Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Contracts and corruption The right of a government to award contracts has never been questioned. As a matter of fact, contracts are integral to national development. But there are means of awarding contracts. The law states which contracts should go to the Central Tender Board, which would be awarded by the Regional Administration and which by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council. In recent times where the authorities might favour a particular contractor there was what is known as contract splitting, something that prevents the contract from being awarded by the Central Tender Board. This practice was also adopted by the other bodies in the local democratic organs but there were complaints. Needless to say, no one was ever punished for the blatant disregard of the established law but the taxpayers often suffered. They were presented with substandard work despite some of the contracts containing penalty clauses. Poorly constructed roads, substandard bridges and even faulty kokers were the result of the selected tenders. The Parliamentary opposition could only complain. When it remained in the minority it could only hope that the media would highlight the irregularities. Soon, the contractors, safe in the knowledge that the most they had to worry about was the media shame, continued their merry way. Some contractors openly boasted that they had friends in the government and therefore had no need to worry about sanctions. But the government has actually taken steps to recover monies from shoddy contractors, especially on the major projects such as the Amaila Falls Road Project. The government moved to terminate the contract of the original contractor, Makeshwar ‘Fip’ Motilall with alacrity and actually moved to the courts to collect outstanding monies. Other contractors were also taken to court, most recently, the Indian contractor, Surendra Engineering. The truth is that the government will recover none of the money largely because it will not actively pursue the legal action. Such is the state of affairs with contracts that people on the outside have concluded that the award of contracts is seen as a family business. People closely associated with the government, in recent times, have won most of the contracts. It is this that has now led to widespread accusations of nepotism and charges of corruption against the government which remains unfazed, so unfazed that it recently awarded a contract that now has the entire country wondering whether the government was ever keen to combat corruption in its midst. What is even more shocking is the fact that there were actually attempts to defend the contract. And in defence, the government moved to abuse all those who dared to question the award. Even in the face of the stated facts the government’s chief spokesman held that there was nothing untoward about the award. He said that the contractor was undertaking the rehabilitation of the fibre optic cable form Brazil for free. A simple analysis revealed that the rehabilitation is rather costly. The government may not have to resort to the public treasury for every aspect, but the tax and duty free concessions over 40 years would represent a significant outflow of funds from the treasury. The aware of sections of the cable to the contractor for use as he sees fit is also going to provide him with substantial revenue, no different from the money being earned by the telecommunication giants in the country. What is surprising is that this contract was not put to public tender. The Cabinet Secretary said that the government chose not to look the gift horse in the mouth when the ‘free’ offer came up. Surely a government should not be playing so loose with the taxpayers’ money. It now turns out that the cost of maintaining the cable will far outweigh the cost of bringing the cable to Guyana from Brazil. Why would the government award such a contract? The view is that it is in the habit of rewarding party supporters and members, something that even other party members condemn and have publicly criticized. And to think that the government is heading into elections with this record, and this most recent award that stinks to high heavens.

Thursday May 07, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

We must multiply the effort to bring good governance to Guyana DEAR EDITOR, In 1926, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and other Caribbean trade union leaders began the fight for every person at the age of 21 to be given the right to vote; the chance to vote. Every voter must recognise and protect the valiant struggles waged to secure the right to vote. Our power is our vote! When we vote we exercise our power to elect and to dismiss; to hire and to fire! We hire the politicians to do our work that we define for them and we must fire them when they fail to perform. We, the people, are the employers. Our tax dollars pay elected politicians and government officials, every one of them without

exception. Through our vote we employ them on a contract for service with expectations. We employ them with the understanding that their manifestoes and the good face that they showed when they were canvassing for the job will be exercised in the line of duty for the five years of contract, to be reviewed and renewed. Depending on the quality of their performance during the period of contractual obligation when the contract is up it can be renewed at elections time. We are in the period when the contract of the PPP is being reviewed and come Monday 11th May, as they apply for extension for the contract for service, we must be able to determine the

quality of their stewardship during this period of review. We must look back, for that is the yardstick of measurement that will determine whether they are employable or not. The PPP, the Ramotar regime, do not qualify for reemployment! And you dear Guyanese voters must tell them that, must show them that, and when you put your X on that ballot they must have a clear understanding that they have failed. They have not worked according to job description. They have not worked in the interest of their employers, that is, every one of you out there, those who support and those who do not. Remember, even if you did not vote for a particular party, when that party is

elected into government their duty is to serve not only those who elected them, but to serve the people of Guyana, impartially. Without discrimination. Without recrimination. Without prejudice. After 11th May we should not have a PPP government or an APNU+AFC government, we must have a Government of Guyana. A government of the people, by the people, and for the people of Guyana. After elections, regardless of which political party we support, we all share the same geographic space, as our motto says, we are One People, One Nation, One Destiny. We must coexist and we must co-exist in peace and with justice for all, whether economically, socially, politically. We must (Continued on page 31)

200 duty-free BaiShanLin trucks pushing us out of business DEAR EDITOR, It’s beginning to get increasingly obvious that our Chinese friends at BaiShanLin are being allowed to monopolise several of our industries with the help of the current administration. They came to Guyana with a grand promise of creating thousands of jobs by establishing a wood processing plant and equipment to produce other value added products, but after they secured large swaths of our forests we sat

back and did nothing. Then they moved to our gold and diamond industry and again we did nothing. Then they took over large quantities of our land and we kept silent. But we are not going to keep silent over BaiShanLin’s latest move. These imperialists have already moved into the trucking business using their duty-free acquired trucks to force locals out. Our livelihood is under threat, especially since we are operating against the odds.

These trucks owned by Bai Shan Lin were imported duty-free to support their wood processing business. Up to now the wood processing business has not got off the ground and there appears to be no intention to get it going. Instead of creating employment, BaiShanLin is doing the opposite by stifling it. We previously enjoyed a fair share of the lumber trucking business, making it possible for us to repay loans and pay our share of taxes.

Up comes BaiShanLin with their 200 duty-free trucks and lower prices, forcing us out. Where are our leaders who are tasked with protecting our local interests, including jobs and ensuring a level playing field? Could this happen in China? Hell no! If this isn’t barefaced lawlessness then I don’t know what is. We hope that this situation is remedied soon so that we Guyanese can enjoy the fruits of our own country. Angry local truckers

Thursday May 07, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

This so-called swami sees an ethnic factor in all political dynamics DEAR EDITOR, There is a third letter from Aksharananda (“Who in the coalition will speak for Indians?” SN, May 4) and the pattern is confirmed. He is penning the most distorted sociological observations in service of the perceived Indian party, the PPP, in the election campaign, and it has come to a point where there is disdainful dismissal by Aksharananda of even a modicum of intellectual pretense. In my two previous replies, I accused him of composing propaganda and passing it off as analysis. It gets worse with each published submission of Aksharananda. This socalled swami is preaching race hate. I now provide his quotes with a rebuttal to each.

Quote 1- “The present PNC-WPA outfit has a significant number of African intellectuals, scholars, and activists who are quite vociferous when it comes to ethnic honour and for whom the “furtherance and defence of African Guyanese interests is an important plank in their political and public life. What is more, this group of individuals seeks to connect ethnic interests with national interests…” (end of quote) If I was an African Guyanese, I would have rejected these African-rights activists, because an Indian government has been in power for just under twentythree years and in that time there have been colossal reductions to the point of extirpation of the African

political economy. So where is the success of their Africanrights activism? Only an Indian racist researcher or a scholar who is a PPP aficionado would deny the role of racism in the exercise of state power since Independence and the PPP has practiced such racism. I recommend my research, “Ethnic Power and Ideological Racism: Comparing presidencies in Guyana.” I take the liberty of saying it documents the marginalization of African Guyanese. Before I move to quote two, readers must be informed that Aksharananda may write a million more letters, but none will mention Desmond Hoyte, because the Hoyte experience in post-colonial governance destroys all the

Which party should govern for the next five years? DEAR EDITOR, As Guyanese go to the Polls on May 11 to elect a new Government, they should weigh the choice of continued increase in crime, corruption, nepotism and economic decline under a PPP/C-led administration against the creation of a meritocratic society committed to fairness, development of the economy and job creation under a APNU partnership with the AFC as the alternative government. The most important task for the next government is to reform the constitution to enable Guyanese to be adequately represented by those they elect under a democratic system to govern their affairs. A PPP/C Government with their track record of cronyism, unaccountability and playing fast and loose with the law, has no intention of changing the constitution which favours their perpetual governance as they continue to mismanage the scarce resources of the country on questionable projects such as Amaila Falls Hydropower, Skeldon Sugar Factory and Hope Canal, which are incomplete and have all failed to benefit the people. An APNU/AFC government, which fully understands the lives and interests of Guyanese, will change all of this as they chart a new course of opportunities for the well being of the people of Guyana while uncovering the ill-gotten

gains of those who have plundered the State’s resources to enrich themselves and are brought to justice. The PPP/C has been playing the race card, driving fear among voters as they project the APNU/AFC as a Govt. of dictatorship and military rule, but is oblivious to the fact that the political landscape of Guyana has changed since 1992 when the excesses of the PNC rule ended. The people had high hopes that the PPP/C Govt. ,which had replaced the PNC, would have grown the economy and created the jobs they so desperately needed, provided good education at all levels for their children, built adequately equipped hospitals, eliminated electricity failures with regular black-outs, constructed roads without pot-holes, made the drainage and irrigation system along the coast for the towns and villages reliable and ensured that the society was free from daily robberies and killings. Instead, after Dr. Jagan and his wife left office and handed over to power to a despot, Ex-President Jagdeo, the situation became progressively worse as the PPP/C squandered the country’s scarce resources on questionable projects such as the Marriott Hotel and Airport Extension, while paying scant attention to criminal activities which have been escalating in the country by the day, terrorizing Guyanese of all races.

The PPP/C has no concrete plan and effective management in place to provide the leadership necessary to develop Guyana, despite their glossy empty manifesto to the contrary, as the past 15 years of stagnation has clearly indicated. The sugar industry is in a freefall, as GuySuCo has been unable to produce sugar at a competitive price, and with its accumulation of large debts it is just a matter of time before it goes belly-up, as the PPP/C cannot continue to provide large subsidies for a dying industry despite its promises. Rice farmers have been increasing their production, but the PPP/C has been unable to find markets for their produce at an economic price. So the bonds are filled with paddy awaiting sale while farmers await payments to pay their debts. Therefore any change in the political governance of Guyana on May 11 could only be for the betterment of all Guyanese as they realize how little their living standards have improved over the past several years under a PPP/C Govt. Hopefully they will see the light of day and vote accordingly to make a change for the APNU/AFC on May 11. Charles Sohan

concepts Aksharananda employs to support the continuation of PPP in office. Quote 2 - “The counterargument could be made that it is Indians themselves who must make this argument, who must speak for themselves, who must represent themselves. But as we have seen, throughout the last sixty years or so, whenever any Indian attempts to do so, he is ground in the dust and destroyed.” (end of quote) This is a journey into barefaced fictionalization of Guyanese political history It is the other way around. African politicians have shied away from accusing the PPP Government for the past twenty-three years of racism against Afro-Guyanese because of fear of being labeled an African party. The PNC has been on a long cruise of wanting to be seen as a national party and seeks not to invoke the wrath of Indians, hence the pacification polices of the last three successive PNC leaders, Hoyte, Corbin and Granger For Aksharananda to say that for the last sixty years when Indians have tried to assert their Indian existence they have been confronted and harmed is hateful nonsense. The PPP has never hid its overt Indian biology. And Walter Rodney and the WPA made mistakes in tolerating that political weakness of Cheddi Jagan. No one has mentioned it as yet and I am doing so now. Forbes Burnham was angry with Walter Rodney because he felt Rodney was encouraging an Indian party instead of distancing himself from such a formation. This was definitely a mistake of Walter. He naïvely overlooked the ethnic politics of the PPP while trying to weaken the PNC. Burnham felt Rodney was an opportunist in that regard. I think Burnham may have been right, but I would say that Walter was more emotional, naïve and personal in his politics than

opportunistic. Quote 3 - “Further, because of the systematic conditioning to which Indians have been subjected, there is nothing that an Indian fears most in Guyana than being called a racist, which is the label for those who dare to speak their truth. It follows that there is nothing an Indian is not prepared to do just not be labeled a racist, even to the point of purging himself of his ethnic identity.” (end of quote) This is a figment of Aksharananda imagination. Since it got into power in 1992, the PPP itself, the PPP Government and its biological siblings - GAWU, NAACIE, Indian Arrival Committee, Guyana Rice Producers Association and others have not shied away from graphic identification with Indianness and Indian culture. For any observer of politics to say that Indian politicians have been afraid since the PPP came to power to assert their Indian identity is comical Quote 4 - “Africans intellectuals however have no such inhibition. One recalls the near hysteria that was created when

Nagamootoo was proposed as the presidential candidate for the yet to be formed coalition. No one could fail to see the argument that was advanced on the basis of ethnic honour why he would not be acceptable to Africans.” (end of quote) It is irritating to read Aksharananda muchless to reply to him. This man sees an ethnic factor in all political dynamics. The AFC had 7 seats, the APNU 26. The APNU was the much larger organization and one with more mass support. It would have been difficult to sell a Nagamootoo presidency on the coalition ticket to APNU supporters because they would have asked why not Granger from the larger partner. As for me, I still think for strategic reasons, Moses should have been the presidential candidate. But I am totally and a thousand percent approving of David Granger as the presidential candidate There is much more to be written about the poison in Aksharananda’s polemics but more of my rebuttals are forthcoming Frederick Kissoon

Amerindians have to hide to read Kaieteur and Stabroek News DEAR EDITOR, In a further infringement of the rights of especially the Amerindians in the Hinterland, senior PPP activists have been instructing them not to read the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News papers. These activists have been distributing (free of cost) past

issues of the Guyana Times and Chronicle editions which were not sold, to the poor people. They are told, “These are the papers you all must read, not Kaieteur and Stabroek”. It is criminal to deprive these people of one of their basic rights Are we still living in Guyana? Morris Sam

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Thursday May 07, 2015

Luncheon denies being Cabinet Secretary after March - Court hears Facing a court battle over the legality of him being a candidate for the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) while being the Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon has made public that he has since resigned from the latter post weeks ago. As the matter was called before Chief Justice (Ag), Ian Chang in the Georgetown High Court yesterday, Attorney-at-Law Adrian Smith, who represents Dr. Luncheon’s interest, stated that Dr. Luncheon had sent him a letter to say that he resigned from his office as Secretary to the Cabinet and Secretary to the Defence Board on March 18, last. Dr. Luncheon’s reported resignation is sure to bring questions on the gifting, by Cabinet, of multi-million dollar projects and drug contracts, recently, as well as the authorization of $2.6M for a PPP/C delegation to reach out to members of the Diaspora. Of note, the said date Dr. Luncheon claims he resigned

is also that on which he signed the Fibre Optic Cable project over to Dax Contracting Services, headed by Faisal Mohamed. Just last week, Dr. Luncheon held a press conference at which he was introduced as Cabinet Secretary seeking to brief media operatives on discussions at Cabinet. Saphier Husain-Subedar, a lawyer known for taking on complex constitutional matters, last month moved to court over the issue. He had challenged the legality of the ruling party to hold meetings of the Cabinet of Ministers and making decisions even though Parliament has been dissolved. In a motion filed on April 24, last seeking to block Dr. Luncheon from contesting the upcoming May 11 General and Regional Elections, Husain-Subedar also named the Attorney General and the Guyana Elections Commission as the respondents. He asked the court to

Attorney-at-Law, Saphier HusainSubedar grant a declaration that Luncheon is a public officer holding/occupying a public office under Article 117 of the Constitution. He also wants a declaration that Luncheon’s name on the list of candidates for PPP/C as submitted to GECOM on April 7 last is void as he has failed to vacate his public office and should be

Dr. Roger Luncheon disqualified from being a candidate. The lawyer, also Leader of the National Independent Party of Guyana which is contesting the elections, wants the court to also declare that all acts and things done by the Cabinet after the dissolution of Parliament on February 28, last and Nomination Day, on

April 7, last are unconstitutional, void and have no pursuant to Article 117 of the Constitution of Guyana when read together with Article 106 of the Constitution of Guyana. He argued that the Cabinet ceased to exist on the dissolution of Parliament and that it is responsible to Parliament, pursuant to Article 106 of the Constitution of Guyana. Husain-Subedar wants the court to declare, also, that the acts and things done by Secretary to the Cabinet as from the date of dissolution of Parliament are inconsistent with democracy, unconstitutional and in violation of various Articles of the Constitution and sections of the Representation of the People’s Act requiring free and fair elections. In his affidavit in support of the motion, the lawyer said that he is also a rice and cattle farmer and that his party’s list of candidates has been

accepted by GECOM to contest the General Elections as published in the Kaieteur Newspaper on April 19, last. He said that Article 155 (6) (c) (1) and other articles of the Constitution point out that “anyone who holds or acting in or performing the functions” of any public office shall not be qualified for elections as a member of the National Assembly”. The lawyer said that Luncheon continued until the present time to hold Cabinet meetings with ulterior motives as Secretary of Cabinet and used said information as “propaganda” for the People’s Progressive Party through the Government Information Agency publication on various television stations in contravention of the Constitution. Husain-Subedar said he believes that Luncheon’s actions interfere with the fairness of the General Elections to be held next Monday.

‘Justice4Teresa’ campaign launched as family promises legal action against hospital Teresa Lalltoo, the mother who gave birth to a 3.2kg dead baby girl on Monday, April 20, last, at 1:50am at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), with the support of her family will be initiating a campaign called ‘#Justice4Teresa’ at the level of social media. This is one of the initiatives the family will be engaging in to ensure that justice is served. With the hope of bringing to the forefront the negligence that continues to be carried out by health practitioners attached to health facilities in Guyana, likes of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will be encompassed. The family is adamant that poor decisions and calls by doctors and nurses at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) were the main factors that led to the still born delivery.

It has been opined that negligence by health institutions in Guyana is an ongoing issue that continues to be swept under the rugs by way of prolonged investigations which with time eventually fades away. Lalltoo, a second time expectant mother, was admitted to the WDRH on Saturday April 18, 2015 with what was thought to be regular labour pains but these soon dissipated as the day went on leaving her with only a cervical dilation of 3cm and a failure to progress to the ideal 10cm. Because of this, the next day, the doctors opted to put her on oxytocin drips to assist with inducing her pain and contractions; a bad choice, in light of the fact that there was no one available to staff the operating theatre should the worst case scenario have occurred. After what one of the

doctors, according to the mother, called “an experiment,” they decided to rupture her water bag since she had dilated to about 6cm. It was at this point that all the problems started, Miss Lalltoo reported, because as soon as they did that the umbilical cord came out and got lodged in the vagina. This constriction caused the baby to receive a diminished supply of blood, causing a decreased heart rate and eventually death of the foetus itself. Seeing what had gone wrong the doctors attempted to replace the cord and tried to birth the baby normally but were unsuccessful, only causing damage to the mother herself. With no staff for the theatre at the WDRH, she was subsequently rushed to GPHC where the baby was delivered the following day, dead. This has left the family

distraught. In pursuit of justice, they have approached numerous persons but instead of getting answers they were met with more questions. The mainstay of their solution is for some investigation to begin as to what the issues were surrounding this situation as well as the persons accountable. Over two weeks has passed since this tragedy and Teresa is now at home recovering. The family has claimed that her state is far from recovered. She is not only suffering emotionally at her loss but physically as well, due to the damage dealt to her by the unprofessionalism of the doctors whom she had the misfortune of being under their care. Lalltoo remains almost bed ridden since she continues to experience excruciating pain when she tries to walk; even mere turning brings her great discomfort and despite using the painkillers which she was given, the pain continues, almost debilitating. She has even reported falling when trying to stand up because of the pain but despite all of this, Teresa still wants justice because she remains steadfast that her baby’s death was no

accident. Although her family has made great efforts in contacting the relevant personnel, it has been to no avail, with each of the hospitals that afforded her care as well as the Chief Medical Officer in light of their further plan of action. When the Chief Medical Officer was contacted, his secretary who had been most helpful was willing to provide information but it was of little to no help since all that was known at that point was that no investigation had begun. Reports which were supposed to have been sent some 24 hours after the incident by both hospitals had not been sent as yet. Therefore in spite of the fact that the CMO is aware of the situation and all that occurred, he still cannot proceed with a proper investigation if the WDRH and GPHC do not provide a full report. The CMO recently disclosed that he has since summoned both WDRH and GPHC to give a detailed report of what transpired the day of Lalltoo’s admission to the each facility. However, to this date there has been no development in the investigation. To make matters worse, when the family tries to contact any of the

administration officers or doctors at WDRH, they are either met with shut doors or absent staff, as if they were being avoided, one family member said. “This issue does not end here,” was the statement used by the brother of the distraught mother. And indeed, it does not end there since plans are in place to not make this a legal matter should sanctions not be taken against those responsible for the death of the infant of Teresa Lalltoo. Sanctions are expected against such persons and measures put in place to prevent any occurrence of the sort at this self proclaimed “premier health care institution.” Adding to this, “Justice4Teresa” will be proposed to the next government seeking seminars and conferences to enhance and educate others of topics concerning what should be expected from health care providers and when should the line be drawn at being given poor health care. #Justice4teresa is also expected to join other women activist groups and mothers who have lost their children under similar circumstances in protest actions and will also combine resources to channel the best legal help for said mothers.

Thursday May 07, 2015

Kaieteur News

Bollywood star Salman Khan gets 5 years in prison for hit-and-run (Reuters) - A court sentenced Bollywood film star Salman Khan yesterday to five years in prison for killing a man in a hit-and-run accident, the latest twist in the tumultuous career of one of the country’s biggest boxoffice draws. The district criminal court’s order drove down shares of firms connected to the actor and, if upheld, will derail major projects in the pipeline of what is the world’s most prolific movie industry. Khan later secured two days of interim bail from Mumbai’s high court and will return to court tomorrow for a hearing on having the bail extended. The criminal court convicted Khan, 49, of culpable homicide on charges that he lost control of his white Toyota Landcruiser when driving under the influence of alcohol in 2002, and rammed into a group of people sleeping on a pavement. Khan, instantly recognisable by his muscular build, denied being behind the wheel, contradicting the testimony of several witnesses. In March, the actor’s driver said he had driven, while Khan rode in the passenger seat. In his verdict, Judge D.W. Deshpande said Khan had in fact been driving the car. “Finally, justice has been done,” said senior lawyer Abha Singh, a petitioner in the case. “The law has been upheld.” The decision dispelled the idea that India is a country where people with money and power can commit murder and get away with it, Singh added. Some fans and Bollywood celebrities came out in support of Khan, with one playback singer stoking

Bollywood film star Salman Khan was sentenced to five years in prison yesterday controversy by likening the victim to a dog sleeping on a pavement. “Roads footpath r not meant 4 sleeping, not driver’s or alcohol’s fault,” Abhijeet Bhattacharya tweeted. Wearing a white shirt and blue jeans, Khan sweated heavily when the verdict was delivered amid a power cut at the criminal court. No emotion was evident on the face of Khan, one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars in a country where movie and cricket stars are heroworshipped. Khan’s portrayals of working class characters hold broad appeal for young audiences across India, who are drawn to his image of a bad boy with a heart of gold. Khan is a bachelor. The news of his conviction led to a fall of 6 percent in shares of movie

UK votes in most unpredictable election in decades (Reuters) - British voters get to decide today who they want to rule the world’s fifthlargest economy in a tight election that could yield weak government, propel the United Kingdom towards a vote on EU membership and stoke Scottish desire for secession. Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives and Ed Miliband’s opposition Labour Party have been neck and neck in opinion polls for months, indicating neither will win enough seats for an outright majority in the 650-seat parliament. “This race is going to be the closest we have ever seen,” Miliband told supporters in Pendle, in northern England, on the eve of the vote. “It is going to go down to the wire.” Cameron said only his Conservatives

production and distribution firm Eros International, and a drop of 3 percent in shares of textile company Mandhana Industries. Eros had acquired global distribution rights for two of Khan’s upcoming movies while Mandhana worked with his foundation to design and distribute the “Being Human” clothing range. The conviction is not Khan’s first brush with the law. In 2007, he was jailed for nearly a week for shooting an endangered gazelle on a hunting trip in the desert state of Rajasthan. He is also on bail in a case over the killing of protected antelopes. Two of Khan’s big films were lined up for release this year - director Kabir Khan’s “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and “Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo”, directed by Sooraj Barjatya.

could deliver strong, stable government: “All other options will end in chaos.” The Conservatives portray themselves as the party of jobs and economic recovery, promising to reduce income tax for 30 million people while forcing through further spending cuts to eliminate a budget deficit still running at 5 percent of gross domestic product. Labour says it would cut the deficit each year, raise income tax for the highest 1 percent of earners and defend the interests of hardpressed working families and the treasured but financially stretched national health service.If neither wins an overall majority, talks will begin on Friday with smaller parties in a race to strike deals. That could lead to a formal coalition, like the one Cameron has led for the past five years with the centrist Liberal Democrats. Or it could produce a fragile minority government making trade-offs to guarantee support on key votes. British stock and bond prices were moderately higher on the final trading day before polling, with election jitters still failing to register any significant investor selling.

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Sophia murder suspect still to be apprehended, …as reported family demands answers Shivanand Roopnarine allegedly snapped and stabbed his girlfriend, Alicia McPherson, some 41 times about the face and body and left her to die next to the washroom at ‘Cappy’s place,’ B’ Field Sophia, on April 19. More than two weeks later, the youth is proving too elusive for police investigators. Roopnarine, 21, is yet to be apprehended despite unconfirmed sightings and reports of him altering his appearance. He had reportedly cut his hair to avoid detection. The suspect, who hails from Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and McPherson, 18, of Lot 612 ‘C’ Field Sophia, were reportedly involved in a tumultuous relationship that sometimes saw McPherson exhibiting physical and emotional signs of abuse. However, relatives said that when asked about her injuries the teen refused to reveal the origins. She was always accused of covering for her boyfriend. It all culminated in the wee hours of April 19, at a dance being held at ‘Cappy’s place’. According to reports, McPherson had left her mother ’s home around midnight in the company of a male cousin for the dance. It is understood that shortly after arriving at the dance, the suspect called her cell phone. She subsequently left her

original escort for Roopnaraine’s company. The girl’s sister related that other party goers saw the suspect assaulting McPherson, shortly before they disappeared. According to reports relatives of the girl then began calling her phone. However their calls went straight to voicemail. It was after another partygoer ventured to the washroom to relieve himself that he stumbled upon the girl’s motionless form. He immediately returned to the front, sounding the alarm that someone had been injured and the music should be shut off. According to relatives, everyone then ran to the scene, where it was discovered just how badly McPherson was injured. The girl’s sister recounted seeing stab wounds to McPherson’s eyes, face, neck and body. She was reportedly still ‘gasping for breath’ but died en route to the hospital. Journalist’s conversation with prime suspect Later, that day, Kaieteur News contacted the suspect on his mobile phone. He immediately denied killing his girlfriend, protesting repeatedly that he was “in love with her and would not hurt her.” “I lost the woman I love and am confused. People calling me and telling me I do it and I ain’t know what to do.

sightings of suspect surface

Alicia McPherson, a former student of St. Mary’s

The prime suspect: Shivanand Roopnarine Everybody just calling me and telling me a set of stupidness.” Since that occasion, there has been no further contact with the suspect. AFATHER’S GRIEF

Relatives, including the girl’s father, Ankoma Powers, have also been victims in this tragedy. Powers had made contact with the suspect later in the day. Roopnarine denied any involvement in the death

of his daughter and promised to meet him, first at the East Bank Demerara car park, then at his residence in Grove. The grief stricken father had gone to the suspect’s house and waited, but Roopnarine never showed up. While there, however, the suspect’s family had related to him of their son’s habit of physical violence towards them. Powers himself had not been around when the relationship between Roopnarine and his daughter first started. He nevertheless had always encouraged his daughter to bring her boyfriends to him so that he could meet them, stating that he did not want his daughter picking up with someone from the road he did not know about. “But I never know it was a killer she pick up.” Powers recounted that having met the boy, he was

not impressed with his attitude and had had occasion to reprimand them both. However, his daughter subsequently moved out of his Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke home to live with her mother in Sophia. POLICE INVESTIGATION The post mortem revealed that McPherson was stabbed 41 times, making her case one of the most heinous for 2015. The suspect is still at large and it is not clear whether he has fled the jurisdiction. Powers recently related to this newspaper that he is not satisfied with the pace of the investigation, or the way the Guyana Police Force has been keeping him updated. Since the stabbing to death, there has been an outpouring of support on social media in support and memory of the slain girl, both from school friends and total strangers.

Thursday May 07, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Thursday May 07, 2015

Ferry from Florida to Cuba Man shot on Broad Street

HAVANA(AP) –The Obama administration approved the first ferry service in decades between the United States and Cuba on Tuesday, potentially opening a new path for the hundreds of thousands of people and hundreds of millions of dollars in goods

that travel between Florida and Havana each year. Baja Ferries, which operates passenger service in Mexico, said it received a licence from the U.S. Treasury Department. Robert Muse, a lawyer for Baja Ferries, said he believed other ferry service

petitions had also been approved. The Treasury Department said it could not immediately confirm that, but the Sun-Sentinel newspaper in Florida said approvals also were received by Havana Ferry Partners of Fort Lauderdale, United Caribbean

Lines Florida in the Orlando area and Airline Brokers Co. of Miami. Muse said Baja had yet to request approval from Cuba, but added that he was optimistic the service would allow a significant increase in trade and travel between the two countries.

Security Guard, Omesh Singh, 38, of 259 Third Street, Herstelling, is now nursing a single gunshot wound to his left arm. Kaieteur News understands that Singh was shot sometime after 23:00hrs Wednesday night, on Broad Street. Singh is now a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He sustained the single gunshot to the elbow area.

One person said, “It buss up!” The injured Singh claimed that he was standing along Broad Street, when he was shot and robbed of a few hundred dollars. It is unclear who might have shot and robbed Singh. There have also been some speculations of him being a drug addict and that the information he has given might be up for questioning.

Thursday May 07, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Race can surely kill you DEAR EDITOR, A Government is elected by the citizens of a country to run its affairs in a manner that results in a better quality of life for all. It is a privilege that should make one feel humbled. On the contrary, we are made to feel that we have been done favours by this present Administration who throws out a few crumbs, after taking the hog for themselves, primarily through those pretentious infrastructural works which allow them to engage in creative accounting. Just look at the fantastic costs of some of the so-called works, the recent one being the court building on the Corentyne. Incidentally, having lived through the Burnham era, when compared with the doings of the present Administration, Burnham is beginning to look like an angel to me. Bob Marley’s song aptly urges us to ‘emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds’. Mental slavery is not confined to idiots. Educated people could be mentally enslaved too. We may think that only a fool or a self-serving person could

support the atrocities of the current administration, but tradition and culture can make us do irrational things too. An abused, manipulated people would find it hard to move away from their abuser, who, as masters of manipulation, would constantly send them a message of the evils of Burnham, even though Burnham died thirty years ago; and abused people would never allow themselves to know or see anything else that would cause emotional discomfort. That is how bad abuse can have us. Look at how an abused woman may be unable to leave her abusive husband, even though she knows could die at his hands. It is hard to change our beliefs! I read one of Freddie’s articles the other day in the newspapers, which posited, if I remember correctly, that human beings are very tribal, and would incline towards the tribe and its wishes. There was the suggestion that educated Guyanese Indians would continue to vote for the current administration, regardless of how many atrocities they commit against us, Guyanese (of different races), because

of allegiance to their tribe or race. I can understand this and sympathize greatly. I have Indian friends, and I know how overwhelming and conflicting things can be for them. Because of loyalty to their race they have to play down the atrocities of the present administration, no matter how bad, and play up the atrocities of Burnham. Not surprisingly, one of my friends of Indian ethnicity was expected by her family and relatives years ago to continue to live with an educated Indian man, her husband, who was beating her into unconsciousness. Today her medical issues are many. I remember another friend telling me years ago, about some of her Indian relatives being all enthusiastic and ‘pumped up’ about visiting the ‘motherland’, India. They were very disappointed and disillusioned when they got to the place of their roots to discover that people chewed some yellow stuff (tobacco, perhaps?) and spat it out all over the place, leaving these hideous and insanitary yellow markings of their saliva behind in a very disgusting manner. I am sure there are (Continued on page 31)

Young people have to play their part in forging change DEAR EDITOR, For the first time in Guyana, our youth make up over 60% of the electorate. This means that persons between the ages of 18 and 35 hold Guyana’s future in their hands. They must use this power wisely. Many young people are unemployed or underemployed and suffer many hardships in consequence. In 23 years nothing has been done to improve this lamentable situation, despite repeated promises to the contrary. If government failed to deliver youth improvement in the last 23 years, it is highly unlikely they will do so in the next five. Many youth have been systematically marginalized while others, close to, or related to the power elite, are being singled out for

progress, both economic and social. This group of favoured youth will see to it that the vast majority of young people left behind, remain devalued and forever dependent on handouts. The PPP manifesto undertaking to create employment for ordinary Guyanese youth is a fairy tale and should not be taken seriously. Government’s sole interest is in placing family members of the ruling elite and their friends at the top of the economic and social ladder. These favoured people are already extremely comfortable in every sense of the word and lack for nothing. Government’s objective is to make them even more financially, socially and politically secure regardless of their qualifications, intelligence, abilities or

experience. In fact, government’s unspoken agenda is to perpetuate an unequal society where they have control and dominion over a systematically created class of impoverished, disinherited youth. A vote for the PPP will play right into their hands. Guyana can come better and in doing so provide proper paying jobs, living conditions and happiness for our youth. But you young people have to play your part. You must make the change. It is time. It is your time. Trust me. F. Hamley Case

An APNU+AFC Govt. can and will provide an immediate wage increase DEAR EDITOR, Politics is about simple thing and when the APNU+AFC wins the elections, thousands of people will have a better life immediately. Why? Within the first 100 days, the APNU+AFC will provide an immediate wage increase for all classes of workers of 10 percent; across the board. The APNU+AFC has also committed to providing policemen with a special package of 20 percent within the first 100 days. All of this will be done before collective bargaining negotiations with

the unions commence. Under an APNU+AFC Government, Guyana must return to a period of collective bargaining with the unions. It is puzzling to note that Mr. Jagdeo claimed that this payout by the APNU+AFC will cause massive inflation. Any proper finance expert or economist will reject such lunacy since Guyana’s inflation rate is influenced by many factors, not just increase in wages. Plus any skilled financial administrator will know that a combination of monetary and fiscal policies can act as inflation-reduction

tools to cool off the economy when needed. But the critical empirical evidence to debunk this piece of voodoo economics from Mr. Jagdeo is the actual performance of the economy when the Armstrong Arbitration Award instructed a payout to the workers of 58 percent increase in salary over two years in 1999. What was the state of the inflation in 1999 and 2000 when this material salary increase was granted? Let this IMF report be our guide – (https://www.imf.org/ (Continued on page 31)

“Exit polls” based on hasty generalisations and fabrications should be discouraged DEAR EDITOR, The statement by GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally that only results released by the Guyana Elections Commission should be considered final and legitimate is most helpful, especially in light of attempts by the APNU-AFC to have a ‘parallel’ release of results via the social media. So-called “exit polls” based on hasty generalisations and fabrications are particularly harmful, as in the case of the Disciplined Services balloting, and should be discouraged. This is fraught with danger and has the potential to create confusion and doubts as to the true polling outcome based on verifiable polling results. The use of the electronic media to transmit polling day results has room for all manner of manipulation by unscrupulous elements. This medium of transmission of polling day results should be condemned by GECOM, elections observers and all those interested in a free, democratic and peaceful elections. Still fresh in the memory

of Guyanese were attempts by a senior official of the PNC who took to the airwaves to announce that the PNC had won the October 5, 1992 elections, even though a Carter Centre quick count mechanism gave the PPP/C a majority of the votes cast and the final results had not been

released by GECOM. There is an urgent need to guard against a repeat of such unsavoury practices which is not only counterproductive but could potentially create great harm to our democracy and our image as a politically matured and tolerant society. Hydar Ally

SHOULDN’T IT BE MOTHERS’ DAY? DEAR EDITOR, In a couple of days we will be observing Mothers’ Day, much to the delight and excitement of not only mothers, but of children, husbands, friends and all. It is indeed a special day. I shall not address the origin and significance of the day, but I will question on what basis we say Mother’s Day and not Mothers’ Day. As I understand it, the day is

set aside in many countries in the world –though not on the same date–to give recognition of the contributions mothers would have made to the lives of their loved ones. I sincerely believe that the day should be Mothers’ Day and not Mother’s Day. The same can be said of Father’s Day. If this is an error, should it not be corrected? Francis Carryl

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Kaieteur News

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Cummings complete genset generator 4CYL 30KVA, 2011 Ducati 1198’s superbike, pearl white, CH series original –Tel: 684-2838 Male Enhancement; 4 in each pack -$500 - Tel:642-6664 1 Mini marine tanker capacity 11,500 Gallons – Tel:227-1744 or 657-9237

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Vacant land space at Supply East Bank Demerara –Tel: 227-1744 or 657-9237 3 Storied building, bottom flat business, first & top floors 15 rooms HotelCall:225-5639-40 Bagotstown Public Road: 2 Storied Commercial property next to Rays Auto) 3,500 sq.ft –Tel: 233-2546; 233-5859 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098

Imported pups Rottweiler, German shepherds, Huskys, malamute Dogo argentino, pugs and British bulldog-Tel: 664-5401; 615-5343 German shepherd puppies for sale –Tel: 682-5664 JUST ARRIVED!! 18" BRUSH CUTTER BLADES WHOLESALE & RETAIL QUANTITIES - FREE DELIVERY CALL: 6148564/ 639-3675 D4H CAT bulldozer, Leyland DAF 55 Tipper truck, lengths- plastic sheet piles, 17FT Truck Tray – Contact: 275-0538; 693-7105 Pile driving hammers, weight 3 and 4 tons, 6 cylinder Leyland engine, 10 tons double steel wheeled roller – Call: 275-0538; 693-7105 Pneumatic roller – 9 wheels, 2,500 GLS, steel tank, 2,000 GLS, steel tank , 428 CAT Back-Hoe Call: 275-0538; 6937105 Attention Loggers!!! Anchor seal wood wax 18000 5-G, N.C sanding sealer $4500 1-G, nail plates, metal straps – Tel: 2653541; 695-4785

ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn: Furnished Air conditioned apartment, free Wi-Fi, 24 hours coffee/tea, price $5,000, $6,000 –Tel: 6680306; 218-1400 & 694-7817 Saturdays & Sundays after lunch @ Inner Retreat Hotel Parika: Bar-B-Que & 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 TOURS Suriname Tour Trip Return, Independence Weekend (May 23-May26) Book Early Call: 644-0185; 639-2663; 665-5171

One female Rottweiler pup, 7 weeks old, vaccinated and de-wormed –Tel: 627-1360 Tibetan pups, white-brown & whiter – Call: 652-8369 Over 12,000 rare & expensive stamps, old documents/ old coins & money etc –Tel: 227-6817; 226-5183; 624-7341 20 LB empty Tex & Shell Gas Cylinder - Tel:2285655; 628-1756 LOST/STOLEN One black Dell laptop belonging to a staff member of Muneshwer’s travel. The laptop contains important information on he travel agency. A reward is offered. Contact 227-6992, or 671-3332

Thursday May 07, 2015

SALON

LEARN TO DRIVE

Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

Shalom Enterprise @ Lot 2 Croal Street, enquire about an international drivers permit “join us on facebook” Tel: 622-8162; 227-3869

Experienced rock driller, must know about Furukawa, Tamrock or Atlas Copco Hydraulics Machines - Call: 665-3959 or matiasorellana@exploservice. com.ar 1 Maid, 40years and older to work in Suriname- Contact: (+597)322-5442;(+597)651-6666 One Pastry maker- please email application to jobvacanciesg1@gmail.com 1 Male or female or couple to look after layer in the interior – Tel: 691-6260 1 cook for family in the interior Call: 691-6260 1 Gas acetylene welder without equipment, 1 diesel mechanic for Bedford lorry (live in) - Tel: 228-5655; 628-1756 Top soil from Mahaica Area, please Call: 219-0468 Business/Economics Writer, email application to snow198390@hotmail.com Live in waitress age 20 & older with Secondary Education @ Diamond Gate Liquior Restaurant, Lot 18-19 Belmont Mahaica - Tel: 228-5013 Senior Accounts Clerk, 5yrs experienced, CAT or equivalent. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com 1 OFFICE ASSISTANT: Must have motorcycle, car/ van license, able to work flexible hours, from E.B.D. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com Taxi & Bus drivers, dispatchers at Princess Hotel, Providence –Tel: 616-5419 Live- in waitress $60,000 monthly. Live- in domestic $70,000 monthly (must know to cook)-Call:610-3974 Female general workers for shift system -Tel: 218-1400 One pick up to hire for farm on contract - Contact Mr. Henriques, Bio - Green Farms Inc: 693-4777; 692-8635. Experienced cashier, apply Hacks Halaal Restaurant, 5 Commerce Street. 1 Male cook -$100,000 monthly, jet and marack men to work in the interior –Tel: 694-2310

SERVICES

VACANCY

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman - Call: 695-9880; 669-4755

Advertisements; Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

One manager to work @ Hotel Purple Heart on the Essequibo Coast, accommodation provided, attractive salary – Contact: 226-9768; 642-7963

Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Spare for microwave, stoves, washing machines, fridge, motors, timers, gearbox etc @ Cooltech Solutions –Call: 233-2008; 675-4959 Your Dream Yard Today! Stunning designs, Assortment, colourful plant choices, Professional Landscapers Tel: 219-0468/ 648-1821 Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHINGMACHINES,TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS - CALL: 629-4946 OR 2254822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar:231-0655,683-8734 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall: 225-6496, 662-6045

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Services and repairs to gas stoves washing machine, electronic stoves, deep fryers- Call: 688-0183

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One church @ 180 Charlotte Streets Bourda for rent -$150,000 monthly negotiable –Tel: 624-7341; 227-6817

Thursday May 07, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Race can surely kill you An APNU+AFC Govt. can and... From page 29 similar disappointing stories that could be told of parts of Africa. I looked at myself to see if race could be giving me a perspective that was untrue, but the big mansions and the unethical distribution of licences, the awards of contracts to friends and family, and my own inability to work meaningfully here, for pay, are not figments of my racial imagination. Neither have I imagined that I was conned by a Guyanese government official of Indian ancestry into working for them, and then, two years later, in spite of having a signed contract, I am still to be paid, and have had to resort to the courts to seek redress. They needed skills, but since I was neither friend nor family, I did not have the right qualifications to be paid the small sum that they owed me; small compared to what they pay idiot friends, thugs and family. I have not imagined any part of this. My race has not so affected me. I have not imagined that the candidates’ list for the ruling party has semi-illiterate family members on it who do not even know the difference between ‘there and their’, judging from a printout of one of the favoured relative’s Facebook page; and it was not because she was using a shortened form of English. It was clear from the repetition that she did not know the difference in meaning of those two simple words. But, God forbid, she can become a Minister of Government. Help us Lord! I want to know if it is okay for loyalty to race, rather than country, to make it possible for that person to hold high office. I am imagining because of my race, no? I lived through the Burnham era, the Hoyte era and the PPP/C era. I know I had reservations about Burnham, with whose race I am identifiable. I do know that there was a period of restriction of imports like wheaten flour and split peas, where it was harder for me a single (divorced) parent at the time to get by, and I did not have a party affiliation to help me. I never have. What I do know though is that today if I had the circumstances I had then, with all the supply of imported flour and peas that is available now, I certainly would be groveling in the dust to make ends meet. Do not be fooled by large numbers that are thrown at you without any adjustment for the time value of money. It is an insult to the intelligence of the ordinary man. These people take you for fools. A dollar today does

not have the same value of a dollar from one year ago. A lady recently was recounting to me how she lived on her forty (40) dollars a month salary, years ago, paying twenty (20) dollars of it for her rent. Today for forty thousand dollars you would be extremely lucky to get a decent room, given VAT and all that goes into building a house. What I do remember is that the restrictions that were in effect during the Burnham era then, were not the act of a madman trying to punish Indian people or any other race for that matter, but were intended to deal with the foreign currency situation, which incidentally, was aggravated by the current administration’s supporters sabotaging the economy by burning sugar cane, to weaken the Burnham administration. However, I am not passing judgement, just stating what I knew at the time. Incidentally, Burnham’s restrictions had the desired effect of spawning local industrial activity, which are now being revived and masked as the Grow More Campaign and similar slogans, to make them look original to fool the simpleminded into not seeing the positive link to the ‘Blackman era’. It may confuse the psyche of the relevant persons to see anything positive about Burnham, or Mr. Hoyte for that matter. What I do know, is that when we lie to ourselves, or we try to stifle the truth, the effect on ourselves is devastating. The truth shall set you free! I have an Indian

handyman/’gardener’. I remember him saying to me recently, how hard ‘everything’ was for him - not being able to get the mortgage to build on the house lot he was allocated, trying to build etc. I wondered if the hardships he was facing would penetrate his ‘Indian’ psyche to the extent that race would not factor into casting his vote. I thought about the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin who played his music to charm the rats and led them to their destruction. A group of greedy people who really cannot afford to relinquish power (and will do anything to keep it) will play the con music of race that your mind is shackled to, and will continue to manipulate and abuse, if you let them. It would have been a truly good thing if their cleverness was extended to creating jobs that would improve people’s lives without them having to work like slavery was never abolished. But thieving and consideration for the poor make strange bedfellows. The thief takes from you, disables you and your mind and emotions, and thus prevents you from making real progress. If country does not come before race, then it makes sense to maintain integrity by not going through the motions of singing the national anthem and reciting the pledge which become a farce that only snare our emotions, especially when young people are looking at our behaviour and taking notes, even when we think they are not looking. Rosemarie Terborg Davis

From page 29 external/np/sec/pn/2000/ pn00102.htm). The bump in inflation was not double digits when we has such a material increase, so why would a 10 percent increase in wages cause runaway inflation as Mr. Jagdeo is projecting? Where did he and Donald Ramotar learn their economics again? Now to the real crux of the matter. How much would this proposed APNU+AFC package cost and how it will be funded? First off, this is expected to cost about G$7.5 billion a year in the first year. Rationalizing how we procure goods and services under the current budget can easily fund most of this increase. In 2014, the actual current expenditure was reported to be some G$85 billion. Once the public procurement commission is established we expect that the cost of procuring goods and services will be reduced by as much as G$6-7 billion which will be redistributed to the workers. As an example, if we are to review and re-negotiate how we procure medical supplies, one would find that we can save immediately G$800 million. Clearly we cannot have the Government purchasing drugs from a preferential supplier for many times its real value. We cannot have any Government carrying on with the transfer of the people’s wealth to the private pockets of any cabal and their best friends for services not rendered. This was the case under the PPP for the last 10 years. Do we need 102 luxury-

We must multiply the effort... From page 4 be prepared to hold all politicians, those who are at the helm of government and those who seek to be at the helm, accountable. They must account! The PPP/C must account and the APNU+AFC must account as per contractual obligation. We hire them, we pay them, and we can fire them! On 11th May we hire and we fire! And with the knowledge and understanding of the issues facing the Guyanese labour force -past, present and potential - GTUC says without apology that we must fire the PPP/C! They must go and come again. They must improve, they must relearn and come again and so it must be with all when they do not perform. Let them go, retool and come again! We do it in the workforce. If you do not perform you have to go out and improve your skills, acquire new tools, whether it is re-certification or

additional certification, and reapply for employment. To keep the politicians in government now employed is to accept mediocrity in the business of running Guyana; it is to fail Guyana that belongs to all of us. It is to say we are poor businessmen and businesswomen. We have given those elected politicians, our employees, enough chances over the last 23 years. We have been trampled. Many of the taxpayers, the employers, have grown to be fearful of these employees. They have bullied us. They have threatened to slap and strip us. They have misappropriated the finances of Guyana. They have corrupted our systems. They have associated with criminals and narco militarisation and criminalisation to destroy us. They have engaged in wanton lawlessness. Every person must ensure that they vote. They must also encourage those who they

know to vote. Similarly they must encourage those persons to mobilise and encourage others. We must multiply the effort to bring good governance to Guyana and hire new employees for the job of managing the state of Guyana! Lincoln Lewis

type vehicles assigned to Government Ministers and certain Head of Departments? All of them fully paid for, maintained and serviced by the taxpayers? It cost over G$800 million to procure and maintain this fleet for the PPP fat cats. That can easily be cut in half and redirected to the workers. Then there is the international travel bill by the Cabinet Ministers pegged at over G$1.1 billion which can also materially be reduced. Then there is shaving of the army of PYO activists on contract to the State to conduct PPP party work in the fields on taxpayer dollars – costing the Treasury more than G$400 million every year. These are just a few of the many tools that can be used to fund that much deserved pay increase for the workers. If we are to review how we procure good and services across the current budget using a professional team at the Procurement Commission, headed by a

seasoned and skilled financial administrator like Mr. Anand Goolsarran, we can save this country billions out of the current budget alone, which will then be redirected to paying the workers more and taking them closer to a living wage. Under the APNU+AFC Government it can and it will be done. So cut the fear mongering Mr. Jagdeo, no one is buying these half truths anymore! Sase Singh

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Thursday May 07, 2015

Thursday May 07, 2015

Kaieteur News

St Lucia tightens cyber security after SVG website hacked CASTRIES, St Lucia – Concerned about the recent attack on the official website of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government, the administration of Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony is taking steps to strengthen its own cyber security. In a statement issued Tuesday, the government said the incident in the neighbouring island appeared to be part of a trend of increasing reports of cyberattacks of various kinds regionally and internationally. “As the Government of St. Lucia seeks to continually enhance its online presence and make more of its services accessible online to citizens and other users, it is ever mindful of the increasing importance of cyber security. This is why it has embarked on numerous initiatives and taken several proactive measures to reduce the possibility of successful attacks on Government

information and technology assets as well as to reduce the negative impact should such incidents occur,” it said. “These measures are multi-layered and involve active cooperation among various personnel and collaboration with agencies and authorities at the national, regional and international levels.” It added that the cyberattack highlighted the need for everyone, at the Government, private sector, civil society and individual levels to be cognizant of the importance of cyber security. “From the simplest of measures like strengthening passwords, periodically changing them and not sharing them with others, to not responding to phishing attacks and other internet schemes that seek to cause you to post personal information online, to more detailed ones like regularly using up-to-date antivirus

Dr. Kenny Anthony software and periodically conducting security scans of your computers and networks, we can all play our part in minimizing the risk posed by these cyber threats. The government of St. Lucia will continue to employ all practicable means at its disposal to reduce its vulnerability to cyberattacks and to mitigate the impacts of such attacks should one take place,” the statement said.

Jamaica expects IMF pass despite missing target KINGSTON, Jamaica – As International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials on island engage in a review of Jamaica’s economic performance, the co-chair of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) Richard Byles says the country is in a good position to get a positive performance rating despite missing the primary balance target for March. Jamaica was set a target of J$121.3 billion (US$1.05 billion) for the quarter ending in March, but the country registered J$117.2 billion (US$1.01 billion), a shortfall of J$4.1 billion (US$35.6 million). Byles said it was the first quarter that the country did not meet its primary balance target. “This country has met the targets seven

out of the eight quarters that the IMF has reviewed us. In one quarter, we fall short by J$4.1 billion (US$35.6 million) out of J$121.3 billion, so that’s less than four per cent short of the target,” he pointed out Tuesday. Byles said the previous successes were important and the IMF team must “make a decision based on important qualitative judgment that goes beyond just the numbers”. He said these considerations should include whether the Government remained committed and displayed the effort needed to achieve the critical targets under the programme, and whether the macroeconomic circumstances that were beyond the control of the authorities were sufficient enough to impact the targets.

Nine-year-old charged with car theft in T&T PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Police in Trinidad and Tobago have charged a nine-year-old boy for stealing a car, but questions are being raised about the legality of the move. The child took a neighbour’s car and went joyriding on Sunday afternoon, driving along a busy thoroughfare and stopping on Alverado Street in Penal, in the south of Trinidad, only after he struck a parked vehicle. According to Newsday,

he was not hurt in the accident and the other car sustained minor damage. The boy had reportedly driven away the car after seeing it parked in the owner’s yard with the key in the ignition. The minor on Monday went before a court and was placed on a bond of TT$1,000 (US$158) on a charge of larceny of a motor vehicle. However, the magistrate dismissed additional charges of dangerous driving, driving without a driver’s permit and

driving without insurance. The boy’s mother told the newspaper that her son was fascinated with fast driving and car video games, but she did not know he could drive or that he had taken the car. Newsday also reported that police went to the scene of the accident and found the nine-year-old and took him to the station, but he subsequently managed to slip away. He was subsequently found at the home of an elderly relative several miles away.

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Thursday May 07, 2015

Netanyahu clinches deal to form new Israeli government (Reuters) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clinched a deal to form a new government yesterday just before a deadline expired, but his coalition will rule by the slimmest of majorities in Israel’s turbulent parliament. “Israel now has a government,” Naftali Bennett, the head of the farright Jewish Home party announced at parliament after hours of haggling with Netanyahu’s Likud deputies over cabinet positions, which were not immediately announced. Netanyahu had struggled to put together a coalition for nearly two months after winning an easy election victory, after a former ally abandoned him this week. Barely two hours before a midnight (2100 GMT) deadline mandated by law, Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud sealed an agreement with ultranationalist Jewish Home, which advocates annexation of parts of occupied territory Palestinians seek for a state. Netanyahu dispatched a formal notice to President Reuven Rivlin, telling him “I am honored to notify you I have succeeded in forming a government, which I would like to present to parliament as soon as possible.” With Jewish Home, the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism and Shas parties and Kulanu, a centrist faction, the Likud-led government will control 61 of parliament’s 120 seats. VULNERABLE TO POLICY DEMANDS Such a narrow majority will make Netanyahu vulnerable to policy demands from even his most junior partners, continuing a long

tradition of instability in Israeli politics. Netanyahu said he would seek to enlarge the coalition. “Sixty-one is a good number, 61-plus is better,” he said, without elaborating as to which party he would seek to add. Jewish Home seems certain to push for the expansion of Jewish settlement in occupied territory, a policy that could deepen Israel’s rift over the issue with its main ally, the United States, and the European Union. Bennett, the party’s leader, has called for the annexation of parts of the West Bank. That goes beyond Netanyahu’s pledge to continue to build in settlements only in areas Israel intends to keep in any future peace deal with the Palestinians. In return for Jewish Home’s support, Netanyahu bowed to its demand for the justice minister portfolio, a post critical to the smooth passage of cabinet-approved legislation to parliament for ratification. Under a compromise, some of the minister’s authority may be curbed, Israeli political sources said. The exact job definition was likely to be ironed out only in talks expected to take place overnight until the agreement between the parties is signed. JEWISH NATION STATE Bennett is a strong supporter of a bill, promoted by Netanyahu, that would anchor in law the status of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. Critics, among them Rivlin, have said it runs counter to the founding fathers’ vision of equality for Arab citizens.

Other proposed legislation likely to be pursued would seek to limit the power of the Supreme Court to overturn laws passed by parliament and tighten controls over foreign donations to left-wing organisations. Shortly after the March 17 election, Netanyahu appeared to be coasting toward a right-leaning government with control of 67 parliamentary seats and voiced confidence he would be able to form one quickly. Rivlin initially gave him 28 days to do so. But on Monday, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, whose once-strong relationship with the Israeli leader turned sour long ago, took his far-right Yisrael Beitenu party out of the coalition talks. That left Netanyahu with only 53 seats, making Jewish Home’s backing essential to ensuring the unexpected election win would result in a fourth term for the 65-year-old leader. Had Netanyahu not met Wednesday’s deadline, the president would have been obligated by law to appoint another legislator to try to form a government. A coalition pact between Netanyahu and his main election rival, Isaac Herzog, leader of the centre-left Zionist Union that won 24 seats, would have ensured a broader coalition. But Herzog, who largely echoes Netanyahu in criticism of the framework deal world powers reached with Iran last month to restrict its nuclear programme, did not stray from his postelection pledge to take to the opposition benches.

KINGSTON, Jamaica Opposition spokesman on Local Government, Desmond McKenzie has accused the government of misuse of revenues obtained from the collection of property tax. “It is a vexing issue, because people are not satisfied with the service they are receiving and are increasingly frustrated by untimely collection of garbage and rehabilitation of street lights. These are services for which property tax would have been received in the first place,” McKenzie said as he made his contribution to the Sectoral

Debate, yesterday, at Gordon House. He said that the public’s frustration must be considered and understood, within the context of the review of the property tax regime, which saw considerable increases in the amounts due in taxes among property owners some two (2) years ago. He said that: in 2007/08, the government collected $1.86 billion in Property Tax; $2.26 billion in 2008/09; $1.78 billion in 2009/10; $2.77 billion in 2010/11; $2.51 billion in 2011/12; $2.81 billion in 2012/ 13; $5.84 billion in 2013/14;

and $7.45 billion in 2014/15. “So, what do we have here Mr Speaker? We have a Government that is doing less with more money! On the one hand, substantially more is being charged, and is in fact being collected in property tax, but on the other hand, substantially less is being delivered to taxpayers in terms of services,” he stated. “Every so often we see stockpiles of garbage strewn in and around communities – garbage waiting to be collected, but there are no garbage trucks in sight,” he added.

McKenzie says Govt. misusing property tax

Thursday May 07, 2015

Kaieteur News

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APNU+AFC take PPP/C ads to task …says budget cuts were to protect taxpayers from corrupt projects Noting the widespread circulation of advertisements claiming that the Opposition is anti-development, the recently formed coalition, A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) has made clear that the cuts made to the budget were done to protect taxpayers’ dollars, asking Guyanese not to be fooled. The time, they say, has come for the government to be accountable to the people and the usage of millions of taxpayers’ dollars to the benefit of friends and favourites of the ruling party, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) must stop. The advertisements were taken to task by the party’s financial point man, Carl Greenidge and woman candidate, Ndibi Nwamaya Schwiers at rallies recently. Addressing thousands at a mass rally on Saturday last in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Greenidge said the last 23 years have been marred by a tremendous growth of income

inequalities. Greenidge told enthusiastic supporters “We have had enough! Too much abuse of our people! We have had enough of stealing and abuse of our resources, abuse of our people; enough of secrecy, lies and misrepresentation!” He said that as a result of the government doing things deemed “illegal” and “unconstitutional” the party sought to pass a NoConfidence Motion. Greenidge said the APNU+AFC have put together a package of policies that “would lift you out of the mess that you are currently in.” At that point, the party’s financial point man urged supporters to take time to peruse the manifesto. Advertisements placed by the ruling party were the main source of contention for Greenidge. He said “I was listening to the TV yesterday (last Friday), the PPP are saturating Berbice with all sorts of strange messages on the television.”

He said that he noticed it being advertised that there was no housing programme before the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) ascended to office in 1992. Needing no more than the “They lie!” which followed that statement, Greenidge continued “I don’t know where most of you live but what I know is even in New Amsterdam and Georgetown, the housing schemes predated (former President Bharrat) Jagdeo and when the PPP came in power in 1992.” He took to task claims by the party that the Opposition was not pro-education. Greenidge said “I heard on TV a young lady saying that only 32 percent of Guyanese had access to education.” According to the former Minister of Government, in years past Guyana and Barbados passed legislation for universal primary education and “our education status, until the PPP made a mess of it, was amongst the highest in this whole region.”

Shaquille Grant murder trial gets underway The murder trial of Police Constable, Terrence Wallace, has begun. The trial commenced before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Georgetown, yesterday. Wallace is charged with the murder of 17year-old Shaquille Grant. The victim, 17, of Lot 110 Caesar Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara was fatally shot after ranks on a mobile police patrol swooped down on a group of youths in the community on September 11, 2012. Police in a press release on the day of the shooting had said that the ranks came under fire and they returned fire, fatally wounding Grant, of 12 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara. Romel Bollers, 20, of Brutus Street, Agricola, was also shot. Police said a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver was also recovered at the scene. According to the police, they had received information that a gang in Agricola was planning a robbery on a business entity located near the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Officers Wallace, Warren Blue and Jamal Lewis were subsequently charged for the murder of Shaquille Grant, following investigations. The latter two had reportedly evaded the course of justice. Wallace, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence after a twelve -member mixed jury was empanelled to oversee his trial, yesterday. In her opening address, State Prosecutor, Judith Gilharie-Mursalin told the court, that on September 11, 2012 the accused, a Tactical Services Unit TSU rank along with other ranks went into Agricola. She noted that the policeman was sent to Kitty, but he left his post and went into Agricola without permission of his superiors. Mursalin further detailed that Wallace, at the time, was armed with a 9 mm Glock pistol and 17 matching rounds. She said that at Agricola, the policemen approached a group of young men in a yard, and told them to lie face down on the ground.

Shaquille Grant

Greenidge told the thousands that Guyana has produced some of the best scholars in the region: judges, doctors, economists and the like and “we can do it again!” “When the PPP came to office we had pilots… Guyanese pilots,” he said adding that the local industry has been infiltrated by pilots of various nationalities. Greenidge is of the belief that “The PPP inherited an airline service that was made up entirely of Guyanese and today, thanks to their policies, they have chased the Guyanese away.” “That is not progress,” Greenidge said adding that his party’s policies will ensure that the children of this country are properly educated and that they find job opportunities here. He lamented on the days that Guyanese built boats and “didn’t have to buy Chinese boats. The vessels that used to ply these waters and stop at this stelling (New Amsterdam) were built by Guyanese. Today we have to import boats from China.” “I hear on the TV, a long set of stories about developmental projects that are blocked by the Opposition,” he continued. Greenidge told thousands that the projects that the government had implemented without any resistance have all turned out to be “disasters” or “opportunities for them to engage in some ‘scampishness’ or the other.” Among those he highlighted was the recently opened multi-billion dollar, taxpayer-funded Marriott hotel, the Berbice River Bridge, the Specialty Hospital, the Hope Canal and the Amaila Hydro Project

Road. “Monies going down the drain,” he said, adding “so when they come and tell you on TV, we blocked their projects and blocked development:, its nonsense!” “Where they have spent the money, the projects have been a waste of time and where we have not spent the money it is to protect you, the taxpayer. All the projects we have tried to protect you from have been corrupt projects.” Expounding on Marriott, Greenidge said “NIS money has gone into Marriott” as he added that the project was one which was initially presented as a private sector investment. At this point, the crowd shouted “They thief we money! We old people money!” “They used the money to put in the pockets of their friends and to facilitate jobs for their friends,” he said before imploring them to ignore the ideas being peddled by the incumbent party. He said the projects are benefitting a select few. “At the end of 23 years of government, we have a smaller proportion of Guyanese pilots flying our planes, we have a tremendous growth of income inequalities. You see palaces, starting with Jagdeo’s, which he claimed is not as ‘grand’ as (Dr. Cheddi) Jagan’s: nonsense! They feel they can tell the public any lies and the public will believe them but the time for that is over.” Greenidge said the time has come for governments to be accountable “and you have to make sure that all governments are accountable; not only the one you are going to remove but the one you are going to

Former Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge put in place.” He said the new government must not be allowed to take taxpayers’ dollars and “beat you over your head with your own money.” Greenidge implored the crowd to do their “duty” come May 11. Also, as the APNU+AFC women held a rally on Monday, at Manchester, Corentyne, Berbice they took what they deemed unfounded claims of the PPP/ C to task. APNU+AFC woman representative, Ndibi Nwamaya Schwiers noted that the Berbice people have been exposed to television advertisements which painted a coalition-led government as one which will return Guyana to the “dark days.” She ripped to pieces claims by the PPP/C, through televised ads and on the radio, of the return of a ban on food items, abuse of power by members of the disciplinary forces as well as the transformation of Guyana into a militarized state. She made clear that such (Continued on page 45)

Private, national security forces gear up for Elections According to the prosecutor, the shooting ensued after one of the young men (Bollers) reached into his pockets for his cell phone. Bollers was injured but Grant was shot dead. Mursalin told the court that Wallace and his colleagues, (Blue and Lewis) were subsequently charged with the offence but the latter two were on the run. Blue, she noted was killed in a botched robbery. Grant’s grandmother, Frances Grant, and his grandfather, Gordon Grey, were the first two witnesses to take the stand. They recalled identifying the body of their grandson at the mortuary at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, (GPHC), prior to a post mortem examination. They recalled that the body was later handed over to them for burial. Grey also told the court that he visited the scene at Agricola, where he saw what appeared to be a lot of blood on the ground. However, while under cross examination (Continued on page 45)

Private and national security forces are gearing up for the impending May 11 General and Regional Elections, as the Guyana Association of Private Security Organisations (GAPSO) recently completed a series of specialised security training for private security officers. And fire services conducted routine drills yesterday. According to the GAPSO statement, the sessions consisted of three batches of 120 private officers, throughout March. GAPSO expects more than 500 security officers from eight private security services will benefit from the special training. Participating in the

sessions were representatives from Banks DIH, Security Alliance, Federal Management Systems, MMC, Bank of Guyana, Kalibur, Sentinel Security and Integrated Security Services. The sessions included instructors like Lt. Col Randy Storm, Whittington Braithwaite, David Moore, Carlos Beaton and Stanley Leitch. According to GAPSO, the sessions incorporated classroom lectures, discussions, and practical exercises with courses that covered Public Order Act, Orders for Opening Fire, Potential Election related disturbances, and the role of the Private Security during the electoral period.

The Association said “Private Security is responsible for thousands of lives and billions of dollars in assets.” The training sessions were designed to augment security officer’s skills with specialty training in effective election security issues. Meanwhile, the Guyana Fire Service carried out a routine “output-test” with fire-tenders and the water cannon, at Square of the Revolution, yesterday, in preparation for elections. Usually the routine tests are conducted at the National Park tarmac; however, renovations are being done at that location for the annual Independence Day celebrations.

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Thursday May 07, 2015

U.S. Treasury eyes larger cash buffer against ‘emerging threats’ (Reuters) - The U.S. government said yesterday it will start keeping more cash on hand for when it can’t tap debt markets, a measure that could help it pay bills during a natural disaster or a cyber attack. In its announcement, the U.S. Treasury also said it would start raising the level of short-term debt on the market to meet demand for Treasury bills, which has been pumped up by rules enacted since the 2007-2009 financial crisis requiring firms to hold more cash-like securities. The announcements are examples of how debt management strategies have shifted following a series of natural and manmade disasters over the last 15 years. The Treasury will now try to hold enough cash to cover about a week of federal outlays, keeping a minimum of $150 billion on hand. In recent years, it held enough for

about two days. “(The) Treasury believes it is prudent to change its cash management policy starting this month,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Financial Markets Seth Carpenter, citing “emerging threats” like potential cyber attacks. He also noted the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and bad storms in 2012. The buffer would help the Treasury pay the nation’s bills when it cannot borrow from investors at weekly auctions. That could be very handy if hurricanes or hackers shook Wall Street. Another Treasury official said a week of spending would require on average between $200 billion and $225 billion, above the average buffer maintained in recent years of about $80 billion. The new cash balance would probably not impact how that last days play out in Washington’s perennial

battles to raise the debt limit. That’s because the cash buffer would fall below $150 billion well before the Treasury could no longer make payments, a Treasury spokesman said. The government came perilously close to running out of money in 2011 and 2013 as Congress debated raising the debt limit. Washington is currently just below its $18.1 trillion debt ceiling and analysts think the government doesn’t risk hitting it until October. Carpenter said the debt ceiling was “in no way” related to the cash policy, which he said would not change the date when the government would start missing payments if the debt ceiling were not raised. He said the Treasury still wants to extend the average weighted maturity of its debt even as it makes Treasury bills a bigger part of the market.

China looks to fiscal stimulus to fight slowdown: sources (Reuters) - China’s leaders, caught off guard by a sharp economic slowdown and worried about the risk of job losses, are likely to resort to fiscal stimulus to revive growth after a run of monetary policy easings proved less effective, policy insiders said. The world’s secondlargest economy grew at an annual 7 percent in the first quarter, the weakest rate since the global financial crisis, and data since then suggests it has lost further momentum. “They are very worried. If they don’t take bolder measures, it will be very hard to achieve the full-year growth target, and there is risk the slowdown may get out of control,” an economist at a well-connected think-tank said of top policymakers.

“Fiscal policy will become more forceful, and infrastructure investment will accelerate, while monetary policy will be more flexible,” said the economist. The Politburo, the ruling Communist Party’s top decision-making body, said last week it would “pay high attention to the downward pressure on the economy” and pledged to step up policy “adjustments” by boosting fiscal spending. The government forecast a budget deficit for 2015 equal to 2.3 percent of GDP, but Finance Minister Lou Jiwei said in March the real fiscal deficit would be 2.7 percent of GDP, the widest since 2009, after taking into account unspent amounts from previously allocated funds.

Last year, government spending rose 8.2 percent, slower than the 9.5 percent goal. The emerging view is that the direct impact of government spending would work where monetary policy, including two cuts in interest rates and two cuts in bank reserve requirements since November, has not. The government is eyeing “a package of measures to stabilize growth and control risks”, said a senior economist at the cabinet’s Development Research Centre think-tank. “There is no big problem in employment. They (top leaders) are more worried about financial risks and debt risks.” INVESTMENT PUSH The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country’s top planning agency, is already speeding up investment projects in several key sectors, including water conservation, environmental protection, power grids and health care. And President Xi Jinping is spearheading the integration of Beijing with Tianjin and Hebei province, aiming to create a growth driver similar to the Yangtze River Delta around Shanghai and Pearl River Delta in Guangdong, the sources said. The government has said the new metropolis would require investment of 42 trillion yuan ($6.8 trillion).

Thursday May 07, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Shaquille Grant murder trial... GWR hosts successful civic... From page 43 by Attorney –at- Law Sonia Parag, the witness was confronted with the information he provided to the Magistrate’s Court; it was noted that this bit of information was not in his deposition. The following witness, TSU rank, Eon Isaacs, related that in September 2012 he was attached to the Police Arms room and was responsible for posting officers to their various areas of patrol. Corporal Isaacs recalled that Wallace and his colleagues were present, and he instructed them with regard to firing orders. Isaacs explained that part of his duty was to direct the officers in the procedure of using their firearms and under what circumstances, they should resort to the use of

a gun. He explained that a policeman is required to use his firearm in only extreme circumstances; when a suspect is resisting arrest or is armed; when the life of that officer is under threat or when there is imminent danger. Isaacs went on to explain that an officer can also resort to the use of his weapon if he is attacked, to prevent serious injuries to his person. He disclosed, however, that officer is required to use his judgment given the scenario, at the time. Superintendant of Police, Hugh Jessemy, recalled visiting the scene of the crime and viewing Grant’s body at the GPHC mortuary. He told the court that the body bore a circular wound on the right side forehead, a circular wound on the left side chest and a laceration to the left thigh.

Police Sergeant, Phillip Bowman, recalled that he issued a 9mm Glock pistol with 17 matching rounds to the accused on the day of the shooting. Bowman told the court that he was attached to the Police Arms Room and had been tasked with handing out and collecting the weapons and ammunition from officers before/after an assignment. He recalled that he did not collect the gun and ammunition from Wallace because his shift had expired before the policeman could have turned in his weapon to the Arms room. But Corporal Donald Harry testified that when Wallace returned the pistol one round of ammunition was missing. He recalled that the accused turned in a 9mm Glock pistol and 16 live rounds of ammunition.

Thursday May 07, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) You need some rest. You will be extremely receptive to new and progressive methods at work. Don't let your family put demands on you. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Your main concern will be to spend as little as possible of your own cash in the process. Changes in your residence may be financially favorable. Get thinking about prolonging longevity. GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) You will have to face each issue separately and in person. You have to let go of your past if you wish to get out of any sentimental mood that might be hanging over your head. Spend some quality time with your lover. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Attend to things that you should have done yesterday. Don't forget to read the fine print. Emotional upset at work will set you back. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You won't be well received by superiors or by your spouse. You must look into your options. Be careful not to overexert yourself. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) You are exceptional at presenting your ideas. If they're really interested, they'll wait. Trips will be enjoyable, and communication with your lover will clear up any misconceptions. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Not the best day for business trips. Don't be too con-

fident that coworkers are on your side. Be honest in your communication and don't lose your cool. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Minor health problems may flare up if you haven't been taking care of yourself or have been burning the candle at both ends. You should look into making some physical changes, such as new hair color or toning up your body. You can bet officials will be waiting for you when you do. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You may divulge private information without realizing it today. Make changes around your house and plan to do some entertaining. Exercise is always a good way to relieve stress. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You will get along well in social situations. Travel and educational pursuits may help alleviate the stress you have been feeling. Take care of any pressing medical problems that you or one of your parents may be suffering from. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Organize social events or family gatherings. Travel may be confusing. You need some rest. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Your hard work will payoff; advancement looks positive. Be careful if a friend asks you for advice. You may have to take a short trip to visit someone who hasn't been well.

From page 39 focus on women but Guyanese as a whole. “When people hear about the Women's Roundtable, I guess in Guyana they have the perception that it's all about women but it's not all about women. We know that women are peacekeepers, they are nurturers, they manage families and things like that, so we feel like what women are experiencing, not only does it benefit women but it benefits the entire nation. The issues the women talk about, that we get from the ground are issues that af-

fect our entire population,” Dr Stewart said. According to her, she had sat on the Black Women's Roundtable in the US and from that, decided that Guyana would benefit from a similar initiative. “Being part of that committee, I thought that would be something to really benefit Guyana. I wanted to have it instituted in Guyana and have it work where we can now change the playing field of how we get involved in the political process; it doesn't mean running for office.

APNU+AFC take... From page 43 claims are unfounded and assured her women folk that that would not happen. Schwiers described May 11 as the end of the common struggle, “Change is coming!” “No more will they insult your intelligence by saying to you that Guyana is progressing, when in truth about 25 percent of people, and mostly young people, don’t have jobs. No more will they call ‘development’

building a set of buildings that are what you call white elephants. No more will a sitting Minister be justified in insulting our women. No more will they pamper corruption like a new born baby! No more will so-called development exist without a human face” the woman charged. Schwiers emphasized the need to move forward and for voters to not be misled by the “talks of the past” surfacing from the PPP/C’s camp.

“It just means advocating, bringing issues to the floor, engaging not only the communities but our elected officials in conversations about issues affecting the community,” she said. Other than its civic component, the GWR has literacy and health components.

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Thursday May 07, 2015

Busta Soft Shoe Football Competition...

Lens Craft Optical/EBFA U-13 League...

Excitement heating up Sparta Boss prove too heading into day five good for West Front Road They have in their line up the leading goal scorer so far in Leon Moore who has netted two hat-tricks accounting for his 6 goals. Herstelling Raiders’ Shoran James who was the leading goal scorer in the MCYS sponsored Pee Wee Under-11 League, has one less than Moore, James also netted a hat-trick. Akeem Williams of Grove has 3 goals. Diamond United are also on six points but from four games, one more than Agricola while Mocha (3 games) has 4 points, Kuru Kururu Warriors (3 games) 1 point and Craig, yet to come off the mark in the three matches. Two matches will be contested Saturday at Grove Playfield.

Excitement in the inaugural Lens Craft Optical / East Bank Football Association Under-13 League is heating up as day five of the tournament approaches on Saturday at the Grove Playfield. Grove Hi Tech after losing to Herstelling 1-0 on day one have rebounded well to notch up three wins on the trot and are in pole position ahead of Herstelling Raiders on goal difference, both clubs recording a similar amount of wins along with one loss apiece. Agricola Red Triangle (6 points) have the best goal difference so far and have shown that they are a lethal unit blasting in a total of 13 goals in three matches conceding just two. Club

FOLLOWING IS THE LATEST POINTS STANDINGS P W L D GF GA GD

Points

Grove Herstelling Agricola Diamond Mocha Kuru Kururu Craig

4 4 3 4 3 3 3

9 9 6 6 4 1 0

3 3 2 2 1 0 0

1 1 1 2 1 2 3

0 0 0 0 1 1 0

9 8 13 4 5 3 0

1 2 2 11 8 8 10

8 6 11 -7 -3 -5 -10

GCA/Noble House Sea Foods tourney

Persaud ton sinks Sophia, GCC beat MYO Pavindralall Persaud slammed an unbeaten 105 as host University of Guyana defeated Sophia by 301 runs when the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Noble House Sea Foods second di-

vision two-day tournament continued recently. Batting first, UG posted 261-3 in 47 overs. Persaud scored 71, Omesh Danram 67 not out and Leon Williams 56. Sophia were skittled for 91

BLACK SHARKS... From page 47 Sharks by then were all over their opponents, sinking them deeper for the 78-43 destruction. The Fyrish Black Sharks charge was lead by Linden Joseph with 24, Dessie Douglas 14 and Saydron Fortune 08. Leading the resistance for the Ithaca Hardliners were Kester Sinclair 13 and Kevin Perry 10. The competition continues on Sunday with Canje Knights travelling to West Berbice to battle with Hopetown Stealers at the Ithaca Basketball court.

The tournament which is organised and coordinated by sports enthusiast Vibert Garrett has seven teams participating with the teams being placed into two groups. The participating teams in Group A are Rose Hall Jammers of Corentyne, Hope Town Stealers of West Berbice and Canje Knights of East Canje. Group B is made up of New Amsterdam Warriors and Smythfield Rockers of New Amsterdam, Fyrish Black Sharks of Corentyne and Ithaca Hardliners of West Berbice. (Samuel Whyte)

in reply. Lloyd George claimed 4-30 and Dennis Haywood 329. UG scored 236-4, batting a second time. Persaud struck 105 not out and Danram 95. Set 414 to win, the visitors were bowled out for 95 with C. Barlow scoring 49; George took 3-32. At MYO, Georgetown Cricket Club got the better of the home team by five wickets. MYO took first strike and were skittled for 112. Abdool Karim got 38 and C. Baynes 24; Devon Lord bagged 5-32 and Stephan Wilson 2-25. GCC replied with 109. Deonarine Seegobin scored 37; S. Sankar and Parmanand Parsram claimed four wickets each. MYO were bowled out for 121 in their second turn at the crease. Baynes cracked 29; Wilson picked up 4-29, Devon Lord 3-29 and Seegobin 2-20. Set 125 to win, GCC finished on 126-5 with Seegobin scoring 53; Imtiaz Pooran had two scalps.

By Rawle Welch Even before General Manager of Guyana Beverages Inc. Robert Selman expressed his Company’s satisfaction on the success of the inaugural Busta Soft Shoe Football Competition, the large outpouring of fans had already left a positive legacy on the event. The final which was played on Tuesday night, at the GFC ground, saw Sparta Boss led by the irrepressible pair of sharpshooters Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson and Devon Millington cruise to a comfortable 4-2 triumph over a too defensive minded West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ unit to capture the winning trophy and first prize worth $600,000. Richardson, whose earlier performances had fallen just short of his usually high standard, was in lethal form as he fired in a trifecta in the 11th, 26th and 35th minutes and combined nicely with strike partner Devon Millington, who got things started with the opening goal after six minutes of play to give his team the early lead. National player Colin Nelson, who had joined West Front Road from the semi-final stages due to national duty, was once again the one leading the fight back after netting in the 22 nd minute, before Michael Pedro added another on the stroke of full time mainly for consolation purposes. However, West Front Road for their outstanding efforts throughout the competition went away with the runner-up prize of $300,000 and a trophy.Sparta Boss signaled their intention as early as the fourth minute when Millington unleashed a fierce right-footer that crashed on to the crossbar and rebounded into play. However, two minutes later Millington made no mistake this time lashing home an errant pass from Michael

Enterprise A and B teams register victories in ECCC 40-over tourney Enterprise A and B teams registered victories when the East Coast Cricket Committee 40-over tournament continued last weekend. Enterprise A defeated MT Enterprise by five runs at Enterprise. Batting first, Enterprise A rattled up 200-9

off their reduced quota of 35 overs. Hansraj Sookdeo slammed 61 and Seemangal Yadram 46. Ruel Singh claimed 3-27 and Basil Singh 3-42. MT Enterprise replied with 195 all out in 34.4 overs. Rayad Zaman made 50, Shaun Gaskin 32 and Anil

Kumar 22. Satyanand Ramkumar snared 3-30, Pradesh Balkishun 2-27 and Mankad Balkissoon 2-29. Host Enterprise B beat Better Hope by eight wickets in an earlier encounter. Better Hope were bowled for 132 in 36 overs, batting

first. Rayaz Mohamed made 34, Jayden Mana 28 and Ramchand Premchand 22. Chatterpaul Singh captured 435, Vivan Albert 2-15 and Dave Persaud 2-23. Enterprise B responded with 134-2 in 19 overs. Albert slammed 56 not out and Bhaskar Yadram 39.

- Queen Street finish third

Tournament MVP Sheldon Shepherd collects his monetary award from Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca on Tuesday night. Pedro into the back of the goal to evoke wild celebrations from their band of supporters. That goal seemed to ignite Richardson and he showed flashes of his brilliance which had earned him the reputation of being one of the most dangerous strikers in a national uniform. The skilful Richardson received a pass delivered from a freekick and fired into the lower left corner in one motion to double their advantage after eleven minutes. West Front Road looked shell-shocked and seemed unable to conjure up the nerve to go forward as Sparta Boss attacked with increasing menace. Michael Oie came close on one occasion, but fired just outside the left upright and the half came with Sparta Boss holding a solid 2-0 lead. Two minutes into the final period, Nelson breathed some life into his team when he finished clinically a buildup that was created from centrefield. However, Richardson’s wizardry put paid to any hope that West Front Road harboured of making it a game when he left central defender Hubert Pedro in his wake with a mesmerising dribble, before firing a powerful strike into the goal. Not finished as yet, Richardson completed his treble to crown a good night after rifling in a screamer five minutes from full time to seal the deal. West Front Road rallied briefly and Michael Pedro etched his name on the scoresheet with a simple finish past the goalkeeper, but it was just too late to scare the opposition who just

maintained possession until the final whistle sounded. In the third place playoff, Queen Street Tiger Bay outlasted Kitty Weavers to win 3-2 with Darren Harris netting a hat-trick that came in the 6th, 20th and 31st minutes. Nigel Denny and Sherwin Vincent in the 12th and 26th minutes respectively responded for Kitty Weavers. Queen Street took home $200,000 while Kitty Weavers collected $100,000. Both teams received trophies. Sheldon Shepherd of Sparta Boss was adjudged the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and was awarded $50,000 compliments of 2J’s General Store. Sophia’s Dwayne Lowe copped the highest goal scorer accolade with nine goals in five matches. And he is set to collect one gold chain from Junior’s Jewellery. The Most Disciplined Team award went to West Front Road and they received $25,000 compliments of Guyana Beverage Company. The night’s full results are seen below: Sparta Boss-4 vs West Front Road-2 Sparta Scorers Gregory Richardson-11th, 26th and 35th Devon Millington-6th West Front Road Scorers Colin Nelson-22nd Michael Pedro-40th 3rd Place Playoff Queen Street Tigerbay-3 vs Kitty Weavers-2 Queen Street Scorer Darren Harris-6th, 20th and 31st Kitty Scorers Nigel Denny-12th Sherwin Vincent-26th

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Neil Kumar pays tribute GABF pursuing seven to Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Internationals for Just days after the cricket and media fraternities were deprived of the services of one of their very own; the boxing community has suffered a similar blow, Director of Sport Neil Kumar noted in his tribute. Andrew “Sixhead” Lewis is dead via a motorcar/Special cycle accident, on Monday May 04, 2015. Our roads have claimed yet another life. This loss is indeed unbearable and has sent shock waves across Guyana, the Caribbean and the world at large. “Sixhead” who incidentally got the alias after knocking out an opponent who on revival saw six heads instead of one, was born and raised in Georgetown. He had a considerable Amateur Career, including representing Guyana at various competitions. In 1993 this athlete switched to professional boxing with tremendous success knocking out eight of his nine opponents. After dominating at home, Andrew realized that for him to make it at the big times, he must move beyond the boundaries of his home land. Himself and two other boxers were encouraged, wished well and seen off by Mr. Neil Kumar – Director of Sport at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport when they were travelling to the USA. As a consequence, Andrew “Sixheads” Lewis left Guyana and took up residence in the United States of America. There he continued from where he left off at home by knocking out

eleven of his first twelve opponents. Like most Guyanese, regardless of his/ her potentials, skill, ability, Andrew was not given the kind of representation necessary for a fighter of his class. As a true Guyanese warrior, he did not give up. Instead, he persuaded and finally got the opportunity to prove to the world that he did not go to the USA on a joyride or holiday. In 2001 “Sixheads” stepped into the ring at the MGM Ground in Las Vegas and punched and destroyed the known tremendous power puncher, Games Page for the vacant WBA Welterweight Title, by way of a TKO in the seventh round, Guyanese present at the fight, those watching on television in the USA and in other parts of the World and of course, those at home who were glued to their television sets at home, clubs, shops, restaurants and where ever it was possible were not disappointed at the sensational victory for a son of the soil. On February 17, 2001, Andrew “Sixhead” Lewis won Guyana its first ever Boxing World Title. America and the rest of the world got to know who and what he was and were very impressed. So impressive was Andrew, that after unanimously defeating Larry Marks, the powerhouse, “Sugar” Shane Mosley, the then WBC Champion backed out of a talked about welterweight unification against the Guyanese. Andrew Lewis’s victory inspired other Guyanese boxers who went on and

emulated their countryman and idol and recorded their names as World Champions including our female boxers, in various categories. Unfortunately, Lewis’ reign as World Champion ended when through improper management and preparation and incorrect fighting technique, he was stopped by the slugger, Nicaraguan, Ricardo Mayorga. He attempted a comeback in 2003 but was again defeated, this time by WBO Welterweight Champion, Antonio Margarito in two rounds. On his return to Guyana and after a few showings, he called it an end to his proud career. However, it was difficult for him to stay out of the ring and answered a call from Jamaican, Mullings. Because of illness, he was unable to keep that ring date. His professional stands at 23-4-3 with 20 KOs. It was sad that such a boxer with World Class potential was unable to be counted among the all-time Greats. In his honour the Government constructed a Boxing Gym in the name of ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Gym. It is with a feeling of sorrow that the NSC expresses heartfelt condolences to yet another outstanding Guyanese professional and wishes him the best on his journey and stay with his Almighty Father. To his immediate family and friends and the Boxing and sport fraternity we extend our sincere condolences. May his soul rest in Peace!

DCB inter-county trials start today The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) will be hosting a three-day trial match today at the Wales Community Centre ground. All identified players are asked to be at the ground to facilitate a 09:00 hrs start. This match will be used to select the Demerara team for the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) 4-Day InterCounty Competition. Players can contact Anil Persaud on 624 6098, Sudesh Persaud on 658 7943 and Garvin Nedd on 617 9381 for more information. The players identified are: Paul Wintz, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Jeetendra Sookdeo, Joseph Perry, Kemol Savory, Ameer Khan, Yatesh Dhanpaul, Vishal Singh, Andrew Light Jnr, Shemroy Barrington, Dextor Soloman,

Zaheer Mohamed, Javeed Rasheed, Randy Knights, Daniel Barker, Gavin Moriah, Raj Nanan, Arvin Seepersaud, Christopher Barnwell, Trevon Griffith, Leon Johnson, Shaquille Williams, Seon Daniels,

CBC Championships

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) will pursue seven Guyanese International players for the upcoming Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships, slated for June 13-22 in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. According to GABF President, Nigel Hinds, the federation is basically seeking to full the Centre and Power Forward positions on the national team. Insufficient ‘big men’ locally has been one of the biggest challenges for the national team recently. Following Guyana’s 3-0 victory against Bermuda here in Guyana, it was widely believed that the local players can compete with the best in the Caribbean but the two positions have to be filled if they are to effectively do so in the region. Generally, the national basketball team minus the international players is undersized. Hence, the federation has gone abroad to address their shortcomings and instead of inviting a barrage of the international players with interests, as was the case last year, the GABF has narrowed its focus to seven players. The ‘big men’ on the GABF radar include Berbician brothers, Delroy, Shawn and Gordon James, who are all playing in Europe. Delroy is 6’8", Shawn is 6’10" and Gordon is 6’6"; they are being eyed for the Power Forward

Ray Victor and Centre positions. In addition, Kaieteur Sport understands that an 18year-old 6’10" forward, John Ashley, is set to join the team. Overseas-based Guyanese CBC All-Star Point Guard, Keron McKenzie will return to the unit as well along with Tortola-based guard Ray Victor. Japan-based 6’9" forward, Gordon Klaiber also makes a return to the team. Those are the seven players of interest to the GABF for the upcoming Caribbean Championships in June; all-Guyanese teams beat Bermuda 3-0 at home and lost to Suriname 1-2 in Suriname last weekend. The international players are expected in Guyana during the first week of June to join the national team’s ongoing practice sessions. Guyana and Suriname are

Gordon Klaiber slotted in the same group for CBC 2015. The other teams in the group are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, with Bermuda rounding out the five-team grouping. The two top teams in the group will qualify for the Final Four. GABF President, Hinds had said that the first aim of the Guyanese team is to reach the last four, and after that they will fancy their chances of reaching the Final. (Edison Jefford)

BLACK SHARKS destroy Hardliners

Steven Jacobs, Imran Hassan, Mark Robe, Brian Sattaur, Steven Sankar, Andre Stoll, Totaram Bishun, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Wade, Richard Woolford, Kumar Bishundyal and Leon Morgan.

GCA tournaments continue this weekend The Georgetown Cricket Association Carib Beer T20 and Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament continue this weekend. Tomorrow at GCC, DCC will play UG (Edward Bowen and Deon Feassal). GYO will face GCC at Everest on Saturday at 13:30 hrs (Andrew Allen and Feassal) and on Sunday GYO

Keron McKenzie

will take on UG at Everest (Cyril Garnath and Allen. In the second division which commence on Saturday, DCC will host Malteenoes SC (Bowen and Heuvel Cunha), GCC will stay at home to Sophia (Reginald Grant and Daniel Richmond) and GNIC will battle Ace Warriors at GYO (Randolph Rose and Clyde Layne).

Action in the Black Sharks vs Hardliners game. The Fyrish Black Sharks were in destructive mood as they demolished the Ithaca Hardliners 78-43 in the latest match of the ongoing NPG Packaging First division Basketball competition being played in Berbice. The game was played at the Ithaca Basketball court West Bank Berbice. Black Sharks were

ominous from the start as they quickly got into their strike and conducted a steady wave a raids on the Hardliners, softening them in the process. By the end of the first quarter the Black Sharks were ready to devour the hapless hardliners as they had a runaway 24-07 lead. There was more

pummeling in the second stanza as the Black Sharks swam away to a 38-15 lead. By the Third quarter Black Sharks were in destructive mood as they completely demolished their wounded opponents for an embarrassing 58-27 lead. The final piece was more of the same as the Black (Continued on page 46)

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Sukhai’s Six cart off Sash Gayle ton leads RCB Sawh Memorial Dominoes to their biggest win

Ramroop “Spoon” Sukhai receives the wining trophy from Indra Jagmohan (second, right) in the presence of other members of the winning team. Sukhai’s Six staved off a stiff challenge from Shew’s Six to emerge winners of the eighth annual Sash Sawh Memorial Dominoes tournament, which Sash Secretariats organised Sunday at Ernest Shop, Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara. After a fiercely contested five rounds, which saw Shew’s Six entering the sixth and final round with a slim

lead, with the scores reading: Shew’s Six 69, Sukhai’s Six 67 and Seopaul’s Six 63, the eventual winners romped to a commanding 82 games, leaving Shew’s Six on 77, the same as Seopaul’s Six. However, the former claimed the second position by virtue of marking six sixes to their opponents’ four. Skipper and Most Valuable Player Ramroop “Spoon” Sukhai led with 17 games and got great support from Navin “Sixes” Samaroo (15), Rickey Persaud (15) and Janke “Davo” Persaud (14). The top players for Shew’s Six were Andy Mandu (16 games), Deodat (14) and Hilbert “Bumpy” Ali and Intikhab Ali with 13 games

each. For Seopaul’s team, captain Kedar Seopaul also led with 16 games while there were 14 each for Anand Persaud and Boodnarine Singh. Among those responsible for the staging of the tournament are United Statesbased Guyanese Mark Bookhan, Marvin Mahabali, Vishnu Persaud, Bibi Ali and Indra Jagmohan. Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall donated the MVP trophy. The organisers would also like to take the opportunity to express sincere thanks to the proprietor and family of Ernest Shop for allowing them to use the venue to host the tournament since its commencement.

ESPNcricinfo - Chris Gayle’s 57-ball 117 propelled Royal Challengers to 226 before S Aravind and Mitchell Starc snuffed out Kings XI Punjab’s pursuit inside 14 overs. Save for a belated cameo from Axar Patel, there was flimsy resistance from the visitors as they folded up 138 runs short. The defeat all but ended Kings XI’s chances of making the playoffs. Kings XI sleepwalked through the chase, losing half their side inside the Powerplay, the second-most in any IPL season. Manan Vohra was removed after David Wiese dived full stretch at cover to get his fingers under the ball. Thereafter, Kings XI’s batsmen came unstuck, with seven of them bowled. Aravind, playing his first IPL game in three years, and Starc moved the ball both ways, and exploited the batsmen’s lack of feet movement to pick up four wickets each. Kings XI appeared to reel from the after-shocks of Gayle’s assault, and they looked in no shape to chase down the target right from the outset. George Bailey had joked after inserting Royal Challengers that he didn’t want to be chasing 250. But Gayle’s icy authority, aided by Kings XI’s shabby fielding, meant they weren’t going to be chasing a lot fewer anyway. The first over of the match provided little clue of what was to come. Sandeep Sharma went past Gayle’s bat thrice and gave away only a run. But Gayle was to make up for it in the remaining 16 overs he would spend at the crease. Mitchell Johnson was

Chris Gayle bludgeons one into the stands, Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kings XI Punjab, IPL 2015, Bangalore, May 6, 2015 ©BCCI driven and clipped for 20 runs - his most expensive over in T20 cricket. Gayle was minimalist with his footwork, smacking anything in his hitting range down the ground. Among the 12 sixes and seven fours though, the standout was the one that was the least brutish: a constricted backfoot punch off Sandeep Sharma that screamed to the long off boundary. However, he did provide a chance in the third over, but Bailey, running at full tilt from mid off, couldn’t latch on to it. Gayle could have been dismissed on 53 as well, when he whipped Axar’s first delivery, but Vohra spilled a sitter at deep square leg. Thereafter it was a case of cruising from one milestone to another. Gayle became the first overseas player to score 3000 runs in the IPL, half of which have come at the

Chinnaswamy Stadium. By bringing up his 14th century - the most in T20 cricket - in 46 balls, he also completed the fastest hundred of IPL 2015. Royal Challengers, who became the first team to score 100 inside ten overs twice this season, more than doubled their tally in the second half. Even as Gayle was dismissed, AB de Villiers brought out his own variety of audacious swipes and reverse ramps to ensure the attack was relentless. By the time they were done, Kings XI were left with scarring memories of everything that had gone wrong for them this season. And the night would only get worse. Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 226 for 3 (Gayle 117, de Villiers 47*) beat Kings XI Punjab 88 (Axar 40*, Starc 4-15, Aravind 4-27) by 138 runs.

Hawks break Wizards’ unbeaten spell to level series (The Sports Xchange) - Forward DeMarre Carroll led five double-figure scorers with 22 points as the Atlanta Hawks used an 11-2 run midway through the final quarter to pull away for 106-90 Game Two victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. After wilting late in Game One, the Eastern Conference top seeds remained solid all the way to the final buzzer to ensure their best-ofseven second-round playoff series will head to Washington tied up at 1-1. The Wizards, who rallied for a 104-98 victory in Sunday’s opener, had guard John Wall sidelined by an injured left wrist and his replacement Ramon Sessions scored 21 points but Washington only led once, 7-6 early in the contest.

The Wizards shot just 12 free throws, making seven of them, and lost for the first time in the post-season after sweeping Toronto in the first round. Forward Paul Millsap and center Al Horford each scored 18 points for the Hawks, with the former also grabbing 11 rebounds. Guard Bradley Beal had 20 points for the Wizards, while forwards Paul Pierce and Otto Porter scored 15 points apiece. Center Marcin Gortat fouled out in the fourth quarter with 10 points and nine rebounds. Game Three is in Washington on Saturday, giving Wall extra time to heal. The Hawks could also benefit from the break after only finishing off their first-round series against Brooklyn on Friday.

Thursday May 07, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Calvin Roberts laid to rest yesterday C

hronicle Sports reporter Calvin Roberts was laid to rest yesterday after a moving Service at the GNIC ground which was conducted by Pastor Rock. The body of Roberts left the Meriman’s funeral Parlor just after mid-day and remained for viewing at the Woolford Avenue ground until 16:00hrs before passing in front of his home in Rasville. His internment took place at the LeRenpentir Cemetery. The late Roberts died at the Davis Memorial Hospital on April 28 at age 43 and his Sports Editor at the GNNL Leon Horatio delivered the Eulogy and tributes were given by his long time friend and Media Colleague Sean Devers,

Av i n a s h R a m z a n w h o represented the Guyana Media team of which Roberts was the captain, long time friend Gavin Hope, Digicel’s Events Manager. Among those present yesterday among the large turnout to bid him farewell were his parents, his two sons, his two sisters, his brother, his wife and other family members. Secretary of the GCB Anand Sanasie, former West Indies pacer Colin Stuart, National team Coach Esuan Crandon, several former Guyana cricketers, staff member from the four daily Newspapers and members of Calvin’s Church were also among those present. A bat arch was formed by the Media Team players as he was taken to the Hearse.

NSC remembers Sport Journalist Calvin Roberts

T

he death of Calvin Robert, because of kidney failure, has indeed sent shock waves across journalistic and sports communities. The 43-year-old father grew up in the West Ruimveldt Neighbourhood. Calvin excelled at youth cricket as a left handed batsman and a right arm medium pacer. His ability saw him playing Second Division Cricket for South G/Town and Under 16 cricket for Malteenoes Sports Club. He also served as captain of the Guyana Media Team where he led by example with both bat and ball. One of his memorable moments in cricket is when Calvin s h a t t e r e d t h e stumps of former Guyana wicketkeeper/ batsman, Sheik Mohammed at Enmore in a T/20 Goodwill Tournament with figures of four wickets for eighteen runs against Tiger Sports Club. As a journalist, his written works had realized many ground breaking insightful and analytical articles, particularly in the area of sports. His investigative approach and

reflective writing have captured in many ways, a sense of thoroughness concerning the activities being covered. Calvin’s willingness to be ever present at sports events to have a first hand view of activities as they occurred, and coupled with a writing style which highly positioned the events or participants continuously, demanded the attention of readers. Some of the hundreds of stories done by him have thoroughly impacted in a dynamic way on sports in Guyana and the Caribbean. His completion of over seven hundred stories during 2012 saw him convincingly capturing the Sports Journalist – Print Award at the National Sports Awards Ceremony 2012. At the time of his death, Calvin held the position of Senior Sports Reporter at the Guyana Chronicle. His loss has saddened all and sundry. The National Sports Commission wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to his wife and children, extended family, all his cricket colleagues and captured readers. May his soul have eternal rest.

FAREWELL CALVIN! The remains of Calvin Roberts being taken to Hearse as members of the Guyana Team for a bat arch yesterday.

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Thursday May 07, 2015

Enterprise overcome Everest by one run

The victorious Enterprise Busta SC team.

Hosts Enterprise Busta Sports Club overcame Everest Cricket Club by one run in a T20 fixture played on Tuesday last. Enterprise were put on the back foot early by offspinner Rajesh Singh who picked up four early wickets, but still managed 119-9, batting first after winning the toss. Singh extracted

considerable turn from the pitch to finish with 4-16 from four overs. Enterprise were boosted by a fighting 27 from Chatterpaul Singh. He got support from Jai Singh 18 and Seemangal Yadram 12. Shaheed Mohamed claimed 2-20 and Ravindranauth Seeram 2-27. Everest were off to a slow start, losing a few early scalps before Hemraj Garbarran and Seeram steadied the chase somewhat with a fourth wicket stand of 40. Garbarran struck four

fours in a top score of 39, while Seeram made 29 (2x4). Following their separation, Enterprise bowlers hardly delivered any bad balls as they restricted their opponents for 118-6. Sunil Dyal made 15; Nazir Omar Khan, Nickbarran Seebarran, Jai Singh, Chatterpaul Singh and Rohan Mangal took one wicket each. Rajesh Singh and Chatterpaul Singh were Everest and Enterprise most valuable players; Enterprise received a trophy.

GOA mourns the death of Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has expressed its regret at the passing of Guyana’s first World Champion, Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis, who died following an accident on Monday, May 4, at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, East Bank Demerara. Below is the full text of the Olympic Associations message: “The President and members of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) express their sincere condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis and the boxing fraternity at large on his passing on Monday, May 4, 2015. As an Organisation, we

recognise his contribution to the sport of boxing. He will forever be remembered for his outstanding performance at the Central American & Caribbean (CAC) Games, held in Mexico in 1990, where he won a silver medal in the welterweight category. He later became a professional boxer, known for his showmanship and power, and made Guyana proud when he beat James Page in 2001 to capture the WBA Welterweight Title. The Golden Arrowhead flew high again when he successfully defended this title against Larry Marks. We mourn, with the rest of Guyana, his tragic and untimely death May his soul rest in peace.”

Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis

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Kaieteur News

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Christianburg/Wismar to face Wisburg in today’s final Mr. Ernest Joseph hands over some of the supplies to Ms. Michelle Jackman.

New champions will be crowned today when the final of the 7 edition of the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Memorial Foundation Football Tournament is contested at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground between Christianburg/Wismar and Wisburg. While Christianburg/Wismar were robust winners by a 4-0 margin over Mackenzie High in their semi-final, Wisburg edged Linden Foundation by the lone goal of their encounter. Christianburg/Wismar were led by the leading goal scorer of the tournament to date, Shane Lake (4 goals) who blasted a double in the 41 and 47 minute. Duquan Hercules in the 10 minute and Tarique Williams of th

st

th

th

GCA/Carib T20

Barnwell’s century propels DCC to victory, MSC beat TSC

Christopher Barnwell

Christopher Barnwell hammered 128 off just 56 balls as Demerara Cricket Club thumped Everest by 150 runs when the latest round of matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Carib Beer T20 tournament concluded on Sunday last. Barnwell clobbered 12 sixes and nine fours as DCC posted 255-4, batting first. He got support from Sherfene Rutherford who struck 38 and Dennis Squires with 31 not out. Everest responded with 105-9.

Joseph Perry cracked 23 and Rajendra Chandrika 21. Squires returned to take 311, Ashmead Nedd had 2-21 and Totoram Bishun 2-24. At Malteenoes Sports Club ground, the home team beat Transport Sports Club by eight wickets. Batting first TSC were sent packing for 93 in 17.4 overs. Ryan Hemraj made 20; Vishal Narayan snared 3-11, Cordell Mars 3-25 and Steven Sankar 2-13. MSC reached 99-2 in reply. Troy Lewis got 42 and Steven Jacobs 28 not out.

Mackenzie High who netted an own goal in the 23 minute were the other scorers for the winners. Scoring the lone goal for Wisburg was Compton Caesar in the 24 minute. Meanwhile, President of the Foundation, Mr. Ernest Joseph, who witnessed the semi finals, also made a donation of first aid supplies to longstanding physiotherapist of the tournament, Ms Michelle Jackman for her sterling contributions over the years. Jackman thanked Mr. Joseph for the donation which she described as timely. The third place playoff featuring the semi finals losers, Linden Foundation and Mackenzie High will kick things off today at 16:00hrs. rd

th

Compton Caesar

t r o Sp Busta Soft Shoe Football Competition...

Sparta Boss prove too GABF pursuing good for West Front Road seven Int’ls

for CBC C/ships

- Queen Street finish third

Gordon James

Shawn James Guyana Beverages Inc General manager Robert Selman (right) hands over the winning trophy to Sparta Boss Captain in the presence of teammates and Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca Tuesday night at the GFC ground. Delroy James

Hawks break Wizards’ unbeaten spell to level series

Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) is defended by Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) during the second half in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210