Kaieteur News

Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

MORE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CORREIA GROUP OF COMPANIES DEAR EDITOR; Minister Patterson has kindly undertaken a review of the lease between the Government of Guyana and Ogle Airport Inc (OAI) which would be instructive. The National Air Transport Association (NATA) is appreciative of this effort after their collective experiences of unjust and unfair treatment by OAI were brought to his attention. The Government of Guyana, in good faith, leased four hundred and fifty acres of state land to OAI to develop and manage “in an equitable and fair manner” but this has not been the case. Erosion of the governance of the airport by an imbalance in the board of OAI coincided with the manipulations of its Chairman who after establishing a board that would endorse his policies, then turned his attention to land use as an anti-competitive tool. A Land Committee comprised of his sibling and two other directors affiliated to his group of companies was set up. Upon learning of this committee and being fully aware of the obvious ramifications on the other domestic Guyanese aircraft operators, I pleaded for representation and was bluntly refused. With no consultation whatsoever with any of the aircraft operators not represented on the OAI board, this land committee

then drafted the most draconian new land lease. Some of the untenable recommendations were increased land-lease charges, insurance requirements by leases that also included the leasor (OAI), initial payments which in some cases were several tens of millions of dollars to be used “as necessary” by the leasor (OAI) the leasor’s (OAI) right to repossess the leasees facility with no arbitration considerations, etc. What is instructive is the land committee, whilst penalising new leasees, deliberately turned a blind eye to the rampant land speculation by some companies including subsidiaries of the Correia Group who had leased land at the airport since 2003, with the clear condition to develop within three years. These remain undeveloped presently. That the lawyers of the Correia Group of Companies, who is also the lawyers for OAI and the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana would approve such predatory conditionalities by this committee when they are aware that it was exactly such anti-competitive behaviour that had caused a complaint to be filed against OAI to the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission(CCAC) in 2013, is shocking. The lawyers for NATA’s members, upon review of the initial document, advised their

clients that if they signed it in its present state they would in effect be “signing their death warrant”. They provided recommendations to the Chairman but seven months later most which would give their clients much needed protection remain outstanding. The most recent assault by a member of this land committee is an attempt to allocate blame where it does not lie. One of the new leasees was written to and the letter inferred that as he was on the OAI board he had in essence approved the work of the land committee. OAI’s practice has been to create documentation when needed to defend inappropriate behaviour and to restrict access to it when it is needed to expose same. For example, despite the two independent directors, requesting a copy of the landlease register since 2013 this has not been provided to date. When the Government of Guyana leased four hundred and fifty of state land to OAI the investors were committed to the genuine development of this public utility. It was unimaginable that land would ever be used as an anticompetitive tool which has been the case. OAI’s land-use policy, which should have catered for the contiguous development of the aircraft operators was singularly myopic as they did exactly the opposite. With no

consideration whatsoever to the logistical and safety considerations to an aircraft operator being forced to manage their operations from several sites at the airport, they used land allocation as an anticompetitive tool. The Correia Mining Company (CMC) has its offices next to Trans Guyana Airways, the owner of large amounts of undeveloped land directly behind both companies. This mining company was leased all the land directly behind Air Services Limited, on the opposite side of the airport for its use as a car park and container storage. Land leased to companies with aircraft, to be developed within clear timelines, despite failing to do so yet these companies allowed to retain their leases. In some instances OAI has acted as the broker to have the small operators, who cannot afford land become tenants to the delinquent landlord. These and many more severe discriminatory action by OAI resulted in the Government of Guyana writing OAI in 2011 to advise that any land allocation at Ogle Airport should receive the no-objection of Cabinet. NATA would be grateful for this Government’s attention to this distressing situation as we need to have a level playing field. Annette Arjoon-Martins NATA President

Tribute to Professor Perry Mars DEAR EDITOR; It was with utter shock and consternation that I glanced at the Kaiteur News headline ”Retired Professor bound, strangled in home” and learnt it was Professor Pariedeau Mars, known to his friends and colleagues as “Perry”. My deepest sympathy is extended to his spouse Joan Mars and his family. It appears now that everyone in Guyana, from pauper to priest is fair game to crime and criminality of every stripe – from petty theft to hideous murder. The violence in Guyana is endemic and all theories and

ongoing discussion and about its origins and solution(s) has reached a dead end, to put it mildly. It is both national trauma and tragedy. What I can say without any doubt, is that the criminals who committed this act, ate Perry’s food, and made off with his valuables, would not have taken a single book from his home. Only a few months ago Perry had proposed a web page on Guyanese history to a few of us (former University of Guyana History society members) at home and in the diaspora. We were in communication about various ideas for other projects. He was a fine political analyst, crisp writer and always had an abiding interest in

solutions to political and ethnic unity in Guyana. His book Ideology and Change: The Transformation of the Caribbean Left, is a master work for understanding the political complexity of political parties of the left in the Caribbean and Guyana. He also wrote, among his scores of articles, a piece I was always attracted to, “The Guyana Diaspora and Homeland Conflict Resolution”, a powerful treatise on the potential role of the diaspora in Guyana’s affairs. The great irony is that Perry bravely returned to the homeland to write and think about the issues that embodied his life’s work. When requiring a critical, forensic eye for a draft of any

academic paper, I would often send it to Perry. His brilliant mind could easily pick out the weaknesses and his advice was invaluable. Many moons ago I sold the WPA’s newspaper Dayclean in Prashad Nagar and surrounding areas, and to go to the Mars’ house was always a delight. In typical Guyanese style Perry would advise, tease and remonstrate with me, depending on the content of the Dayclean. When I think of Perry’s shocking end and the consistency and nature of crime and other tribulations in Guyana I am reminded of the haunting but strikingly prophetic words of Martin Carter in 1963: ”The alchemists sought to find the philosopher’s stone which would transmute base metals into gold. Guyanese society contains that which transmutes anything of value into base matter.” Nigel Westmaas

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OPEN LETTER TO THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SECURITY DEAR EDITOR; Minister Ramjatttan, this is an open letter to you. A few career criminals are on the loose. Why do they have to kill their victims? All societies - rich and poor - have these bandits. Bandits in some societies, however, have an HONOR CODE - they will take your money - but would not kill. Guyanese bandits do not hesitate to torture and kill their victims. Even when there is no need to kill, they kill. (Wakenaam businessman is a case in point; Perry Mars is another). I happen to know Perry Mars personally. He is a true patriot. He chose to retire in his native country. He did not deserve to be killed by bandits - a scourge that is sweeping this nation - and the govt. does nothing about it. I ask that you develop a Carrot and Stick strategy to deal with this National problem. (1) THE CARROT. Promote an Honor Code that simply teaches criminals Not to Torture and Kill their victims. Develop a handbook to teach this concept. Send your Social Workers into the prisons to teach the Honor Code. Recruit reformed and former bandits to teach in the program. (2) THE STICK. Pass a law with the following elements: (a) Swift Justice: If a bandit who has just killed his victim is caught within a few hours, have him tried by a military tribunal. If he is found guilty, have him executed by firing squad - all within 5-days. (b) Set the law to expire at the end of 12-months. The idea is to send a “Shock and Awe” message to all would-be criminals. If this category of “torture and kill” crimes is not reduced by 90% in 12-months, the parliament can debate whether to extend the law for another12-months. As Minister responsible for public safety, you do not have the option to do nothing while this “torture and kill” category of homicides escalates. Many leaders around the world, including Jagdeo, became enamored of Mayor Giuliani who was very successful in reducing the crime rate in NYC. (in the 1980’s the annual homicide rate was 2600; today it is less than 400). The truth about Giuliani is that he did not hesitate to take draconian measures to deal with tough situations. You may or may not choose to emulate Giuliani; however, you should take note that these types of killings that are taking place in Guyana in recent weeks are not your regular run-of-the-mill homicides. And, therefore, Govt. needs to gear up to deal with this new challenge. You need a tougher Shock and Awe law that carries a heavy dose of deterrence. It is time for you to act. Build a reputation for yourself (as Giuliani did for himself) and save this country at the same time. Mike Persaud

THE FRIGHTENING THING IS THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE EVIL DEAR EDITOR; There have been many editorials written on crime, violence and murders in the country. But one cannot help but continue to write on these issues because almost every day there are headlines in the papers about murders, armed robberies and violence. The robbery at the Princess Ramada Hotel Casino clearly suggests that now where is safe in Guyana. Also, it seems as though women are an endangered species in Guyana. The murders of the “maid of honor,” Simone Hackette by her child father and a taxi driver is tragic and Bagwanttie Persaud by her reputed husband at Rose Hall, Corentyne are tragic reminders that women are not safe anywhere, not even in their homes. However, most murderers are not really monsters, they are evil human beings. And that is the most frightening thing about them. Their gunplay has petrified society and the citizens, including the elderly who are glued to their homes at night, terror-stricken. Although the police are inclined to have the people believe that crime has declined, the population is in panic mode and there is no end in sight to this scourge. Statistics show that murders, armed robberies and rapes have increased substantially in the first three and a half months of the year with a distinct spike in gun violence throughout the country but police are apprehending the criminals faster now than before. Murder and armed robbery are disastrous, ruinous and profoundly lamentable. However low the number is, they are catastrophic and not acceptable or remotely comforting to the nation. Every murder is the loss of a life, the Continued on page 23

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Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

One year in, APNU+AFC still to satisfy its 100-day plan By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell Ten out of twenty one! That is the score secured by the APNU+AFC government for its first year in government. That score was calculated on what the government had promised to do in its first 100 days in office. And 365 days in, only 11 of the 21 measures have been achieved. First on the list, APNU+AFC promised, a reduction in the Berbice Bridge toll. After months of deliberation, the government and the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) were to strike a deal to reduce the toll for crossing the bridge. The agreement, which covers the provision of a Government subsidy to BBCI, took effect from January 1, this year allowing for the bridge toll to be reduced from $2200 to $1900 for passenger cars and buses, along with a 10 per cent reduction for other classes of vehicles. Next, the government promised “significant” increase in salaries. “Significant” increases were to be given to “government workers, including nurses; teachers from primary to tertiary levels education; security personnel and civil servants on the traditional payroll. In the 2015 Budget, the government offered a five percent increase and increase to all workers while it gave its Minister 50 percent increases. Also, the government increased the minimum wage to $50,000 from $39,540. No increase was offered in the

2016 Budget, since the government said that it was awaiting collective bargaining. The promised phased reduction to the Value Added Tax (VAT) remains unfilled. The 16 percent tariff has been seen by citizens as a stifling burden. But it has been raking in billions annually for consecutive Governments. Last year alone, VAT collections brought home $35.4B, representing a 5.2 percent decline over that of 2014. Explaining the absence of the VAT reduction rate, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that a government-appointed Tax Reform Committee only submitted its report on January 18, long after the Cabinet had studied a number of measures for the new budget. According to Jordan, reduction of VAT is not as easy as one may assume. According to the Minister, it is the view by some analysts that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is leaking billions as it relates to zerorated items. “We have zero-rated so many items, that there are virtually no more items to be zero-rated when it comes to the consumer, poor persontype of items.” To reduce VAT, Government will have to be careful how it treads, the Minister warned. Government will have to study the country’s revenue potential and any reduction will have an impact. Already there is no VAT on water or electricity rates.

President Granger (far left) poses with other government officials

While there has been an increase in old age pension, was it “significant” as promised? Last year, the old age pensions got an increase from $13,125 per month to $17,000 per month then they got a further $1,200 increase come April 1. The government had promised that a “reduction of the presidents’ pension and other benefits will be recommended and referred to a special select committee of the National Assembly for determination. While this has not been done, the government passed the Former Presidents (Benefits and other Facilities) Bill of 2015. This essentially put a cap on the benefits offered to former presidents. The Bill to cap the benefits was unanimously passed in the National Assembly during the time when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

refused to take up its seats. The explanatory memorandum of the Bill says that it will repeal the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act of 2009, and replace it to provide greater specificity. The burden that the lifestyle of former President Bharrat Jagdeo placed on the Treasury was the focal point of speeches presented by those who spoke to the Bill. Because of this, former Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar moved to the courts to get what they view as their “fundamental rights.” The former Presidents have caused the writs to be filed in the High Court since November 11. Attorney General, Basil Williams announced that the former Presidents are seeking to “in effect receive the large sums of money” in benefits and other facilities that were

capped on the coming into operation of the Former Presidents (Benefits and other Facilities) Act of 2015. According to the Writ, Jagdeo and Ramotar are contending that the Act of 2015 should only affect the benefits of future Presidents. The other former President, Samuel Hinds has so far not complained about the capped benefits. There was to be an establishment of passport and birth certificate licensing offices in Berbice Essequibo and Linden; this is still to happen. In the mean time, residents from outlying areas continue to clamor for such vital services to move closer to where they live as it is not only time-consuming, but also costly to travel to Georgetown where the only passport office is located. Number seven on the list was the return of television station to Lindeners. This promised has been fulfilled. The government has also waived duties on fuel, tools and small scale mining equipment bought by identifiable holders of small concessions. .Another achievement was the holding of Local Government Elections. However, the Public Procurement Commission is still to be established. Although, technically, one cannot blame the government for this since the establishment of the commission is in the hands of Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Irfaan Ali. The government achieved the “Establishment of a National Cane Workers and Cane Farmers Conference” as well as the “establishment of a National Rice Farmers and Rice

Millers Conference.” APNU+AFC promised the “establishment of an Investigative Commission on Corruption. Kaieteur News understands that this came in the form of the State Assets Recovery Unity (SARU). SARU has indeed been investigation some levels of corruption. However, it is yet to look at a case of something that happened under the new government. There was to be an establishment of Task Forces: on Crime & Security and on Road Safety, this is outstanding. The APNU+AFC promised a National Conference of Women to be held and a bi-partisan Women’s Working Group established as part of the Healing the Nation & National Unity thrust of the APNU+AFC. It also promised to have the Gender Policy collectively drafted by women from across Guyana as an output from the conference. While the conference was held, nothing was heard about the Gender Policy. Importantly, the coalition has promised that a Code of Conduct will be established for Parliamentarians, Ministers and others holding high positions in government. That remains, for the longest while, at a draft stage. “The National Youth Council will be convened and its mandate, terms of reference and programme of action produced for endorsement at a National Youth Conference.” It is not clear what is meant by this promise since there was a National Youth Council. Nevertheless, the youth conference was held indeed but the National Youth Policy (Continued on page 12)

Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

Philippine president-elect Duterte vows to kill criminals AFP - Philippines’ president-elect Rodrigo Duterte vowed yesterday to reintroduce capital punishment and give security forces “shoot-to-kill” orders in a devastating war on crime. In his first press conference since winning the May 9 elections in a landslide, the tough-talking mayor of southern Davao city warned his campaign threats to kill were not rhetoric. “What I will do is urge Congress to restore (the) death penalty by hanging,” Duterte, 71, told a press conference in Davao. He also said he would give security forces “shootto-kill” orders against organised criminals or those who violently resisted arrest. “If you resist, show violent resistance, my order to police (will be) to shoot to kill. Shoot to kill for organised crime. You heard that? Shoot to kill for every organised crime,” he said. He said military sharp shooters would be enlisted in his campaign to kill criminals. Duterte also vowed to introduce a 2:00am curfew on drinking in public places, and ban children from walking on the streets alone late at night. If children were picked up

Rodrigo Duterte on the streets, their parents would be arrested and thrown into jail for “abandonment”, Duterte said. Duterte said he wanted capital punishment — which was abolished in 2006 under then-president Gloria Arroyo — to be reintroduced for a wide r a n g e o f c r i m e s , particularly drugs, but also rape, murder and robbery. He added he preferred death by hanging to a firing squad because he did not want to waste bullets, and because he believed snapping the spine with a noose was more humane. The centrepiece of Duterte’s stunningly successful election campaign strategy was a pledge to end crime within three to six

months of being elected. Duterte vowed during the campaign to kill tens of thousands criminals, outraging his critics but hypnotising tens of millions of Filipinos fed up with rampant crime and graft. On one occasion he said 100,000 people would die, and so many bodies would be dumped in Manila Bay that the fish would grow fat from feeding on them. He complained on Sunday that people no longer feared the law, and he would change that. “We have a society now where obedience to the law is really a choice, an option only,” he said. “Do not destroy my country because I will kill you. I will kill you. No middle ground. As long as the requirements of the law are there, if you try to evade arrest, refuse arrest... and you put up a good fight or resist violently, I will say: ‘Kill them’.” Duterte is due to be sworn into office on June 30 for a six-year term. The current president, Benigno Aquino, warned repeatedly during the campaign that Duterte was a dictator in the making and would bring terror to the nation.

Islamic State Yemen suicide bomber kills 25 police recruits ADEN (Reuters) - A suicide bomber killed at least 25 new recruits inside a police compound in the southern Yemeni city of Mukalla yesterday in an attack claimed by Islamic State, medical and security sources said. The victims were queuing up to register when the bomb, which wounded 25 others, went off, the sources said. It was the second deadly blast in four days to hit the city, a hub for al Qaeda before the militant group was pushed out last month in an offensive by Yemeni troops backed by a Saudi-led coalition. In a message on its online news agency Amaq, Islamic State said yesterday’s attacker was a “martrydomseeker” who had detonated his explosive belt. It said around 40 died in the attack. The city’s security director, Mubarak alAwthaban, who was at a nearby office when the suicide bomber struck the Fowa camp in the southern part of Mukalla, survived, security sources said. Before being forced out, al Qaeda militants took advantage of more than a year of war between the Iran-allied Houthis and supporters of the Saudi-backed President

Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to carve out a mini-state stretching across much of the southern coast, including Mukalla. Their militant rivals in Yemen’s branch of Islamic State have carried out a series of suicide attacks on all parties to Yemen’s tangled conflict. The growing Islamist militant threat has led the Houthis and the Yemeni government to embark on peace talks now under way in Kuwait. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Arab countries intervened in the war in March

2015 in support of the government, which had been swept into exile by the Houthis. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State view the Arab coalition as a pawn of the West and see the Shi’ite Muslim Houthis as apostates deserving death. The U.S. military announced last week it had deployed a small number of personnel to Yemen to aid in the fight against AQAP, its first troop presence in the country since the Houthi takeover.

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Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

Haiti’s Parliament to JCC joins with Commonwealth meet in emergency Business Groups in opposing Brexit session tomorrow PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - (CMC) – Haiti’s Interim President Jocelerme Privert has called an emergency meeting of Parliament tomorrow to discuss a number of issues amid fears by opposition politicians that he could use the occasion to further delay presidential elections in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country. According to the decree issued by Privert, the Parliament with many of the law makers on annual leave, will discuss issues ranging from the draft penal code to a law creating a basic public service in communal sections. But political observers note that “nothing appears in the agenda concerning the non-holding of elections provided for in the agreement of 6 February”. They said that contrary to what some parliamentarians say, nothing in the agreement could force the Privert “to explain the failure to respect the planned timetable concerning the absence or delay of elections within the framework of its mandate”. Under the February 6 agreement, a new head of state to replace Michel Martelly, who left office on February 7 without a successor being elected, should have been sworn in on May 14. The third round of the presidential poll was scheduled for late April and Privert has said that it probably would take place later this year without giving a timeframe. Under the agreement, the term of the Interim president lasts for 120 days and according to Article 7 “The mandate of the temporary President is up to 120 days from the date of installation. If necessary the National Assembly will take the necessary arrangements”. Prior to going on leave, many of the senators and deputies, who will return to their jobs on June 13, openly stated their concerns about the work of the Electoral Verification Commission that is chaired by a former member of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), Francois Benoit. Some of the legislators openly expressed fears that Privert could take advantage of their absence to dissolve parliament, with the help of the Verification Commission in order to stay in power beyond the terms of the February 5 agreement.

The Gleaner - The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) has joined other business-interest groups across the Commonwealth in opposing a possible exit of the United Kingdom from the 28-country European Union (EU). “We consider the arrangement indispensable for Jamaica’s economic sustainability and of great importance to the prosperity of our countries,” Warren McDonald, president of the JCC, said in a joint statement with Commonwealth businessinterest group leaders. “In large measure, our access to the EU has been through the gateway of the UK by virtue of our long and durable relationship. We are therefore very hopeful that the UK will make the choice to remain inside the EU,” McDonald added. The JCC’s opposition comes even though the EU mission here has assured that Britain’s exit would not have any impact on Jamaica. “The relations between the EU and Jamaica are quite good as things are going very well both in political and economic terms as it has been for the past 40 years,” said Jesus Orus

Warren McDonald Baguena, charge d’ affaires of the European Union (EU) Delegation in Jamaica, in an earlier interview. “We have gone through phases, but overall, I think it’s quite a good relationship,” he added. With a referendum imminent to decide on whether the UK should remain in the EU, reactions have been varied. Prime Minister David Cameron and 16 members of the Cabinet have so far expressed their opposition to a decision to exit the EU. And it appears that opposition to a possible exit is growing among key stakeholders of the British economy. The International

Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Britain’s exit would result in economic instability due to increases in interest rates and volatility in the financial markets. Carolyn Fairbairn, director general of the Confederation of British Industries (CBI), said “remaining in the European Union and trading with some of our closest Commonwealth allies are not mutually exclusive – they are mutually reinforcing.” She explained that “the UK has the best of both worlds by being able to trade easily with nations both from the Commonwealth and from the EU. Our membership of the EU gives us a home market of 500 million customers, while EU trade deals open up new opportunities in markets across the world, including our historic Commonwealth friends.” As the UK’s third largest foreign direct investor, the director general of the Confederation of Indian Industry, Chandrajit Banerjee, said access to the European market is one of the main reasons why Indian businesses invest in the UK and warned that “anything that lessens this attractiveness may have a

bearing on future investment decisions”. John Manley, the president and chief executive of the Canada Business Council, echoed similar sentiments. “Canadian companies invest more in the UK than anywhere else in the world except for the US, and they do so in large measure because they consider the UK a gateway to the rest of Europe,” he said. Khanyisile Kweyama, chief executive of Business Unity South Africa, said “we want the UK to remain in the EU, to build a more prosperous Commonwealth, Africa and Europe”. Carole Kariuki, chief executive officer of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, feels the inclusion of the UK influences the EU to be more outward looking, which is beneficial to countries like Kenya and the Commonwealth in general. “The UK’s influence makes the EU significantly more outward looking, beyond Europe’s shores and in the direction of growing markets the world over,” Kariuki said. June 23 has been set as the day for Britons to vote in the referendum.

Monday May 16, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Guyanese would rob even God Guyana is a country teeming with criminals. A world famous boxer once came to Guyana to a rousing welcome. Everyone wanted to embrace him and he was only too willing to stretch out his hand to greet them. He did this once too often and lost his wristwatch. The reason most of our farmers cannot diversify into other crops that would be more profitable than rice is because of theft. The reason Guyana cannot produce pasteurized milk and cheese is because the cattle industry is stagnated due to rustling. Farmers are the hardest workers in Guyana. They work in the fields all day and at nights they have to go into the back dam to sleep with

their animals so as to protect them from theft. This is why so many stick with rice even though they are losing. They will lose more if they go into other crops. They will plant and others will reap. There too many thieves to count in Guyana. People are raiding clotheslines. People are coming into your yards and stealing your plant pots. People are stealing whatever they can get their hands on. And there are people who are buying or collecting the stolen property from these criminals. School children are molested on their way from school. Big boys are “sticking them up” with knives and ice picks and taking away their money and their cellular

phones. In which other country in the world are school children afraid to walk the streets? This is not merely a security problem. There are women who take pride in the fact that their man is a “thief man”. There are people who see what other people have worked hard for and plot how to deprive these people. How can any country progress when there is so much stealing? There was a time when people felt that the problem could be traced to politics. The argument was that if the “big boys” are stealing, the “small man” would do the same. That is a false argument. The dishonest “big boys” are themselves products of a

criminalized society. Making a hustle now has more than one interpretation. It can mean making a dollar but it can also mean making a dishonest dollar. And there are a lot of people making dishonest dollars in this country. There are a lot of people on the “wrong-type” of hustle. It got worse with Independence. There was a time in colonial Guyana when people used to be ashamed of having a member of their family involved in crime. They used to go to great lengths to hide the criminal activity of their family members. These days, people who engage in dishonest activities are cult heroes in Guyana. The suspected drug lords always seem to walk with large entourages of friends and concubines who are proud to be associated with the criminal underworld. The criminals in Guyana are so brazen they would rob even God. Years ago, parents who wanted to know what their kids wanted for Christmas would encourage them to write a letter to God asking for their heart’s desire. The parents would then open the

letter go and buy whatever the child requested from God and place it under the Christmas tree. A few years ago, a parent told his son that if he wrote to God that his Christmas wish would be granted. The son agreed to write the letter. The son took out a piece of paper and began to write, “Dear Baby Jesus, I have been a good boy the whole year, so I want a new...” He looked at it, then crumples it up into a ball and throws it away. He got out a new piece of paper and wrote again, “Dear baby Jesus, I have been a

good boy for most of the year, so I want a new...” He again looked at the paper and with disgust and threw it in the wastepaper basket. He then went into his mother’s room and took up a statue of the Virgin Mary. He placed the statue in the closet, and locked the door. He then took up another piece of paper and wrote, “Dear baby Jesus. If you ever want to your see your mother again...”

El Salvador refuses to recognize Brazil’s new government San Salvador (AFP) - El Salvador has said it refuses to recognize the new Brazilian government put in place after President Dilma Rousseff was suspended to face an impeachment trial. Left-wing President Salvador Sanchez Ceren said in a statement Saturday that Rousseff ’s ouster had “the appearance of a coup d’etat.” In a speech, the leader of the Central American nation explained: “We have analyzed the situation and taken the decision to not recognize the interim government of Brazil because there was political manipulation.” He said he was recalling El Salvador’s ambassador to Brazil, who had already received orders not to attend any official ceremony involving Rousseff’s interim replacement, Vice President Michel Temer.

Monday May 16, 2016

Some of the caterpillars which wreaked havoc

Caterpillar invasion of cassava farms…

Wakapoa residents receive chemicals from NAREI Farmers of Wakapoa and satellite communities, Region Two, are pleased that chemicals provided by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) were effective in destroying caterpillars that infested their farms earlier this month. The caterpillars, which infested the farmlands at Wakapoa, Curimaru, Myrie and Yarrashirima affected the leaves of over 200 acres of cassava plants. Stanley Emanuel is one of the many farmers whose farm was affected by the caterpillar infestation. Of his two and half acres of cassava farm only half an acre was saved from the pest. Had it not been for NAREI’s intervention the prospect of reviving the other two acres would have been bleak, he indicated. According to Emanuel, farmers are grateful for the assistance offered by NAREI. Extension Officers of NAREI have been working with farmers since the report was made on Wednesday, May 4, 2016.

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Kaieteur News

Following the report, Extension Officers visited the communities to assess the situation. Chemicals and blowers were sent into the area for farmers to tackle the pest. Demonstrations were done to enlighten farmers of how much chemical to use and how to handle the blower for optimal results. Emanuel found NAREI’s response to be highly effective since there are no caterpillars visible now. However, he is heeding NAREI’s advice to monitor his farm regularly for any signs of the pest. Another farmer who shared his experience with NAREI is Joel Smith. His entire three and half acres of farmlands were destroyed by the pest. He is thankful for the assistance from NAREI but is troubled about his finances. “The fields damage real bad…I am happy the chemicals really helped…they don’t have any caterpillar right now but I have to wait and see how this crop turn out,” Smith said.

Family condemns GPHC for discharging patient with urinary retention A family is demanding answers after a 21-year-old bed-ridden man was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday although he has been unable to pass urine for the pass four days. Paul Emptage of Lot 44 New Settlers Street, Mocha, East Bank Demerara was taken to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital Friday afternoon after his sister observed that he was not passing urine. Emptage has been confined to a bed for over a year now after receiving injuries to his foot while working in a mining camp at Mahdia. However, family members are adamant that his current state is as a result of tetanus injections among other injections he was given while receiving treatment for his injuries at the Mahdia Hospital. His aunt, Rosaline Caser told Kaieteur News, “He (Emptage) was working in a pit and he get lash with a wire rope. The wire rope fly up out the pit and lash he on the foot. He said that when he come out the pit he was feeling bad pain and went home.” Caesar recalled that he visited the Mahdia Hospital and was given a series of injections including tetanus. After his visit to the Mahdia Hospital, the aunt added that he went home to get some rest and later realized that he was unable to move when his mother come calling for him. “We feel that this thing stem from them injections that they gave him with that tetanus”, she lamented. After receiving treatment at that hospital Emptage was transported

to the city and admitted to GPHC where he was discharged after a few months. A bed ridden Emtage was left in care of his family who willingly tended to his every need. However, his condition got worse last Friday. “Friday afternoon we notice he running a temperature and Jane (Emptage’s sister) tell me that this morning Paul aint pee. So I seh wah he aint pee? We gonna carry he to Diamond Hospital and see why he aint pee. She (Jane) said that he crying out for his belly”, Caesar related. On a visit to the Diamond Hospital, the aunt said that doctors conducted an emergency ultrasound and noticed that there was mass around h i s b l a d d e r, w h i c h i s causing blockage to his urinal track. Caesar stated that doctors at the institution explained that they could not have dealt with her n e p h e w ’s condition and referred him to the GPHC. The aunt said that doctors informed her t h a t t h e y o u n g m a n ’s kidney was swollen and gave them a letter for his referral. According to Caesar, her nephew was seen by a doctor at the GPHC where he underwent another ultrasound. The woman recalled that he was given an injection by means of saline. She said that the doctor changed her n e p h e w ’s u r i n e b a g t o make sure that it was connected to his bladder. “And after he (the doctor) changed it he said that we going to see if urine will come. We said okay…we sit

their one hour…two hour…three hour and no urine aint come”, Caesar recalled. She continued, “He come with a saline bag and tek off the urine bag and put on the bag with the saline water and started to pump the saline water through his penis to see if it would bring out urine behind it.” But Caesar stated that Emptage never passed urine and later went for a chest x-ray. The x-ray she said showed nothing unusual in his system. She added that the patient was seen by another doctor who had a difficult time removing his urine. The woman stated, “I explained to this doctor that the other doctor pumped the saline water into him to get down the fluid. And he try and he try and he inject and he inject then he went for a surgeon for assistance.” She said that the surgeon assured her that her nephew will pass urine after performing a third ultrasound. Caesar pointed out that she overheard the doctors discussing that there was matter outside of Emptage’s bladder which should not have been there. Caesar is contending that her nephew should not have been discharged from the hospital in that condition. On a visit to Kaieteur News yesterday afternoon, Emptage was seen lying at the back of a

minibus crying out for pain. His aunt took the opportunity to highlight that he had several ulcers about his body which she said he developed while hospitalized at GPHC. The aunt said that everything was normal when he was first admitted to the GPHC. She added that after spending almost a week in the Accident and Emergency Unit, she noticed that his health began deteriorating. “They put him in the High Dependency Unit for over a month and his condition worsened. He fell in a coma and could not have recognized his family. He was not eating and three weeks after we noticed that he had a big hole in his back and ulcers all over his body”. Caesar cried that since the incident his life has not been the same. She described him has a very shy young man and explained that his mother took him into the interior to work. “If we had the money we would have never took him to GPHC. We don’t like how they treating his case. This is a young boy…the only thing he does trouble with is malaria.” The family is making an appeal to the Minister of Public Health to look into their situation . Caesar claimed that Dr. George Norton had promised to assist her nephew when she visited him last year. But the woman pointed out that she has not received any help from the minister so far.

PAGE 12

Captured crime spree bandit now a murder suspect B Division Commander Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam and his men are making good on their vow to go after the pockets of criminals that have been creating havoc in their division. The police in Berbice, over the past few days have made several arrests, particularly in the Rose Hall Town/ Port Mourant Corentyne areas. On Monday, the police after receiving certain information and conducting surveillance intercepted a car in which a robbery suspect and his reputed wife were travelling. Daniel McLennon called “Dutty” 21 of Rose Hall Town who was jailed for two years in his absence on the West Bank of Demerara, for a robbery committed there during 2015, was nabbed in a vehicle with his reputed wife Samantha Bhagwandin. However, it was after he was arrested that the police learnt that Mc Lennon was also wanted for robbing Youland Elexely on Sunday, February 26, of $200,000 at Parika, East Bank Demerara. He was arrested and placed on bail. However he fled the area and never returned for his trial. The trial

- B Division ranks putting dent on nefarious activities

Daniel McLennon called “Dutty” went on and he was convicted and jailed in his absence. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest. During the time he reportedly travelled to various parts of the country where he committed a number of crimes. He has since been taken to Camp Street where he began serving his two- year sentence. The tale of the criminal’s latest arrest came after he reportedly assaulted his reputed wife, Bhagwandin, who is also well known to the

authorities. The woman made a report about the assault and implicated her husband in the robbery/ murder of 21-year old Harikrishna devotee Chaitanya Kishundyal who was shot by four gunmen on February 4th 2016, as he was about to close his gate at Lot 28 First Street, Swamp Section, Rosehall, Corentyne. However Mc Lennon, disappeared before he could be arrested. In the meantime, the reputed wife changed her story. The police put Bhagwandin under surveillance. The cops, acting on information, were on the ball when she joined a car and subsequently picked up the wanted man. They were intercepted at No 2 Village, East Canje Berbice. Investigations are continuing into the murder/ robbery and a number of other misdemeanors into which he was said to be involved.

One year in, APNU+AFC still... (From page 6) is still a draft. Promise number 18 provided for the holding of an Indigenous Peoples Rights & Resources Conference and for the National Toshaos Council to

Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

be re-assessed and depoliticised. This was partially accomplished. The Liberalization of the Telecommunications and ICT sectors remains outstanding. The Telecommunications Bill

is still to be taken to Parliament. About two months ago, Minister Cathy Hughes told Kaieteur News that the Bill would have been taken to the National Assembly in about a month’s time. APNU+AFC had also promised for there to be an “Adoption of a long-term sustainable economic development plan to realize the vast potential of this country.” The government is still working on this. Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) asked that the government increase the pace at which it is going about policies to secure Guyana’s financial sustainability. “Implementation of an amended Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act,” was final on APNU+AFC’s list of measures to be attained in the first 100 days in office. Kaieteur News understands that his has been fulfilled.

Mackenzie Market gets new sanitary block The new facility

The new sanitary facility located on the northern side of the Mackenzie Municipal Market was on Friday last thrown into operation, even as construction workers sought to complete the project in time for the grand Linden Town week opening. Though not yet complete, and certainly not officially commissioned, hundreds of people have already begun using it, according to proprietor Ivan Barton. Barton said that because of the demand with the Futsal (Guinness in the Streets) competition, which is currently being played on the Wisroc/ Amelias bus park in front of the market, there has been an influx of patrons having to use the toilet facility nightly. “We had to offer this service to the people, because where else would they have gone-nobody wants to go to the toilets at the back of the market, because the place is very desolate, and persons run the risk of being mugged. People welcome this service, and don’t mind paying the small fee that we charge, because they feel safe.” The new sanitary facility offers five toilets, one shower, and one changing area for females, while the male section, carries four toilets three urinals and one shower. In an earlier interview Barton had explained that the facility will also provide a vital service for those persons who pass through Linden on their way to Georgetown, or are on their way to the interior and other remote locations. “ Now they have people that maybe don’t have

relatives in Linden, and they probably cannot afford to pay a hotel to go and have a shower and so on- they can come right here and do that. There is even a changing table for mothers with babies. This place was established to cater for the sanitary needs of people coming from any part of Guyana- not just the residents in Linden. Ivan Barton, a remigrant and Linden entrepreneur, had threatened to take legal action against the Linden Mayor and Town council after there was talk of demolishing the structure. According to Barton, he had only commenced building the facility after approval was granted by the former Council. Initially budgeted to cost some $6M, Barton said that he has long since exceeded that amount. Only yesterday, the businessman said, he had a water tank installed, after there was a disruption of water from GWI. Barton noted that the tank, along with a pump and other components cost him almost sixty thousand dollars. “But I had to do it, because the toilets have to be flushed and the place has to be maintained hygienically at all times.” Barton had applied for permission to build the sanitary facility since last year October, but was only given the green light to build earlier this year. After the project commenced, Barton said that he was sent a letter from the Linden Town Council ordering him to cease all works, as there had been infringements. He had

however refused to obey the order, saying that he had the permission to build. Charles Sampson, a councilor with the former council, in an invited comment regarding the facility had pointed out “They are talking about infringements- well there are infringements all over the place- if they are saying that the building is too close to the transformer- all of these buildings, about ten of them, are close to the transformer, and anyhow that could be fixed- as a matter of fact, LECI has indicated that adjustments can be made. This facility is necessary. If we are about to celebrate fifty years of independence, we need more than this facility and this man has plans to build a similar one by the Wismar Market. We have members of Parliament that come here-so we need a decent and modern facility like this!” Although a few persons had questioned the wisdom of building the facility in front of the market, several people have applauded the initiative. “We needed this like decades ago- is about time that Linden go back to being a place of high standards-this is going to lift the morale of citizens,” one resident posited. Another pointed out, “This is a good thing to happen with our upcoming Town Week and Jubilee celebrations. We need public facilities like these, so that persons wouldn’t be forced to expose themselves in public. A lot of activities happen here in the nights so we need this facility.”

Monday May 16, 2016

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Kaieteur News

GROWING UP (EVEN MORE) ABSURD One of the questions in the student survey was, “In a word, describe school.” The answer was “HELL”. Young Frankie was asked to complete a sentence beginning with, “I earn money by…” His reply was, “I don’t. I am a freeloader.” One youngster was given the choice of the words “fit” and “hit” to complete the sentence “The man ____ the dog.” His preferred word was “pet” and he added a postscript to the teacher, “You should not hit dogs.” The teacher probably threw a fit but the responses from the kids are from a Mail Online article published earlier this week with the caption, “They’ll go far! Know-it-all children’s hilarious homework proves that the best answer is NOT always the right one. Despite being totally wrong these cheeky kids put teachers in their place.” For my generation this was neither easy nor advisable

and how far you went was determined by the distance to the Headmaster ’s or Principal’s Office. Kids today are different in ways that I find intriguing and, like the kid who chose to use the word “pet” and reprimand the teacher about the option of hitting the dog, some are very socially conscious. One was given what on the surface is a very simple mathematics problem. “Evan told his class that the people in his family have fourteen legs altogether. Quinton said Evan must have fourteen people in his family. Is Quinton correct? Explain why or why not.” The child’s answer? “Yes, because 14\2 equals 7 but not everyone has two legs. Go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org” (this is a military and veterans charity service organization empowering injured soldiers and their families).” Another child was a little bit closer to our kind of answer. The kid was asked,

“What ended in 1896?” The really studious ones would have said that in 1896 England defeated Zanzibar in the shortest war on record – one that lasted all of 38-minutes. Others would have taken the easy way out – the American Civil War. The best answer? 1895. Another youngster though had the kind of insouciance that characterized our generation. The question? “Miranda can’t see anything when she looks down her microscope. Suggest one reason why not.” Even the teacher had to write “Good try” next to the youngster’s answer – “She is blind”. Another after my own heart was asked to explain the meaning of the phrase “Free Press.” He replied, “When your mom irons your trousers for you.” There was also the student who was asked to answer what “hard water” is. His studied response? ICE. Another, when asked if he met Abraham Lincoln what would he say to him, answered,

“Don’t go to a play. Ever.” But one young person, wiser than her years, when faced with the question, “Tapeworms are hermaphrodites. What is meant by the term “hermaphrodite”?, responded, “Lady Gaga.” Some kids are very smart and much more aware of the world than we were. For example, one question in an examination was, “What do we call the science of classifying living things?” A student answered, “Racism.” On the other hand, in a test on “Chemical Bonds” was, “Some atoms share electrons and become more stable. Describe a situation where people share something and everyone benefits.” The smart-aleck answer, obviously from a kid who had no interest in chemistry was, “Communism.” Another one was less interested in history than in comedy. Asked, “Where was the American Declaration of Independence signed” he

Police too will be charged if flout traffic laws - B Division Commander No one will be spared as the police continue the campaign against errant road users. This is the assurance given by Commander of the Police B Division (Berbice), Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam. The police will be continuing their campaign against drunk drivers, riding motorcycles without helmets and loud music, among other offences. According to words from the Police Traffic Department in B Division, strict instructions were given for all vehicles with tint above the legal limit without the necessary permission from the Ministry of National Security to have this tint removed. According to B Division Traffic Officer Assistant Superintendent Williams, this also applies to police personnel.

Setting the example: A policeman complying with the recently handed down directive and immediately removes the tint from his vehicle

Seventy percent of recent murders... (From page 15) Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, was charged with three counts of murder. Police investigations also widened to include that Caesar a father of one in 2012 engaged in the sexual penetration of a girl under 15 years old. He was also charged with assault causing actual bodily harm committed against his reputed wife on April 22nd at Anna Catherina. It was also alleged that on the same day, he threatened to kill the woman and stripped her naked and beat her. Just last month, too, investigators arrested and charged Cleavaughn Hamilton, a gold miner, with the murder of his reputed wife, 25-year-old Simone Hackett.

Ranachal Singh, 31, of Lot 7 Good Hope, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, was also charged a few days later. Hackett’s body, with stab wounds, was found in a trench at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara on April 19, 2016. According to reports the mother of one, who was supposed to play the role of maid of honour for her sister’s wedding went missing one day before the ceremony. Last Friday, in less than 24 hours, police cracked the sensational murder of 75-year-old retired professor, Pairadeau Mars, at his Lot 395 Bissessar Street, Prashad Nagar home. They have detained six teens, including two girls aged 15 and 17, who have al-

legedly confessed to their involvement in the crime. Police officials have attributed their recent successes to

the establishment of the Major Crimes Unit, training and more willingness of citizens to assist the police.

replied “at the bottom.” Another answered the question, “What is the highest frequency noise a human can register?” with a bunch of hearts and the words, “Mariah Carey.” Of course all of the youngsters do not go that route deliberately. One of them was a trifle mixed up when it came to human biology. The question was, “What happens during puberty to a boy?” His answer was, “He says goodbye to his childhood enters adultery.” I was trying to think of some of the things we found funny and there was one I remembered. It was an examination question set by our Literature teacher, Brother Lawrence. Our curriculum included the essays of William Hazlitt, one of which was named “The Fight”. Tom Paulin of the Guardian in a review of Hazlitt’s work said, “ He represents the master’s values and spontaneity in the figure of the English yeoman in one of his most brilliant essays ‘The Fight’, a study in what we now term ‘popular culture’.” Paulin was not a Trinidad schoolboy in the 1960s. We found it tedious since the fight lasted only a few sentences while the journey to the fight took up most of the very lengthy

essay. When asked why Hazlitt gave his essay that particular name, one of the boys wrote, “Because he was fighting up with it.” The boy, who incurred the wrath of Brother Lawrence, definitely had no interest in Literature and is now (I hear) a successful doctor in Canada. Kids today are not much different in other ways, especially in quickly getting from cause to effect. In an examination the cause was given as, “Tony practices the piano for 20 minutes every day.” It was illustrated by a drawing of Tony smiling as he tinkled the ivories. The effect as perceived by the student was, “He is a big nerd.” Some kids are more diplomatic and one provided what some teachers thought was the best answer of all. Ten-year old Ricky got the question, “How would you make a marriage work?” His answer, “Tell your wife she looks pretty even if she looks like a truck.” *Tony Deyal was last seen commending a kid after his own heart and other edible parts. Asked, “Would you rather be stuck on a desert island alone or with one person you hate?” the boy answered, “I would rather be on an island with someone I hate so I have something to eat.”

PAGE 22

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American pool table - Call: 277-0578

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VACANCY Popular East Coast Gas Station Day/Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 6719570; 695-9880,Non-Pareil Exist at Confidential Cabs for one experienced dispatcher. Call: 231-5784 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Need a job? Call JFWW (local & international) earn -$5,000$20,000 daily –#233-6517; 638-0595; 622-1957 MondayFriday 9am-5pm/ www.jobfairworldwide.com Female secretary must be 2535yrs, computer literate & at least Grade 2 in English. Call: 643-4049

Driver/Salesman: experienced is an asset - i n t e r e s t e d persons call: 226-9800

VEHICLE FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR RENT

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

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

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

Sheep! Sheep! A flock of sheep (Texana), foreign blood line. Call: 699-6499; 665-2139; 442-0299 One 125CC XR for sale $270,000–Call: 699-7870; 6988503 Whole sale pork for sale-Call: 644-8396

1 Business to rent, 1-2 bedrooms new houses to rent immediately @ W.C.D. Call: 276-0818

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 One 212 -$1.1M, one long base canter-$2.3M, One RZ minibus long base -$1M. Call: 604-6724 Honda Civic motor car, 250cc Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle- Call: 696-2815 2001 Tacoma stick gear, 4WD -$1.7M, serious enquiries only. Owner migrating! Call: 650-9840 Brand new KIA sports SUV. Call: 624-5650 Unregistered Toyota Allion 2005: dark interior, HID lights, rose light - $2.2M negotiableCall: 617-5536

One Toyota Minibus (BJJ series). Contact Kelvin: 677-7910 Mouldings, spindles, hand rails, pine cupboard doors 16X27 -$3200 (knot free)Call: 621-1278 1 Complete high volume 3 stage water purification system, UV light, water tanks, reasonably price, owner migrating. Call: 649-8430 YAMAHA 600CC BIKE 2013 FULLY REGISTERED. CALL ELIAS: 628-3003; 667-4845; 610-0068 Freezer, 2 doors cooler, food warmer, industrial stove, pots & all equipment for restaurant Call: 698-7438; 678-4724

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Roxie’s Fashion has on sale flags (coloured), Independence casual wear dresses @ 301 Church St. Call: 227-8538; 622-4386

Roxi’s Fashion has vacancy for 1 seamstress & 1 sewing machine operator. Apply @ 301 Church St. Call: 227-8538; 622-4386 Minibus & Lorry Drivers needed, must have valid driver’s license. Call: 661-7777 serious enquiries only

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Sales Representative (with valid license); Labourers & Driver (with valid license)Apply: jkeshwani.alesie @gmail.com Call: 269-0026/ 269-0058

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FOR SALE/RENT

Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

1 New model IST, PTT $1.7M negotiable, 1 new model Allion PSS -$2.5M negotiable, 1R6 Yamaha CD $600,000 negotiable. Call: 622-7201 Roxie’s Fashion Independence custom made clothing: costume, spandex, metallic & plain, leotard & tights. Call: 227-8538; 6964397; 622-4386 1 Model M Truck, gym & salon equipment, 1 cash register, 3 TV sets (all used). Call: 622-4386; 696-4397 1-4 Piece queen size bedroom set, 1 bed, 1 wardrobe, 1 vanity, 1 chest of draw ( price-$100,000), 1 parker ($50,000). Call: 6731350

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Monday May 16, 2016

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

THE QUESTION IS WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED THE PAST 50 YEARS? DEAR EDITOR; Next week Thursday May 26, Guyana will celebrate its 50th - golden anniversary of our independence and lavish activities are planned in Georgetown, all the other cities and towns of the country as well as in New York, London, Ottawa, California and several other parts of the world where large number of Guyanese live. Most of us are happy that we have cut the apron string of colonialism. But the big question is what the country has achieved since independence. Some will say a lot and others will respond that things would have been better under the British. I will attempt to highlight some in this short piece. We have seen the passing of four Presidents, Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan. Samuel Hinds stepped in briefly and paved the way for Mrs. Jagan, who placed Bharrat Jagdeo in the top position in preference to more senior and experienced supporters. He did a good job at first in

resolving the enormous debts the country incurred, but shortly after there was a free for all. Corruption was the order of the day. His successor Donald Ramotar was unable to resolve the huge and mounting problems and there were massive campaign by Guyanese both at home and abroad for a change. The then small opposition party, AFC which included former PPP strongmen, Moses Nagamootoo, and Khemraj Ramjattan, and PNC Nigel Hughes and Raphael Trotman, joined forces with APNU (PNCR and WPA) and the coalition edged out the corrupt PPPC out of office. Guyanese were rejoicing that the new administration under the leadership of Brigadier David Granger would clean up the mess and move towards rapid development. Unfortunately the joy was soon curtailed because there are no signs of significant changes. The new administration continues the racial trend of the past two administrations. There are far too many achievements and criticisms which can be leveled

against, the PNC, PPP and now the APNU/AFC coalition administrations but space does not permit me to do so. What I can say is that the country of my birth has been transformed to a completely different state than it was before independence. The young people have different ideas and values and party politics supersede Lodges and Organizations and to certain extent “who you know and who know you prevails” The drug trade, corruption, robberies, murders and other crimes are hindering Guyana’s progress and image. If the country is to grow in terms of development and become a force to be reckoned with, Guyanese have to overcome party politics, especially the racial conflict. Every Guyanese should be involved in the revolution as we move into our 51st year - the government, opposition, church groups, trade unions, service clubs, and all groups and individuals both at home and abroad should put their shoulders to be wheel and work assiduously to rebuild our beloved country. Oscar Ramjeet

THE FRIGHTENING THING IS THAT THESE... From page 5 most precious gift which, ironically, when senselessly taken is of no use to the murderer. And every person murdered is the demise of a human being who is gone forever. The fact that guns are entering the country illegally or are mysteriously eluding officials is very troubling. The government must be careful not to make the gun smugglers become confident by promoting the idea that this was always the case. It must act to stem the influx of high-powered weapons, especially AK 47 in the country and put an end to this lawlessness. It is poor comfort to the people for the authority to peddle the myth that violence in society today has been no more vicious and prevalent than it was 50 years ago when Guyana attained its independence.

It is true that much of the murders and armed robberies are committed by youths who have refined the practice of boldness, ruthlessness and total disregard for life, limb and property. But it is also true that society with its aberrant behavior is a consequence of youth violence. Studies have shown that poverty and illiteracy are the root causes of youths becoming hard corecriminals. In Proverbs 22:6, Solomon, indisputably the wisest man ever on earth said that we should “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Many believe that the state should urgently play a more remedial and proactive role in improving the behavior of youths and sharpen their minds to civility, propriety and humanity. Fighting crime is not an easy task for any government, but for the Minister

of Public Security to tell members of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce that he is too busy with the jubilee celebrations to discuss the crime situation is tantamount to “haul your ass,” words used by the Minister when he was in opposition. The Minister has not only insulted Berbicians but his display of arrogance shows that he is in panic mode. To put it bluntly, he has failed the people. Truth be told, the public is disappointed with theMinister’s poor crime fighting techniques, and so too are the criminals who continue to ravage society with impunity. One death is too many butif those in authority continue to keep their heads buried in the sand, the people are in for a long haul as the barbaric and immoral behavior of criminals will not change anytime soon. Crime Watcher (name supplied)

UNION MAKES DAMNING ACCUSATIONS... From page 4 would need more time to prepare themselves for the early morning hassle through the use of public transportation. 2. The custom and practice of being transported to work, especially those employees who have been working with the company for decades on a shift system, the drastic change could result in additional frustration, and low morale. 3. Management must cushion the cost of transportation for the affected employees, since in some instances the affected employees will have to find an additional ten thousand ($10,000.00) dollars on a monthly basis to cater for this heartless move by the Company. More so, there was no meaningful engagement with the Union. The meeting concluded with the understanding that the Union’s suggestion would be taken into consideration by management. Shockingly, within less than twenty-four hours after, the HRM informed the Union that Management has decided to proceed with its decision as outlined at the meeting The Union wrote the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Justin Nedd requesting a meeting and at the same time, asked that the decision to

withdraw transportation from the employees be put on hold, so as to enable the parties to arrive at an agreeable position. To date, he has not responded. The employees of the company view the action taken by the company as very uncaring and draconian. This latest move has added to their numerous discomforts and they are further demoralised. The Union sees Management’s action, as a further erosion of trust between the parties. Amidst all of this, management continues to pay scant regards to its employees’ Health and Safety concerns. Issues such as: 1. Technicians climbing GPL and GTT poles to fix telephone faults without any assistance which is in clear contravention of the Occupational Safety & Health Act. 2. I’m sure that the public can recall that one of GTT’s Technicians, Mr. Vijai Gaznabbie who was working alone on November 3, 2016, when he fell to his death. It was a public spirited citizen who rendered assistance, by taking him to the hospital, since he was working without any assistance. 3. GTT continues its ‘foot dragging’ as it relates to the provision of more durable safety gears for its employees. 4. The Company has been increasing

the workload of Technicians, which makes their tasks very stressful and tiresome. 5. The “One Man Team,” where a Technician have to drive, fetch the ladder, climb the posts, with no one to foot the ladder, run drop -wires across the streets and be the lookout security for the items stored in the vehicle continues to permeate the working environment within the company. 6. The Technicians have been executing the duties as drivers and the company is refusing to honour its obligation to pay them for their labour. This state of affair is resulting in numerous health issues. The public needs to be made aware of the numerous transgressions being committed by GTT, the telephone giant, with no regard for its labour force. GPTWU is not prepared to allow these transgressions by Gil to continue indefinitely, and will be bringing to the fore all the ills that exists therein. This is only a miniscule of what obtains at GTT, All the transgressions will be made know to the public. Violations of workers’ rights by the company must stop and it must stop now. Harold Shepherd President, GPTWU

From page 22

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PAGE 26

Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

Egypt sentences 152 protesters to jail in spree of verdicts CAIRO (AP) — Egyptian courts have in a single day convicted 152 protesters for breaking a law that effectively bans demonstrations, sentencing them to up to five years in prison in a series of short mass trials. The cases against the 152 convicted weekend are rooted in events on April 25, when police stifled planned demonstrations called to protest the government’s surrender to Saudi Arabia of two Red Sea islands under a deal negotiated in near total secrecy. Police arrested more than 1,200 people during the run-up to April 25 and on the day, but released most of them without charge. However, nearly 300 were referred to trial for breaking the 2013 protest law decried by rights groups at home and abroad. On Saturday, a Cairo court convicted and sentenced 51 people to prison for two years for their part in the protests.

Later that day, a judge presiding over two other trials of protesters convicted 101 defendants of breaking the same law and sentenced them to five years in prison, according to officials and defense lawyers. They said 79 of them were fined $10,000 each and 72 of the 152 were tried in absentia. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. The verdict on the case of 51 protesters was announced after just two hearings, defense lawyer Sarah Rabee of the Al-Haqaniya rights group said. She added that the judge evicted the press, denied families access to the defendants, and turned down a request by the defense to access footage from security cameras in downtown Cairo, which they said would show that there were no real demonstrations in the area that day.

Al-Rawi on no-confidence motion by Opposition: A red herring... bring it on Trinidad Guardian - “It’s a distraction.” So said Attorney General Faris AlRawi in response to the Opposition’s filing of a noconfidence motion against him. He said the Opposition has little to say and was trying to deflect attention from “a most egregious attack” against an Independent senator, and that, in his view, reeked of everything that was wrong in life. “Unfortunately, they wish to make sure attention is put somewhere else because for a government senator to come out and attack the independence of someone’s mind, when that person has been appointed by the President of the Republic, is a first.” Al-Rawi said the argument by Opposition Senator and attorney Gerald

Faris Al-Rawi Ramdeen that there was a conflict of interest by temporary Independent Senator Justin Junkere because he received a brief from the Attorney General implied that he was bribed. “Ramdeen said further

Inniss: Barbados no tax haven Daily Nation - “Barbados is not a shady place for shady people”, was the terse response from Minister of International Business Donville Inniss to Canada’s recent announcement that it was going after “tax havens” with vigour. The Canadian government is pumping more than CAN$444 million (BDS$686m) over five years to seek out tax evaders who are allegedly stashing billions of dollars in offshore financial jurisdictions. Barbados, with its low tax regime, has been the top destination for Canadian investors attracting $79.9 billion (BDS$123.4b) last year, up 14 per cent on 2014. But

Donville Inniss Inniss is maintaining that Barbados is not a tax haven, described as secretive destinations susceptible to money laundering, and will not retreat from Canada’s relentless pursuit.

that he (Junkere) should have declared the fact that he was earning money from the State but Senator Ramdeen himself is the recipient of close to $26 million worth of briefs, ongoing, and he is, in fact, an ongoing attorney hired by me, as Attorney General in continuing briefs. “Senator (Wayne) Sturge is also in the tens of millions of dollars and he too has not put forward his position, so even if you accept their argument at its highest, which I don’t, and their argument is that there is a conflict of interest, they are shot by their own argument as a starting point.” The AG was speaking to reporters after a career day address to parents and Form Two and Three students at St Mary’s College in Port-ofSpain yesterday. To Persad-Bissessar on getting her motion passed, the AG said, “Bring it on!” He said he will deal with it in the Parliament and that he was absolutely confident of the merit of the positions that have been advanced in the Government on the constitutionality of the SSA (Amendment) Bill and in relation to Ramdeen’s management of the Malcolm Jones’ case. “He was the lawyer for Malcolm Jones which resulted in that case collapsing, so that is a very curious thing for them to raise as well and we will bring all of the material out for the population to judge.” Al-Rawi said the population should pour scorn on the insidious attack against Junkere. He also said he did not know whether Junkere was offered a position as director on the Airports Authority of T&T board.

Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

Maduro threatens to seize idle Rowley worried Venezuela plants, jail owners by crime rate CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — President Nicolas Maduro threatened Saturday to take over idle factories and jail their owners following a decree granting him expanded powers to act in the face of a deep economic crisis. Maduro’s remarks came as Venezuela’s opposition warned the embattled leader that if he tries to block an attempt to hold a recall referendum, society could “explode.” Speaking to supporters in the capital, Caracas, the president ordered “all actions to recover the production apparatus, which is being paralyzed by the bourgeoisie.” He also said that businesspeople who “sabotage the country” by halting production at their plants risk being “put in handcuffs.” Last month the country’s largest food and beverage distributor, Empresas Polar,

Nicolas Maduro shut down its last operating beer plant. It says it has been unable to access hard currency to buy raw materials. Maduro accuses Polar and others of trying to destabilise the financially stricken country by exacerbating shortages of goods from foodstuffs to medicines to toilet paper.

Meanwhile dueling antiand pro-government crowds demonstrated in Caracas on Saturday for and against a bid to recall the president. Maduro opponents demanded that the National Electoral Council rule on the validity of some 1.8 million signatures collected in favour of the referendum and allow it to move forward. “If you obstruct the democratic way, we do not know what could happen in this country,” opposition leader Henrique Capriles said at one rally. “Venezuela is a bomb that could explode at any moment.” Across town, Maduro ally Jorge Rodriguez vowed there would be no recall referendum. “They got signatures from dead people, minors and undocumented foreigners,” Rodriguez said. Opposition leaders deny any fraud in the signature drive.

Trinidad Express - Crime has reached a highly unacceptable level in Trinidad and Tobago but Government cannot simply “flick a switch and turn it off”, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has said. Speaking to reporters at the Piarco International Airport Saturday night, on his return from a two week trip to Ghana, London and the US, Rowley raised concern about the violent state of the society and a society where persons can be killed for the “slightest thing”. “The general behaviour and lack of respect for human life in Trinidad and Tobago has come down now to the level where one is beginning to question the general conduct,” he said. “I’m seeing a lot of people being killed without firearms being used...(where) it was aggravation of one kind and

another. One could put them under the question mark of senseless but at the end of the day the level of violence in Trinidad is just too high and unacceptable and the Government’s role in this, in many instances, doesn’t begin until after the crime has been committed. So we have to ensure that we do nothing to encourage the growth in this kind of behaviour,” he said. Asked if he thought there was a correlation between the current economic challenges and the spike in the crime rate, Rowley said even before the economic situation there were unacceptable levels of crime. “So one doesn’t exclude the other. It’s just a problem of violent conduct. Our society is labelling itself as a violent society and one can lose one’s life for the slightest thing and that is not a matter that the Government can

Dr. Keith Rowley come and say I’m going to flick a switch and turn it off,” the Prime Minister said. He added: “Where we can do things we will do. For example the speed guns. I understand it’s having an effect but there are things that we can do and at the end of the day the national security agencies and the Government at large has a responsibility to bring about a feeling of safety to the national community and those things we’ll keep doing on a sustained basis.

J$2.4b in projects for sugar-dependent areas KINGSTON, (JIS): The Government will be spending approximately J$2.4 billion to continue work on social infrastructure projects in sugar-dependent areas this fiscal year. The projects, which include rehabilitation of cane roads and installation of irrigation systems, will be carried out under the Sugar Transformation Programme (STP) in the Ministry Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries. Finance and the Public Service Minister Audley Shaw made the disclosure as he opened the Budget Debate in Parliament last week. The STP aims to develop a sustainable private sectorled sugar cane industry; strengthen economic diversification, social resilience and environmental sustainability of sugardependent areas; and maintain progress towards macro-economic goals. Meanwhile, approximately J$465 million will go to the Agricultural Competitiveness Project in order to continue the development of irrigation infrastructure and to complete the new packing facility at

Audley Shaw New Forest, Manchester. The establishment of a fifth agro park at New Forest/ Duff House will also be undertaken. The Agricultural Competitiveness Project is designed to boost the agriculture sector by facilitating access to markets for small and medium farmers; ensuring the production of safe and high quality foods and products; and stimulating public-private investment in agribusiness value chain development. (The Gleaner)

Recreation does for you what it says literally. It creates you again. It refreshes the mind, renews the spirit, and motivates the body. Constant working towards some objective can do the opposite, unless we control it by rest and relaxation.

Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Bolt wins in 10.05, but Harrison the star at Cayman Invitational

Manchester City’s Jesus Navas shoots at goal. (Reuters / Rebecca Naden)

Man City, Arsenal the big winners in dramatic finale LONDON (Reuters) Manchester City secured fourth place and Arsenal overhauled their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur to come second on a dramatic final day of the Premier League season when a bomb scare rocked Old Trafford on Sunday. After Manchester United’s game against Bournemouth was abandoned due to a security alert, Manchester City drew 1-1 at Swansea City, Arsenal crushed Aston Villa 4-0 and Spurs capitulated 5-1 at 10man Newcastle United to blow their chance of finishing above their neighbours for the first time since 1995. “First of all I would like to apologise to our fans,” Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said. “I think they don’t deserve all that happened today on the pitch and I apologise.” Champions Leicester City drew 1-1 at Chelsea to end the campaign 10 points ahead of the chasing pack, another staggering achievement in a remarkable season for Claudio Ranieri’s team. Manchester City needed a point to make sure of claiming the final Champions League qualifying spot but their game at Swansea started in a strange atmosphere caused by the events at Old Trafford.

Two stands were evacuated 20 minutes ahead of kickoff and the game was abandoned shortly before the scheduled 1400 GMT start. A controlled explosion was later carried out on a suspect package, described by police as “an incredibly lifelike explosive device”. Manchester City made the perfect start when Kelechi Iheanacho fired them ahead after five minutes. Swansea equalised on the stroke of halftime through Andre Ayew’s deflected free kick and the visitors endured a few nervy moments in Manuel Pellegrini’s last match in charge before celebrating the point they needed. “Well into this season we were well in the title race, but we let ourselves down, we will take positives of a trophy and semi-final of the Champions League, which was history for our club,” City goalkeeper Joe Hart said. “I have enjoyed our time under Manuel, it was important we finished off a good three years working with him.” DISMALAFTERNOON Spurs, Leicester’s closest challengers in the last few weeks, endured a dismal afternoon at relegated Newcastle. Georginio Wijnaldum and Aleksandar Mitrovic put the hosts 2-0 up at halftime before Erik Lamela pulled one back.

Sir Curtly disappointed... From page 30 I have planned most of my stuff around those series. So, it was a bit of a shock, and it’s disappointing, but he’s the boss, and the head coach is the one who selects his crew, his coaching staff,” he said. “I did wish him all the best and asked him to continue with the team and that we can get some positive results, because I am not going to hold him in malice or hold it against him…. Its’ just disappointing,” he added. Estwick is due to join the West Indies camp on Thursday.

Mitrovic was shown a straight red card for a dangerous foul but Wijnaldum scored his second from the penalty spot and Rolando Aarons and Daryl Janmaat completed the scoring at a disbelieving St James’ Park. Arsenal took an early lead against relegated Villa through Olivier Giroud and the French striker added two late goals to complete his hattrick before Mark Bunn’s stoppage-time own goal completed the rout. Arsene Wenger’s side finished in the top two for the first time since 2005 after a difficult campaign in which the French manager has been heavily criticised. “We kept our togetherness and that is part of the DNA of this club,” said Wenger, who led his team into the Champions League for the 19th consecutive season. “We kept fighting until the end. Many big teams finished outside the top four this year.” Cesc Fabregas’s secondhalf penalty for Chelsea looked set to condemn Leicester to only their fourth defeat of the season but Danny Drinkwater rescued a point for the champions with a stunning long-distance strike. “It was a warm welcome for me, it was fantastic at the beginning and the end,” Ranieri said on his return to his former club. “A draw is OK because we have only lost three times this season and that is an amazing achievement.” Southampton climbed to fifth with a 4-1 victory over FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace and West Ham United’s hopes of a top-six finish ended following a 2-1 loss at Stoke City.

(IAAF) - Usain Bolt opened his 2016 season by running 10.05 to win the 100m in virtually still conditions (0.1m/s) at the Cayman Invitational in George Town on Saturday night (14). The 29-year-old Jamaican got off to a strong start, but trailed USA’s Dentarus Locke at halfway. However, over the final 50 metres, as is so often the case, Bolt’s longer stride and superior top-end speed soon carried him to the lead, and he was easing down by the time he crossed the line. Three years ago – a season in which he went on to win triple gold at the IAAF World Championships in Moscow – Bolt also opened his season in George Town, running 10.09 to win the 100m. Though he appeared unimpressed with his relatively modest winning time on Saturday, when set against that, it will be of little concern to the Jamaican, particularly given there is almost three months to go until the athletics programme gets under way at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. “I’m just glad I got out of that one injuryfree,” Bolt told reporters afterwards. “In a season-opener, you never know what to expect. My coach can analyse the race, see what we need to do, see what we need to work on, then move from there. “It didn’t feel as smooth, but that was expected because it’s my first race. I expected to be rusty. Once I get a few more races under my belt, by (Olympic) trials time I’ll be ready.” Locke finished second in 10.12, while Bolt’s fellow Jamaican Kemar Bailey-Cole finished third with 10.18. Though Bolt was the star attraction for the fans, he was far from the standout performer on the night. That accolade was earned in conclusive style by USA’s Kendra Harrison, who once again proved a class apart in the women’s 100m hurdles, winning in 12.42. The 23-year-old, who tops the world lists courtesy of her 12.36 run in Athens, Georgia, last month, powered away from her rivals from the outset and in near-still wind conditions (0.1m/s), she clocked the second-fastest time in the world this year. Canada’s Phylicia George was second in 12.74, with Virginia Crawford of the US third in 12.81. PRANDINI POWERS TO SPRINT DOUBLE US sprint star Jenna Prandini confirmed her good early season form when winning a sprint double on the night. Prandini took

Usain Bolt (AFP Getty Images) victory in the 100m in 11.16 from Jamaica’s Kerron Stewart (11.20) and 2011 world champion Carmelita Jeter, who was third in 11.34. Prandini has gone under 11 seconds already this year over 100m, having run a windlegal 10.95 to win at the Mt Sac Relays in California last month. She then returned a couple of hours later for the 200m, and powered around the bend and into the home straight with a clear advantage, one which only grew towards the finish, which she reached in 22.63. Jamaica’s Audra Segree was second in 23.08. The men’s 200m was won with ease by Miguel Francis of Antigua & Barbuda, who ran 20.16 in calm conditions (0.3m/s) to take victory ahead of Britain’s Zharnel Hughes (20.70). Phyllis Francis was imperious in the women’s 400m, coming home 10 metres clear of her competitors to record 50.71, marginally outside her personal best of 50.50. Spencer Adams was one of the few not to make grievous errors in the men’s 110m hurdles, and the US sprint hurdler was rewarded with the win, coming home in 13.48 ahead of Jamaicans Deuce Carter (13.65) and Tyler Mason (13.67). Trinidad and Tobago’s Machel Cedenio came from behind to take victory in the men’s 400m from Jamaica’s Demish Gaye, though his winning time of 45.10 was some way down on the 44.36 he ran to win at this meeting last year. Jamaica’s Ristananna Tracey took victory in the women’s 400m hurdles in 55.97, coming home just in front of Turquiose Thompson of the US (56.35) and Danielle Dowie (56.91).

Verstappen makes F1 history... From page 35 celebrated, and Ferrari rescued a race that had looked like being one to forget after Raikkonen and Vettel qualified fifth and sixth, dominant champions Mercedes were licking their selfinflicted wounds. Triple world champion Hamilton had started on pole position, with Rosberg alongside, but their race imploded after three corners. The German passed Hamilton around the outside of turn one and the Briton was then squeezed on to the grass as he tried to regain the lead. His car skewed sideways and smashed into Rosberg’s, with both drivers ending up in the gravel and the safety car deployed. “It is stupid, we could have won this race,” Mercedes’ non-executive chairman Niki Lauda told the BBC. “Lewis is too aggressive. I need to talk to them and hear their explanation and then we will see what happens.” Mercedes motorsport director Toto Wolff

refused to apportion blame, however. “From a team’s perspective we’ve looked at the pictures and the data and it’s not clear cut. Nico had a really good turn one and turn two, Lewis tried to dive in, Nico closed the door. “I’d say let’s wait and see what the stewards say. It’s not a situation where you can attribute 100 percent of the blame.” The collision ended Mercedes hopes of extending the team’s winning run to 11 races and equalling McLaren’s 1988 record streak of success. Finland’s Valtteri Bottas was fifth for Williams with Spaniard Carlos Sainz sixth for Toro Rosso. Mexican Sergio Perez was seventh for Force India and Brazilian Felipe Massa eighth for Williams. Britain’s Jenson Button scored for McLaren in ninth with Russian Daniil Kvyat, the man who had to cede his Red Bull place to Verstappen, 10th for Toro Rosso.

PAGE 30

Martin Guptill congratulates Krunal Pandya on his halfcentury, Mumbai Indians v Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2016, Visakhapatnam, May 15, 2016. (BCCI)

Krunal Pandya powers Mumbai to crucial win ESPNcricinfo - After Shahbaz Nadeem, bowling the first over of the game, got his first two balls to grip and turn, Delhi Daredevils captain Zaheer Khan may have been proud of the move to play an extra spinner. That quickly changed as Mumbai Indians’ Krunal Pandya pummeled 13 boundaries in a 37-ball exhibition of powerhitting against spin. His career-best score of 86 set up Mumbai’s total of 206 and their subsequent 80-run win in Visakhapatnam. As a result, they climbed to third spot on the points table, and Daredevils dropped from fourth to fifth. Rohit Sharma laid into Nadeem in the first over to set the tone for Mumbai’s innings. A sweep and a lofted cover drive off consecutive balls meant Mumbai had already equalled their Powerplay boundary count from their previous game. However, Martin Guptill struggled to find timing in his second IPL game despite a forehand swat he sent for six over point in the fourth over. Daredevils’ bowlers forced many chips and bunts through wily changes in pace. Rohit, though, peppered the midwicket region with exquisitely-timed heaves, primarily off the front

Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

foot. Just when it looked like Rohit was settling into the anchor role, he skewed a cut to point. With two legspinners and a left-arm spinner, Krunal, batting at No. 3, utilised his hitting arc through midwicket. Even googlies from Amit Mishra and Imran Tahir were heaved across the line. Krunal’s brisk stand with Guptill resulted in a strong platform where Mumbai could launch from towards the end. It was the 13th over that gave them the extra push. Tahir was walloped for consecutive sixes as he floated deliveries in Guptill’s half. And Pandya finished the over with two more boundaries as 23 runs were leaked. Pandya didn’t look back from there. He struck eight boundaries in the following four overs to ensure Mumbai never stalled after Guptill holed out to long-off. Krunal got to a 22-ball fifty with a muscular biff over long-on and celebrated it with an imitation of his brother Hardik’s stance. “I knew there were two legspinners and one left-arm spinner. I was picking the googlies and going with the flow,” Krunal said at the postmatch presentation. In the 18th over, Chris

Hinds and Leung... From page 32 Guyana at that race. When the final leg of the NSC race pedaled off in Linden yesterday, Hinds said that there was a mad rush by riders to gain an early advantage but he was not worried by that. “I knew I had 1 minute and 20 seconds on the second man so I wasn’t worried. Men kept going all the time but I just sat and waited on the right moment which came at Coverden on the East Bank of Demerara where myself and Garbarran went for it. I kept going and never looked back.” Hinds will now focus on the upcoming National Championships and other overseas engagements for the remainder of the year.

Morris used variations in pace and length to remove Krunal and Kieron Pollard in the space of four balls. A 16run penultimate over meant Tahir finished with figures of 0 for 59, the worst returns by a spinner in the IPL. Twelve more runs in the last over gave Mumbai their fifthhighest IPL total. Daredevils were never in the hunt after losing regular wickets in the chase. Quinton de Kock’s impressive pick-up strokes kept Daredevils hoping briefly. But those slim chances were ended when he was adjudged caught behind in the 10th over. De Kock went back in his crease to execute a late dab, but so deep he went that his bat flicked Jos Buttler’s gloves as he missed the ball, the second successive time he was wrongly given out. By then, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair and Sanju Samson, had fallen for single-digit scores. With Harbhajan Singh ripping his offbreaks, Mumbai’s challenging score seemed out of reach as the required rate climbed steeply. JP Duminy and Rishabh Pant fell off Jasprit Bumrah’s consecutive balls in the search of quick runs. Bumrah used his offcutters on a slow pitch effectively to finish with 3 for 13 from four overs. Daredevils folded for 126 as Mumbai recorded their third-biggest win. It was fitting that Krunal finished the game with an offbreak that turned past Zaheer’s outside edge to hit the off stump. Scores: Mumbai Indians 206 for 4 (Pandya 86, Guptill 48, Morris 2-34) beat Delhi Daredevils 126 (de Kock 40, Bumrah 3-13) by 80 runs.

Djokovic suffers rare loss as Murray takes Rome title (Reuters) Andy Murray punctured Novak Djokovic’s air of dominance by beating the out-of-sorts Serb in straight sets in the final of the Italian Open in Rome on Sunday. Just a week after Djokovic had beaten him in the final of the Madrid Open, the Scot gained his revenge over the world number one in another claycourt final with a superb 6-3 6-3 win in one hour and 35 minutes. Djokovic was not at his best and in a grumpy mood, complaining on several occasions to the umpire about the slippery court surface on a damp day at the Foro Italico. He slumped to only his third defeat of the entire season, hitting a couple of errant forehands and a double fault in the final game before Murray conjured up

Andy Murray of Britain kisses the trophy after winning the match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia. (REUTERS/ALESSANDRO BIANCHI) one inspirational backhand winner to lift the title. No British man had won the Italian title since 1931 and the triumph gives the world

number three Murray a major boost before the second of the season’s grand slams, the French Open, starts next week.

Sir Curtly disappointed, surprised following West Indies replacement

Legendary West Indies fast bowler, Sir Curtly Ambrose (second left) chats with a number of bowlers during training. (File photo) Antigua Observer Former West Indies Fast Bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose has labelled as disappointing, his removal as bowling consultant for the senior men’s team ahead of next month’s one-day international triangular series against Australia and South Africa. News broke late last week that the Antiguan has been replaced by former West Indies A Cricketer Roderick Estwick. Estwick is also a former bowling coach with the Barbados Pride. “I only learnt about it from head coach Phil Simmons on Wednesday (last week), and when he told me I said to him that I am very disappointed, because I never expected it, and I never saw it coming because he never gave me any indication he was going

to let me go. So, it came as a bit of a shock basically, but I haven’t decided which direction I am going to take just yet. I’ll just pause and give it a little time to think about it and decide where I want to go after,” Sir Curtly said. The former pacer, one of Antigua and Barbuda’s four Knighted cricketers, was bowling consultant with the regional outfit for the last three years, most recently during their triumphant World Twenty20 campaign in India. Sir Curtly revealed at least one reason he was given for the surprise decision. “I spoke to Head Coach Phil Simmons, and he told me that he wanted someone who is more technical to work with the fast bowlers. So, I said to him well, if you knew I was

doing a poor job, then you should have told me. He said no, I did a fantastic job, because I brought a high level of discipline to the team, and I have motivated the guys quite a bit. I’ve gotten the respect from all the guys, and I did a fantastic job, but he wants somebody more technical, hence, he is going for Roderick Estwick,” he said. Sir Curtly, who took 405 Test wickets at an average of 20.99 and topped the ICC Player Rankings for much of his career, said he was looking towards the upcoming tri-nation series. He however holds no grudge against Simmons or the WICB. “I had high hopes for the tri-nation series and the Test series against India, because Continued on page 29

Monday May 16, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Golden Jaguars come up short against Canada, lose 5-1 Chase Academy edge Christianburg/Wismar By Franklin Wilson The future football stars of both Canada and Guyana were on show last evening as the Government of Guyana brought off yet another activity in observance of its 50th year of Independence; at the end of the night, the visiting Under-23 Canadians came out victors 5-1 against the Golden Jaguars. The match was organised not only to celebrate the Golden Jubilee but to also give the Technical Staff of the Golden Jaguars an opportunity to see where the team’s at with the future being exposed at the highest level and in this case, against a top rated CONCACAF side. Lack of coordination in their defensive third was capitalized upon by the young Canadians as they hammered in two goals by the 29th minute. On 23 minutes after Guyana looked like they were going to put the visitors on the back foot early but squandered two early chances, Canada opened their account. Caleb Clarke on an assist from Louis Beland-Goyette put the Canadians ahead with a well taken shot that eluded the grasp of Golden Jaguar custodian, Alex Andrew Murray. Six minutes on, the lead was doubled when the visitors again capitalized on poor work at the back, this time, Richmond Laryea, who plays in the USA, tucked one past Murray even as Guyana’s Captain Colin Nelson tried to clear the ball off the line but only succeeded in assisting the ball over the line.

This Chase Academy player controls the ball against his Christianburg/Wismar opponents. Canada 2 Guyana 0. The advantage was maintained up to the half and as was expected, the Guyanese would have introduced fresh legs in a bid to rebound. That they did at the start of the second half when Devon Millington, Dwight Peters and Hubert Pedro came in for the England based Ishankie Charles, Eon Alleyne and Delon Lanferman. There was an immediate change in the offensive plays of the home team much to the delight of the fans. But even with the Golden Jaguars now beginning to really roar, Canada increased the advantage.

Raheem Edwards with a well taken left foot shot after being fed the ball by Ben Fisks who caused problems for the Guyana defence all night long, beat a flat footed Murray in the V on his right side. The Golden Jaguars made another double change when the T&T based Pernel Schultz had to replace Dwight Peters who was injured and had to be stretchered off the field, Solomon Austin came in at that point too. The nippy Schultz immediately made an impact and complimented the nagging Trayon Boob who was having an outstanding game.

Russian Sports Minister apologizes over doping, pleads for Rio entry: Sunday Times (Reuters) Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has issued a plea for Russia’s athletes to be allowed to compete in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games and apologized for the “deceptive” sportsmen caught doping in the past in an article he wrote for Britain’s Sunday Times. With less than three months before the Rio Games open in August, Moscow is seeking to have a global ban overturned to allow its track and field athletes to compete. The All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) was suspended from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) after several high-profile Russian athletes were caught red-handed in using banned performance-enhanced substances. “Serious mistakes have been made by the federation management, along with athletes and coaches... We are ashamed of them,” Mutko said in his strongest comments over the doping scandal. “We are very sorry that

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko gestures during an interview with Reuters in Moscow, Russia, March 11, 2016. (REUTERS/MAXIM ZMEYEV) athletes who tried to deceive us, and the world, were not caught sooner. We are very sorry because Russia is committed to upholding the highest standards in sport and is opposed to anything that threatens the Olympic values.” Russia, second behind the United States in the athletics medal table at the 2012 London Olympics,

is banned from all athletics after an independent commission of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) revealed widespread doping. WADA President Craig Reedie told BBC radio in an interview on Saturday that it was “highly unlikely” that Russia’s antidoping authority would be declared compliant with world sports rules in time for Rio. Russia has to convince the IAAF that it has put in place measures to show improvement in its anti-doping operation and a “change of culture”. “We have done everything that has been asked of us by the IAAF in order to be reinstated. It would be unjust to demand all these changes and measures, witness them happen and then still punish Russia’s athletes. We believe passionately in the Olympic spirit and values,” Mutko said. Mutko’s ministry and the Russian Olympic Committee were not available for immediate comment.

It was a three player combo that brought Guyana its first and only goal on the night. Schultz picked up the ball in the Canadian half before working his way down the middle, passed to Millington on the left who found Pedro. Pedro turned and clinically slapped the ball past Canadian goalkeeper and Captain Maxime Crepeau in the 69th minute. The roars of the fans in appreciation could have been heard back in Canada. Sensing that the home team was now gathering momentum, Canada upped their game also and within four minutes of letting in a goal, restored their three goal cushion when Fisk, who plays with Deportivo La Coruna’s B side, scored a beauty from an acute angle, beating two defenders and Murray on the first post. Canada 4 Guyana 1.

Eon Alleyne battles Canada’s Jordan Murrell.

Canada never relented and closed out the home team three minutes to full time when second half substitute Jordan Hamilton netted their fifth in the 87th minute to open their two-match Caribbean tour on a high. The Canadians will now go on to face Grenada A team on Wednesday night in St. George’s from 20:00hrs. Meanwhile, in the supporting match, Chase Academy, the Milo School’s champions got the better of the Digicel Nationwide champions, Christianburg/Wismar Secondary 2-1. For the winners, Jeremy Garrett and Kelsey Benjamin netted in the 24th and 62nd minute, while the Linden side got their consolation goal from Brian Johnson in the 55th minute.

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Monday May 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

34th MoE/NSC/GCF Independence 3-Stage Cycle Road Race

HINDS AND LEUNG RETAIN SENIOR AND JUNIOR TITLES; NILES IS KING OF THE VETERANS

Jubilee Moment! The Overall and other winners will cherish this moment with Minister Henry following the presentation ceremony yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. By Franklin Wilson Employing strategic and flawless tactics, the duo of Orville Hinds (Team Evolution) and Raphael Leung (United Cycle Club) successfully defended their respective senior and junior titles with Junior Niles (Team Coco’s) taking the veterans crown when the curtains came down on the 34th edition of the Ministry of Education (MoE)/National Sports Commission (NSC)/Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), Three Stage Cycle Road Race, yesterday. Held as part of the calendar of activities to commemorate Guyana’s Golden Jubilee of Independence, the race which also attracted cyclists from Anguilla, saw the Ministry sharing out close to $500,000 in cash incentives apart from trophies. Water to keep the competitors refreshed and hydrated was supplied by Demerara Distillers Limited. Hinds rode beautifully to win yesterday’s final stage from Linden to the City to end the event as he started, with victory. While the overall winning time of (7:10:07) was slower than last year’s (6:52:26) it was sweet victory nonetheless for Hinds and Team Evolution; he credited his team members for helping to craft the win. Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Sport Ms. Nicolette Henry in brief remarks prior to distributing the prizes complimented all the cyclists but singled out the respective category winners for riding brilliantly over the two days of the race to come out on top. “I look forward to continuing to support this event and I hope to see, as we move forward, this event growing into something a little bigger than where it is today. This event forms part of the calendar of activities for our 50th Independence

Anniversary celebrations and on that note I would like to wish all of you, happy 50th Independence Anniversary and congratulations to the organisers, the spectators, the media, the staff and all who worked tirelessly for this event to be a success, thank you.” In winning yesterday’s final stage, Hinds clocked 2 Hours 54 Minutes 41 Seconds and was followed by Deraj Garbarran who also rode beautifully for second in 2:54:56. Commenting on his back to back success, Hinds said the feeling is great while showering praise on his teammates for the job they did in assisting him. “We did the work, did the training and we reaped success. I would like to say thanks to God, my team, supporters, manager and the

organisers of the race. It is a great feeling to defend my title and I am looking forward to it next year.” Commenting on the race overall, Hinds stated that it was challenging. “It was a lot of men racing and you don’t know who is who, so I had to use my brains and racing tactics to come out on top. It is not an easy challenge at all.” The Team Evolution rider returned from French Guiana last Monday where he revealed that he competed in a 5-stage race and finished 14th overall but won the longest stage which covered a distance of 96 miles. He also said he suffered some mechanical challenges in the fourth stage which put paid to his chances of doing better. Michael Anthony and Walter Grant-Stuart also represented Continued on page 30

Overall Veteran winner Junior Niles receives his trophy and cash prize from Minister Nicolette Henry.