Saturday May 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
This officer at the Providence Finally someone from the masses will rule India Station is very disrespectful DEAR EDITOR, I am a self-employed businessman and reside at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. I am the owner and driver of a minibus (number provided). During the month of March (approximately three weeks ago), I visited the Traffic Headquarters (Enquiries) at Eve Leary, where I made contact with a Sergeant of Police to confirm whether a 14-seater Minibus has to bear a Conductor. The Sergeant confirmed with a Senior Officer regarding same and subsequently confirmed the negative in that based on the Traffic Laws, once I bear a Conductor’s Licence, I don’t need a Conductor. This urgent enquiry on my behalf came on the heels of being harassed repeatedly by an officer (name and rank provided) attached to the Providence Police Station. This officer would stop my bus and interrogate me for no apparent reason even when I am taking my family out, be it on a Sunday or any other day. He would stop me, walk and look into my vehicle by putting his head through the windows (God knows what he is looking for). He would then ask for all my documents and when I produced same, he would refuse to check them and make some obnoxious comment then tell me to proceed on my way. As a result this got me on my last nerve, because there are buses that would pass him in my presence with overload and 15seater Minibuses that don’t have conductors and he does not stop them in any way. On Friday April 11, 2014 between the 16:00 – 16:20 hours I was proceeding south along the East Bank Public Road in my Minibus with
passengers, en route to Grove, when again I was stopped by the abovementioned officer at Providence. He asked me why I did not have a conductor, and I told him because my vehicle is a registered 14-seater Minibus and I was instructed by a Senior Officer at Traffic Headquarters that I do not have to bear a Conductor. As such he told me to produce my “Road Service Licence” which I did. It was attached to my Registration. He tore off the “Road Service Licence” from the Registration and gave me the Registration. He told me to follow him to his office, which I did, and then he pulverized my “Road Service Licence” in my presence and threw it in the rubbish bin. He then took out a Traffic Law Book- 51:02 and read something to me. I then asked him for my “Road Service Licence” and his words were to me “go back to Brickdam and get another one”. I then became annoyed because it was a very disrespectful act towards me coming from a “Law Officer” who is supposed to be alerting citizens in the right way if they are not cognizant. When I asked him for the second time for my “Road Service Licence” he denied me same and I then told him that he would have to charge me and he said “well that gon be when we reach up again”. I then proceeded to the Brickdam Police Station to see the Commander, but he was not present. I subsequently went to the Traffic Headquarters at Eve Leary where I met with a Senior Officer and reported the matter. He advised me
that there was an amendment to the Traffic Laws, about two weeks prior. He explained and I then understood that the laws regarding all 14-seater Minibuses have been incorporated with the 15Seaters, in that they must now carry Conductors among other amendments. The officer at Providence never explained that to me, which was his duty, according to the Senior Officer, instead of throwing away my “Road Service Licence”, as that Licence should have been be forwarded to Brickdam Police Station for future reference. The Senior Officer was not at all pleased with his conduct and said he would speak to his superior regarding same. This officer at the Providence Station is very disrespectful to members of the public and not performing his duties in the way they should be done. Remember, no one would believe the members of the public when they report of unlawful incarceration etc., by these police officers, as their words always stand. I would be grateful if this officer would stop harassing me, as there is no record of me at any station with carrying overload etc. It seems that he has something personal against me. I would be grateful if a serious investigation could be conducted into this matter. Lennox Brumell
DEAR EDITOR, There is something electrifying about the rise of Narendra Modi from the son of a tea seller to most likely the next Prime Minister of the world largest democracy. Indian politics has been dominated by the elite Gandhi dynasty since independence but as result of the manner in which they “putinized” and “bastardized” the terms of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh; their legacy is seriously damaged today. In India’s current elections, the standard-bearer of the Congress party is Rahul
Gandhi, but he comes across as an absolute novice compared to the statesmanlike stature of Modi. From all the interviews I have seen of Rahul, I observed a “wishy-washy” politician who completely failed to inspire; which is quite damaging to the image of the Indian educated class whom are known worldwide for their oratory skills and intellect. By contrast, Modi comes across as a Head of State in waiting, who understands the botherations of the people, how to formulate the solutions and how to lead on the implementation of these
solutions. He stands on a solid anti-poverty record in Gujarat that is very probusiness with a focus on human development. He also has a reputation as someone who can confront corruption and graft. Modi appears as the man that will finally unleash the true potential of India. As someone with ancestral roots in India, I am very proud that India has finally broken the silent rule that only the fairskinned upper class can rule the masses. Finally someone from the masses will rule India. Free at last, India is free at last. Sase Singh
DEAR EDITOR, I stared with sadness and disgust at the horrible news of nearly 300 hundred school girls abducted on April 14, 2014 in Nigeria’s NorthEastern Borno State, West Coast Africa, as schools were opened for students to prepare for their final exams. What is the crime these innocent children committed? Why do they have to endure this horror? Who are these barbarian abductors; these beasts of the un-Godliness operating under the banner of Islam? The kidnappings threeand-a-half weeks ago by the
extremist group called Boko Haram have raised a worldwide outcry and condemnation. The group leader has used the distorted teachings of Islam for justification of his actions and threatens to sell the girls into slavery. This crime and the crimes committed by the likes of these extremist organizations contradicts and violates all humanitarian principles and moral values and violates the Sharia laws of Islam and the
sacred teachings of the Holy Qu’ran and of Prophet Muhammad – may peace be upon him. This is a barbaric, terrorist act of which I utterly condemn as I echo the call for Continued on page 23
A barbaric, terrorist act of which I utterly condemn
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Rodney COI…PNC/R says PPP has Region’s trade in the spotlight as COTED meets in Guyana no interest in the pursuit of truth The People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) is of the view that the recently launched Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI) is set to miss the chance to pursue the truth about Dr. Rodney’s death due to the Terms of Reference drafted by the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP). The party outlined through its leader David Granger that it supports the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry with the stated objective “to inquire into and report on the circumstances surrounding the death in an explosion of the late Dr. Walter Rodney”, particularly with the first Terms of Reference TOR 1 “to examine the facts and circumstances immediately prior, at the time of, and subsequent to, the death of Dr. Walter Rodney in order to determine, as far as possible, who or what was responsible for the explosion resulting in the death of Dr. Walter Rodney.” However, the party had raised its concerns with TOR 4 which required the Commission “to examine and report on the actions and activities of the state, such as the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana National Service, the Guyana People’s Militia and those who were in command and superintendence of these agencies to determine whether they were tasked with the surveillance of and the carrying out of actions and whether they did execute those tasks and carried out those actions against the Political Opposition for the
period 1st January 1978 to 31st December 1980.” Granger outlined that the Human Rights Association (GHRA) also expressed the view that the proposed Terms of Reference had “greater potential for reviving rather than healing ethnic division in Guyana. In this respect, the clause [TOR 4] provides an opportunity…for generating a stream of horror stories from that era into the work of the Commission, with rich potential for stirring up IndoGuyanese resentment against the PNC.” The PNC/R is of the view that the purpose of an Inquiry should not be to ascertain civil or criminal liability. “That is the task for a court of law” said Granger. As such, Granger asserts that number 4 of the TOR is in conflict with number 1 of the said document and is “a deliberately diversionary smokescreen which would obscure the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Walter Rodney and it is likely to constrain the Commission’s pursuit of the truth.” “It is clear that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration is more interested in seeking to gain a political advantage by unashamedly provoking resentment against the PNC/ R than in pursuing the truth about Dr. Rodney’s death,” said Granger. According to Granger, the PPP/C “has now deliberately waited on the onset of Local Government Elections with the intention of diverting public attention from the prevalent problems of crime, corruption, incompetence and
conflict within the PPP itself.” The Party during a press briefing held yesterday expressed the view that the timeframe aimed at the concluding of the COI is not about thoroughness “but at Dr. Rodney’s death anniversary in June, now less than five weeks away.” The PNC/R outlined that the Inquiry’s main aim should be to find out what happened and how it happened. “The PPP/C Administration, in drafting the Terms of Reference in this peculiar manner, opened the floodgates to ‘hearsay’ evidence. Human memory, after 34 years, can be contaminated by political propaganda, prejudice and partiality. Human memory is capable of playing tricks with the recollection of past events. It will be difficult, as has already been shown, to separate fact from fiction and premonition” said Granger. The PNC/R asserts “that the timing of the Inquiry 34 years after the incident; the four-month deadline for the submission of the report; the relaxation of the rules of evidence; the insertion of TOR (4); the live streaming of testimony over state-owned radio and the hysterical headlines in the state-owned media are all part of a planned political propaganda programme.” “The entire performance is aimed at seeking to damage the reputation of the PNC administration and to impugn the character of public servants who served our country at the time of Dr. Rodney’s death,” said Granger.
Trade Ministers of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) yesterday began discussions for cooperation with the region’s private sector during the twoday 38th Ministerial Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED). The meeting is intended to focus on a number of critical areas including an assessment of the state of play of the negotiations with Canada for a Trade and Development agreement; progress of the Transportation Commission and the Commission on the Economy, and a special session with the business community. Addressing the meeting during the opening, CARICOM Secretary-General, Irwin La Rocque, stated that the private sector is the key to economic growth in the region, noting that the critical role of this sector has been under discussion in CARICOM for some time. He added that this involvement would be conducive to attracting business and critical for employment and economic
growth. La Rocque also focused on other issues to be addressed during the meeting such as regional transportation. The issue seeks to address air and maritime matters, and to advise on solutions to the economic challenges that currently face the Community. To be addressed would be the effective delivery of transportation, cost and sustainability of transportation in the Region, and the ease of travel, a Government statement said. Regarding relations with the regional private sector, the Commission on the Economy is supported by the participation of regional institutions including the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the University of the West Indies (UWI). “There has already been an endorsed preliminary report that covers fiscal sustainability including debt management, resource mobilisation, private sector stimulation, and transitioning to sustainable growth.” It is expected that an interaction with the regional business leaders during the COTED meeting will see the
development of strategic direction to guide the work of the Council in acknowledgement of the pivotal role the private sector plays in sustainable growth and development. The discussions are expected to elicit from the business community the requirements for production and trade, and for stimulating an environment that is conducive to the growth of the Region’s private sector, business and trade. A team from Guyana’s Foreign Ministry is representing the country at the COTED.
From page 2 older son to get help. Ramash recalled that her neighbour assisted her to the West Bank Demerara Regional Hospital where doctors tried to save her son's life. But, by 19:30hrs the boy was dead. According to Balkaran, Satyanand's father had just left to go to the interior to work when they were forced to tell him to return home. They did not break the sad news over the telephone but told him the boy was in the
hospital. Balkaran said her son viewed the corpse of his second child at the funeral parlour yesterday. The family is preparing for the post mortem examination which would be conducted on Monday. Balkaran said that the family will be taking the matter to the Public Utilities Commission for advice and action. According to Justice Prem Persaud, Chairperson of the Public Utility Commission, the family needs to also report the matter to
the power company. He noted that a full investigation must be conducted to determine certain facts such as whether the connection was legal. Justice Persaud stressed that the family should ensure the matter remains alive. Yesterday, the Public Relations officer of GPL promised Kaieteur News to provide a statement on the matter. However, this did not happen and calls to the office went unanswered.
CARICOM SecretaryGeneral, Irwin La Rocque
GPL's silence hurts family
Saturday May 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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$2.5M TV licence fee not applicable to existing operators By Gary Eleazar Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang, yesterday handed down his decision in relation to the challenge over the $2.5M Licence fee for television station owners. He has ruled that it cannot apply to existing operators. Further the letters demanding payment were prematurely sent out. Chang noted that all of the applicants in the challenge in the High Court are existing broadcasters. Letters demanding payment were issued in September 2013; a challenge was made in the Court in October 2013 but the Regulations prescribing the $2.5M fee was Gazzeted in November 2013. “The court has further noted that the Broadcasting Regulations 2013 were Gazzetted on 29th November 2013, that is, after the applicants had already instituted these proceedings. In sending out letters demanding payment, the Authority could not therefore have been acting on the basis of the Broadcasting Regulations.” He said that this is so despite the fact that the first Regulation says that they will be deemed to have come into operations on August, 28, 2012, the day the Broadcasting Act came into operation. Chang further ruled that the Broadcasting Act makes no provision giving the Minister any power to make Regulations which involves retrospective fiscal obligations. As a result, with respect to existing broadcasters, any regulation made by the Minister and Gazzeted in November 2013 for annual licence fees could have effect only from the fiscal year 2014. According to Chang, the regulation which seeks to allow them to take effect from the time the Broadcast Act came into being in 2012 is invalid, “to the extent that it purports to have
..Cabinet cannot determine any fees payable-CJ Chang
HGP TV’s Nyjel Fraser
RBS 13’s Jacob Rambarran
retrospective application for the payment of broadcast fees.” NOT CABINET’S ROLE The Chief Justice also said that Cabinet could not have determined any fees payable with respect to broadcasting after the introduction of the Broadcasting Act which vests such powers in the Minister and the Broadcasting Authority. The order stemmed from a move by 21st Century Communications, CAN Inc, HVPTV and Rambarran Broadcasting Systems Limited (RBS) to the High Court for prerogative reliefs. In their claim, the television station operators sought to have the court have Bibi Shadick as Chairperson of the Broadcast Authority, show cause why a decision to impose a license fee of $2.5M should not be quashed and rendered null and void on the basis that the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has no authority to delegate its power to determine and prescribe fees for the issuance of licences. 1000% Increase The applicants, Vishu Ramdhani, Savitree Sharma, Nyjel Fraser and Jacob Rambarran had argued that the GNBA had no authority to impose a 1000 per cent
increase in the licence fee which was “excessive, exorbitant, unreasonable and without economic or other lawful basis”. Regulation Three, made by the Minister reads: “Existing broadcasters shall pay a fee equivalent to 3.5 per cent of the previous year’s revenue or $2.5M, whichever is greater, and broadcasters licensed for the first time shall pay a fee of $2.5M.” According to Chang, that regulation purports to prescribe fees for the existing broadcasters as well as broadcasters for the first time. “Thus, Regulation Three clearly purports to speak to an annual fee in contradistinction to a fee for the grant of a broadcasting licence. But it must be noted that Section 48 (2) speaks to fees to be paid for the grant of a licence while Section 40 (3) is the provision which speaks to an annual fee. It is therefore Section 40 (3) rather than Section 48 which empowers the Minister to prescribe by way of regulations for a percentage of gross revenue of the previous year to be paid to the Authority as annual fees. Regulation Three in so far as it purports to speak to an annual licence fee was therefore made ultra vires Section 48 of the Broadcast Act and is therefore null and void.” Chang did point out
Dr Misir tenders resignation from... From page 3 Director of GINA. His desire, however, to remain in the academic arena would soon after see him being appointed Pro-Chancellor of UG. “It has been a great eyeopener for me; it was a great job...we do pretty much policy over-sighting and formulating at the (level of the) Council and it is the job of the administration to implement those decisions.” However, Dr Misir insisted yesterday that he has “moved on” from his dedicated role at the University even as he noted that his decision to do so was nothing sudden. There were some who expressed surprise at the move since Dr Misir had only last month chaired a Council meeting and
did not mention any plans to resign. “I don't think you generally tell people that you are about to resign; you don't say those things but it was not like a sudden thing,” said Dr Misir who related that “this thing has been discussed with my principals a long time...” He explained that in light of a “number of loose ends” and new appointments, he made a decision to remain grounded at the University a while longer in order to ensure that there was some level of stability. However, he disclosed that “I have a lot of other professional goals and interests that I want to consume...I have lots of time left and I want to do a lot of things.” Dr Misir recently released
a publication 'HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Stigma in Guyana' which was published by the University of the West Indies Press. And according to him, he has plans to embark on the expansion of his research work in this regard into three countries, an undertaking that would require some amount of funding. Moreover, he noted that “there may be some international collaboration from possibly the London South Bank University...I made a presentation at that University and one or two people are interested in being part of the project...” “These are my kind of interest and these are the reasons why I resigned; I want to do these things,” confided Dr Misir yesterday.
GNBA’s Chairperson, Bibi Shadick that Section 48 (2) does empower the Minister to make regulations in respect of fees to be paid for the grant of a licence. He noted that a grant fee would of necessity apply only to first time broadcasters and not to existing broadcasters. “It does appear to the court that the Minister, acting under Section 48 of the Broadcasting Act, has fixed a grant fee of $2.5M for first time broadcasters since a first time broadcaster can have no gross revenue on which a percentage can be calculated.” Chang has since ruled that the regulation three is valid to the extent that the Minster has fixed a grant fee of $2.5M on first time broadcasters but is invalid to the extent that the Minister has purported to fix a percentage of 3.5 per cent of gross revenue of the previous year for existing broadcasters. PASTARRANGEMENTS
Proprietors of CNS TV 6, Chandranarine Sharma (left) and his wife Savitree Sharma
Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang The operators had previously paid sums not exceeding $320,000 to the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) for the use of the spectrum and had not been required to pay licence fee. The amount of fees for the Wireless Telegraph Licence was based
on the height of the antenna, the power of the transmitter and the geographic location of the TV station. In September 2013, Shadick as Chairperson of the GNBA wrote to the television station owners advising them that the board had granted approval for the issuance of a licence and that they had to pay $240,000 for the ‘use of channel fee’ and another $2.5M as their licence fee. The television station owners in their move to the court argued that over 70 per cent of the entities which had been licenced to operate television stations were operating at a loss and could not afford to pay the $2.5M as a license fee. They argued that the 1000 per cent increase was an act intended to prevent them from operating and in effect would breach their constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Cocaine in SSS tonic deaths…
Cause of death undetermined, samples taken from victims Postmortem examinations conducted on the four people who consumed liquefied cocaine in a tonic have failed to reveal a definitive cause of death. A police release stated that postmortems were performed yesterday on Alex Blair, Simone Price, Jahaquel Blair and Natasha George by Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh. “The cause of their deaths has not yet been determined and body samples have been taken with a view to conducting further examinations,” the release said. There have been several cases in which drug mules have died after cocaine-filled capsules burst in their stomachs. Local pathologists have been able to link those deaths to cocaine overdose because of the presence of the pellets. Simone Pryce, 36, her reputed husband, Alex Blair, 42, their son, six-year-old Jahaquel Blair, and their friend, Natasha George, 36,
succumbed after ingesting the deadly brew last Sunday. Pryce’s 12-year old son, Jamal Waterman was recently discharged from hospital. Kaieteur News was told that Alex Blair had given his sons the ‘tonic’, despite remarking that it had a ‘funny taste.’ Kaieteur News was told that Natasha George is to be laid to rest today, while funeral arrangements for the other victims will be arranged when relatives arrive from overseas. According to reports, a cousin of Simone Pryce’s’ had asked Pryce’s sister to take the ‘SSS Tonic’ and other items to his girlfriend, who lived in the US. Instead, the sister reportedly left the items at her sibling’s Cookerite Street, East La Penitence home. On Sunday, Pryce left for church, leaving her reputed husband, Alex Blair, her sixyear-old son Jahaquel Blair, and 12-year old Jamal Waterman at home.
‘FUNNY TASTE’ According to sources close to the families, Mr. Blair opened the ‘SSS Tonic,’ took a tablespoon and remarked about its strange taste. Despite this, he then gave his two sons a dose of the ‘funny tasting’ tonic. Shortly after, Blair’s reputed wife, Simone Pryce, along with her friend, Natasha George, returned from church. Alex Blair reportedly told them about the ‘funnytasting tonic’ and they too, took a taste. Within a few minutes, sixyear-old Jahaquel Blair began to complain of stomach pains and soon after, began to froth at the mouth. They were rushed to the GPHC, where Ms. George, Simone Pryce, Alex Blair, and Jahaquel Blair succumbed. Twelve-year-old Jamal Waterman, who reportedly spat out most of the substance, survived. Police are still attempting to locate ‘Barney’.
Saturday May 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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THE SHOOTING OF THE TEENAGER The media has to be more professional. They listened to the version of a young teenager who claimed that a police rank placed a gun into his mouth and played Russian roulette. They took that as the conclusive truth. The media must be more circumspect. They can report what was being alleged, but without corroboration they should not be carrying headlines and writing stories that accept this version as factual; at least not as yet.
It may well turn out to be factual but until it does it is but a mere version of what the injured youth said happened. The media are yet to hear the other sides of this story. They are yet to interview the rank alleged to have been involved in the shooting of the young teenager. They have not yet spoken to any of the other ranks who were part of the arrest of the young teenager. While they may choose to believe what the teenager has said, they cannot be
irresponsibly baring headlines to the effect that Russian roulette was at play. At this stage, this is a mere allegation which if treated as gospel within the media can prejudice the case against the police rank if and when he is eventually charged. The facts so far are as follows: a young teenager was shot resulting in injuries to the mouth. The ballistic tests, according to the police, revealed that the bullet was fired from a police weapon.
Prisoner charged with causing fire at NA Prison Remand prisoner, Marlon Fordyce, 25, of D’Andrade Street, Newtown, and of Number 79 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, who set fire to the mattress in his cell after he was confined to solitary confinement for over a month, has been charged with the crime. Fordye, who is incarcerated on a charge of murder, appeared on Friday before Magistrate Shurdel Isaacs-Marcus in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on the charge of setting fire to things in a building. Prosecutor Sergeant Godfrey Playter, told the court that on April 15, at approximately 12:15 hrs, Fordyce had just returned to his cell after having lunch. The prisoner, after reportedly lighting a cigarette, deliberately
left the cigarette on his mattress in his room, resulting in the blaze. He was charged for unlawfully and maliciously setting fire to the sponge mattress in the said cell in such circumstances that the prison could have been set on fire. Fordyce has been committed to stand for the murder of Rajmohan Phaskarran, called “Cowboy” at Number 79 Village, Corentyne which occurred on December 18, 2012. Alert Prison Officers responded promptly after being notified of the blaze by another inmate. Both the Police and Fire officials responded promptly and the fire was contained to just the prisoner’s cell. The mattress was completely burnt and
Dem boys seh...
Chang shut down Jagdeo plan When Jagdeo give out dem radio licence, he fix it in such a way that only he friends who mekking money from de state coulda pay. Nuff of dem others woulda either had to sell out or shut down. Of course, this is de same man who claim that broadcast licence can’t get transfer unless you name Bobby. He mek one exception. He tell Hits and Bamsee that dem can operate a TV station that he did tek away from another broadcaster son. When Bibi fix de rates dem boys hear that Bobby run and pay up front. Dem other poor broadcasters beg she fuh lower de rate but she seh that she ain’t controlling it; that dem got to approach Jagdeo. Some of dem approach de courts. Dem boys seh that de Chief Justice find so much fault that he nearly didn’t rule pun de matter. He find that de people who fix de fees didn’t have de power to fix dem. Is like a man renting a house that he don’t even control. De Chief Justice also find that dem fix de fee before dem fix de law fuh people broadcast. That mean that a man paying a car fare before he even ketch de car. But dem boys seh that anybody wid sense woulda realise that all of dem who was involve was trying to correct all dem wrong things that Jagdeo did before he lef office. Well dem boys seh that all who got radio and TV can broadcast and dem don’t have to pay a cent. All of dem can now operate fuh free. De one thing he didn’t seh is that who pay got to get a refund. Well dem boys expect Bobby to put pressure pun Bibi fuh get back all de money he pay. And he smart because he gun demand interest. If Bibi seh that she done use de money then Bobby gun go and cry to Jagdeo how Bibi tek he money. And of course, is Jagdeo did give she de wuk. Jagdeo giveth and Jagdeo taketh. That is wha Bobby gun remind she. Talk half and tell Bobby don’t cry.
sections of the prison cell were badly scorched. The ensuing threat forced ‘B’ Division Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph and Fire Officer Compton Sparman were among those to race to the scene. Two fire tenders were also dispatched to the location. Meanwhile, Fordyce will have to return to court on the 29th May for continuation.
The youth has been discharged and the police had held a suspect who is a member of the Guyana Police Force. Based on the circumstantial evidence alluded to above, it is reasonable to assume that the youth was shot by a police rank. Since he was arrested by more than one rank it is hard to imagine that they could not subdue him and safely take him into custody. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that somewhere along the line he was shot. He has given his version of what took place but the other ranks have not. And the media has not provided any corroboration of the young man’s version. Persons are pressing for a suspect to be charged. There was a protest outside of the Office of the Commissioner of Police. Yesterday, the Kaieteur News’s front page carried a photograph of the injured teen protesting outside the Commissioner’s Office, on a school day. No one has yet asked why after such a traumatic
experience, and so soon after being discharged from hospital, he is out in the elements protesting when he should either be in school or at home recuperating. The protests probably spring from the fear that the police may attempt to cover up the case. But if those pressing for justice do not allow the investigating authorities sufficient time to assemble a proper case, when the matter appears before a magistrate it may not be as strong as it ought to be and could be dismissed. Then there will be an uproar that the investigators did not do a proper job. The police must be given adequate time to prepare their case. Unlike the media, the prosecuting authorities cannot simply run with the version provided by the young man. They have to listen to the other parties to this incident and try to make a determination as to what happened. Then they have to decide
what charges are justified and to obtain the necessary statements to back that case up. Since this is a matter involving an office of the law, the case file has to be sent to the Police Complaints Authority and later to the Director of Public Prosecutions. All of these things are going to take time and therefore patience must be exercised because to do otherwise would be to run the risk of a hastily done investigation which may not stand up in court. The police must be allowed time to conduct their investigations. Forcing the police to rush their investigations may be counterproductive towards the ultimate goal of justice for the injured teenager.
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Police target Toyota Banking institutions told Sooba is Town Clerk - Whittaker Spacio hire cars - ‘GRA erred somewhere in registering these vehicles as seven seaters’—‘D’ Commander
By Romila Boodram Beginning yesterday, the police are targeting Toyota Spacio hire cars countrywide. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had registered them as seven seaters but the police are saying that the vehicle is too small to accommodate seven persons. Some two dozen taxi drivers were pulled in at the Wales Police Station, West Bank Demerara and approximately 30 vehicles were impounded at the Vreed-enHoop Police Station. They were told by ranks that their registration licenses which were issued by the GRA had to be discarded since a mistake was made by the GRA by granting these drivers the ability to seat seven passengers. According to one irate driver, Sheik Hassan, “(Yesterday) morning I come out
to work and I hear the police pulling in all Spacio to change the seven seats to five. “As soon as I hear, I was going home to collect my registration but the police block me and tell me to go to the Wales Station. Since morning I am here and they (police) saying an officer will come. It’s after 13:00hrs and no one ain’t come as yet.” The drivers questioned why the police pulled the drivers in on a Friday given the fact that the GRA is closed on weekends. “They pulled us in today (Friday) and tell us we can’t work until we get our registration sorted out, so we can’t work this weekend because GRA opens until Monday. We have our families to maintain and we have installments to pay.” Some drivers say they have to pay as much as $85,000 in installments monthly. The “three
days, no work” will be a major setback for them. Commenting on the situation, Acting Commander of Police for D-Division, Ian Amsterdam, said that there is some problem with the seating capacity and it can be dangerous for passengers sitting at the back. Amsterdam said that ranks examined the Spacios and found that they are too small to carry seven persons. In the case of an accident, the passengers at the back will be trapped. The Commander said that GRA may have erred somewhere in registering the vehicles as seven seaters. “They (taxi drivers) will now have to go to Eve Leary police station and fill out a form which they will then take to the GRA so that they (GRA) can re-issue the standard registration,” the commander said.
Royston King, Mayor Hamilton Green and Patricia Chase-Greene at the press conference yesterday Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, has reassured the local banking institutions that Carol Ryan Sooba is the Town Clerk of City Hall, despite the Mayor and Councillors of Georgetown informing them otherwise. According to Whittaker, on Thursday whilst Mayor Hamilton Green and Public Relations Officer, Royston King, were “masquerading around” he formally wrote to the financial institutions informing them that Carol Ryan Sooba is the Town Clerk. He cautioned that only Sooba and the City Treasurer are to conduct financial transactions on behalf of the Council. However, Mayor Green
dispatched letters to the banking institutions yesterday informing them that King is the Town Clerk (Ag). Without access to current cheque books and other relevant financial documents, the Mayor and majority of the Councillors are convinced that King would be able to function effectively as Town Clerk with “systems being put in place”. Nonetheless, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Greene and King who held a press conference yesterday at City Hall refused to divulge what systems they are putting in place to take charge of City Hall’s finances. They claimed that it would be a breach of security to say how they will take control since Sooba is still occupying
the Town Clerk’s Office. When asked if they could fire Sooba, Green said City Hall has found itself in an absurd unique situation. He believes that any decent bureaucrat would have left already. Moreover, Sooba signed off on cheques for the payment of weekly staff on Thursday. If the banking institutions honour the Mayor and Councillors’ request the staff may not access their wages. However, King said that the staff members were spoken to and relevant steps would be taken. Chase-Green said that Sooba is aware that her occupying the Town Clerk’s Office is illegal and therefore deduced that the banks may Continued on page 24
Saturday May 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
Late income tax returns will attract penalties - GRA Self employed persons are not exempt
The GRA tax site within the lobby of the City Mall on Camp Street For those persons who have missed the April 30 deadline to file their tax returns, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has set up tax sites so that individuals could easily submit their tax returns. Unfortunately however, those persons who have missed the deadline will have to face the penalties. GRA’s Communications Officer, Melissa Baird, explained, “We realized that a lot of persons have not submitted their returns so we have actually extended the tax sites but all those persons who are now submitting after the deadline are liable to the penalty.” She said that if a taxpayer fails to pay income tax on or before the due date, the taxpayer shall be liable to a penalty of two percent of the unpaid amount for each month or part thereof that the tax remains unpaid during the first three months after the due date. After the three months the penalty percentage will increase to three percent and four percent after six months, with five percent per month
onwards. Should an individual fail to submit income tax then the Commissioner General will send you a demand notice which comes with a five percent compound interest penalty. In explaining how the compound interest is applied, she said, “It’s the figure you have now to pay plus the interest for not paying. Next month it’s now calculated as that and the following month it calculated higher so it’s going up all the time.” Once the payment of one’s taxes is not made then the figure will continue to increase. The tax sites she outlined will last for an approximate timeframe of two weeks and once the amount of submissions is reduced they will limit late submissions to the GRA headquarters, Camp Street, Georgetown. She said that two tax sites have been established one at the Headquarters itself and the other located within the lobby at the City Mall. Baird said, “We are currently toying with the idea of maybe taking it further next week
based on the response that we received.” She said that the tax sites were able to deal with 19,000 plus persons so far who have submitted beyond the April 30, deadline. Baird explained that the biggest concern that GRA has with respect to filing income tax is non submission of tax returns for self employed persons. She said that non submission of returns by self employed persons leads to a certain amount of unfairness because the tax burdens are not equally distributed when self employed taxpayers are non compliant “because those persons who are with PAYE (Pay As You Earn) they don’t have a choice it’s coming out of their salary but the self employed persons are expected to make an honest declaration to provide their documents, a lot of them are not compliant,” said Baird. She outlined that this year GRA is hoping to bring more persons who are self employed to the tax bracket. Baird did caution that there are legal penalties Continued on page 24
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Parliament in major project to go “paperless” - new website to host records of proceedings, documents
The National Assembly of Guyana, recognising the importance of the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in ensuring that its work is transparent, accountable and effective, has taken several steps to improve its ICT delivery. According to the Parliament Office yesterday, the Assembly will be launching its newly revamped website, its Paperless Parliament Pilot Project and the live streaming of all National Assembly sittings, next Thursday, May 15. The “much anticipated” website is being designed by Consultant Cirrus Multimedia and will include a media center, a searchable database of committee reports, records, hearings, votes and other parliamentary documents pertaining to the current Parliament; searchable database of legislative acts,
Bills, documents laid, resolutions, motions, notice papers, questions and answers, minutes of the National Assembly, subsidiary legislation, petitions and other parliamentary documents. There will also be a special section on budget and financial legislation; an overview of the composition and functions of the National Assembly, including a description of the specific role of the Parliamentary Chamber and non-plenary bodies – including committees and commissions. The website will also feature a virtual tour of the Parliamentary building; practical information on access to the Parliamentary building, and Parliamentary library; pictures and contact information for all Members of Parliament; summary or complete records of parliamentary debates and audio and video web
telecasting of Parliamentary sittings. “It is important to note that the website being launched is a beta version meaning that it is a work in process with ongoing work and changes being made,” the Parliament Office said. The multimillion-dollar initiative to stream all sittings of the National Assembly is the fruit of a partnership between the Parliament Office and the Canadian Government through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. “This fund supports and implements projects, the world over, in partnership with local, national and international organisations, educational institutions and local governments. In February the Office had signed a Memorandum of Understanding which saw the Canadian Government providing for the funding of Continued on page 21
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Kaieteur News
Saturday May 10, 2014
Mother of five attempts to smuggle LEAD Project’s implementation was cocaine in cosmetics- court hears violation of sovereign rights - PPP Sandra Daniels, a forty- eight year –old mother of five from Dennis Street, Sophia, was remanded to prison, after she attempted to smuggle cocaine to Spain via the Guyana Post Office Corporation. Daniels pleaded not guilty to the charge of Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking, when she appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday. According to the charge, on May 8 last at the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), Daniels had in her possession 274 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Details of the case were presented by Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Oswald Massiah. Massiah told the Court that Daniels visited the Post Office on Thursday last with the
intention of posting a carboard box to Spain. According to the Prosecutor, during a procedural check, which was carried out by CANU officials in the presence of the defendant, a quantity of salon products were found in the box, which included fake nails, nail decoration and buffers. “A further search carried out on the box of cosmetics revealed transparent plastic filled with cocaine concealed in the middle of each of the forty-two buffers,” Messiah explained. He told the court that the defendant disclosed to investigators under caution that she was asked to ship the products to a ‘male’ counterpart in Spain, whom she met in Guyana, two weeks ago. Daniels had no legal representation as she stood before the court yesterday. However, when she was
given a chance to speak, the woman requested bail and claimed that she is employed as a receptionist at Banks DIH Limited. She told the court that she had no knowledge of the illegal substance, which was found concealed in the cosmetic items. “I could not see clearly what was inside the products,” Daniels said Prosecutor Massiah told the court that the defendant had been deported from England after she was arraigned on drug trafficking charges. The woman then explained that she was sentenced to seven years imprisonment in England for a similar offence, but that she only spent thirteen months in jail, after which she was deported. As such, Magistrate Latchman remanded her to prison and ordered that she returns to court on June 2.
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) yesterday openly welcomed the suspension of the US-sponsored Leadership and Democracy Project (LEAD) which was being implemented without the approval of the Government of Guyana. US Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt and Head of the Presidential Secretariat jointly announced the suspension of the project pending talks in pursuit of a mutually beneficial agreement. According to the Party by way of a public missive yesterday, “That unwelcome intrusion by USAID in pursuing the LEAD Programme despite strong objections by the Guyana Government was both unnecessary and unwarranted.” The Party charges that the move represents not only an insult to the people of Guyana but a clear case of violation of the country’s sovereign rights to determine its own affairs which is a fundamental right of all nations as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. “The Party fully supports the position taken by the PPP/ C Administration that the US Ambassador misrepresented the facts when he said that the Project was approved by the Guyana Government.” The missive issued from Freedom House said that the Party is strongly of the view that the action taken by the
US Ambassador “is a clear departure from protocols and conventions governing interstate relations and therefore deserve the full condemnation of the Guyanese people and their elected leaders.” The Party said too that it has also noted with disgust the repeated attempts made by Ambassador Hardt to refer to the provisions of the 2009 Government of Guyana/ USAID agreement in justification of the stance taken by the US Government to go ahead with the Project. “The fact of the matter, as pointed out by Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Luncheon, is that at no time was the Project the subject of any agreement between the Government and USAID…In fact the Government has always insisted that the Project was conceived, designed and implemented without the concurrence, approval or any inputs whatsoever from the administration.” The Party said that it is unfortunate that the Government had to resort to the revocation of the visa and work permit of IRI resident Country Director Glenn Bradbury, but such a decision must be seen in the context of USAID’s non-adherence to, and violation of the country’s immigration laws and regulations. The party said that it is hopeful that the lessons of
this episode will serve to safeguard against any future recurrence and that the preferred and tested method of consultation, concurrence and reason will form the basis of any future engagement. “It is the hope of the PPP that the good and friendly relations between Guyana and the United States will continue to grow and deepen within the parameters of mutual respect and c o o p e r a t i o n , notwithstanding the lack of consensus on some elements of the LEAD Project and its implementation mode.” The Party said too that it has taken note of attempts by some Opposition elements to blow the issue out of proportion in an attempt to score cheap political points. According to the ruling p a r t y, t h e d e c i s i o n t o suspend the Project will provide the parties involved with enough space to revisit the Project and find common ground on how best the Project could advance the stated objectives of leadership and democracy to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. “In this regard, the Party is pleased with the decision taken by the parties involved to put the Project on hold and commended the PPP/C Administration for the resolute manner in which it represented the issue and for the successful halt to the Project until a mutual resolution could be found.”
Ramesh Persaud appointed Private Sector Commission Chairman Following a Council meeting on Tuesday last, Ramesh Persaud was appointed the new Chairman of the Private Sector Commission. Persaud, who served as Vice Chairman, took over the reins of the sector after the unfortunate passing of Ronald Webster on April 27. Persaud is the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED). He is
also a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accounts and holds an MBA from the Edinburgh Business School, Heriot Watts University, Scotland. Mr. Persaud is also the current Chairman of the Caribbean Micro Finance Alliance (CMFA), a regional network of Micro Finance Institutions and Credit Unions which spans nine Caribbean countries.
Ramesh Persaud
Saturday May 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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MOH/PAHO team vaccinates 150 in Baracara, Canje
The medical team that visited Baracara A high level medical team from the Ministry of Health visited the riverain community of Baracara, Canje River recently as part of Immunization Week activities in Region Six. Baracara is located some 50 miles up the Canje River, a tributary of the Berbice River. It is the only Maroon community in Guyana, making it one of the most unique in the country. The team comprised Director Maternal and Child Health Services, Dr. Janice Woolford; Director of Regional Health Services, Dr.
Monica Sagala; Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Consultant Dr. Rosalinda Hernandez; and other members of the Maternal Care Health of the Ministry of Health. More than 150 residents of the Canje River community turned up to be vaccinated along with young children and babies at the Baracara Health Centre. Dr. Sagala of PAHO praised the residents for their vibrant community spirit. She stated that last December Health Vision 20/20 was launched. “It is a policy
document that serves as a guiding light for strategies and health interventions to combat communicable and noncommunicable diseases.” She told the community of their responsibilities to take advantage of the opportunities of healthcare available. “At your end, you are receiving it free, but it is never really free—it costs something.” Dr. Woolford congratulated the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) for the initiative. She highlighted the importance of
A resident of Baracara being vaccinated being vaccinated against tetanus. She applauded the large number of men of Baracara who turned out to the activity. She urged them to ensure that their wives visit the clinic with their children. “Our mission is that we want to have healthy mothers and healthy families and it is only possible with you men.” She called on the residents to “make it their business” to get people into the clinics if they are not already enrolled. PAHO Consultant, Dr. Hernandez said that while
some herbal treatments are good, there are some diseases that cannot be taken away from the body “if you do not use some specific medicine.” “The best is to prevent, and I congratulate Guyana and this community and Dr. Mahadeo and team…because the best way to prevent this is through vaccination.” Chief Executive Officer of the BRHA, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, who is a Member of Parliament, said that the
Baracara Health Centre is one of the facilities in Guyana offering healthcare based on the Package of Publicly Guaranteed Health Services in Guyana, implemented with help from PAHO in 2009. “Health is your right,” he said. The idea of a Baracara Day was proposed to the residents. Dr. Mahadeo added that he will ask that the President attends. “You are a special people,” he told the residents.
Parliament in... Gold production restarts... From page 11 this project.” The Parliament Office will also run a pilot project for four months in which the Speaker and a select group of Parliamentarians and members of staff will commit to share all information electronically. “While this is done, the Office will commit to conducting a study of the amount of paper and financial and other resources that will be saved, whilst acquainting MPs and staff of the benefits of the electronic sharing of information, by a process of extrapolation, the true benefits to the National Assembly will be
realized.” During this pilot project, all members involved will report regularly to a designated officer who will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the project and preparing regular reports for sharing with the Parliamentary Management Committee and the UNDP. “To facilitate this project the Parliament Office had in December received fifteen Samsung Galaxy Tab3’s, five Dell O p t i p l e x d e s k t o p computers and one Dell laptop computer by the United Nations Development Project (UNDP).”
From page 18 month, and given the value of this asset to Mahdia, we will continue to seek assistance as needed. All statutory fees and licences are fully paid and up to date.” Mahdia Gold gets its name from a popular resource-rich mining community located in central Guyana. Historically the central Guyanese region was made popular by the Omai gold mine. This mine produced approximately 4.000.000 ounces of gold from two open pits. Mahdia Gold Corp. has acquired three compelling gold bearing concessions including
Omai, Tiger River and White Creek. Since Omai's closure a few years ago, Guyana has been without a large scale gold mine. However, this did not stop the country from breaking production records as high world prices continue to attract investors, both local and foreign. Gold has become the largest foreign currency earner, surpassing rice and sugar. Government has been keeping a close eye on the sector as the spinoffs have been a boon to the economy as sugar continues to falter.
A child is vaccinated
Page 22
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:2662711, 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 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 Cold Storage Facility: freezing & cold storage facilities. Affordable price @ BM Enterprise Inc., Houston GFL Wharf Call: 227-8176/77. 40Ft round bottom boat, 40HP Yamaha outboard engine, 350Lbs 5" Nylon anchor seine – Call:604-0038, 601-4585
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 Brand new 6,500 watts power fist gasoline generators on wheels & Led torchlight – Contact: 617-2205, 681-1032
EDUCATIONAL 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
Canadian Used 75 Yamaha 4stroke outboard, asking $900,000 – Tel: 693-9455
MASSSAGE The Gents Spa: Be pampered by beautiful masseuses. New masseuses Amanda and Crystal – Tel: 657-5979
Terrier pups for sale – Call: 649-4247 One Long Base mini bus, BJJ Series – Tel:667-6045
Classes & Services in massage therapy & reflexology “Healing Naturally” by N.Y State Professional! For enrollment & services call: 670-3399,651-0128
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 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 2 Storey concrete property in Parfaite Harmonie, size 24’X57’, Price: $16M – Call:622-1782/658-5803 House at lot 97 Fourth Street, Pearl East Bank Demerara – Call:223-9362
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 Wings Car Rental- Call:6431131 Aidan’s Car Rental, Canter & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807 FOR SALE/RENTAL American Pool Table – Call:277-0578 DRESSMAKING Jean is offering courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral & cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty – Call: 670-2653, 618-1706
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 Lower flat, 3-bedroom apartment, fully grilled with mesh windows & parking facilities – Call: 654-0533 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 BRAND NEW 4 STOREY modern building. Located on Regent Street, between light and Cummings St. Call:6266909, 629-0037 One nails table – Call:6025469 or 628-9297 Apartment to rent – Contact: 223-2157 House for rent & household articles for sale. Call Tele # 269-0959/617-8905
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
Saturday May 10, 2014
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
100FtX50Ft High Income land at La Parafaite Harmonie; light, water & road exist. Prime location – Call:675-7292
CATERING Roxy’s Catering: We cater for any special occasion, also available daily breakfast, lunch & snacks – call: 2230092, 223-0095 FOR HIRE Large enclosed truck – Call: 694-5460, 266-5771 SERVICES Cybertron Online Shopping at Vreed-en-Hoop, Call: 2613057
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 2 Ton freezer canter, GRR Series – Call:658-3209 One Toyota 212 stick gear, $750,000 good working condition. First come first serve – Call: 664-0825 (Continued on page 23)
Saturday May 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Kwame McCoy, Subhan helping to coordinate ERC nomination process
Neaz Subhan Nominations are in for members of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), the body that mediates on complaints for racial discriminations. The Parliament Office yesterday disclosed names of the person from the various bodies that will now coordinate with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Appointments to finalise the process.
Among the names of the persons that will help coordinate the process are controversial Office of the President Press Liaison Officer, Kwame McCoy, and Head of the Guyana Information Agency, Neaz Subhan. McCoy is also part of the Guyana Youth Development Association which proposed his name. Subhan is a prominent member of the Indian Arrival Committee. The ERC life expired in August 2007 but the status quo was allowed to continue by former President Bharrat Jagdeo. There have been challenges in the past on the impartiality of the ERC. Its former Chairman, Juan Edghill, is now a Minister in the Government. According to Parliament, several entities participated in a meeting on April 30, at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, regarding the sensitization of entities in selecting and electing their nominees. Among the other nominees were Hindu
Religion Swami Aksharananda of the Cornelia Ida Hindu Temple; Islamic Religion - Derrick Rahat of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana and from the Christian Religion - Onya Sam of the Guyana Missionary Baptists. The proposed nominees from the private sector bodies were Treina Butts, Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana while Dale Beresford from the Guyana Local Government Officers’ Union (GLGOU) will represent the labour bodies. The other names included, for the women, well known activist, Karen De Souza of Red Thread Women’s Development Project; Amerindian Bodies Michael McGarrell and African Bodies -Rickie Park of the Pan African Movement. Prior to 2007, the former Government had failed to get two-thirds Parliamentary majority required by the Constitution to approve a motion proposing a list of 162 entities to consult with a new consensual mechanism for consultations.
The ERC is a Constitutional body established as an undertaking by the Herdmanston Accord and by Constitutional Amendment Act of 2000 and assented to by the President on August 11, 2000. ERC functions include providing equality of opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups and promoting harmony; promoting the elimination of all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity; discouraging and prohibiting persons, institutions, political parties and associates from indulging in, advocating or promoting discriminatory practices on the ground of ethnicity; promoting educational and training programmes and research projects which provide for and encourage ethnic peace and harmony; and promoting arbitration, conciliation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution in order to secure ethnic harmony and peace among other critical functions.
From page 22
SERVICES SERVICES House plan drafting from- $10,000 electrical works and estimates services available – Tel: 667-2189, 646-6572,629-8750 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 6831312, 627-3206 (Nick) HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $10,000- CALL: 6949843/227-2766
African Guyanese solutions: Getting to the underlying... From page 4 distribution of resources. Just look at the recent budget, for example, and see where the bulk of big Government subsidies go. A representative government in which African Guyanese are represented would help to distribute resources more fairly. Finally, what can African Guyanese do for themselves? Government initiatives take time, but communities can begin to address some problems in real time. Self-Activity is what Walter Rodney called it. The first thing I recommend is a collective acknowledgement of the problems. So there is need for conversations and discussions in the communities in the towns and in the villages. If we face the problems as communities by talking about them together we develop a sense of community again and a sense of common ownership of the solution. Second, we should create
organizations aimed at searching for solutions. Where people are organized in organizations they develop a consciousness of themselves as agents of change. The experience of working together and doing things and seeing small changes together transforms the individual and the community. So I encourage people to form organizations Third, I think Education should be singled out for immediate action. I recommend a literacy project aimed at dealing with the functional illiteracy in the community. This is a problem that can be solved by using what we have. Those who can read and write should help to teach those who cannot. This can be done in families, in churches or in community classes or in one-on-one encounters. Communities can also help with homework by setting up Homework Centres where kids can go for help with getting homework done. Often it
A barbaric, terrorist... From page 5 the perpetrators and their affiliates to be brought to justice and treated with the full force of the United Nations - International Human Rights Law. The hearts of Godfearing and Godconscious people around the world are bleeding and we hope and pray that the children will be
rescued or freed and reunited with their parents and loved ones in Nigeria. Our sympathy and prayers are extended to the children, their parents and relatives who are traumatized at this moment as a result of this heinous crime. I pray that God – Almighty has mercy on all of us and causes us to be just people. Nazar Mohamed
is assumed the kids have access to the internet when most of them do not. If we can have these centers where the kids can have access to computers and books and where they can be supervised, we would be helping to remedy the situation in some way. We can also have classes to help our students develop better study habits, better appreciation for educational excellence and a broader love of knowledge. These are all things that can be done using resources in our communities Fourth, I think we can help to lift ourselves economically by returning to the culture of Cooperatives where we raise resources from within our own communities. Some of us have been pushing the idea of raising funds for small micro loans to begin or expand small businesses. The key here is to raise your own resources and to start small; don’t wait on funding agencies. Look around the communities and see the immediate needs of the community and start a small business to satisfy those needs. Fifth, African Guyanese communities need markets. We need to restart markets. These are centres of commerce which ensure that money is circulated in the communities and wealth is accumulated in the communities. Finally, we need more selflove—a better appreciation of
Black and African Guyanese culture and heritage. Black culture must not be confined to Emancipation; it should be permanent. There is need for more classes and discussions and festivals on Black culture and identity. This would help to decrease the growing fear in the community of acknowledging Blackness. David Hinds
VEHICLE FOR SALE 2008 Blue Bird - $3.0M, 2005 Spacio - $2.1M, 2006 Premio - $2.3M. ALL VEHICLES FULLY LOADED & UNREGISTERED- Call:6427295 1 -1RZ, 15 seater, automatic mini-bus, BNN 3760 - $1.5M Negotiable. Good condition, never used for public transportation – Tel:628-0310 ; 672-5429 Cheapest Hilux – 3RZ engine, VVTI and 1RZ stick gear buses, super GL buses & Noah buses – Call: 616-7635 WANTED 1 honest & trustworthy caregiver to work in Canal No.1, W.B.D, age 45-50, 2 references are required – Call: 683-8758, 218-0082, 226-2677
TO LET One two bedroom apartment to rent at Lot 72 West Ruimveldt - $50,000 per month – Call:692-7377. One newly built 2 storey concrete house, 2 bedroom for short or long term Bartica – Call:685-2707 Top flat for rent in Diamond, E.B.D – Call: 678-9835 2-bedroom apartment @ 2290 Section C Block X Diamond New Scheme – Tel: 673-8128 Campbellville - $60,000$80,000, Ogle- $60,000$120,000, Atlantic Gardens US$850, AA Eccles - $1200US – Contact Diana: 227-2256, 626-9382 Two bedroom unfurnished apartment for rent in Albouystown – Tel: 689-5877. Fully furnished two bedrooms apartment for rent in South with TV, Airconditioned, hot & cold, cable – Call: 689-5877 TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT in Charity Housing Scheme – Contact: 771-4180, 6875814 WANTED One live in maid – Call: 2533336, 675-5256 Attractive Live-in waitresscall:228-5129/604-8277 Experienced hire car drivers and contract vehicles at Buddy’s Transportation Service – Call: 645-0025 1 Cook for the interior Tel:681-3801
WANTED Experienced roti/puri cooks, curry cooks, pastry makers. Apply at Hack’s Halaal, Lot 5 Commerce Street Live out domestic babysitter and live in babysitter – Call:225-0188, 223-7500 (Monday to Saturday ) (8:15am-4:15pm) Skilled carpenters to work in Linden- Contact:625-0930; 668-9863 Home tutoring in Diamond, Children 7 and 8, Time:35:30pm- Contact: 657-8732 Land to buy in La Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles & Herstelling. All low income land – Call:675-7292, 218-5591 Cars to work at GR Taxi 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 Urgently needed, live-in waitresses to work in Bar. Reasonable salary offer – Tel: 259-0574 Republic Park Family needs live-in aid/domestic. Alternate week off - $12,000. Police clearance needed – Call:627-5098, 675-0767 Experienced taxi driver, mini bus driver and dispatcher at Princess Hotel – Tel:2657075, 265-7076 Live in domestic & waitresses – age 18-25yrs, must be honest & courteous – Salary $50,000, boarding & lodging free – Call: 610-5043 Do you need an excavator operator for the interior? 12 years experienced in mining – Call:254-1874, 698-6819 Workers to work on farm – Call: 265-3586 2 persons to clean. Evening & Saturdays. Industry area, full time housekeeper, Kingston Area – Call: 226-2829 RZ minibus driver, Route 41 – Tel: 628-2918 or 690-6385 Experienced Machinist and gear cutter at E&N Beck, Lot 3 Princess & Ketley Street Charlestown, GeorgetownCall: 225-6272 Drivers: Apply at Wieting & Richter Ltd. Experienced male sales representatives. Apply at Wieting & Richter Ltd. Maid to work on lower East Bank Demerara- Call: 671-7878 between 6pm to 9pm only
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Govt. sues for $186M after contractors failed to deliver Attorney General Anil Nandlall is seeking the intervention of the courts to get a whopping $186M from three companies which government is seeking to enforce Performance Bond Guarantees and Advanced Performance Guarantees which were put up by these companies in respect of different infrastructural contracts. On May 7, last, Nandlall filed three actions on behalf of the state, claiming a total of $186.1 million against Citizens Bank Guyana Inc., Caricom General Insurance Company Inc., and North American Fire and General Insurance Company. According to Nandlall, the “Bonds and Guarantees” were put up by these companies to assure and guarantee the performance of contractors under various contracts. Government, Nandlall said, has contended that these contractors have failed to discharge their contractual obligations. In
Attorney General Anil Nandlall these cases, the government is seeking to “cash in” these Bonds and Guarantees. It was noted that on August 18, 2005, Citizens Bank Guyana executed a Performance Bond/Guarantee in favour of the Government of Guyana at the request of Golden Star Contracting Services Company Ltd. pursuant to a contract
between the Government and the said company for the Rehabilitation of Access Road to Parika Stelling. Further, in January 2008, Nandlall said that Government terminated the said contract owing to the company’s repeated failures to correct defects within the timeframe specified by the engineer. It was noted that in April of the same year the Ministry of Public Works in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract wrote to Citizens Bank making a first demand on the Performance Bond for the amount of $38,391,018. Nandlall said that despite the claim, Citizens Bank failed, refused and neglected to effect payment of the said sum. In September of 2011, Caricom General Insurance Company Inc had executed a Performance Bond and Advance Guarantee in favour of the Government of Guyana at the request of Maurice
MACORP launches new excavators From page 20 implement hydraulic system on the D2 series provides high horsepower for digging and lifting, as well as for using heavy-duty, hydraulically powered work tools. The new excavator can also quickly change work tools, moving from task to task, putting the machine to optimum use. “The ergonomically designed operator station is both quiet and comfortable, and it features a full-color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor with a choice of 28 languages. The standard sus-
pension seat is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of operators and to enhance operator comfort and efficiency,” Lewis said. He noted that the machine's large windows ensure all-around visibility and promote job-site safety. The viscous rubber cab mounts dampen both vibration and sound transmitted to the operator station, to further enhance operator comfort and productivity. Lewis said that the new series also has a large metal roof hatch that can be opened for added visibility and air cir-
culation. “This versatile series can use a wide range of buckets, either pin-on or coupler-type, along with a selection of ground-engaging tools, to fit the machine to its digging environment for optimum performance and durability. Buckets feature precise geometry for easy loading, which speeds digging cycles, increases production, and conserves fuel,” Lewis explained. He noted that MACORP is confident that the new machines will meet and exceed the customers' expectations for its superior performance.
Balgobin. Balgobin was contracted by the government for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Kaburi Village Road, Region Seven. On September 24, 2012, the government terminated the said contract owing to the fact that the contractor failed to substantially complete the works even after an extension of 260 days was granted. It was explained that on December 6, 2012, the Ministry of Public Works in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract wrote to Caricom General Insurance making a first demand on the Performance Bond and Advance Guarantee in the amount of $4,986,375 and G$1,892,009.
Nandlall said that despite the claim, Caricom General Insurance Company has to date failed, refused and neglected to effect payment of the said sum. The third company, North American Fire and General Insurance had executed Performance Bonds in favour of the Government of Guyana at the request of Bovell Construction Services. Bovell Construction Services was contracted by government for the Amaila Falls Road and Transmission Line Clearing Project Section Six Issano Junction to Kuribrong River. On December 2012, Government terminated the said contract owing to the fact that the contractor removed
equipment from the site which resulted in a stoppage of work constituting a fundamental breach of contract in accordance with the general conditions of the contracts. Nandlall said further that last year, the Ministry of Public Works wrote to North American Fire and General Insurance making a first demand on the performance bonds for $56,345,060 and $84,517,590. North American Fire and General Insurance Co. Ltd has to date failed, refused and neglected to effect payment of the said sum. The actions were filed in the Commercial Division of the High Court and are set to be heard on June 18, 2014.
La Grange cops took $40,000 to help murder/rape suspect escape - court hears Two policemen have been placed on bail after they appeared in court for allegedly facilitating the escape of a prisoner. Police Constable Garfield Brown and his alleged accomplice Constable Smith appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Wales
Magistrate’s Court, West Bank Demerara, yesterday. According to the charge, on May 6, 2014 the officers allowed a prisoner, who was wanted in Berbice for murder and rape, to escape from custody. The two cops were reportedly stationed at the La Grange Police Station when
the incident occurred. The prisoner, who was identified as Troy Joseph, had allegedly paid the policemen $40,000 for his release. After pleading not guilty to the charge, Magistrate Nurse granted Constables Smith and Brown bail in the sum of $75,000 each.
Banking institutions told Sooba... From page 10 not acknowledge her signature on those cheques. She reiterated that the appointment of Sooba as Town Clerk by the Minister was deemed illegal by the Chief Justice’s ruling. She noted that the Minister does not have the authority to appoint the Town Clerk. In the absence of the Local Government Commission the Council is the only body vested with the power to appoint the Town Clerk. As a Local Government Officer, King was tasked with the responsibility as Town Clerk. However, he was not appointed Town Clerk. According to Mayor Green, on an individual basis Sooba moved to the Court for
a stay of execution. She was represented by Roysdale Forde. He added that Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, was also at the Court and it appeared as if he was representing Sooba. King was represented by Nigel Hughes. Nandlall confirmed that he was representing the Minister of Local Government in the matter. Chase-Green said Government is threatened by the competencies of the Council that was elected in 1994. Since 2008 Government has been trying to appoint someone aligned to them to be the Town Clerk. This is the third time since 2011 thaqt King has assumed the position of Town Clerk
(Ag). The first appointment by the Council was overruled by then Local Government Minister, Kellawan Lall. Lall then appointed Yonette Pluck, a person who allegedly was not interviewed for the job. In 2012, when the Council was looking for a replacement, King was once again appointed by the Council but this appointment too was quashed. Then Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud, despite objections, appointed Sooba. One of the main contentions surrounding Sooba’s appointment is her being unqualified for the job. According to King, he is unaware why Government is so determined not to have him as the Town Clerk.
From page 11 associated with self employed persons who are non compliant with their tax returns. She said that their information is within the database and those persons who are non complaint GRA will be targeted. “We really don’t like to use the strong arm approach but we think it is time that we really utilize the Courts, so we are going to go after those persons and we are going to take them to Court.” According to GRA’s Communications Officers, “We try to make it easy as
possible for some persons; we have a death management section. I f i t ’s a c a s e w h e r e persons are willing to make their payments but they can’t do it all at one point then of course you can come into us, into the death management department and you agree on a payment plan which will allow you to pay of that amount with a period of time. She said however if you default on that a second chance would be given in that regard. She said that at no point
in the submissions of tax will officers will be receiving any type of cash or cheques “any monetary transaction will have to be done at the office or they can utilize the bill payment facilities because we have partnered with Bill Express, Republic Bank and Demerara Bank so you have your banking facilities available.” Baird said that online banking (E-banking) is also available for the comfort of persons to pay at home through their online bank sites which they are currently expanding.
Late income tax returns will attract penalties - GRA
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Putin marks Victory in Crimea as Ukraine violence flares SEVASTOPOL (Reuters) President Vladimir Putin flew in to Crimea yesterday for the first time since it was annexed by Moscow, proclaiming as he marked the Soviet victory in World War Two that incorporating the former Ukrainian territory had made Russia stronger. In east Ukraine, where pro-Moscow rebels plan a referendum tomorrow to follow Crimea in breaking from Kiev, at least seven people were killed and dozens were wounded in chaotic fighting in the center of the port of Mariupol. One of the most serious clashes yet between Ukrainian forces and separatists, it edged the former Soviet republic closer to civil war. The head of NATO, locked in its gravest confrontation with Russia since the Cold War, condemned Putin’s visit to Crimea, whose annexation in March has not been recognized by Western powers. He also renewed doubts over an assurance by the Kremlin leader that he had
pulled back troops from the Ukrainian border. The pro-Western government in Kiev, labeled “fascist” by Moscow, said Putin’s visit was intended to escalate the crisis. Watching a military parade in Sevastopol on the Black Sea, Putin said: “There is a lot of work ahead but we will overcome all difficulties because we are together, which means we have become stronger.” Earlier in the day, he had presided over the biggest Victory Day parade in Moscow for years. The passing tanks, aircraft and intercontinental ballistic missiles were a reminder to the world - and Russian voters of Putin’s determination to revive Moscow’s global power, 23 years after the Soviet collapse. “The iron will of the Soviet people, their fearlessness and stamina saved Europe from slavery,” Putin said in a speech to the military and war veterans gathered on Red Square. The United States said the trip to Crimea was provocative, the European
Union said Putin should not have used the World War Two commemoration to showcase the annexation and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called the visit “inappropriate”. The head of the U.S.-led defense pact was speaking in formerly Soviet Estonia, one of a host of east European nations that joined after the collapse of communism, seeking refuge from the power of Moscow, which many in the region regarded as having enslaved them following its victory in World War Two. Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk, in office since an uprising overthrew the Kremlin-backed elected president in Kiev in February, rejects Russian allegations that his power is the result of coup backed by neo-Nazi Ukrainian nationalists. “Sixty-nine years ago, we, together with Russia, fought against fascism and won,” he said after a Victory Day church service in the capital. Now, he added, “history is repeating itself but in a different form”.
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Government against increasing VAT to meet financial deficit CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC – The St. Lucia government says it does not favour increasing the 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity and water as it seeks to reduce the multimillion dollar financial deficit it faces. Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, who was meeting with public sector trade union leaders for a second round of talks yesterday, said that imposing a higher VAT o n t h e e s s e n t i a l services would place undue burden on the poor and vulnerable at this time. His comment is being viewed here as an apparent attempt to implement a legislated five per cent cut in the salaries for public workers seem more practical. He said while his administration could raise additional revenue by implementing VAT on utilities, the present economic conditions do not encourage such a move. The government has said that the deficit stands at EC$57.2 million (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents).
“There are a lot people who argue that the problem could be resolved by introducing VAT on the consumption of water and electricity. Let’s face it there are countries in the region where citizens pay VAT on water and electricity but there are some realities we have to contend with. “If the government had t o i n t r o d u c e VAT o n utilities, we would raise about EC$31.5 million a n n u a l l y, e a s i l y, o n electricity alone. If you were to add VAT on water then it would be much higher. Clearly, if you can collect $36 million in one year, then you would go a long way to resolving your problem,” he said. But Prime Minister Anthony stressed that in its manifesto, the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) had indicated that it would consider VAT on utilities only when proper regulatory mechanisms were put in place. “There is no proper regulatory mechanism in place at this time. Further,
the impact of such a move on the poor and vulnerable will be very significant,” he said. “It is an option that some persons have put on the table. They have said, “instead of reducing salaries of public officers to deal with the problem of excessive expenditure, why don’t you introduce VAT on electricity and water to increase revenue? “My response is simple. I think this economy is too fragile and as I have said before, I really do believe we need to make a strong effort to protect the poor and vulnerable as much as possible. I would like to think that it will only be in the very, very, last resort that we would turn to such an option,” he noted. Anthony explained such a move would dampen demand for goods and services and reduce even further, disposable income. “I do not think right now this is the way to go. We have to make other sacrifices to deal with this problem,” he added.
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Sizzling hot Linden Beach Volleyball Open 2014 set for tomorrow
The Biggest Party in Sport...
A sizzling hot inaugural Linden Beach Volleyball Open will be held tomorrow at the Linden Beach Football facility under the auspices of the Guyana Volleyball Federation {GVF}. Action will commence approximately 11:00hours comprising of teams from Linden, Georgetown and Berbice. This competition is open to any team male and female and all interested teams from across Guyana can participate. According to a press release the GVF, President Mr. John Flores anticipates a high level of participation and is urging players to give of their best in order to make the competition entertaining and most
importantly of high standards. Coordinators are putting in the necessary ground work in order to ensure a very entertaining and successful competition. The venue is ready and the stage is set for this one of a kind event to grace the Mining town of Linden. Teams can get registered with coordinator Mr. Pearson on telephone number 617 3880. Team spirit is very high and players are very enthusiastic about this event where it presents the opportunity to test their skills on a different surface and in outdoor conditions. Come this weekend in Linden the battle is on to see which pair will be crowned the inaugural Linden
kings and queens of Beach volleyball. According to the coordinators, transportation will be provided for teams and players are asked to converge at the Guyana National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue where the buses will depart at 9:00hrs sharp for Linden. Following shortly after this GVF event is a basic referees’ course commencing from the 21 -27th May, 2014 at the GNS Ground, Georgetown. Interested persons can get registered with the GVF early since this will be on a first come first serve basis and limited spaces are available. This course will be instructed by Professor Carlos Cimino of Brazil.
Saturday May 10, 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.
From page 35 Darren Sammy, Andre Fletcher and Brad Hodge. Kevin Pietersen could make his Zouks debut later that week, against the Red Steel on 27th July. It will be a big weekend for Trinidad & Tobago, with reigning champions the Jamaica Tallawahs visiting Queen’s Park the day before for a fantastic clash between two of the Caribbean’s favourite players, Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle. Week 4 – Jamaica/St. Lucia - With July drawing to a close, the CPL party will show no sign of stopping as it arrives in Jamaica and St. Lucia for the fourth week of the tournament. Chris Gayle will hope to light up his home ground, Sabina Park, in his first home game of the tournament on July 31st. However, another legendary West Indian bats-
man stands in his way, with Antigua Hawksbills mentor Sir Vivian Richards hoping to provide his team with the inspiration to spoil the Jamaican’s homecoming. Kevin Pietersen will discover the passion and support of his home fans when he arrives at the Beausejour Stadium for the first time in a Zouks jersey. Captain Darren Sammy will be expecting the box-office batsman to deliver in three tough games, one of which includes a clash with local rivals, Barbados Tridents. Week 5 – St. Kitts - The penultimate week of the tournament sees Warner Park welcome the CPL for the very first time, as the people of St Kitts and Nevis will get the chance to experience the thrill of the competition first-hand. With the stadium having undergone recent development to enable it to host CPL matches with the construction of state of the art lighting facilities, it is sure to be another exceptional host for the thousands of local fans expected from August 7th. The first three games of the week will give teams the opportunity to settle some scores from the opening weekend of the tournament, with the first three fixtures mirroring those that took place in Grenada in July.
However, tension is set to reach breaking point when the final round of fixtures take place on the weekend of 9/ 10th August. Jamaica Tallawahs and St. Lucia Zouks will be hoping for one final push as they both play two games in as many days, including the hotly anticipated showdown between Gayle and Pietersen on 9th August. Finals Week – St. Kitts The tournament will reach its climax during a packed week in St. Kitts, beginning with the semi-finals, taking place on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August. In a change from last year, the first placed team at the end of the group stage will advance straight to the final, rewarding consistency across the season. The third and fourthplaced teams will meet in the first semi-final, with the winner of that match set to play the second placed team the following day for a place in the final. The remaining two franchises will then have the rest of the week to prepare, as the Biggest Party in Sport reaches its epic conclusion, with the Limacol Caribbean Premier League 2014 final due to begin at 3:30pm on Saturday 16th August.
King’s Jewellery softball to commence on Tuesday King’s Jewellery softball tournament is set to commence next Tuesday at Thirst Park with action in Zone A starting at 18:00 hrs. The competition will see teams from the private and public sectors matching skills in their respective zones. Zone A includes Dynamic Security, Trading and Distributing Inc, Farm Export and Ramchand Auto Spares. Zone B consists of Stockfeeds, Princess Hotel, Diamond Import, and Brickery Co. Ltd. Zone C is made up of Omesh Variety, Hill Foot Loggers, Banks DIH and Cheddi Jagan International Airport XI. Regal XI, Frontline, Better Hope and Super Star are the teams expected to battle in the over-35 category.
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West Indies Fullbore Rifle Shooting C/ships – Long Range Match
Guyana retain Milex Cup on another testing day By Franklin Wilson in Jamaica Compliments of Queensway, Fazia’s Collection, Crown Mining Supply and Fitness Express On another testing day for the Region’s marksmen and women at the Twickinham Ranges, Jamaica, venue for the 2014 Caribbean Fullbore Rifle Shooting Championships, defending Long Range champions pulled out all the stops to bring off a commanding win after the final shot in the 900 and 1000 yards contest. Going into the match, the Guyanese unit was confident of retaining the Milex Cup sponsored by Milex Security Firm, a Jamaican company. The combined efforts of the lads from the Land of Many Waters saw them amassing a total of 676 points with 29 V Bulls to emerge victorious by some 30 points.
They left the home team in their wake further back on 646 points and 23 V Bulls on another day where the conditions were tricky with winds changing left to right in a flash. As the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going and that is what the Guyanese did in order to blow away their opponents. Trinidad and Tobago ended 3rd with 610 points and 17 V Bulls; Antigua and Barbuda placed 4th with 607 points and 15 V Bulls while Barbados brought up the rear on 565 points with 14 V Bulls. Conditions were not going to be easy given the tricky nature of things in the Individual Championships which ended on Thursday at the same venue. That being the case, the Guyanese Coaching staff comprising of National Captain Mahendra Persaud, ACP Retired Paul
Slowe, Ransford Goodluck, Caribbean Individual champion Lennox Braithwaite, National Vice Captain Dylan Fields and GPF Inspector Dane Blair, all experienced shooters in varying conditions, came up with a strategy to deal with the conditions. It was hard work according to Persaud and while Guyana struggled, it was the same with the other competing countries. Guyana won at both the 900 and 1000 yards ranges; at 900, the Guyanese tallied 344 points (16Vs) to Jamaica’s 340 (23Vs), Trinidad and Tobago 335 (16Vs), Antigua and Barbuda 317 (10Vs) and Barbados 312 (9Vs). After a break for 30 minutes, attention then turned to the 1000 yards range. Despite tallying a lower total than the previous range, Guyana ended with 332 points hitting the V on 13 occasions, more than any
other team. Jamaica again was second best, with a combined score of 306 points and 9 Vs; followed by the ever improving Antigua and Barbuda 290 points 5Vs, Trinidad and Tobago 275 1V and Barbados with 253 points 5Vs. The scores tell the story on another testing day. Attention will now turn to the Short range battle today where the shooters will compete at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges; Jamaica are the defending champions having snatched the trophy from Guyana last year in
Barbados. The Guyanese are certainly not happy with that situation and will be going all out to reclaim the trophy to take back the double which they have attained on many occasions and return to the pinnacle as the undisputed champions of the ranges in the Caribbean. Captain Persaud in an invited comment told Kaieteur Sport that he does not foresee any changes to the team pointing out that USA based John Fraser would have been a certainty on the team yesterday and today but is still to recover
fully from a left elbow injury which is hampering him from giving 100% to the team. Persaud also revealed that they are very impressed with the way all the shooters applied themselves including debutant, Sherwin Felicien, who adapted well. Jamaica will be gunning hard to retain the Short Range title but will be conscious that the Guyanese are coming all guns blazing to retake the cup. It’s going to be Reggae against Ring Bang. So, the Range Officer has already given his instructions, mere hours to Message One! Let the firing begin.
GCB Inter County U-19 3-Day tourney
Chanderpaul’s century puts Demerara in comfortable position By Zaheer Mohamed A chanceless unbeaten century by first class opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul put Demerara in a strong position on the opening day of the third and final round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter County U-19 3-Day tournament against the President’s XI yesterday. At stumps, Demerara were 253-3 off 98 overs after they elected to bat at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda with the left handed Chanderpaul not out on 113 and Deonarine Seogobin on four. Chanderpaul and fellow opener Brian Sattaur laid the foundation for a huge total with a first wicket stand of 135 in overcast condition. The pair started off watchfully but was quick to
take advantage on the bad balls and took their team to 61 at lunch with Sattaur on 35 and Chanderpaul on 19. They continued to frustrate their opponents after the interval with Sattaur, the more aggressive of the two, reaching his fifty off 129 balls with an outside edge off Ryan Shun to the third man boundary. Their century partnership came in the 44th over just before Chanderpaul stroked left arm seamer Gavin Moriah for consecutive fours to reach his fifty. He then celebrated by hitting the bowler to the long on fence. Off spinner Damion Waldron gave his team the breakthrough when Sattaur attempted to cut a delivery too close to his body and was neatly taken by Ronaldo
Mohamed at slip for 67 with nine fours off 165 balls. Chanderpaul was joined by Sherfene Rutherford and took the score to 169 at tea. Chanderpaul mixed aggression with defence and was hardly troubled by the opposition, while Rutherford was put down on 24. Despite losing Rutherford for 44 and Rudolph Singh (06) after tea, Chanderpaul grew in confidence and executed a number of lovely shots on both sides of the pitch and attained his century off 250 balls with eleven fours. Waldron (3-63) was the pick of the bowlers for the President’s XI whose new ball pair of Moriah and Mohamed, despite generating some degree of pace and extracted considerable movement was wayward at times.
Limacol Caribbean Premier League... From page 31 fans expected from August 7th. The first three games of the week will give teams the opportunity to settle some scores from the opening weekend of the tournament, with the first three fixtures mirroring those that took place in Grenada in July. However, tension is set to reach breaking point when the final round of fixtures take place on the weekend of 9/10thAugust. Jamaica Tallawahs and St. Lucia Zouks will be hoping for one
final push as they both play two games in as many days, including the hotly anticipated showdown between Gayle and Pietersen on 9th August. Finals Week – St. Kitts The tournament will reach its climax during a packed week in St. Kitts, beginning with the semi-finals, taking place on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August. In a change from last year, the first placed team at the end of the group stage will advance straight to the final, rewarding consistency
across the season. The third and fourth-placed teams will meet in the first semi-final, with the winner of that match set to play the second placed team the following day for a place in the final. The remaining two franchises will then have the rest of the week to prepare, as the Biggest Party in Sport reaches its epic conclusion, with the Limacol Caribbean Premier League 2014 final due to begin at 3:30pm on Saturday 16th August.
Letter to the Sports Editor
State of football in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Congratulations to you and your staff for allowing us the public some space in your newspaper at this critical juncture of our football. The state of football in Guyana makes us sick but during my kite flying experience in the National Park I was approached by two of my very good buddies and before I could get my kids kites up, football took over the conversation. Sir our debate was on the fact that to date FIFA has not taken any action against Chuck Blazer and most recently none against the new President of the CFU for misuse of funds of the Antigua Football Association. Is the FIFA Ethics Committee dead or conveniently so? Where is President Blatter in all this or is it really true that FIFA is a Mafia as has been stated many times in the past? Why then were Messers Klass and Adonis suspended for nond i s c l o s u r e s , w h i l e M r. Burrell was given a suspended sentence. How convenient after returning monies which he said he had collected? Is FIFA for real? During our discussion, we all concluded that GFF President Matthias is out of his league and much too
egoistic for the job. He also carries lots of baggage. Being vindictive is never good for any Public Office; humility goes a very far way. On the other hand his best pal Ojeer needs to provide to this Nation his coaching certificate which he claimed to have obtained in England and the reason why he was returned to Guyana. On this note I must congratulate you our President Ramotar for your role in advising and instructing Mr. Lumumba that as your Presidential adviser he can’t run for the GFF Presidency. Sir congratulations are in order since this will also be conflict of interest and Governmental interference in accordance with the rule of FIFA, CONCACAF and the CFU. Mr. Ninvalle should also be asked to resign from the Boxing Board for the very same reason. He must serve all the sports without any bias. Mr. President you need to take control of your troops or they would embarrass you and destroy this Nation that we love and you do too. Looking back, our referees were always better off during Klass and Wilson’s administration. When was the last time our referees and officials, since (Dianne
Ferreira) James left the game, were appointed to any World Class tournament or competitions? Our football development enjoyed its best under Klass and Wilson with little or no assistance from the Government of the day. We need a team of our best people tried and proven to take back our football and restore some creditability to our Nation’s football. We are calling upon the CFU and CONCACAF to save our football from the worst dilemma of this decade and from these power crazy and greedy individuals. Football needs to remain independent and outside of any form of Government influence and control. Government, Private sector and administrators of football need to play their individual roles for the good of the game. Guyana is independent and football and all other sports should remain independent. Most of our sports are in a mess and need urgent medical assistance and treatment not egoistic men and women. Sir, I am looking forward to having my views shared as in the previous cases where you were able to entertain other viewpoints. The People of Guyana in football and sports deserves better. Friends of football
Saturday May 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Limacol Caribbean Premier League unveils fixture schedule
GTTA/NSC Annual Independence tourney set for May 16
CPL- Kingston, Jamaica: The 2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier League, which will run from 11th July to 16th August, yesterday announced the full set of fixtures that will have fans of the Biggest Party in Sport blocking out their calendar with 30 explosive games set to be played in just 37 days. CPL II is set to thrill crowds across eight beautiful islands in the Caribbean; Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Trinidad and Tobago. The tournament is set to entertain record-breaking crowds both on and off the field, building on last year’s inaugural tournament won by the Jamaica Tallawahs. Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, said: “It’s a thrill to be able to announce the full schedule for this year ’s tournament. Each island will deliver a party like no other, and the combination of world class internationals and exciting Caribbean talent will thrill the crowds, ensuring that this year’s Limacol Caribbean Premier League will be like no other cricket tournament, combining unbelievable, dramatic action on the field and a unique vibrant carnival atmosphere off it.” Week 1 – Grenada Carnival cricket fever hits the beautiful island of Grenada with the announcement that the National Cricket Stadium will host the opening round of games of the 2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL), from Friday 11th July, with all six teams in action over the first weekend. The National Stadium, which has hosted several West Indies matches since 2002, as well as six matches at the 2007 World Cup, boasts fantastic playing facilities, and will hold the biggest Limacol CPL crowd ever, with room for a massive 16,200 fans each day. The opening fixture, on Friday 11th July, will be Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Antigua Hawksbills, followed
The Biggest Party in Sport announces 30 games over 37 days on 8 different islands by Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel vs Barbados Tridents on the 12th and St. Lucia Zouks v Jamaica Tallawahs on the 13th July. Week 2 – Guyana/Antigua - The second week of the tournament is spread between Guyana and Antigua, with the Amazon Warriors and Hawksbills both looking to make full use of home advantage. A packed Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is expected on 17th July as the Antigua Hawksbills welcome the visit of Mickey Arthur and the Jamaica Tallawahs, with coach Tim Nielsen no doubt hoping the mystery spin of Saeed Ajmal can unravel Chris Gayle and his travelling Tallawahs. Meanwhile, 15,000 passionate Guyanese fans are expected to fill the Providence Stadium as the Amazon Warriors welcome Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel in the second game of the day, held on the evening of the 17th. There will be a distinctly Kiwi feel for the match, with Corey Anderson and Martin Guptill turning out for the home team, and Ross Taylor representing the Red Steel. Four further games follow at the weekend, with the pick of the week coming on Sunday 20th July, and a rematch of last year’s final between the Jamaica Tallawahs and Guyana Amazon Warriors. Week 3 – Trinidad/ Barbados It’s set to be the tale of two Ovals in week three, as the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad, and Kensington Oval, Barbados play host to the next six games of the tournament. Barbados fans will be well aware of the threat posed by the St. Lucia Zouks in their opening game of the week (24th July), and will hope Kieron Pollard and his Tridents are able to contain the powerful batting threat of Darren Sammy, Andre
Fletcher and Brad Hodge. Kevin Pietersen could make his Zouks debut later that week, against the Red Steel on 27th July. It will be a big weekend for Trinidad & Tobago, with reigning champions the Jamaica Tallawahs visiting Queen’s Park the day before for a fantastic clash between two of the Caribbean’s favourite players, Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle. Week 4 – Jamaica/St. Lucia - With July drawing to a close, the CPL party will show no sign of stopping as it arrives in Jamaica and St. Lucia for the fourth week of the tournament. Chris Gayle will hope to light up his home ground, Sabina Park, in his first home game of the tournament on July 31st. However, another legendary West Indian batsman stands in his way, with Antigua Hawksbills mentor Sir Vivian Richards hoping to provide his team with the inspiration to spoil the Jamaican’s homecoming. Kevin Pietersen will discover the passion and support of his home fans when he arrives at the Beausejour Stadium for the first time in a Zouks jersey. Captain Darren Sammy will be expecting the box-office batsman to deliver in three tough games, one of which includes a clash with local rivals, Barbados Tridents. Week 5 – St. Kitts - The penultimate week of the tournament sees Warner Park welcome the CPL for the very first time, as the people of St Kitts and Nevis will get the chance to experience the thrill of the competition first-hand. With the stadium having undergone recent development to enable it to host CPL matches with the construction of state of the art lighting facilities, it is sure to be another exceptional host for the thousands of local (Continued on page 26)
Ramdin appointed Test... From page 32 offered.Ramdin’s first appointment in his new role will be the West Indies versus New Zealand Test in Jamaica starting on June 8th. The second Test at the Queen’s Park Oval will be his first as Test captain on home soil. Ramdin is only the second West Indian wicketkeeper to have been formally appointed Test captain following Gerry Alexander. (Ridley Jacobs was named captain for a series against Bangladesh when Carl Hooper was injured.) Since his return to Test cricket in 2012 Ramdin has scored 728
runs at an average of 42.8 with three centuries. The appointment of Ramdin as Test captain is also historic as it is the first occasion on which the West Indies will have three separate appointed men’s international captains.The position will again be up for review in 2015. West Indies Men’s Captains West Indies Test captain – Denesh Ramdin West Indies ODI captain – Dwayne Bravo West Indies Twenty20 captain – Darren Sammy
The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA)/ National Sports Commission Annual Table Tennis tournament is set for May 16 and will run until May 26 at the National Gymnasium. The tournament is open to all affiliated members of the GTTA. Entries close on May 15 and shall be sent to tournament coordinator Linden Johnson. The categories to be contested are; Boys 9 years & under, Girls 9 years & under, Boys 11 years & under, Girls 11 years & under, Boys 13 years & under, Girls 13 years & under, Boys 15 years & under, Girls 15 years & under, Boys 18 years& under, Girls 18 years & under, Boys Doubles, Girls Doubles, Jnr. Mixed Doubles, 21 years & under open, Women singles and Men Singles. Players competing in the U-9 category must be born on or after January 1st 2005, in the U-11 division after
January 1, 2003, on or after January 1, 2001 for the U-13, on or after January 1, 1999 for the U-15, on or after January 1, 1996 for the U-18 and on or after January 1, 1993 for the U-21. The tournament will be contested according to the rules of the ITTF. Trophies and medals will be given to the first, second and joint third place winners in all events. Players must agree to compete against any other participating player, and that the participants respect and acknowledge the ITTF AntiHarassment Policy. The draw will take place on Thursday May 15 at 17:00 hrs at the National Gymnasium Mandela Avenue and will be made under the
supervision of the Technical Committee and Organizing Committee representatives. Stag 1000 DX blue, butterfly white balls will be used. The singles events will be played in two stages. Groups will be confirmed as necessary, and they will compete on a “Round Robin” system. The first two players of each group qualify for the final Stage where games will be played in a set of seven by a simple elimination system. Players must finish in the last 16 before they could qualify for the National Championship 2014. There will be an Open Novice Category for beginners and players from new schools in view of encouraging more participation in the sport.
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Exhibition between US Diplomat Albert Razick and Godfrey Lowden set for tomorrow To reignite the passion for tennis in Guyana, the Guyana Tennis Association has scheduled the first of several exciting exhibition matches over the next few months as a lead up to the Inter Guyana Games (IGG) for tennis which will be held in late October. The first showdown will be held tomorrow, Sunday May 11th at 4:00pm sharp on the courts of the National Racquet Centre, which is
located opposite the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI) on Woolford Avenue. This is a highly anticipated matchup between Berbician Veteran Champion Mr. Godfrey Lowden and Mr. Albert Razick of the US Embassy. Lowden has been a formidable force in the Over 35 year old category for many years and Razick is a US Diplomat, who has many years of experience playing
tennis and is eager to test his prowess on the Guyanese tennis scene. Spectators can expect to be treated to a great tennis match down to the last point. The match Umpire will be Dr. Steve Surujbally. The general public is invited to this event which is free of cost and tennis players are asked to visit the facility as early as 10:00am to participate in friendly matches in the lead up to the exhibition match.
Keen rivalry anticipated as Scotiabank/ Pepsi football competition continues today As the action in Scotiabank/Pepsi football competition continues, several matches are slated for this weekend with games being contested in Georgetown and Linden. The action gets underway this morning when Charlestown Secondary clash with Tutorial Secondary in as female match starting at 10:30hrs at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Ground. At 11:30 Tucville and Lodge females will meet and at 13:00 hrs Lodge and Campbellville males will bring the curtain down
on the day’s activity in the Capital City. There will also be action in Linden at the Wisburg School Ground where 4 games will be played. At 09:30 hrs, New Silver City will clash with Mackenzie High in a female encounter followed at 11:00hrs with the males encounter between those very teams. Wismar Christiansburg Secondary and Linden Foundation will then bring the curtains down in a female game with the men’s game starting at 13:00 hrs.
Ramdin appointed Test captain ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board today announced that wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin has been a p p o i n t e d We s t I n d i e s Test captain. Ramdin takes over from Darren Sammy who served in the post from October 2010 to May 2014. Ramdin was the standing West Indies Test Vi c e Captain and previously served as West Indies Under 19 and A Team captains. The 29 year old has played 56 Tests in addition to 109 One Day Internationals and 46 Twenty20 Internationals. The Board of Directors of the WICB approved the recommendation which w a s m a d e b y t h e We s t Indies Selection Panel chaired by Clyde Butts and with Robert Haynes, C o u r t n e y B rowne and Head Coach Ottis Gibson as members. President of the WICB, Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron said that th e B o a r d i s refocusing its attention on getting maximum performance for each format of the game and now is an ideal time to make the adjustments as we adopt the recommendations from the report done by the Director of Cricket. “We thank Darren for his energetic and resolute leadership over the past four years and we continue to see his role as the Tw e n t y 2 0 c a p t a i n a s a
Denesh Ramdin critical one. The Board has approved the recommendation of the Selection Panel. We wish Denesh consistent success and commit the full support of the Board as he takes on the mammoth responsibility of Test captain,” President Cameron said. Ramdin said he is honoured by the confidence placed in him . “ I t i s a n honour to be named as captain of the West Indies Test team. This is a huge opportunity and as a unit we are capable of representing the people of the West Indies,” Ramdin said. “It is something very special to represent the people of the West Indies and to be named to the lead the Test team and chart the course forward is humbling and extra special. I thank the WICB for affording me this incredible opportunity and I also thank the TTCB for the opportunity to lead
Trinidad & Tobago. “I am taking over from Darren who did a good job while he was at the helm. He is a very humble and hardworking cricketer and during his time at the helm we won six matches and gave his all to the job. “My first assignment will be against New Zealand at home and this promises to be a very exciting series. I am a very calm individual and I will bring that level of calmness to the job and to the team as we look to move forward and build a winning Test team which will make the people of the West Indies proud.” Sammy offered his support to Ramdin in a public comment. “Congratulations to Ramdin on being named Test captain. God’s speed brother as you look to take us forward. Thanks to all for the support,” Sammy (Continued on page 31)
Saturday May 10, 2014
Rising Sun Turf Club goes racing on Sunday 25th May The Rising Sun Turf Club in collaboration with the People’s Progressive Party will be staging a grand horserace meet slated for Sunday 25th May at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast Berbice. Seven races are listed for the day with competitors set to vie for close to $4M in prize money which will be available in cash, trophies and other goodies. The day’s programme includes events for A and lower; E and D maiden and lower, the 3 yr old classic for horses born and bred in the Guyana and the West Indies. There is also the F class event and the race for G3 and lower horses. The A class event over
1400M will see the horses galloping for a first prize of $1M. There is a newly introduced event for horses classified D3 and lower nonwinners for 2014 and E and lower for a winning take of $500,000 and trophy over 1400M. Three year Guyana and West Indies Bred animals will be racing for a top prize of $400,000 over 1400M. Incentive for the winner in the F1 and lower 1400M event is also worth $400,000. The G3 class 1100M race will see the winner taking away the $300,000 first prize and trophy. Racing fans will see the top ‘I’ class horses racing for a winning take of $200,000 and trophy over 1100M. The J1
class horses 1100M sprint has a winner ’s prize of $180,000 and trophy. With so much on offer, a scintillating and action packed day of racing is anticipated. The top individual performers will be presented with accolades compliments of Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market. Interested persons can contact Fazal Habibulla on Telephone No 232-0232 or 6577010, Inshanally Habibulla on tel No 623-4495 or 2323295, or Donald or Zaleena Lawrie on telephone no 2254530, 2254565 or Dennis DeRoop on 6099143 for any details.Race time is 13:00 hrs (Samuel Whyte)
GCB Inter-County U-19
Baldeo’s unbeaten 65 helps B’ce to first innings points By Sean Devers A cultured unbeaten 65 from Balchand Baldeo and a four-wicket haul from offspinner Sharaz Ramcharran spearheaded Berbice to first innings points against Essequibo on day one of their final round Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) threeday under-19 cricket encounter yesterday at the Everest ground on Camp Road. Skipper Ramcharran looked the best off-spinner in the tournament and finished with 4-25 from 15 overs and got support from pacer Grisean Grant (3-27) to help dismiss Essequibo, who batted with one player short, for 122-9 innings closed, 44 minutes after lunch. Baldeo then fashioned a compact undefeated 65 from 132 balls which included three fours and shared in a 51-run opening stand with Viendra Gooniah (17) to see Berbice to 168-5 by the close. Play began in slightly overcast conditions on a straw coloured pitch and with a strong Atlantic breeze blowing across the ground, Grant struck early in the bout when he removed Ricardo Peters for a duck with just four runs on the board. A small but vocal crowd watched as Grant got rid of Shivendra Himraj (1). Grant then bowled second round centurion and Essequibo Captain Kemo Paul (4) to leave Essequibo, who registered a confidence boosting victory over the President’s X1 at DCC in their last match, wobbling on 18-3. With their premier batsman out of the way and the strange decision to
declare, Kenu Harry in their starting XI even though he had to write exams and missed the entire Essequibo innings, it came as little surprise when their batting faltered in an all too familiar fashion. Poor shot selection contributed to their batting woes as the batsmen again played in t20 mode with only Avinash Persaud, who hit six fours and a six in his 43-ball 37 and Mohendra Balbadar whose cameo 40 came from 111 balls and was decorated with six boundaries, reaching 12 as Ramcharran bowled with excellent control and impressive flight on the large ground. Ramcharran had Persaud at 57-4 before he bowled Akil Wallace (12) who was completely deceived by the flight and also got rid of Ryan Adam (6) to leave Essequibo on 78-6. From a lunch time score of 88-6 after 14 minutes were lost due to a sharp shower in the opening session, the lads from Guyana’s largest County lost Travis Drakes (11) to the wily Ramcharran at 95-7 before Paul Simbo (1) edged a catch to the Keeper off Viendra Gooniah to leave the score on 108-8. The Essequibo camp must have hoped that Balbadar would have received prolonged support from Akini Adams, giving Harry enough time to arrive, but that was not to be as Gooniah, who took 2-24, disturbed the stumps of Balbadar to leave Adams not out on seven. When Berbice began their reply, Gooniah was caught at third slip off a Paul no-ball on five with the score on 20 without
loss much to the dismay of the pacer who had also bowled Demerara’s Brian Sattaur with a no-ball. The openers put their team in a good position with a 52-run partnership before Gooniah was run out for 17. First-Class left-hander Shemron Hetmyer fresh off a century against the President’s X1 in the first round, played with refreshing maturity and stroked almost every ball he faced along the ground, with an exhilarating extra cover-drive off Wallace, reaching the boundary like a bullet. However, when well set on 20 the pugnacious batsman, who had seen his team to 68-1 by Tea, was run out at 74-2 when involved in a mix-up with Baldeo. Ashkay Homraj (18) seemed very unfortunate to be adjudged LBW to left-arm spinner Akini Adams when he advanced down the track to leave the score on 108-3. It was soon 111-4 when Ramcharran was caught behind off Paul Simbo and while Adams bowled with good variety and proved to be Essequibo’s best bowler yesterday, off-spinner Wallace, with a 10-wicket match haul to his name in the last round, struggled for wickets on the much larger ground and strangely opted to operate from round the wicket in a defensive spell. He however had David Latchaya (17), arguable Essequibo’s most complete batsman, taken at slip by Paul just before the close with the score on 151-5, leaving the bulk of the batting today on the shoulders of Baldeo whose half-century was posted from 105 balls with his second boundary.
Saturday May 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Darren Sammy advises WICB of retirement from Test cricket St John’s, Antigua – Darren Sammy has formally notified the West Indies Cricket Board of his decision to retire from Test cricket. Sammy has also informed the Board of his decision to continue to make himself available for selection for the other formats of the game. Sammy, in his communication to the Board thanked the Directors, the Selectors and Team Management for the confidence shown in him as a player and captain which he served as from October 2010 to May 2014.
Sammy said that he will always cherish the memories of representing and captaining the West Indies in Test cricket. The West Indies Cricket Board thanked Sammy for his service to West Indies Test cricket both as player and captain and looks forward to his continued involvement and contribution as an ODI player and T20 captain and player.Sammy played in 38 Tests, captaining in 30 of those appearances. He remains the West Indies T20 captain.
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Total team effort was key to Guyana’s success – Mahendra Persaud
Captain Mahendra Persaud and fellow Coaches (seated) performing duties yesterday at 900 yards at the Twickenham Ranges in Jamaica. By Franklin Wilson in Jamaica Compliments of Q u e e n s w a y , F a z i a ’s Collection, Crown Mining Supply and Fitness Express National Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud has praised the performance of his team whose collective efforts saw the Guyanese retaining the Milex Cup which symbolizes supremacy at the Long Range (900 & 1000 yards) in the Caribbean. Facing challenging conditions, the Guyanese were able to turn back the challenge of four other countries to retain the trophy and bragging rights for another year as the best; totaling 676 points (29Vs) to Jamaica’s 646 (23Vs),
Trinidad and Tobago’s 610 (17Vs), Antigua and Barbuda’s 607 (15Vs) and Barbados’ 565 (14Vs). Persaud described the performance of the team as a “ To t a l t e a m e f f o r t ” , reminding that the scores were low due to the prevailing conditions at the Twickenham Ranges in Jamaica. “We had to at times be firing shooters one at a time in order to test the wind, so shooters were actually sacrificing their own shots so that the overall team could have benefitted and that to my mind is phenomenal.” The long standing and successful captain pointed out that his Vice Captain Dylan Fields’ scores do not reflect his ability but he sacrificed a number of shots for the team since he was
shooting at the worst time during the day. “When debutant Sherwin Felicien was encountering some problems we were forced to bring Fields in, work with him until he was done, then bring back Felicien. We had to call on all the tricks we knew in order to counter the conditions.” Persaud also shared that they had to use one shooter at times rather than having two firing simultaneously in order to get a grip of the changing winds and not waste shots at the same time. “Basically, we had to use some shooters to test the wind as we went along and conditions got too challenging. It was a total team effort and the level of communication among the coaches and shooters was great. All shooters would
have lost points trying their best for the team.” The training that the Guyanese team underwent earlier this year when British and Scotland Coach and shooter Ian Shaw was in Guyana served the locals in good stead according to Persaud. Experience garnered from international competitions and observing the Great Britain team was also drawn upon yesterday Persaud declared. “I am really proud of my boys and the way they stood up to the challenge yesterday. We had better control than the other teams; we did not panic, just kept calm and did our best. We took it one shot a time in order to save each point as we went along. It was a fantastic job.” Focus will now switch to the Short Range match which will be contested today, the final day of competition. The presentation and awards ceremony will be held this evening.
Saturday May 10, 2014
Durant team captures Stabroek Market Dominoes Competition O’Neil Durant’s team with 72 games stormed to victory in the Stabroek Market 10th Annual Dominoes Competition which was held on Arrival Day, at the Stabroek Market. They were followed home by Winston James’ team which ended on 51 games, while A. Sharples’ team finished in the cellar after posting a meagre 48 games. Top scorers for the winning team were Brian Kendall, who scored the maximum 18 games, while admirable support came from Colin Accra with 13 and Travel Roberts 12. The lone lovebird was A. Sharples. Speaking with Co-ordinator O’Neil Durant, he said that the competition has become an annual one, adding that the turnout clearly demonstrated that the event is gaining more support and the move now is to get a much bigger and convenient venue to host it next year. He thanked Chief Constable Andrew Foo and Clerk of Market Simone McKend for their assistance in permitting the use of the facility to host the competition. Durant also extended thanks to the following entities and persons for their support as well and they include: Kiskar Natural Way, the McFarlane family, Seepersaud Maraj & Sons Jewellery of Stabroek Market, Wood Phillip of Alabama Trading, Castrol and Robert Selman of Guyana Beverage Company.
The winning Durant team members pose with their trophy after capturing the Stabroek Market Domino Competition recently.
Saturday May 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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t r o Sp West Indies Fullbore Rifle Shooting C/ships – Long Range Match
Guyana retain Milex Cup
P.30
on another testing day GCB InterCountyU-19
Baldeo’s unbeaten 65 helps B’ce to first innings points P.32
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