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 dream of every individual It is the dream of every individual to own a home. Older folk always say that people should always look for somewhere to rest their head; it is the home that often becomes the centre of the family. There are families that trace their origin to a certain home and the building remains at the centre of family traditions. But if the truth be told, not everyone will own a home for a variety of reasons: some because their financial status would not allow it and others because they seek things that they consider more important. In the 1950s, with the advent of the PPP Government, at a time when many rural folks lived in thatched houses and logies, the government began a programme to construct homes, and so emerged the first housing schemes. They were built in many parts of the country, but particularly in the city. This programme continued in the 1970s with numerous self-help housing schemes. These were subsidized by the government; the potential owners provided the labour and for a while, the pressure for homes decreased. Nearly two decades later the housing drive was resurrected, but this time there was a programme to provide people with house lots. Of course, there were the critics who complained that without money, people were unable to exploit the house lots, although areas like South Sophia, Liliendaal, parts of West Demerara and Berbice soon proved the critics wrong. People started small then expanded. The more affluent built their homes at places like Diamond. Some bought homes from realtors who constructed them and then sold them to the needy homeowner. This programme took on a life of its own because people ran away from rental houses, some choosing to squat on government reserves, at great risk to their health and safety. Today, there is no reason why the average person in Guyana cannot own a home. The tax rebate on mortgage portfolios was significantly increased several years ago, meaning that people could access ready money to build their homes, at rates that are markedly lower. And, of course, there are those among us who can afford the mortgage repayment so the borrowing should not be a problem. The government went even further, taking into consideration the vulnerable among us. Money was set aside for those who, because of age criterion and perhaps earning capacity, could not qualify for the loans from the commercial banks. There are few countries that come readily to mind in which there is such a concentrated focus on housing. And the reason for this should be clear. People who are satisfied become even better performers in the work place, thus enhancing production and productivity. Family units become even more solidified and this has a direct effect on the health of the people and of the nation by extension. Academic performances should improve and in the long run there should be better qualified Guyanese. The facts are clear. The best performers are those who come from better homes where there is less stress on the part of the parents. Perhaps this has for the most part been the intention of the decision makers. With respect to the aforementioned direct effect on health, the effects of not having a roof over one’s head are cumulative. While many of us understand that having a comfortable abode may do wonders for our confidence, there is not enough appreciation that, in its absence, a tremendous number of physical reactions are precipitated in the body, all of which feedback negatively on our systems. There are tax benefits and many other reasons why owning your own home can make your life better. An abundance of other aspects of personal lives seem to fall in place. There is security and peace of mind. There is a sense of belonging to whichever community you choose to reside.You find yourself actively involved with events in the area. It is said owning your own home is a strong anchor for your life. Few among us would doubt that.

Friday March 28, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

Demographic and political changes make street politics viable for the PNC again DEAR EDITOR, Freddie Kissoon’s article titled “The problem with street politics is a deadly one” (KN, December 6, 2013), is correct on the racial spin PNC urban street protest is given in PPP stronghold Indian rural communities and how that fear-fanning electorally profits the PPP. However, I believe Kissoon’s conclusion that the PNC should stay off the streets is somewhat flawed. This version of the PPP cannot win a majority again. The PPP is stuck in minority government mode because of a declining Indian population. So, the PNC can return to the streets with peaceful protests and not lose ground electorally. If one gauges the mood electorally and the polls, neither the massive Linden protests nor the violent Agricola protests, both of which were propagandized in Indian communities with the typical ethno-racial slant, yielded any increase in support for the PPP because the PPP is facing the hard cold numbers of demographic truth as well as a rising tide of protest within those same Indian communities, of

which the sugar belt is a prime example. The PPP is still able to agitate Indians on the topic of PNC street protests but it will not produce the electoral outcomes that really matter; majority government. Thus, the PNC has the ability to return to the streets in peaceful fashion on issues that really matter and hold great political value such as peaceful protests for local government elections and the PPP is politically incapable of rendering that into electoral domination. While peaceful protest is still available as an avenue of political action for the PNC, the problem for the PNC is that protests sanctioned by the PNC tend to get out of hand with the PNC itself often incapable of controlling some of those who protest on its behalf and for its causes. While the PNC does not have to fear a PPP electoral majority in response to its protests going awry and it being blamed for the ensuing violence or destruction of property by some elements driven by their own agendas, the PNC faces an even bigger problem of this madness turning away crucial

swing voters (Amerindians and Mixed Race) who might be willing to give the PNC some votes because of their disgust with the PPP. The PNC, PPP and AFC know that the path to power or majority power lies in the inked fingers of this powerful voting bloc of swing voters. If the PNC is to embark on protests that get out of hand, conjuring images of slo-fyah mofyah in this new landscape, it will repel those vital swing voters away. I suspect the PNC leadership has already made this calculation and rather than risk a good protest based on a powerful issue such as local government elections or old age pension increases being derailed by reactionary and senseless elements, they prefer to use the newfound opposition power in Parliament (with the AFC) to try to achieve these same results. It has worked so far, obviating the need for street protests. There will come a time when street protests will be necessary but the parliamentary power used properly is the preferred and better weapon for now. M. Maxwell

The PPP is imploding and Mr. Gill is positioning himself as a lifebuoy DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Harry Gill seems to have nothing to do and loads of time to do it. His new hobby is being a mouthpiece for the PPP. I do recall, sometime ago, he was writing against the Government. Now, he speaks from the other side of his mouth. This gentleman, who pontificates about the developments which have come about since the PPP has been in Government, must impress me by itemizing the new projects which have come on stream. Please do not include repairs to projects which were there when his Government took over. And, please do not list those purposely erected white elephants which were

constructed so that monies could be siphoned off. Come clean Mr. Gill. Now, on to Mr. Gill’s proclamation that the former president served the country well and that we should be proud of it. NO, Mr. Gill, speak for yourself. You may have personal reasons to be proud. Incidentally, the majority of Guyanese were not so well favoured, so we cannot be proud. We have been mentally and financially abased. We are still standing by the good Graces of the Almighty. Could Mr. Gill explain who other than the PPP officials themselves could get the results of the ‘jumbie’ poll published in the Guyana Chronicle? If

the Opposition forces cannot even get air time on the Nationally-owned NCN, would they be allowed to use the Chronicle? I sympathise with the sacrificial lamb. Accept what is evident, the PPP party is imploding and Mr. Gill is positioning himself as a lifebuoy. Some advice for the gentleman who seems to be looking for a place in the sun - your corrupt Government has already stolen and sold the UV Rays. Try hanging your mouth someplace else. And, in future, do not try to dictate who and what we should be proud of. We have managed to salvage enough intelligence to decide on that and, it is by no means your sweetheart Government. Punti Persaud

Reparations for slavery justifies equal reparations for Wismar massacre DEAR EDITOR, “And yes, we have had and will continue to have an ethno-racial problem. I use the term ethno-racial to mean ethnic groups which relate to each other through the lens of race. To get a proper sense of what we are talking about, a brief history and explanation of race is needed. We often talk about race in Guyana as if it is figment of people’s imagination-false consciousness. But it is not; it is real. Race as biology has been proven to be unreal. But race as social, political, economic and cultural practice is real.” wrote David Hinds in the KN of 3-2414. When or how are we to conclude this agenda item and move on, allowing Hinds et all to solve this forever problem unhindered? That slavery was an inhuman brutality inflicted on defenseless

victims by European Christians needs no repetitious debate constantly proving slavery’ was wrong, always and now more wrong, less right and then going to great lengths to conclude how it was so repulsive, horrendous, so obviously and conclusively wrong and without a doubt most repulsive -all to what end?. Should it really matter which was worse between continental African or European mistreatment of slaves as Abu Bakr and Eric Phillips (SN of 3-20-14) debated? What’s the significant difference between chattel slavery in comparison to those who bought, owned and treated humans as property and animals? Slavery is slavery period. Imposed brutality, mass raping of women, robbery of the defenseless, the innocent, and assault and deprival of human dignity just because of skin color cannot

anytime be acceptable. Neither can slavery and butchery also imposed by whites on other whites eg Nazis on Jews make it less deplorable. All this farming by Afrocentric advocates like Abu Bakr (France), Eric Phillips (Guyana), David Hinds (USA) etc, should get straight to the point. Let’s be serious. Now that the taxpayer funded CARICOM is dispatched to procure reparations how much money are we to get when promptly paid? Slavery has had a most debilitating impact not only on the victims physical condition but it’s the minds which have been most still affected and for many generations, as the aforesaid critics can testify. In my humble opinion, all who participated and were responsible for enslaving Africans must be held (Continued on page 31)

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Kaieteur News

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

Will the $13.7 B for roads and bridges include Middle Road and Independence Boulevard? DEAR EDITOR, It was good to read, according to Minister Singh, Ministry of Finance had allocated $13.7B on roads and bridges in the 2014 budget. It was also mentioned that a feasibility study was completed for the construction of a bypass road from Ogle on the East Coast to East Bank, which will open new areas for development and investment and create a second route to reduce the

congestion for the East Bank Demerara traffic. This is very good and I am sure Guyanese will welcome this new development, whenever it starts and hopefully it can be completed within the time frame and not as the many other projects. I would like the relevant ministries to look at developing two other roads which will help reduce the traffic:(1) Widening of Independence Boulevard. I

believe this can be a four lane, of which, traffic from (Cemetery Road to LaPenitence Road/Market). (2) Upgrade and repave Middle Road and all the cross roads (pickets), which will run (North/South) from Middle road to Independence Boulevard. This will surely reduce traffic and quick access for many house-holds and drivers coming from both directions. A.Whyte

Deborah Backer inherited positive traits from both sides of her ancestry DEAR EDITOR, I am thankful for the opportunity to join in paying tribute to the late Mrs. Deborah Jan Osman-Backer. There are so much beautiful things which have been said already that I can hardly say much more, except to mention certain aspects of her life which have not been looked at. The first thing is that Mrs. Backer is a combination of East Indian and African ancestry from Alboystown and Kigston, respectively. Alboystown reminds me of Nazareth. Jesus came out of Nazareth and Mr. Osman, Rex McKay and Chief Justice Ian Chang to name a few outstanding persons came out of Alboystown. Her mother came from a prominent family of African ancestry from Kingston, Georgetown. She went to Bishop High School with the late Mrs. Viola Burnham and Mrs. Winifred Gaskin. Deborah’s grandfather was a prominent Headmaster, her uncles held top position; one an Education Officer, another a Permanent Secretary, another a top soldier, while an aunt was a Matron at the Mental Hospital Berbice, and her mother an Administrator at the Bauxite Company. This is the background in which our dear Deborah grew up. Therefore what she has

become is no magic. She inherited traits from both sides of her ancestry, Indian and African, and this is what caused her to excel. While we continue to shower praises on her, I invite you to also examine her background and see how we can benefit from it as a nation. I believe that the political parties could take a leaf out of her book and bring the races in this country together so that we can get results like

Deborah Osman-Backer. To start with, the current budget issue. This would be excellent for all Guyana and not only for a few as it now appears. The entire nation will start developing as she did. Deborah Osman-Backer’s life can be a perfect example for us to follow as a nation having examined her accomplishments against her upbringing. May her soul rest in peace Jonas M.F. Coddett

Ramotar-Jagdeo Poll Mischief? DEAR EDITOR, This is in reference to a letter from Harry Gill (KN Mar 27) and the op ed commentary of Adam Harris (Mar 23) relating to the publication of “a poll’s findings” supposedly emanating from the political opposition to determine support for the political parties and the chances of President Donald Ramotar’s re-election. It was noted that the opposition wanted to know how solid was Ramotar’s support in a snap election. Like Harry and Adam, I have limited information about the poll. But one cannot dismiss the claim that the poll’s findings were leaked to the media to create some kind of ruckus or mischief (in fighting between Jagdeo and Ramotar perhaps), as Harry charged, within the PPP. Adam suggested more sinister objective. I wish to note that t is not unusual for a poll to do match up between potential candidates. Such match ups are routine in developed societies. Pollsters regularly carried match ups between potential Democratic candidates for the nominantion. Ditto potential Republican candidates for the republican nomination. As both Harry and Adam penned, Bharrat Jagdeo is barred by the Constitution of Guyana from running for a third consecutive term; that much is clear. What it is not clear, although both argue otherwise, is if he can run for the Presidency again after taking a break. That is a matter for the court to clarify should he decide to seek the Presidency again. Like Adam and Harry penned, I do not think Jagdeo is interested in another term. That much he stated to reporters in Guyana and in New York . Adam also penned that Jagdeo

told him in Trinidad that he is not interested in a third term. I have no reason to dispute the former President although there are many in Guyana who feel Jagdeo should run again for the Presidency. I think his role should be that of a statesman and seek to heal differences within the party as well as to encourage reconciliation among those who felt they were mis-treated. But the leaked poll to the media raises the question of the purpose behind findings showing Jagdeo is more popular thank Ramotar. If it was designed to create friction within the PPP or discredit Ramotar, it will not work because as General Secretary Rohee made clear Jagdeo will not run for another term and the party is not entertaining such a discussion. Also, last year at a meeting in NY, Jagdeo had pledged his support to Ramotar. When I was in Guyana last month, the talk among party stalwarts is the party will go back with Ramotar at the top of the ticket should early elections be called. However, among the general supporters of the party, there is a feeling that the party needs a transformation to younger blood. Among names mentioned were Priya Manickchand, Anil Nandlall, Irfaan Ali, Ashnie Singh, Frank Anthony, etc. Will any of the parties be willing to give a woman or a younger person a chance. The poll pointed out, as the NACTA poll suggested two weeks earlier, Ramatar’s support is stronger than in 2011. As Adam noted, Ramotar can further buttress his support with time especially given all the mistakes the opposition is making regarding the AML bill, etc. Vishnu Bisram

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I am leaving enough competent officers behind - outgoing Top Cop - tips Asst Comm. Cosbert to be new Crime Chief Outgoing Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell is not worried about public perception that his departure along with those of other senior officers, this year, will leave the Guyana Police Force without competent personnel to man the various policedivisionsand departments. In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, Brumell declared that he is impressed with the work of the Deputy Commanders, some of whom have already begun to serve in a higher capacity. There have been speculations that with the retirement of Brumell, which was preceded by that of Assistant Commissioner Eric Bassant, and to be followed by another commissioner, George Vyphuis, the force will face some difficulty at the administrative level. This is especially since the departures are occurring at a time when the Force has embarked on an expansive reform process. However, Brumell does not share that view. In fact, he declared that despite the absence of enough officers at the Assistant Commissioner

level serving as Divisional Commanders, there are enough officers who are experienced enough to succeed those who are leaving. “You got some Deputy Commanders, like Hicken and others , who could carry a Division. Hicken is holding now on West Demerara. You have this boy Watts, carrying a Division; you have this boy Amsterdam who is second in command to Vyphuis; these guys can carry a Division,” Brumell stated. While there has been talk that the Force is devoid of a proper succession plan, Brumell, who leaves office on March 31, said that he had developed his own strategy to ensure that there is a smooth transition whenever a Head of Department or a Commander leaves the organization. His method was to increase the autonomy of his commanders. “I tell them to be like commissioners in their Divisions. ‘Imagine that you are sitting in the Commissioner’s chair and run your Division’. But they have the responsibility of reporting to me at the end of it all. And some of the Commanders, I think, give other persons

Commissioner Leroy Brumell

Assistant Commissioner Winston Cosbert

Snr. Supt. Clifton Hicken

Superintendent Errol Watts

scope too,” the Top Cop explained. He said that the only area he was a bit worried about was the Criminal Investigations Department, now that the current Crime Chief Seelall Persaud will succeed him as the Top Cop in a few days’ time. His concerns stem from the high number of executionstyle killings and the Force’s apparent inability to solve most of them. “Every time you get an execution-style murder, the first person the president calls is me,” Brumell reflected. He acknowledged that that was a “grey area” in his tenure as the head of the Guyana Police Force, although he indicated that he definitely tried his best to motivate and encourage his ranks to effectively deal with the situation. He acknowledged that there is urgent need for much more training in the area of police criminal investigation work. Brumell, however, feels that there are persons within the Guyana Police Force, who with their vast experience in investigative work, could make a significant difference. To this end, he singled out the present Deputy Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner Winston Cosbert as the most experienced investigator in Guyana, whom he said would

make a good leader of the Criminal Investigations Department. “I worked with him in Essequibo; he was the crime man. I worked with him in C Division and I have full confidence in his ability,” Brumell stated. He said that he believes

that the CID would be in good hands, provided the person who he expects to lead it, gets to lead it. However, Brumell was careful to point out that he will not be making decisions for his successor as to who must head departments and divisions. “If you notice, I am

not touching some areas; Vyphuis is going off and I have not appointed anybody to replace him; I’m leaving that for the new administration. But Seelall Persaud is my successor and I expect Cosbert to be Seelall Persaud’s successor,” Brumell said.

Still no word on NCN fraud report “You have memory like elephant…I wasn’t prepared for that question at this point in time…But I would probably look in and see if I could give you an answer after.” That was President Donald Ramotar’s response to a reporter who inquired about the status of the National Communications Network (NCN) report highlighting irregularities at the entity. That report was submitted about two years ago to the Office of the President for action. The question was raised at Ramotar ’s press conference yesterday. Though differently worded, the president’s sketchy response mirrored one he offered about this very issue about a year ago at a similar engagement. In fact, in March 2013, Ramotar told media operatives that he was

- President “wasn’t prepared” to answer question on NCN “surprised” that the matter had not yet been concluded. He had related that the matter is being handled and it would be concluded in the near future. However, it is now questionable what “near future” means to the president, or whether he is willing to stamp out the perception of corruption. The investigation into the irregularity was confined to the Terms of Reference that sought to ascertain the relationship between Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and NCN. In a leaked report prepared during the first half of 2012 - it was revealed that on the part of NCN, one area of irregularity was traced back to GT&T and involved millions of dollars in

advertisements. NCN’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Sattaur, resigned in June 2012. The entity’s Programme Manager, Martin Goolsarran, who admitted that he had deposited the payment cheque from the telephone company into his personal account, was suspended without pay. However, findings of the investigations submitted to Ramotar would determine the future of the two men. Many are waiting to see whether the findings would engage any legal action. Without revealing details of the investigations, Ramotar said he would like to see accountability at NCN, which will help with confidence and credibility.

Friday March 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Ukraine wins IMF lifeline as Russia faces growth slump (Reuters) - Ukraine won a $27-billion (16.2 billion pounds) international financial lifeline yesterday, rushed through in the wake of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, while Moscow’s economy minister acknowledged that his country’s growth would slow dramatically as funds flee abroad. The International Monetary Fund announced a $14-18 billion standby credit for Kiev in return for tough economic reforms that will unlock further aid from the European Union, the United States and other lenders over two years, effectively pulling Kiev closer to Europe. d that has been her trademark for years, pledged to fight “lawlessness” and said she hoped to recover Crimea. But she remains behind her two rivals in opinion polls. The IMF deal was a boost for the proWestern government that replaced the Russian-backed Yanukovich last month, prompting Moscow to seize Crimea. “The financial support from the broader international community that the programme will unlock amounts to $27 billion over the next two years,” an IMF

Barack Obama statement said. The IMF said it did not see a need to restructure Ukraine’s debts for now. The Ukrainian parliament later backed a law accepting the austerity measures demanded by the IMF, after initially voting against it. “The decision we have to take is extremely unpopular,” far-right nationalist leader Oleh Tyaynibok told parliament. “But if this decision is not taken then (President Vladimir) Putin in Moscow will applaud that the coalition has been split.”

President Barack Obama said the IMF agreement was a major step forward that would help stabilise Ukraine’s economy. China, which failed to back its ally Russia in a vote on Crimea at the United Nations this month, said it would play a “constructive role” on aid for Ukraine, but stopped short of saying whether it would participate directly. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development could direct up to a billion euros a year into Ukraine over the next few years, while the EU could provide 850 million euros within three months. The Ukraine crisis has triggered the most serious East-West confrontation since the end of the Cold War a quarter of a century ago, deepening the slump in Ukraine’s economy, centred on coal and steel production, gas transit and grain exports. Without IMF-mandated austerity measures, the economy could contract by up to 10 percent this year, Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk told parliament, explaining why his government had bowed to the Fund’s conditions.

South Korea seizes North Korean boat amid new tensions SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea’s military yesterday seized a North Korean fishing boat that it said had crossed a disputed maritime border after ignoring warnings to retreat amid growing tension between the two sides. The incident comes as the North faces renewed p r e s s ure from the international community after it fired two mid-range missiles on Wednesday just as the leaders of South Korea, Japan and the United States pledged to curb its nuclear

arms ambitions. In what appeared to be a show of defiance, North Korea fired two mediumrange Rodong ballistic missiles into the sea, both Japan and South Korea said. The U.N. Security Council will hold closed-door consultations yesterday to discuss a possible condemnation of North Korea’s action, U.N. diplomats said. North Korea refuses to recognize the so-called Northern Limit Line that has been the naval border since

the end of the Korean civil war in 1953. The two sides have been technically at war ever since, as the fighting ended with a mere truce, not a treaty. North Korean navy vessels crossed the line in 1999 and 2002 that led to clashes that killed an unidentified number of sailors on both sides. Three people aboard the vessel that crossed the naval border were under South Korean custody yesterday, an official at the office of South Korea’s Joint Chief’s of Staff said.

Ukraine says 100,000 Russian troops near border Washington (AFP) Nearly 100,000 Russian forces have massed on Ukraine’s border, a top Ukrainian defense official told an American audience yesterday, giving a number far higher than US military estimates. “Almost 100,000 soldiers are stationed on the borders of Ukraine and in the direction ... of Kharkiv, Donetsk, “ Andriy Parubiy, chairman of Ukraine’s national security

council, said via a webcast from Kiev. “Russian troops are not in Crimea only, they are along all Ukrainian borders. They’re in the south, they’re in the east and in the north,” Parubiy said. After its intervention in the Crimean peninsula, Russia is plotting to foment separatist sentiment elsewhere and Kiev fears a possible incursion in the country’s east, he told the

Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank. Parubiy said any day “we might see a huge attack on the territory of continental Ukraine and we are getting ready for it.” Although US defense offici a l s h a v e p u t t h e number of Russian troops c l o s e r t o 2 0 , 0 00, a US lawmaker said yesterday that much stronger Russian forces had deployed towa r d s Ukraine’s border.

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T&T PM takes charge following dismissal of Govt. minister PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC - Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar has assumed responsibility for the Ministry of the People and Social Development following the firing of Glenn Ramadharsingh - the Member of Parliament for Caroni Central, from that position on Tuesday. In a release on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said she would be taking charge of the portfolio for the time being. “The Ministry of the People and Social Development remains something very close to my heart. It was a promise I made to the nation that was delivered in 2010 and the work of the ministry is important to my vision of poverty eradication, the achievement of social justice and empowerment of people”. “Given the strategic importance of the ministry to

Kamla Persad-Bissessar my Government’s overall objective of eradicating poverty and enhancing the quality of lives and citizens who are differently-abled or disadvantaged by their circumstances, I will a s s u me charge of the ministry, while I consider an

appropriate replacement,” she added. Ramadharsingh w a s removed from his p o r tfolio following an incident in which he was accused of behaving inappropriately with a flight attendant on a Caribbean Airlines flight from Tobago. After meeting for three hours with Ramadharsingh on Tuesday, Persad-Bissessar advised President Anthony Carmona to revoke his appointment. Ramadharsingh was appointed to spearhead the Ministry from May 2010, following the People’s Partnership victory at the polls. The former minister who has professed his continuing loyalty to the party, is expected to take a position on the back bench when Parliament meets today.

Judge considers whether Kartel should pay restitution to Clive ‘ Lizard’ Williams’ family Jamaica Gleaner - The judge in the Vybz Kartel trial is considering having the entertainer pay restitution to the estate of the man he is convicted of murdering. Justice Lennox Campbell has sought information on whether someone with Kartel’s talent can be allowed to continue producing music while in prison. Justice Campbell said if this is possible then he would make an order that proceeds

- puts off sentencing to next Thursday from Kartel’s music should be paid over to the estate of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. The judge put off sentencing to next Thursday, when he expects to receive the information. Justice Campbell is also to hear submissions from the prosecution and defence on how long Kartel should serve before parole.

Legal experts have said that Kartel and the three other men convicted for murdering Williams could face 25 years before being eligible for parole. Non-capital murder convictions carry a mandatory life sentence. Kartel and fellow entertainer Shawn Campbell otherwise called ‘Shawn Storm’, Kahira Jones and Andre St John were convicted by the 11-member jury on March 13. The Crown represented by senior deputy director of public prosecution Jeremy Taylor and crown counsel Leighton Morris, led evidence that Williams was murdered on August 16, 2011 at Kartel’s house in Havendale, St Andrew.

Friday March 28, 2014

US: Venezuela sanctions may be ‘important tool’ WASHINGTON (AP) — Venezuela had the full attention of North and South American diplomats yesterday. The U.S. State Department issued its strongest response yet to the ongoing crisis in the socialist country, saying it would consider imposing sanctions if the administration of President Nicolas Maduro doesn’t reconcile with opponents who have been protesting for nearly three months. Meanwhile, a delegation of foreign ministers from South America was expected to issue recommendations aimed at easing the unrest. Maduro’s administration announced that it had already accepted at least one of the suggestions: the formation of an official human rights commission that will report

directly to the president and look into allegations of overreach. The oil-rich nation has been widely criticized for its harsh crackdown on opponents protesting inflation, crime and shortages. Clashes between protesters and loyalists have left at least 32 people dead. The State Department’s top official for Latin America said sanctions could become an “important tool” to pressure Maduro if he fails to engage critics. “If there is no movement, no possibility of dialogue, if there’s no democratic space for the opposition, obviously we have to think about this, and we are thinking about this,” Assistant Secretary of State Roberta S. Jacobson told reporters in Washington. She added that the U.S. would work with its partners

in the region to impose any such measures as efficiently as possible. It was unlikely that the delegation of South American diplomats, who have been at odds with the U.S. over how to handle the country’s volatility, would issue its own threat of sanctions. The group has been in Caracas since Tuesday meeting with the government, student protesters and human rights defenders. Earlier this month, Secretary of State John Kerry said the U.S. was considering all options to address human rights concerns in Venezuela, including sanctions being pushed by U.S. lawmakers for weeks. He didn’t provide details about what would trigger such a response, and said he was reluctant to damage an already weak economy.

Govt. talks with China Harbour to dam Bog Walk Gorge KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Transport and Works Dr Omar Davies will sign a MOU with China Harbour Engi n e e r i n g Company (CHEC) to study the feasibility of damming the Bog Walk Gorge in St Catherine to provide a reservoir for the supply of

potable water and electricity generation. The MOU will be signed today, among the Ministry o f Tr a n s p o r t , Wo r k s & Housing; the Ministry of S c i e n c e , Te c h n o l o g y, Energy & Mining; Ministry of Wa t e r, Land, Environment and Climate

Change; and CHEC. According to the Works Ministry the damming of the gorge is one of the projects that CHEC is exploring to assess the possibility of expanding the island’s water supply and the provision of hydro electric power.

Brazil’s Rousseff loses support but on track to win re-election RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Popular support for Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has faltered ahead of the October 5 presidential election, a poll showed yesterday, but the leftist leader remains favored to win a second term. Hurt by a sluggish

economy, high inflation and a scandal surrounding Brazil’s state-run oil company, Rousseff’s personal approval rating has dropped to 51 percent from 56 percent in November, the survey by the Ibope polling institute and Brazil’s National Industry Confederation showed. Support for her administration fell to 36 percent from 43 percent in the previous poll, while 27 percent of those polled disapproved of the government, compared with 20 percent in November. The

latest poll was taken from March 14-17 and has a margin of error of two percentage points. The drop in support, which led to a sharp rally in Brazilian stocks and boosted the country’s currency yesterday, reflects the challenges that Rousseff must overcome to win re-election. “It shows that 2014 is going to be a hard year for the government,” said Rafael Cortez, a political analyst with Tendencias, a consultancy in São Paulo. “All these negative issues are hurting her image as a candidate.”

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Deterrence is the name of game The American federal authorities had long suspected that illicit funds from the Colombian underworld may have found its way into the financial corporation run by Allen Stanford in Antigua. However, they were never able to prove this; but it was on their radar. They finally got Stanford, but not for money laundering. They got him for promising to pay his clients a certain rate of interest, for which they argued there was no realistic possibility of him doing. They got him on what they believed was a Ponzi Scheme. They never charged him with money laundering. And the reason is simple. It is the hardest crime to prosecute. Even though the US has the strongest money laundering laws in the world, there are relatively few prosecutions for this offence. When they do make a prosecution for money laundering, it is always a secondary charge. They catch you siphoning off some money from someone and then investing that stolen money. They charge you with the stealing of the money and thus having proven that the money was stolen, they then add a charge of money laundering, because it was stolen money that was invested. The point is that laws designed to ensure strong enforcement have never proven effective in the fight against money laundering. So why is there a need in the first place to have such laws if their enforceability and the persecution of violators have been so ineffective? The reason is firstly because such laws can establish a trace to the source of the crime, and secondly, because such laws can be used to deter the laundering of funds through a country’s financial system. When the Americans wanted to bring down Al Capone, they were unable to do so by charging him with mafia-related crimes. They simply could not find witnesses who were willing to testify or who lived long

enough to testify against the mobster. And so they came up with a new strategy. The objective was to get at his crimes. But since it was hard to build a criminal case against Al Capone, they tried to identify his crimes by tracing the money he derived from those crimes. They got him on tax evasion. The successful prosecution of Al Capone opened the eyes of the law enforcement authorities to a new strategy of dealing with the criminal underworld. To get to the crime, follow the money. This strategy was employed in the fight against the trade in narcotics. More drugs were getting in than was being caught; far more. The Americans also did not know who were all the drug lords and other underworld figures involved in the drug trade. To get at these figures meant that the fight against the narco-trade had to be pursued on more than one front. One new front was antimoney laundering. Since drug lords had to be paid, it meant that following the money trail would lead the investigators to the drug lords and their underlings. This is what anti-money laundering is about. It is about trying to break the financial flows of the drug lords and thus have them identified or bankrupted. It is not a strategy that has worked successfully. In fact, of all the counter narcotics strategies that have been employed, it has been the least successful. And so the strategy that has evolved is meant to primarily deter illicit funds’ contaminating a country’s financial system. Following the September 11 attacks, the Americans decided that they also had to pay greater attention to countering the financing of terrorism. As such, certain international norms merged, aimed at deterring the financing of terrorist organizations and deterring the movement of funds from illegal narcotics through the world’s financial system.

Laws relating to AntiMoney Laundering and Countering of the Financing of Terrorism are primarily based on the principle of deterrent. True, there is provision for prosecution and enforcement, but the primary objective is about deterrence. Deterrence is the name of the game. This is something that APNU members do not seem to understand. They are stressing the need for a strong enforcement and they are bemoaning the lack of prosecutions. They are missing the

point. Anti-Money Laundering Laws are meant to primarily deter. These laws target a country’s financial system by requiring the banks and financial institutions to demand certain requirements of those with whom they do business. Those requirements are aimed at deterring the movement of illicit funds through the financial system. These requirements can be grouped into a number of categories. Firstly, the banks are required to improve measures for the identification of those with

whom they do business. By insisting, for example, on proof of addresses, the antimoney laundering requirements are not so much targeting the illegal money as they are developing a system to trace where that money is coming from and who is implicated in its passage through the financial system. The anti-money laundering laws also require the banks to keep certain records. Amongst the records is the source of funds. A person in Guyana, for example, who is dealing with a foreign currency

transaction as little as US$500 has to indicate to the teller in writing where he got the money from and has to subscribe to a declaration to that effect. Those records have to be kept by the banks and financial institutions. The objective here is deterrence and the strategy is to ensure that there is a paper trace of certain transactions. (To be continued).

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Kaieteur News

Friday March 28, 2014

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Eureka! Eureka! I found Henry James’ killers Do you know how many people in this world, in the past five thousand years since civilization began, have been injured with their own weapon? There will be many more. And that ancient saying, “you shot yourself in the foot with your own gun” will live on. The scope of the Walter Rodney Commission will take in the intelligence operations of the Burnham Government, including monitoring and reports on activities against the PPP and the WPA. Could that backfire against the PPP? Could information come out at that inquiry that will reveal that current PPP leaders were involved in murder, mayhem and violence against the Burnham Government? Will the PPP shoot itself with its own weapon during the Rodney Commission? It was no mistake that the PPP Government included under the terms of reference of the Commission,

examination of state security monitoring of opposition activities during the seventies. There is no doubt in my mind that the PPP is hoping to show the world that the Burnham Government was oppressive and did illegal things to the two main opposition parties in the seventies - the WPA and PPP. Where are those records? Since the PPP has been in office twenty years ago, it may be in possession of some of the data. Maybe it has some of these data which they feel is a trump card against the present PNC. One suspects that apart from documents from that period, the PPP will compel certain PNC elements that they have heavily patronized to give evidence at the inquiry with the objective of dirtying the PNC. If the PPP Government is in possession of state security documents of the Burnham Government, then surely those collections must have incriminating material on

the PPP. Did the PPP do violent things against the State in the seventies? The answer is yes. Who did those documents identify? Over and over to the point of disgust, I have said to Hamilton Green, write about your experience in Government. He has entered his eighties, but Green is yet to write something other than a short historical account, “From Pain to Peace” for which there should be a new print. So who in the PPP committed violent acts in the seventies? Let’s start with the murder charge against Arnold Rampersaud. Rampersaud was charged with killing policeman James Henry, and wounding his colleague, Joachim Francis. It was the culmination of days of protest against three toll stations to recoup the cost of the Corentyne highway. The PNC Government knew the PPP carried out the acts, but identified Rampersaud as the driver of

the car. They charged him with murder. Who were the planners behind the murder? Will the documents at the Rodney Commission identify the person at Freedom House who was seconded to Berbice to organize the protest and the shooting? Rampersaud was given asylum in Canada. He is in his eighties and should make peace with his God by revealing the name of that PPP official who is now high in the government today. Rampersaud should be as brave as Rupert Roopnaraine, who admitted that WPA was stockpiling arms for defensive purposes during the Burnham era. Rampersaud should admit that he was the driver of the car that transported the killers of Henry James. And he should ask forgiveness from James’ family. If he doesn’t, then if there is a change of government, the new

administration should seek his extradition from Canada and charge him with accessory to murder, since he cannot be prosecuted for the murder offence three times. There is no statutory limitation for murder. During the seventies, especially after the Burnham Government passed the Sugar Levy Act, there were incessant arsonist attacks on all of the sugar estates by the PPP. In many instances factories were burnt and valuable equipment destroyed. Surely, intelligence reports must have identified who in the PPP leadership were the organizers. This writer was told by someone who is alive today, very much known today, and who in those days would have had complete access to all state security reports, that three central figures in the PPP leadership were the main organizers of the arson brigade. There were three

Frederick Kissoon arsonist squads; one for East Coast and Diamond on the East Bank, another for Region Three and the other for Berbice. It would shock this nation if the name is revealed as to who was in charge of the Demerara operations. Finally, who were the PPP members behind the treason plot against the Burnham Government that led to the arrest of five persons? Let’s hope that the Rodney Commission gets these intelligence reports so the violent men of the seventies in the opposition could be exposed.

Dem boys seh...

DONALD SURROUNDED BY CORRUPT PEOPLE A big change coming up in the Guyana Police Force. Brumell going off and it look like if he ready to go. But is he pardna who got problems. This pardna meet de age of retirement too, but he don’t want lef de wuk. He like de perks that he collecting and he can’t imagine that he can get a life without that. Henry de Yellow did collect nuff perks too. In fact he collect so much that when he dead dem now got people fighting over he wealth. Most of de wealth come while he was sitting down in de chair of de Commissioner. In fact, dem boys notice that nuff people got a way of getting rich just before dem retire from high office. Rohee did tell dem boys that some of he friends save and that is how dem get rich. One friend get rich because he didn’t marry and he didn’t spend none of he money. He get suh rich that people want to know wha he gun do wid all that money. Of course, if he was living in Kamla country he woulda deh in jail by now because dem people always move hard against corruption. Is this same man mek some international

organization busy trying to help de DPP fight corruption. Dem putting money to host a workshop, which mean that dem prepare to spend money to teach people how to lock up some of dem who thief in de past. Is a long time now dem boys hoping that somebody help dem jail all dem corrupt people. And to know who corrupt, all you got to do is walk and look to see wheh dem live. Dem is de people who frighten to sleep in dem own house unless dem got guard. Dem is de same people who lef Donald in trouble. Two people ask Donald if de private investor ain’t kick in yet and if NICIL ain’t putting in no more money, how come wuk still going on in de Marriott. Donald tell dem that is de local bank and some foreign bank that put money in de project. Is a sad day when dem got poor Donald talkin wha he ent know bout, but then again if they want cover up corruption they got to tell he wrong ting. Talk half and tell Donald stop listening to dem lie.

Friday March 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

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CJIA gets lion’s share in aviation budget - APNU promises to focus on sectoral inefficiencies By Zena Henry Local aviation was once again gut-punched, with a mere two hundred million dollars being allocated for the rehabilitation of hinterland airstrips. Although the sum is more than double of that allocated in last year’s budget, administrative and managerial development within the sector took a back bench, while the continuation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project attracted some $6.6B Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh in his 2014 budget presentation on Monday allocated $231.1 million to deal with the much talked about dilapidated state and poor maintenance of interior landing grounds. However, aviation stakeholders and veterans such as those in the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana (AOAG) have considerably emphasized that much more has to be done to foster and maintain a strong local industry. They had recommended a five-part proposal that suggested $1.5B to rehabilitate and maintain the numerous hinterland airstrips. They had also

placed immense focus on safety, oversight and training for aviation staffers. However, the Finance Minister’s budget catered for the completion of the CJIA project. It was mentioned also that the relocation of the Guyana Defence Force engineering division at Timehri is almost completed, so that construction work on the new CJIA terminal building can commence. “The tasks of improving linkages with important international business and commercial centres, and bridging the spatial divide between the populated coastal areas and the natural resource-rich hinterland communities with accessible transportation facilities and infrastructure, constantly preoccupy our development efforts,” the Minister told the National Assembly. He pointed out also that $67.2 million was disbursed for the maintenance of hinterland airstrips in 2013, while CJIA’s expansion and modernisation project receive $1.1 billion. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Shadow Minister of Public Works and Hydraulics, Joseph Harmon explained however that the allocation toward local

Finance Minister Ashni Singh during Monday’s budget presentation

Shadow Public Works Minister Joseph Harmon aviation is grossly insufficient. He said that work has already commenced for debates over what has been allocated for our “growing” domestic air services sector. Harmon was adamant that the whole sector needs to be reviewed, especially in the areas of oversight, safety and security. He alluded to the current oversight system which involves foreign persons visiting Guyana once and twice a year to conduct inspections. According to the parliamentarian, efforts should be in the making to have locally-placed personnel trained and equipped to inspect and service the sector in those specific areas, since in his opinion, those are the areas to secure and strengthen the sector.

Assertions were also made in terms of the recent spate of domestic aviation accidents - two occurring weeks apart in January and one last week. Harmon reiterated that safety remains a major issue in the sector and extensive work must be done to address the matter. Harmon went on to hinterland airstrips which he described as being in “poor condition”. He added that Leader of the Coalition, David Granger, had expressed also that a lot more is required for

interior landing spaces, since a trip to the interior proved that air traffic there has grown immensely. Harmon said it was amazing to see the amount of flights landing and taking off within the hinterland. This he also attributed to the poorly maintained interior roads. Persons, he said, were therefore depending on the flight services to interconnect within the region. The Shadow Public Works Minister mentioned further that while enormous sums of money was being pumped

into the CJIA, air traffic is considerably greater internally. Not wanting to speak extensively on the project, Harmon did register APNU’s intent to scrutinise the CJIA allocation which is being requested separately. He added that, “we will be scrutinizing all these major projects.” Harmon however, reiterated that the country first needs to stabilize the local aviation sector before it can cater for international growth.

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Kaieteur News

Vice Chancellor advocates for National Research Council at UG Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, is advocating for a National Research Council at the tertiary institution. His disclosure in this regard was forthcoming recently, even as he anticipated the successful completion of research projects that are set to be completed by some 21 academics over the next 18 months. The academics, divided into eight working groups, were together awarded US$329,000 to complete a number of investigative projects under the University of Guyana Science and Technology Support Project (UGSTSP) which is based on a US$10 million loan from the World Bank to the Government. According to Professor Opadeyi, “we are going to make a proposal to the Government to have a National Research Council that gives money for this type of research, so that at the end of the World Bank project the country will still have a research council that can replicate this process that we are doing here.” Moreover, the Vice Chancellor amplified the importance of accountability during the research projects. Ensuring accountability during the projects, he noted, will include the presenting of receipts, securing of necessary approvals, and genuine efforts to adhere to recommended processes. “And I tell you, the process is more important than the results, because we are not going to do the research by

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi any means possible but by the processes that the World Bank and everybody is comfortable with,” Professor Opadeyi asserted. “When they (World Bank) come back and check our books, they will say ‘yes this was what was done,’” said the Vice Chancellor, even as he appealed for the full support of the academics in realising this goal. And in order to ensure that only the academics with the best proposals were selected for the recently awarded financial grant, Professor Opadeyi disclosed that a great deal of evaluation was done. “It is a very challenging moment, but when you are doing something and what you are doing is not painful, be careful, because ‘no pain, no gain’,” he underscored. According to the Vice Chancellor, one of the hallmarks of a good academic is when he or she can survive and move to higher heights after a peer review.

“When somebody can say Jacob that thing you are saying is not correct, show me proof of it; where is the evidence of it? If they have no evidence, forget it! You can’t say I am the Vice Chancellor. No, you have to provide the evidence,” he insisted. Of the total number of academics who submitted proposals for research projects, Professor Opadeyi said that several could not provide supporting evidence and therefore “we knocked them off”. “Several persons got angry because they got bad reviews,” he disclosed, while pointing out that “the fact of the matter is that we had very good research proposals but something was lacking, and we said to them, ‘supply what is lacking’. We sat down with some of the persons and we said ‘okay this is what the reviewers said...’” The reviewers were made up of persons from both in and outside of Guyana, with at least three persons evaluating each submitted proposal. And according to the Vice Chancellor, the academics required a minimum benchmark of 65 per cent and three ‘yeses’ (approvals) from reviewers in order to become eligible for the research grant. “I would bet you that what the eight of you have done is raise the bar for others, because next time it will be 75 (per cent) and that is where the quality comes in...Because if you cannot even write a proposal that can convince somebody, how can (Continued on page 13)

Friday March 28, 2014

Guyana seeing 100 cases less of HIV annually The National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), the HIV-fighting arm of the Ministry of Health, is quietly celebrating successes realised in the fight against HIV/AIDS, even as fervent efforts continue in this regard. Speaking to media operatives recently, Programme Manager of NAPS, Dr Shanti Singh, disclosed that “when we do examine the HIV cases coming into the Ministry of Health, we have seen from about 2009 a reduction in the number of new cases being reported.” She disclosed that since from around 2008, there were about 1,200 new reported cases with an even greater dip by the end of 2012, characterised by the 820 reported cases. “We have seen about 100 new cases less every year,” confirmed Dr Singh, who revealed that currently NAPS is working towards analysing the cases for last year, a process which is expected to be completed shortly. Currently NAPS has in focus the key populations of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Commercial Sex Workers, and according to Dr Singh, it is expected that new prevalence data among these factions will be available by the end of June. NAPS, she intimated, is engaged in collecting data in this regard. “We are hoping that with the response that we have had for the key populations, MSM and Commercial Sex Workers, that we will be able to have a further reduction in

- NAPS Director

NAPS Programme Director, Dr. Shanti Singh HIV/AIDS in those populations.” As part of its continued HIV/AIDS fight, NAPS is also working towards completing a Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (BBSS) as it relates to the key populations. Included in this BBSS, Dr Singh said, is the migrant population of miners and loggers, and the results for this process are also expected to be available in a matter of months. According to the NAPS Programme Director, the national HIV/AIDS treatment programme has not only been gaining momentum, but there have been many notable successes. This, she noted, is evident by the high survival rates for persons living with HIV who are receiving treatment and are still on treatment after one year. Added to this, she boasted that “we have maintained universal access to HIV treatment, and Guyana is one of the few countries in

Latin America/the Caribbean to attain over 80 per cent universal access to treatment.” And the positive outcomes of the national HIV/ AIDS programme could not have been noted without proper Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Moreover, Dr Singh said that “in regards to monitoring and evaluation, we have had a number of achievements in that area, including the fact that we have had an M&E framework that is attached to the HIVision 2020.” The Ministry of Health has in place its strategic plan (HI-Vision 2020) which is expected to guide the work of the Ministry including its fight against HIV. And through the Strategic Plan, Dr Singh said that target-setting processes have been conducted, which has allowed for a three-year target being put in place. NAPS, according to Dr Singh, has in the meantime been able to complete a strategic client satisfaction survey at HIV and Tuberculosis sites, even as she disclosed that “we still have some challenges in M&E and strategic information, including the fact that there isn’t one central clearing house for all of our data, and that is one of the areas we are working on.” As such she underscored that “we still have a lot of challenges, including the fact that we have to sustain the response with reduced funding.”

Friday March 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Rodney CoI will not be cheap, but money will be well spent - President Donald Ramotar By Latoya Giles The Commission of Inquiry into the death of Dr. Walter Rodney, which is likely to begin sometime after the Easter holiday weekend, will not come cheap. This was the assertion of President Donald Ramotar at a press conference yesterday. “I don’t have the figures at my fingertips….but I know it’s not cheap,” the Head of State saidead Head of stateH+. He said that once government decided to “go down that road of having the inquiry”, it knew for a fact that the money would be well spent. Ramotar explained that contrary to reports about something being sinister in the holding of the inquiry, his government is fulfilling the wishes of Rodney’s wife, Patricia. “This process started and it was not initiated by me, but by a request by the family, particularly his wife, Patricia Rodney”, Ramotar said. He said that the Terms of Reference which some parties have been protesting against were crafted by Rodney’s family and

Dr. Walter Rodney advisors, along with some technical help from government. Ramotar stressed that it was Rodney’s wife who made the comment about not wanting it to be political. “We created all the conditions that no one will be criminally prosecuted and people could come forward and speak what they know,” the president said. He made the point of persons trying to put a spin on it to imply that there’s something sinister, which he dismissed. Last Wednesday was the deadline for persons who

wished to give evidence in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI). Those persons were asked to submit written statements to the Commission containing the nature and substance of the proposed evidence, “no later than March 26”. According to an advertisement published in this newspaper on Saturday, the Commission was asking for persons to submit statements with their name, address and telephone numbers. Persons wishing to tender documents, books and plans could have submitted copies of those along with their written statements. Lawyer attached to the Commission Ms. Latchmie Rahamat had told Kaieteur News that they had been receiving statements from persons both in Guyana and overseas. She, however, said that it would be premature at this point to say exactly how many persons have come forward. Statements could have been dropped off at the Secretariat of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, Supreme Court Library Building, South

Budget 2014…

President defends no wage increase for public servants President Donald Ramotar says that the reason there was no increase in wages and salaries for public servants in the 2014 Budget is because he prefers to have a negotiated agreement between government and the unions. He was at the time speaking to media operatives at Office of the President, and was asked why there were no increases announced, to which he responded that he did not want to be called a dictator. Ramotar was pointed to the fact that there was no reduction in VAT, no reduction in income tax and no increase in the tax

- says hoping for a negotiated settlement threshold, leading to the ordinary citizens believing that there isn’t anything in the budget for them. Ramotar responded by saying he is still optimistic that the two parties will get down to negotiations and “I am still hoping we can reach a negotiated settlement...What do you want me to do? Announce for the public servants and then you would come here today to me and say that I am a dictator?” As regards the fact that

Vice Chancellor... (From page 12) you do a research that can convince anybody?” questioned the Vice Chancellor. And in order to ensure that academics improve in not only the art of proposal crafting but also providing supporting evidence, Professor Opadeyi disclosed that, “We are not going to leave you alone. We are going to be having workshops on how to write proposals and hold each other’s hands as we go along the way.”

for several years now it has been the case that Government has arbitrarily announced increases in wages and salaries, the President said that there are a number of factors that lead to that happening, such as the failure by the parties to negotiate. According to Ramotar, “I would like to see them sit down at the negotiating table and come up with an agreement.” Meanwhile, asked to justify the US$4M allocation in the Budget for the establishment of Hospitality Institute, the President said that it was not only about building capacity for the local tourism industry, but also serving as another revenue earner. He explained that Government is confident that the hospitality school would attract students from the region and further afield to come and train in Guyana.

Street, Georgetown. Further it was noted that the statements being submitted must be relevant to the Terms of Reference which were crafted by the sponsoring agent, the Government. The terms include “examining the facts and circumstances immediately prior at the time of and subsequent to the death of Dr. Rodney in order to determine as far as possible who or what was responsible for the explosion resulting in the death of Rodney”. Commissioners would have to enquire into the cause of the explosion in which Dr. Walter Rodney died; whether it was an act of terrorism and if so, who were the perpetrators. Commissioners would also have to specifically examine the role, if any, which the late Gregory Smith, a sergeant of the Guyana Defence Force, played in the death of Rodney and if so, to inquire into who may have counseled, procured, aided and or abetted him to do so, including facilitating his

departure from Guyana after Rodney’s death. Several days ago at a press conference, Chairman for the Commission Sir Richard Cheltenham (QC) said that the hearings are likely to begin sometime after the Easter Holiday weekend. According to the Chairman, once there is enough material and witnesses available, the sittings will begin the Tuesday after Easter. He said that the Commission would sit for an initial nine days, before taking a break for about two weeks and resuming. Cheltenham had noted that the circumstances surrounding Rodney’s death weren’t fairly investigated and made known to the world, so it’s an unresolved issue for his family. “There has been no clear answer from any investigation to determine this,” the Chairman said. Cheltenham also said that they intend to “dig deeply” in relation to the facts and come to a conclusion as to who was responsible and why it was done. He said that

to get an answer would be good, especially for the family, which is mainly the purpose for the inquiry. Since being appointed and during their second visit to Guyana, the Commissioners received their instruments with which to work. He said they have been building support for the Commission which is necessary when dealing with an incident that goes back so far. He said that they have had several meetings with various stakeholders in Guyana. He disclosed that they have held discussions with the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips, Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell, the Private Sector Commission, the Guyana Trades Union Congress, and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman. Political parties were not left out of the loop; Cheltenham said that they have held meetings with both the People’s Progressive Party Civic and A Partnership for National Unity.

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Friday March 28, 2014

GuySuCo’s $6B injection to target agri, mechanical harvesting By Leonard Gildarie A major part of the $6B in financial provision by Government to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), as announced in the National Budget, will go towards improving field agriculture and prepare the industry for more mechanised harvesting. President Donald Ramotar, who made the disclosure yesterday during a press conference, also said that the administration is pushing for more land to be distributed to private farmers as a shortage of labour continues to affect production. Over the past few years, Government has been plugging billions into the industry in the face of falling production. Last year, GuySuCo dropped to a 23year low of just less than 190,000 tonnes, from an initial annual target of 260,000 tonnes. The National Assembly last year approved $1B, but not before the Opposition warned that the industry should pull itself out of the hole into which it was sinking. With calls for a major shakeup in the industry and even new direction of ethanol production, Government has been under pressure to

President Donald Ramotar provide solutions to the problems facing what was Guyana’s biggest foreign exchange earner at one time. According to the President, himself a former Director on GuySuCo’s Board of Directors, the $6B injection will help to provide critical capital to help modernisation. Changes in the weather pattern has been playing havoc at the estates, reducing the opportunity for real operations to take place. GuySuCo, Ramotar said, will be increasing its focus on reaping, planting and land preparations, with millions of dollars more to be invested in changing the layout of the land to accommodate the

The Enmore sugar packaging plant when it was commissioned back in May 2011. mechanical harvesters. As a matter of fact, earlier this week, there was a demonstration of a type of new mechanical harvester on the East Coast Demerara estates. Labour shortages have been badly affecting the eight estates, with turnout at the Uitvlugt estate, West Coast Demerara, at an alarming 43%. The situation is not better at the seven other estates scattered between Demerara and Berbice. Sugar has fallen behind gold and rice in

earnings, worrying the administration, as the industry controls around 16,000 employees, providing drainage and irrigation to several coastland communities. An accumulative 36% price cut over a five-year period by Guyana’s biggest customer in Europe has not been helping the industry. Continued problems at the beleaguered US$200M Skeldon modernization project in Berbice has failed to kick-start GuySuCo as was the hope, because of several technical issues at the new flagship factory there. A US$12.5M packaging factory at Enmore, East Coast Demerara, designed to help push Guyana for more valueadded products, has reportedly been largely under-utilised because of a shortage of sugar. In recent years, GuySuCo has been selling lands for housing and closing a number of estates to consolidate its operations. A new Board of Directors is to start its tenure after July, with former overseas-based Chairman, Dr. Raj Singh, being

appointed the new Chief Executive Officer. In his budget presentation last Monday, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh echoed what the administration has been appealing. He said that an allout effort will be needed by all stakeholders, including management and labour, to ensure GuySuCo is restored to a profitable operation. “The provision of this very tangible support by Government to the sugar industry will benefit its 18,000 workers directly, including by helping to preserve their jobs, and a total of 120,000 persons, directly and indirectly,” he said. Yesterday, GuySuCo’s biggest worker union, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), said it welcomed the $6B cash injection measure as proposed by Government. “Agriculture holds out bright prospects for our development, our future, and indeed, in providing employment. We share the view that this sector is deserving of increasing attention by the Government,

considering the growing demands for such products today and the market in our own region and beyond that can be explored and tapped, while ensuring adequate, sustainable and cheap food for our people.” However, the union warned that while there is a necessity of such support, at this time, other crucial steps should be taken, including a new Board of Directors of GuySuCo to guide the rehabilitation work of the industry, among other things. “We are also mindful of the fact that this disbursement should be not delinked from the European Union (EU) Accompanying Measures, and moreover, the industry’s previous support to the state in the years of the Sugar Levy. The sugar industry continues to serve our country in a multi-faceted way. Therefore, we cannot allow the industry to fail. The impact of failure will be nothing short of devastation. The GAWU remains confident that the profitable expectations of the industry can be met.”

Friday March 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Welder accused of attacking spouse with gun, hot iron for sex Despite the attempts of a young woman to persuade a city Magistrate to consider exonerating her reputed husband, the accused welder who faced the court for thrashing her with a gun and burning her with a hot iron because she denied him sex, is now a remanded prisoner. Almost two weeks after the domestic spat, Clive Forde, 33, also known as ‘Taylor’, was ordered held yesterday when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to the charges. Forde faces a charge of unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on the woman on March 14 at their Fifth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown residence. He pleaded not guilty. State Prosecutor, Corporal

Deniro Jones, explained to Magistrate Ann McLennan that the two parties have been sharing a common law relationship for the past six years. Jones offered objections to the accused being granted bail citing the nature of the circumstance. “The defendant is always in the habit of assaulting her. On the day in question he approached her for sex but she refused. He became angry and took an iron and burnt her on her leg, your worship. Further, he pulled out a .32 silver revolver and lashed her to her mouth. Your worship, the accused dealt her several cuffs and kicks about her body.” According to the Prosecutor, Forde would interfere with her if given pretrial liberty, because they

have shared the same home for the past six years. However, after the prosecutor finished offering his objections to Forde being granted bail, the alleged abused woman stepped forward to address the court. She attempted to plead for the man. She urged the court to let him go saying “This is my child father and I wish not to give any evidence against him your honour.” Notwithstanding her effort, McLennan responded “Oh yes? And he put a gun to your head and burnt your leg? We’ll see about that. You need to speak to the Clerk of Court for protection orders.” Forde was remanded to prison. He is expected to make his second court appearance before the Chief Magistrate on April 9.

Tattoo artist denied bail for cash robbery A tattoo artist was yesterday denied bail when he appeared at the city court to respond to a robbery charge. Regan Ramiah, 27, of Lot 142 Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the charge of robbery with violence which was read to

him. He is accused of robbing Ishwardeen Singh of $45,000 at Campbellville, Georgetown on Monday, last (March 24). The Prosecution, which was represented by Corporal Deniro Jones, did not reveal the details of the crime but offered several objections to bail. Jones urged the court to order Ramiah held on account

of the nature, gravity, as well as the prevalence of the offence. He also stated that personal violence was used in the commission of the crime. Magistrate McLennan upheld the objections of the Prosecution and remanded the accused. The case will be called before the Chief Magistrate on April 9.

Page 15

Taxi service owner, employee on bail for wounding each other The proprietor of Crown Taxi Service and one of his employees were yesterday brought before the city court to respond to charges which stemmed from a physical altercation between the two. The proprietor, Nawal Abdool, 48, and Mark Allen, 32, appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday. The court heard that on March 5, last, at East Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, the two men allegedly wounded

each other. It is alleged too that Allen unlawfully and maliciously damaged Abdool’s $45,000 spectacles. When the charges were read to them, they both pleaded not guilty and submitted bail applications through their lawyers. Both Defence Attorneys urged the court to consider reasonable bail since their clients have had no priors and are not flight risks. Magistrate McLennan, in response, offered bail to both men.

Abdool who faces a single charge was granted bail in the sum of $40,000. Meanwhile, Allen was required to post $60,000 bail $40,000 for the wounding charge and $20,000 for malicious damage to property. Allen and Abdool were bonded to keep the peace pending the outcome of the trial. They are expected to appear before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry on April 8.

A 42-year-old labourer, who fled police custody while being held for a breakin, was yesterday sentenced to prison by Magistrate Faith McGusty after he confessed to the crime. The Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday heard that Kishore Dookil escaped from police custody at Providence, East Bank Demerara in an attempt to evade a charge of break and enter and larceny. According to the police,

between March 9 and March 10, last, he broke and entered the house of Narindra Maloya in Herstelling, East Bank Demerara and stole his Pioneer amplifier, two cellular phones, one bottle of Johnny Walker and $34,000. Dookil, a resident of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara admitted to both misdemeanours. He told the Magistrate that he regretted his actions and begged the court to be lenient. He was then sentenced to

one year in jail for the escape from lawful custody charge and 30 months for the break and enter and larceny. The jail terms will be served concurrently.

Labourer jailed for burglary, escaping from police custody

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Page 16

Kaieteur News

Friday March 28, 2014

Mahaica debris could be part of a space rocket - GCAA An object that was initially thought to be debris from a plane was said to more accurately resemble a space rocket component. Head of the Civil Aviation Authority Zulficar Mohamed told Kaieteur News that a report was received at around midday yesterday that a large “plane part” had washed up on the Mahaica, East Coast Demerara foreshore.

Mohamed mentioned that there had been no recent report of a plane crash or regional crash and this limited the possibility of it being related to a plane. Mohamed told Kaieteur News that the possibility exists that the debris could be from a rocket launched at the Guiana Space Centre, near Kourou in French Guiana. The Centre is the spaceport used by the

European Space Agency (ESA) to send supplies to the International Space Station using the Automated Transfer Vehicle. It also includes human space flights, a Google search of the agency related. Mohamed told Kaieteur News that the Authority will retrieve the debris. Reports say that another piece of debris was also located in the area.

The object that was retrieved from the Mahaica foreshore

Young mom kills two children with poison Tragedy struck the community of Perth, Mahaicony, shortly after 17.00hrs yesterday when a 21-year-old mother took the lives of her two children by feeding them a poisonous substance. Jabari Cadogan, 16 months, died at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, while his sister, four-year-old Odessa Gordon, succumbed some hours later at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), despite the best efforts of staffers to save her. The mother, identified as Awena Rutherford, 21, is also believed to have ingested the same poison. At press time, she remained in a critical condition at the GPHC’s Emergency Unit. Relatives said that Rutherford had given the children the deadly rodenticide known locally as ‘carbon tablets’, after telling them that she had “a surprise”

for them. Kaieteur News understands that the young mother had bought the rodenticide earlier in the day, in the vicinity of the Plaisance car park. Rutherford’s reputed husband, who lives overseas, reportedly called his mother earlier in the day and had asked her to keep the children at her Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara residence. Sometime in the afternoon, Rutherford reportedly went to Plaisance to collect the children. There was reportedly no indication that anything was amiss, so the aunt handed the children to their mother. Rutherford then took the children to her Perth, Mahaicony home, after saying “she had a surprise for them”. On arriving at Mahaicony, she allegedly broke one of the ‘tablets’ and gave half each to the children, while she reportedly swallowed two of

the ‘tablets’. Someone later informed the aunt that Rutherford had poisoned the children and that they were at Mahaicony Cottage Hospital. By the time that relatives arrived, little Jabari Cadogan was already dead, and arrangements were being made to transport his sister and mother to the GPHC. Several hysterical relatives accompanied the victims to the hospital, and broke into loud wailing after learning that the second child had also succumbed. While they were all at a loss as to what had caused the tragedy, Rutherford reportedly told police at the hospital that she was experiencing severe domestic problems and accused persons of spreading rumours about her. Relatives have contacted the woman’s overseas-based reputed husband and he is due to return to Guyana today.

Government has warned that any adjustments to the country’s tax system will have to be handled carefully as there are repercussions. President Donald Ramotar, responding to questions yesterday, made the statement while disclosing that a special committee tasked with reviewing Guyana’s tax system has almost completed its work. The Tax Reform Committee was appointed shortly after Ramotar assumed office in 2011 and was part of his campaign promise to the business

community. “Tax is the lifeblood of government revenue so it has to be handled very carefully and not in a piecemeal manner,” he said yesterday during a press conference. Of special concern to the business community was the Value Added Tax (VAT), which has been raking in billions every year since being introduced. Last year, more than $30B was collected. The committee, which initially included former Chairman of the Guyana Water Inc, Dr. Cyril Solomon; accountant, Ronald Alli; and Chairman of Banks DIH,

Clifford Reis, faced delays in its works. Solomon was ill and the administration had moved to replace him. The business community, including the Georgetown Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GCCI), had long signaled intentions to make recommendations for changes to the tax system to the committee. Tax reforms have been one of the biggest demands by businesses. Among other things, businesses have been calling for the VAT rate to be reduced.

Tax reform committee’s work almost completed

Friday March 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Ranks were transferred from Berbice to avoid “another Linden” Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell does not regret transferring all the ranks from the Number 51 Police Station in Berbice. Brumell, who leaves office next Monday, explained that his decision was done in the interest of public safety, since he did not want the situation in Berbice to escalate to the extent that it could develop into a hostile confrontation between members of the community and the police. Brumell had travelled to Berbice immediately after residents there staged a protest following another robbery. “I don’t regret, because when I saw what was happening, I knew people were spurring it up and I know if I didn’t take control there, we would have gotten

another Linden,” Brumell explained in an exclusive interview with this newspaper. Brumell came in for some criticism for the move, which was done in response to demands made by some Berbicians who had accused police ranks of carrying out a series of armed robberies in the ancient county. The criticism stemmed from the fact that the removal of the ranks was recommended by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee. But Brumell maintained that his decision was not influenced by the Minister’s recommendation. He told Kaieteur News that when he left Georgetown for Berbice, he had no intentions of transferring the ranks. However, when he arrived

Popular radio announcer in hot water …allegedly assaults teen over text message to male friend Once again, National Television Network (NTN) radio announcer, Ossie Rogers has landed himself in hot water. This time investigators are preparing to question Rogers about allegations made by a 13-year-old Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD) girl that he stormed into her yard and assaulted her. Kaieteur News learnt that the teenager and Rogers reportedly share the same male mutual friend. The radio announcer reportedly got annoyed after seeing a text message sent by the teen in his associate’s phone. At the centre of the controversy is a 15-year-old boy from Corentyne, Berbice. A police source informed this publication that they have already taken a statement from the teen and her mother, and are in the process of summoning the “main man”. Yesterday, the teen’s mother explained that she was in the upper flat of her Industry’s home when she noticed a car parked in front of her yard. “I was listening to music upstairs so I couldn’t really hear anything. When I peeped out I see a commotion and when I went downstairs, I see Ossie walking out. When I asked my daughter what happened, she say Ossie slapped her,” the mother stressed. The woman explained that her daughter informed her that the man stormed into the yard and demanded to see her phone. “She said that he grabbed her phone and searched it and when he didn’t see anything, he slapped her,” the mother further stressed. The mother claimed that as Rogers stormed out of the yard, he hurled abusive words at her and her daughter

Ossie Rogers while threatening to attack the duo with a piece of wood. According to the mother, it all started several months ago when a 15-year-old boy visited her home to meet with her brother. “My brother and this boy are friends, but I didn’t know that this boy de like my daughter. This boy say that Ossie is his stepfather, but is now I hear the two of them live home,” the devastated mother stressed. The woman added that after she found out that the 15-yearold had liked her daughter, she asked him not to return to her home. “He never come back, but he use to message my daughter and like Ossie see the message or something and got upset. When he was leaving, he cursing and saying that police can’t do him anything,” the woman added. Last November, Sparendaam Magistrate Alex Moore found Rogers guilty of resisting arrest and failing to comply with a lawful direction by a police officer. He was fined and ordered to complete 53 hours community service. An arrest warrant was later issued for him by Magistrate Moore when he did not show up. Rogers later moved to the High Court to appeal Magistrate Moore’s decision.

- Brumell at the venue where he met with residents, he was greeted by a “hostile” crowd. “It was up there that I decided that I was transferring people….While I was talking, no matter what, I was not getting through to these people,” Brumell stated. It was only after he relented and announced that he was

going to transfer the ranks that the residents calmed down. “When I said, ‘okay, I will transfer the ranks’, the people started to clap!” “When you see people say the police were robbing, which I know they were not… These kinds of confrontation where people throwing molotov cocktails… people would have been injured, and I did not want that,” the Commissioner explained. Brumell was asked if the

situation had occurred in another section of Guyana, would he have done the same. He responded, “Yes, as long as I saw there would have been a hostile confrontation and doing that would have solved it, yes.” According to Brumell, a similar response was taken by the police force in response to the situation at Linden during the unrest there, which saw three persons killed. “We made a lot of changes in Linden. Many people from

Linden we moved and brought to town.” Brumell pointed out that despite being transferred from Berbice, none of the ranks have left the job. “I know two ladies came up after and said, ‘the police ain’t robbing, is people setting up people fuh seh that de police robbing’. But I moved my ranks in the interest of the country, and that is one thing that I don’t have regrets about,” Brumell stated.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

FOR SALE Toyota Forklift - Excellent condition, 4,000lbs capacity, 117" Lift, Solid Wheels, Automatic Transmission, 4 Cylinder LPG Motor. Call: 604-6108.

Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Live/pluck chicken call: 6504421, 220-9203

6½ Month old Germand Shepherd, fully vaccinated – Contact:683-4832 or 263-5755 Complete sawmill operation with lots of equipment, customers & suppliers and large land space – Contact Swamee: 614-1466; 678-1421 GET OUR SECURITY SYSTEMTHAT MONITORS AND RECOVERS YOUR CAR IF STOLEN - $120,000 CALL: 601-6392

1 Music system, 3 crown amps, Numark CD player crossover & mixer, 2 base box with 15" Mid range & tweeters – Call:619-2800 Fishing boat, 5" nylon Seine, 40 Hp Yamaha - $1.6M - Tel: 267-1563; 691-3501 / 4162667627 One 14" river dredge in excellent condition - Call: 669-8985 Fishing boat with Yamaha Engine 15 H.P (almost new) Call:265-5564; 627-2541 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Extra Cab 2002, Nissan Frontier $2.9M, 4X4 Extra Cab 2002, DJSystem - $2.8M– Tel:6959807 1 Black Lexus 470 SUV Tel:656-0878; 225-5334 Tibetan Terrier pupsCall:225-4780; 601-5927 1 Stall @ Stabroek Market – Tel:658-0115; 718-757-8031 1 Canon Image runner #2525 – Contact: 652-0709 Cooler chest/fridge 15 cubic, good for shop use $100,000Call:683-4803, 225-9871 Barge 200ft in length as is – Call:623-4045 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 Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600 & Original Games Call: 672-2566 Plough - New 2 pan dish plough; Made in India; excellent quality. $220,000 (neg). Call 257-0212 or 6288487. 1 Used Model M Truck with winch. Price:$5M negotiable – Contact:601-0763 DAF Engines, Cummings engine, axles, springs, gear boxes, etc - Contact:6159332; 641-0932;695-0023 Canadian rebuilt Perkins Duetz engine, Lincoln generator welder, model M with winch, 320 excavator Call:691-2921

PS3 CONTROLLERS, PS3 & XBOX360 SYSTEMS, EACH WITH TWO CONTROLLERS, ORIGINAL PS3, PS2, XBOX GAMEDISCS – CONTACT MAX: 6098132; 672-8569 Kingston flash drive and memory card - Call: 675-2239 Energy Saver Bulbs, Tacoma/ Tundra, lights and parts, power tools & 1 Toyota Funcargo Van - Call:680-6374 Massey, Yanmar Ford 5000 Logging/ Agriculture Tractors, parts, Loader & Ford TruckCall:615-1578/694-3595:Tools & Chainsaw-668-2831 One unregistered – 65 CF 210 flat bed, one 50 160 Recovery DAF- Contact:615-9332; 6410932; 695-0023 One 210 Hyundai Excavator with one complete 6" Dredge and also 4" Dredge Contact: 650-2391

PROPERTY FOR SALE

FOR RENT

2 Income properties at bargain price - $40M negotiable - Tel: 686-4899; 684-3718

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Property for sale.Call:6275416 Unfinished two storey concrete house @ Bladen Hall E.C.D – Call:688-6316 Sophia ‘C’ Field - $3M – Call:618-7483; 665-3499 Campbellville (2 buildings) $25M, Near Regent Street $35M, AA Eccles - $56M, Lamaha Gardens – $55M. Contact Diana: 227-2256; 626-9382 Prime Business property, huge land space, 200'X50', next to Police Outpost @ Mc Doom 233-0570 Sunflower @ 229 Bourda Georgetown – Call:269-1274; 269-0264; 647-8798

EDUCATIONAL Balloon decorating classes – April 05 - Call: 225-3133; 6137513 for more information and to register. Practical Electronic courses begining 7th April @ Abdol Electronics - Tel: 226-6551; 225-0391 Join our continuous class in cake decoration - Contact: 698-9075.

One upper flat @ 6th Street Cummings Lodge ECD - Call: 622-3580 One Semi furnished apartment to rent at Industry ECD - Tel: 222-6001 Two bedroom bottom flat apartment fully grilled with overhead tank and parking, place in Herstelling. Call:6282660

TO LET

LAND FOR SALE House lots in Friendship. Tel: 692-8513 3 Acres Land @ Parika Backdam E.B.E – Call: 6174837 Parafaite Harmonie - $1.3M and $1.5M, Schoonard $2M, Herstelling – $3M Contact: 675-7292 Loo & Madewini creek $7M, Queenstown -$25M – Call:231-2199; 618-7483

MASSAGE

MASSAGES

GT TOOLS RENTAL, RAMSON SPECIAL - TEL: 675-0767; 627-5098 House in Diamond/Grove Tel:692-8513

Zone Rber Block VII Parcel 1983, next to Parbhu Hardware, Parika - Tel:2691274; 269-0264; 647-8798

One Mobile Food Caravan Contact: 675-5448 The Gents Spa: Deep tissue, Swedish massages, sport massage, aromatherapy, body scrubs Call: 657-5979

Friday March 28, 2014

LEARN TO DRIVE Ultravoilet Driving School – Contact:231-2372;6022583;658-4015

Wings Two bedrooms apartment - Tel: 643-1131; 225-3234 1 – 3 Bedrooms bottom & top flat front house near hospital vicinity @ East Street, fully grilled, AC, parking – Call:225-3756; 6781913 Campbellville - $60,000$100,000 -$US1200, Section ‘K’ - $US1200, Atlantic Gardens - $US600 – $US800 Contact Diana: 227-2256; 626-9382 One bedroom apartment at Vreed-En- Hoop 3 houses in from the junction - Call:6610162 Fully furnished apartments $4,000-$6,000 per night Call:223-0994 2 & 3 bedrooms apartment, close proximity to U.G & Teachers Training Colledge. preferably Students & working persons - Call:6859127

Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 PEN PAL Man seeks female Guyanese friend (17-30) Email (iluvguyanesewomen @yahoo.com) 1-246-8356908 (7pm -8pm only)

1 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 4X4 solid Axle pickup -$2.7M Tel: 658-5193; 638-2525; 6484374 EP-82 Starlet-Call: 685-9696 1- 2007 Toyota 4X4 Tacoma for sale Call: 670-3328 for more information. Toyota Tundra 4X4, Clean $2.450M – Call: 662-6024 Unregistered Toyota Premio $2.450, Toyota Spacio $2.250 Tel: 616-3001; 6284284 AT192 - Call: 602-0236 Toyota Raum, Spacio, AT212, AT192, AT170, NZE and L- Touring wagon, Nissan E24 Caravan – Tel: 644-5096; 697-1453 One Honda Accord DX manual transmission, excellent condition - Call:6185972; 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:658-5193; 638-2525; 648-4374 Toyota Fun Cargo, RZ minibus, IST, 4X4 Hilux pickup - Tel: 644-5096; 6971453 2004 Toyota Raum $2M @ MRR Autos, Cheap online vehicle deals – Call:691-7475; 626-9590 One registered Allion 2003. Colour: Silver, In excellent condition- Call:665-4529; 6523820 Smart Choice Auto Sales: Unregistered: Premio, Allex, IST, Spacio, Allion - Call:6523820; 665-4529 One RX-8 Mazda fully air conditioned, stick gear, wheel lights, fog lamps, power windows - Tel: 653-2477 Passenger Diesel Turbo Bus, Late “NN” Series – Call: 617-3124 1 Toyota Will VS fully loaded, drop springs, etc. 1 Toyota Auris Fully loaded - Call: 623-2999

Shalom Driving School @ 2 Croal street. Fee $16,000Call:227-3869 Alleyne’s Professional Driving School @ 651 East Ruimveldt, Best Prices Call :226-9181; 613-0223; 6689331

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota Minibus pit-bull, BRR Series, immaculate condition, owner leaving country – Tel:629-3663

RX8 Price - $3M - Tel:6026024.

CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental- Call: 225-7126/226-3693dollysautorental@yahoo. com/www.dolly sautorental. com Aidan’s Car Rental & Pickup Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807 Wings Car Rental - Call: 6431131

One Toyota Allion, in excellent condition - Price: $2M negotiable, with CD deck & mag rims, - Call:6823600 AT192 Toyota Carina PGG 7420 - Call:695-1915 BKK Minibus, stick gear in good working condition Call:693-2174; 234-0706 One New Model Toyota 212 with A/C, Mags, alarm, remote start - Call:648-0494

VEHICLE FOR SALE 600 CBR Bike - $350,000, 3VZ Tacoma Engine $400,000 - Call:617-7113 Spacio- Body kit, TV/DVD, camera, dark interior, unregistered, price starting - $2.1M - Call: 617-2891 One 8,000 Ford Tractor, one 450 Ford Towing Truck & one pair 38 Tractor Wheel Contact Floyd: 694-5599 One ‘KK’ series Mini-bus for sale. Price: $1.35 Million negotiable - Contact Alvin on: 645-2613 1 Toyota Verossa 18” Chrome rims, excellent condition, low milage Price:$3,000,000 - Tel:6823396; 665-7206 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call:6803154 1 -1RZ, 15 seater, automatic mini-bus, BNN 3760 - $1.7M Negotiable. Good condition, never used for public transportation – Tel:6280310 ; 672-5429 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN & RZ & Pitbull buses, 7 seater super custom. Cash / termsCall:680-3154

VACANCY Live in housekeeper 3045yrs to take care of infant, long term employment - Call: 697-8797 Experienced Cashiers to work @ supermarket on the East Coast. Must have Point of sale Knowledge. Age:2545 - Call:629-8469 1 Security guard, between ages 35-45, police clearance @ Status Int’l Hotel, 102-109 Sandeman Place & Croal St. Stabreok - Tel:227-7616 Sales clerks / Casheirs, commitment to customer services required. Apply : Kards Plus Gift Centre @ City Mall, Camp St. - Call:227-1846 Vacancy for Sales Representative in a vehicle /spare parts company. Apply Within Nagoya Trading 137 Grandsville Park B.V. 220-2104 Salesgirls and porters at D. Singh & Sons, 95 King Street Georgetown - Tel:226-0881 SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Continued on page 31

Friday March 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Letters... Where your views make the news

Reparations for slavery justifies equal... From page 4 accountable be it the Arabs slave traders, European financiers, ship owners, plantation buyers and African tribes. Slave offsprings need to move beyond only an apology and calculate the monetary value due. Horrific crimes committed by race against race deserves due compensation. Still, could there be other means of resolution? When the reparations of satisfaction have been secured and safely deposited in a local Guyana owned bank, only then would the process of healing, atonement and closure have been fully and completely served for all. In the meantime, all those innocent victims and descendants of the 1964 Wismar massacre who also suffered horrific crimes , targeted only by automatic guilt of race especially from those of our modern civilized creolized society making it most heinous and outstandingly inhumane, would of course also be due “equality” of justice by expeditious compensation . In Dwarka Nath’s book,” A History of Indian in Guyana” he noted some 1,600 Indo Guyanese were assaulted, homes and business looted and set afire, women and children raped and brutalized and their gold, silver jeweler and savings stolen by Afro Guyanese gangs while the police did nothing. Those Wismar Indians and descendants must urgently file an injunction now, for the record, and start a class action law suit against the town and citizens of Wismar for adequate compensation. The AFC would no doubt be their best support-

ers and with lawyers Khemraj Ramjattan and Nigel Huges fighting their case, victory is assured considering their excellent experiences. Encouragement for such urgent course of justice was sanctioned by no other than Hinds in the KN of 3-24-14 who noted “One can no doubt make the same claim from both an Indian Guyanese and an Amerindian Guyanese standpoint. Indeed, Indian Guyanese made similar charges during the tenure of the PNC” … but they unfortunately, never followed it to conclusion because of more than laziness and indolence. truth be told. Look. It’s not too late you know. David especially, would be most supportive of reparations for Wismar 1964. In fact he may also become monumented by future generations of Guyanese because, as he himself wrote in the KN of 3-24-14, no more did “Blackness became synonymous with, among other things, backwardness, indolence, shallowness, unreason and laziness… (especially after historic) … characterization of Blackness as inferiorthe White Racial Framefound its way into laws and socio-economic and political

policies” but which was all overcome by reparation settlement. That David may be supportive of Wismar reparations should be appreciated if not commended, resolved as he is by choice within the cocooned isolationist past for ultimate self sufficiency emergence of excellence most familiar only to him or whomever. Claims for adequate reparations, much justified by the ravages of slavery is understandable and exemplary without any cause to keep any other(s) manacled forever, as is. Tennant status of Guyana’s native population will find redress, adjustment and closure since justice and “equality” matters are nonrestrictive. While Portuguese, Indian and Chinese (PIC) long gone indenturedship found no foreign fairy godmothers (UK and US) in aid of their own closure and adjustment they also cannot be expected to be without freedom to be unhitched from agitating problems not of their making or resolution. Either we swim together federated or develop separately in partition. Hinds sight does not restrict only way to be free. Vassan Ramracha

WANTED Sales representative for the distribution of groceries/ beverages. Send application to Maya @ Lot 24 Saffon Street Charlestown One Trained Carnegie/ Home Economics Cook. Four (4) times per week - Call: 6144358 Research Analysist, Models & Singers, great pay & good working hours - Call:6221957 Monday-Friday, between 9am-5pm One Handyman to work in the Interior - Call: 681-6044 Attractive Live in waitress – Tel:228-5129; 604-8277 Workers for land dredge – Tel:694-2310 One cook/cleaner to work in a snackette/bar between age 20-35yrs – Call:647-7432 or 223-5798 licenced driver / sales person, working on commission @ Cuddle’s Touch - Call: 689-8085

From page 30

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 6472943 COOL TECH: Repairs Services & Installation of all types of home appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

DRESSMAKING Jean is Offering courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral and cake decoration Contact:670-2653 or 618-1706

Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) If You are interested in a professional DJ for the Interior/Bartica- Contact: 6700387, 226-2467 or email: anthonywillpower@gmail.com We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar B R I D G E WAT E R CONSTRUCTIONS – CO: NEWHOMESREMODELING, NEWBATHROOMS,TILE& MARBLE INSTALLATION, FREE ESTIMATES – CALL: 660-6935; 676-9660; 269094

WANTED One professional costmetologist to work in Eccles - Tel: 639-7672; 658-4429 One live in maid for Georgetown preferable from country sideContact:699-5359 Cook & female bouncers. Apply in person @ El Club Latino, during 4:00pm6:00pm (Tues – Sat) @ 57 Hadfield & Lime Streets, South Cummingsburg Salesgirls & Porters. Apply with written application at Lot E Dennis & Middleton Street, Best Buy Food Supplies. CHAINSAW LUMBER: Kabukalli, Shibadan, Silverballi, Simarupa, etc – Tel:653-9752 One live in Domestic between age 40-60yrs - Call: 220-9873 Live in waitress- Call:6439007/ 697-2978 Experienced driver & dispatcher @ Princess Hotel Tel: 265-7075; 265-7076; 6165419 One experienced welder to work in interior – Call:6816044 Urgently needed live in waitresses to work in Bar. Offering reasonable salary. Tel: 259-0574 1 general domestic to cook, experienced cashier, counter servers, pastry makers, handy-boys Apply @ Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce St.

HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843 or 2272766

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Friday March 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Weather frustrates hunt for missing Malaysian jet as new leads reported (Reuters) - High winds and icy weather halted the air search yesterday for a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet presumed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean, just as new satellite images emerged showing w h a t could be a large debris field from the plane. The latest possible sightings of wreckage from Flight MH370, which went missing 19 days ago, were captured by Thai and Japanese satellites in roughly the same remote expanse of sea as earlier images reported by France, Australia and China. “We detected floating objects, perhaps more than 300,” Anond Snidvongs, the head of T h a i l a n d ’s s p a c e technology development agency, told Reuters. “We have never said that the pieces are part of MH370 but have so far identified them only as floating objects.” A Japanese satellite also captured images of 10 objects which could be part of the plane, Kyodo news agency quoted the government as saying on Thursday.

An international search team of 11 military and civilian aircraft and five ships had been heading for an area where more than 100 objects that could be from the Boeing 777 had been identified by French satellite pictures earlier this week, but severe weather forced the planes to turn back. “The forecast in the area was calling for severe icing, severe turbulence and near-zero visibility,” said Lieutenant Commander Adam Schantz, the officer in charge of the U.S. Navy Poseidon P8 maritime surveillance aircraft detachment. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which is coordinating the effort, confirmed flights had been called off but said ships continued to search despite battering waves. “ I t ’s t h e n a t u r e o f search and rescue. It’s a fickle beast,” Flying Officer Peter Moore, the captain of an Australian AP-3C Orion, told Reuters aboard the plane after it turned around 600 miles from the search zone. “This is incredibly

important to us. The reality is we have 239 people whose families want some information and closure.” The Malaysian airliner, on a routine flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, is thought to have crashed with the loss of a l l 2 3 9 people aboard after flying thousands of miles off course. The objects spotted by the Thai satellite were between 2 metres (6.5 ft) and 16 metres (52 ft) in size and were in an area around 2,700 km (1,680 miles) southwest of Perth, Snidvongs said. The pictures were taken on Monday, a day after a satellite operated by France-based Airbus Defence & Space spotted 122 potential objects in a 400 sq km (155 sq mile) area of ocean around 2,500 km southwest of the Western Australian city. The pictures by the Japanese satellite were taken on Wednesday of debris about 2,500 km (1,553 miles) southwest of Perth, the biggest measuring 4 by 8 metr e s , a g o v e r n m e n t official said.

Russia to set up own payment system MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that Russia will set up its own payment system to rival Visa and MasterCard after the companies pulled their services from several banks in the wake of the sanctions imposed on the country. Last week, the United States and the European Union imposed travel bans and asset freezes on two

dozen Russians who are believed to be Putin’s close allies, following the country’s annexation of Crimea. The banks of some of those individuals reported suspension of card services. Vi s a and M a sterCard suspended services for St. Petersburgbased bank Rossiya, which was specifically targeted by U.S. sanctions, and two of its

subsidiary lenders. In a meeting with Russian lawmakers Putin said the country’s central bank is “working hard” to set up Russia’s own payment system, citing the recent troubles facing Rossiya and others. “This is not our decision,” he said in televised comments. “We have to protect our interests, and we will do it.”

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Changes must be made... WI head coach and captains From page 36 of young players to give them exposure since the senior players have not won a title at this level since 1998. Players like Trevon Griffith and West Indies Under-19 player Shimron Hetymer could come in for Deonarine and Fudadin, who has changed his style from free scoring to ultra defensive. Not everyone can bat as long as Shiv Chanderpaul and still be there at the end with a big score to show for his work. Fudadin is not Chanderpaul and Taignarine, who is very talented, is not his father. Shiv should step up and let the youngsters bat around him. Off the field Shiv seems

to be trying his best to get into the heads of the batsmen but clearly, they are not learning quickly enough. It’s also imperative that Government pumps some money into the resuscitation of school cricket grounds and invests in a proper nationwide schools cricket programme while Sports Minister Dr. Frank Anthony should initiate the setting up of a cricket Academy at the National Stadium which he promised a few years ago. Roger Harper or Monty Lynch, Guyana’s two most qualified Coaches, should be given control of the senior National team with Esaun Crandon performing the duties as bowling Coach.

Harper is a strict disciplinarian and if there is anyone who can change the dispassionate attitude of the players and get the hunger to win, back in the team, it’s Harper. The GCB and Government both have roles to play in the development of Guyana’s cricket. But that would never happen if the two bodies continue down the war path and officials on both sides don’t stop stroking their egos. Four-day cricket in the Region is dying a painful death and some of the money from the highly commercialized T20 format should be used to provide life support to the longer version of the game while there is still some hope.

Friday March 28, 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.

added to selection panel

The West Indies head coach, Ottis Gibson and captains Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo have been added to the selection panel, as part of 19 recommendations approved by the board of directors of the West Indies Cricket Board to help improve the game in the region. The recommendations were presented by Richard Pybus, the WICB’s director of cricket. The 33-page Pybus Report follows a comprehensive three month, region-wide study which he conducted between November 2013 and January 2014. Pybus, who coached Pakistan and Bangladesh apart from a host of domestic teams around the world, took on his new position last October. Gibson will have voting rights in the selection panel while Sammy (Test and T20 captain) and Bravo (ODI

Richard Pybus

captain) are in the panel as non-voting members. They will be added to the panel that includes Clyde Butts (chairman), Robert Haynes and Courtney Browne.

Another significant recommendation was the restructuring of the first-class game in the region. There will be a structured year-round cricket programme with each team playing a minimum of ten matches per season with a home and away format, stretching the domestic season to six months. In a bid to further professionalise the game, annual contracts will be given to 15 players from each territorial board. There will be professional coaching staff for all firstclass teams and all matches will be played at international standard grounds. The WICB will appoint a Coaching Manager to implement and oversee coaching programme throughout the region and implement the Elite Coaches Pathway programme which will identify current and former players for accelerated coaching training. There was a recommendation to downsize the number of first-class teams from seven to six to make the Regional Four Day more competitive, but the decision was deferred.

Chennai and Rajasthan... From page 35 is captained by India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Devastating Impact Such a ban would have a devastating impact on the eight-team IPL which is due to resume next month in the United Arab Emirates. The start of this year’s tournament has been relocated as India is holding a general election. On Tuesday, the court had urged Srinivasan to stand down as president of the board to enable a “fair” investigation into the allegations.

Friday March 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Malaysian Grand Prix: Formula Serena beats Sharapova 1 to honour MH370 passengers to reach ninth Miami final Formula 1 will pay tribute to the passengers on missing flight MH370 at Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix. The plane, travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, disappeared on March 8 and is thought to have crashed with the loss of all 239 people on board. Drivers are expected to carry messages on cars and helmets and there will be a minute’s silence before the race. “It’s devastating to hear about it,” said Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. “All you can do is pray.” Fellow Briton and McLaren driver Jenson Button added: “It’s good that the whole of the paddock are running tributes. “It’s devastating. I really feel for all the families. We will do all we can. It’ll be difficult this weekend for all the Malaysian people.” Several countries are involved in the ongoing search for the Malaysia Airlines plane that vanished from air traffic controllers’ screens over the South China Sea. On Monday, the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that “beyond reasonable doubt” the aircraft crashed in the southern Indian Ocean with

no survivors. No debris has been recovered. Nico Rosberg, who won the season’s opening race in Australia, said: “I’ve experienced firsthand how everybody in Malaysia is thinking of families and friends. “There are billboards and signs here with people who have put stickers up with messages on them.” Race organisers have toned down events around the weekend, with the cancellation of a concert

featuring American singer Christina Aguilera and Rain. More than 84,000 spectators attended the 120,000-capacity Sepang circuit in 2013, but the venue might only be a third full for this year’s race. Razlan Razali, CEO of the Sepang circuit, said: “We remind ourselves that this is a huge international event, regardless of our state of mourning. “The world will be on us to see how fragile or how strong [we are]. So we have a huge responsibility to put on a good show.”

New Delhi (AFP) - India’s Supreme Court recommended yesterday that batting legend Sunil Gavaskar step in as head of the country’s cricket board and banned two teams from this year’s IPL over their role in a betting scandal. After warning the incumbent N. Srinivasan that they could order him to quit, a panel of judges proposed 64-year-old Gavaskar take over on an interim basis as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The two-man panel also said the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals —

the two teams at the centre of an ongoing probe into illegal betting and match-fixing — should be barred from the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) beginning next month. The IPL, a Twenty20 tournament that draws some of the biggest names in world cricket, has been embroiled in a number of scandals since it began less than a decade ago. The panel is looking at a damning report it commissioned into wrongdoing in last year’s tournament when former Test bowler Shanthakumaran

Sreesanth was caught deliberately bowling badly while playing for the Rajasthan Royals in return for thousands of dollars from bookmakers. Released in February, the report also concluded that Srinivasan’s son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan — who was the team principal of the Chennai Super Kings — could be guilty of illegal betting on IPL games. The Super Kings are owned by India Cements. Srinivasan is managing director of this firm. The team (Continued on page 32)

Jenson Button speaks with the Media

Chennai and Rajasthan will not be allowed to participate in IPL-7

Serena Williams shakes hands with Maria Sharapova following her victory Reuters - World number one Serena Williams continued her decade-long domination over Maria Sharapova with a clinical 6-4 6-3 win yesterday to reach her ninth Sony Open final. The rematch of last year’s final produced the same result as Williams, a six-time winner on the Miami hardcourts, ran her winning streak against Sharapova to 15 matches, a stunning run that stretches back to 2004. Sharapova and Williams, who have both achieved a career grand slam and held the number one ranking, were expected to develop into one of the great rivalries in women’s tennis. But it has not quite worked out that way with Williams winning 16-of18 meetings between the two. In Sharapova’s 16 losses, the Russian has only managed to take two sets off the 17-times grand slam winner. “Despite my results against her, I still look forward to playing against her because you learn so much from that type of level which she produces,” said Sharapova. “There is no reason for me to have any pressure because of my results against her. “She’s an incredible champion. That’s

the reason she’s at the top. “She’s accomplished a lot, her tennis speaks for itself and I have nothing to lose out there against her.” Proving there is no place like home, Williams, who lives an hour’s drive from the Tennis Center at Crandon Park, has won the Miami event more than any other tournament, the six titles one better than her five U.S. Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon grand slam wins. She can add a seventh Miami trophy to her collection on Saturday against the winner of Thursday’s other semi-final between Chinese world number two Li Na and Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova. A five-time runnerup in Miami, Sharapova had her chances to end the drought grabbing the early break in both sets but could

not turn the advantage into a win. The fourth seed stepped onto a blustery center court looking focused and determined and was rewarded with the first break to go up 4-1. But Williams was soon back in control breaking Sharapova twice as she swept through the next five games to take the opening set. Sharapova also opened the second set with an early break to go 2-0 but again the 32-year-old American was ready, answering right back with a break of her own. The Russian held serve just once more before Williams moved into high gear tearing through the last four games, putting an exclamation point on the contest by closing out the match with another break when Sharapova slammed a forehand return into the net.

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Negativity! Guyana’s bugbear Says Sean Devers Negative batting by the top order and questionable tactics proved Guyana’s bugbear in their first four matches resulting in the Guyanese, once a power house in regional cricket in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s, ending in the cellar position with two meaningless matches remaining in this year’s Regional four-day cricket competition. This is arguably the worst standard of Regional FirstClass cricket in modern times and even with the bonus points system and playing with pink balls and white clothes at night, the organizers have failed to attract the spectators to grounds, which barely had a handful of diehard fans present. The pitches, especially the ones for the two matches in Guyana, were not good for ‘playing through the line’ with balls keeping low from the first day. The pink balls used for the night matches proved difficult to ‘pick up’ against the black background and the white uniforms and

this was compounded by lights at 3Ws Oval in Barbados being too low for this level of cricket. While this added to the poor cricket, the players themselves must take most of the blame, especially the seniors, for the dwindling crowds, even with no cover charge being required for entry to match venues. If the overall standard of play does not inspire hope of a West Indies revival in Test cricket anytime soon, Guyana’s performance was simply pathetic and if you think I am being too critical the statistics tell the story. Guyana collected just three batting bonus points out of a possible five per match with first innings scores of 117 against hosts Jamaica, 140 against defending champions Barbados at Providence, 213 (1 point) against the Windward Islands at Providence (when rain helped Guyana draw a match they should have won with a more positive approach) and 263 (2 points) against CCC who beat Guyana for the fourth

Friday March 28, 2014

Changes must be made now

Roger Harper Anand Sanasie

Dr. Frank Anthony

Shiv Chanderpaul

consecutive time at the Cave Hill Campus venue. Fifteen ducks were recorded by Guyanese batsmen with Test left-hander Narsingh Deonarine, who seems to have totally lost confidence, making five of them. Insanity was once described as doing the same thing over and over but yet

expecting different results. The Guyanese batted at pedestrian pace from their opening game against Jamaica. They continued in this mood throughout their next three matches reaching a crescendo of negativity in their last game against CCC when openers Assad Fudadin and Taignarine Chanderpaul labored two hours for 44 runs before Chanderpaul edged a catch to the keeper for eight from 78 balls in one of the most boring opening sessions of First-Class cricket. And the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), the tournament organizers, are baffled as to the reason more and more people are finding better things to do with their time than watch cricketers whose standard of play is not much higher that first division cricket in Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados and Guyana three decades ago. Each Territorial Board in addition to CCC reportedly collects US$35,000 to host matches while players can earn millions in the various T20 franchises around the world. No wonder there is little motivation to perform at this level by the senior players and that selfish attitude of self preservation unfortunately seems to be filtering down to the others in the team. When I played, love, passion and pride were the main motivators but now money supersedes those things. It’s good that the players are now well paid but their performance must match their salary. Only four batsmen scored half-centuries with Fudadin getting two, yet Vishaul Singh who made 73 in Jamaica and is one of five Guyanese with 100 runs in the tournament (111 from 3 matches) was surprisingly replaced by 20year-old rookie Chanderpaul

Hemraj for the last match. Hemraj failed to reach 25 in any of his two innings. Only Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble, who made an unbeaten 64 against CCC, managed a strike rate of 50 while Skipper Leon Johnson, who missed the first three matches due to a knee injury, looked Guyana’s most fluent batsman. With the repeated failure of Deonarine, who kept his place in the side because of his reputation and off-spin bowling, veteran Shiv Chanderpaul could have been promoted to higher than his number six position to Sheppard the flock, especially when the inexperienced Hemraj batted at five. Of all the teams in the seven-team tournament Guyana scored the slowest and despite Skipper Johnson understandably defending the slow scoring by the batsman, there is no doubt that this ultra cautious ploy cost the team points, especially when Guyana were set 209 to win by the Windwards in almost a day’s play and finished 38 short when bad light halted play with four overs remaining. Even without Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shiv Chanderpaul, (for two matches due to a thumb injury) and Johnson, Guyana have several capable batsmen in their line-up yet they only passed 250 twice. The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is often blamed for inadequate preparation but they cannot be blamed this time. It was agreed by most that the selectors picked the best possible team and the GCB provided the players with enough match practice, even under lights for the night games. The GCB had to pay for the use of the National Stadium for the practice match for the National team. Two Soldiers were recruited by the GCB to train the team. Manager Alvin

Johnson feels the team was badly struck by the ‘flu’ during the Regional Super50 in Trinidad because their resistance was low due to the intense workout sessions. This is a fair comment but it’s not the Board’s job to babysit professionals to ensure they entered the encampment period reasonably fit. Ronsford Beaton is a wonderful prospect but the genuinely quick 21-year-old has to be carefully managed by people who know what they are doing since the Essequibian seems to lack the strength to produce second and third spells without dropping his pace. It would be a pity if he ends up on the wayside like Brandon Bess. At a time when Guyana is searching for quality fast bowlers, 6ft 5 inch Ruan Johnson made an impressive debut against Barbados, who are usually good against pace. However, he was shockingly dropped for the next match when his new ball partner Keon Joseph did not bowl a single ball in the second innings. The Albion trio of spinners Veerasammy Permaul, Deonarine and Devendra Bishoo bowled all the overs and took all the second innings wickets against the Windwards. It’s no wonder why players the likes of Johnson get frustrated and focus on sports like Basketball, or worse yet, crime. On a track which everyone (maybe except the tour selectors) knew would provide far more pace and bounce than the ones at Providence, Joseph was dropped and replaced by Raun Johnson while Hemraj surprisingly came into the side. Skipper Johnson says he wants to win the last two matches for Guyana and for pride but with no hopes of a semi-final spot now, it would be better to lose with a bunch (Continued on page 34)

Friday March 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Hales ton keeps England alive A breathtaking display from Alex Hales, who hammered England’s first T20 hundred, inspired a beleaguered team to their highest-ever T20 run chase as they hunted down 190 to overcome Sri Lanka and keep alive a realistic chance of progressing in the tournament. It was an astonishing turnaround after a shambolic fielding display which included four dropped catches and a missed run-out to allow Sri Lanka to reach an imposing 189 including a stand of 145 between Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan. England found themselves 0 for 2 after the first over of their chase before a brilliantly calculated assault by Hales and Eoin Morgan who added 152 in 15.2 overs for the third wicket. Hales, who was dropped on 55 at deep square-leg by Jayawardene as fielding woes afflicted both teams, closed out the match with three sixes in six balls after Nuwan Kulasekara, who began with a double-wicket maiden, returned to remove Morgan and Jos Buttler in the 17th over to bring Sri Lanka back into the match but they could not stop Hales’ onslaught. But the brief role played by Ravi Bopara should not be overlooked either, as he deflected two boundaries to third man in Lasith Malinga’s final over to ensure England had some breathing space. Crucially, Malinga went wicketless - and conceded nearly eight an over - while Ajantha Mendis was dispatched for 52 which included 25 off his final over to swing the chase firmly England’s way. Before this match Hales jointly held the record for England’s highest T20 innings - 99 shared with Luke Wright - and this time was not to be denied three figures as he cracked a fourth six, over cover, during his final dip to reach a hundred off 60 balls. “It was one of the best knocks I’ve ever seen,” a delighted, relief, and slightly hoarse Stuart Broad said. An overseas season of regular misery for England appeared to be having another chapter added to it when Michael Lumb missed his first-over heave at Kulasekara and Moeen Ali edged to second slip first ball, but Hales and Morgan kept their composure which is not something that has been said much of this team in recent months. After nine overs England were well behind the required rate on 56 for 2, but Morgan then went after Angelo

Eoin Morgan helped get England back in the game, England v Sri Lanka, World T20, Group 1, Chittagong, March, 27, 2014 © Getty Mathews and Mendis, struggling with a wet ball and not holding any fear. 29 came in the next two overs to kickstart the chase. In the space of six overs, which brought 86 runs, an asking rate that had reached 12.18 came down to far less imposing 9.60. Morgan’s half-century came after a run of 10 T20I innings where he had a top score of 34 and he struck the ball crisply, especially a reverse sweep and a lofted drive over cover off Mendis. Hales’ last 54 runs came from just 20 balls and such was the way England targeted Mendis, Mathews and Thisara Perera (off whose bowling Jayawardene spilled Hales) they could afford to take a more cautious approach off Malinga’s final two overs. England’s memorable chase meant that a moment of controversy early in the match did not hold as much significance come the end. Facing his first ball, Jayawardene was squared up by Jade Dernbach and the outside edge flew towards Lumb at point who dived forward to claim the chance in a rare example of international-standard fielding. But Jayawardene, as is his right, stood his ground and that immediately threw open the prospect of what happened next. After rocking and rolling the replays for a considerable

time the third umpire, Steve Davis, decided there was enough doubt over whether the ball had carried. There was disbelief from England; Dernbach almost lost his cool although Broad, already a touch light in the pocket after the New Zealand match, just about managed to bite his lip. What could (and, by all logical views, should) have been 4 for 2 then descended into chaos for England. All their practice with wet balls was certainly not a case of making perfect. Jayawardene was given three lives - a catch on 19, a run out on 42 and another catch on 80 - while the out-of-form Dilshan was shelled on 21 during a halfcentury that equalled his slowest in T20. To cap the innings, Thisara Perera was put down in the last over by Bopara at wide long-on who, surprisingly, was not given a bowl. But while he had fortune, Jayawardene also played another calculated and deft T20 innings. His fifty came off 32 balls and his next 37 runs took 18 balls to leave him within sight of a second century before he missed a straight ball from Chris Jordan. At the midway mark few expected him to be on the losing side. England 190 for 4 (Hales 116*, Morgan 57) beat Sri Lanka 189 for 4 (Jayawardene 89, Dilshan 55) by six wickets.

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Tahir spares South Africa embarrassment They did it at Lord’s in the opening match of the World T20 five years ago. Then, Netherlands stunned England to announce the Associate threat in the shortest format. They did not look anywhere close to do doing it three days ago, when they were skittled out for the lowest total in T20 internationals, and Sri Lanka highlighted the gulf between cricket’s haves and havenots in the most brutal way. But Netherlands almost did it again yesterday. Netherlands were on course to cull another giant after they restricted South Africa to under 150 and got the asking rate down to less than five runs an over in the chase, but then imploded at the end. They did almost everything right: they took an early wicket, put the squeeze on South Africa with a selection of slower balls and got their own chase off to a flying start. South Africa had not lost to an Associate in their history and Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir held their nerve to ensure that did not change. The Dutch crumbled from 80 for 1 to 139 all out - losing 9 for 59 - and handed South Africa the two points they needed to stay in contention for the semi-finals. With two defeats, Netherlands only have a slim chance of advancing but are taking their own victories from this tournament. In this match, the biggest one was Ahsan Malik’s performance. The Rotterdam-born seamer recorded the best figures by an Associate bowler against a Full Member - 5 for 19. Malik did not make the first incision - that honour went to Michael Swart, who had Quinton de Kock caught at square in the first over - but he made a telling one. After Hashim Amla had made a statement to those who questioned his ability to accelerate and took 22 off Swart’s second over, Malik offered him some width and Amla was caught behind. The nick was faint, so much so that Amla, a walker, did not move at first, but it was there and it dented South Africa’s positive start. Amla had almost singlehandedly taken South Africa to 43 in the fifth over, a sign that net run-rate was on their minds. Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers were in less of a hurry but were gifted low fulltosses by Logan van Beek and Pieter Seelaar to keep them going. They posted 39 for the third wicket before du Plessis tried to flick Tom Cooper over deep midwicket but found the fielder. That was the first of South

Imran Tahir

Africa’s careless dismissals, which suggested they were taking their opposition too lightly. De Villiers picked out deep cover; Albie Morkel, who was promoted to No.5 to give him more time in the middle gave deep mid-wicket a catch; and JP Duminy was caught down the leg side. Those four batsmen fell in the space of 45 deliveries in which South Africa did not manage a single boundary. Van Beek, Malik, Mudassar Bukhari and Timm van der Gugetn took pace off the ball and the Dutch ground fielding gave South Africa as little as they could. Before South Africa knew it, Dale Steyn was batting and their innings was in danger of not lasting the full 20 overs. David Miller barely had any opportunity to show off his finishing skills and was bowled as he played around a full delivery from Malik. Despite losing seven wickets for 51 South Africa were not bowled out and, according to Tahir, thought their total was enough at the break. They would have revised that opinion by the end of the third over. Stephan Myburgh, from Pretoria, started as he did in the Dutch chase against Ireland, with aggression and intent. South Africa opened with Albie Morkel instead of JP Duminy for the first time in the tournament and Mybugh took a boundary off him. They had the relative rookie Beuran Hendricks on at the other end and Swart helped himself to a four off him too but it was when Lonwabo Tsotsobe was introduced that Netherlands tucked in. Myburgh gorged himself with 18 runs off Tsotsobe’s first, a slap over point, a clip to long leg, a swing over fineleg and a swat over mid-off to get the Dutch run-rate up to 10 an over after three. Steyn pulled it back but Tsotsobe took more punishment. His second over cost 15 runs. Netherlands almost completed the perfect powerplay until Swart, who

had mostly been a spectator, tried to clear mid-off but a diving du Plessis gave Steyn his first wicket of the game. Still, the Dutch were 63 for 1 when the fielding restrictions were lifted and well on target. They were cautious against Tahir at first but took on JP Duminy and it cost Myburgh. After taking 12 runs off the first four balls of Duminy’s first over, no other risks had to be taken against him but Myburgh went down the track and inside-edged onto his stumps. That wicket proved the game-changer and sparked the Dutch collapse. Wesley Barresi was out lbw sweeping Tahir, although replays showed the ball was missing leg-stump, and Peter Borren went the same way. His dismissal was correctly judged. By the time the captain was dismissed, Netherlands were 96 for 4 and still had Tom Cooper in the middle. His brother Ben went attempting to evade a Steyn bouncer but it was when Tom was bowled trying to pull a quicker Tahir delivery that the chase folded. Although the Dutch needed less than a run a ball, their tail was in and the pressure was too much. Pieter Seelaar was caught at long-on in the same over and van Beek run-out. Although Bukhari survived Steyn he gave it away off Tsotsobe and was caught at long -on which left van der Gugten and Malik, nursing a niggle, to score 12 runs off 14 balls. Van der Gugten was dropped off the first of those, by Steyn at midwicket, but the mistake did not cost South Africa. The last pair scored five between them before van der Gugten was caught behind to leave Borren wondering what was worse: to be rolled as they were against Sri Lanka or to have come so close, only to fall so far. South Africa 145 for 9 (Amla 43, Malik 5-19) beat Netherlands 139 (Myburgh 51, Tahir 4-21) by 6 runs

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Kaieteur News

Friday March 28, 2014

Sammy - Windies looking for dominance Windies Training

Dhaka, Bangladesh – World Champions West Indies will look for a repeat of their ICC World T20 2012 semi-final performance when they meet Australia in today’s third match of the ongoing ICC World T20 2014 tournament. Two years ago, West Indies made over 200 in their 20 overs to hammer the

Aussies by 74 runs as they went on to win the title. Skipper Darren Sammy said on Thursday that they will be looking similar dominance when the two teams meet at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. First ball is 3:30 pm (5:30 am Eastern Caribbean Time/ 4:30 am Jamaica Time). “Once we play to our full potential – so far in this tournament, we

have not played to our full potential – we will be very destructive. We were destructive in that semi-final last World Cup,” Sammy said. The captain was speaking to reporters after a full training session on Thursday morning at the Dhaka Academy. “I expect a tough match. It will be a good contest. We have Samuel Badree and Sunil

Narine are Number 2 and Number 1 in the world in T20 bowling rankings cricket at the moment. Badree has been getting wickets up front for us in the first six overs. It is something we are looking he will hopefully continue doing. It won’t be an easy game.” Looking ahead to Friday, the captain added: “The Australians are a good side. We give them that respect. But at the end of the day, it is another cricket match where

it is a contest between bat and ball. The team that handles the pressure better and executes properly normally comes out on top. And we are hoping that it will be us tomorrow (today).” Sammy also touched on the form of openers Dwayne Smith and Chris Gayle. In the opening match against India they added a solid partnership wicket and then posted 97 in the victory over Bangladesh. “Chris is hitting the ball

well, (Dwayne) Smith is hitting the ball well. They have put on good runs. Chris has not been his explosive self that we are used to and we still scored 170 against Bangladesh. Once we back ourselves and play like we know how to play T20, things will go according to plan.” Darren Sammy will become the first West Indies player to reach the milestone of 50 Twenty20 international appearances.

BCB expresses gratitude to sponsors of 7th Annual Awards Ceremony The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) as part of its Diamond Jubilee celebrations hosted a gala Awards Ceremony and cocktail reception at the St. Francis Training Centre on Saturday evening last. A total of twenty awards were handed out while an exhibition focused on the history of Berbice cricket was also unveiled. Chairman and members of the BCB Special Events and Golden Jubilee Committees is expressing gratitude to all donors who contributed to the success of the event. Among those who contributed were Vibert

Beeraspat, DDL, Banks DIH Ltd., Shabeer Baksh, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, Demerera Bank, Republic Bank, A. Ally and Sons, Fizal Jaferally, Office of the President, Ministry of Sports, Berbice River Bridge, Universal DVD, Deonarine Shane, Clive Lloyd, Bissoondyal Singh, Chetram Catering Services, Regional Chairman Permaul Armogan, Hand in Hand, New Amsterdam Town Council, Justice Cecil Kennard, Central Corentyne Chambers, Berbice Chamber of Commerce, The Trophy Stall, Ronald Williams, Roger

Harper, Conrad Plummer, Guyana Beverage Inc. (Busta), Martin Singh, Office of the Prime Minister, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Colin Elcock, Albion Cricket Club, Hema Moonsee, Leslie Soloman, Whim Cricket Club, The Senwasie Family, Bobby Prasad and Spready’s Snackette. BCB also extended thanks to Minister Irfaan Ali for delivering the feature address. Every Berbician is being reassured by the BCB that the entity would continue to work hard towards making Berbice cricket and its players the best in Guyana.

Rising Stars, Invaders Masters record victories Rising Stars and Invaders Masters recorded victories when the South Essequibo Cricket Committee 40-overs competition commenced on Sunday last with two matches at Pomona. Rising Stars defeated Jaguars by 67 runs. Rising Stars batted first and piled up 237. Devon Ramnauth stroked 75 while Jagdesh Dindyal

slammed 54. Chandi Jiaram, Tameshwar Deonarine, R. Ragoobar, and S. Jagmohan picked up two wickets each. El-Dorado were bowled out for 170 in response. Anil Persaud made 41 and Ramnarine Ragoobar 38. Invaders Masters overcame Jaguars by 66 runs in the second encounter. Invaders Masters took first

strike and were bowled out for 189. Captain Linden Daniels led with 41, Rajesh Gopaul scored 36 and Roy Gonsalves 34. Jaguars were bundled out for 123 in reply. Nissan Khan cracked 55 while Devanand Madho bagged 5-25 and Rajesh Gopal 3- 23. The competition continues on Sunday.

Kaieteur News

Friday March 28, 2014

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Rain halts action in UG’s St. George’s set up semis Inter-Faculty cricket clash with Christ Church Milo / Petra Organisation Schools Football Competition

St. George’s goal scorers from (left) Jameel Wilson, Robby McClaggon and Orin Moore Jr. pose for Kaieteur Sport yesterday. Defending champions St. George’s showed the class and pedigree of title holders en route to an imposing 4-2 win over a game, but outclassed Bishop’s High as quarterfinal action in this year’s Milo / Petra Organisation Schools Football Competition concluded y e s t e r d a y, a t t h e Georgetown Football Club ground. Playing in the first game of a double header, St. George’s fell behind in the 13th minute when Shaquille Moseley after finding himself unmarked in the box following a cross from the right flank neatly cheasted the ball into the back of the net. However, the champions responded with riposte seven minutes later through Robby McClaggon, who twisted and turned following a scramble for the ball in the goal area, before firing past t h e B i s h o p ’s H i g h goalkeeper into the far corner. McClaggon was back in action in the 30th minute this time using his skill and speed to outrun three defenders courtesy of a through pass

from centerfield, before rounding the keeper and firing a shot into an empty net. The reigning champions stretched their advantage further when Jameel Wilson netted in the 39th minute shortly after the break. Bishop’s High problems were further compounded when one of their defenders committed a foul just outside the penalty area and goalkeeper Orin Moore Jr. stepped up to take the kick and he blasted a low powerful shot that surprised the goalkeeper, leaving him transfixed on the near post with the ball landing into the far corner. In the dying moments of the game, Bishop’s High managed to salvage some pride after winning a penalty and the ensuing spot kick was buried by Nathanael King. That goal came in the 61st minute of play and even though Bishop’s High attacked with menace, St. George’s defensive line held firm until the final whistle sounded. In the feature contest, Christ Church outlasted a determined Queenstown by a 1-0 margin with Lonsdale

Lonsdale George George’s 5th minute strike untying the two teams. It must have been a disappointing end for the Queenstown unit as they missed at least four chances to score due to some poor finishing. Christ Church now set up a clash with the defending champions for a place in the final; while the other semi final will see Dolphin and Lodge square off for a final berth as well. The action returns to the Ministry of Education ground tomorrow and the first game starts at 14:00hrs.

Trophy Stall / EBFA U-15 League Competition in the second round of the Trophy Stall sponsored East Bank Football Association Under15 league will continue tomorrow at the Grove Playfield with two more matches. Soesdyke Falcons and Grove Hi Tech will square

off in the feature game at 11 : 3 0 h r s i n w h a t i s anticipated to be a keen tussle. When the two sides met in the first round, the home team prevailed but Soesdyke will be aiming to reverse that situation this time around. Tomorrow’s opening

game brings together Diamond and Herstelling from 10:00hrs. Diamond had won when the two sides met before. While Diamond will be seeking to make it two out of two, Herstelling will hope to notch up their first win of the league.

The University of Guyana (UG) Inter-Faculty T20 cricket competition bowled off on Wednesday last at the UG ground and continued yesterday when the Faculty of Health Sciences (FOHS) battled the Faculty of Technology (FOT). However, rain stopped the contest after 6.5 overs with FOHS on 41-1 off 6.5 overs in reply to the 158-9 off their allotted 20 overs. Since five overs constitute a T20 game, FOHS, who needed to be 40-1 at that stage, were declared winners. The second match between the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture & Forestry clash was not played. FOHS won the toss and elected to field on a track with some moisture due to early morning rain and FOT were led by a cameo 34 from Shaquille Williams who hit four fours and a six. He got support from Rayon McCall who made 33 and Jeremy Basdeo, 19 not out. Darian Best took 3-24 from his four overs and Rajendra Singh 2-20 from four overs on the very rough and slow outfield. When FOHS began their reply in bright sunshine and watched a nice gathering of students under a make shift tent, Skipper Neil Barry Jnr. (9) fell to McCall before Mustapha (16*) and Best (2*) were at the crease when a hard shower sent the players scurrying off the field. With no covers available for the pitch although UG plays in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) competition apart from being a Government institution, the match was called off despite the ground being dry. According to the rules, one female must be included in each team and they must bat between one and five in the order as well as bowl at least one over in the game. Sally Allison and Kim Chan were the two females involved. The competition continues today. UG Coach Clive Grimond bemoaned the lack of covers and opined that only when UG’s elections were approaching promises of covers and even nets for practice were made. Grimond added that the plans for covers seemed to have been shelved.

Sally Allison

Kim Chan

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Kaieteur News

Friday March 28, 2014

GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket

South Ruimveldt are Georgetown champs; Supply win East Bank District

Members of the victorious Supply Primary school team display their trophy. South Ruimveldt and Supply Primary schools emerged champions of the Georgetown and East Bank Demerara districts of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) / Scotiabank nationwide Kiddy Cricket Festival, yesterday at Thirst Park. South Ruimveldt hammered St. Agnes Primary by 67 runs in the final. South

Ruimveldt batted first and posted 184-4 off their allocation of 10 overs. Antonio Allen stroked 19, Kemar Boyce 15 and Troyston Louise 13. St. Agnes who drew the bye to the final, were restricted for 117-9 in 10 overs in reply. Dominique Glasgow led with 16 and Sigidi Andrews 14; Kevin John claimed 2-0 and

Oshazay Savoury 2-6. South Ruimveldt overcame FE Pollard in the semi final which was contested earlier. FE Pollard mustered 145-6 in 10 taking first strike. Extras made a sterling contribution with 25 while Deniro Persaud captured 2-7 and Kevon John 2-8. South Ruimveldt scored 167-4 in 10 overs in their turn at the crease. Antonio Allen

The winning South Ruimveldt team scored 15 while Kemar Boyce and Troyston Louise made eight apiece. Supply Primary registered two victories in the East Bank final, the competition was contested on a round-robin basis. Supply overcame Providence Primary by 90 runs. Supply posted 152-8 in 10 overs, batting first. David Scott slammed 19 while Alex Gouvia and Alex

Allicock scored 12 each and Princess Mc Pherson 10. Asif Khan and Navita Mohabir picked up two wickets each. Providence suffered 13 dismissals and could only muster 62 in 10 overs in response. Gouvia, Kenrick Salvador and Brenda Romascindo grabbed two scalps apiece. Timehri got the better of Providence by 27 runs in their

encounter. Timehri took first strike and rattled up 151-6 in 10 overs. David Sam scored 14 while Vick Prakash claimed 2-2. Providence managed 124-6 in 10 overs in reply. Ajit Khemraj and Indira Amardeo made 10 apiece while Kester Stuart assisted with nine. Cecelia Narine snared two wickets. Supply had earlier overcame Timehri Primary by 37 runs.

Regional 4-Day Tournament Round 5 St. John’s, Antigua – Reigning champions and current leaders Barbados will have to strongly reverse recent history to keep their title defence on track, when they face Jamaica in the fifth round of the Regional 4-Day Tournament, starting today at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. The Barbadians have lost their previous three matches against the Jamaicans, including twice at the match venue two years ago, although their previous victory was four years ago at the Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in Trinidad. The visitors’ previous victory in Jamaica came

Keiron Pollard seven years ago, when they prevailed by an innings

and 31 runs, and they can lean on this, as well as their hosts’ defeat in the previous round of matches as motivation. Second-placed Windward Islands, brimming with confidence following their stirring, seven-wicket victory over the Jamaicans in the previous round, will meet Leeward Islands at the Queen’s Park Stadium in St. George’s, Grenada. Contests between the Windwards and Leewards are always compelling – and this should be another intriguing battle. The last seven matches between the two sides have each

produced a winner, with the Leewards holding a 4-3 edge. The Leewards can also take confidence in the knowledge that they were triumphant on the previous three occasions they played in the Spice Isle in 2001, 2005 and 2008 – so the Windwards will have their work cut out to defend home soil.There will be an extraspecial reason for West Indies fans to follow the happenings in the day/night fixture between Trinidad & Tobago and Combined Campuses & Colleges at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The match will mark

the return of West Indies international Kieron Pollard to competitive action, following a sixmonth lay-off to recover from a knee injury, which required surgery to repair. Pollard is known for his exploits in the shortest version of the game, but the 26-year-old harbours visions of one day playing Tests for West Indies. This match provides him with a platform not only to fortify the process of his physical rehabilitation, but also remind fans of his ability in a longer format. For the record, he has played 24 first-class matches – all for T&T in the R4D – and has

scored 1,421 runs at an average of 38.40. His tally includes three hundreds – with a top score of 174 against Barbados five years ago at Guaracara Park in Trinidad – and seven halfcenturies. On a broader scale, T&T were set back when the Barbadians crushed them in the previous round and will be looking to strongly rebound on home soil, where they have won twice already this season. CCC is a side that T&T would relish playing to stay on course for a topfour finish, having beaten the visitors in their previous three meetings in the R4D.

Kaieteur News

Friday March 28, 2014

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Jillian Hyman Dominoes on tomorrow Resolute Ravens continues rise Several leading teams in Georgetown are expected to vie for supremacy in Jillian Hyman dominoes tournament tomorrow at R and R Dominoes Club, Meadow Brook Gardens. Action gets underway at 13:30hrs and the entrance fee is $9,000. The winning team will pocket a trophy and $100,000, the runner up a trophy and $50,000 and the third place a trophy and $30,000. The competition which is being held to observe Hyman’s 29 years as a player is being sponsored by Trophy Stall, Golden and Sons, Pacesetters Dominoes Club and Jermaine Jackson.

Jillian Hyman displays the first and second place trophies

Golden Jubilee Celebration 1939 – 2014

BCB to host countrywide exhibition for Secondary schools and general public

Some of the educational posters that will be on display during the exhibition. The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Golden Jubilee celebration would be boosted by the hosting of a countrywide exhibition of the rich tradition of cricket in the Ancient County. The exhibition would be hosted at every secondary school in Berbice, leading up to public exhibitions during the month of September which has officially been named the ‘Golden Jubilee Month of Celebration’. BCB Special Events and 75th Anniversary Committee Chairman, Hilbert Foster informed that the main aims of the historic exhibition, the first of its kind to be organised, is to educate Berbicians on the history of cricket; to showcase cricket heroes and to promote the game to the next generation of players. The exhibition is being sponsored

by the Berbice River Bridge Company and would be taken to over 22 schools including Skeldon Line Path, Tagore Memorial, Central Corentyne, Black Bush Polder, Winifred Gaskin Memorial, J.C. Chandisingh School, New Amsterdam Secondary, Berbice High and Rosignol. Foster also noted that the exhibition would also be held in Corriverton, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town and New Amsterdam markets along with other venues to be identified in Region 5. A total of 17 banners featuring the careers of the Country’s 17 Test players including John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Alvin Kalicharran and Assad Fudadin would be on display. The exhibition would also

feature Royston Crandon and Milton Pydana who only played ODI matches and the five Berbice females who played for the West Indies – Candace Atkins, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Subrina Munroe and Tremayne Smartt. Berbice cricket records and profiles of outstanding administrators among others would also be displayed. Foster thanked his staff at the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and BCB Office Administrator Alisa Moonsee for working overtime to document all the necessary information for the exhibition. Special mention was also made of Mr. O. D Samaroo, CEO of the Berbice River Bridge Company and Mr. Sanjay Prittipaul of Rainbow Signs for their support.

By Edison Jefford From number four seed in Georgetown to National Champions, Dyna’s Ravens Basketball Club have credited their success on hard work and a team ethos that is founded on trusting each other, and more so, the Coach, former national point guard, Darcel Harris. “We train hard; no team trains as hard as us; we train every day, even before competitions,” the Ravens Coach told Kaieteur Sport yesterday. Ravens won the N a t i o n a l C l u b Championships on Sunday, earning them the right to be labelled the ‘best club in Guyana’. But it was not always dandy for Ravens. They had to battle from slipping to the fourth ranking in Georgetown, following the 2013 League, after dropping games to Pepsi Sonics and Colts and the two-point heartbreak against Colts in the League Playoffs. The series of defeats for Ravens last year prompted the then avid team official, Seiriah Clarke to admit “we (Ravens) are in a slump”. Clarke is not actively around the team currently, but his remark represented pitiable results from an otherwise quality team. Hence, Harris began a journey to rebuild the superstructure of one of Guyana’s oldest basketball dynasties; the journey did not last as long as some expected since within months Ravens returned to its culture of winning. The awakening was a rather swift process. “It was three loses in two or three months, before then, we did not know much about losing, so I went back to the boards, changed up some routines, rebuilt our work ethics and most of all added some youngsters for fresh legs,” Harris told this newspaper. He said that the addition of Dominic Vincente and Darian Lewis to their Division I line-up gave them some energy. Harris said that he must admit that his senior players, Ryan Stephney, Akeem Kanhai and Ryan

Darcel Harris

Gullen have also matured during their apparent transition. “We had to learn how to trust the Coach and players; the discipline to execute plays and stick to the game plan, which is what got us going again,” the diminutive for national point guard, known for his sharp passes and long range threepointers, indicated. Ravens had won the first Phillip George Memorial title late in 2012 then went on to win a second accolade in two weeks with the Albert Bentick prize; the team then won the Pepsi Series for their third title to close 2012 before their “slump” early last year. Since that time, Ravens have gone on to win the Brusche’s Classic in Linden, beating the number one ranked, Pacesetters to advance to the finals. They also won another Phillip George title while finishing just short of beating Suriname’s top club in an exchange programme. The upsurge for Ravens continued with an unblemished record on their way to winning the 2014 Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) National Club Championships. It is an assertion that suggested that

the club is back on its proverbial pinnacle. “They (players) had a chance to expose and think through games. Being a former national point guard, a lot of thinking goes into my coaching. Things like different game plans, sound strategies and building players’ confidence are key elements,” Harris said. According to the Ravens Coach, full credit must be given to his players for understanding their roles in a major assignment, which was to rebuild the Ravens brand. Harris said that most players struggled with some sort of injury at some time, but managed to win. Asked what is next for Ravens, Harris informed that the rebuilding process will continue with the injection of three more youth players to the Division I team “because we have to continue to look at our future”. In addition, the Ravens Coach said that he will look at ways in which he could get further exposure for his club within the Caribbean. Harris took the opportunity to pay tribute to the former Ravens shooting guard, Kevin Lawrence, who passed away on March 27, 2010 following an accident.

t r o Sp Hales ton keeps Sammy - Windies looking for dominance England alive P.38

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Alex Hales celebrates his century England v Sri Lanka, World T20 Group 1, Chittagong, March, 27, 2014 © Getty Images

Darren Sammy gives batting tips during an outreach as part of the ICC Thinkwise programme at Dhaka Academy

Milo / Petra Organisation Schools Football Competition

St. George’s set up semis clash with Christ Church P.39

Part of the action in the clash between St. George’s (yellow bibs) and Bishop’s High yesterday. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210