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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
NOISE NUISANCE
When the police announced zero tolerance against noise nuisance many people breathed a sigh of relief and indeed, we appear to have grown inconsiderate of others. Many of us live in neighbourhoods where not much premium is placed on quiet. Sometimes one must wonder whether a premium was placed on peace. In many communities, even in the city, people can hear the most vulgar abuses being hurled between neighbours. This could go on for a long time and until the police come and threaten to apply the full force of the law. Sometimes they do have to arrest the warring parties. Then there are the music boxes. These have grown much more powerful over the years. Gone are the days when the music equipment made tolerable noises. Today the speakers are as huge as houses and the sound emanating from them, equally monstrous. The people in the vicinity must often tolerate the noise because whatever event it is has been staged in a public place like a park. Those who live the closest must undergo sleepless hours, praying for an end to the session. The late President Cheddi Jagan had cause to bring a halt to an event at the National Park. At the time he lived in State House, some distance away. If he found the noise unbearable then one can imagine the plight of those who live even closer to the National Park. In some residential areas the situation is equally bad. People invoke all the noise they could muster much to the discomfort of the neighbours. In law abiding countries where the houses are constructed even better than those we have here, care is taken with the decibels. The police are known to really exhibit zero tolerance. It is as if we in this country insist that noise must be our constant companion. Young motorists would play the music so loud that one must wonder how they, the motorist, could stand the noise. There was a time when minibuses blared much to the discomfort of some of the passengers. Fortunately, the police conducted a series of campaigns and today one would be hard pressed to find a minibus with these huge noisemakers. It must be that the fact that they have to be constantly registered or licenced because the fines imposed by the courts were minuscule. But this is not often the case in residential communities. People have been complaining about a sports bar that is a nuisance to the people in the vicinity. People call complaining about sick relatives having to tolerate the noise; they speak of their children being unable to study night after night; they speak of being afraid when night falls because of the noise; they speak of the noise nuisance making them ill. With much fanfare the police spoke of zero tolerance against noise but this is more talk than anything. People now say that the sports bar is owned by a former policeman and those who investigate the report do nothing because the owners compensate them on the spot. Something must be wrong because the noise is perpetual and those who live in the vicinity keep complaining to no avail. In tolerant communities, people would inform their neighbours of a bout of music that could be disturbing. Whether there is approval from the people is irrelevant. The invitation makes the neighbours feel a part of the episode. It would be interesting to see the police doing the job they are paid to do. For one, the noise would only be tolerated at weekends and only for a certain period of time. Some people are contemplating going to court with private action against those who make the noise, and some have done. Sadly, the noise maker, despite the warnings from the court, would persist. The initiator of the legal action would hesitate to persist with the legal action because that is who we are, people who see ourselves as nuisances once we have to report an incident more than once. Is there a solution to noise nuisance? There is and it rests with rigid enforcement of the law.
Thursday May 22, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news
The AG may have taken us into a dungeon of darkness rather than enlightenment DEAR EDITOR, On May 18, 2014 Kaieteur News and Stabroek News carried a letter, written by me, in which I called for the luminaries and scholars to enlighten the populace in relation to the President’s non-assent to the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and the Attorney General’s (AG’s) statements in support. The AG’s statements were carried in Kaieteur News of May 15, 2014 in an article captioned: “Local Government Commission victim of unassented Local Government Bill”. I am still to hear from the luminaries and the scholars, but the Attorney General has found it necessary to put his hand up by way of a response on May 20, 2014, in Kaieteur News. When I called for enlightenment, I pleaded my layman and knowledgeseeking status, however, the AG in his response may have taken us into a dungeon of darkness rather than enlightenment. I say so, because my layman’s logic and common sense do not allow me to agree with his contentions. First, he accused me of omitting to
mention, and respond to, arguments that he proffered in the National Assembly. May I repeat, “I was referring to the Kaieteur News article of May 15, 2014 which did not carry the arguments that the AG seeks to describe as points to which I omitted to respond. His action may be described as, entering a game and seeking to change the size of the play field and the focus of the game. However, I will accept the challenge, albeit a prevarication. His first point about deletions and resulting deficiencies in the law, whether true or false, has no impact on the constitutionality of the bill and is therefore unrelated to my contention and the debate. Second, his contentions about the provisions of the bill exceeding the authority the Constitution intended to bequeath to the Commission is a matter for the court to decide, since the provision: “Parliament shall establish a Local Government Commission... to deal with as it deems fit, all matters related to the regulation... of local government organs and with dispute
resolution within and between local g o v e r n m e n t o rg a n s . ” ( A u t h o r ’s emphasis) seems quite all embracing and may well nullify the application of the Rule of Ultra Vires, which the AG seeks to invoke. The luminaries may well seek a declaration and/or interpretation of the Court on this matter; still a law to be pronounced on by the Court. Having put the AG’s distractions aside, I now turn to the substantive issues with which my letter dealt: Those were: (1) The Local Government Service Commission, in the context of the Separation of Powers, one of the planks on which our political system is built and which our Constitution upholds, cannot be located outside of the executive, though it might hybrid. (2) The Constitution provides for the Parliament to confer executive authority on persons or authorities other than the President. First, the AG in his anxiety refers to Article 55 when in fact the Parliament is provided for in Article 51. For that he (Continued on page 23)
Time has come to expand the organisational structure of the PCA DEAR EDITOR, The recent excesses committed by members of the Guyana Police Force has brought the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) which is tasked with the responsibility of investigating criminal wrongdoing by members of the force under scrutiny. Recently, the chairman of the PCA, retired justice Cecil Kennard when asked if he had a chance to peruse the file of 15-year-old Alex Griffith who was shot in the mouth said “After having concluded the Colwyn Harding matter, I will then look at the file”. (SN: 201405-14) The chairman’s response clearly shows that he is overwhelmed by the magnitude of investigating the multiple complaints lodged against rogue members of the force. This is not an attack on the competence of the chairman, as his legal accomplishment is well established, but it is against this backdrop that the time has come to expand the organisational structure of the PCA to better assist the chairman in carrying out his mandate. I suggest that the following measures be immediately implemented to make the PCA a more effective body: -The establishment of a Legal and Complaints Unit which would be tasked with receiving and reviewing
complaints, informing the complainants in writing what action would be taken with respect to the complaint lodged and to ensure that complaints are forwarded for investigation. This department must also be staffed with at least two attorneys, two complaints officers and an administrative assistant. -The creation of an Investigative Unit which would be staffed with a team of experienced investigators. The responsibility of this unit is to conduct investigations with respect to the complaints received, which would include gathering evidence and carrying out interviews.
Upon completion of investigations, the files will be sent to the Legal and Complaints Unit where the legal advisors will ensure that the files contain all information needed and that the evidence gathered is in keeping with the rules governing such. The abovementioned suggestions would allow for the punctual and effective completion of investigation and for the rendering of transparent opinions based on the findings of the PCA. I am not aware if the PCA is a statutory body, but if it is not then parliament needs to move swiftly in giving the statutory mandate, clearly
outlining its powers and functions. An annual budgetary allocation would be an imperative for the expanded PCA to effectively carry out its functions. The PCA plays a very important role in holding members of the GPF accountable when they would have violated the human rights and civil liberties of citizens of this country and thus I support its continuous improvement to make it an institution that embodies the confidence of citizens as we seek to hold our uniform forces to a high standard of professional behaviour. Michael Baird Jr.
What has the country achieved since independence? DEAR EDITOR, Next Monday, May 26, Guyana will celebrate its 48th anniversary of independence. Most of us are happy that we have cut the apron string of colonialism. But the big question is what the country has achieved since independence. Well, some will say a lot and others will respond that things would have been better if we were still under the British. I will attempt to highlight some in this short piece. We have seen the passing of four Presidents - Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan. Samuel Hinds stepped in briefly and paved the way for Mrs. Jagan, who placed Bharrat Jagdeo in the top position in preference to more senior and experienced supporters. He did a good
job at first in resolving the enormous debts the country incurred, but shortly after there was a free for all. Corruption was and still the order of the day. His successor, Donald Ramotar so far is unable to resolve the huge problems. Going back to the late 1960s, 1970s and even in the early 1980s, Burnham in concurrence with Jagan decided to nationalize the sugar and bauxite industries as well as the Banks and other foreign companies, but the country experienced severe pressure from the foreign tycoons which prevented the securing of fair markets for products and as a result the country suffered severe hardships which forced the Government to implement harsh measures by banning basic foodstuff including flour, (Continued on page 23)
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Rohee’s comments demonstrate It is apparent that Guyana a lack of concern for our children has been left way behind DEAR EDITOR, A few weeks ago I penned a letter in your papers to express my outrage at the way we treat out children. In that letter the focus of my attention was on thirteenyear-old Andy, whose lifeless body was found near a public highway after his head was crushed, while he slept on the parapet under a truck. In my letter I blamed all of us for Andy’s gruesome demise and I contended that the state of the Guyanese child has reached crisis point. A crisis point that is very real! From all indications it seems like the government of the day is leading the charge against the assault on our children. A glaring example of this apparent statesponsored assault on the Guyanese child is reflected in the recent comment made by Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee. According to news reports, the minister when asked to update the public on the status of the investigation regarding the shooting incident involving the fifteenyear-old child, who was shot in the mouth by a police officer stated, ”I have to confess that I’m not so much up to date on that because I was out for a while and I’m still to get a briefing from Mr. Persaud.” Is the minister serious? An incident as grave as this and one which has attracted so much public outcry seems not to be in the minister’s thinking. This response demonstrates a lacks of urgency and a general uncaring attitude for our children. It seems like justice and the protection of our children have no place on the agenda of the PPP/C administration. Rohee’s comments should not shock any of us, particularly those of us who understand the government’s position on children. We watched a fifteen-year-old alleged intruder shot dead in
the house of a citizen and all the government seemed to have said was that it was the parents’ fault and that the child was a criminal who simply deserved what he got. Then three teenagers were shot dead in Albouystown, by the police, and again the government seemed to have justified their killing by simply calling these children criminals, whose death at the hands of the police was probably anticipated. As a civilized society we need to reject this kind of dismissive attitude the government projects towards our children and take steps to meaningfully address the problems our children face. It is no secret that many of our young boys are attracted to the bourgeoning criminal enterprise which seemed to have engulfed the nation, under this regime. This is the first fact that we must brazenly accept. The next step is to seek answers as to why these children are attracted to adopt a life of crime. We must hold parents, government and community responsible for the roles we all play in aiding this downward spiral of many of our young people. Over the last few years a significant portion of the national budget was allocated to education, yet it seems like our schools are in disarray or are not attracting many children to stay. It is clear that if these young children are committing some of the most heinous crimes in the country, they are not going to school. It will be very instructive, therefore, to have an accurate picture of the absentee and drop-out rate of our children in the school system. I have written two letters in which I called on the Minister of Education to provide information regarding the drop-out rate and to date there has not been any information. This is another indication of the lack
of sincere interest on the part of this government to do right by our children. The rate of school dropouts and absenteeism should not be a government secret. It is our business to know whether or not the educational needs of our children are being met. This information will also help us to ask the right kinds of questions, and do the right kind of research and analysis in order to provide the appropriate intervention for our children. Will the Minister of Education release information regarding dropout rate and absenteeism in our school? I hope common sense prevails in the hope of looking out for the best interest of our children. We must also examine the operation of the Ministry of Human and Social Services. Clearly there is a concern with the functioning of that ministry, as it seems like there is a serious disconnect with what obtains in the school and what transpires in that ministry with respect to addressing the social, emotional and other needs of our children. Too many children are being killed at the hands of their parents; too many are left to ply sex trades on the streets of Georgetown. What is so ironic about the “sex trade business” is that many of these happenings occur just in front of the Human Services Ministry and in the vicinity of the courts! Regardless of how the PPP/C administration sees our children the reality is that whatever path they take is likely to affect the lives we all get to live. If they turn to a life of crime our safety and protection will be in jeopardy, and no society should relish the idea of being fearful of its children. Lurlene Nestor
DEAR EDITOR, Strangely, the picture of the GPHC Nurses currently undergoing the Critical Care Training Course was juxtaposed alongside the report and picture of another maternal mortality victim. As a British-trained Certified Midwife, Registered Nurse, Registered Psychiatric Nurse and holder of a Masters Degree in Education, I am nevertheless experiencing severe difficulty fathoming why such an occurrence still exists. In this 21st century. The world in general has moved on a long, long way, has turned the corner and is on a new page in a new era. It is apparent that they have left Guyana behind, and the country has not even realized this. It is time for Guyana to wake up! Shake Up! Take up its rightful place and get rid of the nurses acting as curses. Pray tell me, what are the factors for such an obstetrical debacle? Certainly there is a crying need for a complete overhaul of the nurse-training system, syllabus revision, not to mention immediate staff removal? How many more deaths must take place before the respective department in Guyana realizes that there is a crisis and a serious one too. The nurses and midwifes are certainly practicing ageold obstetrics, or are they too old to learn new tricks and techniques. Incidentally, my profound condolences go out to the entire family, especially the children who are now without a mother. This unfortunate woman had all the trappings of what we term in obstetrics “high risk patient”, and even an obstetrical novice would know that such a condition requires special care. The hypertension (high blood pressure) with accompanying swollen feet, should have served as further warning signals. Then
compound that with the fact that she had not only recently delivered, but was also transfused shortly after. In trying to control both my anger and accompanying amazement, I dare ask who gave the discharge orders. If even the doctor had given the discharge orders, was he/she made aware of the patient’s pre-and post-partum state or the fact that she had delivered a pre-term baby, and had also been transfused two units of blood? She was also at risk for eclampsia. and possibly her shortness of breath was attributable to fluid overload, where too much blood was transfused into the body in too short a time for the body to cope with it. The breathlessness could also have been a reaction of the transfusion and this can occur up to weeks after the transfusion. On another point of note: was she given an accompanying diuretic during each unit administration or post-transfusion? Was her haemoglobin level checked after the transfusion to ensure that it was at a satisfactory level? Again, she could have suffered from TRALI (Transfusion-related acute lung injury). I do hope that my nursing colleagues in Guyana, those of an obstetric bent would read this article, become knowledge-enriched, and be aware of the possibilities and eventualities that accompany parturition. Taking into full consideration the plethora of maternal deaths thus far, for causes that completely unnerve us who practice this side of the continent, I wonder
if due to the absence of severe disciplinary action against the responsible parties the nurses have adopted a laissez-faire attitude. Let them be warned that on this side of the continent they would have action from their place of employment, their licensing body with possible suspension or complete loss of licence, not to mention a lawsuit from the family involved. Enough is enough. This is the ultimate definition and I call on the Government and the respective Health Body to take this situation in hand and put an immediate halt to the senseless loss of maternal lives, which only serves to highlight nurses as curses, and Guyana as a veritable Third World country. The rights of pregnant women to receive respectful and skilled care from welltrained health professionals have become more prominent. The maternity health care staff should be held accountable and to a high standard as in their hands lie two lives. Let every maternal death serve as a lesson to be learnt, retained and never repeated. Improvement and eradication of this seeming epidemic would be achieved through implementations arising from investigation and identification of the causal factors After all, motherhood should be a joyful and positive experience, but for far too many women in Guyana, pregnancy and childbirth have become a dangerous and frightening time in their lives. This must stop. Aluta continua-The struggle continues. Yvonne Sam
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Thursday May 22, 2014
Colwyn Harding baton rape… Pensioners forced to petition Parliament for their benefits Justice Kennard recommends The plight of scores of pensioners has engaged the National Assembly and the House voted yesterday to have the matter dealt with in a Special Select Committee. The petition on behalf of the disgruntled pensioners in a quest for just pension benefits, was brought to the House by Trevor Williams of the Alliance For Change (AFC). Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, read out the contents to the Members of Parliament prior to a vote. A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Carl Greenidge, seconded the petition. He urged that it be dealt with expeditiously given that it is a sore issue that has dragged on for too long. The Clerk informed the Parliamentarians in a correspondence dated February 10, 2000 from Winston Brassington, the Executive Secretary of the Privatization Unit, to Carol Hebert, former Secretary to the Treasury, on the payment of pension benefits to former employees of Guyana Telephone Corporation (GTC), “He stated that it was
the Privatisation Unit’s view that those employees who would have fallen in this bracket and would have attained the age of 55 and were still employed by GT&T should have been paid their retirement benefits because it was monies already earned by them, and in fact they should have been paid since 1991 when the company was privatised as is the practice.” Brassington added that there were several employees who had accepted the termination offer and had not yet been paid. He recommended that those employees also be paid their pension and gratuity as computed as at January 31, 1991. The Clerk further told the House that by way of correspondence dated January 31, 2001, to Brassington, from Godfrey Statia, Consultant, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, on the valuation of GT&T Pension Fund, and informed him that, “Emanating from his letter of October, 11, 2000, he had met with representatives in late October 2000, and at that meeting, it was agreed that it would have been futile to continue discussions or make any decisions until the
amount needed to be invested by the Government into the fund, so as to allow for the unification of plans for the benefit of past GTC employees who were in the employ of GT&T and for whom the Government is liable for the payment of pensions based on the terms of the purchase agreement between the Guyana Government and ATN, was ascertained.” According to the petition, Brassington, in a correspondence dated February 10, 2000, to Hebert, Secretary of the Treasury of the Ministry of Finance, on the payment of pension benefit to former employees of GT&T stated that “employees will continue in employment with GT&T and their services will be treated as continuous and unbroken and other conditions of service will not be less favourable than which they enjoyed and that they were guaranteed employment with GT&T for a period of eighteen (18) months, subject, of course, to right of the management of dismiss or discharge them for cause.” To date the pensioners have not received their just benefits and as such called on the House to ensure that the former employees of the Guyana Telecommunication Corporation who continued in service with Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company and retired, be paid their just and due pension in accordance with the Pensions Act as enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana. They also are calling on the Minister of Finance to state what is the reason preventing the responsible agency from effecting payment of the correct pension that is just and due to pensioners and “when the payment to the pensioners would be effected.”
criminal charges for two cops - disciplinary action for senior ranks
Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), Justice Cecil Kennard, has finally advised that two police ranks be criminally c h a r g e d f o r a s s aulting Timehri resident, Colwyn Harding. Justice Kennard gave his decision yesterday after months of reviewing the file on the matter which has been the subject of widespread media coverage since early this year. While the PCA Chairman did not name the two policemen, it is believed that one of them would be the corporal who allegedly assaulted Harding with a baton while he was in custody last year November, causing him to suffer life threatening injuries, which required corrective surgery in Jamaica. He also did not disclose if the criminal charges have anything to do with the alleged sodomy of Harding or whether they are merely for a simple assault. Justice Kennard also advised that disciplinary action be taken against several other ranks including senior officers
Colwyn Harding
Justice Cecil Kennard who were in some way linked to the incident. Kennard has since sent the file to the head of the police criminal investigations who will then forward it to the Director of Public Prosecutions for her advice. In January, Harding’s mother opened a Pandora’s Box when she sought justice for the 23-year-old man who accused a policeman at the Timehri Police Station of pushing a condom covered baton up his anus in November 2013. At the time he was arrested on suspicion
of break and enter and larceny. Colwyn Harding who was at the time a prisoner having been remanded for allegedly assaulting the cop and resisting arrest had to be hospitalized. He sustained a ruptured intestine. In a recorded interview that was done at his bed bedside at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, which was later played for the media by his mother Sharon, Harding claimed he was brutalized in front of his girlfriend. “They keep beating me, beating me and asking me to answer questions that I don’t know anything about. Then in front of an inspector and Corporal, he started to tell me he got to bugger me tonight! When I start behave bad and tell he that he can’t do that, he beat me and I get blackout, and they throw water on me and wake me up.” He further related, that policeman then pulled out a condom from his rear pocket and placed it on his baton and began jabbing him on his rear. Adding that he then requested from another policeman to borrow his cell phone to contact his mother, he said that his mother was alarmed after learning of the incident. He was eventually placed in the lock ups. The man’s mother explained that her son eventually had surgery after it was discovered that his intestine was damaged, which she insists was a result of the police brutality and misuse of the baton. It was only after the media highlighted the story, resulting in massive public outcry that an intense investigation was launched. The investigations took several weeks then months with the file going back and forth from the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), which was conducting the probe, to the desk of the chairman of the PCA to the DPP’s office. In April the DPP had indicated that she had sent back the file to the police recommending further investigation since there were some loopholes. The police OPR was asked to get statements from other witnesses since it was vital for the DPP in making her final recommendations. There was much unease in society with respect to the investigations into the matter and many persons believed that the police were deliberately delaying the investigation to protect their own. All eyes are now on the DPP who is expected to give her advice very soon.
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
Russia says troops pulling back from Ukraine border MOSCOW (Reuters) Russia said yesterday that troops deployed for exercises near the Ukrainian border had dismantled equipment and were moving to train stations and airfields for return to their permanent bases, but the United States and NATO said they saw no clear signs of a pullout. The Kremlin said on Monday that President Vladimir Putin had told his defence chief to order troops to pull back from the frontier with Ukraine, where eastern regions have fallen largely under the control of proRussian rebels. After spending a day dismantling field camps, packing and preparing military vehicles, forces in the Rostov, Belgorod and Bryansk provinces “have begun to move toward train stations and airfields”, the Defence Ministry said in a statement. It said troops were returning to their permanent bases, but did not specify how many troops were leaving the area and made no mention of two other provinces that border eastern Ukraine. A withdrawal, cooling Western fears of a any immediate Russian intervention, could ease tension before Sunday’s presidential election in Ukraine. The United States and EU hope the vote will strengthen the central government in Kiev, which is fighting pro-Moscow separatists in the east. NATO has said Russia had amassed some 40,000 troops near the border, adding to tension since Russia’s annexation of the Crimea region which brought relations to a post-Cold War low. The White House and the Pentagon acknowledged
Pro-Russian activists guard a checkpoint outside the eastern Ukranian city of Luhansk yesterday. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko activity on the border but said it was too early to determine whether it pointed to a pullout, or just more repositioning. “It’s impossible at this early stage to tell whether or not this movement that we’re seeing is simply more of the same or if this is preparations for a broader withdrawal,” said Colonel Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman. White House spokesman Jay Carney said: “Should this be the beginning of a withdrawal we would welcome such an effort.” NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said yesterday that the alliance had still seen no “visible evidence” of a Russian troop withdrawal from the border. “I wake up every morning hoping to see a real and meaningful withdrawal of Russian troops, but I have to tell you that so far we have not seen any visible evidence of a withdrawal,” Rasmussen told a news conference in Sarajevo. Putin has reserved the right to send the military into Ukraine to protect Russian-
speakers who dominate in the east. Russia’s Rostov province borders the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, where pro-Russian separatists have seized government buildings in several cities and held referendums on secession this month. Rebel leaders say some 80 percent voted for a break with Kiev. The deputy chairman of NATO’s Military Committee said even if there were a pullback relations with Russia had already been damaged by the Ukraine crisis. “You can’t quite set the clock back and pretend nothing happened in the last two months ... We will have to reset to a new reality,” Lieutenant General Mark Schissler said. “The world is now a different place because of what’s gone on, and in particular the continent of Europe is a different place,” Schissler said. “NATO had an aspiration to have a Europe that was free, whole and at peace. At risk now is being whole; at risk is being at peace.”
UN nuclear watchdog, Iran agree new transparency measures Vienna (AFP) - The UN atomic watchdog said yesterday it has agreed with Iran five new transparency measures, including two concerning a long-stalled probe into Tehran’s alleged past efforts to develop atomic weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency said that Iran, which denies seeking or ever having sought nuclear weapons, has undertaken to provide information on the new steps “by August 25”. The announcement comes after a fourth round of talks between Iran and six world powers in Vienna last week that both sides indicated made no progress towards a comprehensive deal over Tehran’s nuclear programme. One of the key elements in this
sought-after deal would be Iran answering some of its many questions on the alleged “possible military dimensions” (PMD) of Tehran’s nuclear programme — in other words efforts to design a nuclear bomb. Iran says that the trove of evidence presented by the IAEA on these activities, which the Vienna agency believes took place before 2003 and possibly since, is based on faulty intelligence provided by the CIA and Israel’s Mossad. The two new PMD steps are “exchanging information” with the IAEA on allegations related to the initiation of high explosives, and providing “mutually agreed relevant information and explanations” on neutron studies.
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Thursday May 22, 2014
As Putin looks East, China and Russia sign $400-billion gas deal SHANGHAI (Reuters) China and Russia signed a $400-billion (237.1 billion pounds) gas supply deal yesterday, securing the world’s top energy user a major source of cleaner fuel and opening up a new market for Moscow as it risks losing European customers over the Ukraine crisis. The long-awaited agreement is a political triumph for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is courting partners in Asia as those in Europe and the United States seek to isolate him over Moscow’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula. Commercially, much depends on the price and other terms of the contract, which has been more than a decade in the making. China had the upper hand as talks entered the home stretch, aware of Putin’s faceoff with the West. But both sides could take positives from a deal that will directly link Russia’s huge gas fields to Asia’s booming market for the first time - via thousands of miles of new pipeline across Siberia that form part of the package.
“This is the biggest contract in the history of the gas sector of the former USSR,” said Putin, after the agreement was signed in Shanghai between statecontrolled entities Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC). “Our Chinese friends are difficult, hard negotiators,” he said, noting that talks went on until 4 a.m. “Through mutual compromise we managed to reach not only acceptable, but rather satisfactory, terms on this contract for both sides. Both sides were in the end pleased by the compromise reached on price and other terms,” the president said. Putin and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping applauded as they witnessed the deal being signed before the Russian leader was to leave Shanghai at the end of a two-day visit. The agreement came in time for a major economic summit in St. Petersburg starting yesterday. About a dozen chief executives and chairmen of major U.S. and European firms have withdrawn from the forum
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (R) and China’s President Xi Jinping review an honour guard contingent during a welcoming ceremony at the Xijiao State Guesthouse ahead of the fourth Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) summit, in Shanghai. REUTERS/Carlos Barria over the Ukraine crisis. Putin loyalist and senior parliamentarian Alexei Pushkov, who was included on a U.S. list of sanctions imposed in the wake of the crisis in Ukraine, said the gas
deal showed Russia could not be isolated. “B. Obama should abandon the policy of isolating Russia: it will not work,” he tweeted, referring to U.S. President Barack
Obama, who has pushed for greater Western punishment of Russia. Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller declined to say at what price the deal was struck, but sources at the companies
involved said Gazprom refused to go below $350 per thousand cubic metres. That compares to a price range of $350-$380 most European utilities pay under discounted long-term contracts signed in the last two years. Putin said the formula was similar to the European price tied to the market value of oil and oil products. For China, the implied price is crucially below the Asian cost of importing liquefied natural gas (LNG), an alternative energy source it is developing. Increased gas imports will also help Beijing in its declared “war on pollution” aimed at reducing its reliance on coal which contributes to the harmful smog shrouding major cities. Another potential sticking point in talks was whether China would pay a lump sum up front to fund considerable infrastructure costs. According to Putin, China will provide $20 billion for gas development and infrastructure, but Miller said the two sides were still in talks over any advance.
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
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THE PPP AND THE PNCR ARE NOT SHORT OF MONEY Mass-based political parties such as the PPP and the PNCR do not go broke. As such, speculation about the PNCR being cashstrapped should be dismissed. The mass-based political parties in Guyana cannot go bust because they raise massive amounts of funds during election time. In the run-up to the last election, one person from APNU said that the partnership hoped to raise $1.2 billion. They may not have been able to raise that much money but they must have raised hundreds of millions of dollars. Not all of that money is going to be spent in the campaign and so the surplus is likely to have gone into the party’s coffers. During election campaign, political parties receive donations from local and overseas supporters. There was a time when the bulk of campaign financing came from overseas. But that particular source of financing cannot compare with what is now raised locally. Today, the bulk of the
campaign financing comes from local businesses. During election time, many businessmen set aside two sets of envelopes, one for the ruling party and one for the opposition party. They grease both sides as a form of political insurance. Some businessmen even set aside two sets of envelopes for each party that they will donate to. When the party activist who is soliciting the donation comes around he gets two envelopes. He is told that the first one is for the party and the second one is for him since the businessman really likes him and wants to give him something. This is a way in which some businessmen ensure that they have an inside contact within each political party. In the event that they get into some problem or need a favour, they have someone in the political establishment that they can turn to. The second reason why mass-based parties cannot go bust is because they have substantial real estate assets and investments. Both the
Dem boys seh ...
Jagdeo, Brazzy got tons of secret Jagdeo and de fat crook, Brazzy, create more clause that Santa. Every project that he and Jagdeo come up wid done in secret. When Brazzy buy de shares fuh he buddy that was a secret until one of he friends whisper to dem boys. In secret he give Fip de contract to build de hydro road— de same Fip who never build a walkway to go to a latrine or a piss house. When dem drop Fip and pick up wid Shit Global more secret come in. De secrecy create so much confusion that de Global people seh that dem willing fuh talk but that dem got to get permission from Jagdeo. Everybody know wha happen. De Amaila Falls dry out and nobody seh anything on to now. De airport is a bigger secret. It stay a secret until Donald order de release of de contract. That is when people know that dem pay de Chinee people $600,000 fuh one $8,000 toilet bowl from Gafoor. De whole de thing scampish. Dem two is not de only two thing wha people want to know de truth about. Dem want to know de truth about Marriott wha happen to be de most expensive hotel in de world without de land that it sits on. Imagine if people had to put in de price fuh de land. Then de hotel would be de most expensive hotel in de Universe. Dem boys sure dem can build two hotel de same size in space and still lef wid change. Talk bout Brazzy and Jagdeo? Dem is de best thing de world produce building anything. Uncle Brent got sense that is why he keep de two of dem out of de construction of de new World Trade Centre. De Berbice Bridge wha de taxpayer invest de hog of de money enriching Jagdeo best friend and others. And dem taxpayers are told to shut de whatever up. You know wha dem boys mean. Dem boys not against hydro; dem boys not against expansion of de airport; dem boys not against bridge not even one from you house to dem boys house. Dem got problem wid any coming from Jagdeo and that fat crook bar to Jagdeo Queenstown Foundation. And dem got problem wid de hotel tekking taxpayers money fuh enrich that private scamp who dem frighten fuh name. Talk half and don’t kiss neither Jagdeo nor Brazzy. You gun get sore and kuku-beh pun you mouth.
PPP and the PNCR have always owned a large number of properties. The PNC when it was in power was able to acquire a great many properties, while the PPP at one stage had its own commercial arm. The headquarters of the PNC was acquired while it was in power and it is a massive piece of real estate. Mass-based parties would also have investments. It is unthinkable for these parties not to consider investing so as to ensure financial security. The parties most likely have investments and some of these investments may even be in the media. Thirdly, mass-based political parties have acquired
a reputation for being able to gain lucrative prices for their real estate assets. After the 1992 elections, the PNC was said to have sold one of its properties for in excess of fifty million dollars which at the time was an obscene sum since even properties in the heart of Georgetown’s commercial district were not fetching a price tag of in excess of ten million dollars. It is now being rumored that the PNCR is being offered close to seventy five million dollars for land on the site where its headquarters is located. That is an excellent price, if it is true. And if such an offer is made the PNCR should take it because it may
never get a better offer. Both the PNCR and the PPPC cannot conceivably become cash strapped. They have a wealth of resources to call on in the event of financial difficulties. They have both local and overseas supporters; they have party groups that can raise funds. There used to be a time when the CIA gave covert financial support to the PNC. During the shortage of newsprint in the 1980’s, the Russians gave the Guyana Government newsprint on condition that some of it be sold to the Mirror newspaper which is a pro-PPP publication. Then there are always businessmen who are prepared to give monies to
these political parties as a forward investment. These investors give money in the hope that if and when the party gets into power, the businessmen would enjoy favours. The idea therefore that the PNCR or even for that matter the PPP is cash strapped should be dismissed as old story. These parties may need more money for election campaigning. But you can be certain that the accounts of these parties are far from being in the red. Never have been; never will be!
Qualfon insists call centre safe, Labour Ministry investigating An East Coast Demerarabased call centre has blamed a power outage on the reason for Tuesday’s incident which sent 18 staffers to the hospital. Describing the incident as an “unfortunate series of events”, Qualfon in a statement last evening said that around 14:00hrs Tuesday, its Georgetown II office, located at Lot 2 Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, lost electrical power due to a faulty breaker. “Using a backup battery system, normal operations continued while technicians worked on fixing the problem. Due to the power drain on the battery, the air conditioning units stopped operating. “Soon after, the management team ceased normal business operations and invited all employees to step outside for fresh air while the team continued to troubleshoot the power outage.”
Qualfon, said that approximately 250 employees exited the building through the front door and did not require the use of the other three emergency exits. “During this time, several employees fell ill. Qualfon immediately transported employees to the hospital. A total of 18 employees received medical attention. Additionally, Qualfon sent both its staff nurse and the chaplain on staff to the hospital to provide additional support for employees.” The Mexican-owned call centre, insisted that after investigation, it was determined that during the power outage, employees were not exposed to harmful conditions inside the building. “Management received reports stating that all employees who were treated have been released from the hospital and will be returning to work soon.” Two hours after the
incident, workers came on for the next shift and the earlyshift employees were dismissed. “About 200 employees arrived at the building and were informed of the situation. They remained outside the building. Employees were allowed to leave, but most stayed in the event that they could go to work.” At about 20:00hrs, Qualfon said that the electrical and A/C service was restored. “At 8:30 p.m., Qualfon managers determined the building was safe and comfortable to resume normal business operations, and the 200 employees were invited into the office. Business resumed as usual and without incident.” In response to the events on Tuesday, Qualfon said it
is working to perform a complete evaluation of its electrical systems. “This is an unfortunate series of events, and we feel terrible for those who got sick after the power outage. We assure our employees and the community at large that our offices are a safe working environment, and we will continue to ensure that the health and safety of our employees remains our first priority,” said Sherwin Welcome, Site Director, Qualfon Georgetown II. Yesterday, the Ministry of Labour said it will be investigating the circumstances and condition which resulted in the employees ending up at the hospital. It was reported that about 600 workers comprise a shift.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday May 22, 2014
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Ask Chancellor Carl Singh; ask Attorney Gino Persaud too Do I have any sympathy with the plight of the current graduates in law whose future as lawyers is uncertain because Hugh Wooding Law School is telling them that there is no guarantee that they will be admitted to the institution? The answer is yes but there is a big BUT. One hopes that these students are allowed into Hugh Wooding so that they
can have a future in a profession that they love. But is it not possible that these students are directing their anger to the wrong people, there is a touch of hypocrisy about them. Do law students at UG come from a tradition of hypocrisy? First, these students ought to know that the world has always been a cruel place and though the great philosopher, Immanuel Kant,
said that moral obligation among states is the safest guarantee against war, the harsh reality is that countries do not practise such obligation in international relations. The Council of Legal Education does not see itself as having a moral obligation to Guyanese law students. We in Guyana cannot force them to, because they have an argument grounded in
reality. The Council said that the students from the University of the West Indian have the first preference. If those preferences are overwhelming, then the Guyanese batch will lose their 25 guaranteed places to the UWI students. Why should 25 UWI students lose their place to their Guyanese counterparts if the applications from UWI students are mountainous? Because UWI-based countries contribute to the Council, Guyana does not and Guyana does not make a financial stipend to the upkeep of UWI. Secondly, Guyana was guaranteed those twenty-five places when it w a s a financial contributor to the Council, it withdrew that assistance. The law students at the time knew that was disaster in the making but what did they do? They allowed that self-destructive policy to go through. There was no protest, no demonstrations, no sit-in, and no boycott of the UG law programme. This brings us to the third point – law students’ hypocrisy takes two forms, one historical, the other current. Let’s deal with the current one first. Why is there no demand to reinstate Guyana’s financial contribution to the Council? Roger Luncheon was the chief spokesperson defending the withdrawal. I
saw him on television insisting that Guyana cannot afford to continue its subsidy to the Council. These depressed law students need to picket Luncheon. But will they? This brings us to the historical angle of this hypocrisy. I taught at UG for twentysix years and in that period, the most apathetic set of students came from the law department. With the exception of Gino Persaud who is now with the law firm of Fitzpatrick and DeCaires, they never participated in any picket or protest. Gino was in the front row as UG students took to the streets in 1995. In that same year, I sought an injunction stopping UG from admitting law students until all applicants come before the Social Sciences Board, and this was after a parent came to me. Not one UG law student came to hear the case. Not one law student showed any interest. That law student never sent a thank you note. As recent as 2012 when the campus faced two weeks of staff and student protests even Forestry majors joined us. When the protestors marched into the law building, the law students were angry with us. You would think that these people who will practice law which has as its core the essence of justice, would be in the lead. Below is an example that
Frederick Kissoon future law students at UG need to remember because it involves the present head of the judiciary, Chancellor Carl Singh. On the first day of our class in West Indian history, this tall lecturer, Dr. Brian Moore, let us know bluntly that he is a hard marker and that we must not expect good grades. He went on to explain that he came from a background of economic denial and people must work their way up. This man was way out of line. You cannot tell students you don’t give good grades. The class was in an uproar. A group of us led the fight to kick him out and a young student named Carl Singh was in the forefront. We didn’t get to run him out of UG but he was immediately moved from teaching West Indian history. So what is my point? I am simply saying that UG students cannot complain when UG and the Government of Guyana endanger their career and they stood silent year after year and wallow in their selfdestruction. Anger must now be directed at the Guyana Government in not funding a Guyanese law school.
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
Former head of petrol dealers’ association says:
Fight suppliers’ excesses Former President of the Guyana Petrol Dealers Association and a Texaco/ Rubis dealer for almost four decades, Mr. Steve Chung, is calling on Petrol Dealers across the country to once again unite and be a formidable association to represent the dealers against excesses of the main suppliers. Over the past 10 years the landscape for the dealers has changed for the worse, Mr. Chung said yesterday. The longest serving President of the Dealers’ Association said that the oil companies have whittled away at the little profits that dealers were making, reducing the dealers to commission agents without security or contract. Many dealers have been prevented from setting their prices and allowing market forces to operate while the oil companies fix prices and dealers’ margins. The “hog” of the profits are retained by the oil companies and the dealers are reduced to using family labour and working excessively long hours just to keep the businesses viable and to survive personally. Mr. Chung noted that there are many dealers who have held franchises and worked hard to build their brand and station image, yet they have been unceremoniously kicked out of businesses to which they dedicated their lives. These include the Shell stations at McDoom, Regent Street and Providence while the Ogle Shell Station died fighting an unfair contract imposed by Shell. Mr. Chung feels that unless the dealers unite they
Steve Chung will become mere voiceless robots of the oil companies. He is urging the dealers to be aware of the divide and rule tactics of the oil companies. He also is calling on the government, the Private Sector Commission, Chamber of Commerce, Trade Union Congress and the opposition parties to look into the contracts being imposed on the Dealers. They should also ensure that dealers are compensated for the years of service which they give, in the event that oil companies terminate the dealers’ contracts. In the meanwhile with gasoline prices passing the $1000 per gallon mark, Mr. Chung is appealing to the Government to lower the taxes on fuel so that the burden of the increase will be cushioned. It was promised at a meeting a few years ago that whenever fuel prices go to $1,000 or over, Government would lower the taxes. “We need to fight to stop this unfairness being placed on Service Station Dealers by oil companies. Together we stand; divided we fall”, he said.
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Anti Money Laundering Legislation…
Deadline depends on Govt action - APNU Carl Greenidge, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Shadow Minister of Finance, has expressed the coalition’s position on Guyana’s Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill and its May 29, deadline. Greenidge said, “We need to bear in mind that the May deadline is one of many deadlines. You should not have the idea that the deadline is going to be met and we are going to have Nirvana afterwards. “There are a series of obligations which the government of Guyana is obliged to meet. This is only the first in the set of obligations. The ones down the line may be even more severe,” said Greendige. “There is no way that the deadline can be met unless the government takes the action that is required of it and between the government and opposition to collaborate to make sure that the conditions that are required are met expeditiously.” He said that the objective therefore is to make sure that “we have a regime in place that can deal on a continuing basis with a series of deadlines— deadlines about implementation, about effectiveness of reporting, deadlines about analysis of financial transactions.” “I think that the government seems to feel that it can simply frog march us to take a decision on the
assumption that people will be frightened into apocalypse tomorrow and we simply sign on the dotted line and the process will go ahead.” The Shadow Finance Minister alluded to the seriousness of Guyana being non compliant with the passage of its AML legislation. Both the government and opposition agree on the seriousness of the situation. Greenidge said, however, “If it is a very serious situation and we were unlikely to have encountered a serious situation as this in the past, then why is it the government can’t do the things that the opposition requires because the things that the opposition requires and things which are set out in the constitution.” He continued that if Government feels that what the opposition is calling for is wrong, then the government should assent to it and have it challenged in the Courts similar to how they have done before. “They felt that the Budget was so bad because it was cut. The government still went ahead and asked that the budget be passed. It then spent the money although the budget didn’t approve it and then went to the Courts.” According to Greenidge, the question should not be asked to the opposition whether the AML/CFT legislation is going to be passed. It should be directed to Government who he said
APNU Shadow Minister of Finance Carl Greenidge
Presidential advisor on governance Gail Teixeira
is not taking “the appropriate action to have constitutional obligations met.” “The political reality here in Guyana is that the National Assembly passed the PPP/C Administration’s Money Laundering (prevention) Act of 2000. It was assented to by President Jagdeo on March 29, 2000. “Since then, there have been no prosecutions, including under the AML/ CFT Act of 2009,” said APNU. Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira, reiterated that the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force
(CFATF) would be meeting in the last week of May. “It is expected that Guyana would have a Bill assented to in time, otherwise we, as far as I know, are automatically referred to FinancialAction Task Force (FATF) and International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG) as a country that’s not in compliance.” She said that FATF will be meeting in June to decide whether Guyana will be internationally blacklisted. “I am advised that it is automatic; if we miss this last deadline we will be referred to FATF and the ICRG.”
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Kaieteur News
Thursday May 22, 2014
“I would go to the NOC….I’m willing to help” By Latoya Giles Former Presidential Candidate and Child Development Psychologist, Dr. Faith Harding, has stepped up to the mantle and
is willing to offer her expertise to the New Opportunity Corps. Harding said, yesterday, that she is willing to go to the NOC and work with the children and adults at the institution.
“I’m always willing to go and help young people throughout Guyana,” Harding told Kaieteur News. She said that it was unfortunate for Minister Dr. Frank Anthony to say that
- Dr. Faith Harding the NOC is unable to attract persons to work there. “The ministry could find the money, and it’s no secret that I’m qualified likewise so many others in Guyana but no one from the Ministry has ever come forward and asked me,” Harding said. Harding added that it’s no secret that the institution needs a total revamp. She told Kaieteur News that it’s unfortunate that the government has institutions set up, but these aren’t properly set up to deal with issues. She said that the NOC should have several counselors or people who can do psycho therapy. It should also have a visiting psychiatrist. Harding explained that the institution deals with delinquency and other crimes that have to do with conduct disorder. She said that these children are put in this institution that is not equipped to handle the psychology problems that a child may be facing. She noted that it’s rather unfortunate that government after seeing a rise in crime in teenagers and this “gangster mentality” did not see it necessary to have a whole department of psychology to deal with the illness children are dealing with. “In that institution the children are already incarcerated in a sense it’s a detention facility,” Harding noted. She said that in her mind it hasn’t grown from where it was in the early days. “I
Dr. Faith Harding haven’t been there in a few years but it was created as a disciplinary institution coming out of the military arm of the society,” Harding noted. She said that the institution needs to be taken from another level, a level where it implements psychological training. She said that the people at the NOC need to be trained in psychology. “Not every child will turn to crime, but we need people there who understand them,” Harding told Kaieteur News. “People there don’t understand how their brains are thinking and I don’t know if the adults who are there are still coming out from the disciplined forces or from a social work background,” Harding said. Even the social workers aren’t fully learned in the area. She said that they aren’t trained in therapy and they
rarely know any therapy that would be applicable at the NOC. Two weeks ago a High Court Judge granted the Child Protection Agency (CPA) a court order to have four teenage girls removed from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC). Head of the CPA, Ann Greene, had told Kaieteur News that the Agency had moved to the courts to have the girls removed as to continue the investigation into allegations of abuse. Greene said that the girls will remain in protective custody. She noted that the Child Protection Agency is obligated to investigate every single report of abuse against a child. Last week Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony had come out after almost three weeks of media reports about several irregularities at the NOC to say that he was “saddened” by the allegations. Anthony was also asked why the findings of the 2012 Commission of Inquiry are almost two years behind schedule. He acknowledged that the final report was to have been submitted since September 2012. He said that the ministry has written to the Commission’s Chairman, Justice Winston Moore over a period of time asking for the report to be submitted. He said that Moore has not been paid for the work as yet, since the agreement was “after completion and handover” he would receive a “stipend”. Further, the minister said that the board as far as he is aware produced a preliminary report.
Plans in the making to extend subsidised countrywide renal service In light of the fact that Guyana has a high kidney failure rate, strategic moves are being made by a privatelyoperated medical facility to take dialysis services to sections of the country where it is not readily available. This ambitious development was intimated to this publication by senior officials of the Annandale, East Coast Demerara, Doobay Medical Centre, which currently caters to the dialysis needs of just over 40 patients. According to President of the facility, Dr. Budhendra Doobay, already “we are in the process of setting up another centre in Berbice and another on the West Coast of Demerara...and we have plans to reach out to patients even further.” Currently the Dialysis Centre has been seeing an increasing number of patients
from the Essequibo Coast but “we recognise that this (East Coast Demerara) is a far way for them to come; so we will try to set-up a place either between Cornelia Ida and Parika.” The Berbice Centre, he noted, will likely be set up strategically somewhere between New Amsterdam and Port Mourant to facilitate the needs of patients in that section of the country. There are also plans, Dr. Doobay said, for yet another facility at Linden. Local Investigations, he said, have confirmed that there is a particularly high incidence of renal disease in the Region 10 area hence the need for plans to expand the service there. While realising the extended developments would require immense fundraising, Dr. Doobay said that the not-for-profit facility
is hoping to get support from Government as well. “We are hoping for some kind of help from them (Government) to do this, maybe to even give us a facility perhaps even in a Health Centre...just give us an adequate size room so that we don’t have to go and beg somebody or go and buy a place,” considered Dr. Doobay. “Give us a place in your facility so that we can help Guyanese and I want the people to know that this is only to help Guyanese and not to help ourselves but sometimes this message is difficult to get across,” he intimated. Dr. Doobay, who practices as a Cardiovascular Surgeon in Canada is the founder of the East Coast Dialysis Centre which offers its service at a subsided rate. He, during a recent visit (continued on page 20)
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
GCCA receives telephone record of pilot in Region Eight crash
Police Detective murder…
Accused to know fate today Justice Dawn Gregory is today expected to sum up the murder trial of Desiree Jeffers, who was indicted for the unlawful killing of Police Detective Igris Bobb – Blackman. After the summing up, the accused, 61, of Lot 622 La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, will know her fate. Jeffers had shared a relationship with the former detective, whose body was found in a septic tank in January 2011. However, Jeffers has since denied any knowledge of the murder. “I never threatened anyone or killed BobbBlackman,” she stated. Jeffers told the court that the relationship between her and the policeman ended, after she found out that he was gay and had the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). After calling in excess of seven witnesses to the stand, the State closed its case on Tuesday. The State is being represented by Prosecutors, Natasha Backer and Mercedes Thompson, while Jeffers is being represented by Attorney–atLaw, Peter Hugh. The body of Police
Murder accused: Desiree Jeffers
Dead: Igris Bobb-Blackman Detective Bobb-Blackman was reportedly found wrapped and thrown into a septic tank, two days after he was reported missing. Earlier in the trial, Police Detective Orlan Alleyne told the court that he had collected and packaged items of evidential nature from the crime scene, which included a multi-coloured green carpet and a sheet that had wrapped the body of the murdered police detective. The soiled carpet and sheet were also tendered into
Neighbours find remigrant dead A security guard, who was a remigrant, was discovered dead with marks about his body early yesterday morning by neighbours. The man, said to be in his sixties, was discovered under a bottom house at Henrietta Village where he lived after he returned to Guyana from the United States several years ago. Relatives are awaiting a post Mortem report to
ascertain the cause of death. Neighbours are not sure if the man, who lived alone in a dilapidated house, took ill during the course of Tuesday night and fell, or whether anyone probably inflicted a beating on him. N e i g h b o u r s subsequently transported the man to the Suddie Public Hospital where a doctor pronounced him dead.
evidence before the court. The victim’s brother, Brentnol Bobb-Blackman told the court that he identified the body, which was pulled from the septic tank on January 20, 2011 to be his brother, who was missing for more than 24 hours. He claimed he had reported his brother missing at La Grange Police Station on January 18, 2011. He also said that he had visited his brother at his Lot 622 La Parfaite Harmonie residence on numerous occasions, for religious functions among other things. Bobb-Blackman told the court that it was as a result of a conversation he had with Gail Franker that he went in search of his brother at the said address. Franker was also in relationship with the policeman. “Myself, Gail Franker, police officers and the accused returned to the house and we checked the yard which included the septic tank again…I looked into the septic tank and saw a yellow lighter, a bottle of ‘Seven Seas’ tablets, a notebook and a part of a multicoloured green carpet at the top of the water in the septic tank…. Desiree Jeffers was there and she said ‘oh my God, oh my God I know nothing about this.” Franker had also alleged that Jeffers had threatened to harm her and detective BobbBlackman.
Legal action to be instituted against ... From page 13 ensure those are in English. Also consumers are being asked to be more alert especially when there are vast differences in prices for the same product. The Department is further warning consumers that there may be other counterfeited products on the market and is therefore urging that the general public be more vigilant in deciphering these. Since the start of this year the Department has been tackling complaints of counterfeit food products including that of margarine and corn. “GAFDD is in the process of initiating legal proceedings against defaulters (importers
who deliberately release counterfeited products on our local market),” outlined the statement. This is being done even as the GA-FDD intensifies its efforts to ensure that only efficacious products are available to consumers. According to Cole, the Department has started to pay closer attention even to the registration of drugs to ensure that those too are not counterfeited at an alarming rate. “Steps are also being taken to strengthen the
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licensing process to ensure that only importers who are in complete compliance with the guidelines and requirements, as is legally required, are issued with Importing Licences,” said the GA-FDD statement. Moreover, the Department is prepared to “continue to seize and remove from premises counterfeited items and work with importers to ensure that only legitimate and original products are released for sale on our local market.”
Investigators probing last January’s plane crash which occurred at the Ogle International Airport have received the telephone records of Fenix Airways pilot Raul Seecharran who is accused of using his cell phone during the take off stage of the Kato, Region Eight bound flight. Director General of the nation’s aviation authority Zulphicar Mohamed told this newspaper that the agency was able to work with the police force in getting the telephone company to hand over the information. Initially, the telephone company, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) was not obligated to submit the pilot’s information since it involved a private matter. Mohamed had mentioned that the police would have
had to go through the court to get the telephone company to release the pilot’s telephone activity records. Still very tight lipped on the investigation, Mohamed would only say that the results are now part of the investigations. While it is alleged that the record does not incriminate the pilot, he (pilot) has been holding out that he did not use his cellular phone. Kaieteur News understands too that other elements surrounding the crash are being looked at. This includes the alleged discovery that the wrong chair had been placed in the pilot’s seating area among other things. This violates the safety regulations set out by the aircraft’s manufacturing company. The pilot did say in his initial statement that his chair slid backwards during
takeoff. It is unclear when the investigation will be over. Fenix Airways’ Administrator and Finance Manager, Eddie Deolall told Kaieteur News on Tuesday that they are awaiting the results of the investigation to take necessary steps against the pilot if he is found to be culpable. This includes legal intervention. He said that the payment of insurance is also dependent on the outcome of the investigations. The manager stated however that the Cessna 206 which was involved in the crash is damaged beyond economic repair. Three persons along with the pilot were on board the single engine plane when it flipped at the Ogle Airport. A passenger had given a statement to investigators that the pilot was using his cell phone during takeoff.
Missing Pomeroon teen now source of concern It has been almost a week since 15-year-old Ruel Paul Fredricks, formerly of Siriki Sands, in the Upper Pomeroon River, went missing. Despite collaborative interventions by members of the Guyana Defence Force, his family and the community, to locate him there is still no sign of the 15-year-old. The only visible signs were traces of his footprints along the trail he ventured into. The cutlass he was carrying and his bicycle were not recovered. The child’s mother, Shavon Fredricks, explained that on May 16, around 5:30 hours, the young Fredericks left his Siriki Sands home,
almost a mile from where he lived with his parents and eight siblings and ventured into the backdam to take lunch for his father. A worried Shavon Fredericks said, after her husband, Rodney Wong returned home without his missing son, she started to question the man, who at first thought his son was probably playing tricks. Later that day, Shavon Fredericks decided to send her older son to search for Ruel but his searches revealed nothing. Fredericks said that she sought the assistance of the soldiers who went into the area Sunday but that search, along with the searches of her immediate
family and community turned up empty. Shavon Fredericks, who is hopeful that her son would return to her safe, said that she and her church members are continuously praying for her son’s safe recovery. His sudden disappearance has taken a toll on her entire family. She barely eats and sleeps. Fredericks said that there is a prevalence of wild animals in that area but no animal traces were discovered. She said that several years ago a mute girl and three boys went missing in that area but several days later those children returned safe.
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Kaieteur News
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1 - Four bedrooms house with all modern conveniences, semifurnished - $300,000 monthly, Happy Acres – Tel: 231-7839 (working hours)
Zmodo Surveillance camera system, 4&8 channels only. All necessary accessories included – Tel:609-2815 Nine & seven months old female German shepherd for sale – Contact: 263-5755, 683-4832
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
Rabbits -$2,000 each – Contact: 642-8843 Pure Rottweiler pups, parents are imported pedigree dogs Call: 2642870 or 672-6402 after 6pm 665-9140 or 639-1431 Dell computers with 17" Leds -$59,000, laptops from -$64,000, Blackberry 8310 $9,000 @Futuretech – Call: 231-2206; 644-6760
Double lot with house at East Bank Demerara, one block away from Public Road Call: 621-1766
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
33’X24’ – two storey concrete building @ Tuschen New Scheme E.B.E Contact: 665-9102
One barber shop / salon with 5 stations at David & Queen Streets Kitty – Call Alana: 646-0268
Prime Business. Established Business, Three storey building 220 South Road Lacytown Georgetown – Tele: 227-1042, 601-3369. Serious callers only! 2 Storey concrete property in Parfaite Harmonie, size 24’X57’, Price: $16M – Call:622-1782/658-5803
Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943
Three bedroom apartment @ ‘B’ Field Sophia - $50,000, 3 months advance, furnished small office space – Call: 2231719, 223-1273
1-3 storey business property @ Middle St. G/Town, 2 business properties @ Whim Public Road, price negotiable Call: 619-7134, 225-6481 Two storey house at Retrieve Linden. Price $11MCall: 641-7979 Nandy Park - $24M, AA Eccles - $55M, Lamaha Garden -$35M, West Bank $21M – Contact Diana:2272256, 626-9382
Lot 81 Lamaha Street. No Agent! - Call: 673-5882
The Gent’s Spa: Be pampered by our beautiful masseuses, H-Hands, wet bliss. Won’t You Let Me? – Contact: 657-5979
Aidan’s Car Rental, Canter & Pickup - Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807
Dressed and mill cut lumber: Kabukalli, Silverballi, Greenheart, Purpleheart etc – Call: 688-6579
Balloon Decorating Classes – 31st May 2014 – Call: 2253133 or 613-7513 for more information and to register.
One female pure bred German Shepherd puppy, fully vaccinated & dewormed – Call: 629-1471, 220-2277, 220-8904, 629-1419
Canadian School of Arts & Science, Third Avenue, Diamond: CAT Accounting Classes begin on July 1, – Call: 216-6921/22 to register
One complete dredge and one three bed top flat to rent Call: 687-0835
LEARN TO DRIVE B & C Driving School: Lot 5 Hadfield Street Lodge- call: 225-0150, 229-7258, 680-6826
Progressive Auto Rental: Cars & SUV for rental$4,000 & up per day- Call: 643-5122, 628-2284 ,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
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
Earn a certificate in cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, limited spaces – Call Abby: 619-7603, 666-5241
VACANCY
MANAGER/SUPERVISORS at Xenon Hotel Charity / EBo. ACCOMODATION 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 experienced Handyman/ Gardener between ages 45-60 $20,000 weekly – Call: 223-0595 US Based firm is hiring female models to do adult modeling/underwear/lingerie Call: 672-5189; 651-5260 Gardener 18-35yrs, hardworking, punctual, team player no experience & no education needed – Call: 648-2108 Chief/ Baheir & Kitchen assistant to work & live in Buckhall Essequibo River – Contact: 592-690-4860 Be your own boss! Join Avon and earn cash – Call Oma: 690-0209
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
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. Real Estate properties to rent, sell or manage? Then Call Diana: 227-2256, 626-9382 for professional services 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
Mature, friendly driver with Lorry license needed for water delivery company – Call: 610-8282, 671-9614
CAR RENTAL
EDUCATIONAL
Prashad Nagar: Self contained studio (fully Furnished)-US$100.00 weekly. Tel: 612-3194, 223-8258
Exist for Pharmacist: Apply with written application at Survival Shopping Complex @ 173 Sheriff St. Campbellville Tel: 227-5286/9
MASSAGE
SALON
One upper flat @ 6th Street Cummings Lodge ECD – Call:622-3580
1-2storey wooden & concrete 5-bedroom house; upper & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty $38.9M - Tel: 642-7898
Newly built one bedroom apartment for rent – Call: 6578335
Live/pluck chicken call: 6504421, 220-9203 Large land @ Bagotville W.C.D, Salon equipment, office furniture – Call: 2231719; 223-1273
Thursday May 22, 2014
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 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
House plan drafting from$10,000 electrical works and estimates services available. Tel:667-2189,646-6572,629-8750
Toyota L-Touring & Fielder Wagon, At192, AT212, AE110 Corolla Raum, Fun cargo, RZ minibus, IST –Tel: 644-5096, 697-1453
Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 647-2943
STAR CARS AUTO SALE: Premio, Spacio, Allion, IST, Feilder, Altezza, new Raum, Axela, Carina 212 – Call: 679-3140, 615-1199
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
First Class Auto: Allion, Premio, Spacio, IST, 212, Fielder, Raum, Allex, Runx, Bluebird, Axela - Tel:6098188, 638-3045
HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $10,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766
One Toyota Land cruiser Prado, PMM Series Call: 2250188, 223-7500, Mon-Fri 8:15-4:15pm, Sat – 8:151:15PM 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
VACANCY Vacancy exist for one personal home tutor – Please contact: 676-2812 # 1 Plant Shop 18-28yrs, sales experience, Mon-Sat, healthy, hard working, pleasant – Tel: 648-1821 One female clerk – Call: 2315171
Unregistered Toyota Noah, with TV, Rims, Camera - Tel: 629-2619 or 663-2700 DRESSMAKING Jean is offering courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral & cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty – Call: 6702653, 618-1706 (Continued on page 23)
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news
The AG may have taken us into... From page 4 may be forgiven or probably the blame could be laid at the feet of Kaieteur News, as the printer’s devil. In his attempt to misrepresent my understanding of the composition of Parliament; a misunderstanding that cannot be attributed to any of my arguments, the AG completely ignores Chapter VIII, Article 89 of the Constitution which identifies the President as ‘three in one’ rather than the ‘one’ that the AG wishes him to be. Article 89 states “There shall be a President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana who shall be Head of State, the supreme executive authority and Commander-inChief of the armed forces of
the Republic.” This ‘three in one’ is reinforced by Article 101(2) which states: “The Prime Minister shall be the principal assistant of the President in the discharge of his executive functions and leader of Government business as the National Assembly. (Author’s emphasis). Reference to his executive functions clearly indicates that the President has other functions. I dare say that his functions as Head State are distinct from his functions as Head of Government and that his standing as a component of Parliament is as Head of State rather than the Executive Authority. It is therefore the AG who
commits a colossal blunder by his “faux pas”. He fails to come to terms with the letter of the Constitution given the provisions of Articles 51, 89 and 99. His argument of the President conceding or not conceding executive authorities clearly exemplifies the attitude of the Government to the State. An attitude which projects the Executive as the Sovereign and every other element of the State as subservient, very much like the supremacy of the party in a communist state and the paramountcy of the party, which was so much criticised during the era of the Burnham regime. May I reiterate Article 99(2) which also provides for the vesting of executive au-
thority in other persons and authorities other than the President. A provision which the AG seeks to dismiss. The AG’s resort, to the Gun Court Act of Jamaica and the Privy Council Ruling of unconstitutionality, is irrelevant to the matter at hand, for there is no possible violation of the doctrine of the Separation of Powers by the enacting of the Local Government (Amendment) Act, since the authority which is the subject of dispute lies squarely in the realm of the Executive, a realm in which the Commission, in the main, and those powers in particular, reside. Over to our luminaries and scholars. Vincent Alexander
What has the country achieved... From page 4 canned fish and meats, milk and even baby foods. Burnham implemented socialist measures by making the government an arm of his party and the PNC flag was flying over the Court buildings, a move which shocked Caricom as well as foreign states. The poor economic state forced the government to devalue the dollar, and at one time the parallel market was more vibrant than the official money market, since persons were paying for more than the bank rate. The dollar was not stable. The political socio/ economic state also forced tens of thousands to flee the country to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and other parts of the planet. Most of them are doing ex-
tremely well - many of them holding top jobs at Universities, the judiciary, the medical profession, business and the like. A few are world renowned and have made us proud. There are far too many achievements and criticisms which can be leveled against both the PNC and PPP administrations, but space does not permit this, but what I can say is that the country of my birth has been transformed to a completely different state than it was before independence. The young people have different ideas and values and party politics supersede Lodges and Organizations and to a certain extent “who you know, or who know you” prevails. The drug trade, robberies, murders and other crimes are
hindering Guyana’s progress and the image of the capital city Georgetown once known as the Garden City has changed - not to mention the poor drainage and need for better sanitation. If the country is to grow in terms of development and become a force to be reckoned with, Guyanese have to overcome party politics, especially the racial conflict which to my mind was sowed in the mid1950s, long before Independence, when Forbes Burnham moved away from the PPP and formed his PNC, taking with
him nearly all the Afro Guyanese while the Indo Guyanese remained with Cheddi Jagan. It is said that the British and the Americans were behind the division because they were completely against the leftist policies of Jagan and Burnham and put a wedge between the two races in order to divide and rule. Come on politicians, work towards unity. Remember unity is strength and our slogan is “One people, One nation, One destiny”. Oscar Ramjeet
From Page 22
WANTED Carpenter - $6,000, Mason $6,000, Porter-$4,000, to work in Tuschen Scheme. Call: 6848231 One Honest counter clerk, 3yrs experienced selling Japanese Spare Parts – Contact Ray’s Motor Spares & Auto Sales: 231-7839 (working hours) One AB Dick Operator – Call: 269-0044, 269-1274
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
WANTED Barbers and tattoo artist opposite Kitty Police Station – Call: 621-8812 Car/Van Driver for weekend duties, labourers – Tel: 2271830 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 Urgently needed 2 plots of land to buy in La Parfaite Harmonie. All legal fees paid Call: 675-7292 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
CATERING Roxy’s Catering: We cater for any special occasion, also available daily breakfast, lunch & snacks – call: 2230092, 223-0095
General domestic maid at Lot 8A Eccles Public Road, E.B.D - 233-2408 or 233-2631 One whole day domestic for EBD area – Call: 614-4358. 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
ACCOMMODATION Rooms available at Serenity Inn US$50 & US$55 breakfast included- Contact 676-2907 for reservation. Lot 11 Lamaha Street
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
Page 24
Kaieteur News
Thursday May 22, 2014
Duo to stand trial for GWI denies contributing to delay of EBD four-lane road project Mandela Avenue murder By Latoya Giles The Guyana Water Company is denying that its pipelines have caused a delay with the multi-million-dollar East Bank Demerara four-lane expansion road project. Contrary to what contractor BK International said on Monday, GWI said yesterday that the relocation of pipelines was delayed by the construction of concrete drains by the contractor. The company said yesterday that it “strongly denounces statements made by representatives of the contractor responsible for the East Bank four-lane project which indicated that GWI is contributing to delays in the completion of the project”. According to the GWI, the company was provided with the original plan for the four-lane highway and executed all works required by the utility to allow for the progression of the project. The company was subsequently informed that there would be changes to the original plan for the highway. According to GWI the changes included the construction of concrete drains at specific sections of the Highway. “We indicated to all parties involved that the construction of the drains would significantly reduce the space available for the utility’s PVC mains” the company said yesterday. Further GWI said that during discussions with their project team and the project team attached to the Four-lane Highway project, it was agreed that GWI would relocate the pipelines behind the concrete drains which are to be constructed. It was also agreed that GWI would execute this upon completion of the concrete drains. However, GWI said that the utility has been unable to relocate the pipelines since the construction of the concrete drains at specific sections of the Highway has not been completed. “The statements implicating GWI in the delay in the project
are therefore erroneous and the company asks for a retraction of the statements by the contractor’s representative,” the water company noted. They have since disclosed that they are in possession of documentation regarding the aforementioned facts and wishes to reiterate that the company has at all times responded to all requests by the Four-lane Highway project team and has provided all necessary assistance towards the success of the project. On Monday last BK International disclosed that the company loses approximately US$10,000 daily due to a delay caused by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company. BK International was awarded a contract to complete Lot Three of the East Bank Road Project. The multi-million-dollar project was expected to have been completed almost two years ago, but has been stalled. However, according to Julian Archer, BK International’s Chief Engineer, the blame for the delay must be placed solely at the feet of GT&T. The telephone company is yet to come out with
The two persons implicated in the Mandela Avenue shootout, which resulted in the death of Elvis Fernandes, last June, have been committed to stand trial during the next practical sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes at the Georgetown Supreme Court. Yesterday, Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry, told co-accused Britton and Thomas that the evidence presented by prosecution witnesses during the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) has proven sufficient for them to stand trial before a Judge and Jury at the High Court. Lloyd Britton and Jermaine Thomas were charged with Fernandes’murder, days after the incident occurred on Mandela Avenue. The matter was prosecuted by Police Corporal Bharat Mangru, while the accused were represented by Attorneys- at Law Dexter Todd and Peter Hugh. According to the detail of the case, Fernandes was shot during an altercation with occupants of a minibus which
included, Britton. During the gunfight, Britton allegedly shot Fernandes and was himself wounded by a police rank, who intervened. However, Britton had denied having a firearm and suggested that the same policeman, who wounded him, also shot Fernandes. Fernandes was slain during a confrontation with minibus driver Adrian Brandt and passenger Britton. Brandt had said that he was driving along Mandela Avenue that day, when Fernandes, who was on a scooter, and another man, in a silver car, blocked his path. The driver reportedly accused Brandt of scratching one of his car mirrors during a collision on a previous occasion. Britton was in his front seat, intervened, and the men began to threaten Britton, while Fernandes called the passenger a ‘thief.’ But a police patrol reportedly arrived and ordered the men to disperse. The ranks also reportedly suggested that the owner of
the car file a report about the alleged accident. Brandt then returned to the West Ruimveldt Minibus Park, where he picked up other passengers, while Britton remained in the minibus. Brandt was driving east along Mandela Avenue a few minutes later when the same car intercepted him. He alleged that a police rank emerged with a handgun, while the driver had a cutlass and Fernandes had an icepick. Fernandes ran towards the conductor’s side of the bus, the driver of the car with the cutlass and Lloyd Britton, exited the bus when the men emerged from the car. Brandt had said that shortly after he heard gunshots and saw the policeman shooting. His passengers began to scream and urged him to drive away, but then Britton clambered back into the vehicle and said “I get knock.” It was then that the injured Britton reportedly handed the gun over to his alleged accomplice, Jermaine Thomas.
2011 police pellet shooting ...
“I honestly felt that I was going to be killed by the police” By Zena Henry Attorneyat -law, Parliamentarian and member of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), James Bond has joined calls to the local police force to act on the “rogue elements” that seem bent on perpetuating the agency’s negative image. The Attorney was commenting on the state of the force as he too engaged in the ongoing discussion about the poor treatment of citizens and the apparent lack of concern associated with having these ranks disciplined. Bond, prior to his call, pointed to the attitude and response of the police during the
NICIL claims Badal misled ... From page 18 financial sleight of hand by Badal was challenged by NICIL's representatives at the Stockfeeds 2011 AGM, Badal offered the specious explanation that Stockfeeds had not paid El Dorado Restaurants even though Stockfeeds cash at bank was in excess of $304M at the time he reversed the sale.” Brassington claims, too, that another transaction that invites explanation regarding Badal's stewardship as Chairman and Managing Director of GSI relate to his El Dorado Trading Company Ltd and National Edible Oils and Fats Inc (NEOFI) which purchased 4.2 acres of land at Farm from
a statement on the matter. Public Relations Officer, Allison Parker on Monday had promised a statement on the issue on Tuesday. A second call on Wednesday, Parker said that the company had not completed the statement. She told Kaieteur News that it is expected that it would be completed today. Lot Two of the road expansion was awarded to Gaico Construction to the tune of US$5,802,640. However, with the adjustments to the design, the contract may cost an additional US$800,000. In this section the contractor had to transform canefields into roadway. The layout for the roadway has been completed. The contractor has begun works to the existing East Bank Demerara Public Road. Meanwhile, BK International is executing works in Lot Three of the road project. The original contract sum for this section is US$3,444,060. The modifications in this section are costing Government approximately US$800,000. The cost for the modifications in Lot One is currently unknown.
GPC and Government in 1997 for US$540,000. “On NEOFI's failure to complete payments, on 10th April 2002, NEOFI (owned by Badal) assigned its rights, interests and obligations in the Agreement of sale for the land to GSI…In 2003, GSI issued a letter of Guarantee paying for the land and in 2003 the property was transferred to GSI.” Brassington claims that in the 2013 Annual Report, land disposal totalling $178M and equipment valued at $35M and sold for $139M were recorded without any notes or explanations. “Verbal indications revealed that Badal recorded and exited the property from GSI to himself.”
2011 protest where several persons, including himself, former army Chief of Staff Brig Eddie Collins, and other prominent public figures were shot with rubber pellets during a protest to have the local elections Commission verify Statements of Poll following the elections. On the weekly Nation Watch television programme aired Sunday on Channel Nine, the politician said “I honestly felt that I was going to be killed by the police.” He explained that the ranks in the execution of their duties opened fire on peaceful demonstrators and shot indiscriminately at young, old and very senior members of the society. He went on to explain that the problem in the police force is festering like an untreated cut on a leg, left to spread and infect the whole body. “Those rougue elements will spoil the whole body,” he charged. “They are criminals, worst than criminals. I have seen the horror that young men face.” Seventy-five year-old Sarah Johnson, Joan Baveghems, 10 year-old Johnny Mattis, his father and several other persons were shot with rubber bullets when they exercised what they said was their right to demonstrate. The police contended that the political demonstrators had no permission to do so, while Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee blamed the police for poor judgment of the situation. Bond’s back was peppered,
- James bond while others received injuries to the face and other parts of the body. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Winston Felix also gave his views on what is being described as “rogue elements” in the force, and urged that the police must seriously deal with these persons acting outside of the law and outside of the rules and regulations of the organization. The police have come under scrutiny by local stakeholders, citizens and politicians; especially on the opposition side. Several matters involving police misconduct, excess use of force and unprofessionalism have been re-surfacing as members of the police are once again in hot water for acts against citizens. This is especially so since the recent fall out of the
manslaughter case against two police ranks charged for the alleged accidental shooting of 21year-old Dameon Belgrave-- a bystander- at the White Castle Fish Shop in 2012. Allegations are that the wrong officers were knowingly charged, while the alleged shooter was made to testify in their pre-trial case. Lack of evidence caused the ranks to walk and the force has shifted blame on the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Russian roulette shooting of 15 year-old Alex Griffith, has also brought criticisms since the rank who was positively identified by the youth, is yet to face the courts. It is alleged that the teen witnessed a robbery committed against a relative of the cop who shot the teen in the mouth. Even Ronson Gray, who was
“If the police protect their own, who will protect the people from the rotten apples?”
injured during the 2003 police shooting that killed university student Yohance Douglas asked, “If the police protect their own, who will protect the people from the rotten apples?” He was calling on the public to be more vocal about Griffith’s shooting. The killing of Agricola youth Shaquille Grant; Lindeners Shemroy Bouyea, Ron Somerset and Allan Lewis, the alleged baton sodomy of Colwyn Harding and torture of then- 15year-old, Twyon Thomas whose private area was burnt; are just a few of the incidents resurfacing. Minister Rohee has also had his share of criticism for failing to straighten the security sector. He has however survived a no confidence vote in Parliament. He is now the General Secretary for the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Govt. rejects inquiry into police torture By Gary Eleazar Government last evening denied that there was any widespread reportage of acts of torture in Guyana by ranks of the Guyana Police Force or that there was any widespread acts of torture in Guyana and as such rejected a motion by Leader of the Political Opposition, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, which calls on the President to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the torture of persons by ranks of the Guyana Police Force, between 2006 and 2013 and to make recommendations to prevent a recurrence. The motion was approved nonetheless given the voting strength of the political opposition in the House. The debate which ran for several hours in the House saw presentations by Granger, former Commissioner of Police turned Parliamentarian, Winston Felix, James Bond, Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, Presidential Advisor, Gail Teixeira and Vice Chairman of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Moses Nagamootoo. Granger in calling for a vote on the motion, said that he hopes that the resolution is one that will actually be put into effect. ERADICATINGTORTURE He said that it was meant primarily to deal with the eradication of torture and identifying why torture has persisted over the years and asked why in 2014 there is still a need to be talking about it. Granger welcomed the condemnation by Teixeira in her presentation to the House and asked that she advocate for the President, Donald Ramotar, to set up the Commission. Names such as Alex Griffith, Colwyn Harding, Twyon Thomas, David Leander, Shaka Chase, Patrick Sumner, Victor Jones and a host of others who made blaring headlines alleging torture at the hands of the police, punctuated the
Opposition Leader, David Granger opposition presentations. Granger in presenting his motion for a debate yesterday in the National Assembly, pointed out that in a matter of days the nation will be celebrating its 48th Independence and questioned how far the nation has grown in relation to its police force. Granger, an ardent historian, reminded the House that the pre independence era was marred by police excesses under the colonial ranks. The colonial police force, he said, was used to repress the masses. With the attainment of independence, Granger posited that the nation looked forward to a time when police would protect and serve. “The independence we are about to celebrate ought to have been the start of an era of better relation between Government and the people, most of all we look forward to greater protection by the police but 48 years later we are at a time when CID interview room seem to be equipped with mentholated Spirits and matches and with condom covered batons… what is at stake is what kind of country we want…what is at stake is the future of our sons and daughters,” said Granger. 15 YEARS 15 REPORTS The soldier turned politician said that over the
Teen bonded after wounding friend - court hears
Seventeen-year-old labourer, Delroy White, who was charged with wounding his friend on May 17, last, was placed on $30,000 bail by Magistrate Faith McGusty. White pleaded not guilty to the offence, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate Court, on Tuesday. On May 17 at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he allegedly wounded Jermaine
La Black. He is being represented by Attorney-atLaw, Adrian Thompson, who requested bail in a reasonable sum for his client after he told the Court that the teenagers were friends and do not wish to proceed with the matter. However, when asked by Magistrate McGusty, La Black said he will go ahead with the matter against White. The matter has been adjourned to June 16.
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee
past 15 years there were 15 various reports and proposals for the reform of the Police Force such as Symonds Report, the Nation Border Security Committee, the National Steering Committee on Crime, the National Security Strategy, and a host of others. “Was the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) administration sincere or just fooling the nation…was it a hoax, was it a charade,” questioned Granger. According to Granger, 26 years ago Guyana ratified the UN convention against torture. As such “we are obliged to take effective measures to prevent acts of torture.” Granger lamented the words of former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who in addressing the issue of torture had said that “the situation warranted a certain response from the security force in confronting criminals.” According to Granger the “UN is ambiguous; regardless of the situation torture is a crime against humanity.” TORTURE CONDEMNED Teixeira who was the first government speaker, agreed that torture is reprehensible and must be condemned by all. She did however question why the Opposition leader would want to limit the inquiry to between 2006 and 2013. Teixeira questioned, too, why the Opposition would
want to limit the inquiry to the police force. The former Minister of Home Affairs, pointed to instances where following the 2001 election, polling agents were beaten and some even dragged off to Congress Place with sacks over their heads and beaten. She pointed too to the actions of the House of Israel, and the police driven by state to do reprehensible things between 1968 and 1992. The PPP stalwart said that while Guyana ratified the UN Convention in 1988 it was not until after 1992 that the country began making reports. Teixeira pointed to the fact that in 1985 when the Police Complaints Authority was established it had the highest numbers of complaints of police brutality ever. She was adamant that there are remedies domestically which must be utilized domestically by persons who feels they have been abused and pointed to the Police Complaints Authority, the Office of Professional Responsibility and the High Court. NOT GO TO THE MEDIA According to Teixeira “we have to teach our people to
use these and not go to the media where people feel that they were tortured.” She said that the reports of torture are isolated and as such questioned the need for a Commission of Inquiry. Teixeira was adamant that there is no policy of allowing for the use of torture adding that, “comments by a few individual does not give proof that it is a direction of the state…have the persons reporting torture used the domestic remedies.” “We have to stick to the constitution, anybody must have the strength and support by all the political parties to go before the court and whoever is found to be guilty feel the full brunt of law,” said Teixeira as she advocated for a strengthening of the Office of Professional Responsibility, the Police Complaints Authorities among others. Calling the use of torture penny wise and pound foolish since the statements extracted as a result would be thrown out of court; Felix supported the call for the Commission of Inquiry. According to the former Commissioner of Police, the motion seeks to direct the attention of the servants of the State to their legal obligations under customary international law and domestic legislation “so that the protection of the rights of all persons, nationals and non nationals can be respected and observed.” Felix in his presentation was adamant that “we need a professional police Force but we must point them to their shortcomings and take pertinent steps to rehabilitate them, but it takes a Government that is willing to abide by issues and requirements of good governance, to manage the redirection of the State
agencies which are under scrutiny.” FRIVOLOUS AND VEXATIOUS Attorney General Anil Nandlall called the motion frivolous and vexatious. He pointed to the fact that there was no proper documentation making a case for the widespread reports of torture and queried on what basis did the opposition leader want the President to invoke the law to establish an Inquiry. He too queried why the opposition would want to limit the inquiry to the police force and only between 2006 and 2013. “Why we can’t discuss the dozens killed during the crime spree? Were they not tortured? Is it an attempt for political mileage or an attack of the police force? “Why not a comprehensive motion to deal with it from the time of independence to now?” The Attorney General denied that there are not processes in place to deal with instances of excesses and pointed to the fact that compensation was paid to Twyon Thomas, the teen who had his genitals burnt while in custody but Felix shouted that the case against the police ranks had been dropped. Nandlall pointed out too that Colwyn Harding, the young man who alleged sodomy by a police rank using a baton, currently has two cases pending in the High Court. He added that for the first time in history there is a special court for constitutional violations, human rights one such being enshrined in the constitution. Nandlall was adamant that the current administration’s record on the protection of human rights is unquestionable.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday May 22, 2014
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
Kerry off to Mexico for talks on Venezuelan crisis
Secretary of State John Kerry shakes hands with Mexican Foreign Secretary Jose Antonio Meade as they pose for photographs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City, yesterday. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, Pool) MEXICO CITY (AP) — The State Department said yesterday the U.S. may have to take a larger role in trying to ease the crisis in Venezuela if a South American effort to broker talks between the government in Caracas and the opposition remains stalled. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was in Mexico to discuss potential next steps with officials there. The U.S. has supported regional efforts to reach a compromise. But a senior State Department official told reporters yesterday that the standoff needs to be resolved within days, or weeks at most, or risk the continued of violent unrest that has gripped Venezuela for months. The official said Kerry and Mexican officials are
expected to look at what more can each country do to help the regional talks and Washington may have to exert its influence with another country in the region which has stronger ties to Caracas. The official was not authorized to discuss the diplomatic plans by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. Congress is considering issuing sanctions against Venezuelan officials to punish them for human rights abuses. President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday lashed out at the prospect of U.S. sanctions, rejecting as “detestable” a Senate Foreign Relations Committee vote on Tuesday to allow the Obama administration to impose a visa ban and freeze the assets of Venezuelan officials who committed human rights
abuses. Regional governments have so far refused to back the U.S. calls for condemnation of Maduro’s government. Most instead are hopeful that a month-long mediation effort led by Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador, along with a representative of the Vatican, can ease tensions that have led to the deaths of at least 42 people on both sides since unrest began in February. Protests in recent weeks have died down as a result of the government crackdown and divisions within the opposition over whether to engage the government in negotiations. Still, frustration with Maduro’s government is rising as food shortages and galloping inflation erode support for his rule with his base among the poor.
Government says no devaluation of TT dollar PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government says there are no plans to devalue the local currency as the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) called for an end to the new system of foreign currency allocation that it claims could lead to the creation of a black market that would eventually lead to a devaluation of the local currency. Finance Minister Larry Howai told reporters that there was more than sufficient foreign reserves to deal with the needs of the country and that the foreign exchange reserves had continued to increase and was estimated at TT$10.3 billion (One TT dollar = US$0.16 cents), which was more than 12 months of import cover.
He said the issue was the new system put in place by the Central Bank. “As with all newlyestablished systems, there has been some negative reaction and some initial administrative problems,” he said. “I know that the Central Bank Governor (Jwala Rambarran) is now considering what are the things he needs to do in order to ensure that the market has the foreign exchange it needs at the time that it needs it. “Because it is a new system, it requires some behaviour change on the part of individuals. The Central Bank indicated to me that the system had a surplus of foreign exchange, but that is not what the business people are saying. “I think it is the way in which the foreign exchange is
now being shared up and divided up. And it is just a question of the Governor doing what is required to adjust the system. But from the point of view of additional foreign exchange, if he needed to put in additional sums, he can, because there is more than sufficient to meet the needs that exist in the market right now,” said Howai. At a news conference on Tuesday, the PNM said the Central Bank was attempting to fix a situation that had not been broken. “And the Governor of the Central Bank stands in his shoes and wonders,” Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley said, while his colleagues Colm Imbert and Dr Lester Henry labelled the Central bank governor as a square peg in a round hole.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday May 22, 2014
In cyber spying row, Chinese media call U.S. a ‘mincing rascal’
A combination photo shows five Chinese military officers who the U.S. has accused of cyber espionage. Top row: Sun Kailiang (L), Huang Zhenyu (R), bottom row L-R: Wen Xinyu, Wang Dong and Gu Chunhui in FBI released photos. REUTERS/FBI/Handout via Reuters BEIJING (Reuters) Chinese state media labeled the United States a “mincing rascal” and “high-level hooligan” yesterday in response to Washington charging five Chinese military officers with hacking U.S. companies to steal trade secrets. The indictment on Monday was the first criminal hacking charge the U.S. has filed against specific foreign officials, and follows a rise in public criticism and private confrontation between the world’s two biggest economies over cyber espionage. As a first response, China suspended a Sino-U.S. working group on cyber issues. In an editorial, the Global Times, an influential tabloid run by the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of China’s Communist Party, said this was the “right move, but we should take further actions.” “We should encourage organizations and individuals whose rights have been infringed to stand up and sue Washington,” the newspaper said. “Regarding the issue of
network security, the U.S. is such a mincing rascal that we must stop developing any illusions about it.” The Chinese-language version of the Global Times called the United States a “high-level hooligan”. Washington’s legal approach against China is “high-handed and hypocritical,” the People’s Daily said, citing media reports that the U.S. National Security Administration (NSA) spied on Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. “Suspending the operations of a bilateral group on cyber affairs is a reasonable start, but more countermeasures should be prepared in case Washington obstinately sticks to the wrong track,” state news agency Xinhua said in a commentary on Tuesday. “Otherwise, it should take full responsibility for the consequences of the farce that features itself as a robber playing cop.” On Wednesday, a senior Chinese internet security official cancelled an appearance at an American Chamber of Commerce event where he had been due to speak on “the current global deficit of trust on cybersecurity”. An organizer, who declined to be named, said Du Yuejin backed out of the event in Beijing “due to the sensitivity of the political environment, in particular related to the U.S. indictment.” In an editorial, the official English-language China
Daily newspaper said the U.S. indictment was “ill-advised, if not downright stupid.” The cyber spying charges are likely to further sour ties between China and the United States, already under strain from a range of issues, including human rights, trade disputes and China’s growing military assertiveness in contested seas. But, despite the colorful rhetoric, they are unlikely to permanently undermine a deeply entrenched relationship, said Duncan Clark, chairman of Beijingbased tech advisory BDA. “Bringing it into the public eye, as the FBI has done with these posters, will affect the theatre in the U.S. and China for the way in which we look at these relations,” he told Reuters, referring to the “Wanted” posters of the five Chinese charged. “But cyber attacks are only one element in a much broader economic relationship between the two countries. I think it would be unlikely that this one case would completely unravel over a decade of (China’s) WTO membership and a very deeply entrenched relationship between the two countries.” While China is unlikely to hand over the five officers charged, the indictment would prevent them from travelling to the U.S. or any country with an extradition agreement with the United States.
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
UDCA T20 Cricket at Maria Elizabeth...
Muritaro beat Maria Elizabeth Play in the Upper Demerara Cricket Association T20 cricket competition continued recently at Maria Elizabeth, whose team won the toss and invited Muritaro to take first strike. Muritaro, scored 126 all out in 15.5 overs with Nick Estwick 46, Devon Jones 18 and Ian Spencer 16. Bowling for Maria Elizabeth – B. Fredericks took 3 for 17, Shane Fiedtkou 2 for 10 and K. Jones 2 for 12. In their turn at the crease Maria Elizabeth could only muster 91 all out in 18 overs. Ryan Charles hit 25, Marlon Fredericks, Keon Fiedtkou and Kishan Jones all scoring 13. J. Jones with 3 for 11 and Nick Estwick 2 for 23 were the main wicket takers for winners Muritaro. In the Ladies 20/20 fixture, Maria Elizabeth clinched victory. taking 1st strike they amassed 178 for 7 in 20 overs with Nicole Alberts 69, Ina Charles 43 and Shellon Cadogan 21. Jennel Tampo 2 for 16 and Steffani Piggot 2 for 23 were the main wicket takers. In their turn at the wicket, Muritaro scored 142 for 9 in 20 overs with Tessa Couchman 28, Jennell Tampo 25 and Alisa Tampo 23; Shellon Cadogan 3 for 20 and Nichole Albert’s 3 for 13 were the wicket takers.
The large crowd in attendance was addressed by President Bradley Fredericks who along with other UDCA Officials assisted in distributing prizes and trophies. Meanwhile, in action at the Yarriah Ground Upper Demerara River –Young Achievers took first strike and made 167 all out in 20 overs with Shurland Peters scoring 43, Milton Fredericks 24 and Devon Griffith 23. In the Bowling Department for Yarriah, D. Jones had 3 for 30 and S. Spencer 3 for 41. In their turn at the wicket, Yarriah could only muster 143 all out in 18.3 overs with Denzil Peters scoring 65. Leon Adams 3 for 20 was the wicket taker for Young Achievers. Young Achievers won the game. On the distaff side – in a 10/10 fixture, Yarriah taking first strike made 46 runs in their 10 overs with Tasha Jones scoring 21. Yvonne Cadogan Bowling for Young Achievers in 2 overs captured 5 wickets for 2 runs, including a helmet-trick. Young Achievers responded with 50 runs for 1 wicket in 5 overs to win the game comfortably with Dina Charles scoring 31 runs and Tasha Jones getting the lone wicket to fall. UDCA’s Bradley Fredericks addressed the gathering and assisted in the presentation of prizes.
Thursday May 22, 2014 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) You may have problems with skin, bones, or teeth if you haven't been taking proper care of yourself. You will get drawn into groups that are not favorable to you. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Lighten up your serious attitude Involvement in financial schemes will be followed by losses. Romance will come through involvement with fundraising organizations. GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) You may find that someone you live with may be irritable; you're best to leave them alone. Don't gossip. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) It's a great day to attend social functions. This will not be the day to start new business ventures or make drastic changes in your career. Secret affairs will only lead to deception. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You can pick up additional responsibility that will lead to higher wages and a better position. You will not be pleased with family members who try to put demands on you when you just don't have the time. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Pursue outdoor activities or any physical exertion. Controversial subjects should be avoided at all costs.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Avoid getting involved with married individuals. Opportunities for romance will flourish through travel. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) You will have a childlike approach today, big hearted and full of spunk. Curb the impulse to make lavish purchases and maybe spend some time with good friends. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Try spending the day catching up on any responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Be careful not to overexert yourself. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.JAN. 20) However, you should be concerned about what they want in return. You can make career changes that may put you in a much higher earning bracket. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Things will be hectic and family members will be erratic. Rewards for past good deeds will be yours. Don't let your personal problems interfere with your professional responsibilities. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) This is not the day to be extravagant. Family outings that aren't expensive will be enjoyable and help strengthen ties. It's a favorable time for real estate, investments, and moneymaking opportunities to be successful.
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President Ramotar should think... From page 35 constitutional reform of any of its members, will want any changes in the running of any member organisation be done in the proper and democratic way as stated in the laws of the WICB and its parent body the International Cricket Council (ICC), who is against government involvement and dictates in the sport. In the name of Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, the Bill tabled in Parliament seeks to remedy this by establishing the boards as bodies corporate and conserves their status and operations. The Bill was the subject of much discussion by critical stakeholders within the cricketing fraternity, and was reviewed by a Special Select Committee of the National Assembly of Guyana. The members of the Select Committee are Christopher Jones, Joseph Harmon, Basil Williams, and Dr Rupert Roopnarine of APNU, Kemraj Ramjattan of the AFC, while Odinga Lumumba, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony and Neil Kumar represented the government. The Guyana Court of Appeal unanimously upheld the appeal filed by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and instructed the initial Trial Judge, Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang S.C., to issue the order nisi sought by the Cricket Board to quash the decision of the Minister of Sport, Dr Frank Anthony to disband the GCB. In its decision, the Court of Appeal, which was read by Acting Chancellor Carl A. Singh CCH, the Court also made short thrift of another decision of the Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang SC in Haniff v Ali, which was to the effect that the GCB was a legal nonentity and could not bring legal proceedings. The Court of Appeal agreed with Sanjeev Datadin acting for the GCB that the GCB was a private entity which received no Government funding to carry out its objectives. The Court of Appeal further ruled that the GCB could lawfully institute the proceedings which were before the Court and entitled to be heard. However, It is important to note that this Bill, in its present form; (a) disbands the existing Guyana Cricket Board- This was done by the Minister of Sport Frank Anthony and was challenged in the court. The CCJ and the local Court of Appeal pronounced on this matter and a hearing and decision is still pending in the High Court. (b) Awards all of the GCB assets to a new
entity- A matter was filed in the court by the AG Anil Nandalall claiming the assets of the GCB on a principle of Bona Vacantia. This is under challenge in the court. (c) Inserts the government IMC Constitution on the GCB, even though it was refused by its membership. This Bill, if made Law, overrules all the outstanding court proceedings and awards the government all the
relief it is seeking through the courts. Those Guyanese who earn a living from Cricket and the thousands who eagerly look forward to seeing Regional and International Cricket here will be the ones to suffer if cricket is removed from Guyana or a ban is imposed on its players. This could also result in both the PPP and APNU losing votes at the next National elections.
Ashkay Homraj... From page 32 23. Most promising cricketer- Kevlon Anderson 24. Fielder of the yearDominic Rikhi 25. Club’s role model of the year- Assad Fudadin 26. Worker of the yearMoonish Singh
27. Benefit of the yearRajiv Ivan 28. Runner up cricketer of the year- Shemaine Campbelle 29. Cricketer of the yearAkshay Homraj 30. Most committed cricketer- Dominic Rihki
Timehri advance after... From page 33 Supply upset defending champions St. Mary’s by 10 wickets to book a place in the semi finals. Saint Mary’s batted first
and made 51-3, with Makeva Hopkinson 17, Keyanna Samaroo 14 being their main scorers. Supply responded with 52 without loss. Michelle Marks slammed 48 (4x4,4x6).
Matthias is capable... From page 30 to do with developing the game? Aren’t employees fired for varying reasons such as being inefficient, unproductive, failing to satisfy his/her job description et al? It was no gossip or rumor about the FIFA US $1Million dollars (GY$200,000,000) it was uttered out of the mouth of the president to the various associations/public.
No such accustomed secrecy of the federation’s finances and when the forensic audited finances of the GFF are made public, that US $1 million will be seen as unimpressive. FIFA, CONCACAF and CFU are helping to rid the federation of individuals with devious plans and GOD is always in Charge. Jermaine Figueira.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday May 22, 2014
Letters to the Sports Editor <<< Letters to the Sports Editor <<< Letters to the Sports Editor
Disgruntled Harper, Bissoon Matthias is capable of defending his own case display their hypocrisy publicly DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me the opportunity to make some comments to a missive in your paper on the 16th May, 2014 titled “Some observations of football in Guyana”. The arguments put forward by this individual with regards to the constitutionality of congress, suspension, interim and other related issues raised in his letter, have already been adumbrated on by numerous authors including myself and they were already addressed. The author’s regurgitated arguments, do not in any way bring a degree of newness or an ounce of originality to this once popular discourse. I refuse to fall victim to his sorrowful, lackluster excuse of an attempt to re-ignite discussion on this non issue for the sole purpose of his edification. Time does not permit, isn’t it regrettable? Mr Editor, it is very interesting and amusing at the same time, that so many so-called authority and sage of the GFF constitution are now coming out of the shadows of woods and are awakened after twenty years from the abyss and unfathomable chasm of their ignorance, to give interpretations and make pronouncements on what they “assume” is politically correct. Where were all these people with their supposedly infinite wisdom on the constitution during the tyrannical and dictatorship rule of the previous administration? Are they now awakened from years of their restful abominable silence? What makes them so presumptuous and arrogant in the same breath to believe their understanding of the governing literature of the GFF is biblically correct and all others are wrong? It is nothing but amazing! Mr Editor, the primary reason that catapulted my
contribution to your pages was the paragraph of this missive mentioning my name. Firstly, this individual posited how I relentlessly pursue a case for Matthias. Mr Editor, this author certainly does not know of what he speaks and definitely does not know of the individual who is the President of GFF. Mr Matthias besides being labeled by the author as a “smooth talking and slick individual” does not need anyone to fight his battles for him, for he is most eminently qualified, experienced, knowledgeable and is certainly capable of making his own representation. And that was amply demonstrated time over and over again, in and out of the courts, at general council and at congress. What I humbly aspire to do is to bring some balance and objectivity to the discussions by providing facts, evidence and common sense. And as such, I do take this opportunity to restate and re-emphasize with the hope that this constant incorrect statement will cease to exist in the print media from the ink of all ill intended contributors, it was not Mr Matthias who suspended the executives of the UDFA, but rather the General Council of the GFF. Secondly, I am very much interested to unearth what is intended by a particular reference of the author in his letter by referring to me as “that Lindener”? Is it to suggest that I’m unpatriotic to my constituency. Then if that is his desired aim, let me take this opportunity to eradicate his insinuations and belief, I am first and foremost a Lindener, I always have been and will always be. I however refuse to neglect and denounce my intellect, logical reasoning and plain common sense to give my time and loyalty to a cause that is baseless and has
no merit, simply because of my geographical location. That is just pathetic. It is certainly because of this unintelligent way of thinking that causes our country’s politics to be dictated. For if most of the electorates during General Elections were to vote on “issues” and not “race”, this “Eldorado” of ours would be the most desired center piece of the Region and I dare say the world. Mr Editor, I find it rather devious, absurd and blatantly disrespectful for this individual to harbor such an incredulous notion and have the audacity to publicly suggest that I am not the author of my many letters to your publication. I believe he has miraculously mistaken me for one of the VP’s of the GFF who signs his name to letters he did not pen. Kindly permit me Mr Editor to emphatically state that all letters in the public domain with my name signed to them, it is “I” who wrote them. I challenge this individual not to join the crowd with spurious and unsubstantiated claims, to provide from his very interesting imagination which letter I would have penned that embodies what he suggests as” erratic, confusing and congested.” His request for my assistance to provide information as to whether the representatives from the UDFA were given a mandate to support Matthias, is nothing but ridiculous. If one is proposing that it is not so, then the burden of proof is on them to provide the evidence of their claim. Isn’t this a confused individual? In concluding, this individual posited that Mr. Matthias is destabilizing football, I am confident many will disagree. Tell me what does firing an employee has (Continued on page 25)
Buxton Carl Hooper fan club congratulates Govt & APNU for passage of cricket bill DEAR MR. EDITOR, The Buxton Cricket Club extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Guyana and the APNU for passing the cricket Administration Bill 2012, which is intended to assist in the resolution of ongoing problems in our cricket. This shows that we could achieve our goals with unity and togetherness. It is indeed shameful that the other party in Parliament,
Alliance For Change (AFC) did not support the Bill which is supposed to bring order back to our cricket chaos. The inclusion of Linden (Upper Demerara Cricket Association) is indeed a bold and necessary innovation. The AFC seems to be on a course of irrelevance with their inconsistent pattern of party politics. Essie Peters President
DEAR EDITOR, Here it is, we have two ‘administrators’ directing their hypocritical and vile comments and ridicule against the Guyana Cricket Board, a body that they have both made vain attempts to hijack and overthrow through democratic, legal and other means. They now feel satisfied with the passage of the lopsided Cricket Bill. They have achieved all of their expectations through their political friends on both sides of the divide, a result they could not have accomplished through the democratic and legal processes. Only Time will tell! These two gentlemen head up the Georgetown and East Coast Cricket Associations in Demerara and have not held democratic elections and AGMs for their respective bodies for several years now, yet still they have the gall to ridicule other democratic entities. These said two goodly gentlemen are personally responsible for the current mess that cricket administration finds itself in, when they illegally decided to hold a parallel DCB AGM in January 2011. The action heralded the slew of court actions that erupted thereafter. Harper has not held proper elections for a few years now and has extended his term in Office by almost one whole year since he chose not to face the electorate in his area whilst bullying the membership into submission and providing ineligible and phantom clubs with voting rights. In a further attempt to retain his position as head of the GCA, Harper tried to overthrow Mr. Mentore at the DCC elections last month with
the same tactics, but was strongly resisted by the members and was thus unsuccessful. Roger Harper should be the last person to comment on the issue of administration as he once claimed that he never saw a copy of the GCA constitution after being in office for over a year. He has scheduled the GCA elections late twice in the last 5 years. The following year he unilaterally decided to extend his term of office, then this year he forgot to summon his AGM in January and subsequently decided to have it in November. The GCA Clubs need to ask themselves if such administration by Harper can be tolerated. Can Harper lecture anyone on cricket administration with such a record? Bissoondyal has not held elections since April 2011, when only FOUR of the THIRTEEN clubs were invited to that AGM and, in 2012, decided that he will extend his term of office to two years and has not held any Elections since. These barefaced individuals, with their slick modus operandi, continue to rule these Associations without a mandate from the membership but from their respective egos and agendas. The Clubs on the East Coast need to call their AGM immediately and not allow Bissoondyal to bully them and produce alternate clubs for each of the clubs that refuse to support him. That is his plan which he is publicly stating. The Enmore Cricket Club has been providing leadership and support for the youths on the East Coast while Bissoondyal continues to bask in his
delusions of grandeur. Bissoondyal likes to mouth off about the strength of the cricketers produced in certain areas but has chosen to ignore the facts about the true strength of cricket in these areas has nothing to do with his or his colleagues’ stewardship, but the strength and ability of the hardworking Clubs in those areas. These Clubs continue to work hard to produce quality cricketers and should be further congratulated for maintaining their silence and motor on with their good work. But someone needs to highlight these barefaced falsities by these boisterous egomaniacs. Prior to his appointment as Attorney General, Mr Nandlall and his law firm had lost several legal matters during his representation of this disgruntled group. But ever since he was catapulted into that position of power, he quickly manoeuvred himself into the drafting of this legislation and, together with Minister Anthony, marshalled the passage of this biased Bill through Parliament with the primary perceived intention of overturning all the decisions which were not favourable to him and his clients. As expected, this Bill has been contested by the GCB since submissions containing its proposals and critique of the Bill to the Parliamentary Select Committee have been totally ignored by that body. There are numerous illegalities and inconsistencies within the Bill but it suits the purposes of the hijackers. There are also still several matters pending in the courts. Former cricket official
UDCA applauds APNU & Govt for the cricket bill DEAR EDITOR, The Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) wishes to express its profound appreciation to A Party for National Unity (APNU) and the PPP Government for combining their efforts on 17th May, 2014 to pass the Cricket Administration Bill 2012. This gesture shows that much could be achieved if the will is there. We applaud the effort since the Bill paves the way for: 1. Free and fair elections. 2. Proper accountability. 3. Resolution of the ongoing cricket crisis and 4. More importantly, offers the opportunity for our youngsters to participate meaningfully in the promotion, and development of cricketers and cricket within our region and
ultimately our country. In recognizing the importance of this landmark legislation and what it means to our region which has been ostracized for too long, we once again thank both the Government and APNU for their obvious interests. It is however extremely disappointing that the AFC abstained from the process, although they have always been very vocal on matters pertaining to accountability, legality, order, free and fair elections etc, all of which the cricket Administration Bill 2012 seeks to correct within our shambolic cricket arena. This Policy inconsistency of the AFC leaves one to wonder if there is any sincerity in their many articulations. Bradley Fredericks President UDCA
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
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BC B/Berbice Chambers Independence T20 Cup 2014...
ORGANISING COMMITTEE All roads lead to Albion as Sentinel intensifying preparations - Hope Security joins sponsorship team
Sentinel Security joins a long list of sponsors as the lighting towers are mounted at the famous Albion Sports Complex for the BCB/ BCC&DA Guyana’s Independence T20 Cup 2014 to be held on Sunday May 25, 2014. This edition promises to be the biggest ever, it will for the first time be played under international quality floodlights. There will be two semifinals with Berbice ‘A’ taking on Berbice ‘B’ from 11:00am followed three hours later by Georgetown Cricket Association taking on BK East Coast Jaguars. The winners will battle in the final from 7:00pm under lights for bragging rights, trophies and cash incentives. Preceding the final will be a feature softball match between Oldenhoff Carriers and D’Edward of West Berbice. As usual, proceeds from this event will go to several charitable organizations, schools and cricket clubs. The BCB and BCC&DA will share the balance equally to fulfill their respective mandates. This gala event will form part of the Region’s celebration for Independence and will surely boost local tourism in the County since many fans from Suriname are expected. At a simple ceremony held recently, Mrs. Priya Rampersaud representing Mrs. Noreen Gaskin of Sentinel Security Inc handed
Priya Rampersaud of Sentinel Security Inc hands over the cheque to Cosmatia Lindie.
the sponsorship cheque to Cosmatia Lindie. She said that her company is pleased to be part of this charitable event and was impressed with what they have seen over the years. She indicated that the company will always support sports, cricket in particular. She wished the youngsters well as they display their talent. Miss Lindie thanked Sentinel Security Inc for coming on board again and in such a big way and promised that the tournament will be pleasing to all. Other sponsors on board so far are: Courts Guyana Inc, Demerara Bank Limited, Republic Bank Limited, Greenidge Refrigeration, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph, Hand In Hand Insurance Company, Raffik and Sons Construction,
Bisoondyal Singh of Elizabeth Style, ENetwork, Sunshine Supermarket, Danzies Clothing and Auto Sale, Geddes Grant, Nand Persaud of Karibee Rice, Trophy Stall, Advance Agri, A Ally and Sons, Ashiek and Son Spare Parts and Auto Sale, Demerara Distilleries Limited, Banks DIH, Ansa McAl, Ishmael Poultry, Geddes Grant, Ainlim, New Building Society Ltd, Ramesh Maraj, NPG, Furniture World, Poonai Pharmacy, Zai Auto Paint, Balram Shane and Jayzee of the USA. The organisers recently learnt that two clubs affiliated with the Berbice Cricket Board, Albion and Port Mourant have withdrawn their players. A source from the BCB said that although the board is disappointed, they are not surprised.
Semi-finalists decided for Trinidad and Guyana Sports Club, Outreach U-13 football Two more teams scored victories when play continued with a double header on Tuesday in the annual Trinidad and Guyana Sports Club and Outreach Programme (TGSCOP) U-13 Inter Secondary School football competition being played in the NA/Canje district. The competition which is in its fifth year is being held in collaboration with the Hearts of Oak Masters Football club. All matches are being played at the All Saints Scott Church Ground in New Amsterdam. Results of the games played show - Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) blanking Canje Secondary School 3-0 with Dwayne Alleyne hitting home a double and Troy Munroe
scoring one. The next scheduled encounter saw Tutorial Academy Secondary School (TASS) gaining a walk over from New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary (NAMS). The semi-finals were set for yesterday with BEI taking on TASS in the first match. The second semi will bring together Berbice High School (BHS) and Vryman’s Erven Secondary (VESS). The final and third place play off are set for tomorrow. The top school will receive the Trinidad and Guyana (T&G) Sports Club and Outreach Programme trophy and 15 gold medals, while the runner up will collect a trophy and 15 silver medals. Trophies and other incentives will also
be given to the other participating teams. A number of individual prizes will also be presented including the most valuable player, best striker, best defender, best midfielder, best goal keeper, most promising player(s), and most goal scorer. Players will also be presented with jerseys, trunks, shin pads, hoses, boots, balls among other things. The competition is sponsored by Isaac Daniel a resident of Trinidad and a regular visitor of Guyana who started to organize the activities some 10 years ago. President of TGSCOP is June Britton. Former national ball weavers Neil “Grizzly” Humphrey and Kenrick Bowry are the coordinators. (Samuel Whyte)
- Launch to be held outside G/town Sponsorship and Events Manager of Digicel, Gavin Hope ,speaking recently confirmed that the Organising Committee responsible for putting all the systems in place for the hosting of this year’s Schools Football Tournament has intensified preparations and he expects all the preliminary work to be completed in time for the June 6 Launch. Hope, who has been involved in the tournament since its conception four years ago, said that because the company has consistently attempted to lift the all-round standard of the competition every year, the Organising Committee has already hosted three coaching workshops with another one scheduled to be held shortly. The former sprinter and national hockey player, in commenting on the response to the workshops, said he was encouraged by the level of interest and enthusiasm exhibited by representatives of the schools listed to participate in this year’s competition. “We are heartened by the level of interest; we’ve seen in all the areas a good turnout. In two of the areas we’ve visited we had in excess of 35 persons, which is excellent,
taken into consideration some areas have five and six schools participating. For example, in Lethem we have seven schools, Berbice is much more, but we had in excess of 35 persons. We certainly look forward to similar turnouts in the other areas,” Hope mentioned. He said one of the changes to be made this time is to have the Launch done outside of Georgetown which had hosted it for all three previous years. He, however, was not able to confirm in which Region the Launch will be held. Hope reminded that the tournament is not a Georgetown-based event only; adding that it is played in every region in Guyana and the wish of the Management is to take it to some other community outside of Georgetown and get more persons involved. Tournament Co-ordinator Lavern Fraser-Thomas in her remarks said the number of schools that already confirmed participation to date is in the vicinity of last year’s total, while many more are anticipated to submit their registration forms sometime this week. She articulated the Company’s plan which is to have games played at new
Gavin Hope venues, ultimately aimed at providing other communities the opportunity to display their way of life, natural features and diversity to participants in the competition. “We’ve started our work very early, visiting several new locations and doing inspections of their facilities to verify their capability and readiness to host matches. Schools are basically getting an opportunity to benefit twofold by participating in the biggest junior football tournament locally,” FraserThomas noted. Among the new places that they have visited with the hope of staging matches are Santa Rosa in Region One; Wowetta in Region Nine; Siparuta and Orealla in Region Six and Hauraruni and St. Cuthbert Mission in Region Four.
Softball action set for Lusignan on Sunday
Nandalall Singh (left) of Pristine Water presents one of the trophies to Azad Mohamed, while Jameer Mohamed (far right) of Jam’s Car Rental and Ravindra Mahabal of P Y taxi service display the other prizes. Lusignan Community Centre ground will be the venue for a seven-a-side softball tournament on Sunday. Teams will battle in two categories; the major and minor league. The victorious team in the major league will take home a trophy and $25,000 and the runner up a trophy. In the minor league the first place team will collect a trophy and $10,000 and the
runner up a trophy. The man of the match in the finals, best bowler and batsman will also be rewarded. Among the sponsors are Pristine Purified Water of Mon Repos Market, Jam’s car Rental, PY Taxi Service, Toney Craft, R and S Seafood’s, Toney Boat Builder of Mon Repos and AR Auto Sales. Registration commences at 09:00 hrs on Sunday
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Kaieteur News
Thursday May 22, 2014
RHTYSC 24th Annual Awards Ceremony...
Ashkay Homraj, Shemaine Campbelle and Rajiv Ivan are outstanding performers Guyana’s leading youth and sport organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club on Sunday last hosted its 24th annual awards ceremony at the St. Francis Xavier Training Centre. Dozens of its outstanding members were honoured along with outstanding teachers, retired teachers and several others as the RHTYSC hosted what one Awardee described as a gala international event. National under-19 player Askay Homraj was named Mohamed’s Enterprise cricketer of the year and carried home over $600,000 worth of prizes including an airline ticket to the USA compliments of Travel Span, $200,000 cash from Mohamed’s Enterprise, electronic tablets, designer clothing and watches, household items, bicycle among others, while West Indies female star Shemaine Campbelle carried home close to $200,000 worth of prizes as the runner up cricketer of the year. National player Rajiv Ivan received $100,000, West Indies medallion compliments of King’s Jewellery World for his benefit year and at the next award ceremony would receive a financial grant from the RHTYSC. The ceremony, which was chaired by the Secretary of the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Youth Club Ms. Veronica Narain, was well organised and heard a comprehensive report of the RHTYSC from Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster. The veteran secretary, who delivered a powerful report despite not being physical well, described the period January 2013 to May 2014 as a highly successful one despite numerous
The awardees pose with RHTYSC Secretary Hilbert Foster (right) and other officials. challenges. The club was able to successfully complete 200 programmes/activities and a total of eleven of its members represented Guyana at the different levels. Special emphasis was placed on the pro-education an anti-suicide message, while numerous organisations received assistance from the RHTYSC including the sharing out of $1M worth of school bags to less fortunate students and the distribution of $5M worth of educational footwear and hygiene materials. The RHTYSC also sponsored 32 sport tournaments in Berbice and assisted over 40 sporting organisations with gear, uniforms and stationery. Among the numerous other projects undertaken were annual cricket academy, annual summer camp, annual magazine, tribute to heroes, maths camp, mother of the year, Basil Butcher cricket trust fund, western union
Sparta FC hosts Independence Day 5-a-side Futsal Tournament Close to $600,000 in prize money will be up for grabs when the Sparta Football Club hosts an Independence 5-aside Knockout Football Competition, starting on Sunday, at the Sparta Turf on Go-Slow Avenue. According to a release from the Organisers, the competition will be held over three days with Monday, May 26 and Friday, May 30, being the other designated
playing days. The winning team will take home $300,000, 2nd place- $150,000 and 3plce$100,000. However, the grudge match that features Sparta Bosses and August Beverages for a winner take all $4million is the highlight of the day’s activities. The tournament is being sponsored by August Beverages, Sparta Bosses and Moncherri Beauty Salon.
Junior cricketer trust fund, Ansa McAl award of excellence and Gregory Gaskin award for sports. President of the RHTYSC Keith Foster hailed the achievements of the club from a simple one into Guyana’s leading one and noted that every member of the RHTYSC should be proud of its progress over the years. The president traced the struggles of the club since its formation in 1990 and noted that it took dedication and hard work to make the club what it is today, an institute of excellence. Other speakers at the event included President of the Guyana Teacher’s Union Mark Lyte, former West Indies test legend Basil Butcher and Father Ramesh Vanan of the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Youth Club. They all praised the outstanding work
of the RHTYSC and for the positive difference it is making in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate. Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill delivered a brilliant feature address which resulted in a standing ovation from a packed audience. Bishop Edghill spoke widely of the importance of discipline, hard work and how to achieve goals you have set for yourself. The Minister used his own personal background and upbringing to inform his attentive audience that every goal could be achieved with forward and progressive thinking. He praised the management of the RHTYSC for their visionary leadership and stated that he was delighted to be present to see firsthand the outstanding
work of an organisation he has read a lot about. He challenged the management and members of the club to always strive to uphold the high standards they have set themselves and to share their vast experience with others as many view the RHTYSC and its membership as positive role model. The club also used the opportunity to unveiled major plans for its upcoming silver anniversary celebration in 2015 and the hosting of a county wide scrabble tournament. The club during the ceremony also hosted the tribute to heroes, tribute to retired teacher and tribute to teachers programme. The full list of the awardees for the RHTYSC 24th annual awards ceremony is: 1. Farfan and Mendes under 15 batsman 2013-B.
Yadram 2. Farfan and Mendes under 15 bowler 2013Brandon Corlette 3. Farfan and Mendes under 15 cricketer 2013- B. Yadram 4. Bake well under 17 batsman- Brandon Prasad 5. Bake well under 17 bowler- Azam Khan 6. Bake well under 17 cricketer- Brandon Prasad 7. Pepsi under 19 batsmanAkshay Homraj 8. Pepsi under 19 bowlerKeon Sinclair 9. Pepsi under 19 cricketerAkshay Homraj 10. Metro female batsmanShemaine Campbelle 11. Metro Female bowlerErva Giddings 12. Metro female cricketerShemaine Campbelle 13. Bake well second division batsman- Devin Baldeo 14. Bake well second division bowler- S. Shameer 15. Bake well second division cricketer- S. Shameer 16. Gizmos and Gadgets first division batsman- Rajiv Ivan 17. Gizmos and Gadgets first division BowlerClinton Pestano 18. Gizmos and Gadgets First division cricketerRajiv Ivan 19. Most discipline male player Kumar jeer 20. Most discipline female player- Shabika Gajnabi 21. Most committed Member- Plaffina Millington 22. Most improve Cricketer- Veeramootoo Senwasie (Continued on page 29)
High Court injunction granted against GCB as cricket saga rolls on A matter in the Supreme Court before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious (in chambers) yesterday, Plaintiffs; Keith Foster, Anil Beharry, Hubern Evans, Julian Cambridge, Angela Haniff, Raymond Haniff, Romash Munna and Shabeer Baksh were granted an injunction restraining Defendants: Dru Bahadur, Fizul Bacchus, Alfred Mentore, Anand Sanasie, Virendra Chintamanie, Anand Kalladeen, Rajesh Singh, Rajendra Singh, Colin Europe, Andy Ramnarine, Lalta Digamber, Ramdeo Kumar,
Rayon Griffith, Nazimul Drepaul and Savitri Persaud from acting as agents of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). The Ex-parte Application by way of Affidavit for Angela Haniff was filed on the 22nd day of March, 2013, while Anand Sanasie filed an Affidavit on the 11th day of July, 2013 in response, with Haniff responding on the 27th day of January, 2014, was heard by Justice Kurtzious, who ruled that the above mentioned Defendants… ‘by themselves their servants and or agents acting collectively or
individually or howsoever, be restrained and an injunction be and is hereby granted restraining the defendants…from holding themselves out as the office holders and/or representatives of the Guyana Cricket Board or from performing any act or function for and on behalf of the said Guyana Cricket Board or from discharging in any manner whatsoever any of the duties and or obligations of the Guyana Cricket Board until the hearing and determination of the action...’ They have been also
injuncted…‘from holding themselves out as representatives of the West Indies Cricket Board until the hearing and determination of the action herein and it is further ordered that this matter do take its normal course.’ A stay of execution of this ruling has however been granted for the defendants to file an appeal. The latest matter is one of several attracting the attention of the Courts as the power struggle among the various factions for control of the GCB continues.
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
MCYS/NSC Windball- East Bank zone
Timehri advance after thumping Kuru Kuru
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CSV/BVF course underway
D
efending male champions T i m e h r i advanced to the next round of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport/National Sports Commission Al Sport and Tour Promotions Schools Windball tournament after defeating one time champions Kuru Kuru. Timehri batted first and scored 44-2, with De Andra Sam scoring 21. Nkosi Morris took 2 wickets for Kuru Kuru who were restricted to 35-4 in reply. Orin Solomon claimed two scalps. Soesdyke overcame St. Mary’s by two runs. St. Mary’s took first strike and scored 50-2. Neron Barrow stroked 49 (6x4,3x6). Saint Mary’s replied with 48-5 with Brandon Edwards scoring 15. In the female division, Soesdyke got the better of Ti m e h r i b y 1 2 r u n s . Soesdyke scored 47-2, batting first. Tenisha Barrow made 14 and Shantevia Harris 10. Timehri managed 35-1 in reply. Grace Layne got 13. (Continued on page 29)
Facilitator Cimino Carlos makes a point to the participants at the clinic.
Michelle Marks
Neron Barrow
W
ith the aim of improving the game locally, the South American Volleyball (CSV) in conjunction with the G u y a n a Vo l l e y b a l l Federation (GVF) has embarked on a six- day basic referee international course which commenced yesterday at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue. The programme is geared to enhance the technical aspect of the game at all levels. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, technical director of the GVF, Marlon Pearson, said that every team that represents Guyana must
Players’ union sues FIFA over kick-off times
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A O PA U L O , Brazil (AP) — The Brazilian federation of professional athletes is demanding FIFA change the start times of more than a third of World Cup matches because of the heat and humidity in Brazil. The federation said Tuesday it filed a lawsuit asking FIFA to change kickoff times of all 24 matches that are scheduled for 1:00 pm local time (1600 GMT). It wants all matches starting no earlier than 4:00 pm (1900 GMT) to avoid subjecting players to the “risks” of playing in “intense heat”. The federation based the request on local labour regulations and on a study conducted by a renowned Brazilian sports doctor, Turibio Leite. The study was a request by the Brazilian athletes’ federation and FIFPro, the international football players’ union. In a statement, the professional athletes’ federation said that, as an
alternative, it would accept that matches are stopped for two minutes in each half so players can take water breaks to get hydrated. F I FA d i d n o t immediately respond to a request for comment, but it had already said that it would allow breaks depending on weather conditions. Football’s governing body last year altered the starting times of seven matches in the most hot and humid host cities. At the time, FIFPro had been accusing FIFA of considering “the demands of
TV companies of greater importance than the health and safety of the players”. It will be winter in Brazil during the World Cup, but it may be hot and humid in many of the 12 host cities, especially in the northeastern and northern regions. There was special concern with the jungle city of Manaus, where humidity is expected to significantly affect players’ performances. Coaches of several teams, including England, had said they wanted to avoid playing in the city because of the harsh weather conditions there.
have a fully qualified referee adding that is also important that each club has someone who can interpret the rules. Pearson stated that he is pleased with the interest shown by the participants. “We have participants from as far as Lethem, Corentyne, Buxton as well as members of the Guyana Defense and Police Forces. After the conclusion of this workshop, they are expected go back to their community and share their knowledge with members of their associations and clubs
which will prepare them for another course we will conduct later this year which will be of a higher level and also includes coaching”, he added. Kaieteur Sport was made to understand that several teachers were unable to attend the clinic because they were not given the necessary time off. But it is hoped that they can join shortly which will be of tremendous benefit to the schools. The seminar is being facilitated by Regional Vo l l e y b a l l F e d e r a t i o n
President and FIVB referee Cimino Carlos of Brazil. In an invited comment Carlos said that the CSV is developing a programme for all national federations in the technical aspect for coaches, referees and organizers. “It is important for everyone to have the same interpretation of the rules”, he argued. “I hope that the participants will be well equipped and will take the lessons learnt to their various bodies so that the game will reach another level”, Carlos informed.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday May 22, 2014
GBA takes sport to interior community as expansion programme continues
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hey have taken the sport to Linden and Berbice in open air affairs and only recently they have staged the National Novices boxing championships on California Square, East Ruimveldt. The objective is to popularize boxing by bringing it into the respective communities countrywide. Now the executive of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has decided to venture further afield and on Saturday May 24 next, a team of boxers out of the Essequibo, the Forgotten Youth Foundation and Harpy Eagles boxing gyms will venture into region 8 when organizers from that region collaborate with the GBA for a one night amateur boxing card dubbed ‘Independence Boxing S h o w d o w n ’ a t Vi d y a ’s Courtyard Mahdia. The media was summoned to the Main Street office of President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle where one of the organizers, Mark Young disclosed that the idea was hatched
of the organizers saying that the initiative merged with the projection of his executives to decentralize the sport from along the coast. He further said that the Mahdia initiative is historical and revealed that his executive will next take the sport to Buxton this monthend where several boxers out of St Lucia might be on show. GBA Vice President, Eustace Cuffy echoed the sentiments of his President and reiterated that the GBA’s intention is to popularize the sport by taking it to the many communities countrywide. GBA Tournament Director, Terrence Poole, was enthused by the initiative and also lauded the organizers for their interest in the development of GBA President, Steve Ninvalle (2nd L) poses with the trophies for the boxing. Mahdia initiative with L-R Terrence Poole, Mark Young and Eustace Cuffy He said that based on the compilation of the boxers travelling to the interior to support the wider agenda of the card will support the formation of the card received supported from GBA. He said that the organizers the gym. C e l l P h o n e S h a c k , w h o s e community, fans could brace are also contemplating the Mr. Young said that he is proprietor has donated one cell themselves for a night of fistic fury. formation of a boxing gym in indebted to Minister of the Tourism phone for the most promising boxer In total, eleven boxers from the Mahdia and this initiative is the (ag), Irfaan Ali, who has promptly on show, and Trophy Stall, for the aforementioned gyms will travel to Mahdia for the one night of solid first step towards this objective. a c q u i e s c e d t o s u p p o r t t h e input of trophies and medals. He said funds accrued from the programme. He also disclosed that Mr. Ninvalle lauded the efforts fistic entertainment.
Simmons ton pushes Mumbai to fifth ESPNcricinfo - Lendl Simmons walked in with a strike-rate of 115 this season. It would have been adequate considering Mumbai Indians’ target was a relatively unchallenging 157. But he had other responsibilities to fulfill: Mumbai’s chances at a playoff spot not only depended on wins in every match they play, they would also need to drub their oppositions. He responded with the first century of the season, lifting Mumbai to as high as fifth in the table. Mumbai did waver from their course as the need to gain points on run-rate took a backseat to Simmons’ landmark. His own nervousness contributed to a lull in scoring and sympathetic teammates, including the big-hitting
Kieron Pollard - blocked for him. The chase was well under their control and victory could have been theirs well earlier but they waited for Simmons. Once the necessary single was taken calmly through square leg, Pollard immediately slammed the final ball of the 19th over into the crowd beyond long-on. Simmons drew impressive power from swift hands and a steady base. The cut was a frequent source of boundaries as he accounted for 55 of the opening partnership’s 68. Kings XI Punjab were unable to keep to one side of the wicket which allowed Simmons to unleash an array of slog-sweeps and lashes down the ground to maintain a runrate of nearly 10 for the majority of their innings, well north of the
requisite 7.85. In the midst of a indifferent season, Mumbai have beaten the most dominant team twice and that confidence will be vital as they still need to win their two remaining games by a considerable margin to stay alive. A combination of strength and timing allowed Simmons to ease into his innings. Most of his strokes ended with an audacious flourish and it was clear that he knew and vehemently backed his strengths. At the presentation, he picked the slog-sweep as his favourite shot but there were better picks on offer. Sandeep Sharma was unable to conjure any swing and was bashed for three fours - cut through point, drilled past mid-on and scythed beyond extra cover’s reach - in the
PORT MOURANT TURF CLUB, JUMBO JET HORSERACE MEET OFF
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he horserace meet organized by the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Business Enterprise which was slated for this Sunday, 25 May, has been postponed. A new date has not been finalized as yet, but the organizers are looking at a date in July. Seven races were set for the day which had over $6M in cash, trophies and other incentives up th
for grabs. The events were feature D class over 1500 M and a hefty winners money of $1M and trophy. The other races that were listed are the event for Three-Year-Old Guyana and West Indies bred horses, the race for Four-Year-old animals bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies, an event for horses classified G3 and lower. There were also races for animals classified H1 and lower, ‘I 1’ and
Lower while the final event was for animals classified J and Lower. Details on the new date and other related issues can be had by contacting Chandu Ramkissoon on telephone number 624-9063/2320633, Kris Jagdeo on numbers 6246123/ 322-0369, Rajendra (Jim-Jo) Jagdeo on 618-7278, Ramnauth on numbers 337- 5311 / 697-1979, Sancho on 690-0569 or Romell Jagroop on number 624-1798.
very first over. Spin did not trouble him either as he managed singles and interspersed them with boundaries borne from good footwork. Virender Sehwag had been similarly adventurous when Kings XI were asked to bat. His see-ball-hit-ballforget-about-feet method fetched 23 runs after two overs, but a freak run-out left Sehwag ruing another start not capitalised on. Manan Vohra and Shaun Marsh, playing his first game of the season in place of the rested David Miller, weathered a brief spell of swing with the new ball. Their prudence was rewarded when spin was introduced. There were cracks on the Mohali pitch, but initial waywardness from Shreyas Gopal and Pragyan Ojha cost 51 in four overs. With their most potent weapon, Glenn Maxwell, still in the shed, Kings XI were primed for another assault. But as had happened in the previous encounter between the two sides, the middle order was stymied and then sent back. Krishmar Santokie broke the 64run stand for the second wicket as Marsh holed out. Gopal’s legspin
Lendl Simmons
was persisted with and the gamble proved dividends as Vohra and Maxwell were pried out. A slow pitch and a sudden dearth of big-hitters pushed Kings XI into a prolonged state of caution. Noticeable acceleration took as late as the 18th over and George Bailey strove towards a score that might offer some justice to their start. The eventual 156 did not, nor was it good enough. Scores: Mumbai Indians 159 for 3 (Simmons 100*) beat Kings XI Punjab 156 for 8 (Bailey 39, Vohra 36, Gopal 2-32) by seven wickets.
Thursday May 22, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 35
President Ramotar should think carefully before signing Cricket Bill The Bill becoming Law could have serious repercussions for Cricket in Guyana By Sean Devers President of Guyana Donald Ramotar should think carefully before affixing his signature to the Guyana Cricket Bill which was passed in the National Assemble last week, making the piece of legislation Law. Legal minds have informed Kaieteur Sports that there is no specific time frame for the President to sign the Bill to make it Law, adding that he is not mandated to sign the piece of legislation if he has doubts about its contents. One of the provisions in the Bill stated that the “rules, regulations, bylaws and constitutions of the former Guyana Cricket Board are replaced by the (IMC) Constitution of a new entity also called the Guyana Cricket Board” and further that “each and every office established under the rules, regulations, bylaws and constitutions of the former Guyana Cricket Board shall cease to exist at the commencement of this Act.” It further states that ‘every office established under the constitution, rules, regulations and by laws of a former county Board shall continue to exist on and after the commencement of this act, subject to the right of a County Board to make amendments thereto as may be necessary’. H o w e v e r, t h e n e w constitution gives Demerara an extra vote from Linden which begs the question ‘If Essequibo and Berbice are allowed to keep their present constitution, why is the Demerara Constitution different from the one passed by its membership? This provision was at the crux of the cricket impasse as the WICB says it will not recognise any dissolution of the GCB. If this contentious Bill becomes Law the WICB will surely not contravene the Law of a Sovereign Nation but could remove all WICB controlled cricket from Guyana and ban its players from all levels of West Indies teams. T h e Te s t M a t c h , scheduled for June 26 at Providence and the 24-day Regional under-19
tournament slated for Guyana in August could also be in Jeopardy. It is also understood that the present GCB and the Guyana Government have already submitted a bid during next year’s tour to the West Indies by England for matches to be played in Guyana. This could generate Millions of tourism dollars which will be of tremendous b e n e f i t t o G u y a n a ’s economy. All of this could be lost if the Bill is made Law. The WICB and the ICC disagree with government intervention in cricket and would not be involved if a minister of Government, even by an act of parliament, takes control of one of its members. The Sports Minister will have limited power in that he is only authorized to create the position of a Cricket Ombudsman, who will be tasked with the responsibility of verifying and registering clubs; he or she will have ample time to verify legitimacy of clubs. But well placed sources opined that Dr. Anthony, like any good Politician, would install someone who is loyal to him which could ultimately mean that he will ‘run things’ without being directly involved. “In fact the WICB made submissions to the committee, none of which was taken into account,” claimed a WICB source. Another contentious issue in the Bill is the ‘Transfer of Rights’ which states that all assets and rights of an existing entity be seized and place it in the hands of another without compensation. It was also noted that the GCB President can never be a WICB Director since the Bill mandates that the GCB President and the VicePresident (Cricket Development) or Chairman of the Senior Selection Panel be Guyana’s representatives to the WICB. However since 2012 the WICB has mandated that none of its directors can represent their territorial boards. The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) was founded in 1943, taking over control of cricket in all Guyana from the Georgetown Cricket
President Donald Ramotar Club. This followed the formation of the Berbice Cricket Board in 1939. Before 1943, cricket was run by the BCB in Berbice and the Essequibo Cricket Committee in Essequibo. Berbice had 2 votes in the GCB - the same number as a Georgetown first division club. In 1969 the Berbice votes were increased to 3 when the rules were changed so that the BCB Chairman of Selectors would automatically be one of the five National Selectors. In 1971 the rules changed again and Berbice gained 3 more votes, bringing its tally to 5. The Essequibo Cricket Committee became the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB), with 4 votes in the GCB. Each Georgetown first division club still had 2, for a total of 16 votes. In 1972 it was agreed that the presidents of the BCB and ECB would automatically hold the posts of 1st and 2nd Vice-Presidents in the GCB. This automatically increased the Berbice votes to 6 and Essequibo votes to 5. This is not the first time G u y a n a ’s c r i c k e t h a s attracted political intervention but this is the first time that a Bill aiming to control the sport has been passed in Guyana. In 1973 several Georgetown clubs wrote then Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports Shirley Field-Ridley, expressing dissatisfaction with the administration of GCB President Frederick Rampersaud. A commission of inquiry was convened, hearings held throughout
Guyana, followed by new elections, which led to Rampersaud being replaced by Berkeley Gaskin. In 1992 the GCB handed over control of cricket in Demerara to the newly-formed Demerara Cricket Board (DCB). This dispute among cricket Board executives began in early January 2011 when two factions of the DCB were elected at two separate elections. The DCB Bisoondyal Singh faction and the DCB Raj Singh faction were both installed but the current GCB has since recognized the Raj Singh faction after receiving a report from a special committee mandated to investigate and recommend which faction should be recognized. A Legal opinion was also presented by committee
member Andrew Pollard of the Law firm Hughes, Fields and Stoby. A C r i c k e t Administration bill was tabled following a dispute between the Government of Guyana, its Interim Management Committee (IMC) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) over the state of cricket in Guyana. The GCB elections on January 27, 2013, at which Dru Bahadur replaced Ramsay Ali, who resigned as President, only sparked more controversy. The Cricket Bill sought to establish the GCB and county boards as corporate bodies and was tabled by the Guyana Government in December 2012 in a bid to end the Cricket impasse that began when Chetram Singh demitted Office in 2012. President of the West
Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Jamaican Dave Cameron endorsed the current GCB as the Administrators of cricket in Guyana and slammed the Cricket Administration Bill which was recently passed in Parliament. In a letter on October 24, 2013 sent to Sherlock Isaacs, Clerk of the National Assembly the WICB expressed non-support of the document. While expressing the need to see the game being managed in a proper way, the WICB clearly stated that they cannot support the dissolution of the existing GCB. They also expressed concern over aspects of the new constitution drafted during the process. The WICB, while not wanting to dictate (Continued on page 29)
t r o Sp
Simmons ton pushes Mumbai to fifth P. 30
Lendl Simmons attacks the off side. (BCCI)
FIFA World Cup Countdown Tournament starts in:
21 DAYS
President Ramotar should think carefully before signing Cricket Bill P. 31
The Bill becoming Law could have serious repercussions for Cricket in Guyana 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