Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

A Mayor without honour The Georgetown Municipality has what could only be described as a most confusing situation. For starters, there are two Town Clerks in place; the Mayor is little better than useless since he has no authority over much and the political influence is overwhelming. There is no other country where the Mayor has been so stripped of his powers as to be rendered ineffective. The laws allow him to preside over the affairs of the council and to ensure that decisions of the council are executed. However, the present situation is that a politically appointed Town Clerk has assumed more power than the Mayor, with the support of the government. Accusations that the government wanted to control the Georgetown Municipality have been around for years. On one occasion, just prior to the last local government elections being held in 1994, the government succeeded in installing an Interim Management Committee. This committee was headed by a known supporter of the ruling party. Most of the members of the Interim Management Committee were closely aligned to the ruling party. The result was that the government pulled out all the stops to ensure that the city got the kind of money it needed to conduct its business. There was a massive road rehabilitation programme, a major desilting programme, and other business of the municipality. And it was during the tenure of the IMC that the Georgetown Sewerage and Water Commissioners, now Guyana Water Inc., was taken from under the umbrella of the City Council and made an independent entity. When the garbage piles began to mount, everyone blamed the council. It was not the wisest thing to do but it enabled the government to promote itself as perhaps the most efficient entity to exist in Guyana. The local government elections of 1994 saw the replacement of the IMC with a duly elected council. The government got the third largest number of seats and so failed to control a majority. In the eyes of the government the situation had reverted to what it was prior to the IMC. The garbage piles were seen as a measure of the failure of the council. It was not a good thing to acknowledge that a greater number of people were coming into the city and leaving behind the garbage piles. The government then moved to prevent the council from expanding its revenue base-it denied the council from holding a lottery; it prevented the council from imposing a tax on certain commodities that went into the garbage piles, things like Styrofoam and disposable bottles; and monies it collected that should have gone to the council simply went into the government coffers. The council, on the other hand, did not apply maximum effort to collect outstanding rates. Less than sixty per cent of the people who live in the city pay their rates. Many of the buildings are under-assessed and the council has been denied the right to hike its rates. In one case the business community moved to the courts and challenged the hike in rates, using the very garbage piles as an excuse. But the government, quite rightly, says that City Hall must collect all monies owed to it. Unfortunately, the very government does not heed its own advice. It is owed billions of dollars in taxes, millions of dollars by contractors who failed to properly execute projects, and even more millions of dollars by people who occupy or control government assets but refuse to honour their obligations. The council has brought about its own downfall; the councilors have attracted the disrespect that they now face. So we have a Town Clerk openly disrespecting and disobeying the Mayor’s orders; we have a Town Clerk who disrespects the Christian community in Guyana but insists that she should lead the council in prayer. When this is not agreed to, she forces the cancellation of the statutory meeting because she is the chief recorder. She locks the Mayor out of his office, forces meetings to be held in the yard and makes rules for the council. And the government supports this. Small wonder that disrespect is the order of the day in just about every sphere of authority.

Tuesday May 13, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

PEEPING TOM may wish to do some research before speculating DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me to comment once again on some faulty logic being promoted by the anonymous columnist known as Peeping Tom. This time it is contained in your Sunday 11th May edition, in a column entitled “The implications of the CCJ’s recent decision”. It concerns the recent Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) decision in the case between the State of Guyana and Rudisa Beverages & Juices N.V. and Caribbean International Distributors Inc. over the environmental tax being imposed by our government on non-returnable beverage containers imported into Guyana from Suriname. I believe a fair summary of the decision would be that the court ruled that the application of this tax on products from another Caricom member country was in breach of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, and ordered the government of Guyana to cease imposing this tax and to repay the environmental tax which it has collected from the company since 2009 (approximately US$6 million). It will be recalled that in May of 2013 the government sought to amend the Customs Act by removing section 7 (a) which stipulates the $10 environmental tax on imported containers, and replacing this with a $5 per container tax that would be applicable to local producers as well as importers. This was not approved by the National Assembly for reasons which the political opposition has already explained. Peeping Tom has amazingly linked these two events to conclude that the opposition’s actions have resulted in

Guyana now having to repay over US$6 million to Rudisa. The following excerpt: “If the combined opposition had passed the amendment to the environmental tax laws, Guyana may have avoided such a harsh judgment from the CCJ” indicates that Peeping Tom either does not appreciate the difference between a refund and a compensation payment or is attempting to confuse your readers. The Government was collecting money that it had no right to collect and now has to return it. Whether or not the opposition had approved the new legislation has no bearing on this fact. Had the legislation been approved the government would still have had to refund any monies collected under section 7 (a) of the Customs Act prior to its removal. The only difference would have been that the government would presumably have implemented the amendments and ceased collecting this particular tax thereby reducing the US$6 million by whatever would have been collected from that point on until October 24th 2013 which is the date up to which the court has calculated the refund. Perhaps to further malign the opposition, Peeping Tom then goes on to draw a parallel between this and the current political impasse over the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT) Amendment Bill. The view of the court that the State is not divisible, and any violation by the State is not lessened by considerations of which branch of the State is actually responsible, seems to have gifted Peeping Tom an opportunity to predict a doomsday scenario and then

blame the opposition for making it happen. According to Peeping Tom, “The patience of CFATF is wearing thin. It is not going to hold off much longer in reporting Guyana as non-compliant. This will mean sanctions by the international community. The effects of these sanctions will make the US$6M that Guyana now has to pay to that Surinamese company as a result of the CCJ judgment seem like chicken feed”. The Guyanese public can do without the constant threat of sanctions. For over a year now we have been besieged by vague references to the terrible consequences of not approving the AML-CFT amendments. It is time for those who have been warning of blacklists and sanctions to be a lot more specific about how Guyana will be affected if it is referred to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) by its regional affiliate body the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) following its (CFATF’s) plenary meeting at the end of this month. Such details have been conspicuously absent so far, with all the forecasters seemingly satisfied to keep the nation in a state of nervousness rather than prepare us for any challenges resulting from a referral to FATF come month-end. It has also become apparent that many of these persons haven’t a clue about what will happen and are merely repeating what they have been told by others. Peeping Tom may wish to do some research on how FATF actually operates before speculating about sanctions and chicken feed. Dominic Gaskin

Burnham cannot be both brilliant and a failure. Was he a brilliant failure? DEAR EDITOR, National Service, banning foodstuff destruction of Indians. In flirting with Revisionists are fond of touting used daily by Indo Guyanese, rigging the worldwide socialist wave at that Norman Girvan and PNC founder elections and ignoring kick-down-the- time he nationalized companies and leader Linden Forbes Sampson door banditry cannot be the paragon of regulated the prices of goods without Burnham as brilliant. But both virtues of any noteworthy leader to favouring any race group. Not so with respectively bankrupted Jamaica’s and emulate. Yet some still go down that Burnham’s PNC. Williams understood Guyana’s economies. Burnham road whilst they are still silent on Boko the importance of the opposition terrorized his opponents, subverted Haram’s insanity. DLP/UNC which was supported by democracy, rigged elections, caused Interesting was Trinidad’s Dr. Eric most, not all, Indo Trinidadians and did starvation and forced Guyana’s best Williams. Williams knew how far he not forcefully seek their extinction. In brains to run away! Can anyone be both could go to limit his racisms. As Prime fact Williams swiftly changed course brilliant and a failure at the same time? Minister he understood the critical when things were not working out. Writing a book, acquiring a PhD, or importance of Indo Trinidadians in Eventually he went capitalist all the being a political leader with followers sustaining the country’s economy. He way. For Girvan to be considered cannot automatically earn anyone the did not embark on a policy of sweeping (Continued on page 5) “brilliant” title. If so, it would certainly elevate Nigeria’s Boko Haram as better than Uganda’s President General DEAR EDITOR, parliamentary motion to restore Georgetown. Idi Amin and Libya’s Colonel In relation to the current catastrophe All these medicines represent misplaced Muammar Gadaffi. Kidnapping nearly 300 facing our cities and municipalities across the approaches to what is really needed to address innocent girl children and country, and in particular the one in the core problem that is destroying our cities, reportedly selling them for Georgetown, we hear and see prescriptions towns and communities. We should not continue to waste precious US$12 as sex slaves is an being applied to the sick patient that include a abomination which only combination of informal recommendations resources, time and energies on such and formal policy approaches by citizens, bandages and diversions; instead we should sullies Africa’s image. put all those efforts toward the hosting of Claims that Burnham was interests groups and political policy makers. These include the establishment of IMCs, Local Government Elections (LGE). brilliant, but only made minor I join with my colleagues to repeat the call mistakes which kept the PPP short-term periods of compromises for city alive are most laughable. Vile council and city administrators to work for Minister Whittaker to set a date for the assaults on Indo Guyanese together, $1 billion budgetary allocation for a urgent hosting of LGE. I am Ready! Keoma Griffith, Blue CAPS w o m e n a t c o m p u l s o r y countrywide cleanup, and a unanimous

The answer is Local Govt. Elections

Tuesday May 13, 2014

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

Old Age Pensioners are Misconceptions about India’s being ripped off by govt politics and social structure DEAR EDITOR, I read with interest a letter by the AFC Regional Chairman of Region 5, in which he called for the Old Age Pensioners to be paid monies purportedly being paid to GPL and GWI as subsidies on their behalf. That decision of Cabinet is discriminatory at best and is a scheme at bailing out GPL while at the same time ripping off thousands of senior citizens. The pensioners on the coast are benefiting, albeit with great difficulties, from these subsidies. Their hinterland counterparts are however being sidelined, discriminated against, and ripped off. I am quite positive that this scheme was not hatched by accident but was clearly designed with the aims I have mentioned; while at the same

time offering GPL in particular, a hefty amount of cash illegally. That is theft, misappropriation and dishonesty all in one. Let me explain. GPL is the sole provider of electricity on the coast. In the hinterland regions there are several quasi entities established by the PM to supply this essential commodity. As I understand it, only GPL was envisaged as receiving the subsidy. The result is that LMPCI in Lethem, LPC of Linden, and MPC of Mahdia do not receive this subsidy. Therefore pensioners are made to pay for electricity while $30,000 per month is going to GPL in their names. Similarly, there are endless communities in the hinterland that are not in receipt of any electricity. Monies are going to GPL and GWI in the names

of the hundreds of pensioners from those areas. If this is not thievery then I do not know what else it can be. The call made by the AFC Region 5 Chairman therefore, is a reasonable one and should be implemented forthwith. I will go a stage further and call on both Mr Granger and Mr. Ramjattan to use their majority in parliament to ensure that the hinterland residents receive their $30,000 in their monthly cheque, and this should be retroactive to the beginning of the arrangement. Let us see if the government really has the interest of the hinterland peoples at heart, or whether they will characteristically continue to weave a web of deceit to hoodwink us. Carl Parker Sr. Regional Councillor, Region 9

DEAR EDITOR, Sase Singh’s letter, “Finally someone from the masses will rule India” (KN 10-05-14) indicates that the letter writer knows very little of the history, social structure and politics of India. Mr. Singh is right in saying that Narendra Modi would likely become Prime Minister (in a few weeks). He is immensely popular, partly because of the economic success of his leadership in the state of Gujurat, and partly as a backlash of the populace in punishing the governing Congress party for the billiondollar scandals over the last few years. Modi is also blessed with a charismatic personality and is an eloquent speaker who appeals to many. It seems as if Mr. Singh came to his conclusions in his letter after looking at reports from the internet media, and

We are open to addressing any concern expressed by our pensioners DEAR EDITOR, The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security notes with concern the sentiments expressed by Mr. Abel Seetaram of the Alliance for Change in a letter published by the Kaieteur News on May 9, 2014 regarding electricity subsidies for Old Age Pensioners. The Ministry wishes to emphasise that Old Age Pension is given to all eligible Guyanese 65 years and older without discrimination and with the aim of assisting senior citizens. This is not a contributory scheme, but a form of assistance provided by the state to its senior citizens. In addition to the pension, Old Age Pensioners are given assistance to meet the cost of electricity and water charges. It is important to note that the Government and the two utility companies have agreed to clear criteria for pensioners to benefit from these subsidies and to avoid exploitation of pensioners and the system. In the case of the electricity subsidy of $30,000

per annum, which became effective May 1, 2014, and which was previously $20,000, the criteria were publicized by the Guyana Power and Light Company in the media. The main criterion is that the Old Age Pensioner must be a customer of the Guyana Power and Light Company, to become eligible to receive the subsidy. In 2013, Cabinet agreed that ownership of an electricity meter would be a criterion for pensioners’ entitlement to the Government electricity subsidy. The Finance Minister in announcing the Electricity Assistance Programme during his Budget Presentation in 2013 stated that, “With effect from 2013, Government will make a contribution to help each Old Age Pensioner who is a customer of GPL, and meet the electricity charges they incur with that company…This assistance will reduce the electricity charges that will have to be met by each pensioner who is a GPL customer…” During the implementation of the

Electricity Assistance Programme in 2013, GPL found that many of the applicants could not qualify because they did not meet this criterion. Last year 7,283 pensioners applied for the electricity subsidy. Of these, 7,026 pensioners were eligible, while 257 pensioners did not qualify. The letter writer mentioned receiving complaints from Region Five pensioners. In Region Five, 653 pensioners applied for the subsidy last year, 619 of whom qualified and 34 of them were deemed ineligible to receive the subsidy. The major reasons for disqualification were that: 1. The name on the GPL account did not match the name stated on the pensioners’ Old Age Pension Book; 2. Pensioners having inactive GPL accounts because the service was terminated and bills were not being generated for those persons; and 3. Some pensioners were not account holders of GPL meters. In cases where the name on the GPL account did not match the name stated on the

pensioners’ Old Age Pension Book, the pensioners were requested to support their application with an ‘Affidavit of Identity’. The request by GPL that the meter be changed to the pensioner’s name is not a new development. This was always a criterion and pensioners can only benefit if the meter is in their name. While there are expenses associated with this change, it is important to note that these are one-off expenses that will allow the pensioners to receive the subsidy on an annual basis. The Ministry also wishes to state that the Government has consistently sought to improve the lives of our senior citizens, and in this light, we are open to addressing any concern expressed by our pensioners. There are Probation and Social Security Officers who are assigned to the various regional offices and at the head office in Georgetown and they are tasked with addressing pensioners’ concerns. Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security

has had little or no contact with the “masses” of India that he has mentioned. My juxtaposition is different: I have lived almost a third of my life in India, and have had lots of interaction with those who represent the “masses” of India. I also communicate relatively well in the Hindi language, and have (recently) chatted with the rank-and-file Indians regarding bread and butter issues, in cities and in villages of India. My contention with the letter is the last three sentences. Mr. Singh mentioned that India has “finally broken the silent rule that only the fair-skinned upper class can rule the masses”. First, Sase should know that in India, “fair-skinned” does not necessarily equal “upper class”, and vice versa. Second, there is fundamental difference between “class” and “caste”, in the Indian context. Third, India has not been “ruled” only with those of fairer skin; (the 11th Prime Minister of India, H.D. Deve

Gowda (1996–1997) is dark skinned - black!). Fourth, though Modi is immensely popular, he is not one who could be described as from the “masses”. Muslims of India (which comprise the second largest number in the world, after Indonesia) are very wary of Modi; ditto for other minorities, as well as those of the lower castes. What Sase Singh did not mention is that Narendra Modi is also a feared leader. His connection with the paramilitary ultranationalist “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh” (RSS) group with his political party, the BJP, is cause for concern. There are many other reasons why intellectuals, artists, minorities and noted political scientists do not favour Modi. It appears that Mr. Singh’s use of the “free at last, India is free at last” last sentence has cheapened Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous freedom proclamation. ‘Free’ from what? Or ‘free’ from/for whom? Devanand Bhagwan

Burnham cannot... From page 4 brilliant is whitewashing the fact that his economic policies bankrupted Jamaica’s economy when adopted by Prime Minister Norman Manley. Can national bankruptcy be the new PNC definition of “brilliant”? The PNC/AFC/WPA cabal can learn from both Belize’s and Trinidad’s opposition parties if they can be so “brilliant “ and patriotic. Belize’s opposition put aside their party’s interest and voted for the national good by supporting their country’s AntiMoney Laundering (AML) Bill. Trinidad’s opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley paid his own expenses and visited India to make a point. He also condemned his PNM predecessor Prime Minister Patrick Manning and the PNM’s old guard for all its past wrongs. Rowley has even publicly condemned the crime wave in Trinidad and demanded that the armed forces crackdown on the criminals. Compare Brigadier General

David Granger’s PNC which criticizes the police for being proactive on crime. Before all hands can be washed clean, Granger and his PNC have to break from the PNC’s shameful past, admit to the party’s involvement in Dr Walter Rodney’s murder, and clean up its nasty image. Their party’s future depends on it. Brilliant is not only reacting to history but shaping it. Any child without having a PhD can connect all the dots to move Guyana forward. Either Granger walks away in a pact with faded glory Carl Greenidge and ensures the PNC gets a newcomer like the PPP sprung with President Bharat Jagdeo, or it sell its soul again to outsiders and forever remain in the opposition. Their hope that the WPA will earn them dividends is a fantasy. Failure to approve the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Bill will eviscerate the AFC at the next elections. Brilliant Burnham! Really! Give me a break. Vassan Ramracha

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Disclose Jagdeo’s spending Suriname disputes Guyana’s out of Office - APNU claim to mineral rich lands

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is seeking to find out exactly how much money the State has spent behind former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, since he demitted Office in 2011. APNU’s Desmond Trotman, has formally tabled a list of questions for the Minister of Finance to respond to in relation to the expenditure. The Finance Minister will be required to deliver the answers when Parliament meets on Thursday. The political opposition has always been critical over what it c a l l s u n c a p p e d benefits encapsulated in the Former Presidents (Benefits and Facilities) which in May 2009, the then President Bharrat Jagdeo assented to. Trotman wants to find out what is the total health expenses/claims met under the Act for former President Jagdeo and or his dependents for each month since he demitted office in 2011, up to the end of February 2014. Jagdeo recently made headlines when he chartered a private Lear Jet to fly to Guyana and take him to Florida where he went for treatment over Dengue Fever. It was later revealed that when former President Jagdeo was airlifted to the

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo United States, destined for a Florida hospital, he had in his entourage his best friend, Dr Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop and they used a private luxury Learjet instead of an air ambulance. An air ambulance are planes or helicopters that have been specially fitted with medical equipment and beds and would also include medical personnel accompanying the aircraft to treat the passenger as they are taken to the hospital. What Jagdeo used is a fixed wing twin engine, 10 seat jet. The jet was charted from Jedami Aircraft Charter, LLC, registered in Florida. This publication understands that the chartering of a LearJet, from Florida to Guyana and back

for a medivac, would cost between US$35,000 and US$40,000. APNU in their probe of the expenditure behind Jagdeo is also seeking to find out what is the monthly cost of providing security for personal and property(s) under the Act for former President Jagdeo since he demitted office in 2011 to the end of February, 2014. APNU is also seeking to elicit answers in relation to the cost of providing transportation local and overseas, inclusive of cars and drivers, including air cost and road under the Act for the former President and or his dependents for each month since he demitted office in 2011 to the end of February, 2014 The coalition is also seeking to find out what is the electricity charge paid under the Act for former President, Jagdeo, for each month since he demitted office in 2011 up to the end of February 2014. On May 28, 2009, then President Jagdeo assented to the controversial Former Presidents (Benefits and Facilities) Bill, bringing it into law. Under t h a t A c t , h e would receive free medical attention and medical treatment, paid for by the state, or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by him for the medical attention or treatment of himself and the dependant members of his family. Jagdeo became Guyana’s youngest ever President when his predecessor Janet Jagan demitted office in 1999. During his term in office, Jagdeo initiated many controversial projects, among them the Amaila Falls Hydro-electric Project, the Marriott Hotel project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project, and the failed Skeldon Modernisation Project.

PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname, CMC – Suriname maintains that the Tigri area, a huge, mineral rich landmass in the south west section of the country belongs to the Dutch Caribbean Community (CARICOM) despite claims by Guyana dating back to the 1840s.Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Lackin told the National Assembly that Guyana has been “making moves on the Tigri area for 40 years now. “Tigri is Suriname territory, but as a developing country we have chosen for the path of diplomacy with as goal sustainable development for both our nations. We are convinced that a constructive solution is the best outcome,” he said. Lackin said the dispute is a priority for President Desi

Bouterse, and that Suriname and Guyana have established a committee that in the past three years held four meetings about Tigri. The Foreign Minister said President Bouterse and his Guyanese counterpart Donald Ramotar have also had discussions about the dispute and have given their foreign ministers instructions, which have been passed on to the border committee. The Minister said that the decision could also have been made to go to war with Guyana over Tigri. “But wars cost money. We rather use those for public health and education,” he said, adding: “Fact is that Tigri is part of Suriname territory.” Lackin’s insistence that Tigri belongs to Suriname

comes a month after Guyana declined an invitation to take part in the International Mining, Energy and Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (SURIMEP 2014) that takes place in Paramaribo in June. Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud said that Guyana withdrew because the Suriname map that was being circulated gave Suriname the New River Triangle. Suriname considers the area part of the Coeroenie area of District Sipaliwini, whereas Guyana considers it part of their East BerbiceCorentyne region, which it calls the New River Triangle. Since 1969, Tigri has been under Guyanese rule, leaving the conflict simmering below the surface.

Consultation to adjust UG’s fee in the pipelines

An adjustment to the tuition fee at the University of Guyana is a subject matter that has been gaining the attention of the University of Guyana (UG). The tuition fee was up for discussion at a recent Council meeting presided over by ProChancellor, Dr Prem Misir. He said that at that meeting a decision was made for a consultation process to be held to deliberate further on the matter which has evoked some controversy. According to Misir, who last week tendered his resignation and is expected to demit office on June 2, from the 1990s the tuition fee was pegged at $127,000 or the then equivalent of US$1,000, at the time. He noted that the University Council, in recognition of the fact that the situation has changed over the years, concluded that there is need for some adjustments to be made where the fee is pegged to match the existing rates. “That is a reasonable thing to me (but) it will not be presented carte blanche to the students,” said Dr Misir. He noted that through the consultation process stakeholders will be able to give their input. The consultation is slated to

Dr. Prem Misir commence shortly, Dr Misir said. He added, “We will have to look at what the consultations outcome would be and on the basis of those outcomes decisions will be made.” But according to Dr Misir, regardless of the outcome of the planned consultations there will not be an increase but rather a possible adjustment to the fees. “This is a proposal; there has to be proposals...You can throw it out during the consultation period and say you don’t want it or say you can live with it; so the consultations will have to produce the outcomes in

terms of the kinds of decisions that will be made that will be desirable for the upgrading of the University,” said Dr Misir. He pointed out, though, that even if there is an adjustment to the fees there must be consideration for those who are disadvantaged to ensure that they too have an equal or similar opportunity to be able to access the university as well. “Nobody must be denied admission on the basis that they are not able to pay,” said Dr Misir. “I understand the plight of the University at this point in that perhaps a good move to make at this stage, and I hope the consultation outcome can bring about this, that we have some reasonable, realistic adjustment to the situation of our fees in relation to the currency rate of the US dollar.” Meanwhile, Dr Misir has voiced his disappointment at the move by the parliamentary opposition to disapprove the $450 million allocated for student loans in the 2014 National Budget. “That really should not have happened; I cannot support the opposition on this because there are a lot of students that I know who are struggling financially to come to the University. That is a little bit of a lifeline for them...” “I personally would not cut the students’ loan,” said Dr Misir. “If that continues and they are not able to rescue it that would hurt a good number of students; I don’t know how many but I do know it will be a lot who will be hurt.”

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Boko Haram offers to swap kidnapped Nigerian girls for prisoners (Reuters) - The leader of the Nigerian Islamist rebel group Boko Haram has offered to release more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by his fighters last month in exchange for its prisoners, according to a video posted on YouTube yesterday. About 100 girls wearing full veils and praying are shown in an undisclosed location in a part of the 17minute video in which Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau speaks. Boko Haram militants, who are fighting for an Islamist state, stormed a secondary school in the northeastern village of Chibok on April 14 and seized 276 girls who were taking exams. Some have since managed to escape, but about 200 remain missing. A government official said “all options” were being considered to secure the girls’ release. Nigeria has deployed two army divisions to hunt for the girls while several countries, including the United States, Britain, Israel and France, have offered help or sent experts. Nigerian authorities met with some of the experts yesterday and plan further

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau speaks at an unknown location in this still image taken from an undated video released by Nigerian Islamist rebel group Boko Haram. CREDIT: REUTERS/ BOKO HARAM HANDOUT VIA REUTERS TV meetings with the West African country’s defense and security agencies, a government statement said. In a 1.25-minute segment of the YouTube video, scores of girls in black and grey veils sit on the ground, chant and sing. Then Shekau, wearing military fatigues and holding an AK-47, addresses the camera. He appears confident and at one point even laughs.”All I am saying is

that if you want us to release the girls that we have kidnapped, those who have not accepted Islam will be treated as the Prophet (Mohammed) treated infidels and they will stay with us,” he said, according to a translation of his words originally spoken in a Nigerian language. “We will not release them while you detain our brothers,” he said, before

naming a series of Nigerian cities. It was not clear if he was in the same location as the girls, though the release of the video appeared to signal a willingness on his part to negotiate. Mike Omeri, a senior Ministry of Information official, told a news conference that the government has seen the latest video. “The government of Nigeria is considering all options towards freeing the girls and reuniting them with their parents,” he said. The governor of Borno state, where the girls were abducted, said in a statement the video had been distributed to families and local schools in a bid to identify the girls shown. Security officials said yesterday five militants suspected in two car bombs that killed at least 90 people on April 14 and May 1 in the same suburb of the capital, Abuja, have been arrested. Nigeria has arrested hundreds of suspected Boko Haram militants. There have also been several jail break attempts. Suspected militants overpowered guards at a prison near the presidential villa in Abuja in March, triggering a gun battle that

killed 21 people. In another incident the same month, insurgents attempting to free captured comrades fought a two-hour battle at Giwa barracks in the northeastern city of Maiduguri. Human rights groups have said previously that Giwa barracks has been used to illegally detain and torture suspects, something the military denies. SUMMIT IN FRANCE The Nigerian government has been criticized for its

response to the abductions, but President Goodluck Jonathan said on Sunday international military and intelligence assistance made him optimistic about finding the girls. A Nigerian military source told Reuters yesterday that two foreign counter-terrorism units were already on the ground. “They have visited Chibok on Sunday for preliminary investigation with our troops and experts before fully kickstarting the rescue mission,” the source said.

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Tuesday May 13, 2014

Modi on course to be India’s next leader, exit polls show (Reuters) - Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi is set to become India’s next prime minister, four major exit polls showed yesterday, with his opposition party and its allies forecast to sweep to a parliamentary majority in the world’s biggest ever election. Modi, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), electrified the lengthy contest that ended on Monday, with a

media-savvy campaign that hinged on vows to kickstart India’s economy and create jobs. Yet much depends on Modi winning enough seats to form a stable government that can push through promised reforms. Indian elections are notoriously hard to call, and polls taken before and after voting have a patchy track record at best. Results of the

ballot are due to be announced on Friday. A Modi victory would be a blow for campaigners who have long maintained he is an autocratic Hindu supremacist responsible for an outbreak of religious riots in his home state, Gujarat, in 2002 in which more than 1,000 people died, mostly Muslims. Modi, who rose from humble roots as a tea vendor’s son, was shunned by Western nations for years after the bloodshed in Gujarat, where he has been chief minister since 2001. However, his rise on the national stage forced a rethink among the European Union and the United States, whose ambassadors have met him to patch up relations. Modi denies the accusations against him and a Supreme Court inquiry found no evidence to prosecute him. A majority of 272 seats in parliament is needed to form a government, although that is often achieved with outside support from regional parties.

India’s staggered voting, spread over five weeks to reach the country’s 815 million voters and move security forces around its varied terrain, ended at 1800 IST (1230 GMT) on Monday. CONGRESS FACES HUMILIATION The BJP-led alliance is forecast to win 270-282 seats, according to a poll conducted by research group CSDS for the CNN-IBN television network. It forecast just 92-102 seats for the coalition led by the Congress party, which would be worst ever result for the ruling party led by the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Congress spearheaded India’s independence movement and has governed the country for over 50 years since freedom from British rule in 1947. If the BJP and its preelection allies can win an outright majority, it will be the best showing by a single group since Congress and its allies won 414 seats in 1984, when the assassination of

Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi CREDIT: REUTERS/STRINGER then-prime minister Indira Gandhi created a swell of public sympathy for the party. Several national exit polls over-estimated the BJP’s seat share in the last two general elections in 2004 and 2009. The Congress party went on to form coalition governments on both occasions. “We will only know if this ‘Modi wave’ has really happened after the election results,” said Praveen Rai, a

political analyst at CSDS who recently published a report on exit polls. “It still might be more of a media wave, a manufactured wave.” Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state and a crucial political battleground, is particularly tricky for pollsters to forecast because it is a caste-sensitive state where some voters are afraid to speak frankly about who they chose, said Rai.

Tuesday May 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 9

THE ENVIRONMENTAL TAX WAS PROTECTIONIST IN NATURE The Guyana Revenue Authority should not be worried about having to find the US$6M to satisfy the Caribbean Court of Justice’s recent judgment which deemed Guyana’s environmental tax as being in violation of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The GRA is worried that such a large sum, US$6M, is not provided for in its estimates. But it should not worry. The judgment is not against the GRA. The Order is against the State of Guyana. It has to be paid by the government. This does not mean that the GRA should be unconcerned about the judgment of the CCJ. In fact the opposite is true: it should be keenly interested in the decision, particularly paragraph 33. In that particular segment of the ruling, the CCJ argued that it was outside of its jurisdiction to address the issue of whether the importing company had breached the laws of Guyana by its special accounting arrangement. That arrangement saw the Surinamese exporting company bear the cost of freight and insurance for the beverages exported to

Guyana. Guyana had belatedly argued that these arrangements were in breach of Guyana’s local laws. The CCJ did not pronounce definitively on this issue but was of the opinion that the local laws were not breached. Notwithstanding this non-binding opinion as to a possible breach of local laws, the Guyana Revenue Authority should have its legal personnel explore whether in fact the special accounting arrangement was in breach of the local laws of Guyana. It was this special accounting arrangement that made it possible for the Surinamese company to prove its case and thus secure an Order for the reimbursement of the environmental taxes that it had paid over the years. If the GRA can successfully establish that this special accounting arrangement did breach Guyana’s laws, it may end up with a judgment that is far higher than the sums that the government now has to reimburse the Surinamese company. The issue about the tax implications of the judgment is a mute point. The company cannot be asked to pay

Dem boys seh ...

Guyana got nuff problems When things bad in Guyana it really bad. De government got a problem wid de opposition. It want to pass de Antimoney Laundering Bill but de Opposition saying that it got to think again. This thing ain’t start here. When Chavez was alive he tell de government that it ain’t got to worry, that Venezuela ain’t got no plans fuh tek Essequibo as long as he is president. He dead and de man who tek over ain’t as powerful as Chavez. Now dem have people who want to tek Essequibo and de government worried. And dem boys seh that dem got every right to worry because Suriname also claiming another piece. Dem boys seh that dem had people inside de country who was grabbing everything. De people in Venezuela and Suriname see this suh dem decide that dem got to grab before nutten ain’t lef. De one thing that dem boys notice is that some people packing up fuh run away. De waterfalls boss man seh that he heading fuh Brazil if Suriname come from de east. If Venezuela come first, then he heading to Suriname. If all two attack at de same time then dem boys want to know wha he gun do. Then dem have de problem wid City Hall. On Monday de two Town Clown shape up. One sit down in de chair and de other one promptly bring a chair and put it in front of de other one. But one clown realize that she coulda put 100 chair, she didn’t have all de power. She call de Minister and he send Kwame who call de police bomb squad. De same time de Minister deh writing letter to de bank about who must accept who signature, Hammy also writing de bank telling who must accept who signature. Dem bank decide that dem gun hold de money till dem mek up dem mind. De Waterfalls boss man seh that he can sign dem cheque and everybody know that he don’t thief. In fact, he would solve de problem wid dem two town clown. But then again, Guyana like a problem and that is why it got more problem than it can handle. Is de new problem plus Brazzy and everybody know who. Talk half and help get rid of some problem.

increased taxes as a result of this judgment. There is no need to seek advice on that score because the company to be reimbursed is incorporated in Suriname and the money goes to that company which absorbed the environmental tax. The reimbursed $US6M does not go to the local subsidiary which imports the products and which under Guyana’s laws has to pay taxes on its local profits. This problem with the environmental tax is part of the mess that the Ramotar administration inherited from the Jagdeo regime. Guyana was warned for over ten years that the tax was in breach of the RTC but it did nothing to change the laws of Guyana until recently when it tabled legislation to put its house in order. It may have avoided

such a harsh judgment had the amendment proposed not been naively rejected by the combined parliamentary opposition. Why did Guyana not put itself in order, earlier? To understand this issue, one has to understand the class nature of political rule. It is not that the government was stubborn. It was not because of the huge revenues that the environmental tax was bringing in that caused the Guyana government for ten years to ignore COTED’s protestations about the discriminatory nature of this tax. Those were not the reasons. The reason was that this environmental tax was never about the environment. It was protective tax for Guyana’s local beverage industry. From the day it was

implemented it gave local beverage producers a G$10 protection against other imported beverages, including beverages from CARICOM. For the government to have removed it would have been asking it to act contrary to the interests of the beverages companies which are part of the capitalist class. The failure over ten years of the Jagdeo administration to remove this discriminatory tax exposes the class interests which that government represented. Poor Donald Ramotar now has to remove the tax or amend it to ensure that local manufacturers also pay the tax. But to get this on the law books means that he needs the consent of one or both of the opposition parties. And in the mood they are in they will

mostly demand a quid pro quo. Since the local beverage companies have enjoyed the protection under this environmental tax, the opposition may wish to suggest that the entire tax be abolished and a tax specifically on local beverages be instituted. This seems only fair. After all, for twenty years the local beverage companies enjoyed a G$10 advantage over its competitors. They should pay back something now. Will the opposition agree to such a tax or will they too see their own interests as being aligned to that of the capitalist class? (To be continued)

Anti Money Laundering Legislation…

International blacklisting looms, Opposition wouldn't budge - Teixeira Presidential advisor on governance, Gail Teixeira, has said that the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) is meeting during the last week of May. “It is expected that Guyana would have a Bill assented to in time, otherwise we as far as I know are automatically referred to Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) as a country that's not in compliance.” FATF will be meeting in June to decide whether Guyana will be internationally blacklisted. “I am advised that it is automatic, that if we miss this last deadline we will be referred to FATF and the ICRG,” which she said is meeting two weeks after CFATF's deadline. Teixeira said that the business community which has been complaining has all right to be worried. The ordinary Guyanese also have to worry. She said, “We can't seem to get the opposition members to budge on the compromise of the government which is to proceed with the amendment brought by the government the second time around in December and approved on February 9. Let's go with that and lets continue to look at their (CFATF) amendment and in the meantime ask CFATF to look at the amendment brought by APNU which we have done.” Teixeira said that Chairperson of CFATF, Allison Maynard Gibson had offered the government and opposi-

Gail Teixeira tion that they were willing to offer technical assistance to

review the bill and “to advise us whether it would be were they to be brought to the house and were they to passed in the house compliant or not. “So we made that request to CFATF to look at the APNU amendments… we approached CFATF last week to look at our amendments of February 9 and the amendments of APNU which were discussed at the end of April to advise us if these amendments are compliant or not with CFATF,” said Teixeira. According to the Presidential advisor, who is also Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee, she

spoke to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Carl Greenidge. “When I appealed to him last week that we needed to have a meeting, that we have a deadline and could we please meet, he sent a letter saying that they were unable to meet this week coming but that they could have met last week and maybe the following week. “I spoke to him personally and he said to me 'Gail why are you getting your pressure up? We are not going to meet the deadline.” Teixeira stressed that the combined opposition's position was always that they want (continued on page 24)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 13, 2014

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The company of sly people who don’t care A cricket journalist from India, Mr. Rahul Bhattacharya came to observe Guyana three years ago, and the result was a travel novel titled, “The Sly Company of People Who Care.” I can’t comment on the book since I have never read it but this cricket journalist will be reading extracts from his novel at Moray House today. What an interesting s p e c t a c l e it will be this afternoon; spectacle in the sense of how the cricket man will be courted by his sixtyfive listeners. Moray House said it sent out sixty-five personal invitations and the public cannot be facilitated because there isn’t seating accommodation for more than sixty-five. Mr. Bhattacharya will be

in the company of sly people who don ’ t c a r e , p e o p l e w h o d o n ’ t c a r e w hat Guyana has become in civilizing terms and the outrageous country India has always been in terms of skin colour, race, racism, poverty and colonial values. I’m thinking of going to India, pose as a low caste nobody who sells bottled water, get into the Bollywood studios and see how skin colour works in a country riveted by the caste system (I will be accepted because they will think I am from Tamil Nadu). I plan to title the book, “The not so sly company of people who care about whiteness.” This afternoon at Moray House, the company of sly people who

don’t care will pour praise on this cricket journalist for writing about Guyana and on the man himself. This company of sly people who don’t care was very silent when the Government of India through its High Commissioner here in Guyana last year intervened with a local newspaper and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to protest a published review on a book on Mahatma Gandhi done by one of the most respected American journalists the past forty years. Certain aspects of the book were iconoclastic and revisionist and tantalizes the reader into biting curiosity of a secret side to Gandhi. A chapter of the book encroached on Gandhi’s

legendary “impeccability.” One wonders if the cricket journalist read that book, “Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi” by former New York Times editor, Joseph Lelyveld. One wonders if any of the sixty-five guests may want to ask Mr. Battacharya what he thought of the Government of India buying up a chest full of letters by Gandhi never seen before, just a day before they were to go on auction by Sotheby in London. The letters will not be available to researchers. Now that is sly act indeed by the Government of India. The sly company of people who don’t care will no doubt abstain from any questioning of another author who will recite extracts from her book at the same event with Mr. Battacharya. This is Ms. Gaiutra Bahadur and the book is, “Coolie Woman: Odyssey of Indenture.” I haven’t read this title either but became wilder than the wind with curiosity when I read in a letter to the Stabroek News by Dr. Lomarsh Roopnarine that Ms. Bahadur ventured into

the area of political history in her book and had a mouthful to say about the seventies and eighties. According to Roopnarine, in a chapter captioned, “the Magician’s Box”, Ms. Bahadur tells her readers that Guyana was run by a dictator, Forbes Burnham, who rigged elections for decades and banned wheat flour and foreign goods like a neocolonialist. She went further to refer to the PNC Government as Africandominated that treated East Indians badly. Bahadur’s readers, Dr. Roopnarine goes on in his letter (of May 7 in SN), are informed that Cheddi Jagan was the independence hero of the East Indian Guyanese who was a father figure to Indians and a symbol of how they were wronged. Strange enough, Bahadur, the journalist turned political historian, has not replied to Roopnarine. One would like to think that given the scholarly credibility of Roopnarine and the sweeping statements she made about the seventies and eighties in Guyana that Bahadur would reply to

Frederick Kissoon defend her excursion into contemporary political history. I am on unsafe ground here. I haven’t read “Coolie Woman” therefore I cannot ask Bahadur to comment of her take on Burnham and Jagan since I only have Roopnarine’s letter to go on (not sure when the edition of this paper is out and the sly company of people who don’t care will advise Bahadur not to reply). But surely Dr. Roopnarine, a university professor, cannot misquote Bahadur so badly. If Roopnarine is right, then Bahadur will need a lecture on the relations between Jagan and the PNC Government of Forbes Burnham and the role of Walter Rodney in stealing Jagan’s thunder in the seventies and eighties.

Tuesday May 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Chaos at City Hall ...

Mayor can’t authorize commercial banks to recognize King’s signature A crisis looms over the operations of City Hall. The battle continues as to who is in control of the finances. Mayor Hamilton Green has no authority to inform local banks about whose signatures should be on cheques coming from City Hall. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker at a press conference, yesterday, held at the Ministry’s Kingston boardroom, explained that only the Minister has the authority to inform commercial banks of the signatories to cheques coming from City Hall. Only the Minister could notify the banks about changes, he said. He maintained that Carol Sooba is the Town Clerk (Ag). As such, the letter sent to the commercial banks by Mayor Green on Friday has no bearing, Minister Whittaker said. On Thursday, Whittaker informed the commercial banks that Carol Sooba is the Town Clerk (Ag) and not Royston King the Public Relations Officer.

Permanent Secretary Collin Croal and Norman Whittaker, Local Government Minister at the press conference yesterday Whittaker reflected that following the Chief Justice’s ruling that Sooba could not have been appointed as the substantive Town Clerk by the Minister, he decided to have her continue to function as the Town Clerk (Ag). Whittaker said that the Chief Justice’s ruling was governed by Article 28:01 Section 95-116. He emphasized that in the absence of the Local Government Commission, its functions are undertaken by

the Minister. Therefore, King allowed himself to be duped by the Mayor, he said. The Chief Justice’s ruling has been appealed by both the Minister and King. He said that King went ahead in a paid advertisement in the media to address himself as the Town Clerk (Ag). This notice serves to misinform the nation as to the realities at City Hall, he added. Whittaker lamented that King, a local Government officer, is acting

insubordinate, indisciplined and needs to re-examine himself and do the right thing. And, King being sworn in as Town Clerk (Ag) by the Mayor was an illegal act in a public space. According to Whittaker, the Ministry is in possession of a report where the Mayor complained bitterly about King when they did not share a good relationship. And, an investigation into King and other staff of City Hall would be conducted shortly.

Local Govt. Commission Act non-operational The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is yet to issue the commencement order for the establishment of the Local Government Commission. This is inhibiting Leader of the Opposition from providing names of nominees to sit on the Commission, according to Ronald Bulkan, Shadow Local Government Minister and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Member of Parliament. He was responding to a query about why the Opposition has not yet provided the names of its nominees. He said that Leader of the

Opposition, Brig David Granger has to nominate the three persons for approval from President Donald Ramotar to sit on the Commission. But, Norman Whittaker, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, said that the Ministry does not have to signal to the Opposition to submit the names of nominees. He said from the inception when the Bill was assented to by Ramotar the Opposition should have submitted the names. Incidentally, Government has not yet nominated anyone to sit on the Commission. Whittaker

assured that Government is currently looking at some names. But, he is hopeful that the Local Government Commission would be established by December. Bulkan did not take lightly to the Minister’s comments. He said that Whittaker is being deceptive and evasive. “It is regrettable that the Minister is playing cat and mouse with the public. He should be respectful to the public instead of trampling on local democracy,” he added. According to Whittaker, the Local Government Commission Bill was assented to by Ramotar and is not operational as yet. The

Ministry has to give the go ahead for the enactment of the legislation. For the Commission to come into being it requires staffing; the Opposition and Government have to provide the names of nominees; and chairperson of the Commission has to be appointed. When the Local Government Commission comes into being it would limit the Minister’s powers. In November 2013, Ramotar assented to the Local Government Commission Act along with the Fiscal Transfers Act, and the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Act.

Accused in Corentyne rape robbery trial to know fate today The accused in the No 73 Village Corentyne rape robbery trial is expected to know his fate today when Justice Brassington Reynolds sums up the evidence for the mixed jury sitting in the Berbice High Court. On trial for rape and robbery is Beesham Gopaul, called “Thackoor”, 27, of Number 74 Village, Corentyne. He allegedly robbed and raped a married mother of two on June 24, 2008 at Number 73 Village Corentyne, Berbice. Both the prosecution and defence closed their cases and presented closing arguments before the judge and mixed jury in passionate presentations. Defence attorney, Charlyn Artiga, maintained that there was insufficient evidence presented by the prosecution to prove the two offences of robbery and rape that her client is being accused of. She tried to dissect the evidence of the virtual complainant which was the only evidence presented as being inconsistent. She also cited the discrepancies in the evidence given by the virtual complainant and Police Detective Corporal Winston Singh. Prosecutor, Attorney-atlaw Renita Singh in her submissions concentrated on the evidence of the victim. She said that the victim saw the accused. He was in front of her for about 10 minutes. She also knew the accused for more than 10 years. She zeroed in on the inconsistency in the story of the accused and his witness

in relation to the time he arrived home and when he departed. The accused arrived home around 11:30 hrs and left around 11:45hrs. The alleged incident occurred around 13:30 hrs. The Prosecutor had closed their case without being able to tender the medical certificate due to the absence of Dr. Mahase Chandra Persaud who is reportedly out of the jurisdiction. The woman had earlier given her evidence in chief as she detailed the sequence of events on the day in questioned as to how she was accosted by the accused that she knew for over 10 years as “Thackoor”; how he managed to rob and rape her at knifepoint; and steal her gold and jewelry and $10,000 in cash before escaping and taking her cell phone which was nearby. During the ordeal her hands were tied behind her back. He also threatened to kill her baby. She said that her mother along with her husband accompanied her to the police station. She was later accompanied to the Skeldon Hospital and New Amsterdam Hospital and back to the Skeldon Hospital where she was examined and a Medical Certificate issued. Later the same day she identified the accused at the Springlands Police Station. Her mother, Police Detective Corporal Winston Singh, and Rural Constable Rowena Craig also testified in the matter.

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Russian roulette by cop … “It looks as though the police are trying to cover up because it is not a case where they don’t know what to say. They (police) know exactly what should be said.” This is the assertion of former Commissioner of Police and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Winston Felix. The

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 13, 2014

It looks as though the police are trying to cover up - Felix issue was the shooting of a 15-year-old boy in the mouth by a policeman almost three weeks ago. Felix’s opinion, based on his experience as the former Commissioner of Police, was given during a press briefing yesterday at Side Walk Café, Middle Street, Cummingsburg. It has been almost three weeks since Alex

The protesters opposite the Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday

“We are not covering up. There is a process that has to be followed” - Police source Griffith was dragged from his North East La Penitence home by a party of policemen headed by a Cadet Officer and taken to another location where a gun was placed in his mouth and a round

discharged. The bullet exited behind the teenager’s left ear. Fortunately it does not appear that it damaged any major organ in his head. The callous act described by the

teenager was similar to Russian roulette. According to the former commissioner, it is an offence according to the Police Disciplinary Act for an officer to be playing Russian roulette with a human life. He described the action of the Cadet Officer in question as wayward. “We have not seen any statements from the hierarchy of the GPF relating to this shooting. APNU has been consistently urging the Guyana Police Force to train its members; we have seen cases like the shooting of Damien Belgrave, Shaquille Grant, not forgetting the Linden incident,” Felix said, adding that action needs to be taken. Felix criticized the silence of the police force on the shooting and calls on its head to come out and say something to the public. “They should have at least come out with a statement condemning what happened. The shooting was

Winston Felix wrong and there is no reason why the policeman shot him (Alex Griffith). He (Cadet Officer) wasn’t chasing a thief,” Felix stressed. Asked what the process of the investigations would have been like had he been in charge, Felix explained that the launching of an investigation would have been the first thing. “The cop should then be placed under close arrest. Secondly, you get a medical examination, and then you interview the teen in the presence of his mother because he is 15 years old,” APNU’s Member of Parliament said. He went on to explain that (Continued on page 21)

Tuesday May 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 21

CARICOM calls for US to be Minister Benn cites need for heightened enforcement of traffic laws compliant with WTO gambling ruling Minister with responsibility for transport Robeson Benn believes that greater oversight, enforcement of traffic laws and training for drivers are critical for the reduction of vehicular accidents on the roadways. “We are not convinced that all the drivers on the road are all properly trained and disciplined enough to apply the training they have had into practice. So we have a very unsafe situation with respect to that,” he noted. The Minister made these comments in a recent interview with this publication, while acknowledging the carnage on the roadways. According to Benn, the Ministry of Home Affairs did roll out programmes and crafted laws governing driving under the influence of alcohol and usage of seatbelts and speeding. However, over the years there have been a number of fatal accidents. As such, Guyana has not arrived at the point where the number of road fatalities is considerably below 100 fatalities per year. Nonetheless, it should be acknowledged that there has been a tremendous increase in vehicles on the roadways within the last few years. “So while there has been an increase in vehicles on the roads we have had a relative reduction in fatalities. The

situation is much improved but there is room for improvement,” he said. Benn related that the Ministry of Public Works has been working on improving road infrastructure to make the roadways safe. “We have done road widening in improving the road pavements and infrastructure. We have just concluded the bridges two project, where we have put in a large number of new, safer bridges and culverts over the full extent of the East Bank Demerara along the West Coast Berbice,” he said. Benn said that the Ministry has also implemented roadside barriers which have proven to be effective. “They are being banged up frequently but when they are banged up it usually means that they are saving people from going into the canal and drowning. And we are constantly repairing those. It is a big struggle but we are still doing that. And we are bringing more roadside barriers and furniture, signage including chevrons to indicate the turns, cross walk and road mile signage,” he added. The Minister admitted that it is quite a task to keep up with repairs at the rate at which they are damaged. One issue of concern for the Ministry is the large number lot mile/kilometers posts that

have been stolen. He noted that with respect to the culture of drinking and driving, speeding and other malpractices, the Ministry has been working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to curb this. He noted that there have been a number of meetings and seminars addressing these issues. Benn related that the Ministry’s Central Transport Planning Unit recently conducted a survey to determine commuters’ satisfaction along the various public minibus routes. The Ministry is currently evaluating the results of the survey which will be presented and discussed this week. “For all the routes there are more than 33 percent passengers with complete dissatisfaction in areas of speeding, loud music, touting; roughly 40 percent of persons say they are satisfied with the service based on the survey; and the other 26 percent show that they are neither one way or the other and I take that as being dissatisfied, he said. According to Benn, based on this, the Ministry hopes to share the report with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government and most importantly the route operators. He noted that there are particular routes that have lower levels of satisfaction than others.

Essequibo rice farmer shoots wife Police at “G” Division (Pomeroon/Supenaam) are seeking a 34-year-old Three Friends, Essequibo Coast rice farmer, who fired four rounds at his estranged wife yesterday morning. At the time the woman was at her mother’s Hampton Court residence. Monday’s incident didn’t result in any fatality. But one bullet grazed the 24-year-old woman’s forehead. Police

have discovered a single spent shell but reported that four live rounds were discharged by the rice farmer, who has since gone into hiding. It is understood that the incident allegedly stemmed from a disagreement between the rice farmer and his reputed wife, 24year-old Asha Singh, who were separated for a period. According to information, Singh and her two children

It looks as though ... From page 12 after interviewing the victim, the GPF needs to come out with a statement condemning what had happened. According to the former commissioner, the investigation process should not take more than a week since everything relating to the case “is right there”. Meanwhile, a senior police officer is asking the public to have a little patience. According to the officer, there is no delay in the investigation relating to the cop who shot the teen in his mouth. There is a process that has to be followed. “Once a police officer is

involved, the procedure dictates that the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is obtained,” the officer said. He added that ranks had to wait three days after the incident to interview the victim because he couldn’t speak. “He is the main witness. We would be happy to get this out of our hands and into the court but there is a procedure that has to be followed,” the police source said. In an effort to get the police to speed up their investigation process, a demonstration was held in front of the Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday.

were living at her parents’ residence, at Hampton Court, while her estranged husband Kumar Bissoon lived at his parents’ Three Friends home, some distance away. The couple shared two young children. Initial reports are indicating, the rice farmer, Kumar Bissoon, of Three Friends, Essequibo Coast visited his reputed wife, at her mother’s residence indicating to her that he wanted to engage her in a conversation. Before long, it was reported that Singh was shot and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital. From investigative reports, it was noted Bissoon apparently wanted his children from Singh. Singh, who sustained a graze to her forehead, was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where she was treated and discharged. The incident had triggered alarming concerns from people in the closely knitted community. A senior police officer has also indicated that the matter is being pursued seriously, especially in the effort of apprehending and prosecuting Bissoon. Police have been scouring areas along the Coast and in the back dam.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) through its Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) has called for the United States (US) to be compliant with the decision of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body in the Antigua and Barbuda and US dispute with respect to Online Gaming. In its 38th meeting that was recently held in Guyana COTED disclosed the need for the US to make additional efforts to reach a fair settlement with Antigua and Barbuda over the disputed issue of the US denying that country access to gambling and betting services within its country via the internet medium. In 2004, the WTO ruled in favour of Antigua and Barbuda after the CARICOM Member State challenged measures implemented by the US (a member of the WTO), which affected its crossborder supply of gambling and betting services. The WTO had reported that on 21 March 2003, “Antigua and Barbuda requested consultations with the US regarding measures applied by central, regional and local authorities in the US which affect the cross-border supply of gambling and betting services. Antigua and Barbuda considered that the cumulative impact of the US measures is to prevent the

supply of gambling and betting services from another WTO Member to the United States on a cross-border basis.” A panel was established to arbitrate the concerns of the US and Antigua and the panel found among other things that Antigua was justified in its actions. That panel was appealed by the US and the contention between the two parties were revisited where this time around some of the concerns that Antigua had were reversed in favour of the US but the overall contention of Antigua being prevented from the issuance of such services was upheld. Governor General of Antigua Dame Louise LakeTack had earlier this year expressed that its once flourishing gaming industry has been ruined by US laws prohibiting and criminalising the provisions of remote gaming services from Antigua and Barbuda to consumers in

the United States. “Necessary arrangements would be made to the Copyright Act, the Trademark Act and the Patents Act to invoke the WTO (World Trade Organization) approved sanction by removing any protection which US intellectual property may have in Antigua and Barbuda,” she said. Antigua claimed that it lost US$3.4 billion a year due to the US action, but the WTO awarded the island US$21 million. COTED noted “that the US had so far failed to become compliant with the decision of the tribunal and had also failed to reach a settlement with Antigua and Barbuda.” The Council acknowledged “that the case was long outstanding and had the potential to undermine the credibility of the dispute settlement mechanism of the multilateral trading system”.

Taxi driver jumps from car window to escape hijackers A taxi driver operating along East Coast Demerara staged a daring escape from bandits, who eventually made off with his Toyota Carina 192 on Saturday night. Cliff Johnson, 58, jumped through one of the windows of the car after feigning illness even as the hijackers were driving him to a desolate area behind Enterprise, East Coast Demerara. Kaieteur News understands that around 19:00 hours on Saturday, Johnson who was operating the taxi HB 5758 from the Mon Repos market tarmac was approached by three men who requested to be taken to the nearby village of

Beterverwagting. Two of the men sat in the back seat while the other took the front passenger seat. Johnson did not get very far into the journey when one of the men at the back grabbed his neck from behind and hauled him out of his seat. The bandit and his colleague who were at the back sat on him, stabbing him repeatedly which a semisharp object. The other bandit who was in front took the steering wheel and turned the car east and headed to the Coldingen Access Road, leading into the village of Enterprise. The driver, suspecting that he was being taken along

a desolate, bumpy road, played his trump card. He told the bandits that he was feeling unwell and needed to vomit. They in turn, not wanting to be soiled by vomit, allowed Johnson to put himself through the window, giving him the golden opportunity he was craving for. The taxi driver told police that he threw himself from the window and landed on the rough road. He bolted as fast as he could, screaming for help. The bandits, meanwhile, drove away the car which has not been seen since. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched.

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Kaieteur News

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale.Call:627-5416

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

FOR SALE Toyota Forklift - Excellent condition, 4,000lbs capacity, 117" Lift, Solid Wheels, Automatic Transmission, 4 Cylinder LPG Motor. Call: 604-6108.

Pure bred Rottweiler puppies, 8 weeks old – Call:682-2148 or 618-2903 Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943

100% Pure Bred pit-bull pups 8 weeks old, Father blue & mother red nose – call: 6953813/whatsapp pictures/ dogsrus@facebook

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

Well established auto parts store. Fully stocked with all used Japanese Parts, serious inquiries only. Call: 619-2090 1 Leyland Daf dump truck with HIAB, excellent condition – Call: 671-1608 Pure bred pit bull, 6 weeks old – Call: 661-1601 Two stalls for sale at Port Kaituma – Contact: 6846428, 618-7983

40Ft round bottom boat, 40HP Yamaha outboard engine, 350Lbs 5" Nylon anchor seine – Call:6040038, 601-4585 Food warmer and Deli case – Call: 696-9999 One 4 month old female pure breed German shepherd Contact: 638-5778 One smoothie machine and ice machine – Call:231-0655 or 683-8734.

BRAND NEW 3 STOREY modern building. Located on North Road, between Oronoque & Albert St – Tel:629-0037, 626-6909

Brand new 6,500 watts power fist gasoline generators on wheels & Led torchlight – Contact: 617-2205, 681-1032

One house for sale at Covent Garden Island – Call: 265-3586

Pure Rottweiler pups, parents are imported pure breed dogs - Call: 264-2870 or 672-6402 after 6pm 6659140 or 639-1431

Kitty - $32M, Atlantic Garden -$50M, Lamaha Garden - $35M, AA Eccles $55M Contact Diana: 2272256, 626-9382

One female pure bred German shepherd puppy, fully vaccinated & de-wormed – Call: 629-1471, 220-2277, 2208904, 629-1419

One nails table – Call:6025469 or 628-9297 One Bedroom bottom flat Diamond Housing Scheme. Tel: 265-4867

Large two flat house at Richmond Hill Linden – Phone: 226-9424 or 662-0094 or 609-6327 or 673-7516

Two bedrooms bottom flat in Turkeyen Sophia - $35,000 monthly – Call: 219-0310, 660-1251

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

2 Storey concrete property in Parfaite Harmonie, size 24’X57’, Price: $16M – Call:622-1782/658-5803

CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com Progressive Auto Rental: Cars & SUV for rental- $4,000 & up per day- Call: 643-5122, 628-2284 , E m a i l : p r o _ autorental @yahoo.com Wings Car Rental- Call:643-1131

1-3 storey business property @ Middle St. G/ Town, 2 business properties @ Whim Public Road, price negotiable – Call: 619-7134, 225-6481 Nandy Park (need work) $21M. Parfaite Harmonie (new) -$17M Contact Diana:227-2256, 626-9382 Transport house & land @ Tuschen old Scheme newly built & visible from the public road – price negotiable – Tel: 667-5900

Aidan’s Car Rental, Canter & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 6987807

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.

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

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

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 Toyota 4 Runner, great condition – Call:223-9719, 227-1028 Loving, fluffy puppies – Call: 645-0240, 685-0942

Double lot with house at East Bank Demerara, one block away from Public Road – Call: 621-1766 Diamond (Land with foundation) $3.2M, Pearl (2 lots 100ftX50ft each with house -$13M), Parafaite Harmonie (100ftX50ft) $2.2M – Tel:675-7292

Tuesday May 13, 2014

LAND FOR SALE At Eccles Housing Scheme price $6.5M - negotiable Call: 616-6000 Large land 37’X724’ @ Bagotville WBD, gold & diamond land – 600-0036, 223-1719 FOR SALE/RENTAL American Pool Table - Call: 277-0578 NOTICE Flambouyant Restaurant & Bar has reopened its doors to the public Located: 271 BB Eccles H/Scheme E.B.D – Call: 233-2849, 678-4470

MASSSAGE The Gents Spa: Be pampered by beautiful masseuses. New masseuses Amanda and Crystal – Tel: 657-5979 Classes & Services in massage therapy & reflexology “Healing Naturally” by N.Y State Professional! For enrollment & services call: 670-3399,651-0128 EDUCATIONAL Balloon Decorating Classes – 31st May 2014 – Call: 2253133 or 613-7513 for more information and to register. FREE! FREE! FREE! Sessions of one week: Phonics, reading and spelling classes for all ages Tel: 691-8699

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.

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 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

VACANCY 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:2269768, 615-6172 Male Cleaners Needed, Skilled Machinist. Apply @ Technical Services Inc. 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles E.B.D MANAGER/SUPERVISORS at Xenon Hotel Charity / EBo. ACCOMODATION PROVIDED. Attractive Salary is offered – Contact: 223-5273/4

HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $10,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766 House plan drafting from$10,000 electrical works and estimates services available. Tel: 667-2189, 646-6572, 6298750 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 6472943 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312, 627-3206 (Nick) Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045

Experienced Graphics Artist Contact:233-2439, 233-2725 Two hire car drivers to work with taxi service in city – Call: 611-1018 or 663-8654 WANTED Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665

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 G-Touring Wagon – Price -$700,000 – Tel:6105502 or 652-8068 Seinta and Noah with Body Kits – unregistered and top notch condition with terms available – Call:641-8647 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 2008 Blue Bird - $3.0M, 2005 Spacio - $2.1M, 2006 Premio - $2.3M. ALL VEHICLES FULLY LOADED & UNREGISTEREDCall:642-7295 Mini- bus super custom, 3sunroofs, DVD player, reverse camera, DC outlet, price negotiable – Call:6724423, 682-0157, owner leaving country STAR CARS AUTO SALE: Premio, Spacio, Allion, IST, Feilder, Altezza, new Raum, Axela, Carina 212 – Call: 679-3140, 615-1199

One female clerk – Call: 2315171 One Trainee refrigeration A/ C Technician – Tel: 231-0655, Call between Monday-Friday (8:00am-4:30pm)

VEHICLE FOR SALE First Class Auto: Premio, Allion, Spacio, Raum, 212, Allex, Runx, IST, Fielder, Bluebird, Axela – Tel:6098188, 638-3045

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota Carina Sold as is where is contact:218-1886 One big Toyota Dina freezer canter, hardly used in La Grange – call:611-9297 DRESSMAKING Jean is offering courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral & cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty – Call: 6702653, 618-1706

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 (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday May 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Betting, gaming and lotteries sector to pay more taxes (Jamaica Observer) The Government plans to impose additional fees, penalties and regulations on the betting, gaming and lotteries sector this year, which should increase its contribution to the public coffers well beyond the $4.1 billion it paid over last year. A Bill, titled an Act to Amend the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, was tabled recently in the House of Representatives by Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips. It includes provisions for the licensing of all persons working as bet writers, terminal operators and “prescribed workers” with bookmakers, as well as the licensing of lottery sales outlets and penalties for failing to pay the levy or tax on gross profits on April 1 each year. The Bill also includes provisions for the days on which gambling institutions can operate, and the hours of operation; requiring approval for the commissioning and decommissioning of gaming machines; requiring applicants for licences or permits to satisfy the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) that they are fit and proper persons; and to facilitate the expansion of betting outlets to include mobile betting shops for the sale of sports betting and lottery tickets. The minister says in the Bill’s “Memorandum of

From Page 22

WANTED TO LET One newly built 2 storey concrete house, 2 bedroom for short or long term Bartica Call: 685-2707

The betting, gaming and lotteries sector in Jamaica is to pay more taxes Objects and Reasons” that the proposed changes are based on recommendations from the BGLC “to ensure that the conduct of betting, gaming and lotteries is “fair and free from criminal influence”. He added that the changes will strengthen the regulatory framework land rules governing the operations of licensees under the Act. However, it is obvious that another primary focus is to protect government’s take from the sector, and to widen the tax net to include more operators and employees, including bet writers, who make up the majority of the over 12,000 people employees in the sector. Prior to March 2013, the sector’s unclaimed lottery winnings were shared 50/50 between lottery company

Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) and the Government’s CHASE Fund. However, since April 1, 2013, the unclaimed funds have been totally claimed by the government for its Consolidated Fund (budget) and the CHASE Fund. Tax measures introduced by the minister last year, also ensured that the Consolidated Fund received an increase in taxes on the various Lottery Games (termed the Gross Profit Tax), up from 17 per cent to 20 for some lotteries, and from 23 per cent to 25 per cent for others. In addition, BGLC tax rates increased from one per cent of weekly ticket sales to 1.8 per cent; and CHASE receives a single tax rate of 3.65 per cent of the weekly ticket sales, which was introduced to replace the multiple tax rates per game. However, there was no

increase in tax rates for the betting sector. In return, the Government allowed SVL to introduce Sunday Lottery sales, holiday opening (except Christmas Day and Good Friday), longer opening hours, and, most recently, Sunday sports betting. From these initiatives, unclaimed winnings earned for the Government $329 million and accounted for a 9.7 per cent increase in total revenues earned from the lottery sector between April and December 2013,. Total sales in all four sectors of the gaming industry for 2012 was $28.136 billion, with Government taxes earnings amounting to $2.989 billion, or 11 per cent. In 2013, the combined sector earnings totalled $32.98 billion, with taxes amounting to $4.121 billion.

Rebels appeal to join Russia after east Ukraine referendum

(Reuters) - Pro-Moscow rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine called yesterday for their region to become part of Russia, the day after staging a referendum on self-rule, although Moscow stopped short of endorsing their bid for annexation. Announcing the result of the vote in one of the two provinces where it was held, a leader of the “People’s Republic of Donetsk”, Denis Pushilin, said it was now an independent state and would appeal to join the Russian Federation. “The people of Donetsk have always been part of the Russian world. For us, the history of Russia is our history,” he said. “Based on the will of the people and on the restoration of historic justice, we ask the Russian Federation to consider the absorption of the Donetsk People’s Republic into the Russian Federation,” he told a news conference. There and in neighboring

Luhansk, some officials said they might now hold a second referendum on joining Russia, like one held in Crimea, a Ukrainian region Moscow seized and annexed in March after protesters ousted Ukraine’s pro-Russian president. Donetsk and Luhansk together are home to 6.5 million people and represent around a third of Ukraine’s industrial output. Their declarations create the biggest new self-proclaimed independent states in Europe since Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union itself broke up more than 20 years ago. Donetsk separatists said that more than 80 percent of voters had supported independence. Those in Luhansk said more than 96 percent did. The government in Kiev and its Western supporters say the exercise was absurd, with no legal basis, insecure polling stations, old voter lists, ballots that could be

easily reproduced and selfproclaimed election officials openly promoting secession. They say many residents support a united Ukraine but would have stayed home, both out of fear of rebel gunmen and to avoid lending the vote credibility. Unlike in Crimea, Moscow has not recognized the two regions as independent from Kiev and has said nothing to suggest it would endorse their absorption into Russia. President Vladimir Putin even called last week for the referendum to be postponed. But Moscow indicated

clearly yesterday that it intends to use the results of the referendums to put more pressure on the government in Kiev to recognize the rebels in the east as a legitimate side in talks. “We believe that the results of the referendum should be brought to life within the framework of dialogue between Kiev, Donetsk and Luhansk,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said. It accused the Kiev government of a “criminal lack of readiness for dialogue with their own people”.

Earthquake occurs in eastern Jamaica (Jamaica Observer) An earthquake occurred in eastern Jamaica Sunday night about 8:44. The Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies confirmed the quake as magnitude 3.4. It was felt in the Buff Bay area of Portland as well as sections of St Andrew including Liguanea and Bull Bay. The focal point of the quake was 1.1km and the epicentre was located just south of Bull Bay, the Earthquake Unit said.

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, 6269382 Two bedroom unfurnished apartment for rent in Albouystown – Tel: 6895877. 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, 687-5814 Furnished and unfurnished two bedrooms apartment in Eccles, for short or long term Tel: 643-1131 Rooms - Tel:225-9223 CATERING Roxy’s Catering: We cater for any special occasion, also available daily breakfast, lunch & snacks – call: 2230092, 223-0095

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 Cashiers needed to work in supermarket on East Coast, preferably with computer knowledge between 2545yrs – Call: 629-8469 Barbers and tattoo artist opposite Kitty Police Station - Call: 621-8812 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 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 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

WANTED One live in maid – Call: 2533336, 675-5256 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

2 persons to clean. Evening & Saturdays. Industry area, full time housekeeper, Kingston Area – Call: 226-2829 Experienced Machinist and gear cutter at E&N Beck, Lot 3 Princess & Ketley Street Charlestown, GeorgetownCall: 225-6272

General domestic maid at Lot 8A Eccles Public Road, E.B.D – 233-2408 or 233-2631

Experienced male sales representatives. Apply at Wieting & Richter Ltd. Maid to work on lower East Bank Demerara- Call: 6717878 between 6pm to 9pm only Experienced hire car drivers and contract vehicles at Buddy’s Transportation Service – Call: 645-0025

One nail technician & hairdressers to work in salon also station to rent weekly – Contact: 677-2219, 699-7043, 231-1787

Land to buy in La Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling & all low income land – Call:675-7292, 2185591

Contract hire cars & male dispatchers to work at Flambouyant Taxi Service – dispatchers preferably from E.B.D- Tel:678-4470, 218-0702 Drivers: Apply at Wieting & Richter Ltd.

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 13, 2014

Nine-year-old rape/murder trial….

'A time for justice for Sade Stoby' - Prosecutor tells court The jurors in nine-year-old Sade Stoby rape and murder trial yesterday heard strong arguments about why the two men accused of killing her should be brought to justice for the “heinous” crime. Senior State Prosecutor Judith Gildharie-Mursalin told the court that the case is not about “emotions” but rather about facts. Charles Cush, 21, and Javon Wharton, 23, are both accused of raping and murdering the nine- year-old back in 2007 at Mocha, East Coast Demerara. The prosecutor painted a picture to the court of a little girl who was full of life when she was murdered allegedly by Wharton and Cush. “Sade would have been celebrating her sweet sixteenth birthday this year if she wasn't robbed of life,” the prosecutor told the jury yesterday. “Just imagine she was a daughter, niece or any relative of yours; her lifeless battered body just left there,” Mursalin told the court. The prosecutor said that during the case they drew inferences from actual facts. “They carried her there in the backdam…raped and killed her.” According to the prosecutor, had the two men left little Stoby alive she would

Charles Cush, 21, and Javon Wharton, 23 have been able to identify her attackers, so they knew she had to be killed. “If she was left alive, she would have been able to seek medical attention; she would have healed and she would have been able to tell people who did it…so they knew she had to be killed,” Mursalin argued. She contended that there

was no need for eyewitnesses. Prosecutor Mursalin accused the defence of “raising red herrings” to distract the court. She urged the jury to never lose sight of the evidence. Mursalin argued that it's a time for justice for Stoby. Her killers should be brought to justice. However, Defence lawyers George Thomas and

International blacklisting looms, Opposition wouldn't budge ... From page 9 everything. “They want their bills assented to, and they want the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) appointed. We said, 'These issues cannot be resolved in time because the Public Accounts Committee is still dealing with the PPC issue.” According to Teixeira, the subcommittee of the PPC met yesterday “going through the criteria of the selection process; we have not finished that part and so the PAC is not in the position yet to deal

with this matter.” She added that the issue of the Alliance For Change (AFC) which had a press conference when it “gave a ninepage point of how the Bill will be passed and it has to have the PPC appointed, and must have heads of the Procurement Act according to their amendment. “We had to assent to the non assented bill and there is no way that could be done in time.” “So our compromise is that 'Let us go ahead with the

amended Bill with their agreements; let's get that and make the deadline with CFATF and we will continue to look at these amendments that APNU is bringing to the principal Act and get CFATF to say which are compliant and which are not. If CFATF said they are compliant we will get them in a separate Bill” said Teixeira. These actions, she confirmed, would delay international sanctions from CFATF and FATF were they implemented.

Raymond Ali argued that there was little or no investigation done by the police. According to Thomas, no DNA testing was done throughout the investigation. He told the court that the police also didn't do “alibi testing” for the defendants. Thomas went on to state that the scratches on the penis of the defendants did not mean that they committed murder. With the closing addresses concluded, Justice Navindra Singh will today “sum up” the evidence and give the jury directions before they go into deliberations. Last week Justice Singh had overruled no-case submission (arguments that the court has no case against the accused) presented by Attorneys Alli and Thomas The men were required to lead their own defence. Javon Wharton denied that he had anything to do with the murder of Stoby. According to Wharton, on the day that Stoby was killed he was at work. He told the court that he was beaten and forced to give a statement to the police admitting to the crime. He called two witnesses in his defence, his cousin Owen Trim and Jadesh Kumar Ramkissoon, a Sales Manager at Hacks Hollow Blocks. The first witness, Owen Trim told the court that on November 2, 2007 he and Wharton were working at Hack's Hallow Blocks at Providence, East Bank Demerara. Trim said that they worked up until 14:30 hrs and left around 15:30 hrs. According to the witness, he joined a minibus and left Wharton riding on the Mocha main road. Under cross examination by State Prosecutor Judith Gildharie-Mursalin, Trim was asked why he remembered the time on November 2, 2007, specifically. According to the witness, they would normally leave around that time. Jadesh Kumar Ramkissoon said that he saw Wharton up until 15:30 hrs on

CXC's Agricultural Science poised to ... From page 16 were introduced with a focus on particular countries – Guyana - Agricultural Science; Trinidad and Tobago – Entrepreneurship; Barbados, Tourism; St Lucia – Performing Arts; and Jamaica – Physical Education and Sport. The first subject launch was on May 9 last in Barbados. Yesterday was the second in the series of planned launches. Students will be able to choose from the lot of subjects being

offered regardless of which Caribbean territory they originate from. According to Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, it is indeed heartening that CXC is conscious of its duty to meet the needs of changing societies. As such, she noted that “the launch speaks to them making the efforts to meet the needs of the Caribbean today as well as the needs that will be relevant for the future.”

T h e M i n i s ter commended the leadership of CXC as well as the teachers and other personnel who were involved in creating the new CAPE subjects. CXC's introduction of the subjects is a strategic move to respond to the social and economic needs of the Caribbean. According to CXC, “This step is a giant leap towards providing our youth with the knowledge, the confidence and insights needed to change the quality of the experience we sell.”

Yesterday's event, which was chaired by CXC's Assistant Registrar Cleveland Sam, was also graced by Representative of the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Mr Norman Gibson. CXC has partnered with CARDI and a number of other entities to offer the subjects at the level of CAPE. It was also attended by a number of students and also entailed an agriculture exhibit, compliments of the Ministry of Agriculture.

November 2, 2007. The witness said that Wharton was paid and that was the last he saw of him. Under cross examination Ramkissoon said he had about 30 other men working with him. He said that Wharton had only worked with him for about 21 days. Ramkissoon, who was under oath, admitted that he would falsify work documents to show that workers left at 16:00hrs when actually they would leave before. The other accused, Charles Cush, also denied that he had anything to do with the death of Stoby. He, however, had no witnesses to call on his behalf. At the opening of the case State Prosecutor, Judith Gildharie Mursalin had detailed that on November 5, 2007, the nine-year-old girl, who had gone missing for three days, was discovered near a ditch a short distance from her Barnwell North, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara home.

The evidence suggested that the girl had been raped and murdered. After the discovery was made, the child's alleged killers were identified as Wharton and Cush, two teenagers who lived in her village. Last Tuesday, General Practitioner Dr. Mohan Persaud read out his finding in relation to medical examinations which he had conducted on Cush and Wharton after they were arrested for their alleged involvement in the rape and murder of Stoby. Persaud told the court that he found lacerations and abrasions on the private areas of the two boys which suggested their involvement in sexual intercourse, “particularly in a forceful manner”. Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh also presented his evidence to the court. The Pathologist detailed that the child had died due to asphyxiation from submersion (drowning) compounded by blunt trauma.

Richmond woman alleges rape, fails to identify perpetrators A Richmond Housing Scheme woman was unable to identify two men, during an identification parade after the police apprehended them over the weekend, on an allegation of rape. The men have since been released. It was reported early Saturday morning, at Richmond Housing Scheme, a man armed with a knife entered the house of a sweeper/cleaner by taking out a number of louver panes from one of her windows, and raped her. The man apparently held the woman at knifepoint before raping her. Other reports are indicating that the police have recovered two shirts in the woman’s house.

The victim subsequently reported the matter to the Anna Regina Police Station. Detectives later visited the woman’s home and took a report. The victim who had to seek medical attention for the injury to her neck also gave statements to the police. The woman, who reportedly lives alone, also underwent a medical examination, at the Suddie Public Hospital. Some time last year, residents, especially of Richmond Housing Scheme, were forced to take a more proactive stance in securing their homes since burglars used to wake them up during the nights by tapping at their doors.

Karen de Souza picks ... From page 18 the English-speaking Caribbean's leading recognition programme in Arts, Sciences, and Public and Civic Work. The Ansa McAl Foundation launched this awards programme in October 2005. The goal of the awards is to recognise significant Caribbean achievement. Dr. Robertson, director of UWI's Seismic Research Centre at St Augustine, is a geologist and vulcanologist whose work has been groundbreaking in the study of volcanoes and the geology of the region. A world expert, he is active in public education on the issue and has published aca-

demic books, and numerous refereed articles and book chapters. Michael Mansoor, chairman of the awards' Eminent Persons Panel (EPP) selection committee, disclosed that nominees were screened and selected from five territories— Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. A country nomination committee selects one nominee in each of the categories and presents the credentials to a regional panel of eminent people. De Souza has also been honoured by Kaieteur News for being a 'Special Person' for her work in helping others.

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Threat alert lowered to green but…

No arrests in Dana’s murder Dana Seetahal

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams (Trinidad Guardian) Acting Police Commissioner has described as “one set of foolishness” reports that arrests have been made in connection with the murder of defence attorney Dana Seetahal SC. Williams said in an interview yesterday there was no truth to reports that a man was arrested in the Arima district and is being held under tight security as a main suspect in Seetahal’s killing. “It is not fair to society. There is a consistent flow of mis-information being spread

through the media. The public will be made aware when there is a major development,” he said. Williams said the public is being traumatised further by the incorrect reports one week after being traumatised by Seetahal’s murder. He said the investigation is speeding ahead and he is making all resources available to the officers investigating the matter. Reports of an arrest were also denied by National Security Minister Gary Griffith, who said the fact that the security threat level had been lowered from amber to

green Sunday had nothing to do with a suspect in custody. He explained the decision was made to lower the alert after security assessments were done. The minister further revealed that “certain systems” had been put in place which warrant the reduction of the threat. The amber national security alert was effected following the May 4 killing of Seetahal. In a press release yesterday, the Ministry of National security announced that the alert had reverted to green with immediate effect. The ministry said the National Operations Centre (NOC) advised the National Security Council to revert to the green alert which means there is a vague threat to national security. The decision was taken after stringent measures were employed by the various arms of the ministry after Seetahal’s killing and following a review of the risk and threat factor. Government recently implemented a colour-coded national security alert to indicate the level of a national security threat. The alert level colour significance is as follows: • White - No Danger • Green - Vague Threat • Yellow - Possible Threat • Orange - High Chance of Threat Lead investigator in the Seetahal case ACP Wayne Dick said in an interview he is not aware of any major developments in relation to the prominent attorney’s murder. He said if and when any development occurs he will personally call media houses and inform them. Deputy Commissioner of Police Glenn Hackett, who is in charge of crime and under whose supervision the investigation is being done, said his information was not what was reported.

Tuesday May 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

JPS cuts service to communities with high levels of theft - We have tried everything, says power supplier

(Jamaica Observer) The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) yesterday said it is cutting the number of hours it provides power to communities where more than 70 per cent of the electricity supply is stolen. “This is part of the company’s strategy to get more persons to pay for the electricity they use, and reduce the overall cost to paying customers,” a release from JPS said. The communities to be affected in the initial phase of this curtailment strategy are: Jones Town, Seaward Drive, Trench Town, Denham Town, Rema, Maxfield Avenue, Central Village, and sections

of Spanish Town Road. “JPS has been working with these communities for some time, with limited success, and continues to encourage illegal users to take immediate steps to have their service regularised,” the release said. “The company has indicated that, in recognition of its obligation to serve paying customers in the affected communities, it will make an effort to provide electricity for not less than 12 hours per day, and will remain sensitive to the safety concerns of the residents. “JPS is also making every effort to minimise the impact on the businesses, hospitals,

and schools in these communities,” the release added. “We have tried everything to reduce electricity theft,” JPS senior VP for Energy Delivery, Gary Barrow said. “Our efforts have included a combination of initiatives, such as the removal of illegal ‘throw up’ lines, account audits and meter investigations, arrests in collaboration with the police, community intervention and the installation of costly technology solutions. The company also has more than 200 employees working to reduce losses.”

WHITHER THE MEN? (Barbados Nation) A lot of men in Barbados are going to the University of the West Indies and other continuing education institutions on a daily basis, but no learning is taking place. Terming it an “interesting peculiarity”, Minister of Education Ronald Jones said those men are dropping their female partners off and exiting, while the young ladies are going to classes which is a problem, he said. “If you’re in a courtship you should be sitting beside each other learning together. So why is this happening? Why is this particular behaviour being manifested at this time? That must be looked at in relation to how we are going to take Barbados forward,” Jones said. While addressing stakeholders at an Education For All forum, Jones also spoke to another problem with the low performance of

young men, especially those at the lower end of the learning scale. “That must be an area of focus. We cannot have our young women moving ahead

at a galloping pace and our young men, who will be their future husbands, being left behind. That creates its own problems within a given society,” Jones said.

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GYO, Everest grab first... From page 31 closed. Kres Deonarine slammed 58, Crosse continued his fine form with 41 and Raheem contributed 32. Azeez grabbed 6-30 and Kevin Ross 2-35. Set 229 to win TSC reached 206-7 at stumps on the final day. McPherson led with 67, while Azeez and Ryan Hemraj made 40 each. Raheem captured 3-36 and Ramjattan 2-52. At Guyana Defence Force ground, the home team and Everest game ended as a draw. Everest took first strike and managed 222 all out in 62.4 overs. Rishi Hiralall was their leading batsman with 62, while Raphael Singh scored 24, Chanderpaul Hemraj and Riyad Sattaur 19 apiece. Randy Lindore snared 5-63 and Stephen Harris 2-26. GDF responded with 189-9, innings closed. Marcus Watkins made 42, Lindore 37 and Gilford Moore 31. Troy Gonsalves bagged 7-87. In their second turn at the crease the

Azeem Azeez

visitors were 200-7 in 44 overs when stumps were drawn on the last day with Joseph Perry scoring 56 and Hemraj 41; Jeremiah Harris and Watkins claimed two wickets each.

Pistorius has anxiety disorder, psychiatrist tells court PRETORIA (Reuters) Oscar Pistorius has an anxiety disorder brought on by an unstable childhood and the “traumatic assault” of having his lower legs amputated as a baby, a psychologist told the court hearing the South African track star’s murder trial on Monday. Pistorius was born without fibulas in his lower legs, leading to amputation at the age of 11 months. Testifying for the defence about his mental state, forensic psychiatrist Merryl Vorster said that because the surgery was at such a young age, it would have been impossible to reason with the

baby, making the pyschological scars much deeper. “He was too young to understand why,” Vorster told the court. “His mother could not have comforted him because he was pre-language phase. It would been perceived as traumatic assault.” Pistorius is on trial for murder after shooting and killing his girlfriend, 29-yearold law graduate and model, Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day last year. The athlete says the shooting was a tragic mistake, and that he shot at a closed toilet door in his luxury Pretoria home thinking an

intruder was hiding behind it. The state alleges he fired at Steenkamp in a fit of rage after the couple had a row in the early hours of the morning. If convicted of murder, Pistorius faces life in prison. Vorster also said his parents’ divorce when he was a child would have added to the 27-year-old’s general feelings of anxiety and insecurity. After his parents split, Pistorius was brought up by his mother, who died of cancer when he was aged 15. Pistorius has frequently spoken of his love for his mother and the difficulty her death caused him.

WIFBSC 2014 championships... Tuesday May 13, 2014 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Empty promises are evident; therefore, get it in writing, to be safe. Visit friends or relatives you don't get to see very often. You will feel so much better about yourself if you can control your addictions. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Look closely at motives and honesty in your personal encounters. Question your mate if you must. Try to understand their point of view. GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) Family members may want you at home, when your heart is telling you to spend time with someone you recently met. Relationships will become stronger. Listen, but don't make any rash decisions. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You may be looking through rose colored glasses. Difficulties may be encountered while traveling in foreign countries. Money problems will be difficult to deal with if you have a partner. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You need activity. Take time to deal with authority figures or government agencies. You may find that someone you really cared for in the past has come back into your life. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. You will have to make changes in order to eliminate the tension. Love could develop with someone of a different cultural background. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) You could be disillu-

sioned if you let relative in on your emotional thoughts. You can continue to forge ahead if you make a few long distance calls pertinent to closing pending deals. Home improvement projects will run smoothly. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) You will be full of good ideas, and your choice of activities may bring you enrichment far beyond your expectations. New relationships will surface through work related events. New romantic relationships will develop through group activity related to sports events. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Don't put limitations on yourself. You need adventure and excitement in your life. Quarrels will erupt if you get into philosophical debates with friends. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.JAN. 20) You can expect your mate to get fed up and make the choices for you or back off completely. Don't be too quick to sign documents. Try to concentrate on research and acquiring information that will be of value in your chosen field. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Stabilize your own position by locking up your savings. Talk to someone with experience about budgets or consolidating debts. It might be best to keep your ideas to yourself today. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) If you put your energy into physical outlets you will avoid confrontations. Your emotional partner will push the right buttons today. Spend some time on yourself.

From page 31 also won the prestigious Wogart Trophy as the leading scorer in the Short Range Team match, enabling Guyana to reclaim the championship from Jamaica. US based Guyanese Sigmund Douglas was second overall in ‘O’ Class with a Grand Aggregate of 358 points and 17 V-bulls edging out compatriot Leo Ramalho who had a similar amount of points but less Vs, 15. The winner was Karen Anderson of Jamaica with an overall score of 361 points and 13 Vs. Sherwin Felicien who enjoyed a good outing on debut was second in the Tyro (‘T’ or Beginners Class) totaling 342 points with 13 Vs; this class was won by Jamaican Dwayne Forde who accumulated 351 points and 18 Vs. Ransford Goodluck was the top competitor overall at the 1000 yards; Terrance Stuart won the ‘O’ Class event number two at 600 yards, US based John Fraser won the ‘O’ Class at 900 yards – (event number three) while Felicien won or ‘T’ Class competitors at that range. Goodluck also had the Highest Possible Score (HPS) in the Milex Cup which was the Long Range Team Match over 900 and 1000 yards. Ryan Sampson won (event number 6) ‘O’ Class over 500 yards while Mahendra Persaud and Dylan Fields secured two second places and Peter Persaud, one. Canadian Serge Bissonnette won the Individual Grand Aggregate with 384. 23 edging out Braithwaite 383.24 but Braithwaite retained the top spot as the best shot in the West Indies. The other shooters in the

top eight of the overall Grand Aggregate were WIFBSC President Norris Gomez of Trinidad and Tobago with 381 points 28Vs, Jamaica’s David Rickman with 377 points 21 Vs, Alpar Katona of Canada 376 points 18 Vs, Wayne McNair (Jamaica) 375 points 17 Vs, Ransford Goodluck (Guyana) 374 points 28 Vs and the Twin Island Republic’s Michael Perez 371 points 20 Vs.

Guyana won the team Long and Short Range Titles (Milex and WIFSC Trophies) for an unprecedented fourth time on Jamaican soil. Trinidad and Tobago will host next year’s Championship with Antigua and Barbuda as the alternate. Meanwhile, the Guyana team returned home Sunday evening last and were accommodated in first class as guests of Fly Jamaica.

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2013 Ramcharitar Construction Service 1st div. 50 overs KO... East Coast Cricket Chattergoon 103, Permaul 101* propel Board calls up 28 for BCB Berbice Chambers Albion into final; Police also advance Independence Cup East Coast Cricket Board is calling up twenty-eight (28) players for a practice match to be played on Sunday 18th May, 2014 at the Better Hope Community Centre. This practice match is in preparation for the Berbice Cricket Board/ Berbice Chambers Independence T-20 Cup, to be held at Albion Cricket Ground on Sunday 25th May, 2014. Those players are: 1) Zaheer Mohamed- Enterprise Cricket Club 2) Videsh Lall- Enterprise Cricket Club 3) Parmanand Dindyal- Enterprise Cricket Club 4) Brian Sattaur- Lusignan Cricket Club 5) Vishnu Ramjit- Lusignan Cricket Club 6) Sumnauth Bharrat- Lusignan Cricket Club 7) Kumar Bishundial- Lusignan Cricket Club 8) Rajendra Naikbaran- Lusignan Cricket Club 9) Suresh Budhu- Better Hope Cricket Club 10) Ravi Singh- Better Hope Cricket Club 11) Chris Deonarine- Better Hope Cricket Club 12) Azad Mohamed- Better Hope Cricket Club 13) Nazim Khan- Better Hope Cricket Club 14) Anthony Ifill- Bravados Cricket Club 15) Carl Gilkes- Bravados Cricket Club 16) Cherwayne Mc Pherson- Plaisance Cricket Club 17) Dwayne Andrews- Plaisance Cricket Club 18) Kishan De Silva- Golden Grove Cricket Club 19) Richard Woolford- Golden Grove Cricket Club 20) Chris Pattadin- Ogle Cricket Club 21) Andra Gomes- Ogle Cricket Club 22) Sewpaul Sanicharr- Ogle Cricket Club 23) Shadeo Ramkellawan- Ogle Cricket Club 24) Rohit Dutchin- Helena 1-2 Cricket Club 25) Randy Budhu- Helena 1-2 Cricket Club 26) Imran Khan- Unity Cricket Club 27) Royston Simon- Lion’s XI Cricket Club 28) Ryan Chichester- Perseverance Cricket Club Contact can be made with Chairman of Selectors, Raymond Barton on telephone# 626-0223/ 220-1636 for further details.

Michael Newland

Veerapen Permaul

Videsh Singh

Sewnarine Chattergoon

Centuries from Guyana opening batsman Sewnarine Chattergoon and former Berbice Under-19 all-rounder Veerapen Permaul spearheaded Albion Community Center to a place in the final with victory over Port Mourant in their semi final of the 2013 Ramcharitar Construction Service first division 50 overs knockout competition in Berbice. Playing at Port Mourant, Albion won the toss and elected to bat first, they benefitted from a 79 run opening stand between Chattergoon and Under-15 batsman Adrian Sukhwa who fell for 23. Permaul, the younger brother of Veerasammy, came in and together with Chattergoon, put on another 137 for the second wicket before Chattergoon went for

103 (14x4). Next to go was Anthony Bramble for 5 at 245-3 but Permaul found an able partner in Guyana specialist leg spinner Devendra Bishoo, they featured in an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 71 to see Albion to 316-3 in their 50 overs; Permaul ended on 101 (10x4) and Bishoo 38*. When Port Mourant replied they were faced with an all spin attack which limited them to 204 in 43.5 overs despite an enterprising 62 (3x4 3x6) from Tony McKenzie and 42 from Nicholas Cameron. Bowling for Albion, West Indies Under-19 left arm spinner Gudakesh Motie snared 4-44 from 10 overs. Permaul, bowling off spin had 2-20 from 5 overs, off spinner Asif Ali 2-34 from 6.5 overs, Albion won by 112 runs. Meanwhile, Police also

earned the right to advance to the final after surprisingly and comfortably defeating Young Warriors at the latter’s home ground in Cumberland. In the match reduced to 35 overs per side due to preparation moisture in the wicket, Police were invited to take first strike and posted a challenging 241-9 in their 35 overs. Slamming an attractive 56 off just 22 balls was allrounder Michael Newland. Chipping in with valuable contributions were Kwesi Mickle (30), Phelbert Willburgh 26 and Rocky Hutson 20. Bowling for Young Warriors, off spinning allrounder Kevin Ramdeen took 3-50 from 7 overs and pacer Suresh Dhanai 2-48 from 5 overs. In reply, Young Warriors’ openers Sasenarine Sukhdeo and Vishal Mohabir put on 88

for the first wicket in 16.2 overs before Sukhdeo was bowled for 51 (6x4). One run later Mohabir was run out for 34 and Warriors were 89-2. Police never let up and were led by medium pacer Kurt Griffith who ripped through the middle order picking up four consecutive wickets as Young Warriors were reduced to 119-6. Videsh Singh who made a half century in the previous round and Rudolph Baker tried to repair the damage putting on 36 between them but they both fell in quick succession. Singh made 56 (6x4) and Baker 10. Young Warriors eventually fell for 174 in 31.3 overs to lose by 69 runs. Bowling for Police, Kurt Griffith took 4-37 from 7 overs and off spinner Albert Sinclair 3-25 from 6.3 overs.

BCB/Tenelec Inc. U-15 cricket...

Kevin Sinclair slams 110* and claims 5-27 for Police Play in the Berbice Cricket Board/Tenelec Inc. Under-15 cricket competition continued recently with Berbice allrounder Kevin Sinclair turning in a fine performance for Police against Tucber Park. Sinclair, first batted through the Police first innings and remained unbeaten on 110 which was decorated with 7 fours, his innings forming the foundation of the innings which ended at 148, leg spinner Brandon Stewart

picked up 4-39 for Tucber Park. When Tucber Park replied, Sinclair came back with his off-spinners, bowling through to the close of play claiming 5-27. Steve Deonarine batted resolutely to end on 39* as Tucber Park ended the day on 98-6 holding out for a no result. Sinclair had scored 100 and taken 7-4 in Police’s previous match against Rose Hall Community Centre. Blairmont Community Centre middle order Batsman

Joseph dominoes on tomorrow Faye Joseph dominoes competition will commence tomorrow night at her residence Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt. Teams that enter before 19:00 hrs will not be required to pay an entrance fee, but $2000 will be charged thereafter. Among the teams set

to take part are Mix Up, Rage, Specialist, Blue Bird, Pacesetters, Providence and TNT. Meanwhile, the Georgetown Dominoes Association will be holding a wake for the late Aryette Philadelphia, a former member of the B6 Team at Turning Point tonight.

Adin Sheotayal hit an even unbeaten half century and bowling his off-spinners, took 2-17 and 3-14 to help his team register an innings and 58 run win over D’Edward. SUMMARIZED SCORES At Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam - The match between Police and Tucber Park ended without a first innings decision. Police first innings 148; Kevin Sinclair 110 not out, Brandon Stewart 4-39, Naresh Chan 2-15, Dominique Durant 2-43. Tucber Park first innings 986; Steve Deonarine 39 not out, Kevin Sinclair 5-27. At D’Edward - Blairmont Community Centre hammered D’Edward by an Innings and 58 runs. D’Edward first innings 80; Deninauth Persaud 45*, Azad Ishawk 210, Seon Glasgow Jr. 2-13. Adin Shoetayal 2-17 and second innings 41; Sachin

Kevin Sinclair Veerasammy 4-3, Javid Karem 3-11, Adin Shoetayal 3-14. Blairmont Community Centre first innings 179-5 declared; Adin Shoetayal 50*, Seon Glasgow Jr. 49, Deshann Phillips 2-56. At Bath - the match between D’Edward and Achievers ended in a draw with D’Edward taking first innings points. Achievers first innings 72; Divendra Sooklall 28, Deshwan Phillips 4-23, Hemraj Harrilall 2-10, Shamer Greenidge 2-16. D’Edward first innings 83-3; Deninauth Persaud 22*, Amit Budhu 20, Adrian Ramanian 2-27.

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WIFBSC 2014 championships Devers returns to Radio for end with Gala Presentation New Zealand Test series Guyanese marksmen claim lion’s share of awards The 2014 edition of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) came to a glittering end on Saturday evening last with a gala dinner and presentation on the lawns of the Jamaica Rifle Association (JRA). It is one of the longest presentation ceremonies one would witness but yet necessary for recognizing the efforts of shooters who would have competed in blistering sun over five long, demanding days of shooting. When President of the JRA Major Retired John Nelson welcomed guests, special invitees including Major General of the Jamaica Defence Force Anthony Anderson, who is also Patron of the JRA and the delegations from the competing teams, he did prepare all for what turned out to be a compact evening with the shooters being rewarded for their efforts. Undisputed KINGS of the Caribbean, Guyana, strolled away with 64 individual prizes, the most by any of the competing nations which included host Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Trinidad and

International radio cricket commentator, Guyanese Sean Devers, is set to make his radio come back in next month’s New Zealand three-Test series against West Indies. The former Guyana Under19 off-spinner has recovered from a life threatening Brain Tumor Surgery on October 2, 2012. The 44-year-old Devers was then diagnosed with Brain Cancer and was subjected to six weeks of daily Radiation therapy after his surgery at the Brian Lara Cancer Treatment Center in Trinidad. Devers, who made his Test debut as a radio commentator in 2001 when

Lennox Braithwaite (left) receives the Wogart Trophy as the leading scorer in the Short Range Team match from Major General of the JDF, Anthony Anderson. Tobago, Bermuda and Canada. Three-time Caribbean Individual champion, Guyanese Lennox Braithwaite led the podium appearances, retaining this accolade for the third consecutive year starting here in Guyana in 2012 and Barbados, last year. Braithwaite also secured

the Overall Aggregate prizes on day one and two as well as the Overall Short Range Aggregate in the ‘X’ Class. The leading marksman, who will now turn attention to the Commonwealth Games along with National Captain Mahendra Persaud and Manager Ransford Goodluck, (Continued on page 29)

NDC, Regal SCC T/20 cricket-Wakenaam...

Osborne, Rambarran guide Sans Souci to title Wayne Osborne smashed a half century and off spinner Devon Rambarran grabbed 510 of 3.4 overs to guide Sans Souci to a 33- run victory over Zeelandia in the final of the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council (WNDC)/ Regal Stationery and Computer Centre T\20 tournament on Sunday last. Osborne slammed five sixes in scoring 53 and got support from Tulsieram Ramadeen with 31 as Sans Souci reached 141-8 off their 20 overs, batting first at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground. Darmendra Pooran claimed 2-17 while Ricardo Adams and Hemraj Seeraj had one each. Zeelandia were bowled out for 108 in 15.4 overs in reply. Adams scored 37 (4x6) and Devendra Jadukul 24. Rambarran was named man of the match. Meanwhile, in the semifinals played on Thursday last, Zeelandia crushed Maria’s Pleasure by nine

Says he is living testimony of God’s might

Wayne Osborne wickets. Playing at Zeelandia, the visitors managed 130 all out in 19.5 overs. Bernard Lewis and Kennard Lewis scored 35 each and Lionel Baker chipped in with 20. Seeraj captured 4-30 and Hemraj Pooran 3-25. The home team responded with 125-9 in 20 overs with Adams scoring 86 (8x6). At the Wakenaam Community Centre ground, Sans Souci overcame Sans Souci Jaguars by eight runs. Sans Souci scored 125-9 off

their reduced 18 overs. Gurnauth Khemraj made 40 and Heera Sukram 23. Zameer Zaman snared 3-13, Siddiq Mohamed 3-15 and Olwyn Paton 2-25. The Jaguars were restricted for 117-8 in 18 overs in reply. Paton stroked 62 as Seon Venture picked up 4-17 and Satnarine Sahadeo 3-14. Osborne collected the best batsman prize with 233 runs and Rambarran the most outstanding bowler accolade with 10 scalps. Both finalists received trophies for their efforts. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, chairman of the WNDC Ahmad Zakir Khan lauded the Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) adding that the tournament was well organsied and promised their continued support. Secretary of the WCC Nazeer Mohamed thanked the NDC and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre for their contribution towards the development of the game on the island.

South Africa toured the Caribbean, has been Caner free since December 31 last year and claims that God saved his life so that he could be a Testimony to God’s might. “I am happy to be back doing what I most love doing but at the same time my whole life has changed. I no longer take things for granted and I am learning how to deal with stress. God is a mighty God and if he can do this for me he can do it for anyone. You just have to have faith in him,” Devers, who is also scheduled to commentate in the Test series involving Bangladesh in September, disclosed.

Devers has commentated on every Test match in Guyana since 2001 in addition to Test matches in Dominica, Jamaica, Trinidad, St Kitts and Barbados before falling ill in December 2011 just after his last Test when Pakistan opposed the home team in a two-Test series in May 2011. The first Test involving New Zealand and West Indies is fixed for June 8-12 in Jamaica, the second Test is set for Trinidad from June 16-20 and the third and final Test will be played in Guyana from June 26-30. The two- Test series against Bangladesh is scheduled for St Vincent and St Lucia.

GCA/Hadi’s World Inc first division 2-Day...

GYO, Everest grab first innings points Crosse slams century; Ramjattan, Azeez and Gonsalves shine Gandhi Youth Organistions (GYO) and Everest Cricket Club grabbed first innings points when the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Hadi’s World Inc first division 2-day tournament continued last weekend. At Malteenoes SC,

Transport Sports Club and GYO played to a draw. GYO batted first and posted 360-7 in overs. Kwame Crosse stroked 154; Thritlon Liverpool scored 66, Surendra Hiralall 54, Abdool Raheem 32 and Anthony Ifill 30. Shawn Massiah claimed 3-

94. TSC replied with 289 all out in 55 overs. Azeem Azeez cracked 84, while Akeem Redmond supported with 61, Ryan Hemraj made 45 and Charwayne McPherson 39. Divesh Ramjattan bagged 560. GYO scored 152-9, innings (Continued on page 29)

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2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier Rayudu, Simmons League t20 cricket tournament fixtures: fifties in clinical Mumbai win

ESPNcricinfo - Lendl Simmons and Ambati Rayudu hit halfcenturies to lead Mumbai Indians to an emphatic win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. The victory, Mumbai Indians’ third in nine matches, kept the defending champions’ campaign barely alive. Sunrisers Hyderabad were tied down after choosing to bat for all but the last two overs of their innings. David Warner helped his side take 33 off those two to push the total to 157, but it hardly mattered, as Simmons and Rayudu put on 130 runs for the second wicket in 14.3 overs to haul Mumbai Indians home with eight balls to spare. Mumbai Indians lost CM Gautam second ball of the second over to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, but Simmons and Rayudu kicked on after a sedate start. The release came when Irfan Pathan was brought on following a couple of tight overs each from Dale Steyn and Bhuvneshwar. Simmons, who had tried to slog Steyn without success, found Irfan’s pace to his liking, and slammed him for a couple of sixes and a four. Rayudu welcomed Amit Mishra with a charge and a straight six, and Mumbai Indians weren’t looking back, with the boundaries coming regularly. Simmons did not let the legspinners settle and swung Karn Sharma for a four and a six. Rayudu gave the same treatment to Irfan as the allrounder went for 29 in two overs. Shikhar Dhawan went back to Steyn in the 13th over but Mumbai Indians were approaching 100 by that time. Rayudu and Simmons took the fast bowler for a four each. Sunrisers had a chance in the next over but KL Rahul put down a top-edged skier off Simmons at deep midwicket with the batsman on 59 and the team score on 110. Simmons and Rayudu fell in successive overs for 68 each eventually but the game was almost over by then. Dhawan felt Sunrisers were about 20 runs short on what he had called a good batting surface at the toss as he chose to bat. Dhawan himself scratched around for a while before being bowled by a full inswinger from Lasith Malinga. Rahul ran himself out going for a non-existent single but Aaron Finch had looked in nice touch all along. He drove Corey Anderson crisply down the ground for fours and went after Pragyan Ojha, lofting and driving the left-arm spinner repeatedly through the off side for boundaries. Warner joined Finch and hit the odd boundary as well but the pair was not able to dominate amid some tight bowling from Harbhajan Singh and Jasprit Bumrah. Finch holed out off Malinga in the penultimate over for 68 off 62 but Warner stepped up and launched the fast bowler for a couple of sixes. He ended the innings with successive fours off Kieron Pollard to finish on 55 off 31. Given Sunrisers’ reputation of successfully defending moderate totals at their home ground, 157 did not appear to be an easy chase, but Rayudu and Simmons made it look so. Scores: Mumbai Indians 160 for 3 (Rayudu 68, Simmons 68) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 157 for 3 (Finch 68, Warner 55*) by seven wickets.

David Warner smacked six fours in his unbeaten 55. (BCCI)

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Clippers Time right for Taylor rally return says Bennett late to stun Thunder, tie series Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) dunks the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game four of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Clippers rallied for a wild 101-99 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday to even their best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final at 2-2. The Clippers fell behind 22 points during the first quarter and never led until the game’s final 83 seconds yet found a way to avoid being pushed to the brink of playoff elimination. Reserve Darren Collison sparked the Clippers with 12 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, scoring four straight to put Los Angeles ahead 101-97 with 32 seconds left. Collison, who went scoreless in the Clippers’ Game Three loss, got a big confidence boost from head coach Doc Rivers despite his struggles. “He told me to stay in there. No matter how many plays (the Thunder were making), just stay aggressive,” Collison told reporters. “In the fourth quarter we were more aggressive, and made more plays than them.” Kevin Durant had a game-high 40 points and added seven rebounds in the crushing defeat, which ended when Russell Westbrook missed a three-point attempt at

the buzzer. “It was a good look,” said Westbrook, of the final shot. “We didn’t have any more timeouts to call one. It’s a tough loss, but this is a series.” Westbrook finished with 27 points and eight assists. Blake Griffin tallied a team-high 25 points while Chris Paul had 23 points and 10 assists for the Clippers’ attack. Los Angeles opened the series with a 17point rout last week, but Durant and Westbrook responded strongly and had their team headed for a 3-1 series lead at one point on Sunday. Oklahoma City held a 16-point advantage early in the fourth, but the Clippers turned the game around with a small lineup that saw the 6-foot Paul guard 6-foot-9 Durant in the final stages. Guard Jamal Crawford factored into the late Los Angeles run and contributed 18 points to help rescue the home Clippers and stun the Thunder. “That’s the ups and downs of the playoffs,” said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. “Now it’s a best-of-three series and we have two (possible) games at home.” Game Five is today in Oklahoma City.

Hing captures Action Pistol Shoot

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a t i o n a l H a n d g u n captain Dale Hing edged out Chad Melville to win last Saturday’s Action Pistol Competition organized by the Handgun Section of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) and held at the TSU range, Eve Leary. There were three stages of timed shoots which tested the shooters’ speed in loading and engaging targets, using both strong and weak hands before the time expired. Hing and Melville both recorded an overall score of 215 points and had to shoot off to break the deadlock, which Hing won.

The first stage was shot from 5metres with a 40second time limit, while the second was shot from 10 metres with a 30- second time limit and the third stage was shot from15metres with a 75-second time limit. The third place went to emerging female shooter Vi d u s h i P e r s a u d w h o recorded 213 points from the three stages. The next competition organized will be a Practical Pistol competition on Sunday at the Timehri range starting at 09:00 hours. Results: First - Dale Hing (handgun captain) - 215/1 Second- Chad Melville - 215 Third- Vidushi Persaud - 213

Dale Hing

Vidushi Persaud

Jamaica Star Kingston, Jamaica - West Indies ‘A’ coach Junior Bennett believes the time is now right for Jerome Taylor to return to the West Indies senior team set-up. Ta y l o r, w h o l a s t represented the region in Tests in 2009, and one-day and Twenty20 internationals in 2010, emerged as second highest wicket taker among fast bowlers in the WICB Four-day Tournament. The former West Indies front line pacer, who turns 30 next month, claimed 25 wickets at 25.28 apiece to finish 10th on the overall bowling chart. Experienced Windward Islands left-arm seamer Kenroy Peters, who took 40 wickets at 12.75, topped the bowling standings. “I think he (Taylor) is ready again for the big times, ever for the upcoming series against New Zealand,” said Bennett, also the coach of Jamaica.

Jerome Taylor “My only concern was that for the last two to three years he did not complete a season. “This year, however, he was able to stay injury free, and stay the course, first with the regional Super50 and then with the four-dayers.” “His returns in both tournaments were also good, and given his skill set, I have no doubt he can make a

successful return to the international arena.” Taylor also finished 10th in the bowling rankings during the Super50, after taking six wickets from three games at 11.83 apiece. The West Indies are slated to face New Zealand in t h r e e Te s t s a n d t w o Twenty20 Internationals. The first Test will be played on June 8 at Sabina Park.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 13, 2014

“Softball World Cup”

Ministry of Sport to partner GFSCA

Members of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association met recently with Sports Minister Dr Frank Anthony at his office for discussions on their flagship tournament among issues. In a release from the association, it was stated that top of the agenda was “Guyana Softball Cup 4”, and Dr Anthony indicated that his ministry will be involved with GFSCA to run off this International Softball To u r n a m e n t d u b b e d “Softball World Cup”. Teams from Canada, New Yo r k , M i a m i , F o r t Lauderdale, Guyana and for the first time Trinidad and Orlando have already indicated their availability. The tournament will be held on October 31st, 1st, 2nd November 2014. Members of the GFSCA will soon begin preparations. The Minister will send two officials from his Ministry at every meeting leading up to the tournament. GFSCA and the Ministry of Sport are working together to make this three days International

high and many overseas teams have already done so. Organising secretary of GFSCA, Wayne Jones at 650-1790 and Secretary Lalta Gainda at 680-3863 can be contacted for any information. “Guyana Softball Cup 1”- champions were Cotton F ield Wild O ats o f Essequibo (Open category) and Regal Seniors (Masters Category-Over 40). “Guyana Softball Cup 2”- champions were New York All Stars and Savage Masters. “Guyana Softball Cup 3”- champions were Trophy Stall and New York Better Hope. Guyana Softball Cup 3 was sponsored by Trophy Stall, Bel Air Rubis, Survival, Steve’s Jewellery, Top Brandz and Corona Beer, GT&T, Busta Soft Drinks, Mike’s Pharmacy, Ramchand’s Auto Spares, Motor Trend, Nauth Motor Spares and Metro. Nearly all the sponsors have already indicated their intention to be on board again for Guyana Softball Cup 4.

Members of GFSCA and Sports Minister Dr. Frank Anthony (4th right) when they met recently. Softball Tournament a National event. “Guyana Softball Cup 4” will be played at various venues in Georgetown. Preliminary rounds will be played on Friday October 31st and Saturday November

1st at Bourda, Police ground, DCC, MYO, YMCA, Saint Stanislaus, Ministry of Education ground, already confirmed venues. The Minister said that his M i n i s t r y ’s g r o u n d a t Carifesta Avenue, which has

the potential to hold three matches simultaneously, will be in “Tip Top” condition for this international softball competition. The finals will be played on Sunday November 2nd at a venue yet

to be decided. Local teams in Guyana who want to participate in “Guyana Softball Cup 4” are advised to book their spot early since only a limited number of teams will be accepted. Interest is very

Corriverton CC is Price is Rite Supermarket/UCCA 2nd Division champions The Corriverton Cricket Club (CCC) has been crowned champions of the Price is Right Supermarket sponsored Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) second division cricket competition when they defeated No. 70 M.Y.O by 137 runs in the final of the competition which was played recently at the Skeldon Community Centre ground. The easy win for CCC was due to a fine all round performance by Eric Phillips with 43 and 5-27. Batting first CCC compiled a formidable 251 all out in 49.3 overs with consistent batting throughout the innings. Clavern Beresford led the way with 64(7x4), Phillips 43(1x6, 3x4), Jermaine Reid 27, Anthony Seeraj 23 and Imran Jabar 20 being the main contributors. Bowling for No. 70 M.Y.O Jameel Assad took 3 for 32, while Niazi Khan supported with 2 for 45. In reply No. 70 M.Y.O were bowled out for 114 in 35.2 overs with Azad Khan 21 and Assad returning to

score 20 offering some resistance. Bowling for the CCC Phillips led the way with 5 for 27 off 10 overs with Faoud Bacchus supporting with 3 for 30 also off 10. At the presentation ceremony, prizes totaling $105,000 and a number of trophies were distributed to the top teams and outstanding individual performers. The winning CCC team collected $50,000 and the winning Price is Rite trophy, No.70 MYO received $30,000 and trophy for being the runner up. Man of the Match Eric Phillips received $5,000 and one trophy, batsman with the most runs in the competition Trishan Ryan Ramdass of Springlands CC also received $5,000 and a trophy for scoring 428 runs in the tournament, the bowler with the most wickets in the competition was Omesh Kumar of No. 70 Young Star and he received $5,000 and one trophy for his 14 scalps. There were also awards for the two men of the

matches in the semifinals and they were Amzaan Appalsammy of CCC for scoring 97 not out and Niazi Khan of No. 70 M.Y.O for taking 5 for 20 off 9 overs and scoring 26 runs. They received $5,000 each. Proprietor of the Price is Right Supermarket Mr. Danesh ‘Baiko’ Roopnarine expressed his appreciation to the UCCA for a well organized tournament. He congratulated both teams for reaching the finals and the CCC team for winning the competition. He also promised his continued support to the UCCA in the future. Treasurer of the UCCA Mr. Bharosay thanked the sponsor for coming on board with the much needed sponsorship. He also expressed hope that clubs and individuals appreciate what is being done and step up their game in the future. . The tournament saw some 26 teams from No.43 to Crabwood Creek participating in the competition. (Samuel Whyte)

Ms. Shivannie Roopnarine hands over the winning trophy and cash to Mr. Tarik Ibrahim, captain of CCC.

Umpires named for GCB U-19 50 over tourament The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has named the umpires for their Inter County U19 50 overs tournament which commences today with two matches. Essequibo will play the President’s XI at Everest with Omadatt Samaroo and Owen Archer doing on field duties and Nolan Hawke as stand by. Demerara will play Berbice at Wales with M Yosef Yisrael and Edward Bowen in charge and Dawchand Nagassar as the third official. On Wednesday, the President’s XI will play Demerara at Bourda with Patrick Garnath and Zaheer Mohamed umpiring and Bowen as stand by.

Berbice will clash with Essequibo at Enmore under the watchful eyes of Delvin Austin and Nolan Hawke; Anthony Ramsahai will perform the third official duties. On Friday at Demerara Cricket Club, Demerara and Essequibo will do battle under the guidance of Nagassar and Ramsahai with Garnath as stand by. Berbice will come up against the President’s XI at Everest with Moses Ramphal and Bowen doing on field duties and Mohamed stand by. The final will be played on Sunday 18 at Bourda with Yisrael and Samaroo umpiring and Ava Barker as standby.

Tuesday May 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Local ruggers eager to recapture lost glory - B/dos game crucial

A member of the national team seen on the offensive during a practice game last Saturday.

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h e n t h e national 15’s men’s rugby squad departs tomorrow to contest the NACRA Championship game against Barbados it could mark the start of the team’s quest to regain its dominance in the sport on the regional circuit. The Guyanese relinquished the title to Trinidad and Tobago 20-0 last year, while its absence at the NACRA Sevens Competition due to late registration meant that for the first time in many years Guyana was without a regional title. Kaieteur Sport visited one of the training sessions last week and judging from the intensity of the game simulation it was clear that the national ruggers were determined to recapture lost glory and this weekend’s

game against the Bajans at the Garrison Savannah will definitely indicate the sort of hunger and finesse they possess and whether or not they are still capable of dominating the game regionally. The Bajans are usually a formidable side in 15’s rugby; they bring a lot of bulk and strength in this format of the game, but the Guyanese superior fitness and speed, the two qualities that have made them so tough in the Sevens version, have proven to be effective and advantageous against them. What was witnessed during the team’s preparations gave an unmistakable hint about the enthusiasm and desire within the camp and combined with the confidence that was oozing from the players’ responses and Barbados will have to produce an

astonishing performance to get past the Guyanese. For someone who has had the privilege to observe numerous team preparations in the past, at no time did the sessions take on the kind of focus and force that was on display last Saturday. Many players risked being injured before departure, but fortunately that did not happen and the coaching staff and technical team must have been heartened by what they saw. As Technical Committee Head, Mike McCormack revealed, the Barbados game is a must win for Guyana, especially with the intention of NACRA to make the competition into a two-tier system that will see losers playing against countries considered minnows in the sport in the Region. Guyana has been bolstered by the inclusion of

LABA names 25 to train for GABF inter association clash with G/town

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he Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) has named its Men’s squad which began training from yesterday afternoon at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court for their clash with arch rivals Georgetown in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s Inter Association Basketball championship which bounces off this Saturday in Linden. A squad of twenty five players including former national captain Steve Neils (Jr.), Neil Marks and Dwayne Roberts, all who played for Guyana at the last Caribbean Basketball championships, were among those named on Saturday night to train. The coach is Kevin Joseph with Kerwin Abrams as his assistant, while Abdulla Hamid is the Technical Director.

The players called are: Chris Williams, Harold Adams, Orlando Glasgow, Alwyn Wilson and Dwight Cooper (Victory Valley Royals), Allister Webster, Shane Webster, Emmanuel Archibald and Robert Parrish (Amelia’s Ward Jets), Steve Neils, (Jr.) Trevor Profitt, Omally Sampson, Orin Rose and Marvin Hartman Kings), Neil Marks, Dwayne Roberts, Keiron Cameron, Stephon Tappin, Lawrence DaCosta (Retrieve Raiders), Mark Louis, Quincy Jones, Nevin Grenville (Wismar Pistons), Nevin Glen (Block 22 Flames), Michael Turner and Travis Dryden (Half Mile Bulls). The ultimate aim for the GABF’s Inter Association championship is to come up with a shortlist of players to train for the Caribbean Basketball Championships in the British Virgin Islands later this year.

foreign-based players such as Richard Staglon, Ronald Mayers, Peabo Hamilton and Claudius Butts. The players named are: Ryan Gonsalves (Captain), Richard Staglon (Vice Captain), Chris Singh,

Ronald Mayers, Claudius Butts, Rondell McArthur, Rickford Cummings, Grantley Williams, Jason Tyrell, Dwayne Schroeder, Filon Thompson, Clive Powell, Avery Corbin, Theo Henry, Ryan Dey, Delroy

Gordon, Jacques Archibald, Jamal Angus, Kevon David, Cyon Kitt, Carl Lewis and Leon Greaves. Head Coach is Clinton ‘Stiffy’ Clarke of GDF, while the Manager is John Lewis, and Physio-Barrington Browne.

t r o Sp

WIFBSC 2014 championships end with Gala Presentation P. 27

Caribbean Long and Short Range champions Guyana display their team’s silverware.

Guyanese marksmen claim lion’s share of awards FIFA World Cup Countdown Tournament starts in:

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Lendl Simmons plays off the back foot during his half century. (BCCI)

Rayudu, Simmons fifties in clinical Mumbai win P. 25

Ambati Rayudu struck his second successive fifty. (BCCI)

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