Friday May 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Is the United States an Attorney General strangely example of press freedom? silent on this accusation DEAR EDITOR, The issue of press freedom has dominated the headlines for the past few days. Most prominent among them was that of the May 4th Edition of the Sunday Stabroek. Splashed across the front page was the headline “US envoy challenges government over censorship, intimidation of media”. The US ambassador dedicated his entire speech to mark the occasion of World Press Freedom Day to admonishing the Government of Guyana on the lack of press freedom in this country, instead of recognizing the achievements the PPP/C Administration made as compared to what existed under the PNC. Listening to Mr. Hardt or reading the abovementioned article, one gets the impression that the United States is the embodiment of press freedom and Guyana is the worst. However, a little research would prove beyond any doubt that the US ambassador was simply being hypocritical. He simply exploited occasion to hit back at Government that he thought he could bully. Mr. Hardt should have instead filled the knowledge gap of the Guyanese public and inform them that under the Obama administration press freedom in the US has taken a nose dive. In 2002 Reporters Without Borders gave the US a ranking number of 17. In 2013 it nose-dived to 32. It is true that the Government of Guyana is often critical of those private media houses which are openly hostile to it and openly abuse the freedom they enjoy. It is true that at least eighty
percent of the independent media houses openly promote the Opposition’s political agenda. But it is also true that the Government has never branded any of them “illegitimate” unlike the US Government. It is no other than the White House that has branded Fox News as illegitimate simply because its reporting does not suit its agenda. It is equally true that there have been many leakages of information by state employees to the press, including some that caused significant embarrassment; the Guyana government has never tapped the phones of any public servant or journalist, hacked into their computers or in any other way try to intimidate any of them. The US Government on the other hand, through its “Department of Justice” has illegally invaded the privacy of three Fox news reporters in every conceivable way to identify the source of their information. As a result a former State Department employee is now facing 15 years jail. The last time such a thing happened in Guyana, the PNC was in power. So instead of telling the government of Guyana to stop intimidating the press in Guyana he should have directed those comments to Mr. Barrack Obama, President of the United States, His president. Mr. Hardt therefore, has no moral right to lecture Guyana about press freedom and intimidation of independent press. Furthermore, Instead of criticizing the Guyana Government on the issuing of broadcasting licenses he should have done the
honourable thing and acknowledge that Al Jazeera had to wait 10 years for a license to broadcast in America. Instead of lecturing Guyana on press freedom Mr. Hart should have reflected on the level of press freedom in his own country and what an embarrassment it is for the “world’s most democratic, country”, or is it that Mr. Hardt and the Obama administration belong to that category which subscribe to the philosophy ‘do as I say and not as I do’. The state of press freedom in America was best captured in the words of Fox News Brit Hume who said “The Obama-Holder Justice Department is now prepared to treat the ordinary news gathering actives of reporters to seek information from government officials as a possible crime”. Is it therefore not surprising that some countries in the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and even Africa are now ranked higher than the United States when it comes to press freedom? Faruk Mohamed
DEAR EDITOR, As is his wont, the Attorney General has been voluble of late pronouncing on a range of issues. Among these are having to do with making favourable comparisons to the Access to Information Act 2011, and flaying the United States Ambassador for his criticisms of Press Freedom in Guyana (SN 2014-05-05). More that two weeks have passed, however, since I noted APNU’s accusation against the AG of incompetence in their SN column of April 17th 2014. So shocking is this charge against the government, but the AG in particular, that I
expected a swift response from the usually garrulous Minister. The goodly Minister may be interested to learn that residents of Lethem are discussing this matter and are surprised at his deafening silence to date. I note too, that a charge of ignorance of the Local Government regime was directed against former Minister Bibi Shaddick in a subsequent APNU column. When one takes into account that Ms. Shaddick was a government member of the Special Select Committee tasked with reviewing the Local Government Bills, I do believe that it is incumbent
upon her to clear herself of this accusation. Editor, while we do not expect our leading government members to be geniuses, we do expect them to be reasonably competent and to have a grasp of their portfolio or remit. At this stage it does not appear that this is the case. Carl Parker Sr. Regional Councillor, Region 9
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 09, 2014
US halts LEAD project to facilitate talks with Govt. The United States Embassy has agreed to immediately put the contentious USAID-backed Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Project on hold in order to facilitate talks with the Guyana Government with a view to coming up with a mutually agreed position. The announcement came yesterday at the Office of the President, when Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon and US Ambassador to Guyana, D. Brent Hardt, held a joint briefing. In a mutually agreed statement that was read by Dr Luncheon’s Personal Assistant, Azeem Khan, media operatives heard that, “the Government of Guyana and the United States of America have agreed that the implementation of the activities of the USAID LEAD project would be put on hold temporarily during the reengagement on the design of that project which the two sides have agreed would commence immediately.” MUTUALLYBENEFICIAL Dr Luncheon subsequently expressed the notion that the opportunity was welcomed, “for us to move on in a structured way with regards to the USAID LEAD project.” He noted that there were considerable expectations in relation to a mutually beneficial outcome. Ambassador Hardt in his opening remarks said that the US welcomed the willingness of the Guyana Government to reengage on the matter of democracy and governance. He reminded that the
- Revocation of visa was not actively pursued - Dr Luncheon
From left: US Ambassador D. Brent Hardt, Azeem Khan and Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon during yesterday’s joint briefing project was proposed and designed to benefit the Government and people of Guyana, “and we certainly think that its objectives for which the government’s participation is vital, can be of lasting benefit to the people.” He said that the US delegation looks forward to a constructive dialogue with the Guyanese Government which will begin “immediately.” VISA REVOCATION Pressed on the revocation of the visa by the Guyana Government in relation to the LEAD Project Coordinator, Glenn Bradbury, Dr Luncheon said, “if I were to give an answer that accords with the temperament of the occasion, I would want to believe that the resolution would be part and parcel of our progress in
dealing with the reengagement.” He did note that it was not a case that himself, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration Authorities, the US Embassy and the Canadian Embassy have
Luncheon was asked why the authorities did not act on the revocation of his visa. Dr Luncheon responded, “Heads feel that a resolution of Mr. Bradbury’s status was not beyond an activity that is about to be chronicled here if
“We always felt comfortable that the programmes we were developing were part of programme activities that had been discussed in our agreement…It never seemed to me that we were operating outside of our traditionally agreed framework,” - Ambassador Hardt. determined what would be the next step. “I am saying in the context of the occasion, the temperament… what we are here discussing, I am quite certain that that question, that matter, would be answered.” Given the fact that Bradbury is technically an ‘illegal alien’ in Guyana, Dr
the two parties indeed came to some conclusive agreement and understanding, Mr. Bradbury’s matter would be handled, and on that basis…on some expectation that we would have this kind of resolution soon, there wasn’t any great push to enforce the consequences of
the revocation.” Asked if the visa revocation order would be rescinded, Dr Luncheon reminded of the objective of a mutually beneficial outcome. Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, two days prior, had spoken in favour of Government’s decision to revoke the work permit of Bradbury. According to Rohee, “the letter that he (Bradbury) received, I think mentioned with immediate effect, so if Mr. Bradbury remains here and continues to work here, he is obviously violating the immigration laws of Guyana and he must be aware of that.” Asked where Bradbury was located since the revocation of his visa, Ambassador Hardt declined to offer a comment. TIMEFRAME
Regarding a timeframe for the completion of the reengagement of the talks between the two sides, Dr Luncheon said that this has not been established, but he did stress that the talks would not be dictated by the considerations of time. Ambassador Hardt, in response to the query on a timeframe, said that he agreed with Dr Luncheon and expressed confidence that the two sides would be able to reach a resolution. Regarding concerns by the Guyana Government with respect to the project that the Americans were pursuing, Dr Luncheon said that what the administration was looking for, and which has been resolved, is the reengagement of talks but not under duress. According to Dr Luncheon, in the reengagement of talks with the US, the Guyana Government will be seeking a project that contributes to the welfare of Guyana and enjoys the bi-lateral agreement that provides the kind of support through a mutually beneficial outcome. Pressed further in relation to comments made against the project, such as those by Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Teixeira and Head of State Donald Ramotar, who had intimated that Guyana did not need a LEAD project, Dr Luncheon stressed that there must be an outcome that both parties agree would be mutually beneficial. “It would be the height of absurdity and flying in the Continued on page 25
Friday May 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Russian roulette by cop…
Shot-in-mouth teen takes protest to Commissioner’s office Marcel Griffith, the mother of 15-year-old Alex Griffith who was shot in his mouth by a police Cadet Officer, has made it clear that she will not sit idly by and allow her son’s case to be stretched out like the one involving Colwyn Harding. It’s been more than a week since her son was dragged from his home by a party of policemen headed by a Cadet Officer and taken to another location where a gun was placed in his mouth and a round discharged. The bullet exited behind the teenager’s left ear. Fortunately it does not appear that it damaged any major organ in his head. The callous act described by the teenager was similar to Russian roulette. Yesterday, the woman told members of the media that she is not satisfied with the pace of the investigations nor is she pleased with the way she and her son are being handled by the police administration. “I’m not getting anywhere. I’m just hearing and hearing and nothing is happening. I have a son who is sick, I don’t know whatever will happen to him,” Marcel Griffith said. Her position was supported by a number of persons who joined her and her son in protest outside the Office of the Commissioner of Police yesterday. The woman was unsuccessful in her attempt to have an audience with the Top Cop, since she was told that she will have to write a letter in order to meet with Seelall Persaud. This is despite the acting Commissioner’s stated open door policy towards members of the public. She is upset that instead of the Cadet Officer facing the court, she is being bombarded with telephone calls from persons offering money to have the matter settled. “It making me feel like everything just going down the drain like that; I ain’t getting no sort of justice. At least money can’t buy my child because no money worthy of my child, none! Justice is the issue that I’m
looking forward to,” Griffith declared. The police in a statement said that yesterday morning the woman was briefed via telephone by Head of the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), Heeralall Mackhanlall, as to the status of the investigation and the way forward in relation to the incident. She was informed that the investigation is in the final stage and will be completed s h o r t l y, following which the file will be sent to the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority for his perusal and recommendations, and then to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice, upon which the Police Force will act. But in response, social activist Mark Benschop, who is acting on behalf of the injured teen’s family, said that the police are not being entirely truthful on the matter. According to Benschop, Mackhanlall contacted him via cell phone at around 9:20 am, requesting a meeting with the mother of the shot 15year-old boy. Benschop said that based on their discussions, Mackhanlall merely wanted to “go over with the mother” what the investigations have revealed thus far. Benschop said that he suggested to the OPR Head that the woman and members of the public are interested in swift justice, and not merely a ‘briefing’ on the matter. Not feeling satisfied with the response from Benschop, Mackhanlall reportedly contacted Griffith, telling her that “Benschop said it’s okay for her to visit his office.....” “That’s a blatant lie. However, the child’s mother double checked with me. In the end, she NEVER visited his office, neither was she ‘briefed’ on anything concerning her son’s matter, except that the ‘investigations will conclude next week’,” Benschop stated. He said that the police position is being interpreted as “sinister motives by senior police ranks who are playing
Russian Roulette with citizens’ lives and justice.” Griffith said that she cannot see why the matter is taking so long to go before the court, since her son has given a detailed statement and has even positively identified the Cadet Officer in an identification parade. “The policeman needs to be put up a little. Let him know that is something wrong he did; that you can’t just watch people children and shoot them. This is cruelty to my child,” Griffith said. Meanwhile, Dr Melissa Ifill, who was a part of y e s t e r d a y ’s protest outside the Commissioner ’s Office, described the action of the Cadet Officer as outrageous. “This is the second incident we have had in a matter of months in which an officer of the security services has violently traumatized and brutalized a young African Guyanese male. It is outrageous and in the case of (Colwyn) Harding, nothing has been done. The DPP and the Ppolice are playing political football with this particular case and it appears as though this is going to happen again with this one.” She further called for citizens to stand up against any form of abuse, especially those coming from the police. “This could have been anyone. It could have been our sons, brothers and fathers.” According to Sherlina Nageer, a representative from Red Thread, there is a lack of accountability within the police force. “I am out here yet again to protest police injustice, inactions, and the violation of child rights by the police. We have seen this time and time again. This is not the first time and it doesn’t appear as if it is going to be the last. We want justice for this young boy who was shot. First it was Shaquille Grant, then Harding, and now Griffith,” Nageer posited. Another p r o t e s t e r,
Sales manager dies after crashing into pole
A 70-year-old sales manager was killed at around 06.45 hrs yesterday after crashing into a utility pole on the Diamond, East Bank Demerara access road. Police identified the victim as John Teixeira, of 762 Section B, Diamond, East Bank Demerara. A relative said that Teixeira was employed as a sales manager with Patsan Trading Services. He was reportedly heading home when the crash occurred.
A relative speculated that the elderly man, who lived alone and was a father of five, may have fallen asleep at the wheel. According to police, Teixeira was heading east along the Diamond access road at a fast rate when he lost control of his vehicle and slammed into the utility pole. Police said that the injured man was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he succumbed.
Bevon Currie, said what happened two Wednesdays ago is a clear case of police using excessive force on an unarmed young man in a routine form of investigation. “I am an advocate for the development of the people of this country and when elements of the state would make it a routine to assault young people and brutalize them for no apparent reason, it is a cause for concern because if we want to mould the generation of young people who, like in my generation where we had tremendous respect for the police, then we cannot allow elements of the Guyana Police Force to unleash these kinds of terror on our young people
in the community,” Currie exclaimed. He further stressed that the Commissioner of Police “in his own words talked about renewing the image of the Guyana Police Force, but the inaction in the Harding case and now with this young man is a clear indication that the status quo remains the same and I am out here to call on the Commissioner of Police and the Government to stop the antics and take action now.” Elton McCrae expressed his dissatisfaction at how the mother of the 15-yearold was turned away when she made attempts to meet with the Commissioner yesterday. “I have seen situations where the Commissioner of Police, even Ministers of
the Government visited families, but here, the mother was informed that she has to write a letter if she wants to meet with the Commissioner,” McCrae said. Shaquille Grant, 17, of Lot 12 BB Eccles, East Bank Demer a r a ( E B D ) w a s gunned down by police officers on September 11, 2012. Police in a press release had said that ranks on a mobile police patrol came under fire in Agricola from a group of men, including Grant. They returned fire and fatally shot Grant. However residents in the area said that Grant was a victim of police harassment and claimed that there was no exchange of gunfire. To d a t e , n o o n e h a s been charged.
Learning Channel has built 15 transmission facilities across the country Guyana Learning Channel has built 15 transmission facilities across the country as part of its programme to ensure coverage. According to the Ministry of Education yesterday, it has now reached as far as Ituni, in Region 10. The Ministry disclosed that it will soon be commencing a monitoring and evaluation programme to ascertain whether residents are indeed receiving the channel. This exercise will also seek to address any other unintended technical issues that might otherwise prevent residents from proper access to the channel. The Ministry will also be conducting awareness sessions to teach residents how to access the signal. The next transmission facility to be completed is earmarked for Karasabai, Region Nine. “The Guyana Learning Channel was launched on April 1, 2011 under similar principles as Public Educational Broadcasting Services around the world and Open Education assumptions ascribing to creative commons copyright principles,” the release said. It is a satellite communication network that facilitates the production and nationwide broadcast of educational programmes. The spotlight on the initiative came to the fore last year after it was disclosed in the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly that Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby, a close friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, was being paid $3.6M monthly to put the Guyana Learning Channel on the air. “The Guyana Learning Channel has the use of a
teleport that was created at the time of its set-up since there was no other teleport capable of up-linking video signals in existence in Guyana before or since,” Manickchand said then. According to the Minister, every wireless communication device utilizes electro-magnetic spectrum and the Learning Channel has minimized use of the electro-magnetic spectrum by reusing the same channel in different regions of the country such as Channel 3 in New Amsterdam, Lethem, Mabaruma and Ituni, and Channel 10 in Kwakwani, Orealla, Linden and Port Kaituma. She said that for the Learning Channel to send the signal to the satellite, it would have had to set up a commensurate service that would have required an initial capital outlay of US$150,000plus monthly recurring costs of over $4M in bandwidth rental and associated services. Manickchand stated that the Learning Channel is using “the only teleport capable of up-linking videosignals in existence in Guyana.” She added that because the Learning Channel’s bandwidth is bundled with the bandwidth of TVG they are able to negotiate better rates from the satellite operators. Access to the Learning Channel in Region One is in the areas of Mabaruma, Morawhanna, Hosororo, Port Kaituma and Arakaka. Region Two is getting from Georgetown and not from Anna Regina due to a technical issue, the Minister said. She noted that soon
- Education Ministry other communities on the Essequibo Coast, including Santa Rosa, Saint Monica, Pomeroon, and dozens of other surrounding communities will be benefitting from the learning Channel. Bartica from Mora Point, Saint Edward Mission, Cuyuni area and mining camps are where the Learning Channel is broadcast in Regions Seven and Eight. Access to the Learning Channel stretches across the coast, from Parika, Rosignol to New Amsterdam and up the Corentyne Coast to Skeldon and Black Bush Polder and other areas. The Channel also reaches Linden and Kwakwani in Region Ten, Mahdia and its environs in Region Eight, Annai, Lethem, Nappi, Sand Creek, Aishalton and their environs in Region Nine. The village of Orealla in the Berbice River would be able to receive the signal of the Learning Channel soon, as would Karasabai and its environs in Region Nine and Ituni and its environs in Region Ten. Communities in valleys and outside of signal reach will have dishes and receivers for direct satellite feed in community centres and learning resource centres. Among those communities are Paramakatoi and Imbaimadai. Matthews Ridge will receive a transmitter for access by all in collaboration with the mining companies in that area, the Minister said.
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Friday May 09, 2014
Government holding talks with Chinese developer on building international airport ROSEAU, Dominica CMC – The Dominica government is holding talks with a “team of private developers” in China with a view to constructing an international airport here, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has said. Skerrit told supporters of his ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) that he hopes the talks should be finalised within the coming months. “I have not said much about an international airport before, but since we are on the topic, let me say here and now that we have been
Roosevelt Skerrit having very in-depth discussions with a team of
private developers out of China, who are proposing the popular BOOT – Build, Own, Operate and Transfer – option for the construction of an international airport in Dominica,” he said. Dominica is among a number of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries without an international airport and Skerrit said while his administration had upgraded the Melville Hall airport, north of here, it remains committed to the construction of an international airport for the island.
Venezuela to Ration Electricity After Colombia Cuts Gas By Pietro D. Pitts, Corina Pons and Anatoly Kurmanaev Bloomberg News Venezuela’s government announced the start of electricity rationing in western Zulia state as well as water rationing in Caracas to reduce demand on the power grid, a day after Ford Motor Co. (F) halted production in Latin America’s largest oil exporter. The second-largest U.S. automaker joins competitor Toyota Motor Corp. (7203) and Dutch truck-maker CNH Industrial NV (CNHI) in suspending assembly in the South American country because of the difficulty of obtaining dollars to import parts from the government. Shortages of everything from water to car parts and flour to pregnancy tests come after three months of protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro that have left at least 41 people dead. The government yesterday said it will start rationing electricity and water as drought drains hydroelectric reservoirs and water tanks. “This is another acknowledgment that the country is not working,” Michael Shifter, president of Inter-American Dialogue in Washington, said in a phone interview yesterday. “If this spreads to the rest of the country and becomes a nationwide rationing of electricity, it will significantly cut into Maduro’s support.” Colombia stopped natural gas sales to Venezuela last week to preserve fuel during the periodic regional dry spell known as El Nino. The last electricity crisis prompted by El Nino in 2009 contributed to six straight quarters of negative economic growth in Venezuela.
Nicolas Maduro “We’re running the risk of living a new electricity crisis like the one that started in 2009 if water levels at the Guri dam do not recover in the next four months,” Miguel Lara, a former president of Venezuela’s grid regulator, said yesterday in a telephone interview. Venezuela’s economy will shrink 1 percent this year, according to a median estimate of eleven economists surveyed by Bloomberg last month. This compares to 0.5 percent growth they forecast in February. Venezuela, which has the world’s largest oil reserves, suspended a nationwide electricity rationing plan in June 2010 after it increased investment in thermoelectric capacity. The energy-saving plan follows measures to ration water in the capital, where residents are struggling with shortages of basic goods including toilet paper and bottled water. More than one in four basic goods was out of stock in Latin America’s fourthlargest economy in January, the most since records began, according to the central bank. The bank stopped publishing
up-to-date scarcity data in March. The Dearborn, Michiganbased Ford, which took a $310 million charge in the first quarter for the sharp devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar, had already cut production in the South American nation because a shortage of hard currency made it difficult to purchase parts. “Ford’s production operations have been suspended in Venezuela due to material shortages,” Kristina Adamski, a company spokeswoman, said in an emailed statement May 6. “We have received a commitment from the Venezuela government to help resolve the issues and to get our production up and running by the start of next month.” General Motors Co. (GM), the largest U.S. automaker, has two factories in Venezuela. “Production in Venezuela continues at a reduced level given low availability of material,” Dave Roman, a GM spokesman, said yesterday in an e-mail. “We are working with Venezuela government representatives and discussions have been constructive. We have no further information to share at this time.” GM in April reported a $419 million one-time loss for Venezuelan currency devaluation as part of its firstquarter earnings. Lower production during the first quarter in Venezuela contributed to a decline in GM’s South America market share, Chuck Stevens, chief financial officer of Detroitbased GM, said in April. “We like Venezuela when it’s running normally,” Stevens told analysts in April on a conference call.
Friday May 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 9
The burden of proof Persons are questioning the growth rate of Guyana’s economy but are providing no statistical evidence to support their contention that the official growth rate is fudged. If you are questioning the growth rate of the economy, then the onus is on you to show that the official growth rate does not add up. The burden of proof remains on those who question the growth rate. It is those individuals who have made accusations of empirical fudging to provide their calculations to show that the GDP did not increase to the extent that the government says it did. It is not for the government to prove its critics case; it is for critics to justify their contention that the numbers are fudged. It is really presumptions
for someone to say to the government that your growth numbers are wrong and then demand the government to prove that it is not wrong. That would be like charging a man for a crime and then asking him to prove his innocence. The presumption of innocence does not mean that those presumed innocent must prove they are innocent. It means the converse: that the burden of proof rests with the prosecuting authorities to show that the person charged is indeed guilty. It is not going to be easy for any government these days to fudge growth rates. There are numerous international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund which scrupulously monitors growth rates around
the world. Any fudging is bound to be detected and exposed. With the sort of scrutiny that is undertaken of global economic trends, it is next to impossible for growth rates to be fudged and not detected. In fact the growth rates that have been achieved by Guyana are consistent with the projections of these international organizations. Obviously there is a temptation to discredit Guyana’s growth rates. These growth rates defy the criticism that Guyana’s economy is going downhill and that things are pretty gloomy in Guyana. There is a disconnection between propaganda and reality. Guyana’s economic performance has been nothing short of remarkable over the last eight years. Things will get better. Guyana
NOC sex scandal…
Teens being forced to switch stories - Relatives By Latoya Giles “I honestly thought that by sending my daughter to the NOC (New Opportunity Corps)…that I was doing the right thing. I thought that they had persons that were trained professionally to help her, but it’s like I sent her to hell….I feel guilty,” cried a mother of one of the teenage girls who is at the centre of a bitter sex scandal at the facility. The mother told Kaieteur News that she is currently being denied a “one-on-one” visit with her daughter. According to the woman, while visiting her daughter recently, the 16-year-old managed to slip a note in her pocket. The woman told Kaieteur News that she almost collapsed after she read the letter. She said that her daughter complained of physical and sexual abuse by caregivers at NOC and Ministry officials. Kaieteur News was told by the woman that her daughter was initially sentenced to two years at the NOC. “When she get that two years I say okay….she gun go there and learn a trade and get counseling,” the woman said. The woman further alleges that officials from the NOC would take them out of the compound to their houses to clean. While at the houses they would fondle and would have sex with them. “It’s like a free-forall…That’s how they treat the young girls,” the mother told
Kaieteur News. She said that officials are forcing her daughter along with other teenage girls to change stories that they have told their parents. The woman alleges that she isn’t allowed to speak with her child alone. “You can’t speak to them one-on-one…six of them (officials) in the room sitting listening to what the children saying…they (children) are afraid to speak.” She said that it would appear as though the children are being forced to withhold information from relatives. Kaieteur News was told by the woman that her daughter was expected to be released next month; however, officials are now telling her that this may not be so. According to the girl’s mother, she was told that her daughter was part of a “gang” and she was sentenced to an additional four years by the magistrate at the Anna Regina Court. However, the woman said that she was told that her daughter would be on one year’s probation which would have been spent with her. Director of the Child Protection Agency Ann Greene told Kaieteur News that they are treating the matter with great urgency. She said that she could not divulge much information at
this time. On Wednesday evening Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, said that she had asked the Child Care and Protection Agency to investigate the alleged sexual molestation of female inmates of the New Opportunity Corps. Minister Webster told Kaieteur News, yesterday, that her Ministry received reports from the parents of the alleged victims on Tuesday. “I have asked the Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency to conduct an investigation. We are currently conducting an investigation,” Webster said. Minister Webster’s comments came amid reports that several teenage girls have alleged that a senior government official was one of the individuals who had sexual intercourse with them at the New Opportunity Corps. Parliamentarian Chris Jones had told Kaieteur News that his party was in the process of preparing a dossier which would be sent to various international organizations. “One dossier will be filled with statements of the children and the Government of Guyana’s inaction to deal with these matters” Jones explained.
will achieve ten years of unbroken economic growth. And this achievement will create greater anxieties and fears amongst those who wish to project the government as being hopelessly incompetent. Well, if the PPPC government is being deemed incompetent, how does one describe the state of the government twenty-five years ago? Twenty-five years ago, the economy was in real problems and these problems brought real hardships to the Guyanese people. It is a narrative that some people wish to erase. The year 1989 was a real horror story for Guyana. The year started with a total shutdown of the electricity system in Georgetown. This shutdown affected the supply of water. The scenes were unbelievable. Long lines of persons with buckets in their hands trekked to the Shelter Belt hoping to get water for use in their homes. Persons were seen waiting hours in line just to get a few buckets of water. Things got chaotic at one stage. The horse guards had to be called out to restore order. Imagine a whole city without water.
The problems did not abate. The electricity supply got worse later in the year and the problems mounted in the economy. The country entered into a very painful structural adjustment programme that saw a high attrition rate in the public sector. Some workers decided that despite their desperation it made no sense to travel to work. If you lived a fair distance away from your workplace it made no sense working, because when you deducted the increased transportation fares, the balance was not enough to feed you. A great many young girls from the countryside simply left their jobs in the city. It could not be feasible for them to work. Incidentally, the next year the economy recorded spectacular economic growth. No one said then that the numbers were fudged. There were other arguments made about those growth rates. It was said for example that since a key aspect of the adjustment process was the incorporation of the parallel economy, the growth between 1990 and 1992 represented this incorporation.
No one spoke about numbers being fudged. Instead they spoke about causes of the growth and how illusory these could be. This is perhaps a better approach for the critics of the PPPC to take today rather than attempting to question the growth rates. It is much better today to do like what the then opposition did in 1990. It is much better to question the sources of the growth and point to possible bubbles in today’s growth rate; bubbles that will eventually burst. It is equally possible to question how this growth had impacted on the lives of the ordinary man. In other words make a case as to the sources of today’s growth and who benefits. Critics of the PPPC would be on much stronger ground if they take these angles rather than making futile attempts to discredit Guyana’s economic growth rate over the past year.
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Friday May 09, 2014
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Who won: The US Ambassador or the PPP cabal? When the Government revoked the work permit of the administrator of the USfinanced LEAD project, Mr. Glenn Bradbury, there were people inside the PPP cabal and their close acolytes who were scared. They were worried about whether the US Embassy would retaliate and they and
their families would be hit with visa cancellations. Guyanese believed that the US would have reciprocated with visa revocation. We know now from the joint press conference of the US Ambassador and Dr Roger Luncheon that there isn’t going to be a tit for tat.
We will not know if the Ambassador himself wanted to retaliate and he sought advice from Washington D.C. We don’t know if the State Department advised against it. We can only speculate why the US didn’t want the visa fight. One reason could be that the experts in Washington felt that the visa battle could have made the Guyana Government look good in the eyes of the world, in that the PPP would have gone crying to international bodies and people would have asked how could the US fight a little, obscure country that no one in the world knows about. One suspects that the US just didn’t want to get into a spat with a country that it has no interest in, either in terms of investments or geopolitics. Had the US Embassy issued visa abrogation, the fallout would have seriously undermined the power of the PPP Government. The rich and powerful who keep the PPP
Government alive would have put serious pressure on Ramotar and company to make peace with the US. The PPP knows that once it endangers the financial well-being of the nouveau riche, socialites, bling bling followers, wannabes and billionaires that support it, then that is a slippery road. The US Embassy has put on hold the LEAD programme commonly referred to as the democracy project. There will be no visa retaliation. Mr. Bradbury does not have to pack his bags. The question then is who won? To all Guyanese it is the PPP, since the PPP leadership was fanatical in its quest to get the project stopped and when it could not, asked for it to be re-shaped. Now that the enterprise has been put in suspension, it is logical to conclude that the PPP won. But all is not what it appears, as any student of philosophy would tell you. The US Embassy did not lose; in fact it won. How? As a small country, if in a fight with the US, the Government of Guyana is losing credibility, it is possible it could go to the US Embassy and ask to save face. It doesn’t mean that the US will humiliate the Guyana Government or ask for its pound of flesh.
This is what may have happened and we will never know because those are sensitive materials between two governments. The PPP leadership may have asked the US Ambassador to put the project on hold because it was rapidly losing credibility. And indeed it was. First, the presidency insisted the project must cease. This demand was made months ago and the US Embassy bluntly refused. Secondly, sections of the arrangements were continuing even as Ramotar and company kept demanding the stoppage. Thirdly, Mr. Bradbury quietly ignored Rohee’s termination of work permit letter and was seen in his car driving and living in Guyana. In such a situation, the PPP was fast losing credibility in the battle. And there was nothing it could have done. The US Embassy was not freezing the covenant, Mr. Bradbury was not going anywhere, and Guyanese were clamouring for visa retaliation from the Embassy. It is possible that Ramotar and company asked for the generous retreat by the US Ambassador and he was kind enough to do it? Being a diplomat, he probably will know that after he had backpedaled, the Guyana
Frederick Kissoon Government will get into some serious machismo boasting and chauvinistic showingoff. But he will know that such is expected because it is part of the package. In other words, he expects the Guyana Government to do things to make it look that it won. This is one explanation for the step down by the US Ambassador. Another explanation could be some serious realpolitik planning by the Embassy. The US may have come around to the reality that it doesn’t want to give the PPP leadership something to which it can go to its supporters with and cry how the US is beating up on a small country. But the US will have reshaped the programme and the objectives will be the same. It will be a case of substance and form. Luncheon and Ramotar are fooling themselves.
Dem boys seh
Luncheon kiss up de US Ambassador People always know that Guyana is a circus and circus does got nuff clown. De government make itself a clown when dem revoke Glenn Bradbury visa. When somebody tell dem bout de backlash that could reach dem and all dem family, dem backpedal. All de visa that dem and dem family got woulda get revoke. Some of dem wife and children tell dem that Guyana ain’t got nowhere to go fuh entertainment and excitement. That is why dem got to go to de ABC countries. And de ABC countries is not what Neil Kumar call Argentina, Brazil and Chile. ABC is America, Britain and Canada. Guyana does get plenty free money from de ABC countries and nuff of this money does find its way in some of dem pocket. Suh is not de visa alone mek dem backpedal. Rohee was de first one to talk fat and he didn’t paint he head properly. Luncheon talk fat too. He didn’t comb he hair as usual. And
then de biggest clown, Donald, go to Berbice and cuss dem Americans who put he in deh anyhow. Thursday when de big man from de US embassy drive in to Ohh Pee was a different story. Luncheon change he tune. Dem boys never hear he sing so sweet. He sing, “I love you; you love me; we are a happy family. Wid a great big hug and a kiss from me to you. Won’t you say you love meeeee tooooo.” Dem hug and kiss and seh that de man can stay in Guyana and do wha he want fuh do. This clownish attitude in de government trickle down to City Hall. Hammy de Red, de other clown, swear in another clown to tek over de position of a sitting clown. Woww. Only in Guyana. De country got so many clowns soon some of dem gun spread out in de regions. Talk half and replace dem clowns.
Friday May 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Another local candidate Marriott is a chokeaims for 20 CSEC subjects and-rob deal - Harmon In light of the fact that there has been no move to institute subject limits, Guyana has again enlisted, among its candidates, one who will be undertaking 20 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Council (CSEC) examination. This feat was for the first time undertaken last year by Anna Regina Multilateral School student, Zimeena Rasheed. Her colleague, Yogeeta Persaud, was enlisted to write 18 subjects. With close to 14,000 candidates participating in the CSEC exams this year, it is anticipated that Guyana will again be made proud when the results are unveiled. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Education yesterday, 13,721 candidates have been enlisted to sit the examinations. Of the total lot, 12,366 are slated to write Mathematics and 11,484 are expected to write English. Like last year, one candidate is prepared to undertake 20 subjects, two candidates will be pursuing successes in 19 subjects, four candidates 18 subjects, 16 candidates 17, 18 candidates 16 subjects, while 2,500 are set to pursue between seven and eight subjects. The CSEC subjects, which are delivered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), are examined for certification at the General and Technical Proficiencies, which provide students with the foundation for further studies and entry to the workplace. In order to ascertain each individual candidate’s performance, CXC uses a sixpoint grading scheme, which is used to report on the performance of the candidate under six overall and profile grades which fall under ‘Overall grades’ and ‘Profile Grades’. The ‘Overall Grades’ are classified as I, II, III, IV, V, VI while the ‘Profile Grades’ are A, B, C, D, E and F. Like the Ministry of Education, CXC is certainly not opposed to students writing as many as 20 subjects. This is according to
- as Regional exams get underway CXC Registrar, Dr Didacus Jules, who during an interview with this publication, disclosed that while he is aware of calls being made to limit the number of subjects candidates write at CSEC, the matter has not come up for deliberation at the level of CXC. “We don’t consider it to be a matter under CXC’s purview; this is a matter for parents, the schools and ultimately the Ministry,” said Dr Jules. However, he said, “our view on it is that you should not put a limit on people’s capacity; whatever subject you feel you can do you ought to be allowed to do.” The CXC Registrar underscored that one factor that must remain clear is that the number of subjects that are undertaken does not determine whether a candidate is able to secure the status of top regional performer. “That is the bottom line,” Dr Jules asserted. This state of affairs was particularly evident when CXC announced the top performers of the Region last year. Although Zimeena Rasheed was the candidate with the most CSEC passes – 18 grade ones and two grade twos – it was her colleague, Yogeeta Persaud, with 18 grade one passes who was declared the top Regional Performer. Rasheed was however named the best performing candidate in Technical Vocation. Guyana also secured the top Regional performing spots in the areas of Business, Science and Humanities through the performances of Sasha Woodroffe, Cecil Cox and Rafena Mustapha respectively. This allowed for Guyana to secure five of the eight top performing awards offered by CXC in 2013. Minister of Education Priya Manickchand had disclosed too that while her Ministry has not been actively encouraging
students to write many subjects, capable students will not be dissuaded from doing so. She however noted that the Ministry has in place a clear policy which outlines that in order for students to undertake more than 10 subjects at CSEC they must “show remarkable competence.” Meanwhile, the Ministry has reported that 795 candidates have enlisted to sit the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) this year. The highest subject entries are Caribbean Studies with a total of 365 entries and Communication Studies with 400 entries. CAPE is designed to provide certification of the academic, vocational and technical achievement of students in the Caribbean who, having completed a minimum of five years of secondary education, wish to further their studies. The sitting of the two Regional examinations (CSEC and CAPE) commenced on May 5 and are expected to conclude on June 13.
President Donald Ramotar had in March said “I don’t think you (the media) will have to wait much longer” for word on the identity of the private investor who is plugging US$8M into the Marriott hotel. But, well over a month later, the nation still awaits the revelation. Even the Opposition has not yet been let in on the “secret” of who this private investor is. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Shadow Minister of Public Works, Joseph Harmon, yesterday expressed total dissatisfaction at the fact that even though the time is drawing near for the opening of this hotel, the government is still withholding the name of this key investor. Harmon noted that his party was since last year pushing to get answers about the mysterious investor, but the President said that because of the nature of this investment, the government does not wish to make certain information known. Harmon said that if the government will have a project like this come into completion without making known the investor, it reflects
the level of contempt the government has for the people of Guyana. With reference to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL)’s US$4M investment in the Marriott, Harmon said “we have money invested in that project so we have to know what is happening.” The APNU Member of Parliament (MP) said NICIL used public monies “without our permission.” “If it were a case where only private investors, using their own monies, invested in the Marriott, I wouldn’t say anything. But when you would take my money (NICIL investment) in a situation almost like a choke-and-rob scenario, and invest it in a project without me having a say, I then have a right to express my opinion and a right to know who the investors are.” “This country is bordering on dictatorship by the PPP government, but they must be put on notice that people are not going to take it lightly. I, for one, will not sit and live under any dictatorship in this country in
APNU’s Joseph Harmon 2014 and going forward. Harmon said his party has suspicions about who is the private investor, but awaits confirmation. The initial financing structure for the construction of the Marriott Hotel was that NICIL would have invested its US$4M through Atlantic Hotel Inc. which it set up as a special purpose company for Marriott. NICIL also lends the project US$15.5M and Republic Bank Trinidad was asked to syndicate US$27M while the still-to-be-named investor is to invest US$8M. But in March President (Continued on page 13)
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 09, 2014
GPL disconnection campaign…
Illegal networks will be dismantled - Dindyal By Rabindra Rooplall “As long as a person has his transport and letter of purchase and is a legitimate occupier, that person could apply for service and GPL is obligated to provide the service. But the person must meet the standard terms and conditions which are paying for their share of the network cost.” This was the assertion of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the power company, Bharat Dindyal, in response to GPL consumers from Wales and Sisters villages on the West Bank of Demerara. The residents’ services were disconnected during the week during consecutive raids by the Loss Reduction Department. Residents of the area flocked the GPL Loss Reduction Department located at Sheriff Street, Georgetown, since they received instructions in the form of a letter left at their residences pertaining to their respective terminations and disconnections of service. The power company has heightened their campaign against illegal and unmetered services countrywide. Many of the irate residents noted that although they produced all the relevant documentation, they were still disconnected. One man who has been receiving service for the past 12 years lamented the situation. “They are telling us that the network is illegal without any sort of notification and I
Chief Executive Officer of GPL Bharat Dindyal feel this is unjust. Now they ask us to go to their office at 8:00am and its 11:20 and no one is at the office to speak to anyone who is here. “They are telling us that the person who we ought to talk to is not around. I have to go to work and now I am left here stranded. We need a straight answer; you can’t have people standing up all morning without saying anything.” Many affected West Bank Demerara residents agreed that as swiftly as GPL is willing to seize their respective service, the utility company should also facilitate swift clearance and meetings to also reinstall legitimate service. Dindyal noted that since last year GPL discovered in a number of instances that residents of various villages would have engaged either GPL operatives or others in private arrangements to
Some of the West Bank Demerara residents who were disconnected awaiting their turn to meet GPL representatives to explain their various situations. construct networks and have them connected to GPL’s supply. “We would have implemented a system where a customer coming in to apply for a prepaid meter service with the relevant documents would have their application swiftly processed. However, when the installation crews visit the person’s residence and discover it’s not a legitimate network, or on the government reserve or in an un-regularized area, this should be reported back to GPL. Unfortunately what happens is that the individuals bribe the GPL
crews to activate their service and the crews don’t report anything back and the information is not registered within the system.” He added that eventually these issues are discovered and the respective GPL operatives would be held accountable. Underscoring that on many occasions persons would have money to bribe GPL operatives and not any to pay for legal regularised service, the CEO noted, “When we actually give them an estimate to do the network legitimately, people claim that they can’t find the money. “But they are finding this
vast amount of money to pay for illegal and illegitimate service. In one instance on the East Bank, a village was given the option to pay for proper networks to be installed through the right process, and their service would be expedited.” He explained that many boundaries in various villages are changing through the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme in more than 300 communities and almost 270 of these communities end up with extra streets overnight and these residents apply for service rapidly. “If a network is
constructed for a community with ten streets, then suddenly an eleventh street appears, persons are bribed to install services for these households, and we eventually discover it is not on GPL drawings and it was done illegitimately. This is happening a lot in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. “Regularization should be done legitimately and on most occasions in these unregularised zones the wires are constructed on substandard networks with illegal wires and condemned/ discarded poles,” the CEO stressed.
Dr. Prem Misir resigns as UG Pro-Chancellor After serving in the capacity of Pro-Chancellor at the University of Guyana (UG) for close to a decade, Dr Prem Misir has tendered his resignation. This development was confirmed yesterday by Registrar of the University, Mr Vincent Alexander, who noted that the move came as somewhat of a surprise. Dr Misir’s resignation will become effective from June 2, giving him just under a month to continue performing the duties of Pro-Chancellor. Based on the Constitution of Guyana, the Pro-Chancellor is elected by the University’s Council from among members of the very Council to hold that office for a period prescribed by the statutes. However, in the absence of a Chancellor, as in the case at UG, the ProChancellor is also tasked with
functioning in the capacity of Chancellor. The Chancellor has the responsibility to function as Head and Chief Officer of the University and President of its Council and Guild of Graduates. Moreover, Misir’s resignation will put pressure on the University to either urgently fill the void that will be left when his resignation takes effect, or to hire a Chancellor. The University has been without a Chancellor since the resignation of Professor Compton Bourne in 2012, whose appointment had attracted much opposition from university staffers. In fact, his resignation was tendered even as university staffers staged picket action outside the office of the ProChancellor. But according to
Alexander yesterday, he is not aware that the resignation of Dr. Misir is linked to any controversial issue. In fact he intimated that one of the reasons cited by Dr. Misir for his resignation is that he is “moving on”. Alexander said that Misir’s resignation comes several months ahead of the official conclusion of his contract in October. The Registrar noted that the University will be seeking to vigorously ensure that Dr. Misir, before his departure, is able to affix his signature to all certificates of those who graduated at the University’s 2013 Convocation. According to Alexander, a replacement for the position of Pro-Chancellor has not yet been considered since the matter has not come up for discussion at the level of Council. He however noted that currently a search is on for a new Chancellor. “Who knows which will come first?” Alexander mused. Dr. Misir, who was first appointed Pro-Chancellor in 2003, is the holder of a Doctor of Philosophy in Social and Behavioural Sciences from the University of Hull, England; a Master in Public
Dr. Prem Misir Health from the University of Manchester, England; Master of Philosophy from the University of Surrey, England; a Post-doctoral programme in Public Health from the Columbia University, New York, and Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours from the Queen’s University of Belfast, United Kingdom. As Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Misir was awarded the Professorship in Public Health at the University of Central Lancashire in England. Reports are that his resignation will facilitate his desire to achieve additional professional goals.
Friday May 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Finance Minister pays official visit to CDB - addresses staff at Barbados HQ Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh visited the headquarters of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in Barbados on Wednesday where he met with senior management and addressed Bank staff in his capacity as chairman of the Board of Governors of the Bank. Minister Singh will be chairing the CDB’s 44th annual meeting of the Board of Governors on May 28 and 29 here, in Guyana. During his visit, the Minister noted that the institution has distinguished itself in its service to the region and has proven to be a reliable and effective development partner. “I remain convinced that the CDB is the institution that is best placed to help the region confront and overcome some of its long term challenges,” Minister Singh said. “The Bank’s considerable local and regional knowledge and its repository of expertise are of significant, if not unparalleled value.” Dr Warren Smith, President of the CDB, also took the opportunity to commend Guyana for its achievements in promoting
the mission of the bank, specifically through its poverty reduction initiatives and projects. “We are pleased with the evidence of growth and development in Guyana, through the utilization of loans and grants from the CDB,” Dr. Smith noted. “We have seen the transformational effect of our projects over the years in the systematic reduction of poverty across the country, including in rural and remote locations. “We are looking forward to the Annual Meeting in Guyana, particularly as we focus on renewable energy and addressing climate change concerns in the interest of safeguarding the sustainable development of our Region. Guyana in many ways represents an important example of the effectiveness of the work and mission of the CDB,” Dr. Smith further stated. The CDB has provided almost US$300M to Guyana since 1970. The Basic Needs Trust Fund is one programme of the bank that provides grants which have so far been used to fund community infrastructure and related services in water and
Marriott is a... (From page 11) Ramotar provided an entirely different financing structure for the Marriott Hotel. Ramotar said that there is a “consortium of people that have put money into it.” He told reporters then that as a result, there is money to continue works as government ties up “small arrangements.” To date, however, only
NICIL’s US$19.5M has been officially stated to be put into the project. There is yet to be financial closure on the money coming from the private investor, after which the Republic Bank money is expected to be put in. NICIL is a private shareholding company of which government is the only stakeholder.
Minister of Finance, Ashni Singh, meeting with Dr Warren Smith, President of the CDB (second from left) and other senior Staff at the CDB Headquarters in Barbados. sanitation, access roads and drainage, education and human resource development. Dr. Smith also used the opportunity to update Minister Singh on the progress of the 2015–2020 strategic planning process, as well as plans for the annual meeting. The meeting will bring together leaders from the Bank’s 27 member countries to discuss the development needs of the Caribbean and the role of the CDB in addressing these challenges. During the annual meeting, the CDB will release its annual report which provides an overview of the Bank’s performance as well as insights into sector and economic development among its member countries. The Bank will also host seminars related to Agriculture and Climate
Change, Public Private Partnerships in the Caribbean, Transitioning to a Green Economy and Mainstreaming Multidimensional Approach to Poverty Assessment. The meeting will be preceded by the 2014 VYBZING Youth Forum from May 21-23, 2014 under the banner, ‘Youth Voices for Climate Change’. In addition, Héla Cheikhrouhou, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund, will be the keynote speaker of the 15th William G. Demas Memorial Lecture which will be held at the Pegasus Hotel, in Georgetown, May 27, 2014. ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK The Caribbean Development Bank is a regional financial institution established in 1969 for the purpose of contributing to the harmonious economic growth
and development of the member countries in the Caribbean. There are nineteen regional borrowing member countries, three regional non-
borrowing member countries, and five non-regional, nonborrowing m e m b er countries. As of December 31, 2013, CDB had total assets of US$1.45B.
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 09, 2014
City has two Town Guyana makes slight progress Clerks as King sworn in in quest to achieving MDG5 By Zena Henry The scramble for Georgetown became more pronounced as the Mayor and City Councillors yesterday swore in former Public Relations Officer, Royston King to act as Town Clerk, with Carol Sooba who holds the post by virtue of the Local Government Minister stating that “the Town Clerk never ceased being the Town Clerk,” and that she (Sooba) will remain in office. Mayor Hamilton Green and the majority of councillors took part in an extraordinary meeting yesterday where they officially placed King to act in the post. Green said that King will act in the position until the government convenes the legal requirement of a Local Government Commission which is responsible for the hiring and firing of staffers. King expressed gratitude in the councillors expressing confidence and trust in him. He said that in the 25 years that he has been employed at the agency, it is in the worst state he’s ever seen. “It is in a sorry state of disarray and confusion.” King said that City Hall is being viewed as a big joke and what is needed is a review of structures in the execution of the Council’s municipal
Royston King is sworn in by Mayor Hamilton Green functions. He urged that the various departments need to be revitalized. He also mentioned that it is under the Municipal and Districts Council Act that he is obliged to carry out the instruction of the Council. “We have sufficient brain power to move the city forward. Well qualified engineers, health officers, education...” The first order of business for King is to work with councillors to review the solid waste issues facing Georgetown. The majority of city councillors voted that focus needs to be placed on that area and had repeatedly
complained that the rejected Carol Sooba had illegally terminated the services of Cevons Waste Management, keeping only the services of Puran Brothers. However, the Mayor and councillors do not seem ready to divulge how they intend to get the job of the Town Clerk done with Sooba still holding the office. When asked their method of approach, the Mayor said that, “sometimes it is not prudent to tell the story, particularly when eyes and ears are there to return information.” Kaieteur News understands, however, that the Officers of the Council have already received correspondence recognizing King as the acting Town Clerk. It was noted too that the relevant agencies, banks, etc., were also made aware that Sooba is not authorized to conduct any transactions on behalf of the Council. Many questions were raised on the legality of yesterday’s activity and the Mayor and Councillors were adamant that they were in the confines of the law. Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green pointed to a letter written by Sooba to the Mayor stating that her appointment was (Continued on page 15)
Guyana, like a number of countries across the globe, is struggling is yet struggling to reduce its maternal mortality ratio in keeping with the Millennium Development Goal Five (MDG5), which speaks specifically to improving maternal health. Based on data from the Ministry of Health, Guyana recorded a total of 25 maternal deaths in 2012 and 18 last year. However, information detailed in a recently publicized Report – “Trends in Maternal Mortality: 1990 to 2013’ – Guyana’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is in fact the second highest in the Caribbean. The Report, which contains estimates by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank and the United Nations Population Division, details the MMR for countries over the period 1990 through 2013 and reveals that Haiti with 380, currently has the highest ratio in the Caribbean. However, this represents a significant reduction for Haiti from 670 in 1990. Guyana’s 250 MMR on the other hand represents a slight reduction since in 1990 there was a 210 MMR, according to the Report. All other Caribbean territories countries detailed in the Report had a MMR of less than 100 in 2013, with the exception of the Dominican Republic, which had a MMR of exactly 100. According to the Report, 11 of the countries examined are categorized as “on track” including: Maldives (93%), Bhutan (87%), Cambodia (86%), Equatorial Guinea (81%), Lao People’s Democratic Republic (80%), Romania (80%), Timor-Leste (78%), Cabo Verde (77%), Eritrea (77%), Nepal (76%), Rwanda (76%). However countries with an MMR of less than 100 in 1990 have not been categorized while a further 63 countries are characterized as ‘making progress.’ Further still, it was noted that 13
- Report countries have made ‘insufficient progress’ and there are two countries that have made none. A total of 40 countries were listed with the highest MMR in 2013 with Sierra Leone estimated to have the highest MMR at 1,100. A further 15 countries in subSaharan Africa have very high MMR including: Chad (980); Central African Republic (880); Somalia (850); Burundi (740); Democratic Republic of the Congo (730); South Sudan (730); Côte d’Ivoire (720); Guinea (650); Liberia (640); Niger (630); Cameroon (590); Guinea-Bissau (560); Nigeria (560); Mali (550); and Malawi (510). Only two countries outside subSaharan African region had high MMR: Afghanistan (400) and Haiti (380). In contrast, Cabo Verde and Mauritius were the only two sub-Saharan African countries that had low MMR at 53 and 73 maternal deaths per 100, 000 live births respectively. Regarding adult lifetime risk of maternal mortality, Chad and Somalia had the highest at one in 15 and one in 18, respectively. The estimated lifetime risk for maternal mortality in developing regions is one in 3,700 in comparison to developed regions where the lifetime risk is one in 160. It was pointed out too in the Report that a number of initiatives that commenced in recent years are geared towards achievement of the MDG5, particularly following the launch of the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health in 2010 by the United Nations. Subsequently, the highlevel Commission on Information and Accountability for Women’s and Children’s Health was established to “determine the most effective international institutional arrangements for global reporting, oversight
and accountability on women’s and children’s health.” One of the 10 recommendations of the Commission was specific to improving measurement of maternal (and child) deaths. This recommendation requires that “by 2015, all countries have taken significant steps to establish a system for registration of births, deaths and causes of death, and have wellfunctioning health information systems that combine data from facilities, administrative sources and surveys.” The first report of the independent Expert Review Group (iERG), established by the commission for overseeing the progress in achievement of the commission’s 10 recommendations, indicated insufficient progress in the implementation of the recommendations including the one on ‘vital events’ reporting. However, it was noted that measuring the MDG5 target of reducing the MMR (target 5A) remains a challenge. Globally, there were an estimated 289, 000 maternal deaths in 2013, a decline of 45% from 1990. The subSaharan Africa region alone accounted for 62% (179,000) of global deaths followed by Southern Asia at 24%. At the country level, the two countries that accounted for one third of all global maternal deaths are India at 17% (50, 000) and Nigeria at 14% (40, 000). The global MMR in 2013 was 210 maternal deaths per 100, 000 live births, down from 380 maternal deaths per 100, 000 live births in 1990. Meanwhile, it was highlighted that the MMR in developing regions (230) was 14 times higher than in developed regions (16). The details of the Report concluded that Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest MMR (510) and of the remaining MDG developing regions, five had low MMR: Eastern Asia (33); Caucasus and Central Asia (39); Northern Africa (69); Western Asia (74); and Latin America and the Caribbean (85). There were however, three that had moderate MMR: South-eastern Asia (140); Southern Asia (190); and Oceania (190). It was also detailed in the Report that less than 40 per cent of countries have a complete civil registration system with good attribution of cause of death, which is necessary for the accurate measurement of maternal mortality.
Friday May 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
Man killed executionstyle in Albouystown - Brother died in similar circumstances four years ago By Romila Boodram Up to press time, investigators were following leads as to who would blatantly walk into a crowded yard at Curtis Street, Albouystown at around 01:00hrs yesterday and gun down football player, Orvin Milton. The 30-year-old North East La Penitence resident, who is a part-time taxi driver, was shot to the head by a lone gunman who escaped through Le Repentir Cemetery after discharging three rounds at his victim. Milton collapsed and according to eyewitnesses, his brain was scattered on the muddy dam. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead. Police in a press release said that Milton was in a yard at Albouystown when a man approached him and discharged a round which hit him to his body. The shooter then escaped. Sources close to the investigation told this publication that they have the names of three persons who they believe might have had something to do with Milton’s death. Asked whether the shooting could have been as a result of a deal went wrong, a police source said that investigators believe that vendetta is the possible motive. At the scene yesterday, Kaieteur News was told that the father of four was drinking and playing a game of cards with a group of men when a man walked up behind him and said, “I looking for you (expletive) long” and opened fire. A man who claims to be an eyewitness to the shooting opined that Milton met his death in a “jokey way.” “Everybody thought it was a joke. This man (shooter) just walk up behind he dressed in a hoodie and mask, say those five words and shoot he. People thought it was a prank, because who would walk into a crowded yard and kill somebody and it’s not like there was more than one shooter to watch he (lone shooter’s) back. We thought it was somebody joking around with a mask” the eyewitness said. At Milton’s home yesterday, his sister, Abby Weekes said that she was at her home when her mother telephoned her and asked if she heard what had happened to her brother.
Dead: Milton’s brother, Vibert Weekes
Dead: Orvin Milton
“I said no and she said that my brother’s child mother called and tell her that Orvin get shoot and he was at the hospital so I asked her if she didn’t call him home early and she said that she called him at 12:45 hrs on Wednesday and asked when he coming home and he tell her that he coming just now and hang up,” the sister added. She said that her mother informed her that about 20 minutes after she talked to her son, she received a call from his fiancée who informed her that her son was at the hospital. “She (her mother) come in a car and pick me up and then all of us went to the hospital. When we reach and went inside the room he was dead already,” Weekes recounted. According to the woman, her brother who played football for Western Tigers was scheduled to play this coming Sunday. “He supposed to play and now he dead.” Family members of the dead man are calling on the police to solve this case, since the family received no justice when Milton’s brother, Vibert Weekes, was gunned down some four years ago. Weekes was killed a short distance away from the popular “Red Dragon” night club on Robb Street on January 09, 2010 by a lone
shooter who was reportedly dressed in female attire. “We got to get justice for Orvin because we got none for Vibert. The police need to do their work and ensure the suspect is captured,” Abby Weekes exclaimed. Meanwhile, the recently launched “Impact Albouystown Project” came under some criticism yesterday with residents questioning, “Why have 20 policemen walking during the days and none in the nights.” According to one resident, “during the day, when you look into the various streets in Albouystown, you seeing three to four policemen, and none of them can be seen in the nights.” “During the day, you have petty crimes happening, but if you look back most people getting shoot during the nights, because most gambling and so happen when people come home from work,” the resident said. Commander of ‘A’ Division Clifton Hicken, during a brief telephone interview, said that police patrols were always present in the area during the nights but not on foot. “We always have police patrolling the area, but as of today (yesterday) we have put ranks to patrol the area on foot.”
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Gas station owner ordered to pay $97.6M to Guyoil The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in one of two judgments yesterday, ordered that a local business pay the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) $97.6M for petroleum products supplied in September 2005. Feizal Mohamed Amin,, trading under the name Amin Lumber Enterprise, had gone to the CCJ to challenged Guyoil which had gone to local courts here claiming $101M owed by the gas station owner. In support of its claim, Guyoil presented to the trial judge a letter signed by Amin in which he admitted a debt
to the company of $97.6M. The trial judge in Guyana held that the letter was not properly admitted into evidence and gave judgment for Amin on the basis that no debt had been established by the company. The Court of Appeal, however, with regard to the letter, set aside the trial judge’s decision and gave judgment for the company in the full sum claimed. Amin appealed the judgment of the Court of Appeal, taking the matter to CCJ. The CCJ yesterday concluded that the trial judge was wrong not to consider
the letter but the Court disagreed with the Court of Appeal that there should be judgment in the full sum of $101,280,423.00 as distinct from $97,609,000.00, the amount admitted. “The Court therefore allowed the appeal in part and gave judgment for the company in the sum of $97,609,000.00. The Court ordered costs against Mr Amin.” Attorneys Rajendra Poonai and K. A. JumanYassin appeared for Amin while Hari ‘Ralph’ Ramkarran, SC, and Kamal Ramkarran appeared for Guyoil.
City has two Town Clerks... (From page 14) made by the Minister and she answers to him. Chase-Green continued that the law says that the Minister has no power to appoint. She urged that it is now left to the Minister to activate the Local Government Commission so that matters could be dealt with amicably since attempts to communicate and reason with the Ministry failed. Sooba, the de facto Town Clerk has stated, however, that yesterday’s activity was illegal since she had not called a meeting “for Councillors to do illegalities”. She said that the Mayor called an extraordinary meeting to vote in King, but it is contrary to the law. Sooba pointed out also that of the 800-plus staff at the agency “very few were present yesterday because they know the law.” She said
she had not called any meeting and so they were not called to attend. Councillors are claiming that Sooba was blatantly ignoring the decisions of the Council, and cannot competently perform the duties of the office. At a press conference on Wednesday, Cabinet Secretary Roger Luncheon denounced the actions of the Mayor and Councillors in trying to vote out Sooba. He said that the government will not recognize King as the acting Town Clerk. Moreover,
Luncheon deemed their action as illegal and contrary to the law. At the High Court hearing that challenged Sooba’s appointment, Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang ruled that Sooba’s appointment was illegal since the Minister has no power to appoint her. He said, however, that she remains a de facto Town Clerk. Appeals have been made by both sides highlighting disagreements with the Chief Justice’s ruling.
Page 16
Kaieteur News
Friday May 09, 2014
Goed Fortuin boy, 9, electrocuted
The dead child’s grandmother points to the GPL wire (now taped) that is resting on the zinc fence What was supposed to be a regular evening bath for nine-year-old Satyanand Balkaran turned out to be fatal. The child met his unfortunate end by way of an exposed electrical wire and the conduction of electricity via water and zinc. On Wednesday at around 19:00hrs, Satyanand ventured into his Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara yard in the company of his mother, Debbie Ramash and his older brother. The two boys were supposed to bathe
while Ramash did the laundry but those plans were shattered within minutes. When Kaieteur News visited the Goed Fortuin residence that Satyanand once called home, family members, relatives and friends were gathered mourning their loss. As a grieving Ramash recounted the ordeal those around became tearful. According to Ramash, minutes after she began washing clothes in her yard near the “booby-trapped”
zinc fence, Satyanand shouted ‘Mommy!’ Thinking her older son had troubled the lad she inquired what the matter was. However, as the older boy denied troubling his brother, Satyanand collapsed in a pool of water near the fence. The woman frantically ran over to her son and grabbed him, but a shocking sensation caused her to drop him instantly. Her motherly instincts forced her to grab the child and place him on a dry area. Seeing froth coming
out of the child’s mouth she sent her older son to get help. Ramash recalled that her neighbour assisted in transporting them to the hospital where doctors tried to save her son’s life. But by 19:30hrs her son was dead. This reality plunged the woman into greater sorrow as she started crying and channeling her anger to GPL. The woman said for over five months her mother-in-law and neighbours have been complaining to GPL’s Vreeden-Hoop branch about the exposed electrical wire that was resting on the zinc shed that is supported by a zinc fence. “I didn’t want to believe he dead…I didn’t know he dead…I thought he playing…that he trying to fool me…but my son dead…after months of complaining, GPL wait till meh son dead fuh come and fix the wire,” she said. According to a relative, Rupert Balkaran, “As recent as last week the back neighbour complained to GPL about the wire but every complaint falls on deaf ears.” Balkaran said that following the incident, at around 02:00hrs yesterday morning, a team from GPL visited the area and “tried to rectify or cover up the exposed wire”. However, police ranks who arrived on the scene on Wednesday saw the position of the live wire, he added. According to a police source, the electrical wire was grazing on a zinc fence that is near to where the lad went to bathe. With water being a conductor of electricity the lad was electrocuted. Apparently, he pitched some distance away from where he
Dead: Satyanand Balkaran
Debbie Ramash shows where her younger son was standing when he was electrocuted was bathing and was subsequently taken to the hospital. It is yet to be determined if the connection was illegal, the source said. A relative said that the electrical wire is a legal
connection. He noted that around 10:00am personnel of GPL visited the home and looked at the wire. The team allegedly promised to return to the area to do further work. According to GPL’s Public Relations Officer, GPL is aware of the matter and is currently investigating. The official assured that a press release on the matter would be issued.
Friday May 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Jamaica’s Contractor General refuses to be Judge overrules no-case submission on same stage with crime-accused Mayor Nine-year-old rape/murder trial….
Justice Navindra Singh yesterday overruled a no-case submission (arguments that the court has no case against their clients) that was presented by Attorneys Raymond Alli and George Thomas, who are representing the two persons accused of the rape and murder of nine-year-old, Sade Stoby. The men were yesterday required to lead their own defence. Javon Wharton denied that he had anything to do with the murder of Stoby. According to Wharton, on the day that Stoby was killed he was at work. He told the court that he was beaten and forced to give a statement to the police admitting to the crime. He called two witnesses in his defence, his cousin Owen Trim and Jadesh Kumar Ramkissoon, Sales Manager at Hacks Hollow Blocks. The first witness, Owen Trim told the court that on November 2, 2007 he and Wharton were working at Hack’s Hallow Blocks at Providence EBD. Trim said that they worked up until 14:30 hrs and left around 15:30 hrs. According to the witness, he joined a minibus and left Wharton riding on the
Mocha main road. Under cross examination by State Prosecutor Judith Gildharie-Mursalin, Trim was asked why he remembered the time on November 2, 2007, specifically. According to the witness, they would normally leave around that time. Jadesh Kumar Ramkissoon said that he saw Wharton up until 15:30 hrs on November 2, 2007. The witness said that Wharton was paid and that was the last he saw of him. Under cross examination Ramkissoon said he had about 30 other men working with him. He said that Wharton had only worked with him for about 21 days. Ramkissoon, who was under oath, admitted that he would falsify work documents to show that workers left at 16:00hrs when actually they would leave before. The other accused, Charles Cush, also denied that he had anything to do with the death of Stoby. He however had no witnesses to call on his behalf. At the opening of the case State Prosecutor, Judith Gildharie Mursalin had detailed that on November 5, 2007, the nine-yearold girl, who had gone missing
for three days, was discovered near a ditch a short distance from her Barnwell North, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara home. The evidence suggested that the girl had been raped and murdered. After the discovery was made, the child’s alleged killers were identified as Wharton and Cush, two teenagers who lived in her village. On Tuesday, General Practitioner Dr. Mohan Persaud read out his finding in relation to medical examinations which he had conducted on Cush and Wharton after they were arrested for their alleged involvement in the rape and murder of Stoby. Persaud told the court that he found lacerations and abrasions on the private areas of the two boys which suggested their involvement in sexual intercourse, “particularly in a forceful manner”. Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh also presented his evidence to the court. The Pathologist detailed that the child had died due to asphyxiation from submersion (drowning) compounded by blunt trauma.
From page 6 face of sanity for any of us to say that this engagement with USAID and the Government of Guyana, at least since 1992, has not been proceeding along those lines.” He was unable however to speak to the specifics of what the Government wanted. Ambassador Hardt chipped in by saying that “we are prepared to modify and adjust once we get to discuss those specifics.”
there was an agreement on the framework for assistance in democracy that was agreed to and signed off on in 2009. “We always felt comfortable that the programmes we were developing were part of programme activities that had been discussed in our agreement…It never seemed to me that we were operating outside of our traditional agreed framework.” Asked specifically what caused the US to agree to put the project on hold and engage in talks with the Guyana Government, given his previous position that saw its implementation despite the objections, Ambassador Hardt said “we have a commitment to engage and to come to a bilateral and mutually agreed resolution of this, and that’s what we’ve been hoping for all along”. Not wanting to comment on whether the revocation of Bradbury’s visa forced his hand to engage the government, Ambassador Hardt said, “we have been in discussions for quite some time and correspondence and discussions have been going on
long prior to that.” Meanwhile, a statement out of the US Embassy last evening said, “Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Luncheon and US Ambassador D. Brent Hardt held a positive and constructive meeting on the USAID LEAD project. Both sides agreed to continue discussions next week with a view to charting a way forward for the benefit of the people of Guyana.”
US halts LEAD project to facilitate...
2009AGREEMENT Given the fact that external agencies rendering assistance to Guyana would not execute programmes without the support of Government, Ambassador Hardt was asked to justify the initial position that saw the US implementing the project despite objections by the administration. He responded by saying everything that has been developed within LEAD was under a framework both governments had previously agreed to. According to Ambassador Hardt, while there wasn’t a specific agreement on LEAD,
Mayor of May Pen Scean Barnswell (left) and Contractor General Dirk Harrison. (Jamaica Gleaner) - Clarendon, William Shagoury. Contractor General, legal Contractor General Dirk He says he did not request protocols require that Harrison is defending himself that Barnswell leave the witnesses avoid all contact amid calls for him to apologise function or that the mayor’s with an accused in cases for allegedly snubbing name be taken off the where the matter is to be Mayor of May Pen, Scean programme. adjudicated by a Criminal Barnswell. According to the Court. Both men were invited to Contractor General yesterday, Harrison says he speak at a function to honour he only expressed discomfort mentioned the matter to the lay magistrates in Clarendon with the perception that Custos because any such on Saturday but the could arise from the fact interaction could create an Contractor General reportedly that he was asked to be the unwarranted perception or said he was uncomfortable Guest Speaker at a function suspicion which could sitting with the mayor. where Mayor Barnswell was compromise the proceedings Barnswell, who is before being asked to bring currently before the Courts. the courts for breaches of the greetings. He says if the case had Contractor-General’s Act, Harrison says he was already been decided by the was removed from the merely ensuring that the Courts, he would not have programme and later left the matter involving Mayor been concerned and no issue function. Barnswell would not be would have been raised. However, Harrison says perceived to have any taint Harrison says he has the only discussion he had in of impropriety through received a letter from Mayor relation to Mayor Barnswell inappropriate contact. Barnswell and will provide a was with the Custos of According to the response in due course.
Page 30
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Pure bred Rottweiler puppies, 8 weeks old – Call:682-2148 or 618-2903 One smoothie machine and ice machine – Call:231-0655 or 683-8734 Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Pork - $380, Pork Chops $650, leg pork - $480lb, salted pork -$450 (8 Lbs pails) @ Geroge & Hadfield Sts. Suites, beds, desk, guitars, divider, radio set, table –Tel: 226-2284 Honda Welder, 270 Amps, 2002 Tundra – Call:611-5114, 220-4495 PORK WHOLE SALE, WHOLE, HALF & QUARTER CARCASS. NO HEAD! NO TROTTERS! – CALL:266-2711, 609-4594 1-CAT 320 excavator, 1-22 RB long boom dragline, 1helmet & hammer, 1-120G motor grader -D4H CAT bulldozer- Good conditionCall:660-4021/275-0578 1 Playstation3 with games $65,000, 1 – XBOX360 with games - $60,000, Used XBOX360 - $25,000, PSP $15,000, DS - $15,000 – Tel:621-7497, 603-8643 One 210 Hyundai Excavator with one complete 6" Dredge and also 4" Dredge Contact: 690-1568 Pit-bull pups, 7 weeks old – Contact Chandra:695-7340, 699-1625 2 months old Rottweiler pups & 7 weeks old Rottweiler pups for sale- Tel: 683-4832, 263-5755 PVC Ceiling Panels, PVC Mouldings, Medallions. American Standard!!! – Call:614-8564, 680-0862
Kaieteur News
FOR SALE Toyota Forklift - Excellent condition, 4,000lbs capacity, 117" Lift, Solid Wheels, Automatic Transmission, 4 Cylinder LPG Motor. Call: 604-6108. 1 MF290 Tractor, 1 Toyota Tacoma, STIHL chainsaws, tractor parts, STIHL blower, STIHL paint sprayer, pressure washer, etc – Call: 689-8884 Pure bred pit bull, 6 weeks old – Call: 661-1601 100% Pure Bred pit-bull pups 8 weeks old, Father blue & mother red nose – call: 6953813/whatsapp pictures/ dogsrus@facebook Canadian rebuilt Perkins Duetz engine, Lincoln generator welder, model M with winch, 320 excavator – Call: 691-2921 1 Leyland Daf dump truck with HIAB, excellent condition – Call: 671-1608
EDUCATIONAL Practical Electronic Course beginning May 6th 2014 – Call Abdul Electronics – 2266551 or 225-0391 Balloon Decorating Classes – 31st May 2014 – Call: 2253133 or 613-7513 for more information and to register. Computer classes for all students who completed 2014 CommonEntrance Examinations @ Micrographics, Vreed-EnHoop, Call: 264-3057 Earn your Diploma in Computer Studies: 9 courses @ Micrographics Technology, Vreed-En-Hoop, Call: 264-3057 English classes at all levels – Call home school: 696-7467
1-48 Feet Boat with 900lb ice box, price negotiable - Tel: 609-0783 40Ft round bottom boat, 40HP Yamaha outboard engine, 350Lbs 5" Nylon anchor seine – Call:604-0038, 601-4585 One Long Base mini bus, BJJ Series – Tel:667-6045 Terrier pups for sale – Call: 649-4247 FOR SALE/RENTAL American Pool Table – Call:277-0578
MASSSAGE The Gents Spa: Be pampered by beautiful masseuses. New masseuses Amanda and Crystal – Tel: 657-5979 Classes & Services in massage therapy & reflexology “Healing Naturally” by N.Y State Professional! For enrollment & services call: 670-3399,6510128
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale.Call:627-5416 Double lot with house at East Bank Demerara, one block away from Public Road – Call: 621-1766 1 – 2 storey wooden & concrete house with 5 bedrooms, upper flat & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $38.9M – Tel: 642-7898 One commercial property located at Broad St, Charlestown, close to the Public Road – Call:615-7526, 661-9885 Lot 81 Lamaha Street. No Agent! – Call: 673-5882 One house for sale at Covent Garden Island – Call: 265-3586 Kitty - $32M, Atlantic Garden -$50M, Lamaha Garden $35M, AA Eccles -$55M Contact Diana: 227-2256, 6269382 Prime Business property, huge land space 200’X50'. Next to Police Outpost at Mc Doom. Tel: 233-0570 One flat house for sale at Railway Embankment – Price:$6,500,000- Contact:6896255 CAMPBELVILLE 2 STORY MODERN RESIDENTIAL WITH LOWER OFFICES MULTIPLE PARKING SHERIFF KANUKU $42M RLTPRO 650-1234 Property at Section ‘D’ Turkeyen, E.C.D – Call:6046973 or 695-7610 Large two flat house at Richmond Hill Linden – Phone: 226-9424 or 662-0094 or 609-6327 or 673-7516
Friday May 09, 2014
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One upper flat @ 6th Street Cummings Lodge ECD – Call:622-3580 BRAND NEW 3 STOREY modern building. Located on North Road, between Oronoque & Albert St – Tel:629-0037, 626-6909 Secured Concrete bond 87’X32’ at Public Road McDoom, lots of yard space. Suitable for Car Mart. Tel: 233-0570 A shop to rent at 40 Norton Street Wortmanville, price $50,000 only serious persons interested call: 667-1268 G.T TOOLS RENTAL: CONCRETE SAW, RANDSOM & MORE. EVERYDAY SPECIALS – CALL:675-0767 OR 6275098 House to rent in Friendship, E.B.D – Tel:266-0163 BRAND NEW 4 STOREY modern building. Located on Regent Street, between light and Cummings St. Call:6266909, 629-0037
LAND FOR SALE 138FT x 1750FT 5.5 acres at Canal No.2- Price $15MCall:227-7734 Transport Land at Klien Street, Pouderoyen, W.B.D – Price $3.7 neg. Call:687-5746 100FtX50Ft High Income land at La Parafaite Harmonie; light, water & road exist. Prime location – Call:675-7292
CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 2257126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com Progressive Auto Rental - carsCall: 643-5122 or 225-8711, Email:pro_autorental@yahoo.com
DRESSMAKING
Wings Car Rental- Call:6431131 Aidan’s Car Rental, Canter & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807
Jean is offering courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral & cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty – Call: 670-2653, 618-1706
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
CATERING Roxy’s Catering: We cater for any special occasion, also available daily breakfast, lunch & snacks – call: 2230092, 223-0095
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Natural beauty salon & spa: Grove Market Street EBD Tele: 265-4138, 652-5800. We specialized in everything for women.
VACANCY Office clerk senior/junior. CXC: English, Mathematics & computer knowledge an assetCall:225-0188/223-7500 One Trainee refrigeration, A/ C Technician – Tel:231-0655, Call between Monday Friday (8:00am-4:30pm) General managers to work on land dredges in the interior with popular mining firm – Tel:226-9768, 615-6172 Model ‘M’ truck drivers to drive into the Interior, must be sober headed & ability to service – Call:226-9768, 6156172 Surveyor/Ranger to monitor mining lands. Must have vast knowledge of G.P.S & riding ATV bikes – Call:226-9768, 615-6172 One live-in housekeeper between the age 30-35yrs to care for infant, long term employment – Contact: 6978797 Male Cleaners Needed, Skilled Machinist. Apply @ Technical Services Inc. 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles E.B.D MANAGER/SUPERVISORS at Xenon Hotel Charity / EBo. A C C O M O D AT I O N PROVIDED. Attractive Salary is offered – Contact: 223-5273/4
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. COOL TECH : Repairs Services & Installation of all types if homes appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer. Call Omar:2310655,683-8734
VEHICLE FOR SALE First Class Auto: Premio, Allion, Spacio, Raum, 212, Allex, Runx, IST, Fielder, Bluebird, Axela – Tel:6098188, 638-3045 Unregistered Toyota Raum Year 2004 , black interior, HID lights, power door, TV navigation – Tel:617-5536 Smart Choice Auto Sales: Unregistered: Premio, Spacio, Allion, Allex, IST, 2 1 2 , F i e l d e r, Vo x y – Call:652-3820; 665-4529 Toyota Avensis, PRR Series, immaculate condition, leather interior, alarm, A/C, TV, 18" Rims, HID - $3.250 Neg. – Call: 609-7257, 6025794 Toyota Spacio – TV/DVD/ CD, body kit, reverse camera. Never registered $2.1M. Call:617-2891 One Toyota Land cruiser Prado, PMM Series Call: 225-0188, 223-7500, MonFri 8:15-4:15pm, Sat – 8:15-1:15PM Toyota Raum, Spacio, AT212, AT192, NZE ,LTouring wagon, Fun Cargo, IST, Nissan E24 Caravan – Tel: 644-5096; 697-1453 Seinta and Noah with Body Kits – unregistered and top notch condition with terms available – Call:641-8647 One mini bus BGG series – price: $550,000, excellent condition – Call: 628-4886 One new Madza Axela car, low mileage, never registered – Call: 663-0819 or 618-3575 One AT192, PKK Series, mag rims, spoiler, $800,000 negotiable – Tel: 671-5792 or 681-9297 New Model Hilux Surf and RX8 – Very clean vehicles. Terms available – Call:6418647 Stick gear and automatic Pitbull and RZ buses at the best prices around – Tel:641-8647 Nissan Cube PMM1088, any reasonable offer won’t be refused – Call: 662-4307, 2261629 STAR CARS AUTO SALE: Premio, Spacio, Allion, IST, Feilder, Altezza, new Raum, Axela, Carina 212 – Call: 679-3140, 615-1199 Pre-order: AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 One AA60 Carina Call:689-5254, 643-0332, 256-0504 2 Ton freezer canter, GRR Series – Call:658-3209 (Continued on page 31)
Friday May 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Letters... Where your views make the news
Old Age Pensioners Not Getting their GPL Subsidy Free DEAR EDITOR, Over the past years we heard of increases and benefits for the old age pensioners in Guyana, which is good. But I will like to share a few concerns and problems that are facing these old age pensioners, as parliamentarians give with their blessings and government takes it back on the other side or we can say “government give with right hand and take back with left hand”. In 2014 old age pensioners will be receiving a small bit more in their pensions and also ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) more to their GPL bills taking it to thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00) per year as a benefit. They are also eligible for free water from GWI on a yearly basis. This government knows how to take back that money from the old people. They are treating them like the 2014
national budget, bundling things (items) together for their benefits. It is clear that this government does not care for the old age pensioners but rather taking shame off its face by giving old age pensioners something that will see them hardly getting the benefit. The subsidies that are being given to the old age pensioners isn’t free because they have to go through a lot of things to have that benefit, sometimes they spend more of what they get as to the subsidy. Take for example GPL; the pensioner is living with one of her\his children and the meter is in the name of the child, what will happen there? Will the pensioner still be given the benefits that he\she deserves and was given to them by the people of this country? No. Recently, several complains were lodged with the AFC RMC in Region 5 that GPL is now asking that
the meter be changed in the pensioner’s name, but there is lots of cost attached to this. The pensioner will have to get proof that he\she is living there and is related to the person that the meter’s name is in, therefore an affidavit have to be done and a cost is attached. That cost is around three thousand and four thousand five hundred dollars ($3000; $4,500). Then the pensioner will have to pay an additional three thousand five hundred dollars to GPL to change over the name of the meter to their name. Then the official at GPL said that they will have to get a new meter (Pre Paid), therefore new wiring will have to be done and a new certificate will have to be issued and that will cost around thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) to the pensioner. Taking the total amount to around $38,000.00 and that is leaving out the traveling cost especially if the
pensioner cannot walk alone. So the pensioners are spending more than the amount given to get the actual amount that is budgeted for them in the 2014 national budget. This is the caring PPP\C government saying “A Better Guyana for All Guyanese”. Let’s give the old age pensioners their allotted sum on a monthly basis and let them make the decision as to spending their money. We cannot treat these people as small kids, they deserves to have what is theirs and not being trample upon. What happens if a pensioner does not have electricity in his\her home? Who will get that money? So we need to give our pensioners their benefits and stop putting the people’s money into GPL and GWI as a bailout. Abel Seetaram AFC Regional Chairman – Region 5
CIOG denounces kidnapping in Nigeria DEAR EDITOR, The Central Organization of Guyana joins the International Community in denouncing the kidnapping of the teenage girls in Nigeria, and the atrocities committed by Boko Haram in the name of Islam. Islam holds in high esteem it’s teachings of respect and equality for women and
children, and places particular emphasis on the value of life. Today we heard of the killing of over one hundred and fifty persons by this group. The Holy Quran states emphatically, “He who takes a life is as though he takes the life of all humanity, and he who saves a life is as though he saves the life of all humanity”.
The CIOG requests all peoples and Governments to render every possible support and resources available to rescue and save the teenagers so they can be reunited with their families. Furthermore, we reject the ranting of the leader of this barbaric group who claims that their actions of murder, terror and a kidnapping is a
part of the Islamic teachings. We state categorically that Islam denounces such action by anyone of any race, religion or nationality, and support s those who strive to uphold the values of freedom and sanctity of life that we hold dearly. Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG)
From Page 31
WANTED SERVICES Experienced roti/puri cooks, SERVICES House plan drafting from- $10,000 curry cooks, pastry makers. electrical works and estimates Apply at Hack’s Halaal, Lot services available – Tel: 667-2189, 5 Commerce Street Live out domestic babysitter 646-6572,629-8750 Repairs, sales & spares air and live in babysitter – conditioning, microwaves, Call:225-0188, 223-7500 washer, fridges & stoves. (Monday to Saturday ) Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, (8:15am-4:15pm) 647-2943 Skilled carpenters to work in Permanent & Visitors Visa Linden- Contact:625-0930; Applications, Professional 668-9863 Immigration Consultant Home tutoring in Diamond, Room D5 Maraj Building Call Children 7 and 8, Time:3Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045 5:30pm- Contact: 657-8732 Cybertron Online Shopping Land to buy in La Parafaite at Vreed-En-Hoop, Call: 261- Harmonie, Eccles & 3057 Herstelling. All low income Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, land – Call:675-7292, 218-5591 Washers, Stoves: Call 683- Cars to work at GR Taxi 1312, 627-3206 (Nick) Service – New Base at Sheriff St, Opposite Survival Supermarket. Base Fee $6,500 – Contact:614-6202 Live in small family – husband to labour, wife – domestic. Good accommodation/salary – Tel:227-1830 Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 Responsible hire car drivers – Call:226-0765 Urgently needed, live-in TO LET Furnished and unfurnished waitresses to work in Bar. two bedrooms apartment in Reasonable salary offer – Tel: Eccles, for short or long term 259-0574 Republic Park Family needs – Tel:643-1131 aid/domestic. One two bedroom apartment live-in to rent at Lot 72 West Alternate week off - $12,000. Ruimveldt - $50,000 per Police clearance needed – Call:627-5098, 675-0767 month – Call:692-7377. Experienced taxi driver, mini One newly built 2 storey bus driver and dispatcher at concrete house, 2 bedroom Princess Hotel – Tel:265for short or long term Bartica 7075, 265-7076 – Call:685-2707 Live in domestic & waitresses One bedroom concrete – age 18-25yrs, must be bottom flat apartment located honest & courteous – Salary at Middle Road, La Penitence $50,000, boarding & lodging - $25,000 per month. free – Call: 610-5043 Preferably a bachelor – Do you need an excavator Contact: 666-9534 operator for the interior? 12 Campbellville - $60,000- years experienced in mining $80,000, Ogle- $60,000- – Call:254-1874, 698-6819 $120,000, Atlantic Gardens - Workers to work on farm – US$850, AA Eccles - $1200US Call: 265-3586 – Contact Diana: 227-2256, 2 persons to clean. Evening & 626-9382 Saturdays. Industry area, full time Two bedroom unfurnished housekeeper, Kingston Area – apartment for rent in Call: 226-2829 Albouystown – Tel: 689-5877. RZ minibus driver, Route 41 – Tel: 628-2918 or 690-6385 Fully furnished two Experienced Machinist and bedrooms apartment for rent in South with TV, Air- gear cutter at E&N Beck, Lot conditioned, hot & cold, 3 Princess & Ketley Street Charlestown, Georgetowncable – Call: 689-5877 Call: 225-6272 TWO BEDROOM Drivers: Apply at Wieting & APARTMENT in Charity Richter Ltd. Housing Scheme – Contact: Experienced male sales 771-4180, 687-5814 representatives. Apply at FOR HIRE Wieting & Richter Ltd. Large enclosed truck – Call: One live in maid – Call: 253694-5460, 266-5771 3336, 675-5256
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Friday May 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
Ukraine rebels ignore Putin call to delay self-rule vote
Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin (C) talks during a news conference inside a regional government building in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine May 8, 2014. REUTERS/Marko Djurica DONETSK, Ukraine/ MOSCOW (Reuters) - ProMoscow separatists in eastern Ukraine ignored a public call by Russian President Vladimir Putin to postpone a referendum on self-rule, declaring they would go ahead on Sunday with a vote that could lead to war. The decision, which contradicted the conciliatory tone set by Putin just a day earlier, caused consternation in the West, which fears the referendum will tear Ukraine apart. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns said Russia was heading down a “dangerous and irresponsible path” and the situation in Ukraine was “extremely combustible”. Denis Pushilin, a leader of the self-declared separatist Donetsk People’s Republic,
expressed gratitude to Putin but said the “People’s Council” had voted unanimously yesterday to hold the plebiscite as planned. “Civil war has already begun,” he told reporters. “The referendum can put a stop to it and start a political process.” A man holding a Kalashnikov stood behind him. Political analysts said Putin may have expected the rebels to go ahead with the referendum, showing that they were not under his orders. By distancing himself from a process that will not be recognized by the West, Putin may also hope to avoid further sanctions as earlier measures begin hitting the economy. His spokesman said the Kremlin needed more information about the rebels’
decision. He also said the rebel statement came only after the Western-backed government in Kiev had declared it would press on with its military operation, implying that Ukraine was to blame for the rebels’ refusal to heed Putin. Russian financial markets sank after surging on Wednesday when Putin unexpectedly called for the vote to be delayed and declared that troops were withdrawing from Ukraine’s border. NATO and the United States both said they saw no sign of a Russian withdrawal from the frontier. When NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen tweeted as much, the Russian Foreign Ministry tweeted back that “those with a blind eye” should read Putin’s statement.
Muslim world scholars condemn Nigeria kidnapping JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Top religious scholars working under the world’s largest bloc of Islamic countries said yesterday they strongly condemn the kidnapping of more than 270 Nigerian schoolgirls, calling for their immediate release. The kidnappings three weeks ago by the extremist group Boko Haram have led to worldwide condemnation. The group’s leader has used Islamic teachings as justification for threatening to sell the girls into slavery. The Islamic Fiqh
Academy, which is based in Saudi Arabia and dedicated to the advanced study of Islam, said that this “crime and other crimes committed by the likes of these extremist organizations contradicts all humanitarian principles and moral values and violates the provisions of the Quran and Sunnah,” or teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The academy is part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which is comprised of some 57 Muslim majority member-nations. Also yesterday, the OIC’s
Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission said Boko Haram is misguided to claim that the abduction of the girls and the threat to sell them off as slaves is in conformity with the injunctions of Islam. The rights body described the abduction of the schoolgirls as a “barbaric act”. “Right to education is a fundamental human right, and is in consonance with the basic tenets of Islam,” the rights body said. Muslims around the world have spoken out against the kidnappings.
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President Bouterse Nigeria’s president at WEF pledges to free kidnapped girls appeals drug sentence (Reuters) - Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan promised yesterday to find more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Islamist rebels, as the hostage crisis overshadowed his opening address to a conference designed to showcase investment opportunities in Africa’s biggest economy. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the capital Abuja, Jonathan thanked foreign nations including the United States, Britain, France and China for their support in trying to rescue the girls, who were kidnapped from a secondary school on April 14 by Boko Haram. He also praised delegates for coming despite the danger posed by the militants, then quickly moved on to a speech about creating jobs in African economies. “As a nation we are facing attack from terrorism,” Jonathan told delegates. “I believe that the kidnap of these girls
Goodluck Jonathan will be the beginning of the end of terrorism in Nigeria.” Despite such promises, Jonathan admitted on national television this week that he had no idea where the girls were. The kidnappings and numerous other attacks by Boko Haram militants have overshadowed Nigeria’s hosting of the forum, an annual gathering of the rich and powerful that replicates the one in Davos, Switzerland. Security for the event was tight. Police and military trucks blocked off all roads
leading to the Abuja Transcorp Hi l t o n h o t e l , where the event was based. Soldiers patrolled the hotel’s grounds and the perimeter with automatic weapons. Parents of the kidnapped girls said troops had arrived in Chibok on a mission to find the girls. “There are about three military helicopters hovering around our town and many soldiers have just arrived,” said Maina Chibok, who has a 16-year-old daughter with the rebels.
R O T T E R D A M , Netherlands - CMC President Desi Bouterse is making another effort to have dismissed the conviction and jail sentence imposed on him in absentia by a court in the Netherlands. His attorney, Inez Weski, has the Dutch newspaper, Telegraaf that his client has filed an appeal against the 11year jail term handed out by the court here in 1999. She said that Patrick van L., the Belgian who had given incriminating statements against Bouterse has since recanted his story and for years has tried to clean the President’s slate. Weski said Van L. was under pressure when he incriminated Bouterse. The attorney said that the Prosecutor ’s Office had offered him a lesser sentence for his involvement in the 474 kilogram cocaine shipment that was intercepted in the Netherlands in 19997, if he would help them build a case against Bouterse, the then former army sergeant who
Desi Bouterse rose to power following a coup in 1980. “We carried out years of research and not only revealed the fabrications, but there were also many other bothersome wanderings of the law that we were able to bring to light. Like the investigative methods that were used, the integrity of the investigation, the fact that they mislead the Judge.
Finding the truth just wasn’t priority anymore,” said Weski. Weski said that based on her findings and the fact that main suspect Van L. has signed a notarized statement in which he says that he named Bouterse without cause, should serve as ample reason for the Supreme Court to investigate the blatant “violations of finding truth and law that have been revealed”. She said President Bouterse expects the High Council to “have the courage and willingness to follow only the law and rule in complete independence”. Bouterse, who has since been democratically elected to office, has had a sour relationship with his country’s former colonizer. The 1999 sentence that was read in The Hague in his absence, was the result of the so-called Co-Pa investigation, in which a Dutch intelligence unit aimed to unearth the drug link between Colombia and Suriname.
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Guyana names strong team for West Indies Long and Short Range matches The Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) has named a strong 8-man team with one standby shooter for the Long and Short Range matches at the 2014 edition of the West Indies Fullbore Rifle Shooting championships underway in Jamaica at the Twickenham Ranges. With the conclusion of the Individual Championship yesterday, which saw Lennox Braithwaite retaining the crown, the Guyanese selection panel met last evening to name the team that will contest the Long and Short Range matches which
will start with the Long Range clash today. Guyana are defending champions and National Captain Mahendra Persaud will lead his charges into battle confident of not only retaining the Milex Cup, but will also be gunning to reclaim the Short Range Cup when the nations face off tomorrow. Persaud will be supported by Vice Captain Dylan Fields, Lennox Braithwaite, Ransford Goodluck, Leo Ramalho, Sigmund Douglas, Ryan Sampson and debutant, Sherwin Felicien. John Fraser
has been named as standby. The area of Coaching is handled by the very experienced Persaud, Goodluck, Braithwaite, Fields, Dane Blair and Paul Slowe all combining their expertise for the Guyanese. The Long Range match will be contested over 900 and 1000 yards, while tomorrow’s Short Range match will see the shooters facing off at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges. Host nation Jamaica, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda and Canada are competing.
Friday May 09, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A neighbor or relative might volunteer to help you with some chores around the house, Aries, but you could sense that his or her heart isn't in it. This person is probably thinking about things and just needs some kind words and a little advice. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Paperwork involving money could be a real drag for you today, Taurus. You'll have to get it done, but you'd rather be elsewhere. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A contract of some kind, perhaps involving the home, might need some careful consideration today, Gemini. You could find it a little difficult to understand, as it could be full of fine print and legalese. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You might pick up some rather disturbing thoughts from a friend, neighbor, or relative, Cancer. This person could be upset over something and not communicating his or her feelings. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Some gossip about a friend could reach your ears today, Leo, and it might seem a bit shocking at first. Money could be involved. However, don't accept what you hear at face value. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today you might find yourself the center of attention, Virgo. Friends could ask for some information they know you have. It might involve telling a story or giving practical advice.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you might take up some sort of occult study, such as astrology, numerology, or alchemy that seems like Greek to you at first, Libra. As a result, you could be tempted to abandon it. Don't! SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A friend might be in such a dour mood that you wonder if this is the same person you know and love, Scorpio. During the day you might be tempted to try to analyze what's going on, but this is apt to raise more questions than answers. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) A friend or romantic partner might need your advice, Sagittarius, and want to discuss a few things that you don't really understand. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you might read a book on exercise or nutrition that seems a bit unsettling, Capricorn. According to the book, you're doing everything wrong! AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) YMemories and emotions welling up from the past might excite your creative impulses today, Aquarius. You may not quite be able to understand what all of this means, but the pictures should keep coming to you nonetheless. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A subject you're researching, perhaps for a class or workshop, might prove more difficult than you expected, Pisces. The resources you consult might be very scholarly and thus difficult to read.
Friday May 09, 2014
Braithwaite retains title as king of the... From page 37 Sigmund Douglas and Leo Ramalho finished second and third in this category. Jamaican Dwayne Ford was the winner of the T Class division which is for first timers with Guyanese Sherwin Felicien coming in second on debut. Bissonnette also won the Long Range Aggregate, tying with Jamaican David Rickman (138 7Vs), Braithwaite (136 8Vs) finishing fifth, the Guyanese however won the Short Range Aggregate (247 16Vs) ahead of Bissonnette (246 16Vs). On yesterday’s final day, Ransford Goodluck won the X Class 1000 yards range (48 3Vs), Jamaican Karen Anderson (46 2Vs) was the top shot in the O Class with fellow Jamaican Dwayne Ford
taking the T Class (42 3Vs) category. Taking the 900 yards was Trinidad and Tobago’s Joseph Ezekiel (48 6Vs), Guyana’s Leo Romahlo won the O Class (44 2Vs) with Jamaica’s Claude Russell (44 1V) winning the T class. Topping the field at 600 yards was T&T’s Norris Gomez who achieved a possible (35 6Vs), Canada’s Scott Murray also achieved a possible (35 4Vs). Barbadian Willoughby King won the O Class (33 3Vs) with the T Class going to another Bajan, Hazley Benjamin (31 2Vs). At 500 yards, the leading X Class shooter was T&T’s Michael Perez, who achieved a possible (50 4Vs), Ransford Goodluck (50 3Vs) and Jamaican David Rickman (50 1V) also shot possibles. Aubrey Yee-Sang of
Jamaica took the O Class (48 5Vs) with top honours in the T Class taken by his teammate, Wayne Ford (47 5Vs).
WICB... From page 40 the sport in the US on a day to day basis.” ”The WICB will also, via their board member on the USACA board, support the governance change program that the USACA board is currently managing. This is a long-term strategy to help build the three foundations for a highly successful US cricketing market: high performance development, models for economic growth and modern day governance.” John Thickett the USACA Treasurer said, that it is, “very exciting that the WICB is dedicating the time and resources to working with us on these three pillars. Both regions and leagues preparing for the national championships in Indianapolis, and youth players looking for development opportunities in their futures should see this as a very beneficial long term development.”
GFSCA 4-team softball action set for tonight at DCC The weekly Friday Night four-team Softball cricket competition organized by the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) is scheduled for the DCC ground tonight under lights. At 6:30PM on Pitch two Floodlights face Enmore in a T20 encounter, while at the same time on Pitch 1 Mike’s Wellman take on Defenders in another T20 match up. At 9:30PM on Pitch 1 the two winners contest the Final in a 10/10 clash, while on Pitch 2 the two Runnersup play for third and fourth place in another 10/10 contest. Trophies for the winner, best batsman and best bowler will be up for grabs.
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Nadal ahead of Federer as ICC anti-corruption unit under review A restructure of the ACSU could see it all-time best, says Agassi effectively controlled by three countries:
(Reuters) - Eight-time grand slam champion Andre Agassi has picked Spaniard Rafa Nadal over Swiss maestro Roger Federer as the greatest tennis player ever, according to a newspaper report on Thursday. The 32-year-old Federer, with 17 grand slam titles, leads his younger opponent who has 13 majors and is recognized as a complete player on all surfaces. “I’d put Nadal No. 1, Federer No. 2,” Agassi told Singapore’s Straits Times newspaper, stoking the popular debate. “Federer separated himself from the field for four years. He separated himself from (Andy) Roddick and (Lleyton) Hewitt. “Nadal had to deal with Federer, (Novak) Djokovic, (Andy) Murray in the golden age of tennis. He has done what he has done and he’s not done yet.” Nadal leads Federer 23-10 in all meetings and Agassi said the number of grand slam titles cannot be the sole yardstick to decide the greatest player.
Australia, England and India © Getty Images
Rafael Nadal (L) of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland hug at the net, after Nadal won their men’s singles semi-final match at the Australian Open 2014 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 24, 2014. REUTERS/Bobby Yip “He has won multiple (majors), every single one (more than once) except the Australian Open - and give him another year on that,”
Agassi said. “It’s just remarkable to me what he has done, and he has done it all during Federer’s prime.”
West Indies Fullbore Rifle Shooting C/ships – Individuals
Braithwaite retains title as king of the Caribbean Ranges; Serge wins overall By Franklin Wilson in Jamaica Compliments of Queensway, Fazia’s Collection, Crown Mining Supply and Fitness Express The Caribbean’s top Individual marksman, Guyanese Lennox Braithwaite retained his billing as the best when the Individual Championships of the West Indies Fullbore Rifle Shooting Association ended yesterday afternoon at the Twickenham Ranges, Jamaica. Starting the day with a s slim lead, Braithwaite maintained the advantage until the final range (1000) when he was overtaken by Canadian Serge Bissonnette who won overall by a single point, Bissonnette was behind the Guyanese champion {Braithwaite} also by one point going into the final range. The difference came at the final range which saw Bissonnette achieving a score of 45 1V to Braithwaite’s 43 3Vs. Braithwaite in an invited comment said that he was very happy to have retained the title following some torrid days at the ranges. He said conditions were very
Sigmund Douglas
Leo Ramalho
challenging for all the shooters but gave thanks to God for allowing him to retain the crown. Rain again intervened at the lunch break yesterday and the organisers were forced to reduce the number of shots that were agreed to at the 1000 yards range from 15 to 10 in order to complete the final two ranges, 900 and 1000. Rain had cut short day two after only two of the three ranges were completed and was threatening again yesterday but eventually
stopped after the shooters restarted in a light drizzle. The sunshine eventually returned in all its glory midway of shooting in the first detail as the Individual championships ended in a blaze of sunshine. The O Class category was won by female Jamaican markswoman Karen Anderson who was also a national squash player and very good friend of Guyana’s squash Queen, Nicolette Fernandes. The Guyanese duo of (Continued on page 36)
ESPNcricinfo - Cricket’s independent watchdog, the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), is to be reviewed by the game’s big three nations, with the body potentially being asked to report directly to the chairman of the board rather than the chief executive of the ICC. The proposals, which stem from the realisation that the sport has changed substantially since the time the ACSU was set up, could see the watchdog effectively controlled by three countries: Australia, England and India. It also means that, barring a dramatic turn of events, the chairman whom the reorganised body will report to is N Srinivasan, who is currently stood down from his duties as BCCI president on orders from India’s Supreme Court following allegations of mismanagement related to the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. ESPNcricinfo has learned that at the April round of ICC meetings in Dubai, a formal review into the function and functionality of the ACSU was commissioned, with the report to be compiled by a four-man team including representatives of India, England and Australia, alongside the ICC chief executive David Richardson. Terms of reference for the review, and its timeline to return findings, are still being finalised. It is believed that a proposal was discussed at meetings surrounding the central board gatherings of the ICC and IDI (ICC Development International, the current commercial arm of the ICC). The proposal pushed for a dramatic reduction of the size of the central ACSU in favour of closer links between the anticorruption teams of Full Member nations. While the proposal is
understood to have been met with a decidedly mixed response by representatives of several nations, the commitment to a review of the workings of the ACSU was encouraged by the widely held view that the issue of corruption in the game has changed shape considerably since the unit was set up. At the time of its inception in 2000, under the control of the retired Commissioner of London Metropolitan Police, Lord Condon, corruption was seen as primarily an issue for international games broadcast on satellite television. However the explosion of T20, and thus the number of opportunities for matches to be illegally influenced, has encouraged boards to initiate their own units, which may now work more cohesively together. “Because the issue of corruption has moved a lot in recent years with the emergence of domestic T20 competitions, it was time to look at the structure of the policing force and how they tie together,” one official said. “It’s about making sure they work across international and domestic cricket as a united force, as opposed to being islands of anti-corruption people.” Discussions around the role of the ACSU have gone on at ICC board level for some time, flowing on from the evolution of anti-corruption
teams in many Full Member countries and the development of greater emphasis on the integrity of domestic Twenty20 tournaments such as the IPL and the Big Bash League. If the proposed change regarding whom the ACSU reports to is passed, it would maintain a drift of primary responsibility for decisionmaking away from the ICC management quartered in Dubai, where they have been ridiculed by the ECB chairman Giles Clarke in particular for wasting money. According to resolutions agreed upon in February, which are expected to be cleared by the ICC full council in June, the chairman of the executive board will be appointed “on an annual rotation basis solely from the nominees of the BCCI, Cricket Australia and the ECB” with an option to serve for one more year if unanimously agreed upon by the big three. Nevertheless, the question of where the body may report to is a vexing one. The ACSU’s independence has allowed it to pursue leads without fear or favour, even if the body’s list of convicted match-fixers is a short one. The unit is currently monitoring the development of the probe into corruption in the IPL being conducted by the Supreme Court of India, while also continuing other investigations of its own.
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Premier League players FIFA the Mafia Organization once in South Korea squad Letter to the Sports Editor
again in Operation in Guyana
DEAR EDITOR, Sir, permit me once again a small space in your newspaper for the sole purpose on edification of our sporting public. It was very deliberate that the same persons who came to Guyana a year ago and stole the elections by many breaches in the GFF constitution based on my very good lawyer friend, who was a part of the then commission, was here again to do the same thing. Lies, lies and more lies. I have never heard in the history of Guyana and the World that any interim bodies can have voting rights anywhere. It is wrong and utter garbage. The President of the GFF assisted by FIFA representatives lies to the people of Guyana. There was no out foxing but just plain lies and deceptions.
Mr. Matthias must go and do so now, we have had enough. Matthias you lost the vote by 9 to 3 since the 6 interim can’t vote. Sir this is not personal but for the good of our nation and save us from starting to believe that a lie is now the truth and acceptable. You are not the President of the GFF legally or anywise. Ivan Persaud VP must take over the GFF now and move the process forward. In the newspapers it also states that many legal Association Members were locked out of the Congress while friends and family were accommodated inside. What has football gone to in Guyana. What is ironic also, is that Mr. Lumumba, King and Wilson were on the inside but lacked the leadership skills to arrest the situation and save Guyana’s football. In
Wilson’s time as a caretaker, he tried to care-take but lacked the skill even to do so. Please Mr. Wilson, it is very clear that you are outside of your league, stick with the Sports department of your newspaper. I plead with our President of Guyana Mr. Ramotar to use his good office for the Good of Guyana and instruct both PS King and Presidential adviser and MP Lumumba that any attempt to hijack our Sports is a conflict of interest. While I am not sure that these regulations apply to Guyana since the Mafia FIFA uses these regulations as and when convenient. I do wish in closing to congratulate the Electoral Committee for walking out of the Congress based on the many irregularities and lies which took place in that meeting. Friends of Football
BBC Sport - Cardiff City’s Kim Bo-kyong and Sunderland’s on-loan midfielder Ki Sung-yeung have been included in South Korea’s 23-man squad for the World Cup. Arsenal striker Park Chuyoung, 28, Bolton’s Lee Chung-yong, 25, and QPR’s Yun Suk-young, 24, are also among nine Europe-based players named. Midfielder Kim, 24, has played 31 times for Cardiff this season, while Ki, 25, is on loan from Swansea. South Korea are in Group H, along with Russia, Algeria and Belgium. Former Monaco striker Park will be going to
his third World Cup for South Korea, despite playing only once for Arsenal and twice during a loan spell at Watford this season. “Among Korean forwards, I couldn’t find another attacker to replace Park,” said coach Hong Myung-bo, who will oversee South Korea’s ninth appearance in the World Cup finals. Goalkeepers: Jung Sung-ryeong (Suwon Bluewings), Kim Seung-gyu (Ulsan Horang-i), Lee Bomyoung (Busan I’Park) Defenders: Kim Jin-soo (Albirex Niigata), Yun Sukyoung (QPR), Kim Youngkwon (Guangzhou Evergrande), Hwang Seok-ho
(Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Hong Jeong-ho (Augsburg), Kwak Tae-hwi (Al Hilal), Lee Yong (Ulsan Horang-i), Kim Changsoo (Kashiwa Reysol). Midfielders: Ki Seungyeung (Sunderland), Ha Daesung (Beijing Guoan), Han Kook-young (Kashiwa Reysol), Park Jung-woo (Guangzhou R&F), Son Heung-min (Bayer Leverkusen), Kim Bo-kyoung (Cardiff City), Lee Chungyong (Bolton Wanderers), Ji Dong-won (Augusburg). Forwards: Koo Ja-cheol (Mainz), Lee Keun-ho (Sangju Sangmu), Park Chuyoung (Arsenal), Kim Shinwook (Ulsan Horang-i).
Police threaten World Cup pay strike
Durant, Westbrook help Thunder level series (Reuters) - Newly crowned MVP Kevin Durant scored 32 points and Russell Westbrook recorded a tripledouble as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Los Angeles Clippers 112-101 on Wednesday to level their second round playoff series. A day after he was named the NBA’s top player, Durant came up with a performance that included 12 rebounds and nine assists. Westbrook backed him up with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists as the home Thunder tied the best-of-seven series 1-1. Durant lifted his new trophy in front of the Oklahoma City crowd prior to the game, but quickly had to focus on lifting his team. “I didn’t want to take that moment for granted. It was surreal. I wanted to enjoy it, but focus on the game at the same time,” Durant told reporters. “I liked our intensity and focus to start the game.” Having been blown out in a Game One home loss Monday, Oklahoma City responded with a secondhalf surge and led by 20 in the fourth quarter. Chris Paul tallied 17 points and 11 assists for the Clippers after a career shooting performance that included eight three-pointers in the previous game. Paul spent much of the game chasing Westbrook, who notched his
In Rio de Janeiro, striking federal police officers wore t-shirts that read “SOS federal police” (AP)
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) attempts a shot against Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports third triple-double in the last five games. “I think (Westbrook) played harder than all of us combined,” Paul said. “He was all over the place. We have to play better.” Los Angeles trailed by five at halftime but the Thunder broke the game open in the third quarter where they outscored the Clippers 33-21.
It was a good night for the Oklahoma City supporting cast including Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha, who tallied 14 points apiece. Los Angeles All Star forward Blake Griffin had a quiet night with 15 points and six rebounds. Game Three is today in Los Angeles.
BBC Sport - Federal police in Brazil have gone on strike over pay, and threatened to continue their protest during the football World Cup next month. A spokesman for the striking officers, Renato Deslandes, told the BBC that “at least 40%” of the force took part. He said their protest would continue if the government did not increase pay in line with inflation. The 24-hour walkout took place across Brazil, including some of the cities that will host the football tournament. A similar police strike last month in the northeastern state of Bah i a forced the authorities to d e p loy federal troops to restore order on the streets. On Wednesday, there were protests in Rio de Janeiro, Br a s i l i a a n d Fortaleza, among other cities. There was no independent estimate of the number of police
involved in the strike. In Rio, some 50 striking officers covered their mouths with red scarves and wore t-shirts that read “SOS federal police”. The World Cup will be hosted in 12 cities, including Rio, from 12 June. They stood next to a life-sized inflatable white elephant that symbolised the government spending and the high cost of hosting the World Cup in Brazil. “Federal agents are the only category of workers whose salary has been frozen in the last five years,” Renato Deslandes, Director of Communications for the National Federation of Federal Police Officers, told the BBC. “We are not looking for a real salary increase, but a re-adjustment in accordance with inflation during those five years,” he said.
A surge in food prices pushed inflation to 6.15% in the 12 months ending in March. Mr Deslandes said police salaries were now worth 35% less than in 2009. He added they would “continue striking in the coming weeks and during t h e Wo r l d C u p i f t h e government doesn’t raise pay in line with inflation”. The police are paid between 7,500 and 12,800 reais ($3,200-5,800; £2,0003,400) a month before tax and social security contributions, the AFP news agency reported. Last month, thousands of soldiers were deployed to Bahia to maintain order after police went on strike for two days over pay. State officials said 39 people were killed in and around the state capital, S a l v a d o r, d u r i n g t h e walkout - a much higher figure than normal - and shops were also looted.
Friday May 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Country Boys beat Road More entries pour in for Kennard Memorial Turf Club horserace meet Warriors in AR Auto Sale final Known for having by far the best facilities in the horseracing circle in Guyana, the principals of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) are bent on keeping that status as they try to raise the standard of the sport. The club situated at Bush Lot farm on the Corentyne is the venue on Sunday 18th May for their annual pre Independence one day horserace meet at the club’s Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice. With the prevailing dry weather prolonging and the acquiring of a new tractor the facilities are expected to be in the best of condition and some fast time are expected. The 6 race meet which has close to $3.5M in trophies and cash incentives at stake has so far attracted over 60 entries. The feature D 1 and lower 1 mile event has so far attracted some of the best in the business as they set to compete for the $500,000 and trophy on offer. Horses such as Treacle, Milwaukee Blitz, In Seattle, Fresh Again, Run Nana Run, Some Legend, Red and Lovely, It’s My turn, City
Tune and Stormy Flame have already entered their name to take the arena by storm in their quest for the top money. The other events on the day are for animals classified G1 and lower with the winner set to take home $300,000 and trophy over 6F. This race also has a large field in Damascus Dream, Quiet Strom, No Body Wants me, Gold Rush, Wild Grinder, Princess Page, Rosetta, Bridal Stone Corner and Super Bowl. There is a race for three and four year old Guyana and West Indies Bred maiden animals which also has a winning purse of $300,000 and trophy up for the taking. The entries include Bunny Signs, Triple, Key for the Killer, Swift way, Nobre Import, Royal cash and Little. The race for the ‘I’ class animals carries a winning purse of $250,000 and trophy over 7 Furlongs with the likes of Mary Ann, Funny Side, Famous Pride, Party Time, Prince Bayaya, Speed Vision, Windy Killer and De Gump set to compete. The two J class races on the day’s card are both over
six furlongs. The J1 race has a winning purse of $200,000 and trophy. There J3 and lower contest will see the animals compete for a winning purse of $150,000 and trophy. Other top horses set to compete are Cat Messiah and Wild Grinder. The outstanding jockeys, trainers and stables will all received trophies and other accolades compliments of Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market and the organisers. Horse owners, trainers, grooms and others interested in entering their horses have a few days left to do so since entries are set to close on Sunday May 11th. For more information and clarification persons can make contact with Justice Cecil Kennard on telephone numbers 226-1399, 225-4818 or 623-7609,club Secretary Niketa Ross on 662-4668, Roopnarine “Shine’ Matadial, 325-3192, Ivan Dipnarine 3310316, Isabella Beaton 6937812 or Dennis DeRoop 3253301 or 609-9143). Race time is 13:00hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Hibbert fires Pacers past Wizards to level series
(Reuters) - Roy Hibbert emerged from a deep playoff slump to help rescue the Indiana Pacers as they edged Washington 86-82 on Wednesday to avoid falling behind by two games in the Eastern Conference semifinal. Hibbert, coming off a Game One performance in which he failed to record a point or rebound, broke through with 28 points and nine rebounds that allowed Indiana to tie the best-ofseven series 1-1. Indiana’s seven-footer had been under fire for his poor play throughout the post-season and he credited his team for helping him regain form. “Paul (George) took me out on his boat yesterday and we sat there and fished – we didn’t even talk about basketball,” Hibbert told reporters. “My team mates really believed in me. I’m thankful for such great team mates.” Things were not as harmonious for the whole game for the top-seeded Pacers, who trailed 77-74 with five minutes to go before answering with a 10-2 run that clinched the contest. Lance Stephenson hit a 3pointer with 21.4 seconds left,
Azad Mohamed of AR Auto Sale (third from right) hands over the winning trophy to captain of the Country Boys team Sachin Ramcharran.
Chatterpaul Balkissoon (third from right) presents the trophy to skipper of Brickery Spurs Badleo Persaud Country Boys defeated Road Warriors by seven wickets in the final of the major league segment of the AR Auto Sale Indian Arrival Day softball tournament which was contested on Sunday last at Lusignan. Road Warriors, who drew the bye to the final, batted first and scored 61-4 in five overs with Rayan Gopaul scoring 28 (4x6), Sachin Ramcharran took 2-28. Country Boys replied with 66-
Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) takes a shot against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) in game two of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports giving the Pacers a five-point lead. Stephenson finished with 12 points, and guard George Hill scored 14. Marcin Gortat tallied 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Wizards. Bradley Beal added 17 points and seven assists while point guard John Wall had a second difficult shooting night, making just 2-for-13 from the field. The Wizards now head home to Washington for
Game Three today. Washington surprised Indiana by jumping on them early in Game One, but it was the turn of the Wizards to be blindsided by Hibbert in the rematch. “We knew he was going to get touches, no one expected him to score 28,” Gortat said. “The most important thing is to make sure he’s not going to come back the next game with the same effort.”
3. Ramcharran was given the Man of the Match award donated by former Guyana and West Indies cricketer Joe Solomon. Ramcharran, who scored 47 against 7 Star, also took the best batsman prize as well as the best bowling accolade with 3-2 versus Success. Country Boys overcame Success in the semi-final played earlier. Success took first strike and managed 32 all out in five overs. Ramcharran grabbed 52.Country Boys, who
received a trophy for their efforts, responded with 33 in 1.2 overs. Fifteen teams took part in the competition. Brickery got the better of Anso 7 by nine wickets in the final of the minor league division. Anso 7 scored 35 all out in four overs, batting first. Antonyo Jhaman claimed 313 for Brickery who reached their target in 3.3 overs, ending on 37-1. The category was sponsored by Chatterpaul Balkissoon.
IAAF World Athletics Day C/ships on tomorrow The 2014 IAAF World Athletics Day Championships will be held tomorrow at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary, commencing at 10:00 hours. According to a release, there will be the Inter Schools Championships for athletes who are under 16 as at December 31, 2014 and those born in 1999, 2000, 2001) Both Track and Field events for Boys & Girls including 80m; 150m; 1000m;
1500m/2000m Race Walk, while the Field events to be contested are: Long Jump; Shot; Discus, Javelin Entry is free and each athlete must compete in two (2) events-one (1) Track & one (1) Field. Awards will be made to athletes placing 1st; 2nd & 3rd in each event, while points will be awarded to athletes placing 1st to 6th in each event. The IAAF Trophy will be awarded to the School
gaining the most points. Youth - (under 18 as at December 31, 2014; Born in 1997-1998) Events Boys: 100m; 800m; 3000m; LJ; Shot; Javelin; 3000m Race Walk Girls: 100m; 400m; 1500m; LJ; Discus; Shot; 2000m Race Walk Entry – entry is FREE. Each athlete will only be allowed to compete in one (1) event. Awards – will be made to athletes placing 1st; 2nd & 3rd in each event.
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 09, 2014
2013 Ramcharitar Construction First Division 50 overs knockout cricket competition
Sinclair’s 62 helps Police upset Rose Hall Town Gonsalves’ blistering 80 sees Port Mourant to easy win over Universal Solutions Bermine The 2013 Ramcharitar Construction Services First Division 50 overs knockout cricket competition continued last Saturday in Berbice with all of the three scheduled third round matches being played off resulting in Police, Port Mourant and Young Warriors Universal DVD all winning their respective matches to advance to the semi-finals. In a stunning upset, the lowly placed Police turned the tables to knock out one of the favourites Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets. Led by Albert Sinclair who made 62 (5 fours and 1 six) and who put on 112 for the 3rd wicket with Kwesi Mickle (34), Police posted 214 in 43.5 overs with former Guyana under-19 cricketer Dominique Rikhi, bowling off-spin, picking up 4 for 32 from 8.5 overs. When Rose Hall replied, Rikhi made 29 and all rounder Rajiv Ivan 36 to position their team to need just 4 runs for victory with two wickets left in the last over. However, offspinner Rocky Hutson ensured that Troy Matheson and Simeon Lawson could only get one. After Universal Solutions Bermine were
seemingly well placed at 111 for 3 against Port Mourant, left arm spinner Bishram Deolall and offspinner Samuel Kesnasammy picked up three wickets each to restrict them to 154 all out in 43 overs. When Port Mourant replied, former Guyana youth cricketer batsman Troy Gonsalves utterly destroyed the Bermine bowling, hitting 80 in just 38 balls, including 10 fours and 4 massive sixes to lead Port Mourant to an 8wicket victory in just 14.1 overs. Videsh Singh slammed 52 (5 fours and 2 sixes) to guide Young Warriors Universal DVD to a modest 135 in 34.3 overs against West Berbice with offspinner Andre Dutchin picking up 4 for 17 from 7 overs. When West Berbice replied, they were bowled out for just 103 with former Berbice under-19 wicketkeeper-batsman and offspinner Ishwar Singh picked up 4 for 22 from 5 overs. Albion Community Centre is the other team in the semi-final by virtue of a bye after defeating Blairmont Community Centre in the first round. IN SUMMARISED SCORES:
Albert Sinclair
Bisham Deolall
Dominique Rikhi
Videsh Singh
At Cumberland, Police beat Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets by 2 runs. The match was reduced to 45 overs a side because of a late start due to rain and Police were sent in to take first strike, and made 214 in 43.5 overs with Albert Sinclair 62, Kwesi Mickle 34, Clifton Lindee 34, Andel Dorus 22, and Michael Campbell 22. Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets 212 for 8 in 45 overs with Dominique Rikhi 39, Rajiv Ivan 36, Shawn Pereira 30, Troy Matheson 27 N.O, Andel Doris 2 for 37 from 8 overs, Rocky Hutson 2 for
24 from 9 overs. At Port Mourant, Port Mourant beat Universal Solution Bermine by 8 wickets, Universal Solution Bermine, choosing to bat first made 154 in 43 overs with Amir Seecharran 39, Steve Deonarine 23, Bisham Deolall 3 for 20 from 7overs, Samuel Kesnasammy 3 for 23 from 9 overs, Yudendra Harrinarine 2 for 22 from 6 overs. Port
Mourant 155 for 2 in 14.1 overs with Troy Gonsalves 80, Joshua Ramsammy 34 N.O, Devendra Thakurdeen 29. At Bush Lot in West Berbice, Young Warriors Universal DVD beat West Berbice by 32 runs. Young Warriors choosing to bat first made135 in 34.3 overs with Videsh Singh 52, Alex Algoo 22, Andrew Dutchin 4 for 17, Rennison Mitchell 2 for 16
from 6 overs. West Berbice 103 in 26 overs with Randy Wede 36, Sherwin McPherson 21, Ishwar Singh 4 for 22 from 5 overs, Kishar Gangaram 3 for 19 from 9 overs. Meanwhile, the semifinals are fixed for tomorrow with Young Warriors Universal DVD hosting Police at Cumberland and Port Mourant staying at home.
WICB and USACA announce joint partnership St John’s, Antigua – In a move designed to open up more high performance cricket opportunities for United States players, and accelerate cricket development in the USA, the West Indies Cricket Board and USACA yesterday announced a long term joint partnership. As part of the partnership, a member of the WICB Board of Directors will sit on the USACA board. This will facilitate, among other things, the exchange of higher performing players from USACA member leagues and clubs into WICB development programs. In addition, USACA’s new Chief Executive Officer will have a position on the WICB’s Chief Executive Committee to help develop stronger economic best practices going forward for the US market. WICB President Mr. Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron commented: “This is the right way for us to help develop the US market. We are going to be engaged on a day-to-day basis on the three core pillars
John Thickett
Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron
for development. The closeness of a full member country to the US means we can easily help develop pinnacle performance in US players as well as build a stronger base for economic development hand-in-hand with USACA.” ”We will rapidly build plans and open up infrastructure for bringing top US players into the West Indian development system, and we are supporting the finalization of the current USACA governance changes,” Cameron added.
Gladstone Dainty, USACA President noted, “having the opportunity to work closely with another full member country offers exciting opportunities for US players looking to sharpen skills and experiences with world-class cricketers. The ongoing sharing of best practices on sponsorships, high performance development and governance with the WICB gives USACA access to a very close geographic partner that can help drive the development of (Continued on page 36)
Preparations in full swing for this year’s Digicel football Football Coach Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson seen conducting a theoretical session in Lethem recently.
As part of its preparations for what has already been labeled the biggest Schools F o o t b a l l To u r n a m e n t , Digicel recently hosted another round of coaching clinics, this time in Lethem, at the Tabatinga ground. According to a release, the Organisers’ preparation for this year’s mega event, which is touted to exceed last year’s number of participants, is already in full swing, the first of a series of coaching clinics was held in Lethem on April 24th-25th at the Tabatinga Ground. This two
day session saw nineteen (19) participants, teachers and community members from Aishalton, Sand Creek, Annai, Mahdia and St. Ignatius being trained by coaches Bryan Joseph and Joseph Wilson of the Guyana Football Coaches Association. “We are k e e n o n ensuring that these participants know what is expected of them on all levels during the matches that will be played in their region, there are strict rules and guidelines, we expect the
highest level of professionalism and commitment from our organisers” stated Coordinator Lavern FraserThomas. The format of the coaching sessions is theoretical and practical and the first in a series of preparatory works being conducted to ensure all parties involved are totally equipped and are ready for this year’s tournament. Several other coaching sessions are planned for regions one, two and five.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 09, 2014
Pistorius social worker says sprinter heartbroken
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GCA T20 semi-finals on tomorrow
GNIC face GCC & Police battle DCC The semi-finals of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GBC)/Carib Beer T20 Cricket Competition are scheduled for tomorrow in what should be two pulsating matches at the DCC ground in Queenstown. In the first match,
South African Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius sits in the dock during his murder trial in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, May 8, 2014. REUTERS/Gianluigi Guercia/Pool JOHANNESBURG ( R e u t e r s ) - A government social worker assigned to give Oscar Pistorius emotional support after the killing of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, told a court on Thursday the South African track star on trial for murder was heartbroken over the shooting. Yv e t t e S c h a l k w y k , who has been visiting Pistorius since Steenkamp’s killing on Feb. 14 last year, dismissed suggestions that Pistorius, who has broken down repeatedly in court, was using his emotions to deflect tough questioning. “I was very upset when I read that people were saying that Oscar took acting lessons,” she told the Pretoria High Court. “I wanted to come and give my observation of what I saw.”She said the 27year-old Olympic and Paralympic sprinter had told her he missed 29year-old law graduate and model Steenkamp a great deal and was crying “80 percent of the time”. Steenkamp died almost instantly after being hit by four hollow-point 9mm rounds fired through a toilet door. Pistorius says it was
a tragic mistake after he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder who had broken into his luxury Pretoria home. The state alleges that he shot her in a fit of rage after the couple had an argument. Prosecutor Gerrie N e l c r i t i c i z e d S c h a l k w y k ’s e v i d e n c e as irrelevant but judge Thokozile Masipa said h e r v iews were valid, especially since Nel had accused the athlete of breaking down whenever he came under pressure on the witness stand. If convicted of murder, Pistorius faces life in prison. The trial, which has been running since early March, has drawn h u g e i n t e r e s t internationally and in South Africa, where it has been broadcast live on a dedicated cable television channel. Before the shooting, Pistorius, who had his lower legs amputated as a baby, was one of the most recognized names in athletics, competing against able-bodied sprinters on carbon-fibre prosthetics. Besides a clutch of Paralympic medals, he reached the semi-finals of the 400m at the London 2012 Olympics.
scheduled to start at 09:30 hrs, GCC face-off with GNIC while home team DCC clash with Police Sports Club at 13:30 hrs in the other semi-final. Umpires Shannon Crawford and Colin Alfred will officiate in both matches.
Exciting cricket is expected with National players Chris Barnwell and Paul Wintz among those turning out for DCC, while Leon Johnson and Robin Bacchus are included in the GCC line-up. West Indies batsman Assad Fudadin, former Test off-spinner
Clyde Butts and exGuyana pacer Rayon Griffith are a part of the GNIC unit, while Trevor Benn, who toured with the Guyana senior team and former National under-19 pacer Seon Daniels should be included in the Police team.
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 09, 2014
GCA cricket continues this weekend HADI’S-World Incorporated first Division two-day Cricket Competition continues tomorrow and Sunday from 09:30 hrs with Transport playing G.Y.O at Malteenoes and G.D.F battling Everest at Camp Ayanganna. In the Noble House Seafoods second Division two-day Cricket Competition, Malteenoes face Sophia at G.Y.O, G.N.I.C oppose M.Y.O at G.N.I.C, St. Stanislaus College take on Police at Turkeyen and D.C.C come up against Third Class at M.Y.O
‘Pollard, Starc need a... From page 43 committee and the technical committee, said that no advisory has been issued to match referees in light of the Pollard-Starc incident since the officials were aware of the rules. “That is the match referee’s jurisdiction. Only after they take a decision do we have a right to comment.” The IPL’s handling of the incident has once again reopened the debate about whether slow over-rates are more important to the league than bad behaviour and attract more fines because of the impact on TV programming. Shastri rubbished the notion and said that the IPL had set a better example than anybody else, including the ICC, when it came to penalising tardy over-rates. “Slow overrates slow the pace of the game and captains are appropriately fined. No other cricket body in the world takes so strong (an action) as the IPL. Even the ICC can take a leaf out of the IPL.” Shastri had earlier expressed his annoyance at Pollard and Starc’s behavior in his Times of India column. “This one went beyond bad behavior,” Shastri wrote. “You can joust, tease, stare, have a spat, give a send-off and all that can still be
tolerated, but you can’t almost come to blows. It bordered on violence, luckily without anything untoward happening. Both aimed to hurt each other with bat and ball. The faults by both are many - disrespect to umpires, abuse of equipment, utter disregard for the name of their employers, contempt for sponsors and injuring the spirit of the game itself. “Starc likes to provoke. We all watched him give a m o u t h f u l t o Vi r e n d e r Sehwag after his short ball had rammed the opener on the helmet and gone to the fence. Even that is tolerable in small doses. Pollard was nothing if not physical. Both need to be spoken to with a stern warning and not just a fine.” The altercation began with an exchange of words after Starc bowled a bouncer to Pollard in the 17th over of Mumbai Indians’ innings against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Pollard pulled away as Starc ran in for the next delivery, but the bowler continued and bowled the ball at Pollard’s body. In response, Pollard threatened to throw his bat at Starc, but it fell close to the batsman. Andy Pycroft, the match referee, fined Pollard 75% and Starc 50% of their match fees.
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Friday May 09, 2014
‘Pollard, Starc need a stern warning’ - Shastri ESPNcricinfo - Ravi Shastri, the former India allrounder and IPL governing council member, has warned that a repeat of altercations such as the one involving Kieron Pollard and Mitchell Starc could result in much stiffer penalties for the players, including “double” their match fee or even a ban. “They should be given a fine and then a stern warning stating that (if) once more then it could be double the penalty and even a match ban,” Shastri told ESPNcricinfo. When asked whether increasing monetary sanctions alone could prevent a breach of the IPL’s rules, Shastri remained
confident. “It could. It is in the hands of the match referee. But I would tell the player that next time if you even come close (to a breach) you will face serious consequences.” Shastri provided the example of the “stiff” $50,000 fine imposed on then Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne during the 2011 IPL for breaching the playing contract. Warne had allegedly verbally abused the then Rajasthan Cricket Association secretary Sanjay Dixit, and a disciplinary panel comprising former IPL chairman Chirayu Amin and Shastri imposed the penalty. “The penalties can be pretty stiff. We penalised Warne an
amount which amounted to his match fee for a match. He was on a $700,000 contract with Rajasthan Royals. Tell me one player who has been fined $50,000 anywhere.” Shastri, who also sits on the IPL’s code of behaviour (Continued on page 42)
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t r o Sp West Indies Fullbore Rifle Shooting C/ships – Individuals
Braithwaite retains title as king of the Caribbean Ranges; Serge wins overall P.37
Lennox Braithwaite in action at the 1000 yards range yesterday in Jamaica.
Caribbean Individual Shooting King, Lennox Braithwaite (left) is being congratulated by National Captain Mahendra Persaud after he completed the 1000 yard range yesterday.
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