Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
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RAYON PADDY WAS ACCUSED OF KILLING MY FRIEND BUT I NEVER SOUGHT BLOOD DEAR EDITOR, Let us address the several factors which have influenced the disaster which resulted in the death of seventeen inmates and injury to others at the Camp Street Prison. I have read many social media posts attributing the gruesome demise of these victims to an act of God in retribution for the ills these
gentlemen have committed. I cannot endorse this sentiment as there is nothing upon which I can conclude that their demise was an act of God. Folks expect me to readily lend my voice to this chorus given that Rayon Paddy has met his end in this subhuman manner. Most of you would recall that I have written extensively with
tattooed emotions about the brutal murder of my dear friend Trevor Abrams; as a matter of fact, I wrote and posted a poem to commemorate him on the anniversary of his passing, February 27. Paddy was one of the persons accused of Trevor’s spineless slaying. I have prayed and advocated for justice for
Don’t you dare speak on this tragedy, Mr. Rohee! DEAR EDITOR, Every day I read the newspapers my heart aches for this country and the level of abuse we have suffered as a nation. I think to myself some of us may suffer from the Stockholm Syndrome and that is why you feel compassion and love for your former captors (the Opposition), who brainwashed us while they abused us mentally and emotionally for 23 years. I get angry when I read the comments and “solutions” from the opposition members and I often wonder, why didn’t you do what you are demanding in your 23 years. I refuse to believe that so many of us are so naive that we actually agree with these people who literally ran our nation in to the ground and now have grand ideas on how to move forward. How were we moving forward with the Marriott? How were we moving forward with Amalia Falls? How were we moving forward with Bai Shan Lin? I just cannot fathom us sympathising with our opposition leaders who had 23 long years to implement strategies for our prison systems, sugar industry, rice industry, gold industry, tourism, export industry and every other economic factor that drives sustainability and growth for our country. What do we have to show after 23 years under the PPP? I mean really, what? I am not saying no good came from them, I am certain if I take a year or so I can jot down a few points, but where is our leap into the 21st century? We are now, in 2016, on that journey. We are still playing catch up with Trinidad and Jamaica, not to mention some of the even smaller islands. We were kept in the dark ages so we could not demand more, so we could not dream of more, so we could not experience more. I can only imagine where we would have been had the PPP not been so selfish, corrupt and greedy.
Those prisoners who lost their lives are no pawn Mr. Rohee, don’t you dare use their deaths to even act as if you give a damn about those prisoners. Have you ever visited them, sat with them, heard their stories or proposed an establishment for rehabilitation and mentoring for small time criminals? Have you offered any of them to come work on your lawns or wash your car to earn an honest living and to reintegrate any of them back into society? Then don’t you dare speak their names or write a comment like you care. Don’t you dare offer up reactive advice when you and your administration had 23 years to be proactive and do right by our less fortunate, our forgotten members of society. These are the same people whose homes flooded when the rain drizzled because the canals and drains were clogged for 23 years. These are the same people who never had a playing field as children because it was over grown for 23 years. These are the same people who have been abused by the systems your administration never changed, so don’t you dare call their names. Shame on you Mr. Rohee, shame on all of you who could have prevented this years ago when there were multiple days of unrest in the Camp Street prison but did nothing. Now you demand strategies, who do you think you are? We lost human beings who were sons, fathers, brothers, uncles; all of them men, who in spite their choices were loved by someone but not cared for by our Government. This travesty is a testament, along with so many other things, that highlights your short comings in the past 23 years. Now let us see what will be done by our existing Government. Please do not sweep this under the rug or give it a fleeting glance. Do right by these men and their families. Do right by those who are imprisoned. Do right by our brethren. Do right by OUR Guyana. Concerned Citizen
Trevor. But I trusted the judicial system, albeit deficient in many material respects, to deliver this justice; the same way I’m counting on the system to deliver justice for CrumEwing. It is absolutely outrageous to suggest that the motive of the unrest is the confiscation of cellular phones, drugs and weapons from the inmates. Prison checks are routinely carried out and invariably contraband items are uncovered. I would imagine that the practice of the prisoners after the seizure of these items would be to have recourse to the same channels which afforded them these items to begin with. The focus in this regard should be to nab and make examples of those who act as couriers of these items. I take it for granted that the marijuana and cellular phones don’t just walk into the prison on their own. And obviously the phones would need to be charged. Who is facilitating this? It is commonplace for persons to be kept on remand for years. There are instances in which persons are on remand for upwards of 10 years. The main reasons why persons are remanded in custody are due to their inability to post bail or legal
restrictions precluding them from being granted bail. Now think about it, someone is legally innocent but is confined behind bars for years with all of his usual liberties denied him. The things we take for granted become luxuries which are beyond the reach of inmates; going for a walk around the corner, getting up during the night to get a snack or make a cup of tea, kissing their children before they leave for school, going to bed cuddled with a wife or girlfriend, etc, etc, etc. Add to the mix sharing a poorly ventilated cell with about 7 other persons (this is a modest number in some instances), a toilet parked in a corner for communal use, and terribler odour due to lack of facilities for proper hygiene, food barely fit for animal consumption. Then there are advantagetaking prison officers and the risk of gang violence. If convicted prisoners can be frustrated by these circumstances, how more frustrated would legally innocent men under these circumstances, in a grossly overcrowded prison, get? We cannot justify treating convicted or remanded prisoners this way. Of course we do not expect that prison
should translate into an extended holiday. The criminal justice system is a clogged and oftentimes an inefficient system. Magistrates have bulging lists of matters to treat with on a daily basis. Every so often I applaud the herculean effort it takes to surmount this task. Police prosecutors and state prosecutors are often embarrassed by their inability to advance cases due to incomplete or incompetent police investigations; due to the absence of police complainants which are justified by flimsy excuses; due to the hesitation of witnesses; due to delayed forensic analysis reports, etc. Also there are some magistrates who are too entertaining of adjournments requested by either the prosecution or defence counsel. Insufficient resources are plugged into ensuring the efficiency of police officers and the investigative process...and might I add, insufficient remuneration. I hold out the example of the Senior Magistrate at the Port of Spain Magistrates’ Court. Once a matter is set for trial, and trials are set within fair time, it goes to trial irrespective of the Continued on page 29
Another call for the re-thinking... From page 4 Tragically, many prisoners are lost away in the ebb and flow of the present system for years without sentencing or release. The United Kingdom Prison Reform Team of 2001 had found that 80% of theses prisoners were serving time for minor offences and that this “perceived infringement of basic human rights” could be addressed by reducing overcrowding through “alternative sentencing for minor offences”. Consequently, there should be clear sentencing guidelines with inputs from probation officers, welfare officers, and the parole board. There should also be court for the smaller crimes in the nights and week-ends to reduce the back-log of cases. Finally, I would ask how ready and
responsive are we in the event of fire? A laundry list of grave concerns would include water management, non-working fire hydrants, breaching of building codes, constructing high-rise buildings, installing sprinkler systems, absence of fire walls, and irregular fire drills. Some lessons must be re-learned by every generation consistently and diligently; it is our only strategy to avert the consequences of such hazards. So, let’s work to make our golden anniversary of independence count for something because, in the words of the philosopher George Santayana, “people who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat them”. Max Wallerson
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Wednesday March 09, 2016
Adoption of Draft Code of Conduct for public officials delayed Government says it will continue to receive written comments on the draft Code of Conduct for Ministers of Government, members of the National Assembly and public office holders. Already, feedback has been received from the Guyana Bar Association and the Guyana Human Rights Association, among others. “In an effort to ensure a thorough and comprehensive code which benefits from the widest possible input, Government will allow for further comments before the code is presented to Cabinet for approval and finalization,” the Ministry of the Presidency explained yesterday. “Government encourages wide-ranging citizen and stakeholder participation in the process leading up to the final version of the Code which is intended to promote professional, exemplary and responsible conduct by senior government personnel. It is further meant to engender and reinforce public confidence in the manner in which senior government officials perform their duties in service to the people.” The Code of Conduct is based on 10 principles – Accountability, Dignity,
Diligence, Duty, Honour, Integrity, Loyalty, Objectivity, Responsibility and Transparency. The code was part of the promises by the Coalition Government while on the elections trail. Last year, a few months after taking office, the David Granger-led administration vowed to tackle corruption with a number of measures, including the Code of Conduct. The draft document, published on the Ministry of the Presidency website, speaks to disciplinary actions or terminations for Ministers, Parliamentarians and other public office holders who are in breach. The draft document also addresses the acceptance of gifts of more than $10,000, conflicts of interest, accountability and even gambling. The code would be crucial for the coalition administration which campaigned for the May 11, 2015 General Elections on promises that it will be making sweeping changes to improve behaviour of public officials. In the past, there was little action against public officials, despite reported evidence. This included discharging of a firearm, drunk driving and
trading on insider information. The purpose of the code is to assist Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders in the discharge of their obligations to their constituents and the public at large. “It provides guidance on the values – the moral qualities – that should govern the conduct of Ministers and Members in discharging their Parliamentary and public duties. It is also meant to reinforce public confidence in the way in which Ministers and public office holders perform those duties.” It was made clear that public office holders are duty bound by the code in all aspects of their public life. The code, however, does not seek to regulate the conduct of public office holders in their private and personal lives. “Public office holders have a duty to uphold the law, including the general law, against discrimination and sexual harassment, and to act with propriety on all occasions in accordance with the public trust and confidence placed in them. Public office holders have a general duty to act in the interest of the nation as a
whole and owe a special duty of care to their constituents, and citizens.” R e g a r d i n g accountability, the draft code proposes that public office holders are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions, and must submit themselves to scrutiny and criticism. They must also conduct themselves in a manner that is worthy of the respect of their peers and the public and be effective, efficient, courteous and reliable in the performance of their duties. With regard to duty, the draft code stated that public officials owe a duty to the country “and must consider themselves servants of the people”. Of course, the issue of integrity was dealt with. “Public office holders have a duty to declare any private interest relating to the discharge of their duties and responsibilities, and to ensure that their personal decisions and actions are not in conflict with the national interest. Public office holders should display allegiance to the state and should show concern for the well-being of the persons that they were elected to represent.” In the area of responsibility, the draft code stated that Ministers collectively have a basic responsibility to make decisions only in the national interest void of any forms of
personal gain, or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends. Regarding the actions, the code said that Ministers should be open about all their public decisions and actions and be prepared to provide explanations when so demanded by the public. When it comes to accepting gifts, it is being proposed that public officials should report gifts or other forms of reward valued at more than $10,000 to the Integrity Commission. It was explained that a conflict of interest situation arises when the “private interests” of the public office holder compete or conflict with the interests of the state. Private interests can mean both the financial and personal interests of the official and staff or those of their connections and would include family and other relations, personal friends, companies or business interests which they hold or own, and other clubs and societies to which they belong. The draft code also speaks about trading on insider knowledge. “Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders should avoid using their official position or any transmitting any information made available to them in the course of their to benefit themselves, their relations or
any other individuals with whom they are associated. They should avoid compromising themselves or their office and which may lead to an actual or perceived conflict of interest.” With regard to properties and other state resources, the draft code warned that these are to be used solely for the purpose of conducting Government’s business and not for political party work. “Misappropriation or unauthorised use of such property or resources, such as for personal use or personal gain (e.g. resale or unauthorized leasing), is strictly prohibited. Facilities provided to Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders at Government expense to ensure fulfillment of their official duties should not be used for political activities. Government property should not generally be used for constituency work or party activities.” The draft code also warned of excessive gambling and forbids any such activities on Government premises. Public office holders who wish to take up paid outside work, including those on a part-time basis, must seek the written approval of the Government before accepting the job. “Approval will not be given if the outside work is in conflict with the interest of the Government.” Also included in the draft code is, “Any official or staff who violates any provision of the Code will be subject to disciplinary action, or termination of appointment/ employment where warranted. Members of the public may submit complaints to the Integrity Commission under Section 28 of the Integrity Commission Act with respect to perceived breaches of this Code of Conduct, or that of the Act.”
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
U.S. to announce further easing of Cuba restrictions March 17 – sources WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - President Barack Obama’s administration will announce further measures to ease travel and trade restrictions on Cuba on March 17, ahead of his historic visit to the Communist-ruled island this month, U.S. congressional sources said yesterday. Details were still being worked out but the measures were likely to include changes to make it easier for individual Americans to visit Cuba if they qualify under 12 authorized categories of travel such as educational or cultural visits, as well as easing of trade and banking rules, said the sources, who were briefed on the matter by administration officials. The White House said on Feb. 18 Obama would visit Havana March 21 and 22 in another step toward ending decades of animosity between the former Cold War foes. It will be the first visit to Cuba by a sitting U.S. president since 1928. The White House has invited members of Congress to accompany the president, and congressional aides told Reuters about 20, mostly
President Barack Obama (R) talks with Cuban President Raul Castro before a bilateral meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, at the United Nations headquarters. Obama’s fellow Democrats, were expected to go. Obama’s moves to normalize relations with Cuba have encountered stiff resistance from some lawmakers, mostly Republicans but also some Democrats, since the policy shift was first announced on Dec. 17, 2014. They feel the White House is not getting enough back from Cuban President Raul Castro’s government in
exchange for the eased regulations. The administration believes that moves to loosen the embargo would help meet its goal of benefiting the Cuban people.But even some Democratic aides said they were taken aback by news that there would be further moves by the White House without concessions from Havana. “Shouldn’t we get something from the Cubans in return?” one asked.
Brazilian construction tycoon sentenced to 19 years in prison Brasília (AFP) - Brazilian construction tycoon Marcelo Odebrecht was sentenced yesterday to 19 years in prison for corruption and money laundering in the giant Petrobras embezzlement scandal shaking Latin America’s biggest country. Odebrecht, who has already been behind bars nearly nine months, was CEO until December of the global construction company Odebrecht, which has been unmasked as one of the main players in a bribes-and-embezzlement scheme that cost state oil company Petrobras at least $2 billion. Odebrecht, 47, was sentenced to 19 years and four months in prison as a result of his conviction in the probe dubbed Operation Car Wash. Prosecutors say that Odebrecht SA, a construction giant with projects around the world, was among the major contractors overbilling Petrobras, in collusion with executives and politicians. The scandal has already seen dozens of businessmen and politicians arrested or put under investigation, including former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who faces allegations of taking bribes and laundering money from Petrobrasconnected companies. Lula, who has not been charged, denies any corrup-
Marcelo Odebrecht tion. However, the shockwaves from the scandal are fueling calls for his successor President Dilma Rousseff’s impeachment. Political temperatures
rose sharply last Friday when police briefly detained Lula and searched his house and the offices of his foundation, prompting sharp criticism from Rousseff.
PM: Better to come Tr i n i d a d E x p re s s Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley says his Government has performed “reasonabl y w e l l ” d u r i n g i t s f irst six months in office and the foundation has been laid for better to come. The two main challenges facing his administration are the financial crisis and “explosive criminal conduct”, he said. Energy Minister Nicole Olivierre has rated her per-
formance as “fairly well”. Rowley said if his Government had done nothing else but replace the previous People’s Partnership administration in office, the citizens of this country would have gotten “value for money”. Rowley made the statements at a press conference while the Cabinet was on retreat at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort in Tobago over the weekend.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Infrastructure and Education Ministries collaborating to tackle road deaths The road fatality state of affairs in Guyana translates to two thirds of all road deaths being pedestrians and vehicle occupants accounting for one third. And Mr. Darren Divall, who is attached to the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in the United Kingdom, suspects that the road accident situation is in fact linked to the existing seat belt laws. “We don’t know for sure but we suspect that the law relating to the use of seat belts in Guyana is a slight barrier to increase in road safety,” Divall intimated during an interview with this publication yesterday. He pointed out that the situation that obtains here is that “if you are a driver or a front seat passenger, it is mandatory to wear it. If you are in the rear of the vehicle it isn’t; so that actually puts them (rear seat passengers) at risk because they are not being restrained in the vehicle if there is an accident and they could be thrown around in the vehicle hitting the metal frame, the windows or other passengers, or they’ve got the risk of being thrown out of the vehicle.” And Divall revealed yesterday that three quarters of the people who are thrown out of vehicles during an ac-
cident are killed. But of even more concern to Divall is the fact that evidence suggests that the road users at even higher risk of dying are pedestrians who are under the age of 17 (school age children). In order to help address the road fatality situation TRL, which is said to be one of the largest and most comprehensive independent centres for the study of land transport in the world, has been contracted by the Government of Guyana to conduct a road safety awareness project. The project with funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is being executed by the Ministries of Infrastructure and Education. This is in fact part of a wider project, the ‘West Coast Demerara Road Improvement’ project which has five components including: changes to the road layout, a driver and community awareness project which is being coordinated by GeoTechVision, public relations component which is being led by Tagman, monitoring and evaluation which is being undertaken by a Canadian Company and of course, the road safety education for schools. Divall related yesterday that while there are some ar-
Cuban national… (From page 07) distance before he collapsed,” a source told this newspaper. Kaieteur News understands that a woman has told detectives that she saw a man on a bicycle stopped not far from where the Cuban’s body was found. The man threw the bicycle to the ground and
minutes later there was a loud explosion t h a t s o u n d e d like a gunshot. Seconds after the man was seen riding away. The source said that a motorcyclist, who saw Laffita’s motionless body, rode to the Providence Police Station and informed the police.
eas with low-speed traffic with some congestion such as the Vreed-en-Hoop Junction, there are some long stretches of road along the West Coast of Demerara that are conducive for speeding allowing for increased severity of injuries and even death if an accident occurs. And there are schools in the vicinity of speeding zones such as Leonara Secondary and Greenwich Park Primary. “There are no serious injuries sustained after a crash outside the Greenwich Park Primary School, they are all fatal if they occur,” related Divall. As the Team Leader of the Road Safety Education Training Programme, Divall will today work along with his Canada-based colleague, Mavis Johnson, to facilitate a curriculum based teachers training to advance the road safety education programme. Already two rounds of training have been completed here and the third round of training for teachers, set to commence today, will continue until tomorrow at the Hadfield Street,
From left: Mr. Kester Hinds, Mr. Darren Divall and Ms. Mavis Johnson Georgetown, Regency Hotel. They will also facilitate a stakeholder consultation forum at the East Coast Demerara, Grand Coastal Inn on Friday. According to Senior Project Engineer within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Mr. Kester Hinds, the road improvement project which is referred to as the Fourth Road Project, is aimed
at helping to enhance the efficient use of the road as well as safety. With regards to the school safety awareness, Hinds disclosed yesterday that already TRL has been able to spearhead several sessions within target schools on the West Coast of Demerara to instil safety awareness knowledge. He added that the training sessions have also in-
cluded persons from the GNRSC and the Guyana Police Force. And with the support of TRL, there will be a local standardised approach to road safety training. Moreover, TRL has been tasked with preparing a training manual which is expected to be adopted by all those involved in road safety awareness ventures.
Husband hacks mother of two to death A 39-year-old mother of two is now dead after being viciously hacked to death by her common-law husband of five years. The dead woman, identified as Indrawattie Somwar called ‘Sharda’ of Number 77 Housing Scheme, Princetown, Corriverton, Berbice, was slain at her home yesterday at around 4:40 pm (16:40 hrs). According to information reaching Kaieteur News, Somwar and her husband 29year-old Ravindra Bandu,
called ‘Birdie,’ were having an argument when things got heated. The woman attempted to leave the home when she was cornered and dealt several chops about her body by the enraged man. She fell to the ground and was dealt several more chops mainly to her head, neck and face in her front yard. A neighbour who witnessed the attack said the man has been known to be cruel and was drunk at the time of the incident.
“He come home drunk and start cuss up. He chop up the woman like fish and laughing all the time ‘bout how she teeth fall out. He does always beat she.’’ A relative told this publication that the woman has been suffering years of abuse from her husband “’Birdie would always come home drunk and start quarrelling with her and then beat she. He always jealous if Sharda talk to anybody”. She stated the man came home around 16:30 hours and was intoxicated and minutes later he started to curse and quarrel with the woman. The police were called in by the neighbours who heard the woman screaming. The police arrived promptly and were able to apprehend the suspect who was kept in the area by public spirited citizens. The seemingly intoxicated suspect was overheard
boasting to the police that “me chop she till all she teeth come out… she deserve more than that”. The couple had been living together for over five years, with the woman’s two daughters from another relationship, aged 13 and 17, at their home in the Number 77 Housing scheme. At the time of the incident, both children were at home and the younger girl escaped and alerted relatives who live a few houses away. A female relative of the murdered woman said that on numerous occasions ‘Birdie’ would threaten to kill his wife. She said by the time they arrived at the scene she appeared to be already dead. She was pronounced dead at the Skeldon Hospital. The suspect is assisting police with their investigations.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
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WHO WILL REPRESENT THE CAMP STREET 17? An opportunity beckons. An opportunity to enter into the record books! There is the opportunity for some lawyer to write his or her name into Guyana’s legal history by initiating either an individual or class lawsuit against the government for the death of the prisoners. The possibility that the prison population may have rioted and this led to the fires
that killed the seventeen men. The fact that prisoners rioted does not absolve the prison authorities from their obligation to provide a safe environment for the prisoners. These prisoners had their rights. One of which is the right to life. The State had a responsibility to secure the life of the prisoners under its charge. The argument has
been made, but not yet proven, that the State failed in its duty and therefore is liable to be challenged in tort. The seven men suffered a gruesome death. They must have suffered extreme pain and endured tremendous suffering. The families of the prisoners have been offered a miserly sum of $100,000 each. This has been deemed
Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo try a thing pun de boss burday Li’l pickney does always think dem smart. When is Christmas Eve dem don’t want sleep. De same children who don’t like do housework suddenly want to help dem mother wid decorations, even if it tek whole night. Dem know that dem parents want dem in bed before Santa come. Last night wasn’t Christmas Eve but de people at de Waterfalls paper didn’t want to go home, either. Old people seh is a bad thing when dog like suck egg. De Waterfalls boss man tun 25 today. He is a young man suh every time he birthday come round de night before he don’t sleep because he frighten that if he shut he eye he mightn’t open dem fuh de birthday. Many times demboys keep wake wid him. Dem would sit down wid him while he send and buy food and cutters. De drinks always in place. That is one night dem boys can’t get charge fuh drunk driving because
nobody don’t go home. Dem does sit down wid de boss man who does lie down pun a table after midnight. When de sun come up he does go home. Today is he burday. He wasn’t in Guyana because he had other business. He had to meet Brassington in Florida. Suh last night he go to a place name Bahama Breeze to meet Brassington who smell a rat and didn’t tun up. He believe that de boss woulda slap him. When midnight come and there was no Brassington de boss man head to de airport. He telephone dem boys that he coming home fuh he
burday. Thank heavens de plane wasn’t full suh he get a seat. And when he was coming out de plane Jagdeo was heading to another plane. He was going to meet Brassington. Is then de airport police nearly had problems. De Waterfalls boss man shake he hand to Jagdeo but de old scamp report how de boss man show him cuff. That is when de boss man go to cuff him fuh truth. It woulda be a burday gift from de Waterfalls boss man to Jagdeo. Talk half and wish de boss man HAPPY BURDAY.
an ex-gratia payment by the government. It is being given out of a moral rather than a legal obligation. That sum will not be sufficient to cover the funeral expenses of each of the 17 prisoners who died. There is a popular funeral parlour that offers relatively cheap funerals, but even that parlour is going to hard pressed to offer a decent funeral for $100,000. The government, even as a moral obligation, should have offered to bury each of the seventeen men. This was a human tragedy. The gruesome deaths of these men, the fact that so many died, represented a national tragedy. There has never been a case of so many deaths and injured as happened at the Georgetown Prisons. Guyana has had three major massacres, but the numbers did not reach seventeen dead and so many injured as was the case with the prisoners. This is one of Guyana’s greatest tragedies, surpassed by only the close to one thousand Americans
who died at Jonestown in 1978. The government is not going to get off lightly with this $100,000 payment to each of the families. It is an insult to the dead and to their grieving families. It makes the PPP look like saints. One thing you can be sure about was that if the PPP was in power and something like that happened, the PPP would have offered to fund the funeral expenses of the family. It would not have been as tight-fisted as this government. As things stand, the government is accumulatively offering far less than it costs them to run off that February 23 parade at Cuffy Square. This is disgraceful. But all that can change if some smart person decides to sue the government for the loss of life of the prisoners. Then the government will be forced to act to avoid a long and potentially costly litigation. If the PPP takes up the case, it is likely that the
government will move quickly to counter the political capital that the PPP will gain from taking up the interests of the families. The PPP, however, is not likely to take up any case. These men were remand prisoners. Most of those who died were on murder charges. They were not convicted. But notwithstanding, the PPP is not likely to want to be seen as defending the interests, posthumously, of persons on murder charges. As such, the door is open for private lawyers to take up the interests of the seventeen prisoners, and in the process make a name for themselves in the history books. This will, however, mean that they have to take an interest in the Commission of Inquiry and be prepared to represent the deceased in that Inquiry.
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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Beneath our education lies the beast I grew in two circumstances of sociology. First, I emerged from an East Indian family that supported the PPP. Secondly, I was indoctrinated with Marxist theories of life. I broke free of both formations because of education. I started to read difficult books on philosophy and history texts. Then I entered university. I met professors who taught me about the crimes of wicked tyrants. I had lecturers who told me that this world has East Indian and African rulers who behave just like the white colonial leaders I grew up to despise. On the campus of the University of Guyana, I met African and non-Indian students and lecturers who
appreciated my company and I reciprocated. We were university dwellers, where malice and envy were replaced by education about the world. My family ties to politics I left behind. I found Walter Rodney more relevant to what I wanted to do with my life. I left UG and went to two universities in Canada. By that time I was no longer East Indian and Guyanese, psychically speaking. I was me; someone who wanted to fight the scourges of life – racism, poverty, denial of workers’ rights, denial of gender equality, colonial rule over the Third World. I met blond people in Canada with blue eyes but inside their minds were no blondness or
blue colour, but people who shared the same values with me. By the time I left Canada to serve the people of Grenada, I had left my Wortmanville life behind. I didn’t gave a damn about Jagan versus Burnham; India as my homeland, Africa as the continent to look for inspiration. I was armed with the saying of Karl Marx – “the philosophers have interpreted the world, the point is to change it. “ By the time I left Canada, I was neither anti-American, proAmerican, anti- white, prowhite etc. I was me. Frequent letter-writer, Dr. Baytoram Ramharack once wrote the following lines on me (Stabroek News, June 10, 2015); “perhaps Mr. Kissoon lacks an understanding of a rich, cultural tradition or that he may have rejected an important element of himself that defines his cultural background.” Dr. Ramharack was lambasting me for writing
a column in which I opined that I was ashamed to be East Indian. He left out the context of my anger with the way Indians had voted For Ramharack, I lost my Indianness somewhere along the way, and that made me a person without a rich cultural background. It was an ironic accusation, in that it was my rich cultural background that caused me to reject my Indian niche. I didn’t want an ethnic niche. My cultural experiences were so rich that I didn’t want to be identified with any ethnic community. This column was written in support of Dr. David Hinds, a friend of mine from our youthful days in the Working People’s Alliance in the seventies. David observed last week in a letter to this newspaper that for African Guyanese, Forbes Burnham is all good. They cannot and will not accept he was also capable of bad policies and that he did do bad things. David went on to say that
Guyanese Indians see Jagan and the PPP as saints who never committed serious violations when in government. This has been, is, and will always be a depressing topic, and is best left to the historians and their symposia. What David Hinds’ narrative about race in Guyana brings into focus is the role of education in civilizing Homo sapiens. Long, long ago in a time and in a book I cannot recall, someone wrote that race wars were encouraged and started not by the illiterate peasant or semi-literate labourer, but the educated mind. If any statement on politics is true, it is that accurate, historical fact. Once the cry to kill the other side is reverberating, uneducated men will run down the street and kill people of other races. But the poison of hate was brewed on the raging fire of intellectual rhetoric. This is what tantalizes my
Frederick Kissoon psyche as a human being. How can you pass through a university door, mix with great souls, hobnob with selfless people and taste the cultures of the world, yet justify a leader’s atrocity, all because that leader belongs to your race category? Around the world there are African Guyanese and Indian Guyanese who are highly educated, hold top jobs in top institutions, and they are embracers of the myth that Burnham was a great, good man who never committed the wrongs people say he did and that Cheddi Jagan was the father of the nation who was a good man. Please!
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Min. of Education contracts for termination services, supplies feature prominently at tendering During yesterday’s session at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, dozens of companies presented bids for the provision of weeding and cleaning compounds for Georgetown schools. This contract is under the Ministry of Education.
There was also a contract for provision of floor care and janitorial services to the hospital.
And finally, bids were opened for the supply of one 75 KVA Generator at Matthews Ridge. This contract is under the auspices of the Hinterland Electrification Company.
$30M wharf for Corriverton - will help secure Orealla’s economy
Meanwhile, bids were opened for the provision of extermination services at administrative offices in Georgetown. This programme was also under the Ministry of Education.
There were bids for extermination services at Georgetown Schools. Three companies submitted bids for this project.
Bids were also opened for the provision of attendant services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Contractors also vied for a contract to provide security services at the GPHC.
A new $30M project will see the construction of a ramp, wharf and storage room at Corriverton to safeguard the livelihood of farmers in the indigenous community of Orealla, East Berbice, Corentyne. The wharf is among key projects which the Region Six, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) will undertake this year, with its more than $5.7B budget. “We a r e b u i l d i n g t h i s w h a r f i n Corriverton, because the Amerindian people have been complaining to us that they do not have anywhere to unload their produce when they bring it out from the river,” Regional Chairman David Armogan explained in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency. Armogan said that the intervention to assist the indigenous community includes the construction of a storeroom because, “They (the farmers of Orealla) have been complaining that when they bring the produce, (to the coast) because they do not have anywhere to store it, what invariably happens is that they have to sell it very cheaply to the people who retail.” He added, “They work very hard to get those things in; they ask for little and we are doing it because we want them to make extra dollars for themselves,” he said. Two other key projects to be undertaken by the regional administration this year, are the construction of a new school at Number 36 Village and a new wing at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Armogan explained that the school will house both the nursery and primary level children. It will replace an older structure that currently houses 200 primary students and 60 nursery students. He explained that the region is seeking to build a structure that can house over 450 students in an effort to cater for the growing population of the area and movement of people. Number 36 Village is home to one of the region’s biggest rice mills. Armogan pointed
out, “There is a likelihood that persons would move to the village to be closer to this place of employment. There is need to have a school that is capable of taking on additional children in the future,” he observed. The Regional Chairman also explained that the school’s construction may be somewhat delayed due to an issue with the ownership of the land on which the school is to be constructed. This is the land that the old school sits. He added that the Anglican Church is claiming the land and that the Region is working to get this issue sorted out quickly. Armogan said that the Region has located a spot within the compound of the New Amsterdam Hospital for the new Accident and Emergency wing. He said that the wing is critical since the hospital is currently crowded. In addition, the Region will also be working to expand the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) within the hospital. The current unit is small and only has four beds. “For a regional hospital with a four- bed ICU, I do not think that it is enough to cater for the needs of our big community…so whilst we move the Accident and Emergency Unit we are also looking to expand the ICU.” Armogan explained that 2016 will also see much focus on the excavation of lands in East Bank Berbice to open new arable lands for farmers. Because Region Six is an agricultural region, the Regional Chairman said that, the administration continues to focus on interventions to secure agricultural lands. “When we look at the entire Berbice, we have almost exhausted all of the land on the coastal area, but we still have available lands on the East Bank of Berbice and so we are going to do a lot of work there in terms of drainage and irrigation so that people can get to the land there and continue to do their farming,” he expounded. Advertisements for the Region’s 2016 programme have already begun and works are expected to start by the end of March.
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Wednesday March 09, 2016
QUICKER CUSTOMS TRANSACTIONS TARGETED AS GRA OFFICERS RECEIVE TRAINING Several local customs officers, as well as stakeholders in the public and private sectors benefitted
from a customs and trade facilitation capacity workshop, conducted yesterday at the Guyana
Revenue Authority (GRA.) The workshop, held in the agency’s Training Room, at Camp Street, forms part of
a slew of capacity building initiatives being implemented across the region, under the Caribbean Forum CARIFORUM–EU (European Union) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The training project was funded by the EU under the 10th EDF (Economic Development Fund) for capacity building within CARIFORUM states. It focuses not only on custom and trade facilitation, but also on areas relating to competition and public procedure. Opening the workshop in Guyana were CommissionerGeneral (ag), GRA, Ingrid Griffith, Chairman of the entity’s Governing Board, Rawle Lucas, and Director, EPA Implementation Unit, Carlos Wharton. The CARIFORUM EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was signed by 14 CARIFORUM states in October 2008, followed by Haiti in December 2009. Wharton explained there has been the recognition of the need to build institutional capacity of CARIFORUM states to ensure the effective implementation of the agreement. This workshop forms part of this capacity building initiative, he said, and the training project is scheduled to unfold in under 27 months in the 15 CARIFORUM states. Wharton explained that under the training project, a cross section of CARIFORUM stakeholders are being targeted in the private and public sector because they have responsibilities for the different thematic areas covered by the project. He said the intention is to build human, legal and institutional capacity across the region in these three areas. The expected result from the overall project is that CARIFORUM states would be in a strengthened position to effectively honour their commitment and take advantage of the opportunities available under the EPA. Following the signing of the EPA, there has been a range of new obligations under CARIFORUM that did not exist under the previous arrangement with the EU. These new responsibilities, Wharton noted require greater emphasis on measures placed on the border, and therefore the enhancement of customs and other officials’ skills is timely and necessary in order to ensure the effective application of these provisions. Lucas, in his remarks underscored the importance of custom and trade
GRA’s Commissioner-General (ag), Ingrid Griffith, addressing the workshop’s participants
Chairman Rawle Lucas delivers his remarks
administration, the role that customs officers play in the enterprise and the impact that their work can have on it. He observed that custom administration is a central contributory factor to the efficiency and cost of doing business, and as a consequence is a factor in the CARIFORUM states’ economic development. “Every country needs to have an efficient and modern custom administration, one which allows a country to build friendly relationship and create the appropriate type of environment for the business community to ensure that our business sector could increase its competitiveness and at the same ensure that we can expand the welfare of the consumers and citizens of this country,” he said. Observing that CARIFORUM economies are generally open and trade oriented, and that most of these economies are very dependent on the foreign trade sector (in the case of Guyana at least half of the Gross Domestic Product is a direct result of foreign trade activities), he explained that, “what we do at the custom entry is very important to what happens in our business environment and what happens in our household.” He also noted the cost involved in custom and trade facilitation, pointing out that it requires the customs officials and workers to
understand its importance so that importers, exporters and producers, “do not unnecessarily feel the brunt of our administration.” He pointed out that for the CARIFORUM states to successfully implement the EPA’s obligations and to position themselves and the region to garner increased economic growth and to access stronger regional markets; their customs processes must be improved to satisfy three critical measures. He listed these as “speed, predictability and transparency”. Meanwhile, Griffith described the workshop as a “win-win situation”, where everybody stands to gain from an initiative that will make the process of trade easier. The CommissionerGeneral (ag) observed that Government gains, because the workshop is expected to result in efficient procedures, in the process of moving goods, that will consequently lead to an increase in government revenue. She noted that businesses gain because they will be able to deliver goods quicker to their customers, and the consumers gain since it is expected that the goods would be had at a much cheaper cost. She commended the organisers of the training programme and encouraged each participant to raise awareness, and to share the information gathered with other officers and stakeholders.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Going after white collar criminals, corrupt officials…
We just want to get concrete evidence - Granger While sections of society have been getting somewhat agitated in their wait for justice as it relates to white collar crimes, the government has made it clear that it will not be rushed at the expense of efficiency. Recently, President David Granger was asked about the state of affairs with regards to the forensic audits that cost the nation $133M but have been delayed in being made public. Granger was also questioned whether his government will be moving soon to ensure that those suspected white collar criminals who reigned under the PPP/C administration are brought to justice. He told reporters that while it may sound quite simple and attractive to lay charges, it is imperative that strong evidence is gathered before the relevant authorities can move to that stage. Granger said, “There must be strong evidence.” The President said that indeed the audit might have discovered that there have been deficiencies or even malpractice “but that in itself is not evidence which is necessarily acceptable in the court.” He said therefore that once all the audit reports have been laid before Cabinet and Cabinet considers them, the documents will then be put in
stuff that the investigations may not have brought to light; there might have been a hidden hand. Persons who
President David Granger the hands of the law enforcement officials. The President sought to make it clear, “The cabinet does not direct the courts; once we have recommendations from the law officers that there are cases to be answered, that is the course we will follow. We do not tell the courts what to do. If there are cases to answer the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) and others who are qualified to do so will give advice.” Granger said that at this point he would not like to be pointing fingers at persons who are likely to face the brunt of the law. He suggested that some persons who might have committed crimes may have very well fallen under the radar. “There might have been
Guyanese man fingered in shooting death of baseball player
ARRESTED: Tejmitra Singh
DEAD: Michael Nolan
YONKERS, New York (Westchester) - One of the four suspects arrested in connection with the shooting death of Yonkers baseball prospect Michael Nolan was the only one to request a bail hearing Monday. Tejmitra Singh, a Guyana native, was charged last week with felony assault and weapons possession. He and three others were allegedly in the car when a gunman fired at Nolan and struck him in the head at a Yonkers McDonald’s last year. Prosecutors were successful in their bid to have Singh’s passport confiscated because of his international ties. Courtroom sources say 19 of Singh’s relatives attended the hearing in a show of support. His parents own a business in Westchester. A judge set cash bail at $350,000, but set bond at just $35,000. If his family comes up with the money, Singh can go free until trial. Singh has a prior conviction of reckless driving from 2013, according to court records.
are involved in criminal activities try to conceal their tracks, so I do not want to guess or point fingers,” said
Granger. The President added that laying charges sounds like a “very attractive option but I
would like to emphasize that we need to have evidence before we run to court like a Continued on page 14
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Wednesday March 09, 2016
Trawler collides with Harbour Bridge
The trawler alongside the bridge yesterday afternoon. Commuters who traverse the Demerara Harbour Bridge on a daily basis would have panicked yesterday afternoon after news spread of a trawler colliding with a section of the structure. The incident which occurred sometime around 13:00hrs, came quickly under control after employees scrambled to maintain order at the bridge where long lines had already begun to develop. Speaking to the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) Rawlston Adams, at around 15:45 hrs yesterday, it was revealed that while the trawler had struck a section of the bridge, it did not compromise it in anyway.
Commuters can continue to use the bridge as usual, he said. However, a thorough assessment will still have to be conducted and this would depend on the tide. The assessment he said, would have to be done this morning. Adams stated that the trawler does not belong to any local business and the persons onboard do not speak English. Due to this, all efforts to find out what would have caused the incident have thus far, been futile. Adams continued that the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have already been informed of the mishap and are currently investigating.
Robbery home/invasion on land court judge…
Magistrate to make ruling as voir dire concludes Magistrate Zamilla Ally– Seepaul, who is presiding over the trial of the five men accused of robbing land court judge Nicola Pierre, will tomorrow make a ruling in relation to all alleged oral and caution statements given by the defendants. The Magistrate indicated this to the court yesterday, after Police Constable Chesney wrapped up evidence in the voir dire (trial within a trial). The voir dire was ordered after robbery accused Damien Millington denied that he gave police an oral statement in relation to the crime. As it pertains to a caution statement, he is alleging that he was forced to sign the document. The voir dire will determine whether or not the oral and caution statement can be admitted as evidence
Damien Millington in the trial. Premnauth Samaroo, Damien Millington, Nicholas Narine, Anthony David and Warren Mc Kenzie, are jointly facing three charges - two for robbery under-arms committed on Pierre and her
We just want to get... From page 13 headless chicken. We just want to get the concrete evidence.” Granger said that it is most important that the wrong that has been done is identified so that those things can be corrected and his government can prevent malpractice from recurring. “It is not a witch hunt, but we want persons who would have committed offences to be tried and justice done. But in so doing, we would like to make sure that the cases are strong enough to bring about convictions,” said Granger. (Abena Rockcliffe)
husband, Mohamed Chand and another for the offence of discharging a loaded firearm at security guard, Ron Peters. They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges and are currently on remand. Apart from the alleged statements given by Millington, the Magistrate is expected to rule on two oral statements given by Warren McKenzie. Special Prosecutor Nigel Hughes had led evidence that McKenzie uttered to police “Is wha I put meself in here boy…if I know that lady was a judge they coulda neva get me on that wuk”, when allegations of robbery underarms committed on the judge and her husband Mohamed Chand were put to him at the Brickdam Police Station. The prosecutor’s evidence had also alleged that McKenzie told Police, “Is not me….meh nah had no gun pun that wuk”, after an allegation of discharging a loading firearm at security guard, Ron Peters was put to him, also at the aforementioned Police Station. Millington has denied making such statements to police. Four Police witnesses were called to testify during the Voir Dire.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Disciplined Forces’ LGE Voting...
US Embassy observers laud process, GECOM The United States Embassy yesterday congratulated the people of Guyana and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on the “successful conclusion of the disciplined services vote as part of the 2016 Local Government Elections.” The Embassy said also that it is pleased to have observed the process as members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the Prison Service participated in the first local government elections in more than 22 years. “The Embassy team of observers found nothing to question the integrity or credibility of this critical phase of the voting process and the Guyana Elections Commission is to be commended for its logistical arrangements for this phase of the process,” a release from the Embassy stated. Embassy observers were pleased that some locations saw comparatively high levels of overall voter turnout. However, this was not the case at all polling places and, at some polling stations, turnout appeared to remain relatively low. In addition, a “sizable
number” of prospective voters in some areas arrived at incorrect polling locations or without national identification cards. “Guyana Elections Commission procedures were wholly adequate to deal with these eventualities, and the polling staff performed “admirably in ensuring the integrity of the process while avoiding voter disenfranchisement,” the embassy noted. The embassy also stated that these observations point to the need for all stakeholders to redouble voter education and mobilization efforts in advance of the March 18 general vote. “It is our Observer Team’s hope that civil society, media organizations, and political parties will play a key role in this regard.” “The Embassy of the United States of America will continue to work with other observer groups throughout the local government elections process and will again, have teams in the field on March 18th when the general public has the opportunity to vote. The Embassy encourages all Guyanese citizens to participate in this historic election.”
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NEW OFFICER TO MONITOR ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams (centre) with Board members of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority. Ms. Bibi Shabena Ali was recently appointed Chairperson of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. Ms. Ali is currently the Legal and Compliance Manager of Demerara Bank Limited; she has held this post since 2014. During the period 2012 to 2014, Ms. Ali served as Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court of Judicature. Prior to that appointment, she held the position of Registrar (ag) of the Supreme Court of Judicature for three years. Ms. Ali served as Assistant Company Secretary and Company Secretary of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. from 20052009. She was previously Legal/Administrative Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture. The newly appointed Chairperson held her inaugural
Board meeting yesterday in the Board Room of the Ministry of Legal Affairs. In her current post as Legal and Compliance Officer, Ms. Ali’s duties include monitoring compliance with the f i n a n c i a l i n s t i t u t i o n ’s A n t i - M o n e y L a u n d e r i n g / Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) programme; training staff at all levels in the area of AML/ CFT and liaising with the Bank of Guyana (BOG), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Special Organised Crimes Unit on matters pertaining to AML/CFT. As Chairperson of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority, Ms. Ali is an ex officio member of the Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism Authority in Guyana.(GINA)
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Extractive industries plan too narrow to halt corruption in sector - Presidential Advisor By Kiana Wilburg Most would deem the prospects of Guyana signing on to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to be extremely worthwhile. But Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development, Dr. Clive Thomas, says that while the benefits are attractive, it may be too narrow to help Guyana end corruption in the extractive sector. He expressed these concerns during a recent symposium at the Pegasus Hotel. The event saw a collection of some of the region’s most knowledgeable minds on the extractive industries. There, they discussed the promotion of natural resource revenue and sustainable resource revenue management in the Caribbean. Dr. Thomas, who was one of the presenters that day, told the audience that his findings should not be interpreted as hostility towards the EITI, an international organization which maintains a standard of assessing the levels of transparency regarding countries’ oil, gas and mineral resources. He said that it should be viewed only as constructive, critical observation, in the hope that it would enhance the ongoing process. Dr. Thomas said that his interpretations of the literature on the EITI process, particularly from participants
Presidential Advisor, Dr. Clive Thomas in other jurisdictions (regional), as well as wider civil society analysts, are that the Region must avoid becoming a passive recipient of the EITI package. He said that it must engage the process “intellectually, philosophically, and, above all, in its political-economy context, at all times”. The Presidential Advisor said that Guyana cannot afford the luxury of an uncritical adoption of a process which, as of now, is without the participation of the vast majority of key global
players. He named some of these players to be emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. The Economist said that despite several years of effort so far, his judgment is that the EITI process has not yet achieved deserving awareness and impact at the societal level. He added that it also remains poorly linked to wider governance reform processes which include public service reform, constitutional reform, Local Government Election development, and so on. SERIAL OBSERVATIONS Dr. Thomas said that there exist varying levels of EITI ambition among regional countries and also within them. He said that there is therefore, no room for a onesize-fits-all approach to the determination of the transparency and accountability space potentially available in countries, and the Region as a whole, for effective regulation of the extractive industries (EI) sector. He opined that there is also an inevitable complementarity of
EITI with other local, regional, hemispheric, and global governance arrangements. He said that seeking synergies and complementarities should therefore play significant roles in; for example, other complementary voluntary schemes which include: Forest Stewardship Council, International Council on Mining and Metals, and the UN Global Compact. “Empirically, it has been reported that there is a ‘strong’ correlation between EITI members (and weak nonEITI members) and poor performance on World Bank governance indicators. It could be reasonably argued that the elapsed time of EITI
existence does not permit good sampling for purposes of measuring such comparative outcomes among EITI and non-EITI countries. Furthermore, the correlation between poor governance and resource curse is not proof of causality.” Professor Thomas said that he also has concerns over inadequate mainstreaming of EITI Standards with regard to public management, corporate conduct, policy dialogue and debate at the societal level. “Shining a light on EI activities cannot by itself fix corruption and poor
governance in Guyana. It is presumptuous to claim this, as some do, even though this remains an area of enormous darkness and secrecy. And, further bringing governments, civil society and the EI together, is in itself of considerable merit.” He continued, “Is the EITI focus too narrow if it centres mainly on revenues? Should expenditure of governments be effectively captured? And how?” “These questions suggest the need therefore, to monitor the EI sector’s entire value chain, including the award of contracts and licences, operations, environmental requirements, (Continued on page 26)
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Extractive industries plan too narrow to... (From page 25) social commitments, taxes and fees, distribution of revenue to government, and project/programme execution by governments.” Dr. Thomas said that it should be noted in this regard that recent advances of the EITI 2 0 1 3 S t a ndard include revenue allocation and s u s t a i n a b i l i t y, l i c e n c e registers and allocations, and issues of beneficial ownership and contracts. He said that major criticisms, have in the past, focused on EITI’s voluntary nature and its limited focus on a small part of the value chain, which stimulated the 2013 revised Standard. The economist noted that the European Parliamentary Research Service, in its EITI Briefing in 2014 noted, “Overall results to date have been uneven and partial.” Dr. Thomas said that for Guyana he would raise the questions: Why only the mineral extractives sector? What of non-
minerals? He said that one should take note of the recent regional EITI Conference which was held in Peru. He said that the forum saw calls for EITI tackling environmental, indigenous, human rights, ethnic issues and degeneration in the Region. The Presidential Advisor said that paradoxically, for a participant like Guyana at the regional level, the focus is on transparency and accountability of the companies in the extractive industries, as between governments and civil society. Dr. Thomas noted, too, that one of the significant findings of the EITI is that it focuses on commodity production, but does not cover commodity trading, which he deemed to be an extremely important area. With the aforementioned in mind, he said that one might seriously want to pause for a moment and consider how impacting EITI would really be in plugging up the loopholes for corruption to take place in the said sector.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Expect resistance from prison management when implementing reforms – Rohee tells govt. By Jarryl Bryan With a Commission of Inquiry (COI) launched into the circumstances of the Camp Street prison riot last week, a time will come when the Government will have to act on the commission’s recommendations and institute reforms. However, former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has charged the Government to expect resistance, subtle or not, from the uniformed prison management who have to adhere to the reforms. In fact, Rohee said, it is this resistance that plagued efforts to reform the prison service during his tenure. Rohee expressed this view during a press conference at Freedom House on Monday. According to Rohee, he had once asked for a compilation of all the recommendations that were made by boards of inquiry between 2012 and 2014, while still Home Affairs Minister. This, he noted, was against the background of incidents at New Amsterdam and Mazaruni prisons. “I had requested that the recommendations from the inquiries be documented so that we could see what the recommendations were and the extent to which they were
- Says issue was thorn in past Ministry’s side implemented,” he said. “Because the whole idea with prisons was not only to set up (COIs) or board of inquiries, but at the same time, you have to monitor the implementation to see how it is going.” He noted that as per the Disciplined Services Commission report, a number of boards including the visiting committee were instituted to modernize the prison service. Explaining the prison visiting committee, he noted that it was made up of civilians and officials attached to every prison location. Rohee stated that this committee was supposed to go to the prisons every month, meet with the prison administration and even walk around and visit the various cells, to get feedback from the prisoners themselves. With this information, he noted that they were supposed to recommend corrective measures. Another example Rohee gave was the Inmates Committee, comprising inmates themselves, which he stated was in place at every prison location. This committee was tasked with
meeting with the prison administration on a monthly basis, to hash out their grievances. According to Rohee, however, the big question is whether the prison authorities were encouraging this kind of discourse and allowing these committees to function. He stated that the effectiveness of bodies such as these was stymied because of the uniformed officials, some of whom were opposed to change. “To maintain a higher degree of stability and sustainability, it was necessary to insert these boards made up of civilians who would dedicate themselves in a focused way to addressing these problems,” he said. “In many instances you would hear members of these boards complaining about frustration, that the management is not giving them the support.” “That is something that this administration will be faced with as well,” Rohee stated. “(There will be) resistance to change and to civilians offering advice on what is best. This is always the challenge between the
civilians and the uniformed.” Responding to queries about why the Mazaruni prison’s self-sufficiency programme deteriorated, Rohee noted that most of these systems “went awry because of the likes and fancies, the whims and fancies of the management.” The COI members - former Justice James Patterson, former Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine and human rights activist Merle Mendonca - were sworn in on Monday last. They will be probing the deaths of 17 Camp Street prisoners and injuries to other inmates and prison officers in one of the most deadly prison disturbances in the region in recent memory. The members will take statements from inmates from the Camp Street prison and even from the other prisons. They will also take statements from the relatives, prison officers and anyone else they deem necessary. It is also expected that the COI will make recommendations with the aim of improving the prison system and infrastructure.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Bus driver on causing death President emphasizes importance... charge granted $800,000 bail A 37-year-old mini bus driver was yesterday ordered to post $800,000 bail and surrender his licence after his arraignment in Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan’s court on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. Sherwin Hopkinson of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on March 5, at Aubrey Barker Public Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he drove minibus BVV 1302 in a manner dangerous to the public and caused the death of William Trim. According to reports, Trim, a 78-year-old pensioner of Wren Avenue, South Ruimveldt, was killed after the car he was driving collided with a minibus.
It was reported that the elderly man was driving his car PFF 8165, along Aubrey Barker Road when a route 41 minibus crashed into him. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that on the day in question, the defendant was driving the bus at a fast rate, overtaking several other vehicles in his path. He subsequently lost control of the bus and collided with the car that Trim was driving. The court heard that the car pitched several feet away from the point of impact. Trim was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. While Prosecutor Jones had no objection to the defendant being granted pre-trial liberty, he requested that it be set in
DEAD: William Trim a substantial amount. The Chief Magistrate suspended Hopkinson’s driver’s licence until the completion of the matter, which will be called again on March 30, for statements.
Two years later…
Mother of five jailed for cocaine in achar Magistrate Leron Daly sitting in the Providence Magistrate’s Court on Monday sentenced a Kitty woman to four years’ imprisonment, after she was found guilty of trafficking over 18 pounds of cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The woman, Sadeeka Odie, 41, of Lot 186 Thomas Street Kitty, Georgetown, had 9.27kilograms of cocaine in her possession on February 8, 2014, at CJIA for the purpose of trafficking. Odie, who was represented by Attorney Dexter Todd, was also ordered to pay a fine of $30,000.
JAILED: Sadeeka Odie Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) P r o s e c u t o r, Police Corporal Bharrat Mangru
called a total of three witnesses. Mangru contended that on the day in question, Odie was an outgoing passenger on Caribbean Airline Flight BW 526 destined for the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport, New York. Based on information received CANU ranks removed Odie from the aircraft and conducted a search on her suitcase. The cocaine was found concealed in achar. Odie, a mother of five, first appeared before Former Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on February 10, 2014, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Eureka becomes internationally... (From page 21) Multilateral Recognition Arrangements (MLA) and MRA assure the equivalence of testing competency. She said that with the use of the international standards as the benchmark, the goal is not only of harmonization, but also of reducing the cost penalty of needless test duplication, because of the use of internationally accepted testing and measurement practices. Shirley said that data generated by an accredited laboratory is thus readily accepted in overseas markets. She said that this is important for trade as well as tourism. She said that the medical tourism industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and Eureka has now enhanced Guyana’s reach into this lucrative market. The JANAAC CEO ex-
pressed, “We are pleased to celebrate with the EML, the first medical lab outside of Jamaica accredited by JANAAC. The EML was inducted into the ‘accreditation hall of fame’, and was accredited on February 4, 2016, though it will receive its certificate today (Saturday last).” She continued, “Their accreditation certificate proves that not only JANAAC, but by extension the international accreditation community signatories to the ILAC-MRA - attest that this laboratory and all of our accredited labs are competent to perform the
specific tests listed in their scope in accordance with the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025 international standard.” Shirley noted that the accreditation process was a thorough and rigorous one, but at the end of the process, JANAAC is fully satisfied with the competence of the EML lab. Shirley congratulated the EML team and urged them to continue to improve their systems and processes. She is confident that surveillance visits will only show the entity’s dedication in providing quality service to all.
(From page 17) been made - characterized by more women assuming leadership roles, undertaking entrepreneurial endeavours and featuring in decision-making positions - there are yet some glaring challenges. She underscored that “women are still challenged by male chauvinism, discriminatory practices, sexual violence, abuse, human rights violations, denial of opportunities to work and be educated, nonrecognition of our labour in the home, and disrespect by men among others”. In order to achieve gender equality and end discrimination and violence, she stressed the need to ensure equal participation and opportunities in all spheres of life. She however disclosed yesterday that “today marks a historical and significant day in our national and international calendars. Another eighth of March is here, and we have all congregated in this auspicious building for the express purpose of paying homage to women all over the world, but more particularly to the Women of Guyana, who over the last few years have heeded the call and have emerged from the closets to
assume important decisionmaking positions and critical roles in our society”. As suggested by the IWD theme, the Minister noted that the need for the promotion of Gender Equality has already been identified, and has in fact been listed as Goal number five in the Sustainable Development Goals that were drafted for the Caribbean. And according to her, “this call for renewed action implies therefore that our efforts have to be intensified”. “Our respective Governments have made progress, but many more initiatives, policies and programmes need to be embraced and implemented to narrow the gap of gender inequality and realize new heights of social, cultural, economic and political cohesion and inclusion,” said the Social Protection Minister. “Our respective Governments must pledge to make sound investments in Gender Parity through concrete and measurable strategies, activities and programmes that will dismantle some of the fundamental barriers that threaten our achievement of gender equality. “We must commit to a future where women are equal,
where individuals’ rights are not violated because of their sexual persuasions and orientations, where remuneration is fairly structured and access to resources is free of gender bias,” Lawrence added. The high point of yesterday’s event was the handing over of awards to a total of 50 women and three groups. Awardees were drawn from all 10 administrative regions. Speaking of the selection process, Head of the Social Protection Ministry’s Public Relations Department, Mr. Terrence Esseboom, said that the respective regional administrations and government ministries were encouraged to submit suitable nominees. A committee was also established to vet the list of those nominated to ensure they met the requisite criteria, after which a final list was compiled. The event, which attracted a capacity audience in the main conference hall of the Convention Centre, was attended by First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo; Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland; Ministers of Government, members of the diplomatic corps, among others.
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Kaieteur News
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals and Black Opal - Cosmetology Courses - Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.
WANTED 1 Security Guard at Eccles Industrial Site, with a valid police clearance. Call: 2332473 Urgently needed land to buy in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt & East Coast. Call: 611-7223; 604-2207
Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362
BOND WORKERS/ CANTER DRIVERS, MONDAY-SATURDAY, OVER 21YRS OLD & WITH POLICE CLEARANCECALL: 231-8529; 231-8344
Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206
Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate-Tel: 6225518
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Live in waitresses to work in Bar – Call: 604-6606; 692-4649
Are you Building or renovating? For quality construction services from foundation to fine finished. Call Carlos: 592-682-9935; 592-223-2695 INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs to LED, Plasma, LCD and all other electronic equipment. Ordering of circuit boards. Abdul Electronics. Call: 225-0391
Large quantity of selected 18months old coconut plants to buy between 2-3ft tall. Call: 231-1408; 642-9191 Experienced dispatcher & hire car driver @ Princess Hotel Providence – Tel: 6165419; 265-7075 2 Salesgirls, 2 porters $18,000 weekly. Call: 223-9677 Experienced staff for wash way- Call: 646-8748 One live in housekeeper-Call: 223-0654 Experienced cook, apply in person @ Millenium Maner Hotel with application, 43 Hadfield St., Werk-en-Rust between Camp & John Sts. Experienced pastry maker, cake decorator, counter servers, cashier, roti/puri cooks, apply at Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce St.
TAXI SERVICES G R TA X I S E RV I C E . CALL: 219-5000; 2271982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Contract cars & drivers. Call: 227-1720, 227-1721 or 6606102 One experienced cook, with knowledge in baking, apply in person @ Bistro, 36 Public Road, La Grange W.B.D-Call: 678-3400 Experienced cashier & salesgirls wanted, please drop off application @ American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Sts. ASAP.
TOURS SURINAME EASTER WEEKEND TOUR TRIP: SHOPPING, FUN, TOURS & SIGHTSEEING DOLPHINS MARCH 23RD -28TH, 2016. CALL: 692-7270; 6655171; 639-2663; 223-0056
Hairdressers, nail technician, barbers, also hair & nail stations available for rental location: New Market StreetCall: 638-1106
Experienced painter to work in G/town & Happy Acres ($5,000 per day). Contact Neville: 624-1737 ONE HANDYMAN -$25,000 WEEKLY, ONE DOMESTIC -$30,000 WEEKLY. CALL: 231-8053
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transport property located @ Rosignol W.B.B: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished. Call: 679-3496; 6026333; 330-2576; 699-4689 (motivated settler) Flat house in Grove, (corner property) 1 Block from main road, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 House for sale with 3 bedrooms upper & bottom flat, @ Lot 153 Green Acres, Stadium Road- Call: 681-7366 Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 227-6817; 624-7341 Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 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: 675-0506; 6630753 Furnished 6 bedrooms house with attic, 4 self contained bedrooms located @ Anna Catherina, New Housing Scheme. Call: 611-5354; 615-4728 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property @ Lot 87 Albert Street- Call: 669- 8701 1 -Two storey concrete building @ Eccles Exora Avenue: 4 bedrooms, 1 master room, 50X30feet -$60M. negotiable – Call: 672-4190 TO LET Sisher Real Estate- Tel: 2314681; 652-6565; 670-7171: One 2 bedrooms apartment to let @ 23 B Lyng Street Charlestown. Two bedrooms apartment $42,000 monthly. Call: 6873017 Bottom flat in Diamond, 1st Bridge -$35,000 monthly – Call: 694-4276; 680-6399
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Vreed-en-Hope Junction: Lessons place, office, storage bond, church -$20,000$25,000-Call: 603-6400 Canteen and washbay @ 15 Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo. Call: 690-6840; 693-3340; 277-3033 1-3 Bedrooms apartment, 1 master room, 2 bedrooms, 1 kitchen, dining area; laundry room, cameras and security lights @ Diamond . Call: 2260880; 671-1474 Lower 2 bedrooms apartment, with water, electricity @ Paradise Public Road, E.C.D, security deposit -$40,000 monthly. Call: 6259939 2 Flats; 6000Sq.Ft of prime space, @ 14 Longden & Croal Street, formerly Salt & Pepper –Call: 663-0376 House for rent, top flat 3 bedrooms, bottom flat, 3 bedrooms @ First Bridge Diamond. Call: 664-1030; 6135212 Executive 2 bedrooms apartment in exclusive Residential Area close to the Ogle Airport. Call for appointment: 653-2920 Three storey 75X28feet concrete building, open floor, two offices, two washrooms @ 25B Princes St., Charlestown. Call: 223-0654 Apartments for rent in Nandy Park, recently renovated, free Wi-Fi. $70,000. Call: 641-3318 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993
LAND FOR SALE Vacant land for sale in Eccles, East Bank Demerara 70’X100’- Call: 623-6136 Land 95X65 in high income gated community -$9.3M negotiable. Call: 609-0783 One 50ftX80ft fenced land at Mon Repos E.C.D (Martyrsville) price-$3.5M negotiable. Call: 220-0538; 645-2395; 629-5300 Eccles New Scheme, already bobcat & land filled, brand new, main road-$6M. Call: 604-2207; 611-7223 Prime high income land in La Parfaite Harmonie (100ftX50ft) -$2.5M & $1.6M & $2.6M with foundation. Call: 604-2207; 611-7223
Wednesday March 09, 2016
VACANCY Elite Pharmacy: Experienced pharmacist & assistant, salesperson with knowledge of selling OTC drugs. Call: 663-0376; 231-2122
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Raum, AT192, Fun Cargo, RAV 4, Tundra, L-Touring Wagon, IST, 4X4 pick up sold DEF, (Ducati 1098cc) Call: 644-5096; 697-1453
Experienced full time/part time pharmacist, pharmacy assistants & general staff @ Pharma Choice, Durban & Louisa Road. Call: 661-3124
Toyota Carina 212 -$1.1M, Toyota Ipsum -$2.2M, Nissan Pathfinder -$1.6M, Toyota Vigo -$4.5M. Prices negotiable- Call: 609-7766/ 225-8427
Hairdressers, nail technician, barbers, also hair & nail stations available for rental location: New Market StreetCall: 638-1106 Landscape maintenance vacancy: hardworking, pleasant, team player 17-28 years. Contact: 219-0468/ 621-2453 Industrial sales person needed, must have own vehicle; age: 21-yrs old. Contact: 688-0407- 2263554 Sales Representative (with license), Industrial Engineer (Diploma/Degree) – Telemarketer, Labourer. apply:jkeshwani.alesie@ gmail.Com- Call: 269-0026 Male security, male desk staff, 30-45yrs old @ 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 Bulldozer operator, site engineer/technician, experienced Human Resource Personnel. Good salary-Call: 261-2280; 668-7104 Persons to hand work and pressing in sewing factory. Call: 264-2763; 642-6079
Toyota Noah 2006 GTT series, excellent condition, price -$1.6M. Call: 601-4163 One model M Bush Truck with winch, excellent condition-Call: 261-5514; 6983662; 698-3014 Unregistered Bluebird 2006 model, TV, Reverse Camera, Dark interior low mileage $2.3M. Call: 655-3400 One Toyota fun cargo, mini van AC, CD, 17" mags, flair kit, never work hire, in excellent condition -$1.2M. Call: 618-1047 Carsmart Auto Sale: Fielder$2,095,000, Ist-$2,095,000, Audi A4-$3,795,000, BMW 318i-$2,695,000-Call:6500402\654-5504 Carsmart Auto Sale: Premio(08)-$2,895,000, Clight Premio (05)-$2,450,000, Spacio-$2,095,000-Call:6500402\654-5504 Carsmart Auto Sale: CAT 928F Loader-$7.3M, Hyster forklift 6000LB - 4 cyl Perkins$1.5, Diesel welder - 4 cly Perkins-$895,000- Call: 6500402\654-5504
Need professional counselor. PPP Series, Premio, excellent Call: 670-5759 condition- Call: 695-9927; Experienced waitresses, 639-7844 cooks, bartenders, bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Honda CRV (RD5), stick Lounge (East Bank). Call: for gear, PNN series - $2.1M negotiable. Call: 691-1198 appointment 652-0074 One Housekeeper for Xenon Toyota Avensis in immaculate condition. Call: 676-0706 Hotel contact 225-0254 between 09:00am-06:00pm Welder/ fabricator, apprentice machinist. Apply in person with written application @ Technical Services, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site. CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656EDUCATIONAL 0087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO Easter 2016 Offer: Register RENTAL@YAHOO. COM now – 9 Courses, office 2016, windows 8/10 @ DOLLY’S CAR RENTALMicrograhics, Vreed-en- CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 Hoop. Call: 264-3057 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ Easter 2016 Offer: Computerize YA H O O . C O M / W W W. Accounting, 4 courses, DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM QuickBooks, Peachtree, POS, Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick Excel 2016 -$35,000 @ up rental- Call: 690-6494 Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 264-3057 Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo Private Custom Brokerage pick up, cheapest rate, low Certificate: training course- security- Call: 698-7807 29th March 2016. Register now! Call: 223-1506; 694-8322 Continued on page 29
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 29
How should the news be reported? DEAR EDITOR, Your newspaper is in my view a major force for democracy, justice, and freedom in Guyana, by educating people and by holding those in power accountable. So, please understand that it is in the spirit of positive criticism, by way of support and encouragement, in the hopes that you will continue that struggle and become even better at it, that I am writing today. I saw an editorial the other day calling for politicians to respect each other. In the past, I have also seen KN columnists and contributors bemoaning the lack of courtesy and the tendency to focus on personal dressing down (the term used was “fishing up”) instead of on the issues, during political discourse. But do you realize how much KN actually contributes to that culture? I believe you are not aware of it, but in fact, your newspaper, every single day, stirs up negative feelings by use of irresponsible, often incendiary or combative language and framing of issues. A few examples to illustrate: First, why do you keep telling us about the “daring, brazen daylight robberies” and how many “millions of dollars in cash and jewelry were carted off”? It sounds so exciting and sexy the way you talk about bandits and how bold and brave they are! I know you don’t mean to do it, but you are encouraging a culture of crime. A newspaper has the duty to be offended (on our behalf) by crime and to recognize that the criminals are wrong. Sympathize if you want. You don’t have to hate the robbers. But don’t
romanticize crime this way. Secondly, why do you have to always talk about politicians slamming and blasting each other? Is this how someone talks about political discourse on issues? No, your language celebrates and perpetuates the same culture of “fishing up” that you complain about every day. I even saw a “flogging” the other day, which turned out to be your metaphor for two politicians disagreeing. Maybe the politicians will be less combative without KN playing a Don King role, hyping up the crowd to scream for more blood. There are a lot more examples. It’s a whole topic. And it needs to be discussed. Mr. Editor, you have the power to not only report the news, but to frame the news in a way that fosters understanding, compassion, accountability, morality, and the rule of law. I recommend that you retain the services of a consultant who can help train your journalists and editors in how to achieve this. You can’t just say stuff without thinking about its impact on society. You can’t just have a newspaper without recognizing your responsibility to frame the news in a positive and progressive way. It is, in my opinion, part of your duty, as a news organization (and I believe it would be very much in line with the integrity and character that KN has shown so far) to lead Guyana in introducing a new tradition of deliberate, purposeful, and positive reporting of the news. You can play a big part in changing how people see themselves and their world. David Jonas
Rayon Paddy was... From page 5 readiness of the defence or prosecution. Both sides are given ample warning that the matter will proceed. To those who are suggesting that we build more and bigger jails, I unreservedly condemn this characteristic symptomatic treatment of our sociopolitical ills. Let us treat with the root causes of having to populate our jail in the first instance and the inefficiencies of our criminal justice system before we propose fancy architectural plans for housing prisoners. The harsh reality is that unless we treat with the fundamental issues we will always have reasons to roll out engineering blueprints for prison expansion. We spend a disproportionate amount of money housing certain prisoners in view of the crimes they have committed or allegedly committed. Why not build recreational parks in our communities; more learning centres for vocational and school dropout programmes; properly staffed and resourced centres for helping victims of domestic violence, abused and troubled children; communal farms; provide decently paid jobs for our citizens; rebuild our communities and invest in our human capital? Why not have an effective plea bargaining system whereby persons can acknowledge their guilt in exchange from prompt and reduced prison sentences? Why not spearhead a system of restorative justice which is helpful to both victims and perpetrators of crimes? Finally, why act as if these things are unattainable and they would not help? Ronald J. Daniels
EDITOR’S NOTE: Your complaint and observation have been thorny issues in journalism a long time now. Journalism is caught between the right to inform and the right to be responsible. It is not an easy journey because as the saying goes,
From page 28
FOR SALE One two tons forklift, one blocks machine, one Leyland truck (scrap). Call: 617-9230; 269-1406 Toyota Rear Differential 39.8 and 14.5 fiberglass boat with trailer and 35HP motor. Call: 678-9536 1 Mercedes Benz – C200Call: 690-6840; 693-3340; 2773033 One full size double bunk bed for sale- Call: 623-5533price negotiable Cheap! Cheap! CCTV Security Surveillance Kit, 8 Channels DVR with built in Hard Drive, 8 bullet cameras – Tel: 621-4740; 686-3500 175 DAF dump truck #GNN 5366- Call: 664-1030; 613-5212 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 200 Layer birds recently started laying. Call: 650-5676 or 645-5947 for more information. Transported property with furnished liquor restaurant, 2 pools table, fridges & freezers, etc. Call Lovin: 2257796 Nissan Titan- Call: 696-5135 Brand New HP Laptop: AMD Quad Core Processor, 15.6 LED Display, Widows10. Price: $ 120,000-Contact:6880407- 2263554 1-4Cylinder, English Perkins with bearing block, already beded, in excellent condition. Call: 698-6796
“different strokes for different folks.” People may want to know about the horrible levels of crime because they need to be aware of what is taking place in their country. Others (and you may fall into this category) feel that too much reporting on terrible crimes
and gruesome murders is not good for the psychology of a nation. Where do we draw the line? Should a newspaper not report on murders if they are occurring on a daily basis? Isn’t the public entitled to know? On the point on the use of adjectives, we see
nothing inelegant in the use of the word “daring” to describe a robbery in view of dozens of citizens in broad daylight a block away from a police station. Finally, can humans ever decide on a uniform way of framing the news? We do try our best
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 09, 2016
THE VOICE OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
The real challenge remains the Demerara Estates By Sase Singh INTRODUCTION The real challenge remains the Demerara Estates, especially the West Demerara Estates and that Skeldon Factory (not the fields). So although the decision to close the Wales Estate will be a very difficult one, holistically, it can be seen as a decision that is best for all of GuySuCo. But before we can make any further decisions on what we are going to be doing with the rest of the industry, at least, get the elementary numbers right. This is what the Parvatan Commission failed to do. I took the opportunity to peruse Appendix 3 of the Parvatan Report - Estate Losses for 2014 and Table 15 (breakdown of Estate Unit Cost of production -2014) and the figures do not even reconcile. This is horrible financial analysis; extremely horrible. The more legitimate of the two documents appear to be Appendix 3 – Estate Losses that seem to have been derived from the Finance Department of GuySuCo. When one crunches those numbers, one finds that the cost per pound excluding depreciation and adjustments is much less than what this Parvatan Report is advising. This goes to the core of the issue – reliability of the
numbers. These numbers in the CoI Report, with respect to the unit cost per estate, cannot stand up to scrutiny. If we cannot trust the financial analysis, then there is an unclear basis for making industry-wide decisions on GuySuCo’s future. This scares me; this really scares me. If this is the kind of “wooly number” we will utilize to recommend wholesale privatization, then I have the Brooklyn Bridge to sell. It was expected that this Parvatan Commission would have addressed those cost elements that can influence and attack the high cost of operations. Unfortunately, although we do have some more information because of this report, a comprehensive roadmap is not before us because a professional Independent Business Review was not done. The collection of recommendations coming out of the economic/finance subcommittee continues to be the weakest link from this report. One struggles to find robust restructuring advice in this COI Report. Every time I read this report it walks you right back to a policy recommendation that comes across as premediated; namely industrywide privatization. Was it an academic exercise to produce an “academic outcome?” When you read this document from back to front,
you cannot find any serious attempt to provide an unbiased view of the company’s financial forecast with deep and thorough analysis. I cannot find an end product that offers a structured plan with different strategic options for the decision makers to ponder. I pity the Cabinet of Guyana that is provided with such a document to make lifedefining decisions for thousands of citizens. I can very well understand, President Granger opening it up for public scrutiny, since the document is not “decision-making ready.” RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COI For those who have not had the privilege of reading this report, especially those field and factory foremen these are the recommendations: 1. The privatization of GuySuCo. The process should start as early as practicable and aimed to be completed within three years (meaning by the start of 2019). 2. As a consequence of the above, the State (Government and people) divests itself of all assets, activities, and operations currently associated with GuySuCo. 3. In the interval, as the privatization is awaited, the new management of GuySuCo must focus on basic essentials to rehabilitate the fields,
factories and infrastructure of GuySuCo. There should be no accommodation for new projects, which will demand limited funds. The aim is to make the estates more saleable and attractive to investors, both local and foreign. A few expressions of interest, both formal and informal, have been received. 4. While the ongoing process of amalgamating estates for obvious economies of scale may continue, the COI does not recommend closure of any estate at this time. 5. Financial support in the short term will be needed and this should be provided by the government on a timely basis. 6. That there be the earliest possible implementation of the recommendation in the report of the Commission. The Management of GuySuCo must immediately direct its attention and focus on reducing operational cost, especially employment, returning to basic agronomical practices, rehabilitating its factories and strengthening supervision. THESE RECOMMENDATIONS Firstly, I want to make it absolutely clear to the readers, this CoI Team recommends that GuySuCo must be sold to private dealers (removed from the books of the State) irrespective of the positive socio-economic purpose that GuySuCo serves. This socio-economic impact is felt mainly across Coastal Berbice (Corentyne and West Berbice), which has very few alternative human development options. Demerara, on the other hand, has greater scope to
survive a withdrawal from the sugar industry. However, Berbice will experience a major economic and demographic decline that will lead to more crime, more drugs, more poverty, more human brutality, and generally a total rural blight which will invade Berbice as ghost villages start to multiply. I have seen these kinds of towns in the North of England and in the South of the United States. It is painful to watch good human beings wallow in hopelessness, because some private sector company was only interested in harvesting the company for all its assets and profits, and when there are no more profits left to harvest, they walk away leaving ghost towns behind. I am pleading with President Granger to distance himself from this plan to destroy the sugar industry, it is not the legacy that any leader would want to leave for his people. Indeed, things are bad in the sugar belt and this industry is a burden on the Treasury, but what this COI Report is recommending will make this burden worse. You are the President of all of Guyana and thus, all of the people’s welfare is your responsibility. If this report is followed, we will not have human development in the sugar areas, we will have human annihilation. The political implication is too ghastly to even contemplate. GAWU has to wake up and revert to widespread sensitization across the sugar belt as to what is in this dreadful CoI Report. This is the time for workers’ mobilization and militancy; not complacency. But let me be clear, I am not
Sase Singh calling for political war; I am calling for GAWU to spread the word on this report but at the same time, recognizing their strength, sitting with management to chart a course to push the cost of production down. As one Team (workers and management) focused on one objective - saving GuySuCo, there can be much hope. From the limited evidence provided in this report and from what was publicly available before, GuySuCo has to incrementally cut the “gangrene out” – thus closing down Wales is a tough but necessary decision. Closing Wales will free up over G$1.9 billion diverted from the better performers like Blairmont and Albion. But wholesale privatization is not the answer. I will develop this point next week by looking at the performance of the industry estate by estate, so that the workers of GuySuCo can know the facts. The bottom line remains, the high-cost estates will have to be rationalized using a collection of criteria including realistic options to reduce the cost of production, and the required cost of refurbishment and established processes to mitigate the social fallout from closing an estate. It is important to save the many by cutting out the few.
Minister Cummings to probe concerns... (From page 18) further expansion and enhancement of the facility, particularly in the area of providing better accommodation for medical staff. Some very important human resource problems were also raised by the CEO, who gave Minister Cummings all assurances that these would be rectified in time, with the proper measures being put in place. The Minister was also given a tour of the facility where she was able to meet staff. And according to her, there has been some improvement at the hospital since she last visited a few months ago. She expressed appreciation for the work being done at the New Amsterdam Hospital and went on to charge the CEO to continue to keep
the hospital functioning as effectively and efficiently as possible. The Region Six visit was in fact a follow-up to one made a few months earlier by the Minister. A number of recommended improvements have been made at both hospitals; however the Minister observed that much work is still to be done in order to have both institutions function optimally. According to information from the Minister, visiting health facilities and acquiring first-hand information to derive workable solutions, is the strategy being embraced to ensure that Public health care across Guyana is geared to meet the needs of all Guyanese. Minister Cummings will
continue to visit all health facilities across Guyana so as to assess the quality of health care being offered. Ensuring that the best quality standards are followed and that patients can benefit positively from health care services provided by the Ministry of Public Health are national goals that must be realised. The Minister underscored that improving the Public Healthcare Systems in Guyana is one of the Ministry’s national priorities. This priority, she said, focuses on strategic approaches to improving the safety, effectiveness, patientcentredness, timing, efficiency, equitability, and accessibility of best quality care and health care practices and facilities across Guyana.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Ranks in Region Ten vote in Local Government Elections All security arrangements were in place as Military Ranks cast their Ballots yesterday at the various police stations in the Region for Local Governments Elections. According to Commander ‘E’ Division, Calvin Brutus, polls were open at 06:00 hours. He said that Ituni and Kwakwani Ballot Boxes were sent in Monday afternoon under guard. They were secured at the Kwakwani Police Station while the other three were secured at the Mackenzie Police Station. The ballot box for Mabura left under guard at 02:30 hrs on Tuesday. Brutus said that from information received in the outlying areas Ituni, Kwakwani and Mabura have completed
voting and they are waiting for 18:00 hrs to escort the boxes back to Mackenzie Station. He said that at the Wismar Police Station voting is still ongoing because some of the ranks are at court and will be voting after. “Those who came from Georgetown last week, they were new, their names are not on this list, so we have arranged transportation to take them to Georgetown. They have already gone to Georgetown. There are 20 of them.” Brutus said that they are just waiting for the process to be completed and then the Ballot Boxes will be escorted back to Georgetown. Other ranks said that the process was simple and the
what the juror’s action meant. According to the Court of Appeal, once a complaint was made, it was the paramount duty of the judge to hold an inquiry. On the question of caution statement tendered at the trial, the Appeal Court learnt that the trial judge directed the jury that they can determine whether it was made freely and voluntarily. It therefore ruled that the issue of voluntariness was not for the jury. Taking all of this into consideration, the Court of Appeal ruled that the DPP arguments were valid and ordered that the two men face a new trial. FIRST TIME This is the first time that the Court of Appeal has overturned an acquittal that was appealed by the DPP under the Court of Appeal Amendment Act 2008. One of the accused, James Anthony Hyles, is presently on a total of $1.1M bail which was granted by Justice Singh, pending the outcome of the appeal. A condition of the bail was that he report to the Vigilance Police Station every Monday morning until the appeal is completed. However a police source indicated that this part of the bargain was not fulfilled. He was however
Camp Street inferno…
“I would not wish a death like that on a dog” - Slain guard’s mom expresses sympathy to parents of son’s alleged killer
GECOM staff was very cooperative.
Appeal Court orders retrial for freed... (From page 3) expressing his thoughts on this point said it was a serious error of judgement on Hughes’ part when he failed to disclose that he knew the jury foreman. TRIAL JUDGE ERRED IN LAW The Court of Appeal also ruled on the questioning of the jury by the defence before they were sworn. Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards in her decision noted that there is no common or statutory provision for this to be done. It was found that the trial judge erred in law by allowing this to be done at the trial. Justice Cummings-Edwards explained that the process of jury selection is based on the principle of random selection and questioning of the jurors is an interference of this principle. She said that no foundation was shown by the defence for this to be done. On the same point, Acting Chancellor Singh stated that this was clearly wrong, adding that it was inappropriate and contrary to the random selection process. Another ruling of the Court of Appeal was on the exclusion of photographs during the trial. The court ruled that 76 photographs ought not to have been excluded by the judge. The court of appeal also agreed with the DPP that the jury was not adequately directed by the judge on the issue of joint enterprise. And in another important consideration, the Court of Appeal found that Justice Navindra Singh did not hold an inquiry when it was brought to his attention by the Prosecution that a juror was seen showing the thumbs-up sign to the father of the Number 2 accused. The court ruled that it was the duty of the judge to inquire into and determine
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rearrested yesterday and taken back to the Camp Street prison to await retrial. The other accused, Mark Royden Williams, is presently still in prison since he has other pending matters. On the morning of Saturday, January 26, 2008, gunmen stormed into the village of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, and murdered eleven people, including five children. Five families were affected by the killings. Police believed that the gunmen, who were armed with shotguns and AK-47s, entered the village around 2:00 am, and invaded the homes of five families. Within about 20 minutes eleven people were murdered. The victims were Clarence Thomas, 48, Vanessa Thomas, 12, Ron Thomas, 11, Mohandan Goordat, 32, Seegopaul Harilall, 10; Seegobin Harilall, 4; Dhanwajie Ramsingh, 52; Seecharran Rooplall, 56; Raywattie Ramsingh, 11; Shazam Mohammed, 22; and Shaleem Baksh, 52. The mastermind of the massacre was believed to be Rondell “Fine Man” Rawlins, who was subsequently tracked down and killed by members of the Joint Services.
Relatives of the prisoners who perished in last Thursday’s inferno are receiving sympathy from an unexpected source: the mother of a security guard that one of the prisoners was accused of killing. That woman is Gloria Stewart, whose son, security guard Wilfred Stewart, was shot dead in December 2014, when gunmen stormed Sterling Products Limited on the East Bank of Demerara. Stewart, 45, a Beharry Group of Companies security guard, of Graham’s Hall, East Coast Demerara, was shot in the groin and hip as he sat in a security hut, after the gunmen, who reportedly arrived in a silver-grey car, forced their way through the main gate. He was pronounced dead at the East Bank Demerara Regional Health Centre. Stewart had worked as a guard with the Beharry Group of Companies for over ten years. Three men were subsequently charged for Stewart’s murder. One of them was 27year-old Rayon Paddy. His body was among the 17 that prison authorities recovered. Gloria Stewart’s reaction to the news of the tragedy was perhaps typical of a mother
who knows how it feels to lose a son. “When I heard, I was so sorry. I would not wish a death like that on a dog. It is very unfortunate that prisoners would do something like that. I am sure that not all who died lit that fire. “They say burning and drowning are horrible deaths. I can’t bring myself to say ‘good for them.’ Some people are saying to me, ‘Gloria, you get your reward.’ I can’t say so. It will never bring back my son. Nothing that they say or do can bring back my son. “If I could meet the parents (of the dead prisoners), I would offer them condolences. They did not send them (their sons) out to steal. I hope that God can console the parents, even Paddy’s parents.” But even as she grieves for those parents, Mrs. Stewart admits that she still hasn’t quite gotten over the death of her own son. He is survived by two daughters, and his wife was expecting a third child when he was slain. But even that joy was denied his family when the baby was stillborn. That additional misfortune happened just a few days before
Rayon Paddy what was to have been Mr. Stewart’s forty-sixth birth anniversary. “I still cry sometimes,” Mrs. Stewart admitted. “I could never get over it, but God has given me eight other children. God is keeping me strong. I have been very devoted to going to church (since his death). He’s buried not far from my church-yard at Graham’s Hall.” Along with Rayon Paddy, two other suspects, Uree Voswick and Orin Arthur were also charged in connection with Wilfred Stewart’s murder. Several of the other prisoners who perished were also on remand for murder.
Cuban national found dead…with wound on neck The police are conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of Cuban National Joel Perez Laffita, 47, whose body was found on the roadway at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara with a wound to the neck. Police sources say that the mysterious discovery of Laffita’s body was made around 01:30 hours yesterday. Kaieteur News under-
stands that the Cuban is an Engineer who arrived in Guyana yesterday on a vessel that is moored at a wharf at Providence. Investigators are puzzled since they have ruled out robbery. They say that cash and other belongings were recovered from Laffita’s body. Divisional Commander Clifton Hicken told this newspaper that his detectives are working feverishly to solve
the case. He said that they were trying to access footage from surveillance cameras that might be in the area. Hicken said that detectives are questioning persons on the vessel that Laffita reportedly arrived on. According to a source, it is assumed that Laffita was coming from a nearby hotel when he was attacked. “It look like he run a good (Continued on page 08)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 09, 2016
PM Holness names Cabinet, warns corruption will not be tolerated Daily Observer - Prime Minister Andrew Holness Monday named an 18-member Cabinet that he says will lay the blueprint for economic growth, create jobs and reduce public debt in Jamaica over the next five years. Holness, 43, who led his Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to a one seat majority victory over the then ruling People’s National Party (PNP) in the February 25 general election, also warned members of his administration that “corruption will not be tolerated in this government”. He told the audience following the swearing ceremony that for the government to be successful “the people who form the government must be willing to sacrifice first and to defend the long-term good of the country over short term expedient gratification. “I believe that our political process is evolving and
that the people who form this government have made that sacrifice and we are defending the long-term good of the country”. Holness said that the focus, priority and direction of his administration “is to grow the economy, create jobs and reduce public debt to sustainable levels. “I have organised the government to accomplish this,” he said, making reference to the combination of some of the ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture with Industry and Commerce. “This is a clear signal of intent to accelerate and intensify the vertical integration of agriculture into commercial activity, not just with agro processing but with marketing and finance. Any deep reader would see the intention to create a production mode in the growth network,” he added. The Cabinet includes some ministers who had
served previously in a Holness government, including Audley Shaw, who retained the post of Minister of Finance, Ed Bartlett, the Minister of Tourism and Dr. Christopher Tufton, the Minister of Health. “The structure of the Cabinet is an important signal to the country especially investors and entrepreneurs who want to understand the direction, priority and underlying ethic…of the government,” he said, adding that he is confident that the members of his cabinet “will do all these things”. He said the composition of the cabinet “is the first signal, indeed test that we intend to be efficient and frugal in government. “This is a tangible difference that we are not only interested in changing governments but we are committed to changing how government works,” Holness said.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Evin Lewis replaces Lendl Simmons in WI WT20 squad
Clive Lloyd, WICB’s chairman of selectors, said Evin Lewis’ selection fit in with the panel’s policy of giving younger players more opportunities © WICB Media/Ashley Allen ESPNCRICINFO - West Indies have picked uncapped opening batsman Evin Lewis to replace Lendl Simmons for the World T20 in India. Simmons was ruled out of the tournament last week due to a
back injury. Lewis, 24, has been in good form recently, in domestic matches for Trinidad & Tobago. He scored 221 runs in six matches for T&T in the Nagico Super 50 tournament,
including one century and a fifty. In five matches of the WICB Regional 4-day Tournament, he has scored 442 runs at an average of 49.11, including a century and three fifties. His overall T20 record stands at 1044 runs in 34 innings at an average of 31.63. Simmons was the fourth player to be ruled out of the West Indies T20 squad, after Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo had also withdrawn from the team. It was speculated that Dwayne Smith, who won the Man-ofthe-Match award in the final of the Pakistan Super League, was a favourite to replace Simmons, while Jonathan Carter was also reportedly in contention. Clive Lloyd, WICB’s chairman of selectors, said Lewis
Wednesday March 09, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Emotional disputes will only end in sorrow. Driving too fast or double parking will result in difficulties with officials. Organize social events or family gatherings.
situation through. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Do a little extra work at home. Your talents are likely to be discovered. Family may not want to get involved but an entrepreneur will.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Overindulgence may cause conflicts. If you haven't planned a vacation, then at least try to get away for the weekend.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You will have a little more energy than usual. Involvement in financial schemes will be followed by losses. If you can put some work into home improvements, you should.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Social functions will bring you in touch with new lovers. You need to be active and spend time with friends you enjoy. Don't be too pushy or demanding, or you may find yourself all alone. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Career changes may not be your choice right now, but in the long run they will be to your advantage. Your partner may blame you for everything. Matters pertaining to your home environment will be favorable if you are direct.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Talk to the party involved and make sure that they are informed as to what actually happened. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Don't hesitate to go ahead with any plans for entertainment. You can evade the issue as usual by being affectionate, fun loving, and far too active for your lover to catch on. Curb any jealous fits if your partner has been flirting with someone else.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You need to focus on yourself, not on others. Take a look at yourself and prepare to make those changes you've been contemplating. Put your thoughts into action.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Do your own thing and everything will settle down. Be discreet about your feelings, and hold back until you find out a little more about the person who's coming on to you. You will have extra energy; put it to good use.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may want to make changes in your home environment. Your family may not be pleased with your decisions. You need more time to think this whole
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Deceit with coworkers is apparent. You can make life easier for an older member of your family. Unexpected visitors will be a welcome surprise.
had been picked in keeping with West Indies’ policy to give younger players more exposure. “Evin Lewis is a young and exciting batsman who we believe will fit into the team set-up very well. He has the ability to perform at this level of the game,” Lloyd said. “His
selection is in keeping with our policy to give exposure to young, talented players we believe will help to carry West Indies cricket forward.” The West Indies team, which arrived in Kolkata on Monday after a two-week camp in the UAE, are scheduled to play warm-up matches
against India and Australia on March 10 and March 13. They are in Group 1 of the Super 10s stage with England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and one of the teams from the first round. They will play their first match of the World T20 against England in Mumbai on March 16.
Sharapova starts to count cost... (From page 37) you to understand that for 10 years this medicine was not on WADA’s banned list and I had been legally taking the medicine. But on January the first, the rules have changed and meldonium became a prohibited substance.” Sharapova competed in one tournament while using meldonium as a banned substance. “I made a huge mistake. I know that with this I face consequences and I don’t want to end my career this way,” she said. Russia’s tennis chief leapt to the player’s defence, and said he expected the player to compete at this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio. “I think this is just a load of nonsense,” Shamil Tarpishchev, president of the Russian Tennis Federation, said. “The sportsmen take what they are given by the physiotherapists and by the doctors.” Meldonium is not approved in the United States but is available in Russia, Latvia and other countries in
Young Warriors Cricket... (From page 34) of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration with proceeds going towards further improvements to the club’s facilities and day to day running. In addition, funds will be allocated to three schools in the No19 to Gangaram area. The draw for the first round was done and is as follows: Canefield vs Gangaram, YWCC vs Seawell, Buski vs Canje Pathfinders, No 19 ‘A’ vs No 19 ‘B’, Betsy Ground vs Goed Bananen Land, Rose Hall Estate vs No 7. Incentives with the value of over $100,000 will be up for grabs with lots of gate prizes, musical entertainment and ball by ball update by Spongy.
that region. Over the past month, Russian cyclist Eduard Vorganov, Russian figure skater Ekaterina Bobrova, Ethiopiaborn athletes Endeshaw Negesse and Abeba Aregawi, and Ukraine biathletes Olga Abramova and Artem Tyshchenko have all tested positive for meldonium. Russian news agency R-Sport quoted the Volleyball Federation of Russia as saying Russian volleyball player Alexander Markin had also tested positive for the substance. Sports bodies have taken a tough line in recent months to wipe out doping and corruption. The world athletics’ governing body, the IAAF, has suspended Russia’s ath-
letics federation over doping and soccer’s governing body, FIFA, has removed its top leaders and began an overhaul in a corruption scandal. Sharapova is the most prominent tennis player to test positive for a banned substance in recent years and the biggest name since Martina Hingis was banned in 2008 after recording a positive test for a metabolite of cocaine The International Tennis Federation’s anti-doping program calls for a four-year suspension for a positive test. That ban can be reduced in various circumstances, such as if the player shows no significant fault or negligence. If a player bears no fault or negligence, there is no suspension.
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Kaieteur News
Memorex Under-19 Two-innings Cricket Competition in Berbice
Joshua Harrichand’s 146 see Albion to the Semi-finals as Bush Lot concede Albion Community Centre Cricket Club has joined Tucber Park by advancing to the semi-finals of the Memorex Under-19 Two-innings Cricket Competition after they gained a huge first innings lead over Bush Lot United New Generation who failed to show up for the second day’s play of their quarter-final encounter. In the match which was played at Albion, the host won the toss and chose to bat first. They soon found themselves in a spot of bother to be 50 for 3 with pacers Wendell Fordyce and Imran Khan picking up two and one wicket respectively. However, Berbice Under-17 batsman Joshua Harrichand was joined at the crease by Josiah Dhanai and together they eased their team out of further trouble by putting on 94 for the 4th wicket before Dhanai fell for a mature 49. The impressive Harrichand continued, putting on 24 for the 5th wicket
Joshua Harrichand with Tyrone Pooranauth (13), 45 for the 6th wicket with R. Kasinauth (10) and 76 for the 7th wicket with former Guyana Under-15 cricketer Steve Kamaludin before he (Harrichand) fell for 146 (8 fours). With Kamaludin going on to make 45 and Guyana Under-15 allrounder Kelvin Umroa 23 N.O., Albion went on to declare at 351 for 8. Earlier, Guyana Under-17 batsman Adrian Sukhwa and Berbice Under-17 batsman Matthew Hardyal made 23
each. Bowling for Bush Lot, pacer Akeem Miller took 3 for 94 and Fordyce 2 for 45. When Bush Lot began their 1st innings response, Albion pacers Dhanai and Kamaludin picked up two and one wicket respectively to have them 23 for 3. Miller and Ally stopped the slide but after they added 22 for the 4th wicket, they collapsed again when Berbice Under-17 offspinner Asif Ali removed both of them for 14 each to leave them at 47 for 5. They did not get much further than that and were bowled out for a disappointing 57 by the close of play. Ally ended with 4 for 6 and Dhanai 2 for 12. Whether Albion would have enforced the follow on or opted for batting practice in their second innings would remain unknown due to the fact that the Bush Lot team failed to turn up for the second day’s play.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Ellis, George combine to lead Pacers past Spurs
Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (11) is leading a fast break against San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports) Reuters - (The Sports XChange) - When the Indiana Pacers lost at San Antonio in December, Monta Ellis and Paul George scored a combined 13 points on 4 of 24 field-goal shooting, helping the Spurs pull away to a comfortable 14-point victory. Monday night’s rematch in Bankers Life Fieldhouse was quite a different production for Ellis and George, who combined for 49 points on 15 of 33 shooting in Indiana’s 9991 victory. Ellis scored 26 points, including 21 in the second half, and George added 23, including two free throws with 15.7 seconds remaining to give Indiana (34-30) a 97-91 lead, The Spurs (53-10) had an eight-game winning streak snapped and were without coach Gregg Popovich, who was home with an ailing family member. “We were dialed in and more focused this time,” said George, who was 1 of 14 in the game in San Antonio. “I knew I needed a better effort. This was one of our best games overall. We did a great job for four quarters against a great team.” Ellis, who carried the Pacers during the second half each time San Antonio closed the gap, said Indiana’s defense won the game. Rodney Stuckey scored 12 for Indiana, and Ian
Mahinmi had 11 points and nine rebounds. The Pacers shot 41 percent from the field (32 of 78) and outscored the Spurs 28-19 from the freethrow line. Forwards Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge each scored 23 for San Antonio, and Patty Mills came off the bench for 17. The Spurs shot a season-low 35.4 percent (34 of 96). San Antonio scored the first six points of the third quarter and continued to apply the pressure, but two George free throws and an Ellis steal and dunk gave Indiana a 71-59 lead with 44 seconds left in the period. The Spurs got a David West putback at the buzzer to pull to within 73-62 with 12 minutes remaining. The Spurs scored the first two field goals of the fourth quarter to slice the deficit to 73-66, but Indiana answered
with a 9-0 run that included two Jordan Hill baskets, a Solomon Hill 3-pointer and two Myles Turner free throws for an 82-66 lead with 9:33 remaining. In the first half, Indiana took advantage of the Spurs’ 4-of-24 start from the field to lead 45-32 through 24 minutes. San Antonio led 4-0, then Indiana countered with a 14-0 run. The Spurs made only 13 of 50 first-half field-goal attempts (26 percent), including 1 of 14 from 3-point range. Leonard was 5 of 11 in the opening half, but his teammates were a collective 8 of 39. Leonard finished the half with 11 points. Indiana shot only 40.5 percent (15 of 37) but was 11 of 13 from the free-throw line while the Spurs were 5 of 6. Stuckey came off the bench to lead the Pacers with 12 first-half points.
Persaud ton propels Cornelia Ida to victory National U19 player Akshaya Persaud struck a robust 162 off 52 balls to give Cornelia Ida a 38-run victory over Multicultural Sports Club (MSC) when the West Demerara President’s Cup T20 tournament continued on Sunday. Persaud hammered eleven fours and sixteen sixes as
Cornelia Ida posted 234-4, batting first at Meten Meer Zorg. Richie Looknauth supported with 39. MSC responded with 196 all out. A. DeJonge scored 91 with nine fours and six sixes while T. Frank made 34 and M. Albert 30; Ameer Khan snared 3-15 and Naveed Alli 2-9.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Ban Gatlin, Gay from Rio World Twenty20 2016: Zimbabwe says US runner Montano beat Hong Kong in opening match Los Angeles (AFP) - US distance runner Alysia Montano believes proven dope cheats should be banned from competing at the Olympics — and that includes probable track and field teammates Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay. The 29-year-old 800m and 1,500m star is one of the biggest victims of the Russian doping scandal which has rocked world athletics, estimated to have been robbed of four medals by rivals who later failed drug tests. Montano told reporters at the United States Olympic team media summit on Monday she believed US team bosses should take a zero tolerance approach to athletes who had failed drug tests by barring them from selection. Gatlin, the 2004 Athens Olympic 100m gold medalist has failed two dope tests during his career but has returned to competition and represented the United States at the 2012 Olympics as well as the World Championships. Gay, who failed a drug test in 2013, returned to competition last year and competed at the World Championships in Beijing where he reached the 100m final. Montano takes a dim view of the idea that Gatlin and Gay may well be her teammates in Rio de Janeiro this August. Asked if she believed they should be allowed to run, Montano told reporters: “No. I don’t think so at all. As a US athlete I know ‘Support your team-mates’ and that. But my team-mates are clean athletes. Montano, dismissed explanations both Gatlin and
Gay had offered over the years for their positive tests. “Excuses are like — well, you know what the saying is. Everyone’s got one,” she said. “I think you are 100 percent held accountable for what you put in your body. You can’t say ‘Oh someone gave me a massage’ or ‘Oh I didn’t know’. “They have a list of what you can and cannot take. These people just want to play the naive card and we’re too old for that. We’re not in preschool. Sorry. ... I don’t care if that’s a bold statement, it’s true.” Montano said she had been left stunned last year after attending a music awards ceremony in which a convicted dope cheat had received praise. “I thought ‘What the hell is wrong with the culture of track and field?’ Why can’t we
recognize that we should not celebrate old dopers? Once a doper always a doper,” she said. Montano finished fifth in the 800m at the 2012 Olympics, behind Russian gold medalist Mariya Savinova and bronze medalist Ekaterina Poistogova. Both women were recommended for lifetime bans from athletics after last November’s bombshell World Anti-Doping Agency report that documented systematic doping in Russian athletics. If confirmed that could see Montano elevated into a medal position. “What I get emotional about is the fact that these people are stealing the idea from our children of what the idea of amazing is when they see incredible performances — and that pisses me off,” Montano said.
Florida football consultant pleads guilty in FIFA probe NEW YORK (Reuters) A Florida-based sports marketing consultant pleaded guilty in a U.S. court on Tuesday as part of an investigation of corruption in football and FIFA, its world governing body, saying he had schemed to bribe some officials in the sport. Miguel Trujillo, 65, pleaded guilty during a hearing in federal court in New York to four counts, including conspiracy to commit moneylaundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. “I know what I was doing was wrong,” Trujillo said in court. Under an agreement with prosecutors, Trujillo pledged to forfeit $495,000. U.S. District Judge Raymond Dearie approved his release on a $1.5 million bond. Trujillo, who prosecutors said is a Colombian citizen and
a U.S. legal permanent resident, is among 42 individuals and entities charged as part of a U.S. investigation of schemes involving more than $200 million in bribes and kickbacks sought by football officials for marketing and broadcast rights to tournaments and matches. The investigation has sent Switzerland-based FIFA and other governing bodies into an unprecedented crisis. Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s newly elected president, has vowed to lead the organisation out of years of scandal. In addition to consulting work, Trujillo was a “match agent” licensed by FIFA to negotiate and arrange football matches between national associations, prosecutors said in a news release. Starting in about 2008,
Trujillo paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to high-ranking officials of FIFA and other governing bodies, in connection with media and marketing contracts as well as international friendly matches, according to the news release. Appearing separately in the same court on Tuesday, Rafael Esquivel, another of the 42 defendants, pleaded not guilty to receiving bribes worth millions of dollars in connection with the sale of tournament marketing rights. Esquivel, a former president of the Venezuelan national football federation and a former executive committee member of the South American football confederation CONMEBOL, was arrested in Zurich in May. He agreed to be extradited to the United States last month.
BBC Sport - Zimbabwe avoided an upset in the opening game of the sixth ICC World Twenty20 tournament as they beat Hong Kong by 14 runs in Nagpur. Opener Vusi Sibanda set the Test side on the way with 59 from 46 balls, while Elton Chigumbura hit three late sixes to help them post 158-8 from 20 overs. Hong Kong’s hopes rested with former Warwickshire batsman Jamie Atkinson. But when he fell for 53 from 44 balls, Hong Kong’s slim chances disappeared with him as they finished on 144-6. Despite having 44-yearold ex-Australia batsman Ryan Campbell making his debut, Hong Kong had struggled to keep up with the required run rate before Atkinson hit two sixes. One team from Group B, which also includes Scotland and Afghanistan who meet later on Tuesday, will qualify for the Super 10 stage when the eight major teams enter
the competition. Scores: Zimbabwe 158-8 (20 overs): Sibanda 59, Chigumbura 30 not out, Afzal 2-19; Hong Kong 144-6 (20 overs): Atkinson 53, Tiripano 2-27, Chatara 2-28. Result: Zimbabwe won by 14 runs. Meanwhile, Scotland missed the chance to record a first victory at a World Twenty20 as Afghanistan
held on to win by 14 runs in Nagpur. Set 171 to win, Scotland were well placed when openers George Munsey and Kyle Coetzer shared 84 in nine overs. But as the Afghan spinners took hold, the Scots lost 4-24 and fell short on 156-5. Earlier, Mohammad Shahzad hit 61 from only 39 balls and Asghar Stanikzai 55 not out as Afghanistan posted 170-5. For Afghanistan, coached by former Pakistan batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq, it is the ideal start to a qualifying campaign from which one team from each group of four will advance to the main draw. Scotland, however, will now need other results to go their way if they are to have a chance of reaching the second week. Scores: Afghanistan 1705 (20 overs): Shahzad 61* (39), Evans 1-24; Scotland 156-5 (20 overs): Munsey 41 (29), Rashid Khan 2-28. Result: Afghanistan won by 14 runs.
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Kaieteur News
Young Warriors Cricket Club Mash Cup now set for Sunday March 20 As the date for the anticipated event gets closer, more sponsors are on board with the Young Warriors Cricket Club annual fundraiser, Mash Cup 2016. The latest sponsor is former West Berbice opening batsman Altabh Khan, owner of Silver Lining Establishment Tyre Shop and Auto Rentals of Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice. The tournament which was slated for Mash Day, Tuesday February 23, but was postponed, is now set for March 20, at the Cumberland Ground. At the presentation held recently, Khan said that being a former first division player, he closely follows the game and is always impressed with the work of the YWCC. He added that the club con-
tinues to produce outstanding players with the latest being young batting sensation Shimron Hetmyer who successfully led the West Indies under-19 team to World Cup glory in Bangladesh. Collecting the sponsorship cheque on behalf of the club, Gordon Edwards, brother of opener Waheid Edwards thanked the businessman for his kindness and call on the general public in the West Berbice area and beyond to support the business so that the owner can give back more towards the development of the sport. The YWCC wish to thank the following sponsors for their support so far: ANSA McAL, Ashiek and
Sons Motor Supplies and Auto Sale, Massy Distribution, Roshan Satar Supermarket, A Ally and Sons Showroom, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Memorex, NBS Ltd, J’S Printery, Vickram Jewellery, Sham Beer Garden, Mr Mortimer George, Attorney at Law Murseline Bacchus, RHYY&SC, A Mahabir and Sons, Regional Democratic Council, Region No 6, Mundal Satar, Jim Bacchus Travel Service, Kris Jagdeo Construction Services, Kascon Engineering Service, Anirudh Ramcharitar Construction, Extreme Trucking Service, Price is Right, Balram Shane and Office Express. This event will form part (Continued on page 31)
Malteenoes revamps Youth cricket programme Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) will be launching its revamped youth Cricket Programme for aspiring under-17 Cricketers on Monday March 14, 2016 at the Club’s ground commencing at 15.30 hours. This programme will be headed by former National Coach and player Mark Harper who is an English Advance & WICB Level 2 Certified Coach with International Coaching Experience. Young players and their parents who are interested in
participating in this programme are asked to be present at the Malteenoes Sports club on Friday March 11 at 16:00 hrs to register for the programme. A simple launching ceremony will be held before the commencement of the programme. From the mid 1980s former MSC President Claude Raphael started a youth section and in 1987 seven members of National under-19 which participated the WICB youth tournament that years
were MSC players. Those players graduated to the first division MSC fielded basically the same group of players represented the club for the next decade showing the value of a vibrant youth system. Meanwhile, approximately 85% of the club’s rehabilitation work has been completed with painting of the building almost done. A new Bar was constructed, new washrooms built and the entire building is being repainted.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Bolton resigns as GFF Technical Director Football in Guyana faces yet another challenge with the resignation o f Te c h n i c a l D i r e c t o r Claude Bolton. The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in a brief letter to its affiliates yesterday stated that Bolton tendered his resignation with effect from March 1st, 2016 after taking up the job last year (January 10, 2015) under the then FIFA appointed, Normalisation Committee which was headed by Businessman, Clinton Urling. The GFF informed its affiliates that Mr. Bolton’s parting ways with the body was as a result of his inability to fulfill the residency requirement of his job in Guyana being a resident of Canada. Bolton, a Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC) with more than 15 years of professional coaching and technical experience also served the GFF in a similar capacity in 2000 / 2001. He holds a United States Soccer Federation National “A” License, a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) “B” License and an English Football Association International Coaching License. He is also a former Regional Youth Head Coach of Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps. Bolton was the Head Coach of Guyana’s Futsal team that competed in the CFU Championship and he also served as part of the Technical Staff to Mark Rodrigues with the Lady Jags in Texas at the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying champion-
Claude Bolton (right crop) ships last month. The GFF has not given any information regarding a replacement for Bolton. Under his tenure, the Stag Elite League was born with the GENESIS competed successfully, while the FINALE is now underway. Bolton also guided the process of the CONCACAF Club Licensing Programme which is still ongoing while paying numerous visits to affiliates. The Next Generation Project was also launched by Bolton as well as the GFF’s inaugural “D” License Course. Commenting on the course, Bolton had stated in
an interview with Kaieteur Sport: “This historic course is evidence that the GFF has actualized its commitment to placing Coaching Development at the forefront of our Football Development.” Women’s Development was also on Bolton radar, while plans were already in train to run off the SCOTIABANK sponsored Youth Academies in various associations. The GFF said that it would continue to reach out to Bolton to seek guidance on programmes that the former TD had started under the Generation Next Project.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
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PCL four-day cricket Guyana Rugby Football Union selects Executive Committee Chanderpaul, Barnwell The Guyana Rugby Football Union’s (GRFU) held their Annual General Meeting on Sunday February 28 at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue and a new executive committee was elected. Peter Green will continue at the helm of the organisation with the assistance of several current and former players forming the team to run their affairs. Those elected are: Mr. Peter Green - President Mr. Joshua Griffith - Snr. Vice President Mr. Elwin Chase - Jnr. Vice President Ms. Petal Adams - Honorary Secretary Mr. Seyone Heywood Honorary Treasurer Mr. Ryan Gonsalves Asst/Sec. Treasurer Mr. Daniel Anderson Public Relations Officer Ms. Lavern Fraser - Committee Member Ms. Sabola Gray - Committee Member Mr. Delroy Gordon - Committee Member Mr. Colin Sultan - Committee Member On the backdrop of the adoption to the Amendments to the Constitution, the new executive body will remain seated for two years (20162018). In a release the Union disclosed its planned upcoming events: 1. Finals of the GTT first division 15’s Championship
return for 9th round
No place for Hetmyer, Powell back for L/Wards By Sean Devers
Peter Green UG Wolves and Yamaha Caribs will face off in the final of the above championships this Saturday at the National Park. UG Wolves sits on the pedestal with 21 points after 5 matches and Yamaha Caribs trailing second with 16 points from the lot. The top two teams are distantly followed by Pepsi Hornets 11 points from 5 games and Police in the cellar from equal matches. 2. Senior Men’s 15 RAN Championships Following the conclusion of the GTT championship, the GRFU will commence trials for the upcoming international matches against Barbados (April 23rd) and Jamaica (May 21st) at home before travelling to Trinidad for the final game in the Southern Zone in June. Training sessions are scheduled to be conducted Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays under the watchful eyes of the union ap-
pointed coaches Lawrence Adonis, Clinton Clarke, Theodore Henry and Kenneth Grant Stuart. 3. Junior Men 15 RAN Championships The U/19 Male team will be participating in this year’s Championship in Miami, in July. The Union also wishes to inform all eligible persons that are under 19 years with the dream to represent their country, to register themselves as well as attend training sessions on the aforementioned days. Coaches Lawrence Adonis and Troy Yhip will be overseeing preparations. 4. Women’s Rugby The Union is asking all female players to be registered in anticipation of upcoming tournaments, RAN 10’s and RAN 7’S within the Caribbean. Players are asked to report to Coach Chase and Adonis immediately, the release informed.
Top amateur boxers leave for Olympics Box off in Argentina Guyana (amateur) middleweight boxing champion, Dennis Thomas and his light/ heavyweight counterpart, Desmond Amsterdam, depart Guyana tonight for Suriname en-route to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to compete in the Olympics Box-off slated for that country starting tomorrow. The two boxers will be accompanied by Coach Sebert Blake and will aspire to make the grade for the Summer Olympics in Brazil later this year. Mr. Blake said that the two boxers are both national champions and are the best options available to medal. He said that they stand a very good chance of qualifying. Blake said that the journey is lengthy and leaves the boxer little time to become acclimatized in Argentina. The team depart Suriname mere
hours after landing there for the continuation of their journey to French Guiana. They then change flight for Belem before stopping over briefly in Brasilia and then the final leg to Argentina. With the summer games just a few months away, to qualify now is best since the cost to compete at the World Championships in June might be prohibitive. There are two other qualifiers, the AIBA Open Boxing Championships (AOBC) and the World Championships in June but Guyana is not eligible for the first and the cost of attending the second event might prove to be prohibitive. “We have to take full
advantage of this opportunity,” Blake said before the team departed. Meanwhile, the team benefited from the chivalry of the Guyana Olympics Association when its President, K A Juman Yassin, presented Mr. Blake with funds to offset the accommodation costs. Mr. Blake said that while the gesture was commendable, the team is still short of US$1,000. Up to late yesterday afternoon he was working in tandem with President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle and President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool to fill the breach.
The national cricket selectors headed by Jaguars Assistant Coach and Manager Rayon Griffith yesterday announced Guyana’s 13-man squad for the ninth round PCL four day First-Class game against Leewards Hurricanes in Antigua starting Friday. Two changes were made from the squad which defeated the Windwards Volcanoes in St Lucia in the last round. Shiv Chanderpaul, who retired from International cricket and Chris Barnwell, return to the team after recovering from injuries. Chanderpaul sustained a finger injury in the Masters t20 in Dubai while Barnwell suffered his injury during the recent Regional Super50 tournament. Both players showed no effects of their injuries during their last first division games in which Barnwell scored a double century for DCC and Chanderpaul made a ‘big’ hundred for Everest. The pair replaces Test player Assad Fudadin and Robin Bacchus, who did not play in Barbados or St Lucia. Surprisingly there is no place for West Indies Under19 Captain Shemron Hetmyer who is the only player to lead
the Regional team to U-19 World Cup Championship honours and who has played six First-Class matches. Steven Jacobs who has also fully recovered from side strain has also been overlooked. Defending Champions and front runners Jaguars are on 125 points were scheduled to depart for Antigua today. Meanwhile, the Leeward Hurricanes includes their two U-19 World Cup players (Keacy Carty & Alzarri Joseph) as well as former West Indies opener Keiron Powell who makes a come-back to Regional cricket after a twoyear break, self imposed exile from the game. The Hurricanes have made one change to its 13-man squad for Friday’s game with the inclusion of 26 year-old Powell. Left-handed Powell played 21 Tests but none since June 2014 when West Indies faced New Zealand in Jamaica and has three tons and two fifties at Tests level. After a few discrepancies with the WICB, Powell decided to take time off from cricket and try out for the LA Dodgers Baseball team after doing some training in the USA. A New York Yankees scout had a look at Powell in Florida
and was unimpressed so it’s back to cricket for the player from Nevis who last played for the Leewards against Barbados in April 2014. The 19-year-old Carty who made his First-Class debut in the last match against T&T with a half-century and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who also played in U-19 World Cup and has 18 wickets from six First-Class matches, are both in as they look to expose young talent. Jaguars squad: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Leon Johnson (Captain), Vishaul Singh (V/Captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble (Wicketkeeper), Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Devendra Bishoo, Keon Joseph, Ronsford Beaton, Esuan Crandon (Head Coach), Rayon Griffith (Assistant Coach/Manager) Beverley Nelson (Physiotherapist). Hurricanes squad: Nkrumah Bonner (Captain), Orlando Peters (Vice Captain), Keacy Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Daron Cruickshank, Colin Hamer, Jahmar Hamilton (Wicketkeeper), Montcin Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Jeremiah Louis, Kieran Powell, Jacques Taylor, Gavin Tonge.
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Kaieteur News
Regal Sport/Trophy Stall T20
Persaud, Osbourne, Khan hit half centuries Prem Persaud, Wayne Osbourne and Imran Khan stroked half centuries when the Regal Spo r t / T r o p h y Stall T20 tournament continued on Sunday in Wakenaam. Persaud struck an even half century as his team Sans Souci Jaguars defeated Good Success by eight runs at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground. Persaud got support from Siddique Mohamed with 35 as Sans Souci Jaguars posted 180-7, batting first. Wazir Khan claimed 2-15 and Wazir Khan 2-57. Good Success responded with 173-4. Imran Khan hit a composed 70 while Wazir Khan made 34; Nokta Moses and Derwin Daniels snared two wickets each. Sans Souci overcame Maria’s Pleasure by four wickets at the said venue. Maria’s Pleasure took first strike and managed 197 all out in 20 overs. Kennard Lewis cracked 70 and Marsh Singh 34; Tavin Budram captured 326 and Cleon Venture 2-34.
Imran Khan
Wayne Osbourne
Sans Souci replied with 198-6 in 17.4 overs. Wayne Osbourne smashed 60 and Seon Venture 39. Singh had 2-26. At Belle Plaine, Sans Souci beat G Square Cavaliers by 20 runs. Sans Souci batted first and made 138-6. Osbourne got 48 and Budram 33. G Square responded with 118 all out in 19.5 overs.
Cavaliers got the better of Zeelandia by 100 runs. Batting first, Cavaliers scored 192-7 while Zeelandia were bowled out for 92 in reply. The Semi finals will be played on Sunday with Sans Souci playing Good Success at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground and G Square Cavaliers facing Sans Souci Jaguars at Belle Plaine.
Guyana wins bid to host CBC U-16 Championships By Edison Jefford Guyana won the bid to host the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under16 Male and Female Championships that will be held during July 2-9. Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) made the disclosure yesterday. The CBC U-16 Championships will qualify three teams to the 2017 CentoBasket U-17 Men and
Women’s Championships. Kaieteur Sport reported last month after the CBC General Assembly that the official host would have been known this month. “This being Guyana’s Golden Jubilee year of Independence, it will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the school players,” GABF President, Nigel Hinds said, adding that it is the perfect opportunity to show how sport and education come together. “This will be a first for Guyana and an exceptional opportunity for the school administrators and studentathletes in Guyana to underline the development and promotion of sports as part of the
school curriculum,” he continued. Hinds informed that the host budget for the Championships is $60M. Guyana was the front runner to host the CBC U-16 Championships. The Caribbean Basketball Confederation is a Sub-Zone of FIBA (The International Basketball Federation). Vice-President of Finance and Marketing at CBC, Patrick Haynes, who is also a Honorary General Secretary at the GABF, played a crucial role in helping Guyana secure the bid. Hinds is a FIBA Governance Commission Board Member. Hinds and Haynes had represented Guyana at the prestigious CBC Assembly.
FIFA extends sanctions over Italian match-fixing ZURICH (Reuters) FIFA has extended worldwide sanctions imposed on 23 players and officials in Italy over match-fixing and illegal betting between 2014 and 2015, football’s global governing body said on Tuesday. Italian authorities had already imposed bans on tak-
ing part in any soccer-related activities. “The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided on 25 February 2016 to extend all of the above-mentioned sanctions to have worldwide effect,” Zurichbased FIFA said in a statement.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Who will dominate the Superbike segment? With just under twelve days remaining before Guyana’s best racers face each other in the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet, at the South Dakota Circuit, the environment is abuzz with talk of who will dominate the Superbike segment. Former local and Caribbean champion Stephen ‘Valentino Rossi’ Vieira has already thrown down the gauntlet on current Caribbean and national champions Elliott Vieira and Matthew Vieira respectively and it is now up to them to show him that their emergence as the new bosses of the division was no fluke, but rather a changing of the guard. Stephen, who had domi-
nated the local and regional circuits after several victories over the Canadian maestro Kevin Graham and his subsequent retirement, has had to watch his two cousins come out of his shadows and replace him as the most exciting young riders in the category. Elliott considered the smoothest of the three riders was a revelation last year and his performance was of such that he was crowned the new Superbike champion in the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC), while Matthew, was not far behind in achievement, capturing the national title to leave their more illustrious cousin Stephen without a title. However, the experienced
rider has vowed to retake his titles and the upcoming Meet is being used as the first step to doing so according to him. Additionally, with spots on the Guyana team to compete in the first CMRC event in Jamaica up for grabs, fans could very well witness an enthralling battle among the three outstanding riders. While the battle for supremacy in the category could be among the three riders, racers such as Joel Neblett and Carlos Rodrigues could very well be the spoilers. The Superbikers are promising something special and lovers of the sport should make it a date to be down at the Circuit to witness the spectacle first hand.
Amateur boxers rewarded for good show in ‘Hostile Territory’ boxing card The six amateur boxers that participated in recent boxing card at the Giftland Office Max Mall (GOMM), Liliendaal, ECD were rewarded for their efforts when they were summoned to a ceremony at the above mentioned location and presented with large food hampers. Republican, Nankumar Singh had engaged Jason Phillips (FYF) and the latter pugilist won a lopsided unanimous decision, while Courtney Gibson
(GDF) lost out to Diwani Lampkin (FYF). Dennis Thomas and Desmond Amsterdam were also on show and entertained the fans with three blistering rounds in an exhibition match. President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool, commended the boxers and said that their presence has really added some flavour to the card. He said that officials of his organization were pleased to work in tandem with those of
the GBA in the development of the young punchers. Chief Executive Officer (GOMM), Roy Beepat, echoed Abdool’s sentiment while saying that he is very much interested in facilitating the boxers in their developmental drive. He feels that the boxers had really performed and it was a tremendous show. “I’d like to wish them all the best and commit to future initiatives towards their development,” exhorted Mr. Beepat.
Lasith Malinga steps down as Sri Lanka captain before World T20 BBC Sport - Lasith Malinga has stepped down as captain of defending champions Sri Lanka before Tuesday’s start of the World Twenty20. The 32-year-old led his side at the recent Asia Cup where they performed poorly, losing to Bangladesh. He has been struggling with a knee injury but hopes to return for selection for their first group-stage match on 17 March. Test captain Angelo Mathews will take over Malinga’s role. The announcement came hours after Sri Lanka’s sports minister sacked the country’s cricket selectors and appointed a new panel, headed by former player Aravinda de Silva. Sri Lanka won the last
Malinga gave up Test cricket in 2010 because of injury problems. (Getty Images) World Twenty20 in Bangladesh in 2014 but since then batsmen Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela
Jayawardene have retired and the y h a v e d r o p p e d t o eighth in the world rankings.
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Sharapova starts to count cost of failed drug test, likely ban BERLIN/LONDON (Reuters) Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer said on Tuesday it was severing ties with Maria Sharapova as the world’s highest-paid female athlete started to count the cost of a failed drug test and likely ban from tennis. Sports firm Nike and German luxury car maker Porsche also said they were suspending their relationship with the five-time Grand Slam champion as the 28year-old Russian awaits a decision on whether she will be banned. The failed drug test at January’s Australian Open, one of four annual Grand Slam events, will be costly for her at a time when sports bodies and sponsors are taking a tough line following a series of corruption and doping scandals. Sharapova earned $29.7 million last year, Forbes magazine reported, and most of it came from endorsements, appearances and royalties rather than her victories on court. She was the world’s highest-paid female athlete last year for
the 11th consecutive year, and Forbes put her off-court career earnings at more than $200 million. “We’re now entering a zero tolerance era for sponsors,” said Rupert Pratt, co-founder of sports sponsorship agency Generate. “It is now seen as not acceptable to ‘stand by your man’ because of the amount of scrutiny corporates are now under”. Sharapova, who lit up women’s tennis when she won Wimbledon in 2004 as a 17-year-old and is still ranked among the top players, announced on Monday she had tested positive for meldonium, which she said she was taking for diabetes and low magnesium. The drug is also used to treat chest pain and heart problems as it boosts blood flow. Some researchers have linked it to increased athletic performance, longer endurance and speedier recovery. It was recently listed by the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) among its prohibited
Maria Sharapova speaks to the Mediaannouncing her failed drug test. (Jane Kamin-Oncea-USA Today Sports) metabolic modulators, which include insulin. Sharapova said she had been taking the substance for a decade for health reasons and had not read an email informing her that a ban on its use in sport, imposed by WADA, had come into force
on Jan. 1. She will be provisionally suspended from playing tennis from March 12 and could be prevented from competing for Russia at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics this year. Sharapova’s deal with
Tag Heuer had expired at the end of 2015, and the company had been in talks to extend the collaboration, it said on Tuesday. “In view of the current situation, the Swiss watch brand has suspended negotiations and has decided not to renew the contract,” TAG Heuer, a unit of French luxury goods group LVMH, said in a statement. Porsche, a division of Volkswagen, said it was suspending Sharapova’s role as its brand ambassador. “We regret the current news about Maria Sharapova. Until further details emerge and we are able to analyze the situation, we have decided to suspend planned activities,” it said. It followed Nike Inc (NKE.N), the world’s largest sportswear maker, which said it was “saddened and surprised” by the news when it announced it was putting ties on hold with the player. There was some scepticism about the sponsors’ motives from tennis fans on social media. B e n S t a n l e y
(@BDStanley) tweeted on Tuesday, “Nike is in the business of making money, not offering moral guidance. If it paid to keep Sharapova on, they’d do it.” Cate Fry þ(@Cate_Fry) tweeted: “Respect for @MariaSharapova addressing the issue of a medication she is taking...it’s a shame her sponsors are not more understanding.” Another sponsor, cosmetics maker Avon Products Inc (AVP.N), declined to comment on its endorsements. RUSSIAN TENNIS CHIEF DEFENDS SHARAPOVA Sharapova, who lives in the United States, is the seventh athlete in a month to test positive for meldonium. She said her family doctor had been giving her mildronate, also called meldonium, for 10 years after she frequently became sick, had irregular EKG results, a magnesium deficiency and a family history of diabetes. “It is very important for (Continued on page 31)
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Wednesday March 09, 2016
Regal eyes Florida Cup A spirited Regal Softball team have their eyes set on the 13th Annual Florida Masters Cup 2016. The squad has been undergoing preparation at Carifesta Sports Complex for the competition which will commence on March 11 and conclude on March 13 in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Having accepted the invitation from the Guyana Consulate (Florida) in collaboration with the South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFCCL) the Regal outfit is ready to go. Regal Softball Cricket
teams have been performing creditably of recent having being crowned the double champions of the Guyana Softball Cup, winning the Masters and open categories last Novem b e r a t t h e Demerara Cricket Club Ground in Q u e e n s t o w n. Last July the Masters team finished as runners up in the In d e p e n d e n c e C u p which was played in July 2015 in New Yo r k . However, in their debut season in the Florida Cup 2015 the Masters failed to make it to the play-offs but team Manager Mahendra
Arjune said the players are training very hard and are confident of doing much better in 2016. Preliminary matches will be played on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th March at the Brian Piccolo Sports Park and Velodrome, while the finals will be held at the historic Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale. Central Broward Regional Park is the only international cricket venue on American soil and it has been that way since Sri Lanka and New Zealand played the first international match back
Members of the Regal team going through their paces.
in May 2010. Regal received admirable support to make the trip possible and are aiming to keep the Golden Arrowhead aloft while being good ambassadors of Guyana. All-rounder Mahendra Hardyal said the side is a balanced one adding that the players in a fine form and raring to go. The 13th annual Florida Cup is being played in celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary and will be contested in two categories; Masters and open. The other teams from Guyana are Floodlights and
Media manger of Regal team John Ramsingh accepts the sponsorship cheque from Naomi Roberts of Top Brandz distributors. Floodlights Legends and Wolf Warriors. Regal Masters reads; Troy Kippins (Captain), Mahendra Arjune, Eon Abel, Longsford Klass, Peter Persaud, Eric Thomas, Larry Singh, Rudolph Rodrigues, Rudolph Baker, Mohamed Rafi, Mahesh Chunilall, Fazleem Mohamed, Raymond Harper, Shawn Messiah, Amarnauth Boodhoo, Mahendra Arjune (Manager) and John Ramsingh (Media Manager). The team’s journey to
South Florida is made possible through the support from the Director of Sports Mr. Christopher Jones and the National Sports Commission, Mr. Kawal Narine of Jemtex International in New York, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Regal S p o r t s , To p B r a n d z Distributors, Crown Mining Suppl i e s , L e n n o x C u s h o f S t a r s P a r t y Rentals, Danny P e r s a u d o f I n k Plus and Joseph Ramkumar of Payless Variety Store.
Wednesday March 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition
Date with destiny for last eight teams on Sunday Now that the quarterfinalists in this year’s Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition have been decided, fans could expect riveting action for the remainder of the tournament which is being played, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. Defending champion Chase Academic Foundation is set to oppose North Georgetown and while the latter impressed in their 4-2 win over St. John’s College in the Round of Sixteen segment, many believe that the reigning title holder’s offensive firepower may prove too much for their opponent. Kelsey Benjamin, Rayn Hackett and Sunil Logan, goalscoerers in their previous encounter have looked irrepressible when on the attack and could again dominate proceedings. On the other hand, North Georgetown’s Nehemiah Gomes has been lethal throughout the campaign and he has already shown what a one-man wrecking crew he could be, while support for his exploits could come from Daniel Nedd, Osafo Nedd and Christopher Waddell. The matchup that pits Queen’s College versus
Part of the action in this year’s Milo U-20 Schools Football Competition.
Bishop’s High is a contest of epic proportions with bragging rights from all reports the central theme. These two schools have always searched to dominate each other and this encounter is the kind of rivalry that sets up nicely for a blockbuster. The two schools also enjoy large support from their respective bases and the setting seems ripe for another sellout in the arena. Captain of Bishop’s High
Shemar Britton, who is a former student of Queen’s College, is expected to lead his charges once again and his cool and calculated temperament has been integral to the team’s success and stability. Marquee player Lloyd Anderson, who netted the key goal to eliminate the highly-touted St. Rose’s High will once again be called upon to spearhead their quest for victory.
Queen’s College, who escaped with a nerve tingling win in a penalty shootout against Tucville, will hope to improve their individual and collective performances against Bishop’s High. Kevin Wills and Michael Hunter have been two of the key players in their setup and will no doubt be the ones to orchestrate a win. Christ Church versus South Ruimveldt is another encounter that should
Michael Johnson - Usain Bolt is greater than Jesse Owens TMZ – (Yahoo) U.S. Olympic legend Michael Johnson says Usain Bolt is the greatest sprinter of ALL TIME — greater than Carl Lewis ... and even better than Jesse Owens. Johnson — who held the previous world record in the 200m (before Bolt smashed it) — was speaking with Laureus when he was asked how Bolt stacks up as a sprinter against the best in the history. “You think of the great sprinters of the past who have done things that have never been done before like Jesse Owens, winning four gold medals, and Carl Lewis, doing that as well, and myself being the 200 metres and 400 metres world record holder and Olympic champion. So those are the names that you think of, the amazing sprinters of the past. But none of us has produced, in my opinion, the consistency and longevity that Bolt has and so to this point he has to be considered the greatest.” Johnson was also asked if he thinks anyone has a chance at beating Bolt at the Olympics in Rio: “If he’s healthy, I don’t think that
provide fireworks and choosing a winner seems to be a difficult proposition. Rahul Alpin, Wainwright Adams and Shamar Carrington were the goalscorers for Christ Church in their previous match and are anticipated to guide their efforts for victory, while Cecil Jackman is the key for South Ruimveldt. What more could be said about the Lodge versus Dolphin clash. This rightfully is the match of the day and predicting its outcome is proving to be a headache. Lodge, a former champion of the tournament will be led by Shamar Smith, Frank King, Simeon Hackett and Leon Blake and obstructing their incursions will take a
mighty effort. On the other hand, Dolphin, beaten finalist last y e a r, h a v e h a r b o u r e d ambitions since the start of this year’s competition to getting back to the final and winning the coveted crown. They’ve looked impressive to date, Shawn Mohammed, Leon R i c h a r d s o n a n d Ry a n Dowding will obviously have a say in their pursuit of victory. Sunday is the date with destiny for the remaining eight schools. The fixtures are seen below: Chase Academic Foundation versus North G e o r g e t o w n ; Q u e e n ’s College vs. Bishop’s High; Christ Church vs. South Ruimveldt and Lodge vs. Dolphin.
GCA bowls on this weekend
Michael Johnson says Usain Bolt is the greatest sprinter. (Getty Images) anyone can stop him.” There is one man who thinks he can beat Bolt — U.S. sprinter Justin Gatlin
who recently told “TMZ Sports” he WILL defeat the Jamaican legend. We’ll see ...
The Georgetown Cricket Association will continue with its first and second division tournaments this weekend. In the lone Trophy Stall, GISE and Star Party Rentals first division two-day tournament game which starts at 09:30 hrs on Saturday, Georgetown Cricket Club will host Guyana Defence Force (umpires - Shannon Crawford and Cyril Garnath). In the Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day, UG will entertain GNIC (Deon Feassal and Rameshwar Latif), Police will stay at home to St. Stanislaus (Andre Hurry and Joseph Jeffery), Malteenoes SC will host Third Class (Totaram Ramnarine and Peter Montfort), Ace Warriors will journey to DCC (Clyde Layne and Heuvel Cunha) and Everest will host Gandhi Youth Organisation (Linden Matthews and Matthew Kissoon). Matches start at 11:00 hrs on Saturday.
t r o Sp
Who will dominate the Superbike segment?
Could these machines be the feature attraction on March 20 at the ‘national Race of Champions’ Meet.
Amateur boxers rewarded for good show in ‘Hostile Territory’ boxing card Boxers being rewarded after the fight at Giftland Mall.
Guyana wins bid to host CBC U-16 Championships
Nigel Hinds
Bolton resigns as GFF Sharapova starts to count cost of failed drug test, likely ban Technical Director 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