Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

Is Government the problem? Whether it is true or not, it is said that Guyana’s small population of 748,000 has been a definite advantage to its economic development. The country is endowed with the conditions and resources to create one of the best societies in the Hemisphere and perhaps in the world. But the former PPP government imitated development, destroyed the country’s uniqueness and heritage, and embarked on a strategy that did not lead to the empowerment of the people. Not having defined development, the government at the time had no instrument to shape the society and so it never fully understood the meaning and role of good governance and accountability. It never even studied the fundamentals to understand that the sole purpose of government is to create the economic, social and physical infrastructure for efficiency, creativity and productivity in society; with the state then moving aside and allowing the people to pursue their individual dreams and in the process contribute to the stability and sustainability of the country. If the government had devoted enough time to that single concept, Guyanese would have been prosperous and free, creative and confident, capable and responsible, rich and not poor. Guyana would have become a true and wealthy society instead of a country with large sectors of poor people, unpaved roads, inadequate potable water and poor electricity. And the country’s education and health systems and infrastructure would not have deteriorated as much. But the PPP government strayed; it created a wasteful, inefficient and vindictive system which suffocated individual initiatives and marginalized non-party supporters. There has been massive corruption. Yet, while resources still abound the people will not stop trying until they achieve their power and glory. The majority of them are disciplined, productive, hardworking and heroic in their sacrifices to measure up to the responsibilities that life has allotted them. It is they and not the government who keep the society afloat. They remain the bulwark of stability in society, pushing the country forward. Guyana would have been a great nation if the people were allowed to always do their best in their several spheres. The leap in productivity and creativity would have been enormous. But there were obstacles in their path due to the PPP failed policies to wastage and thievery; lawlessness; incompetency and inadequate public-service delivery; all and more have prevented the people from reaching their glory of the nation. Instead of achieving greatness, the country has had a steady decline in living standards since 2000. Crime has made life increasingly harsh and unbearable for the people; corruption has destroyed the fabric of society and the nation has become more disjointed. It is a constant struggle for the vast majority who see the wealthy and the politically connected creaming off everything at the top and almost always through corrupt means, thus leaving the crumbs for the masses. Corruption has destroyed the nation and its people. There is a deep inner hurt, accompanied by desperation to get ahead in society but for most, the future is dim. PPP dirty politics has worsened the plight of the people and has kept the nation at the elementary level of development. The people are eager to lead but the politicians always fail to heed. The glory of the country has been undoubtedly denied. All Guyanese wanted to do was to develop a caring and compassionate culture in the country; influence society and refined its tastes, values, ideals and aspirations, where there can be justice and equality for all, care for the downtrodden and the infirm, nurturing of the children, and the protection of history and heritage in order to be able to draw inspiration from the heroic struggles of those who have gone before us. These are the needs of the people who wanted change and voted for it. Will they be fulfilled by the newly sworn-in Coalition government? I strongly believe so.

Tuesday May 19, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

Government must attend to the poor DEAR EDITOR, Every party in every one of our elections campaigned with a promise to lift the lives of poor from the bottom of society to middle class status. But once in office, the poor are far removed from their agenda. The exceptions were the Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan administrations which poured a lot of resources to lift the lives of the downtrodden and neglected communities. Cheddi and Janet were genuine politicians. They were among a few who worked tirelessly to uplift the poor. Poverty did decline under the PPP administration over the last 23 years. But in general, the poor were only needed for their votes and at times a bone was thrown their way to keep them quiet from barking and stirring up trouble. Hardly a politician cared for the poor, with the governments subscribing to the economic policy that the rich, through their investment and government contracts, would lift the poor out of poverty. It is hoped, although I won’t hold my breath, that the new government will be different from its predecessors and provide ample opportunities (including contracts to small and start-up businesses) for the poor to rise out of poverty. Several well-intentioned and well-meaning individuals (myself included) proposed policies that would help the poor, but

these were not supported by governments throughout the Caribbean region. None of my ideas to help the poor were ever considered in my recommendations to politicians around the region. Politicians don’t really care about the poor. During the PNC dictatorship, poverty rose to around 70% of the population. Over the last 23 years, the poverty rate declined to around 30% - so much progress has been made. But so much more could have been done if money was not wasted on inadvisable policies. After Panday became PM in Trinidad in November 1995, I submitted a proposal to his government to address the needs of the poorer sections of society. They were simple acts that would benefit the poor. He showed no interest, as he became infatuated with the parasitic class; many felt he had become a member of that class. A group of Indian medical doctors from Jamaica Hospital and other neighbouring hospitals had approached me (through Mohan Sahabir of NY) to speak on their behalf to carry out voluntary, free clinics, and surgeries in Trinidad to help the less fortunate. Panday’s administration was approached but voluntary service was discouraged, as the group was specifically told it would impact on the moneymaking business of the

private medical institutions. The doctors, like me, were most disappointed. Some of the Indian and Guyanese doctors over the years undertook medical outreach programs in Guyana among poor communities, but still not enough is being done to help poor people with medical issues. The Panday administration, like the Manning administration, was not genuinely interested in helping the poor. And in Guyana, although the PPP reduced poverty, much more could have been done to raise standard of living had the opposition cooperatedwiththe government. Proposals to help the poor were often ignored. The poor have been viewed as a burden on s o c i e t y. I n g e n e r a l , politicians don’t care about them and wish if they could just go away. I have dealt

with politicians in too many societies proposing policies on how to lift the poor. They trample on the dignity of the poor. They never walk the talk of their nice, good sounding policies. They hardly ever deliver what they promise. Politicians say one thing in public, in speeches filled of rhetoric of what they will do for the poor. But once in office, they forget what they said. Politicians (from the government side) will soon hide from the poor, because it will be difficult to deliver on all the promises. It won’t be long from now that they will stop answering their phones and hide from constituents and even friends, and those who fund them for the campaign. It has always been this way. The only politician who did not hide from people in need of something or to (Continued on page 5)

Expose this fraud DEAR EDITOR, The PPP fraudulently manipulated the census in 2002 to show a decline in the Indo population from 51.9% to 43%. They desperately wanted to change the party’s unpopular reputation of being an Apan Jaat Indo organization to one that attracted cross-racial support. By fraudulently changing the census to reflect a drop in the Indo population, the party then made the case that their continued 51% voter support meant that they were now a legitimate cross-racial party. This of course was a lie - the Indo population in Guyana has always been-and remains 51%. I would like the new APNU-AFC government in collaboration with credible observers to do a new census count by race to expose the PPP’s fraud. Berkeley Van Bowen

Tuesday May 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

Open letter to Mr. Ramotar - Leader of the Opposition DEAR MR. RAMOTAR, Taking your office as the new Leader of the Opposition, it is our responsibility to remind you that you are being allowed the important task of representing the will of 202,694 people - leaving out the many others who supported the PPP/C but did not regrettably vote for one reason or the other.

We stand with you during this time, and in doing this, we have to remind you that it is the blatant disrespectful behaviour of the ministers who you appointed to address every issue in Guyana that brought the PPPC to this point. We urge you to immediately distance yourself from those ministers who have

brought disgrace to the people’s party in an attempt to demonstrate their powers or to make their friends and family superiors to the people who worked under them. Had we not been patriotic supporters for the PPP/C maybe more votes would have gone to the coalition. Many of us forgot the pain the PNC put us or our parents

through to give them another chance in Guyana’s Parliament. Nevertheless, it is important to stand strong, represent us once more, do not be a traitor as others have been, and stand in front of us and look at the masses that are following you. Remember that standing alone you have mustered

Restoring unity and building the nation Dear Excellency, Mr. David Granger, I believe that no one party or race can build a prosperous Guyana. It is this notion of working collectively that should spur you and your administration to restore a sense of pride among the citizens of Guyana. In your swearing-in speech, you reminded the nation that Guyana is the largest and most beautiful country in the Caribbean. As we prepare to celebrate our

49th year of independence and inauguration of our new government, the nations should celebrate this occasion with the hoisting of the largest national flag in the Caribbean in a location of permanent prominence, such as the junction of Carifesta Avenue and Vlissengen Road. This larger than life symbol of patriotism should be our gift to the nation and the people of Guyana - a public demonstration of the

love, respect and pride we feel for our country. Trinidad and Tobago currently has the largest national flag in the Caribbean measuring 50ft x 40ft on a soaring 150-ft flagpole located in Macoya. Proud of who I am as a Guyanese, and inspired to see Guyana transformed into a nation of unity and success, I implore your Excellency and our Prime Minister elect Mr. Moses Nagamootoo to put our patriotism on display for all the Caribbean and the

world to see, and to restore pride in our nation every time a Guyanese sees a 55ft x 45ft Guyana flag mounted on a 150-ft pole flying in the Atlantic breeze. I am aware that this initiative is not part of the coalition’s 100-day plan, but this is your opportunity and my challenge to you to commence the process of uniting Guyana. Help us to display our pride, passion and patriotism to Guyana. Kevin Bonnett

I salute the African Guyanese Sisterin and Brethren DEAR EDITOR, The APNU-AFC Coalition’s victory was made possible by the priceless contributions of Guyanese of all ethnicities and social class. Women and men voted and gave moral and practical support. The elderly, the not so old and the very young came forward in their numbers. In the end it was a

Guyanese victory for all Guyanese. But we would be dishonest if we did not recognize the particular role played by the African Guyanese section of the electorate. Some analysts have contended that it was the increased votes in Region 4 that ultimately made the difference. Perhaps the

This is a victory for ALL Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Permit me to congratulate my fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters on this propitious occasion – the swearing-in of the 8th Executive President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Mr. David Arthur Granger. You have the good fortune of participating in a democratic process to elect your leaders who will serve you for the next five years. For many nations around the world this is still an elusive dream. It is moments like these that make me want to shout out, Desmond! After what was sometimes a very bitter campaign, we all need to bury the hatchet and embrace our fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters, regardless of race, colour, creed or political persuasion. We should never allow any ill will or old grudges to blind us from what great virtue there is in unity. There is a huge gap between where we are and where we want to be as a nation. This gap can only be bridged if we all work together

as one united people. The skills and talent we need to build Guyana reside in all Guyanese. Like I said before, there is no “us” and “them”. We are all one people with a common destiny. A loyal opposition is a very essential and important part of the fabric of any democracy. We should therefore respect those who oppose us, instead of seeing them as our enemies. The nation can only prosper and become stronger with healthy competition and challenges in the political arena. That said, I invite every Guyanese to join in the process of nation-building. I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to everyone who made this day possible. Your hard work, sleepless nights, and sacrifice have paid off. Guyana is in a better place because of you, so take a bow. This is a victory forALL Guyana. I also wish to thank those decent-minded officials in the outgoing administration for their service and sacrifice. Good luck and God bless. Artie Ricknauth

craziness that accompanies any discussion of race and ethnicity precludes any such assertion. So, at the risk of being accused of introducing race, let me be the first to do so openly and unambiguously. African Guyanese were the majority ethnicity of the Unity Train. The African Guyanese youth led the way, casting off the curse of apathy and disinterest in public politics. Young Black men, often the most abused section of our society, stepped up as never before. African Guyanese women, of all ages and classes, were constant mothers, daughters and sisters of the flock. And most of all, when the PPP in the days after the election tried to provoke

African Guyanese, the people displayed a patience that nailed the lie of the angry, violent African. Finally, the African Guyanese community showed an unbelievably high level of respect for their nonAfrican comrades in the Unity Train. Moses Nagamootoo was embraced not as a token, but as a brother-leader-in arms. As they did in 2011, African Guyanese voted for National Unity, Equality and Mutual Respect and in the process have helped to lift our collective political culture. As an African Guyanese who believes in an equal unity, I salute the African Guyanese Sisterin and Brethren. Big up the Massive. David Hinds

Government must attend to the poor From page 4 address a problem was Cheddi Jagan. He was among the most honourable of all Guyanese politicians. He was caring and compassionate, especially towards the poor and working class; he lived for them. There still are a few politicians who truly care for the poor and less fortunate. Nagamootoo is one of them. I remember one of his partners complaining to me that “all Moses cared about is to do free (charitable) work for the work and not make money. When he was a Minister and a PPP M.P, he had limited power, clout and influence to execute programs to lift the

lives of the poor. He now has an opportunity as PM to lead the government in parliament and propose policies to help the poor. At one time, Moses told me he so wanted to help people but was in no position to help them because his colleagues were not cooperative. For inexplicable reasons, his colleagues did not allow him to serve party members and those who helped build the party. After every election, virtually every handout went to newcomers and the financiers. I don’t think it will be any different now. But I still hold hope that this administration will be different. Vishnu Bisram

49.19% of the amount of people who have voted, six parties have joined hands to muster 50.29% of the amount of voters to gain victory. You should also keep close with you devoted and uncorrupted ministers like Gail Teixeira, Priya Manickchand, Jennifer Westford, Jennifer Webster, Roger Luncheon, Robeson

Benn and Clement Rohee. Stand with your head up and continue to look at Guyana’s interest, accept the friendship arm of Mr. Granger, and work for Guyana’s interest and the Guyanese people. Together we stand, divided we fall. PPP/C Supporter and your Friend, Avid Singh

We the People DEAR EDITOR, We the people of this great land spoke in unison on May 11, 2015 and had declared that the time had come to free our country from the corrupt, greedy and misguided politicians that have plagued our country for far too long. The past regime had taken the people for granted, they failed to listen, failed to heed, failed to honour the legacy of one of the greatest patriots and father of the country, Cheddi B. Jagan. They allowed the party to be hijacked by people that were morally and intellectually shallow and had no place being there. When history revisits, the period of Bharrat Jagdeo will be remembered as one of the worst displays of leadership in the region in recent memory. The recent crop of PPP leaders had robbed Guyana of its rightful place in the Caribbean community for far too long, to the point where our neighbours were flabbergasted at the state of our country with so much resources and potential. Enormous damage was caused to the country’s resources and infrastructure. Some foreign entities were allowed to squander and steal our wealth and inheritance, while thousands of overseas Guyanese were neglected and would have gladly returned home and invested the right way if the conditions were suitable, all the while helping to develop the strong middle class and small business community typically seen in prospering

countries. We the people, the bold new crop of young, brave and enterprising Guyanese say no more. No more shall we sit idly by and look at the rest of the world pass us by and our neighbours mock us. For many who have been hurt, who sacrificed and who have paid the ultimate price; to the many who never lived long enough to see a Guyana vibrant and strong, I say to you that we will ensure that the new leaders are held accountable and do as they promised to you and your children, that your spirit can rest knowing that Guyana has turned a new and important chapter. Let us free ourselves from hate, bigotry and animosity. There is still much healing to be done and bridges to build as we see a country still largely split along racial lines as evident by the voting trends seen in the recent elections, but what we have also seen was Guyanese of all races uniting across the spectrum to narrow that gap more than ever before. Let us now all support our new government and ensure that they do as promised and bring us to our rightful place. God bless us all, particularly the new administration of this beautiful land. D. Persaud

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 19, 2015

Forensic audits will be done on all state agencies By: Kiana Wilburg President David Granger had announced that the APNU+AFC government would be meeting this week with the recently ousted People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to allow for the transfer of assets and information. Heading the APNU+AFC team is Joseph Harmon who was appointed Head of the Presidential Secretariat for the time being. Kaieteur News continues today with the third edition of its interview with the President which was done mere hours before he was sworn in on Saturday last. Granger spoke on a range of issues which includes the annual budget likely to be laid in Parliament in June. This newspaper understands that the APNU+AFC has selected economist Winston Jordon to serve as the Finance Minister. He is expected to meet with the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh today to receive pertinent

- PPP/C will be invited to budget preparations - Granger data and other resources belonging to the Finance Ministry. Jordon graduated with a Degree in Economics from the University of Guyana in 1981. In that period, he received the Vice Chancellor’s Special Award for Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Social Sciences. In 1990, the economist received a Commonwealth Scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies in Economics at the University of Warwick, UK and later graduated in 1985. He has a certificate in Public Sector Budgeting from Harvard University and another in Budgeting and Structural Adjustment Management from Penn State University, USA. In March, 1993 he worked with the International Monetary Fund as an intern. Jordon would be bringing over 30 years of working experience in a number of areas including macroeconomic management; economic

policy reform, programming and governance; resource mobilization; public finance; public sector budgeting; policy design and analysis; and design of poverty programmes and safety nets. He also served on several technical committees and state boards, including: Presidential Committee on Economic Matters (1990-91); Presidential Committee on Public Service Wages and Salaries (1997); Presidential Committee on the Privatization of Guyana Electricity Corporation (1997) and Linden Mining Enterprise (2003); Arbitration between the Government and the Guyana Teachers’Union (1999). Kaieteur News (KN): When will you start working on the budget and have you identified who your finance minister will be? President David Granger (P.DG): Well, we will have the budget laid very soon. At this point, (Saturday last) we have not decided on the Finance

Minister for that is still to be determined. The APNU will get to choose that person. And I would like to feel that the transition from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) to the APNU+AFC government could be done in the shortest possible time to facilitate this. We could start the process as early as tomorrow. By the end of the week, we will conclude negotiations and have a Cabinet in position and after that, in early June the Eleventh Parliament will be assembled. But rest assured that in the transition period we will start working on the budget. KN: Sir, considering the problems that surrounded the talks on the budgets between the PPP/C and the APNU +AFC, what will be your approach to the PPP/C now that it is in opposition? P.DG: We have committed ourselves to inclusionary democracy. We will invite the

PPP/C to discussions on the budget preparation process and establish the types of mechanisms they failed to get off the ground to facilitate such talks as well as the passage of Bills. The budget is very important and we will ensure we don’t have the car crashes we saw in the Tenth Parliament. We will invite them to talk on the budget and make their input. I am not shutting out anyone because they did that to us. I am finished with the fighting. That is history. KN: Will we see forensic audits being done on agencies like the Guyana Forestry Commission, NICIL and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission by overseas specialists? P.DG: We have the capability and the resources in Guyana to do efficient audits. We must learn to be independent. We don’t have to resort to overseas intervention for something like improving the quality of

President, David Granger governance. We will have a special team from here to do that. KN: The APNU+AFC complained on several occasions about not being able to access coverage for its events through state agencies like GINA and NCN. Will you allow the PPP/C now in opposition to enjoy what was not extended to you? (See the answer to this and more in Part four of tomorrow’s edition)

Local operators forced out…

BaiShanLin takes over river transport There is growing anger by local contractors over unfair competition from BaiShanLin, a Chinese company that has been handed waivers, tax breaks and duty-free concessions by the Jagdeo administration. Days after truckers complained that BaiShanLin has been taking away their businesses, there are more accusations now. This time, barge operators who have been fetching sand and logs for local private companies, are accusing BaiShanLin of muscling its way in and hijacking the riverain transportation business. An operator who has been in business for more than two decades, said that his usual 10 trips a month have been reduced to almost zero. “I have more than five crewmen and they have families. My payroll is almost $1M monthly. How can we compete against the Chinese when they have been granted so many concessions? “We pay taxes on everything. I am asking the new President, David Granger, to investigate this. They are offering their service far cheaper than us. They can afford it. We can’t.” “BaiShanLin gets duty free concession on fuel and on every other thing. So it is impossible for us to compete.” The operator said that he is aware of at least two

Former President Donald Ramotar FILE PHOTO: BaiShanLin’s ship building yard in Linden, Region 10.

quarrying companies that BaiShanLin is doing work for. While barge operators have taken loans and spent millions of dollars to set up operation, BaiShanLin’s 2,200 tonnes tug barges are proving a major advantage when compared to the smaller ones operated by private operators. BaiShanLin is a Chinese investor who was under investigation by the last parliamentary Opposition for its logging and mining practices. Under the Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar presidencies, the company was granted billions of

dollars in tax breaks and duty free concessions, and was allowed to import scores of trucks and other pieces of heavy equipment. The company had built at least one barge and was in the process of constructing at least two self-propelled barges at the Linden location. Reportedly, they have also been granted concessions and licence on fuel imports, giving them a clear edge in not only the logging and mining sectors, but the transportation arena which they have now entered. BaiShanLin has also

reportedly been using its barge to fetch logs of private operators along the Berbice River. Specifically, the tax breaks and duty free concessions were for them to use in their logging operations. However, BaiShanLin has also entered the gold mining sector, ship building, housing and even using trucks to haul logs for private loggers. The latter have been complaining bitterly of the unfair competition, saying that they spent millions of dollars and even took loans to buy their trucks. The previous People’s

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) government, led by Jagdeo and Ramotar, has been secretive about the details of the investment agreement with BaiShanLin. After almost a decade in the country, the company has failed to establish wood processing facilities but has rather been concentrating on exporting logs. It has been blamed for a major spike in wood exports in recent years. Last year, a flyover of the Berbice River area, saw huge areas of cleared lands with piles of logs as far as the eye

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo can see. The combined Parliamentary Opposition which won last week’s General Elections, had vowed to review BaiShanLin’s agreement to ensure that Guyana is receiving the best deal.

Tuesday May 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

U.S. probing Venezuelan officials for possible drug trafficking: WSJ

Diosdado Cabello U.S. authorities are investigating Venezuela’s powerful parliamentary chief, Diosdado Cabello, and other senior officials for possible cocaine trafficking and money laundering, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday. Citing more than 12 people familiar with the probes, the newspaper said federal prosecutors in New York and Miami and a Drug Enforcement Administration unit were gathering evidence from former cocaine traffickers, Venezuelan military defectors and people once close to top Venezuelan government officials. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, an ideological foe of Washington, was not a target of the U.S. investigation, the Journal said. Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. Venezuelan opposition leaders and U.S. officials have

made accusations for years of money laundering and drug trafficking against the governments of Maduro and predecessor Hugo Chavez. Officials in Caracas call them unfounded smears that are part of a wider U.S.-led campaign to end the OPEC country’s 16 years of socialism. Spanish newspaper ABC reported in January that a former member of Cabello’s security detail had fled Venezuela and had told U.S. authorities that he was involved in a drug ring. Cabello, National Assembly president and No. 2 in the ruling Socialist Party, filed a defamation suit last month against 22 people linked to three media outlets for having republished information from that story.” They accused me of being a drug trafficker without any proof,” he said on state TV last week. In its report, the Journal

quoted a Justice Department official as saying Cabello was “a main target” of the probe, adding there was “extensive evidence” to suggest he was one of the heads of a suspected trafficking cartel involving military officers and top government officials. “It’s a criminal organization,” the unidentified Justice Department official was quoted as saying. The newspaper quoted U.S. authorities as saying their investigations were far along but that any indictments might be sealed until arrests were made. Such arrests could be impossible unless the suspects left Ve n e z u e l a , t h e J o u r n a l added. It said the investigations resulted from a boom in drug trafficking in Venezuela, following the shift in operations there by many Colombian traffickers after a government crackdown there.

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Tuesday May 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

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THE COALITION WON BECAUSE THE AFC HELD ITS SUPPORT BASE People tend to be gullible towards political rhetoric. Many of them therefore are going to believe that Guyanese voted for change in the 2015 General and Regional Elections; this is however far from the truth. The 2015 election was as close an election as there ever was and ever will be in Guyana. If any future election is as close, there will be major unrest in Guyana. According to figures provided by the Stabroek News, in Region 8 the PPPC lost by one vote. Now this alone is reasonable grounds for a recount of the votes cast in that Region, something that was reportedly denied. With two additional votes in that Region, the PPPC would have held a majority in the National Assembly; there would have been a minority government; and elections may have had to have been

held within three months. It is therefore a fallacy that Guyanese voted for change. The votes were virtually split 50-50 in these elections. Half of the population can at best be said to have voted for change, while almost the other half voted for continuity. When it came to change, the electorate was split down the middle. The overwhelming desire for change therefore cannot account for the APNU+AFC coalition’s victory. APNU+AFC owed its victory to something else. The sole reason why APNU+AFC scraped home and this is a good allusion to use to describe the coalition’s victory - is because of another reason. The sole reason why the coalition defeated the PPPC is because the AFC held its support base. The PPPC is now attempting to show that the

Dem boys seh...

AFC did not deliver on its 11% pledge. But their analysis is either deliberately misleading or wrong. The only reason why today Guyana has a new government is because the AFC held its support base. This can be confirmed by looking at the voting patterns in the 2015 elections and comparing it with the performance of the individual parties, APNU and the AFC, in the 2011 elections. The PPPC was hoping that by joining with APNU that the AFC’s support base would have crumbled. It was hoping to recapture most of the votes that the PPPC had lost in 2011 to the AFC. It was able to some extent to restore some lost ground in Berbice, but only slightly so. The PPPC marginally increased its overall share in Berbice; but the AFC by and large held its support in that Region, and this is why the

coalition was able to deny the PPPC, the ten thousand additional votes that the PPPC was hoping to obtain in Region 6. In Region 5, the PPPC also only marginally improved its performance. Here again the AFC held its support base. The greatest blunder for the PPPC was its campaigning in Region 4, the largest region and the one that was always likely to have the greatest impact on the overall results of the elections. True the PPPC was able to increase its take over 2011 in Region 4 by about 15 %. But the coalition was able to do the same. However, because of the significant share of this Region in the overall electorate, the failure of the PPPC to gain additional percentage points in Region 4 may have cost them the elections. The AFC also held

its own in Regions 2 and 3. However, it lost significant ground in Region 8 where the PPP did well. But the total number of voters in this Region is much too small to have impacted on the overall top-up apportionment. The PPPC’s strategy therefore failed on three accounts. Firstly it aimed at increasing its share of votes nationwide; it should have been more targeted in its approach. Had it employed a statistician, it would have been better advised and therefore would have been able to develop a more targeted strategy. Secondly, the PPPC should have allocated greater resources towards doing better in Region 4. It did not do this, trying instead to focus more on regaining Regions 5 and 6, and in the end this cost them critical votes.

Thirdly, the PPPC needed to split the AFC’s support base. It was not able to do this; and therefore it lost. The premise that by joining with APNU, the AFC’s support would be split did not hold true. The AFC held on to its support base and delivered the 11% needed to win the presidency. Why was the AFC able to do this? In order to determine this, an opinion poll is needed. But I will suggest three possible reasons: One, the lack of originality in the presidency of Donald Ramotar; two, the Bheri Ramsaran incident which enraged the women of Guyana; and thirdly, the DAX contract which spoke volumes about the PPPC’s approach to governance.

Woman recounts seeing husband, nephew buried alive in mining pit disaster...

NEVER TRUST Five bodies recovered from deadly pit A CRICKETER Yesterday, de Waterfalls paper showcases Soulja Bai holding hands wid de cricketer, Tiger. Dem boys got a serious message fuh Soulja Bai whenever he got to shake hands wid dem again. Come all ye fair young maidens and listen unto me, Never trust a cricketer, whoever he may be. More horny than a sailor who’s been six months at sea, Never let a cricketer’s hand an inch above your knee. First let’s take the paceman, pure speed from first to last, My darlings do be careful; his balls are hard and fast. Then there’s the medium pacer, his balls swing either way; He’s really most persistent and can keep it up all day! And watch for the off-spinner, girls, another awkward chap. If you leave him half an opening, he will slip one through the gap! Then there’s the wily ‘slowy’, pure cunning is his strength; He’ll tempt you, then he’ll trap you with his very subtle length. So ladies, do be careful, your mothers would agree. Never trust a cricketer, whoever he may be. And what about the opening bat, his struggles never cease! He has only one ambition, to spend all day at the crease. The number three is a dasher, he seldom prods and pokes. When he goes into action, he has a fine array of strokes.. And do beware the slogger, not content with one or two; When he arrives at the crease then only six will do. Then there’s the real stonewaller, girls, he knows what he’s about; And if you let him settle in, it’s hard to get him out! We come now to the last man, I hope this will not shock, He doesn’t mind if he’s last man in, as long as he gets a knock. So, darlings, do be careful, and be well warned by me: Never trust a cricketer, whoever he may be. And watch the wicketkeeper, girls, he’s full of flair and dash; And if you raise your heel, he’ll whip them off in a flash. If you take the field with the captain, you had better know the score; Or he’ll have you in positions that you never knew before! The cricket commentator is a nasty sort of bloke, He watches all the action and describes it stroke by stroke. Even the kindly umpire, who looks friendly as a pup; You’ll quickly find you’ve had it, when he puts his finger up! So, darlings, please remember and repeat it after me: “NEVER TRUST A CRICKETER, WHOEVER HE MAY BE!!!!!”

Rescuers at the collapsed mine site yesterday

Police have recovered the bodies of five of the ten miners who were buried alive when their pit collapsed on them at Mowasi, Potaro around 14:00hrs Sunday. The dead were identified as Leyland Jones, 38, called ‘Foots’ of Grove, East Bank Demerara, who was the gold operation’s General Manager; his nephew Jason Trotman 21; of Samatta Point, Grove Housing Scheme; Vick and Frank Bernard; Desmond Martins; Raymond August; Brian Bank; Trevon Phillips; Nanmore Kurt; and ‘Michael’. Seven others were rescued but sustained various degrees of injuries. Some were admitted to the Madhia hospital and others

were treated and sent away. Kaieteur News understands that one of the more badly injured men, identified as Colin Moore, has been transferred to a city hospital. According to reports, 18 workers were in the pit when the northern wall, weakened by rainfall, collapsed. HEARD MINER SCREAM Shevon France, the camp cook, who lost her husband, Leyland Jones, and nephew, Jason Trotman, said that she was inside watching television when she heard one of the miners screaming. On rushing outside, Ms. France said she saw the miner “holding his head and saying that ‘Booker’ (his brother) was dead, and that he think that

my husband dead.” “When I hear that ‘Foots’ (Leyland Jones) dead, I just rush to the spot.” But by then, her husband and nine other men were already buried under tons of mud. “I just see wall falling on wall; nothing else.” She said that two of the walls collapsed, and that this happened within ten minutes. “The only thing I could do was kneel and cry and pray that he (Leyland Jones) could come out with only his foot bruck. I am still hoping that he could be alive.” The bodies of Jones and Trotman were not among those found yesterday. According to Ms. France, one of the seven survivors

“had his whole head covered in mud,” but rescuers managed to pull him out alive. Excavator operators were unable to immediately reach the pit, owing to the muddy conditions of the area. Kaieteur news was told that an excavator is submerged in the pit. Up to press time, the police were preparing to transport the dead to Georgetown. The tragedy has already gained the label of one of the worst accidents in recent memories. According to reports, the owner of the camp has been identified as Imran Khan. Reports indicate that the (Continued on page 24)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 19, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Losing elections: The invincibility code I doubt very much that any scholar can do justice to an analysis of the loss of power by the PPP in just one book. My feeling is that it will take more than one volume. The story is a complex one. It involves a philosophical investigation of the PPP going right back to the first election victory of the PPP in 1957. The analyst has to devote a huge part of the study to the role Cheddi and Janet played in molding the PPP. Then there is the assessment of its politics in

opposition. No doubt an entire volume would have to be centered on the twenty three years in power. Then there was the role played by personalities inside the PPP leadership since power was attained in 1992. In looking at the fall of the PPP that began in 2011, the towering influence of Jagdeo has to get special emphasis. But I would argue that what Jagdeo became was natural, because the seeds were planted by Mrs.Jagan long before Jagdeo came out

of napkins. There is no space here to elaborate on the historical evolution of the PPP and the role of Dr. and Mrs. Jagan, but no discussion will be complete without an examination of the invincibility culture. What this column and forthcoming ones will do is examine some of the causal factors in the PPP’s untergang. Most definitely, there is no one-factor cause. In 2011 the PPP could have won. In 2015, the possibility of victory still existed – look at the

narrow loss. What exactly went wrong? It is academically useless to keep focusing on the role of Jagdeo as the main reason for the state of sadism in the PPP the last fifteen years. This writer would argue that Jagdeo took things to extreme lengths but there were other leaders in the PPP who were Jagdeoites long before Jagdeo became what he became. We start with the invincibility ethos that the PPP embraced after the split between Burnham and Jagan

in the first half of the fifties. No leader in the PPP from the nineties onwards has been able to escape the tentacles of the invincibility culture that the two Jagans stamped on the face of the PPP. When Jagdeo became President no one in the PPP knew much about him. In the Jagdeo libel trial, Roger Luncheon testified that he first knew of Jagdeo after 1992. This newcomer without baggage soon fell victim to the invincibility cult of the PPP. Has the analyst found it strange that Ralph Ramkarran declined to join the election campaign and refused to endorse the coalition in the final days of the campaign? Doesn’t one find it strange that Nadira Jagan threw in her support for the PPP in the dying moments of the campaign? What is the reason for Ramkarran’s no for the opposition and Jagan’s yes for PPP? It may have to do with their understanding of what the PPP is. The holy grail of invincibility may have determined their decision. The invincibility mythology was perpetuated by Cheddi Jagan himself. Its essential feature is that the PPP is the founder of modern Guyana and is a politically superior religion to other political cultures. Using the theory of natural resentment in human nature, the Jagans warned the PPP membership that they must expect to be crucified, but they will survive to lead Guyana because that is the PPP’s manifest destiny.

Frederick Kissoon This religion permeated the psychic foundation of each PPP leader. PPP leaders grew up to think that they will face the wrath of those who cannot and will not accept them, but history will absolve the PPP. This superiority complex is present in every PPP leader. Our social scientists have done a poor job at analyzing the PPP in power, but if and when they do and they study the role of the invincibility motif in the evolution of the PPP they will find countless of examples. One should remind readers that the dialogue between the PNC and the PPP broke down when Roger Luncheon at the table told Desmond Hoyte that the two parties were not equal. Hoyte then felt insulted and broke off the talks. In perhaps all countries in the world, a minority government would have tried to rule with some form of diluted concessions to the opposition. The invincibility culture in the PPP prevented the PPP after 2011 from any sustained dialogue with the combined opposition. The PPP leaders felt that it was unthinkable to share power, however little it was.

Tuesday May 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Child killer pardoning...

Parents aggrieved, were cheated out of justice Shock and disbelief are two words being used by United States of America– based, couple Heeralall and Chaimwatie Bhim, as they described their reaction to the news that the man who was convicted for the cold blooded murder of their only child two decades ago, was set free by former President, Donald Ramotar. Last Saturday, Ravindra Deo, who abducted and killed eight-year-old Vishnu Bhim, walked out of the Georgetown Prisons, courtesy of a Presidential pardon from the outgoing Head of State. But the news that Deo has been freed only forced the child’s parents, who migrated to the US shortly after the killing, to re-live the horrible incident. Mr. and Mrs. Bhim currently reside in Orlando, Florida, USA. The aggrieved parents told this publication that after spending years struggling to cope with the grief and agony of losing their only child in such a horrible manner, they “feel cheated out of justice,” knowing that his murderer is free to walk the streets again. With this new development, Mr. Bhim said that he and his wife are now forced to endure the indescribable, especially since the incident remains fresh in their minds. “It’s so fresh … It’s like it was just yesterday… To hear such a thing now has my wife crying. She is in shock, she can’t take it,” Mr. Bhim said. He recalled that about a year ago he received news that his son’s killer would be released. Bhim said that he travelled to Guyana after he heard that the former President was planning to pardon the man responsible for his son’s death. The grieving father said he raised his concerns with the former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, who assured him that it was just a rumour. “But lo and behold, within the short space of time, it’s a reality,” the man stressed. The Florida-based Guyanese now wonders why the former President would pardon someone who committed such an unconscionable act. “How could the President pardon a man who did such a horrible thing? Why him? Why not some other person? He took from us our only child. That‘s not right. That’s not justice,” he lamented. Given the fact that the killer is now a free man, Mrs. Bhim also expressed fear for the safety of those who provided evidence in the trial.

“This is a man who had threatened us. People’s lives are at risk. People are scared for our lives because our son’s killer is out on the streets again. We have relatives back home. I’ve travelled home at least three times in the last year,” Mrs. Bhim said. Now she is uncertain whether she will be returning to Guyana again. The couple is now considering if any action can be taken to reverse the former President’s decision. They are mulling over any legal options available to them. Deo, 39, was just 19 years old, when he kidnapped and killed the young child, who was making his way home from school at Annandale, East Coast Demerara. The killers had reportedly demanded a $1M ransom. Prior to the kidnapping, the suspect had allegedly

gone to the child’s home and had asked the victim’s father, Heeralall Bhim, for a job in his carpentry shop. He was arrested a few days later in America Street, and on December 1, 1994, he led detectives and villagers to La Bonne Intention, backdam, where they found the eightyear-old boy’s bound, gagged and battered body. He had initially claimed that an individual named ‘Kresho’ of Mahaicony, had assisted in the kidnapping. Police searched the Mahaicony area for ‘Kresho’ but never found him. Deo was subsequently convicted and sentenced to death in 1995. But an ex-parte injunction was filed to prevent his execution. He was eventually removed from death row. Deo was serving a life sentence, before he was released from prison.

Brazil congratulates new Government Making it clear that it was the first country to congratulate Guyana on the recently held elections, the Government of Brazil in a statement issued yesterday extended congratulations to “friendly neighbouring Guyana on the occasion of the General and Regional Elections, which took place on May 11, (2015), in which His Excellency Brigadier (Rtd) David Arthur Granger was elected President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.” The statement pointed out that International observer missions, among which was the one sent by the

Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), which counted with the participation of two representatives of the Electoral Supreme Tribunal of Brazil, followed the calm progress of the electoral process. “The Brazilian Government extends to President Granger its warmest greetings and confirms the commitment to continue deepening the bilateral initiatives, and the partnership established within the regional context with Guyana, member country of UNASUR and of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) and Associate State of MERCOSUR.”

Chaimwatie Bhim and Heeralall Bhim. Inset: Murdered: Vishnu Bhim, the couple’s only child.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 19, 2015

GTU suspends industrial action for debunching money - Lyte - hopes to have dialogue with new Govt. to discuss issue Two weeks ago the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) made a decision to have its membership commence industrial action. The intent was to retaliate against Government’s nonpayment of debunching money promised to teachers. The promise was part of an agreement that was inked between the Union and the former ruling administration – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). Work to rule was the preferred industrial action embraced by the Union. According to its Executives,

the move was one that was designed to emphasise that teachers were no longer going to sit back and wait for their payment. By working to rule, teachers within the public school system were asked to do the bare minimum in terms of work, or possibly return home each day if their working environments were not conducive for the teaching/learning process. However, with the recent National Elections which saw A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC)

Coalition being elected to Government, the GTU has decided to halt the industrial action. This development was confirmed by GTU President, Mark Lyte, who said, “It is only fair that we give the new Government a chance. We are hoping to soon have a meeting with the government to state our case and hopefully, it will honour the payment due to teachers.” “So we have decided to suspend the work to rule industrial action until after discussions are held, and then we will decide the way forward,” informed Lyte. Moreover, he said that the Union will this week disseminate correspondence to public schools to ensure that teachers are aware of the decision. More than 50 per cent of schools across Guyana had participated in the industrial action, according to Lyte. The GTU President has expressed optimism that during the course of this week, a delegation from the Union

will be able to meet with Government in order to ascertain how the debunching payment issue will be handled. Teachers have been waiting 10 years for their debunching money which is outlined as a benefit, among others, in an agreement between the former government and the Union. The agreement, in effect, is slated to expire this year end. When contacted just over a week ago to comment on the industrial action, then Shadow Minister of Education and APNU Chief Whip, Ms. Amna Ally, said that she was in full support of the GTU-orchestrated industrial action, and condemned the then ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government for not honouring its obligation. Ally, who has been a teacher for many years but is currently a full-time politician, vocalised her earnest conviction that “the (then) Government must pay the

teachers their debunching money.” “Why they don’t want to pay the teachers?” questioned Ally. “I don’t know if they (teachers) will get it from this (PPP/C) Government because this is a ‘hard ears’ and stubborn Government; this Government does not respect people’s rights and all they are doing is (making) elections promises,” the politician had asserted. As such, Ally said that the GTU’s decision to organise industrial action “is very much in order. I am supporting this.” Ally was however, unwilling then to pronounce on whether the APNU+AFC Coalition will ensure that teachers are afforded their debunching monies if elected to power. While the first week of industrial action had minimal impact on the public school system, Lyte disclosed that last week some schools did not have sessions at all. However, this was linked to the tension which followed the May 11, 2015, polling day activities. “Teachers last week

GTU President, Mark Lyte continued to work to rule but in a number of cases children did not attend school. This was because their parents kept them at home because of the tension,” observed Lyte who also pointed out that based on his knowledge, neither the industrial action nor elections tension affected ongoing examinations in the school system. Currently the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) as well as Grade, Two, Four and Nine Assessments are being conducted.

Tuesday May 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Kaieteur News daily online Cocaine busts at CJIA lands women in court readership breaks 300,000 mark

Nanda Ali

Vanessa Harper

Two women yesterday appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry to answer to drug trafficking charges. Vanessa Harper, 30, of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara and Nanda Ali, 39, of Annandale, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charges that were read to them at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Harper is accused of having 5.75 kg of cocaine,

while Ali is accused of having 6.18 kg. Both women were allegedly found with the illegal drug on May 15, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, (CJIA) Timehri. According to Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Oswald Massiah, Harper is unemployed and she made arrangements with someone to traffic the drug. He said that on the day in question, the defendant was scheduled to travel to the USA.

GT&T willing to work with new Govt.

GT&T’S CEO, Radha Krishna Sharma The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) yesterday signaled its intentions to work with the David Granger government, offering its congratulations to A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) for its victory. GT&T’s Chief Executive

Officer, Radha Krishna Sharma, congratulated President Granger, in particular, for creating an effective coalition that delivered an “historic victory”. “I take this opportunity also, to commend the APNU+AFC and the outgoing PPP administration for accomplishing a swift and orderly transition of power. On behalf of GT&T, I want to extend our support for President Granger and the APNU+AFC as they work to advance peace, national unity and economic development.” GT&T said it looks forward to deepening its partnership with the people and with the Government, and working with the new leaders to accelerate Guyana’s growth and development. The telecoms industry, under the previous administration, is facing liberalization to allow new players, but the process has been delayed.

Massiah said that the woman was promised $US5, 000 to transport the drug. She was given an advance of $100,000 along with US$3,000 to stand her personal expenses. While Harper was at the CJIA, before boarding her flight her luggage was searched by CANU ranks and the drug was found concealed in the covers of her suitcases. Massiah stated that Ali also arranged with someone unknown, to transport the drug. He said that after the woman consented to the arrangements she was also promised US$5,000. On May 15, at the CJIA, Ali was scheduled to travel to the USA. Upon arrival at the airport her suitcases were searched by CANU ranks and the drug was discovered in the cover and bottom part of her suitcases. They were both told of the offences, cautioned, arrested and then charged. Attorney, Dexter Todd, who made a bail application on Harper’s behalf, informed the court that the woman has two children. He added, too that his client has no pending or previous matters. Ali’s attorney, Peter Hugh, asked that his client be released on reasonable bail. He argued that his client has an unblemished criminal record. However, CANU Prosecutor Oswald Massiah objected to the defendants being granted their pre trial liberty. Massiah contended that the special reasons advanced by the Attorneys, do not support their bail application. Bail was refused by the Magistrate and the defendants were remanded to prison. Both matters will be called again on May 25, at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

Daily online hits for Kaieteur News broke records last Thursday with 340,000 visitors recorded. Last week’s General and Regional elections attracted a massive amount of attention both locally and internationally. Citizens were glued to the breaking online news for developments with readership reaching record levels for Kaieteur News, touching almost 340,000 hits on Friday when announcements by the authorities put the Opposition coalition in the lead. It would mean that daily readership for Kaieteur News online edition jumped by a staggering 260 percent for one day alone. On Sunday, May 10, the day before elections were held, the readership had already been one of the highest in the Caribbean for any one website. On that day, there were 126,806 hits which reflected average readership in recent months. On Monday, as Guyanese and mainly overseas readers visited the site to check on the voting process, the number of hits jumped to 201,301 hits. This increased by a very significant jump to 291,331 on Tuesday as visitors waited impatiently for the results. On Wednesday, the visits

remained high with 7,000 less. On Thursday, as Kaieteur News broke stories of the preliminary results by Guyana Election Commission (GECOM), which put the coalition ahead, the online readership touched the highest ever- 339,919. On Friday, it dropped back to 291,693 hits with 273,646 on Saturday. Coverage of the swearing in of President David Granger on Saturday at the Parliament Buildings saw the Sunday online edition recording almost 289,000 hits. The website, www.kaieteurnewsonline.com, has been one of the most popular in the Caribbean recording an increasing number of visitors in recent months. On February 4, last, it reached 176,078 hits. This reflected the highest number of hits since November 29, 2011, the day after General Elections, when the website, www.kaieteurnewsonline.com, saw a record 198,289. The online edition does not charge a fee for readership. More than 228 countries

around the world have been visiting the website, which helped to record 186M views since the newspaper started tracking the numbers in 2009. The largest number of hits to Kaieteur News’ site is found in the US, with almost 55 million recorded between February 25, 2012 and February 21, 2015. Guyana followed with 18.7M; Canada 17.9M; United Kingdom 3.9M and Barbados 2.2M. These are countries with a large number of Guyanese immigrants. It would appear that crime stories –accidents, politics, robberies and murders – would account for the biggest draws for readers. Hits refer to number of times an article is read.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 19, 2015

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From page 8 they cannot talk to me. It is too soon to answer some of your questions,” said Archer. In May of last year, Molly Rampersaud-Hassan was appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NCN. The 36-year-old previously worked at Marketing Director of Unicomer, at its Courts and Lucky Dollar franchises in Guyana. She took over from Michael Gordon who was temporarily placed in that position subsequent to the resignation of Mohamed ‘Fuzzy’ Sattaur. NCN, like the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) had found itself being probed for financial irregularities. On the part of NCN, one area of irregularity was traced back to GT&T and involved millions of dollars in advertisements and production costs. Sattaur resigned later the very month. The company’s Programme Manager, Martin Goolsarran who had admitted that he had deposited the payment cheque from (GT&T) into his personal account, was fired. Gordon replaced Sattaur while Wendy Hermonstine replaced Goolsarran. While Hermonstine remains, Gordon was sent to head the Chronicle newspaper. President Granger, while he was Leader of the Opposition had told media operatives that if the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA) does not pull up their proverbial socks, budgetary allocations set aside for both agencies will be in jeopardy. The opposition had on many occasions cut the budgetary allocation for these agencies. He had explained that his party’s move to instigate budget cuts is driven by principles. He said that should there be no changes at NCN and GINA, as it relates to impartial media coverage, APNU’s axe will fall on allocation set aside for both agencies. “Our cuts are driven by principles and the principle is that state funds must serve the interest of the people of this country and not one set of people and not one political party or one particular group. So these are not reckless cuts, these are carefully discussed,” Granger said. Based on Archer’s utterances during yesterday’s interview, it is clear that NCN and GINA will see changes for the better under the new administration.

Tuesday May 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

East Coast Demerara squatters block road to demand land Some land grabbers along the East Coast Demerara, say that they are willing to pay the new government for their plot of land, rather than buy it at exorbitant prices from private investors who were gifted large swaths of state lands by the previous administration. Yesterday, scores of villagers from Le Ressouvenir/Success, East Coast of Demerara, staged a demonstration, to press their demand for a piece of land that they were told had been sold to a well-known businessman who is cozy with the ousted PPP/administration. The residents blocked traffic on the Railway Embankment at Success, and it took a contingent of police ranks to diffuse the situation which was threatening to get out of hand. Several villagers were assembled at a bridge they had constructed to access the land in question. They told this newspaper that they began demarcating the land last Thurdsay, after word spread that other villagers were grabbing lands on the advice of a high ranking member of the previous Cabinet. They explained that the land initially belonged to Guysuco and was unused for several years. It was reportedly sold to the prominent businessman. “He get enough property around de place and poor people want land and can’t get. How much he pay fuh it?” asked one of the irate residents. The residents claimed that they had all applied for houselots under the previous government, but were given the royal run around. They said that now that David Granger has been sworn in as the new President, they are willing to support h i m if he honours his promises to them, including making house lots available at a reasonable price. “The last government tell we dat we gon get house lots but we still waiting. Yet dem give they friends dem all. I apply since 2005 and I went into housing a week before de

The potential squatters have built a bridge to gain access to the disputed land.

election and dey tell me I got to pay $1.5M. Wheh me gon get dat from?” another female resident stated. Another resident pointed out, that the giveaway of acres of lands to one person began under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration, and it was a way of siphoning off state lands for personal benefit. Even foreign nationals benefitted from the “giveaway”, while Guyanese potential homeowners are kept waiting. He explained that the lands were sold at reasonable prices to friends of the previous administration, who then began reselling them for huge profits. “Why should I buy back state lands from private people at these high prices? The government give these lands to their cronies cheap, cheap and dey selling it back fuh money that the poor man cannot afford to pay,” the resident argued. The residents at Success were at pains to point out that they are not trying to ensnare the new government into any controversy; all they want is a share of what was “stolen

from them.” They expressed the hope that the new government will make good on the promises made during the last elections campaign. “Granger and Nagamootoo say change and we decided that he gon tek we own change. We don’t want dem fuh promise we like how de PPP promise we. No more promises, is promises mek PPP get vote out,” a resident declared. But A Partnership for

National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government on Sunday, described the actions of residents throughout the coast and other areas where land grabbing was taking place as “illegal and unauthorized.” “The APNU+AFC is disturbed at recent reports of illegal and unauthorized grabbing of land in some communities,” the Coalition said in a statement. “The Coalition wishes to

inform the public that President David Granger has not authorized any of these illegal activities. To those participating in these activities, we say please do not be misled by persons who may have encouraged these actions and rest assured, that all Guyanese will be given fair and equitable access to land under the new governments’ land distribution policy. “The Police and other lawful authorities have been instructed to maintain peace

and good order in all locations where attempts have been made to stake illegal claims to land.” And the Ministry of Housing in a statement issued yesterday, warned that the Government of Guyana will not condone the illegal occupation of lands. It called on those involved to immediately desist. “Persons will be dealt with the full force of the law since this activity leads to lawlessness and a break down in law and order. Further, the Government of Guyana wishes to reiterate that all squatting which occurred after January 1, 1998 will not be regularized. “There is a legal process by which land can be obtained for housing and other purposes,” the Ministry said. The residents of Success are advising the new administration to meet with them so that the issue can be quickly ironed out. They said that they are willing to pay a reasonable sum for their lots and even carry out infrastructure work such as roads and drains, once the materials are provided. With their own resources they have already constructed a bridge to secure access to the land in question. “We want to talk with the government because Granger 100-day plan must happen. If they treat we like de last government, dem gun see come next election,” a vociferous resident stated.

Regional Chamber Berbice Chamber sends congratulations offers support

The Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce (ARCC) extends warm congratulations to his Excellency, President David Granger as the 8th Executive President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and to his new Government. We wish the new President and Government well as they hit the road running in the development of this great land of ours.

We c e r t a i n l y l o o k forward to working with you and your new Government in the grand developmental scope of our beloved country, Guyana. We especially look forward to a working relationship for our Chamber members and the drive for the further development of a mutually viable economic climate for local businesses as well as foreign investors.

The President, Executives and Members of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association w i s h t o e x t e n d Wa r m Congratulations to His Excellency President, David Arthur Granger, and his government, on their successes at the recent polls. It is our belief that due to the close results at the polls

it is imperative that with the Almighty’s divine guidance, you will govern our beloved Guyana and all its people with great wisdom so as to bring reconciliation, peace, love, and unity to this nation, thus moving us closer towards realizing our great potential as a people and as a country. The BCCDA extends its support as we work to further build this great land of ours.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 19, 2015

Guyanese traffickers recruit minors as ‘mules’ to Brazil Brazil (http:// www.folhabv.com.br) Guyanese traffickers are recruiting Brazilian adolescents to serve the drug trade. Young people, most of Bonfim, Normandy and Boa Vista, get up to £150 per trip. They carry backpacks full of marijuana and cross the Takutu River dividing the two countries, in the district of Bonfim, 120 kilometers from the capital by the BR-401, State East. The police have already mapped more than 20 routes used by traffickers over the more than 20 kilometers of river length, which in this period of the year is dry, and allows the crossing on foot. In some parts of the Takutu River, only a rapid separates the two countries. With ineffective and often without equipment, the Brazilian police have no way of monitoring the vast border area. The traffic in the region is so intense that only the last week, police seized more than 30 kilograms of marijuana, largely carried by teenagers already recruited by Guyanese; they know that

Brazilian minors are not arrested, so become the public target. The socioeconomic status of the recruited youth contributes to the grooming. Another factor that arouses the interest in Guyanese traffickers by teenagers who live in the border region is that minors know about the area, which facilitates the transport of the drug. Enticing minors is already known by the Brazilian authorities, but continues and the ranks of international trafficking thicken even more. A Bonfim counselor, who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, lamented the situation. He said that most of the cases come to court with regard to youth involvement in drug trafficking. The adviser also said that in 20 days 15 teenagers were arrested with drugs in that municipality alone. “Easy money leads teens to trafficking. It’s not just lower-class youth. There are cases where the arrested teen has a good financial situation

and structured family. But money is easy in trafficking, “noted the director. Another innovation by Guyanese traffickers to outwit the police is the use of women as ‘mules’. The counselor said that the number of girls apprehended carrying drugs for the Guyanese is increasing. “The situation worsens. It takes more investments to prevent and combat trafficking. The border has to be trimmed. We are losing our youth to drugs, unfortunately,” lamented the director. (AJ) ‘MULE’ TRAFFICKING EARNS UP TO £ 2000 PER MONTH Already arrested by the police while transporting marijuana out of Guyana, Andrew (not his real name), 17, gave details of how he was recruited by the Guyanese to serve as a ‘mule’. He revealed that the recruiters go to Bonfim and first observe and seek information about teenagers who are at social risk. “They will find the right person because they know

Shaquille Grant murder...

Forensic analysis for gun powder residue were negative Detective Shawn Critchlow concluded his portion of evidence, in the murder trial of Police Constable, Terrence Wallace. Wallace is on trial for the murder of 17-year-old Shaquille Grant. Grant was shot and killed on September 11, 2012. Wallace’s trial resumed yesterday before Justice Navindra Singh at the Georgetown High Court, with Detective Critchlow returning to the stand. On his last appearance, the witness recalled taking swab samples from Romell Bollers, Nicholas Eastman, Jamal Henry and Grant – in addition to collecting two spent shells from the crime scene and handing the items over to experts for testing. The witness had explained that the hands of the boys were swabbed to undergo testing for gun powder residue, but he did not know what happened to the items after. Yesterday, before concluding the testimony, Critchlow told the court that he was still unable to locate the items. However, Superintendent of Police, Stephen Greaves, told the court that he received several swabs for forensic

Shaquille Grant analysis from the policeman. Detective Greaves said that the samples were tested for traces of gunshot residue but the results were negative. Police Ballistics Expert, Sergeant Eon Jackson, recalled that on September 13, 2012 he collected two white envelopes from Constable Wallace. The envelopes, he said, contained firearms and ammunitions including a. 38 Smith and Wesson revolver and matching rounds. He said that based on his examination, the guns were all in working order and had been recently been fired. Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh, also

testified yesterday. He told the court that he performed a post mortem examination on the remains of Shaquille Grant. The pathologist said that based on his examination, Grant died as a result of multiple gunshot injuries. The victim, of Lot 110 Caesar Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara, was fatally shot after ranks on a mobile police patrol swooped down on a group of youths in the community on September 11, 2012. Subsequent to investigations, Tactical Services Unit (TSU) ranks Terrence Wallace, Warren Blue and Jamal Lewis were charged for the murder. The latter two had reportedly evaded the course of justice. Lance Corporal Blue subsequently met his demise during his involvement in a botched robbery attack last December. Police Constable Wallace is currently on trial for the murder at the Georgetown High Court. He is facing Justice Singh and a 12member mixed jury for the offence. The matter is being prosecuted by State Counsel Judith Gildharie-Murslain and Narissa Leander. Attorney Sonia Parag is providing legal representation to the accused.

Police have stepped up surveillance on the border between Brazil and Guyana the person would smuggle drugs through necessity. The teen becomes easy prey. The recruiters invite you and offer you good money for the first service. Then they mark the location on the edge of the Takutu River on the Guyana side, and give you the drug, usually within backpacks. Then they tell you where to take and to whom they deliver. We get some of the money when you take the drug and the other when he delivers, “he said. Per month, the young man said he came to earn up to £ 2000. Each crossing between the two countries is around $150. The route used constantly changes to hamper police work, but is usually done by Bonfim. The ultimate purpose of the Guyanese traffickers is to make marijuana come to Boa Vista. “We carry the drug often on stolen bikes. We do not know who will receive the Capital. Most of the time, I hand the bag in public places. I did not know the guy. I gave the order, I took the rest of my money and went back to Bonfim, still on the stolen motorcycle, “he explained. But the easy money was

not worth it. In the second month serving as a ‘mule’, the young man was arrested by police and will now have to explain the Court of Childhood and Youth. “I know I was committing a crime, drug trafficking, but I have no job and I need to survive. I have no father and my mother left me. I live in the house of an uncle, who is also unemployed. I prefer to traffic than to steal. I had no way out. Hunger hurts, you know?” he said. Apprehended in the act, the teenager now accounts for an infraction. Since drug trafficking is not a violent crime, he signed the paperwork and was released. “And today I’m out and not smuggling but I have many friends who have become mules, “he said. ROUTE MARIJUANA GOES THROUGH INDIGENOUS LAND Up to the end of last month, the police had already mapped more than 20 crossing points in the Takutu River that Guyanese traffickers use. Most of these sites are the most narrow, shallow part of the river, where you can cross on foot. The main route used by

traffickers today is in the Bonfim area, about 40 kilometers from the county seat. Young people take the drug across the Takutu River in Guyana, and follow the Brazilian path to the indigenous community of Manoah. From there, they continue the trip to the village San Francisco, still in Bonfim, and then come to Cornwall, a municipality that already borders on Capital. Hardly do the ‘mules’ walk through the BR-401 or other roads where enforcement is stricter. “So the Guyanese traffickers buy the bikes stolen in Brazil because they are widely used in this service. We just walk in the midst of well-trod trails until you reach the edge of the White River, a little away from the Capital. Then, the drug is sometimes crossed by canoe, while we follow the bridge of the Macuxi, “said the teenager. “Traffickers pay for the Indians to let the drug pass. We go and no one bothers us. This is safer because neither the military police nor the Civil can enter, only the Federal. And they are never there. Thank God! “

Five bodies recovered from...

From page 9 mining claim, where the accident occurred, belongs to Edward Hopkinson, but there was an existing contract between Hopkinson and Khan. According to reports, Khan had previously filed an injunction against Hopkinson and the Guyana Geology and Mines, barring them from interfering with or accessing his mining operation. Khan’s operation, however, is said to have struck a ‘stringer’ or gold vein, which intensified the pace of the excavating to the point that correct procedure was abandoned in pursuit of gold. Excitement at the proximity of the gold find or consideration of the expenses may have caused the camp to throw caution to the wind. Kaieteur News was reliably informed that the pattern of digging used was extremely dangerous and could have contributed to the mine caving in. Police were unsuccessful at first in recovering the 10 bodies presumed to be buried under the mass of slush. According to the police, some difficulties encumbering the retrieval of the bodies were the depth of the pit, and the fact that the land underfoot was breaking apart due to heavy

rainfall. The source went on to reveal that an excavator cannot be used for the job, owing to the unsteady ground. The police are currently pursuing use of the powerful hoses to clear a pathway to the other trapped bodies. The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) today said that it has dispatched a team to the Mowasi, Konawaruk areas in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) to probe the tragedy. In a statement, the Association said it is “deeply saddened by this tragic accident and will take all the necessary steps to fully investigate the cause of the tragedy.” It said that the team left yesterday at 09.00 hrs and comprised President of the GGDMA Patrick Harding, Simona Broomes of the Guyana Women Miners Association (GWMA), Mr. Ramdass of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Mr. Giddings, GGDMA Engineer and Natural Resources Minister Designate, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. The statement said that the team will inspect the area and monitor the retrieval effort that is currently underway. A detailed statement is expected to be released this afternoon when the team returns.

Tuesday May 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

The nation ‘put him out like a boss’…

Ramotar vacates State House

Page 25

President Granger meets OP staff - urges professionalism

Canter inside state house compound awaits former President’s belongings. The ‘Vote like a Boss’ campaign which took social media by storm last week urging everyone to vote in the National and Regional elections last week resulted in the APNU/AFC Coalition winning the elections. Former President Donald Ramotar was then “put out like a boss” from State House to make way for the new President David A. Granger. Known as “the man of many powers” according to persons on social media, the now former President seems quite powerless. The then President Donald Ramotar had called for early elections sighting after the opposition threatened a no-confidence motion against him. Donald Ramotar avoided the noconfidence motion by naming a date for

National and Regional elections and dissolving the Parliament last December. After the official results were issued by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Mr. Ramotar was still in denial. He made claims for a recount and insisted that the elections were rigged although the international observers, including the ABC countries, assured all of Guyana that the elections were free and fair. The former President was seen vacating State House before the official results of the National and Regional Elections were announced. He started moving when the preliminary results were announced and people were seen celebrating. He officially left State House on Sunday.

OP to be renamed Ministry - Harmon to be of the Presidency Minister-in-Charge Changes are evident. Among his first order of business on the first Monday at work, President David Granger yesterday signaled intentions to designate the Office of the President as the Ministry of the Presidency. The President made the announcement to staffers at the Presidential Complex when he met with them. According to the Head of State, the new Ministry will be headed by Lt. Col. Rt. Joseph Harmon. He explained that when Harmon enters the National Assembly, he will be designated the Minister of State, so he will be head, or the Minister-in-Charge of the Ministry of the Presidency. The President said that from time to time, other Ministers will be appointed in the Presidency, “but Mr. Harmon will be the person who will be exercising the ministerial function under my directions of this ministry… Some departments will continue, some will remain, but most important thing is that we ensure there is no disruption, simple. Comrade Harmon will be doing the job that Dr. Luncheon, did, with some exceptions, he won’t be doing NIS, but as far as OP is concerned, he is Minister in

Lt Colonel (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon Charge.” Under the former administration, former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, was Chairman of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Secretary of the Defence Board. Harmon, a practicing lawyer, has risen through ranks of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) becoming one of the main faces and voices leading up to last week’s elections. According a Government statement, Harmon expressed his gratitude at the appointment saying that A Partnership for National Unity /Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration intends to be service oriented. “We are the servants of the people, and the people are

excited and expectant, and if you understand this, this is what they are looking for. I have met with some of the staff already and indicated that there is no witch hunt. Government has to be continued, we expect that you will serve to deliver this. We will provide a quality of service that all ministries must emulate, that would be the envy of the Caribbean.” The President will meet all Permanent Secretaries tomorrow at the Guyana International Conference Centre.

President David Granger addressing staff of the Office of the President. At right is Mr. Joe Harmon, acting Head of the Presidential Secretariat Addressing staffers at the Presidential Complex, President David Granger, two days after taking office, yesterday reminded employees that the entity is a very important branch of the public service and the hub of government hence, it is very important that it functions efficiently. ”You’re all professionals, and I am not going to enquire into your political leads, I am not going to enquire into your business leads, I don’t know if you belong to the Lodge, I don’t want to know if you put your head in a turban, (or) burn candles at night. When you come in to work, I want you to understand you’re serving the people of Guyana without fear or favour, affection or ill will,” the Head of State said. He reminded them of the oath he took on May 16 when he became President saying, “I am not being sworn in as leader of APNU/AFC, I am being sworn in as President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. If I could have a public conscience, or public vision, or public sense of vision, I would expect all of you to have that vision”. He pointed to the fact that while everyone is biased, the degree of their professionalism is determined by their ability to suppress that bias. “In whatever field persons work, the first thing is professionalism,” President Granger reiterated, noting that their Office of the President jobs are determined by their expertise. He explained that professionalism also is based on a sense of solidarity and, “We’re all working here

together, we’re not working at daggers drawn… So in any group of professionals there has to be a sense of solidarity. If you don’t possess that solidarity, well then we will fail in our duty.” Staffers were also reminded that, “Parties come, (and) parties go,” and asked that all stakeholders put behind them all of the acrimony and antipathy of the

past week or the past years. “I would like us to look forward to a Guyana which is respectful of all of the people”. Yesterday’s meeting was one of several that President Granger had on his schedule as part of the transitioning phase of taking the reins of government, and ensuring the smooth continuity of the administration of the nation. (GINA)

National Awards to resume - Granger vows

Order of Excellence The new Government is set to resume National Awards this year. Speaking to members of staff at the Office of the President, President David Granger vowed to keep up the tradition. “Even if it’s one award, two awards, twenty… that is one of the institutions of our country,” he said during a meeting with the staff. According to the President, members of the National Assembly and the Judiciary must be treated with respect regardless of party affiliation. Among the

National Awards of Guyana are the Order of Excellence, Order of Roraima, Cacique Crown of Honour, Golden Arrow of Achievement, Medal of Service, Cacique Crown of Valor, Golden Arrow of Courage, and President’s Commendation for Brave Conduct, Military Service Star and the Disciplined Services Star. The last National Awards were given out in October 2011. Over 100 persons then were conferred with awards in recognition of yeoman service to national development.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 19, 2015

Senior Superintendent Blanhum Detectives to seek DPP’s advice replaces Leslie James as Crime Chief today in MFK murder probe

In a major move that is creating quite a stir, Assistant Commissioner of Police Leslie James has been removed as the country’s Crime Chief. The move took effect from yesterday, but no reason was given for James’ removal as the country’s Chief Detective. James is currently working on a special assignment with an important body that falls under the Commissioner of Police. He is replaced by his former deputy, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, who has 16 years experience in CID. Blanhum, who became a Police Officer after completing the Standard Officers’ Course, has had extensive overseas training in Crime Prevention Policing in the Republic of Korea; Organized Crimes for the Americas in Guatemala; Policing and Management in Columbia; Intelligence led Policing in Trinidad & Tobago; Evaluation workshop Organised Crimes in Cuba and Law Enforcement Leadership in El Salvador. He was also trained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Course. Blanhum has a degree in Public Management; a Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies and a Commonwealth Masters in Public Administration which is to be completed in August. He spearheaded a number of high profile investigations including the Lusignan hairdresser killing and the kidnapping and murder of a

Leslie James

New Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

businessman on the East Coast of Demerara. While the move is surprising, it did not come as a shock to many other officers who are convinced that Blanhum’s appointment appeared to be in the making for quite a while. One officer however, expressed the hope that his ascension to the Crime Chief position, will bring about positive development in the CID that was lacking for several years, particularly the challenges in solving very high profile crimes. The movement came about as a result of the shuffle at the top command level of the force. Kaieteur News understands that as a result of a request for two officers from the regular Force to replace outgoing personnel

at the Presidential Guard, Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph who was the Berbice Divisional Commander, will now take over from Rohan Singh at the Office of the President. Joseph will have as his deputy, Senior Superintendent Lyndon Alves. Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith will head to Berbice with Senior Superintendent Errol Watts as his deputy. Griffith’s place on the East Coast of Demerara will be taken by Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman who previously served on the West Demerara. Senior Superintendent Stephen Mansell will hold the fort on the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara. Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken will remain at ‘A’ division.

Investigators at the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters will be seeking the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution today after completing their initial probe into the murder of businessman, Mohamed F Khan. This follows a confrontation between Lennox Wayne called “Two Colours”, the man who confessed to being contracted to kill Khan, and a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police along with a current serving sergeant. Wayne, who admitted shooting Khan last July, an attack that Khan survived, has implicated the retired officer and the sergeant in the plot. The plot was believed to be hatched by another businessman, with whom Khan had a falling out. Khan turned up dead a month after the first attempt on his life and Wayne is laying the blame on the two men of the law. During yesterday’s confrontation at the CID headquarters, Wayne was allowed to repeat the allegation he made against the two men, who subsequently denied it. Wayne is at present on remand for murdering Lusignan cosmetologist, Ashmini Harriram last year. The retired Assistant Commissioner of Police was

Transition sub-team meets heads of NCN, GINA and Chronicle…

‘Our fears have been confirmed’- Mark Archer By Abena Rockcliffe As the new government gets the transformational show on the road, a subsquad of the team that has been set up to oversee the transfer of state assets yesterday met with the bosses of Guyana Chronicle, the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA). The team was made up of three members of A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition— Imran Khan, Cathy Hughes and Mark Archer. That team met with Michael Gordon of Guyana Chronicle, Molly Rampersaud-Hassan of NCN and Neaz Subhan of GINA. During a telephone interview, Archer, APNU’s Communications Director, refused to confirm or deny reports that the team has been

informed of ghost employees on the payroll of one of the agencies. He would only say that many of the things that the APNU and AFC had suspected seems to be correct so indeed “our fears have been confirmed.” Archer said what is clear is that many of the persons heading the agencies are professionals. But, they may have been compromised by the past administration, “…of course those things were confirmed.” Archer said that the focus of yesterday’s meeting, the first of many, was to inform employees that there will be no mass firing. However, he said that they were put on notice that the new government will be expecting full professionalism. Archer said that President David Granger wants a clear message to be sent that there is nothing to fear at this point

arrested on Friday last but was released the following day, while the Sergeant has been under close arrest over the weekend. “He (Wayne) was bold enough to face them. He did not show any fear. Remember this is a man who knows the road,” a source at the CID headquarters said. According to the source, with investigators, Wayne traced his movements on the day he attempted to kill Khan, in an effort to convince them that his story was above board. “We are taking additional statements from other persons as we try to ascertain if the alibis given by the retired officer and the sergeant are true,” the source said. Detectives had swooped down on the East Bank Demerara property of the retired officer and carried out a search before arresting him. “We searched the property, yes. But that is normal in any investigation of

Wanted bulletin for Sophia girl’s alleged killer

APNU’s Mark Archer but also wants workers to know that things cannot continue in the same vein. With regard to termination of employment, Archer said that it is not his decision to make but “we are not on a firing mission, we are still in transition.” However, he indicated that he has to submit a report to the acting Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Joseph Harmon who will then communicate with President Granger and decisions will be made thereon. “So, yes the heads will remain heads unless the

Mohamed F Khan

this nature. However we found nothing of significance,” a source at the Headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department told this newspaper. The source did disclose that the decision to detain the former high ranking officer was based on telephone records that investigators managed to obtain. The phone records reportedly linked the former officer to the murdered businessman. Wayne had claimed that that on August 9 last year, one month after the first execution attempt, he received a telephone call from the Police Sergeant, who informed him that Khan was seen at his lawyer’s office on Hadfield Street. Wayne said that he was told to stake out the lawyer’s office to see when Khan was leaving. It was around 14:00 hours that Wayne spotted the target and informed the Police Sergeant. It was on this day that he claimed he saw the Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police who was also staking out the lawyer’s office for Khan. According to Wayne, the Police Sergeant subsequently pulled up with some other persons in a heavily tinted vehicle and they too waited for Khan to emerge. When the businessman eventually left the lawyer’s office and boarded a taxi, the Police Sergeant and the Retired Assistant Commissioner followed him in their respective vehicles. Wayne said that he was told to back off. “They told me they would take care of things from here.”

President so chooses to have them replaced after seeing the report,” said Archer. Asked about how they intend to deal with persons within the respective agencies who are not suited for the job but remain there based on political affiliation and those who openly campaigned for the People’s Progressive Party, Archer said that that too is yet to be decided. He said that very soon, the team will make another visit “and do not want to poison the well… I do not want people to think (Continued on page 22)

Police are seeking the help of the public to locate Shivanand Roopnarine, called ‘Shiv’ or ‘Tuck,’ in connection with the April 19 murder of 18-year-old Alicia Mc Pherson at B Field, Sophia. The suspect is said to be 22 years old, of Indian ancestry, and gave his last known address as Lot 478 School Street, Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. Anyone with information that may lead to Roopnarine’s address is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 225-8196, 229-2557, 229-2702, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with strict confidence. Alicia Mc Pherson, of Lot 612 ‘C’ Field Sophia, was

Shivanand Roopnarine called ‘Shiv’ or ‘Tuck’ stabbed several times after the suspect allegedly lured her away from a dance at Sophia. The killer fled the scene and remains at large.

Tuesday May 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Unlock It! – J’ca Govt. reviewing mobile phone network policy move from one network to another. “Those on the local network who purchased their phones in Jamaica will certainly want the ability to move so they will seek out unlocking services and as a result the market can see a boom in that regard” Gayle said. She points out that the cost to unlock a cellphone varies from a low of $1,000 up to $5,000 to $6,000, with highend devices like an Iphone attracting a higher price. Noting that unlocking a phone is a one-time process, Wilson, for his part, says small entrepreneurs can expect to see more people demanding the service.

Phillip Paulwell Phillip Paulwell, the man who championed the liberalisation of the telecommunication sector in Jamaica, wants to see the sector go a step further in promoting competition and consumer choice by no longer locking mobile phones to a single network. Paulwell, who has ministerial responsibility for technology, said the thrust to introduce number portability to Jamaica requires greater freedom for mobile phone users. The government has announced that starting June 1 Jamaicans can begin to switch their service providers while retaining the same number. The porting of numbers will apply to both mobile to mobile and fixed-line to fixedline. To this end, the technology minister says it would remove a barrier to porting if telecom companies discontinue the locking of cellphone. “I have been asked by technical people to look at it, as I have mentioned I am disposed to it. We going to analyse it immediately to look at where we stand and the legal ramifications” Paulwell said. Commenting further, Paulwell said “it (unlocking cellphones) will enhance competition and we (Jamaica) should look to have it done, but my legal people are looking at it as we speak”. The technology minister did admit that there are contractual arrangements when it comes to purchasing a mobile phone from a service provider which must be borne in mind. “We are porting numbers

and not instruments. The instrument will remain based on the contract you have with the provider because there are restrictions. A lot of instruments are subsidised so we have to recognise those agreements”. Paulwell said. Telecoms companies are generally against selling unlocked cellphones citing the cost to make the device available to the consumer market as well as the need to have a continued relationship with the user. Meanwhile, players in the mobile market, specifically small entrepreneurs who sell, repair and unlock phones, stand to see a financial windfall in the short term as a result of number portability. Owner of QuickFix Techtronic, Yanique Gayle, and Ryan Wilson, proprietor of Ryan Sean and Company, both anticipate that there will be an increase in demand from persons who will need to unlock their phones in order to

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Shi’ite forces move in on Iraqi city taken by Islamic State Thousands of Shi’ite militiamen yesterday prepared to fight Islamic State insurgents who seized the Iraqi provincial capital Ramadi at the weekend in the biggest defeat for government forces in nearly a year. A column of 3,000 Shi’ite militia fighters assembled at a military base near Ramadi, preparing to take on Islamic State militants advancing in armored vehicles from the captured city northwest of Baghdad, witnesses and a military officer said. The decision by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who is a Shi’ite, to send in the militias to try to retake the predominantly Sunni city could add to sectarian hostility in one of the most violent parts of Iraq. Washington, which is leading a campaign of air strikes to roll back Islamic State advances and struggling to rebuild Baghdad’s shattered army, played down the significance of the loss of Ramadi, the capital of the vast western Anbar province. U.S. Secretary of State

John Kerry said it was a “target of opportunity,” that could be retaken in a matter of days, and U.S. officials insisted there would be no change in strategy despite a failure to make major advances against Islamic State. Warplanes in the U.S.-led coalition had conducted 19 strikes near Ramadi over the past 72 hours at the request of the Iraqi security forces, a coalition spokesman said. The Shi’ite militia, known as Hashid Shaabi or Popular Mobilization, “reached the Habbaniya base and are now on standby,” said the head of the Anbar provincial council, Sabah Karhout. MASSING FORAFIGHT An eyewitness described a long line of armored vehicles and trucks mounted with machine guns and rockets, flying the yellow flags of Kataib Hezbollah, one of the militia factions, heading towards the base about 30 km (20 miles) from Ramadi. The United Nations said 25,000 people fled the city after the Islamic State attack, heading east to Baghdad.

Iraqi security forces defend their headquarters against attacks by Islamic State extremists in the eastern part of Ramadi in Anbar province (REUTERS/STRINGER) Many were believed to be running from the black-clad fighters of the militia for the second time - about 130,000 left in April. About 500 people were killed in the fighting for Ramadi in recent days. Islamic State said it had seized tanks and killed “dozens of apostates”, its description for members of the Iraqi

Egypt death sentences worry U.S., U.N., Turkey

Egypt’s ousted president Mohamed Mursi The United States and United Nations expressed deep concern yesterday about the death sentences handed down in Egypt for President Mohamed Mursi and other Islamists, while Turkey warned of Middle East turmoil if they are carried out. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he will closely monitor the appeals process for the death sentences and urged actions that would promote the rule of law. The U.S. State Department said Egypt’s practice of mass trials and sentences was unjus t a n d o f t e n u s e d against members of the opposition or non-violent activists. “We are deeply concerned by yet another mass death sentence handed down

by an Egyptian court to more than 100 defendants, including former President Mursi,” State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke told reporters in Washington. An Egyptian court on Sunday sought the death penalty for Mursi and 106 supporters of his Muslim Brotherhood, in connection with a mass jail-break in 2011. A final ruling is expected on June 2. In Ankara, Turkey’s presidential spokesman warned the Middle East would be thrown into turmoil if Egypt carried out its death sentences. Ibrahim Kalin said the sentences were a “breach of justice” and called on the international community to speak out more strongly against them. “The subject demands

universal attention. The execution orders and carrying them out will push the Middle East into turmoil,” he told reporters. Turkey would work with the U.N. Human Rights Commission after the sentences, and take “all necessary steps”, he added. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is a supporter of Mursi, Egypt’s first democratically elected president, and relations with Egypt have soured since the army forced Mursi from power in 2013. Diplomatic ties between the former regional allies were broken off after Erdogan repeatedly accused the new Egyptian government of carrying out a coup. Speaking to Egypt’s state news agency, an unidentified Egyptian official said Cairo was not surprised by Turkey’s comments. “The current regime in Turkey is a reflection of the ideas of the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood,” the official added. The Turkish government’s backing for the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamist groups across the Middle East has harmed Ankara’s relations with other regional partners, including Saudi Arabia and Libya, since the Arab Spring erupted four years ago.

security forces. An eyewitness said bodies of policemen and soldiers lay in almost every street, with burntout military vehicles nearby. The city’s fall marked the biggest defeat since the fall of Mosul in June last year and was a blow to the anti-Islamic State forces: the U.S.-led coalition and the Iraqi security forces, which have been propped up by Iranianbacked Shi’ite militias It was a harsh return to reality for Washington, which at the weekend had mounted a special forces raid in Syria in which it said it killed an Islamic State leader in charge of

the group’s black market oil and gas sales, and captured his wife. LIMITS OF U.S.-LED STRATEGY The Iraqi government and Shi’ite paramilitaries recaptured the Tigris river city of Tikrit from Islamic State six weeks ago, the biggest advance since the militants swept through northern Iraq last year. But government forces have had less success in the valley of Iraq’s other great river, the Euphrates, west of Baghdad. An army major who fought his way out of Ramadi said government forces in the area

had been ordered to regroup, but soldiers were exhausted and morale was at rock bottom. To some analysts, the fall of Ramadi shows the limits of the U.S. strategy of attacking from the air but leaving ground fighting to Iraq’s military and its Iran-backed militia allies. “The Americans said that they have carried out air strikes against ISIS but then the group went in and defeated the local forces,” said Hassan Hassan, author of a book on Islamic State. “So they really need to come up with a whole new strategy ... and really take the fight to them.” U.S. officials said there would be no strategy change and Iraqi forces were ultimately responsible for defeating Islamic State. “We will retake (Ramadi) in the same way that we are slowly but surely retaking other parts of Iraq, and that is with Iraqi ground forces and coalition air power,” Colonel Steve Warren, the Pentagon spokesman, said. Qassim al Fahdawi, an Iraqi government minister, said Iraqi forces lacked the professionalism, training and discipline to withstand a smaller number of skilled Islamic State fighters.

Haitians detained in US after arriving illegally by boat FLORIDA, United States (CMC) – United States officials confirmed yesterday that 19 Haitians who came ashore by boat on Sunday were brought there through a smuggling operation. The spokesman for the US Border Patrol, Frank Miller, said six women and an infant girl were among those detained and all appeared to be in good health. They were taken to a Border Patrol station in South Florida and would be turned over to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for possible deportation. Miller said that the Border Patrol and the federal Department of Homeland Security have started a joint investigation into the operations through which immigrants are smuggled into the country by boat. “We are trying to find

where they (the Haitians) came from and who was responsible,” Miller said. A sheriff’s helicopter had spotted the boat on the beach just north of the St Lucie Inlet, said sheriff’s spokeswoman Christine Christofek. The Border Patrol took custody of the boat, a 26-foot Grady White cabin cruiser. Two months ago another

boat of refugees came ashore seven miles north at the St Lucie-Martin County line. On March 16 searchers found 13 refugees at the Jensen Public Beach or at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Jensen Beach. About 20 were suspected of coming ashore in a 24-foot fishing boat. They came from Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Guyana.

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Rousseff’s main ally eyes Brazil’s presidency in 2018 For the last 20 years, Brazil’s largest political party has not once fielded a presidential candidate, instead content to partner with the eventual winner to retain a share of power. No longer, it appears. The Brazil Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), which for many Brazilians epitomizes a self-serving political class living off pork barrel, is now pushing its own legislative agenda as it gears up to make a run for the presidency in 2018. PMDB sources told Reuters it is reviewing its policy program and preparing to abandon its 12-year-old alliance with President Dilma Rousseff’s left-wing Workers’ Party (PT) for the next election. An umbrella party that was tolerated during the 19641985 military dictatorship, the PMDB has no defined ideology but is broadly more probusiness and socially conservative than the PT. It is an amorphous agglomeration of regional bosses who often represent contradictory interests and seldom have united behind their own presidential candidate. Instead, they have allied themselves with whoever is in power, be it the PT or the centrist Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), which ruled Brazil between 1995 and 2002. Still, the PMDB has great power in Brazil today. It controls both houses of Congress and the vice presidency, with the power to push through or block legislation. It has several cabinet members in Rousseff’s government, including key ministries such as agriculture and energy, and its support has been pivotal for the passage of unpopular austerity measures Brazil has had to adopt to put its finances in order. PMDB officials say it has hired economists to update its program and overhauled its communications strategy to appeal to younger voters on social media. “We are paving the way for victory in 2018. We cannot miss the opportunity to make the 50-year dream of our party come true: to elect the country’s president,” Wellington Moreira Franco, the main architect of the PMDB’s renovation plan, told regional party leaders last week to a loud round of applause. Moreira Franco, a former minister in Rousseff’s cabinet, said the PT is in crisis after more than a decade in office, buffeted by a stagnant

Wellington Moreira Franco economy and a massive corruption scandal at state-run oil company Petrobras. “There is a big power vacuum today,” he told Reuters. FINDINGACANDIDATE The PMDB will hold a convention in September to revamp its platform before testing the waters in municipal elections in 2016. It has a strong presence in small towns across much of Brazil, a legacy of military rule when it was the only opposition party that politicians were allowed to join. It is now targeting the big cities, where angry voters have taken to the streets to protest against corruption and bad public services. The PMDB is also looking for strong presidential candidates. Only once has Brazil elected a president from its ranks, in 1985 when democracy was restored, but Tancredo Neves died before taking office. His running mate José Sarney, a backer of the military who switched to the PMDB, became its only president to date.The speaker of the lower chamber of Congress, Eduardo Cunha, an evangelical Christian with a conservative agenda, has denied interest in running in 2018. But Cunha, who is dubbed Brazil’s Frank Underwood by critics who liken him to the unscrupulous protagonist in Netflix’s “House of Cards” series, appears to be in campaign mode. He has been making weekly trips across Brazil to speak to local politicians, with stops at hospitals to visit patients. Another prospect is Rio’s telegenic mayor Eduardo Paes, who is counting on

hosting a successful Olympic Games next year to boost his profile, though the city’s preparations are behind schedule. Aides to Vice President Michel Temer say he should not be ruled out either, even though he will be 78 years old in 2018. Temer is the party’s president but lacks broad appeal. The candidate could be decided in a national primary, Moreira Franco said. Cunha has drawn attention by putting the Chamber of Deputies to work at a brisk pace. Controversial themes, such as outsourcing labor and lowering the age at which juvenile offenders can be tried as adults to 16 from 18, have raised his profile among center-right voters. The strategy has also diverted some attention from the Petrobras scandal, in which Cunha and other PMDB leaders have been implicated. Cunha denies any wrongdoing. Power struggles could also dash the PMDB presidential dream. A recent feud between Temer and the head of the Senate, Renan Calheiros, over political appointments in federal agencies highlighted the risk of conflicts arising as the race heats up. Addressing the regional leaders meeting, Temer said the PMDB has to emerge more united from next year’s local elections for a presidential bid to get off the ground. The party is technologically out of date and does not even know who its 2.5 million supporters are, Moreira Franco said. None of its regional leaders are women, and most are veterans out of touch with social media.

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Michel Platini: Uefa to ‘ease’ financial fair play rules BBC Sport - European football’s governing body is preparing to relax the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules it introduced in 2011 to stop clubs from overspending. In an interview with French radio station RTL, Uefa president Michel Platini said FFP was “working well” but would be “eased” this summer. This followed a report in Le Parisien newspaper on Sunday that said “significant changes” are on the table. Manchester City and Paris StGermain were fined last year for breaching FFP. Platini’s right-hand man at Uefa, general secretary Gianni Infantino, later confirmed to the BBC that talks about FFP with Europe’s leading clubs were “ongoing”, with a “number of amendments” under discussion. “Financial Fair Play has

proved successful in achieving considerable improvement in the financial health of European football,” said Infantino. “Aggregate net losses of Europe’s clubs have fallen from 1.7bn euros in 2011 to 400m euros in 2014. “Regular review of the regulations is vital to ensure they keep pace with the ever-changing football environment and the new challenges that this often poses. “Any potential changes will look to encourage more growth, more competition and market stimulation while strengthening the emphasis on controlling spending and safeguarding financial stability.” The guiding principle of FFP is that clubs should stay within their means when it comes to buying and remunerating players: central to this is the so-called “break-

even requirement”. The rules have been phased in to allow clubs some leeway but many have struggled to stay within the criteria and several have been given sanctions that range from bans on registering new players, fines and even exclusion from European club competitions. But criticism of FFP has grown over the last two seasons as many observers have pointed out that stopping clubs from spending more than they earn cements the status quo - without the ability to speculate with their own money, ambitious owners of smaller clubs can never compete with more established clubs for the best players. Platini did not go into details with RTL, saying only that the clubs had voted for FFP in the first place but

Tuesday May 19, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today is a great time to form or strengthen romantic relationships, Aries. If you aren't involved, chances are you will meet someone. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) This is an ideal day to begin a creative venture. You've had many ideas and creative urges. Today it's time to choose one and take the first step to making your vision a reality. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your naturally loving nature gets a boost today, Gemini. You could look especially attractive, so don't be surprised if you draw admiring looks from strangers. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your energy might turn toward beautifying your home, Cancer. Perhaps you've decided to repaint or go in a completely new direction in your decorating taste. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A number of loving communications may come your way from people who live in distant states or exotic lands. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A small amount of money might come your way today, Virgo. It could be a gift, dividend, or bonus. You may want to squander it on gifts for yourself and others rather than put it to more practical use, which is perfectly fine!

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You should feel and look great today, Libra. Your charm and social skills are at a high level, and your joviality and gift for conversation should make you a welcome guest at any social event. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your psychic abilities and imagination are operating at a very high level, Scorpio. You face other people with a profound, spiritual love. They will return it! SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some friends associated with a group you admire might take you to some kind of rally, Sagittarius. This could be a lot of fun for you. You could make some new friends. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You're naturally a kind, compassionate person, Capricorn. Today your feelings are likely to be focused not only on those close to you but also on all the world's population. TUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) With today's planetary aspects, Aquarius, you're likely to feel a rush of love. This includes love for family, friends, partner, and all life forms. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your psychic and intuitive faculties are wide open and receptive. Don't be surprised by what you pick up today, even from strangers.

Uefa’s executive committee was likely to revise them by the end of June, when it meets in Prague. But he also alluded to French critics who say FFP has made it very difficult for Qatar-owned PSG to join Europe’s elite, a position fans of Abu Dhabi-backed Manchester City share. “The French press say it is not right that [Chelsea

owner Roman] Abramovich can buy many players and in France they cannot buy them,” he said. “But if the Qataris had bought AC Milan, the French would also say we should make financial fair play even tougher. As it is, the Italians wanted it eased. “The world is two-faced but we will say this openly: I think we’ll ease things.”

The article in Le Parisien went slightly further, suggesting the changes were a reaction to the “multiple legal actions (against FFP) currently in process, some of which are nearing conclusion”. Those legal actions are being spearheaded by Belgian lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont, who forced Uefa to overhaul its transfer rules with the Bosman Ruling in 1995.

Travis Persaud first West Demerara... (From page 37) would try to hit a ball that was in a sock and tied on a string that his dad hung up for practice, with a bat larger than he was. “It was his dad (now Coach of the West Demerara youth team) who actually taught him the basics in cricket,” his mom informed. “From a very tender age, Travis would go and watch his dad play and started by scoring the Club’s score book like at the age of eight,” she added with a smile. “He is fast learner and a good reader, and he would often read alot about cricket and when he can’t play on the field he plays stick cricket on the computer. He even talks in his sleep about cricket,” said his dad with a laugh. Travis works hard on his cricket and practices at Everest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday after work in addition to doing Push-Ups, Crunches and Skipping. Travis’ favorite cricketer is AB DeVilliers because of his ability to score off every ball while he enjoys the cover drive. His favorite food is Bunjal Duck with Dholl and Rice. He say his most memorable game was a West Dem second division encounter for McGill against Western United when he made an unbeaten 103 in an unfinished 248-run stand with Abdool Razzak who made 117 not out, while his most embarrassing game was in a 2013 for McGill Super Stars against Windsor Forest when he conceded 26 runs in an over in a t20 match and ended up in tears. When you talk with the teen you quickly realise that he is just that, a teen. The well spoken and very confident youngster says his biggest challenge is dealing with the Media and seeing what they say about him, especially after a bad game. But his dad tries to instill in his son the need to talk to the media now that he is National U-19 captain, especially when he goes to Jamaica and not

worry too much about criticisms. It was pleasing that his parents, who seem to be strict, pointed out that as a public figure Travis now has to pay more attention to not only how he plays but to what he says. Travis is confident that based on their performances last year at U-17 level, this team should do well in the Regional U-19 tournament since almost everyone in the side have played together and should easily ‘gel’ since they know each other well. “We (Guyana) should do well this year based on the team we have on paper especially since it is a one-day day

tournament. We have three quality fast bowling all-rounders (Kemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford & Renaldo Ali) who all play shots. We have a Keeper (Tevin Imlack) who is an opening batsman. We have Hetmyer, myself, Parmesh Parsotam, Balchand Baldeo, Nathan Persaud, Akshaya Persaud so the team is well balanced and two of the 16 will be dropped from the Inter-County team to go Jamaica,” Travis said. The Guyana U-19 team will play in this year’s senior Inter-County tournament before they travel to Jamaica in July for the 2015 Regional 50-over U-19 cricket series.

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Kaliese Spencer clocks world-leading 54.71 in Shanghai

Kaliese Spencer of Jamaica (centre) competes to win the women’s 400m hurdles event at the Diamond League athletics meeting in Shanghai, China, yesterday. (PHOTOS: AFP) SHANGHAI, China (CMC) – Jamaica’s Kaliese Spencer snatched the women’s 400 metres hurdles in a world-leading 54.71 seconds at the Shanghai Diamond League here Sunday. She beat the American pair of Tiffany Williams (55.27) and Cassandra Tate (55.68) into second and third respectively, and said she had already trained her sights on the

World Championships later this year. “I am very happy with my first place. I am happy with the world lead,” said the 28year-old, who won gold in the event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year. “I really believe I can win in Beijing. Now I have to try harder, stay focussed and injury free.” Olympic champion Kirani

James beat reigning World title-holder Lashawn Merritt in the 400 metres for the second time this year. The 22-year-old Grenadian, himself a former World champion, clocked 44.66 seconds to out-run World silver medallist Tony McQuay of the United States who clocked 45.54, and Merritt who trailed in third in 45.58. Only last month, James

beat Merritt into fifth at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa, en route to a world-leading 44.22. “This is my second time competing in the Diamond League Shanghai and also my second win,” James said afterward. “It’s always a great atmosphere and a great field. It was very tough but I am very happy.” Running out of lane four, James got away smartly and cruised down the backstretch, making up the stagger on Merritt in lane five,

Kirani James of Grenadia (Left) on his way to victory in the men’s 400m event at the Diamond League athletics meeting in Shanghai, China, yesterday. Also pictured (from left) are the USA’s Lashawn Merritt and Belgium’s Kevin Borlee. with 100 metres run. He was ahead after 200 metres and came off the final turn with a four length lead, pulling away with powerful strides late on to cross the line unchallenged. Trinidadian Renny Quow finished one from last in the nine-man field in 46.65. Olympic silver and World bronze medallist, American Lashinda Demus, finished

fifth in a season-best 56.14 seconds. In the men’s 200 metres, Jamaica claimed two of the top three spots as Panama’s Edward Alonso took gold in 20.33 seconds. Julian Forte, a World Junior finalist in 2012, clocked 20.36 for second while Nickel Ashmeade finished third in 20.44. Another Jamaican, Rasheed Dwyer, was fourth in 20.56.

President’s Mother Day dominoes finals on tomorrow Contador retains Giro lead

President of the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) Faye Joseph mother’s day tournament is set to conclude tomorrow night with the semi final and final at her residence, Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt. Spartons, Turning Point and Saddam will battle in the semi final, while Thunder drew the bye to the final. In the lone quarter final played recently at Gaulding Place,

Spartons marked 71 games to beat Turning Point with 66 and Frankies on 54. Kanhai Samaroo and Leroy Edwards were Spartons leading players with 16 and 15 g a m e s r e s p e c t i v e l y while Lorene Reid and Shellon Nicholson made 15 each for Turning Point. Godfrey Samuels got 16 for Frankies. The winning and runner up teams will receive trophies and cash incentives.

but loses 1 second to Aru

Faye Joseph

GSCL Inc congratulates President Granger and New Govt The Executives and Members of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc) have extended congratulations to President David Granger, Prime Minister elect Moses Nagamootoo and the

APNU+AFC coalition on their victory in the 2015 General and Regional elections of the co-operative Republic of Guyana. “Softball cricket is on the rise and we do look forward

to its continued growth under this new administration. We are eager to work with the new Government as we look to take the sport to another level,” a release from the GSCL Inc stated.

ECB congratulates new Government The President, Executive and members of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) has extended congratulations to President David Granger, Prime Minis-

ter-elect Moses Nagamootoo and the APNU+AFC coalition on their victory in the 2015 General and Regional elections. “Cricket is the most popu-

lar game in out county and we do look forward to working with the new Government for the development of the sport”, a release from the ECB stated.

SAN GIORGIO DEL SANNIO, Italy (AP) — Injured Alberto Contador made it through another day in the mountains as he retained the overall lead after nine stages of the Giro d’Italia but lost a precious second to closest challenger Fabio Aru on Sunday. Aru kicked for the line in an attempt to wrest the leader’s pink jersey from Contador but is still three seconds behind the Spaniard, who is attempting to become the first rider since Marco Pantani in 1998 to win the Giro and Tour de France in the same year. Richie Porte remained third, 22 seconds behind Contador. The big loser of the general classification riders was la s t y e a r ’s r u n n e r- u p Rigoberto Uran, who fell more than two minutes off the pace. The Colombian would have been targeting Saturday’s time trial to make up time on the leaders after winning last year’s time trial to briefly take the maglia rosa.

‘’I would have preferred to race in a more conservative manner on the last climb but Aru asked me to work together because Uran had dropped behind,’’ Contador said. ‘’It was important to put time between us. ‘’We worked together even if he beat me by a second in the sprint, but I’m still very happy with my position after nine stages. I have the maglia rosa and a day of rest for my legs to recover and (for) my shoulder injury.’’ Aru’s Astana teammate, Paolo Tiralongo, claimed his fourth professional victory and his third in the Giro, clocking nearly six hours on the undulating 215-kilometer (134-mile) leg from Benevento to San Giorgio del Sannio, which featured two category two climbs either side of a category one ascent. Tom-Jelte Slagter had led for much of the day before Tiralongo caught him within the final 8 kilometers (5 miles), and the Italian attacked shortly afterward to ride solo to victory.

Steven Kruijswijk was second, 21 seconds behind Tiralongo, with Simon Geschke two seconds further back. ‘’Today my team worked really well,’’ Tiralongo said. ‘’I was in the right break. My work should have been to wait for my teammates on the final climb but things didn’t go exactly like that. ‘’It was an unexpected win. I got the green light to go from my team car and I did the last five kilometers at 100 percent. I caught Slagter in the last hard final climb and I kept hard at it until the finish line.’’ Contador, who dislocated his shoulder in a fall on the final sprint on Thursday, came through Saturday’s first major test in the mountains and was able to cope with his injury again a day later. He will be grateful for the first rest day of the Giro on Monday, before a mainly flat 200K (124-mile) leg from Civitanova Marche to Forli the following day. The 98th Giro ends on May 31 in Milan.

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Brazilian national team’s squad selection sold to firm, alleges report ESPN - The Brazilian national team’s squad selection has not been in the hands of its coaches since 2012, alleges a report out of Brazil. In a shocking revelation in Brazil’s O Estadao, the newspaper reveals Brazil’s football federation, CBF, entered into a lucrative secret contract with marketing firm ISE in 2006, and since the deal’s renewal in December of 2011, has given the power of player call-ups to the Cayman Islands-based company and its business partners. According to the paper, ISE & Co. have stipulated that a certain group of “A Team” players must feature in all international competitions, and that any potential substitutes must meet a certain marketability standard. S t a t e s t h e d o cument: “CBF will guarantee and en-

sure that A Team players that are playing in official competitions will participate in any and every match.” Should one of the “A Team” players be injured, the contract mandates CBF must show proof to ISE with a medical certificate. “Any changes to the list shall be communicated in writing to ISE and confirmed by mutual accord,” the paper reports of the contract. “In this case, CBF will endeavor to substitute new players of a similar level in relation to marketing value, technical ability and reputation.” The agreement also instructs that Brazil friendlies cannot be used to test upand-coming youth players, or to prepare the Olympic team, which consists mainly of Under-23 players. And it further specifies that preparation for the na-

Per the report, a list of ‘A Team’ players must always feature in the Brazilian national team. tional team’s run-ups to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups

Explosive Golovkin claims 33rd victim Los Angeles (AFP) Gennady Golovkin retained his WBC and WBA world middleweight titles in style to keep his unblemished record intact with a sixth-round technical knockout of Willie Monroe. The 33-year-old Kazakh, who is fast building a reputation as one of boxing’s most explosive and exciting fighters, knocked Monroe down three times in the bout before the referee stopped it 45 seconds into the sixth at The Forum in Los Angeles.

Golovkin improved to 330 and victory marked the 30th knockout in an impressive career which has seen him run roughshod over boxing’s middleweight division. Golovkin cracked Monroe with a right hand and dropped him in the second round. Then moments later Golovkin hit Monroe again with a sharp left for a second knockdown. Monroe (now 19-2, 6 KOs) proved to be a willing combatant despite being hopelessly overmatched. He tagged the champ with

a combination of punches in the fourth that caused Golovkin to ask for more, but Monroe could not sustain any sort of consistent attack. Golovkin came out looking for blood in the sixth. He popped Monroe again with a right uppercut and then backed the American into the ropes before dropping him for a third and final time. Golovkin said after the fight that he wants to face Miguel Cotto or Canelo Alvarez next.

will be exclusive to the company.

The contract will end in 2022.

Secret contracts revealed by a report in Brazil have a list of stipulations regarding team selection that CBF must adhere to.

RHTY&SC congratulates President Granger In a release the country’s most popular youth and sports club saluted Guyana’s new Head of State. “The Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Guyana’s leading youth and sports organization would like to extend congratulations to H.E. David Arthur Granger on his accession to the Presidency of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The club wishes His Excellency success in the execution of his duties and looks forward to a period of growth and development especially in the educational, social, sports and youth de-

velopment areas. As the RHTYSC has showed over the last twenty five years, success can be achieved through a simple formula of hard work, discipline, honesty, visionary leadership and commitment.” “We commit ourselves to working with the incoming government to make a positive difference in the lives of youths as we have always done. The RHTYSC strongly believes in the promotion of sports, culture and education in the development of youths and would be very grateful if special emphasis is placed on getting our youths to Say No

to Drugs and Suicide and Yes to Sports and Education. As we celebrate our Silver Jubilee throughout 2015, the RHTYSC recommits itself to working with President Granger and his team to make sure that every youth in Berbice fulfills his/her full potential. We would also like to extend gratitude to members of the former Government of Guyana for their assistance to the RHTYSC over the last two decades especially Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and former Ministers Jennifer Westford and Frank Anthony,” the release concluded.

Fewer fielding restrictions, more free-hits on cards

Gennady Golovkin lands a left hook on Willie Monroe in the second round on his way to retaining his WBC and WBA world middleweight titles at the Forum Arena in Los Angeles, California on May 16, 2015. (AFP Photo/Mark Ralston)

ESPNcricinfo - Removing the batting Powerplay and allowing five fielders outside the circle between overs 41 and 50 were among the major suggestions made by the ICC’s cricket committee that met in Mumbai over the weekend. The committee also suggested a free-hit for all no balls in ODI and T20s, and not just for the front-foot calls. The recommendations made during the meeting were subject to the approval of chief executive’s committee (CEC) that will meet in Barbados during the ICC’s annual conference week from June 22 to 26.

The committee suggested the changes as it felt that fielding teams were at times left with limited defensive options. The alterations suggested, if ratified, would mean there would be two fielders outside the circle for the first 10 overs , four for the next 30 and five for the last 10 overs. The doing away of the batting Powerplay meant only one block of 10-over Powerplay remained, two less than in the 2011 World Cup. Additionally, the requirement of placing two fielders in catching positions in the first 10 overs has also been relaxed. On the topic of the bal-

ance between bat and ball, the committee discussed the size of bats, the boundaries and the durability of white ball and concluded that although the ICC will not introduce any regulations on the bat size, it will provide inputs for the consultation process ahead of MCC’s redrafting of laws in 2017. Reviewing the reports from the first-class matches played with pink balls, the committee asked Test-playing nations to identify opportunities and make provisions for play to extend later into the day. The idea of four-day Tests, however, was rejected.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 19, 2015

GCC Ladies enjoy success on second stint in Trinidad After their first stint in Trinidad where the GCC ladies hockey team played five matches, winning two and losing three, they found themselves sitting in third place of the seven team competition in the Trinidad & Tobago outdoor season. On Saturday 16th May they embarked on their second of three scheduled visits to the twin-island republic to compete in four more matches over the weekend. The rigorous schedule was necessary in order to manage the high cost of airline flights by getting as many games into each trip as possible. After an early morning arrival in Trinidad on Saturday, the GCC ladies faced tournament leader Paragon in the hot 11am morning sun. Paragon had beaten GCC by 5-2 on their previous clash and was likely to prove a strong challenge to the Guyanese in their opener for this visit. The two teams produced a high-scoring and exciting duel for spectators as the lead changed hands several times en route to an eventual 3-3 draw. Gabriella Xavier scored GCC’s opener while Kerensa Fernandes and Captain Sonia Jardine, with a brilliant solo run, rounded off their team’s three goal tally. Paragon Captain Allana Lewis scored a double for her side while national striker Zene Henry

GCC’s Shebiki Baptiste controls possession of the ball during one of the tour matches recently. tipped in their third. GCC next faced Magnolias later that same evening under cooler eventing conditions but failed to produce similar results. The Magnolias presented a solid defensive block which gave the Guyanese visitors a difficult time to penetrate. After an opening penalty corner goal in the 14th minute from left back Shaniah Defreitas, the Magnoilas rattled in two more from national strikers Brianna Gouveia and Stacy Sui-Butt before GCC could get on the board.

Although GCC would produce two goals during the match from sisters Kerensa Fernandes with a penalty corner strike and Sonia Jardine with a superb reverse shot, the Magnolias prove too much for the Guyanese. Speedy striker Brittany Hingh sealed the match with a fourth goal for Magnolias six minutes from full time to leave a final score of 4-2 in favour of Magnolias. Sunday morning’s 11am match would see GCC face Malvern for the first time in the competition. An uncharacteristic field goal from

GCC’s star player Sonia Jardine (with ball) dribbles past a host of Malvern players during their encounter recently. GCC’s holding midfielder Trisha Woodroffe in the 21st minute broke the deadlock and GCC’s frustration of dominating the possession with no goals to show until that moment. After a 1- nil lead at the half, GCC’s Shebiki Baptiste scored the lone goal in the second half giving her team a 2-0 victory. The second match of the day for GCC would pit them against Notre Dame whom they had previously defeated by 3-2 on their last visit. Notre Dame had noticeably boosted their arsenal with the addition this time around of Bajan international midfielder Nakira Downes and Trinidadian national striker

Dana DeGannes. In the very second minute of the match, with her first possession, Downes weaved through the GCC midfield to feed DeGannbes for the opening goal and one –nil lead to Notre Dame. After an unnerving start, GCC finally began to settle into their own game and despite a good competitive battle between the two, GCC’s captain Jardine would come through for her side once more to even the score in the 24th minute. GCC by this time had begun to mount several meaningful attacks with their short passing game and got the breakthrough through striker Kerensa Fernandes just eight

minutes from full time when a deflected pass fell kindly for her in the scoring circle. Fernandes made no mistake with her finish which was enough to give her side the 2-0 win. After nine games, the GCC ladies have 4 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses. They return to Trinidad on the weekend of May 30 for their final visit and three more matches. This was a successful visit but was spoiled only by the fact that some of the players were robbed at gun point upon their return home. They were relieved of their entire luggage including hockey equipment and goalkeeper gear which included some of the playing uniforms etc.

LABA to host preIndependence tournament National Aquatic Centre The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LAB A ) , f r e s h o f f t h e court from its Inter-Ward Championships, will host a pre-Independence Basketball Competition on M o n d a y a t McKenzie Sports Club Court, under the banner ‘Because We Care’. “This event is an attempt to raise funds and at the same time to assist Linden players selected to represent Guyana at the upcoming Championships,” the association, which had a new executive elected this year with Lawrence Simon as President, said yesterday in a press release. It added that it will be continuing with its proliferation

Lawrence Simon

of the sport through programmes geared at generating interest. “This event will be one of LABA many promotions as we aim to improve basketball, the game we love…” the release continued. “More so, our organisation is built on core values, personal, and team commitment, respect for others, integrity, performance and excellence,” it said. “Thus, one of our goals is to work along diligently… to achieve our aim,” the document added. The two games planned for the Pre-Independence showdown include Amelia’s Ward Jets vs Half Mile Bulls and Georgetown’s Colts in an epic showdown against the Victory Valley Royals. The LABA thanked all for their support as they continue to build basketball in Linden.

back up and running

The National Aquatic Centre located at Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara is back up and running following few days of non-operation. Yesterday afternoon the facility was buzzing with activity as a number of swimmers were going through the paces led by their coaches. Kaieteur Sport had reported that the facility was closed since May 10 and was used as a Polling Station for the May 11 National General and Regional Elections. The closure of the facility which houses a 50m Pool and a 25m warm up pool has affected the preparations of a number of swimmers who are preparing for the Pan Am Games set for Toronto, Canada (July 10-26) and the FINA World Championships to be held in Kazan, Russia

(July 24-August 9). The Pan Am Games selectees are Omar Adams (Dorado Speed Swim Club) and Onika George of Silver Shark Speed Swim Club. Swimmers shortlisted for the FINA World Championships are Dorado’s Hannibal Gaskin, Britany van Lange and Soroya Simmons as well as Dolphin’s Jameela Sanmoogan. Kaieteur Sport understands that the maintenance of the pool was affected by blackouts and this resulted in the pool not being in a suitable condition to be used by the swimmers. A visit to the facility yesterday morning by a club co a c h s h o w e d t h a t t h e pool was being used by another coach and four s w i m m e r s . Others swimmers were then informed to

turn up yesterday afternoon for training, and they did in numbers. The swimmers have missed nine (9) days of training which according to an official is a major setback for them in terms of losing their conditioning. ”Even though they were doing “dry land” training, it certainly cannot replace their “in-water” training, their feelfor-the-water deteriorates, their in-water power output decreases. Anywhere from three days out of the water, may affect athletes differently. Sprinters may experience less performance deterioration than distance athletes. So it’s a major effort to catch up, from the point where they left off.” It is hoped that no such setback will ever occur again.