticism in the idea of seeking repayment for hardships faced during the 400 years of the transatlantic slave trade. The United Kingdom’s plenipotentiary to the Caricom, Victoria Dean, on Wednesday reiterated remarks by her government that they are not convinced that slavery reparations are the way forward in healing old wounds. Dean told Kaieteur News that Caricom would have engaged in a process to address the issue, but there has not yet been “any kind of outreach to the UK or other European countries”. “You would have heard very clearly, our (UK) Foreign Minister say on a number of

occasions that he doesn’t believe that reparation is the answer. We do believe very much that slavery is and most abhorrent, and actually our focus now should be on the very sad fact that slavery still exist in many forms in many, many countries around the world and we should use our collective experience to address and deal with the scourge that continues for all sorts of people affected in the communities.” Her Excellency Victoria Glynis Dean presented her credentials as the new Plenipotentiary Representative (designate) of the United Kingdom to Caricom. The small island conglomerate has however consulted legal representation from British law firm Leigh, Day& Company. The regional body is optimistic about meeting European Heads of governments in June to discuss the matter which it is eager to pursue. Secretary General of the 15-member body, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque explained to the UK diplomat that the Caribbean Community places great

importance on the issue of Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and Native Genocide. “Our Heads of Government last week, reiterated their desire to engage with your Government and other European nations in substantive exchange on the matter in the context of development and in the spirit of the mutually respectful and amicable relations which we enjoy.” The Secretary General said he is convinced that the UK-CARICOM relationship is strong and mature enough to meet the challenge of finding reasonable solutions to these issues and any other that may emerge. A February 24 (2014) report from the Guardian (London) pointed out that the UK is “sternly” resisting reparation payments. The report said that Caribbean leaders, through legal representation are developing a forum for negotiations under the UN convention on the elimination of racial discrimination which came into being in 1969. The article went on to say that in response to Caricom’s

- UK diplomat campaign, a (UK) Foreign Office spokesperson said that it recognised Caricom’s commitment to follow-up reparations for slavery. “However, neither Caricom, nor individual Caribbean governments, have made a formal approach to the UK government with regard to reparations in relation to the transatlantic slave trade.” “No legal claim has been made against the UK government in relation to reparations for slavery. We do not see reparations as the answer. Instead, we should concentrate on identifying ways forward, with a focus on the shared global challenges that face our countries in the 21st century.” “We regret and condemn the iniquities of the historic slave trade, but these shameful activities belong to the past. Governments today cannot take responsibility for what happened over 200 years ago.” Former slave-owning nations of Europe – principally Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark are prime nations Caricom wants to acknowledge post-slavery difficulties that affect the identified peoples. Sweden’s Ambassador Claes Hammar has however hinted a listening ear to the Caricom’s plight despite that country playing a meagre role in the slave trade, having colonized St Barth between 1784 and 1878; and thus, has no difficulty in being part of reparation discussions. Reports say that failure between First World nations and Caricom to reach an agreement on the issue may result in the matter being

Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Irwin La Rocque, with Plenipotentiary Representative of the United Kingdom to the Caribbean Community Her Excellency, Victoria Dean transferred to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. “The UK accepts the jurisdiction of the court, but only in cases relating to disputes arising since 1974 and those that do not involve Commonwealth or former Commonwealth countries. These restrictions, the (UK) Foreign Office believes, prevent claims dating back to the 17th century from Commonwealth countries making progress through the court.” Caricom’s lawyers maintain, however, that the 1974 limit does not apply since “the current consequences” of race discrimination, resulting from slave trade in the past, still exist today. They claimed also that the UK’s reservation about Commonwealth countries “have no bearing on the dispute mechanism under the UN convention”. Caricom has outlined numerous postslavery issues; nutritional,

economical and psychological. The Caricom reparations committee has stated that slavery left Caribbean states with poor levels of literacy and education. The commission argues that there are no museums recording the cultural experiences and African traditions of those forced into slavery. The psychological trauma of slavery lingers on, the commission says: “For over 400 years Africans were classified in law as nonhuman, chattel, property and real estate. They were denied recognition as members of the human family by laws and practices derived from the parliaments and policies of Europe. This history has inflicted massive psychological damage upon African descendants, and is evident daily in social life. Only a reparatory dialogue can begin the process of healing and repair.”

Special team to evaluate proposals... (From page 12) Harbour Bridge Corporation is responsible for the management and collection of tolls, and the average annual revenue collection is approximately US$1.9M. Between 2002 and 2011,

the Guyana Government provided in excess of US$12M in subventions to support the operations of the existing bridge. During that same period the revenue collected from tolls was about 75 per cent of the subvention.

Teen to serve 10 years... (From page 9) decision, before expressing his knowledge of school bouts and behaviour. He explained how difficult it was to come up with a fitting sentence, “because I think you understand what you did was wrong and are on your way to making it right.” He said he tried to give balance for the victim’s family and the accused (Roberts). After explaining also that he does not believe in criminalizing young people, the sentence was handed down and the court wished Roberts luck in his obvious promise to do better.

The report indicates that while there were no national consultations during the prefeasibility phase, these are planned for the detailed feasibility phase. It says too that major Private Sector stakeholders and agencies such as the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSC), Guyana Shipping Association, Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC), Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE) and the Ministry of Finance, were closely engaged.

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Education Ministry’s ‘Professional Standards’ consultations gaining momentum A proposal has been made for untrained teachers in hinterland areas to be trained through financial support from the Education Ministry. Discussions in this regard have been ongoing among educators, even as the Ministry continues public consultations on Guyana’s Draft Professional Standards for teachers. In a coordinated effort to craft a model professional standards policy document for teachers, the Ministry has already hosted a series of consultations countrywide with a number of key stakeholders. The process is designed to gain feedback on ways to improve the standards, and to invite engagement from the professionals. Moreover, the discussions have also focused attention on the belief that “standards will raise the quality of teaching and learning in schools” and the fact that “parents need to show more interest in their children’s education”. The consultations have also directed much attention to the notion that “teachers and parents need to work together to produce quality students who will be able to further their studies and come back to serve the community”. Added to this, it has been emphasised that “strong

PTAs (Parent Teacher Associations) are vital for the success of any school” and the fact that “teachers need to be supportive of each other, as together they work towards enhancing the quality of education they deliver and maintaining a disciplined learning environment”. And the Ministry, as part of its efforts to amplify the importance of professionalism in the public education system, has underscored that “professional standards for teachers are not designed to be punitive, but rather to establish benchmarks for quality in the education system.” Thus far consultations have been held in Georgetown, Regions One, Three, Six, and Seven where the areas of importance have been raised. Copies of the draft Professional Standards for Teachers have been made available to teachers in the printed form for their perusal and comments, and it has also been strategically placed on the Ministry’s website www.education.gov.gy. It is anticipated that the online document will also help to generate additional comments from those who cannot contribute in person at the countrywide consultations. In addition,

members of the public were invited to submit their comments on the document via email to educationministry@gmail.com. “As these public consultations continue throughout the country, the Ministry intends to address the many issues being raised, in an effort to craft a policy document on professional teacher standards that is comprehensive and applicable to the Guyana situation,” a statement from the Ministry said. It is expected that through the establishment of professional teacher standards, the teaching profession will be significantly strengthened, further recognized, and aptly placed among the other leading professions in Guyana. According to the Education Ministry, “Professional Standards for Teachers set expectations for achieving desired educational outcomes. These standards are not intended as a tool for punitive action. Rather they reflect professional consensus of what is desirable in the supervision, leadership and delivery of education.” The standards are also intended to provide a framework that permits professionals to engage in self-assessment. Moreover,

A section of the stakeholders at a consultation held at the Leonora Secondary School. these standards are aligned to the Organization of American States (OAS), CARICOM and other international standards. The Ministry has therefore insisted that “Professional Standards offer the professional community specifications against which

teachers are able to set goals for personal development and progress in the profession.” The standards, according to the Ministry too, are multidimensional and give cognizance to the key props for learning to take place, namely: (a) a motivated and

willing learner; (b) effective teaching and learning and, (c) an enabling environment.

We are life savers, you should be one too! Donate blood today!!

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Kaieteur News

Friday March 21, 2014

Ministry blames Walter Willis for overpaying contractor

Permanent Secretary, Colin Croal (centre) appearing before the Public Accounts Committee yesterday Government’s chief structural engineer, Walter Willis, was yesterday blamed for the overpayment of just over $1.2M to a contractor who executed works on the

Plaisance Market Tarmac. In stark contrast however, the Contractor, Compustruct Engineering, is claiming that it was only overpaid $62,110. The revelations were

made when Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Collin Croal, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee to answer for the overpayments which were flagged by the Auditor General, in his 2011 report. The Public Accounts Committee is chaired by A

Partnership for National Unity’s Carl Greenidge and the only other members present for yesterday’s meeting were Keith Scott, and Trevor Williams of the Alliance For Change. Croal told the Committee that, “our position is clear, an overpayment did take place and so we have indicated that we are clear that he has to repay $1.2M.” He said however that the contractor has since submitted to the Ministry a reevaluation of the overpayment and has determined that he was only paid an extra $62,110. Greenidge sought to query from the Permanent Secretary how exactly the overpayment was made in the first place. According to Croal, the project was managed by Willis and he signed off on the project. Greenidge further sought to find out if the contractor was paid in advance or whether he was paid

Govt. Engineer, Walter Willis

following an inspection. Croal responded that the query came up after the final payment that was made after an inspection. An engineer within the Office of the Auditor General’s Office, who was also on hand for the hearing, told the Committee that when they inspected the site as part of the audit they initially came up with an overpayment to the tune of $2.3M. A subsequent reinspection of the site along with Willis saw the overpayment being revised downward to $1.2M The engineer advised that Willis had caused them to remeasure locations not considered by the Audit Office. Williams sought to find out how the Ministry would

force the contractor to comply, but was advised by Greenidge that this is a difficult measure for the Ministry. He pointed out that it is a situation where the Ministry had certified a project and already paid out the money. He said what the experience would in fact do is serve as a warning to all other Permanent Secretaries’ personnel responsible for public expenditure to put in place proper measures to ensure value for money. According to Greenidge, “once there is an overpayment it is difficult for the Ministry to get the contractors to reimburse what was overpaid.” He suggested that the solution is quite simply to not overpay in the first place.

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Alleged two-time carjacker slapped with twelve charges - Indicted for robbing former Asst. Commissioner, family A 24-year-old mason who was arrested after opening fire at police ranks last Friday, now faces a total of twelve charges, including the home invasion of a former Assistant Police Commissioner and two armed carjackings. Keron Cummings of ‘C’ Field Sophia, East Coast Demerara, is the man who was arrested last Friday after police ranks, who staked out a location at Seventh Street ‘C’ Field, Sophia, are believed to have prevented a robbery. Ranks managed to track the suspect down and arrested him, despite him firing shots at them. At the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Cummings was slapped with a total of 12 charges. He faced five counts of armed robbery, two counts of attempting to commit a felony, a break and enter and larceny charge, a possession of firearm and ammunition, one count of threatening behaviour and another for discharging a loaded firearm. According to Inspector Michael Grant, who prosecuted, the crimes in the city were conducted over a four-week period starting from the robbery on the family of former Assistant Commissioner of Police Clinton Conway on February 20. However from December 31 to last Friday (March 14), Cummings is said to have stolen over $9M in cash and property from several victims. Grant said that on February 20, he barged into the home of the former Assistant Commissioner, held him, his son and his daughter-in-law at gunpoint and managed to relieve them of over $500,000 in cash, jewellery and other items. Later on March 5,

Diamond Housing Scheme taxi driver Lionel Seenarine was reportedly approached by Cummings for a lift to Durban Backlands, in the city. The taxi driver accepted but upon arrival at the destination, the accused pointed a gun at his head and escaped with the man’s car. Inspector Grant claimed that the same was repeated on March 10 when he approached taxi driver Colin Williams at the Stabroek Market Park requesting to be taken to Guyhoc Park. Cummings, also upon arrival, brandished a gun and demanded the man’s valuables. He managed to relieve Williams of $3.1M in items, including his $2M car. Prosecutor Grant specified that he would be prosecuted for those five armed robberies at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court since they occurred in that magisterial district. Cummings pleaded not guilty to each charge. Meanwhile, the other seven felonies were said to have been committed on the East Coast of Demerara and will engage the attention of Magistrate Alex Moore at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court on April 13. According to Grant, on December 31, last year he broke into the home of Lauren Adams in ‘A’ Field Sophia and made off with a total of $2,671,500 in items. He noted that the woman had secured her home, only to return to a door which was evidently wrenched open and to discover the items missing. On March 12, Cummings allegedly approached Garaland Benn, a Lamaha Springs resident, at her home, asking her for some water. When she refused, Grant related that he pulled out the

gun and told the woman “Yuh gun see what gun happen to yuh. Ah gun shoot yuh.” The Inspector indicated that in fear, the woman crawled into her house and called the police. However, he made off and the police who responded were unable to apprehend him. For that, he was slapped with a charge for threatening behaviour. All the matters were reported to the police but they were unable to capture him until last Friday when he attempted to rob two persons in ‘C’ Field Sophia. Grant related that about 10:40 hours, police ranks who received a ‘tip’, ventured to Seventh Street, Sophia, on a stake out. He said that during that stakeout they noticed Cummings walking behind Ezra Roberts and Shondell Marks on the street. As he reached the two persons, he pulled out a gun from his pants waist and was about to hold onto the female when the policemen shouted “Don’t Move.” The Inspector indicated that Cummings discharged two rounds in their direction and they returned fire, hitting Cummings, and causing him to fall into the trench. The ranks reportedly went in after him and managed to recover a .38 revolver and three live rounds of ammunition. Cummings was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was admitted as a patient under police guard. After being discharged, an identification parade was conducted where he was positively identified by all the victims. He was subsequently charged with the offences. The seven charges which occurred on the East Coast were laid indictably and he

was not required to plead. He was remanded to prison. Cummings is expected to return to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on April 22 for statements. He is also scheduled to appear before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on April 13.

Accused: Keron Cummings

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Kaieteur News

FOR SALE Toyota Forklift - Excellent condition, 4,000lbs capacity, 117" Lift, Solid Wheels, Automatic Transmission, 4 Cylinder LPG Motor. Call: 604-6108. FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Live/pluck chicken call: 6504421, 220-9203

One glass-case 5ft X 4ft. Call: 647-1773

1 Toyota Raum fully air conditioned – Tel:678-6108, 692-8419, 266-2771

Fishing boat, 5" nylon Seine, 40 Hp Yamaha - $1.6M - Tel: 267-1563; 691-3501 / 4162667627

Cannon digital camera A720 power shot, 4GB SD card & case asking -$17,000 – Call:663-2079 or 695-3091

One 14" river dredge in excellent condition - Call: 669-8985

Land with foundation and columns @ Tuschen, Middle Income, H/Scheme E.B.E $7M - Call:682-7220; 602-0268

Tractors: MF285 $2.8mil (neg) Ford 5000 $3.2mil (neg),Both Good Condition -Call 257-0212, 628-8487 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Extra Cab 2002, Nissan Frontier $2.9M, 4X4 Extra Cab 2002, DJSystem - $2.8M– Tel:6959807 Black & white photocopy and colour copy - Tel:6268586 2 Trucks – Tel:618-1967; 6984321 Tibetan Terrier pupsCall:225-4780; 601-5927 Cooler chest/fridge 15 cubic, good for shop use $100,000- Call:683-4803, 2259871 New Japan Parts & Batteries in stock with a 10% discount @ Ray’s Motor Spares - Tel: 227-2322; 2272330 1 Chair & dryer, styling chair, combination wardrobe, Sony DVD, home theater system & north star (Air Compressor Pump) – Tel:683-7102 1 complete pools table, 1 no frost fridge, 1 electric stove, 1 compressor C/W spray kit & air-tool assembly. Owner migrating – Tel:641-6239 SUPER TENT SALE! Sports bras, body shapers, exercising sneakers & clothing. EVERTHING MUST GO – Saturday, March 22 @ 38 J Duncan St. – Call:626-6335

LAND FOR SALE Bachelor’s Adventure, E.C.D, 100ftX120ft, title land - Tel: 680-5944 3 Acres Land @ Parika Backdam E.B.E – Call:6174837

Household items: Stove, bed, sofa, dishwasher, dresser, sewing machine, coffee dispenser, printers & more - Call:227-1028; 223-9719

TO LET

2 Income properties at bargain price - $40M negotiable - Tel: 686-4899; 684-3718 Property for sale - Call:6275416 2 Storey concrete building, 7 bedrooms: 4 upstairs & 3 downstairs @ Paradise - $5M negotiable Tel:679-6377; 6670064

One 3 bedroom house in La Parafaite Harmonie -$16M negotiable – Contact:6221782; 658-5803; 264-0042

Brazilian Virgin Hair , 16"&18", top grade, final sale, low prices Call: 626-6335; 6002220

Campbellville (2buildings) $25M, Near Regent Street $35M, Lamaha Gardens $55M – Call Diana:227-2256; 626-9382

1 Stall @ Stabroek Market – Tel:658-0115; 718-757-8031

Sophia ‘C’ Field - $3M – Call:618-7483; 611-3835

2 Flex house 10ft- 5", 2 sheet 6mm aluminum plate, 2 – Hydraulic pump, 1-BT 121 Earth Auger STIHL drill, 2 Amplifier – Tel:625-1621

Prime Business property, huge land space, 200’X50', next to Police Outpost @ Mc Doom 233-0570

1 Canon Image runner #2525 Contact: 652-0709

Barge 200ft in length as is Call: 623-4045 Motorized Wheelchair by hovearound. New batteries Call:225-0271; 623-8192

EDUCATIONAL Balloon decorating classes – April 05 - Call: 225-3133; 6137513 for more information and to register. Practical Electronic courses begining 7th April at Abdol Electronics - Tel:226-6551; 225-0391

Unfinished two storey concrete house @ Bladen Hall E.C.D – Call:688-6316

Regent Street -US$800,000 negotiable – Call:623-4045

1 Raum: DVD player, alarm system, mag rims - $1.2M negotiable, excellent condition - Call:627-9424

Apartments to rent in Cummings Lodge - Call:2224389

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Large beverage cooler, two doors, 3 wheel motor bike – Call:227-1028; 223-9719

Canadian rebuilt Perkins Duetz engine, Lincoln generator welder, model M with winch, 320 excavator. Call: 691-2921

VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Hilux Solid axle pickups, gasoline & diesel. Unregistered, excellent condition - Call: 691-2077

25 Acres land @ Mouth of Bonasika Creek – Tel:6267212

Tacoma Tundra lights & Parts Tel: 641-1127

Tibetan Terrier mixed with Pekingese puppy - Tel:2270945; 623-8811

One hardly used cradle $20,000 with accessories & one brand new play pen $33,000 - Call: 670-2343

1 Property: ideal for manufacturing & other options, Situated in the Industrial Area, 3 Phase power & generator included – Contact:619-0037

COMPLETE SAWMILL with all new industrial machine, going business with contract - (Wanted Kabukalli Logs) - Tel:684-5868.

1- 500 Ton Cargo ship - Tel: 676-6933

One female German Shepherd Pup - Contact: 665-9140 or 639-1431

FOR SALE/RENT Vacant corner lot 58"X30" @ Garnett & Republic Streets, Newton, Kitty – Tel: 645-0616

Friday March 21, 2014

One Transported large Lot at Zeelught EBE - $2.2M – Tel:617-4439 Romrima Trust Versailles @ W.B.D - Tel: 652-3707 House lots in Friendship. Tel: 692-8513 Parafaite Harmonie - $1.2M Call:675-7292

1 -4 bedrooms house at Happy Acres, $300,000 per month – Call:231-7839 Fully furnished rooms for foreigners in Diamond – Call:687-1392

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One 2 Bedrooms bottom flat Tel: 613-6402

House in Diamond/Grove Tel:692-8513 Vreed-En-Hoop Junction: games station, stationery shop, photocopying machine & printing store, lessons, internet – Call:680-9905 One upper flat @ 6th Street Cummings Lodge ECD – Call:622-3580 1,2,3 Bedroom @ Lot 2 Anna Catherina W.C.D - Call J.Ali: 276-0818

Unregistered Toyota Premio $2.450, Toyota Spacio $2.250 Tel: 616-3001; 6284284

Complete sawmill (i.e woodmizer mill, moulder etc) @ Eccles Industrial Site EBD. Call Ricahrd: 609-7677;233-2614

Toyota Mark 2 for sale: very good condition - $1.5M negotiable – Call:641-6725

Single room apartment (furnished) in Eccles – Call:233-2770

One Raum – PMM series $1.2M – Contact:671-6051 AT192 - Call: 602-0236 Toyota Raum, Spacio, AT212, AT192, AT170, NZE and L- Touring wagon, Nissan E24 Caravan – Tel: 644-5096; 697-1453

VEHICLE FOR SALE One Toyota Tacoma 2006, 12ft Aluminum Boat, Tacoma : rims & tyres – Call:641-6162; 220-1981; 222-5671 1 Toyota Minibus pit-bull, BRR Series, immaculate condition, owner leaving country – Tel:629-3663 1 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 4X4 solid Axle pickup -$2.7M Tel: 658-5193; 638-2525; 648-4374 EP-82 Starlet – Call:685-9696 Fully loaded Toyota Rush W/ TV, spoiler, rims, etc, 2008 Toyota Premio – Tel:615-4114 Unregistered 2002 Toyota Fielder Body Kit, mags, HID fog lamps – Contact:644-9277 ($2.2M negotiable)

One Farm at Yarrowkabra 20.1 Acres and one house and land – Call:265-3586

Looking for friendship 4050yrs - Call:626-8482

Schoonard (100ftX50ft) $1.6M -Call:675-7292

One Semi furnished apartment to rent at Industry ECD – Tel: 222-6001

Foreign Man: loving, generous & loyal seeks female Guyanese friend (1736yrs) , Email picture to iluvguyanesewomen@yahoo. com/Tele:1-246-835-6908 (7pm – 8pm)

Parafaite Harmonie - $1M Call:675-7292

TOURS

AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN & RZ & Pitbull buses, 7 seater super custom. Cash / termsCall:680-3154

Lethem Rodeo - Tour to Bontin Moco-Moco Falls 17th to 21 April - Call:6392663;644-0185;6655171;227-8290

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154

Canal No#1 - Call:672-3662

Toyota 4 runner grey. Good condition – Call:227-1028; 223-9719

Campbellville - $90,000, Queenstown -$US800, Atlantic Garden - $US600. Contact Diana:227-2256; 626-9382

1 smoothie machine,2 ice machine - Contact:231-0655, 683-8734 PEN PAL

Herstelling (110ftX60ft) $3M -Call:675-7292

One unregistered vehicle, Toyota Premio – Call Sunil:227-5950; 681-5470

Wings Two bedrooms apartment – Tel:643-113;2253234

MOVE IN ready fully furnished two bedroom upper flat apartment @ Atlantic Gardens - US$1,000 dollars negotiable - Call:600-9981 2 Bedrooms apartment @ Samatta Point Grove. $35,000 per month: Monthly rent, monthly security – Call: 6137596

Toyota Tundra 4X4, Clean $2.450M – Call:662-6024

First Class Auto: Avensis, Allion, IST, 212, Premio, Spacio, Raum, Passo, Fielder, Verossa -Call:609-8188; 6026307

FOR RENT

GT TOOLS RENTAL, RAMSON SPECIAL - TEL: 675-0767; 627-5098 LAND FOR SALE

Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call:6193660,639-4452

1- 2007 Toyota 4X4 Tacoma for sale Call: 670-3328 for more information. 600 CBR BIKE -$350,000, 3VZ Tacoma Engine $400,000 – Call: 617-7113

One Honda accord DX manual transmission, excellent condition – Call:618-5972; 685-57-27; 218-1204. 1 Freight liner hauler with sleeping cab, 1 -48ft trailor with treated wood – Call: Rakesh 613-6979 1 DAF 4X4 Bush Truck Winch - $3.8M - Tel:6585193; 638-2525; 648-4374 BJJ series, long base RZ minibus – Call:667-6045 Unregistered Toyota Raum 2004 & Spacio -2003 - Tel: 617-5536 Toyota Fun Cargo, RZ minibus, IST, 4X4 Hilux pickup - Tel: 644-5096; 6971453 2003 Honda Civic, stick shift, low mileage, music, with rims Tel: 696-4659 1 -1RZ, 15 seater, automatic mini-bus, BNN 3760 - $1.7M Negotiable. Good condition, never used for public transportation – Tel:6280310 ; 672-5429 (Continued on page 31 )

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news

Abu Bakr attempts to make reparations a... From page 4 enrichment and made a crime against humanity……legal for profit. Mr. Abu Bakr has for some reason attempted to blame Africans for chattel slavery and has joined the ranks of those who, despite the evidence that abounds, chose to blame the victims. Certainly, Mr. Abu Bakr is well aware that European Governments: 1. Were owners and traders of enslaved Africans 2. Instructed genocidal actions upon indigenous communities 3. Created the legal, financial and fiscal policies necessary for the enslavement of Africans 4. Defined and enforced African enslavement and native genocide as in their ‘national interests’ 5. Refused compensation to the enslaved with the ending of their enslavement. 6. Compensated slave owners at emancipation for the loss of legal property rights in enslaved Africans 7. Imposed a further one hundred years of racial apartheid upon the emancipated 8. Imposed for another one hundred years policies designed to perpetuate suffering upon the emancipated and survivors of genocide and, 9. Have refused to acknowledge such crimes or to compensate victims and their descendants. Chattel slavery was the crime that developed Europe, period, and underdeveloped Africa, while creating the politics and practice of racism that exists today. Royalty, businessmen, bankers, religious groups, merchants, shipbuilders, arms makers, citizens…. all made billions of blood money from chattel slavery and their descendants still enjoy this wealth today. How can a man of Abu Bakr’s stature make the statement “we learn a certain narrative of our servile past. We learn that the European started the slave trade and bought and sold Africans for “beads and mirrors”. I saw in this newspaper a few years ago, in a Project Syndicate article with someone bearing an African name repeating the absurdity”. Mr. Bakr is correct only in one part of that statement for it was the Arabs, whose name

he bears, that African slavery began and lasted for 11 centuries. Perhaps it is the name Mr. Abu Bakr carries that makes him plunge into disinformation, deceit and plain lies. The second statement Mr. Abu Bakr makes is one that tries to discredit the Reparations Movement. He states in his letter, and I quote “the Coordinator of the efforts (reparations) is Dr. Hilary Beckles, and we had earlier read, the local organisers include Eric Phillip of ACDA”. Mr. Abu Bakr fully well knows that it is Sir Hilary Beckles, not Dr. Beckles, and that the reparations initiative has been unanimously approved by the Heads of States of CARICOM. Abu Bakr attempts to make reparations a trivial event. He purposefully has left the reader in the dark. He has purposefully hidden the fact that sovereign nations of the Caribbean will sue eight European countries, including his beloved France, for crimes against humanity and criminal enrichment. He tries to hide the fact that France, like many European countries, was built on the backs and deaths on millions of Africans and that even today France has an imperialist hold on the money of many African nations. Let it be known, Mr. Abu Bakr, that this effort to stigmatise and weaken the Reparations Movement with lies and European propaganda has no chance of success but rather diminishes him, the subtle bearer of self-hate. Let it be known there is a CARICOM Reparations Commission, chaired by Sir Hilary Beckles and comprised of the Chairs of National Reparations Committees in the Caribbean. This Commission reports to a Heads of State Reparations Committee comprised on the Heads of State of Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, St. Vincent, Jamaica and Suriname. I am not a local organiser. Guyana has a National Reparations Committee. With so much time on his hands, I hope Mr. Abu Bakr will read about 1100 years of the Arab Slave Trade which was blessed by Islam and which has fallen through the cracks of time and which had

its own special horrors or rape, plunder murder and criminal enrichment.. Finally, Editor, there seems to be great dis-information about Reparations. So I end with what Reparations is about. WHAT IS REPARATIONS? Reparation is the process of repairing the consequences of crimes committed, and the attempt to reasonably remove debilitating effects of such crimes upon victims and their descendants. International law provides that the economic and social system referred to as chattel slavery - the legal denial of persons’ rights to human identity and the control over their bodies - was and is a crime against humanity subject to reparatory justice. Reparation seeks reconciliation between victims and beneficiaries. As such it is non-confrontational and conciliatory. Reparation seeks to restore equity in social relations, equality before the law, and justice within the fabric of human diversity that typifies humanity. Reparation seeks to heal, atone, and bring closure to the human tragedy of mass slavery. It seeks, finally, to restore a higher moral order by removing the shame and guilt that persistently poison the relations between descendants on all sides of the crime. The legal process of Reparation demands of perpetrators and beneficiaries the following: (1) An Apology, rather than a Statement of Regret that expresses no responsibility for the suffering of victims; (2) Admission of wrong doing; (3) Commitment to reasonable reparatory actions; (4) Commitment to non-repetition. Eric Phillips

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From page 30

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Kaieteur News

Friday March 21, 2014

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

Obama hits closest Putin allies with sanctions over Crimea WA S H I N G T O N / MOSCOW (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama raised the stakes in an EastWest confrontation over Crimea yesterday by targeting some of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest long-time political and business allies with personal sanctions. The extension of visa bans and asset freezes into Putin’s inner circle came as Moscow rushed to consolidate the annexation of the Black Sea peninsula, seized from Ukraine last month, and to boost its military presence in the region. Russian troops took over three Ukrainian warships in Crimea yesterday, using stun grenades in one incident, a Ukrainian spokesman said. Kiev also said it had begun withdrawing its border guards, surrounded and outnumbered by Russian forces, from Crimea to the mainland. The 20 names added to the U.S. blacklist included Kremlin banker Yuri Kovalchuk and his Bank Rossiya, major oil and commodities trader Gennady Timchenko and the brothers Arkady and Boris Rotenberg, linked to big contracts on gas pipelines and at the Sochi Olympics, as well as Putin’s chief of staff and his deputy, the head of military intelligence and a railways chief. Most grew rich after being associated with Putin since the former KGB officer began his ascent to power in the mayor ’s office of St Petersburg in the 1990s. In a statement explaining the sanctions, the U.S. Treasury said: “Gennady Timchenko is one of the founders of Gunvor, one of the world’s largest independent commodity trading companies involved in the oil and energy markets. “Timchenko’s activities in the energy sector have been directly linked to Putin. Putin has investments in Gunvor and may have access to Gunvor funds.” Putin has denied any link with Gunvor in the past. The Swiss-based oil trading firm said in a statement that Putin had no ownership of Gunvor and “any understanding otherwise is fundamentally misinformed and outrageous”. Moscow reacted by announcing its own sanctions against senior U.S. politicians in retaliation against visa bans and asset freezes imposed by Washington on its citizens, with the foreign ministry saying U.S. action would “hit the United States like a boomerang”. European Union leaders

Barack Obama were meeting in Brussels to step up their own measures against Russia. Officials said that while the EU would add a dozen names to its sanctions list and cancel a planned EU-Russia summit in Sochi, it would not go as far as Washington in hitting Putin’s money men. “We will be a step behind the Americans,” a senior European diplomat said. Russian forces took control of Crimea in late February after Moscowbacked Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich was toppled by protests sparked by his decision to spurn a trade deal with the EU and seek closer ties with Moscow. The seizure has been mostly bloodless. People in Crimea voted overwhelmingly to join Russia in a referendum last Sunday which Kiev and the West have refused to recognize. Only one member of Russia’s State Duma lower house of parliament voted against ratifying the annexation treaty yesterday. The Federation Council upper house will complete the ratification process today. With Washington trying to tighten the screws on Moscow, Putin told Russian company bosses to bring their assets home to help the nation survive the sanctions and an economic downturn. In a potentially ominous move, Obama said he had signed a new executive order that clears the way for U.S. sanctions against broad sections of the Russian economy, should Putin’s military make moves beyond Crimea and into southern and eastern Ukraine which also have large Russian-speaking populations. “We’re imposing sanctions on more senior officials of the Russian government,” he said. “In addition, we are today sanctioning a number of

other individuals with substantial resources and influence who provide material support to the Russian leadership, as well as a bank that provides material support to these individuals.” Washington announced a first round of sanctions against 11 Russians and Ukrainians it said were involved with the Crimean annexation on Monday. A U.S. official said the sanctions mean Bank Rossiya - which has $10 billion in assets would be “frozen out of the dollar”. Those on the Russian list included former U.S. presidential candidate Senator John McCain, Senate majority leader Harry Reid and House of Representatives speaker John Boehner. Like their Russian counterparts, the U.S. lawmakers laughed off the sanctions or treated them as badge of honor. McCain laced his response with sarcasm. “I guess this means my spring break in Siberia is off, my Gazprom stock is lost, and my secret bank account in Moscow is frozen,” he said in a statement. “Nonetheless, I will never cease my efforts on behalf of the freedom, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea.” Obama trumped European leaders for the second time in a week by announcing tougher measures than they were planning just as they sat down to try to resolve their differences on sanctions. While Poland and former Soviet Baltic states that are now EU members have pushed for a touch line, the main EU powers - Germany, France and Britain - all have strong economic reasons for caution. German Chancellor Angela Merkel told parliament in Berlin that the 28 EU leaders would show they are ready to ramp up punitive measures in a staged response against Russian officials and move to economic sanctions if Putin went further. “The EU summit today and tomorrow will make clear that we are ready at any time to introduce phase-3 measures if there is a worsening of the situation,” she said. Some diplomats read her statement as an implicit recognition that Crimea was lost, and that only further steps by Russia to destabilize Ukraine or intervene in other post-Soviet republics would trigger sanctions that could hurt convalescing Western economies as well as Moscow’s.

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Kaieteur News

Friday March 21, 2014

World Bank approves $73M for DR Congo hydro project

General view of Inga hydroelectric dam, west of Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital Kinshasa. (AFP Photo/Adia Tshipuku) Washington (AFP) - The World Bank approved yesterday $73.1 million in financing to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support development of the massive Inga 3 hydropower project in the energy-hungry country. In mid-February the IMF executive board delayed an official review of the proposed technical assistance package for the project that faces opposition from Congolese social and environmental groups. The $73.1 million grant, along with $33.4 million approved by the African Development Bank late last year, will provide the Democratic Republic of Congo with the world-class expertise to develop its hydropower potential, the World Bank said in a statement. “By being involved in the development of Inga 3 BC from an early stage we can help ensure that its development is done right so it can be a game changer by providing electricity to millions of people and powering commerce and industry,” Makhtar Diop, the World Bank’s vice president for Africa, said in the statement.

DR Congo, Africa’s thirdlargest country, is estimated to have the world’s thirdlargest hydropower potential, after China and Russia. The huge Inga 3 Basse Chute project near Matadi would divert Congo River waters into a 12-kilometer (7.5mile) channel and then pass them through a 100-meter (330-foot) high hydropower dam on the Bundi Valley before releasing the water back into the river. The intake would be above the existing Inga 1 and Inga 2 dams, and the outflow downstream from both. Inga 3 is expected to generate 4,800 megawatts of power, equivalent to the output of three thirdgeneration nuclear reactors. The World Bank said the technical assistance project will finance environmental and social assessments to guide the development of the project; it does not include any construction or operational activities. No decision has been taken on whether it will support the eventual construction of Inga 3, the global development bank said. The DR Congo prime minister, Matata Ponyo

Maponi, welcomed the grant, saying: “The World Bank Group’s involvement in this project reinforces its mission to fight poverty, and its ongoing commitment to help the Congolese government in its goal to move the country along the path to a strong development future.” The Inga 3 project, whose construction is expected to begin in late 2016, was revived after South Africa promised to buy more than half of the power generated, guaranteeing the project’s financial viability. DR Congo plans to sell some 1,300 megawatts of power to mining companies in its Katanga Province, in the southeast of the country, whose development has been limited because of a lack of available energy. The remainder will provide electricity to DR Congo, where only nine percent of the population has access to electricity. In a letter to the World Bank in late January, a dozen Congolese nonprofit organizations expressed doubt about how much the project will ease the country’s energy gap and raised concerns about its impact on local populations that depend on the Congo River.

Kremlin raps new U.S. sanctions list, will retaliate MOSCOW (Reuters) President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman said yesterday it was “unacceptable” for the United States to impose sanctions on Russians and warned Moscow would respond in kind to U.S. measures meant to punish allies of Putin. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin was studying a list of 20 more Russians hit with U.S. visa bans and asset freezes over Russia’s

annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region. The United States had designated 11 Russians and Ukrainians on Monday. “The appearance of some of the names on the list causes nothing but extreme perplexity,” Peskov said. “But no matter what the names are, the practice of (issuing sanctions) lists is unacceptable for us. “In any case, Russia’s reaction to these lists will be based on the principle of

reciprocity and will not be long in coming.” Peskov spoke shortly after the Foreign Ministry listed nine U.S. officials and lawmakers barred from Russia in retaliation to the initial U.S. list. Putin signed a treaty to make Crimea part of Russia on Tuesday. Russia’s seizure of military control of Crimea and moves to annex it have caused the most serious EastWest crisis since the Cold War.

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

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UN agency in Haiti BL&P not opposed to renewable energy BARBADOS’ LONE distributes food amid drought ELECTRIC utility company

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Aid workers in Haiti have begun dis t r i b u t i n g food to help some of the Caribbean nation’s poorest people cope with a severe drought, an official with a United Nations agency said yesterday. The World Food Program on Wednesday began handing out cereal, vegetable oil and iodized salt to 10,000 people in towns in the northwestern peninsula of Haiti, WFP program chief Antoine Renard said. Aid workers hope to reach 164,000 people with food by the end of the month, when the rainy season is due to begin. The goal is to hand

out enough food to last at least a month so that farmers won’t be forced to eat their seeds, which would sabotage their ability to grow crops. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network, a US-government financed program that tracks weather patterns, agricultural production and food prices in an effort to offset famine, describes worrisome conditions for Haiti’s northwest. Rains ended earlier than usual in October in the northwest and elsewhere along the northern coast, leading to the loss of sorghum, bean and corn crops.

The scarcity of water and an earlier and longer lean season will put families in a crisis category through June, the network reported. That category means that at least one in five households faces a food shortage, along with high or unusually acute malnutrition. People will need to sell off possessions to get by. Haiti and its 10 million people are especially vulnerable to the whims of weather. A severe drought in 2012, also in the northwest, and the outer bands of Tropical Storm Isaac and Hurricane Sandy wiped out crops, causing many in Haiti to go hungry.

Russian airline suspends service to Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC - The recent political developments between Russia and Ukraine, has led to the suspension of service provided by Transaero Airlines. Yesterday, the Ministry of Tourism announced that Transaero will be suspending service between Moscow and Montego Bay, effective March 28, with a resumption of service set for November.

This development has been attributed to “dramatic currency fluctuations in Russia, their impact on airline operations and recent political developments.” As a direct result of this development, the tourism ministry says the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) Regional Director in Europe, has been dispatched to Moscow “to keep in touch with the market and to protect

the gains we have made there.” The airline began its Jamaica service in the winter of 2012/13. At the time it was welcomed as a major boost to the tourist trade from that part of the world. It was so successful that the airline opted to maintain the service through the entire year. However, in light of these recent political developments, Transaero has revealed it is not confident in its ability to maintain the same level of service this year.

Trade Minister: 7 industrial parks to be built Trinidad Guardian - More than one port in La Brea would not create a logistical nightmare, but rather add to the infrastructural development of the community. So said Vasant Bharath, Minister of Trade,

Industry and Investment, who accompanied Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissesar on her two-week trip to China prior to Carnival. He spoke to the Business Guardian on the benefits of the trip, one of which was a

$5 billion loan application. In a post-Cabinet press conference in early March, Persad-Bissessar said the loan would be used for six new special economic zones, a new transshipment port and a dry dock.

says it is not opposed to the introduction of renewable energy systems to Barbados. However, managing director of the Barbados Light & Power Company Mark King said the concern was with the stability of the grid given the intermittency of renewable systems. Players in the renewable energy sector have charged that BL&P was being conservative in the limits it wanted to impose on customers who sell energy back to the grid. But recently, King said BL&P was one of the few utilities in the world to facilitate the introduction of renewable energy without being ordered to do so by the regulator. “One recognizes, at the same time, that having introduced alternative sources of energy to the infrastructure, one needs to make sure that that infrastructure remains stable. By definition the predominant renewable energy systems that are on the market today that are connected to the grid

Mark King

are intermittent in nature, that is they go up and down as the wind blows and as the sun shines,” he said. King said superimposing intermittency on a stable grid created the possibility of instability depending on the extent to which the renewable energy supply varied. He noted that the results of an “intermittent renewable energy penetration study”

commissioned by BL&P would be out “about the middle of this year or so.” “That helps to determine what mitigating measures need to be put in place to prevent undue effects on the network. “The limits that the Fair Trading Commission have put on the system at this time do not need any mitigating measures.

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Kaieteur News

Hockey becomes a game of four quarters Reuters - Hockey will no longer be a game of two halves at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, with the sport announcing yesterday a change to a four-quarter format to broaden its appeal to broadcasters and fans. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) said in a statement that four 15-minute quarters would replace the previous two 35-minute halves. Playing time will be maximized, however, with the introduction of 40-second timeouts following the award

of a penalty corner and the scoring of a goal. After the first and third quarters each team will have a two-minute break, with a 10-minute break at halftime. “With the additional breaks fans will have the opportunity to enjoy more replays and be more engaged with the event, whether in the stadium or watching from afar, while hockey commentators will be allowed more time to provide sport analysis

between plays,” said FIH President Leandro Negre. The FIH said the new format would make the game faster and more exciting while allowing organizers and broadcasters “to develop more engaging fan experiences, both at the venue, on TV and online”. The four-quarter format has already been tried out in the Euro Hockey League and in India. It will apply to all continental Olympic qualifying events as of September 1.

Friday March 21, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Children or possibly some close friends or a love interest could be upset today, Aries. The financial coffers aren't full enough to afford something they think they absolutely have to have right now. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Worry about a family member may be on your mind today, Taurus. This person could be all wrought up over work, money, or possibly a love affair that's broken off. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Uneasy feelings may be plaguing you throughout the day, Gemini. There could appear to be no valid reason for this. Everything seems to be going well for you, and no one close to you has anything heavy going on. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A friend, perhaps a woman, could well be upset or even angry with you today, Cancer. Money might be involved in some way. There may be nothing you can do to reassure her at this time, so it's best to give what reassurances you can and then back off. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Is your boss a woman, Leo? If so, stay out of her way today. To put it mildly, she isn’t in a good mood. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Travel may cause more problems than it's worth today, Virgo. You may forget some vital items when packing or there could be too little time to get everything ready.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Finances may cause an upset between you and a friend today, Libra. Perhaps this person owes you money and can't pay it back, or vice versa. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A social event could put you in touch with someone who's carrying around a lot of bitterness and anger, Scorpio. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) The workplace could be very hectic today as a colleague prepares to leave on an important business trip, Sagittarius. Nerves could be strained and tempers short. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may have a wonderful day today, Capricorn. Your imagination, intuition, and creativity are all high, and inspiration for new artistic works could be filling your heart and brain. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your home could be a very busy place today, Aquarius. Visitors could come and go throughout the day, probably annoying you at times. You might also find yourself having to soothe angry outbursts on the part of a member of your household PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Someone you work with might need a sympathetic shoulder to cry on today, Pisces. Stresses on the job extend beyond everyone's capacity to endure, so don't be surprised if at some point a colleague sheds a few tears. You might find your patience pushed beyond its normal limits.

Friday March 21, 2014

Defence Force confident ahead of CFU opener From page 39 capturing domestic league, cup and CONCACAF titles in the same year. Ross Russell has been at the club in a coaching capacity for the past 12 years, including the last seven as head coach. He expects the team to do well at Harbour View Stadium. “I believe that we are adequately prepared for the challenges ahead,” said Russell. “I think we are sharp, fit and ready to take on the opposing teams in this group. We have won our last three

Pro League games in Trinidad and are looking forward to the next three games in Jamaica.” Team captain Corey Rivers, who has been at the helm for five years, was somewhat modest in his comments noting that all the competing teams have one goal in the back of their minds: win. “Each team in this group wants to win,” said Rivers. “It will be tough competition, but I am confident and have no doubt that we will go past this first hurdle. We have a very good crop of players

who I am backing to deliver for us.” Other players to watch on the Defence Force roster include Trinidad & Tobago international Devon Jorsling (forward) and Jerwyn Balchazar (midfielder). In their CFU opener, the Trinidadians will take on Guyana’s Alpha United on Friday, before concluding play against SV Notch of Curacao (March 23) and Harbour View (March 25).

GCA competitions to resume this weekend The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) competitions will resume this weekend with first and second division matches. Tomorrow, Gandhi Youth Organisation will host Georgetown Cricket Club from 11:00hrs in the lone Noble House Sea Foods second-division 2-day fixture with Deon Faessal and Heuvel Cunha umpiring. In the City Mall Hadi’s World Inc. first-division 2day, Malteenoes Sports Club will entertain Transports Club under the watchful eyes of Ryan Banwarie and Edward Bowen. On Sunday, Georgetown Cricket Club will be at home to Guyana Defense Force at 13:00hrs in the Carib Beer first-division T20 with Shannon Crawford and Clyde Layne in charge.

Trophy Stall U15 continues tomorrow @ Grove Second round action in the Trophy Stall sponsored East Bank Football Association Under-15 tournament will get underway from tomorrow morning at the Grove Playfield, Grove East Bank Demerara. Soesdyke Falcons and Herstelling will start tings off from 10:00hrs with the feature game bringing together Grove Hi Tech and Diamond United. Both Grove and Soesdyke were victorious against their respective opponents in the first round.

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

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QC Inter Class football Nepal stun Afghanistan in WT20 winners rewarded Sylhet: First-timers Nepal upset a higher ranked and more experienced Afghanistan by nine runs in Sylhet to record their second win in the World Twenty20 tournament yesterday. Nepal, sent in to bat, were lifted by opener Subash Khakurel’s career-best 56 to 141-5 and restricted their opponents to 132-8 in a Group A match. The defeat meant Afghanistan lost two of their three matches and failed to reach the next round. Paceman Jitendra Mukhiya, who finished with 3-18 in four overs, jolted

Afghanistan with two early wickets, while spinner Shakti Gauchan took two wickets in one over to leave Afghanistan in tatters on 505. Shafiqullah Shafiq (36) and Asghar Stanikzai (49) did their best to stop the collapse. But a 24-run target in the last over proved way beyond Afghanistan’s reach. Earlier Khakurel anchored the Nepalese innings with some sensible batting, adding an invaluable 76 for the fourth wicket with Sharad Vesawkar who made 37. Khakurel hit six boundaries and a six during

his 53-ball knock before falling to pace man Shapoor Zadran, the best of the Afghan bowlers with 2-19. Ireland, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe are in contention to qualify for the next round from Group B. The top team from each group will join eight seeded teams in the Super-10 stage, starting today. Brief scores: Nepal 141 for 5 in 20 overs (S. Khakurel 56, S. Vesawkar 37; Shapoor Zadran 2-19). Afghanistan 132-8 in 20 overs (Asghar Stanikzai 49, Shafiqullah Shafiq 36; J. Mukhiya 3-18). Nepal won by nine runs.

U-17 WWC: Mexico posts another 4-0 win Members of the victorious Queens College 1 B boys, 1 A and B girls display their medals following their outstanding performances in the recently concluded small goal inter-class 5-a-side football competition.

Pavone hat-trick propels Cruz Azul past Sporting Mexico City - Argentine striker Mariano Pavone struck a hat-trick to power Cruz Azul to a 5-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) quarterfinal series at the Estadio Azul. The triumph lifted the five-time CONCACAF champion to a 6-2 aggregate win and into the semifinals against Club Tijuana. The result gave Mexican clubs a three-series sweep over U.S. sides in the quarterfinals. Tijuana and Toluca had clinched semifinal berths by overcoming the LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes, respectively. Kansas City had entered the game not having allowed a CCL goal in 216 minutes, but that streak was snapped quickly. Pavone, who had not scored a goal since January 26, struck for two within the opening 24 minutes. After receiving a pass from Joao Rojas, Pavone eluded Kevin Ellis and drilled a shot into the upper right corner to put La Maquina ahead 1-0 in the second minute. He doubled the advantage midway through the half. Marco Fabian controlled a long ball on his chest before forcing goalkeeper Eric Kronberg to make a save. Pavone, however, swept in to slot home the rebound. Kansas City came back and actually took the aggregate lead on away goals in the 43rd minute off a short corner kick. The ball came to Benny Feilhaber on the left

Mariano Pavone

side and the former U.S. international beat goalkeeper Jesus Corona with an effort at near post. Altitude and fatigue seemed to catch up to the current U.S. champion in the second half, while Cruz Azul got its second wind. Ten minutes after the break, Pavone netted his third. Sergio Napoles dribbled into the left corner and sent a cross into the middle of the penalty area that the 31-year-old knocked home for a 3-1 lead. Mauro Formica made 4-1 as he put in a rebound in the 66th minute. F our minutes later, Cristian Gimenez punctuated

Rebeca Bernal celebrates after scoring the opening goal

the score line with a fine effort for his seventh career CCL goal. Cruz Azul closed out with a solid defensive effort and has now allowed one goal or less in 12 of its last 14 matches in the competition.

Alajuela, Costa Rica – Mexico won by the score of 4-0 for the second consecutive game at the FIFA U-17 Women’s Cup, defeating China on Wednesday at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. That result, combined with Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Colombia later in the day, sealed the CONCACAF champion a spot in the competition’s quarterfinals. Mexico and Nigeria – both with six points from their opening two games – will meet on Sunday to decide the Group D winner. A pair of goals in each half at the home of Alajuelense propelled the prolific Mexicans to a comfortable triumph, registering a significant

advantage in shots attempted 17-9. Rebeca Bernal gave Mexico a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute, converting from the spot after Ruyi Wan fouled Janae Gonzalez the penalty area. In the 42nd minute, Gonzalez scored her second goal in as many games. Indecision by the Chinese in their own box allowed a loose ball to bounce into the path of the 17-year-old, who knocked it home with her right foot from eight-yards. Mexico went up 3-0 in the 65th minute as goalkeeper

Shimeng Peng pushed Gabriela Martinez’s header from a corner kick off the left post and over the goal line. With three minutes left in normal time, Gonzalez played a superb pass into the left side of the box for Belen Cruz. The talented 15-year-old midfielder ran on to the ball and calmly chipped it over the charging Peng from sixyards out to make it 4-0. Also through to the quarter-finals are Ghana, Italy, Venezuela, Japan, Mexico and Nigeria.

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Kaieteur News

Hong Kong win but Bangladesh through Chittagong: For an entire innings Hong Kong flirted with the possibility of inflicting more than just an upset, a chance to actually dump Bangladesh from their own party. Rookie tweakers Nadeem Ahmed and Nizaakat Khan had spun out the complacent hosts for 108, leaving their side needing to overhaul the target in 13.1 overs to ensure that the home side exited the competition, and Nepal proceeded through to the next round. A copious amount of dew was already settling in upon the outfield and it was going to be tough for the fielding side, which was missing its spearhead bowler Mashrafe Mortaza on account of injury. The big stage beckoned Hong Kong and Nepal, it can be assumed, would have been as keyed in as the participants in the middle. Hong Kong managed to win. Not, however, with the pomp that Nepal would have wanted them to. This collection of Indian and Pakistani expats, who among them include an unfortunately-named Mark

Chapman, made decent headway towards the 13.1overs target before Shakib Al Hasan’s wily left-arm spin stalled them. Hong Kong immediately wised up to what was more practically attainable: victory over a Test-playing nation. At 50-5 they looked to be completely out of reckoning, but veteran No.7 Munir Dar hit a brisk 36 to revive them. Dar’s dismissal heated things up again, but the unfancied outfit gathered the six runs needed in the last over for their first win of the tournament. Bangladesh had suffered an implosion of their own when they lost seven wickets for 23 runs to fall from 85-3 to 117 all-out, their secondlowest T20 score, within the space of 63 balls. HK skipper Jamie Atkinson had won a good toss and elected to field mindful of evening dew. And with two wins and a sizable net run-rate already under their belt, the hosts had taken for granted their progression to the business end. Bangladesh really were too casual in the first innings.

Birthday boy Tamim Iqbal and Sabbir Rahman fell to medium-pacer Tanwir Afal in the first over, after which Anamul Haque (26) and Shakib Al Hasan (34) steadied the ship. Both were out trying to force the pace. Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (23) was the only other contributor of note. For Hong Kong, left-arm spinner Nadeem (4-21) and leg-spinner Nizaakat (3-19) did most of the damage. Both bowled to their fields and tossed it up nicely for rich dividends. Their captain Atkinson complemented them with some sharp catching. The game was the visitors’ at the halfway mark. And then it began to swing the way of Shakib. Bangladesh’s pocket dynamo took out Hong Kong’s top three batsmen to snuff out doubts over his side’s spot in the next round, although even he couldn’t prevent the visitors from sneaking away with a rare triumph. Hong Kong 114 for 8 (Dar 36, Shakib 3-9) beat Bangladesh 108 (Nadeem 4-21, Nizakat 3-19). (ESPNcricinfo)

Friday March 21, 2014

World Twenty20 2014: IndiaPakistan to begin Super 10 phase Pakistan and India set to face off

The ICC World Twenty20 enters the Super 10 phase today with an eagerly awaited contest between rivals and former winners India and Pakistan. They are in Group 2 with defending champions West Indies, Australia and Group A qualifiers Bangladesh. England, the 2010 champions, begin their Group 1 campaign against New Zealand in Chittagong on Sunday. Sri Lanka and South Africa are also in the group, with Ireland seeking to join them by qualifying from Group B. The Irish team have secured victories against Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates to lead their qualifying group on four points and could go through even if they are beaten today by the Netherlands, who, like Zimbabwe, have two points from their first two matches. When England won the tournament in the Caribbean in 2010 their leading runscorer was Kevin Pietersen,

who was told last month he would no longer be part of the national team set-up. Stuart Broad’s team, who have lost seven of their last eight matches, including warm-up defeats against West Indies and India, are also without the injured Joe Root and Ben Stokes for the event. Despite having never beaten India in the competition, Pakistan have a superior World T20 record to India, having qualified for the semi-finals in all four editions and won the tournament in 2009 in England after being runners-up in the inaugural event. India have not reached the semi-finals since taking the title in 2007, but have lost only once in five T20 internationals against Pakistan. West Indies, who beat hosts Sri Lanka in the 2012 final, defeated England 2-1 in their series in Barbados earlier this month when star opener Chris Gayle returned from injury, and the cavalier left-

hander has made 1,096 T20 runs in 37 internationals, with 10 fifties and one century. Sri Lanka are the topranked T20 international side, and they have spent more than six weeks in Bangladesh conditions, winning the 50over Asia Cup there earlier this month with a five-wicket victory against Pakistan. Australia, who begin against Pakistan on Monday, are yet to win the World T20 title and have opted for experience in their squad with the inclusion of 39-year-old batsman Brad Hodge and 43year-old spinner Brad Hogg, but fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is out with an infected toe. The top two teams in each group contest the semi-finals on 3 and 4 April, with the final in Mirpur on April 6. The women’s tournament runs alongside the men’s event, with England facing West Indies (March 24), India (March 26), Bangladesh (March 28) and Sri Lanka (March 30) in the group stage.

GMR&SC Race Meet

Fans advised not to miss early season showdown By Rawle Welch Every motor racer harbours the ambition to acquire enough money to afford a fast car and climb into the marquee category which is reserved for the Group 4 Division, undoubtedly where the fastest cars in local racing reside. On Sunday, when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club hosts its Meet at the South Dakota Circuit, while all eyes will be on every category to be contested, special focus will be placed in Group 4 and the answer is simple, every spectator enjoy the thrill of seeing the fastest cars and some of the best drivers go head to head in a battle for outright supremacy. They love to see drivers such as Mark Vieira, Kevin Jeffrey, Andrew King, Irfaan Kalamadeen, Danny Persaud

and Keith Evelyn put on display their courage, skill and most of all their machine superiority as they fight fiercely for the slightest advantage either on the Clubhouse bend, down the back straights or through the gooseneck, all in an effort to take the chequered flag and bragging rights. The owners of these monster machines spend huge sums of money on attempting to develop them to the level where they could generate superior speed and reliability that will give them the best advantage of winning. Over the years, the title of champion has changed hands frequently with King ruling the roost for some time, before Vieira knocked him off his perch and when Jeffrey bought the current machine he uses, he spent a lot of time

and money on development and today he is reaping the rewards since he is the holder of the monarchy. However, the other contenders have not sat on their laurels and allow Jeffrey a free reign, they too have been investing in their own development and when the starting lights signal green on Sunday, and fans could be assured that a frenetic battle will ensue until they enter the homestretch for the line. Who will it be will be answered on Sunday and motor racing are being advised not to miss what is clearly shaping up to be a showdown not seen so early in the season for some time. Twenty-seven races are listed for the day and spectators could expect a day of exhilarating racing among the best locally and regionally.

Friday March 21, 2014

Kaieteur News

Johnson back at the helm for Guyana in day/night clash

Guyana must beat CCC to keep semi-final hopes alive By Sean Devers in Barbados in Association with Star Party Rentals & Payless Varity Store Leon Jonson returns to the helm after missing Guyana’s first three games due to a knee injury but injured Ramnaresh Sarwan and pacer Ronsford Beaton are still unavailable as Guyana face-off with the Combined Colleges and Campuses (CCC) today from today at the 3Ws Oval in Barbados. The fourth round match in the 2014 Regional First Class cricket tournament is a day/ night affair which starts at 15:00hrs and the Guyanese will be desperate for their first win of the season to keep their semi-finals hopes alive. However, CCC, led by Guyanese Steven Jacobs, will hope to get the better of the South Americans in their own back yard. Both teams can get a maximum 20 points from this game. The good news for Guyana is that (CCC) trail at the bottom of the points table in this year’s tournament and Guyana beat them in their last two matches at this level. The bad news is that in seven meetings between the teams the students have won three of those encounters against Guyana’s two with the other two ending in draws. Guyana lost to Jamaica at Sabina Park and defending Champs Barbados at Providence while earning a draw with the Windward Islands in the last match at the same venue and has batted poorly in the seven-team tournament so far. Only once have they passed 200 in their first and only twice in six innings. A of maximum five bonus batting points are awarded for scores over 200 in the first innings and Guyana has only managed a single batting point so far. They are in penultimate position on the points table with 13 points. CCC have played one match less than Guyana and are on 10 points from a loss to Leeward Islands and a draw with Barbados. Shacaya Thomas, Kyle Corbin, Chadwick Walton and Raymon Reifer are the only batsmen to reach halfcenturies for the Barbados based team. The experienced Floyd Reifer has the most tons (4) for CCC since the students first participated at the Regional First-Class level in 2008 but this year the former West Indies Captain has just

Leon Jonson

managed six runs from his only match while Jacobs has failed to build on starts with his highest score being 23. The Ex-Windies Under-19 Skipper will be hoping he reserves his best performance for his countrymen. Off-spinner Ryan Austin, who also played Test cricket, is their leading wicket taker with nine scalps while leg spinner Akeem Dewar is next with eight victims. They will hope to get support from Raymon Reifer, Jacobs, Keswick Williams, Kevin McClean and Jamal Warrican with the ball. Guyana’s main worry this season is their lack of positivity and poor shot selection. This has prevented them from earning more batting points with most of the batsmen getting out after doing all the hard work as wickets usually fell in a cluster. The left-handed Johnson has been in good form in the Regional Super50 tournament and his entertaining batting is most welcome in a team of accumulators in Assad Fudadin, Taignarine Chanderpaul and his prolific father Shiv Chanderpaul. Narsingh D e o n a r i n e , one of five left-handers in the top five in the order, seemed to have regained his confidence and some d e g r e e o f f o rm after enduring a wretched run in his previous three matches where he scored four ducks, including a double duck against Barbados. Apart from the 39-year-old Shiv Chanderpaul, who has the most centuries by a Guyanese in the tournament,

Deonarine is the most senior batsman and the only one to score a 1,000 runs in a season for Guyana when he recorded 1,068 runs in 2009. He and Shiv Chanderpaul could be CCC’s biggest threat with the bat. Chris Barnwell is full of talent and very aggressive but has to pick his shots if he wants get three figure scores. Wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble has looked good but gifted his wicket when well set while Test spinners Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo could both contribute with the bat at this level. The other batsman in the squad is Chanderpaul Hemraj, who surprisingly replaces Vishaul Singh, who made 73 against Jamaica. On what should be a lot faster track than the one at Providence, 6ft 5inch pacer Raun Johnson should regain his place and share the new ball with fellow West Berbice pacer Keon Joseph, who bowled too short on the slow pitches in Guyana. Despite an impressive debut against Barbados, Johnson was drooped as Guyana opened with spin from both ends in the second innings against the Windward Islands. Left-arm spinner Permaul has 22 wickets from three matches including his first 10 wicket-match haul while his Albion team mates Bishoo and Deonarine have offered useful spin support. Barnwell and Fudadin could also lend medium pace back-up for the Guyanese who hunt their seventh title and first since 1998 when they shared it with the Leewards.

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Regional 4-Day Tournament Round 4 St. John’s, Antigua – Leaders Jamaica will return to action this weekend on home soil, where they will face Windward Islands in the fourth round of the Regional 4-Day Tournament, starting today at Sabina Park in Kingston. The Jamaicans will be looking to continue their dominance over the Windwards since the turn of the century, having won eight of the 17 matches contested during that period. This includes three wins in the last four matches, but the Windwards will take heart in the knowledge that they have won in their opponents’ backyard as recently as five years ago, when they earned a hard-fought, three-wicket

victory at the Trelawny Multiplex. In a rare occurrence, the island of Barbados will host two matches this week, starting five hours apart. National team Barbados – under the leadership of Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite – will host long-standing sports rivals Trinidad & Tobago at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown in a day-time fixture. A few kilometres north, Combined Campuses & Colleges, which is domiciled at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies, will tackle Guyana under the lights at the Three Ws Oval. The rivalry between Barbados and T&T dates back to the foundations of the

game in the region, but the hosts have an enviable record against the two-island republic in this format, including four straight victories in the last two years. T&T however, are fresh from two confidenceboosting victories against Windward and Leeward Islands, and a few of their players have now had the experience of playing in their opponents’ club competition, so they should be fairly familiar with the opposition, if not entirely the conditions. OFFICIAL POINTS STANDINGS (After the third round) Abbreviations: Pts-total points, M-matches, W-won, L-lost, D-drawn, Bat-batting points, Bowl-bowling points

Defence Force confident ahead of CFU opener

Josimar Belgrave jumps into the arms of Defence Force head coach Ross Russell as Akile Edwards joins the celebration. Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – Trinidad & Tobago’s Defence Force is positive about claiming a place in the semifinals of the 2014 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship, when it travels to Jamaica for three Group B games, March 21 – 25. The T&T Pro League 2012/2013 champion, consisting of members of the islands protective forces, has been going through a rigid

regime of training for the past six weeks after an idle period due to national work commitments. Club Secretary Basil Thompson told CONCACAF.com that his side is confident of advancement and is focused on achieving that objective. “We have a very rich history in this competition and we are quite convinced that we would be the winners at the end of this stage,” expressed Thompson.

“Training has been intense over the past six weeks and up to expectations in terms of where we would like to be. Our aim is to win this stage and to ultimately qualify for the final and qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League.” Defence Force’s credentials as a club of distinguished history in the confederation are unique. In 1985, it achieved the rarity of winning the treble by (Continued on page 32)

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Kaieteur News

Friday March 21, 2014

Partially-sighted and blind fans to Conditions key to success, says Rampaul enjoy the full World Cup experience Dhaka, Bangladesh – Smart use of the conditions here will be key to West Indies’ success in the World Twenty20 Championship, fast bowler Ravi Rampaul believes. “They key is knowing the conditions, knowing the kind of wickets you’re going to bowl on and the right variations you’re going to execute on the wicket. That will be the main thing in these conditions,” the experienced seamer said yesterday. “The conditions [here] are basically the same. The dew factor at night maybe a little different to what we are accustomed to but variation of the ball and execution will be key.” West Indies will launch the defence of their World T20 title when they take on powerhouses India on Sunday. The lead up to their opener has been superb as they convincingly swept both their official warm-up matches against England and Sri Lanka.

Ravi Rampaul However, West Indies have been installed in a tough Group 2 that also features Australia, Pakistan and hosts Bangladesh. The 29-year-old Rampaul, who has played 22 T20 Internationals, said there was a great mood inside the Windies camp and high belief they could retain the title they won two years ago in Sri Lanka. “It is a good feeling to

always represent West Indies in a World Cup match. This year we’re trying to retain the trophy so preparation and stuff has gone well and the team is gelling well so hopefully we can do it,” he said. “It would mean the world to the Caribbean. People are looking to us to come here and retain our trophy. We have a good team, we’re strong so once we play together, we’ll win it.” Rampaul is expected to lead the seam attack which includes the exciting Jamaican left-arm pair of Krishmar Santokie and Sheldon Cottrell. As the experienced member of the attack, however, he remains clear on his role. “I was always picking up early wickets with the new ball [in the last T20 World Cup] and the plan remains the same, trying to take early wickets and then coming back at the end and trying to better my performances,” he stressed. (CMC)

From page 37 celebration. These details are lost in the TV and radio commentaries,” adds Dias, who twice won the World Cup and was a Paralympic gold medallist at the Athens 2004 Games in 5-a-side football. The special guest at the seminar was referee Arnaldo Cezar Coelho, who officiated the final of the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain. The former official caused laughter in the audience when he stated that he was accused of being blind by thousands of fans. Coelho was full of praise for the initiative, and talked to the volunteers about the importance of understanding the referee’s reactions. “I think it’s fantastic that FIFA is concerned about the partially-sighted and blind fans in the stadium. Having a commentator describing everything that is happening and transmitting all the emotions of a World Cup match is a great idea. I’m here to talk about the referees’ reactions on the pitch so that the commentators can transmit this to their listeners. It’s a brilliant FIFA initiative. I had never heard about it before.” The commentary will be provided in Portuguese in four stadiums at the FIFA World Cup: Belo Horizonte (Estadio Mineirao), Brasilia (Estadio Nacional), Rio de Janeiro (Estadio do Maracana) and Sao Paulo (Arena de Sao Paulo). There will be two commentators per game, and the commentary will be broadcast on a radio frequency captured by specially provided individual headphones. Partiallysighted and blind fans can sit and listen to it anywhere in the stadium. At least 16 pre-selected

volunteers, four in each host city, will undergo an intensive training programme organised by CAFE and Urece. After speaking to Arnaldo Cezar Coelho, the volunteers did an exercise where they had to guide and be guided by their colleagues as they walked around the Maracana venue. The exercise enabled them to experience first-hand the difficulties partially-sighted and blind fans encounter when visiting the stadium, and at the same time recognise the responsibility of describing the surroundings to the blind. One of the volunteers, Natalia Caldeira, 29, who has worked with partially-sighted and blind fans since 2004, was thrilled at the chance to take part in the FIFA World Cup project in her own country. “It’s an incredible opportunity. Not only going to World Cup games, but also having the chance to transmit what is happening and to make the experience more real for these people. It’s a big responsibility, but I’m sure we are going to learn a lot in the training and we’ll be ready do a good job.” Just as important as the innovative aspect of the project in Brazil is the legacy it will leave. After the showpiece event, the commentary equipment installed in each stadium will be donated to local organisations that want to build on the project. “The best part of this project is the human legacy we are creating. These volunteers are learning skills regarding how to describe events to the partiallysighted and blind fans,” said Paula Gabriela Freitas, leader

of the FIFA Sustainability Team in Brazil. “They are Brazilians who will be staying in the country and who can afterwards provide this service not only at football matches or sports events, but also at other kinds of cultural events.” Joyce Cook seconds this idea and sets ambitious goals for Brazil. “The ideal is to furnish all the stadia and sports venues in Brazil with this service, to make it commonplace. Partially-sighted and blind fans could then go to sports events like any other spectator, listen to the commentary and have the complete experience.” At least 12% of the global population is partially sighted. More than 840 million people have this disability, of which 285 million are either blind or have low vision. In today’s Brazil very few venues provide services for the partially-sighted and blind fans who go to live events, such as football matches. For the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and in accordance with Brazilian regulations, at least 1% of the total quantity of tickets offered are available for disabled customers. Disabled customers have the option of requesting a complimentary ticket for a companion to assist and accompany them to the match. The FWC stadiums are accessible to disabled people, people with limited mobility and obese people. Accessible seating, toilets and walkways are available. There are separate entrances into the stadiums for disabled people right alongside the entrances for non-disabled people.

Young Warriors triumph over Number... From page 42 Vincent came to the crease and gave his team some hope with an enterprising 55 (2x4 3x6) but his efforts dwindled to naught as he had little support from the lower order and the innings folded at 234 for 9 with Vi n c e n t r e m a i n i n g u n beaten. Sanjay Khan dominated the bowling averages for Young Warriors with 3 wickets with support from Kassim Khan and veteran Hubern Evans who supported with two scalps apiece. Meanwhile, BCB Vice President, Hubern Evans, presided over the presentation ceremony and praised the sponsors and organizers for an excellent

job. He noted that the competition is of utmost importance, not only for the development of cricket in Berbice but also the lives of its residents. Senior Manager of NBS (Berbice), Anil Beharry, expressed pleasure for the organizational input even as he noted that over 100 teams had participated. He said that this is the single largest cricket competition in the Caribbean and reiterated his pleasure at supporting the communities in which they operate. Mr. Beharry said that constant competition helps to keep the village grounds in good order so that people can exercise and live a healthy lifestyle even

as it provides activity for members of the first division clubs. He also committed to continued support when the 2014 competition is launched within the next two weeks. Young Warriors carted off the first place winnings of $60,000 and a trophy while Number 71 pocketed $30,000.00. Ishwar Singh was adjudged man-of-thematch and best batsman while Sanjay Khan was voted best bowler. Several cash incentives were given for outstanding performances in the preliminary rounds including a special prize to Soomdat Singh for being the only batsman to score in excess of 500 runs in the competition.

Kaieteur News

Friday March 21, 2014

Page 41

Little Diva Flames FC avenge Long wait over for footballers, fans loss to Monedderlust FC While local ball weavers, GFA Division One and Two Leagues

fans and ardent lovers of football acted with admirable patience for football activity to resume under the auspices of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), the Body was busy creating the framework for a smooth and successful restart within its constituency. This plan will now unfold tomorrow and Sunday with double headers scheduled to be staged in both the Division One and Two Leagues, at the Camp Ayanganna ground. S t a r t i n g t o m o r r o w, action kicks off at 18:30 hrs when Georgetown Football Club engages Northern Rangers and that will be followed by the clash between Sunburst Camptown and Fruta Conquerors at 20:30 hrs. The following day will see action in the Division Two League, at the same venue. In the first game, University of Guyana tackles BK Western Tigers from 13:00hrs and that game will be followed by the encounter between Santos and Houston Stars at 15:00hrs. Meanwhile, the clubs competing in the Division One League are: Beacon FC, Flamingo FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Georgetown Football Club,

Football action set to return at Camp Ayanganna Guyana Police Force, Northern Rangers FC, Pele FC and Sunburst Camptown. In the Division Two League those competing are: Blackpearl FC, BK Western Tigers FC, Houston Stars FC, Guyana Defence Force (Reserve team), Santos FC (Reserve team), Riddim Squad FC (Reserve), University of Guyana and Alpha United FC (Reserve). The Division One League will be played over two rounds with 56 matches scheduled and the winner being declared by the club with the most points at the completion of the competition.

The winning team will be awarded $1million, runner-up $700,000, 3rd place $500,000 and 4th place $300,000. According to a release, the two clubs with the least amount of points at the end of the competition will be relegated to Division Two. In the Division Two League, the victorious club at the end of competition will cart off $500,000, 2nd place $300,000, 3rd place $200,000 and 4th place $100,000. This League, however, will be played over one round with 28 matches scheduled.

Valvoline supports March 23 Race Meet

Indisputably one of the biggest supporters of motor racing in Guyana, Sankar Auto Works under i t s Va l v o l i n e b r a n d handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to representative of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Desiraa Lee, at the C o m p a n y ’s b u s i n e s s location, Durey Lane, yesterday. Acting on behalf of the sponsor was Shiva Sankar, who presented the cheque to Lee, during a simple ceremony and according to him the assistance is to go towards the staging of this Sunday’s Race Meet, at the South Dakota Circuit. Lee responding on behalf of the GMR&SC thanked the Company for

Valvoline representative Shiva Sankar hands over the sponsorship cheque to GMR&SC Desiree Lee. its continued support, adding that local motor racing has benefitted tremendously from the goodwill of the Company

throughout the years and the recent gesture is a clear example of their care for the preservation of the sport.

The Little Diva Flames Female FC avenged an earlier loss to Monedderlust FC of West Coast Berbice with a solid 2-0 win on Saturday March 8 at the GFC ground. In the 1st game played at the #5 ground, West Berbice in February they lost 5-0.Leading Diva’s to the win by netting both goals was National Under-17 player Althea Holligan in the 19th and 39th minute. Playing with 8 players, the Berbicians put up a good fight but they were outnumbered and out muscled by the Georgetown based girls. A third game is in the making shortly. Meanwhile, the Diva’s have stepped up their training as prepare to travel to Lethem, Rupununi during the Easter period to participate in a tournament in a neighboring Brazilian border town. Training will continue on Saturday and Thursday at GFC. The club has planned some fund raising activities to garner much needed funds

Goal scorer Althea Holligan (right) challenges for the ball to offset their travelling expenses to Region 9. Contact can be made with any player or executive

by an individual or organization willing to contribute on 621 6986 or 691 3899.

Partially-sighted and blind fans to enjoy the full World Cup experience “For partially-sighted and blind fans to enjoy the full experience at a football stadium, they need to understand what is happening on the pitch and all around the ground,” explained Joyce Cook, Managing Director of the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE). Cook was speaking at a training session for this innovative project which is being implemented in Brazil at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™. Aimed at enhancing the experience of attending matches for partially-sighted and blind fans, FIFA and the Brazil 2014 Local O rg a n i s i n g C o m m i t t e e (LOC) are providing a pioneering audio match commentary service in four stadiums at this summer’s World Cup. On Wednesday, in Rio de Janeiro’s famous Estadio Maracana, a training seminar was held for the volunteer commentators. The commentary will be similar to radio commentary, only with a greater emphasis on describing the atmosphere all around the stadium. The specially trained commentators will provide additional information about

Partially-sighted and blind fans to enjoy the full experience all the significant visual details inside the venue, setting the scene by depicting the body language and the facial expressions of the main protagonists in words, as well as the team movements, kit descriptions, the colours on view, and any other relevant aspect to fully transmit the spectacle and the atmosphere in the stadium. “The commentary relates how the fans are reacting, the banter, the referee’s running style, and so on. These are aspects that nobody considers important, because

you watch them naturally,” said Anderson Dias, chairman of Urece Esporte e Cultura para Cegos, an NGO partner of FIFA and the LOC that works on special projects for partially-sighted and blind fans. “In the commentary training session for the volunteers I heard the description of Ronaldo’s goal in the 2002 World Cup final. I heard that a shattered Oliver Kahn was left lying on the floor, while Ronaldo ran with his arms out wide in (Continued on page 40)

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Kaieteur News

Friday March 21, 2014

Japanese Karate exponent - Yasuaki Nagatomo to conduct special Training Police gets past GDF after and Grading for JKA/WF Guyana rain stops play; Jaigobin slams 89 Raghubir Inter Service 40 over Cricket

The Japan Karate A s s o c i a t i o n / Wo r l d Federation Guyana is in preparation for their first Grading exercise of 2014 which will be held tomorrow at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue from 10:00hrs. Chief Instructor of JKA/WF Guyana, Sensei Christopher Chaves in an invited comment said that this promises not only to be special but the most anticipated since the highlight of this Grading will be the four (4) students taking their Nidan testing (2nd Degree Black Belt) and the seven (7) taking their Shodan testing (1st Degree Black Belt). The Charismatic 6th Dan - Japanese Master and ‘A’ Class JKA Judge and Instructor - Master

Vishal Jaigobin Police prevailed over Guyana Defense Force (GDF) on a better run rate after rain stopped play when the Balram Raghubir Inter Service 40 over cricket competition continued yesterday. In reply to Police’ total of 240-7 in 40 overs, GDF were 79-4 after 25 overs, when rain sent the players off the field at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary. At that stage the Army team needed to be at 151 to win the contest. Play was not possible after the showers due to seepage on the pitch. Paul Castello slammed two fours in a top score of 34 while off spinner Kelvin Leitch snared 2-14, Michael

Trevor Benn delivers during his opening spell yesterday Newland 1-8 and Trevor Benn 1-12. Earlier Vishal Jaigobin stroked a fluent 89 which included six fours and two sixes to propel Police to their eventual total. The host lost a few early wickets, before Jaigobin shared in a sixth wicket stand of 77 with Benn to steady their innings. F o l l o w i n g B e n n ’s dismissal for 33 (4x4 1x6), Jaigobin added 93 for the seventh wicket with

Newland who ended unbeaten on 46 (6x4 1x6). Carl Campbell grabbed 3-19 off eight overs and Castello 3-46 from eight. Fire Service overcame Prison Service by four wickets at GDF ground. Prison Service were bowled out for 72 in 15.2 overs, batting first while Fire Service replied with 73-6 in 17.2oversThe competition continues today.

NBS 2nd Div. Limited Overs Final

Young Warriors triumph over Number 71 to cart off Young Warriors Cricket Club clinched a 43 run victory over Number 71 Cricket Club of Upper Corentyne when the finals of the 2013 Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/ New Building Society Limited (NBS) Second Division 40 overs cricket competition concluded at the Cumberland Playfield, East Canje Sunday afternoon last. Young Warriors won the toss, opted for first strike and amassed a formidable 277-5 in their allotted overs. Mortimer Fraser and allrounder, Kevin Ramdeen opened the batting and compiled 31before Ramdeen was dismissed for 10. Ishwar Singh joined Fraser and together they put together a partnership of 43

before Fraser went, caught off Khemraj Roopraj for 42. Sanjay Khan joined Fraser and the pair added a further 43 runs before the latter batsman was dismissed, caught off Khemraj Roopraj for a polished 42 runs with the score on 120-3. Rudolph Baker then joined Singh and together they destroyed the opposition’s bowling attack, scoring 114 in 14 overs to take the score to 234 for 3 before both batsmen fell in quick succession; Singh for a top score of 84 (3x4 1x6) and Baker, a quick fire 68 (7x4 5x6). Thereafter, Anil Beharry and Kassim Khan notched up 27 runs off the last 8 deliveries to see their team to their eventual total. Beharry scored 28 (3x6)

while Khan scored 9. Khemraj Sugrim picked up 2 wickets for Number 71. Needing to score at around 7 runs per over, No 71 lost their first two wickets with the score on 43 in the 8th over due to incisive bowling by Berbice Under17-left arm medium pacer Kassim Khan. Andrew Seamber (40) and Nazim Mohamed (35) then steadied the innings somewhat before Seamber fell to off spinner Ramdeen Khemraj without adding to his score. Khemraj Sugrim joined Mohamed and together they put on a further 40 runs for the fifth wicket before Mohamed departed at 157 for 4. Skipper Manouram (Continued on page 40)

Sensei Yasuaki Nagatomo Nagatomo who is originally from Kyushu Japan but now resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico USA, where he is the Chief Instructor of that state and serves as a member of the Operating Board of JKA/WF America, will be conducting this examination

but will also run a Training Clinic before. Sensei Chaves noted that their combined Dojo’s (Berbice - Canje and Port Mourant, HQ National Park Thomas Lands Georgetown, Craig EBD and their newest Dojo - Mae’s Primary, Millington Street) will all be involved. Chaves emphasized that “endurance, a good show of character development, respect, humility and technical skills are some of the fundamental requirements students will need to possess in order to be successful when graded. All members of the public and the martial arts fraternity are invited to attend tomorrow’s event at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 10:00hrs.

Rawle Toney for prestigious Referee certification Clinic in Cayman Islands Sports Journalist, Rawle Toney is scheduled to depart Guyana to participate in a four-day Referee Certification Clinic dubbed the Caribbean Basketball C o n f e d e r a t i o n (CBC)/FIBA Americas Referee Certification Clinic, set for the Cayman Islands from April 9 – 12 next. Several basketball officials had once held this prestigious post including Aubrey Young, Sherwin Henry and Lugard Mohan, but they have all been removed from the list due to inactivity thus leaving a void in that department. Toney is the youngest l o c a l r e f e r e e and has officiated at several games in the city. Under the guidance of Lugard Mohan, the GBOC has taken a more professional approach and has since been seeking to attract more youths to perform the functions of referee. Among the criteria for qualification and certification, the referee must not be over 35 years of age when taking part in a FIBA Clinic for Referee Candidates and will not be considered FIBA Active Referee after the age of 50. The World governing body for basketball further stated that in order to clinch

Rawle Toney the position, candidates must be officially proposed by their member federations, participate in a Clinic for FIBA Referee Candidates as well as succeed in theoretical and physical fitness and officiating tests. Toney is the youngest official in the small pool of Referees in Guyana and has been a regular feature with the whistle at games in the city. Under the guidance of Lugard Mohan, the GBOC has taken a more professional approach and has since been seeking to attract more youths to become referees. Moments after being informed of his fortunes, an

enthusiastic Toney said, “I had always nurtured the desire to be a (basketball) Referee and the thrill of engaging in a vocation I love and excites me.” He also revealed that had he suspected that his new vocation would have been such fun, he would have commenced a career in officiating a long time ago. He said that he received encouragement from Mr. Lugard and is grateful for the assistance. At the moment, Toney is officiating in the GABF’s ‘Road to Mecca’ Basketball tournament now at the finals where Linden’s Retrieve Raiders will pit their skill against Georgetown’s Ravens. “I’ve officiated at every game in the tournament and am slated to carry the whistle in the finals on Sunday. I think I had to be doing something right to have been selected for such a prestigious assignment,” Toney said. He admitted that he has had more than his fair share of criticism but said that he has taken it in stride even as he remembers his days as an active player when he also questioned the decisions of the referee. “This tournament is offering valuable practice and I’m excited with the opportunity this new vocation will offer,” Toney said.

Kaieteur News

Friday March 21, 2014

Let ‘Sugar’ sweeten ‘Mecca’ By Edison Jefford Something must be horribly wrong with our sports culture, which continues to allow top sports men and women to bear the burdens of professional work while their sports teams and ultimately their careers, remain secondary on the corporate agenda. We have had many cases where sports men and women employed at companies were prevented from meaningfully participating in sport locally and internationally because of their respective places of employment simply would not let them. It is time to put an end to that phenomenon. But to do so will require national leadership in sport that underscores free time for athletes to not only train, but also compete. It is morbid to imagine athletes completing full work schedules then have to train and compete. Then these very employers criticise the results of athletes when they do not perform at best. But their non-cooperation in allowing athletes to freely train and compete could be one of the reasons affecting proper performances from local athletes. In the continued absence of the National Sports Policy, sport association must begin to take these matters into their own hands and seek to move in the direction of engaging employers to change their perspectives on athletes’ training and competition.

Kraft Junior Skill Level Squash Tournament

Cheeks overcomes Islam John Phang and Brandon Debidin in action

Dwayne Roberts One such association, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) was forced to move in this direction this week, seeking work amnesty for Dwayne ‘Sugar’ Roberts, who is employed at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Roberts missed the semifinals of the National Division I Club Championships dubbed ‘Road to Mecca’ on Sunday, after work pitted him in the interior for an undisclosed duration. Roberts had told this newspaper earlier this week that he had an ultimatum. According to Roberts, it was either he miss the semifinal and be possibly available for the finals or play the semi-finals and miss the finals. It is an untoward situation for the player, who is likely to be among those shortlisted for the Caribbean Championship in July. Hence, the federation

wrote GGMC for ‘Sugar’s release to sweeten ‘Mecca’, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, on Sunday after his team, Linden’s Retrieve Raiders’ Cinderella journey to a final it will play against G e o r g e t o w n ’s D y n a ’s Ravens. The final on Sunday will decide the best club in Guyana. In the quarterfinals, Roberts pulled down 20 rebounds and scored 21 points in a two-point win against Linden’s number one club, Kings. He managed to get his team to the semis and was not there last Sunday to guide them to the final owed to work commitments. Up to press time yesterday, Roberts was still not sure whether or not he will be given the green light from his superiors to abort Guyana’s interior for a National Championship Final that could decide his fate on Guyana’s National Senior Men’s Basketball team.

Revlon Lake ejected from Contender boxing series after suffering 4th Rd KO Guyanese boxers tasted their first defeat in the Wray & Nephew Contender boxing series when local pugilist, Revlon Lake, suffered a fourth round knockout to Jamaican Sakima Mullings when action in that tournament got underway at the Chinese Benevolent Association’s headquarters, Kingston J a m a i c a , We d n e s d a y evening last. A report emanating from the Jamaican Gleaner said that Lake seemed slightly more assertive in the early stages of the first round and landed a few good punches. The report said that Mullings was supremely confident and soon settled into his accustomed rhythm where he rattled Lake early in the fourth round with several

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Sakima Mullings

telling blows. According to the report, “The Guyanese boxer initially seemed to have recovered his poise after that assault but perhaps he had not shaken off the effects sufficiently, resulting in what turned out to be a relatively easy knockout in the end.”

The three other local pugilists, Dereck Richmond, Howard Eastman and Gladwin Dorway are scheduled to be in action soon and will have their eyes fixed on the top prize of J$2 million. The competition also features boxers from Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados.

Alex Cheeks made a statement in his first category B match on Wednesday night with a convincing win against Daniel Islam during the Kraft Junior Skill Level tournament at the Georgetown Club. During the second night of the tournament organised by the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with its reliable corporate sponsor Digicel Guyana, Cheeks asserted himself as one of the players to watch in his group. Cheeks completed a stunning straight-game win (11-2, 11-8, 11-6) against Daniel Islam. Cheeks’ quickness and lethal shot selection separated him from the usually poised Islam twin who struggled to find his rhythm in his first match of the tournament. In the first game, Cheeks raced out to a 10-0 lead before Daniel Islam was able steal two consolation points. Cheeks maintained control of the other two games setting the tempo and working the ball around the court well to complete his emphatic win. Apart from Cheeks and Daniel Islam, this year’s category B also features 10year old squash maestro Shomari Wiltshire. Wiltshire has been winning his category for the past two

years in this tournament. Although the nomenclature of the category has changed, Wiltshire has been grouped along with a few of the same players each year. Wiltshire has dominated the group, while Mahendra Khusial and Matthew Phang usually battle for second place each year. In his first match out, Wiltshire had his way with Khusial in straight games 119, 11-4, 11-4. As fate has it, Wiltshire and Cheeks, the only two players with wins in the group so far, were set to clash last evening. In category C, Anthony Islam completed an impressive win against the hard-hitting Michael Ramroop 11-1, 11-8, 11-6. Anthony Islam is now the leader in category C, sitting atop the standings with two wins from two games. Jael Gaskin rebounded from his opening night loss to Ramroop, to sweep Maya Collins 11-7, 11-1, 12-10. Sarah Lewis also shook off the remnants of her night one loss to Makeda Harding and looked confident in her three-game win against Savannah Mendes11-9, 119, 11-8. The Kraft Junior Skill Level tournament continues every weeknight this week, beginning at 6pm and it will be concluded on Sunday.

We d n e s d a y N i g h t ’s results Category A Alec Melville defeated Avinash Odit 8-11, 11-3, 117, 11-5 Akeila Wiltshire defeated Pablio Mundini 12-10, 11-5, 10-12, 11-7 Category B Alex Cheeks defeated Daniel Islam 11-2, 11-8, 11-6 Shomari Wiltshire defeated Mahendra Khusial 11-9, 11-4, 11-4 Category C Anthony Islam defeated Michael Ramroop 11-1, 118, 11-6 Jael Gaskin defeated Maya Collins 11-7, 11-1, 12-10 Sarah Lewis defeated Savannah Mendes 11-9, 11-9, 11-8 Category D Brandon Debidin defeated Gianni Carpenter 11-9, 11-3, 11-7 Demetrius DeAbreu defeated Ethan Jonas 11-7, 11-7, 11-6 John Phang defeated Dominic Collins 10-12, 111, 11-7, 11-4 Category E Nechemiyah Levans defeated Gareth DaSilva 13-11, 11-9 Michael Alphonso defeated Haley Carpenter 11-3, 11-0

t r o Sp Johnson back at the helm for Guyana in day/night clash

Guyana must beat CCC to keep semi-final hopes alive P.38

he 3WS Oval in Barbados. The battlefield for today’s contest between Guyana and the CCC

GMR&SC Race Meet India-Pakistan to Fans advised not to miss begin Super 10 phase early season showdown

P.38 Mark Vieira (left) and Kevin Jeffrey strike a pose ahead of race day

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