Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday March 10, 2016

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

EDITORIAL

SERIOUS TENSIONS BREWING AT THE GRA The government assumed the reins of power nine months ago. This is in contrast to the PPP whose members were ministers and technocrats/managers for over 20 years. The change of government should have brought about the replacement of most political appointees from the previous administration. The government is entitled to and should put in place qualified individuals whom it trusts and who share their vision, goals and policies. But the vast majority of former political appointees are still in place. The government has only appointed a few of its supporters to state boards and to other government positions. It has to reward its members and financial contributors with jobs/contracts. This is in the nature of the two-party political system. However, the government should appoint qualified people, especially if they are politically neutral. It should put professional experience and qualification before cronyism and party loyalty and retain the most skilled and experienced professionals who will put Guyana’s interest before and above party affiliation. There are cases where the government has assumed that a civil servant who had worked closely with the former administration is partisan and cannot be trusted. The truth is there are several competent and professional civil servants who will do their jobs regardless of which political party is in power, but some have been accused as being supportive of the opposition. Change for the sake of change is not helpful. The government needs to put the best team on the field regardless of race, class, age or gender. It should not hastily remove someone until the replacement is ready to assume the post. This is important in the diplomatic and other services, such as the GRA which is considered the most important state agency in Guyana.Without it, the government cannot pay its bills. Therefore, a hiatus should not be allowed to develop between resignation and appointment of its senior staff, including the Commissioner General and deputies. It is important to have all senior officials in permanent positions so as to boost morale among staff members and increase efficiency and productivity. However, serious tensions are brewing at the GRA because the most knowledgeable and qualified people in the agency are those who have had years of working experiences in its various units. But they are being stymied while the agency is plagued with unsolved human resources and conflict of interest issues. In the midst of these issues, it will be a colossal error by the government to appoint an outsider as the Commissioner General, someone who was recently parachuted into the agency because of party affiliation. It will turn the agency on its head. The GRA is a specialized organization with the twin responsibilities of a tax collection and an investigative agency. Its functions are very distinct, therefore, it requires someone with the requisite skills and competency at the head. Efficient and smooth functioning of the agency requires inclusiveness, transparency and highly trained and competent professionals. Appointing a party member at its head will rupture the agency and hinder its tax collection ability. Its current Chairman has stated that billions of dollars in taxes are not collected each year due to poor management of the GRA, but he has done very little to prevent such losses. The conducting of a series of tax workshops in the upcoming weeks in the regions by the GRA is being affected by low morale among its staff. Since its creation in 2000, the GRA has evolved but recently, that evolvement has been stalled due to poor leadership, party interference and low morale. It must increase its infrastructure and technical capacity and adopt a vastly different approach to reduce revenue losses.

Clifton Bacchus invokes race to defend his casino license DEAR EDITOR, I write to respond to the letter of Mr. Clifton Bacchus in relation to his proposed casino in Church Street. It would have been good if he or his advisor had properly read my letter as I was not objecting to casinos in Guyana but the location. This is my last response in this matter but I wish to make some points in relation to some aspects of Mr. Bacchus’s letter. As regards his having a Memorandum of Understanding with the previous Government that was a matter which was unknown to me and it seems to the public. He was and is very close to members of the former Government and the former President and even travelled with him abroad. I still maintain that whenever a casino license is to be granted in a residential area or in Georgetown then the public must know of it and be given an opportunity to be heard. Whenever one applies for a liquor or hotel license that application is published in the newspapers and a

notice affixed on the premises. A casino license has a greater impact and those who are vested in the power to grant approval must act diligently and be appreciative of any adverse or perceived impact on the community. Mr. Bacchus mentioned that there is a Gentleman’s Club near to the mosque and that there are Brazilian and Columbian female entertainers there but that I did not object to this because as he put it –”Is it because the owner is his client or his relative or a person of his own ethnic group.” For his information the owner is not my client nor is he my relative. I do not know who the owner is so I cannot speak of his ethnicity and it was only after Mr. Bacchus’s letter did I find out what business may be carried on there. I object to Mr. Bacchus trying to bring race into this issue and I was greatly affronted when he messaged me and called me a racist. I have never been called this before and I have always tried in all my endeavors to condemn racism.

Mr. Bacchus also stated that I made persistent efforts to sell him a property near to St George’s Cathedral. I am not calling him a liar but I do not recall trying to sell him that property as in that time he was not in my radar as a person who could have afforded to buy the property but within the recent years he has come a far way. How he traversed that path is not for me to say and I make no allegations or imputations. The other objectionable matter in his letter is his reference to my mother and that I grew up in Main Street and I am sure he meant – the Cambridge Hotel. For the record I grew up in Middle and East Streets and never in Main Street. I feel sure that Mr. Bacchus may not have written the letter as he would not have wanted to compare family matters and what has befallen members of his family. I will not do so as I had a lot of respect for his late father and also his mother and will not sink to that low level. K.A. Juman-Yassin Attorney-at-Law

I am asking for a debate among independent LGE candidates DEAR EDITOR, With the historic Local Government Elections looming there was a historic debate on Saturday night last. It was hosted by Mr. Nigel Huges. The format did not lend to the much needed cross-talk and expansions on the plans and views of the candidates. Candidates should have been allowed to question each other as there seems to be some amount of copying of ideas. There also seemed to be a lack of big-city plans and initiatives. This is the 21st century and Guyana needs a council that understands that Georgetown needs to move with the times. Here are some of my ideas, most of which will add money to the Council’s coffers:1. Reduce the amount of cars coming into the city by charging a toll. Simultaneously, have shuttles taking commuters to central locations around town. 2. Relocate our bus parks onto the outskirts of town and shuttle folks in and out. 3. Immediately regularize our

building codes for our sidewalks, so the diffefently-abled could move freely around town. Have the property owners be responsible for fixing this. 4.With regards to abandon buildings and empty lots: the City Council will clean those lots or demolish those buildings and send the bill to the property owners. If the bills are not paid in a reasonable time, the property should be gazetted and auctioned off. 5. All immobile vehicles on the roadways or on government parapets should be removed at the owners’expense. 6. Folks with working vehicles (buses, taxis, etc.), on government lands, should pay a fee. 7. Establish a tow-truck department for violators of city parking codes. Visà-vis pedestrian crossings, bus stops, thoroughfares, water hydrants (after they are fixed). 8. Spearhead a drive, in collaboration with the Ministries of Social Protection and Health, to rid the city streets of the homeless.

9. Regularize the scrap metal buyers (with the threat of closure of their business and incarceration), so that some form of accountability is in place to prevent the thief and sale of copper and other metals. 10.Distribute a garbage bin to every home and make a minimal addition to the property taxes. All of these suggestions can be implemented almost immediately and will bring much need funds into the M&CC. I was not invited to participate in the recent debate. In fact I got a few calls from some who thought I should have been thrown into the mix. However, while no explanation was given for my non-invite, I perceived from those represented, that it was the groups and political parties that were slated to present. It was a refreshing undertaking and one would well agree that this should have been done before and probably needs to be done again. However, I (Continued on page 23)

Questions surround a casino license DEAR EDITOR, I refer to an article published in the Kaieteur News, March 8th 2016, under the head “Casino Licences woes deepens … Buddy’s US$25 million stalled after previous government cancelled deal”. I read with deep interest the said article and I wish to state as follows: 1. the criteria upon which licences are granted for casinos are clearly set out in the law; 2. having the intention of satisfying those requirements, I applied for one of the 2 available licences in

Region 4; 3. I submitted the requisite documents and building plans; 4. t h o s e d o c u m e n t s w e r e examined and the proposed site inspected by the relevant officials; 5. I was next invited to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guyana which grants me certain facilities; 6. I have utilized those facilities and have completed most of the required construction; 7. I am not aware that my application was processed to the

exclusion or detriment of any other. I am aware that Buddy Shivraj was already issued with a casino licence and did in fact build a casino and hotel which he has since sold and it is now “Ramada Princess Hotel & Casino”. I am not sure how many times one person can be issued with a casino licence for the same region when only 3 can be issued for that region, especially, since that person, when granted a licence, chose to sell it. I presume that the authorities will shed some light on these matters. Clifton Bacchus

Thursday March 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Hamilton Green should Another analytical explain why he did not testify look at the prison riots

DEAR EDITOR, I was dumbstruck to see a letter appearing in the letters column of the daily newspapers authored by none other than Hamilton Green giving his take on the politics and death of Dr. Walter Rodney. One can understand his distress and disillusionment at the conclusions contained in the Commission of Inquiry Report into Walter Rodney Assassination which is not flattering of his hero and mentor Forbes Burnham, but still he is the last person I expected to see coming out of the woodwork to make a pronouncement. By Green’s own admission the hearings of this commission were protracted and went way beyond the time that was originally estimated for it to last, but yet all this time he chose not to testify or share his knowledge on the matter, which is obviously quite vast, with the Commissioners. This is in spite of the fact that the Commission encouraged people to testify, in the interest of finding out who assassinated Dr Walter Rodney, and why he died so violently, and the fact that Hamilton Green and his Deputy made a cameo appearance at the Walter Rodney

CoI on June 3 2014 merely as a publicity stunt. Of course writing a narrow letter to the press is much easier that taking the stand and being cross examined by lawyers and grilled by the Commissioners. But Hamilton Green is effectively opening a can of worms that he may be unable to close. Everyone knows of Green’s slavish loyalty to Burnham and that he hero worships his dead leader even up to now despite the fact that Burnham made sure there were no little oaks growing in his shadow by cutting him down to size and placing Desmond Hoyte over him. While Green’s personal knowledge of times past in Guyana is recognized, he simply cannot be trusted to give an honest, unbiased account of our political history, as there is quite a bit of it that he should not be proud of. In his letter Green asks persons to ‘Recall, that after Rodney was expelled from the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, no less a person than the internationally respected Julius Nyerere analysis was that Rodney was frustrated in his efforts to climb the political ladder by words, but had opted for the route of violence.’

What Green fails to say was the Academic Board of the University of Guyana had already taken its decision to appoint Walter Rodney to the headship of the History department, when he Hamilton Green, returned to Guyana from a visit to Tanzania and began to be quoted as saying that he had learned there that Rodney had been a “security risk” and had been thrown out of Tanzania. Working on these pretences, Mr. Hamilton Green moved to have Rodney’s appointment rescinded. The appointment was rescinded on the orders of the rulers through the University Council, dominated by a large PNC team headed by Green and including the competent, professionally driven Security Officers that he refers to in his letter. Mr. Green’s attempt to rewrite Guyana’s history will not fool right-thinking Guyanese, and he would be well advised to put his knowledge, resources and energies not into the writing of fictional history as he is known to do, but rather into a book that will contain a true history of pre and post independent Guyana on the occasion of our Jubilee year of Independence. Shakuntala Lall

Bitter complaints of the Nurse-Anaesthetists

DEAR EDITOR, Allow us the opportunity to highlight a few concerns that have been facing us as Registered Nurse Anaesthetists and Student Nurse-Anaesthetists, since the commencement of the above mentioned training program in 2008. Registered Nurses have been selected from various regions across Guyana to be trained as Registered Nursefor a total of 2.5 yrs. The training is facilitated thorough the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and Institute of Health Science Education. On completion of the program, the newly trained Registered Nurse Anaesthetists [RNA] return to their respective hospitals with the hope of administering anaesthesia. Our areas of concern are as follows: 1- Since the commencement of the program in 2008,

we are still awaiting the Ministry of Public Service to create the post for a Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Hence, persons except those at Georgetown Public Hospital have returned to their respective hospitals and are awaiting appointments. The Nurse Anesthetist in Bartica is in the 5th year of her five year contract and awaits her appointment. She functions in the capacity whenever there is a medical team sent to perform surgeries at the hospital. The NurseAnaesthetist at New Amsterdam Hospital [who is in the 4th year of her 5 year contract]was sent by the region to be trained and upon return was told that no vacancy exists for RNA, thusshe cannot be appointed. She is still receiving the same salary of a Registered Nurse but functions in the capacity of RNA. The Nurse

Anesthetist at Mahaicony Cottage Hospital returned to a non- functional theater and was tasked with bed-side nursing duties until whenever. He travels to Georgetown to maintain his skills on his off duties at Georgetown Public Hospital. He too, awaits appointment and salary increase. There are three Nurse Anaesthetists at West Demerara Regional Hospital. Two of the persons are still awaiting appointments and salary increases. The newly trained person at Lethem Hospital is facing a similar plight, i.e. no salary increase, no appointment. He was also informed that he had additional training and would not be paid for same. In the meantime, he will perform bedside nursing duties too, until a medical team is sent to Lethem to perform (Continued on page 23)

DEAR EDITOR, Permit me a few lines in your newspaper, merely to pen my opinion. The statements that hereafter will follow should not be looked upon as an indictment of anyone person or party. Let me first state that the recent prison riot and its deadly sequelae should go down in the annals of Guyanese history as being an exemplar of bureaucratic, governmental and penal failings, not to mention incompetence. Viewed from a different perspective the outside world can view the deceased as either villains who suffered retribution, or heroes striving for betterment. Let it be understood that people and governments do what we let the door get away with. No new discovery or revelation but the National Assembly Resolution No. 21 of May 16, 2003 constituted and appointed a Disciplined Forces Commission, which was chaired by Justice Ian Chang, Chairman, David Granger, Anil Nandlall and Charles Ramson as members. The four forces into which the Commission was required to inquire were the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service, the heads of which were the Commissioner, Chief of Staff, Director and Chief Fire Officer, respectively. The very individual who was a member of the said Commission, now leads the nation on the path to change. Figure! Look at how quickly a Commission has been convened by the President, with the ultimate goal of ascertaining what the causal factors were behind the tragic fire. The Minister of State Joseph Harmon reiterated that this recently convened Commission would not be hoodwinked. Perhaps the Commission would not be hoodwinked, but they would be hoodwinking the public, as there has been before this 2016 Commission, three others, 2001, 2002, ten year 2001-2011( Strategic Development Plan) prepared by the said Guyana Prison Service, Report by the Carter Law Centre. Were the public ever made privy to the results of the Commission of which Granger was a member?

The nation voted for a change, and they are certainly getting one, albeit in the wrong direction and one that seems so out of range. Please tell me, our people are not expecting the government to do the right thing. You see where that expectation has gotten us, but for reasons that puzzle me, we still keep believing Massah will take care of us. Enough with the slave mindsets that deny reality. Every Commission, every report, included all three penal institutions in Guyana, with recommendations given for amelioration at all three. As with the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Prison Service has been the subject of several foreign and local reports which made recommendations for change. The President along with an entourage visited the Mazaruni Prison, the visit being dubbed as being part of the Government’s search for a long term solution to the problems of the prison service. How long a term does he have in mind? If the President and the Commission are to succeed in any strategy/ plan that would affect nationwide security and

avert a recurrence of the prison situation, then it is imperative that a consensus be built within the nation for the solution. It is imperative that the public be kept aware and informed, in addition there must be a plan or a solution for the public to focus and take a position on, ultimately assisting the Commission to determine what position/ stance they will eventually take. Present day situation in the prisons serve as a strong reflector of the current Administration’s dismal handling and disregard for initiating dramatic policies of change in regards to previous prison service recommendations, and less than robust in addressing issues that threaten penal survival. It is high time that Guyanese look over the range and hastily summon the change. Skip the slave mentality, forget blind loyalty, hold this Commission, convened in this era of change accountable for not only talking about solutions, but effecting them immediately. Enough is Enough!. The past may be the past but it should not be allowed to last. The thought of another fire would certainly put the

Martin Carter worked at the Camp Street prison DEAR EDITOR, While quoting Martin Carter’s poetry “in mourning the victims of the Camp Street incident”, let us not forget that Martin once worked there (in the 1950s) in the office and probably saw ”things that bothered him”. Hence the description of “this city with a prison for a heart.” I have always thought of the Camp Street prison as a place with the greatest concentration of talent going to waste that I have ever seen, and wondered why not put some of that talent to use? Many, many years later, living abroad, when I read that prisoners in other countries

made meal trays and other items for their national airlines, I thought what a good idea. At least, that could be one way of paying for their keep. Geralda Dennison

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Ministry of Communities congratulates Disciplined Forces on LGEs voting The Ministry of Communities, said yesterday, that it wishes to express thanks and congratulations to all members of the disciplined services who voted in Tuesday’s historic local government polls. The same sentiments were also extended to the hardworking staff of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) who conducted the exercise competently, a release from the ministry stated. “The Ministry is, however, disappointed at multiple reports of a low turnout.” “The Ministry of Communities sincerely believes in the truth of Article 12 of the Constitution which states, “Local Government by freely elected representatives of the people is an integral part of the democratic organisation of the State.” “In the absence of functional local government there can be no real democracy. And citizens will agree that democratic renewal at the grassroots is much needed in Guyana.” The Ministry repeats, too,

that if you do not vote, other people who vote will choose your community representatives, and you will have no voice in the decisionmaking process. The importance of having a voice in decisions that directly affect you cannot be overstated, the release revealed and continued, “The councillors elected by the people who vote will make decisions on what bridges and roads to repair or build; they will decide where playgrounds are to be constructed; they will be responsible for garbage collection, cleaning of drains and parapets, provision of healthcare services, pest control, noise-nuisance control, and all other aspects of community life. Can anyone, therefore, afford not to vote?” The ministry said that Guyanese have not had the opportunity to cast a ballot since 1994 and these current elections will go down in history as the “pivotal” moment when Guyanese took power into their own hands; the moment when citizens

took control of their own destinies.” The minister also stated that the remainder of Guyanese will have an opportunity to be part of history on March 18, by going to their designated polling place and casting their ballot. “You cannot afford to miss this unprecedented opportunity. The Ministry of Communities encourages you, again, to make use of your vote. Your vote is your voice.” Additionally, the Ministry also would like to encourage candidates to redouble and intensify their campaign efforts in the time remaining. If you do not know where your particular polling place is located, you can obtain that i n f o r m a t i o n by calling GECOM on 225-0277 to 9 or 226-6557, or, visiting the website at www.gecom.org. If you visit the website and enter your ID Card number, you will be informed of the location of your polling place.

Thursday March 10, 2016

GWI in pilot projects to reduce iron content in water Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has commenced experimenting with a food-based agent, Seaquest, which has the ability to improve water quality by reducing the effect of iron present in water. The programme is part of GWI’s overall water quality improvement programme being executed by the company’s Scientific Services and Technical Services Departments. A pilot project is currently underway in Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara; Agricola, East Bank Demerara; Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara and Ithaca, Berbice. The communities were deemed ideal for the testing of Seaquest because the content of the water received by residents is high in iron. GWI’s Chief Executive, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, and the project team have attended meetings in the communities to provide information to residents on the Seaquest product. According to Scientific Services Manager, GWI, Donna Canterbury, “Seaquest is a food-based agent which has the ability to chemically disable the iron present in water from oxidizing.” The iron has been a major reason for residents receiving water that is red in color. That colour suggests a high iron content. With most wells not utilizing a treatment plant, the red water has been a source of complaint by residents who believe that it was contaminated. The Seaquest product has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Drinking Water Inspectorate,

An official working on one of the pilot projects to reduce the iron content in GWI’s water. London and has been certified by NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation), United States. “It is safe for consumption by humans and animals. Seaquest is a product of Aqua Smart Incorporated, a United States based company which facilitated several presentations for GWI and will be assisting with the application of the product in the communities identified for the pilot studies,” the water

company explained. “The product has been shown to significantly reduce the effects of iron present in water such as discoloration,” stated the Scientific Services Manager. “If these pilot tests are successful we can anticipate substantial improvements in the quality of water distributed by GWI.” The product has been utilized successfully in a number of countries including the United States, Belize and the Bahamas.

Spanish environmentalist robbed, declines prosecution Two men accused of robbing a Spanish national escaped the walls of prison after charges against them were dropped by the virtual complainant, when they appeared yesterday before Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It is alleged that on March 6, last, on North Road, Georgetown, Clifton Charles

and Jamal Edwards, robbed Murielle Tribecke of one hand bag, a pair of sunglasses, one identification card, one passport, one visa card and $47,000 in cash . The accused were not allowed to plead to the indictable charge. Tribecke took the stand and told Prosecutor Corporal Kerry Bostwick and Magistrate Judy Latchman

that she was robbed that day at 3:50 pm by the accused. However she said that she does not wish to provide any evidence on the matter and that she simply wants her belongings returned so that she can leave for Annai the following day. The victim resides in Spain and works as an environmentalist. She came to Guyana with other colleagues pertaining to her area of work when the calamity befell her. Magistrate Latchman ruled that the case was hereby dismissed and the accused were free to leave. Charles and Edwards exited the courtroom with satisfied grins on their faces.

Thursday March 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

Europe’s deal with Turkey fails to deter migrant attempts for now Syrian refugees wait on a roadside after Turkish police prevented them from sailing off to the Greek island of Farmakonisi yesterday (REUTERS/UMIT BEKTAS)

(Reuters) - Turkey’s coastguard intercepted dozens of mostly Syrian migrants in coves along the Aegean coast yesterday as they continued to attempt perilous sea crossings to Greece despite Ankara’s efforts to stem the flow under a deal with the European Union. A group of 42 people, more than a dozen of them children, sat inside a coastguard compound, some lying under blankets, in the seaside resort of Didim after being detained. Scores more waited among boulders by the beach, watched by armed police, as a bus came to take them away. “We’re afraid of staying here and afraid of staying in Syria ... We’re fleeing to the country that will take us. We want safety, someone to care for us,” said Sameeha Abdullah, one of the group near the beach, who fled Syria’s civil war. Just offshore, a coastguard boat approached what appeared to be a small vessel carrying more migrants. Some officials fear a scramble to cross to the nearby Greek islands, despite increased NATO-backed sea patrols in the Aegean, before the tentative agreement with the EU comes into full force. Under the draft deal struck on Monday, Turkey agreed to take back all irregular migrants in exchange for more funding, an earlier introduction of visa-free travel to Europe for Turks, and a speeding up of Ankara’s long-stalled EU membership talks. The aim, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and EU leaders have said, is to discourage illegal migrants and break the business model of human smugglers who have fueled Europe’s largest migration crisis since World War

Two. The message, they say, is simple: try to cross illegally and get sent straight back. But in a shabby sea-front hotel in Didim, off whose coast 25 migrants drowned on Sunday when their boat capsized, few had heard of the deal. A group of migrants from the Iraqi city of Mosul, stuck because they could not afford to pay the smugglers, said they were still determined to leave. “Even if they catch me, what am I going to do here? I may as well die trying,” said Hussein, 45, who said his three sons were killed by Islamic State militants in Iraq. The hotelier, who gave his name as Enes, said a group of 20 Syrians, whom he collectively charged 500 lira ($170) for the night, had left yesterday for Europe. But he was sure more would come. “Even if Europe gave Turkey hundreds of billions for refugees, Syrians still wouldn’t stay. Most of their family is there so they’re joining them,” he said. LEGALITY QUESTIONED Turkey has no intention of sending refugees back to conflict zones and sees no legal hurdles to implementing the deal, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday, after meetings with Belgian officials in Ankara. EU and Turkish officials are scrambling to finalize the deal before their next summit on March 17-18, and Cavusoglu said the bloc had largely accepted Turkey’s terms. But the United Nations and human rights groups have warned that blanket returns without considering individual asylum cases could be illegal. And it remains far from clear that the message will get through to desperate

families who see smuggling as their surest route into Europe as its borders close. Even as groups of migrants were detained on the beaches, more arrived by taxi in Didim, a popular holiday resort with yachts bobbing in its marina. Some carried bags, children in tow, and headed for the town’s small hotels, which like in other parts of the Aegean coast, have been profiting from migrant business in the tourism low season. “The markets, the hotels, the restaurants - everyone was smiling. Because of the refugees we eat bread,” said the manager of one hostel. The hostel is in Basmane, a run-down neighborhood of Izmir, the main city on the Turkish Aegean coast and long a stopover for migrants trying to reach Europe during the Iraq wars and Arab Spring uprisings. NEW GROUPS ARRIVING More than a million people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and beyond have flooded into the EU since early 2015, most crossing the Aegean from Turkey to Greece in small boats, then heading north through the Balkans to Germany. Border shutdowns further north have blocked the ‘Balkans corridor’, leaving tens of thousands of migrants trapped in Greece. Macedonia has closed its border to illegal migrants after Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia announced tight new restrictions on migrant entry. Rights group Amnesty International called the proposed mass return of migrants under the EU deal with Turkey a “death blow to the right to seek asylum”. Relief charity Doctors without Borders said it was cynical and inhumane.

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Thursday March 10, 2016

Thursday March 10, 2016

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Joint Services participate A PRESS CONFERENCE in ‘Exercise Holdfast.’ OR A POLITICAL EXCHANGE? A Joint Service Syndicate interacting

The Joint Services, comprising the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service, commenced participating in a two-day Command Post Exercise (CPX), “EXERCISE HOLDFAST” at the Base Camp Ayanganna Auditorium, yesterday. The exercise was part of their preparations for the

Local Government Election (LGE) scheduled for March 18, next. EXERCISE HOLDFAST is aimed at practising the Officers and Ranks of the Joint Services in the development of critical thinking and effective responses to potential problems which may be experienced during the LGE. Yesterday, the Officers and Ranks assembled at 10:00

hours. They were briefed about what was expected from them during the EXERCISE before being placed into several Syndicates. The Syndicates were provided with a number of scenarios, of incidents likely to occur during the LGE. The Syndicate’s members are meant to study these scenarios within an operational context with the (continued on page 23)

The role of reporters is to obtain information which they feel is of public interest and to transmit that information to the public. The views of the opposition party are a matter of public interest and therefore reporters have an obligation to inform the public how the opposition party feels about the matter. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) held a press conference this past week to give its views on the riots and the deaths of seventeen inmates at the Georgetown Prisons. The press conference was rebroadcast on radio. There were stunning developments in that press conference and it had nothing to do with what the PPP said. In fact, it was predictable that the PPP would have taken the line it took. It was predictable that the PPP would have held the government responsible for the tragedy. It was predictable that the PPP

would have called for the firing of the Minister of Public Security. Politicians will be politicians. When the shoe was on the other foot in relation to the tragedy in Linden in 2012, there were similar calls. The questioning of the propositions of the PPP is of course part of the practice of journalism. Journalists would want to put alternative propositions and to see gauge the reaction to this. They are, in this respect, not being the devil’s advocate. They are simply doing something that journalists do which is to adopt the role of the John Public and to find out what would be some of the questions in John Public’s mind and put them to the person on whom they are reporting. It was to be expected therefore that the journalists at that press conference hosted by the PPP would have asked the General

March 18 will not be a public holiday - Trotman March 18 will not be designated a public holiday by Central Government, owing to the fact that Government projects that the Local Government Elections (LGE) will see a lower turnout than the general and regional elections. This was the view of Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, during the post cabinet press briefing yesterday. “There is no indication that this will be declared a national holiday,” Trotman said. “Traditionally, and in

- Sc hools to c lose Mar ch 17 Schools close Marc other parts of the world (as well) LGE are not treated, unfortunately, with the same level of importance and urgency as regional and national elections.” “And they are traditionally accompanied by a lower turnout and lesser interest,” he continued. “We do not see the need for a national holiday. It has been noted that the Ministry of Education has made a decision to have the schools

closed which would mean that the school buildings closed for polling stations.” Trotman was asked whether declaring a public holiday would not encourage voters to come out and vote. He expressed doubt about what considerations previous governments used in declaring such days as national holidays. “(I don’t know) whether it would stimulate one set of people to go out. There are

Dem boys seh ...

De jail men didn’t want share wid Jagdeo When dem boys talk about getting Brassington and Jagdeo and all dem other crooks to go to jail dem boys never believe that dem prisoners woulda get so vex that dem woulda bun down de prison. From de way things was going on dem boys who been in de jail hear that Jagdeo and all dem others do so much bad thing that is one of two places dem woulda place dem—either in Capital A or pun Death Row. But since nobody didn’t get charge fuh all dem killings during de crime wave de only place these crooks woulda end up was Capital A. People demanding money fuh de fire in Capital

A because is Soulja Bai who talk bout locking up de people. And that is so serious because prisoners now show de whole world that dem rather dead that share a cell wid Jagdeo, Brassington and dem other crooks. Now dem got an inquiry to find out who light de match that start de fire. De commissioners also trying to find out who carry in de match or de lighter. That is a difficult task because some of the people who coulda provide de answers get bun up. De funny thing is that de people who checking out de Camp Street riots gun finish dem wuk long before de auditors done checking to

see wha Jagdeo people do. Is a whole year de audit going on and nobody ain’t come up wid nutten that people didn’t know. De people know that dem had corrupt dealings. De people know that C fuh Satar never check to see if any of dem pay tax. But de new people checking and that is wha got some people vex. Some cleaner pay more tax that dem. When people cheat pun tax dem does go to jail. That is why dem prisoners in Camp Street was certain that Jagdeo and he crew, if dem didn’t get ketch fuh crookishness woulda get ketch fuh tax. Talk half and know why dem had de Camp Street fire

different motivations,” he said. “So in our view and in our assessment, there is no need for a national holiday. And I believe that (Tuesday’s) voting among the disciplined forces provided a kind of litmus test as to what we can expect.” Trotman however expressed hope that in the weeks leading up to LGE, all the stakeholders involved, including GECOM, and the contestants would ramp up their drive to get more people

out to vote. In a press release yesterday the Ministry of Education notified the public that all public schools will be closed for the Easter Holidays from Thursday, March 17, 2016 and not March 18, 2016 as was previously communicated. The early closure of schools is due to the holding of Local Government Elections on March 18, 2016. Adding that the Ministry regretted any inconvenience caused, the release stated that schools will reopen on Monday, April 4, 2016.

Secretary of the PPP, who was hosting the press conference, how he would respond to the criticism that the riot at the prison was because of the inheritance his party left when it was in office. That was a fairly legitimate line to take. Unfortunately – and the Guyana Press Association should take note of this fact – the questions posed at that press conference tended to be more like a defence of the government than of the media trying to clarify the PPP’s position and to obtain the response of the PPP to the issue as to whether that party should assume responsibility for leaving behind an insecure prison system. The press conference turned out to be like a political exchange. This was recognized by the host of the press conference who described the line of questioning by some media operatives as attempting to justify the government’s stance. The questions went on and on about the state of the prisons under the PPP. There was little attempt to ask the PPP to justify why it was blaming the government and why it was calling for the action. There were a lot of questions about incidents that happened in the prison system when the PPP was in power. The conference went overboard. It has to be a source of concern when this is happening in this day and age in the media and especially in Guyana when a press conference can descend into a political exchange to the extent that this one did.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday March 10, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The horror is becoming colossal It is not a joke. It is not something that is funny to be laughed at. We are talking about the politics of nihilism. It goes on daily. It will not stop. It is difficult to stop it but it needs to be confronted rather than ignored. It is the quotidian madness from the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party. We read during the Budget debate that former President, Bharrat Jagdeo lamented that public service pay should have gone up by fifty percent. One’s initial reaction was to laugh. The civil service and the wider public sector were scorned upon by the PPP regime and it is an unflattering reflection on Cheddi Jagan that he was not above such

politics. Jagan, the man himself never trusted the civil service. Now the PPP wants Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, to be fired for the prison riots. Someone coming from another planet would not know that the same PPP official, Clement Rohee, who wants Ramjattan dismissed, was the Minister who held the prison portfolio for over a decade. The new Minister is there just eight months now. This is a horror story that is just swelling with each passing day. What does one say to Jagdeo whose twelve-yearold presidency never saw ten percent increase for public sector workers much less twenty-five? And Jagdeo wants a fifty percent hike for

them. This is the politics of insane hypocrisy. And it will not stop. Mr. Jagdeo went to Berbice last Sunday and addressed PPP supporters on the death anniversary of Cheddi Jagan. Without Guysuco trucks to ferry PPP supporters and sugar workers from Regions Three and Four, and money from state coffers for refreshments, and pay for entertainment the attendance was the smallest since Dr. Jagan died in 1997. But what was philosophically instructive about the tragedy of power, is that for that day, Sunday March 6, and the following day there were no gigantic photographs of Bharrat Jagdeo, Sam Hinds, Clement Rohee, Donald Ramotar, Gail Teixeira, with huge garlands around their necks jutting out of the front page of the Chronicle. There was no coverage on

NCN during the lunch hour so PPP supporters can eat while looking at the live stream of the PPP leaders on parade. That era is dead and gone. And for all we know, 2016 may have been the last occasion some of these jaded, faded mandarins would have walked up the podium of Babu John to eulogize Cheddi Jagan. Power is gone but Mr. Jagdeo lied to his listeners about why power is gone. He lamented the rigging of the 2015 elections. They say Guyana is full of young people, Berbice being no exception. Well, maybe a few dozen young Berbicians should be brave and fierce in their independent mind and ask Jagdeo to describe why the 2015 election was chosen to be rigged and not the ones long before so Jagdeo’s presidency could have been short-lived It was Donald Ramotar who, days after the results of

the 2011 elections, declared that there was cheating and PPP supporters in Region Four were prevented from voting. They say in journalism, there are certain derogatory words that are non-starters. You do not refer to people as asinine. But a politician had to be the greatest fool to rig an election yet lose the presidency and the government in 2011. Why then did he rig it? Certainly not for power because the opposition couldn’t even stop the Government from spending money from the Budget that the Opposition cut in Parliament. A politician had to be the greatest fool to rig the election in 2015 and give himself a mere 4000 more votes than his opponent. If the 2011 and 2015 elections were fraudulent then the rigger is the most incompetent person in the world since civilization began

Frederick Kissoon One cannot help but asking Berbicians if it is so low an opinion that the PPP have of them that Mr. Jagdeo could throw such nonsense at them and ask them to believe it. Berbicians should use the attendance last Sunday to remind them of how deceiving the PPP has been to them in that every year, except 2016, the crowds were in the thousands. What happened to those numbers this year? Because year after year they were fooled into thinking that the PPP had this mammoth support when in reality people were bussed in from all parts of Guyana. Government funds were not available this year so the thousands of garlands, the thousands of faces and the thousands of vehicles had vanished. Power went away and ostentation, pomp and spendour went with it.

Thursday March 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 11

President dismisses PPP’s claims of “biased” House Speaker President David Granger has dismissed claims by the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic Opposition to the effect that Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, is biased. The President was firm that he has confidence in the integrity of Dr. Scotland. He said that the PPP is “just doing what an opposition does.” Several opposition Members of Parliament have been criticizing the Speaker calling him, “disgusting, bias and partisan” President Granger said, “I do not think he has been partisan, I think the opposition is doing what an opposition does. No matter what happens in the National Assembly the Opposition would find something to complain about.” Granger pointed to the fact that the Opposition criticized his government when it cleaned up the City. “They said we were wasting money; you have a flag raising ceremony; the opposition stays away and criticizes it. That’s what an opposition does.” Granger told reporters, “I

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira

President David Granger

House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland

think the Speaker of the National Assembly is very mature and experienced. He is a member of the legal profession. He is aware of the Standing Orders (of the House) and in matters that he might be unfamiliar with, he consults the Clerk of the National Assembly who is very knowledgeable.” Granger said that he has all confidence that the Speaker is not violating any Standing Order or law. “Complaints from the opposition are expected but I do not see any evidence that

the Speaker has breached any regulation or Standing Order. Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, had delivered a feral blast against Dr. Scotland. She claimed that he failed to uphold the Constitution of Guyana when he allowed the passage of the Tax Amendment Bill 2016 in the National Assembly, despite the lacking of a majority vote from government. She equally expressed grave concerns over the manner in which the House Speaker continues to address Opposition Members of

Parliament. “We are extraordinarily disturbed by the Speaker’s process of decision-making and reactions to the Opposition Members, we find it disrespectful and belittling the way he speaks to our MPs, including the Leader of the Opposition (Bharrat Jagdeo),” Teixeira related. First time Parliamentarian, Nigel Dharamlall, took to his Facebook page last month criticizing the Speaker. He said, “You (Dr. Scotland) will go down as the most disgusting Speaker in the last 50 years.”

$600M in expired drugs sent back from regions to Central Govt. last year Amidst a reported shortage of drugs at Government-owned hospitals earlier this year, the Materials Management Unit (MMU) is expected to engage in discussions with Regional Health Officers (RHOs) on good medical supplies’ procurement practices. These include requesting the correct quantity of drugs to suit the needs of the respective regions. Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud, informed Hinterland RHOs about this undertaking during a recent meeting. He pointed out that there should be no wastage, nor shortage of medical supplies, if best practices are adopted. The CMO also noted that transportation of these supplies is no longer a problem in hinterland communities. Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, also touched on the issue during the meeting. The Minister noted that in 2014, the previous administration had to dump $84M in expired drugs, while in 2015 the APNU+AFC government “sent back $600M in drugs from the regions to Central Government.” He explained further,

“This money was put back into the consolidated fund.” Minister Norton told the Government Information Agency (GINA) last week that late requests could be the cause for the alleged shortage of medical supplies at some health care facilities. During the RHO meeting, Permanent Secretary, Public Health Ministry, Trevor Thomas noted that “there may be a shortage of drugs at one facility but not in a region, because one place might have a shortage, while another might have the same drugs in excess (quantity).” He added that the facilities have to manage their resources better. The PS advised that before saying there is a shortage of drugs at a facility, management should check with the others in the region. The Ministry’s new procurement system will see each region receiving an allocation for drugs and medical supplies. However, an agreed sum will be returned to the Ministry along with a list of required drugs, which will then be pooled and used for the procurement of the drugs.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday March 10, 2016

All Styrofoam imports prohibited from April 1 Importation of Styrofoam will no longer be allowed effective April 1, with the Ministry of Finance considering tax incentives for importers who are interested in bringing in alternatives. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment yesterday, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been asked not to process declarations for businesses desirous of importing Styrofoam (Expanded Polystyrene) after March 31st. The Ministry explained that following an announcement, last year, that Guyana is prohibiting the importations effective January 1, it had granted a threemonth waiver to importers of Styrofoam food containers who have entered into transactions prior to January 01, 2016- the date when the prohibition kicked in. The wavier expires on March 31, 2016 and to ensure the successful implementation; the Ministry has requested that the Guyana Revenue Authority discontinue processing declarations for businesses desirous of importing Styrofoam. At the end of the waiver period, no importer will be allowed to clear any shipment of Styrofoam food containers, the Ministry made it clear yesterday.

“To cushion the expected increase in cost of alternative products, the Ministry has requested that tax incentives be considered by the Ministry of Finance.” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is spearheading the prohibition. Government has been arguing that Styrofoam, highly popular in the food business as containers, takes more than 500 years to biodegrade, and because of its lightweight nature can easily travel through gutters, storm drains, or in the wind, and reach the ocean. It had been a major problem when the new administration took office last year and started a city cleanup. The drains and waterways were filled with boxes and cups. “In the marine environment, polystyrene breaks down into smaller articles that are ingested by wildlife causing suffocation. Polystyrene contains toxic chemicals that leach into hot foods and beverages posing serious threats to human health, including respiratory illnesses and cancer. In most cities and counties, polystyrene cannot be recycled and is never

GRA will not be processing transactions for the importation of any Styrofoam products from April 1. compostable,” EPA says on its website. Polystyrene is not recyclable in Guyana, costing

millions to clear from drains, alleyways, and roadways. Government is hoping that the use of alternatives like

paper plates and cups, will significantly reduce the garbage problem. Key partners in the

implementation of the ban include the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Institute of Applied Science and Technology, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and the Private Sector Commission. Currently, the regulations in prohibiting the importation, manufacture and sale expanded polystyrene products shall be liable upon summary conviction to a fine of no less than $50,000. In effect, no food service establishment can sell food using Styrofoam boxes and containers. Food service establishments found to be in contravention will be issued a written warning prohibiting the establishment from selling or providing food for consumption in the container or face summary jurisdiction proceedings and be liable upon summary conviction to a fine of no less than $100,000.

Commission to begin hearing prisoners' .... From page 3 prisoners resulted due to negligence, abandonment of duty, disregard of instructions, inaction of the prison officers who were on duty on the night of 2nd March sand the morning of March 3. The Commission is ex-

pected to examine and make findings and recommendations to improve the physical infrastructure of the prison; make recommendations on the existing security arrangements in respect to custody and determine the appropriate treatment of prisoners in compli-

ance with legal and other requirements. Initially, the Commission was scheduled to render its report, findings and recommendations to the Minister of Public Security by March 28 but given the anticipated magnitude of evidence that it

might have to consider, that date is almost certain to be reviewed. “We can't determine the longevity of it until we see how many people want to testify, but it doesn't look like any mentioned time can stand,” the COI Chairman said.

Thursday March 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Financial lawlessness was prevalent at Mon Repos/La Renaissance NDC - Regional Vice Chair - Acting Overseer being victimized for halting it Officials from the Region Four Democratic Council and other officials have come out in sharp opposition to allegations of interference made by members and Chairman of the Mon Repos/ La Renaissance Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Anette Dass, recently. Region Four Vice Chairman, Earl Lambert, has stated that Dass, by threats, induced the substantive overseer to sign off on payments to contractors for works that were actually done by prison labour. He added that there were other actions. In relating the background of this allegation, Lambert noted that the new RDC was sworn in on June, 30 last. For the August holidays, he related that the Region four RDC asked the NDCs to assist with weeding school compounds. The Mon Repos/La Renaissance NDC was one example of this. “Now vouchers were prepared,” Lambert related. “And what we found in most instances was overpayment for the works. We had questioned the (substantive) overseer and we told him to make sure that whatever is undertaken is done for a reasonable price.” Lambert noted that Dass and the overseer had both signed off for the cleaning and weeding works, which he stated, were works done by staff attached to the NDC from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP). “There is also prison labour that the NDC has access to, because the Lusignan prisoners fall in the

Govt. must move with ... From page 17 money in public procurement through strategic planning and introduction of e-government procurement. This project, he said, will be rolled out this year. He said that the successor initiative by the CSME is Development and Implementation of the Infrastructure and Instruments for an Integrated CSME Procurement Regime. Jordan said that the deliverables include the Procurement Bill and Regulations, Procurement SOP's Software and Hardware Installation, Development of Training modules and the ability to roll out these modules online. He said that more will be said on these issues at a later time.

speak to and not the (NDC) Chairman.” Lambert noted that the RDC was forced to have an inquiry launched into the matter last year. He noted that from that inquiry were revelations that there were administrative breaches to certain procedures that had to be followed. The Vice Chairman stated that according to regulations there must not be $25,000 in cash at the NDC. He noted that whenever payments are made, they must be by cheque and the recipient must present themselves to the bank to encash it. “But what was found was that payments were being made from the NDC,” Lambert said. “So the inquiry picked up (that) cheques were cashed at the NDC. In addition to this unsatisfactory situation, there were 64 occasions where cheques were (cashed) from the council’s revenue.” Lambert said that in this situation, he couldn’t know if the individuals were who they said they were because there are no identification numbers of the persons. The Vice Chairman noted that when this was examined, it

was found that another official also signed off on what took place. Among the inquiry’s recommendations was that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against the overseer and the other official, the District Development Officer. There had also been recommendations for the overseer to remain on the leave he had been sent on with the coming of the inquiry. It is against this backdrop that the acting overseer was hired late last year. “So because she was manipulating him, she couldn’t manipulate the (acting overseer). So on several occasions she would call her and tell her to make out payments. And she would ask for the backup, not (wanting) to spend the council’s money as directed by (Dass).” “(Since) she wasn’t getting her way, she then decided that she was not going to sign off on the employees’ payments. So at times, even now, workers have not been paid. At Christmas time we had a situation where we were coming down to Christmas and she refused to sign the cheque orders for the workers to be paid.”

Berbice father pleads with teenage son to return home An example of documents for approval of payment which Regional Officials accuse the Chairperson of refusing to sign. NDC. Those works that were done are put on contract and paid for as if it’s a private contractor. So when we discovered this, I spoke to the overseer.”

“Prior to us coming into office, the overseer was put in a position where he was fearful for his job.” “The chairman would be calling (him and telling him to)

make up this, make up that (vouchers). And he used to do it. I spoke to him, as the accounting officer, because he is the person the auditors will

Another intervention for drought-affected Region 9 Buckets with filters will be distributed to the droughtaffected communities in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC). This intervention has been made possible through the United States Embassy’s Security Cooperation Office in collaboration with Waves 4 Water, a US based non-profit organisation. At a demonstration exercise on the use of the filters at the CDC on Tuesday, the agency’s Director General, Col. Retired Chabilall Ramsarup, explained, “This will be distributed to the

remote regions in Region Nine and hopefully by next Tuesday and Wednesday in Lethem, we will be able to teach the residents how to use it.” Additionally, he said, “Wherever there are problems with water, we would want to institute this.” Currently, there are discussions ongoing with the US Embassy to supply more filters. The CDC also made several other interventions to bring relief to the affected residents earlier in the year when the situation worsened due to El Nino weather conditions which resulted in

the prolonged dry period. Thirty-five 450-gallon water tanks were sent to the sub districts of the region. “We have distributed 15 water pumps and these were two inch mechanical pumps, and what they do is put it onto a tractor and take it wherever there is water, and then pump the water into whatever containers they have.” The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs continues to work with the CDC and other stakeholders to bring additional relief to the hinterland residents, as well as to those in other affected communities. (GINA)

The distraught father of a missing teenage boy is begging his son, who has been missing for over 72 hours, to return home. Eustace Hunt Sr. of Lot 40 Liverpool, Corentyne, Berbice recalled that he last saw his son, Eustace Hunt Jr., last week Tuesday at their home. Hunt Sr. related that the next morning when he made checks around the home for his son, he discovered that he was missing. An emotional Eustace Hunt Sr. said that following the young man’s disappearance he found a note in his son’s handwriting. He said in the note his son threatened to take his own life if anyone tries to find him. According to the father, his son also stated in the note that he was not feeling loved. The day before his son vanished, the father recalled that he and the fifth form student had a misunderstanding over him not coming home from school for lunch that day. Eustace Hunt Sr. stated that he thought that he and his son had worked things out since they had watched television together the same night. The man disclosed that he has been receiving several

MISSING: Eustace Hunt Jr. phone calls from persons about sightings of his son in Georgetown. Eustace Hunt Sr. is pleading with his son to return home to work things out. The 16-year-old is expected to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) in a few months. The matter has since been reported to the Whim Police Station. However, the father is asking persons with information that could locate his son to contact him on telephone # (592) 694-3806 or 337-3205 or the nearest Police Station.

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Kaieteur News

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One Housekeeper for Xenon Hotel contact 225-0254

WANTED Experienced drivers with pleasant personality, able to read & write, apply @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce St. with hand-written application.

Experienced cashier & salesgirls wanted, please drop off application @ American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Sts. ASAP. Experienced painter to work in G/town & Happy Acres ($5,000 per day). Contact Neville: 624-1737

Thursday March 10, 2016

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

AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Prado TZ, Automatic diesel, PHH series -$4.5M, fully loaded-Call: 233-2546; 6885554 2001 Toyota Allex, Mileage 77,000km, $1.6M negotiable, first owner (female), in excellent condition. Call: 6871263 Manual & Automatic super GL pit-bull, VVTI and 1 RZ super GL, extra cab Hilux. Call: 616-7635 Continued on page 23

Thursday March 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Bitter complaints of the Nurse-Anaesthetists From page 5 surgeries where he will be given the opportunity to administer anaesthesia. On organizational chart, no post exists for a Registered Nurse Anesthetist. 2- There isn’t a fixed salary for RNA’s except those employed at GPHC. Over the years, Cuban RNA’s / technicians have been brought and tasked with the same responsibility or less. They have been paid almost twice our salary with allowances i.e. housing 3- Some of the RNA’s have been asked to do ‘’oncall’ duties for Guy $ 450 .00 /24 hrs. E.g. Linden Hospital Complex. 4- Government of Guyana contracts are being given to us during the early stages of the program to be signed. We weren’t given the opportunity to take the copies to a legal advisor. Two students were told by staff at the Ministry of Public Health, that if they didn’t sign the contract their salaries would be withheld. They reluctantly signed same, and were subsequently told that a copy would be made available when their passports were stamped. The persons sent to Cuba to be trained as Medical Doctors are given 5 year contracts for a 7 year training program. We are given 5 year contracts for a 2.5 year training program. 5- There are no opportunities for us to upgrade in the field on Anaesthesia. The training program should be offered by the University of Guyana since it is a specialty of Nursing. We all have Diplomas in General Nursing and at the end of the NurseAnaesthesia Training Pro-

Joint Services... From page 9 view to exacting the most desirable course of action to be taken should an untoward eventuality occur. One potential scenario could be the outbreak of civil disobedience which threatens the lives of citizens who seek to engage their right to exercise their constitutional franchise at the place of poll. The CPX allows Officers and Ranks to not only be prepared for their respective roles, but also to understand the individual and collective role of their respective Organisations. With members of the Disciplined Services already having casted their ballots, this EXERCISE will in part aid in ensuring a safe and secure environment for the conduct of the LGE.

gram, we are given another Diploma, this time in Nurse Anaesthesia. This Diploma is unrecognized by our local university and overseas. 6- No additional allowances are being given to Nurse Anaesthetists accept those who are employed at GPHC, who receive a telephone allowance. Here are a few suggestions that we would like to offer to those who will read this article and are in the position to assist us Suggestions: 1- Creation of a policy regarding training and appointments in order to address national needs 2- Creation of a post at the Ministry Of Public Service. 3- Acceleration of appointments. 4- Revision of benefits e.g. On – call, housing, uniform allowance. 5- Revision of salary scales and standardization of salary for Registered NurseAnaesthetists across the country. 6- Creation of additional allowances such as risk and transportation allowances, inconvenience allowance.

7- A policy for Duty Free Concession should be created for certain categories of Nurses. 8- Persons should be paid for additional training and in order of seniority. 9- Nurse- Anaesthetists should be appointed as soon as they return after training with a vacancy waiting to be

filled. Those who are still awaiting appointments should have a retroactive salary dating back to the commencement of duty. 10Upgrading of theaters at the district and regional levels. Theaters are inadequate and needs to be to be fully functional with necessary staff and equipment.

I am asking for a debate among...

From page 4 would like to see the debate broadened to include the independent candidates and individual representatives of the varied groups. For while the leaders of the groups might well be able to articulate their desires for the Mayoral position, their underlings should be made to explain to the public, how they plan to assist the constituents they are vying to represent. I listened and read how difficult it was for some of the group leaders and Mayoral hopefuls to explain their intentions for the City of Georgetown, which made me

wonder if they are really up to the challenge. I also contemplated the fact that if these leading candidates had such difficulties at explaining what should by now be second nature to them, how well their subordinates will be able to cast their visions. Editor, I would like to suggest that the coordinators of the last debate or indeed any other with the wherewithal, arrange a similar event and have the local representatives speak to how they plan to develop their local districts. Pastor Wendell Jeffrey, Independent Candidate, Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust

Regions with no theaters should not send Registered Nurses to be trained as Nurse- Anaesthetists e.g. the case of Kumaka District Hospital in Moruca. When they return there is no anaesthetic related work to be done. As such skills are lost. 11- There should be a clear policy at the national level for training of Nurse Anaesthetists and doctors. [Especially at GPHC]. Nurse-Anaesthetists (names supplied) FOR SALE Transported property with furnished liquor restaurant, 2 pools table, fridges & freezers, etc. Call Lovin: 2257796 200 Layer birds recently started laying. Call: 650-5676 or 645-5947 for more information. 1-4Cylinder, English Perkins with bearing block, already beded, in excellent condition. Call: 698-6796 WANTED A General Manager for a diamond mining operation. Attractive salary. Call 223-7165

From page 22

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 – C200- Call: 690-6840; 693-3340; 277-3033 One full size double bunk bed for sale- Call: 623-5533price negotiable Nissan Titan- Call: 696-5135 LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. PS3 with games & accessories. Call or whatsapp: 683-8386

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Iran tests more missiles, says capable of reaching Israel Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) test-fired two ballistic missiles yesterday that it said were designed to be able to hit Israel, defying U.S. criticism of similar tests carried out this week. State television showed footage of two Qadr missiles being launched from northern Iran which the IRGC said hit targets 1,400 km (870 miles) away. Tests on Tuesday drew a threat of new sanctions from the United States. “The reason we designed our missiles with a range of 2,000 km is to be able to hit our enemy the Zionist regime from a safe distance,” Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh was quoted as saying by the ISNA agency. The nearest point in Iran is around 1,000 km (621 miles) from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The Obama administration is aware of the latest tests, U.S. officials said. “Just as with the earlier reported test launches, we will look at these and take the appropriate response, both at the U.N. and unilaterally as appropriate,” said a senior administration official who did not want to be named. Iranian agencies said the missiles tested on Wednesday were stamped with the words “Israel should be wiped from the pages of history” in Hebrew, though the inscription could not be seen on any photographs. Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon told Israel Ra-

dio the tests showed Iran’s hostility had not changed since implementing a nuclear deal with world powers in January, despite President Hassan Rouhani’s overtures to the West. “To my regret there are some in the West who are misled by the honeyed words of part of the Iranian leadership while the other part continues to procure equipment and weaponry, to arm terrorist groups,” Yaalon said. The IRGC maintains dozens of short and mediumrange ballistic missiles, the largest stock in the Middle East. It says they are solely for defensive use with conventional, non-nuclear warheads. Tehran has denied U.S. accusations of acting “provocatively”, citing the long history of U.S. interventions in the Middle East and its own right to self-defense. INTERNAL RIFT The United States said it would raise Tuesday’s tests at the U.N. Security Council, where resolution 2231 calls on the Islamic Republic not to develop missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Washington also imposed sanctions against businesses and individuals in January over another missile test in October 2015. But the IRGC said it would not bow to pressure. “The more sanctions and pressure our enemies apply... the more we will develop our missile program,” Hajizadeh

A ballistic missile is launched and tested in an undisclosed location, Iran, in this handout photo released by the official website of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on March 8, 2016. (REUTERS/ SEPAHNEWS.COM/ HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

said on state television.The missile test underlined a rift in Iran between hardline factions opposed to normalizing relations with the West, and Rouhani’s relatively moderate government which is trying to attract foreign investment to Iran. Rouhani’s popularity has soared since the nuclear deal in January, under which Tehran won relief from international sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear research. The president’s allies made strong gains in recent elections to parliament and the body that will elect the next supreme leader. Foreign business delegations have since flocked to Tehran, but hardliners including senior IRGC commanders have warned that economic ties could strengthen Western influence and threaten the Islamic Republic. Some criticized a $27 billion deal between the government and Airbus to add 118 planes to its aging civilian fleet, saying the money should be used to create jobs locally. The Tasnim agency, which is close to the Guards, carried a photograph of reporters in front of the missile before launch. It quoted an IRGC officer as saying: “Some take photos with the French Airbus, but we take photos with native Iranian products”. Washington said Tuesday’s missile tests would not themselves violate the Iran nuclear deal.

Thursday March 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

Palace complains over report the Queen backs EU exit Buckingham Palace said it had launched an official complaint with Britain’s press watchdog yesterday over a newspaper report that Queen Elizabeth backs a British exit from the European Union, saying the monarch remains politically neutral. Under the front-page headline “Queen backs Brexit”, The Sun newspaper quoted unidentified sources as saying that Elizabeth had made her opposition to British membership of the EU clear on at least two occasions over the past decade. “The Queen remains politically neutral, as she has for 63 years,” the palace said in a statement. “We will not comment on spurious, anonymously sourced claims. The referendum is a matter for the British people to decide.” It said aides had taken the rare step of writing to the chairman of the Independent Press Standards Organisation to complain, citing a clause of the editors’ code of conduct relating to accuracy. Opinion polls show voters are divided over membership ahead of a June 23 referendum so even the perception that Elizabeth, who must remain above politics under Britain’s unwritten constitu-

tion, may favour an exit from the 28-member bloc could be damaging for the campaign to keep Britain in. The Sun, owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, said the queen had told then Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at a Windsor Castle lunch in 2011 that the EU was heading in the wrong direction. Clegg called the report nonsense. “I’ve no recollection of this happening & its not the sort of thing I would forget,” he said on Twitter. The newspaper, British’s best selling daily which has repeatedly criticised Britain’s

EU membership, also said the monarch told MPs at a separate meeting that she did not understand Europe.“The Sun stands by its story, provided by a very credible source,” a spokesman said in response to the palace denials. Less than a week before the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, Elizabeth said she hoped Scots would think carefully about the future, a comment which was interpreted as giving support to those seeking to preserve the United Kingdom.The queen is not the first royal to have been pulled into the increasingly febrile EU debate.

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Jamaica slow to put women in positions of political power, U.N. report says KINGSTON, Jamaica (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Jamaican women are largely cut off from positions of political power and need affirmative action as well as commitment from political parties to boost opportunities and train women for leadership, according to a United Nations report. Despite having had some prominent women leaders such as former Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, the Caribbean island falls short of its own target of having women in 30 percent of decision-making positions, said the report by the U.N. Development Program (UNDP). Women make up just 20 percent of Jamaica’s cabinet ministers, senators and mayors, it said. The 30 percent target was part of a national gender policy set out in 2011. Education among Jamaican women does not lag that of men, “yet in some areas in Jamaica we are still forced to ask, ‘Where are the women?’” said Elsie Laurence Chounoune, UNDP’s representative to Jamaica, at an event on Tuesday releasing the report in Kingston. “One of these areas is political representation,” she said. Women in political leadership help advocate for pay equity, just inheritance laws and maternity leave, the report said. While women often make up the majority

of party membership, they perform low-level jobs as field and election workers and campaigners that seldom translate into leadership positions, it said. Even after being elected to parliament, women struggle to take leadership positions. In the last Jamaican parliament, no committees were headed by women, it said. Parties trumpet the importance of gender equality but “shirk active commitment,” it said. The report recommended instituting a quota, rather than a target, of 30 percent of women in leadership positions. It also proposed political parties join in recruiting, training and financing women to run for office. It noted that an electoral observation mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) had flagged women’s underrepresentation as political nominees as problematic in the most recent elections. The report looked at Jamaica from 2010 to 2013 and did not include the recent elections on February 25, when the number of women in parliament rose to 17 percent from 13 percent. Jamaica still falls below the global average of 21.8 percent women in parliaments, the report said. Jamaica’s new Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, sworn in last week, appointed four women to his cabinet, the largest number in the nation’s history.

Thursday March 10, 2016

Noose Tightens Around Brazil’s Political Leadership

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff Following last week’s detaining of ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Tuesday’s 19-year jail sentence for one of the country’s biggest executives, Marcelo Odebrecht, the Petrobras investigation is starting to bear fruit. And it is a rotten harvest for sure. With Lula’s deposition still not answering a number of questions about personal assets, believed to be ill-gotten, President Dilma Rousseff has offered Lula a cabinet post in order to protect him with political impunity. So far, he is rejected the offer. To accept it would be an admission of guilt. The multi-billion dollar money laundering and political bribe scandals involving Petrobras goes back years. But not since 2014 has it begun taking a true toll on the

ruling Workers’ Party (PT), all of its political allies, and all of Petrobras’ key partners — including construction conglomerate Odebrecht. A tagteam effort led by the Federal Police and Curitiba-based judge Sergio Moro have become nothing short of Brazil’s own Justice League. And now the federales have the PT’s wagon’s surrounded. Lula’s testimony didn’t make him come off as an innocent man, despite the heavy-handedness in which the ex-president was brought in for questioning. Brazil’s politics have been consumed by Petrobras. Dilma is essentially a lame duck. Her vice president has denounced, Michel Temer, has denounced her. Temer’s own party, the PMDB, is loaded with villains. Eduardo Cunha, the party’s head of the lower

house of congress, is being investigated for a Swiss bank account he swore he never had. If the Supreme Court removes him from power, the bitter congressman said he will take down half of congress with him. PMDB Senate majority leader Renan Calheiras has six charges against him for receiving bribes and influence peddling. Former PT senator Delcidio Amaral told court investigators this week that both Dilma and Lula have impeded Petrobras investigations and, therefore, were aware of how Petrobras money was flowing in and out of the hands of party favourites. None of this bodes well for Dilma, whose inability to lead has been laid bare these last few months.(Forbes)

$16 million payout for Bahamas CLICO policyholders NASSAU, Bahamas — More than seven years after CLICO (Bahamas) Limited went into liquidation, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced on Monday that policyholders who are still current will begin to receive payouts before the end of the month. During his mid-year budget communication, Christie said cash payouts are estimated at $16 million. “The liquidator of CLICO has proposed and the government has agreed to a plan to make all existing policyholders whole,” he said. “This plan involves the creation of a special purpose vehicle to assume the insurance operations of CLICO and to pay out the policyholders who have been unable to receive the full payout of their benefit, subject to the policy not lapsing during the period

of liquidation.” Christie said under the plan, surrendered policies, death benefits, medical claims and staff pensions will be paid in full. He added, “Executive flexible premium annuities holders and surrendered pension policies will be settled in cash to a maximum of $10,000 per person, and the balance will be supported by seven-year promissory notes with interest at prime payable quarterly.” The prime minister said this represents another demonstration of a caring and compassionate government. During a press conference, opposition deputy leader and shadow minister of finance Peter Turnquest said the payouts are welcomed. “Will it be drawn from value-added tax (VAT) collection again as an unplanned and unbudgeted expense?” The policyholders have

been waiting to cash in on their policies since 2009. Christie acknowledged that many Bahamians have “grown impatient waiting for a resolution”. There were approximately 13,000 Bahamian policies when CLICO was liquidated. Shortly after, then Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham advised policyholders to continue to pay on their policies. Ingraham said the government would provide a $30 million guarantee to any entity that purchased CLICO. The guarantee was intended to allow for the transfer of the CLICO (Bahamas) policy portfolio to another life and health insurer, as no other underwriter would purchase the portfolio without it. But Christie said on Monday that plan did not guarantee that the policyholders would be made whole, but rather was to “serve as comfort to a potential purchaser”. (Nassau Guardian)

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Moruca women back pledge for parity on Int’l Women’s Day The women of Moruca, Region One, on Tuesday celebrated International Women’s Day 2016 with a good natured boisterous march through the main street from the Santa Rosa Ground to the “Extension” Centre. The march was led by Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, Valerie Garido-Lowe; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings; and specially invited guest, Minster of Public Communication, Cathy Hughes. More than 70 Moruca women assembled at the centre and listened to Toshao Sherwin Abrams speak about the high regard in which he holds women. He underscored the importance of motherhood and applauded the women’s group in Moruca for the effort they have expended to teach their compatriots about the advances made by women from Moruca and the rest of Guyana in al-

most every sphere of life, including politics. Minister Garido-Lowe, herself a product of this community, urged the numerous men present to do all they could to end the spate of domestic violence and promote respect for women, especially the youthful ones. A Peace Corps Volunteer attached to the nearby Kumaka Hospital used the opportunity to raise awareness about teenage pregnancy, family planning, menopause and the HPV virus that causes cervical cancer. The organizers entertained with dramatic sketches that examined the various reactions to domestic violence. Minister Cathy Hughes delivered the feature address. She was pleased to learn that the community is home to so many dynamic women. “One of the great things about women is our ability to transcend our differences and work towards the goal of na-

Highly regarded women of Moruca pose with the Ministers

tion building,” the Minister said, referring to several present and former Ministers of government and parliamentarians who continue to inter-

Thursday March 10, 2016 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Try to convince a good friend to take a holiday with you. If possible, rely on coworkers to back your objectives, and talk to superiors in order to get approval. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) You may find that your generosity has been taken for granted. Opportunities to show your worth will enhance your reputation and bring possible advancement. GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) Take care that arrangements to spend quality time together are made in advance. In-laws or older individuals may give you a bit of a hard time today. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Be ready to explain your actions. Your personal life will be under the gun and you may want to avoid the questions your lover is going to want to ask you.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) You will have no problem getting along with clients. You will enjoy physical activities more than you think. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Pleasure trips should be on your agenda. Your doubt could lead to insecurity. Avoid letting family get involved in your personal life. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Cultural activities open your eyes to new ways of doing things. If possible, rely on coworkers to back your objectives, and talk to superiors in order to get approval. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Don’t let relatives get the better of you. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you go out with friends. You will have problems with coworkers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Use discrimination and play hard to get. Your home environment may be volatile if precautions aren’t taken. Don’t get involved in other people’s problems.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Be sure to take care of the needs of your immediate loved ones first. They won’t pay you back and you’ll be upset.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Sit back. Romance will develop through work related activities. Things have been moving so quickly that you need to do something physical to release your tension.

PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You may get upset with peers or relatives. Those you live with may be experiencing problems. Your accomplishments could exceed your expectations if you mix a little business with pleasure.

act from different sides of the floor. She informed her audience that it was the United Nations in 1975 that set aside one day each year to honour the contributions of women everywhere who have contributed so much to global development. “Don’t ever underestimate the power of a woman … to effect change,” she stated, borrowing a popular call from Jamaican singer, Shaggy. She reminisced about a period not so long ago when the voices of women were ignored in the male-dominated world. “We women were not given our due but we didn’t give up. We stayed the course and today we stand proudly beside our male counterparts, glad that we can contribute to making our societies better”. Minister Hughes spoke about the many decades throughout which women worked and earned for their families and communities. In more recent times they have caught on to the benefits of the worldwide web. She spoke about the Rupununi Weavers, the group of women who made decorative hammocks from scratch, i.e. by preparing the raw materials before weaving. They had attracted customers all over the world via the internet. They learnt about fair trade and marketing also via the internet and today, returning Guyanese and visitors still come to Guyana hoping to acquire a Rupununi hammock. The highlight of the International Women’s Day observances in Moruca was the distribution of tokens of appreciation by Minister Dawn Hastings to three outstanding women: Retired teacher of Santa Rosa Parish School, Esther Campbell; long standing PTA Chairperson, Juanita Phillips and Leader of extracurricular activities for stu

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Young Warriors through to Memorex U-19 two innings semi finals David Eastman instrumental with match haul of 10 wickets

The winning YWCC team. Legspinner David Eastman spun webs around the Achievers batsmen with a ten wicket match haul to lead Young Warriors Cricket Club into the semi finals of the BCB/ Memorex Under-19 Two-innings Cricket Competition for teams in Berbice. He got support from Aaron

Beharry and Trevon Stanislaus in the bowling department and Sasenarine Sukhu, Stanislaus, Jarron France and Alex Algoo in the batting as they won by 38 runs at the Bush Lot Ground on the West Coast of Berbice. Batting first after winning the toss under clear blue

Bolt wants to thrill... From page 34 I really want it, so I’m just pushing myself, working hard and hopefully my coachwill give me the go ahead to compete very soon,” Bolt said. Mills again expects Bolt to dominate at the Games. “The preparation is going to be going right down to the

Olympics because he lost valuable time, but he’s back in training and we are pushing the envelope,” he said. “Usain is highly motivated and he’s a special athlete so we’re expecting that come the right time he’ll be able to go out there again and do his thing.”

Berbice Volleyball... From page 35 Canje Secondary, Tutorial Academy, Berbice High, Tagore Memorial and Vryman’s Erven secondary. The schools that did not

participate were not able to receive their package were Black Bush Secondary, Skeldon High and Winifred Gaskin Secondary. (Samuel Whyte)

skies; consistent batting from Berbice youth players Sukhu (64), Stanislaus (47), Jarron France (42) and Alex Algoo 31 saw Young Warriors posting a competitive 261 all out. Bowling for Achievers, Akeem Blackman and Joseph Nicholson took 3 wickets apiece. Achievers in reply could only muster 161 all out with the topscore of 58 coming from the bat of Titus Webster. He got support from Randy Wade (35) and Adrian Ramnarine 23. Eastman took 8 for 34 and Beharry 2 for 33. In their second turn at the crease, YWCC batted poorly and were bowled out for 104 with only Sukhu with 27 offering any resistance. Nicholson took 6 wickets and Blackman 4 for Achievers. Set a target of 206 for victory, Achievers threatened with a solid opening partnership of 89 between Wade (22) and the classy Ramrach (75). However, when they fell, so was the hope of Achievers who were eventually bundled out for 168. Stanislaus led the way with 5 for 30 and Beharry 3 for 25. YWCC will now play Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club in their semi final game at Cumberland on March 12 and 13 from 10:00am each day.

Thursday March 10, 2016

GMR&SC ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet...

Vieira working feverishly to be on grid March 20 Considered amongst the best race car drivers to come out of Guyana, before he took a brief haitus from racing, the speed machine by the name of Mark Vieira, though not willing to totally commit his participation at the upcoming March 20 ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet, told this newspaper via telephone yesterday that the team is working feverishly to be at the starting grid. The enigmatic racer, a former national champion speaking with Kaieteur Sport said that work on his Mazda RX8 monster, who has not raced in local competition for approximately two years, but competed in the Suzuki Series

in Barbados will be going up against the likes of the Jeffrey clan Kevin and reigning local and Caribbean champion Kristian, Irfaan Kalamadeen, the maestro Andrew King and the dangerous Danny Persaud in Group 4. Should the former master of the South Dakota Circuit take to the track motor racing fans and his own band of supporters should expect a ruthless display as he seeks to reclaim the dominance he once held over his rivals. Added incentive must be to be selected on the Guyana team to compete at the season opening Caribbean Motor Racing Championship in Jamaica.

Guyana is the defending overall champion and also holds the distinction of having the Group 4 champion so Vieira would most likely want to have his machine in perfect condition to do well for his native land. However, before that, he will have to qualify for his spot and this is where the thrill and excitement will be as he attempts to upstage his counterparts after a hiatus from the sport locally. Meanwhile, among the sponsors on board to date are GTT and Fly Jamaica and admission to the races is $1,000 for adults and $500 for children under the age of 12 years. Starting time is 09:30 hrs.

Thompson stars in Hibiscus victory Outstanding performances by Guyanese allrounder Akaze Thompson helped Hibiscus recorded victories in the Trinidad and Tobago female 50-over tournament recently. Playing at El Dorado West Secondary School ground, Thompson grabbed 4-9 off eight overs, while Allison Collis bagged 5-18 to send Jus United crashing for 39 of which Plaffiana Millington scored 15. Hibiscus responded with 40 without

loss. Rosalie Dolabaille made 18 and Rachel Vincent 13. Thompson then picked up 5-27 off nine overs as Hibiscus overcame Cricket Lovers by five wickets. Batting first, Cricket Lovers scored 100 all out. Jovanka Simone 13 and Jenelle Charles 12 were their principal scorers; Shanice Pascal took 3-9. Hibiscus responded with 101-5 with Thompson scoring 21 and Pascal 17. Selena O Neil claimed 2-34. Hibiscus beat Techno-

Strathaven/Cane Grove overcame Calcutta by 96 runs when the East Coast Cricket Committee/SPR Enterprise 40over tournament continued on Sunday. Playing at Strathaven, the home team posted 212 all out in 35 overs. Sewchand Budhu led with 75 (7x4,1x6), Zaki Salim made 45

(4x4,3x6) and Gobin Hemraj 23. Extras contributed 30 as Tenasnon Moore claimed 337 and Arthur Duke 2-24. Calcutta were bowled out for 116 in 13.1 overs in reply. Duke hit 61 (4x4,1x6) as Naresh Samaroo grabbed 5-29. Hemraj and Jermaine Tyndall had two each.

crats by one wicket. Technocrats batted first and scored 161 all out. Jodian Morgan struck 93 while Chedean Nation got 19; Rachel Dolebaille snared 4-25 and Thompson 314. Hibiscus responded with 162-9. Thompson cracked 43 and Dolabialle 14; Nation had 3-26 and Morgan 2-39.

Strathaven/Cane Grove triumph

Akaze Thompson

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Guyana through to quarters Leaders consolidate their standing IN LATEST GOLYN 10/10 ROUND of Junior U-19 International Lincoln Leander is the man of the day Badminton championships 2016 Guyana blast their way into the QuarterFinals at the 11 Peru Under-19 Junior International World Ranking Badminton Tournament held in Lima Peru at the Regatas Club Badminton Courts. Sunburst World Ranked Player and National Junior & Senior Champion of Guyana Narayan Ramdhani reached the Quarter Finals in Boys Singles by defeating Gabriel Urteaga Hammond: 21- 11, 21-14 and teamed up with No. 2 National Junior Player Jonathan Mangra to reach the Quarter Finals in Boys Doubles by defeating Mariano Novoa & Gustavo Alfredo Salazar: 21-17, 21-14. This is Narayan Ramdhani first International Tournament for 2016 after recovering

from a knee ligament injury he picked up at the Suriname Open International late November 2015 after executing a Jump Smash and landed on a slippery court. This caused his training to be slightly affected but he seems to be coping fine. The Tournament continued last evening with the players looking to get into Semi-Finals & the Medal Round. Jonathan Mangra lost his Singles match in the first round in thrilling three setter to Mariano Novoa: 17-21, 21-12, 18-21. The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) would like to thank the GOA, NSC, Yellow Mining and Bounty Farm for assisting the two players to attend this tournament.

Composed Smith guides Australia to series win

CAPE TOWN, (Reuters) – - Captain Steve Smith scored a breezy 44 to guide Australia to a six-wicket win over South Africa in the final Twenty20 International on Wednesday and a 2-1 series victory. After electing to bat, South Africa posted 178 for four in their 20 overs, boosted by a magnificent unbeaten 97 from Hashim Amla. Australia paced their reply perfectly, however, and profited from a fine opening stand of 76 between Shane Watson (42) and Usman Khawaja (33). Those two fell in a single Imran Tahir over, but any thoughts South Africa had of clawing their way back into the game evaporated as a composed Smith, whose runs came from just 26 balls, and David Warner (33) added 79 for the third wicket. Australia reached their target with four deliveries remaining, but never looked like falling short. They head off to India for the World Twenty20 where they open their campaign against New Zealand on March 18. Opener Amla proved the anchor for South Africa’s innings as he caressed an unbeaten 97 from 62 balls that included eight fours and four sixes. Quinton de Kock (25 from 13 balls) and David Miller (30 from 16) provided impetus, but the innings slowed when Faf du Plessis and Rilee Roussow, in for the rested AB de Villiers, took 28 balls to score a combined 20 runs. South Africa take on England in their first match of the World Twenty20, also on March 18. Scores: Australia 181 for 4 (Smith 44, Tahir 2-38) beat South Africa 178 for 4 (Amla 97*, Coulter-Nile 2-36) by six wickets.

Steven Smith takes a catch to dismiss Rilee Rossouw, South Africa v Australia, 3rd T20, Cape Town, March 9, 2016 ©Getty Images

The Golyn 10/10 Countrywide Softball cricket tournament organized by the Guyana Softball League and sponsored by Golyn and sons and Trophy Stall was completed with some exciting matches even though the favorites continued to stand atop of the points table in the latest round. The results of the matches are as follows: At Leonora Ground: Speedboat SC crushed Mighty Lions by 51 runs to remain unbeaten. Speedboat SC won the toss and batted scoring a challenging 134-7 in 10 overs (Shazim Hussain 42(6x6; 1x4) off 16 balls; Wazir Hussain 29(4x6; 1x4) off 8 balls. Manoj Persaud took 219 from 2 overs. In reply Mighty Lions were limited to 86-9 in 10 overs in the face of some accurate bowling with Nicholas Shivkumar 26(1x6; 1x4).Wazeer Hussain took 319 from 2 overs and he was supported by Sheldon Pearce who returned 3-25 from 2 overs. Superstreet XI upset Vipers XI by 19 runs. Superstreet XI were inserted and made 110-7 in their 10 overs with Boodram 45 not out (3x6; 4x4) off 18 balls to steer the innings. The wickets were shared with Vickash Totaram with 2-14 the best of the lot. Vipers XI in their turn seemed not to be themselves as they could only muster 917 in their 10 overs with (Assalam Zaman scoring 33(4x6; 1x4) off 12 balls being the only player to offer any resistance. Good Fortuin Exclusive XI scraped past Amazon Warriors XI by one wicket. Amazon Warriors XI won the toss and batted first and scored a challenging 101-3 in 10 overs with Feroze Rahaman scoring a blistering 59 which included 8x6s and 1x4 off 28 balls. In reply Exclusive found themselves at one time cruising at 76-3 in 7 overs but tight bowling by

Lincoln Leander on the go as he clobbered 73 last Sunday. Riaz Mohamed including a wicket in the eight over pegged them back having to get 11 off the last over. They made it difficult by losing a wicket and the incoming batsman missed two balls until a mighty six by Deodat Deoram loosened the shackles and deflated the opposition and ultimately achieved victory. The Exclusive side were indebted to Lennox Russell who stroked 40 (3x6; 2x4) off 18 balls to be the top scorer. West Coast Blazers (Master’s Team) humiliated Rydem Star XI by 59 runs. Blazers XI batted first and scored a below par score of 97 with Asif Saffie scoring 26 (2x6) off 8 balls to top score. Narees Hack, being responsible for the damage, took 4-11 from 2 overs. In reply Rydem Star couldn’t get into gear tumbling for 38 all out in 6.5 overs with Asif Saffie 3-11 and Shakir Ali 3-7 being unplayable and mesmerizing the batsmen. Kesho Beepat supported with 2-7 from one over. Unstoppable XI mauled Superbet XI by 87 runs. Unstoppable won the toss

and took first strike rattling up 157-8 in 10 overs with Lincoln Leander striking a composed 73 (9x6) off 23 balls. Chris Benaud took 2-35. In reply Superbet XI started brightly but lost their first wicket on 18 and it was all downhill after that as the others were never up for the fight. They were limited to 708 in their 10 overs with only Jimmy Gobin making 16 (2x6; 1x4) off 6 balls and was the third wicket to go down via the run out route. East Bank Zone: Brickery All Stars defeated East Bank XI by 18 runs. Brickery All Stars batted first and made 91 all out in 10 overs. Federick Wilkie top scored with 22. In their turn East Bank XI were limited to 73 all out with Federick Wilkie completing a good all round performance with 4-10 from 2 overs. Meanwhile, three players in Parsram Persaud, Vickash Totaram and Ricky Persaud moved onto the next round as they finished unbeaten in the one ball Manto which has a lot of prizes inclusive of a GShock watch, credit and trophies for the victors.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday March 10, 2016

Lakers build on Warriors Mackeson Mecca III Super Eight begins tomorrow win, beat - Three remaining Linden Magic clubs bounce into action By Edison Jefford

Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) and Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) chase down a loose ball during the first half of the game at Staples Center. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports) Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - D’Angelo Russell scored 27 points and Jordan Clarkson added 24 points, guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-98 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night at Staples Center. Julius Randle collected 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers (14-51), who won a second consecutive game for only the third time this season. Tuesday’s win comes on the heels of a rout Sunday of the Golden State Warriors. The Magic (27-36), who were coming off a 119-113 loss to the Warriors on Monday night, were led by Victor Oladipo’s 26 points. Evan Fournier chipped 23 points for Orlando, which lost its third straight. Lakers forward Kobe

Bryant sat out with a sore right shoulder. It marked the fourth time in the past six games Bryant was out of the lineup and the 14th game he missed this season. A strained right groin kept Magic center Nikola Vucevic out of for the second game in a row. Los Angeles turned a seven-point lead entering the fourth quarter into a doubledigit advantage and dictated for much of the period. Orlando closed within 9786 with 5:13 remaining in the contest on a jumper by Oladipo but got no closer until the final moments. The Magic led 51-45 at halftime before the Lakers took control in the third quarter. Los Angeles grabbed a 7969 lead after a 3-pointer by

Marcelo Huertas with 3:20 left, but the Magic cut the deficit to four on two free throws by C.J. Watson with 2:12 remaining. However, Los Angeles pushed the margin to 84-77 heading into the fourth quarter. Los Angeles outscored Orlando 39-26 in the third, which tied the highest output in a quarter this season for the Lakers. The Lakers shot 49.4 percent overall to 48.7 percent for the Magic. Los Angeles made nine of 26 (34.6 percent) from 3-point range, while Orlando made five of 18 (27.8 percent). Los Angeles had a 56-44 edge on points in the paint and also had a 19-8 advantage in second-chance points. The Lakers outrebounded the Magic 45-35.

Eight teams have survived a gruelling first round of the National Basketball Championships: The Mackeson Road to Mecca III, earning the right to bounce into the Super Eight Playoffs, which is set for tomorrow and Saturday nights at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. With just one scare, which came when they played Rockers from New Amsterdam last weekend, Victory Valley Royals will play the higher ranked Retrieve Raiders in the first quarterfinal game tomorrow night from 7pm. Royals was without their national shooting guard, Chris Williams and forward, Orlando Glasgow when they played Rockers in the first round; they will need both players against Retrieve Raiders – a team that is loaded with senior national players, including Dwayne Roberts, Marvin Hartman, Neil Marks, Jason Alonzo and recently minted national guard, Keon Cameron. Raiders, according to a Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) points system, overtook Half Mile Bulls for the number one spot following a recent win in Linden. Raiders are also ranked higher than Royals according to the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation. These made Royals the underdogs in tomorrow’s battle for a Final Four place. The second game features

Dwayne Roberts

Terron Welch

Randy Richardson

Travis Burnett a humdinger between two familiar foes; Pacesetters from Georgetown and Half Mile Bulls at 9pm. Pacesetters admitted that it have scores to settle from last year August when Bulls knocked them out of the Forbes Burnham Memorial Championship. Both teams had convincing first round wins, both scoring over 80 points and limiting oppositions to between 60-70 points. This reflects a robust offence and a balanced defence. Bulls will need to go one better to beat Pacesetters twice in as many meetings. Bulls’ offence revolves around guard, Terron Welch, who dropped 39 points in their initial game and forward, Michael Turner; the team needs to improve that twoman rotation to beat defending champions, Pacesetters

and its bevy of quality players. Pacesetters have asked senior guard, Travis Burnett to play a facilitating roll, which was evident in his nine assists that he dished last Sunday night while scoring just 12 points; the plan is clearly to unleash the two junior guards on its roster in an up-tempo formation. In addition, Pacesetters’ guard, Stephon Gillis, and forwards Royston Siland, Randy Richardson and Jermaine Hamilton will need containment. In that regard, Bulls’ Travin Dryden alone cannot do the work on the inside. Bulls need all horns against Pacesetters. All the games will feature halftime entertainment with models, cheerleaders and artistes that also includes giveaways for patrons. Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine has been the host. The winning team will pocket $500,000 while second place will go home with $250 000, third $150,000 and fourth $100 000 respectively.

Thursday March 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Black Sharks defeat Essential Supplies Inc supports Rose Hall Jammers KMTC Phagwah Race Meet

Action in the game between Blacks Sharks and RHT Jammers on Sunday. The Fyrish Black Sharks continued their dominance as they stretched their unbeaten run when the Anamayah Memorial Basketball first division tournament for teams in Berbice continued on Sunday with one game at the Rose Hall Basketball Court. Their latest opponents were the Rose Hall Jammers who lost 46-32. The Fyrish Black Sharks played an attacking brand of basketball despite being in their opponent’s territory. Despite the best efforts of the Jammers the Black Sharks were able to lead 11-9 at the end of the first quarter. The Jammers bounced back in the second segment as they settled down and took control and with home court advantage in their favour were able to hold the Black Sharks at bay and take the lead to end the first half at 23-20. The half time rest really re-energized the

Roving Black Sharks as they pounced upon their opponents, eating away at the lead to score 10 points to their opponents 3 for a 3026 advantage. By the start of the four quarter it was evident the Jammers found difficulty halting the rush pacy Black Shark, who outscored them 16-6 to seal the 46-32 win. For the Black Sharks Tafawa Daly led the way with 13 points and was supported by Linden Joseph 8 and Dessi Douglas 6. For the Rose Hall Town Jammers Delbert Hicks and Kevin Deolall scored 12 points each, with Ezekel Simon 7. The competition continues on Sunday at the Ithaca Basketball court with New Amsterdam Warriors opposing Hopetown Steelers from 16:00 hrs. The tournament is being organised by sports enthusiast Vibert Garrett. (Samuel Whyte)

Marketing/Sales and Distribution Manager Narendra Lucknauth (right) hands over the cheque to Justice Cecil Kennard recently. The Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) Phagwah Day Horse Race Meet received a timely boost recently when Essential Supplies Inc. baceme the latest entity to add its support to the event. The Meet is slated to be staged on March 13, at the Club’s Bush Lot Farm on the Corentyne in Berbice and according to a release six races are carded for the day

with the D1 & Lower with over $700,000 in prize money, being the feature race of the day. Acting on behalf of the donor was Marketing / Sales and Distribution Manager Narendra Lucknauth, who presented the cheque for an undisclosed sum to former Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Cecil Kennard. The list of races and prizes for the day is as follows:

(1)- L & Lower over 5 furlongs - $100,000 (2)- H1 & Lower over 6 furlongs - $240,000 (3)- K & Lower over 5 furlongs - $120,000 (4)- G1 & Lower over one mile - $280,000 (5)- D1 & Lower over one mile - $700,000 (6)- J1 & Lower over 6 furlongs - $160,000 Meanwhile, entries closed on March 6.

Hand-in-Hand on board with Young Warriors FUNDRAISER, MASH CUP 2016 ON MARCH 20

I

nsurance Giants Hand-InHand Insurance Company is the latest sponsor of the Young Warriors Cricket Club annual fundraiser, Mash Cup 2016. 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, Eshwarie Persaud, employee of the Mew Amsterdam Branch, said that her company is happy to once more be on board with this mega event particularly because proceeds from this event will go towards the further improvement of the lovely game of cricket. She added that the club continues to produce outstanding players with the latest being young batting star Shimron Hetmyer, who successfully led West Indies Under-19 team to World Cup glory in Bangladesh. Collecting the sponsorship cheque on behalf of the club, the senior national opener Shimron

Hetmyer thanked the company and said that sponsorship like these have made him what he is today. He encouraged other young and aspiring cricketers to work hard for there is lot to gain from being a successful cricketer. “Make sure that you also educate yourselves,” was the advice from the former Berbice High School student. In closing, Hetmyer pleaded to the Berbice community to support the insurance company who will in turn continue to support sports and other charities. The YWCC expressed thanks to 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, Altabh Khan of Silver Lining Establishment, Balram Shane and Office Express. This event will form part 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 first round will see: Canefield vs Gangaram, YWCC vs Seawell, Buski vs Canje Pathfinders, No 19 ‘A’ vs No 19 ‘B’, Betsy Ground vs Goed Bananen Land and 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 to entertain.

Hand-in-Hand employee Eshwarie Persaud (left), hands over the sponsorship cheque to YWCC, Guyana and West Indies youth batting sensation Shimron Hetmyer in the presence of Berbice Manager Tajpaul Adjhodea.

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Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel set March 23 for Russell hearing

Jamaica Observer - The Jamaica Observer has learnt that the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel has set a hearing for March 23 at an undisclosed location for Jamaica and West Indies cricketer Andre Russell to answer charges of a whereabouts rule violation. However, it is unlikely that Russell, who has not been provisionally suspended, will attend that initial hearing as he is slated to represent the West Indies in the March 8-April 3 ICC World Twenty20 in India. The West Indies are slated to oppose England on March 16 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai; then face Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, on March 20; before facing South Africa five days later at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur. They close out their Super 10 Group One schedule two days later against a qualifying team at the same venue. It emerged recently that the 27-year-old Russell had missed three anti-doping tests within a 12-month period, and last Friday the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) issued a statement that it had referred the matter to the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and was awaiting a date for the hearing. However, when contacted for a confirmation on the hearing date last evening, Carey Brown, executive director at JADCO, offered very little. “I can’t say,” was his response, despite the fact that the matter of the hearing is not a secret. Efforts to contact the secretariat of the Independent AntiDoping Disciplinary Panel, which operates out of the Office of the Prime Minister, proved futile. However, former Director of Public Prosecution Ken Pantry, who chairs the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel, told the Observer Tuesday evening that he was not aware of the date for the hearing, as he was not a member of the panel adjudicating on this particular matter. He directed the newspaper to the secretariat of the Independent AntiDoping Disciplinary Panel, indicating that the date for the hearing would not be a secret and should be released to the media upon request. Russell, who helped the West Indies to win the World Twenty20 back in 2012, faces a possible two-year ban from cricket if found guilty of the offence. On Saturday, West Indies Cricket Board President Dave Cameron made it clear that Russell was not suspended and will play at the World Twenty20.

Kaieteur News

Thursday March 10, 2016

Bolt wants to thrill at June’s Jamaican meet K I N G S T O N , JAMAICA (Reuters) Sixtimes Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt on Wednesday helped announce the inaugural Racers Grand Prix in Kingston set for June 11 and hinted he might produce a special performance on Jamaica soil. Bolt, the Jamaican world record holder in the 100 and 200 metres, will headline a strong field in the Rio Olympics run-up event that includes world 400m c h a m p i o n Wa y d e v a n Niekirk of South Africa and American 100m bronze medallist Tori Bowie. “The fact that I’ll be competing this year it’s a motivation to work even harder to make sure when I compete here, I will be in top form to run fast times to show the country that I’m

Usain Bolt of Jamaica smiles after running the anchor leg to win the men’s 4 x 100 metres relay final at the 15th IAAF Championships at the National Stadium in Beijing, China August 29, 2015. (REUTERS/KAI PFAFFENBACH) ready to go to Rio (Olympics) and do great things,” Bolt told Reuters. Bolt said it was a wellpositioned meet for most athletes because it is just before Olympic trials so they can go out and compete and know what they need to work

on. Glen Mills, chairman of the organising committee of the meet and the coach of Bolt and others at the Racers Track Club, said former world record holder Asafa Powell and 2012 Olympic sprint medallists Yohan Blake and Warren Weir were

ECB SHORTLISTS 18 FOR CGI T20 The Essequibo Cricket Board selectors have shortlisted an 18-man squad for possible selection on their franchise team for the upcoming Cricket Guyana Inc T20 tournament following two trial matches that was held on Saturday. The squad reads; Anthony Adams, Ronsford Beaton, Kevon Boodie, Raymond Reifer, Ricardo Adams, Kevin Gordon, Eaknauth Persaud, Neiland Cadogan, Suresh Persaud, Herry Greene, Rovindra Parsaram, Vijay Surujpaul, Avenash Persaud, Anthony Ifill, Royan Fredricks, Parmesh Parsotam and Omeshwar Hurilall. Meanwhile, Boodie XI overcame Anthony Adams XI by 17 runs in the first match that was held at Imam Bacchus ground. Batting first, Boodie XI managed 136-5 with Omeshwar Hurilall scoring 50 and Rovindra Parsaram 29; Suresh Persaud had 2-23. Adams XI responded with 119-5 in 20. Eaknauth Persaud struck 51 and Ryan

Adams 20; Herry Greene had 2-32. Adams XI defeated Vishwanauth Lall XI by eight wickets. Lall XI scored 103-8, taking first strike with

Lall scoring 23 before he retired hurt. Anthony Ifill took 2-6 and Anthony Adams 2-11. Adams XI replied with 104-2. Avenash Persaud slammed 63 and Adams 19.

among other athletes expected to compete. Mills said he hoped the event would grow into a circuit of eight or 10 meets in the North American Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) and had the support of NACAC president Victor Lopez. Meanwhile, Bolt is again setting his sights on dominating a third successive Olympics. “Training is going well you know, I’ve really stepped up the tempo,” he said. “I was out for a bit because of an ankle problem, but everything is going smoothly now. “I’m really focussed and (Continued on page 30)

Thursday March 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Golden Jaguars Captain back at Puerto Rico FC Focused on inspiring others as Pro Career continues By Franklin Wilson Golden Jaguars Senior Captain Christopher Nurse is now on the roster of Puerto Rico Football Club (PRFC) which competes in the North American Soccer League (NASL) and back to continue his career in a country which has been healthy hunting ground for the midfielder who won his first North American championship whilst representing Puerto Rico. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport about his return to PRFC, Nurse, who moved from the Carolina RailHawks FC another NASL club, said that as a youngster he never imagined that he would be able to motivate and inspire people

to be successful let alone being a role model for kids to aspire to. ”As I’ve grown older my focus is a lot less about what football can do for me individually, it’s about how I can use my gifts and talents and the game to give back and to help others. Of course I am a fierce competitor on the field and I want to win always.” Nurse who has described his return to PRFC as a project stated that it’s about is about winning and success but the Club owner also has a purpose for investing in this club. ”A purpose to give back and provide opportunity to give the kids and the people positive hopes and aspirations,” He noted.

Nurse also said that as he grows older, one of the most satisfying aspects of the game is being able to positively affect people’s lives whilst also bringing moments of hope and happiness to them. ”I don’t think most of my opponents will agree with that sentiment as I am known to be a tough tackler. But that is part of the joy of the game. That’s why this sport is so special. It is crazy to imagine the things that can be achieved on and off the field in the game of soccer. Just a round ball and a grass field can have such an impact on lives, communities and countries.” While Nurse is gratified that the Puerto Rico FC has signed him up to be part of

their special project and team, he posits that his first task is to be the best that he can be on the field. ”So there will be a lot of hard work, sacrifice and preparation because we will be hitting the ground running in July ready to make a statement. I won my first championship in North America here representing Puerto Rico and I want to win many more.” The Central midfielder, who has led Guyana to its best ever placing in World Cup Qualifying, said that his coach knows the league well and knows what to expect so they will be organized and well prepared. The 31 year-old Nurse also commented on this m o n t h e n d s M e n ’s

Christopher Nurse Caribbean Championship match against Puerto Rico in that country. ”In regards to Guyana facing Puerto Rico on March 29, they are not a nation to be underestimated. Despite the FIFA rankings of both countries it will be a game with a lot of heart and passion would be exhibited. The Puerto Rican players play with a lot of heart and this is always a dangerous weapon.” The Golden Jaguar also said that similar to many

Berbice Volleyball Association presents balls and equipment to school Positioning themselves as trailblazers, the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) continues to charter into untouched areas with success after success. After successfully completing a two day Secondary Schools Development Workshop for Physical Education and Sports teachers in collaboration with the Department of Education Region 6 Allied Arts Department, the BVA has moved a step further. The activity, which was held at the Port Mourant Training School Annex and Volleyball Court at Port Mourant Corentyne Berbice, saw 14 of the 17 schools invited in attendance. The BVA has now handed over a quantity of equipment, including Balls for training and playing purpose, nets, rules and scoring books and other literature to the department which was subsequently handed over to each school present. President of the BVA Levi Nedd did the honours with Physical Education and

Sports Officer in the Region and member of the National Sports Commission, Inga Henry, accepting on behalf of the Department of Education. The activity was held under the theme “KEEP THE BALL FLYING” which is the theme of the BVA. Henry in thanking Mr. Nedd and the BVA, stated that it, is part of the Ministry objective to reintegrate Physical Education and Sports back into the school system. She stated that she is very impressed with the work that the BVA is doing. The lauded the BVA for being the first on board and called upon other associations to take a page out of the BVA book and join with the Department of Education to get sports back into the school system. Nedd thanked Henry for g i v i n g t h e B VA t h e opportunity to impart the knowledge to the teachers and for work with the school system. Volleyball he said is part of him and he is always willing to assist in any way possible. The BVA plans to do intensive follow up with

BVA president Levi Nedd presents the Volleyball equipment to Inga Henry of the Ministry of Education in the presence of other officials. all the schools that participated. Liaison persons that include some national players have already been appointed to work along with each school. The programme is the first in a series of activities for PE and Sports teachers, it was also used to get the teachers better equipped to prepare the students are writing PE and the CXC level. The schools that participated were Skeldon Line Path, JC Chandisingh, Port Mourant Secondary, Berbice Educational Institute, Corentyne Comprehensive, Manchester Secondary, Lower Corentyne S e c o n d a r y, C e n t r a l Corentyne Secondary, New Amsterdam Multilateral, (Continued on page 30)

Caribbean nations, Puerto Rico is another sleeping giant capable of upsetting anyone. ”So despite rankings and perception they are not to be taken lightly whatsoever.” He concluded. Guyana has been drawn in Group 5 along with Anguilla whom they will play here on Tuesday March 22 before travelling to Puerto Rico for their date on the 29 . Anguilla will welcome the Puerto Ricans on March 26 . nd

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Mackeson Guyana through to Mecca III Super quarters of Junior U-19 Eight begins International Badminton tomorrow championships 2016 Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra (backing camera) battle Mariano Novoa & Gustavo Alfredo Salazar in the Doubles quarterfinals.

GMR&SC ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet

(FLASHBACK)- Former national champion Mark Vieira leads the filed in a race.

VIEIRA WORKING FEVERISHLY TO BE ON GRID MARCH 20 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