Tuesday March 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
The grand run around between the NIS and its contributor DEAR EDITOR. Having contributed to NIS for over 24 years, I decided to obtain a record of my contributions when I visited Guyana in 2011. I made an inquiry at one of NIS local offices and was told that I have more than 1200 contributions and was advised to go to the Georgetown Office and request a print out. Due to time constraints, I could not make it to request the print out. In May, 2014, I sent an email to the NIS PRO
So far, I have not received a reply from NIS with regards to the missing contributions. When NIS launched the online system in 2015; I signed up and was able to view my contributions. I discovered that NIS had 410 contributions for me on the on line contributions tab. I submitted an on line query # 129 on Nov, 11, 2015 in which I outlined my concerns about the missing contributions. The query #129 was updated by NIS on Jan. 18, 2016 and was closed without an answer from NIS with regards to the
was made 11 years ago in 2004 and I am left to wonder when will my missing contributions be updated. On Feb 05, 2016 I sent the email attached below to NIS: “Dear Sir/ Madam, I checked the website today and would like to express my thanks to you and your team at NIS for partially updating my contribution records. I would like you to know that more than 500 contributions are still outstanding. Please see details below in table. Grateful for a reply if any
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People who should ride away want to stay DEAR EDITOR, I wish the City Councillors from Georgetown know when to call it a day, or as we in Guyana say ‘when to call it George’. Here we have a bunch of tired, worn out, mentally bankrupt, corrupt, and useless old men and women who have had twenty two years instead of the prescribed three, managing our capital, who are still trying to hang around for a little longer maybe for the monthly stipend of sixty thousand dollars, by seeking to be re-elected at LGE 2016. What a shame that is, when one does not know when to move on. Some of them are even showing the weaknesses or diseases of old age, especially a loss of mental faculties. A classic example of this
would be the recent case in point when Mayor Green during a visit to the Kitty Market in an interview with the press, announced that his days as mayor are numbered and as a result, the restoration and renovation of that facility would be the responsibility of the next mayor. Alas! Just a few days after such a grand announcement, rehabilitation commenced in earnest by the same Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Unbelievable! A case where the left hand has no idea what the right hand is doing Clearly Mayor Green and his Councillors are mere sailors and not calling the shots at City Hall, yet ChaseGreen is parading around this and other projects ‘pomping
a scene’ as they would say to give the impression that the project was their doing, earning them kudos for reelection. Why would we need these old dreamers back as our city mothers and fathers? They would more be like doddering City Grandfathers and Grandmothers. It is time to reinsert youth into the main portals of governance. These old folks are trying to prevent youth participation in governance and the fulfillment of their dreams and utilization of their energies. The time to improve the capacity of youths at the community level is now. We need young people as policy makers. I encourage everyone to vote wisely, vote for the youth. Amber Valentine
DEAR EDITOR; With the local government elections close, the management of Guyana Goldfields including a senior manage are breaking the spirit of workers who are entitled to go way from the area to vote. They are being asked to stay and work because they will lose income. This is because they can’t guarantee getting us back on site before three days Some persons who are schedule to travel out close to Friday are being offered time and a half to stay on site and work through because they are not bringing their replacement to site until after the elections. The law is clear; all employees are entitled to time
off and in my view this is clearly not being obeyed. This is a foreign company and they need to be told to obey our laws or leave our country. In the past, persons would have labeled this kind of treatment prison-like like or slave camp. This may cost my job if my identity is revealed.
Please withhold my identity. Frustrated employee
Guyana Goldfields may prevent us from voting
requesting a record of my contributions. I did not receive a reply or an acknowledgement to my email. I sent another email in July 2015 and informed the PRO that it has been over 15 months and I have not received an acknowledgement or a response to my request. In September 2016, I received a letter and a record of my contributions from NIS posted to my overseas home address. The record of my total contributions sent by NIS showed that I have a total of 739 contributions. I sent another email to NIS in Oct. 2016 and indicated that a total of more than 500 contributions are missing and provided details about the missing contributions. I also included scanned copies of my record of service in relation to the two places of employment for which the contributions were missing.
missing contributions. I sent another query #165 and received this reply from NIS via email – ‘GOOD MORNING! PLEASE NOTE: OUR WEBSITE IS SCHEDULED TO BE UPDATED ON 31.01.2016.’ This seems to be a boiler plate response which is unsuitable. The query # 165 was updated by NIS on Jan. 18, 2016 and again was closed without an answer to my missing contributions. The NIS website was updated in early February 2016 and on checking my contributions noted that it was updated to a total of 739, but the missing contributions (500 +) were not included. On the contributions page, NIS have this note below your total contributions – ‘Please be advised that this statement only reflects your contributions that are updated on our computer system’ My last contribution
process is presently being carried out to find these missing contributions. Thank you” On Feb, 07, 2016 I submitted another on line query #201 with regards to my missing contributions and the reply from NIS at >> condetails@gmail.com<< via email indicated that I will receive an initial response within one week. Again, another boiler plate response. It’s been over one month and I have not received a reply despite sending 3 emails requesting an initial response. The email response to a query - ‘GOOD MORNING! PLEASE NOTE: OUR WEBSITE IS SCHEDULED TO BE UPDATED ON —— ———. is utterly outrageous. A simple reply, informing the contributor that their query will be investigated, the process involved and the time it will take would have been Continued on page 23
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Proposed laws on child pornography, computer hacking for public discussion tomorrow Government is set tomorrow to publicly discuss ground-breaking, proposed legislation that will address concerns of the crimes relating to internet use and illegal acquisition of computer data. Tomorrow morning, the public consultation on the Draft Cybercrime Bill 2016 will be held at the Pegasus Hotel with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, set to chair the proceedings. Also set to deliver remarks will be United States Chargé d’ Affaires, Mr. Bryan Hunt. An overview of the Draft Bill will be given by Vonetta Atwell, Principal Parliamentary Counsel. The Cybercrime Bill 2015 was gazetted earlier in September last year, with government intent on making it an offence for persons to illegally access a computer, illegally intercepting and causing data interference, illegally acquiring data and causing system interference, and using illegal devices. Government will also be going after computer-related forgery and fraud, identity theft, sharing of child pornography, luring of minors, violation of privacy and spamming. With regards to
pornography, the proposed legislation explains that child pornography will relate to a minor engaging in sexual activity or sexually explicit conduct; a child in a sexually explicit pose; a person who appears to be a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct; or realistic images representing a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. It will not include any visual representation produced or reproduced for the purpose of education, counselling, or promotion of reproductive health or as part of a criminal investigation and prosecution or civil proceedings or in the lawful performance of a person’s profession, duties and functions. With regards to hindering a computer system, the bill explains that it can mean disconnecting the electricity supply to a computer system; causing electromagnetic interference to a computer system; corrupting a computer system; or inputting, transmitting, damaging, deleting, deteriorating, altering or suppressing computer data. Intercept includes listening to or viewing, by use of technical means, or recording a function of a computer system or acquiring
the substance. Multiple electronic mail messages refer to an unsolicited data message, including electronic mail and instant message that is sent to more than five recipients at a time. It is being proposed that any person with illegal access to a computer system for the purposes of securing access to computer data commits an offence and faces a $3M fine and three years’ jail. Any person who intentionally illegally intercepts and without lawful excuse or justification any subscriber information or traffic data or any communication that is not available to the public or uses any electromagnetic emission from a computer system that carries any data, will be committing an offence. Again, the fine is $3M with three years’ jail on a summary conviction and a fine of $5M and five years’ jail for an indictable one. With regards to illegal data interference – a person who intentionally and without lawful excuse or justification damages computer data or causes computer data to deteriorate or deletes and alters or copies computer data; or renders computer data meaningless,
Homes will not be demolished as part of Parika-Goshen Road Project The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has given assurances that no homes will be demolished as a result of construction on the ParikaGoshen Road Project. The concerns were recently raised by residents of the Parika Façade, East Bank Essequibo squatting community. “Recent reports indicate
that statements claiming that homes will be demolished to facilitate the project have been circulating. These statements have, understandably, caused panic in residents of the community,” the ministry explained yesterday. “The Ministry therefore wishes to firmly assure the residents that no demolition of their homes will occur. Rather, the most extreme form of action will be the relocation of homes found to be in the direct path of the proposed site.” Currently, the project is in
its design and consultancy phase. When this process is completed, then it will be determined if relocation, not demolition, is necessary. The Ministry noted that the relocation of homes to facilitate projects is not unusual. “For example, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) runway project saw the relocation of 19 homes in Timehri North. “These homes were relocated some 200 metres away. Additionally, this process featured several consultations with the residents over an extended period of time. If – following the design process – residents of Parika Façade must be relocated, they will be duly consulted on the way forward.” The Ministry made it clear that it supports community interactions on projects- “we must encourage all interested persons to be duly informed and educated before publicly communicating on projects. Furthermore, those who have reportedly been deliberately sharing misinformation are urged to cease this practice.” The Ministry said it is open to questions.
A proposed law to bring tough penalties on sharing of child pornography and computer hacking will be publicly discussed tomorrow. useless or ineffective; the fine is $3M and three years’ jail for a summary conviction or $5M and five years’ jail on an indictable conviction. The legislation would also target hackers – a person who intentionally obtains for himself or another person computer data which is not meant for him or the other person and which is protected against unauthorised access, also
faces similar penalties and jail time. The proposed laws also threaten stiffer penalties for hackers and others that could interfere or affect computer networks of the government facilities or critical infrastructure. The critical infrastructure refers to a computer system, device, network, computer programme or computer data so vital to the State that the
incapacity or destruction of, or interference with it would have a debilitating impact on the security, defence or international relations of the State. These could relate to provision of services directly related to national or economic security, banking and financial services, public utilities, the energy sector, and communications infrastructure.
5,000 chemically treated bed nets distributed
One of the preventative measures utilised by the Public Health Ministry against the Zika virus is to encourage the use of chemically treated bed nets. Since the Ministry heightened its campaign against the mosquito-borne virus, it has distributed over 5000 of these bed nets countrywide. Another 75,000 more are available for distribution. Since the first case of the Zika virus was confirmed in Guyana in January in a resident of Covent Gardens, followed by a 16-year-old from Eccles, two persons from Diamond and one from Timehri all on the East Bank Demerara, the Ministry embarked on a campaign of vector control, public education and distribution of treated bed nets. The Ministry’s Vector Control Services (VCS) is coordinating the fogging exercise which is continuing in several areas, including wards of the city. The distribution of the treated nets is currently
- 75,000 more targeted ongoing countrywide as well with emphasis on expectant mothers. There have been over 80 suspected cases with no deaths occurring from the Zika infection, said the Health Ministry. Currently, Guyana has to send samples to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago for testing for the virus, but one Medical Technician is currently undergoing training at the institution. Upon completion, that person will operat e t h e equipment already in place to test for vector borne diseases at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL), thereby eliminating the need to send samples to CARPHA. The first case of the Zika virus was reported in May 2015, in Brazil; since then it has made its way to about 30 countries in the Western hemisphere. Signs and symptoms of the Zika virus include fever,
headache, joint and muscle pain, rash and sometimes swelling of the limbs. Some persons may also experience vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. There is no direct treatment developed for the illness. Individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures such as the use of insect repellants, treated bed nets, and long sleeve clothing to avoid mosquito bites. Household insecticidal sprays, coils, candles, screening of windows, doors and other openings can also aid in reduction of mosquitoes in the home. The Public Health Ministry continues to monitor Ports-of-Entry countrywide for the virus. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fu n d (UNICEF) has set up a ‘war room’ to monitor information in the case of a major disease outbreak.
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
Russia to pull out of Syria
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday (Reuters Photo) (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said yesterday Russian armed forces would begin pulling out of Syria and instructed his diplomats to step up the push for peace, as U.N.-mediated talks resumed in Geneva on ending the five-year war. Syria said President Bashar al-Assad had agreed on the “reduction” of Russian forces in a telephone call with Putin. Russia’s military intervention in Syria in September helped to turn the tide of war in Assad’s favor after months of gains in western Syria by rebel fighters, who were aided by foreign military supplies including U.S.-made anti-tank missiles. At a meeting with his defence and foreign ministers, Putin said Russian forces had largely fulfilled their objectives in the Syrian operation. But he gave no deadline for the completion of the withdrawal and said forces would remain at a seaport and airbase in Syria’s Latakia province. One rebel group fighting Assad said Putin’s announcement was as surprising as his decision to launch air strikes on Assad’s opponents had been last year. In Geneva, United Nations mediator Staffan de Mistura warned the warring parties there was no “Plan B” other than a resumption of conflict if the first of three rounds of talks which aim to agree a “clear roadmap” for Syria failed to make progress. Putin said at the Kremlin meeting he was ordering the withdrawal from Tuesday of “the main part of our military contingent” from the country. “The effective work of our military created the conditions for the start of the peace process,” he said. “I believe that the task put before the defense ministry and Russian armed forces has on the whole, been fulfilled.” With the participation of the Russian military, Syrian armed forces “have been able
to achieve a fundamental turnaround in the fight against international terrorism”, he added. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had telephoned Assad to inform him of the Russian decision. The move was announced on the day United Nations-brokered talks involving the warring sides in Syria resumed in Geneva. In Damascus, the Syrian presidency said Assad had agreed to the reduction in the Russian air force presence after it had helped the Syrian army to make military gains. However, it added in a statement that Moscow had promised to continue support for Syria in “confronting terrorism”. Syria regards all rebel groups fighting Assad as terrorists. One rebel group expressed bafflement. “I don’t understand the Russian announcement, it’s a surprise, like the way they entered the war. God protect us,” Fadi Ahmad, spokesman for the First Coastal Division, a Free Syria Army group fighting in the country’s northwest, told Reuters. A U.S. official, who asked not to be named, said Washington had seen reports of Putin’s comments, adding: “We expect to learn more about this in the coming hours.” MOMENT OF TRUTH Speaking before Putin’s announcement, de Mistura said Syria faced a moment of truth, as he opened talks to end a war which has displaced half the population, sent refugees streaming into Europe and turned Syria into a battlefield for foreign forces and jihadis. The talks are the first in more than two years and come amid a marked reduction in fighting after last month’s “cessation of hostilities”, sponsored by Washington and Moscow and accepted by Assad’s government and many of his foes. But the limited truce,
which excludes the powerful Islamic State and Nusra Front groups, is fragile. The warring sides have accused each other of multiple violations, and they arrived in Geneva with what look like irreconcilable agendas. The Syrian opposition says the talks must focus on setting up a transitional governing body with full executive power, and that Assad must leave power at the start of the transition. Damascus says Assad’s opponents are deluded if they think they will take power at the negotiating table. The head of the government delegation, Bashar Ja’afari, described his first meeting with de Mistura on Monday as positive and constructive, adding he submitted a document entitled “Basic Elements for a Political Solution”. De Mistura said some ideas had been floated in a meeting he described as a preparatory session, before a further meeting on Wednesday which would focus on core issues. Asked about the gulf between the two teams, he said it was the nature of negotiations that both sides start off with tough positions. In a sign of how wide the rift is, de Mistura is meeting the two sides separately - at least initially. The talks must focus on political transition, which is the “mother of all issues”, the U.N. envoy said before his talks with Ja’afari. Separate groups would keep tackling humanitarian issues and the cessation of hostilities. “As far as I know, the only Plan B available is return to war, and to even worse war than we had so far,” he said. PAST FAILURES Several ceasefires and peace talks have been attempted since the conflict, which has killed 250,000 people, broke out five years ago this week. Hundreds of U.N. monitors were deployed to observe a ceasefire in Syria in 2012, but pulled out after fighting resumed. Peace talks in Geneva two years ago collapsed after making no progress. De Mistura said that if he saw no willingness to negotiate in this latest search for a political agreement, he would hand the issue “back to those who have influence, and that is the Russian Federation, the USA ... and to the Security Council”. The reduction in fighting has allowed aid to be brought to besieged areas, though the opposition says the deliveries to rebel-held territory fall well short of needs.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
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The abuse of state funds The APNU+AFC coalition government is being accused by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) of abusing state funds for campaign purposes. The APNU+AFC should issue a statement responding to these charges, because it is disturbing that these allegations are being made against a government that promised better governance, and which when it was in opposition had leveled similar allegations against the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic. The ruling APNU+AFC cannot be expected to simply stop doing the work of government every time there
is an election campaign. What it has to do is to indicate how it intends to avoid the use of state resources for political campaigning. APNU+AFC had complained in the past that state vehicles were used to take Ministers of the then PPP government to political rallies. This was extremely petty, because a Minister is still a Minister before the meeting and after the meeting. He or she cannot be expected to take a special-hire taxi to attend the political meeting of his party and then when the meeting is over, to use the state vehicle to get back home or to work. A Minister should be entitled to use his state-
assigned vehicle to attend a political meeting both during and after the meeting. Similarly, security personnel should be allowed to accompany Ministers and the Head of State to political meetings. The state is obligated to provide security to Ministers and to the Head of State at all times during their incumbency and therefore the provision of this protection cannot be deemed an abuse of state funds. The AFC and APNU had been very petty in its criticisms of the former regime for use of state vehicles to attend party meetings. The PPP has issued a statement indicating that it
Dem boys seh...
Foreign crooks surfacing near Soulja Bai Politicians are de same all over de world. De like to mek promises. Dem does promise to build a bridge even where there is no trench or river. All of dem in de new govt did mek a lot of promises. One of de promises was to tek back dem radio licence wha Jagdeo give away. Now Moses singing another tune. And is only he alone singing. Dem boys hear when Soulja Bai and Rum Jattan seh he talking he mouth full of wha dem other people throw pun Freddie. Dem promise to tek back de Santa Complex and de lifetime concessions wha Jagdeo grant to some of dem owners. Dem even promise to reveal de Clico document that show who get de money that Jagdeo tek from de treasury to pay 2,000-plus policy holder in Clico. Everybody know most of de money go to de big boys in Jagdeo company. Dem did promise to deal wid de US$150M airport contract. Part of de contract had 69 toilet bowls at a cost of $460,000 each. De ink didn’t even dry pun de contract and that fat crook Brassington, the shaat scamp, Ashni, and de market rat, Jagdeo, sign it. Dem boys seh if you think that bad, think
again. Dem scamps pay out almost US$100M and de wuk ain’t deh 25 per cent. Why would anybody pay a contract almost three-quarter of de contact money up front? Everybody know when dem use to give out contract dem share does stick in and dem never wait to collect at de end of de project. Because de contractors actually getaway wid all de money in de past. Some of dem miss out pun de kickback. Dem learn. Nowadays dem does pay up nuff up front so dem can collect kickback even before de project start. Dem boys know de Pee Pee Pee mek half of Guyana into scamps of de highest order. Plenty of dem still in govt and holding high position. Dem boys watching all of dem wid hi-tec lens that Uncle Sam Hambassadah lend dem boys. Dem boys also watching this set wha deh in govt now, especially dem remigrants who deh close to de new govt. One got name like Jagdeo best friend and one got name of a city in England. Is a lot of deals going around de place. Talk half and hope dem boys trace dem kickbacks.
recognizes that the President has a right to visit any part of the country. So too does a Minister, but visits should never be scheduled in a way in which both official and party events coincide. If this is allowed to happen it could mean that a Minister can go campaigning and justify this action on the ground that he or she is undertaking official work. The separation of party from government functions is not as straightforward as was presumed by APNU+AFC when it was in opposition. Now that it is in government, it is to be expected that the APNU+AFC government would set rules that would allow for the non-abuse of resources of the State for political purposes. The APNU+AFC government is expected to set the benchmark for avoiding
abuses of state funds for political purposes. The ninemonth-old government needs to come out with a clear code of conduct to guide its officials during political campaigning periods. One of the criticisms leveled by the PPP against the government is that the President and a large entourage of Ministers were going to Lethem to campaign. This is of course different from the issue of the use of state vehicles to attend political meetings on the coastland. This is why it is important for the government to issue a statement indicating how the transportation for this entourage, if the report is true, is going to be paid. The State should not be expected to bear the cost of ferrying any entourage to a political rally this distance away from the seat of
government. It would be hard to justify the large transportation expenses of any entourage for political campaigning on the grounds that these persons do not lose their official status both before and after the campaign meeting, and therefore are entitled to official transportation for such long distances. That cannot be acceptable. There have to be some rules governing these things and the government should examine what happens in other countries and promote a policy that is in line with how some of the established democracies deal with this issue.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 15, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Granger and Nagamootoo have to define justice for us Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has been catapulted into a controversy from which it will not be easy to extricate himself. At the heart of the enigma is the meaning of the concept of justice. Space will not permit an adumbration of the meaning of justice. But in any discussion of justice, it would be unwise to debate what it means without the role of moral obligation. Is the Government of Guyana telling Guyanese that it cannot rescind the most blatant acts of immorality in
the distribution of radio and cable television licences because those immoralities had the stamp of legal approval? The two cannot be separated. It is for this reason that deliberate police incitement to commit a crime cannot be accepted and should not be accepted by society. It is heinous and dangerous to arrest someone for participation in an indecent act if you use a female police decoy with the intention of enticing a person
to have sex with her for money. I have seen such a case got thrown out in a Canadian court with the judge using harsh words to condemn the police action. Arrest a person if they go into a brothel but do not put a policewoman acting as a prostitute to entice them to have sex. The police have a moral obligation to protect society not incite people to commit illegal acts. President Jagdeo shared out radio licences in the most vulgar manner to his party apparatchiks and business friends. It does not matter if it carried the official imprimatur of the Office of the President. The immoral side to it was profanely incestuous. Is one to understand that when the politics of immorality carries the legal stamp of the President or Prime Minister of a country, succeeding governments cannot change such depraved policy-making aberrations? I would like to read or hear how President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo define justice. Most horrible things are going through my mind as I
pen this column. The first is reparations for slavery. I support such a demand. If the Jews could be compensated for genocide committed against them by Nazi Germany so should the descendants of the Jews. But the legality of the radio licence argument could be used to deny compensation to Holocaust victims and the descendants of the slaves. Slavery had legal sanction by European Governments. Execution of slaves was done under British laws. Many Jews were put to death by German courts. Where does that leave morality? What about apartheid? Many anti-fascist, freedom fighters were jailed under the laws of South Africa. Did such legal backing make those decisions acceptable? This brings into focus the question of imprisonment in Guyana. Are President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo telling us that if on assuming power in May 2015, they would not have ordered the release antidictatorship activists who were jailed on trumped up
charges? Are President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo telling this nation that such people would have had to face their trials and if jailed or freed so be it? I am afraid the context through which justice must be seen is being overlooked here. I want to touch on the implications of the radio licence legality for the Pradoville 2 case. The Attorney-General was quoted last week as saying that investigations into criminal violations of Pradoville 2 must continue. But there is a huge but. Didn’t Pradoville have the stamp of the President? Was the sale of land not legally done? Was the landscaping of the area backed by the legal sanction of those in authority? If there was absolutely no legal authority in the Pradoville 2 story, then criminality occurred. But if the project involved the legal authority of the President, then how can a criminal investigation stand up? I am being provocative here.
Frederick Kissoon My stance is that both the licence policy and Pradoville 2 should be revoked. But I am arguing that if you use the legal argument to retain the distribution of licences under Jagdeo then the same legal criterion applies to Pradoville 2. The Guyana Government has to decide which way it wants to go but it cannot eat its cake and have it too. Having said all of that there is a case in Argentina and Belize where the sale of lands in Belize and bonds in Argentina were legally done but were vastly undervalued leading to criminal investigation. Against this background then the Guyana Government has precedent in global politics for moving against legal policies that carried stink moral violations.
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
New Chairpersons named for Gaming Authority, GPHC, Lands and Survey As the debate continues over the granting of casino licences, Government has announced prominent Attorney-at-Law, Roysdale Forde, as the new Chairman of the Guyana Gaming Authority. The notice was published in the Official Gazette of March 10. The other members of the board are former army officer, Col. Christine King; Attorneyat-Law Geeta ChandanEdmonds and George Vaughn, an accountant. Forde, who has been involved in a number of high profile court cases, would replace former Minister, Manniram Prashad, as Chairman. Prashad’s term ended December 31 when the Board’s life expired. Forde will be Chairman for two years effective March 1, 2016 to February 28, 2018. A new Board of Directors for the Guyana Gaming Authority would come at a time when questions have arisen over casino licences. The issue raised its head two weeks ago after former Magistrate, Kalam JumanYassin, objected to a casino going up on Church Street, Queenstown. Clifton Bacchus, the owner of Sleep In, to whom the casino licence was promised under the administration of Donald Ramotar, had not seen any problems with the objections raised that the hotel and casino would have been too close to a nearby mosque and church. The mosque had objected. It recently came out that the licence promised to Sleep In, may have also been promised to businessman Omprakash ‘Buddy’ Shivraj, who is also building a hotel on Sheriff Street, behind his pool hall. However, Clifton Bacchus, is objecting to
GPHC’s new Chairman, Dr. Carl Max Hanoman
Roysdale Forde New Chairman of Gaming Authority
Shivraj receiving another licence saying he already received one for Buddy’s Hotel in Providence, East Bank Demerara. Last week, Government said that a new Board of the Gaming Authority would be reviewing past applications for casino licences. Under regulations only three casino licences are allowed per region. Guyana has 10 regions, making a total of 30 licences that can be issued. Meanwhile, Government has also named two persons on the Board of Directors for the Russian-owned, Bauxite Company Guyana Inc. /Rusal. There are former Region Ten Chairman, Mortimer Mingo and Edgar Mendonca. In the past there have been questions over the operations of Rusal which has bauxite operations in Region 10, at Aroaima and Kwakwani. A few years ago, Rusal fired over 50 workers because they took part in protests actions. That matter angered union officials and reportedly remains unresolved. A recent Ministerial inspection found several labour-related issues at the two operations with Government signaled intentions to lay charges.
A new Board of Directors was also named for the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission. Heading the Commission which is charged with regulating the administration of state lands in the country, will be Paulette Henry. The other members will be Maurice Gajadar, Leon Rutherford, Carol Khan, Joel Trotman, Rawle Small, Wilfred Brandford and Randolph Storm. The other members will come from the Guyana Association of Professional Surveyors, Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Ministry of Communities. The observers on the Board will be from the Guyana Defence Force, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Business and Ministry of Natural Resources. Also announced was a new Board of Directors for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Board. Dr. Carl Max Hanoman is the new Chairman. He would replace Dr. Noel Blackman, a New York-based medical professional who was detained earlier this year while on his way to Guyana to start his duties. Blackman is facing serious criminal Continued on page 21
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Senior Citizens’ club launched in Sophia Senior citizens are important to society and measures to emphasize this are being channeled through the Ministry of Public Health’s Women and Elderly Health Unit. The most recent measure was the launch of a Seniors Club at the Sophia Health Centre aimed at allowing senior citizens living in Sophia to meet and meaningfully interact with each other. The Club, according to information out of the Public Health Ministry was conceptualized with the objective of providing a forum and a space for seniors to engage each other, share information, and to promote healthy lifestyles. Speaking at the launching of the seniors’ club was Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings. She pointed out then that clubs of this nature form part of an array of formal social services in any progressive society. And according to her, too, clubs for the elderly are essential to improving the quality of life of the elderly population and serve primarily as a social framework to relieve loneliness and provide recreation. In addition, the Minister noted that senior clubs are seen as an important resource to encourage active aging by
offering programmes and activities of selfempowerment. “According to the PanAmerican Health Organization and the World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO), for seniors, good health ensures independence, security, and continued productivity in the later years. But, Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cancer cardiovascular disease, and diabetes can diminish seniors’ quality of life, raise health care costs, and increase the pressure on family members who are responsible for their care,” the Minister said. The Minister emphasized that the susceptibility to Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) increases with age. She urged the seniors to pay close attention to the lifestyle choices they continue to make, encouraging them to make healthy choices regardless of the age at which they now stand. Minister Cummings added that the Ministry of Public Health is committed to providing best quality health care to the elderly. She observed that the same efforts that are being made to offer equitable and accessible health care to other sections of society will be made available to senior citizens. “As we strive to bolster
Minister Karen Cummings our elderly health services, better efficiency will be derived in identifying health risks and detecting diseases earlier. Timely intervention and prevention of complications, in a multidisciplinary approach under best quality primary care settings will be the result of establishing best practices in elderly health care services,” the Minister asserted. More than 60 senior citizens turned out to the Sophia Health Centre to witness the launch of the Seniors Club. They all spoke very highly of the initiative and thanked the Minister for making the club a possibility. Minister Cummings has promised to return at a later date to see the club in operation.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Make Code of Conduct for public officials legally enforceable - Ram Benefitting in office….
In recent years, public officials and other executives of state agencies have been coming under fire for questionable decisions taken during the course of their duties. Recently, another scenario has crept in—that of officials receiving concessions like mining lands and other benefits while in office- some of them extravagant. In a number of cases, some of the officials in defending their questionable decisions said they were following instructions from the Government. While the decisions taken and the land and other concessions that the officials benefitted from might not have been illegal, the transactions have raised serious ethical and moral questions. Yesterday, Attorney-atLaw and President of the Guyana Bar Association, Christopher Ram, was of the firm belief that the urgent adoption of a Code of Conduct for public officials, which is in draft form at the moment, will solve of the dilemma facing the David Granger administration. Announced last year, the draft code is designed to spell out how officers should behave while in office.
The David Granger administration has vowed to introduce measures and tighten up controls in Government and other state agencies to ensure transparency and reduce corruption. Government recently said that it will allow for more public input into the draft code before it is taken to the Cabinet of Ministers for approval. From there it will be taken to the National Assembly for adoption. “Our position (Bar Association) is that any Code of Conduct for public officials should be one that is legally enforceable. You cannot have a code that no one takes seriously because of an absence of penalties,” Ram said. He said that note was taken of report in Kaieteur News over the weekend in which Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, between 2012-2015, applied for and was granted over 40 blocks of mining lands, or over 50,000 acres. Isaacs, in defending the mining concessions, insisted that he breached no laws. He pointed out that Article 158(5) (c) of the Constitution is clear. “It does not prevent me, as Clerk of the National Assembly, from being in business.”
President of the Guyana Bar Association, Christopher Ram
Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs
As a matter of fact, the Constitution says that “An officer so appointed shall not, during his or her continuance in the Office of Clerk or Deputy Clerk, perform the functions of any public office …” The Constitution, Isaacs insisted, does not say that he cannot be a farmer or miner and cannot hold concessions for agricultural or mining purposes. “Also, I am of the opinion that the holding of the concessions by me does not give rise to a conflict of interest. Further, as far as I know, I have not contravened any code of conduct or other
rules in relation to the Office of Clerk of the National Assembly.” ACREATURE CALLED BRASSINGTON Another case that was hotly debated, recently, was that of Winston Brassington. Brassington headed the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the Privatisation Unit, two state agencies that spearheaded several transactions on behalf of the state that were questionable in its very nature. Several state properties were sold and transferred with questions about whether
Former NICIL head, Winston Brassington monies were paid. In some cases, there are indications that the properties were below market value. Brassington also overlooked a number of investments on behalf of the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government, among them the Berbice River Bridge and the Marriott Hotel. Both transactions saw little or no Parliamentary input. Brassington, in defending his actions, insisted that he was abiding by instructions from the Cabinet of Ministers – the government of the day. The previous administration had described Brassington as a creature of the Cabinet. There were recent, similar defence that no wrongdoings were involved in the granting of mining lands to highranking officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. “We made some c o m p r e h e n s i v e recommendations. We are saying because of the situation that is prevailing, adopt the current draft Code of Conduct…you can always fine-tune it. We cannot delay any longer,” Ram urged yesterday. He said the recent cases make a strong argument for a working Code of Conduct that is in place. Earlier this month, Government said that it will continue to receive written comments on the draft Code of Conduct for Ministers of Government, members of the National Assembly and public office holders. Already, feedback has been received from the Guyana Bar Association and the Guyana Human Rights Association, among others. “In an effort to ensure a thorough and comprehensive code which benefits from the widest possible input, Government will allow for further comments before the
code is presented to Cabinet for approval and finalization,” the Ministry of the Presidency explained. The Code of Conduct is based on 10 principles – Accountability, Dignity, Diligence, Duty, Honour, Integrity, Loyalty, Objectivity, Responsibility and Transparency. The draft document speaks to disciplinary actions or terminations for Ministers, Parliamentarians and other public office holders who are in breach. The draft document also addresses the acceptance of gifts of more than $10,000, conflicts of interest, accountability and even gambling. In the past, there was little action against public officials, despite reported evidence. This included discharging of a firearm, drunk driving and trading on insider information. The purpose of the code is to assist Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders in the discharge of their obligations to their constituents and the public at large. PUBLIC’S CONFIDENCE “It provides guidance on the values – the moral qualities – that should govern the conduct of Ministers and Members in discharging their Parliamentary and public duties. It is also meant to reinforce public confidence in the way in which Ministers and public office holders perform those duties.” It was made clear that public office holders are duty bound by the code in all aspects of their public life. The code, however, does not seek to regulate the conduct of public office holders in their private and personal lives. Regarding accountability, the draft code proposes that public office holders are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions, and must submit themselves to scrutiny and criticism. They must also conduct themselves in a manner that is worthy of the respect of their peers and the public and be effective, efficient, courteous and reliable in the performance of their duties. Of course, the issue of integrity was dealt with. “Public office holders have a duty to declare any private interest relating to the discharge of their duties and responsibilities, and to ensure that their personal decisions and actions are not in conflict with the national interest. “Public office holders should display allegiance to Continued on page 23
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
Absent ranks frustrate inquest into police Diamond killing Family members of two men who were shot dead by the police a little over two years ago continue to be frustrated at the delay to commence the inquest into their deaths. The matter which was scheduled to start last year, was called up again before Magistrate Alex Moore, yesterday, and for the umpteenth time, the police ranks who are central to the case did not show up. This forced the Magistrate to adjourn the matter to today, but not before he hinted at issuing arrest warrants for the policemen. The Director of Public Prosecution had ordered that an inquest be held into the deaths of Paul Bascom, a resident of Diamond Housing Scheme and Alberto Grant, or Alberto Mustapha, 28, called ‘Mukie’, of Lot 299 Meadow Brook Gardens. They were shot dead during an alleged 20-minute shootout with police at Diamond, East Bank Demerara on December 7, 2013. The matter had gained much public attention after whistleblower, Lennox Wayne, called ‘Two Colours’ refuted the police versions of what transpired on the night the men were killed. The police had reported that their ranks had staked out the home of a trucking service operator at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, which the suspects were reportedly planning to rob. According to the police, they challenged two men who were approaching on foot, and one of them pulled out a handgun and opened fire on the ranks. The police returned fire and fatally wounded both men. The police said that they recovered a .38 snub-nose revolver with two live rounds
Paul Bascom and two spent shells, along with one 9mm. round and two 7.62 x 39 rounds. Although the Police Office of Professional Responsibility was tasked with investigating that shooting, the findings of their probe have not been released to the public, although the then Commissioner of Police Leroy Brummel had promised to have that done. Paul Grant and Anita Sebrene, the father and mother of Alberto Grant and Paul Bascom, have both been on a crusade to find out the truth about the circumstances that led to the killings at Diamond. But despite all the information they were able to gather, they were not able to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Their efforts to find the truth were renewed when they read that self-confessed ‘hit man’ Lennox Wayne admitted that he was a part of the police operation that resulted in the deaths of their two sons. Wayne had told this newspaper that he worked along with the police on a number of operations, including the shooting at Diamond. He gave the names of the officers who were on both
Region Two starts clean up campaign With the focus by the government on promoting a clean, green Guyana, the Region Two Administration, in conjunction with Puran Brothers Garbage Services and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, has commenced an intense clean up exercise on the Essequibo Coast. The exercise started at Dartmouth Village. The removal of debris from the communities is to facilitate preparations for the celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence Jubilee. Matthew Munroe, Public Relations Officer attached to Puran Bros, said that the
cleanup exercise will end on May 8, next. Members from his company along with the Region Two Administration and the Anna Regina Municipality will continue to conduct the cleaning exercise every weekend except the Easter weekend and Labour Day. Munroe said that the response by residents who are also getting involved is encouraging. Meanwhile, a number of parks have been constructed in the Region to create a green, clean community. Under- utilised lands have also been transformed to recreation centers.
operations, and suggested that they did not happen the way the police said they did. “Dem ain’t had no shoot out,” Wayne had confirmed. He said he went to the scene on his motorcycle and when he stopped at the location, the police who were following behind pulled up also. “By time I stop, all I see is they (police) stop and start discharging rounds when they see de men coming out de yard. Me ain’t see de men dem fire nothing…it wasn’t an exchange of gunfire,” Wayne said. The dead men’s relatives believe that he is the key to any investigation into the matter and are appealing to the authorities to ensure that he is protected. Yesterday, when the matter was called, Wayne was not among the witnesses present, since no effort was reportedly made to have him released from the Camp Street Prison where he is currently on remand for the murder of a Lusignan Cosmetologist. However, the names of the policemen involved were called but there was no one there to respond, much to the frustration of the dead men’s relatives. Grant’s father, Paul Grant, was present. He informed the court that despite police claims that he could not be located initially he was served with a summons to attend court. He did explain to the court, though, that he had moved from his original address after one of the police ranks involved was making enquiries about him and he became fearful for his life. In the end, the Magistrate urged the Prosecutor, Sergeant Simmons, to ensure that the ranks present themselves in court today. He also apologized to the four jurors for the time wasted.
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NAREI promotes mangrove restoration More than 25 persons residing on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, are now equipped to help promote community based mangrove management as a sustainable means of mangrove restoration and management. 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 through the Education for Nature Program. Participants of the workshop, including teachers, representatives of Neighborhood 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 a geotextile tube groyne at Devonshire Castle and Spartina grass planting.
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. He emphasized that communities need to take responsibility for their mangrove resources. The involvement of youths in the workshop was praised by Mr. Jervis, who saw this as a promising sign for the sustainability of mangrove restoration in the Region. He encouraged participants to question the Project Officers about the interventions being made and provide their own inputs and recommendations. This encouragement created an energetic atmosphere needed for an 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 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 found 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, the participants visited several areas such as Walton Hall, Devonshire Castle and Lima that benefited from restoration interventions. The tour enabled 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.
New chairpersons...
From page 11 charges relating to an illegal drugs distribution racket he was allegedly running. Named as members to the GPHC Board are Kemton Alexander, Col. Patrick West, Cleopatra Barkoey, Collette Adams, Sonya Roopnauth and Mandy Sukhdeo. The GPHC’s new board would be critical as there were allegations of wrongdoings with the purchasing of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies to the tune of billions of dollars.
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Kaieteur News
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 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 Austin Power’s Repairs & Services: Re-gas, fridge, AC, freezer, stove, house wiring & washers. Call: 685-2588; 613-1711
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
TOURS SURINAME EASTER WEEKEND TOUR TRIP: SHOPPING, FUN, TOURS & SIGHTSEEING DOLPHINS MARCH 23RD -28TH, 2016. CALL: 6927270; 665-5171; 639-2663; 223-0056
SALON
PROPERTY FOR SALE
- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Transport property located @ Rosignol W.B.B: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished. Call: 679-3496; 6026333; 330-2576; 699-4689 (motivated settler)
WANTED Buying new model non working appliance, refrigerator, stoves, treadmill, washing machine, etc. Call: 661-8802 or whatsapp picture. Two Male general workers to work night shifts. Call: 2181400 Live in waitress must have secondary education, 1825yrs -$70,000 monthly. Call: 610-3974 Large quantity of selected 18months old coconut plants to buy between 2-3ft tall. Call: 231-1408; 642-9191 Boys to work in the Interior, shop attendants. Call: 6741767 A General Manager for Diamond operation. Attractive Salary. Call: 2237165 Experienced pastry maker, cake decorator, counter servers, cashier, roti/puri cooks, apply at Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce St. 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. One handyman to work in the Interior, must be 1825yrs. Call: 680-2702; 6613328 1 Male cook (baheir) to cook in the Interior. Call: 678-0565 One domestic cleaner & must be able to prepare vegetarian meals, apply in person @ Alabama Trading G/Town. EDUCATIONAL Private Custom Brokerage Certificate: training course29th March 2016. Register now! Call: 223-1506; 694-8322
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 House for rent, top flat 3 bedrooms, bottom flat, 3 bedrooms @ First Bridge Diamond. Call: 664-1030; 6135212 One two bedrooms, fully furnished house, Lot 5 Bougainvillea Park, gated community and security guard. Call: 678-1234 4 Bedrooms house in Bel-Air Gardens; all modern conveniences; no agents!Call: 231-7839 during working hours House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/ downstairs, all modern conveniences - $1600US monthly-Call: 231-7839 during working hours
Flat house in Grove, (corner property) 1 Block from main road, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 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; 615-4728 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 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 House & land @ Block 8 Mon Repos, E.C.D -$28M neg. Call: 654-4312; 629-3344, serious inquiries only. Property @ Lot 87 Albert Street- Call: 669- 8701
CAR RENTAL
LAND FOR SALE
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
Land 95X65 in high income gated community -$9.3M negotiable. Call: 609-0783
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Lall & Sons: Parfaite Harmonie$1M, $1.3M, $1.6M, Tuschen $3M, Uitvlugt, Providence $9M, Kitty-$19M,Sandpit Yarrowkabra -$90M. Call: 604-6724
Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
TO LET Spacious 2 bedrooms apartment in Festival City with car parking etc. Asking $G70, 000. Call: 619-2141; 616-7366
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
VACANCY 1 Domestic cleaner, must able to prepare vegetarian meal, apply @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown, Ferry Stelling, Stabroek.
1-4Cylinder, English Perkins with bearing block, already beded, in excellent condition. Call: 698-6796
Sales Representative (with license), Industrial Engineer (Diploma/Degree) – Telemarketer, Labourer. apply:jkeshwani.alesie@ gmail.Com- Call: 269-0026
5 Acre farm at Pearl E.B.D, bearing fruit trees, equipped chicken pens etc, terms of sale negotiable. Call: 6921999 Live and pluck chicken- Call: 220-1043; 621-4304 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 Leyland DAF55, Flatbed truck-in, excellent condition. Call to negotiate: 675-4287; 628-0016; 667-2536; 233-2383 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call: 225-9032;647-2943;6045198 Nissan Titan- Call: 696-5135 175 DAF dump truck #GNN 5366- Call: 664-1030; 613-5212 Dachshund puppies; 8 weeks old -$10,000. Call: 2160521; 694-3567 Jet-Ski for sale: 1500cc, super charged. Brand New! Call: 231-7839 during office hours
VEHICLE FOR SALE Unregistered Bluebird 2006 model, TV, Reverse Camera, Dark interior low mileage $2.3M. Call: 655-3400
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 6895997 K ’s D r i v i n g S c h o o l (Berbice)- learn to drive with a professional instructor. Call: 615-8536; 649-0979 for more information.
Male security, male desk staff, 30-45yrs old @ 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 Bulldozer operator, site engineer/technician, experienced Human Resource Personnel. Good salary-Call: 261-2280; 668-7104 Persons to hand work and pressing in sewing factory. Call: 264-2763; 642-6079 Experienced waitresses, cooks, bartenders, bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Lounge (East Bank). Call: for appointment 652-0074 One Housekeeper for Xenon Hotel contact 225-0254 Bl a c k H a w k S e c u r i t y Services is ac c e p t i n g applications. Must be able to read & write. Call: 2318232 for appointment, MonFri; 9:00-5:00 Live in housekeeper to care for child. Call: 656-1284 Security officers wanted by security company-Contact: 672-1920, between 8:00am5:00pm DRIVER/Salesman: 3 years driving experience with Van or Lorry. Call: 676- 6700 Nursery teachers with good morals, good speech, and the ability to be a successful fundraiser. Call: 690-9378
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
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
Reliable Rentals: cars for rent…. Low rates and security deposits, special rates for long term. Call: 2272322; 614-3509
Tuesday March 15, 2016
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Prado TZ, Automatic diesel, PHH series -$4.5M, fully loaded-Call: 233-2546; 6885554 2001 Toyota Allex, Mileage 77,000km, $1.6M negotiable, first owner (female), in excellent condition. Call: 687-1263
VEHICLE FOR SALE Manual & Automatic super GL pit-bull, VVTI and 1 RZ super GL, extra cab Hilux. Call: 616-7635
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
The Wales Estate drama continues DEAR EDITOR, On Monday, January 18, 2016, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Noel Holder announced the closure of the WSEF with effect from the end of the second crop of 2016. As an immediate step to ensuring that this decision is executed, the Ministry of Agriculture stated the following: · No further land preparation and planting will be conducted in 2016; · With effect from 2017, farmers’ canes will be milled at the Uitvlugt factory. · Agricultural workers at Wales Estate will be absorbed by the Uitvlugt Estate up to the extent of suitable vacancies on that location. Surplus labour would have to be made redundant. As an outcome of the above policy actions, the large acreage of the land at WSE will be retired. I am on record publicly stating that I am a firm supporter of the strategy to close one of the West Demerara Estate to extend the life of sugar industry. The low-cost sugar estates like Albion cannot continue to cross-subsidize Wales to their own detriment; every estate has to pull more of their own weight. So my challenge is not with the decision, but the closure process. On my visit to Guyana during February-March 2016, I deliberately visited the Wales Estate to have a firsthand download on the sociopolitical situation. My
NIS contributor from Berbice makes an appeal DEAR EDITOR, Allow me the opportunity to highlight a few concerns that have been facing me as a NIS contributor for since 23 years ago. Let me first state that I had an accident whereby I fell and had broken my right foot on the 2nd of August last. As such I had to undergo surgery at the New Amsterdam hospital. However, when all is said and done I submitted my claims at the N/A NIS branch. I collected the first set of payments due to me for sickness benefit. I did not encounter any problem. Anyway I submitted some other claims on 25th of October 2015. On to this date, I have not received any sickness benefit from NIS. I am calling on the relevant authority to look into my situation. Howard T. Austin
strategy was to go straight to the source and speak to those directly affected by this decision - front line workers. I was a guest of my diaspora colleague Rudy Jadoopat and two government officials. What I observed from my conversations with the front line workers was that they are “blue mad” at how this decision is being communicated with them – from the studios of NCN. This clearly illustrates that those who are making the decision on WSE are making this decision in an ivory tower with very little intellect being applied to the CLOSURE PLAN. The first act of any real closure plan is direct consultation and communication with the front line workers and this is not being done. So the entire process has been turned on its head. This must be corrected. All of the sugar workers that I have communicated with are calling for an immediate visit to the Sugar Estate by the Minister of Agriculture as an important step to bring greater normalcy to a very unstable situation. We spoke to many workers both in the field and at the factory and every single one of them confirmed that they have not seen or heard from anyone from the Office of the CEO of Guysuco or from the Office of the Minister of Agriculture since the announcement of the closure of the factory. So I am humbly bring this to the attention to the power that be; they ought to listen to the workers
on this one. Unfortunately the responsibility for this “anno horribilis” at the WSE must be borne fully by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Noel Holder; after all the proverbial buck stops at that desk; FOR NOW! Regrettably, because of the way Guyana is socially constructed, this situation at Wales is exposing His Excellency President Granger politically and there the quicker the Minister of Agriculture take action the better for the Coalition Government. This sociopolitical situation has to be immediately de-escalated with a visit to this sugar estate by the Minister of Agriculture to explain his plans for the geographical area. The workers must be engaged, not antagonized. The most important constituency in facilitating a successful closure plan remains the front line workers. I am appealing that immediate policy steps be taken to correct this grave policy indiscretion and let us bring this policy vacuum to a halt. I have my opinions of what I observed and heard throughout the agriculture belt but that is for another time, but right now, what is needed urgently is Ministerial consultation with the frontline workers of Wales Sugar Estate to acquire broad agreement on the closure plan so that we have a closure plan that is executed as seamless as possible. Sase Singh
From page 5 more appropriate. I am also surprised that two Government agencies Guysuco and the MOE seems to be the biggest defaulters. I worked in the Private Sector and all of my contributions are properly accounted for, including an establishment that I worked for only one week. Also during my period of employment at the MOE (GTI), I received dental and surgical reimbursement from NIS which means that NIS
had records of my contributions in order for me to qualify for benefits, so something is not right. Hopefully NIS can get their act together and update my contributions and that of many other c o n t r i b u t o r s w h o might have encountered similar problems. In the meanwhile I am in a cyberspace line for a couple of months waiting, waiting, waiting! Concerned Contributor (name supplied)
The grand run around...
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Make Code of Conduct... From page 12 the state and should show concern for the well-being of the persons that they were elected to represent.” In the area of responsibility, the draft code stated that Ministers collectively have a basic responsibility to make decisions only in the national interest void of any forms of personal gain, or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends. Regarding the actions, the code said that Ministers should be open about all their public decisions and actions and be prepared to provide explanations when so demanded by the public. When it comes to accepting gifts, it is being proposed that public officials should report gifts or other forms of reward valued at
more than $10,000 to the Integrity Commission. It was explained that a conflict of interest situation arises when the “private interests” of the public office holder compete or conflict with the interests of the state. Private interests can mean both the financial and personal interests of the official and staff or those of their connections and would include family and other relations, personal friends, companies or business interests which they hold or own, and other clubs and societies to which they belong. The draft code also speaks about trading on insider knowledge. “Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders should avoid using their official position or any
transmitting any information made available to them in the course of their to benefit themselves, their relations or any other individuals w i t h whom they are associated. They should avoid compromising themselves or their office and which may lead to an actual or perceived conflict of interest.” Also included in the draft code is, “Any official or staff who violates any provision of the Code will be subject to disciplinary action, or termination of appointment/ employment where warranted. Members of the public may submit complaints to the Integrity Commission under Section 28 of the Integrity Commission Act with respect to perceived breaches of this Code of Conduct, or that of the Act.”
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Youths require more than the “straw house” policies for development- Youth Parliament The National Assembly of the Youth Parliament
By Abena Rockcliffe Some may want to say that the students who participated in yesterday’s Youth Parliament really showed the politicians how it is supposed to be done. The formal parliamentary language where members are addressed as ‘honourable’, the banging on the desks, the time keeping, the bowing when leaving the Chambers were all features that characterized yesterday’s sitting as it does in an official sitting of the National Assembly. The only missing feature was the heckling. The Opposition and Government in the Youth Parliament debated a motion titled “Youth cohesion in building peaceful and inclusive societies in the Commonwealth. The Motion which was moved by Opposition Leader, Arian Richmond, resolved to have the Youth Parliament call upon Commonwealth countries to create opportunities for the youths to be involved in the decision-making process. The Motion carried five whereas clauses in which the opposition leader postulated that youth are not adequately involved in decision making in societies. One of the clauses noted that the Commonwealth Charter asserts that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated fairly whether they are rich or poor, without regard to their race, age, gender, belief of other identity. Another clause noted that Youths are faced with grave challenges and uncertainties, including unemployment; lack of access to quality education; sexual violence in armed conflict and violence; the high prevalence of HIV/ Aids; suicide and substance abuse.
The motion did not garner the support of the government that tried desperately to defend its youth polices and outline provisions made to foster the inclusion of youths in decision making. Prime Minister Dominique Clarke said that her government is doing its best to include youths in decision making but pointed out that there must be a limit to everything. She said that the unemployment and other issues to which the opposition pointed are not unique to Guyana but sought to assure the House that her government is doing its best to address these issues. Clarke said that her government is very much aware of the fact that the 17 goals for sustainable development cannot be achieved without the valuable input of the youth. Minister of Social Cohesion, Colleen Williams, also tried to defend her government’s honour. She said that her Ministry has been making strides in empowerment for women and the youth. Williams however failed to point out what the government has really achieved as a result of the “many” empowerment initiatives. Minister of Education, Lisa Ramnarine, boasted of the fact that Guyana has been able to achieve universal nursery and primary education. Ramnarine pointed out that there are also schools for people with disabilities. She said that her Ministry is helping youth to become good decision makers by educating them. Meanwhile, Minister of Social Protection, Aleria Heywood, highlighted the fact that a number of institutions have been established and that there has been a na-
Opposition Leader of the Youth Parliament, Arian Richmond tional training programme for youth empowerment. She noted that more than 41 graduated from this programme last year. Minister of Indigenous People Affairs, Rodney LaCruz, spoke extensively about the Hinterland scholarships given to young people who show progress. He said that this is a demonstration of government’s support to young people. Most government ministers mentioned the fact that young people represent 60 percent of the voting population, “so they made the decision to us here and you there. Shadow Minister of Education, Clive Blair quoted, Nelson Mandela, who said that education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world. However Blair added, education is also a two-edged sword to be used to foster empowerment and create lasting change.
He said that the Rights of the Child Convention clearly state that every child has a right to an education. However, a census of youth literacy done in the early 2000s showed that over 50 percent of youths in Guyana were illiterate. Blair said that the government did not address this, so by 2010 Guyana had 60 percent illiteracy. Blair said that stifling the youth is a means to foster stagnancy. He pointed to the no child left behind policy and questioned, “How could you promote students who over and over failed? Where is the evidence of empowerment, how will those children be able to stand side by side with the qualified? An educated mind is wise decision makers. “It is not too late to change the direction in which the country is heading if only focus on youth.” Perhaps one of the most entertaining presentations was the one given by the
shadow Minister of Public Infrastructure, Shawn Shewram. “It is a shame, an indignity, a humiliation, a dishonor and an embarrassment that you can come before this noble House and blatantly try to persuade us into believing that youth are actually involved in the decision making processes,” said Shewram. He spoke about the failure of the Ministry of Infrastructure to engage youths. He spoke about the lack of development in play grounds. He said that the members of the government apparently having read too many bedtime stories are still stuck on the story of the three little pigs when encouraging youth participation. They remain as the first little pig, building houses with straws, poor infrastructure and weak foundations. “Maybe it is time that the youth parliament calls on the commonwealth being the big wolf to huff puff and blow down these flimsy straw houses made by government. Shadow Minister of State, Roderick Allicock said that the Ministry of State has already failed miserably. As Allicock addressed the House his paper shock terribly, but the Member delivered his presentation with style and finest. Allicock said that the Minister of State has to push more for the youth. “How can a man born before the age of technology think he can make all the best decisions in today’s world in the interest of young people?” He said that Members of Government should allow youths to learn from the wise and proven but allow them to still have a voice. Allicock quoted US President Herbert Hoover who said that older men declare war. But it is the youth that
must fight and die. Allicock said that the youth of today are not prepared to fight wars started by older men. He said that the youth are more concerned at this stage about leading a better tomorrow. Shadow Minister of Communities, Leticia Alexander, noted that children have a right to speak and a right to be heard. She said that communities should cater for growth and development in building a strong foundation for the youth. “We must allow them to become productive members of their communities and make decisions at the community level.” Meanwhile, shadow Minister of Social Cohesion George Mc Ferlen said that the presence of the Ministry of Cohesion is still to be felt. He said that many exhaled on the coming of the Ministry thinking that the youth, who want no part of racism, will be heard through this Ministry. The mover of the Motion, Opposition Leader, Arian Richmond, in addition to delivering a stinging presentation, was also sharp on her rebuttals. She jabbed the Minister of Public Health who boasted about the good medical education being offered in Guyana as she asked, “then why are we still sending our students to Cuba.” Richmond told the government, make no mistake, the youth can thrive without adequate state help but asked them to just image what can become of Guyana’s youth if only they are given the assistance they deserve. The Motion was carried. Youth parliament has been adjourned to March 13, 2017.
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PPP/C ready for Local Govt polls The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) says that it is pleased with the response of its supporters to its call for maximum mobilization and participation in the local government elections scheduled for Friday. This is according to PPP / C General Secretary Clement Rohee. During a press conference held at Freedom House, yesterday, Rohee told reporters that the mood of party supporters is high, full of excitement and readiness to exercise their franchise to elect their local representatives. According to him, following the May 11, 2015 regional and general elections the supporters of the PPP/C have openly expressed the demand that they want their country back with the PPP/C in office. “People view participation in the local government elections as a harbinger for the next general and regional elections…they have made it clear that they will utilize the local government elections to demonstrate and express their displeasure and disgust with the maladministration and anti-working people policies and measures adopted and initiated by the Granger coalition administration.” He said that from all indications, the Guyanese people anxiously look forward to fresh general and regional elections to reverse the results of the flawed electoral process. Rohee noted, too, the elec-
PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee torate is pinning its hopes on the outcome of the Elections Petition filed by the PPP/C to hasten the change that will see the PPP/C back in government once again. “Hundreds of thousands of Guyanese voters are going to the polls on March 18, angry with the APNU+AFC coalition administration.” The opposition politician asserted that Guyanese electorate are going to the polls to cast the punishment vote against the APNU+AFC for their unfulfilled promises and the heavy tax-burdens recently foisted on them as a result of the passage of the 2016 budget. “They are angry, over the constant lies and half-truths peddled by government ministers, the politics of deception practiced by the Granger
administration but more specifically, they are angry over the large salary increases granted to Ministers after a mere two months in office, the removal of cash grants and other social benefits granted by the PPP/C administration to school children, pensioners and single parents and parents in general.” Further compounding the situation, the General Secretary said is the electorate’s deep suspicion of the electoral system which has the potential of developing into a crisis of confidence in GECOM and the emasculation of the entire democratic process based on the universal principal of one man one vote. “The PPP draws attention to the extant political situation which is characterized by attempts by Government Ministers who, while preying on the fears of the electorate, issue threats as in the case of a Minister responsible for Natural Resources who is reported to have told Barticians that if they don’t vote for the APNU+AFC Candidates no financial support will be forthcoming from Central Government.” Rohee said that it is against this backdrop that the Guyanese electorate in general and the PPP/C supporters in particular will be going to the polls on Friday‘ to establish people’s power at the grass-roots level in the 70 constituencies and Municipalities.
Husband gets 15 years in prison for attempted murder -Used paling stave to sexually assault wife Justice Navindra Singh imposed a 15-year jail sentence on Ganga Persaud yesterday after he was found guilty of attempting to murder his ex-wife Sumintra Rampersaud. Persaud was charged for attempted murder but he also faced an alternative charge of felonious wounding. According to the indictment, on July 29, 2009, Persaud, 54, of Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara, a former employee of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) caused grievous bodily harm to his spouse
with the intent to murder. It is also alleged that on July 29, 2009 Persaud caused grevious bodily harm to Rampersaud with the intent to maim disfigure or disable her. During the trial State Prosecutors Siand Dhurjon and Narissa Leander called three witnesses to the stand. In his opening address, Prosecutor Dhurjon told the court that Rampersaud was attacked as she conversed with a male friend with whom her husband suspected she was having an affair. According to the Pros-
ecutor, Persaud dealt his wife several punches to her stomach and head until she fell unconscious. The woman was then stripped and her husband used a “paling stave” which was approximately 1.5 inches in width and shoved it between her legs, causing gashes to an area close to her vagina. According to the Prosecutor, in addition to assaulting the woman with the stave, Persaud penetrated the woman’s vagina with his fingers at the same time telling the man she was with, “You next; this is wuh yuh been want see.” Persaud had pleaded not guilty to the charges. He contended that he was innocent but was beaten by the police to admit to a crime he did not commit. However after two hours of deliberation, the 12-member mixed jury returned a verdict of guilty in relation to attempted murder.
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Joint Services to conduct operations in lead-up to LGE -Ask public not to be alarmed The Joint Services will today commence a Field Tactical Exercise, Exercise Steadfast, in the lead up to Operation Plexus which will be conducted during the upcoming Local Government Elections. Exercise Steadfast follows
the recently concluded Command Post Exercise, Exercise Holdfast and will see the conduct of several activities, including road blocks, vehicle and foot patrols and the establishment of Joint Operation Centres at respective Police Divisional Head-
quarters. Members of the public are urged to give their co-operation which is vital to the success of the exercise, and not be alarmed by the increased presence of ranks. Exercise Steadfast will conclude on March 17.
Corentyne man remanded for chopping reputed wife to death The man who brutally murdered his wife on International Women’s Day has been remanded to jail. The man, Ravindra Bandoo, called ‘Birdie’, 29, who told the court that he is a carpenter of Princetown, Corriverton, Berbice appeared on Monday before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh, in the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder. He is accused of murdering his wife, Indrawattie Somwar, called “Sharda”, 40, a mother of three, of Number 77 Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Berbice. The incident occurred on Tuesday
March 8 at approximately 17:00hrs at the couple’s home. He was not required to plead. Police Prosecutor Inspector Godfrey Playter pointed to the statutes and stated that investigations are continuing. More statements are being obtained. The matter has been adjourned to April 4, for police report. Somwar was killed after an argument developed between the two. The woman attempted to leave the home when she was cornered and dealt several chops about her body. She fell to the ground and was chopped repeatedly mainly to
her head, neck and face in her front yard. The man, who was described as a regular abuser, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. After chopping the woman he allegedly remained at the scene and boasted about chopping her “like fish until her teeth fell out’. He reportedly stated that she deserved more than that. Police responded promptly The two were living together for 13 years. She was 27 while the accused was 16. A post mortem examination conducted on the body of the woman on Friday showed that she died from multiple injuries.
U.N. rights envoy urges prosecution of North Korean leader (Reuters) - The United Nations’ human rights investigator for North Korea called yesterday for its leader Kim Jong Un and senior officials to be prosecuted for committing crimes against humanity. Marzuki Darusman told the U.N. Human Rights Council that North Korea was devoting huge resources to developing nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction while many of its citizens went hungry and others worked in “slave-like conditions”. “We are closing in on the North Koreans, and the nature of the regime is such that with total, complete control of the system nothing happens anywhere in that country without the say-so of the highest, supreme leader, chairman of that country, Mr Kim Jong-un,” Darusman told a news briefing. Political prison camps, torture, “slave-like labor” and religious persecution remain features of the state apparatus, two years after a landmark U.N. investigation into crimes against humanity, Darusman said.
The delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) boycotted the session. Japan, South Korea, the European Union and the United States supported Darusman’s call for accountability, although they did not refer to Kim by name. The U.S. envoy on North Korea, Robert King, said the United States would work with other countries to help ensure that those responsible for rights abuses were brought to account. “But I think we need to be careful not to start at the top. Because if you start at the top, that’s where you stop,” King told Reuters in an interview. The U.S. envoy also voiced concern about North Korea’s investment in nuclear weapons, but said there were signs that fresh U.N. sanctions were starting to hurt Pyongyang. China, Pyongyang’s ally, took a more conciliatory tone, saying human rights issues should not be politicized and calling for a comprehensive approach to dealing with North Korea. Beijing also rejected Darusman’s findings that North Koreans who fled
across the border to China were being forced back to their homeland illegally. PURSUING PROSECUTIONS Darusman, a former foreign minister of Indonesia, said that investigations could be pursued via the International Criminal Court (ICC) but, failing any consensus among major powers, North Korea’s leadership could be prosecuted in a third country. He called for the Council to set up a panel of three experts to look into “structure and methods of accountability”. “It may not be a full prosecutorial entity but lays down the initial prosecution process,” Darusman told Reuters. North Korea Foreign Minister Ri Su Yong, in a speech to the Geneva forum on March 1, said it would boycott any session that examined its record and would “never, ever” be bound by any resolutions. North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and launched a longrange missile the following month.
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J’can Govt., Opposition to collaborate in crime-fighting effort (Jamaica Gleaner) The Government and the Opposition have pledged to take a bipartisan approach to deal with the country’s crime situation. Both sides have also pledged to work together to root out corruption. Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, and Peter Bunting, former national security minister under the previous People’s National Party administration gave the commitment
at the 10,000 men and family gathering in Spanish Town, St Catherine on Sunday. The forum, at the Spanish Town prison oval Sunday evening, was organised by Bishop Rowan Edwards of the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church. Charles told the gathering that Jamaica needs a partnership approach to fight crime and violence in a way that is sustainable for future generations. Bunting agreed adding
that he supports a bipartisan effort to fighting crime. In making the call, he cited official crime statistics for St Catherine, which according to him, show that major crimes are down in the parish. According to him, murders are down 53 per cent, rapes are down 39 per cent and shootings are down 36 per cent in St Catherine. The former national security minister pledged his willingness to work with the new administration cutting down crime.
Sink hole in San Fernando -Mystery 60-foot crater linked to colonial era well
How deep? An official checking the depth of the hole that opened up at the City Corporation’s Carib Street Complex on Saturday. (Guardian photo) (Trinidad Guardian) - Operations at San Fernando City Corporation’s Carib Street Works Department got off to a late start yesterday, after a sinkhole appeared in the parking lot, causing evacuation of workers. The hole which measured more than 60 feet in depth, was observed on Saturday when a truck got stuck in the sinking asphalt. General Secretary of the Contractors and General Workers Trade Union Ermine De Bique-Meade said the hole is believed to be part of an underground water system which dates back to 1898. The infrastructure is believed to have been used by the city to provide access to clean drinking water and elec-
tricity. Expressing concern for the safety of workers, De Bique-Meade said there were two other sinkholes on the site, which have been capped. She also expressed concerns that the new Works building, which is currently under construction, could also be in danger of collapse. “We want engineers and geologists to come and conduct proper tests before any further work is done on that building,” De Bique-Meade said. She said that the drivers who were affected by the sinkhole were transferred to Skinner Park facility. “Contractors who came to work on these two sections on Saturday were alarmed be-
cause while they were removing the hiab (truck) the vehicle started to sink. They removed the truck and put a barrel but it was also sinking. They excavated around the area and in the excavation we realised that the hole was f i l l e d w i t h w a t e r, ” D e Bique-Meade said. A sewerage truck was used to pump the water out of the hole but after extracting eight loads of water, De Bique-Meade said they realised that the hole was actually a well. A private contractor was then hired to pump out the water but the hole kept refilling. De Bique-Meade said 20 trucks were removed from the yard and sent to Skinner Park. A shuttle was arranged to take the workers to their various stations. Initially, De Bique-Meade said the workers planned to cover the hole with a steel plate and pave over it with asphalt but this plan was later abandoned as the hole grew larger.
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Former GFF TD Claude Bolton... Guyana’s hopes (From page 26) contribution to the game and sport. Allow me to also extend a debt of gratitude to the local Media in Guyana. Your continuous support of the Technical programs that I unveiled must be commended. You have been keen in relaying the value of the programs that I was developing. Reporters were always available, which made our content relevant, regardless of opinions. To me personally, each and everyone one of you has been professional in your approach, respectful of all requests, and understanding of my tasks. For this I thank you and return the respect. To the Coaches that are pouring their heart and soul
with what little resources you have, or do not have. You are a special group, no one knows how special. Embrace the Coaching Association; engage together. It is important. You can shape it together. The only piece that I was not yet able to shape was the inclusion of National Team Staff into the fabric of our Coaching Education and overall Player Development. Simply trying to inspire our game by words is far from enough.
Claude Bolton into this game, I admire you. What you have accomplished in the Elite League, in the Coaching Courses, in the everyday ses-
sions trying to ignite our youth before the darkness hits, is nothing less than remarkable. You have done so much
Tuesday March 15, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Someone left a real mess for you to sift through. You need to make changes that will raise your self esteem, such as a new hairstyle or a new image. You will be in the mood to socialize. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You can make new connections if you play your cards right. If you try to manipulate emotional situations you will find yourself alienated. Do yourself a favor and leave your plastic at home. Work at home if at all possible. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues. Romance will unfold through business trips. Things are looking good for you, so open your eyes and get to it. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Go out with friends or family. Find out if they have other commitments. Be discreet and don't present your ideas until you're certain that they're foolproof. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Take care of chores that have been hanging over your head. You can accomplish a lot if you work out of your home today. Do things that involve children. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Double check your work and be sure that your boss is in a good mood before you do your presentation.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your partner will be emotionally unable to cope. You will learn a great deal about yourself if you go somewhere secluded. Double-check before you go out. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your ability to ferret out secret information will lead you to an inside scoop on an amazing financial deal. Avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You will have to be careful not to let infatuations with colleagues get out of hand. You can enhance your cash flow if you pick up additional skills. You can get others to do things for you but be sure not to overpay them or lend them money. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) So smile! Don't allow your personal problems to interfere with your professionalism. Travel will promote new romantic encounters and additional cultural knowledge. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Those close to your heart may be difficult to reason with. Do not push your opinions or try to reform your emotional partner today. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You have two choices; Get out on your own, or bend to your mate's whims. Stay calm and focus on things that will help you understand the situation better.
With the limited finances of Caribbean Federations, we need to make the best use of full time personnel. They should have much to offer by example, by being on the field, by guiding Coaches and Players regularly. Most significantly, I wish all the best to the players of this great country for they have endured so much. From the National Team players lead by Chris Nurse, the first Elite League standouts like Gregory Richardson and Vurlon Mills, local pioneering women like Ruth George, to the skillful 8 year olds in the Rupununi, all have saved the game by simply just continuing to play. That deep love of this beautiful game is what resonates with anyone who truly has football at heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It has been an impressive start to the new GFF Executive Committee’s term. I trust that those that have stepped forward with Mr. Forde have responsible governance at the forefront of their agenda. The approach that I have witnessed in this short time has been nothing less than profession a l . S t r u c t u r e seems to be an essential component to the ExCo’s vision and that bodes very well for our game. It is probably best that a group with a clear plan be given the opportunity to find the Technical Lead that will align exactly with the path they wish to chart. Such a synergy, if a completely open relationship, could have enormous benefits. I am always to be a student of the game and a servant to Guyana’s Football Players. Perhaps, in the right environment, I may be afforded an opportunity to Coach and contribute to a Guyanese Team striving for a goal. Once again, thank you to all of you that embody the love of the game.
dissipates...
(From page 29) events. Describing Amsterdam’s loss, Blake said that Juan Carlos is very experienced and entered the ring as the favourite. “He is ranked at #15 in the world and is the 2012 Olympic bronze and 2014 Pan Am Games silver medalist,” Blake revealed. Nonetheless, he said that Amsterdam was giving a good account of himself right up to the stoppage. “He started aggressively and caught his man with some good shots but then he got careless and was tagged which forced the referee to institute the mandatory 8 count before waving the fight off,” said Blake. Commenting on Thomas’ bout, Blake explained that after three hectic rounds the three judges could not separate the two fighters and the score ended in a stalemate. In instances such as these, the judge is required to award the fight to one of the fighters and state his reason for so doing (whether
b e tter aggression, ring generalship etc). However, Blake said that the reason for the judges’ decision was not relayed to him. “Nevertheless, I felt that Thomas had done enough to win the fight; everybody saw he won,” stated Blake. Quizzed on any recourse available Blake responded, “Coaches are not allowed to file protests since the judges’ decisions are final and that is the rule.” The Argentina sojourn may prove to be Guyana’s last opportunity of securing a place at the games since the cost of attending AIBA’s World Series of Boxing had proven to be prohibitive. Further, Guyana is not affiliated to the APB (AIBA Pro Boxing) and cannot take advantage of the opportunity to qualify through this route. The final chance may be available in a final qualifying event scheduled for late June but once again the local Association will be faced with prohibitive costs.
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Tuesday March 15, 2016
Mix Up, Birthday Six register wins Enmore, Enterprise A record victories
Players in action during one of the first round games. Mix Up and Birthday Six were among several teams that secured their places in the last eight when the Lyall Gittens Birth Anniversary dominoes tournament continued on Sund a y n i g h t at R and R Sports Club. Mix Up marked 81 games to beat Spartons with 79 and Gangster 68. Gilbert
Mendonca and Tony Smith scored 16 and 15 respectively for the winners, while Clarence Whithead made 15 and Leroy Edwards 14 for Spartons. Shellon Collymore and Sevens Collymore got 15 each for Gangster. Birthday Six chalked 87 games to win their encounter against Legend 78 and Pieces 70. Lyall Gittens scored 16 and
Loraine Kennedy 15 for the victors. C Point, Legend, TNT, Spartons, Thunder and F and H are the other teams that mad e i t t h r o u g h t o t h e quarterfinals. The competition continues tomorrow night at Gaulding Place and concludes on Thursday night at Strikers SC.
Bhaskar Yadram
Kamesh Yadram
Satesh Jainarine
Enmore and Enterprise A recorded victories when the SPR Enterprise/East Coast Cricket Committee 40-over tournament continued on Sunday. Enmore overcame host Lusignan by 97 runs. Batting first Enmore scored 177 all out in 38.1 overs. Gavin Moriah scored 31 (2x4,1x6) while Navindra Chan made 35 and Rudolph Singh 18. Ferron Kadir claimed 4-30, Emran Khan 3-24 and Rajindra Naikbarran 2-36. Lusignan
were bowled out for 80 in 21.5 overs in reply. Steven Allick got 15, Somnauth Bharat 14 and Leon Morgan 10; Satesh Jainarine had 3-9, Christopher Surat 3-17, Nandram Persaud 2-23 and Moriah 2-27. At Ogle, Enterprise A defeated the host by 73 runs. Batting first, the visitors posted a respectable 260-2 off their reduced 35 overs. Vivian Albert clobbered seven fours and three sixes in a top score of 87 while Kamesh Yadram
and Bhaskar Yadram scored 67 each, with the former hitting four fours and two sixes and the latter nine fours. Bishram Samaroo chipped in with 25 as A. Joseph and A. Gomes had one each. Ogle replied with 187-7 in 35 overs. Chris Pattadin cracked 78 with eight fours and three sixes while Gomes made 27; Rohan Mangal took 2-11 while Pradesh Balkishun and Kamesh Yadram had one each.
Young entrepreneurs in move to enhance Thoroughbred Former GFF TD Claude Bolton horseracing in Guyana
statement on resignation
This will formally acknowledge my resignation as Technical Director for Guyana Football Federation. Although, it is not my ideal to step away now, a number of extenuating circumstances have lead me to this decision. I am proud to know that I have been a part of a reformation of such an integral component of Guyana’s society. I must opine that three major forces have collectively pulled Guyana’s Football from the doldrums of sport and
disrespect – FIFA, the Normalization Committee, and the Guyanese Media. The guidance and commitment of the world’s governing body to Guyana’s Football demonstrates an understanding that we have always had great potential but were in need of a recalibration. The support of the Howard McIntosh lead FIFA Technical Development Office for this Region should be praised. I wish to thank, personally, from that Office, Anton Corneal, Technical Develop-
Rain ruins Regal Sport/Trophy Stall semi final fixture Rain stopped play in the semi final clash between Sans Souci and Good Success in the Regal Stationery/Trophy Stall T20 tournament at the Wakenaam Community Center ground on Sunday. Sans Souci were 50-2 after seven overs, batting first when the rain came. Meanwhile, Maria’s Pleasure defeated host Zeelandia 140 runs in the final preliminary round game played recently. Maria’s Pleasure batted first and scored 246-5. Kennard Lewis struck 85 while Bernard Lewis made 50. Navishaul Pooran picked up two wickets for the home team who were bowled out for 106 in reply. P. Jadookool made 20 as Marsh Singh snared three
Kennard Lewis wickets and Bernard Lewis two. Sans Souci Jaguars and G Square Cavaliers are the other semi finalists.
ment Officer, whose attention, expertise, and mentorship, has always been accessible. His wisdom and stewardship truly helped to chart our course and successes of this past year. I must say that the FIFA appointed Normalization Committee (NC), lead by Chairman Clinton Urling, was the most uplifting experience of sporting administration that I have ever experienced. Each and every member, each and every day, ardently approached Football in Guyana as a tool of social development. They are consummate professionals and asked question after question with an aim to reach decisions that could only benefit the game in the long term. The NC was meticulous and wise to chart out possible outcomes each and every time a decision was to be made. There was always an understanding of the enormity of the task at hand, yet, a humility that kept them as servants to the game and its stakeholders. I am blessed and grateful for the opportunity and responsibility they bestowed upon me with my appointment. To the members of the NC, my deepest gratitude and encouragement that they each consider continuing their (Continued on page 25)
Horseracing in Guyana is set to have a boost if some young entrepreneurs have their way. Led by Nizam Ramkissoon a Trinidadian Based Guyanese who hails from Bush Lot West Coast Berbice, the group has burst on to the racing scene with some new initiatives to improve the racing stock in Guyana. A number of top bred horses have been imported into the country, some in foal, while others have been flown in for racing purposes. The grouping ultimate objective is to have good quality horses available at reasonable cost, while also improving the quality of the locally bred horses pedigree and bloodline. The group is reasoning that if quality horses can be made available at reasonable cost then more persons can become involved in the sport. Persons capitalizing on the deal could purchase the Brood mares and/or foal. In addition to importing horses the group is available to give advice on the procedures for purchasing and procuring quality horses. The necessary expert advice is available both locally and overseas. Prospective breeders are guaranteed quality race horses including Brood mares and Studs. According to coordinator Ramkissoon, the long term goal is to take horseracing to the highest level on par with
Recently imported Brood mare She Did Tell. the rest of the Caribbean. At the moment horses entering Guyana cannot leave the country. However another objective is to have horses that are locally bred taken overseas for racing and returned back to Guyana. Some of the bloodline to be imported will come from some of the top lines around the world including Storm Cat and AP Indy that are proven champions and studs throughout the world. Others like, Charismatic Cat, Freshly Squeeze and Mr. Prospector were also some of the top horses in the Caribbean and the USA during their reign and have now become top
studs around the world. Perfect Circle, a stud import from the USA is owned by the Ghansham Singh Stable at No 6, West Coast Berbice, is presently here and doing stud duties. It has a phenomenal track record with 11 wins and 15 seconds in the Caribbean. Music Show a Brood Mare which is awaiting import from Trinidad is heavy with foal for Dark Cloud Dance a Canadian born champion that reigned supreme in Trinidad. Already here with foal and up for sale are Dudley’s Girl, She Did Tell and Star Dreamer (Jamaican), while a number of other top mares with proven track records and has now become brood mares are awaiting to be imported. Meanwhile, Magnolia Lane (Latonia-champion Jamaican from Charismatic Cat) imported from Trinidad and is the sister of Trinidad Three year old 2015 champion ‘Man to Come’ is presently in Guyana and is in training for racing soon. Persons interested can contact veteran Jockey Desmond Ramkissoon at Bush Lot Village West Coast Berbice or on telephone numbers 622-2059 or 232-0243 or Nizam Ramkissoon on Face Book or Linkedln. The horses here are available for inspection at Bush Lot West Coast Berbice. (Samuel Whyte)
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Castello ton earns Third Class No.52 Survival win BVA under-16 draw; wins for DCC, Police volleyball tournament at De Edward By Zaheer Mohamed Alvin Castello stroked his second century in the match as Third Class managed a draw despite conceding first innings points against host Malteenoes Sports Club when the latest round of matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association/Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament concluded on Sunday. Castello hit the ball with power, smashing twelve fours and ten sixes in scoring an unbeaten 151 as Third Class, batting a second time finished on 267-6 when stumps were drawn on the final day. Yuvindra Ramnanan supported with 34 as Marcus Watkins had 2-31. Earlier, MSC resumed on 140-1 and declared on 332-8. Joseph Cupidore who began the day on 43 played a number of lovely shots in scoring 96. Shaquille Moseley made 43, Floyd Rollins 31 and Orin Forde 28; Marcus Watkins had earlier scored 60. Trevor Hossein claimed 4-37. Third Class posted 275-9 declared in their first innings with Castello scoring 137. At Everest, Gandhi Youth Organisation managed to hold on for a draw against the host. Set 169 for victory GYO finished on 151-9. Trevon
Alvin Castello
Trevor Hossein
France made 34, Alex Ramalho 31 and C. Reid 21; Shaheed Mohamed picked up four wickets while Javed Rasheed had three. Trailing by 15, Everest scored 183 all out in their second innings. Khemraj Ramdeen scored 63, while Dwayne Adams got 49 and Troy Gonsalves 22; Trevon France grabbed 5-28 to finish with figures of 12-58. On the opening day Everest were bowled out for 111 batting first. Mohamed got 44 as France snared 7-30. In reply GYO made 126 all out with Chris Deonarine scoring 55. Rasheed had four scalps, while Akshaya Persaud, Gonsalves and Mohamed had two apiece. At DCC, the home team got an easy victory against Ace Warriors. The visitors
were set to resume on 49-5 in response to DCC first innings 302-2 declared, but only two players turned up at the venue on the second day; both were already dismissed, thereby granting DCC a walk over. Sherfene Rutherford struck 169 and Raymond Perez 101 not out for the host. At Eve Leary, Police gained a walk over from St. Stanislaus; only five players showed up for play on the second day. Batting first on the opening day St. Stanislaus were skittled for 68; Vishal Jaigobin grabbed five wickets. Police responded with 236-7. Rawl Browne got 55; Travis Belgrave claimed 441. St. Stanislaus were 88-5 in their second turn at the crease. Carlton Gasper made 48 as Jason Mc Almont took 2-8 and Jaigobin 2-20.
Solomon stars as GDF claim first innings points from GCC
Ronaldo Mohamed
Wicket-keeper batsman Dexter Solomon stroked a fine 92 as Guyana Defence Force (GDF) grabbed first innings points from G e o r g e t o w n Cricket Club (GCC) when the Georgetown Cricket Association/Trophy Stall, Star Party Rentals and GISE first division two-day tournament continued last weekend at Bourda. Solomon batted with composure and got support from opener Leon Andrews with 57 and Jeremiah Harris 52 as GDF scored 348 all out in reply to GCC first innings 246.
Devon Lord and Anthony Adams snared three wickets. Trailing by 102, GCC closed the final day on 92-4 to earn a draw. Ronaldo Ali Mohamed and Deonarine Seegobin scored 22 while Vishwanauth Ramlakhan got 15; Sachin Persaud and Martin Pestano Belle were not out on 17 and five respectively. Randy Lindore picked up two wickets. GCC first innings were led by Mohamed who struck a fluent 84 while Belle made 45, Adams 27 and Devon Lord 25; Damian Waldron had 3-28 and Andre O Neil 3-44.
The No.52 Survival Team. ing teams, the sponsors and the hosts (3Door Strikers) for contributing to a successful venture and opined that he was pleased with the young talent on display. He further remarked that it augurs well for volleyball in the future since he had been able to identify new blood which will be included in the BVA’s youth development programme. The first place trophy was presented to No.52 Survival, while the 2nd, place trophy went to 3 Doors Strikers, the 3rdplace to BHS and the 4th place to Tain Humanitarian. Trophies and medals were also presented to the Most Valuable Player (MVP)- Andy Rohoman of NO.52 Survivors, while medals for outstanding
performances were presented to - Renaldo Bobb of BHS, Vickey Dhanpat of 3 Doors Strikers, and Afraz Deen of Skeldon Jets and Kevin Madramootoo of Tain Humanitarian. An exhibition match featuring the BVA U19 Team and 3 Doors Strikers Senior Team was also played to entertain the spectators present. That match was won by the BVA U19 three sets to nil (25-20, 25-16, 25-19) The BVA will be holding the Doray Electrical Trophy Competition on Sunday, March 20 at the Port Mourant Community Centre All Weather Court. That competition is open to all teams in Berbice. (Samuel Whyte)
Injured ‘Tiger’ bats Jaguars... (From page 31) Jaguars quickly lost Veerasammy Permaul (1) when he edged Joseph to the Keeper at 177-7 in very overcast conditions which became increasingly dark requiring the lights being turned on. Joseph tested Bishoo and Bramble with some quick short balls before Bramble got one that bounced from
Dexter Solomon
The Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) continued their hectic 2016 Volleyball Programme with the staging of an U16 volleyball tournament on Sunday. The BVA led by President Levi Nedd with assistance from past President Gregory Rambarran in its never ending quest to unearth new talent is going throughout the county to fulfill its objectives. The tournament which was organised by BVA and sponsored by the Port Mourant Training Centre Alumina (PMTC 1) was held at the 3 Doors Strikers V/Ball Club, Court at D’Edward Village on the West Coast of Berbice. It attracted five U16 teams, namely- No 52 Survival, Tain Humanitarian, Berbice High School (BHS), 3 Doors Strikers U16, and Skeldon Jets. The competition was played on a “round –robin” basis and after the preliminary rounds No.52 Survival defeated 3Doors Strikers U16, 30-25 in the final, while BHS defeated Tain Humanitarian 25-22 to cop third place. At the presentation ceremony held immediately after the conclusion of the tournament, trophies and medals were presented to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd. and 4th placed teams by executives of the BVA and female spectators. President of the BVA, Levi Nedd in his remarks thanked the participat-
Cornwall and gloved it to legslip at 186-8 to bring Chanderpaul, who hurt himself yesterday before the start of play, to join Bishoo with his team in a deep, dark hole. When the 15 mandatory began the Jaguars were 187-8 with 53 still needed to avoid an innings defeat. Chanderpaul has mastered the art of drawing matches and
was at the crease on zero from 19 balls. With him was Bishoo with only Ronsford Beaton to bat. Seven fielders crowded the batsmen to Cornwall but his lack of penetration frustrated the spinner and pace was brought back in the last three overs in fading light. Joseph bowled a quick beamer to Bishoo which he
just evaded but he and Chanderpaul weathered the Hurricane and were still together at the end. The Jaguars play the final game against Jamaica at Providence from Friday, while second placed Barbados Pride, seven points behind the defending champions, face the Leewards in their last game.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Michael Holding questions his mention in Dave Cameron’s response to lawsuit Cricbuzz - Michael Holding has questioned why Dave Cameron, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President, has called his name in response to the lawsuit levelled against Cameron by veteran journalist Tony Cozier. On March 4th, Cozier officially sued Cameron for defamation, after the latter was quoted in the media allegedly suggesting in a town hall meeting on May 22, 2015 in Barbados, that Cozier’s struggling vision was the reason why the iconic commentator was no longer doing television commentary in the Caribbean. “There is no ban on Mr Cozier. The challenge is Mr Cozier has gotten to an age and everyone needs to agree, that he is not actually seeing very well anymore. And we are being very, very frank about that. “It has nothing to do with him as a person. And we don’t believe the quality of the commentary benefits from having him on television. He still continues to do radio.” However in responding to the Cozier’s lawsuit in the Barbados nation newspaper, Cameron unusually interjected Holding’s name, stating: “I do not have anything personal against Tony Cozier or Michael Holding. I am seek-
Michael Holding (Getty Images) ing to rebuild the cricketing industry in the West Indies and trying to take it to the next level. This issue is not about my perceived intransigence or arrogance, but about other things,” Cameron said. Speaking to cricbuzz, Holding explained his issue with those comments: “I fail to see why Mr Cameron has included my name in his response to Tony Cozier’s law suit. Is he saying that there is something wrong with me or my commentary, why he doesn’t see it fit for me to do television in the Caribbean?” He continued: “I won’t bother to mention the other
broadcasters around the world who are willing to offer me contracts to do cricket broadcasts for them but I will point out that this now seems contrary to Cameron’s utterances previously. He previously said I was not available to do commentary in the Caribbean because of my commitments to Skysports. But I suppose since I proved that to be a lie, he can’t now repeat that reason so what is it now?” In a May 24th, 2015 Barbados today article, Holding had also previously called the WICB president out for saying at the same town hall, that
GMR&SC National ‘race of Champions’ Meet
Country’s best set for Sunday’s showdown With the news of Mark Vieira’s return seeping through the motor racing fraternity, racing fans must be rejoicing in delight that once again the best local racers will be on the starting grid for the National ‘Race of Champions’ Meet to be held on Sunday, at the South Dakota Circuit. Vieira, who previously held the tag as the best driver in Guyana was absent from the local scene for around two years, but recently told Kaieteur Sport that his team is working hard to be ready for what is anticipated to be a rivetting showdown against those who have been active in the sport since his departure. Among those Vieira will have to contend with are reigning caribbean and national champion Kristian Jeffrey and
his father Kevin , Andrew King, Danny Persaud and Irfaan Kalamadeen just to name a few. This category is usually regarded as the marquee one in local motor racing and with Vieira’s comeback it certainly adds more fuel to the division. The Group 3 is another category that is laden with talented drivers and they too have added much excitement to the sport. Drivers such as Ryan Rahaman, Danny Persaud and Rameez Mohamed are all young drivers who are thrilling to watch and rated amongst the best in the Group. The Group 2 category is another group that provides lots of exciting races and drivers such as Chet Singh, Shairaz Roshandin Mohamed and Ryan Rahaman, who also
campaigns in the category are sure to provide some exhilarating racing for the fans. With a spot on the national team to compete in the season ope n i n g l e g o f t h e CMRC at stake, fans are assured that they will not be short changed, but rather witness some fascinating duels as competitors attempt to outdo each other for top honours. A large crowd is anticipated and with most of the country’s top competitors already confirmed, it is shaing up to be a day that motor racing fans should not miss. Meanwhile, among the sponsors on board to date are GTT and Fly Jamaica and admission to the races is $1000 for adults and $500 for children under the age of 12 years. Starting time is 09:30 hrs.
the former’s commitments to Skysports UK is the reason he no longer does television commentary in the Caribbean. The WICB has been heavily criticized regularly for the handling of the declining cricket team under Cameron’s leadership - especially since the 2014 India tour pull out. Cozier and Holding, as the two leading Caribbean media personalities worldwide, have been vocal in their condemnation of Cameron. Recently for a cricket website, Holding tempered WICB’s attempts to hype the youth team winning the Under-19 world-cup. This is not the only questionable statement Cameron and WICB officials have made however. Cozier had also noted in an article last November that Cameron had
told coach Phil Simmons that he needed a “statement of commitment” from Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard before they could play the oneday or Tests format for West Indies again. Michael Muirhead, the Chief Executive officer, told cricbuzz last month that their investigations into Simmons accusations of “outside interference” in the selection process which led to his suspension last year, found no evidence of this. Sources close to Simmons have revealed he is also considering his legal options after seeing those comments. Despite these cacophony of issues - the WICB continues to soldier on, but the pressure remains. At the last WICB annual general meeting
on May 5th in Jamaica - all six territorial boards signed a document saying they stand with WICB in disagreeing with the CARICOM government’s position to dissolve the WICB. Keith Mitchell and Keith Rowley, the Grenada and Trinidad & Tobago Prime Ministers respectively, though have hinted that, at the next CARICOM heads of government meeting in July in Guyana, a firm decision could me finally made. “In July the matter comes up again in the Heads of government meeting in Guyana and hopefully by then if good sense prevails, then West Indies cricket might have a future”, Rowley said. (Colin Benjamin Cricbuzz)
Upsets ensure Linden vs. Georgetown tussle for National Basketball Championship -Colts trample Ravens; Retrieve Raiders ransack Pacesetters By Edison Jefford The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation National Championships: Mackeson Road to Mecca III took an unexpected twist Sunday night when two underdogs upset the pre-game favorites that ensured a continuation of the Linden versus Georgetown rivalry. The result from the Final Four playoffs gave a Lindenbased team a place in the final for the first time in the tournament’s three-year history and guaranteed the crowning of a new champion. The turn of events will produce a new national ranking after the tournament. In the first semi-final, swingman Stanton Rose and guard, Dave Causeway made high percentage shots from three-point range to help Colts demolish the formidable, Dyna’s Ravens 81-59 to give them a place in the final for the second consecutive year. The 16-year-old junior national player from Kwakwani, Rose had a monster game with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Guards, Shelroy Thomas had 17 points, while Causway and Kurt English ended with 11 and 10 points respectively as Colts backcourt wreaked havoc. For Ravens, shooting guard, Ryan Stephney had 21 points while Dominic Vincente finished with 15
points. The usually clinical Ravens offence collapsed early in the game and never showed any sign of recovery as turnovers plagued them throughout the game. Colts capitalised to reach their second national final in as many years, knocking the 2014 champs Ravens into the third place playoff. Linden’s Retrieve Raiders handed defending champions, the Pacesetters a similar fate in the second game Sunday night. Raiders ransacked Pacesetters with its size in the paint to grind out a 65-56 win. It was the first in the history of the tournament for a Linden team. Dwayne Roberts had 17 points and 12 rebounds, Jason Alonzo 10 points and 15 rebounds and guard, Keon Cameron 11 points and right steals in a massive win for Linden’s number one ranked club. For Pacesetters, Sherlan Legall had 15 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists with shooting guard Stephon Gillis adding nine points. Pacesetters struggled offensively against the Raiders’ size that clogged up the paint and prevented easy penetrations. Legall finished a put-back to equalise 35-35 five minutes into the third quarter after Raiders held the halftime 3228 lead. Travis Burnett finished a fast-break play to en-
sure Pacesetters were only down one, 43-44, at the end of the penultimate period. Randy Richardson completed a layup to put Pacesetters up 45-44 to start the fourth quarter, but a jumper from Roberts returned the momentum to Raiders. Pacesetters lead was the only one of the game as they played from behind throughout the grueling defensive contest. Raiders took a 48-45 lead with about eight minutes to play in the game and never relinquished an already established advantage. To make matters worst for Pacesetters, two senior guards, Burnett and Gillis fouled out the game with 1:25 and 53.2 left on the clock respectively. Raiders played at a temperate pace throughout, which forced Pacesetters to go ‘big’ as well with Richardson, Royston Siland, Jermaine Hamilton and Horace Hodges matching up against Alonzo, Roberts, Marvin Hartman, Neil Marks and Omally Sampson. From the numbers, Raiders won the ‘big man’ game and will play for its first national title at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Saturday night. The winner of the tournament pockets $500,000 with second place taking home $250,000, third $150,000 and fourth $100,000 respectively.
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 33
Sunburst Juices supports its Youth Ambassador in Quest for Rio Olympic Qualification Continental Agencies Ltd [CAL] through its lead brand Sunburst Juices recently handed over a cheque to Ms. Deirdre Edghill mother of National Table Tennis Star Ms. Chelsea Edghill in fulfilment of the company’s commitment for continued support and sponsorship to Chelsea Edghill, who is one of its youth ambassadors under the Sunburst Brand. Marketing and Sales Manager of Continental Group of Companies, Mr Avalon Jagnandan noted that Continental is pleased to continue this partnership with Ms Chelsea Edghill as one of its Sunburst Brand Ambassadors. He added that CAL would like to commend Chelsea on her recent success at several international tournaments, and would like to wish her continued success in her upcoming tournaments, especially her quest for the Rio 2016 Olympic qualification. He added that the relationship between Chelsea and Continental Group of Companies started in 2013 while Chelsea was pursuing her quest for Junior Olympic qualification, a goal that the Sunburst brand ambassador did achieve. Mr Jagnandan noted that the sponsorship is geared towards supporting Guyana’s recently crowned 2016 Women’s Champion in her quest for Rio 2016 Olympic qualification scheduled for April in Santiago Chile. The tournament would have Latin America’s best table tennis talents on show; five men and six women will qualify for the Olympic Games from this event. Each Association is entitled to enter up to a maximum of three (3) men and three (3) women players.
Chelsea Edghill
According to Ms Deirdre Edghill mother of Table Tennis Star, Chelsea who is a three time Junior Sports Wo m a n C a r i b b e a n Champion, Junior Olympian 2014 and a prospect for 2020 Olympic has been identified by the ITTF and will be making her journey to Chile along with team mate Ms. Trenace Lowe to the Latin American Continent q u a l i f i c a t i o n championships. She is the recipient of a partial scholarship to pursue undergraduate and masters’ studies in Chemistry physics and forensics from Lindenwood University Missouri USA based on her academic and sporting prowess. Chelsea has been making waves on the inter collegiate circuit, racking wins in 2016 where she was recently crowned the 2016 regional d i v i s i o n Wo m e n ’s Champion and just won silver at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Butterfly Table tennis challenge, the badger Open where she won gold and the newly Table Tennis Open at Walsh University in Akron, Ohio; Chelsea secured a medal for her university when she took silver in the Under-22 division. The Scholarship has been
allowing her the opportunity to actively train play and participate in high level competition against top level players on the intercollegiate circuit on a consistent basis in view of achieving 2020 Olympic qualification. Her university is ranked 4th in the intercollegiate rankings. According to Mr Godfrey Munroe, President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association, while Chelsea is a true prospect for 2020 qualification, having had a some great performances to start the year, her quest for 2016 Olympic qualification will provide a good opportunity for qualification, an opportunity to learn, play and compete against the best players in Latin American and reestablish her world ranking and establish her position for possible wild card Universal qualification. Mr. Munroe noted that the GTTA is very grateful for the sponsorship from Sunburst for one of our best talents; we see Chelsea as a player for the future and think this gesture goes a long way in ensuring that Guyana’s team chances at doing well in regional and other competitions in the near future. Mr. Jagnandan noted that over the years Continental
2016 AMBC Olympic Boxing Qualifier
Guyana’s hopes dissipates as Amsterdam/Thomas suffer losses G u y a n a ’s h o p e s o f breaking the Olympics gold medal jinx suffered a major s e t b a c k a f t e r light/heavyweight pugilist, Desmond Amsterdam, was stopped in the first round of the three rounds contest against Colombian, Carroll
Juan Carlos, when the AMBC Olympic Boxing Qualifier continued in Buenos Aires, Argentina last Saturday evening at the Predio Ferial la Rural de Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina. One night later,
G u y a n a ’s f a t e w a s effectively sealed after Dennis Thomas dropped a unanimous decision verdict to Colombian Jose Rodriguez in what his coach, Sebert Blake, described a very unfortunate turn of (Continued on page 25)
Marketing and Sales Manager for Continental Group of Companies Avalon Jagnandan (right) hands over sponsorship cheque to Ms. Deirdre Edghill in the presence of GTTA President Godfrey Munroe. Group of Companies through its Sunburst Brand has supported sports in Guyana in a wide array of areas, these being Motor
Racing, Badminton, Football, Table Tennis, Karate, Hockey, Golf, Horse Racing just to name a few. Sunburst Juice, which is
branded the ‘Juice of Champions’, remains fully committed towards the growth and development of Sports in Guyana.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Newly imported Golden Blue Echo destroys field Nand Persaud makes grand return to Horseracing after over 20 years The newly imported Golden Blue Echo of the Nand Persaud Karibee Rice Racing stable glittered massively as it reverberated around the beautiful Kennard Memorial Turf Club on Sunday as it destroyed the field for a royal entry into the horseracing arena in Guyana. The occasion was the KMTC annual Horserace meet held at the entities Bush Lot Farm Corentyne, Berbice racetrack. Imported into the country recently from Canada and running its first race on Guyana’s soil, the animal classified D1 and running with a top weight of 126 pounds was a class above the rest. Owned and trained by Mohin Persaud with jockey Ajai, the racehorse dished out a gate to pole beating on its rivals. The horse showed speed and stamina and was rarely challenged as they left the starting gates on an even break in the feature D1 and lower one mile event.
It’s a rarity to hear of horses being imported from Canada, but the owners made sure they knew what they were up to. Golden Blue Echo with one win from four starts in Canada showed why the owners made the effort in making the bold move in importing it from Canada. It showed no adverse signs in running in a strange land as it took the lead going up the back stretch as they picked up speed. The animals were travelling at terrific sped when Spit Fire and Lady Budapest came up to challenge. Spit Fire was holding strong around the far turn into the homestretch. But as they hit the straight Golden Blue Echo was spurred on by Ajai and obliged as it galloped with consummate ease for the big win. The victory was worth $700,000 and trophy compliments of DDL. Lady Budapest eased into second ahead of Spit Fire and Strom Mark. Speaking to the media
No stopping Golden Blue Echo of the Karibee Rice stable with Ajai on mount, not even these clowns on the track as it takes the feature D1 and lower event at the KMTC on Sunday. after the event, Persaud stated that it has been over two decades that they were out of horseracing. But is seems just like the other day with the royal return and stunning victory by Golden Blue Echo. He said that he always love horse racing but because of time they were out of the game. Now with some time available he is back with a bang. He is
looking forward to Guyana Cup Fever and other big events and expects the results to be the same. Weekend End Surprise ridden by Kevin Paul created a surprise as it won the H class 6 Furlongs event ahead of Bird Man, Princess Maya and Jumbo Gift. Massiquita Dr of the Crawford stable with Ajai continued its good form as it took care of business in the event for J and K class horses. Party Time, Liquid
Lion and Little were tamed. Plane land with Randolph Richmond touched down first in the other J and K class event ahead of Red Region, Sunday Silence and Confusion. The 14 year old veteran Smarty Light of the Ron Ve l l o z a s t a b l e w i t h Randolph Richmond in the stirrups shone brightly as it outsmarted its opponents with a blistering run down the homestretch to take the
L1 and lower 5Furlongs race. Occupying the other places were Blue Lightning, Royal Stallion and Quincy. The L2 and lower event was won by Street Thinker with Y. Drepaul of the Khan Stable from Blue Lightning, Confusion and Black Bush Baby. The top jockey award went to Randolph Richmond with Amaranth Kertipaul being adjudged the champion trainer. (Samuel Whyte)
Terron Welch is national three-point shooting champion
Linden’s Half Mile Bulls shooting guard, Terron Welch shoots the ‘bonus ball’ from the second rack on his way to winning the national three-point shooting contest Sunday night. Linden’s Half Mile Bulls shooting guard, Terron Welch won the National Three-point shooting contest Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The competition was a part of the
Road to Mecca National Club Championships. The quest to find the best shooter in Guyana began with 32 players from clubs across Guyana. It was shortlisted to 16 after the first
round and eight after the second round. Welch scored 19 of an estimated 25 shots to edge Ravens’ Dominic Vincente’s 18 shots. Welch won $20,000 as a result of winning the title.
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 35
EBFA / STAG Senior League
Agricola surge to top with huge win over Diamond; Soesdyke edge Kuru Kururu Three players netted a double each as 13 goals were scored on day two of the STAG / EBFA Senior League which continued on Sunday at the Grove Playfield. Agricola Red Triangle behind a brace each from Captain Winston Rawlins and Devon Jeffers as well as two own goals, hammered Diamond United 8-0 in the feature match of a double header to surge to the top of the points table on goal difference ahead of defending champions Grove Hi Tech and Soesdyke Falcons. On a mission to win the championship this time around, Agricola wasted little time in taking command of the game, by the end of the first half they were already 3-0 up. Devon Jeffers opened their account in the 11th minute as Diamond took some time to get into their stride. Agricola were awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute which was scored by Jermaine Frank; custodian Nathanial Paul couldn’t stop the shot.
Seven minutes later, Diamond would score against themselves (Reun Williams), the first of two such goals which handed Agricola a comfortable 3-0 advantage by the end of the half. With their tails up, Agricola wasted little time in further consolidating their hold on the game. Two minutes into the half Jeffers completed his double to cap a fine game as he was replaced by Raphael Bollers later in the half. Collis Samuels made it 5-0 in the 60th minute for Agricola and one minute later, Captain Winston Rawlins netted the first of his two as Agricola continued to run riot in the Diamond defensive third. Trying to clear the ball from another of Agricola’s raids, a defender drilled his spinning shot into the back of the nets past the helpless goalkeeper, Paul in the 85th minute which took the score to 7-0. Captain Rawlins sealed the game at 8-0 for Agricola with his second goal in the 87th minute a win which gave Agricola pole position
at the top of the points table. Sunday’s opening game produced some exciting football between two sides with a long history of rivalry. Kuru Kururu Warriors, the first EBFA side to be competing in the National Beach Soccer League took the lead against Soesdyke with a well taken shot by Ryan Scott, while staving off a defender which glided across custodian John Stell into the back of the nets. But that lead was short lived as the experienced Soesdyke side which have been boosted with a number of Timehri players, that club not existing any longer, clawed their way back to level the score at 1-1, Colin McLean breaching the Warriors’ defence and goalkeeper Joseph Walker. Kuru Kururu’s most prolific scorer, Cordel Johnson restored his side’s advantage in the 24th minute but again they were kept in check by the Soesdyke side which was awarded a penalty in the 41st minute and it was clinically put away by the experienced Marvin Joseph in the 41st minute, the first of his two goals.
Soesdyke Falcons Marvin Joseph about to pass the ball in his sides match against Kuru Kururu Warriors. Both sides kept the pressure on each other as there was a high level of urgency to get the go ahead
goal. The momentum was now with Soesdyke and the players made it count for them as Joseph hammered in
the winner in the 62nd minute. Matches will continue on Sunday at the same venue.
PCL First-Class cricket
Injured ‘Tiger’ bats Jaguars to safety By Sean Devers in Antigua In association with Care Cottages Antigua & Noble House Seafoods The Guyana Jaguars held on for a last over draw against the Leewards Hurricanes in the ninth round of the PCL First-Class match when the contest ended at 18:22hrs yesterday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Under lights to take them to 130 points. Needing 240 to avoid an innings defeat the Jaguars reached 222-8 as West Indies under-19 pacer Alzarri Joseph followed up his fivewicket haul the last time these teams met in Guyana last year with 4-71. He got support from off-spinner Rakeem Cornwall (3-34). On a day which saw four stoppages for rain and caused the Leewards Hurricanes plenty of frustration and ground staff ‘endless’ work, Guyana
Jaguars Captain Leon Johnson survived two chances to fashion a responsible 79 and shared in a 98-run third wicket stand with Vice-Captain Vishaul Singh was made 32. But it was the 36-run ninth wicket partnership between the injured Shiv Chanderpaul who batted at number 10 and stayed at the crease for 89 minutes and faced 56 balls for his 25 and Devendra Bishoo, who survived 85 balls, 126 minutes with three fours for his 16 that extended the Jaguars’ unbeaten run to 16 matches. Johnson faced 179 balls, batted for 247 minutes and reached the boundary 12 times, while Singh 32, lasted 235 minutes and their partnership set the foundation for the draw. Yesterday’s game was the latest a First-Class game has ended in the West Indies apart from the day/nights
An injured Shiv Chanderpaul batted Guyana to safety yesterday. ones. But Chanderpaul appeared to be batting at high noon and smashed the fastest bowler at the last under-19 World Cup for three consecutive boundaries in the final over which started 18:18 hrs Scores: (Hurricanes 430), Jaguars (190 & 2228). Overnight rain caused a
10-minute delay before play was again halted 19 minutes into the day’s play at 113-2. When play resumed 71 minutes l a t e r, Vi s h a u l S i n g h provided excellent support for Johnson as the partnership progressed slowly but solidly. Johnson caressed Orlando Peters majestically through extra cover for four
before pulling the medium pacer for three to go past the 700-runs and celebrated the landmark with a gorgeous cover drive off Gavin Tonge before rain again stopped play at 12:10hrs with the Jaguars on 135-2 with Johnson 70 and Singh on 18. Play resumed 12:20 and Johnson stroked Peters gloriously down the ground for a boundary by Lunch, which was taken at 12:30hrs, the Jaguars were 145-2 with Johnson on 77 and Singh on 21 from 129 balls. The third wicket stand was already worth 91 runs. After Lunch Singh drove Joseph for four to bring up the 150 in 269 minutes before a third stoppage at 13:28hrs sent the players off the field at 152-2 with the partnership two short of a hundred with Johnson on 79 and Singh 26. The action resumed after a 118-minute delay and the
Jaguars lost Johnson (79) and Chris Barnwell (0) with the score on 152 as Joseph struck telling body blows to the Jaguars. Johnson was bowled, while Barnwell popped a return catch to the bowler. Singh back cut Joseph for four, while Raymon Reifer drove the pacer for four before the hugely talented Joseph struck again when he had Reifer (6) caught behind to give Jahmar Hamilton his seventh dismissal of the match as the Jaguars slumped to 165-5. It was soon 170-6 when Singh, after doing all the hard work, pushed forward meekly to Cornwall and offered an easy catch to silly mid-off. At Tea the Jaguars were 173-6 still 67 away from making the home team bat again with rain again threatening. After the break the (Continued on page 27)
t r o Sp
Upsets ensure Linden vs. Georgetown tussle for National Basketball Championship -Colts trample Ravens; Retrieve Raiders ransack Pacesetters
Retrieve Raiders forward, Dwayne Roberts bursts through the lane uncontested for a two-handed put-back in the paint against Pacesetters Sunday night.
GMR&SC National ‘race of Champions’ Meet
Country’s best set for Sunday’s showdown
(Flashback)- A large turnout witness the excitement as three cars battle for the top spot down the homestretch.
EBFA / STAG Senior League
Agricola surge to top with huge win over Diamond; Soesdyke edge Kuru Kururu Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210