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Kaieteur News
Saturday March 12, 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
FLATTERING TO DECEIVE
In the run up to the 2015 elections the nation was convinced that there was rampant corruption. When the government changed the new coalition opted for a series of forensic audits primarily to ascertain the extent of irregularities.It has been almost nine months since the audits began. Some of the findings have been leaked to the media and indeed they made astonishing reading. Irregularities have been uncovered but sadly, the government has not moved to indict those found to be culpable. And the nation is becoming restless to the point of reaching the conclusion that all the talk of corruption was nothing more than just talk. We now hear that the authorities are going to have some experts look at the audit reports to make a determination on whether there are grounds for criminal prosecution in some if not all the cases. To the layman, this may sound hard to believe. If there is wrongdoing then prosecute. However, a few years back when he served as President, Bharrat Jagdeo reminded the nation that some of the evidence cannot be presented in court for prosecution. And indeed, such is the case in the public service that while something may not be by the book, or where someone carries out the instruction of his superior not recognizing that the instruction is irregular, then the question of prosecution becomes difficult. The Ministry or department is now left with only one option—termination of service. But even then the dismissed person would go to the courts and challenge the terminations. Some have prevailed and while the courts cannot insist on reinstatement, it can rule that the person be treated as if he requested early retirement and pensioned off. There are many cases where those persons terminated feel vindicated. Many pursue other employment and appear to be better off than when previously employed. Yet some of the findings of the audits have been most revealing. It took a simple probe to realize that a senior official of the Guyana Power and Light Company helped himself to almost $30 million without any authority. When contacted, this individual reportedly told the authorities that he would make restitution. Then he did what was expected; he fled the country with the full knowledge of the authorities. It was the same with the Head of the National Industrial, Commercial and Investment Limited (NICIL). The head of that organization, Winston Brassington, was cited for all manner of irregularities. When public pressure led the government to prosecute him, he too was allowed to flee the country. The GPL official was traced to Canada but when the arrest warrant went out for him he simply picked up his roots and moved to the United States where he remains hidden. There are others who are equally cited for irregularities but there is hardly any move to bring them to book. There is the view that state lands sold to private entrepreneurs under peculiar circumstances should be repossessed by the government is not prepared to challenge the buyers because of the political climate in this country. And so we come to the general statement that there are two sets of laws—one for the rich and the other for the poor and downtrodden. In other countries where the system of democracy is similar to Guyana’s elections only evoke changes in the political structure. The civil servants enjoy continuous tenure because their jobs are not linked to politics. If they are engaged in irregularities on the job there is no hesitation to prosecute them. This is what Guyana needs. It has not escaped notice that the coalition government has all but embraced those who should have been public servants but who opted for the role of the politicians. This should not be, but it suggests that the government is prepared to beyond one’s political leanings. Yet the public wants to see justice and fair play. It wants to see people pay for wrongs but the government is in no rush to oblige.
PARLIAMENT MUST NOT BE ADJOURNED FOR SO LONG DEAR EDITOR, Do Parliamentarian and the Speaker deserve a salary for April 2016? At its core, the “good life”, as promised, has a commitment to hard work and increase productivity as a roadmap to generating more wealth to improve the fortunes of all. But the operations of the National Assembly over the years, including the PPP years, beg the question - who must do the hard work and for whose benefit? Observing the last sitting of the National Assembly on March 10th, 2016, one was baffled that the motion of the House for the adjournment of the National Assembly until May 4th, 2016. That translates to no sitting of the National Assembly for part of March 2016, all of April 2016 and a few days in May 2016; a gap of 56 days. That is 56 days without a sitting of the full National Assembly which is supposed to be working harder and increase their productivity in light of the hefty salary increases all the Parliamentarians including the opposition, benefited from, before they have even proved themselves as able administrators. This is grossly unacceptable especially when the economic reality of Guyana clearly points to a crisis of confidence around the growth rate, a policy paralysis when it comes to driving the transformation of the
economy and the current lack of confidence in the system by the private sector. If one tallies the situation at one of the penal facilities – Camp Street, it has a population that is more than 30 percent over its established limit. Now this problem was created exclusively by the Rohee administration, I have no doubt about that, but the burden of the solution lies with the current government. An easy win to help this crisis situation of over population in the prison system is an important private members bill being proposed by MP Michael Carrington called the “Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control (Amendment) Bill 2015 – No 17 of 2015. But yet the House has no time for this vital piece of legislation that offers a real opportunity at quick wins for the Government. The moral question that this Bill seeks to answer is whether as a nation, we are prepared to continue to incarcerate our youths for a “spliff” for periods between 3- 5 years. Even the Presidents of the United States, Mr. Obama and Mr. Clinton had their “spliffs”, but rather than burying them in detention, their nation allowed them to test the “weed” by way of their youthful indiscretion. Member of Parliament Carrington must be commended for the foresight of trying to offer a real, timely and
appropriate solution of commuting the youths who get caught “doing a joint” to community services, rather than jail term. But with such a tangible solution in their hands, why did the leadership of the National Assembly run for the hills. This is nothing less than pure and absolute laziness on the part of the NationalAssembly. The action of the House goes against the grain of the public utterance of His Excellency President Granger who made it clear in a previous public discourse that “young people should be in school, not in jail. How should the Guyanese public read into this purposeful parliamentary sabbatical for 56 days? Is it only sugar workers, rice farmers, nurses, public servants and all other categories of workers expected to contribute to the good life? Where are the deliverables from the new government of Guyana? Where is the social justice? It is high time that Guyana’s political elite, adopt a more unrestricted vision so that we once again understand the pain of the working class so that more of our youths, especially our African youths can be afforded a real chance at a decent life outside of jail. The NationalAssembly must meet in April 2016 to consider the “Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control (Amendment) Bill 2015 – No 17 of 2015. Sean Douglas
THE MEDICAL SYSTEM HAS TO BE CAREFUL WITH WHO ADMINISTERS ANAESTHESIA
DEAR EDITOR, Please forgive any evident lack of basic comprehension on my part, but at the selfsame time please endeavor to assist in allaying my rising concerns. Kaieteur News. March 10, an article captioned “Bitter Complaints of the Nurse Anesthetists really stirred my conscious psyche. The quintessence of my inquiry centres around anaesthesia and its so called administration by Nurses. Correct any misguidance /assumption that may follow but currently in Guyana what form of anaesthesia is being administered by nurses? In the selfsame voice, with no allowance for the catching of breath, pray tell me whence, where, by whom and what form did the training for this medical speciality take? Granted nurse anaesthesiologyis nothing new, for in the United States, Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthesists (CRNA), have been providing anaesthesia cares for over a century and a half. However, this is where the pedal meets the metal, nurse anaesthesiology is a graduate prepared profession, and in addition to the nurse being a Registered Nurse, she / he must also complete a Master’s degree in anaesthesia. Of further essential importance candidates are strictly required to have completed or have 1 year of full time nursing experience in a medical or surgical ICU. The nurse must also be Board Certified in anaesthesia. Are our nurses being held to the same or almost the same level? Or are patients’ lives being placed at risk while
the Government searches for the main vein in which to administer the vital lifesaving serum. On a diversionary note, is there an absence of trained anaesthesists in Guyana? I mean the guys at the fully trained end of the spectrum, that is,doctors who have graduated from medical school, are fully registered medical practitioners, have completed Residency training and have applied and completed postgraduate training in the speciality called anaesthesia. Why should the Ministry of Public Service has as its mandate, the task of creating the position of Nurse Anaesthesists? An 8 year wait beggars description and smacks of professional disregard. Is there not a General Medical Council, that at best overseers quality assurance of anaesthesia, especially since the Nurse Anaeasthesist forms part of the Anaesthetic team? She is certainly a step up from a nurse having undergone a different discipline of training. Again to whom is the registered Nurse Anaesthesist accountable, once she has administered anaesthesia, and to this inquiry I ask what type of anaesthesia is she legally permitted to administer, irregardless of whether it is regional or local, better known as conduction anesthesia? Forget about the five year contract given to these nurses, but what further training, if any have these RNAs undergone? The plot thickens, while the clot sickens. . While I am in some degree of sympathy with the nurses in requesting their rights and deserves, I nevertheless
strongly feel that an issue of such major civic concern is being disregarded or lightly glossed over both by the government and the Minister of Health. To this end I am calling on both the President and the Minister of Health, Mr. G. Norton to investigate, instigate, abrogate remediate at the earliest opportunity thereby eliminating the possibility of “ had we known” being uttered. The nurse- anaesthesist is executing her skill/ expertise on citizens in public health institutions. Who speaks for these individuals? Perhaps it is timely to jog the memory as to what anaesthesia means and entails. It is an induced temporary state, with one or more of the following features— pain relief, muscle relaxation (conductive anaesthesia), memory loss (dissociative anaesthesia) and unconsciousness as in the case of general anaesthesia. For one moment let not the public be lulled into a sense of quasi anaesthesia, but it must be clearly stated that anaesthesia regardless of the type administered has its accompanying risks, some of which can be and are ultimately fatal. The clarion has sounded, loud and clear, far and near, town and country plane and train now it behooves the Government and all appropriate health agencies to wake up, shake up and take up this inquiry, not only seeing it through to fruition but putting in place appropriate training, qualified personnel, quality assurance measures etc., and time would tell if we have averted the death knell. Yvonne Sam.
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Kaieteur News
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DIRECT ADDRESS TO ANXIETY ABOUT THE LGE IN BARTICA MINISTER RAMJATTAN DEAR EDITOR, With seven days left to the holding of the long awaited Local Government Elections, which was denied to Guyanese by their leaders for the past twenty two years, GECOM is ready to go” full throttle”, Five Hundred observers on standby, political parties and independent groups on the battle field of campaign, who will be the real beneficiaries of this election? It supposed to be the people but thus far it doesn’t look so. How will the new communities that were declared for township status, namely, Barticain Region 7; Lethem in Region 9 and Mabaruma in Region 1 which was built on mining and largely depend on mining still, especially Bartica cope? Bartica is a thriving business hub with a population of approximately 15,000,
commerce will increase. Are we, the residents of Bartica, being robbed or denied an opportunity of being consulted by the Ministry of Communities. To the best of my knowledge, there has been no public consultation and there remains none to date with the two most important ministries, namely, Public Infrastructure and Communities. Bartica was built on mining and still depends on mining. The contesting parties and groups, in Bartica, have thus far, not rolled out or we are not hearing about an economic rescue or recovery plans to boost the economy of Bartica? Where are the economic plans of those seeking to be elected? Bartica is the gate way to the interior, with the potential of becoming, city number 2, in Guyana.
The battle is on in Bartica for LGE, but sadly, character assassination seems to be the focus and priority of contestants, rather than seeking to revive the economy of Bartica which remains in a coma after the falling gold price. There is no talk or plans of manufacturing centres or industries coming to Bartica to create employment, transforming one of two secondary schools into a sixth form secondary. When the price for gold sneezes, communities like Bartica, Maburama and Lethem which depends on mining, catch the cold. There is no talk or plans of diversifying or moving away from mining as a traditional means of income earner in Bartica. Sherwyn Delano Downer Bartica Resident
DEAR EDITOR, There have been a number of cases of Zika infections that are confirmed in Guyana. One would assume, that the actual number of persons infected would be in a greater number than those that are confirmed. The dangers that the Zika virus presents to the population is already widely known. Hence, my question is; “what is Guyana doing to prevent the spread of this disease? I am rather surprised at the little effort made by the Ministry of Public Health to curb the spread of this devastating disease. I am a resident of Corentyne/Berbice, and I have noticed that over the last two weeks, that the mosquito
population has risen sharply. Yet, there is no attempt by the Ministry to fog the area, to keep the mosquito population in check. Are we going to wait until a very large number of persons are affected / infected? Or is the Ministry only focusing on urban/town areas? If there is serious concern about the dangers of this virus, then certainly there would have been a more proactive approach in tackling the spread of Zika. I am not a medical doctor, but from my understanding, the only sure way of knowing whether someone is suffering from Zika infection, is by carrying out a blood test. Of recent, I am hearing a lot of persons claiming to be in-
fected by Zika with certainty. When asked, they say that when they visited medical doctors, they were told that they are infected with Zika virus, and they are then given corresponding treatment. While I agree that the symptoms might resemble Zika (or might actually be Zika infection), how can a medical doctor be certain of the patient’s condition without conducting any blood test? I therefore believe some medical doctors may be using the situation to their advantage. As such, every public hospital should be equipped to conduct tests on patients to determine if they are actually infected by the virus. Muhamad N. Hussain
DEAR EDITOR, These days with the passage of time, we tend to forget and ignore the gallant men and women, who are part of the making of our Guyana. I learnt of the passing of one of our sons, Mr. Weihgan Young in Florida, USA and I thought it prudent in this year of our Golden Jubilee to re-
call his work as City Engineer at Independence. He came from a line of Illustrious Guyanese, many of them from Buxton. Mr. Young was intimately involved in the engineering works for our Independence Arch. As we go pass Independence Arch, let us remember
Weihgan, who lived long enough to learn of its restoration last year. This Arch was recently restored at the instance of President Granger and his new Government, after being ignored and turned to ruin for over two decades. May his soul Rest in Peace. Hamilton Green
DEAR EDITOR, I write to you in response to your article published on the 8th. March 2016, titled ‘New prison out of the question at this time - Ramjattan.’ Not only may a new prison be out of the question at this time as Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan states, I would argue more to the point that a new prison is not the answer to the problems we currently face. Why build a new prison when you can’t effectively run the ones you already have? Mr. Ramjattan, what is needed is the absolute necessity that you ensure that the constitutional rights of the prisoners are fully met at all times. Basic human rights are being breached throughout the entire justice system. There are innocent people in prison as we speak. Also, there are people serving longer sentences than fit their crime. These should be areas of concern for Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan. Also, regulations need to be implemented allow-
ing trials to be carried out more efficiently. At the very least, there should be sufficient evidence before charging an individual with a crime. It may do Mr. Ramjattan some good to focus on his job of being the Minister responsible for public security, rather than worrying about the media or the likes of the “chattering class” and what they might have to say. Mr. Ramjattan, you are responsible for public security and should work in the best interest of your Ministry and at whatever cost as public security remains priority in any government and thus, costs need to be met accordingly. For Guyana to be able to enforce any type of positive change, it is of absolute necessity that the entire justice system is cleaned up. Mr. Ramjattan’s rather pessimistic mood will not help in finding the solution. We need positive and definitive leadership. You need to step up and do your job Mr.
Ramjattan, and stop looking for excuses. We need to fix problems on Guyana. Problems such as the high unemployment rate. Lack of job opportunities is no doubt a factor in why some young people end up in prison. What about single parents? How can they afford to feed their children? How will we find ourselves in a better financial position to build a new prison, should we in fact need a new one? Mr. Ramjattan, my advice to you would be to sort out the existing problems which face our justice system. Make sure prisoners are given their constitutional rights at all times. Stop worrying about what you cannot do because of what you think the media or the “chattering class” may have to say and do your job in a positive and definitive manner serving in the best interests of the people of Guyana. Dale Shaka Kalamazad
Rising mosquito population is a threat to Berbice To Eric Phillips I say;
A man who is part of our contemporary Guyana
I am an investor
DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter written by Eric Phillips published in Stabroek News on the 8th day of March, 2016, under the caption “Where will the users of the proposed Church Street Casino park”. Mr. Phillips raises a number of legal issues and requirements which he opines that I need to satisfy. I wish, first, to thank Mr. Phillips for his deep and abiding concerns, and I wish to assure him that whatever legal requirements I am required to meet in any of my business endeavours, I will do so. He does not need, therefore, to worry about my obligations. Mr. Phillips makes reference to the Marriott Hotel and attempts to draw certain inferences. The Marriot Hotel has no connections to me and should not have any bearing whatsoever to me or any investments of mine. Mr. Phillips next ponders from where I will get parking facilities for my business. T hat is my problem not Mr. Phillips’. Again, I wish to assure Mr. Phillips that in secur-
ing parking, I will not offend any laws or deprive anyone of any of their legal entitlements. He inquires of me who signed the MOU on behalf of the Government. It is not my place to disclose such information. That information can be requested from the Government. Mr. Phillips argues that there is no casino in the City of New York. This, without more, demonstrates how far removed Mr. Phillips is from reality. To the Eric Phillips of this world, I say without hesitation that I will continue to
invest in my country and I will continue to create jobs for my people as I try in my own humble way to better myself and to advance the welfare of my fellow citizens and indeed, my country. I do it without pomp and fanfare; I do it without appealing to the basal instincts of the human animal; I do it without exploiting existing cleavages amongst my people; I do it with a hope to unite; I do it with sincerity; I do it my way and I will continue to do it that way. Clifton Bacchus
DEAR EDITOR; Banks DIH Limited wishes to clear the air on an article published in the Kaieteur News on March 8th, 2016 “Banks DIH employee must do community service or go to jail”. Please be advised that Mr. Joel Fabian whose name appears in the article charged
for the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking is not employed by Banks DIH Limited. The Company is hereby requesting that this be known to the public. Troy H. Peters Communications Manager
This man is not an employee of Banks DIH
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GGDMA unhappy with gold smuggling figures Government has assured miners that there is no restriction on the importation of trucks older than eight years. The disclosures were made recently when the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’Association (GGDMA) met with Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman and Minister within the Ministry, Simona Broomes. According to the association yesterday, the issue of restriction of trucks was raised with the Ministers. During his presentation of the 2016 National Budget in January, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, announced that Government was moving to restrict the import of vehicles that are older than eight years old. During the recent meeting, the Ministers assured that once the vehicles are to be utilized in the mining industry (including the Model M and Model T trucks), there will be no restrictions. Additionally, GGDMA said, it was advised that a committee has been convened and tasked with identifying lands for allocation exclusively to small scale miners in each mining district. The committee is expected to conclude its work in a couple of months. Small miners have been complaining about not having access to lands with the majority in the hands of large operators. The topic of gold smuggling was also discussed at length and the association said that it reminded the Ministry that it remains firmly against smuggling. “Gold smuggling is unacceptable. It robs the industry
…Committee appointed to identify lands for small miners
GGDMA members meeting with Ministers Raphael Trotman and Simona Broomes recently. of its true revenue position and deprives Guyanese and state of its resources. We call on the government to continue tightening all avenues, especially our ports of exit and entry and other porous areas on our borders, to rid us of this scourge and the negative publicity that it has brought our industry.” GGDMA said it does not in any way or fashion condone smuggling and has always been reminding miners to sell their gold only to licenced dealers. “We applaud the works being done by the government to stamp out smuggling. Smuggling not only affects the revenue collected by the state and as such, national development; it also has the
damning effect of all miners, who are often painted with the same bad brush.” The association insisted that the majority of miners are not involved in smuggling and are focused on self and national development. “While we agree that smuggling is taking place, the
figure being touted of 15,000 ounces per week is ridiculous, at least. It is very difficult for us to fathom that 15,000 ounces are being smuggled out of the country on a weekly basis as this amount equates to over 770,000 ounces per annum, this would be approximately double the
average annual yearly declarations over the last few years.” The association is hoping that over time more details are made available about these numbers so that clarity can be acquired regarding the origin of these numbers. “Despite this discrepancy, the association remains
steadfast, in that, not even one ounce should be smuggled.” Gold miners have been becoming a stronger vocal group in the country over the last few years as world prices for the metal reached record levels. Gold has regained its lead as the biggest foreign currency earner for the country.
By: Romila Boodram
nant. The examination also showed that the woman died as a result of poison. Her relatives were only aware that the young woman was pregnant when Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh, conducted the examination and revealed his findings to them yesterday. The woman’s stomach content was handed over to the police and a toxicology test will be done. Reports are that Raggernauth, in an attempt to conceal her pregnancy from her parents, used a syringe that contained the poisonous
substance and injected her abdomen at the farm last Monday. However, when she started to vomit, she was rushed to a private hospital and was later transferred to the GPHC where she was hospitalized for two days until she succumbed. This newspaper understands that even while the 30year-old woman was hospitalized, her relatives had no idea what she was being treated for and assumed that she was having severe abdominal pain. A very reliable source told this newspaper that before the woman died, she confided in a doctor. “She told the doctor that she took one of the syringes with poison that was on the farm and injected her abdomen,” the source said. While she did not state the reason for her act, this publication understands that
Raggernauth and a married man were sharing a relationship. However, the individual subsequently went back to his wife, leaving the now dead woman without a choice. When this newspaper visited the farm yesterday, an employee there said that Liloutie Raggernauth went into work early on March 7, last, and appeared depressed. It was some time after noon that she started vomiting continuously and crying out for abdominal pain. One of her friends contacted her daughter and she was taken to a private hospital and then rushed to GPHC. “Her family knows nothing about what transpired. I guess she was trying to hide the pregnancy and thought that the poison would kill only the unborn baby,” a source explained.
Woman injects abdomen with gramoxone to abort fetus
A supervisor attached to a poultry farm at Hill Foot up the Soesdyke/Linden Highway died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Thursday after she reportedly injected herself with gramoxone in an attempt to abort her unborn child. A Post Mortem examination performed on the remains of Liloutie Raggernauth, called Reshma, of Lot 5 Eccles; East Bank Demerara (EBD) revealed that the 30year-old woman was preg-
Saturday March 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
Syria opposition to attend Geneva peace talks
Damage after an air strike on the rebel held al-Saliheen district in Aleppo, Syria (Reuters/Abdalrhman Ismail ) (Reuters) - Syria’s main opposition group said it would attend peace talks on Monday but accused the government of President Bashar al-Assad of preparing to escalate the war to strengthen its negotiating position. The U.N.-brokered talks, which coincide with the fifth anniversary of the conflict, will take place in Geneva two weeks after the start of a ceasefire agreement. The truce deal has reduced violence although not halted the fighting, with further hostilities reported in western Syria yesterday, and as battles against Islamic State raged further east. The High Negotiations Committee said yesterday it would attend the peace talks as part of its “commitment to international efforts to stop the spilling of Syrian blood and find a political solution”. But it played down any chance of reaching agreement with the Syrian government to end the war that has killed more than 250,000 people and led to a refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe. Russia said it expected its ally Syria to attend, although Damascus has yet to publicly confirm it will do so. The Syrian foreign minister is expected to announce his government’s position on the talks today. Peace talks convened two years ago collapsed because the sides were unable to agree an agenda: Damascus wanted a focus on fighting terrorism, the term it uses for the rebellion, while the opposition wanted to discuss a transitional government. A senior adviser to
Assad, Bouthaina Shaaban, said yesterday Russia had done more to fight terrorism in Syria than the United States and its allies, according to a BBC interview cited by state news agency SANA. The latest talks are intended to focus on future political arrangements in Syria, a new constitution and elections, U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura said. The opposition HNC said it wanted the talks to concentrate on the establishment of an interim governing body with full executive powers. HNC coordinator Riad Hijab said the group was “concerned with representing the just cause of the Syrian people ... and investing in all available chances to alleviate the Syrian people’s suffering”. “We know that they (the government) are committing crimes, and that they are preparing an air and ground escalation in the coming period,” he said, without elaborating. HNC spokesman Salim alMuslat said they expected a government escalation with the aim of strengthening Damascus’s position at the negotiating table. “I believe this is a strategy,” he said. “FAILING PROJECT” A prominent Syrian dissident who is not part of the Saudi-backed HNC, Haytham Manna, said he would stay away from the talks, which he regarded as a “failing project”. Manna, co-leader of the Syrian Democratic Council that includes Kurdish members, boycotted the last round of talks because the Kurds were not included.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said however that de Mistura should this time include representatives of Kurdish groups, which have been fighting in Syria. Kurdish groups such as the PYD party and its affiliated YPG militia have not been invited so far. Regional power Turkey does not want them in Geneva and views the YPG as a terrorist group. Russia says the Kurds are a legitimate part of a future Syria, and should be at the table. There has been speculation that they will be included in the coming round. De Mistura says he has not expanded the list of invitees, but the talks’ format gives him flexibility to consult whomever he wants. PYD co-chair Saleh Muslim said Kurds should be included for any political settlement to work. The cessation of hostilities agreement which came into force on Feb. 27 does not include the two main jihadist groups, Islamic State and the Nusra Front. A source close to the government said the Syrian army, backed b y R u s s i a n a i r strikes, is aiming to capture the historic city of Palmyra from Islamic State and open a road to the eastern province of Deir al-Zor, where the jihadists are also established. The Russian air force has hit Palmyra with dozens of air strikes since Wednesday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group. Syrian government forces were on Friday battling Islamic State 7 km (4 miles) from the ancient site that fell to the jihadists last May.
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GUYANA IS NOT READY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS Local government elections are being held for the first time in over twenty-two years. Yet there seems a lack of excitement about these elections and this lack of interest was best exemplified this past week by the poor turnout of voters from the police, the army, the prison service and the fire service. The low voter turnout of the Disciplined Forces for local government elections should not come as a surprise. This was predictable considering the confusion that exists over these elections. People simply do not understand enough the system that is being used in the elections. They are seeing the ballot paper divided into two sections but they have not yet fully grasped the nature of the
system that is being used. A second and major problem is the fact that many people do not know just who they should be voting for. They do not know who is standing in their area. This is particularly true for the independent candidates. A third problem is that some constituencies are too large. Take for example in Georgetown. There is one constituency covering Kingston, Thomas Lands, Alberttown and Queenstown. This makes a farce of the system of direct representation. How can someone in Kingston, represent someone in Alberttown and Queenstown? This problem is replicated throughout the country. It makes a mockery of the need to have persons
Dem boys seh...
Babbie get everything free When dem boys buss de sweetheart deal fuh de Learning Channel, Priya, that scamp, and Seeta, another crook, call a press conference. And dem boys ain’t talking bout Moses wife. She is a good gyal. At de press conference Priya and Seeta seh how nobody else capable of broadcasting de Learning Channel. Dem seh only Babbie, Jagdeo best friend, had de equipment up and ready like de Viagra and Kamagra Jagdeo and Babbie does use. Dem two gyal was lying through dem rotten teeth. What dem didn’t tell de nation was that Hen See Hen did buy de equipment but dem hide it away. Dem boys hear Jagdeo give labba lip Kwame instructions to hide it behind some garage in Hen See Hen building. That was a deliberate act to full Babbie pocket wid a hefty monthly money. In all he end up wid $225 million that pay fuh he equipment, he TV, he newspaper plus he radio stations. That is wha some people does call profit. Dem boys does call it wholesale thief. That is why dem boys come to de conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to be left to de politicians. And if you think de Learning Channel deal bad, Soulja Bai and Nuttin should start an investigation into de drugs deal. And dem boys ain’t talking bout cocaine or ganja. Then dem boys hear Brassington, de brightest man in Guyana, according to Donald Dumb, and Jagdeo de most crooked man on Earth, according to everybody, sell out de 20 percent shares Guyana had in GT&T. That same telephone company use to bring in at least US$2M without even spitting on de ground. Dem two scamps sell de shares fuh US$30M and now de people don’t want to pay wha dem owe. But de story nah done deh. Dem boys seh you got to see de contract signed by Brassington, Jagdeo and de Datang Company. Dem boys hear de contract is de most wicked and disgusting deal. It is disrespectful and borders on criminality. Talk half and wonder if Soulja Bai and Moses fall in a coma.
who are known and close to their constituents. Georgetown was designed as a system of wards. These wards are natural formations. Each ward should have constituted a constituency. Persons are being nominated to represent areas in which the people do not know them, do not care to know them and will never get to fully know them. These problems had been foreseen by the People’s Progressive Party. They were reluctant to hold local government elections for the same reason. They had said that there needs to be a detailed and extended system of voter education before they would have agreed to local government elections. Most people thought that the PPP was simply making an excuse to avoid holding the elections. And perhaps they were making an excuse. Perhaps the PPP was indeed afraid that if they underperformed at local government elections, the then
opposition would have forced snap elections and would have defeated the PPP. But the excuse given was a valid excuse. There was a system of public education launched. But that system has concentrated on informing the public as to what the two parts of the ballot paper are about and the importance of local government elections. The big shortcoming was about informing the public as to the boundaries of the constituencies. The people in Alberttown and Queenstown, for example, are voting for persons who in most instances live outside of their area. In other words what is likely to happen is that people are going to vote once again along party lines rather than being able to identify with a representative whom they know. The independent groups are being shortchanged. They do not have the resources to make their candidates known. Some of them
have been using social media and the Stabroek News has been trying to give some coverage but these independent groups cannot all afford to hold rallies and to go on a massive PR blitz as the major parties are doing. The smaller groups are disadvantaged. In the 1994 local government elections, the PNC, smarting from their defeat in 1992 at the general and regional elections had actually formed independent groups in many areas. The PNC recognized the damage that their twenty-eight-year rule had done to the image of their party and were seeking to reinvent itself by moving towards these new groups. It did work in many areas because people saw these groups as PNC groups. This is not the case this time around. The independent groups are not satellites of the main parties. They are independent parties seeking to be engaged politically but they
do not have the financial resources to get their message across. Consideration should have been given to providing media coverage for these persons or some form of financial assistance to them. The real fear now is that with the low voter turnout of the Disciplined Services that the elections will again turn out to be a two-party race. That would be a tragedy and a travesty. The Americans will be disappointed if this happens. Their agenda is to break ethnic voting in Guyana by encouraging a system of political pluralism whereby there are many parties and many local groups contesting elections. Guyana is not ready for these local government elections. The PPP has been proven right again and this time for the wrong reasons.
major cities in the continental United States, Canadian and European cities. . “With the infrastructure, experience and expertise of Travelspan, ONE GUYANA AIR and EASTERN AIR LINES are committed to providing our customers with a
superior quality of service and wish to assure the travelling public we’ll do our utmost to ensure their comfort, safety and a hassle free travel experience,” Persaud stressed. One Guyana Air vision is to work very closely with all the relevant Government authorities and regulatory bodies in the industry to be considered the Guyana’s National Flag Carrier. (sflcn.com)
New air service between Miami, Guyana
MIAMI – Guyanese in Florida and other US states now have an additional option in airline travel to Guyana for the Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations in May. One Guyana Air Travel in collaboration with Eastern Air Lines will offer nonstop flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana on May 20, returning on May 31st to celebrate Guyana’s 50th anniversary, with twice weekly service from July 1 through September 11, 2016. Due to the overwhelming demand for passenger air transport to Guyana for the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations, One Guyana Air Travel through TRAVELSPAN and other travel companies will collaborate to meet the demand of the travelling public who are excited to be a part of this his-
toric occasion or just visiting family and friends. Sales and Marketing Director, Chaitram Persaud, at One Guyana Air, says, “We are very happy that we can provide airlift to Guyanese who wish to travel for this special celebrations, have the opportunity to do so. One Guyana Air already has its US DOT Approval for flight operations, and has submitted its application to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. I can assure passengers that this will be a reliable, affordable, convenient and safe service.” The departure and arrival times to and from Miami have been planned to facilitate convenient connections for passengers travelling from other
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Kaieteur News
Saturday March 12, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Crum Ewing’s death anniversary: Painful image This week marked the death anniversary of Courtney Crum-wing. To be precise, it was on Thursday. I do not have membership in any political party. I do not belong to any political party so I could not have made a request to any of the three main political parties - PNC, AFC, WPA - to hold an anniversary event. I hold membership in one organization only, of which I am a founding member. It is named 1823 Coalition for Parade Ground. This entity’s main existence revolves around the advocacy of the Parade Ground to be landscaped to hold a monument to honour the slaves who rebelled in that
year. Many of them were hanged on Parade Ground. This group should have held a day of activities for Courtney. Is it too late? Can my group still do it? Can the PNC or the AFC or WPA do it? Can ACDA do it? It should be done. It will need days of preparation so next week it can be held. I don’t have a design for the shape of the event but I would not be comforted with a symposium. That is too banal and we have seen too many such formats. The event lasts for two hours. Speaker after speaker delivers. Then there is a period for questioning. Haven’t we seen such a format too many times the past
umpteen years? Some suggestions I have include the selection of a high school and senior leaders of the PNC, AFC, WPA, ACDA, to address those students on the need to fight for democracy as an ongoing project in life; the holding of an outdoor concert where political poetry and political songs are rendered; a whole day vigil moving around the city, especially the Stabroek Market Square. Whatever the format, there must be a day of activities on this the first year anniversary of the assassination of Courtney Crum-Ewing. I just felt numb inside when the news was broken to me that he was shot dead. But it
is the image of his dead body that will haunt me for the rest of my life He was lying dead on the road with his bullhorn right next to him. That was painful. That was hard to take; that was very hurting. His weapon was next to his lifeless body; the weapon of a loud speaker. The message was so graphic – tyrannical men fear the spoken and written word more than the sword. I do not think Courtney’s death would have penetrated my psyche so much if he was murdered through a conspiracy to run him off the road, or a lash to the body or attack by a gang. There would have been the usual outpouring of rage but it is my deep belief that the murder in the circumstances of Courtney using his voice to send a message of consciousness to the people of his country is an unbearable image To see that photograph of an activist shot dead on the street and knowing it could have been you because you
faced so many instances of vicious attacks yourself, is something that will remain with you for the rest of your life. One can say that many of us were saved by the bell. The people who conspired to assassinate Courtney lost power months after Courtney was gunned down. We were saved in the nick of time. I honestly cling to the opinion most inflexible that the PPP returned to power, many of us would have joined Courtney in the castle of death. My mind goes towards Glenn Lall. I would contend most vehemently that if there wasn’t the kind of election results we got in May 2015; Glenn Lall would have been selected for physical elimination. Other names I figure that would have been on the list were those in the AFC who because of their appeal to East Indians would have enraged the tyrannical leaders who would have been reelected. When one really looks at it, many of us were saved just in time I shudder
Frederick Kissoon to contemplate the level of state violence that would have gripped this country if the PPP did not lose power. Think of how frightening it was in the period in which Courtney lost his life. This man had no long, sustained political praxis. He rose to national admiration for a monthlong one-man picket against Anil Nandlall’s office at the AttorneyGeneral’s Ministry. Yet he was so viciously murdered. What would have become of the fiercest critics and activists? Rest in peace Courtney? I was ashamed to be Guyanese on the day they took your life away.
Saturday March 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 11
No value for money when Opposition MPs ‘cuss down’ Ramjattan fires back…
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has fired back at the political opposition which recently criticized the Government for calling a sitting of the House on Thursday to deal with just a few matters that were not urgent. The Opposition was contending that the Government could have waited until it had more on its legislative agenda. Members of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) indicated that since the Government failed to exercise good judgment , the Thursday sitting of the House boiled down to a waste of taxpayers’ money. It was emphasized that each sitting costs about $1M and that taxpayers certainly aren’t paying for their leaders to just deal with three to four issues within 45 minutes and “cut and run.” The political opposition emphasized that this is not value for money. Specifically, Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira told the media that that sitting of the House was just “an absurdity.” But Ramjattan found it ridiculous that the PPP sought to criticize the coalition Government for the sitting only
lasting about 45 minutes. Ramjattan told Kaieteur News that he is surprised that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic actually has the audacity to condemn the Government for having a sitting of the National Assembly to address two and three issues when it is guilty of the same. “When they have Opposition Day, it is basically the same thing they do so I don’t know what they talking about,” he retorted. More importantly, the Member of Parliament said that the Opposition, particularly its Chief Whip , Gail Teixeira, should be aware of the fact that when PPP members behave in an unparliamentarily manner, that in itself can be characterized as cheating the nation. He said, “Teixeira and I have two different interpretations when it comes to value for money. She is saying that taxpayers are not getting value for money when we just bring three and four items at one sitting. “Well, I don’t agree with that nonsense. I guess she does not know that it is not
Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan
value for money when the opposition comes to every sitting with their disgusting, cuss down politics and go on bad for all to see. “I guess she doesn’t know that taxpayers are not paying their money to see her disrespect the House Speaker constantly.” The Minister of Public Security said that the Opposition should be the last to even speak about value for money considering its hor-
More satellite centres for training hinterland teachers Additional satellite centres will be established this year to increase the number of trained teachers in the hinterland and riverain areas. Training centres will be set up at Kwakwani, Region Ten; Kamarang, Region Seven; Moraikobai, Region Five and Charity, Region Two. The establishment of the centres, catered for in budget 2016, will bring the total number to 17. The creation of these institutions has enabled
teachers to access training right in their region. Another spin-off benefit from this initiative is that after training, the teachers are able to serve their own regions. The Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), the premier institution for training teachers, has satellite training centres in eight of the 10 Administrative Regions. Student teachers are benefitting from training at the centres in Region One, at Port Kaituma,
Moruca and Mabaruma; in Region Eight at Mahdia, and Region Nine, at Annai, Aishalton and Lethem. The CPCE will as well make the necessary interventions to expand the Trained Teachers’ Certificate programme to Kato, and Parakamatoi in Region Eight. Meanwhile 415 new teachers will be trained and deployed into the education system this year. Last year, the CPCE had its largest intakeapproximately 751 trainees.
UG student gets $75,000 bail A third year student of the University Guyana currently studying Engineering was yesterday placed on $75,000 bail, after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, to answer a charge of malicious wounding. Orin Wilson, 41, on December 3, last, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Carvel Profitt at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Wilson lives at 160 Cornelius Avenue, South Ruimveldt Georgetown. He is a single parent of two children, ages 16 and three. The prosecution objected to bail stating that the virtual complainant and the defendant lives in the same house. The upper flat of the building has two rooms which they both occupy separately. The Prosecutor’s file wasn’t complete and Wilson was placed on $75,000 bail. The matter is adjourned until April 12, giving the Prosecutor time to prepare statements.
Orin Wilson
rible past. Ramjattan emphasized that Government has a right to bring its legislative agenda to the House, whether that has to do with two or three matters at one sitting. He insists that the National Assembly is also called for various democratic reasons. The politician said that the Opposition’s absurd comments will not prevent the Government from doing what is democratic. Teixeira had said, “The sitting was less than one hour and really no sitting should have been held because there was nothing on the agenda basically.” She continued, “Furthermore, I did think that maybe they were calling the sitting because they wanted to bring Bills and motions in, but there is nothing that they brought really. It seems as if
Government’s legislative agenda is extraordinarily thin and almost nonexistent.” The Member of Parliament also expressed that she was shocked to learn that the next sitting of the House would be until May 4, which is on the eve of Arrival Day, a national holiday. “Again, one wonders what it is with this Government. Doesn’t it have any
agenda?” Teixeira asked. The Opposition Chief Whip also noted that the move to have the next sitting in May, would suggest that Government’s Members of Parliament are doing a lot of travelling in April. She added, “But I think the Guyanese should be asking, what the devil is this Government really bringing into this Parliament?”
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Kaieteur News
Saturday March 12, 2016
GPOC must adapt to 21st century - Minister Ferguson
The Ministers of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Annette Ferguson, and the Minister of Public Telecommunications and Tourism, Cathy Hughes, with the new board of directors of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC). In the photo, (left to right) are: Mr. Gobin Harbhajan; Mr. Delon Baird; Mr. Martin Gaul; Minister David Patterson; Minister Cathy Hughes; Ms. Karen Brown; Chairman, Reverend Raphael Massiah; Minister Annette Ferguson; Ms. Nicola Trotman; Mr. Leon Dickson; Ms. Oslyn Armstrong; and Mr. Harold Shepherd. “We challenge this new Board to see the changing postal environment and the emergence of new commercial challenges as an opportunity to transform one of Guyana’s oldest service providers.” – Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson As the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) seeks to maximise its operations, its newly installed Board of Directors was urged to adapt the agency to the 21st Century. This charge was given by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure,
Annette Ferguson, yesterday, as the new 11-member Board was officially installed. The new GPOC Board consists of Reverend Raphael Massiah as its Chairman along with members, Mr. Martin Gaul; Mr. Oscar Clarke; Ms. Maureen Philadelphia; Mr. Leon Dickson; Ms. Nicola Trotman; Mr. Gobin Harbhajan; Ms. Oslyn Armstrong; Mr. Harold Shepherd (representing the Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union (GPTWU)); and Mr. Delon Baird (representing the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU)). Ms. Karen Brown, GPOC’s Postmistress General, is also on the board as an Exofficio member. The ceremony also saw the presence of Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and Minister of Public Telecommunications
and Tourism, Cathy Hughes, who also delivered brief charges to the members. In her charge, Minister Ferguson noted the “unique challenges” facing the postal service in Guyana. As a former worker within the GPOC, she added that she was a firsthand witness to these challenges. “Today, the agency faces many challenges due to technological changes and the internet revolution, which has resulted in the growth of ecommerce,” Minister Ferguson said. Nonetheless, she said that the post office still holds relevance and its facilities, such as the bill payment and money transfer facilities, are still widely used by Guyanese. She therefore urged the new board members to capitalise upon existing infrastructures and improve the corporation’s state of affairs. She further indicated that while e-commerce has grown, the GPOC can use this growth to its advantage and focus on improving its courier services. She noted the success of other couriers,
such as FedEx and the United Parcel Service (UPS). “We expect that in this digital age for the demand for courier services to grow…People and businesses still require items to be moved efficiently from one place to another,” Minister Ferguson emphasised. She continued, “It is therefore timely for us to reposition the corporation as a key service provider that delivers high quality services to our customers and citizens. Our citizens must see and feel the difference in our operation and approach.” Minister Ferguson concluded by putting forward a number of tasks to the new board. Among these tasks were to provide strong and effective leadership; develop and implement a strategic turnaround plan to transform the organisation; and create a customer-centric environment to restore customer satisfaction and loyalty. Fostering connectivity Similarly, Minister Hughes emphasised the importance of the postal service in Guyana.
In many communities, the GPOC creates a link with the rest of Guyana and ultimately the rest of the world. She said that the new board has the responsibility to look at the current services and initiatives that have been tried in other parts of the world before looking at Guyana’s needs and seeing how best practices can be incorporated, locally. “We have to look at how we can rebrand and repackage the types of services our post office offers…We don’t have to reinvent the wheel. We just have to be committed and look at existing role models and decide what can work best for us,” she said. She added that the GPOC now sits under the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and Tourism and she explained that this shift was made due to the role the agency can play in fostering connectivity. “When we talk about creating increased interconnectivity, increased broadband access, then you can see the kinds of enhanced roles the post office can play
as a little ICT [information and communication technologies] hub,” she said. “All of the businesses and activities that we can provide to the public with the support of ICT, I think the post offices are ideally located to assist in that process.” She added that it is an “exciting time” since the future of the GPOC is being decided now. Minister Patterson noted that the new board was a diverse one. He urged its members to be vibrant, creative, and relevant. “A lot depends on your willingness to serve,” he said. All of the Ministers stressed their willingness to work with the new board to transform the organisation. Meanwhile, new Chairman, Rev. Massiah, noted the experience, skill, and knowledge present in the board and promised to “combine these resources” to improve the corporation. He added that the new board will have the challenge of “waking up a sleeping giant” but said that it will nonetheless rise to the occasion.
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Saturday March 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
Wai Wais paid $30.5M for Umana Yana rebuilding - Govt.
T
he historic Umana Yana is one giant step closer to completion. The deadline for its completion is April 30. On Monday, the Wai Wai builders spearheaded by Toshao Paul Chekema completed the essential structure of the national treasure, including the roof. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure commenced
construction of the foundation and the casting of the concrete floor on November 18, last. That aspect of the works was completed last December. Giving an update of the situation, the Ministry of the Indigenous People's Affairs said that Toshao Chekema and his 35-man work team got into the action on February 5, last. “This highly skilled and
professional team of very young men set about their work with purpose and vigour. Their unwavering commitment, evident in every aspect of their work, has resulted in the erection of our National treasure – the Umana Yana – in its present form in exactly 31 days. All of Guyana is proud of them. The Ministry owes them a debt of gratitude.” The Ministry said that
Work ongoing last week on Umana Yana. having completed on Monday the aspect of works for which they were contractually responsible, the team of Wai Wai builders were yesterday paid in full the contract sum for the works done. “They will now have some time to visit key areas of the city and to engage in relaxing activities before returning to their homes in Region Nine.” According to the Ministry, the Wai Wai “brothers” have benefitted from a total of $30.5M in total from the project. “The value of their earnings from direct labour is $14.2 million while the remaining sum relates to material supplied and other logistical cost consideration. The Ministry is aware of the efforts by wicked elements to create an environment of mistrust between it and the builders in both the conventional and social media. These efforts are intended to destroy the excellent relations enjoyed by the Ministry and all Indigenous peoples, Villages and Communities. Such efforts are wasted.” The Ministry said the efforts to divide will never succeed. “No attempt to politicise, manipulate or misrepresent the innocuous and sincere statements made in good faith by our Wai Wai brothers, or any Indigenous
group for that matter will succeed. The Ministry condemns in the strongest possible terms this most vicious and distasteful attempt by a few to vilify the Government of Guyana and to injure its relations with Guyanese citizens.” The Ministry said it has noted and reject panderings to racism by a certain Member of Parliament (MP) in a social media post. “This MP is one of the main ingredients used by the People's Progressive Party to divide our Indigenous Villages and Communities over the years. Having failed our Indigenous Peoples while in Government, the People's Progressive Party, this MP and other mischievous opposition elements have continued on their chosen path to ensure the destruction of relationships and value systems and to derail government's developmental agenda. They shall never succeed.” The Ministry said that it remains resolute in its mission to ensure accountability, transparency and good governance. The remaining works on the Umana Yana will resume on Monday. Still to be completed are the wall, fence, floor, stage and the electrification of the facility. These works are expected to be completed by April 30. The Umana Yana was burnt to the ground in September 2014. The original building is a conical palm thatched hut (benab) erected for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference in Georgetown, Guyana in August 1972 as a V.I.P. Lounge and recreation centre. Situated on Main Street next to Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, it is now a permanent and much admired part of Georgetown's scenery, and is in constant use as an exhibition and conference centre.
Saturday March 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
NICIL’s role still to be determined
…CEO vacancy continues to exist - Board Chairman The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has been operating without a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ever since Winston Brassington resigned in January. The Chairman of NICIL’s Board, Dr. Maurice Odle has indicated that a new CEO will only be appointed after the role of NICIL in moving forward has been fully determined. He said that this will happen soon, but did not give a definitive time frame. The report on the forensic audit into NICIL recommended that the entity be closed down and a small department be opened under the Ministry of Finance to manage the assets being held by the company, if government deems it necessary. The recommendation was premised on the fact that
NICIL was initially established for the purpose of privatization of state assets. That was done in two phases in the 1990’s. The forensic audit unearthed breaches of the country’s financial regulations. Not only has the report on the forensic audit implicated the Company’s CEO, Winston Brassington, in committing some of those acts, but it has also named former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh; former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon; other former members of the NICIL Board as well as former Cabinet Ministers and officials. Dr. Singh served as the Chairman of the Unit while Dr. Luncheon served as a Director. The audit, Kaieteur News understands, categorically states that there was misuse
of public funds by those office holders. Brassington and his deputy Marcia Nadir-Sharma were sent on leave on December 23, to facilitate investigations by the Guyana Police Force and the Special Organized Crime Unit stemming from an audit of NICIL. Brassington later resigned. Dr. Odle told Kaieteur News that careful consideration is now being given to the future of NICIL. He said that as soon as the Board is clear on the direction in which the company is going, the position of CEO will be advertised. Dr. Odle said that in the meantime, Horris James is the Officer in Charge and is performing the duties of CEO. Brassington had served in the Privatization Unit from 1994; two years later, he became the Head of the Unit and Head of NICIL in 2002. The audit report recommended criminal and/or disciplinary action against Brassington.
Kwakwani health woes to be addressed immediately
- Dr. Norton finds situation unacceptable
Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, meets with staff of the Kwakwani Hospital, Region 10
Staff of the Kwakwani Hospital, Berbice River, yesterday apprised Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, of several troublesome issues at the facility. Dr. Norton and his team visited and inspected the institution which has 18 Staff Nurses, and serves as a catchment area for 7,000 people. During the tour of the facility, it was brought to the team’s attention that there are numerous serious issues affecting the staff and the hospital. These include medical supplies procurement, administrative issues and electrical problems. There are also need for a doctor’s quarters and a new washroom facility for the staff, a Government statement said. Speaking to the pharmacy staff, the Minister was informed that there is currently a shortage of some drugs at the facility. However, during the discussion it was high-
lighted that this issue came about from the late arrival of drugs and medical supplies from the Linden Hospital. Addressing the issue, Minister Norton exclaimed, “This is unacceptable!” He added, “We don’t want you to be without any medication! If Linden is not supplying, contact the Director of Regional Health Services, she is your boss.” In a quick response to the situation, the Minister and his team listed all the needed medication and Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Public Health Ministry, Trevor Thomas, gave the assurance that they will be delivered shortly. The team also used the opportunity to educate the staff on Zika and distribute flyers to create awareness on the virus and steps that can be taken to prevent the mosquito borne disease.
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NAREI promotes mangrove restoration and management in Region Two A scene of the sea defence on the Essequibo Coast
Some 25 persons residing on the Essequibo Coast, are now equipped to help promote community-based mangrove restoration and management as a sustainable means of sea defence on the coastlands. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) recently held a four-day Mangrove Ecology, Restoration and Management Workshop in Region Two. The workshop was funded by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) through the Education for Nature Programme. Participants of the workshop, including teachers, representatives of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, students of the Guyana School of Agriculture, fishermen, police and personnel of the Sea and River Defence Division, are likely to become members of Region Two’s Village Mangrove Action Committee (VMAC). These stakeholders were selected based on their current and potential influence to further promote mangrove protection and management. Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, and Permanent Secretary George Jervis, addressed the opening session of the workshop, which was
held at the Anna Regina State House. According to Dr. Homenauth, NAREI has implemented several interventions to restore mangroves along the Essequibo Coast. Works executed in several communities included successful mangrove seedling planting at Lima, construction of Bamboo Brushwood Dam at Walton Hall and Anna Regina, construction of geotextile tube groynes Devonshire Castle and grass planting at Spartina. NAREI will be extending the 100-meter Bamboo Brushwood Dam completed in 2015 at Walton Hall by 150 metres. “This infrastructure development will promote increase sedimentation, hence, creating the conditions necessary for the restoration of mangroves,” he added. Dr Homenauth emphasized that communities need to take responsibility for their mangrove resources. Jervis lauded the involvement of youths in the workshop. He noted that this is a promising sign for the sustainability of mangrove restoration in the Region. He encouraged participants to question the Project Officers about the interventions and provide their own inputs and recommendations. During the interactive
workshop participants were divided into groups to allow involvement from everyone. Recognizing the importance of public education and awareness, participants noted the different avenues they would utilize to share information on the protection and restoration of mangroves. For instance, the teachers would utilize the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) to disseminate information. The workshop focused on the ecology of mangroves and mangrove ecosystems; main species of mangroves found in Guyana; the range and biodiversity of mangrove communities in Guyana; the natural and anthropogenic impacts on mangrove ecosystems; and appropriate conservation strategies that can be used to address impacts on mangrove ecosystems. As a field exercise, those in attendance visited several areas such as Walton Hall, Devonshire Castle and Lima that benefited from restoration interventions. The tour enabled the participants to have a better understanding of coastal erosion, the importance of mangroves for coastal defence and the different type of interventions being implemented by NAREI along the Essequibo Coast.
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Kaieteur News
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals and Black Opal - Cosmetology Courses - Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 Are you building or renovating? For quality construction services from foundation to fine finished. Call Carlos: 592682-9935; 592-223-2695 INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs to LED, Plasma, LCD and all other electronic equipment. Ordering of circuit boards. Abdul Electronics. Call: 225-0391 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
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Hairdressers, nail technician, barbers, also hair & nail stations available for rental location: New Market StreetCall: 638-1106
Contract cars & drivers. Call: 227-1720, 227-1721 or 6606102 One experienced cook, with knowledge in baking, apply in person @ Bistro, 36 Public Road, La Grange W.B.D-Call: 678-3400 Experienced cashier & salesgirls wanted, please drop off application @ American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Sts. ASAP. Commercial spot for rent: salon & barber station. Motorcycle 250 rebel & night hawk, foxtail palm plants for sale. Call: 680-1198 Experienced drivers with pleasant personality, able to read & write, apply @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce St. with hand-written application.
3068 Amelia’s Ward Linden: 4 bedrooms, 1 self-containedCall: 640-4731; 641-6450 Furnished 6 bedrooms house with attic, 4 self contained bedrooms located @ Anna Catherina, New Housing Scheme. Call: 611-5354; 6154728 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property @ Lot 87 Albert Street- Call: 669- 8701 Property for sale at Harry’s Avenue, 1 minute drive from Public Road Friendship, E.B.D- Call: 654-5385 Lall & Sons: property in Diamond -$9M, $14M, Grove-$12M, Middle Road $22M. Call: 604-6724
WANTED One handyman to work in the Interior, must be 18-25yrs. Call: 680-2702; 661-3328 1 Male cook (baheir) to cook in the Interior. Call: 678-0565
Saturday March 12, 2016
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Vreed-en-Hope Junction: Lessons place, office, storage bond, church -$20,000$25,000-Call: 603-6400 Canteen and washbay @ 15 Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo. Call: 690-6840; 693-3340; 277-3033 1-3 Bedrooms apartment, 1 master room, 2 bedrooms, 1 kitchen, dining area; laundry room, cameras and security lights @ Diamond . Call: 2260880; 671-1474
VACANCY Hairdressers, nail technician, barbers, also hair & nail stations available for rental location: New Market StreetCall: 638-1106 1 Domestic cleaner, must able to prepare vegetarian meal, apply @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown, Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. Sales Representative (with license), Industrial Engineer (Diploma/Degree) – Telemarketer, Labourer. apply:jkeshwani.alesie@ gmail.Com- Call: 269-0026 Male security, male desk staff, 30-45yrs old @ 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198
Three bedrooms top & bottom flat; at Lot 6 Mc Doom Public Road. Call: 2330528
Bulldozer operator, site engineer/technician, experienced Human Resource Personnel. Good salary-Call: 261-2280; 668-7104
Executive 2 bedrooms apartment in exclusive Residential Area , close to the Ogle Airport. Call for appointment: 653-2920
Persons to hand work and pressing in sewing factory. Call: 264-2763; 642-6079
Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993 Apartments for rent in Nandy Park, recently renovated, free Wi-Fi. $70,000. Call: 641-3318 One two bedrooms, fully furnished house, Lot 5 Bougainvillea Park, gated community and security guard. Call: 678-1234
CAKES & PASTRIES Courses in cake decoration, pastry making & cookery; also edible images and Wedding dresses for sale. Call: 670-0798
One Toyota fun cargo, mini van AC, CD, 17" mags, flair kit, never work hire, in excellent condition -$1.2M. Call: 618-1047
Experienced waitresses, cooks, bartenders, bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Lounge (East Bank). Call: for appointment 652-0074
Carsmart Auto Sale: Premio(08)-$2,895,000, Clight Premio (05)-$2,450,000, Spacio-$2,095,000-Call:6500402\654-5504
One Housekeeper for Xenon Hotel contact 225-0254
Carsmart Auto Sale: CAT 928F Loader-$7.3M, Hyster forklift 6000LB - 4 cyl Perkins$1.5, Diesel welder - 4 cly Perkins-$895,000- Call: 6500402\654-5504
Black Hawk Security Services is accepting applications. Must be able to read & write. Call: 231-8232 for appointment, Mon-Fri; 9:00-5:00
PPP Series, Premio, excellent condition- Call: 695-9927; 639-7844 Honda CRV (RD5), stick gear, PNN series - $2.1M negotiable. Call: 691-1198 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
Unregistered Allion: 2004, fog, dark interior, TV DVD, CD. Price: $2M- Call: 617-5536 Unregistered Bluebird 2006 model, TV, Reverse Camera, Dark interior low mileage $2.3M. Call: 655-3400
Need professional counselor. Call: 670-5759
CAR RENTAL
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
AT192 Carina, automatic, price $700,000- Call: 668-8431
Carsmart Auto Sale: Fielder$2,095,000, Ist-$2,095,000, Audi A4-$3,795,000, BMW 318i-$2,695,000-Call:6500402\654-5504
Live in housekeeper to care for child. Call: 656-1284
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Raum, AT192, Fun Cargo, RAV 4, Tundra, L-Touring Wagon, IST, 4X4 pick up sold DEF, (Ducati 1098cc) Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 Toyota Carina 212 -$1.1M, Toyota Ipsum -$2.2M, Nissan Pathfinder -$1.6M, Toyota Vigo -$4.5M. Prices negotiable- Call: 609-7766/ 225-8427
LAND FOR SALE Land 95X65 in high income gated community -$9.3M negotiable. Call: 609-0783 Eccles New Scheme, already bobcat & land filled, brand new, main road-$6M. Call: 604-2207; 611-7223 Herstelling New Scheme, corner lot (100ftX50ft) 4th Bridge -$3M. Call: 604-2207; 611-7223
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 loadedCall: 233-2546; 688-5554 2001 Toyota Allex, Mileage 77,000km, $1.6M negotiable, first owner (female), in excellent condition. Call: 6871263
Toyota Avensis in Lall & Sons: Parfaite Harmonie- immaculate condition. Call: $1M, $1.3M, $1.6M, Tuschen - 676-0706 between 09:00am$3M, Uitvlugt, Providence - 06:00pm $9M, Kitty-$19M,Sandpit TO LET Yarrowkabra -$90M. Call: 6046724 Spacious 2 bedrooms Prime high income land in La apartment in Festival City Parfaite Harmonie with car parking etc. Asking (100ftX50ft) -$2.5M & $1.6M $G70, 000. Call: 619-2141; & $2.6M with foundation. 616-7366 Call: 604-2207; 611-7223 Continued on page 23
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Empowering Youths across Guyana By Mohabir Singh
Timber as an economic resource has never been used in an optimal way to maximize benefits to the Guyana Economy - GDP contribution, foreign exchange earnings and most importantly, in today’s context: addressing the scourge of high unemployment among our youths. Indeed, the World Bank Mission Report on British Guiana, 1953 (page 64) stated as follows: “The main objectives of the recommended programme (with respect to timber) are: I. To increase the output of lumber and wood products to meet the growing needs of the colony for development purposes. II. To intensify production for export, particularly in species not well known in world trade. III. To undertake a programme for long-range regeneration of exploited forestry areas.” It is well known that wood is a sustainable building material and a “green building material”. It has low embodied energy and low carbon impact. Embodied energy refers to the quantity of energy required to harvest, mine, manufacture and transport to the point of use, a material or product. Wood, a material that requires a minimum amount of energy based processing, has a low level of embodied energy relative to other materials used in construction, such as steel, concrete, aluminium or plastic. When a forest is burned, the carbon is released into our atmosphere (a ‘bad’ thing),
- Use of Wood as a Sustainable ‘green’ building material
but if the wood is converted into something that will never be burned, such as a piano, furniture or building materials (purchased from any sawmiller), then the carbon is sequestered (stored) forever. Indeed, when wood is kiln-dried, carbon sequestration takes place and should be adopted in the production of all furniture and builders’ joinery, such as doors, flooring, moulding, etc, and its practice should be enforced in Guyana to ensure customers receive value for money. The performance of our Forest Sector relative to job creation for youths is vividly illustrated by the following: An extract from GFC’s Annual Review Information Report for the past five years: * Note: (Table above) (1) Source of Job Loss Calculation: The Vincente Molinos Report, (Section 3.2, page 21), commissioned by the Guyana
Government and submitted to the Ministry of Finance in 1995. We are confident that significant changes pertaining to the structure of our Economy are imminent based on the following Policy Statements/Decisions by President David Granger, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Finance Minister Winston Jordan: 1. President Granger made the following points very cogently in his Inaugural Speech at the Providence National Stadium: • “We must make more products from our Timbers” • “Everyone needs not the greed of a few” • “Fight poverty through wealth and job creation” • “Poor hinterland infrastructure – key impediment to development” 2. The new Board of Directors of the Guyana Forestry Commission appointed
by Minister Trotman appears committed to changes in policies relating to the “free for all export of logs” to Asia, to the detriment of thousands of youths, along our entire coastland and Hinterland areas, who could be gainfully employed. 3. The Finance Minister has summed it up very succinctly in his speech (November 2015) to the GMSA dinner audience: I. Those in the manufacturing sector must use technology and innovation to become globally competitive. II. Manufacturing in Guyana must become a key driver of rapid economic growth and the associated creation of employment, both directly and indirectly. III. Minister Jordan said that a recent Caribbean Development Bank study estimates that youth unemployment is at 40%. IV. “… Our President is keenly interested in tackling youth unemployment and one way of doing so is to encourage entrepreneurship among our youths.” (i – IV reported in Kaieteur News – November 21, 2015) Guyanese are therefore urged to use wood to the maximum in their homes and offices, since as a country we are well within the annual macro maximum allowable cut consistent with our agreement with Norway – LCDS (Low Carbon Development Strategy). What is needed, as a matter of great urgency is for the firms that are engaged
Body of Bartica miner Crabwood Creek Labourer fined $70,000 recovered following Mazaruni mishap
A 53-year-old labourer was yesterday fined $70,000 after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It is alleged that on March 7, last, Sadeek Mohamed stole one Perry Ellis reading glasses, one all-purpose cell phone charger and some tools from Mohamed Khan at Brickdam, Georgetown. Mohamed lives in Crabwood Creek, Berbice and pleaded guilty to the charge. Prosecutor Dinero Jones said that on the day in question, Mohamed Khan drove his car and parked it in the vicinity of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and left to carry out some errands at 8:00am. At 10:00am when he returned to his car, he noticed the vehicle was opened and further discovered the items were missing. Khan made enquiries and an eyewitness
Police have recovered the body of miner, Errol Singh, who had disappeared on Wednesday after a boat he was travelling in overturned in the Mazaruni River. A police source said that Singh’s remains were recovered around 14.00 hrs yesterday, a short distance from the area when the mishap occurred. His body was brought
to the city. According to reports, Singh and two others were in a boat that was traveling through rapids when the vessel overturned. Singh’s companions managed to swim to safety, but saw no sign of Singh. The businessman owned a store and other businesses in Bartica, as well as mining concessions in the interior.
in the wood sector to be innovative and use the best technology available to optimize yield in the sawing of wood and to produce a product that can last for a century, if the wood is kiln-dried and appropriate wood-processing technology is employed. Those who have been engaged in the sector for the past 25-60 years could rightfully ask the rhetorical question – “But where is the Policy Support for re-tooling, which is inextricably linked
FOR SALE Leyland DAF55, Flatbed truck-in, excellent condition. Call to negotiate: 675-4287; 628-0016; 667-2536; 233-2383 1 Mercedes Benz - C200Call: 690-6840; 693-3340; 277-3033 TO LET Two bedrooms apartment $42,000 monthly. Call: 687-3017 Bottom flat in Diamond, 1st Bridge -$35,000 monthly – Call: 694-4276; 680-6399 Apartment in Eccles & rooms in Alberttown- Call: 225-3234 Three bedrooms concrete bottom flat in South Ruimveldt Gardens -$80,000. Call: 218-1949
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FOR SALE Toyota Rear Differential 39.8 and 14.5 fiberglass boat with trailer and 35HP motor. Call: 678-9536 Complete 48 feet fishing boat: 1-48 & 1- 40 Yamaha engine, 2700lb seine, GPS, solar, ice box Contact:663-0457,6575171. Land in 11th Street Diamond, EBD- Call: 698-7807 PS3 with games & accessories. Call or whatsapp: 683-8386 LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
EDUCATIONAL Easter 2016 Offer: Register now – 9 Courses, office 2016, windows 8/10 @ Micrograhics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 Easter 2016 Offer: Computerize Accounting, 4 courses, QuickBooks, Peachtree, POS, Excel 2016 -$35,000 @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 Private Custom Brokerage Certificate: training course29th March 2016. Register now! Call: 223-1506; 694-8322
200 Layer birds recently started laying. Call: 650-5676 or 645-5947 for more information. Transported property w i t h furnished liquor restaurant, 2 pools table, fridges & freezers, etc. Call Lovin: 225-7796 Nissan Titan- Call: 696-5135 1-4Cylinder, English Perkins with bearing block, already beded, in excellent condition. Call: 698-6796 Doberman/Rottweiler puppies, eight weeks old, fully vaccinated –Call: 678-2495 5 Acre farm at Pearl E.B.D, bearing fruit trees, equipped chicken pens etc, terms of sale negotiable. Call: 692-1999
Sadeek Mohammed identified the defendant and he was arrested. The defendant admitted to the offence upon arrest. When Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan asked Mohamed if he had anything to say, he replied by saying, “Sorry”.
to suitable financing intermediation?” My answer would be: - we have confidence in the pronouncement of H.E. The President, Ministers Jordan and Trotman, the Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Mr. Aubrey Norton, and the Cabinet to make it happen, as the future of Guyana in the immediate short term (5-10 years) depends on a drastic change in the structure of the economy, – away from mercantilism and primary production to adding value to one of its most important sustainable resources – timber.
Live and pluck chickenCall: 220-1043; 621-4304 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery alsoCall: 672-2566; 265-3231
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Saturday March 12, 2016
Ramroop’s TVG collected over $225M from Learning Channel - NCN’s once hidden teleport facilities now operational A questionable four-year deal that cost taxpayers over $225M has finally ended with Government yesterday c o m missioning an earth station that has the capacity to transmit programmes of the Guyana Learning Channel (GLC) throughout the country. The commissioning will mean that TVG 28, an operation owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, will lose over $40M in revenues annually that came from the contract acquired under the previous administration. The teleport facility commissioned yesterday is expected to raise capacity of the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN) to transmit live events. And that is only the beginning. NCN has already acquired more equipment to transmit from anywhere in Guyana- live. The contract with TVG was a secret one until a Parliamentary Committee learnt a few years ago that Ramroop’s company was being paid $3.6M monthly to transmit GLC’s programs, which targets students. What was shocking was when last year it became know that NCN had for some time now had the capacity to also beam down the GLC programs to remote Amerindian and other communities. The problem is that NCN never installed the equipment that was left lying, apparently deliberately, in several boxes in the compound of that entity. It was only discovered last year when the David
PM Moses Nagamootoo and NCN officials at the commissioning of the teleport facilities yesterday.
Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop Granger administration took office. Yesterday, it was disclosed that NCN managed to within a few weeks unpack the boxes and operationalize the teleport. NCN’s Chief Executive Officer, Molly Hassan, made it clear that the teleport facility which is currently only transmitting GLC programmes, will serve as a springboard of more things to come. Head of GLC, Dr. Seeta Roath, explained that programmes for the channel, transmitted in Georgetown on Channel 29/80, comes from National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), in Kingston. Under the current system, signals are transmitted from Kingston to NCN compound where the teleport system bounces it to a satellite. This is, in layman’s terms, transmitted back down to the 12
locations in the different regions which have been equipped to receive. According to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who has responsibilities for public information, the commissioning of the teleport facility has implications as it is
about ensuring the security of the state. It “is not only in keeping with the promise made to provide information to our Guyanese people but this is securing a defense capability, a security capability because the first line of defence in a
situation such as ours is the ability to communicate.” Government is hoping that additional upgrades to the teleport facilities will see even the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations being beamed live to locations. At the same time, the PM
also urged NCN to move itself to a competitive area and clean up its operations. Nagamootoo said he has seen wires and cables unsightedly bunched at NCN with several damaged vehicles found stored in the compound last year.
U.S. Embassy hosts suicide prevention workshop Participants at the workshop
As part of cooperative efforts to help Guyana address its troubling suicide rate, the United States Embassy hosted a suicide prevention workshop on Thursday, facilitated by two subject matter experts from the Florida Army National Guard. Staff Sergeant Erica Hodges and first Lieutenant Stephanie Matos led a threehour training session for 70 participants representing nongovernmental organizations from Georgetown and Berbice as well as members of the Guyana Defence Force. Among the organizations
represented were The Caribbean Voice, Prevention of Teen Suicide (POTS), Global Shapers, St. Francis Community Developers, and the Mibicuri Community Developers. The workshop focused on two main areas: victim’s warning signs and suicide prevention techniques. Warning signs include talking about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, or feeling trapped and wanting to escape by committing suicide. Participants received information on the root causes of suicide, how to identify when someone is contemplat-
ing suicide, and knowing when to intervene. Depression, in the form of deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating are all signs to seek professional help, or talk to a friend or loved one. Participants also shared best practices and suggested a holistic approach to suicide prevention that includes counseling for teenagers with relationship issues, follow-up mentoring and monitoring with people who show the warning signs of possible suicide, and greater awareness and sensitivity by government officials, police, and
the media. In particular, the sensationalization of suicide by the media at times may encourage copycat incidences, or suicide contagion as it is often called. The Florida Army National Guard works with the Security Cooperation Office of the U.S. Embassy to provide support in a wide variety of areas including vital public services, support to civil defense authorities, and protection of life and property. This workshop was a joint effort to help continue a dialogue about one of the most complex issues facing the citizens of Guyana.
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North Korean leader Kim orders Gonsalves denies hiding PetroCaribe debt from IMF more nuclear tests: KCNA
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un talks with officials at the ballistic rocket launch drill of the Strategic Force of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) at an unknown location (Reuters/KCNA) (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watched a ballistic missile launch test and ordered the country to improve its nuclear attack capability by conducting more tests, the official KCNA news agency reported yesterday. The report did not say when the missile test took place but it was probably referring to North Korea’s launch of two short-range missiles on Thursday that flew 500 km (300 miles) and splashed into the sea. “Dear comrade Kim Jong Un said work ... must be strengthened to improve nuclear attack capability and issued combat tasks to continue nuclear explosion tests to assess the power of newly developed nuclear warheads and tests to improve nuclear attack capability,” KCNA said. The North Korean leader was quoted in state media this week as saying his country had miniaturized nuclear warheads to mount on ballistic missiles. Responding to the latest statement, Katina Adams, a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, repeated a call on North Korea “to refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric that aggravate tensions and instead focus on fulfilling its international obligations and commitments.” Tensions have risen sharply on the Korean peninsula after the North conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and fired a longrange rocket last month, spurring the U.N. Security Council to adopt a new sanctions resolution.
Conducting more nuclear tests would be in clear violation of U.N. sanctions, which also ban ballistic missile tests, although Pyongyang has rejected them. North Korea has a large stockpile of shortrange missiles and is developing long-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). South Korea’s Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee said: “It’s simply rash and thoughtless behavior by someone who has no idea how the world works,” when asked about Kim’s comments. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Pyongyang to “cease destabilizing acts,” adding that he remained “gravely concerned” by the situation. North Korea has recently stepped up its cyber attack efforts against South Korea and succeeded in hacking the mobile telephones of 40 of its national security officials, said members of parliament who received a closed-door briefing by the country’s spy agency. South Korea has raised its alert against the threat of the North’s cyber attacks and this week said it had intercepted attempts to attack its railway system. In China, North Korea’s most important economic and diplomatic backer, the top newspaper, the People’s Daily, urged all sides to be “patient and brave”, show goodwill and resume the talks process. South Korea said it did
not believe that North Korea had successfully miniaturized a nuclear warhead or deployed a functioning intercontinental ballistic missile. The U.S. Defense Department said this week it had seen no evidence North Korea had succeeded in miniaturizing a warhead. However, Admiral Bill Gortney, the officer responsible for defending U.S. air space, told a U.S. Senate panel on Thursday it was “prudent” for him to assume North Korea could both miniaturize a warhead and put it on an ICBM that could target the United States. “Intel community gives it a very low probability of success, but I do not believe the American people want (me) to base my readiness assessment on a low probability,” he said. North Korea has issued nearly daily reports in recent days on Kim’s instructions to fight South Korea and the United States as the two allies began large-scale military drills. North Korea called the annual drills “nuclear war moves” and threatened to respond with an all-out offensive. Kim last week ordered his country to be ready to use nuclear weapons in the face of what he sees as growing threats from enemies. The United States and South Korea remain technically at war with North Korea because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce instead of a peace agreement.
KINGSTOWN – CMC The St Vincent and the Grenadines government has denied suggestions that it is hiding the debt owed under the Venezuela-led PetroCaribe oil initiative from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The St Vincent and the Grenadines government has denied suggestions that it is hiding the debt owed under the Venezuela-led PetroCaribe oil initiative from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Earlier this week the Washington-based financial institution said that two-thirds of the debt is not reflected in the public debt figures. But Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said the debt to PetroCaribe is in the government accounts but not reflected in the debt profile inside of the estimates. “What happened is this: Part of the arrangement had to do with the original discussion which we had with Venezuela. And that is why we did it that way,” he told reporters. The IMF said in a statement Monday that only EC$71 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) of the EC$183 million PetroCaribe St Vincent owes to Venezuela is recorded as government debt.
Dr Ralph Gonsalves But Gonsalves insists “there is nothing which is hidden because we give them (IMF) the information all the time. I also gave the information to the House [of Assembly)”. Gonsalves, who is also Finance Minister, said that he has read out in Parliament the amount money allocated to each programme or project in St Vincent and the Grenadines using PetroCaribe loan monies. “Every approval from PetroCaribe to any entity is done through the Cabinet. A
memo comes from the PetroCaribe, and the decision is recorded in the Cabinet and the Ministry of Finance has all the information and I make the information available to the country and the House. There is absolutely no hiding,” Gonsalves said. He said there is something that he would like to do further with the PetroCaribe debt, which he is discussing with Venezuela. He did not elaborate. “In the fullness of time, that will be made known,” he said. He said the public would note that the IMF did not say that the PetroCaribe debt is close to the one billion dollar EC mark quoted by the Bank of Nova Scotia, which the opposition has said it is inclined to believe. The EC$183 million owed under PetroCaribe represents 8.7 per cent of the island’s gross domestic product. Under PetroCaribe, Venezuela’s oil initiative with several Caribbean nations, countries import oil from Caracas and pay for a portion upfront and keep the remainder as a low-interest 20-year loan to help fund social programmes. (CMC)
Brazil’s embattled Rousseff digs in against scandal Brasília (AFP) - Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff dug in yesterday against a swirling political crisis, rejecting calls to resign and closing ranks with her embattled predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. With money-laundering charges against Lula adding to the pressure on her administration, Rousseff vehemently defended her mentor. She said she would even be proud to have him in her cabinet — a move that could be used to protect the ex-president. Rousseff is facing an impeachment drive, a bruising recession, a scandal at state oil company Petrobras, and a probe into alleged electoral violations last year. But the leftist president said her opponents’ calls for her to resign showed they lacked the evidence to remove her through impeachment. “Resigning is a voluntary act. Those who want my resignation are recognizing that there’s no real basis to request my exit from this position,” Rousseff told a press conference. “There’s not the slightest
Dilma Rousseff and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva possibility” of a resignation, she added. She came out in defense of Lula, her once wildly popular predecessor. “I would take great pride in having president Lula in my government because he is a person with experience and great political capability,” she said. Rousseff did not say whether she was really considering such a move, as media have been speculating over recent days. Some of Rousseff’s allies
said that would leverage the ex-president’s charisma for the embattled administration and protect him from criminal charges in ordinary court. Under Brazilian law, cabinet ministers can only be tried before the Supreme Court. The powerful former president was charged with money laundering on Wednesday over his alleged ownership of a luxury condo linked to dirty cash from the Petrobras scandal.
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U.S. to raise Iran’s ‘dangerous’ missile tests at U.N. The United States will raise during U.N. Security Council consultations next week the issue of Iran’s recent ballistic missile launches and is urging countries to cooperate on undermining Tehran’s missile program, the U.S. envoy to the United Nations said yesterday. “We will raise these dangerous launches directly at Council consultations, which we have called for, on Monday,” U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power said in a statement. “These launches underscore the need to work with partners around the world to slow and degrade Iran’s missile program.” A series of ballistic missile tests this we e k c o n ducted by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard units drew international concern. The United States, France and other countries said that if confirmed, the new launches of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles would violate U.N. Security Council resolution 2231. Power said Iran’s missile launches were “provocative and destabilizing.” “Moreover, Iranian military leaders have reportedly claimed these missiles are designed to be a direct threat to Israel,” she said. “We condemn such threats against
another U.N. member state and one of our closest allies.” Power added that Washington would continue to demand “full implementation of resolution 2231, which expressly prohibits third-party support to Iran’s ballistic missile program, as we also consider our appropriate national response.” The closed-door consultations on Iran will take place Monday morning. The 15-nation Security Council is scheduled to hold separate consultations on Syria at 10 a.m. ET (1500 GMT). The United States has said Iran’s missile tests do not violate the terms of an historic nuclear deal between Tehran and six major powers, which resolution 2231, adopted in July 2015, endorsed. The U.N. missile restrictions and an arms embargo on Iran are not technically part of the nuclear agreement. Council diplomats say they will first await confirmation from national intelligence agencies about whether the missiles Iran has fired were nuclear-capable. They also say that Russia and China, which had opposed continuing U.N. restrictions on Iran’s missile program, would likely block council action. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the
tests were not in violation of the nuclear agreement, which led to lifting of sanctions in January. Western diplomats say resolution 2231, which “calls upon” Iran to refrain from certain ballistic missile activity, offers no green light for nuclear-capable missile launches by Tehran and is therefore a clear ban. However, they acknowledge that Russia, China and Iran likely interpret that language as an appeal to Iran to voluntarily refrain from missile activity. Tehran has also said that none of its missiles are designed to carry nuclear weapons. While no new U.N. sanctions may be imminent, Western diplomats say that the United States and some of its allies could take additional punitive action in the form of unilateral national sanctions against Iran over the latest missile launches, something Washington has done previously. When U.N. sanctions on Iran were lifted in January, the Security Council’s Iran sanctions committee was shut down. But council diplomats said they expect the former chair of that now-defunct committee, Spain, will take on the task of overseeing the monitoring of Tehran’s compliance with resolution 2231.
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EBECC 50-over tourney Amsterdam and Thomas commences trek to qualify commences tomorrow 2016 Brazil Olympic Qualifiers
Guyanese boxers will commence their trek to the 2016 Brazil Olympiad tonight when light/heavyweight pugilist, Desmond Amsterdam, squares off with Columbia, Carroll Juan Carlos, in the Olympic Qualifiers at around 14:00hrs today at the Predio Ferial la Rural de Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina. This much was revealed when Kaieteur Sport spoke with coach, Sebert Blake moments after the draw had concluded. Middleweight champion, Dennis Thomas is also representing Guyana and is scheduled to match gloves with Puerto Rican, Jose Rodriguez tomorrow evening. The Guyanese entourage left the country two days ago for
their final destination and was afforded little time to become acclimatized after arriving in the host country a mere twenty four hours before fight time. 228 boxers from 33 countries are competing in the critical Americas Olympic Qualifier event and Guyana’s two representatives are hoping to win their bouts and move into the next round in order to retain their chances of qualifying for Brazil. This is the first time that women will be competing as this is the first time an Olympic qualifying event will include the women’s competition. The Americas Olympic Qualifier is the first of three qualifying opportunities for
the men and two for the ladies. The top four boxers in the Women’s World Championships in May will also advance to the 2016 Olympic Games. On the men’s side, there’s another perk for those who competed in AIBA’s World Series of Boxing and APB (AIBA Pro Boxing) bouts over the last two years. These boxers receive a second opportunity to qualify. That final event will take place in late June. Blake said that he has advised his boxers to take full advantage of this opportunity since acquiring the requisite funds for that trip had been a trying task and it would be difficult to procure funding for another tournament.
Saturday March 12, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This will be a very hectic day if you've made promises to too many people. You can make reasonable bids on real estate or large items for your home. Don't get involved in joint ventures. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Curb your mood swings; they could result in loneliness. Be sure to keep communication open with those you live with. You can become obsessed with detail and must be sure to divide your time appropriately.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Try not to get into disputes that will lead to estrangements. Your attitude is changing rapidly and your plate is overloaded. Travel will also be very informative. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Get involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet new friends. Overindulgence could cause problems for you with your loved ones. Problems with your mate will develop if you don't let them have their way.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Take a long look at your present direction and consider your professional options. You may want to stay in the background today. Look to a close friend for advice.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You can offer your mate a commitment or promise that will help stabilize your personal life. Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs. You're best not to get involved in joint financial ventures.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) False information from someone trying to start problems is likely. You must not lead someone on or show interest in them for the wrong reasons.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Try to take some time to listen to their complaints, and in turn, do something to appease them. Relatives will be cordial. Lighten up your serious attitude
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can finish projects early, which will bring you praise from superiors. Organize all the responsibilities that have to be attended to and make sure everyone knows what to do. Romantic opportunities are evident.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You will enjoy physical activities more than you think. You will find that social activities will lead you into passionate meetings. This is a turning point.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may need to lend an ear to an old friend. Upgrading at this point is not a bad plan.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your fun loving approach will be admired and appreciated by others. You may be tired of working for someone else.
The East Bank Essequibo Cricket Committee 50-over tournament is set to commence tomorrow with Parika hosting Zeelugt in day/night affair starting at 14:00 hrs. Tuschen South Side, Hype Park, Vergenoegen, Tuschen A, Tuschen B and Parika SC are the other teams participating, while matches will be played at Vergenoegen, Tuschen and Zeelugt.
Teams are asked to be at the Parika ground before 12:00hrs to facilitate the march past which will take place at 13:00 hrs. The winning team will receive a trophy and $200,000. Trinidad and Tobago artiste Hitman, Slingerz family 71 Sound DJ, DJ Amtrax and X Factor dancers will provide entertainment after the game at the Parika ground.
The competition is being sponsored by Two Brothers Service Station, Toto Stone Depot, G u l f M o t o r O i l , Two Brothers Pure Ice, X Beer, E Networks, Medic a r e P h a r m a c y, F a r g o General Store and Parika Travelers Lounge, Double Day rentals and First Choice Waters. The final will be contested on April 23 at Parika.
EBFA / Ralph Green U-11 continues today at Grove Playfield Two more matches will be contested today when play in the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) / Ralph Green sponsored Under-11 league continues. From 10:00hrs, Friendship, which recorded the first win of the competition last week, an upset 2-0 triumph over defending champions Herstelling Raiders will take on Agricola Red Triangle and will be aiming for their second victory in as many matches. This league which focuses on development and setting a solid technical foundation for the players will see home team Grove Hi Tech opposing Diamond United in the feature
match at 10:45hrs. Based on advice from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Development Officer, Lyndon France, the EBFA and sponsor Ralph Green will be working towards presenting certificates of participation to each player in the competition since winning should not be the primary objective at this level.
The top three clubs will receive gold, silver and bronze medals while the fourth placed club will get participatory medals. There will also be five individual trophies that will go to the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player, Most Disciplined Player and Most Promising Player.
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Kaieteur News
March 20 ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet
Kalamadeen aiming for success on return Despite being off the track for almost one year, Group 4 competitor Irfaan Kalamadeen still believes that the March 20 ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet could be a defining one for him, one that could provide him with another opportunity to showcase his talent. Widely regarded as a skilful racer, Kalamadeen has been dogged on many occasions by lack of reliability with his 13B Turbo-charged Mazda RX7 machine which has failed to perform as expected. However, with a spot on the Guyana team that will compete in the first leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) up for grabs and Guyana hoping to send a strong contingent to represent its title, Kalamadeen will no doubt want to cement his place with a dominant performance against an anticipated strong group of drivers. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport via telephone yesterday, the experienced racer revealed that the Team has done
Irfaan Kalamadeen a lot of improvenments to the car including suspension upgrades and releiving the car of a lot of weight to make it quicker all-round and much more competitive. “Right now we are awaiting the arrival of tuner Omar Crespo out of Florida to put in the finishing touches to complete our preparations and I’m optimistic that we will be ready for race day,” Kalamadeen disclosed.
Quizzed on whether the lack of seat time could affect his performance, Kalamadeen replied in the nagative, stating he is extremely familiar with the machine and how it handles so the inadequacy of practice will not significantly impinge on his performance. He reckoned that drivers such as Kevin and Kristian Jeffrey, Danny Persaud, Mark Vieira, who will be returning from a hiatus as well and the veteran Andrew King, are all formidable opponents, but still believes that his willingness to mix with them and his knowledge of the track could boost his chances of upstaging them. He said that the Meet should be a good one filled with exciting challenges and urged motor racing fans to get to the South Dakota Circuit to witness the thrill. 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.
UDFA 2015/16 Champions Topp XX polish off Eagles United 2-0 Triple-header to end league tonight Following them securing of the championship with a game to spare, new champions Topp XX celebrated their new crown with a comfortable 2-0 win over Eagles United on Wednesday night to end the tournament well ahead on 20 points,
while Amelia’s Ward Panthers and Botofago played to a 0-0 draw at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Plying on the penultimate day of the 2015/16 First Division tournament Topp XX took the lead in th e 7 0 t h m i n u t e
through striker Shawn D a n i e ls and then in the 90th closed out the hopes of Eagles United when Omalli Webb converted. Three matches were contested last evening to end the 2015/16 tournament which began last year.
Saturday March 12, 2016
Five matches to highlight as Golyn 10/10 continues this weekend The Golyn 10/10 countrywide softball cricket tournament organized by the Guyana Softball League and sponsored by Golyn and sons, Trophy Stall and Miss Love Trading (West Coast) continues this weekend with five matches: The matches are as follows: WEST COAST ZONE: AT LEONORA GROUND: Maracs XI versus Unstoppable XI: Maracs XI needs a strong showing to ensure that the fans can have faith in them again. They started the tournament brightly but have fallen away lately and will hope to win this one to bring back their confidence. Unstoppable XI gave a strong showing in their last match and are talented enough to ensure that stands in this round. Both teams are evenly matched and both will be going all out for a big win. Rydem Star XI versus Superbet XI: Both teams have been disappointing in their last showing and will look to come out of this with some points. The teams are on even keel at the moment with a WLLL ratio and a win here will take them out of the doldrums. This
match will go down to the wire. Power XI versus West Coast Blazers: Power XI was a quarter finalist at the last tournament and have not shown their true potential at the moment having lost to teams that are not in their league, therefore they will need to pick themselves up and get into the winning mood. West Coast Blazers are coming on in the tournament having won their last two matches easily without some of their star players and the bench strength have shown that they have the ability to go far in the tournament and win big once they get it right. In other action, Crossbreed Warriors battle Prem XI in a clash of the unbeaten teams. This match will see a lot of emotions and the last ball will see the winner. Amazon Warriors XI then take on Superstreet XI. Meanwhile, the One Ball Manto will continue this weekend as spectators gear up for a winner being announced at the conclusion of the day’s proceedings. This format has brought out a lot of happiness to
spectators as the prizes to be won are worth the chance in credit, sports watch, and trophies. Additionally Teams wishing to register for this tournament can contact the following reps: BERBICE SOFTBALL LEAGUEOmeshwar Sirikishun – 627-5788; Pinky Arthur – 615-9423;Alston Barrington – 628-8291;James Hart – 628-2391/335-3111; ESSEQUIBO SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Travis Simon – 603-0106/619-2022; Anil Durga – 644-5276; Elroy Stephney – 621-8484; Eckie Persaud – 649-1382; Shermon Austin – 663-8278; LINDEN SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Mortimer Denny – 639-0057/ 442-1562/653-2589/6827942; EAST COAST SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Nadir Baskh – 696-7285/ 222-3605; Darmin Ramnarine – 6423165;EAST BANK DEMERARA – SHAFEEK MOHAMED – 657-2300/ 265-4729/216-1861;WEST DEMERARA – Ravendra Ramgobin – 276-1381; ESSQ ISLANDS – VEREN CHINTAMANIE – 692-9611/ 613-0029;BONASIKA – Ashraf Mohamed -6656138.
Guyana Rugby Football Union’s shortlist players for national training In an effort to commence their international season, the Guyana Rugby Football Union has shortlisted a number of players to commence training. Sessions are being
held in the National Park. International matches are scheduled against Barbados (April 23rd) and Jamaica (May 21st) at home before the team travels to
Trinidad for the final game in the Southern Zone in June. Training sessions are scheduled for Tuesd a y s , We dnesdays and Thursdays.
Saturday March 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Newcastle United put faith Cameron: “Give us your in Benitez to save them money not your advice.”
Rafa Benitez at the Valdebebas training grounds outside Madrid, Spain, November 20, 2015.(REUTERS/PAUL HANNA) LONDON (Reuters) Newcastle United put their faith in Rafa Benitez on Friday, hoping the Spaniard will keep them in the Premier League after they won only six of 28 league games under the sacked Steve McClaren. McClaren, who had been head coach for the last nine months, was dismissed only hours before the club announced Benitez was taking over on an initial three-year deal. Media reports said there was also an opt-out clause if Newcastle are relegated this season. Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Benitez, 55, has only 10 matches to save United, with the first of those games coming at league leaders Leicester City on Monday. “It will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the club and the fans,” Benitez said of the task facing him.
Newcastle are 19th in the 20-team league having won only six league games under McClaren, whose fate was sealed when Newcastle were beaten 3-1 at home by Bournemouth last weekend. Benitez has been without a team since he left Real in January, and Newcastle will be the third English club to employ him following his six years at Liverpool between 2004 and 2010. His greatest achievement with an English club was leading Liverpool to victory in the 2005 Champions League final with a penalty shootout win over AC Milan after they trailed 3-0 to the Italians at halftime. Benitez also served as Chelsea’s interim manager in the 2012-13 season, guiding them to victory in the Europa League final over Benfica before he left the club. The Spaniard certainly
GDA select teams for C/bean Festival Following over two weeks of trials, the Guyana Darts Association (GDA) announced the names of the Men and Women squads that will represent Guyana at the Caribbean Darts Festival, scheduled for July in Barbados. The mens’ team will be headed by National Champion Sudesh “Kerry” Fitzgerald and the other mem-
bers are Nicholas Seetaram, Luis R a m i r e z - M e r l a n o , Jamwant Bhupan, Terence Joseph, Marvin Ya w, S a n j a y B h u p a m , Sherwin Greene and Adrian Damon. The Ladies team will be led by National Champion Jaswantie “Rosetta “ Hiralall and includes Mary Correia, VictorineChandro, Melissa Smartt and Natisha Fordyce.
knows how to get results but his preferred, mainly defensive, style is not universally popular with fans. He likes to use a 4–2–3–1 shape which has brought him success both domestically and in Europe. Newcastle said Benitez would bring coaching assistants Fabio Pecchia, Francisco de Míguel Moreno and Antonio Gomez Perez with him. “All of us must push together in the same direction and with the same target in mind,” Benitez told the club website (www.nufc.co.uk), addressing the ‘Toon Army’ of fans. “Personally, it means my return to the Premier League, closer to my home and my family. I can’t be happier,” added the Spaniard, who kept his home in the North-West after leaving Liverpool. Benitez will be reunited at Newcastle with Jonjo Shelvey, who he signed for Liverpool from Charlton Athletic just before he left the club in June 2010. Shelvey spent three years at Liverpool and two at Swansea City before moving to Newcastle six weeks ago, being made captain by McClaren last month. In an interview with Sky Sports before Benitez was appointed, Shelvey was honest about Newcastle’s plight. “We need to prove to the fans that we are not going to hide, but I think the players have let the club down. I don’t think the manager has, I think the players have.”
By Dr. Rudi V. Webster Someone once said that if you want to predict how managers and administrators are likely to behave and perform at work, look at their motivational profiles and hierarchy of values, not just their talent or skill. For years, West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) overriding motivation has been the need for power, control, recognition and selfpreservation, hence its authoritarian style of leadership, its self-delusion and its inflated sense of worth. Instead of focusing on the growth, development, welfare and performance of its players, it is continually consumed by its power, needs and desires. This is a prescription for failure and disaster. The Board rejected the recommendations of the CARICOM Governance Review Panel months ago as impractical, unnecessary and intrusive. Since then nothing has changed. As expected, the Board reinforced its position at a WICB meeting in Jamaica just a few days ago. At the same time that the Board was dismissing the prime ministers of the region and the Caricom Report, Cameron was calling on Caribbean governments to join forces with the WICB to invest financially in the rebuilding of its overall cricket programme. Cameron is sending a very strong message to the Caribbean prime ministers, “We don’t want your advice, just give us your money.” After the 27th Intersessional Meeting in Belize a few weeks ago, CARICOM prime ministers unanimously affirmed that the recommendations of the Governance Review Panel must be implemented and stressed that they will explore all options to see that this is done. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell explained that the WICB would not have the final say on whether the report’s recommendation will be implemented. According to ESPN Cricinfo, Giles Clarke the president of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and one of the chief architects of the Big Three takeover is set to be called before the UK Parliament to answer questions and explain his role in the controversial ICC structural reform of February 2014 in which the Boards of England, Australia and India took control of cricket’s finances. The Select Parliamentary
Dr. Rudi V. Webster Committee wants to look into the conduct and governance of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in relation to international cricket. The committee has already had hearings with Greg Dyke, the FA chairman, over FIFA corruption; Sebastian Coe, IAAF president, over doping in athletics; and Chris Kermode of ATP over match-fixing in tennis. The Committee wants to know if cricket is a clean sport. Committee member Damian Collins, the Conservative MP for Folkestone and Hythe has asked the ECB to answer six specific and pointed questions pertaining to Clarke’s ongoing role and the Board’s overall commitment to good governance. He believes that ‘the cricketing public deserve to know the answers”. There are a few things that the cricketing public in the West Indies also deserve to know. Perhaps a similar Caricom committee should summon president Cameron to answer the seven questions below. Pat Rousseau, a former president of the WICB asked some of these questions a while ago but so far they have not been answered. Mr. Cameron: · Why were you unwilling to support the group led by Pakistan to block the takeover by the Big Three when your vote would have put an end to the efforts of England, Australia and India? · Why did you sign the Big Three agreement when you knew that WICB would automatically lose 43 million dollars? · Are you aware that there is no provision in the Constitution for an Executive President?
· Are you paid by the Board as an Executive President? If so, are you aware that those payments are ultra vires because they are not provided for in the Constitution and may have to be refunded? · What are you paid by the Board in respect of your duties as Chairman and for what you do on behalf of the Board? · Why is Part 1 of the Lucky Report on the WICB website and not Part 2 that criticizes the actions of President Griffith, Roger Brathwaite and Dave Cameron? · During your presidency the Digicel Contract was renewed. Does it contain the same provision requiring the sponsor to pay sponsorship fee to the Digicel agent giving him authority to deduct money from that payment before paying the Board? The WICB has more or less declared war on Caricom prime ministers and clearly has no intention of searching for a mutually beneficial solution. The Board must understand that West Indies cricket does not belong to twelve board members. It belongs to the players, the coaches, the clubs, the territories, the schools, the governments, the press, the people of the Caribbean and the millions of people around the world who are dying to see a competitive West Indies team again. It is time for Caricom governments to step forward and flex their muscles. As Prime Minister Errol Barrow of Barbados used to say, “The Board must be brought to Christian understanding.” In addition to insisting that the questions above be answered fully and truthfully, governments should deny WICB the use of their grounds and stadia. They should also demand a detailed forensic audit of the governance of the WICB.
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Saturday March 12, 2016
PCL First-Class cricket
Leewards Hurricanes in a good position against Jaguars By Sean Devers in Antigua In Association with Noble House Seafood and Care Cottages Antigua The Leewards Hurricanes were in a good position against defending Champions Guyana Jaguars at the end of day one of their PCL FourDay First-Class cricket match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium yesterday as the Guyanese team toiled long and hard all day in sweltering heat. When stumps were drawn the hosts had reached 237-3 with Montcin Hodge on 74 from 218 balls, 253 minutes with nine fours. Skipper Orlando Peters was with him on 29 and the last placed team was making the top played side work hard with little success to show for it. Left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (2-44) has the best figures for the Jaguars who left out Gudakesh Motie and Keon Joseph. The 26-year-old Kerion Powell, back for the Leewards after a self imposed two-year break from cricket to flirt with a Baseball career, stroked seven four and a six in a 54-ball 55 which lasted 69 minutes. Powell and West Indies under-19 batsman Keacy Carty added 76 for the first wicket. Carty batted for 136 minutes, 98 balls with five fours. Montcin Hodge (74 ) and Daron Cruickshank (43) then added 58 for the third wicket, while Hodge and Peters have shared in an unfinished 65run fourth wicket stand.
Leewards Hurricanes, without their Skipper and leading scorer Jamaican Nkrumah Bonner who returned to Jamaica due to a death in his family, won the toss on a track with a tinge of green and elected to bat. Powell began with consecutive off-side boundaries off Ronsford Beaton in the first over of the day. He looked as if he had not been a day away from cricket and his confidence increased the longer he batted. Powell pulled Raymon Reifer viciously for four, while the 18-year-old Carty leaned onto the front foot and caressed Reifer gloriously to the cover boundary. Powell, who has three tons from 21 Tests, hammered Chris Barnwell majestically for the sixth boundary of the innings, while Carty played the supporting role. Powell played an audacious cut to post the 50 in the 10th over before Powell celebrated the landmark with a baseball-like hit for the first six of the match. The lefthander from Nevis stroked Barnwell sweetly past mid-off for his sixth four before reaching his 22nd First-Class fifty from 48 balls and 52 minutes. But just after reaching his first fifty for the Leewards since March 2014, Powell smashed a low full-toss to Reifer at cover as the Jaguars finally made the breakthrough in the 15th over. Hodge joined the sedate Carty as spinners Devendra Bishoo and Permaul were introduced. Carty, watched by
Keacy Carty drives Reifer yesterday. less than 10 fans in the stands, stroked Bishoo pleasantly through cover for four as he and Hodge (17) who pounded a short ball from Bishoo to the boundary, took the Hurricanes to Lunch at 104-1 after the 100 was posted in 26 overs. Carty, St Maarten’s first West Indian cricketer at any level, was not out on 29 at the interval. After the interval, Carty drove Permaul for four while Hodge collected a boundary off Barnwell and Carty was caught and bowled by Permaul at 114-2. Cruickshank got going with consecutive fours before Hodge (25) was dropped at second slip by Vishaul Singh off Beaton who
watched in dismay as Cruikshank was badly dropped at point by Bishoo off his bowling at 125-2 in his next over. A magnificent cover driven boundary off Permaul by Hodge brought up the 150 in the 48th over as the Hurricanes continued to score at a decent clip before rain stopped play for 10 minutes. When play resumed, Cruickshank went after Bishoo and clobbered him for two brutally boundaries over his head as the partnership flourished under clear blue skies and rolling Hills in the distance. Cruickshank danced into Permaul and effortlessly dumped him for four before begin trapped
LBW in the same over at 1723. His 43 lasted 67 balls, 76 minutes with six four and a six. Cruickshank dominated the half-century stand with Hodge. Peters (1) joined Hodge (45) to take the score to 180-3 from 62 overs by Tea. After the break the Hurricanes continued to score freely with Peters jumping into Bishoo and depositing him for back-to-back sixes, while the 28-year-old Hodge reached 12th First-Class from 171 minutes, 142 balls with five fours.
Hodge, who has been playing at this level since 2008, and Peters soon put together the third half-century partnership of the innings from 178 balls with a delightful extra cover off Bishoo as both batsmen looked a broad as the sightscreen. A heavy shower accompanied by a howling wind which blew away the covers almost taking the ground staff with it, stopped play 16:36hrs with four overs in the day remaining and it never restarted.
R&R SC host Gittens B/day Domino Tournament tomorrow
Organiser Lyall Gittens will be staging a big Domino Competition in honour of his Birthday tomorrow, at the R&R Sports Club in Meadowbrook, commencing from 13:00hrs. According to a release from the Organiser, many of the top teams in the country have already confirmed participation and among them are Legend, HJ Boom 6, Ansa McAl, Banks DIH, Pisces, In Time, Canal 6, Dynasty, Thunder, Next Level, Limpy Lotto, Compu Design, F&H Printery and Harbour Bridge. Gittens added that the entrance fee per team is $12,000 and monetary prizes and trophies will be up for grabs for the winning teams. The original venue was set for HJ Water World, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the Organiser was forced to
Lyall Gittens host the competition at the above mentioned venue. He regrets the inconvenience caused.
Saturday March 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Republic Bank backs Roy Fredericks Memorial T20 Republic Bank has given their support to the Blairmont Cricket Club for the hosting of the Roy Fredericks Memorial T20 tournament which is slated for March 19 and 20. The bank presented a cheque worth $60,000 to the club at a simple ceremony held recently at its D’ Edward branch, West Bank Berbice. The event will see Cotton Tree Die Hard, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Bath Underdogs, Blairmont Blazers, Skeldon Gladiators, West Berbice Super Kings, Black Bush Rangers, Bush Lot Strikers and Lusignan Emperors battling for supremacy. Blairmont Cricket Club also will partner up with Berbice Volley Association (BVA) during the event by hosting a volleyball outreach programme and a competition to resuscitate the game in the community; the home team DEFENDERS during 1995-2007 was one of the top sides in Guyana producing many junior and
Treasurer of the Blairmont CC Shizad Ali (left) accepts the sponsorship cheque from a representative of Republic Bank in the presence of other staff and members of the club. senior national players. Among other attractions will be the staging of a Domino Competition, live commentary, Ice Cream and Air horns giveaway, Bouncy
Castle, Trampoline and live entertainment from local artists. Other sponsors that have graced the occasion so far are New Building Society, Green’s Massive,
Basil and Son’s variety store, Rosignol Mall, Berbice Bridge Company, Baksh Tr a v e l S e r v i c e , A & A General Store, Roshan Gafoor, Vickram Singh
construction and Party Rental Service, Romel Bridgemohan Gas Station and Feroze Auto Sales. For more information about sponsorship rights or
participation, individuals can contact Shizad Ali (Green’s Massive) on 6275215, Nigel Trotz on 6434289 or Shabeer Baksh on 628-6767.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday March 12, 2016
Letter to the Sports Editor
Russia faces May deadline Order of Roraima for Olympic return should be conferred on Chanderpaul
MONACO/MOSCOW (Reuters) A Rio Olympic athletics programme without Russia looked an everstronger possibility on Friday after the sport’s governing body said the track and field superpower had “significant work to do” to have its ban for doping lifted in time. But the comments from the International Association of Athletics Federations incensed the Russian sports minister, who insisted that the country had done enough to meet the association’s anti-doping standards. Missing the Olympics would be a humiliating blow for Russia, where sporting success is seen as integral to national pride. The country came second to the United States in the track and field medal table at the London Olympics in 2012. Norwegian Rune Andersen, heading a fiveperson international task force reviewing Russia’s reforms after its suspension from global competition in November, said its athletics had made “significant progress”, including changing its president and council and developing antidoping educational programmes. “However, the view of the task force is that there is significant work still to be done to satisfy the reinstatement conditions,” he told a news conference after a Monaco meeting of the Council of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). “ We s t i l l n e e d t o interview athletes and coaches named in the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) commission report to understand the scope and nature of previous doping activities.” IAAF president Sebastian Coe, whose first year in office has involved a comprehensive shakeup of athletics to eradicate corruption and doping, suggested a final decision
Dear Editor,
Sebastian Coe, IAAF’s President (REUTERS/ ERIC GAILLARD) would be taken at a council meeting in May. “You should conclude that these decisions will be taken at that point,” Coe said. “There were no preordained outcomes today. We wanted to hear what Rune and the team had to say and we were unanimously satisfied that more work needed to be done before we could ultimately make a decision,” he said. “The job of the Council is to make sure that those athletes who are going to the Olympics are clean and are in systems that are based upon integrity.” It was the report of the WADA commission which led to the suspension of Russia, which traditionally battles with the United States to be the sport’s dominant force, and investigations into broader corruption affecting also the administration of the sport. Coe and Andersen expressed concern about a documentary on German TV channel ARD last week that said Russia had made little progress on reform, that coaches banned for doping were still operating in the country and officials newlyinstalled as part of the cleanup were tipping off athletes ahead of drugs tests. “ We d i s c u s s e d t h e contents of that programme and the task force member are very concerned and investigating further,” Coe told Reuters. Russian IAAF Council
Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko (REUTERS/MAXIM SHEMETOV) member Mikhail Butov said his country had worked hard over the last four months but accepted there was still much to be done. “We have changed many of the personnel and f o l l o w e d t h e recommendations,” he told Reuters. “We are working hard to educate coaches and athletes, but it takes time.” Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, however, insisted that Russia had done enough to be reinstated, adding that it had not been made clear exactly what it still had to do to satisfy the IAAF. “You say we should elect new leadership for the athletics federation - OK, we’ve done that. You should not elect anyone to be the leader who has done this or that - OK, we did that,” he said. “There are no criteria. What should Russian athletics do? Dance on the table? Sing a song?” Coe said five other countries - Ethiopia, Morocco, Kenya, Ukraine and Belarus - had been listed as in “critical care” over their anti-doping arrangements, although none of them were at risk of immediate ban or missing the Olympics. Coe also told Reuters that Russia’s doped runnerturned-whistleblower Yulia Stepanova could still be allowed to compete at the Rio Games under an IOC flag but that her situation was complex. Stepanova, an 800metres runner, provided evidence of widespread doping that contributed to its ban and WADA said this week it would ask the IOC and IAAF to allow “a courageous athlete” to compete as an independent. “I’m really happy for that issue to be discussed again and that we properly understand the details, legal and logistic, of her eligibility to compete,” Coe said.
He stood immaculately tall as the immovable Mount Roraima; predictably soaring to unparalleled heights at every stroke during his illustrious career. His credentials are as impressive as any Diplomat whose duty is to serve with distinction, loyalty and dedication. He remained a faithful soldier, resolute in defence; yet his record remained unblemished, even with the prevailing temptation by others to inflict weapons of mass corruption and sow seeds of discord to the noble game he so diligently preserved. A true patriot he was;
beaten at times for pace and even floored, stumped as well as being betrayed; yet he would rise every time to claim victory, even if it was for himself. He did it many times because there were seldom partnerships to embrace his inimitable skill and marathon vigils. The critics were then swift to shout about selfishness, yet many of his contemporaries were too greedy to even rescue their own existence in the team or perhaps they were just talented illusionists. Shivnarine Chanderpaul remains a cricketing institution of the highest calibre whose remarkable humbleness and inevitable
rise to stardom has deservedly secured his place as one of Guyana’s national heroes. As the Country prepares to triumphantly celebrate its golden jubilee, cementing fifty years of independence on May 26th, I proudly join in recommending that the Order of Roraima be conferred on Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Cricketer Extraordinaire for his devout and distinguished contribution to Guyana’s rich cricketing legacy and indeed the unifying joy and passion he conspicuously created among fans around the world. Yours Faithfully, Elroy Stephney.
Malvern, Zeeburg, Cultural register wins
Amrit Rai Malvern, Zeeburg and Cultural recorded victories when the West Demerara Cricket Association President’s Cup T2 0 t o u r n a m e n t continued on Sunday. Malvern defeated host Canal Number Two by two wickets. Batting first, the host scored 164-4 with Derwin Christian scoring 67 off 39 balls aided with five fours and three sixes, while Chien Gittens made a 17-ball 28 (3x4,1x6). Victor Dass and Mark Dellon took one wicket each. Canal Number Two responded with 166-8 in 18.4 overs. Abdool Razack
Derwin Christian cracked three fours and two sixes off 14 balls, while Victor Dass got 28 and G. Hardyal 18. Ramkumar Latchman claimed 4-28 and Seenarine Matura 2-20. At Zeeburg, the host beat Windsor Forest by 137 runs. Zeeburg took first strike and posted 242-7. Amrit Rai struck 69 (4x4,3x6), Balbindar Shivpersaud made 49 (5x4,1x6), Malcolm Hubbard 37 and Yetesh Dhanpaul 28; Mohan Chatram had 3-20. Windsor Forest were sent packing for 105 in 15.5 overs i n r e p l y. M u n e s h w a r Balgobin scored 40
(2x4,2x6); Kelvin Shewpersaud and Dhanpaul snared two wickets apiece. At Wales, Cultural overcame Viv-La-Force by 34 runs. Cultural made 106 all out in 17.2 overs, batting first. Tejpaul Persaud got 18 and Ramesh Thakur 17; Ryan Seeram picked up 3-22 and Joel Persaud 2-26. Vi v - L a F o r c e w e r e bowled out for 72 in 17.3 overs in response. Ricardo Bowling scored 22 and Allan Charles 21; Anthony Ifill claimed 3-11 and Khesram Seyhodan 2-10. The competition continues on Sunday.
Saturday March 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 35
Plaisance Guardians test authenticity against formidable Ravens -Mackeson Mecca III Super Eight continues tonight
By Edison Jefford Plaisance Guardians will test its resolve against a formidable Dyna’s Ravens in the feature game of the National Basketball Championships: Mackeson Road to Mecca III Super Eight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, beginning at 9:00pm tonight. Nikkoloi Smith dropped 29 points to help Guardians unravel Nets in their first game, but his solo efforts will not be enough against Ravens, which is more about team work. Smith needs the help that he can get while he has to also facilitate when necessary. Veteran guard, Enoch Mathews fitted well into the
offence along with Trenton Woolford, Marlon Chesney and John Campbell. Forward, Mark Richards was on the score sheet in the first game as well, which is a good sign for the fledging Plaisance Guardians. The point is no one man show cannot beat Ravens – the 2014 Champions. It will take much more and Andrew Hercules knows that very well. Plaisance comes into the game on a high note after it played in the Division I Final of the Georgetown League. Ravens with its up-court and up-tempo offence will be a definite challenge. Dominic Vincente is among the best in the backcourt along with Ryan Stephney.
Support comes from its similar front court that features Jermaine Slater and swingman, Ryan Gullen. What is certain is that both teams are leaders in the game: Plaisance with its strong support base on the East Coast and Ravens with its trendy culture. Tonight’s epic showdown will determine if Plaisance’s ascendency is authentic. Darcel Harris has returned to the court to ensure that Ravens remain relevant – it is a big game for all these reasons. But before, there is another grudge contest; Pepsi Sonics take on Colts United. Both teams have been knocking on the door of major titles, but never
Nikkoloi Smith turning the latch. But tonight, either of them will move forward to tomorrow night’s Final Four. Guard, Jason Squires has been enjoying a good season. His prolific scoring makes Sonics one of the teams to beat in that group, but he also needs help. Trevor Smith has not been at his best, and the middle is fragile for Pepsi Sonics with Earl O’Neil shouldering all the weight. It comes down to who has the better
Dominic Vincente bench. In that regard, Colts have the advantage over Sonics with a more established structure. The guards, Dave Causway, Shelroy Thomas, Rayon Cummings and Kurt English; junior swingman, Stanton Rose, gives Colts an impressive backcourt. Colts’ centre, Shane Webster is a one-man army in the middle. His support comes from forward, Nicko Fraser, but truth be told, the strong and lanky Webster
Dave Causway needs no support in the paint. He is another problem for Sonics that will have to dig deep tonight. 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.
MSC launches U17 coaching programme The Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) yesterday launched its U17 cricket coaching programme at its Thomas Lands facility. The programme which will commence at 15:00 hrs on Monday will be supervised by former Guyana first class batsman Mark Harper and is being sponsored by Global Sea Food Distributors and cosponsored by Noble House Sea Foods. MSC secretary Adrian Smith expressed gratitude to the sponsors and said the programme is designed to produce rounded individuals. He urged the youths to take the game and their education seriously. “Cricket and Education go together so you should remain disciplined and committed,” he said referring to Steven Jacobs one of the club’s leading players who is currently pursuing a degree at the University of the West Indies. Chief Executive Officer of Global Seafood Distributors Allison Butters-
CEO of Global Seafood Distributor Allison Butters-Grant (left) presents the cheque to MSC secretary Adrian Smith in the presence of young cricketers and officials of the club and sponsors. Grant said it’s an honour to be a sponsor and looks forward to a successful programme. She advised the youths to work diligently towards their goals and remain discipline, while Piercy Corlette of Noble
House Sea Foods said he is happy that the youths are involved. The MSC is the first club to stage an official academy in the West Indies and it lasted for 15 years. Coach Harper thanked the MSC for
affording him the opportunity to be part of the clinic. He noted the importance of such a programme stating that one of his objectives is to develop capable U15, 17 and 19 teams. Harper who is
accredited by the WICB and ECB explained that 70% of cricket is being played above the shoulders and cricketers must be able to analyse game situations. Ball handling skills, fitness, Game sense, Field placing and cricket
education, Healthy Life Style and Nutrition are among the items listed. The programme is also expected to be held in schools involving current national players. (Zaheer Mohamed)
t r o Sp PCL First-Class cricket
Leewards Hurricanes in a good position against Jaguars
Powell returned to Regional First-Class cricket with a shot-filled 55 yesterday against Guyana.
March 20 ‘National Race of Champions’ Meet
Kalamadeen aiming for success on return
Russia faces May deadline for Olympic return Plaisance Guardians test authenticity against formidable Ravens -Mackeson Mecca III Super Eight continues tonight
MSC launches U17 coaching programme 2016 Brazil Olympic Qualifiers
(Flashback)- Group 4 racer Irfaan Kalamadeen (right) poses next to his Mazda RX 7 machine at the team’s garage.
Amsterdam and Thomas commences trek to qualify
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