Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday March 01, 2016

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

Getting children back in school Some of the things happening now to keep children in school cannot be gainsaid. In the first instance, most of us believe that the rising crime rate is due to children forsaking school, not necessarily to pursue criminal activity, but because they find mere attending school to be a chore. For all the talk by the politicians of a growing economy, it would seem that the numbers of the poor are increasing by the day. Perhaps because more homes are headed by singleparent women, the children are being denied some of the social things that would make them rounded personalities. A father in the home often provides stability for their growing sons; he is the check and balance. At the same time, he provides a measure of financial stability. But over the past two or three decades, the family unit as we know it underwent radical change. Women were opting to raise their families in the absence of a husband, who might have been more of a burden than a help. And in this male-oriented world, women rarely get the same pay as men for the same job; the result is that the woman must do the same thing in the home with less. Within the past few years, many mothers complained about finding the wherewithal to send their children to school. Sometimes it is a question of giving the child something to eat while in school. In other cases, it is simply difficult to get the children to school. Soon school becomes anathema. The child has no interest. Before one knows it, the male child has grown to a size where the mother is physically incapable of controlling him. Relatives say that they are grappling with their own problems, and therefore cannot spare the time to add another person’s burdens to theirs. Even girls manage to become recalcitrant. Some of them, reacting to raging hormones, do things that would at one time be unthinkable. They too, having been left to their own devices, soon forget about attending school. The streets and communities are filled with uneducated but hostile young men and women. Within a few short months, the David Granger administration set about correcting the situation. At least it has begun to take away the complaint that parents can no longer send their children to school. In the riverain communities it has provided boats. The effect of this is immediate; schools in the riverain communities are reporting increased attendance. In the coastal communities children have been provided with bicycles so the burden of getting to school is reduced. However, there is a limit to the number of bicycles the government can provide to school children at this time. So there are now buses that afford travel over longer distances. These buses have been handed over to the government over time. Again, they have contributed significantly to children being kept in schools. But even this programme by the Granger administration must be supported. The teachers must be prepared to really work with these children. In the past there have been some horror stories, of teachers calling children dunces and refusing to teach them. The result is that the teacher allowed the children to do pretty much as they pleased, thus making a mockery of the efforts of the Granger administration. It is perhaps fortunate that even as the Granger administration is pursuing efforts to get the children in school and to keep them there, the police have a vibrant movement to engage children and young people. This relationship seems to be working well, because fewer young people are gravitating to criminal activities. At the same time they go to school and seek to train others. The benefits of getting children back in school are many. And in the final analysis this could be the solution to Guyana’s chronic economic woes.

Damning indictment against the Guyana Teachers’ Union DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space ventilate my angst regarding evident selfishness of the Executive of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) as is manifest in the Union’s recent preposterous proposal in negotiation with the Ministry of Education. The Union crafted a lofty proposal, making, inter alia, the following demands: 1. An across-the-board increase in salary of 40% for 2016; 45% increase in 2017; 50% in 2018; 50% in 2019; and 50% in 2020; 2. A $7,000 monthly vehicle maintenance for those who received duty-free concessions; 3. Double salary in the month of December; 4. A $25,000 annual clothing allowance; 5. Whitley Council Leave being granted every three years; 6. 200 duty-free concessions for motor vehicles up to 2700 cc to be granted annually from 2016 to 2020; 7. That one motor vehicle be given to GTU biennially; 8. That EACH Central Executive Officer be given a duty-free concession for motor vehicle up to 2,700 cc upon election to office; 9. 50 scholarships annually for teachers to attend the University of Guyana; 10. That ALL Central Executive Officers of the Union be released every Wednesday - and from time to time as the need arises - to perform Union duties; 11. That the President and

Secretary of the Union be released FULL-TIME - WITH PAY – to serve the membership of the Union; and 12. That an extra teacher be assigned to each school at which a Central Executive Member is a staff. Now, no one can fault the Guyana Teachers Union for being ambitious, but the aforementioned excesses are preposterous! The proposal is replete with self-interest. How the Central Executive of the Union could even conceive its members being released to attend to Union duties - one day every week, and at other times as may be determined necessary, for all Executives, and full-time with full pay for President and General Secretary while being paid as full-time teachers is mindboggling. To actually articulate that is perplexing. An across-the-board increase in remuneration seems par for the course. Negotiating wage increases is essentially what trade unions do. However, for a teacher who receives a monthly income of $100,000, the phased proposed increase would see that teacher taking home $140,000 monthly in 2016 ($280,000 in December); $203,000 monthly in 2017 ($406,000 in December); $304,500 monthly in 2018 ($609,000 in December); $456,750 monthly in 2019 ($913,500 in December); and $685,125 monthly in 2020 ($1,370,250 in December). This is the epitome of unreasonableness. This sort of unreasonable throws the entire proposal out of the window, and had the Union been negotiating with a

certain individual of an earlier incarnation, the proposal would be thrown over the shoulder. This December double-salary dependency syndrome is not sustainably manageable for any government, far less the Guyana Government that is trying to lift the economy out of the throes of inadequacy and corruption. Which serious, caring union, appreciating the state of its nation’s economy, would make such proposal? Two hundred duty-free concessions annually; duty-free concessions for all Central Executive Officers; one motor vehicle gifted to the Union biennially; 50 University of Guyana scholarships annually; $25,000 annual clothing allowance; $7,000 monthly vehicle maintenance allowance all tantamount to moral bankruptcy. These people’s conscience and humanity have departed them. Why should the Government release – with pay – executives of any union to attend to union duties? Doesn’t the Central Executive of the Guyana Teachers Union know that this is a demand for an illegal, unethical outcome? Surely the President – who has presided over a union fraught with ineptness and corruption and is seeking re-election today - must have known that it is NEVER the responsibility of the Government to ensure a workers’ union’s sustenance. He and his acolytes in the Central Executive cannot be so consumed by excesses that they believe because this Government is new, it would be amenable to meeting the surreal, (Continued on page 23)

A company, a conflict and a confrontation DEAR EDITOR, I write in relation to a story in your edition of Sunday 28th February, 2016, captioned ‘No Mining Land, ‘Landlordism’ Cause Miners To Block Road In Protest - One Arrested’. The story reports that Tesouro Resources (‘the company’) has been depriving small local miners of the little land they had and even blocked them from carrying out their operations. Your story further states that the issue of ‘landlordism’ throughout Guyana and in that particular area is rampant. It claims that large companies have allowed miners to mine on their lands until they ‘lash out’ after which they send their security forces to forcibly remove from these lands. The above statements, with the claims of ‘landlordism’ are completely misconceived. Recent complaints of what has come to be called ‘landlordism’ by small miners, are based on claims that some large scale miners are given preferential treatment by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission in the award of mineral properties. However, such claims cannot apply to Tesouro, as all of the properties mentioned in the story and held by Tesouro, were never awarded by the GGMC, but were acquired through

independent arrangements with the former registered holders. What some persons are attempting to do is to use spurious claims to compel Tesouro to allow them to work properties it has acquired the rights to work, at considerable expense. This has now taken the form of persons trespassing on Tesouro’s property at Konawaruk, blocking mining roads, and refusing to remove. On separate occasions over the past 3 weeks, the GGMC and the Guyana Police Force have had to forcibly remove raiders from the property. The GGMC has issued Cease Work Orders to these persons. In response, the intended raiders have threatened to kill Tesouro personnel, and to burn its facilities. An atmosphere of deliberate lawlessness is being created by these persons, to compulsorily deprive Tesouro of its properties. This behavior is not allowed anywhere in the world. Your story repeated a claim by two persons Mario Figueira and Alisha Figueira of Konawaruk, of being invaded by shotgun toting men dressed as security guards who sprayed their mining camp with shotgun pellets, declaring an intention to destroy their camp. It is regrettable that your publication did not make contact with

Tesouro Resources, who would have been able to provide much needed balance to the story. While I am reluctant to enter into too much detail, as the matter involving Mario and Alisha Figueira is currently engaging the attention of the High Court (2015-HC-DEM-CIV-CD-644). As I have stated above, I am constrained from further discussing the matter as it is still sub judice. However, I expect that your newspaper will give this response equal prominence to its initial misleading and unbalanced story, and if it is not mischievous, provide a retraction or correction. Jaswick Williams Lt Col (Ret’d) General Manager Tesouro Resources. EDITOR’S NOTE: A large section of this letter was redacted because it entered into discussion and opinionmaking on a current court case. We need to point out to Mr. Williams that his company’s name was not mentioned in Sunday’s article that he referenced in his letter. We conclude that our reporting as contained in the Sunday item constituted professional journalism and we saw nothing mischievous in our reporting

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Serious accusation against Patrick Mentore’s eulogy the animal clinic, GSPCA of Balram Persaud

DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me to share a few lines with your readers so they can be aware of a wrong that was committed on one of our leading animal rights activist A few days ago I was reading some posts on my friend Genevieve Beepat Facebook page and saw another great exercise that was completed by her, some volunteer vets and sponsors. Over the past years I have been following her work and find it very interesting and well done. While reading I saw two regrets that were mentioned: 1. A dog that was taken to the GSPCA to be spayed in November 2015 was not prop-

erly done so it had to done a second time by another vet during this exercise. 2. She needs more pet carriers to help transport animals. This confirms my suspicions that surgeries done at the GSPCA is very poor quality and those done at Judy is of a higher quality which may be because of her commitment to avoid animal suffering. I have seen one of our local vets at the GSPCA who mentioned to someone that he was part of the group doing surgeries which makes me believe that we have a local veterinarian performing surgeries which is not properly done. Also the GSPCA is asking for a donation from poor person

people while they are doing it for free for their rich friends and family not forgetting that they receive millions in donation and sponsorship while Judy is not asking for a dollar. The GSPCA and that local vet should take a page out of JUDY’s book rather than bashing her for simply exposing their incompetence and lies, she was only showing the work done for animals in this beloved country. Donor and sponsors should make contribution to people who get the work done and not to organization who pays millions to persons just to live a fancy lifestyle under the pretense of helping animals. Anand Kissoon

DEAR EDITOR, I met the Late BalramPersaud after his return to the Guyana Police Force where I was serving as that organisation’s first Public Relations and Press Officer. At the outset our relationship was characterized by mutual professional respect which later evolved into a deep long lasting personal friendship. He took apparent pleasure in telling anyone who would listen that I was perhaps the officer he most remembered as making him feel welcome since in our association he did not feel the stigma which he felt had followed him after his involuntary absence from the police

force that he unquestionably loved. Editor many were the times when we would have some very deep conversations about his vision and his concerns about an organization that he had served almost all of his adult life. He was a man whose pragmatism and humility touched almost everyone and I felt particularly honoured when he confided in me that one of his hopes was that the GPF would host a forum which would have been the platform for listening to and appreciating the views of the various stakeholders in our society regarding the appearance, role and performance of a re-

formed GPF, and the potential structured input of civil society. He asked me to draft a concept proposal for a stakeholder forum which unfortunately he did not live to see realized. He was a team player through and through and so much so that he preferred to put his own vision on hold in the interest of harmony. In my view Balram, had he lived would have made an indelible impression after his retirement in much the same way that he did in his short life. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and to the Guyana Police Force on their loss. May his soul rest in peace. Patrick E. Mentore

Complaint of almost dead Bad deeds come back internet service in Berbice to haunt us

DEAR EDITOR, It is with regret that I write to you today regarding the high-speed Internet service in the Berbice-New Amsterdam area provided by GT&T. While the service has not had any major, long running problems before, recently users have experienced severe interruptions to their Internet service as well as very slow speeds. The problem began in December last, when the Internet went down due to a reported fiber cable cut. It was

observed that poor internet services are being provided since then to now; particularly on weekends and evenings (prime time). On the technical side, the service discontinuity is estimated between 25-50% loss of data when measured. Basic usage like streaming (youtube, Netflix etc), web browsing, downloads and using emails are extremely poor. Contact was made by several persons from various areas affected and to this day no permanent fix to the issues

are being executed. Hence, we are paying for poor to almost dead services and wish to implore the service provider to rectify the issues asap. At this time we have no alternatives for efficient internet access and it was made clear that persons paying business rates for the same service in the same areas we live are not experiencing the poor performance we are getting. Concerned Citizens (Berbice-New Amsterdam)

DEAR EDITOR, During the 1960’s, 1970’s and even the 1980’s when the Georgetown Municipality was properly managed and run there was the Luckhoo Pool that was open to every Guyanese every day from morning to sundown. Thousands of Guyanese learnt to swim there including our former swimming champions. Today, the Georgetown City Council forces our youths who are not affluent enough to be members of a private swimming club to go swim in ‘The Blacka’ which is really referring to the Lamaha Canal. Since the ’80s, we have been hearing the Council saying that they would rebuild a municipal pool after closing the Luckhoo swimming pool. We have waited for that in

vain and now we are still waiting even as we hear of the dawn of a new era in our capital. A pool can pay for itself if it is opened to the public. There are thousands of children who want a pool to go to. Charge a fee and maintain it and have it pay for itself and save the taxpayers some money.” A lot of kids have nowhere to go for recreation and now only the privileged few can access it and that should change immediately. Is this too much to ask the Georgetown City Council? This would make much

more sense than the ‘Presidential Park’ on the Merriman’s Mall which is clearly a political gimmick. The public should be aware that at Colgrain - only members of swimming clubs are allowed entry; at Castellani - only invited guests and those given permission by Office of the President have access; and at Aquatic Centre - this facility is reserved for competitive swimmers only and invited guests. City Council of Georgetown, we need a public pool! Debra Gibson

DEAR EDITOR, How sad and surprising to hear about a teacher raining blows down on a screaming child, at a private school, and then challenging a person complaining, “ to do something about it” . Let us hope that child’s parents did something about it and removed the child from the school. This incident reminded me of one that happened to our class of teenagers at our feepaying high school in the late 1940s. The class was given a text from a reading book to

learn, and the headmaster then decided to test our spelling by dictating it. Every youngster who got more than two mistakes was given 2/3 lashes on the hand with a wild cane. Since there were several such youngsters, the ‘abuse’ continued for some time, which disturbed and angered a chap who lived in a house next to the school. The man suddenly looked out of his window and asked the abuser whether he was “beating cow”. Then described the performance twice as “little soft

DEAR EDITOR, My name is Dr. Seon Levius. I am writing you regarding the publication of a letter to the editor published in your newspaper on February 28, 2016 entitled “This lady is a bright spot in Guyana.” It appears that this letter was published by a “Seon Levius.” This person is NOT me. To the best of my Knowledge, I am not aware of another “Seon Levius” in Guyana. That said, kindly note that I currently reside in Barbados. I have lived there from 2009 to present day.

My local address in Guyana where my mother (Hyacinth Levius) resides is: 48 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, Guyana. Would be grateful if an Identity Disclaimer could be published in your newspaper indicating this difference. Dr. Seon Levius

A country that cries out for a public swimming pool Not this Seon Levius

round objects” in the vernacular, and swore he would not allow any child of his to suffer that. We students were amused, the headmaster furious, and continued. The school eventually went downhill and closed unexpectedly. I have always found that people in charge of children who abuse them, whether parents or teachers, have serious psychological issues and need medical treatment of one kind or another. Children always remember the people who were mean to them and those who were kind to them. When grown up, they either hit back or reward. Adults should bear that in mind. Geralda Dennison.

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Tuesday March 01, 2016

Chemical control of mosquitoes must be approved by Health Ministry Although the Ministry of Public Health is not opposed to persons opting to control mosquito vectors in their own environment by keeping it free of breeding sites, it is however cautioning that persons seek advice before engaging in the reckless spray-

ing of chemicals as a control mechanism. This is according to Chief Vector Control Officer attached to the Ministry’s Vector Control Services Unit, Mr. David Williams. Williams disclosed that ideally the Ministry or other

authorised agencies should undertake all vector control fogging and spraying tasks. However, he noted, the Ministry has decided to compromise, to some extent, since there have been reports of persons indulging in the spraying of chemicals to con-

trol mosquitoes. The challenge linked to this development, Williams noted, is that if persons are not au fait with the chemical and the measurement used for the control of the mosquito vectors it could in fact cause more harm than good to both people and the environment. “People can simply call us and ask for advice; ask what is recommended and how to go about doing this spraying...They can even ask us to come and help out. What people need to understand is that spraying is not an everyday thing...If you spray today it is not required until another three months, once you do it right,” asserted Williams. There have been reports in the past that persons were engaging in spraying their yards and affecting their neighbours. And according to Williams the Unit will have to conduct some investigation to determine whether this state of affairs has again surfaced. This is in light of the fact that there have been reports from a number of residents in sections of the country, including Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara, that they have lost pets due to poisoning. Based on the assessment of a particular privately-operated veterinary service, the deaths of the animals including parrots, rabbits and hamsters, might have resulted from their exposure to chemicals. All of the pet owners claimed to have had fogging done in their areas during the days leading up to their pets’ deaths. Williams has however insisted that the chemical used for routine fogging activities is not harmful to human or animals. This is in spite of the fact that persons are asked to keep their drinking water and food well covered when fogging is in progress. The Ministry currently uses malathion (insecticide) to fog and the measurement, according to Williams, is very

Chief Vector Control Officer, Mr. David Williams specific and in conformity to international standards. The World Health Organisation-approved chemical, he disclosed, is released as a mist into the environment, but is enough to kill the adult mosquitoes with which it comes into contact. Williams explained that since the chemical is dispersed as a mist and not as droplets it greatly reduces its harm to animal and people. “We have been doing fogging since the 70s with malathion and we have never got any reports of animals dying...Even now we have not got any reports of animals dying,” said Williams. “People need to tell us so that we can investigate.” A number of scientific studies have been conducted on the effects of malathion on rats. These concluded that its use is not harmful, at least, when used according to specifications. “Every time we do spraying we inform the public through advisories on the radio and in the newspapers. We have to let people know. “So if people want to engage in this activity and they get our okay they too have to let their neighbours know...” The health sector, according to Williams, has over the years embraced measures

that are safe to people and the environment. He qualified this disclosure by pointing out that although DDT (insecticide) was found to be effective against malaria, and is credited with eradicating it from the Coast; its harmful effects saw its use being discontinued. Scientific studies had found that DDT can cause a variety of human health effects including reduced fertility, genital birth defects, breast cancer, diabetes and damage to developing brains. But even with the use of malathion, safety precautions must be adhered to. “Even when we do spraying ourselves the chemical can slightly burn you. That is why we wear protective gear and this is when it is measured correctly. So it is not just about going and buy the chemical and just going ahead and spray... we are asking people to do the right thing - talk to us first before spraying.” In order to reduce the mosquito population at the larvae stage abate (a larvicide) is used in the canals. But this too is done with precaution as according to Williams “if we go and see fishes in the water we don’t throw abate. We have something name ‘Acquative’ and it stays on top of the water, it is oil based, so when the larvae come up it comes in contact and dies.” The Vector Control Service Unit also has the capacity to conduct indoor residual spraying services which, according to Williams, can be done at homes if a request is made. The measurement for indoor residual spraying varies depending on the size of the location to be sprayed. With the detection of the Zika Virus, the Vector Control Unit has been readily offering this service to Government buildings. Schools along Woolford Avenue were the target for spraying during the past weekend.

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

U.S. waging cyber war on Islamic State, commandos active (Reuters) - The United States is waging cyber attacks against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and its newly deployed commandos are also carrying out secret missions on the ground, Pentagon leaders said yesterday, in the latest signs of quietly expanding U.S. activity. U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter said the cyber attacks, particularly in Syria, were designed to prevent Islamic State from commanding its forces, and Washington was looking to accelerate the cyber war against the Sunni militant group. “The methods we’re using are new. Some of them will be surprising,” Carter told a Pentagon news conference. General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the U.S. military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the cyber attacks were helping lay the groundwork for an eventual offensive operation to recapture the city of Mosul in Iraq from Islamic State. Carter and Dunford, the Pentagon’s top civilian and uniformed officials, both suggested the attacks were aimed at overloading the militants’ networks. They declined to delve into specifics. “We don’t want the enemy to know when, where and how we’re conducting cyber operations. We don’t want them to have information that will allow them to adapt over time,” Dunford said. Dunford suggested Islamic State might not know why its computer networks were proving unreliable. “They’re going to experience some friction that’s associated with us and some friction that’s just associated with the normal course of

U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter (L) and Joint Chiefs Chairman Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford arrive at a news conference at the Pentagon in Washington yesterday. (Reuters/Yuri Gripas) events in dealing in the information age. And frankly, we don’t want them to know the difference.” U.S. COMMANDOS The United States disclosed in January that a new, roughly 200-strong U.S. continent of special operations forces was “in place” in Iraq, poised to carry out raids against Islamic State and other secret missions, both in Iraq and in Syria. Carter disclosed yesterday that the so-called “expeditionary targeting force,” or ETF, was already operating on the ground. “The ETF is in position, it is having an effect and operating, and I expect it to be a very effective part of our acceleration campaign,” he said, without elaborating. Its deployment represents increased U.S. military activity on the ground against Islamic State, exposing American forces to greater risk something President Barack Obama has done only spar-

ingly. The force follows another deployment last year of up to 50 U.S. special operations troops in Syria to coordinate on the ground with U.S.backed forces battling Islamic State. The U.S. military disclosed last week that those U.S. forces helped opposition forces recapture the strategic Syrian town of al-Shadadi from Islamic State. The Pentagon said recapturing the town helped sever links between Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria, the two major power centres in Islamic State’s self-declared caliphate. More knowledge about the group’s operations is expected to be discovered, Carter said. “As our partners take control of Shadadi, I believe we will learn a great deal more about ISIL’s criminal networks, its criminal enterprise and what it does to sustain them,” Carter said, using an acronym for the group.

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Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

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50-50 is really 50-25

The Department of Housing has a new promotion, the second one it has announced so far. Under this new promotion if by May 1, you have already paid fifty per cent of the cost of your house lot, then you will get a 50% reduction on the remaining balance, but payment has to be made by the end of May 2016. In other words if by the start of May you would have owed the Central Housing and Planning Authority fifty per cent of the cost of your house lot, then you can get a 25% reduction off of the original cost of the lot but you have to pay off the other 25% by the end of the month. This may seem to be a

good deal but it is not as rosy as it seems. Let us suppose that you purchased a house lot from the government for two million dollars and you paid down $500,000 to the Ministry. This means that you owe another $ 1,500,000. In order to benefit from the new promotion you will have to find by May 1, another $500,000 plus a further $500,000 in one month’s time. This means that within a short period you will have to find one million dollars to pay down to the CH&PA before you can benefit from the new promotion. A great many homeowners cannot do that because many banks are not prepared to ac-

cept a letter of assurance from the CH&PA. The banks want the transport and this is why many persons have been unable to pay off the CH&PA. They have been unable to do so because they are unable to secure a loan from the banks to pay for their house lot. It is not going to be easy at all for a small man to find all this money, then to find money to build a house immediately so as to avoid the CHPA from “repossessing” their lot. In a country which has one of the lowest population densities in the world, the CH&PA is claiming that there is little land to give to persons wanting new house lots. This is the excuse that is

being used in a country where land is plenty and which if offering land to Caribbean countries to come and invest. There is no need for mass repossession of lots for those who have not yet built. The PPP was not into mass repossession of house lots. They wanted people to own their own home. The PPP allowed for house lot owners to pay in installments. The PPP was not eager to take away people’s house lots because the PPP understood that some people simply cannot find the money to pay off for their land and then secure a loan to build the house. A lot of those persons who voted APNU+AFC into

“Top Secret Document”…

Senior Cop suing TV station, Anchorman A senior police officer attached to the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters, has been given permission by his superiors to file a lawsuit against local television station, HGPTV, Publishers of Nightly News and its Anchor, Travis Chase. The intended lawsuit stems from publication of what the officer, Assistant Superintendent Mitchell Caesar, sees as libelous claims against him on the Nightly News. In news items carried by the television station, Caesar is accused of being closely linked to the criminal underworld. He was said to have been fingered in a number of illegal and extrajudicial acts. The Presenter of the news item, Travis Chase, had claimed that the allegations were contained in a “Top Secret document”. He said that the relevant authorities have obtained a document which detailed the alleged corrupt practices of a high ranking Police Officer. He had claimed that the document detailed the officer’s “link to the drug underworld; the planting of guns, cocaine and other bits and pieces of evidence on persons, some of whom are still before the court, and others who may have already been wrongfully prosecuted.” But when asked to produce the evidence of the allegations, Chase declined to cooperate. Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud had disclosed that the police had contacted the Reporter to obtain information on the “Top

Secret Document”. However, that information was not forthcoming and according to the Top Cop an investigation is presently underway. To facilitate this however, the police needed the testimony of the Reporter, since according to reliable sources, the Force has no knowledge of any “top secret document”. “The Reporter was called in…; he was contacted and asked to come in regarding the report. He came in…with his lawyer and told the police that he did his own investigation, has his own evidence and he’s not handing anything over to the police,” the Commissioner had told this newspaper. According to Persaud, investigators contacted the police Legal Advisor on how to proceed with the matter. “I don’t intend to leave it alone, however, I will be guided by the police legal advisor,” the Top Cop had said two weeks ago. When contacted by this newspaper, Travis Chase explained that he was contacted by the police at his place of work and was invited to meet with the Divisional

Commander at Cove and John “to discuss the matter.” He said that he did turn up for the discussion and the police requested the document or that he reveals its source. “I said that I cannot do that at this point,” Chase told Kaieteur News.

paid? This is the unfairness of the promotion. It rewards those who are in default and excludes those who paid their indebtedness to the CH&PA. But this is how the APNU+AFC government is conceiving the policy. The first promotion that was announced suffered from the same flaw. It offered to give to 50 homeowners a cash grant of $300,000 to do renovation. But why give someone who already has built his or her home a grant of $300,000. Why not use that same money and raffle for five free house lots? The government did not state how it will select the lucky fifty persons.

Dem boys seh...

Politicians are thieves

ASP Mitchell Caesar

TV Anchorman Travis Chase

power were able to own their own homes because of the PPP. The new government is saying that people are speculating on their land. But how many people are doing this? There are persons who simply cannot build as yet because they are still repaying for the land. They are being threatened with having their lots repossessed. Any repossession has to be by a civil process and its most likely that the courts will interpret the provisions of the contract signed between the CH&PA and the house lot owner in favor of the owner and will allow that person more time. Another issue is how fair is this new fifty-fifty promotion to those who have paid off for their house lots. Are they going to get a refund of 25% of the amount they have

He said that the police investigator then enquired from him if he will reveal the document in the future to facilitate the investigation. “I did say to the officer that I’m not prepared to release it at this time,” the Reporter stressed. He also did not provide investigators with a statement. To date, Chase has not provided the evidence nor has he given investigators a statement. Assistant Superintendent Caesar has reportedly retained the services of a prominent attorney at law to act on his behalf.

Politics is nuff. Politics is everything. A man name Oscar seh ‘Politics’ is de gentle art of getting votes from de poor and campaign funds from de rich by promising to protect each from de other. Dem boys convince that de scamp, Jagdeo, and Donald Dumb, ain’t got nutten close to being gentle in dem. If dem had dem woulda still be sitting in de chair that Soulja Bai occupy. Dem tek campaign funds from de people and dem boys seh dem tek from de state, too. Wha dem politicians do wid de funds wha dem collect from de rich and from de state, dem boys ain’t certain because dem ain’t went far in school. But dem boys believe dem pocket some. It is clear as day that politicians does thief. And Soulja Bai might wake up in de street only to realize that dem gone wid State House too. Dem boys hearing that some of he coalition people start thiefing already. Dem boys plan to document everything. Dem done see some of dem fingers got paste pun it. Blackman fingers had paste too but Uncle Sam paste him up before de plane tek off. Only de Maker and Babbie, Jagdeo best friend, know wha he was coming here to do wid drugs. He paste up in a jail cell and he praying and asking de Maker why Uncle Sam couldn’t have a Chang and a PPP DPP fuh unpaste so he could walk about free. De Hambassadah tell dem boys that Uncle Sam got plans fuh Blackman, that when dem done wid he, ee gun look like Hammie—shaat and stumpy, old and grumpy. Talk half and thank Uncle Sam fuh tie dem and paste dem up.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 01, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Put a spoke in the PPP’s wheel We have reached a point in Guyanese politics where it may be best for the preservation of our psychic integrity that we ignore the hypocritical tsunamis rushing into our homes from the mouth of every PPP leader. Every conceivable act of depravity in the annals of authoritarian politics the PPP leadership committed since its return to power in 1992. Yet this political animal sees nothing morally repugnant in their action when they criticize the APNU-AFC regime for being undemocratic. The record of authoritarian output by the administrations of Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar were horrendous, but the PPP leadership addresses this nation and appeals to its people for support in 2016 as if the PPP leaders are strangers that must be welcomed to this land. The question is; what do we do about this hypocrisy? In many ways the PPP in opposition under its Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, and its General-Secretary, Clement Rohee, are damaging people’s faith in politics and there isn’t a damn thing the

Frederick Kissoon

The Pradoville 2 scandal is equivalent to the Argentine’s dollar future contracts. respective leadership of AFC and APNU can do about it. How do people feel when they hear the PPP on the opposition benches in Parliament demanding fifty percent increase for public servants? How do people feel when they see GAWU urging sugar workers to strike because the sugar industry is being weakened by the present govern-

ment? The shock may be too great for some when they realize that the people who are shaping this kind of confrontation with the Government have been in power for 23 years and only lost power nine months ago. If that isn’t mentally confusing to a nonpolitical mind, then, what is? There are only two ways for the Government and democratic forces to cope with this kind of incredible politics from the PPP. One lies in hope. It is hoped that the Guyanese people will ignore the barefaced demagoguery from the PPP and continue to see them as people who committed horrible depravities under Jagdeo’s hegemony. The other way has to do with state activism. It has just been revealed that a judge investigating corruption has

summoned former Argentina President, Christina Fernandez, before him. Here is the aspect of that case that should raise the curiosity of all Guyanese. It is taken from Reuters; “An Argentine judge has summoned former President Cristina Fernandez for questioning in a probe into the sale of dollar future contracts at below market rates by the central bank just months before she handed over power in December.” Doesn’t this remind you of Guyana under Jagdeo? Here is another quote from the same Reuters’ story: “Under Fernandez, the central bank routinely sold dollar futures to prop up the peso, partly in an attempt to anchor double-digit inflation in Latin America’s No. 3 economy. Two lawmakers last Octo-

ber filed a complaint alleging that the price at which the contracts were sold constituted a serious financial loss for the state.” Doesn’t this bring into sharp focus, the scandal of Pradovile 2? Let us juxtapose the two situations. The two Argentine Parliamentarians are saying that the Fernandez Government sold the dollar future contracts under market value thus the state lost money and person(s) got rich. In Guyana, state land was sold at an enormously low price, far, far below market value at Pradoville Two. Enormous sums were spent to landscape the area, sums totaling 257 million Guyana dollars. There is a similar case before the Belizean court. By state activism, I mean the state’s expo-

sure of and criminal investigation into corruption and abuse of power under Presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar. It is only that direction that will probably cool down the torrid propaganda campaign that the PPP is currently on to fool its supporters and the Guyanese people that they are democratic. If these leaders are charged based on evidence it will destroy the PPP. Not even the tip of the iceberg is showing. I was in Mr. Glenn Lall’s office and he looked at me and said, “Freddie, you think you know about the corruption that went on?” He was trying to say that we think we know but we haven’t seen anything yet. What we haven’t seen should be shown to us by SOCU, SARU and the Government of Guyana. Time is moving on, the new government seems to have settled into office and it is obligatory of them to describe for the nation the Augean stables of corruption that weakened the resources of the state and strengthened the bank books of the cronies of the PPP’s hegemons. Unless this government begins to prosecute big leaders of the past regime, the PPP will continue to show-off.

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Guyana urges C’bean aviation body to help regulate drones The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) has been challenged to prepare rules and regulations for drones. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, issued the challenge while addressing participants at the opening ceremony for CASSOS’s 17th Board of Directors meeting currently underway at Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Guyana. “Given the use of drones and safety implications… there is need to urgently develop rules and regulations which would be adopted by member states for implementation,” Minister Ferguson advised. She urged the Board of Directors to act swiftly since there is need to have sufficient mechanisms in place to govern their usage, especially since they have become increasingly popular within the region. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) which has responsibility for the aviation sector recently issued a no-

tice after an incident with a Guyana Defence Force helicopter. The helicopter was “buzzed” by a remote-controlled drone then followed back to Base Camp Ayanganna. The army issued a statement prohibiting the use of drones over its bases since it represents a serious security breach. Since then the GCAA informed the public via print media that there shall be no flying within prohibited or restricted areas. According to the local aviation authority, the established prohibited areas in Georgetown are: Lateral Limit: a circle with radius of three Nautical Miles NM centered on the Georgetown Lighthouse Marine Beacon – 065000North, 0581000West and Vertical Limit: From Ground to 4,500feet. Individuals flying for hobby or recreation were strongly encouraged to follow the safety advisory. Operating Restrictions: i) Do not fly at a height exceeding 400ft. ii) Do not fly beyond a range of 1600ft from the person controlling the device.

iii) Do not operate over an open air assembly of people with the exception of the person in control iv) Do not fly over or within 150ft of any other person. v) Do not operate over or near a private or public property without prior permission from the owner. vi) Do not operate within five miles of any airport/airstrip/helipad and or landing pad. vii) Do not operate at nights or in low visibility conditions. viii) Do not drop or tow any object during flight. ix) Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times. x) Fly clear of obstructions. xi) Do not fly with a first person view device. xii) Do not operate in a reckless and unsafe manner to endanger persons and or property. Professionals (commercial and non-commercial) are described as persons or companies that operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for non-recreational

Five survive truck crash

Five Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, young men who survived a truck skidding down a hill in the interior and toppled are lucky to be alive. The youngsters sustained bruises, fractured jaw and injures about their bodies. At the time the truck was venturing into an area called” Wanana”. One of the passengers on the truck related that the truck was transporting five persons from the Essequibo Coast and another seven from Region Eight around 5:00 hours, Thursday morning last when the driver encountered problems with the truck which skidded down a hill, then toppled over. One 20-year-old Amerindian man from Region Eight perished while the other occupants narrowly escaped death. One youngster from Queenstown Village

said some of his colleagues opted to jump out of the truck while it was skidding down the hill. This was after the driver (a Sand Pit resident) gave the order to jump. He said the driver had already jumped out of the vehicle. However, the young man said that he remained in the truck during the incident. He luckily survived with no severe injuries. “I hurt my knee after a gas bottle hit my foot.” Another Queenstown resident injured his shoulder while another suffered a fractured jaw. That individual required surgery. The young man said that it was his first trip to the interior. He said that it is a possibility that he may venture back in Easter. Five persons were killed in the area where the recent accident occurred. (Yannason Duncan)

Guyana has asked Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) to help with regulations for drones. purposes, including business-related activities such as, but not limited to, aerial photography, surveillance, geometric surveys, power line inspections, crop observations and research and development.

Additionally, prior to commencing operation, all operators in this category must apply to the GCAA in writing for approval, providing all details of the intended operation and should not commence operation unless written permission

is obtained. Minister Ferguson indicated that similar notices were published in other Caribbean territories, but the advisories are insufficient to effectively address the safety concerns of the regulatory agency.

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Kaieteur News

Guyana Energy Agency responds to fuel exposé

GEA’s CEO, Dr. Mahender Sharma In response to articles published by the Kaieteur News on Friday February 26, to Sunday February 28, 2016, the GEA wishes to assure the public that the Agency remains compliant with its mandate. All acts of wrong-doing, malfeasance detected by, and within the purview of the Agency, will continue to be investigated and appropriate action will be taken. GEA contended that the newspaper was seeking to malign the efforts of GEA’s committed and diligent employees. “There is a massive corruption network in the fuel sector which is poorly managed at almost every level– from purchasing to distribution,” one headline screamed. The allegation that the fuel sector is poorly managed and also that that the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), in collaboration with the other Organizations mentioned, is part of a network that abets fuel smugglers is quite unfortunate. GEA has a strategic approach to combatting fuel smuggling. All tips, intelligence, sites and persons found to be dealing with illegal fuel are recorded, tracked and monitored to inform strategic operations. Additionally, the success of the Fuel Marking

Tuesday March 01, 2016

programme recorded from the time of its establishment to date also bears witness that the allegations are incorrect. If the programme is scrutinized, what will be revealed is that in 2004 there was significant smuggling of fuel into Guyana, with about one-third of the fuel used in Guyana believed to have been smuggled. The Fuel Marking Programme was established to combat this issue. The success of the programme can be seen from the statistics which show that from 2006 to 2015 the percentage of sites found with significant dilution in at least one tank has progressively decreased from 34% in 2006 to three per cent in 2015. Further, the Agency has always sought to strengthen its capacity to effectively combat the issue of Fuel Smuggling. Hence GEA became part of a Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband which was convened in 2007 under the auspices of the then Ministry of Home Affairs (now Ministry of Public Security) to coordinate the efforts of the different law enforcement agencies in the fight against fuel smuggling and contraband. The resulting cooperation between the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Energy

Agency, Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) aided in several interdictions of illegal fuel and assistance in capturing, escorting and securing various transport vessels (both land and water). Cooperation from the Guyana Police Force in the detention of suspects and the GDF Coast Guard and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in joint operations has proven invaluable in combating the illegal fuel trade. Of the 25 joint operations conducted with members of the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband, eight would have resulted in finds of illegal fuel; six are currently under investigation, one was prosecuted and convicted. In the final one, the individual requested to pay compensation. The file is currently at the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions awaiting advice. GEAIS INVESTIGATING Every report made to the Agency is investigated. Where field tests indicate that the fuel does not contain the required concentration of marker, further samples are sent to the GEA’s Laboratory for additional analysis. A decision is then taken on whether to institute criminal charges or not based on

the advice of GEA’s prosecuting Counsel, the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband and the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Alternatively, compensation may be accepted in the matter under Section 33A Guyana Energy Agency Act and in some cases, written warnings are issued to suspects. Where persons request to have matters settled, the matters are sent to the Honourable Minister for review and approval as per the statutory requirement. Warnings are primarily issued where the value of quantity of illegal fuel detected/ seized is particularly low in comparison to the cost that would be incurred in prosecuting same. To prosecute someone knowing that there is insufficient evidence to support the charge merely because he/ she is suspected to be involved in fuel smuggling, is not only an abuse of the Court’s process but may be viewed as a misuse and waste of the Court’s and GEA’s resources in conducting a fruitless prosecution. As it relates to the statement that “two cases of illegalities (can be found) every day. If Guyana brings in US$600M in fuel annually and legally, then from what is taking place on the ground, it is widely believed that fuel brought in illegally is in excess of US$600M,”GEA wishes to state that the figure of discovering two cases of illegality every day is grossly overstated and inaccurate. If one is to come up with a fair analysis of the Fuel Marking Programme it is pertinent to make a distinction between fuel legitimately imported under the accepted Border Trade Policy and fuel being illegitimately imported outside of the border areas. In the former case, fuel sampled and found not to

have the required concentration of marker is not, from a policy perspective, deemed illegal, and therefore would not be recorded as an incident. Hence, logically, such cases would not attract prosecution. In the latter case however, the procedure mentioned in the preceding paragraph will be followed. The following are the number of reports made each year from 2007 to date: 20073, 2008-41, 2009-46, 2010-51, 2011-21, 2012-13, 2014-51, 2015-36, 2016-4. While systems are in place to combat illegal fuel operations, there will be opportunities for improvement. In this regard, the Minister had requested a review of the “Border trade area” or “blind eye” approach. The overarching policy remains ‘zero tolerance’ for fuel smuggling. ALL LICENCES ABOVE BOARD GEA also wishes to state that, contrary to what was stated, there is no record of the grant of ANY Import/Importing Wholesale Licences that have not satisfied the statutory requirements, specifically, statement of locations for storage of petroleum and petroleum products contrary to what was stated in the article. As stipulated in the Petroleum and Petroleum Regulations 2014, as enacted under the Guyana Energy Agency Act 1997 (as amended), anyone applying for a wholesale licence or an importing wholesale licence must lodge with the Agency, the application, together with any documents or records as may be required by the Regulations. One such document is a list of all storage facilities including location, capacity and ownership of said facilities. Additionally, an Import licence will inherently include a Storage Licence, premised on the submission of a Petroleum Licence from the Guyana Fire Service, Environmental Permit from the Environmen-

tal Protection Agency and right to occupy premises evidenced by documentation from the Central Housing and Planning Authority. Upon consolidation of information submitted, GEA seeks ministerial approval prior to the grant of ALL fuel Importing/Importing Wholesale Licences, as all imports into the country will impact on national energy security and management of resources to ensure country-wide availability of petroleum and petroleum products on the market. If during the course of operations there is change in the storage facilities, this must be communicated to the GEA, upon which site visits by Inspectors and Licensing Officers are conducted. The Licensing process is vetted by the GEA in collaboration with sister agencies responsible for issuance of requisite documentation under the Regulations. In relation to the statement that “Some of the fuel being brought in legally are not declared and are ending up in gas stations. Everyone is involved and they are getting a nice kickback”, GEA would like to state once more for the record that if anyone has any information and proof of any GEA official being involved in corrupt practices then they should report and present same to the GEA and other relevant bodies including the Guyana Police Force. Further, the declaration of imports is done by the legitimate importer to the GRA, evidence of which is provided to GEA for the purposes of marking based on volumes imported. If the products are not declared, then it inherently suggests that such importers are not paying relevant taxes, but are distributing to other retail sites and garnering the profits from such sales. This is exactly the type of operations that the GEA (Continued on page 24)

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Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Vice-President Allicock brings 'Message of Unity' to Canadian Indigenous People

S

ydney Allicock, Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t and Minister of Indigenous People's Affairs, charmed and inspired a Canadian audience as he delivered the keynote address at the 40th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering on Sunday at Trent University, in Peterborough, Canada. The 2016 gathering, entitled Rekindling the Fire: Reconciliation and the Way Forward, honoured the recent historic release of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which redressed the legacy of residential schools in Canada and advanced the process of reconciliation. The three-day event featured workshops and cultural activities, and provided a forum for a large contingent of Canadian Indigenous and nonIndigenous people, including elders, students, faculty, and members of the local community, to explore their role in the reconciliation process.

M r. A l l i c o c k w a s introduced by Dr. Suresh Narine, a Trent University alumnus from Guyana who is now professor and director of the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research. Describing Mr. Allicock as the "father of tourism" in Guyana, Prof. Narine said, "His life has been a journey of sharing Guyanese Indigenous people's cultures with the rest of the world in an equitable and proud fashion." In his presentation, Mr. Allicock described his government's commitment and reconciliatory approach to the necessary task of uniting all Guyanese peoples and building the country. "Our government vows to ensure that the Indigenous peoples of Guyana are treated with respect and that our rights enshrined in national and international law are guaranteed. This is the principal aspect of healing and reconciliation for us," he said. He said the goal of the Ministry of Indigenous People's Affairs was to fulfill

Minister Allicock with Canadian officials President David Granger's dream of one nation, saying that it was a "strategicallypositioned Government Ministry that cuts across all social and economic sectors, connects all administrative regions and seeks to integrate Guyana's Indigenous People with our mainstream population." He pointed out that, for

the first time, there are four Indigenous members of cabinet and that he is the first Indigenous person to be appointed a Vice-President in Guyana, evidence of his

government's seriousness in recognizing Indigenous people. Mr. Allicock noted the commonality between the Indigenous peoples of

Guyana and Canada and called for everyone to work together to make a better world. "Together we will be strong. Unity is strength," he said.

Police probe of its own stumped by lack of information

T

he Guyana Police F o r c e ' s investigation into the conduct of a senior rank, has been stumped by the unforthcoming information from those who claimed to have incriminating evidence against the rank. The very senior officer has been celebrated by the Force on more than one occasion in the past. The allegations were first leveled against the officer on broadcast news. The People's Progressive Party subsequently sent out a statement naming the rank and calling for the matter to be addressed forthwith. PPP had indicated that it is in receipt of information that incriminates the crime fighting officer. PPP said that it is “convinced and concerned about the known egregious and extra-curricular conduct of Assistant Superintendent of Police, (name stated). We call upon the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, to immediately initiate an investigation into the many allegations surfacing. PPP pointed to the Officer's alleged misuse of office and links to the criminal underworld. “The PPP is concerned that unless this matter is nipped in the bud, more and more officers of the Force will become infected and the

contamination will eventually spread right across the Force.” Yesterday morning, Seelall told the media that the reporter who initially highlighted the allegations remains uncooperative. He noted that the force had immediately launched an investigation and sought help from the reporter who refused to give any information that can be helpful to an investigation. Seelall said, “The investigation is stuck unless we get something to work with at least a lead or something to move forward with.” Asked if he was concerned about the PPP statement without evidence Seelall responded, “We, in the Force, are accustomed to hearing all sections of society saying all sorts of things about us. We try whenever there are c o m p l a i n t s o f unprofessional behaviour to investigate it at lengths.” Seelall said that the Force would have contacted the PPP for information in the allegations it supported. S u b s e q u e n t l y, a statement was sent out indicating that ranks of the Police Office of Professional Responsibility visited Freedom House to interview Party officials. Both the Party's

Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha, who was met personally, and General Secretary Clement Rohee, who informed the police ranks through his Secretary, indicated that they had nothing of evidential value to offer. The Party did not present the audio and video recordings which it claimed implicated the Officer. At a press conference yesterday morning, Rohee told reporters that he is under no obligations to share his information with the police. Just last week Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, was asked if he received any document about the officer in question. Ramjattan responded in the positive but said that he has received lots of other allegations all of which are being investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility. The Minister expressed concern that “some of these allegations are not being buttressed by statements from people and also when they come up with their statements they do not want to be questioned by the police from the Office of Professional Responsibility. So sometimes you have to be careful about the allegations made against police men but all matters will be investigated.”

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Trinidad forum to “stamp out” corruption in the Caribbean

CH&PA to regularise squatter settlements The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will be moving to regularise state-owned lands that have long been occupied by citizens for residential purposes however, government is not going to condone new squatters. Based on various media reports, squatting has been seen as a hindrance to the relevant authorities carrying out their functions. It can increase health and safety related issues hence, many have been supporting the removal of illegal occupants while others have been looking at it from a different perspective - from the socio-economic angle. Squatters should move, but what happens to those that have been residing there for decades, have already

settled and have nowhere else to go?During a press conference hosted at the CH&PA headquarters in Brickdam yesterday, the Minister within the Ministry, responsible for Housing, Valerie AdamsPatterson said, “We are looking to regularise the squatting settlements along the country, and we are going to do so but we are not coming onboard (with squatting). Squatting is still illegal.” “Have your application in, and we are saying to you, we are working towards making house lots available and you will get your house lot,” the Minister advised. “We are not forced to regularise squatting so let me just emphasise, however, that those are already existing and some as many as 30 years, we

are going to regularise, but we do not expect this type of illegality and lawlessness to continue,” she added. The Minister yesterday also spoke about allottees selling lands before the expiration of the 10-year period. “All around the country, we have found that persons, having being allotted house lots, are selling these house lots for gain – this is illegal. Our policy says that you cannot sell within 10 years. However, despite this, persons have been going into the authority to have their lands transferred. The Minister is therefore calling on persons to desist from such actions. The penalties attached to the attempt to sell house lots prior to the completion of the 10-year period includes,

Minister with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson. the market value for the land becoming payable. After the 10-year period is up, if a person is desirous of selling, then approval has to be obtained in writing, from the Minister responsible for housing.

GuyOil’s ‘Bling my Ride’ promotion ends

The GuyOil team stand with several grand prize winners The Guyana Oil Company’s (GuyOil) ‘Bling my Ride’ promotion wrapped up its countrywide tour on Friday. In the end there were 104 Guyanese lucky winners of spectacular prizes that included beach umbrellas, tablet computers, flat screen televisions and ‘blinging’ car makeovers. To enter the draws patrons were required to fill out promotional coupons after they would have filled their vehicles with $5000 and more worth of fuel. Customers purchasing at the various Service Stations were then asked during the draws to dip into the coupon filled rotisserie to select winners. There was excitement

when the Regent Street Service Station brought the curtain down on the month -long promotion that had spanned as far as Berbice and Essequibo. Ten more beach umbrellas were won at the Regent Street Station. Top prizes went to Zaheir Rassack. of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) who won the tablet computer; Odel Abrams of Stanleytown WBD who won the flat screen television, and Shawn Henry of Princes Street, Georgetown, who will have his car completely made over. Winners from draws held at other GuyOil Service Stations, including Kitty, Diamond, and Sheriff Street stations, joined enthusiastic pa-

trons at the popular city outlet to uplift their prizes and join in the closing ceremony. Prior to the Regent Street draw, Guyoil had taken its promotion to a welcoming crowd at the Diamond Service Station on February 18 and then to A.M Khan’s Service Station in Anna Regina. Essequibo on February 20. At Diamond, Nizam Yusuf of 210 Grove, won a Tablet computer, H. Monilall of 1822 Section C Diamond, won a flat screen television and Sewpersaud Deonarine of 574Section B Block C Great Diamond, won the car makeover. U.Singh of Windsor Castle, Essequibo Coast, won the Tablet computer when GuyOil went to Anna Regina.

Mahadeo Narine, of 17Airy Hall, Essequibo Coast, won the flat screen television and Michael Sooklall of Maria’s Lodge, Essequibo won the car makeover. Retail Sales Manager, Jacqueline James, who headed the promotion, said that it was a great success. She thanked customers for their participation. The promotion’s Ambassador, lone female race-car driver Sharima ‘Speed Queen’ Khan, also thanked GuyOil for having her onboard and commended customers for their support to the national agency. James encouraged continued support for the State agency as she urged citizens to look out for more fruitful promotions to come.

The region needs better collaboration between integrity commissions and anticorruption agencies to eradicate corruption in the Caribbean, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Deodat Maharaj has said. Maharaj was speaking at the start of the Second Commonwealth Regional Meeting for Heads of Integrity Commissions and Anti-corruption Bodies in the Commonwealth Caribbean. The forum for regional integrity commissions, anti-corruption agencies, global experts and other stakeholders began yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago. It will run until March 4, a statement from Commonwealth said. According to the World Economic Forum, corruption is estimated to cost more than five per cent of global GDP, or a staggering US$2.6 trillion, with more than US$1 trillion paid in bribes every year. “Caribbean countries are already facing economic challenges such as unsustainable levels of debt and vulnerabilities due to climate change. They simply cannot afford to fall victims to corruption,” said Mr Maharaj. He added: “When those in positions of power abuse public or private office for personal gain, it robs our citizens of important resources, such as access to healthcare, a good education and the infrastructure required for successful entrepreneurship. “We are calling on Governments to demonstrate that they are ready to make a stand and stamp out this injustice. Our aim over the next three days is to work with integrity commissions and anti-corruption agencies to agree on viable and effective solutions.” The meeting was organised by the Common-

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Deodat Maharaj wealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Integrity Commission and the Association of Integrity Commissions and Anticorruption Bodies in the Commonwealth Caribbean. The body was set up at the 2015 Commonwealth meeting on anti-corruption in Grenada to create networks to improve governance and reduce corruption in the region. Commonwealth Secretariat anti-corruption expert, Roger Koranteng, said “rooting out” systemic corruption at both the national and international levels, one of the mandates of the 2005 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, remains a priority for the Commonwealth Secretariat. “Over the next few days we will be working with our regional partners to agree on sound and tailored strategies and a range of services to fight corruption. We will be exploring options such as annual peer reviews to encourage transparency and share best practice.”

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Kaieteur News

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Live in waitress -$60,000$70,000 monthly, must have secondary education. Call: 610-5043 One female cook Should know to prepare nutritious diets. Hourse of work: 9:00am1:00pm. Wage $20,000 per week. Call: 697-5221

Contract Cars for taxi service @ second location @ Norton Street- Call: 638-6045; 2260765

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494 Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807

Experienced drivers and dispatchers. Call:622-6413; 231-3709

Eternity Luxury cars rental. Call: 615-5315; 231-7374

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

Experienced taxi driver must have proof of address and police clearance. Call: 611-2414

Qualified persons- floor supervisor, experienced in retail business, tertiary education @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff St. Campbellville. Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Male housekeeping Dept Supervisor, male security guard 30-45yrs, 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 1 Driver- apply @ Technical Service, 18-23Industrial Site Eccles. Hairdressers, nail technician, barbers, also hair & nail stations available for rental location: New Market StreetCall: 638-1106 One sales representative. Call: 225-8205 Cashier with 6 months experience & Grade 3 in English @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff St. Campbellville. Driver/purchaser to work with mining firm in Georgetown, ages 28-55. Call: 226-9768 General Managers to work in the interior on land dredges with popular mining firmCall: 226-9768 Accountant/clerk to work with mining firm, ages 2355yrs & TM truck drivers for interior. Call: 226-9768

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1-RZ mini-bus BKK series, in excellent condition $750,000 negotiable- Call: 604-6016 First Class Auto: Rush, IST, Runx, Sienta, Bluebird, 06 Premio, 06 Allion, Fielder, Spacio, Noah. Call: 627-8383; 638-3045 Toyota Raum, AT192, Fun Cargo, RAV 4, Tundra, LTouring Wagon, IST, 4X4 pick up sold DEF, (Ducati 1098cc) Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 212 Carina, Toyota Ipsum, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Vigo – fully loaded. Call: 6097766/ 225-8427 1 Honda CRV, year 2001, PLL series, price $1.8M. Call: 624-6099 Toyota AT212, in good condition -$1.2M negotiableCall: 690-3352; 267-1308; 6262841 HC Toyota 212: A/C, alarm, pioneer deck, in excellent condition, one million negotiable. Call: 617-7113 ONE TOYOTA HILUX E/ CAB PICKUP M/T GASOLINE ENGINECALL: 676-0931 Tractor Massey Ferguson from Canada: MF165 -$1.7M, MF135-$1.1M, MF 265 $2.1M, MF165 loader -$2.4M. Call: 682-5230; 628-9596 Pickup truck-4 door, loaded, 2005, Toyota Tacoma $2.3M, Ford Ranger -$1.5M, Ford F150 Sport -$1.5M. Call: 682-5230; 628-9596

Atleast 3yrs experienced salesgirls @ Christine’s Variety Store on Lombard St.

Drivers, paid salary & contract cars- Call: 231-0002; 231-0316

Experienced cashier at American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Street. Call: 225-1864

VACANCY

Cashiers & pump attendants. Call or text: 670-6005; 6272550

Live in domestic must know to cook Indian dishes, salary $80,000 monthly. Call: 6105043

One maid. Attractive Salary. Call: 697-5221 PEN PAL Male seeking female (3552yrs) for relationship. Write: Mr. Other Heskey: Mount 92-96 Lord Street, Southport PR8 1JR England

Monique’s Nail Studio @ Bent Street Wortmanville: Acrylic-tips, airbrush, nail art, pedicure, hair, lashes, make-up. Call: 699-4889; 2316980

Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate-Tel: 6225518 One live-in or live out maid/ assistant salesgirl- Call: 6035416; 644-9802

EDUCATIONAL Private Custom Brokerage Certificate: training course- 29th March 2016. Register now! Call: 2231506; 694-8322 Lessons! Nursery: Phonics, Reading, Numeracy & Primary: Reading, Revision in all subjects, Grade 7- all Subjects @ Alberttown. Call: 690-9378

Hairdressers, nail technician, barbers, also hair & nail stations available for rental location: New Market StreetCall: 638-1106

Tuesday March 01, 2016

FOR SALE/FOR RENT American pool table – Call: 277-0578

TO LET Four storey business place located on Robb Street, next to Bourda Market- Call: 6237731; 629-0636 Fully furnished 1 bedroom, air-condition $90,000 monthly, $6,000 daily. Call: 668-0306; 694-7817; 218-1400

Manager / Accountant. Requirements: Atleast (1) year experience in similar position, Peachtree knowledge would be an asset. info@xen1net.net. (592)613-785

One 2 bedroom apartment $45,000 monthly. Contact Petboy @ Howes Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, between 10:00am-4:00pm 2 Bedrooms apartment $45,000 and 3 bedrooms $55,000 ‘B’ Field Sophia, 3 Months Advance rent – Call: 680-5442; 219-4216; 600-0036 FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. One Nissan 2002 bus – GRR. Call: 642-1141

TOURS SURINAME EASTER WEEKEND TOUR TRIP: SHOPPING, FUN, TOURS & SIGHTSEEING DOLPHINS MARCH 23RD -28TH, 2016. CALL: 692-7270; 6655171; 639-2663; 223-0056 Tours to Suriname Mar 24-28, 2016 -$34,000, Aruba – July 22-25 -$120,000, Airfare & accommodation) excluding food & transportation. Call: 660-0312

LAND FOR SALE 1 House lot in gated community -$4.5M n e g o t i a b l e . C all: 6947817; 668-0306 Providence Scheme (115ftX81ft) located on a Cul de Sac close to Bai Shan Lin -$8.2M negotiable. Call: 6014163 or 223-0719 Lall & Sons Real Estate: Providence -$5M, La Parfaite Harmonie- $1M, $1.2M, $1.6M, Tuschen -$3M, Parika Public Rd -$65M. Call: 604-6724 Vacant land for sale in Eccles, East Bank Demerara 70’X100’- Call: 623-6136 Large land @ Bagotville W.B.D 37’X724’ -$5.7M, gold, diamond land @ Ekereku –Call: 600-0036, 2231273 Continued on page 23

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Mark Benschop is dishonest and deceitful DEAR EDITOR, Mark Benschop is running a politically dishonest campaign. His logo says, “Team Benschop for Mayor,” when he is actually running as a councilor. Any how you parse the logo it amounts to intellectual dishonesty. Mark cannot run in the Local Government Elections (LGE) for Mayor, neither can any in his team run for mayor. Mark and all his team members must first contest as councilors and win as councilors and then the different councilors from all the constituencies, collectively (all 30 of them), will vote for a person to be Mayor. So when Mark continues to use his misleading logo, he is behaving in the way the average politician behaves; which behavior has caused many to reject politicians as liars and tricksters. Mark is single handedly responsible for the misnomer that the voters in the LEG will determine the Mayor, yet he continues to perpetuate that lie despite the clarion call for him to cease. If team Benschop wants to be honest, all they have to is replace the word ‘Mayor’ in their logo with the correct word ‘Councilor’ and the logo

would then be both politically and ethically correct. But team Benschop will never make that timely and conscionable correction, because it is obvious that they are more interested in winning than in being honest. And to think that I admired Mark who fought so hard to remove a government that he claimed was dishonest in their dealings. Further, Mark thinks that the current Mayor and City Council is behaving in shady ways and he is even calling for accountability and transparency. Yet he continues to run a campaign that is steeped in deceit and misinformation. The reason team Benschop is using that logo with the word Mayor in it, is because when a person goes into the voting booth in any constituency they will think that they are voting for Mark, as Mayor and not the local representative per se. So rather than the competence of the individual, local, councilors being scrutinized, team Benschop is getting a free ride on the popularity of Mark. Let me haste to say that what Mark and his team are doing by falsifying their campaign, is political genius.

Damning indictment against the Guyana... From page 4 untenable demands of a union that has failed its membership over the last two decades. The Guyana Teachers Union boasts a membership in excess of 7,000 persons. With a monthly Union Dues of $700 per member, the Union receives in excess of $4,900,000 monthly ($58,800,000 annually) from its membership alone. And how do these members benefit? By each receiving a bottle of Thrill (soda), a cheese roll and a pine tart at the Labour Day Rally. And 75% of the membership does not even attend the annual event. So who are the beneficiaries of the Union? Well you can answer that for yourself. Add to the infuriating foregoing the fact that the GTU Elections are a farce. The Central Executive has total control over the process. It is no wonder that the General Secretary and Treasure are returned to office term after term. This Union needs an urgent professional audit. This Union is afflicted by corruption and nepotism. This Union needs to be dissolved or reconstituted. This Union is a stain on the teaching service in this

country. This Union is the most self-serving, inept of workers’ unions in the Cooperative Republic! Anthony Nedd

No doubt this twisted strategy was designed to win Mark many votes and it might even get him close to the Mayoral position. But what it also shows is that Mark is the consummate politician who has surrounded himself with likeminded thinkers. It also shows what kind of a person Mark is and what tactics he will employ to govern, should he win as Councilor and get the Mayorship. I also saw that Mr. Sherrod Duncan of the APNU/AFC has decided to challenge Mr. Nigel Huge on a statement the latter made. Mr. Huge has stated emphatically that the central Government should not contest in the LGE. One needs to be reminded that Mr. Huges forms an integral part of the AFC party and is well respected as an objective and critical thinker. One would correctly surmise that when he noted his objections to the coalition participating in the LGE, Nigel was not being trite or flippant. He would have first examined the realities and objectives of the Local Government and its purpose and he would have spoken out of concern for the maintenance of its integrity. Like Mr. Huges, I too think that it is a blatant conflict of interest for the central government to want to lead the local government. Notwithstanding that it was this current government who instituted and passed a bill decentralizing the management of the Local Govern-

ment. So I am very surprised that Mr. Duncan would want to challenge Mr. Huges for making a candid and noteworthy observation. It is very obvious that Mr. Duncan is hoping that the prevailing popularity of the APNU/AFC coalition will catapult him into the Councilor’s seat. However, the real test of his personal popularity would have been realized if he had been man enough to contest, like me, as an independent. Duncan’s missive against Nigel is a desperate shot across the bow. He knows full well that Nigel is correct in his call for the central government to pull out of the LGE. Editor, what is coincidental about both Mr. Benschop and Mr. Duncan is that they are both vying for the same Councilor’s seat in District #14. The word on the street is that one of them is likely to win. The M&CC will therefore have as a Councilor from that District, one who has no problem with falsifying the truth to win at all cost, or one who’s allegiance is to the central government and not his constituents. Either way, the system is being played and made a mockery of. Wendell Jeffrey, Pastor Independent Candidate Wortmanville/Work-enRust, District #8

From page 22

FOR SALE One two tons forklift, one blocks machine, one Leyland truck (scrap). Call: 617-9230; 269-1406 Tibetan pups, fully vaccinated. Call: 225-4780 Nissan Titan- Call: 696-5135 Crash vehicle – Honda City for sale. Call: 225-0305 Toyota Rear Differential 39.8 and 14.5 fiberglass boat with trailer and 35HP motor. Call: 678-9536 One-6 Cylinder Perkins generator set 55KWs – 110/ 220v, single phase, 60Hz-Call: 695-3444/674-7400 Large 2 door fridge with ice maker -$250,000, 16 Gal, rigid vacuum cleaner -$75,000, smart TV 26". Call: 600-0036; 223-1273

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Tuschen Housing Scheme $7M negotiable. Call: 2641050; 683-7045/669-3553 Transport property located @ Rosignol W.B.B: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished. Call: 679-3496; 6026333; 330-2576; 699-4689 (motivated settler) 4 Bedrooms with washroom & bath @ 138 Uitvlugt, Ocean View, W.C.D -$7.5M – Call: 664-9998; 609-0514 House & land located @ 2nd Avenue; Section ‘A’ Block Diamond, Housing Scheme. Price negotiable. Call: 6749266; 622-1458 Newly built 3 bedrooms flat concrete property 22ftX48ft, land 50X90ft @ Vision Garden Versailles, W.B.D $11M. Call: 616-0111 Transported property @ 19 Good Hope Gardens, size: 24X61, concrete buildingall convenience, price $33M. Serious inquiries only-Call: 234-0046; 656-3525 Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 2276817; 624-7341 Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Property at Lot 173 Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.D- 5 bedrooms; 2 storey- Call: 681-5790 Property @ 650 Section ‘A’ Block Great Diamond East Bank Demerara. Call: 2254792; 609-1114 Property @ prime location 18 Acres, suitable for house lots/farming @ Independence St. W.B.D, any reasonable offer accepted. Call: 6750506; 663-0753 House & land at Windsor Forest -$15M. Call: 642-6664

FOR SALE Brand new Samsung Smart 32" TV, wall painting, candle holder & baby clothes. Call: 669-0828 One Toyota Hilux Surf Model KDKZN185W, please call 227-7538 or 2268247 between 08:15hrs and 17:00hrs, Mon-Fri.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Guyana Energy Agency responds to...

From page 12 along with GRA aims to address through regular sampling of sites, site verification activities to ensure licensing operations and legitimate fuel being sold and stored on site, marking of fuel, and monitoring imports and tracking of fuel distribution. Further, the GEA adds a specific marker to the imported petroleum and petroleum products for the purpose of identification and legitimacy. In 2005, the then Government of Guyana entered into an Agreement with the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood

Processors under which diesel imported by designated vessels by the Association would be untaxed and marked by the GEA with a specific duty free marker. This fuel would be discharged into designated trawlers and utilized only by members of the Association in their fishing business. In 2016, this Agreement was renewed by the present Government of Guyana and expires on December 31st, 2016. Where fuel marked with the distinctive marker is found in an unauthorized location, the suspects are liable to be prosecuted.

In fact, there has been one recorded incident of the marker being found at an unauthorised location. The individual was charged with being in possession of illegal fuel. He subsequently requested to pay compensation and did so in 2015 after which the charge against him was withdrawn. GEA has always been diligent and strategic in its duties. This diligence ensures that no ‘free for all’ situation exists contrary to what is stated in the article. MONITORING According to the KN, “GEA neglects to carry out mandatory checks and bal-

ances along the Demerara, Essequibo and Cuyuni Rivers”. However, the facts are very different. The fuel inspection unit of the GEA conducts regular monitoring on the Pomeroon, Essequibo and Demerara Rivers to curb fuel smuggling. In addition, such monitoring is done at the confluence of the Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers with the Essequbo River, and along the Berbice River. This strategy is done at times with the direct support of sister agencies on the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband. Whenever vessels are encountered on the waterways

of Guyana the standard operating procedure for sampling and testing is applied. Locally registered vessels that ply routes within Guyana usually have ‘marked’ fuel since they would have purchased their fuel stock from local, official sources. Locally registered vessels that ply international routes invariably would purchase fuel from international sources and declare same through customs documents as ‘ship stores.’ Internationally registered vessels that come into any of Guyana’s ports of entry would also declare their fuel through customs documentation. The latter would invariably then not contain the domestic marker. The ‘Venezuelan’ vessels that come at Ruimveldt are moored in an area that is immediately bounded to the west by the GDF Coast Guard and to the east by the Guyana Police Force (Marine Division). Checks made on these vessels in the past have typically shown that fuel on board is in their driving tanks. Drums on board usually contain freshwater or are empty with little indication of fuel being present. Examination of customs document generally concur with fuel present on board. Notwithstanding, the inspection unit has continued to monitor this area and other wharves where international and national vessels are moored. Surveillance activities and other tactics continued to be employed in these areas to combat cases/potential cases of smuggled fuel. The responsibility to track the movement of boats and their cargoes is that of GRA. Boats entering Guyana should be declaring with the Customs boat house their cargo and fuel upon entry and departure. Fuel for the vessel’s own propulsion is usually declared as Ship Stores to GRA. The vessel should check with GRA on departure to declare said volumes on Board to determine whether any was offloaded improperly. According to KN report “the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has been bringing in shipments of petroleum products, including diesel, weekly…What is wrong with the transactions is that the vessels have also, according to documents, been bringing in fuel for third parties. In essence, someone is jockeying and riding free on the vessel while taxpayers are footing the bill”. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR FREIGHTING Contrary to what KN has reported, the GEA is a Regulatory body responsible for licensing the importation, distribution, marking and testing of fuel. The GEA is not respon-

sible for the freighting of fuel, rather, the Oil companies and other importers are responsible for freighting their fuel. The issue of what volumes to be imported and the available storage are decisions made by the respective importer and not GEA, and the issue of payment of taxes remains under the direct purview of the GRA. GEA remains adamant about the submission of all documentary evidence to support ports and details of discharge, and distribution networks of imported fuel to monitor country-wide availability. GEA is further guided by previous legal rulings that have mandated the role of the Fuel Marking Programme relating to the aforesaid issue under the GEA Act. Although such rulings and juridical environment may appear to constrain the operational activities of the Agency, GEA shall continue to operate within its statutory jurisdiction and mandate so clarified by such precedent. As a regulatory body, GEA is not directly involved in the negotiation of prices for fuel imports, but serves as a facilitator in the importation of product through the granting of requisite licences where proposed importers satisfy all statutory requirements, and subsequently monitor downstream operations through the marking of imported product and licensing of sites to ensure legitimacy in the distribution of petroleum and petroleum products. The decision to institute charges is based on the evidence available to GEA and on advice received and the institution of charges is not the only means by which incidents are resolved. No individual has been or will ever be “protected” by the GEA. GEA emphasizes that its employees must carry out their duties with highest levels of integrity and professionalism, and where there is proven, misconduct action will be swift and condign. Fuel smuggling affects everyone. Combatting it effectively requires partnership with not only relevant Agencies but the public at large. Hence, GEA has always had an ‘open door’ policy in place whereby persons, as well as stakeholders can report incidents of fuel smuggling and provide feedback. The feedback received, whether in the form of a complaint or recommendation, assists the Agency to better serve the Guyanese populace at large. The media also has a role to play in the process. In recognition of this GEA has always willingly engaged the media; answering any questions they may have regarding the operation of the Agency.

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Miners protest action in Kanawaruk...

Syrian opposition says govt. wrecking truce deal

People carry Free Syrian Army flags while attending a protest against forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, Russia and the Syrian Democratic forces, in Tariq al-Bab neighbourhood of Aleppo, Syria, yesterday. (Reuters/Abdalrhman Ismail) (Reuters) - A senior official from Syria’s main opposition group said yesterday that a fragile international attempt to halt nearly five years of fighting was in danger of total collapse because of attacks by government forces. The cessation of hostilities drawn up by Washington and Moscow faced “complete nullification” because Syrian government attacks were violating the agreement, the official of the Saudibacked opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) said. France said there were reports of attacks on opposition forces in breach of the deal, which came into force on Saturday, and countries backing the Syrian peace process met to try to clarify the situation. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the pause in the fighting was largely holding, despite some incidents that he hoped would be contained. The Kremlin said the process was under way, although it had always been clear it would not be easy. In Washington, the White House said the United States remained committed to implementing the cessation of hostilities despite reports of violations over the weekend. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the cessation was largely holding with casualties greatly reduced compared with before the agreement took effect. Syrian forces made some gains, however. The Observatory reported that they had taken territory near Damascus yesterday after a battle with the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front and other Islamist rebels. Syrian government forces

also regained control of a road to the northern city of Aleppo after making advances against Islamic State fighters. The cessation of hostilities agreement, the first of its kind since the war began in 2011, is a less formal arrangement than a ceasefire. It is meant to allow peace talks to resume and aid to reach besieged communities. Aid trucks carrying nonfood items such as blankets yesterday entered Mouadamiya, a suburb of Damascus under siege by government forces, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent said. The United Nations and other agencies hope to deliver aid to more than 150,000 people in besieged areas over the next five days. GLOOMYASSESSMENT Asaad al-Zoubi, head of the HNC’s delegation to the peace talks, gave a gloomy assessment of the truce. “We are not facing a violation of the truce ... we are facing a complete nullification,” he said on Al Arabiya al Hadath TV. “I believe the international community has totally failed in all its experiments, and must take real, practical measures toward the (Syrian) regime,” Zoubi said, without elaborating. He said there were no signs of any preparations for peace talks, which the U.N. wants to reconvene on March 7. Talks in Geneva in early February collapsed before they started, with rebels saying they could not negotiate while they were being bombed. HNC spokesman Salim alMuslat said the truce was a step in the right direction, but a mechanism was needed to stop such violations and encourage negotiations. “There has to be a power

that really stops what Russia and what the regime is doing,” Muslat said in a television interview with Reuters in Riyadh. “Today there [were] about 10 Russian air strikes, about 16 air strikes done by the regime.” Syrian officials could not immediately be reached for comment on claims that government forces were violating the cessation. The government, whose forces are backed by Russian air power, has said it is abiding by the agreement. However, a Syrian foreign ministry official accused Saudi Arabia of trying to undermine the cessation of hostilities agreement by saying there would be a “Plan B” if it failed. He did not give details of the plan, which is believed to include military action. Russia on Monday also rejected any suggestion of a Plan B, which has been alluded to by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. The agreement does not include jihadist groups, such as Islamic State and the Nusra Front, and Russia has made clear it intends to keep bombing them. But rebels regarded as “moderate” by the West fear they will also be targeted as they operate in areas where Nusra is also present. Countries belonging to the “International Syria Support Group” (ISSG), led by the United States and Russia, met in Geneva on Monday. They are supposed to monitor compliance with the deal and act rapidly to end any flare-ups. “We have received indications that attacks, including by air, have been continuing against zones controlled by the moderate opposition,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said in Geneva. “All this needs to be verified.”

Tesouro Resources has exclusive rights to property – Manager

Following the allegations made by small miners’ in Konawaruk, Region Eight, of being deprived of mining lands by Tesouro Resources, the Manager of the company revealed recently that the miners have been illegally operating since the company has exclusive rights to the property. On Thursday last, several miners were involved in a protest action which resulted in the blocking of a road in Kanawaruk, Region Eight, where one man was arrested. The protest action, according to one miner, stemmed from the unavailability of mining lands in the area since Tesouro Resources set up its operations. Contributing to the move also, were the “failed” promises from the authorities over the years to have lands made available to them. Another miner also made allegations that the company was depriving small, local miners of the little land they have available to work however, contrary to the miners’ accusations, the company issued a statement saying that the miners have no rights to the property and were “illegally” operating on Tesouro’s claim. The statement, which had the name of the Manager, J.E Williams attached to it, stated that “raiding” has been an ongoing issue which saw the intervention of both officials from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The release revealed that on February 18, a team led by Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Officer, Javy McIntosh, along with two policemen and Tesouro Security, went to North Fork

to remove an “illegal” mining operation occurring on the property where the team encountered an additional two “illegal” operations, and these were issued Cease Work Order (CWO). “Mr. McIntosh and team were unable to cause the illegal operation to cease raiding. The raiders were adamant that they will not move nor will they be removed, irrespective of who owns the mining property”. During the operation, the raiders allegedly issued several threats in the presence of the police, which include, threats to kill the Chief Operations Officer (COO), Shaun ‘Dean’ Hassan and Head of Interior Security, Glendon Williams, the release stated. “Additionally, there was a vehicle on the ground without number plates, at the time of the team’s visit. This was brought to the attention of the police, along with information that it was the said vehicle that attempted to run one of our pick-ups off the road while transporting the GGMC officer back to Mahdia on the evening of February 12. The foregoing was not addressed by the police.” The foregoing threats, the release continued, represent a continuation of the “raiders’” attitude especially towards the company’s employees as the statement made reference to an incident which took place on February 12 where McIntosh, accompanied by Tesouro security, visited the same location twice and was met with “great hostility”. On that occasion, the “raiders”, including Godfrey Wint, the individual who was arrested during the protest, reportedly threatened to burn

all buildings in the company’s compound in Kanawaruk. The company continued that these threats were captured on a video and was subsequently reported to the Mahdia police Station. “The tape, offered as evidence, was not viewed by police Sergeant Small but who had advised that ‘a patrol’, which was in the Konawaruk at the time the report was made, would address the said issue. “The police’s response was communicated to the Commander of ‘F’ Division, who advised that a copy of the video be made and sent to the police. Notwithstanding, the foregoing reports are still to be addressed.” Raiding has been an ongoing challenge for their “security elements” for over twelve months where several joint operations between the GGMC and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have been previously planned and executed, which includes, GGMC/GPF support from Georgetown, and in several instances those operations were unsuccessful, the release stated. “These failed outcomes beg the question as to whether the raiders were given prior notice of operations mounted out of Georgetown.” “On Friday February 12, last, at 10:30 hours, a one-day picketing exercise was mounted by approximately 30 persons, just outside Tesouro Resources interior Headquarters, Konawaruk. The majority of protestors were raiders but also included seven females and four children. The ‘raiders’, who operate out of Black Water and Mowasi, were encouraged by (Continued on page 26)

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Kaieteur News

Publish the Rodney report - Rohee The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has called on the government to immediately and officially release the Dr. Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI) report. As they continue to hold on to it, the public is being denied the opportunity to judge for itself. According to PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee, the COI was paid for by taxpayers’ dollars, thus ultimately belonged to them. Rohee made it clear that snippets of the leaked report appearing in the media was not good enough. He also responded to comments by President David Granger. Granger was quoted in the media as saying that the report and its findings are “flawed”, based on “hearsay evidence” and that it would be challenged. “The severe criticism of the Granger administration has also come about due to President Granger ’s unstatesman like rejection of the Report’s conclusions and recommendations.” Noting that the mounting criticism of the APNU+AFC coalition administration was justified, Rohee called for the immediate release of the Report and for it to be laid in the National Assembly unconditionally. “There are two attempts at

PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee covering-up,” Rohee said. “Firstly, (there is) the attempt to cover-up who is responsible for the death of Dr. Walter Rodney and second, the attempt at covering up the findings of the Report detailing the circumstances of Dr. Rodney’s assassination.” “The PPP urges the Granger-led Government to put an end to this nonsensical behaviour,” he said. “President Granger should heed the wise words of Benjamin Franklin who wrote that it should not be supposed that honour and dignity are better served; “by persisting in a wrong measure once en-

tered into than by rectifying an error as soon as it is discovered.” The findings of the COI, which were leaked, had essentially said that the People’s National Congress (PNC) administration which was led by the late Forbes Burnham was responsible for the death of the Guyanese scholar. Executive member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, has already expressed disappointment at the “partisan” stance recently taken by President David Granger on some of the leaked findings of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report. “I disagree with the President’s interpretation of the report, but that is not the source of my disappointment,” Hinds had said. “Had the president told the reporters that he was speaking as leader of the PNC, I would not have been disappointed.” “The PNC has a right to be aggrieved by the findings of the Commission; after all the PNC government of that time and its leader is indicted by the report.” He had added that the President and Leader of a coalition party –of which the WPA is part of—blundered by making such comments as it comes across as being partisan.

Brazil justice minister to quit as Lula probe tension grows: sources Brazil’s Justice Minister, Jose Eduardo Cardozo, plans to resign by today, fed up with rising attacks from his Workers’ Party over a widereaching police probe into corruption that has ensnared a number of party officials, two presidential sources told Reuters yesterday. Brazilian dailies Folha de S.Paulo and Estado de S.Paulo, first to report the minister’s imminent departure, said leading members of his party have increased pressure on Cardozo in recent days after former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was notified Brazilian courts plan to subpoena his bank, telephone and financial records. Lula, a five-time presidential candidate and two term president from 2003 to 2010, is under investigation in the wake of a giant and widening corruption scandal at state-led oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA. Lula has already faced police questioning over the financial dealings of his children and friends and now faces questioning of his alleged ownership of a beachfront penthouse triplex and country estate. The penthouse and country home were allegedly renovated by construction compa-

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Govt. offers 50 percent Independence discount on house lots The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is offering a special payment plan for the month of May to beneficiaries of Government house lots, priced $3M and below, in residential areas. Under this 50/50 payment plan, persons who have completed paying 50 percent of the cost of their house lots by May 1, will be given a 50 percent discount on the balance. This balance, however, must be paid by the end of May, Minister of Communities Valerie Adams-Patterson explained at a press briefing in the boardroom of CH&PA, yesterday. “If you have an allocation to a house lot for $1M and by May 1, you would have completed paying $500,000 (which is 50 percent,) then you have 50 percent on the remaining balance of 500,000. So you now have a discount on the balance of $250,000 but the balance must be paid by the end of May,” she explained. The payment plan takes effect from today, the Minister said. “So you have from now to April 30 to complete 50 percent payment of your allocation,” she advised. The

Minister of Communities Valerie Adams-Patterson initiative whilst in celebration of the nation’s jubilee is also in keeping with government’s intention to make house lots more affordable. The payment plan is also applicable to the beneficiaries of turnkey homes, with regards to the cost of the house lot, not the homes, she explained. A house lot for a turnkey home costs $500,000. Also in commemoration of Guyana’s 50th anniversary, the CH&PA will give 50 persons, $300,000 as a subsidy. The beneficiaries of these grants must be living within one of the Government’s

housing schemes, and the subsidy is to be used to implement home repairs. The Minister explained that the beneficiaries will be randomly selected during a public exercise in each region. According to the Minister, four persons each will be given subsidies in Regions One, Two, Five, Seven and Nine, whilst six persons will benefit in Region Three. A total of 14 subsidies will be distributed in Region Four whilst five each will be handed out in Regions Six and Ten.

If unchallenged, Governor General could receive official Election results tomorrow (Jamaica Gleaner) There is no clear indication when Prime Minister-designate Andrew Holness could be sworn in. The Director of Elections, Orrette Fisher, told journalists yesterday morning that the final recount could be completed later in the day. He said the official results could be presented to the Governor General by tomorrow.

However, he noted that this could be delayed if any candidate challenges the results in the courts. In a statement Sunday, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) said Holness was already moving to take charge of the government of Jamaica from the People’s National Party. There were also reports that Holness was moving to

have the swearing-in ceremony today. Meanwhile, the JLP has indicated that it will take steps to have a magisterial count for St Mary South East which it lost to the PNP on Saturdays’ recount. Meanwhile, the Director of Elections has sought to explain why the recount process appeared slow.

Tesouro Resources has exclusive... Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

Brazil’s Justice Minister Jose Eduardo Cardozo

nies involved in the price-fixing, bribery and political kickback scandal at Petrobras, as the oil company is known. Lula has said the properties don’t belong to him. On Saturday, Lula lashed out at the subpoenas. “If this is the price people must pay to prove their innocence, I’ll do it,” Lula said referring to the subpoenas. “The only thing I want is that afterward they give me a good conduct certificate, because I doubt there is anyone more honest than I am in the country.” A justice ministry spokeswoman declined to comment. Aides to Rousseff could not be reached. Cardozo, a lawyer and law professor, is recovering from lymphatic cancer. Cardozo is upset over PT

allegations that he has failed to control a political witch hunt against Lula and other government allies. Cardozo has said he has no authority to restrict investigations without evidence police violated a person’s rights. A Cardozo resignation would come as pressure mounts on both Lula and Rousseff after last week’s arrest of Joao Santana, a political consultant who ran Rousseff’s two successful presidential bids and Lula’s successful re-election campaign in 2006. Prosecutors allege Santana was paid with money siphoned from Petrobras by corrupt construction companies working with politician and Petrobras executives.

(From page 07) the Guyana Police Force to conclude their activity at approximately 18:30 hrs.” The activity mounted by the ‘raiders’, the release stated, was seemingly intended to force Tesouro Resources into allowing them to “illegally” mine claims to which the latter has “exclusive rights”. “The size of the protestors was approximately thirty. They were generally peaceful, with occasional chants ‘for Tesouro to go’ and that they ‘want land to work’. Two persons were observed videotaping our personnel and vehicles, as these exited or entered the camp.” The stated intention of the raiders was to remain in protest mode throughout the night, and to this end a tarpaulin tent was constructed. However, the GPF at approximately 18:00 hrs engaged the

protestors and advised that their actions would be better served in Georgetown. There was initial reluctance but subsequently they dismantled their tent and departed about half an hour after. “The reluctance of the raiders to cease their illegal operations and their aggressive posture has seemingly emboldened others to establish illegal mining operations. Our camp Administrator reported this morning Friday 2016-02-19 that three additional illegal operations are being ‘set up’ in North Fork. These are in addition to raiding also being done at Acourie.” The current situation at North Fork threatens to further escalate if not addressed with a greater sense of urgency, the statement revealed, and the company’s

“inability” to cause the miners removal, have encouraged others to move into the said area, and in the process will cause “enormous” damage to property and consequently “negatively” impact Tesouro operations”. “More significantly, Tesouro Resources is extremely concerned over the threats made to ‘kill’ our personnel, and wishes for the said threats to be addressed expeditiously. “The continued coordination between the GPF and GGMC is necessary but such joint action must be done in a timelier manner and in this regard, there must be a continuous GGMC presence at Mowasi.” “Tesouro Resources stands ready to provide the necessary support to such initiative, in order to remove the scourge of raiding in the Konawaruk.”

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday March 01, 2016

As Europe bickers, police fire teargas on migrants storming border

Stranded refugees and migrants try to break a Greek police cordon in order to approach the border fence at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni. (Reuters/Alexandros Avramidis) (Reuters) – Macedonian police fired teargas to disperse hundreds of migrants who stormed the border from Greece on Monday as a deeply divided Europe traded barbs over the biggest humanitarian crisis in decades. As frustrations boiled over at restrictions imposed on people moving through the Balkans, migrants trapped on the Greece-Macedonia border tore down a metal gate in the barbed wire fence. A Reuters witness said Macedonian police fired several rounds of teargas into the crowd and onto a railway line where other migrants sat refusing to move, demanding to cross into the country. Greece raced to set up temporary accommodation for a build-up of thousands of migrants stranded in the country after Austria and countries along the Balkans migration route imposed restrictions on their borders, limiting the number of migrants able to cross. Many of the migrants, fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and North Africa, hope to reach Germany, which last year took in 1.1 million asylum seekers. There were an estimated 22,000 migrants and refugees trapped in Greece on Monday, some sleeping rough in central Athens, some in an abandoned airport and at the 2004 Olympic Games venues. Greece’s migration minister said without any outlet, that figure could rise as high as 70,000 in coming days. More than 1 million migrants passed through the country last year, prompting criticism from other European nations that Athens was simply waving them through.

“These people do not want to stay here,” said Thodoris Dritsas, Greece’s shipping minister. “Even if we had a system in place for them to stay here permanently it wouldn’t work.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel, facing the biggest test of her decade in power, on Sunday defended the country’s open-door policy for migrants, rejecting any limit on the number of refugees it allowed in despite divisions within the government over the issue. “It is my damn duty to do everything I can so that Europe finds a collective way,” she told state broadcaster ARD. That way was lacking on Monday, however, a week before European Union leaders meet with officials from Turkey to discuss how it can help stem the flow of migrants from its shores. In an increasingly shrill debate, Austria’s defense minister suggested Merkel take in all those who were stranded in Greece. “The German chancellor ... said that formally there is no upper limit in Germany. Then, I would invite her to take the people, who arrive in Greece now and whom she wants to take care of, directly to Germany,” Hans Peter Doskozil told Austria’s Oe1 radio. TENT COMMUNITY Thousands of people have been gathering at Idomeni, the small frontier community on Greece’s border with Macedonia, for days. Hundreds of tents were pitched in soggy fields on Monday and there were reports that fights had broken out among families over tents, which were in short supply.

Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki said that there was a problem with “shifting in responsibility” and shifting the problem to the next border. “Frustration has accumulated because for several days some of these people have been blocked at the Greek border,” he told Reuters. Nearly 100 foreign police officers – from countries including Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria – were deployed in Macedonia, he said, adding the figure could go up to 350. In a speech to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, he said that “encouraging” cooperation had been established with Greece on the issue but that it may not be enough. On Monday, a crush developed along the frontier after rumors spread that Macedonian authorities had opened the border. Crowds gathered at the razor wire fence then used a heavy metal pole to bring down a gate. At least two people collapsed in the crush and after teargas was fired at them, Reuters television images showed. Aid agencies said the border was opening with Macedonia intermittently, with about 7,000 people gathered in the area. People were also being sent back for apparent discrepancies between registration documents they received from Greek authorities and their own travel documents, witnesses said. “There are people who have been here for as long as 10 days,” said Gemma Gillie of aid agency Medicins Sans Frontieres. “Things are really stretched to the limit.”

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Brady, Patriots agree on Caricom on the ball to... two-year extension, report Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - The New England Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady reportedly agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2019 season when he will be 42. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Dianna Russini, Brady’s salary-cap charge for 2016 was scheduled to be a team-high $15 million and the extension would lower that number. Brady, who turns 39 in August, has two years left on his existing contract, paying him $9 million in 2016 and $10 million in 2017. The deal with Brady was not officially signed as of Monday morning. The four-time Super Bowl champion has always maintained he could play well into

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (Mark J. Rebilas) his 40s. “I’d like to play a long time, yeah, a long time,” Brady said in October. “There’s a lot that goes into playing well. I’ve played with a lot of great teammates. But I want to play for a long time, maybe 10 more years. I think that’s probably what my goal is. “Well, it’s not always up

to me That’s what my goals are, so that’s just what I’m hoping. And it will take a lot to achieve that. Obviously a team has to want you, but I think that’s ... you know, I love playing this sport. I love making a commitment to my teammates and my coaches, and hopefully I can do it for a long time.”

Tuesday Feb 30, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't hold yourself back because you think you're too old. Voice your opinions and contribute to the debate. Situations you can't change should be forgotten for the present. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Put your energy into moneymaking ventures. Don't push your luck with authority. Don't be too eager to buy things for those who really don't deserve it. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Dig deep to find out how costly a new venture will be before you sign on the dotted line. Be careful that you don't overextend yourself. You could be misinterpreted if you're not careful. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Emotional deception will cause friction on the home front. Sudden romantic encounters are quite likely, but discretion will be a must. You are best not to nag or criticize.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Organizations may cost you more than you can afford. You mustn't take on other people's responsibilities or you may find yourself irritable and exhausted. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Romantic opportunities will develop through friends or relatives. Chances are you split up the last time because you didn't really want to make a commitment. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your emotions may get the better of you. Children or friends may try to talk you into lending them money. Your lack of responsibility and attention has been a key issue in your relationship. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You need some rest. You are best not to say too much to colleagues. You may have the opportunity to get involved in some interesting conversations.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Make money using your ingenuity and creative talent. Emotional situations could bring out your stubborn nature. Hard work will bring rewards.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You need to spend some time with individuals who have more experience than you. You may have a rather hectic day due to events that children are involved in. Get involved in sports events that will benefit your physical appearance.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may find it difficult to discuss personal matters with family members. You will be uncertain of your feelings. Try not to overreact to the loss.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Avoid any intimate involvement's with coworkers or employers. Take the day to relax and pamper yourself. You need to interact with others if you want to expand your knowledge.

(From page 29) democratically-held elections participating in its design and implementation. 5. Instituting any other measures that they deem fit and necessary to restore competence and credibility at the Board level. President Cameron’s claims that the recent sterling performance of our heroic U19 Team is a manifestation of the WICB’s intense preparation programme could only be justified if he produces to the public the details of the programme to which he is referring. In my view the reality is totally the opposite whereby the youngsters and the team management must be the ones who should receive all accolades for their success.

And while our U-19 heroes have given us a glimpse of hope f o r t h e f u t u r e , sustained stellar performances depend on a new o r d e r, a n d a n e w a p proach to our cricket administration. An “all hands on deck” policy is important and should include administrators, businessmen, past players, current cricketers and the public who all must work together with mutual respect for one another within a new governance protocol and introspective strategic plans. These plans must include a comprehensive programme for ladies cricket at both the junior and senior levels. The President and seventeen (17) Directors of the current WICB must bear collec-

tive responsibility for the shambolic state in which West Indies cricket finds itself. This clique has virtually brought West Indies cricket to its knees through their arrogance, administrative incompetence and disdain for the people of the Caribbean. By popular demand they should be consigned to oblivion. As a former player and cricket administrator with over forty (40) years’ experience, I am heartened by the bold position taken by Caricom. Guyana continues to suffer immensely from pitiful cricket administration and the patent complicity of the WICB. Claude Raphael Former WICB Director Former GCB Executive.

In Pakistan, young female... (From page 27) according to media reports. Some of the girls in Qambrani’s family, who had taken up practising at home, participated in the camp, and came to Qambrani afterwards to ask why they couldn’t train at his club as well. “A number of girls were keen on training, but due to social pressures, I had been avoiding the issue,” Qambrani said. “Last year a girl came to me, asking why girls couldn’t train. I was moved when she said, ‘No one teaches us how

to defend ourselves,’” he said. Since then, some of the girls have begun to participate in tournaments, at home in the ring in white track suits, head scarves and boxing gloves. For Anum Qambrani, the

coach’s 17-year-old daughter, getting the chance to train formally in the club was nothing short of fulfilling her birthright. “My two uncles are international boxers, and my father is a coach,” she said. “Boxing is in our blood.”

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Johnson feels chances of a Test recall are good but aims to let his bat do the talking By Sean Devers in St Lucia In association with Trophy Stall, Tower Suites & Golden Arrow Inn

During the last year Leon Johnson’s stature as Captain and batsman in West Indies Cricket has been growing rap-

idly and the 28-year-old is quietly confident of regaining his Test place in the near future. “I think my chances of

getting back in the West Indies side are good at the moment but nothing in life is a given so with four possible

innings left in the tournament, a couple more big scores won’t do those chances any harm,” Johnson said yesterday after his team defeated the Volcanoes by six wickets on Sunday. Johnson hit Shane Shillingford for six to end the game as the Jaguars reached 39-4 chasing 39 for victory. The eighth round win here in St Lucia extended the unbeaten streak of the defending champions to 15 matches in PCL four-day cricket as the Jaguars increased their lead to 125 points. The Jaguars Captain has only converted four of his 30 First-Class scores over fifty but he has scored two centuries in his last three games and seems well on course to rectify that problem. In the last match Ronsford Beaton’s career best 5-43, Raymon Refier’s fourwicket haul and Johnson’ first innings 107 set up the victory inside three days to give the team a well deserved extra rest day yesterday. Some of the players spent the day relaxing while others took the opportunity to take in the sights here in St Lucia. The team is scheduled to return home today. Johnson has played four Tests and scored two fifties including one on debut against Bangladesh here. In his last Test in South Africa in January 2015 he scored 98 runs including 54 in the first innings of that game. Johnson was overlooked for the England and Australia home series and the ‘away’ tours to Sri Lanka and Australia since then. The technically correct left-handed has jumped to number two on the list of this season’s leading run-scorers. He has 623 runs with two hundreds and three fifties at an average of 56.63. His 18 sixes are the most by any batsman this season. Johnson’s teammate, lefthander Vishaul Singh, who also seems very close to a West Indies call-up, is the only batsman with more runs than his Captain with 633 runs. Singh has three tons

and one half-century at an average 57.54. With two games to go Johnson is well set to become the first Captain to lead Guyana to backto-back Regional First-Class titles joining Clive Lloyd (1975 & 83) and Roger Harper (1987 & 93) as the only Guyana Captain to win two titles. Guyana has won seven titles since 1966 when sponsored Regional First-Class cricket was introduced. Speaking about the Jaguars’ latest win Johnson was full of praise for his team. “We had a very good game c o l l e c t i v e l y. O u r s e a m bowlers won us the game basically; taking 15 of the 20 wickets. They used the helpful conditions here in St Lucia perfectly. Securing a first innings lead of 123 was also very vital towards our push for victory,” Johnson said. When asked what he felt were the main reasons for his success as Skipper Johnson said he felt that his success so far as Guyana’s captain was mainly due to experience. “I have played 71 first class games now, 56 of those for Guyana and I understand t h e g a m e a n d h o w i t ’s played in the region. Add that with good teammates who work towards team goals and you see why I am not just successful as a Captain but why the Jaguars are successful as a team,” Johnson added. According to the Captain, Anthony Bramble was promoted because off-spinner Shane Shillingford was bowling well to the left-handers. Johnson explained that he wanted a right-hander at the crease to break the sequence of left-handers and hit with the spin. Johnson also disclosed the right thumb of leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul got dislocated while he was fielding. “It will be assessed in a week’s time by a doctor and we will know exactly where it stands,” Johnson disclosed. The Jaguars face the Leewards Hurricanes in Antigua from March 11 after a short break.

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

BCB congratulates Rose Hall Town and Sports Club for Medal of Service honour

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster (right) receives the award from His Excellency President David Granger, who is also Patron of the club. One of the top cricket clubs in Berbice, affiliated to the Berbice Cricket Board, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club was the recipient of the prestigious national award, Medal of Service. The BCB takes the opportunity to congratulate the club and also say thanks for their contribution to Berbice, Guyana

and West Indies cricket, a release from the BCB stated. The release continued by saying that the club’s current president Keith Foster is the immediate past president of the board and he served with distinction. The secretary Hilbert Foster was the head of the special events committee and was the major player in

transforming the board into an active NGO. Under his watch, many organisations, churches, cricket clubs and individuals benefitted through his influence and soliciting of sponsorship. Even on the field of cricket, all levels of cricket was played in Berbice except for three day which was in the pipeline when he resigned to spend more time with his club. The RHTY&SC produced several outstanding cricketers some of whom went on to wear West Indian colours. To name a few: Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Erva Giddings and Shemaine Campbell. The BCB in closing pleaded with other cricket clubs and organisations to widen their role in society and help the less fortunate and at the same time provide hope for the hopeless, something that the RHTY&SC has been doing for many years. Congrats again to Hilbert Foster and his hard working team.

In Pakistan, young female boxers punch through gender barriers KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) In a dense and dusty neighbourhood in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, eight young girls lined up against a cement wall, touching their hands to their faces in prayer before boxing practice began. For the last six months, these athletes-in-the-making have been training at the Pak Shaheen Boxing Club in Lyari, a packed Karachi ward known more for its internecine gang warfare than for breaking glass ceilings. During the week, a dozen girls, aged eight to 17, go to the club after school to practise their jabs, hooks and upper cuts for hours in the hope of one day bringing a medal home to Pakistan. “I have been training since I was a child,” said Urooj Qambrani, 15. “Inshallah, I will become an international boxer. ... I will make Pakistan’s name famous.” Pakistani women have been training as boxers in small numbers and competed in the South Asian Games last year, said Younis Qambrani, the coach who founded the club in 1992. The growth of the sport for both men and women in Pakistan has been dogged by a lack of equipment and adequate facilities, but the situation is slowly improving, he said. In Pakistan, a conserva-

tive Muslim society, women and girls face additional obstacles - both from Taliban threats for going to school and also violence from family members, including so-called “honour killings” in which male relatives kill girls deemed to have brought shame to the

family name. In October, the Sindh Boxing Association organised a camp for female boxers in Karachi, the first time that a government-supported event for women in the sport was held in the country, (Continued on page 25)

Enterprise A overcome Mahaica

Pradesh Balkishun

Bhaskar Yardam

Off-spinner Pradesh Balkishun grabbed 5 wickets for 11 runs off four overs as host Enterprise A defeated Mahaica by nine wickets then the East Coast Demerara Cricket Association 40-over tournament continued on Sunday. Batting first, Mahaica scored 120 all out in 27.1 overs. Steve Chan made 41,

Darshan Persaud 30 and Devanand Budram 17; Vivian Albert supported Balkishun with 2-19. Enterprise A responded with 124-1 in 12.3 overs. Bhaskar Yadram clobbered eight fours and one six in a top score of 71 not out while Kamesh Yadram got 30 not out with three fours. Suresh Chumadath was the lone wicket taker.

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Association do Shotokan Karate –Guyana National Championships

Participants of the National Karate Championships. The Association do Shotokan Karate – Guyana hosted their National Karate

Championships on Sunday February 21st, 2016 at the YMCA Thomas Lands where a num-

ber of sterling performances were recorded as athletes sought to upgrade their statuses.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Alpha whip Monedderlust to lead Persaud, Padmore light up final table; Buxton hold Pele to draw group stage performances as Richardson draws red Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition

-KO commences this Saturday An impressive display of skill and marksmanship by Mae’s Dharshan Persud, who lashed in a treble in the 24th, 59th and 60th minutes brought a fitting conclusion to the round robin phase of this year’s Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition on Sunday, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. Persaud, who has been a find since he entered the competition, again showed why is considered amongst the best player in the competition with another mesmerising display against the previously unbeaten St. Rose’s High in the final game on Sunday.

Mae’s coasted to a comfortable 4-1 win which will certainly boost their confidence heading into the round of sixteen this Saturday, at the same venue. Another school that recorded a morale boosting win was Queenstown that defeated St. John’s College 3-0 through Jermin Padmore, who netted in the 5th and 11th minutes to go with a solitary strike from Vickram Chandranand 53rd minute effort. In the day’s full results: Game-1 St. George’s High-1 vs Tutorial High-1 Tutorial Scorer

Zion Gray-15th St. George’s Scorer Travis Parris-34th Game-2 Queenstown-3 vs St. John’s College-0 Jermin Padmore-5th and 11th Vickram Chandranand-53rd Game-3 Charlestown Secondary vs Freeburg Seondary Freeburg won via walkover Game-4 Mae’s Secondary-4 vs St. Rose’s High-1 Mae’s Scorers Darshan Persaud-24th, 59th and 60th Alex Hopkinson-44th St. Rose’s Scorer Shamar Jones-25th

Stag Elite League

This Pele FC player at right eases into the Buxton defensive third being pursued. By Franklin Wilson Even the red card that Gregory Richardson drew with one minute to full time for violent conduct against Buxton United’s Inceford Charles (yellow card) couldn’t take away from a solid performance by the East Coast side as they held Pele to a 0-0 draw in the feature match of the night as Stag Elite League (SEL) FINALE action continued at the GFC ground on Sunday night. Despite not producing any goals, Buxton, which earned its first point of the season were able to match Pele for the duration of the match that was played at a very fast pace which held the attention of the small group of fans on hand. The first game of the night produced a 4-0 win for Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United - on the strength of a hat-trick from Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams over West Berbice’ Monedderlust which saw them easing into pole position on the points table ahead of Genesis winner, Slingerz. Buxton played a solid and compact game and were not afraid to take the fight to Pele, a display that earned them their first point of the season in an admirable performance. They were able to shut out and frustrate Richardson up

front to the extent that he was red carded in retaliation to stiff marking which sometimes was questionable even Charles’ forays at times against Richardson did not get the attention of the standing referee. Moments before drawing the red, Richardson could have been heard saying that the referee was not vigilant enough as he {Richardson} would get a red for retaliating to what was at times blatant pushing from Charles. Despite, the match produced end to end action from start to finish with both sides squandering a few chances; in the end, the teams had to settle for a single point each. Pele moved to four points. In the opening match, Alpha United squandered a plethora of chances but were still able to walk away with full points from a 4-0 triumph over Monedderlust, Anthony Abrams scoring his fourth goal in two matches as he achieved a hat-trick. There were some flashes of competitiveness produced by Monedderlust but they couldn’t produce the goods to keep Abrams and company at bay. The first of his hat-trick in the opening half was scored in the 10th minute after goalkeeper Elvis Rutherford was drawn out of his goal

with Abrams slipping the ball into an empty goal even as two defenders pursued in vain. The ensuing minutes to the second goal saw a number of chances being muffed by the former number one side in Guyana. Abrams doubled the lead in the 38th minute before achieving his hat-trick in the 42nd minute to become the leading goal scorer to date with four apart from scoring the fastest goal of the FINALE so far (10th minute). The second half saw Monedderlust, still on a single point from three matches, putting up better resistance as Alpha were only allowed one goal which came off the boot of their hard working and fleet footed Captain, Dwight Peters. Arguably the fastest player in the SEL, Peters took the ball from about 10 meters into Monedderlust’s half working his way into the box before beating Rutherford to his left in the 82nd minute. Alpha are now on seven points, one more than Slingerz which will have the chance to take back the lead on Friday when they take on home team GFC in the main attraction. The curtain raiser pits the Guyana Defence Force against Fruta Conquerors from 18:00hrs.

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Hinds wins Courts 50th Independence anniversary cycle race in Berbice

Outstanding performers pose with the organisers and sponsors after receiving their rewards. Orville Hinds of Team Gillette Evolution continues to show his likeness for the roads of Berbice. Hinds on Sunday beat off team mate Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams to beat the field as he rode away with top honours in the Courts sponsored Independence 50 miles cycle road race on the Corentyne highway. The event, which was organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of Berbice, saw Hinds winning from 26 other cyclists. His winning time was 2 hrs, 12minutes and 11 seconds. The race started from in front of the Courts Building at Main and St Ann Streets around 10:15 hrs with the

riders being sent on their way by Regional Chairman, Region 6, David Armogan and proceeded to Nand Persuad Business Complex on the Corentyne before returning to finish at its point of origin. As the cyclists were sent on their way there was an early battle for position as a number of riders jostled for the lead in the break away. However, not long after, Hinds and the youthful Andrew Hicks were able to stage a successful break away from the rest of the pack and maintain that lead for a considerable portion of the race. Meanwhile, the chasing pack was beginning to close

in and it was not until at No19 on the down ward journey that a four man bunch of Williams, Shaquel Agard, Christopher Griffith and Jeban Crawford were able to connect to the two leaders. However, the young Hicks suffered a slipped chain leaving the five riders to battle up front. The five cyclists continue to carry on the battle up front with Hinds, Williams and Agard jumping the others. However, it was the resilient Hinds that had enough to hold off Williams and Agard. Griffith came in fourth with Crawford fifth and Silvio Inniss sixth. Deoraj Garbaran rode in

Khouri returned as GKF President at Biennial General Meeting Amir Khouri was returned as President of the Guyana Karate Federation (GKA) for the next two (2) years when that entity held its Biennial General Meeting on Sunday last at the YMCA Thomas Lands. First Vice President is Compton Dunbar, Second Vice President Roger Peroune with Bernice Irving serving as Secretary. Tr e a s u r e r i s S a n d r a B r i t t o n a n d Bhagwandin Persaud as Assistant S e c r e t a r y / T r e a s u r e r . Performing duties as Returning Officer was Ivor O’Brian, Life Member of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA). Affiliated Members of the GKA attending were; Association do Shotokan Karate – Guyana (YMCA Dojo), Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana (Shokoguy - National Park Dojo), Guyana Wado Ryu Karate Association (GWKA), Guyana Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF Guyana), Guyana Karate College (GKC),

Sensei Amir Khouri National Martial Arts Association and Berbice Shotokan Karate Dojo.

first among the juniors with Hicks recovering to place second. The trio of Zamal Khan, Jason Cameron and Kerwin Collins took the three top places among the beginners. On the distaff side Christine Matheson rode home first ahead of Withney Poyer and Shanika Tiexeira. In the BMX category was Jonathan Ramsuchit winning from Shay Sue Hang, Troy David and Gilmore Daniels. The sprint prizes were shared by Hicks with four, Hinds with three, while Inniss took one. The beginners and female riders journeyed from in front of the Chris Jagdeo construction company to the

finishing line. The BMX riders had their duel earlier, riding from the opposite direction from the Alphonso Business Complex at Stanleytown to the finishing line at Courts. At the simple presentation ceremony, Manager of the company’s New Amsterdam B r a n c h , M r. S t a n l e y McKenzie, presented the winners with their prizes. The manager reiterated that the company is always willing to give back to the community from which it garners its support. He stated that it is a wellknown fact that Courts has been supporting community and sporting activities throughout

Guyana. He said that Courts was happy to be associated with the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations and there was a lot more in store. Roberts thanked Courts for being an excellent corporate citizen and e x p r e s s e d t h e c l u b ’s gratitude. He reiterated his call for other business entity to come on board and support. The police led by Officer I n c h a rg e o f Tr a ff i c , Su p e r i n t e n d e n t Boodnarine Persaud were commended for doing an excellent job. (Samuel Whyte)

Letter to the Sports Editor

Caricom on the ball to dissolve the pitiful WICB Dear Sports Editor, The recent decision of the Caribbean Heads of Government to dissolve the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) was inevitable given the state of West Indies Cricket and the irresponsible attitude of an insensitive and grossly inefficient WICB Directorate. In any crisis, Government has a responsibility to intervene on behalf of its people towards the restoration of order, accountability, legality and respect. Outstanding Caribbean personalities Pat Rosseau, Dr. Rudy Webster, Tony

Cozier, Colin Benjamin, Michael Holding, Brian Lara, PJ Patterson, Charles Wilkin, D r. Ralph G o n s l a v e s , D r. K e i t h Mitchell, Dinnanath Ramnarine together with the Stakeholders of Guyana Cricket have within recent times condemned the WICB’s poor administration of Caribbean cricket. It is therefore imperative that the Caricom Secretariat act expeditiously and decisively in this matter by: 1. Dissolving the WICB and appointing an interim management committee in its place. 2. Investigating the

financial activities (income and expenditure) of the WICB and its Affiliates over the past seven (7) years including salaries and other emoluments paid to Directors and disbursements to the Affiliates. 3. Ensuring free and fair elections within each of the six (6) affiliated territories (there has been no legitimate elections of the Guyana Cricket Board over the past six (6) years). 4. The installation of a new and effective governance protocol with bona-fide representatives from the expected (Continued on page 25)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 01, 2016

UG Trojans anticipate schooling opposition By Edison Jefford The University of Guyana (UG) Trojans are relishing its opportunity to compete in the National Basketball Championships: The Road to Mecca III, which bounces off Friday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Sports Officer at the University, Lavern Fraser told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that the institution recognises the need to ensure that they perform at best. As a result, Fraser indicated that they are putting in the work to be ready for this weekend. “We acknowledge that this is the highest level of basketball played in Guyana and we are happy that

through our performances last year, we are seen as one of the teams credible enough to take part in the National Championships,” Fraser said. According to the Sports Officer, the University will treat the Championships as another block in the building of its basketball programme. Fraser indicated that they are not interested in building teams alone, but also developing lasting programmes. As such, she contended that the country’s highest institution of learning will aim to give a good account of itself in the competition. The University of Guyana Trojans will open their classroom against Pepsi Sonics at 9:00pm on

Saturday, hoping to teach the Mandela Avenue-based team some valuable lessons. To d o s o , f o r m e r Pacesetter and national forward, Naylon Loncke, who is a trained teacher, will be leading the class. His support will come from national point guard, Emmanuel Archibald and veteran forward, Ewart Smith. The team is expected to be without Akeem ‘The Dream’ Kanhai, who is overseas. However, Fraser was adamant that their programme is not built on one player. She said that they are prepared for whatever challenge may arise. “A lot of our players are not from clubs, which is even more noteworthy that we can

Naylon Loncke compete at this level,” Fraser said, confidently adding “we are good enough to tangle with the top clubs in Mecca”. T h e N a t i o n a l Championship, which is being held when Guyana is celebrating its Golden

Lavern Thomas Jubilee, brings together 16 of the Guyana’s top clubs from New Amsterdam, Georgetown and Linden for three weekends of rivalry to determine the best club. More significantly, the winning team will have the

Ewart Smith right to be remembered as the one that won the title in a historic year. It is a fitting encouragement for UG Trojans ahead of possibly one of its biggest games on its enduring timetable.

Calvin Ming fails to make podium in F4 Nacam action this past weekend Calvin Ming drives the #4 car during the event in Mexico.

MEXICO – This past weekend, the San Luis Potosi racetrack was home to round 3 out of 7 rounds of the 2015-2016 F4 Nacam championships. Officially named the F4 NACAM Championship after the body of FIA members in North America and Central America, these cars are open-wheel single-seater

with a carbon fibre monocoque using the same combination of Mygale chassis and Ford engine on Pirelli tyres. Two Caribbean based drivers’, Calvin Ming of Guyana and Frankie Zachary Boodram of Trinidad & Tobago are c o n t e s t i n g t h e championships along with a host of international drivers’.

Frankie Zachary Boodram (#46) lines up at the start of a race. About 20 cars in total are registered to contest the championships. There are 7 rounds comprising of 3 separate races per race

weekend thus, 7 rounds with 3 races totaling 21 races for the full season. Both driver’s had mixed results, Calvin Ming in the Mings Products and Services # 4 car qualified well in 5th place but, had an electrical issue that sidelined him in race 1 after a few laps. Whereas, # 46, Frankie Zachary Boodram qualified down the pack but, made his way up the standings to midpack before another competitor used the back of the # 46 car as brakes by colliding and damaging the rear suspension of Boodrams’s car causing him to retire unceremoniously. Both drivers were unable to

Frankie Zachary Boodram (left) & Calvin Ming chat in the pits during the meet. complete race 1. Race 2, # 4, Ming rocketed his way to a 5th place finish just over 2 seconds behind the leader. # 46, Boodram who started off the weekend in excellent fashion saw it go downhill. Just prior to the start of race 2, Boodram had a spectacular accident by hitting a fence and tree causing extensive damages to his car but, the crew were able to fix it in time before the start of the race. He made the start finishing in 11th even after having some issues related to the engine.

Race 3, # 4, Calvin Ming improved on his position in the previous race by missing the podium by 1 position. His 4th place finish improved his overall standings. Unfortunately, # 46, Frankie Zazhary Boodram in the Speedway F4 car was unable to start the race due partly to the extensive damages that were received earlier in the day plus, some mechanical issues related to the engine. Both drivers’ represented the region very well and we wish them success for the remainder of the season.

Tuesday March 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

PMTC continues dominance Flamingo and Young Strikers also in winners row

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Raiders invade Bulls territory for head-tohead lead -wins LABA/104.3 Power FM title

The winning PMTC1 volleyball team.

The raging Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) O n e Vo l l e y b a l l t e a m continued their dominance in the volleyball circuit in Berbice. Their latest triumph came in the recently concluded BVA Mashramani tournament held last Tuesday at the Skeldon Community Centre when they steamroll their opponents to take top honours. In the final they made light worked of Ballers of Skeldon winning 20-12 in the one set final. The competition was played on a mobile court due

to heavy rainfall and the soggy state of the ground saw some 13 teams participated. The teams were divided into three segments with six senior males, four females and three juniors participating. The male teams that participated were PMTC, 1, 2 and 3, Ballers of Skeldon, NO52 Survivors and Jets of Corriverton. The female teams were Flamingo, Sun Flower and Young Strikers (made up of junior girls) of Orealla/ Siparuta and Black Birds. The junior male teams

were Young Warriors and Family Boys of Orealla/ Siparuta and No52 Survivors. NO 52 Survivors copped third place in the open male category after defeating Jets 20-14. In the female category, Flamingo edged past Young Strikers 20-19 to take top honours. Flamingo had earlier defeated Sun Flower 20-12, while Young Strikers ah beaten Black Birds 20-7. In the junior division Young Warriors had to dig deep to squeeze past NO52 Survivors 20-19 in another nail biter.

Trevon McRae was the most outstanding player among the seniors. Among the females Rachael McIntosh of Flamingo and Alicia Welcome of Young Strikers were rewarded for being outstanding. Among the junior boys Keon France of Young Wa r r i o r s a n d A n d y Rohoman of No52 Survivors were recognized for their outstanding play. The top teams were presented with trophies, while the outstanding individual players were rewarded with medals. (Samuel Whyte)

Barnwell double sinks UG; Chanderpaul ton, Rasheed 5 give ECC first innings Christopher Barnwell struck a robust double century to lead Demerara Cricket Club to an innings and 208-run victory over University of Guyana, while Everest Cricket Club gained first innings points from Guyana Defence Force when the latest round of matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association, Trophy Stall, Star Party Rentals, GISE first division two-day tournament concluded on Sunday. At DCC, UG batted first and were sent packing for 135 with Leon Williams scoring 29 and Dwayne Dodson 21; Ashmead Nedd claimed 4-44 and Totaram Bishun 4-45. Barnwell then hammered 254 to guide the host to a

Christopher Barnwell

mammoth 551 all out in reply. Paul Wintz got 88 and Kevon Boodie 50. Damien Vantull picked up three

wickets. Trailing by 416, UG were bowled out for 208. Darnel Douglas hit 53 and Omesh Danram an

aggressive 38; Bishun bagged 6-40 to finish the game with 10-85. At Everest, the host and GDF played to a draw. GDF batted first and were skittled for 109. Leon Williams got 29 as Javed Rasheed grabbed 518, Troy Gonsalves and Shabeer Khan had two each. Shivnarine Chanderpaul then stroked a commanding 164 to guide Everest to 255 all out in reply. Akshaya Persaud made 26 and Ronaldo Renee 25. Randy Lindore captured 3-74, Niall Smith 2-50 and Romario Shepherd 2-56. Trailing by 146, GDF were 56-4 when stumps were drawn on the second and final day. Kevin Ramdeen was not out on 22; Gonsalves had 3-18.

Retrieve Raiders invaded Half Mile Bulls territory with power forward Dwayne Roberts leading the charge to bounce away with a thrilling two-point 80-78 win in the inaugural Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA)/104.3 Power FM Mashramani Open Basketball Championships Saturday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court, Linden. Roberts was awarded the M o s t Va l u a b l e P l a y e r (MVP) Award for his 24 points and 15 rebounds; three block shots and two assists. Keon Cameron scored 16 points, along with six steals and four assists; Abdulla Hamid 16 points and five rebounds; Marvin Hartman 10 points and Neil Marks nine points and 11 rebounds. For Bulls, guard, Terron Welch had a game high 41 points, three assists and two steals; Michael Turner 13 points; Keifer Tappin 11 points and four rebounds and Niles seven points, 13 boards and three block shots. Roberts was dominant on the inside with Bulls having no answer to him. Bulls were without the forward, Travin Dryden even though their shooting guard Terron Welch lit up the scoreboard. This would prove inadequate as Roberts patrolled the middle with authority. Raiders eventual victory at times seemingly hinged on Roberts delivering. The raiders were off to a good start, keeping up with the pace of the Bulls, at least in terms of scoring. Roberts’ free throws leveled the scores at 16 with Marks pushing Raiders ahead 1716 at the end for the first quarter. Tappin’s shot from threepoint range made it 23-23 before Welch fast break pushed them ahead 27-25. Bulls maintained a 31-30 lead, but Hartman delivered

Dwayne Roberts from downtown before Turner answered. Marks reverse basket gave the Raiders a slim 35-34 lead. Hamid joined in with one of his own as the Raiders kept a 40-39 lead. Bulls have shown their resilience in the third quarter, but Raiders were able to control the tempo somewhat and managed to out-play them 26-19 as they extended that lead before heading into the final stanza, ahead 66-58. Turner and Tappin then picked up the scoring slack for Bulls in the final stretch, but it proved inadequate with Roberts taking over the Raiders offensive thrust to seal the win as a late shot from Bulls missed its intended target. In the third place playoff, Victory Valley Royals secured a 62-53 victory over the Amelia’s Ward Jets. For the Royals, Trevor Profitt had 17 points and Alwyn Rodney 11 points while Harold Adams was held to seven points. For Jets, Vibert Benjamin led with 14 points and Joel Webster added nine points. 104.3 Power FM Radio was the main sponsor. Other sponsors include BOSAI Minerals Group Guyana Inc, Power Lines Auto Spares, Trophy Stall, Babalooo’s Car Rental, Tony Whyte, Ansa McAl Trading through its Mackeson Brand, and Cloyde Brush.

t r o Sp Stag Elite League

Alpha whip Monedderlust to lead table; Buxton hold Pele to draw as Richardson draws red

Alpha United’s Anthony Abrams’ (#10) header eluded Monedderlust goalie Elvis Rutherford but was cleared off the line by a defender, 2nd left.

Johnson feels chances of a Persaud, Padmore light up Test recall are good but aims final group stage performances to let his bat do the talking Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition

-KO commences this Saturday

Leon Johnson is well placed to become the First Guyana Captain to win back-to-back First-Class titles. (Ash Allen Photography)

Part of the action in the final phase of round robin competition in this year’s Milo U-20 Schools Football Competition. 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