Kaieteur News

Saturday Edition

Online readership yesterday 121,558

March 14, 2015 - Vol. 9 No. 11 - Price $80 kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Website:http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Tensions rise as Venezuela issues 'subtle threat' to Guyana

Exxon Mobil oil drilling…

- Govt. tells neighbour to be respectful; committed to diplomatic solutions

Gunmen shoot Eccles businessman, escape with $2.3M Taxi driver stabbed 15 times in foiled carjacking “No retreat!

Surgeons No surrender!” slash foetus as demonstration for during slain anti-govt protestor C-section Crum-Ewing grows

DAY 3 AT AG’S OFFICE

P. 19

Top Cop’s appointment unconstitutional - Granger Post mortem reveals...

Assassination of anti-government protestor…

Three bullets to head, two to chest

Kaieteur News

Page 02

Saturday March 14, 2015

Giftland Mall nears completion, but no opening date set

The facility under construction

D

o z e n s o f business outlets including fast f o o d restaurants, clothing lines, electronic stores and entertainment facilities are expected to be housed in the highly anticipated Giftland Mall for which an official opening date is yet to be set.

During a visit to the under construction complex, yesterday, Kaieteur News observed employees buffering floors, painting walls and placing fixtures on the building while some of the stores seemed to be

awaiting personalized touches; well ahead of an expected opening later this y ear. Chairman of the Company, Roy Beepat, said that the final touches to the building will be completed

by May. The 120 entities that are expected to occupy the building will determine the commissioning date.

Beepat made the announcement yesterday, during a media conference, to welcome one of its tenants, Topaz Jewelry. This is the first Jewellery operation that has been enlisted to be housed at the

mall. Beepat claimed that there is still room for one more such entity.

The mega-mall, owned by Giftland OfficeMax, has been under construction since 2009. Beepat told reporters that the company has 100 per cent applications to fill its walls but thus far 70 per cent has been filled.

“Because of the ambience we are seeking to create, we are of course very selective in choosing the concessionaires who have applied for space,” the CEO said.

The Chairman boasted that the US$30M mega mall will be offering Guyanese options that can rival those in Caribbean regions; opening 363 days a year except for Christmas Day and Good Friday.

In addition to 18 concessions in the food court, the mall will be offering eight screens in the movie theater facility…all 3D ready, exciting news for Guyanese who were without any modern movie theaters for years until Princess Hotel, at Providence, opened its two screens.

To this end, Beepat told reporters that Guyanese can expect US$3.5M “worth in sound and screen and technology.”

The Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara project is costing the retail store millions of dollars to build and will offer restaurants, clothing store and even more than the current Water Street Giftland operations has at the moment. It will be one of the biggest investments by

locals in recent times.

Several prominent franchises like Camex Restaurants Inc. which controls Church’s Chicken, Mario’s Pizza and Quiznos, are already on board.

The mega-mall will boast escalators, elevators with parking for over 600 cars. A bus terminal and valet parking will also be available.

Beepat said that over 2000 Guyanese will gain direct employment once the mall is open. As such, management will host a career fair soon to push its recruitment drive at its Tu r k e y e n , E a s t C o a s t Demerara location. This investment is being touted as the single most significant social development by a private company in Guyana.

He also assured that the Mall will feature ATM machines from all of the banks, as they gear towards going “paperless” since every concessioner will be accepting debit and credit cards. He said they will also be featuring a bus terminal, taxi stands, car parking.

Saturday March 14, 2015

Page 03

Kaieteur News

“No retreat! No surrender!” as demonstration for slain anti-govt protestor Crum-Ewing grows There was an outpouring of support for the third consecutive day as demonstrators from all walks of life gathered in front of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, in defiance of the killers of political activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing.

With their placards raised and chanting “No retreat! No surrender!” the demonstrators all expressed the regret that Courtney had stood alone outside the Attorney General’s Chambers for so long, fighting against injustice and lawlessness.

They however declared that not only was CrumEwing’s memory immortalized as a freedom fighter, but that they were all willing to go the distance to ensure that the fallen activist received justice.

Crum-Ewing, 40, was gunned down last Tuesday night at Third Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) while reportedly urging residents, by way of bullhorn, to vote against the ruling party in the upcoming General and Regional Elections on May 11.

Crum-Ewing first started protesting and attracting media attention last year after an explosive phone conversation between a s en io r K aieteu r N ew s reporter and Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, surfaced.

The phone call, in which Nandlall warned the reporter to get out of Kaieteur News because of a possible attack, prompted Crum-Ewing to start several days of protest i n f r o n t o f t h e A G ’s Carmichael Street office.

Crum-Ewing had said

that his protests were because Nandlall’s actions as the Chief Legal Officer were shameful.

On the front lines of the protest yesterday was social activist Freddie Kissoon, who hailed Courtney as someone who joined a long list of freedom fighters and heroes who were killed.

“We all are free today because the people who were beheaded after the 1823 slave rebellion, just yards from here (Parade Ground), coming up to Walter Rodney, coming up to Courtney Crum- Ewing… we have been able to use that memory as a university of history and learning to keep the fire burning. If there weren’t the slave rebellions, Walter Rodney or Ronald Waddell, we would have been struggling in a vacuum but what we have done; we have taken the spirit and the bodies of these people to educate the next generations and to galvanize the present one.”

He also made the point that Crum-Ewing was slain while using his bullhorn. He stated that the assassination was intended to send a message that the gun was mightier than the voice, but noted that the amount of demonstrators on the street was proof that this is not so “After a time you have to say enough is enough. No one wants to be a hero. I have a family. But you can’t look over your shoulder every day. You just have to do what you have to do. I will stand my ground but I am not going to do their work for them. I am not going to be in a lonely corner at two in the morning smoking a cigarette.” The activist said,

Protestors when asked if he was fearful for his life.

Also present was Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall. The businessman made it clear that he was not only fighting for justice for Crum-Ewing, but will continue to fight for justice for all who have suffered discrimination. He also made it clear that regardless of the Party in office, he would always fight against lawlessness, dishonesty and lack of transparency.

“Courtney Crum Ewing s t o o d f o r d e m o c r a c y, accountability, free speech and transparency. He was fighting an administration that we are not seeing that from. All he wanted was a better Guyana. Everyone should protest, to have justice.”

“I see this killing as a message. And I want to make it clear. No amount of bullets will move not only me, but

many righteous Guyanese.”

Alliance for Change (AFC) Executive member Cathy Hughes also condemned the killing, as well as the taped conversation that was the first cause of Crum-Ewing’s demonstrations, stating that the comments made on the tape was gross disrespect to women. She also encouraged more people to come out and stand up for what was right.

“Whoever perpetuated this crime wants to frighten us. It’s for Guyanese to feel

they have to go into their houses and cower. And I say to the people of Guyana, for too long most people have sat down and done nothing.

“One protestor stated that he would often pass CrumEwing on the road with his flag and would greet him.

While he expressed regret that he did not stand with Courtney in his lifetime, he said it would be an even greater indictment on society if people did not stand up for him now. He stated that while social media has been overwhelmed with condemnations of the killing, what is even more important is people coming out to join the cause.

“Courtney was shot in the back of his head… c o w a r d l y. T h i s w h o l e country needs to be taken back from the evil that has come over it. I came out here with my flag as a symbol of this country. It is a tribute to him, to keep the flag flying.”

A mother of five stated that she was heartbroken at the cold blooded way in which Crum-Ewing was murdered. According to her, she was on the streets to be in solidarity with him.

“He was out here all by himself. I did not know the exact place at the time, or I would have come along with

him some way or another.

But I saw it in the papers.

One man is gone, but more will rise.”

Other protestors described the killing as a gross disrespect to all Guyanese, stating that everyone had a right to their own opinion.

“As a father of children, I am out here, because yesterday (Tuesday) it was Crum-Ewing, today it could be me, tomorrow it could be you. And all voices, regardless of political affiliation, need to be heard!” Another protestor said.

The funeral for Courtney Crum-Ewing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18.

The body will be at his residence, 189 Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara for viewing from 10:0011:00hrs and from 12:00 to 14:00 at the Parade Ground.

Service will be held at Heavenly Light Full Gospel Church at Cooper Street, Albouystown at 2:30. The body will then be taken to Le Repentir cemetery for burial.

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Where your views make the news

Page 5

Letters... Where your views make the news

Courtney Crum, GNYC The PPP regime and the right to be heard imploded at Babu Jaan

DEAR EDITOR, Regardless of which political party they choose to support, no citizen deserves to be executed while proclaiming and informing others of their right to have a say in determining the future of our nation.

To stand with a bullhorn in defence of our collective civil liberties is noble and to do it alone demonstrates almost unimaginable commitment to the democratic principles and ideals which underpin our current thrust into the future.

Society owes Courtney Crum-Ewing and those who have gone before, a debt none of us can ever repay but we can try. Courtney CrumEwing was outspoken, an activist, a national athlete, a model student and a defender of our nation. Are these not the qualities we aspire to instill in each new generation of youth meant to drive us forward? We can try to repay that debt by living the dream Courtney died believing in.

As a member and trustee of the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) these are some of my personal thoughts. I feel it pertinent to speak out about the escalating series of personal and public attacks aimed at targeting members of the GNYC. I seek assurances on behalf of the GNYC from all our political leaders that this is not the kind of future they intend to craft for the Guyana of tomorrow.

No citizen young or young at heart deserves to be shot dead campaigning for the Guyana they believe in.

We must remind ourselves everyone has a right to political affiliation, no matter what party that affiliation is to.

It is disturbing to note that despite being nonpartisan and partnering with GECOM to engage all youth on voter education without regard for party affiliation, the youth council has come under such vicious attack from a government which has come out many times to say it supports youth development and one which sent representation to the Council’s launch.

Unlike the youth arms of political parties, the GNYC as an organization has no political affiliation and members are free to support any party of their choice. Our agenda is youth focused and youth-driven, and membership is sanctioned for attempting to bring a party agenda to the table.

I contend that precisely because of the organization’s refusal to pick a side, it is being seen as a soft target. I question the repeated moves to publish not only the names but also places of work of those involved in the council.

Why did the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport support the launch of the GNYC only to condemn it around election time in a rising chorus of spontaneous criticism emanating from a single source but seemingly disparate?

Even after attacking the GNYC’s intended ‘Vote Like A Boss’ Campaign it was shocking to then open Facebook to find that the

From page 4 there is a direct correlation between low levels of economic performance and ethnic insecurity. The rising tide of prosperity now enjoyed by all Guyanese, regardless of race or colour, is the best antidote against ethnic insecurity.

The PPP/C therefore has no interest whatsoever in fanning the flames of racism in our country. Indeed, as a party, and party in government, it has always prided itself on the role it has played and still continues to play in

bringing the various races and interest groups in the exciting task of nation-building.

Hydar Ally

Guyana has come...

hashtag for a non-partisan campaign which volunteer youth have poured hours into crafting has been appropriated by the critics of the council. While there is no licence on words, there is time, effort and intention to consider.

I appeal to all parties contesting the upcoming election, to not subvert the fundamental intention of a campaign aimed at educating youth about their right to vote with partisan overtones and associations. With far bigger budgets and paid staff, I would hope all players refrain from using the council’s work for political mileage.

Youth gearing up to support the Guyana National Youth Council’s ‘Vote Like A Boss’ campaign are understandably nervous on hearing of the murder of Courtney Crum-Ewing while he too was encouraging others to vote.

I am calling on the youth of Guyana to be fearless, because our voices matter, especially when it comes to matters of state. I long for a day when we as a nation are able to see our way past party politics, race, classicism and discrimination, and embrace Courtney’s vision of an equitable society that guarantees justice for all.

Someone pulled the trigger, someone drove the car, someone parked it and someone knows what secrets are yet to be revealed.

My only wish is that someone comes forward, that Courtney may in death have some of the justice he spent the last years of his life campaigning so fervently for.

My deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones.

Francis Bailey Guyana National Youth Council

DEAR EDITOR, In this election the people have to wrestle with the iconic question: “Who to vote for?” as they contemplate what to do. How should the citizens go about answering this question? What criteria should they use?

We believe that they should examine the track record of the Jagdeo/Ramotar regime during the past 15 years because this election, like all other elections, is about the incumbent PPP government which must be held accountable for its failed policies.

If the people believe that the PPP Government has been effective, visionary and true to its manifesto promises, then they should re-elect them. If they do not believe this, they should vote them out of office on May 11.

Elections are about the performance of the minority PPP government and only partially about the majority APNU/AFC opposition.

Has the PPP been an effective government? Did the people’s lives improve under the PPP?

The answer is that the PPP has not fulfilled any of the campaign promises in the manifesto which were based upon seven developmental strategies - People-centred development; Poverty eradication within five years; National and personal security; Expansion of the Information and communication technology sector; Diversification of the economy; Good, transparent and accountable governance and people participation; and Sound foreign policy. It is important to note that corruption was barely mentioned in the manifesto.

After 15 years in power, there has been no poverty eradication under the Jagdeo/ Ramotar regime. In fact, poverty has increased and the gap between the rich and the poor has widened.

Poverty has and continues to plague the country, so much so that it has become the breeding ground for criminals by the dozens, daily, and the PPP has not found any solution to the problem. There are no apprenticeships and

technical and vocational training for the urban youth; neither are there jobs for them.

As it stands now, there have been no National Security goals or strategies to combat crime. The government’s strategy has been to blame the opposition for the high crime rate and for Mr. Rohee’s failure to solve the problem. One has to just check the statistics for murders and armed robberies and they will be shocked. The first 70 days of 2015 have produced 28 murders and 14 are unsolved.

The PPP’s pursuit of the national and personal security goal has lacked focus and direction. Mr. Rohee has been in charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs since September 2006 and still does not have any ideas of his own to solve crime, except for telling the nation that crime is reducing. Nothing is further from the truth.

Guyanese have endured enough threats, abuse, vulgarity and corruption from the PPP with no disciplinary action and no indictments.

Continued on page 23

Page 6

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 14, 2015

New Auditor General likely under coalition gov’t – APNU+AFC The country’s current Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, over the years has not only received criticisms from the political opposition but also from members of the government who sat on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the Tenth Parliament.

While there were many, the complaints from both sides of the House pointed to the weaknesses of the AG’s office, instances which reflected a lack of competence and lack of clarity in even the actual notes of the AG’s report.

The Opposition has also expressed that the AG has been too lenient when exposing areas of suspected corruption and even when exercising the powers of his office to implement sanctions on various Ministries and state entities.

Many of these would have been tardy when dealing with matters he raised which were based on breaches of the financial laws of the country.

It is for the aforementioned and more that A Partnership for National

Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) posit that the tenure of Sharma under the coalition government, would definitely be on shaky grounds.

AFC Youth Representative, Trevor Williams, who sat on the Public Accounts Committee during the life of the Tenth Parliament, said that he does not want the partnership’s position to be misconstrued to be that they are against Sharma, “simply because we don’t like him.”

“The post of Auditor General is a profound one as he sits as the keeper, the guardian of the national purse. Both sides of the House had agreed on several occasions that his work was not satisfactory. He was found wanting many, many times. He was not resolute and stern and failed to crack the proverbial whip when agencies failed to adhere to his recommendations.

“This has nothing to do with just wanting to victimize Sharma but strictly because we feel that he has performed

APNU Shadow Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge

AFC Youth Representative, Trevor Williams

poorly over the years. We need a stronger and more experienced person holding that post.

“We will ensure that the bar is raised and that the person who goes to that post is an independent thinker and one who is opposed to corruption. Having such an AG is undoubtedly part and

parcel of the plan to restore Guyana to a place of accountability and transparency,” Williams said.

Also expressing similar sentiments was Carl Greenidge who headed the PAC prior to Parliament being dissolved.

Greenidge, the APNU Shadow Minister of Finance

said that while he wants to stay clear of commenting on the personality of the individual, the partnership would want the AG’s office strengthened and would want to see a greater range of skills there as well as guarantee the reinforcement of his independence.

Asked if it is likely that the AG would be selected from Civil Society, he said, “That is also very possible, and even in a number of other areas.”

Given the sensitivity of the post, he said, too, that he would not want to take it upon himself to say that the AG will specifically come from civil society.

The former Finance Minister said that the biggest problem might be finding an AG who is going to act independently and fearlessly on a number of things, apart from being technically competent.

“He must be one who recognizes that if things are not being done properly he will be upfront in that fight,” Greenidge added.

The opposition member was then asked whether he finds any of these qualities in Sharma. However, Greenidge did not comment directly.

“We have had some tough, meticulous and brave

AGs but others who were quite the opposite and an APNU+AFC government will not encourage the latter.”

Greenidge, who had spoken on several occasions on the deficiencies of the public accounting system, sought to remind of some of the weaknesses of the AG’s office and how those had a bearing on how effectively the PAC was able to carry out its functions.

The politician said that the problems of appointing a strong AG as well as confirmation of staff are well known and documented issues.

He specified that one troubling matter remains the appointment of the Finance Minister’s wife to the most senior technical position in the Department of Audit, even though the Minister was being criticized for his role in key agencies that have to be audited.

The results of the May 11 polls, he opined, will level the playing field in that regard.

Greenidge said too that the absence of supportive enforcement or oversight mechanisms as in the case of procurement, where there is no Public Procurement Commission was a problem that also affected the works of the PAC.

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Brazil gov’t backers take to streets ahead of Sunday protests (Reuters) Progovernment labour unions and social activists staged demonstrations across Brazil yesterday in support of President Dilma Rousseff, two days before mass protests planned against her administration.

The leftist leader is facing a wave of discontent over a stalling economy, unpopular budget cuts and a corruption scandal over kickbacks at oil company Petrobras that has implicated four dozen politicians from her governing coalition.

The protests tomorrow could deepen a political crisis that has given rise to calls for Rousseff’s impeachment for not stopping a multibilliondollar graft racket at Petroleo Brasileiro SA, as the oil company is formally called.

Police said 12,000 people blocked one of the main avenues of Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, marching in the rain to defend the state-run oil company and worker rights threatened by belttightening economic policies.

“Dilma stays,” read banners held by followers of the Communist Party of Brazil, a Rousseff coalition member.

Turnout in other Brazilian cities was smaller. There were no reports of violence.

The demonstrators had contradictory slogans. While backing Rousseff, the unions called for the withdrawal of her measures to reduce unemployment and pension benefits, part of an austerity

plan she has had to adopt to bridge a gaping fiscal deficit and save Brazil from a credit rating downgrade.

“We are here to defend Petrobras from the thieving,” said Ronaldo dos Santos, a security guard who was driven seven hours in a convoy of 30 buses from the oil industry city of Campos to join the demonstration in Rio de Janeiro.

He said the corruption at Petrobras began before the Worker’s Party took power in 2003.

The graft investigation has led to 40 indictments on racketeering, bribery and money-laundering charges, including two former Petrobras senior managers and 23 executives from six of Brazil’s leading construction and engineering firms.

Prosecutors say the companies paid huge kickbacks on overpriced contracts with Petrobras and the funds were divided between corrupt managers and politicians. Most of the alleged corruption occurred when Rousseff was chairwoman of the Petrobras board. She has denied knowing about the graft scheme.

Brazil’s main opposition party, the centrist PSDB, has endorsed the protests against Rousseff called for Sunday afternoon. But the party says it does not back her impeachment.

Growing political uncertainty further weakened Brazil’s currency on Friday.

The real hit 3.28 per dollar, its weakest level since April 2003.

(Reuters) - Widespread casualties are feared after a powerful typhoon battered Vanuatu overnight, triggering flash floods and knocking out telephone lines in the isolated Pacific island nation, aid officials said today (Saturday).

At least one person has been confirmed dead in Papua New Guinea, one of several other Pacific island nations also affected by the Category 5 storm, named Pam. The United Nations is preparing to deploy emergency rapid response units to Vanuatu tomorrow.

“We fear the worst,” Sune Gudnitz, the regional head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said, speaking from Fiji.

Gudnitz said the storm’s power was comparable to Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the Philippines in 2013. At present, he said, the

only information available from Vanuatu has come from isolated reports on social media, describing a terrifying scene as Pam hit the capital, Port Vila, late on Friday.

UNOCHA said there was an unconfirmed report that 44 people had died in Vanuatu’s northeastern Penama province.

“Vanuatu is a very vulnerable place because of its location in the middle of the ocean,” Gudnitz said. “It is possible that there will be a death toll that could be high.

I can’t give any numbers. I think it is a well-grounded fear.”

The UN will attempt to deploy self-reliant rapid response units to Vanuatu tomorrow, but weather could yet prevent them from landing, he said. Vanuatu has a population of around 260,000 and infrastructure there is poor, especially in the outlying islands.

“We know that traditionally in the Pacific people are not that keen on leaving for evacuation centers,” Gudnitz said.

As the storm bore down on Vanuatu yesterday, aid officials warned that poor construction could put thousands at risk from flash floods and buildings collapsing.

In addition to Papua New Guinea, the storm has affected the Solomon Islands.

An official with the International Organisation for Migration said a team surveying damage in Papua New Guinea’s offshore New Britain region said at least one person was known to have died there.

“The floods have destroyed livelihoods and infrastructure. A lot of the damage to houses has come from fallen trees,” said George Gigauri, the IOM’s head of mission in Papua New Guinea.

Brazil President Dilma Rousseff

U.N. fears ‘the worst’ after typhoon batters Vanuatu

Page 7

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 14, 2015

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 9

THE FICKLENESS OF GUYANESE When people say that taxpayers’ monies were used to pay for the construction of the Marriott Hotel what they really mean is that the property belongs to the people because it is State funds that were used in its construction and the State is merely the vesting interest of the people.

In this instance the people are not making a distinction between monies collected as taxes and others monies expended by the State. They are speaking about the general source of the money which comes from the State.

When the Head of NICIL says taxpayers’ monies were NOT used in the construction

of the Marriot Hotel what he really means is that tax revenues were not used to fund the hotel. A distinction is being made here about the source of the funds. The funds were money held by NICIL and not monies which were collected as taxes.

NICIL does not spend monies raised as taxes.

Monies are collected as taxes by the Guyana Revenue Authority. These revenues are passed through the Consolidated Fund and appropriated by parliament.

The funds held by NICIL on the other hand are raised by investments, sale of assets and profits from body corporate. These monies are not passed through the

Consolidated Fund. Nor does NICIL spending have to be approved by the National Assembly.

According to William Wade and Christopher Forsyth in Administrative Law (11th edition), public corporations have no direct responsibility to parliament.

Thus parliament has no role in approving the spending by public corporations whose shareholders are their own masters.

Lord Denning in the 1950 case of Tamlin V Hannaford observed, “In the eye of the law the corporation is its own master and is answerable as fully as any other person or corporation. It is not the Crown and has none of the

Despite constraints, the Ministry of Health continues to maintain near 100% vaccination coverage as part of its Childhood Vaccination Programme.

This is according to Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran who indicated that Guyana recorded 96 to 98 percent vaccination coverage in 2014. Ramsaran further said that Guyana’s success is an example for the Caribbean and the Americas.

“That’s an achievement,” Ramsaran added.

He also emphasised the importance of the programme noting that vaccination had numerous benefits. These

benefits, he said, includes less hassle for parents while ensuring the future generation grows up strong and healthy. He said too, that vaccinations make an economic impact by reducing costs to treat illnesses.

Currently, Ramsaran said the programme offers 16 antigens including one for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

However, he said, despite its success the programme faces challenges.

Ramsaran said some of the vaccines are expensive while the programme faces cutbacks in concessions.

“Some of the concessions we had for expensive

vaccines and other support have faded,” he said.

He went on to explain that new conditions locally and internationally will see prices for drugs multiplying drastically. He pointed out that the issue was “a bigger one” and said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was alerted to Continued on page 23

Guyana maintains almost 100% vaccine coverage – Health Minister

Dem boys seh...

De evil ones trying to run from dem smell There is an old saying that de evil that men do always lives after dem. Some of dem does wake up and holler and dem boys know plenty of dem.

Dem live suh bad that even when dem sleep dem deeds does haunt dem and dem does holler in de sleep.

That is why dem boys believe that de saying should change to read, de evil that men do lives within dem. Tek Jagdeo, from de time you watch him you see that de evil tek root inside and tun cancer. You see it in he eyes, hear it in he voice and even smell it when he drive by you.

He is not de only one. There is Kwame. He don’t have to pass by you fuh get de smell of his wickedness. Just mention de corner this demon pass and you know that Satan been deh.

Then you got de other one who call heself de Chat-3. De man get away thinking that nobody gun smell de evil in him suh he jump pun a plane.

But he lef de scent of de demons in him. But as dem boys seh, even de devil got a friend. When he go pun de plane he see Donald de Duck. He get a shock. And Donald get a shock too because dem boys hear that de Chat-3 didn’t inform nobody.

Dem boys know that he didn’t buy he ticket through he Ministry and dem see from who he buy de ticket. And he nah buy fuh he alone. He buy fuh other family members.

De big question is why he buy ticket fuh heself and family secretly. And talk about secret, dem got nuff thing secret. People selling out things. Ministers selling out assets.

But dem opposition people ain’t got money to buy. Dem boys watching dem fuh see if dem gun get rich suddenly.

Talk half and watch to see when de Chat-3 coming back.

privileges of the crown. Its servants are not civil servants and its property is not Crown Property… It is not a government department nor do its powers fall within the province of government” The soon to be completed hotel in Kingston, Georgetown which has been branded by the Marriott chain is owned by its shareholders.

It is not owned by NICIL. NICIL lent the hotel money for its completion, monies that have to be repaid.

Given the fact that the proposed equity shareholders did not put money into the hotel, we cannot say that the hotel is owned as yet by them. Nor can we say with certainty that it is owned by NICIL. Whoever are the registered shareholders are the owners and this is different from saying, as if often the case in common language, that the hotel is owned by taxpayers or by the State.

Whoever are the shareholders of the hotel are the owners. Not taxpayers’ not the government not the State. This is the legal position. Tomorrow the shareholders of the hotel can sell the hotel to private individuals and they will then

become the new owners.

I am saying this because it seems as if a great many Guyanese are getting excited by the imminent completion of the construction of this hotel. They are getting excited and are eager to visit that location and the hotel to see what it is looks like. They also see this hotel as being owned by the people. But it is not.

The people getting excited by this hotel seem to have forgotten completely all the objections that have been raised about the financing and ownership structure of this hotel. They seem taken in by the fact that Guyana’s landscape has been changed for the better by this hotel.

The people are excited.

This is the fickleness of people. One day they are up in arms about this hotel and what it represents. The next day they cannot wait to get inside and see what its looks like so that they can show off to their friends that they were inside the Marriot.

While there are some folks in the opposition who were hoping that they could use this hotel as an example of why the PPP should not be returned to power in the elections in May there are

tens of thousands who seem so excited by its imminent completion that they can hardly wait for a tour.

It is a lesson that the opposition parties should heed. The opposition parties at the moment have only one major platform on which to confront the government.

That platform is about the nature of some of the government major projects and the alleged corruption that is said to be represented in these projects.

This is supposed to be lightning rod of the opposition in this year ’s election campaign.

Well from the excitement that the impending opening of this hotel is generating, the opposition parties’ platform is collapsing in front of their faces.

People are getting excited.

They love the hotel and want it to open quickly, regardless of who owns it or the debt that has to be repaid to NICIL. As far as they are concerned those things are now secondary.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 14, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Assassination in the night On a dark, lonely street, the assassins came. They killed a patriot. They killed a man, not known for mansions and fast cars, not known for smoking even a cigarette, but known for his love of country and admired for his courage to stand up against a type of insanity which is the world’s oldest depravity – naked power.

Courtney Crum-Ewing died in a hail of sadistic bullets, bullets that were scared of the future, bullets that were used to protect those who want to hold back

time. Time has never been on the side of dictators.

Time gives dictators space so they can hang themselves.

When they refuse to face reality, they throw the rope down and others, like the descendants of Crum-Ewing, Walter Rodney, Ronald Waddell, picket and give it to their generation to do the final rites. When they do so, history comes alive and we bow to it.

Courtney Crum-Ewing has passed into history. We must now do the final rites.

We must not wait for time,

because time is contemptuous of those who refuse to see that time is not a cow that you can milk whenever there is a need to drink. Assassins never give recognition to history.

Assassins do not recognize anything except the power they have to kill those who expose their unbridled lust.

This is the time for the end of unbridled lust in Guyana.

Dictators are deadly people.

They will not part with their loot. They do not run away and leave their treasure. They kill to stop time and heroes.

They have stopped a hero named Courtney Crum-Ewing but they cannot postpone the day of judgement.

Denials will come speeding down the track like a bullet train. But the assassins are known. We must let them know that we know who they are. We must hold fast to the opinion we have about who killed Courtney and we must assert the right to express that opinion on why Courtney died.

Whores, charlatans, wannabes luxuriating in the

company of those who give out thirty pieces of silver and media slaves whose hands are imprisoned by the fingers that feed them will unleash a tsunami of denials and paint them with hypocritical colours. But the nation knows who sent the killers that roamed the night looking for Courtney, found him, killed him, then, burned the truth using the stench of their fetid corruptibility to fool the Guyanese people.

Courtney Crum-Ewing is dead and gone but his ashes have become a University to school the dreamers of a bold new Guyana, who occupied the public on Carmichael Street on successive days this week to announce to the dictators, that history will judge them and the sentence will be harsh.

I saw that education for myself as Guyanese with passion, purpose and perseverance occupied that public space. And memories of an apartheid South Africa permeated the ambience of struggle outside the Office of the Attorney-General. It was on that very spot Courtney Crum-Ewing staged his one man picket. That space now belongs to the spirit of Courtney Crum-Ewing Few people if any in that protest on Thursday afternoon, were aware of the significance of that specific spot where Courtney carried on his one man picket against the Attorney-General. Across the road, just yards away stands, Independence Park, formerly the Parade Ground.

It has colossal significance for this country.

It was across the road from where Courtney CrumEwing kept his vigil that the captured slaves of the 1832 rebellion were mutilated,

Frederick Kissoon dismembered and decapitated. That area may have played a part in the decision to kill Courtney.

Those who ordered their bestial demons to kill Courtney Crum-Ewing meticulously shaped the message they wanted to send to the people of Guyana.

The first dimension of the murder has been painfully explained by those who know how brutal the dictators are.

Let’s explain it again. And we must go to explain it. The timing was decided on when the assassins found out that Courtney was in full political mode urging people with his bullhorn to go out and vote. I believe that particular act cost Courtney his life because they wanted Guyanese to see the image of a dead activist lying in a pool of blood with his weapon next to his side, the weapon of his voice - his bullhorn.

The second dimension of this assassination is related to Independence Park. The plotters said to the nation, let them go where their ancestors were killed to mourn another death. In other words, the plotters knew that as a response to his death, we would go near to Independence Park to protest Courtney’s assassination. In other words, tremendous insult and cynicism went into the planning of the assassination of Courtney Crum-Ewing.

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Gunmen shoot Eccles businessman, escape with $2.3M … After tracing him from city bank A 23-year-old businessman was yesterday shot and robbed of $2.3M by two gunmen on a motorcycle, who allegedly traced him from a city bank, where he had earlier made a withdrawal.

The robbery occurred around 10:45 hrs in front of the Demerara Shipping Company Limited at Water and Schumacher Streets in Georgetown.

The wounded man has been identified as Imtiaz Arakhan of Lot 225 Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The bullet reportedly passed through his right ankle. Up to press time he was awaiting surgery at a city hospital.

Kaieteur News was told that the young man had gone to the Shipping Company to pay duty on “some” trucks he had purchased online when the incident occurred.

When this newspaper visited the scene yesterday, ranks were seen talking to employees attached to the Shipping Company and taking photographs.

They were also reviewing the Company’s surveillance camera in hopes of identifying the gunmen.

An eyewitness said that he heard two gunshots and when he ran to the front to investigate, he saw a man

jumping onto a motorbike with a bag. The shooter and his assailant then sped away from the scene.

At the hospital, the wounded man’s father, Musraf Arakhan, explained that his son went to a city bank to withdraw money and then went to the Demerara Shipping Company Limited to clear the vehicles.

Arakhan said that when the young man arrived at the Company, he was informed that the Customs officers were occupied at that time.

“He went over to a snackette opposite the Shipping Company to get something to eat. While walking back, a man walked up to him and shot him before taking the money,” the father stated.

He said that his son was taken to the hospital by a Customs officer.

According to the older Arakhan, he was on his way to another city hospital to seek treatment when he was informed about his son’s tragedy.

This newspaper was told

that Musraf Arakhan operates a spare parts company at Industrial Site and his son would usually assist him. The young man would also import trucks for resale.

The injured man’s mother, Rita, said that she was at home when she received a call from another son, informing her that his sibling had been shot and robbed.

“I come straight at the hospital to see him when I get the news.

The bandits escape with everything. My son’s passport, other important papers, bank book and everything else that was in the bag,” the mother stated.

She said that Imtiaz, who celebrated his birthday last Thursday, was never robbed or wounded before.

Asked if he would usually move around with a lot of money, the woman explained that he would normally have people with him whenever he is moving around with cash, but he somehow ended up alone yesterday.

Investigations are ongoing.

Injured: Imtiaz Arakhan

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 14, 2015

Christianburg PTA Ramkarran is way off mark, threatens to shut school PPP is on top of things- Rohee

Members of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) of the Christianburg Primary School had vowed to shut the school down yesterday, to send a clear message to the Ministry of Education that the condition of the school building is hazardous, and thus, poses a threat to the safety of both students and teachers there.

Addressing their concerns to APNU Parliamentarian, Rennis Morian, they said that the school is a “catastrophe waiting to happen”. President of the PTA, Sharon Sansculotte, said that the school’s administration had written the Region Ten Education Department and the relevant bodies, concerning the school building which continues to deteriorate.“For the past three years we’ve been complaining about the deplorable condition of the school; our Headmistress sent letters to all the relevant bodies, and to date nothing has been done.

I took pictures of the school and posted on Facebooknothing has been done, so we have come to the conclusion, that (the building) is dangerous for the children to occupy, so we’re going to lock the school.”

Sansculotte identified a host of issues affecting the smooth running of the school, including windows that cannot open leading to

classrooms.

She pointed to the building which is leaning precariously, and which parents fear would eventually slide off its foundation.

A ‘virtual forest’ is slowly creeping up, and already vines have begun to climb on the walls of the school. This situation, parents fear, will result in a similar scenario, as that of the Watooka Day School, which had to be closed recently, because of snake infestation.

The washroom area, which is leaking and causes the area to be always wet and smelly, is another cause for concern. Sansculotte said that these concerns were pointed out to Minister Juan Edghill, during one of his visits to the Mining Town.

Edghill, she noted, asked about the number of children attending the school, and the location of the nearest school, so that pupils could possibly be housed elsewhere.But parents are adamant that they want their own school. The PTA President pointed to the recently built clinic, which was done despite the fact that a clinic was already in the area.

“They build the clinic when there was already one, now we don’t have a school.

This building is church property- Why they can’t give us a new school? Every now and again when we want

to do something we have to write the church for approval, then when we get the go ahead from the church, we have to write Ministry of Works and this body and that body.

“We don’t have enough space for an IRI section; we bought materials to do it, but it was left to rotten, woodants eat out the materials – over $500,000 in materials, before we could do anything, because of all the red tape involved.”The PTA is demanding that the ‘relevant authorities’ visit the school and see the continuing deterioration, and put measures in place to rectify the situation.

APNU Parliamentarian Rennis Morian, said that parents need a proper school for their children, so that they could be at home and know that they are safe.

He added, “I’m alerting people to this situation because if and when a tragedy should happen, people would know that we would have brought this situation to the attention of the Government, and we will not, as residents, sit back and allow our children to be injured or killed in a building like this.

“I’m saying to the Government that they need to come in here as soon as possible, because this is a catastrophe waiting to happen!

(Enid Joaquin)

- Warns electorate to brace for the unexpected

Former PPP stalwart, Ralph Ramkarran

PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party(PPP), Clement Rohee, fettered by the comments made by his former comrade—Ralph Ramkarran—has sought to make it known that the Party is pulling out all the stops for the upcoming elections to ensure a good package is presented to the electorate.

Recently, Ramkarran, a former PPP stalwart, published an article on his w e b s i t e — conversationtree.gy—to the effect that the Party has lost the grip it had on the electorate. He said that citizens have “grown tired of the same promises and the same faces.”

Ramkarran predicted that the electorate will most likely vote PPP out of office as the

governing party seems to have lost the capacity to be innovative.

Ramkarran, who resigned from the PPP in 2012 reportedly over corruption issues, said that the Party has been on the “back foot” since it lost its majority in 2011.

The former Speaker of the National Assembly said that the APNU+AFC alliance will keep the PPP on the back foot, if their campaign is supplemented with a credible programme.

Ramkarran noted that the only response of the PPP is its record from 1992 to the present and of the People’s National Congress Reform’s past. He said however that advances made since 1992 no longer inspire because conditions before 1992 are distant memories.

As he hosted his most recent press conference, Rohee told the media that Ramkarran’s “prognosis” is way off mark.

He said that the PPP has “great potential” and the ability to attract many to its ranks.

He added, “We have never ever been bankrupt of ideas and we will have a list of candidates that will be attractive to the electorate.”

Also, Rohee told the media, “What you guys have to do now is still wonder and ponder what the PPP’s list of candidates is likely to be and take the position that you should not be surprised by the unexpected.”

Ramkarran had also said that the PPP could have been facing the electorate under completely different circumstances but as it displayed a lack of foresight, “it sat back and allowed its opponents (A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change) to unite, rather than keeping them competing for influence, as they had been doing after the (2011) elections.”

He said that as a result of the PPP’s complete lack of foresight, the APNU+AFC political alliance is now a threatening force to the PPP’s hold on political power.

Ramkarran said that if the PPP had established an early coalition government with APNU after being reduced to a plurality in 2011, the electorate would have been asked at these elections to return a PPP+APNU to office as opposed to vote in an APNU+AFC alliance.

Saturday March 14, 2015

Page 13

Kaieteur News

Domestic abuse survivor presented with new home

O

ne year after a near death experience at the hands of her husband, To m i e c k a M i l l e r Patterson was presented with a new home, compliments of sponsors Beharry Group of Companies as well as Demerara Bank, Scotia Bank, Courts and Qualfon.

Yesterday, at the presentation and dedication of the home which was blessed by Pastor Eon Phoenix, National Director of Habitat for Humanity, Rawle Small, recapped the journey to MillerPatterson acquiring her new home.

He related that after the woman’s tragedy last March, Habitat for Humanity reached out to her in a bid of rendering assistance.

Kaieteur News understands that MillerPatterson had a small wooden house on a family land, and Habitat

for Humanity solicited sponsorship to purchase materials to aid in its repairs.

Sadly, her small home at Goed Fortuin went up in flames along with the building materials that were in proximity of the home.

Determined to help the woman achieve a turnaround in her life, Habitat for Humanity then invited Beharry Group of Companies to come on board as a major sponsor in constructing a new home at Le Parfait Harmonie. This was where Patterson and her late husband had purchased land before his death. After a year of funding and construction, Patterson was yesterday handed the keys to her new home, along with a symbolic fruit tree at a simple ribbon cutting ceremony.

The very optimistic Miller - Patterson emotionally expressed

many thanks to the sponsors and all the persons that supported her throughout the past year. She said that although she does not h a v e a l o t , s h e ’s thankful as the home is very comfortable for her and her nine year -old daughter.

She said that she is very anxious to begin her new job, which she was able to secure at one of her sponsors’ company.

The 29 year -old woman admitted that although she was in high spirits yesterday, she still carries emotional scars which causes her to be paranoid at times.

It was just last year that Tomiecka Miller Patterson and her husband separated, after they were experiencing domestic problems.

Miller Patterson left the home shared by the couple to reside with her mother, leaving her then eight year- old daughter

The house in Parfait Harmony with her husband.

After sometime the child joined her mother and the man would visit the home to see the child. The woman recalled that during one such visit last March when she told her husband it was time to leave, he became annoyed and dealt her a stab wound to her left breast.

The injured MillerPatterson ran out of the home with her husband

in hot pursuit and collapsed in an empty drain.

The man caught up with her and managed to stab her 26 more times before her sleeping daughter awoke and began shouting “daddy please stop stabbing mommy”. Neighbours, hearing the cry of the child came to the woman’s rescue. The man later committed suicide.

Tomiecka and Daughter

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 14, 2015

Top Cop’s appointment unconstitutional- Granger

I

t appears as if all the constitutionally stipulated criteria needed for the substantial appointment of a Commissioner of Police were not met in the process of appointing the new Top Cop. As a result, incumbent Leader of the Opposition, David Granger has decided not to acknowledge Seelal Persaud as the substantive Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force.

Also, the Presidential hopeful has signalled A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) intention to challenge the appointment in the court of law.

Ever since the retirement of former Top Cop, Leroy Brumell, in early 2014, Persaud was appointed to act a s C o m m i s s i o n e r. O n Tuesday, roughly a year after, President Ramotar substantively appointed Persaud to serve Guyana in this capacity.

However, according to Granger, the appointment was flawed.

It is constitutionally mandated that the Opposition Leader be consulted on the appointment of the Police Commissioner, but Granger said that this simple requirement was not met.

Article 211 of the Constitution states that the Commissioner of Police and

- Signals intention to take legal action

President Donald Ramotar e v e r y D e p u t y Commissioner of Police shall be appointed by the President acting after “meaningful consultations” with the Leader of the Opposition and Chairperson of the Police Service Commission after the Chairperson has consulted with the other members of the Commission.

Yesterday, Granger told media operatives that President Ramotar “went off and purported to swear in the Acting Commissioner in the capacity of Substantive Commissioner. I don’t know

Opposition Leader, David Granger

Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud how that could be done in defiance of Article 211 of the Constitution.”

Granger said that as far as he is concerned, Persaud is still the acting Police Commissioner.

“I did not have consultation with the President within the meaning of meaningful consultation under Article 211,” said Granger.

Also, Granger alluded to the fact that the President, on Thursday, issued a plan intended to solve the woes of the police force. In this regard, he said that before Ramotar jumps to the stage of setting out “guidelines to which he referring to as a plan” he should look at the simple things that he is doing w r o n g l i k e t h e unconstitutional appointment of the Head of the Force.

“I think the problem starts there; so he (Seelal) is still acting as far as I am concerned…and the force will not move further forward unless ranks and officers are paid better and provided with the necessary resources to do their work,” (Continued on page 17)

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 15

Kaieteur News

Page 16

Saturday March 14, 2015

GPSU accuses PSC of bias, nepotism - junior staff promoted ahead of qualified senior staffers First Vice Chairman of the Guyana Public Service Commission (GPSU), Mortimer Livan, attacked the Public Service Commission, charging bias and nepotism in the hiring of Public servants.

He said that this has resulted in qualified individuals being denied promotions and employment.

At a press conference held at the GPSU, Regent St and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda on Thursday, Livan, who was joined by

Norris Witter, Vice President of Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), highlighted cases dating back to 2010 and continuing where persons suitably qualified for certain positions were rejected or not even shortlisted.

At the same time, individuals junior to them were employed.

“The GPSU would like to highlight what it considers to be an injustice meted out in a correspondence in the name of the secretary of the Public Service Commission

(PSC), in collusion with some members of that commission.”

“The members of the PSC are foresworn to carry out their functions in a fair and just manner.”

According to the Union, there had been an advertisement in 2010 to fill the vacancy of Assistant Chief Labour and Occupational Safety and Health Officer.

Among those who applied were a Senior Labour Officer and the other, a Junior Labour Officer. After the interviews for the position,

First Vice Chairman of the PSC Mortimer Livan, Vice President of GTUC Norris Witter accompanied by another official at the GPSU press conference the Junior Officer was earmarked for the position.

A press release from the Union went on to relate that the Senior Officer subsequently challenged the appointment through an appeal to the Public Service Ministry to halt the appointment, citing supersession.

The next year, the release stated that the Assistant Chief and Senior Labour and Occupational Safety and Health Officer post was vacant. The two members of staff applied.

This time no one was successful, but three junior members of staff, who did not meet the qualification criteria, were subsequently allowed to perform the senior duties.

“The vacancies were again advertised in 2012.

Four Ministry of Labour staffers, who had applied for the positions were interviewed, but were told that they were not successful.

These included the Senior Labour and Occupational Safety and Health Officer and three junior ones.

“One officer claimed to be informed by a member of the PSC that they were unsuccessful because the Chief Labour officer had provided the Commission with a list of three names that the Minister of Labour wanted to be promoted.”

It was also noted, the release went on to relate, that during the 2012 interviews, only one labour officer was shortlisted to be interviewed, as well as the fact that the Senior Labour Officer was not shortlisted to be interviewed for the post of Assistant Chief Labour Officer, but her junior officer was.

“In 2014, vacancies for Assistant Chief Labour Officer (two), Senior Labour Officer (three) and Assistant Chief Recruitment and Manpower officer became open.

“All the officers were shortlisted and interviewed but by way of letters from the Secretary of the PSC, four of the officers were told that their applications were unsuccessful, despite satisfying the criteria set for academics and experience.”

The GPSU concluded by blasting the PSC, stating that political manoeuvering, among other things pervaded the Commission.

The Union also stated that not only has the indecision at the level of the PSC resulted in wastage from having to air advertisements repetitively at additional costs, but shortlisting for interviews appeared to be sometimes done on the basis of bias and nepotism.

The GPSU also cited the

failure of the government to appoint the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, in keeping with the requirements of the constitution of Guyana.

This meant Livan said that public servants could seek no redress for the obvious injustices done to them by the Public Service Commission.

He said that the applicants are thus, left frustrated and angry and that an open season has been created in their career. He also said that they are victims of the PSC, which he feels is undermining and discriminating against the applicants.

Livan made calls for the PSC to be transparent and for an immediate and unbiased investigation to be done on the PSC’s process of appointment.

According to Witter, the acts of discrimination created uneasiness among the workers. He said that actions such as protesting can also seek to engage regional and international organisations such as trade unions.

He said that he spoke to the Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul, who, he said had committed to look into the matter.

Efforts to contact Carvil Duncan, Chairman of the PSC, were futile.

Saturday March 14, 2015

Page 17

Kaieteur News

NAMS wins Eli Hazel/MoE Reading Competition in Berbice

T

h e N e w Amsterdam Multilateral School (NAMS) took home the winner’s trophy yesterday from the Eli Hazel/Ministry of Education Reading and Explanation Competition.

The event which was planned and executed by Fitness enthusiast in Berbice, Mr. Eli Hazel, on the occasion of his birthday, was held in collaboration with the Region Six Department of

Education at St. Aloysius Primary School. Several schools including Berbice High School, Canje Secondary, All Saints Primary, Vryman’s Erven S e c o n d a r y, E d i n b u rg Primary, St. Therese’s Primary and Lochaber Primary, participated in the competition.

St. Therese’s Primary won the Primary segment of the competition. Each student was given a passage to read. That passage dealt with

numerous social issues and ills, ranging from domestic violence to use of cellular phones while driving.

The participants, after completing the reading, had to explain their basic understanding of what they read to the judge. The judge of the competition was veteran educator, Mr. Lansford Chung.

Winners were presented with trophies and special gifts, including lunches for two, from various New Amsterdam

Berbice mother remanded on drug trafficking charge Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry ordered that a mother of two be remanded to prison, after she was allegedly found with a quantity of marijuana at her Berbice residence.

Nichelle Johnson, 36, of Lot 6 Number Five Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB), denied the charge which stated that on March 5, she had in her possession 16.57KG of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The Prosecutor, Bharrat Mangru, stated that the police, acting on information, went to the home of the defendant and c o n t a c t e d h e r. T h e y conducted a search in her kitchen, where a bag containing the drug was found. The police told both the defendant and her daughter of the offence. But the defendant told the police that the bag was given to her.

Hence, Johnson was arrested and charged with the offence.

Her Attorney, James Bond, strongly contested for his client to be released on bail, since the prosecution cannot prove that Johnson had knowledge of what was

concealed inside the bag.

Bond advanced special reasons; he argued that the police found the bag in the kitchen area of the premises occupied by his client and other family members.

He said that his client’s premises is secured by CCTV cameras and that the police, on reviewing the footage, saw someone (not his client) bringing the bag and placing it in the kitchen.

Counsel further informed the court that someone had dropped off the bag at his client’s house and she did not check to see what was concealed inside the bag.

The Prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that Johnson had control of the bag since it was given to her.

He said that the court should not take counsel’s special reasons into consideration because they are not substantial.

The Magistrate declined counsel’s bail application and remanded Johnson to prison.

Johnson will make her next court appearance on March 17, at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court.

Top Cop’s appointment...

From page 14 5said Granger. When asked what action was planned to address the appointment he deems unconstitutional, Granger told the media that the matter is being handled

by Attorneys at Law closely associated with APNU. Since Granger became Opposition Leader and Ramotar, President, they have had to discuss the

substantive appointment of two Commissioners of Police-Brumell and Persaud.

From all indications, discussions on the substantive appointment of Brumell went smoothly but Granger did not speak yesterday directly as to what the stumbling block was hampering meaningful discussion on the appointment of Seelal Persaud.

restaurants and beauty makeovers from various beauty salons in the town, all compliments of Hazel.

All participants received certificates.

Hazel, speaking to the participants, said that he loves to do things for children. “It is what makes me happy,” he said.

Also present at the event was Literacy Advisor attached to the Department of Education, New Amsterdam, Ms. Simone Dainty.

Composite picture showing the various winners and participants of the competition

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 14, 2015

Hundreds turned up at Fogarty’s for glaucoma screening

F

A section of the crowd

rom around 10 o’clock yesterday at the Forgarty’s Store, Central Georgetown, hundreds, mainly senior citizens, turned up for glaucoma screening by doctors from the Georgetown Hospital, Ophthalmology and Optometry students from the University of Guyana.

Diagnosed cases were referred to specific health departments for treatment.

This outreach is part of a programme of activities which recognizes this week, March 9- March 15, as “World Glaucoma Week”.

G l a u c o m a i s colloquially known as the “silent eye thief” for even though damage to the optic nerve would be occurring, the disease would usually be asymptomatic until its later stages. The damage is permanent and may lead to blindness.

At its late stages, the patient would be unable to see objects at the sides of his eyes. Early detection and treatment are critical for preserving vision.

The most common form of glaucoma in Guyana is described as “Primary Open Angle Glaucoma” (POAG)

which is the building up of pressure in the eyes causing damage to the optic nerves.

The disease could strike at any time or any age, but in Guyana the people most at risk are persons of African heritage, those older than 40 years, diabetic, have taken steroid medications such as prednisone, had experienced trauma to the eyes, and or have a family history of the disease. Generally the high risk groups include people of Russian, Irish, Japanese, Scandinavian and Hispanic heritage.

The two other forms of glaucoma are “Angleclosure glaucoma” which is when “the fluid at the front of the eye cannot drain through and leave the eye”, and “Congenital Glaucoma” which describes the condition of children born with defective angles of the eye which retards drainage of the eyes.

The disease is diagnosed by testing the eye pressure, the optic nerves, the angles of the eye, and a visual field examination to assess loss of vision. Treatment may include eye drops and pills to decrease the eye pressure, laser or operative surgery.

Man refused bail after dousing sister with boiling rice

A

n East La Penitence r e s i d e n t appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday after it was alleged that he threw a pot of ‘boiling rice’ on his older sister.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry read the charge to Daniel Younge, 28, of 29 East La Penitence, Georgetown. It stated that on March 10, last, at East La Penitence he unlawfully assaulted Natasha Younge with the intent to maim, disfigure or cause actual bodily harm.

The man who was unrepresented by an Attorney pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Inspector Michael Grant stated that the defendant and the victim are siblings. He said that they live in the same house and on the day in question they had an argument over the cooking of food. Grant said that about 13:30hrs, the defendant took a pot of

boiling rice and threw it on his sister. The defendant then took the pot and dealt his sister several lashes to the head and about the body.

After brutally attacking his sister the man fled the scene.

The Prosecutor objected to bail citing the nature, prevalence and penalty attached to the offence if the defendant is found guilty.

Grant also pointed out that the woman is still hospitalized in a serious condition.

The Magistrate upheld the Prosecution’s request and remanded the defendant to prison. She also requested that the Prosecutor give an update on the victim’s medical condition at the next court hearing on March 23.

The 29 year -old mother of two, sustained burns to her back, head, neck, abdomen and both hands. She is currently hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) suffering from third degree burns.

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 19

Mayor requests audience with Local Gov’t Minister over works conducted in city $1 B Clean up My Country Campaign...

While expressing gratitude on the works conducted in the city under the “Clean up My Country Campaign,” which was initiated by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council has called on the Minister of Local Government, Mr. Norman Whittaker to enlighten the Municipality and general public on the project’s development.

The massive $1B project was advanced by government, last year. Citizens, especially those in the city were expected to benefit from the clean-up exercise under which a sum of some $100 million dollars was expected to be expended on Le Repentir Cemetery.

The Local Government Ministry, in some cases had planned to rehabilitate several sluices, main canals, parapets, alleyways, cemeteries, monuments, public spaces,

markets and the seawall during the projected six month-long project. As it relates to solid waste, a number of illegal dump sites were identified and special emphasis was to be placed on the garbage problem.

In a public missive issued yesterday, the M&CC stated that on behalf of the citizens of Georgetown, the Mayor and City Council wishes to express profound gratitude to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development for the works it has done in the City.

In the circumstances, Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green, the release went on to state, has requested the Minister of Local Government to invite the Council, the media, community development groups and members of civil society, on a tour around the city to examine the works done in the City of Georgetown, be

Surgeons slash foetus during C-section

A

baby who accidentally sustained a gash in his head during a surgical procedure undertaken on his 16-year-old mother on March 7, last, will have to remain in hospital until the cut heals. His mother, Naomi Gonsalves, will also have to remain in Hospital, at Suddie although she has been discharged.

Gonsalves, who would be celebrating her 17th birthday on Monday, related that on March 3, she was admitted as a patient at the Suddie Public Hospital. She added that four days later she started to experience severe headaches and after notifying a Nurse, she was given a table. “I never troubled with high pressure before.” The teenage mother further explained that she is still unsure what she did with the tablet since she was feeling unwell. She said that the Nurse told her to relax.

She said she later went into a fit which prompted the Nurse

to alert the doctors and she was hurriedly rushed to the emergency theatre where they proceeded to operate on her. Gonsalves said that when she awoke she discovered she had a tiny baby boy who was born p r e m a t u r e l y. W h e n questioned, Doctors told her that the baby was 33 weeks old. Gonsalves however said she noticed a gash in her baby’s head which carried six stitches.

She said from what she had gathered she understood that the doctors were attempting to save her life, while performing a Csection on her. She was informed that the gash in her son’s head was an accident while doctors were undertaking that procedure.

The teenager resides at Henrietta Village, Essequibo Coast and this is her first child. Family members are questioning the circumstances surrounding the mishap which resulted in the cut to the baby’s head.

informed, by the Minister about the individual cost of the different projects and activities and be briefed about unfinished works in local communities and time- lines for the completion of such works The Mayor has expressed hope that this tour of Georgetown could be done next week or the earliest time convenient to the Minister.

According to the statement, the Mayor and Councillors will be available within 24 hours to be on the tour organised by the Minister.

Some of the extensive clean-up works that have been executed in and around the city

Kaieteur News

Page 20

Saturday March 14, 2015

E/bo rice farmers continue protest

Protesting farmers

E

ssequibo rice farmers whose protests have been gaining momentum,

continued to decry the price for paddy and other pressing issues. Friday’s protest saw some 70 rice farmers taking

to the streets again.

The protest took off from the Cotton Field New Market and converged at the

Anna Regina High Bridge.

President of the Essequibo Paddy Farmers’ Association, Naith Ram,

said that he continues to lobby on behalf of his fellow farmers for an audience with the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and General Manager of Guyana Rice Development Board, Jagnarine Singh.

Ram maintained that unless rice farmers are made aware of what price they would be getting for a bag of paddy, it would not be economically viable to go back into the next crop.

He argued that the cost of production is way higher than what farmers are being paid for paddy.

“It’s not economically viable and we the rice farmers are feeling the squeeze.”

Ram said he would continue to protest unless he sees some drastic

improvements in the Rice sector. He said that for years now, millers continue to owe farmers millions of dollars although they would have sold their paddy to them. He is also lobbying for a revision of the Factory Act, which states that millers must pay farmers within 42 days after paddy would have been sold.

Ram said that the protest action will continue into the following week.

Currently, while rice is been harvested on the Essequibo Coast, some millers are paying $2,700 for paddy.

The deal between Venezuela and Guyana has since been signed to allow Venezuela to purchase 25 percent of Guyana’s rice annually.

Sod turned for $236M maternity ward expansion Guyanese heads up The Maternity Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital is expected to undergo expansion and remodeling, following the turning of the sod for the $263M project.

The expansion is being funded by the government.

Speaking at the event yesterday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, Michael Khan emphasised the role the hospital played in safeguarding the lives of mothers and babies who passed through its doors.

He said, too, that the hospital delivers more than 60 per cent of the babies born in Guyana each year. He said the hospital recorded its highest ever number of babies born with a figure of 6,085 last year.

According to Khan, the GPHC is the national referral hospital and deals with cases from across the country. He also said that it is the only referral hospital for high-risk pregnancies and emergency cases.

Khan admitted that the

demand is oftentimes overwhelming. He said that since the opening of the maternity unit in 1988, adequate spacing had always been a challenge.

He said the issue would see patients having to share beds. “We do not turn away women in need of care,” Khan emphasised.

Natasha Smith, a mother who received care from the GPHC three years ago, recounted her experience. She noted the hospital had lacked up to date equipment and tools needed. However, she said, the nurses made up for the hospital’s shortcomings with the dedication and care showed to patients and their newborn babies.

Khan further said too, that many of the women referred to the hospital are with little or no prenatal care. Others, he said, come without familial or financial support. “Many of them come without the basics required for childbirth and newborn care. Some, sadly, come too late, with lifethreatening complications or after having appropriate care

delayed for too long.

“More recently, we see increasing numbers of young mothers and other mothers at high risk, including as a result of a pre-existing chronic disease,” Khan pointed out.

Khan said that the expanded ward will earn the hospital an additional 40 beds.

The ground floor will also be remodeled with training rooms, offices, a neonatal clinic and Doctors’ On Call Rooms.

Further, two operating rooms, the birthing room and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on the top floor will be included.

“Today we can all feel a sense of accomplishment on taking a step towards making good on our commitments,” Khan said.

He said the expansion is the largest ever rehabilitation of the building and will be completed by PD Contracting with design and supervision

by KALITECH Inc. The project began on February 16 of this year. It is expected to be completed by February 14, 2016.

key NY police precinct

Dep. Inspector Deodat Urprasad is the new commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, NY. (Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza) Queens, NY - There’s a new top cop in the 102 Precinct.

Deputy Inspector Deodat Urprasad last week took over from Deputy Inspector Henry Sautner, who was rotated out to head a detective bureau.

“It’s a pleasure and privilege to serve this community,” Urprasad told The Forum on Tuesday in Richmond Hill.

The 24-year veteran’s last post was in Patrol Borough Midtown South. Urprasad began his career in Brooklyn North, where he served for 10 years as an officer and sergeant. From there he worked in various Bronx commands.

Urprasad is a Guyanese native who resides in Queens. “ I t ’s a w o n d e r f u l borough,” he said, “and I’m privileged to serve it.”

Urprasad takes the lead at a pivotal time for the 102, which covers Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, and the northern part of Ozone Park. The latest CompStat figures show an increase in homicides and shooting incidents in the precinct this year compared to this time in 2014. (theforumnewsgroup) nd

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Town Clerk demotes staff member not paid eight months after employment

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba Not only is 20-yearold Nnesha Hinds unpaid eight months after being employed at City Hall, but the young woman has now been demoted retroactive to the day she started working at the agency.

The Clerk II staff member attached to the Mayor’s quarters was employed by the Mayor and City Council

(M&CC) last July. She went through the agency’s hiring process and was handed an employment letter from the Personnel Department outlining her position and particulars.

However, Hinds was on Wednesday handed another employment letter, this time from the Office of the acting Town Clerk stating that she will now assume the lower position of Clerk I General retroactive to the date that she commenced employment.

The employment letter came one day after the acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba instructed the agency’s Personnel Officer to demote the young woman. It appears that Sooba took matters into her own hands after the Personnel Officer reportedly refused to demote Hinds

because she was properly employed and possesses the necessary qualifications for the post.

Hinds was not being paid since according to information her employment file was being kept by Sooba who refused to give approval for her to be remunerated.

In the signed correspondence, Sooba instructed the young woman to assume the post of “Clerk I General” and it will be effective July 1, 2014. This means that even though Hinds commenced work as a Clerk II last year, she will only be paid as a Clerk I for that period.

The letter instructed further that Hinds will work for a probationary period of six months and a medical examination will be performed

on a subsequent date provided. The letter stated the woman’s salary and annual leave before highlighting the various terms of service termination.

The letter was copied to the Personnel Officer.

Sooba’s action is likely to cause more unease in the already unstable relationship between the executive and the administration. This is because Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase –Green has already stated that Hinds has been advised not to take the salary of the lower position.

Chase-Green charged that Sooba is in no way authorized to hire or fire any staffer since it is the job of the Personnel Department with the blessing of the Full Council. ChaseGreen argued that it is absurd that the Council’s procedures

Ruimveldt resident sets trap, catches thief West Ruimveldt squatting area resident, Alister Wilson and his girlfriend, Vanesa Samuels, were able to trap and capture a neighbourhood thief, while he was allegedly trying to steal a sink belonging to the couple.

Wilson said that the area is “very problematic”, that there is more than one thief.

“Everybody complaining about losing stuff for a couple of months (because) this area got more than one thief, so I decide that I gon set a trap to catch whoever this thief is.”

He said that he set a double receiver (sink) down in his yard to lure the thief in, and listened for when the

culprit would come.

“I put it so it could be conspicuous, you know, so that if anybody passes they could see it,” Wilson related.

He said that at approximately 04:00 hours on Friday, he was awakened by consistent noise in his yard.

He said that he at first assumed that it was a cat, but as the noise continued, he realised that it had to be a thief.

The 32-year- old man said that he then dropped to his knees and began to creep to the door in order to avoid causing a noise. He explained that his door is secured by two bolts which, when

opened, would alert the thief that he was on to him.

Wilson recalled that he had to move “easy” and “very fast”. “I had to do it fast. So as soon as I mek “Plack Placks”, he hear duh and he start running.”

He claims that the thief had made his way into his yard by “scaling” a sevenfoot tall zinc fence, and was trying to make his way over the fence when he started to pursue him.

“As soon as he mek attempt fuh scale de fence, I jump right behind he and grab he… I vice he fuh a good couple minutes so he pass out; he lost consciousness as a matter of fact,” Wilson explained.

At this point, Wilson informed his girlfriend to call the police. He said that Samuels used his car to drive to the police outpost, and returned with police officers Continued on page 23

should not be followed in the employment of the staffer and apart from her not being paid for eight months, she is now demoted and will receive the salary of a Clerk I after performing in the capacity of a Clerk II staffer.

An obviously frustrated Chase-Green explained that Sooba continues to dictate the functioning of the Council; completely ignoring the protocols of the institution.

President of the Guyana Local Government Officers’ U n i o n (GLGOU) Dale Beresford intervened in the matter. He said he would bring this matter and that of Communications Officer, Royston King, to the attention of the Labour Minister.

The Communications Officer’s salary was arbitrarily slashed in half by Sooba after he was hauled before the courts for fraud. King was charged when the Town Clerk supported by the Local Government Minister Norman Whitaker cried foul over a tax waiver approval letter he wrote to a charitable organization on behalf of the Council.

King’s charge came days after the Council filed a legal suit naming the Town Clerk and the Minister against a $27M tax waiver they granted to a well off businessman.

In Hinds’ matter, Beresford said that a labour

Unpaid, demoted clerk Nnesha Hinds officer made contact with Sooba but nothing was done.

The woman had tendered her resignation out of frustration, but returned to work when Mayor Hamilton Green encouraged her not to give up her salary so easily.

When Kaieteur News made contact with the Town Clerk, she accused the Union President and media operatives of harassing Hinds and alleged that the young woman had come to her crying before hanging up her cellular phone.

Last December, two nurses, supported by their colleagues, protested outside City Hall after the Town Clerk also refused to pay them after five months on the job. The women were employed by the Council but Sooba refused to pay. They were employed in August last year, but were not paid until January after much public display.

Hinds has since sent a complaint to the Ombudsman.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Salon to rent at 5th Street Albertown – Tel:666-6307; 667-8440

CAR RENTAL

WANTED

PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL-$4,000&UPPERDAYCALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL:PRO_AUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM

Senior Accounts Clerk, 5yrs experienced, CAT or equivalent.

Email: snow198390@hotmail.com

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Advertisements; Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves.

Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045 Mahadeo Construction for all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376 Accounting & Taxation Services: tax returns, compliances, financial statements. Avinash Persaud Tax Consultancy, 163 Parika, EBE – Call: 260-4762.

We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655,683-8734

Office clerk: CXC English, mathematics. Live in, live out babysitter/domesticCall:219-5354 Truck driver to work in G/ Town- call: 218-5105 Urgent male shop assistant to work in Interior, salary $90,000 monthly. Age 21-35Call:664-5199 Female to work in Restaurant in the Interior, salary $90,000 monthly. Age: 25-40- Call:6645199 One live-in domestic to work.

Age 35-45- Call:664-5199

PROPERTY FOR SALE Two storey, 3 bedrooms house with furnished kitchen, 36X40 & yard space @ Land of Canaan New Scheme- Call:690-6570, 6859994 Business property located @ Supply public road, E.B.D. Entering either by river/ public road- Call: 698-8100 Flat concrete house for sale in Grove with land spaceCall: 679-3913 Property @ Lot 63 West Ruimveldt, Estate Housing Scheme Georgetown – Contact Mark: 618-9744 Houses & land available for sale in Non- Pariel, Enmore, Providence & Diamond – Contact: Pacific Development Inc # 223-6035; 231-8480 Parfaite Harmonie, West Minister, Onderneeming, Cornela Ida, Tushcen, etc Contact: Pacific Development Inc # 223-6035; 231-8480

Responsible hire car driver and contract cars – Tel: 2260765 Need worker to work in Trinidad, 1 office clerk, 1 domestic between age 35-25, text or call: 1868-755-1990; 1868-683-1528 Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies, Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville.

FOR SALE Dell Computers, New HP8600, Business printers, outdoor speakers & more @ low prices – Tel: 231-8414 One mining block in Puruni District – Contact:650-8289

Two General workers (shift system) Tel:602-8769; 2181400 Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 LAND FOR SALE 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front - $100M Negotiable, serious enquiries only! Tel: 669-8152 Parfaite Harmonie -$1.2M, $1.3M –Tel: 675-7292 Vacant high income house lot @ Diamond New Scheme, 2nd Avenue - $6.8M negotiable – Tel:697-4659; 629-5300; 684-6536

Wash bay staff – Call:6295913 One maid and salesgirl – Contact: 683-7936; 668-3985 Essquibian/Berbcian, Live in domestic, excellent rates, light duties – Tel: 227-1830

VEHICLE FOR SALE

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

Toyota Prado, Price$4.7M Neg. Call: 643-2403

American Made, Aluminum ladder 24ft -$38,000 & 32ft $52,000 –Tel: 602-5794; 6097257

VIDEOGAME PACKAGE, NEW RCA 21" TV, SONY PLAYSTATION2 WITH 2 CONTROLLERS, 2 GAMES, ONLY $50,000 – CALL MAX – TEL:6098132; 672-8569 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Business man leaving country have a fishing boat, 32 feet, 15HP, Yamaha engine, catguts seine 4½ & 5" seine – Contact:668-9077 Alligator trucks + spare parts, portable sawmill – Contact: 681-5839; 663-2291 2 – Three year old working horse cart, owner leaving country – Tel: 219-2877; 6006406 One Toyota Tundra, Mag rims – Contact: 650-8289 One 15 Yamaha outboard engine next to new- Call:6884139 Used King size sleish bed with double box spring and mattress $180,000- Call:6655811, 668-8220 White & Brown eggs, ducklings also – Tel:6887291; 652-6425 One Stale Pool Table – Price: $300,000 (three hundred thousand) - Tel:228-2098; 628-5796.

2 Long foot Yamaha 25HP, 1 with warrantee, another 1½yr old; 25 Tohatso, 2 complete foot, power head parts – Tel: 611-2729 1- Taylor Soft serve cone machine (triple head), 1-donut nut machine, 1-6 burner gas stove – Call: 683-5234 Woodmizer Resaw with gas engine - $1,500,000, 1 Blades sharpener - $500,000, 1- 4X4 JCB Forklift –$1,200, 000- Tel: 683-2575

Drivers living in Georgetown with minibus license, for contract – Call: 646-8748 Experienced Drivers with minibus and hire car license – Call: 645-0025

FOR SALE

3 Engel moulding machine – Please Contact: 695-0333

Business/Economics Writer, email application to snow198390@hotmail.com 1 babysitter between ages 4055; must be living on West Bank/ Coast – Contact: 2643268/ 671-9716 1 Live-in waitress with secondary education 1825yrs salary $60,000 monthly.

Must be honest & willingCall: 610-3974 One handy boy to work in a shop in the interior- Call: 6916260 One Accounts Clerk – Call: 614-4358

Saturday March 14, 2015

Salesgirl, porter, & cleaner – Tel: 225-7417

XBOX 360 Slim with 2 controllers & 2 games; cheap –Call: 683-8386 American bully pups gottiline remyline – Call: 2207933; 667-4845; 610-0068

Arc/Acetylene welder, fabrication and mechanical, driving skills - Tel: 227-1830 MASSAGE

One 700 DVD movies with 7 Disc burner, 1-DSC security system, 1 Business Sign outdoor, Hamilton Beach mixer – Call:683-5234

Massage Therapy Service – Tel: 674-8147

Dachshund Puppy -$15,000 – Tel:216-0521; 694-3567

WANTED

Two Tacoma 2006- price $3.9M negotiable, 2009 $4.6M, negotiable. Silver, crash bar & alarm- Call: 6956461, 639-7758, 656-9990 One Nissan X-Trail, year 2004, PRR series. Fully loadedPrice $3.1M Neg- Call: 6470016 One Toyota Tacoma SR5 4WD pickup, left hand drive and manual transmission, only 22000 miles – Contact: 623-1202 L-Touring Wagon, excellent condition -15" rims; DVD, TV, R. Start Alarm - $1.3M negotiable – Tel:667-9013; 233-2538 2 Toyota Premio, 1 -2005 model. In immaculate condition. Owner leaving country - Call:678-0109/ 6182576 Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Bluebird, Spacio, Fielder, Carina 212, Sienta, IST – Call: 652-3820/665-4529 Allion PRR, DVD deck, reverse camera, alarm, HID, hardly used (40,000KM) $2.1M- Call:616-3566 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 RZ BSS Series, remote start, alarm, TV Deck, Reverse Camera, Fog lights – Tel: 6155784 One AT212 New Model PRR series; excellent condition, price $1.2M negotiable – Tel: 653-0120 DAF Truck, GRR 9599 – $4,000,000 Tel: 693-8349 One Hino Canter- Tel:2282098; 628-5796. Price $1.3M

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 1 -8000 SQ Feet ware house, located 20 miles from City $5000USD monthly – Contact: 695-0333 Apartments for rent in Nandy Park E.B.D – Tel:227-5194; 624-5194 One 3 Storey building at 104 Regent Street – $9,000.USD negotiable – Tel: 223-6299; 617-7028 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 6750767, 627-5098 1 Business place to rent at Stewartville W.C.D opposite Schools – Call: 613-5261 Prime business place for rent on Sheriff street only for offices- Call: 627-6740 Concrete 3 bedrooms upper flat house fully grilled, parking available @ Agricultural road Mon Repos, E.C.D- Call:687-1050 Refurbished 2 bedroom apartment @ Liliendaal (between Bel Air & Turkeyen) parking space – Call: 910-551-4109 (whatsapp & viber) Upper & lower flat apartment (2 bedrooms each) with toilet & bath – Contact: 220-6799; 657-4969 One 3 bedroom flat building at 19th Street Diamond Housing Scheme; Lot 1640.

Tel: 233-2805 2 Bedrooms executive apartment in exclusive residential area, security cameras, AC, good parking, etc. Call: 653-2920 or 6641070 1 Bedroom apartment for rent @ Soesdyke E.B.D- Phone: 604-7022

Just Arrived! 09 & O6 Tacoma, manual & auto, new model Allion, Bluebird, Belta, Fielder – Tel:621-4190, bestcarautosales @ f a c e b o o k . c o m One Silver, new model Mitsubishi Colt – Tel: 6103746 1 Toyota Raum – Tel: 2705059 Nissan Titan for sale, immaculate – Call: 647-3924 First Class Auto: Allion, Premio, Bluebird, Sienta, Runx, Axio, Verossa, Mark 2Call : 609-8188; 638-3045 Unregistered Toyota Spacio with body kit, spoiler, rims, fog lamp -$2M – Tel: 617-2891

VEHICLE FOR SALE Bedford Model M 4X4 truck – Tel: 693-2237 Toyota Voxy to be registered in “G” - $1.7M – Tel:617-2891 Unregistered Toyota IST, fully loaded - $2.150M – Call: 6917475 TO LET 1Bottom flat, apartment to rent at Grove – Tel: 658-1073 Continued on page 23

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Tensions rise as Venezuela issues ‘subtle threat’ to Guyana

ExxonMobil oil drilling…

- Govt. tells neighbour to be respectful; committed to diplomatic solutions (From page 22)

By Leonard Gildarie In one of the worst diplomatic spats with Guyana in recent times, neighbouring Venezuela has warned that it is prepared to take actions following the recent start of oil drilling activities by a US exploration firm, in what it considers disputed territory.

But the Government of Guyana yesterday stood firm, calling on its neighbour to be respectful of the age old boundary award which gives this country right to explore its economic potential.

Venezuela just over a week ago warned US-owned ExxonMobil, one of the world’s biggest oil companies, not to drill for oil in what it considers its waters, offshore Georgetown.

However, ExxonMobil insisted that it has an agreement with Guyana and not Venezuela. A drilling ship is in the concession and last week reportedly started its activities, Government has announced.

Following the warning to ExxonMobil, Guyana sent a protest note to Venezuela stressing that the neighbouring country is stymieing the development of Guyana and its people, and that would be in

contravention of international law.

The situation is a delicate one for Guyana and Venezuela, as the two countries are part of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) under which a number of lucrative trading deals have been reached.

In the case of Guyana, Venezuela has for almost a decade now been selling oil at concessionary rates and in return, this country has been supplying rice.

On Wednesday, a new deal was signed for almost 200,000 tonnes of rice and paddy, much to the relief of Guyana which would have been left holding a huge surplus had Venezuela backed down.

In October 2013, an armed Venezuelan navy vessel reportedly entered Guyana waters and detained a seismic survey vessel which was under contract with Anadarko.

Anadarko had a petroleum prospecting licence to search for hydrocarbons in the Roraima block offshore Guyana.

With ExxonMobil a US company, Venezuela yesterday turned to the local media in Guyana to send out

its message which seemed to have caught Government by surprise.

Venezuela took almost a three-quarter page advertisement in Kaieteur News with a statement on the issue of ExxonMobil. “…the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela as a promoter of peace, unity and solidarity development as inherited patterns of behavior of our Liberator Simón Bolívar and the Eternal Commander Hugo Chávez, reserves the right to execute all actions in the diplomatic field and in accordance with international law, that might be necessary to defend and safeguard the sovereignty and independence of our country under the border dispute over the Essequibo Reclamation Zone.”

“The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, ratifies its commitment to international peace and the unity of the Latin American and Caribbean peoples, and ratifies the full exercise of its just claim to the Essequibo territory, including its coastline, and calls for national unity to all Venezuelans to defend the

territorial integrity of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”

In its response, issued by Director General, Elisabeth Harper, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Guyana said it is extremely perplexed by Venezuela’s statement, which while declaring as false Guyana’s statement, that Venezuela’s actions are aimed at stymieing Guyana’s development, “that same Government seeks to publicize those very objections to Guyana’s development initiatives – by also utilizing Guyana’s local media.”

From page 9 it. He also noted that the acquisition of drugs affordably was a challenge being faced by the entire Caribbean region.

“Guyana cannot shape the vaccine market alone; it has to be a regional issue,” Ramsaran said.

The Health Minister also congratulated Guyanese mothers for taking advantage of the programme and ensuring that their children’s health was paramount. He also noted that education

amongst women had risen and women were learning more about the importance of vaccination.

“These women are taking advantage of the services available to them and protecting our future generation…keep it up; let’s keep up the 96% coverage and let’s keep up Guyana as one of the leading lights – if not the leading light – in this regard, not only in the Caribbean but Latin America,” Ramsaran urged.

For nearly a decade,

Guyana has been one of the leading countries in vaccination figures.

In 2012, Ramsaran had indicated that Guyana consistently achieved over 90 percent coverage of vaccination of children for routine preventable childhood diseases for the preceding five years. He had also said the country received prestigious awards for its achievement.

Ramsaran had stated that Guyana had “practically eradicated” some potentially

fatal childhood diseases due to the aggressive and country wide access to routine vaccines.

Also in 2012, the ministry introduced the HPV vaccine to Guyana to protect girls from cervical cancer as they mature later in life.

Ramsaran had stated that the vaccines were dispatched to various regions with a target of 6,000 girls. The vaccine is currently being implemented in 33 countries, in all continents around the world.

From page 5 Now they have witnessed the strange and brazen murder of Political Activist and AntiGovernment Protester Courtney Crum Ewing at Diamond, with the most disturbing and suspicious statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs which linked the murder to the appointment of the Commissioner of Police.

But Guyanese are wiser than that and the murderers will pay for the assassination.

Too many people are uncomfortable with the raw use of power by the PPP cabal who have grossly mismanaged the affairs of the country during the past fifteen years.

There been no fiscal discipline or any serious consideration of helping the ordinary citizens which is why the country is so poor and the crime rate is so high, notwithstanding corruption and State thievery.

Simply put, Guyanese have mongooses in charge of the fowl coop. The PPP has turned out to be a Trojan horse—a party that gained power by stealth. But its time is up.

So the question is: Who to vote for? That is a very easy decision, especially with the implosion of the PPP at Baby Jaan on March 9, 2015, where the audience and the entire nation were told in no

uncertain terms that President Ramotar should kick the asses of the opposition.

Disgusted and embarrassed by such vulgar and crude behaviour, members of the PPP are walking away in droves. The people’s choice

on May 11 is the APNU/AFC Alliance—a pro-democracy unity party. It’s time for change.

Dr. Asquith Rose Chandra Deolall Dr. Merle SpencerMarks

From page 21 shortly after. Wilson said that the man was arrested and taken into custody at the Ruimveldt Police Station.

The suspected thief was later identified as Paul Charles. Wilson said that police officers at the station informed him that Charles was recently released from jail for stealing from someone else,

and was previously involved in an attempt to kill a woman for $30,000.

Wilson told this newspaper that he intends to set more traps in order to catch “every one of the other thieves” prowling the Front Road, West Ruimveldt area.

He added that he is prepared to confront them if he has cause to do so.

President Donald Ramotar

Guyana maintains almost 100% vaccine coverage...

The PPP regime imploded at Babu Jaan

Ruimveldt resident sets trap...

VACANCY

TO LET

Female Accounts & Sales clerk also for porters, Apply in person @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling.

4 bedroom house, AC, Security camera, GEB alarm, telephone, 2 vehicles parking, etc @ Friendship E.B.D- Tel:674-6363

FACTORY STAFF, GTI / GITC Male /Female graduates preferred.

CANTER DRIVERS, MARKETINGASSISTANT, Drivers Licence required, GUARDS. Tel: 266 4427 Vacancy for body work man – Tel: 649-0659 Reception / maid, cook/chef, to w o r k a t H o t e l / Restaurant, apply in person – Tel:223-6284; 231-1908 International Cruiseline AB Sailors, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionists, storekeepers, cleaners, electricians, carpenters, welders, costmetologist, etc – Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880 One driver/salesman to work on water truck, must be living around W.B.D, attractive salary – Tel: 618-4257 Secretary, cleaners, office clerk, waitress / waiters, security officers, drivers, kitchen assistant, restaurant manager –Tel: 603-4094 CANTER DRIVERS FOR DAILYDELIVERIES, MUST HAVE DRIVING EXPERIENCED, POLICE CLEARANCE REQUIRED. CALL FOR INTERVIEW:231-8344 FAST GROWING IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR SEEKING ACCOUNTS CLERK, MUST HAVE A C C O U N T I N G, COMPUTER & C O M M U N I C AT I O N SKILLS. CALL FOR INTERVIEW @ 231-8529 Gasoline Mechanic – Call: 223-5273/4

Fully Furnished vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours – Call: 227-1218 Unfurnished 3 bedroom house in Diamond Housing Scheme, in yard parking for 1 car -$60, 0000 monthly – Call: 618-8847; 613-6711 Two bedrooms house @ Lot 499 Cane Ville E.B.D – Tel:674-0169 or 627-9220

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel:698-7807

EDUCATIONAL Pre-Easter Computer Classes; 9 Courses: Office 2013, windows 7/8, $30,000.00 MicroGraphics Technology Vreed-En-Hoop, Tel: 264-3057 Pre-Easter Computerized Accounting, 4 Courses: Ptree, QuickBooks, POS, Excel 2013 $30,000.00 @ MicroGraphics Vreed-EnHoop, Tel: 264-3057 ACCOMMODATION Saturdays & Sundays after lunch @ Inner Retreat Hotel Parika: Bar-B-Cue & games: pools, darts, table tennis etc – Phone: 260-4504.

Inner Retreat Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Retreat Road Parika. Indoor / Outdoor bar in Picturesque setting – Phone: 260-4504

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 14, 2015

Importance of healthy diets emphasised at World Consumer Rights Day seminar Given that poor diets account for more than 11 million deaths annually, consumers, producers, manufacturers, and food caterers who converged at the International Conference Centre for a half-day seminar yesterday, were being reminded that it is important to pay attention to the foods we consume.

In this vein, Consumer International, the regulatory organisation in charge of consumer affairs globally, has selected to highlight the benefits of healthy eating during this year’s observance of World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD).

WCRD will be observed tomorrow and the global entity reported that dietrelated diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular illnesses and diabetes are rapidly rising in developing economies.

This, the body underlined, has resulted in the death of more than eight million people before their 6th birthday, many in low and middle-income countries.

This year, WCRD is being observed under the theme “Helping Consumers Choose Healthy Diets” and it is against that backdrop that the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce in collaboration with the GNBS, Consumer Affairs Commission, the Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department and other consumer protection bodies,

has planned a week of activities to share information to the general public, and to encourage consumers to become involved in efforts to champion their cause.

On March 15, annually, Consumer International and countries around the world place specific emphasis on examining the injustices meted out to consumers and issues which undermine their rights. To further this cause, a half-day seminar was held by the local Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) at the Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara centre to educate on the importance of healthy diets.

The event featured several presentations from the CCAC, Guyana National Bureau of Standards,

tribute was paid to popular consumer advocate, Ms. Eileen Rosaline Cox who passed away last November at the age of 96.

Cox was a founding member of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), which was established in March 1964, and she built a reputation for being compassionate, resilient and persevering.

The gathering was also addressed by Consumer Affairs Officer, Kushana Archer; Secretary of CCAC, Alicia Primo; Technical Officer 2 of the GNBS, Rodlyn Semple; Food Inspector of the Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department, George Adams and Ministry of Health’s Nutritionist, Analese Roman.

Activities planned for the

Carnegie School of Home Economics students demonstrating how to make healthy juices.

2015 observance included radio and television programmes, a “cook for change competition” and the recently concluded seminar and mini exhibition.

At the conclusion of yesterday’s event, several participants won prizes; compliments of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Survival’s and Nigel’s Supermarket.

A section of the crowd yesterday.

Assassination of antigovernment protestor…

- to be laid to rest next Wednesday The gunman who killed political activist Courtney Crum–Ewing shot him twice to the temple, once to the back of the head, and twice to the stomach.

The killer used a .32 pistol and fired at such close range that gunpowder burns were left on his victim’s clothes and body.

This was revealed yesterday during a postmortem that was witnessed by Attorney-atLaw and Alliance For Change member, Nigel Hughes.

Cause of death was given as shock and haemorrhage.

Crum-Ewing’s mother, Donna Harcourt, said that the postmortem left her with no doubt that the person who executed her son was skilled in the use of firearms.

“The person who shot knew how to shoot; it’s someone who knows to kill,” she told Kaieteur News

Government Analyst- Food and Drug Department and the Ministry of Health, with all placing heavy emphasis on the benefits of healthy eating and consumers’ choices.

While addressing the gathering, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Derrick Cummings, urged all Guyanese to become familiar with the regulations contained in the Consumer Protection Legislation and to recognize that the law is already having an impact.

While he explained that all efforts are geared towards ensuring that the Guyanese populace remains healthy, Cummings urged those gathered to adopt the prescriptions and diets which lead to a healthy lifestyle.

During the activity, a

yesterday.

Crum-Ewing, a former Queen’s College student and army officer, was gunned down last Tuesday night at Third Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, reportedly while urging residents, by way of a bullhorn, to vote against the ruling party in the upcoming General and Regional Elections on May 11.

Police had stated that Crum-Ewing was accosted by four men in a car, one of whom discharged several rounds, hitting him about his body.

However, it is being revealed that there were only two men in the car that transported the shooter. A second car with another two men came up soon after.

The autopsy has dispelled reports that CrumEwing was shot while trying to flee his killer(s). Police have also received reports that

Post mortem reveals...Three bullets to head, two to chest there was a brief verbal confrontation before the gunfire.

Detectives are said to be examining camera footage from the area, but indications are that they have made little headway in identifying the killers or the getaway car.

In fact, people who live in the neighbourhood now say that there are no cameras in the area.

Crum-Ewing’s relatives have alleged that he had complained twice of receiving threats. This occurred when the 40-year-old ex-army officer began staging his oneman protests outside Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall’s Carmichael Street office, while urging the Attorney General to resign in the wake of a recorded telephone conversation between himself and a Kaieteur News journalist.

The first threat was reportedly made by an individual, who allegedly

drove up to Crum-Ewing and said: “Anil ain’t going nowhere, so you better go or else…”

On another occasion, he was reportedly told: “CrumEwing, you don’t mean to stop this stupidness?” They said that the protestor had reported these threats to the police and identified one of the individuals, but no action was taken.

Crum-Ewing’s minibus was also vandalized.

His stepfather, Eustace Harcourt, said that they had repeatedly cautioned the outspoken Crum-Ewing about taking unnecessary risks. “I would try to explain the dangers. I would tell him that I didn’t want him on the road late at night.

“He would say: ‘if you have to live in fear, if you can’t talk, then I can’t live in this country.’”

Mrs. Harcourt said that the family has been heartened by the support received from

Courtney Crum–Ewing total strangers. “The number of people that called in crying; the number of people that he made an impact on in such a

short time (is encouraging).”

Relatives said that he is scheduled to be laid to rest on Wednesday.

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Venezuela rice deal signed…

Guyana courts African states to take off surplus

Guyana has a new deal for 200,000 tonnes of rice and paddy this year.

As worry mounts by a number of farmers in Essequibo and Berbice over late payments from last year, the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) is advising that millers pay $3,000 per bag of paddy for the upcoming crop.

This comes even as news that Guyana is negotiating with a number of African states, to take off almost 200,000 tonnes of rice.

According to RPA yesterday, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and its counterpart in Venezuela on Wednesday signed a new annual agreement, which will see almost 200,000 tonnes of rice and paddy being taken off.

There has been worry that Venezuela would have backed down from a new deal after several shortages and political turmoil in that country.

Venezuela is also angry with Guyana over current drilling activities by a US oil exploration company in disputed waters.

“With this in mind, the RPA is of the strong view that the millers and exporters should pay an average price of $3,000 for a bag of paddy for the present rice crop,” the association urged yesterday.

The association, which is the largest rice farmers’ body in the country, said that it also expects that suppliers to the Venezuela market can meet the $3,000 price, once they are allocated a reasonable quota to Venezuela for the duration of this contract.

With a dramatic increase in production in recent years due to high yields and more lands being ploughed, Government has been struggling to find markets for the extra rice.

Rice farmers have been jittery and calling for relief.

Last year, rice production topped 630,000 tonnes, the highest ever recorded.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday, it sealed the important Venezuela contract for this year on Wednesday.

The oil-for-rice deal will see shipments starting “soon” depending on the availability of vessels, the Ministry said yesterday.

“We are hopeful that the first shipment will be on March 21. Additionally, Guyana and Venezuela have also agreed for the procurement of 14,000 tons of fertilizer for 2015.”

In the meanwhile, arrangements are being concluded for the 2015 contracts with Panama.

“The two countries recently concluded arrangements to fast track payments. The financial accountability process of Panama involved Guyana making changes in how we invoiced our sales. After three months of negotiations we have been able to reconcile our systems for faster payments.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry said that Minister Leslie Ramsammy is currently meeting officials from several African countries. Guyana is hoping to sell more than 200,000 tonnes of rice to those African countries.

The news would come as farmers are agitating for outstanding monies from the late crop.

Yesterday was the latest in a series of protests hitting Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast There have also been protests in Black Bush Polder, East Berbice.

The first harvesting has

reportedly started.

Under the Venezuela deal, that neighbouring country will take close to 200,000 tons of paddy and rice.

In 2014, exports to Venezuela accounted for about 34 per cent of the total production of rice in Guyana, the Ministry has said. It is expected that exports in 2015 will be about 30 per cent of production, even though the actual amount will be approximately the same.

This is because the country is expecting a bigger production in 2015.

According to the Ministry recently, together with increased export to the regular markets, newer markets in Central America and Africa will be added to the increasing destinations for Guyana’s rice.

This year, authorities are also predicting local consumption will see a dramatic increase.

Government is also hoping that more rice will be taken off with the opening of a rice cereal factory in Essequibo which is expected to be operational by the second crop.

In addition, a rice flour factory will become operational also by the second crop this year, the Ministry has said.

Last year, farmers sold approximately $44B in paddy to millers.

But as of last week, some $300M was owed to farmers from last year despite millers being mandated to complete payments within 42 days of delivery.

The 2015 value for paddy is expected to be between $45 and $50B with Government forecasting paddy production to surpass one million tons for the first time.

Page 25

APNU+AFC crafts plan to improve living conditions in Region Nine The deplorable living conditions which exist in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) were highlighted yesterday as Opposition Leader, David Granger, announced that his party has more than frail election promises for the residents of that district.

The Presidential Candidate for A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) told media operatives during a press conference held at his Hadfield Street office, that the coalition has crafted a rescue plan that is sure to make a significant difference in the lives of Rupununi residents.

Granger said that the APNU+AFC conducted outreaches to over 50 villages in the North, Central and South savannahs so far this year. During their five-day campaign he said that the coalition travelled to Achawib, Aishalton, Awarewanau, Katoonarib, Potarinau, Sand Creek, Sawariwau, Shea and Shulinab and other mainly Wapishana villages in the South. Other villages he noted were, Apoteri, Annai, Aranaputa, Crashwater, Fairview, Kwaimatta, Kwattamang, Massara, Rewa, Rupertee, Surama, Toka, Yakarinta and other Macushi Villages in the North.

Based on its findings, the Opposition Leader said that it was evident that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration has been hampering the Region’s economic and social development and hindering the happiness and welfare of the people living there.

The historian said, too, that it is a pity that Guyana’s largest Region happens to be the poorest. He emphasized that the outcome of the PPP/ C’s incompetence, after over two decades include indigenous land issues, an unsatisfactory education system and underdeveloped infrastructure.

However, Granger said

that the APNU+AFC will introduce a comprehensive plan of reform. In giving the media an overview of the rescue plan, the politician expressed that many communities are not satisfied with the lands allocated to them. He said that while large tracts of land have been given out as mining and forestry concessions, the APNU+AFC will sit down with communities and reexamine their claims with a view to settling them once and for all.

As it relates to education reform, the Opposition leader said that many children have been failing all four subjects at the annual National Grade Six Assessment examinations. He added that dropout rates for boys and girls in primary and secondary schools are high and the APNU+AFC will ensure that schools are fully staffed and properly equipped. The Presidential Candidate said that the coalition will also establish a Rupununi Technical Institute and a Rupununi Agricultural Institute.

Granger said that the APNU+AFC plan also caters for infrastructural improvements.

He stated that the partnership, once it assumes office, will invest in infrastructure to ensure that roads are made more accessible in any weather and bridges are reconstructed and made sturdier.

He asserted that the cost of living is high, largely because of the administration’s reluctance to invest in building the essential Annai-Achawib and Lethem-Linden highways.

The politician said that the APNU+AFC coalition is committed to ensuring that access to the information super highway, would be made easier and intends to provide distance education to enable students to pursue degree and diploma courses

at the University of Guyana.

APNU Member, Annette Ferguson, endorsed the sentiments expressed by her Leader and added that residents in Region Nine have also complained about the poor health facilities available in their district.

Granger was then asked whether he feels that this time around, the majority of Region Nine will vote for the APNU+AFC. He admitted that while the PPP/C won that region in the 2011 elections, it was only through the award of “goodies” like solar panels.

However, “We have been able to craft plans that gave residents the prospect or the possibility of improving their lives.

It is a zone of neglect and it is a pity that such a large section of Guyana is not being properly serviced. We have been able to give the people hope and that will overcome visits by government officials which have given them tokens.

It is only by visiting and speaking to people directly that we were able to convince them that we had planned to change their lives, so that has started to happen and there has been more than an enthusiastic response.”

A 34-year-old taxi driver was stabbed multiple times at around 19.00 hrs yesterday by a passenger who had lured him to Dazelle Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, to steal his car.

A relative said that Deonarine Ramkellawan, of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, was stabbed about 15 times, after he refused to hand over his Toyota Carina 212 vehicle to the would-be carjacker. A sibling said that Ramkellawan sustained wounds to the head, face and

hands and was being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

He was reportedly listed as stable. Kaieteur News understands that Ramkellawan was in the vicinity of Coldigen Road, East Coast Demerara, when he picked up a male passenger who asked to be taken to Dazelle Housing Scheme. But on reaching the destination, the passenger drew a knife and ordered Ramkellawan to hand over his car.

Kaieteur News

understands that Ramkellawan responded by driving into a ditch. This infuriated the would-be carjacker, who stabbed his victim several times before fleeing empty-handed. The bloody knife was also left at the scene.

Residents came to the wounded man’s aid and after Ramkellawan contacted his brother by phone. The sibling then took him to the GPHC, where he was still receiving treatment up to late yesterday evening.

APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate, David Granger

Taxi driver stabbed 15 times in foiled carjacking

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 14, 2015

Oil drops 9 percent on week on stronger dollar, glut warning (Reuters) - Global oil prices tumbled yesterday and fell 9 percent on the week, hit by a renewed rally in the dollar and a warning by the International Energy Agency (IEA) that the oil glut is growing.

Data that showed a sharp drop in the number of U.S. rigs drilling for oil failed to inspire market bulls.Benchmark Brent oil settled near a one-month low below $55 a barrel and U.S. crude settled near a 2-1/ 2 month low under $45.

The dollar hit a 12-year high in its march toward parity with the euro, jacking up the cost of oil and other dollardenominated commodities for holders of other currencies.

The 19-commodity Thomson Reuters/Core Commodity CRB Index fell a six-year low.

“We aim to break the year’s low in crude next week,” said Tariq Zahir, an oil bear at

Tyche Capital Advisors in Laurel Hollow, New York.

Brent fell to $45.19 in January, while U.S. crude dropped to $43.48. Oil began the day lower after the IEA, which advises industrialized countries on energy, warned the global glut was building and the United States may soon run out of tanks to store crude.“U.S. supply so far shows precious little sign of slowing down,” the IEA said.

“Quite to the contrary, it continues to defy expectations.”

Some traders also worried about the prospect of Iran reaching a partial nuclear deal with world powers by end March and a full agreement

by June. Such a deal could end sanctions against Tehran, enabling it to export more crude, which would suppress prices.

The only real bullish

factor on the day was data from oil services firm Baker Hughes showing the number of rigs drilling for oil in the United States fell by 56 this week to 866, the lowest since March 2011. A lower rig count signals a drop in oil output.

News of a U.S. government proposal to buy up to five million barrels of oil for its Strategic Petroleum Reserve also elicited little interest from market bulls.

Brent LCOc1 closed at $54.67, down $2.41, or 4.2 percent, on the day. U.S. crude CLc1 finished at $44.84, down $2.21, or 4.7 percent.

Both dropped 9 percent on the week.

Brent’s premium to U.S. crude, a spread that commands one of the biggest volumes in oil, turned volatile, moving from a 10-day high of $11 a barrel to below Thursday’s close of $10.

(Reuters) - The European Commission warned of “catastrophe” if Greece has to abandon the euro and its chief executive, Jean-Claude Juncker, urged EU governments to show solidarity as Athens struggles to secure more credit.

A day after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said Greece might stumble out of the euro zone because new, left-wing leaders failed to negotiate new borrowings, Juncker’s economics commissioner said EU hardliners underestimated the risk that this would start a fatal domino collapse of the common currency.

“All of us in Europe probably agree that a Grexit would be a catastrophe — for the Greek economy, but also for the euro zone as a whole,” Pierre Moscovici told Der Spiegel — a view not in fact shared by some conservative allies of Chancellor Angela

Merkel who favour amputating the bloc’s troubled Greek limb.

Moscovici, a French Socialist, countered the argument that protective mechanisms put in place in the three years since the last major debt crisis meant Grexit — or an inadvertent “Grexident” — could be contained, or even strengthen the euro.

“If one country leaves this union, the markets will immediately ask which country is next,” Moscovici told the German magazine.

“And that could be the beginning of the end.”

Moscovici’s comments reflect alarm in the new Commission formed under Juncker in November that brinkmanship by leaders on both sides of the dispute in the euro zone risks getting out of hand, and a fear governments underestimate the potential damage.

Pledging to help find a

compromise, Juncker spent some 90 minutes hosting Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, reinforcing a relationship that has irked some in Berlin who fear the EU executive, which is not itself a lender to Greece, may muddy the debt negotiations and try to water down the lenders’ terms.

An EU official told Reuters that Juncker urged Tsipras, 20 years his junior, to do much more to show creditors he was meeting their demands for savings and free market reforms. If he did not, he told Tsipras, there was “a distinct danger” Greece could find itself shut out of the euro monetary system.

In public, Juncker sounded a note of urgency to other EU governments: “This is not a time for division,” he said.

“This is the time for coming together.”

Ts i p r a s i s t r y i n g t o satisfy conditions from lenders who last month extended until June a 240billion-euro ($250 billion) bailout deal while also retaining the support of voters who elected him to end years of austerity. He said Greece was doing its bit and others must now help ease its “humanitarian crisis”.

Commission officials say Juncker, a long-time premier of Luxembourg and former chair of the Eurogroup of euro zone finance ministers, is alarmed by talk of letting Greece go if Athens fails to make savings and free market reforms demanded.

EU executive warns of Grexit ‘catastrophe’, urges euro solidarity

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 27

LAND AHOY…Govt. to spend billions: Venezuela’s Maduro says may 4,000 plots for middle class per year go to U.S. to challenge Obama Trinidad Express Government Thursday unveiled a billion-dollar-ayear “land for the landless’’ programme aimed at distributing 3,000 to 4,000 serviced lots each year for four years to qualifying nationals.

Minister of State Lands Jairam Seemungal, in making the announcement at the post-Cabinet news conference, also revealed that “land for the landless’’ has been redefined to include those persons making as much as $30,000 a month. The original income ceiling was $10,000 a month.

“We are looking at this entire exercise and the amount of land that we are looking at (distributing)...The investment (would be) of at least close to $1 billion per year... because under the programme we want to target

3,000 to 4,000 lots per year,” he said.

The announcement is coming on the heels of Government’s disclosure that it would be distributing 100 Housing Development Corporation (HDC) units each week from now till December.

In response to questions, however, Seemungal said this was no electioneering gimmick. “This has nothing to do with election gimmick because the time-frame is between now and four years,” he said.He said the Government was merely trying to expand the programme to help the middle-income persons, who under the previous arrangement were “eliminated”. Persons such as “young entrepreneurs, lawyers, doctors and persons employed by the State whose salaries are over $10,000” were

now entitled to the subsidised programme, granted that their household is no more than $30,000 a month, he said.

Right now there are fully developed lots in Chaguanas but they are valued at $600,000, he said. “That is why we are expanding the programme to allow those making more money to qualify...because we have found that close to 60 per cent of the applicants are from this ($30,000 a month) category.

He outlined how the State would subsidise the costs: 1. Lands valued up to $250,000 — up to 80 per cent.

2. Lands valued at between $250,000 and $300,000 — up to 70 per cent.

3. Lands valued at between $300,000 and $350,000 — 50 per cent.

4. Lands over $350,000 — 30 per cent.

100 Recruits Left Caribbean To Fight With ISIS RTT News - A top US Defense official has told the Congress that about 100 recruits have traveled from the Caribbean to Syria to fight alongside Islamic extremists.

During his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, Marine Corps Gen. John F. Kelly said the information is concerning, and that “Everyone’s concerned too if they come home because if they went over radicalized, one would expect they’ll come back at least that radicalized.”

Addressing a Pentagon news conference later, the commander of U.S. Southern Command responded to reporters’ questions.

Kelly said that the Pentagon does not have any indication right now of any scheme to attack the United States.

The general said it’s a situation similar to the U.S. where there’s some small number reportedly that have radicalized for one reason or another here in the United States.

But much larger numbers of extremist recruits go from Western Europe into the fight

in Syria, where they develop fighting skills, Kelly said. He noted that smaller countries have a harder time tracking the numbers of people and their movements, because they lack a functioning legal justice system, an FBI, and “layers and layers of ‘clean’ policemen and women.”Kelly said that the second issue in tracking recruits is that some people in Southcom’s area of operations, just as in the United States and in Western Europe, are recruited or radicalized from the Internet, and also a couple of pretty radical mosques in the region.

The top defense officia...

KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The government of Jamaica has reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against corruption, with Minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding, emphasising that, if it is not eliminated, it can threaten the country’s development.

“The administration recognizes that corruption is corrosive, and undermines the processes and institutions that underpin our economy and society, therefore threatening the country’s economic and social development,” the minister said.

Golding was speaking at the Office of the Contractor General’s inaugural three-day Fraud and Anti-Corruption Conference on Tuesday.

He said the government’s commitment is evident in a number of legislative initiatives in the past three years to strengthen Jamaica’s ability to tackle corruption.

These initiatives, Golding said, include the passage of the Law Reform (Fraudulent Transactions) (Special Provisions) Act, 2013, commonly referred to as the ‘Lotto Scam Act’; and the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organizations) Act, 2014, also known as the anti-gang legislation. He also cited amendment of the Financial Investigations Division Act, 2013, and the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2013.

The senator pointed out that a priority of the government is the strengthening of the

institutional framework to prevent and combat corruption.

“The intention is to afford a more co-ordinated approach, ensure the more efficient and effective use of resources and build the necessary capacity and expertise to investigate and prosecute acts of corruption,” he said.

Citing the new Integrity Commission Bill 2014, the minister said it seeks “to make the current arrangements for ensuring high standards of ethical conduct for parliamentarians, public officials and other persons more effective, by creating synergies and operational efficiencies through consolidating laws relating to the prevention of corruption.”

- U.S. General

Jamaica reaffirms commitment to fight corruption

CARACAS (Reuters) Ridiculing the U.S. qualification of Venezuela as a security threat, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday he may travel to Washington to challenge American counterpart Barack Obama.

“We demand, via all global diplomatic channels, that President Obama rectify and repeal the immoral decree declaring Venezuela a threat to the United States,” Maduro said.

In the worst flare-up between the ideological enemies since Maduro took power in 2013, Wa s h i n g t o n earlier this week declared a “national emergency” over “the unusual and extraordinary threat” from Venezuela and sanctioned seven officials over allegations of rights abuses and corruption.

The Maduro government has demanded evidence of how it threatens U.S. security.

Conversely, it accuses Washington of helping coup plotters and preparing a military invention.

U.S. officials say the Obama government’s intention is to make Venezuela’s government change its ways, not fall.

Speaking at a book fair, Maduro, the 52-year-old successor of firebrand U.S. adversary Hugo Chavez, said Venezuela was preparing an event in Washington to press its case.

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 14, 2015

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Ganesh Parts and General Store, Metro...

Justice (Rtd) Cecil Kennard (second left) accepts the sponsorship cheque from Managing Director of Ganesh Parts and General Store, Robb Street, Lacytown, Roop Persaud in the presence of the store’s employees.

(From page 31) horses classified ‘G1 and Lower. Justice Cecil Kennard thanked Ganesh Parts and General Store for coming on board once more and stated that the store has been very supportive of the Turf Club for over 10 years. He informed that the sponsorship has increased tremendously over the years and he is grateful for that. Meanwhile, Metro Stationary and OfficeSupplies also yesterday made their contribution to the Meet.

The company donated $120,000 that will go towards the first prize money for the winner of the five-furlong race for horses classified ‘K’.

Chief Executive Officer of Metro, Avia Maria Lindie, stated that her company has always been supportive of activities of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club over the years.

“Our company is pleased to partner with Kennard’s Turf Club as we have a long standing relationship with them”, adding “we are very pleased

to be a part of any activity the club has and we are committed to continuing our support.”

Kennard informed that Metro has been onboard with the club for over 20 years and “even though the size of the sponsorship might not be large, Kennard’s Turf Club is very thankful for the support offered by the company”.

Kennard informed that it is the company’s president Ron Ramnarayan that was instrumental in Kennard’s Turf Club getting this support.

Saturday March 14, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Nervous tension among family members is high today, Aries, so don't be surprised if household members start quarreling.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Even though you're likely to wake up feeling energetic and enthusiastic, Libra, your mood may sink a little when you think about all you need to do.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Information gleaned today might not be totally accurate, Taurus. Someone may be repeating gossip or making stories up out of whole cloth.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) An increased awareness of subtle undercurrents may have you feeling a bit disconcerted today, Scorpio.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Pessimism over money matters may plague you today, Gemini. Perhaps a desired increase in income hasn't materialized.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The desire to perform a service of some kind could attract you to group activities t o d a y, Sagittarius.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may be a bit on edge emotionally today, Cancer.

You're likely to feel less selfconfident than usual, and you also might be a bit bored.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Your day could be worrisome and stressful, Capricorn. Your workload may be especially heavy and you could be putting in some long hours.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your mind may not be quite as quick as it usually is, and you may go through the day in a bit of a fog, possibly reflecting on the past.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you're likely to feel rather bored, restless, and frustrated with the way your life is going now, Aquarius.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Frustrating delays in completing a project might cause you to doubt your skills, Virgo. Be careful not to fall into this trap.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may feel especially sexy and passionate, Pisces, but minor conflicts between you and the special someone in your life could put distance between you.

Page 29

Gayle in doubt as Windies set for do-or-die contest with UAE NAPIER, New Zealand (CMC) — A nagging back injury has put flamboyant West Indies opener Chris Gayle in doubt for their all-important do-or-die World Cup clash with United Arab Emirates (UAE) tomorrow (tonight local time).

Gayle is struggling with his back injury and could miss the crucial final preliminaryround clash which will determine whether they qualify for the quarter-finals.

The veteran opener was unable to train with his teammates in Napier on Wednesday, remaining at the team hotel to rest in the hope of speeding his recovery.

“He is struggling, but we have back up in Johnson Charles,” said coach Stuart Williams.

“We’d love him to play all the games (but) we’ll just have to manage him better.”

Gayle, 35, blasted a World Cup record 215 in the win over Zimbabwe, but his form in other games has been patchy with 36 against Ireland, four in the game with Pakistan, just three in the loss to South Africa and 21 facing India.

West Indies have just four points from five games after two wins and three defeats and need to beat the UAE handsomely to boost their run rate if they are to have any hope of squeezing into the quarter-finals.

“Our destiny is in our own hands and on Sunday we’ll know exactly what we’ll have to do to qualify,” Williams added.

After the loss to Ireland, the Windies comfortably beat Pakistan and Zimbabwe before suffering crushing defeats against South Africa and India.

“In reality it’s better to have (bad performances) earlier than now,” Williams said.

“Sometimes it’s up and sometimes it’s down, so we’ve just got to get the balance right, whether it’s batting, bowling or fielding.”

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle plays a shot during the 2015 World Cup Pool B match against India in Perth, Australia, recently. (PHOTO: AFP) Ireland and Pakistan, both on six points — two ahead of the West Indies — clash in Adelaide on the same day.

“Right now we don’t have a choice. We can only finish fourth (in pool B),” Williams

said.

“So once we qualify, nobody will want to play the West Indies. On our day we will beat anyone in this tournament and our men will be ready for that.”

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 14, 2015

Jaguars reach 264-6 on opening day...

(From page 28) After Lunch, the few spectators saw Johnson clobber Mohamed for a six and two fours off the first three deliveries in the first over after the interval to race past Fudadin.

Johnson lofted leg-spinner Imran Khan for six to move to 49 but next ball got one that bounced and he was taken at short leg, to break the 59-run stand between him and Fudadin. Johnson, who just missed a third consecutive fifty, faced 61 balls, batted for 64 minutes and hit six fours and two sixes in his entertaining knock.

Without addition to the score and in the same over, Narsingh Deonarine missed a pull at one that kept low and was LBW to give Khan his 48th victim as the Jaguars slipped to 133-3.

Singh joined Fudadin, who deposited Khan back over his head for six and the left-handed pair took few risks to carry the score to 165 before Fudadin also departed after doing all the hard work when he was caught and bowled by Mohamed. His 44 took 148 balls, 201 minutes

After Tea, Bramble went on his toes and smashed Gabriel behind point for four while Singh picked the gaps nicely as the pair repaired the damage as the Red Force took the second new ball.

Bramble was the aggressor and pulled and cut the expensive Gabriel for a couple of boundaries before a spanking cut off Richards reached the ropes in the wink of an eye. He soon reached his sec-

Leon Johnson smashes Ottley past silly mid off.

and was decorated with five fours and a six.

The usually reliable Shiv Chanderpaul, in his 341stgame at this level, never suggested permanence and charged down the track to Mohamed off the second ball he faced, missed an injudicious swing and was missstumped.

However, Mohamed had

the last laugh when the veteran 40-year-old left-hander, with 70 First-Class tons, strangely opted to play no shot to a ball that would have crashed into his stumps and was LBW for two as the Jaguars slumped to 167-5.

His last three innings has produced scores of 13, 4 and 2 and the batting of the prolific Test player who has made

a tremendous contribution to Guyana’s cricket in his 23year First-Class career, seems to be on the decline.

Khan removed Barnwell (14) to capture his third wicket on the stroke of Tea to leave Guyana on 185-6 from 60.5 overs in a session in which the Red Force fought back wonderfully to take five wickets and concede 94 runs.

ond fifty of the season from 104 minutes, 75 minutes with six fours while Singh hit his third boundary in the final over of the day.

Bramble has so far faced 88 balls, batted for 170 minutes and struck six fours while Singh’s innings has lasted 148 balls, 200 minutes and included three fours.

Play on the second day today is scheduled to start at 10:00hrs

New Zealand respond to different challenges in Bangladesh win HAMILTON (Reuters) - New Zealand overcame another set of challenges yesterday to maintain their unbeaten record in the cricket World Cup. Trent Boult and Tim Southee bowled expertly in favourable conditions early in the Bangladesh innings in their final Pool A clash but were unable to capture the extra couple of wickets which could have wrecked the innings.

Mitchell McClenaghan, playing his first game in the tournament after injury to Adam Milne, found the going tough and conceded 68 runs from eight unsuccessful overs.

Thirty-eight of those came from 24 balls to century maker Mahmudullah who helped his team become the first side to complete their 50 overs against the co-hosts and set New Zealand 289 to win.

Scores: New Zealand 289 for 7 (Guptill 105, Shakib 455) beat Bangladesh 288 for 7 (Mahmudullah 128*, Soumya 51) by three wickets.

Saturday March 14, 2015

Kaieteur News

Guyanese going for historic clean-sweep tonight -Bulldoze Bermuda in second of three-game series

By Edison Jefford The annals of Guyanese basketball history are unkind; they refuse to give favourable evidence to support Guyana’s sweeping of a top-ranked Caribbean Basketball Confederation team in a three-game series. Perhaps it has never happened, which brings tonight’s third and final Guyana versus Bermuda international basketball game into sharper focus.

For the record, Guyana go into the game tonight 2-0, having won game two Thursday night 66-55 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Guyana are on the verge of a historic climax in a series they had clearly entered as underdogs given Bermuda’s track record.

As he had done in Guyana’s 76-73 win in game one Wednesday night, Travis Burnett was once more at the helm with 16 points, three steals and three assists. Akeem Kanhai had 14 points, and grabbed seven rebounds and with five steals. Shelroy Thomas also supported with 13 points, five assists and four steals.

For Bermuda, Jason Lowe shot his way to a game high 23 points inclusive of five threepointers, six rebounds and five steals. Sullivan Phillips massive presence led to 14 points with Dean Jones adding 11 points for the visitors, who out-sized Guyana.

National Coach, Darcel Harris, sensing that the huge Bermudians may not be physically inclined to play up-tempo basketball, unleashed his guards in a steady triangular offence that broke down Bermuda. They simply had no answer to the Guyanese running at them.

Down 30-29 coming out of the halftime break, Guyana employed a full court press defence that tormented Bermuda. The tactic kept Bermuda to merely five points in the third quarter, while the Guyanese scored 20 points in a high conversion ratio. Guyana closed the third period up 49-35 in an impressive all-round display.

The Guyanese guards, Kanhai, Thomas and Burnett were then untied in the final quarter and the ensuing result was a high-paced offence that silenced Bermuda. Lowe and

Guyana’s, Akeem Kanhai sails to the basket for a one-handed dunk with Bermuda’s, Sullivan Phillips trying to defend the inevitable.

Jones managed to cut the lead to single digits 50-58, but that was as close as they got.

Ryan Gullen, the hero from game one, came alive in crunch-time again, with a jumper with 4:46 remaining in regulation time. Thomas and Dominic Vincente combined to assist in a responsible clock management tactic that ensured Guyana their second win. Before the featured encounter, Trinity Grid Holdings (TGH) Pacesetters defeated Republic Bank Nets in an exhibition game. Guyana plays Bermuda in the third and final game tonight, pursuing a feat that was perhaps never accomplished in Guyana’s basketball history – the clean sweep of a higher ranked regional team.

Kennard’s Phagwah horserace Meet

Ganesh Parts and General Store, Metro Stationary and Office Supplies aboard Ganesh Parts and General Store of Robb Street, Lacytown yesterday joined the other sponsors to aid the success of the Kennard’s Memorial Horserace meet set for tomorrow at the club’s racetrack at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice, under its brand, Bala Krishna Tyres (BKT).

Managing Director of the company, Roop Persaud, said they are happy to be associated with the Kennard’s Turf Club’s annual horserace meet and this year is no different.

Horseracing he said is part of the Guyanese culture, regardless of ethnicity, culture or creed. Persaud noted that his company has not only been contributing to horseracing but has been as-

Metro’s Avia Maria Lindie (second left) presents Justice Cecil Kennard with the sponsorship cheque, while Metro’s Warehouse Manager Christopher Persaud (extreme left) and Manager of the Document Centre Barnard Ramsaroop look on. sisting tremendously with the development of other sports over the years.

He thanked all for their support of the company.

Persaud presented a cheque for $300,000 that will be awarded to the winner of the seven-furlong race for (Continued on page 29)

Page 31

Inter-County softball cricket bowls off tomorrow -GSCL Inc. to host first leg, Trophy Stall on board The first leg of this year’s Inter-County softball cricket tournament bowls off tomorrow at Everest Cricket Club.

The competition will be played on a series basis in the 20/20 format which will see the counties with the most points squaring off in the final to be held in Demerara later this year.

The tournament is being coordinated in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, Guyana Softball League, Berbice Softball Alliance, Essequibo Softball Cricket League and the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL).

This first leg will be hosted

by GSCL and includes a number of incentives and trophies with the top team earning $50,000 and a trophy and the runner up pocketing $25,000 and a trophy.

The man of the match and MVP will earn trophies and medals and each leg will carry a similar amount of incentives, with the next two legs being played in Berbice and Essequibo, culminating with the grand final. The trophies for this leg are being spon-

sored by Trophy Stall.

For tomorrow’s encounter, Berbice will be sponsored

by Vickram Seubarran and have named a 20-man squad for possible selection; among them are Darshan Charitar, David Looknauth, Michael Ramdial and Troy Kippins.

Essequibo has reportedly invited its top players to assemble for trials last Wednesday, led by the experienced Latchman Rohit and includes the likes of Patrick Rooplall and Ramesh Narine. Regal Stationery and Computer Centre has sponsored one of the teams that will represent Demerara which will be led by the experienced Richard Latiff and include the likes of Chien Gittens, Timur Mohamed and Safraz Esau.

Wolf’s Furniture Store has sponsored the ‘B’ team which will be skippered by Amrit Rai and includes Vishnu Tammechandra and Ricardo Adams.

Longsford Klass heads the three-man Demerara selection panel while Omeshwar Shrikishun is charge of the Berbice se-

lection committee, while the Essequibo selection panel is being headed by Brian Christiani and Ramnarine Ragubar.

The head of the selection panels of all three counties will accompany their respective teams for tomorrow’s matches, while the umpire’s panel for the matches has already been put in place with the top umpires from all three counties being on show.

The tournament is being held with the view of showcasing the top players in each county and at the same time enabling the players to raise the bar in the sport.

This will also give fans an opportunity to see the level of softball cricket being played locally and to support their favorite players.

Meanwhile the dates for the other legs will be finalized tomorrow when all three bodies meet; additionally a masters’ tournament will also be played with West Demerara taking on Georgetown. This game will be used to select a team to participate in the Florida Cup this month end.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 14, 2015

MCYS/EBFA Pee Wee League ends today

Herstelling face Mocha in final game

While Craig Primary currently head the points table with nine points but all their games exhausted, only one team can deny them championship honours in the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports sponsored East Bank Football Association Under11 Pee Wee league which will end today at the Grove Playfield.

Herstelling Raiders are standing in their way since, if the Farm based team can take care of business against Mocha Champs by a large enough margin, three goals or more without conceding, they can very well topple Craig Primary and relegate them to second place.

While Hersteliing no doubt will be going all out for a big win, Mocha Champs which joined the competition late have been improving with every game.

One can feel the eagerness of the lads to get better and have been holding their own having only let in three goals in their four games to date inclusive of four draws.

Herstelling have recorded two wins and a similar amount of losses, scoring three goals whilst conceding 2.

Craig Primary in on 9 points followed by Agricola Red Triangle one point back, Grove Hi Tech on 7, Herstelling 6, Diamond United 5 and Mocha 2.

Leading goalkeeper contender, Agricola’s Christopher bringing off a save in the match against Herstelling on February 28.

Game time is 11:00hrs immediately followed by the presentation of trophies and medals to the top three teams

while the other three teams would also receive a trophy.

Individual prizes are at stake for the best goalkeeper, highest goal scorer and most valuable player.

The joint leading goal scorers to date are Craig Primary’s Trevon Davidson

and Grove Hi Tech’s Devon Padmore with three apiece whilst the leading contender for the best goalie prize is Agricola’s Christopher Adams who has enjoyed an excellent tournament letting only one goal in their five matches.

Jamal Mayers, Jamal Thom, both of Grove, along with Joel Ross of Diamond and Shoran James of Herstelling all have two goals each with James the player likely to increase his tally as the others have already concluded their quota of matches.

WICB First-Class Cricket Franchise

Jaguars reach 264-6 on opening day as Chandrika, Bramble hit fifties

By Sean Devers On another flat Providence track the Guyana Jaguars openers produced a firm foundation for their team, but by the time the opening day of their ninth round encounter against Trinidad & Tobago’s Red Force in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) First-Class cricket Franchise ended yesterday at Providence, the T&T spinners had engineered purposeful fight back despite a late after rally from Vishaul Singh and Anthony Bramble kept the Jaguars in front.

The Jaguars slipped from 133-1 to 186-6 before Anthony Bramble (51) and Vishaul Singh (46) revived the position with a crucial unfinished 78-run seventh wicket partnership to see the Jaguars to 264-6 by the close of play.

Rajendra Chandrika (50), Assad Fudadin (44) and skipper Leon Johnson (49) all wasted solid starts as legspinner Imran Khan, only behind Veerasammy Permaul’s 58 wickets, took 3-55 to take his tally to 49, while off-spinner Jason Mohamed supported with 2-44 to set up an interesting second day today.

The Jaguars won the toss and opted to bat on a slow track despite the evidence of some grass on the surface.

Chandrika capitalized on being dropped at second slip by Mohamed on 15 off Marlon Richards, who was born in Linden, while Fudadin played the supporting role.

Rajendra Chandrika smashes Guyanese born Red Force pacer Marlon Richards for four.

Chandrika steered Gabriel to third man for four and square drove Richards for another boundary before caressing him magnificently to the extra cover boundary in the same over. Fudadin, who started tentatively, then pushed Gabriel effortlessly through cover for a boundary.

Chandrika stroked Richards disdainfully past mid-off for four as the fifty partnership was posted in the 15th over on fast outfield before Fudadin danced into offspinner Yannick Ottley and clipped him off his pads for another four.

Chandrika swept Ottley for four and hammered Riad Emrit for a couple of sumptuous boundaries in the same over as the partnership flour-

ished. But like he has done so often in recent times he lost his wicket when well set for a big score; flicking Emrit low to Brian Charles at Square-leg. Chandrika’s fifth half-century of the season lasted 69 balls, 97 minutes and included nine fours.

His demise left the score on 74-1 and the enterprising opener from the Village of Enterprise was still without a First-Class ton to his name.

Johnson got off the mark with consecutive boundaries off Ottley while Fudadin began to play more fluently as his innings progressed and confidently drove Emrit for four as the Jaguars went to Lunch on 91-1. Fudadin was on 22 and Johnson 13.

(Continued on page 30)