Kaieteur News
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Friday May 13, 2016
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
The weight of public opinion In our multi-faceted society, it is often critical for important stakeholders to evaluate the weight of public opinion before embarking on ventures that deeply affect people’s lives. It is especially important to probe public opinion on controversial issues - and we are not short of those - not only to discover what the majority of Guyanese think about these issues, but also why they hold such views and what they want to see happen. Life in Guyana is replete with examples of this necessity. For instance, as insignificant as it may seem to the casual observer, it would have been particularly interesting for a comprehensive survey to have been done in relation to the increase in salaries for government ministers, and the reasons given for the action. It would have been even more absorbing to hear the opinion of the everyday man and woman with respect to the utterances in support of that development. Unfortunately, almost all attempts by the media and other responsible and qualified groups to venture into the realm of assessing public opinion in Guyana would be quickly deemed far from “scientific” and described as producing highly questionable results. Of course those who are fiercely protective of their “brand” would rubbish any negatives. It is pertinent to note that many of the viewpoints used by naysayers, and purporting to represent the majority opinion of the Guyanese public, are entertaining but meaningless, because they were obtained under seriously flawed, unscientific circumstances. For instance, it is quite evident that many persons erroneously regard the opinion of the majority of letter writers to newspapers, or the viewpoint of the majority of those who call in on various TV talk shows, as representing the opinion of the public at large. The reality is that many opinions that are widely publicised in Guyana are specifically expressed to advance particular causes. Clearly, certain special interest groups try to give the impression that the views are those of the entire country. Such groups, which include some media houses, are well aware that public opinion can be manipulated by weighting to produce some desired result. That is why Guyana experiences the phenomenon of different sources presenting widely divergent viewpoints on various issues as though these represent the prevailing public view. In this flawed process, many persons overlook the fact that public opinion is not static. The people’s views about an issue develop and change over time, according to many variables, like the amount of information available or the emergence of societal pressures. Sometimes public opinion is an evolutionary process, moving from poorly informed reactions to more carefully considered conclusions. Recognition that public opinion can progress in stages is a key element of properly assessing same. Changeable opinion is sometimes mistaken for settled public judgment, with unfortunate consequences. The initial public view of an issue is often affected by strong, emotionally-laden feelings and opinions, which can be unstable and changeable. The raw and unformed quality of public opinion, at this stage, may be vastly different at a later stage, when the populace is better informed and have a better understanding of an issue or problem. In light of this, it stands to reason that when the resolution of important public issues hinges on the majority viewpoint of the public, there should be extreme caution regarding the results of consultations or any other assessment of the public’s opinion. It is certainly important to have access to reliable, stable and accurate assessments of the opinions held by the majority of the Guyanese people on various important issues, which accurately reflect their values, priorities, and beliefs. If Guyana could acquire the means of accurately measuring the weight of public opinion, this would go a long way to help bring about the fair and reasonable resolution of difficult issues.
Urgent need to investigate exploitation at private schools DEAR EDITOR; The revelations that are coming out from the letters on Mae’s Schools are serious so the Government needs to look into the matter. Private school teachers do not have a Union or any representative on their behalf so many times the contracts and terms of employment are not in the favor of the teachers. Private school teachers work long hours and for years and give the best of their health, energy and youth
and get nothing in return but a month’s salary. There are no pension benefits and no health benefits. Teachers at private school are always on a ONE Year contract. So at any time teachers can be let go. Since when teaching has become a contract work? The Government needs to get involved because more than 40% of students in our country are in private schools. This is a large number and again the teachers are the ones to mold,
train and teach them. The private schools need to be regulated and the Labor ministry needs to pay a keen interest because of the sheer number of private school teachers. I am calling on the Government to intervene and make things better. I hope the Government doesn’t make it worst. A union needs to be set up immediately and the contracts need to be scrutinize and thing need to be put right. Private school teacher
Whip these people for destroying Guyana’s heritage DEAR EDITOR; I was reading a newspaper and I saw an article captioned Linden Monuments with photographs of two locomotive shells among others. Where are the engines of these equipment and the carriages that the locomotives used to haul bauxite from the mines to the bauxite plant? The engines are somewhere working as a gold dredger in the interior and the carriages cut up and sold as scrap metal. Now speaking of scrap metal, I would like to know who gave the O.K to cut up the 1300 and the 1260 walking draglines and also the bucket and wheel of the excavator. he engines are somewhere working
as a gold dredger in the interior and the carriages cut up and sold as scrap metal. Now speaking of scrap metal, I would like to know who gave the O.K to cut up the 1300 and the 1260 walking draglines and also the bucket and wheel of the excavator. Sir, these two draglines were two of the largest in the world and I can’t think of somebody doing something so stupidly outrageous as to cut up these equipment and sell them as scrap metal. I was wondering if the individual was watching a movie titled “For a few dollars more”. Those machines should have been placed in a location and be protected. It could be used as machinery of a mining museum especially for
tourists and school children around the country. Sir, who is the person who did such a wicked thing? I’m sorry that our country doesn’t have whipping laws because I think that person deserves such, he/she should be tried and whipped for destroying such heritage of bauxite workers. For example, I was in a barber shop talking to some friends while another guy was reading his papers when the topic of the 1300 dragline came up and this guy literally burst into tears because he was an ex-employee of same and lots of other people carry the same sentiments. Sir, we cannot allow people to be destroying our heritage just to full their pockets and hurting people in the process. Derrick Bacchus
I HAVE BITTER COMPLAINTS ABOUT LIFE IN MY COUNTRY DEAR EDITOR; I am forced to retreat to your letter columns Editor, to make bitter complaints, and observations into various aspects of everyday life in our country. I will start off with the Police. They are prone to scrutiny because of the functions and duties they are mandated to perform. Criticism, whether
constructive or not, is bound to follow. I read reports of all sorts of criminal enterprises on a daily basis, with fatal violence and assault being consistent elements present in most of these activities. I read reports of statistics bellowing a percentage reduction in crime for a similar period last year. I read reports of positive
Police to probe police misbehavior at Sisters station DEAR EDITOR; The Guyana Police Force is responding to an article published in the Kaieteur News today Thursday May 12, 2016, under the caption “Police misbehaviour at Sisters Village in Berbice.” The Police Force wishes to state that the allegations raised in the article were reported to the Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam on Friday last. Consequently an investigation has been launched with a view to taking disciplinary action against any rank found to be culpable. No charge will be made against the President of the Brothers Masjid as alluded to in the article. The report of the break and enter and larceny at the Masjid is still under investigation and legal advice will be sought in the matter. Police PRO
police activities solving, or at least instituting charges in some ‘cold’ cases - the prosecution’s success with be the real test. I read not long ago of the current acting traffic chief issuing instructions to traffic ranks to enforce the tint regulations for motor vehicles, and the ensuing public debate whether stripping tint will reduce the upsurge in criminal activities. Is there really a need to debate whether an owner of a motor vehicle should be allowed to apply a tint on all his windows and both rear and front
windshields with such low percentages, that even a slight shadow cannot be detected inside the vehicle? I think not. These vehicles dominate our roads today, and I can boldly assert, the traffic policemen ignore most of them. There are constant a n t i - c r i m e a n d t r a ff i c roadblocks within and outside the city limits. I have seen cars with blackened out windows and windshields drive through these roadblocks without being challenged in the least. This flies in the face of the acting traffic chief - he is (Continued on page 31)
Police to investigate Golden Grove incident DEAR EDITOR; Cognisant of an article published in the Kaieteur News, Thursday May 12, 2016, under the caption “Police-Soldier confrontation in Golden Grove,” the Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM, has instructed the Police Office of Professional Responsibility to conduct an investigation into the alleged incident. The Commissioner has so informed the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force and has requested that the soldiers allegedly involved cooperate with the investigators. Police PRO
Kaieteur News
Friday May 13, 2016
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All of us have to pitch in Roger Luncheon defends to fight crime his NIS chairmanship DEAR EDITOR; I did not want to wade into this issue; however, I am compelled since too many people expect the current public safety and security situation to be solved only by the government and more particularly, the Honourable Minister of Public Security, Mr. KhemrajRamjattan. Public safety and security is not only the business of the executive arm of government, but it is based on a cross-cutting approach that requires input from a multiplicity of actors including the private sector. An effective crime fighting strategy is built upon public – private partnership (PPP). It requires input from government, civil society, among other bodies. Unfortunately, in Guyana, the private sector is yet to play a meaningful role in combating crime. They have been found wanting in relation to crime fighting strategy and corporate social responsibility. Certainly, they are graded “A” for unconstructive criticism and second-
rated inputs into an effective crime fighting strategy. Indisputably, crime in Guyana is partly driven by income inequality, lack of job opportunities, the impact of drugs and organized crime, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and a range of other sociological factors. Solving this problem requires an effective PPP which seeks to bridge the gap between private and society interests. Hence, the time has come for the private sector to be meaningfully involved in activities such as job creation, offering jobs or training courses, meaningful participation in public policy and community meetings and moreover partnering with interested stakeholders in crime and violence prevention. Jobs and training courses should be made available to vulnerable groups such as prisoners, former prisoners, young offenders and the dispossessed. The recommended measures are not the panacea for crime and violence but may significantly reduce the impact of crime on the Guyanese society, more particularly the business community. L. Saul, Lt Col (Retired)
Four solutions to our manufacturing dilemma DEAR EDITOR; When will this mantra of manufacturing stop or should I say, change from a mantra to action? The solution to this dilemma is quite simple. We all agree on what the problem is, and we also knows the solutions, so let stop the talking, let start doing. As a social entrepreneur I have done extensive research on small scale manufacturing, as a matter of fact, I have a database of perhaps 20.000 business opportunities for Guyana, undoubtedly in order for Guyana to move forward and address the problem of unemployment and underemployment, we must produce first for our local market then for the international market. Manufacturing can plays a major role in Guyana’s development, but it require commitment of money and resources. Solution one; Government needs to engage the business sector in a meaningful way. It is only when the rhetoric stops and meaningful discussion start, followed by action, Guyanese can truly progress. Solution two; Government needs to look at the import statistic into Guyana, they must then ask the question, which product that are being imported and can we manufacture it locally? Solution three, Government need to talk with some of the major importers of these given product, then inquire can we
manufacture it locally? And if yes, what would you like the Government to do to help? Now multiply this scenario with all the other products that we import into Guyana; unemployment will be a thing of the past. S o l u t i o n f o u r, T h e Government next move is to invite all the major players in Guyana to a meeting, laying out all the opportunities that is available to them, at that meeting the Government must appeal to the business sector to raise capital for manufacturing and other investments. Solution five, The Government would needs to identify areas where industrial park can be set up and allocate free land for manufacturing, this will, also encourage the people from the diaspora to return Guyana and play a meaningful role in its development. Some of the complaints I hear about - how it is hard to get people to work. I agree, but where is the incentive for people to work? When their families support them from overseas? Another complaint we hear; the market is too small, the real question we need to ask; what’s your market share? We are now living in a technological age. Guyana has barley scratch the
surface of the Industrial Age. We can eliminate this problem by adopting the ESOP model, Employees Stock Ownership Plan. We need to read and learn about the revolutionary model that is being adopted in America by Louis Kelso, 10.000 companies, employing 11.000.000 in people America. Guyanese need to begin a dialogue by asking one question, and that is, if we were given only one resource, which one would it be? And how they will go about growing that industry? We need to thinking macro and not micro. If we were to look at a country with a large population we will notice the a breakdown by sector. Let’s take Canada as an example 35 million people, you will notice each sector employing a certain percentage of people, so if Canada has five percentage in agriculture, the people employed in that sector would be more than two times the population of Guyana, we need to stop the numbers game. Mohamed Baksh
DEAR EDITOR; Guyanese must have notice the most recent publication in the press of the findings of the Forensic Auditor who in 2015 conducted the forensic audit of the National Insurance Scheme. As the chairman of the board of NIS for the period, 2011 - 2015 within which the audit was done, I must make the following remarks. 1) Neither the auditor nor the Granger Government afforded the Board (2011 - 2015) the professional convention of first responding to the Auditor Findings. That Board was unceremoniously relieved of its appointment and responsibilities in May 2015 and eventually replaced en bloc, with the exception of the opposition (APNU)
nominated member. 2) The General Manager of the Scheme is by law, a member and Deputy Chairman of the Board. 3) The Forensic Auditor failed to address the issue of whether evidence was unveiled that establishing that the Board conducted its affairs and obtained financial benefits from irregular actions. The findings of the Forensic Auditor that have been displayed in the Press should and must be answered. Were the Financial Auditor or the Granger Government so inclined to solicit such an intervention it should be and directed to the competent authority. Roger Luncheon, Former Board Chairman National Insurance Scheme
Not true that GTT getting better all the time DEAR EDITOR; The more GTT stretches its arms to higher heights, the worst their service becomes and the more irate and disenfranchised customers they have. Their DSL Internet service is one example of a very poor service that many many customers like myself constantly experience. Currently I’m without service due to a problem that was reported over a week ago. I’m sure my concerns do not even suffice to other customers without service and who have reported their complaints via the 0488 hot line longer than I have. This company has now launched 4G.
Shouldn’t they get their cell phone mobile net and DSL as well as land line services to better standards before moving to 4G which I am sure will also have numerous problems. Finally the New Amsterdam commercial office is a nightmare daily. Lines are reaching the gate and only one cashier is working This is how they treat their so called valued customers. Any given day in that compound is a nightmare with the lines even upstairs that deals with phone queries and other services. This is a shame and disgrace for his multibillion dollar company claiming to be getting better all the time. They are the worst! Leon Suseran
The airport at Ogle was never made into private property DEAR EDITOR; Over the past few weeks, some valid questions have been raised in the media and elsewhere, about the Ogle International Airport, a public utility and a National asset. Some valid points have also been made about economic interests not necessarily being the same or even remotely converging with the public interests. With the public interest in mind, I wish to recap the sequence of events which led to the development of this national asset which is comprised of four hundred and fifty acres of State land, located in a highly
commercial area, where using present land prices would give it an approximate value of US$90 million. The assets of the Ogle control tower, also the property of the state, is approximately US$0.5million. In effect the total value of the national assets at this airport is US$90.5million. One also has to remember that the Government of Guyana permitted the use of
US$2million of European Development Funds to be converted into a soft loan with extremely generous repayment terms. The Government of Guyana apart from owning this national asset is also the largest shareholder. Contrary to what is being placed in the public domain by OAI, the development of this public utility was not done by (Continued on page 31)
Friday May 13 2016
Kaieteur News
Payment from Venezuela through St Vincent bank raises questionsPayment from Venezuela through St Vincent bank raises questions KINGSTOWN, St Vincent — A Spanish media report that the Venezuela government has been secretly sending money to fund a left wing political party in Spain through an offshore bank based in St Vincent and the Grenadines has been denied by the bank in question but affirmed by the newspaper. Last Friday, the Spanish daily newspaper OKDIARIO published documents that it said proved that Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro was complicit in making a payment of $272,325 in 2014 to Pablo Iglesias, the leader of the political party Podemos, through Euro Pacific Bank in Kingstown, St Vincent. Podemos was founded in March 2014 as a left-wing populist party that claims it seeks to address the problems of inequality, unemployment and economic malaise that followed in the wake of the European debt crisis. Podemos is currently the second largest political party in Spain by number of members after the People’s Party (PP); it became the third largest party within the first 20 days it allowed membership, with 100,000 signing up in that period, and its membership rapidly grew to more than 389,000. “Rodolfo Clemente Marco Torres, Minister of Economy, Finance and Public Banking, ordered a transfer for a total of $272,325 to be paid to Pablo Iglesias Turrión. Responsible for executing the payment order was Erik Malpica Carlos Torres, National Treasurer. Clearly Pablo Iglesias pay-
Nicolas Maduro ment was made to a bank account based in the Caribbean islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” OKDIARIO reported. In a response to the report, Euro Pacific Bank said it was named falsely in the OKDIARIO article, denying that the bank “opened an account and received a wire transfer for Pablo Manuel Iglesias Turrión”. “Euro Pacific Bank has never maintained an account for this individual, or received a wire transfer from any of the financial institutions, or sources named in the article. Furthermore the bank does not maintain accounts for PEPs, or accept payments from Venezuela under any circumstances,” the bank said. The bank said it has escalated the matter to local authorities for further action. However, OKDIARIO published a follow up article standing by its original story, saying that the statement by Euro Pacific Bank includes a
“curious fact” and omits other relevant details. “The most striking is that [the bank’s statement] referred to the leader of Podemos by his full first name, Pablo Manuel, something that OKDIARIO did not report. If the customer is not known to the bank, it must have taken the trouble to research a name that only appears in his biography or official documents,” the newspaper pointed out. OKDIARIO also noted that bank’s denial only said that it has never received any transfer from any of the financial institutions, or sources named in the article, referring to the ministry of economy and finance. However, OKDIARIO said that the payment order does not mean direct payment from such ministry to the account of Euro Pacific as it “reflects the payment mechanism necessary to perform this operation with the Central Bank of Venezuela.” Further, the bank does not give details or any indication as to who is the account holder 20504356626. The payment order published by OKDIARIO states that the “beneficiary” is Pablo Iglesias Turrión and that the “direct payment” will be made by “credit account” through the Euro Pacific Bank. “Only Nicolas Maduro can know why he wanted to pay this Caribbean account. And only Euro Pacific can reveal the name of who owns the account used for the payment. (Caribbean News)
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Friday May 13, 2016
Friday May 13, 2016
Many of the robberies that have been committed in recent years have been “inside” jobs. This means that persons working or associated with the victims have been involved either in plotting or participating in robberies. Employers therefore have an additional burden. They have to worry about the honesty of their staff, because they may employ someone only to discover too late that that person would have been part of giving information to criminal elements about the business. It is hard enough for employers to contend with having to find suitably qualified staff. The experience of employers in Guyana is that it is not easy as it seems. People are turning up for jobs with all manner of bogus certificates, made to look authentic. The photocopiers of today are making forgeries easy. Employers therefore have an additional task of trying to verify the qualifications of the staff they propose to employ, because some persons are turning up and saying they have eight and nine subjects and yet cannot draft a simple letter or prepare a report. Some businesses are adapting to this challenge by
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INSIDE JOBS changing the format of the job interview. It is no longer about someone coming in and answering a few questions. Employers are not being duped by that anymore. They are asking applicants to simulate real day-to-day situations in the workplace and they are looking to see how these persons perform. In the media this would involve, for example, giving an applicant for a job as a reporter some facts about a makebelief incident and asking the applicant to write a story. Employers do not have the resources to train people and allow them to learn on the job. You can do all those things and yet employ a dishonest person; someone who will not only steal from you, but plot with others to rob you. It is a worrying development within all businesses, but equally so within the law enforcement arm of the State. Over the past few days we have had incidents in which former members of the Guyana Police Force were allegedly involved in robberies. One has to ask how it is that these persons were employed in the first place within the Guyana Police Force. It is a disturbing trend that should force the authorities to look seriously at integrity testing
of all new applicants. Integrity testing must not be confused with lie detector tests. There should be no place for lie detector tests in employment. Lie detector tests are notoriously unreliable and cannot be trusted to establish the honesty or truthfulness of a job applicant. Integrity testing is much broader than lie detector tests. It looks at things such as attitude, approach to work. It seeks to determine the character of the person. There are modern tools which are now
available to employers to determine the character of applicants, rather than simply asking them to produce a character reference which anyone can produce. In the old days, employers used to send around scouts to find out about the reputation of applicants. Depending on whether the scout liked you or not or whether he (it was always a he) was prejudiced against you, you could be denied a job. The right person for a job is no longer just about the
person who has the right qualifications and experience. All employers want to ensure that they are not employing persons with connections to the criminal underworld or who have criminal intentions. Such persons can harm you and your family. You have to choose the right persons and the various tests that would have to be administered may be too
costly for individual companies to undertake. But it is better to spend that money than end up being a victim of an ‘inside’ job.
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Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Magistrate Latchman should have recused herself It is my opinion that Magistrate Judy Latchman should have recused herself in the criminal trial of Alana Taylor. I took the magistrate before the Judicial Service Commission because of what I considered her questionable attitude to Ms. Taylor in a criminal case in which Ms. Taylor was an accused. On Tuesday, the magistrate found Ms. Taylor guilty and sentenced her to five years in jail. A strange thing happened when the magistrate delivered her verdict. Dexter Todd, the attorney representing Ms. Taylor told me the magistrate read from a forty-page, type written document. Todd told me he never saw a magistrate handed down such a thick judgement before. Certainly not Ms. Latchman. Did Latchman anticipate my involvement thus she protected herself by the voluminous document? I don’t know but I cling tenaciously to the position that given the publicity the magistrate received over the Alan Taylor incident, she should not have presided over Taylor’s fate. Let’s rewind the tape. In the first court appearance, the prosecutor informed the magistrate that Ms. Taylor was
wrongly charged and thus had no objection to bail. The magistrate ignored that advice and remanded Ms. Taylor. That was when I came in. I ran a column on this controversy because in my interpretation of the law the judge is neutral; the prosecutor seeks prosecution, the defence seeks acquittal. In the Taylor case, the prosecutor sought not to prosecute. He informed the neutral judge that he had no interest in having Taylor remanded. The neutral judge has to be guided by the evidence in front of him/her. If the prosecutor tells a judge that an accused is wrongfully before the court it means that he has information in his possession that the magistrate hasn’t. It is the prosecutor that has a file on the crime committed and the evidence. The magistrate is not in possession of such material and therefore has to be guided by what he/she is told by both prosecutor and defence counsel. Let’s offer a very simple example. The prosecutor informs the magistrate that he is asking for denial of bail in a dangerous driving charge because the police are still investigating the matter since
Magistrate Judy Latchman cocaine and weapons were found in the car. Only one person in the court knows that – the prosecutor— because he has a police file that informs him of that. He then transmits that information to the magistrate who then says that since this is more than dangerous driving, the accused will be remanded. Under no circumstances the magistrate will know the particulars of the case. The magistrate gets those facts from the prosecutor which enables the magistrate to grant or deny bail. One more example should
Alana Taylor suffice and we will go to the High Court in a hypothetical case. The prosecutor’s main and only witness is the mother of a woman raped by her ex-lover. The woman then tells the prosecutor she lied; she wanted to spite the exlover because of a drug deal gone sour. The prosecutor then informs the judge that there is no case to put to the
jury. There and then the case is over. How can the judge say that he is continuing with the hearing? It is the prosecutor that has to continue and the judge has to listen and weigh the evidence. Since there is no evidence to weigh there can be no case. I was aggrieved at the denial of bail to an accused when the prosecutor informed the court that the accused was wrongly charged. I did several columns in which I mentioned this ugly violation of justice by Magistrate Latchman. The Chancellor, on opening a new magistrate court in Essequibo, referred to the Taylor/ Latchman incident and remarked that citizens ought to complain when they feel they are denied justice. I then petitioned the Judicial Service Commission for the magistrate to be sanctioned. In a letter dated March 1, 2015, the Judicial Service Commission informed me that the Magistrate was exonerated. I wasn’t summoned so I
Frederick Kissoon was not allowed to secure legal representation. Attorney for Taylor, Mark Waldron was not subpoenaed. How and when was the inquiry held? Against this background, for me the morally right thing for Latchman to have done was to recuse herself because she was involved in a controversy with an accused that was before her. Dexter Todd told me he is seeking bail. And he has already filed appeal papers. President Granger recently said we must be careful what we copy from the developed countries. Guyana needs to copy a moral blueprint from somewhere.
Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo mek squatting a lifestyle Squatting is something that does mek people believe that dem got a right to do anything. People see land and decide that is dem birthright, suh dem run and build. Give a man an inch and he gun tek a mile. Some of de people not only tek fuh demself, dem also tek land fuh dem children and dem friend. Is not only poor people squat. Some people who got money to mind dem in five lifetime, run and squat too. Pradoville was a piece of GuySuCo land. Jagdeo see it and he tek a piece. He wasn’t satisfied wid one piece, suh he tek fuh he friends and he family. When he see some still lef, he call in he party members and tell dem to squat too. Dem boys seh that GuySuCo threaten to go to court, suh Jagdeo call a meeting and de next thing people see a Cabinet decision. Soulja Bai now seeing a lot of things Jagdeo tek fuh heself and use de Cabinet to mek
whatever he do, right. He is de same man who use to talk bout law and order but when he find he about de law, he call Cabinet to mek a decision. Sometimes he use to keep a select Cabinet meeting - he and Luncheon alone. Is like when somebody rent a house and when de owner ask fuh he place dem running to de court fuh get to own de property through prescriptive rights. When de court tell dem not to try that dem does protest. Some taxi drivers was squatting pun de square of Big Market. Dem buy food and when dem done eat dem throw de food box right wheh dem eat it. De Mayor who Chase Green decide to chase dem taxi drivers, because she got to clean up de place. Everything is a protest. Dem boys see when some of de taxi drivers run to complain to Jagdeo, but dem ain’t realize that he can’t help dem. Talk half and keep an eye pun de King Squatter.
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Kaieteur News
GTU contemplating “drastic action” to get Ministry’s attention Stalled negotiations...
The GTU press conference in session Wednesday. Five months after the expiration of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) for a remuneration package for teachers, a new one is yet to be inked. The process, according to GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte, has been stalled since February. Negotiations between the GTU and the Ministry of Education, according to him, were held in January and February. Moreover, he informed members of the media that GTU is likely to take “drastic action” if moves are not swiftly made by the Ministry of Education to continue negotiations for a renewed remuneration package for teachers.
Lyte was at the time speaking at a press conference convened at the GTU Woolford Avenue headquarters Wednesday. He was in the company of other GTU executive members. According to him, while the GTU hadn’t identified a timeframe within which negotiations should have been completed it was expected that this process would have been wrapped up, at least, by the end of April. This, Lyte said, was based on the disclosure by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, when he presented the National budget in January. “We expected that all negotiations, not only for GTU, but for all unions would have been completed before April to enable a change of pay for public
servants,” said Lyte. “We are in May (now) and we are still to meet for a third time,” said Lyte of the stalled negotiations. He disclosed that the Union has written to the Ministry indicating its concern regarding the pace of the process. “We are at a point where the Union will have to do something drastic and we know that that would affect the education system tremendously.” Drastic action, Lyte related, could translate to strike action. “Protest didn’t work; work to rule didn’t seem to work...so we will have to look at something more drastic,” asserted Lyte. The Union, last year, engaged in industrial action to retaliate for the non-payment of debunching monies by the
previous administration, and in protest action to emphasise its concerns with the operation of the Teaching Service Commission. But according to him, the Union is not usually anxious to take industrial action. “We believe in dialogue. We are educated people and we can talk and bring some resolution to these things but it is not happening in a manner that we would expect,” said Lyte. Given the existing state of affairs, the GTU President said that the possibility exists that strike action could be initiated by month-end. But according to him, such a decision will have to be made at a Special General Council meeting. “If within a few weeks we do not see anything happening, we could very well call a
general council meeting to decide what course of action we will take,” said Lyte. On Wednesday, the GTU President expressed disappointment that “the Ministry seems to only see the importance of the GTU when it has something on their agenda to be accomplished and that has to change.” “Maybe it is a case of disrespect; a case of not appreciating our partnership and how important we are as a partner and stakeholders in the education system,” Lyte speculated Wednesday. It was only recently that the GTU President questioned whether the Education Ministry views the welfare of teachers as an important factor. “We are becoming worried as to how this Ministry
sees the teachers...Their action doesn’t seem to see teachers as important stakeholders. The welfare of teachers doesn’t seem to be a matter of urgency,” Lyte considered. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the remuneration of teachers came to an end last year. Moreover, the Union crafted a proposal for the attention of the Ministry with the view of signing a new one to span the period 2016 through 2020. Lyte, moreover, noted that it was rather troubling when he learnt recently that Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, had informed members of the media that negotiations regarding the union’s proposal had not started. The Minister’s remark (Continued on page 31)
Former CJIA technicians convicted for cocaine in rum Two men were yesterday convicted on a drug trafficking charge after they made another appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Chris Douglas, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara and Loric Williams, of 57 Prospect, East Bank Demerara, were found guilty of having 6.34Kg of cocaine in their possession on May 29, 2015 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri for the purpose of trafficking. The cocaine was found concealed in three bottles of El Dorado 5-year-old rum. Sentencing for the former CJIA employees was deferred until May 30, after their Attorney Jed Vasconcellos requested that a probation report be presented to the court. They were both remanded to prison until that date. Another man, Keon Brewster, of Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge Georgetown had also been charged with the same offence. However, he pleaded guilty and was jailed for four years and fined $17M. During the summing up of evidence, the Magistrate told the court that the burden was left on Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers, to prove that
…sentencing delayed pending probation report the men had possession and knowledge of the drug. She added that it was also left up to the prosecution to prove that the substance was a narcotic and that it was over 15 grams which by law constitutes trafficking. After a revision of the prosecution’s case the Magistrate affirmed that all elements of the offence were proven. In relating the facts of the matter, Magistrate McLennan informed the court that
Keon Brewster
Brewster is an American citizen. She said that on the day in question, he was an outgoing passenger on a Dynamic Airways flight, destined for John F. Kennedy Airport, USA. She revealed that a routine check was conducted on Brewster and the three bottles of El Dorado Rum were found in his hand luggage. The rum was probed because the contents of the bottles appeared peculiar.
Loric Williams
The substance in the bottles tested positive for cocaine after field tests were conducted. As a result, Brewster was arrested and told of the offence. He later implicated Douglas and Williams. Police reviewed CCTV footage from the airport, which showed Brewster and Williams leaving the airport washroom area acting in a suspicious manner. According to Magistrate McLennan, the men provided
police with caution statements admitting to the offence. When called on to lead their defences, both Douglas and Williams called Brewster to testify on their behalf. During his sworn testimony Brewster had told the court that he was arrested with three bottles of El Dorado Rum. He admitted to ownership of the items and stated that he had found them in the CJIA washroom. Brewster also de-
Chris Douglas
nied knowing Douglas and Williams. Brewster had testified that he opened one of the bottles and drank some of the rum and pointed out that it did not taste strange. Magistrate McLennan stated that the evidence led by Douglas was a “fanciful” story. She pointed out that the evidence given to the court by Douglas was unbelievable and only strengthened the prosecution’s case. The Magistrate underscored that the story told by Williams was also unbelievable. During the trial Prosecutor Jeffers had presented CCTV footage taken from the airport. In the footage, the Magistrate noted that the court was able to identify Brewster, Douglas and Williams and their movements on the day in question. In her ruling, Magistrate McLennan affirmed that Douglas and Williams’s intention was to assist Brewster with taking the cocaine out of the country. She added that the court was satisfied that cocaine was found in the three bottles of rum and that they had knowledge of it. She stated that the court believed that the rum was tested for cocaine and that the drug weighed over 15 grams which amounts to trafficking.
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Friday May 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
Annual Report for Judiciary reveals…
More than 10, 000 court cases roll over to 2016 By Kiana A. Wilburg The alarming number of civil and criminal cases that have been carried over from 2015 to this year has been highlighted in the latest Annual Report of the Supreme Court of Judicature. During 2015, a total of 6, 492 civil matters were filed in the Supreme Court Registry, Georgetown; 1207 in the SubRegistry, New Amsterdam; and 299 in the Sub-Registry Essequibo. This makes a total of 7,998 matters filed. To this must be added the backlog of 2,595 matters in Georgetown, 4,223 in Berbice, and 868 in Essequibo. This gives a total of 7,686 backlog matters. When this is added to the 7,998 filed in 2015 it gives a grand total of 15,684 matters which were to be heard in 2015. Kaieteur News understands that the Judges heard and determined 4831 matters
in Georgetown, 595 matters in Berbice and 203 matters in Essequibo, making a total of 5,629 matters concluded in 2015. This would leave a total of 10, 055 civil matters pending at the end of 2015. The report also notes the concern of the officials of the Judicature regarding the number of civil cases awaiting trial. These cases continue to escalate. The officials said that the staff of the Supreme Court Registry continues its exercise of auditing all matters filed in the Registry by bundling them into categories of matters. These categories are abandoned, deserted, ripe for hearing and pending in the Registry either for pleadings to be closed or for decisions to be delivered by Judges. Matters that are ripe for the hearing are sent to the chambers of the Chief Justice for assignment to judges for hearing. The abandoned matters are also assigned by the Chief Justice to Judges for call over of these cases so that Attorneys-at-law and litigants are given the opportunity to be heard. This is an ongoing exercise. In relation to this exercise last year, 158 Civil Matters were deemed abandoned. This follows the 829 that were completed in 2014, a further 265 in 2013 and 8,062 in 2012. The number of matters disposed of goes as far back as 2007 in Georgetown and 2005
in Berbice while Essequibo is dealing with current matters. The Supreme Court is also using the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method to deal with civil matters which is done on a voluntary basis. However, there are plans to make mediation a compulsory step in the civil procedure rules and also to expand the pool of trained mediators available to do mediation. At the end of last year, matters were referred to mediation by Judges of the High Court and through requests by Attorneys-at-Law/clients. As for Criminal cases, it was noted that last year, 73 depositions were filed in the High Court Registry, Georgetown, 35 in the SubRegistry, New Amsterdam and 16 in Suddie, Essequibo
making a total of 124 depositions. To this number must be added the pending backlog of 213 in Georgetown, 179 in Berbice and 59 in Essequibo, making a grand total of 451 criminal matters to be heard. According to the annual report, 53 Criminal matters were completed in Georgetown, 16 in Berbice and 11 in Suddie Essequibo. The report said that these indictments reflect matters heard in Georgetown, Berbice and Essequibo for which Preliminary Inquiries (PI) were heard in the Magistrates’ Court. Officials of the Supreme Court noted, however, that the rising number of both civil and criminal cases that are to be heard by the limited num-
Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams ber of Judges is disturbing. They said that civil matters, especially, most times involve dealing with complex
issues which require hearing of evidence over a number in addition to dealing with authorities cited by Attorneysat-Law. The officials said, “It is impossible for a Judge to complete 30 civil matters in one session more so, when Attorneys-at-Law are given adjournments too often. It is the hope of the administration that given time and space at the High Court, 20 judges will be able to deal with the backlog of cases positively.” Another problem they said that has to be addressed urgently is the number of cases completed but still awaiting delivery of judgment by judges. The officials said that in some cases, delivery of judgment is outstanding as far back as three years.
Address problems affecting nurses
Inadequate staffing, workplace violence, poor compensation packages, long hours and work place hazards have been listed as some of the problems associated with the nursing profession in Guyana. But the problems of the nursing profession can be addressed with proper attention. This was emphasized by President (ag) of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Mr. Mortimer Livan, in a message to mark International Nurses’ Day. International Nurses’ Day is celebrated annually on May 12, the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale who is said to be a model nurse and pioneer of the nursing profession. Even as the day was commemorated yesterday, Livan said that the GPSU is calling on Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, to make adequate provisions for im-
- says GPSU head
proved delivery of healthcare and the corresponding compensatory. “It is time,” said Livan, “that nursing personnel within the healthcare system in Guyana be given priority attention.” He noted that the GPSU “stands solidly behind the nurses of Guyana in their effort to improve the profession and the quality of lives as we salute them on their day in recognition of the invaluable contributions made to the well being of the citizenry of this beloved country.” International Nurses’ Day 2016 was celebrated under the theme – ‘Nurses: A force for Change: Improving Health Systems’ Resilience.” And Livan noted, “(Yesterday), people, the world over, recognize the valuable
contribution and sacrifices being made by nurses, driving health care forward.” He said that it must be recognized that the welfare and well-being of this category of professionals must not only be left to representation, but ought to be placed on the ‘front burner’ of decisionmaking bodies, where adequate resources are budgeted for and compensation packages are acceptable. Livan said that it is of utmost concern to the union that the basic training/classroom facilities continue to be ancient and efforts must therefore be made to return to these to a level of eminence once held in the society. “When our families and friends require medical attention, the first point of contact are the nurses who are the ones entrusted to take care of the ill. Therefore it is only fitting and proper that the nurses are equally treated and respected as well,” asserted Livan. He questioned why nurses, the single largest healthcare workers, receive so
GPSU’s Mortimer Livan little and much is expected of them. Livan is of the firm belief that the care and commitment of the nurses have taken precedence and the humane factor excels. “While each area of specialty has its own risks, we encourage healthcare workers to be cognizant of these challenges and develop better ways to ensure that best practices are advanced in such risky environments,” Livan urged.
Friday May 13, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Opposition accuses Govt. of not Absence of national unity impairs Guyana’s development keeping promises to rice farmers By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell President David Granger thinks that national unity is the key to unlock Guyana’s true potential as an independent nation. He said that disunity has been hindering Guyana’s development for far too long and it is time that Guyanese make the change to see the change. This was Granger’s message as he addressed the Parliament yesterday. Celebration of Guyana’s 50th anniversary of its political independence from Britain was the focal point of Granger’s presentation. In the familiar walls of the Chambers, Granger reflected on colonial Guiana as compared to Guyana just after independence to where the country stands now. Granger said that Guyanese can be proud of what has been achieved in the first 50 years of Independence. “These are the first fruits of freedom which have fed and nourished a generation.” President Granger told the House that independence offered Guyanese the opportunity to work together, to heal divisions and to promote reconciliation. He added that Independence also offered an opportunity for national unity. “But that national unity, however, has been elusive for most of the last five decades.” “The absence of national unity has impaired national development. It has triggered a continuous trickle of migration. It has led to political and economic fatigue,” the Head of State reflected. He charged the parliamentarians to renew “that Independence covenant” with the
- Granger tells Parliament
President David Granger Guyanese nation. He said that it is imperative that the House resolves to work together to reunite Guyana. “The National Assembly must take the first steps on the long road to social cohesion, to political inclusion and to economic resilience.” Granger emphasised that today’s generation has an obligation, at the celebration of the Independence Jubilee, to repair past damage, to restore trust and to rebuild the bases of a ‘moral community.’ The President said that social cohesion is about fostering greater integration in the nation, which can increase a sense of belonging. He said that it can give recognition to all groups and allow them to freely practice their culture. POLITICAL INCLUSION President Granger told the Parliament that Guyana’s future stability depends, also, on wider political inclusiveness. He said that the ethnic arithmetic of the past can only mean that a minority could be excluded from a government by a majority, however slim. The Head of State said that the political landscape in Guyana has become a
battlefield, “not always of ideas, but of racial rivalry. Communal conflict hampered human development. Mr. Speaker, that system belongs to the past. It is now dangerously dysfunctional”. He pointed out that communities have recently been liberated from the “paralyzing failure to conduct Local Government Elections.” The President said that the creation of new capital towns - Mabaruma in the Barima-Waini Region, Bartica in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region and at Lethem in the Rupununi region - will improve the provision of services to those hinterland regions. “We need regular municipal and local elections in order to afford citizens a greater stake in the affairs of their communities; in order to provide incentives for economic activities, including the development of small businesses. Our people have been deprived of local democracy for over eighteen years, but this will not happen again. It won’t happen again.” Granger boasted that his government has initiated the Constitution reform process. He said, “It must aim at strengthening this particular provision to ensure that the intended ‘inclusionary’ system is made to work. It must be extended, that is to say, the reform process must be extended to involve consultations with citizens in their communities in all ten regions. Every eligible elector in this Republic must be given the chance to be heard so that our country could advance with a Constitution in which we all have confidence.”
By Kiana A. Wilburg Several members of the Opposition delivered impassioned presentations yesterday on its motion regarding the state of the rice industry. The motion was read by Opposition Parliamentarian, Irfaan Ali. Ali reminded his members on the eastern side of the House that the PPP always saw rice as the Government’s business. He said that the PPP has a comprehension of what the social and economic contributions of rice are to the country and to its people. He also reminded House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland that the Government on its campaign trail, made several promises to the rice farmers, one of which includes, that instead of $3000, they would receive approximately $9000 for a bag of rice. Ali said since the Government failed to keep its promise, it is only logical to conclude that such a pledge was only designed to fool and deceive the rice farmers. The Member of Parliament said, “Mr. Speaker, now you cannot believe anything this Government says and further, everything it does is for a select few.” The PPP Executive Member explained that instead of rice farmers now hoping for the $9,000 per bag, they are now wondering if
Opposition member, Irfaan Ali they will ever see the price they were getting under the rule of the PPP/C. Bringing some global context to his arguments, Ali contended that in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Situation and Outlook Report dated April 14, 2016, production forecasts for 2015/2016 were lowered for Brazil, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam, while they were raised for Senegal and Sierra Leone. Ali argued, “This situation presents an opportunity for us. Therefore, it is very essential and imperative that we work with farmers and producers to ensure that we continue to produce increasingly with the intentions to meeting shortages.” He added, “I know competitiveness is a
constraint; however it is the duty and the role of the Government as a facilitator to design and implement policies that will lower production costs for farmers and producers and ultimately augment productivity.” The Opposition member stressed that Government cannot sit idly by and say that, “Rice is not government’s business.” Ali also informed the house that the International Rice Research Institute, forecasts the production of rice to be approximately 469 million tons for 2017/2018 and 489 million tons for 2018/2019. He said that the required production is estimated to be approximately 485 million tons for 2017/2018 and 490 million tons for 2018/2019. Ali believes that Guyana can play a major role in offsetting this shortage in production and help bring the market into equilibrium. He said, however, that the Government needs to take the rice sector seriously. He emphasised that the Government must do an analysis and develop the right policies that will encourage and facilitate the growth in the sector. The Opposition Member also spoke on Guyana’s exports to Venezuela. He said that it is discernable that the (Continued on page 29)
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Friday May 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
Fiery deaths at Camp Street prisons…
Int’l Human Rights body urges reparation
The Commissioners of the Inquiry. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has condemned the deaths of inmates at the Camp Street prison in Georgetown, Guyana. In a statement issued Wednesday, the commission called on the State to ensure that the ongoing investigations be conducted with due diligence and without delays, and that urgent measures be adopted to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. “Based on information available to the public, 17 inmates died and seven were injured as a consequence of a fire at the prison facility on
March 3, 2016. According to the national press, the incidents took place amidst a protest by the inmates against overcrowding, delays for prisoners awaiting trial, and other living conditions in the prison.” IACHR said that according to public declarations by Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, a meeting was held the day after the deadly fire, a truce was reached between inmates and authorities. Inmates agreed to cease disturbances in exchange for the improvement of their basic living conditions.
The body noted that the government has also set up a Commission of Inquiry, independent from the police’s investigation, in order to clarify what occurred during these riots, and to issue recommendations. The COI wrapped up this week but there have been accusations that it was a farce. The report of the inquiry is expected to be handed over by this month-end. IACHR said that it has taken note that the inmates gave testimony before the COI saying the fires began after a raid and search by police guards. “They also declared that when the fire began, the door
A badly burnt inmate taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital after the deadly Camp Street prison fire in early March.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is urging Government to reduce overcrowding and long waits for trial. to their prison block was locked. According to their testimonies, inmates called for the door to be opened, tried to break down a wall leading to another division in the prison, and attempted to douse the fire themselves, but there was no water coming to the facility.” According to the statement from the IACHR, inmates claimed that rather than being assisted, canisters of tear gas were thrown into the burning prison block, forcing them to the ground and impeding them from escaping. “Press reports also indicate that when he gave testimony before the Commission on Inquiry, the Deputy Director of the Guyana Prison Service, Gladwin Samuels, denied that he had issued an order for the prisoners to be locked inside the block that was on fire, and he said he instructed a worker to utilize a power cutter to get the lock on the door cut, but the heat was too much to operate in.” IMPARTIAL INVESTIGATIONS The IACHR wants the State to guarantee that the investigation is conducted with due diligence. “States have an obligation to conduct serious, diligent and impartial investigations on events that
take place in prisons when these result in persons being killed or injured, such as in the case of this fire. These investigations must clarify what happened and result in sanctions for all persons who according to the investigation have had some degree of responsibility.” The investigations, the body urged, must also constitute a way of reparation for the victims. “In addition, the authorities have a duty to inform on the investigation of these facts to the families of the victims. The State must also offer psychological assistance to the families of the victims and to the survivors.” The IACHR also noted that what happened in the Camp Street Prison took place in a situation of overcrowding. “Public information indicates that the prison was built to accommodate approximately 700 inmates, but the official in charge of the prison, Kevin Pilgrim, publicly declared that there were 1,014 persons housed there at the time of the fire. It is also reported that pretrial detention is largely resorted to and that inmates often are kept waiting for years prior to their cases being heard.” REDUCE OVERCROWDING In this context, the
commission said that it is calling on the Government to take steps to reduce overcrowding and the use of pretrial detention, through the implementation of alternative measures. “The use of precautionary measures other than pretrial detention is consistent with the exceptional nature of pretrial detention and with the right to presumption of innocence. Moreover, the use of alternative measures tends to be sustainable and effective as part of a comprehensive strategy to address prison overcrowding.” The IACHR reiterates that Governments hold a special position as guarantors of the rights of persons deprived of liberty. “Consequently, confinement entails a specific and essential commitment of states to ensure the lives and safety of inmates. This “duty to ensure” means that states must take all necessary measures to prevent situations of risk, such as the situation arising in this instance, from seriously jeopardizing the fundamental rights of inmates.” According to the commission, along these lines, states have the obligation to ensure that prisons have adequate, safe (Continued on page 31)
Friday May 13, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Inquiry into former Minister ‘Sash’ Sawh’s murder imminent More than a decade after gunmen, in a home invasion that shocked the nation, killed former Minister Satyadeo Sawh, the administration has recommitted its readiness to launch an inquiry. On Wednesday, President David Granger disclosed that he has been approached by a “blood relative” of Sawh who has appealed for an inquiry. None was launched by Sawh’s own party, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), since his murder back on the evening of April 22, 2006. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday during his weekly taped television programme, ‘The Public Interest’, President Granger made it clear that an inquiry is coming. It would be part of a bigger quest to find answers to the several deaths dating back to the early 2000s, under the reign of the PPP/C governments. Admitting that he is committed to a full investigation into the minister ’s killing, the President noted that many
Murdered 10 years ago: Fmr. Agri Minister, Satyadeow ‘Sash’ Sawh were killed, including witnesses. A formal Commission of Inquiry will be launched in due course, he said, stressing that his first commitment is to assure relatives that the deaths will be investigated. Last year August, the President promised that thorough inquiries will be held into the killings of Sawh and all who were slain during the 2000 and 2008 period. The President made the announcement at a one-day
symposium organized by the Cuffy 250 Committee in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Berbice Slave Rebellion. “When you have Ministers of government bringing in computers so you can track down people’s mobile phones; when you have a lot of men being shot at the back of their heads with their hands tied; when you have so many deaths which are not being investigated; when you have a minister of government who has been assassinated and you don’t have an inquest into his death, there is something stink and we are going to investigate those deaths,” said Granger. “Never before in history have so many policemen been killed than during the tenure of office of Bharrat Jagdeo and that is why they constructed that monument (Fallen Heroes) and if you go to Buxton you will see another huge monument,” the President remarked referencing the Monument in Buxton, East Coast Demerara where the names of over 450 victims of extra-judicial
Govt. to reduce concessions for foreign investors - Pres. Granger The granting of tax breaks and other concessions to - says waivers, rebates especially foreign investors is being reviewed, with the almost like subsidies administration indicating that it wants to reduce the levels. The concessions were designed over time, by the previous Government, as a means to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs). It included tax holidays, duty free concessions and a host of relief enticements, including lands in some cases, to attract investors. In return, investors were supposed to comply with the agreements they signed with the Government of Guyana. These included actually investing what was promised. Many investors were granted waivers to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars to bring in equipment and vehicles and even building materials and workers. However, there has been evidence that the previous administration paid little attention to compliance, with the investors raking in profits, and not fulfilling legal commitments. Locals have been complaining bitterly that the concessions, especially waivers on vehicles and equipment, have been placing them at a severe disadvantage, or at the very least, are unfair. The issue has been engaging the attention of President David Granger.
Questioned on the issue of concessions and compliance on Wednesday, especially with the recent revelations about a number of Asian investors, including BaiShanLin, a logging company, President Granger made it clear that he is intent on ensuring fairness for businesses in Guyana. He said that the buzzword will be a level-playing field and that too many waivers, rebates and concessions are not the road that the administration wants to walk on. As a matter of fact, he said, Government is considering reducing “the level of these concessions” in order to ensure that local businesses remain competitive. The official said it is viewed in some quarters that the concessions are almost like subsidies or cash handouts. Investors and others have become too
reliant on subsidies rather than concentrating on the development of their enterprises and resources. The issue of concessions and its abuse has been rearing its head for a number of years, after it became known that some companies had been using it to even import luxury vehicles. Sometimes, some of the material like steel and other hardware were brought in and even sold on the local market. What irritated local businesses was the discovery that some of the equipment and vehicles, including trucks and excavators, have been illegally used for other purposes, most times competing with locals. According to official estimates, in 2014 it was estimated that almost $60B was granted in concessions and tax waivers, significant when taken into account that the country’s budget was a total of $220B that year.
killings over the last two decades are inscribed. “So, Mr. Jagdeo has many monuments to his memory and those three monuments must remind us about the deaths which took place between 2000 and 2008 when he was President. We must make sure that our country never again becomes so divided that we feel that the only way of resolve our differences is by violent crime,” the President said. Sawh, his sister Phulmattie Persaud, brother Rajpat Rai Sawh and security guard, Curtis Robinson, were gunned down on the evening of April 22, 2008 at the Minister ’s La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demer-ara residence. The killing sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Sawh was a Minister of the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) government but the questions over his death were many. No inquest was ever held. One man was charged with the murder. The promised external assistance that Government had announced it would have been seeking following Sawh’s death never materialised. Since the establishment
President David Granger of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), 62 officers and ranks have died in the line of duty. Interestingly, 31 of them died during the period President Granger vows to investigate. Among the slain lawmen was Superintendent Leon Fraser in 2002. His death also left questions and calls for investigation. On January 26, 2008, heavily armed gunmen stormed the village of Lusignan, slaughtering 11 persons, including five children. On February 17, 2008, a number of gunmen invaded the mining community of Bartica, Essequibo. They
attacked the Bartica Police Station, where they killed Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, Constable Shane Fredericks and Constable Ron Osborne. After murdering the three police officers, the gang stole cash, arms, ammunition and a vehicle from the police station. Using the stolen police vehicle, they drove through the streets of Bartica shooting at civilians, fatally wounding Irwin Gilkes. They then proceeded to CBR Mining, where they killed Irving Ferreira, stole arms and ammunition and removed two safes containing cash and gold. Next, they shot and killed Dexter Adrian before returning to the wharf. At the wharf, they executed Abdool Yassin Jr, Deonarine Singh, Errol Thomas, Ronald Gomes, Baldeo Singh and Ashraf Khan. Eight years ago, eight gold miners were slaughtered at Lindo Creek, Berbice River. Officials of the then PPP/ C government were convinced that the crime wave was drug and gangrelated. By the time of the Diwali massacre of November 2002, ‘phantom’ gangs had killed many and the police were not making any arrests.
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Friday May 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
First crop of sugar falls short by 23,000 tonnes The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has confirmed that it has missed its first crop target by some 29.3 percent, as the disastrous ‘El Nino’ weather condition, which has been ravaging agriculture in general from last year, took its toll on sugar cane cultivation. GuySuCo, which had just completed a review of the first crop for this year, reported in a statement yesterday that compared to the expected 80,270 tonnes, actual production was registered at 56,825 tonnes. The corporation did note that the audit of the production figures, which takes place at the end of each crop, is underway. However, it is reported that the final figure is not expected to vary significantly. “The shortfall in the First Crop was due substantially to the El Nino weather conditions which severely dried out the canes, drastically constrained cane growth and led to reduced sugar content,” the corporation stated yesterday. “It is also important to note that the crop coming into the drought was in an unhealthy state which was
exacerbated by the El Nino conditions. Obviously, this has been a great disappointment to all, especially after the promise of the 2015 second crop.” The corporation stated that the shortfall is likely to have significant financial implications, for an industry that is already cash-strapped. In view of the production setback, the corporation will be looking at further strategies for re-organizing the industry to make it a viable business entity. “It is as a consequence of this process that categories of workers at Wales Estate have been offered alternative employment opportunities at Uitvlugt Estate, but some have persisted in opting for early retirement, or severance pay, as applicable.” “Despite the challenges, the management is sparing no effort in carving out creative and innovative pathways to lift the Corporation out of its current financial state and is strategizing to retain current skills and competencies into proposed diversified projects.” Last year, the first crop had been extended. The revised crop target of 83,000 tonnes which GuySuCo had
Sugar being loaded
set was matched by 81,194 tonnes. Back in 2014, GuySuCo’s first crop target was set at 74,616 tonnes and the industry recorded 74,842 tonnes. Government had injected $9 billion into the corporation for 2016, while the industry is estimated to grow by 4.8 per cent to 242,287 metric tonnes. Last year ’s creditable performance had prompted Finance Minister Winston Jordan to project that the industry is showing signs of recovery.
The overall sugar production target for this year is pegged at 240,000 tonnes. According to a source, almost all of the estates have missed their target while some of them are continuing to
work to reach their marks. Three of those Estates are Blairmont, Rose Hall and Albion. On the other hand, Enmore, Wales and Uitvlugt have closed their production. However, Uitvlugt made
modest attempt to achieve its target. The estate missed its target of 8,200 tonnes, finishing its crop with 7,900. The Wales Estate reportedly brought in 5,600 tonnes, which is a shortfall from its projected 8,500 tonnes. In March, Finance Director Paul Bhim had announced production at 11,243 tonnes. At that time, Bhim had indicated that the industry was battling its way against the unfavourable weather conditions while production was encouraging. It was reported that the corporation was controlling its water supply. GuySuCo was also hit by a number of strikes organized by Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) in a bid to agitate for wage negotiations, Annual Performance Incentive and reverse the Wales Estate being shut down.
Frustrated parents picket Mae's... From page 20 decided to withdraw the offer of exposing the pupils to Grade Six lessons. He disclosed that at a meeting with the Administrators of the school on Monday it was announced that the agreement to expose the children to the Grade Six teachers was no longer possible. “They are telling us that our children will have to continue to work with the Grade Five teachers until Common Entrance even after we have paid our $20,000,” said Somra. “That is not the agreement we had...you can't take our money then change your agreement that is fraud.” He disclosed that the parents decided to congregate outside of the school yesterday since they are convinced that they have been served an unjust act. “All of us share the same views, all of us have the same concerns...we want the best for our children – That is why we chose Mae's School,” said Somra of himself and the other parents gathered outside the school yesterday. He said that the parents gathered at the school yesterday as they were informed on Monday that the administrators, after speaking to the School's Board would have had an update on the matter. But according to Somra, an administrator came to the gate of the school yesterday
after parents gathered there and with some degree of arrogance related that “we can do whatever we wanted because they are not changing their decision.” This, according to Somra, was followed by the administrator closing the gate in the face of the parents. It was at this point that the parents decided to call in the media to vent their frustration. “We need justice...the school has to keep its promise,” chanted some of the parents yesterday. “We believe they are doing all of this to get at the Grade Six teachers; they probably want to get rid of them. But why must they do things to put our children in jeopardy?” questioned a parent. “They have issues with their teachers but they need to sort out their problems. We paid extra and we need to get what we paid for,” insisted another parent.
The parents are also calling on the Ministry Education to look into the operations of the private school. “I think the Ministry needs to get these private schools in check because it seems as though they can take people money and do what they want to do. This is not fair to us,” said a parent who added, “We have been compromising over time but on this occasion our children are going to be really affected and we can't just sit back.” Attempts to solicit a comment from an administrator of the school, by way of telephone, was met with “Sorry we don't have anything to say on the matter.” An employee of the school however informed of the possibility of a statement being issued on the matter. The administrators of the school were engaged in a meeting yesterday that might have been convened to address the situation.
Decision for Wales Estate... (From page 6) model of diversification and it “can be applied to other estates”. Last Friday, the High Court had granted an interim injunction on behalf of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union and the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees to prohibit the sending home and reassignment of more than 100 workers at the Estate. The announcement of the shut down, over the last few months, had sparked several protests by the workers.
Friday May 13, 2016
Man jailed for taxi fare
A Central Rupununi man who took a cab ride from Georgetown to Parika was remanded yesterday because he couldn’t pay the $5,000 fare. Antonio Julius Rodriguez, 43, who lives in Central Rupununi, took the taxi from Bourda Market, on Regent Street to Parika alone on April 13. But when he arrived in Parika, police said Rodriguez told the taxi driver, Collin Munroe, that he couldn’t pay the fee until he gets his gold sold. Police said Munroe waited, and after some time he left his vehicle to go look for the man but Rodriquez was nowhere to be found. Rodriguez pleaded guilty to theft of services yesterday when he appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. According to prosecutor Corporal Seon Blackman, Munroe found Rodriguez about three weeks after the incident at the same market where they first met. The
prosecutor said the taxi driver was working when he saw the defendant in the market area and he approached him and took him to the city’s outpost. After the allegation was put to him, the prosecutor said Rodriguez was arrested and charged. When the magistrate asked him if he had the money to compensate the taxi driver he said he had none. “I’m in no position to pay any money right now…” the defendant said. He later claimed that his daughter is currently in surgery and he gave all of his money to cover the expenses. The man who said he never had to appear in court stood and said that he did intend to go sell the gold. He added that he went to ask for money from someone he knew to pay the fare but no one helped him. The magistrate then remanded him to prison until the following day when she will make her verdict. Rodriguez will appear in court again today.
Opposition accuses... (From page 13) relationship between the Government and that of Venezuela did not start off on the right footing. He believes, however, that the current administration should resume talks with the Spanishspeaking territory on the exportation of rice and paddy. Furthermore, Ali said that the total export earnings for white rice and paddy to Venezuela for the period 2012 to 2015 were US$504M. He said that it is important to point out that exports to Venezuela in 2015 were a measly 22 percent. The Opposition Member said that what the nation is seeing now is the outcome of this reduction and eventually if moves are not made to repair relations with Venezuela, then impacts of the reduction will soon be seen. He told the House that a quick analysis shows that a total of $11B or US$57 in revenue was lost due to the failure of the Government to secure this market. He said if one were to factor in the indirect and induced revenue lost, one can estimate the total loss of revenue to be somewhere around $22B. Given the aforementioned, Ali argued that the Government’s incompetence in the sector is costing the nation billions of dollars, and he stressed that the administration must implement the Opposition’s
recommendations. He listed these to be: resume talks and negotiations with the Government of Venezuela, remove all forms of taxes and duties on fuel for the industry, and remove all taxes and duties on imports for the industry including machinery, equipment and spares. Ali proposed that the Government work with the financial institutions to refinance loans to farmers and suspend payments of land leases. The Parliamentarian also called on the Government to lay a supplementary provision in the National Assembly to provide financial support to the farmers in order to aid in the purchase of seed paddy and fertilizer. He also asked for Government to immediately implement a minimum export price for rice and paddy, execute an aggressive marketing strategy to secure lucrative markets and withdraw its statement that “rice is not the Government’s business.” There were other speakers on the matter such as Opposition Members, Anil Nandlall and Priya Manickchand. PPP Member, Dharamkumar Seeraj was also one of the speakers on the issue. He and others are expected to provide their concluding arguments on Ali’s motion come May 24.
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Friday May 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
La Parfaite Harmonie-$1M, $1.3M, $1.6M, Providence$4M, $4.5M, Eccles -$5M, New Road- $15M, Tuschen -$1.3M, $2M. Call: 604-6724 (Continued on page 23)
Friday May 13, 2016
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Kaieteur News
The airport at Ogle was never made... From page 5 private funds alone, nor was it ever transferred to private ownership. It was made possible through a public/private partnership when the owners of five aircraft companies although they were competitors, approached the Government of Guyana with a proposal to develop the airport. They registered Ogle Airport Inc (OAI) a private company, in 2000 with its explicit purpose being to develop and manage this public utility for a period of twenty five years. This partnership was well-intentioned, and the Government took for granted their pledge to ensure fairness and equity not only in their development approaches but equally in their governance and management of this public facility. Unfortunately, that honorable intention of high standards of their stewardship, good governance, and management of this public facility was short lived. OAI, which started out as a five-person, collegially run operation in 2000, ended up being managed as the private property of the Corriea Group of Companies. This was never the intention of the five founding shareholders nor the Government of Guyana, and I would imagine the European Union
whose taxpayers funds were involved. The Governance deficiencies that enabled this, has at its core the imbalance of the board of OAI. Of the five original shareholders/directors only two were allowed to remain. Through the manipulation of shares in the company, including “gifting” shares to two of the present directors, the inclusion of family and associates of the Correia Group, the Chairman Mr Michael Correia ensured that five of the seven directors were affiliated to his Correia Group of Companies. This can be easily substantiated by a review of the AGM minute where the usual suspects would nominate and second who they had already decided should be on the board. This manipulation over the years enabled the Correia Group, which owns 10% of the aircraft operating out of Ogle and which only contributes 15% to airport revenues, to now control the entire operations at the airport. The remaining nine domestic commercial Guyanese aircraft operators who own the majority of the aircraft operating out of the airport and whose collective contribution to the airport revenues has also enabled its development have no say. The two
independent directors on the 7-member board despite being members of NATA are a minority. There are important lessons to be absorbed here. There should be fundamental attention paid to (a) how private/public partnerships are structured and (b) how oversight safeguards, in this case the Airport Review Panel which was catered for in the lease, should have been implemented to ensure compliance from day one. This is not to say that good corporate governance in the highly visible OAI should have be deficient because oversight was lacking. OAI should also have never been permitted to carry out the functions of a regulator. There should have been a clear segregation between OAI and the separate interests of its Chairman/Secretary/Directors/Shareholders to avoid the several cases of conflicts of interest which have arisen in the governance of the airport which also facilitated an anticompetitive and oppressive environment. Conflict of interest arose when services such as ground handling were required and the other nine aircraft operators, some of whom have decades of ground-handling experience at Cheddi Jagan International
Airport , were denied an opportunity to tender for those services. The Correia Group of Companies lists airport management on the home page of their website. They enabled their subsidiary Trans Guyana Airways to listed at the top of the Ogle International Airport website under services, when this is normally done in alphabetical order. They have always been and remain the sole beneficiaries of all business coming into the airport. The absence of the Airport Review Panel, an important oversight body, in addition to poor governance by OAI, and capriciousness of the directors/shareholders with vested interests has compromised the management of the airport. Both domestic or foreign investors should be seriously concerned about the poor level of corporate governance that exists in this company. OAI’s articles of association and bylaws should be amended to not only address the present shortcomings but most importantly to ensure good corporate governance, transparency and accountability in company. This is crucial to protecting the integrity of this public utility and national asset. Annette Arjoon-Martins President, NATA
I have bitter complaints about life... From page 4 powerless - he has no authority on the road. The lance corporal is in charge. I have witnessed windows being wound down, fist-bumps and chest thumps, and windows rolled up at these roadblocks. I am told that a significant proportion of the blackened out vehicles are owned by policemen, their friends and family. I suppose that explains a lot. I have also observed Editor, the reckless driving of security escorts of whom I surmise to be Government officials or other authorised persons who are subjects of an escort. Why is there a need for all other drivers to be “shoved” to the parapets or road shoulders when these escorts come through? On more than one occasion, I have been run off the road by these most officious security personnel with siren blazing and lights flashing, especially when they are coming from the opposite direction, and even if their lane is completely clear! Why is it an acceptable protocol to force a citizen off the road when there is absolutely no reason to? I have seen the Prime Minister going home in the afternoon with his security entourage engaged in this reckless driving. Editor, why is it that these officials don’t leave in time for their meetings or for
whatever purpose? The privilege of a security escort should be utilised for a demanding situation. Not because your car is sitting in traffic means there is a personal security risk to you. The ordinary citizen’s job is just as important to their survival, as yours is important to you. The ordinary citizen’s time is equally important to them, as yours is important to you. If you have a flight to catch, you leave in time to get there Mr. Official. Don’t run citizens off the road because you have the power to so do! I have noticed quite recently a number of vehicles bearing diplomatic plates using sirens and pulsing lights on their fenders. Is this legal? Is there a process of approval? Is there a reciprocal arrangement? Next observation Editor, is a centre page advertisement in most of the major daily newspapers, introducing the 4G service of GTT with a slogan “Goodbye library. Hello world.” The photo accompanying this slogan is a guy lying on the grass with his paper books strewn aside, whilst he ecstatically grips his cell phone and is seemingly enveloped in it. Quite literally, this phone company is inviting its customers to cast aside all the books and the wealth of in-
formation contained inside your library, and subscribe to its 4G service which will give you access to far more resources. For a gullible audience, especially those younger persons who weren’t socialised to do proper and effective research using paper indices, digests and encyclopaedias, this advertisement is in poor taste. There is no substitute for a library, testament in all developed societies (where 4G is really 4G). Now there are billboards being erected by this company inviting cus-
tomers to cast aside their libraries because they have the answer to it all by implementing a 4G network! This is poor advertising by GTT. Even if you have faster browsing speeds, is GTT also offering its consumers, subscriptions to online resources which will substitute for the information contained in libraries? If this letter is printed, I thank you Editor for the privilege of your (paper) column inches. Rama Bhajan-Singh
GTU contemplating... From page 11 came in response to a question posed by this publication about the progress of the negotiations. The Minister respoded, “I wouldn’t call that negotiations... I have been having some discussions with (GTU President) Mark Lyte and people in the Union and I’m hoping whatever difficulties they have we can resolve them...” The Union has proposed a 40 per cent across the board increase in salary for teachers this year. It is also hoping for a 45 per cent increase for next year (2017) and 50 per cent for the following three years (2018-2020) for all categories of teachers.
In its proposal the Union has pointed out, too, that “should there be inflation higher than the percentage agreed upon, then the teachers/teacher-educators must get the benefit of the difference.” However, when asked whether the GTU-proposed 40 per cent increase across the board increase for public school teachers this year would be feasible, Dr. Roopnaraine said, “Frankly, I would like to give the teachers even more but you know we have teachers to deal with, we have nurses to deal with...if you begin to raise the salaries of teachers in the classroom, the nurses are going to say what about us?”
From page 22
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VEHICLE FOR SALE Very low prices on unregistered cars: Allions, Bluebird, Mazda, Fielder, used Rav4. Call: 626-7478; 676-8876 Toyota WILL VS-low mileage, 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r- imported from the USA, low mileage. Call: 674-9002 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull,Pajero Junior: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 One Toyota IST 2007 Model, PRR series, female driven, in excellent condition. Call: 678-2495 & 692-1999 Toyota Fun Cargo, AT212, AT192, RZ, 4 Door Canter, Wagon (Suzuki Viatara 4WD) Nissan pickup 2008 unregistered. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 15 Seater pit-bull -$2M- Call: 697-2550; 613-1810
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Honda Civic motor car, 250cc Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle- Call: 696-2815
Int’l human rights... (From page 14) structures and the appropriate measures, action plans, and sufficient, trained staff in place to maintain security in its prisons and to handle emergency situations, such as fires. “The IACHR believes that prison overcrowding not only constitutes in itself a form of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, but is a factor that jeopardizes the life and personal integrity of those who are incarcerated in a particular facility. Thus is it imperative for the national authorities to take all measures that may be necessary to ensure that prisons do not hold more inmates than they are equipped to house based on their real capacity.” A principal, autonomous body of the Organisation of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. “The InterAmerican Commission has a mandate to promote respect for
human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. “The Commission comprises seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.”
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Retired professor bound, GPHC head challenges nurses to strangled in home International Nurses’ Day…
uplift standard of the hospital
-killers came in car, seen leaving with suitcases
-“If nursing is not good then this hospital cannot be good”
Nurses at the hospital In observance of International Nurses’ Day, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday held a forum to remind its nurses of their importance in the health care sector and at the same time, there were calls for them to do better. The nurses were reminded of their duties and responsibilities towards patients at the hospital. Among those present at the forum were the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Alan Johnson (ag); Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton; Chief Nurse, Taramattie Barker; GPHC’s Chairman, Max Hanoman among others. Johnson applauded those nurses who have been performing well at the hospital while urging those who have not been doing good to “step up their game.” “I am not going to sugarcoat anything, you need to step up and there are many of us who have not been doing well. Take a look at what you have done in the past year and say we will do better in the future,” Johnson told the nurses who sat under a tent in the hospital compound for the forum. For the past several years, there have been increasing complaints about the attitude and behaviour of nurses at the hospital. The complaints range from laziness to the way in which the medical workers speak to their patients. In an effort to improve patient care at the facility, the hospital’s management has been offering numerous and continuous training in patient care, customer service and mannerism to all nurses at the GPHC. In his speech, yesterday, Johnson told the nurses that it is not always the organization but it is the person (you) who have to train themselves (yourself) also. “If nursing is not good then this hospital cannot be good. Get yourself next to
someone you respect and who you know is doing well so that you can learn and benefit from that person,” the CEO advised the nurses. He urged the health care workers to be strong and to seek help or advise if needed as they continue to work in this profession. Johnson challenged the nurses to work hard and uplift the standards of the hospital in the years to come. Meanwhile, Dr. Norton said that one can only imagine for a moment a world without nurses to realize how vital their services are. In hospitals, health centres and ambulatory settings, even in administration—wherever a need exists, nurses are there working diligently to serve and protect the health of our people. “It’s not an easy task, nurses work all hours and long hours, sometimes responding to shortages of nursing personnel, and face many other adverse conditions especially in the outlying regions of Guyana. Nurses have responded to these challenges with the highest commitment to excellence over the years and this is evident with some of the familiar faces I see sitting here,” the Minister stated. According to Dr. Norton, National Nurses’ Day gives us a chance to recognize the contributions of the health care providers at the heart of our health care system. Every day, nurses provide leadership, innovation and advocacy to meet the health care needs of citizens The history of International Nurses’ Day… Under the theme ‘Nurses: A Force for Change’, International Nurses Day was observed around the world yesterday. May 12. Every year is International Nurses Day, a day which marks the birth anniversary of the legendary Nurse Personality, Florence Nightingale. Born on May 12, 1820,
Nightingale was a celebrated English nurse who was devoted to the nursing profession. Reports suggest that she was instrumental in changing the face of nursing from a mostly untrained profession to a highly skilled and wellrespected medical profession with very important responsibilities. It was at the tender age of 17 that Nightingale believed that she was called into service by God “to do something toward lifting the load of suffering from the helpless and miserable.” At first her parents refused to allow her to become a nurse because, at that time, it was not thought to be a suitable profession for a well educated woman. But Nightingale did not give up. Eventually in 1851 her father gave his permission and she went to Germany to train as a nurse. By 1853 she was running a hospital in London. The following year Nightingale was asked to go to Turkey to manage the nursing of British soldiers wounded in the Crimean War (1854 – 56). She travelled to Scutari (the location where the wounded and ill soldiers of the Crimean War were taken) to help the wounded soldiers. And there she found the hospital conditions to be in a very poor state. Many of the wounded were unwashed and were sleeping in overcrowded, dirty rooms without blankets or decent food. In these conditions diseases such as typhus, cholera and dysentery spread quickly. As a result, the death rate amongst wounded soldiers was very high. Most soldiers died from infections and disease. Nightingale and her nurses changed these conditions. They set up a kitchen, fed the wounded from their own supplies, dug latrines for sanitation, and asked for help (Continued on page 08)
Undertakers removing the remains of Pairadeau Mars from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital last evening Police were last night trying to track down a gang of youths, including two females, who they believe bound and strangled a retired college professor in his Prashad Nagar home. The body of 75-year-old Pairadeau Mars, called ‘Perry’, was found at around 19.00 hrs yesterday in his study, after his wife arrived at the couple’s Lot 395 Bissessar Street, Prashad Nagar home. Kaieteur News understands that his hands were bound with duct-tape, and duct-tape was also wrapped around his mouth and neck. Police reportedly found a hammer and cutlass nearby. The victim’s home was ransacked, and there was evidence that the killers had feasted in the home, since
bottles and wrappers were strewn on the floor. There was also evidence that the killers lit the stove. From information police have received, the killers are individuals who were known to Mr. Mars, a remigrant and Professor, who had lectured in ethnic studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, USA. One key player in the callous killing is believed to be a young woman, who had lived a few houses away from the victim. Sources said that she was still regularly seen in the area, and would reportedly visit Mr. Mars’ home and beg for money. Residents reportedly saw the suspects arrive in a car, and later saw them leaving the home with suitcases. According to reports, the
victim’s wife, Joan Mars, had travelled to Linden yesterday, and last communicated with her husband at around 14:00 hrs. She reportedly called at around 16:00 hrs and got no response. She reportedly arrived at around 19.00 hrs and immediately realised that something was amiss, since the front door was ajar. Upon entering, she saw her husband’s bound body on the study floor. Because the body was still warm, the woman reportedly believed that Mr. Mars was still alive, and, with assistance from neighbours, rushed him to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The body was later taken to the Lyken Funeral Home.
“Casual” argument between brothers-in-law ends in death Residents of Haslington were left in shock last evening after a “causal” argument between two brothers-in-law ended in deadly fashion. Fifty-two year-old Terrance Adams was killed around 20:00hrs outside a shop he operated. Adams’ alleged assailant, Les Hamilton, was said to have been under the influence of alcohol when the incident occurred. The dead man’s brother, Leyland Nelson, told Kaieteur News t h a t A d a m s a n d Hamilton got into an argument just around 14:00hrs yesterday. He said that the dispute had simmered, but manifested itself again last night. According to Nelson, when Hamilton began quar-
reling a g a i n , A d a m s brushed him off “because he knew he (Hamilton) was drunk.” Nelson said that his brother told Hamilton that he would deal with the issue “another time, when he (Hamilton) sober up” and so the argument died down again. Nelson indicated that Hamilton then left the shop, “and I left a little after to go and buy tennis roll and cheese for us to eat”. He said that he was riding his bicycle returning to the
shop when he saw a large crowd. Nelson said that he inquired and was told “Les jus’ jook up yuh brother.” Nelson said that he rode further along the street and saw his brother lying on the road in a pool of blood. Hamilton, who made no attempt to leave the murder scene, was apprehended on the spot, while the victim was rushed to Georgetown Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
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St. Lucia says it is not adversely Brazil’s Rousseff suspended to face impeachment trial affected by Venezuela crisis CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC – The St. Lucia government says the island has not been affected by the economic crisis in oil-rich Venezuela even though the island is a signatory to Caracas’s oil initiative, PetroCaribe. “St Lucia has never taken a gallon of petroleum products from Venezuela,” Energy Minister Dr. James Fletcher, told reporters as he responded to comments reportedly made by United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central America and the Caribbean, Juan Gonzalez. Gonzalez said that some Caribbean countries were running into fiscal problems now that the padding provided by Petrocaribe is no longer there. PetroCaribe is an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment. Fletcher said that while he could not speak on behalf of the other Caribbean countries, in the case of St
Dr. James Fletcher Lucia, the initiative has not impacted the local economy at all. He said that while St Lucia was one of the early countries to agree to the arrangement, the previous administration did not avail itself of that opportunity. Fletcher noted that when the St Lucia Labour Party (SLP) was returned to power in 2011, it re-established relations with Petrocaribe. “There were one or two areas that we wanted to enter
– for example the supply of fuel to our ships in the harbour,” Fletcher said, adding that St. Lucia believed that this was an area of competitive advantage. Regarding the ongoing political situation in Venezuela, Fletcher told reporters “I think at the end of the day what we want is democracy and the will of the people to prevail and however that manifests itself is something we will always respect”.
Cuba and U.S. officials to meet next week to deepen détente HAVANA (Reuters) Cuba and the United States will meet next week for a third round of talks on improving relations, the Cuban government said yesterday, adding that the two countries were not yet negotiating their multibillion-dollar claims against one another.
A bilateral commission will meet on Monday in Havana to evaluate progress made by the former Cold War foes in putting their decades-old conflict behind them, and to identify new areas of cooperation, said Gustavo Machin, the deputy director for U.S. af-
GPHC head challenges... (From page 07) from the wives of the wounded. They were then able to properly care for the ill and wounded and the death rate among the soldiers dropped. Nightingale was very dedicated to her job. She would often visit the soldiers at night when everyone was asleep just to make sure they
were alright. She was then referred to as “The Lady of the Lamp” because she hardly took time off to sleep and thus became a true hero to the soldiers and everyone back home in England. And it was in honour of this nurse that a Day was dedicated to her and for all the nurses around the world.
fairs in the Cuban foreign ministry. “We will set the agenda for the rest for the year,” Machin told a news conference. “We are not yet negotiating the topic of claims even if there is a recognition on both sides that these exist.” Cuba and the U.S. reestablished diplomatic relations a year ago and have signed agreements on issues of common concern such as the environment, postal services and direct flights. Many differences remain however. Machin reiterated Cuba’s demands for the return of the Guantanamo naval base and lifting of the U.S. trade embargo. Another sticky point is the issue of reparations. Late last year, Cuba and the U.S. outlined their respective claims, with the former demanding at least $121 billion in reparations for the U.S. trade embargo and other acts it describes as aggressions against the Communist-led island. The third bilateral commission will be led by Josefina Vidal, the Cuban Foreign Ministry’s chief of U.S. affairs, and Kristie Kenney, counselor for the U.S. State Department.
Brasília (AFP) - Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was suspended yesterday to face an impeachment trial, ceding power to her vice president-turned-enemy Michel Temer in a political earthquake ending 13 years of leftist rule in Latin America’s biggest nation. Temer quickly pivoted toward a more businessfriendly government, naming a cabinet chosen to calm the markets after a paralyzing impeachment battle and steer the country out of its worst recession in decades. He tapped a respected former central bank chief, Henrique Meirelles, for the key post of finance minister, an adviser said, confirming a full cabinet overhaul that opponents immediately condemned as a throw-back to an era when Brazilian politics was the exclusive domain of white males. Defiant to the end, Brazil’s first female president denounced a “coup” aimed at driving her from power, and urged her supporters to mobilize as she braces for an impeachment trial that is set to drag on for months. “What is at stake is respect for the ballot box, the sovereign will of the Brazilian people and the constitution,” Rousseff said in what could be her final address from the presidential palace, dressed in a white jacket and flanked by her soon-to-be-sacked ministers. She then exited the building to shake hands, hug and wave to some 500 supporters in a red-clad crowd gathered outside the modernist capital’s seat of power. There, she gave another fiery speech as her predecessor and mentor, the once wildly popular Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, stood by her side, repeatedly wiping the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief in the tropical heat. She was then whisked away in a convoy of black vehicles. Hours earlier, a nearly 22hour debate in the Senate closed with an overwhelming 55-22 vote against Rousseff, as pro-impeachment senators burst into applause and posed for selfies and congratulatory group photos. Only a simple majority of the 81-member Senate was required to suspend Rousseff for six months pending judgment on charges that she broke budget accounting laws.
Suspended President Dilma Rousseff urged Brazilians to “mobilize” against a “coup”, at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia yesterday. (AFP Photo/Evaristo Sa A two-thirds majority vote will be needed at the end of the impeachment trial to force Rousseff, 68, from office for good. A onetime Marxist guerrilla tortured under the country’s military dictatorship in the 1970s, Rousseff was expected to hole up in her official residence, where she will continue to live with her mother during the trial. She will retain her salary and bodyguards. The leader of the Workers’ Party in the Senate, Humberto Costa, said his side would now work to convince senators to support Rousseff in the trial and turn the tide in her favour. The international community responded cautiously to the change in leadership. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for “calm and dialogue” and said he “trusts that the country’s authorities will honour Brazil’s democratic processes,” his spokesman said. The United States said it was confident Brazil was strong enough to withstand the political turmoil. “We intend to respect the government institutions and traditions and procedures,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. In Latin America, where the Workers’ Party is an emblem of a decade of leftwing dominance that lately appears to be waning, some reactions were more barbed. Ernesto Samper, the secretary general of the Union of South American Nations, warned Brazil risked a “rupture of democratic continuity” if Rousseff was definitively ousted. And Ecuador warned of
the “threat of a grave alteration of the constitutional order.” Due to host the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in less than three months, Brazil is struggling to stem economic disarray and handle the fallout from a corruption scandal reaching deep into the political and business elite. The multiple crises have wreaked havoc on the Workers’ Party, whose transformative social programmes have lifted tens of millions of people from poverty since 2003, but which has been portrayed as increasingly incapable of governing. Senate President Renan Calheiros, who oversaw the proceedings, told reporters that impeachment would be “traumatic.” Jose Eduardo Cardozo, Rousseff’s attorney general, delivered a passionate closing statement before the impeachment vote, telling senators that they were “condemning an honest, innocent woman” and leaving “a stain on our history.” But opposition leader Aecio Neves said “Brazil can now start to turn a new page.” In what may go down as one of the many ironies of the chaotic impeachment process, Neves, the candidate Rousseff narrowly defeated in the 2014 election, was named shortly after as t h e l a t e s t t arget in the sprawling probe into a multibillion-dollar corruption scheme centered on state oil company Petrobras. Markets were upbeat, however: stocks in Sao Paulo rose more than one percent on optimism for the new administration’s economic programme.
Friday May 13 2016
Kaieteur News
Countries pledge to fight corruption by revealing who owns companies David Cameron
Reuters - Countries from Britain to Afghanistan pledged yesterday to set up public registers of company ownership in a collective effort to make it harder to launder the proceeds of corruption around the globe. Prime Minister David Cameron announced the steps at a global anti-corruption summit he was hosting; but critics said the registers might have no meaningful impact unless tax havens, many ultimately controlled by Britain, also ended secrecy. The build-up to the London event was marred by Cameron being caught on camera describing Nigeria and Afghanistan, which are both taking part, as “fantastically corrupt”; but he later said that the leaders of both countries were tackling the problem. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, addressing a plenary session at the summit, said he had been shocked by the degree to which he found corruption “pandemic” around the world. “It is a contributor to terrorism in many different ways and the extremism that we see in the world today comes to no small degree from the utter exasperation that people have with the sense that the system is rigged,” Kerry said. “We see this anger manifesting itself in different forms in elections around the world, including ours,” he said, alluding to the unexpected success of Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Bernie Sanders in the U.S. presidential primaries. Britain, France, the Netherlands, Nigeria and Afghanistan pledged to launch public registers of true company ownership while Australia, New
Zealand, Jordan, Indonesia, Ireland and Georgia announced initial steps towards similar arrangements. Kerry said the United States had already announced measures to improve transparency on business ownership. The countries taking part in the summit issued a 34point communiqué outlining pledges to tackle issues ranging from doping and matchfixing in sports to tax evasion and bribery. The summit organisers also published separate statements from 40 countries, each one setting out commitments for which, Cameron said, civil society, media and others should hold governments to account. Under the new rules announced by Cameron, foreign companies that own a property in Britain or want to buy one or to bid for a central government contract will have to join the register. The aim is to expose those who hide behind obscure shell companies to own properties, a particularly acute problem in London which has been hit by repeated scandals involving luxury homes owned by corrupt foreign politicians and business people. “We await to see the detailed requirements, how it will be policed and the penalties for non-compliance in order to judge whether the proposed legislation will actually have any teeth,” said Chris Burdett, a partner at law firm Clyde&Co. Critics said real progress on money-laundering and tax evasion would only come if tax havens were also compelled to open up about who owns offshore-registered companies. “Tax dodgers can still sleep easily tonight,” said Susanna Ruiz, tax expert at charity Oxfam. The release of the
“Panama Papers”, leaked documents from law firm Mossack Fonseca, put tax avoidance at the top of the global agenda by showing the extent to which tax havens were used by politicians and business people from around the world. Anti-corruption protesters who gathered close to the summit venue, some dressed as bankers with bowler hats reclining on deck chairs as they fanned themselves with banknotes, said what was needed was an outright abolition of tax havens. The British Virgin Islands, a British overseas territory that the Panama Papers suggested was home to more than half of the 200,000 companies set up by Mossack Fonseca, was not represented at the London summit. Britain also seized the opportunity of the summit to bring forward plans to introduce a criminal offence for companies that fail to stop employees facilitating tax evasion, pledging to introduce legislation to that effect this year.
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Agri Minister willing to work with Opposition …but insists bickering must stop to fix rice industry By: Kiana A. Wilburg Even in the face of harsh criticisms and insults, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder made it clear that he is prepared to sow seeds of peace between the Government and the Opposition. Yesterday in the National Assembly, he signaled his intentions to work with his colleagues of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in addressing the challenges in the rice sector. During his presentation, Holder sought to deal with the measures proposed in Opposition Member, Irfaan Ali’s motion which spoke to the state of Guyana’s rice sector. Ali proposed that Government resume discussions with the Government of Venezuela with the intention of selling rice and paddy to that country. In this regard, Holder said that under the PetroCaribe arrangement, Guyana signed contracts with Venezuela for each consecutive year from 2009 to 2015 and honoured all contracts. He said that the Venezuela rice trade totaled 624,647 metric tons of paddy and 355,628 metric tons of white rice valued at US$594,918,265 (US$312, 645,475 (paddy) and US$ 282,272,790 (rice). Holder said that during this period the rice industry saw some positive transformations. He said that farmers and millers were gradually increasing their investments over the years. The Minister of Agriculture noted, however, that it is a well-known fact that the contract with Venezuela was repudiated by Venezuela. Holder stressed that Guyana’s effort to resume shipments were not success-
ful. As for Ali’s recommendation that Government must remove all forms of taxes and duties on fuel for the industry, and as well as on machinery, equipment and spares, Holder said he is willing to re-examine this. He said, “I call upon the Rice Producers’ Association to collaborate with officers at my Ministry to present a proposal on how the removal of duties and taxes on fuel can be addressed without the hemorrhage of such fuel into the society at a great loss to the government’s coffers”. Holder admitted that VAT is now being charged on imported machinery, equipment and spares unlike the earlier years. He said however that this can be re-looked at. The Minister said that he will ensure this is done so that recommendations, if considered feasible, can be made to the Ministry of Finance. The Agriculture Minister then looked at Ali’s proposal for Government to commence discussion with all the commercial banks lending to the industry to review terms and conditions of loans taken into account the low prices farmers are getting in order to ‘soften’ repayment conditions. Holder said, once in the past, government had intervened with the re-financing of defaulter farmers, where the taxes on interest earned by the commercial banks were waived and farmers benefitted from a lower interest rate. “There is much potential for this to benefit our farmers, since according to the Bank of Guyana, the commercial banks, loans and advances to the private paddy producers was
Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder G$65,504 Million in 2015. Whilst from January to March 2016 it was $17,222 Million. This is an increase of 19 percent for the same period (Jan-Mar) 2015,” the minister noted. He promised that his ministry will commence discussions with the Ministry of Finance and commercial banks as is suggested to ‘soften’ repayment conditions. With regard to the Opposition’s recommendation for Government to suspend payments of land leases and drainage and irrigation charges, Holder said that one may need to examine this in greater details. Holder also stated that the government has in the past given favourable consideration for supplementary provisions for farmers. He said that his Government is prepared to import fertilizers and make it available to
farmers at the lowest possible price. Turning his attention to Ali’s call for Government to immediately implement minimum export prices for rice and paddy, Holder said that this might be easier said than done. He explained that when one looks at Guyana’s position in the world rice trade, the country’s production is only 0.161 percent of world rice production. Holder said that this means that Guyana’s position is the same as that of a single raindrop in the mighty Essequibo River. “What this means is that we are not in a position to neither dictate terms on the world market, nor influence price nor production trends. We are at the behest of world rice market prices. We would have avoided this reality in the recent past with the very favourable prices we received from Venezuela under the
PetroCaribe arrangement, where we accepted rice as payment for oil. However, this arrangement has many challenges, and we are forced once more to wake up to the reality that is the world market,” the Agriculture minister explained. He added, “We operate on open market conditions. We monitor the prices and set our contacts based on the world prices. How, therefore, can Guyana implement a system of minimum export prices for paddy and/or rice? What happens when there are no buyers, because there is cheaper rice available elsewhere?” The Minister of Agriculture also spoke to Ali’s proposal for Government to implement an aggressive marketing strategy in order to enhance current prices and secure new lucrative markets. He told the House that the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has been doing this on a continuous basis. He said that the Panama contract is a case in point, and negotiations are in train to secure a new market in Mexico. Holder said that he would not shy away from the fact that one of the main issues facing the industry is the challenge of marketing Guyana’s rice at a price that is profitable to all stakeholders. He said that the enormous increase in rice production now means that the Government must market Guyana’s rice into newer markets and be competitive with other producers of rice. He said that 40 countries now buy Guyana’s rice, allowing export earnings from
rice to grow to more than US$240M. He said that all must work together to protect and extend these markets by ensuring the highest quality rice is exported. Holder said that the Government is fully aware of the importance of this sector on the performance of the economy and the livelihood of the people. The Parliamentarian then addressed the Opposition’s request for the APNU/AFC administration to withdraw its pronouncement that the rice industry’s crisis “is a private matter” and give support to the industry, especially the farmers. Holder said that the rice industry is at present, the most important agricultural industry in Guyana. He said that indeed, it is now ahead of sugar in terms of foreign exchange earnings. The Minister acknowledged that rice is the largest user of agricultural lands, and absorbs and influences more of the working population than any other industry in Guyana. He stressed that his Government recognized the 7,300 farmers across the rice belt cultivating some 240,000 acres. The Agriculture Minister stressed however that the leaders of the day “must stop the bickering and work together for the benefit of the farmers.” He said that he welcomes the Rice Producers’ Association - and even Irfaan Ali - to a discussion with his officers to work on these measures in greater details for the benefit of the farmers and to improve the state of the rice industry.
Businessman gets $1.3M bail over fake transports A businessman who police say shot at them while resisting arrest appeared in court yesterday to answer charges of fraud and the unlawful discharge of a firearm.
Gopaul Tiwari, a businessman of 89 Success Road, East Coast Demerara, stood in the prisoners’ dock with an emotionless expression while Magistrate Judy Latchman read six charges to him.
Police said that on May 9, last, at Diamond East Bank Demerara, he maliciously discharged a loaded firearm with intent, at a detective constable who was attempting to resist apprehension. He is also alleged to have shot at another detective constable by the name of Deonarine, to prevent his lawful apprehension. He pleaded not guilty to both charges. He was also charged with three counts of fraud. He denied that at Eccles, East Coast Demerara he was solely entrusted $10.4M, in cash by Ghardarie Sewnarine to pay the money to the Deeds Registry at Georgetown but he fraudulently converted i t f o r h is own use and benefit.
Additionally, he is alleged to have forged a transport to show that it was issued by the Deeds Registry knowing it was forged. He was also charged with conspiring with persons or persons unknown to defraud Ghardarie Sewnarine by forging a transport to show that it was issued by the Deeds Registry in Georgetown. The father of three also denied these charges. Attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva told the court that his client owns a b u s i n e s s known as ‘Speedies Enterprise” on the Success Public Road. The lawyer said that his client shoulders the responsibility of providing for his brother’s family “because his brother is a cancer patient”. The lawyer claimed that his client was driving at the
time of the incident and no gun was found on him or in his car. He told the court that when police officers apprehended his client he was informed that they had dusted his client’s skin for gun powder residue and they had found none. As for the other charges of fraud he told the court that extensive investigation has to be done into the matter that may cause a lot of delay in time. The lawyer who said that he will not paint a false picture of his client told the court that Tiwarie was previously released on bail on a similar offence in a matter still pending before the court. Nevertheless, he made an application for his client to be granted bail and asked the court to consider his sick
brother who solely depends on the defendant to take care of him and his family. He also asked the court to note that his client operates his business and if he is n o t g r a n t e d h i s p r e trial liberty he may lose money. According to prosecutor Superintendent Vishnu Hu n t e , a s t a t e m e n t r e vealed that Tiwarie used a gun during the incident. However, Hunte told the court that advice is currently being sought on the matter. The prosecutor did not object to bail but asked that the defendant lodge his passport to the Criminal Investigations Department and that he report weekly to the fraud squad at the CID at Eve Leary as a special condition throughout the trial.
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Serena marches on in Thompson erases Pompey’s Rome despite shaky start national 200m record
Serena Williams overcame a sloppy first-set performance to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Internazionali d’Italia with victory over Christina McHale. The world number one was well below her best in the early stages of yesterday’s match in Rome and appeared likely to be punished as McHale impressed with a series of impressive strokes off each wing. However, three-time champion Williams managed to take the opening set in a tie-break, despite racking up 27 unforced errors, and then breezed through the second to triumph 7-6 (9-7) 6-1 as her opponent wilted. McHale had chances to break in each of Williams’ first three service games and eventually gained the upper hand at the
Serena Williams
eighth time of asking when the top seed over hit a forehand. Williams’ frustration was clear as she continued to struggle, the 34-year-old turning her back at one point as McHale waited for a high ball to drop before putting away a simple smash. However, the underdog faltered when attempting to serve out the set, prompting a cry of delight from the other
side of the net, and Williams duly took her third chance to claim the breaker after McHale had missed a sole opportunity at 7-6. The second set failed to offer the same level of drama, with McHale, who turned 24 on We d n e s d a y, u n a b l e t o maintain her level of performance and swiftly falling to defeat. (Omnisport)
Friday May 13, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Children's needs could be more costly than you anticipated. You will want to complain about the injustice that is going on, A romantic infatuation from your past may surface if you frequent places that you both used to go. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You will not be pleased with family members who try to put demands on you when you just d o n ' t h a v e t h e time. Your professional attitude will not go unnoticed. So smile! GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can bet officials will be waiting for you when you do. A friendship might suffer if money becomes an issue. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Do not reveal personal information to those you feel may be untrustworthy. A little overtime may help you reduce the workload. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't be taken advantage of by any fast talking salesperson trying to part you from your cash. If they don't like the plan, suggest that they contribute a little. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't be afraid to push your beliefs and attitudes. Verbal abuse may lead to walkouts; don't make any rash statements you may regret later.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Do not overspend on entertainment. You can make career moves that will be prosperous. A lot can be accomplished if you organize your time. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that will change the conditions you've been living under. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your ideas are right on the mark and your work commendable. Be aware of any deception on the part of those you deal with. You mustn't give too much to your children. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You can get ready to celebrate your new direction. Do what you can but don't jeopardize your health trying to please everyone. You may be experiencing emotional turmoil in regard to your mate. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Minor health problems will cause setbacks if you haven't taken proper care of yourself. The talk you have may be eyeopening with regard to your present situation. Correspondence may not clear up issues. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You can elaborate on your creative ideas and get involved in groups that relate to the arts.
Guyanese United Statesbased sprint ace, Brenessa Thompson yesterday continued her historic 2016 Season when she erased former Olympian, Aliann Pompey’s 200m record from 2004 at the South Eastern Conference (SEC) Championships. From reports reaching Kaieteur Sport, Thompson clocked 23.19 seconds at the Championships yesterday to erase Pompey’s record of 23.33 seconds, set in 2004.
Thompson will represent Guyana at the Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in August. Thompson had already qualified for the Olympic Games with an impressive 11.31 seconds in the 100m at the Michael Johnson Invitational weeks ago. Her time was under the 11.32 seconds Olympic qualifying mark. The time had also set a new stadium record for the Texas-based Stadium as well
as a new personal record for the Texas A & M scholarship student-athlete. In addition, Thompson’s time was among the best from a Guyanese woman. Jennifer Innis hold Guyana’s national 100m record with 11.26 seconds. Locally-based, Winston George and triple jumper, Troy Doris is the other Olympic qualifiers in the Men’s 400m race and triple jump respectively.
(From page 36) last stopwatch missed the flash of the gun. Two months later, he equalled the world record for the 100 yards with a clocking of 9.3 in Long Beach, but the time was not put forward for ratification because the third stopwatch malfunctioned. In the summer of 1956, he reached both the 100m and 200m finals at the Olympic Games in Melbourne, finishing sixth and fourth respectively. After retiring from competitive athletics in the late
1950s, he moved to Melbourne and took up jobs as a freelance journalist and then as a teacher. He also briefly coached Ralph Doubell, who went on to win gold in the 800m at the 1968 Olympics. In 1961 he became an Australian citizen and married Pamela, a 54-year partnership that would see four children and nine grandchildren follow. In the mid1960s, he became the editor and publisher of a newly launched magazine, Track and Field. It was the beginning of a
long and successful career in the industry, during which time Agostini edited several major athletics magazines and authored nine books. Agostini was also involved with coaching. Among the athletes he coached were Commonwealth Games gold medallist Andrew Ratcliffe, Olympic finalist Peter Vassella and Olympic medallist Jenny Lamy. Agostini is survived by his four children – Dianne, John, Catherine and James – and nine grandchildren. (IAAF)
Trinidadian sprint legend...
RHTYSC cricket teams... (From page 34) complimented the Club and its teams for teh contribution whilst expressing pleasure that they were able to fulfill a commitment after just three days. Amsterdam expressed confidence that the crime situation in Rose Hall Town would soon be brought under control and praised the outstanding work of the RHTY&SC and its p a r e n t b o d y, t h e St . Francis Community Developers; pointing out that they are role model organisations. He expressed the hope that other entities would follow in their footsteps and assist the Police to fulfill its mandate while reassuring those present that the donated items would be used for its intended purpose.
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Friday May 13, 2016
Kaieteur News
Curry scores 29 as Warriors eliminate Blazers The Sports Xchange Stephen Curry bombed in a 3-pointer with 24.9 seconds remaining on Wednesday as the Golden State Warriors held off the Portland Trail Blazers 125-121 to seal the Western Conference semi-final playoff series four games to one. The Warriors, who advanced to the Western finals for the second year in a row, await the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder-San Antonio Spurs semi-final. Should the Thunder eliminate the Spurs in Game 6 which was yesterday, the best-ofseven Western finals would begin on Monday in Oakland. The fifth-seeded Trail Blazers gave the Warriors a battle in Game 5, leading early by as many as 11 and hanging within 118-116 with the basketball inside the final 50 seconds. However, Klay Thompson harassed Damian Lillard into a miss from 17 feet, and Curry, freeing himself above the top of the key, nailed a 25-footer for the backbreaking hoop that put Golden State up 121-116. Curry capped a 29-point game with four free throws in the final 18.2 seconds, helping Golden State record their eighth victory in 10 playoff games this year. Thompson led the Warriors with 33 points, hitting
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) during the third quarter. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports 13 of 17 from the field and six of nine 3-point attempts. Curry’s 29 points were a result of 10-for-20 shooting, including 5-for-11 on 3-pointers. In his first start since spraining a ligament in his right knee during the firstround series against the Houston Rockets, he went 36 minutes and found time for a game-high 11 assists. Draymond Green added a 13-point, 11-rebound doubledouble, and Shaun Livingston added 10 points for the Warriors, who have won seven
straight at home over the Trail Blazers. Lillard topped Portland with 28 points, but he shot just 7-for-24. He also had seven rebounds and seven assists. Backcourt mate CJ McCollum came alive in the fourth quarter to finish with 27 points on 11-for-23 shooting. Allen Crabbe (20), AlFarouq Aminu (16) and Moe Harkless (13) also scored in double figures for Portland, who were playing their firstever playoff series against
Golden State. Portland made 16 of its 36 3-point shots, outscoring the
Warriors 48-42 from beyond the arc. The Trail Blazers, who led for the first 29 minutes of the game, regained a 96-95 advantage on a driving hoop by McCollum with 10:45 remaining in the contest. Golden State then ran off to its biggest lead of the night, getting 2- and 3-point hoops by reserve center Marreese Speights in an 11-3 run that produced a 106-99 advantage. The Trail Blazers would not go away, though. McCollum buried a 3-pointer and converted a three-point play to get Portland within 110-109 with 4:02 to go. Andre Iguodala and Curry countered with 3-pointers for the Warriors, but McCollum completed a personal 11point flurry with another trey and a 2-point jumper, keeping Portland’s hopes alive at 118114 with 2:24 to go. The Trail Blazers used an early 10-0 burst to build a lead. Harkless and Lillard had 3pointers in the run, which put
Portland up 18-8 in the game’s fifth minute. The two 3-pointers were twice as many as the Warriors had in the first 16 minutes of the game. The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, had six in the first quarter alone. And when Aminu dropped in a pair over a threepossession span midway through the second period, Portland had their biggest lead at 49-38 with 5:35 left in the half. The Warriors chipped away, getting within 63-58 at the half behind 13 secondquarter points from Thompson. Golden State momentum bridged the halftime break, and when Curry buried just his second 3-pointer in eight attempts at the 7:01 mark of the third quarter, the Warriors had their first lead, 75-73. With Curry swishing his third 3-pointer in the waning seconds of the period, the Warriors held a 93-91 edge entering the fourth quarter.
RHTYSC cricket teams and Friends assists GPF ‘B’ Division
Montagliani is new CONCACAF President Members of CONCACAF and FIFA Councils elected Mexico City - The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) yesterday held its XXXI Ordinary Congress in Mexico City where elections were conducted for CONCACAF President and positions on the CONCACAF and FIFA Councils. All of the Confederation’s 41 Member Associations participated in the elections for CONCACAF positions and with a majority of votes, Victor Montagliani, President of the Canadian Soccer Association, was elected as President of CONCACAF. Rodolfo Villalobos of Costa Rica was elected to the
CONCACAF Council as a Vice-President. A d d i t i o n a l l y, CONCACAF’s 35 FIFA Members elected Luis Hernandez of Cuba, Pedro Chaluja of Panama, and Sonia Bien-Aime of Turks and Caicos to represent the Confederation on the FIFA Council. The Congress, chaired by CONCACAF Council VicePresident Justino Compean of Mexico saw the elections being conducted by the CONCACAF’s Ad-Hoc Electoral Committee. Members of the Ad-Hoc Electoral Committee included Ted Howard, CONCACAF’s Acting General Secretary, Marco Leal, CONCACAF’s Head of Member Associations and Legal Affairs, and Sam Gandhi,
CONCACAF’s Legal Adviser. In accordance with the Confederation’s Statutes, the mandate of the new CONCACAF President and CONCACAF Council Members will start after the conclusion of the Congress. The official election results are included below. CONCACAF Council (Former Executive Committ e e ) : President (ex officio FIFA Vice-President) • Mr. Victor Montagliani ( C a n a d a ) Vice-President - Central America (UNCAF) • Mr. Rodolfo Villalobos (Costa Rica) FIFA Council (Former Executive Committee): Member – Caribbean (CFU) • Mr. Luis Hernandez (Cuba) Member - Central America ( U N C A F ) • Mr. Pedro Chaluja (Panama) Female Member • Ms. Sonia Bien-Aime (Turks and Caicos). (CONCACAF)
RHTY&SC Assistant Secretary/CEO Franklyn Ross hands over the donation to Commander Amsterdam. The Rose Hall Town Police Outpost on Saturday last benefitted from a donation of bicycles, sports equipment and other items from the cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club. The Teams donated three bicycles, sports equipment for cricket, football, volleyball and dominoes and a collection of torch lights and search lights to the Police Outpost which was recently under the spotlight due to an increase in armed robberies in the township. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster during a Police Face the Community meeting last Wednesday had committed the club to assisting the Police Outpost under their Say No and Yes to Sports
Programme. Foster expressed concern over the worrying high crime rate in the township and stated that they would spearhead efforts to make sure that the outpost is properly equipped to fulfill its mandate. The bicycles were donated by the cricketers along with assistance from Businessmen Ponnai Bhirooj, Lormendo Johnny and Friends of the Club and would be used by the lawmen for patrols. The club had donated two bicycles in the past to the Outpost, while the sport equipment would be used to establish a Police Youth Club in the township. Foster pledged that more bicycles, search lights, sports gears, a television set, tables
and a set of chairs would be donated shortly by the cricket teams. It was also revealed that the two entities would shortly be working together on a multi-million dollar Say No to Drugs, Crime, Suicide and Say Yes to Sports and Education Campaign across Berbice, Traffic Educational Programme in Region 6 and will also assist less fortunate students and sports clubs with educational materials, footwear and sport gear. The club’s cricket teams made up of numerous West Indies, National and Berbice players would continue to be active on and off the field of play in an effort to make a positive difference. B Division Assistant Commander Ian Amsterdam (Continued on page 33)
Kaieteur News
Friday May 13, 2016
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Mishra, Morris end Sunrisers’ winning run Delhi Daredevils were without captain Zaheer Khan who missed his second game of the season because of a niggle. Chris Morris stepped up and unfurled cutters, fast yorkers, slower yorkers, and bouncers. Amit Mishra tested Sunrisers Hyderabad with googlies and claimed two wickets, both with seam-up balls, clocked at over 110kph. Nathan Coulter-Nile, playing his second game of the season, impressed in the end overs as the bowlers triggered Sunrisers’ disintegration, after a fast start from David Warner. From 80 for 1 after ten overs, Sunrisers finished with 146 for 8. Warner later said that they were 20-30 runs short. Quinton de Kock took charge of the chase. His cuts and pick-up shots flew off his bat. He looked in control until he was given out caught behind by umpire Marais Erasmus after a prolonged appeal. De Kock slashed at a short, wide ball and his helmet fell onto the ground as he completed his stroke, but replays indicated there was no bat involved. When he was dismissed for a 31-ball 44, Daredevils needed 69 off 61 balls and Mustafizur Rahman had three overs left. Sunrisers believed but Sanju Samson
and 18-year-old Rishabh Pant showed nous to end S u n r i s e r s ’ f o u r- m a t c h winning streak. Daredevils’ stand-in captain JP Duminy identified a “collective bowling performance” as the key to their sixth win in ten games. Mishra was introduced into the attack in the 11th over, after offspinner Jayant Yadav completed a tidy spell. Jayant gave the ball plenty of air in his three Powerplay overs. His reward, though, came off a quicker ball when Warner backed away outside leg, played inside the line, and had his leg stump pegged back for 46 off 30 balls. Mishra cranked up his pace in his second over, ending Dhawan’s patient 34 with a 114kph seam-up ball. The fizzer accounted for Yuvraj Singh as well, as a leading edge carried to short fine leg. The shaky middle order was exposed. Mohammed Shami made another dent when he pinned Moises Henriques lbw for a duck. The ball wasn’t coming onto the bat and strokemaking was difficult. Kane Williamson aimed to force the pace before he was bowled by an inswinging Morris full toss for 27 off 24 balls. He capped his spell by kicking an inside edge, that
Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant embrace after guiding their side to a seven-wicket win ©BCCI.
rolled back up the pitch, onto the stumps to effect the run out of Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 1. Deepak Hooda stepped on his stumps off the bowling of Coulter-Nile in the 19th over. Naman Ojha was caught at square leg off a full toss in the last over. This meant that Daredevils picked up five wickets in the last five overs for 33. The returning Mayank Agarwal began brightly with
a lofted drive over mid-on for four. The opener was undone by the slowness of the pitch when he sliced Ashish Nehra to extra cover in the fourth over. An unfazed de Kock hit Nehra for back-to-back boundaries in the same over before cutting Mustafizur for four in the sixth over. De Kock’s blows meant that Daredevils closed the Powerplay at 50 for 1.
H e n r i q u e s , h o w e v e r, dismissed Karun Nair and de Kock in the tenth over to tighten the chase. Samson and Pant took Daredevils home with an unbroken 72-run stand. Pant, in particular, was aggressive against Mustafizur - first launching him over long-on for six and three balls later, whipping the seamer for four past midwicket. Pant plundered 26 off Mustafizur from 13 balls, the
most by any batsman against the Bangladesh seamer in a T20. Samson completed the chase with a pulled six, and the night ended with Nehra warmly embracing Pant. Delhi Daredevils 150 for for 3 (De Kock 44, Pant 39*, Henriques 2-19) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 146 for 8 (Warner 46, Mishra 219, Coulter-Nile 2-25) by seven wickets. (ESPNcricinfo)
Kaieteur News
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GBTI PR and Marketing Manager Ms. Pamela Binda hands over sponsorship cheque to GFF President (ag) Mr. Bruce Lovell.
Friday May 13, 2016
Partners with GFF for Guyana/ Canada match on Sunday The Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI) has officially joined the list of key sponsors who have partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for this Sunday’s
International Friendly between Guyana’s Golden Jaguars and the Canada’s Olympic Team. This was formalised yesterday at a brief presentation ceremony at the B a n k ’s H i g h S t r e e t , Kingston headquarters. Public Relations and Marketing Manager of GBTI, Ms. Pamela Binda expressed her company’s optimism about this partnership: “This is the first time that GBTI has partnered with the GFF and we do hope this is one of many partnerships that will come forth. We are especially proud … since this is our 50th Jubilee anniversary and we can be a part of this historic International Friendly.” In response, Acting President of the GFF, Brigadier Bruce Lovell (Rtd.) expressed the federations satisfaction: “We at the GFF are indeed gratified for the support that
GBTI is giving to us for this International Friendly match, Guyana against Canada and we see it as a harbinger of things to come in the years ahead where we can develop a more fruitful and long-lasting relationship. We are indeed happy that you have chosen football to get involved in sports…” Lovell issued a call for more corporate involvement in football and outlined opportunities: “We certainly hold the view at the Guyana Football Federation that there is a role for corporate and civic Guyana to play in the development of football. In fact we see it as a threefold role where we are hoping we can engage corporate Guyana in what we call the corporate / social responsibility collaboration, social issues advocacy and the third role is where we would like them to be engaged in commercial and investment sponsorship.”
Trinidadian sprint legend Agostini dies
Mike Agostini The IAAF is saddened to learn of the death of former sprinter Mike Agostini, who died yesterday at the age of 81 after suffering from pancreatic cancer. Born in January 1935 in the Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, Agostini was an all-round sportsman who enjoyed soccer, boxing and athletics. He first came to international prominence on his 19th birthday when he beat Olympic champion Lindy Remigino to set a world indoor best over 100 yards in Washington. Later that year, he won
the 100 yards title at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, coming out on top in a much-hyped dual against Australia’s Hector Hogan. In 1955, representing British West Indies, he took the 100m silver and 200m bronze at the Pan American Games in Mexico City. In 1956, he was denied world records on two occasions due to technical faults. In March he clocked 20.1 in the 220 yards, but the (Continued on page 33)
Kaieteur News
Friday May 13, 2016
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Trophy Stall Independence Open and Age Group Badminton Tourney The Trophy Stall Independence Open and Age Group Badminton tournament served off on Wednesday last at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with play in the Open Men’s Singles, Under-17 Boys and Girls Singles categories. Following are the results o f t h e d a y ’s a c t i o n : Open Men Singles Marlon Chang defeated Akili Haynes: 21-12, 21-11; Avinash Odit got past Gokarn Ramdhani: 2115, 21-12; Jonathan Mangra trounced Chet Bowling: 21-6, 21-7; P r i y a n n a R a m d h ani thumped Sekhar
Priyanna Ramdhani (left) in her match against Sekhar Mallampati. Mallampati: 21-3, 21-6 (Priyanna played in the Men’s Division since there was not much competition i n t h e L a d i e s
Division).Under-17 Girls Semi-Finals Priyanka Shivnauth squeezed past Gabriela Pertab: 22-20, 16-21, 11-21
Under-17 Boys Singles Round Robin Tyreese Jeffrey defeated Tyreese Richards: 21-5, 252 3
Due to a Power outage the tournament had to finish earlier than expected and was scheduled to continue yesterday
afternoon. Tomorrow, the Under-11 and 13 events will be played off from 10:00hrs.
Kaieteur News
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Friday May 13, 2016
Cozier’s passing Cricket Australia mourned by RHTY&SC hails media titan TC Melbourne, Australia, CMC – Cricket Australia has paid tribute to the late Tony Cozier, highlighting his key role in the ground-breaking Wo r l d S e r i e s C r i c k e t staged here during the late 1970s. Cozier, the preeminent cricket broadcaster and print journalist, died in his native Barbados on Wednesday following a brief hospitalization. He was 75. “Like generations before me I had the great privilege of listening to Tony Cozier bring Caribbean cricket to millions of Australians,” CA’s chief executive, James Sutherland, said. ”His mellow West Indian accent, astute observations and clever turn of phrase added to the colour and excitement of Caribbean tours to Australia. “Tony was also a pioneer as a founding commentator of World Series Cricket, when the game lit up with day-night matches, changing cricket forever.” Cozier’s career spanned nearly six decades, in which time he became widely acclaimed as the ‘voice of
Tony Cozier (right) doing what he did best, commentary. West Indies cricket’. His first international commentary stint came on Australia’s 1965 tour of the Caribbean, and he went on to work for nearly every major international media entity, including ABC and Channel Nine here. He was also a member of BBC’s popular radio cricket commentary programme, Test Match Special, and featured prominently during England’s tour of the Caribbean last year. “As an informative and colourful journalist he kept the cricket world abreast of a
diverse and exotic region which has so embraced the game,” Sutherland continued. ”Tony will be sadly missed around the world, including by many former and current Australian cricketers and fans who held deep affection for him and his commentary talents. “The thoughts of the Australian cricket community are with his family and many friends at this sad time.” Cozier was married to Jillian and had two children, Craig and Natalie.
The Management and members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S has expressed sadness following the death of legendary cricket journalist and commentator, Tony Cozier. The club said in a release that Cozier was not only a Caribbean icon but the voice of West Indies Cricket. West Indies cricket, in its current state cannot afford to lose such a stalwart, whose contribution to the game in the Caribbean would never be forgotten, the club noted. Cricket to some is a passion but to Tony Cozier it was his life and with his sudden death, the West Indies has lost an honest, hardworking and highly knowledgeable servant of the game. We shall all miss his legendary voice, his commitment to West Indies cricket in good and bad times and his honesty in his commentary and articles. The commentary box in the Caribbean would never
be the same as most listeners always looked forward to hearing Tony Cozier and for most of us, his voice would always remain in our ears. Long before the advent of Television, it was legends like Cozier, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perriera, Henry Blofeld, Brian Johnson and Fred Truman who teased our imagination on the radio. For the passionate cricket readers, the Sunday Stabroek News would not be the same again as we all looked f o r w a r d t o h i s weekly articles which were well researched, to the point and quite passionate about the future of West
Indies cricket. It is the sincere hope of the RHT Y & S C t h a t a l l of the administrators of West Indies c r i c k e t c a n unite as one and work for the betterment of the game as an everlasting tribute to this outstanding West Indies icon. We would like to extend our profound sympathy to the family and friends of Tony Cozier and hope that God would guide them during this difficult time. The club would honour the late Tony Cozier, a hero to most of our members in a special way later this year, the release ends.
STAG / WDFA Senior League continues tomorrow Two more matches will be played tomorrow at the Den Amstel ground when the Stag / West Demerara Football Association senior league continues.
Uitvlugt will come up against Golden Warriors in the first match at 13:30hrs with eth main event between home team Den A m s t e l a n d Yo u n g Achievers.
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Friday May 13, 2016
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Canada based former VP donates equipment to Campton FC Former Vice President of the Campbellville based Camptown Football Club (CFC) Mark Fanfair who is a former Vice President and player of the club earlier this week donated a set of equipment to the club to assist in its continued development. Fanfair who is currently the coordinator of Guyanese soccer in Canada for the past 15+ years, handed over a complete set of uniforms to CFC President Romel Richmond at the club’s ground, First Street, Campbellville. Balls and bibs also formed part of the package which Fanfair said is to aid in the encouragement and development of players at the club which was once a household name in the Georgetown Football Association and Guyana. ”This donation to my
former club is just a small way of encouraging the new executive and players. I have always been supporting because I love the sport and will always give back to assist, especially with the young players which is vital.” Club President Romel Richmond in accepting the equipment noted that it is timely since they are looking for a sponsor to assist. “I would like to convey the gratitude of the club to Mr. Fanfair for his timely donation to us, a club he has helped to build over the years as a former player and administrator. The uniforms and balls would go a long way in helping to shape a good future for us as we work towards reclaiming the former glory of the club in Georgetown and Guyana.” Richmond also informed that CFC has keen on youth
Mark Fanfair (left) hands over one of the balls to CFC President Romel Richmond as club members display some of the other donated items. development, is working on enhancing its ground and will soon be rolling out its plan for community involvement noting that the community has always been important in the life of CFC.
Fanfair also shared that he is currently in Guyana to be part of the Jubilee Anniversary celebrations as well as to support the Golden Jaguars in their match on Sunday against Canada’s
Under-23 Olympic team. He informed that he runs an annual Independence football competition in Canada and this year’s activity is set for July 2nd where teams from New York
including Pele and Camptown and another from Atlanta will all be part of what promises to be an exciting competition in celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
It’s an honour to have football as a Jubilee event - Shabazz The Golden Jaguars, Guyana’s National Football team, will battle the Canadian Olympic Under23 team in a International Friendly at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Sunday. The feature game of the double header commences at 19:00hrs after Digicel Secondary Schools C h a m p i o n s Christianburg/Wismar faceoff in what should a riveting schools match-up with
Georgetown Milo Champs, Chase Academy from 16:00hrs. Yesterday, Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars Jamaal Shabazz said it was an honor to have football as a part of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and is encouraging Guyanese to attend all events to mark this Country’s 50th anniversary and not to miss the football. The Trinidadian-born Shabazz demonstrated a good knowledge of
Jamaal Shabazz and Assistant Coach Wayne Dover talk tactics at the Golden Jaguars practice session at Providence yesterday.
Guyana’s history pointing out that since 1958 Jagan and Burnham began the foundation for Guyana becoming an Independent nation 50 years ago. He urged the fans to come with their yellow shirts and national flags to show unity as they support the Golden Jaguars. “The recent rain has been a challenge since grounds to practice are unavailable but today (yesterday) is a happy day for me since we have been allowed to train here (Stadium). Five days of this and we would be ready for Brazil” Shabazz remarked. ”Getting a full size ground to practice on has been a challenge but with the help of the Director of Sports Christopher Jones and Mr Anthony Xavier, who is now my best friend after fighting with him to use the Stadium, we are here today (yesterday)” Shabazz said. Shabazz informed that three or four overseas based players are in the squad but stressed that the majority of the players in the team have been playing in Stag Elite League. ”Playing against Canada will be a good test for the young players. We wanted to give the younger players a chance to get exposure and
experience since having a team with all of the overseas guys would not have benefited them much in a game like this,” explained Shabazz. He said that a win would be a good Independence anniversary gift to the nation
adding that after this game he would be in a better position to judge how organized the team is on the pitch. ”The senior guys, including the Captain, are not likely to start but if we need a win and they are needed they will play,”
Shabazz disclosed. Shabazz said he had a look at the opposition on tape and they are a well organised and professional bunch and should provide a stern test to the Guyanese team. (Sean Devers)
t r o Sp
Montagliani is new Thompson CONCACAF President erases Pompey’s national 200m record Members of CONCACAF and FIFA Councils elected President of CONCACAF Victor Montagliani.
Brenessa Thompson -Sports-Max
It’s an honour to have Football as a Jubilee event - Shabazz
The Golden Jaguars go through their paces at Providence yesterday.
Trophy Stall Independence Open and Age Group Badminton Tourney Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210