Kaieteur News

Thursday March 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Corruptibility at City Hall should be the factor in how we vote DEAR EDITOR, Local Government elections are to be held on March 18, 2016. I urge all eligible, Guyanese Voters to go out and cast their votes. The state of affairs in our Capital City is a horror story and the administration that ran the affairs of the city for the past twenty two (22) years could be described as anything but good or competent. Lack of change and renewal over a long period of time has caused some councillors and staff to believe that they have a divine right to be there. Both parties (PPP/C and PNC/R) are guilty of gross neglect and failure. So finally we, the citizen, have a duty to get rid of the old and corrupt and put in its place a young, energetic leadership. The time for young people to shine is now and I urge voters to vote for a New Young Team. The

campaign for LGE seems low key and a lot of established party candidates, who carry political baggage, are very quiet. Voters should take note of their silence. The cleanup campaign at present is the usual election time gimmick, having neglected the city for over thirty years and with no plan and programme of maintenance. It was only or matter of time before the rut to stepped in. The corruption and incompetence are stamped all over this administration. Here is a tip of the iceberg. The City Constable runs their own show. They control all the vending on the sidewalk. They allocate spots and collect bribes for themselves. The Junior ranks are the collector and enforcer and they have to report and share with the senior ranks who are

their protector. Any new vendor or citizens who get in the way are dealt with harshly and even place before the Courts. Second on the list of bribe collectors are the revenue officers. The system of revenue collection is so bad that the City Council loses approximately 30% of all revenue collected on a daily basis. This information was given to me by a former revenue collector. A random check would reveal that around 30% of vendors do not have receipts. The Treasury has had its fair share of fraud, over the years. The latest being when a former employee got millions of tax payers dollar that he was not entitled to. The City Engineer Department is so corrupt that several Commissions of enquiry have failed to change the culture Continued on page 23

Complaint against Security Alliance Company DEAR EDITOR, I am working at Security Alliance for five years and 8 months now. The problem that affects me has going on for years now and right now it is worse and management is not doing anything to solve it, and we the workers are feeling it. I personally went to Labour and they told me, they can’t do anything. Now Security Alliance is an

American form that provides security services to the United State Embassy and U.S clients at their homes. Every day consist of 12 and 16 hours that workers have to work. We sign for 8 hours work. Due to shortages, these extra duty are being push on workers. Every day is one set of workers are working these extra duty; no one is not saying let’s relief this worker

tonight because she would have work so much hours for the week. The supervisor relief his or her friends . A next thing is the company has us working strictly 07:00 hours to 15:00 hours to 23:00 hours shift. We are being bullied to work the shift. I want to know if overtime is compulsory? Concerned employee (name supplied)

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Geologist complains of threat to the good life DEAR EDITOR, The agricultural, mining and construction industries account for a significant portion of Guyana’s GDP and provides the largest source of direct employment across the country. Concomitant to the “good life” are the facilities that would promote the sustained growth in these sectors. This growth that we speak of can be credited to the rapid mechanization of the above mentioned sectors which has seen over the past decade significant increase in yields. With a keen eye on the productivity of these sectors and its direct relationship to mechanization the Government took measures to sustain their growth by exempting the proponents of these sectors from paying the Value Added Tax based on verifiable pre qualifications. Published in the daily newspaper on the 14th day of

March 2016 was a Notice of the Amendment to the Value Added Tax Act No. 10 of 2005 which sought to give notice to the zero rating of several items in keeping with said act effectuated by Order No.6 of 2016. Cunningly disguised in this notice and under emphasized during the 2016 Budget presentation was the Revocation of Paragraph 2(aa) of schedule 1 of VAT act No. 10 of 2005; consequently Large Capital equipment will no longer be exempt from paying the 16% VAT. This move which is intended to generate more tax revenue could in fact spell disaster for the productivity of these key sectors that relies heavily on Large Capital equipment since it would mean that higher purchase facilities will no longer be releasing these equipment to clients without the minimum

down payment together with the VAT has been paid in full. The situation will arise where Individuals will be made to make a down payment twice as much as they usually would to acquire an equipment and in most cases it will be seen that the individuals that are capable of doing so are the ones that operate at a large scale in their respective industries. Those that operate at a small scale will be forced to operate at this scale for a longer period of time until they can muster enough finance to cover the initial down payment. The opportunity cost will be significant and will deal a severe blow to small scale operators thereby robbing them the opportunity of experiencing “THE GOOD LIFE” that they so deserve. R. Bostwick Geologist

DEAR EDITOR, The Merundoi local government debates which were organized in collaboration with NCN and other sponsors without a doubt proved to be enlightening especially for the electorate in the Georgetown Municipality. Ten constituencies fielded their First Past the Post candidates fo r p u b l i c scrutiny. The public had an insight of their intellectual

p e r s p i c a c i t y, vision and proposals for dealing with the myriad of problems that the citizens of Georgetown face daily. The candidates were given the opportunity to justify why they deserved to be nominated as representatives of their communities and if they qualify to be a councilor in the Georgetown Municipality. I congratulate the organizers and thank them for

a job well done. The moderator , Mr. Durwin Humphrey was exemplary in executing his mandate. Dr. Bertrand R. Stuart Independent Candidate of Constituency # 14.

The debate was excellent

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Kaieteur News

Don’t expect an elaborate increase - says Finance Minister to public servants

Public Servants can expect a “top-up” on their salaries before Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, brings his next budget before the National Assembly. But at the same time, he cautioned that expectations for handsome increases need to be tempered. His warning in this regard comes on the heels of a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This report said that Guyana must be mindful with its increases in wages when one considers the extent of economic challenges facing the Government. The IMF Mission which was recently in Guyana noted, “Discussions with authorities centered on strategies to maintain fiscal and debt sustainability while boosting growth. Increasing current expenditure will crowd out space for public investment, despite significant donor support.” The mission suggested “moderating the growth of wages, as well as reforming public enterprises with a view to reduce their reliance on government support.” The Finance Minister said he agrees with the IMF position on this matter. “As an economist and Minister of Finance, I can only say that I agree with the IMF on this front. I have been advising and giving warning about how we are to address expectations

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan for wage increases and exaggerated demands in this regard. “In the good times, paying exaggerated salaries has serious long and short term impacts. Trinidad and Tobago is feeling the effects of paying salaries which at one time seemed sustainable,” explained Jordan. He added, “But given our economies, where we are exposed to the vagaries of the international market for our products, we could see that at one time, price just dramatically falls and then you are left hanging. Then there are two options before you. You either cut salaries or cut employment so to avoid being caught in that situation; one has to be extremely careful and prudent on matters

of wage increases.” The Finance Minister said that Guyana’s economy is now coming out of an economic slowdown but “I can say safely that increases will be paid before the next budget,” added Jordan. The International Monetary Fund is an organization of 188 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF usually holds bilateral discussions with members every year. During those consultations, the mission reviews the overall economic developments in the country, as well as its policy measures aimed at maintaining of economic stability, ensuring a sustainable external balance and further liberalizing foreign trade. Upon the completion of the IMF mission consultations, the IMF Executive Board discusses the staff report and issues an assessment of the country’s economic situation and the adequacy of its economic policy measures, based on a comprehensive analysis of the overall economic situation and a wider fiscal policy strategy of the member country. (Kiana Wilburg)

Thursday March 17, 2016

Former army chief to head inquiry into latest mining pit cave-in President David Granger has ordered an independent inquiry into the death of a teenaged mining worker. Nineteen-year-old Trenton Sebastian, says Newell Dennison, the Commissioner (Ag) of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), was a pitman working in an operation when he was killed. Four others were with him on Monday afternoon when the incident occurred. A statement from GGMC said yesterday that the dredge is owned by Sherwin Grenada, a resident of Westminster, La Parfaite Harmony. According to GGMC, Sebastian was reportedly jetting the mining face when the undercut material fell in his direction and he was unable to escape its path. “He was overcome before he could be extracted and was pronounced dead at the Mahdia Hospital where he was examined.” Former army chief Major General (retired), Joseph Singh, has been named to conduct the inquiry into the teen’s death. The GGMC has already commenced arrangements for the sessions which are expected to commence by the end of this week in Mahdia. “In the meantime no work is permitted at the location and officers of the GGMC continue in their efforts to monitor operations in the area and appeal to miners to embrace a safety foremost

Major General (retired), Joseph Singh

GGMC’s Commissioner (Ag), Newell Dennison

culture while operating,” Dennison urged yesterday. On Tuesday, GGMC in a statement expressed concerns over the casual attitude of some miners when it comes to safety. A team of GGMC officials and police reportedly travelled to the Region Eight area of Konawaruk to conduct investigations. It was also reported that the dredge was operating on property without permission and for which an order to cease work order (CWO) was issued. GGMC said that this latest accident comes at a time when as recently as the second week in February it conducted a Mines Safety Compliance Tour in the Potaro and Konawaruk areas. Several CWOs were issued due to unsafe operations in the Mahdia Redhole, Whitehole and St. Elizabeth areas. GGMC said that this unfortunate occurrence also comes at a time when GGMC had a wrap-up on March 14, 2016 of a first phase geotechnical engineering training workshop involving

some 20 technical officers, who over the past six weeks were exposed to applied aspects of ground structural phenomenon. “This unfortunate accident brings to the forefront that even in the last quarter of 2015, after the horrific Mowasi accident, investigations by GGMC officers on regulatory compliance tours in areas such as in the Cuyuni District, miners continued to have a casual attitude to safe mines practices,” the commission complained. The GGMC offered regrets and sympathy to the relatives and friends of Trenton Sebastian. Shortly after taking office last May, the David Grangerled administration faced a tough baptism with news that 10 miners were killed in Mowasi, Region Eight in a pit cave-in. A commission of inquiry was announced into mining deaths with a report saying that 28 persons died over a 15-month period. Several recommendations were made to improve safety, including sensitization.

No one should be exempt from paying taxes - Jordan There will always be exceptions to almost every rule in life. And sometimes, this very fact can be a hard pill for shrewd economists to swallow. A glaring example of this was demonstrated yesterday when Finance Minister, Winston Jordan was questioned on the topic of income tax. During a meeting with the members of the press, he was asked for his view on the fact that the salaries of officials such as the Chancellor are not taxed. Jordan acknowledged that the Constitution does provide for the salaries of the President, the Chancellor, the Chief Justice, the Auditor General and the Attorney

General to be tax free. But being the economist he is, Jordan revealed that his belief is that no one should be exempt from paying taxes. The Finance Minister said that while he has no intention to cut anyone’s emoluments, his vision is that the income of all should be topped and all citizens pay their taxes. “I don’t believe that it is a fair position for some to pay and others not to pay when we all benefit from the same provision of social and other government services. But that is my personal view,” expressed the practiced economist. He made it clear that it is not a view that has been considered by Cabinet. (Kiana Wilburg)

Thursday March 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Housing officials refuse to hand over documents on land deals - CH&PA Board Chairman

CH&PA’s Chairman, Hamilton Green

CH&PA CEO, Myrna Pitt

The Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) warned of actions, yesterday, after accusing senior officials of refusing to provide critical information regarding transactions over several plots of housing land. Yesterday, the Chairman, Hamilton Green, said that a number of critical issues will be dealt with by the Board in the coming days and decisions will be made. A highly critical Green made it clear that the days of “shenanigans” and “ad hocism” in the running of the state’s housing programmes are over. “There are a number of burning issues and indications of corrupt practices at the Authority and we are looking at not only the number of applications where persons have been waiting for years for house lots, but also what systems were used to build scores of turn-key homes. The state of those homes leaves a lot to be desired.” The comments of the official come amidst burning questions over the lack of action from CH&PA and its officials to tackle the backlog of applications. Evidence is coming out that the Authority failed to take steps to ensure that private developers who have been granted large parcels of lands on East Bank Demerara to build homes met deadlines and other conditions as set out in agreements that were signed. The East Bank Demerara lands, stretching from Eccles to Golden Grove, were sold under questionable circumstances to at least 20 private developers between 2011 and 2014. Many of the parcels, considered prime properties and worth billions of dollars at the prevailing market price, are way behind schedule with the developers already in breach of various clauses in

the agreements. Very little works have been done in most of them. According to the CH&PA’s Chairman, the entity is under increasing pressure to find lands for applicants who have been waiting years for a piece of land. In December, CH&PA summoned the private developers to a meeting. “This is an appalling situation that we inherited from the previous government. We gave the developers until February to complete certain works. We urged them to optimize the use of the lands. We all expressed concerns that some of these lands that were sold to private developers were sequestered or given over to others. That was never the intention.” Green said that the Board requested senior CH&PA officials to provide the contracts and agreements signed so that decisions could be taken. “We are still to receive the documents. Next week, we have a statutory meeting of the Board and this issue will be discussed.” Green’s concerns would mirror that of the Land Allocation Committee, a subcommittee of the Board. Members of that committee last week complained that they are frustrated with refusal of CH&PA to furnish them, on a timely basis, with information that was requested. The committee last week wrote the Ministry of Communities, which is charged with housing, recommending that Denise King-Tudor, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Manager of the Land Administration Division of the Authority, be sent home. The previous Minister of Housing was Irfaan Ali. CH&PA is handling billions of dollars annually to ensure governmental housing programmes are carried out.

It evolved into a critical agency after lands were opened up and financial institutions were allowed to drop mortgage interest rates, leading to an explosion in the construction of new homes as financing became more affordable. Green also disclosed yesterday that he was part of a team that visited several housing projects recently. “It is of deep concern to us the quality of turn-key homes being built, especially behind Providence. There are also questions about the hiring of certain persons and how monies were spent. From the initial assessments, it is clear that Guyana did not get value for money with those turn-key homes.” The homes referred to by the CH&PA’s Chairman are mostly two bedroom homes. Many home owners have refused to move in citing the poor quality work. The homes were going for about $5M apiece. Continued on page 23

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US$50M Indian secured for East Bank /East Coast Road Project

(Left) Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, during the signing of the agreement Guyana will now be able to benefit from a US$50M line of credit for the East Coast/ East Bank Road Linkage Project. This was made possible through an agreement that was signed yesterday between Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and the Exim Bank of India. Present at the meeting

which was held at the Boardroom of the Ministry of Finance was Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and other officials of his Ministry. Also present was Indian High Commissioner, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, who said that the agreement represents just one phase of the project. He said that he is anxiously

awaiting the award of the contract. Patterson said that it was indeed a happy moment for him and his Ministry. The line of credit was a long awaited project. He noted that the linkage project will ease the traffic congestion that is a chronic problem in the city. He Continued on page 23

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Kaieteur News

Thursday March 17, 2016

Thursday March 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 9

PM Moses in favour of Council drastically revoking illegal radio licences NDC Chairman fires back….

cuts overspending

The back and forth between the chairman of the La Renaissance/Mon Repos Neighbourhood Council and the Vice Chairman of Region Four continues with more allegations of financial mischief emerging. Last week the Regional Vice Chairman, Earl Lambert, made some damning allegations against the NDC Chairperson Annett Dass, accusing her of manipulating an Overseer attached to the Council and facilitating some financial irregularities. This was after Dass and another Councilor had complained about the interference of Regional officials in the running of their NDC. More recently, Dass, who is not seeking any position on the NDC at the upcoming Local Government Elections, is livid that her stewardship of the Council is being tarnished by what she described as falsehoods being peddled by the Regional Vice Chairman. The Regional Vice Chairman had indicated that based on recommendations, the Overseer who was functioning up to late last year was sent on leave and was replaced by an Acting Overseer due to the unearthing of some financial irregularities. Lambert had suggested that the NDC Chairman was therefore peeved at the move since she could no longer continue to manipulate senior employees of the NDC. “So because she was manipulating him, she couldn’t manipulate the (acting overseer). On several occasions she would

call her and tell her to make out payments. And she would ask for the backup, not (wanting) to spend the council’s money as directed by (Dass).” “(Since) she wasn’t getting her way, she then decided that she was not going to sign off on the employees’ payments. So at times, even now, workers have not been paid. At Christmas time we had a situation where we were coming down to Christmas and she refused to sign the cheque orders for the workers to be paid,” the Regional Vice Chairman had said. But according to Dass, this is far from the truth. She said that she has no problem with the Acting Overseer, except that the Acting Overseer is not acting on the decisions made by the elected Council. Dass noted that contrary to what Lambert is saying, the Acting Overseer was employed since 2014 based on the recommendations of herself and the rest of the Council. The NDC Chairperson told this newspaper that while the Regional Vice Chairman is accusing her of condoning financial irregularities, it is because of her that the NDC has been able to have a whopping $13M in its bank account. “The current Acting Overseer was found overspending Council money. That is why we held up the signing of some of the vouchers she presented for payment,” Dass explained. According to Dass, one example of this is the servicing

of the NDC’s tractor. Dass explained that the tractor would usually be serviced by the operator himself at no cost to the NDC, except for the purchase of oil and filter. “Now the tractor is being serviced elsewhere and we are seeing a huge bill for it,” the NDC Chairperson told this newspaper. She said that in addition, the NDC’s bobcat has not been seen for two weeks and no one is saying where it is. Dass told this newspaper that it is the Acting Overseer who is refusing to make up the stipend payments for Councilors, even though repeated requests have been made to have this done. Another case of irregularity pointed out by Dass is the hiring of the security for the NDC compound at Lusignan. She said that the NDC had fired the security guard after the disappearance of 30 gallons of fuel. The said security guard was rehired by the Acting Overseer without the Council’s knowledge and approval. “Neither of them could give account for the missing fuel,” Dass stated. Referring to accusations leveled against her with regards to work done by prisoners, the NDC Chairperson said that all payments to the prisoners are done by a cheque made out to the officer in charge of the Lusignan Prison. “It is not the Chairman who examines the work. The Overseer, the Works Committee Chairman and the Superintendent of Works are the persons who have to (continued on page 21)

Dem boys seh ...

Sooba King start de bruck up After one time is another. Was a time if you cough too hard and some people didn’t like it dem call de police and See-all lock you up. Was a time when you report skullduggery and thiefing, de man who report does get send home or knock off. Donald Dumb had de Hen See Hen file pun he desk that show how dem two seniors use to thief Hen See Hen money and put it in dem bank account. Nobody can’t find that file today. Dem not certain if he carry it home or if he bun it. Kwame and he confederates beat up poor Mark Bencock who running straight up fuh mayor. De Pee Pee Pee DPP and See-all can’t find that file. Dem same two can’t find de Crum Ewing murder file. Dem nearly couldn’t find de file wha seh Kwame and he confederates throw filth pun

Freddie. Dem boys want to know what other files dem can’t find. Dem can’t find Brassington; dem can’t find Ash from GPL; dem can’t find Ashni and dem can’t find Babbie. But dem boys happy that de new kids in town, Soulja Bai and others, tekking a different stance to such matters. Yesterday, City Hall bruck up and bruck down a concrete pavement because a woman fall down and bruck she foot outside Royal Castle which is a chicken place. A man who name King Sooba, seh he is a king now that Sooba gone. He tell dem boys de chicken place had no permission to build de pavement wha de woman fall pun. Dem boys seh if was under Jagdeo and Donald

Dumb govt, de woman who bruck she foot woulda deh in jail today fuh brucking off piece of de concrete, because is Jagdeo buddy pals own de place. Dem boys remember de reserve in de Industrial Site being occupied by one of Jagdeo pals. When dem boys talk he tell de nation that he just throwing sand pun de land. De next thing dem boys publish was a fence surrounding de place. When dem boys ask de man seh he just using de place fuh parking. Months after, it got a massive structure on that same reserve. All this happen under Jagdeo and Donald Dumb and nobody coulda do anything. Instead dem try fuh lock up people fuh talking bout it. Dem boys waiting to see when King Sooba gun go there next. Talk half and see if dem got more brucking up to do

…says it is for GNBA Chairman to explain to the nation how far he is with the matter By: Kiana Wilburg Amidst mounting criticisms from various quarters, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo clarified yesterday his stance on the radio, television and cable licences which were granted during the Jagdeo regime. The First Vice President stated that he is all for the revocation of those licences. He emphasized that it is the position he held during the election campaign and it is the same today. Nagamootoo said that he has decided to clear the air on the matter because his comments at the commissioning of the teleport for the National Communications Network were “misinterpreted.” The Member of Parliament said, “My comments were misconstrued. If they were reported on in the manner in which it was meant then we would not have all these different statements against me.” Nagamootoo emphasized that his comments were in no way meant to signal to the nation that he is against the revocation of licences which were illegally awarded to certain individuals. He noted that it is not his responsibility or job to do so. He said that this rests with the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA). “GNBA has to do their job and revoking licences is their issue. If I interfere, I would be accused of political interference. I know that the board has set up a subcommittee to look into this matter and it is chaired by Anthony Vieira. “He is knowledgeable in broadcasting and is capable and competent in this regard. But I cannot pronounce on the work of the board or the subcommittee

GNBA Chairman, Leonard Craig

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

on that matter. They would have to pronounce on that. They are the ones who must explain where they are.” He added, “You think if the board came to me tomorrow morning and showed me solid legal grounds for revoking the licences I would interfere? I have been very careful with my language throughout this entire thing. The GNBA Chairman has to say what’s going. But I did urge them to give out the new licences to those who already applied… “I did not instruct. I am concerned about how we are going to correct this.” On several occasions, the Chairman of the GNBA Board, Leonard Craig, has been questioned on this state of affairs. Craig had failed to give any clear answer on the revocation of unlawful licences. He would only say that the Board will host a press conference with the media. He made this promise last year and this year it is yet to be fulfilled. On Sunday, Craig told this newspaper that the Board has made no decision to rescind the

licences, but noted that legal advice suggests that it is better if the Board does not. The Chairman also declined to reveal who the “legal minds” are, except to say that they are “well respected.” With regard to the longawaited press conference, Craig said that the Board has a Public Relations Officer that will be handling that matter. Weeks before leaving office, Former President Bharrat Jagdeo awarded his best friend, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop five radio frequencies; New Guyana Company Limited, five, and Telcor and Cultural Broadcasting Inc., another five. Jagdeo also gave two cable licences to two of his closest friends, Vishok Persaud and Brian Yong. GNBA Officials revealed recently that Jagdeo’s ad hoc approach has led to prime spots on the spectrum being taken up. All premium spots on the television and cable channel frequency are gone. There is little space left for new applicants on the radio spectrum.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday March 17, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

I am against the casino and hotel on Church Street and other things too There is a swirling controversy on the imminent establishment of a casino in the newly constructed hotel on Church Street. It appears that the casino license will be reexamined. This hotel and casino are a repellant indictment of the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabals that almost ruined this country. In ways we will never know, the May 2015 election saved this country. Mr. Clifton Bacchus the owner of the Church Street establishment, ought to know that in a small town, there are no secrets. People know of his closeness to Presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar. Georgetown in a tiny place comparatively speaking, and

private business is public knowledge. People in this city know about the skeletons wellknown citizens have in the cupboards, those who should be morally upright but whose lack of integrity is well known; those who are part of the cocaine business and money laundering; those who got immense property holdings through massive corruption; those policemen who protect big business. There are people who send out foreign exchange incessantly through illegal channels; those who claim they were independent critics during the PPP’s reign but had conspiratorial arrangements with important PPP leaders; those in the APNU-AFC Government

that have their own skeletons. The list is almost infinite. Last but not least – Georgetowners know who is Chief Mike and what he does and for whom. You cannot lock away secrets in a village. The secret that is public knowledge is that Mr. Bacchus may have been favoured with his casino license because of his powerful connections. Those powerful connections should not have awarded a permit to build a hotel on Church Street. I am not against the opening up of myriads of casinos in Guyana. I have no theoretical or sociological problem with the functioning of casinos. Clifton Bacchus can have how many casinos he wants.

But why a hotel on Church Street? It is a terribly wrong decision. You are further congesting the inner dimensions of the city when greater Georgetown has commodious space. I think Roy Beepat should be congratulated for choosing Turkeyen and not Kingston or Bourda or Alberttown to locate his sprawling shopping complex. In the rejection of the casino by other sectors of society, Guyana’s misplaced thinking has been exposed graphically. The Muslim mosque on Church Street got into the condemnatory act quickly. The religious leadership of that mosque cited the moral degeneration of Guyana in rejecting the casino. One of its chief Imams published a letter in this newspaper, of which a section observed; “Don’t we have enough social troubles in Guyana, with SUICIDES, RAPES, CRIMES, ALCOHOLICS ETC., why then should we have more with gambling when the religious peoples are trying to do their best to bring back to Guyana the STATUS QUO as we know it to be as taught and practiced by

our forefathers.” This may be misleading. Is there a statistical connection between casino gambling since it started operations here and social degeneration? To argue such you must have at least elementary evidence. But that is not my main point in response to the way religious officials pronounce on social issues in Guyana. Where are the condemnations of all types of denominations when egregious behaviour and depraved policies envelope this society? Where was the voice of the various churches when those radio licenses were literally shared out to friends and relatives by President Jagdeo? Was that an inconsequential thing that the churches should have ignored? The airwaves are public property. How could Jagdeo have allowed his friends and relatives to control and dominate them? The issue is alive at the moment. Will the churches generate the same anger against them as they do with casino gambling? My question is to that mosque official and other

Frederick Kissoon officials of other religions; do they feel that the radio licence distribution should be fairer than what it presently is? Where was the voice of the main religions when Ms. Varshnie Singh accused the President of the country of abusing her? Where is the voice of the churches on the frightening backlog of cases in our court system that people grow old and die and never had their day in court? Can’t our churchmen muster some courage to call for justice for the poor rather than preaching such a message inside the church walls to their flock? Where is the voice of the churches when employers can dismiss dozens of trade union members because they went on strike? Shouldn’t that stir the anger of our religious communities? This is a country where the preachers from all types of religions can be accused of hypocrisy.

Thursday March 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 11

GPHC’s Maternity Unit extension to be - “Overcrowding will be a thing completed next month of the past”- Minister Norton Come next month, overcrowding at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Maternity Unit will be a thing of the past following the completion of the facility’s new wing. This is according to the Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton. In the 2016 National Budget, $89M was set aside for the development of the facility’s maternity unit. Apart from the new wing, the unit will benefit from table-top foetal heart rate monitors, handheld foetal heart monitors and portable ultrasound machines. Also, the Minister explained that the new facility will have 50 beds and a 17bed Neonatal Intensive Care

Unit (NICU), an Operating Theatre and birthing rooms that are sound proof. “The beds will not be so cramped. Sharing a bed will be something in the past,” Norton said. Kaieteur News was told that construction at the site is moving apace. The upgrade will see mothers and their newborns benefitting from better patient care while being cared for at the facility. Up to last month, four persons were made to share one bed at the unit—two mothers and their newborns. Overcrowding has actually become a norm at the hospital’s Maternity Unit. This newspaper was told that since the opening of the maternity unit in 1988, adequate spacing has always

The New Wing at the GPHC’s Maternity Unit been a challenge; however, the new wing is expected to add some relief to the problem. A few months ago, a

Police Diamond shooting inquest…

Police ordered to locate whistleblower’s missing statement Efforts are being made to locate a statement given by whistleblower Lennox ‘Two Colours’ Wayne in relation to the fatal shootings of Paul Bascom and Alberto Grant by police at Diamond, East Bank Demerara on December 7, 2013. An inquest into the death of the two men is currently being conducted by City Magistrate Alex Moore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The Director of Public Prosecution had ordered that an inquest be held into the deaths of Bascom, a resident of Diamond Housing Scheme and Grant, or Alberto Mustapha, 28, called ‘Mukie’, of Lot 299 Meadow Brook Gardens. They were shot dead during an alleged 20minute shootout with police. It was revealed yesterday, that Wayne’s statement was missing from the case file. Magistrate Moore has instructed that that the statement be located to facilitate a testimony from Wayne, who is currently on remand at Camp Street Prison for the murder of a Lusignan cosmetologist. Attorney Nigel Hughes is representing the families of the deceased. Hughes told the court that Wayne has to be brought to testify because he was an eyewitness to this shooting and another police shootout which occurred on October 12, 2013 near the K&VC Hotel on South Road, Georgetown. That shooting claimed the lives of three Albouystown residents. Lennox Wayne,

Paul Bascom

Lennox Wayne

called ‘Two Colours’ a self confessed hit-man, has refuted the police versions of what transpired on the night

of the Diamond shooting. The police had reported that their ranks had staked out (continued on page 21)

pregnant woman claimed that she was turned away while in labour, by the hospital’s maternity ward, because there was no bed available. However, the medical institution claimed that the woman was not turned away. In fact she was advised that she was not ready to deliver, the hospital claimed. However, the source did explain that mothers would usually be admitted when they arrive at the hospital in pain during their final stages

but because there was a limited amount of beds available on that day; she was asked to go home and rest until she was ready. The source explained that while there might be a limited number of beds at the facility at one time, there might be a lot of free beds at another time. “We have different seasons. Sometimes we have a lot of pregnant mothers and then there are times when we don’t have that many and all

the beds are free then. So no matter how many beds more we get, the situation will still be the same,” the source explained. The hospital delivers about 400 babies per month from February to May, then 300s in June and July, and it climbs back up to 400s in August. This continues to fluctuate for the rest of the year. This total amounts to 60 percent of the babies born in Guyana.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday March 17, 2016

Thursday March 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Drivers have a crucial role in road Duo in court for alleged safety - says UK-based Expert robbery, illegal gun The kerb drill – “Look right, look left, look right again and if the road is clear walk quickly across” – has for many years been a tactic promoted by the Guyana Police Force and Road Safety Organisations, together with the school system, to promote safe road use among school children. But according to Road Safety Expert, Mr. Darren Divall, attached to the reputable United Kingdombased Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), while pedestrians have their part to play, drivers have a crucial role as well, especially in the vicinity of pedestrian crossings. Divall has for the past two years been the team leader attached to TRL which has been conducting a road safety programme for selected schools between Vreed-enHoop and Parika, as one of the five components of the ongoing US$46.8 million ‘West Coast Demerara Road Improvement’ project. The project is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank and executed by the Government, through the Ministries of Infrastructure and Education. Divall pointed out during a recent interview with this publication that Guyana’s Road Traffic Code obliges all drivers to stop at pedestrians crossings to allow

TRL Road Safety Expert, Mr. Darren Divall pedestrians to cross. But according to him, “we have experiences in the two years we have been doing trips to Guyana for this particular project, that that doesn’t happen very often.” The team leader claimed to have observed pedestrians having to put themselves at risk to get drivers, of different types of vehicles, to stop for them in order to get across some roadways safely. But he reiterated that “in actual fact, the responsibility is on the drivers to stop. The responsibility is on the drivers, according to the Road Traffic Code”. The team leader reflected on a case of absolute traffic lawlessness outside the

Greenwich Park Primary School not so long ago. “We were training some children to cross the road safely using the (pedestrian) crossing outside that school. And while doing that, vehicles from both directions stopped for us, but there was a minibus that overtook on one side of the road and went straight through the crossing,” Divall recounted. He continued, “Now if that’s happening for us while we are in high visibility jackets and with big red stop signs trying to alert drivers that we are training people to become safer road users, then I might understand what it might be like for people who are living here permanently.” Given the risky state of affairs that obtains on the roadways at times, Divall said that he has been making deliberate efforts to encourage adults, young people and children alike, to make sure that they only cross the roads when traffic has come to a halt. In order to facilitate the school’s road safety programme, Divall and a team have made as many as seven trips here during the past two years to conduct stakeholders’ workshops and interactive sessions with both teachers and children. The most recent sessions were held last week. The intent of (continued on page 24)

A 19-year-old man was released on $175,000 bail after he was accused of robbing another of a motorcycle. The teen appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. David LaRose of Lot 20 Independence Boulevard, La Penitence, Georgetown, allegedly robbed Andre Roberts of a motorcycle and two cell phones on March 9, at Albouystown. The unrepresented man pleaded not guilty to the charge read to him in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He was ordered to return to court on April 17, for statements. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones objected to bail citing the

gravity of the charge and nature of the offence. According to Jones, during the robbery the complainant

was lashed to the face by the defendant and had to be referred to the Dental School for surgery. Magistrate McLennan ordered LaRose not to go within 50 feet of the victim until the completion of the matter since they are acquainted with each other. In another case, Adam Mohamed, of Lot 22 Calendar Street, Albouystown was remanded to prison for allegedly having a .22 pistol in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. Court fact revealed that he was found with the illegal weapon on March 12, at North East La Penitence. He will make another court appearance on April 27.

From page 11 the home of a trucking service operator that the men were reportedly planning to rob at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. According to the police, they challenged two men who were approaching on foot. 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 and two spent shells, along with one 9mm. round and two 7.62 x 39 rounds.

Police Sergeant, Leon Lindo, who was among the police party that was involved in the shoot-out sought to explain the reason for the statement being missing from the file. Lindo told the court that the file was prepared in 2013, while Wayne’s statement was only given last year. He said that the statement is somewhere at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Testifying in court yesterday was Shawn Grant, the uncle of Alberto Grant. Shawn Grant, a former policeman testified in relation

to what he observed while viewing the lifeless body of his nephew before the post mortem was conducted. He stated that several parts of his nephew’s body were broken. The witness recalled that the body bore burn marks which were not consistent with a shoot-out. Also testifying was a member of the firearm registry. This inquest has been adjourned until April 21, for reports on the missing statement. So far, 11 witnesses have testified.

From page 14 been completed. Critics have been placing final costs of the Amaila Falls project up to US$1B. With regards to the assessments of the five sites, Minister Patterson said, “At the end of this process, we will obviously assess them. However, we will look to use the US$80M in the most acceptable means of renewable energy … but it could be any form of large scale renewable energy – which is the understanding that we have so it's a process

which we are going through, and I think it's a wise way to go forward.” Government is also working with the Government of Brazil and other interested stakeholders in seeking additional funding for the hydro power and renewable energy project that is projected for the Mazaruni area, Region Seven. Guyana is heavily dependent on fossil fuel for its energy needs. As a matter of fact, the state-owned Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is spending be-

tween US$70-US$125M annually to import fuel, depending on the world prices. Government is currently negotiating a power-purchase agreement with a private developer for a US$50M-plus wind farm at Hope Beach. That project is likely to see an additional 25 megawatts of additional power to the national grid. Local businesses have been complaining that the high cost of power is the single biggest factor inhibiting growth of the manufacturing sector.

From page 9 sign off on the vouchers before any money can be paid. I’m not responsible for that,” Dass declared. With regards to the encashing of cheques with NDC revenue, Dass said that she met that practice when she took over and it is still being done presently. She said that the recent allegations made against her were baseless, especially since she has been directly responsible for turning around the finances of the

NDC. She maintained that the Regional officials, through the Acting Overseer, are negatively affecting the progress of capital works earmarked for the communities they serve. “We have piles of crusher run and other road repairs material lying idle and yet there are many roads in dire need of repairs,” she said. Dass told this newspaper that the Mon Repos/La Renaissance NDC is not short on funds but it is the interference of Regional

officials that is impacting negatively on their work programme. “Many people will want to say that the NDC is not doing anything, but we want people to know that we are up against some people who do not want to see progress,” the NDC Chairperson said. “I want them to know that I’m leaving the NDC with $13M. Let’s hope that whoever takes over from me puts it to good use for the benefit of the people,” she stated.

David LaRose

Police ordered to locate ...

Brother of dead ‘Warlock’ footballer Amaila's hydro future lies in hands ... cross-examined as PI continues Keshawn Griffith, the brother of murdered East Ruimveldt footballer, Dexter Griffith, was cross-examined yesterday, as the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) continued before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Delon ‘Nasty Man’ Henry, 25, of Lot 53 Houston Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara is accused of murdering Griffith on September 29, 2015, at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown. According to reports, Griffith, 36, a popular ‘Back Circle’ footballer was shot nine times about the body by two gunmen on September 29, last. Griffith’s mother, Lavern Griffith, found him lying in a drain with gunshot wounds. Also testifying were three police officers, Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Simeon Reid, who is the head of the Fraud Squad at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary; Detective Sergeant Rodwell Sarabo stationed at the CID, Brickdam Police Station and

Delon ‘Nasty Man’ Henry

MURDERED: Dexter Griffith

Corporal Derwayne Eastman. The witnesses gave evidence in relation to the matter and were later cross examined by defence counsel Adrian Thompson. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers declined to re-examine them. He however indicated that two witnesses are still to testify on behalf of the prosecution. This PI was adjourned until March 21. Henry is also

facing gun related charges before another Magistrate in the same court. It is alleged that on October 2, 2015 at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, Henry had a .38 revolver in his possession, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. It was also alleged that on the same day, at Agricola, he had eight .38 rounds of ammunition in his tenure without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Council drastically cuts ...

Page 22

Kaieteur News

SERVICES

WANTED

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.

Buying new model non working appliance, refrigerator, stoves, treadmill, washing machine, etc. Call: 661-8802 or whatsapp picture.

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 Specialised in A/C installation, service, repair fridges, freezer & re-gas systems. Call: 656-6708, 6483955 TOURS SURINAME EASTER WEEKEND TOUR TRIP: SHOPPING, FUN, TOURS & SIGHTSEEING DOLPHINS MARCH 23RD -28TH, 2016. CALL: 692-7270; 6655171; 639-2663; 223-0056

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 Hairdresser/sales representative needed for hair products. Must have a vehicle. Call: 231-4999; 6770480, email:irbcguy@gmail. com 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

Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 K’s Driving School (Berbice)learn to drive with a professional instructor. Call: 615-8536; 649-0979 for more information.

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)

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 Gold and Diamond mining land for rent in Ekereku & Siparuni area. Call: 615-8810 or 668-3100 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 Upper flat, 3 bedrooms at Golden Grove Housing Scheme- Call: 625-4195; 6248120 Top flat for rent @ Diamond, New Scheme. Call: 615-5833

Commercial spot for rent: salon & barber station. Motorcycle 250 rebel & night hawk, foxtail palm plants for sale. Call: 680-1198 One salesgirl for shop on E.C.D age 17-24. Text your information to: 617-7823 One handyman to work in the Interior, must be 18-25yrs. Call: 680-2702; 661-3328 1 Male cook (baheir) to cook in the Interior. Call: 678-0565 One domestic cleaner & must be able to prepare vegetarian meals, apply in person @ Alabama Trading G/Town.

LEARN TO DRIVE

SALON

Housekeeper to cook for an Indian Family in Turkeyen, 6 days @ $15,000 weekly. Police clearance and reference required. Call: 655-6766 SALES PERSONS WITH CAR,WANTED FORAFOOD DISTRIBUTOR COMPANY. SALARY + COMMISSION. APPLICATION & POLICE CLEARANCE. CALL: 2318529

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 House & land fully furnished, 3 self contained rooms, 1 master bedroom, alarm systems, 9 cameras, 7 AC units. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 2-2 Storey concrete structure 26X58- Call: 644-9552. 26X40Call: 622-9903, Anna Catherina, New Scheme, special deals, serious enquiries only. 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 Furnished 6 bedrooms house with attic, 4 self contained bedrooms located @ Anna Catherina, New Housing Scheme. Call: 611-5354; 6154728 Brand new house in Republic Gardens, E.B.D: 3 bedrooms, all self contained, selling as is -$22M negotiable, owner migrating, need quick sale. Call: 639-8182; 233-5117

Thursday March 17, 2016

FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

Unregistered Bluebird 2006 model, TV, Reverse Camera, Dark interior low mileage -$2.3M. Call: 6553400

1-4Cylinder, English Perkins with bearing block, already beded, in excellent condition. Call: 698-6796

Honda CRV (RD5), stick gear, PNN series - $2.1M negotiable. Call: 691-1198

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; 6280016; 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 Jet-Ski for sale: 1500cc, super charged. Brand New! Call: 231-7839 during office hours

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

LAND FOR SALE Land 95X65 in high income gated community -$9.3M negotiable. Call: 609-0783

Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494

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

Eight (8)Acres farm land at Kuru Kururu with creek passing through-Call: 643-1861

Reliable Rentals: cars for rent…. Low rates and security deposits, special rates for long term. Call: 2272322; 614-3509

Eccles -$6M, Herstelling $3M, La Parfaite Harmonie $1.6M & $2.6M, Dairy (100ftx50ft) -$3M. Call: 6042207; 611-7223

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Prado TZ, Automatic diesel, PHH series -$4.5M, fully loaded-Call: 233-2546; 6885554 2001 Toyota Allex, Mileage 77,000km, $1.6M n e g o t i a b l e , first owner (female), in excellent condition. Call: 687-1263 One Toyota Hilux E/Cab pickup M/T 3RZ engine. Call: 676-0931 Toyota Runx Motor Car, No: PRR2733. Call: 628-2876 Toyota Fielder & L-Touring Wagon, AT192, AE100, Funcargo, Tundra, Pickup 4X4 solid DEF, (Ducati 1098cc). Call: 644-5096; 6971453

Labrottie puppies (jet black) for sale @ $50,000/ each; 5 weeks fully dewormed & vaccinated. Call: 654-7683 One complete snow cone cart in excellent condition. Call: 600-5325 Land in Diamond. Call: 6987807

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM

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PEN PAL Indian male is seeking female, age 30-33yrs. Write: M.D, 7475 Goreway DR #47 Mississauga on L4T 3T3 Canada.

VACANCY 1 Domestic cleaner, must able to prepare vegetarian meal, apply @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown, Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. 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 Security officers wanted by security company-Contact: 672-1920, between 8:00am5:00pm

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DRIVER/Salesman: 3 years driving experience with Van or Lorry. Call: 676- 6700 ACCOUNTS CLERK, MINIMUM qualification CXC Accounts Grades I,II, familiar with QuickBooks POS & Accounts. Email : info@guygas.com

Thursday March 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Remigrant took killer to his home Police have arrested the girlfriend of the man who has confessed to killing 60-yearold re-migrant Agriculturist Anthony Breedy. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed yesterday that the woman was held in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge early yesterday morning with some of the items stolen from Breedy’s house, in a car that she was driving. According to the Crime Chief, the woman’s house at Bagotville was subsequently searched and the dead man’s cellular phone was discovered there. He said that investigators are still on the hunt for two other suspects implicated by the man in custody, exconvict Paul Goriah. “The ranks are working around the clock to seal up this matter,” Blanhum told this newspaper. Goriah was arrested on Tuesday on the East Coast of Demerara, shortly after he had hidden Breedy’s stolen vehicle. At the time he was still carrying Breedy’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card. The body of the 60-yearold agriculturist was found around 11:00 hours on Monday in the lower flat of his house at Hill Foot, Soesdyke. His limbs were bound and he bore injuries to his head. His home was ransacked. There was no sign of forced entry to the house, which suggested that he was

killed by someone who was invited there. Goriah confirmed this in his statement to the investigators. Since his arrest, the prime suspect, an ex-convict, has given detectives a detailed account of how Breedy was killed. Goriah told investigators that he met Breedy at a bar near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, recently and they started a friendship. On Saturday night he called Breedy and enquired where he was and asked him if he could meet him. Breedy told him he was at a dance but agreed to leave to keep the rendezvous with Goriah. They met at the Soesdyke Junction and Breedy reportedly invited Goriah to his home. According to a source, who is a part of the investigating team, Goriah related that he had already planned with two accomplices to rob the Agriculturist who lived alone. He told detectives that he had arranged for the accomplices to hide at a certain spot and wait for a call from him after he would have entered Breedy’s house. He told his accomplices that he would leave the door open for them to get easy access to the house. The plan worked well. Goriah said that he drank three bottles of Guiness—investigators did find the three empty Guinness bottles

in Breedy’s house. When the time was right, he then called in his accomplices, who barged in, much to Breedy’s horror. Breedy did not have enough time to raise an alarm for the men immediately set upon on him with pieces of wood, rendering him unconscious with the first set of blows. The victim was the tied up and the killers continued to batter his body with wood and other heavy objects. According to the source, the prime suspect even admitted that he picked up a concrete block and slammed it on Breedy’s head. He showed investigators a bruise on his feet where one of the blocks accidentally fell and struck him. When the victim’s body became lifeless, the killers set about ransacking his house

From page 17 something to help.” Asked why he chose to be an independent candidate, he stated that he has always believed in independence; to have an “independent mind”. Lewis has been residing in his constituency for over 15 years. He is currently employed at Banks DIH Limited as a Training Manager and has lectured at various insti-

tutions such as IPED and the Critchlow Labour College. He was also a consultant of the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and possesses a military background. Lewis also added that since before the word of LGE's return, he along with several members of a local organisation, has been making strides in developing the constituency. These would

include the cleaning of drains, installation of streetlights and the maintenance of bridges etc. Lewis continued that he is committed to offer solutions to solve other issues affecting the area such as health and infrastructure. “Things can be done but only if we do it together, Vote TEAMS for LGEs,” Lewis said.

From page 7 also thanked the Government of India for demonstrating faith in the new administration. The Finance Minister said that the relationship between Guyana and India is a significant one. He said that India remains one of Guyana’s strongest partners and one of its largest bilateral donors. He said that the concessional loan will pave the way for Guyana to have a road that will lead to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. He noted however that the

Fixing “forgotten” communities... the populace on LGE, he answered. “I wouldn't say that they're not doing enough. I think what they're doing is not effective. Yes, they may be doing a lot and yes, they may be spending millions but who

Corruptibility at City... From page 5 and practice of that department and it is business as usually. I am sure that the present City Administration gas broken and continue to break most of the laws and provision of the Municipal and Town Council Act Chapter 28:01, Local Government Act of 1977

Chapter 28:02 and the recent Amendment in 2015. The New leaders and their Administration should pledge to the people, once elected, to be transparent, lawful and above all accountable. So come on people, it is time to get rid of the old and rotten and welcome the New and Clean. D. Singh

for valuables, which they eventually packed into his Sport Utility Vehicle. After leaving the house, Goriah and his accomplices drove to the Bagotville WBD home of his girlfriend where he gave her some of the loot, including EC$70 and the dead man’s cell phone. They then went to South Ruimveldt where they parted the rest of the booty. But the ex-convict’s luck ran out on Tuesday when police arrested him on East Coast Demerara, shortly after he had stashed the stolen vehicle. Goriah, who hails from the Timehri Squatting Area, was recently released from prison following a Break and Enter and Larceny, and narcotics conviction. His alleged

accomplices, who are still at large, are also from the same Timehri squatting community. The dead man’s relatives are still trying to come to grips with his brutal murder. His sister Yvette Breedy had told Kaieteur News on Monday that she last spoke with him on Saturday. She said that she received a call on Monday from someone who told her that there was a robbery at her brother’s house and they should check on him. Anthony Breedy lived alone. “Somebody went to see him and saw the house open. When they called they got no response. When they pushed the door and went in, they saw him lying on the floor tied up,” Yvette Breedy told this newspaper.

Dead: Anthony Breedy Anthony Breedy was an Agriculturist who returned to Guyana a year ago from Montserrat. He was reportedly farming on the plot of land he acquired in the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

US$50M Indian secured ... Housing officials refuse to...

Community Unity is the way...

From page 18 voter education. Similar calls have also been made to the media. Andrews was asked if he thought that the authorities were doing enough to educate

-police detain suspect’s girlfriend with loot

sees it? “Why should I, as an independent candidate still have to go two days before the elections and tell persons how they got to vote? Why do I have to explain to electors these basic things at this eleventh hour?” Kelvin Bovell pointed out that there was a “mix-up” where he and his group members conducted a series of campaigns in an area, only to discover that the area did not belong to his constituency. “We are not in this for power, we want to see our children happy, and we want our communities to be clean and safe. Team Legacy will fix these communities and we will fix them together.”

US$50M will not be enough to complete the project but will assist greatly in ensuring that a significant part of it is done. The Public Infrastructure Minister added that it is expected to be a four-lane road with two lanes being paved. Patterson said that this project will not interfere with the Sheriff Street/ Mandela Road Project which was recently revised especially with regard to the design criteria. It is hoped that by the last quarter of the year, construction for the US$50M road will begin. Jordan also signed a revised agreement with the Indian High Commission for the pumps which were supplied by Surendra Engineering. He noted that the initial loan was some US$4M but only US$3M was used. The loan agreement was amended to reflect this change.

From page 7 Government has already said it will have to spend monies to correct the defects. In recent years, housing developments across the nation and gold mining became two of the biggest drivers of the economy. Housing itself with the spinoffs, created thousands of jobs for contractors, hardware suppliers, surveyors and financial institutions to the tune of billions of dollars annually. However, the housing

sector has slowed significantly as Government essentially runs out of land. It is the same with the radio frequencies with dozens of applications not being processed and there are no useful frequencies available.

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Thursday March 17, 2016

Prison officers made no effort to free inmates during the fire - Prisoner

Prison deaths COI…

- as inmate recounts fighting for air in smoke infused room Capital A Block inmate, Dwayne Lewis, who continued his testimony yesterday before the tribunal probing the circumstances of the deaths of 17 Camp Street prisoners, has submitted sworn statements that contrary to what is being portrayed, no efforts were made to free prisoners trapped in the burning cell block. Lewis, a Muslim, made these statements under questioning from Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd. Todd made these queries after Lewis’ intense cross examination by Selwyn Pieters, legal representative of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS). “(I was in there) for over an hour or two after the fire started,” Lewis said. “(During the fire) I was at the door calling for God.” “While you were at the door calling for God,” Todd asked. “Did you see any officer, for example prison officer, fire, police, any officer in uniform making attempts to get to where you were?” Lewis made it clear that he did not see any officers during that time, but that they were finally informed that the front door was open by a prisoner who appeared next to him on the catwalk. Lewis also denied seeing prisoners blocking other prisoners from leaving. Todd then asked Lewis

Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd whether he saw any officers throwing tear gas into the cell. Lewis claimed to have seen two arms lobbing tear gas into the area, after which the smoke spread rapidly, rising to the ceiling. Lewis stated that at this point he heard the now deceased Rayon Paddy shouting to the inmates to remain calm, stay as low as possible and breathe. He said that he complied with the instructions. As Lewis recounted the horrific experience, his demeanor was of one in shock. He stated that at one point, he had left the side door which was providing crucial fresh air in a bid to find water. Finding that there was no water, Lewis recounted returning to find another inmate had

Attorney-at-Law Selwyn Pieters

occupied his “space”. He recalled forcibly pulling the prisoner away from his “space”, while smoke roiled around the room. Lewis was asked bluntly by Todd whether there was a plot to burn down the Camp Street Prison. And just as bluntly, Lewis denied this. Lewis also countered evidence from Pieters, which was admitted by Chairman of the COI, Retired Justice James Patterson on a concessionary basis after opposition from the Bar Association’s representative, Christopher Ram. This evidence consisted of photographs Pieters claimed had been taken by a photographer who was present during the Commission’s tour of the Camp Street facility on Tuesday. The pictures purported to show the

saw marks on the door, which Lewis claimed had been kept shut during his ordeal. Ram argued that the veracity of the photographs could not be proven and the evidence was thus inadmissible. Pieters suggested that these pictures would attest to efforts made by prison officials to free those prisoners trapped inside. However, Lewis stated that the cuts were in fact made after the fire and that efforts were not made during the fire by officers to access the area and free the prisoners. Lewis also made it clear that he did not see prisoners rioting or behaving in a disorderly manner. Lewis, who stated that he had been sleeping immediately before the blaze started, attested to only recognizing the blaze escalating after tear gas had been lobbed into the cell block. Discredit However, Lewis’ credibility was put under the microscope by Pieters, who was clearly incredulous when Lewis stated that in his two-year stay at Camp Street prison, he had never noticed prisoners with contraband items such as phones, improvised weapons and illicit drugs. In fact, Lewis claimed to have only seen cell phones owned by prison officers. Pieters sought to suggest that the irritation the prisoners claim to have experienced came

Dwayne Lewis having a look at the pictures presented by Selwyn Pieters from a reaction to the contents from the fire extinguisher, with mattresses which were being burned. Lewis denied this outright, stating that it was the tear gas. Pieters also probed Lewis’ previous testimony about being illiterate in a bid to demonstrate that he was unreliable. Pieters cited claims made by prison officers that they had seen him writing on a blackboard, to contradict his testimony. The Attorney highlighted the fact that Lewis, as an Islamic orderly, was tasked with gathering prisoners together for Friday prayer. Pieters claimed that for one in such authority, it was a fair assumption that he was

literate. Lewis denied this. Retired Justice James Patterson also queried whether Lewis had signed any documents that were in the prison. After hesitating, he confirmed that he had, namely the log of those praying. This line of questioning ultimately ended in a stalemate, however, as Lewis maintained that he could not read or write. Lewis also testified that the hole made in the wall dividing capital A from Capital B was for the prisoners to communicate. Cognizant of earlier queries made by Todd into whether there was a plot to burn down Camp Street prison, the Commission’s Counsel queried what the hole was made for.

Plans are in the pipeline for a new Accident and Emergency Unit (A&E) and an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the New Amsterdam Hospital, according to Regional Chairman, David Armogan. The main reason for the change is to minimize the crowd and to expand emergency medical services at the hospital. Chairman for Region Six, David Armogan, said that the current ICU only has four

beds which are definitely not enough for a hospital of such nature. “For a Regional hospital, a four bed ICU is not enough to cater for the community.” A new wing will be constructed at the hospital. Kaieteur News was told that when the A&E unit is moved to the new wing, ICU will be expanded. “The ICU will get more rooms and beds.” Armogan said that the change is good for the New Amsterdam Hospital.

N/A hospital to get New ICU, A&E unit

Drivers have a crucial role in road ... From page 21 the schools’ road safety programmes is to help the local education system to infuse road safety into the existing schools’ curriculum with a view to advancing efforts to promote the safe use of the roadways. According to Divall, currently, the road fatality state of affairs in Guyana translates to two-thirds of all road deaths being pedestrians and vehicle occupants accounting for one-third. He has linked the death of passengers to the existing

seat belt laws. “We don’t know for sure, but we suspect that the law relating to the use of seat belts in Guyana is a slight barrier to increase in road safety,” Divall recently explained. He pointed out too that the situation that obtains here is that “if you are a driver or a front seat passenger, it is mandatory to wear it. If you are in the rear of the vehicle it isn’t; so that actually puts them (rear seat passengers) at risk, because they are not being restrained in the

vehicle if there is an accident, and they could be thrown around in the vehicle hitting the metal frame, the windows or other passengers, or they’ve got the risk of being thrown out of the vehicle”. And Divall revealed that three-quarters of the people who are thrown out of vehicles during an accident are killed. But of even more concern to him is the fact that evidence suggests that the road users at even higher risk of dying are pedestrians who are under the age of 17 (school age children).

Thursday March 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

U.S. student sentenced to 15 years hard labour in North Korea

Otto Frederick Warmbier (C) being taken to North Korea’s top court yesterday. (Reuters/Kyodo) (Reuters) - North Korea’s Supreme Court sentenced American student Otto Warmbier, who was arrested while visiting the country, to 15 years of hard labour yesterday for crimes against the state. Warmbier, a 21-year-old University of Virginia student, was detained in January for trying to steal an item bearing a propaganda slogan from his hotel in Pyongyang, North Korean media said previously. “The accused confessed to the serious offence against the DPRK he had committed, pursuant to the U.S. government’s hostile policy toward it, in a bid to impair the unity of its people after entering it as a tourist,” the state-controlled KCNA news agency reported, using the acronym for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.] Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the sentence handed down to the student from Wyoming, Ohio. Japan’s Kyodo news agency published a picture of Warmbier being led from the courtroom by two uniformed guards, with his head bowed, but visibly distressed. “North Korea’s sentencing of Otto Warmbier to 15 years hard labour for a college-style prank is outrageous and shocking, and should not be permitted to stand,” Phil Robertson, deputy director of HRW’s Asia division, said in an emailed statement. Warmbier’s defence attorney said the gravity of his crime was such that he would not be able to pay even with his death but proposed to the court a sentence reduced from the prosecution’s request of a life sentence, KCNA said.

Last month, Warmbier told a media conference in Pyongyang that his crime was “very severe and preplanned.” The U.S. State Department did not have an immediate comment and Warmbier’s parents could not immediately be reached. A spokesman for the University of Virginia said the school was aware of the reports about the sentence and remains in touch with Warmbier’s family, but declined further comment. Warmbier majors in economics with a minor in global sustainability, according to his social media profiles. Warmbier was at the end of a five-day New Year’s group tour of North Korea when he was delayed at airport immigration before being taken away by officials, according to the tour operator that had arranged the trip. Warmbier’s sentencing comes as North Korea is increasingly isolated, with the U.N. Security Council imposing tough new resolutions earlier this month following the North’s January nuclear test and last month’s long-range rocket launch. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said this week the North would soon test a nuclear warhead and ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, in what would be a direct violation of U.N. resolutions backed by its chief ally, China. North Korea has a long history of detaining foreigners and has used jailed Americans in the past to extract high-profile visits from the United States, with which it has no formal diplomatic

relations. North Korea is also holding a Korean-Canadian Christian pastor it sentenced to hard labour for life in December for subversion. The North is also holding a Korean-American and three South Korean nationals. It has previously handed down lengthy sentences to foreigners before freeing them. In 2014, North Korea released three detained Americans. Ohio Governor John Kasich called on North Korea to immediately release Warmbier. “His detention was completely unjustified and the sentence North Korea imposed on him is an affront to concepts of justice. Continuing to hold him only further alienates North Korea from the international community,” Kasich, who is also a Republican presidential candidate, said in a statement. Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who had previously traveled to North Korea, met the North’s ambassador to the United Nations on Tuesday to press for Warmbier’s release, the New York Times reported. “I urged the humanitarian release of Otto, and they agreed to convey our request,” Richardson was quoted as saying. While most tourists to North Korea are from China, roughly 6,000 Westerners visit annually, although the United States and Canada advise against it. Most visitors are curious about life in the reclusive state and ignore critics who say their dollars prop up a repressive system.

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Thursday March 17, 2016

Brazil’s Lula takes Cabinet post in bid to save Rousseff (Reuters) - Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will take over as chief of staff for his successor Dilma Rousseff in a bid to save her from impeachment, raising the prospect of a shift away from austerity to revive a moribund economy. The move, announced after a meeting yesterday of Rousseff’s closest advisors, offers Lula protection from prosecutors who charged him with money laundering. The government hopes that the instincts of Brazil’s most influential politician may help Rousseff navigate a political crisis threatening to topple her. Emboldened by graft allegations that have shaken the government and huge protests on Sunday that called for Rousseff’s ouster, opposition lawmakers reacted furiously to Lula’s appointment, vowing to challenge it in court. Lula’s return to government could bring a sudden shift in economic policy, as he has openly criticized austerity efforts and called for more public spending to end Brazil’s worst recession in decades. Brazil’s central bank chief

Alexandre Tombini may step down if Lula’s return entails a major economic policy shift, a senior member of the government’s economic team said on Wednesday, asking not to be identified. Brazil’s currency slid up to 2 percent yesterday and has lost around 6 percent this week as Rousseff’s invitation to Lula raised expectations of a sharp policy swing. Credit rating agency Moody’s, which downgraded Brazil’s debt to junk status last month, said Lula’s appointment marked a further shift toward political expediency at the expense of much-needed fiscal reforms. The presidential palace said in a statement that Lula will take over as chief of staff from Jaques Wagner, who will assume the new role of Cabinet chief. Rousseff is trying to shore up her government against a storm of corruption allegations, in the two-yearold graft probe known as Operation Car Wash, while drawing on Lula’s charismatic touch and deep relationships in Congress to avert impeachment. Workers’ Party lawmakers embraced the return of their

party’s founder to the halls of power, rejecting the idea that he was dodging investigation. Once appointed, Lula can only be tried in the Supreme Court, placing him temporarily out of the reach of ongoing state and federal probes. “Lula’s appointment is an affront to the Brazilians that took to the streets on Sunday,” said Senator Ronaldo Caiado, one of several opposition leaders who vowed to challenge the move in court. “Lula is not serving the Brazilian people; he’s trying to hide from Operation Car Wash.” OVERSHADOWED BY ALLEGATIONS The former president’s return to Brasilia on Tuesday for talks with Rousseff was overshadowed by a barrage of fresh corruption accusations by Senator Delcídio do Amaral, a close Workers’ Party ally of the president until he was arrested last year. In plea bargain testimony, Amaral said Lula and Rousseff knew about a massive graft scheme at staterun oil company Petrobras and one of her ministers had

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and her predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva tried to buy his silence. Sao Paulo state prosecutors are seeking Lula’s arrest for allegedly concealing ownership of a beachfront condo built and furnished by an engineering conglomerate caught up in the Petrobras probe. The federal judge overseeing that investigation is weighing the charges after authorizing Lula’s questioning in police custody this month. Lula, Rousseff and her ministers have denied any wrongdoing. Rousseff’s popularity has been pummeled by a recession on track to be the worst in over a century and the biggest corruption investigation in Brazil’s history, stemming from a

political kickback scheme among Petrobras contractors. The graft probe, named for a money laundering investigation that started at a car wash in the capital Brasilia, has rattled the heights of Brazil’s political establishment and jailed dozens of prominent business leaders. Outrage at the scandal prompted more than a million people to join demonstrations across Brazil on Sunday, calling for Rousseff’s impeachment. The Supreme Court met yesterday to decide on the rules of the impeachment process launched against Rousseff in December by her political archenemy in the lower chamber of Congress, Speaker Eduardo Cunha.

Impeachment efforts focused originally on accusations that Rousseff intentionally broke budget rules to boost government spending during her 2014 reelection campaign, but gained steam as corruption allegations reached her inner circle. Cunha’s Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), the main partner in Rousseff ’s coalition, is moving closer to breaking with a president they blame for ruining Brazil’s economy, but the party remains divided over her impeachment. Cunha said this week he plans to speed up the process with the appointment of an impeachment committee as soon as the Supreme Court sets the rules.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — A secondary school principal was beaten by two students on Tuesday after he allegedly found them gambling in a classroom. Police said that they had detained the two students – ages 16 and 17 – from the Rio Claro East Secondary School, south of here, after the

principal Warren Garraway was allegedly beaten with a dustbin cover. The principal received treatment for injuries to his face and elbow and the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) said it was aware of the incident and was awaiting further reports from the police.

A teacher, who witnessed the incident is expected to be interviewed by the police. The incident comes as education officials here deal with various incidents involving school children, including allegations that students were planning to kill teachers at a secondary school.

T&T students beat school principal

Thursday March 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Thursday March 17, 2016

Osborne offers voters sweeteners ahead of EU referendum, says growth to slow

Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne (2nd R) taking his seat after delivering his Budget to the House of Commons, in central London, yesterday. REUTERS/UK PARLIAMENT VIA REUTERS TV (Reuters) - Chancellor George Osborne handed tax sweeteners to voters and small businesses ahead of a June referendum on European Union membership but warned the economy would grow more slowly than previously forecast. Cuts in corporation and capital gains taxes and moves to ease income tax for many households were also aimed at pleasing MPs from his own Conservative Party, many of whom are angry that Osborne and Prime Minister David Cameron are pushing to keep Britain in the EU. Osborne used his annual budget statement to warn voters that leaving the bloc, which Britain joined in 1973, would usher in a period of dangerous volatility. To help boost revenues, he slapped a surprise levy on sugary

drinks. Osborne will miss his own target of lowering public debt as a share of the economy this year and borrowing will be higher than previously thought in the next few years. But he stuck to his centrepiece plan to turn the deficit into a surplus by 2020. “Financial markets are turbulent. Productivity growth across the west is too low. And the outlook for the global economy is weak. It makes for a dangerous cocktail of risks,” Osborne said. He warned that the outlook would be even worse if Britons voted to leave the EU, adding that the country’s official budget forecasters were warning that a “Brexit” could hurt business and consumer confidence as well as upset financial markets.

Cameron has said he will stand down before a general election in 2020 but a British vote to leave the EU would prompt a challenge to his leadership sooner than that and hammer the prospects of Osborne succeeding him. Osborne’s main rival for the party leadership, London Mayor Boris Johnson, is backing the ‘Out’ campaign, so Osborne was keen to court members of his own party. “Very importantly, he’s come up with some big tax cuts that are going to be very welcome by people on his own side,” BlackRock strategist Rupert Harrison, Osborne’s former chief of staff, told the BBC. “He’s come up with enough surprises that should probably push those economic and worry numbers off the front pages tomorrow,” Harrison said.

(Reuters) - Just under half of Russia’s fixed-wing strike force based in Syria has flown out of the country in the past two days, according to a Reuters calculation which suggests the Kremlin is accelerating its partial withdrawal. President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the bulk of the Russian military contingent in Syria to be pulled out after five months of air strikes, saying the Kremlin had achieved most of its objectives. The precise number of planes Russia kept at its Hmeymim base in Syria’s Latakia province is secret. But analysis of satellite imagery, air strikes and defence ministry statements suggested it had about 36 fixed-wing military jets there. At least 15 of those planes have flown out in the past two

days, a Reuters analysis of state television footage shows, including Su-24, Su25, Su-30 and Su-34 jets. Reuters could not independently verify the movements of the aircraft and it was impossible to determine whether other aircraft were flying into Syria to replace those that left. Military analysts say the departing Su-24 and Su-25 planes, aging Soviet-era planes that have undergone some modernization, have been the workhorses of Russia’s Syria campaign. They carried out 75-80 percent of the more than 9,000 sorties flown by Russian pilots, said Maksim Shepovalenko, a former Russian military officer who is now deputy director of the Moscow-based Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST).

Russian television has shown four Su-25 and five Su24 jets leaving in the past two days. Russia is thought by defence analysts to have had 12 of each in Syria. Five Su34s, and one Su-30 have also been seen leaving. John Kirby, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, told reporters on Tuesday he did not have exact details of the Russian military contingent in Syria but said Moscow had “dozens of aircraft” based there. Ruslan Pukhov, CAST’s director, said he thought Russia would have to pull out at least half of its strike force for its partial withdrawal to be regarded as genuine. “Otherwise people, both nationally and especially internationally, will say this is not really true and it is simply a regrouping,” he told Reuters.

Russia flies out almost half Syria strike force: Reuters analysis

Thursday March 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Crackdown - green light given to anti-crime campaign to go after criminals Less than a week into his tenure as minister of national security, Robert Montague revealed Tuesday that he had given the green light to a multifaceted anti-crime campaign developed by the Police High Command to crack down on hardened criminals, serious crimes, and quality-of-life offences nationwide. Quality-of-life offences include loitering and vagrancy. Montague declined, for security reasons, to discuss aspects of the initiative but indicated that it would be rolled out this week before delivering an ominous warning.

“I make an appeal, through this medium, to all Jamaicans to cooperate with the police, and if you know you have a warrant or a ticket outstanding, just go down to the [police] station,” the minister said during an exclusive interview with The Gleaner. “Cooperating with the police will ensure greater public safety,” he underscored. Deputy Commissioner Clifford Blake confirmed late Tuesday that the Police High Command was still in discussions with the Jamaica Defence Force and was finetuning operational plans. He said that these should be

finalised today and implementation could begin before the end of the week. “I can confirm that the execution of warrants will be part of it. The targeting of wanted persons and an increased police presence in public spaces will form some aspects of it,” hinted Blake, who has responsibility for the operations portfolio. He, however, gave the assurance that the operations would not include any activities that would affect the rights of law-abiding citizens. On the crime-fighting front, Montague said that among other things, the campaign would target persons who are wanted for

(Jamaica Observer) - In an unusual development Tuesday, members of the press were allowed into the opening 15 minutes of the new Cabinet’s first meeting at Jamaica House. The time was taken up by an eight-minute-long

message from Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in which he reasserted his c o m m i t m e n t t o making Jamaica prosperous, followed by prayers by Bishop Herro Blair. However, the prime minister said that during the

meeting he would be issuing to members of the executive, copies of the code of conduct of his ministers. He suggested that the ministers acquaint themselves with the requirements of the code and work within the rules.

PM tells ministers Govt. cannot disappoint Jamaicans

Robert Montague, Minister of National Security various offences; ensure the delivery of warrants and summonses “that have been stuck at police stations”; and increase the number of vehicular checkpoint operations that are conducted. On the softer side, Montague said that the Police High Command would ensure that rank-and-file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) fanned out across the island and became more involved in church and

farmers’ groups, and youth clubs, and that police personnel would conduct themselves in a more courteous manner during their interactions with members of the public. “The commissioner [of police] and the High Command have assured me of the success of the programme that they have laid out because it is based on a lot of research and a lot of analysis. It’s a far-reaching programme, and I am very confident in the

programme,” Montague asserted. Amid a decline in all other categories of serious crimes, Jamaica recorded a 20 per cent increase in murders last year. According to statistics compiled by the JCF, just over 1,200 persons were reported killed last year compared with 1,005 for 2014. However, police statistics show that for the first month of this year, the number of reported murders dipped by almost 30 per cent.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday March 17, 2016

Thursday March 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition

Chase Academic sends chilling reminder to the final aspirant Lodge Title holders Chase Academic Foundation emphatic 6-0 crushing of South Ruimveldt must have sent a chilling reminder to Lodge who they will meet in Saturday’s final that dismantling them from their throne will take some doing. Playing in the final game of the semi-finals of the Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition, at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue, Chase Academic Foundation were led to victory through a brace from Ralph Parris, who netted in the 60th and 63rd minutes, while Keith Caines (3RD), Ryan Hackett (34th), Kelsey Benjamin (40th) and Josiah Charles (45th) completed their tally. It was a clear signal to former champion Lodge that the battle for the championship will be a dogfight and not an easy one. Earlier, Lodge scraped past Queen’s College with Shamar Smith’s 60th minute

-hammers South Ruimveldt 6-0 strike making an important difference among the two teams. The Chase Academic Foundation versus South Ruimveldt showdown never lived up to its billing as the champs’ early goal from Caines, who broke away from his marker to slot past the goalkeeper, giving an immediate indication of what was to come. When the in-form Hackett swiveled just outside the box and hammered a fierce leftfooter past a transfixed goalkeeper, it provided a timely reminder of the team’s unrivalled ability. Benjamin then ran on to a pass inside the penalty area to fire past the South Ruimveldt custodian to make it 3-0. To add insult to injury, Charles added another goal on the stroke of half-time after taking full advantage of a deflection to hit past the

goalkeeper for a 4-0 lead. The resumption brought no reprieve for South Ruimveldt as Parris added two more with a three-minute spell to seal the victory and a spot in the final. Earlier, Smith collected a pass from the left flank, before burying his effort past the QC goalkeeper deep in the final period to snatch victory and setup a date with Chase Academic Foundation this Saturday, at the same venue. Starting time is 18:00 hrs, while the third place playoff between QC and South Ruimveldt will commence from 16:00 hrs. The winning team will receive the championship trophy and $500,000 towards a school project, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will take home $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively along with trophies.

Thursday March 17, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Ideas may sound good, but be careful if people are just looking for handouts. Listen, but don't make any rash decisions.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Love and romance are evident. Your energetic personality will make you the center of attention at social gatherings.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your emotional state will vacillate Some of that extra energy you have stored up might just be put to good use.

SCORP. (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Enjoy taking courses or lecturing others. Your personal life will be disrupted if you have been too busy with business.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Emotional up and downs have caused doubts in your personal life. Opportunities to travel will be favorable in terms of moneymaking connections.

SAGIT. (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Opportunities to upgrade your living standards will come through your lover or through joint financial investments.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You can enjoy your involvement in organizations that make charitable contributions. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) The personal problems you may be having are interfering with your productivity. Try not to take everything so seriously. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You might be overly emotional when dealing with your partner. Someone you least expect may not have your best interests at heart.

CAPRI. (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Be careful not to lead someone on if you truly have no interest. Your energetic personality will make you the center of attention at social gatherings. AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You will find it easy to learn and excel. Physical activity will help defuse your frustration. You may find that children are not as accepting as you have been. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Use your quick wit to win points with friends. Your leadership qualities will come in handy.

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Mayor’s Cup Football tourney to start May 1st Suriname’s Botofago Masters on supporting card for final night The Annual Mayor’s Cup football tournament is set to kick off on May 1st featuring 24 teams from Georgetown (7), West Demerara (7), East Bank (3), Berbice (2) and East Coast (5) battling for honours and a $1,000,000 first prize. The other top prizes on offer are $500,000, $300,000 and $200,000 respectively for the second to fourth place finishers. Coordinator Lennox Arthur spoke to Kaieteur Sport yesterday and informed that this tournament, which is in its 22nd year, will this year feature no team from the Elite League making it an open dogfight to claim the top spots. He indicated that this event will form part of the 50th Anniversary Jubilee celebrations, with the tournament running from May 1 to 29. Arthur further disclosed that Surinamese Masters Football Club, Botofago, are scheduled to be here to face the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Masters on the supporting card on the 29th. He said the organizing committee is looking for full corporate support and encouraged potential sponsors to come on board. Arthur lauded the commitment and support of outgoing Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green who has helped tremendously over the years, despite the challenges in making the tournament a success. The former national player and coach thanked Mayor Green and all who have lent support over the years. The tournament, meanwhile, will open on May 1st at the Den Amstel Ground with a triple header which brings together Bagotsville vs Wales at 4:30pm, Stewartville vs Cougars and Den Amstel vs Police in the nightcap. Other fixtures: May 2 at Den Amstel; Eagles vs Northern Rangers, Uitvlugt vs Kuru Kururu and Pouderoyen vs Agricola. May 5 at Victoria ground; BV Triumph vs NA United and Ann’s Grove vs Beacon. May 7 at GFC ground; Riddim Squad vs winner of game 1 and Golden Grove vs winner of game 4. May 8 at Victoria; Mahaica vs winner of game 3 and Golden Grove vs winner of game 4. May 13 at GFC; Camptown vs winner of game 5 and Santos vs winner of game 6. May 14 at Victoria; Victoria Kings vs winner of game 7 and Grove Hi Tech vs

Lennox Arthur winner of game 8. The other playing dates involving the respective winners are: May 15 at GFC,

May 17 at GFC, May 22 at GFC and the grand finale May 29 at the GFC ground. The games will be of 90 minute duration and if no result is derived after this period then 20 minutes of extra time will be contested. No further result of deadlock will be determined by penalty kicks. Players involved in this tournament must be affiliated to their respective associations where the invited clubs are drawn. No entry fee is required. The tournament is governed under the rules and directives of the Guyana Football Federation. Players with double yellow cards or red cards will be penalized in accordance with the rules of the competition and the GFF.

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Kaieteur News

2016 Memorex Under-17, Two-innings cricket starts in Berbice this weekend The 2016 Memorex Under-17, Two-innings Cricket Competition, organised by the Berbice Cricket Board for teams in the Ancient County gets started this weekend with first and second round matches. Twenty three (23) teams from Weldaad on the West Coast Berbice to No. 72 Cut and Load in the Upper Corentyne area are participating in this year’s competition as such the preliminaries will be played in five (5) geographical zones in

order to ease travelling costs for the teams. Performances in this competition will be taken into consideration by the Berbice Cricket Board selectors for the selection of the Berbice squad for the Under-17 Inter-county competition which is reportedly fixed for early next month and as such on players who are born on or after 1st September, 1999 will be participating. Saturday’s first round fixtures: Zone A (West Berbice)

Gayle storm blows...

Blairmont Community Centre A vs Achievers at Blairmont. Bush Lot New Generation vs Weldaad at Bush Lot Bush Lot United vs Blairmont Community Centre B at Lovely Lass Zone B (East Bank/New Amsterdam/Canje) East Bank vs Tucber Park at Edinburgh Sisters vs Young Warriors at Sisters Zone C (Lower Corentyne) Albion Community Centre vs Chesney/United Warrior at Albion Rose Hall Town Bakewell B vs Toopoo Rising Star at Area “H” Rose Hall Town Bakewell A vs Tamarind Root at Hampshire Zone D (Lower/Central Corentyne) Port Mourant vs Rose Hall Town Metro Females at Port Mourant Whim National vs Mibicuri Strikers at Whim Big Star - Bye Sunday’s second round fixtures: Zone A (West Berbice) Achievers vs Weldaad at Lovely Lass Bush Lot New Generation vs Blairmont Community Centre B at Bush Lot Blairmont Community Centre A vs Bush Lot United at Blairmont Zone C Albion Community Centre vs Rose Hall Town Bakewell B at Albion Rose Hall Town Bakewell A vs Chesney/United Warriors at Area “H” Toopoo Rising Star vs Tamarind Root at Toopoo Zone D Mibicuri Strikers vs Big Star at Mibicuri Port Mourant vs Whim National at Port Mourant Rose Hall Town Metro Female - Bye The Upper Corentyne zone (Zone E) is scheduled to start next week. All matches are scheduled to start at 10.30 hours each day.

Essequibo Businessman promotes 6th annual football competition Devonshire Castle businessman, Wayne Moore is kicking off his sixth annual floodlight football festival featuring fourteen teams from across the Essequibo Coast. The teams will be competing for the first prize of $100,000. The weekend competition commences on the 19th and will conclude on the 20th, of March. The anticipated annual

event is expected to see local players perform better than the previous years. Games will start at 4:00PM on Saturday and the same time the following day. The games will also feature a grand opening ceremony. Moore said every year there is an increase in teams and support. The teams competing

against each other were named as Mourca, Charity extreme, Charity bomb squad, Wakapoa, Datthmouth, Devonshire Castle, Henrietta, GDF, Mainstay, Queenstown, Suddie, Buck- Hall and a team comprising employees from the Fire station at Anna Regina. This year’s tournament is sponsored by Stag Beer. (Yannason Duncan)

Thursday March 17, 2016

Golden Jaguars shortlist squad to face Anguilla in Caribbean Men’s Cup tourney Georgetown: Head Coach of the Men’s National Team (Golden Jaguars), Jamaal Shabazz, has named a twentyfive (25)-man squad to face off Anguilla in the Caribbean Football Union’s Caribbean Men’s Cup scheduled for 19:00hrs on Tuesday, 22nd March, 2016 at the Guyana National Stadium. The team consists of eight over-seas based players including Akel Clarke (Trinidad and Tobago); Neil Danns (England); Samuel Cox (England), Walter Moore (Finland); Brandon Beresford (U.S.A); Christopher Nurse (Puerto Rico), Marcel Barrington (England) and Anthony Whyte (Canada). The Golden Jaguars are scheduled to be encamped from this Friday, 18th – 23 rd March, 2016. The Anguillans are expected to arrive on Sunday, 20th March, 2016. A venue appearance of the Golden Jaguars is scheduled for Sunday, 20th March, 2016 at the Giftland Mall, Turkeyen at 15:00hrs. A pre-game press conference is scheduled for Monday, 21st March. Guyana has been placed in Group five (5) along with Anguilla and Puerto Rico. The competition consists of seven (7) groups. Guyana’s second game will be played against Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico on March 29, 2016. Anguilla will play Puerto Rico on March 26 at the Raymond E, Guishard Technical Centre, Anguilla. Round 1 will be played from March 21-29; Round 2 May 15-21; Round 3 October 3-11; Fifth Place Playoff November 7-15; and the finals are scheduled for May 2017. Among the other teams participating in the tournament are Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, St. Maarten, United States Virgin Islands, Cuba, Bermuda, French

Guiana, Barbados, Curacao, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, Suriname, Martinique, British Virgin Islands and Dominica. Games will be played in twenty-one countries. Meanwhile, last Monday, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) launched a youth ticket initiative which will enable young people below the age of seventeen (17) years old to access any football event at five hundred dollars ($500.00) or half the price if the entrance cost exceeds one thousand dollars ($1000). Additionally, any child twelve (12) years and younger will be admitted free of cost. These initiatives will take effect immediately as a lead-up to the Caribbean M e n ’s Cup Tournament against Anguilla scheduled for the 22nd of March, 2016 at the Guyana National Stadium. Companies are encouraged to purchase the youth ticket and present same to schools. For game day, regular tickets are being sold at $1,500, VIP tickets at $5,000 and booths are being sold at $80,000. Booth cost include the ability to have a maximum of twenty (20) persons, six (6) car passes and food and drinks being brought to the ground. Tickets are available at the following locations: the GFF’s office, Andrew’s Supermarket, South Ruimveldt, Survival Supermarket, Sheriff Street, Giftland Mall, Turkeyen, Nigel’s Supermarket, Robb and Albert Streets (VIP and regular), 704 Sports Bar, Lamaha and Albert Streets (VIP and regular), Little Rock Suites – New Amsterdam, Berbice. Patrons are invited to wear yellow to represent the Golden Jaguars. Golden Jaguars squad for Caribbean Men’s Cup tournament Name Club

Position 1 Alex Andrew Murray Alpha United FC Goalkeeper 2 Akel Kayode Clarke Central Couva FC Goalkeeper 3 King Solomon Austin Alpha United FC Defender 4 Joshua Tafari Browne Alpha United FC Defender 5 Kester Jacobs Slingerz FC Defender 6 Eon Lennox Alleyne Fruta Conquerors FC Midfielder 7 Vurlon Robert Mills Slingerz FC Forward 8 Gregory Fitzpatrick Richardson Pele FC Forward 9 Devon Leylando Millington Slingerz FC Midfielder 10 Daniel Jeran Wilson Alpha United FC Midfielder 11 Dwight Peters Alpha United FC Midfielder 12 Quincy Linford Adams Slingerz FC Defender 13 Clive Nobrega Slingerz FC Midfielder 14 Les Charles Critchlow Slingerz FC Defender 15 Tichard Joseph Slingerz FC Midfielder 16 Walter Andre Moore FF Jaro FC Defender 17 Samuel Peter Cox Boreham Wood FC Defender 18 Christopher Ronald Nurse Puerto Rico FC Midfielder 19 Trayon Denzil Bobb Slingerz FC Midfielder 20 Neil Alexander Danns Bolton Wanderers FC Forward 21 Konata Tafari Mannings Pele FC Midfielder 22 Dellon Lanferman Alpha United FC Forward 23 Brandon Paul Beresford Seattle Sounders 2 team Midfielder 24 Marcel Barrington Tooting & Mitcham Utd FC Forward 25 Anthony David Whyte Sigma FC Goalkeeper

Corona / GBFA Beach Soccer League

Hi Stars, Royal Youths, in winner’s row Hi Stars and Royal Youths recorded Matches were scheduled to continue last victories in latest play of the Corona Beer night at the same venue where Cool Runnings sponsored Guyana Beach Football opposed Hi Stars and Royal Youths engaged Association (GBFA) Beach Soccer League Attention Family. when play continued on Sunday evening last Latest Points Standings at the Bayrock ground. Team Points Royal Youths blanked Kuru Kururu Royal Youths 21 Warriors 7-0 on account of a double from Attention Family 12 Denzel Pryce and one each from Shane Lucky, Cool Runnings 12 Jornell Williams, Tshekederi Whitehead, Kurd HiStars 10 Johnson and an own goal which was scored Kuru Kururu Warriors 9 by Royden Arthur. Silver Bullets 9 Leonard Peters scored all three goals in Hi Sparta Boss 9 Stars 3-2 triumph over Silverbullets. Andre Buxton Youth Developers 7 Samaroo and Robin Adams netted in a losing West Front Road 0 cause for Silverbullets. Alexander Village

Thursday March 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Memorex U-19 Two-innings Competition

Caesar, Deonarine & Seitaram guide Tucber Park into final; Sukhwa slams 92 Tucber Park Cricket Club has booked a place in the final of the Memorex Under-19, Two-innings cricket competition in Berbice after defeating arch-nemesis and host Albion Community Centre outright in their semifinal encounter by 6 wickets recently. Albion, choosing to take first strike saw Guyana Under17 batsman Adrian Sukhwa and Tyrone Pooramauth giving them a start of 21 but pacer John Cameron removed both batsmen for 10 and 16 respectively. Pacer Lookpaul Sahadeo then sent back Matthew Hardyal for 4 at to leave Albion on 33-3. Ritesh Omroa and Joshua Harrichand then put on 28 for the 4 th wicket, Harrichand went back for 8. Umroa and Josiah Dhanai then took the score to 107-4. Things then deteriorated badly for Albion with the next six wickets falling for a meager 4 runs. Left arm spinner Joel Seitaram did most of the damage, picking up 5-16 as Albion were bowled out for 113; Umroa made 47. Bowling for Tucber, Cameron took 214 and leg spinner Dion

Sinclair 2-18. When Tucber Park replied, they lost an early wicket with 4 runs on the board. The other opening batsman, Trevon Caesar and Guyana Under-17 batsman Deonarine put on 93 for the 2nd wicket before Deonarine fell for 54 (2x4). Caesar held firm as he added another 39 for the 3rd wicket with Seitaram before falling for a crucial 50 (2x4). Seitaram was soon caught for

Fairfield and Paradise Bachelors Adventure SC recorded victories when the SPR Enterprise/East Coast Cricket Committee 40-over tournament continued on Sunday. At Fairfield, the host defeated Perseverance by 52 runs. Batting first, Fairfield posted 161-8 off their reduced quota of 30 overs. Richard Chatura scored 49 (5x4) while Deonarine Chatura got 20; extras contributed 31 as Denroy Ross and Keon Francis claimed two wickets each. Perseverance were bowled out for 109 in 19.2

overs in reply. Augustine Chichester made 18 as Ramnarine Chatura snared 320, Richard Chatura 2-11 and Motilall Chatura 2-17. At Paradise, the host overcame Golden Achievers by seven wickets. Golden Achievers took first strike and were skittled for 51 in 15.1 overs. Germain Martin grabbed 415, O. Andrews 3-8 and Joel Persaud 2-0. Playing in their first tournament, Paradise replied with 52-2 in 8.3 overs with Cladius Fraser scoring 24; Roberts (only name given) took 2-8.

Trevon Caesar

Wins for Fairfield, Paradise

Canadian U-19 team take on Port Mourant in feature cricket match today The Qarsa Tranzac Cricket Academy from Toronto, Canada is on tour of Guyana and will be engaging the Port Mourant Cricket Club in a feature under-19 match today at the Club’s ground, Port Mourant starting at 09:30 hours. The game will be a 40-over affair, and it is in the interest of developing and moulding cricket at the Port Mourant Cricket Club for young and

upcoming players. The Port Mourant Cricket Team reads: Veramootoo Senwasane, Emmanuel Seecharran, Daniel Samaroo, Kameshwar Chaterpaul, Kevin Latif, Vivekanand Jagjit, Sarwan Chatterpaul, Ezekiel Kempadoo, Antonio Kempadoo, Mahindra Nandu, Cheddi Budhoo, Sudesh Ghamandi, Vickash Ramayya, and Nickolas Seenarine. Coach is Delbert Hicks.

41 at 157-3. Berbice Under-15 batsmen Garfield Benjamin went for 4 with the score at 169 and the lead at 56. Former Berbice Under-15 batsmen Kyle Michael (31) and Sahadeo (14) did well to add another valuable 32 for the 6th, Tucber Park eventually falling for 214. Karran Arjpaul (4-46) and Guyana Under-15 spinner Kelvin Umroa (5-13) were the main wreckers, Umora took 235. Facing a deficit of 101 runs with five hours of play remaining, Albion came out in their second innings intent on pulling off a come-frombehind victory as they have done in the past. With Sukhwa leading the way with all guns ablaze, Albion went on to reach 171 for 5 in just 33-overs, leaving Tucber Park the tantalizing target of 70 to win. Sukhwa smashed 92 (11x4 1x5 1x6) before falling via the run out route. Tucber Park in their victory chase lost an early wicket without a run on the board to Arjpaul but Caesar and Deonarine put on a valuable 34 before Deonarine fell to Arjpaul for 13. Caesar and Seitaram took Tucber within sight of victory by putting 29 for the 3rd wicket before Arjpaul struck again, removing Seitaram for 28 at 633. They eventually reached 70-3 with Caesar unbeaten on 30 and Dion Sinclair 6*. Arjpaul ended with 3-31 for match figures of 7-77.

Page 33

Guyana Cup fever heats up A top notch field featuring some of the best racehorses in Guyana is expected to take to the track in the feature A and lower event when the annual Guyana Cup Fever horserace meet kicks off on Sunday March 27 (Easter Sunday) at the famous Arima Park Turf Club, Rising Sun West Coast Berbice. The feature A1 and lower 1400Mrace has a winning take of $1.2million with total purse of $2,200,000 and trophy. With the exceptional performance of the Golden Blue Echo in only its first race meet in Guyana the event is quickly becoming the talk of the town. The Shariff stable has since announced its intention to put three top runners into the fray including the likes of Plum Plum, Princess She Not and Spit Fire, while the Bacchus stable is expected to throw in the likes of Diplomatic Cat, Kazi Azaria and Unsettled into the race. Perfect Wind Strom and Goodwill Boy of the Jagdeo stable are also expected to be in the running. There are the reputable Lady Budapest and Western Charm of the Bactowar stable. They will add fire to the already mentioned American Boss, Just Call Me Bass, C.P Got Even, and Score’s Even. From the names mentioned the feature event is expected to see one of the most competitive fields assembled for the event as the Guyana Cup Fever heats up. In addition stables such as Elcock and Jumbo Jet have already flown in a number of animals for the race meet, while the Bacchus and Jagdeo stables are expecting more

Golden Blue Echo of the Karibee Rice stable with Ajai wins. animals in time for the big event. Seven races are carded for the day which has close to $8M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs. So far over 35 horses have entered and other horses such as Cat Messiah, Comprador, Storm Bird, It’s My Choice, Witchy Poo, Firing Line, Red Rocket and Isn’t She Charming are expected to feature prominently at the meet. The other events listed on the day are the F class event. The winning take is $600,000 and trophy over 1400M. There is an 1100M event for West Indies bred three year old animals for a top prize of $400,000 and trophy. The G2 and lower 1400M match up will see the animals racing for a winning pocket of $400,000 and trophy. The Guyana Bred three year old maiden horses will have a chance at competing for the first prize of $300,000 and trophy over 1100M. Animals classified H3 and lower will be racing for a winning package of $250,000

and trophy. The final event will be for animals classified J1 and lower over 1100M for a pole position taking of $200,000 and trophy. The events will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. The Jumbo Jet stable having to place second fiddle to the Shariff Stable for the last few meets has rehired veteran trained ‘Black Boy’ Ramroop and will be looking to impress since the stable had some poor performances of late. A part from the riveting horserace meet expected on the track the organizers will be distributing free kites to children. Interested persons can contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 232-0633), Irshad Mohammed on 664-1650, Fazal Habibulla on telephone no 657-7010, Ramnauth 3375311 or 697-1979 Campton Sancho on 690-0569 and Rajendra “Jim-Jo” Jagdeo on 618-7278 for information and entry. The Coordinator is Nazrudeen Jumbo Jet Mohammed Jr. (Samuel Whyte)

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Thursday March 17, 2016

Gayle storm blows England RHTYSC, MS to play three teams in BCB U-17 and U-19 Cricket Tournaments away in Mumbai MUMBAI (Reuters) Chris Gayle smashed the first hundred of the sixth World Twenty20 to underline his reputation as cricket’s most destructive batsman and powered West Indies to a sixwicket win over England in their Super 10 match on Wednesday. The tall left-handed opener, who often polarises opinions with his antics off the field, made mockery of a seemingly steep 183-run target in the Group One match, carrying West Indies to victory with 11 balls to spare on a hot and humid evening at the Wankhede Stadium. Gayle’s century was his second in the format and he remained unbeaten on 100 off 48 balls with his innings studded with 11 sixes and five fours. Marlon Samuels (37) took the early lead of smashing the England bowling while Gayle took his time to settle down

and the pair added 55 for the second wicket to lay down the foundation for a West Indies victory. It was the sparse crowd at the stadium overlooking the Arabian Sea who were at risk once Gayle decided to open his arms and swat away everything that was in his zone over the boundary. Both England spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali were at the receiving end of Gayle’s blitzkreig with the latter suffering the ignominy of being hit for three consecutive sixes in an over in which he gave away 22 runs. Denesh Ramdin and Dwayne Bravo threw away their wickets in a brief period of worry for West Indies but England captain Eoin Morgan and his team mates could do little to stop the 36year-old Gayle take apart their bowling.

Earlier, a measured 48 from Joe Root helped England to 182-6 after West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl on a green-tinged wicket. Root, who hit three fours and two sixes in his 36-ball knock, and Alex Hales (28) added 55 for the second wicket for England. Opener Jason Ray (15) and Hales broke the shackles in the third over as they added 18 runs against fast bowler Jerome Taylor after West Indies, the 2012 champions, restricted them to five runs in the first two overs. Jos Buttler (30) and Morgan (27 not out) provided the late flourish with the 2010 champions taking another 18 runs in their last over off paceman Bravo. All-rounder Andre Russell, who dismissed both Roy and Root, and Bravo picked up two wickets each for West Indies. Continued on page 32

Women’s World Twenty20 2016: West Indies avoid upset against Pakistan BBC Sport - West Indies avoided an upset as they beat Pakistan by four runs in their Women’s World Twenty20 opener. Skipper Stafanie Taylor (40) anchored the Windies’ innings of 103-8 in Chennai, but lacked support as left-arm spinner Anam Amin took 416. Captain Sana Mir nearly

saw Pakistan home but fell in the final over. However, there was concern for opener Javeria Khan, who was hit on the head by a Shamilia Connell bouncer in the first over, and was stretchered off. Wisden India journalist Himanish Bhattacharjee later tweeted that Javeria had been taken to hospital for a

precautionary CT scan, but was “OK”. England face Bangladesh in their first game today, also in Group B. Scores: West Indies 1038 (20 overs): Taylor 40, Amin 4-16 Pakistan 99-5 (20 overs): Bismah 22, Mohammed 3-25 Result: West Indies won by four runs.

RHT Pepsi under-19 team. The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS would be playing three different Cricket teams in this year Berbice Cricket Board Under-17 and Under-19 tournaments. The Club, according to the Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster was forced to do so due to its large junior membership which keeps expanding daily. With the Club’s success on and off the cricket field plus its historic achievement of receiving a National Award, the Medal of Service, the demand for membership had been overflowing. Membership to Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation is free and members benefit from the Club’s numerous youth development programmes. The RHT Bakewell Under-17 team would play two teams in this year’s Memorex Under-17 tournament, while the RHT

Metro Female Team would also be playing in the tournament as part of an agreement with the Berbice Cricket Board. The BCB had agreed to allow Guyana’s only female team to play at the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels in order for them to play at a competitive level and improve themselves. In addition, to the Metro Female team at the Under-19 level, the Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under-19 team would also fielding two teams in this year’s BCB tournament. The Under-17 ‘A’ team would be led by Guyana’s junior player Kevlon Anderson with Keith Simpson as his Vice Captain while Berbice Under-15 player Chanderpaul Govindan would lead the ‘B’ team, while Simon Naidu would be his deputy. West Indies female cricketer Shemaine Campbelle would lead the Metro Females in both tournaments with fellow West Indies player Erva Giddings as her Vice-Captain. The Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under-19 ‘A’ team would be led by former national Under17 all-rounder Brandon Prashad with Kevlon Anderson as his deputy, while Govindan would also lead the ‘B’ Under-19 team with Renaldo Williams as his vice. The long-serving Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster noted that playing three teams in one tournament is not only unheard of in Guyana’s cricket but is a very expensive one as well but the RHTYSC is determined to make sure that all of its members fulfilled their true potentials. The Cricket Development Committee of the Club is also determined to expose its younger cricketers to a higher level of the game as part of their personal development. Rose Hall Town Bakewell ‘A’ team – Kevlon Anderson (Captain), Keith Simpson (Vice), Junior Sinclair, Surendra Budhoo, Kevin Sinclair, Brandon Corlette, B. Yadram, Tyreece Sealey,

Revaldo Williams, Ronaldo Rowe, Quinton Crandon, Justin Gobin, Joshua Wilson, Taqwah Ross, John Mankarran. Manager: Hilbert Foster Rose Hall Town Bakewell Under 17 ‘B’ – Mahendra Gopilall, Vijay Gopilall, Chanderpaul Govindan (Captain), Simon Naidu (Vice), Haresh Fernandes, Assif Bacchus, Kristoff Williams, R. Ramoutar, Kelroy Fraser, Matthew Pattaya, Lucas Arthur, Chad Munroe, Dwain A Bascome, Tyreece Park, Dwayne Williams, Matthew Prass, Shawn Cort and Tejram Dayaram. Keith Hicks – Manager. Rose Hall Town Metro Females – Shemaine Campbelle (Captain), Erva Giddings (Vice-Captain), Melaine Henry, Plaffiana Millington, Marian Samaroo, Sheeneta Grimmond, Nagma Budhoo, Sherica Budhoo, Sherica Campbelle, Shauna Vanderstoop, Shabika Gajnabi, Diana Prahald, Akeena Arokuim, Roseann Charles, Melissa Kyle, Aliesha Hicks and Alicia Williams. Ravin Kissoonlall (Manager). Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under ‘19’ A – Brandon Prashad (Captain), Kevlon Anderson, Sylus Tyndall, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Surendra Budhoo (wicket keeper), B. Yadram, Brandon Corlette, Joshua Gobin, Azam Khan Kevin Sinclair, Quinton Crandon, Shade Cameron, S. Johnny, Joel Pike, Ronaldo Rowe and Simon Naidu. Hilbert Foster – Manager. Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘B’ – Chanderpaul Govindan (Captain), John Mankarran, Tyreese Sealey, Assif Mohammed, Chad Munroe, Justin HareshFernandes, Joshua Wilson, Taqwah Ross, Vijay Gopilall, Mahendra Gopilall, Mattew Pattaya, Gideon Benn, Tyreece Park, Mattew Prass and Lucas Arthur. Keith Hicks- Manager