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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
The task ahead
There is always a period when a new government enjoys a honeymoon. It is as if the people are saying that they welcome the change and that they expect the government to do better than its predecessor. When Dr. Cheddi Jagan came to power in 1992, there was an overwhelming outpouring of goodwill. Such was the outpouring that businessmen, caught up in the euphoria, opted to lower the exchange rate that prevailed at the time. These businessmen did not take the economic reality into consideration but they were enthused with the election of the new government. It mattered not that within three days the artificial exchange rate created by the businessmen collapsed. The government remained in place for twenty-three years and in that time it did many things, some of which helped propel Guyana into the group of middle income countries. But even this remains questionable since the international community continues to refer to Guyana as the third poorest country in the Western hemisphere, ahead of Nicaragua and Haiti. A new government has acceded to office and again there is this outpouring of goodwill. The city is seeing a cleanup campaign the likes of which it never saw. People simply responded to the news that the 49th Independence anniversary would be observed from the Independence Arch on Brickdam. Almost immediately BK International began a campaign to restore the monument, and as if that was the needed catalyst there has been a citywide groundswell of cleanup and restoration activities. President David Granger has not failed to acknowledge the response of the nation to his election. In fact, he has planned a major inauguration ceremony, this time at the National Stadium for the whole country. He has already revolutionized the government in ways never seen before. There is the imaginative rebranding of the various Ministries. But above all is the drive to stamp out corruption. Undoubtedly, Guyana had become caught up in a vortex of corruption. There was the perception that every government Minister was on the take; there were reports of some public servants demanding bribes from contractors; there was also credible evidence that many government officials appeared to become filthy rich as soon as they assumed office. People now expect the new government to go after those perceived to have been corrupt. Of course, there is so much evidence of unexplained wealth that the nation is now begging for answers. We know that every government that came on the scene always vowed that there would be no witch-hunt. The previous administration made such a promise but failed horribly to keep it. The Granger administration has also made such a promise, but failing to track down those who defrauded the public treasury and otherwise preyed on the people who felt forced to accede to requests for bribes, could see him losing every ounce of goodwill he has received. In fact, failure could reduce his coalition to a one-term government because the disappointment of the people could be unbearable. The task ahead would not be easy but Granger would be given the latitude to do anything that seems remotely akin to national development. For example he plans to revamp the public service. This was an institution that was allowed to decline to the pits. Public servants were among the most apathetic. Many simply went to the office because they wanted the pay and the public suffered. Granger believes that a hike in pay could see a corresponding hike in attitude, but experience would teach him that he would have to install efficient leaders. He must also feed the aspiration of the young who voted overwhelmingly to put him in office. Continued joblessness is not an option. That is why he has to pursue the development projects almost immediately. Unlike some of the governments in the past he will not have the luxury of relaxation after a victory. Get the hydroelectric project up and running; review and pursue the airport expansion project; undertake improvements in the rice industry and above all, do these things quickly. Forbes Burnham, when he acceded to office in 1964 launched work on the new airport, the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and started work on a variety of projects, all of which created employment for the masses. He survived the very next elections.
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
Making the right choice: Learning from Gandhi and Martin Luther King in the context of Guyana’s future DEAR EDITOR, On June 7th, 1893, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the father of the m o d e r n I n d i a n independence movement was unceremoniously kicked off the first class section of a train whilst travelling from Durban to Pretoria in present day South Africa. Gandhiji or ‘Bapu,’ as he was later on affectionately called, was asked to move from the first class cabin to that of the van compartment because a white man sitting in the first class section objected to an Indian person sharing his same space. Gandhi refused to budge on the basis that he was holding a first class ticket which he paid for and secondly, having been admitted to practice as an Attorney in The British Commonwealth (South Africa was still a British colony), that he was therefore a subject of the British Realm and entitled to the same privileges and civil decorum he had come to enjoy years earlier as a law student in Great Britain. Regrettably, that right was not realized until Mandela became President of South Africa more than 100 years later. That event was start of South Africa’s long walk to freedom This epochal event in Gandhi’s life is what ultimately shaped his outlook on life thereafter, because as he was kicked off that train in Pietermaritzburg – he chose to spend that cold and shivering winter night in the train station’s waiting room where he decided to stay in South Africa and wage the struggle against
socio-economic and human injustices not just for persons of East Indian heritage, but for the local black community as well. It is out of his principled stand that his policy of nonviolent resistance or “Satyagraha’ emerged as the most potent and powerful force known to mankind in the fight against racism, political oppression and tyranny. Gandhi himself inspired the formation of the African National Congress and several persons of Indian ancestry born in South Africa such as the venerable Naidoo family, Moosa Meer (father of the ANC activist the late Fatima Meer) and others played a pivotal role in the ANC, which even led to Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada being jailed for life, together with Nelson Mandela and others on Robben Island following the Rivonia Trial of 1963-1964 on the oppressive charge of treason. Gandhi’s teachings and philosophy eventually led to India’s freedom from British colonial rule on August 15th, 1947 following his famous ‘Quit India’ movement. In the mid 1950s, Rosa Parks refused to give her seat on the bus to a white person in Montgomery, Alabama, and that was the spark of the US Civil Rights struggle against Jim Crow laws of racial inequality. In 1959, the late Dr. Martin Luther King, who had embraced Gandhi’s p h i l o s o p h y, t r a v e l l e d throughout India with the late Coretta Scott King to see firsthand the results of B a p u ’s u n p a r a l l e l e d philosophy of peaceful and non-violent resistance, of which he (Dr. King) became
a lifelong apostle. In 1965, Dr. King led the freedom movement across the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, during which one of my heroes – Congressman John Lewis (Democrat – Georgia) was beaten severely by the oppressive forces unleashed by Governor George Wallace upon innocent civilians merely exercising their Godgiven right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Congressman Lewis to this very day still shows the scars and nurses the pains of a cracked skull that he suffered at the hands of a repressive state government and a brutal system that was legal despite the passage of the US Civil RightsAct of 1964. Recently, hundreds of thousands of Guyanese of all walks, religious beliefs and ethnicity, lined up early to cast their electoral ballots in what were undoubtedly the single most important political elections in almost twenty-five years, or since political independence. It was a clarion call for change, and a choice that had to be made once and for all as to whether we would simply allow the arrested development brought on by the divisive agenda of ‘Apanjhaat Politics’ of the
past fifty years or would we as a besieged, oppressed, brutalised and deceived nation choose the path to the future, a future where each and every Guyanese irrespective of race, colour, creed or class could feel that we are an important stakeholder in the country’s future socio-economic development. We need to embrace each other’s diversity as a sign of our richness of cultures, creed and everything else noble that we can pool together, because this is country is endowed with so much that no person should ever be left behind. Our future must be one that offers the hope for a brighter, better and prosperous tomorrow and one that is free from the shackles of mental bondage and the evil thoughts of racial superiority. It matters not whether we are African, East Indian, Portuguese, Chinese, Amerindian or European or Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Jewish – what matters is that we are all God’s children and the only thing that makes one of us better than the other is the pureness of one’s thoughts and actions or ‘Karma’. I implore all of my brothers and sisters of this great land to respect each (Continued on page 5)
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
I AM STILL VERY SKEPTICAL THAT GUYSUCO HAS MADE ANY SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT DEAR EDITOR, GuySuCo has declared that they have completed an extended first crop in 2015 of 81,194 tonnes. Only 5000 tonnes, they tell us, below the estimate of 86,201 tonnes. Again I have to point out that the industry normally reaps its cane 40% in the first crop and 60% in the second crop, therefore the estimated projection for production for this year could only be a possible 203,000 tonnes, according to traditional performance and distribution
of the crops. A far cry from the 400,000 tonnes we set ourselves in the 1998 to 2008 strategic plan. In fact nearly 50% below what was estimated in the strategic plan and 62.5% lower than the 2004 production of 325,000 tonnes. The 241,000 tonnes they have targeted for this year does not at this time seem achievable and it points to an imbalance in the first crop to second crop ratio of 40/60. Since if the annual production is slated to be
241,000 tonnes and the first crop production was expected to be 86,000 tonnes the ratio of first to second crops is now 35/65. This can only result from one activity; they reaped the first crop 2015 cane when it was six months old in the second crop of 2014 to make up the numbers. Sugar cane is bred to ripen at 12 months, reaping it before is a rapacious activity and we should stop it, also since it is a one-year crop, just telling the public that what was not reaped at Skeldon and
Enmore in the first crop will be reaped in the second crop is deception, since we are saying that we do not know that reaping canes past the due date of one year, can result in very poor yields. GuySuCo is therefore still in deep trouble and these releases by a Public Relations firm expressly state that GuySuCo is pleased to announce this low production. Why does GuySuCo need a public relations firm to tell us all of this? They are underperforming and the PR
department of the corporation should just come clean and tell us exactly what is going on, rather than to try to obscure the fact that it is not doing well at all. Frankly, given their financial situation, I am surprised that they can afford a PR firm such as the one they have retained. That the cane grew a little better in 2015 was no surprise, since we had exemplary weather for the entire first half of the year and also accounts for the slightly higher sugar content of the cane. Actually
I would have expected higher sugar content, given the good dry weather we had, which means that GuySuCo is still plagued by a labour shortage and too many stoppages, which is contributing to the canes being ground more than 48 hours after burning. Therefore, far from being reassured, I am still very skeptical that GuySuCo has made any significant improvement, such as is attempted by the misleading press release. Tony Vieira
Making the right choice: Learning from Gandhi... From page 4 other, treat each person with the love and respect you will expect of yourself and to desist from any acts of political or racial violence which would derail the possibility of the anticipated progress that we all seek. The will of the electorate must be respected and that is why there were so many international observers present in Guyana – to ensure that there was no electoral fraud or “hanky panky” taking place. The recent elections were more about the choices we make for the country’s future than about Granger or Ramotar. I am certain that as nation that is now better informed and exposed, thanks to the role of social media, one has the intellect and the ability to discern the truth from any kind of Stalinist malarkey being peddled by those that view Moscow, and of late
Beijing, as their new masters. When was the last time you received a Christmas barrel or a small piece from Moscow or Beijing? In a society, where we have a peaceful and orderly transfer of power – we have the hope of a better tomorrow, a tomorrow that will bring investments from reputable western companies, creation of well-paying jobs, profitsharing for employees, technology transfer, respect for the environment, an improved quality of life and a better standard of life for all Guyanese. However, in order to achieve these things, we needed to create the enabling environment and this meant making the proper and informed decision of voting for leaders that are above board, beyond reproach, and are willing to take this beautiful motherland of ours back to a place where public security,
Factual Correction DEAR EDITOR, I refer to Mr Frederick Kissoon’s column entitled “Venality and Vendetta: Educating a Nation” which was published in the May 22nd edition of your newspaper. In paragraph nine (9) of that column the following is stated: ‘Two such Foreign Ministry officials took the Jagan Government to court and won-Keith Michael Austin and Dr Cedric Grant.’ The statement is not accurate. Keith Michael Austin, who is my youngest brother, was never a member of the Foreign Service. I was. And it is true that I sued the Jagan Government and won. But it took eleven long
years to get justice. In the meantime one had to exist in a poisonous environment, based on fear, constant intimidation, threats and vindictiveness. All of this inevitably led to the destruction of the Foreign Ministry. This is now unarguable. My good friend and trusted colleague, Mr Carl Greenidge, is now the Foreign Minister. He is a highly intelligent man of broad culture and therefore well qualified to restore the professionalism and effectiveness of the Foreign Ministry. Mr Greenidge will have solid and wide support in so doing. With every good wish R M Austin
safety, zero tolerance for corruption, zero tolerance for narco-trafficking, zero tolerance for domestic violence, zero tolerance for money laundering, good governance, accountability, transparency and the rule of law will not be ever compromised. Anything less is a recipe for continued disaster which we can ill afford. I knew the late President Hugh Desmond Hoyte very well, as we shared a very special bond like a father and son, and I can say without fear or favour that the recent victory of the combined opposition is what he would have loved the most. I say to my many brothers and sisters in my beloved motherland that this new era in terms of national unity will be truly regarded as ‘Guyana’s finest hour’ and in so doing, I would be remiss in my duty if I did not say a huge thank you to US Head of Mission Bryan Hunt; Her Brittanic Majesty’s Repre-
sentative, High Commissioner James Gregory Quinn and a ‘Merci’ to High Commissioner Nicole Giles (a truly special daughter of Canada), for standing steadfast with us in our fight for free and fair elections. Similarly, deep appreciation and gratitude to the Commonwealth Observer Mission, the Carter Center, the OAS Observer Team, the CARICOM Observer Team and our many Latin friends and neighbours from UNASUR who came to ensure that our democratic rights were not stolen from us. I also salute Ambassador Wesley Kirton for being such a noble son of the soil for his consistent advocacy of truth, healing and national reconciliation. I had the honour of meeting many world leaders, but one of the most important persons I met in my life is my beloved primary school teacher Mrs. Shirley Green (Dolphin Gov’t School) who inculcated in me as a young boy – the ideals of love, tol-
Happy Independence Anniversary, Guyana! DEAR EDITOR, How truly magnanimous of President Granger to extend a formal and personal invitation to former Presidents Ramotar & Jagdeo to attend today’s Independence Day celebrations. In-keeping with the spirit of reconciliation and nation-building, President Granger is leading by example.
We the Guyanese people are most pleased to again have a leader who conducts himself like a statesman. A quality once lost, but now regained through the new coalition. May God bless our new President. Happy Independence Anniversary, Guyana! Berkeley Van Bowen
erance and forgiveness as a regular participant in her Thursday ‘Bible Classes’, and without whose dedication and commitment I would not be writing this article. I owe an immeasurable debt to my black school teachers, brothers and sisters, and that is for your kindness of heart, acceptance and unconditional love, and so I look forward to a Guyana that can rise up and live up to the very ideals that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela all fought for, and that is human dignity and social justice. We are all each other’s keeper. It was time for a Change.
Congratulations to the elected parties. We hold you accountable for your commitment to your constituents. Congratulations to all Guyanese as we look forward to collective prosperity as a nation united by the common bond of our ethnic and multicultural diversity. Please remember our common credo of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”. Mike Singh
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Govt., GuySuCo’s CEO at odds after threat to close industry The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) yesterday claimed that it has no monies to pay junior and senior staffers for this month and will be forced to close the industry by Sunday unless it finds some. But the manner of the announcement through the main unions of GuySuCo has puzzled the new Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, who questioned the timing and wondered whether it was political. According to a joint statement titled “GuySuCo may cease operations”, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) said that they were informed at a meeting yesterday by GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Rajendra Singh, that it was unable to pay senior and junior staffers for this month. Also present at the meeting, the two unions said, were members of GuySuCo’s
- corporation tells unions it has no cash to pay staffers for May Industrial Relations Department. “Further, Dr. Singh indicated that the corporation might have to cease its operations on all estates with effect from (Sunday) May 31, 2015 unless funding to the corporation becomes available within a few days. Should the Corporation cease its operations, the CEO explained all employees – waged and salaried – except security personnel would not be provided with work from (Sunday) May 31, 2015.” The CEO also advised the unions that the Government has been apprised of the situation. The unions said that it believes that the ceasing of operations by the corporation would further jeopardize the state of the industry and impact negatively on some 16,000 workers of the industry. The two unions are seeking that the new
Government ensures the continuation of the industry’s operation at this crucial time. Contacted yesterday, newly sworn in Minister, Noel Holder, expressed surprise at the developments. He said that earlier in the day, he held a meeting with heads of the various departments under his ministry. These included Dr. Singh from GuySuCo, the Guyana Livestock and Development Authority, the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority. However, there were no indications from the GuySuCo’s CEO that the corporation was in that deep trouble. Rather, the Minister was handed a file of documents of about 100 pages. “He (the CEO) indicated that he wanted to meet but did
GuySuCo’s CEO, Dr. Raj Singh not say it was urgent. He did not tell me this morning of the gravity of the situation. I hope this is not a political move. There should be no question about our stated support of the industry.” According to Minister Holder, the possibilities of GuySuCo coming for help and getting it is not impossible. “They will have to tell us how much they want. And we
will of course look at it. This in indeed strange.” GuySuCo is in deep trouble. Consecutive sugar crops along with a poor string of performance for its new flagship US$200M factory at Skeldon has sunk the industry to a two decades low despite the release of billions for the corporation. GuySuCo has failed to release a turnaround plan and Skeldon managed to only produce half of the targeted production for the first crop. The industry is producing sugar at double what it is selling for and technical and agricultural problems continue to plague the industry. Its biggest customer, the EU, has slashed the price of sugar by some 36 percent and is set to open its markets to other players, forcing Guyana, a preferential customer to now improve its dismal efficiency. With over US$50M sunk into GuySuCo within recent years, the previous Government, under the People’s Progressive Party/
Agri Minister, Noel Holder Civic, had promised to invest more than US$100M over a five year period to help the industry. Recently, GuySuCo sold its Wartsila co-generation facility at the new Skeldon factory, just over five years old, to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. for US$30M. However, it is unclear whether this money ever went to GuySuCo. Last week, GuySuCo announced that its first crop fell short of the 86,201 tonnes of sugar by some 5,000 tonnes. GuySuCo failed to disclose that Skeldon had done so badly, only managing about half of the 17,214 tonnes it had set for that factory.
Sooba evicted from City Hall
- Council says removal will facilitate investigation into alleged misappropriation Acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba taking a final glance at M&CC vehicle after handing over the keys
Drama unfolded inside the Chambers of City Hall yesterday as Town Clerk (Ag), Carol Sooba was sent on immediate administrative leave. A visibly disturbed Sooba was escorted out of City Hall, compliments of a noconfidence motion favoured by several members of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC). The controversial acting Town Clerk left the Municipality amidst votes of approval from members of the Council and loud cheers
from curious onlookers, who converged at City Hall to witness the occurrence. City Mayor, Hamilton Green, said that the move was to facilitate an investigation into allegations of misappropriation of funds, which reportedly occurred under Sooba’s watch. According to the Council, these include a waiving of $27 million in interest for a property in Georgetown without the knowledge and fiat of the duly elected Mayor and City Council; the payment of fees to an
Sooba‘s only transport option as she departed City Hall‘s compound, yesterday
Attorney in excess of $1 million, for extraneous matters, not approved by Council. Both Mayor Green and Deputy Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, noted that the Council had long expressed no confidence in Sooba, who took control of the administrative functions of City Hall under the PPP Administration and refused to carry out orders of the Council. For years, Green and Sooba have been butting heads over the administration
of the City Council. Sooba’s appointment as Town Clerk had been fiercely objected to, with critics claiming that she was not qualified for the position. Sooba had also been accused of being placed within the Council by the then ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administrative to hinder the Council’s administration. Yesterday, the M&CC officials instructed Sooba to proceed on administrative leave “post haste” to allow the Council to manage the
Municipality without any further and unnecessary intrusions. But the acting Town Clerk did not give up her post without a fight. Citing an ongoing court case over her appointment, Sooba argued that the Council was “out of order” in their decision to send her on administrative leave. She opined that the Council had made her the subject of “a witch hunt” given that it was the first statutory meeting since the APNU/AFC Government
assumed office. Only a few members of the Council shared this sentiment and supported Sooba. They too described the actions of the M&CC management as racist. Given her blatant stance, a directive was issued to have the acting Town Clerk, escorted out of the building by ranks of the City Constabulary. Sooba was also ordered to hand over all the Council’s properties including the keys to a vehicle, she once utilized (Continued on page 41)
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday May 26, 2015
Granger vows to reduce “unfair” presidential pension package By Abena Rockcliffe While Guyana has grown accustomed to politicians who ‘talk the talk’ it seems like President David Arthur Granger will ‘walk the walk’ as he vowed to ensure that he enjoys a “fair” pension package whenever he demits office. Yesterday, Granger told members of the media core that he will ensure he assents to a bill that will repeal the current one which offers unlimited benefits to former Presidents of Guyana. Such a bill had already made its way through the National Assembly during the Tenth Parliament, but the then President, Donald Ramotar did not assent to it, virtually crippling the piece of
- Says “I will be the beneficiary of a fair bill” legislation. But Granger says he will not make such a move. The Head-of-State said, “I will cut the benefits to which I am entitled… we introduced the bill (the one that was not assented to) because we felt that the old Bill was unfair…I will be the beneficiary for a fair bill.” Back in 2013, the National Assembly passed a Bill to slash benefits to former Presidents. For Granger to assent to it, the Bill will have to go through the very process it went through in the Tenth Parliament when the
Eleventh Parliament convenes. In 2013, PPP parliamentarians voted against the Bill arguing that it strips former Presidents of their dignity, and that it was a vindictive act targeted at former President Bharrat Jagdeo. Jagdeo was the first to benefit from the handsome retirement package. Currently, the pension of a former president adds up to $1.2 million per month. But the bill of 2013 did not want to change this. That Bill, which was piloted by Carl
Girl, 17, charged with murdering best friend
Accompanied by a police officer, 17-year-old Angelique Williams was yesterday escorted into the Vreed-enHoop Magistrate’s Court, to face charges of murdering her best friend. She appeared before Magistrate Christel Lambert, and was remanded to prison. The teen is accused of stabbing 21-year-old Renita Thomas to death with a broken bottle on May 21, at Versailles, West Bank Demerara. Williams’s Attorney, Peter Hugh, was unable to enter an appearance for the young woman since he arrived late for the court hearing. Several family members and friends of the accused and deceased were present. The murdered girl’s mother, Amanda Prince, sobbed
Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo
President David Granger
Vice- President, Carl Greenidge
Greenidge, was designed to deal with benefits additional to the pension, or, the “perks”. Once the Bill to repeal the existing Bill is passed, all future payments to all beneficiaries including Jagdeo and Ramotar will be affected. Greenidge’s bill intended to repeal a 2009 Act which gives former presidents like Bharrat Jagdeo unlimited staff and resources. For example, the 2009 law only says former presidents are entitled to vehicles and staff, without specifying a number. Greenidge’s Bill intended to make the benefits specific. Greenidge said that the
Bill was premised on “social justice.” He said the bill was intended to correct “lawlessness and abuse of power.” Greenidge piloted the Bill and saw it through its eventual passage in the House. Greenidge said that the quantum of the pension is exceptionally generous, and would not have required supplementary benefits, but he said that since the benefits are already on the books, the opposition merely wanted to streamline these. He said that the 2009 law was badly drafted since it committed unlimited and uncapped facilities and
Former President, Donald Ramotar services to former presidents. Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo who back then sat on the opposition benches placed it in this context – “You cannot live in a donkey cart economy and want to live a life driving a Mercedes or a Cadillac.”
West Berbice farmer found dead in trench Angelique Williams (left) with her best friend Renita Thomas. loudly and had to be escorted to the holding area, and was thus prevented from sitting throughout the remand hearing. The matter was
adjourned until June 1. According to reports, the suspect, Angelique Williams, known as ‘Angie’, and the victim, Renita Thomas, who both resided at Sunflower Close, South Ruimveldt, had visited the Aracari Resort last Thursday in the company of other friends. Shortly after they had left, an argument reportedly broke out between the two, and Williams allegedly stabbed Thomas with a broken bottle. The victim succumbed before she could be taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.
The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Deonarine Ramsarran who was on Monday fished out of a trench with his motorcycle alongside him. His body was found by a fisherman who was fishing in the Borlam Trench along the No 19 Highway. Ramsarran, called
“Blacks”, 20, of Bush Lot, West Coast, Berbice, a farmer allegedly left home earlier to visit his sister at No.1 Road, Corentyne. According to his sister, Geeta Ramsarran, her brother who was supposedly under the influence of alcohol, left her home around 22:15 hrs for his home on West Coast, (Continued on page 41)
DEAD: Deonarine Ramsarran
Magistrate bars Jagdeo from leaving... from page 3 elections. He also informed that the 52-yearold former president is single and has a fixed place of abode. There is no reason why he would not attend the court hearings in the matter, he said. The Prosecution had no objections to Jagdeo's pre-trial liberty, so Magistrate Artiga then sent Jagdeo on self bail, but with conditions. Magistrate Artiga ordered that Jagdeo should not leave the jurisdiction without the permission of the court. She ordered that should he have to attend to any emergency overseas, his lawyers must make contact with Attorneys from the other side. The matter was then put down for June 22 for the commencement of the preliminary inquiry. A pitiful Jagdeo then made his way to the Magistrate's clerk to sign the reconnaissance before leaving the courtroom to join his die
hard supporters who had gathered outside with their placards, protesting the court action. If found guilty Jagdeo could be fined $100,000 and jailed for two years. Meanwhile, the People's Progressive Party has criticized the Magistrate's decision to prevent Jagdeo from leaving the Jurisdiction of Guyana unless permission is granted. The party stated it views the development as an “ominous sign.” “We view this as a violation of the Constitutional right and freedom of Cde. Jagdeo to travel, as well as a threat to the constitutional rights and freedoms of Guyanese everywhere,” the party stated. Jagdeo is not above the law, one lawyer said. He is not the first person to be restricted from travelling once before the court having faced indictable charges, the lawyer added. He is also a private citizen and he is being treated as such.
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Lucrative concessions/tax breaks…
Govt. to address Chinese investors on Thursday
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
FILE PHOTO: Chinese-owned, BaiShanLin’s shipyard in Linden. Chinese investors are to meet with Government on Thursday to discuss the new administration’s expectations.
Amidst concerns about several multi-billion-dollar investments in the country by especially the Chinese, the new administration is expected to address a group on Thursday. According to the GuyanaChina Business Council (GCBC), yesterday, the meeting will be held at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre, Liliendaal, on Thursday. Chinese entrepreneurs who are residents or have invested in Guyana are expected to attend this first meeting of the Guyana-China Business Council (GCBC) for this year. “This is a special meeting that will be addressed by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin,” the body says. Zhang Limin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, has also been invited to the meeting. “He is expected to speak about the bilateral trade relations and social contracts between Guyana and China which he recently said, have been maintained on a sound and stable developmental footing since diplomatic ties were first established between our two countries over 160 years ago.” Current Chairman of the GCBC, Clinton Williams, said that the primary purpose of this special meeting is to facilitate a “productive exchange of ideas” through discussions of issues specific to the conduct of business in the various sectors of the economy in which Chinese investors and immigrants are involved. The Guyana-China
Truckers and barge operators have complained that Chinese companies like BaiShanLin have unfairly taken away their businesses.
Clinton Williams, Chairman of the Guyana-China Business Council (GCBC)
Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin
Business Council has been operating under the umbrella of the Private Sector Commission for more than 10 years, its statement said. “It went into abeyance for a while and was resuscitated in 2012. The Council also played a significant role in the GuyExpo 2013 Business Forum that was coordinated by the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) as part of its 50 th Anniversary observances.” The GCBC said that it expects that a wide crosssection of Chinese entrepreneurs will seize this opportunity to discuss the hot-button trade and social issues that concern them with the recently appointed Ministers of Government and their country’s Ambassador to Guyana. Concerns have been growing over investments by the Chinese in recent years. Not only have they been taking over commerce and
buying up significant properties in the city, they have also entered the mining and logging sectors. Local businesses have also been complaining about the quality of goods entering Guyana together with the lack of monitoring to ensure that the goods are meeting acceptable standards in terms of quality and safety. Of special concern to the new administration, which was in opposition in the last Parliament, was the lucrative concessions granted to a number of Chinese companies in logging and mining sector. A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, which won the May 11 elections, had vowed to examine a number of agreements and several seemingly lucrative tax breaks and other concessions. Questions were raised over what Guyana was benefiting as against what was being extracted.
Residents of Region Ten had complained of roads being badly damaged by the heavy containers and other heavy equipment, but
taxpayers were forced to foot the bill. The Chinese Government themselves have been lending Guyana billions of dollars for development works that include the Timehri airport expansion project, the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric project, the E-Governance project and the Guyana Power and Light Inc. Cash-flush China has been rapidly expanding across the globe into commerce and large-scale infrastructural projects.
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Kaieteur News
Guyanese mom, 26, murdered in Trinidad
Tuesday May 26, 2015
49th Independence observance…
KURU-KURURU PRIMARY HOSTS DAY OF “EDUTAINMENT”
Ashanti Debidin Trinidad (Trinidad Express) - IMRAZ Seunarine said that it may be jealousy that led to the murder of his wife at their home in Princes Town on Saturday. Seunarine said that he and his wife, Ashanti Debidin, were “happy” and he believes someone who worked at their home previously was responsible for her death. Seunarine spoke with the Express yesterday outside the Forensic Sciences Centre, St. James where he went to witness the autopsy of his wife, but was told that no autopsies were being done and he should return on Wednesday. He said that Debidin was born in Demerara, Guyana, and that she came to Trinidad in 2005. Seunarine said: “You could come to the village and ask anyone about her. No one has anything bad to say about her. All the youths consider her a mother and all. She was a down to earth person. The best wife I could ever ask for. I could never find someone in this world like her
in a million years. I was living happy. I don’t know why this man jealous me”. On Saturday Debidin, 26, in her home at Garth Road was found dead by her four-anda-half-year-old son. She bore stab wounds to her head and cuts on her wrist, police said. Seunarine said that his wife was “innocent” and that she was the love of his life. “It was my son who had to meet she in this pool of blood and call his grandmother from upstairs. And then I come home to meet her in the same way. This girl innocent; she eh do anybody anything,” he said. “I told my son that his mother dead. I told him that she got a job from God and that she went to work for him now.” The husband said his wife’s family was “full of grief” and travelled to Trinidad on Sunday. Homicide investigators said yesterday that a 20-yearold man who was detained shortly after Debideen’s death remained in custody at the San Fernando Police Station.
The Parent-Teachers’ Association (PTA) of the Kuru-Kururu Primary School continues to give students of that school a bite of what celebrations for national holidays in Guyana should be like. With Independence Day here, the PTA did not fail to offer and involve students in “May Day” activities. Yesterday, at the School’s main building, students from around the community, including private institutions, gathered for a day of “Edutainment”. To open the day’s activities, pupils began by singing the National Anthem and hoisting the Golden Arrowhead. Pupils and their parents then recited the National Pledge. There were a number of patriotic songs
being sung including the one that President David A Granger requested at his swearing-in ceremony at the Parliament Building,— “Let us Cooperate”. Teachers joined hands as they sang a particular part of the song “Can we do it, yes we can.” Adding to the attraction, was a very commendable march past by members of the Kuru-Kururu Seventh Day Adventist Church, that left spectators in awe. Those spectators broke out in simultaneous applause every now and then. Sir Burton Simon gave a brief presentation on Independence. Students were engaged in a few games as the Red Scorpion Family serenaded the air with music.
Teachers showed their playful and youthful sides as they plaited the May pole. This was a task well executed as the beautiful young women bounced around in their very modest but attractive outfits. Throughout the day there were cultural presentations and further talks on independence to bring a closure to what was themed “Internal Rally” according to the School’s Headteacher, Miss Linda Paul. Commenting on the academic progression of students, Miss Paul said, “There is a steady improvement.” She added that there is a functioning programme for slow learners, tackling “literacy and numeracy”. Paul said that the school
has its complement of teachers, textbooks and furniture. She said that at first there was speculation that such needs being met were an elections gimmick. However there was one concern to be noted. Paul revealed that attendance of some pupils is not regular. She explained that for some, distance is a factor that hinders their school attendance. She added that the PTA has formulated a plan to execute a visitation to areas in which students are staying at home, to further encourage steady attendance at school. The fourth creek, which is located way behind the village and the Swan Village, were two areas identified for visits.
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
U.S. fighter jets escort Air France flight to New York after threat
The Air France flight was taken to a secure area at JFK after it was escorted in by fighter jets. Photo: Ellis Kaplan An Air France flight from Paris was escorted by two U.S. F-15 fighter jets to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport yesterday after an anonymous threat was made against the flight, the U.S. military said. Air France flight 22, traveling from Charles de Gaulle Airport, landed safely in New York, officials said. The anonymous threat came in a telephone call to a Maryland State Police barracks yesterday morning, and the caller made a bomb threat involving commercial aviation, Maryland State Police said. Two U.S. Air Force F-15 jets were launched as a precaution to monitor the flight as it approached New York, said Navy Lieutenant Commander Richlyn Ivey, a spokeswoman for U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. The plane was cleared in New York with no incidents or hazards reported by passengers or crew, said J. Peter Donald, an FBI spokesman. The New York Post re-
ported 165 passengers and 11 crew members on board the Air France Airbus A-330 though those figures could not be confirmed. Air France could not be reached for comment. Separately, New York’s WNBC television reported that a threat had been made against a separate American Airlines flight headed to JFK, but that threat was deemed not credible and the flight was cleared. That report also said an Saudi Arabian Airlines flight was being checked out due to an unspecified threat, and that threats had been made against three other flights at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The FBI was not immediately available to comment on the WNBC report. The U.S. military spokeswoman said the command had not received information about additional threats against commercial airliners. It was the first time U.S. military aircraft had escorted a private airplane or commercial aircraft since Feb. 13, when two F-15s followed a general aviation aircraft that was out of contact while flying in a restricted area near San Francisco. The aircraft eventually re-established communications and was followed by the jets until it landed at Half Moon Bay.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Tuesday May 26, 2015
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Dead babies… Tax free exemption for judges’ case further delayed Health Minister says no more Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang, yesterday granted yet another adjournment in anticipation of an appointment by the Judicial Service Commission, (JSC) in selecting a temporary judge to deal with the matter brought by Justice William Ramlal. Justice Ramlal, who was appointed to the Supreme Court of Guyana in July 2000, is challenging the Government over the denial of a tax-free allowance. The case was filed earlier this year. According to legal documents, Ramlal is challenging the Attorney General (AG) the government’s legal advisor, and asking the court to grant an order which will give him rights to an income tax-free salary, currently being enjoyed by Chancellor (Ag), Carl Singh and Chief Justice (Ag), Ian Chang. At the last hearing, the Chief Justice, (CJ) had indicated that his intention to recuse himself from the proceeding since he is a party of interest in the matter. Yesterday, Justice Chang reiterated his intention not to hear the case but noted that the appointment of a Judge to preside over the matter will be at the directive of the JSC, which is headed by Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh. The court heard that Justice Singh is currently out of the jurisdiction and the AG still needs time to file a response in relation to the challenge. Given a request by Attorney -at- Law, Prithima Kissoon, of the AG Chambers, Justice Chang granted another adjournment in the matter. The trial will continue on June 25. According to the court documents filed earlier this
prolonged investigations
Justice William Ramlal
Chief Justice Ian Chang
year, Justice Ramlal is claiming that he and other Judges were denied, but the Chancellor and the Chief Justice benefitted after a special law change was made to accommodate them. He is seeking compensation and a declaration by the court, that he has been denied equality before the law and the equal protection and benefit of the law, by the denial of exemption from income tax. Justice Ramlal is asking the court to declare that Section 13 of the Income Tax Act Chapter 81:01, is discriminatory against him as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature and is unconstitutional, illegal, void and of no effect. Representing the Judge are C.V Satram, Sir Fenton Ramsahoye SC, R. Satram, P. Mohanlal, M. Satram, Ganesh Hira and Manoj Narayan.
Justice Ramlal is seeking a declaration that the continued deduction of income tax from his judicial income is in effect an unlawful alteration of the terms and conditions of him being a Judge. He is also requesting that a declaration be made that he is entitled upon retirement, to a monthly pension and retirement benefits of not less than seven-eighths of his salary at the time of his retirement. The relief would also include an order for constitutional compensation, damages and refund of income tax, together with interest of at least $34M. Justice Ramlal also claimed that he has suffered severe financial loss by the denial of equal treatment, and the benefit and protection of the law as a judge of the Supreme Court.
Dr. George Norton has said that pending medical death cases will be picked up as soon as he is settled into his newly appointed position as Minister of Public Health. Dr. Norton said that with regard to him picking up the Jaden Mars case, as he had indicated in one of APNU+AFC press conferences before elections, he will try to reach a compromise with the child’s mother, Natalie Caseley, and her lawyer(s). He explained that the case had taken a legal turn after the mother took her own actions by filing for a court hearing against the GPHC. “I’m disappointed in the manner in which the matter was dealt with. The investigations took too long and the mother was being faced with an injustice because she wasn’t getting answers about her son’s case”. Norton said that he understands her plight as a mother, but that he is hoping to be able to make a monetary compensation to the woman instead of going through with the court hearing. He noted, “We are not hiding negligence. But rather, we are more interested in finding out how the incident occurred and to make sure it does not happen again.” The Minister has also signaled interest in the Kevon Critchlow’s case. He said, “It is a very interesting case. After having talks with the pathologist who performed the post mortem and a paediatrician, the location of
Natalie Caseley on one of her protests for her son’s Justice the haemorrhage has become an interest. The pathologist has suggested further studies overseas.” The post mortem had stated that the child died of brain haemorrhage. In relation to other cases including that of Teresa Lalltoo and even possible future occurrences, he said that as Health Minister his intentions are to “try to get the investigations over soon and to make findings known to the public and to the relatives.” Mars died December 2013. He was admitted to the GPHC with a cut to his tongue and was
given an overdose of anesthetic. Little Critchlow died less than a day after visiting the Plaisance Health sector where he was given an injection. The family is maintaining that the child was given a wrong injection, despite the post mortem has indicated that he died of brain hemorrhage. Teresa Lalltoo, delivered a dead baby girl on April 19, last, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). She was transferred to that institution from the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) after suffering some labour complications.
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Kaieteur News
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Tuesday May 26, 2015
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Tuesday May 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 31
On the 26th of May 1966, Guyana became an independent country. Today marks the 49th observance of our Independence. Below are some messages that were issued to commemorate this Independence Anniversary.
People’s Progressive Party (PPP) The United Force (TUF) The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) salutes the people of Guyana on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the attainment of independence from Great Britain. The PPP is proud of the role it has played in the struggle for a free and independent Guyana. Indeed, it was the PPP that led the struggle for a free and independent Guyana under the charismatic and dynamic leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Regrettably, the celebrations are taking place in an environment in which the democratic rights of the Guyanese people to elect a government of their choice are once again trampled upon by the defacto Granger-led APNU+AFC regime which
has been foisted on this nation by way of electoral fraud. The PPP is also concerned over the attempts that are being made to divert the true meaning and significance of independence by meaningless fanfare and extravaganza in order to lend legitimacy to the fraud which took place on May 11. This day will be remembered with shame down the corridors of time. The PPP takes this opportunity to reiterate its unwavering determination to protect our hard won democracy and the democratic and constitutional gains scored by the Party over the decades. The right to vote which we all take for granted today was fought for and won by
the PPP in the early 1950’s. Its remains a lasting scar on our national psyche that this right was stolen by the PNC for 28 years (from 1968 to 1992) and has once again reared its head in the recent elections which coincides with our independence day celebrations. To add salt to the injury, David Granger is now using Independence Day to inaugurate himself as President with great pomp and fanfare at taxpayers’ expenses. Be that as it may, the PPP extends best wishes to the Guyanese people on this important milestone. The PPP takes this opportunity to call on all Guyanese to intensify the struggle to protect our democracy which is under threat.
Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) As Guyana nears half a century as an independent state, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is pleased to join with all Guyanese to celebrate this exciting and landmark anniversary in our history. We need to recall, at this time, that there was near absolute consensus amongst our then leaders that we needed to shed the Constitutional and other chains with which we were then wrapped. Independence brought us and we joyfully welcomed our new status as citizens of Guyana, no longer colonial subjects tied to a “mother” country. It also brought heavy responsibilities for a free and prosperous future. The onus was now ours to chart our own course and it was recognized, it needed to be strengthened by economic independence and social justice. Those objectives had to be attained and sustained. GAWU feels certain that the attainment of Independence, which we fought for, made us proud as a people. Since independence we have moved forward. There are successes in several fields nationally and at the international level, our country has earned recognition and respect. Our democratic
culture which resurfaced over twenty (20) years ago, still, today faces new challenges and threats. Notwithstanding, the trials and setbacks the nation experienced and, will face, there are also very many significant achievements as we overcome the negative legacy of colonialism. The GAWU is aware that several key objectives are yet to be reached. One of these is our economic sovereignty which we see as crucial to safeguard our political independence, especially in the context and circumstances that we see unfolding in today’s world. The prospects for our country to grow and develop remain encouraging and we need to tackle the various tasks before us in a collective and united spirit. In this respect, our people, especially our working people needs to be encouraged and become involved in the decision-making levels of our society. As we celebrate this historic anniversary, GAWU urges that we all recognize that we have a responsibility to let our democratic culture prevail. It is one of the strong strands that binds our nation and makes it united and free. Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese!
As our Nation continues to recover and heal from the most divisive Election, our party would like to see its citizens co-operate with each other and live together in a manner that reinforces our motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” TUF has noted with disgust that supporters of other parties have used racial slurs and ridicule against each other. This element of division within its people does not reflect positively on our beautiful Guyana. This is an issue that TUF wishes to work with all political parties, religious organisations, members of Civil Society, Youth Groups, NGO’s and other stake holders to overcome. It is our wish to see our people co-operate to build Guyana as we strive to take our Country forward. TUF therefore, wishes to take this opportunity of our
Independence Anniversary to encourage our citizens to appreciate, co-operate and accept each other regardless of race, religion, region or gender. It was the vision of our Founder Father, Mr. Peter D’Aiguar to develop Guyana into a People’s Enterprise Economy. TUF has been advocating for the better quality of life for our citizens since the Party’s formation in the 1960’s and also contributed towards the fight for our Country’s Independence. Therefore, as we, the younger leaders of The United Force move forward, we will endeavor to realize the dreams of our party’s founder fathers. We call on all Guyanese to reflect on the struggles of our fore fathers and to work together to build this great Nation. Happy Independence Day Guyana!
Al-Mustafa Islamic Trust (AMIT) Although it has been more than a week since His Excellency President David A. Granger has sat on the presidency’s seat, heartiest congratulations from AlMustafa Islamic Trust (AMIT) still pours in. AMIT, a Shia Muslim Trust based in Guyana that serves to promote a peaceful, harmonious yet religious society, acknowledges that President Granger is a principled yet honourable President for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and that they expect humble goodness resulting in the indiscriminate benefit of all the communities
nationwide. Gracious happy wishes also blush from AMIT to the country’s population as they celebrate their 49th Independence Anniversary. They sincerely acknowledge that it was indeed a great relief to take breaths of our own hard work resulting in our own benefit and to escort ourselves from the ‘British Oppression’ to the whole nation. They hoped and prayed that Almighty Allah would grant His Excellency and all the hardworking individuals in his Government to achieve great success and a leading role in the world.
GTUC congratulates nation on independence and new leadership As Guyana celebrates its 49th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, the spirit of freedom and cooperation that hallmarked our original struggles, feelings of joy and liberation have once again been properly reignited. Independence for Guyana also speaks to several significant developments in our nation’s history apart from the symbolic date when it was granted. It speaks to a period of united struggles against a colonial master. It also speaks to a fractured period of our political history, when those who were united became divided by different
ideological perspective for nation building that led to a separation and colonial preference of one over another. The struggle for independence, while arduous, does not come anywhere close in comparison to the task that followed after independence was granted. This then became the prime responsibility of the Forbes Burnham led PNC government. For they were the ones entrusted by the colonial masters with the stewardship of the newly independent British colony. Theirs was the task to mould a nation, to lay the building blocks, the foundation upon which our
nation would grow and develop socially, economically, culturally and politically. And it is with this recognition that our motto One People, One Nation, One Destiny becomes relevant. A young nation with six peoples of diverse heritage, values and culture influenced by experiences of slavery, indenture-ship, the entrepreneurs of human cargo had to find common ground upon which they could unite, peacefully, coexist and work in harmony to build a nation, where all can enjoy fundamental liberties of freedom, justice and democracy. While independence is a landmark, the gains of independence are best
preserved in the advancement of our political maturation and democratic growth. The independence gained on 26th May 1966 is best protected by advancement of socioeconomic and political structures and cultures in our environment to safeguard and further develop our freedoms. Independence requires good governanceaccountability, inclusion, cohesion, people being able to work together to advance national interest, preserve and create laws that would protect the people of this nation. In retrospect the elections could not have occurred at a better time. The initial
response of the people to this newly elected government says it all. Freedom, free at last, thank God Almighty we are free at last. GTUC congratulates the nation on independence and the new government that was elected on May 11th. The GTUC looks forward to ushering a period of deepening our democracy and nation building and in this regard, is prepared to offer strategic support and continue its impartial and critical review of the management of the nation’s affairs. May the spirit and freedom of this period transcend our growth and development as One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
From page 30
VEHICLE FOR SALE 170 Carina PFF Series recently overhauled, needs some work, asking price $420,000 negotiable. Call: 667-7337 First Class Auto: 09 Allion, 05 Premio, 06 Allion, Bluebird, Rush, Spacio, Runx, IST, Carina 212, Verossa, Mark 2, Axio –Tel: 609-8188; 638-3045 1 Toyota Premio (PNN Series) in immaculate condition. Including: mag rims, HID lights, alarm. $2M negotiable- Call:679-9800 New model Allion: TV reverse camera, low mileage -$3,300,000 negotiable –Tel: 655-3400 One ToyotaAllion 2004 Model & 1 new & unregistered Madza Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 649-0956 2 Ford F350 2006 model, extended cab 4X4, 6" lift kit, 35" tyres, diesel, auto, excellent condition - Tel: 610-5370 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 One Nissan Pick-up 410 $1.2M –Call: 663-5960; 6814275 V8 Titan (2005) KIA SPORTAGE 2003 - Call:2751230 Unregistered Corolla Fielder 2003, body kit, fog, rear spoiler, dark interior, roof rack Call: 617-5536 Toyota AT212, good condition Call: 652-5762, 624-3686 One Toyota Alteeza, silver. PNN series. Immaculate condition. Tel: 649-9647 D. Persaud Auto Deal 03 Toyota Premio $2.3M, 03 Toyota Allion & Spacio $2.1M Tel# 681-7117, 227-5950 Noah and Voxy Unregistered. Call: 6680000, 603-7900 1 Toyota Raum, Excellent condition - Contact: 680-1903 2006 Suzuki Escudo, fully accessorized, duty free, 2003- Toyota IST fully accessorized, 2005 Allex, fully loaded. Call: 609-2815
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
The Coalition government and reducing fear among Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, All societies are constructed and therefore can be deconstructed and reconstructed. I think that the new APNU+AFC government has an excellent opportunity to deconstruct many aspects of the Guyanese society and reconstruct a more cohesive, inclusive and productive society. Societies are made up of systems, structures, institutions and individuals. Hence the very construct of the Guyanese society based on these elements distinguishes it from other societies. As this new government aspires to be a government of national unity, for all the people of Guyana and to work towards achieving our seemingly elusive goal of ‘one people, one nation, one destiny’, much reconstruction is needed. An important point to note is that institutions and organizations are living entities, thus the systems and structures which define these entities are critical to the achievement of the goals of the new administration. The Guyanese society is like a complete piece of clothing. The systems, structures and institutions are the pieces of materials which are sewn together to form the one piece of clothing. I therefore call the experts, specialists and strategists; the tailors and seamstresses who would determine which systems and structures are appropriate to develop policies and strategies for
implementation. Hence critical for the new administration in its quest to reconstruct Guyana, is to harness not only the experts and strategists but the thinkers, I call the thinkers, the weavers. The thinkers are creative and innovative in weaving not just the systems and the structures, but the ideology or philosophy from which the systems and structures are developed. The principles upon which the Guyanese society will be constructed, has to be woven into the systems and structures which would now determine policy development and define institutions and organizations. Here is a subtle case of how a policy promotes discrimination either knowingly or unknowingly. Recently, I was doing an online Check-In for an international flight and was assisted by a Caucasian European colleague. My colleague accessed the website for the Airline and we proceeded with the CheckIn process. Somewhere during the process while I was entering the information requested, my colleague said, ‘why are they asking you all of those questions, they did not ask me all of those questions?’ My response was, ‘are you sure we are on the right website? My colleague said ‘yes, it is the same site I used earlier’. My response to my colleague was, ‘don’t worry; they do this to us all of the time’. Meaning that, we are discriminated against in this
way all the time. My colleague responded ‘but I don’t like it, it is not right’. The point to note here is that this international Airline has a policy for persons from various countries on how to Check-In online for their flights. If I was not going through that process with my Caucasian European colleague, I would not have known that I was being discriminated against; I would have thought that the information required was generally what was requested by all passengers of this Airline. The question here to be addressed is ‘while Guyana has a certain international characterization that is relevant for more significant development and security purposes, is there a limit to which that characterization should be used? Should a passenger because they are from a particular country be discriminated against for something as simple an online Check-In process for a flight? I guess the United Nations still has a lot of work to do to reduce the gap in discrimination. Nevertheless, back to the substantive topic for this letter; the reason I gave that example is to show how policies can be developed and implemented with biases and sometimes neither the implementer nor the beneficiaries are aware of these biases. I believe that in our attempts to find solutions to issues such as race and ethnicity, trust or the lack of
it and the seeming apathy as a people, we have to dig deep and be honest and truthful in our examination, determination and exploration of solutions to those issues. In Freddie Kissoon’s column in the Kaieteur News of 28 April, 2015, titled ‘When does the past begin?’ He made a very interesting statement that I find is worthwhile repeating in our analysis of the fears among various groups in our society and building trust. He stated that ‘Thousands of Guyanese East Indians in “Little Berbice” in New York have hopes that their loved ones will join them in New York even if the US and New York have permanent Black leadership. But they will remain fanatically tied to the PPP because their tribe is in power in Guyana and they want the PPP to continue to dominate the other ethnicities”. A major question here is, why do East Indian Guyanese have no problem with black leadership in New York and the US and would have a problem with black leadership in Guyana? A key factor here is trust. Do East Indian Guyanese trust black Guyanese and do black Guyanese trust East Indian Guyanese? The answer is to a large extent no, hence trust is a major factor Similarly, in a letter published in the Stabroek News on 7 May, 2015 by one Dr. Baytoram Ramharack titled ‘Though not ideal, the PPP represents the best choice for Indians’, he stated the following,‘ Suspicions
Lionel Peters must be smiling in Heaven DEAR EDITOR, My late friend Lionel Peters must be smiling in heaven that our comrade in political struggle Moses Nagamootoo has been sworn in as Prime Minister of Guyana. Moses and Khemraj Ramjattan paid tribute to Lio last year when he passed away, for his enormous
contributions to their political development. Lio always felt Moses was deserving of the highest elected positions of the land and he felt both Khemraj and Moses, like himself, were unfairly treated by their former party. It is a pity Moses had to leave their original party in order to be elected Prime
Minister. Lio, like myself, felt that had Moses been the Presidential or Prime Ministerial candidate in 2011, the PPP would have won. Ramjattan, himself, admitted as much to me in the presence of Chris Ram in front of CN Sharma’s TV station where I met them by coincidence after they appeared on TV to discuss the outcome of the 2011 elections. Khemraj conceded to Chris Ram and myself that the AFC did well in 2011 because of Moses’ affiliation with the party. Had Moses remained with PPP, the party would have won a comfortable majority in 2011. As many prominent people said, had Moses been chosen as the Presidential candidate for either the PPP or the coalition for last week’s election, he would have won. Also, if he were the PPP’s Prime Ministerial candidate, the party would have won. Moses and Lio had several common attributes,
not the least being journalists and freedom fighters. They were also confidantes and social buddies. Several times during my sojourns in Guyana, I socialized with them in their homes and at receptions. They supported, collaborated, advocated for and defended one another during the toughest and best of times. They worked the ground together during the struggle for free and fair elections as few others did. But many people felt because of political and personal differences with their colleagues, the two of them were not given their rightful recognition for their contributions to the PPP (taking it into office) and to the country. Had Lio been on earth now, he would have been celebrating Moses’ elevation to higher office - few are more deserving of that position. In heaven, Lio must be cheering the achievement of Moses. Vishnu Bisram
among Indians are fuelled by the continued refusal of the PNC (APNU) to confront its past transgressions, and, in the absence of leadership and organizations that sincerely and frontally advocate for Indians in our plural society, the PPP, though not the ideal, represents the best choice for Indians. Most Indians will hold their noses and look beyond the corruption issue, as they ask themselves which party best represents their security and political interests’. Everything we do as human beings is motivated either by the emotion of love or the emotion of fear. Is Dr. Rambarack saying that East Indians love the PPP so much that they would support the party although it is not ideal? Or is it that they fear that if they don’t, their security and political interests would not be represented adequately by others? Here again the issue of trust has arisen. Trust in this context is at two levels; the individual and institutional. The East Indian Guyanese in New York trust that the leadership and organizations will protect their security and other interests. The trust is in the systems, hence the black
leadership per se, is not an object of fear. Fear is associated with an object or event. The question here is what are the objects or events that make East Indian Guyanese fearful? The reconciliation process, therefore, should determine what are the objects and events in Guyana’s history that stimulate the emotion of fear in both East Indian and African Guyanese. Reducing that fear would require that the process also focus on assurances that these objects and events would not reoccur. This is fundamental for building trust. Thus the point earlier of the need for the thinkers/ weavers to design policies, strategies and programmes that would ensure such reoccurrences does not happen. The forgiveness aspect of the reconciliation process could therefore focus on both the PPP/C and the PNC from an organization standpoint expressing regrets for the events which occurred during the periods when their administration was in government and which have become objects of fear in the Guyanese society. Audreyanna Thomas
Looking away after elections DEAR EDITOR, The long awaited elections have come and gone. The results, though not a foregone conclusion, have been pleasing to many. It’s now time for the new government to set the agenda of development and progress. The previous tenants of high office certainly abused their positions and even their own constituency. However it is now time to move forward with an imaginative legislative game plan. To begin with, there is need to enact legislation concerning the tenure of certain levels of officialdom. For example the heads of the Police, Bank of Guyana, Revenue Authority, Auditor General, Guysuco, etc., should relinquish their positions whenever a new administration takes over. Local Government Elections and the implementation of the Local Government Commission should be set up in the first 100 days of this government. Restructuring of the Public Service, NIS and other government corporations must be placed on a schedule that finds serious reforms taking place within three
years. There must be a return to the principle of collective bargaining in labour relations. Employers both local and foreign must be bound by our labour laws. All state pensions must be reviewed and the lower levels increased. The ridiculous president pension must be immediately cut and reasonably sized. Even that which an opposition leader will attract must be reasonable and not outlandish. There’s need for constitutional reform. Presidential powers as exist must be cut. Other needed reforms must be placed on the list of things to be done. All of the foregoing cannot be done overnight. Our government will however have to come up with a list of things to do and a publicly shared time plan by which it is hoped the improvements will take place. In short, the people must be apprised of events and actions as we go along. In some cases, use must be made of public sessions to inform of government intentions and actions. Cyril Walker
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
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ALL SYSTEMS SAY GO … As finishing touches applied to Independence Arch Preparations were in full swing last night at the Independence Monument for Guyana’s 49th Independence celebrations slated for today. Several volunteers, police officers and members of the Guyana Fire Service were seen working round the clock as planning intensified for a packed day of activities. Their efforts were recognized and well rewarded by local businesswoman, Allison Butters-Grant, who provided meals and refreshments for the workers. Butters- Grant, who heads Global Seafood Distributors in West Ruimveldt in a brief interview, said that she was very pleased with the efforts being pooled by her fellow Guyanese. She added that
she visited the Independence Arch on Sunday and was impressed with the rehabilitation works that were carried out on the monument and its environs. The businesswoman added that she also wanted to contribute to the clean-up efforts, so she decided to team up with her friend Mr. Bobby Vieira to do so. She detailed that she and Mr. Vieira collaborated with Waterchris Hotel to provide mouth watering peas and rice along with fried fish for the hardworking clean up team. Since she operates a fish processing plant, she provided the fish for the meals. Butters- Grant and Mr. Vieira also took on the responsibility of providing
cold sodas. As she observed the work team in action, she seemed delighted. She was overwhelmed at the turn out and opined “Guyanese are like tourists”. In explaining this, she said that it was very patriotic to see Guyanese from all walks of life coming to overlook the works being carried out at the site. Butters- Grant also extended congratulations to the newly appointed President H.E David Arthur Granger and his cabinet. She wished the new government all the best in their future endeavours. Butters- Grant and Mr. Vieira are also the driving forces behind several Guyanese projects in New
Cleanup campaign…
Puran Bros to dispatch trucks for seven days As Guyana celebrates its 49th Independence Anniversary and the efforts to restore the city to its original state progress, Puran Bros Disposal Services has announced that they will be dispatching their garbage trucks to different points around Georgetown. The company is proud to be aiding in the cleanup campaign and says that the trucks became available from yesterday until Sunday, May 31. For today, the company released a preliminary schedule of areas and organizations to be visited. Among those areas identified are Church Street to Fort Street, Kingston; sponsored by Tony’s Auto
Spares; Guyana Technical Institute on Woolford Avenue and Hand-In-Hand Trust on Avenue of the Republic. The company has advised that “any organization or cleanup team that requires a truck or skip bin for collection of refuse will be provided with such free of cost.” It added that the company has asked to be notified no later than one day prior to the required date. Puran Brothers Inc. who operates under the slogan “Keeping It Clean Is What We Do Best” can be contacted on 603-5051 or 2640054 for more information and scheduling.
Sooba evicted from City... From page 6 as acting Town Clerk. “I am protesting…I am being assaulted,” she yelled as ranks closed in to have her removed. But with no other choice left, the Town Clerk promptly packed her belonging and left the building in the presence of officers. Leaving the confines of City Hall yesterday, Sooba handed over the keys of the Council’s vehicle to one of the escorting ranks. She was heard requesting a taxi before jumping into the back seat of a car which was parked in the City Hall compound. Her departure was greeted with loud cheers and shouts of “good riddance” by curious onlookers, who gathered at the northern gate of the Municipality to witness the occurrence. A public missive was subsequently issued on behalf of the Council apologising for the unbecoming behaviour of Sooba. “We, at Council, are looking forward to a regime of quiet and progress, as we propose to
work with local communities to advance the specific and general interests of the city of Georgetown. It is time to move forward and rebuild the city of Georgetown.” Reiterating its position the statement outlined that all that the Council did today (yesterday) was to activate a motion which was tabled and
passed in March 2015. “The motion required Ms. Sooba to proceed on administrative leave to facilitate a forensic investigation into a number of alleged illegalities and improprieties. Council will immediately begin investigations into all alleged improprieties by Sooba,” the release said
Jersey, United States. ButtersGrant and her team have planned a massive independence celebration for Guyanese living in East Orange, New Jersey which she said has about 80% Guyanese. The entire Square of the Revolution and its environs was washed by members of the Guyana Fire Service using pressure hoses. Volunteers were spotted erecting a large billboard at the head of Brickdam, with the face of the new President. There was even a bulldozer on site that assisted with the removal of dirt. Meanwhile there were others who assisted with painting and sweeping several parts of the monument. Then they were those who assisted with setting up large white tents and barricades. As time progressed, the gathering grew larger as persons turned out to observe the works being done. Many school children were also part of the gathering. They appeared very overjoyed as they took pictures with each other and shouted “Happy 49 th Independence Guyana”. Guyanese are urged to turn out in their numbers to join in the festivities of this historic event.
Agricola bandits caught after minibus robbery Quick response by the police resulted in the arrest of two men in Agricola, minutes after they reportedly robbed a minibus load of passengers. The men struck about 13:30 hours yesterday then tried to seek refuge in the East Bank Demerara community which is sometimes referred to as a haven for small time criminals. Reports reaching this newspaper stated that the two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, joined the minibus as passengers.
When the vehicle reached Eccles they requested that the driver stop to let them off. Immediately after exiting the bus, the bandit with the gun held up the other passengers and his accomplice took away jewellery and cash and escaped. However, their escape was short-lived. The police responded quickly to the report and swooped down on the nearby village of Agricola, where they apprehended the men and recovered a stolen gold chain.
West Berbice farmer found dead in trench From page 8 Berbice. She said that this was against their wishes. They persuaded him not to ride so late since the distance was far and he was under the influence of alcohol. However he insisted on going. She telephoned her mother that her brother would be coming home since he left her residence. However, sometime after her brother did not arrive home, the family mounted a search including visiting the Fort Wellington Police Station. His cell phone number rang out or went to voice mail. Their efforts turned up empty handed, until they received word that a body
was found in a trench not too far from his sister’s residence about 20 feet from the Borlam Turn. Public spirited citizens helped to remove the body. Investigators reasoned that the man missed the turn and ended in the trench. His Jailing 110 motor cycle CG1250 was slightly damaged. Ironically the man had taken the motorcycle that belongs to his brother without permission. His brother was recently jailed for six weeks on a domestic violence charge. His relatives subsequently arrived and were inconsolable. He leaves to mourn his parents, three brothers and one sister. Investigation is continuing.
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Tuesday May 26, 2015
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Greece says wants to make debt payments but needs aid urgently Greece intends to make good on its debt obligations but needs aid urgently to be able to do so, the government said yesterday, after several senior officials insisted Athens had no money to pay a loan installment falling due next week. Shut out of bond markets and with bailout aid locked, Greece is running out of cash to pay its bills. It must repay four loans totaling 1.6 billion euros ($1.76 billion) to the International Monetary Fund next month, starting with a 300 million euro payment on June 5 that is seen as the next crunch point for state coffers. Athens has the money to make monthly wage and pension payments this week, government spokesman Gabriel Sakellaridis told a news conference. But he was less direct when asked about the June 5 payment, reiterating the government’s official stance that it has the responsibility to pay all its obligations. “Based on the liquidity problems that we have, there is an imperative need for us and the euro zone to have a deal as soon as possible,” Sakellaridis said. “To the degree to which we are able to pay our obligations, we will pay our obligations. It’s the government’s responsibility to be in a position to pay all of these obligations.” A growing list of senior members of the government — the interior minister among them — have openly said Athens does not have the means to pay the IMF, and would prioritize paying civil
servants and pensioners instead. “We haven’t got the money. We won’t pay. It’s that simple,” Deputy Foreign Minister Nikos Chountis, who holds the European affairs portfolio, told Greek TV yesterday. Greek officials have frequently threatened to default in recent weeks, arguing the country does not have cash, which euro zone officials have dismissed as a negotiating tactic to raise pressure on creditors to disburse aid. Adding pressure on the government, prominent opposition lawmaker Dora Bakoyianni said the country risked facing capital controls to stem deposit outflows if it did not reach a deal for aid with the government this week. Sakellaridis dismissed such “doomsday scenarios”, saying there was “just no chance” of imposing capital controls. He also dismissed reports that the government would try to pay all its June obligations in one lump sum to the IMF. He voiced optimism about a deal by early June but acknowledged that agreement on value-added tax hikes, pension and labor reform and lower primary surplus targets had yet to be found in negotiations with EU and IMF lenders. Canadian financier and Fairfax Financial Holdings Chief Executive Prem Watsa met Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras yesterday and expressed confidence in the country’s recovery and on a deal with lenders, even “at the
Oil prices gain as firm demand outweighs dollar strength Crude oil futures rose yesterday as firm global demand offset a strong dollar, although a holiday in the United States and much of Europe kept trading muted. Front-month Brent crude gained 53 cents to $65.90 a barrel by 1750 GMT (01:50 p.m. EDT), after touching an intraday low of $64.72. U.S. crude was up 8 cents at $59.80 a barrel. The market drew support from figures showing strong demand across Asia and the United States. “Global oil demand continues to surprise to the upside, with April data showing no signs of slowdown despite
a pick-up in prices,” Energy Aspects said in a note. Japan’s customs-cleared crude oil imports rose 9.1 percent year-on-year to 3.62 million barrels per day (bpd) in April, the Finance Ministry said. In China, crude imports hit a record 7.4 million bpd last month, with healthy car sales countering a slowing economy. In the United States, the peak summer driving season started with Memorial Day yesterday, and the American Automobile Association said road travel was expected to reach a 10-year high over the long weekend.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nikos Chountis last minute”. Fairfax owns a 13.6 percent stake in the Greek lender Eurobank. “A deal is possible because it is the only logical solution and both sides need it,” Watsa told Eurobank and other officials, according to a statement from the bank. RED LINES Not accepting cuts to wages and pensions has been one of the government’s so-called red lines in over four months of negotiations since taking power in January. Such cuts are a sensitive issue in a country where unemployment has soared and incomes have fallen during the six-year
economic crisis. Sakellaridis denied reports that the government was considering an extension to its
bailout program that expires in June or that the idea had been proposed to the government.
Ahead of talks between technical teams from Greece and its creditors in the “Brussels Group” which resume today, the country’s negotiating team convened to discuss the progress of the negotiations with Tsipras late yesterday. VAT rates, pension reform as well fiscal targets remain open issues, a Greek government official said, and the two sides disagree over the size of the fiscal gap for this year the lenders put it at 2 billion euros while Athens puts it at under 1 billion. On Sunday, the ruling Syriza party’s central committee voted in favor of reaching a mutually beneficial solution with lenders. A proposal by the party’s hard leftists stating that paying wages and pensions should be a priority versus external debt obligations if the liquidity crunch continues was rejected by 95 members, as many as 75 members voted in favor.
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St Lucian pastor shot multiple times in drive-by shooting outside US church CONNECTICUT, United States, Monday May 25, 2015 – A St. Lucian pastor was seriously injured in a drive-by shooting, outside the church he heads in the United States, early yesterday morning. Reverend Dr. Augustus Sealy was shot three times – twice in his right leg and once in his left shoulder – around 6:30 a.m, as he was placing flags on the lawn of the First Church of the Nazarene on
Capitol Avenue as part of an annual tradition for the church’s Memorial Day celebration. According to police, a witness saw a black Nissan Altima slowing as it passed 54-year-old Sealy. Five gunshots were heard before the car sped away and the Massachusetts-based pastor was left wounded. Investigators found seven shell casings at the
scene. Sealy’s family had been gathering that day to travel to Hartford for an appreciation service and lunch honouring his fifth anniversary at the Nazarene church, the Hartford Courant reported. His wife, Dr. Sharon Sealy, who described the shooting as devastating, said he had to undergo surgery for his shattered femur and a
metal rod was placed in his leg. He has been listed in critical condition, but doctors say he is expected to survive. The pastor was born and raised in St. Lucia and headed a church in his home country. He subsequently moved to the United States, where he has served five churches, according to US media reports.
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Basdeo Panday turns 82
Former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday FORMER Prime Minister Basdeo Panday turned 82years-old on Monday. Panday who was also the founder and former political leader of the United National Congress (UNC) said he had nothing special planned for the day and he was completing writing a speech to be read in St Lucia next week. Panday said: “I feel the same way as I felt last year. The most important emotion I feel is that I am happy to be alive.” He said he continued to observe the unravelling of the election season and monitor the People’s Partnership Gov-
ernment and the Opposition. Panday underwent triple heart bypass surgery in 1989 and an angioplasty procedure in 1995. And though he is no longer involved in politics formally, Panday continues to be vocal on national issues affecting the country. He recently raised eyebrows when he collected a nomination form at Rienzi Complex, saying he was contemplating offering himself as a UNC candidate in the upcoming general election for the constituency of Siparia, now held by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
3 men ‘caught in act’ jailed for homosexuality in Morocco RABAT, Morocco (AFP) - Three Moroccan men accused of homosexuality have been sentenced to three years in jail each by a court in northeastern Morocco, a rights group said on Monday. Homosexuality and sexual relations outside marriage are forbidden in the conservative North African nation. Hassan Ammari of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights (AMDH) told AFP the sentence was handed down on Friday by a court in the city of Taourirt, confirming media reports. Two of the men, a mechanic in his 40s and a man in his 20s, were “caught in the act” in the mechanic’s workshop by police acting on a tipoff, Ammari said. They were arrested and during their detention they said they had met through a mutual friend, who was also arrested, and admitted having sexual relations. Moroccan authorities
have declined to comment. Article 489 of Morocco’s penal code states that any one found guilty of carrying out “a deviant act with a person of the same sex” will be jailed for to up to three years. In March, Human Rights Watch called on Morocco to decriminalise homosexua l i t y, saying that “criminalising consensual, adult homosexual conduct violates international human rights law”. It noted that article 24 of Morocco’s 2011 Constitution states that “all persons have the right to protection of their private life”. “This right, absent in the previous constitution, should lead to the abolition of the law criminalising consensual same-sex conduct,” it said. A survey published in November by the weekly TelQuel magazine showed that at least eight out of 10 Moroccans disapprove of homosexuality.
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Surinamese begin voting China lodges complaint with for new government U.S. over spy plane flight PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname, May 25, 2015 – Surinamese began electing a new government yesterday, with President Desi Bouterse’s National Democratic Party (NDP) confident of victory in the face of a challenge from the main coalition of opposition parties led by former justice minister Chandrika Persad Santokhi. Residents of the Dutchspeaking CARICOM nation began voting around 7 a.m. at the more than 600 polling stations that are open across the country. With seven political parties and four coalitions of opposition parties vying for the 51 seats in the country’s National Assembly, the incumbent NDP will need at least 26 seats to win the election. The National Assembly will vote on who will be president, with a two-thirds majority required for the victor. The 69-year-old Bouterse – who was in 1991 convicted in absentia of cocaine trafficking in the Netherlands but was not jailed because that country does not have an extradition treaty with Suriname – is confident of victory. A poll published in February indicated that his NDP was ahead in five of the six electoral districts surveyed. Just as confident of victory is Santokhi’s coalition, V7.
Desi Bouterse is confident of victory for his NDP. Several observer missions are monitoring the elections in which 350,000 people are eligible to vote. Among them is a CARICOM Electoral Observer Mission (CEOM) headed by the deputy chief elections officer in Barbados, Ian Browne The other members include experts in electoral management and administration from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, J a m a i c a , S t. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. It is the intention of the mission to observe the activities of the poll in as many
constituencies as possible and as many polling stations as time permits. In this regard, the CEOM were present at a number of polling stations at the opening of the polls to observe the opening procedures, and will also be present at the close of the polls to observe the closing procedures,” Browne said. “The voting process will be monitored during the course of the day, the closing of the poll will be observed and, finally, the tallying of the ballots will be observed by the CEOM.” The polls close at 7 p.m
Jamaican hotel worker convicted for stealing phones used by Secret Service KINGSTON, Jamaica, Monday May 25, 2015 – A Jamaican hotel worker who stole 15 of the phones used by the United States Secret Service when President Barack Obama was in the country last month, has been given a suspended sentence, according to the Jamaica Observer newspaper. Christopher Green was given a nine-month jail term after pleading guilty to larceny but, for now, escapes any time behind bars, since the sentence was suspended for two years. He could land in prison if he commits a crime within the next two years. The Jamaica Observer reported that the theft had been kept out of the public eye until the 28-year-old appeared in court last week. The electrician at the Pegasus Hotel admitted to police that on April 10, a day after the US president left the island, he stole 15 Nokia 106
Christopher Green stole 15 Nokia 106 phones, similar to the ones seen here, from the hotel he worked. cellphones from a room on the 12th floor of The devices had been purchased for the Secret Service agents to use while in Jamaica and were among other mobile phones left for workers from the US Embassy to collect the following day. The remaining phones were picked up as scheduled on April 11, but it was later discovered that 15 were missing. Police subsequently ar-
rested Green who told them that he found the phones at his workplace and had given away and sold some of them. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, police recovered three of the phones from Green’s mother and five from his co-workers. Although saying, “in my heart he should go to prison for stupidity”, Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey imposed the suspended sentence on Green.
A U.S. Navy crewman aboard a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft views a computer screen purportedly showing Chinese construction on the reclaimed land of Fiery Cross Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea (REUTERS/U.S. NAVY/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS) China said it had lodged a complaint with the United States over a U.S. spy plane that flew over parts of the disputed South China Sea in a diplomatic row that has fuelled tension between the world’s two largest economies. Friction in the region has grown over China’s land reclamation in the Spratly is-
lands. China last week said it was “strongly dissatisfied” after a U.S. spy plane flew over areas near the reefs, with both sides accusing each other of stoking instability. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said yesterday China had lodged a complaint and that it opposed “provocative behaviour” by the United
States. “We urge the U.S. to correct its error, remain rational and stop all irresponsible words and deeds,” she said. “Freedom of navigation and overflight by no means mean that foreign countries’ warships and military aircraft can ignore the legitimate rights of other countries as well as the safety of aviation and navigation.” China had noted “earpiercing voices” from many in the U.S. about China’s construction on the islands and reefs. The nationalist Global Times, a tabloid owned by the ruling Communist Party’s off i c i a l n e w s p a p e r, t h e People’s Daily, said war was “inevitable” between China and the United States unless Washington stopped demanding Beijing halt the building of artificial islands in the disputed waterway. It said China was determined to finish its construction work, calling it the country’s “most important bottom line”.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Stokes leads England to dramatic win at Lord’s LONDON (Reuters) Ben Stokes took two wickets in two balls to inspire England to victory over New Zealand by 124 runs on a pulsating final day of the first test at Lord’s on Monday. The fiery all-rounder dismissed Kane Williamson for 27 and Brendon McCullum for a golden duck before a defiant sixth-wicket partnership of 107 between Corey Anderson and BJ Watling gave New Zealand hope of salvaging a draw. But Mark Wood removed Watling for 59, Anderson was lbw to Joe Root for 67 and England quickly got rid of Mark Craig and Tim Southee. Last-wicket-pair Matt Henry and Trent Boult survived for eight overs amid mounting tension before the latter was brilliantly caught at third man by a diving Moeen Ali off Stuart Broad as the
Kiwis were bowled out for 220. New Zealand, chasing 345 for victory, collapsed to 12 for three before lunch but Williamson and Watling lifted them to 61 for three. Stokes, who struck the fastest test century at the home of cricket on Sunday, had the obdurate Williamson caught by Root in the slips for 27 before bowling captain McCullum with a venomous delivery that cut back sharply. Anderson survived the hat-trick ball and immediately went on the attack, hitting Stokes for two fours and a six, and he continued to play positively alongside the more circumspect Watling as New Zealand took tea on 134 for five. Wood broke the partnership when Watling gloved a fast straight delivery to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler and Anderson was trapped by
Root. Stokes returned to bowl Craig for four with a rapid fullpitched delivery and Southee was caught and bowled by Moeen for 20. James Anderson and Broad had ripped out the top order to give England the scent of victory before lunch. Martin Guptill edged Anderson’s second ball of the innings to Gary Ballance at third slip. Broad trapped Tom Latham lbw with his first delivery to reduce the touring side to nought for two and he also dismissed Ross Taylor in the same manner as New Zealand slumped to 12 for three. Earlier, Kiwi left-armer Boult picked up the last four wickets in under an hour as England were bowled out for 478. The hosts resumed on 429
England’s Ben Stokes celebrates with team mates after dismissing New Zealand’s Kane Williamson (not pictured). (Action Images via Reuters/Philip BrownLivepic) for six and Boult had captain Alastair Cook caught by wicketkeeper Latham for 162 before bowling Broad for 10. Moeen was lbw for 43 and Anderson was bowled for
nought to give Boult figures of five for 85 in the innings and nine wickets in the match. Scores: England 389 (Root 98, Stokes 92, Boult 479, Henry 4-93) and 478
(Cook 162, Stokes 101, Root 84, Boult 5-85) beat New Zealand 523 (Williamson 132, Guptill 70) and 215 (Anderson 67, Watling 59, Stokes 3-38, Broad 3-50) by 124 runs.
Windies Women beat... Tuesday May 26, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A lack of time to pursue your spiritual and intellectual interests could weigh on your mind today, Aries. Gloom might descend on you, as if responsibilities of the moment are too much for you. Try to be the observer. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) An unexpected setback could interfere with reaching a long-term goal as soon as you'd hoped. Don't let it get you down, Taurus. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your partner's family obligations could interfere with things you wanted to do together, Gemini. Your desire to help could also get in the way of other responsibilities. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A delay in receiving a communication from a distant place could prove frustrating today, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Frustration could be the word for today. If you've made plans to meet a close friend or lover, Leo, don't count on it happening. Unexpected events might force a postponement. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Upsets and disappointments on the part of a family member could have the household in an uproar. Problems with household equipment could throw a monkey wrench into everyone's routine.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you may need to contact a lot of people, Libra, but the process could be frustrating. People may not be home, messages might not be delivered, or your equipment might not work properly. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Conflict over money could get in the way of your usual cordial relationships, Scorpio. Attention to the household budget is definitely needed. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your mother and father, or a couple you're particularly close to, could visit you today, Sagittarius. Plan some distractions like movies or videos, or invite some other people over. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) This isn't a good day to go out, Capricorn. Traffic is probably awful. Don't trust any gossip that comes your way! It's probably passed through at least half a dozen people and retains little, if any, of the facts. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Some unusual events could cause you to feel discontented from your life and contemplate some big changes, Aquarius. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Recent activities have suddenly made you bored with your job and the people you deal with. Don't be afraid to ask family and friends for their opinions.
(From page 49) second ball of the eight over after which their innings lost momentum. Sri Lanka lost a further three wickets and managed to add only 64 runs in the remaining 77 deliveries, finish-
Videsh Singh slams 145... (From page 50) beat Albion Community Centre by 10 runs. Tamarind Root 116 in 27.1 overs with Avinash Looknauth 27. Joshua Harrichand 4 for 18, Kelvin Umrao 3 for 4 and Sharaz Ramcharran 2 for 34. Albion CC 106 in 35 overs with Ajai Ramsammy 3 for 19 and Dilip Rengasammy 2 for 13. At Skeldon, the home team beat Crabwood Creek Rising by 7 wickets. Crabwood Creek Rising 126 in 34.2 overs with Naresh Deo 46. Skeldon Community Center 127 for 3 in 23 overs with Sherwin Murray 45, Parmanand Narine 27 and Rayon Yakub 26 n.o. Darshan Chalitar took 2 for 24.
ing on 124 for 5. Scores: Sri Lanka 124-5 off 20 overs (Dilani Surangika 30, Chamari Jayangani 27, Shashikala Siriwardene 26,
Nipuni Hansika 21; Stafanie Taylor 2-20); West Indies: 1252 off 18.5 overs (Stafanie Taylor 59 not out, Deandra Dottin 51).
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 47
LeBron carries Cavs to overtime Record not good enough win over Hawks, 3-0 series lead reason to keep Shiv, says Lloyd
(Reuters) LeBron James was exhausted and bangedup, but he came through in the clutch as the Cleveland Cavaliers earned a thrilling overtime 114-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks to take a strangle hold of the Eastern Conference finals. James missed his first 10 shots in the game, but soon found his range and scored 15 points in the third quarter alone. “Started out the game just out of character, out of rhythm. But I had to make a difference,” James said in an on-court interview. He appeared to hit the wall in the fourth, missing shots as he favored a tender left ankle, and at one point appearing to consider leaving the game. The Hawks took advantage to tie the game with just over five minutes left and force overtime. But James sank a threepointer in the final minute of overtime just after Jeff Teague had given the Hawks a twopoint lead with his own threepointer. James then all but put it away with a layup with 13 seconds remaining to widen the lead to three points. The Hawks’ Shelvin Mack then missed two three-point attempts in the closing seconds. James finished with 37 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists, and passed Karl Malone for sixth all-time in playoff scoring. “Unbelievable. I’ve never seen a stat line like that in a
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates against the Atlanta Hawks in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) playoff game,” Cavaliers coach David Blatt told reporters. “(He) cramped up and he knew we could not win the game w i t h o u t h i m . H e played through pain and he played through the c r a m p i n g a n d he just wouldn’t let us lose.” Teague led the Hawks with 30 points and seven assists, helping offset the loss of Al Horford, who committed a flagrant foul in the final minute of the first half and
ejected. Paul Millsap added 22 points for the Hawks and pulled down a team-high nine rebounds. The win puts the Cavaliers, who were without injured point guard Kyrie Irving for the second successive game due to a knee injury, on the cusp of their second NBA Finals appearance with a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game Four is today in Cleveland.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Chief selector Clive Lloyd says allowing Shiv Chanderpaul to continue playing in order to surpass Brian Lara as the highest rungetter in West Indies cricket, was not a good enough reason to retain the veteran lefthander. Chanderpaul was on Sunday axed from the West Indies squad for next month’s two-Test series against Australia, a decision that is likely to end the player’s illustrious 21-year, 164-Test career with him 87 runs shy of overtaking Lara’s 11, 953. He has scored 11, 867 runs at an average of 51, with 30 Test centuries. “We’ve taken that into consideration but that should never be the sole thing why you want to choose somebody,” said the legendary former West Indies captain. “As you may notice, he has been given quite a lot of games to probably try and get close to that and he hasn’t looked the part that’s why we’ve decided that now is the time to change.” In explaining Chanderpaul’s axing, Lloyd said the player had experienced a “rapid decline”, averaging just 16 from his last 11 innings. And with the Guyanese already in the twilight of his career at age 40, Lloyd said the panel had also taken a decision to infuse the team with younger players. Even if Chanderpaul ex-
West Indies Chief selector Clive Lloyd tended his first class career, Lloyd said the focus would remain on developing younger players. “If he decides to continue, people have done that before. They’ve not been selected but they’ve continued to play first class cricket,” Lloyd explained during Sunday’s hastily arranged media conference. “Our aim as selectors is to continue to play our young players and give them that exposure and I think you can’t get better exposure than playing against one of the best teams in the world, probably the second best team in the world [in Australia]. “They will be tested and that’s what it’s all about. Going forward, we want to play
our youngsters and a lot of them are doing well and we feel now is the time to give them that exposure.” Lloyd said they were several young hopefuls knocking on the door like Shai Hope, wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich and Tyrone Theophile. The 21-year-old Hope made his debut in the third Test against England, scoring five and nine, as West Indies pulled off a series levelling five-wicket victory. Dowrich, who averages 35 in first class cricket, and Theophile, who averages 27, are both in the President’s XI squad to face Australia in a three-da y g a m e w h i c h bowls off Wednesday in Antigua.
GCB shocked and dismayed at Lloyd’s decision to give Shiv the ‘boot’ WICB Director says selection polices conveniently changes By Sean Devers The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is shocked and dismayed by the decision by what it described as the the ridiculous and senseless selection policies and decisions by Clive Lloyd led selection panel to dump long serving Guyana and West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Chanderpaul has played the most Tests by a West Indies player (164) and has 11 867 runs at an average of 51, just 86 runs short of Brian Lara’s 11 953 as the all-time run-scorer in West Indies cricket. The 40-year-old was dropped because of his age and due to consecutive poor series in South Africa and against England when he managed just 183 runs from
the six Tests. Only last year the lefthander was ranked number three in the ICC’s Test rankings. The GCB nominated the 70-year-old Lloyd for the presidency of the WICB a few years ago even though he headed an IMC created by the previous Government aimed at replacing the GCB, while the GCB Directors again supported Lloyd last year for the Chairmanship of the WI selectors. WICB Director and GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie came out with all guns blazing saying, “The GCB is not asking for any repayment or quid pro Quo but for decency, fair play and professionalism be exhibited by the selection panel.” When asked how come Lloyd is saying he wants to
pick younger players who are performing at Regional level and yet Veerasammy Permaul the leading wicket-taker in the four-day and second highest in the 50-over tournament was ignored in preference to Nikta Miller for the World Cup, Sanasie told the gathering that Lloyd’s policies are conveniently used. He added that Lloyd’s two-year term comes to an end next year. Lloyd, who was good enough at 40 to score a century and two fifties against Australia in Australia in his last series, now says he is fearful that Chanderpaul will be hit if he plays now. “Let me make it clear that the President (Dave Cameron) and Vice-President and myself tried our best to get Shiv retained in the end the selectors have the final say,” Sanasie informed.
“So to those who say that this is a WICB decision and that is not true. Shiv was never told that the match in Barbados was his last and they wanted to cover up a wrong with another wrong,” a visibly upset Sanasie declared. “The President was hoping that things would change regarding the Chanderpaul issue but he did know his selectors were part of the plan to deny Shiv a proper send off,” Sanasie remarked. The GCB President Drubadhur said that the Board just cannot believe nor even fathom the thought process behind the wanton dropping of the most senior, reliable and dependable batsman of the West Indies for the past 21 years. “It is absolutely unbelievable that Shivnarine Chanderpaul has not been
selected even in the squad to face one of the sternest opposition that the WI will have to face in the near future. Is this the way that the selectors intend to treat our esteemed cricketers after more than two decades of service to the people of West Indies cricket and to be done by no other than Clive Lloyd who is the current Chairman of the WICB selectors?” the GCB top man asked. “We trust that our selectors can find it within themselves to revisit this crucial matter of gross disrespect now being meted out to one of the greatest cricketers to have graced the field of play with this most ungrateful display to Chanderpaul. Shiv’s record speaks for itself and we are shocked at the manner that this panel is seeking to destroy him,” Sanasie said.
The GCB said they are aware that the coach had a recent discussion with Chanderpaul about his future and an appropriate exit strategy would have been worked out by all the parties. The Board continued, “Surely it was imminent on the WICB through its esteemed selectors to have executed any such decision in a decent and fair manner with just and reasonable consideration for the wishes of Chanderpaul. That is the least we would have expected. “The Board would like to record its extreme disappointment also over the non-selection of Narsingh Deonarine and Assad Fudadin in the WI President XI squad just after being good enough to be selected to represent WI against South Africa in South Africa,” Sanasie concluded.
Page 48
Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2015
Francis, Peters, Lawrence among winners Shiv says he has not retired intends to bat his way back into WI team at Region Nine Athletics Club 10 k By Sean Devers
The athletes display their prizes with officials of the club and sponsors. Region nine DREO Mohamed Arjune is at left. Walcott Francis, Simon Peters and Semona Lawrence were among the winners when the Region Nine Athletics Club staged their Pre-Independence 10k race recently. The race commenced from Takatu Bridge in Brazil and continued in the various streets in Lethem before finishing at Tabatinga. Francis copped the male 20-40 years category in a time of 40 minutes while Daeis Hendricks placed second, Dylon Edwards third and Terry Parks fourth. Leonita Wencelaus won the female segment, while Rolalin Clement took the runner up spot. Simon Peters carted off the male under 20 division ahead of Nyron Edwards and Frankie Parks in that order.
National schools female road race champion Semona Lawrence underlined her status as one of the most talented young athlete by carting off the under 20 title; Rovianeed Edwards took the runner position and Roshanna King third. The female over 50 division was taken by Wendy Martin while Oval Mariete claimed the male 40-50 division ahead of Brian Andries. Dennis Grimmond overcame Guy Marco to win the male over- 50 event. The athletes were rewarded with cash prizes while Grimmond and Parks received trophies for being the oldest and youngest competitors respectively. The event was sponsored
Raimundo/Jonathan Baksh, Leslie Mendonca, Katarino, Sugreem Singh, Fredsond Conceicao, D. Coates and Sabrina Peters of Marudi. RDC Region nine, Anthony Abbensetts, Mohamed Arjune (DREO Reg. 9), Dapil Construction, B.D. Enterprise, Laundry Shop, D’s General Store, Carly Bus Service, Marlyn Joseph, Earl Grimmond, Takatu Hotel, Lorraine Singh and Orlando Wong-Amazonas Hotel of Lethem. Linclon Lamazon of Bom Fim, Ken Grant k and S of St. Ignatius and Joyce Lawrence Makawa Enterprise of Aishalton. Chairman of the club Kenrick Lewis congratulated the athletes and thanked the sponsors.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul has not retired from any level of cricket despite being dropped for next month’s two-Test series against Australia in Dominica and Jamaica and according to the GCB has signaled his willingness to compete in the 2015/2016 Regional Four-Day cricket tournament which begins in November. Chanderpaul intends to score heavily in the Regional tournaments to prove that age is just a number and fight his way back into the West Indies team. He will also hope that there will be a new panel of selectors. This was after the experienced left-hander with 30 centuries and 11,867 runs to his name from a record 164 Tests since making his debut in 1994 at Bourda against England asked to be selected for the Australia series after hearing rumors that he had retired. He is also set to play in CPL t20 competition for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in a tournament which start on June 26 in Barbados. In a wattsapp message between Coach Phillip Simmons and Chanderpaul, the Guyanese thanked Simmons for letting him know what was happening regarding his place in the team and told Simmons he wanted to be included in the team against Australia as a final series. Simmons told Chanderpaul that it was up to him to make a call on Chanderpaul and that he had decided to give the Guyanese his say in the matter because he has been a great servant of West Indies cricket.
Former Test player Philo Wallace recently made his views clear on Chanderpaul saying that he should be given the five home Tests (three against England and two against Australia) and then properly honoured by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for his services to the regional team. “The above statement was given by you in your interview. Now that it is left to me to make that decision. I would make myself available for the upcoming Australia series. At the conclusion of the series, it would give me an opportunity to thank the WI public and the board for all the opportunities. It may also be an occasion for the WICB to recognize me for my long and dedicated service. It would be a good send off after dedicating 21 years of my life to WI cricket,” Chanderpaul told Simmons. Simmons responded that he did say that but it was about the final test in the England series. “We had selection before each test and I did back you for the Barbados test when it was close between the selectors but it is no longer close for the Australia series. I understand how you feel but it is in the hands of the selectors not yourself to decide on a squad for the series so what I was saying to you is that you retiring would make more sense than you being left out of the squad for the series. You can still thank the WICB and the public for the opportunities in your statement and the WICB will recognise you for your long and dedicated service to
cricket,” Simmons, a former T&T and West Indies Test player, told Chanderpaul. Chanderpaul explained that based on his long and dedicated service to WI cricket, he thought he should be given the opportunity to retire on his own terms. “My request to finish up with the Australian series is not asking too much. It gives me a chance to acknowledge my supporters at home, and the possibility of the WICB properly honoring me for my contribution to WI cricket. I should not be pushed into retirement. Here is a situation where I firmly believe public opinion would be in favour of me being given the opportunity to play in my final test series at home. Thanks,” Chanderpaul told his Coach. To this Simmons responded, “There is no dispute that you have dedicated the last 21 years of your life to WI cricket and as stated before this will be acknowledged and recognised by the WICB, but unfortunately length of service is not a criterion for selection. If public opinion was a criteria for selection then we can agree maybe you would play until you are fifty unfortunately it is not. I am not pushing you into retirement I am as previously said, trying to dignify the situation because Chanderpaul retiring would be more dignified than Chanderpaul being left out by the selectors.” “Since you and the selectors said it is up to me to decide. I have decided to make myself available for the Australian series. I AM NOT RETIRING. Thanks,” Chanderpaul concluded.
Sri Lankan women cricketers allegedly forced to perform sexual act for place on team COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AFP) — Sri Lankan authorities Saturday said they would initiate criminal action against two m e n m a n a g i n g t h e women’s cricket team following allegations that they demanded sexual favours from team members to guarantee their positions. Sports Ministry spokes-
man Srilal Gomes said a disciplinary inquiry initiated in November uncovered evidence of “sexual harassment” against women players and a report was submitted on Thursday. “This is a very serious matter and the next step will be to take internal disciplinary action in addition to a criminal prosecution under the penal code,” Gomes told AFP. He did not name the officials or the players who had been harassed, but said criminal action in line with women and child protection laws was being taken. An independent panel was asked in November to investigate local media allegations that unidentified players were dropped from
the team for refusing to have sex with sports officials. Reports had claimed that selection and team officials, who were not identified, demanded sex from players in return for securing them a place in the team. Sri Lanka’s Children’s Minister Rosy Senanayake, who is also responsible for women’s issues, told reporters in Colombo Saturday that she was closely following the case. “It is a shameful incident,” Senanayake said. “We want to put a stop to this kind of behaviour.” She said she was closely monitoring the progress of the case and wanted the perpetrators brought to justice.
Sri Lanka Women team. (AFP)