Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 5
Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
The “Get Modi” brigade Calvin Benn faults DEAR EDITOR, For over a decade, Congress and the western media have conducted a wellorchestrated “Get Modi” campaign, that evokes all the lessons of the Goebbelsian propaganda principles: create the big lie and tell it so often and so widely, it gradually bludgeons the minds of the unwary into accepting it as “truth”. Saraswati Ali’s “The Modi disaster for ordinary Indians” (In the Diaspora - SN 5-20-14) is almost a caricature of the tactic and regurgitates most of the old fabrications with some new ones following the general elections. Ms Ali starts off by raising the bogeyman of Modi’s “putative role in the 2002 state-sanctioned massacre of close to 2000 Muslims in the state of Gujarat where he was Chief Minister”. But why does Ms Ali cite this “2000 figure” when as the BBC reported on May 11, 2005, “India has for the first time published detailed figures on the number of people killed in the religious riots in the western state of Gujarat in 2002. The government told parliament that 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus were killed, 223 more people reported
missing and another 2,500 injured”? As Modi said, “The death of a single innocent person, whether Hindu or Muslim, or belonging to any other religion, is highly unfortunate and cannot be justified. That more than 1,000 people were killed is highly unfortunate and reprehensible. But that cannot be a justification to exaggerate and inflate the number of people killed to 2,000 or any higher figure.” But Ms Ali not only repeats the sin of commission through inflation, but that of omission by not mentioning, as all her cohorts do, that the carnage in Gujarat was sparked by claims that a trainload of Hindu pilgrims that had been burnt alive (59 died) was the work of Muslims. One of the accused leaders is now a wanted fugitive in Pakistan. Ms Ali then says, “In 2012, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the courts cleared him (Modi). It wasn’t any “court” but the universally respected Supreme Court of India that later reviewed the evidence and concurred with the clean chit given to Modi. Not satisfied on the prompting of
the Public Prosecutor Office, on December 26, 2013, an Ahmedabad court which was asked by the Supreme Court to handle the case, cleared Modi of any responsibility for the riots. But to his avowed enemies like Ms Ali, the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” shouldn’t apply to Modi. Ms Ali then maligns the Indian Judiciary by implying that they are “unable to handle massacres in India”, and mentions the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 following the assassination of Congress PM Indira Gandhi. But Ms Ali again hides more than she reveals. The courts do not initiate charges in India - it is initiated by the State via the Public Prosecutor Office - and this institution faces very heavy political pressures - from the state controlled by the Congress Party. So while all sorts of charges and Inquiries were filed against Modi and his aides (one of whom was convicted and imprisoned) none have been made in the 1984 Delhi killings that were in retaliation for the killing of the Congress PM. What was most disturbing was Ms Ali blaming Modi from the Indian Stock Market
A call to Brig David Granger DEAR SIR, I have been in active politics for fifty-seven years, and not a supporter of a political party but as an executive member and front bencher for my party, T.U.F. I would like Mr. David Granger of APNU to rethink his party’s objection to the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill. Mr. Granger, I know you are a soldier and soldiers were taught to fight, but the rules of engagement in your objection to that Bill will have dire consequences for our country. Sir, I ask you not to follow or be misled by Moses
Nagamootoo, Khemraj Ramjattan and Rupert Roopnaraine of APNU. In the case of Rupert Roopnaraine, after the P.N.C office on Camp Street was burnt down and the goons of Burnham were looking for Rupert Roopnaraine he went into hiding in the cane fields. He was a frightened man and had it not been for the P.P.P sending food for him there, he would have starved to death. Mr. Granger should have a second thought about that Bill — do not look for political self aggrandizement. Does it take the funeral of a Member of Parliament for us the ordinary man to observe
The police appear... From page 4 vehicle to be taken to the station, I observed some of those present removing the blockage. The waste materials remain in front of my house as I write today Monday at 3 pm (two days after). I dare say that the ones in the neighbourhood who would usually pay junkies to make the drop offs are now feeling emboldened. The message to them is clear. Members of the Guyana Police Force are seemingly supportive of their dumping practices and have
demonstrated a willingness to arrest anyone who protest such actions. It is necessary to mention a recent effect of such dumping in the community as a reminder to residents in my neighbourhood. Just over three weeks ago someone lit a “Mini Mandella Dumpsite” in Jardin Street (on which I live). The result was two small businesses were out of electrical power for two weeks. That dump started with bits and pieces of wood which the garbage collectors do not remove. Thank You Elton McRae
camaraderie and togetherness among our MPs from both the opposition and government? I was at St Andrew’s Kirk and I wondered if these are the same people who usually fight down each other in parliament. I remembered well the funeral service for the late president Mr. Desmond Hoyte and there I saw former president Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo in genuine grief and very close to the late First Lady Mrs. Hoyte as though she was his own mother. The tributes for the late MP Deborah Barker from both sides of the divide were genuine, especially the kind words of the Attorney General Mr Anil Nandlall. That presentation could have matched the best presentation at any forum. It was exquisite. Murtland Williams
rising at the news that he would be the next PM, and Mukesh Ambani’s fortune consequently rising!!! Any other commentator would have been encouraged by the vote of confidence in the new PM but not to the enemies of Modi. Modi’s election spending was also criticised because India still has a high percentage of poverty. One would have hoped Ms Ali would have criticised Congress, which was in office for the past ten years, for not introducing legislation to cap campaign spending. For good measure Ms Ali introduced the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as “ousting the BJP” in the Delhi City elections last year. Since a Congress party member was the incumbent, we don’t understand how AAP could have “ousted” BJP. A better test of AAP’s present acceptability, after they abdicated their responsibilities, was the result at the general elections: AAP lost all seven seats to the BJP - including even Muslim dominated constituencies like Chandni Chowk. Like the English-speaking elite that Ms Ali echoes, she presumes to speak for the “ordinary Indian” and portentously predicts that Modi will be a “disaster” for them. We guess in their book, the fact that the subalterns spoke at the ballot box and installed Modi by the largest majority in thirty years, doesn’t mean anything. The BSP of Mayati, who proudly proclaimed herself as “Daughter of the Chamars” the archetypical “low caste” - lost all her seats in her home state of Uttar Pradesh, where the Chamars and Muslims practically form the majority. While Ms Ali’s favoured AAP candidates had banked heavily on a secure Muslim vote bank in Delhi, this reversal in trend across all constituencies in Delhi and elsewhere is emblematic of the fact that the community have moved beyond the past references to Modi’s alleged involvement in the Gujarat riots. It also shows that the minority community is ready to give the BJP a chance at governance too. But not Ms Ali and her ilk. Ravi Dev
Chronicle reporting
DEAR EDITOR, I am responding with much hesitation to the article captioned “Deputy CEO Calvin Benn opts not to renew contract with GECOM”. It was published in the Chronicle Newspaper of April 23, 2014. This hesitation is because having made my decision not to renew my contract I hope to quietly enjoy my retirement away from any public spotlight. However, having received numerous telephone calls from relatives and friends I have decided to respond. The article purported to inform readers that I would not be renewing my contract. However, unlike the other newspapers which dealt specifically with the subject at hand, the reporter proceeded to link the matter with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing of the Auditor General’s (AG’s) Report on GECOM for 2011. In so doing, the reporter conveyed the impression that I was responsible for the financial management of GECOM in 2011. I was not. I am aware that the Chronicle had reporters who were present at the hearing. Unlike other hearings that afternoon, that hearing had the presence of other reporters from all the local
newspapers. The Chronicle reporter(s) ought to recall that, in my opening statement to the PAC, I clearly stated that I was not the Accounting Officer for GECOM for the Year 2011. While I was being “hauled over the proverbial coals”, I pointed out that all the deficiencies in the 2011 AG’s Report took place under the stewardship of my predecessor. I was dealing with those matters, not as the person Calvin Benn but as the Acting Chief Elections Officer representing the affairs of GECOM and was therefore required to answer the queries of the PAC in that capacity. The newspaper article failed to make this distinction. Except for the questions related to the stolen $435,000 (not $500,000.00) all other queries and issues were directly related to the Office of the CEO for the period 2006-2011. In the circumstances, I think it is imperative that I respond to the aforementioned newspaper article, lest an impressionable reader comes to the conclusion that my decision not to renew my contract was influenced by the issues emanating from the hearing of the PAC. Calvin Benn
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
N/A man, 49, drinks poison after killing ex-girlfriend, 19
Abiola Greaves and her granddaughter Omena A teen mother was brutally murdered late Monday evening in Berbice by the 49-year-old father of her baby daughter after she spurned him. The man subsequently ingested a poisonous substance and was up to press time in a critical condition at the New Amsterdam Hospital. The depressed community of Angoy’s Avenue also called ‘Cow dam’, ‘Caracas’ and ‘High Dam’ was startled by a
woman’s brood-curdling screams, and their curiosity led them to the home of 19year-old Oneka Greaves, who had been stabbed multiple times by her four-month old baby’s father, Robert Stanley, of Mai Mai Dam, in the same area. The man was reportedly upset that the young lady had told him that they should end the relationship and she wanted to move on with her life and he should do likewise. After committing the act, Stanley reportedly went to the Central Police Station and told the ranks there that he had just injured his wife after they had a misunderstanding and he had consumed some poison.
He is now under police guard at the New Amsterdam Hospital where he is fighting for his life after reportedly drinking a dose of gramoxone. According to the dead teen’s mother, Abiola Greaves, her daughter was in a relationship with the man since she was about 16 years old. The woman stated that she had spoken to her daughter on a number of occasions to end the relationship with the man, but she continued. The older Greaves stated that the relationship was abusive and her daughter who gave birth to a baby girl, Omena Omeka Stanley, four months ago, finally decided that she would end the relationship with Stanley. He however continued to visit and insisted that they continue their association, but the woman was adamant that she wanted to move since the relationship was abusive and the man never used to give her anything. According to the mother, her daughter hardly got any help from the man and on most occasions she had to take care of the child. Oneka, she said, in order to get out of the man’s clutches, decided to relocate to Georgetown. The baby was left in her mother’s care while she sought a living in the capital. However Stanley was very upset and obsessed. He started to issue threats and demanded that she return. The man decided to hatch a
The modest living quarters of the dead woman and her family. new plot to woo the woman back to Berbice. He constantly telephoned her and told her that the child was sick and her family was not taking care of the baby and she should come and see what was going on. Not suspecting anything sinister the young lady travelled to Berbice on Monday without her mother’s knowledge. Her mother stated that she was not at home but arrived around 19:00 hrs to see her daughter and Stanley in a conversation in the yard of their modest home. The woman stated that
Lall at odds with GMSA... (From page 3) member before they can comment? They never invited me to be a part of it. Further, I don’t want to be a part of any toothless organization.” A Partnership for National Unity’s Shadow Minister of Public Works, Joseph Harmon, said that the GMSA and the PSC each “speak with two mouths.” “It is strange that they would only speak on an issue once someone is a member, for as far as I understand, if an issue affects a business and
it has potential to affect the business and investment climate they should comment on it. “The PSC and GMSA conveniently speak on “certain issues” that would affect their investment climate and the business community, yet, in order for you to get them to lend their voice to the issues affecting a businessman or manufacturer, they say ‘You have to become a member’. “They are speaking with two mouths and this needs to be changed.”
her daughter wanted nothing more to do with Stanley. He finally agreed and stated that he would try to take care of his child. He however told her that “if I can get her no man can get her”. He then told them he was leaving. The woman stated that she and her daughter then went inside and Oneka, after feeding the baby, went to the standpipe at the back of the house to wash the feeding bottle. The woman said shortly after she heard her daughter screaming and staggered to the front of the house shouting “Abby, Abby, Oh God, ah gon dead, Stanley stab me,” before collapsing to the ground. A friend, Ozelly Adams, who had arrived at the house moments before saw the man next to Oneka and when he saw her he asked her “wha you come hey fuh now.” Not realizing what the man was about to do, she ignored him and went into the house. It was only then that Mrs. Greaves realised that Stanley had not left the premises, but
had been lurking in the yard. Oneka Greaves was stabbed multiple times about her body. Her stepfather Deon Wilson and others rushed her to the hospital where she was taken for emergency surgery. She reportedly had over a dozen stab wounds about her body. Her sister Nicola Greaves who visited her in hospital stated that her sister was “badly damaged”. Abiola Greaves told reporters that she remembers the man telling her that she and her granddaughter will have to live until death do them part. She did not take it for anything. The woman mentioned that the murder of her daughter brought back memories of her mother who was a police officer being brutally murdered about 18 years ago. The man, who was previously married, is the father of four sons, ages 25, 23, 21, and 18. His wife had died under mysterious circumstances a few days after the birth of their last child.
Dr. Yesu Persaud... (From page 3) prominent UG lecturer, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, Phillips was convinced that in Guyana, “Yesu” stands tall. Also paying tribute was Professor David Dabydeen, Guyana’s Ambassador to China. Himself a writer, Dabydeen, whose review was read by former army chief, Major General (Retired) Joseph Singh, said he started bullying the businessman about 20 years back to write his story. Describing Dr. Persaud as “a man of indomitable will with a deep concern for poor people”, the ambassador said the entrepreneur was finally convinced.
The businessman, well known also for his philanthropy, has received several international awards, including an honorary doctorate from a British university. According to Dr. Persaud, he also played a critical role in Guyana’s return to democracy. He was instrumental in bringing former US President Jimmy Carter here and brokering a deal that changed how elections were being conducted. “But that is a different story that will be told later,” he promised. He had a message. “Nothing is impossible…everything we determine to be done, can be done. The world is yours.”
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 7
China Rail land deal remains a mystery “I will not be answering any questions without the permission of my boss.” This was the assertion of Marcia Nadir-Sharma, the deputy to Winston Brassington, who sits as Executive Director of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) as well as Atlantic Hotels Inc (AHI). Nadir-Sharma is also the Company Secretary to AHI, while Brassington sits as its Chairperson. The two are the only two officials in AHI, the special purpose company created to build and own the Marriott Hotel under construction in Kingston, Georgetown. Winston Brassington has been evading this publication from the beginning of this year as it relates to providing any information regarding the Hotel and more recently, the transfer of lands from NICIL to the China Railway Engineering Group.
This publication attempted to solicit information yesterday from Nadir-Sharma who in turn responded by saying that Brassington might not have been answering his phone because he is unavailable and further, any questions should be emailed to him. It is now five months since a commitment by Brassington to disclose who the US$8M private equity investor would be for the project. Brassington has made several such assurances that the public would know the investor. However the identity remains a mystery. The Guyana Government through NICIL is, to date, the sole known investor in the Georgetown Marriott Hotel given that AHI is yet to have financial closure for US$39M of the US$58.5M required for its completion. NICIL has already injected its US$20M, which it
Qualfon employees rushed to GPHC
One of the workers Up to press time, some fourteen workers attached to Qualfon Guyana at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara were patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital. They had been rushed there around 16:30 hrs yesterday for emergency medical attention after they collapsed approximately 20 minutes after the company had experienced a power outage. The section of the building they occupied has no windows and only one door. The workers, some of whom are said to be asthmatic, started to faint in the stifling conditions. About 600 workers comprise a shift. People said that the number of workers in that poorly ventilated section was close to that number. People started to show sign
of stress, probably because of oxygen deprivation. They were immediately rushed to the hospital where some of them were given oxygen and sent away. As news of the tragedy spread, onlookers gathered in front of the hospital emergency room. Security guards at the hospital were even praying for the workers who were holding their heads, and many claiming that they were feeling cramps. A supervisor who was at the hospital refused to divulge any information. And in a society where the superstitions abound, people began to talk about the building being constructed on an old cemetery and that the illnesses were due to supernatural conditions. But the authorities debunked such claims.
- NICIL’s deputy declines to answer without permission of boss had committed to the project, so it is unclear what the source of financing is for the works currently being executed. Prior to the NICIL money, Government had given Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited a US$1M contract for the rerouting of the sewerage system in the Kingston locale. That contract was pulled after more than US$700,000 was paid over. It was then given to an overseas company, for a further US$2M. AHI also leased the prime seven acres of shorefront property on which the Hotel rests for a measly US$120 (G$24,000) per month with the option to buy. The Food and Drug Department which had a building in the location was removed and that property was dismantled. Brassington, last September, held a special media briefing on the project and told reporters that while the AHI would have executed a number of agreements with Republic Bank and the private investor, whom he is still to name, there is no definitive financial closure for the money as yet. He said, then, that AHI was looking to have this aspect of the deal concluded by year end (2013), so that the hotel could be completed and opened this year. “We haven’t closed but
According to the Official Gazette, one acre of land at Plantation Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, as shown on a plan by D. Ramkarran, a sworn land surveyor, dated June 18, 2013 and signed by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on April 4, was transferred to NICIL. NICIL then transferred to China Railway Guyana
Winston Brassington we have every confidence it will close soon,” Brassington had said. That unnamed private investor will be putting US$8M in the project and will have majority ownership of AHI, equivalent to 67 per cent shares in the company, while government will own 33 per cent. And Brassington has also remained silent over a tract of land that NICIL has given to the China Railway Engineering Group. China Railway is currently involved in the construction of a section of the Amaila Falls Access Road and was also considered as a key construction partner during discussions last year on the controversial Amaila Falls Hydro Project.
Incorporated, a piece of land, as the donor and the donee. There was no cost attached to the land transfer. It is unclear why NICIL would have provided this land to China R a i l w a y, whether the land was publicly advertised for s a l e , o r i f i n deed any money was paid for the acre of prime property.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Israeli experts for cannabis meeting in Jamaica Jamaica Observer - TWO high-level medical cannabis leaders from Israel are to speak at the Jamaica Cannabis Conference, scheduled for tomorrow to Saturday, at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. They are Dr Michael Dor, chief medical advisor to the Israeli Ministry of Health Medical Cannabis Unit and a former deputy director of the Ministry of Health Medical Administration in charge of its Community Medicine and Hospitals Division; and Dr Lumir Hanus, a research fellow in medicinal chemistry and natural products at Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a respected authority in medical cannabis. They will speak at the Friday session between 10 am and 5 pm, at the Faculty of Law Seminar Room at the university. Both are being sponsored by Strains of Hope, a nonprofit organisation whose mission is to support research with leading institutions around the world examining the benefits of medical cannabis therapies in a multitude of disease states, including diabetes, pain management and epilepsy. Several other speakers from Jamaica, the United States and Canada will also participate in the three-day Inaugural Jamaica Cannabis Conference. “It is an honour to have two medical cannabis research leaders from the medical cannabis research
Dr Lumir Hanus hub of the world, Israel,” director of the Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Task Force, Delano Seiveright, told the Jamaica Observer, Monday. “We are eager to hear their insights and ideas for Jamaica. Jamaica, frankly, has an opportunity, over time, to position itself as the medical cannabis research capital of the world, given climatology, geography, brand, language, and other strong advantages,” said Seiveright. The conference is being organised and sponsored by the Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Task Force and the University of the West Indies, under the theme, ‘Wake Up Jamaica, Our Opportunities are Slipping Away’. The Government, Seiveright said, has sent very positive signals on decriminalising the use of
ganja so far. However, he said there is a need to move forward, expeditiously. He said the main outcome from the conference will be a position paper and a declaration, setting out a road map and a recommended timeframe for the decriminalisation of ganja, including its use for the sacramental rights of Rastafarians, as well as its wider medicinal uses. The framework for a regulated commercial industry is also expected to emanate from the conference, after which increased and sustained public education and advocacy will follow, according to Seiveright. The Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Task Force is an umbrella group launched in September 2013. It is chaired by Professor Archibald McDonald, principal of the UWI, Mona.
Government to increase term for life sentences PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname – CMC – Suriname, which has announced plans to remove the death penalty from its criminal books, says it will increase the maximum jail term for life sentences from 20 to 30 years. Justice and Police Minister Edward Belfort said in addition to increasing the jail term for life sentences usually reserved for heinous crimes, the government is also moving to increase the jail term for criminals convicted of committing lesser crimes from 15 to 20 years. Belfort said that the amendments are related to a draft modification of the Criminal Code that will soon be sent to the National Assembly (DNA) for consideration.
Edward Belfort The revised code will no longer feature the death penalty that Belfort described as an outdated piece of legislation that is irreversible once it is carried out. He also said that in his opinion it is
not the government’s prerogative to decide who lives or dies. The Justice Minister has been very vocal about scrapping the capital punishment, saying in March that “countries that apply it would be expected to be the safest countries in the world, yet still have many murders committed on a daily basis”. The country has been under increased pressure to remove the death penalty from its criminal code. In February officials from the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) visited Suriname to recommend a vote next October in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution for a global moratorium of the death penalty.
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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The court is the ultimate arbiter What is happening at City Hall, in the National Assembly, and in the relations between our political parties, is no joke. Some persons may find it funny but as old people forewarn, not all skin-teeth is joke. The happenings at City Hall - where even in the midst of a Court ruling, the City Council by majority vote has arrogated to itself the power to appoint a Town Clerk - is nothing to laugh about. It is no laughing matter because if carried to its logical extension, it can result in anarchy. The Court has ruled in relation to where power is reposed with regard to the appointment of a Town Clerk.
There remains a challenge to this appointment. Not all the arguments have been exhausted. As such, it would have been advisable and most responsible for the Council to have awaited the outcome of the full gamut of legal challenges to the appointment of the Town Clerk before attempting to impose its own candidate on the municipality. The law must be respected at all times, because without the law there is no protection for those who may one day be at the receiving end of unjust administrative actions. Disputes over the law are best settled in the hallowed chambers of the Court. They
are not settled in the streets or elsewhere. They have to be settled in a Court of Law. The order and stability of society is predicated on their being mechanisms for the settling of disputes. In the days of Greek mythology, one could go to the Oracle, who was seen as the fountainhead of all wisdom, knowledge and justice. In modern societies, the Oracle is the seat of justice. It is for this reason that when persons have to approach the Court to have depositions taken in one jurisdiction certified, the person having to do such certification so that the evidence can be admitted in another jurisdiction, is often referred to as the Oracle.
Dem boys seh
Yesu talk de truth and Sam nah eat Everybody know that dem kantractah doing ‘kok’ wuk fuh big, big money. Dem does build road, bridges, koker and even sea wall. Some of dem things does bruck up overnight. When election come round Bee Kay and Zero de Nauth does get nuff contract. Dem does only smooth de road and people does believe that de government nice, that it give dem brand new road. Three months later de road wuss that wheh it been. And dem does vex when people talk. Yesu print a book bout heself. All dem who talk, praise he. But he seh that since he was a li’l boy de poor people had it rough because de White people government nevah do nutten fuh dem. Now he get he own black people government and dem doing wuss that wha de white man do. Sam been deh and he been at de head table. He sit down next to Yesu and hear everything. Everybody see how he twitch he face, screw he mouth, and down he head when Yesu seh that de government ain’t doing nutten fuh poor people. Dem boys sit down because dem expect Yesu fuh give Sam a chance fuh respond as is de norm because politicians does always have de last say. Wasn’t so last night. Yesu had de last say. Sam get vex and people know he did vex because he walk way without saying goodnight. He refuse to eat and drink. That is
something unlike Sam. Dem boys seh that he don’t miss food. De man didn’t even wait fuh a copy of de book but Yesu seh that he gun send a copy anyhow. He seh he gun send couple sandwich and a drink too. Dem boys seh that Yesu shoulda give de man a chance to talk back. Yesu seh that he agree. Next time. Dem boys seh that if Sam did get to talk that woulda been fair game. That fat crook, Brazzy, gun get he chance at fair game. He gun get old and all wha he do he gun pay for. Dem boys does dream bout nuff thing wha gun happen to he and all dem scamps. He deputy gun get touch up too. Dem boys seh that it comes a time when a woman just has to trust her husband. Dem dream that she go home late one night and quietly open the door to she bedroom. From under the sheets she see four legs instead of two. She grab a bat and starts lashing up de sheet as hard as she can. Leaving the covered bodies groaning, she goes to the kitchen to have a drink. As she enters, she sees her husband there, reading de Waterfalls paper. “Hi, babe”, he says. “You parents have come to visit us, so l let them stay in our bedroom. Did you say, Hi?” Talk half and somebody gun drink poison by this afternoon.
The Court is our Oracle. It is there that disputes over law have to be settled. Thus, when it comes to whether we have a legal Town Clerk and to whom that Clerk is responsible, it is best to have these matters dealt with by the Court. What is happening in our parliament is also no joke. There are important constitutional issues which remain unresolved. One of the unresolved matters is the right to withhold presidential assent to legislation passed in the National Assembly. It seems as if the opposition is holding firm to the view that the President is required to automatically give assent to legislation passed. And so the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering/ Combating the Financing of Terrorism Bill is being held up - at least on the part of APNU, because it is demanding that the President assent to Bills passed by the National Assembly. Those who feel that the
President is compelled to assent to their legislation should test their proposition in the Court of Law. They have the option of approaching the Courts - and they can go all the way up to the Caribbean Court of Justice - to have a determination made on the right to withhold assent as well as to determine whether it is constitutional for a nonExecutive body to exercise Executive functions. They can also ask the seat of justice to determine whether what exists in Guyana is a system of parliamentary supremacy as opposed to constitutional supremacy, because it does seem as if some members of the opposition are of the view that the wishes of the National Assembly cannot be opposed by the Executive. Also outstanding is the issue of whether government spending in excess of the sums voted by the National Assembly is unlawful or if
under both the Constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, the M i n i s t e r o f F i n a nce is allowed to spend and seek approval from the National Assembly. These are all questions in law, and in deciding to become a sovereign nation, the powers to adjudicate on disputes in law have been reposed in our judiciary. If we cannot settle legal disputes through recourse to the Courts, then we are in fact violating that sacred pact which keeps anarchy at bay. That pact is a social contract that prescribes that the Court is the ultimate arbiter to settle legal disputes and where the court has ruled, for that ruling to be respected. If that social pact is violated, then we are going down the road to anarchy.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Dr. Lomarsh Roopnarine and Dr. Compton Bourne When you study world cultures you don’t get depressed, simply because there is so much that is hilarious about the countries of the world, their peoples and their traditions. If you are on a certain wavelength, then depression will follow you if you take too seriously the world and its hypocrisy and double standards. You are bound to end up as crazy if you internalize your anger at what the Israelis do to the Palestinians and the world turns a blind eye. This very world would be quick to jump on other countries if they violate international law. When the UN Environment Committee bestowed ‘Champion of the Earth’ on Bharrat Jagdeo it was not an occasion to get angry, but to laugh. The
people on that committee didn’t know the difference between Ghana and Guyana, and who was President Jagdeo. When TIME magazine named Jagdeo as a ‘Hero of the Environment’, it was absolutely certain that the magazine’s editors did not read even a half inch of the thousands of newspaper pages in Guyana that painted a horrible picture of the dirtiest capital city of the world. I am absolutely convinced that the aging souls in the Council of Trent University in Canada who awarded Jagdeo an honorary doctorate did not read even one critical newspaper editorial of the twelve-year rule of Jagdeo. I don’t doubt for a moment that they ever
heard about Jagdeo before Jagdeo’s beneficiary in Canada asked the Council to give him the award. Now Minister Manickchand gets an honorary doctorate from Lesley University for “improving the lives of women, children and families in Guyana.” These things make you laugh and they should. You should avoid being emotional at these misdirected foolishness of the world, because that is the way the globe is. In Guyana, our mediocrity should make us laugh rather than keep us in a state of vexation. All types of people in Guyana are showered with all types of recognition. You know they don’t deserve their accolades, but this is Guyana.
The sooner you come to grips with it, the better for your soul. I remember some years ago, the US Embassy awarded a certain newspaper official, the Guyanese woman of the year award. This was a loud, brazen, crude, offensive individual who knows no limit to her crass public behaviour. A sixty-two-year-old womanizing Hindu pandit who became an important governmental heavyweight in the early nineties drove his exploited twenty-year-old lover, who was his secretary, to suicide. The number of Hindus who publicly worship him is large. Why get depressed. Laugh it off. This is Guyana. It is an ironically hilarious place. Roger Khan’s man in the judiciary is nicknamed the “Oracle.” The “Oracle” makes you laugh. Last year, I read a certain former Guyanese singer praising a ridiculous book on Thomas Carroll in the Stabroek News. The author
left out the most important document that was compulsory research. This was Carroll’s twenty-page confession to the district attorney in which he bore his soul to his interrogators about the horrible things he did in Guyana and the prominent individuals and business places that helped him sell American visas. How can such a book be anything but a fake? A Guyanese living in Canada wrote a column in the Stabroek News informing us poor Guyanese, that Ministers Priya Manickchand and Frank Anthony are the likely saviours of Guyana in the future. Doesn’t this country make you laugh? It does. So laugh and don’t get depressed. As we are on the topic of books, let us mention Guyanese professor, Lomarsh Roopnarine. He wrote a book on Indian indentureship and is complaining in KN and SN that a book on indentured
Frederick Kissoon women and on the PPP’s heroic role in fighting Burnham just published by a Guyanese woman is receiving too much acclaim. He writes that the book is so bad in its research that it ought to be withdrawn by the publishers. Roopnarine is shocked to know that the book is a contender for the Orwell Award in the UK. Someone needs to tell this professor to come to grips with the world. The people who administer the Orwell Award never read anything about the PPP in the seventies and eighties. I end with a little story Roopnarine should digest. Only about two living person possess the Order of Excellence - Guyana highest national award. One such person is Dr. Compton Bourne. When he came to UG as its Chancellor, we were all elated. Compton Bourne turned out to be the poorest administrator who ever landed at UG. To think this man was the head of the Caribbean Development Bank. Guyana and the world make you laugh.
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Almost $50M difference in proposals to supply Education Ministry The Ministry of Education yesterday received bids for several supply and delivery services. The bids were submitted yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Main and Urquhart Street. Firstly, four bids were opened for the printing, supply and delivery of interactive radio initiative books, with the highest bid ($75.7M) close to a whopping $50M more than the nearest proposal of $27.4M. The exact specifications were not available to determine why there was such a disparity between the costliest bid and the other three submissions.
Secondly, bids were submitted for the supply and delivery of tools and equipment for Essequibo Technical Institute.
Thirdly, bids were submitted for the supply and delivery of school equipment.
Still in the Education Sector, bids were opened for the supply and delivery of tools and equipment for the Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre.
Finally the Education Ministry under the Guyana Improving Teachers Education Project (GITEP) received bids for the purchasing of books for libraries at Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the University of Guyana (UG).
Three bids were submitted for the Ministry of Public Works supervisory consultancy services for the East Coast Demerara Roadway Four Lane Extension, Better Hope to Belfield.
Meanwhile, three bids were opened under the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) for the construction of a gravity filter substructure at Rose Hall, Berbice, Region Six.
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Third suspect in brutal hacking of guard found The police yesterday picked up a third suspect in the brutal hacking of a 40year-old Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident. The suspect, a labourer, was arrested around 15:30 hrs at a construction site in Pigeon Island by ranks who were tipped off. Ranks are on the hunt for a fourth suspect who brutally stabbed security guard Karan Persaud of Pigeon Island Squatting Area last Thursday. The men also sliced Persaud’s nose off and slit his throat. Persaud underwent two emergency surgeries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and was discharged on Monday. He has to return to the hospital to do corrective surgery on his nose. According to information received, Persaud was drinking at a bottom house at Lot 25 Pigeon Island when four men walked into the yard and approached him. They asked that he show them where the urinal was located. “He (Persaud) show them and turn away and one of the men asked he (Persaud) why he couldn’t get up and take them to the urinal and they started arguing,” an eyewitness who requested anonymity
Karan Persaud said. According to the eyewitness, the men first took a bottle and hit the man on his head after which they pulled out knives and started stabbing him to the abdomen. No one was able to intervene, despite Persaud’s desperate his cries for help. “After they stab him, two of them hold him down and one of them take the knife and slice his nose off and throw it on the ground,” the eyewitness related. The man’s reputed wife Lilowtie Samaroo had said she was at home when her son informed her about the brutal attack on her husband. “I run and go in the yard next door to wheh dem went chopping he and I keep shouting for help and I tell de
four of dem (suspects) that I know all of dem, and one who name Prakash ask me if I see he do anything and I shouted yes and he pelt a brick at me but it miss,” the woman recalled. She added that while she was shouting for help, the men were constantly stabbing her husband who had fainted and had blood gushing from his neck. “He fall down and then they hold him up and brace him to the wall and they just continue stabbing he. I thought he was dead. When they (Persaud’s attackers) finished with him they run away and we run over in the yard,” the wife said. She added that her husband was lying face down and when she turned him over, she noticed his nose was sliced off and he had multiple wounds about his body.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Attorney General’s interpretation of CFATF letter inaccurate - APNU “Just like how Dr. Luncheon said he (Attorney General Nandlall) doesn’t speak for him, he doesn’t speak for us either, and I don’t respect any interpretation which he gives to this set of facts, because when somebody else looks at the same set of facts it’s entirely different.” Those were the words of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Executive Joseph Harmon as he spoke to the Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall’s interpretation of a letter sent by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) pronouncing on APNU’s amendments to the AntiMoney Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill. Nandlall was quoted as saying that government sent the Opposition’s draft to CFATF “and as I predicted, the CFATF rejected every single one of the amendments that they are proposing.” However according to Harmon “his interpretation of a factual situation is erroneous and if the public were to be shown the letter which came from CFATF and he should also make public the letter which was sent to them, we would be able to make a careful interpretation as to what his interpretation is and whether it is correct.” “The Chairperson of CFATF, Allyson MaynardGibson, said when she came here she can only make a determination of compliance or non-compliance when documents are formally sent
Attorney General Anil Nandlall
APNU Executive Joseph Harmon to them, either from the National Assembly process to the National Assembly or from the full committee of the Parliament. I don’t consider CFATF’s letter to be a binding interpretation about compliance and noncompliance, but he (Nandlall) interprets it to mean that our amendments are rejected
when clearly it doesn’t say that,” Harmon noted. Kaieteur News was able to peruse the CFATF letter which was sent by its Executive Director Calvin Wilson on behalf of the Chairperson Gibson. The letter is a response to one that was sent by the Attorney General on May 7, 2014. The letter addressed to the Attorney General read that inter alia “any advice on proposed legislations has to be given in the context of the CFATF’s main role as the reviewer of the implementation of the AML/ CFT standards by CFATF member countries and the need to maintain impartiality so as to ensure the integrity and objectivity of the Mutual Evaluation process.” “It should be noted that the FATF [Financial Action Task Force] standards are minimal requirements and in most instances do not stipulate specific detailed measures,” said Wilson. In the letter section 2(2) of the AML/CFT ACT 2009 amendment was also outlined, where APNU removed the wording “Attorney General” where it appeared and replaced it with the word “Director”. It wrote that because the functions of the Director of the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) are closely linked to the application for Court orders to seize and freeze criminal proceeds of the listed entities, and those functions are normally carried out by the Attorney General who is the legal advisor to the
government. CFATF did not say that it was “wrong”, which the AG insinuated, but said that “FATF recommendations do not specify any person or competent authority as being required to assume the above role. The assignment of such responsibility is at the
discretion of each jurisdiction and the CFATF cannot definitively advise any country on any particular alternative.” The letter also pronounced on the amendment to sections 8 and 9, establishing a AML/CFT Authority where members will be appointed by the
National Assembly, removing the powers of the Minister to appoint the Director and the power of the President to dismiss the Director, and placing these powers within the Authority, which will also be responsible for overseeing the operations of the FIU. Continued on page 30
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Kaieteur News
State auditors probing alleged traffic fines fraud at Springlands The Audit Office of Guyana has sent a team to Berbice to probe allegations that traffic fines were stolen in an apparent fraud scheme. According to Auditor General Deodat Sharma, drivers and owners of vehicles who may have information are asked to make contact with his office. The team was dispatched to Springlands yesterday by the Auditor General. On Saturday, Kaieteur News published a report in which four motorists from Berbice claimed that monies paid to a Station Sergeant at the Springlands Police Station were recorded as lesser amounts on receipts. This was reported to ‘B’ Division Commander, Brian Joseph, who has launched an investigation into the allegations. Navendranauth Kesar, of
Springlands, Corriverton; Ramesh Singh of Scottsburg, Corriverton; Neil Joyce of Number 77 Village, Corriverton, and Ravindra Lorry of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, claimed that they were coerced into paying the warrant fees. The drivers all had their receipts. Singh said that he paid $94,000 but has a receipt for $67,750; Joyce said he paid $32,000 while the receipt states $25,725 and Lorry said that he paid $26,000 while his receipt states $6,075. Whenever motorists delay payments of traffic tickets, warrants would be issued in their names, that follow a court proceeding. Kesar said that he was called by the officer in April and told that “I had seven arrest warrants”. “When I go in, I told him that I came to pay.” Kesar claims he was
File photo: one of the drivers holding up the receipt which bears a sum less than he actually paid
told he had to pay $74,000 for the warrants, “and he never showed me any arrest warrants but he called my car and truck number twice. Then he told me three more warrants were there, but he didn’t show me, and then he told me I owed $74,000.” “I asked him how it came to so much money. He said ‘we will re-calculate’ and then he said to pay $64,000 ...and he gave me my receipt, but I never checked it in front of him.” Upon arriving at home and checking the document, Kesar said that he saw $20,725. He went back the following day (April 11) and confronted the officer about the incorrect sum stated on the receipt. “He told me not to take worries with that and that he will look after that.” Kesar then took the matter to Commander Joseph. Other drivers, too, claimed they were fleeced by the officer. “I think either he robbing the government, or he robbing the people who collecting the monies.” The other drivers who saw what was written on their receipts also questioned the incorrect figures, but say they were intimidated. “When he heard I took the matter to higher authorities, he called me at the [Skeldon] Market front and tell me he will come reach me. He called me and I go in his car and he offered me back my money—begged me to done the story and I told him I wouldn’t do it.” “We don’t want no police (Continued on page 30)
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Truck tray collapses, crushes owner A relative points to the spot under the tray where Persaud was pinned
A 37-year-old man died yesterday morning after being crushed by the tray of his truck. At around 08:45hrs, Gowkarran Persaud called ‘Tall Boy’ began doing repairs on the vehicle. According to relatives, he was on the chassis (the component on which the tray is rested) of the 2300 CF DAF truck, repairing the “dump hose.” That’s when the hydraulics tube, which keeps the tray of the truck elevated, flipped out, causing the tray to immediately fall back onto the chassis, crushing Persaud. He did not die immediately though. According to the man’s wife, Diana Persaud, she was in the front yard doing some household chores when she
heard the loud noise coming from the southern side of the house, where the truck was parked. Upon rushing to see what had happened, the woman said she was caught by surprise to have seen her husband pinned under the truck tray. “Like me get confused and right away me start holler. Although he bin ah cry out fuh pain, he tell me wha fuh do, and me try fuh screw the hose back in suh that the tray could lift up, but me couldn’t manage fuh do it,” the wailing woman told Kaieteur News. She noted that within a short space of time, members of the community rushed to her aid, but getting her husband out was a challenge, which took about 20 minutes.
A 2003 photo of the deceased, Gowkarran Persaud “We couldn’t ah get he out suh easy. Everybody tried. First we try to lift the tray manually, but dah didn’t (Continued on page 30)
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Aussie gold-mining firm offloads billion-dollar mill Executives of Troy Resources Limited, an Australian gold-mining Company, on Monday took members of the media on tour of the old Omai Wharf facility, at Christianburg, Wismar, Linden, where they offloaded their US$5M, 3.3 megawatts grinding Ball Mill. The mill is critical to operations at the company’s Karouni project, west of Omai in Region Seven. At an overall cost of some US$76M, the mining project is expected to last about eight years, but CEO of the company Ken Nilsson said that they have just ‘scratched the surface’. The project is expected to initially employ some 500 people, he said. On hand to witness the event were Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, Clinton Williams of GNIC, and Linden Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman, Orrin Gordon. There were other special invitees. Addressing those gathered at the simple ceremony, Nilsson expressed his pleasure and satisfaction that the first set of equipment had been brought in. He was particularly pleased that the entity had received ‘a good
welcome’ in Guyana. Nilsson noted that Troy Resources had established another mining project in Brazil over a year and a half ago, and that he was certainly optimistic about the venture in Guyana, which he said is well poised to exploit its mineral wealth. He added that the policy of his company is to have the local people make up most of its workforce, as they are not in favour of employing expatriates. He noted that in Argentina, where over 500 people are employed, only six expatriates are employed there, while no expatriate is employed in Brazil. Nilsson said that to date about $54M has been spent in the initial stages. The CEO was quick to point out that cyanide use in the mining process would be very low. The detoxification would be done as is being done in Argentina. Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, said that the Project had been in the making for several years and there had been many challenges. He added that the gold mining sector has been primarily large and medium scale, and has
Executives of Troy Resources with Minister Robert Persaud (third from right) and Clinton Williams of GNIC (centre) as the container is offloaded at the Omai Wharf facility at Linden. been ‘pretty successful, doing a great and outstanding job’. “I want the same good track record of these small and medium scale miners to continue.” IMC Chairman of Linden, Orrin Gordon, said that any development that
comes to Linden is something that should be embraced. He added that what has happened is that people within Linden, such as the skilled individuals, would be the first to benefit by way of employment.
He said that the project would also prove to be a “national good’ as well, by way of what gold mining will do for the country. Gordon said that the company during its tenure here might also even look at
exploiting other mineral resources. “The Australian company is not anything new to Linden, as we would have had Minproc which was involved with bauxite mining. This is familiar territory.”
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
One more escapee recaptured under mom’s bed As the manhunt continues for the remaining bandit who escaped from the lock-ups at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, the Guyana Police Force is warning persons against harbouring those who are fugitive from the law. The warning comes in the wake of the recapture of Randolph Marks who was found under his mother’s bed in a house at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, less than a day after he and three other persons broke their way out of the lock-ups. Kaieteur News understands that the police were tipped off about marks whereabouts and swooped down on the house at around 01:15 hours yesterday. No other person from the house was arrested for harbouring the escapee since they reportedly cooperated with the police. Police in a press release yesterday said that they are continuing in their efforts to recapture the remaining escapee, Keron Cummings of Sophia. On Monday night another escapee Vickram Persaud was shot dead by police on the West Coast of Berbice as he was reportedly
AT LARGE: Keron Cummings
DEAD: Vickram Persaud
RECAPTURED: Randolph Marks
RECAPTURED: Steve Bacchus
heading to neighbouring Suriname. A police source said that ranks who were involved in
the manhunt to recapture the escaped prisoners had received word that Persaud was seen in a car heading to Berbice. They managed to locate the car and trailed it for a while. It is believed that Persaud observed that the car he was in was being followed and he realised that he was about to be recaptured. According to a source, the fugitive must have asked the driver to stop the car, for when the vehicle came to a halt, Persaud emerged and fired a round at the chasing
party. However his bid for freedom was halt by two bullets, one to the abdomen and another to the head. Police in a press statement had said that Vickram Persaud called ‘Lil John’, 28 years, of Doctor Dam, La Grange, WBD, was fatally shot during an armed confrontation with the police at Fort Wellington, WCB. According to the police an unlicensed .38 revolver was recovered following the confrontation. Earlier on Monday another escapee, Steve Richard Bacchus had his freedom cut short when he was dragged out of a minibus at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, minutes after the breakout, which occurred around 12:15 hours during a heavy downpour. The prisoners escaped by ripping out the grill work and the mesh that covered the window at the back of the building to provide ventilation to prisoners in the holding cell. They then proceeded to climb down the back wall and scale the fence, cutting a stand of razor wire at the top of the fence. Meanwhile, things at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court lock-ups returned to normal yesterday in the aftermath of the escape. This was after contractors reinforced the grillwork that was damaged by the escaping prisoners. A senior official at the Brickdam Police Station disclosed that had it not been for another prisoner who signaled the police that something was amiss, the
situation could have been worse. According to the official, 21 prisoners were brought from the camp street jail to attend court and they were all crammed into the court lockups which could hardly house 10 persons comfortably. The officials said that while the men were making good their escape, one prisoner was vociferously demanding that he be taken
out of the lock-ups. “He was signaling to the ranks that something was going on because he kept making noise. His persistence forced the police to open the lock-ups and it was then that they noticed that the grillwork was removed,” the official stated. An alarm was raised and immediately security measures were put in place to lockdown the facility to prevent any further escape.
Female MPs form Steering Committee to focus on critical issues
Indranie Chandarpal
Catherine Hughes
Guyana’s female Members of Parliament, at a special meeting convened by Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, on Monday at the Public Buildings, discussed the possibility of establishing a local arm of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP). After much discussion, the meeting, which was well attended by the female members of parliament (MPs), saw them agreeing to form a Steering Committee. This Committee will run for one year and will have two persons, one from each party, acting as coordinators. These coordinators will be tasked with ascertaining issues for the Committee to focus on, in keeping with their respective party’s view. It was also agreed that these issues will not be limited to those affecting women and children, but will also focus on engendering the legislative process, creating awareness campaigns and encouraging lobbying as well as advocacy, networking,
resource mobilization and information dissemination. One of the key highlights of the discussion was that women MPs should aim to be major contributors to a just and gender-sensitive constitution, and further legislation and national policies that enable political, social and economic empowerment of women and men in Guyana The Steering Committee will also provide a forum for women MPs to discuss, share experiences and support activities that would enhance women’s participation and effective leadership in all dimensions of politics. Meanwhile Government MP, Indranie Chandarpal and AFC Member Catherine Hughes left Guyana yesterday to attend a twoday CWP conclave in Nassau, Bahamas. It is expected that these women and others attending future conferences will have a forum where they can return to share their experiences and issues which emanate from the conferences.
Recreation does for you what it says literally. It creates you again. It refreshes the mind, renews the spirit, and motivates the body. Constant working towards some objective can do the opposite, unless we control it by rest and relaxation.
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Wide-ranging issues on agenda at 17th COFCOR meeting By Abena Rockcliffe Yesterday saw the opening ceremony of the 17th meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) at the Guyana International Conference Centre, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, assumed the Chairmanship of the body. COFCOR consists of Ministers responsible for the Foreign Affairs of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States. In his opening remarks, Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque told the gathering, predominantly made up of diplomats, that the annual meeting is the opportunity for the Ministers of Foreign Affairs to look back and take stock of the multiple activities undertaken by the Community in the promotion and protection of its interests. He said that it also provides the occasion to look forward to the prospects by analysing the trends, developments and events which shape the external environment in which Member States operate. LaRocque pointed out that the review and analytical exercise takes on particular importance this year as the final touches are being put to the Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Caribbean Community. That Plan, he noted, will lay out the Community’s priorities over the period as it seeks to focus on a few practical and achievable goals. He said the meeting presents the opportunity for an in-depth discussion on “CARICOM Foreign Policy in the Changing Global Environment” in order to recommend foreign policy approaches and priorities. Immediate former chair of COFCOR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, Wi n s t o n Dookeran, in his remarks, referred to last year when his country hosted the 16th meeting. The Foreign Minister said his country did its best but noted that already he noticed signs that Guyana surpassed all bests. Dookeran said that last year’s meeting was centered on the fact that the ground was shifting and “we needed to pull up our socks.” He said however that this year’s agenda is bigger as the focus is moved from acknowledging the sand has shifted to building the pillars of foreign policy. The Trinidad and Tobago representative pointed out that there is a big gap between the fiscal deficit and liquidity surplus that exists in the Region, and said that there is an urgent need to close that gap.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett poses with Foreign Ministers and representatives after the opening ceremony Perhaps one of the most impacting points that Dookeran made during his remarks is that “the Caribbean is connected with the international world, but is still
changing world, and more importantly an approach that would lead to even greater coordination.” In pointing out some of the priorities of COFCOR,
“The Caribbean is connected with the international world but is still to be connected with itself”- T&T Foreign Minister to be connected with itself”. He said that that connection is absolutely needed as “We cannot afford to be left behind.” Minister Rodrigues– Birkett, who was the final speaker, acknowledged the good work of her predecessor Minister Dookeran and said she hopes to maintain such standards during her tenure. The Guyanese Minister said that the meeting is being held at a time when the Caribbean Community is undertaking an introspection of how the systems and processes of its integration movement can be strengthened. Key to this development, she said, is a Strategic Plan which will address the areas to which the Community should give priority as it seeks to maximize its human and financial resources. She pointed out that COFCOR had to be aware and ready to respond to changes on the international scene that would consequently require a repositioning of policies. This has therefore been a central theme in several meetings. But the Minister said that Guyana is now the venue where focus will be on the conduct of the Region’s foreign policy in a changing global environment. “I am indeed looking forward to our own introspection, at the end of which I hope we will arrive at clear and practical actions that would reflect our adaptation in a rapidly
Rodrigues-Birkett said the international community must be nimble so as to advance the climate change negotiating process to meet the 2015 deadline for a global agreement on climate change. She told the gathering that the Region continued to advocate that climate change represents the greatest challenge to the planet and moreso for this Region of small-island and low-lying coastal states where it is an existential issue. “It is therefore in our interest to participate in the important upcoming meetings, including those convened by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change…For CARICOM, a key imperative is the building of resilience: resilience to climate change and environmental risk; and resilience to external economic shocks. CARICOM needs to remain fully engaged and to ensure that our priorities are duly reflected in the relevant outcomes.” The COFCOR chairperson said that while many jurisdictions have recorded admirable performances with respect to some of the MDGs and continue striving to achieve sustained economic and social development, some Member States are constrained by high levels of debt and graduation from concessional financing and development aid. She said COFCOR will continue to advocate for the
international financial institutions and the various world decision-making bodies to review arbitrary categorization of our small developing states as upper middle income countries using GDP per capita by adding certain vulnerability indices in order that a true picture of our economies is reflected. Moving on to trade, Birkett pointed out that for most Member States and the region as a whole, the United States is still the largest trading partner in terms of value and volume of trade. However, she said that it cannot be assumed that the
current arrangements will remain sufficient and resilient. “We have to engage and pursue initiatives to improve trade, including through the maximum use of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).” In addressing the issue of “joint representation”, Birkett charged her colleagues that “If developed countries – with much more human and financial resources than we have – can pursue with each other shared space of diplomatic premises or, as in the case of the Pacific Alliance countries, establish measures in the area of consular assistance to benefit
their nationals, then our small Community of nations must recognize the merit of adopting either these or similar options and of course we will be examining this in detail.” She told her peers, “We must be prepared, to sacrifice short term individual gains in order for the overall region to benefit on the longer term. In addition to Member states, the opening ceremony was attended by Ricardo Patino – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador and Murray McCully – Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand.
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Kaieteur News
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TO LET TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT in Charity Housing Scheme – Contact: 771-4180, 687-5814
1-2storey wooden & concrete 5-bedroom house; upper & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty $38.9M - Tel: 642-7898
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One barber shop / salon with 5 stations at David & Queen Streets Kitty – Call Alana: 646-0268 One upper flat @ 6th Street Cummings Lodge ECD – Call:622-3580 One bottom flat (30x42) Carmichael Street; ideal for business/office. Contact Vishnu: 680-6946, 618-9771 One bedroom semifurnished apartment @ Diamond, preferably single working / studying female $28,000. Contact Vishnu: 6806946, 618-9771 Secured Concrete bond 87’X32’, Public Road McDoom, next to Police Outpost. Suitable for storage/ factory, etc. Tel 233-0570 House in Diamond/Grove Tel:692-8513 or 223-0733 Prashad Nagar: Self contained studio (fully Furnished)-US$100.00 weekly. Tel: 612-3194, 223-8258 One complete dredge and one three bed top flat to rent Call: 687-0835
Furnished executive one or two-bedroom suite in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners. Call 609-2466 Furnished and unfurnished two bedrooms apartment in Eccles, for short or long term Tel: 643-1131 Kitty - $US700, Ogle $60,000- US750, AA Eccles house-US1200, Subryanville -US800 – Contact Diana:2272256, 626-9382 1 - Four bedrooms house with all modern conveniences, semifurnished - $300,000 monthly, Happy Acres – Tel: 231-7839 (working hours) Three bedroom apartment & studio @ Eccles – Call: 6447000, 233-3133 or 233-2369 2 bedrooms apartments @ Factory Road Paradise, ECD. Large living, dining, etc. One month’s security - $38,500 monthly – Call: 625-9939, 672-2677
ACCOMMODATION Rooms available at Serenity Inn US$50 & US$55 breakfast included- Contact 676-2907 for reservation. Lot 11 Lamaha Street
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building. Tel 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 B & C Driving School: Lot 5 Hadfield Street Lodge- call: 225-0150, 229-7258, 680-6826
EDUCATIONAL Balloon Decorating Classes – 31st May 2014 – Call: 2253133 or 613-7513 for more information and to register. Canadian School of Arts & Science, Third Avenue, Diamond: CAT Accounting Classes begin on July 1, – Call: 216-6921/22 to register
DRESSMAKING Jean is offering courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral & cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty – Call: 6702653, 618-1706
CATERING Roxy’s Catering: We cater for any special occasion, also available daily breakfast, lunch & snacks – call: 2230092, 223-0095
VEHICLE FOR SALE Unregistered Spacio, TV Flair Kit, Noah mini buses BSS series – Call: 697-0294 Toyota Marino excellent condition, automatic, AC, CD, Mags -$750,000 – Tel: 619-1047 Toyota Raum, Silver, year 2002, PMM series with alarm – Call: 621-5244
PENPAL Lifelong partners, friends, companions- Call: 223-8237/ 648-6098 (8:30am-5pm) both phones same hours. Confidential rules apply.
Wednesday May 21, 2014
SALON
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773
Cactus Auto Sales: Reduced prices, Premio, Spacio, Allex, AT212, etc. Call 681-4208, 220-6262
Natural beauty salon & spa: Grove Market Street EBD Tele: 265-4138, 652-5800. We specialized in everything for women. Earn a certificate in cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, limited spaces – Call Abby: 619-7603, 666-5241
Smart Choice Auto Sales: Unregistered: Premio, Spacio, Allion, Allex, IST, 2 1 2 , F i e l d e r, Vo x y – Call:652-3820; 665-4529 Toyota Spacio - TV/DVD/ CD, body kit, reverse camera. Never registered $2.1M. Call:617-2891 2006 Toyota Tacoma fully loaded - $3.5M - Tel:6857659, 622-0445 Seinta and Noah with Body Kits – unregistered and top notch condition with terms available – Call:641-8647
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. COOL TECH : Repairs Services & Installation of all types if homes appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar:2310655,683-8734 House plan drafting from$10,000 electrical works and estimates services available. Tel:667-2189,646-6572,629-8750 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045 For the Cheapest House plans, engineering, architectural drawings & estimates Contact T.Boodhoo: 625-9883 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $10,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766
New Model Hilux Surf and RX8 – Very clean vehicles. Terms available – Call:6418647 Stick gear and automatic Pitbull and RZ buses at the best prices around – Tel:641-8647 2008 Blue Bird - $3.0M, 2005 Spacio - $2.1M, 2006 Premio - $2.3M. ALL VEHICLES FULLY LOADED & UNREGISTEREDCall:642-7295 RZ Minibus BLL Series – price negotiable – excellent condition – call: 673-7934 Toyota L-Touring & Fielder Wagon, At192, AT212, AE110 Corolla Raum, Fun cargo, RZ minibus, IST –Tel: 644-5096, 697-1453 STAR CARS AUTO SALE: Premio, Spacio, Allion, IST, Feilder, Altezza, new Raum, Axela, Carina 212 – Call: 679-3140, 615-1199 First Class Auto: Allion, Premio, Spacio, IST, 212, Fielder, Raum, Allex, Runx, Bluebird, Axela - Tel:6098188, 638-3045 Toyota Raum, 1 new model Toyota Raum, 1 Feilder Wagon, PPP & PSS Series – Call:614-4614, 223-9329 One Toyota Land cruiser Prado, PMM Series Call: 2250188, 223-7500, Mon-Fri 8:15-4:15pm, Sat – 8:151:15PM 1 AE100 Toyota Corolla, excellent condition - AC, Mag rims, alarm, DVD player, etc. Price $825,000. Call 612-9625, 225-3217,695-6461
LAND FOR SALE At Eccles Housing Scheme price $6.5M - negotiable Call: 616-6000 Parfaite Harmonie (100ft X 50ft) -$2.2M &$1.2M, Grove (new) with foundation & column -$3.2M Herstelling 110ft X 60ft. Call: 675-7292 House lots in Friendship - Tel 692-8513 or 223-0733
Unregistered Toyota Raum: year – 2004; black interior, HID lights, power door, TV navigation. Tel 617-5536 DAF 55-210 sand truck, GMM series; $2.8M negotiable.Call 623-8302 Unregistered Toyota Noah, with TV, Rims, Camera - Tel: 629-2619 or 663-2700 (Continued on page 29)
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 29
Letters... Where your views make the news
Pity the man who would eat the rich DEAR SIR, On May 1, 2014 (Labor Day) at the G.T.U.C rally a man held a placard that stated this pathetic comment “One day the poor will have nothing to eat but the rich”. The holder of the placard gained front page caption in the Kaieteur News and inner page in the Stabroek News respectively. This placard is an uneasy symbol of humanity precarious relationship with the material world. That insensitive placard was shocking, frankly it was so cross that a responsible newspaper should not have published it and by doing so they are perpetrating an evil. The placard holder and those who instigated him are to be pitied. All over the world we see regional hate and discrimination, social and economic hate and discrimination, religious and cultural hate and discrimination, colour and tribal hate and discrimination. You do not right a terrible wrong with an insatiable spirit of perpetrating vengeance. So the man with his hate placard against the rich is dead wrong. You can kill,
slaughter and eat the rich, thinking that will solve history’s problem, you aren’t. Instead, you are adding to it. The logic of hate and unforgiveness perpetuates a lie and will destroy the possessor more than it destroys the victim. That lie has eternal consequences, beware of such inner deception for the man and the architect of the placard needs help. The biggest price he will pay is within his own soul that thinks the ‘rich” owe him something. The rich and the poor respectively are the causes of their own problems. Now let’s examine the media. The media is the most important medium of mass communication in a free and democratic society. In fact the media brings freedom and sometimes its practitioners are treated harshly with their lives and jail time, my sympathy. The free media has an obligation to bring the truth in sincere and pristine purity; yes the media is not obligated to print a story that has the potential to create mayhem as we have seen in many parts
of the world. Does everything have to be printed? What was the reason for publishing such a hate picture? The newspapers owners are wealthy people too. Now let’s investigate the rich. There are good rich people as well as evil ones and throughout history the situation remains the same. People who are rich make great sacrifices in their life. Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Sattaur Gafoor, Yesu Persaud, John Fernandes, Lennox John (Ashim) and Courtney Benn are just a few. Mentally and physically they sweat for thousands of hours to make an idea or dream become a reality. Why should anyone be envious of their hard work and accomplishments? Don’t talk about their philanthropy! There will always be rich and poor people in societies. God-Almighty had designed the world into two categories – givers and receivers, while richness is a blessing of GodAlmighty. It is how you use your wealth that will determine your ultimate future for it is not a guarantee to paradise. Wealth is a test
THE PLIGHT OF AN UNWANTED CHILD DEAR EDITOR, Once again there have been an outrage, and rightly so by some concern voices over the manner in which the 14-year-old boy, Andy, met his death. It is alleged that the boy had his head crushed by a truck while sleeping under it. It was further established that under the truck was one of his customary sleeping places, since from a very early age the child was virtually on his own—homeless, never attended school, was exploited in every-which way; in the words of Martin Carter “one of the uncountable miseries owning the land”. The frequency of such dreadful happenings is no longer attracting too much public outrage; people are getting accustomed to them. People’s sensitivities to things uncivilized and inhuman are almost numb; wrongs have become the norm, except when the victim is closely related. But we didn’t get so overnight, no sir! But overtime this is how we have become. Like animals of the wild the people are loose and scattered helter skelter, uncaring, to each his own their motto, a nation of individuals where the law of the jungle “every man for himself and the devil takes the hind most” operates. This very behaviour accounts for the way they
treat the common folks whose affairs they are entrusted with and who must go to their offices. The contempt, arrogance, disdain and often even scrap-meat treatment. That the ordinary man has to endure this from them is so stressfully weary and degrading. The story of young Andy is not a lone isolated one. It can be multiplied by any number, and it is not divorced from the reason why we have a police force that is corrupt; public hospitals that no longer take good care of patients; why contractors would extract millions from the state and do “cock wuk”; why at any time of the day and anywhere a person could
be shot/stabbed in full view of the public either because of a sour-deal, plain robbery, domestic affairs or someone in a fit of passion. The setting in Guyana today has much in common with what happened to that 14-year-old boy - Andy. As we have been told, many knew this lost child Andy who was just a statistic to them. Many were fully aware of th3e boy’s circumstances and seemed to welcome it exploited it fully - child labour. Why? Because many of us have long lost being our brothers’ keepers. Many of us have grown up to become full-fledged unconscionable souls. Frank Fyffe
from God-Almighty. Rich people are not totally happy, if the placard holder thinks so he is deluded. The rich creates employment, pays taxes, gives charity, builds schools and homes, contributes to social, educational and welfare activities. Only the rich can develop certain big businesses like B.P, Exon Mobil, Bank of America and Shell Antilles just to name a few. We have seen in many parts of the world entire societies destroyed when the rich were driven out.Let the rich and poor join together to fight injustice and some of the biggest injustices in the world are access to pure water, free education and health care. To the rich man who saw the placard on Labour Day you can ignore it through your egotism or it can serve as a wake-up call to become someone who does good with his wealth because the only reason you are not poor is “God’s enormous mercy”. I hope and pray that GodAlmighty causes us to be a people who are concerned about each other. Sir - please don’t eat me my meat is bitter and poisonous. Nazar Moahmed
From page 28
WANTED Live-in domestic to work in Mahaicony River, age 18-40 years. Call 613-6613 or 225-6571
WANTED Barbers and tattoo artist opposite Kitty Police Station – Call: 621-8812
Carpenter - $6,000, Mason $6,000, Porter-$4,000, to work in Tuschen Scheme. Call: 684-8231
Car/Van Driver for weekend duties, labourers – Tel: 2271830
One Honest counter clerk, 3yrs experienced selling Japanese Spare Parts – Contact Ray’s Motor Spares & Auto Sales: 231-7839 (working hours)
Urgently needed, live-in waitresses to work in Bar. Reasonable salary offer – Tel: 259-0574 Live in experienced cook and waitresses 18-30yrs, accommodation free. Salary negotiable – Call: 693-7172 Responsible hire car drivers – Call: 226-0765 Lady to clean house & cook. Must be mature, good manners & must know to cook food –EBD Call: 2318344 Two handymen to work in interior Call : 684-7516
One AB Dick Operator – Call: 269-0044, 269-1274 One shop attendant & one handy boy to work in the interior Call: 681-6044 One daytime security, 1 gardener/farm worker, also one house & land @ Covent Garden Island for sale – Call: 265-3586
Urgently needed 2 plots of land to buy in La Parfaite Harmonie. All legal fees paid – Call: 675-7292 VACANCY Drivers, Porters, checkers, accountant. Apply R.A Soda Factory @ Good Hope Bond. Driver & salesperson @ #7 Bakery. Call 330-2399
CAR RENTAL Aidan’s Car Rental, Canter & Pickup - Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807 Progressive Auto Rental: Cars & SUV for rental$4,000 & up per day- Call: 643-5122, 628-228, Email:pro_ autorental @yahoo.com Wings Car Rental- Call:6431131 Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com
Accounts Clerk & Cashier. Apply with written application & passport size picture to Survival @ 173 Sheriff St., Campbellville. Call 227-5286/9 Exist for Pharmacist: Apply with written application at Survival Shopping Complex @ 173 Sheriff St. Campbellville - Tel: 227-5286/9 MANAGER/SUPERVISORS at Xenon Hotel Charity / EBo. A C C O M O D AT I O N PROVIDED. Attractive Salary is offered – Contact: 223-5273/4 DRIVER and SALESMAN for Gas Trucks on East Coast, West Coast and East Bank Demerara. 266 4427 One female clerk – Call: 2315171
VACANCY Gardener 18-35yrs, hardworking, punctual, team player no experience & no education needed – Call: 648-2108 Vacancy exist for one personal home tutor – Please contact: 676-2812
Mature, friendly driver with Lorry license needed for water delivery company – Call: 610-8282, 671-9614 One experienced Handyman/ Gardener between ages 45-60 -$20,000 weekly – Call: 2230595
# 1 Plant Shop 18-28yrs, sales experience, Mon-Sat, healthy, hard working, pleasant – Tel: 648-1821
US Based firm is hiring female models to do adult modeling/underwear/lingerie – Call: 672-5189; 651-5260
Model ‘M’ Truck Driver to driver into interior must be sober headed & ability to service truck & trustworthy Call: 226-9492 Female Cleaner for Yard work, 2 references are required – Call: 226-9492 Pacific Development Inc – Looking to buy empty lands in all areas. Contact 2278274, 223-6035 General domestic maid at Lot 8A Eccles Public Road, E.B.D - 233-2408 or 233-2631 One experienced welder; must have knowledge about grill work & able to work with limited supervision. Call 613-3879 Handyman messenger, must know to ride motorcycle and have sound education walk with two reference – Call: 226-9492 Male and Female – 18-25yrs to work in a Window Factory. Applicant from the East Bank only.Telephone #600-5253 Live out domestic babysitter and live in babysitter –Call: 225-0188, 223-7500 (Monday to Saturday) (8:15am-4:15pm) Roti/Puri Cook, pastry maker, counter servers, handy boy- Apply @ Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St. Full time care giver for elderly person, light housekeeping and meals on W.C.D - Call Natasha 269-0287
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Truck tray collapses... 6-yr-old stabbed in eye prepares (From page 16) work. We had to fix back the tube that slip out and get somebody who coulda operate the truck, to come and raise the tray,” one male neighbour said. The man explained that by the time they were able to get Persaud out, he was covered in what appeared to be gasoline and oil. As an unconscious Persaud was freed, neighbours scattered to get transportation for him to be taken to the hospital. This is while his wife tried desperately to provide mouth-tomouth resuscitation. But her efforts were in vain.
Persaud was later pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital at around 10:00hrs. Following this, relatives and friends gathered at the man’s residence, trying to console his distraught wife and 11year-old son. The woman wept uncontrollably as persons tried to convince her that there was nothing more she could have done to save her husband of 12 years. Persaud, who transports sand and other materials for a living, is survived by his wife, son, Deepak, and two other children from a previous relationship.
State auditors probing alleged... (From page 16) to handle this investigation, because you cannot try the devil case in hell, and that is what is going on. We want other investigators from Georgetown, but not the police from New Amsterdam.” Another victim discussing the dynamics surrounding warrants and ticketed offences, stated that after the matter is called in court the Magistrate often “bends a little for the offenders to pay their warrant monies”. “This can be in the form of one month or six weeks, as
is requested by the offenders, so the Magistrate will agree or tell them they will go to jail. If they pay the money during the time, the matter is finished, but this policeman Sergeant [name given] would call. He wouldn’t go and arrest the drivers—he would call and tell them there is a warrant for you—come into the station. When they go to the station he would tell them how much pending warrants they have.” The driver said that the officer “would never actually show them the warrant, he
would tell them how much they have to pay”. “The line he uses is ‘me and you are friends; give me some more, and then he would mark on the receipt the smaller amount—and he would take the rest of money. The people are afraid… they are daily drivers on the road; that is their daily bread. If the police start targeting them, how would they work?” “He taking the money don’t destroy the warrant and put it aside, so whenever again they raise the warrant— you will have to pay again… a double money.”
for surgery in Trinidad Naresh Ramotar, the sixyear-old boy who was stabbed in the eye with a pencil, is currently in Trinidad and Tobago preparing for surgery. According to the child’s aunt, Savitrie Benjamin, he is currently undergoing treatment for inflammation in the eye. She noted that medical practitioners in the twin-island Republic have advised that things are going well so far and there is a good chance that the boy might regain his eyesight. “They say that everything going well, and that even if is not to 100 percent, Naresh can begin to see again, so we’re very hopeful about that,” the woman said. The Strathspey Primary School Grade One student was stabbed last week Monday by a classmate, who he usually complains, would bully him. Naresh’s mother, Nandani Ramotar, was at work when she received a call shortly after 14:00hrs, informing her that her son had been stabbed. Ramotar recalled that she was in panic mode when she
THE INJURED BOY: Naresh Ramotar got to the school, and only thought of rushing her child to the doctor. However, health officials within the village advised that nothing serious was wrong with her son, and that he should be taken home to rest. “I took he to the clinic and so, and even though the white thing in his eyes de leaking out, everybody tell me that nothing serious didn’t happen to me son,” the mother recounted. Ramotar told this newspaper that she was not prepared to risk her son’s wellbeing, and therefore took
him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. She said that Medical Practitioners there were appalled at her son’s condition, and hinted that he needed to undergo surgery. A surgery, however, was not done until several hours after Naresh was hospitalised. Mrs. Ramotar believes that this is the reason why her son’s eyesight deteriorated to the extent that overseas treatment had to be sought. Nonetheless, the child will undergo a second surgery within two weeks’ time. The woman is still annoyed that even after several reports were made to school’s administration, nothing has ever been done to discipline the errant child. She believes that complaints regarding violence and bullyism in schools should be acted upon promptly, so that it does not escalate into serious situations, as in the case of her son. Ramotar claims that nobody from the school or the Ministry of Education has visited or enquired about her son’s condition.
Attorney General’s interpretation... From page 15 CFTAF in the letter outlined that the said amendment appears to undermine “the autonomy of the FIU.” The body said that the proposed amendment which gives the AML/CFT Authority the power to “appoint and terminate the Director and Deputy Director without parameters will raise serious questions about the ability of these officials to perform their functions without undue influence.” Wilson outlined further in the letter that “there is a need to consider whether the proposed structure and membership of the AML/CFT Authority will result in an effective means of appointing the Director and allow for the termination of appointment
on the basis of just cause and not allow for undue influence.” Speaking to APNU’s amendment to extend the powers of a police officer or customs officers to seize and detain cash $10M or more anywhere in Guyana once the proceeds are suspected to be derived from illegal means, CFATF said among other things that the amendment “is a possible measure that can be instituted to comply with the obligations, and as such the CFATF cannot offer advice indicating a preference.” CFATF in the letter expressed also that “similar provisions are in place in Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines with
safeguards which include limiting the initial period of seizures to hours and requesting approval for any extension of the period.” Nandlall had said in the media that the seizure of cash amendment “was rejected on the basis that it was not part of the requirement and that it is a completely unnecessary imposition.” According to Harmon, Nandlall’s interpretation “is the kind of subterfuge, double standards that we have had to put up with…Dealing with people in high office who can look at a clear set of words and give it a different meaning altogether. He is doing a disservice to the government; he is doing a disservice to the President, because when he does this thing and when it comes out then they want to know: Is this man on a different cloud?” Harmon who is also on the Parliamentary Special Select Committee to iron out the concerns of the AML/CFT Bill before it reaches the National Assembly said that “this is not the interpretation I would give to that letter”. “As a member of the Committee I am disgusted over the actions of the AG to try to hoodwink us; try to again fool the Guyanese public to believe as the Opposition we do not know what we are doing.”
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Victorious Modi fights tears in first address to Indian parliament
Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi, the prime ministerial candidate for India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), arrives to attend the BJP parliamentary party meeting at parliament house in New Delhi yesterday. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) NEW DELHI (Reuters) Narendra Modi fought back tears in an emotional first address to his party in India’s colonnaded parliament house yesterday, after the Hindu nationalist swept to power in an election that has changed the face of politics in the country. Modi will be India’s next prime minister after leading the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a historic victory in a ballot that ended on Friday. He is likely to take his oath of office to lead the world’s biggest democracy on Monday. The win handed the BJP its first parliamentary majority and reduced the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty’s ruling Congress party to 44 seats, the lowest ever tally for a party that won India’s independence and has ruled for most of the 67 years since. Modi, 63, choked up and stopped his speech to drink
water during his inaugural appearance in the round, colonial-era building. He addressed BJP lawmakers filling more than half the seats of the lower house with uplifting words that commentators immediately contrasted with the often wooden addresses of his predecessor Manmohan Singh. “It is proof of the strength of our constitution that a man from a poor family is standing here today,” said Modi, who sold tea on a railway platform as a child before entering politics. For the past 12 years he has governed the state of Gujarat. “This government (will be) one which thinks of the poor, which listens to the poor, a government which lives for the people,” said Modi, who kissed the steps of the pink sandstone parliament building before his speech.
His comments appeared designed to counter criticism that his record of businessfocused government and fast economic growth in Gujarat did not do enough to lift people from poverty. Congress has traditionally cast itself as India’s champion of the poor and downtrodden. Modi faces a huge task in meeting the sky-high expectations of India’s 1.2 billion people, who hope he can drag the country from economic torpor, tackle corruption and cut red tape in order to create enough jobs for its burgeoning youth. With thunderous applause and shouts of “Long live Modi!” the 282 BJP members, who comfortably make up a majority in the 543seat house, officially chose him as their parliamentary leader, one of several formalities before he is sworn in.
MOSCOW (Reuters) Sunday’s presidential election in Ukraine will deepen political divisions in the country if there is no end to hostilities and a “road map” to end the crisis is not implemented, a senior Russian official was quoted as saying yesterday. Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin’s remarks were the latest from Moscow to cast doubt on whether Russia will consider the election legitimate. In a report on talks between Karasin and British ambassador to Russia Tim Barrow, the Foreign Ministry underlined the importance of the
“road map” drawn up by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and constitutional reforms following an agreement reached at talks in Geneva. “Without the implementation of these agreements, and the immediate cessation of hostilities by (Ukrainian) army units southeastern regions, the May 25 election can only worsen the differences in the country,” the ministry said. At the talks in Geneva, the United States, Russia, Ukraine and the European Union agreed moves to ease tensions in Ukraine, following Russia’s annexation of the Crimean
peninsula and the seizure of buildings in the east by proRussian forces. President Vladimir Putin has said Sunday’s election could be “a step in the right direction” but other Russian officials have signaled Moscow may not recognize the outcome, especially if Kiev continues to use the armed forces in eastern Ukraine. The pro-Western authorities in Kiev, who are not recognized by Moscow, have deployed military and security forces in the east to try to regain control of buildings seized by the proRussian separatists.
Russia says Ukraine election may aggravate crisis
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Back-to-back bombings kill 118 in central Nigerian city Jos (Reuters) - Back-to-back bomb blasts killed at least 118 people and wounded 45 in the crowded business district of the central Nigerian city of Jos yesterday, emergency services said, in an attack that appeared to bear the hallmarks of Boko Haram insurgents. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. But the militant group Boko Haram, which has set off bombs across the north and centre of Nigeria in an increasingly bloody campaign for an Islamic state, was likely to be the prime suspect in what would rank among their deadliest single a ttacks in five years of insurrection. Boko Haram grabbed world headlines by abducting more than 200 schoolgirls on April 14 from the northeastern village of Chibok. Britain, the United States and France have pledged to help rescue them.
If the Jos attack was the handiwork of Boko Haram, it would show their growing reach in Africa’s top oil producing and most populous country, striking out beyond their heartlands in Nigeria’s semi-arid and weakly governed northeast. Several bombs have exploded outside that region over the past month. A Reuters reporter saw 10 bodies burned beyond recognition at the bomb site opposite a hospital at Terminus, the downtown area of Jos housing shops, some offices and a market. “We’ve now recovered 118 bodies from the rubble,” said Mohammed Abdulsalam, coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency in Jos. “This could rise by morning, as there is still some rubble we haven’t yet shifted.” Plateau state Police Commissioner Chris Olakpe earlier confirmed a death toll of 46, adding that other wounded had been taken to
hospital. “The first explosive went off around 3 p.m. The second was about 3.30 while people gathered to help the victims,” he said by telephone. “This is a very busy area of Jos metropolis.” The back-to-back blast tactic, whose aim is to maximise civilian casualties, has also been used by militants in places like Iraq. President Goodluck Jonathan condemned the blasts, calling the perpetrators “cruel and evil.” “The government remains fully committed to winning the war against terror, and this administration will not be cowed by the atrocities of enemies of human progress and civilization,” he said in a statement emailed by his office. He announced heightened measures to tackle the insurgents, including a multinational force around Lake Chad, comprising a battalion each from Chad, Niger, Cameroon
and Nigeria. Jos has been relatively free of attacks by Boko Haram, but it claimed responsibility for a bomb in a church in the highland city, as well as two other places, on Christmas Day in 2011. The city is in the heart of Nigeria’s volatile “Middle Belt”, where its largely Christian south and mostly Muslim north meet, and surrounding Plateau state is often a flashpoint for violence, although the Christmas bomb failed to trigger any. Tuesday’s explosions burned several shops to the ground, shattering windows and spreading rubble in the road. Police sirens wailed as officers rushed to the scene. “There was a loud bang that shook my whole house. Then smoke was rising,” said Jos resident Veronica Samson. “There were bodies in the streets and people rushing injured to hospital in their cars.”
China bans use of Microsoft’s Windows 8 on government computers BEIJING (Reuters) - China has banned government use of Windows 8, Microsoft Corp’s latest operating system, a blow to a U.S. technology company that has long struggled with sales in the country. The Central Government Procurement Center issued the ban on installing Windows 8 on Chinese government computers as part of a notice on the use of energy-saving products, posted on its website last week. The official Xinhua news agency said the ban was to ensure computer security after M i c r o s o f t e n d e d support for its Windows XP operating system, which was widely used in China. “We were surprised to learn about the reference t o Wi n d o w s 8 i n t h i s notice,” the company said in a statement. “Microsoft has been working proactively with the Central Government
Procurement Center and other government agencies through the evaluation process to ensure that our products and services meet all government procurement requirements.” “We have been and will continue to provide Windows 7 to government customers. At the same time we are working on the Window 8 evaluation with relevant government agencies,” Microsoft said. Neither the government nor Xinhua elaborated on how the ban supported the use of energy-saving products or how it ensured security. China has long been a troublesome market for Microsoft. Former CEO Steve Ballmer reportedly told employees in 2011 that, because of piracy, Microsoft earned less revenue in China than in the Netherlands even though computer sales matched those of the United States.
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Clico up for sale Trinidad Express - Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran Monday confirmed that the Colonial Life Insurance Company Ltd (CLICO) was up for sale. Further, the Central Bank was in the market for a buyer. In a press statement issued Monday, Rambarran explained: “As part of the resolution strategy for CLICO, the Central Bank proposes to transfer CLICO’s traditional insurance portfolio for value to an acquiring insurance company that is well capitalised, has a proven track record and the capacity to honour all obligations to policyholders.” Rambarran said to achieve this objective, the insurance portfolio is being evaluated by an independent valuation company. “An independent actuarial firm has, therefore, been engaged to value CLICO’s traditional business
Jwala Rambarran for this purpose and the exercise is still in progress,” he said. “Subsequently, the Central Bank will conduct the process for the sale and transfer of CLICO’s traditional insurance portfolio on a transparent, open market basis. The bank has neither
engaged with any prospective buyers nor made any decision on the structure of the portfolio transfer,” he said. Rambarran noted that pursuant to Section 44D of the Central Bank Act, the Central Bank was in control of CLICO which started on February 13, 2009, in order to safeguard the interests of policyholders and creditors and to prevent disruption, substantial damage or impairment of our financial system. “The Central Bank is the only entity empowered to restructure the business or undertakings of CLICO, in accordance with the provisions of the Act,” he said. The Government said it has spent close to $25 billion since it acquired the cashstrapped insurance company from Lawrence Duprey in 2009.
UWI fires professor amid gay lobby outrage Jamaica Gleaner - The University of West Indies (UWI) has terminated the contract of Professor Brendan Bain as the director of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training (CHART) Network. In a statement issued this afternoon, the UWI said it had become increasingly evident that Bain has lost the confidence and support of a significant sector of the community, which the CHART programme is expected to reach. Bain’s termination came after he provided a statement in a high-profile case in Belize, in which Caleb Orozco, a gay man, challenged the constitutionality of an 1861 law that criminalises men having sex with men (MSM).
Some 35 advocacy groups had written to the vicechancellor of the UWI, Prof. E Nigel Harris, indicating that they had lost confidence in Bain as the head of CHART following his statement in the case. The groups also called for Bain to be removed. The groups had argued that while Bain made it clear that Bain’s written testimony, as an expert witness in the Belize case, was his entitled opinion, it was still in conflict with his leadership of CHART. The UWI in its statement said many authorities familiar with the brief presented believe that Professor Bain’s testimony supported arguments for the retention of the law thereby contributing to the continued
criminalisation and stigmatisation of MSM, which many public health experts believe violates their human rights and puts them at even higher risk of contracting HIV. It said while the University recognises the right of Bain to provide expert testimony in the manner he did, it has become increasingly evident that Bain has lost the confidence and support of a significant sector of the community which the CHART programme is expected to reach. Bain has been the director of CHART since its inception and after his retirement from UWI in 2013, he was given a two-year post-retirement contract to continue in his role as director.
Jamaica Gleaner - Pan Caribbean Sugar Company (PCSC), the owner of the Frome and Monymusk sugar factories, says it is seeing encouraging signs that its relationship with local cane suppliers and farmers is steadily improving. “Since Dr (Huaixiang) Wu took over last year, a part of his initial effort was to mend as many fences as possible, and we have been reaping some success,” said Peter
Armstrong, senior personal assistant to Wu, the CEO at PCSC. “The discourse between both sides is less antagonistic and the level of adversities that we had going back and forth has diminished significantly.” The PCSC, a subsidiary of Chinese entity COMPLANT International, purchased both sugar factories along, with Bernard Lodge Sugar
Estates, in a 2010 divestment deal with the Government. The deal earned Jamaica US$9 million. The Chinese have made substantial investments in the renovation of the factories and in increasing its sugar cane production in the various cane belts under their control. PCSC recently announced that an additional $1.6 billion is to be injected into its operation over the next three years.
Chinese mend fences with local sugar interests
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World Metrology Day…
Metrological control linked to energy consumption-GNBS Under the theme “Measurements and the Global energy challenge” the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) joined with other Metrology institutions across the world to commemorate World Metrology Day 2014 yesterday. According to GNBS, measurements are important in daily life and one cannot neglect the impact of measurement on our daily lives, especially our safety. If vehicles, electronics, among other products don’t conform to international metrological standards, our safety no matter where we go, would be at risk. World Metrology Day (WMD) celebrates the signature by representatives of seventeen nations of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875. The Convention set the framework for global collaboration in the science of
measurement and in its industrial, commercial and societal application. The original aim of the Metre Convention – the worldwide uniformity of measurement – remains as important today as it was in 1875. According to Director of International Bureau of Legal Metrology (BIML) Stephen Patoray, when the 2014 WMD topic was first proposed, he began to think about what the global energy challenge is, and the role that measurements and especially legal metrology play in it. He explained that while measurements are central to most basic decisions on energy usage, there are many other aspects of the global energy challenge which are much more complex: global population growth; emerging economies; complex technologies; increasing
consumer demands and higher quality of life. These factors, Patoray said, may result in significant increases in demand for all types of energy which in turn may result in environmental changes and pollution. This demand requires redistributing existing energy supplies, increasing energy production and developing alternative energies. “It became clear to me that I needed to break this down into smaller, more manageable pieces of information so I could better understand the role of legal metrology. I began to realize that no matter how complex this challenge seems to be, it comes down to individual choices regarding the energy we use in our daily lives,” the Director said.
Local Govt. Elections...
A number of things are not still in place - Rohee The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), through its General Secretary Clement Rohee, has said categorically that it is not opposed to the holding of Local Government or General and Regional Elections. In fact, Rohee said that his party “stands ready to embrace the electorate whenever Local Government or National and Regional elections are called.” However, Rohee is of the view at present that if Local Government Elections were to be called “it would get off on a wrong footing because a number of things are not still in place, a number of issues have not been settled either at the Commission Level or at the party level.” Rohee outlined that historically holding of elections “whether General or Local Government, has not been very pleasant” and “the worst thing that can happen in this new dispensation with respect to Local Government Elections is for it to get off on a wrong footing.” The General Secretary said that he had a meeting with new Chief Election Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Keith Lowenfield concerning the issues of Local Government Elections. “There is the whole question of the amendment of laws, the Local Government Act has to be done, they have to be placed in the Parliament, and there are a number of laws that have to be made
PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee consistent with the Representation of the People Act,” said Rohee. Rohee said he can’t comment on what he discussed with the Chief Election Officer but “the furthest I can go is to say there are still a number of issues, legislative and regulatory, that have to be put in place in order for local government to be successfully held.” He is of the view that Guyanese people should “be vigilant and not allow themselves to be duped by the hypocritical calls made by Granger and his APNU [A Partnership For National Unity], for Local Government elections, when it has consistently violated the democratic rights of the Guyanese people both in and out of power.”
Rohee’s comments come on the heels of the PPP-led government not holding Local Government Elections for some 20 years since its ascension into office. The prevailing consensus among opposing politicians and intellectuals is that this administration does not want to hold such elections because that would lead to power being decentralized across Guyana as opposed to the current centralized configuration that now exists. However Rohee’s contention is that “we are not opposed to holding Local Government Elections we have never said that, what we have said both at the party level and the government level is reasons why we would prefer a number of measures to be put in place before the elections are held, we have never said unequivocally that we don’t want local government elections.” He said so far nothing has happened in the Parliament “I hear people talking about putting in place a Commission, but the Commission is not the only issue in relation to Local Government Elections, it’s a host of other issues.” “We have to always remember that, because political parties that contest elections, the parties are always looking out for the interest of their constituents and their voters and therein lies the problem.”
“It makes no difference whether we are talking about national or local governments, large or small companies, organizations or individuals. However, to make good choices we need information, much of which is based on measurements. For the results of these measurements to be useful we must have confidence in the instruments and the processes used. To ensure this confidence, the instruments must comply with performance requirements laid down in internationally recognized written standards.”
He further explained that many instruments under legal metrological control are linked to the consumption of energy: some are directly linked, such as gas meters, electricity meters and fuel dispensers; some are indirectly linked, such as the air pressure in car tires; and others are linked to the consequences of energy production, such as pollution from power plants, exhaust emissions from cars, and now, increasingly, the measurement of greenhouse gases. “The vital role that
measurements and especially legal metrology play in this global challenge is now very clear to me. As we join together to celebrate World Metrology Day, we should all be aware and be thankful that there are knowledgeable, highly skilled and dedicated people, not just in the legal metrology community but across the many businesses in the energy sectors, who are working every day to ensure that we have the systems in place to provide accurate, internationally accepted equipment and measurements.”
IDB invites proposals for $$M community projects The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is seeking proposals from local civil society and nongovernment organisations to fund innovative, community-based projects, starting from US$300,000 ($60M) to a maximum of US$750,000 ($150M). According to the bank, project proposals should focus on highly innovative solutions that will solve community problems and support community-based development. Organisations will have the opportunity to pitch and present their most innovative solutions to the IDB, and the winners will get support to incubate, develop or scale up those solutions. “This year ’s Call for Proposals places emphasis on the IDB Strategy for Social Innovation in the two categories; Financing Productive Development of Microenterprises and Strengthening Prevention
Against Community Violence.” IDB said that the project solutions must focus on innovative approaches that will target poverty reduction and social development activities that respond directly to the needs of socially and economically disadvantaged people, stimulate widespread civil society stakeholder group participation at the community level and pilot partnerships with CSOs (civil society organizations) as implementing agencies to reach groups currently not being reached by other programmes. “Local and international civil society organizations legally constituted and registered in Guyana with a minimum of five years since legal constitution and registration under either the Friendly Societies Act, Companies Act or Trust Deed and the ability to prove their
financial soundness by evidence of the latest external audit report of the financial statements, no later than 2011 are eligible to apply.” The IDB has posted call documents on its website and started accepting questions for clarifications from May 15th - 28th. Applicants can submit their q uestions by email to nexso@iadb.org. The IDB will start a competitive process to accept innovative project concepts from June 10th. The IDB Guyana Country Office will host briefing sessions in Georgetown, Berbice and Linden between May 27th and June 6th - open only to organisations that meet the minimum of five years legal constitution and registration to clarify the submission process, eligibility requirements, assessment criteria and proposal writing tips.
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DaSilva wins GNRA Practical Pistol shoot Dr. Johan DaSilva came out victorious in last weekend’s Practical Pistol Shoot at the Timehri ranges in another display of excellent marksmanship in the event organized by the Smallbore section of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA). The programme consisted of three stages of different scenarios for the best overall points. All the course details included movement in the shortest time with the best hits on targets. Dr. DaSilva won the second stage and placed second in the third stage to be declared winner. Second position went to David Dharry who won the
Johan DaSilva first stage and was second in stage two, while Ray Beharry finished third following his second place at stages two and three. Ryan McKinnon placed third at stages one and
three, while Vidushi Persaud finished third at stage one. The next competition will be the Precision Pistol match on May 24th at the T.S.U. range. Stage results: Stage 1 1st - David Dharry 2nd - Ray Beharry 3rd - Ryan McKinnon Stage 2 1st - Johan DaSilva 2nd - David Dharry 3rd - Vidushi Persaud Stage 3 1st - Azaad Hassan 2nd - Johan DaSilva 3rd - Ryan McKinnon Overall 1st - Johan DaSilva 2nd - David Dharry 3rd - Ray Beharry
Wednesday May 21, 2014 ARIES (March 21 April 19): If you've been feeling deep anger, today isn't the day to let it out but rather the day to consider its source. Any large gatherings of family or friends should be avoided at all costs. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 May 20): If by chance you still harbor some resentment toward someone, Taurus, it will probably come out today. You might be uncompromising or even vengeful. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 June 20):You don't suffer fools gladly, and superficial fools even less so. You have a mind to teach those around you a lesson. ******************** CANCER (June 21 July 22): Here is a day of challenges, Cancer. You're a pro at questioning yourself, as you'll prove today when you take a hard look at your accomplishments. What have you created of a personal nature in the last ten years? ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): If you give the impression that you're in a reserved and introspective mood (even if you aren't), you'll succeed in avoiding confrontation. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 Sept. 22): A challenging day is in store for you, Virgo. If you're part of a group or team or simply among friends, you may feel somewhat ill at ease. Could it be that you instill jealousy in others?
LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) : Sometimes dreams seem like just that dreams. Travel, a project, or a new home could be a few of the things you've been trying to accomplish for some time now. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): You'll go one of two ways today, Scorpio. Either you'll turn inward and meditate in a corner or you'll find a good friend and confide your dissatisfaction. Don't hesitate to let your guard down and express yourself even more honestly than is typical for you. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Today is going to be an excellent day for meeting interesting people, Sagittarius. And there will be nothing superficial about these encounters. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): You can expect today to be kind of intense, Capricorn. Even if you've made a conscious decision not to let anything get you down, you may still harbor some negative emotions from the last few days. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - F e b . 1 8 ) : The little fighter that you are makes it very difficult for you to join us in the great communal river that we're all trying to navigate, Aquarius. efits of community. ********************* PISCES (Feb. 19 March 20) : Be disciplined about all areas of your body, Pisces. Take extra care to eat healthful, balanced meals.
Wednesday May 21, 2014
South Africa court sends Pistorius for 30 days of mental tests PRETORIA - (Reuters) South African Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius was ordered on Tuesday to undergo a month of psychiatric tests to find out whether he was criminally responsible when he shot dead his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day last year. Judge Thokozile Masipa told Pistorius he must report to Pretoria’s Weskoppies hospital, one of South Africa’s top mental institutions, as an outpatient for up to 30 days, starting on May 26. The evaluation would determine “whether the accused by reason of mental illness or mental defect was at the time of the commission of the offence criminally responsible for the offence he is charged and whether he was capable of appreciating the wrongfulness of his act”. Pistorius, dressed in a black suit and tie, stood somberly in the dock as Masipa read out the order
South African Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius sits in the dock, during the trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, May 14, 2014. (REUTERS/Gianluigi Guercia) before postponing the case to June 30. The Olympic star could face a life sentence if he is found guilty of murdering his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who he shot and killed at his high security home in Pretoria on Feb. 14
last year. Pistorius denies killing Steenkamp in cold blood after an argument, as suggested by prosecutors, and insists he shot four times at the toilet door she was behind, in self defense against what he thought was an intruder. Pistorius competed against able-bodied sprinters on carbon-fiber prosthetics, becoming one of the most recognized names in athletics. He won a clutch of Paralympic medals and reached the semifinals of the 400m at the London 2012 Olympics.
BARON FOODS presents... From page 34 the AFC. The very p r o minent and awardwinning Caricom company, which manufactures a variety of foods and condiments, has taken seriously its social role and corporate responsibility. It has over the years sponsored and assisted financially in sports and culture projects here in Guyana and in the OECS. He had encouraging words for the members last week Wednesday at the GYO ground where he delivered the suits, “GYO club can rest assured of further support from the Company once its shows improvements in the quality of its cricket, discipline of its players and an accountable administration of the club. Do those things a little better every day and you will be beneficiaries of an even more outstanding club.” Treasurer of GYO, Khalil Ahmad, thanked Ronald Ramjattan for his generosity and asked his First Division Players to care for the gear.
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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silence Thunder with Game One win DCC to commission lights on May 26 Spurs (Reuters) - San Antonio The Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in conjunction with the Guyana Softball Floodlights Cricket Association will commission its lights installation on the 26th May. The commissioning will take place under the distinguished patronage of the Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony MP, Minister of Youth Culture and Sport. During the day there will be lots of entertainment and Bar-Be-Que will be on sale. Coach Garvin Nedd will conduct a training session for under-13 cricketers which will be followed by an under-15 T20 match between DCC and
GNIC Sports Club and music will be provided by Popular Sound System. The Club extends a cordial invitation to the General Public and a small cover charge will be applied towards the continued Development of the Club’s Facilities. A release from the club stated that the lights will also benefit the community and it is hoped that this invitation will morph into an Annual Event in the Calendar of the larger National Independence Day Celebrations. The day’s activities commence from 11:00hrs and the feature game between DCC and a
Georgetown Select XI begins at 19:00hrs after the commissioning of lights. Teams; DCC-Christopher Barnwell, Trevon Griffith, Brian Sattaur, Sherfane Rutherford, Kemal Savory, Paul Wintz, Kemo Paul, Antonnel Atwell, Totaram Bishun and Dexter George. Coach Garvin Nedd. Georgetown- Shemroy Barrington, Joshua Wade, Seon Daniels, Collis Butts, Troy Gonsalves, Keon Morris, Cordel Mars, Ricardo Adams, Robin Bacchus, Robin Browne, Joseph Perry, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Ronaldo Mohamed and Leroy Bristol. Coach Quason Nedd.
Uthappa, Shakib flatten Super Kings ESPNcricinfo - Robin Uthappa made his fourth half-century of the season to lead Kolkata Knight Riders to an eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings with two overs to spare. The win took Knight Riders level on Rajasthan Royals with 14 points from 12 games, helping them break further away from the crowded middle of the table. Uthappa, who was put down twice, and Gautam Gambhir put on 64 for the opening partnership in seven overs, and Knight Riders were in control of the chase of 155 after such a beginning. Shakib Al Hasan belted an unbeaten 46 off 21 to hasten the end. Uthappa made 67 off 39 and middled the ball consistently on a pitch where most batsmen had to rely on muscling it. Both sides had wanted to chase on the untested surface in Eden Gardens’ first match
of the tournament, and Super Kings were to find out that despite the green tinge, the ball wasn’t quite coming on. There was some help for the spinners as well. Super Kings went below run a ball for almost two-thirds of their innings. In contrast, Uthappa began with a flurry of boundaries. He eased the first ball of the innings from Ben Hilfenhaus between extra cover and mid-off for four and also clipped the fifth through square leg for four more. The two shots were to bring him plenty of runs through his innings. He also deftly guided deliveries past slip, and resorted to the slog-sweep as his innings progressed. In his eagerness to drive, Uthappa offered two chances to slip early on, and Super Kings reprieved him each time. First, R Ashwin dropped him on 6 off Hilfenhaus in the first over.
MS Dhoni immediately replaced Ashwin with Suresh Raina in that position. In the third over, Raina let a harder, diving chance off Mohit Sharma go d o w n , w i t h Uthappa on 24. By the time Uthappa timed a lofted drive off Ravindra Jadeja to wide long-off in the 12th over, Knight Riders had almost reached 100. In his previous seven innings n o w, U t h a p p a ’s l o w e s t score has been 40. Knight Riders needed 57 off 50 when Uthappa fell. Manish Pandey struggled to get going but Shakib more than made up with some powerful hitting. Slogging, paddling and lofting his way to eight boundaries in 21 balls, Shakib shut the door firmly on Super Kings. Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 156 for 2 (Uthappa 67, Shakib 46*) beat Chennai Super Kings 154 for 4 (Raina 65, Narine 1-24) by eight wickets.
Spurs made the most of home court advantage as they delivered a superb offensive display to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-105 on Monday in Game One of the Western Conference finals. Though the Spurs had lost all four of their regular season games to the Thunder, they lived up to their status as the top seeds in the conference and dominated in the paint to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. All-Star forward Tim Duncan scored a team-high 27 points and Manu Ginobili weighed in with 18 off the bench as San Antonio had five players in double-figures. The Spurs outshot their opponents by 57 percent to 46 from the field. “It was a great team win,” All-Star guard Tony Parker, who contributed 14 points and 12 assists for San Antonio, told reporters. “Everybody played well. Defense was pretty good so hopefully we can keep it going.” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was delighted with the form shown by Parker, who left last week’s secondround clincher over the Portland Trail Blazers early in the second quarter due to a strained left hamstring. “I think he feels pretty good, a little winded probably but he didn’t seem to have a problem with his leg tonight,” said Popovich. “I thought he executed offensively really well to start the game.” Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City with 28 points and Russell Westbrook put up 25 and seven assists but the Thunder trailed for most of the game, a couple of narrow leads late in the third quarter representing their brief high points. Kawhi Leonard and
San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) shoots the ball over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Nick Collison (4) and center Kendrick Perkins (behind) in game one of the Western Conference Finals in the 2014 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. (Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports) Danny Green tallied 16 points apiece for the Spurs. MISSING IBAKA Oklahoma City’s defense sorely missed the shotblocking skills of forward Serge Ibaka, who is likely to miss the rest of the playoffs because of a calf injury suffered during last week’s series-clinching win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Asked how much the Spurs had benefited from the absence of Ibaka, Parker replied: “It helps a little bit. I thought our ball movement was great. We’ve just got to keep on doing that.” Roared on by their vocal home fans at AT&T Center, the Spurs made an explosive start by racing 20-9 ahead on a Duncan bank shot before the Thunder hit back and cut the lead to 30-27 after the first quarter. San Antonio again pulled away as their shooters spread the floor and dominated the paint, a twisting jump shot from Parker putting them 6048 up before they went into halftime leading 67-59.
Again the Thunder stormed back, a Westbrook jump shot giving them their first lead of the night at 76-75 with five minutes left in the third, but the Spurs regained control on a 12-2 run to enter the fourth 89-82 ahead. San Antonio continued to dominate, a Green threepointer giving them a 93-82 advantage before Ginobili poured in two shots from beyond the arc late on to tighten his team’s grip on the game. Parker was happy with how San Antonio’s defense had coped with the Thunder’s one-two knockout punch of league MVP Durant and dynamic guard Westbrook. “We are not going to stop them, we are just trying to contain them,” said Parker. “We’re trying on every shot to make it hard on them. So far, it’s working but we know they are going to come back hard for Game Two.” Game Two will be played in San Antonio today before the series shifts to Oklahoma City.
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Wednesday May 21, 2014
Letter to the Sports Editor
Analyzing Darren Sammy’s test captaincy era DEAR EDITOR, The Darren Sammy test captaincy experiment which lasted 1278 days is finally over. West Indies cricket has suffered many horrible moments, since their decline started after the 1995 home series against Australia. However the Sammy era of captaincy, especially in the test format, has to go down as one of the most unedifying sagas. Sammy became captain in a very frivolous manner. He never earned the right to be skipper based on any domestic performances for the Windward Islands. At the height of the p l a y e r s / W I C B / W I PA controversy in 2010, two St Lucians were running WICB (President Julian Hunte and Chief Executive Officer Ernest Hillaire) and Sammy somehow got the captaincy, after Chris Gayle was removed. From this point, Sammy became one of the most illegitimate captains in West Indies history. His non merit rise, to this distinguished position, can only be compared to the 1950s, when the then leaders of the cricket board appointed a procession of white captains, instead of allowing, Sir Frank Worrell to lead the team earlier than the famous 60/61 tour to Australia due to the colour of his skin.
Gayle’s aforementioned controversy that saw him banned for a year along with issues with players such a Bravo and Pollard refusing to sign contracts, showed how poorly the board run by Hillaire, adjusted to the T20 revolution worldwide. The recent International Cricket Council (ICC) revamp showed, India, England and Australia are the financial powerhouses of world cricket. Every other nation is weak financially. Therefore players from South Africa, Windies, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe would always jump at opportunity to cash in on the lofty financial remunerations that IPL/T20 leagues offered. IPL has affected the Windies cricket home/ domestic cricket since it started in 2008. For the first time this year in history, the Windies will be playing New Zealand and Bangladesh during the rainy/hurricane seasons and the month of September. WICB has finally accepted that they can’t fight the IPL and has noticeably in the last two seasons prevented its international season from clashing with the IPL. Sammy’s test record as captain was: 30 tests, 1032 runs, average 22.44 & 57 wickets, average 39.61.
During his tenure, like the proverbial man with a short blanket on a cold night, the West Indies cricket team was constantly forced to either lighten its bowling or batting attack to include him. From a Guyanese perspective I would argue, this unbalanced nature of the test team’s bowling attack, resulted in Devendra Bishoo being ridiculously over bowled and his decline. Sammy does deserve sympathy though. He didn’t ask to be captain, he like any player who is given such an honour, did the job to the best of his ability. That’s why the selection panel led by Guyanese – Clyde Butts should be blamed for continuously picking him in tests - Sammy didn’t pick himself. Sammy also was not to blame for the batsmen’s inability in test cricket to construct big test innings and the overall mental fragility the team shows in the longer format, leading to the West Indies team being labelled a “T20 team”. Now that Sammy is gone I believe a possible full strength West Indies test XI of: Gayle, K Edwards, Bravo, Samuels, Chanderpaul, DW Bravo, Ramdin, Narine, Holder, Taylor, Roach can challenge test cricket’s elites, once they play to potential. Colin Benjamin
BARON FOODS presents cricket uniforms to GYO
My take on the GABF Sports Hall issue MR. EDITOR, Please allow me space to respond to the article, “Kumar stops Basketball team from training at Cliff Anderson Sport Hall”, Stabroek News, May 15th, 2014. Firstly no instruction was given to me to stop basketball training on May 14th, 2014. As is the practice, whenever the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (G.A.B.A) and the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (G.A.B.F) require the use of the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall for training or competitions, the G.A.B.A or G.A.B.F will request separately. The G.A.B.A requested and received approval for training on May 12, 13, 14 and 15. After training on May 12 and 13, Mr. Michael Singh, President of G. A . B . A o n M a y 1 4 t h advised, via te l e p h o n e , t h a t b e c a u s e G. A . B . F will, with immediate effect, request the use of the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall for training and competitions, for both bodie s, training sessions requested by G.A.B.F for
the 14 and 15 are cancelled. I immediately informed my supervisor, the Admin Officer. Since there was no other activity scheduled f o r t h e C l i ff A n d e r s o n Sport Hall for the day, I secured the facility and left for home. At 18:00hrs I received a telephone call from Mr. Nigel Hinds, President of G.A.B.F saying that the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall was closed and enquiring why. I advised that from the conversation between Mr. Singh and myself, there was no reason why the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall should not be closed. M r. Hinds then indicated to me that the G.A.B.A’s President cannot make such a decision as the responsibility for making requests is that of G.A.B.F. Subsequently, the Director of Sport, Mr. Neil Kumar called and advised that the basketball players be allowed to train. I immediately instructed the security guard to allow the basketball players to have access for training. I arrived at the Cliff Anderson Sport
Hall at approximately 19:05hrs where training was in progress and the media inside the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall. Since then, training and competitions are going on without any hindrance. I was later informed by the Director of Sport that he had no meeting with either Mr. Singh or Mr. Hinds on May 13, 2014 as he was attending a Caricom Meeting at the International Conference Centre during the entire day. Once again, I must set the record straight that no instruction was issued to me by either of my supervising officers to close the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall to training sessions organized by G.A.B.A and subsequently taken over by G.A.B.F. I honestly hope that after reading this article, there will be a true understanding of what actually took place at the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall on the evening of May 14, 2014. Bashur A. Khan Superintendent Cliff Anderson Sport Hall
Plant Maintenance retain BOSAI inter-department basketball crown Mines beat Plant Operations 61-33 to take third place Plant Maintenance retained their BOSAI Minerals Group Inter Department title when they scored a 41-31 win against General Services Friday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club. Having disposed of Mines in their semifinal clash 49-22, the defending champions were once again led by Neil Marks and Anson Durant, their leading scorers, to this win after taking control from the first quarter when they led 11-7 and 27-13 at half time. The General Services
never found their form after getting the better of Mines 65-36 and lost by ten in the end. P l a n t M a i n t e n a n c e ’s guard Anson Durant and forward Neil Marks were joint top scorers with 12 points, after scoring 11 and 10 respectively in their semifinal game and Mark Louis added six for the winners, while guard Alwyn Rodney had a game high 13 points playing for General Services. The next best score for General Services was from forward Clive McCalman
with seven. In the third place playoff game among the losing semi finalists, Mines led by a tournament high 29 points from guard Marvin Russel, 12 from Laurent Sampson and 10 by R. King, whipped Plant Operations 66-33. The best scorer for the Plant Operations team was Rawelston Slowe with eight points and Patrick Clarke seven. In the female free throw shooting competition General Services’ Ariel Melville was the winner.
Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Independence Day Softball Cup set for May 26 Ronald Ramjattan (right) of Baron Foods presents the cricket suits to Khalil Ahmad, while Khemraj Ramjattan (extreme right) and players share the moment. The Gandhi Youth Organisation Cricket Club of Woolford Avenue was the recipient of a substantial amount of cricketing uniforms for its First Division
players from BARON FOODS Ltd. The Company’s proprietor and Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Ramjattan, of St. Lucia who was recently inGuyana, handed over the
thirty five (35) cricketing suits to President (Acting) of the GYO Club, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, popular Attorneyat-Law and Leader of (Continued on page 36)
The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association will be hosting a softball 5 overs per side knockout cricket competition on Independence Day at the No. 69 Vikings ground starting at 9:30hrs. The competition is expected to feature 16 teams with the winner receiving
$30,000 and one trophy (compliments of Rahaman Razack Business Enterprise) and the runner up $20,000. Teams who wish to participate can do so early as limited space remains. The entrance fee for teams is $5,000. All proceeds from this event will go
towards purchasing of two covers for the UCCA. An admission fee of $200 will be charged to gain entry into the ground. There will also be lots to eat and drink and music to entertain. For more info contact Mr. Dennis DeAndrade on tel # 621-0014.
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Is Clive Atwell’s trek to the world title sweet dreams or stark reality? Asks Michael Benjamin The late Cliff Anderson taught me to box and I still vividly remember his short, dumpy figure trudging a l o n g M a n d e l a Av e n u e with a Guyana Defence Force duffel bag, laden with boxing gear, heading to the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School to conduct sessions after school was dismissed. That was some 35 odd years ago. Cliff, as he was familiarly called by all and s u n d r y, was very meticulous in his dispensation of knowledge of the sport and took special pride in molding the youngsters under his care. I vividly remembered one of the most important remarks Cliff has uttered during one of his frequent rap sessions after training. He simply said, “Boys, boxing is a microcosm of life.” This is a terse declaration that remains with me even up to today when my active days in the ‘square jungle’ have expired. I nurture great pride and satisfaction whenever a Guyanese boxer wins a major title. I have documented the arduous journey of Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis during his preparations for the World Boxing Association welterweight title against American, James Paige and was among the throngs that welcomed him back to these shores after his s w e e t v i c t o r y. I h a v e experienced similar pride and satisfaction when several other Guyanese, t h e l i k e s o f Wa y n e Braithwaite, Vivian Harris, Gairy StClair, Gwendolyn O’Neil and Shondell Alfred emulated Lewis’ feat. I have boldly predicted wins for these locals but t o d a y, i t i s w i t h m u c h anxiety and trepidation
Jhonny Gonzalez
Clive Atwell that I await the results of the Clive Atwell/Jhonny Gonzalez showdown this Saturday night, May 24, at the Convention Center in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, knowing that despite the hype and fanfare from his camp Atwell might not have received a fair deal and might have even been cajoled into a bout that might have been two or three bouts premature. I have spoken to Atwell before he left Guyana for the famed Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn NY where he had rounded off his training sessions; I listened to the many views pertaining to his chances of ‘bringing home the bacon ’and the general consensus seems to suggest that the local multiple champion is way out of his league and would merely be fodder for Gonzalez. Be that as it may, I am forced to examine the issue from a more all round perspective than most and would venture to say that
Atwell’s battle is not only against Gonzalez. Many would suggest that boxing is individualistic for when the bell rings, it is the two boxers that have to punch it out. I beg to differ; though the actual fight is between the two boxers—in this case, Atwell and Gonzalez, the input of team Atwell will make quite a difference. N o w w h o i s Te a m Atwell and what is this input of which I speak? Team Atwell is his manager (s), trainers, advisers and coach(es). There are times that I am forced to analyze a situation based on information and/or knowledge that I may possess quite unlike the average fan. It is based on observations and my own experiences in the square jungle that I nurture this (unfounded) suspicion
that all is certainly not well in Harlem. Through the grapevines I have learned of the veiled suggestion by Atwell’s management team, calls themselves, ‘Dog Pound’ of an extension on the contract (which is almost expired) for another couple of years. Now, I have known of managers that have suggested extensions on the verge of world title and other lucrative titles for their charges. However, this request is premised on the success of the fighter in the fight in question and not necessarily because the manager had procured that bout; this is a part of his contractual obligations in the very first place. Then there is that all important issue of adequate and/or reasonable remuneration.
The boxer is a product and his skills are tied to market value. Purses are earned through skillful negotiation and the fighter’s world ratings and his record are prime variables in arriving at purses. Thus there may be some amount of discrimination from one boxer to another. Even with this rationale, it boggles the mind and I am tempted to query what were the considerations and/or rationale that dictated and/or determined the reported US$15,000 purse offered to Atwell. Is this the best that Atwell’s management could have done? U s u a l l y, t h e manager’s cut amounts to 33 1/3 % while the coach’s pay is 12% from the p r i n c i p a l . F u r t h e r, t h e manager’s input into the b o x e r ’s p r e p a r a t i o n i s usually treated as a loan and is deducted from his purse. If Atwell’s management goes the hard line and sticks to a rigid business arrangement then his take home pay would hardly be able to take him home. A d d i t i o n a l l y, should Atwell, currently enjoying a number 12 rating by the WBC, lose the fight—God forbids——one wonders whether his management team has contingency plans in place for the continuation of his career. Earlier, I had mentioned the late Cliff Anderson and his methodology of preparing his charges. Since then the applications have undergone a t e c h n o l o g i c a l m e t a m o r p h o s i s . Notwithstanding, I remain firm in my belief that
discussions, lectures and group analysis are important ingredients to the boxer ’s development and preparations, especially for top echelon fights. I cannot say that I have observed much of t h a t d u r i n g A t w e l l ’s preparations. Make no bones about it; a fighter could travel worldwide to procure the best training available but in the final analysis what transpires in his corner on fight night will be the determinant of the outcome of the bout. Ironically, what transpires in his corner on fight night will be reflective of the sum total of his preparations. His mental and physical energies will merge to gel into a unit that will determine the outcome of the bout. As one examines A t w e l l ’s p r e p a r a t i o n s , his internal structures— m a n a g e m e n t , p r e p a r a t i o n , remuneration et al—one is tempted to query whether he enters this fight with a chance or is it plain wishful thinking. Atwell left New York for Acapulco early yesterday morning. Win, lose or draw his life will go on. This single fight could change Atwell. One wonders when all is taken into consideration whether that change is for better or worse. Only time will tell. Kaieteur Sport extends good luck to Atwell and urges the entire nation to support him mentally and in prayers. Such a national effort deserves nothing less.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
MCY&S/NSC East Bank zone Windball bowls off The East Bank zone of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S)/ National Sports Commission (NSC) Al Sport a n d To u r P r o m o t i o n schools Wi n d b a l l tournament commenced recently at the National Park tarmac. In the female category, New Diamond School lost to Covent Garden by seven wickets, New Diamond School batted first and scored 25-1 with Mikhaila Aggrippa scoring 12. Covent Garden responded with 27-3; Inderia Laurindo took 2-6. Grove beat Peters Hall by 10 wickets. Peters Hall took first turn at the crease and managed 24-5, while Grove replied with 25 without lost. Rebecca Isaacs made 14. Eccles got the better of Craig by ten
Director of Sport Neil Kumar with participants wickets. Craig made 36-1, batting first with Amisha Bangatt scoring 17 and Navita Sukhu 15. Eccles
responded with 40-0. Crystal Grant stroked 17 and Branna Innis 15. In the male division, Covent Garden
Wolf’s Furniture Store softball tournament starts June 15
and Craig played to a tie. Craig batted first and scored 57-3. Leonard Thomas made 1 4 . Covent Garden replied with 57-1, Stephan Bascom led with 23 and Jeremiah Singh 19. The New Diamond Primary went down to Grove by 10 wickets. New Diamond took first strike and posted 277 taking first strike. Akeem Smith snared 3-6 and Jeremy
Paris 2-8. Grove scored 29-0 in reply with Corvin Griffith getting 29. Peters Hall defeated Eccles by two runs. Peters Hall took first turn at the crease and rattled up 502. Romario Persaud slammed 34 and Orwin Hunte 13. Defending champions Eccles responded with 48-4. Rawl Griffith made 1 2 a n d Jonathan Samsundar 11. Joshua Jones took two
wickets. Meanwhile, Director of Sport Neil Kumar declared the tournament open. Addressing the participants, School teachers and parents, Kumar lauded the organiser and said he will continue to support the sport. He also spoke of the importance of discipline and education.
DCB congratulates U-19 team
Managing Director of Wolf’s Furniture Store Imran Hussain (left) collects the plaque from Mahendra Arjune of GSCL Inc Wolf ’s Furniture store softball tournament is set to commence on June 15 for over-40 and open teams. Entrance fee is $20,000. The first place team will be given a trophy and $100,000 and the runner up a trophy and
$40,000. Among the teams slated to participate are Regal, Trophy Stall, Wolf’s Warriors, Speed Boat, Omesh XI, Brickery, Memorex, Farm, Superkings and Success. Meanwhile, the
Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc recently presented the managing director of Wolf’s Store, Imran Hussain, with a plaque of appreciation for his invaluable support to softball in Guyana.
The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has congratulated their U-19 team for their emphatic victories in the recently concluded Guyana Cricket Board U-19 I n t e r - C o u n ty Three-Day and 50-Over Competitions. In a release the DCB stated, The t e a m ’s performance t r a n s c e n d s the game in Demerara and amply demonstrates the talent and ability that abounds in the Co u n t y, since these victories were achieved under very challenging circumstances. After experiencing mixed fortunes in the round robin stage of the
Three-Day format, the Demerara team complet e l y d o m i n a t e d the final game, winning by an innings a n d 4 9 r u n s a g a i nst the President’s XI. Then in the 50-Over format, they overcame the GCB P r e s i d e n t ’s X I i n t h e i r third round which landed them a place in the final where they outplayed the same opponents. The DCB also r e c o g n i z e s Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul for his o u t s t a n d i n g performances in both competitions. He won both the Best Batsman and Most Valuable Player awards in the 50-Over Contest accumulating
203 runs which included two half centuries, and captured five wickets. In the Three-Day, he scored a century against the G C B P r e s i d e n t ’s X I i n the third round. The DCB further acknowledges and congratulates their U-15 team for winning the GCB Inter-County U-15 Competition last month and trusts that the Under 17 team will follow suit. The DCB has been a much maligned County B o a r d in recent times, but their hardworking Executive Committee ensures that the teams are well prepared for these competitions.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
GUYTRAC sponsors 20/20 KO cricket competition in Upper Corentyne
Mr. Shamnarine Narine of GUYTRAC hands over the sponsorship cheque to UCCA president Mr. Dennis De Andrade. Also in photo are Mr. H.N. Sugrim and other executives of the UCCA. The Guyana Tractor and Equipment Inc. (GUYTRAC) has once again come on board to sponsor a 20/20 knockout competition in the Upper Corentyne. The competition is expected to feature over 20 teams from No. 43 Village to Crabwood Creek, however the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association at their last board meeting decided to only allow t e a m s w h o a r e financially affiliated to the UCCA to participate in this competition which is expected to start on June 1, 2014. The UCCA in an
effort to assist its financial members will set matches at various venues where four teams will play on the same day. The host teams can take the opportunity to do a fund raiser for the club. The final and third place playoff is expected to be played at Crabwood Sports Complex. A t a s i m p l e presentation done at Crabwood Creek r e c e n t l y , M r . Shamnarine Narine, P r o p r i e t o r o f GUYTRAC, says he is happy to come on board with the UCCA in sponsoring this competition and give
back to the community which supports their various businesses over the years. Mr. Dennis De Andrade, president of the UCCA, thanked GUYTRAC for this m u c h n e e d e d sponsorship and praised Mr. Narine & Mr. H. N. Sugrim for giving back so much to charitable events such as this one. The UCCA president also took the opportunity to urge clubs to register with the UCCA no later than May 26, 2014 to be eligible to play in this competition.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Ali 15/15 softball tourney to commence June 1 Rafman Ali 15/15 round robin softball tournament is slated to commence June 1. The competition will be played in two categories namely the open and over-40 and is being sanctioned by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. The winning team in the open division will pocket a trophy and $100,000 and the runner up a trophy and $50,000, while the first place side in the over-40 segment will receive a trophy and
$75,000 and the runner up a trophy and $50,000. Entrance fee is $10,000. Organiser Ali told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that some twenty teams are expected to compete in the open segment and 10 in the over-40 adding that the competition will last for six weeks. Among the venues indentified for preliminary matches are Cyril Potter College of Education, Better Hope, Ogle, Success, GNIC and MYO.
Morgan assists young athlete - performs outstandingly in Suriname Middle and long distance athlete Alika Morgan displayed an act of goodwill recently when she presented a pair of track shoes and uniform to young athlete Maria Urquhart, who participated at the Hampton Games in Trinidad and Tobago over the weekend. This is not the first time that Morgan has assisted young athletes and according to her Coach Leslie Black, the middle and long distance star has been giving back to the sport and the society at large over the years. Morgan is the only athlete to have won 3 gold medals at a single Athletic Meet, a feat she achieved at the 2009 Hampton Games. Additionally, she has been outstanding at the Carifta Games winning 5 medals, the Caricom Road Race 4 times, Caribbean 10k in Barbados 5 times, while also
producing excellent performances in the USA and other parts of the Caribbean. D u r i n g t h e presentation ceremony, Morgan issued a call to other senior athletes and members of the business community to assist young athletes. She said it could go a far way in fostering their development and showcasing their talent. Morgan, who has received consistent s u p p o r t f r o m G T & T, extended thanks to the C o m p a n y, w h i l e a l s o offering similar s e n t i m e n t s t o Tr ans Guyana Air Services. Meanwhile, Morgan recently participated in the Telesur 10K Road Race in Nickerie where she placed first in the Open category and second overall. This followed similar returns during the first leg of the same event which was staged in Paramaribo, Suriname earlier in the month.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition
Race for final spots up for grabs this evening After an exciting first round of matches, the Banks DIH-sponsored Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition has reached the quarter-final and semi-final stages which will be played this evening at the Haslington Market Square. In the opening encounter, Paradise who registered a narrow 1-0 win over Ann’s Grove Punters will be looking to produce a more convincing performance against last y e a r ’s b e a t e n f i n a l i s t Vi c t o r i a C h u r c h Ya r d United. Keyron Johnson and Nicholas Holder, goalscorers for Victoria Church Yard United in their opening clash against Vryhied’s Lust will once again be aiming to lead their team into the next round.
I n t h e n e x t encounter, Melanie ‘A’ tackle Beterverwagting ‘B’ and this game is a hard one to call since both teams received walkovers on the first night of action. The third game of the night pits defending champions Plaisance versus BV ‘B’ and this promises to be a scorching affair with revenge uppermost in the minds of Plaisance who watched their ‘B’ counterparts get eliminated by BV ‘B’. The reigning title holders will be relying on livewire Warren Gilkes to lead them across the line, while BV ‘B’ will look to the prolific Edun Fraser, who netted both of their goals against Plaisance ‘B’ to ensure victory. T h e f i n a l q u a r t e rfinal match is between
Melanie ‘B’ and Victoria Eagles. Melanie ‘B’ held their nerves to pip Buxton ‘A’ 2-1 in a penalty shootout after they remained scoreless when regulation time ended , while the Eagles were called upon to display similar steel nerves to boot out a stubborn Golden Grove Superstars after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time. The winners will all advance to the semifinals which will be played tonight as well. The fixtures are as follows: 18:00 hrs Paradise versus Victoria Church Yard United 18:30 hrs Melanie ‘A’ vs. BV ‘A’ 19:00 hrs Plaisance vs. BV ‘B’ 19:30 hrs Melanie ‘B’ vs. Victoria Eagles.
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t r o Sp Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition
Race for final spots up for grabs this evening P.43
Action in this year’s East Coast segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition.
22 Morgan assists young athlete
Is Clive Atwell’s trek to the world title sweet dreams or stark reality? - performs outstandingly in Suriname P.42
P.38
Alika Morgan presented a pair of track shoes and uniform to young athlete Maria Urquhart recently. Clive Atwell (left) and Jhonny Gonzalez size up each other in Mexico. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210