Page 02
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Education is key to fighting TB
E
ducation is crucial to tackling the scourge of Tuberculosis (TB). It is for this reason that Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, recently emphasised that “one of the most strategic mechanisms for combating this disease is to ensure that all citizens are educated and are involved in this fight against TB.” He said that while cases of TB have been decreasing there is still need for all Guyanese to support the efforts of the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) towards continuing the gains made. Dr. Norton underscored, too, that integration of TB prevention, treatment and care practices into the general health care services is critical to bring services closer to the population. And in order to enhance the decentralization and integration of TB services into the primary health care system, Dr. Norton informed
that the Ministry must play a stewardship role. This, he noted, will require the setting up of standards, establishing guidelines and monitoring their implementation. But according to the Public Health Minister, the transformation of the Ministry of Public Health away from its central topdown governing role can only take place at the pace of the development of the regional and local capacities. The Minister related though that “for the time being, central level actors may only gradually be able to focus on their core functions and a lot is needed to maintain supervision at the regional level.” Although TB patients are managed at sites in their own regions, Minister Norton has declared that there is need for more political commitment at the regional level. He also s tressed the need for dedicated personnel to
perform TB related activities in order to improve accessibility and sustain services. “With the influx of newly trained medical doctors, some of whom were assigned to the hinterland regions on a longer stint of service; it creates an opportunity for more doctors to be involved in TB management, hence increasing accessibility to services nationally,” said Dr. Norton. In an effort to enhance the TB services offered n a t i o n a l l y, t h e We s t Demerara TB Chest Clinic has acquired a new building with the support of the Region Three administration while the TB Step-Down Care facility was refurbished with support from local Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Guyana. It was at a ceremony to commission this added facility at the West Demerara Hospital that Minister Norton's remarks were
forthcoming. The commissioning coincided with the observance of World TB Day on March 24, 2015 which was held under the theme “'Unite to end TB. Together we will make it happen.” The facility has 20 beds along with two isolation rooms and will be utilized for inpatient management, mainly for TB patients who are infectious, homeless or who have complications. The architectural layout includes improved ventilation so as to decrease the transmission of the TB bacteria. Infection control standards are adhered to in the design, with the necessary re-modelling done to suit such a facility, Dr. Norton divulged. He noted that while it is the aim of the Ministry to provide improved health care services to those infected and affected by TB, it is even
more beneficial to implement preventative measures where diseases such as TB is concerned. Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is among the health targets of the newly adopted Sustainable Development G o a l s . M o r e o v e r, t h e Ministry of Finance has allocated a total budget of G$139,716,000 for the new financial year 2016, to combat this disease. This allocation that has been steadily increasing over the past number of years, Dr. Norton observed. This is in light of the fact he quipped that “Guyana is raging a strong battle against this public health threat, but this can only be successful with the involvement of all health care providers and the public at large.” While people infected with TB have a 10 per cent lifetime risk of falling ill to
- Minister Norton the TB disease, those with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a much higher risk of falling ill. As such Minister Norton said that for generations TB has manifested itself as a major public health threat. Children, according to Minister Norton, have been found to be greatly affected by this disease, and in 2014, an estimated one million children became ill with TB resulting in a mortality rate of 140,000 children. “Taking cognizance of these startling global statistics, the global community recognizes March 24, every year as World Tuberculosis Day with the hope of raising awareness and continuing to stimulate action towards eliminating this disease,” said Dr. Norton.
Eswick Northe hosts 1,500 children for Easter
P
roprietor of The Garage, on Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt, Eswick Northe, hosted 1,500 children from the adjoining communities on Sunday. He
was continuing a tradition he started three years ago. His first effort saw him accommodating 500 children with kites and refreshments. In the second year, he hosted 1,000 children.
This year the figure was 1,500. Mr. Northe also donated kites to every visiting child. Supporting him were Minister David Patterson and other Government officials.
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Page 03
Kaieteur News
Caribbean prisons ...
Foul, crowded and dangerous, the Region's jails need reform “FREEDOM! We want freedom!� cried inmates of the Camp Street prison in Guyana's capital, Georgetown. But in three days of unrest that began on March 2, last, 17 of them died in a fire. The rioting started after guards seized drugs and mobile phones from prisoners awaiting trial for violent crimes. The prisoners set fires. On March 3, one flared out of control. Trouble continued the next day, with prisoners knocking down wooden cell-block walls and the authorities firing tear gas. That highly public tragedy is the consequence of a hidden one. Of the 50 countries with the highest incarceration rates, 15 are, like Guyana, former British Caribbean colonies or current ones. High levels of violence are partly to blame. So are the criminalisation of cannabis use and harsh sentencing laws. Last November
Guyana's former national football coach was sentenced to three years in prison, the minimum penalty for possessing more than 15 grams of cannabis. In most of the Englishspeaking Caribbean, at least a third of prisoners are suspects awaiting trial. One inmate who died in Camp Street had been waiting eight years to be tried for murder. Suspects exploit pre-trial delays to have witnesses killed or silenced. Once trials begin, they drag on. Guyanese judges painstakingly record each word of evidence in longhand. Conditions inside are often horrendous. Antigua's prison, known as 1735 from the construction date carved above its entrance, was built
to hold 150 inmates. It now houses around 400. Some are jammed 15 at a time into cells that are furnished with two bunk beds and two slop buckets. The government plans to install modern sanitation and convert a former nurses' hostel into a remand prison. It may release 100 prisoners on parole to ease overcrowding. W h e n s u c h overcrowding is not dealt with, rebellions can get out of control. In 2005 Glendairy prison in Barbados, then 150 years old, was burnt down by prisoners. Its replacement took two years to build, at a cost of $144m. Guyana's government, in office since May last year, reacted quickly to the Camp
Street disaster. The Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, met a group of prisoners during the protest and promised better meals and additional telephone calls.
A public inquiry, chaired by a former Judge, is to report within a month on what went wrong and what should be done to prevent a repeat of the violence. Mr. Ramjattan wants to
build a new prison, but says the government cannot afford it now. He argues for judicial reforms to unclog the courts and prisons, including making it easier (continued on page 6)
Page 04
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The end of a tradition?
There have been many things that disappeared from the face of the earth. Scientists still talk about the disappearance of the dinosaurs. Then there was the disappearance of a bird called the dodo. Today there is a mad drive to protect other species. In fact, many animals that we once took for granted are considered protected species. Some are in reservations and some are in zoological parks. In Guyana there is a race to protect the arapaima and the sea turtles. The arapaimas are in the Hinterland while the turtles have Shell Beach in the protected areas. However, there is one thing that relies exclusively on parents and children, and we are not talking about good manners. That disappeared a long time ago. Respect for the elderly is a thing of the past as is respect for law and order. The sanctity of the home is disappearing, but with more and more people taking extra precautions there are fewer home invasions, except in the eastern county. The most recent thing that appears to be disappearing is the tradition of kite flying. It was noticed a few years ago, but people merely muttered. Some blamed the absence of the wind and some said that it was a bad year. Yesterday, people looked up into the skies then reached for their phones. “Why are there no kites in the skies?” And indeed, there was a paucity of the flying bits of paper, plastic and wood. It would seem that kites no longer form part of the recreation of the young. Parents also seem not to be too enamoured with taking their children kite-flying. In the not too distant past there were the kite-makers who made tons of kites and lined them up along the city pavements. Their process varied as the big day neared because that would have been the signal to get rid of those kites on hand. People went home happy, regardless of if they were vendors or buyers. We should have seen the trend leading to the disappearing tradition when children stopped making their own kites. Instead, we put it down to improving technology. Parents were lured to buy the so-called Chinese kites because they were so much cheaper than the locally made instruments. Of course the local kite-makers complained bitterly, accusing Guyanese of failing to help boost the economy, choosing instead to support the foreign manufacturer. Little did the kite makers know that people were showing a declining interest in kite-flying. This is not something that governments can provoke an intervention. This is about people’s interest and what they decide is more important to them. Perhaps it has to do with the smart phone, with the ability to permit chats and take photographs. We go anywhere and even in social groups we see young people with their heads buried in the phone. When one of them loses a phone it is akin to suffering a serious and debilitating loss. Young people have their faces buried in these phones almost all the time. The result is that they could not find the time to keep their eyes on kites in the skies. No one can complain about the lack of open spaces. The seawalls and the National Park in the city, Number 63 Beach on the Corentyne, Hope Beach on East Coast Demerara, Joe Vieira Park on West Demerara, and the numerous parks and playgrounds around the country are all there. Guyana was actually a tourist destination when the kite-flying season came around. People from the Diaspora actually chose this time to come home because of the excitement they had when they were young. It was the nostalgia. That has all gone. There is nothing that anyone can do. The kite-flying tradition is gone and with it a source of income for some. There will also be the disappearance of a special skill-the art of kite-making.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CLERK, SHERLOCK ISAACS CLARIFIES DEAR EDITOR, Further to my initial response to the article published in the Kaieteur News of Sunday, 13th March, 2016, headlined “National Assembly Clerk acquires 54,000 acres of mining lands in 3 years,” I wish to provide the following additional information in relation to the matter:1. Most of the areas applied for were prospected, that is, they were test for gold but found to be futile. 2. Some were inaccessible 3. Five were in an Amerindian reservation in the North West District
and could not have been prospected. 4. Some were handed over to two of my partners who, I believe, have since converted eight of them into mining permits. These permits are being managed by my partners and I am not benefiting from them. 5. Many persons have been visiting and calling me for permission to carry out mining operations and to rear cattle on the permits. I wish to state that presently, except those permits which are being managed by my partners, I do not own any prospecting permit. Even though the
permits are not being paid for by me, the system used by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission would probably reflect that the permits are still in my name. I am sorry for the inconvenience caused to the many persons, including Mr. Michael Jones, who have been visiting and calling me for permission to carry out mining operations and to rear cattle on the permits. I should be grateful for this letter to be given the same prominence (front page) in your newspaper of Sunday, March 27, 2016, as the article of March 13, 2016 Sherlock Isaacs
Crime has taken over this country DEAR EDITOR, If there is one country in the Caribbean that needs a break from the epidemic of crime, it is Guyana. Prisoner rehabilitation then must be seen in a larger context than just benefiting the offender. The authorities must understand that they must engage the rehabilitation of prisoners with the safety of the wider community in mind. To view the benefits of a change criminal as only applying to him or her is to be civilly and communally myopic. For too long politicians have shrugged off prisoner rehabilitation because they naively attribute the benefits only to the offender. I read with much angst the recent lament from Justice Cecil Kennard as he expressed the long established fact that if the findings and recommendations of the last prison CoI were implemented, the latest tragedy and multiple deaths in the prison would not have happened. I bet that there is not one single, solitary, soul, who would step up and take responsibility for the lack of implementation of those findings, which cost tax payers millions to compile. What we all know for a fact, however, it that the responsibility rest squarely on the shoulders of our politicians. Editor, I am framing this discussion with this summarily slant, because at the end of the day, prisoner rehabilitation must first be the work of the government; for they are the custodians of the prisoners. However, what all politicians quickly find out is that short of a prison riot which sees many dead, there are little or no political benefits to
rehabilitating prisoners. A politician gets or loses no votes if he diverts monies to the rehabilitation of offenders. Neither does a politician win or lose any set of constituents if he harps on what he is doing to change the behaviours of the incarcerated. Prisoner rehabilitation in actuality is a political zero sum undertaking. The notion from the skeptics and cynics is that these guys are virtually irredeemable and monies spent to rehabilitate them could be best spent on prevention. Any nominal politician knows of this baseline thinking, so for years on end and with billions spent or research and reports, a politician can get away with the lack of the implementation of commonsense, actionable, prison reforms and yet feel no negative political consequence. President Granger seems to be somewhat an out-of-the-box thinker in this regard. However, his noble humanitarian acts of annually releasing convicted criminals is shrouded is political correctness. For indeed it cost his administration nothing to release prisoners. In fact when one looks at the hefty sum it takes to maintain an offender, President Granger might well receive accolades from those financially inclined. So while the President wins the nod for his Godly and civil beneficence, this, however, does not solve the crime or recidivism problems. More has to be done. Actual monies need to be expended, not just on the oft repeated CoI’s, surveys and reports but on practical pre and post release rehabilitation programs. Under the last administration there
was a Superintendent who served as both Chaplain and Reentry Coordinator for the prison. She was specifically employed for, and tasked with, envisioning and implementing programs that should have reduced the rate at which the guys returned to prison and hence reduce the overcrowding. It might be helpful for the powers that be to ascertain from the Superintendent what contributions she has made over the many years she served in that capacity. Except she was grossly inept or the then government completely nonchalant, there must have been practical suggestions and recommendations that she would have made that would have also reduced the likelihood of that tragic event. Justice Kennard’s latest observation rings true. It bemoans the failure of the previous administration on the prison front. However, one could well argue that had there not been a massive riot with resultant deaths, it might well have been likely that the atrocities now being addressed would still be the modus operandi of the Guyana Prison Service. In other words, prison life is as such in Guyana that except the government is severely embarrassed, human rights and international best practices get thrown out the window. This government, in this Golden Jubilee year, has a similarly golden opportunity to seize the moment. All the stars have been aligned to once and for all establish a normal, internationally acceptable, prison service. The inmates have spoken, the international community has vowed their support for prison officers’ (Continued on page 23)
My country’s history needs to be told DEAR EDITOR, I was happy to see in a letter in the Stabroek News, March 25 issue, entitled: Amerindians Were Not The First People On The Continent. I am happy that this discussion is finally gaining currency. However, my interest is not only that the case authenticating the presence of Africans here, before Amerindians, should be made...I’m not interested in
playing take-down, one-up games. For me, it’s all about the illumination of the true facts of my history (utilizing all documented evidence available), proving I’m not just the descendant of enslaved Africans...brought here by force; my DNA is that of a questing, adventuresome people who arrived on these shores before Amerindians, Columbus, or the slave trade.
It’s a matter of self-esteem and pride that these buried facts of my/our Guyanese history should be resurrected and specifically pursued with determination and passion – especially in this United Nations designated ‘DECADE FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT 2015-2025’. Joan Cambridge Member, George G.M. James Institute
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 5
Hamilton Green asks A vision can make City why is age a problem? Hall do foolish things DEAR EDITOR, After reading a letter by one Mark Roopan in Kaieteur News of Sunday, March 27, 2016 titled: “Hamilton Green is like the Moon – day break will come;” I felt a sense of pity and sadness for Mark, but since it was a tissue of hearsayings, sheer Piddle Piftle and Patronage to the previous Housing administration, let it be known that I forgive him for his lack of appreciation of reality. Set aside his obsession about age – a total non sequitur, based on his presumed knowledge of the workings of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, he ought to know that all efforts made by the elected Mayor were frustrated by every Minister of Local Government. Some facts: - he talked about the Engineer’s Department. a). Shortly after taking office, I had commissioned an examination done by Mr. Charles A. Liburd AA, IICE. This Commission of Inquiry was completed and recommendations related to the City Engineer’s Department were submitted. No Ministerial support. b). An exhaustive report prepared by Proffessor Akbar Khan – “The Greater Georgetown Development Plan Planning Scheme 2001 1010” was submitted to Cabinet after a Symposium held on Monday, June 18, 2001. The plan included recommendations for policy changes; proposals to deal with congestion in the City,
vending, bus parking, cul-desacs etc. Of interest, the then Government ignoring the recommendations for the development of the City sold (sic) lands in the city identified for public use to their friends and blue eyed boys. The above required certain legal changes to be done by the Parliament. Try as we did – No Ministerial action. C). When we proposed that all new developers in the Central Business District of Georgetown provide on-site or nearby, parking, the Cabinet led by Jagdeo said this would be a disincentive to businesses, hence, the confusion in the City. It took us sixteen (16) years for the PPP government to agree to increase fines for Municipal offences. d). Beyond these, we had the Sandra Jones Association report intended to retool the Municipality. No Ministerial support e). We in similar vein had the Lynch and the Burrowes reports – same story. But now Mr. Roopan assaults the Housing Sector. All the new Board at Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is seeking to do is to bring some order out of confusion and the woeful waste of taxpayers’ money. Worse, we seek to arrest this scandalous rape of our land by a new breed of greedy capitalist spawned by the previous government. The writer refers to the halt we have put on those turn-
key houses. These houses are riddled with many faults and the daily loss or disappearance of materials. Putting citizens to live with incomplete infrastructure – no proper drainage - roads paid for but not properly built. The list is long but the board consisting of true patriots will change all of this. Yes Mr. Roopan the day of truth is catching up with the Moon at CH&PA. I did not surrender to the likes of President Jagdeo, Ramotar. Ministers Harry-Persaud Nokta, Clinton Collymore, Kellawan Lall and Norman Whittaker who while holding support for the City wished for a health crisis to descend on Georgetown, not to mention the imposition of an unqualified officer who was anything but sober. Let the writer be assured that with the support of an excellent Board, the Honourable Minister Ronald Bulkan and our President, we will turn the housing sector around from being a haven for corruption and exploitation, giving over lands on which our ancestors shed their sweat, blood and tears on, to a few exploiters and aliens, but instead we will ensure that the main beneficiaries are the descendants of those slaves and Indentures Labourers to whom we are committed to offer a better life. It will not be easy cleaning up the mess in the housing sector but it will be done by diligence and prayers. Hamilton Green, JP. OR.
The police are refusing to prosecute these people in Sparta DEAR EDITOR, The residents of Sparta want the public to know of an intolerable issue that has been plaguing them for a number of years and which the authority seems not to care about. A woman and her son (names supplied) in Middle Dam, Sparta have been a constant noise nuisance to the entire community for over (15) fifteen years. First, they play their music extremely loud at any time of the day and night. Anytime really means anytime. For example 9:15 hrs, 13:00hrs, 18:05 hrs, 21:00hrs, 23:10 hrs, 1:30 hrs, 2: 45 hrs, 4:25. It begins very loud and suddenly, plays for fifteen minutes to half an hour, stops suddenly for a while then resumes in the same manner. The sudden noise can be heard in the entire village even in the neighbouring vil-
lages - Windsor Castle and Danielstown. Some people would get a difficult time obtaining a permit to play music for specific functions but it seems as if this mother and son have obtained a permanent permit for 24 hrs a day for seven days a week for the rest of their lives. The sudden loud music would disturb residents from their sleep and give severe headaches to some. The perpetrators seem not to care for the lives of anyone. They do not care if their villagers are sick, have to get to work early the next day, have newborn babies, have to
study for Grade 6 or CXC assessments, have lessons being conducted after school or on weekends, have a religious function or even a funeral. Can you imagine a FUNERAL service being conducted not far away and Soca music playing very loudly? That is completely preposterous. Also, if there is a wedding in the area, they would compete with the music played by those who got a permit. There are numerous complaints at the Anna Regina Police Station dating back to many years. Statements were given by many different residents. For the last reports and statements given, residents were (Continued on page 23)
DEAR EDITOR, As we look on in amazement at the Georgetown Municipality careen from one foolish initiative to another we wonder if the officials there are answerable to no one but themselves. The most recent fiasco was the hare brained scheme to charge each and every kite flyer in Georgetown; a fee to merely mount a kite in the sky on Easter Monday. Thankfully this idea was scrubbed. Then there is the plan to establish petting zoos at the Promenade Gardens and at the Meriman’s Mall. Isn’t that just off the chain? Aren’t there enough stray animals roaming the streets of the capital that one can easily pet? Then there was the idea to commandeer open spaces in exclusive residential neighbourhoods and convert them into municipal housing schemes for the workers of the Georgetown City Council? Are there not enough housing schemes already under development that the Council’s workers could acquire each a house or house lot? Or they just prefer to become squatters on state lands? Now we are hearing of the development of a Presidential Park? Why does the
City want to get involved in this? This should be a national and not a municipal undertaking? Why is it that City Hall wants to get involved in everything these days? Are they looking for fame or fortune? The real question I want answered is why the hierarchy at City Hall feels no need or obligation to have consultations with the citizens of Georgetown before implementing these grandiose plans. All over the world there are town hall meetings, there are surveys done, there are referendums undertaken before changes or new things are implemented. But here in our capital one or two dreamers get an epiphany and that is all it takes. The next morning they begin implementing the most bizarre and lavish ideas unmindful of the concerns of others, the sustainability, relevance or the wisdom of the idea. This madness must be stopped and stopped very soon. Georgetown is too significant to Guyanese and other from around the world to be the subject of an experiment by any one person or a small group of amateurs who obviously do not know what they are about. One can only hope and pray that the new
Council would stop this march of folly which was encouraged by the previous Council, which is intended to line the pockets of a few on the backs of the earnest taxpayers and at the expense of real developments of the city. Digging a few drains and repairing a few buildings does not secure or maintain the competitiveness of our capital and the livelihoods of the people who live here. We need to find more sustainable, resource-efficient ways of managing Georgetown. City Hall has to improve processes and services from urban planning to much better financial management. Georgetown as the President has said needs to be self sustaining and managed like a corporation with a proper Chief Executive Officer who will secure all revenues due, explore investment partnerships, embrace technology, make organizational changes that eliminate overlapping roles, and manage expenses. Also, if designed and executed well, private–public partnerships would be an essential element of smart growth, delivering lower-cost, higher-quality infrastructure and services. Debra Gibson
DEAR EDITOR, Despite the fact that the Ministry has publicly committed to establishing partnerships with state and non-state actors to deal more effectively with the investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases, many children still do not receive the services they need, and the rate of prosecution of these cases remains abysmally low. According to Ministry figures, 628 cases of child sexual abuse were reported to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) in 2014. Of those, less than 8% were prosecuted and even fewer resulted in convictions. The CPA has stated that the agency remains underresourced. They are therefore forced to focus on responding to allegations of abuse, leaving a gap with respect to providing
services to children who have been abused and non-offending family members. If this government truly takes the protection of children seriously it must assess the approach taken by the Ministry of Social Protection in dealing with these issues. One important element of any action would be to consult with those organizations that have been working with children and families in Guyana. NGOs stand ready
to continue to support the Ministry in protecting children but must be included in planning and decision-making with respect to the services they provide in partnership with the Ministry. Additionally, the Ministry must commit the resources necessary to support an effective child protection programme. Omattie Madray, ChildLink Inc. Chantalle Haynes, Forward Guyana Inc.
Abused children need more official protection
Page 6
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Gov’t approves $136.5 million worth of medical supplies
Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman
Quantity to be sole-sourced to avoid disaster - Trotman A quantity of medical supplies worth approximately $136 .5 million has been granted no objections from Cabinet. The batch of supplies is set to be acquired through the method of sole sourcing. This is according to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. Trotman made the announcement at a post Cabinet press briefing on Thursday. The Minister disclosed that Cabinet approved contracts for sole sourcing of a number of medical supplies including Biohit Pipette Tips and Devices, Becton Dickenson Syringes, needles and tubes. However, during the media briefing questions were raised about the sole sourcing of the drugs and Minister Trotman was asked to give an explanation. This is in light of the fact that, the APNU –AFC coalition had criticized the PPP/C administration in the past for sole sourcing every drug import. Minister Trotman told reporters that
sole sourcing is done when there is a possibly of the process of putting out a tender would cause a delay in delivery and eventually have an adverse effect on people’s lives. “In an effort to avoid any complaint, loss of life or injuries as a result of lack of medical drugs or equipment the government thought it best to approve this particular sourcing.” the Minister stated. After the APNU – AFC Government took office last year, Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton spoke of a plan to reform the system of procurement of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. Dr. Norton promised that sole sourcing of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to the Health Ministry would be a thing of the past. While in Government, the PPP/C administration solesourced billions of dollars in medical drugs from the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC), a company owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop.
The company had supplied the bulk of the drugs to Government after it was acquired by Ramroop in 1999. In wake of intense scrutiny and criticisms on their method of procurement, the PPP/C defended its position. Then, head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon had claimed that the decision to award the contract to the New GPC was not tantamount to sole sourcing. Luncheon said that the Tender Board picked New GPC from among seven companies that applied to be prequalified. He claimed that what the government has been doing is not “conventional” single sourcing, where everyone else is excluded. According to Luncheon, at no time are pharmaceuticals procured without the procurement agency knowing what the competitive price for the items is. So, he indicated that anytime a local provider is “selected” that provider’s submission has to be competitive
in relation to international providers that actually provide drugs to Guyana and other developing countries. The agency he referred to is the IDA Foundation, the world’s leading not-for-profit supplier of affordable pharmaceutical products. “So you have to get a competitive price better than IDA for you to get an award. If IDA offers these drugs at prices better than the bids submitted by national entity we are obligated on the basis of our pricing policy…to go
with the IDA,” Luncheon HAD stated. He said this is what makes the procurement of medical drugs from New GPC not sole sourcing. He said that matter of comparing prices is a “competitive component of the procurement process.” The single source method for the procurement of goods
is set out in Section 28 of the Procurement Act 2003. For single sourcing to take place it must be a case where the goods are available only from a particular supplier or contractor, or a particular supplier or contractor has exclusive rights with respect to the goods and no reasonable alternative or substitute exists.
IDB report critical of Guyana Civil Aviation Dept By Ray Chickrie Caribbean News Now contributor WASHINGTON, USA - A November 2015 report compiled by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) was critical of the state of civil aviation in Guyana, and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) came under heavy criticism for controlling both technical regulations and policymaking entities. The IDB report asserts that such “concentration of functions in the GCAA has potential implications that could prevent the healthy development of the civil aviation sector” in Guyana. The report suggests that policy setting and technical regulation “may be compromised if the functions of policy-making and technical regulation” are performed by a single body like GCAA. It is important, the report said, to assign these functions to independent entities to avoid any interference between these activities, which can go both ways. For example, it is essential for “the technical regulator to be absolutely objective
when carrying out safety oversights on local carriers, regardless of any policy that may encourage the protection of the local airlines.” According to the IDB report, other problems that can arise from GCAA’s extensive power over its many functions, is the manipulation of technicalities to implement policy. It added, “Considering that bilateral agreements that govern air services are very complex and time consuming to negotiate, it is important that policies be stated in a clear and transparent way.” The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommends the separation of the economic and technical regulation functions “so that the latter will not be influenced in order to apply a certain unstated policy.” “By accomplishing a clear separation of functions, Guyana and Suriname would be able to foster both an unrestricted market access and a competitive environment for both local and foreign carriers. In the case of Suriname, the only conflict of interest in its current institutional framework is the concentration of
Foul, crowded and... From page 3 for young first offenders to be released on bail. Before the riot, backbench Parliamentarians had proposed more lenient drug-sentencing laws. Last September Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron, offered Jamaica $40m to help build a new prison to house both local inmates and some of the 600 Jamaicans serving time in British jails. The Jamaican government of the time, which lost an election last month, was
cool to the idea and many Jamaicans were outraged. There is, to be sure, something tin-eared about a political leader offering to pay to lock people up in a former colony. But dirty, crowded prisons add to the misery of inmates, many of whom were impoverished before they turned to crime. If Jamaica does not want Mr Cameron's money, perhaps he should offer it to Guyana and Antigua instead. (The Economist)
technical regulation and air accidents investigation functions in the CASAS,” the IDB report suggests. In Suriname, which was also part of the report, the IDB notes that there is an “unhealthy concentration of the functions in the Civil Aviation Safety and Authority Suriname (CASAS), responsible for the sector’s technical regulation and investigation of accidents and incidents.” However, in the case of Suriname such power as in the case of the GCAA doesn’t exist there. CASAS is involved in two aviation bodies in Suriname, while in Guyana GCAA has its hands in three bodies that govern civil aviation there. The IDB study recommends that policymaking functions should be fully transferred to a different entity than the GCAA, possibly the ministry of public works. This entity should be the only authority in the economic regulation of the air transport sector, including the establishment of air services agreements with other nations. It also calls for air traffic control operations to be transferred either to a new service provider that should operate independently from the GCAA, or potentially to the CJIA Corporation, “as there are no inherent conflicts of interest by having the airport and ATC operations performed by the same entity.” The IDB report also calls for an independent committee or board to be created to investigate accidents and incidents. And this committee or board should report directly to the president or to Parliament to “to ensure a completely unbiased and independent outcome of its investigations.” (From Caribbean News Now)
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
No to Gays! - Adventists urge Govt. to keep God in deliberations on Buggery Law (Jamaica Gleaner) Senior clergymen of the SeventhDay Adventist Church have made it clear that any decision to repeal Jamaica’s buggery law will not be in alignment with the Bible, and as such, warned policymakers to keep God at the centre of their deliberations. Speaking during a Gleaner Editors’ Forum at the company’s head office in Kingston last week, Dr Merrick Walker, pastor of the Washington Gardens Seventh-Day Adventist Church in St Andrew, said that while he was not in support of anyone discriminating against homosexuals, he urged individuals to desist from indulging in sinful acts. “We are very conversant with the discussions and developments taking place, and the short answer is that we are not supportive of removing the buggery law. When it comes to the matter of legislation, we believe that we should be very meticulous ... looking at the repercussions that can result, and pursue the continuation of the family as the Lord established it. I often say that we are very tolerant of those who are different, but we disassociate ourselves from the difference if it is construed to be something immoral,” he declared. “We are guided by a Biblebased worldview, and our understanding of the family is from that standpoint. We are aware of the need to cater to other forms of families that have been established, but our focus is to strive for the ideal family (nuclear family),” Walker said. CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE In the lead-up to the 2011 General Election, the former
Dr Merrick Walker prime minister of Jamaica, Portia Simpson Miller, had promised that if elected, she would facilitate a conscience vote in Parliament on the controversial issue of the buggery law. Since then, there has been a tug of war between the Church and various interest groups voicing varying opinions on the issue. The Jamaica Churches Action Uniting Society for Emancipation (CAUSE) religious group has been very vocal in its stance for the law to remain as is, hosting two mass rallies in HalfWa y T r e e t o s e n d i t s message to the then Government. Speaking from a youth perspective, Dane Fletcher, youth director of the Jamaica Seventh-Day Adventist Church, indicated that he was more concerned about individuals making an effort to please God in every area of their life. “As I understand it, our
concern is not so much about what is legislated and what is not or what is unacceptable in society. We do promote biblical norms, so anything that is considered within the ambit of the Bible as sexually immoral, we do not condone it. We are not here to discriminate against homosexuals. What we are really discriminating against is sexual immorality,” the youth pastor told journalists. President of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists Pastor Everett Brown echoed similar sentiments, adding that he did not want sin to become the norm for any society. “We are aware that Government has a responsibility to protect the rights of Christians and non-Christians, but as a Christian organisation, we would not support any legislation that would make it acceptable for anyone to practise anything that is immoral,” he charged.
Page 7
Page 8
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 9
SQUARE PEGS FOR SQUARE HOLES The political parties and coalitions that have traditionally run Guyana have been looking for the right persons in the wrong places. They have come into office and have tried to find competent persons from amongst their loyalists. The two do not always go together. The PNC ruled Guyana for twenty-eight years. During that period it pursued a deliberate strategy of dominating the administrative space in the country. It wanted its own supporters and its own loyalists in the right jobs in the public sector. When it took power in 1964, there were already persons sympathetic to the government in senior positions within the public sector. The PNC destroyed the credibility of many of those persons by making them political lackeys. Some of these persons went as far as defending the shameless rigging of the 1968 and 1973 elections. They were so blinded by their loyalty to the PNC that they could see how the dishonest positions they took undermined whatever semblance of respect and professionalism they had left. The PNC superseded many professionals with in-
competent political hacks whose only qualifications were their political loyalty to the ruling party. A great many of the professionals within the public service who were bypassed for promotion or surpassed by political appointees migrated and kept their peace. Even now, they speak about their humiliations in private. They left Guyana because they could not stomach it anymore. None of the Guyanese journalists in the diaspora have found the time to assemble a collection of the stories of these men and women who were the victims of the politicization of Guyana’s public sector. The PPP also did the same. And many professionals left also during their time in power. The stories of this set of professionals also need to be told. Change is inevitable whenever a new government takes office. But you do not throw out the baby with the bathwater. People can always be replaced but the damage done to morale and professionalism cannot be undone as the history of the public service in Guyana has demonstrated since Indepen-
Dem boys seh...
Kwame might go back to Chronicle Under Jagdeo and Donald Dumb everything was secret. De coalition cuss de secrecy and when dem campaign dem mek de whole country believe that nutten that dem do would be done in de dark. Of recent, dem boys finding out that nuff things dem ducking and doing behind de people back. One example is Jordan, de man who keeping de purse strings. He spend $140 million pun dem forensic audit. Dem still got some more places to complete dem audits—to go a little further. De auditors wanted to dig a little further to mek sure that dem tie up de loose ends and mek sure dem have a good case fuh de courts. Jordan now telling dem that he don’t have money to complete de audits. But dem boys seh that Jordan and Li’l Joe can find money to pay BK to advise de govt on business. When dem boys expose this de whole of Guyana laugh. Dem boys certain BK gun advise de govt people how to get state land in dem name and dem family name. Dem boys seh he can advise de govt how to build wharf and watch how it can float away. Dem watching to see when he gun bid fuh de next contract. After all, he is an adviser to de govt on business and that would be clear conflict of interest. But Soulja Bai should send BK to de Olympics. He can jump; he can even jump ship better than some women. Now de news is that Babbie Ramroop would be de next political adviser to Ohh Pee on how to procure drugs and Gerry would be advising dem on aircraft association. He just hear de other day that de govt might buy a plane. He seh he can source de plane just like how Babbie use to source drugs fuh Guyana. De next name touting around is Eddie Boyah. He gun advise de coalition on land development while Clinty de Willie would be advising on how to ketch big basha and jumbo prawns without trawler. Talk half and don’t be surprise if you hear Li’l Joe put Kwame back at Chronicle.
dence. APNU+AFC has dismissed or terminated the contracts of many persons since they came to office in May last year. They have replaced those persons in most instances with loyalists. The problem is that many of those who have been given jobs are pushy people with assertive personalities but who do not always have the talent for the specific job they have to undertake. You have people working in positions earning fortunes but who are not experienced enough to be occupying those positions. These political appointees have bypassed other persons who worked within the system and who were waiting for promotions. Instead they are seeing a repeat of what the PPP did: put its own political appointees in office. If this trend is not brought to an end, the exodus of skilled Guyanese will continue. Professionals now have more options. They can find work
in the Caribbean. The free movement of university graduates has seen many Guyanese professionals take up job offers in the Caribbean thereby further reducing the skilled persons available to the government. Professionals are not going to stick around to be humiliated and to take orders from persons of lesser ability. The government should not employ persons with limited experience to assume authority over skilled professionals who are qualified and experienced. It should not take persons who were its loyal supporters and simply place them in organizations without them never having any experience in the field in which they have to work. This is going to set this country back and demoralize the public service. You cannot simply take persons and place them into certain jobs on the basis only of their trustworthiness. They must have the necessary ex-
pertise and experience. Donald Trump once advised that employers should examine what someone brings to the job. What were their achievements in the field in which they worked? And are they going to be able to replicate that success in their new job? If someone has just a little experience and no great achievement in a particular field, then that person should not be given preference over a tried and tested professional. Political loyalty and cronyism should not take priority over competence. Due diligence, even on loyalists, must be done. There are persons lining up for jobs with the new government. Some of them were living overseas. It would be interesting to know just how long they worked and what they achieved during that period. It would be interesting to know of their experience in the type of job they are being put to do. It would be interesting
to know of their familiarity or adaptability to local systems. There should be a competitive process for filling vacancies. You cannot simply go around and appoint persons to positions. There is no guarantee that you will get the best person for the job this way. There are a lot of fortune hunters out there looking to capitalize on the insecurity of the new government. Some of them are pushy and self-confident but behind that veneer there is nothing but hot air. There is no talent and no expertise. The government has to beware of these types. Contaminating government with such individuals will lead the coalition down the same road to disaster as the PNC and the PPP governments of the past.
THREE-YEAR-OLD KILLED BY SPEEDING CAR The life of a three-yearold child was snuffed out yesterday afternoon, shattering the kite flying plans of his family and dampening the mood of other kite flyers on the Haslington Seawall. Ashton Sears was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was rushed in the same car that struck him down on the Haslington Sideline, East Coast Demerara. The accident occurred mere feet from where Sears’ parents stood. All they could do was stare in horror as the car dragged the toddler several feet away. The dead child’s distraught mother, Samantha Murphy, and his father, Kevin Sears, were inconsolable at the GPHC, after doctors told them that there was nothing that could be done to save their son. Fighting back tears, Murphy recalled that she, her husband and their three children, including a baby, were heading to the Haslington seawall to fly their kites when the tragedy occurred. She told this newspaper that they had just emerged from the car that took them to the location and were tending to the children. Her husband was setting up the baby stroller, when the speeding car halted their plans. “I had the baby and my big daughter and my threeyear-old son; we were standing right at the side of
the road and this guy was coming from the seawall with one speed and just pick up my son,” Murphy cried. The sight of her son lying motionless with blood spurting from a gaping wound in his head caused Murphy to faint. When she came to, people were putting her in the same car which rushed them to the Georgetown Public Hospital; but little Ashton appeared to be dead already. “While coming in the car, oh God, I praying. And de driver telling my husband to tell me to relax because he wasn’t focusing on what he was doing…that the child short and he didn’t see he,” Murphy explained. Sherwin Sears, the child’s father fought hard to restrain himself from being overcome with grief. Although he was standing just a few feet away, he did not see when the car hit his son; he only became aware when his wife alerted him to the tragedy. “In the corner me son get knock down….I was setting up my daughter stroller. My wife just tek out me son from de car and me wife call me and say, ‘Sherwin, Sherwin, look Ashton get knock down.’ How dis thing happen so fast. We just jump out dis car,” Sherwin Sears told Kaieteur News. He said that he knows the driver, who is also from Haslington. “He just telling
Dead: Ashton Sears we, he so short, he didn’t see de child, he didn’t focusing and a whole set of stupidness. Me son whole head tear away,” Sears stated. Police have detained the driver who according to reports has given a different version of what transpired.
Kaieteur News understands that the driver is claiming that the child ran across the road and into his path and, since the area was congested, he could not avoid hitting him. Investigations into the accident are continuing.
Page 10
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Charge Mr. Jagdeo with the abuse of power This man is irredeemable. This man is incredibly insulting. This man is repellant and obnoxious. This man is morbidly barefaced. This man is laughing at the Guyanese people. This man must be charged with the abuse of power. No one could have remained unmoved after reading what Bharrat Jagdeo said on the distribution of radio licences. Jagdeo declared that he achieved ethnic and geographical balance in the licence award. He knew he was talking nonsense but he mouthed off, nevertheless, because he wanted to laugh at the nation. This nation should not accept his philistine crassness. As President, Jagdeo awarded licences to
the PPP; his intimate friend, Bobby Ramroop; his nephew, then Minister Robert Persaud; and other close associates. Enrico Woolford, Stabroek News, Kaieteur News were all denied. During this administrative masturbation of Jagdeo, Linden was restricted to receiving NCN signals only. Channel 69 television was given permission to increase its signal to Berbice. Bobby Ramroop’s radio and television coverage reached the entire country. Jagdeo was deliberately insulting the entire country when he stated that he achieved ethnic balance in the award. One has to be hopelessly stupid to think that when we speak of ethnic balance in Guyana, it includes
Africans who are in the PPP leadership. This latest manifestation of barefacedness from Jagdeo is a huge indication that he is not going to reflect and pronounce on any mistake he made during his twelve years as President. Jagdeo, no matter how asinine is the grammar, how idiotic is the semantics, will ignore basic human decency and argue that he was a democratic, transparent, accountable President Mr. Jagdeo can take his circus on the road because he is being treated with kid gloves by the current administration. The fear of the PPP’s cry of witch-hunt by the government has backfired with the LGE results. In what ways did the slow movement to-
wards the prosecution of Jagdeo help the APNU-AFC regime? PPP supporters went out and voted in a contest in which the PPP got 29,000 more ballots than the Coalition in the total LGE. Did it occur to the Coalition that if Jagdeo was in the court with all the sordid revelations laid bare, then maybe the voters would have been disgusted? The longer the Government takes to haul Mr. Jagdeo before the courts, the easier it will become for PPP supporters to think that the regime is bluffing and that they haven’t got evidence against Jagdeo and that they are trying to intimidate the PPP. It is possible that kind of thinking was a factor in the LGE results? In most countries of the world, charges would have been laid against Jagdeo in the Pradoville 2 scandal. What is the Government waiting for? After ten months in power, the evidence is still not there? Now
a new twist has entered the radio licence scam. The Guyanese people have been told that Dr. Fenton Ramsahoye has advised that the licence holders can seek redress in court if there is revocation. Two irritations are involved here and one of them concerns a very close friend of mine, Leonard Craig, Chairman of the Broadcasting Authority. It boggles the mind to know why he would want to keep as a secret the Attorneys that advised the Authority against licence cancellation. Secondly, Tony Vieira named Ramsahoye. Why not consult other opinions to see if Ramsahoye’s advice may have weak points? But far more important is the fact that the APNU-AFC leaders are failing in their moral and political obligation to this country – they denounced the Jagdeo radio depravity when in opposition. If the licence-holder is going to move to the court in the event of abrogation of his document then let him, but the moral obligation by APNUAFC leaders to Guyana must be fulfilled. One hopes that the APNU-AFC leaders have learned their lessons with the
Frederick Kissoon LGE results – damn if you do, damn if you don’t. The administration after ten months have allowed Mr. Jagdeo to reclaim his support base because they have failed to prosecute him for horrible abuse of power never before seen in the placid, democratic environment of the Englishspeaking Caribbean. The land giveaways that have resulted in billions going into the pockets of the cabal Jagdeo nurtured simply numbs the mind. When one looks at what Jagdeo did with the resources of this sad, tragic, poor country it breaks one’s heart. The government, sooner rather than later, have to drag Mr. Jagdeo and his co-conspirators before the courts. Mr. Jagdeo abused power in terrible ways. He must answer for it.
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Easter Monday activities Ex-con willing to testify before in East Berbice
prison COI
Thousands of Berbicians flocked to all the available open spaces and dams to fly their kites or to picnic with their families, yesterday. While there might have been a shortage of kites there was no shortage of picnic baskets and enthusiastic people who came from all walks of life.
Ex-con, Vickram Budram As the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the incident which claimed the lives of 17 prisoners when a fire broke out at the Camp Street Prison on March 3 continues, those who have served time behind bars before are expressing their willingness to come forward with their stories. One such person is Vickram Budram, an ex-convict, who served more than 15 years at the Georgetown and Mazaruni Prisons for manslaughter. Budram a farmhand of Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo, is advocating to the authorities for former prisoners to be given an opportunity to testify about their experiences in the prisons. After spending four years on remand at the Camp Street jail and the next 15 years behind bars at Mazaruni, the excon believes that half has not been told about life behind bars. Budram alleges that there are numerous unreported riots, acts of physical and sexual assault imposed on prisoners by officers, undeserved random acts of punishment meted out on prisoners and other hideous crimes committed within the confines of the prison that are yet to come to light. Given these circumstances, the ex-prisoner believes that these stories can only be beneficial to the COI which must make recommendations for the reform of the system. “I willing fuh share me information because people does get sent to prison to get better but sometimes the prison system mek them worse or even cause dem to lose dem life.� Budram is not the only ex-
inmate who has come forward with a willingness to present evidence before the COI. Last week, a woman who served time in the Berbice State Prison, also called on the authorities to launch an investigation into the female sections of the prisons. The Commission of Inquiry was launched as a result of a fire which broke out at Capital A of the Camp Street Prisons. Seventeen prisoners died as a result of the riot and several others were injured. As a result President David Granger ordered that a COI be launched into the occurrence. The activity is expected to yield information that will assist in the reformation of the prison system. The COI has been tasked with investigating the circumstances leading up to the fatal Camp Street fire, including the role and functioning of authorities in the prison. Last week, prisoners who have testified before Commissioners former Judge James Patterson, the Chairman, former Director of Prisons Dale Erskine and human rights activist, Merle Mendonca, recalled that a number of fires have occurred at the prison within recent times. Collis Collison, 23, an inmate of the Georgetown Prisons told the Commission of Inquiry, (COI) that at least three fires were started at the prisons within two days. He testified that the prisoners were being searched when the fires were started. Another prisoner, Steve Bacchus, an inmate of old Capital block at the Camp Street Prison testified that there were desperate cries for help, dead bodies, and even (Continued on page 12)
Page 12
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
E’bo rice farmers not happy with paddy price Millers in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) have commenced the purchase of paddy as rice farmers begin to sell or orchestrate sales for their product. Reports are that so far rice farmers are being paid between $2500 and $2300 for a bag of paddy. The latter figure has been described as the average price farmers have been receiving for a bag of paddy. One farmer who operates on a large scale said he have received $2300 for a bag of paddy, but argued that he was expecting the price for a bag of paddy to have been a little higher since its more costly to produce rice, taking into consideration the cost farmers have to incur to sow. Although this crop has been deemed as favourable, a number of farmers were unable to go back into the field due to the many financial commitments that they still have to the banks. Farmers
have been calling on the government to assist them with subsidised fertilizers and fuel. Over 2,000 acres of cultivated rice lands were affected by the intrusion of “salt water”. Small scale farmers in Dartmouth Village were heavily affected. Rice farming is the main income earner in Region Two and a large percentage of Essequibians are rice farmers. During a recent visit to the Essequibo Coast, President David Granger give his commitment to farmers assuring them that at every possible opportunity he gets, especially with rice investors, he lobbies on behalf of farmers to promote rice for sale. For the longest while rice farmers have been expressing their disgust with the poor price for rice, not taking into consideration, that the price for paddy is determined by the world market and not the government.
Ex-con willing to... From page 11 the headless remains of a fellow inmate discovered after the fire. He told the panel of Commissioners that when the fire broke out, he heard his fellow inmates yelling, “Leave the man alone.” The noise, he said, was coming from the prison yard. The witness recounted that he ran towards the back of the building, and peered outside.
He said that he saw a prisoner, Collis Collision, being assaulted in the yard of the State Penitentiary by Prison officers. The witness stated that prison officers along with at least four police officers had been standing in the middle of the tarmac. He said that some of the officers were armed. He claimed that it appeared as though the prisoners were being assaulted by the officers.
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Page 13
Kaieteur News
High-end rides among scores of wharf vehicles likely for auction
GTU's Fifth biennial conference - focus on empowering commences today members high on agenda
W
Scores of vehicles, including high-end ones, are on the wharves with GRA announcing moves to sell them.
T
he Guyana R e v e n u e Authority (GRA) is moving to dispose of scores of vehicles; some of them high end ones that have been lying on the wharves. According to recent notices published in the Official Gazette of Guyana, the vehicles are lying in storage facilities at the John Fernandes Limited and the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) wharves. At the GNIC, some 20 vehicles have been there, among them a Nissan Cube, since 2008. However, the rest started arriving in 2012
and have remained uncleared. U n d e r G R A ' s regulations, the entity has to first give notice before selling “Want of Entry” items to recoup costs. After that notice period, the GRA can then move to sell them via auctions or tenders. Vehicles landing on the wharves have one month to be cleared. It can rack up charges like storage fees, “Want of Entry” fees, duties and taxes and even freight. Some of the vehicles at GNIC wharf include pickups, a Mercedes Benz
ML 320, Nissan Bluebird and the popular Toyota Allion and Verossa. At the John Fernandes facilities, there are more than 90 vehicles including trucks, BMWs and Mercedes. Included are Toyota Spacios, Raums, Spacios and Premios and even a Mazda Axela. The vehicles have been lying on the wharves for up to six years. In addition to the vehicles, also left on the wharves are items like building materials, footwear, tiles, foodstuff, empty tanks, household appliances and even bleach.
Cop in CG gang likely to be charged today
A
P o l i c e Constable who was caught on Saturday with an unlicensed 9mm pistol and 15 matching rounds is likely to make his first court appearance today. The cop has been identified only as Benham. He worked at the Springlands Police Station, Berbice. The policeman was among five men arrested after they were caught with the illegal weapon and ammunition. Kaieteur News was told that a police traffic patrol
stopped a group of five men, who were on three Honda CG motorcycles at North Road and Louisa Row, Georgetown. A search was carried out on the men and the unlicensed gun with rounds was found on one of them, who was later identified as a Police Constable stationed in 'B' Division (Berbice). The Constable was placed under close arrest while the other four men are being held for questioning. The motorcycles have been seized. Investigators are trying
to ascertain if the men are a part of a gang of armed bandits operating on motorcycles. Such a gang has been creating havoc in the city and its environs. Ballistics checks are being done on the weapon to ascertain if it was used in any previous criminal activity. The arrest of the cop further underscores the widely held belief that law enforcement operatives have been working in collaboration with criminal elements to perpetrate crimes.
ith focus on a number of issues of concern to teachers, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) will today commence its Fifth Biennial Congress. The event which will be convened at the Three Miles Secondary School, Bartica, will moreover embrace the theme “The Guyana Te a c h e r s U n i o n – Empowering its members in capacity building while addressing the social challenges in Guyana.” In addition to a guest presentation by Registrar of the University of Guyana, Dr. Nigel Gravesande, the conference is one that will include the presentation of reports concerning the affairs of the GTU among other issues. The participants at the five-day event will be exposed to a labour related presentation by Chief Labour Officer within the Ministry of Social Protection, Charles Ogle. Other presentations will focus on the various aspects of the operation of the Ministry of Education including the School Boards' Secretariat and the Teaching Service Commission (TSC). The Union, since last year, had raised concerns about the two bodies tasked with appointing teachers. It had even demanded a review of the preliminary lists of promotions made last year. This was due to the fact that the Union was led to believe that the appointment process was flawed thus, some teachers were not being justly appointed or promoted. The Union had emphasised its request for a review by seeking an
GTU President, Mark Lyte injunction from the High Court to halt the preparation of final lists of promotion. While the School Boards' Secretariat had agreed to the review sought by the GTU, the TSC was not in agreement and has since decided to fight the matter out in court. A c c o r d i n g t o Chairperson of the TSC, Leila Ramson, a review of the list of the promotion is not a simple task, since
thousands of applications would have to be reviewed. The TSC simply didn't have the capacity to fulfil the Union's request this year. She had however informed that the TSC would have been prepared to take the Union's concerns into consideration this year. Failure to agree on the way forward has resulted in the matter remaining in court thereby not only stalling the TSC's promotion of teachers for 2015 but also for 2016. The fallout between the TSC and the Union has also seen a number of protest actions, spearheaded by the GTU, outside of the Brickdam, Georgetown office of the TSC. Representatives of the Union, including its President, Mr Mark Lyte, and General Secretary, Ms. Coretta McDonald, have been on the picket line calling for the removal of the Leila Ramson-led TSC. The two GTU officials were among the executives of the GTU who were this (continued on page 15)
Page 14
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
East Bank housing land scandal …
A criminal probe will answer all questions - AFC boss A
criminal investigation at this time into how hundreds of acres of prime state lands managed to be parceled out into the hands of few, under the previous administration, would be more than welcome, a senior Government official said yesterday. Minister of National S e c u r i t y, K h e m r a j Ramjattan, who while in the Opposition was vocal about how the lands were being
handled, noted that in the past, he had asked about the transactions during the National Assembly. “I have read your reports on the audit reports and on the East Bank housing. I do believe, and I will repeat what I said then…that we need to have a better understanding of what transpired under the stewardship of Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali, and his G o v e r n m e n t . ” Ramjattan, who is the leader of the Alliance For Change
(AFC), which forms part of the coalition Government, disclosed that he has also seen reports that businessman, Brian Tiwarie, weeks after signing the agreement of sale with the Central Housing and Planning Authority in February 2014, turning around and selling his land for three times more than he paid for it. “An investigation into the lands, hundreds of acres of it worth billions of dollars, should be launched. We are
Businessman, Brian Tiwarie, has sued Chinese logger, Chu Hongbo, for failing to pay off US$4M he owes for 100 acres of Providence lands.
talking about 25,000 applications on file for house lots. People are desperate for land.” Asked about the appointment of Tiwarie as a Ministerial Advisor on Business Development, which came to light Monday via a report in Kaieteur News, Ramjattan said that he was not aware of it until he read it. Asked whether it should not have been made by the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, instead of
Sued: Chu Hongbo Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Ramjattan admitted that “certainly” the latter suggestion would have been the ideal situation. However, he refused to be drawn into further comment. The East Bank Demerara lands, according to the PPP/C, were given out to private developers to build infrastructure and homes for sale. However, many of the 20-off developers have failed to meet deadlines. Many of the plots have remained under bushes with works stalled on quite a few. In the case of Tiwarie, he was written to in 2011, indicating that a 100-acre plot of land behind Providence Stadium was earmarked for his company, Sunset Lakes Inc. However, the agreement of sale between him and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) was not sealed until three years later, in February 2014. The delay was never explained. Huge Profit The 100-acre plot was sold for $458M, less than the $471M that he had been told to pay three years earlier. The transaction became even weirder. Two months after that agreement of sale with CH&PA, Ti w a r i e ' s c o m p a n y, Sunset Lakes, turned around and sold the land to Chu Hongbo, the local principal of BaiShanLin Forest Development for a whopping US$8M. The logger, however, failed to come through with his promises to develop the lands. A few unfinished structures and a fence are all
BK's boss, Brian Tiwarie
AFC boss, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan that is there now. Chu Hongbo and his companies- there are several of them that he has registered- are now in deep financial trouble and have been ordered to halt log exports. The company has received hundreds of millions of dollars in duty free concessions, tax breaks and other benefits. Tiwarie earlier this year sued Chu Hongbo saying he failed to pay a balance of US$4M. The contractor now wants back the lands, wants the advance of US$4M forfeited, and another US$4M in interest. Tiwarie is also demanding $50M in damages for breach of the agreement. Tiwarie has also blocked Chu Hongbo from committing the lands to Citizens Bank for a debenture. According to the agreement that Tiwarie had with Chu Hongbo, the latter was very much aware at the time of its agreement that Sunset Lakes only paid $117M of the $458M that CH&PA charged. Yet the logger agreed that (continued on page 22)
Page 18
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Prank calls... It's not that funny
I
t comes in the middle of the night, when your bones are tired and your mind is hazy. Prank calls are not to be taken lightly. Every person who owns a phone can agree that prank calls can be annoying and sometimes just downright disrespectful. It doesn't matter if you know the person or not. The thought of someone trying to make a fool of you is enough to make you want to pop a vessel. However, prank calls in Guyana have surely evolved over the years; from anonymous callers making animal sounds and cruel
jokes to something dark and repulsive. Indeed, pranksters have also evolved; evolved into molesters; molesters that awaken you in the middle of the night requesting acts too grimy to mention for publication; molesters that, not just disturb you from your slumber, but the molesters that stain whatever you would have deemed as clean – this is a worldwide phenomenon. The Unknown, Private Caller Most pranksters hide their caller's ID, so the logical thing to do is just to ignore private calls but if you're a businessman,
journalist, doctor, police officer etc. – you will have to press that green button sometime or the other. In Guyana, it seems to have no bounds. Children, who are granted the opportunity to possess a phone just to keep in touch with their loved ones when they go to school, sometimes fall prey to pranksters. What is their aim? What do these pranksters hope to achieve? Is it just for the thrill? Or is there something psychologically wrong with these people? How do we put a lid on it? According to a source
Easter Monday kite-flying has become a national pastime - President Granger President David Granger, yesterday afternoon, took a walk through the National Park in Georgetown to meet with Guyanese who came out in their numbers to fly kites, picnic or just to relax with their families in what has become an Easter Monday tradition. In a brief comment to media operatives, the Head
of State said, “I come here every year because Guyanese of all ethnicities and all religions look forward to this ritual of flying kites on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Even though they may not be Christians it has now become a national pastime.” The President said that other Caribbean countries
are astonished at the scale in which Easter Monday kiteflying is done in Guyana and how it attracts children and older folks alike. Apart from the National Park, the No.63 Beach in Region Six, Hope Beach, Joe Vieira Park and along the seawall are also usually packed with kite-flyers on Easter Monday.
employed at one of Guyana's leading telephone service providers, calls are recorded daily and stored into a database. However, these calls are not stored for long periods of time so the best solution is to strike whilst the iron is hot. If one should be abused by a caller, the victim is required to make a formal complaint at the nearest police station. The police then provide the complainant with a document which is then taken and displayed to the representatives of the service. The matter is then further investigated. There is also another approach, where the complainant can write to the service provider requesting the call information. While the above mentioned processes would be seen as remedies, it can also be lengthy. With technology rapidly advancing throughout the globe, several services are available for download from
the many application stores (app stores) online. While some are free of cost, others require some sort of exchange. This would be seen as the best solution since some apps have been designed to “unhide the caller”, provides caller's location and sometimes, the name of the caller the phone would have been registered to. But there is a catch, some phones are not always compatible with these applications and those that are, are often expensive. Some service providers also offer a “show caller” feature. If a person calls you and the number pops up as Unknown or Private, the number is revealed. This feature is available for a few added dollars of course. Prank Calls to emergency hotlines Over the years, police ranks stationed at the various outposts throughout the country have become victims of severe abuse and
pranks. One can remember the many advertisements aired on television and the ma n y m e s s a g e s b e i n g circulated asking citizens not to indulge in prank 911 calls. Officers managing calls can also relate to instances where a breathless caller would contact the 911 hotline, officers would be deployed only to return sometime later with confused looks on their faces. A few years ago, the Government of Guyana requested that service providers equip themselves with the necessary devices to wiretap calls. It is still unclear if all these service providers have set such systems in place. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has also benefitted with the installation of these systems. The GPF were able to get a lead on some cases where telephones would have been the chosen mode in carrying out crimes.
Essequibo children revel in kite-flying
E
aster means a lot to children residing in the hinterland community of Mashabo, in Region Two. In fact, it is regarded as a strong family tradition. On Easter Monday, children were seen flying their kites on the community ground from around 9:00 hours. Interestingly, however, on Easter Sunday, the children flew "bird kites" while on Monday, they flew the stronger types of kites, the likes of the “board frame" and the "E-T kites" built by their fathers. Meanwhile, in the P o m e r o o n R i v e r, t h e children utilized the school playfields to fly their kites because those were the only open spaces available to them. On the Coast, traditionally, parents used to accompany their children to the beach to fly their kites. However, over the years this area has been evolving into a beach party fete where barbecues and fish fries have become an Easter Monday norm in the Region. Police of "G" Division under the supervision of Commander, Kevin Adonis, distributed kites to the children living in Lima Sands, while Puran Brothers Company made a similar donation to children living in the Charity community. (Yannason Duncan)
One happy kite flyer
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Page 19
Kaieteur News
Use LGE as opportunity to make things better - Granger tells Barticians
Residents queue up along the seawall at Golden Beach, Bartica, to greet President David Granger.
President David Granger greets some of the racers who participated in the Bartica Regatta water activities, at the Golden Beach, Bartica.
P
resident David G r a n g e r , yesterday, charged the new Town Council of Bartica, CuyuniMazaruni (Region Seven) to see their victory at the recently concluded Local Government Elections as an opportunity to collaborate with residents to enhance livelihoods. The President, who was at the time addressing patrons at Golden Beach, Bartica, at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Bartica Regatta, reiterated that the win for new Town Council should act as a catalyst to a green economy and a good life for all
residents. “When I think of Bartica, I think of environment, of employment, of development. I would like to see the new Town Council not celebrating a victory there is no victory here there is an opportunity to combine [efforts] with the other elements of Bartica; the business community, the social community, the government society; to move Bartica forward. “It is not a victory; it is an opportunity and let's use this opportunity over the next three years to make Bartica strong,” President Granger said. The Head of State said he
always believed that given its history, Bartica should have become a town. Now that this vision has been realised, the town must aim to become the pioneer of green efforts. “I have always felt that Bartica should be a town… Bartica is 185 years old. Bartica is the best laid out hinterland town and deserved to be made a town; one hundred years ago…We must endeavour to make Bartica clean, green and serene. Bartica deserves to lead. That is the charge I have given the Town Council. “We must abolish all of this Styrofoam; we must start planting, and we must have
solid waste management systems... Bartica must lead the way. What I want to see out of Bartica is a clean environment, economic development and also the empowerment of our citizens,” he said. With regard to Regatta, the President said that the region must aim to expand the fete to include other communities and villages. He also hoped that the Regatta would become a national event, in which every individual could participate. Meanwhile, Director General of Tourism in the M i n i s t r y o f
Telecommunications, Donald Sinclair, remarked that Bartica must be commended for overcoming the challenges and hosting a successful Regatta every year. “Congratulations must be given to the officials and other persons for sustaining this Bartica Regatta over the many years despite the economic and many other challenges,” he said. Mr. Donald Sinclair also revealed the Tourism Ministry's hope to see the event expanded and becoming a major tourist attraction. Regional Chairman,
Gordon Bradford, said that the Bartica Regatta has become a traditional fun day for every Bartician and continues to draw citizens from across the regions. President Granger declared the event open and led the 'Lap of Honour' to kick-off the day's proceedings. He was cheered on by First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams; and hundreds who turned up for the fete.
Page 20
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
14 years later…
Acid victim still seeking justice W
hen Abiola C l a r k e Wilson flew to Guyana from Canada 22 years ago it was to marry the love of her life, Neil Wilson. However, this day which was supposed to be the most joyous day of her life turned out tragically. She had envisioned tying the knot before her family and friend in a church. But instead she got married at a hospital. Wilson had travelled to Guyana on Boxing Day 2002 and commenced shopping the following morning for her big day. She recalled that on the evening of that day she noticed five persons, including her husband, arguing. Wilson said, “Keisha Stanton and her mother Merlyn Ramsey came to 84 New Settlers Street Mocha, East Bank Demerara arguing with my husband at his back door. I was standing at the front door with Dale Kate talking about why they were arguing.” But Keisha Stanton apparently begrudged Wilson and wanted to scar her permanently. With her mother as her biggest cheer leader, Stanton who had an
Abiola Clarke-Wilson enamel cup in her hand threw something on the bride to be. According to Wilson, “My husband came running towards me yelling come Abby pulling me inside closing the door…As I walk by the window I felt my skin burning… and I started screaming loudly, 'Oh Lord, why me Lord”. The woman recalled that she was rushed to the hospital by her husband. Wilson stated that she received first and second degree burns about her body. She was burnt to the right side face, including the eye. Burns to the right side neck; burns to the back extending
from the shoulder to the pelvic region; burns to the anterior chest wall including the right side breast among others. Her husband still went on with the wedding. The next morning he came with a pastor and his uncle to the hospital and they conducted the marriage rights. After his wife was discharged from the hospital he kept a ceremony in the Botanical Gardens for friends and family. Wilson has now been listed as disabled and would have to answer questions from her two children about her appearance. She expressed, “My life has
Abiola Clarke-Wilson displaying her scars completely changed forever .Every day I have to live with these scars and answer questions from strangers… it's like it just happen.” Wilson recounted that after she flew back to Canada in January 14, 2003 she consulted with a local Attorney. The woman was
later asked to attend court hearings in the Providence Magistrate's Court. But for s o m e r e a s o n , Wi l s o n stressed, Stanton would fail to appear in court. While admitting that she was not able to attend all court sessions, she said that she would ask a friend in Guyana
to do so. “Please remember with my degrees of burns I couldn't fly to every hearing because I would be in surgery or attending rehab. I am also raising two children. When I couldn't appear in court I would always asked a nurse friend to attend because she lived in Guyana,” she stated. She is calling for the case to be reopened by police and justice be served. Wilson claimed that her attacker is still residing in Mocha and working at a Supermarket in the village. Wilson cried, “But yet the police couldn't find her for the hearing. After all, the entire bill is being paid by me for flying to Guyana while this criminal is walking the streets.” Keisha Stanton, she added, has no respect for the law and is likely to hurt someone again. “My heart is very heavy thinking about the way I was treated by Guyana's justice system. For them it was like an insect bite. I had no problem with these people so why should Keisha Stanton commit such an offence and walk around like she's a hero,” Wilson ended.
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Guyanese woman guilty of murder in Cayman Island …stabbed daughter, 6, multiple times (CNS): A Grand Court judge has rejected the idea that Tamara Butler was hearing voices when she stabbed and killed her six-year-old daughter last year. They found her guilty of murder despite evidence from two psychiatrists that Butler was psychotic and suffering from schizophrenia. Tamara Butler hailed from Guyana. Justice Alastair Malcolm said the defence had failed to satisfy him that she had such an “abnormality of the mind” that she was not responsible for the murder. As the verdict was read to the court, Butler smirked, shrugged, and appeared completely unaware of the severity of the decision. There had never been any question that Bethany was killed by her mother, who, according to her husband, Lenford Butler, had been devoted to their daughter before the horrific events of October 27, 2014. The question was whether her mental condition was so impaired that her responsibility was diminished, making her guilty of manslaughter rather than murder. Tamara Butler stabbed her daughter multiple times with various knives and a machete. She then wrapped the child’s body in a comforter and placed it in the passenger seat of the family car and drove to East End. She was found by police on the beach staring into space, having tried to drown herself. She later told psychiatrists that God had told her to shave her own head and that of her child and kill her daughter because she was a demon. The court had also heard during the course of the trial of Butler’s erratic behaviour and serious mental health issues before the night of the killing. However, one psychiatrist, Dr. Wade Myers, from the United States, had suggested that Butler was not psychotic but suffering from a personality disorder and had killed her child as a jealous revenge attack on her husband. Despite the evidence from a leading local psychiatrist, Dr. Marc Lockhart, who is treating Butler, who diagnosed her with schizophrenia, as well as supporting evidence from Dr. Frank Knight, a psychiatrist from Jamaica, and the findings of Dr. Arline McGill from the Cayman Islands Hospital regarding Butler’s condition that night, Justice Malcolm appeared to accept the findings of the crown’s psychiatrist, Dr. Myers, who was described as an academic rather than a
Tamara Butler with daughter
practising physician. Although Malcolm fell short of accepting Myers’ claims that Butler had killed her child in order to hurt her husband, he was not convinced by the two psychiatrists called by the defence. The judge indicated that he did not believe that Butler was hearing voices because the first time she mentioned them was after she was charged with murder. He said he was persuaded by the findings of the American doctor, who had argued that the disorder diagnosed by Lockhart and others may wax and wane but it could not completely disappear and Butler is no longer taking regular medication. The judge did acknowledge that Butler had suffered another psychotic episode since she was remanded at HMP Fairbanks but that did not seem to persuade him that she was suffering from a schizophrenic disorder. Trevor Burke QC confirmed after the judge’s verdict that while his client had been found sane enough to be guilty of murder, she was clearly suffering from a serious psychiatric condition and would continue to be treated as such during her incarceration and that she remained a patient of Dr. Lockhart. Butler, who is the first person to be convicted of murder since the implementation of the Conditional Release Law, will be given a tariff for her life term. Submissions regarding the length of that tariff have been adjourned until reports and other information can be gathered. Once Butler has been given a period for her life sentence, that tariff will indicate the first time she will go before the new parole board,
now known as a Conditional Release Board, to consider her mental health and suitability for release, if ever. The nature of the crime makes it clear that Butler’s mental health condition, whatever her level of criminal responsibility, is such that she is in need of serious care but Cayman still does not have a suitable facility. Now that she has been convicted, she will no longer be able to attend the Mental Health Unit if she becomes psychotic and Lockhart will be forced to treat her where she is. Although Fairbanks prison has been condemned by UK prison inspectors and is utterly unsuited to dealing with inmates with serious mental health conditions, it is likely that Butler will remain there in solitary confinement until a new facility is built or she is released or she dies in prison. (Cayman News Service)
Page 21
Page 22
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
A criminal probe...
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
WANTED Hairdresser/sales representative needed for hair products. Must have a vehicle. Call: 231-4999; 6770480, email:irbcguy@gmail. com
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.
Bill clerk (girls) to work at grocery stall in Stabroek Market, experience is an asset. Call: 226-9800
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 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & 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 JADESCO offers: Architectural designs (house plans), 3D designs, construction, rehabilitation works and estimates. Call:612-0468; 649-3059
Housekeeper to cook for an Indian Family in Turkeyen, 6 days @ $15,000 weekly. Police clearance and reference required. Call: 655-6766 Operator, porters/labourers. Apply at Wieting & Richter Ltd. One experienced sales clerk to work at Curtains & Drapery. Call: 225-2224 Driver/porter @ Carmen’s Funeral Home, Little Diamond, E.B.D. Call: 2655010; 647-1776 Female domestic to work in Trinidad, must be educated and know to cook. Between 25-35 years.Call 1868-7551990 Contract cars and taxi drivers (salaries paid). Call: 2310002; 231-0316
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY -$19,000PERPOUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call: 225-9032;6472943;604-5198 ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 615-0146
PROPERTY FOR SALE 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 House & land fully furnished, 3 self contained rooms, 1 master bedroom, alarm systems, 9 cameras, 7 AC units. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda Call: 227-6817; 624-7341
Labrottie puppies (jet black) for sale @ $50,000/each; 5 weeks fully de-wormed & vaccinated. Call: 654-7683 One 20 tons dump, one truck tray, one blocks machine, one ZF gearbox. Call: 6179230/269-1406 (9 Stalls) 64 to 72 (47feet long x 7 feet wide) @ La Penitence Market Albouystown. Call: 663-1597; 218-4837 Leyland DAF55, Flatbed truck-in, excellent condition. Call to negotiate: 675-4287; 628-0016; 667-2536; 233-2383
Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities - Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property @ Lot 87 Albert Street- Call: 669- 8701
VACANCY One maid who knows Indian cooking and a helper/ cleaner. Call: 231-0734 Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. RA Soda: male & female workers, bond clerks, accountants, drivers, housekeeper, worker with mechanical idea. Call: 3302399/ 623-5920
CAR RENTAL EDUCATIONAL Private Custom Brokerage Certificate: training course29th March 2016. Register now! Call: 223-1506; 694-8322
FOR SALE
Live in domestic must know to cook and bake -$80,000 monthly. Call: 610-5043 Live in waitress must be able assist with lotto and top up$70,000. Call: 610-3974
PEN PAL Indian male is seeking female, age 30-33yrs. Write: M.D, 7475 Goreway DR #47 Mississauga on L4T 3T3 Canada.
SALON
1 Female cleaner apply @ Technical Services 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles. One domestic cleaner must be able to prepare vegetarian meal. Apply in person at Alabama Trading Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. 1 Male professional baker to work in St. Maarten. Please send resume margurita grocery@hotmail. com/ Contact: 1721-526-63610/ 1721-580-9232
FOR OUR ADVERTISING RATES - CALL US ON TEL: 226-8210
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Fielder & L-Touring Wagon, AT192, AE100, Funcargo, Tundra, Pickup 4X4 solid DEF, (Ducati 1098cc). Call: 644-5096; 697-1453
From page 14 he should pay the US$8M - or more than three and a half times the amount. Tiwarie, who was close to the previous administration, joined ranks with new David Granger administration last year, and began assisting with the Brickdam cleanup for the May 26, 2015 celebrations and inauguration. The CH&PA transaction in 2014 would be a mere indication of the amount of money at stake when it came to the lands on East Bank Demerara. CH&PA reportedly had no official notice that the company had been sold. Rather, Sunset Lakes was introduced as a joint venture partner. As a matter of fact, Tiwarie wanted the matter to be kept quiet. In September last year, he wrote a local newspaper that is closely associated to the ex-minister Ali and insisted that he is the still the owner of Sunset Lake. He said that he is currently constructing four homes and that two were almost complete. There was no mention of the 100 percent sale of shares of Sunset Lakes to Chu Hongbo in that article attributed to Tiwarie. A number of other developers, like BK, have reportedly sold their plots, but those transactions will be illegal as CH&PA's agreements are specific--the developers are to build homes, not sell the lands or sell house lots. CH&PAUNDER PRESSURE The Sunset Lakes transac-
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Smart choice Auto: 08&06 Premio, 08&06 Allion, 212, Runx, IST, Fielder. Call: 6523820; 665-4529 2005 SPACIO -$2.2M NEG, 2006 PREMIO-$2.3M NEG, NOAH & VOXY-$1.7M NEG. ALL VEHICLES FULLY LOADED&UNREGISTERED. CALL: 642-7295 1-Toyota AE100 Wagon. Call: 618-8040; 658-1272 1 Toyota RZ, year 2011, price$1.6M, 2 Recon Winch 17500lb. Owner migrating. Call:649-8214; 679-1415; 2332583; 674-8589 White Avensis 2006, 66k mileage, newly painted, rims, LED, good condition 2.8 million neg. Call: 692-3368
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Furnished salon @ 153 Middle Road La Penitence. Call: 665-3307 Executive Furnished 4 bedroom house@ Republic Park, EBD-Call 600-2031 Furnished 2 bedroom house@ Farm, EBD $150,000 per monthly neg. Call 6002031 Executive semi furnished 4 bedroom house, air condition, Lamaha GardensCall 600-2031
LAND FOR SALE
2 Bedrooms apartment in Eccles for rent, recently built, fully secured -$80,000 per month. Call: 641-0568
Eight (8) Acres farm land at Kuru Kururu with creek passing through - Call: 643-1861
Apartment for rent: 2 bedrooms @ 5th Avenue Diamond H/Scheme. Call: 683-5745 or 610-0652
tion would continue to raise alarming questions about CH&PA, which oversees the state's housing programmes. The deals, signed under the previous Government of the People's Progressive Party/Civic, have been angering state officials and citizens alike, for a simple reason. There are more than 25,000 applications for house lots in the database of the CH&PA. There are few plots of land for housing remaining in the East Demerara area. The new Government is under pressure to find new lands. Between 2011 and 2015, hundreds of acres of prime lands were parceled off and sold to private developers by CH&PA. Many of them breached conditions by failing to build within the stipulated time. Instead they were selling off lands as house lots, instead of constructing homes. CH&PA paid little attention to what the developers were doing. Shortly after the David Granger administration took office last year, senior housing officials paid surprise inspection visits to lands stretching from Eccles to Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara. These lands went to two dozen developers. The inspection team found little activities on the lands. The developers were hauled in for a meeting and given a February 2016 deadline to complete infrastructural works. However, not much progress has been made. There were questions itself about some of the developers. One of them is Luxury Realty, whose Director, Ravie Ramcharitar, is also a senior official in Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. That company is controlled by Dr. Ranjisinghi 'Bobby' Ramroop, the best friend of the ex-President Bharrat Jagdeo. Luxury Realty benefitted from 28.8 acres of prime lands at Providence, but has done little since receiving the lands in December 2013. Another person who benefitted was Mohamed 'Arafat' Qualander, one of the owners of Queensway, a Water Street business. In November 2011, three days before General Elections, he signed a deal with CH&PA for 35 acres of land behind Golden Grove. He paid $500,000 per acre. He is a close friend of former President, Donald Ramotar. At the time, CH&PA was headed by former PPP/C Minister of Housing, Irfaan Ali. Under his watch, the 'Remigrant' housing scheme was launched but its administration and who really received lands from the CH&PA are now being investigated. Reportedly, the current CH&PA Board of Directors, headed by City Mayor, Hamilton Green, has launched a number of investigations in several transactions by the entity.
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Gail Teixeira wants Eric Phillips removed from this position DEAR EDITOR, I write concerning a letter which was published in your newspaper of March 14, 2016 captioned “We slaved for Guyana; we must have our lands”by Mr. Eric Phillips on behalf of the Guyana Reparations Committee. Given the mandate of the Guyana Reparations Committee and what seems to be a dangerous evolution of it, coupled with the silence of the Government on this naked insult directed at Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples, I cannot allow this letter to go unanswered. In the first instance, the public may be interested in knowing what is the Guyana Reparations Committee, CARICOM Heads of Government made a decision in 2013 to pursue the former European colonial powers to make reparations for slavery and native (Indigenous) genocide, since their economic advancement and growth was predicated on Indigenous genocide and more than 200 years of slavery. Reparation for Indigenous Genocide also forms part of the mandate of the Guyana Reparations Committee which Mr. Eric Phillips heads. The draft Notice of Complaint by CARICOM which I have seen, indicates the following “The Member States of the Caribbean Community therefore invite the United Kingdom [[XX] other states] to enter into constructive dialogue and negotiations to identify specific and concrete ways in which these issues can be resolved to ensure that
the legacies of slavery and indigenous genocide are comprehensively addressed.” As CARICOM proceeded with preparing its case against the former colonial masters, all CARICOM countries were required to establish National Reparations Committees to research and to assist in compiling the CARICOM dossier. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport established the Guyana Reparations Committee in 2013 and Mr. Phillips was made its Chairperson. Guyana was supposed to submit its research compilation in 2014 to the CARICOM Reparations Commission which was coordinating and compiling the single CARICOM position. I am certain that had the then Government known that Eric Phillips was undermining the position of Indigenous Peoples, not only in Guyana but in the CARICOM region, who he was appointed to represent by virtue of the mandate of the Reparations Commission, his removal would have been swift. l wish to assure Mr. Phillips that we, Guyanese, have not forgotten these facts nor the “crime against humanity” that the former Europeans colonizers committed on African people throughout Guyana, the “New World,” and Africa by the slave trade and slavery. We support the CARICOM in opening up constructive dialogue with the former European coloniz-
ers and their present day governments on reparations and compensation for slavery, indigenous genocide and indentureship. He should be aware that the argument for reparation for slavery could stand on its own merit without denying the right of Amerindian peoples to their lands, or any other people in Guyana who have made this country their home. However, it is absolutely disingenuous, dangerous and divisive to now use that very argument to opportunistically draw twisted conclusions, in what appears to be an effort of dividing our country, and denying Indigenous Peoples what they rightfully deserve. Mr. Editor, what is even more disturbing about Phillips’ submission is that he chose to omit any aspect of the arguments being put forward on behalf of Indigenous Peoples by the CARICOM Reparations Commission. Mr. Phillips’ letter is replete with inaccuracies and contrived “facts.” He denies by exclusion that the PNC (now APNUAFC) that was in government close to three decades did not only fail to address the concerns of African land in the free villages/plantations purchased by the emancipated Africans, but, in fact, passed the worst piece of legislation which took away the last vestiges of these lands, especially the communal lands in those villages and placed them under the control of the newly
Royston King cannot deny that there is corruption/cronyism at City Hall DEAR EDITOR, The Town Clerk Royston King has chosen to rebut the criticisms he has been receiving from many, many persons by suggesting that some of the misanthropists have individual and hidden agendas. It is really disappointing that someone would see constructive criticism as something that is scheming and at odds with making our capital city a better place to live? Are we all expected to applaud when we see corrupt and decadent behavior? Indeed if there is any individual and hidden agendas it is coming from the senior management of City Hall. Is King denying that there is widespread nepotism at City Hall, with many sons, daughters and other relatives of senior officers and immediate past Councilors either employed with or given contracts for cleaning and other services at City Hall? The
names of these persons can be listed. Is he disagreeing with the fact that there are enormous acts of cronyism at the Council, with his close friend leading the way having been given most of the cleaning contracts for tens of millions of dollars each, without a tender process being pursued? Is this honourable gentleman rejecting that there is a splurge of spending at the Georgetown Municipality resulting in the overdraft limit of 300 million being reached and a lot of creditors owed? Is the Town Clerk refuting that the monthly wages bill has jumped from around 100 million a month a year ago, to 200 million a month presently, a huge and unnecessary wage bulge? Is King denying that he had his close cronies promoted and confirmed as one of the last acts of the past Council before they left? Can
he refute the reality that he hardly did anything to advance Georgetown’s interest when he held the position as Public Relations Officer? And now suddenly has awakened to the need to pay interest in the capital. And we can go on and on to various other unscrupulous and uncaring acts by him and his cabal. What Royston King is trying to do now is what many persons have done in the past when caught up in questionable ethics issues and that is to pull the wool over the eyes of the citizenry. But he should know that people are too smart for that. He needs to understand that he is a public servant and not a politician, and should therefore get on with the work that he is being paid for and expected to do, rather than engaging in all of these public relations stunts. James Mc Onnell
formed Regional Democratic Councils. He must now say to the people how this historic PNC legislation, Act No. 12 of 1980, still in existence, made the most and final doubýleedged contribution to the disposal/transfer to the state of these village lands! Mr. Phillips’ utterly outrageous claim that Amerindian Land Titling will be completed by October this year becomes even more sinister, when he is fully cognizant that one of the first ethno-political acts of this new Granger-led Administration was the dismissal of the UNDP accredited staff of the Amerindian GRIF Land Titling project as soon as it took office in May 2015. Thus the ALT was completely stalled for almost a year. We have also noted that the government refusal to acknowledge any wrong doing escaped sanctions by the UNDP. With one swoop of his pen Mr. Phillips denies that indigenous genocide occurred in Guyana before the advent of slavery and further he denies the historical, archeological and anthropological evidence that large groups of Amerindian peoples fled from
the coastland which they had inhabited to seek refuge in the far hinterland where they would be beyond the reach of the colonizers. Mr.Phillips’ reluctance to do research is understandable as the facts would bring his thesis crumbling to the ground. He ignores the hard work and efforts of thousands of Afro-Guyanese who own land and produce sugar, rice, livestock, provisions, as well as own small and medium businesses throughout this nation and contribute to the national economy. In fact, his thesis denigrates all Guyanese. But strange why was he happy to chair the Guyana Reparations Committee since 2013 for a government who he claims was responsible for such transfers of state wealth to its “ethnic support base” at the detriment of AfroGuyanese? The fact that Mr. Phillips has now changed the objective and mandate of the Committee and has unleashed an internal attack on other ethnic groups should concern everyone, more so, because he is now an Adviser to the President of Guyana.
It has been close to two weeks since this despicable letter—with a sequel—was published and there has been no reaction from the Government disassociating itself from it. It is therefore a case of urgency that the Government of Guyana, explain to the Guyanese people, more particularly the Indigenous people, whether this letter is a reflection of the APNUAFC government’s position and intention. It is also pellucidly clear that Eric Phillips cannot represent the descendants of those who suffered Indigenous genocide given his expressed opinions of negative bias against Indigenous peoples. Further he denigrates all ethnic groups in this multicultural and multi-ethnic nation with his jaundiced and prejudiced agenda to sow ethnic division and discord. The President must therefore remove him forthwith from this Committee. Indigenous Peoples and Guyana as a whole deserve no less. CARICOM deserves no less. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Chief Whip Parliamentary Opposition
From page 5 promised by the police that the perpetrators would be arrested and the residents would be called to court the following Tuesday. That was since October of last year. Can you imagine a police officer taking 2 hours to write a statement? We guess they want us to give up the case. The other thing they would do is ask you first “would you want to go to court?” as if to scare the residents off. When the music is being played, we have called the police but they have never reached to hear the loudness. The officers of the law
have asked us to call when the perpetrators are start the music which we did on many occasions but yet they were not apprehended. We know that noise nuisance is a serious crime so we cannot understand why the police are not doing anything about the issue. The perpetrators were spoken to by many residents in a peaceful manner to desist but they still continue, saying the residents would provoke them first. We want you to know that the noise nuisance created by this woman and her son has really become intolerable
and frustrating. The surprising thing is that they seem to find pleasure when they disturb others. Besides, for their overbearing behaviour, no one not even their relatives communicate with them anymore since they have created such animosity. This situation has truly reached its climax and residents are beyond frustrated. Maybe it’s a joke for the police at the Anna Regina police station and the councilors at the Anna Regina Town Council but innocent people are suffering. Resident of Middle Dam, Sparta (name withheld)
The police are refusing...
Crime has taken over...
From page 4 training, the CoI is moving at a pace, the Minister of Public Security – VP Ramjattan is hands-on and just recently the IDB awarded the Guyana Government a grant of US$15 Million, US$2.3 of which is directly for the purposes of prisoner rehabilitation and social integration services. Through this IDB’s Citizen Security Strengthening Project (CSSP), there should be established a rehabilitation and reintegration service and delivery training plan. Part of the loan will also be used to address prison overcrowding and alternatives to incarceration. If these are handled correctly, Guyana might well be on its way of no longer being known as a crime ridden nation. Guyana’s recidivism rate stands at 75% (meaning that 3 out of every 4 persons in prison were there before). If the monies assigned are attributed to the rehabilitation of prisoners and
if those released from prison can be placed in a program where they are helped with their “criminogenic” needs (drug addiction, job training, employment, education, etc), the residents and visitors can rest assured that crime would soon no longer be the order of the day in Guyana. The ball of prisoner rehabilitation is in the hands of this administration, history will say what they did with it. Pastor W. P. Jeffrey Practical Christianity Ministries
Page 24
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Revenge porn: Here’s what to do if someone posts your naked pictures online It seems like “revenge porn” is on the rise. The act defined as uploading or sharing intimate still or moving photography without consent, has grown rapidly along with social media and the immediacy of phone apps. However, the first case of revenge porn was made public in Guyana only last year although there have been many cases before. Only Saturday, a 26-yearold woman claimed that her pictures were posted on a local pornographic site, www.Guyanaporn.com by her husband when they split in 2013. In a vicious, targeted attack, her ex- husband set up a Facebook account with her details, and posted explicit, intimate sexual pictures they had taken together- then invited all of her friends and family to see them. The pictures and personal details were also posted on the site which has 1154 active members. It’s a shocking case, but it’s not the only one. In August last year, a Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) woman had claimed that a man who had befriended her on a social media website a few months earlier, downloaded pictures of her, photo-shopped them and posted the pictures to the local pornographic site. Thirty-three other women, including teenagers around Guyana have also reported that they too have had the same experience. Some say that their pictures were stolen from Facebook and Instagram and their faces were cropped and placed on nude bodies. One of the victims said that when she explained what had happened to her to a police friend, he told her that the Guyana Police Force does not have the resources to deal with these matters. “He said that it would be hard to track down the per-
A snapshot of the pornographic site sons who are posting these pictures without consent because these people are using fake names and email addresses and once they are using their phones, it will be difficult to track down the IP address,” the victim said. In her case, someone stole three of her Facebook pictures and posted them on the site along with her profile name. She believed that the person may have gotten access to her profile after she joined a few local sites where people discuss various issues such as politics, climate changes among other topics.
An Information Technology Administrator advises victims to do the following: The first priority for any victim is to have the images removed from the public domain-permanently. There’s a good chance, given that a former partner has been vengeful enough to upload the images, that they won’t be particularly forthcoming in response to your complaints. Therefore, requests must be made to the website(s) hosting the material. The sites are hosted in different countries including Russia. These sites have been created with the sole purpose of hosting revenge porn, so getting something taken down isn’t always easy. A trace on the domain (www.Guyanaporn.com) reveals that the name-server pointed to an IP address 5.199.161.33. The site is hosted in Lithuania. The IT expert said that the Guyana Police Force can contact the international company that is renting the domain and lodge a complaint. Also, immediately after any nude pictures are published, victims should make a police report. Persons have previously been charged for circulating nude pictures of women.
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Pakistan to launch paramilitary Iran vows to pursue missile program despite new U.S. sanctions crackdown after Easter bombing kills 70 (Reuters) - Iran will pursue its development of ballistic missiles despite the U.S. blacklisting of more Iranian companies linked to the program, a senior Revolutionary Guards commander said yesterday. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) test-fired several ballistic missiles this month, drawing condemnation from Western leaders who believe the tests violate a United Nations resolution. The U.S. Treasury Department blacklisted on Thursday two Iranian companies, cutting them off from international finance over their connection to the missile program. Washington had imposed similar sanctions on 11 businesses and individuals in January over a missile test carried out by the IRGC in October 2015. “Even if they build a wall around Iran, our missile program will not stop,” Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh,
commander of the IRGC’s aerospace arm, was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency. “They are trying to frighten our officials with sanctions and invasion. This fear is our biggest threat.” U.S. officials said Iran’s missile test would violate U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which calls on Iran not to conduct “any activity” related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. However, Washington said that a fresh missile test would not violate a July 2015 accord under which Iran has restricted its disputed nuclear program and won relief from U.N. and Western financial sanctions in return. That agreement between Iran and six world powers was endorsed in Resolution 2231. The Revolutionary Guards, Iran’s elite fighting and security force, maintains dozens of short and mediumrange ballistic missiles, the largest stock in the Middle
East. It says the missiles are solely for defensive use with conventional, non-nuclear warheads. President Hassan Rouhani, a pragmatic conservative, said on Sunday that boosting Iran’s defense capabilities is a “strategic policy” though Iran should take care not to provoke its enemies. “We will pursue any measure to boost our defense might and this is a strategic policy,” Rouhani was quoted as saying by Press TV in the first cabinet meeting in the new Persian year. “But at the same time we should remain vigilant so that Iran’s enemies do not find any excuse to take advantage of the situation.” Iran has denied U.S. accusations that it is acting “provocatively” with the missile tests, citing a long history of U.S. interventions in the Middle East - including a U.S.-engineered coup in Tehran in 1953 - and a right to self-defence.
Japan opens radar station close to disputed isles, drawing angry China response
Members of Japan’s Self Defence Force hold an opening ceremony of a new military base on the island of Yonaguni in the Okinawa prefecture, March 28, 2016. (REUTERS/KYODO) (Reuters) - Japan yesterday switched on a radar station in the East China Sea, giving it a permanent intelligence gathering post close to Taiwan and a group of islands disputed by Japan and China, drawing an angry response from Beijing. The new Self Defence Force base on the island of Yonaguni is at the western extreme of a string of Japanese islands in the East China Sea, 150 km (90 miles) south of the disputed islands known as the Senkaku islands in Japan and the Diaoyu in China. China has raised concerns with its neighbors and in the West with its assertive claim to most of the South China Sea where the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims. Japan has long
been mired in a territorial dispute with China over the East China Sea islands. “Until yesterday (Sunday), there was no coastal observation unit west of the main Okinawa island. It was a vacuum we needed to fill,” said Daigo Shiomitsu, a Ground Self Defence Force lieutenant colonel who commands the new base on Yonaguni. “It means we can keep watch on territory surrounding Japan and respond to all situations.” Shiomitsu yesterday attended a ceremony at the base with 160 military personnel and around 50 dignitaries. Construction of some buildings, which feature white walls and traditional Okinawan red-tiled roofs, is still unfinished.
The 30-sq-km (11-sq-mile) island is home to 1,500 people, who mostly raise cattle and grow sugar cane. The Self Defence Force contingent and family members will increase the population by a fifth. “This radar station is going to irritate China,” said Nozomu Yoshitomi, a professor at Nihon University and a retired major general in the Self Defence Force. In addition to being a listening post, the facility could be used a base for military operations in the region, he added. China’s defense ministry, in a s t a t e m e n t s e n t t o Reuters about the radar station, said the international community needed to be on high alert to Japan’s military expansion.
Forensic officers look for evidence at the site of a blast that happened outside a public park on Sunday, in Lahore, Pakistan. (REUTERS/MOHSIN RAZA) (Reuters) - Pakistan will launch a paramilitary crackdown on Islamist militants in Punjab, the country’s richest and most populous province, after an Easter Day bombing killed 70 people in the provincial capital Lahore, officials said on Monday. Sunday’s suicide bombing on a public park was claimed by the Pakistani Taliban’s Jamaat-ur-Ahrar faction, which once declared loyalty to Islamic State. The group said it was targeting Christians. The brutality of the attack, Jamaat-ur-Ahrar’s fifth bombing since December, reflects the movement’s attempts to raise its profile among Pakistan’s increasingly fractured Islamist militants. At least 29 children enjoying an Easter weekend outing were among those killed when the suicide bomber struck in a busy park in the eastern city of Lahore, the power base of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Pakistan is a majority-Muslim state but has a Christian population of more than two million. At the Vatican in Rome, Pope Francis condemned the attack as “hideous” and demanded that Pakistani authorities protect religious minorities. It was Pakistan’s deadliest attack since the December 2014 massacre of 134 school children at a military-run academy in the city of Peshawar that prompted a government crackdown on Islamist militancy. Security and government officials told Reuters that the decision had been made to launch a full-scale paramilitary Rangers operation, giv-
ing them powers to conduct raids and interrogate suspects in the same way as they have been in the southern city of Karachi for more than two years. The move, which has not yet been formally announced, represents the civilian government once again granting special powers to the military in order to fight Islamist militants. “The technicalities are yet to be worked out. There are some legal issues also with bringing in Rangers, but the military and government are on the same page,” said one senior security official, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to share details of the plan. One other military official and two government officials confirmed the decision on condition of anonymity. SOFT TARGETS Military spokesman Gen. Asim Bajwa said intelligence agencies, the army and Rangers had already launched several raids around Punjab following the attack, arresting an unspecified number of suspects and recovering arms caches. Prime Minister Sharif toured hospitals full of victims, promising to bring justice. “Our resolve as a nation and as a government is getting stronger and (the) coward enemy is trying for soft targets,” Sharif said, according to a statement from his office. Jamaat-ur-Ahrar claimed responsibility for the attack late on Sunday night and issued a direct challenge to the government. “The target was Christians,” a faction spokesman,
Ehsanullah Ehsan, said. “We want to send this message to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that we have entered Lahore.” Rescue services spokeswoman Deeba Shahnaz said at least 29 children, seven women and 34 men were killed and about 340 were wounded, with 25 in serious condition. Jamaat-ur-Ahrar has claimed responsibility for several big attacks since it split from the main Pakistani Taliban in 2014. While it mostly focuses attacks in its base of the northwestern Mohmand tribal area, it has previously carried out at least two major attacks in Lahore: one in 2015 that targeted two Christian churches and another at the Wagah border between India and Pakistan in late 2014. Pakistan has been plagued by militant violence since it joined a U.S.-led campaign against Islamist militancy after the Sept. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States. While the army, police, government and Western interests have been the prime targets of the Pakistani Taliban and their allies, Christians and other religious minorities have also been attacked. Security forces have killed and arrested hundreds of suspected militants under an earlier crackdown launched after the 2014 Peshawar school massacre. Militant violence eased, but groups retain the ability to launch devastating attacks. Most militants, like the Pakistani Taliban, are fighting to topple the government and introduce a strict interpretation of Islamic law.
Page 26
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Brazil debates economic cost Police: New leads in of corruption investigation Mahabir abduction
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) Brazil’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is raising hackles after warning that the mega Petrobras corruption probe is paralyzing essential sectors of the Brazilian economy, like oil and construction. Many saw Lula’s comments as a cynical attempt to deflect public attention from a two-year-old investigation, now that he has been implicated in the widening corruption scandal. But the issue he touched on, invoking the IMF as an authority, is at the centre of a growing debate among analysts and economists. At a meeting with union organizers in Sao Paulo on Wednesday, the former machinist said the probe was necessary but asked “whether it’s not possible to combat corruption without closing companies... and without causing unemployment.” According to the IMF, he said, a 2.5 percentage point contraction in Brazil’s economy was attributable “to the panic created in Brazilian society.” “When this is all over, there could be a lot of people in jail, but there could also be millions of unemployed,” he said. The IMF in January projected that the Brazilian economy would shrink by 3.5 percent this year, 2.5 percentage points more than its previous estimate. In 2015, the Brazilian economy sank 3.8 percent. According to GO Associados consultancy, the corruption probe has reduced Brazil’s GDP by about 3.6 percentage points, taking into account direct and indirect effects as well as the incomes
Balloons depicting Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as prisoners are sold during a protest in Sao Paulo, Brazil (AFP Photo/Nelson Almeida) of hundreds of thousands of employees. Unemployment, meanwhile, has continued to climb, rising to 8.2 percent in February compared to 5.8 percent a year earlier. Maurice Obstfeld, the IMF’s chief economist, attributed the worsening outlook to the “political configuration” of Brazil, with the “initiation of impeachment proceedings (against current President Dilma Rousseff) and the increasing scope of corruption allegations.” These factors, he said, “have undermined confidence, as has the continued deterioration of the fiscal outlook.” PROBE DID ‘NO DAMAGE’ Reaction to Lula’s statements has been swift. Antonio Cesar Bochenek, the president of the Association of Federal Judges of Brazil, said the corruption probe “has done no damage... and has allowed for the recovery of three
billion reais ($800 million), as well as goods and property.” “Impunity increases corruption and corruption causes disastrous damage to the economy,” Bochenek told newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo. For Jose Robalinho Cavalcanti, president of the National Association of Attorneys of the Republic, “Lula does himself a disfavor with such declarations because... he was in charge of running the country and knows very well that the economic situation is formed much more by economic policy than any investigation.” Brazil has been rocked by allegations that construction companies colluded to overbill state oil giant Petrobras by billions of dollars, bribing corrupt executives and politicians to look the other way. About a hundred people, from Petrobras executives to owners of Brazil’s largest construction companies, have already been convicted.
(Trinidad Guardian) Investigating officers say they have several leads in the abduction of school teacher Keston Mahabir and are hopeful of a breakthrough soon. Since Mahabir’s abduction, police have detained several people for questioning, including the mother of a 17-year-old girl and a female Venezuelan national. However, no one has been charged. Up to yesterday, they had not been able to determine a motive for the abduction and suspect it may just be “an eerie case of mistaken identity.” A close friend of Mahabir, who described the missing school teacher as fun, loving and caring, said close friends are holding prayers and hoping for his safe return. “We want to hear something positive in this. We are hoping that somebody would get a call and tell us where to find Kessy (as he is fondly called). This seems like a never ending nightmare and we really hope that the police gets whoever is behind Kessy’s abduction,” the friend said. Mahabir, head of Keston’s Educational Insti-
Abducted: Keston Mahabir tute of Pitiman Trace, Mc Bean Village, Couva was abducted from his home last Wednesday. CCTV footage shown exclusively on CNC3’s Crime Watch programme last Thursday, shows that at about 11.50 am, two women parked a silver vehicle near Mahabir’s house. Mahabir, who was wearing a red t-shirt, met the women and escorted them inside the house, where he conducts his classes. Two minutes later, two men are seen coming around the front of the house and entering the door. A few minutes later, one of the men is seen coming
back outside, this time, holding Mahabir around the neck and walking him back out to the front of the house. A few seconds later, the second man came out of the house and walked to the front behind the first man and Mahabir. The men were wearing bandanas covering their faces. Mahabir, a graduate of the University of T&T, has spent the last five years teaching Mathematics, English and Human and Social Biology at his private school. He is expected to take up a teaching position at the University of the West Indies in St Augustine from September.
OAS Permanent Council to discuss finance and banking services challenges WASHINGTON, USA — Caribbea n a n d C e n t r a l American states have recently been subject to worrying developments directly affecting their financial services sector that pose a threat to their economic growth and political stability, says Sir Ronald Sanders, chair of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) and ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda. This issue will therefore engage the attention of the Permanent Council at a special meeting tomorrow at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC. The Council will hear from three expert speakers – Bruce Zagaris of the firm B e r l i n e r, C o r c o r a n & Rowe; Ryan Pinder, member of Parliament and former financial services minister of The Bahamas; and Daniel J. Mitchell, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute – before participating in a dialogue on
the issue in keeping with the OAS’s responsibility to seek solutions to urgent problems that affect member states. According to the draft declaration to be approved by the special meeting, member states should join together in seeking a solution to urgent or critical problems that may aris e whenever the economic development or stability of any member state is seriously affected by conditions that cannot be remedied through the efforts of that state. Given the adverse impact of unsustainable debt burden on the development of member states, the de-risking strategies applied by global banks that threaten correspondent banking relations and the regulatory and economic challenges stemming from disparate tax information exchange standards throughout the hemisphere represent a
serious threat to the financial stability of member states. The severing of correspondent banking relationships with commercial banks in some member states by global banks in other member states poses a severe threat to economic growth, social development and political stability, especially of small economies, by curtailing their ability to participate in standard international financial and economic transactions. There is accordingly an urgent need for action to ensure that banking regulations designed to foster transparency and accountability and prevent money laundering and terrorism financing do not result in financial exclusion and economic decline of small economies by cutting their access to international correspondent banks.
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 27
Page 28
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Belgium seeks more information on ‘man in the hat’ (Reuters) - Belgian police issued a new appeal yesterday for information about a man caught on CCTV at Brussels airport with two others who are thought to have blown themselves up in the check-in area last Tuesday. It was not clear whether the appeal meant the man, thought to have had a bomb with him, was on the run or that police were simply trying to bolster their case that a suspect they have arrested and charged with “terrorist murder” is the man in the footage. Half a dozen people have been charged in Belgium following Tuesday’s attacks on the airport and the metro. The death toll rose to 35 on Monday, excluding the two airport bombers and a third who blew himself up on a rush-hour train. A Europe-wide hunt for suspects has revealed links with the network that attacked Paris last year and also foiled a new potential attack on France last week, officials said. But several suspects are reported to be still at large. The man in a light jacket seen pushing a trolley with a suitcase on it in the airport video footage, which was released on Monday along with the appeal, has been dubbed “the man in the hat”. He has been named by Belgian media as Faycal Cheffou, a self-styled freelance journalist. A source close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a suspect named by prosecutors only as Faycal C who had
been charged with attempted and actual terrorist murder, was believed to be Cheffou. But the source repeated that there had been no official identification, implying police may be having difficulties linking him to the figure captured on CCTV, who was wearing glasses and whose hat was pulled down over his face. The official police notice said they were seeking to formally identify the man, who is suspected of dumping his case containing a bomb, which did not go off, before running from the terminal. SUSPECTS AT LARGE Islamic State has claimed responsibility for both the Paris attacks and those in Brussels, which exposed weaknesses within intelligence services in Belgium, where some of the Paris attackers lived, as well as insufficient cooperation between security services across Europe. Dutch anti-terrorism police arrested a 32-year-old suspect on Sunday in Rotterdam on France’s request and Italy arrested an Algerian on Saturday suspected of having forged documents for militants linked to the Brussels and Paris attacks. Germany has also conducted raids but its Federal Criminal Police Office was among European security agencies still hunting for at least eight mostly French or Belgian suspects on the run in Syria or Europe, Die Welt am Sonntag newspaper said The U.S. State Depart-
ment confirmed four U.S. citizens were among victims of nine different nationalities, including Belgian. More than 300 people were injured, many of them seriously. Belgian Health Minister Maggie De Block said more of those wounded in the attacks had since died. “Four patients died in hospital. Medical teams did everything possible. Total victims: 35,” she said in a tweet. Other foreigners killed were British, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian and Swedish. The airport in Brussels remained closed on Monday and the metro was running a reduced service in the capital which was largely shuttered for the Easter holiday. There was no sign of the nationalist protesters who clashed with police on Sunday at the Brussels bourse, where mourners have gathered and placed candles, wreaths and messages for victims. The State Department has declined to name any of the four U.S. citizens killed, citing respect for their families. Two of them were identified by relatives as Justin and Stephanie Shults, residents of Belgium originally from Tennessee and Kentucky who were last seen dropping off her mother at the Brussels airport before the explosion in the check-in area. “The world lost two amazing people,” Justin Shults’ brother, Levi Sutton, said in a post on Twitter. “It’s not fair.”
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 29
Riders demand probe Grove beat Agricola in physical... into Demoitie death BRUSSELS (Reuters) The Association of Professional Cyclists (CPA) wants an urgent investigation into the death of Belgian Antoine Demoitie at the GentWevelgem classic race over the weekend. Demoitie’s Wanty-Gobert team said the rider was hit by a motorbike following a fall during a section of the race in northern France on Sunday and the 25-year-old died in hospital.
“The CPA and all the riders demand that light is shed on the accident immediately and the circumstances that caused it,” the association said in a statement on Monday. CPA president Gianni Bugno, who won the world road race title in 1991 and 1992, said it was a time of “sadness and sorrow”. “We do not want to make controversy but we have so much frustration inside,” added the Italian. “We have
always stated that the safety of the riders must come first. “I do not want to accuse anyone but make everyone reflect on the responsibility we have to ensure that a very high level of attention and awareness is maintained plus control over safety standards during each race,” Bugno said. Demoitie was appearing in his second world tour race, having made his first appearance in the E3 Harelbeke event in Belgium earlier in the week.
Atapattu, Prabodhani hold off... (From page 27) first ball. She scratched around for 4 off 9 balls, before she was bowled by seamer Marcia Letsoalo. Manodara was later sent to the hospital for a scan and it was found that she had no major injuries. Sri Lanka’s middle order folded as well and they man-
aged only 34 for 4 in their last five overs. Atapattu, however, had lifted Sri Lanka with a bevy of muscled slog sweeps. She hit 52 off 49 balls before she was run out by Marizanna Kapp, who was featuring in her 50th T20 international. She picked up two wickets and was comple-
mented by legspinner Suné Luus, who also scalped two wickets. But Attapattu’s act would prove to be too much for South Africa. Scores: Sri Lanka Women 114 for 7 (Atapattu 52, Kapp 2-17, Luus 2-20) beat South Africa Women 104 for 7 (Chetty 26, Prabodhani 213, Kumari 2-24) by 10 runs.
Tuesday March 29, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Keep your wits about you and be sure that you can trust those you confide in Not everyone will be pleased with your plans. Spend time with friends or family. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your health may have suffered due to neglect or abuse. Be careful when dealing with loved ones. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your partner may push buttons that infuriate you. You will be entertained and intrigued by the logic foreigners possess. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect. Be prepared to make compensations and adjustments. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Get ready to do some fancy footwork when it comes to taking care of your financial situation. Tell them to get out of the mess they are in and then you'll consider getting together with them. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Residential moves will also be advantageous for all concerned. Don't donate more than you can afford in order to impress others.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may be uncertain about some of your coworkers and your boss. Try not to get upset or angry without having all the facts. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Travel should be on your agenda. Compromise may be necessary. Emotionally, things may not run so smoothly. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Spend time by yourself to avoid any conflicts with family members. Emotionally you won't see things accurately. Renovations to your domestic scene will pay high rewards. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Digestive disorders will be a result of family squabbles. Spend time by yourself to avoid any conflicts with family members. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You may have been too agreeable to someone who just wanted to use you. Be careful not to hurt someone's feelings. You'd be wise to control your spending so your debts don't get out of hand. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Work quietly on your own. Accomplishment is yours if you direct yourself accordingly.
(From page 30) away the atmosphere was tense with the players from both teams not letting up; Agricola pressed forward for all their worth and even scored a goal that was disallowed from a set play in the final moments. In the first minute of added on time, Agricola’s Jermaine Frank was shown the dreaded red card for a fierce tackle against a Grove player to bring the curtains down on a match that will be the talking point beyond both villages for a long time to come. Grove prevailing 2-0 to take over the lead on the points table with their third win in as many matches, it was Agricola’s first defeat of the league. Sunday’s opening match saw a resilient and determined
Herstelling Raiders notching up their second win of the league, a solid 2-1 triumph over Soesdyke Falcons, the game could have easily ended by a much larger margin were it not for the soft misses especially by forward, Seon Alfred. It was Alfred who handed Herstelling the lead from the penalty spot in the 25th minute as the leaders dominated their Soesdyke opponents. The lead would double in the 46th minute when Ijaz Cave rose above the Soesdyke defence to head past goalkeeper John Steele, into the back of the nets; Alfred serving up the ball from a free kick about 25 yards out. Many were the opportunities created by Herstelling midfielders but Alfred was miserable with his finishing which almost cost them. Alvin
Adams was able to reduce the lead for Soesdyke in the 62nd minute. However, Herstelling were able to hold onto their slim advantage to walk away with full points and have already equaled their two wins from their debut season (2014) when they won two out of 13 matches to end with 9 points. Herstelling’s win over Soesdyke was their first in three meetings between the two sides as well as their first goals having conceded a total of 10 in their previous two encounters. League action will continue on Sunday at the same venue with two more matches. Kuru Kururu Warriors will come up against Mocha Champs in the first match at 13:30hrs with Agricola set to oppose the red hot Herstelling in the feature clash.
(From page 28) in the third quarter, prompting a Houston timeout. At that po i n t , t h e R o c k e t s were 2-for-20 from 3point range. Solomon Hill played only 15:30 but had two points, five
rebounds, three assists and two steals and played excellent defense against the Rockets’ perimeter players. George scored 16 firsthalf points, and C.J. Miles came off the bench to add 10, helping Indiana seize a 57-47 lead through 24 minutes. The Rockets, who got 10 first-half points from Harden, missed 14 of their first 15 attempts from 3-point range and finished the opening two
quarters 2-for-18 from long distance. Indiana led 30-24 after the first quarter and increased its advantage to 55-42 on a Mahinmi layup with 1:41 remaining in the half before the Rockets closed within 10 at intermission. The Pacers outshot the Rockets 47.1 percent to 44.7 percent overall, and Indiana posted a 50-44 rebounding edge.
Pacers hang on to beat...
Rebel Maintains... (From page 31) club’s courts and play other members at their levels. I see this as a pillar for club development.” Sheltez B delivered a clinical win against NonPariel Tennis Club 5 points to 2, while Sheltez A lost by a slim margin against Le Ressouvenir 3 points to 4. The two teams for Sheltez squared off and the Team A emerged as the winner of the meet. Rebel has also gained good standing by defeating Sheltez B, Roriama and Le Ressouvenir. Matches conclude this week at Harry Panday’s court and Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club.
Page 30
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
World Twenty20 2016: South Africa thrash Sri Lanka in Delhi BBC Sport - South Africa thrashed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in their final game at the World Twenty20. Sri Lanka reached 45-0 but then lost all 10 wickets for 75 runs to slip to 120 all out, with Kyle Abbott, Aaron Phangiso and Farhaan Behardien each taking two wickets. Hashim Amla made an unbeaten 56 in a comfortable chase that an AB de Villiers six completed with 14 deliveries to spare. Both teams had already been eliminated. Sorry Sri Lanka This was a horrible display from Sri Lanka, who arrived as the defending champions but leave having beaten only Afghanistan. Without injured captain Angelo Mathews, their middle-order fell apart after openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Dinesh Chandimal raced to 45 in 28 balls. Left-arm spinner Phangiso was hit for 10 runs from the first two balls he bowled but, later in the same over, bowled both Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne in successive deliveries. As South Africa took pace off the ball, Sri Lanka perished
Aaron Phangiso celebrates a wicket with his team-mates, South Africa v Sri Lanka, World T20 2016, Group 1, Delhi, March 28, 2016 ©Getty Images to poor shots and sloppy running. Late pride for the Proteas South Africa finish third in Group 1, behind West Indies and England, who play India and New Zealand respectively in the semi-finals. They may feel unfortunate not to be in the last four - their two defeats both came in the last over of the match - but this was the most comfortable of victories.
Amla was never troubled, occasionally taking boundaries behind square on the off side or wristily whipping through the leg, including one six. He lost Quinton de Kock to a direct hit from Dilshan and Faf du Plessis to an erroneous lbw, the latter allowing De Villiers to arrive and belt the winning runs off a Suranga Lakmal full toss. Scores: Sri Lanka 120 (19.3 overs): Dilshan 36*
NBS Second Division 40-Over Cricket Competition in Berbice
Six-wicket hauls for Sinclair and Dilchand, half centuries for Bristol and Gibson -Courtland and Bush Lot through to Semi-finals Courtland All Stars and Bush Lot Challengers are the two other clubs to join Rose Hall Town Bakewell and Tucber Park in the semi-finals of the New Building Society Second Division 40-Over Cricket Competition in Berbice after they both won their respective quarter-finals comfortably. At D’Edward, Courtland All Star defeated defending champions D’Edward by 8 wickets. D’Edward, choosing to bat first made 153 all out in 33.3 Overs with Altaf Khan 58 (7 fours) being the chief contributor. Doing the damage for Courtland was pacer Keon Sinclair with 6 for 41, while Michael Cummings took 2 for 19. When Courtland replied they lost Kelon Sinclair for 2 at 6 for 1, but after that Jamal Cort and former Guyana Under-19 all-rounder Leroy
Keon Sinclair
Joel Dilchand
Bristol put on 68 for the 2nd wicket before Cort fell for 31. From then it was Bristol and former Berbice cricketer Eon Gibson and together they saw Courtland All Star comfortably home, putting on between them 84 in an unbroken 3rd wicket stand to see their team to 154 for 2 in 23-Overs. Over at the Bush Lot
Ground in West Berbice, Bush Lot Challengers beat Edinburgh by 59 runs. The Challengers choosing to bat first were restricted to just 120 all out in 20.3 overs with Asgar Matabeek contributing 32. Bowling for Edinburgh, Jerome Andrews took 5 for 28 from 7 Overs and Compton Hope 4 for 22. When Edinburgh replied, they never looked like they could overhaul the target and were bowled out for 61 in 20.3 Overs. Bowling for the Challengers, former Berbice youth spinner Joel Dilchand took 6 for 10 from 5.3 Overs and Brandon Balkissoon 2 for 16.
(40), Abbott 2-14; South Africa 122-2 (17.4 overs): Amla 56* (52); South Africa win by eight wickets.
Hashim Amla pulls the ball through midwicket, South Africa v Sri Lanka, World T20 2016, Group 1, Delhi, March 28, 2016 ©Getty Images
BCB gets help for First Division cricket from North America supporters The good work of the BCB despite the challenges faced continues to market itself in North American. The latest being assistance in the form of US$700 which will go directly to assist with the upcoming two/three days cricket competition for first division teams in Berbice. The board has fulfilled its mandate over the years by securing sponsorship for all competitions except the longer version and that is because of the high cost. The board is cognizant of the fact of the importance of this type of competition which will help to strengthen the mental and physical toughness of cricketers. As a result, the BCB decided to seek multiple sponsorship. Already on board is the National Sports Commission who has contributed $250,000. The board has also raised funds as part of their contribution to the tournament. With the competition expected to commence shortly, the BCB appeals to corporate Guyana, private individuals, former cricketers/administrators and friends overseas to do likewise and come on board. The preliminary rounds within the zones will be of two days duration. The knockout stage will be of three days duration. Coming on board are two friends, Chris Lachman and Rajendra Ramlall, both Guyanese now living in the USA. Lachman, formerly from Hampshire, is well known for his continued support to his former school, Lower Corentyne Secondary, while
Chris Lachman (left) hands over sponsorship cheque to Dalchand Rambharose, rep of the BCB. Ramlall was from Better Hope, East Coast, Demerara. At a simple presentation done in Richmond Hill, Queens, NY, Lachman said that he and Ramlall feel blessed, privileged, happy and thankful that they can contribute to make a difference in the lives of young people in their country of birth, Berbice in particular. He added that Berbice has a rich cricket history and he is a keen follower of the progress of the board and players. He is impressed with the non-stop cricket organised by the BCB and was pleased with the progress of the two latest stars produced in the names of winning West Indies under-19 captain Shimron Hetmyer and Gudakesh Motie. Lachman continued by saying that he will seek more
help for the BCB from others in the Diaspora. Receiving the cheque on behalf of the BCB was Dalchand Rambharose, a friend of Berbice cricket and current sponsor of the Inter Secondary Schools Under-15 tourney for schools in Berbice. He thanked Lachman and Ramlall for their kind gesture and for still thinking of giving back to their land of birth. He said as a sponsor, he is confident that their investment is a wise one and will surely go a long way in helping the further development of the young cricketers in Berbice. The competition will be named “BCB/National Sports Commission/Friends of Berbice Two/Three First Division Cricket”. The board takes this opportunity to say thanks to Director of Sports, Christopher Jones.
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Corona Beer Beach Soccer League
Warriors 2 Attention Family 2; Silver Bullets 3 Hi Stars 0
This Silver Bullets player seeks to control the ball before passing to his teammate in their match against Hi Stars at the Kuru Kururu Beach Soccer ground. When the inaugural Corona Beer sponsored Guyana Beach Football Association, Beach Soccer League continued on Sunday night last at the Kuru Kururu ground, the home team contesting the feature match stormed back from
two goals down to draw with Attention Family. Royal Youths were awarded full points as their opponent, Cool Runnings failed to put in an appearance, while the opening match produced a 30 win for Silver Bullets over
Hi Stars. The Warriors found themselves trailing Attention Family by two goals before the end of the first 12 minute period, three periods of 12 minutes constituting the full match. Putting Attention Fam-
Three Jamaicans shatter Carifta records on day two Jamaica Observer - Defending champions Jamaica were well on their way to retaining their hold on the Carifta Games title for a 32nd straight year as they continued to pile up medals on the second day of the 45th staging at the National Stadium in St George’s, Grenada. Among the many winners were three record-breakers in the individual events with Zico Campbell in the Under-18 Boys’ shot put and intermediate hurdlers Shiann Salmon and Shannon Kalawan. The Under-18 Boys’ 4x100m team also set a new record 40.40 seconds as they swept all four sprint relays. At the end of the day, Jamaica was well set on a preliminary count of 55 medals — 26 gold, 18 silver and 11 bronze — well ahead of Barbados with three gold, five silver and five bronze and Guadeloupe with three gold and a bronze. Bahamas, with two gold in their 18 medals and Trinidad and Tobago also with two gold in their 10 medals, were fourth and fifth, respectively. The championships ended yesterday with two more sessions covering 25 more finals. All three medallists in the Boys’ Under-18 shot put were over the old mark of 17.56m, set last year by Trinidad’s Isaiah Taylor, with Jamaica’s Campbell winning with 17.75m on his first attempt. His teammate Rasheeda Downer took silver at 17.57m with Barbados’s Triston Gibbons taking bronze with
Kuru Kururu Warriors Cordel Johnson (ball at feet) takes the attack to Attention Family on Sunday night at the Kuru Kururu Beach Soccer ground. ily ahead were Donovan Francis and Tyrone Lewis. Kuru Kururu could have taken the lead early but their most potent striker, Cordel Johnson missed a few sitters. With the pressure building as the minutes ticked away, Johnson made amends by finally hitting the back of the nets. The home side ensured that the fans which came out braving the dew to support did not walk away disappointed as Ryan Scott also rocked the nets to ensure the game ended 2 2 . Silver Bullets recorded their
5th win of the league compliments of a 3-1 win over Hi Stars. Orchestrating the win were Gishawn Freeman who blasted a double, the other came off the foot of Damian
W i l l i a m s . Three more matches will be contested tomorrow evening at the Bayrock Beach Soccer Park, Bayrock, Linden. (Franklin Wilson)
South Africa v Sri Lanka, Women’s World T20, Group A, Bangalore
Atapattu, Prabodhani hold off SA Women
Aiko Jones in action for Jamaica in the Girls’ Under-18 discus at the Carifta Games at the Grenada National Stadium. Jones threw a personal best 46.49 metres to win gold. (Jamaica Observer) 16.64m. Salmon and Kalawan also went under the old marks in the Girls’ Under-18 and Under-20 400m hurdles, respectively, as Jamaica won three of the four gold medals on offer. Salmon, who was winning her second gold medal after she won the high jump on Saturday, clocked 59.50 seconds to win the event ahead of teammate Sanique Walker and Gabriel Gibson of The Bahamas. Kalawan dominated the field with an impressive 56.29 seconds to beat The Bahamas’ Lakeisha Warner (58.14 seconds), with Jamaica’s
Nicolee Foster in third place in 58.34 seconds. Timor Barrett won the Under-20 Boys’ 400m hurdles in 51.39 seconds, holding off Barbados’s Rivaldo Leacock (52.07 seconds) in the home stretch, while Jauavney James faded down the stretch and finished third in 53.56 seconds. Barbados won the gold and silver in the Boys’ Under18 final as Jamaica’s Dashinelle Dyer took the bronze with 54.5 seconds. Rasheeme Griffith won with 52.22 seconds, ahead of his compatriot Nathan Ferguson, who clocked 53.56 seconds.
ESPNCRICINFO - Sri Lanka Women captain Chamari Atapattu willed and rallied her side to a 10-run victory over South Africa Women in Bangalore, in the last league match of the Women’s World T20. Atapattu first stroked her maiden T20 international fifty, which contained five fours and one six, even as her partners floundered. Atapattu then brought herself into the attack in the defence of 114 and her second over resulted in two wickets. She ran to her right from her follow through, collected a wristy push from Trisha Chetty and flung a throw to the keeper to catch Dane van Niekerk short for 24 off 31 balls. Three balls later, Atapattu pinned her opposite number Mignon du Preez plumb in front for a duck, a wicket the Sri Lanka captain identified as the “turning point” at the post match-presentation. Left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari and leftarm pacer Udeshika Prabodhani backed Atapattu to squeeze South Africa’s middle order. From 50 for 0, South Africa slumped to 102 for 7. Du Preez said: “We had a good start and we lost it in the middle order. We have been struggling with it in the
Chamari Atapattu celebrates a wicket her team-mate, South Africa v Sri Lanka, Women’s World T20 2016, Group A, Bangalore, March 28, 2016 ©IDI/Getty Images whole tournament. It was also poor execution from us. This is something we need to work on and come back stronger.” Prabodhani speared in full balls and defended 12 off the last over, including taking the wicket of Chloe Tryon for 11 off 10 balls. Though it was just a dead rubber, Sri Lanka toasted the win, and got into
a huddle only after wicketkeeper-batsman Dilani Manodara had joined the team from the dug out; Prasadani Weerakkody had taken the gloves in the absence of Manodara. Manodara was pinged on the grille of the helmet when she missed a scoop off her (Continued on page 25)
Page 32
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Newly imported King’s Night of Jumbo Jet stable impressive at Guyana Cup Fever Recently imported into Guyana and with two famous names in one, King’s Night of the Jumbo Jet Racing Stable made sure that its entry into the racing arena was more that royal. Running in the feature C and lower event at the Guyana Cup Fever Horserace meet held at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast, Berbice in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Business entity. Running in the feature C1 and lower event King’s Night was a class act as it won its first race on Guyana soil in convincing fashion. It was a good day for horseracing and with Director of Sports Christopher Jones among the thousands in attendance as the Guyana Cup Fever 2016 came off with a bang. It was one of the biggest races for the year and as expected the crowd was packed into the venue as the Jumbo Jet Stable used the opportunity to return to championship honours with three wins. Imported from the USA
about three weeks ago and classified D1 and running with a weight of 116 pounds the animal wasted no time in sending a message that it is the new King of the track and will be a force to be reckoned with. As the animals came out of the starting gates and raced away, it was Just Call Me Boss ahead as the field quickly bunched up. Newly imported Because I Say So of the Elcock stable with Paul Delph on the hunch soon took over and was setting a blistering pace down the backstretch as the animals were really eating up the track in record time with the others in hot pursuit. Around the far turn the animals were starting to bunch up again with King’s Night ridden by the wily Randolph Richmond starting to make its move with Just Call Me Boss lurking. CP Got Even and Plum Plum were way down in the pack as the top class field were giving fans their money’s worth. As the animals hit the home stretch King’s Night was beginning to crown them as the finishers like CP Got
Even and Plum were now finding their range. The animal however, showed speed and with Richmond urging it on it galloped home to run down the homestretch for the win ahead of Just Call Me Boss. CP Got Even known for its distance running and strong finishes came through with a late surge for third ahead of another strong finisher Plum Plum. Release The Beast of the Jumbo Jet stable with Richmond in control was released with fury as it ate up its opponents for a gate to pole, to take away the $600,000 and trophy in the 1400M race for F1 and Lower horses ahead of Right To Rule, Keep On Swinging and Precise Gold. The G2 and lower event saw Big Man Boss of the Habibulla stable with Richmond in control run like a ‘big man’ and showed who is boss for a gate to pole victory. The win was worth $400,000 and trophy as Settling Star, Midnight Blues and Its MY Choice had no choice but to settle for the lower placings. The1100M event for three
Pacers hang on to beat Rockets Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - The odd adventure that has been the Indiana Pacers’ 2015-2016 season was on display in all of its glory — or inconsistency — on Sunday night in Bankers Life Fieldhouse against the equally up-and-down Houston Rockets. Indiana (39-34), which lost on the road to 21-win Brooklyn on Saturday night, led Houston (36-38) by 16 points in the third quarter, trailed by five in the fourth quarter and somehow found a method to scratch out a 104101 victory. Paul George had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Monta Ellis added 23 points and Ian Mahinmi had 19 points and 11 rebounds as the Pacers held on. Houston’s Jason Terry had a chance to force overtime, but his 3-point attempt from the right wing was short as time expired. Mahinmi and Ellis each made one of two free throws in the final 11.7 seconds to help the Pacers hold onto the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Indiana is a half-game ahead of the eighth-place Detroit Pistons, who were idle Sunday. James Harden poured in 34 points to lead the Rockets (36-38). Trevor Ariza had 14
Release The Beast winning a close race from Right To Rule, Keep On Swinging and Precise Gold in the F1 and lower race. years old West Indies bred animals with S400, 000 available was taken by Red Rocket of the Jumbo Jet stable ahead of Firing Line and Isn’t She charming. The locally bred Caricom Dancer off the Elcock stable with Paul Delph guiding it through showed its opponents a clean pair of heels in its first race on the track for a convincing victory in the 1100M event for three year old Guyana bred maiden
horses, beating out She’s in Control and Golden Kiss for the $300,000 and trophy on offer. Sweet Return with Paul Delph of the Elcock Stable had a good time on the track as it ran away with the $250,000 and trophy in the H3 and lower race in a close finish from Cat Messiah, She’s So Special and Mary Ann. Liquid Lion of the Baker stable with Wills won the J1 and lower race as Party Time,
Massaquita Dr and Little failed to come to the party. The top jockey on show was Randolph Richmond with the Jumbo Jet stable being the champion sable, they received awards compliments of the Trophy Stall. The Police led by Assistant Superintendent Paul Harvey and women Sergeants Cynthia Kelly and Tracy Benjamin Long were commended for doing a splendid job. (Samuel Whyte)
Scotibank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup
Guyana face home team Puerto Rico with an eye on victory
Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) holds the ball while Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) defends in the first half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports) points, and Dwight Howard added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Houston remains a halfgame ahead of Dallas for eighth place in the Western Conference playoff race after the Mavericks also lost Sunday. The Rockets, who lost their fourth consecutive road game, made only 7 of 33 shots from 3-point range (21.2 percent), their second-worst 3point shooting percentage this season. A George 3-pointer gave the Pacers a 93-92 lead with 5:43 to play, but Harden answered immediately, pushing
the Rockets back in front at 94-93. Indiana clung to an 8179 lead through three quarters, but baskets from Harden and Ariza gave the Rockets an 83-81 advantage with 10:44 to go. Trailing by 16, Houston used a 16-3 run to close to within 70-67 on a Harden 3pointer with 4:08 remaining in the third quarter. Another Harden 3-pointer tied it at 70 with 3:32 left in the quarter. A 3-pointer from George Hill and a steal and layup from Ellis extended the Indiana lead to 67-51 with 7:57 remaining (Continued on page 25)
Following their 7-0 win over the visiting Anguilla which also lost to Puerto Rico 4-0 in Anguilla on Saturday last, Guyana’s Golden Jaguars and home team Puerto Rico will square off today in the final Group 5 match in the first round of the 2016/17 Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup. The Golden Jaguars had romped to victory on account of goals from Dwight Peters (11’, 30’); Christopher Nurse (14’); Neil Danns (34’); Gregory Richardson (45’); Vurlon Mills (47’) and Marcel Barrington (65’) and will be going all out to take care of the home team today to finish at the top of the group. The Guyanese, with seven overseas based
players in their 18-man squad Neil Danns (England), Samuel Cox (England), Walter Moore (Finland); Brandon Beresford (USA), Christopher Nurse (Puerto Rico), Marcel Barrington (England) and Anthony Whyte (Canada) will fancy their chances of posting their second win in as many matches along with the local based Jaguars. While they were not tested at all by the young Anguilla side that is in rebuilding mode, the Golden Jaguars will face a much stiffer opponent this evening and will have to bring their A game to the field. When Puerto Rico had faced Anguilla at the Raymond E. Guishard Technical Center - The Valley,
Juan Coca netted a double (16’, 53’) while there were one each for Jorge Rivera (42’) and Olvin Ortiz (62’). The home team will hope that their fans can propel them to victory but will find that the Golden Jaguars will be roaring at them from the opening whistle. Guyana Team - Alex Murray, Solomon Austin, Kester Jacobs, Eon Alleyne, Vurlon Mills, Gregory Richardson, Devon Millington, Tischard Joseph, Dwight Peters, Quincy Adams, Walter Moore, Samuel Cox, Christopher Nurse, Neil Danns, Brandon Beresford, Anthony Whyte, Clive Nobrega, Marcel Barrington. (Franklin Wilson)
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 33
Buddy’s Pool Hall hosts Heineken Boxer Dennis Thomas injured UEFA Champions League Promotion in motor vehicle accident Maybe out of action for months
Michael Sparrock (second, left) collects his UEFA Champions League-branded football from Heineken Brand Manager, Robert Hiscock Saturday at Buddy’s Pool Hall, Sheriff Street while Heineken models share the moment. Heineken’s Union of European Football A s s o c i a t i o n s ( U E FA ) Champions League (UCL) 2016 Promotion continued Saturday night at Buddy’s Pool Hall, Sheriff Street, with Michael Sparrock beating St. Lucian, Ken Aldonza in a Foosball Competition. Sparrock won a limited edition Heineken UEFAbranded football. “This promotion is nice and competitive and the game is fun; it is short and sweet,” Sparrock told Kaieteur Sport, adding that he has played the game before. Foosball is a table assimilation of football, and is part of Heineken’s UEFA
Series Promotion at selected bars across Guyana. Aldonza related that he likes his prize. He was given a Heineken-branded wrist watch for his efforts against Sparrock. Heineken Brand Manager, Robert Hiscock made the presentation and told Kaieteur Sport that the brand will continue to support Guyanese passion for football in this Golden Jubilee year. Heineken is a longstanding sponsor of the Champions League, and as such, the brand has kicked off its annual local promotion in Guyana. Customers across Guyana
will have the chance to take part in similar Foosball competitions at various bars in the Heineken UCL Series where they will be given the opportunity to enjoy the final s t a g e s o f t h e U E FA Champions League. This year’s promotion, like last year’s, will end with a massive final viewing party at a date to be announced. It promises to be biggest one to-date given the special significance of Guyana’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations. The purchase of buckets of Heineken gives participants the chance to win prizes in the Foosball competition.
He recently competed in the AMBC Olympic Boxing Qualifier in Buenos Aires, Argentina and has represented Guyana at a number of international and regional tournaments, but Dennis Thomas will be out of the sport for a few months as a result of a motor vehicle accident on Camp Street yesterday. Information reaching Kaieteur Sport indicated that Thomas, who is a policeman, was the pillion rider on a motorcycle when it came into contact with a motorcar and he received an injury to his foot. While details of the actual accident and extent of his injuries were sketchy, it was disclosed that he
received a deep gash to his heel which required a number of stitches and will certainly put him out of the sport from several months. Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle confirmed the incident occurred and said he was saddened at this development, wishing Thomas a speedy recovery. Ninvalle said he spoke to Thomas who told him about the extent of his injuries and said he will be out for a bit. Thomas and Desmond Amsterdam failed to advance to represent Guyana at the Rio Olympics after failing in their quest to qualify for the games at the qualifier in Argentina just a few weeks
Dennis Thomas ago. They were hopeful of another attempt to qualify but yesterday’s unfortunate accident would definitely rule the talented Thomas out.
Ex-Honduran president pleads guilty in U.S. in FIFA bribery case NEW YORK (Reuters) Former Honduran President Rafael Callejas pleaded guilty on Monday to U.S. charges that he participated in bribery schemes that are under investigation at soccer’s world governing body FIFA. Callejas, 72, who is also the former president of the Honduran soccer federation, entered the guilty plea in federal court in Brooklyn, New York to charges of racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy. The defendant is one of 42 individuals and entities charged as part of a U.S. investigation into more than
$200 million in bribes and kickbacks sought and received by soccer officials for marketing and broadcast rights to tournaments and matches. The investigation has sent Switzerland-based FIFA and other soccer governing bodies into an unprecedented crisis. Gianni Infantino, F I FA’s n e w l y e l e c t e d president, has vowed to lead the organization out of years of scandal. To date, 14 people and two corporate entities have pleaded guilty in the U.S. case. Callejas, who served as Honduran president from
1990 through 1994, was indicted in December and came voluntarily to the United States later that month to face the charges. The indictment alleged that Callejas took bribes from Media World, an affiliate of Spain’s Imagina Group, so that the company could obtain media and marketing rights for qualifier matches ahead of the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments. Callejas, who was also a member of FIFA’s marketing and television committee, has been under house arrest as part of a $4 million bail package.
Page 34
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 29, 2016
EBFA / Ralph Green U-11 League
Craig School and Grove Hi Tech draw, both into semis Craig Primary School and Grove Hi Tech battled to an exciting 0-0 draw in the final group match of the Ralph Green sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-11 League Saturday at the Grove Playfield. With the result, Grove topped Group A with four points having won their first match against Diamond 2-1; the latter ending with a single point from their two matches, Craig securing 2 points from two draws to end as the second placed team in the group. Watched by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Development Officer, Lyndon France, both teams played fearless football even as they are learning the fundamentals of the sport. Both had flashes of dominance during the 30 minutes of exchanges, chances were created at either end but no goals materalised. The match ended in drenching rain and when the final whistle was sounded by Referee Shawn
STAG / EBFA Senior League Defending champions Grove Hi Tech were tested to the hilt and responded like true champions when they defeated old rivals Agricola Red Triangle 2-0 despite finishing the game with 8 men after receiving red cards in a physical battle; Agricola ended with 10 players. Sunday’s other match saw Herstelling Raiders recording their biggest victory yet in a short but encouraging history so far when they upstaged Soesdyke Falcons 2-1. The Grove / Agricola match-up was anticipated to be a close and fierce battle but ended up being a physical tug-o-war almost resembling a rugby match at times with players on either side, rather than allowing the ball to do the work, going after each other bodily. The first half did not produce any goals but the defending champions created the better opportunities but couldn’t break the deadlock even as Agricola also had some good moments. The final 45 minutes turned out to be the
Craig School and Grove Hi Tech engaged in battle yesterday at the Grove Playfield. Singh, players from both teams threw their hands up in the air suggesting that the time was too short as they were now enjoying themselves. However, both teams have booked a place in the semi finals which will be contested on Saturday at the s a m e v e n u e . Debutants Friendship topped
Group B and are the only team to have registered two wins, defeating defending champions Herstelling Raiders 2-0, while gaining a walk over from Agricola, the other team advancing from the group as Herstelling missed the cut. Agricola showed up for battle on Saturday last and registered a 3-1 over
Herstelling, the largest margin of victory by any team in the competition so far. A new champion will be crowned on April 9 but first
teams will collide in what is anticipated to be two exciting semi final encounters this Saturday. Grove Hi Tech will come
against Agricola Red Triangle in the first match at 10:15hrs with the second semi final between Friendship All Stars and Craig School.
Grove beat Agricola in physical battle as 4 red cards issued; Herstelling edge Soesdyke most rugged in a very long time and possibly the worst ever on the East Bank as the Referee was forced to issue four red cards. Three minutes into the second half, Grove found themselves a man down when Mervin Squires received a straight red card. This set back seemed to wake up the home team which took the lead four minutes later from the penalty spot; the goal was scored by Lloyd Matthews in the 52nd minute. Both sides are capable of playing much more attractive football but did not look the part on the day. Grove were further placed on the back foot when Lloyd Matthews who was booked in the 56th minute received his second yellow card in the 66th minute much the disgust of his teammates and Coach who felt that the referee was a bit too harsh and was not being fair in his treatment of the Grove players. Ten minutes after being reduced to 9 men, Grove doubled their advantage
Grove Hi Tech (green & black) taking the attack to Agricola Red Triangle in their match on Sunday March 28th. when Delroy Dodson finished on the end of an enterprising run, slotting the ball past the otherwise efficient Agricola custodian, Shemroy Kendall. All along the referee and his assistants had their work cut out as they were required to be ever so vigilant with the many off the ball and other infringements that were being committed. Three minutes after
increasing their advantage, Grove Hi Tech again found themselves in red card zone when Denzil Crawford was booked for his second
offence in the 79th minute; they were now down to 8 players. But even with this sort of advantage, Agricola could
not find a way to penetrate let alone score against the home team. As the minutes ticked (Continued on page 25)
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 35
Linden’s Bright shines on Rebel Maintains slim lead debut at CARIFTA Games -Hooper leaps to silver, bronze for Foster
Chantoba Bright L i n d e n ’s C h a n t o b a Bright shone at the 2016 CARIFTA Games last weekend in Grenada when she sprang to a silver medal on her national debut for Guyana in the Under-18 Girls Long Jump with an impressive best jump of 5.94 metres.
Daniel Williams Reports reaching Kaieteur Sport informed that Natricia Hooper also leaped to a silver medal in the Girls Under-20 Triple Jump event with 12.19m. Andrea Foster won her second CARIFTA Games bronze medal in the 1500m U-20 race. Foster had also won
Andrea Foster
Natricia Hooper
bronze back in 2012. Up to Kaieteur Sport press time yesterday, those were the three medals Guyana had won from its 16-member team in Grenada. Daniel Williams had put in a silver medal performance in the U-18 Boys 400m in 48.08
seconds. However, Williams’ medal was taken from him after he was disqualified for running on the line in his lane. Williams and Bright are team-mates from Linden under the guidance of their Coach, former sprinter, Johnny Gravesande.
On left players from Sheltez B and Non Pariel Tennis Club. R e b e l Te n n i s C l u b currently sits at the top of the leader-board with 3 wins of t h e G u y a n a Te n n i s Association’s (GLTA’s) interclub competition. Roriama and Sheltez A are neck and neck in a tie for second with both securing 2 meet wins. The GLTA is
satisfied with the support club members have given as spectators to support their teams, especially Roriama Club. President of the Association, Grace McCalman, stated, “It is heartening to see clubs get an opportunity to play on other (Continued on page 25)
Sans Souci are Regal Sports/ Trophy Stall T20 champs in Wakenaam By Zaheer Mohamed Sans Souci SC defeated Sans Souci Jaguars SC by five wickets and one over to spare to win the final of the Regal Sports/Trophy Stall T20 tournament which was contested on Sunday in Wakenaam. Sans Souci Jaguars recovered from a slow start to post a respectable 153-8 after they were inserted at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground in Good Success. Imran Mohamed and Dellon Osbourne added 27 for the opening stand before Mohamed was caught o ff p a c e r R o o p n a r i n e Persaud for nine. Fast bowler Seon Venture then trapped Osbourne lbw for 15 while Nokta Moses was taken off Persaud for six leaving the Jaguars at 46-3. It then became 60-4 when Prem Persaud was removed by off-spinner Devon Rambarran for three, but Derwin Daniells and Rashaad Rasheed steadied the innings somewhat with level-headed batting a decent pitch as they added 47 for the fifth wicket. Daniels hit two fours and a similar number of sixes, while Rasheed hit one four and
Members of the victorious Sans Souci team with officials of the WCC and sponsors. three maximums; both fell for 29. Zameer Zaman hammered two fours and two sixes in scoring 22 in the latter stages of the innings as left arm spinner Tavin Budram picked up 3-14 off 3.4 overs and Persaud 3-43 from four. Wayne Osbourne and Devon Rambarran got Sans Souci reply off to a flier with an opening stand of 61 in five overs. Osbourne was severe on anything too full or short; he smashed medium pacer Siddique Mohamed to the cover boundary before pulling him over the fine leg
for a maximum. Rambarran gradually grew in confidence and ably rotated the strike. H o w e v e r, t e e n a g e spinner Beesham Moses provided the Jaguars with the breakthrough by removing Osbourne for 37 inclusive of six fours and one six before Roopnarine Persaud was run out for 11 at 81-2. Beesham Moses and pacer Derwin Daniells applied the breaks on the scoring with steady bowling. Daniells uprooted the stumps of Rambarran for 26
(2x4, 1x6) before Dellon Osbourne sent back for Tavin Budram for 14 while Kumar Persaud was stumped off Nokta Moses for five. The Jaguars fielding let them down somewhat and with Sans Souci needing 51 from 30 deliveries and their s k i p p e r S e o n Ve n t u r e expertly guided them home with an unbeaten 40 which contained two fours and three sixes. Skipper Siddique Mohamed opted to reintroduce himself into the attack; the decision backfired as he conceded 19 from
his final over. Venture then had little hiccups thereafter as Sans Souci finished on 154-5. Cleon Venture was unbeaten on six as Daniells, Beesham Moses, Dellon Osbourne and Nokta Moses had one wicket each. Seon Venture was named man-of the-match while Wayne Osbourne (207 runs) and Tavin Budram were the tournament’s best batsman and bowler respectively; both teams received trophies. Chairman of the
Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t Committee (WCC) Keval Persaud congratulated both teams and thanked the sponsors. He noted the importance of sponsorship and called on the business community to support the game on the island. In an invited comment Mahendra Hardyal of Regal Sports which is a member of the Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, said he is pleased to give assistance to the WCC and lauded them for a successful tournament.
t r o Sp
Newly imported King’s Night of Jumbo Jet stable impressive at Guyana Cup Fever
Director of Sports Christopher Jones and Banks DIH Manager Mortimer Stewart presents the beautiful Banks DIH trophy to Rose Mohammed of the Jumbo Jet stable for King’s Night victory.
All alone King’s Night of the Jumbo Jet stable with Randolph Richmond wins the feature C and lower event.
Guyana face home team Puerto Rico with an eye on victory Scotibank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup
The Golden Jaguars starting X1 against Anguilla on March 22 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210